Have you ever wanted to print a color photograph really big but changed your mind once you found out how much it would cost to have something printed that size? I know I have. Thankfully, there is a sneaky way to get around that problem, and we're teaming up with Canon USA to show how you can actually create the effect of the extra large photos from home instead. Since we've been shuffling office spaces around the studio lately, we needed some fun art that both the girls and the guys would equally enjoy. And what's one thing that all of us can agree on? Donuts! Of course you don't have to use donuts for your print, but here's how you can make your own giant tiled wall art:
Supplies:
–Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer
–13" x 19" photo paper (we used matte, but you could use semi-gloss as well)
-photo editing software (I used Photoshop, but Photoshop Elements should work just fine as well)
-X-Acto knife and metal ruler
-cutting mat
-4 frames
First you'll want to take your photo and open it in Photoshop. Crop your picture as needed, and check your photo resolution. If your image resolution isn't 300 dpi, you'll want to change your image resolution by slow increments of 10% at a time. So if you start at 72 dpi, you'll want to change it to 79, then 87, then 95, then 104, etc., until you reach 300 dpi. Once you have the correct photo resolution, you can resize the dimensions of the photo to its final size (my four frames were 11" x 14" so my overall photo size was 22" x 28"). Once sized, use guidelines to mark off four equal sections of your photo (these sections should be the size of your four frames) and open four new documents that are the size of those sections (so 11" x 14" for me). Use the marquee tool and select the first tiled section of your photograph. Copy the section and paste it to one of the new blank documents you created at the same size.
Repeat the process with the other three tiled sections, and print each section onto photo paper. With these being such large prints, we used our Canon PIXMA iP8720, which allows you to print photos up to 13" x 19". This thing is amazing!
Once printed, use your X-Acto knife, ruler, and mat to trim the photos down to size, and place each photo in a frame.
Cut four paper rectangles the same size as your frames out of craft paper, and use them to find the best placing for your wall art. Measure the locations of your nail hangers on the back of your frames, and install nails in the corresponding locations on your paper mock-ups. Remove the paper, hang your frames in the correct order, and you're done!
We are all really happy with how our donut art came out, and it totally feels like the photo is a window into a magical world of giant donuts. It also didn't hurt that we had to go and buy a bunch of donuts in order to take the picture. Man, the difficult things that we have to do for our jobs, right? What photo would you like to turn into your own tiled photo art? xo. Laura
Credits // Authors: Laura Gummerman. Photography: Sarah Rhodes. Photos edited with Stella from the Signature Collection.
Great idea!
This is so cool!! Have to try it
Tip: to skip the Photoshop part check out blockposters.com, upload a photo and print it already in letter or A4 format.
What a pretty piece of artwork that is <3
Aside from the post itself, can you tell me what this little golden-legged table is and where I might get one?
If you go straight to 300 from 72 you’ll lose quality and detail, but if you jump a little bit at a time, you’ll maintain the level of crispness that the original photo has. Since you’re recreating pixels every time you change the DPI, it’s better to do it a little bit at a time.
Laura 🙂
We get them usually at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby, but wait for a sale or use a coupon so it’s less expensive 🙂
Laura
We are loving this! Having moved house almost 5 months ago we’re in need of crafty (a frugal) wall decor ideas.
Thanks for sharing.
Meohmycrafts!
Its really nice seems like the real wall mate but still very simple and creative.
What a fun art display! So many delicious looking donuts! I did have a question, it may be a little silly, but as someone who is just learning my way around Photoshop I am curious why you increase the DPI in increments of 10% instead of just going ahead to 300 DPI? Thank you!
Super cute! Am definitely trying that out 🙂
X Maja
www.majaestelle.com
I need this in my life! It’s so polished and beautiful at the same time!
Oh wow this is great.. I dont eat donuts but I love to look at them. esp when there’s lots and lots of pretty looking sugar sprinkles on it! 🙂
how cuteee!! gosh I would want a donut everyday of my life if I had to keep looking at that 🙂
I was wondering if do you also made the frames? or where do you get them ? I want to try to recreate the same DIY on my house but with picture of fruits on it.
Hi Laura,
I didn’t mean to put you on the spot – I’m sure you guys go through more ink than the average user. Thanks for the tip about printing something once a week – I had never heard that before!
Thanks for getting back to me 🙂
I have to do this! Thanks for the tips, Tips!
xoxo
The Accidental Mama
http://theaccidentalmama.com
so cute! what a fun idea
xxoo,
nikki
www.dream-in-neon.com
Thanks for the tips!!
Well, you are in luck! You can always use the Selphy from Canon to print at home! That one is around $100 🙂
http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/printers-all-in-ones/compact-photo-printers/selphy-cp910-black-wireless
Laura 🙂
I love that jacket! It’s from Nasty Gal (no longer in stock it looks like)…
Laura 🙂