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Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

October 3, 2015

Today’s Catnap

October 3, 2015

Fall has arrived and the weather here in the Midwest has been gorgeous!
So what better way to soak up the crisp air than to take a catnap…outdoors…on a sidewalk that leads to the Mississippi River.
Are you new to this series?  It all began with one photo.

Posted by Jennifer Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: blog series, Eightymillion's Photography, Enjoy Illinois, fall, Mississippi River, photo project, today's catnap

March 22, 2015

Today’s Catnap

March 22, 2015

Yesterday I announced a new series that my boyfriend and I are working on.  If you missed that introduction click here.
Every Friday a new image will be released.  This project is solely for fun, but we hope that it encourages you to get out and take more photographs.  Especially those in which you’re enjoying a quick “catnap”.

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: black and white photography, Dubuque, Eightymillion's Photography, Iowa, Milling District, photography project, Spring, today's catnap

August 10, 2014

My Life With Dogs: Who Did This?

August 10, 2014

When something out of the ordinary happens in the house we asked the boys, “Who did this?” There’s been a few incidents lately. Someone left a puddle on the bathroom floor, dirty laundry is scattered throughout the house, or garbage (mostly paper) is removed from the trash can in the office.
No one confesses.  It’s usually their body language that gives them away.  I don’t believe in discipline after the crime. Each incident is turned into a educational moment for everyone.  As the mess is being cleaned up, I’m explaining how this type of behavior is a big “no no”.  Then everything returns back to normal.  Chaos and all.
For those of you with (fur) kids, I’m sure this sounds familiar.
P.S. The photo above is from last Fall.  Makes me think of the cool nights and colorful leaves. Almost ready for the season.

Posted by Jennifer Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: crazy dog mom, dog confessions, dog lovers, Eightymillion, Eightymillion's Photography, fur kids, My Life With Dogs, pet lovers, who did this

April 20, 2014

My Life With Dogs: Easter Egg Hunt (2014)

April 20, 2014

The weather was gorgeous today so we decided to have an egg hunt for the boys.  They loved it!  And of course I had the camera out. Enjoy the video and pictures.  Happy Easter!
P.S. The basket was mine from when I was little.  So yes, it’s vintage!

Posted by Jennifer Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: childhood memories, crazy dog mom, dogs, Easter, Easter basket, egg hunt, Eightymillion's Photography, fur kids, Milkbone dog treats, My Life With Dogs, vintage

April 8, 2014

My Life With Dogs: Who Let The Dogs Out (Natural Light Photography)

April 8, 2014

You can take great pictures with natural light.  No extra equipment is required, just your camera and chosen subject.  I tend to navigate towards this type of setting.  It’s my comfort zone.  There is no doubt that nature provides the best light.
Overcast days are good for natural light photography.  The cloud cover acts as a diffuser.  I crave these kind of days.
The other day (you guessed it, overcast) I had every intention on raking the yard, cleaning out the flower beds, and weeding the garden.  The boys were running around the yard enjoying the fresh air.  Within five minutes, I dropped the rake and picked up the camera.  No regrets, the yard work will still be there, the moment may not.
Until the next word…

Posted by Jennifer Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: benefits of natural light, crazy dog mom, Eightymillion's Photography, My Life With Dogs, photoshoot, who let the dogs out

March 12, 2014

DIY Monogram Photo Collage

March 12, 2014

Here’s a fun, easy, and inexpensive DIY project that you can make for anyone.  I mailed my last Christmas package mid January (don’t judge), so that means I can share the “how-to” with you here on the blog.
Hobby Lobby has all of my favorite papers, embellishments, and tools on sale all the time.  And that’s good when your crafting on a budget.  This project only cost me $1. to make.  That’s not a typo.  Keep reading and I’ll tell you how to make your own monogram photo collage. 
Supplies Needed:

*Chipboard Letter (This one measures 7 3/4″)
*Various sizes of photographs
*Mod Podge
*Spray paint
*Foam brush
*Scissors
*X-acto knife
*Fingernail filer (metal ones work best)
Hobby Lobby always has these chipboard letters on sale for 50%.  With the discount you only pay $1.  The spray paint I had on hand, but this particular brand was from Walmart and I believe it costs a little over a $1. You don’t have to use a name brand for this project.

When I first made these monogram collages I attached black cardstock paper to the backs.  Spray painting them is so much easier! Remove the price tag from the back, place down a barrier in between your work table and the letter, and then apply one layer of spray paint.  Make sure that you hold the can about 6 to 7 inches away from the letter.  That’ll prevent the paint from creating puddles on the chipboard.  Use any color you like.  I choose black because the photos are in black and white.  Let it dry for about 30 minutes.
Do you have an account with Walgreens online photo lab?  I use them all the time.  If you signed up for the promotional emails they send out frequently then pay attention to them.  Every now and then you’ll get one for a free collage.  Watch the dates that they are valid.  Their offers are usually only good for three days or one day only.  The black and white collage above was obtained through one of their free offers.  You can upload 20 photos.  The range of sizes are perfect for this project.
While your waiting for the spray paint to dry, cut out all of the photos and lay them on your crafting table.
Arrange them in the order you want them to be attached to the letter.  I alternated depending on the age in each.
I always use double faced tape for my adhesive.  You can also use Mod Podge for this part.  Attach the photos to your letter so that all of the chipboard is covered.  You will find that overlapping them is helpful. I attached the larger images first and then utilized the smaller ones to fill in the spaces.  When the whole letter is covered I take an x-acto knife to trim off the excess and then use a fingernail file to smooth the edges.
If you used Mod Podge as your adhesive, let it dry for about 30 minutes to an hour before doing this next step.  I used the double faced tape so I’m ready to move on.
Using a foam brush apply a layer of Mod Podge to the entire letter.  Gloss or matte, whichever you prefer. After the first coat is dry I added one more layer.
When it’s completely dry I flipped it over to sign and date it.  
All done!  I’ve made six of these so far for gifts to my nieces and nephews.  A nice keepsake for the parents as well.  Get creative with this idea.  You could also use the last initial for your family and incorporate family photos.
Until the next project…

Posted by Jennifer Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: chipboard letters, craft geek, DIY craft projects, Eightymillion's Photography, gift giving inspiration, handmade, inexpensive gift ideas, Mod Podge, monogram photo collage, photo projects, Walgreens photo lab

March 11, 2014

My Life With Dogs: Waiting For Spring

March 11, 2014

All of us here are very anxious for Spring to arrive.  It’s right around the corner.  We can hear the robins singing in the morning as the sun comes up.  
Disco was happy to find his football that was buried under all of the snow.
Until the next word…

Posted by Jennifer Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: animal lover, dog lovers, dog toys, Eightymillion's Photography, football, long Winters, Midwest Living, My Life With Dogs, snow day, Spring

February 2, 2014

My Life With Dogs: Super Bowl Commercials 2014

February 2, 2014

Planning to watch the big game tonight?  Super Bowl XLVlll is here!  No one in my house is a fan of football except Disco, he loves to play.  So we usually prepare snacks for the fur kids and homemade pizzas for the humans.  We tune in for the commercials and the half time show.  That’s it!
But this year has changed.  All of the morning talk shows and news stations have had endless discussions and polls on the best commercial out there.  And then there’s social media.  One BIG spoiler!  What ever happened to keeping things quite until game day?
I guess we live in a time where everything has to be released/shared early.  For instance, look at how Black Friday has changed.  Department stores and online venues were running specials days before the actual day.
Let’s reference concert tickets for a moment.  Pre-Sale tickets!  Seriously, who’s idea was this?
I truly believe that greed has taken over a serious portion of the nation.
So, in conclusion to today’s big game.  We’ll watch the half time show.  I’ve seen all the commercials, so why bother?
Rant over. 
Until the next word…

Posted by Jennifer Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: animals, best buds, Budweiser, cute puppies, Eightymillion's Photography, My Life With Dogs, Puppy Love, Super Bowl commercials 2014, Super Bowl XLVlll

February 2, 2014

Motley Crue’s Final Tour

February 2, 2014

By now all you Motley Crue fans have heard the news.  Like the band said,  “All bad things must come to an end.”  If you missed the press conference click here.  Be sure to access their website for all of the press coverage.  I can recall attending several shows in Cedar Rapids, Iowa back in the late 80s.  About a year and a half ago a group of friends and myself saw them in Alpine Valley when they were on tour with KISS.  Excellent show!
Well, I’m happy to report that we’re going to see them on their final tour!  I’m beyond excited!  A friend of mine scored the best seats today.  I’m forever grateful for all the hard work she has put into this.  Notice the image above?  This was her text when the tickets were in her hand.  Are you with me?  We’ll be four rows from the stage!  {excited}  Alice Cooper will be the opening act.  Public ticket sales started today.  Hurry!  And if your are going, leave me a note in the comment section below as to what town you’ll be seeing them in.
So, after all the excitement we had today, I thought to myself…hmm…I never did share those photos from the show in Alpine Valley. I dug deep into my files, did a little editing, and poof!
Enjoy the pics and videos.  Warning:  The videos playback is VERY loud, so you may want to turn your monitor/phone volume down. A friend of mine captured an awesome shot of Nikki Sixx and his flame throwing bass.  With her permission I shared it below. 
P.S.  My friend’s husband is a blogger as well.  He documents the concerts that he’s attended over the years. If your a music junkie like me, check out his blog here.  He posted a review of Motley Crue’s show from an earlier date at the same venue we’ll be seeing them in this coming November.  I’ve never been to the iWireless Center, but it sounds like a great place.
Pre-Show:
You can’t go to a concert without a cool shirt!  Full tutorial here.
Listen to Sixx Sense.
It was a long drive to the venue, so I wanted everyone we passed on the road to know exactly where we were going!
Notice all the storm clouds.  Did I mention that it poured rain half way through the show?  No worries, it was still worth it.  Note to self:  pack a raincoat for next outdoor event.
My “Crue”
Showtime!
One very lucky girl from the crowd got to ride on the roller coaster drum set with Tommy Lee.
No show is complete until the confetti flies in the crowd!
Until the next Motley Crue show…
~Jennifer

Posted by Jennifer Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: Alice Cooper, all bad things must come to an end, Alpine Valley Music Theatre, concert tickets, Eightymillion's Photography, KISS, Motley Crue, Nikki Sixx, RIP Motley Crue, Sixx Sense, The Final Tour, The Tour

December 6, 2013

Happy 5th Birthday House

December 6, 2013

I have two birthday boys today.  My boyfriend turns 42 and our youngest son turns 5.  You can clearly see where my attention goes.  Fur kids come first!
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Posted by Jennifer Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: Animal Lovers, crazy dog mom, dogs, Eightymillion's Photography, Happy Birthday

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