What's in My Craft Room - My Photo Set-Up

I love seeing other peoples crafty spaces. I love getting ideas from all the pictures and feel inspired to keep my space as organized as I possibly can. I am fortunate to have my girls sharing a large room, so I can use the small room as "my craft room". However, they are growing, and so am I, so we are currently in the midst of renovating (finishing) the space above our garage to become my "studio space". And I couldn't be more excited.

I thought I would share a few pics of my own crafty space and the light box that became my best friend while working on my book. It looks pretty clean here - but that's only because I would work on one chapter for the book (about 4 patterns), clean it all up, and then get working on the next chapter. So I snapped the pictures in between chapters. Cheating? I think so! I didn't take pics of my fabric stash or my knick-knacks - but will do that when they are all unpacked!

A few people have also asked (as well as my offering) what my photo set up is like. So I'm going to share that too.

This is my trusty Kenmore sewing machine. I do hope to get a Bernina soon, a Juki someday, and a baby lock as well...but until then, this workhorse has been so good to me. It currently sits on the Porter Desk (from Pottery Barn). The drawer underneath is awesome - but the weight of my machine is proving to be too heavy for the top, and is beginning to sag! *cringe*. So I will have to switch things up when I move up to the studio and will most likely put my computer on this desk instead.

My awesome green chair is from my husband. It was my birthday gift a few years ago and he picked out my favorite color.

Here is my photo box. It's actually a light tent and can fold up into a little pouch. I know it's quick and easy to make a cardboard photo box - but this is a great investment since it's about $60. You can't put the cardboard one away and hope that it survives. This one is great for using, traveling, and storage! That's totally my opinion and I'm not being paid to say that. I will say though - that I had to by some white fabric to hang & lay inside, because the material it is made with is very wrinkled and not seamless. I bought some bright white velour material at Joann's. You can ask them if they would recommend anything in particular - but this white material is great because it doesn't show everything (like wrinkles). Keep a sticky roll next to the light box though - you'll need it once in a while to remove threads and fiber specs. I pinned the fabric up in the back at the top, so it drapes nicely and doesn't create a shadow.

To make this box or any box work right - you also need the right lighting. The awesome thing I was told at a photo store nearby - was to use photo bulbs in a regular desk lamp - saves you a ton of cash! The bulbs (added a pic of the packaging below) will run you about $15-$20 and the desk lamp can be purchased at Target or anywhere for $10! That is - if you don't already have one! I used 2 that I already had - and they have both been great. You can use up to 4, both sides, top and back. I only have 2. And it works fine. The green one was from target years ago and the other one is adjustable up down and every which way. That helps too.

I took a few pics of some Heather Bailey and Amy Butler fabric in the light box, and some little lavender stems in an old ink jar.

If you have any questions for me let me know. You can leave me a comment below - and I'll reply as soon as I can. Just so you know - I didn't use any filter effects on any of the pics. It was a while ago - but I did change the saturation levels on the flower image - it was fun playing with these flowers in the light box. Thanks for visiting and I hope you all have a great time creating in your space.

Life Cycle of a Poppy Flower

I have become some what obsessed with this little plant of ours and had to share some pictures to show you this amazing life cycle. I received this poppy plant from my dear sweet friend Amy almost 2 years ago. She loves the color orange (and who can blame her) and thought it was just too pretty to leave at the store and gave it to me.

My husband takes care of the plants better than I do in this family, which is why we almost lost this one. It was dying rather quickly, so I found a rather empty spot in our newly landscaped yard and popped it in a little hole (before it was too late). I watered it frequently during the hot summer, as I watered the rest of the flowers, and nothing happened. Last year, we left it where it was and watered it more. Nothing happened. 

My husband was going to pull it out this year with the weeds, and I said, no just leave it in there. It's not like the leaves had all died and withered, it just wasn't blooming. About a week and a half ago, my husband sent me a message and said "I'm glad you told me not to pull the flower out! There's a bud shooting up". The fact that he was glad I told him not to pull it was so sweet, but the fact that he was checking on it, was cuter than anything else! He kept me up to date on the buds progress and then a few days later the bud and shoot were well above the height of the nearby Daisy plant. One tiny little bud leaning over and dangling on a shoot almost 2 feet tall. Then another day went by and it got taller and slowly stood up a little straighter.

Friday morning he told me it was going to bloom soon, and later that day the bud popped open. So I immediately took my camera out and snapped a few pictures. I have not photoshop'd these pics at all. I have not added any filtering effects. These are pure nature at it's best. (And I couldn't be more thrilled if you were wondering!) I wish I had gone out later that afternoon or evening, because by the next morning (Saturday) the poppy was standing straight up, and in full bloom. Isn't it beautiful? It look so soft and fragile, like tissue paper. How does God make such amazing and beautiful things like this? I'm in awe!
 

Today, Monday, I noticed that the flower had already reached it's peak and was quickly fading. Even in death, this amazing flower, was too beautiful to not capture. It was very windy (of course) and I had to lean it over a little to the side, in the hopes of getting the flower to be still. Just one picture was all I was hoping for, that captured the beauty of it fading away. One picture that was crisp and clear, and it worked. It reminded me of Orange Sherbert. So sweet. So delicate.

Flowers are so uplifting and inspiring, and as this little plant began to bloom this year, we awaited it's blooms with baited breath. We did not give up on it. Almost did, but in the end, held out just a little longer. How often do we have to wait a little longer, to enjoy the richness and beauty that life and opportunities have to offer...until of course, the time comes to an end? It's worth it.

While this little flower bloomed, this little friend enjoyed his share of sunshine and sunflower seeds in our back yard. He was too cute and had to be photographed too! (again - no filter - no photoshop)

Thanks for stopping by my blog and I hope that you can stop and enjoy whatever cycle you are in. Every cycle has something wonderful to offer. Even the end, because that only means a new cycle is just beginning.

The End of Winter

Today the sky is a bright blue with puffy white clouds. The hope of a real warm feeling spring is just around the corner, and I'm so excited!

I haven't had much time to blog, twitter, facebook or much of anything else, as I finally finished my book proposal and submitted it all! I never thought I'd see myself writing a book, as much as I wanted to. I just didn't see how it was going to be possible. But I can attest that when you put it on your life's goal list...it can be attained. I won't know for a while if it's made it through the couple of hoops it needs to go through, but any prayers, fingers crossed, would be appreciated!

Despite the workload these past couple of months I was still able to enjoy some fun time with my family and some special moments with my girls...

We took the girls to the Children's Museum in Portland and had a blast watching them explore, climb and being filmed for the local news station. The video was on the news later that day, but somehow we missed it. I think you can still see it online here. They were so excited for the "touch tank" to open so we stayed nearby. We had no idea they were doing a segment for the news until we got over there and saw the camera. We later went and saw the turtle tank. They are so cool! I loved the one sticking his feet up in the air. He must have been doing some core exercises!

On the way home Mr. Giddy wanted to get a picture of this HUGE enormous tree that came down recently and had to be chopped up. If I had the patience - I would've counted the rings...but alas - I do not. I stood next to it - just to give the perspective. It's unreal.
My older daughter who's going to be 9 later this month...I know - I'm in SHOCK! I can't stand it - I'm also anxious to get through this "phase" in her life. It takes everything out of me. But she's so stinkin' sweet when she's so sweet - really! Does that make sense? She made me this little crocheted ring...She lit up when she saw me taking the pic to share with you all on my blog...she's a bucket of endless ideas too! Both of my girls are. I love them so much. My littlest one - 7 -  FINALLY lost her first tooth. It was Crazy Hair day in her classroom too - so this is a really cute picture! She was beyond excited to loose it, and then when I finally pulled it out, she cried because she didn't get to lose it at school. I can't seem to win, but we wiped the tears and moved on. She still got to put up a "lost tooth" sticker on the classroom chart. That made all the difference, that and her tooth fairy finally came! Oh the joy!

We got the girls a fish. Well....Mr. Giddy did that. I just take care of it! The girls have names him "Germaine"?! lol! Not sure how they come up with names - but that's his name.

And finally...one of my oh so favorite treats. I had fun lining them up and allowing them to march into my mouth one by one. That sounds so vicious - but they are the best. Only Black Forest makes them so good! Sorry little bears.

Next week I'll post pics of my first 5K and my girls doing the fun run! And at some point I'll post some more crafts and sewing projects I'm working on (when I get the ok to do so). And I didn't have my good camera with me, so all these are with my not so great 3GS phone. Looking forward to upgrading soon!

I hope you all enjoy your Easter. It's such a wonderful time of year to reflect on all that we are given.

Throw-Back Thursday: Rain Man

This little man stands out in the pretend rain and calls for something. I'm not sure what he's saying. I don't know where it's from and who's it was. I don't even know if he has a name.

I found it about 20 years ago, buried deep in the sand on a beach in Long Island NY and I've kept him all this time in a little box filled with other small trinkets saved from the fun summers during my High School years!

Isn't it so strange the things we save and the things we remember about them!? And amazingly the things we forget without the physical evidence? This little guys was too cute to leave behind. I feel sorry for the little tike that most likely lost him. What have you held onto? Do you have any fun treasures sitting in a box, in a deep dark a closet waiting to be re-discovered? Share it with us!

Happy Thursday! I hope you all have a great weekend! I'll be posting my great big HUGE news next week! Keep your eyes opened and come celebrate with me!

Follow up to Throw Back Thursday (a winner chosen)...& more Twin Photos!

So last week I posted a picture of my twin sister and I when we were very little, to show the "2 is Beautiful" t-shirts we were wearing! I asked all those that wanted a chance to win a little prize - to leave a comment with their guess of which one I am.

The winner was....#7 (since my comment doesn't count) aka...Kristine Jones - I AM the one on the right side. Everyone seems to have guess right! Kristine - please drop me an email with your address!

Bikini Babies in TEXAS!

 Thanks everyone for leaving a comment...and here's some more awesome pictures of Sue and I for you to enjoy - She is always the blonde hair blue eyed girl and I'm always the brown hair brown eyed girl!

Prairie Dress made by Carol - We were so excited!!!

Halloween - I always wanted to be a cheerleader...and guess what?! I WAS! (in High School)!

Our HS Graduation - and our 18th Birthday - all on the same day! (sorry for the blurry pic!)

Hope you had fun peeking into my OUR childhood! lol! Have a great day!

Please don't post these pics anywhere! They are personal pics and should not be shared! Thank you for understanding!

Throw-Back Thursday: My Twin - 2 Really is Beautiful!

I had to do it....I had to post a picture of my twin sister and I wearing the "official" "2 is Beautiful" shirts that our mom designed and had printed so many years ago! This is my throw back moment for the week.

Guess which one is me in the comments below...I just might have to award a prize to one lucky commenter that gets it right! (must be posted by Saturday midnight - winner will be chosen on Monday!)

This is also the official name of my LLC and about 6 years ago when I went to "establish" my company, I asked my mom if I could buy her logo from her and use that name. She said that was fine - but made me pay $1. (I love my mom!)

There's always a story...so here's the story behind the name....My mom was a part of a Mothers of Multiples group in Texas! The name of the group was 2 is Beautiful. We actually went to Kindergarten with another set of twins and 1 set of Triplets! How cool is that! I guess it was something in that BIG Texas water tower!? lol! After we left Texas the group slowly disbanned as we all grew up and apart.I don't think we have any of the original t-shirts left that my mom had printed - but pretty soon I will offer them in my Etsy shop!

Thanks for visiting - Keep checking back for more awesome Throw-Back posts and tutorials!!

Giddy-Up Friday: Photo Booth Magic

There's just something magical about a photo booth! It certainly isn't the lighting or the lack of Photoshop to adjust the picture to my liking and rid any and all imperfections! But every chance I get to hop into a booth and snap a few random pictures to capture the joy or chaos of a moment...is nothing less than magic! Move over kiddos I'm coming in! In this instance my girls and I were buying new vest and coats (on sale) at LL Bean's since they grew out of their old ones!

If you can't find a photo booth near you....try setting up your camera on a tripod, in a really crammed space and take some of your own random and silly photo booth style pictures! Have an awesome weekend! See you Monday for my trip to CHA day 3!

Busy Monday: Scrappy Owl Photo Tutorial

Hi everyone,

I'm so excited and speechless to have this opportunity to be teaming up with Crafts 'n Things Magazine to bring you a photo tutorial to help you put your Scrappy Owl Ornament Sachet together.

Please be sure to get your copy of the Sept/Oct issue of Crafts 'n Things Magazine so you can get the pattern and written instructions, as they will not all be included here.

Each photo has a Step # on it. That Step # correlates with the ones in the magazine (I really try to make crafting easy!)

I do not have photos of Steps 1 is tracing the pattern and cutting it out. I have not included that step. Let me know if you need it! Since Step 2 was requested, I am adding that now (today is now Oct 6, 2010 - took me long enough!)

So here goes:

A= 1/4" Seam Allowance, B= Trim rounded edges, C= Turn inside out (see photo below), D= Top Stitch

If you have any questions at all - please do not hesitate to drop me a comment here to let me know! If you'd like to share your Scrappy Owl creation - you can visit Crafts 'n Things Facebook page and upload a picture of your cute little owls and all the fun they are getting into! Thanks for purchasing a copy of Crafts 'n Things magazine and supporting crafters like me! Have fun sewing!

Please note these photos are for home and personal use only, as is the pattern. All are copyright protected 2010.