10 Tips for Capturing the Fun of Fall in Photos

Taking great pictures that I can use for my blog and scrapbook is important to me. I also work for Kodak, who gives me the opportunity to express my love for photography by creating content for average people learning to use their Kodak Camera.

Here are some photos I took this weekend with Kodak's new EASYSHARE Max Camera:

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Here are some things I keep in mind when I'm shooting pictures for my blog, or scrapbook:

1- Come prepared: Have your camera battery fully charged, a fresh memory card, and anything else you find handy for picture taking (tripod, lens cleaner, camera bag, ext.).

2- Take in your surroundings like a good book, pictures can't tell a story without a setting, so don't forget to capture your surroundings.

3- Get action shots that will bring your page to life and add interest.

4- Photograph everyone whether in a group or alone, make sure you get everyone there in at least one picture, so you can tell the whole story, in pictures.

5- Take good pictures, is easier said than done, but most cameras perform best in sunlight, so if you have the option, take pictures in well lit spaces.

6-Give your photos flair without a pricey camera. You can trick your camera into blurring the background of your pictures when you stand about 5ft back from your subject, and zoom in to take your picture (just make sure your focus stays on the subject as you zoom in).

7-Try new angles. You don't always have to take pictures at eye level; taking pictures from below or above eye level can make your content more interesting

8- Use a simple photo editor like Picnik to enhance, or manipulate, your photos.

9- Be selective before you upload all your pictures weed out those that are blurry, barley visible, or aren't a favorite; make sharing pictures count and only share the ones you really like. Others can be kept on your PC.

10- Don't forget to have fun, if you get too caught up in taking artsy pictures you wont have time to make memories.

Scarf Alternatives, or Staying Toasty this Winter

When in doubt, wear a scarf; it's the instant indie accessory that adds panache to your entire outfit. I'm a scarf lover myself, but sometimes its not quite what I'm looking for. So, this fall, to keep my neck nice and toasty, I crocheted myself this little number:

It was fun and easy to make, plus it gave me an excuse to use those extra buttons I've been collecting off my winter coats. I'm still not sure if I'll be adding this to my shop, but it beats wearing a turtleneck, sorry to all you turtleneck lovers (aka. Mom).

See more from Mind Ruffle at http://etsy.me/t2M2wU 

My Homemade Halloween Costume

This Halloween I am going to be Leela from one of my favorite shows, Futurama. These are the pieces I used to make up the costume: A mask, a wristband, a white tank top, some Underarmour leggings, my snowboarding boots, and some neon purple hairspray. Most of these items I had around the house, but in all it cost me about $15.

Here are some tools you'll need to get started:
- Light sandpaper
- Scissors
- Hot Glue

First I created the armband out of:
- A tennis ball container
- Two felt circles
- Silver spray paint
- And, some blue painters tape

I cut the tennis ball tube to be about five inches long. With blue painters tape, I covered the area of the tube that I didn't want to be painted.  Lightly sanded the outside of the tube, and applied two light coats of paint. After it was dry, I removed the tape and put it on the inside of the tube so that the blue color showed through. Then, I cut two pieces of black felt and glued them to the surface of the tube. Finally, I cut a seem up the back of the wrist band, so I could squeeze it to adjust the size and tightness.

Next, I created the mask with:
- A plastic mask with an elastic band
- Purple wire
- White tulle
- Black felt

I trimmed the mask around the nose and eyes, so I could see and my nose was still visible with the mask on. Then, I wrapped white tool around the mask twice and secured it with hot glue on the bridge of the mask's nose. Cutting the purple wire to even lengths, I evenly spaced and secured them with hot glue; bending them a little for an eyelash effect. Finally, I cut a large black circle and hot glued it snugly to the front of the nose.

TIP: Glue down the edges of the circles near the inner corners of the eye holes, this will help with visibility.

This is an inexpensive costume and it's a lot of fun to wear. Share your homemade Halloween costume at Mind Ruffle's Facebook Page

Bracelets With Volume and Personality

Mind Ruffle sells many styles and sorts of jewelry, but the Multi-strand Beaded Bracelet has been among the most popular. I believe it is the unique combination of the bold volume created by the multiple strands, which is so in line with the latest accessory fashion trends, and the artistic, one-of-a-kind, look you get from the multitude of random beads and charms that makes it so visually appealing. Another great thing about this bracelet is, it stretches to fit any size wrist. Here's one I made this weekend for my friend @MaryIrene:

See more pics on Flickr
and other designs at Mind Ruffle

Welcome to Mind Ruffle

It's official. Mind Ruffle is the new name of my ETSY shop, formerly known as Heart Jewlery. When ETSY announced that they were going to revamped their site, I knew it was my chance to change thing up for my shop, which was formerly misspelled - EPIC FAIL

Now, I bring to you Mind Ruffle. My new expression, and I look forward to getting to know you!

With curiosity we peek,

and ruffle minds, or so to speak,

explore the wrinkles of our mind

to create the image of our rind.