3amStamping Pad

How to Properly Light a Photo

This article is from eHow.com:

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Proper lighting is one of the most crucial elements of a good picture, yet is one of the most 

commonly overlooked. Follow these simple steps to make sure your pics impress.

Step 1 - 

Determine the "dominant light source." An easy way to do this is to look at the shadows in the area - they will point away from the dominant light source. If there are multiple light sources, the dominant one will create the darkest shadows. 

Step 2 - 

Decide what type of shot you're after. Usually you'll be wanting a fully-lit shot of your subject with as little shadow as possible. 

Step 3 - 

If you're going for a normal, well-lit photo, shoot away from the light source. This will eliminate harsh shadows and make sure your subject is lit up in your pic. 

Other Tips -

Don't rely on the flash! Most digital cameras have an automatic flash that's there to "fill" in bad lighting situations. Problem is, it's usually a pretty harsh light, and can wind up reflecting off your subject and making them look washed out. If there's enough light in the area and you're following these steps, turn the flash off!

If you're outside during the day, the dominant light source is easy to find - not much is going to outshine that big light in the sky. Shoot away from the sun whenever possible.

Don't stifle your creativity. Odds are you've got over a hundred shots to waste on that camera of yours - use them. This is simply how to properly light a photo - sometimes improper shots can accidentally wow everyone with your artistic ability!

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If you're using a digital camera, remember you have plenty of "film" to play with, so experiment to your heart's content!

I've found that some of the pictures I take indoors need the flash as well as plenty of light, but it depends.

What are your some of your favorite ways to light your photos?  Please share in the comments link below.

Time Saving Color Swatch Ring

When you get too busy to stand in the middle of your crafting supplies and savor the atmosphere while you decide on your next project, you might want to have a set of color swatch rings on hand.  These tools come in each color family of Stampin' UP!'s exclusive card stock and make it easy for you to pick out or match up your colors.

Soft Subtles color family Swatch Ring shown.

Order today by clicking on the button below.

Color Family Swatch Rings

Bold Brights (BB) $9.95 Earth Elements (EE) $9.95 Rich Regals (RR) $9.95 Soft Subtles (SS) $9.95 In Color (IC) $6.95 Neutrals (NU) $6.95 Save - 4 Families (BB, EE, RR, SS) $29.95 Save More - All 6 Families $34.95

Add Flair with Color Coach

This tool is designed to help you pick out coordinating colors for your cards, pages and other projects and give them pizzazz!  And it's easy!  The Color Coach (#105796) is a color wheel using all 48 of the exclusive Stampin' UP! colors, plus has extra tips in the center circle.

I pulled mine out to make a sympathy card for a friend.  The Color Coach was already set to "Bordering Blue", which happened to be one of the colors I was considering.  I chose Not Quite Navy and Sage Shadow to go with it in keeping with a more somber mood, then I decided to use Baja Breeze instead of Sage Shadow.

I like both sets of colors, but I wanted a closer to monochromatic look for my card.  The set with Sage Shadow is on top of the Color Coach to the left, my revision is to the right.

One thing I love about the Color Coach is that you can find colors that look absolutely delicious together and you might never have thought of combining them!  You can do amazing combinations with no guess work!

Consider adding Color Coach to your order today and pump up the pizzazz in your projects.

Manhattan Flower Embossed

Here is the raised style from the Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions embossing folder (#114517) for you to compare with yesterday's entry.

I used Vellum Card Stock (#101856) with the embossing folder, along with:

• Lavender Lace (#101614), Pixie Pink (#105121) and Whisper White (#100730) card stocks.
• Lots of Tags Sizzlits Dies (#114508)
• All Holidays Stamp Set (#114916)
• Lovely Lilac Classic Stampin' Pad (#102874)
• Pixie Pink Stampin' Write Marker (#105112)
• Color Spritzer Tool (#107066)
• 5/8" Whisper White Satin Ribbon (#114616)

The inside is stamped with the "Happy Mother's Day" greeting.  This card is even faster than yesterday's because there are fewer steps.

To order, click on the Online Ordering button at right.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.  And you may always leave comments below.

Manhattan Flower Debossed

I thought I'd show you what the debossing side of the Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions (#114517) embossing folder produces.  Just in time for Mother's Day:

Interestingly, the scan makes it appear that the image is actually raised.  I will see if I can capture it in a photo and post it later.  Tomorrow's post will feature the raised side scanned in.  We'll see if you can tell any difference.

I selected these spring colors from the Color Coach (#105796), which will be my Tool Time on Tuesday feature.

Besides the embossing folder, this card uses:

Certainly Celery (#105125), Apricot Appeal (#105124), Tempting Turquoise (#102067), Whisper White(#100730) and Cameo Coral (#100475)card stock

Stampin' Pastels (#105542) with Sponge Daubers (#102892)

Versamark Pad (#102283)

Jumbo Grommets, Basic (#114348)

Tempting Turquoise (#100814) and Cameo Coral Classic (#103035) Stampin' Pads

Cameo Coral Classic Ink Refill (#102238)

Whisper White Satin Ribbon (#114616)

Tag from Matchbox Bigz XL Die (#114890)

1/2" Circle Punch (#104390)

All Holidays Stamp Set (#114916)

The Matchbox Die, Satin Ribbon and Jumbo Grommets are available in the 2009 Occasions Mini Catalog.  The rest are in the Spring/Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog.  If you need to order, you get to browse both catalogs through the Online Ordering button at right.  If you have any questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696 or 695-3571.

Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder Question

Q: I love this design, but I keep having to do it over and over to get the raised embossing on the right side of my paper.  How do I tell which way the raised design is going to come out?

A: The easiest way to tell is to look at the folder.  If the Stampin' UP! logo is right side up, whatever you put in the folder will be your face-up side for the raised embossing.  If you want the design debossed, the logo side can be your "back" side, so the side you want debossed would be placed face down.

Tip: Feed the paper in the folder arrow-first through the BigShot.  Otherwise, you may break your embossing folder.

Note: The directions in some of the Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions folders are misprinted.  You should be using Tab 1 of the BigShot Multi-purpose Platform, not Tab 2.  Tab 2 is too high and could break your cutting pad and your folder if you force it through.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call me at (707) 542-3696.

To order online, click on the "Online Ordering" button at right.  You can browse Spring/Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog pages 193 to 203, the Occasions Mini Catalog, and the Pop-Up Die announcement to see all of the BigShot dies and accessories.

Cute Kids - Tattoos

I found an idea on a photography website that would make a good photo for a Mother's Day gift album (or Father's Day, Grandparent's Day, etc., etc.).  The article showed a great photo of a child with a "Mom" tattoo and explained how the photographer did it.  See the full article here. 

You could do the tattoo with alphabet stamps and markers for easily washable temporary tattoos, or use one of the Stampin' Kids Tattoo Kits (page 181 of the Spring/Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog)for a longer lasting effect.  Having the kids flex their "tattooed muscles" would make great pictures and would be super on a page, or even on the front of a card!

Why not try this idea and send me a photo or scan of your project?  E-mail it to mary@3amstamper.com.   Plus, if you use all Stampin' UP! products (current or retired), and are a newsletter subscriber, you'll be eligible for my monthly contest and I'll automatically enter you.  To sign up for my newsletter, click on the button at left.

Natural Embellishments You Can Find in a Flash

I'm starting a new weekly series and to kick it off (inspired by Earth Day), I have this article for you:

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Plants You Grow In Your Garden Can Be Used As Embellishments!

by John Yazo

Capturing and preserving the natural beauty of your garden can simply be done by creating a scrapbook and journal of your memories. Scrapbooking is a great way to preserve these memories and to share them with friends and family members for generations to come. There is no better feeling than to look back at these precious times and to be able enjoy their memorable moments.

Preserving flowers and plants from your garden can be done by drying or pressing them. They can be saved for years to come and can be used as embellishments in your scrapbooking and card making projects. It is a unique way to add your own personal touch and feelings to your crafts.

Small flowers and leaves can be pressed to make embellishments and larger flowers like sunflower pedals, or leaves can be dried and pressed to create a unique natural background for your scrapbook pages. Other plants like herbs can also be used to add accent when they are dried. 

There are many other ways that your preserved plants can be used, such as dried flower arrangements, framed and hung on a wall as natural wall decor. The ideas are endless and the only limit is your imagination.

There are many ways you can create unique, natural scrapbooks that will keep the memories of your gardening experiences alive and able to be passed on to members of your family and friends for years to come.

Drying and pressing your flowers and plants is simple to do and can be done with common household supplies that are already available to you in your home.

Both environmentally friendly and healthy, Organic Gardening is a way of gardening in harmony with nature. Growing a healthy and productive crop in a way that is healthier for both you and the environment.

John Yazo

http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com

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I used this idea to create my card project yesterday.  Email me at mary@3amstamper.com and attach a picture/photo/scan.  Plus, if you use all Stampin' UP! products (current or retired), and are a newsletter subscriber, you'll be eligible for my monthly contest and I'll automatically enter you.  To sign up for my newsletter, click on the button at left.

Show Your Appreciation

It's Earth Day today (Happy Earth Day) and it's also the day to show your appreciation for your favorite Office Professional: those unsung, underpaid, way-underappreciated and double-way-overworked heroes of the world.  Show your spirit today with a quick Thank You card to your favorite Office Professional and include a natural embellishment in honor of Earth Day!

This one takes minutes:

Kiwi Kiss card stock (#111353) 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" folded.

Stampin' Around Wheel Watercolor Vine (#107560) and Chocolate Chip Classic Ink Refill (#101065) in a Jumbo Uninked Cartridge (#103678), wheeled across just the card front with a Jumbo Stampin' Around Handle.

14" of Kiwi Kiss 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (#111372) wrapped around the card front and tied in a knot.  Place the ribbon and mark on the fold with pencil, then cut a slit between the marks on the crease with a Hobby Blade (#102449).  Thread the ribbon through the slit to wrap and tie.

Stamp the greeting from Say It With Scallops stamp set (#111678) with Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad (#100908) on a scrap of More Mustard card stock (#100946) and punch it out with the Scallop Square Punch (#112081).

Layer the greeting on Chocolate Chip card stock (#102128) and cut a thin border.  I like Craft & Rubber Scissors (#103179) best for this job because they have the nice short blades.  Stack 2 or 3 Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430) in each corner of the layered greeting and adhere across the ribbon.

Cut a flower from your garden or gather twigs or leaves, etc. from your yard and slide them under the greeting and you're done!  If you're mailing the card, I'd used dried flowers or leaves, rather than fresh - they'll lay flatter.

If you need to order any of the items listed, click on the "Online Ordering" link at right and you'll be ready for next Earth Day!

Stamp-A-Ma-Jig How-To

The Stamp-a-ma-jig (#101049) is my favorite stamp positioner.  It's easy to operate and store when you're done.  Plus, it cleans up quickly and doesn't care if you're right- or left-handed.  It works for both.

Stamp positioners help you place images and words/letters precisely where you want them to go.  They also let you re-stamp an image or word/letter that didn't stamp to your satisfaction the first time.  The Stamp-a-ma-jig lets you do this on any size project quickly and easily.

To use:

1. Place the "T" square flat on your work surface.
2. Slide the image sheet into the corner of the "T," textured side up so the image doesn't smear.  Use the smooth side for Craft Stampin' Pads.
3. Select your image stamp and ink it with a dark Classic Stampin' Pad.
4. Fit the image stamp into the corner and stamp the image sheet.  It doesn't matter how you place it, just make sure that the T and the stamp are in the same position you stamped them in when you line up the image sheet to stamp on your project.
5. Clean your stamp, if necessary, and re-ink it.
6. Align the image sheet with the location you want on your project.  If you are re-stamping an image, make sure the image sheet matches it.
7. Slide the T-square to the corner of the image sheet, making sure the position is the same as in Step 4.
8. Remove the image sheet.
9. Fit the stamp into the corner and stamp.  You probably won't need to huff on the stamp to moisten the ink, but you may.

 Try a Stamp-a-ma-jig yourself and let me know how you like it.  To order, click on "Online Ordering" at the right, then click on "Shop Now."  You can also browse the catalog while you're there, in case you need ink refills or another stamp pad, etc.
  

You CAN Take It With You

1-Hour Mini Album Class in Northern California Wine Country.

To kick off National Scrapbooking Month (and for a last-minute Mother's Day gift), attendees will create a fast mini album.  This album is designed to fit easily in pocket or purse.

Click here for more details.

Pop-Up Ball Gives Wows to Cards, Pages and Ornaments

I am having so much fun with the 3-D Pop-Up Ball Bigz XL Die and my BigShot, that I have to share my excitement with you.  I can see a ton of possibilities for Pop-Up Balls, and can hardly believe that I wasn't going to get the die at first.  However, I was convinced when I saw a training video of a photo ball project, so it became a "must have."

This is the project I made following the directions that come with the die:

Because I had a ton of fun putting it together, I have a special offer for you:

Purchase the 3-D Pop-Up Ball Bigz XL Die (#116759) and I will send you, absolutely free, a handful of the correct size rubber band (about 60) as soon as I receive word that you've placed your order.  This will let you get started as soon as your die arrives.

You will need the Extended Cutting Pads (#113478) for your BigShot if you don't already have them.  I also recommend the Extended Premium Crease Pad (#117630), which just became available.  If your order all 3, I will also send you a free set of quick-reference cards, annotated with tips ($5.95 value), to help you get the most out of your Pop-Up Ball Die. 

Click on "Order Online," then "Shop Now" and order item #116759 to get the free rubber bands; add #113478 and #117630 to also receive the reference cards.

This offer expires May 9, 2009.

If you have problems placing your order, or if you have any questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call me at (707) 542-3696.

Rolling Die-Cut Machine Question

You may have noticed that I've started a new feature: Sizzix on Saturday.  Here I will be answering your questions as well as posting projects made with BigShot Die Cuts and giving tips on using both the cutting and embossing dies.

Q: Why do I have to roll the die all the way through my machine if I only want a tiny piece cut out?  I have the 3-Tier Cake Pop-Up Die and I want to just cut out the candles.

A: By running the die all the way through your machine, you are applying pressure evenly to the cutting surface.  This will make sure the die wears evenly, so you will be able to make perfect die cuts for years.

Tip: If you are putting candles or the bride and groom only on the center column atop the cake, cut two of each image and adhere them together on both sides of the column.  That way, there's no "front" or "back."

  

Note - the candles in the completed example are deliberately offset so you can see what I mean.

Want to try Pop-Up dies yourself?  Click on "Online Ordering" at the right and get yours today.

Problems Continue

Again, my apologies.  I am working on fixing the problems as quickly as I can.  But, you know how it is when you have to wait for help desk and support answers. Unfortunately, I've gone too far to reverse all the changes.  I hope to be typing at you again soon!

I'm Making Changes

You may have intermittent problems with my site for the next couple of days and for that, I apologize.  I appreciate your patience.

Faux Silk Technique Card Idea

This was the other project from my Faux Silk technique class.  I used Crystal Effects and Chunky Sprinkles Crystal Iris Stampin' Glitter for the flower centers.

You can download the shopping list here.  It gives the full list of materials plus cutting dimensions.  I stair-stepped the flowers with Stampin' Dimensionals: a single layer (3 because it was a large element and I wanted to catch the ribbon, too) for the Tangerine Tango flower, a double layer (stacked) under the center of the Riding Hood Red flower and a triple layer stack under the Pink Passion flower.

To order the materials to make this project, click on the "Online Ordering" button at the right.

Crafter's Tool Kit - Eyelet Setter

For this edition of Tool Time on Tuesday, we'll be discussing the Eyelet Setter in the Crafter's Tool Kit.

The Eyelet Setter will set your eyelets anywhere you've punched holes for them.  To use:

1. Place the eyelet shank up on the Cutting Mat.  This is very important as it will both provide a slight cushioning for the eyelet shape as well as protect your table top or work surface.
2. Put the project piece with the hole for the eyelet face down on top so that the shank pokes through the hole.
3. Hold the setter straight up and down with the pointed end inside the shank opening.  This is important so the shank spreads evenly and lays flat on the back of the project piece after it's set.
4. Hammer away, making sure the setter stays perpendicular.  Usually 3 strokes are enough to set the eyelet, but you may need more if the eyelet is made of brass, rather than aluminum.  Be careful not to pound too hard or you may crush the shaped front of the eyelet.

The shank should split nicely so that it lies flat against the back of the project.  This method is particularly useful for setting the Designer Hardware (page 175 of the Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog) and other highly embossed eyelet and grommet designs.

If you have any questions about the eyelet setter,or have tips to share, please post them in the comments link below.  If you have other tools you'd like more information about, please e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com and I'll be happy to do a Tool Time on Tuesday article about it.

If you want to order a Crafter's Tool Kit (#104310) or Designer Hardware, you may click on the "Online Ordering" button at the right.

Events Undergoing Change

I am cancelling the rest of my events for April while I re-design my calendar and other elements of my website.  Those of you who have already registered will be receiving a refund.  I will be emailing you with more details.

Please check back for the latest developments.

It's a Basket, It's a Box

I was trying out an idea I'd seen in various places using the Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL Die.  I made 5 of these fairly quickly (for my grandchildren, of course) and will be doing a tutorial soon.

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter, harmonious Passover and joyous Spring!

Pop-Up Dies Make it Easy to Wow

Have you seen the new Pop-Up Dies for the BigShot?

This link will take you to the online catalog page so you can see the details:

Pop-Up Die Announcement

I have seen some amazing samples from my fellow demonstrators and am working on my own.  Check back soon to see some of my samples.