Happy [almost] First Day of Summer! The weather is warm and the sun is shining, so I whipped up a fun “Enjoy the Ride” bicycle printable that reminds me of summer evenings with my family. People often ask me how I create my printables, so I thought I’d share a little bit of the behind-the-scenes as to how I created this cute printable for you.
I started by logging into my account at GraphicStock – they have over 250,000 graphics, images, icons, vectors and more available for download, and it’s all 100% royalty-free. At GraphicStock, you get unrestricted usage rights for personal or commercial projects, there are NO LIMITS on the number of images that you can download, and you are able to keep what you download and maintain those usage rights forever. Sounds like a win-win-win!
To create my printable, I searched for bicycle images, and then downloaded a set that I liked (it’s the “Hot” one in the top left!).
I also downloaded a set of Vintage Rose patterns for the background and ribbon embellishment.
In Photoshop, I created a new 8×10 document, and filled the background with the grey polka dot pattern. To do this, open up the Vintage Rose patterns image, use the selection tool to select the grey patterned area of the image, go to Edit>Define Pattern, and add a name to save the pattern. On the new document, select all by hitting Ctrl+A, and then go to Edit>Fill. Chose Use>Pattern>Custom Pattern, and select the new polka dot pattern that you just created. It’s really WAY easier and quicker than it sounds!
To add the bicycle and ribbon, I simply opened those files and used the selection tool to select the area that I wanted to use. Next, I dragged and dropped those elements on top of the new document with the polka dot pattern. I added a little bit of color to the bike layer with the paint bucket tool, and added the text using the text tool. Easy peay!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD & PRINT
If you’d like to create your own printables, sign up for a free 7-day trial of GraphicStock (download up to 140 graphics from the library during your trial) or purchase a one-year subscription for only $99 with this special link (regularly $588!). Just follow the steps above, and you’ll be creating your own digital masterpieces in no time! (If you just want to use the free trial, remember to cancel your subscription before the 7 days are up!)
GraphicStock is also giving away a full one-year membership with unlimited downloads to one lucky Happiness is Homemade reader! Good luck!
Betty Nelson says
We have recently had a new kitchen and have used bicycles as the theme. My son did a collage of old bike photos he took in Charleston, S.C. and I have made curtains and placemats etc. with bikes. This printable I have been looking for and it will look great. Thanks so much.
SaraPL says
The bicycle is awesome!!! Tks and congratulations Heidi!! 🙂
Amy Anderson says
I definitely want the bicycle – so cute!
Kat@Home. Made. Interest. says
You can never have too many gorgeous backgrounds! 🙂
amy @ one artsy mama says
What a sweet little printable! Thank you for sharing!
Ashley @ Simply Designing says
I really like a lot of their backgrounds!
Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage says
So many cute options! I love making cards for family and friends and there are so many to choose from!! (darling printable btw!)
Mary Beth|Cupcakes and Crinoline says
I love graphics and creating cards, prints for my home, etc. with them but the vintage ones are my favorite!
linda(burlap+blue) says
I LOVE graphicstock! Esp. all of the watercolor images!
Natalie Dixon says
I’d love to have some of the backgrounds to use to create my own graphics!
Stacy Risenmay says
I am obsessed with bikes lately. These are adorable!
Mrs Major Hoff says
I love Graphic Stock! I’ve actually used them for several months and have the year subscription! My blog header is made from some of their graphics 😉
Kelly says
Gosh, it’s impossible to pick. I love making printables, so it would be a great FREE resource for a whole year 🙂