DIY Lightbox - So Easy!

I was frustrated. Couldn't quite get the quality images I wanted- and typically on days I plan to take pictures, it would be sunny riiiiight up until I set up and got everything organized and ready to go. And then... Clouds. Or rain.

There were many times I fumed at the sky- cursing the clouds for souring my photographs and the artsy way I had planned on taking my pictures. I was very creative with my language too- but I'll be a lady and not repeat what words came out of my mouth.... *grin*

So, quick update- my back isn't any better. My hands shake because of the medications I'm on, and I haven't been motivated to make any jewelry because I'm tired all the time. Side effects of the meds, and it's really hard to create jewelry with shaking hands. However, the other night- I got mad. REAL mad. And I made some new pieces which will debut with a few glimpses at the end of this post. We're trying really hard to figure out what's wrong with my back and why the spasm won't let up- but we may be close to finding the answer. But back to the exciting topic at hand.

You honestly won't believe how easy this is. You probably already have all the items needed to make it already in your house/apartment!

A Light Box

Ingredients:

1 ) Cardboard Box. Yes, you read that right- any old box will do. You want it to be a decent size, so you can use some props if you so choose, and so that you can get your hands in there to position items. I'm sure you have one kicking around the house somewhere- right? A recent order delivered in the mail? Or recently moved and unpacked? Great! If not- check out the grocery store, or a bookstore- they always have cardboard boxes. The best part- they're free! (Unless you want a nice new one and pay for it. That's ok too. I like cheap though!!)

My Box:

2 ) Packing Tape. Yep, the clear stuff you use to seal those cardboard boxes. You'll probably have this hanging around too. If not, duct tape could work. I wouldn't recommend just regular old tape though. It's too thin width-wise, and it would most likely end up being harder to work with- honest!

3 ) Box Cutter. Yes, a sharp blade. We need to do some cutting here.

4 ) Ruler. You know, like a measuring tape. I have a metal edged one, so there wasn't any destruction of the wooden measuring device. You can substitute any straight metal object to use as a guiding edge when you cut.

5 ) Paper. I used regular old computer paper- three sheets. You can use tissue paper too- the idea is to diffuse the lights so that there are no harsh shadows. For inside the box, you can use a cut to size width piece of poster-board (any color you choose) that you can tack to the top, and length should come out to the box flaps or beyond. This allows for the paper to "curve" at the back without making an obvious seam- when you take your pictures, there's no visible backing in the box. It's like infinity. I used a white pillow case which has a lace trim so I had some visual interest in addition to just plain white fabric for photos. You can use whatever you like!

6 ) 3 lights. I use incandescent. However, I don't have them set up in a holder yet- so I used Mom's Ott Light instead- above the box.

7 ) Dad. This is optional for you. However, because of my medications and how they make me so out of it, I figured that it wasn't a smart idea for me to wield a sharp blade and operate it safely :P

8 ) A pen.

Alright- ready to get going?

First, you need to cut out the size of square you want. Since my box is on the smaller size (for now!) all I needed to do was take a piece of computer paper and lay it on one of the sides I wanted to cut. Using a ball point pen, about 1/4 of an inch in from each corner push the pen through the paper and into the cardboard. It should indent and create a punched hole square on that side of the box.

Using the ruler, or metal substitute piece, use the knife to cut out the square. Not too bad, right? Place this new cardboard square on the other two sides of the box, making sure it's centered, and use the point of the knife to make a cut on each of the corners so it will mark where you need to cut. Take the ruler, and cut out the squares.

Using small pieces of tape, secure the paper corners over the "windows" you've now created in the box. Now, tape the edges down to the box.
(Is it just me, or are you reminiscing about how when you were little, boxes used to be such fun play toys... Especially big ones that could be turned into a fort... LOL)

It's done.

Seriously!

And I cut the back flap of the box and used a folded pillowcase with lace edging for my background. You can use whatever you want- paper, colors, textures- anything goes!

That's all there is to a free lightbox! (Well, free for me... Not for you if you need any of these supplies- not counting the box of course!)

So... After Dad and I did this.... I went straight upstairs and rigged up my new toy. Mom's got an Ott Light in her craft room, so I figured- that's a natural white light... I'm going to try just using light on the top panel of the box. Lights, camera programmed the way I want it... Action!

Sweet Geranium Necklace

Seashell Earrings I made for my sister.

Baby Pink Lampworked Earrings with Silver "Dust"

As you can see- I got some really awesome shots! This was probably the easiest project done to give me the results I wanted to see with my jewelry! I'll still continue to use natural sunlight and props to get some visually interesting pictures, but I love how true the colors are with my free cardboard light box!

Disco Fever

I've been able, during my more lucid moments, to get crafty... This excites me to no end! I've managed to find some pretty glass beads- though not exactly what I was looking for, they'll do for now. I was able to get some pictures of them yesterday, but I haven't unloaded or edited them yet. I'm still very unmotivated- all due to the meds the doctors have me on.

I found some glass beads, albeit not the ones I was looking for that I so fell in love with- and they have large holes- as to fit Pandora/Troll/Biagi bracelets. But, I thought, I'll figure something out. I'll make it work. And... I think I did. You shall see evidence tomorrow of such. I managed to come up with a pink and gray necklace and earring set, and two rose glass necklace and earring sets with different colors- one has clear rondelles, the other has a pretty iridescent light green. Like I said... I can't wait to show you how they came out... But the thought of removing myself from underneath this warm nest I've huddled into is not ideal, and it ain't gonna happen!!! Why would I need to move? My camera batteries are in the other room, not in my camera!

I did, however, post a new pair of earrings I came up with the other day.
Let's just say... I got disco fever! These little balls just remind me of a disco ball- albeit they're rainbow, have cut portions to see the amber glass inside.... And are just plain fun!

If I could get up and do a little dance, I totally would!

Tips & Tricks- Get Your Silver Sparkling.... QUICKLY!

Honestly...

Who loves to sit and polish silver by hand? Putting the paste on the sponge, rubbing the tarnish on the piece, hoping it comes off... And realizing that after ten minutes of patiently trying to polish the silver- it's NOT coming off.

So... More paste... More "polishing"... More time spent in attempting to get that darn spot off the silver. But- no such luck. It's not budging.

What to do?!

Simple, easy, and it includes everything easily found in your kitchen.

Typically, we use this to get the sterling silverware cleaned for Holiday dinners at our home... BUT... The same technique can be used for sterling jewelry in a pinch.

Ingredients List:

* Baking Soda

* Tin Foil

* Water

* Heatproof Bowl or Pan

* Tea Kettle/Small Saucepan

* Paper Towels

* Mug

* Favorite Type of Tea

* Sugar/Honey

Fill the Tea Kettle or Saucepan with water, and set on the stove to boil. (Microwave can also work if you have a container big enough- boiling takes about 4-7 minutes depending on power)

Tear off a piece of Tin Foil large enough to cover the bottom of your bowl or pan.

Depending on how many items you have, either a bowl or a deep heatproof pan will work. I prefer ceramic- such as Corningware, however Mom likes to do this in our big stainless sink. Scatter your items atop the tin foil, making sure they aren't touching one another.

Sprinkle them with a good amount of Baking Soda. Mind you- they don't have to be completely covered- but a good sprinkling does wonders. Unless your Baking Soda is clumped in the box (like mine does after a while!!) it should come out nice and powdery.

Once the water is boiling, remove from heat and pour over your jewelry/silver in the bowl.

Pour yourself a nice, hot Mug of Tea and add Sugar/Honey to taste.

Immediately upon pouring the water over the items, you should see the silver start to brighten. This is due to an amazing chemical reaction caused by the boiling water coming into contact with the Baking Soda and Tin Foil. While it looks like it's all clean now... Be patient!

Sip your tea, and by the time you're finished- you'll have sparkling sterling silver!

Remove from the bowl/pan, rinse under cool water and lay to dry on paper towels.

Did I also mention that it cleans the stones as well? It doesn't clean quite as well as having a jewelry cleaner and scrubbing the stones with a soft brush- but- as you can see, they have an irresistible luster. Lights, camera, ACTION!

Holiday Sparkles and More

I love the holiday season. The snow, the music, the decorations. There isn't anything prettier, to me, than houses decorated with lights.

Now, not the over-the-top Lampoon style... But classic. The white candles in a window, a green wreath with a great big red bow on the front door. Icicle lights under the eaves, or surrounding the porch. The softness it shows.

Even better, though, is inside. The smell of sugar cookies, pine pitch from the Christmas Tree, gingerbread just out of the oven. Dare I say Fruitcake! My Dad makes a mouthwatering confection of said dessert- which, normally, I would plug my nose at and run away as fast as I could in the opposite direction! It's delicious.

And inspired by the holidays, are the items below to adorn you or your family and friends. There's something so sexy about beautiful little treasures that are worn!

So a flashy pendant in red or black diamond, eye catching and definitely festive. Delicate earrings that match perfectly, wear as a set or separate. I love creating jewelry- and especially using Holiday colors- reds, greens, crystal, and black diamond. Because no matter what- a little sparkle always puts a smile on your face.

It's like buying red lipstick and a great pair of shoes- it perks your mood up and makes you feel good almost instantly! So... If you like, visit my shop by clicking here in order to view all my items! Or you can use the list on the right side of my screen to see what's currently listed in my shop.

What are your plans for the holidays?

Moving Day has Inspired Me... Terrariums!

Oh, so here it goes... Moving day indeed!
Bigger place with my roomie, and I couldn't be happier! It's sure going to be a busy weekend- but we'll manage.

I think the fact that I'm moving from the big parking-lot area part of the complex to the top of the hill, overlooking the other side of town, and deck now faces woods instead of neighbors- has inspired me to "Get Green". I like to garden- used to do it at home, where my Mother has a beautiful garden landscaped around the house. I had a little section of my own that I tended- with Bleeding Hearts, Pansies, Hostas and other flowers that caught my fancy. My favorite was the Bleeding Heart- pink. They were my Grandmother's plants, and it's been "killed" many times over by the lawn-mower. It kept growing back- and when we moved from CT to NH, I took it with me. It's literally over 50 years old- nice strong roots!

Anyways, I digress!
Moving to this new place has inspired me to bring a little bit of "garden" inside. (since i obviously can't plant a garden in the forest- i know some jerk will ruin it...) I've always loved terrariums, and perhaps I'll make my own. But searching for inspiration on Etsy, I came across some lovely specimens that make me just want to whip out the debit card and purchase away. I'd totally hang the bulbs from wrought iron hangers I have, and place artfully on shelves I plan to purchase. Have to remember- fiesty kitten joins my household on Monday! Cats do love to get in to things they're not supposed to...

So, here's what I'll share thusfar from my finds on Etsy- I hope you enjoy!



Here's a weakness of mine- Teapots- and this design is from WeeGreenSpot's Shop. I simply can't get enough of them. I'd collect them, but I buy too many crystals to support another obsession... Unless business picks up, of course! I love the shape, the almost country look, and of course- who wouldn't want a cup of green tea and moss?

Next up is another possibilty- since I have a fondness for glass, and Apothecary Jars are just so pleasant to look at.



This beautiful Terrarium is from Greenbriar. The little toadstools are the cutest things I've seen yet- imagine a fairy sitting atop her little perch! I also love how everything is layered in this one- it just brings so much green inside- it's almost like having a garden. Almost...



Speaking of absolutely whimsical, this adorable "Gnome's Laundry Day" is from doodlebirdie. Precious!
I've never seen such tiny-scale and adorable "clothes" for Gnomes! This one definitely makes me go "AWWWWW!"... This one is definitely a one of a kind idea, and a wonderful one at that! I vote more Gnome Laundry Day Terrariums!




Sometimes, simplicity is key. And such is truthful by taking a look at this teensy, tiny moss garden. It's offered by starcrazy8.
I'm in *love*. I like simple, tasteful, elegant... Tiny... I'm a small person, so small things intrigue me. It makes me feel "normal" I suppose, though there's nothing wrong with being short! The look and feel of these- I can picture about 5 of them lined up in a row- and of how absolutely gorgeous they'd be on a shelf!

Last, but not least... The typical Etsian (i think) DIY mentality. I mean, we're ALL crafters, right? That means handmade... Which means we like creating and crafting... And I'll cut to the chase... !
Visit WarmCountryMeadow for an awesome little kit that comes with everything you need to create one of your own Terrariums!

Colorful and Creative

This isn't a jewelry post today.

It's a mask post.

I've had quite a few compliments, and inquiries, as to where I dug these two beauties up- but then again, they may not quite be your thing. To each their own I suppose!

Anyways... I like dressing up and going to Ren Faires. We had a very small one that we organized a few years ago back home in NH, but it was mostly local vendors. The only downfall to the entire thing was that it really wasn't advertised well at all- which had it been me, there would have been all sorts of marketing going on.

However- all in all, we had a really good turnout.
Skip to last year, when I moved down to Virginia, and didn't know what a REAL one was... And I was amazed. An entire little town to walk around in... Who would have thought?!

Checking out all the different shops, there were literally hundreds of things I wanted to buy... From little handblown glass ornaments, to flower headbands, to dresses and corsets and handmade chalices- I'm sure I looked like a drooling Pirate. Yes- purple and black lace corset, pirate hat with big feather, red and black skirts.. It was great. Though- I imagine to everyone passing by I looked more like a fish with it's mouth gaping wide, drooling all over the wares... But not literally. LOL.



I found the Mask Shoppe quite by accident, as I was wandering around and found two girls selling adorable "horns" made of fimo clay and attached by tying the string behind your neck. I'll show pictures later of that, it's funny. They had three locations across the fairgrounds selling them, and two of the three sold out the weekend we were there! Many, many people- from little 5 and 6 year olds to a stately old woman in a wheelchair were seen sporting around in them... So cute!!! So the girls that were helping me get a pair of horns for my sister said "Go peek in the shop- you seem like you'd find something in there that you'd like."

I did. In every sense of the word- I found the Goblin Mask! While there were various gorgeous hand made, handformed, and handpainted masks available... It was something about this little grumpy one that just screamed at me. I had to have it.

So I bought it.
Now the interesting thing is that I liked it. I had no intention of wearing it for Halloween- as it was fast approaching, and I had an idea for a costume already. So I hit up another mask shop on the way out that evening- and bought the one seen below. I'm a total sucker for anything that has glitter. And this has feathers, and rhinestones to boot. Yep. Cha-ching. Got this one too.



So as you can tell, I bought the two masks the same day... And yes, I knew they were both green. But I didn't think to combine them both together until I was literally walking out of the Ren-Faire with them in my hand. I didn't get a gift bag or anything with their purchase (which kinda irked me) but meh... It worked. I slipped one on top of the other....



And Voila! The Goblin Queen emerged!

And to finish the ensemble off, of course you need some sparkles. And what better than a hot-pink rhinestoned star?! This is, of course, one of my own pieces not for sale... But I love the rainbows it throws off anytime I move! Here you have it... Components of the costume I created last year.

I think, depending on more jewelry that I craft, that the masks both will have to be "models" for me.

DIY Idea for Dull White Apartment Walls

Well, I've been searching lately for innovative ideas to decorate the walls in my apartment. I haven't done so just yet, considering I'm moving in less than 2 weeks to a bigger place, yay! It's not to say that I despise these bare, white walls... I do. But these ones are undecorated.

The new place, however, will not get away so easily.

I've been searching high and low online for inexpensive ways to decorate my walls, short of spending about a hundred bucks and painting rooms. There was also the wallpaper option- but that's such a mess to deal with. I remember wallpapering our kitchen with Mom... And needless to say, while we got off to a rocky start- it ended up looking fabulous.

I ended up covered in wallpaper paste.
Bleh.

So an idea that I came across earlier today has really intrigued me to no end... Because, if in fact this does work... I'm not only doing my room, I'm sure my roommate will do his as well... And I'd like to do the living room too for a little more oomph!

The recipe?
Fabric + Liquid Starch = Wallcovering

Yes.
I didn't quite believe it when I read it... But it seems that after purchasing fabric, it needs a gentle washing to get the sizing out. Ok, no problem. I do it with any fabric stuff I buy.

Next, make sure you have a rotary cutter on hand- to trim the edges and such once hung. Dump the liquid startch in to a bucket, and let the fabric get wet. (for me, I'd probably put the starch in the bathtub...) Wring it out so it's not so wet, and then starting from the ceiling, "press" your "wallpaper" to the wall. A squee-gee or braser will help as well to smooth the fabric nice and neatly. Viola! Wallpaper!

I also think I'd modify it a bit by pushing some thumbtacks in to the wall at the very top, about every foot or so just in case! Cut around areas with the rotary cutter or scissors, to take out windows and doors. (Or just pre-cut those pieces!) If it's a fabric pattern- remember to line it up... It will look silly all mis-matched otherwise!

It will take a little while to dry- let it do so by airdrying. Don't put a fan or hairdryer to it.

The best thing? When you want to remove it... Peel a corner, pull, and off it comes.
Wash your fabric and use it for another craft... Or another room, if there's enough!

I can't tell you how much I love this idea.
Of course, I'll test a patch of wall before I decide to do the entire thing... But this excites me!
If it does indeed cause no wall damage... I will most definitely take pictures and show! The bathroom will most likely also get a makeover too!!!
No more bare walls in the white scary apartments!!!