Learning To Use My Camera- DSLR Photography Resources

I'm still practicing and learning how to use my Nikon D3200 camera, so I thought I'd share some helpful online DSLR photography resources I've discovered! 

A Beautiful Mess DSLR Basics

A great online course from A Beautiful Mess that takes you through the basics of using your DSLR camera. The course also helps you to develop your personal photography style and how to take photos in a variety of situations, such as product photography and portrait photography. 

Craftsy

Craftsy offer a huge amount of online craft courses including many photography classes- I'd like to take the product photography course!

You Tube

Nikon D3200 Users Guide

This You Tube video is a really comprehensive guide to the Nikon D3200, right from initial set up to exploring all the features and functions of the camera

You Tube is a great learning resource if, like me, you are a visual learner. I learn quicker by watching and doing rather than reading a manual. You can also search for videos relating to your particular camera and it's free (bonus)!

Pinterest

Pinterest is such a brilliant (and addictive!) resource for gathering tips and inspiration on all sorts of subjects. I love it because you gather your pins by subject and they are usefully stored for accessing as and when you want to 

I'm gathering photography tips on this Pinterest board DSLR Photography Tips

I'd like this to become an ongoing resource for photography that I'll add to as I continue researching, learning and taking photos! Let me know if you have suggestions to add!

Making teeny-tiny fabric scrap Yo-Yos!

I've very kindly been given a huge bundle of fabric samples, so I've sorted through them all and there are some really pretty pieces! I've made a little dent in my new stash today, learning to make some teeny-tiny fabric Yo-Yos using a Clover Quick Yo-Yo Maker. I haven't made Yo-Yos before but I think it could get quite addictive, especially as you can buy the tools in different sizes! I think they look like little rosettes! They are so quick and easy to make and they show off the colours of the fabric really well- I'm excited to see what I can make with them. I've made a Fabric Yo-Yos Pinterest board for inspiration!

You use the tool for stitch guidance and then remove it and pull the thread to gather the fabric

I'm just experimenting at the moment, still working towards a new textile jewellery collection, but I think the Yo-Yos look quite sweet added to the Harris Tweed, which I've begun to embroider with Bullion Knot flowers.

Weekend roundup- The Hazel Gallery Spring Arts Fair

On Saturday I headed into Colchester town to take part in the The Hazel Gallery Spring Arts Fair at The Waiting Room in St Boltolph's. I'd like to say thank you to Lucy Hook-Child who organised the day and bought together a lovely selection of makers selling their handmade work. Despite the soggy weather early on it was a great day with live bands creating a really upbeat atmosphere.

Saturday was the first outing of my handmade ring stand which was made following a tutorial on Pinterset using just a box lid, felt, wadding and a staple gun. Check out my Ring Display Ideas board here

I also had some new Hair-slide designs- I'll be adding some of the new designs to my Etsy shop in the coming weeks

One of my favourite stands was Comics and Cogs, who are makers after my own heart, creating jewellery and accessories from items such as watch parts, old comics and damaged books (such a clever idea). Check out their Facebook page here and have a look at the photos of the beautiful things they make. A piece from them is definitely on my wishlist!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Harris Tweed Brooches

It's been a frozen day in the studio today, but Cuckoo Farm does look especially magical in the snow, even if I do get very cold toes! Lots of tea has helped me through the chill today though and I've been making new pieces that I'm going to add to my Folksy shop- look out for the Harris Tweed brooches coming soon!

I've also just joined Pinterest so I'll be having fun learning how to use that, I'll keep you posted!