How-to make your own photo props

6 August 2012



The last couple of weeks have been very busy for me. I have been preparing for my leave at Choccywoccydoodah and making sure everything is ship shape before I pass the baton to Spex (who will take my place in the flower department). I am sad to say goodbye to everyone but also very excited about spending more time with Molly and working on Vintage Owl Boutique full time. 

It is an end of an era though and an era I don't want to forget too easily. So, I have decided for my leaving-do I would make some photo props, so I could get some good snaps of the gang together. These props have become all the rage at weddings and parties recently with photo booths popping up all over the country. You can buy photo props online at around £14.99 for 5. With me leaving a guaranteed wage I decided to make them for near to nothing. This is how I did it....



You will need:
Felt
Tacky Glue
Bamboo Skewers or Dowel (can easily get from Poundland)
Paper (to make your templates)
Scissors
Tailors Chalk or pen (to mark out your templates)

Cost to make - £0 
(These are all things I had already)


1. Make your templates on some paper. I found it easier to fold the paper in half and draw out half a moustache / lip or glasses to make sure your template symmetrical. Once your happy with what you have done, cut out with some scissors.


2.  Mark out your templates on the felt using tailors chalk or a pen. Cut out. I would cut out two of each shape. Felt can be a bit floppy and doubling it will definitely make your moustache or lips stronger. For the glasses I backed it with cardboard as they needed something a bit stronger because of the shape and size. 


3.  Once all your felt is cut out, it's time to apply your tacky glue. Apply a generous amount to the back of your felt. Place your bamboo skewer where you would like it and then put your other piece of felt on top. Press lightly until it feels secure. 


4. Once glue is dry you can trim round the edges if there are any overlapping edges. 


5. Grab friends and have lots of fun taking photos!






I hope this tutorial was helpful. Feel free to send me any questions you may have about this "How-to".

Enjoy and have fun!

Peek at Kiernan Shipka's wardrobe...


Kiernan Shipka, who you will know better as Sally Draper from Mad Men, has an amazing sense of style. Not only on the set but off set too. In this video Kiernan gives Laura Brown, from Hello Style, a glimpse at her wardrobe. For a 11 year old... this girl has amazing clothes and not only that she makes clothes as well!  

Really can't wait for Season 6 of Mad Men! This show is incredible and I am truly addicted! 

New bits & bobs at Department

22 April 2012



1970s Maxi dress... fresh on shop floor.
Only £20!
Mr D and I made a little visit to Department with two big bags of stock and a couple of other nik naks today. It was a beautiful morning with Sunday browsers out at full force. 

The stall was in need of a spruce so Mr D got his duster out and made everything looked loved again. New on the rails are some lovely vintage maxi dresses and skirts (including this 1970s maxi dress!). Also, you can find some beautiful vintage fabrics and an old Singer sewing machine for sale. It has become a sewing enthusiasts dream down at the Basement at Department Flea Market!

We were in need of some new shelving so I turned  two vintage wooden crates into a shoe rack. These wooden crates came from an old apple farm, and not only are they great for storing things in but can be easily turned into unique and rustic shelving if stacked on top of each other. Our vintage shoes certainly look pretty in their new home.  

So, pop on down to Department Flea Market in Hove! It is a great little haven with some amazing sellers selling beautiful vintage treasures. Even Molly left with a little something today. A gorgeous Noddy toy from Hello! Vintage Kids. Her eyes turned into huge saucers when she saw him and I knew I had to get him for her. It's hard to turn down a bargain when it only costs £6!



So, ta ta for now!

Big love,

Molly cuddling Noddy. Thank you Hello! Vintage Kids!

Freshly stocked rail at Department Flea Market
 with items from £5 - £120

Old Singer sewing machine with original wooden case, £25

Suitcase full of gorgeous vintage fabrics and other bits and bobs