i bought all the ceramic from Maryland China online.  i painted everything with Pebeo porcelaine150. . .baked in the oven for 30 minutes on 300.

 

So, last year I knitted EVERYTHING that I gave my family for Christmas. . .this year I thought I would be smart, start early, paint a few things.  You know. . .simple.

It didn't work out that way. . .but everyone loved what I gave them and I  was fairly happy with the results:

A tree topper for my stepmother, who is German.  She collects them.


First set of magnets:


Second set of magnets:



First set of necklaces:



Second set of Necklaces:


Three sets of keychains with matching letter openers:



A pair of traditional ornaments:


A pair of ornaments for my father.  This is me with my grandmother. . .she died this year:



A pendant for my mother-in-law.  This is HER mother. . .who also died this year:



CU of one of the long pendants:



A breast cancer ribbon ornament for my sister-in-law. . .who always runs the S.G. Komen race in Houston every year:



There were a few others that I didn't get shots of. . .next year I'm not sure what I'll do!  (BIG thanks to the gals at Nomadic Notions here in Austin. . .who wrapped and assembled all the necklaces and taught me how to black a silver chain.)

Thanks for looking, kids.

 

prettypitbull - as far as the tabloids. . .they sought ME out.  i never had any intentions of promoting this little project outside of craftster. . .it just sort of took off!


thanks again, everyone!  you guys are so sweet.


 

well, the enquirer and all the other publications have permission. . .it's all very boring and legal.

 

what's good, what's not so good?  i'm trying to get more comfortable with photoshop.

 

that is a GREAT idea. . .how clever.  and i ADORE snails.


 

don't forget to LIGHT YOUR SUBJECTS WELL.

your camera could cost thousands, but your pics will still be disappointing if you don't take a little time to "stage" your photos.

even if you are using practical lighting (table lamps, overhead lights, sunlight, etc.) it will make a difference.  don't be afraid to really blast your subject with light.

but, with every different type of lighting there is that pesky White Balance issue, so make sure your camera can adapt.

Liquid Light!

i was wondering if that stuff existed.

i went to a photo exhibit not too long ago and it included a ceramic bowl on which the photographer had exposed a shot of his neighbor's house.

the stupid tag next to the piece never explained how he did it. . .i guess Liquid Light would be the way, huh?

yup. . .in fact, i don't think i even had to cut it. . .i folded a regular old slice of american cheese into four quarters and used one of them on the burger.

oh wow. . .i hadn't seen that before!

i think someone mentioned it earlier, but i never went to watch it.

looks like our burgers were very much alike.

no offense to Mr. Cook, but i prefer my burgers with cheese. . .and not dripping with mayo.  and there's something to be said for presentation.

plus, i made my buns from scratch. 




i'm just saying.