make art every day

I need ten of these.

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:19:00 +0000

I found these at Office Depot and bought ten for Margret's class. They are flexible calculators that are really cool. The numbers are raised and they are solar-powered. Margret's teacher would like to use them during an upcoming test, but she needs enough for all 21 students. I found a few more, but not enough. I had my local store check their inventory and they are out. I had them check inventory at other Memphis stores and they are out. John and I even stopped by a few stores ourselves to see if we could find any.

Then I tried online. Office Depot lists them online, but when I tried to order it comes up out of stock. I talked to a customer service rep online and she was less than helpful. I looked up promotion and imprint companies online but would have to order at least 25. So now I turn to you, dear readers. When you are out and about, if you see these flexible calculators with a magnet on the back, I would happily pay you back for them. Mine were in the bargain bin at Office Depot for $1, but even at $3 or $4 I'd love to have them. Any color is fine. Any quantity up to 10 is fine. Thank you.

And the winner of the frame is... | Memphis Family Photographer

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:48:00 +0000

...Stephanie Hubbard! As per my post here, I put all my September and October session names in a hat and Stephanie gets to pick out one of four O'Brien & Schridde frames for her home. I do sell these in collections of six or more and they are absolutely gorgeous. I have a set hanging in my dining room and I always get compliments. Congrats, Steph!

Happy Halloween!

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 02:14:00 +0000

It's been a hectic week, but I think we pulled off Halloween just fine.

Let me introduce you to my Zombie and my Rockstar.

We picked up almost all of the clothing at Goodwill, and we borrowed a guitar from a friend.

I teased her hair, added black lowlights and makeup.

And glitter. Rockstars must have glitter.

My dear little Zombie is also wearing Goodwill clothes. The shirt is a ladies' shirt that we cut in strips.

We painted her face white with black eye sockets.

And teased and sprayed her hair. I think they both look awesome. We started the evening at a party at a friend's house and trick-or-treated with a big group. After a while my girlies were tired so we came home to review the candy stash. They are happy with their haul and so am I....muaahahahahahahah!

Visitors.

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:37:00 +0000

Posting will be light for the next few days. That's code for pretty much non-existent. My dad and stepmom are visiting and I have a jam-packed schedule for them. Note to other relatives: above are the handmade place cards we made for dinner the other night. Which included homemade chicken pot pie and pumpkin bread. See what you are missing?

Sleepy girl.

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:29:00 +0000

The other night, Margret wandered into my office and said she couldn't sleep. Something about seeing something scary on a tv show that Audrey was watching earlier. So I asked John to come sit with her for a bit while I finished up some work.

He held her in his lap and it reminded me of when she was a baby, and he rocked her to sleep every night as he sang to her. I started talking about that sweet time, and John started singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" just like he used to do. And then he sang his version of "Old MacDonald", going through the alphabet with the animals (aardvark, bear, cat, etc.). Margret's eyes got heavy and she finally forgot about her troubles and John carried her to bed.

Just like he used to.

A little personal PR | Memphis Family Photographer

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:58:00 +0000

I got some great email this week. First, I submitted a question to Design Aglow's Issue No. 9 and it was chosen for the article on "Photo Phobias". Which means I get the issue for free and a coupon for a little shopping spree. Which is good for you because I'll pick up some template or posing guide that I'll use to make my clients look even more fabulous than they already are. You can check out the store here, and if you want to know more about the biz side of photography, Issue No. 9 is awesome.

Then I got an email from Dream Album, the company I use for my lovely flush mount albums. They are featuring some of my boudoir albums on their blog today. You can see those here.

DA and DA are two of my very favorite companies. I'm honored to be hanging out with them this week.

Do you have the Cutest Family? | Memphis Family Photographer

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:47:00 +0000

Here’s an opportunity to prove it. I’m so pleased to participate in this year’s International Charity Model Search for North America’s Cutest Family. This fundraiser benefits the non-profit Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation (www.nilmdts.org), which is close to my heart. Last year, the Model Search raised over $164,000 for NILMDTS and featured 2,000 photos of cute kids. This year the contest is focusing on families in 52 cities, and the grand prize winner will receive a new car!

Here’s how it works: book my Model Search Mini-session and I will enter one photo of your family in the contest for Memphis. Beginning in January, anyone can vote online for their favorite photo. Each vote costs $1 and there is no limit to how many times you can vote. All proceeds from the voting benefit NILMDTS.

In April, the image from Memphis with the most votes will be entered into the finalist gallery and be judged by photography and modeling industry experts. The grand winner will receive a new car and other prizes.

My Model Search Mini-session fee is just $99. This includes a 45-minute session with 8-10 images to view at your ordering appointment, where you can purchase prints, frames, holiday cards, or canvas wraps. Photo sessions must take place Nov. 1 or later, and this special will run through March 1. But here’s a tip: get your session done before January so you can be among the first in the voting gallery. The more time you have to rack up votes, the more likely you will make it as a finalist. And maybe you’ll get a perfect photo for your holiday card while we’re at it. For complete contest rules, click here.

Call me at 901-568-0211 today to book your appointment.

Cup of Joy.

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:01:00 +0000

It's gotten chilly in Memphis, so I'm starting off my day with a big cup of hot cocoa. My sister gave me a set of these mugs a few years ago and I absolutely love them. They are beautifully simple and generous. Every single time I use them I think about her. And smile.

She's faced some challenges recently, and we live far apart. But that doesn't mean I'm not thinking about her. A lot. Here's to everyone's dreams coming true today.

Where's Margret?

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:39:00 +0000

I'm a very strong advocate of coming home and doing homework as soon as we get here. Okay, we do unpack backpacks and get snacks and talk a bit and maybe go get the mail. But I usually want the girls to settle down and get the homework out of the way for the evening. Today they wanted dry cereal for a snack and I asked them to get it themselves. I was up way too late ordering prints last night and am freakin' tired now. I was here at the computer checking email, printing out new order sheets, blah blah blah, and Audrey finally settled down and asked for some help. I wondered why Margret wasn't at the dining room table yet.

And this is where she was. We went to the Book Fair at school and each girl got three new books. The librarian told them to go home and read. I told her that wouldn't be a problem. Once Margret has a new book, she simply can't let it go. So she will probably sit up on my kitchen counter and read "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days" until she is done.

I know I should probably stop her and point her toward homework. But I know exactly how it feels to not be able to put a book down.

PS: Yes, I know they need haircuts. I had them scheduled a few weeks ago, then Audrey got sick and I couldn't get new appointments until tomorrow. I'll be glad to be able to see their eyes again.

Happy Sweetest Day | Memphis Cinnamon Toast Photographer

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:27:00 +0000

I had decided, even before I knew that today is the "Sweetest Day", that we would have cinnamon toast for breakfast this morning. As I've said a hundred times, my grandmother made the best cinnamon toast for me when I was a girl, and I love making it for my girls.

Today they were all about helping (clearly it really is the Sweetest Day), so I gave them instruction in the Mimi-method.

You toast the bread and immediately cover it with butter or margarine (I did this part).

Then you take the freshly buttered toast and ...

... and grind it into the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure to completely coat the toast.

WE INTERRUPT THIS POST FOR AUDREY TO DEMONSTRATE HOW TO BE A ZOMBIE!

And then you stack the toast and cut in thirds. Done!

New hair.

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:00:00 +0000

This is my new hair. And my new glasses. I've already posted it on Facebook. And all my blog posts feed over to my Facebook account. So the people over there will think I'm just obsessed with myself. Which I'm not really. Unless you include my obsession in taking this photo of myself on the day my hair was cut and colored even though I really didn't have time to. But I knew if I waited til the next day it wouldn't look nearly as good. Which is true.

So in between getting back from the salon and picking up the girls and then packing them up for an afternoon of ballet, I sat down, held the camera up and snapped. And I'm so much hotter in this photo than I am in real life. So I think I will just print this out life-sized and hold it up in front of my face wherever I go.

Hello, little neglected blog.

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:04:00 +0000

Yes, it's me. Your creator. The one who conceived and birthed you, and then apparently sat you in front of the television while I did other stuff. I'm sorry for neglecting you. It's not that I don't love you. It's just that when I factor in the first two children I birthed, a husband who has stuck around for ten years (thank goodness), a thriving business, a commitment to volunteering at the girls' school, another commitment to a neighborhood group and the fact that the people who live in my house expect regular meals, it seems like you are at the bottom of the list. No, wait. Exercise is at the bottom. You get slightly more attention than exercise. Isn't that worth something?

Honestly, though, it's the business. I spent three weeks in September taking photos at three different preschools. That worked out to about 350 kids photographed. Now I'm in the midst of processing those orders, as well as handling the details of a few regular sessions. I've adding framing options and I'm designing holiday cards. I'm planning canvas collages and organizing wall arrangements. I'm booking new sessions and trying to space them out so I don't fall behind. And I'm working on a little client appreciation program, as well as trying to figure out what we're doing for a Lambert holiday card.

Yes, I know. These are excuses. There are plenty of things I could blog, like Tiger, our new fish. And my accident at My Big Backyard at the Memphis Botanic Garden. And my new glasses. And our plans for Halloween costumes. And the trip John and I took to Hot Springs and Little Rock.

But right now? I really have to get back to work.

Love,
Me

Fun at the Fair.

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:15:00 +0000

Friday was Fair Day for the Lamberts. If you know me, you know I love the MidSouth Fair. I'm all about agri-tainment. But this year is a bit different. My beloved fair has changed locations, moving south to Mississippi. They've scaled down this year, while waiting for the new fairgrounds to be built, also in Mississippi. I've heard all sorts of people say that it just isn't the same (how could it be?) but I was going no matter what.

And I will admit, I was a bit sad in the beginning. The midway was much smaller. There were fewer foods on a stick. They only had a petting zoo; no animal exhibits. But then some friends showed up and once all the kids had their ride wristbands on, I really enjoyed watching them.

Hands down, this is my favorite photo of the night. I posted it on my Facebook page, saying that this is the way we should all go through life. I love her transparent joy.

The first ride the kids went on was the trucks. Note that everybody gets to drive.

I loved swings when I was a kid. Now I completely hate going around in circles.

So I just stood in one spot and waited for kids to swing right by me.

Hey, Margret.

While the bigger kids rode bumper cars, these two wanted to fly elephants. The line was short, so when they got off we told them to go get back on. And I tried to remember how awesome that is for a kid. You have fun on a ride and immediately get to do it again. I wish we could all have that kind of abundance in our lives as we age. Or we could at least recognize when we do.

We've got spirit, yes we do!

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:48:00 +0000

Our dear friend, Jennifer, created these t-shirts for our school. As soon as I saw them, I ordered two. And they are gorgeous. Our principal has deemed them official spiritwear, so they are approved to wear to school. You can order your own here.

Still here. Again.

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:05:00 +0000

Man. Doesn't anyone run this blog anymore? I guess I'm still in charge, but as usual, I've been busy. I've had preschool shoots the last two weeks and I have one more coming up. I love doing these. I get to see so many kids, and some of them are growing up before my eyes. Which is cool.

I've also been shooting regular sessions but haven't had a spare moment to post anything. My clients have been amazing -- one of them wants a wall of canvas wraps for her home. Another is choosing large prints to hang with the gorgeous art she collects. I'm working with framers to find the perfect accent for the photos. I can tell you that this has been one of the most exciting times in my work life.

And I've planned out the next promotion, along with my own holiday cards and another little surprise for my clients. I just wish I had more hours in the day to make it all happen.

Another chunk of my time is going down the street, to the girls' school. I'm on the PTO, in charge of Cultural Arts. I worked with a committee to select student art to go to the MidSouth Fair, which is on display this week. I'm also the room sponsor for Audrey's class and have been working on getting volunteers for the year's events. And I'm a co-room sponsor for Margret's class. I'm getting the gift basket together for the Silent Auction, which is not too far away. In addition, I read to each girl's class once a week. And I always volunteer for field trips (one last week, one next week).

It's tough to make both of these things work right now, but I'll just keep pushing ahead. The fall is always the busiest time of year. At the very least, I'm used to it. I'll be back.

Sweet Home Chicago.

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:31:00 +0000

Back in July we took a trip to Chicago. Just because we wanted to do a fun family trip. And because there's an American Girl Store there. Here's John version of the events:

Listmakers.

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:59:00 +0000

I am a listmaker. Every day, I faithfully use iCal (a calendar program that comes with Macs) to plan out my day. And then I start crossing things off the list. Not everything gets crossed out every day, but if something is on my list, it has a very good chance of being completed.

Of course, the little girls notice. Margret seems particularly intrigued and will ask questions about my list. One day, when I was very busy and concerned that I might forget something that needed to happen in my jam-packed day, I made lists for the girls. They each had a list of tasks that needed to be done.

And they loved having their own lists!

Margret likes to cross her tasks out. Audrey prefers check boxes. And so far, they have done everything on them.

This could work out well for me.

Becky | Memphis Senior Photography

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:10:00 +0000

I've dabbled in some senior portraits this summer. I admit it: I haven't put together a focused plan for marketing to graduating /juniors seniors yet. Still trying to see if it's good fit with my family photography.

Anyhoo. This is the adorable Becky, who was referred to me by a friend. Not only is she totally cute, she's totally sweet as well.

She did a great job of picking out several outfits and pulling together meaningful accessories.

And she was great about doing whatever I asked.

And she sort of tricked her boyfriend into getting into a few shots. Sounds like my kinda girl.

Thanks, Becky. It was wonderful meeting you.

Delightful. Delovely. DeSaturday.

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:24:00 +0000

Despite some threatening skies, Saturday turned out to be delightful. I had a morning photo session with a lovely family. Then John, the girls and I hopped in the car for a trip to Mississippi.

John's mom had told us about the Hummingbird Festival after she went last year and we were interested. Although by the time we arrived, it was pretty crowded and we really didn't see many hummingbirds. We had to go into a house and look through a glass window to view the feeders. If you click on the photo above you may be able to see three birds on red feeder in the back. We walked around a bit, but it was hot and dusty and did not suit my city girls.

So we needed to switch gears. I suggested that we go over to the Memphis Botanic Garden's Big Backyard. Two little girls suddenly perked up.

I took them there last week and they totally loved it. So did I. If I had had that place as a kid my head would have exploded. It's hard to describe: it's more than two acres of different play areas, including playhouses, a wading stream, a place to build forts and a bird house up in the trees. It's just incredible. So much so that we joined.

But the first thing we did was to show John the fish. Look at the little piggies! We bought food to feed them and as soon as they saw us coming they started swimming toward the dock. As you toss them food, they go nuts, flailing themselves on top of each other trying to get to it first.

And they aren't little! Look at the size of them compared to the girls. I kept telling Audrey to stay back from the edge before she became a fish nugget.

We ended up spending about three hours in the Big Backyard, and it was a rare instance when it really was fun for the whole family. The girls squeezed in lots of play (and ended up soaking wet in the Raindrop Stop) and John and I had time to just sit and talk. We'll be back for sure, and I plan on getting a photographer's membership so I can do sessions there. Wouldn't that make a great holiday card?

Another Grocery Game plug.

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:46:00 +0000

As I was pulling up my Grocery Game lists this morning, I noticed that their trial offer is now free. So click here if you want to check it out. And I would love it if you would credit me as a referral (marci@makearteveryday.com).

Let's give away a new frame | Memphis Photographer

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:46:00 +0000

Earlier this summer I ordered several O'Brien & Schridde frames, as samples for my photo clients. I fell in love with these gorgeous, handmade pieces and I think everyone should have one (or more) at home.

Of course, you've really got to see them in person to appreciate them (and you are welcome to stop by my house -- they'll be up on a few walls soon). I was surprised to see how big they are, so I thought I would photograph mine with some "objects" for scale.

The prints in the frames below are photos I took with the Canon 5D I bought in the spring. The prints are 8x10.

This one below may be my favorite. It'll be the centerpiece on the wall in my dining room. Or I may prop it on the mantle with others. Can't decide yet.

Are you drooling yet? Would you like a frame for your house? Good! Because the girls and I are giving one away. Simply book a photo session that takes place between now and November 1 and your names goes into the drawing for one of these 5x5 size frames (I also have the round in pink and the square in sage). This offer is good for any session booked: Casual Portraits, Maternity, Newborn, First Year, Beautiful You, Events or even the Holiday Card Mini-session. Call me at 568-0211.

Holiday card gallery | Memphis photographer

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:46:00 +0000

I've got a whole gallery of holiday card designs, up at this site. When you book your Holiday Card mini-session, you get a choice of 16 different designs, some with alternate front cover options. I still have some Saturday morning openings, but this offer ends on October 3. Call me if you want in. Quick.

By the way, if we've had a session together this year, I have pricing for just cards, including 5x7 panels and 5x7 folding cards. Just give me a call.

Resource list | Memphis family photographer

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:14:00 +0000

Hello, blog people. I need your help. I'm putting together a resource list to give to my photography clients, which range from newborns to families to graduating seniors. Can you share with me any of the following?

• local clothing stores with style (from babies to teens to moms/dads)
• hair and makeup artists
• hair salons/manicure & pedicure
• quality children's toy stores
• products/services for expectant/new moms (yoga, breastfeeding, baby wraps)
• party resources (treats, venues, planners, entertainers)
• anything one-of-a-kind that you think the world needs to know about and that is visually interesting.

These can be sources that you work for, or just love for their high quality/great customer service. I like to promote local businesses, so my emphasis will be on those. I will contact each place to make sure they are okay with me listing them, so include a contact name if you can.

Please leave a link in the comments, or email me. Thanks!

The weekend, plus. | Memphis family photographer

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:29:00 +0000

Last Friday I took off for Dallas to attend a workshop on the business end of photography. I was excited about learning something new, and about getting a break from the usual routine. I planned it so that I would be back Sunday night, and in time for getting the girls off to school on Monday.

I left a detailed list of instructions for ballet rehearsals and a pool party the girls were invited to, for John. And he was able to get every last thing done (although he noted that while he didn't always understand why I'm so tired out some days, now he does).

I was fortunate enough to meet a fellow photographer on the shuttle over to the hotel and she had plans to meet two others that night, so we all ended up having dinner together. Our class was all day on both Saturday and Sunday, but we managed to get together for some meals and talk about our businesses. And I loved it. I have a handful of business cards of people that I can now call or email with an idea and get instant feedback. I love that. And one of the people I met is a girl who just moved to Memphis. We quickly traded info on what we like to shoot and what we don't, and it turns out we are compatible (anyone need a wedding photographer? I have a great referral for you). Hands down, this was the best part of the workshop.

The first day was a little too basic for me, but the second day covered some accounting stuff that will certainly help me track income and expenses better and help me see where I need to improve. I have a ton of notes and ideas that I still need to go through. But I'm so excited about the possibilities. I keep saying that photography is the best job I've ever had. Now I feel like I can improve the business end, which will make it even better.

Today, however, I've got two sick little girls, huddled on the sofa, watching tv. Margret has had a cold, which is better, but I think she's still run down. Audrey felt warm-ish and seems run down. They were both flopped over on the kitchen table when I looked at them and said they could stay home. Not sure how much I'll get done on the business front today...

Mercy.

marci@makearteveryday.com (marci lambert) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:08:00 +0000

There's a small window each morning when the girls watch a bit of "The Today Show" while they get dressed for school in our room. It's only about ten minutes, but it's the first ten minutes of the show and that usually means hard news.

This morning the story that caught their attention was the one about the Lockerbie bomber being released by Scotland so he can be with his family now that he has terminal prostate cancer. John and I shook our heads in disagreement with the decision. Of course, Margret always wants to know the story and it was accompanied by footage of that horrific crash, which was shocking to the girls.

As always, I explained my views to her (I feel very strongly about letting her know what my views are; she's free to make up her own mind about how she feels). I said that the man chose to go down a path of purposely killing hundreds of people and was convicted for it. When you take that road, you shouldn't expect to walk out of prison before your time is served, even if you are sick.

Margret countered that he has been away from his family and would like to be with them. I agreed that he did probably miss his family. But he had done something terrible and was being punished for it. Margret asked me if I had done what he did would I want to go home. I told her I would never choose to purposely kill people.

She eventually concluded that she is okay with him going home. I know that her young heart is merciful, and I do love that about her. Thankfully, she doesn't really understand the horrors of life, like hundreds of people being sacrificed in the name of terrorizing others. She doesn't understand all those parents of college students who still, and will always, mourn their children. She's never had to feel deep grief in her young life. She doesn't carry around deep-seated anger. She just thinks about how sad a person would be if he were away from his family.

I can't imagine what it must be like to be a family member of the Lockerbie victims. I am sure I would carry around anger for a long, long time. Ultimately, though, that helps no one. It's hard to imagine forgiving the bomber, even from my distant relationship to the event. I don't think I could be the one to offer him mercy. But I admire my daughter this morning for showing me what's in her heart.