DIY "Mixtiles" -- Frameless Photo Prints

[lexde]

I saw an advertisement for Mixtiles - it's a smartphone app that basically turns instagram-style photos into prints that you can stick and unstick anywhere.

Mixtiles Advertisement

From the youtube reviews, it looks like it's just an image that is printed (or just affixed) onto a 3/4"-ish black foam board in a 10x10 size with double sided tape. I was pretty appalled that these things come with such a hefty price tag: 3 for $49, and $9 each after that. Photosquared also has them for 4/$44 with $9 each thereafter. What?!

I'd love to do something like this for both my home and office.



I'm not super crafty, so what is the best way to go about doing this? I've seen two ways: one is to basically cut up a foam board (I can only find them in 20x30, but I could cut that to size pretty easily), spray paint it (I can only find white boards online), and then glue the photos on?

I've also looked at YouTube videos that show you how to transfer from laser-printed paper to canvas, but I don't think I could black those around the edges as easily without it looking really home-made and distressed, and that's not really the look I'm going for.

Has anyone done anything like this?

After looking around a bit more I see black "Gator Board" HERE which might do the trick if I can cut them down to size without causing them to pucker or bend.

[BDWW]

First
http://www.hobbylobby.com/Art-Supplies/Canvas-Surfaces/Foam-Board/Black-20%22-x-30%22-Foam-Board/p/101652

Second, I would cut both the board and photos oversized. Use spray adhesive to attach the photos and then trim to final size.  It would be a nightmare to try and align them if you cut them to exact size first.

[Orvell]

I recently did a subscription art project where subscribers got art prints of mine mailed to them every 2weeks. Because of the turn around time, this type of presentation was what I went for-- photo-quality print mounted on foam board for mailing.

I used spray adhesive in the beginning, but it's messy. I actually switched to modge podge applied with a brush and it went much smoother without any bubbling. And my hands weren't covered in the stuff afterwards. And I didn't have to worry about ventilation. :) I recommend trying that.
In sum: this is totally doable! Just make sure your razor is really sharp, and don't skimp on replacing the blade if you need to. :)

[lexde]

First
http://www.hobbylobby.com/Art-Supplies/Canvas-Surfaces/Foam-Board/Black-20%22-x-30%22-Foam-Board/p/101652

Second, I would cut both the board and photos oversized. Use spray adhesive to attach the photos and then trim to final size.  It would be a nightmare to try and align them if you cut them to exact size first.

I don't know why I didn't even think about checking Hobby Lobby. Thanks for this! And for less than $5!

I recently did a subscription art project where subscribers got art prints of mine mailed to them every 2weeks. Because of the turn around time, this type of presentation was what I went for-- photo-quality print mounted on foam board for mailing.

I used spray adhesive in the beginning, but it's messy. I actually switched to modge podge applied with a brush and it went much smoother without any bubbling. And my hands weren't covered in the stuff afterwards. And I didn't have to worry about ventilation. :) I recommend trying that.
In sum: this is totally doable! Just make sure your razor is really sharp, and don't skimp on replacing the blade if you need to. :)

What kind of photo paper/prints did you use to do this? Did you coat with mod podge as well or just use it as an adhesive? Thanks!

[Orvell]

What kind of photo paper/prints did you use to do this? Did you coat with mod podge as well or just use it as an adhesive? Thanks!

I just used it as an adhesive, and kept it off of the front.
As for prints, I honestly just used CVS. Not 'high quality' but good enough. I did some trial runs with print on demand/same-day places (for the time constraints of my project) and CVS was hands down the best option. But since you have time, I'd scope options. :))

:) Good luck!
Don't get lost in the details/decision making process. You can always try it and re-do it if they don't turn out. :D It'll still be cheaper than ordering them.

[lexde]

They're actually turning out quite nicely! Thanks so much for your help!

They aren't perfect but for about $65 I have enough board and adhesive for 24 photos (and 16 prints). Which is still kind of expensive, but MUCH less expensive than $9/ea!

The hardest part is cutting straight lines with the box cutter. If I get better at it (or get a real straightedge instead of a piece of cardboard from an Amazon box) I could even see myself making sets of these for gifts!

Edit: had to block out the logo on the saddle pad.

[geekette]

Very nice!  What do you use to stick them to the wall?

[lexde]

Very nice!  What do you use to stick them to the wall?

Small adhesive squares. The tiles are very lightweight so these should hold them up just fine. I haven't placed any yet because I'm waiting for a more complete set first.

Found a ruler at work, too, which will really help me improve quality on the others moving forward!

[Mountainbug]

This is a great diy!!! Your photos look lovely (and it's nice to see an equestrian mustachian!) and I'm definitely going to be copying this for some Christmas gifts this year.