I am working on a large scale DIY project in our home and I needed some giant copies of old family photos. I remembered seeing this pin a while back, which said that you can get giant prints called "engineer prints" at Staples for $4.99.
We called around locally to see what we could find. Our local Kinko's had a similar giant photo copy option called a "blueprint copy". I also heard from a reader that they are sometimes called "draft prints". These prints are only .75 per square foot. Totally affordable!
This is the largest print I ordered, it's about 3x4 feet. The photo it is copied from is a tiny 3x3 inch photo of my grandparents. Some people have asked about the quality. I would compare the quality of these prints to any black and white photocopy. It's not perfect, especially since my prints are made from small photos that are very old. The thing is, when you have such a large poster the quality doesn't matter AS much because it's the scale that really catches the eye. If you want a perfect quality print, you can get those a lot of places... just not for under $10... ha!
Here's one more of my (other) grandparents on their wedding day. Again, you can see that the image is definitely not perfect, but the size is what makes the statement. I love these memories and I am so proud to use them in our home decor... it's special. Now I can't wait to make more copies.
I'll be back soon to share the project I'm making with this gigantic beauties. I just wanted to quickly pop in and share where/how to order these prints for any of you who might want to make your own! xo. elsie
This is awesome Elsie - reminds me of Debbie Carlos' huge B&W poster prints. Not sure why I never thought of doing something like this myself! Thanks for the idea.
You and Emma rock.
Ronnie xo
Posted by: Pink Ronnie | September 27, 2012 at 04:49 PM
Wow, has anyone told you that these DIY are awesome???!!!... I'm sure people have, but I figured I'd join the band wagon. THIS IS AWESOME! How cool that you are hanging old family pictures. Seriously such a great idea.
- Sarah
agirlintransit.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sarah | September 27, 2012 at 04:50 PM
Oh my those are just gorgeous! Absolutely love the idea. Printing of photo paper that size is astounding!!!
Posted by: Britney | September 27, 2012 at 04:54 PM
brilliant! i'm going to have to dig around for some photos.
Posted by: mary | September 27, 2012 at 05:02 PM
Absolutely darling!
Val
http://valentinaduracinsky.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Val | September 27, 2012 at 05:02 PM
Old pictures are so romantic and great idea for decoration !
XX Luba
Well Living BLog
http://very-well-living.blogspot.com
Posted by: Well living Blog | September 27, 2012 at 05:03 PM
These are awesome!!!! I actually got an "engineer print" framed in our living room (One of my favorite photos, a pic of a vintage camera I took at a flea market). The blueprint price sounds way better to me. I think you just saved me a lot of money and gave me an idea for my next project. Thanks Elsie!!!
Posted by: LARY@ Inspiration Nook | September 27, 2012 at 05:04 PM
What a brilliant idea, definitely going to try this at some point.
xo, Clare
http://thewanderingelefant.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Clare | September 27, 2012 at 05:07 PM
these are so beautiful! love this idea. can't wait for the diy post! XO
Posted by: The girls of Oh So Lovely | September 27, 2012 at 05:09 PM
What a beautiful idea. Cant wait to see what you did with those pictures.
Posted by: RoselyC | September 27, 2012 at 05:10 PM
saw this on instagram and wondered what y'all had up your sleeves! can't wait to see the finished product! :)
http://kelseyelizabetha.blogspot.ca/
Posted by: Kelsey Elizabeth | September 27, 2012 at 05:18 PM
I adore old family photos AND huge prints! Can't wait to see what you come with.
Trish
www.jellybonesblog.blogspot.com
Posted by: Trish | September 27, 2012 at 05:20 PM
I have some really old photos that this would be perfect for.
I have had some ideas of what I wanted to do with them for quite awhile and now that I know that it won't be too pricey, I have no excuses. Thanks for the info. :-)
Posted by: Stefani | September 27, 2012 at 05:21 PM
I can't wait to see what you're working on with these! That last photo of your grandparents is so sweet.
http://viennawaitsblog.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Sierra | September 27, 2012 at 05:24 PM
Why do old photos always look so cool? I can't wait to see the finished product!
Posted by: Philothea | September 27, 2012 at 05:28 PM
Love this idea!
http://iliska-dreams.blogspot.com.au/
Posted by: Julie | September 27, 2012 at 05:29 PM
I was just wondering if these are b&w copies of color photos, or color copies of b&w photos?
they look great! can't wait to see the finished product!
#8o3
Meghan
alionheartblog.blogspot.com
Posted by: Meghan | September 27, 2012 at 05:35 PM
Great idea!!! Now I just need to have more walls! :D
Posted by: Gwen | September 27, 2012 at 05:38 PM
I love old family photos so much. I keep meaning to make copies for myself to have. A sentimental, personal way to decorate your home.
- tianna :)
Posted by: tianna @ Suffocated Bliss | September 27, 2012 at 05:39 PM
this is such a great idea and something i've definitely been dying to try with a certain brigitte bardot photo that i love!
abigail
www.farandwildjewelry.blogspot.com
Posted by: abigail | September 27, 2012 at 05:44 PM