Relic Photography Project, Plaques of New Orleans

I used to always have my camera with me wherever I go, now I only bring my Iphone 5 which has a better camera then my digital cannon or Olympus camera, the colors are more detailed and vivid, then the cameras I used to bring with me everywhere. Now I point and click with the Iphone 5. I recently was on a trip to New Orleans for 10 days and became so inspired by every thing down to the smallest of details which made up the whole city. I took so many pictures that I started to run out of GB on phone camera memory, there was just so mcuh to consume and take photos of. I found bringing the city to life would be task, overall views couldn't really bring it to life, but the details could, the relics and found architecture hidden in the city would really help you to see the magic that I could see while I was there. Since I am in love with so many themes and color palettes, filtering these photos was a tough job, fun, but tough, as I loved the black and white look, the sepia, soft focus pastel and vibrant detailed color, each one was beautiful and gave a different effect to the photos. For this project I decided on black and white coloring, since it was for Dave's birthday, the black and white coloring gave a more masculine and professional feel. I choose specific photos which symbolized how we felt about New Orleans and the magic we found there, the result these photos: 

•   -Carousel details from the Carousel Bar 
• -Mardi Gras parade float icon from Mardi Gras World
•  -Typical French Quarter Architecture 
•  -Court of the Three Sisters, Bourbon Street -Nola Trolley Service
•  -Catholic Church, St.Louis Cathedral  

Each of these photos were taken from my Iphone 5 and enhanced with filters using Snapseed on the Iphone, the final resolution for each was over 5 megapixels, which were perfect for printing in 8 by 10 inch size with complete clarity. I used a medium weight paper to print them on from my HP ink jet printer, black plaques, foam brush and modge podge. Below is the exact supply list and directions to make your own.

•  Supplies: 
• -Ink jet or laser jet photo (a photo from your most memorable place) 
• -8 inch by 10 inch black plaque (Michael's Craft Store)
•  -Mod Podge,By Plaid 
• -Foam brush 
• -Rolling pin 

-Heavy books
 Directions:

1.  1. Print your photo or have printed at your local print store to an 8 by 10 size, cut out, set aside.
2.  2. Spread Mod Podge onto a 8 by 10 plaque using foam brush. 
3.  3. Lay cut photo onto the plaque making sure its lined up with the edges, and the hanging portion on the back of the plaque is at the top, not bottom, so that you can hang it on the wall. Then press down, use a rolling pin to roll out any bubbles, lay a stack of books onto it until dried flat.  
4.  Tips/Tricks:
5.  -For an even faster, less mess version, use spray adhesive in place of the Mod Podge, roll flat, let dry. 
6. -Paint your plaques in various colors, mix and match with colorful imagery from your travels or most memorable experiences.
7. -Follow this technique and apply small instagram sized photos to wood blocks and scraps.

My Love of the Carousel

Its no secret that I love the colors and the magic of the circus, whether it be a summer carnival, a boardwalk amusement, or a ride on the carousel, everything about the lights and the music is just magic to me, the inspiration I gain from it is priceless, so imagine stumbling upon a restaurant/bar with a life sized carousel inside it, where you can eat, drink and well, be merry, just pure excitement for me, and yes I went inside and stayed awhile.

I couldn't contain myself with taking some photos, or two, three, okay like 30, lol, with a return visit before I left the city, just too cool. We sat at the bar, ordered a cocktail, by the time we were finished, the carousel made a full turn, of course I wasn't ready to leave, so I had to order another cocktail, just to make another round around the carousel, lol

The Carousel bar is the only revolving bar in New Orleans, for decades, it has lured guests to spin on the 25-seat, bright circus-clad Merry-Go-Round, installed in 1949 and overlooks famed Royal Street in the French Quarter, a place where many of its patrons/riders’ have come up with their most creative ideas and inspirations, and I can see why, the same thing happened for me.

The bar is called; The Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone located at:
The historic Hotel Monteleone is located at 214 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130-2201.
hotelmonteleone.com

 I'd recommend a stop at the Carousel Bar for a drink or two and experience the magic while you are visiting New Orleans, my trip has inspired a new set of carnival/circus jewelry and artwork, coming soon.

Have a wonderful start of the week and hope you get inspired, if you are on instagram follow some of my in the moment adventures and works!

xoxo
Lisa