Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Valentine typography tutorial

Have you seen all the beautiful typography that is all over everywhere...if you haven't, I think you might need to get out a little more.  All the fonts, the sayings, the colors, the words are quite the rage...There are tons of computer tutorials for these letter beauties.  However, sometimes one can get discouraged about their own limits of creating in this technology driven world.     When someone begins with just go to photoshop and reverse the image and then use the layers effect.....well you lost me at just go to photoshop, I actually thought we were shopping! No, not really but with me, hands on is still the best approach.  So what is a gal to do to create some of her own typography?  
Head to your stash of scrap-booking stickers and find some words, thoughts, expression, letters and let the magic begin...


Sweet valentine's stickers that I've had for years!!
Regular printing paper
Position your stickers on copy paper, copy it and then you will have two copies to
create a larger piece of typography.

Next you will need freezer paper, muslin, scissors and an iron.
Iron muslin to freezer paper, shiny side up. No steam!! By the way, best iron ever
Black and Decker Classic - nice and heavy! Trim muslin to fit in the the paper tray of your printer.  Make sure that the muslin adheres firmly to the freezer paper, paying close attention to the corners.  
Using your arranged sticker paper and your printer, place the prepared muslin into the paper tray (* I remove all of the paper so as not to have any paper jams).  This is the printed muslin after it has gone through the printer...
I created varying shades- so as to create different effects.  You could even do a black and white--ooh, that would be so beautiful..I'm going to do this once I finish this post.  



a better view of the printed muslin  
You are my everything!!-Isn't that truly the best sentiment ever!!

I have already begun to use the lightest muslin as a trio of hearts -perhaps as a banner or as little sachets. You could frame the printed fabric, add it to a project or let this be the project!! Any way you choose, it is a great and easy way to create typography for that Love-ly Holiday!!

If you would like to check out another trio of hearts, my Linen Hearts are featured in the current issue.
Heart Wreaths for everyday decor--that's me!!!

Linen Love-- these hang in my home all year long.. Love isn't only for a day - it is for a lifetime.   
I would love to know of your heart-felt projects and inspirations.  Feel free to share on my first ever link party- a heart full of linen, love and inspiration!! and we will have a giveaway at the end of the party!! So let's link up with lots of love.....

P.S.  Don't worry, we are not in Hawaii as the link says- just a first timer forgetting to change the time zone.  We are still in the great state of Texas!!

Until next time--Blessings

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Linen Love

I am so honored and excited to be in the new issue of Somerset Life.  A beautiful publication that showcases living the life through creative avenues.  My trio of linen wreaths are featured on page 56.  They are wonderful and carefree to make - a little linen, a little embellishing and a whole lot of love!!


My wreath article made the cover- not the picture but still am on the cover!!!

Linen Love!

A close up (photo from home) of one of the hearts
I do hope this inspires you to keep wreaths up all year long -As these will grace my windows long after Valentine's Day is over - we can always use a little {linen} love in our homes!!

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Every day is a gift

Even though Christmas Day has past, the decorations have been put away, and Bing Crosby's White Christmas along with all the other holiday songs have been shuffled off of our play list...Every day is a Gift.  If we choose to see the beauty and the blessings in every day -yes, even the worst of days, they in time will become a cherished part of who we are.  Someone once told me (in regard to parenting) that the days are slow but the years are fast.  I find that the days go fast and the years go faster.  I want to be the person who cherishes each day and more so the people whom I share that day with!  I also want to prioritize my days, so that my energy, my talents and my time will help to make the day a gift for my husband, children, parents, friends and those who I come into contact with.  It may mean slowing down or saying no to all that come along.  It may mean seizing the opportunity or saying yes to the important.   One thing for certain that I know is that it will be seeking with my whole heart (and yes, my calendar) - the Lord...who will make my paths straight, who will help me prioritize my days, who will see me through all of my days - and who is the giver of all good things.  

As I began to re-decorate the outdoors- Here's what I came up with....



Before

Love Every Day!

The table

Love Every Day "alpha card'-one of my favorite things to create

a  gift-slate hearts from my sister

Larger view of the table-(studio in the background)

My sentiment - exactly!!

So now each day when I walk to the hens, to the studio, to the pool, to the outdoor kitchen or to sit by the fire-(or even to take out the trash) ...my eyes will read and my heart will know that indeed-


Every day is a gift!!