52Photos

Ok, so, since I've taken my two photography classes with the awesome and very talented Brooke Snow, I've been somewhat remiss in practicing my newly learned skills.  I'm not a very motivated person, so having something to push me seems to work much better than Brooke saying "the best way to get better is to practice!  Take one photo a day, or a week, concentrating on something you learned in class.  Aperture, lighting, shutter speed, whatever."  (Likewise, the whole "practice" concept didn't go over so well with me when I took piano lessons, either.)   I needed something to hold me accountable.  And I think I found it with 52Photos!

I have been following the blog of this wonderful, gorgeous, and also very talented lady whom I now consider a friend (isn't that crazy, how you can make friends across the country and across the world with the internet?) , Monika Wright.   Her blog, iloveitallwithmonikawright.blogspot.com, is filled with crafty ideas and beautiful photos, and she is one of the founders of a concept called "52Photos."   Click here to read her first post about it.  So!  Of course I would have loved to have joined in beginning in January, but she and fellow founder, Lisa, encourage you to join anytime during the journey.  So, even though the year is more than half over, I'm jumping in, and going to practice my photography and document the world around me!  Am I a multi-tasker, or what?  :o)  

If you would like to check out the group, 52 Photos, click here, or on the blog button on the right hand side of my blog.  I'll be posting my photos to my blog (as well as to the flikr group) each week, so be sure to check back and leave me some love!  Wish me luck! 

WOW! That's a GREAT deal!

Would you like to know how to get FOUR, yes I said FOUR, stamp sets for only $5? Close to my Heart has two promotions that are overlapping for two weeks and you can double dip and take advantage of both of them from August 15 - 31!

The first promotion is to celebrate our new Stamp of the Month program. When you spend $50, you can get the Stamp of the Month for only $5 (see below)! When you do this in August, you will also get the adorable mini alphabet stamp set called A Typeset FREE!

Below is the August Stamp of the Month called Wicked. When you spend $50 this month, you can get this set for only $5!

In addition, to celebrate National Stamping Month (which is in September), you will get this adorable DOUBLE stamp set called Pair-a-Phrase absolutely FREE when you spend $75! (We like to call them our "Double D's! LOL!)  You’ll love this double set—two D-size sets come in one envelope—which includes lots of clever phrases and coordinating images that you can use all year long. CTMH is starting this promotion today, August 15th and it will run through September 30th.

 

Since the promotions overlap from August 15 - 31, if you spend $75, and get the August Stamp of the Month Wicked for $5, you will get both the A Typeset stamp for FREE and the Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set for FREE! Now that, my friend, is a GREAT deal!

If you have been thinking about ordering the new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge bundle, now is the perfect time to do it because you will qualify for all of these great promotions and you will get 4 extra stamp sets (a total retail value of $60.80) for only $5! There are TONS of other great items to choose from as well, including lots of great discounted, while supplies last, products.  Happy Shopping!

Click here to start shopping now or contact me to place your order!

I Heart Faces Photo Contest Entry -- Eyes

I was delighted when my friend's gorgeous daughter asked me to do her senior pictures.  This one is one of my favorites -- all I've done is made the photo b&w -- the eyes are original to the color photo.  She is such a beautiful girl, inside and out.  I love her dearly! 

Be sure to stop by I Heart Faces and check out all the other amazing entries!

FanTABulous August!

Yes, ladies and gents, it's HERE!!!  The much-anticipated, gorgeous, amazing NEW Close to My Heart Fall/Winter 2011 Idea Book.  We're talking 144 pages of pure yumminess!! 

Click on this link in the left-hand sidebar to view the idea book page by page!

Let me tell you about a few of the fantastic deals you'll find in the new book:

• Chirp, chirp…Check out our new, exclusive CRICUT cartridge! The Cricut Art Philosophy Collection comes with a cartridge containing 700 images (font, shapes & 3-D items), 3 stamp sets, and 3 sets of Dimensional Elements that coordinate beautifully with the Cricut cartridge! – page 13 

• EIGHT gorgeous My Reflections Scrapbooking Kits…you’ll love the new look and feel of our kits as all of our B&T papers are now cardstock weight with two different prints on each sheet! That’s right, the paper has been beefed up, but…the price has slimmed down! -- pages 16-61

•  Over FORTY fun, new My Acrylix stamp sets! You’ll notice a few exciting changes:
• LOWER PRICES on ALL stamp sets!
• All sets are now shown at 100%!
• Stamp Sets outlined in RED coordinate with the NEW Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge!
• Our NEW Stamp of the Month program makes it even easier to earn your SOTM!

• Our new Complements line provides the perfect coordinates for some of our new My Reflections Kits…Canvas Shapes, Rub-Ons, and Dimensional Elements – pages 16, 28, & 46 (offered as an upgrade to the My Stickease.  Now, each kit offers something new!)

• Can’t get enough Embellishments? Neither can we, so we’ve added lots of new offerings – felt shapes, charms, corrugated shapes, jewels, bling, overlays, journaling spots, and more! Page 128

• Add a little dimension to your projects with several new Dimensional Elements sets, many of which coordinate with the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge! You’ll also love our redesigned Dimensional Elements Monograms featuring 6 brand new fonts! – page 130

• Studio J is better than ever! Be sure to catch all the details on all the benefits of Studio J Membership – page 11

• Our New Consultant Kit has been revamped and is not more affordable than ever at only $99! - pages 4-5

And, during the month of August, you can earn a cute alphabet stamp set, entirely free!!

So, as you can see, August is a great month to order!!  Click on the "shop with me" link in the left hand sidebar to go to my website today!  

CTMH Retiring Items

As you may know, Close to my Heart is releasing the new Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book on August 1st. To make room for all of the AMAZING new products, we must say good-bye to some of our old favorites. 

2011 Close To My Heart Retiring List
(items on this list are available until July 31st, only while supplies last)

A huge thank you goes out to Christine David for compiling this list!

Cardstock




As of August 1st, the majority of bulk the cardstock packets (24 sheets) will be retired.  Remaining bulk packets will be increasing in price, so stock up now!

Click here to stock up on your favorite colors of Cardstock!



Ink



As of August 1st, ink pad and marker sets will no longer be available.  Complete your ink pad and marker collection today.

Click here to complete your inkpad and marker collection today!

Accessories

 

Z1154 Designer Ribbon Buttercup

Z1209 Designer Ribbon Cranberry
Z1125 Designer Ribbon SweetLeaf
Z1223 DEs Booksmart
Z1156 DEs Borders
Z1140 DEs Framed Fun
Z1312 DEs Stars
Z648 Emb Powder Baby Pink
Z671 Emb Powder Clear
Z647 Emb Powder Heavenly Blue
Z664 Emb Powder Pansy Purple
Z678 Emb Powder Silver Pearl
Z1400 Fanfare Ll 2 Assort (brads)
Z263 Fun Flock White
Z1354 Irresistibles Miracle
Z1390 Irresistibles™ Villa
Z1300 Just Blooms White Daisy
Z1377 Kraft Color-Ready Borders
Z1166 Mini Album Cream
Z1340 Mini Medley Lagoon
Z1277 Mini Medley Outdoor Denim
Z1339 Mini Medley Pear
Z1243 Mini Medley Pewter
Z1141 My Creations Mini-Binder
Z1009 Pivot Point Stapler
Z1231 Rub-ons Across The Board
Z1265 Rub-ons Primavera
Z1211 Top Coats Framed In
ALL DEs Monogram

Z1021 Envelope Flats 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"
Z1022 Envelope Flats 3" x 3"
Z1023 Envelope Flats 3" x 4 3/4"
Z1024 Envelope Flats 4" x 4"
Z1244 Envelope Flats 4 1/2" x 4 1/2"
Z1025 Envelope Flats 5" x 5"
Z1026 Envelope Flats 5" x 7"
Z1027 Envelope Flats 5 1/2" x 4 3/4"
Z1028 Envelope Flats 6" x 6"
Z1029 Envelope Flats 8" x 3 1/2"

Z338 Euro Paper Trimmer
Z339 Euro Replacement Blades
Z340 Euro Replacement Blade/Scoring
3501 Red Eye Pen
Z1289 Block Buddy Set
Z1090 Texture Tools
Z263 Fun Flock
Z185 My Accents Block Organizer


Click here to order your must have accessories!

 My Reflections Kits




All Level 1 Kits!
X7132A Bliss Level 1
X7132B Bliss Level 2
X7132C Bliss Stickease
X7133A Miracle Level 1
X7133B Miracle Level 2
X7133C Miracle Stickease
X7134A Sweetheart Level 1
X7134B Sweetheart Level 2
X7134C Sweetheart Stickease
X7135A Wings Level 1
X7135B Wings Level 2
X7135C Wings Stickease
X7127A Magnifique Level 1
X7127B Magnifique Level 2
X7127C Magnifique Stickease
X7128A Olivia Level 1
X7128B Olivia Level 2
X7128C Olivia Stickease
X7129A Hooligans Level 1
X7129B Hooligans Level 2
X7129C Hooligans Stickease
X7130A Mistletoe Level 1
X7130B Mistletoe Level 2
X7130C Mistletoe Stickease

Click here to order these My Reflections Kits before they retire!


Workshops on the Go Kits



The following Workshops on the Go's will retired at the end of August.
Order them now or plan ahead to make sure you don't miss out.

G1023 Miracle Workshohp Kit
G1022 Mayberry Workshop Kit
G1021 Fanfare Workshop Kit
G1020 Bliss Workshop Kit
G1019 Sophia Workshop Kit
G1018 Lucky Workshop Kit
G1017 Sweetheart Workshop Kit
G1016 Wings Workshop Kit

Click here to add a Workshop on the Go or two to your order!

 Blocks




Y1001 1" x 1 1/2" Block
Y1004 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" Block
Y1005 1" x 6 1/2" Block
Y1007 2" x 11" Block
Y1011 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" Block
Y1500 Block Starter Kit


Click here to buy these blocks before they are gone!



These links will take you directly to my website to order.  If you have any questions, leave me a comment!  Remember -- order before 10pm MST on July 31st to be sure your order gets in!  

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!

Visit my website here for some fantastic CTMH "while supplies last" deals!  Just a few examples:

WHITE DAISY CROCHET FLOWERS

$12.95    $4.00    69 % off

CREATIVE BASICS™ EMPORIUM COLLECTION

$8.95    $2.00    78 % off

BELLA LEVEL 2 MY STICKEASE® ASSORTMENT

$4.95    $1.00    80 % off

HEARTFELT™ WHIMSY DIE-CUTS

$5.95    $1.50    75 % off

These are just a few of the many examples of this great sale!!  Be sure to get yours before they're gone! 

It's Officially Summer!!

Just came in from outside, "helping" hubby turn the sprinklers on.  (I'm sure he would beg to differ -- "supervising" might be more accurate!)  But, as he turned on the sprinklers in the back yard, both dogs were out, watching.  Sadie, our black lab, is normally very shy and doesn't like to get wet (unless it's a lake she can jump into), so imagine our surprise when she all but grabbed Syd (our chocolate lab) by the collar and dragged her out to play in the sprinklers!!  It was priceless -- I would have come in to get the camera, but knew if I did they would follow me, so hubby and I just stood and laughed and enjoyed the moment with our crazy girls, as they romped and chased each other through the water.  Though this was taken at the dog park, here's an idea of what they're looking like right now:

Soaked to the skin, but loving every minute of it!!  :)  I guess that means that summer is officially here!  Namaste, my friends!

{I Heart Faces} Challenge -- Bright and Vivid

Head on over to their blog to check out more Bright and Vivid photos!

Lifestyle Photography Class -- Assignment #4

So, here we are, on our final assignment for my Lifestyle Photography class with the amazing and talented Brooke Snow.  I'm so sad to see it end!  I have learned so much the past month, though I know I have much more to learn (not the least of which, according to my husband, is to learn not to get so frustrated so easily)!  The other ladies in my class are all so very talented -- I've learned a lot from them, as well.  I look forward to practicing with my camera, getting more comfortable with it and with the concept of telling a story with my photos, rather than just taking the "say cheese" or "smile" posed pictures.   

 

Week 4

Part One: Thematic and Conceptual Shooting

This week we want to focus on telling a story in a single image and intentionally creating a “message” with the image.  

My sweet husband, Mike, who is supporting me on this photography journey, is nothing if not an outdoors-man!  He absolutely LOVES to be outside, in nature, whether warm or cold, sunny or stormy, day or night.  We had gone up to Park City today to finish up my assignments, and just enjoy a beautiful spring day together.  I captured this as he was standing on a bridge, overlooking a small stream that was swollen and fast-running with our rather impressive spring runoff!  I have the camera balanced on the rail or the bridge, looking down at him.  I love the bokeh, and the leading line pointing directly to him. I think this picture portrays enjoyment and relaxation.  I would love to know what feeling you get from it!  Does it tell a story for you? 

Part Two: Getting in your pictures

Post one self portrait image.  Set the timer, use a remote, or hand the camera to someone else.

Yes, dear hubby got to be behind the camera on this one.  And can I just say, barf.  I mean, he took a great picture, I just wish I wasn't in it!!  :/  I don't like having my picture taken, because I'm SO not photogenic!  But, as a scrapbooker, I do realize the importance of not only being behind the camera, but also in some of the images so future generations will know who I was, as well, like it or not!  

Many thanks and much love, again, to Brooke and to my fellow students.  I have learned so much from all of you!!  I wish you well on your photography journeys, and hope we can stay in touch!  Namaste!

Lifestyle Photography Class -- Assignment #3

Oh, my goodness!  This was the difficult week, as we were home for my brother-in-law's funeral; however, I was able to spend time with my sweet great-niece, which gave me my great decisive moment, as well as visit one of Wyoming's natural wonders -- Pathfinder Dam, which, when overflowing, creates a 200 foot waterfall.  I had fun this week trying to find contrast and capture it in my photos.  I hope you enjoy them!

 

Week 3

Part One: Conceptual Contrast

The contrast of subject elements within our frame, such as big vs. small, wet vs. dry, dark vs. light, man vs. nature, old vs. young, or a million other options. Please post three images.  Your contrast can be the same in all three, or it can be different, but I want to see your creativity with the use of Point of View and make sure you use the Less is More principle by having nothing but the story in the picture. 

Free vs. restrained

Near vs. far, dark vs. light, left vs. right

Man vs. nature 

(ie., the dam is man-made, trying to hold back the force of nature)

Part Two: The Decisive Moment

The Decisive Moment is that rare moment in which the composition of a photo and the message or emotion of the scene reach an apex. Shoot something meaningful to you that you love.  But you only get three shots.  How does this limitation help you consider composition, point of view, framing, and of course, the timing of your image more than the ability to continuously fire?  Please post your ONE favorite of the three shots.

 

Trust me, this was a very decisive moment!  Miss Penny, my great-niece, is at that age where she's afraid of strangers, and is definitely a mama's girl!  Getting her to stop crying, much less smile, while I was watching her was nothing short of a miracle!  LOL!  But, she LOVED my camera, so I got lucky.  We had been playing peek-a-boo, and then went for a little walk outside, stopping by my truck to get the camera.  When we came indoors, I put her in her boppy (this little C-shaped pillow), and waited.  Playing peek-a-boo, once again, this time using the camera, I was able to finally get a little smile!   For this, waiting was worth it!  :)  Isn't she gorgeous?  

Thanks for checking out my pictures this 'week.'  :)  One more post to go!  As always, comments are welcomed -- please let me know what you think!  Namaste!

Lifestyle Photography Class -- Assignment #2

So, with everything going on in our lives the past couple of weeks, I am WAY behind on my photography class homework!  Tomorrow we submit our last week, so you'll be seeing three posts in quick succession as I rush to get everything in.  This Lifestyle Photography class, taught by Brooke Snow has been absolutely wonderful, but BOY, do I still have a lot of learning to do!!  I'm getting more and more comfortable shooting in manual, but this lifestyle concept is completely new to me.  I find myself frustrated when I have a specific idea in mind and it doesn't pan out.  Need to work on that!  Anyhoo, on to my second week of assignments!

Part One: Point of View

Shoot something/someone you love to photograph and take your best shot.  Now… look at that shot good and hard.  Create 20 more images from a different Point of View. Please post your first shot (the initial reaction shot) and your 3 additional favorite perspectives. 

For part one, I chose a trip to one of our local libraries, as I love books and have loved to read since I was a small child!  I was in just one small portion of the library, as I didn't want to intrude on anyone -- but it just happened to be this little nook with this amazing wall of windows!  Perfect for natural lit shots.  So, the first picture is one of one of the aisles of books; the others are from different points of views, including framing and an aerial perspective.  

 

Part Two: Less is More

Photograph a scene (with or without people).  Now break that scene down into as many smaller scenes as possible, reducing until you can’t reduce any further.  Please post your first shot of the scene and 3 additional shots from the reduction exercise.  

For part two, I went to our local farmer's market.  This was one of those examples I talked about above where I had a very specific shot list in mind, and then had most of them 'shot' down, as there weren't very many veggies out yet!!  I was so frustrated, as I had envisioned lovely pictures of ripe fruits and vegetables for my  "smaller scenes."  Instead, I ended up with a few that were perhaps more telling of the actual farmers market, which also includes an arts and crafts market, as well (my favorite!)  It's also the only place I've seen that has valet bicycle parking!  :)

Anyway, thank you for looking this 'week,' and I appreciate any feedback you're willing to leave!  Namaste!

A Hunting we will Go!

SO!  It appears it's time for me to find a job.  A different job -- a "real" job, some would say, outside the home.  I love being home, but find that it also is actually cutting INTO my creative time, because I am HORRIBLE at time management.  I do much better with it when I have less of it to manage!  LOL!  Plus, we have a few bills that it would be nice to get paid off faster, which a little extra income will help with. 

So, I've applied for a few jobs.  Well, the first thing I had to do was find my resume (thank goodness for memory sticks!) as it has been 10 or more years since I've updated it.  O_o  I know.  YIKES.  But, resume found, updated, and job search started. 

I just had to share that I surprised myself -- haven't lost the touch!  I went in yesterday to take a data entry test for one of the positions I applied for.  Now, keep in mind, it's been over 10 years since I've done any real data entry.  Typing, yes, strict data entry, no.  BUT!  Passing was 5072 KPH (that's keystrokes per hour).  I passed with flying colors -- at 12948 KPH with 98% accuracy.  OOH-rah, as they say in the Marines!   Now, just to learn to patiently wait to hear back from them!!  Wish me luck!

How Can I Help You to Say Goodbye?

Have you heard that song? Patty Loveless sang it.  I have a hard time with goodbyes.  I don't like them.  In fact, I'm terrible at them.  Doesn't matter if my husband is going to work for the day, or if my sister - in - law is moving to England for 5 years.  I just hate goodbyes.  Changing it to "See ya later" doesn't work, either.  And I found out last week, as I have once each year for the past four years, that it's especially hard when the goodbye is being said to a loved one who has passed away.  This time is especially hard, as it was unexpected.  We got a call Wednesday, May 25th that my brother-in-law had died in a motorcycle accident.  No one else involved, just Jeremy (my BIL) and a crotch-rocket.  Just him and the bike.  No helmet, excessive speed.  And of course, we'll never know why.  It's so sad.  He was only 33.  I had to watch his 10 y/o daughter and 9 y/o son sob because their dad is gone.  I had to watch my father-in-law say goodbye to his youngest son.  My husband and sister-in-law say goodbye to their little brother.  And all so senseless.

Handsome man, yes?   He was so full of life.  So adventuresome.  So soft-hearted.  I'll be honest.  He'd made bad choices in his life.  Spent some time in prison.  But he was out, clean, working, making amends -- learning to be the father, son, and brother he was meant to be.  Making something of himself.  So, why now?  Just when things were looking up?  I can't explain it.  I just have to trust.  After all, I know where he lives now, and Who he lives with.  We'll meet again one day.  Until then . . . rest in peace, sweet Jerm.  We love you. 

Studio J -- Free for All!

So, you've heard, or rather, read, about me promoting our online scrapbooking program, Studio J.  And you've seen some of the layouts I've done, as well.  (If you haven't, click on "Studio J" under labels and it will take you right to them!) And I'll share another couple, right here!

 And now, during the month of June, you get to try it.  FREE.  NO STRINGS ATTACHED.  Actually, you get to MORE than try it.  During our Studio J^® Free-for-All in June, we're giving everyone a FREE Studio J^® JPG file—no purchase required! Simply log on to Studio J^®, create a layout, then order one JPG file of your layout. It's as easy as that! Download and save your file so you can post your layout online, email it to family and friends, or print them. If you don't have an account, creating one is easy. You can access Studio J^® through my website or at studioj.com. 

What are you waiting for??  Try it today!  Not sure where to start?  Check out Close to My Heart's Studio J Tutorial:

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly!  I'd love to sit down with you and help you out!

June Stamp of the Month!

Just had to let you in on the cute new stamp of the month for June -- JUBILATION!!!  It's amazing, because it has a little something for EVERY MONTH!  Great for cards, tags, layouts, this set is very versatile -- and you can earn it for FREE!  Just look at this cute artwork!

Here is the complete set:

As always, YOU determine what you pay for it!!  If you order up to $25 in product, you get it for 25% off; $50, 50% off; $75, 75% off, and, yes, if you spend $100 you get your set absolutely FREE!!  Visit my website here and place your order today!