Photography page up and running!

I am so very pleased to announce that something I have been wanting to do for well, just about FOREVER, is finally up and running! My photography can now be seen at this website http://brieherreraphotography.shutterfly.com/ and I am accepting bookings for custom portrait sessions. I am also planning to get some of my prints matted and listed for sale either on etsy or in a local gallery soon, but all prints seen are available for purchase now, just contact me for more info!

Please send this info in the direction of anyone who might be interested and I'll keep you posted on the progression of this dream becoming reality!

DIY- Cake Stands

For a while now I've been searching for a cake stand that is simple, sleek and crisp.....and doesn't break the bank. I mean, how often do you actually use a cake stand? Unless you are Martha Stewart it probably comes out of hiding 3-4 times a year (and no one really cares but you what it looks like but you).

So in my quest to do things the penny pinching, way I came up with a very simple concept for cake stands on a budget!

This entire project cost around $9, but I made 3 cake stands and have a whole tube of glue left over for more projects.

Supplies Needed:

Ceramic Plates- any shape, size or color will do....(I went with white because that was the simple look I wanted, but you could do a cake stand to match any occasion or cake. My plates were all purchased at the dollar store, but goodwill is a great place to find them too!)

Glass Candlesticks- again dollar store, cheap! (The small one shown was in a two pack for $1. I got the large one shown with the muffins for 99 cents at goodwill.)

E6000 Glue- $1.99(can be purchased at any craft store or superstore)

Spray Paint- $1 -White (or whatever matches your plate)

The first step is to measure out the middle of the plate and mark it with a pencil. My plates were easy and all had either a raised ring or a stamp marking dead center.

Next (and do this step outside...PLEASE!) put E6000 glue on both the candlestick and the plate where they will touch. Follow the directions on the glue and wait 2-5 minutes before sticking them together.

Then you can break out the spray paint and blend the 2 pieces together. (note: I do not recommend painting the top portion of the plate since most spray paints are not food safe...if you have to paint it to achieve a unified look please use parchment when serving on the stand)

 Reapply and let the glue set-up for 24-72 hours before washing and using.

Ta- Da! Super cute (and super cheap) cake stands!

DIY-Poster Board Wall Art

So today I am sharing a DIY/tutorial (my first so bare with me) that I recently came up with after seeing the high price of -oh so simple- wall art.

 Besides the price tag shock, I was also never really able to find the exact color palette I was looking for.....thus I created my own art!

 Don't be scared, this project requires NO art skills!!!

All you need is an eye for color/pattern and the ability to use an exacto knife and a glue gun...easy peasy!

Let's get started....first here is the supplies you will need: (some items not shown)

2 sheets of poster board ( I got mine for $1 each at the dollar store)

8-10 sheets of scrapbook paper in coordinating colors/patterns-(I find it's best to go with similar colors but fun patterns- mix it up- don't be scared and make sure you add at least one contrasting color or pattern!)

spray glue (or rubber cement, or mod podge, or a glue stick...whatever you have that glues!)

an exacto knife (for exacto cutting..hehe....make sure you also have cardboard or a cutting board to cut on)

a hot glue gun (and glue sticks...duh)

a ruler and pencil

3mm brand sticky strips for putting your finished product on the wall (I used a  small 4 pack)

Total cost for materials- approximately $10

First you will need to cut your poster board into squares, I chose to cut three in the full size of a scrapbook paper sheet (12" x 12"), Three in a rectangle (12" x 6"), Three in an 8" square, and ended up with Seven in a 6" square. I find it's best to cut odd numbers of squares to balance out the piece without looking too symmetrical.

Next layout the pieces on a large surface...just take your time and layer, nothing is final at this point so mix it up a bit!

Once you have a plan start spraying your poster board with the glue and pressing and smoothing your scrapbook paper on. For the smaller pieces, I glued the full sheet on and then cut the excess with the exacto knife. If you don't like the color spacing you can ix your pieces up again at this point.

Lastly grab that trusty glue gun and start sticking it all together.

If you have OCD you can use a level or straight edge, but if you are lazy like me you can eyeball it.

Use the directions on your 3mm sticky strips to mount onto the wall and voila! You have a super chic, totally original piece of artwork for $10 or less!