Showing posts with label Baby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baby. Show all posts

Preparing For Baby {DIY Photo Props}


I'm not a professional by any means, but I love taking pictures...especially of newborns. I love browsing through etsy and looking at all the new and trendy photo props. In anticipation of the arrival of our little one, I had an entire list of pictures and props I wanted to use. Unfortunately, my budget didn't allow me to buy everything on my dream list....but it also didn't stop me from creating my own!

At the top of my list were the baby cocoons and hats. I love them. I want them in every color. And now I can! I realized that all they really are is a long tube. It dawned on my that I could easily use my Knifty Knitters {and I wouldn't have to learn to knit} that were tucked away in the closet! I was so excited! I ran right out, bought some yarn, and a couple hours later and two sets of cocoons with matching hats!
I used the Large {Green} Sized ring to create my cocoons. I made it approximately 20" long. My little guy was about a month old before I had a chance to use my cocoon and it was large on him. They have a lot of stretch to them. I used the Small {blue} Sized ring to create the little hats and it fit perfectly. I dressed the cocoon up a bit by tying a blue ribbon around him.
I love the "Pea In A Pod" pictures, so I also made a set in green. I'm still trying to get the perfect picture in a little basket, but I have captured a couple adorable ones!
These are large enough to go up around the baby, so they look all snuggly!
I also made a bowl shaped cocoon using the Extra Large {Yellow} sized ring. I waited a bit too long to use this prop, as my little man doesn't really curl his legs up anymore, making it hard to hide the diaper. He still fit in it, but it was a tight fit and he didn't really like it. This is a prop that would be best for a newborn, as they still curl up and sleep easily.
I didn't make this last one, but I bought the pattern off Etsy and my sweet mother in law made for me while she was visiting. I just love it! She is making me one in a larger size and I can't wait to get more pictures of him in it!

The best part is that I can add these to my Photo Prop Bin and use them when I take pictures of all my friend's new babies! 
I used Photoshop Elements and free actions from Coffee Tea and Photography and also Pioneer Woman to fix and dress up my photos a bit. I think one of the most fun parts is playing around with the photos when you are done!

I joined these parties:

Preparing For Baby {Car Seat Canopy}

Hello! Nicole here!
I'm back after a little (8 month) unplanned break. I was busy creating something wonderfully cute and precious. It was exhausting work, but totally worth it in the end!
I'm so excited to introduce you to the newest ~and long awaited~ addition to our family. He arrived a month ago and has stolen our hearts.
~~William Jay~~

Although I didn't post on the blog, I was busy creating lots of baby things to prepare for the arrival of this sweet little man. Some things I created from scratch and others I used templates and patterns already provided by other fabulous bloggers. I took pictures along the way and I'm going to share it all! I will post as regularly as I can...or should I say as regularly as Will will let me!

{Car Seat Canopy}
My first project was a carseat canopy. They didn't have these 7 years ago when I had my daughter and it was at the top of my baby list for our little man. It took me forevvver to decide on fabric...I mean like 7 months! Everything I liked was way too girly. Then I stumbled upon the Happier Collection by Riley Blake. It was instant love. It comes in several color ways, but here are the coordinates I used.
Then I had to decide on how I was going to do it. I wanted something fancy and unique and different! I found the Zippit Car Seat Canopy pattern on Etsy and ordered it right away. It was a little pricey, but exactly what I was looking for. Plus, she allows commercial use of her pattern without any other additional charges! It was fairly easy to follow, but there were a couple parts that were a little tricky.
I'm so proud of my finished project! I put in a zipper and used piping, velcro and snaps for the first time...and it all works how it is suppose to! 
One of the things that drew me to this particular cover, was the angled side corners. I love that it doesn't touch the ground and get dirty. It is a much more tailored and clean look.
It has a bustle in the back to allow for air flow. It just snaps in place...super easy!
What I love the most, though, is the zippered front.
It is awesome being able to adjust it depending on where we are and what we are doing.
Our little man loves it and instantly falls asleep as soon as he is buckled in.
I give this cover 2 thumbs up and would totally recommend to those wanting to make one! 

I will be back soon with my coordinating diaper bag and accessories.
Once I finally found a fabric I loved, I went a little crazy with it!

I joined these fun parties: