I’ve been very slack with blogging what I’ve been up to recently – hey, I’ve been busy! So, I thought I’d share a few of my recently published features in Dog’s Monthly magazine for any crafty pet parents out there! Do let me know if you try any of them!
Who doesn’t love shopping? I certainly do, especially when I’m looking for local products which are both luxurious and ethical. I had a blast writing this Valentine’s Day gift guide for Somerset Life magazine.
My latest craft tutorial for Dog’s Monthly magazine sees me turn a plain chopping board into a kitsch lead holder. If you’re a dog owner why not make one? Guaranteed to get tails wagging!
Click the pages to enlarge
I’m happy to be working with Dogs Monthly magazine again, providing them with a monthly DIY tutorial. Dogs and crafting – what’s not to like! Here’s my first project, how to create pop art inspired bowls – sure to brighten any feeding area.
Click the pages for an enlarged view
My tutorial in the march issue of Dogs Monthly shows readers how to turn an old suitcase into an in vogue bed for pampered pooches. Such a fun project, why not have a go yourself?
This month I’ve contributed to Vintage Life – the glossy super glam magazine, full of vintage style. My feature sees me write about my Fiancé, Tom, and I making our own wedding rings, which we did with Nicola Hurst Design Jewellery, Plymouth, who offers wedding ring workshops. It was a brilliant experience, which I’d highly recommend. Take a look at my feature below and pick up a copy of Vintage Life in WHSmith. 
A while ago I was commissioned by Future Publishing to write 4-page feature on taking great photos for eBay, for one of their computing bookazines. This has since been published in one of their craft bookazines too – after all, everyone wants to improve their chances of a profitable auction with great-looking images, right? Click the images below for a better look.
Make your own light tent
If you’re interested in taking better product shots, why not make your own light tent, from a cardborad box? Just follow my step-by-step instructions below:
You will need: Cardboard box / White material / White paper / White card / Glue /Tape measure or long ruler / Tape /Marker pen
Step 1: Measure & mark
With your ruler measure and mark two inches from the side of the box, on all four edges, so you’ve effectively drawn a neat square/rectangle in the centre of the box, with a two inch boarder. Do this on all four sides of the box, but leave the top and bottom alone.
Step 2: Cut it out
Cut out the squares that you previously marked in step 1 – this is a little tricky so go slowly and be careful. You also need to cut the flaps off the top of the box, so that there is no longer a lid on the structure. Leave the bottom alone.
Step 3: Get it white
The inside of your structure needs to be bright white. Cut out 16 strips which are two inches wide (length will vary depending on your box) and then glue onto the inside – make sure they are a perfect fit before you get the glue out.
Step 4: Material magic
Take your piece of white cotton (an old pillowcase works well) and cut three pieces to cover the holes you’ve made in the sides of the structure. Tape these so the join of the material to the structure is on the outside of the box. Leave one side empty.
Step 5: Build a backdrop
The side of the box which is opposite the one side without material, is where you need to install a backdrop. Cut your card so it fits the side of box and along the bottom, making a nice curved bend. You’ll display your eBay items against this.
Step 6: Top it off
Cover the top of your structure with cotton, in the same way as before. Now its ready to use – shine a desk lamp over the top of the structure and shoot your items against the backdrop, with your camera on a tripod, poking through the one free side of your light box.
April’s issue of Dog’s Monthly sees me show readers how to make a cosy dog bed.
In the March issue of Dog’s Monthly magazine I show readers how to make a delightful looking dog-shaped draft excluder in ten simple steps.
