DIY Network

Turning Photos Into 3D Art Pop art? Here's an artistic treatment to really make your images jump off the page. From "Get Framed" episode DGFR-101

Using just a few simple items, Get Framed host Shahnaz LaCaze turns photos into three-dimensional art.

Materials:

craft knife with extra blades
black foam core, 1/8 inch thick (available at art supply stores)
double-stick tape
glue
cardboard to protect tabletop
straight edge
pencil for tracing (white pencil for black foam core)

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Figure A

Steps:

• Cutting the photos. To make the 3D idea work, you want to "pop" out the images closest to you for more impact. Leave the base photo intact and set it aside. Take another painted copy of the photo and, using an craft knife, trim around the object you want to stand out (figure A). When cutting into tight corners don't try to follow the outline--carve into the corners just past the outline. This will help create a sharper, distinct edge.

  Tip: Don't skimp on the extra craft-knife blades. One key to framing is having sharp cuts and lines. Change blades frequently to ensure good, clean lines. Most people hold it like they would a pencil.

  Safety Alert: When cutting pictures, mat board, foam-core, etc., make sure your fingers are out of the path of the blade.
  

  	Figure B
  	Figure C

  
  

• Creating a pedestal. Now take the shapes you want to 3D and trace them onto foam core (figure B).

  Tip: For projects with darker backgrounds, use black foam core. For lighter projects, use white. Use a white pencil, when tracing onto black foam core so that you can see where you've traced as well as easily erase any marks you may get on the painted photo.

• Next, using an craft knife, cut the foam core about 1/4 inch inside of the traced white pencil line (figure C). We want the image to fully cover the foam core-- it is only a pedestal to support the image and shouldn't be seen).
  

  	Figure D
  	Figure E

  
  

• Once your first foam core piece is cut, take that cut-out and trace it onto another piece of foam core (figure D). That way each cutout will be about the same shape and it will save you from having to trim the edges when you put it together.

• Attach each piece of foam core to each other by using double-stick tape and glue (figure E). Keep layering the pieces, one on top of the other, until

  Tip: The key to the pedestals are the layers of foam core underneath. If you want to cut less, you can buy thicker foam core. But beware: it's a bit more difficult to work with and more expensive. You have more control of the height of your pedestal with thinner pieces.
  

  Figure F

  
  

• Using double stick tape and glue, adhere your cut-out photo to the now layered foam core and your pedestal is complete (figure F).