Sunday, April 13, 2014

Altered Altoid Tin Video

Hello all! I recently posted an instructional video on you tube. It's the second half of my Graphic 45 audition (fingers crossed) and the first video I've ever done.
This is a big deal, people!

Some of you may know this about me: I'm a bit of a technological klutz and I panic when I have to learn something new. I whine and wring my hands and drive MacGyver crazy.
I'm always convinced it's going to be a traumatic experience.  I'll anticipate spending hours struggling with jargon I don't understand, suddenly black computer screens, pulling my hair out in frustration and driving MacGyver crazy.
I know, I already said that, but it bears saying again, because I do and he puts up with it/me magnificently.

There is always some glitch, some small thing that throws me off whilst learning new technology. Like when I couldn't figure out how to turn on my Kindle.
Or the time I accidentally reprogrammed our house phones whilst calling my sister. (Susan, I never told you that one....I can imagine your snort of laughter and that is enough for me!)
And there was the time I (accidentally) made all my e-mails disappear.
Or the time I dropped my phone in the....well, that doesn't really count here. That was an accident.

The klutziness extends to things that have a cord or a wire or any kind of attachment that remotely resembles a cord and has any kind of plug attached to it.
Let me state it this way: if I fell off of a twenty story building and there was a cord or wire anywhere near me, it would save my life because nine times out of ten, it would be wrapped around my ankle.

MacGyver has thoughtfully provided me with technological items that are cord-free as much as possible. I suspect mainly for the purpose of avoiding situations where he has to untangle me, replace the dreaded cord and listen to me curse creatively for some time after the 'tangling' incident occurs.
He lives in hope that some day there will be a vaccuum cleaner that is cord-free.

All this to say: I made a video that did not stress me out, cause a town-wide black out or make my poor husband go screaming from the room.
It was so easy, went off without a single glitch.
I'm deeply suspicious.
I keep checking it, making sure it's still there, has not been replaced by a troupe of evil circus clowns or someone reciting bad poetry.
So I'm going to post it here, where it's safely cradled in my little cyber home.
I've never imbedded a video before, so if you don't hear from me for some time, I've probably transported myself to another planet.
Hopefully,  a cordless one.








12 comments:

Kat said...

Great video! Could I ask what glues you prefer? I noticed you don't paint the tin - if you do ever do that, what paint do you use? Thanks,

L Mahaffey said...

Hi Kat! Thanks for watching the video. For gluing down the papers, I will use either Golden's Matte Medium or, more likely, good old fashioned Mod Podge. I have that on hand all the time.
For gluing the facade down to the tin I use a pretty strong glue. E6000 is the one I use most for a strong bond.
It's pretty smelly, so if you use that make sure you've got good ventilation! I will use E6000 or Aleens fast Grab Tacky Glue for bits and pieces. Sometimes, especially if I'm gluing bits of paper to other bits of paper, I use Diamond Glaze. It dries completely clear and you can use just a tiny bit of it on teeny things.

L Mahaffey said...

Forgot to say....I don't often paint tins, but I would use acrylics.
I use Liquitex Basics a lot because they're not as expensive as other brands, but still cover well. I used their Titanium White on the candlestick stand.

Holly M said...

That was a wonderful instructional video and a beautifully decorated tin. Thanks so much. Good luck with Graphic 45! You will be a fabulous addition to their team.

Unknown said...

Hi from New Zealand!
Loved your post! I can identify with much of it! Except , I don't have a McGyver! :(
Your video is fab! Great tutorial! I've never used a tin , now am inspired!

Susan ~ Killam Creative said...

::snort:: Oh yes. I laughed, my darling sister, I laughed. Since I've been on the other end of the phone witnessing the challenge technology gives you, this brilliant revelation doesn't surprise me a bit.

Your video is very imformative! Just today I started diagramming future projects on a white board and here you are telling me about good old fashioned graph paper. Marvelous! You've inspired me and no doubt so many others. You are a great teacher!

Best of luck with G45!

Cheers,
Susan

Artifice said...

I really enjoyed your video! It was very well done! Good luck with making the Graphics 45 team. Linda

L Mahaffey said...

Thank you all for your encouraging, lovely comments!
And to my sister, (who happens to be far more advanced than I am about embracing new technology)if you need any techie tips for making a video....I'm your gal!
I feel sure I will never have the chance to say that again, so I'm making the most of it!
:-D
XXOO

Connie said...

Wonderful job! You are a natural. Best of luck with the audition.

Kathie Vezzani said...

Look at you, talking apex and arcs....you did a great job!

Kathie Vezzani said...

Look at you, talking apex and arcs...you did a great job. It's nerve wracking making those videos, isn't it? At least you looked directly into the lens and not at the view finder!

L Mahaffey said...

Thank you ladies! Kathie, it was a bit nerve wracking, but now I feel like a professional. Steven Spielberg, I'm comin' up right behind you!