Thinking Outside the 5×7
My family loved taking pictures and I am so grateful they did! I could look at them for hours! Through the images, faces have been given names and the stories that I’ve heard over and over came to life! Looking at their faces, I imagine what they were like, how their voice sounded, what hopes and dreams they may have had and if we shared any common quirks or talents.
It’s always been important for me to know where and from whom I come from. It has given me deep roots into my North Dakota heritage and this prairie that I love so much.
I am so blessed that I come from a large, extended family. I grew up knowing and spending time with my great-grandparents, great aunts and uncles and more cousins than I could count! Family has always been important to me, it shaped me.
So how could I keep this amazing cast of characters hidden in a drawer or pasted in an album? I really wanted unique ways that I could display some of my favorites. To my family you may recognize some of the people in the photos! I’d love to hear your family stories – share with me in the comments!
I picked up this broom with another idea in mind but when I laid it beside the candlestick, I knew the two needed to be together. I added a little hot glue to keep the broom in place. How cute would this be tucked in bookshelf or on a nightstand? These photos are of my Dad and that little gal – yep! That’s me!
Fairly sure this is for letters or maybe sheet music, but the instant I saw I knew that it would be perfect for photos. What I love about this is the opportunity it creates. The photos are easily accessible to grab, look at and start a conversation. This would be great to have on your dining table during dinner, get those stories going! Change out the pictures to match the occasion, create a theme or tell a story.
I picked up around 20 of these little fellas. I didn’t even know what they were! I found out later that they are insulators, most likely from an electric fence. Like most things, the price was right, and I thought there must be something I can do with them! I twisted wire around and voila – sweet little picture display. That handsome couple is my paternal great grandparents. I did not have the pleasure of knowing him, but my great-grandma, Alvina had the pleasure of meeting her great, great granddaughter, my daughter, Whitney.
This vintage ruler is the perfect backdrop for a picture. Just slide it into between the cracks and you have instant charm! This is one of my favorite pictures! Say hello to my maternal great grandparents, Pius and Lydia. I adore how their hands are intertwined. Her eyes just say love and that cigarette from him, hanging out in that cool James Dean vibe!
Kathy McCarty
Great ideas!
Julie Lytle
Hi Kathy! Thank you so much for visiting the site! Glad you emjoyed it!Hope things are well with you!
Sue Fredell
Great job, Julie
Julie Lytle
Thanks friend!