Capturing the Moment

"A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense, and is, thereby, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety." ~Ansel Adams


Photographing is an art as well as an expression. It captures a moment in time to savor and remember for years to come.
...as the seasons change and people grow we can remember these precious times.
A picture is abstract, objective, and can provoke an array of emotions.
Have you ever been so captivated by a picture that it filled your heart with such passion and lifted your spirits high above? Have you ever been so moved by a landscape that it brought tears to your eyes? There is such beauty in the most mundane things. The object is to see true beauty for what it represents.

Typically a picture is the reminder of your personal experience for experiencing the event is truly individual. A picture can take you back through your episodic memory to relive the smells, sounds, and presences of your surroundings. Try and recall the last sunset you perceived and how vast and indescribable beauty really is. We are beckoned to experience and visualize though pictures, we achieve this by seeing the world through others eyes.















A leaf,flower,car,boat,bird,family,boot,hands,sunset,
eyes,feather,ring,tree,fish,ice,mountain,swing,beach,chair,expression,house,butterfly etc. Photography is uniquely interpretative. It's amazing the stories pictures can tell in one visual image set before us.

The best part is all you need is a camera and an imagination to carry you away...

Paper Butterflies

History:
Vanessa Means "Butterfly"
Invented by author Jonathan Swift for his poem 'Cadenus and Vanessa' (1726).
Vanessa was used as the name of a genus of butterfly.
Numerological Meaning
People with this name tend to be very inspired, intuitive, and creative. Their aim is to improve the world and can be quite altruistic. They strive to see the "Big Picture" and achieve their dreams.

Oh what a spring we've had..beautiful sunny days, wet misty ones too, and oh those San Ana's..though, summer is just around the corner. Rain or shine this simple craft is a perfect activity.

These fun fluttering paper creations come to life. They are simple to make and add volume to any wall. No age requirement for this task! Invite the little ones to join too.




All you need is:
Paper- I used dictionary paper I bought at the "Dollertree"
Tape or a stapler
Scissors

First fold a piece of paper in half and draw your desired butterfly body. (Use as many layers of paper that you would be able to cut though with ease). Then, cut it out. Add two butterfly layers together and tape or staple them. (Stapling on the outside base of the butterfly allows you to gradually fold each layer out to give it a 3D shape. Next begin to layer your butterflies body aligning the center fold and staple or tape each layer together. Feel free to add layers and move the wings where you want them. Each butterfly is unique in size, layers and design. Now run around the living room fluttering like a butterfly before you decide their final destination on the wall :)

Unique. Fluttering. Decor.

Decor Frames

Tran⋅quil⋅li⋅ty –noun; quality or state of being tranquil; calmness; peacefulness; quiet; serenity.

Easy on the eyes and calming of the spirit. These decor frames brighten up any space they occupy. The color, design and center 3 by 3 space can be filled with any desired choice.
Essentials:
Wooden Frame
Acrylic Paint
Craft Glue

Center 3 by 3 fillers:
Sea Shells
Rocks
Marbles
Sea Glass
Mirror
Photo

..and of course patients for the paint and glue to dry ;)

These are some of my favorite decorative frames to make because there is so much flexibility to diversify the product for different spaces.

I was honored to have someone purchase a set and offer the same to anyone interested in my technique. (Choice of: color, texture and 3 by 3 filler)

Last but certainly not least, credit for this idea goes to Chelsea Carter for inspiring me to create my very own piece of art decor.

Art is contagious!

Hand-Made Jewelry

One of the greatest jewelry gifts to give and receive. A hand crafted genuine original piece of jewelry. There are many ways to make fine jewelry and countless materials to use such as; pearls, crystals, beads, shells, rocks, rings, and many more.

Creating is all about your imagination. Many materials are already in your possession. If you don't have jewelry making supplies there are simple ways to make memorable jewelry. One great idea is to use ribbion as the neclace and add a beautiful pendant or sea shell you found on the beach!

The two pieces I chose to share have their own stories to go along with their style.

The shell earrings were two different pieces that came together beautifully. First while shopping in a boutique on the island of Kauai, Hawaii I found a discounted box of earrings that were all marked at $3. Wow, what a deal. Why perhaps is the next question one would ask so I examined them. In the process of rounding the sides of the square shaped earrings some of the shell was chipped away. Brilliant because there was the simplest solution. When I got home I glued small matching snail shells to cover the imperfections and it added a great finish to the earrings. Wa-laa.
Secondly, the amber crystal necklace is composed of four types of beads. Alternating the sizes of each bead is appeasing to the eye and gives the necklace beautiful definition.

Remember you can always create jewelry with materials you already have. It's such a joy to be able to make your own jewelry for any occasion and uniquely design them for others.

Etsy.com has a great selection of hand crafted jewelry. My sister in-law Chelsea and her friend Lisa make exquisite jewelry offered online at http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwoBottleBlondes !!!