Lately, I've been yearning to create a photo memory wheel, you know? It sounds a bit quirky, but isn’t it wonderful to look back at all those moments that make our hearts swell? I mean, how many times have you scrolled through your phone, only to get lost in a sea of faces and places that tell our unique stories? Just the other day, I stumbled upon an old picture of my dog running in the park, tail wagging like crazy, and it just hit me—what if I could capture all these memories in one beautiful, spinning keepsake? Wouldn’t that be a fantastic trip down memory lane? I can already imagine sharing it with friends and family, reminiscing about laughter, adventures, and perhaps a few tears, too. It’s all those little snapshots that weave together the tapestry of our lives, right? So why not? Let’s make it happen!
Items You’ll Need
- Cardstock or Photo Paper
- Scissors or Craft Knife
- Adhesive (Glue Stick or Double-Sided Tape)
- Ruler
- Pencil or Pen
- Colorful Markers or Crayons
- Photo Prints
- Brass Fasteners or Paper Fasteners
- Compass or Circular Template
- Craft Board or Light Chipboard (for sturdiness)
- Decorative elements (stickers, washi tape)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather My Materials
First, I ensure that I have all my materials ready: cardstock or photo paper, scissors, adhesive, a ruler, and some colorful markers. I also check that I have my photo prints, brass fasteners, a compass, and some decorative elements like stickers and washi tape.
Step 2: Create the Base of the Wheel
I take the craft board and use the compass to draw a large circle on it, about 12 inches in diameter. If I don’t have a compass, I can use a round template or find something circular to trace. Once I have my circle, I carefully cut it out with scissors.
Step 3: Divide the Wheel into Sections
Using my ruler, I divide the circle into equal sections. I can choose how many sections I want, but 6 or 8 is a good number for a memory wheel. I lightly mark the division lines with a pencil.
Step 4: Prepare the Photos
Next, I take my printed photos and trim them down to fit into each section of the wheel. I want each photo to be a fun memory, so I choose ones that make me smile!
Step 5: Decorate With Markers and Crayons
Before attaching the photos, I use colorful markers and crayons to decorate each section of the wheel. I can write a word or a little memory that corresponds to each photo. This makes it more personal and fun!
Step 6: Attach the Photos
Once the sections are decorated, I apply adhesive to the back of each photo and stick them onto their corresponding sections on the wheel. I make sure they are well aligned and look good.
Step 7: Create a Spinner Mechanism
To make my memory wheel spin, I place a smaller circle in the center of the wheel, which I cut from another piece of cardstock. I use a brass fastener to attach the small circle to the wheel, so I can spin it around!
Step 8: Add Decorative Elements
Next, I go all out with decorative elements. I place stickers, washi tape, or any embellishments I have around the edges or in the empty spaces to make my memory wheel pop!
Step 9: Final Touches
I take a step back and look at my memory wheel. If I see any blank spots, I might add more décor or small notes. Finally, I give it a final spin and enjoy the memories it holds!