Here's another inexpensive, cute art project I have put together for the "eclectic gallery wall of randomness" in my kids' bathroom.
I loved this awesome vintage puppy image I found a while back on Just Something I Made and knew I wanted to incorporate it into the gallery wall. The puppy in the bath tub seemed appropriate somehow. I printed out the image and held onto it, not sure exactly what I was going to do. If all else failed, I knew I could just frame it and call it good, but I hoped maybe I could get a little more creative.
I had an 8x10 canvas in my craft closet that was just begging to have a puppy on it. The first thing I had to do was make a color copy of the picture. You need a laser-printed image, NOT an ink jet version. When I made my copy I used the mirror image setting so that the lettering would turn out right on the finished project.
Next I cut out my image and brushed a pretty thick layer {about 1/16"} of the photo transfer medium on the FRONT of the copy. The layer should be thick enough that you can't really see the image underneath. I placed the paper face-down in the center of my canvas and pressed it down really well, removing all air bubbles and creases. I used a damp cloth to remove any excess medium that came out around the edges. {There wasn't much.}
Now comes the hardest part of this entire project -- wait 24 hours for the photo transfer medium to cure. I'm not a patient crafter. Like, not at all. It was torture. I actually only waited about 18 hours because it was killing me. I followed the directions on the back of the card to remove the paper. Basically, I just used a wet cloth to scrub it off. The paper comes right off and the cute puppy magically stays put. It's pretty cool! You can see how there are a few imperfections where the color didn't transfer as well.
That may have been because I didn't wait long enough or because I didn't press the image on well enough in the beginning. I don't know, but I kind of like the aged look of it. It adds to the vintage character. To finish it off I stuck some washi tape that looks like a ruler around the edges {that will tie in with another element of the gallery wall -- you'll see soon!} and used a pencil to dirty up the edges of the canvas a little bit.
I finished the whole thing off by painting on a couple more coats of Mod Podge. I love the way it turned out!
Stayed tuned for more bathroom and gallery wall projects. Have a great weekend!

How have I never seen your blog before? I love your work and your style! I'm your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteMorena @ morenascorner.blogspot
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!! What a fantastic way to use the puppy graphic! Thanks so much for linking over.
ReplyDeleteCathe Holden, JustSomethingIMade.com
This is adorable! I can't wait to see the finished bathroom! Seriously, that mod podge transfer stuff is so very cool! I can't wait to try it myself. How stinking fun is that!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute! I am going to have to give this a try. I am visiting from the Tater tots and Jello link up and thought I would stop by and say hi. I am a new follower! Hope you will stop by http://www.garagesalesrus.blogspot.com/ and do the same.
ReplyDeleteRobin