After purchasing a Photo Record Collage online then having the photos detach from the record within 2 weeks, we decided to pick apart the process. While the concept was spot on for anyone interested in combining the love for Music, Art, and Photography, the final product was not so much (Our Opinion only). We figured maybe it was just a flaw, so we bought another from a different company. The pictures stayed on but it was printed in 2 halves on what appeared to be a printer running low on ink and not on Photo Paper.

Owning a business of any kind during the Pandemic, just flat out sucked (non-sugar coated version). Since we are an Event Company with multiple service offerings, we felt it from all angles, and we almost didn't make it. Like many who did, we had to venture out of our comfort zone, hit the books/Internet, educate ourselves/take courses, and simply roll up our sleeves and try new things, as survival mode was in full effect.

With over 20,000+ Vinyl records of all sizes, shapes, colors, and conditions along with a Discogs Record store, we decided to try our hands at these Collages. We already knew what some of the major flaws were, and where areas of improvement needed to be applied, so why not. Hence the whole idea of Etsy - everyday people who are super creative, doing some amazing things, and some have even gone Full Time. We spent over 6 months just doing straight R&D for Commercial products and Industry standards. We "Stopped, Collaborated, and Listened" to Photographers, Designers, and even an inventor who wanted to make us a Square Record. We passed on that as adding an open flame to these is very toxic. Plus a Square Record is just weird to me.

Our version of a Photo Record Collage - We noticed there were no Pie style designs out there, so that was our first hurdle and is our top seller outside of the Etsy World. Everyone seemed to be using the same designs with a slight modification to each. We also add the Original Jacket and Inner Sleeve if available. If not, we will add a Generic jacket & sleeve with Poly Protector. Since we already owned a Wide Format printer, we used this to print a single photo versus multiple photos cut and shaped with Gloss, then adhered to fit a 12" Record. The adhesive that we went with is both Photo Safe and PVC friendly, so we didn't run the risk of putting a toxic chemical in your house (unlike most of the other sellers online were using). It had to be super strong, and not get anyone sick. We tested each and every phase multiple times, for months. I am pretty sure we went through 2 full reams of Pro Luster photo paper and more Lucia Pro Ink than I ever imagined - before our very 1st product was completed. If you are bored of staring at the photo, flip it over and throw it on your Record Player to hear how it sounds. While most of these ARE playable on one side, they AREN'T those NM gems that collectors have been searching all ends of the Earth for. The Jackets may be though, but we are not in the Jacket collecting business, and we have no idea which holds value.

Going forward - Today 4/23/2021 we finally Published some of the Collages, Opened the Etsy Store, and we are still learning something new from each one created. These are personal keepsakes, so we want to ensure both quality & durability are covered before they leave the shop. We still have a few more 12" designs to upload, and we will have about 6 different designs for the 7" records as well. Each one of those will come with the Spindle Adapter that can be snapped in for playing or mounting on your wall.

I know I wanted to say more, but you may have aged a few years by now after reading this. The "Fragile" sticker that comes on your mailer is not Italian BTW. I am sure this will be updated as soon as my wife reads it, with fewer music references and more important info - but it was fun typing it up.

Thanks in advance for stopping by our GrandEvents LLC Etsy store! Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end....Yeah....