Pinterest WIN: DIY Canvas Photos

I am unabashedly unashamed to admit that I am an avid pinner (psst... follow me over here!). Now, I'm also not afraid to admit that 85 percent of what I pin to my well-meaning boards will never come to fruition. That's ok. I had good intentions. BUT. I do still have a 15% success rate going for myself. Thank you, thank you! I have successfully used Pinterest to find new and interactive ideas for my classroom (including my dry erase objective picture frames, our moon finders, and noodle butterfly life cycles). I've attempted several new recipes, most with successful outcomes (um, helloooo Oreo cheecake cookies!), and I even created a Valentine's Day gift for Nathan here. Pinterest has been my go-to digital idea book, and not too long ago I came across the next project I was ready to attempt - canvas photos.

When Finn was born, we had his newborn and first family photos taken by the wonderful Denise Feagans Photography. Naturally, we were (and still remain) in love with her photos of our sweet little redhead. I had this vision for what I wanted to do with those photos, and it included much more than simply framing them and hanging them on the wall. I wanted to showcase them. I looked into creating them into wrap canvases... but SWEET CHEESUS, have you seen how expensive they are? To get everything I wanted I probably would have had to sell Finn on the black market. No thanks.

A little dismayed but deeply motivated, I took to Pinterest to find a new idea. I came across a pin that linked me to Ginger over at Literally Inspired on how to create canvas photo look-alikes for a FRACTION of the cost. Color me thrilled! I wasn't going to have to sell my baby after all!

For this project, you need only simple materials. Pictures, canvases (mine are from Hobby Lobby), black paint, mod podge and an application brush. I bought my pictures from mpix. Although they can be a bit pricier than other online printers their quality is amazing, and I happen to believe you get what you pay for. For the application brush, I had success using a 1 inch sponge brush leftover from a previous project.

Step 1: Paint the edges of your canvas black. I did two coats.

Step 2: Using the application brush, spread a thin, even layer of mod podge over the top of the canvas.

Step 3: Working quickly, place the photo face up on the canvas. Smooth out. I had little (as in zero) trouble with bubbles, but that was probably because of the weight of the photos I had.

Step 4: Spread a thin layer of Mod Podge over the top of the photo. I debated about whether to complete this step (fear of ruining those pricier photos, you know), but ultimately I am beyond happy I did. I did a layer of horizontal swipes followed by a layer of veritcal swipes. I found this gave my pictures an almost-canvas look to them, which after all was the look I was going for.

That was it! Super simple! Dearest husband hung them for me and is convinced we now need a few more to even out the look. I might just oblige him.

Sand Through the Hour Glass

"If I had a box just for wishes
And dreams that had never come true
The box would be empty, except for the memory of how
They were answered by you..."

-Time in a Bottle, Jim Croce


I believe the phrase, "Time Flies!" is one of the most overused phrases people use. I also think it's one of the most accurate. I've always felt that time goes by much more quickly than we would like it to, but I'm starting to believe it's sent into fast-forward mode once you have kids. What I'm trying to say is... can you believe Finn is already over two months old?!



I spend a lot of my time with Finn simply looking at him. I study his face. I've memorized the blue of his eyes and the way he pouts in his sleep. I've burned into memory the way he throws his little arms above his head when he's full and sleepy. I know time is going to slip by and my baby is not going to be a baby any longer. It's bittersweet. I'm tremendously excited for him to walk, talk, play, eat REAL food, but at the same time I know these are moments that I will never get back. Maybe it's that realization that makes me so appreciative of him and this time I have with him - poopy diapers and midnight feedings included.

Finn had his two month appointment with his pediatrician on August 2. I have to admit, it was not an appointment I was looking forward to as I knew it was time for his first round of vaccinations. While with Dr. Leary he was all smiles, and that made me feel even more guilty.  When it was finally time, Nathan held him and I cowered behind the counter because I just couldn't watch someone "hurt" him and know there wasn't anything I could do. He got four shots, two in each leg, and when he cried, I cried.  And then guess what? He was over it. I think the ordeal was much more emotionally damaging for me than it was for him. We'll get to do it all again at his four month appointment!

 

Currently at two months, Finn is 12 pounds and 7 ounces. I'd tell you how long he is and the circumference of his head buuuuut we accidentally threw out the sheet. Whoops. That's what we get for trying to be organized! I do know he is in the 75th percentile for everything and he is growing well. He has also started responsive smiling. He's been smiling since about five weeks, but within the past couple of weeks he has really started smiling when he sees us smiling or because he likes faces/noises/people. It's incredibly rewarding to see those sweet gummy grins. He has also recently started cooing. He likes and responds to, "Agoooo," and it's adorable when you can tell how hard he's trying to vocalize. Also, (knocking on wood as I type this...) we are officially sleeping through the night! Well, Finn is. Nathan is still sleeping through the day and I get up several times in the night to check on the one who is getting a substantial amount of the Zzzs. Don't worry. I realize how fortunate we are for this to be happening so early. I am counting my blessings.



I am looking forward to seeing what month three has in store for our little stinker. I have been back to work for the past week setting up my classroom and getting everything organized for the new school year. Then, after next Friday, I will be taking eight additional weeks of maternity leave. I need to soak up as much time as I can with this little dude.

"If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
I'd save every day like a treasure and then
Again, I would spend them with you"