Tutorial: Easy Logo Transfer

I read a lot about different DIY's on how to transfer a design or picture from paper to another medium like wood and stone. I needed an easier way to transfer my logo to boxes. 

I received a large box of photobook boxes from a photography friend. I thought I could use them to send my crochet items, since they are very strong and sturdy. But I wanted to add my logo on the boxes. I could always buy a cool stamp to mark them, but I have a finished order I need to send this week. I also wanted to make the design look handmade, so I went with this option.

I created a simple design with my Hand Craft Love logo and typed in "made especially for you by". I thought I had to do the design backwards, but I realized I didn't have to.

Flip the paper to the back side, mark the area of the design and color it in with a pencil. 

This is one of the best ways to recycle paper.

Once the back side is colored in with pencil, cut the design out and tape it on the box or wherever you want it placed. 

Then you start tracing the letters or design. Make sure you press hard to make a soft mark on the box.

I wanted to color the logo in, so I traced around the letters and design.

This is the result. It is very light, but it is easy to trace with a pen or colored pencils. I wanted to paint the logo in, but I don't have a good paint brush. 

Here is the letters and the logo colored in. I ended up tracing the logo too, so you can see the letters better.

I still want to add more colors on the box, maybe even some watercolors. I bought this cheap acrylic at the dollar store, but the brush is no good. I might need a little more practice before I start painting. I could have also painted the box first then added the design. Good thing I have plenty more boxes to practice! 

I think it's pretty good for someone who is not as artistic. :)

You can also use this technique with chalk instead of pencil, and you can use to stencil letters on chalkboards and wood. It's easier to see pencil on light surfaces and chalk on dark surfaces.

 

Vintage News Junkie: Barn Wood Sign

Simply Sara D: DIY Perfect Chalkboard Lettering

DIY Father's Day Gift Ideas

I've been working on crochet project so much, I don't want to forget Father's Day. My dad is a special breed. He's not a fan of any sport team. He doesn't grill. He's techie, but I don't have the funds to get him that type of present. He likes certain music, but he doesn't buy CD's or music online. Remembering the father's day gift list from a father that I posted last year, I am still in the same boat this year.

The one thing my father does have is a movie collection. He loves "action, adventure, science fiction". That's what he says every time we ask him what movie he'd like to watch. He's particular about his movies too, so most of the time movie pickings are slim. I always have to check with my sister to see if we have a certain movie. 

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I think he already has these movies, so I think I need to keep searching. He always knows how to find great movies in the clearance bin!

With that being said, I have very limited choices. I like to purchase gifts with meaning, and sometimes a movie is a not the sentiment I am looking for. So here are a few gifts that are simple and practical, especially for a dad like mine.

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I always love cards like this. It gives my dad a choice of what he wants to do. He loves Outback Steakhouse, and he enjoys naps. He'd laugh at the thought of a new car (I could do that...one day). 

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I love this scrabble letter frame. You can even do a then and now picture of you and your father.

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This is something I would have loved to do as a child. Give him a crown and be king for the day. I'm keeping this for the future.

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I'd have to wake up extra early to do something like this, since Father's Day is on a Sunday. It'll be nice to prep some breakfast.

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My dad always gets a Hershey's candy bar with almonds, so this would be a nice card to put it in.

My dad is also a grandfather, so I found a few more ideas.

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A DIY Bleach Pen t-shirt. I saw a few shirts online that said Dad or Grandpa Est. (year). My dad would have Papa on his shirt. Glad I finally found a DIY!

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I can't give him something like this (yet), but it's a good idea to have for the future. I love this phrase. I couldn't find a DIY, but this is simple to recreate.

See what else I've pinned in my Father's Day DIY Board!

Follow Sara @ Content in the Meantime's board Father's Day DIY on Pinterest.

Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas: Leaves

The Fall and Winter season are never seen without falling leaves. What a quick and inexpensive way to make more Fall decorations. Here are some inspirations I found online. Click on the link to find DIY tutorials.

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Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas: Flowers

So I think I got myself into more than what I bargained for with this post! I started looking for flower decorations, which got me wondering about which flowers were pictured. After looking around the world wide web for flower arrangements for Thanksgiving, I thought to myself "What types of flowers are considered at Thanksgiving?" There were not many options when I searched, but I did find a post on Choosing the Best Thanksgiving Flowers.

These 4 flowers have the meaning of resemblance or reflection: Adonis, Hydrangea, Rose, Statice

  

 

Flowers to celebrate autumn colors:
Black-Eyed Susan, Chrysanthemums, Gerbera Daisy, Lily, Marigold, Poppy

  

  

I would include Dahlias, Tulips, Sunflowers and Mums (pom pom version of the Chrysanthemums).

 
 

Your best bet is to get whatever is fresh and available from a local flower shop or farm (support small businesses!) Here are some photo inspirations I found:

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Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas: Candles

Everyone is jumping on the Christmas bandwagon, but Thanksgiving is around the corner!

I enjoy lighting candles in the Fall, to give any room a light warm glow. Here are some candles I found that would Light up any fall event you may be having. And most of them are simple to make!

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Fill a glass a container with water and cranberries, and add a floating candle on top.

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You can also use other fruit or nuts, like these hazelnuts. Top the glasses with a floating candle, or add a flower as pictured above.

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Add a tea light or candlesticks on top of small pumpkins to light up your dinner table.

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These apple tea lights also look like a great idea.

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Instead of adding glitter to candles, why not add different beans or corn? It would add texture and color to your display.

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Need a centerpiece? Check out this beautiful log centerpiece. Look at the website above for an easy DIY.

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