My Right Brain

HOW TO: Wrapping With Tissue Paper

Less is more - it's just a fact, and often something that I have trouble embracing.  I like layers, I like frill, I like ethnic - but I also am really attracted to simplified clean versions of those things.  As a result, I am always on the quest to strike a balance, where less is more - but with an extra kick of spice (I guess for me it really should be, less-ish is more).  Well, the beautiful tutorial I found on The Journals of Giddy Giddy made me so very happy because it screams OUT LOUD (can you hear it) - less is more, but with a kick (she is my kind of people).  The thing I like most about her simple and easy tutorial, is that you don't need much to make a HUGE impact.  Not only is the final product embracing the less is more concept, the execution is as well.  The designs can be totally abstract, the materials recycled from the tissue paper your new sweater was wrapped in, and other than scissors, glue, and some creativity you don't need much more.  Thank you Giddy Giddy and keep up the great work - I can't wait to try this for myself.
 

HOW TO: Polaroid Composites

Who doesn't love a Polaroid picture?  They were the first instant gratification photo and with their snappy borders, they will always have a special place in our hearts.  Now a days it's a little harder to get your hands on film, since they stopped producing it, but many people still sell it or stocked up before the film was discontinued.  One of the best things to do with Polaroid film is create composites (a la David Hockney).  For an inexpensive cost, you can tell a beautiful visual picture (that has movement, and subtly) with that classic Polaroid flair.  Below are perfect examples by Juan Felipe Rubio, aren't they great?  And so easy to do at home (just trouble shoot it out).

Via Design Work Life

HOW TO: Make a Favicon/.ico File

For a long time I have been wondering how to customize those little icons you see (everywhere) in the browser just to the left of website's url.  If that statement alone confuses you, take a look at at the browser address (above) and see my new RL logo (also shown in the pic below - YUP, I'm fancy now :)

  

Making this was SO easy, I kinda can't believe that I hadn't done it sooner...So here are the steps:

• Create/select a picture, logo or other graphic (of any size/resolution) for the 'Source Image.'
• Find a site (many are free) that enables you to convert the 'Source Image' into a favicon or .ico file (I used FavIcon from Pics and it worked perfectly).
• Follow the sites directions (they are all pretty much the same, but differ slightly in the details - so just choose your own preference).
• Once you generate the .ico file, you now need to upload it into your site.  I searched the help menu in typepad and the instructions were very straight forward (upload it into your file manager - within your library drop down menu), clear your cache (if using Safari) and then hit refresh.

So easy, right? Yay branding!

HOW TO: Ink Bubbles - In Action

After I posted this towards the end of November, I got the BEST email - and had to share.  CF is a new friend that I met through LT, and just the other day I received an email from her that read:

I made up this little project based on inspiration from your blog about the artist who does wishes with bubbles.  A group of us are getting together tonight and will be discussing the new year and making declarations for what we desire in 2010.  So I made 7 different colored bubbles in jars - I researched qualities that are represented by each color - I am bringing vellum and thick textured paper - and each of us will create our own bubble painting - using the colors that best represent what we want to achieve in 2010.

So fun!!  Had to share!  Hope to see you soon!

How great is that?  First of all I love when anyone takes an idea from a bog and runs with it (it's what I do, so I am always flattered when people do it from here).  But for her to then go the extra mile, share with me her idea, include photos, and then give me the OK that I could share it with all my readers - magic, right?  I can assure you that this it is no surprise to LT, she has always told me that CF is amazing - but I have loved discovering it for myself.  I mean, average people just don't do this type of thing.  Anyway, getting an email like this reminded me why I enjoy putting the work into My Right Brain and why it's important to stay creative and seek design inspiration from all over.  So in addition to CF, I want to also thank you for reading, enjoying, and holding me accountable.  Here's to the starting 2010 on the right foot with colorful bubbles and all.

HOW TO: Make A Gift Bow From A Magazine

I stumbled on this DIY when browsing How About Orange earlier this month (they actually have a great DIY tutorial section that's worth exploring - if you are into that).  Anyway, I thought that it was so cute and easy, and something I will absolutely do on my own (so naturally I had to share).  This how to can be great if you are trying to save money, if you are in need an emergency wrap job (last min) and you use newspaper/magazine/paper scraps laying around your house, if you are environmentally conscientious (this is recycling at it's best - especially if the gift you are wrapping is a hand-me-down) or if you don't care about anything but just like the look (which is totally acceptable in this situation cause it looks so cute :)

MATERIALS:

• Magazine
• Scissors
• Tape
• Stapler

Step 1: Wrap your gift
Step 2: Cut the Magazine lengthwise into 9 strips.  HAO suggests you leave 3 of the strips full length. Cut one inch off 3 of the strips. Cut two inches off 2 of the strips. Cut the last strip down to 3 1/2" long. HAO also suggests they be 3/4" wide - but you can experiment with proportions/sizes on your own and explore (but they should be basically this same ratio).

Step 3: Twist each strip to form a loop at both ends and staple it in the center. Shape the last, short strip into a circle and secure it with tape.

Step 4: Layer the 3 longest pieces on top of each other, spacing them evenly and securing each with tape. Add the next two groups of pieces, doing the same. And finally, stick the loop into the center.


Via How About Orange