I’m not sure if this product really fits into the “craft product” category- but it’s certainly a creative product that crafty folk will enjoy. Let me introduce you to the Swaggerdoodle collage frame.
The idea is deceptively simple- it’s a collage frame that opens from the FRONT- the sides of the frame are actually on hinges- so it’s super easy to load. And instead of having to tape photos in place, you can put them almost anywhere on the page- there are tabs cut into a mat that hold the frames securely. And the cherry on the top is that the SwaggerDoodle has a plexiglass frame that is perfect for using Dry Erase markers- so you can add text, swirls, and doodles on the front of the frame! When you get bored, just erase the front and swap out the photos for a fresh collage.
Here is a pretty cool (and brief) video showing you how it works.
Details from the website:
- Dimensions: 21″ x 15.25″
- Black plastic frame
- Black dry-erase marker included
- Reversible damask photo board (black/pink)
- Saw-tooth hangers  – to hang vertical & horizontal
Frame can hold six 4×6″ photos or more, depending if you want overlap.
Honestly, at first blush, I was kind of lukewarm about this product. After all, I lean toward “arty” crafts- ones with lots of options an customizations. So it is kind of limiting to me that the only colors available for the matte are pink and black. (One matte, but reversible.)
However, after thinking about it for a bit, I started to realize that it was a pretty handy home decorating items. There are lots of options if you just think creatively! Now… let’s take a closer look:
Opening the Frame- top hinge is open.
Matte: black damask on one side, pink damask on the other- two looks for the price of one!
Putting photos in is easy. The tabs hold the photos in place.
So, I used both 4X6 and 5X7 inch photos, and both worked well. For the larger ones, I could only fit the photo into the tabs on one side- but fortunately, the plexiglass holds everything securely and it isn’t an issue.
The hanging tabs mean that you can use the frame horizontally or vertically- but truth be told, up close the pattern on matte does look “sideways” when you’re using it in the portrait orientation.
So, I put together this little collage of my daughter’s recent birthday party. It was super-easy and kinda fun to doodle on top! I also double-checked, and the Dry Erase Markers removed very easily.
So, remember how I said that I started getting some additional ideas? Well….you could…
- Print text and matte it, and slide it into the frame.
- Create a headline and slip it in.
- Use elements in the collage to make a permanent scrapbook page later.
- Use multiple colors of the Dry Erase markers to add lots of fun color.
- Weave ribbon in those tabs to add color.
And I think the Swaggerdoodle would made a great gift- perfect for dorms, seniors (family pictures in assisted living), and kids rooms. And for $29.99- with free shipping- it’s in that nice “gift-price” range. (Mother’s Day, anyone?) And if they come up with more/different color mattes, I’ll be completely convinced!
Disclosure: sample provided for review purposes.
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