Make a Light Box for Great Photos...

Well, I've been a busy girl lately doing digital art for my Labels and Art Stickers for my Etsy Shop. I've also been doing some Art Cards and Gift Tags to add as well, but since I've mostly done digital on the computer for quite awhile now, I'd forgotten how tricky it is to get the 'perfect' shot of an item close up. So, I've been playing around with light, different locations in my house to shoot, set up, etc. I finally decided that perhaps a Photo Box or Tent would be in order because I just am not happy with the results I'm getting.

I decided to do a search on line to price one out or learn how to make one myself. Now, I've seen lots of suggestions on making these before, but I haven't been inspired enough to try it as the directions are not very clear and I just can't find the 'stuff' to build one.

I found this link today and am absolutely thrilled, so I thought I would share it with you♥

Bill Huber has done an amazing job with detailed instructions and photographs on how to make an excellent, inexpensive light box. He's even given examples of photos taken in the finished box with different backdrops and lighting, etc. Click here to go to his instructions.

On that page, there's yet another link to Kevin Criscione who has also done this light box and offers even more suggestions and photo taking tips. Click here to go to his instructions. Once there, just click on the Welcome button to get the tutorial started.

I can totally see this as a plausible project and it sure beats spending big moola for a professional tent! So... I hope James doesn't mind giving me a hand this weekend, cuz I have a light box to build with a whole lot of pictures waiting to be taken! ;o)

Maybe you take amazing shots already, or have done this research yourself and built your own... but if you're like me, *pulling hair out - trying to find just the right lighting, just the right setting, etc., etc.* then perhaps this little bit of info may be useful for you.

Have a wonderful weekend lovely Sweets! ♥xo

Victoria's Pick...

I asked my Victoria (11 years old) a while back if she would photograph a few things for me as she's wonderful with her camera. She happily agreed but first wanted to take some pictures of a few of her favorite things that I have made for her. Well, it was amazing to watch her set up different displays to showcase what she was shooting. She was having so much fun trying different angles, props, etc. She got a little discouraged because of the lighting - it really is tricky trying to shoot things inside the house - especially at night! ;o) She's used to taking pictures outdoors so this is new to her.

So here are her results! For the most part, I left them unaltered except to brighten them up a bit and crop excess.



I always make 2 of everything when I'm creating for my girls as they have similar tastes. The necklaces were my very first attempt at making jewelry using filigree, I loved how they turned out and the girls were so surprised.










I made them each a bookmark to accompany books I bought them for Christmas. Both my girls are totally enthralled with Paris (me too) so Victoria has the Eiffel Tower. Stephanie's had Marie Antoinette.

They love the designer Juicy Couture, so I made each of them a book with their favorite Juicy things in it. These are a few of the pages from Victoria's book. At the back of it I included a special letter from Mom inside an envelope. Much less expensive than the real thing, don't ya think? A lot of fun to make too. They loved these books!

Yummy Juicy Charms!





Love Notes from Mom <3


Doggy Couture!



As for the things I was wanting her to shoot? Well, she sort of ran out of steam so she's going to do it some time this week. I said not to worry, I would do it. "Nope! It's what I like to do, Mom" she says. I say, "Yay Me!!!".

So, more to come when my little photographer is ready ;o)