Saturday, November 13, 2010

Decorate with your own personal photo!


A personal photo made into vinyl art on an old shower door using Inkscape:



I L.O.V.E. this idea. It incorporates so much of what I love about using vinyl decals to craft: It re-purposes something (which makes it affordable), adds 3-D art to an otherwise bare wall, and immortalizes a very personal moment in our lives. 

Who wouldn't want a beautiful, meaningful photo turned into immortalized artwork?!


A tutorial on using Inkscape to outline a photo for vinyl: 
Step 1: Pick out your photo

(This is from our wedding day. Aren't we cute?! I chose this picture because we looked so natural and in love. A great reminder of that perfect day to see all the time!)

Step 2: Download Inkscape photo editing software for FREE!



Step 3: 
Import your picture into Inkscape


Step 4:
From the top menu, choose Path and Trace Bitmap


Step 5:
Increase or decrease the Brightness option and click "Update" until you are satisfied. 


Step 6:
Drag the bitmap (black) outline away from photo and delete original photo so only the bitmap is left. 


Step 7:
Go back to Path and choose "Simplify" This will smooth out some of the lines of your image. If you prefer the original bitmap from Step 6, then skip this step. 


Step 8:
Save this image and upload to a vinyl design program. 


Step 9: 
Apply to desired surface. 

 I used one of the glass sliding doors I previously took off of our shower. I am so glad I saved those doors! I simply unscrewed the handle/towel holder, cleaned it, and applied the vinyl.  It was the perfect size to make a real statement on our wall!


If you L.O.V.E. the look and idea of this vinyl-ized photo, but don't have the energy to create it yourself you can order one here

Have fun with it! Play around with different photos! Adding photos to your space can fill it with love and good memories, but try something a little more out-of-the-picture-frame!

Remember: The world is yours to personalize. Empower your inner designer!


1 comment:

  1. Very cool! Thanks for auditioning for American Crafter:)

    ReplyDelete