What Happened? A Whirlwind Weekend of Migraines and Art Sales...

How was the Artisans Market? Well, from what I heard, Saturday was fabulous! I however, was not there. My booth was there, my work was there, but I was NOT. Pardon me while I whine for a minute. I had a migraine on Friday night. I have only have them on about 5 other occasions in my life. Apparently the men in my family are afflicted with them, but I have never really asked a lot of questions as I didn't think I really suffered from them. I know I am having a migraine when silver flashes of light appear in my vision and I can no longer focus. It is not a picnic when I am driving, which is when three of the previous ones have happened. I don't need to be feeling stressed, although the first one I ever had happened when I was riding in the back of a VW van that my boyfriend and a friend of ours were driving around hair pin turns in Australia. They actually laughed when I started puking. (It was a long time again, and he is my husband now, so he is not the insensitive jerk I make it sound like.) Since then, the other migraines all happened while I was pregnant, twice with Q, once with E. This time, I finally decided to admit I can get migraines that have nothing to do with the car or pregnancy. They start with the visual stuff, and sometimes I don't even get a headache. This time, I puked seven, yes SEVEN times during the night, and my head felt like it was going to split apart on the right side until about 3 PM the next day, a 14 hour headache! Needless to say, it was the day of the ultra busy art sale. And people kept calling to see where I was, and I could hear all the crowds, and being the social butterfly I am, I was SUPER BUMMED to be in bed. SUPER BUMMED. Andre had to come home and watch Quin while I slept. Luckily, if I sleep next to Elle, she will sleep and sleep and sleep. So, I got all rested up and on Sunday, I headed out with the kiddos, dropped Q at a friend's, and brought babe with me....

...And all told I made $15 more than my booth fee!! It actually makes me laugh! All that work, and the totally frustrating fact that I was so thrilled to have been called on Monday to be told I was no longer on the waiting list, and that by Friday night I was actually completely ready. Then, blammo! I really get upset when my body let's me down. I try to be so good to it. And I know, I know, for those of you who are reading this and thinking, a migraine is usually the result of something underlying, I know you are right.... But, back to the artisan's market, and the silver lining, which I can ALWAYS find. As a professional artist, art sales always about more than the sales. For example, during this one, I got to meet nice local people I didn't know, I got to check out some other creative work, I traded some of my work for a few Christmas gifts, I got to see the generous friends who stopped by to give me breaks and hold Emmanuelle, and I never know when someone will call me later about something they saw today...


Did I ever tell you the story of the woman in Maine who was given one of my $3 photo cards? It had tulips on it and she pinned it to a bulletin board and looked at it for 2 years. Then she contacted me one day. Turns out she was starting an online gallery of Maine artists. And she not only wanted me to sell my work on it, but she wanted me to visit the 16 or so participating artists' galleries to photograph them. According to the typical Maine expression, it was "wicked fun" and very interesting, and I photographed the pieces they would be selling in the gallery in the studio. In the end I never sold a thing on the website (not sure if anyone did) but I got to meet these amazing artists, and I was paid something like $7,000 for the contract. Later, I had a solo show in her brick and mortar gallery and sold work, and I met the music producer who had an office down the hall, who hired me to shoot three album covers and paid me $3,000.... so, you never know...

Plus, I met two of my closest friends at art sales that were flops. I met the wonderful Kirsten, Kiki, in an elementary school gym in Kingfield, Maine. She worked for the local paper, and I was selling photo cards. She later wrote an article about my portrait photography, and we became amazing friends who worked on amazing local projects in the public school system and for the historical society. And I met my lovely pal Karina, in a community centre in the Hintonburg part of Ottawa, at a craft fair neither one of us had any business being in, we just didn't fit. I AM SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE THESE WOMEN IN MY LIFE, and I never would have met them had I been focused on the bottom line. Everything happens for a reason.

And back to this weekend, if I had not had to go in at 9 AM yesterday to set up, which I would not have done would I have been there on Saturday, I would not have watched Quin sweetly wave at and say good morning to the 2 dozen or so elk exiting on the Canmore on-ramp, nor would I have heard the most beautiful new Jann Arden song on the CBC. It is called All the Days and it brought me to tears... I am grateful for all of this and for all of MY days.

Canmore Christmas Artisans’ Market 2009 at Canmore Collegiate High School

I am excited to be selling my photography and art at the Canmore Christmas Artisans Market this year. It is a wonderful way to do all of your Christmas shopping while supporting the handmade movement while not even leaving the Bow Valley!! I heard there are over 75 vendors this year... I will have items from $1 to $100, ranging from matted photographs and Polaroid transfers to magnets, pendants, pins, single and card sets, and postcards. There is something for everyone. Plus, if you come by my booth I will let you hold my little cherub baby :) Come and have some fun and read on for more details...

From the Canmore Events Calendar...
Canmore Christmas Artisans’ Market 2009
Saturday November 21 and Sunday November 22, 2009
10am to 4pm
"Treat yourself to something wonderful, or finish your Christmas shopping in a single day. Join over 60 artisans and artists from the Bow Valley and surrounding areas, as they present their beautiful, handmade creations. This year, the 14th annual Canmore Christmas Artisans’ Market will feature luscious art for the home, personal treats, and traditional crafts. We’ll have blown glass, turned wood and metal work. There will be a wide selection of pottery, jewellery and paintings. Indulge in chocolates, home made treats and luscious bath and body products. Snuggle up with cozy hats, slippers, gorgeous clothing, teddy bears and the cutest stuff for baby. From $5 to $1000, there’s something for everyone. Admission is $2, in support of the Canmore Preschool. Kids free. A light lunch is also available, featuring specialties from a number of local restaurants, along with hot drinks and the always popular bakesale table. We're at Canmore Collegiate High School, 1800 8th Ave."

As Promised, The Final DIY Polaroid Framing Project

Phew, after all the fun of Polaroid Week, all the blog posting, and the opening of my current solo exhibit, I needed to take a break. But, I promised one more Polaroid framing craft. Here it is... a couple of days late...


My neighbor recently opened a hair salon and she needed art. She came over one night to flip through my MANY Polaroid transfers and made a pile of the ones she liked. We started talking about how she wanted to display them... matted? Framed? Something creative? She remembered she had an old multi pane window she had brought home from the family farm. I own a mat cutter, I custom cut all of my mats, and I have PLENTY of scrap mat. I aim to use recycled items in my work so I was excited to create a unique photo gallery out of scrap mat and an old window. I love working on new projects and am confident enough to jump in with both feet even when I am not sure what to do. It all worked out this time and what I learned I will now pass along to you...


How-to Turn an Old Window Frame into a Polaroid Transfer Photo Gallery

What you will need:
- Polaroid transfers or Polaroids or whatever photos you want to use
- Archival mat board
- An old window frame
- UV resistant spray
- Newspaper
- Boot/Shoe tray (optional)
- Photo mounting tape or corners for affixing the images to the mat or you can use low tack masking tape if you don't care about it being archival. You will also need masking tape for taping the mats into the frames.
- Old wallpaper
- Spray glue (I use 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive)
- Two screw eyes
- Wood glue
- Picture framing wire

1. Select your images. Lay them out on the boot/shoe tray on newspaper and spray them with UV Resistant spray (I use Kryon Gloss) according to the instructions on the can.


2. Clean your window frame to the extent you would like to. We liked that our frame was rustic and worn so aside from a quick wash we used it as is. In the end even the old paint splotches on some of the panes of glass enhanced the over all look of things.

3. Cut the outside of your mats to fit in the window panes and cut the mat window to the correct dimensions for the transfer. I would love to give an online tutorial on mat cutting but since it completely depends on what type of mat cutter you own, I can't. Cut your mat according to how you mat cutter works or Google "How to Cut a Window Mat" and you will find some information on how to do it simply with an Exacto knife and ruler. I use archival mats as other types will eventually ruin your images, since the acid will eat away the parts it touches, sometimes within mere months.


4. Using photo tape, or corners, or masking tape, tape your images onto your mat. (I used masking tape, which is not archival, because my friend may remove the images at some point. She didn't want me to use a permanent method to affix them but wanted to make sure they would stay put in the frame. Sometimes photo tape loses its grip and images can shift out of the photo corners...)



5. Fit your mats into the panes so they rest flat against the glass. Using masking tape, tape the mat into the frame. It is ok for the masking tape to be on the mat, even though it is not archival. Continue taping row by row, checking the front from time to time to see how things look.






6. I like to give the back of the frame a nice finish by covering it with old wallpaper I buy it at the thrift store. It is another way to reduce, reuse, and recycle. I used spray glue to attach it to the back of the frame (and I always try to spray this glue outside). This stuff is STICKY so if you don't have someone to help you you can put clothespins on the bottom edge of your wallpaper, hold the top edge with one hand and hold the spray can in other.



7. In order to hang your frame, measure out and mark where you want the screw eyes to be inserted. For added strength, I like to put wood glue on the threaded ends of the screw eyes before screwing them in. You do not need to drill holes first, just take the pointed end of the screw eye and start screwing it in. If your wood is very hard you can tap on the head of the screw eye with a hammer to get it set into the wood before turning.


8. Measure out your picture framing wire, leaving enough extra so that you can wrap the ends around the wire, after passing it through the screw eye head. For added strength, you can thread the wire through the screw eye head twice, by looping the end back through after the initial pass. Wrap the loose ends back on each other.




Et voila! You are now ready to hang your photo gallery on the wall. Whoot whoot!


Done and hanging on the B-Towne Salon wall. Thanks to Brooke for the chance to display my work in a new way.

All Over The Map - Solo Exhibition at the Banff Public Library

Wow! The month of October was spent getting ready for my show. And the past week has been spent shooting and posting for Polaroid week. And my in laws were here, and now my dad is here. Add play dates and preschool, crafting with friends, hunting treasures, baking and cooking, etc etc etc, man oh man I am tired.

Tomorrow night, Saturday, November 7th, I am having an opening for my latest show at the Banff Public Library from 7-9 PM. If you are local, please come! I am thrilled to have already sold two pieces in the show. And friend and writer Michelle Macullo wrote an awesome article about the show in this week's Rocky Mountain Outlook. She writes about all of the art shows for the library. It was so fun to chat with her and then to see what she would write. She is so sweet, I can't believe she said I give people the same feeling hot chocolate does! Below you will find the article and my artist statement for the show.


Image by Craig Douce of the Rocky Mountain Outlook

Artist all over the map with new exhibition
Published: November 04, 2009 10:00 PM
Updated: November 04, 2009 11:05 PM

MICHELLE MACULLO, BANFF

There’s something remarkable about Banff photographer Tiffany Teske.

Within minutes of sitting down with her, she puts you at ease. She’s that friend who loves you unconditionally, flaws and all – the kind of person who makes you feel the way hot chocolate does.

And while her Twitter page claims she’s “trying to get a handle on all the projects running around in her head,” it’s clear she’s got a gift for getting things done. With more than one blog, various projects on the go and two young daughters, she still manages to pursue her love of photography.

During the month of November, Teske presents All Over the Map – a solo exhibition of previously displayed and new photo-based works at the Banff Library Public Art Gallery. An opening reception with the artist and family in attendance takes place at the library, Saturday (Nov. 7) from 7-9 p.m.

Whether Polaroid transfers, collages or photos embellished with hand-sewn details, the end result is curiously pleasing, inspiring and peaceful. Noteworthy pieces include Wedding Cake from Kiki’s Wedding Series (Polaroid emulsion lift), Tremendous Journey from the Series Wanderlust (mixed media collage on a recycled album jacket) and Amazing Grace (Polaroid Transfer).

Since becoming a mother, Teske’s managed to weave visual arts into her regular routine. With 22 group shows and three solo efforts, there’s little doubt she’s adjusted. While the amount of time she spends on her craft has changed, her love of art hasn’t.

“I have no illusion that I’ve got it all together,” she laughs. “I’m not happy if I’m not creating. I have to feed the need to be creative. So even though I’m not getting into the studio as much as I’d like, I cook more and I bake more.”

And while she’s good at many things, she has no interest in being the best.

“It’s hard to be a perfectionist in art because you stand in your own way,” Teske says.

The transition from straight photography to mixed media has been a natural progression for Teske. Her inspiration is found in family, spirit, recycled objects and creative genius – something old, something new, something borrowed and hand-made glue.

All pieces in the show are for sale either framed or unframed. For additional details, or to contact the artist directly, please e-mail tiffany@oldesage.com.

All Over the Map runs until Nov. 30 at the Banff Public Library Art Gallery.


Metamorphosis
Mixed Media Collage
By Tiffany Teske
SOLD

All Over the Map ~ Mixed Media Works by Tiffany Teske

I have to admit that this exhibition has turned out differently than I originally planned. It makes total sense, in fact, it is truly perfect. Not the work perhaps, but the way it all came together. It is a bit like the way my husband and I travel. We have a map, we have a guidebook, but in the end we hop on some mode of transport and just let the experience take over and dictate where we will go. In the end, we have the most amazing adventures because we are open to not only all good experiences, but also to the occasional mishaps and misadventures. The ups come with some downs and in the end it is absolutely sublime. Like life. Like making art while at the same time mothering my two children.

Maybe someday I will present the body of work I had originally intended to create, a cohesive group of art like I was trained to create while in University. The kind of work I used to be able to create, before I became a mother. However, I am a much different person now and since I just keep changing, as does my life, whatever I plan to make in the future can not be what I had envisioned in would have been in the past. So, I am realising as I write this that what I have created in this retrospective body of work, that is sprinkled with some new pieces, is exactly what I meant to create. All Over the Map is real, it is true, it is me, and how I am creating art right now.

I used to be really good at my life. I looked as if I had it “all together” and truthfully I did. I could juggle dozens of balls in the air without dropping one. I could work on several projects at once and finish what I started in good time. I was not ruthlessly structured, I had a map and would use it, but I would also meander in appropriate ways. I had 24 hours 7 days a week to be me; a wife, a daughter, a friend, an artist, an activist, a traveler, an adventurer. Now, I am also a mother.

Lately, I have taken to calling myself the Artist Currently and Forever Known as Mama. I had no idea what I was in for. I thought for some reason babies would just be extra balls to juggle in the beautiful circus of my life. But, I am pleased to say, that in fact, they are the main attractions upon which my spotlight is permanently fixed. Their beauty transfixes me in a way that I can scarcely take my eyes off of them in order to catch the balls that now fall from time to time, some occasionally rolling away. Now, instead of seamless working on several things at once, I can barely start what I finish artistically because I am too busy relearning the wonder of being a child. It is sublime in a way that I could not have imagined. Yet, I must admit that there is a darker side, that my muse does become cranky, frustrated, and sometimes down right angry when I don’t create but she is appeased by snippets of time that I can spin into art; the art that you see here. In the three and a half years I have been a mother, I have been able to create and to participate in 22 group and three solo shows. All while watching my children grow and while joining them in play. All by learning that perfection is not my goal. I freed myself by truly not caring if others think I have it all together. I can honestly and happily say I don’t. All Over the Map is showcases my current adventure. Thanks for coming along.

Last Image for Polaroid Week

My Father's Footprints
Image by Tiffany Teske

I am going to keep this post simple. It has been a tiring week, and I have the opening for my solo show at the Banff Public Library tomorrow. I did promise a second DIY framing craft for today but it will have to wait until Sunday...

My father is visiting. We are very close and we all look forward to having dad here. This morning when he went out for a walk I made this image of his footprints along with tire tracks in the freshly fallen snow. Something about the fact that his footprints are going away from me make me emotional.

Polaroid Week Day Four - More Fun with SX-70

Looking Ahead
Image by Tiffany Teske

More contributions to Polaroid Week on Flickr. More fun with expired film. I did check and no, the Sears Special One Step Land Camera does not have a tripod mount...


Global Girl
Image by Tiffany Teske

Polaroid Week - Day Three's Image PLUS a DIY Polaroid Framing Craft

Here is my third contribution to Polaroid Week. I decided yesterday that I wanted to photograph my little gem of a camera which is impossible without a mirror. So, I got out my vintage French Ivory hand held looking glass today and started experimenting. For anyone who has never tried to hold a Polaroid camera with one hand and take a picture, they may not understand why I feel triumphant about this blurry pic. Polaroid cameras as like clunky tanks, and they really need two hands. But, I like this a lot. And I dig the camera. It has the most amazing Polaroid sound. So loud. Not what we are used to with digital. Of all my Polaroid cameras this one is the loudest. On another note, I love that this image is capturing the moment right before the camera spit out the film.


Ok, I promised two DIY projects for framing your Polaroids this week. The first one will probably appeal best to Polaroid enthusiasts who like and own the little black packs that the film comes in. Back when Polaroid made film, they allowed people to mail these back so they could recycle them. I never did this and I now have over 200 of them for 669 film, and just a few of the square type 80 I am using here. I am happy to be able to reuse these as frames. I framed this image that I made especially for my friend, Kim. I made it this spring, when I passed the Mayberry store in Grindrod, British Columbia. It is a double exposure of the store and another store, covered in hubcaps, next door. Kim's last name is Mayberry. Since it was recently her birthday it was time to frame this image up and give it to her.

How to Frame Your Polaroid Image Using a Polaroid Film Pack
By Tiffany Teske


What You Will Need:
~ Empty Polaroid Film Pack
~ Polaroid
~ Picture Hanging Wire


This is the back of a Polaroid 669 pack.


Hold your film pack so the window is facing down. With your left hand, squeeze in the sides of the pack that have the window, and with your right hand remove the backside of the pack (I am right handed). Lift one side off first, then it will come apart easily. This is difficult to describe but easy to feel once you are doing it. It is not fragile so even if it feels like you might break it, you won't.


Now you will have three pieces.


Flip over the piece in the middle in the photo above (the solid piece). Lay your Polaroid on it. You can secure the image with photo tape on the back but it is not necessary.


Take the piece with the window and set it on top.


Put the third piece back on the pack in a reverse of how you took it off, one side then the other. Make sure it clicks together.


Take a length of picture wire that is appropriate for the frame size. Knot both ends. Pull up one of the tabs on the back side of the pack. Slide the knot in. Let the tab fall back into place and the knot will be secure. Do the same on the other side.


Ta-da!


You can put a business card in the back of the pack just secure it with some double sided tape.


I wrote a message on the frame with a silver paint pen. I packaged Kim's gift with recycled tissue paper, a take home food container, and recycle ribbon. Easy peasy and she was pleased as punch!

Polaroid Week - Day Two PLUS Ten Ways to Display Polaroids

Polaroid Week, or I should call it Fall Polaroid Week, since we already had one in May, kicked off yesterday. Yes, it is technically called 'Roid Week but the picture that brings to my mind isn't pretty... I look forward to trying new things during Polaroid Week and this time around I got out a Sears Special One Step Land Camera with it's retro rainbow striped goodness. This camera came out about 1977, for $39.95. I bought it at a thrift store in 2009 for $10. Not sure if it worked, but Oh Baby, it does. It takes SX-70 film, and I just happened to have 4 packs that expired late last year. Whoopie! Now if only I could do the impossible and photograph the lovely little camera with itself... oh wait, I just got am idea for tomorrow's photo...


Today I made some natural light photos of my youngest daughter on my bed beneath a series of Polaroids (on the wall) of her older sister kissing and hugging my belly when I was pregnant with her. This camera used a strip of flashbulbs for illumination (wow, how many of those are in landfills now?) so I am forced to use natural light. These exposures were long, and I didn't even check for a tripod mount. I like how the camera shake and colors of the SX-70 film makes this look like an impressionist painting...

Polaroid Images by Tiffany Teske

Read on for ten ways to display your Polaroids...


Wall Collage of Polaroid Spectra Images "Float Mounted" in Archival Mats

This is the second post in my three part series on Polaroids and how to care for and display them. You can access the first post here, which deals exclusively with how to store and care for your images. Now we will explore some of the way I like to display my original Polaroids, Polaroid transfers, and Polaroid emulsion lifts in my home.

Remember, it is always best to display Polaroids on a wall or in an area that does not receive direct sunlight. Putting your images in the sun can cause them to curl and they will fade quickly.

Number 1 - Photo Mobile


I picked this up in the gallery shop of the San Fransisco Museum of Modern Art. It is really cool, and I am sure that anyone who crafts with wire can whip one up. I like working with wire, but have pretty bad luck with trying to balance mobiles that are not hung on a pre-balanced round circle... anyway, whether you make it, buy one from someone who can, or pick one up where photo items are sold, it is a great way to display your Polaroids. The clips won't damage the images, and you can put them back to back, to display up to 20 at once. And the movement of the images on the breeze is a visual plus.



Number 2 - Horizontal or Vertical Ribbon Photo Holder Using Simple Silver Paper Clips or Wooden Clothespins


Horizontal Photo Holder Using Wide Wire Edged Ribbon and Wooden Clothespins

This is a very simple way to display your Polaroids. There are thousands of different patterns of wide wire edged ribbon out there, so you can find the perfect one to go with your decor and your photos. I used simple silver thumbtacks, one on each end of the ribbon, near the top, to attach this to the wall. I put the push pins near the top of the ribbon, so that it would hold the extra little bit of weight from the paper clips that are holding the images to the top of the ribbon. You can adjust the pressure of the clips so that they do not make indents on the photos. This simple display solution can be changed often, as it takes just minutes to put together and is not permanently fixed to the wall. To spice things up you can use fun colored paper clips, if color is your thing.


Horizontal Photo Holder Using Wide Wire Edged Ribbon and Simple Silver Paper Clips


Vertical Ribbon Photo Holder Using Wooden Clothespins

This is a different version of Number 2... there are really many, many possible versions of this idea. This one uses woven jute ribbon, which is nice and stiff. I have attached it to the wall with silver push pins, putting the pins in the middle of the ribbon. Then, using wooden clothespins, I have attached a series of images. I personally like the unfinished look of the ribbon at the bottom of the holder, but you could trim this straight across if you like.

Number 3 - Framing Your Image Using Archival Matboard


Polaroid Spectra Image "Float Mounted" in Archival Window Mat in Composite Frame


Polaroid Transfer in Archival Window Mat in Metal Frame

One purpose of a mat is to keep your image from touching the glass in a framed image. When an image touches the glass there is a risk of it permanently sticking if there is any moisture present. The best way to display your images in frames is to use an archival, acid free front window and backing mat. Your image can be attached to the backing mat using photo corners, low tack acid free tape (so you can remove it someday), or you can use photo glues if you don't mind having the image permanently mounted. You cannot mount Polaroids using a dry mount press, as this can melt and scorch them. There are some pressure rather than heat activated products on the market that can be explored for permanent mounting. No matter how you decided to mount the image on the backing board, you need to use quality mats. Cheap paper mats will eventually leave a ring around your image where the acid has eaten it. You could avoid this by not having the window of the mat touch your image, such as in the example image where there Polaroid is "float mounted" but your image will still be damaged if the backing mat is not acid free. You can find out more about matting images by Googling the subject on the web.

And a word about frames and glass... using wood frames will eventually damage all the contents inside of the frame because of the acid in the wood. Metal frames are really the best option for matted Polaroids. UV glass or Plexiglas are good for helping to minimize the fading caused by sunlight. Plexiglas is harder to clean as it scratches. Regular window glass does provide some UV protection but is not as good as UV glass.


Series of Polaroid Transfers "Float Mounted" on Archival Mat Without Window Mats


Series of Polaroid Transfers in Archival Window Mats in Composite Frames

Number 4 - Framing Your Polaroid Without a Mat


Polaroid Transfer Placed Directly in Wooden Frame with Glass

While this is not the best recommendation, some of you are probably like me, and you are ok with the fact that your image might not last for years and years. In this case, you can frame your image in whatever frame you like. There are so many unique and wonderful frames out there. Just keep in mind that if you don't use a quality mat, your image may stick to the glass. And that if the frame is wood, the acid will damage your photo over time.


Polaroid 669 Original in Vintage Frame with Convex Glass

Another option is for matless frames it to use vintage frames with convex glass so that the glass is not sitting directly on your image. This are available in a number of places. You can check antique shops, thrift stores, Etsy or Ebay for starters. Vintage frames look lovely with Polaroids.

Number 5 - Wire Photo Holder


Polaroid 669 Original in Wire Photo Holder

There are a number of cool wire photo holder options out there. You can buy them at decor or photo shops, but you can also make them. I hope to present a how-to for making your own wire photo holders within the next week or so (however I may give birth to my second child within that time, so rest assured if you don't see that craft tutorial here soon, it will show up eventually). You can also find wonderful handmade wire photo holders on Etsy, as well as vintage options. As a bit of a variation, I have used one of my metal business card holders that was handmade by an artist to display a Polaroid 600 image below.


Polaroid 600 Original in Metal Business Card Holder

Number 6 - Florist Pin Frogs


Series of Polaroid Spectra Originals Displayed Using Florist Pin Frogs

This is one of my favorite ways to display my Polaroids when I want to sprinkle them throughout my home for non permanent displays. They take seconds to put a photo into, so you can change them up often. And they work well for series of related photographs set either in a straight line or staggered. You can get these from a florist or they can tell you where to buy them. I happen to have scads left over from my wedding...


Series of Polaroid Spectra Originals Displayed Using Florist Pin Frogs

Number 7 - Stick Them To or Lean Them Against The Wall


Polaroid 600 Image Leaning Against the Wall On Top of a Painting

This is probably the most common, low tech way of displaying your Polaroids. It is quite non committal, and convenient. However, it doesn't protect images from fingerprints, dust, scratches, fading, or bending, but once again, if you are not into treating your Polaroids with kid gloves, then who cares, right? They are not ALL masterpieces...


Three Holgaroid and One Spectra Original Attached to the Wall Using Wall Tack

And as far as the best way to attach a Polaroid directly to the wall, I would never use tape. Use poster putty (or wall tack or adhesive putty, whatever YOU call it) which is reusable, doesn't dry out, and if you get a good kind won't stain the back of your image (the cheap stuff may). I use this all the time when I am just tacking up a photo on the wall, and it is easy to remove without hurting the wall or bending your image, and I have never had one fall off the wall.

Number 8 - Polaroid Pack Film Holder


Polaroid 669 Original in a 669 Film Pack Holder

If you have never thought of doing this, shame on you! Polaroid did have a recycling program where you could send these things back, but I have kept all of mine over the years so I actually have a few hundred. You can only frame one image for every ten you make, but it is a great way to upcycle these puppies, and you can find whatever creative means you like to hang them on a wall. You can also just lean them on the wall. I don't really have a step by step of how to get the back off, the photo in, and the back back on, but it is simple, just give it a shot.


Polaroid Spectra In Camera Double Exposure in Spectra Film Pack Holder


Polaroid 669 Original in a 669 Film Pack Holder

Number 9 - Photo Album


Vintage Photo Album That Holds 669 Images

Polaroids, like all photographs, can benefit from dark storage to keep the dyes from fading over time. You need to keep in mind that old, vintage photo albums may provide pockets that are the perfect size but they are probably not acid free, which means they will actually damage the images if used for long time storage. It is best to go with archival, acid free photo albums and scrapbooks. Or you can buy "Polaroid Specific" albums from China. I have purchased some via Ebay. I can't vouch for their long term success for storing images but they are inexpensive and the right sizes for your Polaroids.


"Polaroid Specific" Album From China For 669 Images


Vintage Photo Albums for 669 Images


Number 10 - Photo Cubes


Polaroid 669 Images and Transfers in Photo Cubes

When I was a kid, we always had photo cubes kicking around out house. So, when I saw these, I bought a bunch, and even used them in a gallery show I had. They hold 5 images each so they are great for displaying a bunch of images in a novel way. People like to touch things, so this display is tactile. I did have to cut the images to fit these cubes so keep the window dimensions in mind if you don't want to cut your images.

Now go, jump into displaying your Polaroids. I appreciate your comments, and would love to hear your ideas for displaying images. Stay tuned for tomorrow's how-to display craft. Cheers!

All images by Tiffany Teske