DIY Valentine Card Tutorials

I don't know about you, but Valentine's Day is one of my very favorite holidays!

Here are some amazing tutorials to inspire you this Valentine's Day!
(Don't forget about your envelope!  Check out handmade envelope tutorials here.)

Via The Long Thread

Via The Creative Place

(this one isn't a tutorial-- but it's so cute!  i couldn't resist)

via Paper Source

Via The Long Thread

via Martha Stewart

via The Craft Monkey

via Martha Stewart

Via Country Living

Old Journal Face Lift

I always get so excited when I buy a new notebook.  I usually write in it for a few pages, forget about it entirely, and buy another new and exciting notebook.  In an attempt to be green (and frugal), I have decided to not buy anymore notebooks until I use up my old ones.

I've been having the itch lately for new notebooks-- but I'm sticking to my resolution.  Maybe if I give my journals a pretty facelift I won't be so tempted to go buy a new one.

Here is a tutorial for a fun way to jazz up your notebook!

You will need:

Journal

Fabric

Glue, Mod Podge, or Golden Gel Medium

Paint
Paint Brush

Stencil
Sponge or pouncer

Scissors

Ribbon

1. Cut your fabric to fit the cover of your journal.  I added an inch on each side to wrap the fabric around to the inside of the cover.

2.  Paint your adhesive medium to the cover.  Lay your fabric on top and smooth it down.  If you are wrapping the fabric to the inside, paint a strip of adhesive medium to the inside cover as well.  Let it dry completely.

3.  Cut out space for the binding.  Then use your adhesive to adhere your fabric to the back of your journal, and tuck the edges inside against the back cover-- just like you did on the front.  

4.  If you like the look of your fabric covered journal-- you're done!  

5.  If not, keep working!  Pick out a stencil.  Remember my Martha Hurricane Holiday Vase project?  I used the rose stencil from the Four Seasons stencil kit and layered the rose pattern.  Then I used my gel medium to adhere a ribbon to the bottom.  

6.  Wait for it to dry.  My ribbon was white and looked funny after being glued so I painted it a light blue.  Your old journal is new and beautiful and you can love it once more, filling its pages with your best ideas!  

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!  I would love to see your fancy new journals!  Post pictures of your work on Mister G's Facebook page or on Twitter @MisterGandMe.  Be sure to check out my Etsy Shop too! :)  

Newborn Photography Tips

• Make a list of pictures you love!  Find pictures that speak to you.  Pinterest is a great resource!
• If you are taking pictures for someone else, talk to them about their preferences and expectations.  Since I was taking pictures for my sister I asked her for her input-- what styles she likes, what shots she wanted.  Good communication in advance is especially important if you are taking pictures during delivery.  There is no time to clarify what mama wants as the baby is taking her first breath!  
• Be patient and flexible.  Know that you probably won't be able to get a great picture of every single shot you want.  For example, I wanted to get a cute black and white shot of Ivy on her belly with her legs tucked under... but Ivy wasn't having it!  I also wanted some cute naked booty shots... but Ivy has a skinny little butt and the pictures just didn't look right. 
• Babies are extra photogenic between 5-10 days old.  Sometimes their skin is irritated or splotchy after birth and it takes a few days for it to smooth out and their heads to settle into a lovely shape.  
• Newborns eat and sleep a lot-- so if you want a picture that doesn't involve sleeping or eating you need to work around the baby's schedule.  Right after feedings is a great time to take pictures because the baby is usually pretty content and their little hands and feet are relaxed. 
• Be prepared for accidents!  Have a change of clothes, lots of wipes, some washcloths, towels, blankets, and cute props ready for your session. 
• If you plan to take naked shots turn up the heat!  You should feel slightly sweaty for a naked baby to be comfortable and happy.  If baby gets too cold she will pee!  
• Know what your lighting situation is.  Where are the windows and what light will be available to you? 
• If you are going to get a shot of the baby taking her first breath make sure to meter your light and get your camera ready in advance.  Also, it's can be difficult to get a good shot of post-delivery activities because the doctors and nurses are busy doing their jobs!  Be respectful and creative to get the perfect picture!
• Make sure you have the right equipment!  A fantastic, low-cost lens ($100-150) that takes amazing pictures in low light settings is the 50mm/1.8.  Consider buying or renting a speedflash for your camera as well.  Also, research what kind of lens you will need to get the shots you want.  I wanted to get some close-ups of Ivy's tiny fingers and toes so I rented a macro lens (105mm f/2.8 micro) and am so pleased with my images!  

Here are some of my favorite photos of Ivy: