My four year old helped me search our yard for 'letter shapes'. We found the 'L' on the wheel barrow, the 'O' in a daisy, the 'V' on a log in the wood pile, and the 'E' on the fence gate. We had fun, made a craft, and practiced the alphabet all at the same time. Can't beat that!
I started with just a plain 5 1/2" x 11 1/2" wood frame from the dollar store that had a chicken picture in it.
The wood was rough so it needed a little sanding before being painted. I stained the frame in dark walnut (to show through when it was distressed), spray painted it with Rustoleum's Heirloom White, and then distressed it. I did end up needing to add a touch of stain in the distressed areas with a small rag to darken it a bit more, probably because the stain wasn't completely dry when I painted it. I know, should have waited, but it was getting dark and I wasn't feeling very patient at the time. I was too excited to see how it would look when it was done! :)
I used a point and shoot camera on the macro setting to take the pictures then edited and cropped them to make the 'letters' in the photos stand out as much as possible.
After searching and searching online for free printable letter art, I wasn't able to find any, so if you'd like to use the one I made, you're more than welcome to. Just click on the image to bring it to full resolution and then save it to your computer.
FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY
*Please don't post these prints on your blog, thanks!
Sepia
Black and White
There are two side by side images here because this is how I printed mine. I figured I might as well print two at a time and not waste the extra photo paper. Just crop it to one image in a photo editing program before you print if you only need one.
Printing in Microsoft Photo Gallery
Open the image in photo gallery, select print, then select the paper size you want. (I selected letter.) Unselect 'fit picture to frame', then choose a template (I selected full page.). After printing it onto 8 1/2 by 11 photo paper (check your dollar store), I cut the image down to fit the size of the opening in my frame. I didn't get this right the first time, so if you're not sure if the size is right, print a rough draft onto regular paper first to check.
More Ideas
You could also print the image and then decoupage it onto a board, I have a few ideas in mind that I want to try that involve letter art and Mod Podge, I'll share them with you when I get a chance to try them.
One more look at the before and after...
This frame will hang as part of a grouping of family photos. I love that the pictures for the letters came from our own backyard, so they have meaning as well. If you have never tried this before, I highly recommend it, like I said, it's so fun! It might even change the way that you look at the world, you might start seeing it in letters. :)
Today's Fabulous Find...Letter Photo Art
I'm linking up to these fun parties. Click here to browse by the buttons.
this is just SO awesome and creative, jantet! thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteJanet- I have wanted to make one of these for soooo long! I am so excited to try this!! You are so nice to share:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet and original piece! I L*O*V*E projects that have a special meaning, especially projects that celebrate family.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been wowed by letter art, till now....and I especially love that the pix came from your yard, its makes it a million times better! Beautiful job!
ReplyDeleteI like the unique personal twist you gave this instead of just random letters from anywhere. It makes it special. Thanks for sharing! I came by from the somewhat simple link party and I'm a new follower!
ReplyDeletedarlingdoodles.blogspot.com
I love these picture letters! Turned out fabulous!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.releasemecreations.com
Great job! Looks really good. You have inspired me to go out and try a word of my own with my kids! :)~ Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDelete~Lisa @ Organized Chaos
I follow you so I saw this yesterday but I am popping over again today through Creation Corner. Thanks so much! I downloaded a copy for my house!
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteFor letters, check out
www.flickr.com/photos/lwr/collections/72157594587080023/
Thanks for the photos...it looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a creative idea! I love that you made it a game with your little one to search out the shapes/letters!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteNice... 'E' is my favorite of all the alphabets.
ReplyDeleteSaw your link on 'Coastal Charm'. I am hosting my first Link-up party - Tea Time Thursdays. Would be glad to see some of your awesome posts there. Hope to see ya at the party :)
http://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/2011/08/celebrating-one-party-time.html
Thanks so much! I love it~
ReplyDeleteSusan
Great job, will have to try this myself!
ReplyDeleteLove it! I have a similar look on the header of my blog.
ReplyDeleteladycrafter14.blogspot.com
To Tiffany: I really love the way that you made your letter art, especially the piano keys for the 'E'! That would have been perfect for mine, especially since it's hanging above my piano. Thanks for the link. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is the cutest idea! I'm going to make one and hang it in our bedroom. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful and so personal. I shall be looking around my home with a new focus!
ReplyDeleteGems x
AMAZING! I love letter art. Yours turned out fabulous. If you get a chance I would love you to link your love letter photo up to More the Merrier Monday. It lasts through Wednesday so you have plenty of time to stop by. See you there. http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteWhat a great piece of art...and how generous to share. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great DIY project! Thanks so much for sharing your print and the wonderful idea! Can't wait to try it! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! This will be my sister's wedding present.
ReplyDeleteThis is really nice, Janet! Your letter photos are awesome. Great job finding the perfect match for each letter!
ReplyDeleteI love what you've done with the frame. You've added heaps of character.
ReplyDeleteThese are AWESOME! Thanks for leaving a sweet note earlier, I LOVE your blog! I'm excited to be your newest follower and would LOVE for you to share the 'love' on your next visit!!!
ReplyDeleteXO, AImee
This is gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeletehi Janet ... love this very creative picture. Glad you are including your children in your projects. That is so important.
ReplyDeleteBlessings. Audrey Z. at Timeless Treasures. http://audreyzumwalt.blogspot.com
Love this! And thank you so much for the printable letters. So hard to find really nice ones. i made one of these myself, and it's harder than it looks... now I just need to find the courage to make another one form my son with the longer name!
ReplyDelete