My Story

I &hearts Faces Fix It Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:39:00 +0000

I love I &hearts Faces Fix it Friday and I haven't been able to participate in a couple weeks. This weeks photo is beautiful! So Southern.....perfect for a girl from the South! I turned it a sepia tone with a little added noise, gave it a slight crop and added a great vintage frame. Thanks to Ms. Jones for letting us all play!

BEFORE~

AFTER~

Summer Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:36:00 +0000

Well I finally got to take the girls swimming for the first time this year! The big girls have been with friends, but this is the first time the twins have been this summer. I was totally surprised to see them jump right in! Usually it takes them a while to catch up where they left off last summer.....well not these girls. Of course Miss C was a little cautious and was just content to float in her little spot, but you should have seen Little Miss M!! About 10 minutes after we got there she was jumping "in the deep end" all by herself! She looked like a little fish with her goggles on! I really do need to take them back soon, it was just too fun to watch them go!

Adorable Bag Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:19:00 +0000

Check out this adorable bag by Elisa Lou Designs that is being given away at "The Inspired Room" Go check it out and enter for a chance to win!

Independence Day

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:29:00 +0000

We were so blessed to have our annual fire works show at the church again this year! I love so much that we can be with our friends and family to celebrate the independence of our country. The children can run and play and we all enjoy the fellowship so much! The "guys" did such an awesome job once again! The fireworks were perfectly choreographed with the music....well they put on quite a show! I had a good time playing with my camera too....taking some really cool photos...it's kind of like painting with light. I love that the moon is in the shots. The girls are already talking about next year.

A Tip For You: Home Made Laundry Soap

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:50:00 +0000

I have recently finished reading the book about the now famous Duggar Family. As a SAHM who homeschools I'm always looking for tips on organization! I figured with 18 children Michelle Duggar had to have a little wisdom to share. It was really a blessing to read their story, how it all started and their journey up until this point, how the Lord has blessed them. I was amazed how organized the family is and along with her tips on organization I also loved her tips on frugal living. One of these tips I have adopted for our family is her recipe for home made laundry detergant. One of the things I have been griping about lately is how much laundry soap I go through and how much it costs...I cringe everytime I have to add it to my buggy at walmart! I figured if it worked for her family it had to work for mine, so I gave it a go. All I can say is that for just a little bit of work......I'm saving a whole lot of money and I have clean clothes! Works for me! So I thought I'd share the recipe with you!

Michelle Duggar says "This laundry detergent saves a huge amount of money. We buy it's three ingredients for less than five dollars, and the resulting concentrate lasts our large family two to three months! It's a watery gel that produces low suds inside the washer. The ingredients are usually available in the laundry products aisle of the supermarket (I buy mine at Publix) or order online.

1 Fels Naptha soap bar, grated
1 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax

Grate the soap bar in to a small saucepan, cover with hot water. Cook over medium low heat, stiring continually until the soap completely dissolves. Put Washing Soda and Borax in a 5 gallon bucket. Pour in the hot melted soap mixture. Stir well until all the powder is disolved. Fill the bucket to the top with hot tap water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight. The next morning stir the mixture.

For Top loading machines use 1/2 Cup of the concentrate per load
For Front loading machines use 1/4 Cup of the concentrate per load

If you try it let me know! I haven't had any problems with clothes coming clean for me. My husband works with cattle and if he comes home particularly messed up.....if you know what I mean....I just use a full cup of the soap in my top loading machine and everything comes out beautifuly!

Having Serious Withdraws!

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:21:00 +0000

This is what my camera looks like....I think.....I'm trying to be a good girl and I'm having it and my lenses cleaned. Debbie was so sweet to take it into Peachtree for me...but I just don't know what to do with myself! LOL!! You would think by the way I'm talking that it has been months, but it's really only been a week! I guess I could get out my point and shoot, but I'm so spoiled shooting in RAW that I just can't stand the thought!

Well....I guess this gives me some time to work on that new set of Photo Textures that I have been wanting to get started on! Keep your eye on the website www.pixelfairyprincessphotography.com for some new goodies!

New Photo Art Class

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:38:00 +0000

I am so excited to be teaching my first class at Pixel Fairy Princess!

Have you ever wondered how you could turn your photos into a work of art? I'm so excited to announce the newest Pixel Fairy Princess Online class! I am going to teach you how to choose a photograph, apply textures, overlays, and use brushes to create a piece of art worthy of a canvas, a frame, or even a custom card to send to family and friends.

You will need either Photoshop Elements or Photoshop installed on your computer to participate in this class. You can find free 30-day trials of both of these programs at www.adobe.com.

This two hour class will begin on Thursday June 11th at 9:00pm EST. The price of this class is $50.00. Tuition includes the two hour class and the materials we will be using to create our masterpieces. You will receive a PDF detailing the steps of the class, three PFP Textures, one PFP Overlay, and a brand new PFP Grunge Brush. You may also purchase an additional hour of one on one time with me for an additional $25.00.

This class will be taught live over the internet, you will be able to hear and talk to me over the speakers and microphone on your computer or your telephone. You will also see my computer screen as I work in Photoshop showing you each step to creating photo art.

Class size is limited to 15. If you would like more information email Launa at pixelfairyprincess2@gmail.com or to register click on the "Buy Now" button at Pixel Fairy Princess

I &hearts Faces Fix It Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:03:00 +0000

Well it's Fix It Friday time again on I ♥ Faces! This guy is simply adorable...we just had to lighten him up a little bit so we could see those gorgeous eyes! I used a Season's Preset by Pixel Fairy Princess in Lightroom, then brought the image into Photoshop for a little fun! I played with those beautiful eyes and made them pop a bit, then applied a texture also by Pixel Fairy Princess to finish it off. This was a fun one! Thanks to his mommy for letting us play with this photo of her handsome man!

Before

After

My Precious Twins

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:16:00 +0000

I took this a while back when we got home from church one Sunday afternoon. I just couldn't resist the twins out picking flowers in the clover. They are growing up so fast and I'm enjoying chronicling it through photography.

I used a couple of textures on this one after I processed it in Lightroom. I think I might just have to get this printed on a canvas!

Pixel Fairy Princess Original Eclectic Texture Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:13:00 +0000

Pixel Fairy Princess Original Eclectic Texture Collection, originally uploaded by Pixel Fairy Princess {Launa}.

It's official! The set of textures that Debbie and I have been working on is being released on the website today! This is a set of 40 high quality photo textures for $40.00. This set of textures are also licensed for commercial use.

They are available on the website starting today! www.pixelfairyprincessphotography.com

Tutu Mia

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:37:00 +0000

Well Miss Mia is never the one to volunteer to be mommy's model that's for sure....but after watching Cara get little rewards for working for me, she was more than willing today! Out we went....she put on the scratchy tutu and did what ever I asked. It was toooo cute! I love it.

You will notice the new logo....I'm proud to announce that I am going to be part of the Pixel Fairy Princess Team now. Debbie and I are collaborating on Presets, Actions, Textures and Overlays for photographers. I couldn't be more excited! To think that I can work on my own time, from home with my girls, doing something I love. Using the artistic talents that the Lord has given me to create beautiful images. It just doesn't get much better.

This photo uses a preset from the new Season's Collection that Debbie designed and a couple of textures from the new Original Eclectic Texture Collection just released today that Debbie and I collaborated on. I'm so excited! You can find them all at www.pixelfairyprincessphotography.com

I Love Faces Fix it Friday #15

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:22:00 +0000

This is my first time participating in the A photo is posted and you can download it and "fix" it how ever you would like to...post it on your blog and leave a link on the I Heart Faces Blog for everyone else to see. This little sweetie is adorable that is for sure! Thanks to her mama for letting us play with her photo!

Before

After

I used Adobe Lightroom 2 and Photoshop CS3...this was really fun, I can't wait till the next Friday Fix!

Happy Memorial Day

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:39:00 +0000

Wanting to wish everyone a happy Memorial Day. I want to thank the Lord for letting me be born in such a blessed country, even with all the problems we have it is still the best place on the earth to live. I want to thank all the soldiers and their families past and present for giving their lives to ensure the freedoms that I enjoy today.

May the Lord Bless you!

Antique Station

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Thu, 21 May 2009 22:25:00 +0000

Antique Station, originally uploaded by launaann.

I was out playing with Kendra today, the weather held for a little while. I just met these really nice people at an Antique store in the area, they said I can come by anytime and use their stuff....chairs, benches, etc for photography! There is also a great empty lot next to them...so Perfecto!! I did come home with a fabulous old rocker with chippy black paint! I just couldn't resist!

God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars. ~Martin Luther

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Sat, 16 May 2009 19:16:00 +0000

This is one of the only flowers left in my yard this spring that the twins haven't lovingly picked for me. I think it's hard for them to understand that I love to see flowers outside too. :) I felt like doing something pretty today, and this quote by Martin Luther is one of my favorites.

Have a blessed weekend.

My Sweet Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:57:00 +0000

I thought I would play a little with Cara on the porch today. She didn't want to cooperate until I mentioned chocolate! I was in the mood to play with Lightroom....give a go at making my own preset. I think it suits her. What do you think? Isn't she sweet?

Meet Bonnie

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:45:00 +0000

Ok....so I have been a bad blogger!

So here is a little family time for you.....Kendra had asked me the other day about planting a garden. I told her that would be fun, but because of the red mud we have as soil and the cost of plants and such it just might be to expensive for now. You know not a day later Steven came home from a customers house with a cabbage plant...he said "I don't know what we are going to do with it, but she said she didn't need it and gave it to me." Kendra was so excited when I told her. She went out today and dug up some ground, she even found a little bag of potting soil in the shed to mix in.....and now she has a start to her little garden! What a good lesson in how much the Lord cares about the desires of our hearts. Oh ya....the cabbage plant's name is Bonnie! ;)

Fun in Atlanta

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:18:00 +0000

We had so much fun last week when we went to Atlanta.....double fun! First we went to see Debbie and play a little....the girls had a blast, first Debbie took us to the RR tracks close to her house for a little practice....I got my new lens! :) Then we went to Centennial Park and let the kids play in the fountains...they had a blast! Debbie taught me more about shooting with off camera flash using the pocket wizards, boy do I want those!! The girls are becoming quite the little models..LOL...they love it! We have so much fun every time we get together, I am so blessed to have made such a special friend! I can't wait till next time!

After we played with Debbie, we went to Kevin and Sarah's to spend the night. Of course Mr Carter was up and going strong at 7:30am......and so were we! We had so much fun, the weather was crummy so I had to get going home to beat a storm...but first I had a good time taking a few photos of my cutie cousins! :D

It's Official.....I Have a Website

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:31:00 +0000

I am so excited to announce that the new website for Launa's Lens Photography is officially up and running! I want to thank my friend Melanie Johnson for all her help! She is a wizzz!! She did in a few hours what would have taken me a week! I appreciate her help so much! I also want to thank Debbie Layden for my awesome logo! She is awesome at typography and well...I am not! I was so excited when I saw the logo...it's exactly what I wanted! I already have a couple of sessions scheduled and I can't wait to schedule some more! The Lord has blessed me so much, it just doesn't seem right that I can make money (or support my hobby) lol!! doing something that I love so much. So come visit and tell me what you think!

Dreamy Cara

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:59:00 +0000

I went outside to take some picures of a beautiful tree that is in bloom right now in our back yard. I did get some good ones of the tree, but even better than that Cara had decided she was going to pick some flowers....she is the perfect model, she doesn't even pay attention to me. I was laying there in the grass just snapping away ans she never stopped what she was doing. I love photos like these because they capture the personality of the child. By looking at this photo I can instantly remember the moment.

I have been playing with textures in photoshop lately and this photo was just asking to be a piece of photo art. If you like this type of art, check out the PHOTO ART CLASS by Debbie Layden being offered at Scrap Girls this month.

"The Lone Backpack"

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:50:00 +0000

Ok....so this is Steven's mocking of my photography, I have to admit I thought it was hilarious and had to give him credit for thinking of it. He was out with the girls watching them ride their bikes when....he spied the back pack. He gives me a hard time for photos of boots, off center photos, and well anything artistic. He doesn't get it... LOL!! So this is his go at artistic photography. He calls it "The Lone Backpack" he said it gives the impression of children playing near by....but yet makes you wonder where they are and what they are doing. He's quite an artist don't you think?

Really though, he compliments me all the time and loves what I'm doing.....but it wouldn't be any fun if he didn't give me a hard time!

What Happens When Digital Scrapbooking Meets Photography...

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:59:00 +0000

Well I just couldn't leave well enough alone! LOL!! I had this less than perfect photo of Levi's boots. It wasn't bad just not as sharp as I would have liked it to be. So I thought I'll use Shalae's Watercolor Style on it! Ok that was good, then how about a couple of Inked Canvas paper templates? And just for good measure we'll add an Off The Wall paper template, play with the blending modes and.... Wahhh La! A piece of art....or I think so at least....So tell me what do you think?

Luke & Levi

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:37:00 +0000

I had a blast on Friday taking some photos of Levi and Luke! It was so much fun to photo boys! Poor Luke didn't feel good, but he did really good considering! I just love that little grin he gets! And I think Levi really enjoyed taking photos with Dude. Luke wanted nothing to do with him though, it was quite comical! I'm still working on the images, but these are a few that I have posted on Flickr. Click on the Flickr link in the sidebar on the right to see the rest of the images! These are two of the cutest boys I know! :D Thanks for bringing them over Jenn! :D

Me n' Ely

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:12:00 +0000

This layout was finally in the Newsletter yesterday, so I though I would post it here. I loved this photo of me and Ely on the Buffalo Springs Ranch in Colorado. Of course it wouldn't be complete without Bobby our "border collie" cat! We always had so much fun!

Snow Much Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Launa) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:56:00 +0000

Well we ended up getting 5in plus of snow yesterday! We all had a blast! We had Kary, Angela and the girls, MaryBeth and Royelle, April, Ginger, and Mark over and built snow people in the front yard.....of course after a monster snow ball fight! It was such a blessing, I haven't had that much fun in a long time! After we were exhausted, we came in for Hot Chocolate and Coffee and a little time visiting! And boy did we all sleep good!

There is still a little left this morning, but it's melting rapidly! I'll miss it, but I'm glad we don't have to live in it all the time! It's just nice to have it once a year to play in! :D

Here are a few photos of our fun! :D