Picture Manipulation - Irfanview

One of the things I read about in posts and threads most often is photos. Etsy Sellers are forever looking for ways to improve their photos and it is always noted as one of it not the most important factor in having a successful store.

I'm not the best of photographers and I can't tout my store as having great photos but I can let you know about a free download that I use on every photo I put on etsy that does some amazing things.

It is irfanview. My son who does digital art showed it to me. The download and program info is available here http://www.irfanview.com/ . I use it to crop photos, change their resolution and block out backgrounds. Here is an example of a before and after shot.

Over the next few days I will post instructions on how to get from first picture to the second. It is a simple 3 step process that anyone can do. Leave a comment if you are interested or have a specific questions. thanks!

Monday Movie Review....not so much...

Good Morning!

it's been a busy weekend, my kids went to camp, so I had to pack for them. My oldest and his girlfriend are here so I'm busy with them too. I haven't caught up on movies either on DVD or at the theatre so I thought I'd post some pictures of our vacation in Palm Beach. Have a wonderful day!

Monday Movie Review, 2 Comedies

Good Morning all! After a week in sunny Florida I'm back and ready to post. We did go to the movies too so I'll start this week with my usual Monday Movie Review. It was vacation time so we chose comedies. My kids saw Land of the Lost and my husband and I saw The Hangover.

The kids really liked Land of the Lost. I didn't go but both my 13 year old boy and 10 year old girl said it was funny. The scenes they commented on to us had that usual brand of Will Farrell silly humor that appeals to kids of all ages. My 13 year old though, who loves comedies didn't come out asking to buy the DVD when it comes out, so, I will generalize that while a good pick for the tweens it wasn't a smash hit........

Okay, The Hangover. First of all do not even think of a tween going unless you are a super liberal parent. I can't remember seeing an erect penis in a regular movie since Boogie Nights, but there is one here! Second it is hilarious (the movie that is) ! If you are easily offended don't go but the premise of the movie is plausible and there is both slapstick and more sophisticated humor. Rollergirl from Boogienights (Heather Graham) also makes an appearance ironically, and I enjoyed that she isn't a typical Hollywood woman and has continued to appear a natural beauty. Ed Helms from the Office gives a great performance as the walked on boyfriend while some guy I never heard of named Zak Galifianakis is super funny with his delivery of strange and zany dialog. Bradley Cooper and Justin Bartha up the cutie quotient and the movie has a satifying ending. So, in general go see it ! It is really funny......

Kathi's Kreations - Great Etsy Shop with an Eco-Centric Focus!

Today I'm going to share with you a new etsy shop I found that I love. Kathi's Kreations, http://www.kathip22.etsy.com/ . She has a fresh approach to eco friendly products and upcycling. You know those cool reusable sandwich/treat bags? Kathi's shop has a great selection of them.

When I cut fabrics for a project I always feel a little guilty when throwing away the selvedge, the border where they print the fabric manufacturer, the screen colors and stretch the fabric before printing. Well Kathi has a lot of wonderful creations made from upcycled selvedge!

Trivets, picture frames, coasters and more are all items she has made from the cast offs. Like typical artists/crafters she has always felt the need to create. Here is what Kathi said on her own behalf.

"I'm 58, been sewing and crafting since I was a child. I love to sew, knit, needlework and I'll try any craft that interests me. I like to craft/make things that are new & trendy. I am always looking for the latest/greatest thing out there! I also want to do more to help our planet so I have become eco friendly in my crafts. "

So, check out her shop, she is one of the many great finds on etsy!

Monday Multiple Movie Review

Okay, I haven't done this in a while so I have some catching up to do. I thought I would do an abbreviated version of both cinema and dvd's with an emphasis on kid's movies. Here goes....

Up - Number One for two weeks now. Both my 13 and 10 year old loved it, give it a 5
Night at the Museum 2 - Not as great as the first but still very entertaining. Like the old Looney Toons has a few nods to adult humor that your younger ones won't catch so is good for grown ups too... give it a 4
Journey to the Center of the Earth - on DVD My kids loved this show, I however didn't find it as entertaining, let them watch it on their own. Give it a 3.5.
Stepbrothers - on DVD Do not let your tween fool you into thinking this is an appropriate show. It is not, lotsa adult humor some not even funny.....Give it a 2.

So, that is my movie wisdom for the week.....You guys have a great one, I'm posting again tomorrow, and will feature a wonderful etsy shop so check back!

Jackie's Sunflower Pouch

Hi all, I'd like to introduce you to a great lady with a neat little shop that I have been fortunate enough to do some wonderful things for. Her shop is http://www.jackeyo.etsy.com/ . She sells a great assortment of stickers for your craft use.

I have created a lot of things for her and she always has wonderful inspiration. She chose my zippie silhouette and asked for a happy daisy applique. here is my result.

I hope you stop by her shop and take a look at her wonderful paper items. Thanks Jackie!

Wonderful World of Felt - Felt on the Fly!

I love crafting with felt and do a lot of applique and embroidery work with it. Up until now I have used only eco-spun recycled felt. Here is my newest creation!

It's a variation on a card holder, the flap is functional and will hold all your goodies inside!

This week I received some yummy wool felt from http://www.feltonthefly.etsy.com/ . Aren't the colors great? I am so excited to work on some new things with it. It arrived in a beautifully wrapped package with some great marketing materials on Janet's things that she makes from felt too! I think I will do some sugar skulls with it. they will be like this one only in the high contrast limes and fuschias. He is a card holder too with a small pocket on the back to put your paper money, cards, etc in. Lots of hand work to keep me busy, just the way I like it!