Recently another small craft business owner shared that she had purchased a light box, and that it has made taking photographs of her work infinitely easier. I've read a few articles on the topic in some art/craft magazines, but I'm still a little skeptical.
I'll admit it, the photographing of my work is the part that I HATE the MOST! My problem is that despite spending time to set up the shots, getting them as well and evenly lit as possible, and taking multiple shots, I end up needing several hours with PhotoShop to get them really clear and sharp. And what's worse is that good photographs are a must to selling online and successfully applying to craft fairs.
I've read that light boxes are good for eliminating shadows and that they help keep the light even on all parts of the object. So does that mean that if I invest in and use one, I won't have to spend hours at my PC fiddling with the photographs? I'd love to know if others have had the same troubles that I have, and if a light box helped.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Join me in welcoming my sister to the 21st century
That's right, my baby sister just joined the blogosphere! She has started a blog for her photography business, Innovative Photography.
dawn elizabeth (my sis) is based in southern NJ, but has traveled as far as Curacao (an island in the Carribbean) and NY for photo shoots. She and her associate, Dennis, shoot weddings, portraits, senior portraits, and more. Her on-location portraits (photos taken in a setting of your choice, rather than in a studio) are fantastic!
Every so often she lets me model for her (always fun!) as she tests out new lighting or posing ideas. Here are some samples of her work, starring me!
dawn elizabeth (my sis) is based in southern NJ, but has traveled as far as Curacao (an island in the Carribbean) and NY for photo shoots. She and her associate, Dennis, shoot weddings, portraits, senior portraits, and more. Her on-location portraits (photos taken in a setting of your choice, rather than in a studio) are fantastic!
Every so often she lets me model for her (always fun!) as she tests out new lighting or posing ideas. Here are some samples of her work, starring me!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Knitting class survey update
I must admit to being a bit surprised and bummed out -- I only received one response to my knitting survey (thank you, whoever you are since you chose to remain anonymous!). I have presented my ideas to several friends for their feedback, but I had hoped for some input from my readers as well.
I will probably leave the survey open for a few more days, in case you've been wanting to answer but just haven't had the time. I know well how hectic life can get at times!
I will probably leave the survey open for a few more days, in case you've been wanting to answer but just haven't had the time. I know well how hectic life can get at times!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Easter is coming ... sooner than you think!
Easter this year is just about as early as it can be... March 23rd. It's practically right around the corner! With Ash Wednesday the first week of February, now seems to be the perfect time to start planning your Easter decor and gifts. And a great place to start is with Smile Creations Crafts.
How about an adorable macrame duckling for your front door? The ducks are carefully knotted of strong yellow cord by Dennis and then adorned with feathers and flowers for a festive, unique look.
Not into ducks? What about bears? Our Smileville Bears are soft and cuddly, sure to bring a smile to anyone's face! And the best news about the bears? There is one just perfect for that special person in your life... musician (Rupert Bear plays the drums), aspiring lawyer (Bradford Bear wants to be one, too!), carefree baby (Sally Bear is still in diapers, and the twins Tootsie and Toby wear bibs so they don't spill all over themselves), just to name a few!
Thinking you'd like a more practical gift for a new baby this Easter season? What about the baby wash mitt and burp towel set cross-stitched with butterflies and bunnies by Maryann? Made of soft terry cloth and edged in yellow gingham, this will bring a smile to mother and baby at bath time!
And there's more! A sunflower pillow, cheerful sunflower napkin rings, crochet halter tops, bright & fresh flower pins.... visit my web site today and see all that Smile Creations Crafts can add to your Easter celebration!
How about an adorable macrame duckling for your front door? The ducks are carefully knotted of strong yellow cord by Dennis and then adorned with feathers and flowers for a festive, unique look.
Not into ducks? What about bears? Our Smileville Bears are soft and cuddly, sure to bring a smile to anyone's face! And the best news about the bears? There is one just perfect for that special person in your life... musician (Rupert Bear plays the drums), aspiring lawyer (Bradford Bear wants to be one, too!), carefree baby (Sally Bear is still in diapers, and the twins Tootsie and Toby wear bibs so they don't spill all over themselves), just to name a few!
Thinking you'd like a more practical gift for a new baby this Easter season? What about the baby wash mitt and burp towel set cross-stitched with butterflies and bunnies by Maryann? Made of soft terry cloth and edged in yellow gingham, this will bring a smile to mother and baby at bath time!
And there's more! A sunflower pillow, cheerful sunflower napkin rings, crochet halter tops, bright & fresh flower pins.... visit my web site today and see all that Smile Creations Crafts can add to your Easter celebration!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
3 more days...
Only three more days to take my short survey about a potential knitting class and be entered in a drawing for a 15% off coupon to Smile Creations Crafts.
Click here to take the survey today!
Click here to take the survey today!
Monday, January 21, 2008
NEW!! Hand-crafted wooden yarn swifts
A while back, I asked my dad to create for me my own yarn swift. I have lots of lovely skeins of yarn and my hand was getting tired winding them into balls. So.... my dad (who is an engineering genius and loves tinkering with projects like that) managed to come up with a great yarn swift!
It's made of wood and sits on a small turntable which spins on steel ball bearings. The eight arms each have several dowel holes drilled into them to make the swift very customizable --- it'll accommodate skeins of yarn from 40" up to 104".
Here is the flyer that I've put together to show the swift and how it adjusts & disassembles. If you're interested in ordering a swift for yourself, you can email me at smilecreationscrafts@verizon.net or visit Stitches with Style in Newark.
* Please be aware that it can take 6-8 weeks for delivery of your swift as each one is created by hand upon receipt of the order.
It's made of wood and sits on a small turntable which spins on steel ball bearings. The eight arms each have several dowel holes drilled into them to make the swift very customizable --- it'll accommodate skeins of yarn from 40" up to 104".
Here is the flyer that I've put together to show the swift and how it adjusts & disassembles. If you're interested in ordering a swift for yourself, you can email me at smilecreationscrafts@verizon.net or visit Stitches with Style in Newark.
* Please be aware that it can take 6-8 weeks for delivery of your swift as each one is created by hand upon receipt of the order.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
To Teach or Not to Teach
That may seem a strange question given my post from Sunday about how important it is to learn something new every day. However, I'm asking anyway. During the past 6 months, I've had a handful of people approach me to ask about knitting lessons. I had never before considered it, although I have taught before and am confident I could successfully help others discover how wonderful knitting is.
It's something I'm seriously considering now for the new year, but I'd like your input. If I offered the following package for a set fee, would you take the knitting lessons? If not, what would you change?
*four one-hour-long sessions (one each week for a month)
*a book (that includes some how-to as well as a few starter patterns)
*needles and yarn for two small projects
*two help-me sessions during the month (a few hours where I'd be available for extra help if anyone needed it)
Please take a second & click here to complete my short survey about offering a knitting class. Even if you already know how to knit, I'm interested in your thoughts on this idea! As an extra incentive, I'll select one lucky respondent to receive a coupon for 15% off any item in my online shop! The coupon winner will be chosen on January 27th, when I close the survey.
It's something I'm seriously considering now for the new year, but I'd like your input. If I offered the following package for a set fee, would you take the knitting lessons? If not, what would you change?
*four one-hour-long sessions (one each week for a month)
*a book (that includes some how-to as well as a few starter patterns)
*needles and yarn for two small projects
*two help-me sessions during the month (a few hours where I'd be available for extra help if anyone needed it)
Please take a second & click here to complete my short survey about offering a knitting class. Even if you already know how to knit, I'm interested in your thoughts on this idea! As an extra incentive, I'll select one lucky respondent to receive a coupon for 15% off any item in my online shop! The coupon winner will be chosen on January 27th, when I close the survey.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Heeeeeere's Rupert!
Say hello to Rupert Bear, the musically inclined toddler in Smileville. When he was just a tiny cub, he loved to find sticks and rocks and use them to "play music" on his momma bear's pots and pans. She tried to find another toy that he liked that was quieter, but nothing seemed to keep him as happy as making noise.
Just last Christmas, she gave in and got Rupert his very own drum! He is so happy! It's the perfect size to carry with him to Bear Bash (the daycamp for baby bears in Smileville), so he doesn't have to hunt for sticks and rocks anymore. The best days are when the teacher bear at Bear Bash lets him play music for all his friends after lunch!
If you'd like Rupert (or one of his other friends at Bear Bash) to come home with you or someone special, visit the Smileville Bear section of my website, or send me a bear request via email.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
I'm in Stitches
Stitches with Style, that is! Beginning this week, some of my handcrafted items will be on display (and available for purchase, of course!) at Stitches with Style, my LYS (Local Yarn Shop) in Newark, DE.
Right now there are knit stuffed snowpeople and a few of the Smileville Bears ready for adoption. Soon I will be adding some fabric book covers (They are sooo convenient: just slip your paperback into the cover, use the integrated bookmark to keep your place, grab the handles and go!). And custom-made wooden yarn swifts will be available for special order (more on these a little later).
Stop by Stitches, say hello to Linda and crew, fondle the pretty yarns, and check out my stuff!!
Right now there are knit stuffed snowpeople and a few of the Smileville Bears ready for adoption. Soon I will be adding some fabric book covers (They are sooo convenient: just slip your paperback into the cover, use the integrated bookmark to keep your place, grab the handles and go!). And custom-made wooden yarn swifts will be available for special order (more on these a little later).
Stop by Stitches, say hello to Linda and crew, fondle the pretty yarns, and check out my stuff!!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Learn something every day
My grandfather shared that wisdom with my sister and I when we were very little -- that you should learn something every day to stay young and fresh and continue growing all your life. As I get older, I tend to notice more that I am still learning every day and I marvel at it, especially the lessons that find you when you least expect them. Sometimes silly trivia, sometimes earth-shattering truths, it doesn't matter as long as you learn.
Today what I learned falls more into "hey, that's convenient to know" and so I thought I'd share. I was paging through a jewelry design book of my sister's (as you may or may not know, she designs and creates all the jewelry that I sell at Smile Creations Crafts) and found a little chart tucked at the bottom of a page --- a chart all about the lengths of necklaces.
Personally, I know what a choker is, and that's about it. Sure I measure and dutifully note the length of every piece she gives me to sell (and post it with the online entry for the piece), but I can never visualize where it will fall on a person until I actually put it on. But even still I have difficulty with how to describe to someone else where it falls on me?
This chart helps soo much with that!! And so, with thanks to Crocheted Wire and Bead Jewelry, here is a condensed, Patience version of what I learned today from that chart:
There are 7 basic acknowledged lengths of necklaces.
* Collar -- 12-13" -- multiple strands worn snugly around the neck
* Choker -- 14-16" -- slightly looser than collar; sits just above the collarbone
* Princess -- 17-19" -- sits slightly below collarbone; looks great with high necklines
* Matinee -- 20-23" -- fits into the "V" of most V-neck shirts; hits high on the breastbone
* Opera -- 28-34" -- hangs into the cleavage; can be doubled for choker
* Rope -- 40-45" -- versatile (I like to double it, with one loop like a choker and the other hanging more like a matinee length necklace)
* Lariat -- 48" or more -- ends are left unattached for knotting or to be wrapped around the neck
Today what I learned falls more into "hey, that's convenient to know" and so I thought I'd share. I was paging through a jewelry design book of my sister's (as you may or may not know, she designs and creates all the jewelry that I sell at Smile Creations Crafts) and found a little chart tucked at the bottom of a page --- a chart all about the lengths of necklaces.
Personally, I know what a choker is, and that's about it. Sure I measure and dutifully note the length of every piece she gives me to sell (and post it with the online entry for the piece), but I can never visualize where it will fall on a person until I actually put it on. But even still I have difficulty with how to describe to someone else where it falls on me?
This chart helps soo much with that!! And so, with thanks to Crocheted Wire and Bead Jewelry, here is a condensed, Patience version of what I learned today from that chart:
There are 7 basic acknowledged lengths of necklaces.
* Collar -- 12-13" -- multiple strands worn snugly around the neck
* Choker -- 14-16" -- slightly looser than collar; sits just above the collarbone
* Princess -- 17-19" -- sits slightly below collarbone; looks great with high necklines
* Matinee -- 20-23" -- fits into the "V" of most V-neck shirts; hits high on the breastbone
* Opera -- 28-34" -- hangs into the cleavage; can be doubled for choker
* Rope -- 40-45" -- versatile (I like to double it, with one loop like a choker and the other hanging more like a matinee length necklace)
* Lariat -- 48" or more -- ends are left unattached for knotting or to be wrapped around the neck
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Happy 2008
I hope everyone had a happy celebration to ring in the New Year! May this year bring good things, fond memories, and friendship.
My new year's resolution: to re-find time and post more often. What's your new year's resolution??
My new year's resolution: to re-find time and post more often. What's your new year's resolution??
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
A day late and a dollar short...
Well, at least a day late... and I'm sorry for that. But I hope that you all had a very happy healthy and fun Christmas!! May the blessings of the season touch you and your loved ones for the year to come.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Yes, you can knit with bamboo
Yarn made from 100% bamboo is really rather nice to work with. I discovered this after a custom order was placed for a bamboo hat and scarf set. The recipient is allergic to wool, and the buyer wasn't thrilled with the thought of acrylic. So I recommended bamboo (I knew it was soft, but had never actually knit anything with it) because it won't get heavy when wet like cotton.
I really enjoyed making this set. The yarn (Bernat Bamboo -- part of their new Natural Blends yarn collection) doesn't split, and doesn't seem to shed. It does shred a little at the very ends when being threaded into a tapestry needle (for weaving in all the ends). But otherwise it was a dream. My mom, who helped out by making the hat, loved it as well. It is definitely easy on the hands. And sooo soft, with a nice sheen to it.
My only complaint about this yarn right now is the limited color selection. So far I've only found 6 colors: baby blue, cream, beige (those three were used in this set), pink, lemon, and pale sage.
Here is the finished scarf and hat:
I really enjoyed making this set. The yarn (Bernat Bamboo -- part of their new Natural Blends yarn collection) doesn't split, and doesn't seem to shed. It does shred a little at the very ends when being threaded into a tapestry needle (for weaving in all the ends). But otherwise it was a dream. My mom, who helped out by making the hat, loved it as well. It is definitely easy on the hands. And sooo soft, with a nice sheen to it.
My only complaint about this yarn right now is the limited color selection. So far I've only found 6 colors: baby blue, cream, beige (those three were used in this set), pink, lemon, and pale sage.
Here is the finished scarf and hat:
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
It's snowing...
How cool! I was working in my little room upstairs, and had to take out the camera because..... there are fat puffy white flakes falling from the sky!
Perfectly fitting, since this morning I was working on some snowpeople. Thanks to my mom (who knits snowperson bodies and then gets really creative doing the hats and scarves), I have a whole slew of snowpeople to assemble and stuff! This particular group is headed to the Vulcan's Rest in Chesapeake City, MD, where some of my handcrafted items are being displayed for sale. The one wearing a green & brown hat is a bit different. Knit in yarn slightly shaded with pinks & lavenders, this snowperson looks like the sun is glistening off of her snowy body.
If you'd like one of my snowpeople to brighten your home and heart (they are guaranteed not to melt!!), click here to order on my website. You can also purchase in person at either the Vulcan's Rest Fibers, Chesapeake City, MD, or the Mansion House Christmas Shoppe, Bear, DE.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
This BIGGEST wreath ever!
At least as far as wreaths that I've made goes. I just completed a custom order wreath for a person who has a large living room and high ceilings. The request was for a Christmas wreath ..... 30" in diameter!
I'm really pleased with the way it turned out, and wanted to share.
Before....
(I was tempted to count how many pinecones it takes to make a wreath this large, and then decided I just didn't want to know!)
and
After...
What I'm not happy with are the pics. Unfortunately, the wreath is too big for me to get good pics because it won't fit on my door nor available wall space. The light coming in from the window is glaring a bit and washing out the gold/white bow, but I guess you can kinda see what the wreath looks like. Wish I were a better photographer...
I'm really pleased with the way it turned out, and wanted to share.
Before....
(I was tempted to count how many pinecones it takes to make a wreath this large, and then decided I just didn't want to know!)and
After...
What I'm not happy with are the pics. Unfortunately, the wreath is too big for me to get good pics because it won't fit on my door nor available wall space. The light coming in from the window is glaring a bit and washing out the gold/white bow, but I guess you can kinda see what the wreath looks like. Wish I were a better photographer...
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
San Diego squares -- update
It seems this week will be a time of updates... This one about a charity knitting/crocheting opportunity.
Awhile back, I found out about a project to knit or crochet squares together to make blankets for the victims of the San Diego fires. There are over 2000 families who have lost everything; what a nice thing it would be for each to receive a hand-crafted blanket, to know that others care.
Well, I began my squares right away, but then got delayed because of three shows, special orders, and Thanksgiving. Now that the dust has settled (basically) on those events, I pulled out the squares to continue working, but worried that maybe I was too late.
So I jumped online and .... the project is still going strong. There are still many blankets to be made. When I visited the Ravelry group to check on the status of the project, I learned they now have a blog about the project. If you have a minute, knit or crochet an 8" square; if you have a few minutes, hop on over to the "San Diego Wild Fire Blanket Project" Blog. There are heartwarming pics of crocheters in San Diego assembling all the donated squares, photographs of the horrible devastation the fires caused, and info on the project itself (numbers, specifications, and address to send squares).
Awhile back, I found out about a project to knit or crochet squares together to make blankets for the victims of the San Diego fires. There are over 2000 families who have lost everything; what a nice thing it would be for each to receive a hand-crafted blanket, to know that others care.
Well, I began my squares right away, but then got delayed because of three shows, special orders, and Thanksgiving. Now that the dust has settled (basically) on those events, I pulled out the squares to continue working, but worried that maybe I was too late.
So I jumped online and .... the project is still going strong. There are still many blankets to be made. When I visited the Ravelry group to check on the status of the project, I learned they now have a blog about the project. If you have a minute, knit or crochet an 8" square; if you have a few minutes, hop on over to the "San Diego Wild Fire Blanket Project" Blog. There are heartwarming pics of crocheters in San Diego assembling all the donated squares, photographs of the horrible devastation the fires caused, and info on the project itself (numbers, specifications, and address to send squares).
Monday, November 26, 2007
FO update
Today I have just a quick FO (finished object) update. I spent Thanksgiving weekend eating yummy food, hanging out with my husband's family, and knitting up a storm. The result: three finished wraps (and not a moment too soon!):
One, knit with gorgeous brown and orange variegated yarn, has been mentioned in this blog before.
This one, made with Skacel Sofa (I love how soft and yummy it is!) was to be a shrug, but suddenly yelled "caplet" as I began to knit.
One, knit with gorgeous brown and orange variegated yarn, has been mentioned in this blog before.
This one, made with Skacel Sofa (I love how soft and yummy it is!) was to be a shrug, but suddenly yelled "caplet" as I began to knit.
And this tiny, soft, furry concoction, is a mobius wrap fit for a night on the town (what with it's splashes of glittery silver and all).
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The world's biggest yarn stash
Unfortunately, it's not mine, although I'm working on it. I can only imagine walking through this room, sniffing a Tess here, fondling a cashmere or angora there..... This must be like where all good knitters go after death!
Seriously, I'm sooo jealous!!! This MUST be the largest stash known to knitter!! My head is reeling as it is; I cannot imagine any more privately owned yarn in one room.
If you click on the picture, you can read what the woman's mother-in-law posted about the stash a few months ago.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Updated info for Mansion House Farms Christmas Shoppe
A few days ago I blogged about a really cute Christmas Shoppe that will be opening in Bear, DE on Nov 23rd.
I just received a flyer from the owner, which includes the shop phone # [(302) 836-8170] and hours of operation (Mon-Fri 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Sat 8:00 am to 8:00 pm; Sun 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm). There are also some special events planned with Santa on Dec 1st and Dec 15th.
Here is the flyer.
I just received a flyer from the owner, which includes the shop phone # [(302) 836-8170] and hours of operation (Mon-Fri 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Sat 8:00 am to 8:00 pm; Sun 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm). There are also some special events planned with Santa on Dec 1st and Dec 15th.
Here is the flyer.
Monday, November 12, 2007
New store!
On Nov 23rd (Black Friday, folks!), a new Christmas shop will open in Bear, DE. And my items will be sold there!!
The Mansion House Farms Christmas Shop is at 2656 Porter Rd in Bear (just off Rte 896). It's at the corner of the Mansion House Farms property in a cute little green and red painted building. The decor inside is very cute and Christmas-y -- with tree lights strung from the ceiling, wreaths on the windows, and iridescent snowflakes hanging in the background.
They will be selling handcrafted items from local artists. Some of my pinecone wreaths, as well as stuffed snowmen and Smileville Bears, will be in the shop. Also a possibility are my scarf/hat sets and some macrame ornaments. I only know one of the other artists so far, but I love the items she makes - fabric covered corn bags (among other things). They are wonderful little "bean bag" like things that you can put in the microwave (they're full of corn that doesn't pop!) and use them to warm your toes in bed, or keep in your coat while you walk the dog.... they are so warm and smell so good!!! Also for sale in the shop will also be homemade fudge and hot chocolate, Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, and other holiday gift items made by local residents.
I hope you'll stop by the Mansion House Farms Christmas Shop, and finish a little of your holiday shopping from the selection they have inside. If you need to call for the hours (I don't know them yet) or directions, call George at (302) 540-1438 or Mike at (302) 528-0051.
The Mansion House Farms Christmas Shop is at 2656 Porter Rd in Bear (just off Rte 896). It's at the corner of the Mansion House Farms property in a cute little green and red painted building. The decor inside is very cute and Christmas-y -- with tree lights strung from the ceiling, wreaths on the windows, and iridescent snowflakes hanging in the background.
They will be selling handcrafted items from local artists. Some of my pinecone wreaths, as well as stuffed snowmen and Smileville Bears, will be in the shop. Also a possibility are my scarf/hat sets and some macrame ornaments. I only know one of the other artists so far, but I love the items she makes - fabric covered corn bags (among other things). They are wonderful little "bean bag" like things that you can put in the microwave (they're full of corn that doesn't pop!) and use them to warm your toes in bed, or keep in your coat while you walk the dog.... they are so warm and smell so good!!! Also for sale in the shop will also be homemade fudge and hot chocolate, Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, and other holiday gift items made by local residents.
I hope you'll stop by the Mansion House Farms Christmas Shop, and finish a little of your holiday shopping from the selection they have inside. If you need to call for the hours (I don't know them yet) or directions, call George at (302) 540-1438 or Mike at (302) 528-0051.
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