Patina Moon

So often I find my self wanting to live somewhere that's more green, and has more rain,  somewhere I can garden and grow hydrangeas. That somewhere is NOT here in Nevada where I live.  I grew up in the Las Vegas Valley. When people hear "Las Vegas" it's the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip that they think of,  probably just like when I hear New York, I think of 42nd street and Times Square.  But, the glitz and glamour is not what I "see" everyday. I see this. Just when I start to feel sad that I can't grow hydrangeas, or I haven't seen rain in months,  God shows me some of the most beautiful colors that surround me everyday.  While I STILL hope to live near the water someday, where it's green. I will try to "see" the beauty that surrounds me now. "Home" in the Desert I really dislike when people think they can just dump their unwanted things in the desert.  But, for the sake of photography,  I kind of lik

This weekend I spent some more time practicing in Photoshop.  I don't think I'm as happy with these as I was my two previous photo montages in   this post , but I thought I'd share them anyway.  After all, it's about sharing the experience,  and improving right?  Hydrangea Girl (background texture, Kim Klassen, hydrangea photos are mine, and the image of the girl, The Graphics Fairy) Playing in the Sunshine (photo of the little girl is my Mother, sunface, flowers, & music are mine, background texture, Shadowhouse Creations) Thanks so much for dropping by!  Have a great week.  Becca 

This afternoon, I was going through some things, and came across a box of goodies my mom had put together for me a long time ago.  Inside that box are some sewing notions like old rick-rack, embroidery thread, needles, pins, and other goodies.  I also noticed a little sandwich baggie with a twist tie and inside were these glass buttons. The light in my craft room is so lovely in the afternoon, and made these little buttons just sparkle!  I couldn't wait to grab my camera and show you! I wish I knew where these buttons came from.  Maybe my mom had a special coat, or sweater that they came off of, or maybe she even bought them for a sewing project that she never got around to. (We all know about buying something for a project that never happens, right?) These buttons got me started pulling out some vintage jewelry I knew I had of my mothers.  With a little soap and water and a toothbrush, I cleaned up each piece for their photo debut. The light and sparkle of eac

Hi friends!  First I'd like to say thank you to everyone for their kind messages and words of encouragement on my last post regarding my latest Photoshop endeavor.  It is truly wonderful to feel like you have a place in this world where you can share art and words with others. Today, I'm joining my blog friend, Erin of  Erin's Art & Gardens in  Pay it Forward 2011 Here's how it works... The first five people who comment on this blog post will  receive a handmade gift from me. In return, you must FIRST write a blog post  explaining Pay it Forward 2011.   Then...send out a  handmade gift to the first 5 visitors who leave a comment  on your post.  Take your time...you don't need to send them all out today or tomorrow. I think this is such a sweet way to connect with friends or meet  new ones, by sharing things we create with our hearts. Remember... "It's not the size of the gift that matters, but the  spirit of Paying it Forward." Hap

This weekend, the weather has been very windy and overcast.  It feels so much cooler than the 70 degree temperatures we were experiencing last week.    I think Mother Nature is laughing at me, because last week I put away all my winter clothes and hung up my spring and summer clothes.  I think I rushed things a bit, because now I'm cold!   I've been taking Susan Tuttle's  Photomanipulation class online. Since it wasn't a good weekend to play outside, I spent some time on the computer, in my sweat pants and sweatshirt drinking hot tea and working on my Photoshop skills. I've seen so many beautiful and inspiring digital collages that I've always wanted to learn more about it. Here are a couple, ( yes only a couple, they took me forever! LOL ) of my attempts at digital collage. Princess Butterfly (image credits The Graphics Fairy, Shadowhouse Creations, & Kim Klassen Textures) Nevada Bird on a Wire (image credits, moon, one of my favorite

No particular order here,  just something that's been catching my eye lately and wanted to share. One of my childhood memories... "Mom said I could stay outside and play until the streetlights come on."  A beautiful  SONG   to share. :-) Becca

My French Lavender plant, like me, has been thriving in the weather we've been having.  Lots of sunshine, and temperatures in the 70's. Today I decided to gather a few pieces to hang and dry. I'm loving the lavender palette with blue tones right now.  Almost every night after work I enjoy soaking my sore muscles away with  lavender bath salts that I keep in a vintage Ball jar.  My lavender plant enjoying the sunshine.  Such delicate little flowers.  Something I read today online is that even though most products like soap, bath salts and candles, advertise their scent as "french lavender" like the plant I have here, it's really the  "english lavender variety" that is used most often for it's fragrance.  Still, the beauty and fragrance of this plant is delightful!  Just tie a bunch with hemp twine, and hang upside down to dry. Wishing you a lovely weekend!  Becca