More Jessica Sprague Fun

The class ended today, and as usual, I'm a few days behind...which is better than months ala the 'Stories in Hand' class. Even better, I'm using the techniques and having fun with them.

First up a couple of different variations of this cute photo of Sienna, both apply a sepia color tone and frames. Easy peasey....


Next up, some colorization and applying texture and a frame, you can't beat bare toes for a quintessential summer shot.
Finally, a technique I was so happy to learn and master... using layer masks to a pop of color on a black and white photo. Way easier that the old method of layers and erasers. A little edge burn and a quick frame on this one too.

Now I'm off to learn about storyboards, yay!

Fun w/Photos

If you didn't sign up for the free class on photo editing at Jessica Sprague's site you are missing out my friend...then again if you're a digi wizard or inclined to spend hours playing in photo shop you just might be ok. For the rest of us, I'm glad peeps like Jessica lead the way.

Of course I am a little behind and will spend some time this weekend to catch up on a couple more lessons.

Lesson 1...Add a frame and word art --- basic I know but a little review never hurt anyone


Lesson 2...Brushes --- I'll admit that even though I knew how before, I didn't really play with brushes on photos until now. I had plenty to play with, but did that stop me from searching the web for more? heck no...which might explain why I'm a couple of days behind. I gave myself bonus points on figuring out how to have to colors on the same brush image.

Lesson 3...Blending modes and hand tinting ***swoon*** again lots of playing, I'm so in love with how this turned out it motivated me to finally make a copyright stamp, lest cute baby girl end up as a poster in Uzbekistan or something. (yes, I know if they want to steal it, they will, but let me be an ostrich with her head in the sand for just a second)


Off to play more, hope you have a great weekend!

Easter Pics

Yes I know Easter was 2 weeks ago...blah, blah, blah... it seems like I spend a lot of time 'catching up' on this blog, I suppose it's a little like life in general...always moving at a super speed and find myself having to go back to in time to be thoughtful.

Mary had been practicing 'egg hunts' with Sienna for a couple of weeks so by the time the big day came she was a pro at finding and hiding.

Where does the time go?

What the week is half over? How can that be? Why is it that vacations go so much faster than a work week? For those of you keeping track, I've finished 3 of the tasks on the to-do list I made last week. Yes, I am a procrastinator, even on vacation. I have been able to spend time with friends and family and after all isn't that what vacations should really be about? Plus, I signed up for a Photoshop Workflow class on Jessica Sprague's site. It's great, so glad I took the plunge I've really learned quite a bit and feel more comfortable making edits on my own instead of depending on actions that others have created. Here are a few of my favorites...

Sienna was so cute, she played peek-a-boo with me from behind a tree.

Tea anyone?

Pigtails on parade!




and now we prepare to hunker down as the biggest storm of the season is headed this way...maybe the forecasters will be wrong, if not I have plenty of adhesive to keep me busy crafting all day.

A few new pics

I took these on Sunday, I can't believe it's taken me a week to edit and post these pics of Sienna and her rocking horse. I can't wait to scrap them...






I think this one is my favorite...




I think the horse can now take it's place as one of the best garage sale purchases, ever...

A quick layout

Can you handle a few more playground photos, I know they'll make my mom happy so the rest of you will just have to deal...

I love this photo, even though it violates all the photography rules about shooting into the sun, I think the silhoutte look is a nice change.

Look who didn't want to get out of the swing...

Speaking of grumpy kiddos, here's the layout I posted this week for the Scrapbook Destination blog sketch. I love this picture of Connor...

I can't believe it's 7:30 on Sunday night already and I still have laundry to do.

Hope your week is off to a great start.

Playground Fun

I spent a few hours on Thursday afternoon with Shelley, Sienna and the dogs at Chatfield and you know me I took a few (ok 80 or so) pictures. I'm still sorting through and dabbling a little bit with PS actions from the Pioneer Woman site. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the first batch.

Today...

I played a little 'legal' hooky from work and spent the day with this beautiful girl. We did a little rewind on Halloween when? I found the bumblebee costume in clearance at Target for $3.50 (who could resist that?) I always love when Lisa puts photos in digi frames so I thought I would give it a try for a couple of my favorite shots.

10 on Tuesday

So, I've sorted through my 200 or so photos from the 4 days in NYC and tried to pick my top 10 to share here.
1. The Chrysler Building

2. 6th Ave. by Rockefeller Center, love the vibrancy of the traffic and thankful I don't have to drive in it.

3. Looking up at the Empire State Building from Bryant Park

4. The heart of the Garment District

5. Radio City at night

6. Central Park and midtown skyline from the roof of the Metro. Museum of Art

7. Jeff Koons' 'Balloon Dog' also on the roof of the Met.

8. Taxis lined up on 5th Ave.

9. Central Park

10. Times Square

This one's for you mom...

and for anyone else who wants to see the pumpkin hat in action...

Party in Pueblo...

Finally Sienna, got to be with all of her Pueblo cousins at the same time. We headed down mid-day and enjoyed a great day at Brian and Julie's GORGEOUS new house. Here a few of my favorite pics from the day...Sienna's first dip...

Ben getting ready to 'water' the deck
Yum! Popsicles...Grant was kind enough to share his with me.
Splash!

admittedly not the best shot, but you try getting 3 toddlers and a baby and their parents to stay still for more than 15 seconds. At least Sienna knows who 'her photographer' is. :)

By the way...have you voted today? Still need your support, I've fallen in the ranks just a bit. This round ends on Wednesday so pretty please keep voting and thanks for all the positive messages you've sent my way.