Random Ramblings of a Scramping Addict

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This is just a reminder that if you're not already receiving my mailings, you might want to consider joining my mailing list.  My June Newsletter just went e-postal and it's full of information about June classes, events, campaigns and much more.  My newsletter will always contain content that you don't see here, so sign up using the box over there on the left if you'd like to stay up to date.

FAQ {Friday}

CTMH LEVEL 1 KITS vs Level 2 PAPER PACKS

Q: What is a My Reflections® Level 1 Kit and a My Reflections® Level 2 Paper Pack and how are they different?

A: My Reflections® Level 1 kits are designed specifically for new or inexperienced crafters or those scrapbookers with limited time to scrapbook.  These kits contain 12" x 12" pre-printed layout pages, cardstock, B&T Duos® paper, and My Stickease® adhesive images.  The pre-printed pages are photo-ready on their own, or you can use the included cardstock and B&T Duos® paper if you'd like to add additional layers or photo mats to your page.  Here is an example of a Level 1 pre-printed layout and what I did with it.

   

You'll notice that I added a strip of B&T and cardstock across the top band, matted my photos with cardstock, and included a few cardstock strips on the right hand side for journaling.  By using a Level 1 pre-printed layout, I was able to pull this page together super quickly since all of the initial creative design work was done for me.

On the other hand, the My Reflections Level 2 paper packs are designed for scrapbookers who don't want to use a pre-printed layout as a starting point for their page.  These packs contain 12" x 12" cardstock and coordinating B&T Duos paper.  They do not contain My Stickease adhesive images, but coordinating My Stickease® are sold separately.  Level 2 scrapbooking is for those who enjoy designing, cutting, and assembling their own pages from scratch.  The Level 2 paper packs are also great for creating cards and other papercrafting projects.  The patterned paper and cardstock in each package are a coordinated set so there is no risk of colour and pattern mismatches.  There is a total of 22 sheets (12 B&T, 10 cardstock) in each pack so there is plenty of paper to create with.  The majority of artwork featured on this site was created with My Reflections® Level 2 Paper Packs.  For a complete list of available papers, please visit my online store, or contact me to request a complimentary Idea Book.

Do you have a craft-related question you'd like the answer to?  Drop me an email, or leave a comment below and I'll feature your question on a future FAQ {Friday} installment.

The Best Way To Photograph Fireworks

As we prepare to head into the Victoria Day long weekend, I thought it was a great time to share some tips for photographing fireworks. Whether you plan to attend a display at a local park, or host a private show in your own backyard - this information will come in handy if you intend to capture any or all of the fiery beauty on film.

The original article was written by Dave Johnson (PC World) and was published Sunday, June 28, 2009

 at pcworld.com.

Here's what you need to know to capture the excitement of a summer fireworks display.
Dave Johnson, PC World
Sunday, June 28, 2009 05:00 PM PDF

How to Photograph Fireworks

For the photographer, winter certainly has its share of iconic subjects, such as Christmas trees, snowmen, and icicles hanging from a roof. But there's nothing quite like the excitement of shooting summertime fireworks. Done right, fireworks photos are dynamic and colorful, and they convey a sense of action better than almost any other kind of still image. Read on to learn how to capture some exciting fireworks photos of your own this summer. 

(Photo by foxypar4.)

(Almost) Any Camera Will Do...

Though photos of fireworks look impressive, you don't need specialized gear to get good results. You can use almost any digital camera to capture fireworks, as long as it offers either some degree of manual exposure control (so that you can dial in the right ISO, aperture, and shutter speed settings) or a fireworks scene mode designed to do the work for you.

Even compact digital cameras can meet the challenge. The Fujifilm Finepix F200 EXR shown here, for example, hits the sweet spot for portability and simplicity--it's a superb compact point-and-shoot that, when set to fireworks mode and stabilized to minimize image shake, can take some excellent fireworks shots.

...But a Digital SLR Is Best

Compact cameras eschew features for portability, however. If you like to tinker with your exposure settings, consider an advanced point-and-shoot like the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS. It has a convenient swiveling LCD for shooting unusual angles, such as over the top of a crowd or low down on the ground. A wealth of exposure options let you dial in the one-touch fireworks mode or take more control with shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure settings.

If you have a choice, though, I recommend enlisting a true digital SLR. Digital SLRs tend to generate less noise in the lengthy exposures you'll need to capture fireworks, and they have advanced features such as manual exposure control and external shutter release to minimize shake when you're taking the photo. The Nikon D90 (pictured here), for example, is a favorite not just because it was the first digital SLR to incorporate high-definition video recording, but also because it provides excellent image quality, Live View mode, and face detection for those times when you’re not shooting fireworks.

Stabilize Your Camera

The most important rule for shooting fireworks: Use a slow shutter speed so that you can record those dramatic, colorful light trails as they explode through the sky. But no matter whether you're using a point-and-shoot or a high-end digital SLR, you'll need some sort of support to capture a sharp image, free from the blur that results when you hold a camera in your hands.

A simple, inexpensive, and lightweight tripod is all you need. Keep the tripod head loose so that you can quickly move it around to frame the exploding fireworks, while the tripod legs prevent jiggling.

If you don't want to haul even a compact tripod around, consider using a monopod--since it has just one leg instead of three, it won't be as steady as a tripod, but it can be a reasonable compromise. You could also prop your camera on a solid surface. Some photographers like gadgets such as The Pod (essentially a bean bag with a tripod mount in the top) for steadying the camera on rocks, fences, and other platforms.

Hands Off

You should also avoid touching the camera when the exposure starts, so you don't jiggle it and blur the photo. You could try to use the camera's self-timer to trigger the exposure, but you would have to trigger your exposure in advance to anticipate the best fireworks moment. A better solution is to invest in a wireless remote or a shutter release cable, both of which let you take the photo without touching the camera.

Go Automatic

If your compact camera or advanced point-and-shoot has a fireworks mode, enable it. This mode automatically adjusts the camera's settings for a nighttime exposure. Want to know what's going on behind the scenes? On most cameras, the fireworks mode will turn the flash off, set focus to infinity, disable exposure compensation, and lower the ISO. For the most part, I find that a preset fireworks mode achieves good results for simple shots.

No Fireworks Mode? No Problem

Some point-and-shoots that lack a fireworks mode may still permit you to adjust the settings. Here are some good settings to try, if your camera allows.

Low ISO: Set the camera to its lowest ISO setting to minimize digital noise.

Focus on infinity: Turn off automatic focus and set the camera's focus to infinity so that it doesn't search helplessly for a subject in the dark. Don't have a manual focus control? Use the camera's landscape mode, which also sets the focus to infinity; the low light will encourage the camera to shoot at a slow shutter speed and capture the light trails.

Set the aperture: Dial in an f/stop somewhere between f/8 and f/16. That will help prevent overexposing the scene and avoid light "blooms" coming from the explosions in the sky.

Slow down the shutter: Pick a value between 1 second and 16 seconds for your shutter speed. The longer the exposure, the more fireworks you'll capture in the same frame, and the longer your light trails will be. For really long exposures try covering the lens with your hand or the lens cap between bursts to avoid overexposing the picture.

(Photo by Howard Meyer.) 

Shooting With a Digital SLR

If you have a digital SLR, you'll have an easier time--and more options--when setting up your camera for fireworks.

In a nutshell, you'll want to dial in the lowest ISO, throw the camera into full manual mode, choose a small aperture opening (try starting at f/8), and pick a slow shutter speed with an exposure time of between 1 and 4 seconds. After you take your first few pictures, review them to see if you're getting realistic color. If the bright blue, orange, and red fireworks all look kind of white, you should use the same exposure time but close the aperture a bit and try again. That means changing your f/8 setting to f/11 or perhaps f/16. If the fireworks are too dim, open the aperture to f/5.6 or f/4.

Most SLRs have a bulb mode that leaves the shutter open for as long as you hold down the shutter release, giving you total control over the exposure. When the fireworks launch, press the shutter release to start the exposure. Hold the button down until after the fireworks have bloomed, several seconds later. If you go for superlong exposures, you should cover the lens between fireworks.

Get a Wide Angle on the Scene

While you might be tempted to zoom in to get close-ups of the action, I recommend that you use the wider end of your lens's range--or, if you're using a digital SLR, switch to your wide-angle lens. You'll be able to capture more fireworks in a shot and even frame the action against a skyline or other recognizable objects in the foreground. 

Of course, you can experiment by changing your zoom range throughout the evening. Just remember that if you zoom in too tightly, you'll have trouble knowing exactly when and where the fireworks are going to do their thing, and you'll end up missing the action.

(Photo by stage88.) 

Experimentation Is Key

As you prepare for summer fireworks, remember that capturing the action is often more art than science. Experiment with a range of shutter speeds and aperture settings over the course of the event. If the weather is uncooperative, take advantage by incorporating umbrella-covered spectators into the scene. And don't forget that your photo editing program's cropping tool can sometimes bring a distant fireworks blast front and center, turning a mediocre shot into a keeper.

Game On! {based on a Sketch}

{edited 08/05/10:  Sorry folks, I had to remove this photo as the layout has been requested for publication!  I'm so excited!}

I promised earlier in the week that I would post the layout I was working on based on my sketch.  Today, I finally got my pictures back from the developer - so here it is.  {Honestly, I have never ever had such a difficult time uploading/sending pics over the web.  Very frustrating.}

I used the Close To My Heart Game On Level 2 paper packet and added the Yellow accent pieces to coordinate with the team jerseys.  That is actually one of my favourite things about this paper combo - that it is so neutral, yet still really interesting, the patterns have lots of visual texture, and they can coordinate with practically anything other colour you could imagine.

I used an emboss resist technique on the Dimensional Elements letters to give them the black/white look. This is super easy; just ink a stamp with Versamark and stamp the desired element, sprinkle with clear embossing power and heat.  Once the powder is all melted and the piece cool, take a sponge dauber and apply ink over top.  The ink will 'resist' colouring the areas that are covered with the embossed image. Wipe with a tissue to remove any extra ink that's hanging around and your'e done.

Here's a closeup so you can hopefully see better how this turned out.

Remember, my Sketch Challenge is ongoing until June 15th and I can't wait to see your take on my design. 

Sketch Challenge Reminder

Just a reminder that I'm looking to see what you can create based on my sketch (click thumbnail for larger view).

There are prizes to be had on this one - so go get creating and add your link back to my original post or email me a picture of your creation.  You can take the sketch literally and design a layout, or otherwise draw your inspiration from it to create a card or other project.  If you choose a layout - you can do classic (paper and glue) or digi. It's your choice.

What are you playing for?

• a B-size stamp set of your choice (retail value $16.50) or,
• a CTMH My Reflections paper pack of your choice (retail value $15.50).

Deadline for submission is June 15 to be entered in the random draw!

I'll be posting a recent layout from this sketch as soon as I get my pictures back from the developer.  I'm having a bit of trouble in that department lately, but here's a hint - my page is about Hockey!

Introducing Splash Zone! A New Kit from Studio J!

Two post in one day?  Now, that's something I haven't done in a while!

 

I just wanted to give a quick mention of the new Splash Zone papers that you can find at Studio J.  As the paper says, doesn't it just wanna make you dive right in?

Here's a quick layout I put together.

The colours in this kit worked perfect to scrap our day at the Splash Zone!  Even the title is a page accent that comes with the kit.  It doesn't get much easier than that does it?  But this kit will would work just as well for so many other great Summertime or vacation photos; think poolside, hot tubs, or even a trip to the beach!

Remember this kit is exclusive to Studio J and you won't find it in anywhere else - not even in the Idea Book.

Want more information about Studio J?  Click here to find out more or better still, why not try it out for yourself today and see how quickly and easily you can create studio pages like this one with just a few clicks of your mouse!  And it's free - so what have you got to lose?

My First Acrylic Album Project!

Lucky me!  This weekend was certainly a crafty one for me.  I spent time craftin' with my sister on Friday night; I worked on an acrylic album, and she worked on a canvas wall collage.  Then, on Saturday, I spent time with my Mom and we made a thank-you gift for a gal she works with who has gone above and beyond recently to help her out. Sunday, I started working on a baby shower gift, and some thank-you cards - and worked on a scrapbook layout. Phew! What a creative workout!

If I had to pick one project as a favourite though it would definitely be the acrylic album.  I bought an album kit at Scrapfest a few weeks ago, and finally took the time to put it together.  I had never worked with an acrylic album before and when I saw this kit by Ninabrook Designs I just had to have it.  The featured colours were perfect, and the embellishments varied - a combination of self-adhesive chipboard, rub-ons, some metals and a little bit of bling.

Here are some additional pictures of my finished pages.

As the week goes on I'll hopefully share some of my other recent creations so be sure to pop back in to check them out.  If you're a Facebook fan, you'll also want to watch my business page for details soon to be announced regarding a mega-craft sale 'extravaganza' coming in July.  If you're local, you won't want to miss this event for sure!

FAQ {Friday}

I get a lot of craft-related questions from blog readers, website visitors and crafters that I meet at Home Gatherings and events.  The questions are varied, with some looking for technique how-to's, others for project advice or product information, but there are definitely a few questions that seem to come up again and again.  So....in the interest of keeping you, my readers, informed, I'm going to start answering some of those frequently asked questions here on my blog and in time I'll hopefully have a nice little FAQ library assembled.  For consistency, and because the title is a bit catchy, I'll post my Q&A on FAQ {Friday}.

So, without further adieu - here's the first question.

MUST-HAVE TOOLS

Q:  I'm just starting out with scrapbooking, and I need to buy on a budget. What are the top three must-have tools that I won't be able to live without.

A:  You're not alone.  Many of us, in fact most of us, need to (or should) buy on a budget.  There are however a few must-haves tools of the trade.  Here are my top three picks.

A Paper Trimmer:  This will make measuring and cutting your cardstock and patterned paper super easy.  Make sure that you choose a trimmer with a replaceable blade, and one that is capable of cutting/measuring 12 x 12 inch paper.  My recommendation: A Fiskars Personal Paper Trimmer like this one.

A good pair of Scissors:  I recommend a pair that is small, sharp and very pointy (like the ones you see here).  You'll use these to cut out things like letters, hand-drawn shapes and/or stamped images for embellishing your finished pages.  The small size allows you more cutting control, and the point on the end is handy for clipping out tight spaces, or piercing holes for page accents like stitching and placing brads.  I don't think that I need to say more about making sure you're scissors are sharp - because we all know that there is nothing more frustrating than scissors that just don't cut.

Adhesive: Whether you choose a dry bond (like a tape runner), or a wet bond (like CTMH Bonding Memories Glue), you will need a good adhesive to 'stick' your photographs and papers to your layout.  To ensure that your adhesive does not damage your photos (as that would be counter-productive), be sure to choose a glue that is acid-free.  I personally prefer a dry bond style as they generally come in a refillable dispenser and are mess-free.  Dry bonds go on dry, and thus obviously, dry-time is not an issue.

Now those are my top-three must-have tools, but of course there are a few more items that I believe every scrapbooker should have handy at all times.  These are not craft-specific are are pretty vanilla really, so I would think that no additional investment would be required. They are:

• a ruler (metal edge preferred, but not mandatory)
• a pencil
• a white eraser

Do you have a craft-related question you'd like the answer to?  Drop me an email, or leave a comment below and I'll feature your question on a future FAQ {Friday} installment.

It's a CRAFTASTROPHE! (but I'm making the most of it with a challenge)

I am all out of adhesive!  Can you believe it?

Note to Self:  Buy adhesive ASAP, there are a ton of ideas swirling around in my brain that I can't put into action without any sticky stuff!

So as a result, I don't have a creative share for you today. Yikes! So instead....I'm offering up a sketch challenge. Create a layout (or card) based on my sketch and post a link to your project back here.  Linking back is easy..just follow the instructions for the Mister Linky Magical Widget you'll find below.  If you don't have a website or gallery to post your artwork, just drop me an email and include a digital pic of your art!  I'm even going to offer up a prize on this one -- all links posted and pics received will be entered into a random draw to win either,

• a B-size stamp set of your choice (retail value $16.50) or,
• a CTMH My Reflections paper pack of your choice (retail value $15.50).

Here's the sketch (click photo for larger image) and the layout I created with it.

This original layout was actually published in Canadian Scrapbooker Basics premiere issue September 2008. I stumbled on the sketch the other day and thought it was time to give it another go. I promise I'll post my new layout as soon as it's done but I'm all out of adhesive, remember?

So go!  Show me what you can do with this sketch and remember to link your creation back here so we can all check it out and to enter the draw to win.  I will be accepting entries until June 15.  Entries can be classic scrapped or digital - you decide!

 
{Oh...and I gotta mention - I can't take credit for the word CRAFTASTROPHE!  One of the crafty gals I follow on Twitter said it the other day and it just cracked me up!}

One More Mother's Day & A Paper Rose Tutorial

I hope that all you Mom's out there had a terrific day yesterday and that you were spoiled as you surely deserve to be.  In celebration of the day I had a lovely lunch and then a fantastic dinner spending loads of time with many of the important 'Mom's' in my life.

Before we move on to other things though, I just needed to share one more Mother's Day card - the one that I made for my Mom!  Here it is - it's another Easel Card (I just love these!)

Now, I can't take credit for this one entirely, because I had a little help.  First off, the card was cased from a fellow CTMH consultant, the very talented Eileen Murray and she ever so kindly pointed me in the direction of the tutorial (below) for creating the paper roses. So I'm also giving a big shout out to Tonya Dirk who was kind enough to post her paper rose tutorial on YouTube for us all to see.

These roses look complicated at first, but please do give the tutorial a view and you'll see just how easy they are to make ~ and I'm not embellishing at all here.  In fact, I made my first one and then immediately after walked my 8 year old daughter through her own attempt - and she rocked it!  I did have to help her out a wee bit, but for the most part, she did the job solo.

The only thing that I did differently than Tonya was that I trimmed off the bulky back of the roses before I adhered them to my card (with a glue dot). As it is now, the card still won't fit in an envelope safely and this is not a 'mailer' for sure, but it definitely has big impact.

Here's the tutorial.

I didn't see Tonya's original post at the Bo Bunny blog about this wreath, but was super curious to take a peak after watching this video, so if you're as interested as I was you can find that post here.

Have a great day!