Learning Sharpening

This week, on Sideoats & Scribbles, we are learning about sharpen and unsharp mask. Last week's tutorial was Levels and I am using it all the time, and love the effect. My pictures are a lot crisper now and bright and I look at other people's pictures and think, "They need to use Levels on their pics to make them brighter."

I couldn't locate the complete card on my hard-drive but here is a close-up of a birthday card I made not too long ago.

Before Sharpening

After Sharpening

It's a little difficult to tell with these pictures unless you click on them so you can see the difference, close up. But, in my opinion, doing the unsharp mask gives it a little more detail and texture.

Learning Levels

I stumbled upon two great blogs recently. The first was KWernerDesignBlog http://www.kwernerdesign.com/blog/. I love all the cards she makes and tutorials. Then she recently had a photo tutorial link, where I met Sideoats & Scribbles http://sideoatsandscribbles.wumple.com/
She did two photoshop tutorials about turning your blahs to blooming! So I tried it out on some greeting cards that I had made recently and wanted to share. I am going to be using that trick from now on!

BEFORE - SUPER BLAH!

AFTER - SUPER BLOOMING!

You Light Up My Life

I made this Valentine's Day card today for a client. She told me that she wanted a card for her boyfriend; something manly and his favorite color was green. I asked her if he may like something whimsical and she said yes. So this is what I came up with. I am very pleased with the results. On the inside it says, "Hugs and Kisses". What do you think?

Exciting News!!!

I've been accepted to participate in Hatch Market 2009 - not your average craft fair, May 9-10, in Griffin, GA - with cool crafts, jazz/blues music, food, and new friendships flourishing. I'm excited but have to get busy getting cards and magnets made and other fun stuff to sell! So if you are in the area, stop by. It's going to be lots of fun!!! And if you'd like to participate, check out the link above - it has all the information that you need.

Valentine's Day card for the hubby

I made this card for my hubby from myself and our daughter. I have been teaching our daughter sign language, so I thought it was rather appropriate. On the inside is a stamp that says "Hugs and Kisses". I haven't been really big into Valentine's Day. I think that it should be Valentine's Day all year long, so I don't put a lot of emphasis on it or expectations. But I thought it would be sweet this year to participate a little since we do have a little one. I know he's going to love it.