​Remember this book? I had a copy of this as a child of the 70's. I'm sharing a post on how I photographed it in case anyone else struggles with taking shots with natural light for online sales. Yes I could have taken the shot outdoors on an overcast day but it is approaching winter in N.Z. ..say no more.

The result is the photo at the start - a soft natural looking photo using just natural light. It is a little unfocused due to my failing eyesight I think. I had autofocus on with evaluative metering. The gold reflector adds a little warmth and I had the camera set for daylight, not automatic.

I hope this helps a little. The next step for me would be to buy a light with a soft box but there is no electricity in my shed, they are big and ugly and I don't want to go down the artificial light road (it could get expensive).
​Barbara Bennett - Diploma in Professional Photography (years ago). 

It has been nearly 2 weeks since the heinous act of cowardice in Christchurch where 50 people were gunned down and killed in their place of worship. My thoughts are with all those victims and their families, and all of New Zealand as we grapple with the consequences of this violence.

​I have decided to no longer support the social media Facebook and Instagram as it's entertainment value is outweighed by the societal damage it's causing. Phew - heavy. 
So where does that leave Whimsy's visibility? I still have my website, my products are on sale at Etsy and Green Elephant and on the search engine Pinterest. I will still do local markets and I hope to start up workshops again. ​

The following text is the first page in each notebook I create...

These books are lovingly handmade in Dunedin by myself. I hope seeing this book brings you joy and that warm fuzzy glow of nostalgia.
I love collecting Little Golden Books due to their gorgeous illustrations. The books were introduced in America in 1942 with the initial set of twelve selling for 25c each, making it an affordable child’s book. This set included such treasures as The Poky Little Puppy, Eloise Wilkin’s Mother Goose and The Little Red Hen.
Your purchase of this journal means a lot to me and the planet;

• you are supporting a local business (me and my son)
• the books are sourced from charity and op shops, school
  fairs and charity book sales so you are supporting their

          good work

• the blank pages are new 100% recycled paper, Australian
  made, carbon neutral, ink-wise, acid free and the company
  supports Breast Cancer Nationwide Australia.
• this paper is twice the price of normal printer paper but
  more ethically sound
• the book rings, eyelets and paper come from a New
  Zealand supplier
• this book is second hand so I am not consuming new books
  just to cut them up
• any paper waste goes into my compost bin
• more pages can be added to increase longevity of the
  notebook and hence preserving the enchanting story
  nestled at the back (just use a standard hole punch)

To ask for a specific title or to purchase a fabric zippered pouch to encase your treasured journal contact Barbara at
www.whimsyinmygarage.com

I volunteered to help out with the arts and crafts at Liam's school for three Fridays. We made tissue pom poms, gift bags out of book pages and a Golden Book Journal. It was great to see eight eight year old's get stuck in and create, all at different levels of competence and enthusiasm. I don't know how teachers do what they do, respect to them. 

I've just finished my first craft workshop with these lovely ladies. It's a funny sight seeing Pom Poms walking down the street. They are so colourful for these drab winter days. I was nervous at first, as were my ladies but I remembered it's all about fun and relaxation.  Now to prepare for next week's gift bag workshop.

Welcome. You are here probably because you have perused the rest of the website and want to read more about this Whimsy person. I never thought writing a blog would be for me but there are things that I get up to which may inspire others to have a go and think outside of the square. For example I make things that aren't for sale but still I want to Show and Tell. I also have made a lot of creative friends in this 'business'  and I want to tell you about what they do and this is the right forum for that.
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