on freelensing and using a three dollar thrift store lens

For a while now, I've been saving for a 50mm 1.4 lens for my t3i, but I still have to save some more and it's honestly not been a priority in my life. But, I feel I have gotten literally every possible use out of my kit lens and I've kind of hit a wall. So I decided to try out a brilliant idea that hit me one night when I was trying to get to sleep-- freelensing with one of the lenses off of my thrifted film cameras. 

For this project, I took my three dollar thrift store 50mm lens and tried freelensing with my t3i. 

IT'S MAGIC, guys. pure magic. 

and, this was the result.

it obviously takes some extra effort--i had to manually adjust my aperture and focus on the lens, while adjusting my manual settings in camera, while using one hand to hold the lens and the other to hold my t3i body (a third appendage would have been so helpful.)-- but the results were so so worth it, and i can't wait to try it out some more.

xoxo. -marcia

STUFFED MUSHROOMS | a recipe

I  seriously love mushrooms, and a few days ago I made one of my favorites for dinner. 

and I thought I'd share the recipe. 

STEP 1: wash about 10 mushrooms and finely chop 1/2 of a small onion

 

STEP 2: gently remove stems from the mushrooms

STEP 3: chop 1/2 of a small green or red pepper and a small tomato

STEP 4: whip 1/2 bar of cream cheese until smooth

STEP 5: add a quarter pound of fried sausage

2 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. garlic salt

sauteed tomato and pepper 

 STEP 6: mix thoroughly with the cream cheese 

take a tablespoon of filling and drop it into each mushroom

 

STEP 7: once all the mushrooms are filled, place in a baking sheet and top with cheese

 

STEP 8: bake for 24 minutes at 400*

 

STEP 9:  EAT. ENJOY. MAKE MORE. 

xxx. marcia

a quick heart stamp | diy

YOU WILL NEED:

the eraser end of a pencil

some sort of knife or cutting tool

acrylic paint or a ink pad

STEP 1:  trace a heart onto the end of your eraser

STEP 2: begin carefully cutting around the heart. take small sections at a time, 

it's is a lot easier to have to cut more than to start over because you cut too much off!

STEP THREE: after you have your heart completely cut out, 

dip the end of your stamp in acrylic paint or an ink pad. 

the other day, I was doing some crafting, and I came up with an idea. and well, this was the result. :)

homemade ice coffee | diy

*notice: I am still on my break,so this is just a scheduled post.  but I will be back soon, I promise, I won't leave forever. :)*

With summer almost over I am already drinking some hot coffee, but I so many times this summer.  

It is so yummy! 

1. Brew Coffee: [and yes, I realize this coffee should have been stronger. I had to add some more instant later.]

2. Add about 1/4 to 1/2 c. milk

this picture is magic, scroll over

3. Add about a teaspoon sugar: this really depends on how sweet you want it. my sister likes her coffee loaded with sugar but I prefer my with just a little

4. Add ice and any flavor syrups you wish, and some hot chocolate powder.

5. Enjoy! 

book-page pinwheels :: diy

Needed: 

about 5 book pages [sheets of music are also a good idea]

a small piece of cardboard

a hot glue gun

1. Begin folding the pages fan style

2. Punch a small hole in the top of the piece of cardboard, that way you will be able to hook your pinwheel on a nail or tack to hang it up.

3. Take one of the folded pages and place it in the middle of the piece of cardboard. Glue it there. 

Continue gluing the the folded page ends in a circle. *disclaimer: watch your fingers okay.*

4. Once you have the entire circle glued on the cardboard, cut out a circle from an extra page and glue it on the center to cover up the gap. add any little decorations.

[i.e. little gems, glitter, faux fur, a photo, or even a short quote.]

[I took my scraps and bunched them together to make a rosette style center]

Have Fun!

p.s. I guest posted over ::HERE:: on the 5th

journal, journal {a craft tutorial}

Things You Need:

- a blank composition book {you can get this at Target, Walmart, etc.}

- a background paper {I adore chevon and so I used >>this<< they've got almost every color you could want. Or use your own background.

- tape

- pictures, newpaper/magazine clipings, feathers, and other such pretties.

 1. cover your notebook with the paper and bend on the edges.

2. tape down the edges

3. decorate with your favorite pictures, quotes, punches, and other pretties

^^my two journals^^

enjoy journaling!!