Make Something Fun, Part II

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Show Off Your Creations in Style!

Laptop computer on a yellow chair with video editing software on the screen.

Photo by me, Rochelle Hickey. This is my editing production in iMovie.

Remember when I created a t-shirt design? This time around, I've made a compilation of past sewing projects to hopefully inspire you to try your hand at creating anything you want and using digital technologies to share it with the world!

Video clips and compilation by me, Rochelle Hickey
Audio from Instagram or iMovie, transition slides from Canva.

The Projects

Each "magic" video clip is from a past sewing project that I created using my Singer Patchwork sewing machine and Simplicity and McCall patterns with fabric from JoAnn Fabrics and Savers. To share my creations I created little clips on Instagram that I shared to my personal Instagram and Facebook. I made them "magic" reveals because, first, they're a lot of fun to do, and second, I wanted a fun way to show what I have made with a wider audience. I call them the "I Made a Thing!" series.

Production

Selfie of me with sunglasses showing off the hood of the red jacket I made
Me posing in my new red jacket that I made.I do not have a production department. I have a crafting corner and a computer and a smartphone. Once my project was done, I would open my front door to let in natural light, place my phone balanced on my couch, and tried my best to make sure I was hitting my marks! I used Instagram for the music overlay. After I posted the videos on Instagram, I downloaded them to my phone. I then uploaded all the clips into Canva and added the title slide, transition slides, and end slide along with arranging the videos how I wanted them. From there, I opened iMovie and was able to add music audio (iMovie has 8 tracks for free) that I was not able to add in Canva (I have the free version). I exported from iMovie and used QuickTime Player to double check my video and export again for a smaller file size to fit on my blog. 

Is there a better way to accomplish what I did ... probably, but considering I'm using the free version for everything, I look at it as I am working with what I've got!

But look at the images to the right. They're me trying to show off a jacket I made. Sure you can have a photoshoot (once again me balancing my phone on a swing set hoping for the best, but also, natural lighting!) But without video, you cannot see how what I made moves, lays, or get the general idea. It's a freeze frame. But with my "magic" videos, I could have made this more interesting to watch than the two seconds you took to look at my photos.

Final Results

Me spinning in a pink maxi dress that I made
I showed one of the videos to my Elementary-age son because I thought he would be impressed with my "magic", and instead he told me I was a liar and that I was lying to people that I made it with magic and then he went and told his dad how I lied to people on the internet with zero context. I guess it's never too early to teach children about credible sources and trusting people on the internet. Parenting win?

But truthfully, whether you are taking photos or making videos to show off your work, the most important thing is to actually create! I have been sewing since probably Middle School, maybe even a smidge in Elementary School. I've been playing with computers probably just as long. There is so much overlap between the physical creation and the digital creation and it is easy to combine them both!

I'm not asking you to sew if that is not what you are into. But maybe you could combine another art form you love, or sport and make it into a video that merges your love of the sport and maybe animation. Whatever you are into, whatever creates your own magic, go for it! Do it! As long as you are creating, that is the only thing that matters.

A selfie of me holding up a highly bandaged finger after sewing my finger with the sewing machine

My sewing machine bit me.
(aka I sewed my finger like a winner)

Whatever you choose to do, just make sure you are doing it in a safe environment and pay attention to your surroundings. Also, think about where you post. I post my creations to my personal sites which are private (minus this blog). You may choose otherwise, but know what you put on the internet never goes away and your future employers could see what you post.

Physical and digital safety should always come first with what content you decide should be shared with others.

What will you make today?

Materials & Tools

Did you know many libraries have a "Library of Things" where you can borrow anything from video recorders, crafting tools, and other equipment for free? Go ask your local library if they have what you need!

UPDATE (Feb. 1): I have just discovered CapCut while doom scrolling Bookstagram ... and it's free! From first impressions it looks like the Canva interface, but specifically for video. Who knows, maybe by the next blog I'll have figured out how to make videos easier and all in one place! Sometimes things make themselves known to you even when you are not looking. It just proves that everything can be a learning opportunity if you are paying attention.



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