LeAnn's tip of the month demonstrated how to enlarge a picture proportionately using the grid method. 

This concept came in handy when LeAnn took a "Close Up Pictorial Workshop" with Linda Powell. In the picture above, she is holding up a photograph of her cat, Blackie Chan. 

 

When members arrived they were asked to select a handout with the picture of their choice along with a view finder and pencil.  There were various sheep patterns, llamas, and a chicken design especially for Jennifer :)

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Before the hands-on activity began, LeAnn displayed and passed around samples of projects she has enlarged utilizing the grid method.  

 

If you look closer, you will see a grid pattern drawn on the photograph.  The Photo is usually split into four columns from top to bottom and also from left to right sides.  Boxes can be divided up even smaller if need be. 

 

The next step was to determine how large to make the pillow.  Butcher paper or newsprint paper is wonderful for larger designs, but copy paper will work also.  If the pattern will be larger than a single sheet of paper, then tape sheets of paper together until you get the correct size.  Now it's time to use a ruler and measure the desired dimensions of your piece.  Split this area into four columns from top to bottom and from left to right sides just like your photo.   If a specific box(es) on the grid has a lot of details, then split that box into fourths on both your photo and blank grid.

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When you are ready to begin drawing the enlargement, use a view finder to help keep you focused on only one tiny box at a time while the rest of your design is covered up.  To make a view finder use a sheet of dark colored paper or construction paper.  Draw a small box (same size as the boxes in the photograph) in the middle of the sheet and use scissors or X-acto knife to cut out the box.

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Place the view finder on the first box in the top left corner of the photo.  Whatever lines or shapes are in that one little box, draw them in the first box on your grid paper.  You might not have anything pictured in that box, so slide on over to the next box.  Continue this process until you have completed all of your boxes.

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Look over your final drawing and compare it to the original photo.  You might have to make a few adjustments here or there, but now you know how to enlarge a picture proportionately.

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