Thursday, October 24, 2013
One of the best parts of being a swirly girly is sharing our work with one another and complimenting each other on the gorgeous creations submitted here at Swirlydoos. It's nice to both give and receive compliments from your peers.
In order to share your artwork it is important to make sure that you are providing the best possible representation of the GORGEOUS piece of art that you have created. You may have the next greatest thing in scrapbooking, but without a good photo the impact is completely lost.
Today the education team is here to share with you some best practices found online as well as shared from our very own DT...and personal experience of course.
Photographing your work can be broken down into a couple of different categories.
Light
1. Turn off the flash! Flash is direct, harsh, and will wash out your artwork creating shadows and distorting colors.
2. Avoid direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will cast shadows and cause glare on your photographs. Indirect light is best. Make sure if you are inside using a window that there is not sunlight streaming in.
3. If you must photograph in direct sunlight, use sheer curtains as a filter for the light. Here's an example from Vicky Alberto using direct sunlight with a sheer curtain filter:
notice the lack of shadow. However, the LO is darker on the bottom than the top. This is due to the light coming in the window and being closer to the top of the LO. Through indirect lighting you will avoid this.
4. Use a white board or white wall to bounce light. In the above photo you would want to place a white board directly below the LO to bounce the light back up to the bottom portion. See the diagram here:
5. Turn on all interior lights and use white light, not standard/yellow light. Krissy uses her Stella lamp which can be purchased through the Swirlydoos store.
6. Paulien says to place your LO on a large white canvas or foam board as a backing. This will help to bounce light as well. For very light colored LO's use black instead of white.
Positioning
1. Make sure that you are standing DIRECTLY over the LO at a 90 degree angle. BEND OVER!! If you have trouble bending over you can use a chair to make yourself higher and not have to bend as severely.
2. Align the edge of the LO with the edge of the viewfinder to get the LO as square as possible.
3. Avoid glare on your glossy photo. By moving forward or backward just a tad you can remove the glare on the photo. Check for glare before pushing the button.
Manning the camera
1. Use a tripod if at all possible.
2. If you can't use a tripod or it's too difficult, make sure you keep steady while shooting the camera. Experiment with various ways to hold the camera so you don't wiggle while depressing the shutter. Cradling the bottom and lens in your left hand allows for a base for the camera to rest on. Difficult to do while bent over though.
3. Hold your breath while depressing the shutter to minimize movement.
Once you have taken the best photo possible you can then use software to improve your photo further. Change the color of the lighting, correct any distortion, straighten edges, crop out background, etc.
Some great software is:
1. Photoshop Creative Suite $$
2. Photoshop Elements $
3. Picasa web based software: FREE
Here, Rae has created a quick video on how to use Picasa on the internet:
Experiment with your lighting, positioning, and continue to practice with your camera so you can create beautiful representations of your artwork that we can all ooooo and ahhhh over time and again.
Feel free to ask the ET or DT questions via the forms HERE
Sunday, October 20, 2013
This weeks, LOTW, belongs to Erica Ortiz:
and boy, did she do a Fantastic job!!!
The photo, which is totally adorable, is surrounded by so many gorgeous layers.
Some are distressed, some are punched, lace is being tucked in.
And look at that beautiful stenciling and misting!
The flower clusters are perfectly placed and the treatment of the chipboard pieces is just beautiful.
I also love the inking, of the punched layer that frames this beautiful page.
Thank you for posting this beautiful layout to our gallery Erica!
Thank you to everyone who entered our Fall Photography Contest, and thank you to all who voted! The results are in, and our winner is...
Tonia G with "Fall in WV".
CONGRATS, Tonia!
Please contact Rae (rae@swirlydoos.com) with your shipping information within seven days, so we can get your prize (SEI Mirelle papers) to you!!!
Saturday, October 19, 2013
I adore the look of paper weaving! Here's a layout I made using this fun technique:
So I thought I would share some tips on how you can get this look in my video tutorial:
Join us on the forums to share your tips and projects on paper weaving HERE.
ALSO, have you voted for your favorite picture in our Fall Photography Contest yet? If not, today is the last day. Here's a link to our Facebook poll: https://www.facebook.com/SwirlydoosKits?v=app_126231547426086&
Have an awesome Saturday!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
This morning I was browsing through our Gallery
and all I can say is: Wow You guys....
You all did an amazing job, and gave us a hard time to choose this weeks LOTW.
I was tossed back and forth between all the beautiful creations.
And this page, by Barbara, earns the title
I was tossed back and forth between all the beautiful creations.
And this page, by Barbara, earns the title
Layout Of The Week!
At first I thought that Barbara added a piece of lace in the background, but if you look closely you see amazing masking. The lucious layers with tucked in flowers and trim is simply gorgeous. As well as the beautiful butterflies, birdcages and grant flowers. The choice of colors, the distressing and the touches of bling gives this page a WOW factor. Amazing work Barbara!!!
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Happy Saturday Swirly Girlies!!!
Today I wanted to share with you a simple comparison between the different types inks that are out there and the various purposes, benefits and drawbacks, of each.
When you're done watching the video you can click here to pop over to the forums and printout this simple handy guide to reference.
Now get some ink on your elbows!!
Andiepants
Friday, October 11, 2013
Every week a member of our DT chooses a layout from our gallery to showcase each week on our blog, known as "Layout of the Week". At the end of the month, our design team votes on which of these layouts are their favorites. This month, Kathi stole everyone's "scrappy" hearts with this STUNNING piece of art.
So, congrats to you Miss Kathi!!!!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Have you enjoyed the Blog Hop?!!
There were so many inspirational projects to see.
We love this kit so much, that we simply, can not stop creating with it.
So....
Today I'd like to share my latest card tutorial with you.
This card was created, using
the October *Sweetest Thing* Collection.
You can find a step by step tutorial right --->>> HERE
I hope you enjoy.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
(Paulien will be choosing the LOTW this month, but she asked me to write this up for her as she is a little busy with her first grandchild coming today!!)
So this week, there are MANY beautiful creations in the gallery, and Kim's take on the August sketch is definitely one of them.
From the PINK and green of the papers , you are immediately drawn to the pictures and the gorgeous gal in them! I love the elegant lace that is paired with the fence stamping. SUPER LOVELY, Kim!!!!
So this week, there are MANY beautiful creations in the gallery, and Kim's take on the August sketch is definitely one of them.
From the PINK and green of the papers , you are immediately drawn to the pictures and the gorgeous gal in them! I love the elegant lace that is paired with the fence stamping. SUPER LOVELY, Kim!!!!
Thank you all so much for participating in our blog hop yesterday as we showcased the fabulous new October collection, Sweetest Thing. We hope you enjoyed what you saw, and we appreciate all of your kind words on our blogs! Be sure to participate in the October sketch challenge- it's open to everyone!!!!
Prize #1: Luminarte Paints: Set of Six
This lovely set of paints goes to:
Brandi Matos!
***************************
Prize #2: Kaisercraft Storage Unit
Goes to
Re'a!
************************
Prize #3: May Arts Ribbon
Goes to
Merrihew!
************************
Prize #4: Kaisercraft Hidden Treasures Papers, Rubz and Collectibles
Goes to...
Nicole Doiron!
********************
Prize #5: Prima Marketing's Anna Marie Collection
Goes to...
Regina Hamilton!
***********************
Prize #6: Kaisercraft 13th Hour Papers
Goes to...
Joni!
********************
Prize #7: Petaloo Penny Lane Blooms
Goes to...
Ginger Jarnagin!
****************************
Prize #8: SEI Salem Heights Papers
Goes to...
Lisa Reynolds!
Please email rae@swirlydoos.com with your shipping info to claim your prize within SEVEN days!
Congrats to all of you ladies!
What would Swirlydoos be without our wonderful subscribers?!? It's a pleasure
getting to know these ladies on the forums and from the stories they tell
through their layouts. Yes,we are an amazing community, but most of all, we're a
family! We appreciate each and every member and they deserved to be spotlighted.
With that being said, our featured member for October is.....
Here are a some of my favorite projects of Agnes's, sure to inspire you!!
Agnes AKA Niesia
Here is a bit from Agnes:
" Hi, my name is Agnieszka aka "Niesia". I live with my husband Tom and two 5 and 7 year old rascals in the stunning Pacific Northwest .
Late in 2010 I realized that I have thousands of digital photos on my computer that I never printed or even looked at. First I thought about making a picture wall, but how many pictures can you hang on one wall? Photo albums? Too boring. I wanted something different, so I searched for ideas. My search lead me to scrapbooking, but being new I needed some help. How do you do it? I've never done any paper art before, so where to start? While searching the internet the name Swirlydoos kept popping up, and when I visited their forum, I new immediately here was the answer. I joined in 2011 and from the beginning - they even made my pages look good! "One stop shop" I would say - not only the kits filled with many goodies, but all the ideas and know-how that came with it. Not to mention all the wonderful gals who make up Swirlydoos. I had the pleasure to meet some of them in person on our yearly Camp in Sycamore. We had a blast and I am already looking forward to next year!
For me, scrapbooking is therapeutic. It is an escape from my hectic life of running our business, raising kids and taking care of our little "zoo". I often compare it to the gardening that I also enjoy a lot. Maybe that's the reason why I tend to catch up with my scrapbooking over the winter months.
My husband says that the only thing I can't do is "sit still". So as soon, as I have some free time or my life becomes too stressful, I pull out my pretty scrapbook stuff and de-stress turning into a "Scrappy Coco". I am blessed to have my best friend who supports my idiosyncrasies, whatever they may be. He just says he is glad I don't collect elephants.
I wouldn't say I have a particular "style", the photo usually decides how the page will turn out. Some are romantic, some are vintage, some are very simple. Being part of Swirlydoos helps me "grow" giving me an access to the newest, most beautiful papers and embellishments. What I like about the monthly kits is that they remind me that it is time to get busy and scrap!
Here are a some of my favorite projects of Agnes's, sure to inspire you!!
Please come back and
visit every first Sunday of the month to see who our next featured member will
be! We love our Swirlygirls!!
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Welcome to:
Swirlydoos Kit Club
October Kit Reveal & Bloghop!
Swirlydoos is proud to bring you our October collection:
Sweetest Things
**All collections are available in our scrapbook boutique while supplies last***
is it sold out? - become a subscriber and never miss a kit again!
*Mention this blog hop and save 10% on your first kit*
*Mention this blog hop and save 10% on your first kit*
We have some amazing projects for you to see today !! And we have the some of the best manufacturers hopping with us! Make sure to leave a comment on all of the blogs for a chance to win!!! Check out Swirlydoos on Facebook and Like Us!!!
Using the Swirlydoos October Project Kit
Our Education Team is going to show you how to assemble and adorn the fabulous new Mini Tall Boy (dresser) from Kaisercraft using their elegant Curiosity line! Be sure to go to our home page for links to video tutorials on these fabulous projects:
October Sketch, created by Beggahuna specifically for the Sweetest Things Collection!
This beautiful sketch is your inspiration, now get creating! Our October sketch challenge runs until November 15th, and is open to EVERYONE! Upload your layout into the "Sweetest Things" section of the Swirlydoos Gallery and you will be entered to win the fantastic prize pack pictured below from Swirlydoos and Kaisercraft! Check the sketch challenge thread in our forums to see what the designers and other members have created using this sketch for inspiration!
There are FIVE contests running this month at Swirlydoos!
Check out the contest page to get all the details.
Check out the contest page to get all the details.
Our Fall Photography Contest ends on the 15th, and our Halloween contest is just getting started!
And, now for the prizes to be won during this blog hop!!!!!
Swirlydoos and other manufacturers are offering up these following prizes:
Prize #1: Luminarte Paints: Set of Six
Luminarte is also offering another opportunity to win an additional set! Look for more details during the hop on the Luninarte blog!
Prize #2: Kaisercraft Storage Unit
Prize #3: May Arts Ribbon
Prize #4: Kaisercraft Hidden Treasures Papers, Rubz and Collectibles
Prize #5: Prima Marketing's Anna Marie Collection
Prize #6: Kaisercraft 13th Hour Papers
Prize #7: Petaloo Penny Lane Blooms
Prize #8: SEI Salem Heights Papers
So, let's get started! Make sure to leave a comment on all of the blogs for a chance to win!!!
You have until midnight, eastern time, on 10/5 to complete the hop. Winners will be announced on the Swirlydoos Blog on Sunday 10/6. In order to qualify to win here is what you need to do:
1: Visit all of the blogs and leave a comment on each. This way we know you were there. Become a follower if you're not already. Take your time. There are REALLY beautiful things to see along the way.
2: Before you leave each blog, look for the “special” words and write it down.
Once you have visited all the blogs and collected all the special words, they will create a sentence.
3: Finally, go back to the Swirlydoos blog and leave a comment letting us know how much fun you had, tell us the sentence that was created with all of the special words you collected. Can't wait to hear from you.
The party starts at Paulien's blog. Have fun!
Here is the order and blog addresses:
Swirlydoos: CLICK HERE
Paulien: CLICK HERE
Heidi: CLICK HERE
Angelica: CLICK HERE
Andie: CLICK HERE
Irene: CLICK HERE
Robin: CLICK HERE
Petaloo: CLICK HERE
Amy: CLICK HERE
Luminarte: CLICK HERE
Rae: CLICK HERE
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