Children love looking at photographs of themselves and their family. It creates a sense of belonging and having family photographs around is a great way to keep memories alive. Since a lot of the images and videos we make  are stored on our devices, our kids don’t get to see them often. The first issue is that we simply have too many images and it’s hard to filter out the good (or most precious) ones. The second issue is none of us have (or make) time to organise our family photographs and do something with them.

This needs to change. Having family photographs around for the kids to look at, talk about and take with them is actually pretty important. In our family it’s an even bigger issue as we move around a lot and some of our kids struggle to hold on to those feelings of belonging. Which is exactly why I decided to take an afternoon to create these my family and me crochet framed photographs. When everything around you changes, it’s good to remember that your family has always been and will always be your true home. These images tell my children that they are loved, that they belong, that their home is with us and that their souls and little hearts are safe here. Have a look at how exactly I went about this fun little project.

How to make these crochet framed My Family and Me photographs

Let me talk you through.

First you start with selecting images from your phone, tablet, desktop, Facebook or wherever you store your family photos. Print them (pick your size) and cut them out.

I chose to select only images of my children with their siblings or parents. You could choose photographs of distant family members, friends or other loved ones. The choice is up to you.

Then place your printed photographs in a laminator pouch and laminate. You can grab a laminator and pouches here.

Once your photographs are laminated you’ll need to cut them out. I cut them out quite close, even a bit into the photo so the crochet edge would nicely blend in with the image. If you prefer a more outspoken border, you could play around a bit and see what you like best.

Don’t worry about the laminator pouches coming off, they won’t. There is also the crochet edge that will keep it all nicely together.

Then you start punching holes around the edge of the laminated photograph. You’ll need a hole puncher for this, or a hand puncher like this one. Be mindful to punch the holes nice and close together so it will be easier to add the crochet border later on. As a general rule the thicker your yarn, the further away from each other you can punch the holes.

Now it’s crochet time. You can watch a step by step video for making a crochet edge here. It is a very easy, step by step, fool proof tutorial.

My Family and Me Photographs for Play

Et voila, here they are. Your very own basket of crochet framed family pictures for your kids to play and run around with.

Make a few or make lots. Make a memory game out of them or hang them against the wall, or leave them in a basket on your coffee table.

Enjoy reliving the memories and love watching the kids naming everyone, over and over again.

But most of all, keep making those loving family memories!

Because Memories Matter

It’s been a long time since I enjoyed a project this much. The faces of my babies will never tire me and each day I wonder just how on earth the days can be so long yet the years seem to fly by.

It’s fair to say that I am possibly more pleased with these photographs than my kids are. I somehow forgot about the power of looking at childhood photographs even though as a kid, I couldn’t get enough of browsing my own baby book.

There, I hope this project will bring you as much joy as it has brought me.

And in case you love yourself a good project, be sure to have a look at these gorgeous and fun mom projects and crafts as well.

Love,

Ann*

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