Video! How to Make a V-Day Gift Topper (using, I might add, plastic canvas!)

by Sister-Diane on February 3, 2010

in Holiday Crafts, Videos

How to Make a Valentine’s Day Gift Topper from Diane Gilleland on Vimeo.

I’ve been hemming and hawing over whether to post this or not. I’ve been hiking the video learning curve lately, and hope to produce a nice number of video how-to’s this year.

But, Man! Video is challenging! (Compelling, but challenging.)

So… I finally decided to share this one, as a way to illustrate one of my favorite ideas: The Power of the 1.0.

Before we can do anything well, we have to pass through a beginner stage. We have to make mistakes and learn from them. And we have to let these rough-finish efforts out into the world, so we can move on to the more-confident work ahead.

I could spend all day telling you about the ways I wish this video were better. But making it, I learned a ton of things that will make the next one better. So instead, I’ll just share my little 1.0 with you, and send you lots of love for your own 1.0’s.

(Oh – the project uses plastic canvas, so that’s something.)

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  • I love the idea of the 1.0. There are so many times when I'm hesitant to post something because the project needs work, or the photography's not perfect, or what I've written seems dull - even though the blogs I like the most are the ones where the voice seems REAL, with all the ups and downs etc.

    Also, the video was great! And plastic canvas is really so cool. I am trying to think of a way of working it into the perfect (or perfectly imperfect :) ) picnic basket. I feel there is much potential there.
  • SisterDiane
    Thank you so much, Holly! I adore the idea of a PC picnic basket! If
    you make one, I must see pictures!
  • I am so glad you posted this! Video tutorials are my favorite. I love how the bloggers personality comes through, not to mention how much more room there is for explanations and directions. I also love seeing the entire craft process from start to finish as well as viewing the project from any angle. Yay! I can't wait to see more of these! And I love the heart. I'll be linking. Happy Valentine's Day!
  • geekxnerd
    That is very pretty! I especially love the little embellishments on the heart! Nice video Diane!
  • SisterDiane
    Thanks, Sarah! :-)
  • futuregirl
    We've talked a little about the challenges of videos (vacuuming in the hallway, etc), so I was expecting your video to be about as rough as my first attempts. I charge you with either (1) false advertising or (2) incredible awesomeness. You may have edited out stuff like meowing, but your posture and expressions are good, your cuts are great, your voice is perfect (as always), you look friendly, you didn't say anything that sounded dumb or rambly , it's not too long, the project is cute, you have nice title cards.

    I can't wait to see your next one, because it's going to be super-amazing! :)
  • SisterDiane
    You're awesome, Alice. I assure you, there are miles of outtakes where I was looking at the camera all Deadly Serious, or my instructions on wrapping the canvas trailed off into a story about the time in 1987 when I went to the Billy Idol concert. Thankfully, Katin kept giggling at me, so I kept doing it over and over again.
  • Kay
    Diane! Don't underestimate your self! I think you've done a tremendous effort, and I wouldn't have believed this was your first video if you hadn't told us. But as usual, your personal standards are very high, and I'll love to see what follows
  • SisterDiane
    You're so kind, Kay. I wish I could show you what it looks like in my head - that version is really cool. :-)
  • LunaOrtiz
    Great Video with lots of good little techniques that are applicable to many other projects. My favorite! Love the little ribbon curls and who knew that I would wind up wanting pastic canvas?!

    Also love the idea of the The Power of 1.0....Diane, your are a crafty business philosopher...
  • SisterDiane
    Many thanks, Luna. I'm glad you liked it. Everyone should have plastic canvas. :-)
  • Great video - the timing is perfect (right between "so fast I have no idea what you're doing" and "so slow I'm done before you are"). I'm looking forward to more videos and projects - especially some without glue guns (my greatest fear).
  • SisterDiane
    Thank you, Jenny! I'll definitely make some non-glue-gun projects!
  • teacherre
    Great first video. I not only thought you made the project look easy (I still haven't gotten over my fear of plastic canvas) but I was inspired with different ideas to make it my own!
  • SisterDiane
    Thanks so much, Cherie!
  • pam
    Since I am your mother, I KNOW your won't believe ME, but this is a very, very well done first video effort! What I really appreciated most, (having viewed many how to videos) is how clearly you demonstrated the steps. The close-ups were another example of your commitment to sharing technique using clear and thorough instruction. Keep 'em coming!

  • SisterDiane
    Aw, thanks, Mom!

    ...Contrary to popular belief, I do believe you sometimes. :-)
  • You remind me of a young Elizabeth Taylor. I'm sure you know al the things that are wrong with video but I didn't notice them. Nice project! We don't do valentines in the UK much but these would be fantastic for wedding gifts.
  • SisterDiane
    Holy Moly. Thank you, Tracey! You're right, they would be nice for
    weddings. And the plastic canvas comes in other shapes, like stars and
    rounds and triangles, that might be cool for other gifts as well.
  • dawt
    *holding up my card with a big fat "10"*

    You are so freaking adorable, Diane, and your project is darling! I would have never guessed this to be your first attempt, truly, you were remarkably calm, cool and collected. The tutorial was easy to follow and I appreciate the fact that there were no extraneous noises such as music or other background business going on, just you and the craft making a connection with your viewers.

    I am excited about your graduation into the video world and look forward to seeing many more!
  • SisterDiane
    Aw, you are the nicest person ever, Dorothy! Thank you for the kind
    words. Re: extraneous noises, we edited out the part when the lights
    crashed to the ground, and the part when Pushkin walked in and
    demanded food. :-)
  • skulleigh
    Great video! I'm just learning how to do videos too! Yours turned out great - what editing software did you use?

    The project itself is adorable, and that reminds me, I need to bust out the PC shapes you sent me an get something done with them!
  • SisterDiane
    ...And I need to do some paper piercing! :-)

    Thanks so much, Skulleigh. Glad you liked. I used iMovie, which is
    pretty dang beginner-friendly. Still experimenting with camera angles
    and things... and lighting... and remembering to speak and smile at
    the same time... :-)
  • chicalookate
    Seriously, you are too cute! I can't wait to see where you go with the videos. If it helps just think of the learning curve you have had with the podcast. I am sure your first ones probably aren't your favorites. :)
  • SisterDiane
    They make me hide under tables to this very day! :-)

    Thanks for the words of encouragement. XO
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