How To Turn Lo-Resolution Photos Into High Quality Art with Meaning

 

The other day I shared my thoughts on the best part of designing in my intro to a three part series of sponsored posts for Folger's "The Best Part" campaign.  I mentioned that whether I'm working on a project for myself or a client, the best part of designing is when I get to incorporate elements with special meaning.  Things that not only look amazing, but bring the homeowner's happy thoughts and the "warm and fuzzies".  After all, "He Who Is Happiest Is He Who Finds Peace In His Home" ~unknown author of awesome quotes. 

 

Today, I would like to share an experience with a client where I got to incorporate something very special.  I recently had the amazing opportunity to help Sara and Erik design their brand new living room (click here to see before/after photos). We needed something substantial for a large area between two windows.  Whatever we chose had to be special, this is one of the main focal points in the space.  

 

Here is what I came up with...

 

 

 

And here is how it came to be...

 

When I first met with Sara she mentioned that she would love to incorporate photos from her and Erik's travels into the space, but she was concerned about the quality (resolution) of the images.  They were quick snap shots taken with a travel friendly digital camera while they were backpacking through Europe.   I asked her to put some of her favorites on a flash drive so I see if we could improve the quality enough to enlarge them. 

 

I narrowed down my favorite photos to these two...

 

(Prague, Czech Republic)

 

(Krakow, Poland)

 

 

As you can see, the subject matter and composition of these photos was already pretty awesome.  To make them even more awesome, I enhanced them with simple photo editing techniques in my iphoto program.  To begin, I uploaded both photos to my iphoto library and clicked on the "Edit" tab. 

 

 

 

 

 

Under "Quick Fixes" I cropped and straightened both photos.  Then under "Effects" I flipped the images to black and white and gave them a "Boost".  To make these low resolution images appear sharper, I played around with the photos under the "Adjust" tab.  I increased the contrast to 100, lightened the level to 25% and kicked up both the definition and sharpness to 100.

 

Here is what they looked like after I was done editing…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I sent the photos to Sara in an email so she could have them enlarged and printed at the photo center of her choice.  I recommended a low luster photo paper to avoid glare once they were framed.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We chose large gallery style black frames with over-sized white mats (Potterybarn) to give these photos an even larger appearance.

 

 

 

 

 

To anyone else, these framed photos just look like really cool art, but to Sara and Erik they have meaning and memories attached to them.  To me, that is the best part of design, when something not only looks amazing, but makes us feel something.

 

 

"The Best Part" is an online community that’s dedicated to brightening your day—every day. How? By spreading optimism, one share at a time. The Best Part posts inspirational stories, encouraging quotes, good news and other upbeat items on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram—and encourages fans and followers to share that optimism with their friends. Because when optimism is shared, it grows, making an even more positive impact on our world. Check out what others are sharing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

 

 

 

For information on my affordable online design consultation service, click here. 

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

Boys Bedroom Makeover~A Design Plan Comes To Life

The other day I mentioned one of the most frequently asked questions I receive about my online design service is, "Sarah, Where can I go to see your design boards turn into actual spaces?".  Prior to now, my response has always been to send links to individual posts where I have shared before/afters.  In my constant effort to improve the blog I'm putting together a catalog, a one-stop shop where you can see some of my online design boards come to life.

Throughout the next few weeks, I'll be revisiting design projects in order to build this catalog.  For each project,  I'll be sharing the design board along with before and after photos of the space.  

Today, it's Jack's Snowboard Room. 

Here is a look at the space before…

Here is a look at the design board we created for Jack's room…

And here is the space after...

What is an online design plan?

After reviewing photos/measurements of your space and getting to know you through our project questionnaire, we get to work designing a custom design just for you.  We provide a step by step design plan with detailed instructions on how to put the new space together.  Each plan includes a design board, a product source list (where to buy shopping list), paint color suggestions, a true-to-scale floorplan illustration (that shows exactly where items should be placed), specific recommendations for furniture, drapery, lighting, art and accessories (and/or suggestions on how to incorporate your current pieces).

To see more dramatic room makeovers, click here.

If you would like to get started on a room makeover, click here  for the details on my affordable online design service. 

Gift certificates are now available, click here for more information.

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

Gift Certificates Now Available For Design Services

 Who would like to give or receive a room makeover for Christmas?

I'm excited to announce that gift certificates are now available for design services by The Yellow Cape Cod.  If you or someone you love has a space in their home that could use a little makeover, this is a great gift idea. 

You can purchase your gift certificate in three easy steps:

1. Visit my design service menu (here) and choose a package 

2. Follow the instructions to make a reservation 

3. Send an email with the name and address of where the certificate is to be mailed to theyellowcapecod@yahoo.com.  Please put the words "Gift Certificate" in the subject line. 

We will mail a beautiful certificate to you or the gift recipient, whichever you prefer.  

{Please note, gift certificates are for design services only and not redeemable for merchandise}.

Thank you, to Dana Knapp at DK Innovations for designing the beautiful certificate for us!

Please click here for more information on my affordable online design service. I'm now accepting new clients!

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

DIH Monogram Wreath Tutorial Video and A Winner!

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot, but the opinions are all my own.  Last night was my first Do-It-Herself Workshop.  It was an absolute blast! (If you're not familiar with DIH Workshop, click here for more info).  Before I get into the details of the event I co-hosted, I'd like to share the video tutorial of my DIH Monogrammed Wreath.  This video documents the steps I used to put my own spin on wreath project taught at this month's DIH Workshop. 

Please click on the lower right corner to view the video in full screen mode. 

Here is a still image in the event you would like to pin…

I enjoyed this project so much that I didn't stop with just one wreath.   Click here to check out another DIH Monogrammed Wreath I made with a spin. 

Here is a recap on my DIH Workshop experience.

When I arrived at The Home Depot last night, I was immediately greeted by this… 

The fabulous team at the Canton, Michigan store made myself and all our guests feel so welcome. 

Laura, the store manager presented me with my very own orange apron adorned with custom flare (as my friend Kristin refers to it).  

Waiting for our guests was a delicious spread of desserts, coffee and cute swag bags.

The management team was there to make everyone feel at home.  

How adorable are these orange chair bows? 

Here is a quick shot of myself with my Home Depot co-hosts Laura, Vikki and Ellen before the workshop began.

 We had a fabulous turn out for the event.  It was amazing to meet my friends/blog readers in person.  

We learned so much from the informative demonstration by the pro's at The Home Depot and Dremel.  I had a chance to pipe in with design ideas, tips for customizing your wreath project and to share my thoughts on finding project inspiration.  I also gave an impromptu bow-making tutorial. 

(These were some of the awesome door prizes given away at the event).

During the workshop, we had the opportunity to practice with and learn how to use the Dremel tool by the Dremel experts themselves.  

It was so much fun to see the ladies use power tools for the first time and realize that they really aren't all that scary. 

One of my favorite things about this entire experience was using these tools for the first time myself, and documenting it on video.  This was my first time using a jig saw and the Ryobi Multi Tool.  {I've used the Dremel in past projects, but this time I had a chance to use it in new ways}.   The DIH Workshop is a great opportunity to learn how to use tools under the supervision of a pro.

Winner!!

Now, for the randomly chosen winner of the $100 gift card to The Home Depot…

Congratulations,  Elena (elena150980@yahoo.com)     Please email me at TheYellowCapeCod@yahoo.com with your mailing address to claim your prize.

Please click here for more information on my affordable online design service. I'm now accepting new clients.

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

*The Home Depot partnered with bloggers such as me for their Twitter Party and DIH Workshop program. As part of this program, I received compensation for my time. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about any product mentioned in these posts. The Home Depot believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. The Home Depot’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. 

DIH (DIY) Glitter Grapevine and Jute Monogrammed Wreath

Yesterday, I shared my live tv interview with The Home Depot on Fox 2 News Detroit to talk about my sponsored roll in the Do-It-Herself Workshop.  If you missed the video of the segment, you can view it here.  If you didn't miss it, you may have noticed I made two wreaths.  One was the version I showed on the blog the other day (fresh evergreen embellished with a custom "M"), and here is the other…

(Glittery Grapevine and Jute Monogrammed Wreath)

The week of Thanksgiving, I'll be posting a full tutorial on the evergreen wreath project.  This post will include instructions on how to make your own letter.  Today, I wanted to talk about the grapevine wreath.  For this project I wrapped the letter in jute twine and attached it to a pre-made glittery grapevine wreath. 

To finish it off and give it a custom, designer look, I added a large bow made from burlap chevron ribbon. This wreath has a great organic feel to it while the glitter and bold print give it a contemporary flavor.

During the DIH Workshop at The Home Depot in Canton, Michigan I'll be discussing ways to find inspiration to put your own spin on the DIH Workshop Monogrammed Wreath Project.  The Home Depot associates will be showing you how to use the tools needed to make the monogram.  I hope to see you there!  If you are not in the Detroit area, no worries, you can register for the DIH Workshop at your local Home Depot by clicking here. 

Please click here for more information on my affordable online design service. I'm now accepting new clients.

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

The Home Depot partnered with bloggers such as me for their Twitter Party and DIH Workshop program. As part of this program, I received compensation for my time. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about any product mentioned in these posts. The Home Depot believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. The Home Depot’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. 

Fox News Live TV Interview

Usually Sundays are pretty low key around The Yellow Cape Cod, but not today.  

This morning, my alarm went off at 4:15. We were in the car driving to the city at 5:30 and by 7:15, I was at our local Detroit Fox 2 News studio on the sofa next to Johnny Carson…

Okay, maybe I was just next to his picture, but still.  

As part of my partnership with The Home Depot, I was asked to participate in a live TV interview to share my interpretations of the Home Depot monogrammed wreath project and talk about our upcoming Do-It-Herself Workshop.  After meeting the beautiful Taryn Asher (our host) and my DIH Workshop co-hosts (Laura and Vicki from The Home Depot), my nerves disappeared.  

Taryn and the Fox News crew were fantastic; they made the interview really fun!

You can see our segment here…

Fox 2 News Headlines

  I enjoyed this experience so much that my husband and I got a little carried away.  We started tossing around the idea of becoming co-news anchors.  

(Mike and I trying out the news desk)

We were just getting used to the idea of "The Mike and Sarah Show" when reality hit.  I became preoccupied with the bookcase styling on the set and was reminded that I'm a designer through and through.

Busted.

Thanks for stopping by and allowing me to share this fun day with you.  I hope to see all my local Detroit friends at the DIH Workshop in Canton next Thursday!  

Thank you, Fox 2 News Detroit for being such wonderful hosts.  

Please click here for more information on my affordable online design service. I'm now accepting new clients.

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

Family Volunteering and Giving Back Through Decorating

I am participating in a sponsored campaign hosted by Advil®, as a part of the Advil® Relief in Action campaign. I received compensation for this post. While all opinions stated are my own, I make no claims about Advil® as a product or its effectiveness.

From helping rebuild homes and businesses devastated by Superstorm Sandy, to rebuilding homes for people in need through Habitat for Humanity® International, or being the ultimate volunteer-a-veteran or soldier of our armed forces, Advil® is honoring volunteers who actively give back to help others. As part of this Advil® Relief In Action campaign, I was asked to write this sponsored post about ways in which I actively participate in volunteer work. I seized this opportunity to talk about my favorite non-profit organization Enchanted Makeovers (EM).

2013 was the busiest year my design business has ever seen.  Balancing work and family was tricky at times.  Finding time to dedicate to volunteering with Enchanted Makeovers was also on my list of priorities. In an effort to do it all, I found ways to combine my extreme passion for decorating with volunteer work and family time.

(My family and I at a crafting event I hosted for Enchanted Makeovers)

Enchanted Makeovers is a national non-profit organization that improves the lives of women and children living in shelters.  One way they do this is by providing an uplifting living environment that is healing and inspiring.  Using handmade pieces, vintage items, and the talents of artists, crafters, and hard working volunteers, EM transforms shelters. 

(Vintage button frames made by my friends and family for a Detroit area shelter makeover by Enchanted Makeovers).

Using my passion for decorating, I'm able to serve others by participating in EM shelter makeovers.  Getting my family and friends involved has made it even more rewarding.

(My friends and I at a crafting event for Enchanted Makeovers)

Last Christmas I hosted a crafting soiree for my friends and family.  We crafted gorgeous vintage button frames that were used at The Detroit Rescue Mission Genesis House Shelter while enjoying each other's company and celebrating the Christmas season.  

(Our crafting soiree)

My daughter, cousins, aunt, and friends joined me in a makeover last year at the Alternative For Girls shelter in Detroit.  Together, we spent two weekends painting rooms and furniture, organizing, decorating, and putting a loving touch on each room in the shelter. There is much more than decorating that goes into EM's projects, you can see in the Alternative For Girls video here:  

In January of this year, my husband and I spent a day working together in Detroit at The Genesis House for a twenty-one room shelter makeover.  This was an amazing experience, and being able to share it with my husband made it even more special.  Grab some tissues and check out this video documenting the Genesis House makeover (that handsome guy with the drill is my hubby): 

Not only has my family been given the gift of quality time together while volunteering with Enchanted Makeovers, but I've grown my family through bonds formed with EM team members, fellow volunteers, and ladies and children residing in shelters.

           (Myself and the Enchanted Makeovers family on our way to host the annual She is Me Gala)

 Giving back through volunteering with EM has given back to me in so many ways.

Life can get crazy and it's not always easy to "do it all." I am especially thankful for the time the EM team and their families dedicate to active volunteerism on a daily basis.  For information on Enchanted Makeovers including ways you can use your talents to serve others please visit Enchanted Makeovers website by clicking here.

Follow @ReliefinAction on Twitter and Instagram. Like Advil® on Facebook and share your own Relief in Action by posting pictures with the hash tag #ReliefinAction on Twitter and Instagram. 

For information on my affordable online design consultation service, click here. I am now taking new clients!

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

Do-It-Herself (DIY) Custom Monogrammed Wreath

It almost never happens that I post twice in one day, but I'm so excited about the project I just finished up for my {sponsored} participation in The Home Depot's Do-It-Herself Workshop.  If you missed the initial post, click here for the scoop.  After seeing a holiday inspired monogram wreath made by The Home Depot for the upcoming Do-It-Herself workshop, I got busy making my own version today.  

Here is what I made...

What started out as thin sheets of plywood, a small bag of supplies and two fun power tools (that I never used until today) is now a festive, custom holiday wreath.  

Here is how I made it…

(please click on the arrows in the lower right corner to view video in full screen mode)

 If you live in the Detroit area, you may catch me live on a local Detroit News station next week sharing tips on making a monogram wreath with a designer spin (more details on that to come).

The Home Depot has recently expanded their locations for free in store Do-It-Herself workshops.  On Thursday, November 21st they are offering a workshop to show you how to make their festive monogram wreath.  Click here to register for a workshop near you. 

I will be at a local Detroit area location (Canton, Mi) sharing details how I put my spin on their wreath. I may even be caught showing attendees how to find inspiration online through sites like pinterest. 

You can visit me there by clicking here to rsvp.

I will be taking lots of pictures during the event.  There will also be facebook posts, instagram shouts and live tweeting going on throughout the evening.  If you aren't in Detroit and can't make it out to your local Home Depot, but still want to get in on the fun, follow me on instagram, twitter and facebook.  

It's going to be too much fun my friends.  If you have ever wondered what it would be like to make something yourself, this is a great opportunity to learn how choose the right tools and also see how to operate them at The Home Depot.  Although there will be lots of ladies attending, this workshop is a great opportunity for anyone!

For information on my affordable online design consultation service, click here. I am now taking new clients!

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

The Home Depot partnered with bloggers such as me for their Twitter Party and DIH Workshop program. As part of this program, I received compensation for my time. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about any product mentioned in these posts. The Home Depot believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. The Home Depot’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.