October search for color inspiration

 I love autumn. My creative juices seem to flow better while the skies are gloomy and it's raining cats and dogs. 

This weekend, my hubby and I payed a visit to the miniature version of our city's big flea market, the neighborhood's small-but-full-of-hidden-treasures market.

The clouds were hanging heavy on the led sky and we knew we had to hurry. Only a few tables were full with the usual second (or third) hand stuff: clothes, bags, toys, cutlery, paintings, a pair of vintage Dior sunglases, jewelry and some vintage camera lenses.

At this last table, my husband lingered more than the usual 30 seconds, so I knew he must have found something very interesting. He bought two lenses, a 1973's Soligor 28 mm 2.8 and a 1983's Helios44m 56mm.

Now, those numbers didn't mean much to me then, but, as we got home soaked by the pouring rain that had just started, I've decided I wanted to learn more.

So when the storm toned down, we went to a walk around the block, to test the camera by taking some shots that were on my autumn photo check list for a while...

A reason why I love this season so much is because whenever my inspiration levels are low, all I have to do is take my camera and go outside.    

We live close to the forest but the beauty of fall is that every little plant that I wouldn't normally notice has something to show off for, so a walk around the neighborhood will do.

The colors and textures of foliage and fruits in the trees are amazing. I like watching all the transformations plants go through and taking photo samples of their color palletes.

It was a very good opportunity to test my new polka dots rainboots, also:)

Don't you think autumn is the coziest of seasons, with the sweaters, wool socks, hot cocoa, umbrellas, fog, rain, warm colors, hoodies and boots?

All these photos we taken with the Soligor prime lens (except the flying birds one, ©Elle Moss), and I must say, the 10 euros Atti payed for it were a bargain! It takes very crisp shots and the manual focusing is definitely more satisfying then the automatic one.

So, by the time it was dark, I had ended up with these photos and some brand new crafting ideas for my shop:)

You can find the felted acorns featured above (and more handmade rustic home decor) in my Etsy shop, here.

Newspaper nails tutorial

I've wanted to do this for such a long time, so, when a friend of mine came over for a 2 week visit, this is how we spent a quality girls' afternoon:)

What you need:

- old newspaper cut into 2*2cm pieces

- pastel color nail polish (light grey, white, cream, light pink, coral etc.)

- transparent nail polish

- strong alcohol ( the one pictured here is romanian "tuica" but regular vodka will work just fine)

- some paper towels

Step 1:

Paint your nails with pastel nail polish and let dry for at least 20 minutes. I've used a light grayish-beige hue.

Step 2:

Dip your finger in alcohol for 5 seconds.

Step 3:

On a kitchen paper towel, press the newspaper piece (with the written part on the nail surface) on the wet nail and hold for 15 seconds. Try to press evenly on the entire nail, without moving the paper.

Step 4:

Carefully, slowly remove the newspaper by pulling in the writing direction, from left to right or right to left, not from the base of the nail upwards or vice-versa :).  

Repeat for all fingers. You can also use small images from the newspaper, like this small clock I've found:)

Step 5:

Let dry for 5 minutes. After all nails are dry, apply the transparent gloss. Be careful not to pass more than once (maximum twice) on the same area, as it is possible that the letters will smudge. Just start applying the polish from the middle and add 2 strikes on the sides and that's it!

Enjoy your original nails!

Here are some photos I took of the same technique but a different friend and with a light pink base:

I simply love the lace-torn jeans combo

using my miniature Dior and some fabric petals as  props for  whimsical photos

newspaper nails on light pink base

daylight is my best friend

I hope you enjoyed my mini tutorial:) I would really love to see how your whimsical nails turned out! Just send me some photos and I will post them here ;)