(Behind the Scenes) 5 Questions

Hello friends! Happiest Wednesday. 

This is the last week of Behind the Scenes. It's been an awesome journey. Xanthe and I poured it all into the class.... Loads of inspiration and practical blogging tips. It's been quite the ride.

If you are interested in joining us for Round 2, we'd love to have you. Registration opena on August 1st. Pop by the site and get on our list if you'd like us to email you when registration is officially open. 

This week, in BTS, we are having a 5 Question linkup party..... 

Here is my response.

1. What makes you happy?….. in 5 words or less….?

Family, Ben, walks, making art

4. What is your favourite movie, book or both?

Oh my, movie.....  that's tough. I think I would say The Notebook stayed with me the longest. I remember sobbing in the theater..... and then thinking about it long after. 'sigh' 

As for book, I have to say, The Help... the audio version was incredible.... LOVED so much.

2. Which talent would you most like to have?

I would love to be able to draw....  you know the kind of artist that just instictively let's the pencil flow onto the page making beautiful art. Yes please. 

3. Which words or phrases do you overuse most?

Oh no. Confession time...  Definitely in my family life... 'give me strength!' In fact, Bryce's sweet girlfriend pointed that out to me the other day.

Oh and in Behind the Scenes I noticed that I say 'it's good' repeatedly in the video conversations with Xanthe. 

5. If you could go anywhere in the world for a creative retreat where might it be? 

Mexico, for sure. Myriam has been sending me links to the most amazing resorts... I'm talking to die for....  Of course my heart will always love California.... I also want to visit Europe and Hawaii...... and, and...and... :)

That's it for me.... how 'bout you? Do tell!

xo,

{Texture Tuesday} 2012 Free & Easy eDition

It's time for another Texture Tuesday! 

This week, we are easing our way back in...nice and gentle..... Our theme is Free & Easy.

Here are this week's TT challenge details.

• your image must contain at least one layer of any of my textures. 

That's it, that's all!

Before we get to linking....

Let's talk the next TT theme.

Tuesday, January 10th's TT Theme is:

I'd like to put the latest freebie, 'Embrace' to the test.... What do you say? Are you willing to give it a play? 

Your image must contain at least one layer of 'Embrace'. Not on my Texture Lovin' List? You can sign up here and you will receive the download link to 'Embrace' lickety split.

New to Texture Tuesdays? Here's the short and sweet TT rules.

• please link directly to your post, not just to your blog or flickr stream. Please do not link to your online shop. 
• please link back to the Café. You can grab the TT button HERE, if you wish.
• please visit the other TT participants and leave them some comment love. Remember it's a party.... and what's a linky party without lots of comment love? Right! 

Want more details? Click HERE for the full scoop!

Let's get this party started!!

Oh, one more thing... I am going to feature a few of your fabulous TT images each Tuesday...starting next week.... So although I won't be commenting on all the photos... I will be looking.... 

xxo,

p.s.

The Skinny-Mini starts on Monday, January 9th. You can register here.

Beyond Layers begins on the 16th. Are you registered? I'd love to have you join us. It's going to be seriously FAB.

p.s.s.

There's still a few days to grab the 2011 Collection free, when you sign up for the Test Kitchen.  

{TextureTuesday} The Cracker Jack eDition

mouse over to see the before

We're back with another Texture Tuesday!

This week... we're using last week's 'Cracker Jack' texture.

If you do not have 'Cracker Jack' join the list and you will receive the download link in your inbox.

I thought I would share my little Brownie that John picked up a few weeks ago.....  Isn't it a sweet thing? 

I processed the photo using RadLab. I then added one layer of 'cracker jack' at soft light 100% opacity. I also added 2 layers of a soon to-be-released texture I call, The New GreyDay at soft light 100% opacity.

I'm over at Shutter Sisters today, sharing my RadLab crazy-love with a video review, and walking you through this photo's pre-texture processing.  

I'd love to see you there!!
And do leave a comment for a chance at Shutter Sister's daily $100.00 gift giveaway fabulously sponsored by Paper Coterie. 

And seeing as we're talking textures, did you see the new Ultimate Bundle II?
It's a collection of 48 fab textures, by me.... Click HERE to check it out. By request, I've extended the half price offer until midnight tonight. 

Okie doke, before we get to linking up.... let's talk next week's TT theme.

Tuesday, September 13th TT Challenge Details are:

How bout a verb? Let's go with the verb 'do'.....
What do you say? I think it'll be cool to see the different interpretations.

New to Texture Tuesdays? Here's the short and sweet TT rules.

• please link directly to your post, not just to your blog or flickr stream.
• please link back to the Café. You can grab the TT button HERE, if you wish.
• please visit the other TT participants and leave them some comment love. Remember it's a party.... and what's a linky party without lots of comment love? Right! 

Want more details? Click HERE for the full scoop!

Let's get this party started!!

Shall we? 

xxo,

{Thoughtful Thursday} on a Friday ~ The Up Close eDition

 And How 'bout a Give-Away?! 

Happiest Friday!

Could somebody please tell me what happened to Wednesday and Thursday?  

Poof  - Gone.....

'sigh'

Today I am getting a little up-close and not too personal with a favorite piece of our home. :) The old door that separates the kitchen and entrance....and in particular it's lovely antique door knob. 

Isn't it pretty?  

I took the top pic with my 24-70, then switched over to my 105 micro lens.... so I could get in on the beautiful detail.  

Someone once left a comment here..... 'Kim, you could make a door knob look good.'

How sweet is that?  Thank you!

It struck me as kinda funny though.... cause I think door knobs are BEAUTIFUL.... 

Which got me to thinking of the line....  'beauty is in the eye of the beholder.'

Perhaps, half of the trick to making pretty pictures is seeing the beauty in our subject...... 

Whatchya think?  

Some of today's images are textured with Mona from The Studio Collection, set to Linear Burn at 100% opacity. Linear Burn is a cool blend mode to play with... It can be quite dramatic..... Give it a try...Remember you can always lower the opacity.... for a more subtle effect.

Before adding the texture I converted the photos to black and whites with a slight sepia overlay. (as seen in the second and last photo)...

So how bout a weekend challenge! With a chance to win a little something too. 

Here's how this give away will work.  

(please note: in order to qualify you gotta follow the 'rules')

1. Find something that may not be considered 'beautiful'........ something unique.... detailed.... lovely....get up close and capture it's true beauty! (perhaps you already have an unique up-close photo in your collection....if so, you are a step ahead...)

2. Share the link to your 'unique beauty' photo in the comments below. 

3. Then pop over to Shutter Sisters and link up there for a second chance to win...My SS post is also about getting up-close.... and Mr. Bennigan is making his SS debut. 

Are you in?  The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Sunday, June 26th, before noon, at the bottom of this post.

The give away prizes are:

~ 1 Free Studio Collection Texture Set - $60 value

~ 1 Free 4 months membership to The Photoshop Test Kitchen - $25.00 value

~ 1 Free Spot in The Essentials eCourse (which started this past Tuesday... but not too worry... there's lots of time to catch up!)

Okie doke..... I'm signing off....  

Good luck!

Have a most beautiful Friday!  

xxo,

p.s. If I owe you an email... Hang in there... It's coming........ I have a few hours slotted to catch up on my inbox..... later this afternoon. :)

Update on June 26 by Kim Klassen

Give Away Winners - please email me to collect your 'prize'......

The Studio Collection - Renee Howell {This I didn't Know Blog}

4 month Test Kitchen Membership - Dianne - {everything else thrown in}

Essentials eCourse Scholarship - Kristin - {Me the Picture Taker Blog}