Printables: Easter Basket & Bookmarks

Can you believe Easter is only a little over a week away? This year it falls early in the month of April on the 8th. If you're still looking for ideas, Jinjerup and Craftbits have teamed up to bring you this cute Easter Basket and Bookmark set. You can get the download for the bookmarks at Jinjerup and the Easter basket at Craftbits. Jinjerup also has cute printable bunny and lamb baskets available for purchase.

Photographing Craft Projects

A couple weeks back Caca asked me how I photograph my projects so today I'm going to try to answer that question. First you should know, I am not a professional photographer nor do I claim to be. However, I have been taking photos of my projects for over five years now so I've learned a few tricks along the way. Here goes. . .

The Set Up

Almost all my projects are photographed by a window with natural light or outside, no flash.

*First I place a large white poster board on the table for a blank slate.

*Next I set up a bi-fold Foam board. This reflects the light and helps prevent shadows.

* I like to use scrapbook paper for my backgrounds since it's inexpensive and comes in so many styles . Some times I use fabric too. I try to stay away from prints that are too busy.

Lighting

* Once I have everything set up, I find the best light. Since I've been doing this for a while now, I already know what window and time of day works best for me. This is something you'll have to troubleshoot on your own.

*Last I will angle the entire setup for the best light. I'll simply turn the bottom poster board to find the optimal light. Often I'll take a few pictures, see how it looks, and adjust accordingly.

Photo Editing

If the colors or lighting don't come out the way I like, I'll edit the pictures with Photoshop. Above is an example of this, the top picture was not edited, the bottom one was.

*First I adjust the lighting with the manual levels option.

*Next I'll dodge and burn (lighten & darken) specific spots. For example if a shadow is too dark, I'll lighten it up with the dodge tool.

*Last, I'll crop the photo to the size I want.

There are a lot of great sites online that dive deeper into these topics. If you're just starting out, I recommend iheartfaces and Photojojo for detailed tutorials.

Hand in Hand, Crafting with Kids

Hand in Hand by Jenny Doh

I've been waiting for over a year now for the book Hand in Hand to come out. Now that it's here, I can finally share about it with you. Jenny Doh of Crescendoh asked 19 bloggers including myself to contribute a unique kid craft for the book. Along with 20 craft projects, the book also profiles our creative lives with photos and our thoughts on creativity.


For Hand in Hand I created a paper bracelet craft. Can you guess the main supply I decorated it with? Hint: it's one of my favorite mediums to work with.

Here's just one of many crafts that caught my eye in the book, plush animal cushions. This project is by Jhoanna Monte of One Red Robin.

My daughter has already gone through the book and has plans on making a thaumatrope by Mummysam. I always find it interesting to see what craft projects appeal to my children. It's one more insight into their personalities.

Want to learn more about the book? Here's a complete list of all the contributing bloggers:
Jackie Boucher, Samantha Cotterill, Jenny Doh, Maya Donenfeld, Ali Edwards, Rachel Faucett, Pam Garrison, Abby Glassenberg, Cindy Hopper, Beki Lambert, Merrilee Liddiard, Jhoanna Monte, Ella Pedersen, Carly Schwerdt, Amanda Blake Soule, Nicole Spring, Jean Van't Hul, Dana Willard, and Kristin Zecchinelli.

Craft: Paper Easter Eggs

You've probably seen paper decorations like this before only as Christmas ornaments or pumpkins. I decided to update the craft for Easter and make the paper balls egg shaped. It's a simple project that requires few materials. My favorite part about this craft is that you can make them any style you want. Add some rhinestones or decorate the eggs with markers. It's all up to you.

Supplies:
Scrapbook paper - I recommend a paper that has a print on both sides.
Paper Slicer or Scissors
2 Small Brads - any style you like
Hole Punch - size 1/16"

Cut out 11 strips of paper 4" x 1/4". Punch holes on the top and bottom of paper strips.

Place brads through all strips of paper at each end.

Fan out the strips to make a ball shape.

Bend paper into egg shape.

*Optional - add string to brads to hang them on small branches for a centerpiece.

Japanese Craft Book: Embroidery Emblem

Over the weekend I purchased this Japanese craft book, Embroidery Emblem by Atsumi. I was fond of the idea that these mini embroidered pins looked like they could have been passed down from generation to generation. I especially liked the emblems that resembled military medals and family crests. Before I even got the book home, I was already imagining how the pins would look on my cardigans.

Below are a few images from the book and a embroidered pin I made.

Above are the emblems I plan on making for my sweaters.

Here are some of the projects in the book. All of them come with embroidery patterns.

Above is a picture of a pin I made from the book (my first one). And I was wondering, what do you think it's supposed to be? It's obvious to me what the image is because I have the pattern but I'm not sure if it will be obvious to everyone else. If you could leave a comment with your guess, I would appreciate it. I'll update what the image is in a couple days.

*UPDATE - I'm so glad most of you said a high collar blouse because that's exactly what it is. Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment :)

Handsewn Felt Food & Tea Bags

It rained all last week which kept me inside most of the time. I was crafting away but couldn't take pictures to share with all of you due to the weather. On the upside, I was able to get some projects finished. A while back I started working on a birthday gift, a tea party in a box. I made the tea bags but kept putting off making the cookies. As you can see, I finished sewing the cookies and was able to cross another UFO (unfinished object) off my list. That always feels good.

The patterns to make the cookies above came from the book My Favorite Felt Sweets. It's one of my favorite felt craft books. What makes it unique is that it also has patterns for traditional Japanese sweets.

I made the tea bags from the pattern on the Tori Jayne blog.

I packaged up the tea bags in a cellophane bag with some pretty purple card stock.

And to seal the bags, I used deco tape with smiling tea cups and cakes. I tried to get a close-up of the print for all of you to see. If you click on the image, you should get a larger view.

Anyone make anything over the weekend? Please share. If you posted about it, feel free to leave a link in the comments.

Last Minute Ideas for St. Patrick's Day

Jello Shamrock

Tomorrow, March 17th is St. Patrick's Day. If you haven't made any plans yet, here are a few ideas to help you celebrate the holiday.

Leprechaun Cake Trap by Not Martha - I'm surprising the kids with this cake tomorrow. I hope it comes out looking as good as Megan's cake.

Upcycled Clover Leaf Lei by Simple AS That - Make this with items you already have at home.

Free Party Printables at Living Locurto - Designed by A Blissful Nest - Decorate the house at night and say leprechauns did it.

Shamrock Macarons with Baileys Chocolate Ganache by Raspberri Cupcakes - For a St. Patty's Day Challenge

Clover Barrette by Paper & Ink - Make something green to wear so you don't get pinched!

Mini Shatsu

I usually don't share about kids clothing but I thought some of you might be interested in Mini Shatsu (mini shirt) which I just discovered. I was doing my normal routine of checking the sales on My Habit when I came across this unique brand. The shirt above specifically caught my eye. It looked like a little kokeshi doll sitting in a baby sling. It was just my style my daughter's style. I knew it would be a perfect gift for Girl's Day and purchased it along with a dress. The clothing was a little pricey even on sale but worth every penny. I love all the detail of the prints (front and back) and the little pink flowers are velvety.

I also purchased this dress that has a faux apron printed on the front and back. Mini Shatsu also makes clothing for boys. I didn't buy anything for my son because all the styles/sizes I wanted were sold out.

I'm curious, have any of you heard of this brand before? Do you have a favorite kid's clothing brand you like to splurge on? Please share in the comments.

Kid Craft: Paper Rainbow

I designed this paper rainbow with the purpose of using it for a place card on St. Patrick's Day. I've found that my youngest is more enthusiastic about setting the table when she can make the place cards, fold the napkins in cute shapes and pick out a centerpiece (usually a toy). It makes the entire process fun and hopefully she learns where the utensils go in the process.

In case you just want to use these rainbows for a craft project, I made two templates. A smaller size for the place cards and a larger size for a craft or centerpiece. Decorate them anyway you want. For example, add some glitter the rainbow or glue cotton balls to the clouds to make them fluffy.

Small Rainbow Template

Large Rainbow Template

Click on image, right click, copy, save, print. The small rainbow template is designed to fit on a 8.5" x 11" portrait. The large rainbow is designed to fit on a 11" x 8.5" landscape.

Cut out on solid lines. Cut on dotted lines. Attach clouds (refer to picture). No glue is needed.

Craft: Kirigami Shamrock Decorations

Now that Girl's Day is over with, my attention has been focused on St. Patrick's Day. I've been brainstorming new crafts and trying to think of new ways to make the holiday fun but simple. In the past we've stuck to the basics, green clothes, a corned beef and cabbage dinner, and green milk for the kids. This year I decided to change things up and make a few simple decorations, kirigami shamrocks. They will be perfect to use as doilies and decorations to hang on the windows.

Supplies:
Green Paper (6 inch square): light weight paper works best such as origami paper
Scissors

Fold a six inch square piece of paper according to instructions above. Use template to draw the shamrock or freehand it.
Click, right click, copy, save, and print template. Trace shamrock onto your folded triangle (should measure 3" x 3") Cut out shamrock on dotted lines only. Unfold.

If you don't have origami paper on hand, try a page from a magazine.

Book Review: Knits for Nerds

Knits for Nerds by Joan of Dark (a.k.a. Toni Carr)

Once in awhile a craft book will come my way that I feel compelled to share. Recently I was sent a review copy of Knits for Nerds which reminded me of my inner geek. I think I've mentioned this before, I'm a big fan of science fiction and fantasy ( books and films). Many of my weekends as a teenager were spent hanging out at my Grandmother's house with my uncles. My days included playing Gauntlet on the commodore 64, and watching movies such as Batman, Willow, Star Wars, Star Trek, etc. Once I even memorized the entire Batman movie word for word. Now you know.

Knits for Nerds contains 30 knitting projects for fans of Science Fiction, Comic Books, and Fantasy. The book also includes a techniques section with pictures. Even though there are one or two "easy" patterns is this book, I would recommend it for intermediate to advanced knitters.

Below are few pictures of my favorite projects from the book.

Baby Elf Beanie

Star Trek inspired dresses

Cyborg inspired from the Dr. Who Cybermen (cuter version)

Girl's Day Party

Last week I mentioned I would be hosting a small party for Girl's Day. I thought some of you might enjoy seeing some of the pictures from the get together.

I tried to keep it simple and not go overboard with the decorations and food. The only thing I purchased for the decorations was this paper lantern from Daiso for $1.50. I painted it with water colors and added some steamers to hang from the bottom of it. We also had some dolls out that we display every year for the holiday.

For snacks I served monju which is mochi wrapped around red bean paste (top photo). The bottom picture is hina arare which is made only for the holiday (tastes like sweet cereal). I also served senbei (rice crackers), oranges and green tea. The girls were good about trying everything. They liked the hina arare and oranges the most.

Remember when I stood in the hot sun for a couple rolls of stickers (aka my second worst idea ever)? Well, it finally paid off. The Japan themed stickers were perfect for the party favors. I also gave out Japanese erasers and a pair of chopsticks that are heart shaped on top.

For the favor bags, I used some leftover bags I had used for a bridal shower. To make them a little more festive, I used mizuhiki cord to close the bags.

I also had the girls make a paper kimono. I forgot to take pictures of it (sorry). Not all parties go according to plan but this one ended up just about perfect. All the girls were well behaved, they enjoyed the food, had fun making the craft. I know this may sound weird, but it brought me such joy to see all of them having a good time. I know I'm fortunate in that I have the time and resources to throw parties like this.

This party cost no more than $20 to put on. I only share this because it's a good reminder that one can put together a special day without spending a lot. I tried to use items I had in my house before I went out and purchased anything.

Okay, I promise this is the last Girl's Day post of the year. Craft coming soon , if all goes well.

Happy Hinamatsuri

Happy Hinamatsuri! Here's a cute Ekaki Uta (drawing song) that teaches children how to draw a Hinamtsuri doll set. Songs like these are created to help children remember how to draw a specific image. You can find more videos like this on YouTube.

Have a great weekend everyone.