Blue Monday - So Beautiful

Linking up with Smiling Sally

who has been so very faithful to 

host Blue Monday!

Thanks, friend.

I miss being here.

I spend too much time on Etsy these days.

Peeking here and there.

Finding things to love.

Well, since I can't buy much of the things

I see and love I make them into Treasuries....

collections to visit and enjoy.

This is one I made with blue glass.

So delicate.

So many forms.
Each item is a link to a larger photo.
Look and try not to drool.

That blue and green plate is one
of my all time favorites...
but then I love the whale too
and think that Warren might need
that for his desk as he works
on the new show,
Jonah!

Enjoy.....

Photography 101

What not to do.....

Last night I decided to list this new candle in my Etsy shop.  This meant I needed photos.

Now, I have learned how wonderful natural light is in photography.  I know this. 

However, I just wanted to get the candle listed so I took these in the kitchen....

with the flash (Gasp!) and slapped them online.

I knew better.  I even told the ladies I chat with on our Christian Artists Team that I 

wasn't happy with the photos.  Of course they were kind and said they looked pretty 

to them...but I knew.  I knew that my impatience had caused me to do less than my best.

So...this morning found me outside in the natural light taking photos that show the 

true colors and shine of this lovely piece.  Just look at how it came to life!

Only time will tell if I actually learned this lesson.

Patience.....natural light.

They are so important!

Another Component,
as pointed out by my dear friend Vee,
Blending of background and style of subject.

Now, as I told her, I knew better.
I had to come inside for the camera card and meant
to grab a pretty doily.
I forgot it and was just too lazy to
come back for it.

So....after she suggested it I decided
to take photos again.
I love doing this and so it was no hardship.
I went outside with a little stool I use at shows.
It was all set up...I snapped a shot.

But it just wasn't making me happy against the
grass.  This candle would not be one you would likely
burn on a deck.  It's a bit dressier than that.
So back inside to find a well lit spot.
Set up again.
Here you are....

Now, I didn't do any cropping or editing on these.
They are simply to show the difference in display.

Thanks, Vee.
You are my conscience sometimes.
Scary.

Meet Monika, her Mosaics... and More!

For years I have dreamed of being able to 

make a mosaic backsplash for our kitchen.

I just know it would be gorgeous!

However, 

I am afraid.

Afraid of tearing into the project 

and making a mess which I am 

incapable of finishing.

So.....I have done nothing.

Absolutely nothing about it.

However, I have found a lovely lady

in Florida who could perhaps help me

bring mosaics into my kitchen....

even if they aren't on the wall.

A cake platter

Glass Cake Cloche

 Everything that Monika lists

has that "Oh.so.feminine" feel 

to it that makes that little girl

in me smile. 

It takes me back to that childhood bedroom

that was pink, pink, pink....

because I loved the color.
We have laughed since remembering
the male guests who were given my
room in our parsonage.
I was the one to give up my room when
visiting preachers came.
I wonder what they thought of a few days
or a week in the pink room with white furniture?
Funny to think about now....

Now, pink can be an accessory and 

doesn't have to be the main event.....

I know someone who would love it if I had this......No more glare in his eyes as he tries to sleep.

Monika is a gem of a lady with 

an awesome sense of humor.

While I have never met her in person

I have come to love and respect this 

dear lady who speaks German, 

English and at least two other 

languages.  Good grief....

I can barely speak proper English!

If you would like to see more of Monika's 

amazing work you can check out her

Etsy store at

My European Touch.

I am sure you will be pleased

by this simply adorable shop!

It Is All Coming Together....

Home Education coming to an end....

A new camera.....

The Etsy Shop.

I think I just might know what is going to fill my time.

This way I get to create.

Find vintage goodies that others will love.

Take photos in creative ways.

This little pitcher is soooo cute!

About five inches tall.

I thought that the little stems would be great

for fruit salad, pudding or even a mini ice cream sundae.

Whatever...they are just adorable!

And they are now listed in my shop.

Creating, exploring and sharing

with others.

It really doesn't get any better than this!

It Takes Nerve....

But I did it.

I went and had note cards made up 

from a few of my photos.

I put them up at my Etsy store.

Its kind of fun to see the photos in

a new way.

My favorites are the pink mallow with the heart shaped petals

and the butterfly shots.

I'm already thinking about which photos to do next

and what logo I will put on the back.

These are just plain.

But first I have to find out if there is 

a market for these, 

or something like them.

We shall see.......

and Vee, just to let you know

I will soon take photos of the swans.

Maybe something cool will show up from that!

Edited to answer Linda's question:
No, I experimented with printing them
myself, but they just weren't what I was looking
for...too fragile.  So I visited a local printer and
had them done professionally.
I'm going to try a couple of other places, as well
but this is a start.