Blog Break

I'm currently over-committed, and really behind on editing, so I've decided to take a break from here until my kiddos go back to school next week. I know you moms out there understand. :) Be back soon!

 Enjoy your weekend!!

Playing Catch Up...

I've been behind the 8 ball here lately, and I'm playing catch up this week...

I made this yarn-covered paper mache M for a friend's daughter's birthday.  It was simple enough for my daughter to create, and it looks wonderful as an accent in a 7 year old's bedroom.  I love that we created it together.

 

Doesn't he look thrilled?  Always by my side, this one...

 

 I've been editing like a mad woman.  Last week, I had 4 photo shoots, one rehearsal dinner shoot, a shower and my first-ever wedding shoot--all on my own.  So grateful for the opportunity to photograph people, and to play, too...

 

 Really, really excited to photograph this guy.  Anyone recognize him?  :)

 Also spent a lot of time running my daughter back and forth to volleyball practice.  It's her first year playing, but she's in LOVE with it.  I'm happy we wear the same shoe size (and she's only 12!)

And...squeezing in every last bit of fun until the kiddos return to school next Tuesday.  I'll be thankful for the routine back in our lives, and I look forward to that.  But...until then...a bit more fun in store...

 

Enjoy your day!!

 

 

What to wear for senior pictures.

A few years back, I posted information about what to wear for informal senior portraits, and what to wear for formal senior portraits. I wanted to repost those links for those of you who have seniors, as well as add a few items that are trending right now. To date, they're two of my most pinned posts on Pinterest, and for that, I'm grateful!

For girls: scarves, hats, boots, bracelets, long necklaces, sunglasses, sneakers, chandelier earrings, flip flops, heels, jackets and belts are common accessories.  Don't wear glitter--shine doesn't photograph well.  Avoid horizontal stripes--it makes you look larger.  Your nails will be in the photos--if you don't have them painted, be sure to at least have them manicured and filed.   Wear or bring the proper undergarments for outfit changes.  Try those teeth whitening strips--they work!  Put on an extra application of mascara, and bring pressed powder to avoid shine on your face. 

For boys:  distressed/destroyed jeans, sports equipment, class rings, jackets, sneakers, cars, hats, watches, ties, boots, and ties are all common accessories.  Be sure to bring along dress socks and shoes if you're going to do formal shots.  Avoid graphic tee shirts and horizontal stripes.

For Both:   Think about having one or more outfit the same as your eye color, so your eyes are brought out in the photo. Be sure clothing fits and is pressed or steamed to avoid wrinkles. Don't use a tanning bed a few days before a session, or get a new hair style right before your photos--you want to look natural.  Think about the expressions (serious or smiles) and discuss this with your parents before the session, so your expectations are clear to the photographer. Think, too, about the overall look you are going for in your photos--and be sure your parents approve of this as well.  Some of them may include Relaxed/beachy, Natural park setting, Formal/in studio, Graphic/urban feel, Sporty, Glam, Princess, Country, GQ or High Fashion. You may even want to mix a few of them, and coordinate that with your outfit changes.  The bottom line is be prepared, and communicate with your photographer.  If you have ideas in mind, do share them!

Enjoy your day!

Pinwheels

I've been busy making XL Pinwheels lately for an family bridal shower. When I started looking for ideas, I knew I wanted to use scrapbook paper, and I knew I wanted to try a few things that I'd never tried before.

I stumbled upon this tutorial, and I knew I was going to go to town.  Between the coffee filter flowers and the XL Pinwheels, I went a little crazy...

I even tried a few ideas of my own, like incorporating tulle, doillies, and rolled paper glued onto cardboard cake rounds.  SO FUN!!  Can't you see the possibilities??

Enjoy your day!

Current Obsessions

This candle from Anthropologie in Honeysuckle.  Divine.

These cute bobbie pins, also from Anthro.  I especially love these because I cut all my hair off about 3 weeks ago, and I've had fun playing with different styles.  Fun!

Okay.  So I'm slightly hooked on Anthro.  This hand creme is seriously amazing.  I got this as a gift recently, and I'm hooked. 

Great article on commonly made posing mistakes here on iheartfaces. 

Thinking of recreating this awesome class photo this upcoming school year.  My kids have one full week of summer vacation, and then the craziness starts...

Preparing for our second annual Outdoor Movie Night.  CAN'T WAIT.

Burlap.  All things burlap.  I can't stop looking for it, playing with it, sewing with it, you name it.  I think I'm going to do curtains with burlap next week when the kids go back to school...

What about you?  What are you currently obsessed with these days??

September 2012 WIP Kits

September 2012 Main WIP Kit--$30 ($28 for subscribers)

Contents of this kit include:  12 double sided patterned papers (Lawn Fawn), 1 alphabet sheet with 4 different colors/alphabets, 1 Lawn Fawn Elements Sheet, 7 Mini Posters, Ruler Washi Tape, 4" Burlap rosette, and 3 rolls of twine. 

_____________________________

September Extras Kit--$20

Contents of this kit include:  9 Patterned papers (Basic Grey and Echo Park), "Welcome" photos for banner (shown below), 4x6 white acrylic frame, Authentique mini alphabet, 1.5 yards satin ribbon, 7 banner backing pieces, two binder rings, and Colorbok chipboard "dream" accent.

To reserve a kit, please email Trish at Turay413@gmail.com. 

Enjoy your day!

Page Kits for Sale

Coming next week! Can't wait to show you!!

String Art

Remember the String Art projects from when you were a kid? I took one look at Amy Tangerine's Summer CHA booth display, and I knew I had to try one on a HUGE scale. So I went to work...

I got a 48" sheet of 1/4" thick finished ply wood at Home Depot, and traced letters out by hand, using a pencil and eraser with a yardstick.  Yes, I free-handed a lot of the work.  But honestly, it was totally doable, and I know many of you could just as easily do this project!!


After all the letters were traced, I started inserting the nails, about an inch apart.  It was FUN.  Nothing perfect--just enough to hold string.  I placed an old sheet of foam core underneath the wood, so it wouldn't scratch up my table...

Here's how it started out.  And...

Here's the finished project.  Thanks so much to Monika Wright, for her particularly brilliant light bulb idea!  I love how it turned out.  On to more words!  Stay tunded!

Sneak Peek Project

This banner project will be part of the September Extras kit, available on Wednesday. I'm fond of how it turned out...

Enjoy your weekend!

Taking Photos

I've been in a photo taking mode for a few weeks now, and it feels good. Crazy good. For me, my creativity ebbs and flows, and I have learned to go with the flow...

I've been reading and trying to push myself.  It hasn't been easy, because my life has been dictating other things that need my attention.  But I've made the time to try a few new things, even if what I try doesn't work out.

It's easy to get stale.  To do the same old stuff.  I get comfortable in my shoes, and to do what is expected of me when I do local shoots.  But if I want to grow, I have to be willing to fail, and to try new things.

I have 4 photo shoots scheduled next week, and as my calendar fills up, I'm grateful to those who have asked me to take pictures of them.  I'm nervous and excited, and look forward to trying a few new things.  I'm going to use that energy to get me through whenever I feel anxiety about a shoot. 

“ You’ve got to push yourself harder. You’ve got to start looking for pictures nobody else could take. You’ve got to take the tools you have and probe deeper. – William Albert Allard

For 9 other inspirational photography quotes, check out these...

Enjoy your day!