Lamps can go out of style yet still be functional. This one isn’t that bad, but after 10 years, it is drab.
It resides on our nightstand, and I wanted to create a softer look. There are lots of angles and I couldn’t afford to change out the whole lamp, so I bought a yard of fabric. This is soft, stretchy and flouncy. Perfect.
Only a few more days left in the 31 days series, I hope you are enjoying it. It has been a lot of emails if you are a regular subscriber, thanks for hanging in there.
Today we are going to look at a way to reuse picture frames. I had several frames, in different colors. In an attempt to make them look unified, I painted them all white. The look was a bit stark, so I experimented with adding minimal amounts of contrast.
In the first photo set, a white frame is textured using basic acrylic craft paint and rubber stamps. Using a paint brush to apply a thin coat onto the stamp, I tried it out on the backside first. I didn’t want it to be too thick. Then random prints are made in varying pressures to have a casual feel. (Not sure why the pics are uploading upside down and sideways. They aren’t that way on my computer! Sorry about that)
Let’s step out to the front porch for a minute. My friend had the great idea of using up some chalkboard paint…on our pumpkins! Read the rest of this entry
Old books are possibly the best deal in decorating. While libraries are ridding their shelves of wonderful stories, we can, and I think should, be preserving them in some form. As a writer, I appreciate books not just for reading, but for an atmosphere of “words” and “imagination” in our household.
Let’s look above the bookshelves today, and see how we used old books in an artistic way.
Not everyone is into scrapbooking ( weird, I know ), but there are occasions that just demand to be remembered. This is the project for you! When there are plenty of pictures and memorabilia, this is a simple way to create a mini book without any special supplies.
Here is what you’ll need:
*Pictures
*Hole Punch
*Jump rings (less than two dollars a pack at Wal-Mart or any craft store, might be called O-rings, or Book rings)
*Glue Stick
*Stuff. I love the flexibility of stuff, don’t you?
Let’s go. I have found the imperfection is the key to a fantastic book. Don’t worry about measuring, it will add to the charm to have alternating heights and widths. There are only two directions needed. This makes a great project for all ages because you simply can’t go wrong. If something doesn’t seem right I just add another little “touch” on top.
Step 1: Glue pictures back to back, thereby creating a thick “page”
Step 2: Punch holes in the pile and loop the metal rings through to create the binding.
For my book, a friend and I spent the day in Los Angeles. We did so many things, I couldn’t possibly scrap them into a single page. I didn’t want to leave anything out, so the postcards I collected became simple dividers. I journaled on the back of them a few highlights of the stops. I cut up a few maps, to add visual interest. Tickets were glued here and there. A Sharpie captured notes, written right on the photos for a casual look. I used vertical and horizontal pictures to make it chunkier and to reflect the varying heights of architecture we enjoyed. I might come back and add some ribbon pieces to the rings, or other memorabilia as I come across it.
Think of this project in terms of gifts for the holidays, summer vacations, or perhaps a tidy way to corral an abundance of pictures for hobby photography. Be bold in adding things of odd sizes. In this case, we went to a Dodger game. If I can locate a miniature ball cap or bat I would incorporate that into the binding. Another perk is the easy storage. Do you have any shelves with hooks? They hang easily from the metal rings. This can be a fun conversation starter when hung in unexpected places.
Here you see that just a few more holes punched with a small piece of ribbon can fancy up your book even more…
Next time you need an idea for a Mom’s group, a photo club, or any group of friends remember my back to back photo book. Hope you enjoy this easy project, I’d love to see what you come up with!
The artichoke, another example of God’s artistry in the everyday.
This dish is worth the effort, and if you are new to preparing them, here is a great tutorial http://www.artichokes.org/basic_prep.html
When I signed up for one Christina Katz’s (a.k.a. Writer Mama) classes, I knew I’d be challenged. I was right. After 4 years of waiting, the time had finally arrived to be a student. If you need a push– a loving, really firm, push…she is the coach for you. I needed the coaching, and even though it has been challenging, the process has been invaluable. Writing is hard work. Misery and Euphoria partner to create words worth reading. Sometimes it comes easy, mostly it is heavy on the hard work. But the end? Oh, the end! Deep, soul satisfying, peace giving, delight. The joy of creating captivating words is an honor and a gift.
Dreamed of a writing life but unsure how to start? Check her out, you won’t be disappointed. If you don’t have the time/resources to commit to a full-on class I would recommend one of her books to you. Take the step you can now. Then, keep on stepping. I’ll see you on the road…
I’m not an expert photographer (yet!) but have picked up a few tips over the years that have dramatically improved the pictures I take. By changing a few simple things, with any camera you can take better pictures. Let’s use this one as an example of what went wrong.
1) The angle is too high 2) There is too much clutter in the foreground that is irrelevant to the scene 3) The camera wasn’t focused
This scene wasn’t captured well, because there wasn’t enough thought given to the main focus…the kids and their interaction. Let’s look at another one,
This is taken with an inexpensive point and shoot but still a big improvement. I see two big reasons:
1) The subject is centered with an even amount of space in the front and rear 2) There is enough of the playground equipment to capture the essence, but not so much as to distract from the child
Lastly, these shots represent what a difference angles make. Remember the first picture, too high of an angle? Coming down directly above, or slightly to the side of the subject creates strong visual impact.
Experiment! Digital cameras open up a cost-free way to explore our creativity without having to purchase all the mistakes. Your skill level will continue to improve, along with your pictures. Any tips you’d like to share?
This year one of my goals is to create an art journal. You must check out the links below to these ladies sites, they are bound to inspire you as well. I do not consider myself an artist, yet am definitely artistic. That said, I also believe we are all capable of creating beautiful things. The cost of art supplies can be prohibitive, and thankfully Michael’s is coming to the rescue. Each of these items are part of their $4.99 collection. Perhaps if you are beginning from scratch, one thing at a time is within your budget. If not, use what you have! I’ll post my creation for all to see if you’ll promise to reach outside of your comfort zone along with me. And, if you’d like to share, I’ll post your work as well! Sometimes getting started is the hardest part. Remember, if you are inspired by someone’s work, mimic it! Many great artistic souls learned their craft by copying the masters. If you have a great place YOU find encouragement for art, come post the link!
http://www.karenika.com/archives/20351
http://marthalever.blogspot.com/
http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2011/10/30-days-in-your-journal-what-do-i-need.html
Here is a video to get you started, and youtube has TONS of others http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2010/08/hand-lettering-for-your-art-journal.html
Christa Sterken 