new mom

Photographing Newborns

by Stacy on May 5, 2009

If you’ve noticed a decrease in posts over the last few weeks, you can directly relate my absence to what’s been going on in my home life. In the last month, I’ve had one child have surgery, one with burst ear drums, and most importantly … well, we’ve welcomed a third bundle of joy into our lives. To commemorate this wonderful time in my life, I’ve asked an expert photographer and dear friend of mine – Katherine Marie for some tips on photographing newborns.

Her advice is nothing short of spectacular, just like her photographs. Here’s a few of the tips I’ll be practicing this week:

Tip #1: Put them IN/ON things – All those adorable baby photos that you see and love have baby perfectly poised on interesting props. I’ll be scouring my home for items I can use interesting ways.

Tip #2: Stock up on colors & textures – Bundling baby in textures such as silk, lumpy/bumpy yarns, velvet, and even cotton will make for interesting shots. Also, Katherine suggests mixing colored blankets in black, white, pink, blue, or mint for a dramatic effect.

Tip #4: Use Natural Light!! If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a 1000 times, the pros say turn OFF that flash.

Tip #5: Be silly & play Dress Up – I can’t wait to have fun with this one and maybe get my toddlers involved as well.

Tip #6: Try it in Black & White – Take your photo from Ho-Hum to How’d She Do That? with a quick color change. Pro Tip: Black & White photography will also help camouflage baby acne and blotchy skin. Thanks, Katherine!

Tip #12: Get CLOSE! Some of the most memorable shots don’t include all of baby. I’ll be focusing on toes and bums and little noses without having to worry so much about the fact that we’re just lying together on the unmade bed.

These are just a few of the great tips that Katherine suggests, be sure to read her full article on Photographing Newborns and check out all of the adorable photos she’s included too.

Katherine also suggests reading Nick Kelsh’s “How to Photograph Your Baby” , I don’t know about you, but I’ll be asking for this one for Mother’s Day. I hope you enjoy her article as much as I did, be sure to let me know which tips you’re willing to try and if you’re up to it email your photos to kidsstuffworld@gmail.com I’d love to see your little cutie.

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All we need is love …

by Stacy on December 19, 2008

a few wall graphics, some bright beach towels to use as valances and a cozy rug to complete this cheerful nursery.

CSN Baby – $119.70 – Plus FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $69

THIS ITEM IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Not bad for a four piece crib set ala The Beatles

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Remember the Whimsical Sunrise Nursery?

by Stacy on November 23, 2008

Do you remember this post? This was our first Kids Room design project – featured back in August. At the time KSW didn’t have many readers, we were less than one month old, but now just a few months later we have a strong followership show we thought we would revitalize this room.

A Little History

On Aug 4th, we promised to design a unique, affordable nursery inspired by Urban Outfitter’s Spectrum Chandelier. After 10 days of hand-selecting each and every item, we presented you with…the Whimiscal Sunrise Nursery. This nursery was designed for everyday people with everyday problems. We developed a room that exudes color without ever needing a drop of paint. (perfect for our readers who live in apartments or houses they can’t paint) We also chose pieces that could be personally customized for our DIY readers. (Hint, try using the wall decals to decorate the toy box. Line the back of the dresser with scrapbooking paper for an even more individual look. Why not sew a few color fabric shapes onto the wardrobe to add that last pop of color.) And finally, we planned this room to really maximize its space. (Notice every piece of furniture is focused on stoarge- the crib has a drawer underneath, multiple colored shelves to hold stuffed toys above the toy box, a wardrobe, a bookcase and even a back of the door organizer.)

And now for the best part, we designed this room all for a budget under $1,000!! Can you believe it? Want to see how we spent the money?

As pictured clockwise from top:

Badger Basket Changing Table – Target – $135
Barnslig soft toys – IKEA – $3-5
Kritter Bench – IKEA – $35
Hemnes Shelf Unit – IKEA – $109
BAGIS hangars – IKEA – $1.30 / 8 pack
SNIGLAR Wardrobe – IKEA – $45
APA Toy Box – IKEA – $15
Mary Kate And Ashley Rug – Target – $120
Dwell Studio Striped Rug – Target – $80 SOLD OUT
NOJE Door Mounted Storage – IKEA – $20
BARNSLIG curtains – IKEA – $20/2 pack
BARNSLIG crib bedding – IKEA – $13
Viktor Shelves – IKEA – $5
Dwell Studio Wall Circles – Target – $10 SOLD OUT
Spectrum Chandelier – Urban Outfitters – $36
Silver Lake Crib – Target – $300 SOLD OUT

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Whimsical Sunrise Nursery

by Stacy on August 14, 2008

On Aug 4th, we promised to design a unique, affordable nursery inspired by Urban Outfitter’s Spectrum Chandelier. After 10 days of hand-selecting each and every item, we’re finally ready to present you with…the Whimiscal Sunrise Nursery. This nursery was designed for everyday people with everyday problems. We developed a room that exudes color without even needing a drop of paint. (perfect for our readers who live in apartments or houses they can’t paint) We also chose pieces that could be personally customized for our DIY readers. (Hint, try using the wall decals to decorate the toy box. Line the back of the dresser with scrapbooking paper for an even more individual look. We featured a super crafty painting from etsy, but the idea is to create something equally fabulous on your own that fits right into this artsy room. Why not sew a few color fabric shapes onto the wardrobe to add that last pop of color.) And finally, we planned this room to really maximize its space. (Notice every piece of furniture is focused on stoarge- the crib has a drawer underneath, multiple colored shelves to hold stuffed toys above the toy box, a wardrobe, a bookcase and even a back of the door organizer.

Whimsical Sunrise – First, in what will hopefully be a series of fabulously designed Kids Rooms & Nurseries, we hope that you love this room half as much as we do. Think this room is top notch, then let us know. Think its a litle less than stellar, not really your style? Well, shoot us an email and tell us that too. We’d love to hear your comments and adapt our decorating styles accordingly. And if we can help just one person find the perfect item for their own nursery in the meantime, then, hey, we will have succeded.

Now for the fun part, Kids Stuff World believes great things don’t necessarily have to come at great costs. To prove our point, we tried to stick to a strict budget. On Wednesday, 20 Aug, we will announce the total cost for this nursery and supply you with the links to each and every item featured. In the meantime, we’d like to hear from you. How much do you think this nursery is worth?

Enjoy,

Stacy

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Could You Use 6 Months of FREE Diapers?

by Stacy on July 20, 2008

We thought so. Amazon is running a special offer for all new and existing registry customers. For a limited time, if you, your friends or your family complete $750 of purchases in your registry they’ll give you six months worth of Seventh Generation diapers. Registry purchases must be made between July 1st and September 30, 2008 to qualify

Just make sure anything you buy to prepare for your baby goes on the registry. After purchasing a stroller, crib bedding, and portable crib you’ll be well on your way to free diapers. Let your shower guests know about the deal and be sure to ADD every possible item to your registry, The more people have to choose from, the more chances you have to get FREE diapers. This really is a simple offer, no hidden gimmicks. Just 6 months worth of non-toxic chlorine free diapers.

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