scanning in my home developed film negs

So here are the results from my Black and White film developing experience on Monday evening. I was really pleased with the results, there are some interesting mistakes that I quite like! All I did was scan the negatives in our work scanner and waited for the results to show up on the computer screen. These are as they came out, I might take them into photoshop and have a play. I Can't wait to shoot another roll of film to develop!



 Not sure how these blobs got on here?

Very under exposed but I quite like these happy mistakes!

I had no idea my friends wedding would be on this old film! Love it when this happens



So by no means a perfect batch - But quite happy considering I developed the film at home in our little bathroom!

Gem x

...making progress on the spare room.

Hooray! Thanks to the amazing help of my in-laws the walls of the spare room are now painted, and the room is starting to look pretty and inviting. In fact, the husband and I are seriously thinking of moving in.
Now all we have to do is start to fill it with the bric-a-brac I've collected to make it feel homely and lived in. I made a start on this by getting a frame for my nest picture (you can read about how I did this here), and the husband's parents helped us hang it up.

What do you think?
Maria x

Developing black and white film

It has been years since I have developed my own films, I have really missed the passion that I used to have for black and white photography. I was really into it around 10 years ago. Perhaps I had more spare time then? Dusty rolls of film have been waiting to be developed on my shelf for a long while. So I made a rash purchase on amazon and bought myself a changing bag, and the necessary chemicals.

It is so fun! It's really exciting in a nerdy way - Digital photography just doesn't have this level of anticipation!

The first challenge is remembering to pack your changing bag with everything you need;

Scissors (small)
bottle opener (to open film canister)
Tank
Film Reel
Film
(cup of tea) You should always drink tea as you work!

That funny looking black T-shirt thing is the changing bag - It has two layers, to make sure that no light gets in. On the flat large bottom side there is a zip, where you can put all your items in, and then you put your hands in the sleeves.

Your next challenge is finding all of these item, and opening the film canister and loading it ontothe reel and putting it into the tank all in the dark.

My notes
It takes a bit of maths and getting familiar with your ml to work out the mixing process of the chemicals. 

Once you have your film reel safe in the tank it's time to get developing. 

This is the order of the b&w process
 *Developer

* Stop bath/ Wash - I just use running water

* Fixer 

*Wash

There is quite a lot of careful timing involved (for a range of films and chemicals)  I used this link! 

ILFORD - HOW TO

Timing for each process - I used 8.5 minutes for the Developer ( I added a few more minutes as our bathroom is quite  cold - The chemicals like a warm temperature (pref 20oc) and work slower if cold. 

As soon as I put the developer in the tank I agitated my tank 4 times, slowly turning it upside down to let all the air bubbles out. Once every minute I repeated this. 

Then I Poured the developer away and washed the Tank with running water - KEEP lid on! 

When I was satisfied it was clear of developing solution I rinsed the tank out

Then I poured in the Fixer - knock the bottom of the Tank to release the air bubbles - Fix is quicker and only takes 3 minutes - I agitated every 30 seconds, as suggested. 

After 3 minutes or as directed, pour the fixer away and wash for a good 3 mins, 

you can keep the tank under a smooth running tap. 

Then comes the most exciting bit - Opening the tank and seeing if you have some images on your reel! 

I didn't have a squiddgy so used my fingers, gently wipe of any water droplets and hang your negatives to dry in a warm dust free room. 

I was so excited when I discovered one of my old films was from my Fish Eye Lomo Camera! 

I will upload my photographs on Thursday, Have a go you will love it!

I am well and truly addicted! 

gem x

...potting succulents and cacti

The boy and I have been hanging out at home a little bit more than usual these past few days due to the potty training. I have been trying to think of a variety of indoor activities we can have to keep him entertained whilst being close to the loo. So, at the weekend I bought a selection of little succulents and cacti for us to plant. We had a lovely time potting these babies this afternoon. Don't get me wrong, my fingers are no where near green, but I do have a very knowledgeable mother-in-law who talked me through how to replant correctly. Here's what you do:

1. Line the bottom of the pots with tin foil. This means that when you water them it wont leak out the bottom.
2. Put a little bit of Cacti Compost in the bottom of the pot.
3. Then take your plant out of its plastic pot carefully. You want it to come out as whole as possible so that you don't damage the roots.

4. Then put it in the pot and fill around the sides with more compost and pat it in tightly.
5. And you are done! I am going to display mine in little groups I think. Apparently these plants are really easy to look after (they only need watering once a week at most), so they've got a good chance of survival in this house.

Have you done any planting recently?

Maria x

..... learning from my own mistakes

This is a lesson that we should always listen to our mums! I made a big mistake in the shape of washing today. It has been quite a busy weekend with friends birthdays and my sister down. So I did not see my fatal mistake until this afternoon. To my horror and to my sisters hysterical laughter -  I have shrunken one of my favourite hand knitted sailor jumpers! The real pain is that it won't even fit a baby as the wool has meshed together. I might have to make some gloves instead!

It even says Hand Wash With care! Aaaaaaaah 

Just as well blue is my favourite colour; The flower top was once white, my cream top is now a new shade of dirty blue, and my cardigan lace is now grey! 

So my lesson learnt on this appropriate mothers day is; mums are always right! Split your washes, don't cut corners and always check your labels! 

gem x

...potty training!

Yesterday was Day 1 of potty training. I have to admit, I was pretty scared. So I made sure I was well prepared with a bumper sized pack of pants, plenty of jogging bottoms, and chocolate buttons. I was also ready to have a low key day with crafting at home, with a short visit to the library.

I am pleased to report that it all went well-we survived! The boy only had two accidents, and was super keen to sit on his potty and do his business for a chocolate button (anything for chocolate-like mother, like son).

 He wanted to make butterflies...

...and monsters!

Some playdough fun

The reward; one for a wee, two for a poo!

Clean pants drying ready for round two tomorrow!

I am a very proud mumma.

Maria x

.....dreaming about owning my own nest (house)

Turning thirty has got me thinking about a lot of things recently. One of my woe's is that I am still renting with the rest of the twenty/thirty somethings, that just can't see a baby step into the housing market.  Don't get me wrong I love living near the sea, and the company of my flatmates but it would be nice to have a canvas which is completely mine to put my stamp on. Instead of wallowing in self pity, I have decided to make a start on my nest saving fund. I am going to give myself a weekly budget excluding big bills like rent of; £100. This means I will have to be strict and resourceful with my wombling (or become an even better wombler) and replace my mojito's for more lime sodas!. I am completely obsessed with Pinterest and I am going to use it like a slimmer would to lose weight to motivate me to save! (Both would be nice) Every time I feel like buying something, I will think about that cash as an extra brick to the house I might one day live in.

These are just a few of my daily inspirational pins, to move me forward on my mission to own my own little nest!

It is working! 

A wall of black and white photos - Dream! 

All images have been found on Pinterest -Have a look at my ever growing 'for the home' board. Please let me know if you have any tips! 

Happy Friday everyone! 

Gem x