Friday, January 13, 2012

Red Envelope Knock-off Artwork

I love Red Envelope for their unique gifts. I have bought and received my share of things from Red Envelope but recently when exploring their website I came across their personalized canvas art work starting at $120. While I would have no problem purchasing a personalized canvas for that price but these are SO simple looking that I figured I could easily make them myself for a fraction of the price.

I LOVED the state canvas! So cool! But so easy to make! (For some reason this was really hard to photograph - the state looks pink.... it's not, it's white!!!)
I used my Silhouette Cameo to make state of Wisconsin and the text.

I searched the internet for a state of Wisconsin image and I found a pretty simple one. If you can't find a simple shape you can use the directions I used for making a silhouette of my son in photoshop.

To cut the state shape with the Silhouette, I saved my image as a JPG and opened it in Silhouette studio. In the trace menu I selected my entire image with the "select trace area" and then selected "trace outer edge." I then re-sized mine to be about 12x12 since I was using a 16x20inch canvas. Then it was off to the cutting machine!
I then transferred the state and words to the canvas.

I then piled on the white paint to try and seal the vinyl to the canvas. I actually did two light coats and it did NOT bled.
I then painted several layers of Martha Stewart's Surf craft paint.
I did let it dry over night so it was good and dry. I know some remove the vinyl when wet, but I figured it would be easier to remove the large state image when dry since its so large! I was so nervous pealing the letters off!
But it turned out GREAT! I love it! I love the detail that the Silhouette cut out for the state border!
I think it turned out great! Here is the original from Red Envelope for $120!
While browsing the Red Envelope site I came across this pretty canvas that will go well in my guest bedroom! Again $120!
Well here is my version. So simple I just used my Silhouette again. And this canvas I have had for about 5 years and re-painted over it the dark gray not knowing what I would use it for! So this was a pretty near free project for me! This canvas is about 15x30 inches and I love how large the canvas is and how there is so much extra space on the top and bottom!

31 comments:

  1. Darling~ these came out so charming. Feathered Nest Friday is going on at my blog all weekend if you would like to come share :)

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  2. Love this, and you use two of my favorite colors! Genius!

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  3. I love personalized gifts! Your rendition is just as good as the original. I really need to get a silhouette.

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    Replies
    1. I still have a love hate relationship with my silhouette! But you can make some fabulous things with it!!

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    2. Hi I love these but wondering what a silhouette is? Im thinking its for scrapbooking? Thanks :)

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  4. Those are all awesome signs! I would love a wall with all the states we've lived in!

    I'd love for you to link it up at Tell it to Me Tuesday!

    -Katie
    @ Creatively Living
    http://www.blah2beautiful.blogspot.com/2012/01/tell-it-to-me-tuesday-linky-party-4.html

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  5. ohhhhh boy I love this project. Partially because I love anything that is meaningful and special that you can use as decor and partially because I am also from Wisconsin. {I of course have the same image for my silhouette he he I just haven't really used it for anything exciting yet} I am from the Madison area too---- it is SO great to find another blogger and crafter in the area!!!!! :o)
    Jaime from crafty scrappy happy

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    1. I noticed you were in Madison when I discovered your blog! I am happy to meet someone from the area as well!! Thanks for the comment and I completely agree I LOVE personalized things!!

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  6. My party just started and I'd LOVE to have you stop by and share this ~ TOTALLY impressive!!! Love it!!!

    Overflowing with Creativity

    XO, Aimee

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    1. Thanks I linked up!! And am your newest follower!

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  7. Just stopping back by to say thanks for linking up! :)

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  8. Not a problem :) thanks for hosting! Love link party's! And I am your newest follower!

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  9. Just absolutely wow... Well done! I like your text canvas even better than the one you modeled it on! Bookmarking this post. Count me in as a new follower! :-)

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  10. I'm working on this as a valentine's gift for my husband and am having a hard time getting the vinyl onto the canvas. It. will. not. stick! Maybe I just need to beef up the font size? NC has a very detailed coastline, so I was going to spray the canvas with a matte clear coat spray before I paint it to try to seal the edges a little better. Any better suggestions? Thanks!

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    1. I don't think mine was really "stuck" on there very well either. I did two white coat of paint and let it dry well before doing the color - and that sort of worked as a glue..... I would think the spray would work too!! Good luck and I hope your husband loves it!!

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  11. I LOVE this... too bad the shape of Colorado is not very interesting. Just a boring rectangle! But I also LOVE your "you make me happy" canvas. I want to make that for spring! Thanks for sharing at Oopsey Daisy!

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    1. Thanks Alison! I never thought about states like Colorado... you could always put a small heart over the city you live in for some excitement... Thanks for your comments!!

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  12. I'm featuring this today on Tell it to Me Tuesday. Come on by and grab a button!

    --Katie
    @ Creatively Living

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    1. Thanks so much for the feature Katie!!! I appreciate it and am honored for the feature!! I added the button!!

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  13. You know I LOVE this! Looks SO good!!! Thanks LOTS for sharing at Overflowing with Creativity!

    XO, Aimee

    PS Did you sign up for my giveaway yet!?!
    Awesome Customizable Frames, Art & Home Decor

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  14. This blog is very nice and informative!
    Keep sharing..
    Thanks.
    Red Envelopes

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  15. Well I clearly need a Silhouette! Nicely done!

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    Replies
    1. It's a love hate relationship!! But it does make wonderful projects!!

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  16. Fabulous post!!!!!!!!!!

    we are appreciate your with post. We wait for next post.
    Keep update.....
    Thanks for sharing.
    Red Envelopes

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  17. What font did you use for both canvases? They came out great!

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  18. custom canvas art

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