I made a sign for my space at the Fancy Flea and here's the easy tool I used to make it
This is not a sponsored post I just wanted to share with you a really neat, inexpensive tool I used
Introducing the EZ Tracer Projector
Now, this method is not new, people have been using overhead projectors forever, but who can afford them!
The EZ Tracer is $18.00 in store at Hobby Lobby! Here's how it breaks down, the price is $29.99 but, you can print a 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby online. So, for $18.00 anyone can be a sign or mural painter! Oh, and it uses a regular light bulb, no expensive projector bulbs
I needed a sign for my space at the Fancy Flea and I tossed around a lot of ideas in my head before I spotted this sign at the thrift store for $8.00......Now how lucky can a girl get!
I had a piece of wood thin enough to slide right in! I left the wood long enough to stick out the top and cut curves in the top with my jigsaw and made a plaster applique...
...Tutorial HERE
I wanted the sign to look like my blog header so, I painted the center pink and then taped off the outside for the brown paint
Now I brought out my EZ Tracer. The beauty of this projector is that you do not have to be a graphic artist! Just type the words and print them out onto regular paper. The printed words go under the projector. Now, shut off the lights and project the words onto your board. If you want the words larger move the projector farther away, smaller, move it closer. That's it, nothing complicated.
Here is the small words I projected onto my board and then shut off the room lights and traced around the projected words.
I used a paint pen to fill the letters in, but you could use a sharpie or if you don't drink coffee, you could paint with a small brush and acrylic craft paint.
So, there you have it, my new toy.
For perfect polka dots I use these round stencil brushes
Now you can find me at the Fancy Flea April 28th in Lakeland, Florida
Be sure to enter my giveaway for a free pair of Naturalizer shoes, the winner will be announced on Monday
Happy Creating!
Carol
51 comments:
You are sooo clever and your sign is adorable!! Carol, just want you to know how much I enjoy your blog ... I have a list of your great tutorials I plan to do. Thanks so much for sharing! Blessings, L
Really adorable! Clever girl, clever...
Looking forward to seeing pics from your Fancy Flea!
thats a very great tool and the sign is lovely,
You clever girl! I love it!
xoxo
Hi Carol,
Wow, the time is near and I know you've been working so hard for the big Fancy Flea! I sure wish I could be there.
I love how you created the sign, it looks wonderful. I also like the idea of using the projector. I might have to get one of these.
I can't wait to see pictures of your entire set up.
Best of luck, girl....you are going to do great!
hugs
Sissie
Carol, I love this! I had no idea you were a whiz with a jigsaw! : ) Great job on the shape of the sign and this was so creative to do your image.
I want one. My mom has a small overhead projector that she uses for all of her Christmas projects, but it requires that you make a transparency. Not a big deal, but I like this kind better. It reminds me of my days teaching school.
And the sign looks fabulous.
And I saw your recent comment about November 7th. Yep. That one of the two things I hate about her choosing to do this. I'm a nail biter as it is. Having a job so insecure is not exactly a good fit for me! Let's just hope they both get reelected.
Now that is cute. I never was a good tracer, but I could probably handle this. I will be on the look out for it next time at the hobster. P.S. I sent some gals over to your giveaway..even though I want to win, I thought I would not be that stingy!
So cute! You did a great job!
You are so good to share the details of your projects. What a great find for you - the sign. And, a good job making it yours.
Betty
Perfect! ♥
Your sign is adorable. I wish I lived closer...I would love to visit the Fancy Flea...I have heard so much about it!
xo,
RJ
Carol you find the neatest stuff! That EZ thingamabob box looks almost vintage!
Love the sign, can't wait to hear about the FF adventures...be sure to get lots of pics (in between serving all the customers!)
xx
Love it, Carol! Great job and super information! Good luck in Lakeland...wish it was closer so I could attend! I'm sure you'll take lots of pics for us!!!
I had no idea that this amazing tool could be found! Well done.
What a cute welcoming sign to your booth. You did a super job with all of the steps. Looks like a fantastic tool to own.
Ann
How perfect! Love all the details you added: the shape and plaster detail at the top, and the piece of wood molding trim...thanks for sharing how you did this!
I've so enjoyed your posts as you prepare for the Fancy Flea. So exciting. I can hardly wait to hear about it when you return. Your sign is beautiful. It would draw me into your booth in a second!! Sure wish I didn't live so far away. Wishing you the best with your beautiful creations!
Looks wonderful, Carol! Thanks for the tutorial!
How fortuitous to find the perfect stand for your new sign. You really did a great job. I hope you have someone (you will be far too busy selling wares and collecting money) to take pictures of your FF spaces. Clever Carol you ROCK!!!
I have one of those signs too and they are so handy ! Yours is FabYOUlous ... I get in my own way with a projector though. You make everything seem so effortless!
(())
P.S Carol ... put some glitter on your polka dots and your name. It will catch peoples eye from a ways away ... (())
Ok, I'm kind of dorky & jumping up & down in my seat right now!
I didn't know such a thing existed! I have to have one!
I always wanted to make signs, but I couldn't figure out how to make letters bigger without having an ounce of artistic talent! Thanks for sharing and your sign for the booth looks beautiful!
I had no idea there was and reasonable priced version out there. I'll have to see if any of the Canadian hobby stores carry it. Your sign turned out terrific! ~ Maureen
wow! I want one! i have a projector in the classroom but can't take that home obviously:) your sign turned out soooo cute I wish I lived in your state so I could visit your booth! good luck!!
I have that projector and traced a silhouette of a photo of my Son's face and painted it on a canvas. It looks awesome! Sandy xox
Are you a magician? Cuz you sure have a lot of tricks up your sleeve! Just foolin' with ya! That looks great Carol.
What a deal you got there! I'll have to check that one out : ) Kitty
Hi Carol, You always have the greatest idea's and make it look so easy! HL is one of my fav. stores. Going to have to add this to my list here. hehe I love how your sign turned out and I also love your laundry sign as well...Thank you once again my friend for sharing such wonderful ideas....Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead! Hugs Mary
Oh...one more thing, I am passing on signing up for your shoe giveaway seeing I just won the awesome paint sprayer,as everyone can have a better chance. Thank you though for hosting yet another awesome giveaway!
That is so awesome--thanks so much for sharing. I want one! We don't have a Hobby Lobby but I wonder if JoAnns or someplace like that might have it? Hmmm...I'll have to look for it!
Such a cute sign. I have one of these projectors to use on a project I started several months ago. Sad to say, I put it aside to move on to other things and haven't been back to it. Maybe now I will :)
Hi Carol, your sign is so great!!!
I'm off to Hobby Lobby tomorrow with coupon in hand, I'm so glad you told about the projector, thanks for sharing. Thank you for sharing all your lovely ideas and projects!
Have a wonderful week-end, Maki
You had me laughing over the coffee comment Carol. I LVOE this idea as I just rented store space and I want to do a big Maison Decor on a wall and figured I would have to free hand it~your sign looks amazing! thanks!!
You are amazing. I wish I lived close to you. I am thinking some of your genius would rub off.
That sign rocks!
Hola soy May:haces cosas preciosas,me hago seguidora tuya y te invito a conocer mi blog.
http://untallerenlaluna.blogspot.com/
Besos desde España
That is so cool Carol! I need one of those! Great job!
Love the sign! Great idea on the projector! ..I need one :)
Lina
Fancy Frugal Life
Just as cute as can be. How creative and so affordable.
Your sign turned out great. Thanks for infighting all of us on this wonderful tool. I am sure you are going to find many ways of using it.
I look forward to them.
Missy
I cant believe you found that sign for $8.00 You made it look like a million bucks. Great job.
carol, your sign is so pretty! thanks for sharing the projector--i think i "need" one:) have a great weekend!
Hi Carol!
You have found a great little gizmo! Your shop sign is beautiful!
I was lucky enough to take an antiquated overhead projector home with me when I retired from the classroom. However, what I love about yours, is the replacement bulb! When my overhead projector bites the dust, I think I'll buy an EZ Tracer. I could probably get one for less than the cost of the replacement bulb for the overhead!
Nan
(Thank you for the encouraging comment on my last post. I think a little break or fewer posts per week would be a good idea. I'm so attached to my blog I don't know if I can bear to just abandon it!)
Hi Carol, Your sign is awesome. I love it and it is going to look great at the sale. I do not have one of the EZ Tracers, but have wanted one and know I certainly will look for it at HL. Thank you for sharing.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs, Celestina Marie
Carol, I just adore your sign. You sure made it look sharp! I have one of the EZ Tracer type projector! Works great with kids school projects as well!
Blessings,
Susie
Your sign is just perfect, Carol! I can't believe your luck on finding it in the thrift store--what a great idea about curving the top--never would have thought of that. Oh boy, the last time you got a "new toy," I did too. I'll remember this for the next time I want to project an image. I'm hoping to make it to the Fancy Flea. I'm picking up my UCF girl that same day, so I'm going to try to combine the trips.
I have not seen this wonderful tool! Thanks for alerting us to it -- your sign turned out beautiful -- love the way you did your dots too!
Un blog maravilloso con unos trabajos estupendos.
Besos desde España
Carol,
That is amazing! "Not complicated at all" caught my attention and that is what I look for! This is so easy...thanks!
Nancy
Hi Carol, after seeing this post last week I commented that I was going next day to Hobby Lobby. Guess what! ALL sold out!!! Your blog is really popular!! Same thing that happened at the Barr Display you went to.lol
My Hobby Lobby will be getting in more projectors this coming week, so back I'll go!
Everyone loves your wonderful ideas. I know I do.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Hugs, Maki
Fabulous job Carol. I just saw an ad in today's paper for these and thought the price was really good. Lots of idea floating around in my head:-)
I can't believe this blog! I need to do some signs for a plant sale, I Have the projector and needed you to remind me that, Hey, silly, you already have one! You're a handy woman to have around!! Thanks, Carol.
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