Photo Projects for Mother’s Day

It’s right around the corner you know. That’s right, Mother’s Day (it’s May 9 in the US, just in case you’re not a calendar-checking type and this is news to you). How are you going to celebrate the mothers in your life? While there are hundreds of gifts you could buy, why not create something for your mom (or moms) using photos? One of the many great things about moms is that they are often sentimental and photo-based gifts allow them to keep cherished memories close and even have something to brag about (you know what I’m talking about). So … Continue reading

Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day is tomorrow. I repeat: Mother’s Day is tomorrow. If you’ve yet to tie a ribbon on anything for the woman who gave you life (or has enhanced it in more ways than one), then you’re in luck. You still have a little time to make your mom feel like a million bucks. The recession has hit the flower industry hard. The good news is their loss is your gain. Florists around the nation are doing something they haven’t done in decades: cutting prices on Mothers Day gifts. Among the sweeter deals: 1-800-Flowers has 30 arrangements for less than … Continue reading

More Mom’s Day Fun

If you are still looking for ways you can spend time with your kids and create memorable gifts for the special mother, grandmother, or mother figure in your life, then check out these simple Mother’s Day craft projects: WEATHERED VASE Materials: Empty glass jar Masking tape Shoe polish Cloth rag Directions: Completely cover the glass jar with torn pieces of masking tape, making sure that the pieces of tape overlap each other. Apply shoe polish to rag and rub over the jar, making sure to completely cover every piece of tape. Allow to dry overnight. Fill weathered vase with fresh … Continue reading

Make Your Own Mother’s Day Gifts

Flowers are pretty, cards are nice, and chocolate can do wonders to improve a woman’s mood, but if you really want to impress mom this Mother’s Day, then consider channeling your crafty side to make these homemade gifts: BEADED NAPKIN RINGS Materials: Needle nose pliers 1 package of bracelet memory wire (Found at craft stores or in the craft aisle of larger discount chains—the wire looks like a slinky–1 package typically has 15 coils in it, which yields 12-13 napkin rings) 50 multi-color beads per napkin ring (You could choose two favorite colors and place 25 of each color per … Continue reading

Simple Mother’s Day Gifts

If you are a mom, then you know that Mother’s Day doesn’t always equate to time off. After all, someone has to prepare gifts for the grandmothers, great-grandmothers and other special women in our children’s lives. If you are looking for a simple craft to make with your kids to present to grandma, nana, or granny on Sunday, then consider the following projects that will be treasured for years to come: “GREEN” FLOWER POT This flower pot is made out of recycled materials, so not only are you making mom happy, but you’re benefiting the environment as well. Materials: Plastic … Continue reading

Homemade Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Last year my young daughter made me the cutest Mother’s Day card. The glittery handmade creation was so beautiful that after I gushed over it and thanked her profusely for being so thoughtful, my daughter asked for it back so she could hang it in her bedroom. At least the kid’s got good taste. If you are looking for a simple way to make Mother’s Day a bit brighter for the special woman in your life, and you have a little one at home that is more than willing to lend their artistic talents to the project, then consider this … Continue reading

Cool Photo Items for the Summer

Are you struggling to snap a good picture of your little pitcher? Or does uploading your prized images to photo-sharing sites give you a headache? These are just some of the top complaints lodged by amateur photographers, according to the folks at Consumer Reports. Which is why the publication decided to spotlight new products that claim to make taking frameworthy shots easier for snap happy parents and other avid photographers. Here’s a look at some of new additions to the market that received high marks by testers and camera experts: NEED MORE ZOOM If you are consistently forced to sit … Continue reading

New Trends in Digital Photography

Are you looking to purchase a new digital camera in time for your Fourth of July BBQ? Or perhaps you want a new camera to shoot some frameworthy shots at your family reunion this summer. Whatever your reason now is a great time to snap up the latest and greatest digital cameras and accessories for a decent price. Most stores are trying to get their current stock off the shelves so they can make room for new models to be unveiled in time for the holiday season. The following digital cameras have been given the thumbs up by Consumer Reports: … Continue reading

Shooting Fourth of July Fireworks

Now that you know what images to snap at your Fourth of July parades, picnics and parties let’s turn our attention to the main event of any Independence Day celebration—-the fireworks displays. Here are some tips to keep in mind before the sparks start flying on the Fourth: Snapping Sparklers Last year I tried unsuccessfully to capture my 3-year-old using her sparklers to draw pictures in the night sky. However, during a Chinese New Year celebration a few months ago, I learned a trick from a photo expert. First, to best capture sparkler sky writing you should place your camera … Continue reading

What Else the Digital Era has Eliminated

In a previous blog I detailed the single event that made me switch from my trusty and beloved traditional film camera to my new shiny and mighty digital one. (For the record I am still holding tightly to my film camera, though I rarely shoot with it anymore.) Up until a couple of years ago I was the type of person who reluctantly embraced change. These days though I have learned that positive things can happen when you venture out of your perceived comfort zone and take advantage of new and exciting opportunities. I’m willing to bet that many photographers … Continue reading