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Wednesday, April 3, 2013

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!!!

35 comments:

...& 50 & Feisty & The Rules Don't Apply said...

Beautiful! Your photography as always draws me in...

Be Blessed,
lvg

This N That said...

Beautiful...
love your sense of style..

lynn cockrell said...

Karen, your pots are lovely and so is the sign. You did a really good job on everything. The Graphics Fairy is a wonderful site to get graphics. Transferring graphics and photographs is one of my favorite things to do and I have used this same method for making coasters out of tiles. It is such a treat visiting your blog. Thanks for sharing your beautiful projects with us!

bobbie said...

Beautiful pots!! And who the heck cares about straight lettering ~ I think your sign looks beautiful!!!

Yvonne said...

It's hot here already too. I'm in South Texas. I have a hard time keeping things alive, as the soil is not good here either. I can only grow certain things unless they are in pots. I love your transfer pot idea. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the inspiration and the tutorial. Your gardens are wonderful!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

You have such a lovely yard, Karen! It looks like you get some nice shade, which I'm sure is welcome on your hot Summer days. Great job on the pots! This is a great way to get a custom look on some plain terracotta pots.

Rhonda said...

You can tell you've spent a lot of time with your yard and patio, it is simply gorgeous, Karen. All your wonderful French touches, j'adore!!

Lori said...

I love getting your posts. Your house and garden are just gorgeous! It's still too early to start planting here in southern Maine--we start at the end of May. I'm going to have to try and add graphics to my pots. thanks for the inspiration as always, Karen.

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

Now, aren't you just the BEST! Love, love the pot transfers, how neat! Your garden area is so inviting and would love to see it in person. Who knows, maybe one day I'll head that way. Happy April!

Maureen said...

Such a wonderful yard Karen, like the rest of your home.

We are still patiently awaiting Spring - more snow is on the way. Geesh...

Can't wait to try some of these techniques outdoors too!

Shirley said...

Hi Karen, I am taking some me time to catch up with my friends tonight. I went to the nursing home earlier to see hubby. It is starting 7 months and I don't know if he will ever walk again. I loved your pictures and wish mine would turn out better. I am debating whether I want to try to grow some flowers of not this year. I know I am going to try to do my own yard work. Have a wonderful day. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

Stacy's Shabby Shoppe said...

Just beautiful and I am absolutely DROOLING over your fabulous covered patio area. I just LOVE that! xoxo

Shabby chic Sandy said...

I love your pots! We have good soil but I really love container gardening. Enjoyed your post!

Unknown said...

I already feel summery by reading your post. Unfortunately you can't feel that here in England. Have a lovely spring!

Anonymous said...

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Federica
smartchicdietreadbooksandfly.blogspot.it

Beth said...

Hi Karen, Your garden looks just beautiful. I liked seeing your pup enjoying the lawn. The view of the patio with your containers is gorgeous! Good job!

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Hello Karen
The pots with the graphics turned out really well. We're just starting in to spring here,it's still only in the 40's.
Judith

Cyn said...

looks great!

Lily's Lace said...

I love the transfers and I love how the pots look, fab job dahling! AND I love how you have the little pin it next to each photo, such a smart girl. Alas our summers are a lot like yours, everything is green until about July then it's scorched. It looks beautiful. you did a great job!xoxoxo-cindy

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing. Looking at your garden makes the wait until I can finally start on mine bearable. Such an inspiration!

Marie Lost Bird Studio said...

Hi Karen,
your flower pots are gorgeous.Love the one with the butterfly.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs,
Marie

Pendra said...

Beautiful pots and beautiful gardens, thanks for sharing your lovely projects! We still have snow in Minnesota, in fact we had little flurries this afternoon. My garden won't look this pretty until at least July...so I'll just have to visit online until then!
Hugs,
Pendra

Faye said...

It's all beautiful! Your yard does not even look like it's in Arizona, you have grass?! We just bought a winter home SE of Tucson and this is my first full winter here, I am trying to stay out of the nurseries because I know I'll come home with more than I can handle. I dream that someday I'll have a yard here that looks just half as pretty as yours! And yes, it sure is heating up quickly. I'll be watching for more 'yard' photos!

Foxhollow Studio said...

I loved your info on how to put these transfers on the flower pots and wood. I had read that before but seeing just how beautiful it is inspired me to try it. Your garden is beautiful like you Karen. Best wishes, Teresa

Barb said...

Oh Karen, you not only have an eye for decorating, but a green thumb as well, love what you have done and the "pup" in the backyard.
Barb

Art and Sand said...

I love all your containers. I have lots of containers in our front yard so you have given me lots of inspiration.

Rebecca Nelson said...

You've got the eye, Karen.

Just wanted you to know I mentioned you on my blog today and made a link to one of your old posts. But when you go to it your page is kinda messed up. Not sure what is up with that!

You are so talented.

xoRebecca

Mom E. said...

Karen,
These are so wonderful! I am going to try this,. I have ideas too, but now I will do it!
Thanks for shiring how to do it!
Hearts to you!
Betsy
ps I knew a Karen Valentine growing up!

Rustique Gal said...

Karen, I LOVE the pots and the sign! I have been thinking of image transferring and I think this is the first one I'll try. GF has wonderful images, some of which would be perfect for the garden. I also have an idea for a pillow...! Now, to get to work. My garden isn't ready for planting yet--we had sleet all day today. Have a great week,
Hugs,
Sherry

Heidi said...

Your pots are awesome. I want to make some- can you share your tecnique or a link to the one you used? I know there are a few out there but was curious as to which type you used. Thanks!

Vicki Boster said...

Karen- your container garden is gorgeous! How wonderful to spend the morning digging in dirt-- is such a tranquil and beautiful place. Your pots are the perfect compliment to the blissful setting you have created. I imagine this would be a perfect place to enjoy your mornings..

Enjoy your beautiful spring-- finally it has arrived here!
Vicki

Epic Thread said...

Oh, I'm jealous. I'd love to have a garden like this.

Jillian
http://epic-thread.blogspot.com/

20 North Ora said...

Karen - Thanks for the lesson on transferring with Mod Podge! Your pots turned out really cute. Your photos are so pretty.

Judy

Devon Smith-Breidel said...

Your pots are wonderful Karen! We'll have to make some for Bunco prizes!!!!

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