April 2009 Archives

For many, photography is a very popular hobby and plays a big part in many crafts projects.

Now available for download, Aurora simplifies the complexities of getting to great photos...

Light Crafts today announced the introduction of Aurora, powerfully simple photo editing, organizing and sharing software that answers the need of consumers who are looking to bring out the best in their digital photos. Aurora is intuitive to use, enabling anyone to go from download to expert in a matter of minutes.

"We believe everyone's photos should look great, and we are proud to introduce Aurora as a powerfully simple solution to help photographers of all stripes achieve amazing results for their digital images," said Fabio Riccardi, founder and CEO of Light Crafts. "Aurora makes it possible, for the first time, to easily edit photos so that they reflect what you saw in real life when you captured the image. We spent years studying how the human eye processes images, and we built Aurora to mimic that ability so that edited photos reflect the actual memory you captured."

Aurora's visual photo editor is powered by sophisticated algorithms that simplify the complexities of advanced photo-editing by presenting suggested improvements to photos in an intuitive what-you-see-is-what-you-get fashion. A pop-up image selector lets users see a range of improvements and pick exactly how their edited photos might look simply by clicking on the desired improved image.

Aurora's powerfully simple solution not only edits photos, it also has sophisticated tools to help organize photos, has online back-up services to help keep photos safe, and makes sharing photos easy with photo publishing tools and photo sharing capabilities with sites like Flickr and Facebook.

Aurora's key features include:

• Visual photo editing: The strength of Aurora lies in its intuitive, powerful, visual editor which presents suggested improvements in a what-you-see-is-what-you-get fashion. The unique relight tool essentially "turns on" the light inside the image, creating better, more realistic photos. Users can also straighten, adjust color strength and warmth, crop, zoom and adjust red-eye in a simple, intuitive and visual way.

• Organizing and viewing of photos: Aurora allows consumers to easily import photos from their camera or computer, re-arrange and re-name them, then tag and rate favorites for easy viewing and retrieval.

• Sharing and publishing: Aurora enables consumers to email, print, and connect directly to their photo sharing, social networking and accounts from within Aurora making it easy to share select photos online on sites like Flickr and Facebook.

• Online back-up: Photos are one of those truly irreplaceable items. Aurora's optional online back-up service is powered by Amazon.com and stores photos to keep them out of harm's way. Online back-up plans are available for $4.95 per month. Users can simply hit "online back up" from within Aurora to sync directly with their Amazon storage account.

"Aurora is the answer for intuitive photo editing," said Tracey Clark, photographer (www.traceyclark.com), mom and founder of ShutterSisters.com. "I love its unique way of presenting editing options. In my experience using the software, Aurora makes it easy for anyone to improve and beautifully enhance their images."

Aurora is available for $19.95 and can be purchased for download to a PC at www.lightcrafts.com.

SOURCE Light Crafts, Inc.

 Here's a neat idea from Casasugar: Cork Place Card Holders

Fun, fast and easy; and useful!  How clever for a wine tasting dinner party for example!

 

 

All you need to do is slice off one side of the cork so it won't roll over... make sure the pretty side is facing where you want it to.  Use a very sharp knife like an X-acto. Then slice about 1/3 down into the cork from the top for where you will put the name card.  Then the easy part is making the little cards.  Use cardstock or parchment paper. Kate's Paperie is a wonderful place to get papers what would be great for this.  Then write out your names in nice writing, perhaps with a calligraphy style marker or metallic pen.

I always hate throwing away the really pretty corks, so now I can start saving them for this!

Cheers!

Michaels' how-to webisodes featuring Creative Expert Jo Pearson received nearly a million views on the company's creative inspiration website and on YouTube.com as the current do-it-yourself trend took off over the holidays. That's why Michaels, the world's largest arts and crafts specialty retailer, will introduce a whole new series of the popular how-to webisodes this month with the re-launch of WhereCreativityHappens.com.

Beginning March 30, Jo Pearson, who has created thousands of projects for Michaels, will share more of her tips, techniques, ideas and inspiration to help people save money and have fun creating decor and gifts in seven new webisodes. Each webisode will feature easy, step-by-step instructions for do-it-yourself projects like designing one-of-a-kind jewelry, updating their outdoor entertaining spaces, and much more.

"Our customers are telling us that they want to spend more time on do-it-yourself projects not only to save money but as an inexpensive activity the whole family can enjoy," said Michaels Chief Marketing Officer Stuart Aitken. "We will introduce a series of new webisodes in 2009, along with in-store events and hundreds of project ideas, to provide inspiration and value to our customers."

The webisodes and the relaunch of WhereCreativityHappens.com continue Michaels' "Endless Creativity, Endless Savings" campaign which began the 2008 Holiday season. The creative, value-driven message connected with consumers looking for ways to spend less in a down economy while still enjoying the holidays. An impressive 3.9 million unique visitors logged on to Michaels.com in December, a double-digit increase over the previous year.

"With the economy, people are really getting into do-it-yourself projects again and learning that they can be creative, make cool stuff and have fun doing it," said Jo Pearson, Michaels' Creative expert for more than 20 years. "I hope people will join me throughout the year as we introduce projects for spring, Easter, summer, back to school, Halloween and into the holiday season again. We're going to have a ball!"

SOURCE Michaels Stores, Inc.

This Easter, PEEPS(R) Brand Marshmallow Candies is excited to offer its fans fun ways to celebrate spring with exciting crafts and recipes. Now PEEPS(R) fans can enjoy a sweet treat with PEEPS Sugar-Free Marshmallow Chicks! This delicious dessert is a bright delight that's sure to make you smile.

Sugar-Free PEEPS(R) Treats

Ingredients

2 packages of PEEPS(R) Sugar-Free Marshmallow Chicks

1 package of sugar-free lemon flavored instant pudding mix (see package for additional ingredients)

1 - 8 oz. container of sugar-free Cool Whip(R)

1 sprig mint (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare pudding according to package directions. Chill until set.

2. Fill dessert bowls 3/4 full with pudding.

3. Before serving, top each bowl with sugar-free Cool Whip(R), a PEEPS(R) Sugar-Free Marshmallow Chick and a sprig of mint.

Visit www.marshmallowpeeps.com for more sweet crafts and recipe ideas.

Fans will also enjoy the entire Peeps(R) 2009 Easter line-up which includes:

• NEW PEEPS(R) Brand Chocolate Mousse Flavored Marshmallow Bunnies available in a Take-Home package.
• NEW PEEPS(R) Orange Chicks and Green Bunnies available in Take-Home packages.
• PEEPS(R) Chicks and Bunnies in assorted colors and package sizes.
• PEEPS(R) Sugar-Free Yellow Chicks available in a Count-Goods package.
• PEEPS(R) Orange flavored Creme Eggs and Yellow Tulips available in Take-Home packages.

Courtesy of Peeps, Just Born, Inc.

Although today's children have grown widely accustomed to movies and video games as forms of entertainment, crafts are a great way kids can have fun without high-tech electronics. Here are some simple suggestions that will lure kids away from the television and help them get in touch with their creative side.

1. Make It Relevant-Ask your children about their favorite characters from books, television shows and movies, and have them design crafts around their answers. They'll be excited to take part in the fun when they are familiar with their subject matter.

2. Don't Forget The Older Kids-Arts and crafts can appeal to kids of every age. While the toddlers are finger-painting, break out the paper mache or beading kits for the preteens and teens in your home. Older children might also enjoy helping their little brothers and sisters with their crafting projects.

3. Be Resourceful-Encourage children to create their own masterpieces out of cardboard boxes, plastic soda bottles, and other items found around the home. Plus, now that the weather is getting warmer, you can head outside to find some great crafting materials, like pinecones, flowers and leaves.

4. Create A Family Bond-Tackle a large crafting project, like a t-shirt quilt or a scrapbook, as a family. This is a great way to reminisce on past experiences while creating new memories together. The finished product will be a unique work of art that the whole family can appreciate.

5. Set Up Shop-A good workspace is essential for crafting. Have a big clear area available and be sure to cover it to protect it from stains, glue, etc.

SOURCE Lifetime Products, Inc.

Bold and bright fabrics are used make a classically shaped headboard into a contemporary work of art.

The headboard's frame is constructed with 2x4s and MDF then is covered with batting and vibrant fabric. When completed, a canopy in complementary colors is draped around the headboard.

Tools and Materials:
two 1/2" sheet of medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
batting, fabric and decorative trim
tempered hardboard (bendable board)
2x4s
staple gun
drill and wood screws
table saw or circular saw
measuring tape
miter saw
jig saw

Steps:
1. Make the frame of the headboard in two pieces, the top and the bottom.

2. To make the top frame, cut 2x4s to the following lengths:
two at 13-1/2" long
two at 10" long
two at 5" long
one at 30" long
one a 60" long

3. Stand the two 5" pieces up vertically at each end of the 60" piece and attach with screws. Measure and mark 15 inches in from each side of the 60" piece then attach the two 10" pieces vertically at this mark -- make sure you have 30 inches in between each piece. Screw the 30" piece horizontally on the top of the two 10" pieces creating a rectangle. Use the two 13-1/2" pieces to connect the 5" pieces on either end to the rectangle (see the second image below).

4. Cut two strips of the hardboard 1-1/2" wide by 16" long. Attach one strip to the top side of the middle rectangle. Bend the hardboard to curve down to the top of the 5" piece, if necessary, trim off excess hardboard. Repeat with the second strip on the other side of the top frame.

5. Construct the bottom frame by cutting six pieces of 2x4s 60" long.

6. Attach four 2x4s into a box shape then add the two remaining 2x4s in the middle for support.

7. Screw the top frame and bottom frame together.

8. For the side panels, cut two pieces of MDF 10-1/2" x 66-1/2". Cut a curve on one end of the panel to mimic the curve of the top piece.

9. To cover the top frame, cut a piece of MDF 11-1/2" x 60". Lay the top frame on the piece of MDF and with a pencil, trace the curves of the frame onto the MDF. Use a jig saw to cut out the pattern.

10. Cut MDF to exact size of bottom frame and screw it onto the front of the frame. Screw the curved piece of MDF to the front side of the top piece.

11. Using a staple gun, add batting to cover the entire frame. We rolled our batting the top of the frame to add dimension to the headboard. Cover the batting in fabric.

12. Wrap the side pieces in batting and fabric.

13. Screw sides pieces onto the frame.

14. Add decorative trim to cover seams and staples.

Source: HGTV