My house is being taken over by random works of art. One by one they come to me on their accord, seeking asylum from the horrors of a world too cruel to appreciate their beauty. I know some people think that’s crazy, but look, I have to collect something. It’s art or cats. My house will be a refuge for one or the other, and I can’t really afford that much kitty litter, so yeah, art it is.
And we’re not talking about fancy art anyway. Some are inherited, some are gifts, some are from the thrift store…but, almost none of them are by me (I don’t like looking at my own work after it’s done) however, occasionally, I like to look at my photographs. Especially if they hold some sort of personal significance. For a while now, I have been wanting to start taking photos of teensy things and blowing them up huge. I mean HUGE. If I could take a photo of an ant and blow it up billboard size and paste it up like wallpaper, I totally would. It would be awesome. And terrifying. But awesome.
In the meantime, I’m working my way up with a poster sized enlargement. Zam!
Now here is a game; Can you tell what is in that photo?
Cake sprinkles. On a napkin. Bet you didn’t see that one coming.
I laid down some serious bokeh in this photo so you can barely make out what it is, even in real life. It’s actually sorta disorienting to see these teensy rainbow bits blown up so large (which is exactly what I was going for).
If you have never sent out for a photo enlargement, let me tell you, it’s super easy. You just upload the image to their site. Pretty much the same way you upload an attachment to an email. They handle the cropping and resizing. The key is to start with a LARGE image in the first place. Phone pics are fine so long as you have your resolution cranked up.
I know lots of people get their wedding pictures and family portraits blown up, and that’s cool, but I like it when folks think outside the box. Here is a list of random things that would look super cool and arty without requiring special photography skills (read: I might be doing these one day but you feel free to beat me to the punch).
A leaf from the tree that grows outside your parent’s home.
Your shoes planted in the very spot where you met your significant other.
The sand on the beach from your favorite vacation spot (not the beach, just the sand).
The pattern of a shirt worn by someone who has passed away.
A close-up portrait of a favorite childhood stuffed animal or action figure.
Dirty paw-prints on the kitchen floor.
A matchbook from the restaurant where you got engaged.
….You know, things that mean something to you but nobody else would know without explanation. That’s what makes it personal. That’s what makes the image so special and artsy.
…Or, you could just do a big portrait of your cat. Because let’s be honest, you can’t beat giant cat photos now can you?
I’m so pleased with this piece. The enlargement came out great and they mounted it on black foam core with a hanger in the back. No framing required. Great price too. I have used other places for photo enlargements but nobody has ever mounted them like this. I’ll be coming back!
AND, because they are so cool, Imprints is offering a 25% discount to Aunt Peaches readers through June 17th. Just type the code “peaches” at checkout.
AND, because they are being double cool, they are offering to giveaway* a free 15×18” or 14×14” mounted image of your choice. You can choose anything you like. Just leave a comment below. “I’m in!” or “I want one” will do just fine. No other participation is required, but I encourage you to like them on Facebook. Just because they are neat like that 🙂 Giveaway now closed. Thank you for participating!
*Giveaway closes 5pm CST, Friday, May 9, 2014. One entry per participant. If your email is not accessible in your profile, please list it in your comment.
Special shout out to Jennifer, an AP reader who told me about Imprints in the first place (it’s her parent’s business – way to be a helpful a daughter, Jennifer!). I’m glad she put us in touch because I’m delighted with my new artwork. It’ll be here for years to come. Thank you Imprints!
Yes please!
I’d blow up a photo of my daughters spilt crayons. I love them!
Holy cats, this is great! So glad that Jennifer shared – I don’t think I would have found this otherwise.
Also, I totally thought your photo was a pop-tart. Pop-tarts are seriously under-represented in the art world.
Oooh, I want a blown-up picture of my pup’s nose! My nickname for her is Big Fat Brown Nose, so I think it’s appropriate!
Need more art!!! I’m in!!! Thanks!
I’m in and I want one! Your sprinkles are just beautiful, and I love your brainstorming list. So sentimental, not in a weepy way – in a charming way!
Very cool! I’d love do do some prints for my daughter’s dollhouse.
niiiiice. I’d love a print!
I’m in!!! I’d love some prints!
machella003@gmail.com
Me! Me! Me! Me! I want one!
This is great! I have the perfect “artsy” beach picture in mind! I always take pictures of the sprinkles on my sweets, too 😉
I want one! It’s time to re-do the art above our living room sofa!
Pick me! Pick me!
I’m in!! Awesome ideas for art… I’ll have to come up with something clever if I’m the lucky winner 🙂
Get ready Imprints!
Ummmmm, count me in, dude!
I have many ideas pick me
I’m on board with the giant dog nostrils! Throwing my hat in the ring! ltmoose2@aol.com
Yipper skipper I want one! Two French Bulldogs = lots of photos of already-big ears. Why not make ’em BIGGER? Thanks, Peaches! cadensaunt@yahoo.com
So much better than the big photocopies i got from staples! I’m in
Ohhh, I’ve been meaning to blow up some pictures of my dog, Elvis. I’m in! kourtneyraine(at)gmail.com.
Sprinkles! I’m in. Need to fill up some large walls in my apartment.
OOO- awesome!! I’m off to ‘like’ them…
I want one 😀
lisa_shs_07@hotmail.com
I’m in!
sweetiesuzy@aol.com
I want one! I already have a plan!
Wow! Awesome! Want!
The gears are spinning! I want one!
I’m in and I want on too. I first thought sprinkles, then changed my mind and wondered about a poptart. Should have stuck with my original thought.I love what they did to distort it and made it original. Way cool.
oh, ajp2020@charter.net
Love the sprinkles!!! I think I would do a teeny tiny seedling as it emerged from the soil. Plants are so cute when they are that small.
That or my dog’s nose, naturally.
stephanielaurenscott (at) gmail (dot) com
I’m totally in! Would love to see some crazy sprinkles on my wall!
Sara (at) wherethecookiesare (dot) com
So cute! I’m in.
The wheels are turning! Love your list; now I need to come up with what I want to start with. So glad to know about Imprints. Thanks for the heads up.
tcopeland at sps186 dot org
YOU ARE PSYCHIC! I just took a glorious pic of neon red tulips and I want to blow it up. Wasn’t sure where to turn for that, and esp, where to get it mounted as well. So happy to have seen this post today!!!
I love this idea, especially since it will get me to use my camera more!
I’m IN and I know JUST the thing! Thank you!
and my e-mail is: nataliegalbraith@hotmail.com
Oh!! Me me! I’ve done paintings closeup things like this! Photos would be a hoot!
I want to play.
kaaarrreeennn at live dot com
Ooh, I need this!
Yes, please!
I’d love one!
Something from nature, super blown.
Yeah dude I want one too! I just snapped a photo at this Buddhist temple and would love to have a huge pic of one glittering statue
Yes, yes…I want in….Many choices… Not sure about email soooo… wingsofdragonz at gmail dot com
so cool. i’m interested.
Oh, I would so like to be in! 😉 columbia3@comcast.net
this is BIG! .. thank you!
Awesome – a new site to shop! I’m in!
i like your way of thinking! i must .. because i knew immediately those were sprinkles .. (or maybe it’s because i have grandchildren and have seen LOTS of sprinkles!) and with those grandchildren .. the ‘photo art’ opportunities are ENDLESS!!! i’ll post this on my Facebook page for all my Ya’s and Yo’s (gurlfrenz and boyfrenz) to see! xo, frannie
rainbow sprinkles make everything taste better!
I love your suggestions for personal art – great idea for a first apartment or dorm room (no money for wall art)
I knew it was sprinkles, but was trying to make out the underlying doughnut. Great giveaway though.
Heather M.
I knew right away it was sprinkles. I love it!! Love pics of close up things!! cjsteiger@aol.com
I’m totally in!
I need to blow up a portrait of my dog…dressed as the queen of england. edgy, i know.
I’m in and I can’t believe she didn’t pick fabulous John Hamm!
Cool – count me in!
I’m in!
I want one!!
This is so awesome, and I definitely want one!
very cool! thanks for the chance!
Oh wow! This is perfect for the bluebonnet pictures I took of my daughter this year! Count me in!
Daaang–now I know what to put in that weird space on the wall of the staircase. Thanks for the tip, Peaches!
me too, please!
deciding will be the hard part, I will have to do many.
lorispilker@hotmail.com
I’m in – I know just what I need blown up
Totally want to do this!
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I’m in! Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂 nzluver84@gmail.com
I want I want! I’m in. Thanks so much!
Ooh, I like that they do square prints.
Awesome! I’m in! Wicked idea. Thanks
I’m in! Thanks for the chance!
LOVE all of your ideas! Imprints-images is looking forward to helping you make your creative ideas into fantastic wall art.
http://www.imprints-images.com
I’m in!!!!
omg MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
I’d love this! New space = I have lots of wall space to fill!
me me me!
I’m in!
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yes me too please…sarahwaters66@gmail.com
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Me please! 🙂
Me! Me! This is perfect.