Expert: Sheila M. Krueger - 12/19/2010

Question
I am making a Memory Box for my boyfriend as a gift. I want to use photos and memorabilia from trips we have taken on the box. I THINK that I need to have LASER copies made of everything I want to put on the box, rather than using the originals. After I get the copies, am I supposed to seal the prints before I cute and glue them? If so, what is the step-by-step process to sealing images before gluing them and what specific supplies do you recommend to do this? Many thanks in advance for your expertise.

Answer
Kathy:
If you are using copies of the photos, then I don't know that you need to worry TOO much about sealing them. Having said that, using a thin coat of mod podge(or any of those types of sealers) will make the photo look more like a photo-with the glossy coat and all, but won't necessarily preserve it any longer. The copies will still hold their color for a long while (if the box isn't in the sun!). Using a small foam brush and your pot of Mod Podge, just apply a thin coat of the Mod Podge, then let it dry. If you have something that the photo will be attached to, you can also use the Mod Podge as it is a good adhesive. Doing it that way, I would just kind of arrange everything, then start using the Mod Podge to attach it all to the box, one layer at a time. After it is all on the box, then use a layer of Mod Podge on top to keep it all stuck down and you should have a beautiful keepsake!!!

Sounds like an awesome project. Have fun!!!

Sheila K