Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Etceteras: artwork from your favorite print

Shutterfly Print via homework (5)

Artwork from your favorite print has been made possible by Shutterfly and Looksi Square.

Over the years I’ve taken lots of pictures. For this blog, family, our home, kid activities, vacations and more. Somewhere along the way, I stopped creating photo albums and just saved the photos to files on my computer or on a disc or flash drive.



Shutterfly Print via homework (10)When Shutterfly offered me some complimentary prints with the challenge to create something with them I was intrigued. I real print? That you order? It had been years. I uploaded my prints to Shutterfly and then presto – within a few days they were in my mailbox. There’s something exciting about opening that package of prints. It reminded me of the old days of film cameras. Dropping that roll off in a drop box and excitedly picking up the photos and looking through them. Oh how times have changed.

The prints were gorgeous. So different than printing them out on your own home printer. The images were clear and sharp and there’s no comparison in the quality of color versus my inkjet photo printer.


Shutterfly Print via homeworkI chose a photo of a rusty pitcher and a white flower for my project. I love the detail of the patina and rust and the in-focus flower. For my project, I decoupaged layers together to give the appearance of a double mat. Here’s the step-by-step:
  1. Choose a cardboard mat or cut one to fit your frame. Add a layer of fabric smaller than the cardboard mat. I intentionally didn’t cut my fabric perfectly to make it more interesting. Cover the cardboard and fabric with a layer of Mod Podge Matte Finish. Let dry.
  2. Position your photo on top of the fabric and cover the photo and mat with another layer of Mod Podge.
  3. Don’t panic. Although the Mod Podge looks like it has completely covered your print it will become more transparent as it dries.
  4. The subtle brush strokes will remain on your print adding an interesting layer of texture.

Shutterfly Print via homework (4)This photo shows the brush strokes on the completely dry print. It resembles wood grain and I’m sure you could experiment with different brushes and finishes for different looks.


Shutterfly Print via homework (8)I’m using my new print in our bathroom. It’s amazing what a small change can do to a shelf. The old print was was starting to fade and looked dated.


Shutterfly Print via homework (6)
Even the lotions and potions look prettier next to the new print. Like I said, it’s amazing what a small change can make.

Shutterfly Print via homework (12)When was the last time you ordered prints? Visit Shutterfly to get started.

Thanks for visiting.

Signature Box 3




Looksi and Shutterfly have invited me to participate in a creative brand collaboration. I have been provided with product compensation for this post, but all opinions are my own.

11 comments :

  1. Love your idea of turning old photo files into art prints! Btw, we still order prints of the most special family photos, because my mom insists that looking at images on a screen doesn't make sense!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Carolyn, this is absolutely beautiful ~ love your creativity! {as always} pinning and sharing

    ReplyDelete
  3. Carolyn, it's beautiful! I have some Modge Podge in the garage and might have to try this. And I totally agree with you about the prints. When I opened mine I was shocked at the quality. They were so much prettier once they were out of my computer & phone!
    :)
    Elena
    acasarella.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, I'm definitely going to keep ordering prints.

      Delete
  4. That turned out so pretty! I think you're right. Night and Day between doing it yourself and having a professional quality print.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love this idea! And I totally agree with how gorgeous the "real" prints are versus what we are used to with our own printers! LOL Thanks for some great inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Prints are super nice things that we have forgotten about. It's so nice to see, I'm not the only one still in love with them. Even my instagram shots look really nice, when I order them as prints.
    I use a squareprint app to order. Works a bit better in Europe.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Not only is this idea good, but your photos are so good...even the ones in this tutorial. Good idea, well-done.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great project! I love Shutterfly, I always order cards for both sets of grandparents with pics of my son and they LOVE it!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. I enjoy reading and responding to your comments. If you do not hear back from me via email your profile is most likely defaulted to no reply-comment or anonymous and I am unable to respond.