Beautiful Quote: Marianne Williamson

I just came across these words the other day, that I would like to share with you.  ~Marianne Williamson.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

If you would like to learn more about Marianne, visit her web-site: www.marianne.com. {Her book links go directly to Amazon.}


Enjoy your day~
~Shelly
 

FREE Owl Lover 2013 Calendar

Yes, that's right, free printable calendar again this year!

 All you have to do is pop over to My Owl Barn and choose from all of the wonderful artwork. This is the 3rd year that Shivani has worked with artists from all over the world on her calendar project. Over 40 artists have contributed and there are 43 images for you to build your calendar with.  You just might have to print more than one -seriously!  Someone on your Christmas list would surely enjoy such a creation!

Gorgeous, see what I mean?  And, since I would love a cup of tea right now, I will leave you with one more...

While you are there printing, choosing and sighing with pleasure -leave a comment and say Hello to Shivani. :)

Thanks for stopping by!
~S

Homecoming Heels

It has been quite a while since I went to a Homecoming dance. Striking suits & ties, sparkly dresses, and oh... those high heeled shoes!  For privacy purposes, I cannot really show you the faces that go with the shoes... The shoes however, want to be famous!
{via Posterize option in PicMonkey}

Silvery Curving Sparkles~

Blurry?  Doesn't matter here~

Hot Pink Satin Bows~

Love how the black accents the heel~

 

 Golden Strappiness~

Sandy Tan and accents of white~

Muted Pinks on tippy toes~

Even looks comfortable, doesn't it?~

Lovely Mochas~

Lined up and ready for the dance~ {a few pictures first...}

Silvery Smooth~

Golden Light w/that fabulous pop of pink~

There you have it, Homecoming Heels with a Posterize feel~

If you want to learn more about PicMonkey.com visit my earlier posts, here, here & here. {Guess I went a little crazy with it!}

Thanks for stopping by!

~Shelly

Hello Fall! ~A beautiful note from Britta Swiderski

I read today's post over at Britta Swiderski's blog.  She addresses Fall like it is a dear friend, and indeed it is!  So fun... and she also shares with you the #4 card entry to a 10 Minute Craft Dash. Be sure to click on the links too~ Enjoy.

"Hello Fall.

Dear Fall,
You’re my favorite time of the year. Hands down, when you roll around each year, I greet you with open arms. Your sweatshirt weather, your brisk winds and yellow sun and your changing leaves make my heart happy. If I could have you all year around, I would. But we both know then I would take you for granted, and we can’t have that. Thanks for visiting again this year. You’re the best in Minnesota, I think, and I’m happy to be with you again.
So much love,
Britta
Seriously, fall is my favorite time of year. October is my favorite month. So it’s natural that when I tried out the 10 Minute Craft Dash yesterday, fall was my true inspiration.

The challenge is to use the three above colors to create a card in under 10 minutes. Mine took me a little over 15 minutes, but I hope that still counts! I felt the pressure for sure. :) It was a lot of fun, though! Here’s what I came up with:
"


Have a wonderful Fall day!

~Shelly 

A Bit More of PicMonkey {Officially Example #3}

One of the effects that I seem to really be enamored with is Orten. I used the standard settings in combination with Cross Process, in Red mode.  I started out with the wonderful moment of the team win (Yahoo!!) and amped it up with a soft boost of "brightness."
I started out with this image~

Already pretty cool on it's own, right?


Now, what do you think?

It feels dream-like... "We won, we won!!!"  Love it, if I do say so myself... :)


So great of you to visit~
~Shelly

Summer Days & My Baby Girl

Were you expecting a human child?  Although we have two teens in the house, we still have my baby girl.  We were just visiting a friend and enjoying a cup of coffee.

Due to it being summer-time, you can even see sand on Staxie's face as proof. :)

~Shelly

PicMonkey.com {Example #2}

Here's a quick example of some basic "fixes" that you may want to add to a photo.  I chose an old photo from a group, so it is not the best quality, but that is the point, right? :)

I wish I had kept better notes.... thought I would remember, as I did this only 2 days ago!  (Just right before I got sick... good excuse?)
On the After, I added mascara, and it looks like I only used "bright eyes" on my right eye, ha ha!  Oh well.  I used Cloning to remove some of my hair that I did not clear away from my neck, and to reduce the "big" hair I was experiencing on my left.  Gave myself a tan, and it appears that I also used the Weight Loss feature -although I do not remember for sure...  My favorite was the Wrinkle Remover -for my t-shirt.  I think it makes me look like I am sitting up straighter.  A good look. :) Then, I just headed over to the "P" section to add in the Text, and for the last step I popped over to Collage to drag my pictures in.

This is a great photo to use, because it has so many nooks and crannies.  Some alternate looks available... {Please click on the photo collages to see larger, and more clearly.}

  

The Warhol effect can be kinda creepy, hence the barely altered look I chose.  I did not want to look at a creepy photo of my son!  Another gruesome effect is the Focal Black & White, in reverse.  Just check the (reverse) box, and you get that alive-dead look really well.  Just click on the collage if you want to enlarge it. 

Want to make your masterpiece look a lot older than the 10 years or so than it was taken?  Try these~

I will leave you with one final "effect" which looks more like a frame to me. It is called:  ~Cinerama~ (Note: This photo was taken with black and white film, no alteration there!)

Hope you have fun checking this out!  Come back soon. :)

~Shelly

 

PicMonkey.com is a Wonderful Place to Hang Out! {Example #1}

Are you sad to see Picnik(dot)com leave? It had so many great digital photo effects for free, and for a small fee, enhanced membership.  WELL... Cheer up!  PicMonkey.com is here to save you!  I have been playing around a bit and am posting a cool picture of none other than... Peanut. :)

Peanut was the driver in this shot.  From the Basic Edit's Menu,  I chose the Crop feature to cut out some of the bottom which was showing the center cup holders, and cut off some of the right side to place him in a more flattering position.  Then I used the Clone feature to "delete" the papers in the side-door-pocket.  I also used Cloning to work on his eyes a bit -taking some of the glare out.  I zoomed way in to work on his eyes using my mouse wheel.

From the Effect's Menu, Camera Look, I chose "Daguerreotype." Then I added "Brady" and "Shiro" effects before saving.

The site is set up with the Categories listed on the left.  Top left is the Category by title, and side left is Category by icon.  Basic Edit = small molecule structure.  Effects = science flask. Textures = square grid turned on point.   There are of course, MANY MORE features to peruse.

I will continue posting pics this week as examples of what this site can do for you.  I will try and show some practical uses for enhancing photos, not just the artsy effects that look so good on Peanut. :) 

P.S. It is great to be back!! Sorry I have been away so long. ;)


Sharing here: Beyond the Picket Fence

~Shelly

Are You A Tim Holtz Distress Ink Fan? Check out these markers!!

Looking for a little Distress fun?  As in Tim Holtz Distress Markers?
The best price I have seen for these is at Oh My Crafts!  On sale here for $99.00; then use the SAVE20 coupon code & receive 20% off, plus FREE SHIPPING -for a grand total of $79.99. {Delivery in late March.}

Tim Holtz Distress Markers are water-based inks for coloring, journaling, stamping and more. The dual tip markers are ideal for many coloring techniques.

Distress Markers are available to match the Distress palette of 36 color and White Picket Fence.

Canister contains 37 markers, 1 of each color

• Acid free, non-toxic
• Available in Distress 37 color palette
• Available open stock or in canister set
• Use brush tip for coloring, stamping and shading

Note: Individual markers are on sale for $3.25 each (regular price $3.49); these are available "late February"  -so any day now. :)

"Mr. Holz" gives a great demonstration using these fabulous markers at the CHA 2012.  Noell Hyman of Paper Clipping 4 U (YouTube Channel) caught an exclusive early morning demo before opening, and there are no other interfering sounds in the background -really easy to hear!  Tim shows how they blend well very well, do not fade, and yet will not "smear" and actually resist when distress ink is added on top of the marker ink.  There is a special white marker, Picket Fence, which is on opaque marker.  On dark paper -it goes on invisible and dries seconds later to white.  You can go over your already colored images to add the frosty look too.  He mentioned that this marker can be used on all colors as well.  The video is about 10 minutes, but it was so fun to watch all that color, and how easy it was, that I just could not stop watching!  Now go and take a look -you will be inspired!

~Shelly

A Collage-Collective Blog

Gotta give a shout-out to Three Muses  blog for their place where others can exhibit their creations as well. {Self description: We are three friends who have NEVER met, yet share a good sense of humor, and a common interest in art in all its forms.  We are Ann from the UK, Marie from Western Australia, and Bev from Indiana in the US.}

Digital collages are definitely in my future!  I am working on sooner, rather than later.  Step one:  Load Photoshop onto computer: Check.

One Contributor, Ann of Taluula's, really entertained me & made me smile today.  Take a look: 

Love the bit about never telling lies... 

Who doesn't love Johnny Depp? (I actually got side-tracked by this one...)

The Queen, keeping up with fashion.

And some tattered wings, must get a lot of use...  Sorry, I was distracted, forgot to warn you about the non-PG thing.

While we are on the subject of wings, this next image is not actually a collage per se.  Although, it has an aged look to it, some teeny tiny, very useful I am sure, wings to look at.  And, it does have a bit in common with the above collage of Ann's.  I am sure you will enjoy it too.

Brendan Fraser, looking very fast

Another blog favorite of mine who also completes the 3 Muses challenges is Tania: Wild @ Heart.

 This one is titled, "She's a Handful" 

Another in a series of alphabet cards.  Isn't he handsome?

This one reminds me so much of the poem books I loved as a child!

Tania whips up fun images for Freebie Fridays too!  Here is her latest: 

and a previous offering~

So much inspiration, what's one to do? Utterly enjoy, that's what!

Good to see you!

~Shelly

A Gloriously Exuberant Ending!

You know this guy?  If you do not, his name is Peanut.  Full name: Peanut Patches Jet-Fighter.  You can learn more about his name origination here.  

 Last night, he gave me quite a fright!  Peanut made me feel sick to my stomach -for the whole 20 minutes that he was lost!! Although, I do not think he knew that he was lost! As far as he was concerned, he was on a walk by himself -and quite enjoying it too.  It was kinda rainy, I know, unusual for the Seattle area.  Go figure.  I had just parked the car, waiting for my son D and his friend L to finish up their indoor rock climbing.  The dogs were with me, so the 3 of us got out of the car for a bit  for fresh air.


So, what happened?  Peanut disappeared! I saw Peanut go through a sparse, tall hedge, but did not think anything of it. I was looking toward the door to see if the boys had come out yet, and then I turned around and saw where Staxie was, and just thought that Peanut was behind the small bush too, as she is always right with him. Could not find Peanut anywhere! I called him, and called him -knowing that he probably couldn't hear me -his hearing is playing tricks on him these days. Near panic set in, as I got the pen light from the glove box. The boys, by now waiting in the car, got back out to help me look. Ugh, having looked in the obvious places, I had to go into the creepy dark bushes on the side of the building, calling out to him. Creepy, like dead  bodies could be back there.... {shiver} Wasn't too bad, the creepy bit just lead to the back parking lot. Not there. Sent D along the drive that took us in there, just in case Peanut had jammed that way. Then I started off in the direction through the bushes where I last saw him head. So, 2 parking lots over, I realized that I needed to call L's mom, and tell her that she may need to come and pick the boys up, as I might be there until 1:00 in the morning.... She agreed to head down immediately -I suggested that she wait 15 minutes... and, as I was talking to her, I saw a little movement of white, by a white van, -in front of the black tire. Were my eyes playing tricks on me? Were the rain spots on my glasses creating a wavy shadow? Nope!! Joy of joys!!!! It was Peanut!!! -Not really sure why I was so excited to see him. I was shaking, I was so relieved! Stinker. O.K, that is my story. I would make him wear a bell, but  that might interfere with what he actually could hear. Like me calling him. 

  Here he is trying to get out of trouble by helping me show you a sneak peek of fabric.  When the weather warms up, I'll be using it to cover a really comfy chair that I got for free!  {He really should be drooling -I gave him a gazillions treats trying to get him to look at the camera! Guess he got burned out from modeling when he was in that calendar a few years ago.}
Good to see you,
~Shelly

Gorgeous Creature

Parent-volunteer Sport-Team-Photographers will always hold a place in my heart! We are so very lucky that our son's team has one of the best ever talented, devoted, creative photographers! He always manages to get those up-in-the-air shots.  Our tournament games this last weekend involved quite a bit of snow, which kept things interesting.  Mr. Photographer sometimes adds in a few non-soccer pics for variety.  He captured this gorgeous bird-of-prey during the tournament. Fabulous.

   

Here's another great non-sport shot heading home from a summer tournament.

I think this is Mt. Saint Helens?  Makes for a beautiful background.

 ~Shelly

Featured Wedding Inspiration

Just found out today that our cousin's wedding was featured on The Wedding Day blog; post dated January 10, 2012.  Such a romantic 
setting on this beautiful grass covered field. 

 The Wedding Day blog is a site that has free wedding websites and gives inspiration to couples planning their big day.

 Isn't this gorgeous?  Love, love the J & J monogram, back to back.  Their names are Jason and Juanita -so sweet.  Yummy textures!

What?  More romantic shots?  I have to get in my quota of sighs for the day.  Come on -do it with me... S - i - g - h..., doesn't that feel better?

 Sweet banners & chalkboard hearts - getting any DIY ideas?

 And, what use is any romantic wedding without a bit of silliness mixed in? 


Want to see more?  Just head on over to The Wedding Day (a South African based site) for the whole story -how they met and all.  You may just get a peek of some handsome groomsmen as well ;-)


And, if you feel like seeing what kind of trouble you can get into, check out their DIY section, like any good blogger would!

Here's some DIY flowers to temp you...

See you soon,
~Shelly