04/26-27/2012 - "Bush Beans" Plant Marker

I got news on this day (and I am just now blogging about it almost a week later) that I was being hired for a part-time retail position at one of my favorite Portland places, SCRAP! I start tomorrow, May 3rd, and have to admit I am extremely excited because I love garbage and I love their waste reduction and education mission. 
 
Reclaimed Material: wood scrap
Other Material: none
Tools: paint, paint brushes, pencil 

How I did it: This was one of the first designs I sketched out in my lil' notebook, and probably one of my favorites. I sketched out the drawing on the wood and painted it.

What I would do differently: The only thing I don't really like about this one are the corner decorations. This picture was taken the next morning, so I really wasn't this far along on the 26th.

04/25/2012 - "Pepper" Plant Marker

This was a very fun crafty day for me! I went to the Destination DIY "Makin' It" Party, got interviewed on the Portland KGW8 News and won a Destination DIY t-shirt, and a SCRAP "To Go Kit"...not to mention free beer and pizza. I worked on this plant marker during the day and cut up rubber strips and chatted away at the party.

Reclaimed Material: wood scrap
Other Material: paper
Tools: paint, paint brushes, pencil, printer, scissors

How I did it: I sketched and painted the lettering on this marker before I added the picture. My drawings and paintings of people are cartoonish at best, so I used a real photo of Jason to turn him into a turn-o-the century "doctor" selling his miracle product. I printed his picture in a sepia tone and painted a hat, mustache and suit on him. I cut it out and used a glue stick to adhere the photo to the wood and painted a border.

What I would do differently: During my volunteer time at SCRAP I have met some awesome crafty artists who have given me some great tips and info. I learned from a fabulous artist, Erica, that oil paint takes at least 2 weeks to dry. Yes, I used oil paint because I had a lot of colors and didn't want to go out and buy more paint. The plan is to varnish these signs so they can live outside, but it will be a while yet.

04/24/2012 - "Cabbage" Plant Marker

This wood scrap is from a finished piece of flooring and the finish and wood color seemed to go with red and black. I am beginning to regret this decision though.

Reclaimed Material: wood scrap
Other Material: none
Tools: paint, paint brushes, pencil, Uni-ball pen 

How I did it: This wood cleaned up easily because of the finish, so that was a breeze. I sketched on my lettering, then used the pen to fill in the lettering. I used red paint to make a box and paint the sides of the wood scrap, then finished off the lettering and box with the pen. 

What I would do differently: The Uni-ball ink flowed so nicely and worked great with the lettering...but it just will not dry! grrrrr. I have pencil marks underneath that I can't clean up because the ink won't dry and keep smudging. I am most likely going to redo this and maybe make a picture of a cabbage patch with different Zoe faces in each cabbage. I do love the lettering style though.

04/23/2012 - "Lettuce" Plant Marker

I love old advertisements, from the Victorian era through World War II. That is the look I am trying to accomplish with these markers. I did a bit of internet research and looked at various vintage advertisements to come up with my designs for these.

Reclaimed Material: wood scrap
Other Material: none
Tools: paint, paint brushes 

How I did it: Just like the tomato marker, I cleaned up the wood, sketched out my design and painted it on. The wood scrap was already white and liked how the finish was weathered so I left that alone.

What I would do differently: This marker is a little more interesting than the tomato marker. I wouldn't change this one, even though it is simple.

04/22/2012 - "Tomatoes" Plant Marker

Can you tell I am on a gardening kick? I have never been as excited about gardening as I am this year. It must be all this Oregon rubbing off on me. I am quite certain I won't let myself kill too many plants this year. Well, I am hoping my little markers will keep me motivated. 

Reclaimed Material: wood scrap
Other Material: none
Tools: paint, paint brushes

How I did it: The piece I used is from a broken vintage cigar box so I only had to clean it up a bit. I sketched out the design and painted "tomatoes" on the front.

What I would do differently: Now that I have gotten around to doing this post, I have done 4 other markers and each one has gotten progressively more interesting. I still like it, but maybe next year I will redo the tomato marker to have more character.