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Are you ready to carry your cherished memories close to your heart? We've got you covered with our Photo Service Our team of experts will adjust the colors, sizes, and compositions of your images in Photoshop before laminating them in waterproof plastic. But if you're feeling Crafty, you can do it yourself with these simple instructions.
OVERVIEW
I have been working with custom locket pendants for many years, and I have found an easy universal method of installing photos for all kinds of shapes of lockets. You can use any shape you like, but I prefer the Heart-Shaped Locket (because it is very beautiful and can fit 2 faces on each side). This detailed tutorial will show you how to take measurements, print, make a template, transfer the frame contour, cut, make photos waterproof, and finally insert your picture. If your Locket already has a transparent plastic insert, you can skip the “Making a Template” step below. Before you start your photo project, make sure you have all the materials and tools ready:
MATERIALS & TOOLS
Before you begin, make sure you have all the materials and tools ready. You'll need a transparent plastic ruler, self-adhesive transparent book covering film or high-quality sticky tape, a fine color marker (yellow or red are recommended), curved tip small scissors, small tweezers, a wooden toothpick, standard plane or photo paper "4x6", and a printer.
Let's get started!
1. MEASUREMENT
Take your plastic ruler and measure the longest distance between the locket frame extremities in the middle of the frame. This measurement will guide you in cutting photos slightly bigger than the empty space of the frame, allowing you to hold the picture without glue. If your locket already has a plastic insert, simply measure its width and height.
2. PRINTING
Don't worry if you're not familiar with photo editing programs. There are plenty of easy-to-use online photo editors like "OddPrints" or the "Locket Studio" editor by Marathon. Simply follow the link provided in this article to upload your photo. Make sure the image has enough background space around the subject's face to avoid any clipping. Download the generated 102x152mm page (4"x6") and adjust your printer paper size accordingly. Test print a black and white sample and make any necessary adjustments.
open_in_browser Follow this link to open an Online Photo Editing Tool from "OddPrints"
open_in_browser Follow this link to open a Locket Studio Editing Tool from "Marathon".
3. TEMPLATE & CUTTING
To achieve precise cutting, we'll create a template using sticky tape. Carefully cover the left side of the locket (the side without a catch) with the tape, making sure to keep it as flat as possible, try not to press the center with your finger.
Using a color marker, draw the line of the inner edge of the frame.If you're concerned about the marker line, don't worry! There are a few tricks to make it disappear:
- • we can stick the tape template directly to the photo and erase the line with a piece of cotton slightly soaked in alcohol;
- • we can cut another piece of tape and cover the photo first, then we can just stick a template tape on the top of that tape and then just remove it after the cut(see photo);
- • we can stick the template tape at the back of a transparent photo page fixed on a window(this will work only for symmetrical frames).
Choose the method that suits you best and apply the template tape to the photo, eliminating any air pockets.
Now it's time to cut! Remember to cut slightly outside the template line, creating a small 1mm offset. Before inserting the picture, ensure the locket catch is not in the way. If it is, mark its location on the cut photo and make a small 2mm triangular cut-out.
4. INSERTING
For the final touch, seal the photo's edges with liquid silicone, or if you prefer, bee or candle wax. Begin by inserting the wider upper side of the heart into the locket and gently bend it in with your fingers. Use a toothpick to continue pushing and inserting it towards the point at the other end. If the end doesn't fit, push the photo up with your finger. The photo should fit perfectly, even if it appears slightly wrinkled at the bottom.
Avoid using glue, as it can be difficult to remove the photo later and may damage the paper and plastic materials over time. If you must use adhesive, opt for special double-sided tape or transparent sticky silicone designed for photo albums.
Repeat the process with the other side of the locket, and voila! You now have a beautifully personalized present that will be treasured forever.
Get ready to show off your amazing photo-filled locket and keep your precious memories close at all times. Enjoy the process, get creative, and have fun making this wonderful keepsake!
This video is also very useful if you want to use a plastification machine to make your locket necklace photos waterproof:
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Buy one of the ArsAura pendants and you will get a discount on 2 fphotos installed inside by professionals!