Typewriter art

This idea is really cute. I don't know that I would do this exact thing, but the technique would work for other ideas as well.

From http://nikkicleary.blogspot.com/

a close up shot of the chiseled groovemom, using a paintbrush to really get in the grooves with the antiquing effect
antiquing the squares with the rag and paint
lori, dragging the chisel to create the grooves
our finished product


I have been receiving requests from women who googled "typewriter key wall art" (and from there they found my blog) and they have wanted to know how I made my Pottery Barn replica.
Well, here is how we did it step by step...

• found the typewriter font FREE here http://www.typadelic.com/typekeys.html, downloaded it and then created a document in photoshop, typed the letters/numbers in and blew them up to the size we wanted (if you dont have photoshop and are planning on making your board 25x25", e-mail me and I will send you the jpg files). We printed them out on cream cardstock and then cut all the circles out.
  
• cut a piece of plywood board 25x25" square
• marked a grid 5 lines evenly spaced horiz and 5 lines vertical. Then we used a metal straight edge ruler and dragged the corner of a chisel down the lines to create the grooves
• take a rag, wet a corner with odorless mineral spirits, dab where its wet onto the top of a tube of dark brown oil paint and use that to antique each square...making sure it really gets in the groove to make them stand out. (Hint: if you make it too dark, just wet a clean corner of your rag with the mineral spirits and wipe off till you get the desired effect.
• adhere your letters and numbers in the center of each square using either spray adhesive or a quick dry tacky glue. Brayer over them to make sure they are stuck down good.
  
• hammer tiny black nails (we found a box of 100 at Lowe's for about 3 or 4 bucks) into the four corners of your squares
• cut frame to size and nail together
• hang and enjoy!!

Frame for future grandparents

I think this idea is really cute! Not that I have any kids right now, but it would be fun to make when we have them in the future! :)

From http://livelaughmakesomething.blogspot.com

As you can tell by the date, Grandson and I made this little lovely several years ago. We made the original one for Oldest Daughter for Mother's Day that year. It didn't take me long into the process to know that I wanted one, too! Even though I've had this for quite a while, I thought that it's still a delightful gift that is sure to please! Be sure to make one for yourself as well... It would be tough to part with this little jewel!

Here's the step-by-step...

One 4x6 black and white photo with rub-on letters or a phrase along the top edge. Cut three 4x6 rectangles from white or cream cardstock.

I used letter rubber stamps to hand stamp my "definition" onto white cardstock. You could also print this from your computer.

Trace that precious little hand with a crayon onto white cardstock.

I used a different definition for each of us. I have a cheap paperback dictionary that I use to cut from for different projects. Allow a large border around the edges when you cut it out. Lay the cut paper on top of the hand print and pencil sketch a rectangle that is the size of the definition. Make a slit in the center and tear along your pencil line. Lightly ink the torn edges with an ink pad or marker. With adhesive, attach the definition to the back of the hand print with the definition showing through the opening. I used letter eyelet charms to spell out "age". You could also add a bit of white or cream acrylic paint to the letters and wipe away the excess if you'd rather the letters be lighter in color. I think Michael's still carries these letters by Making Memories. You could also print something similar from the computer or a small label sticker or rub-on. Add a sticker or rub-on number for the actual age. Later you will trim this to fit into the frame.

I had him draw a heart with a crayon. Notice from the lines that he first draws an open "m" for the top and then a "v" to make the bottom. Even to this day, he still draws a heart this way. So charming I think. I then told him to write his name inside. He said, "Gwanmama, can I write the "O" furss (first)?" "Honey, you surely can." answered his adoring grandmother. When Grandaddy walked in for lunch, he excitedly shouted, "Look Gwandaddy! We're making sump'in." umm.umm.umm. Don't date it yet.

Cut a piece of black cardstock to fit inside your frame. Mine is an 8x10. If your handprint is large, you'll of course need a bigger frame and maybe even a larger black grid in the center and a bit around the edges. I kept trimming my four 4x6 pieces until they fit into the frame. Ink all of the edges. Place the black cardstock inside your frame withOUT the glass. Trim the pieces to fit inside the frame. Make the top two the same size and the bottom two also equal to each other. I used scrapbooking adhesive to attach the photo and cardstock pieces to the black cardstock, leaving a black grid in the center. Date the bottom right corner. Now you're all done! Frame and collect the compliments.