There’s kind of no way to have too many awesome photos in your house. Right? I mean, pictures….they bring back so many AMAZING memories. I love to be surrounded with memories.
I am constantly on the look-out for ideas. I adore Pinterest for the plain reason that I often think “that would be fantastic…” but then I forget.
When I saw this idea on Pocket Full of Whimsy I pinned it immediately. It’s pretty much amazing.
It was so much fun taking a spin on this idea. (And even more fun seeing my Mom’s face when I gave it to her!)
- I started by scanning an old picture of my Mom and her sisters sledding. It doesn’t need to be a very big picture, because we’re going to want it to look weathered.
- After opening the picture in my editing program (I use Photoshop…but ANY program can do this simple edit) turn up the “contrast” on your picture. This makes the white’s whiter…and the darks…darker.
- I also threw some “aging” on the picture by brushing a grunge graphic on the top. Totally optional.
- Next I cut a piece of medium weight canvas fabric to be a 8.5 x 11 size. Same size as a regular size of paper.
- Then I cut a piece of freezer paper to the same size. I talk a lot more in depth about freezer paper on this T-Shirt painting tutorial and also on this one where I painted a sweater.
- After cutting the piece of freezer paper, I ironed it onto the piece of fabric, and set it in my printer. (I have an Epson Artisan 800 Inkjet printer….because I know you’ll ask)
- And then….yep….I sent it right through. (and yes…I was scared…but it was so easy breezy. You wouldn’t even believe it!)
After catching my breath, from the sheer FANTASTIC-NESS of the outcome of my experiment…
- I removed the freezer paper and found some fabric to add.
The image was only 8.5 x 11…I wanted a pillow that was larger. The fantastic part is that you can do it however you want! I wanted a 2″ border around 3 sides and a 6″ border on the right side. (to make a nice rectangle pillow)
- Whatever you choose…add up the total and make a back piece to match the total area. (freak! Did I just ask you to do math? My SINCERE apologies. I HATE math!)
I also decided I wanted to add some fun feminine ruffles…since this is for my super cute Mommy….so I sewed those right onto the front panel.
- Next sew the two pieces (your patched piece with the print, and the back that should be the same size) right sides together, leaving about a 4″ or 5″ hole to turn it inside out.
- Then flip it around…shove a ton of stuffing in there…and hand sew up the opening.
Tah-Dah!!! A super personalized gift, or fun way to accessorize for different seasons. And isn’t the vintage-ee feel of the black and white photo SOOOOO amazing? Almost any photo, no matter the decade it was taken, could be fun and vintage feeling when it’s turned black & white. I pretty much need 15 of these. Pronto. Don’t you?
Excuse my confusion… Did you print ONTO the freezer paper that was ironed to the fabic? How exactly does that work? I would love to make one of these for my mom!
The freezer paper is just there to stabilize that fabric piece and make it like a piece of paper. The ironing just bonds it to the slick side of the paper. Then you remove it when you’re done printing.
Same question, did you print directly onto the canvas? And how do you think this will hold up if it gets wet? I love this idea– just trying to decide if it will survive with my two year old around.
Don’t know on the wet thing. You could probably find something that would seal it. So not sure on that one. But yes, directly onto the canvas.
I’ve made 2 memory quilts using that method instead of buying the premade photo sheets. But it is scary sending that fabric thru the printer. Fabric jammed in the printer could be a nightmare.
Love the pillow.
It totally could be a nightmare. But the freezer paper backing makes it very similar to a regular piece of paper. So hopefully…..no problems.
I have had trouble sending fabric through my printer.I use photo transfer sheets purchased at Jo Anns or other craft stores.You iron the printed picture onto cotton fabric.Many are washable just read the package for which are.
This pillow is adorable!
Such a great idea! I bet your mom loved it!!!! I love the fabric you used also.