Ever since I can remember, I've been putting some kind of stuff on my face. Sometimes it was even actual makeup!
I still like to play with makeup. I particularly enjoy trying new eyeshadow palettes. It doesn't really matter what brand they are, so you won't see a lot of prestige makeup in my collection. There's a bit of everything, really.
The latest addition to the group is the one I try out in the video, the Wet n Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Trio -Spoiled Brat. What attracted me to it is the vivid fuchsia color paired with black. I still don't know when I'll use the silver.
Wet n Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Trio
Oh, the price! How could I forget to mention that this eyeshadow is less then $3.00! I can't remember if I got mine at Walmart or Target, but the price is about the same. I've also seen it at Walgreens. The quality of the shadows is comparable to that of brands in the mid-price range. This particular shadow trio is surprisingly pigmented and easy to blend. You can't tell from the above picture, but the black shade is sparkly and quite pigmented. The fuchsia is sort of iridescent and satiny, easy to blend and pigmented. The silver is, well, it's silver, a bit frosty, creamy and easy to blend. I'll give it a go next time.
As I mention in the video, it's fun to try out eyeshadow shades without breaking the bank. You can see what colors work for you. And if they don't work, no worries, with a product like the Wet n Wild shadow trio, you're just out a few bucks!
The Wet n Wild brand eyeshadow has been consistently good quality and affordable. It was one of the first brands I used as a teenager. It's nice to see that Wet n Wild is still around offering great products that pretty much anyone can afford. I think I need to try more of the shadow trios in this collection!
This last week, we drove around on squealing wheels. Yep, the brake pads were worn out and letting us know about it!
Since we are a frugal lot, we knew our hands would soon be quite filthy. So we did a bit of research and set out to fix the brakes ourselves. Which you will see in the video.
Now, mind you, we aren't professionals in the least! But we did manage to get the brake pads changed and everything is working quite well. However, do this type of work at your own risk. If you have any doubts, find a pro to handle the task for you.
To be sure, had we loads of money, we would have paid someone to do the job. This, purely because of the time involved. We burned a whole day working on the truck! Still, I do enjoy trying to fix things on our own. Especially when all goes well!
The other day, a viewer requested a tutorial on making animated GIFs from video, using Photoshop Elements. I've been wanting to do a video about this for a while, now seems like a pretty good time!
So here is what I've come up with using the older Photoshop Elements 7.0, as well as, a handy little free program called CamStudio. I hope you like it!
In the comments on a previous tutorial, someone recently asked where to get Photoshop Elements 7.0 software to make animated GIFs. While Photoshop Elements 7.0 is likely still available for purchase, I realize some may not want to purchase it just to make animated GIFs.
When I first became interested in making animated graphics for websites many years ago, I found GIMP. It's very similar to Photoshop (in some ways, better!) but it's FREE! Well, I guess that counts as one of the ways it's better! haha! So, I put together this tutorial in case others may want an alternative to costly software.
Summer is a good time to experiment with fun makeup looks using bright colors.
In this tutorial, I use a vivid purple with a bit of what looks like a denim blue. To create a little more interest, I apply a small amount of a pretty purple glitter liner . It looks much more sparkly in real life so one doesn't need much.
This video is supposed to be in HD, though it seems for now it appears in 480p. Still, I think the quality will suffice.
I suppose no more be said. Enjoy the video! (^.^)v
Not too long ago, I showed how to make a simple wire rose ring. In the vid, I showed an example of a similar ring with a bead in it. Some viewers were curious how to make one of those. So, here's the vid showing how to do it!
Enjoy! (^.^)v
Not too long ago, a viewer asked how to make a GIF with images that fade into one another. I think I've addressed it in this video. Though I'm sure there are a few more ways the same result can be achieved. It's been a while since I've made a fading GIF, so I may be a tad rusty. In any case, I hope someone finds this tutorial useful.
As for the length of time it has taken me to post a video or to blog about anything at all . . .
Well, it's been one interesting start of a year, let's say!
I had high hopes this year. With plans to start some new projects early on. Sadly, illness and a few other surprises have put a kink in my scheme and knocked me off path. (~.~)
No worries. Back on track I go.
In the works are videos about the crazy workout I just started. ~Oh my!~ Yes, I finished TurboFire and loved it. I was on my 2nd or 3rd? round of it, when I decided to mix it up a bit.
The new workout is called Insanity. Did I say this already? Its name is quite fitting. 'Cause you pretty much have to be CRAZY to do this workout! Which, I suppose, suits me fine. ha! Now, if you think you're up for the challenge, you can find Insanity through my website: www.beachbodycoach.com/SDCHAN
Browse my page, click on the Shop and find it there or just click this graphic!
Pretty much, I dare you! hahaha!
Just kiddin'. I wouldn't want to be responsible for anyone getting hurt. That being said, here's my Disclaimer:
If you should try any workout program that I recommend on this site, do so at your own risk! I should probably add, see a doctor before doing the programs I mention on this site. Make sure you can handle it. Especially, Insanity. Holy cow!
More on this at a later date.
Okay, I'll move on.
I also hope to do more videos about the simple jewelry I've made. It seems many of you are interested in how to make your own. I'll be sure to put a few more jewelry tutorials out there.
Oh! And animation tutorials! I can't forget those, because they are some of my favorite. Those videos are also the most time-consuming. I'll do my best!
It's going to be a busy year. Let's all make it a great one! \(^.^)/
For some reason, this short tutorial took days to complete! That would be the reason you don't see many like it on my channel. Still, I enjoy doing these kinds of videos and plan to do more in the future.
The tutorial shows how to use the chroma keyer plugin found in Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0. At least, the way I use it. Ha!
I don't have a chroma green backdrop, so I decided to create a simple animation and give it a green background. Sort of a green screen simulation.
I created the animation using Anime Studio Pro, which is a whole different tutorial in itself. Yep, I've already made a tutorial for that one.
Here's the link to a 3-part series I did explaining switch layers, and whatnot, in Anime Studio Pro 6: Switch Layer Tutorial
Okay, moving on to chroma keying.
Here's what it looks like after chroma keying.
This image contains 4 layers. The girl animation, a photo of a tree, some clouds and a photo of the moon. In that order. The chroma key plugin was applied to the girl animation background, and then to the sky in the tree photo. I could have used video in the layers instead of photos if I wanted. Which would be pretty cool, too! There are so many options. I did manage to animate the moon using track motion.
My face in the sky was cut out with the Cookie Cutter plugin. I changed the border of it to blue and chroma keyed that, too. I was told the result was creepy ... not nearly as creepy as the junk that would have shown up in the background. Haha! Oh, the possibilities!
One thing to note, when applying any type of effect to media in Vegas, one needs to understand which option to choose between Media FX and Video Event FX. My understanding is that selecting Media FX applies the chosen effect to the clip in every instance in which it appears, including in the Project Media bin. If Video Event FX is chosen, only in that instance is the desired effect applied. So, using Media FX helps to save time if the media will be used repeatedly throughout the entire work.
I tried to keep the tutorial as simple as possible. But, of course, there are a few slightly more complex elements I threw in toward the end. I briefly brush over how to animate the moon, but didn't go into detail. I may need to make another tutorial!
We have a tradition of sorts around here. Each of us owns and often wears a wire ring or two that I've made out of wire. Something like these...
On occasion, I'm asked to make a few more for close friends of the family. The simple wire rose ring has been dubbed, the "family ring".
I'm not sure where I first found the design, though I'm certain it isn't uncommon. So, I thought I'd share with everyone how they can make they're own. Maybe start your own tradition!
\(^.^)/
Here's a little video in which I show how to quickly make a wire rose ring. If you have any questions, private message me, or leave a comment below. And thanks for checking out the video!
Enjoy!
Materials used:
Artistic Wire--Gunmetal Color--20gauge
Graduated Wooden Ring Mandrel (for ring sizing)
Unmarked Wooden Ring Mandrel (for shaping)
Jewelry Wire Cutters
Flat-tipped Chain Nose Pliers
Round-tipped Chain Nose Pliers
These items can be found at craft stores, on Amazon.com and sometimes even at Walmart.
Recently, I did a video for a dramatic makeup look using my favorite black and red eyeshadows. That post here: http://spiritsuds.blogspot.com/2012/10/black-and-red-makeup-look.html
Right after I finished that video, I swiped it all off and put on a slightly more natural look~so I could run some errands without getting too much attention. haha! (O.o)
Since the camera was right there, I filmed the "natural look", too! Here it is...
Enjoy! (^.^)/
I decided to stick with a BB cream by Garnier in the light/medium color, instead of using a foundation. This particular BB cream gives my skin a moist dewy feel. It also contains a sunscreen and has a slight tint, though the coverage is light. It's perfect to use for a simple every day face, since it goes on smoothly without caking.
Now, I do use a lot of CoverGirl concealer in fair, because I have dark circles under my eyes and a bit of redness here and there. Also, the concealer gives a contouring effect.
To cut down on shine, I dusted lightly with CoverGirl Professional Loose Powder in translucent fair. It feels clean without the heaviness.
For my brows, I used a light taupe/brown color from the Coastal Scents 26 Shadow & Blush Palette. This just fills them in a bit.
Just a hint of color goes on the lid of the eye. I used the highlighting blush from the same Coastal Scents palette. The color is very pale and is in a matte finish. Subtle, but it brightens.
The crease has a darker brown color from the palette. I blended it out almost completely with a fluffy brush, since all I wanted was just a hint of a shadow.
An even darker brown shadow was used as a liner, again, from the same palette. I used a small flat rounded-tip brush for this.
I finished the eyes off with Maybelline's The Falsies (flared) Mascara in very black. Though in the video I think I said it was blackest black. Honestly, I think they look the same. I've used them both and can't tell. (^.-)
For the lips, I wanted to stay very neutral. Mostly, because it's more natural looking. But also, my lips are a bit uneven and thin. This helps to keep the focus off of them, I think. I used a Maybelline lip pencil in toast and topped it off with Maybelline lipstick in totally toffee.
Oh, I almost forgot the cheeks! This is important, since blushes can help a lot with contouring the face. To keep it simple, I decided to forgo the Coastal Scents 6 Contour and Blush Palette. It's my favorite contouring palette, but I use it more for dramatic looks. Instead, I decided to use the blushes in the 26 Shadow & Blush Palette. I chose the shade that is more brownish for contouring the hollows of the cheeks, temples, forehead and under the chin. Then for the apples of the cheek, I applied the more pinkish brown tone. I used the palest color to highlight my cheekbones.
Here it is!
If you find watching makeup tutorials fun, you may enjoy this. Or if you just want to hear some peaceful music~~
Either way, I hope you like the vid! \(^.^)/
When I'm feeling a little under the weather, as I have been lately, it helps to put on a face and get on with the day. So, I made a little video about it. Nothing fancy, just a simple quick look to help brighten the mood.
Basically, it's all about keeping makeup light, while still getting enough coverage to look less zombie-like. I've tried just washing my face and leaving skin bare, but the dark circles under my eyes make me look worse than I actually feel! haha!
Even though I don't go out much lately (it's too blooming hot outside!) I still like to have something on my face. I feel more polished and alert with my mask on. For me, it's fun to play in the makeup!
Oh, I like to pretend I'm not a girly girl and that things like nail polish and blush don't matter to me. Really, there are loads of other things I find more entertaining.
Still, truth be told, I enjoy experimenting with the different looks eyeliners and shadows can give. And sometimes, the pigments and potions help me pretend I feel fabulous, even when I don't.
So here's to face paint and the joys it brings! \(^.^)/
I thought I'd do a quick tutorial about audio editing. Particularly, since I do quite a few voice-overs lately and need the audio to sound clean and nice.
I've used a few audio editors. Some were supposed to be good stuff! But, Audacity, impresses me with all the features it has. And, it's free!
Awesome!
When I first came across the noise removal feature in Audacity, I thought it was magical. I have been able to filter out all sorts of miscellaneous, extraneous and downright distracting background noise from my voice-over recordings. I know there is other software that does this, but... did I mention Audacity is free?
Oh! And here's my wee little tutorial. There's loads more I could tell you about the software, though I'll leave it at this for now.
By the way, choose the HD option and turn up the sound to better hear the noise removal tool's skills. Which probably means it's best viewed on YouTube and not here. Ah well.
Enjoy!
For a bit of fun, and to answer any questions some have had about this makeup look, I made a tutorial. In it, I show how I did my Death of the Endless inspired look for my A-Kon 23 cosplay.
The makeup is actually quite simple. For the most part, I wanted a pale look, without an overly chalky look. Also, it had to be easy so that I could do it fairly quickly for all three days of the convention, with the hope it would stay on for quite a few hours!
Please choose the "full screen" viewing option to better see the vid.
This tutorial is in the can, as it were. Gone to press, done, fini... And so on. It was a fun one!
Yes, the time on it is correct. I was working in the wee hours of the morning to get it ready for posting. It was a request by a viewer, so I wanted to get it done as soon as possible.
O' course, technology always tosses a wee wrench in the machine. I'm learning to frequently save my work in prep for software crashes. Of which, I only had a couple!
Now, before anyone says anything (not that I expect anyone to, but just in case), I do realize there are likely even better and more "pro" ways to get the GIF-making job done. Me, I improvise and figure out what makes sense to me, that I can somehow relay to others. I hope it makes sense to everyone else, too!
It's funny... I never thought I'd be making animated GIFs again. It seems though, Tumblr has made them popular again. And maybe other sites, as well. For me, it was MySpace, back in its heyday.
Making an animated GIF back then, the MySpace days, was pretty exciting. A person who did this didn't have to rely on those sites where you have to copy code and paste it to get the image. It's nice being able to create your own stuff. And now, with today's software, it's so much simpler!
The first time I tried Photoshop Elements 7.0, I was discouraged. I wasn't sure it even made animations. But, it does. And it's pretty awesome.
Now, on to the next project.
I've got some new software coming. An update to Serif's WebPlus X4 I've been using. I had skipped the X5 version, since there wasn't much that I needed in it, and I'd heard it was a bit buggy.
Now, WebPlus X6 is out! I'm looking forward to the new features. One being the ability to create a website for mobile phone viewing as well as the full-sized site. This should be fun!
In the days to come, there'll no doubt be mention of the new software as I test out its stuff.
I remember years ago, there was a wondrous place called MySpace. I know, it seems nearly defunct now, but at one time, it was the place to be. You could post photos, music playlists and animated GIFs. It seemed everyone was making those GIFs and putting them in their comments. I couldn't wait to figure out how to make them, too. There were, and still are, websites out there that help you make them for free. Just Google "animated gif maker" and you'll see what I mean. But the first ones I ever created were made using an old version Photoshop and Image Ready 2.0.
Now, we have Tumblr to post those still popular magical moving images. And now, I've got some slightly newer software, Photoshop Elements 7.0.
It has been quite some time since I made an animated GIF, since lately I've been animating with the likes of Anime Studio Pro 6 and DrawPlusX5. Though, after a little brushing up with Photoshop, I made a couple of them fairly easily.
It got me thinking, there might be others out there who've wondered how it's done, like I did back in the MySpace days. So, I made a video about it. Enjoy! (^.^)/
In keeping with the whole tutorial theme of late, I thought I'd put together this truly simple little head turn animation.
Now, I'm not the best artist in the world, so a 2d character turning its head is a little tricky for me. There are several ways to animate the movement. The one I'm using is a switch layer technique.
All one need do is make a few different drawings of a character's pose. The layers the drawings are in are then dragged into a switch layer. That's where the magic happens. The switch layer. (*.-)
By advancing the timeline, and selecting different images in the switch layer along the way, the character comes alive.
It's good to have this stuff documented. I have a tendency to forget how to use some of my favorite software. Maybe these tutorials will keep me focused! Ha!
So, today, I'd meant to put together that quick tutorial I'd mentioned in the last post.
It's almost there. When I say "almost there", I'm using my best impression of the pilot in that Star Wars scene. You know the one, when the Death Star is soon to meet its demise. And, yes, I'm staying on target.
I've got the vid together, but it needs a voice. Methinks it will be pretty dull with no sound, and what with all the reading that would have to be done. I'll get to it. And soon.
Creating a voice-over is no small thing around here. The noise is a bit difficult to get around. Still, it can be done with a touch of ingenuity, if the noise isn't too terribly loud. The free software application, Audacity, can actually handle it pretty well. There's a Remove Noise feature that does a fairly decent job. I've used it on nearly all the vids I've recently posted, though with the slightest bit of distortion. Still, you'd never know the little guy was playing Star Wars Lego on the PS3 in the background!
But, today was a little different. There's been goings on that could not be edited out. It's Chinese New Year!
Maybe tomorrow I'll get some work done. Soon, there's to be an equipment change I'm very much looking forward to, though not likely tomorrow. There may be some talk of it later.
After much crashing of my ancient, fossil of a laptop (I'm petting it lovingly as I write this), and much gnashing o' what's left of my teeth, I've finished the final installment of the Switch Layer Tutorial Series. Yes, that should be bold font, as though it were being said in a grand way, though not loud and obnoxious, I hope.
Honestly, it was fun to do, though I'd rather have a bit more time for it. That, and maybe a touch more disk space. (O.o) A new laptop is in order. Though I've no idea what I really need. This will be in my thoughts for a while.
Now, on to other projects I suppose. I'm certain I've some sort of attention disorder. Of course, that topic is nothing new. Too bad I'm not focused on one subject long enough to make a living out of it! Ha!
