Keeping With The Times

living, learning, and keeping with the times

Texture Tuesday with Kim Klassen

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Hover your cursor over this image to see the “before” photo.

 

I think I may have become so accustomed to playing with iPhoneography that it has spilled over into my TT creations. I’m also working on a tiny laptop with questionable monitor colours. So I guess I’m asking you to forgive me if my image looks a bit, shall we say, different today.

Oh good heavens! I need to get over it – I’m just having fun! We’ve been suffering through dangerously cold temperatures with ghastly wind chills on top of it, so if I want to go a bit wild on my Tucson doors, I guess that’s what I have to do.

When I added Kim’s “cherishedscripted” texture with the “Hue” blend mode, something magical happened. Hover your cursor over the image to see the “before” photo and you’ll see what I mean.

Here’s the texture I used:

kk_cherishscripted-example

I also ran a couple Photoshop filters to simultaneously sharpen and blur the photo.

I know spring is around the corner, at least that’s what the calendar tells me. And that’s what the stores are telling me too. They are overflowing with colourful capris, and t-shirts, and light jackets, and I’d be lying if I said I had resisted the urge to pick up a “few” new things … it’s a form of dreaming, I guess.

So what about you? Are you caught in the vise grip of winter too? or are you enjoying spring? Do tell!

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

The Doors of Barrio Viejo

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barrio viejo

This is one of the images I took while on our photo walk in the Barrio Viejo, Tucson. I liked how the green window frame and the green leaves on the tree had some of the same tones; almost neon. I also liked the way the tree was creating a frame across the top of the building and drawing the eye in.

I’m contemplating having this put on canvas and then hanging it in our little kitchen. The tiles on the counter are this same blue, with some rusts and greens and reds – sounds perfect! Hope I follow through!

I’m a bit out of the loop – I see TT is about love this week so here’s my nod to love…

barrio viejo

kk_seriousmagic on the top photo

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

 

Learning by Teaching and a Photoshop Tip

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Late last year I was asked by Cheryl from Cheryl McCain Photography if I would be willing to write a guest post for her new “Frugal Still Life Photography” class.

I must say I was quite honoured that she would ask me! I decided to just be myself, to keep it simple, and this is the image I came up with. I wrote a bit about my process; how I set up, photographed and then edited the photo.Poppy Seed Heads Still Life

There’s nothing like writing something down to make things clear in your own mind and I believe I learned a thing or two as well!

I’m studying the dials and settings on my camera all over again. I was pretty proud of myself for always shooting in manual, but truth be told I still had/have a lot to learn; settings I never use (but should be) and little tricks and tips that hopefully will improve my photography. So thank you, Cheryl, for the boost!

Today I want to share a tip about how to pick a color off the internet and use it in Photoshop. I mentioned in My Holiday Tablescape post that I had sampled a color from the Tiny Prints site to use on the menus I was creating. One of my readers (hi Viv!) asked me how I did it, so here it is!

In Photoshop or Photoshop Elements:

  • Click on the Restore Down icon in the upper right corner and make sure you can see both Photoshop and the site where you want to grab the sample.
  • Get the Eyedropper tool and in the Options Bar set the Sample Size to 3×3 Average. Click anywhere on an open document.
  • Hold down the mouse and drag it over to the internet site and drag around. Watch the color chips in Photoshop and let go of the mouse when you see the one you want. That’s it!

Hope you enjoyed this little tip, and have a wonderful week everyone!

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com 

For my image today, I added a layer of kk_3003 on Soft Light.

Vintage Blue with a Touch of Lemon

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I felt I needed a bit of colour this week and because I couldn’t find any flowers I liked, I bought some lovely Meyer lemons. I piled them into my big old glass cookie jar with the blue stripes and blue lid, and added one vintage blue mason jar in the background.

meyer lemons

myer-lemons1-copy

What a bright spot in my otherwise white and grey wintry world. When I went back and looked over my last few posts I was struck by the lack of colour in them. Not a bad thing, just an observation … .

As I mentioned in my 14 in 2014, I’m trying to get a handle on LR. It’s really only the organizing part that I can’t (couldn’t) seem to grasp. But I decided to start over with a brand new catalog and simply go from there. I ‘m pleased to say that something has “clicked” and so far, so good. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

kk_trace

I’m Working On It

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Yesterday I spent a lot of time trying to write a post about my word for 2014 and I could not get it done.

I think I know what’s standing in my way, and it’s the fact that I first need to write about my word for 2013 and how it all went down. I may never post it – but I need to get it out of my system.

Let-Yourself-be-Drawn

My word for last year was WORK and it served me well. I had made a commitment and I worked hard all year to fulfill it. Now I’m looking back and reassessing, trying to decide how to approach it this year. I really need to think … .

So today, I decided to simply join in with my friends at Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com. Kim has suggested we write out a list of 14 things we want to see happen in 2014. That feels like less pressure to me, not so precise, and perhaps it will help me think more clearly. Until then … have a happy and safe New Year’s Eve everyone!!

Textures:

kk_desert

Snowstorm

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Our world outside is grey and brown (and white). It’s no wonder that inside we light candles and put twinkly lights on trees.

Shed-in-Winter

I was watching the news last night and contemplating how parts of the world are in so much turmoil, and how so many people are in desperate situations – and I mean desperate… there seems to be no hope…  it’s hard to comprehend.

I know, I’m being a downer and I’ll stop right here.

I just feel so grateful that my world is simply cold and grey and silent. I am warm, and well-fed, and safe… and so is my family.

Have a grateful Tuesday!

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Snowstorm courtesy of : kk_magicfilm2

Direction

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Trust what you know;

have faith in where you go;

if there’s no wind, row;

or go with the flow.barb brookbank, texture, photoshop, cs6, texture tuesday, kim klassen

I really like this quote by Ed Parrish III (when I tried to find our more about him, I came up with nada… sorry). I think it’s all about following your instincts, doing what feels right, and then if it isn’t working, trying something else.

I had fun with this one, so I  thought I’d reveal the original photo. Yep, that’s my bathtub… there’s some pretty awesome light coming through the opaque window we have there. If I was building a studio, I’d have one whole wall made of this glass.

As you can see, the crop is pretty substantial (good thing my camera has 24 Megapixels to work with). However, that crack in the table kept bothering me until I lined it up from corner to corner – then it clicked! After that I made a curves adjustment and duplicated it until I was happy with the light. Then I added 2 layers of kk_0411, one on soft light, and one on color.

Daisy-Diagonal-Original

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Thank you to Kim, for the new free texture this week.

Creative Inspiration

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I found the most wonderful book; “a life less ordinary” by Zoe Ellison and Alex Legendre.

I tried not to buy it, really I did… but as I walked around Anthropologie attempting to talk myself out of it, I knew it was futile.

This book is bursting with inspiration. There are hundreds of photos of everyday objects; string, rocks, old photos, plants; just bits and pieces of stuff, but it all looks so interesting. I don’t completely understand why the images are so compelling but they are. Even a photo of the book is inspiring…

create

This metal butterfly clings to a framed piece of rust which is hanging in the hall of our condo.

We bought it at a flea market, came home, hung it up, time passed, and now I hardly see it anymore. So I thought I’d honour it by making it my TT submission for this week. Clearly, I need practice!

metal-butterfly

 

For some reason, this post took me forrreeever to write, and I’m late to the party, again!!

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

iPhone image with one layer of kk_postale

 

Gorgeous Gourds

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barb brookbank, autumn, kim klassen, texture tuesday

I’m still getting mileage from these quirky little white gourds that I found while visiting our favourite market garden. I first used them in my Autumn Tablescape, and since then I’ve had them lined up on my kitchen table along with two sedum bouquets. Every day the sun pours in on the little vignette and the scene warms my heart.

autumn, barb brookbank, kim klassen, texture tuesday

Yesterday I took them outside and played around, trying different combinations of props, different camera settings, and different backgrounds.

Sometimes I think my creations look forced. Do you ever feel that way about your own work? That self-doubt creeps in… next thing you know, you’re paralyzed, and you can’t get anything out. Happens to me all the time… but I fight it, which is why I managed to get this posted for Texture Tuesday – although I’m quite late to the party.

Kim is giving away a copy of “What Katie Ate”. I would sure like to win that – wouldn’t you? Head on over to Texture Tuesday for some eye-candy and a chance to win that book!

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

kk_3003

I’m Thankful

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autumn

We celebrated Thanksgiving this weekend. Our oldest daughter and our son-in-law hosted the whole shebang. Wow! What a feast they prepared, from home-made bread, several different types of vegetables, to a delicious turkey. Oh and the dessert… oh my… pumpkin pie, and pecan pie…

All I can say is that I am thankful; for my family, my friends, and my life. As I write this, I have Kim Klassen’s husband on my mind (as well as Kim and her boys, of course). Yesterday was their 24th wedding anniversary, and she wrote a heartfelt, and powerful post that brought tears to my eyes. No matter what she does, or writes about, she is an inspiration to me, and to hundreds of others. I am thankful for her.

It’s Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

I used kk_day, and kk_wake in my image

Fading Sunflowers and Texture Tuesday

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In a few short days our summer will be over. The forecast is for cooler temperatures, and even a few thunder showers. Up until now, we’ve been enjoying one of the warmest and sunniest Septembers ever, and it certainly hasn’t felt like fall.

texture tuesda

But every season brings it’s own beauty and excitement. Cooler, crisper days make my thoughts turn to crock pot meals, candles, and pumpkins.

I’m trying to put my autumn mantel together, but it’s been a slow process. I just haven’t been inspired. I’m hoping that a trip to Crate and Barrel tomorrow will fix that! My walking friends have asked me to join them on a shopping trip to the big city, and then for lunch. How fun! This walking gig has turned into so much more than I expected… some mornings it’s hard to get myself out the door but every step has been worth it.

I’m showing up for Texture Tuesday today at Kim Klassen dot com.

Fading Sunflowers: a slow shutter speed, high iso, large aperture, a bit of Photoshop magic, and a couple layers of kk_villa

3 Things

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texture tuesday, kim klassen

Good Morning! It’s a beautiful September morning where I live; sunny, with clear skies, and a predicted temperature of 29 degrees Celsius. Pure gorgeousness! I’ve just returned from my morning walk and am ready to get busy.

I’ve probably mentioned a few times that I always have a few too many projects tumbling around in my head. So today I’ve decided to write down 3 things that I must do today.

  1. Organize the linen closet (arghhh).
  2. Decide on a subject for a guest blog post I have coming up in October, and get writing!
  3. Go on a photo “drive” around the countryside, starting around 5:00 pm. Our fields are turning golden, and the light is as well.

That’s it, that’s all! Happy Tuesday!!

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com.

kk_cherishscripted

kk_steelish

simplicity word art – Anna Aspnes

 

Follow Your Art

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texture tuesday, kim klassen

This morning when I went to get a second cup of coffee, I glanced out of the dining room window and looked down at my potting bench.

Have I mentioned that I love my potting bench? Maybe 50 times? Anyway, I noticed the little sign I have that says “follow your heart” but the “he” was hidden behind a plant. It struck a chord with me, so my little quote for the day was born.

I’m always working on some project, ideas tumbling around in my head, and sometimes I get tired of it (or maybe it’s the mess that results from photo shoots and props). At the same time I’m thinking that I should be doing something more productive. Do you ever feel that way? I guess I have art angst… there are worse things…

If you have a moment, check out the series of photos on my Instagram feed with the hashtag #fromthepottingbench, to see how the season is progressing. I see a bit of yellow in the trees already, and the highbush cranberries are turning red. It doesn’t seem that long ago that I was working with bedding plants…

August-Potting-Bench

 

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

kk_red x2 partly desaturated

Art of Blending by Linda Sattgast

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art of blending, digital scrapper

Yikes! It’s the middle of August, people… how’d that happen? I hope all of you are having a great summer, I know I am.

July was filled with family visits, a birthday party, lake time, and the never-ending yard work.

Through it all, I’ve been trying to keep up with my classes and have been doing pretty good. I’m a little behind in a couple of them, but I’m sure I can catch up.

One of my favourites has been “The Art of Blending” taught by Linda Sattgast, at Digital Scrapper (it’s not open to registration at the moment).

This week we are on lesson 6, where Linda teaches about edges, and masks. I was completely fascinated with this lesson, and used masks in ways I never had before. I had to watch the video about 5 times to get the concept into my head… very good stuff!

I hope you like my onion bouquet… when I asked the farmer if I could have the tops off the onions, he was completely baffled… what would you want those for?

 

Textures:
cement-LSattgast-11 – Screen 30%
cement-LSattgast-11 – Soft Light 100%
instagram edges

Texture Tuesday

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texture tuesday, kim klassen

… a little note to myself today…

 

I’m working on some new word art and I have a few fresh and exciting ideas for it. I’m hoping to have some ready by September 1st, but for now, have you seen the free word art I’ve already made available?

If not, check it out here: Free Word Art & Photoshop Tips.

Happy Tuesday!!

 

 

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

kk_jamal, de-saturated, soft light

kk_chaos, soft light

 

My Big Outdoor Studio

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Day-1-Peonies
After watching Kim’s process from start to finish (class), I felt inspired to set up a “shoot”.
You remember the blue table I brought home the other day? Well, the location (on the lawn) works perfectly if the sun isn’t shining brightly. Today it’s very overcast and I saw my opportunity. The white chippy enamel top is a perfect backdrop… no cloths needed, and I’ve just realized that I have the whole great big outdoors as my studio.

I’ve gone back to shooting in RAW (I missed you RAW) but only for specific shoots. I don’t think that family fun on the lake needs to be shot that way since it’s just too hard to process the photos, so they never get shared.

I did some basic edits, crops, and then used the LR Preset kk_berrily. Then on into PS where I added one layer of kk_mary on soft light and brushed a bit off the flower.

Just for interest’s sake, here’s one of the shots I took. What a difference! You would never know that the image above was shot here. Amazing stuff.

DSC_3102

Heritage Hollyhock Dinner Plates

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texture tuesday kim klassen

When my Mom passed away, I inherited these lovely “Hollyhock” dinner plates made by Sovereign Pottery. I can’t remember which side of the family they first came from, my Mom’s or my Dad’s. It’s just one of many things I wish I had asked… well, I think I did ask, but I didn’t cement it into my head… same result…

I would guess that these plates would be at least 75 years old, perhaps older, and not one of them has a chip or a crack. Of course they are completely crazed, but I think it simply adds to the charm.

I processed this image in LR and used kk_berrily by Kim Klassen. I think it added just the right amount of light and warmth.

Linking up to Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Summer Breeze

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Peony-Blue-Table-2

Which of these would be my find? Is it the gorgeous peonies? the white vase? the blue table?

Peony-Blue-Table

all of the above?

Peony-Blue-Table-1

makes me feel fine

sweet days of summer

the (peony’s) in bloom.

July is dressed up and playing her tune.

sorry, I just couldn’t help it… it popped into my head, and now it’s going to be there all day…

Yesterday, I dragged home a table … I didn’t go looking for it (specifically) but there it was, sitting in a corner, all chippy and blue. I just knew I needed it.

Images of tea parties on the lawn, a table laden with flowers, and books, and candles, and food, and great light, filled me with excitement. A Somerset Life. A dream of mine.

But as soon as it was tucked safely in the back of my vehicle, the doubt began. It wasn’t about the money so much as the “uh, oh… do I really need to add another piece of junque to my yard? Well, probably not … but there she is.

As soon as I set the bouquet of peonies on it, I felt reassured.

It’s a harmless pastime, this hunting for treasures, dreaming of photo shoots and trying to capture, express, and share something that’s in my mind’s eye. And honestly, I’m blessed and thankful to have “found” it at this time in my life.

I’m sharing this today over at “Friday Finds” at Kim Klassen dot com

Summer Classes and Challenges

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I’m taking part in several classes and photography challenges this summer. I can’t believe that July is only a few days away… where did May and June go?

I wanted to get everything straight in my head, so I thought I would share my schedule with you (in order of appearance)…

The Phone Photography Project at Big Picture Classes starts on July 1st and runs until August 1st. It looks like a ton of fun! Lots of yummy new apps to try!

summertimeatthelake

Nurture Photography, Summer 2013 is a Photography Challenge from Kristi of Live and Love Out Loud, and Rebecca from Bumbles and Light. It starts July 5th and runs until August 2nd. I find this one a bit challenging, so I’m hoping I can keep up.

Poppy-Rain

From Start to Finish at Kim Klassen dot com. It starts on July 9th, and runs for 8 weeks. I don’t have to say anything to you about Kim… we all know how talented, creative, and generous she is.

scattered

The Art of Blending at Digital Scrapper, taught by Linda Sattgast starts July 10th and runs for 10 weeks.

Linda Sattgast has the most straightforward, precise, and friendly teaching style I’ve ever come across, and you always get good value for your money at Digital Scrapper:

All class materials (videos, manuals, textures, etc.) are downloadable. View the videos on any computer, tablet, or cell phone that has internet. You have “Forever Access” to the classroom materials, so no need to worry about a computer crash or accidentally losing something. You’ll have personal access to Linda Sattgast, Adobe’s Scrapbooking Expert, in the class Gallery and Forum for the 10 weeks of class, so go ahead—ask her any questions you want about blending! The class Forum and Gallery will be available for posting during the 10 weeks of class, and available for viewing (but not posting) after the class ends.

lakeviews

Whew! So there you have it!

I wonder if I’m going to be able to keep up… the lake beckons…

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

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A phone call at 1:08 am is never good, right?

word art, free

I literally had a wake-up call. Not that I need one, because I am always grateful for everything that is good in my life, and grateful for each new day.

But last night I woke up, thinking I had heard the telephone. I’ve done that before, but it has always been a dream (a vivid dream, nonetheless). But just in case, I glanced over at the phone, and it was lit up… omg… it did ring…

It’s 1:08… omg…

Heart pounding furiously, I reached over and turned on the light. Then I leaped over the bed and grabbed the phone and looked at the display. It was my youngest daughter’s cell phone number. Sheer terror gripped my heart. I feel it even now, as I type this.

I grabbed my glasses from the night stand and in the process tipped over a small vase of flowers. I fell to my knees on the floor and hit #1, and then the “talk” button. An eternity passed before I heard her voice. It was small, and weak. Oh, god…

“Mom”, she said, I’m so sorry!, I just got out of bed and stepped on my phone and it dialed your number. I wasn’t sure if it went through, and I didn’t know what to do.

Absolute relief washed over me, and all I could think was “thankyou, thankyou, thankyou“.

After a brief chat, and laugh, we both went back to our beds.

I was a bit shaken up, but I just laid there and thought “thank you” over and over again, like a chant, or a meditation, and it wasn’t long until I drifted back to sleep. And when I woke up this morning, I said it again.

 

 

free word art

 

 

I created some word art to share with you. If you want to see more, check out the Word Art tab at the top of my blog.

All word art is a brush in .abr format, which can be used in both Photoshop Elements, and Photoshop.

Simply click on the graphic above to download. If you have any questions/problems please ask them in the comment section so others can read them and perhaps find help too.

 

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

kk_sybil, and a few LR adjustments

(Vintage) Friday Finds

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My “find” for this week would be a teaspoon.

I’m always on the hunt for vintage silverware, it’s so full of character and makes me think of farmhouses and family meals.  It makes me think of summer, and bridal showers, and other special occasions.

Teaspoon

But I also found the pretty white teacup at Value Village several years ago. I just loved the green and mauve design, and the slightly worn gold edges.Lilacs-Tea2

After I took all my photos, I sat and drank the lovely green tea and admired my garden. It’s doing ultra well this year. We’ve had a lot of rain and there’s more in the forecast.

lilac, tea, garden

Have I mentioned that I love lilacs?

lilacs, tea, garden

And I love my garden.

Garden-Shed

It’s pretty maintenance free, mostly perennials, with a few annuals sprinkled here and there. Right now the anemones are blooming their hearts out.

Anemone

It’s such a rush! Every day a different plant starts to flower. I can hardly keep up. It’s heavenly.

Texture Tuesday, and Positive Thoughts

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Yesterday morning as I was sitting at the computer, I started to feel so uncomfortable. I had the windows open and I could hear the birds singing; the sun was shining and there wasn’t a breath of wind.

It became quite clear that I couldn’t stay inside.
wild strawberry, photoshop, texture, kim klassen texture tuesday

I quickly changed into my work clothes, set my camera by the back door (to grab at a moment’s notice), and sprayed myself with OFF from head to toe… the mosquitoes here are brutal. In fact, there had been one buzzing around my head before I even got out of bed. Gah! I hate that! I managed to fend it off for quite a while, but it eventually got me. I know that because I woke up later with an itchy hand.

Anyway, I spent the morning weeding and fluffing up my flower beds. It always amazes me at how fast the plants grow once they get going, and there are tiny little miracles sprouting and blooming everywhere I look.

I potted up my spicy little herb garden that now sits happily on the deck, and dug up a wild strawberry because it was so cute.

A Hemaris Thysbe, and a Canadian Swallowtail Butterfly were buzzing around. They are here because the lilacs are blooming, and I knew it was only a matter of time before these two creatures would grace our yard.

It was a beautiful morning and I am very thankful for all the good things in my life. As most of you know, Kim Klassen is going through a hard time after learning that her husband has leukemia. He is now in a hospital receiving treatment. The doctors have said they caught it early and he should make a full recovery. In the meantime, I’m sure Kim could use our positive thoughts.

For my image, I used kk_teatime from the “minimay” set.

Friday Finds, and a Little “Find” for You!

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simplicity, simple life, friday finds, kim klassen, barb blookbank

There’s a new meme in town! Friday Finds, hosted by Kim Klassen.

She has invited us to share something that we find each week. It can be anything; from antiques, to flowers, to… whatever!

Magically (it seems), our trees and perennials are starting to bloom, so of course, flowers were an obvious choice. Walking around the yard, I caught a soft, sweet, light scent on the breeze and followed it to our Mayday tree. One quick snip with my shears, and I headed back to the house to look for the perfect vase.

A simple glass jar that had once served as a soap dispenser was hiding under the sink. A perfect “find” don’t you think? I love the cone shape, the small size, and the smooth ridges of glass. Sweet and simple. Love!

After editing the image, and adding texture, etc. it just seemed natural to add a little quote, which I then made into a sweet little graphic. Goodness, when we love doing something we “find” the time, don’t we…

So now, I have a “Friday Find” for you! I’ve made the quote available for you to download! I hope you like it!

 

life-is-really-simple-brush

The word art is a brush in .abr format, which can be used in Photoshop Elements, or Photoshop.

Simply click on the graphic above to download. If you have any questions/problems please ask them in the comment section so others can read them and perhaps find help too.

See you tomorrow at Friday Finds, with Kim Klassen dot com

kk_sybil

Quote by Confucius

Texture Tuesday, and a Bit of Rambling

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texture tuesday, textures

Today is the day I am going to sit here at the computer and get some work done! I am woefully behind on a project that is supposed to be submitted on June 1st, and I don’t even know what I’m going to create… aaackk…

But first, I had to play TT. I took this shot while driving home from Saskatchewan. We had crossed the border and were already in Alberta, but this iconic building could be anywhere on the prairies.

I took it with my phone (can’t remember what app I used) but then I added three layers of kk_1402 on colour burn. I added a linear burn to the sky and added a Gaussian blur.

OK, gotta run!! I am going to join Kim Klassen in an Adobe Connect Meeting. Woot! how fun! I just checked in and Kim’s just setting up! Perhaps I will see you over there?

 

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Black and White with a Touch of Colour

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kim klassen, texture tuesday, black and white photography, adobe photoshop, cs6, liightroom

My favourite day! Texture Tuesday!! Today everyone voted on a subject and Black and White with a Touch of Colour was the winner.

I’m “grandparenting” this week, so I’m at my daughter’s home. As I lay in bed this morning (briefly, I might add, since little ones were soon joining me), I kept looking at this North-facing window with the white curtains. Creative thoughts started to flow.

After breakfast, when the two oldest were off to school, and the 3 year old had had breakfast, my mind turned to TT.

I thought about the lovely sedum that I got for Mother’s Day and went around the house looking for props. A lovely pot, a white table, and an off-white ball seemed to be the perfect combination. It’s a simple scene but that’s what works for me.

Even though there are technically four items, I see three, since the plant and the pot become one. And odd numbers are always a safe bet when designing anything.

I used a technique that Kim taught us using gradients to reveal some colour in the plant. Then I brushed away some of the gradient on the ball to reveal a slight, slight, bit of green to support the theme.

Lastly, one layer of kk_3003 on soft light was the final touch.

I’m totally crushing on this… it’s amazing what a fresh perspective can do.

Well, I gotta go! It’s time to play Hungry Hippo!

 

 

 Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com.

Beyond Inspiration – Day 14

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kim klassen, beyond, b2b, texture

The lesson in B2B for Day 14 (or should I say one of the lessons) was on how to stretch your canvas and add words to the side of your image.

I have to say that I really like this format. I had a bit of trouble coming up with a good quote but mostly I didn’t sweat it.

When I saw this little spray of flowers at Safeway, my heart jumped. Such a tiny thing. Surrounded by dozens of colourful roses for Mother’s Day, and I pick these.

I adore them. And I adore the potting bench they are sitting on. I’m afraid you are going to be seeing a lot of that bench this summer. I’ll tell you all about it later… I must get to work on my dinner party. EEK, what am I doing sitting here??!!

Have a wonderful, amazing Mother’s Day weekend, everyone!

 

kk_3003 (my newest absolutely favourite texture) by Kim Klassen

 

Texture Tuesday with Kim Klassen

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kim klassen, texture tuesday, hydrangeas,

Hello everyone, hope you are well.

I have been so absent as of late. But I’m not going to bore you with all my excuses. I will say that I thought I had better get a post up before I forget how to do it.

Texture Tuesday seems to be my lifeline. It’s one of the things I love to participate in and I usually try to come up with something. It takes me to a place that I wish I could be all the time; simply creating because I love it.

I picked up this glorious hydrangea the other day. It’s just one bloom in a tiny pot. One perfect little bloom. I love it.

Our world is warming up and things are turning the tiniest bit green. As I drove home from town yesterday, I could see that all the willow catkins were bursting out and seemed to be glowing in the late afternoon sunlight. I’m going to pick a bunch this afternoon and take my time arranging them. I am so looking forward to that.

The ice on our lake has finally vanished and that is cause for major excitement around here. We have a little group that places bets on when it will go ($100.00, and you’re in). Hubby didn’t win this time, but that’s OK. We just want to get our dock assembled, and our boat in the water. And we’re hoping for another wonderful summer spent with family and friends.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

For my image today, I used one layer of kk_3003 on soft light. Kim wanted our image to POP, so I bumped up the saturation on the hydrangea and softened the background. Check it out at Texture Tuesday!