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.

New Greeting Cards

Magnet Greeting Card

Magnet Greeting Card

Last night, I was able to actually sit down and make some greeting cards. I've been asked by my mom and step-mom for homemade cards for Christmas this year. Last year, I made some for my mom and she loved them so much that she wants more this year.

All of the cards are blank inside for you to pen your favorite sentiment or message.

Tell me what you think...which one is your favorite?

I will probably post these on my etsy site too.

I'm Taking the Plunge!!!

Well, I've been thinking and pondering and fretting (probably not a good thing - the latter, that is) about growing my little business (my husband calls it my hobby). First I started this blog but didn't really let people know about it (my first mistake). Then I opened an Etsy shop and made my first sale a couple of weeks ago (so excited!!!) But I feel like I should be doing more. I need to be contributing to our household more and I feel like I am talented enough to use my creative juice to help out, more than just with my normal 9-5 job.

So I've decided to take the plunge and do my first giveaway here! Since I really like photography, the LUCKY winner will receive a black & white 12x36 panoramic flower 3some poster print, that I've created in Photoshop. It is printed on special poster paper (a $35 value).

I wanted to use Mr. Linky but couldn't get my computer to cooperate so I'll just do it the old-fashioned way. Please browse my etsy shop (http://www.dragonflydesigns77.etsy.com/) and come back here and make a comment about your favorite item. I'll then use the random number generator to pick the lucky winner!

Just leave a comment on this post to enter.
Contest now closed - we have a winner!

Win (3) extra entries for announcing this giveaway on your blog!

ENTRY RULES:
1. Leave only one comment.
2. If you don't have a link to your blog in your profile, please include your email
or a way I can contact you if you win.
3. You may enter until 11:59pm on Tuesday, November 25th.
4. The winner will be annouced on Wednesday, November 26th.

The winner is Piece of Me that said, "The Pink/Black Flowers note cards are really pretty. Thanks." I've emailed her and am just waiting for a response!

Thanks for commenting. It was really special to me to read everyone's comments. And I'll probably do another giveaway soon, so stay tuned.... And if you need some photographs, magnets or other items for Christmas, please visit my etsy shop (put it in your favorites too).