xoxo girls January Challenge

I decided to participate in an xoxo girls challenge. They post several layouts and you are supposed to scraplift as many as you want! I actually started this challenge somewhat backwards. I usually see something I like and then work from there. For this one, I chose a picture and then found a layout that I thought would work with it! I think it worked.

I scraplifted Jona Panesa's "lil artist". I loved her cluster of embellishments and the patterned papers separated by the ribbon. It was not easy to get the ribbon to stay down in a circular pattern. I really need to get a sewing machine and then learn how to use it!

I used the souffle pens to add a little bit of texture to my patterned paper. I also like all the different flowers together - buttons, felt, sequin, paper...

Supplies: Patterned paper-Foo fa La
flowers - Making Memories, Maya Road, Heidi Grace, stash
Ribbon - Heidi Grace, Chatterbox
Letter Stickers - K& co.
Ghost heart - Heidi Swapp
Tag - Jenni Bowlin
Cream brad - Imaginisce
Pin - Heidi Grace S
ouffle pens - Sakura
Chalk - Pebbles Inc.

You have been challenged!

The first challenge at NVS was posted! Bop on over here and check it out. Join the challenge for a chance to win a superb prize. The prize is $20 to the sponsor of the month...Thelovelyteaspoon. It is a fabulous etsy shop for all your zany jewelry needs.

Here is my layout based on the collage for this month:


I loved the collage for this month. I was really inspired by the grays and the little plaid skirt. I also loved the pop of red in the heart. I found a picture of my niece, similar to the one in the collage. I worked elements of the skirt into handmade embellishments as well as in the patterened paper. I added little touches of a camera, keys, beading, and dymo-like words. I found I've been leaving a lot more empty space lately. I'm not sure if I like it or not. But, I'm pretty happy with this layout! I just can't stop asking myself, "Does it need something more?"

Supplies:
Bazzil cardstock, KI memories grateful plaid shirt patterned paper, Heidi swapp/Queen&Co./Sticko bling, Card charms camera charm, 7 gypsies keys, Making Memories tiny alpha, Maya Road chipboard heart, Apple Barrel Laguna paint. Ribbon, thread, ribbon slide from stash.

New Blog Design

Thanks to the cutestblogontheblock, I have a new blog background. I know, not plain gray. It just looks too fancy! That's ok. I'll get used to it. And, if I don't, I can easily change it! I knew there had to be something like this out there in www. land and I found it. What is the best part?? It's FREE!!

It's official...I am a nerd!

In an earlier post, I mentioned that I was going to change the blog a bit. Today it started with the NVS button. I have been found to have enough nerdiness to be a part of the design team! I need a place to post my scrappiness and instead of making a second blog, I decided to make this one go through a metamorphosis. As I develop my blogging savy, I will add more. I will leave this post with a layout. I thought it was fitting since Christmas Eve is only 2 days away! I was pretty happy with this layout. I really enjoyed trying something new by not only painting the ghost letters, but also adding rub-ons to them. They really are very versatile. More to come after Christmas!

DVC Wind Ensemble and Orchestra 12/5/09

Well, I must have done something right because Sara and Monte asked me to come back. I bought a new lens - a nice Sigma 50-150mm F2.8. It's a pretty nice lense and I was able to get more of the shots I wanted this time. I also brought the monopod, although, I'm not clear on how much it actually helped.

I was really enthralled with this angle. I got down on the ground and I liked the curved effect made by the lights. I took about 10 different shots from this angle.


There's a little story that goes with the next two photos. My husband was in the audience for this show. At this point in the music, the director was really getting into it. I had noticed and just kept my camera on him. At this moment, my husband searched for me, thinking I needed to get these photos, only to find me right where he thought I should be!






Sara wanted group shots. I had thought about bringing my tripod, but forgot it on the way out of the house. I think it would have helped. They turned out ok, but they could be better!




Thank you Sara for having me. I tell you, it is hard to enjoy the music while photographing, but there are moments that I stop just a bit to listen to the wonderful sounds around me. I hope you like the pictures. I do think I improved on myself this time!

The Parkside 11/28/09

Andrew played his last show with the Parade Route at The Parkside in San Francisco. It was a pretty good show. A lot of people came out 'specially for Andrew.







I was able to get a few good shots of these three. Lately, I've been working on motion shots, trying to get their hands in movement, but everything else in foucs. It's rather difficult as I have to hold the camera quite still...but I'll keep playing.
No more Parade Route pics for awhile as they are sans a drummer; however, look forward to some changes coming to the blog!! You will see that my creative side does not stop at photography...

Quincey's Friday the 13th Show

Parade Route played Quincey's in Rohnert Park with Over The Falls, The mud the blood and the beer, & Trace of Light. A lot of people came out to watch and besides it being freezing in the bar, it was a good show. I was able to get a few shots of each of the bands, except for Trace of Light. I was the designated driver for the evening and the drive back to Novato is long.

Ryan from Over the Falls- I really didn't like the lighting in the picture and I think I made it even worse using the spotlight filter.

Tim from Over the Falls- I would have liked this to be more in focus, but I just love the expression on his face.

Brett from Over the Falls- Just can't take a man from his music. I love photos that show a person loving what they are doing.

Gabe from The mud, the Blood and the Beer- Drummers work hard, can't you tell?

John from The mud, the Blood and the Beer

Grant from The mud, the Blood and the Beer

I tried playing around with the corner angle a bit. I've been inspired lately by a portrait photographer that leaves a lot of space leading to her subject.









Sadly, there's one last show with Andrew later this month. He's decided to focus on school and is leaving the band. He better be ready to bring on his rock face to the last show!!