Funding for Research into Cancers with Low Survival Rates

In July 2015 my beloved dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour. It was found to be a stage four glioblastoma. Four months later, in November 2015, after surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, he died. We miss him so much.

The first ever Hunter Brain Cancer Forum took place last Friday and my mum and I attended. The forum was supported by the Mark Hughes Foundation. At the forum we were encouraged to consider making a submission to the Australian Government's committee Funding for Research into Cancers with Low Survival Rates. 

Currently, survival for all forms of brain cancer combined at five years is still only around 20% and that figure hasn't changed in the last thirty years. Research into brain cancer (along with cancer of the lung, pancreas and lymphoma) is grossly underfunded. These senate committees "provide an opportunity for organisations and individuals to participate in policy making and to have their views placed on the public record and considered as part of the decision-making process." Individuals and organisations are welcome to make a submission.

If you or someone you know has also been affected by brain cancer (or lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, or lymphoma), please consider making a submission. More research into brain cancer could help to get new treatments to patients faster and ensure they have access to a quality clincal trial. More information on how to make a submission can be found here. Submissions close 31 March 2017.

Wedding photo: Tim Coulson

Five Ways to Breathe New Life Into Your Craft Photos

If you're sick of the sight of your craft photos, don't fret: there are ways to reinvigorate them. Today we're going to talk about five things you can do that are simple and achievable at home without expensive equipment. Read more at Tuts+! (See my other tutorials on Tuts+ by clicking here.) 

Photo: Heidi Adnum. Beaded necklace by Ayala Bar. Thank you to Erin, my friend, for modelling.

Clearance Sale!

Clearance sale now on! Visit my shop for half-price deals and free worldwide shipping on Good Will Bunting® in all sizes. Prices as marked. While stocks last.

Valentines, Fourth of July, Yellow Polka Dot. 

UK Crafters: Win a Copy of My Book (ends tonight)

UK crafters: visit Create.net for a chance to win a copy of my book - ends tonight!

Have Your Photos Ready for a Press Feature With These Five Tips

Press features are exciting - except when we can't provide the photos they need. When planning your photos, keep these five tips in mind to increase your chance of a feature. Read more at Tuts+! (See my other tutorials on Tuts+ by clicking here.) 

Photo: Heidi Adnum. The cushion cover shown was made by me using Pink Hearts fabric by C'est La Viv (stripe fabric is vintage).

Five Steps to Taking Great Photos of Your Craft Using Window Light

Make the most of the windows in your home or office by using them to take great photos. Learn how to set up the scene, choose the best time of day to shoot, and control the light. Window light also teaches us a lot about shadows and how to use them to enhance the details, depth and features of our craft. Read more at Tuts+! (See my other tutorials on Tuts+ by clicking here.) 

Photo: Heidi Adnum. The pink blanket shown in the images was hand-knitted by my Mum using vintage yarn.

Express Post Upgrades and Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! My shop is open once again and Express Post is available as an upgrade for any last-minute domestic orders. And, as a bonus, for the next few days domestic orders over $100 will receive a free upgrade to Express Post using the code EXPRESS100. (Standard postage for domestic and international orders is free for every order.) Happy holidays!

Good Will Bunting Merry Christmas (the last one for 2014).

Compose Great Photos of Your Craft With These Five Tips

Struggling with composition? Stuck for ideas? Tried everything but nothing's working? If you're having trouble taking photographs of your craft, maybe it's time to go back to the basics of composition: orientation, framing, and perspective, along with detail and background selection. Read more at Tuts+! (See my other tutorials on Tuts+  by clicking here.) 

Photo: Heidi Adnum. Handwoven earrings by: ThreeFiveEightyFive.

Ten Common Craft Photography Mistakes and How to Fix Them

When we're trying to take great photos of our craft, it's easy to imagine the end result: well-exposed, well-lit, in-focus and sharp images that showcase our work. But despite our best efforts, this doesn't always go to plan. Adding to the frustration, it can be difficult to work out what, precisely, is the problem. Today it's time to talk about ten of the most common problems we encounter with everyday craft photography. The problems cover basic but important topics such as styling, lighting, composition and camera settings. Read more at Tuts+! (See my other tutorials on Tuts+  by clicking here.) 

Photo: Heidi Adnum. Lip Balm: Willow Tree Lane.

Ten Great Backgrounds for Beautiful Craft Photography

Taking great photos of your craft for selling and marketing purposes can sometimes feel like a challenge. The good news is that it's easy to improve and make the process more enjoyable when you take it one step at a time. A good place to start is to choose a background that suits your craft. Read more at Tuts+!

Photo: Heidi Adnum, Gift Boxes: BLANK Goods