Love Notes Picture Frame ~ Take Two

I love when I finish a project and get to share it with all of you. These frames turned out great and were so simple to put together.

Two more family wedding presents. I was holding out for the right frames and wouldn't you know that I found the perfect ones at Wal-mart for $3!

 

What you need:

Frame

Photo

Pattern Paper {card stock works great}

Spray Mount

X-acto knife and/or Scissors

Metal Ruler

Cutting Mat

Masking Tape

Dry Erase Marker

The frame advertises that it has spots for two 4"x6" photos, that's a lie, it is 3.5"x 5.5". I already had my 4x6 photo picked out and ready to go so I had to cut the opening a bit but no biggie.

Spray mount the front of the cardboard mat and place face down on the back side of your patterned paper.
{American Crafts - Take Note - Pink Pearl}

{American Crafts - Classic Calico - Frequency}

*Tip: I held the cardboard mat and patterned paper up to the window {kind of like a light box affect} and marked roughly where I wanted it to line up.

Cut off the excess around the cardboard mat and cut out the opening where you want the photo to go.

*Tip: On the wrong side I marked the four corners for the photo opening by making little cuts with the x-acto knife. Then on the right side I used the metal ruler as a guide to make a nice straight cut for the photo opening.

It looks a little low tech but I used masking tape to place the photos. This would hold it nice and tight and I wouldn't worry about a liquid glue warping the material as it soaked in. This will also allow the couples receiving these frames to change out the photos without worrying about ruining the cardboard mat.

They are done and wonderful! A good sign that they are perfect is when I want to keep them for myself instead of giving them away.

I used an image transfer technique that you can find here.







Go Create!!
Mindy

Image Transfer Onto Fabric Using a Gel Medium

 How great did these images turn out?!?

I love them!

These were super easy but will take time because they need to set overnight.

Image transfer tutorial: Using a gel medium to transfer an image onto fabric.

Materials Needed:

Image printed on a laser printer {or a magazine clipping}

Fabric {Plexiglas, stretched canvas boards, pieces of wood}

Gel Medium {I used non-water based acrylic paint and modeling paste}

Sponge brush 

Scissors

Wax Paper

Tape

Water Spray Bottle

Towel

Acrylic Coating Spray {oops, not in the photo}

Cut out the images. Cut fabric pieces to size. Mine are approx 6" x 9".

*To prepare the image I added some text "I love you because..." then flipped it to print. I use Photo Shop but this can also be done in Picasa and most photo editing programs available. If your image doesn't have a right/wrong way, skip this step and just print your image.

To prep the area, tape a piece of wax paper down then tape the fabric on top of the wax paper. The Acrylic Paint spreads easily but the Modeling Paste stays pretty thick. To help know exactly where to apply the gel so to be able to work fast enough before it started to dry, place tick marks to help know exactly how big of an area to apply to the fabric.

*The wax paper is used to keep any of the gel medium from getting onto the table as it might soak through the fabric.

Apply the gel medium to the fabric then immediately place the image face down and press with fingers to make sure that the entire image presses into the gel medium. 

Be sure to press the edges down, excess gel medium will press out from underneath the image.

Before moving onto the next step, be sure that the gel medium has time to dry completely. I recommend letting it set over night.

Now grab your water bottle {or bowl with water and sponge to apply water to image}, towel and photo.

1 ~ Get the paper wet. {I let it sit for about 30 seconds or so, this will help the paper soften up}
2-3 ~ Start rubbing the paper with your finger tips. It will ball up and rub off. {You will have to keep the paper wet as you go}
4 ~ Every once in a while I would dab the image with the towel to get the paper residue off and see how well the image is coming along. {Using an image with so much white takes a little bit more care since it will blend with the white background of the gel medium, so...be careful not to rub too much}

Repeat until all the paper has been rubbed off the image.

*The image looks great while it is still a bit damp but as it dries, any paper residue left behind will become very noticeable.

Use a coating over the image. This will put a nice finish on the image and get rid of the paper residue look. I used an Acrylic Coating gloss finish in a spray can but something like Mod Podge would work as well.

I love how these images turned out! Eeek!

For the B/W image I used the Acrylic Paint. This gave the image a soft aged look. Photo by Michelle Andersen Photography. Photo courtesy of Adiel.


For the coloured image I used the Modeling Paste. It dries a bit faster and in those spots the image lifts up when taking the paper off. The over all image, however, stays more crisp so it is ideal for images with a lot of detail. Photo courtesy of Manda Jane Photography

Go Create!
~Mindy

Love Notes Picture Frame

I am so excited to finally share my project with you!!

This frame was designed for Paul's cousin as a wedding gift. She had some decor windows at her reception, one with a phrase and another with a scripture quote. This was designed to match them and I have to say, I am pretty pleased with the way it turned out.

What you need:

Frame

Photo

Ribbon

Hot Glue

E6000

Dry Erase Marker

With the glass and back of the frame in place, set the image on top of the glass where you would like it then make simple marks at the corners so you know where to place the image once you have glue on it.

Put E6000 glue on the back of the image, I used a toothpick to help spread it around. You won't need a thick layer, just make sure the whole surface is covered. Place and spread a thin amount of E6000 on the glass within the marks.

With the glass out of the frame and on a flat surface place and hold the image down

*When the E6000 is placed on both surfaces the bond will be a lot stronger.

I used 3/8" ribbon and cut a 20" piece. At the top of the frame, use the glue gun to adhere the ends of the ribbon to the underside of the glass opening.

*I used the hot glue gun here because it would dry a lot faster.

To add a little personality to the ribbon I added a bow.

1. Place two folds in the ribbon approx. 5 1/2" apart.

2. Cut a second piece of ribbon that will be long enough to wrap around the bow. Glue the two folded corners to the end of the small piece of ribbon.

3. Place a small drop of glue down where the two fold meet and press the center of the loop down to make the bow.

4. Wrap and glue the smaller piece of ribbon around the bow.

*I used the hot glue gun here because it would dry a lot faster.

DONE!!

Using the same technique, spread E6000 around the inside of the frame where the glass will rest. Carefully place the glass in the frame {make sure it is facing the right way and not upside down} and press the glass into the glue.

*As you are placing the glass, watch where it is going so the image will be centered as you place the glass. If the glass is set in the glue then wiggled around, the edges will get all gunky and be seen from the front.

I love it!!!
Hopefully they will too.

If you want to create your own frame with the crackle technique, check it out here.

I used an image transfer technique that you can find here.

Image Transfer Using Acrylic Paint

I have been working on different techniques for transferring images and finally got this one perfected to the way I wanted it....so now, it's time to share with you friends.

Materials Needed:

Image printed on a laser printer {or a magazine clipping}

Plexiglas {fabric, stretched canvas boards, pieces of wood}

Acrylic Paint {non-water based}

Sponge brush 

Scissors

Water Spray Bottle

Acrylic Coating Spray

To prepare the image I added some text "I love you because..." then flipped it to print. I use Photo Shop but this can also be done in Picasa and most photo editing programs available. If your image doesn't have a right/wrong way skip this step and just print your image.

To make sure I got the image centered right where I want it. I placed the Plexiglas over the image, traced around it then cut the image.

I used a piece of Plexiglas to transfer my image onto for this specific project. These are pieces left over from another project but a small stretched canvas panel would work just as well. To get the Plexiglas prepped, simply take the plastic off of one side or clean the surface with a cloth and glass cleaner if the plastic was removed previous.

Put some acrylic on surface, use the brush to spread the acrylic. While paint is still wet place the image face down and smooth out making sure to get out any air bubbles so the entire image is pressed into the paint.

*Make sure you get a non-water based acrylic paint or gel medium.

LET IT SET OVER NIGHT!!

Make sure the paint has had plenty of time to dry.

Now grab your water bottle {or bowl with water and sponge to apply water to image}, towel and photo.

1 ~ Get the paper wet. {I let it sit for about 30 seconds or so, this will help the paper soften up}
2 ~ Start rubbing the paper with your finger tips. It will ball up and rub off. {You will have to keep the paper wet as you go}
3 ~ Everyone once in a while I would dab the image with the towel to get the paper residue off and see how well the image is coming along. {Using an image with so much white takes a little bit more care since it will blend with the acrylic paint, so...be careful not to rub too much}
*Repeat until all the paper has been rubbed off the image.

Once the image is dry take it out and spray with Acrylic Coating Spray. {Mod Podge will work great as a top coat as well}
*The clear coat will help protect the image since it is not going to be placed behind a piece of glass in a frame. It also helped the image pop out a bit and made it nice and crisp.

photo courtesy of Manda Jane Photography

Check out the steps to the Antique Frame that will be going with this image.

*I tried using this same image transfer technique with an Ink Jet image and it didn't work as well. Most of the image came up when rubbing the paper off and my fingers were blue for about a day and a half. Using an ink jet image might work well for an abstract project, where it doesn't need to be crisp.

Can You Guess....

We moved on New Years Eve. I know, not the best time to do it but that is really all that was available to us. My husband just finished his two Bachelor Degrees and so we moved back to be with family. Can I tell you I have loved being around family. We have time to visit everyone, when we used to come down on weekends we already had tons to do and we always felt bad about those that we didn't get to see.

I have a couple of projects to finish up and wanted to share what I have going on.

Can you tell from this picture what we will be making. They are so cute but why buy them when you can make your own and make them exactly how you want them!!! It might take some time but trust me, well worth it.

Not everything is where it should be since we have moved and I can not find my wire cutters. The gold beads have wire stems and I'll need to trim them down. So for now you will just have to wait in anticipation. Trust me, it will be worth it.

Neapolitan Floral Wedding Invitation

I designed my own wedding invitations and this one is a take off of it. The colors definitely remind me of Neapolitan ice cream. With the soft colors the design is simple and elegant while still remaining sophisticated. The font color for the names is taken from the photo to keep a consistent color scheme.

With the purchase of this listing, you will receive the high quality 300 dpi digital jpeg file that you can print yourself.

The announcement measures 5x7 inches but can be formatted to a 4x6 size. If larger prints are desired please convo me to set up a custom order.

~CUSTOMIZATION
On this design, the following customization options are available:
-font
-font color
-wording
-theme colors

~PROCESS
-Upon purchase, please email your information to alwaysbecreating.designs [!at] gmail.com or in the notes to seller
-Within 24-48 hours, I will send you a proof for your review.
-Upon completion of the design process, and your approval- I will email you the final file.

~PACKAGES
Invitation packages are also available!! Check them out.
http://www.etsy.com/shop_policy.php?user_id=10920771

~Optional Printing
Send me a convo to inquire about printing and cost.

If you like my style, but don't see what you are looking for contact me! I love custom orders!

Lace and Love

Lace and Love

Ok. Every time I come up with a new design it seems that is my favorite. This design was inspired by the lace trim around the bottom of a skirt. I simplified it and added some color but I love how it turned out. Black and white is a timeless and elegant combination and there is just the subtle addition of color.

With the purchase of this listing, you will receive the high quality 300 dpi digital jpeg file that you can print yourself.

The announcement measures 5x7 inches but can be formatted to a 4x6 size. If larger prints are desired please convo me to set up a custom order.

Love Birds Wedding Invitation ~ Change

Well as I spent more time looking at the Love Birds Wedding Invitation I was feeling like there was something not finished. The heading box needed a little something to break it up so this is what I came up with. I hope you enjoy!

There is a touch more elegance and it feels finished now. I love it.

Love Birds Wedding Invitation

Love Birds Wedding Invitation

The original idea for the love birds came from a custom order I had. The gal was looking for recipe cards to go along with the theme of her friends wedding. I was so excited about how they turned out and the customer loved them as well. The Love Birds invitation has a simple and elegant feel you are sure to enjoy and so will your family and friends!

With the purchase of this listing, you will receive the high quality 300 dpi digital jpeg file that you can print yourself.

The announcement measures 5x7 inches but can be formatted to a 4x6 size. If larger prints are desired please convo me to set up a custom order.

To go along with this announcement there are also Bridal Shower Recipe Cards. Check them out here. Everyone loves to know their work is appreciated, here is what my customer had to say...

"Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!
The recipe cards were absolutely perfect -
They went over so well at the Bridal Shower, the bride LOVED them.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make them
and then hurry and send them.
I definitely will visit your shop again..."

~CUSTOMIZATION
On this design, the following customization options are available:
-font
-font color
-wording
-theme colors

~PROCESS
-Upon purchase, please email your information to alwaysbecreating.designs [!at] gmail.com or in the notes to seller
-Within 24-48 hours, I will send you a proof for your review.
-Upon completion of the design process, and your approval- I will email you the final file.

~PACKAGESWedding packages are also available!!
-Sweet Pea ~ Your choice of all ready designed invitation plus two other cards of your choice {Thank You's, Save the Date, RSVP, Direction/Maps, Reception cards, etc.} $27.50
-Iris ~ Custom Designed Invitation plus two other cards of your choice {Thank You's, Save the Date, RSVP, Direction/Maps, Reception cards, etc.} $30.00
-Amaryllis ~ Your choice of all ready designed invitation plus three other cards of your choice {Thank You's, Save the Date, RSVP, Direction/Maps, Reception cards, etc.} $35.00
-Calla Lillie ~ Custom Designed Invitation plus three other cards of your choice {Thank You's, Save the Date, RSVP, Direction/Maps, Reception cards, etc.} $37.50

If you like my style, but don't see what you are looking for contact me! I love custom orders!

Chandelier Wedding Invitation

Chandelier Wedding Invitation

The look of a silhouette chandelier is a simple yet elegant design feature and I have enjoyed working on this one. Even with the design in one solid color the detail of the chandelier really stands out against the background but doesn't shout.

With the purchase of this listing, you will receive the high quality 300 dpi digital jpeg file that you can print yourself.

The announcement measures 5x7 inches but can be formatted to a 4x6 size. If larger prints are desired please convo me to set up a custom order.

~CUSTOMIZATION
On this design, the following customization options are available:
-font
-font color
-wording
-theme colors

~PROCESS
-Upon purchase, please email your information to alwaysbecreating.designs [!at] gmail.com or in the notes to seller
-Within 24-48 hours, I will send you a proof for your review.
-Upon completion of the design process, and your approval- I will email you the final file.

~PACKAGES
Wedding packages are also available!!
-Sweet Pea ~ Your choice of all ready designed invitation plus two other cards of your choice {Thank You's, Save the Date, RSVP, Direction/Maps, Reception cards, etc.} $27.50
-Iris ~ Custom Designed Invitation plus two other cards of your choice {Thank You's, Save the Date, RSVP, Direction/Maps, Reception cards, etc.} $30.00
-Amaryllis ~ Your choice of all ready designed invitation plus three other cards of your choice {Thank You's, Save the Date, RSVP, Direction/Maps, Reception cards, etc.} $35.00
-Calla Lillie ~ Custom Designed Invitation plus three other cards of your choice {Thank You's, Save the Date, RSVP, Direction/Maps, Reception cards, etc.} $37.50

If you like my style, but don't see what you are looking for contact me! I love custom orders!