Chalkboard Fascination..

Since I was in grade school, chalkboards were always a love of mine.  I especially loved it when the teacher asked me to come write on the board and then at the end of the day as Teacher's helper I got to take the erasers outside and clean them.  Getting all the chalky dust on my clothes and hands.  I looked like Casper the Ghost.  HA!

Soooooo, how could I resist creating chalkboards as an adult? I couldn't!  I just recently listed my first two chalkboard creations in my Etsy shop.  But not just your ordinary chalkboards, these are done in customized colors.

The first one is a gorgeous shade of Peach.  Hard to believe it is a chalkboard, but trust me, it is.  :)

The fabric flower and eraser are handcrafted as well.

How about a soft sage green chalkboard?  Done!  How about adorning it with buttons and a mini handcrafted satin fabric flower?  Done!

OK, two done, now onto doing more! and more! and more!  All in an array of awesome colors, shapes and sizes. Can you tell I am excited? *smile*

For my readers in the states, wishing you a wonderful 4th of July holiday weekend!

For my International readers, have an awesome weekend!

Feeling Like Summer...

Ooh, Ooh, Ooh, could someone tell me when Winter ended and how I managed to miss Spring too? It's been ranging in the mid 70's this week in Phoenix. Oh, I wish we could have had a few more cooler days. It's too early. I actually had to turn my A/C on for a bit yesterday afternoon. Are you jealous? HA!

The tree in my backyard is so confused, poor baby lost his leaves mid-January and new leaves sprouted a week ago.

I have even found myself creating items in summer colors. Living in Arizona does give one reason to be confused.

Take my advice, if you cherish your sanity, don't move to Arizona. :)

Now you ask, why do I live here? I had no choice, being a Native of Arizona, there is no escape. I actually did try to move to Washington state a few years ago, sold my home, rented a moving truck, I was so ready. But it was not to happen. The BIG move landed me three miles down the road in a new home. I am doomed to be here, yuppers, do I sound resigned to that fact? Naw, nevvaa! *smile*

Maybe someday.... a girl can always dream!

Have an awesome day everyone...
Carly

Oh that Light Box...

In my adventures to getting better pictures of the items I make and list on Etsy, the best thing I have done is make a light box. Some people are addicted to chocolate or Coke, but not me, don't even think about taking my light box away from me, you would only be asking for trouble. HA!

I recently looked at one of my first sold items and quickly decided the buyer bought the item out of sympathy. Oh the GLARE! That's when I began searching the net for ideas to better photograph my items, and repeatedly I read that having a light box was an essential tool for product photography.

I could have bought one, but being the crafty person I am, I decided to take on the challenge of making it myself. Which turned out to be extremely easy and cheap! Total cost was $1.50, yes, you read that correctly. Box was "Free", a trip to the dollar store netted the tissue paper and poster board. Then it was home to make the box.

Below is the finished light box. If you have any questions, leave me a comment and I will be happy to reply.

And here is the actual photo taken using the light box...

If you are serious about taking better product photography, you can't go wrong with the following four items:

1) Light Box (homemade or bought)

2) Tripod

3) Clamp lights/Natural Light/Overhead light (Flash is a No-No)

4) Camera with a Macro Setting (for close ups)

Have fun and don't come looking for me when you find yourself addicted to product photography. :)

Carly

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