Creative Crafts: Timeless Treasures

This craft works great as a gift for a grandparent or far-off relative. Start with an unfinished wooden tray that can be purchased for a couple of dollars at most craft supply stores. Plan out what type of pictures you would like to include. You could do one large photo, a trio, or many small pictures that can give the impression of tile work. Choosing a theme for the photos can add an extra layer of creativity to the piece. Here are a few theme ideas to get you started.

• Baby photos of grown family members next to their children's baby pictures.
• Pictures of all the grandchildren.
• Sports or other hobby-themed photos.
• A family "photo" tree with "branches" full of decades old pictures and recent school photos.
• Pictures of a special family event.

Once you have the photos selected, photocopy them either in color or black and white to the size you've predetermined. Trim to make sure all the photos are the same size for a uniformed look. Next, paint or stain the tray; you could paint on a whitewashed crackle finish, a plaid look by painting alternating colored stripes, or a simple coating of a pastel acrylic with touches of blossoms. We've done a toile look using a permanent fine-tipped marker atop pale yellow acrylic. Glue the photos in place using a decoupage medium and seal with clear acrylic.