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

Bling for my car...

Ok, it's not exactly bling I guess, but I like it just the same. I have wanted a little something to hang off my rear view mirror and haven't quite found anything that strikes my fancy. So I decided to make something myself.

I created it the same way I did the key tags (look for the key tag post for directions). I used images and snipits from my collage elements sheets - find them here and here - they're available in my Etsy Shop. I also used a filligree stamping and a yummy fleur des lis charm and swarovski dangle. Add some ribbon to hang with and voila!

I'm glad the weekend is approaching, hmmmm - what shall I create? Not quite sure, but that's part of the fun of it for me. ;o)

Altered Key Tag Project...

Here's a really simple but pretty project idea for you!

The surface of the key tag is a sample piece of laminate that I had left over from choosing counter tops for our kitchen. You can find these at building supply stores - ask a service rep in the kitchen department if they have any discontinued samples you can have. They make excellent surfaces for decoupage, collage, etc. because they're already finished and durable on the one side, and the other side is porous but smooth to accept paint, glue, ink, etc.

The images I used are from my Charmed Butterflies 1 Collage Elements sheet. Find it here.


Here are the supplies you'll need...

1 - Sample piece of laminate (with hole at one end).
1 - Large key ring
1 - Small key ring
1 - 3/16 inch eyelet and eyelet tool
2 - Small finishing beads (optional)
1 - Small craft brush to apply adhesive
Adhesive - I used ModPodge
Background paper and images to fit tag.


Directions...

- Remove any product stickers if any, from the laminate sample (key tag) and lightly sand the unfinished side.

- Trace the key tag on to background paper and cut it out along with the images you've chosen.

- Generously apply a coat of ModPodge to the unfinished side of key tag and to the back of the background paper. Put in place and smooth out air pockets with fingers. Let dry for about 20 minutes.

- Trim away any edges that might be extending past the key tag and poke out the hole from the image side.

- Apply a coat of ModPodge to the back of the images and put in place. Again, smooth out air pockets with fingers. Let dry for about 20 minutes.

- Apply 2 to 3 finishing coats of ModPodge to key tag in all directions - left to right, right to left, etc.; this ensures complete coverage - don't forget the sides to keep paper from lifting. Don't worry if you get glue on the other side of key tag, it can be gently scraped off when dry. Be sure to allow proper dry time in between coats. Let dry over night after final coat.

- Attach the eyelet in the hole of the key tag.

- The small key ring attaches to the eyelet and the large key ring attaches to the smaller one for your keys. Sometimes when attaching the smaller key ring to the eyelet on the key tag, the ring separates a bit. I actually like it when that happens as I then add a small bead at the ends with super glue as a decorative, finishing touch.


There you go - easy-peasy! ;o) If you decide to make one, send me a picture - I'd love to see your key tag!

Happy Creating!