Guest Post: Add a Bit of Your Personality Artistically in Photographs

Today's Guest Post is something that means a lot to me personally as a photographer!

How to Add A Bit Of Your Personality Artistically In Photographs

There is a big difference between a photographer and an artist. The earlier is someone who takes photos with the help of a camera while later one adds a piece of his personality to picture that he creates. Therefore, you need to be both photographer and an artist simultaneously to create splendid pictures that are satisfying as well as memorable for you as well.

Following lines contain some tips that will allow you to make your photos more appealing artistically.

·         Remember that You are an Artist and it is Your Art:

Sometimes it happens that you think yourself as a camera technician not as an artist. You simply try to capture “what is already there” with no effort to add some creativity to your photographs. The excuses like you can’t do disrespect to subject matter are understandable but they are undeniably limiting your creative skills. Therefore, you need to learn that you are in fact an artist and can do anything with your pictures as you own them and it is your art.

·         Reveal Yourself to Photograph:

Never work in “camera operator” mode and never take photos for the sake of taking them. Know what are the ingredients that can reveal yourself to the photograph you are going to take and use them in your picture. If you cannot do so, your pictures will be devoid of emotions and will not be about you. In this regard, post processing techniques will also do a great favor to you by helping you to add yourself in the picture.

·         Learn to See and Observe:

Once you learn how to get hold of the camera and are well versed with technical skills, spent most of your time on observing the work of other artists including any piece of visual art you come across. Furthermore, study art history, get in contact with other artists and then try to instill your own style in your pictures. Similarly, you should also be well versed with latest techniques emerging in the field like custom canvas printing.

·         Never Imitate Others:

It is a good thing to get inspiration from others but it is a bad thing to imitate them. Inspiration means knowing the tools and techniques other artist has used to create the masterpiece and those that appeal you and then using those methods in your favor and applying them on your subject.

·         Be a Rule Breaker:

It is important for you to consider yourself as a “digital artist” holding a camera instead of a photographer who just takes correct pictures. Never mind the criticism of the other artists when you break the rule because if your creation is about you, the audience will take interest no matter how unconventional it is.

·         Always Carry Your Camera:

Finally, you need to keep your camera with you all the time and in this busy world, you can make full use of your phone camera as well. The phone camera will make you think less of technicalities and you will be picturing with “nothing to lose” approach allowing you to do more experiments with your subject.

Conclusion:

Above mention are some of the techniques that will greatly improve the artistic quality of the photographs you take and come up with a sensational photograph.

Author’s Bio:Anthony Powell is an avid photographer who also writes on, arts and crafts and home décor. He works for photos to canvas online store operating in UK and dealing in unique artworks and home décor improvement accessories.

Guest Post: Canvas Printing for Home Decoration

Canvas printing is an amazing way to decorate your ordinary home look extraordinary

Canvas prints as well as artwork have grown to be increasingly well-liked as a terrific way to decorate your office or home. Transform your projects into artwork pieces along with canvas printing. Make sure they are distinct. Make sure they are stand away. Make all of them more remarkable than normal photographs. Make everything possible along with canvas images.

Here tend to be some things you need to bear in mind while decorating your home with canvas arts or even printing:

1.       Complement the actual Theme or even Mood of the Room:

Understanding the room's objective and attributes is essential before selecting a canvas prints for your wall. May be the room personal, or could it be used in order to entertain visitors? Is the area used with regard to relaxing or even performing duties, or could it be just the hallway? May be the room big, narrow or even tall? These tend to be clues that will assist to determine the kind of canvas art which will complement the color and scale of your room.

2.       Understand the actual Psychology In between Neutral as well as Vibrant Colors: -

Natural colors tend to be calming, while lively colors provide excitement as well as action to some room. For instance, you may choose amazing blue colors for any fast-paced workplace, lively yellow-colored colors for any children's space or artwork studio, and natural beige as well as mellow eco-friendly colors for any quiet escape room or perhaps a doctor's workplace.

3.       Print Dimension Should Rely on Wall Dimension: -

It is advisable to choose scaled-down canvas images for thin walls as well as larger canvas images for large walls as well as spaces.

4.       Canvas Print Selections Ought to be based upon expected furnishings pairings: -

The style and size of the canvas print ought to be in line with the furniture you intend to suspend the print alongside or more than. When walls art is actually hung over a bit of furniture, the printing size ought to be no longer compared to width from the furniture.

Benefits of Canvas Images: -

·         Canvas prints tend to be truly long lasting printed with long-lasting archival inks. The colors won't fade very easily and keep its brilliance for a long time.

·         It can also be weather proof, making this possible to work with it each indoors as well as outdoors. It is ideal for display in your home with artwork reproductions or even in exhibitions, exhibits, and so on.

·         Canvas prints include texture in order to photos as well as illustrations that you simply cannot accomplish using picture papers.

·         Canvas prints really are a fairly versatile material, very literally. You are able to roll this up without concern with damage. Stretching the actual canvas as well is but a regular ability from the material

Let your own artistry as well as creativity burst open forth as well as let canvas prints function as the medium which will turn actually ordinary images into unique ones. Look for a skilled canvas printing organization and obtain ready to hold your masterpiece about the wall.

Author Bio: Jasmine is an eminent author about the different interior design using canvas painting. She is also an expert of design home interiors. If you like her articles follow the other articles written by her.

Guest Post: Tips on designing plain white linen bed sheets and curtains for your home

For the more creatively inclined, sometimes it’s not enough just to buy a pre-designed set of duvets and curtains for your house. Buying a set of plain white linens from somewhere like Linens Direct might seem like a dull choice on the surface, when in reality it gives you a great opportunity to flex those creative muscles and create an innovative design of your own.

There are plenty of ways to alter a set of white sheets or a pair of curtains; it just depends on where your skills lie or what it is you have in mind. For example, sewing is a very popular choice and has seen the creation of many beautiful and colourful patterns and design, though not everyone is adept at needlework and it often requires a lot of effort and concentration. However, sewing can be a great way to give a plain duvet a little pop rather than changing it completely; you could sew a colourful border pattern, for example, or a top and tail design to make the duvet or curtains stand out.

Alternatively, you could use fabric pens and paints to draw on patterns instead. Not everyone is an artist, but if you have the flair for it then it’s definitely worth a crack. You don’t even have to draw the patterns yourself if you already have something in particular in mind; you can always take a design or pattern that you like, adjust it in photo shop and then use that as a stencil or something to trace from. Tracing will help to keep the design consistent and clean-looking whilst minimising the chances for errors. Bright colours and fun characters can make excellent duvets for children, or be used to decorate the curtains in their room.

www.designsponge.com

Block prints are also a good idea. The process isn’t unlike the arts and crafts you used to do at school, when you’d take a carved potato, dip it in paint and print it on the paper to make a block pattern, but instead you’re applying it to fabric. You can even use cardboard in order to make the blocks, making it a relatively cheap way to create the print. Draw out the chosen pattern onto the cardboard, carefully cut it out and cover in paint with a foam roller for an even spread and then apply to the fabric. Ensure that the material is laid out smoothly and evenly and make sure you practice on something else a few times in order to get the hang of it; otherwise it’ll just be a waste of money. This method is a little more complicated than others and certainly takes more time and effort but one that produces a fantastic result when done right.

DIY duvets and curtains may not be standard practice yet, but they’re certainly growing in popularity. The simplicity of a white duvet or pair of curtains offers a multitude of creative possibilities; from charming prints of your child’s favourite characters to a simple pattern of flowers or leaves, you can do whatever you like and you’ll be left with something unique and entirely your own.

Guest Post by Linens Direct

Guest Post: DIY Table Centerpieces

5 DIY Table Centerpieces

Spruce up your table and breathe life to your home by stretching your imagination a little bit further and taking advantage of your resources! If you are short in time, it’s still possible to add some wow on your table arrangements to add a profusion of color and life wherever your place it.

www.wedding-flowers-and-reception-ideas.com

Dried Wheat Centerpiece

If you want something new and exciting, why not display dried stalks of wheat or rice, especially if you don’t have any fresh flowers around?

 I find this rustic centerpiece very whimsical and inspiring. For people who want to bring the beauty and blossom inside their living or dining room, then, this DIY centerpiece is an option! It’s very simple and easy to create and the materials are very abundant. Whenever I plan to throw a little spring party at home, the dried wheat centerpiece always comes to my mind. I’d usually gather several manzanita branches, then I would place them on a tall vase and there I have a nice and attractive centerpiece. I love the branches because they look gorgeous while the twists and curls all add up to the drama.

Balloons

Balloons have really come a long way. They’re now among the most popular centerpiece items, especially for special occasions. I once tried black balloon when I held a summer get-together with high school friends at home and I was very happy that everyone liked what I did! Here’s the secret to how you do it. First, layer kraft paper on top of a neutral tablecloth then top it with black-and-white table runner. I tied the balloons with chandelier crystals so to keep them on the table. I also placed scented votive candles to enhance the ambiance and make it more relaxing. One magazine  told me that to make the balloons personalized, try to embellish each with photographs, especially if you’re celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or special holidays with friends and families.

Two-in-One DIY Centerpiece

What a nice centerpiece you’ll make if you try placing a peony on a small crystal or ceramic container. Get lots of them then group them together and you’ll see the nice effect. Aside from its decorative role, this centerpiece also functions as party giveaways. You can tell guests to take a vase home at the end of the evening, and you've got your favors covered, too. Add variety to the height by cutting the flowers into various lengths before placing them on the vase.

Yellow-and-White Wedding Centerpieces

Create bold yellow-and-white centerpieces by arranging jonquils, ranunculus, tulips, and sweet peas in single-variety containing. What I love about this centerpiece is that it boasts of rich variety of textures that will look pleasant to the eyes. Go for neutral themed vases, which are eye friendly, then, tie a yellow ribbon on each vase for added appeal.

Fresh Flower Centerpiece

Any vase will look wonderful and more exciting if you try enhancing its look with bands of scrap-booking paper and bell strings. Just wrap around the vase with a strip of scrap-booking paper. Accentuate the vase with strings the bells and buttons then tie it around the vase. Heighten the drama with boughs of fresh flowers. Make three to five of these, then place them at the center of your table and you’ll have a very attractive flower centerpiece to catch everyone’s eyesight. 

About the author – Manilyn Moreno is an event planner and caterer. As an event planner, she’s always on the go in thinking innovative ideas for special occasions and events. She also blogs and shares tips on how to optimize catering profit by using software for catering.

Guest Post: DIY Home Renovation Ideas Your Whole Family Will Enjoy

Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Contrary to popular belief, redecorating your home does not need to drain your bank account. Often the least expensive home renovations can be done by you. Do-it-yourself renovations add the greatest amount of character and personal flare to your home. It is not necessary to be adept in artistry or interior design to create a beautifully unique home. A number of simple DIY renovation ideas can leave your home looking and feeling wonderful at a painless price.

These days, shabby chic homes are all the rage due to the quaint, cottage-like atmosphere they provide. This style of interior design intentionally relies on a worn-out or antique look. Furniture may have chipped paint or a style that is perceived as outdated. The point is to contradict the stiff feeling that you may find in homes that are too fancy. The main characteristic of such a style is worn furniture. Renovations are especially easy because people often throw away old, antique-like furniture. Scour garage sales and curbside furniture to find free or inexpensive “new” furniture for your home.

If shabby chic is not your personal taste, you can still make use of old furniture. A coat of paint or lacquer is far cheaper than buying an entire new set of furniture. Before painting old furniture, you will want to run your hand over the surface to see if it is naturally sleek and glossy, such as varnished wood. If so, a gentle sanding will provide the foundation for beautiful results. Then apply a coat of primer, followed by two thin coats of latex paint. Depending on the ages of you children, I’m sure they would be happy to help—there is nothing quite as thrilling as painting on the furniture! Although optional, a water-based finishing coat adds lasting protection and a glossy appearance. To avoid paint chips, wait at least 3 days before using any newly painted furniture. It may take a couple days longer in humid conditions.

Frosting windows is another simple DIY renovation that can add an entirely new look and a brighter feel to your home. While curtains can certainly be chic, they can also inhibit sunlight and give your home a gloomy feel. Plus, replacement costs can run steep. Purging the curtains does not need to jeopardize privacy if the windows are properly frosted. Frosting film is only about $20 for a large tube and film application spray is about $4 per bottle. After taking measurements, spray both the windows and frosting film with the applicator. Then stick the film onto the window, using a credit card to smooth out the air bubbles. Use an exactor knife to remove any excess film. You may also frost patio or shower doors.
Nothing makes a home feel emptier than bare walls. While hanging extravagant art may be picturesque, sentimental wall hangings yield the happiest vibes. Family photos are wonderful, but perhaps you want a creative alternative. You can create your own DIY “landmark map” that showcases all your family trips and vacations with four inexpensive materials: a large cheap picture frame, corkboard, vintage map, and pins. First, pin the map onto the corkboard. Then place a pin in every state and/or country where your family vacationed. Place the corkboard map in the picture frame, but remove the glass. Continue adding pins as your family experiences more of the world.

About the Author: Amanda Riwak is a stay-at-home mommy who loves her kids and also has a passion for interior design—and lots of creative ideas for combining both! She enjoys taking on fun decorating projects that her kids can help with as well, and together they have managed to design every room of the house. When she is not covered in paint and wallpaper, Amanda enjoys spending hours on the beach with her family and eating peanut butter ice cream.

Guest Post: 5 Rainy-Day DIY Projects to Keep the Kids Busy

5 Rainy-Day DIY Projects to Keep the Kids Busy

Guest Post by Patrick Rafferty

Keeping your kid entertained on a rainy day is a lot like catching a fly with your bare hands; it’s not impossible, but rather much easier said than done.

There’s only so long that a child should be in front of the TV. At a certain point, the burden of amusing your child falls upon the parent. You’ve got a golden opportunity, though. Rather than thinking of this as a mundane task, look at it as good bonding time with your kids, and even better, a chance to become a kid again, even if just for a day.

Here are a few easy do it yourself (DIY) projects that can be entertaining for the parents and kids alike.

 Make a Fort

I don’t care who you are, making a fort is fun. Go around your house and find everything that can become a foundation (couch cushions, blankets, tables, sleeping bags, etc.) and let your kid’s imagination go wild. Help them along when you see fit, but beyond that just sit back and watch. You’ll be amazed at what your kid will think of. One second they’ll be in a pirate ship, the next their castle will be under attack.

Hide-and-Seek

This age old game never gets old. And best of all, the more the merrier. This game can be played for hours on end, especially with a few kids or more than one parent. If it gets old, change it up a bit. Play hide-and-seek with an object rather than a person; the first person to find the object wins. Even better, make a scavenger hunt. The possibilities are endless. Have your kid put some variations on the game and see what happens.

Pull out the Board Games

Every house should have a few board games for this very purpose. Board games can be fun for kids of all ages, and just as entertaining for the parent. Start off with Candyland and gradually evolve to incorporate more challenging games: Clue, Checkers, Scrabble or Chess. If you don’t have card games, at least buy a pack of cards and teach your kid Go Fish or Battle.

Make a Collage

Everyone has junk magazines they get in the mail. Rather than throwing it away, use it to your advantage. Making a collage will let your kids truly express themselves in a way you would never imagine. Hand them a pair of scissors and a glue stick and let them run wild. Tell them to imagine what they want to be when they grow up or ask them what their favorite activities are. Help them if they need it, but more than likely, they’ll be just fine.

Arts and Crafts

This one can potentially be a bit difficult, but also the most rewarding. You might not be the most creative person in the world, but give it a try. Look around your house and find some products that inspire creative thinking. It can be as simple as using marshmallows connected to toothpicks to build a design. Have some tongue depressors and glue? Make a log cabin. If you’re really not creative, just find a bunch of items and let your kid decide what to do with them.

Rainy days can end up being some of the most memorable experiences your child will ever remember, especially if you are a part of it. Don’t be afraid to experiment. And most of all don’t be afraid to let go and have a little bit of fun with it.

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Patrick Rafferty is a marketing specialist for Few and Far Company, a website dedicated to the gentleman traveler. 

Atmospheric Noise: Bringing Beauty to Every Day

In one months time, you're about to experience a new kind of website.  A happy sort of exploration into the world around us, as told by different voices, found from across the world and explored in a unique manner.



Sometimes something happens that changes the way that you SEE everything.  Through experience and trauma I started really looking at the things I encountered daily, and seeing them in a different light. 



The soggy bowl of fruit loops on my counter became a photographic project where the subject was the thin swirls of color traipsing through the milk.  Bath time bubbles became an exaggerated display of rainbow spheres. Foods became an abstract array.  I started seeing houses and barns in a way that I never had, even though I had seen them everyday.



I decided then that we, as people, had become too focused on ourselves and our possessions, often struggling to tear our fleeting attention away from our iPhones and other gadgets.

I started photographing these small wonders, often manipulating the images to focus on the things that we don't see, which then took me on a journey through art school, opening my own photography business, and opening my eyes a little wider.



I will share this art with you, as others will share bits of themselves garnered by their expertise, from photography to story writing to a historical perspective.  Some articles will be strange facts for your enjoyment, some might be humorous musings, and others might just be beautiful images of the world around us.  The goal is to point out the beauty that is all around us in a unique manner and make every day a bit better!



This blog is meant to be a sharing ground, a multimedia attempt to unearth the interesting in the every day, mundane details that are often overlooked.  If you like it, please share it with the world.  Open the eyes of everyone to the beauty around them.  If you want to help with our exploratory project, contact me.  The more voices that contribute to the random world around them, the better!  Together, we can help everyone have a beautiful day, every day!

Guest Post: 8 Great Ideas for Your Old Keys

8 great ideas for your old keys

Over 400 million keys are thrown away each year around the world. That’s a lot of land fill and a lot of scrap metal.

If you’ve recently changed your locks and have a few redundant keys kicking around or have a bunch in the back of a drawer that you’ve never used, here are a number of ways to put them to a practical use.

Create a key charm bracelet

Use your old keys to create a stunning charm bracelet. Using a simple chain bracelet you can attach all of the keys that you have gathered over the years to unlock some special memories, as well as impressing friends and family - the more diverse the keys, the better the effect.

Make your own key wind chime

Keys are ideal for making a wind chime. The weight and shape of keys make them perfect for hanging and different shapes create various sounds and pitches. Use fishing wire to hang the keys from a metal hoop, which you can then suspend from the roof or nearby tree.

Design your own key wall art

Each key is unique. And because of this an array of different keys can create stunning images when they are displayed next to each other. Position a selection of keys in an artistic arrangement on a wooden mount or frame and you’ll have the most unique piece of artwork for your wall – as well as a real talking point for visitors.

Recycle them for a good cause

It’s an obvious solution, but keys are made from a range of different metals, most of which can be recycled. Take your old keys to your local household recycling centre and they will happily dispose of them for you in a way that is environmentally friendly. Some charities will even offer to take your old keys, melt them down and give the proceeds to good causes.

Wear a key necklace

Like with the charm bracelet, using old keys as jewellery can really make an impression. Fasten one, two, even  several keys to a simple chain necklace to create a stunning piece of jewellery - using different shapes, colours and sizes to ensure your creation is unique and eye-catching. You could always attach one of your home keys to the necklace to ensure you are never locked out again.

Make novel key Christmas decorations

Make your tree or wreath stand out when Christmas comes around by using some of your old keys as decorations. Spray them in gold or silver to give them a new lease of life and then attach ribbons or holly to give them that festive feel. The keys can then be hung from the branches of your tree, door wreaths or even decorative table centres.

Create your own key earrings

If you’re sick of studs or had enough of hoops, why not use your old keys to make a quirky pair of earrings? Give them a good clean to bring out the original finish of the metal or maybe spray them a new colour to really make them stand out.

Use old keys around the house

They may not be good for unlocking doors anymore, but keys can still have a life after their original job is done. As keys are designed to be robust and long lasting, they can still play a role around the home. Use old keys to jazz-up old zip-fasteners on a bag or piece of clothing or maybe use them in the hem of your drapes and curtains to weigh them down at the bottom – be as creative and original as you want.

Author Bio: Lucia is a full time blogger and designer who enjoys creating crafts from everyday items found in the home. She also contributes articles to Home Secure, suppliers of upvc door handles.