What’s better than one quick, fun project featuring family photos? How about two. First up: Photo Project One. A couple of years ago we hung eight Ikea frames above our sofa filled with Sherri Conley’s cards-turned-art. We started with bright paper as a backdrop, later swapping in textured fabric for a different look. Recently we wanted something more personal — a way to showcase everyday moments instead of only formal event photos.
We realized Instagram captures “real life” in a way that traditional photos sometimes don’t. Because we post everyday moments there, scrolling back through our feed tells a casual, honest story of our family. We value formal shots from Clara’s birthday, our wedding, and other milestones, and those are already displayed around the house — in the hallway frame wall, in our bedroom anniversary collection, and even in the laundry room. But Instagram images weren’t represented except for a few prints pinned to a pegboard in the basement.
So we ordered eight 5 x 5″ Instagram prints from PicPlum for the living room frame collection. The prints cost just one dollar apiece, making the project very affordable — about $9.75 total including shipping. When they arrived, Sherry swapped the old cards for the new photos almost immediately.
The Instagram aesthetic works well here because the photos include a Polaroid-style white border (we use a filter called Sierra), which reinforces a relaxed, approachable feel. We chose images that reflect the whole family: several of Clara, a few of Burger, and a handful of candid shots of us together — swimming at the river, biking, and a scenic state fair photo from our annual visit. The mix captures familiar activities and small traditions that feel like us.
To attach the prints to the fabric backing we used simple Scotch tape — the same method that worked for the previous prints. The old prints were saved in case we want to use them elsewhere someday. The new Instagram prints are slightly larger, but there’s still plenty of negative space around them, which lets the fabric texture and the large white mats remain the visual stars.
So that’s Photo Project One: an easy, inexpensive update that made the living room feel more personal.
Now for Photo Project Two. This one is also Instagram-based. I had the idea to order tiny Instagram magnets for Clara’s play fridge, and we finally made it happen. We used StickyGram and found a discount code to lower the cost, so the nine customized magnets came to $12.99 — about $1.44 each.
You could DIY similar magnets by printing photos at home, adhering them to magnet sheets, cutting them into neat squares, and sealing the fronts with Mod Podge to prevent scratches. In our case, buying the magnets was actually cheaper than the magnet sheet option we found locally, though making a large batch yourself could be more economical for favors or events.
The magnets are small — roughly two quarters wide by two quarters tall — and we chose nine images that Clara picked herself, focusing on the photos she likes most. Seeing them on the fridge has been delightful: Clara enjoys pointing out Burger chewing his bone or teasing about Daddy’s funny glasses.
Both projects were quick, affordable ways to bring a bit more personal warmth into the house. Using Instagram prints and magnets allowed us to celebrate ordinary moments as well as special ones, and it made rotating and updating images easy and affordable.
Are you framing Instagram images or making magnets at home? Do you spend hours agonizing over photo choices, or do you trust your first instinct? We’re firmly in the “first instincts” camp. Overthinking photos can make them feel permanent, while inexpensive, frequent updates keep a space feeling fresh and current. We’d rather spend a small amount each year on new prints that reflect what’s happening right now than stare at the same photos until they become invisible. As Sherry likes to remind me: you’re not marrying these photos — you’re just framing them.
Psst — We announced this week’s freebie winner. Click here for the details.