Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

Friday’s Top 10 List: 3-8-13 (All About Photography)

The sun is shining bright outside as I sit here and prepare this week’s Top 10 List.  Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead this weekend.  I’m not happy about losing an hour, but if it means Spring is closer than I’m all for it!  
I’ve been sketching some ideas for the garden this year so the quicker the snow melts the better.  I’m going to try Kale this year.  For some reason my baby spinach never grows.  That’s okay.  I’ll support another local grower at the Farmer’s Market.  I’m praying that we don’t have the extreme heat like last year.  There’s a couple of outdoor projects that I would like to do.
I’m excited about this week’s list so enough of the small talk.
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I’ve been shopping around for film for my Nikon camera.  Locally, my options are very slim.  Check out this list.  I will definitely be experimenting with several of these.  Check out their website for additional photo tips, cameras, and lots more.
A history lesson on George Eastman and the birth of Kodak.
Looking for that one special unique gift for your photographer friend?  Click here.  Tons of fun stuff.  Another awesome store.   
Stumbled across this Photography blog.  It’s full of tips, reviews, and inspiration.
Looking for some awesome DIY photography projects?  This list should keep you pretty busy.  What would we do without Pinterest?
I want.
Use your Instagram photos and create these handmade blocks using Mod Podge.  I could make several blocks with all of my dogs photos.
Building a portfolio, website, or blog, for your photography business, and not sure where to start.  Here’s some inspiration.
It’s important to have nice clear images of your products/services for your blog and/or online shops.  Here’s some tips from Handmadeology’s website to help you out.
I used my collection of vintage cameras to create these awesome photographs that I sell on Meylah.  Putting them all together on the Handmadeology Collection website gave me an idea.  How cool would they look on the wall together arranged as they do here?  Agree?  It’s a good thing I have a lot of space to work with.
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 2-15-13 (Pinterest Crafts)

Vintage pin cushion from All That’s Vintage in Galena, IL
I’ve always thought that Winter was the time to get caught up with all those DIY projects that have been piling up in my office.  A time that I can organize all of the previous years paperwork.  Time to go through my closets and donate what I no longer wear.  Do you get where I’m going with this?
It’s simple.  I don’t have enough time in the day to finish everything.  I need to compose a Queen Mother Master Checklist (I capitalize each word to show how important they are) to use as a guide throughout my day.
Why am I telling you all of this?  Because for this week’s list I only have one link to share.  Why?  Because my schedule has been so crazy and the guilt would of been to much to bear if I didn’t share something cool with you.
No worries!  This one link will lead you to the ten best craft blogger boards on Pinterest.  Beware craft geeks, once you start sifting through these incredibly inspirational boards you may find yourself losing track of time as well.  Be sure to check out the other posts on Erica’s blog.  She shares many useful tips and her blog is simply adorable.  I have a new place to hang out on the web. 
Just think about it.  If everyone was caught up with their work we would be bored, right?
Have a great weekend!
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

DIY Inspiration: Spider-man Themed Birthday Party

Please excuse the glare in the center, oops.

During my sister’s visit this past June my Aunt shared a scrapbook that she made for a graduation gift.  My nephew’s mom was looking it over as well.  We saw a picture that included the Congrats banner than my Aunt made herself.  It was adorable.  One thing lead to another and I volunteered to create a banner for my nephew’s birthday party that will be held this Saturday.  The task has been on the to-do list for two months. Why do I wait until the last minute?  If I had the answer I would share it with you.  I guess I work better under pressure.

Birthday parties are fun and as we all know they can also be very expensive.  Decorations and the cake alone can add up.  If you are a craft geek like myself it can save you some money.  Handmade rocks (in my world)!  I went to Pinterest for ideas and came up with some awesome decorating ideas.  Spider-man is who Ethan (nephew) loves, so Spider-man it is.
After seeing the banner that my Aunt created it gave me some ideas to create Ethan one that included Spider-man.  I’m using the coordinating colors, stencils, ribbon, and a comic book (as shown above).  Using the stencils and the comic book I’m spelling out Happy Birthday Ethan. The local Dollar Tree has huge sheets of blue and red poster board that will be cut into triangles.  
Tonight I got the letters traced and will cut them out tomorrow.  I’ll share more when they are done.
Click the idea link again that I shared above.  See the background of the table how it looks like a city landscape?  I have two sheets of white foam board (from the Dollar Store) that I can create the same using a black Sharpie marker.  This will make a cute backdrop for the cake table.
Did I mention that I also have two handmade projects for part of his gift?  Four projects total to complete by Saturday.  I will get this done.  My actual cost for everything is very low.  And my time involved in everything….well time doesn’t count when it’s for family.  
Birthdays come around once a year.  The older the kids get the more input they give on what their interests are.  Don’t panic.  Take a deep breath and everything will work out.  You can find a ton of inspiration on Pinterest.  Or simply Google what your looking for.  You can’t go wrong with either resource.
Wish me luck!  Perhaps I’ll do some work on the banner tonight before I sleep.
Until the next word…
~Jennifer     

No Pleasure Should Feel Guilty

How about that one white sprinkle?
Realized this morning that I haven’t had any chocolate in the past week.  
Someone please take my temperature!

That all changed today.
And as the title reads, no pleasure should feel guilty.  Agree?
More recycling Pinterest inspired projects coming this week.  And I’ve got a few ideas for recycling silverware into wall art.  
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Recycled Vintage Wooden Frame: Pinterest Inspired Project

TA-DA!  My first pinterest inspired project is done.  LOVE IT!  I recycled an old wooden frame which gave it a whole new look.  Many more to come in different colors.  Not sure what to do with them all.  A few may go to my mom’s shop in Galena, IL.  And I’m working on a huge red one for my house.  A picture will be posted when it’s complete.  I came up with different variations for the photos that go inside.  The possibilities are endless.
These open back frames make good photo props as well.  One was resting next to my chair and later I found House (dog) sticking his head through it.  Couldn’t grab the camera fast enough, but the ideas are running through my head.  Have I completely lost it?  No, chalk it up to being a crazy dog lover.
“If” your new to Pinterest, click here to go to their homepage.  Take a moment to read the About section.  I can’t be held responsible for what happens after you join and start pinning.  If you need an invite leave a comment in the section below.
This week on the blog:  My goal this year for Christmas (Yes, I said the “C” word) is for all the gifts that I give to my nieces & nephews be handmade and educational.  I’m an Aunt to six, so this will be fun!  I’m preparing my craft table for the first project.  More details coming soon.
~Jennifer