Blue Cricket Design

Cake Donuts by Grateful Pray, Thankful Heart!

Becca — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:56:41 +0000

Each trip to the craft store found me looking at an interesting pan designed for making perfectly shaped baked doughnuts. Not wanting to purchase a pan that I might not use very often, I usually slid it back onto the shelf.

Finally, I could resist no longer, so with my 40% off coupon we headed home to try a couple of recipes.

~*~

This recipe makes 12 doughnuts. The pan has 6 cavities so after baking the first batch, I cooled, washed and resprayed before baking the second batch.

Baked Cake Doughnuts

recipe found on Wilton Doughnut Pan package

makes 12 regular-sized doughnuts

2 cups cake flour, sifted

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp salt

3/4 cup buttermilk

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 Tbsp butter, melted

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray the 6-cavity donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Sift together cake flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk in buttermilk, eggs, and butter and beat until just combined. Fill each donut cup until about 2/3 full.

3. Bake 7-9 minutes, or until the top of the donuts spring back when touched. Cool in pan for about 4-5 minutes before removing from pan. Complete donuts with either a dusting of powdered sugar, glaze, or cinnamon-sugar topping. Best served fresh on the same day.

Cinnamon Sugar
2 Tbs. sugar
1 Tbs. ground cinnamon
2 Tbs. butter, melted

In a shallow bowl or plate, stir together the sugar and cinnamon. Dip the baked doughnut in melted butter (I used a pastry brush to apply the butter so I could get a lighter coverage) and roll in the mixture to coat.

Chocolate Glaze (John’s Favorite)
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 Tbs. melted butter
1 Tbs. corn syrup
1 tsp, hot water

In medium bowl, microwave chocolate chips, butter and corn syrup on 50% power for 1 minute, stirring frequently until completely melted. Stir in1 tsp. hot water, until the glaze is thick and smooth. Add another tsp. hot water if the glaze is too thick. Use immediately to glaze doughnuts.

Confectioners’ Sugar Doughnuts
Put 2/3 cup of confectioners’ Sugar in a resealable plastic bag. Add a doughnut, close the bag, and shake to coat. Repeat with remaining doughnuts.

My personal favorite way to eat doughnuts…
Slice plain, cinnamon or confectioners sugar doughnut in half. Lightly butter and toast until golden brown. Top with cinnamon sugar. I especially love the slightly crispy edges!

~*~

You may also be interested in my Baked Cider Doughnuts.

NOTES: Baked doughnuts are not like traditional doughnuts that you would get from your favorite bakery. These are not like the light, cruller kind made with yeast. I prefer a cake-like doughnut and these are similar to that type. We really liked the Wilton recipe and though I don’t know the calories, I think they must be a little less unhealthy than fried doughnuts.

Mantel Makeover

Becca — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:28:00 +0000

I’ve always loved my fireplace with it’s detailed mantel and moldings but have always hated its dark tones and heavy feel. The previous owners paid a lot of money to have this fireplace hand painted, textured and glazed and we finally had had enough!

So it went from this…

To this….

“Ahhhhhhh!” sings the angelic choir! Much better!

Thanks to my ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape with Edge-Lock Paint Line Protector this painting project went off without a hitch! This new tape is awesome! The tape works on a variety of surfaces, UV resistant for 14 days – even in direct sunlight, clean removal without residue, is ideal for hanging film and features Edge-Lock Paint Line Protector for super sharp paint lines!

After lining all my edges it was time to get started! I started off with KILZ oil based primer and then followed it up with two coats of Sherwin Williams “ALABASTER” paint, the same paint color that was used on my kitchen cabinet makeover! Because of all the intricate detail this took me about 7 hours total but was so worth it after we saw how lightening it up made it look like a true focal piece!

This tape was so great to work with and when it came time to peel it off at the end of the project it peeled up with ease and left behind sharp paint lines with no bleed!

A much needed change for a space in our home that is so adored and used by our family! It literally feels like a new room!

Check out this great video HERE showing how ScotchBlue tape has incorporated an amazing new technology to help give you the cleanest paint lines ever.

To find out more information about ScotchBlue tape you can find more info at the following links:

Brand website: http://www.scotchblue.com

YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/scotchblue

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ScotchBlue

This post was brought to you in partnership with 3M and ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape. I was compensated by the advertiser to write this post, but my thoughts, opinions and words are my own.

Show and Tell

Becca — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:30:38 +0000

Time to get your link on! Have you created a fab project you want to show off!?! Link it here and get seen by thousands. I’ll often feature favorite links on Facebook and twitter and on my site so by linking you give me full permission to shout your praises and feature you and your post! Consider it FREE publicity!

Card making by Catherine Pooler

Becca — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:57:41 +0000

My video series where I choose a specific set of supplies and make a series of different projects with them have been quite popular, so today we start a new one!

Over the next couple of weeks we will be looking at my favorite Sale-a-bration products you can get for FREE by ordering Stampin’ Up products in my online store.

So, stay tuned…today we begin the series with a Clean and Simple card showing some basic stamping techniques, then we’ll move on from there. We’ll throw in more supplies, maybe punches, the Big Shot, some techniques, etc. over the next couple of weeks. The items I’ll be using for this series are:

Elementary Elegance Stamp Set
Fresh Vintage Stamp Set
Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper
Ribbon and Brads Bundle

Be sure to view the video so you can see from start to finish how to make this Clean and Simple Card!

To learn more about paper crafting, be sure you are on my newsletter list. Click here to view my first video in the My Friend series, learn how to tie a flat bow and put your deets in the box next to the video to subscribe and receive the additional 3 videos!

Stampin’ Up Supplies:

Elementary Elegance Stamp Set
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Blushing Bride
Accessories: Rhinestones, Curly Label Punch, Everyday Elegance Designer Series Paper

For more great how to’s and to buy Stampin Up products please visit Catherine Pooler.com!

Hand stitched Cards by ” Teal and Lime”

Becca — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:01:58 +0000

This year I wanted to start a tradition of the boys exchanging handmade gifts. Of course I helped considerably with my youngest’s gift for his brother. My older son was able to offer a lot more help with his little brother’s gift. First up was lacing cards for Jax (<2 years old) to give Pepé (4 years old). This project is so easy, but has the power to keep little hands busy for a while.

I purchased card stock shapes from Michaels. Each shape comes in a package of 10 for $1.99. We chose stars, houses, and two types of leaves. You can also create your own shapes on heavy duty card stock. To keep this project as quick as possible, I opted to buy pre-cut shapes. We used some for lacing cards, others for gift tags, and saved the rest for future art projects. I punched holes with a 1/8″ hole punch around the perimeter of each card.

We cut one yard lengths of yarn to lace with. To make them easier to thread through the holes I used white electrical tape to bind the ends like shoelaces. We included a variety of fun colors from our yarn stash in the arts and crafts storage center. The yarn scraps were lovingly donated by Grandma who crochets towels for her Etsy shop.

Lacing cards are great for fine motor skill development. For my very active 4 year old, I know they can keep his little hands and mind busy. He loves to have a project to do (just like his mama). This is a great project for him while mama sews. The lacing cards can also be reused over and over again. He can even color the cards if he likes.

For more great ideas from Jackie please visit “Teal and Lime”

Show and Tell

Becca — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:30:23 +0000

and…..

I’m super excited to be guest posting over on “Mom it Forward!” Be sure to pop on over to take a look and see what I’ve been up to!

Baby girl nursery by “Life as a Thrifter”

Becca — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:04:58 +0000

Being a former kindergarten teacher, choosing an “old school” theme for this room seemed quite natural and ended up being more fun that I could have ever imagined.

This is our baby girl’s nursery.

(Wall color- Behr: Jamaica Bay)

For more amazing ideas be sure to visit Holly over at “Life as a Thrifter!”

Harry Potter birthday invites by “Just another day in Paradise!”

Becca — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:59:22 +0000

I love a good party. Okay I am obsessed with good parties.

The next party in our house…you guessed it a Harry Potter party. A party perfect for any Witch or Wizard.

Before any party though has to come a fun party invite!

Today I am sharing with you a how-to on making this Harry Potter party invite.

What you need:

off-white cardstock

vellum paper

envelope template (found here)
you can use any template you want…this one opened like I wanted
and fit on a regular size of cardstock

brown ink

red clay

First you need to print off the names of your guest on the off-white cardstock. This will take some adjusting, finagling, some chocolate (for your patience), and some trial and error…so do some test runs on regular paper. I addressed mine like Harry’s letter to go to Hogwarts but I changed it to use each guests’ name (see below).Then you will print your invitations, 2 per page in landscape. Be creative on the wording…I tried to sound as Hogwarts official as I could. Another way too look official is to make sure to use Harry Potter fonts. These are the fonts I used and/or am using at the party.

all of the fonts can be downloaded HERE for free

After everything is printed out, it is time to cut out the envelope. Use the template. Make sure the envelope template is facing the right way to ensure the name will be the facing the right way on the back. My template was actually upside down.

Set the template over the name, aligning it in the center box. Trace around the outside. Then cut out.

Next, go crazy with the ink. Make it look old and all antique. When you are done, fold the envelope according to the directions on the template.

Almost done! Cut the invitations. Fold in half and make sure they fit inside the envelope.

Place the invite inside the envelope.

Now it is time to make your fake wax seal.

Take your red clay, break off a tiny bit and roll into a ball. Then smoosh…yes that is an official crafting term…the clay onto the point on the top flap of the envelope. Make is look like a melted circle. Then take a coin, any coin, and press it in the middle of the clay circle. This will help it look like a seal.

If you press hard enough, the clay should hold in place. However, if you find the clay seal lifting, you can hot glue it in place.

Now you have all of your official looking Harry Potter invitations.

Any Witch or Wizard would be thrilled to see his/her name on the invitation.

In true Potter fashion, of course the invitation will be delivered by OWL.

If you have a Harry Potter fan in your family and are planning any kind of Harry Potter party, these invites will be a sure hit!

I can’t wait to share with you the whole wizarding celebration!

Be sure to visit Larissa over on ” Just another day in Paradise” for even more amazing inspiration!

Say goodby to BLUR!!!! Photo tips by Emilie

Becca — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:14:37 +0000

The most common reason for blurry images is a slow shutter speed. If you shoot in automatic mode or aperture priority then your camera will often select a shutter speed that is too slow, hence a blurry image.

Shutter speed is the speed that the shutter opens, lets in the image and then closes. Shutter speed manages two elements of your photo: the amount of light in your image and the amount of motion captured in your image.

When the shutter speed is on a lower/slower setting the shutter is open a longer amount of time letting in more light. The slower the shutter speed the longer the shutter is open and the more light that is let in to create your image. When the shutter speed is on a higher/faster setting the shutter is open less time letting in less light. The faster the shutter speed the less time the shutter is open and the darker your image.

When the shutter speed is on a lower/slower setting the shutter is open a longer amount of time capturing all the motion found in your scene. The slower the shutter speed the longer the shutter is open and the more motion that is captured in your image. The lower/slower the shutter the blurrier the image. When the shutter speed is on a higher/faster setting the shutter is open less time capturing a smaller amount of “time” in our scene, stopping any motion that is happening. The faster the shutter speed the less time the shutter is open and the less motion is captures. The higher/faster the shutter the sharper your image.

I never shoot a portrait of a person less than a 250 shutter speed. However, as you can see from the example above 250 is fast and doesn’t allow a ton of light. An image shot inside at 250 shutter speed tends to be a bit dark. So what do you do???

After pulling up my blinds, turning on all my lights and moving my baby towards the open door, I set my camera to 800 ISO, 250 Shutter Speed and 2.8 F-Stop and this is my final image….

Learn more in my photography workshops:

-Shooting in Manual Mode

-Perfect Lighting Every Time

-My Favorite Poses

-The Magic of Photoshop

Photo By Emilie Workshops:

ONLINE WORKSHOPS

SALT LAKE WORKSHOPS

My next Salt Lake Workshop will be Saturday, March 3rd

My online workshop prices will increase by $50 on February 15th.

Contact Me if you’d like to lock in the lower price.

Show and Tell

Becca — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:30:36 +0000

Conversation Heart Pillow by “Sweetie Pie Bakery”

Becca — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:37:08 +0000

I think the Valentine candy hearts are one of the most sweetest candies. I love the colors and the messages…but am not very fond of the taste.

I thought pillows would be a fun way to incorporate the candy into my house without having to eat them!

Materials:

1/2 yd. of fleece per color you choose

1 sheet of red felt

Stuffing

Heart Pillow Template

Supplies:

Sewing Thread

Scissors

Sewing Machine

Needle

Ruler

1. Begin by cutting out your hearts. Use the template provided to cut out 2 hearts per pillow. Cut out a rectangle measured at 3″ x 40″ for each pillow.

2. Cut out your text. I used a basic font on my computer and then traced the letters onto the felt.

3. Sew the messages on each pillow top. Carefully pin the letters so they don’t shift too much.

4. With right sides together, sew the rectangle end together with 1/4″ seams.

5. With right sides together, sew the loop you just made to the pillow top with 1/4″ seams.

6. Sew the back of the pillow onto the loop, right sides together, with 1/4″ seams. Make sure to leave a 3″ opening to turn the pillow out.

7. Clip the curved parts of the heart and turn the pillow right side out. Smooth the seams and then stuff the pillow to your desired fullness.

8. Using a blind stitch, sew the opening closed. Repeat this process to finish as many pillows as you like!

Share your pillows in the Baked Goods Flickr Group!

For more great ideas from Jessi be sure to visit “Sweeti Pie Bakery!”

Valentines Day door by “My life and kids”

Becca — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:51:09 +0000

I love decorating my front door for the holidays and Valentine’s Day is no exception.

Supplies you will need:

2-3 sheets of craft foam in pink / red or both (I used both)
1 sheet of black craft foam (or you can use poster board)
1 sheet of white poster board for the mouth
Stapler and staples
School glue
3M strips or masking tape – whatever works best for hanging things on your door

For each eye – cut a large heart, a medium-size white circle and a small black circle. Glue them together.

For the nose – cut a medium-size heart.

For the mouth – cut two medium-size hearts and a large “smile” out of poster board. Staple the hearts onto each corner of the mouth. Draw “teeth” onto the poster board.

For each arm - cut a circle out of pink or red craft foam. Starting at the outside of the circle, cut a continuous swirl. Cut a medium-size heart for the hand, and staple it to the end of the swirl.

Use your 3M strips or masking tape (or a staple gun) to attach your face and arms to your door.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

For more great posts by Anna please visit “My Life and Kids!“

Thread & Rhinestone Bracelet by “Miss Lovie”

Becca — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:46:22 +0000

Yesterday I showed you how to make the Thread and Rhinestone Bangle so today I’m going to show you how to make the Braided version! This is the second bracelet I made for my audition on SYTYC This bracelet is a little more difficult to make than the bangle maybe, but you can still do it!! I seriously love these bracelets. They are so fun and pretty.

Materials Needed

Four different, but coordinating colors, of chenille embroidery thread, about 2 1/2 times the length of the diameter of your wrist (depending on how loose you want the bracelet) I used about 24 in. and it was a little long, but it can always be trimmed.

Rhinestone chain (I bought mine when it was 40% off and I had a coupon at Hancock’s Fabric), 8-12 in.

Gold chain and antiqued bronze chain, 8-12 in.

Large and small jump rings

2 solid (not like jump rings) connecting rings

2 crimp connectors (see larger picture below)

and gold wire (22-24 gauge)

eye pin and large pearl or bead (not pictured)

You’ll also need all tools above minus the crimp tool.

(All measurements are approximate. I usually eyeball. And often I have to fix it because I don’t properly measure. The measurements above may be overshot a little, but you can always trim the thread as needed)

Ok first you’ll do the same technique to get the colors all mixed together like in Thread and Rhinestone Bangle Tutorial. This is optional, but I think it looks really cool.

First you want to cut about 24 inches of embroidery thread from each color. Then you are going to separate the threads into 2 strands each. Each thread comes with 6 threads twisted together so you’ll separate it into 3 sets with 2 strands in each set. Once you do that to both sets from the same color you’ll have 6 sets with 2 strands in each set. Do that with the rest of the colors and you’ll have 24 sets with 2 strands in each set.

(please email me if you have questions. I know that’s confusing!!)

I don’t know if my way is the right way to separate embroidery thread, but I always hold one end of the thread between my knees and pull the threads apart slowly. This keeps it from tangling so much. If it tangles, let it untwist some and be patient. If you pull too hard, it will knot.

After your thread is ready you want to put the threads together by alternating colors. On every thread you add, run your thumb and index finger along the entire length of the joined threads to keep them together to reduce tangles and knots.

When you’re done adding all the thread it should look like this. See how the colors are all mixed together?

Cut each end for a clean edge to work with.

Slide the embroidery thread through one of the solid connecting rings so that there is an equal amount on each side. These will make up two parts of your braid.

To make the third part of your braid you’re going to put all chains (rhinestone, gold, and antiqued bronze) on a large jump ring. Before doing that you have to create a connector from the rhinestone.

Here is the crimp connector. As the picture above shows, the flat parts that stick up are going to be folded down between the rhinestones to hold it in place. The loop will be under the rhinestone and it will help you connect the rhinestone chain to the large jump ring.

Fold one end down first using your (patience) and bent nose pliers.

Then fold the remaining flat part on top of the other.

The back of the rhinestone chain should now look like this with the loop behind the rhinestone.

Use your bent nose pliers to pull up the loop a little so it’s useable and place a small jump ring onto the loop. This step just makes the rhinestone chain a little easier to work with so it will lay flat like it’s supposed to. (step not pictured)

Then slide the two chains and the small jump ring connected to the rhinestone chain onto the large jump ring and close the jump ring around the large connecting ring between the two embroidery threads. The chain cluster will act as the third part of the braid.

Now you’re ready to braid!

Braid as you normally would being super careful the settings on the rhinestones don’t snag the embroidery thread. Make sure the braid is tight enough that it won’t fall apart! Try to fit the thread in between the rhinestones when you cross over the chain cluster so you see as many rhinestones as possible and to help keep the braid tight.

When you have your braid done to the desired length, push all the embroidery thread to one side and run the thread through your fingers to get it nice and even and looking like a cohesive piece.

Slide your cohesive embroidery thread through the other solid connecting ring and see where you need to cut the chain so that they’ll lay be tight enough and not have any slack in them. Cut them with your wire cutters

Add a crimp connector to the rhinestone chain again as described above, then add all chains to your second large jump ring and close the jump ring around the solid connecting ring.

Loop your embroidery thread around the solid connecting ring and pull tight. Use the wire to wrap around it once and twist the end around itself once. Do this very close to the solid connecting ring so you can work your way down.

Here you can see the wire wrapped around itself once.

In between each wrap use your pliers (doesn’t matter which one but I usually find I have more control with my bent nose pliers) to clamp the wire down flat. Be sure the wire is tight around the thread.

A couple of wire wraps away from being finished, cut the excess thread off (not pictured) and continue wrapping the wire (and crimping it down) to enclose the loose thread ends. When you’re done, clip the wire with the wire cutters so that the wire is in the middle of the bracelet and bend the wire in towards the bracelet with the bent nose pliers. The arrow above is pointing to the bent wire.

Tuck the bent wire into the thread and up under the wire as shown above. I purposely made my braided part a little shorter so I could add that fun goldish pearl to the clasp.

You could even wrap wire around the other side in the same manner and it would look pretty cool, too. I might do that next time.

To make the clasp like this, simply take the eye pin and slide the pearl onto it and create a simple loop above the pearl. See pictures below to make a simple loop.

Open the loop to connect it to one side of the bracelet.

Connect the clasp to the other solid connecting ring with a large jump ring and use the other simple loop on the pearl to clasp the bracelet together.

All finished!!

And no, that bracelet is not made of hair like someone on Pinterest obviously thought at first.

See their comments here. I literally laughed out loud when I read those. Yikes. If I ever make anything out of hair you have my permission to call me seriously crazy and I’d hope you wouldn’t read my blog ever again. HA!

I’m really loving them. I wore one to school today.

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial! If you missed it, be sure to go check out the Thread and Rhinestone Bangle Tutorial that matches this one!

For more great ideas from Allie be sure to visit “Miss Lovie!”

Don’t forget to vote! You could win $1,000

Becca — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:42:36 +0000

There is still time to vote for your favorite Pillsbury Crescent recipe! So many yummy recipes to tempt you and give you new ideas on ways to get creative with your Crescent rolls!

My Apple turnover recipe is simple and easy and oh so yummy! Vote for mine or any of the other amazing recipes! And don’t forget! Your vote might win you $1,000!

Vote for my Creative Crescent Recipe and you’ll be entered to win a $1,000 grocery gift card!

Find more quick and easy Pillsbury recipes at www.CreativeCrescents.com.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Pillsbury. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Contest Rules.

Show and Tell

Becca — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:30:13 +0000

Chocolate Mousse cups by “Grateful Prayer, Thankful Heart”

Becca — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:59:49 +0000

I picked up chocolate molds on after-Christmas clearance (75%-off) and knew they would make perfect serving cups for a special dessert. They were a little tricky un-molding but nothing that the filling didn’t hide.

Following the directions on the package, I made 10 dessert shells with about half a bag of Candy Melts.

When the dessert shells were completed, it was on to the mousse.

Alton Brown rates his recipe as easy but I thought it was a bit involved.

Not difficult but with several steps.

Heating the cream over a candle is so Alton.

Kind of feels like you’re in science lab

After the mousse was made and chilled a bit in the refrigerator, I piped it into the chocolate molds for a pretty presentation.

Chocolate Mousse

Recipe courtesy Alton Brown

PRINT RECIPE
Serves: 6 to 8 servings (I filled 10 chocolate cups plus two additional glasses)
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups whipping cream
12 ounces quality semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 ounces espresso or strong coffee
1 tablespoon dark rum
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon flavorless, granulated gelatin

Directions
Chill 1 1/2 cups whipping cream in refrigerator. Chill metal mixing bowl and mixer beaters in freezer.

In top of a double boiler, combine chocolate chips, coffee, rum and butter. Melt over barely simmering water, stirring constantly. Remove from heat while a couple of chunks are still visible. Cool, stirring occasionally to just above body temperature.

Pour remaining 1/4 cup whipping cream into a metal measuring cup and sprinkle in the gelatin. Allow gelatin to “bloom” for 10 minutes. Then carefully heat by swirling the measuring cup over a low gas flame or candle. Do not boil or gelatin will be damaged. Stir mixture into the cooled chocolate and set aside.

In the chilled mixing bowl, beat cream to medium peaks. Stir 1/4 of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Fold in the remaining whipped cream in two doses. There may be streaks of whipped cream in the chocolate and that is fine. Do not over work the mousse.

Spoon into bowls or martini glasses and chill for at least 1 hour. Garnish with fruit and serve.

(If mousse is to be refrigerated overnight, chill for one hour and then cover each with plastic wrap)

Rescue Remodel! Vote for a fire house to win an IKEA makeover!

Becca — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:16:14 +0000

The voting has begun!!! Time to vote for a winning Fire House to receive that$25,000 IKEA Kitchen makeover! We know how hard fire men and woman work! Why not help one lucky fire house win this huge honor and get a killer new kitchen!

One lucky Fire house will win a $25,000 kitchen Rescue Remodel from IKEA and The Family Handyman? Now’s your chance to VOTE!

Appliances, cabinets, counter tops, Oh my! Everything a deserving fire station needs to feel like the hero’s they are!

Contest Period: Entry for this Contest begins on Oct 18, 2011 and ends on December 6, 2011. There will then be a public voting period on selected finalists from about January 24, 2012 until February 28, 2012.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!!!!!

HP’s Photo Creation and Getaway reminder!

Becca — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:29:46 +0000

Have you downloaded the new HP Photo Creation Free software yet? This program is so much fun! Look what I whipped up in no time!

These personal “Clean Room charts” are for my girls! Every Day they keep their room clean they get to mark their calender and when they keep it clean for 7 days in a row they can earn a prize! Fun and motivating and they only took me about 5 minutes to create!

HP’s Photo creation made it so simple! The hardest part was choosing a back ground! There are great theme options, layouts, and fonts. It’s easy to upload photos and adjust size and placement! And when you are done it’s as easy as sending your project to your printer to be printed or ordering from their home delivery options!! Mouse pads, Luggage tags, key chains, calendars, scrapbook pages and more!

And Don’t forget to enter the HP Getaway Giveaway where you could win a trip to any U.S. theme park by LIKING HP on facebook, downloading this new software, creating a project and uploading a photo of you with your project to win! You have until Jan. 31st to enter to win so get creating!

If you do all of the above mentioned to enter on HP’s facebook page be sure to jump over to THIS giveaway where the chosen winner will be in the running for a free HP Printer. $199 value. To enter the printer giveaway you must have liked HP’s fan page, downloaded the software, and entered the getaway giveaway by uploading a photo of yourself with your finished project!

** I am being compensated by HP for my participation in this campaign.

How to shoot with Window Light by “Photos by Emilie”

Becca — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:59:01 +0000

Winter is tough for the photography world. It’s freezing & dull outside. This tutorial will teach you how to capture a stunning image inside with window light. The first rule is to pick a time of day when the sun in not directly coming into the windows.

Below are the 3 rules to placing your subject in relation to the window…

Rule #1: Place your subject on the same level as your light. I used a table to lift the sweet baby off the ground and level with the window light.

Rule #2: Place your subject close to the window. You will be surprised how much difference the light will be just 1 or 2 feet away.

Rule #3: Be sure to have lots of window between you and your subject. This will create a softer light than if you have very little window between you and your subject. (I did end up pulling that curtain all the way back and out of my light.)

Here are some more images I captured…

Happy Snapping!!

This is just one of the tips you’ll learn during my workshop. I offer workshop in Salt Lake and

online.

Just a few of the things you’ll learn:

-Shooting in Manual Mode

-Perfect Lighting Every time

-My Favorite Poses

-The Magic of Photoshop

Photo By Emilie Workshops:

ONLINE WORKSHOPS

SALT LAKE WORKSHOPS

My next Salt Lake Workshop is Saturday, March 3rd.

Posted by:

Show and Tell with Hoopla Earrings

Becca — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:30:12 +0000

Want to meet my all time favorite earring company? Of course you do!!!! Meet Hoopla Earrings!

I own 6 pairs of Hoopla’s and if you ask me that’s nowhere close to enough! I first fell in love with these amazing hand painted and crafted earring about a year ago when I found them for sale at Oh Sweet Sadie. I bought my first 3 pair and has craving more! Lucky for me the amazing designer behind hoopla is a local so I’ve been able to get my Hoopla fix easily! Hoopla also sells on etsy so lucky for all of us, we can all get our hands on these beautiful earrings!

AND one lucky winner is about to score a $50 gift card to use at Hoopla Earrings! That’s enough for 5 pair! SCORE!!!!!

AND Hoopla Earrings will be setting up shop and selling at Oh Sweet Sadie Feb. 3-4 in South Jordan, UT! You know I’ll be there scooping up more earring!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be announced next Wednesday!