Make Free Music Videos with Animoto

You too can create videos like this one for FREE! Animoto allows you to turn your photos and videos into 30 second slideshows with very little effort. All you have to do is upload 8-10 images, arrange them in the order of your choosing, pick out a song and theme (earth, water, fire, classic) and let Animoto create a music video for you. They choose the transitions and make sure the timing works with the song. You can even add text, like I did for the video above. One of the difficulties I’ve had with the service is not knowing how many photos will fit in my video. I often upload the number recommended with two or three text slides and find out that the last 2 photos didn’t make the cut. I think this may have to do with the length of the songs I choose; some are less than 30 seconds long.

However, if you’re looking for something more elaborate, you could just purchase an All Access ($30/year) or a Pro account ($249/year). For $249 a year you can make music as long as you want, as many as want. Unlike the free account, they won’t be branded–no Animoto graphics for you. With a professional account you also have the option of downloading your videos so you can upload them where you please and create DVDs. Members with free accounts can email their videos or share them on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, Blogger, MySpace and a few other places. Videos can also be embeded on a person’s website. However, the video above had to be exported to YouTube first, then the embed code for that was used here on this blog.

I like using Animoto because I know next to nothing about editing videos, but I do like to showcase our commercial clients, like Rejuvenation Station Studios. I usually export my video creations to YouTube and then share that link on Twitter and our Facebook page. If you’d like to try out Animoto for yourself click here to create your free 30 second video. Don’t forget to show us what you made!

A Craft For Robot + Mr. Potato Head Lovers

Introducing Mrs. & Mr. Robot.

This past Friday I hosted an Art Day for my moms group. Only one mom and child showed up but we had a great time making Can-Do Robots. Our 3-year-olds helped a little but spent most of the time playing with the magnets and running around the room making silly noises. This craft would probably be even more fun with older kids (ages 4-10). I love that you can add to it anytime you come across a neat odd or end. Just hot-glue magnet to it and you’ve got yourself a makeover!

I’ve recently discovered Disney’s Family Fun magazine and its website. It really is full of family fun. I found this craft while searching for ways to celebrate Earth Day. They had some other great ideas in their article about recycled crafts, like a message center made from a cookie sheet, shelf paper and magnets. We love magnets at the Collette household. So this summer when you’re looking for something to do with the kids, try this craft. You can’t go wrong with a metallic Mr. Potato Head.

Here are the robots that Emily and Sophie made. Their robot has arms. No fair.