Great Fun at MayFest

Every Mother's Day, we go to MayFest at Gratz Park here in Lexington. It is the sweetest little park with a fountain that depicts children playing in the water. We love the atmosphere and we especially love checking out the artisans that come to show their wares. The kids have the best time riding the ponies, getting their faces painted, petting the "exotic" animals in the petting zoo and, this year, bouncing in the moon walk. Weeeee! I just loooovvvee these pictures of the babes in the moonwalk, aren't they too fun? After we go to MayFest, we typically go to Midway and walk this little quaint strip of shops, galleries and cafes. This year, Aidan was desperate for a nap, so we postponed our Midway jaunt for mid afternoon. The drive through horse country was bee-utiful. And, I found the sweetest painting for Aidan's room at a gallery in Midway. The print shows "Jack" climbing a beanstalk wrapped around a giant tree upon which sits a castle. All in all, a wonderful day with the family - I am one lucky lady!

It's Been Awhile . . .

I have been soooo busy with work, acting, keeping up with family and the dreaded housework! Last weekend my mom came to visit. It's funny because her visit coincided with the Queen's visit to KY. Yes, THE Queen of England came to Lexington, KY. It was the Oaks and Derby weekend here in horse country, so it made sense that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip were here. They are big into horses. Anyway, the state was all a flutter!

I have continued to work on honing my digital scrapbooking skills! I have some opportunities to show my work again and want to go about it differently than last time. When I showed my work at the last show, there wasn't one bite! Everyone said the product was cute, but they thought it was geared toward people with kids. So, I have had my thinking cap on trying to figure out how to market what I want to do for people. I really believe that the service I can provide in making albums for people is a good one. And the fact that it is important to me that the albums have a quality to them that expresses an art form is important to me too. Can it be that even though people want their pictures in an album but don't have time to do it themselves, also don't have time to send me their pictures so I can create an album for them?? I just don't know. There is definitely an element to this that requires the consumer to participate in some of the leg work. I am a bit stumped!

Well, here are some layouts I have created recently. One personal layout and one for a friend, sorta client. I am ready to use that word client on a more regular basis!

Catching On!

I think I am really starting to get this! Doesn't Livi look so sweet? These digi goodies are from Jen Wilson's Pink Lemonade Collection. Love it! As you can see, I am becoming more adventurous. Totally trial by fire, ya know? I am just trying things out and deleting when it doesn't work. There are so many tools that I have no idea how to use. Of course, the Photoshop manual is not at all helpful - anyone know of a fabulous site that might teach me what I need to know??

Hey, hey - don't forget that I can make your pictures look this amazing too! If you are looking to put your pictures into an album but don't have the time or energy let me know. There are all sorts of album options and lots of ways that you can send me your pictures. Let me know and comment below . . .

Digital Baby!

My first official digital layout! I had tried to dabble before but never really saved anything I worked on. The only trouble I am having is with the text. Choosing a font that will be legible and setting the spacing at a good level. There is so much I still have to learn about Photoshop!! Is it just me or does the picture look funny?

I have started to take some orders for albums. Yea, me! Some of my co-workers have heard that I have started a scrapbooking business, and they are getting their pics ready to be SweetBrier scrapped! I am so excited to make albums for other people, I really am. I also have plans to participate in a craft show over Labor Day weekend. So, my summer will be loaded with album and mat making.

Currently, I am trying to find time to scrap my children's photos. Life has been soooo crazy lately. I guess I need to turn down the chance to watch EXCALIBUR at 10pm and get busy scrapping instead!?

Equus Run Vineyard

On Saturday we went to the Open House for the Equus Run & Actors Guild Shakespeare venture. It was the first really warm day we've had in a looonnng time and it was beautiful. We packed a picnic and set out into the lovely Kentucky horse country. Once we arrived, we roamed around a bit and Aidan discovered a huge tractor! He was obsessed in seconds. The owner of the vineyard was so nice and let Aidan check out the tractor, even though she was trying to mow. Olivia had the best time twirling amongst the vines and blowing the soft dandelion petals into the breeze. Rick and I enjoyed free wine and yummy treats. It was a nice afternoon and I can't wait to see the amazing Shakespeare that will take place there later this summer!

We Did It!

Well, we opened our preview performance last night and I think the audience really had a good time. It feels so good to know that you've done your job and done it well! I was feeling really nervous about showing to an audience, it was so daunting. I had sort of worked myself up over some notes I got from the director and I was really a mess about it! I was trying to focus and just do the work, but that little voice inside your head that makes you doubt yourself - well, it was screaming at me all day. But, I conquered it and had a great show. I hoped for a kind audience, one that would come and take that journey with us, and they were and they did. So, tonight we have another preview and then tomorow, we open!

On a scrapbooking note, I have not had any time to check in on my products at the show I am participating in. Don't have the foggiest if any of my photo mats have sold or any orders have been placed for my albums!? Hopefully, it is going well. I hope to make some more mini albums and lunch paper bag albums soon - and of course, I will post them here for you to see!

My Fab Bag!

I am slowly working on getting my business off the ground. Today, my mission was to find a fun, feminine business card case for the cards I have ordered. I had no idea it would be so hard to find the perfect card case! I went lots of places and my search ended at Joseph Beth Booksellers. I just happened to have a gift card from my wonderful senior students so I was anxious to spend, spend, spend!! They had the card case I had dreamt of AND a fabulous bag that I could not live without!! I can't wait to use it for soooo many different things, namely to tote my scrapbooking things where-ever I may go. I am going to be selling my wares this week (so excited!) and the bag will be the perfect way to drag all of my stuff to the show site. Yea, me!!