On the homeward stretch

Wow, it's the 20th already which means that I only have another 8 days to go in my LOAD challenge. Definitely possible. Definitely some learning points along the way. Definitely very inspired by my fellow loadsters. Definitely now have a long list of (in my head - need to get onto paper) layouts to lift and ideas of subjects.

It's been a lot of fun! And my pile of layouts is enormous! It was worth it for this alone. Although now comes the problem that I need to go through all my layouts now and get them reorganised and put into the right albums as per the Stacy Julian Library of Memories system. I think I have about 7 full albums plus a pile of layouts about 6 inches high to sort and organise. Mmm. Maybe that should be my objective for March...

And I have to confess to going back over two layouts and reworking them a little.

This one from the 10th just kept calling me back, so I made a small journalling block on the computer and printed it out in a soft beige colour - it doesn't shout so much now. It felt too hard compared to the rest of the layout before. Much more satisfied now!

And this one from Friday just made me unhappy. So I have reworked it a little. Removed the journalling, and hand-wrote along the side of the photo. Added another butterfly. Touched up a few spots of stickles and moved one of the small spots at the bottom. Still not 100% but 100% better than it was (for me anyway.)

Being the sad, sociophobe, Billy No Mates that I am, not to mention Poker Widow, I've had lots of time over the last few days and have done nothing but scrap, surf the internet, browse Flickr, look through my photos and generally waste time! Wonderful - a luxury that I appreciate most of you out there don't have, but I have so enjoyed it.

And here are my two most recent layouts:

February 19th

February 20th

The prompt for today was to record something that I had overheard and while it's not overheard, this little story came to mind. Cam is so funny! I find boy pages really tricky to do but anyway, I was happy to break into Archaic which has been sitting on my shelf for the last 12 months, just looking pretty. Rather a "slap on as much as I can" sort of page. 

One last thing. 

Isn't this pretty?

When I posted my bokeh/macro photos last week, Deb asked how I get the background all blurry. It happens all by itself and I am totally smitten with this at the moment. Those spots of light there in the background is a sweet little string of lights that Maddie bought me that are USB connected to my computer and they gave exactly the effect that I wanted. 

When you use the macro lens, it can focus really close - much closer than normal cameras - and because the thing I wanted it to focus on was in the foreground, it leaves everything else in the photo out of focus. This is called depth of field or aperture (DOF or F stop) in camera speak. Using a DSLR with a standard lens and using a fully automatic program, the camera will probably try to get the whole frame in focus and this effect will not happen very often, You can change your DSLR programme to aperture priority and this allows you to set your own aperture which is the depth of field - the lower the number, the closer the range of focus. On most digital point and shoot cameras, you can work on getting this effect by using the option for portrait photos (this might be shown as a head or a flower on your options). The camera will focus on the foreground and leave the background out of focus. Bokeh can sometimes be created in this way. I am still learning and don't accept responsibility for any inaccuracies here (!!!) but this is the general idea. 

However, The Pioneer Woman has a great section on photography and repeated a short series of blog entries recently on exactly this topic. You can find a really good overview of aperture in simple, easy to understand language in this post.

It would be lovely to see your bokeh shots. This could become a new addiction for me!

Just a quick one...

Just dropping by to say hello.

1. Still playing with the camera and macro lens. Still loving the results - watch this space for layouts using über-arty photos in the near future!

2. Still playing along with LOAD - here are the latest two layouts:

February 17th 

February 18th

3. Like the first layout here a lot - the journalling means a lot to me. It describes the relationship we have with our long-distance friends René and Minako relating to our visit there last August. Don't like the 2nd layout so much. Love the subject, love the photos, love the story, love the butterflies. But the layout itself? Not really. But I had Libby scolding me for not using Stickles enough in the back of my brain so I went for it. Not really sure at all! But the story is captured and I may rework this at some point. Done and move on.

4. Congrats to my sister Liberty for pinning down a new job! Go her! Well done and I knew she'd get it - she's pretty cool, you know!

5. Pancakes for dinner again tonight! Left over from Pancake Day on Tuesday - yummy, yummy! Maybe I should take a photo as I forgot on Tuesday! It's not known here in Germany so it's always a thrill for us!

That's all folks!

Playing around

One of my targets for this year is to improve my photography and to get my camera off manual! This is easier said than done as I start to glaze over when I read the camera instruction booklet and let's face it, the minutes of sunlight per day at the moment don't make for good photos most of the time.

But I have been looking around - on Flickr mainly - and have been inspired by some incredibly beautiful photographs which show me that I have a million miles to go! But two things in particular caught my eye - one was a particular composition and one was playing around with depth of field which gives you the most wonderful bokeh when it's done correctly.

And as luck would have it, the sun was glorious today and I had time at home to play. First of all, I tried copying the composition I'd seen - too many originals to reference here but this is my take on it.

Isn't it just adorable for Valentine's Day. I fell in love with it when I saw a couple of them in Flickr and now I am just smitten!

Then I fished out our macro lens that I adore using but never seem to have it with me when I need it! I love the fact that I can get so close to things and choose if I want the whole thing to be in focus or just a sliver. That things in the foreground or background can be the main focus of the photo. And of course, it produces gorgeous bokeh.

Taking photos takes a lot of set up and usually I am too lazy or in a hurry to do this. But I gave myself a bit of time and moved things around, opening windows and testing the light until I felt things were how they should be. Then I snapped some close ups of my Valentine flowers. I always take pictures of the stunning flowers I receive from R but am always disappointed with the results. But today was different, today I used the macro!

And just to finish off, I tried some really close shots of the leftover snow on our balcony. I like the glittery quality to this one - the way that the crystals were glinting in the sunlight and sparkling like diamonds.

And this single drop of water, left behind as the snow was melting. Now, the camera was still on automatic - not brave enough with that yet - but it's good to see what the depth of field effects can be. Next step, read what to do to do it myself!

Just to finish off, here are my two layouts from the last couple of days. Bit dissatisfied with today's but I was using a LOAD prompt and wanted to try something a bit different. And I still have loads of these zoo photos that need to be used! Better done than not!

February 15th

February 16th

Still on target

28 layouts in 28 days!

It's still fun, I'm still feeling the groove, my strategy is still proving useful. And I currently have a nice pile of 14 layouts sitting in my scraproom! This is great and I feel totally energised to keep going.

Ok, so my life is probably about 10% as full as you mums out there, but it's been really good to get me away from the television and using up lots and lots of supplies.

My Pink Whispers kit has proved a life-saver but I think I might have to switch to another colour scheme! The pink is feeling a bit over the top now. Shock horror - me? tired of pink? well, there's a thing! But there is still loads left (I added in a few things along the way) and I might be able to squeeze out a few that are not pink at all.

February 11th

Still the Pink Whispers kit but taking out some of the other hues inspired by the stems and flower centres of the tulips.

February 12th

What I am really loving about LOAD is that it is giving me the push to actually complete some of the stories or ideas I've had for some time. This was an idea that I've had since I fluffed my speech at R's birthday party back in November!

February 13th 

I don't think I've ever finished my 12 on 12 so early! Continuing with the pink theme thanks to the brighter, more colourful photos. And using up some stash that I don't love quite as much as I did when I bought it so it feels great to see it used up!

February 14th

And here we are up to date and today's romance captured. The day is not over, but the main story is told. Love, love, love it!

LOAD is supported by a private group on Flickr which has also proved to be part of the fun. 147 other scrappers, posting every day, supporting each other, leaving positive comments, motivating each other and having lots of fun. I am loving it all. As a solo scrapper, this kind of thing is what I have been missing and I am really enjoying the community! And I'm getting lots of lovely comments from many talented scrapbookers which is a thrill for me. Makes me feel all warm and gooey. It is really time intensive, but while I have the time, it's great to use it in this way. 

There was something else I wanted to write today, but I can't for the life of me remember what it was.

Anyway, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY and I hope that your day was filled with romance and love.

XXXX

Now, what can this possibly be?...

Yes, it's that time of year again and I nearly got caught out. I suddenly realised that I wouldn't have time on Friday to do anything (my usual tactic!).

So, I spent a bit of time looking around for a bit of inspiration, which has turned into a favourite past-time recently, and found this wonderful card (on the "Stitches and others" blog here).

Here is my take on it:

Personally, I think it's adorable. But then again, there's a slim chance I might be biased!

Don't forget your loved ones on Hallmark Day, whoops sorry, Valentine's Day!

ps. ETA (12th Feb) I just made this little pouch full of heart shaped sweets today - again, I am no doubt biased but I think it's gorgeous!!!!

Feedback needed

Another Pink Whisper layout. I love the layout itself. I love the pinks and whites and mix of papers. I like the title, but I am not satisfied with the journalling.

The journalling is important. I want it featured. But it somehow looks wrong. Why? Is it in the wrong place and if so, where should it go? Is it the black ink and if so, what should I use? Is it the handwriting and if so, should I try printing it in grey or something? What do you think - honestly. Let me know!

LOAD - February 10th 

On a more positive note, today is Wednesday! Have a happy Hump Day and enjoy the slide down to the end of the week!

Pink Galore

I was so excited to get home today and delve into my Pink Whispers kit as detailed in my last post.

There it was, sitting and waiting for me looking gorgeous and fresh and most of all PINK. I knew immediately that I wanted to do my pink Christmas decorations. A few layers, a bit of bling, using up the pink sparkly letters that I had been holding onto for so long. And in less than an hour (including selecting and printing out some photos), it was done.

I really DO need to get a better set up for my photos (so electric light yellow) but here you go:

LOAD 9th February

And just to keep you updated, here is the layout from yesterday.

LOAD February 8th

So, you can expect to see several more layouts featuring Pink Whispers - this one might run and run and run!

Everyone needs a little (or a lot) pink in their life. Where is yours?

Blogging Inspiration

The wonderful thing about blogging is that ideas get exchanged and each person has their own 'go to' blogs that feed their creative inspiration which are then shared and thus spread across the blogosphere.

This week is an example of that.

Deb has started blogging recently and left me a comment. (Hi there!). Checking out her adorable blog, I found this post where she talks about an inspiration board challenge over at Melissa Phillips' blog (LilyBean's Paperie) based on photos in this post over at a creative mint. I was delighted at the combination of reds, creams, beiges and scrumptious vintage goodies and was overwhelmed by projects created out of this inspiration.

I have a couple of my own inspiration sites bookmarked such as Creature Comforts, Snippets & Ink and Write. Click. Scrapbook. Tumblr which are wonderful and gorgeous and a joy to look at, but here was a different approach. Not just look and marvel, but bring together your own collection based on the inspiration and then have fun creating.

And then this post at a creative mint took my breath away. Pink Whispers. Just the name is enough to make me swoon - and then there was this:

I'm not exaggerating when I say that I gasped with love. These are my colours. These shades of pink are what my dreams are made of. The touches of yellow and green complementing the most perfect pink I ever saw. And all of that teamed with white - pure, fresh white. This is honestly one of the most beautiful collection of images I have ever seen. 

Not to mention the stunning photographs making me realise what a long way I have to go to reach the photographic goals I have in my head.

So, pushing feelings of immense inadequacy out of my head, I have shopped my stash and come up with a Pink Whispers kit of my own. (These short days and long nights make for really horrible photos but it's late and all I can manage right now - I need to fix up a better light for such photos)

I can't wait to get to use it tomorrow for my LOAD layout. Thanks Deb, for sharing, for inspiring, for dropping by.

What is inspiring you today?

LOAD update

Day 7 and still going strong. Next week could be tough though - there is more going on. I might have to follow through on the planning a little more.

But for now:

February 5th

The journalling is difficult to read but I drew the connection between what we did at the Botanics as children, right down to Libby's children who do exactly the same! The smell and feel of the hothouse, throwing a penny into the fountain and rolling down the hill! I can smell how that hothouse smells - even sitting here at my desk.

February 6th

Title pretty much sums it up but I have to say, it was FANTASTIC! And I love finding ways of using up loads of photos on one layout, telling a story and even using up stash that hasn't been touched yet - all at the same time!

February 7th

This one is about Joe and how he used to growl like a dog when he was a baby. So we had a baby who thought he was a dog and a dog who thought she was a baby. Funny! Not sure about the "busy"ness of the layout but again, old stash being used up can only be a good thing! Those "woof" stickers are years old and the pack hadn't even been opened. 

Watch this space for more...

And yet another year on...

I decided to do another yearly review based on the questions that I answered last year and the year before. Next year, I think I should find a new set. Any suggestions?

1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?

Moved to a flat with a balcony

Moved out of a town environment

Other than that, nothing really new

2. What are your New Year’s Resolutions?

My “One Little Word” this year is *AHEAD* and that relates to organisation, finishing projects, remembering birthdays and special occasions, being a better friend, making more of my DSLR, getting on top of my photographs and maintaining a serious amount of scrapping and creativity. Enough??

3. Did anyone close to you give birth in 2009?

Another year without a new baby – on a roll

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Not really close but there were three older extended family members who passed

5. What countries did you visit?

The UK, Birmingham

France, Paris

Switzerland, near Zurich

UAE, Dubai (we were there until 6th Jan so that counts!)

We were in Canada, Yukon *in our hearts* (the holiday got cancelled at the last minute)

R *lived it up* in Libya

6 What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

Energy.

Motivation.

Greater inner-satisfaction.

A holiday

7. What date(s) in 2009 will remain etched in your memory and why?

27^th and 28^th November. R’s birthday celebrations. They were brilliant.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I worked on my word of the year “Calm” and R says that he could see an improvement. Sounds like a real achievement to me

9. What was your biggest failure?

I made no progress whatsoever on the idea of getting fitter, losing weight and all that goes with that. Pity.

10. Did you suffer any illness or injury?

No. Again. Surprising but true.

11. What was the best thing someone bought you?

R got us tickets to see Tom Jones in concert in Paris for my birthday. And then the weekend to go with it of course. A. It was a brilliant weekend B. It was romantic C. Tom Jones was fantastic!!!

I also received a bird feeder and also a birdhouse. I love them both. Just need to get the birds to notice.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

Ted – he works hard at school, gets good results, is a cool dude (such an unfashionable word!), spent two periods of time here with us and was good company, practiced his German whenever he could and is turning into a lovely young man.

13. Whose behaviour appalled and depressed you?

Mmm, next question

14. Where did most of your money go?

Just living (a full life!) – same as 2008

And we celebrated R’s 40th in a BIG way

15. What did you get really, really excited about?

Our Yukon trip. I got really excited about it but then the excitement was rather dampened once it was cancelled!

R’s birthday celebrations – they were brilliant

16. What song(s) reminds you of 2009?

If A Song Could Get Me You by Marit Larson – such a lovely, simple, pretty, romantic song. It was a big hit here over the summer.

(I noticed that this year, most of my favourite music was sung by female singers – really unusual for me)

We Cry by The Script. I had three new albums at the beginning of the year on my iPhone, one of which was The Script. And I was totally engrossed in the Twilight series at the same time. Every time I picked up the books, I would start my recently purchased playlist and off it would go in the background while I read. So in brain, the connection is there – whenever I hear this song, I think of Twilight and for me, these albums are the soundtrack to the movie!

17. Compared to last year are you...

a.) Happier or Sadder? happier

b.) Thinner or Fatter? (much) fatter

c.) Richer or Poorer? the usual

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

NOT eating!

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Once again, I hate to say this, but I really could with less moaning. 

Oh and eating. I could really have done with less eating!

20. How did you spend Christmas?

We managed to fit in all the German and all the English family this year. Christmas Eve was spent in traditional style with both sides of the German family and then on Christmas Day we drove over to the UK where we celebrated with the family and saw everyone else over a period of 10 days!

Four families in two countries – Strike!

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?

Again: every day – can’t help the mushiness – it’s just true

(And can I admit that I fell in teenage crush with Jacob Black?)

22. What was your favourite TV program?

Just generally love trash TV – casting shows, reality shows, celebrity gossip shows. Thought Lipstick Jungle was pretty cool and so was the first half of the Desperate Housewives series – missed the ends of both of these series. No stamina.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't this time last year?

Pass

24. What was the best book you read?

Sorry, I was one of those who jumped on the Twilight bandwagon. I devoured all four books within days back in January. Feeling the werewolf love!

25. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

Out for a romantic dinner with R on the evening before, celebrating at 12 midnight. Jac arrived for a week’s visit on the actual day – what a great present!

26. What was your best musical discovery?

Marit Larson

Ingrid Michelson

27. What did you want and get?

A bigger scrapbooking room – just for me.

A balcony.

More time for scrapping.

28. What was your favourite film of the year?

Twilight (I was late seeing it) and New Moon (Team Jacob!)

29. What did you want and not get?

Jacob Black in my stocking… Oh, sorry, did I think that out loud?

Really, this year, I got everything. I mean there is always more BasicGrey to get and I had my heart set on a Cuttlebug but just didn’t get around to organising it. Maybe this year…

30. What one thing would've made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Not having had to cancel our holiday.

Fitting into the dress I had planned to for R’s party – own fault!

31. How would you describe your fashion concept for 2009?

Like I have said the last 2 years, I think anyone who knows me would agree that I have no fashion concept. Few clothes were bought and few of the existing clothes fitted by the end of the year due to my weight gain! There must be a lesson in there somewhere!

32. What kept you sane?

Ralph

Scrapbooking

Reading other people's blogs

Chocolate and champagne

(same as last year in fact)

Oh, I can add in enjoying cocktails out on our new balcony!

33. Which celebrity or public figure did you admire most?

Can’t really think of anyone in particular.

34. What political issue stirred you most?

Again, the environment, the Iraqi war, the economic crisis. The usual I think.

35. Who do you miss?

My friends over at Daimler who I taught for a very long time. I hope to keep in touch with the girls this year

36. Who was the best new person you met? 

Did I meet anyone new? Not really (new neighbours or classes but that doesn’t count) but I rediscovered an almost long lost friend again after many years of missing contact – It’s lovely to meet, catch up with the new and reminisce about the old. Sarah, it’s great to re-know you again!!!

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned.

There are always things that you can be grateful for, even if you are sad about something that hasn’t happened as it should have done (our Yukon holiday).

It’s wonderful to be part of someone else’s celebration and to see how loved, well liked and admired that person is. (R’s party)

38. Quote a song line that defines your year.

So don’t go breaking my heart

I won’t go breaking your heart

Yes, THAT song that R & I attempted to demolish on the karaoke at his party (ok, actually demolished it - killed it dead in fact!). We were worse than bad! But funny!!!!

I think this year, I will tag Libby, Sarah and Deb – come on, join in on this yearly review!

Congrats to me on my 200th blog post!

Not only is this my 200th (hard to believe but true) post since I started this blog back in 2006 (such a long time ago), but it is also already my 11th post of the new year (that is nearly 3 per week - go me!).

One of my objectives for 2010 was to blog more often and so far, I am managing it. Some posts are definitely more interesting that others - ;-) - but that is what life is about isn't it?

So, here I am, sitting between lessons in the coffee area of BP and just mulling over the important things of life, which today, is mostly scrapbooking!

I always sit at the same table, looking out at the gorgeous rhino sculpture which I find fascinating. I guess it's supposed to represent the strength of the company but I always think it is so incongruous - just sitting there in the inner courtyard! And he is really massive - much bigger than real life. But at the same time, totally lifelike!

So back to blogging at my desk in my pink room...

As you know, being the goal-focused over-achiever that I am, I like a good challenge. Especially when it comes to scrapping. So at the last minute, I signed up for LOAD (a Layout A Day), hosted by Lain Ehmann.  

A layout created, photographed and posted for each and every day of the month? Crazy? Yes. Possible? Maybe. Fun? Definitely.

February 1st - LOAD

This is a layout from the class by Nichol Magouirk I mentioned in the last blog post, which used up fun leftovers.

 I love the fact that I fitted 15 photos onto it - such a great design by Nichol.

If you cast your minds back to the beginning of time (or at least to January 2008) you might remember that I did this once before. And yes, I really managed a layout each and everyday of that January. 

So, please raise your glasses and here's to creativity under pressure!

February 2nd - LOAD

And I thought I might put down how I think I am going to complete this impulsive challenge - based on what I did back in 2008, what I learned from that, and how I scrap in general.

My strategy for managing this challenge:

1. Perfection is over-rated: I'm not the first to state this (think it might be a Lainism), but it's so true. When I was doing work for Lib at Bellaboo I would spend a long time on each project. I would check spelling, straighten things up. But the layouts for this month? Simple, quick and often containing a mistake or ten! Over inked? Not quite straight? Colours not perfectly matched? Glue showing? Embellies not optimally places? No problem, move on!
2. Preparation: I don't mean that I have 28 page kits ready to go. But each day I think about what I might scrap. What picture I might use. What I have to say that day. And I have a pile of photos - good, bad and a lot in between - on my table. The last three days, I just rummaged and chose.
3. Glue & Go: I learned this on my Heidi Swapp class in 2007. Yes, I move things around a bit before I decide on position, but I'm talking 2 or 3 minutes, not all evening. Then, it's Glue & Go. And live with the result. And love the result!
4. Handwritten journalling: I avoid the printed & hand-write almost all my journalling. No, I don't particularly like my handwriting. But it's mine and there's not a lot to be done. Hand-writing is quick, easy and I don't need 16 attempts at getting it just so. If the hand-writing goes a bit skew-whiff, I accept it. It's typical Lisa to have a few mistakes in there after all.
5. Sketches: Libby bought me Page Maps for Christmas and I love it. I use it all the time. I love dipping in and picking our one to use as is, or to adapt. In fact, I think I've used the same one (pg. 52) several times so far and they all look different.
6. Clear space: I tidy up my scrapping space after each project. Completely. And for those of you who know me, you'll appreciate this is difficult and unnatural for me. I'm so untidy by nature! but I put every scrap, pen, glue stick, ruler or ink-pad etc back where they belong - even if I take it back out again after 2 minutes. Clear space = clear mind. Now, if I could only apply that to the rest of my life...
7. Variety is the spice of life: I mix it up. One day, it might be more complicated, the next a bit simpler. Layered and distressed one day, clear lines a la Zielske the next.
8. Use that stash: I see this as an opportunity to use up papers and products that have been lying around a long time but that I still love. Some of it, (like layout 2nd Feb) is co-ordinated (Libby gave me the papers, epoxy stickers and rub-ons back in early-Bellaboo days), but often I just grab a background cardstock and my mixed paper organiser along with my box of scrap and fish around until I have 3 or 4 papers I like. This is not the time to be precious. However, I have to admit that I find it difficult to break into one of my favourite, complete lines of BG (of which I have MANY!) that I have been saving. Perhaps I should challenge myself to do exactly that!
9. Quick techniques: I try to return techniques such as border punches, inking the edges or distressing which give good results with minimum effort and time. Although I did a bit of stamping yesterday (layout 3rd Feb), you won't see a lot of that - it's too hit and miss, and very time-consuming for me. Not to mention the fact that the ink ends up in places it really doesn't belong... several ruined tops later...
10. Have FUN: I remind myself that this is supposed to be FUN! No pressure. If I decide on the 15th that I'm not having fun, I'll simply stop. I can't imagine that happening, but this is a hobby and nothing to be taken too seriously. I make sure I'm enjoying the process. I might experiment. Maybe not. But I'll be telling stories, using up product, preserving memories, remembering happy times. And that IS fun!

So there you go, my strategy for 28 layouts in 28 days. I'm looking forward to the rest of the month and to the pile of finished layouts on 1st March.

February 3rd - LOAD

February 4th - LOAD

Do you have any other tips to offer?

So, in conclusion: Happy 200th blog post to me.

Here's to the next 200!