DIY Folding Light Box

One of the biggest challenges I face with blogging is taking photographs.  I look at so many other blogs and their photography is just stunning.  How do they do it?  Well, a few weeks ago I was looking around on Pinterest and found Sewing Barefoot's awesome tutorial to make a light box.

Okay, so if you're like me and not a photographer, you're probably asking, "what is a light box".  It is built to diffuse light so you get  a much clearer picture without glare.  You can purchase one but I was so inspired by this great tutorial to make my own.  However, I just had one challenge.

Where to store the box when I'm not using it.

My crafting area is small with no place to keep a box like this.  Also, I live in an old Victorian home which means I have very little closet space and my basement is not conducive to storing boxes (very damp).  So, I looked at the tutorial and decided to create a folding light box.  Here's how I made mine.

DIY Folding Light Box

Supplies:

4 pieces of foam board

Tissue Paper

Packing Tape or Duct Tape

Scotch Tape

Tools:

Straight Edge

Utility Knife (with sharp razor blade)

Scissors

Cutting Mat

Directions:

Here are the 4 pieces of foam board. Watch for them to go on sale.  They were $1.50 each last week at Michael's...total Cost $6.00.  I used foam board because it is sturdy and already white so I would not need to paint anything...just cut and assemble.

I don't know if you can read this but these boards have a grid on one side to aid in cutting.  Also this side of the board is glossier so I decided to make this the "wrong side"...it would be on the outside of my light box.

Place your cutting mat on a sturdy surface.  (You can see mine has been used a lot!)  

Using a straight edge (I used a quilting ruler) and your utility knife cut the following pieces.

First:  Cut each of your foam boards into squares 22" x 22". (You will have 4 total)

Second:  Set one of  these foam squares aside....it will be the back of your box and you want it to be solid.

Third:  With the remaining 3 squares, you want to cut out an inner 20" x 20" square so that you create a frame (see picture).  Now, if your inner square is not perfect, do not fret.  What is important is that you are creating the "frame".

You now need to cover your "frames" with tissue paper.  (The tissue paper will diffuse the light as it enters your light box).  Attach the tissue paper with scotch tape around ALL the edges.

Now it is time to assemble your box. 

What you are going to do is first assemble the equivalent of a tri-fold display like this...

Frame Square -- Solid Square -- Frame Square.

Using your packing tape or duct tape you are going to create hinges for this tri-fold portion of your light box between the fame squares and the solid square.

Then set up your light box by setting up your newly created tri-fold and place the 4th frame on top.    I tried out the box by putting a light that shines through the top.

Look at how the pictures turned out. 

Here is a picture that I took last December without a light box.  Although the picture is clear it is awfully harsh.

Now here is a picture of my anthro knock-off vase in the light box.  See how clear yet soft it looks?

And, when I'm done taking pictures, I just fold this up and I can easily store it in many places:  under the bed, in a closet, on top of a bookcase.  Much nicer storage than an actual box.

Also, I want to share that looking around on the internet, it looks as though the best pictures are done with 2-3 lights (one shining in from each side of the box and one from the top).  These additional lights create beautiful pictures without shadows.

So make your own light box today.  You'll be so glad you did!

4 You

#Anthropologie Inspired Vase - 2

Yesterday, I shared how I was inspired by these vases from  Anthropologie's website.   I just think they are so pretty.

However, I think my vases look pretty good too!  Here they are.  Yesterday I shared with you how I created the beautiful turquoise vase.  Today, I'm going to share how I made the purple vase.

Anthro Inspired Curvy Vase - 2

I started with this vase I picked up from Goodwill for just $0.10!  Wash it with warm soapy water to remove the price stickers and any other dust and debris.

Then, grab a can of spray paint in whatever color you'd like your vase to be.  This paint has a glossy finish which will give my vase a glass - like look.

 Next, in a well ventilated area (or better yet, outside) spray paint your vase.  A couple of tips:  (1) you will need to give your vase a few coats to ensure entire coverage and (2) be sure to spray your paint can upside down to clean out the nozzle when you're finished painting.

Now, we need to make our felt daisy.  I started off by cutting 21 strips of felt (7 each of 3 different sizes).  I then, free-handed, rounded one end....these are your petals.

I took a regular hand sewing needle and threaded it.  I sewed a running stitch along the short, straight edge of the petals.

I gently pulled the thread tight and twisted the peals to get the looks I wanted.

I felt like my daisy needed more petals to fill it out.  I cut out 16 more petals and attached them with a running stitch like I had done with the first 21 petals.  I then gathered them up and when I had them laying how I liked, I took the needle and drew it up in the middle of the daisy.

Now every daisy has a yellow center.  I found a nice, big, yellow button and sewed it onto the daisy.  (If you  find some of your petals are longer than you'd like, just grab your scissors and trim them).

All that is left is hot gluing this daisy onto the vase.  Isn't it gorgeous?

It's a super fun, easy, and inexpensive project.  And you know what?  It only cost me about $1.  Which vase do you like better:  the purple or the turquoise?

4 You

Washi Tape for Just $1.50/roll - Act Fast

Okay ladies, I just have to let you know know something.  Today's deal from Pick Your Plum is AMAZING.  Take a look.

Aren't these washi tapes simply beautiful?  But with beauty comes a great deal...they are just $1.50/roll!  If you have never worked with washi tape, here are links to some amazing projects (from Pinterest, of course).

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Just click on the Pick Your Plum button on my right side bar and you'll be taken directly to this amazing offer!  

A couple of notes for those who have never purchased anything from Pick Your Plum.

• Their offers are for one day only or until they run out (and this offer will not last the entire day, trust me).
• They have a maximum amount that you can purchase (usually around 12)
• They have a flat shipping cost whether you purchase just one or the maximum allowed so this really is a great deal (especially if you purchase the maximum).

So what are you waiting for?  Order up some washi tape today!  Also, I'd love to hear what you would make with your beautiful tape!

4 You

#Anthropologie Inspired Vase - 1

I saw these super cute vases on Anthropologie's website:  Curvy Crysanthemum Vase.

There is one main hurdle between me and those vases...the cost!  They are $18-$28 each.  Well, I decided to make my own.  What do you think?  The turquoise one cost $3.00 and the purple one $1.00.  Super easy.  I'm going to share how I made the turquoise vase today and when you come back tomorrow, I'll share the purple vase with you.

Anthro Inspired Curvy Vase - 1

First, stop by your nearby Goodwill or Thrift Store.  They have tons of these vases and they are usually very inexpensive.

See, look how much this vase was....$0.10!  Wash it with warm soapy water to remove those price stickers and any other dust and debris.

Then, grab a can of spray paint in whatever color you'd like your vase to be.  This paint has a satin finish but if you'd like a more "glass-like" look to your vase, find a glossy paint.

Next, in a well ventilated area (or better yet, outside) spray paint your vase.  A couple of tips:  (1) you will need to give your vase a few coats to ensure entire coverage and (2) be sure to spray your paint can upside down to clean out the nozzle when you're finished painting.

Find an over-sized silk flower that will compliment your vase.

Make sure you remove the entire stem so your flower lays close to your vase when secured. (You may see some hot glue on my flower back.  That is because I didn't remove the entire stem the first time and when I tried gluing my flower on.)

Hot glue your flower onto the vase.  Isn't it pretty?  It doesn't even need to hold flower to look good.

But go ahead and add a few flower if you'd like.

It's a super fun, easy, and inexpensive project.  The most time consuming part is waiting for the paint to dry between coats.  Now, what should I purchase with the $25 I saved?

4 You

Super Dog Mama - and Let Green Inspire You!

Today ended up being a crazy day.  I was working on 5 different projects that I am planning on sharing with you this week.  They were all spread out and in various states of drying times and prep times when my husband came home with one of our dogs, Martha.  No biggie, right?

WRONG!

Martha was limping and favoring her right front paw because....SHE SPLIT HER DEW CLAW and she was MUDDY and FILTHY from playing outside!  Okay, crafting and creating were done for the day and it was time to put on the "super dog mama cape".  Yup, the afternoon went from crafting nirvana to doggie nursemaid.   I think Martha will be okay but she is in pain and needing lots of lovin'.  

Since my many projects are not quite ready for a big reveal, I thought I'd share the link to my "I Dig Green" Pinterst board with you.  There are a lot of great items to get you in the mood for both spring and St. Patrick's Day!

I Dig Green

So while you "get your green on", I'm going to be lovin' my little princess.  See you tomorrow!

4 You

Spa Day Saturday - Make Your Own Reed Diffuser

Okay, now be honest, how many of you have a weakness for the amazing aromas found at Bath and Body Works or The Body Shop?  I know that I LOVE yummy smelling places...they really brighten my mood.  One of the ways you can infuse a room with fragrance is with a reed diffuser.  How would you like to learn how to make your own?  It's super easy, inexpensive, and YOU can customize the scent!  Here's how.

DIY Reed Diffuser

Supplies:

Narrow necked vase/jar

6 - 10 bamboo skewers

1/4 cup oil  or water (see notes at the end)

1 tsp vodka (not diluted)

1/2 tsp fragrance oil or essential oil mix

Directions:

Using scissors, cut off the pointy ends of your bamboo skewers.

Using a measuring cup, add 1/4 oil or water, 1 tsp vodka, and 1/2 tsp fragrance/essential oil(s).  Mix.

Pour the fragrance mixture into your vase/jar.  Then place your bamboo skewers into the vase.  After about one hour, flip your skewers to help distribute the scent.   

Super easy peasy.  And it is super inexpensive.  Just flip your sewers once each week.  My cost break down is this:

Vase from Goodwill - $0.10

Bamboo skewers - $1.99/100 and I used 6 so $0.12

1 tsp vodka - $0.05

1/4 cup oil - $0.50

1/2 tsp fragrance oil - $1.50

Total cost - $2.27

Notes:  

1. You can use either oil or water.  Water will evaporate much more quickly so you will need to refill your diffuser sooner. (My house is so dry in the winter that I find the oil works much better)
2. If you use oil, you can use mineral oil, almond oil, castor oil, or another unscented/lightly scented oil.
3. When using water as your base, the tsp of vodka helps the fragrance/essential oil bind to the water.
4. When using oil as your base, the tsp of vodka help the fragrance oil travel up the skewer.
5. I used fragrance oil purchased from The Body Shop but you can use other fragrance oils that are sold for use in diffusers at Bath and Body Works and other stores, or you can use a mixture of Essential Oil.
6. The reason why you should use a narrow necked vase/jar is it will slow the rate at which the fragrance oil/water evaporates.

Here's to creating an oasis where we can pamper ourselves!

4 You

Pillow Case Dress Drive

Have you ever heard people say things like, "My vote won't make a difference," or "I'm just one person, how can I change the world?"  Well, let me introduce you to an amazing young lady:  Mallory.

My friend Amy (One Artsy Mama) learned about Mallory last March when she was contacted by a woman named Rory.  She was seeking donations for a silent auction to benefit a ministry her daughter, Mallory, started called Project Yesu.  This ministry is about providing food, medicine, and education for children in Uganda.  Well, guess how hold Mallory was when she started Project Yesu? 

TWELVE!

Mallory and her team have been busy over the past year (they even took a trip to Uganda this past October to deliver 450 pounds of supplies).  She has another trip planned for June 2013 and wouldn't it be great for all of us to support this amazing young woman?    Well we can!

Pillowcase Dresses!

One of the items that the team wants to take with them in June are pillowcase dresses....as many pillowcase dresses as they can collect for all the poverty-stricken girls.  They are super simple to make and you don't even have to be a seamstress!

For those of you who sew, here is Sew Like My Mom's Easiest Pillowcase Dress Ever

For the non-sewers out there, Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom's No-Sew Pillowcase Dress Tutorial will guide you.

Shipped completed dresses to...

Project Yesu

c/o Rory Fundora

1178 Willow Bend Drive

Clarksville, TN 37043

You need to have your dresses completed and mailed no later than May 31 so they can get the dresses packed in time for their departure in June.  I'd like to challenge each of you to make at least one dress.  If you are involved in some sort of youth group (i.e. church group, 4-H Club or Girl Scout Troop to name a few), this would be an excellent service project for them to get involved in.

I'd love for you to leave a comment with how many dresses you make so that I can tally up how many all of us send to Yesu!  We can all help Mallory make a difference!  (To learn more, stop by Project Yesu's website.)

4 You