An Unexpected Project

I have several projects lined up...as usual.  This one came about while working on another project that I will share in October, after I haul the completed works to the lower 48 and give to both my nieces.  Not sure they read this blog all that much, but of course it would be the time they did and would ruin the surprise :)  

My niece Liz (ex art major on the Left) made me 2 plaques Christmas before last that I will treasure for the rest of my life.  One is of the polar bears at the AK Zoo and one is of Amelia walking along the Kenai Beach at 2 or so.  Ever since then, I have wanted to do something like that.  I scoured Liz' Pinterest page and found what she did and then searched some more as the original project I intended to do this for was a bit more complicated.  

So, I tested my 2 nieces pictures on a slab of extra 3/4" plywood Rob had lying around.  I liked it so much I did one with Ryan too and figured I would cut them up and use as picture mementos to give each along with a disc of all the pics I took of them while they were here. 

The process is pretty simple and is all over Pinterest and I generally followed this: Photo Transfer to Wood

I used Liquitex Matte Gel Medium that I bought at Michael's with a 40% coupon for $8 or so.  Printed the pictures in black and white on our laser printer (has to be a laser printer so they say) and waited to rub off the paper.  After they thoroughly dried...I sanded a bit to see what they would look like roughed up.  I loved them! THEN I had Rob cut them as I wasn't intending to keep them or I would have cut the wood prior to the whole process if it was my initial intention.  Once cut, I sanded and sanded with a 150 or 22O grit paper (can't remember which) and used Formby's Tung Oil finish, that we have had on hand, on the exposed wood.  Then after the finish dried thoroughly, I sealed with Patricia Nimocks Clear Acrylic Sealer in a spray that I also had.

Finally, I had 3 claw hooks that were silver, so I spray painted them with gold that I had from the dresser knobs and attached to the back... Ta Da!  An unexpected project...completed. 

They were sent in the mail a few days ago...hope they like them :)

Again, these were meant to be a test for the...we will call it the "surprise" project.  I am glad I did it as it actually did not work out and I went another direction with the "surprise" project (wink wink).  However, SOO happy how these turned out and will probably make a few more during Christmas time with a little more thought and care as if they were not "unexpected" at all :)  Funny, watch the next ones not turn out nearly as nice.  That happens a lot to me...spend more time and attention and looks worse :P  We will see.

NOTE:  One thing I found is that light wood is needed for the wood photo transfers...not dark as the image won't be seen. 

And that is not all that went on this past week of course...

We had our 4th dental visit this past Tuesday where it was the first time she let them CLEAN HER TEETH!  WOW!  I am telling you she is getting braver by the day.  She was apprehensive at first, but then laid back and was fine :)  In all the other appointments, the dentist just looked at her teeth as she would have nothing to do with any sort of cleaning.

Then it was off to dance class where she had a private lesson!  She loved it, but was exhausted as there was no breaks while the other kids had their turn.   Already signed up for September.  I think (and I am not encouraging her either way) dance is her favorite.

Lastly, we headed to the zoo where we spent time with the less looked at animals, like the deer and the turkey.  We visited all the favs too (polar bear, wolves, tiger and musk ox) and had our traditional hot dog lunch at the cafe and smelled many of the gorgeous Alaskan sun-drenched flowers.  Seems as if we don't visit the zoo in the summer as there is so much more to do outside.  We tend to visit when there is snow and/or mud or just a hint of warmth in the air and hardly a visitor in sight.  This was a nice weather alternative ... but much more crowded :)

This week we also booked our trip to DISNEYLAND!!! WOO HOO!  Much more to come on that as we are going in March of next year.  I am thinking I am more excited than Amelia as she really doesn't grasp the whole Disneyland thing quite yet...she will soon. :)

Next week...the refinished table.  Hopefully it will be gone as I am putting it on Craigslist Monday :)  Wish me luck.