But before I lead into the first photo of 2009, I'd like to make sure you all are aware of a very important issue that has come up regarding the handmade toy industry. At Revelry Press, we appreciate everything handmade since it's, well, our bread and butter. We make all sorts of handmade stuff such as cards, t-shirts, home accessories, and prints. While our online shop is still in the works, I would hate to see all this development work for naught, considering the issue surrounding handmade toys can affect us, too.
I signed the petition at change.org and so can you. Long story short, when China imported all those lead-based toys last year, the Federal Government stepped in and said, OK, now we're going to require all toy makers to pass a very expensive testing process at their expense in order for them to sell their toys. While Mattel and Fisher Price may be able to carry the load of the cost, mom and pop shops can't. The high fees attached to the required testing will essentially run them out of business. So, while we all want toys to be safe for our children, let's not punish the reputable business men and women throughout America for the unscrupulous acts of a select few. I urge you to sign the petition, too. Just click on the hyperlink above or the widget on my other blog's sidebar and it will take you directly to the site.
Now, onto the first photo of 2009. This photo is about getting as close as you can to an object to make an abstract design. I like to keep a library of "backgrounds" for use in graphic design projects so I frequently take close up pictures of things while I'm out and about. They are easier to get than you might think. Just a point and shoot digital camera is all you need, which is how I took this one below. No fancy equipment needed for this project, because it's not really dimension that we're trying to achieve, it's more about flat, abstract design.
This object happens to be in my backyard so I didn't have to travel far. It's the rusted bottom of an antique peanut butter tin. Natural light works best for this type of photograph, so try it for yourself next time you are walking around town. The world is fascinating close up.
