05.24.08
Posted in Software, Hardware, Computer Crafting at 10:18 pm by webmaster
I recently purchased a digital camera for my grandkids to use. Called “Kids Cam Digital Camera”, it’s advertised for ages six and up, but my three-year-old grandson was using it and had no problems at all. The camera supposedly takes 152 pictures , but that must be if you purchase a memory card or something. I’m one of those ‘hate to read instructions’ people, so I’ve only been able to take 20 photos at a time and then you have to download them to your computer so you can take more. Downloading the pictures was quite easy and the camera comes with software that allows you to edit and print your pictures using templates provided. There are also activities provided in the software package: a story maker, an edit center, a game center
and a slideshow maker. There is also a Web camera program.
The photo activity software is quite good and the camera itself takes good pictures when used outside. There is no flash, so indoor pictures tend to be very dark. Since this kids’ digital camera only cost me $19, I can’t expect too much.
The main thing that I don’t really like about the camera is the fact that you can’t preview the pictures. There is no lens view or anything like that, so the pictures have to be uploaded to your computer before you can see them.
For a young child, it’s the perfect little camera. The one I have is gray with dark red trim. There were a few different colors, and the case is plastic, so it’s a fairly sturdy little unit for child.
According to the information on the package, the edit center allows you to add effects, distort the pictures and tweak them with 18 different editing tools. You can also add captions and use the painting tools that are included. The slideshow maker allows you to produce, direct and star in your own megahit. Now, I haven’t tried either one of those programs yet, although I imagine they’re fairly easy.
The camera and the software were quite simple to install. Although not useful for any serious photo taking, the Kids Cam is an inexpensive introduction to an exciting hobby.
Technorati Tags: digital camera, kids camera, photo editing
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02.15.08
Posted in Software, Computer Crafting, Home Computing Tips at 4:52 pm by webmaster
If you are a mac computer user, I have a good image sharing program for you to check out.
You can snap a picture of a website, capture a chat moment, take a screenshot of an application, quickly sketch an idea, even add notes with arrows and circles to point out specific things.
You can find out more at skitch.com. I have not personally used this program although I was all ready to get it until I found out I needed a mac. If anyone knows of a program this good for the pc, let me know. (I am saying it’s a good program because of things I’ve heard from other people, so thought I’d pass it on.)
Technorati Tags: skitch, image sharing, mac computer
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02.19.07
Posted in Computer Crafting, Home Computing Tips at 1:55 pm by webmaster
Some of these ideas are easy enough for an older child to do, or you and your child could do them together. Don’t disregard an idea as being too difficult, there is probably a software program out there that can help you with it.
- Make bookmarks decorated with photos and laminated
- Create custom crosswords
- Type manuscripts for aspiring authors
- Scan memorabilia and create personal certificates
- Provide Internet research for hard to find books
- Create business cards and personal calling cards
- Make photo buttons and stickers for children
- Create calendars and sell on cafepress.com
- Use a calligraphy font to design invitations and cards
- Scan photos and save them as a slide show on a cd
- Personalize letterhead and matching envelopes for a child
- Write and illustrate children’s stories
- Scan a family crest, add information and create a certificate
- Create a family tree
- Design gift cards for florists
- Search for genealogy information
- Create greeting cards
- Do income tax and bookkeeping
- Create photo jigsaw puzzles
- Write or edit letters for new Canadians
- Provide translation services
- Draw and paint
- Make name tags
- Create pet birth certificates
- Write resumes
- Write letters to children
- Buy and sell for people on eBay
I would love to hear your ideas, so please add them to the list. And any success stories will be a big encouragement to all of us.
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01.23.07
Posted in Computer Crafting at 9:17 pm by webmaster
This is an activity you can do with your child or grandchild. I think my grandson would like it if he would slow down long enough to try.
- Hold a clothespin to the computer screen and trace a rectangle shape with your mouse for the butterfly body.
- On each side of the body, draw and decorate a large wing. Use the copy and flip functions on your computer to make equal sides.
- Then print out your butterfly, colour it, and add decorations.
- Glue the uncoloured side to construction paper and cut it out.
- Glue the underpart of the body to a clothespin and fold the wings up.
- Glue a folded twist tie at the top of the closed end for an antennae.
Now find a nice warm place to display those butterflies.
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01.09.07
Posted in Computer Crafting, Sites of Interest at 8:38 pm by webmaster
Art and painting lessons www.creativespotlite.com
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