Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Focus On: Alternative Photos




Photographers are a creative bunch. There are many different ways to see a photograph; there are many different ways to display a piece of photographic art. Walls and book covers aren't the only ways to do so. Photography can become a part of the foundation of our daily lives, and I'm not talkin' Cover Girl!


See what some POE members are doing to express themselves beyond the basic print and prepare to be inspired in a big way.



Above, Susannah Tucker, puts together well-made and stunning photo blocks.





There are lots of photo pendants available on Etsy.com, and there are photo pendants that stand apart from the crowd. This one from Photoamato is genius in its simplicity and perfection of the photo as a square design. You can find lots of tutorials for making pendants from Scrabble tiles, and you can find all the findings and supplies right on Etsy as well.



What a creative way for a professional to advertise themselves in a friendly and non-threatening way! Jennifer has hit on a fantastic idea for a functional art piece that makes people feel comfortable right away. "I had taken my kids to their doctor for a checkup, and I was looking at the artwork in the office. There were some sweet pictures of animals and children, but I thought it would be nice for an office to have something more specific to that person-- to that doctor. I realized the name blocks I'd been making with children's names on them might lend themselves well to pediatricians, too."






Can't you just envision yourself wearing a Polaroid photo as a ring? The concept stopped this writer dead in her tracks! Lauren, of JerseyMaids, created these rings to satisfy her own desire to have a photograph on a ring. She played around with using shrink plastic to make them, but she wasn't entirely happy with the results. She kept working until she discovered that using glass would help her achieve something a "little classier". Lauren says, "Polaroids in and of themselves are such unique pieces of art that the rings should try and capture the same effect. So, you can decide which image fits your mood best each day, and pretty soon you'll be able to buy the ring charms a la carte after I finish listing all the sets."






There are coasters, and there are COASTERS! Don't these sum up the general feeling television leaves you with? A terrific example of creative coaster-y from one of Etsy's best sellers, ChicalooKate.



Making great notecards takes a lot of work -- the perfect photograph, the right sentiment, the appropriate font, the little details of design like the border, size of the card. It's not as easy as it looks. Sharon does an amazing job of presenting a humorous card in a simple, elegant fashion.


Shadowy Chandelier-photo printed on antique book paper from MissGillian



Grey Dawn-photo printed on antique book paper from MissGillian

Hopefully, Miss Gillian will leave us a comment and tell us how she managed to feed antique book paper through her photo printer without a paper jam or starting a house fire.




Judi is one classy lady, and her photographs prove this. These notecards are simply beautiful. Her photos lend themselves to work perfectly as unique stationery.



What have you seen lately?



A world traveler and self-taught photographer, look for Ann wandering around city streets and tromping through woods and hiking trails with her camera. After owning an international transportation business for many years, Ann has found her creative spirit again through the lens. See more at Ann's shop and her website, and say hello to her on her blog too.



7 comments:

MissQuiteContrary said...

Hi!

As requested, a comment on feeding antique book paper through my inkjet printer without risking life, limb and the printer and paper.

Well, I had to dismantle the printer a couple of times to remove crumbled bits of a 19th century history textbook, before deciding that the early 20th century is the way to go! It seems that paper is a little smoother and definitley less inclinded to disintigrate. Still working out the kinks though, and any tips are appreciated!

Thanks so much for inluding me in this lovely post!

Gillian (missgillian.etsy.com)

Judi FitzPatrick said...

Ann, Thank you so much for including my notecards in this post. You rock.

And thanks for sharing all of these other wonderful items - the Polaroid rings, coaster, printing on book pages, etc. - all are great. Such a talented group POE is!

Peace, Judi

Ann Wilkinson said...

Thank you, Gillian, for giving us some more insights into your amazing creative talents!

Judi, lots of love comin' your way! Thank you so much. I love my job here!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful stuff! Love the polaroid ring!

myan said...

these are great ann!
i love how clever everyone is with their photographs!
such amazing creations! :)

readingsully2 said...

Great ideas.

Pam of Always Artistic said...

Wow awesome items! Love the ideas!