This year, I decided to expand on the gnome ornaments I created last year. A quick hop over to 123rf.com for a fun black and white background image filled with 5 different gnomes. I duplicated the file, cropped each of the 5 gnomes as single images and saved each as a jpg Preview on the MAC makes it a quick process. I transferred the file to my PC and changed the files to bmp in Paint. No distortion or change in size needed. The NEJE software for the laser etcher requires a bmp format and I included the dimensions in pixels in the bmp file and dropped those files in the collection folder of the software folder.
You can find the file here on 123rf.com There's also a color version that would make a perfect backdrop for a card or holder for the ornament!
Set up the etcher, open the program and find the image you want to etch. I didn't have to do much resizing for the etching size. I burned the images on some small tags, added a twine loop and hung them on the tree. You could also color the tags using watercolor pencils or markers for a little pop of additional color if you wanted.
The snowflakes were another addition this year. Also burned using the etcher on some shaped pieces we picked up at the local thrift store (about 100 shapes for 50 cents). We definitely found a good use for them.
Shhh, don't say anything about the lean of the tree.... the littles got a little rambunctious the other night and toppled it --- not the first time and won't be the last I'm sure.
Grateful for mostly unbreakable ornaments on that tree! :) And it sort of reminds me of the tree in a Charlie Brown Christmas. I expect next year, we'll be adding a few more and tossing a few of the snowflakes in that basket on too. :)
Happy Crafting!
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