Putting pictures in a locket can be a meaningful way to carry a loved one close to your heart. With some simple tips and tricks, you can easily insert photos into most standard locket designs.
Here, we will explore different methods for putting pictures in a locket using materials like paper, ink, paint, and more.
Perfectly Putting Pictures in a Locket
Lockets make wonderful gifts and keepsakes, allowing you to protect precious memories inside. While the idea is romantic, actually getting pictures inside the locket can be tricky. The shape and size of the photo needs to precisely fit the locket opening.
Luckily, there are some clever solutions that make putting pictures in a locket smooth sailing. A tracing paper template mimics the locket shape for perfect sizing. Photocopying or scanning the locket itself creates a custom template. Transferring the outline in paint gives an imprint of the locket recess.
Get the Perfect Custom Picture Pendant for Your Locket
Before you put pictures in your locket, you’ll want to make sure you have the perfect locket to showcase your memories. One stunning option is the custom picture pendant with wings in 14K gold from Ice Cartel.
This pendant allows you to upload your own photo to be custom-made into a beautiful 14k gold locket. The wing design adds an ethereal, angelic touch, ideal for memorializing a loved one. With an Ice Cartel custom picture locket, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind treasure to hold your cherished photos.
Preparing Your Materials
To insert a picture in a locket, you’ll need to gather a few supplies:
- The locket
- Small photo(s) to insert
- Tracing paper or regular paper
- Pencil
- Scissors or craft knife
- Glue (avoid super glue, which may damage a delicate locket)
- Ink pad or craft paint (optional)
- Paper towels and water (if using ink or paint)
Method 1: Using Paper Templates
One of the easiest ways to put a picture in a locket is by creating a paper template traced directly from the locket itself.
Step 1: Open the Locket
Start by opening your locket and laying it flat. Identify the recessed area inside the locket chamber where you’ll insert the photo. Most lockets have this indented space to hold the picture securely.
Step 2: Place Paper Over Recess
Position a piece of tracing paper or regular paper directly over the photo recess area. You want the paper to lie flat so you can see the edges of the recess underneath.
Step 3: Trace the Outline
Use a pencil to lightly trace along the outline of the recessed space inside the locket. Try not to crease or move the paper so you get the most accurate shape.
Step 4: Cut Out the Template
After tracing, cut out the paper template you created. You now have a custom template perfectly sized to your locket.
Step 5: Position Template on Photo
Place your template over the photo you want to insert. Line it up so the main focal point fits inside the template outline.
Step 6: Cut the Photo to Size
Use the template as a guide to trim your photo down to size. Carefully cut the photo to match the template shape.
Step 7: Insert and Glue the Photo
Put a small dab of glue on the back of your cut photo. Gently press the photo into the locket recess. Allow the glue to fully dry before closing the locket.
Method 2: Copy Method
If your locket has a flat interior, making a photocopy or scan can create an easy photo template.
Step 1: Take Locket to Copy Machine
Bring your locket to a copy shop or use a scanner/printer at home. Make sure the locket can lie completely flat when open.
Step 2: Place Face Down on Scanner
Open the locket and place face down on the scanner or copier surface. The recess and edges should be clearly visible.
Step 3: Make a Copy
Press copy or scan, depending on your machine. Make sure the settings are for true 1:1 size.
Step 4: Cut Out the Recess Shape
Looking at the copy, use scissors or a craft knife to carefully cut out the rectangular photo recess shape.
Step 5: Use as Photo Template
Place the cut-out template over your chosen photo. Trace the outline lightly in pencil.
Step 6: Cut Photo to Size
Trim your photo precisely along the traced lines so it fits the template.
Step 7: Glue Photo In Place
Put a dab of glue on the back of the cut photo and press gently into the locket recess. Allow to dry fully before closing.
Method 3: Ink or Paint Transfer
For lockets that won’t lay flat, making an ink or paint imprint transfers the recess shape. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Get Ink Pad or Craft Paint
Use a washable, non-toxic ink or paint that can be easily cleaned off the locket. Test on a small hidden spot first to make sure the ink wipes away easily after drying.
Step 2: Identify Photo Recess
Examine the inside of the locket to find the recessed rectangle where pictures are inserted. This is usually on one side.
Step 3: Dip Locket in Ink
Press the recessed side of the open locket into the ink or paint. Remove quickly and avoid over-saturating.
Step 4: Stamp on Paper
Gently stamp the inked locket onto a piece of paper. A faint imprint matching the locket recess should transfer.
Step 5: Clean Locket
Immediately wipe away any remaining ink or paint from the locket using a damp paper towel. Be sure to get it all off.
Step 6: Use Imprint as Template
Place the ink imprint template over your chosen photo. Trace the outline onto the photo lightly with pencil.
Step 7: Cut Photo to Size
Following your traced outline, carefully cut the photo shape to match the imprint.
Step 8: Insert Photo in Locket
Put a small drop of glue on the back of the cut photo. Press gently into place in the locket recess and allow to dry fully before closing the locket.
Extra Tips and Tricks to Become a Pro
- Go slowly and gently when opening antique or delicate lockets to avoid damaging hinges
- Double check that your photo size fits inside the locket before gluing in place
- Let glue dry fully before closing locket to avoid sticking the picture sides together
- Laminating photos provides extra protection for frequently handled lockets
- Craft stores sell adhesive photo paper that sticks directly inside lockets
- Update your locket pictures over time by carefully pulling out old photos
- Consider putting pictures of loved ones who have passed on into a locket to hold their memory close
Why Put Pictures in a Locket?
Putting pictures inside a locket allows you to carry precious memories and loved ones wherever you go.
There’s something special about having a private image tucked right against your heart.
Picture lockets make beautiful sentimental jewelry gifts, especially for memorializing someone who has passed away. You can subtly keep them close through the day.
Even with digital photos, there’s something touching about a physical picture you can hold in your hand. Placing an old snapshot into a classic locket can feel deeply meaningful.
Picture lockets come in stunning designs from timeless to modern. But no matter the style, inserting a photo inside creates a sentimental treasure you’ll want to cherish forever.