Donna's Day: Creative Family Fun
Cool Photos for Dad on Father's Day
BYDONNAERICKSON

Fun activities for the family can be either high tech, low tech or just plain no tech. But this is one I like to call medium tech. It's the perfect "techie dad" Father's Day gift he can't wait to show off. It's a framed photo of the kids, but instead of printing digital photos on standard photo paper, use transparency film sheets for a clever, modern look. You can choose between two of the following easy printing methods, then frame it up.

COMPUTER AND INKJET PRINTER METHOD

Choose a favorite photo for the Father's Day gift. Either scan the photo into your computer, or use a photo that has been downloaded onto your computer from a digital camera.

Place a transparency film sheet into your inkjet printer following the directions for your specific printer. Many large office-supply stores sell transparency film designed specifically for inkjet printing by the sheet.

Set your printer to print a photo in grayscale tone.

Print. Look at the final product and see that your photo is now transparent.

COPIER METHOD

Go to a copy store with your favorite photo. Ask them to make a black-and-white copy of the photo on a transparency sheet, which you can purchase in the store.

If you make the transparency on your own copy machine, be sure you use transparency film sheets that are designed for copy machines.

FRAME UP

Purchase a floating frame at a craft or discount store and insert the photo. Some frames include a tabletop display easel.

Or, purchase two pieces of 8-inch-by-10- inch glass at a crafts store. Set the photo between the two pieces of glass. Secure the three layers with four sturdy binder clips. The top clips can be used for hanging the photo for a wall display.

Donna Erickson's new award-winning television series "Donna's Day" is airing on public television nationwide. Visit www.donnasday.com to find out when it airs on your local PBS station and to sign up for Donna's e-newsletter.

(c) 2007 Donna Erickson

Distributed by King Features Synd.