by Rebecca Bystrom | Jun 29, 2015 | TSP Journal |
DIY ~ Wedding Gift {Photo Coasters}…
Looking for that ultimate DIY unique wedding gift? Lets face it. Everybody likes to give the “traditional” or perhaps straight off the gift registry.
I find this to be mundane and expected. The element of surprise when gift giving is key throw in a hint of a WOW factor it’s a gift to be remembered! by adding special touch to a momentous occasion. Nobody will be remembered for the amount of money given, or “that” gift that will eventually be forgotten about.
I found a low-budget easy DIY solution.
Customized Photo Coasters.
Ok, I know not everyone uses coasters, but there are multiple purposes to these little gems.
For starters, they are unique.
The couple receiving this gift can use these as wall art, by hanging them in clusters, or perhaps to keep a houseplant from leaving marks.
Maybe you like to have a glass of water in bed but don’t want to leave those unsightly water rings on the nightstand. HAZAAH!!
Use your imagination. This is a gift that is sure to keep giving no matter how this couple uses them. Because they house some very special images from their wedding they surely won’t want to forget.
Ok. Let’s talk shop. To make these fun little do-dads.
DIRECTIONS
I found white tiles sized 4×4 at the local restore store for {extremely affordable}.
You may also find tiles at a local hardware store, Menards, Lowes, Home Depot.
The important part is to be sure they have a smooth surface.
Next. Pick up a package of round chair pads. {they are self-adhesive}
If these are used as coasters, we don’t want the bottom edge of the tile to scratch the surface.
Hindsight after making these I thought maybe felt can be glued across the bottom as a layer of protection?
Either way we don’t want these fabulous coasters to leave marks.
If you are using these as wall art. I recommend 3M Velcro hangers. These are AMAZING!!
And removable should you or your gift recipient decide to change your décor or re-arrange wall art.
Print out your favorite images you’d like to use for this project.
Maybe it’s not pictures, you can recycle fun cards, calendars or funky scrapbook paper.
Choose your top layer design.
Cut the image to the size of the tile.
You will need to cut the top layer ¼”smaller than the outer edge of the tile.
Any overhang from the top layer may cause the top design to peal away over time.
I used Modge Podge to glue my images onto the clean surface of the tile. {Crafters friend}
You can use diluted Elmers glue as well.
Once the top layer has been secured and glued to the tile WITH dry time of a few hours or overnight. Let these dry.
If you try to add the top coat before the image is fully adhered to the tile, the image will move around, wrinkle and will be difficult to work with. (Lesson learned the hard way)
Add a top coat of modge podge for added protection of your chosen image.
I used a foam brush to apply the modge podge over the top layer. Apply several coats for protection.
Leave plenty of dry time between each coat so there is no cracking of the modge podge.
After I created these, I started to think maybe a spray paint, clear acrylic may be an alternative. I’ll have to try it out next time. Trial & error to see what works best. If you have tried this, I’d love to hear from you, maybe even learn a few new tricks for applications! I will be making these in the future ~ For now, the final product is a unique gift I’m sure any receiving couple would love!
Thank you for checking us out! Stay Tuned I have lots more coming out of the craft room.
God-bless
~B
by Rebecca Bystrom | Mar 10, 2015 | TSP Journal |
- Tip #1: Focus on the Eyes.
How to Take Great Snapshots of Kids…..We all have heard that “the eyes are the windows to the soul”. I don’t know about that but I do know that when you can clearly see your subjects eyes you feel a more personal connection. The personal connection brings in your audience and makes them really feel and enjoy your picture more. This includes you too.
Focusing on the eyes also ensures that your child’s face will be in focus and not some other random body part!
Before you think to yourself, “I can’t get my kid to sit still long enough for a picture, let alone get them to look at me.” Don’t worry about that. You don’t necessarily need to have your child looking at you to get a great shot. I have some great shots of my kids running away from me!
- Tip #2: Get Down on Their Level.
We look at children from above all day long. Kids tend to be shorter than adults. It’s just nature. One way to make us take notice of a photograph of a child is to take a picture from a different perspective then we are used to viewing them. Bend your knees and get down to their level. You will really notice the results!
- Tip #3: Get Close, Real Close.
oops ~ but you know what I mean- don’t be afraid to zoom & captures those details
Get in there and make their face fill your entire view finder. You can show that beautiful little mug in all its glory by using your zoom feature or just getting in their face. Don’t worry about cutting off the top of their head or chin. If that happens it is fine. If it doesn’t happen it is fine also. Either ways will look great!
- Tip #4: Be Aware of the Background.
Often when we have our camera in front of our face, we are focusing on what cute thing our little cutie is doing. We sometimes forget about what is behind them and how it is going to look in a picture. If we don’t pay attention to the background we will end up with photos of things that can detract from the beauty of our children. We can also end up with some pretty funny looking pictures – like telephone poles or trees growing out of heads. Not the kind of photo we want to look at over and over!
(sorry no photo’s here– I may have to save my out-takes for a separate blog)
- Tip #5: Try New Angles.
Mix it up. Use your camera to look at your child through a new angle. This can be fun and exciting. Try shooting from below or from way above. Try turning your camera a little and tipping it forward. Try laying on the ground or setting your camera on the pillow next to your sleeping baby’s head. Be creative and have fun!
Since photographing children is never easy, I want to throw in a few Bonus Tips for you as well.
- If your camera has a Sports Mode or Child Mode, try using that instead of Auto. Those modes are designed to capture clear shots of fast moving subjects and we all know how fast moving our children can be. Especially when you want them to sit still for one simple photograph!!!
- Try sticking your wiggly kids in a bucket, basket or other container. The novelty of it will keep them occupied for a few seconds and you can get some fun shots without them running away.
Okay– maybe not what you were thinking, but HEY ~ it contained my kids for a minute so I could grab a quick snapshot
- Read your camera manual. Learn how to use your camera and all the great features it offers. Each camera has so many really useful and fun features that you can use to get some really creative shots. Don’t be intimidated by that manual. It isn’t really as hard to understand or as boring as you might think. When you finish reading it you will be the master of your camera and your photographs will improve drastically!
- Shoot, shoot and shoot some more. Take as many shots as you can. Don’t be afraid to take a ton of pictures. You are more likely to get some good ones if you take a whole bunch. Just delete the ones you don’t like and keep the ones you do.
- Don’t forget to get some photos of you. Often one parent is behind the camera and never ends up in any photos. I’m speaking from personal experience here; make sure that you give the camera to other people or use your timer so that you can be in some shots. This is very important. Your children need to know what you looked like when they were two. Not my favorite picture, but I decided to hand the camera over to my 4 year old — to capture a brief moment.
- Relax & Have fun with it! You never know what you’ll capture.
Taking photos of our children is so important. It freezes memories in a time capsule and helps to convey our feelings and emotions. Our children will be thankful to have photos from their childhood and we will be glad we were able to capture those memories.
Most important, have fun and don’t give up. You won’t be sorry!
by Rebecca Bystrom | Jan 8, 2015 | TSP Journal |
Wedding Fairs & Bridal Shows….
The season of expo’s and shows are upon us. I urge any new, or in the midst of planning, brides to stop in and take in a show. Meet the vendors that will make or break your day. Gather idea’s that can be re-created to your own style. You’re bound to walk away with some good information!! Before you go — check this out.
GPS ~ Get Prepared for {Bridal} Shows
shows are a great way to sample catering and see floral arrangements
but they can make for a long day and information overload if you are not prepared.
Pre-register if the show offers that option
Shows may have entrance lines. and preregistering eliminates the need to fill out paperwork while a plethora of other brides are doing so.
Create Labels
Be sure to include your name, address, email, phone number and wedding date. This will save you time and keep your hand from hurting.
Keep your Purse Light
Normally you will receive a bridal bag. If not you may want to bring an extra empty tote for collecting information. Save your shoulder and only bring the essentials.
Have a friend tag along {not an entourage}
Having key people come with you is a lifesaver. They can help you with ideas and gracefully guide your timetable with vendors.
Be careful not to bring too many as trying to move through with a group of ten can be difficult.
Bring Water
Most bridal shows are very heavy on the food, yet beverages are scarce. Bring water or at least scope out the water fountains so you can stay hydrated.
Go Hungry {but bring snacks}
Shows have caterers and cake artists who are waiting to tempt your taste buds. Go with an appetite. If there are less sampling stations than expected, a snack with offer sustenance.
Have an open mind
Services that may not top your list could make your life easier {or wedding more fun!} in the end. Look for trends, color combinations, unique flowers, and other things you can view in person rather than in a magazine. You may leave with a few new ideas
Bring a manila envelop
Placing information from vendors you are serious about in a separate envelope will ensure that the florist that impressed you isn’t forgotten about in the shuffle of papers you take home.
Take information & regroup at home
Collect information for the vendors that interest you. Once home, you can spread out the paperwork and sort through it
Be prepared for emails & follow-ups
Expect for vendors to follow up with you after the show via email or even a phone call if you expressed that you were interested in their services.
LOCAL BRIDAL SHOWS TO CHECK OUT:
Siren Destination Wedding Fair January 25, 2015 Siren WI
For more information
Stillwater Bridal Affair: February 22, 2015 Stillwater MN
Click here for More information
River Valley Bridal Expo Oakdale Prom Center, February 8, 2015
www.rivervalleybrides.com
Dancing Dragon Fly Winery March 22, 2015 ~ Saint Croix Falls WI
For more information
by SuperAdmin | Nov 11, 2014 | TSP Journal |
Finding my Roots & Spreading my Wings…
Speaking about myself seems a bit taboo on a business blog. I am compelled share a tad bit of the whirlwind of the past 18 months I have experienced– it’s been a wild ride. Without my amazing parents and the effortless amounts of support, I would not be where I’m at today. Mom & Dad, no words can express the amounts of gratitude I have felt this past year — going thru the thick of the fog, I know I have not expressed enough how much I love and and truly appreciate all your support.
Divorce. seem cliche’ when working in the wedding industry. While my clients are in search of their happily ever after, I have experienced the opposite spectrum. Let’s just say it hasn’t been “happy”. Living my life out of bags, boxes, a van & more bags. A life led on the run — getting out of a negative, hostile home environment and staying strong for my 4 kiddos has left me in pure exhaustion. After 9 years of searching for the who am I….. where should I be…… statements. I have begun to settle into my new home.
A home remodeled in less than 4 weeks. Built and created with adrenaline and foundation of pure love — my dad is an amazing man with a vision. He is truly talented in many facets of life; his biggest trait — the gift of giving. My parents have made it possible for me to operate a clean, safe & comfortable daycare. To raise my children with a peace of mind. And a dedicated work space for me to create ~ artwork & fabulous images for my clients. I feel humbled & blessed most days. Pinch me please!? I’m dreaming.
This blog is dedicated to all those who are traveling a road less desired. I leave you with this quote that has carried be during this transition.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To proceed very far through the desert,
you must be willing to meet existential suffering and work it through.
In order to do this, the attitude toward pain has to change.
This happens when we accept the fact that everything
that happens to us has been designed for our spiritual growth.”
