I’ve had my digital camera since 2004 (it’s a Kodak EasyShare DX7630, discontinued). At the time that we purchased it, it was the best in the market out there of its tier, with a whopping 6.1 mega pixels, and customizable manual controls. Now, I’m a tad irritated with it, as the newer cameras in its tier have surpassed it with the latest technology. Hubby and I are researching for newer upgrades. We’re currently looking at Canons, and I have my eye out for the PowerShot SX100 IS. He wants more of a digital SLR feel, with the PowerShot S5 IS. He likes landscape/outdoor/action shots, while my preference is for something that would work great in low light, indoor, macro setting stills. We’ll have to do more research and play it by ear. =P

In the meantime, I am tinkering with my Kodak, and playing with different settings. I hear that photographing jewelry is probably the most difficult. I have to say, all the shots below are without my tripod (I was too lazy to go upstairs and find it and set it up). Although, perhaps it would have been better to use the tripod. Meanwhile, lighting is a whole beast I’m trying to figure out.

Model: I’m using bridesmaid bracelets I’ve been making for a friend who is getting married in a couple weeks. Her bridesmaid dresses are all variations of blue.

In lightbox, florescent lighting, regular macro setting:

In lightbox, florescent lighting, florescent macro setting:

Without lightbox, indirect afternoon sun, regular macro setting:

Without lightbox, indirect morning sun, daylight macro setting:

All pictures were touched up with photo-editing software. I’m not very happy with any of these pictures, I’m going to have to play around some more. My camera just doesn’t produce vivid colors like the others, and the lighting is so-so. Any tips?? (I just want a new camera!! haha)

Over the weekend, I had some girlfriends over for a little beading-a-fete. We were working on various projects together, sorting through our bead stash, and teaching each other different wirework techniques. It was a lot of fun. Must do it again! With our time together, I did an impromptu little bracelet (apologies for the bad photos).

It’s a fun little thing, custom fit just for me. =)

I’m still not sure what this beading skill is called. People have called it “seed beading” or “bead weaving” but I’m sans-loom. After a google search, I still can’t decide. Oh well, I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. =P

Over the holiday weekend, I took a class on this bracelet. I am a COMPLETE newbie, never having done this before, and didn’t know that this was an advanced class. I tried to catch up by watching everyone else: threading the needle, conditioning the Fireline with wax, etc. But when I got to the pattern, I was drowning in the steep learning curve. If I hadn’t had any crafting experience whatsoever, I would have gone home in tears, it was that discouraging! But I DO have crafting experience, and I stuck to it, determined to conquer this bracelet, even as a complete seed bead newbie!

(Although I do have to say, after this class, I’m a bit emotionally shaken up, so it’ll be awhile before I take another class again.) =P

Check out the front:

The back:

A classmate recommended doing a second bracelet to reinforce the pattern I learned in class. So I made a black iridescent one that I could use with alot of things in my closet (and all those weddings I’ll be attending this year):

I’m so proud of making this as my first seed bead project, I want to make so much more!

(NOTE: For those who regularly do seed beading/bead weaving, this bracelet is based on the right angle weave.)

P.S. Any one going to Stitches this weekend? I’m taking the Capitol Corridor knitting train down tomorrow with some friends. I’ll make sure to take lots of pictures. =)