So I like taking a lot of Polaroids, and I often search for the original film on places like eBay or Craigslist. Once in a while, you’ll get a batch that’s so expired or mishandled, nothing literally develops. In order not to waste anything, I use that film to create a border for some of my 4x6 photographs.
On top of that, some of the usable expired film and products from the Impossible Project aren’t as vibrant as the original film back in its hey-day, and when I place my photos up on my wall, I want that deep, colorful contrast that today’s Polaroids can’t afford.
So here we go:
1) With an exacto knife, cut out the back of the Polaroid — making sure the you don’t cut the clear film in the front of the picture.
2) Place the frame of the Polaroid over whatever photograph you want to use and adhere it (in my case, using rubber cement).
3) Let it dry, then carefully cut the 4x6 picture out — using the Polaroid frame as a guide.
4) Stick it up on your wall.
5) Admire the memories, and say, “In retrospect, that was a pretty damn good time.”
Other times, it’s just cool to draw on Polaroids with a Sharpie. Hone your drawing and typographic skills, yo.
