Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Smoke and Mirrors... and duckbill scissors.

In the past, taking photos has involved more of my multi-dextrous and contortionist skills than my ability to use a battered Kodak Easyshare.... There are often reflector boards (usually Peltex or Vilene S520) held with one hand (or foot ...or teeth) while the other does the camera-work.

After a brief hiatus (while I manned the office so Ann Marie and Leah could attend sick kids for a few days), today I got back to the business of finishing a magazine article that needed photos. But first I built something amazing...... out of foam-core board and balsa wood.

I held it to the benchtop with the clamp from an Ikea lamp ...and made hinges out of strapping tape. All super high-tech.

It reflects the afternoon light in my studio perfectly.


...so I can get on with the business of sewing and snapping those necessary step-by-step shots. I can move the sewing machine and tilt the "wings"
to soften shadows without having to look like I'm playing a game of Twister.

Sorry - can't show you what I'm sewing. Instead, I'll show you what came in today (along with fresh supplies of button kits!).


Duckbill scissors!! - AVAILABLE HERE!

Apparently they're not as easy to find in Spotlight or Lincraft as I thought.... so it's high time I stopped teasing people with mine and offered them for sale in my shop.

Edited to add - Don't know what duckbill scissors are?.... You can see them in action here.
I also use mine for everything that needs sharp pointy scissors (thread trimming, snipping holes for magnetic snaps...) because they have super-sharp points and have ergonomically designed handles that make them comfortable and easy to use. I love them so much I have TWO pairs (so I can always lay my hands on them without having to go looking!!)

11 comments:

Karin van Dam said...

I never heard of Duckbill scissors. But they seem very practical!

Sally said...

I've got no idea about the duckbill scrissors either - what are they used for?

Gillian R said...

I'm seriously impressed with your handygal skills Nikki! You've almost inspired me to do the same for my photos!!

Unknown said...

I think that reflector board is going to make taking pictures much easier from now on - I hope the strapping tape holds together.

our shabby cottage said...

Ingenious invention Nikki! That's just what we all need I reckon....
And I'm sure a lot of us have done the same thing with one handed awkwardness!

Unknown said...

Gee to have the twister game taken from photo sessions mm I don't know , would it be much fun !!! Oh yes it sure would be , great idea !

Katherine said...

Ah, you clever girl! I really need to do the same.

Now you've got my curiosity stirred hearing you rave about the duckbill scissors. I love comfy and easy to use sewing tools.

Little Miss Flossy said...

I'm just wowed by your little sewing machine... it's exactly the same as the one I sew on. My father bought it for me when I went to university. Every few years I think about upgrading but I really wouldn't use all the fancy stitches and special attachments so I stick with the trusty little Sport a while longer.

Cathie said...

oh Nikki, love your little studio set up! nice work with the tape.
I play twister aswell with the baking tins :)

Pinktulip said...

Love your new professional photo gadget. I have used a box in the past. I covered the inside with white paper, worked ok. Yours is a great idea!

ambette said...

I haven't been able to find duckbill scissors anywhere! Yay!!