DIY Photobooth

January 16, 2009 at 11:11 am (Wedding Plans) (, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , )

My most favorite wedding idea that I have so far is a photobooth at the reception.  I have see this done and it looks like so much fun!  But, renting a photobooth would probably kill our entire budget.  So, I have decided to make my own.  I am going to enlist the handy help of my dad and grandpa in this project, so in order to save them some confusion I made a sketch of what I am imagining.  I am no artist, but here is my idea so far:

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I love the idea of guests taking random photos and leavign them for us as a surprise.  Our only real question with this idea is what kind of camera to use.  My fist thought was to use a Polaroid camera.  I am planning on using my Polaroid to photograph guests as they first walk in also.  They can sign these photos to make a unique guest book.  The problem with using the Polaroid for the photobooth is the actual taking of the photos.  Some one would either have to man the station the whole night or you would have to try to do the self-shot, which is rarely good.  I read somewhere that you can set up a digital camera with a cord and button so the people can take their own photos from further away.  Now I seem to be leaning more towards this idea.  Any suggestions?

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Image and more how-to info found here:    http://est1976.blogsome.com/2007/09/10/how-to-make-a-photo-booth-for-your-wedding/

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eHow To The Rescue

January 8, 2009 at 10:14 am (Projects) (, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , )

My grandmother gave me a tiny cast iron skillet the other day.  I know that these pans are much sought after, but have never owned one.  Although this one is just a baby she said you could use it for an egg or just to hang on the wall.  So, I was going to do both.  But, the skillet has some rust problems.  I know that you can removed rust from other metals using steel wool, but how to remove it from cast iron?  I looked it up on eHow.  I haven’t tried it yet, but they do have instrucitons for rust removal:

1. Depending on the pan’s size, pour 2 to 4 tbsp. salt into the middle of the pan. Add an equal amount of vegetable oil.
2. Scrub the pan vigorously with a folded paper towel, concentrating on the rusted spots but covering all surfaces with the oil and salt mixture. Add more salt or oil as needed.
3. For more serious rust spots, scrub with fine steel wool.
4. Wash the pan with dishwashing liquid and rinse well with hot water. Dry completely.
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This seems easy enough.  I will give it a try.  eHow also had instructions for “seasoning”  a cast iron skillet.  This will keep it rust-free and non-stick.  Who knew?  I will have to do this too:
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1. A well-seasoned cast-iron pan will resist rust and create a virtually nonstick surface for cooking. To season it, brush vegetable oil lightly over all its surfaces.
2. Heat the pan in an oven at 250 degF (120 degC) for 1 hour, recoating it with more oil after 30 minutes.
3.Wipe the pan well with paper towels and let it cool completely before using it.
4. To preserve this natural, protective coating, do not use soap when cleaning a seasoned pan. Instead, scrub it with salt and oil, rinse it with hot water, then dry it completely over low heat before storing it.
The full link is here: http://www.ehow.com/how_114309_remove-rust-cast.html.  Thanks eHow!  I will post before and after pictures of how this process works.  Here is the tiny little skillet:
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I Feel A Project Coming On

January 7, 2009 at 11:06 am (Inspiration) (, , , , , , , , , , , , )

I ran accross this oh-so-cute project this morning on the Curbly website.

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Even though this DIY serving tray isn’t my idea, I had to link you all with it.  I am most definitely going to make this my next project in the waiting.  I have been looking at trays and also thinking about how to make one.  But, with my love of all things black and white and my love of all things DIY, this is the winner.  Check out the full how-to and more photos here: http://www.curbly.com/DIY-Maven/posts/5902-How-to-Turn-an-Old-Cupboard-Door-into-a-Serving-Tray

Thank you for the idea DIY Maven!

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All Things Can Become New Again

January 5, 2009 at 4:36 pm (Inspiration) (, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , )

I have talked about this before, but just can’t get enough.  Old things becoming new again.  I love this idea.  I especially love repurposing items when the new purpose is something completely different than its previous use.  This has actually become pretty popular lately, so there is a lot of inspiration out there.  I thought I would compile some of my favorite repurpose finds.  I might even have to start a new project soon!

 

 

 

 

These ideas are all great.  The first picture is water skis made into a chair.  I have also seen old surf boards used as shelves.  The second is a shopping cart made into a chair.  These would be totally cute on a deck or around a camp fire.  The next photo is a library card catalog with added legs used as a coffee table.  Then there is the side board dresser turned into a bathroom sink vanity.  I love this idea.  More storage and totally unique.  The last is a side table made from suitcases.  Great because storage is built right in!

Try thinking of new uses for old objects.  Not only will your home be more unique and express your personality and taste, but it is greener for our world to recycle old items.  Its a win win!

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