Instant Download Fall and Christmas Art

Last Thursday was the official First Day of Fall - let's celebrate!  I have presents for you - at the end of this blog - keep reading!!

The past several weeks I've been re-vamping my Etsy shop and its new focus is Instant Download Digital Art.

It's fun for me to create it.  My process includes painting watercolor pieces and then scanning them to use in digital design.

I have always loved decorating with words.  I love to read, I love the written word, I love setting the tone for the space with the words you use - I believe in the power of words.

A couple weeks ago, I updated my blog header (see above ↑) to a watercolor turquoise background that I painted - to add some consistency to my brand - watercolors and modern calligraphy!

Soon after that I designed and unveiled my new Etsy logo:

and today I'm revealing my new Etsy header:

Here are some of my favorite designs for sale on my Etsy shop, The Burlap Flower and I would LOVE for you to go check out all of my designs and let me know what you think!

 

Thank you for reading my blog, thank you for checking out my 

Etsy shop and thank you for your support!! ♥

Present #1 - use coupon code FALL2016 to get 10% off anything in my Etsy shop

Present #2 - one of my Fall designs that you can download here for free!

Transferring a Printed Design to Wood

Last week, I posted about how I found a wooden box at Goodwill and upcycled it by removing the dated handle and painting the box with milk paint.  The other part of the project was to transfer a design onto the top of the box to make it even more Christmas/vintage looking.  My step 1 was to design what I wanted to transfer.  Taking it back to before step 1 - here is my design inspiration - the fictional Inn in one of my favorite Christmas films - White Christmas.

Back to step 1 - here is my design:

Step 2 was to reverse the image using photo editing software:

Then I did a test using a method I found online - which was to print on regular paper and brush the back with water and then rub the ink into the wood.  This method didn't transfer very well and came out kind of blurry and light.

So I searched for another method and found this tutorial on Pinterest that was very helpful: 

It directed me to print the reversed image on freezer paper, on the shiny side and then position it and rub over the back it with a credit card. The freezer paper is very important - not saran wrap, not waxed paper, not parchment paper - FREEZER PAPER.

Since I was using milk paint, which requires an oil rubbed finish, I decided to transfer the image on after I'd painted but before I applied the oil.  This is how it looked after that step.  I think I could have rubbed it harder and it would have come out darker, but I was worried it might smudge.

I gave time for the ink to dry and then I did applied the oil.  I was really concerned that the oil might smudge the ink, but it didn't!

Painting with Milk Paint

I found these two things at Goodwill last weekend - I took a picture of them together because the bracelet was the color inspiration for the box.

Here are two other "before" pictures.

Step 1 was to remove the handle.

I went to Hobby Lobby and I thought that I would get chalk paint, but right next to the chalk paint was milk paint - which I had never used and really knew nothing about.  I googled it right there in the aisle and decided I'd give it a try.  I learned it would paint flat and a little bit lighter and then you also buy milk paint oil and that will finish, smooth and darken the paint and give it a smooth luster finish.

Here are the paints I bought and if you want to try them, you can buy them here:

I did two coats of paint.  Here is the box painted with the milk paint. The darker patch in the bottom is the beginning of the finishing oil.

Here is how it looks when adding the oil - which you rub on with a soft cloth.

I really love the color and how it turned out - it is exactly what I envisioned!  I added plaid paper in the top and I'm crazy about how Christmas-y that makes it!!!  The cute gift tags in the picture below were handmade by my mom!

Next week - I'll blog about how I added the graphic to the top of the box!

Organizing a Family Photo

My family traveled to spend labor day weekend together and we have had a great time! Since we were all in one place, I organized a family photo. Everyone else just has to show up at picture time, but as I am the "picture taker" of our family, I put a lot of thought into organizing the photo.

1. I set the time and date. Just to make sure everyone will be there and there are no surprises. For the time, I picked an hour before sunset (also know as the "magic hour" for photographers).

2. With the collaboration of my mom and sisters, I picked the color palette. We chose navy, light blue, coral, white and khaki.

3. I got my camera equipment ready.  Last time we took a photo - I had the crazy job of setting the timer and then running as fast as I could (which is not very fast) back to my place in the photo.  (Until I got tired and made my brother-in-law do it!) so I went on Amazon to find a solution.  I have a Canon Rebel T3 and the only remote clicker that works with it has to be plugged in.  So I discovered that a 2.5mm Stereo Headphone Extension Cable would work as an extension for the remote I have!  This is what I got:

I made sure my battery was charged and packed up my camera, lenses and tripod (along with the remote and new remote extension cord).  Unfortunately I used my telephoto lens and the extension cord wasn't long enough. 

4.  Then I thought about posing.  I loved the pose for our last family photo (taken two years ago), but I wasn't sure if I wanted to use it again or try something new.  

5. Normally I would already have a place/backdrop in mind and would visit the site at the exact time of day to get a feel for the lighting or any peculiarities to that location, but since we were headed to the small town in western Kansas where my sister's family lives, I didn't have the chance to scout the location.  I knew her backyard was an option or the park nearby.  I thought I'd check out the downtown area and any fields nearby as other options and make a decision once I was there.  I ended up choosing the park. 

6. Props - I considered a bunting to hang in the background, but decided against that.  I wasn't sure if we'd need chairs or stools - again, I figured I'd assess our options once I was there.  I didn't end up using any. 

7. Having a 4 year old, 2 year old and 5 month old in the photo presents a special challenge.  A lot of times when taking photos of just the kids, I make use of the parents and grandparents to get them to look at the camera and smile, but since all those people were in the photo, I needed something else for them to look at and smile at.  I decided on a Minnie Mouse balloon from Dollar Tree.  I tied it to my camera to capture the kids attention.  I think it did give them a focal point...but it was crazy windy outside and  it may have own the camera off center a few times so that wasn't good.

Here's the big reveal!!  All this planning and organizing resulted in a pretty great family photo!