Category Archives: DIY

“Cool” summer project

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Hiya, Fluffsters!

In keeping with the current temporary theme of cool things, here’s a video tutorial of something called “ice dying.” This is something that looks not only cool, but also nifty.

Isn’t that a fun result? I’d really like to try it at some point!

Anyway, have a great Wednesday!

Tutorial: Make Fake Windows in Photoshop (With Some Pics)

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Hey, Fluffsters!

Last night, I was up a bit too late again. But that was in part because of writing this post. But enough excuses. The main reason I stayed up too late was because I discovered a fun technique on Photoshop. I found a way to make fake windows!

Picture of a picture in a frame on a window frame.

All it took was a couple photos, Photoshop, and about 10 minutes… once I knew what I was doing

So, the two photos are completely separate, and started from these:

Pretty colorado mountains that get turned into a window view

This is the original view the “window” looks out on

Pretty building sillhuette at sunset

This is the one in the “frame”.

I next distorted the “view” picture using glass effects. I used the “frosted” glass option. For this one, I went with a small amount of distortion and a large amount of “smoothness”.

I then used vectors to create my frame shape, used a wood pattern I created a while ago to make the window look wooden, and bevelled the heck out of that layer. (Play around with it until you get something you like.) I used the “hard chisel” Inwards.

To create the frame shape, I used the rectangle tool. Next, I took three rectangles “out” of the shape, by using the “subtract” option on the rectangle tool. That’s what gives it the multi-paned look.

Have fun with the wood pattern… I don’t remember how I did that one.

Next I copied the “framed picture” into the image I was working with, on a layer above the frame. I resized it, and moved it to where I wanted. Next, I gave it a fairly thick black stroke. Make sure it’s thick- you’re going to bevel this one, too.

So as I just said, go to bevel. Use the “stroke” bevel. Make sure the depth is less than the thickness of your stroke.

Next, create a new layer the size of your “framed picture”. (This will be your shadow.) Fill it with a dark color, and move it behind your frame. Skew it until it gets to be about the shape you want. Turn the setting to “Multiply”. Then give it a “box blur.” (Again, play around with the settings until you like what it shows.)

And that’s it!

I’ve done a few others of these windows, and just reuse the window frame. (And really, that’s the hardest part. So once you create one, you’re set for a while!)

And there you have it! Other possibilities include “taping” pictures to the window or window frame. Or create more “framed pictures” to go on the “window sill.”

Then you can either use it as a desktop background on your computer (and look “outside” when you’re not working), or you can maybe stick it on a wall to give yourself an extra cool window.

Have fun!

DIY easy paper fan tutorial

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Hello, Fluffsters! It’s still really hot where I am. So I’m continuing tips on staying cool. Today I’m talking about how to do an…

Easy DIY paper fan.

It’s really easy. The bare necessities are some sort rectangular papery substance that holds a fold. The thicker the paper, the more air flow you can get, but almost any type of paper will work. (I would not use rice paper or origami paper, but I suppose you can.)

The optional first step is to color a picture on your paper. This is particularly fun for kids, and makes a great time-sink for them.

A blank page of paper illustrated

Your blank page. Hold it like this.

To start the fold, take one of the sides of your paper, and fold it in (on top of the rest of the paper) by about an inch or so.

Paper fan step 1: illustration of the first fold.

The first fold.

Next, take both parts of your fold, and fold that part back the same amount.

 

Second fold of making a fan.

Second Fold

After that, keep alternating. Fold in, then out, then in, then out…

You’ll eventually end up with something like these:

side view of folded paper

side view of folded paper

Final fold lines on the fan

Each line (except the end ones) are fold lines.

Then you’ll want to gather the bottom of your fan closer together, for easier hold.

View of the fan from the front.

Front view of the (almost) finished fan.

After that, just start using your fan as you would any other! Stiffer paper fans can provide lots of air flow and are very useful. I hope you can stay cool!