Funky Gift Topper!

Do you ever have those creative moments where you hit a stroke of crafting genius? Like when you think of a craft or creation you never thought of before and it's like "Ah-ha! That is brilliant!"
I had one of those moments when I was staring at my craft closet wondering what in the crap I was going to wrap my friend Stacey's birthday gift in. Stacey likes an funky and fresh gift topper as much as a blogger should, so I knew conventional bows were kind of a no-go if I wanted to make my gift card (boring gift) really special.
And then I saw it...a mini Styrofoam ball I had cut in half for this craft last December. It was flirting with me and I wasn't about to walk away. I set that blank canvas Styrofoam ball down on my craft table and started pulling other supplies from the shelves.
Gold pipe-cleaner? Uh, yea.
Pink and green lace flowers. Of course.
Pearls and lace bows and sequins. This is a craft project after all.
And then I plugged in the trusty glue gun and glam-ed out that Styrofoam ball like a boss.
I must admit, It turned out pretty darn fabulous. It sends off a Tim Burton meets Marie Antoinette kind of vibe, don't cha think?
I like it!
I am thinking of adding some of these to my shop (and giving my shop a face lift while I'm at it...because it really needs one). Stay tuned for some new products from yours truly ;)
Annnnnd....there is a slight chance I went overboard and posted 13 photos of this one gift on this post. So, there.

Tweet

When 5-year-olds dictate a photo shoot. And I'm a photographer now, I guess ;)

Ever since I got my new lens I have been snapping pictures like it's my job...oh wait? But seriously I am OBSESSED with this 50 mm f/1.2 lens and it is making me itch to start some photography projects. But more of that in a minute. First, I wanted to take you through a tour of this adorably silly impromptu photo shoot I did with a couple of cute family friends. I was looking to get some lens practice and twins Maddie and Sadie were looking for some modeling work. It really just worked out for all of us. A win-win. To really get the hang of my lens I decided to let them dictate the photo shoot and I would just follow them around and try and compose shots around their playing. And you guys...letting 5-year-olds make photography decisions is hi-lar-ious! For example...

When 5-year-olds are in charge they choose to do still-shots of pine needles falling on them. Most people would go for the conventional fall leaves or falling snowflakes. Crafty people might select some colorful confetti, or maybe rice at a wedding. But 5-year-olds know where it's at...and "it" is dirt and pine needles. Important side note: later that night when I gave them a bath both of them had pine needles in their underpants. All for the cause...all for the cause.

Next...5-year-olds keep it real with the facial expressions and poses. None of this fuss about flattering body positioning or angelic smiles. No, they bring their A-game duck faces and crossed eyes. Sticking out tongues is also fair play.

 And...they aren't afraid to tell the photographer when they are pissed.

But really, no matter what they do, 5-year-olds (and Liam of course) can take some pretty cute pics. Don't cha think?

Now...more on that photography business that I was chatting about. I think I really want to start taking more pictures of people. Don't get me wrong...I do love a good bundt cake photo opp or stellar party shots, but really I need to venture out. For a couple reasons...

First, I really love my new prime lens (did I mention that?), but it was a bit pricey. There are other lenses I want too. For practical financial reasons (and for marital health) I really should be making sweet mula using these lenses.

Second, I think I have practiced long and hard for the last 1.5 years at photographer and with more practice on people I bet I could make a good photographer. That was my self-pep-talk. Practice is what I really need. That and an apprenticeship or something of the sort.

So...ah-hmm-m-m. I am a photographer now. Just decided. And I guess it's time to start working really hard to prove it.

Anyone want a discounted family photo session? Perhaps some engagements or newborns? Just email me and we will get the shiz going!

Peace!

Tweet