Howdy! Before we get started, you might want to grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine here, as I tend to ramble a bit...First of all, let me tell you a little bit about the reason for this blog in the first place. You see, I have another blog called, "365 Days Of The Year." Four years ago, I started it as a challenge to post a photo a day on it for a year, and I did! When my year was up, I thought I could just drop it, but I found I missed it. So, instead of the pressure of taking a "picture worthy picture" every day, I just started to post random thoughts and stories of my family and friends, with an occasional picture. After each year, I would have the entire year made into a hard cover book, to some day give to our son Landon. I also have a handbag business that I do on the side from my full time childcare business. Occasionally, I would post on my blog, things about purses or shows/expos that I was doing and it just didn't feel right. It was business and my blog was for family, friends, and my place to go to vent or just tell my little stories. I would also post a bit about business on facebook and that didn't feel right either. Now, I have started to dip my toes in a little crafty stuff. Nothing major, but a little something here and there and I needed a place to put it along with my purses that felt right. That place is here. Here I will post things about purses, re-purposing, flea marketing, or maybe just take you along on a few road trips with me. Wherever it takes us, I hope the trip is as much fun for you as it is for me. Ready to ride?



If you would like to send a comment/question, shoot me an email at: tdsiegel@hotmail.com



If you would like to check out my other blog, here is the link:
http://www.desireesiegel.blogspot.com/

If you would like to check out my purse blog, here is the link:
http://www.desireeschicanduniquehandbags.blogspot.com/

I know. I know. The length of that purse site link is insane! But, when I created it, I couldn't think of anything short and cute that wasn't already taken, like... "The Swedish Cowgirl." Ha! By the way, I am 1/2 Swedish. On the other side it's a bit Heinz 57. English, Dutch, German, Irish, Chinese and Indian! My dad's side was the wild side! So, it is what it is. I am what I am.

You can also check out my facebook page, at:
https://www.facebook.com/TheSwedishCowgirl?fref=ts#!/TheSwedishCowgirl?fref=ts

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

My $500 Light Box

I have to admit that I am a little slow when when it comes to checking out new technology and new websites and such. I at least a year or two behind everyone, and I'm o.k. with that. I'm not fancy. I like what I've got. But, the one time that I wish I hadn't been so slow to check something out, was recently when I discovered (Finally!) PINTEREST! Man....where has that been all my life? If you are on of the last 2 people in the world who haven't checked it out, I urge you to do so. It's fantastic!One of my favorite things to do when I crawl into bed at night, is check out a few (or 2,333) pages of PINTEREST. Puts me right to sleep! Anyway, as you all know, I've been busy taking pictures for my upcoming Etsy store. (I am thinking it will be ready by the end of this month! Yee haw!) I was struggling a bit with all the light bouncing off the windows. I couldn't go outside with all the dc (Daycare) kids here to take pictures in the "natural" light, like you are suppose to and it was too bright in the house in the daytime and too dark in the house at night. So....PINTEREST to the rescue! I happen to stumble across a pin about making a "light box" to take nice pictures in. You can buy one for $200 to $500 it said, or you could make one out of a cardboard box. I made one. Here are the pictures. It is pretty self explanatory, but if you would like to ask any questions, just shoot me an email or check it out on PINTEREST. Just type in homemade light box. Love my box!

 
I got a big box from our local appliance store and cut it in half so it wasn't so tall.
You can use a small box too, I just needed the bigger one for taller and wider items.
Then I laid it on it's side and cut out the right and left side and the top.
Next, taped tissue paper over the holes.
I have drug this box around the living room 5,677 times
and the cats have jumped on/in it 4,222 times.
So, it has taken a beating and the tissue paper needs to be replaced.
 
 
Prop up a couple of spotlights or lamps on the sides for your light.
I like the spotlights because they can be adjusted for different light levels.
Leave the flaps on the box. I cut mine off and wish I hadn't.
I taped a few pieces of card stock up there.
 They help keep the light out from all the windows and doors.
 
 
A friend of mine was having trouble taking pictures of
hot wheels that she sells. The flash kept making it shiney.
So, I took a picture of one in my box to show her how it works.
 
 
 
Pretty cool, huh?
I don't have a fancy camera.
Just set the camera on macro
 and put the hot wheel car in my
$500 box, and away we went!!
Yee haw!
Thank you PINTEREST!
See you tonight!
 

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