DIY Ringflash/lite

Sometime ago I decided that I wanted a ringlight because it gave off a 'cool lighting' effect that I very much wanted to play around with. Seeing as how I was short on cash my only solution was to make one myself, and with the help of the internet I found this DIY Ringflash/lite tutorial by Flickr member Jedrek 

I didn't exactly have all the materials that were listed on the tutorial so I made due with what was available in my kitchen and craft supply drawer. With the help of none other than Maki, we made this makeshift fun piece of lighting equipment.

This was the result of the DIY ringlight. The light seems less harsh than what a real ringlight produces but that's to be expect from something handmade. Still, it produces a fun little effect. I was standing roughly 4ft. from the wall and the camera was around 3ft. away from me.

And here is another photo that I took several weeks later. I look oh so fabulous. I was a few inches away from the wall and this time the camera was 2ft. away. As you can see, it works better when you are closer to both the wall and the camera.

So if you have a bit of a McGyver in you and you want to play around with your light then check out the tutorial posted above or search for a different one. There's plenty of them out there. Have fun~

-Marice

Kaoru Munny -Part 1

This Spring we fell in love with the anime series Sakamichi no Apollon (Kids on the Slope) The 9 volume manga series written by Yuki Kodama was made into a 12 episode series that aired in the beginning of April. The series takes place in 1966 Japan where we meet High School Freshman Nishimi Kaoru, who moves in with some relatives in a different town all due to his father's job situation. Because of his constant relocation, Kaoru had a tendency to keep to himself, never making any friends or participating in social events. This all changes when he meets fellow classmate and "notorious bad boy" Sentarou.

Through a series of events and as the two spend time together, Kaoru learns about Sentarou's love and passion for Jazz music and drum playing. Being classically trained in Piano, Kaoru finds himself wanting to learn more about Jazz, not only because of Sentarou's interest in it but because of Ritsuko as well. Ritsuko is the daughter of the Welcome Records shop owner where her father, Sentarou and Kaoru have frequent practice sessions. She has known Sentarou since they were children, thus giving them a brother and sister type relations, however, she is also Karou's love interest.

There's so much character and plot development, all with it's ups and downs, that it hooks you in from the very first episode. Not only are you filled with empathy towards the characters but you get enveloped in the amazingly composed music. I love this series so much that it inspired me to create a custom painted Munny of Kaoru for Maki. I have plans to create a tiny piano to accompany him and a bookbag too. This will surely be challenging since my painting skills are a bit rusty but I have not lost my confidence~!

I got these design templates via DeviantArt to help me get started with my design.

I will have to cut off the tail, sand it down, fill it with Mr. Epoxy Putty and sand it once more. Once I've done that I will prime the Munny with gray primer and begging my sketching/painting on him. Sure, I have it all planned out but lets see how many problems I encounter along the way, not to mention his glasses are going to be tricky to change. Good luck to me.

-Marice


Anime images via animevice.com

Do It Youself: Blingtastic Nails

Materials:
Nail polish in the color of your choice
Loose Glitter
Rhinestones and other embellishments
Clear Nail polish
Fluffy Craft Brush

Step 1 :: Select your color scheme! For this tutorial I'm going to be
using black nail polish, silver loose glitter, clear/silver
rhinestones and white pearl stones.

Step 2 :: Apply your nail polish color base and let it dry. 

Step 3 :: Apply the clear nail polish to the top half of your nail.
Starting from your cuticle first and then moving downwards. Dip your
fluffy craft brush into the loose glitter to pick some of it up. While
the clear polish is still wet carefully hold the brush over your nail
and sprinkle the glitter on top of the clear nail polish. Do not press
the brush on to your nail. Chances are you will add too much glitter
and you will have to start all over again. If you want more glitter
just repeat this step again. 

Step 4 :: Apply clear nail polish again but this time apply it to the
top 3/4 of your nail instead of the half. Sprinkle glitter on your
nail again as described in step 3.

Step 5 :: Apply clear nail polish to the entire nail. Pick up only a
little bit of the glitter and sprinkle it to the tip of the nail only.

Step 6 :: It's time to add your rhinestones! Using the clear nail polish
as your glue, put a small dot of the clear polish on your nail where
you want to place your stones. Once you are satisfied with the
arrangement of your stones, press down on them gently to ensure that
the stones are set and wont come off.

Step 7 :: It's time to seal the stones with the clear nail polish. Apply
the clear nail polish to your rhinestones making sure that the stones
are completely covered in clear nail polish. Don't hold back on the
nail polish! It might look like a lot at first but once the clear
polish dries it will look much cleaner and settled. If you feel like
the stones are not secure enough just repeat this step again. 

Step 8 :: This step is optional or if you have long nails. Add a thin

coat of clear nail polish to the rest of your nail.

FINITO! Your nails are blingtastic!

This nail tutorial was brought to you by Maki~!