Scan and print photo collages

Artist Sara (http://www.flickr.com/photos/59975121@N00) used small objects like marbles and toy airplanes to create a collage that is reminiscent of childhood.

A collage is a work of art that combines materials such as photos, stickers, newspaper clippings, fabric, and more. Make a collage to celebrate a special event or to personalize your space with photos:

Commemorate a special occasion
Give a photo collage as a gift for a birthday, wedding, or graduation.

Create a work of art
Scan family heirlooms, like the lace from your grandmother’s wedding veil, to go along with vintage photographs.

Share family vacation photos
Put together a collage of photos and knick-knacks from your journey, and resize it into a postcard that you can send to friends all over the world.

Decorate your dorm room
Make a collage of your friends and family back home. Photos and magazine clippings will add life to empty dorm room walls.

Use 3-D objects like seashells in your photo collage by scanning them with an HP scanner or All-in-One printer.

Before you take scissors to your photos, make copies of the originals with an HP All-in-One like the HP Photosmart 6510 e-All-in-One.

Add dimension to your collage by scanning and printing copies of 3-D objects:

• For a picture-perfect wedding collage, scan an invitation, fabric from the wedding dress, and the label from a bottle of wine to go along with your photos.
• Complement photos of summer beach vacations with scanned images of seashells.
• Commemorate a high school or college graduation by scanning items like school newspapers, tassels, or sports medals.
• To celebrate a child’s first year, create a collage that includes scanned copies of baby booties and greeting cards along with your photos.

Learn how to scan 3-D objects.

Using reprints of photos allows you to cut out images while keeping the originals intact.

Cut out copies of original photos and reprinted 3-D images with scissors or an X-ACTO knife. Experiment with cutting photos into different sizes and shapes.

Use double-sided, removable tape to affix the cutouts to a piece of 8.5" x 11" paper (the background for your collage). If you'd like, use another image, like an enlarged photo or a map, as your background.

Easily scan and reprint your photo collage using an HP Photosmart printer.

Here are some ideas for sharing your collage:

Frame your collage
Scan and reprint your collage as an 8" x 10". Display in a silver or wooden frame.

Create a poster
Enlarge your collage into a poster that you can use to decorate your workspace or home. Try scanning your original in two pieces, enlarging them both, and mounting the prints on a large sheet of foam core.

Make postcards
Shrink your collage into a 4" x 6" postcard size for easy sharing with friends and family. You can even use your postcard-sized collage as your holiday greeting cards.

Learn how to resize a scanned image and other photo scanning basics.

HP Advanced Photo Paper is ideal for collages because it’s heavier than other papers. It also dries instantly and resists smudging.

Emphasize the rich textures of your collage by printing it on matte or soft gloss photo paper like HP Soft Gloss Premium Plus Photo Paper. Photo courtesy of Sherry Thurner (sherry-latebloomer.blogspot.com).

Choosing the right photo paper for your collage can be just as important as figuring out which pictures to use. Use these tips to help you find the best paper for your project.

Paper finish
HP photo paper ranges from high gloss to matte. Glossy produces deep, vibrant colors while matte offers rich textures and resists fingerprints. Try printing your collage on 8.5" x 11" matte or soft gloss photo paper like HP Soft Gloss Premium Plus Photo Paper.

Paper Types

• HP Premium Plus Photo Paper is HP’s best photo paper. It has exceptional fade resistance and produces vibrant, professional-quality—try this paper when printing a collage you plan to frame.
• HP Advanced Photo Paper is ideal for collages because it’s heavier than other papers. It also dries instantly and resists smudging, even in humid environments.
• HP Everyday Photo Paper is an affordable alternative to plain white paper for various photo craft projects. It’s perfect for dorm rooms or if you plan on making new collages frequently.

Learn more about selecting the best HP photo paper for your collage.

Get excellent image resolution with an HP scanner like the HP Scanjet G4010 Photo Scanner.

Scan, copy, and print with an HP All-in-One like the HP Photosmart 6510 e-All-in-One.

Depending on your scanning needs, you may want to invest in an HP Scanjet photo scanner or you may benefit from the versatility of an HP Photosmart All-in-One printer:

HP Scanjet photo scanners
With excellent image resolution, highly sensitive color (up to 96-bit), and the ability to restore photos, HP Scanjet photo scanners, like the HP Scanjet G4010 Photo Scanner, make the perfect companion for a photographer.

HP Photosmart All-in-Ones
HP All-in-Ones, like the HP Photosmart 6510 e-All-in-One, are ideal for photo crafts because you can scan, copy and print—all from one machine.

Decide which option is best for you with the HP Photo scanner buying guide and the HP Photosmart All-in-One buying guide.