Showing posts with label Spring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spring. Show all posts

May 4, 2009

Spring Swap


Yet another fun swap, hosted by the 6 o'clock stitch: everyone is swapping an 8x10 inch art piece in the medium of their choice. The only parameters are the size and that it must be spring themed and include the colors red & yellow somewhere in it. I love the openness of this one: follow 3 little rules and let your creativity run wild. I'm looking forward to seeing the diverse ideas everyone will bring to life!

May 1, 2009

Finally, Spring is here to stay!

I know because even after our "heat wave" of 90 degree weather for 5 days straight, it steel feels comfortable at 60 and the flowers and trees continue to thrive (not shrivel up in shock at the drop in temperature). And these are everywhere:


As big and wobbly as I am, when I saw their happy purple faces greeting me outside the kitchen window, I knew I had to have them inside with me. So I got out my scissors, went outside, got into my best squat (my Bradley instructor would be so proud) and cut away. And let me tell you - it was a workout! But totally worth it!

After admiring my little violet friends on the table, I decided to put to good use the information I gleaned from Whip Up yesterday. I've always struggled with how to put a camera to good use; I feel like I should just hand it to someone who knows what they're doing and yet I want to learn! You can take a million shots, but I hate just snapping away and hoping that, maybe, one will come out well. Well I wouldn't say I'm now an expert or even a little bit good, but the tips I read (and links I followed) were tremendously helpful. E.g. "Well, of course, good lighting is key, but what does that mean, and how do I achieve it? Ohhh...that's how!" I hope to get better and better over time! One trick I used this morning was to bounce light back into the composition from opposite the light source in order to soften the shadows. This is what I used:


You like? It's a plastic dough board for rolling out crusts! I used the other side which is flat and white and you know what...it worked!! My white sheet could have been a little more wrinkle-free though...