Photoshop editing and tutorials

I got a post in! It's terrible this is my only post for this week, but I'm happy I managed to squeeze at least one in. There have been bouts of strep, trips to the emergency room, and sleepless nights. I managed to squeeze in buying a new (used) vehicle, and, oh sweet joy, today is girls day. This momma needs girls day!

In what down time I have had, I've been learning Photoshop. I don't know if many of you follow Alex Beadon, but I adore her. Her site is so informative, her Chatty Tuesday videos exciting. And her dog ...! Oh dear, what a cutie!

If you're not familar with her, you should be. I've following for a number of months now. She recently began a FREE Photoshop workshop, the Express Yourself Collection. She goes through her video tutorials, and provides you with free actions, workbooks and textures to enhance your photography. I have been loving the videos so far. I have begun to learn just how creative I can be in my photo taking. 

I am not a professional photog and won't claim to be one. But I love gorgeous photos and I want to bring you readers the best I can. Not to mention, I'll take any excuse to get to play with my new present.

I took this photo as I was coming back from the bus stop Tuesday morning. What an amazing October sunrise, am I right? The sun rising beyond the trees, beams of lights bursting through. God was certainly making a beautiful sun that day. I thought this would be a great picture to practice on with Alex's latest (3rd) video, incorporating the serenity action and texture layers. I just adore how it came out. It's so cheerful, and that's how I felt when I saw this burst of sunshine behind my apartment building. I was overflowing with joy and awe. 

The editing on this was done with one action and two texture layers. The tree to the right is set at a different opacity than the rest with a slightly higher contrast. I was attempting to create a little depth in doing so. I'm still learning. Thankfully Alex's fourth video will be out soon and I can learn more. I can't wait. I highly recommend signing up. I mean, she was kind enough to offer this for free. And I promise, once you're there, you'll want to stay. She's just sort of one of those bloggers you love to love!

XO,

Steph

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Lady Etiquette: Be a lady, not a gossip

Sure, you can have it. Scroll down ...

I know it's been a while since we first addressed the Lady Etiquette series. It is something I feel deserves a lot of thorough consideration, as our goal is to uplift others with it. Today's encouragement comes straight from God's mouth.

1 Thessalonians 4:11:

"Make it your ambition to live a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands."

I recite this verse like a mantra in my home. Every time one of my children tattles on the other, I simply respond with this verse. When they begin talking about what one of their friends/classmates did to get into trouble, I respond with this verse. It's one of my favorite verses. I honestly believe being a busy-body and a gossip is one of the most unattractive things a woman (or anyone) can do. It goes back to holding yourself to high level of respect. Not necessarily being self-righteous, but rather exercising a shred of meekness.

It seems I've been saying it a lot lately, more to adults, however, than to my children. I keep getting told everyone else's business in some way or another, which I don't care to hear (or read). In a day and age with Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc., it's so easy for our personal business to be aired all over the place. 

Keep your private life private. 

Don't over-share. 

Don't share others' private business. It's their business to share, not yours. 

If others are spreading rumors, saying nasty, hateful things, do not allow that poisonous talk to seep into your thinking. 

There is no need for you to concern yourself with other people. You only need to worry about yourself. 

Keep your eyes focused on your tasks and your goals. 

Inspire others by encouraging them to grow in character and abound in faith!

1 THESSALONIANS TYPOGRAPHY DOWNLOAD

Or you can use my chalkboard background and create your own graphic designs!

CHALKBOARD BACKGROUND DOWNLOAD

Oodles of love!

Steph

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Tuesday Ten // Favorite Things

1. Favorite illustration: Sunny's Art Store

2. Favorite shoe deal: Lemon Crochet Toms 

3. Favorite handbag: Crochet Satchel

4. Favorite DIY: Drifthood Hanger from Lovely Indeed

        I WILL BE DOING THIS!

5. Favorite advice: Hide Your Crazy tank top

6. Favorite bauble: Antoinette Drop earrings

7. Favorite vintage: Floral frame from WhichGoose

8. Favorite laugh & gift: Julie Anne Art "Birthday Sex" card

9. Favorite curl: Curly Temple floral shades

10. Favorite power: "What Wizardy Is This" polish by OPI

I hope you enjoyed a quick peek at some of my favorite things this morning. For now I'm off to do one of my least favorite things, visit the dentist.

Blech.

Boo.

Scowl.

Sore.

Meanies.

Peace out!
Steph

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Free Printable // The Beauty of Creativity

[Download link below]

Created by NewlyMynted

I had this realization on Saturday. Well, reminder really. 

I spent two days sewing a curtain panel. It was beautiful. All 100 feet of it had gorgeous, straight lines. I was so proud of myself. If you sew, you know it takes practice to sew a straight line, and that a lot of fabric can cause bulk and weight and be difficult to keep all of it from sagging and pulling to the ground. 

But alas, I was diligent and took my time, and my reward was a stunning curtain. Add in, the five yards of drapery fabric only cost me $5 thanks to my neighborhood Goodwill, and I was one happy seamstress.

I laid my panel out, ready to give it one last press before I hung it over the gold curtain rod I installed on my wall nearly two weeks ago, only to discover that my straight lines were useless. I had sewn the entire panel backwards.

BACKWARDS!

via my Instagram feed

Sure as shit, those seams are on the right side of the fabric! 

For the life of me I could not figure out how I spent two days pressing, pinning and sewing all those seams and never noticed I was pinning them right sides facing.

Oh my dear!

My spirits were lifted when a friend commented on my blunder photo about a time she accidentally sewed the leg on a pair of shorts shut and was shocked to find they wouldn't go on. I laughed and laughed!

This was a good little reminder. It took me two days to do a project that realistically shouldn't have taken more than a few hours. As a momma of three, efficiency has to be a priority. Also, there is no room for perfectionism in creativity. It never is perfect, which is one reason I love being so creative. It is often my blunders that produce sensational things.

In case you need this little reminder on occasion, here is a free 8x10 printable for you. All I ask is that you share. Sharing is caring! 

: : DOWNLOAD : :

Font used: Novecento // Learning Curve // Geo Easton

Feel free to leave your feedback on my digital art in the comments too. This is my first attempt at creating printables, so I'm always eager to learn.

Hugs from me to you today!

Steph

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Sharing with: 

C.R.A.F.T // Homemakers on a Dime // Making the World Cuter // Craft-O-Maniac // Still Being Molly

Friday funnies

My son brought this home from school yesterday, as one of the assignments he did in his kindergarten class. Initially, I was just impressed by his knowledge of expression. I complimented him on his use of detail by including tears in the second picture. 

Then I turned the paper over, saw my jaw on the floor in horror, and laughed out loud!

I hope this brought a little smile to your face today. Have a sensational weekend. I will be sunbathing, continuing to teach my son to ride a two-wheeler, attending a new church and barbecuing. What are your plans?

Love dearly,
Steph

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regrets.

A makeup artist I know shared this quote one day. This is about how I'm feeling now. Good thing mom's don't get "Fridays," otherwise I would be far more disappointed than I already am. 

Lessons learned. It's how we grow!

Do me a favor, lovelies. This weekend do something amazing, something you have never done before. Even if you regret it afterward — like me. You only get this one life, make it memorable!

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