DIY Photo Box Tutorial with Mod Podge
This Mod Podge Photo Box tutorial, featuring the HP Deskjet 3632 All-in-One Printer/Copier/Scanner, has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All stories, photos, and opinions are my own. #SaveYourMemories #CollectiveBias
If all of your photos are trapped in your phone like mine and you need a way to display them or give them as a gift, this Mod Podge Photo Box is just what you need. Print the photos wirelessly from your phone and create a unique and personalized gift!
I’m definitely a blogger mom and I’m always taking photos. My phone is out at all times, trying to capture every single moment of my boy’s active life. He’s always been a ham in front of the camera and he has won awards for his smile so you know I have to snap away when he’s doing something cute, funny, and even when he’s mad. Typically I post all of these photos on Instagram and/or Facebook and tag with #whoisthisboy, but today I decided to print a few out and make this fun photo box as a gift for someone special.
What you’ll need:
Wooden box or wooden discs
Paint
Mod Podge
Paint brushes
HP DeskJet 3632 Printer
HP Printer paper
What you’ll do:
I found this wooden box at Walmart in the craft section, but it had this crazy sticker on the top that wouldn’t come off completely. I knew I wanted to paint the box and I would be putting photos on top so it wasn’t a big deal.
I decided to paint over the hardware on the box because I knew I would be sanding the box, but you can tape it or carefully paint around it if you want.
The next step is to set up your photo printer. I picked up this HP Deskjet 3632 All-in-One Printer/Copier/Scanner at Walmart because of it’s awesome features. I can wirelessly print all of my photos from my phone, tablet, or computer. Let me show you how it works!
I simply downloaded the free app to my phone and the instructions walked me through connecting to WiFi and connecting to the printer. It took less than 5 minutes and I was already printing photos for my photo box.
All I have to do after setup is select a photo from my media files and click on the share icon. I can then select the HP Print Service Plugin icon and I get this screen where I can decide how many copies, Black/White or Color, and then the size of the photo.
The quality of the photos on the HP Printer Paper is amazing. It’s like printing the photo at a photo kiosk. I used this funny photo of Benjamin to test out the color option. Also, the original HP ink prints twice as many high quality prints as generic ink so you’re not going to run out of ink in the middle of this project!
For the photo box, I chose to print photos in 3.5 x 5 and Black/White so they would look amazing on the photo box. I picked a few silly and adorable photos from my camera roll and then cut them into shapes to go onto the photo box.
Next, I sanded the painted wooden box to get a distressed look and so the Mod Podge would stick better on it.
I then painted on Mod Podge first, stuck the photos to the Mod Podge, and then painted another layer of Mod Podge over the top of the photos.
After the Mod Podge dried, I added another layer over the top to really make it shiny. I used the shiny Mod Podge, but there are several types of Mod Podge, including Matte finish, that you could use depending on how you wanted it to look. Feel free to embellish the photo box with ribbon or flowers and hot glue. I saw a burlap flower at Walmart that I think I’m going back for to put in the corner of this photo box.
Want to give this photo box as a Christmas gift, check out these free printable gift tags that you can print from your new HP printer. Just print, cut, and paste onto your package!
I love creating fun little things like this and Modge Podge is so much fun to use. I might just have to make my daughter one of these with photos of her family and of course a large photo of herself.
This is a really great idea. I have so many photos on my phone and have been researching a good printer that could connect with my phone. Thanks for a cute craft and a much needed review.
This is a cute idea, I’m a fan of all thing personalized. This also makes for a great keepsake.
Mimi “MimiCuteLips” Green recently posted..Macy’s Holiday Window Unveiling, DC
What a special gift this is! Im definitely going to be remembering this for this holiday!
Erin recently posted..Warby Parker {Winter 2015}
Very creative. This would be a perfect gift for my mom with pictures of her grandkids. Going to attempt this.
Shanéy Maharaj recently posted..Dear Friend, When Love isn’t Beautiful
Printing from your phone to make this project is so cool!! Great job at creating this photobox! I definitely will have to make one of these
Raewyn recently posted..Giveaway + Love This Journal | And Yourself E-Book
This is such a great craft idea for the kids! We have a bit of bad weather headed our way, it would be lovely to do something like this – especially seeing as I am so bad at remembering to print photos!
What a great idea. I love that you can also do this with the kids too!
Eileen recently posted..Green Beans with Mushrooms and Shallots
Oh this brings back memories of my crafting days! I used to love playing with mod podge, before I found digital! Then a few years spent hybrid crafting, and then I went fully digital!
Di recently posted..Beginners Guide to Resistance Tubes
This wireless HP printer looks great. We have a HP, but it doesn’t print wirelessly. Would love to get a wirelessly as it would make crafting so much easier.
Erlene recently posted..Teen Girl Holiday Gift Guide- Under $20
This is a great idea! I love how nice your pictures turned out as well. Way to go printer!
Pam recently posted..Coming Soon: Holiday Moments
What a fantastically cute box! I love it!
Debra recently posted..Kids Craft:Hand Print Wreath
I love my HP printer. I love this craft for a photo box! Very simple and sweet!
Jaime recently posted..The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 Party
You’re so creative! I like your photo box, it looks so awesome! Love the color!
Claudia Krusch recently posted..Su Carro, Mi Casa, When a Fragrance Means Home
I have a similar HP printer, and it’s great to be able to print from my smartphone. I need to get working on some DIY photo projects for holiday gifts. Thanks for the inspiration! #client
Carrie @huppiemama recently posted..Espresso Chocolate Mousse Bowl
Omg cutest box ever!!!! I need to make a box like this for all of my daughters craft supplies. Would be so cute!!!
What a fun craft to do. I love ones that you can personalize, especially if it can be given as a gift. This is something my youngest would want to make!
Mimi recently posted..Peru: A Place To Do A Lot Of Waiting
i keep seeing these photo printers. I want one!!!! i used to make my friends photo boxes in high school with old shoe boxes!
alexandria recently posted..GIVEAWAY
wow this printer looks amazing – I may have to put this on my list
laura londergan recently posted..RECIPE :: Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Donuts + FREE recipe cards
I love doing DIY projects. Mod Podge is so much fun and there are so many ways you could customize a box for different people.
Ann BAcciaglia recently posted..Stunning Drive Through The Florida Keys #WordlessWednesday
You’re so creative! I like your photo box, it looks cool and unique.
Nicole Escat recently posted..Track your Belongings with your Smartphone!
This is such a cute idea!! Homemade presents are always the best too!
Adriana recently posted..12 Heavenly + Irresistible Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas
What a great idea! This would be a super cute idea for cards at a wedding – I might need to do this for my BIL!
We love HP. This is a cute idea and I want to make something like this.
Ourfamilyworld recently posted..Things You Should Never Cook in the Microwave
My kuds used to tell me “pictures again?” lol. BUt now they are accustumed to me taking pictures. That’s a great idea.
Chubskulit Rose recently posted..Fender Bass Breaker and an Accident
What a cute box! I think I would put pictures of my girls and our dogs.
This is such a cute idea. I would love to do this with my daughter this weekend. Sounds like fun!
Melissa recently posted..How to Make Applesauce In a Crockpot
What a cute project. I would like to make this for my dad and mom.
Dogvills recently posted..Lagotto Romagnolo vs. Labradoodle: What Makes them Different?
Such a cute idea! I have a similar printer and it works fabulously!
Kiersten Millican recently posted..Blue Apron Part 3 + Coupon!
This is such an awesome idea. Plus who doesn’t love a fun DIY
That is pretty dang awesome! I’ve been looking into these printers. I really need to invest in one. I have no physical photos and it’s super depressing! LifeAsLex
Lexie recently posted..Oh for the love of Tulle
I need a wireless printer, so tired of going upstairs to my office when i need to print something!
Interesting tutorial. Haven’t used Mod Podge in years! Thanks for sharing!
I need a wireless printer and a photo printer. I would love to be able to make these boxes for people for Christmas!
lisa recently posted..Sanjay’s Super Team
I have an HP wireless printer and I print so much more now because it’s so easy. I have to make one of these photo boxes.
Michelle F. recently posted..DIY Weight Loss Tracker Magnets
I love using Mod Podge. Made a table covered in Monopoly money with it once!
Scott recently posted..Mega Giveaway Day 9 – MercuryBox Speaker
I love our HP printer. Thanks for this great idea to do with pictures. I love it.
Confession…I’ve never done any Mod Podge projects. I’ve always admired them but never tried them – maybe it’s time I give it a whirl!
Alison recently posted..A Star Wars Christmas: 30+ Star Wars Gift Ideas
HP Printers are truly incredible when it comes to quality, durability, and reliability. I’ve been using HP printers for a very long time now. Thanks for giving me an idea on how to keep my treasured photos.
Wow this turned out great! I love this idea. Mine are in a cardboard box right now and I’d love having something more special.
Liz Mays recently posted..Taking It Easy | Glamping in Asheville, NC
What a clever way to use the photos. The printer looks awesome. I’ll have to look into that one.
This is a fantastic way to store memories and I love how simple and effective it looks. Great job.
Ana De- Jesus recently posted..The Midnight Hour
That is a fun project. We love pictures and we need to print some and post them all over the house. This would be a great christmas gift.
Jeanette recently posted..Healthcare and Taxes: What You Need to Know Now!
I think this is such a great idea. I would love to make one of these to house all the families smaller keepsakes.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted..Chic and Stylish Winter Outerwear from ModCloth
I could not love this any more! I think it came out awesome and what a thoughtful gift idea something like this would be.