{Friday Finds} - a New Link-Up Party

Hello friends....

Happy Friday. How are you? I hope well.

I just got off a lovely facetime connect....  my third this week.... Wow, connection with people who 'get it'....totally awesome.

I wanted to pop in and tell you about a new link-up idea... hoping you might want to join in...... I'm calling it Friday Finds.... It officially begins Friday, but I did add a link-up below if you care to share this week. 

Here's how it will work.....

Every Friday I will share a recent 'find' photo or 2........

I don't think a week goes by that I don't find a treasure or two.... The finds can be bought or found..... from antiques, to pretty posies... heart shaped stones, maybe a rusted old tin, a beautiful new book ..... anything goes....So many possiblities... and no... you don't have to find it on Friday... 'smile'.

Let's celebrate our finds.

One of the best things about a new find. is often the story behind the discovery. Don't you think?

Anyhow, I would love to see your finds ... The link up will remain open all week, so feel free to link up throughout the week. To play along, simply post a Friday Find photo on your site, instagram or flickr then pop over here and link up.... (just like our TT link ups)..... No special processing or textures required... simply share a pretty photo of a fab find.....

I will have the official link up details and a Friday Find button ready for next week.... 

My Friday Finds

A bit about this weeks finds......

I gotta begin with this lovely pottery .... isn't it extraordinary?

I went to the Trestle Greenhouse to check out the bedding plants....and came home with this beautiful piece of art... The owner is an amazing potter..... this is her work. I had no idea Eleanor has been making such beauitful pottery. (I need to get out more).... This is just one of the many alternative fired pieces I fell in love with.

Oh my... I wish you all could hold it in your hands..... the depth, texture...shape.... beyond beautiful!

Before I hit the greenhouse, I popped by a local shop, Carol's Time Again Treasures.....a treasure lover's dream..... I was on the hunt for unique linens.... jackpot... the sweet doily in my photos was just one of several lovelies I found...  so pretty, don't you think?

Imagine the stories it could tell. 'smile'.

And so that's my Friday Finds.....Let's see yours.....

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Before I go.... I haven't posted a lot about my upcoming course, Start to Finish... But, I can not wait to dive in..... It's going to be everything I love about my work....all wrapped into one class. 

I will walk you through my creative process .... from conception to completion....... with all the details in between... inspiration, styling, photos or video of the shoot space.... camera details, lighting, props and last by never least...the processing.... 

It's exactly what I dream of sharing in a LIVE class. Anyhow, there's still spots left if you are interested. You can find all the details HERE.

Also Round Trip (my Lightroom class) and Picture Pro-cess are open for Summer Sessions.... This means instant access to all the class content ..... Check out the details on my class page.

Finally, way back when... I talked about offering mentoring sessions.... I think the time is almost here. I will have more details soon.. but they will involve one hour 'connects' via facetime, skype or virtual conferencing.... I will be open to talk creativity, goals, website/blog ideas, one on one processing assistance etc.... More soon....

I better run... I'm off to town for groceries...and some shopping at Lady of the Lake.... It doesn't get much better than that....

Have a beautiful weekend my friends....

xo,

Wise Words Wednesday

Perhaps YOU needed to hear this today.

The words of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross would have been such comfort in our darkness......or maybe they are more meaningful on the other side of darkness....

Love & Gratitude.....

xo,

{Texture Tuesday} Black & White ... Perhaps a Touch of Colour

textured with desert from the cloth & paper collection.

Hello friends,

Welcome to TT.... The Black and White...with perhaps a Touch of Colour eDition

This week's TT challenge details are...

Your photo must be layered with at least one of my textures....and be black and white or black and white with a touch of color...... 

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To share your photo, simply add your link below using the inlinkz gadget down at the bottom of today's post.   

It's time we had an official IG hashtag. If you are interested in sharing your TT photos via IG feel free to use the hashtag, #kktexturetuesday.

Before we start linking up, let's talk next weeks TT Theme.

Tuesday, May 21st theme is free & easy....

What does this mean?

Your photo must contain one layer of any of my textures... that's it...that's all.

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My Image Recipe

I opened my photo in LR and slightly tweaked the exposure settings. Next I popped into photoshop and converted the image to black and white using a gradient map adjustment layer. Then I masked off the adjustment from the apples and the paper straw.....to bring back a little color.

 ::
 

Okie doke, let's get this week's TT started.

New to Texture Tuesday? 

To share your photo in the link up you must first post the image on your blog, flickr or a photo sharing site. Once you upload your image you can then add the direct url of the photo to the link up below.

To access the direct url, click on the photo in your flickr stream or the title of your blog post that you uploaded your photo to, then copy the url from the top of your browser address bar by highlighting it, then using the keyboard shortcut command c (mac) control c (pc). Pop back to the link up and click on the blue inlinkz icon at the bottom of the posting. Place your cursor in the image address box and add the copied url using the keyboard shortcut command v (mac) or control v (pc). Complete the rest of the form, then hit next step. Next choose the thumbnail photo you wish to appear in the link up, hit select. You will then have the option to tweet or facebook your link up. Feel free to skip this step if you like. And that's it. Scroll to the link up and your link should be there in just a few moments.

Please note, the TT link up will remain open until Saturday, May 18th...  plenty of time to link up.

xo,

  

p.s.

Did you hear my new class news? Check out all the Start to Finish class details HERE.

Also...for those who have been asking....
Self-Paced Summer Sessions will open soon for Round Trip and Picture Pro-cess.....
Immediate access to all the class content....allowing you to work through it at your own pace. More details coming soon.

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The Creative Cloud - My Humble Opinion

Hello lovelies,

There's been tons of buzz about Adobe's latest announcement…. Have you heard?

In a nutshell….. If you want the latest version of Photoshop CS you will have to become a creative cloud subscriber.

So far this does not include Lightroom and Elements. They will be available as stand alone purchases. Note: Lightroom is included in the Creative Cloud bundle.

A lot of people are unhappy about this change…… my oh my....there's some strong opinions.

Personally I think getting really upset about the changes is a waste of valuable creative energy. Change happens…. 

I've had several emails asking me about the changes ……

So I thought I'd share my thoughts…..

Please note that there is tons of information out there… I am so far from an expert on this subject….. I can only tell you what I've read and what I've decided to do.

Here's how I understand it….. 

Adobe is switching gears…if you want the latest and greatest version of photoshop you will have to become a cloud subscriber……

At first glance it seems really expensive….. 

Let's take a deep breath and break it down.

1. You do not have to subscribe to the entire creative cloud offer. You can subscribe to the Photoshop CC option only. Good news, if you already own a legitimate copy of CS3 to CS6 you only have to pay $10/month for the first year. Woo hoo.

2. If you wish to subscribe to the entire creative cloud program, at first glance it is $50/month. But, if you own photoshop CS6 there is a special one year rate available for just $20/month. And if you own CS3-CS5 you can subscribe for $30/month. You can access the special offers here. The Creative Cloud gives you access to pretty much all the Adobe software, including the latest version of Lightroom. 

3. There is also a fab rate available for students/teachers. Adobe CC is $20/month. This offer expires June 25th.

4. If  you do not wish to subscribe to cloud in order to have access to the newer versions of photoshop.....consider switching to Elements and team it up with Lightroom….both of these programs are available as stand alone purchase software (so far). (clarification: At this time, you can purchase any of adobe's cs6 products, but the new versions will only be available to cloud subscribers.)

5. If you already own Photoshop CS6, Adobe will continue to add any fixes/updates as they are available. However, you will not have access to the updated features unless you become a cloud member.  

Okay friends… that's what I know.....

Here's what I decided to do.

I own CS6 and Lightroom 4…. 

I will always have the most up to date version …  first because it's part of my business, and second because i'm a tech lover…..

Anyhow, for me, the $20/month option is the best deal. This will keep me in with the latest and greatest version of Photoshop and LR. I will also have access to many other programs, including Premier Pro, which I'm excited to dive into...... 

So dear friends…. that's it in a nutshell…… 

Take a deep breath and choose what works for you…….. don't let it stress you….. life is short, and full of blessings…… 

Click HERE to check out the special creative cloud offers.

I did not write this post to stir up a debate.... if you wish to debate Adobe's decision there are plenty of threads out there, with tons of participants... This is simply my understanding of the options available.

much love…..and so much gratitude.

xo, 

Finding Clarity......

Hello friends,

How are you this beautiful day? I hope well.

Oh my gosh.... guess what! Spring is really here. Shorts & T-Shirt weather has arrived! Woo hoo!

I thought I'd share a few photos from this past weekend..... looks pretty peaceful, doesn't it? Trust me, this was only a small part of the weekend... there was plenty of crazy mixed in.

Anyhow, I took some time this weekend to just BE .... and wow.... I'm so excited.... The class I've been dreaming up became really clear.

It's different than my other courses.... It's exciting and scary all at the same time.

I imagine....

…..a class that let's me share my art (completely)…..from conception to the finished piece...with all the details in between.... a class that allows me to connect with the students in a virtual meeting space....a feed the creative soul kind of class.

This class is called Start to Finish.

The Breakdown

from Conception (about the idea/inspiration for the shoot)... to my creative thought process... to shoot setup and composition... to all the camera setting details... to culling the shoot (why i pick the photos I pick)... and finally a complete step by step edit inside Lightroom (shared from a no-rules, non-scripted, inside my head point of view.)

Can you tell I'm bursting.....??

About Start to Finish...

First, the pace will be a little slower… more detailed… a marathon, not a sprint…..

The content will be spread out over 8 weeks.

Start to Finish lessons will post twice a week, every other week….over the course of 8 weeks, leaving a lighter;not empty ..... week in between.

The editing will take place in Lightroom.

There will be to 2 Start to Finish Lessons Every Other week. I'm talking TOTAL start to finish.....

Each lesson will include a FULL breakdown of the concept, shoot details, composition and editing pro-cess. Lessons will be posted in a private classroom on Tuesday and Friday every other week.

The in between week will include a thorough Lightroom develop module lesson..... a real roll up your sleeve breakdown. I will also critique 2 student photos via screencast each week. (no submissions=no critique)

These in between weeks will allow time to work through the material, soak up the inspiration and take the content presented for a little ride with your own ideas.

Summary.....

I will....

• Share my thought process, concept/inspiration for the image/shoot in written or podcast format. 
• Show several wide angle photos and/or video of the space…drops, props, linens, reflectors used....all the details.
• Show how I set up the shoot… direction of light, camera settings, time of day etc.
• I will open the shoot in Lightroom…giving you a chance to see them all; the good, the bad, the so so's….. all of them. :)
• I will talk through the culling process. I will choose a few favs and explain my choices.
• I will walk you through a complete edit of one of the shoot photos in Lightroom, sharing lots of detailed information.....tips and tricks etc.
• Bonus: if I decide to go into Photoshop with the image to add text or texture I will include that info in a separate video for Photoshop users.
• The in between week will include an opportunity to submit your photos for critique. Note: When I say critique (which reminds me way too much of the word critic) trust I will be kind and gentle….. I'm all about encouragement. But I will share my honest thoughts.
• I will set up a virtual meeting space.... (through adobe connect) allowing you to chat with me and your fellow classmates, ask questions etc…in a chat format. This will be offered a few times throughout the course. You can also send in questions and I will answer as many as possible during the meeting time.
• Summer is busy and beautiful…. we must enjoy the sunshine and warm air. However, I find summer to be a highly energized and creative season... which is why I think it's the perfect time for this class. I decided to spread the content out over 8 weeks. The material will be accessible for an additional 4 months after the 8 weeks is over. Yep, that's 6 months access.

I think that's covers most of it. Registration will open on Monday (unless otherwise posted)... if anything changes I will let you know.

Class will begin mid-June.....  I will have a registration cap on this class....I want to really connect with the students.

Okay, that's a lot......I'm so excited.... 

Oh I am going to be in touch with some of the lovely readers that expressed interest in connecting.... :) Watch your email for more soon.....

Before I sign off.....a little inspiration....

xo, 

{Texture Tuesday} The Pop eDition

textured with several layers from the cloth and paper collection......

Hello friends,

Welcome to TT.... The POP eDition.

This week's TT challenge details are...

Your photo must POP... and contain at least one layer of any of my textures..... that's it, that's all....

Be sure to check out my Quick TT-Tip Tutorial below.

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To share your photo, simply add your link below using the inlinkz gadget down at the bottom of today's post.   

It's time we had an official IG hashtag. If you are interested in sharing your TT photos via IG feel free to use the hashtag, #kktexturetuesday.

Before we start linking up, let's talk next weeks TT Theme.

Tuesday, May 14th theme is ???

What does this mean?

I'd love to hear your TT theme ideas... in the comments. I will announce the theme this weekend...via the texture list and as a follow-up at the bottom of to this post. 

So please, please share your ideas in the comments (note the comment link is up top now)....  I will mix them all up and pick one to use for next week.... plus I can visit this post for TT Theme inspiration down the road.... woo hoo....

Thanks so much.... 

::

Okie doke, let's get this week's TT started.

New to Texture Tuesday? 

To share your photo in the link up you must first post the image on your blog, flickr or a photo sharing site. Once you upload your image you can then add the direct url of the photo to the link up below.

To access the direct url, click on the photo in your flickr stream or the title of your blog post that you uploaded your photo to, then copy the url from the top of your browser address bar by highlighting it, then using the keyboard shortcut command c (mac) control c (pc). Pop back to the link up and click on the blue inlinkz icon at the bottom of the posting. Place your cursor in the image address box and add the copied url using the keyboard shortcut command v (mac) or control v (pc). Complete the rest of the form, then hit next step. Next choose the thumbnail photo you wish to appear in the link up, hit select. You will then have the option to tweet or facebook your link up. Feel free to skip this step if you like. And that's it. Scroll to the link up and your link should be there in just a few moments.

Please note, the TT link up will remain open until Saturday, May 11th...  plenty of time to link up.

xo,

  

p.s. exciting stuff to share (hopefully tomorrow).... including more on the 'let's connect' post you all so sweetly replied to... I have thoughts, I have ideas... really excited .....

p.s.s. and oh my gosh.. a completely new and unique class has been born... can not wait to tell you all the details..... burst.......seriously BURST.

Selection/Masking Tutorial 

Cick HERE to download the Abstract texture I used on today's photo.

One more pop before I close.

Creative Chaos

Hello friends,

I'm back....2 days in a row... woo hoo. Things are looking up!!

How are you?

Today I thought I'd share some photos of my studio... I must warn you.... if clutter and chaos make you squeamish... you should probably just walk away..... now....

I'm told my photos are quiet and calm....  Today... not so much. Busy, busy..... busy....

My studio is pretty much my mother's worst nightmare.... Have I told you .... we are polar opposites? She wouldn't argue that statement either.... 'smile'....

Anyhow, way too many 'things'.. I know.... But I love all the bits, bobs...and treasures.... so much.... Each and every little thing...every book, notecard, postcard.... bottle, bobble, button, stamp, stencil, saucer, cup....all pieces I adore.

Anyhow, I love peaking into people's spaces...each so unique.... So I thought what the heck... It's been awhile since I've posted some photos of my space.

Finding it hard to breathe? feeling panicked? so much clutter..... grab a paper bag, breathe deep ....and walk away from the screen....
Don't say I didn't warn you. 'smile'

my new kelly bag - 2 Sues.... it's amazing... i use it as a purse/camera bag....

 and finally a peek at my 'newish' cup shelf in the north room... 

And so... This is where I spend my days. :)

Thanks so much for all the replies to yesterday's post.... I am going to have a difficult time picking just a few to chat with.... I think I am going to have to call in help to figure this out. I'm honored so many of you would like to connect with me.... thank you so much.

Also, I'm super excited to hear your response abo9ut the Lightroom class!! It's a GO... details to come very soon..... I think it's exactly what I'm needing to create next.... 

Happy weekend.... xo, 

p.s. 

thank you dear Cheryl for the beautiful birthday gift... it just arrived...and it's PERFECT.... seriously perfect. xo