Dreamtime Designs Craft Challenge #2

Hello and welcome to the second craft challenge over at DDCC!  We are doing a great craft challenge this month that will be something you can use time and time again.  How about making your own "Light  Box" for taking pictures of your great creations!  There are many variations and designs for making one.  I researched a lot of designs on the web before doing mine.  For me, the main challenge was to make one that did not take up a lot of space.  I am living with my Dad and caring for him and my space is VERY limited.  I have NO PLACE to store a full light box.  So I decided to design one that collapses and can be put behind my dresser!  Here is how I did it:

Supplies 

Cardboard Box

 Old White Sheet

Sheet of White Poster Paper 22"x28"

Scissors

Ruler

Pencil

Sharp Knife

Tape

        

   

1)  Cut all top flaps from box                          

2) Cut at seams on three sides and cut off ONE top piece and save for later

3) On the two side flaps and saved piece, cut a "window" 2" in from each side

4) Cut three pieces of sheet one inch larger on each side than each window

5) Start with removed window piece.  Lay sheet piece flat, center window piece on top

6)  Cut diagonal slit at each corner for easy folding at corners

7)  Starting at bottom, pull up all edges of sheet and tape to the cardboard window.  Proceed to each side of window making sure your sheet is tight and tape to cardboard piece.

 

 Turned over it will look like this!

8)  Repeat this process on the two other sides making sure smooth finished side is to the INSIDE!

9)  Cut your poster paper the width of the inside of the box and insert into the inside of the box so that it is slightly curved - DO NOT CREASE in the back!

10)  Lay your top window piece across the top and 

you have the finished box!

To put it all away I removed the top and the poster paper, folded up the bottom, and then the sides inward.  I put all the pieces in a pile and it slides in behind my dresser!   So, VOILA, a collapsible light box!  It's not even two inches thick! 

To light my box I used my desk lamp.  I am taking my pictures inside, so I sat the box on top of my high dresser and put the lamp on the side.  I think having two lamps would be better, but I used what I had.

NOW FOR THE RESULTS!  

First I must tell you that I usually take pictures of my cards in my bedroom. I am lucky as there is a LOT of natural light in the room.

This first pic is IN THE LIGHT BOX.

My usual place:

It was a super project!  And I think for most people the light box would be the best option.  But for me, where I am now, I think I prefer my pics without the box.  Some day when I have my craft room back and have the room to set up the box permanently and use two lights, I think the results will be much better.

Jump on over to DDCC to see the other great light boxes the gals have made and see their results.  I think you will find it quite interesting!  Each of us had a great time doing this project.  Try one and see how it works out for you.  It is simple and didn't even take me an hour to complete!

Chocolate, Coffee & Cards Challenges #51

Hello everyone!  Time for another fun challenge at CC&CC.  We are celebrating the little things - Bugs and Little Critters!  That means things like ants, mice, bees, ladybugs, snails, etc.  But NOT little animals.  Our great sponsor is QKR Stampede, and they have the perfect images for this theme!  Be sure to check out their great variety of digis and rubber stamps! 

I've used this cute image supplied by QKR called "Dancing Ladybugs".  It is so adorable and was so fun to color!  I used my Copics, added a few buttons and the ticket sentiment.  I have to tell you that this super layout came from a great gal named Tammy.  I love her designs, and this was one of hers.  Drop by her blog and prepare to be inspired!

SO, what is your favorite little critter!?!  Be sure to show us at CC&CC!

Time for Halloween!

I know I've said before that Autumn is my favorite season, but it is!  I love decorating and making cards for friends for Halloween and Thanksgiving.  Here are a few Halloween cards that I have done for this year.

Hope you are have as much fun as I did doing your Halloween cards!

Chocolate Coffee & Cards Challenge #50

It's my favorite time of year, Autumn.  The leaves changing colors are so beautiful to see.  I must admit that it really hasn't started much here in Phoenix, but up north it has.  And that is where my sweetie and I are headed for a week.  Up to our fave place in Pinetop.  Walks in the pines, crispy cool weather and long talks by a lovely fire with a glass of wine, perfection!

ANYHOW, our theme for CC&CC is Autumn ~ NOT Halloween.  We want to celebrate this beautiful season and all its splendor!  And to help us along, we have 2 great sponsors which means 2 chances to win a fab prize!  The first is Bugaboo Stamps, (my fave) who will giving a lucky winner 7 free digis, and The Robin's Nest who will award a $10 gift certificate to use for crafting goodies in their store, nice!

On my card I used this sweet image called "Jar Autumn".  I kept it in more of the clean and simple design to really showcase the image.  I colored it with my Copics and added the sentiment from a stamp that I had and the little leaf brad for just a touch of sparkle.

We would love to have you join us for this fun challenge.  Our DT have done some lovely cards for you inspiration too.  Be sure to check them out and also take a look at the other great images they used!  Have fun and Happy Autumn!

Classic Birthday

My daughter-in-law had her birthday a few days ago, so it is now safe to post her card, lol.  She is into all kinds of classic cars as is her husband.  Her very favorite is the old woodies.  Last January when I was at our local scrapbook fair I found these two stamps.  I was saving them just for her to do her birthday card.  I decided to do an easel card so she could stand it up.  I didn't have to do much as the papers I used did all the talking for me!  The patterns were perfect with little adornment.  I used one of my new die sets by Spellbinders called "Imperial Gold", made a few die cut flowers and colored my image with my Copics.  Here is the end result:

Thanx so much for stopping by, hope the rest of your week is a good one!