Veronica's Paper Cuts

Community Photo Challenge - Macro

2011-05-04T17:58:00.001-04:00

Wow, it has been a long time since I participated... but I'm back! I hope you enjoy these. I came across this strange maze-like structure on the beach here in Northern California, but then I noticed the even stranger "offerings" in the middle. I did add to the coinage with a coin I had found in the parking lot... hey, it might be a shrine or an alien portal and I did not want to upset the juju...

Moving Day...

2010-09-10T22:26:00.000-04:00

...has finally arrived. Thank you to all of you who continue to visit my blog despite the fact I've been posting about once a month. I promise as soon as I get settle in my new home I will start blogging again about the sewing in my life.

It's amazing how much fabric I have accumulated in just a few short months. I came across several patterns and kits I picked up that I had forgotten about. I found bags of fat quarters I had bought on visits to local and distant quilt shops that I had forgotten about. And don't even get me started on the BOM packets that I found scattered around....

I ended up filling a HUGE container (the big plastic ones with the wheels on one end) and another Tuff Stuff container with fabrics. And, that's not including the sewing machine, sewing notions, rulers, organizers, books, etc. Wow. It will be fun finally having a room where I can spread out and get my sewing area properly set up. But, still, wow.

Thanks for following me on the journey. In same ways, I feel as though I am just beginning. So tell me, what's your secret to organizing your sewing room?

Let's Go to Tape Shall We?

2010-09-02T00:54:00.000-04:00

As most of you know, I love taking photos. I have since I got my first 326 camera when I was about 5. Recently I made the change to Mac and got a MacBook Pro which came with iMovie. So, funny story, we were waiting for wind on my weekly summer sailboat racing gig, and one of the larger boats was cruising around playing a song that had something to do with "being on a boat."

It was a rap song, and I'd never heard it before, but it became a bit of an obsession to find the music. When I did, I was inspired to play with my iMovie program and see what I could come up with... here's the result, but be forewarned, strong language is implied....

Community Photo Challenge - Windows

2010-03-20T20:50:00.001-04:00

Here are my entries for the Community Photo Challenge...
This month's photo challenge is "WINDOWS"....or "Window". The main focus is "window". You can use your imagination & be creative. You can use the window as a framing tool, but it must have a window in it. You can have one window, or many windows, but remember the focus is on windows.
Starts today & ends April 15th.
Follow the link and check out everyone else's images!

Community Photo Challenge - Tree

2010-02-19T08:47:00.001-05:00

Yeah! I am back... and I have some photos to share... Here's the link to the challenge and everyone else's pics... Community Photo Challenge

Here's my main tree pic. I love sunsets. I captured this image of windswept cypress trees on the Monterey Peninsula earlier this month. We made the 17 Mile Drive just in time for sunset, and I captured some awesome images.

I have a thing for fallen trees. Probably because I can finally see the whole tree since I am height-challenged. This is in the Mt. Rainier National Forest Grove of the Patriarchs.

I love the roots. I love the texture. This tree washed up on the shores near Hamburg Beach, just south of Buffalo, NY.

So, go out and hug a tree! This is a redwood along Highway 101 somewhere north of Trinidad, CA.

Super-size Me

2009-11-09T15:11:00.000-05:00

I love the macro feature on my camera.

There's something about getting up close and right into my subject.

I also love how the background blurs into a wonderful palette of color.

I got a chance to play with my macro feature this weekend, getting the last vestiges of autumn color before the snow comes.

Of course, then I'll have a whole new subject to photograph.

Community Photo Challenge - The Colors of Autumn

2009-10-19T22:46:00.000-04:00

Community Photo Challenge

I recently took a trip to the Pacific Northwest and wanted to share some of the Colors of Autumn I encountered:

Thank you!

Breaking Trails

2009-09-05T21:16:00.005-04:00

I've lived in Buffalo for almost 3 years now, and I just found a new bike path that I never knew existed. It runs along Ellicott Creek east from the "Boulevard" to the UB campus. We went for a bike ride today and came across it by happenstance. Glad I brought my camera. You never know what you're going to come across...

I AM MOVING.....

2009-08-04T21:55:00.002-04:00

I am moving my quilting blog to a new site:

This Squirrel's a Quiltin'

Come join me as I continue this strange new journey through fabric and thread......

In the Good Ol' Summertime Mini Quilt Swap, Part III

2009-07-24T23:05:00.004-04:00

I just wanted to post some pics...

Nice bright strips of fabric, the camera doesn't do them justice.

Now, what are we going to do with these squares, I wonder?

Is that a rose I see, or something entirely different?

Keep watching this space! More to come...

In the Good Ol' Summertime Mini Quilt Swap, Part II

2009-07-21T13:55:00.003-04:00

I have finally gotten around to thinking about my Mini-quilt for the swap. Part of my problem was that I had bought the perfect fabrics without knowing what my partner would want... and they are the type of fabrics they asked for. Then I just needed the pattern. After my magazine run on Sunday, I found the perfect pattern. Now I just need to get to cutting... more sneak peaks to follow....

Brown Bear Elmer

2009-07-19T23:04:00.004-04:00

I love teddy bears; always have. I found "The Teddy Bear Making Book" by Brian and Donna Gibbs several years ago in a discount book store for $5, and I wasn't really sure what I was going to do with it. I just knew that I liked teddy bears, and one day I might like to sew one.

Fast forward to this spring when I bought my sewing machine, and I decided to try my hand at making my first bear. I later made a second one for my husband's birthday to go along with the quilt I made him.

This weekend I finished my third. I will call him, "Elmer." Don't know why. Just looks like an Elmer to me. Elmer will be gracing my shelf and watching over me as I sew. I had planned him as a gift, but he's just so masculine looking. Look at those shoulders. Not at all cute enough for a 3 year old.

I guess I will just have to start looking at fabric for bear #4.

A New Find, A Great Giveaway

2009-07-15T13:58:00.005-04:00

I was reading my list of favorite quilter blog sites (posted on the right side of my blog here) and started following some links within their blogs. I came across this great site Dye Candy by a woman named Chris, and she's having a Giveaway to boot!

This is from her collection... isn't it yummy? Almost too pretty to cut... almost.
Here are the links to her sites, enjoy!

Dye Candy Giveaway Link
Shady Grove Studios on Etsy - quilt block jewelry
Dye Candy on Etsy - her gorgeous fabrics

Good luck!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like... Not Really

2009-07-12T13:23:00.007-04:00

As I sit here in 80 degree weather with high humidity, it's hard to think about the cool snowy days of December. That is, until I received a package in the mail the other day... It's the Crazy Eight fabric by Sandy Gervais for Moda.

I had found a pattern in the book "Scrap Basket Surprises" by Kim Brackett called "Christmas Ribbons" that I really liked and began to think about the fabrics I would use.

I love reindeer (all my Christmas decorations have a reindeer theme including the whole "Reindeer" dinnerware collection from Pottery Barn) and had been fabric "window browsing" online when I saw this fabric.

Voila! Pattern and fabric... what a perfect blend.

I am busy trying to finish several other projects, but as soon as I start laying out fabric and cutting I will add this to the project list.... till then, I'll just stare at it on the shelf... daydreaming... thinking of colder weather....

In the Good Ol' Summertime Mini Quilt

2009-07-09T22:47:00.003-04:00

I am participating in the Mini Quilt Swap being put on by the Quilting Gallery Website. I just got my Swap partner name today... so exciting! They put that they wanted something with bright colors, and I think I can mention that my mini quilt will be sent overseas... that's not giving too much away. I had found this really fun fabric that I think really reflects summer, so I am thrilled this person wants bright colors!

I will post little clues as to what I am creating. Can't wait to see everyone elses!

Project #2 - Block of the Month - Hopscotch, Part 2

2009-07-03T15:11:00.004-04:00

I finished another 4 blocks on my Buggy Barn Hopscotch BOM quilt. I even did my first applique. Yes, I know from following some other people's work, like Karen's Baltimore Quilt, that my excitement over placing a simple five-pointed star in the middle of my block really doesn't compare, but as a seriously beginning quilter I was excited.

So, I thought I was almost done and just needed to work on some fillers. Then I read the directions for Block #10 - Goose Tracks... make 36! Uhh.. guess I better start cutting as I will be working on this for a while yet.

Staying Organized

2009-07-01T16:04:00.013-04:00

I am back to working my usual 12 hour shifts this month so I have very little time most days to sew. I did manage to make a few blocks over the weekend, and am working on my fish for the Up a Lazy River Quilt. They look sooo good! Posting soon.

I thought I would take a sec and show how I have my sewing area set up. Living in an apartment is hard on space. Within the next two years I will finally have a house and be able to set up my dedicated craft room. Until then, here's my work corner...
I made a hanging organizer for my rulers and grids out of some leftover materials so I could keep them out of the way... when I remember to put them away :) I used a desk organizer for my sewing supplies. I can't believe I have almost filled it!
I cleaned off a couple of shelves in a book case for my fabrics and books.

I found these great baskets on sale at Target and these letter holders were in Target's dollar area.
I didn't have a use for them until I started sewing. Now when I start cutting my pieces, I just pile them into the boxes to keep them organized, and as I work on one project or the other, I just pull out the letter holder I need. Keeps everything together.

Another thing that I do is put a Post-it on magazines or books as I start to read through them for the first time. It marks projects I am interested in, or patterns I want to try. I like the look of all the little flags in my growing library... that's a lot of creative sewing just waiting to happen.
I'm able to keep my sewing machine to the side of this work table when I am cutting, and I have an ironing board I drop to the level of the table and put at my side when I am doing my piecing.

And, there it is! I would love to hear how you keep yourself organized?!?!

Coco Pink Twin Stars, Project #8

2009-06-27T12:41:00.006-04:00

Twin Stars pattern from the book "Jelly Roll Quilts" by Pam & Nicky Lintott

using a jelly roll of Coco Pink batik fabric I found at Walmart
& remnant fabrics I found at JoAnn's Fabrics for the background flying geese parts
The tan-colored fabric has flecks of gold throughout which I felt gave it a "sandy" feel, almost like a Southwestern desert.

I finally finished all my blocks and sewed the center together. Now I just need to decide on a border and finish the top. I've decided to give this to my goddaughter for her birthday in August, so hopefully I'll be able to get it all done and quilted by then!,

Up a Lazy River, Project #7, Part II

2009-06-27T12:17:00.005-04:00

Up a Lazy River Project by Carolyn Griffin
using Neptune by Tula Pink for Moda
& Bruce Evans/Ghost Artists for Quilting Treasures fabrics

Have finished all the cutting, and I am starting to piece the fish together. I ran out of fabric for the bodies and tails, so I made two scrappy fish for the center blocks, and will have different, what I like to call "party-colored" fish in the corners. We'll see how things develop, but at least I am finally getting these fish pieced!

A Treasured Find

2009-06-25T12:36:00.009-04:00

My husband and I are in the midst of combining households. Having been moving back and forth across the country for the last 5 years, things are starting to get mixed up. In case you're confused, for economic reasons we have mostly lived apart. In about another year we should be finally together in one place.

Anyway, I was cleaning up my second bedroom (as I stated in my previous post) to make myself a nicer sewing area and take advantage of the larger desk space when I came across one of his containers. He's left all of his "winter stuff" with me because Atlanta doesn't get as cold as Buffalo. Look what I found inside:

It's a quilt from his childhood. He was born and raised on farm in Northern Alabama, and I can tell that the fabric is composed of pieces of shirts. There are various strips, some solids, some fabric that looks like poplin. And, it weighs a ton! There are some worn sections on the binding, and I can see that the batting is super thick. It's tied with green yarn, and I can imagine that no sewing machine would be able to handle that batting. I know that sometimes flour sacks were used for fabric. This backing feels thicker and coarser. His family grew cotton, and I wonder if the fabric is from the cotton collection sacks.
It's a bit yellowed and slightly musty. If you have any ideas on this quilt I would love to hear them. Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning and restoring this? Thanks in advance! I would love to hear about your treasured finds!

Catching Up...

2009-06-21T16:06:00.015-04:00

Since I took the time this weekend to clean up my second bedroom and reset my sewing supplies up there, I thought I would catch everyone up on what I’ve been working on the last several months. Funny how you start a project, get interrupted by another, find something else, etc.

I find that I am a little more distractible than most. Maybe that’s why I am in the field I am in… I get very bored doing the same thing again and again. So, I have a lot of things going on at once. If I get tired of one thing I do another. Deadlines are great for me because they force me to finish something on time. Otherwise, I fuss with this, fuss with that, find something else that catches my interest.

I will keep this list updated and refer to it as projects are started, worked on, completed. I will post the hyperlink to it on the sidebar titled “What’s In the Works.” Enjoy!

Oh, and sometimes I don’t know what to do because some of my earlier works were experiments gone awry, so I appreciate any suggestions or hints!

Project #1 – Chrysanthemums – Flower of the Month Fabric by Ro Gregg

Status: Layered, needs to be quilted

Project #2 – Hopscotch BOM

Status: Piecing, on block 7/10

Update 7/3/09

Project #3 – Jeweled Log Cabin

Status: Pieced, need to add borders

Project #4 – Civil War Hexagons

Status: Piecing

Project #5 – Jerry’s Birthday Bear Quilt

Status: Completed

Project #6 – Mother’s Day Lavender Quilt

Status: Completed

Project #7 – Neptune Up a Lazy River

Status: Cutting pieces
Update 6/27/09

Project #8 - Coco Pink Twin Stars
Status: Piecing Block Rows
Update 6/27/09

A Little Side Trip

2009-06-18T20:57:00.005-04:00

So, I had to attend a class about 30 miles away from work yesterday, and since I was already so far out of my area, I figured I would make a day of it and check out some local quilting shops. I Googled "quilt" on my GPS and up popped several choices. The closest one was still another 20 miles away in the opposite direction but off the road I was already on, so I figured "why not?"

What a find! I ended up at Mt. Pleasant Quilting Company.
The owner Barb has put together a homey, comfortable shopping and class experience at one end of her own home. One minute I was driving along a long country road, the next I was turning thinking my GPS must be wrong when I spied a home with several women coming out of it carrying bags and packages. Then I saw the small sign.
I walked up the driveway and entered the store finding myself in a warm inviting environment. I was immediately welcomed in and given a brief description of the layout then left to browse at will. I could have spent hours going through this store, but I started to feel a little overwhelmed by all the colors and fabrics and quilting patterns and ideas.

I could go on and on about this store, but moreso I just wanted to share this delightful little find. Although it's over a 90 minute drive for me, I know that I will be back; especially in September for their full weekend "Tent Sale" Celebration that I was told was going to be quite something! By then I should have saved up my pennies and made up for my "impulse buys".... eek! Repeat to self, "No more fabric!"

Goin' Fishing - Up a Lazy River - Neptune

2009-06-16T09:55:00.007-04:00

I am new to quilting, so I have spent a LOT of time on the internet checking out this site and that site; following link to link to link. I came across multiple patterns, read articles, collected a book or two, just so I could learn the basics. I spent some time walking around the fabric aisles and bought a bunch of remnants so I could practice on. I also bought a pattern or two that I thought was especially interesting.

I love anything having to do with fish or the sea, so I was excited to see this one pattern called "Up a Lazy River" by Carolyn Griffin. I thought it looked pretty easy to make, and didn't seem to involve a lot of intricate cutting or sewing. I bought it with no idea of what I was going to do with it, or what fabric I would use to sew my fish.I was thinking that I might never find a fabric style that I would like to use for the fish until I ended up skimming through different fabrics at this website and came across the Neptune Collection by Tula Pink for Moda. I thought it was some of the prettiest fabric. I loved the colors and the patterns, but as a beginner, I couldn't see myself jumping into a huge expenditure without feeling confident in my skills.
So now, 4 months later I gave in. I had kept checking the website periodically to make sure the fabric was still available, a pack of fat quarters, a layer cake and a jelly roll. Plus I knew I couldn't make the quilt without using the same fabric as backing. I saved up my pennies and placed my order. It just arrived this weekend. What a difference in the quality and feel of the fabric. It's so beautiful I don't even want to imagine cutting it, but I am looking forward to finally starting that quilt.

Will take pics of my progress as I go along. To be sure I will be measuring 10x before I cut once.

Happy Birthday to My Hubby Bear!

2009-06-14T00:47:00.011-04:00

Today is my husband's birthday, and for the last 4 months I have been working on a quilt for him. Finally I can reveal it!

The thought for the quilt was bears since that is a nickname I have for him. I found this great "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" fabric at the quilt store and started off with that as my basis for the quilt. Of course, I had to make a "bear claw" pattern for the corners so this was the first block:

After making the four corners, I started to think about the rest of the blocks and the center. I came up with a heart to encircle two bears. Then I found this amazing pattern for pine trees:
I started thinking about bears and how Ursa major and minor were some of the first constellations that I learned about. So that got me thinking about stars, and I found this very cool star pattern that was sort of easy to piece. It just took cutting up and sewing together lots of triangles. And then since I was an expert at triangles, it was no stretch to put together four pairs and make pinwheels to complete the sides. From there it was just piecing the borders, putting together the backing, and sewing everything together. It turned out to be rather large (about 106 x 106 inches) and will look nice when we get a queen sized bed as the sides will just drape over.

Whew! I'm really going to need a bigger quilting sewing machine if I am going to keep doing this.... I included a slide show of all the different parts. Enjoy!

p.s. yes, I made the stuffed bear at the top of the page as well and included it in his birthday box

Happy Mother's Day Quilt

2009-05-10T16:46:00.002-04:00

It's simple, it's the right color, it was quick and easy...
most importantly, Mom loves it!

Happy Mother's Day!

Project #3 - Raising the Jeweled Barn

2009-04-22T21:36:00.010-04:00

This is one of the first quilt patterns I started when I learned to use my sewing machine. Using these small blocks as my center (traditionally the "fireplace") I worked different jewel-toned fabrics in an assortment of colors.

I have been working on the log cabins for the last several weeks, sewing a few at a time. Tonight I finished last batch and laid them out on the floor in the "Barn Raising" layout.

My next step will be to sew the rows together and then pick the fabrics for the borders and backing... but at least the top is done!!

Community Photo Challenge - The Great Outdoors

2009-04-19T16:53:00.007-04:00

Here's my entry for the Community Photo Challenge.

Having just come back from a week in South Florida and a trip through the Everglades, I had a lot of photos to chose from, but I liked this one the best.

It makes me think of the hidden treasures that lie within
the cypress knees and dense foliage.

Of course, beware of alligators!

Project #2 - Block of the Month - Hopscotch, Part 1

2009-04-19T15:36:00.008-04:00

So a while back, I bought a complete BOM (Block of the Month) collection from Nicole at Sister's Choice Quilts. I figured it would be a good way to learn quilting patterns and have most of the complicated cutting work done for me.

There are 10 patterns and then the finishing parts to do. About every 4 - 5 days, in between other projects, I'll make a block.

Today I finished my 5th block, so I am halfway done with the block portion of the quilt. Here's a collection of the 5 I have done so far:

In Purse-uit of Happiness

2009-04-14T22:59:00.003-04:00

I love purses... especially totes. I had to run to the fabric store to pick up some supplies, etc, and I saw these fun fabrics and a neat little pattern for a tote bag.

So, I took some free time and put this little bag together. It actually looks pretty sturdy. I can't wait to use it this summer.

I also bought the fabric for another one of my projects, but more on that later.... for now, I am just going to enjoy my new purse....

Project #1 - Chrysanthemum, Going in Circles, Part 1

2009-04-12T15:43:00.009-04:00

So, soon after I made my first bear, I was talking to one of my colleagues who is an avid sewer and makes a lot of her own clothes. I talked to her about thinking about making a quilt, and she recommended I go to one of her favorite fabric stores, Sew What?

Around that time, I had been reading how something called a "jelly roll" was a good way for beginners to start because there were many patterns and designs that could be made by simple straight stitching. And, jelly rolls provided matching, pre-cut fabrics which could be worked together.

So, one afternoon, I tentatively walked into the store and asked if they had any jelly rolls. "Of course!" said the store clerk and led me into the store corner where the rolls are displayed. I was immediately drawn to this fabric roll which is basically rows of flowers going from yellow to orange to red back to green and then yellow.

I started a simple middle "flower" while playing with a hexagon pattern I found. As you can see, I was still learning how to sew straight at the time. Then it was just a matter of going around, and around and around. As I kept going, I found out how to keep my lines straight. I worked on not pulling and stretching the fabric. I also learned how I should have thought out the colors a little better, but I think it still has an interesting effect.

I have a few more rows to go before I start thinking about a border and a backing. Then comes the challenge of learning how finish and bind my quilt, and then the fun process of actually quilting the fabric. Will let you know how things progress!

A New Distraction

2009-04-09T10:01:00.009-04:00

I haven't had a lot of time for the photo challenges over the last several weeks. Then, just a few weeks ago, I bought a sewing machine. I had wanted one for a while just because it would make hemming and fixing clothing just a little easier. This time, I had just received some new scrubs for work that needed to be altered more extensively than I could do well by hand. So I bought one.

It's a nice beginner's machine. Very simple, and it's easy to use. I imagined just making a lot of straight lines. Of course, once I got started I found I was finding more and more projects to sew. Then came the trip to the fabric store because I "needed some thread."

While there, I remembered a book I had bought that showed how to make teddy bears (which I love.) Well, then I thought I had to buy just a "little fabric" to attempt to make a bear. I bought a few inexpensive remnants and here is my first bear.That night I was looking at the beautiful quilt my friend's mother made for me when I graduated from medical school. Then I was thinking to the Amish quilts I had seen on a recent trip to Pennsylvania, and I began to wonder how hard it would be to make a quilt. I started looking at websites, looked at patterns, and thought, "I can do that!"

So now here I am, several fabric trips and book buying ventures later, with several projects in the works. Here is my growing work pile. I will post progress on various projects as I go along. I would love to hear your comments and suggestions, plus I will be adding some of the various sewing sites I have found while surfing the web for my new hobby.

Cheers!

BCPC - Still Life

2009-01-15T11:25:00.008-05:00

Community Photo Challenge Link

This is one of the first photos I took with my new camera. I was getting ready for the beginning of my shift and had laid out all of the things I would be needing to put into my white coat.

As I was about to grab my camera to put on my waistband, I was suddenly inspired to take the shot. I played with the sepia and black & white features on the camera, but I liked this one best. It's been the background on my computer screen from time to time.

Enjoy!

BCPC - Alphabet Challenge

2009-01-08T11:54:00.003-05:00

Community Photo Challenge

I had a lot of fun with this challenge. Here is my entry for the name challenge. I plan to start digging around for the whole alphabet. This was made using pics from our honeymoon in Mexico. Enjoy!

A Few More...

2008-09-28T21:23:00.000-04:00

A New Distraction

2008-09-28T16:44:00.000-04:00

I recently upgraded my PSP program and as part of the upgrade I received Corel Painter Photo Essentials 4. I am having way too much fun playing with this program. Prior to entering med school, I worked in an Art store, and I began to dabble in watercolor paintings. While I acheived a level of comfort working with the medium, I could never really advance beyond the beginner level. This program allows me to "paint" what I am capturing in my photos in a way I never will be able to in real life....

Original Photo / Program Creation:

And this one:

It has the ability to do paintings, drawings, pastels, etc... if you have it, I would love to see what you can create... I just got it yesterday, but I myself can't wait to see how much I will be able to increase my creative abilities!

Tags: Corel Painter Photo Essentials, photography, painting, creativity

Community Photo Challenge - Summer

2008-09-07T21:05:00.000-04:00

AOL Community Photo Challenge - Summer

Here's my entry:

And, these are my other beach shots from the summer:

Thanks!

Tags: AOL Community Photo Challenge

Taking Up Rosemary on a Challenge

2008-07-03T23:46:00.000-04:00

here is my entry for the "Because Nice Matters" Challenge:

Nice Matters Challenge

I framed my circle design to highlight it! Thanks for considering my entry...!

Tags: Nice Matters, JLand Challenge, photos

Taking Up Betty on a Challenge

2008-05-22T23:03:00.000-04:00

Color Isolation on Black and White Images :

Fun stuff, here's my example! Thanks...

Tags: PSP, color isolation

The Honeymoon Book

2008-05-06T20:17:00.000-04:00

Here's the link for the honeymoon book I just finished:

Picaboo Book

enjoy!!

Making a Fashion Statement

2008-04-09T22:04:00.000-04:00

**Just a note, if you're a reader of my principle blog then you'll have already seen my post for today... if you're not familiar with the pictures I am talking about, you can see them in the archives at:
http://journals.aol.com/vbonalesmd/emresident

Sinceit's Grand Rounds Wednesday and not a clinical day for me, and since in this blog I am focusing on my photography, I thought Iwould take a few minutes to highlight the photographer for the majorityof the seal pictures I have been using to make the graphics on my principle blogthe last several days.

Nigel Barker is better known as a judgeon "America's Next Top Model" reality show, but he has been a fashionphotographer for many years after having been a model himself. Thisyear, the Humane Society of America named him as a spokesman for theProtect Seals 2008 Campaign. The pictures I have used come from hiswebsite Nigel Barker and the ones that he shot which are used on the HSUS.org website.

Hetraveled to Newfoundland to visit the harp seal nursery and tookamazing photos, then returned a couple of weeks later to catch the"molting" fluffy white pups. Unfortunately, his last entry chroniclesthe return trip several days later when he captured images of the hunt.

Asan animal lover, and junior photographer, I hope there will come a daywhen trips by boat to Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence carryeco-tourists instead of hunters, because I certainly will be one ofthose that signs up to see what must be an awe-inspiring sight.

Tomorrow,it's back the ED for my next block of shifts. The schedule will bemore physiologically tolerable, a pseudo "swing shift" from the earlyafternoon to late evening. We'll see what the day/night brings.

Tags: Nigel Barker, HSUS.org, Protect Seals Campaign 2008

Picaboo - I See You

2008-04-03T23:40:00.000-04:00

I found this fun website while trying to find digital scrapbooking ideas for my wedding photos. It's one of those "Make your own book" type programs, and I really like it. It's simple to use, has many features, and I thought the books were reasonably priced. Here's the link to the book I made for my mother ($39.95 for 20 pages plus shipping):
My Mom's Book

And, here's the link to their website where you can download the free program:
Picaboo.com/

Have fun, and enjoy! If you make one... make sure to share!

Tags: Picaboo.com, wedding photography

The Seventh One - Sofie Turns Five

2008-03-31T16:57:00.000-04:00

I liked this page layout for Sofie's birthday page. The tags were originally down the side, but because of the vertical nature of the multiframe portrait, I opted to put them across the top. I could have done across the bottom, but its similarity to Winston's page made for more cohesive flow in the scrapbook.

Again, I used the black and white to contrast with the color portrait. I used "diamond" studs to highlight the tags and some kitty stickers down the middle. My only complaint is that the "i" in "SOFIE" on the title doesn't stand out more, but that was the biggest 'I' in the rub on set I bought. Other than that, I think I like it...

"Baby Girl/You know you're cute/And can't help it/You're my lazy kitty/The first to suggest a nap/You're my little shadow/You have to be where I am/Your small paw reaches out/Always making sure I am near/As a kitten you slept encircled by my arms/The last five years surrounded by my love/I hope we share another five/Love-filled, all-encompassing years. March 2008"

Tags: Sofie, Cats-are-Purrsons-Too, Touched By An Animal, Chicago

Community Photo Challenge - Aged

2008-03-29T23:03:00.000-04:00

Aged:

I came across this barn while traveling to a meeting earlier in the month. I just liked the look of it against the snow, and it reminded me of old photos of winter scenes when I was growing up in sunny Southern California. I used PSP Photo 2x to give it the aged look. Enjoy!

Check out the other entries at: AOL Community Photo Challenge

Tags: AOL Community photo challenge, western New York

The Sixth One - Happy Birthday Winston

2008-03-27T20:21:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I cheated a little. I found this book that had layouts already made and a few printed thrills. So I essentially just needed to cut and paste on my photos and journaling. But, I think at this point, I am still learning the art of scrapbooking, so a little help is in order.

I liked the color scheme for this one. Boy Blue. I wanted the contrast of the black and whites across the top with the color multiburst photo portrait. There's some new stickers I found and added including a row of feet along the right side.

I'll be working on Sofie's next...

Tags: Winston, Scrapbook, 5th birthday

Photo Challenge - Wearing of the Green - 2nd Place!!

2008-03-23T06:02:00.000-04:00

Thank you so much, and thanks for your comments. I really think about them when preparing for challenges! Congratulations to everyone, and I can't wait to see the next entries.

http://journals.aol.com/mariebm56/aol-community-photo-challenge/

Tags: AOL Community Photo Challenge

Community Photo Challenge - Wearing of the Green

2008-03-19T20:42:00.000-04:00

http://journals.aol.com/mariebm56/aol-community-photo-challenge/#Entry646

Wearing of the Green (Beginner)

Nothing much in Buffalo is green at this time of year. However, I was driving to visit a co-worker and came across this bridge. I liked the contrast between it and the surroundings, not to mention the interesting pattern of the metal as I went across it. Enjoy!

Tags: photo challenge, wearing of the green

The Fifth One - Little Blue Box

2008-03-16T20:30:00.000-04:00

I seem to have a minimalistic style to my scrapbooking. I was reading a book, and it seems like all of the examples have tons of pictures and frills. I like the way they look in the books, but I just can't bring myself to add too much without feeling like I am cluttering the page.

This page is for the ring. I wanted the idea of the box. It took me a while to settle on this background since I wanted the colors to go well. I tried a couple of different photos, and then thought I should add one of Jerry & me, but in the long run, I settled for a stamp to fill the empty space. I even worked on borders, but still thought it was a bit much. What do you think? Should I add something more?

"The card was wonderful/ The question inside a surprise/ Then came the Little Blue Box/ I tried to keep my hands from shaking/ As I unwrapped it/ I tried to keep the tears from falling/ As I took out the velvet box/ I held my breath, not knowing what to expect/ And there it was/ The most perfect ring/ I think we both cried at that point/ 14 February 2007"

Tags: engagement ring, little blue box, Tiffany Lucida diamond

The Fourth One - Will You?

2008-03-09T18:54:00.000-04:00

Here is the first page of three (or maybe four) that will comprise "the Engagement" portion of the Wedding Scrapbook. I didn't realize until later that I used a smaller version of the same picture on this one.

It's funny that I've been in a relationship with the same man over the course of 10 years, and there aren't really a whole lot of photos of the both of us. Mostly because initially I had the film camera which didn't focus on its own as well as the digital cell phone and camera do, and also we were together so infrequently during the first five years, that we rarely socialized with friends who might take photos of us.

I have a few more pictures and have set a goal to always try to get at least one or two photos of the both of us whenever we do something new.

I used a background with a reddish hue since we got engaged on Valentine's Day and to help with the rust color of the card he gave me. I was initially going to place the original card, but it was too long for the page, and I wanted the inside (where he actually asks the question) to show. So I scanned in the two sides and then printed them out.

I used a heart cut-out to highlight our "train ticket" for our Valentine's Train Dinner Outing, and then used the cut-out as the background for our photo. I used a background that had a train and post cards on it to signify both the train and the journey. I added some ribbon and some bling to try to make things a little fancier. I still think I have some open space, but I think the placement is overall pleasing... don't you?

Close ups of the cards:
as you can see I blocked out a lot of superfluous information...

Tags: Minnesota Zephyr, Stillwater MN, engagement

Community Photo Challenge - March Into Spring

2008-03-07T15:27:00.000-05:00

http://journals.aol.com/mariebm56/aol-community-photo-challenge/

March Into Spring!
My Entry: and the original:

While traveling in Vancouver, we visited the Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island. Amongst the rows of pure white tulips a single red one appeared. Just goes to show that Nature can conspire against even the best laid plans.

Enjoy!

My Main Blog: http://journals.aol.com/vbonalesmd/emresident

Tags: Butchart Gardens, photo challenge, tulips

Paint Shop Pro - Fun with Brush Strokes

2008-03-04T22:10:00.000-05:00

I have been taking some time to play with Paint Shop Pro (Photo X2 Version) and am really liking the Brush Strokes feature.

You can see in these two photos how you can change a photo into either a realistic or impressionistic form just by changing the length of the strokes, the number of bristles and the density.

Sofie is my model these days. I will have to scan in some of my College Days water lilies and see if I can "Monet" them.

Tags: Paint Shop Pro, Monet

The Third One - Front Page of Wedding Scrapbook

2008-03-02T16:41:00.000-05:00

Before going any further, I want to assure you I didn't crank out all three of these in one day. I actually made the other two about 3 weeks ago. This one I made today. I am coming to find, I seem to be a bit minimalistic in my pages. Maybe it's because I am just starting out and afraid of putting too much in. Maybe I haven't hit my creative stride yet. What do you think?

I chose the blue background for its elegance, and coordinated these fun "Once Upon a Time" glitter cardstock. I printed the date on adhesive vellum I had left over from my wedding programs, and the heart border theme will continue throughout. I got the bottom heart from a personalized "D's Designs" ( http://journals.aol.com/nightmaremom/Thisandthatandhockey ).

"I promise I will never forget the day we kissed or the day we met. the sky may fall and the stars may too, but in the end I will still love you."

Tags: D's Designs, DCWV, adhesive vellum

The Second One - Winston

2008-03-02T13:39:00.000-05:00

The original picture of Winston, my male cat, was in color. I printed out a black and white version that came out with a greenish hue. Since he's a boy, I thought the blue would be appropriate and added the green to bring out the picture. I like this "paw prints" punch I found for accents.

""VERY Playful" That's what the sign on your cage said. Of course, I didn't see that until I had already signed the adoption papers. Not that it's made any difference. You are the "social one." You are the "greeter." You are the "playful one." And, I am so happy you're mine."

"Loveable little ball of fur."

Tags: Winston, Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago

The First One - Sofie

2008-03-02T13:25:00.000-05:00

Sofie is my female cat. She was VERY small when I first got her and very sick. I like the cardboard feel of the paper since she was a foundling kitten; the only one of her litter to survive. She had a lot of health issues for the first six months but is now fat and healthy.

I thought the orange of the paper suited her color and picked the salmon color as a nice blend. I picked the striped colors since they had the feel of nursery wall-paper.

"You were so very small when I first brought you home. You almost died. You spend 2 days in the Kitty ICU and had to wear a bandage for over a week to hide the tiny IV that saved your life. Luckily, you didn't need it again. You've since grown up and have turned into a wonderful kitty. I am glad I found you and saved you. You are still perfection."

"The smallest feline is a masterpiece." - Leonardo da Vinci

Tags: Sofie, Leonardo da Vinci, ICU

At the Beginning

2008-03-02T13:23:00.000-05:00

Ok, so here we go:

Here's part of my collection of scrapbooking material.

If I have to think of a reason why I started scrapbooking, I am going to blame it on getting married. I made MANY trips to JoAnn Fabrics and Michael's for supplies for creating my programs, favors, and napkin rings. While there, I often wandered around, and since I was looking for paper for the programs, I wandered into the scrapbooking area to look for specialty paper.

Unfortunately, for me, both stores were having specials on boxed scrapbooking sets and on all their scrapbooking supplies. Given that I made a number of trips, each time I would pick up this or that, and I now have the beginnings of my collection. Once I settle down into a "real house" I am sure I will be adding to it. Although I love the idea of computer scrapbooking, for now I will stick to the old-fashioned scrapbooks. I can always vent my aggressions on the cutting board.

As time progresses, I will be working on my wedding scrapbook, along with working on pages for past travel and events since I recently found a box full of photos from the past 10 years. So, hopefully we both won't be overly deluged with wedding bliss and romance. Well, ok, maybe just a little.

Tags: scrapbooking, JoAnn Fabrics, Michaels