Friday, July 17, 2009

Making Photo Mosaics: A Tutorial


No, it is not Monday. lol

I have had several requests for instructions on making photo collages or mosaics, so I thought I would post a little tutorial here. For the past several weeks, I have been hosting a meme called Mosaic Monday. Each week, about 50 wonderful bloggers join the party. So far, subjects have included flowers, food, decorating, travel, scenery, butterflies, family and pets. Really, any subject that you enjoy photographing can make a great mosaic.

There are lots of options for making photo collages. You can do a Google search for "photo collage" and find a bunch. But here is what I do: I upload my photos to flickr, the photo-sharing website. Then I use a site called Big Huge Labs to create mosaics.

I strongly suggest that you sign up for an account at flickr, the photo-sharing website. I believe that the first 200 photos that you upload can be stored for free. After that, it costs $24.99 a year.

Once you have your photos on flickr, go to Big Huge Labs and find the Mosaic Maker. Then let the fun begin. ;)

Here are some directions to make the layout that I use most often in my mosaics -- a large central picture, with smaller pictures surrounding it.

At the top of the page, you will see the command "Choose Layout." Click on the drop down menu and choose the last option -- 4X4 with large center.

You can choose the colors for your frame by clicking on the white boxes that say background color and border color. A color wheel will appear, and you may scroll over it and click on any color you like.

For "Space between Images" I usually choose 2 pixels which gives a rather narrow border, but this one is totally subjective -- use whatever you like.

You will be asked to choose 13 photos to fill this layout. Note that the large center photo is No. 1, and then they go across from the top row, second row, etc.

Once you have chosen your photos, click "Create." If you wish to edit it, click on "Edit" at the top of the mosaic. Then you can go back and delete or change any photos, background colors, etc. When you are satisfied, click on "Save" at the top of the page.

I hope this helps all of you who want to learn how to make a mosaic, and I also hope to see you all at Mosaic Monday. :)

*****

I will be taking a few days off to recharge my batteries. I hope to be posting again on the 26th, when I will have Mr. Linky up for Mosaic Monday.

Enjoy your week, dear bloggers! :)


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62 comments:

  1. Tomines hjemJuly 17, 2009 at 6:55 AM

    hi!! i love your photos, specially on mondays!! such an inspration, i did try myself.. thanks , and happy weekend.. with love from norway!!

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  2. HeatherJuly 17, 2009 at 7:10 AM

    I'm going to peek in at Big Huge Labs in a second...I use Picnik, and thought that was also where you did yours. The same format you have is there, and a whole many more. Although, I'm not sure if you need the pro account now or not. I use Flickr storage (LOVE FLICKR!!) You can have unlimited amounts of everything, change the sizes of your photos to whatever you want them to be and woo-hoo.

    Anyway...friends always appreciate a heads up on how to's. Great post to share today.

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  3. My name is RietJuly 17, 2009 at 7:34 AM

    Thank you for the tutorial. I myself use Picasa 3 also a free photoprogram. What I like about it that it is so very very easy and you can use from four to any total of photo's you want in any mosaic.And when finished you can send it right into your blog. Now I am going to have a look at Big Huge Labs. Have a nice holiday.

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  4. Kathleen GraceJuly 17, 2009 at 7:40 AM

    Your photos are sop beautiful Mary, adding them to a mosaic just puts all that loveliness together to enjoy. Thanks for the tutorial, I never have seen the option for a large center before! Enjoy your time off:>)

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  5. The Curious CatJuly 17, 2009 at 8:22 AM

    Thanks for this - it is very helpful! I had been using Picnik but they only allow you a limited number of squares - only 4! So good to know there are options!

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  6. From the Old InkWellJuly 17, 2009 at 8:33 AM

    Thanks Mary! I didn't know what everyone else was doing, but I knew I liked it. :) I've used photoshop elements to make the mosaics that I've posted simply because I wasn't familiar with this way. Have a great weekend.

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  7. Domestic DesignerJuly 17, 2009 at 8:37 AM

    Thanks so much for this info. I have wanted to try it but didn't know where to begin. Now I don't have an excuse.:-) Have a great weekend!

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  8. AnonymousJuly 17, 2009 at 8:47 AM

    Great tutorial!

    Di
    The Blue Ridge Gal

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  9. Terri SteffesJuly 17, 2009 at 9:06 AM

    I have found picasa easy to use as well. You should give it a try!

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  10. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeJuly 17, 2009 at 9:33 AM

    Great tutorial. You make it sound easy. Have a good rest. Hugs, Marty

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  11. AnonymousJuly 17, 2009 at 9:42 AM

    Get some rest Mary :) Enjoy !!!!

    Kathy :)

    ps I think you can also use Photobucket to create a collage and its free I believe !!

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  12. AnonymousJuly 17, 2009 at 9:44 AM

    After I hit POST COMMENT it crossed my mind that it might be PICASA not Photobucket...sorry

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  13. CharJuly 17, 2009 at 12:44 PM

    have a great vacation

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  14. bjJuly 17, 2009 at 2:35 PM

    Can't wait to try this. I've used picasa a little bit.
    Come over and see my son's vineyard..have a glass of wine and chocolate strawberry and listen to Dino singing in the background....

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  15. Kathryn @ Bonafide SouthernJuly 17, 2009 at 5:33 PM

    I'm so glad you posted this. I've wanted to join your Mosaic Monday, but I didn't know how to make one. I may try now. It probably won't be this Monday though because I'll be at the beach (HOORAY). Thanks again.

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  16. LynnJuly 17, 2009 at 9:57 PM

    Thanks for the great lesson, I will be trying it and hope to see you too on the 26th!! Have a great week.

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  17. Cindy (Applestone Cottage)July 18, 2009 at 9:14 AM

    Thank-you Mary!!! Your Mosaics are gorgeous and I appreciate the tutorial too! Cindy

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  18. NancyJuly 18, 2009 at 11:37 AM

    Now I have to join in on this! I love making mosaics and just found your great blog. :)Nancy

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  19. joyh82July 18, 2009 at 2:38 PM

    thanks for the tips. I love mosaics. The tablescape post below was very pretty too. Love your china.

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  20. EstherJuly 18, 2009 at 4:40 PM

    Hi, I've just done a tutorial to do a mosaic using GIMP which is not as easy as your version but more adaptable once you learn how to do it. Though people might like more than one option. It's my first tutorial so I hoe it's ok.
    http://esther-reeves.blogspot.com/2009/07/gimp-tutorial.html

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  21. RobanJuly 18, 2009 at 9:29 PM

    This is a great idea to share with everyone. I've used bighugelab and Flickr, but I also use scrapblog and create my own. I usually don't fill up the scrapblog page, so I download the page as a JPG, take it to picnik.com and crop the top off. I'm leaving the pages in scrapblog, so at the end of the year, I'll have a whole scrapblog of mosaics.

    Roban

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  22. imjacobsmomJuly 18, 2009 at 10:33 PM

    Thanks for the tutorial, I tried it once the way you described and I couldn't make it larger for some reason. I'll give it a try again on Monday. ~ Robyn

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  23. Jenn @ youknow... that blog?July 19, 2009 at 12:13 PM

    Hi Mary!

    Thanks for the link to Big Huge Labs - another new toy to play with! Love it. I really enjoy creating things myself in PhotoShop, but these extra programs are fun - I played with a Wordle at BHL and did a jigsaw of it as an experiment. Too fun!

    So does this mean that Mosaic Monday is not a GO for this week? I did one just in case, which I have set to go "live" at midnight tonight.

    I'm really enjoying this creative outlet - thanks so much :)

    Hope you enjoy your down time! We all need it from time to time just to stay on an even keel.

    Have a fabulous day!

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  24. storyteller at Small ReflectionsJuly 19, 2009 at 7:24 PM

    Thanks for the information. I use Photoshop Elements to make my mosaics but it's good to know these resources exists. Thanks for sharing. I've posted my Mosaic at Small Reflections this week.
    Hugs and blessings,

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  25. Confessions of a Plate AddictJuly 19, 2009 at 8:13 PM

    Hi Mary! I have recently discovered PhotoScape for mosaics! It is by far the most user friendly for me! I can actually SEE what I'm doing as I do it and it's very easy to change. There is a HUGE selection of mosaics. You don't even need to crop. The program lets you slide your photos back and forth until you like the way they fit. Of course, if you do want to crop, it's built into the program. Just Google it and download it for free! I LOVE it! Thanks for the great tutorial!....Debbie

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  26. MaryJuly 19, 2009 at 8:45 PM

    Hi Mary, I love your very dainty looking mosaic! That's a great idea of having a photo mosaic tutorial, now other's can join in the fun. :O) Mary @ Boogieboard Cottage

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  27. AnonymousJuly 20, 2009 at 12:04 AM

    Mary we are all indebted to you for teaching us the mosaic way.
    QMM

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  28. Bargain Decorating with LaurieJuly 20, 2009 at 12:32 AM

    Oh Mary, what a gorgeous mosaic! I love every picture in it, and all of them together look fabulous! Have a wonderful break. laurie

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  29. BarbaraJuly 20, 2009 at 8:10 AM

    Mary, I copied these instructions again and I will try again.

    Thanks, your slow to understand friend.

    Purple hugs,
    Barbara

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  30. marmeeJuly 20, 2009 at 12:16 PM

    lovely! hope you are enjoying your time off.

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  31. LoriJuly 20, 2009 at 3:14 PM

    Thanks for the tutorial. I think that I will give this photo mosaic project a whirl. Won't be as lovely as yours though. You have great pictures!

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  32. Country GirlJuly 20, 2009 at 3:40 PM

    Very helpful for all those who want to join in the fun, Mary!
    I wish you could have come to the Blog Fest down in VA. It would have been wonderful to meet you there.

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  33. WendyJuly 20, 2009 at 7:20 PM

    Love the new banner! Thank you for the helpful tips on how to make a mosaic.
    Cheers!
    -Mrs Peeks Farmhouse

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  34. violetladyJuly 20, 2009 at 9:42 PM

    I just followed your directions and did my post today for Mosaic Monday. Fun!!

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  35. FlowerJuly 21, 2009 at 7:26 PM

    Thanks for the directions to make a mosaic! Violet Lady is where I found you...and now I'm off to try my hand at this photo fun!!
    Your blog is very nice...I see lots of things that interest me!

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  36. Elizabeth and Gary July 22, 2009 at 3:51 PM

    Great information, thank you I will have to try making one.
    Your Mosaic's are always so pretty!.
    Take care and enjoy your day,
    Elizabeth

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  37. StaceyJuly 22, 2009 at 6:17 PM

    Thank you for this! I've been wanting to try one but it's a little intimidating. I'm going to give it a try. :)

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  38. AnonymousJuly 22, 2009 at 9:54 PM

    Thanks!

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  39. Its So Very CheriJuly 23, 2009 at 11:53 AM

    I am going to try this and when I get one done I am going to link back to you. I tried to start one the other day, was pressed for time and got frustrated and quit.

    Come by for my GIVE-A-WAY this week by 10 pm Fri.
    and then check out our newest addition.

    Cheri
    www.itssoverycheri.blogspot.com

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  40. Knitting ManiaJuly 25, 2009 at 2:39 AM

    Wow this was great! I came over way of Vee's blog. I've been wondering how everyone's doing these. Thanks for the lesson!

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  41. Sweet Cottage DreamsJuly 26, 2009 at 11:46 AM

    Thank you for the tips! I will have to give this a try sometime!!

    Have a happy day,
    becky
    xx

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  42. GwenJuly 26, 2009 at 12:41 PM

    Oh my gosh!!! thank you so much!!! I did my first photo blog post today! With my first mosaic!!! thank you, thank you, thank you! :O

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  43. UnknownJuly 26, 2009 at 11:02 PM

    Thank you for this! I am going to try this...maybe not for THIS Monday, but sometime! :)

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  44. Lara HarrisJuly 30, 2009 at 9:29 AM

    Your photos are beautiful! :o)

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  45. ChristieAugust 10, 2009 at 11:32 PM

    Hey Mary,
    Your blog is absolutely beautiful....and so are your mosaics. I want to thank you so much for helping me learn how to creat a mosaic. I couldn't have done it without your post! I have wanted to learn how to do photo mosaics, since my blogging journey first began....so I appreciate your tutorial more than you know. Hopefully now, I will be able to participate in your Mosaic Monday Meme sometime in the near future....
    Big Hugs,
    Queenie

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  46. AnonymousAugust 31, 2009 at 3:46 AM

    Its a really nice tutorial mate. you make a very nice work i love to see all that picture you shared with us i really like that thanks for sharing.
    Karachi Hotel

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  47. Carolyn FordAugust 31, 2009 at 8:31 PM

    I'm going to try it and then have fun with this meme! Thank you!

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  48. ChanySeptember 18, 2009 at 5:03 PM

    Queridisima amiga muchas gracias por tu amables palabras y por tu amistad, tu blog es un sueño, muy bonito!ª!ª!

    Un abrazo Chany.-

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  49. AnnieSeptember 27, 2009 at 9:11 PM

    Are any of these free downloadable mosaic makers that DON'T want to grab ALL my photos and load them in when you first click on them?

    I have WAY too many photos to be doing that!!

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  50. UnknownOctober 7, 2009 at 11:10 AM

    Love the idea now off to get mine started.

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  51. eileeninmdOctober 25, 2009 at 5:16 PM

    Thanks for the tutorial, I have tried making a Mosaic and would like to join your Mosaic Monday this week.

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  52. sunnymamaDecember 26, 2009 at 10:40 AM

    Thanks for the tutorial. I am having so much fun making mosaics now! :)

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  53. Claudia BFebruary 3, 2010 at 11:58 PM

    Thanks for this awesome tut. Much appreciated!

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  54. PunaApril 18, 2010 at 9:29 PM

    Thank you again for the tutorial. I had to come back and try to remember how to do it. Doing it on my own was a bear! Thank you.

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  55. Terry @ La Bella VieMay 10, 2010 at 10:59 PM

    Oh my goodness this is the nicest site I have ever seen, well OK I've only been doing this for about a month but I love it!

    Thank your for sharing the tutorial. I'm now following you.
    Terry

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  56. AnonymousJuly 11, 2010 at 12:32 AM

    Oh wow... That makes life sooooooooooo easy. I am so impressed.. You've posted such an easy tutorial.. Now there is nothing stopping me from being part of your Mondays.. :-)

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  57. AnonymousApril 11, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    Mary: I'm just beginning to look at your blog regularly (having subscribed for ages...) and am trying to find the time to enter the Mosaic Monday! But I wanted to let you, and your readers, know of another great collage program called Picnik. The basic program is free, although you can pay for more options. It's terrific! I discovered it from the blogging course I just finished, Blogging Your Way from Decor8. Anyway, take a look at Picnik!

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  58. KathyJune 12, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    OK I am going to give this a try. I am new to blogging and haven't had any luck linking to a party but I am going to try the photo mosaic and link to your Mosaic Monday.
    Your photos are lovely.
    Kathy

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  59. HelenFebruary 24, 2012 at 5:37 PM

    Thank you thank you, I think I am going to get addicted to making these!

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  60. nicoleMarch 13, 2012 at 7:50 PM

    thanks for the tips :D
    needed to learn some new tricks now that picnik is closing down!
    xo

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  61. jp@A Green RidgeJuly 26, 2012 at 8:47 AM

    Thank YOU so much for sharing the "how to"...:)JP

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  62. deborahJune 11, 2013 at 2:49 PM

    Just stumbled onto your site, Mary! Such beautiful images you share!! Oh, and yes, I love the challenge of these memes that are all over the internet today ... trouble is, i don't have time for them all! I do, however, love this one, 'Mosaic Monday' that you host, and I think I'll give my hand a try at it! I used to try to make the collages on my own with tutorials for Photo Shop Elements, but never quite got it right, then I stumbled onto PICMONKEY ... as well as being a fun online editor, they have a variety of ways to make them, each one adjustable in size to your liking ... I will say that it is free to use most of what they offer, but you can also get their 'premium' membership for a small yearly fee which gets you all of their benefits, including frames, fonts, etc... I also know, for me, the collages I've made there are much, much easier to use than my trying them on my own, and now I have good reason to use it again! :)

    The link is www.picmonkey.com if anyone here would be interested in trying it out. It may have already been mentioned in the comments above ... I only skimmed through them, and these 50-something eyes of mine don't always catch things! Thank you, again, Mary, have a wonderful day ... now I'm heading over to arrange my first 'Monday Mosaic' collage ... this may take me until next Monday to pick a theme and get it finished, but you'll see me here very soon! :)

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I love to hear what you have to say!

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