Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

Friday’s Top 10 Link List: 6-14-13 (Last Minute Father’s Day Gifts)

Don’t panic.  Father’s Day is in two days.  Lost for ideas?  Here’s ten quick and easy ones.

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Give him a cool shirt along with a massage.  All packaged together.  Very creative!
Cubicle snacks.
Photo gift to document child’s age and interests.  Love this!
DIY: 52 Reasons.
Beanbags out of Instagram photos?  Unique.
Remote control cookie.
Gift card holder created from a jean pocket.
Handmade dominos.
Does your Dad like Jack Daniels?  Try this Jack and Coke cake.

Stamped washer keychain.

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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: My Blog Reading List

I have yet to add my blogroll to this page, so this week I thought I would share with you ten blogs that I enjoy reading.  There are several, this is only a small sample.
Enjoy!
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Bleubird Blog
Bubby and Bean
SNAP!
re. recycle, repurpose, relove
Sometimes Sweet
shutterbean
A Beautiful Mess
I Wore Yoga Pants
simply breakfast
Makeshift Society
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: Etsy Favorites

I’ve been working hard on getting new handmade cards into my Etsy shop.  It’s been on vacation mode for awhile.  
And then something strange happened.  I got lost in all the amazing shops on Etsy.  It completely sidetracked me from the original mission.  Has that ever happened to you?
Therefore, I’m showcasing ten of my favorite items.  Of course the list is much longer, but this way I can sum up all the time I spent as research for the blog.  
 Enjoy!
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Vintage Camera Lens Necklace from ThePendantGarden.
Triangle tote from arounna.
Vintage Pyrex Dish from Stylefinds.
Handmade Dog News Dress from Pinkybomb.
NYC Pillow Cover from NestaHome.
Clutch purse from cutiegirlie.
Linen skirt pants from idea2lifestyle.
Grey tea towel type design from Printshack.
Camera shirt from theboldbanana.
Vinyl wall clock from Anantalo.
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 5-17-13 {DIY Recycling Inspiration}

I’ve been on a recycling kick lately.  Perhaps it comes from all the unfinished projects I’m finding in my garage.  
Have fun with the list!
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We’ve all seen those big, bulky entertainment centers at the thrift stores or on the side of the road with a huge FREE sign attached to them.  Pick one up and create this.
Organize your craft ribbon using cans.
Vintage suitcases are very popular in my Mom’s shop.  I came across this article with tons of inspiration.
Before you throw away any furniture check and see if you can transform the pieces into something for the herb/flower garden.
Using Mod Podge, patterned paper, and a few other oddities you can make these unique little tins.  Business card holder, sewing kits, small gift boxes, etc.  Their uses are endless.
Drink a lot of wine?  Reuse those corks!
Skip the jewelry box and go for one of these!  Recycle those oddities that you have around the house tucked away in a box.
Alphabet block magnets.  Good idea.
If I owned my own Bed & Breakfast I would create a different theme for each room.  Here’s some ideas for repurposed headboards.
Garden tool table and chairs?  Love this idea!
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 5-10-13 {All About Photography}

I’ve been on a photography kick lately so I decided to do another list on that very subject.
Enjoy!
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Have you heard of Lomography.com?  I finally registered with their website last month.  Great tips and cool cameras.  Last night I got an email stating that my “piggies” are going to expire within the next couple of days.  Not knowing what this was I did a little investigating.  I accumulated credit that I could use in their shop.  Piggies equal dollars so I purchased some black & white film and a Diana lens for my Nikon.  If you love the artsy side of photography then you’ll love their website.
I hear that May is a good month for selling your house.  Here’s some tips to shoot a great house tour.
Have you ever bought something and then it just sits in the box?  I have a Bamboo Tablet, brand new and never used.  I bought it for the sole purpose of doing this.  I should try it someday.
Are you a food blogger?  I’ve ate a lot of cold dishes as I was working on getting that perfect shot.  Here’s a post to help you photograph your food so that it looks as good as it tastes.
Brittni, from Paper & Stitch shared a three part series filled with awesome photography resources.  Here’s part one, two, and three.
Jim Harmer started his website out of his love of Photography.  He shares advise on camera gear, podcast, online classes, flash photography, landscape tips, and I could go on and on.  Go check out ImprovePhotography.com.  Be careful, you might get lost.
I have this book and I love it!  Lots of cool DIY projects and inspiration.
The best cheat sheet for photographers.  Especially those that are just learning how to use a DSLR.  Yes, that’s me!
I get a little nervous when it comes to street photography.  I don’t want to offend anyone, yet I want to capture that unexpected image.  Here’s an article, from Stacey via the CM Blog, that I found most helpful.
Alisha Robertson shares her insight and knowledge on photographing newborns in a two part series on MCP Actions Blog.  Here’s part one and part two.
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 5-3-13 (Mother’s Day Inspiration Part Two)

Perhaps I should of kept my comments to myself last week in regards to how beautiful the weather was.  We are having an unusual Spring here in the Midwest.  Oh well, what can we do about it?  Be grateful we don’t have snow and look forward to those warm sunny days. 
As I mentioned last week I’ll be sharing more inspiration for Mother’s Day.  If you missed that post click here.  Feel free to share your links in the comment section with any additional ideas.
Enjoy!
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Tea Cup pincushion.  
Personalize a handmade piece of subway art for your Mom.
Colorful DIY flower vases.
If your Mom loves DIY projects, she’ll get a kick out of these.
Does she like wine?
Create a mini marbled clay bowl.  These are so cute!
Custom name and picture boards.
Use the same amount of glass beads to represent the kids with a bird nest necklace.
Display your art on tea towels.
Recycle a plastic bottle into a cell phone holder.  Awesome!
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 4-26-13 (Mother’s Day Inspiration Part One)

I’m happy to report that Spring has finally “Sprung” here in the Midwest!  Clap, cheer, or heck do a cartwheel!  The ten day forecast looks amazing.  I have some days off coming and will be spending them in the yard with the boys.  The blueprint for the garden is coming along and I can’t be more excited.
Mother’s Day is right around the corner so for the next two weeks I’ll be sharing some ideas and inspiration on the weekly Top 10 List.  I’ll be continuing my Mom’s tradition that she did for her Mom.  If you missed that post click here.
Enjoy the list and have a great weekend!
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Do you shop on Etsy?  Here’s an adorable Treasury dedicated to your Mom’s special day.

Recycle a bucket and give her flowers.  Great idea!
“Less Dishes” concept.  Be sure to grab the free printable tag to include with the gift.
Create a silhouette chalkboard.  Adorable!
Text art.  You can pick up these frames for around $5.00 at Walmart.
DIY Baby masks.  How cute are these?
Give her a coupon book.  Endless possibilities with these books.
Hot off the press!  Her very own newspaper!
Pack your gift in a plastic two liter bottle.  Very resourceful and creative!
Dig out some photos and put together a memory jar.
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 4-1-13 (Spring Garden Inspiration)

This week I’ve been trying to focus on things that make me happy.  There is just too much evil in the world.  If your reading from the Boston/Texas area my thoughts and prayers are with you.
What makes you happy in times of tragedy?  I think of my garden.  I’m looking forward to spending some time outside getting my projects in order.
Last week I shared a list of Spring themed ideas for photo props, napkin rings, and watering cans.  If you missed it click here.  This week I decided to keep the Spring Inspiration coming.  This time focusing on the garden (food and flowers).  So many projects with so little time.  It always amazes me on how creative people are.  More thankful that they share their ideas.
Enjoy!
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Recycle an old pair of work boots, a birdcage, or a stove in your garden.
Herb garden inspiration.
Recycle those old tires into container gardens.  LOVE this idea and I have an extra tire laying around.
So pretty.
I use these blocks for flower pots, but here’s another great idea.
Organized and tidy.
Do you have an extra bird cage sitting around?  Try this.
Fairy garden?
Recycle those egg shells and toilet paper rolls.  I love the title of this post.
My dream garden.
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 4-12-13 (Spring Inspiration)

The weather in my part of the world has been crazy.  There is no other word than can explain it.  One day it’s beautiful and warm and then the next day it’s raining with a chance of snow.  Rest assured that warm sunny days are coming.  
Remember the image above?  It was from a simple DIY post that I shared last June.  I came across the box packed away in my garage last week.  That gave me the idea to dedicate this week’s list to Spring projects. I had a few from last year that I didn’t get a chance to do due to the extreme heat, so I’m excited to get things moving this year. 
Please excuse my absence from the blog this past week.  I caught a nasty flu bug that lingered on way to long.  Feeling much better now so let’s get to the fun stuff!

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Turn a wooden pallet into a photo prop for the kids.
Spring napkin rings.
A hanging shoe organizer makes a great place for your herb garden.
Crushed can planter.
After the milk/juice jug is empty use it as a watering can.  Great idea!
Turn a bike chain into a bracelet.
A few pieces from an old fence, four shelf legs, one wooden knob, and some stain will create this.
So many uses for a mason jar.
Give your flower pots a whole new look with some fabric and Mod Podge.
April showers bring may flowers.
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 4-5-13 {Random Links}

Ready for the weekend?  I sure am.  All though I do work just knowing that it’s here has a calming effect to it.  The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival is underway here in town.  Super crazy schedule for Adam due to the fact that his job is hosting some of the films.  The annual event is growing and it brings business to the town, so that is good. 
I’ve been slowly mapping out my outdoor projects that I hope to get at soon.  Our annual city clean up day is approaching so that makes me happy.  Sounds silly don’t it?  I look forward to this day every year.  You get to get rid of all those big items that you can’t put out at the curb for the garbage man (and there’s no charge).  This will open up for space in the garage for my DIY projects.  I hate clutter.
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Have you heard about Facebook Home?  Your thoughts?  I’m always willing to try something new, so I’ll see if my droid can download the free app on April 12th.  I’m not on Facebook as much as others, but we’ll see what Zuckerberg has come up with for this one.
It appears that everyone is implementing upgrades at the same time.  Logged in to have some “pinning time” this morning and I was asked if I wanted to switch to the new page.  Sure, why not?  Do you find yourself pausing at the message that comes when you click yes, Ready to switch for good?  It’s like the world stops for a moment until you answer than final question.  Go for it….and breathe again!  So far so good.  I love to see what others are pinning so go ahead and follow me, I dare ya!
A really cool blog for photographers. 
As soon as I figure out how to use my DSLR (yes, I’m afraid of it) I’m going to practice with my niece and nephews.  Check out this post.  Lots of inspiration for props and posing.  I’ll definitely be utilizing this resource.
Do you have any fabric scraps that need a good home?  This would also make a nice gift for any occasion.  Add a little pop of color to any room.  So many possibilities.
I want this couch.
I have a crepe pan in my cupboard that I’ve never used yet.  Perhaps this will inspire me.
I love asparagus and bread.  Will definitely be trying these.  Minus the bacon of course.
Vintage kitchen decor.
A practical housewarming gift.  And it’s edible.
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer