Do you ever find stuff you forgot about? As I was hunting in my studio for something I needed for a class, I found a stack of photos that I’d saved while going through my parents’ plethora of photo albums. There must have been 50 of them – no joke! I remember saving a group of pictures to use for reference, but as my attention turned to other things, I forgot all about them until my recent hunting expedition. 😉
I was inspired to select a couple of my favorite images to use for this episode of Drama-free Friday. I began experimenting with the black and white photo of my childhood Boxer named Wendy. My parents bought her as a small puppy when I was only a few months. She was my constant companion until I was 14 years old.
To begin this project, I placed Tracing Paper over the photograph and traced 2 major shapes – Wendy's head and her body. Next, I scanned the small image into my computer using an inexpensive HP printer. After enlarging the image, I printed it out and chose some pastel scrapbook papers for fun. I placed the large image of Wendy on my Artograph Light Pad along with my chosen papers. After tracing the pieces with pencil, I created the details with a Dylusions Black Paint Pen and then inked the edges with Distress Oxide Inks. I then glued the pieces together with an Elmer's Xtreme Glue Stick and glued the entire image to Black Card Stock so a black outline would remain when I cut it out. I repeated the entire process with a second set of papers. I loved the way they turned out!
The paper Wendy images were too big for my card bases, so I scanned them into my computer where I could easily resize them. After a couple of tests, I printed my Wendy images on White Card Stock and cut them out with scissors. To eliminate the white edge of the card stock, I used a Black Brush Pitt Artist Pen. After the images were prepared, I selected colorful Pre-folded Card Bases and decided whether or not to add a mat. The mats are attached with double-sided tape and Wendy is glued with an Elmer’s Xtreme Glue Stick. To vary the cards (because I can’t stand doing exactly the same thing again and again) I challenged myself to add details with flowers, dog bones and tiny hearts. Of course it wouldn’t be a card I created without some words. I chose a variety of short sentiments that will fit a variety of situations. I absolutely love these cards! And I love remembering all the years Wendy kept my secrets. 😉
My dad was a Professor of Floriculture at our local university so it stands to reason that he took thousands of photographs of flora and fauna. I chose an image of a beautiful yellow lily from one of my parents’ many gardens. I used the same process to translate the image into paper. After printing the images in the size to fit my cards, I played with background color and finished creating the cards. I really enjoyed this image, too.
The great part about having these images in my computer is that I can print more anytime I need them! It’s a fun way to multiply my effort and remember special moments, too.
Be sure to click the images below to see the details.
Large Paper Pieced Wendy Dogs
Cards created using large images.
Don't you love the flowers?!
It's fun to use the larger images and position them so that
part of the dog extends beyond the edge.
The details make each card one-of-a-kind.
I love adding different backgrounds and embellishments.
Please join me for the next episode of Drama-free Friday on April 6 at 2pm Eastern. Artist Seth Apter will be joining me for a special Creative Chat. You definitely don't want to miss it!
Until next time ~
Remember to Get Creative today! It's Easy!!
Barb
PS! I almost forgot to remind you to visit Laraine Centineo's YouTube channel for some amazing inspiration. Also, check out Judy McCarthy's Etsy shop. Both are highlighted during this episode of Drama-free Friday!!
