dixie's prints charming

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Lance with their new daughter Lauryn, with big brother Abram. Next photo is sweet Lauryn, and then big brother Abram and grandma dixie with baby Lauryn. What a beautiful blessing in our lives. Mom and baby are doing well. :) New ideas are on hold for a couple of weeks.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

For the past few weeks I've been taking an online Illustrator class. Although it has been challenging, I'm excited about all the techniques I'm learning so that when I grow up I can design my own digital art! :) After I take my final exam, I will get back to reality and keep up to date on new art, prints and ideas. Thanks for your patience.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Here are just a few projects to get you started. Both of these prints are 8x8 and were mod podged on 9x9x 1/4" wood. Then to give it more dimention, I glued it to a 10 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1/2" piece of unfinished wood that I painted black then sanded the edges for a more rustic look.

On this print, I added buttons because I had them...and I also thought it went well with the quilted look of the print. I've been surprized to find many items around the house to use with my prints. I've used a lot of buttons, ribbon, and shiny BLING things! To glue the pieces of wood together, I used AMAZING E-6000. It's great stuff, however it will stink up your home so I'd advise you to do this part of the project in your neighbors house. Okay, so your garage or outside on a sunny day would be the best choice! :)

Once the glue has dried, I brush a light layer of matte mod podge over the print, making sure I brush back and forth in one direction.

I've been busy, however, it's time well spent if I can help someone with a project. I've always had a desire to design my own creations. So I decided to start my idea gallery that will turn out to be a collage of ideas for you and your children to enjoy. I believe we need to spend more time with our children doing more constructive activities. Summer is just around the corner. It's a great time for them to learn creative skills. This summer I will post some ideas you can do with your children. So come back often and hope you find a project you would enjoy making with your child.

I also design 12x12 calendars that you can use year after year. There are twelve designs, one for each month of the year. (See January above.) Or, I also have seasonal prints available that come in a package of four for spring, summer, winter, and fall. Below is a picture of the fall print. I purchased a 12 x 12 plastic calendar overlay at a nearby craft store that fits directly over the print. I also purchased an unfinished wooden frame that fits the 12 x 12 print, painted it black, and sanded it for a more antiqued look. Under the print is a 12 x 12 metal sheet that can also be purchased at most craft stores. I glued it directly to the inside of the frame using Amazing E-6000. (again, the neighbors house :)) The print lays on top, and the clear plastic calendar sheet over that. These are held on with magnets. You will need a Bistro Chalk Marker to write the dates on the plastic sheet. This wipes off easily with a damp cloth. I also sell a print with special holidays, names of the months (for the seasonal calendar prints), and several events that are bound to happen in your busy life. These are circles and ovals that you cut out and glue onto the flat side of glass drops,(also available at craft stores) using rubber cement. Once it is dry, you can glue a small circle magnet to the back using Amazing E-6000. This is a good activity for your children to get involved in. Not only will they love it, it will keep them off the cumputer for awhile! :)