Spring Garden projects

Spring is plowing full speed ahead here in Phoenix. I have been spending almost every morning and sometimes the better part of the day outside playing in the garden. Our hot, hot  Summers are going to be here before we know it (and before we are ready!)

My garden is mostly a container garden due to the really bad soil we have here,  so I am always looking for lovely pots to use. I decided to use one of the many techniques for image transfers that I have seen online, to create some new pots and I am so pleased with the results!!

This one I created using Graphics Fairy images. The original image had something in the center that didn't like, so used my Photoshop Elements program and replaced it with a cute bee.

I kept these simple with some graphic numbers. Part of the image rubbed off the number 3, but it just adds to the aged look.

Another Graphics Fairy Image. The pots I used for most of these, had already been in the garden for a while and were already developing the wonderful crusty scaling that our pots get out here. It really helps create that old look that I was after.

This is my favorite one. If you speak French you will know that the combination of images make no sense. I didn't care (since I don't speak French anyway!) I just loved the way they looked together.

I created the image in Photoshop and then reversed it. The Graphics Fairy has some lovely images that are all set to go and sometimes she reverses them for you too. You could also use Pages (if you have a Mac) or I think you can also reverse an image in Word (if you have a PC).

 This method of image transfer works best on a white base since the paper is white and will be harder to see if there is any residue left.

I then just cut out the design pretty close to ink line. (It really helps if you cut out a large image into several elements) Then I applied some matte Modge Podge to the images and layed them face down onto the pot. I gently rubbed the back of the paper to make sure the image was adhering well to the pot and then let it dry for several hours. Once it was completely dry,  I added water to the paper and began gently rubbing the paper off of the pot. The ink and the layer of Modge Podge stays on the pot and presto, image transfer complete!! If you find there is still white paper residue left after the pot dries again, just add a little bit more water and (again) gently rub the rest of the paper off.

I sprayed the pots with an outdoor matte polyurethane just to be sure the image wouldn't come off in the weather.

This method also works great on wooden signs!!! 

I used some old fence boards and cut them to size with a regular old saw. Then I sanded them and painted them and used liquid nails to adhere two slats of wood to the back so the pieces of fence had something to glue them together.

After the image transfer was complete, I went back and added some white paint to the butterfly to really make it pop.

(Too bad I couldn't apply the words straight!!)

I hope you are all able to get out and enjoy some Spring weather!!

I'll be linking up with Becky for Blissful Whites Wednesday this week!!!