The Other Half

The other day I posted the one photo that I had edited after my Jinkyart photography retreat. Since only one of these two gorgeous girls was full in the photo, I thought it would only be fair to share the other in full too.

Mum left me a comment on the previous post. I'm so pleased to hear you liked it. If you would like you can download the originals here and here.

Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend.

Club Got Sketch: Sketch 3

Sketch 3 has already been up at Club Got Sketch since Monday, but I'm still recovering from my photography retreat I went to this past weekend. It was a great weekend for inspiration and creativity. The weather was beautiful and I was surrounded by amazing people. Unfortunately I didn't come home with many great photos, but that wasn't totally the objective anyway. So far, I've only edited one photo...

Aren't they gorgeous? We had some amazing models to shoot over the whole weekend.

Back to sketch 3. It was another fabulous multi photo sketch. I took forever to decide what pictures to use, but in the end chose the ones from the day Rebecca's braces came off.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics | Patterned Paper: Echo Park, Amy Butler for K&Co., Creative Café and Scenic Route | Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts | Ribbon: Paperchase | Corner Rounder: Zutter | Punches: Martha Stewart, Paper Shapers | Die: Spellbinder Nestabilities (Scalloped Circles) | Border Punch: Fiskars | Marker: ZIG | Tag | Pinking Scissors | Scalloped Scissors: Fiskars | Rhinestones: KaiserCraft | Computer Font: Palatino

This was another layout where I used a lot of different manufacturers. The aim was to find the right papers to go with the photos.

Thanks for stopping by.

Lucky Number 7!

Today our little baby girl turned 7. It's hard to believe that it was already 7 years ago that she came into our lives. She's been a true blessing for all of us. Happy Birthday, Renee! I hope you had a wonderful day.

This morning Ruben woke his sister bright and early (even though he'd been told not to), which meant we were all up quite early as she naturally wanted to open her presents. We really struggled to think of a present to give her this year, but after consulting with her we bought her an alarm clock like all of us have, as she was the only one that didn't have one. Unfortunately we couldn't get the exact same one anymore, but she's quite happy with the newer version. Ruben gave her the new Professor Layton game for her DS and Rebecca gave her Just Dance 2. This afternoon they already danced to Proud Mary.

Of course I also made her a birthday card:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper + Die-cut stickers: October Afternoon (Fly a Kite) | Die: Spellbinder Nestabilities (Lacey Circles) | Clear Stamp: Papertrey Ink (Birthday Bash Sentiments) | Ink: Stampin'Up (Turquoise) | Ribbon: MemrieMarie on Etsy | Chipboard Number: Basic Grey | Glitter: Martha Stewart (Peridot) | Pinking Scissors

Just before her friends arrived for the party I managed to take some pictures of the birthday girl.

At 11.30 a.m. her friends arrived for the party. We were going to Doncaster to Build-a-Bear and afterwards we would come back and have a teddy bear's picnic. I made quite simple invitation, along the same concept as her invitations last year. (I noticed I left the address on last year's invitation, but only realised after I had handed them out, that I'd put our old UK address on them, oops!)

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Cardstock: Jillibean Soup | Ribbon: Be*Inspired | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Baby Button Bits + Round and Round) | Dies: Spellbinder Nestabilities (Circles + Lacey Circles) | Ink: Stampin'Up (Chocolate Chip) | Staples | Buttons | Twine: DMC

I made the invitations for the boys with a green background, but I didn't take a picture of them.

The party went smooth and the children had a lovely time stuffing their teddies and afterwards stuffing their tummies with sandwiches, crisps, tiny teddies and birthday cake.

I got the recipe for the cake out of the Good Food Magazine and baked it yesterday. For the first time I managed to temper the chocolate to make the chocolate curls for on top.

Because all the children had already gotten a teddy and outfit during the party, I'd made a simple lolly bag for them to take home and the end. I decorated them with a doily, felt letter and tag with 'thank you' on it.

Supplies: Sweet Bags: Be*Inspired | Doilies: Newsagent | Felt: Spotlight | Tags: Newsagent | Thank You Stamp: Papertrey Ink (Butterfly Dreams) | Letter Dies: Sizzix (Fun Serif)

It was a gorgeous day today! I hope your weekend will be as bright and sunny as ours.

Now that the party dust has settled I can finish my advent calendar, I have 10 days to finish it.

P.S. Thank you for all your lovely comments and emails I have been receiving lately. It's great to hear from you and discover your blogs too. Some great talent out there...

One Dozen

Quite a milestone today... as Rebecca turned 12! She was not in the mood for any pictures today, and at the time I tried to take some the sun was really too bright and impossible to keep her eyes open. Instead I shot a few with her eyes closed and not looking directly at the camera.

It's been quite busy over the past couple of weeks and as usual things are happening in my head, but are being left to be executed right at the last minute. Can you believe it I made her birthday card last night? Definitely not my best work.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Echo Park | Pearls: Prima Marketing + KaiserCraft | Butterfly punch: Martha Stewart | Clear Stamp: Papertrey Ink (Birthday Bash Sentiments) | Ink: Stampin'Up (Turquoise) | Corner Rounder: Woodware Designs | Border Punch: Martha Stewart.

We also took a lot of time deciding on what kind of party to have for Rebecca. Finally two weeks ago David and her found chocolate workshop party at a shop nearby. Last Thursday I made these invitations for the 5 friends she wanted to invite. Of course I had to make a spare one for the archives.

Supplies: Cardstock: Papertrey Ink + Bazzill Basics Paper | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Fancy Flourishes, Friendship Jar, Just the Ticket) | Ink: Stampin'Up (Turquoise) | Tools: Silhouette Digital Cutter | Brad : K&Company | Border Punch: EK Success | Software: Photoshop CS | Fonts: Avenir + Sweetheart Script.

Then this week the task was also to create some party boxes. I always enjoy making them. I decided on one of the designs from Lauren Meader which she created for Papertrey Ink. The original design was just a little bit to small to fit in the little notebooks which we bought at Smiggle. I needed to make some adjustments to make them fit. They are gorgeous boxes, but I underestimated the time it needed to assemble them. Nonetheless I finished them today. I made two different colour combinations.

Blue with green ones:

And pink with green ones:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Echo Park | Box Design: Papertrey Ink (Keeping Tabs) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Fillable Frames 5, Butterfly Dreams) | Pearls: Martha Stewart | Ink: Stampin'Up (Turquoise), Staz'On (Timber Brown) | Ribbon: B*Inspired.

The party will be tomorrow afternoon. This should be a nice opportunity for some great pictures with her friends.

Too Pretty to Unwrap

Today Beth (the best babysitter in the world) is celebrating her 22nd birthday. I'd promised her that I would bake her cake. I'm not the best cake maker in the world, but the willingness and effort counts for something right. Beth came over just before school pick-up so she could join me. Before collecting the children I'd already given her her card.

Supplies:

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Cardstock

Patterned Paper + Chipboard Die-Cuts: Cosmo Cricket 'Early Bird'

Embossing Folder: Quickutz 'Retro Diamonds'

Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink 'Giga Guide Lines'

Ink: Staz'On (Timber Brown), Stampin'Up (Real Red)

Corner Rounder: EK Success

Border Punch: Fiskars

Button: Making Memories 'Great Escape'

Ribbon: Paperchase

Rhinestones: KaiserCraft

Bakers Twine: local supermarket

After school pick-up the children gave Beth her present. She thought it was too pretty to unwrap. It was only a small gift so instead of using wrapping paper I used scrapbooking paper to wrap it.

Supplies:

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Cardstock

Patterned Paper: Studio Calico

Button: Making Memories 'Great Escape'

Border Punch: Martha Stewart 'Doily Lace'

Tag: Newsagent

Clear Stamp: Papertrey Ink

Ink: Staz'On (Timber Brown)

Ribbon: from my birthday present!

Finallhy I also wanted to show you a picture I took of Rebecca yesterday. Rebecca has had her braces on for nearly two months now and the difference is quite amazing. Despite the fact that she's got braces on, her smile is still as big!

Thank you for being my model, Rebecca. I love you!

Just had to share this..

I took this picture of Renee this afternoon... isn't she just edible!? She found the light not me.

P.S. Valentine's Day the movie was okay, but not hilarious. Enjoy the rest of your Valentine's Day. x

Fleur's 9th Birthday

Today my niece, Fleur is turning 9. It isn't very often that we are in the country for her birthday, so it was nice to be here to celebrate with her. Of course I had to snap a photo of her as well. Congratulations Fleur!



And one of her sister Sanne...



Here's the card I made for her the other day. I made it with the new American Crafts papers Letterbox. The colours are very soft and beautiful. I really love them.



I also made a card with the same papers that my mum gave to her.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics, Patterned Papers + Chipboard elements: American Crafts 'Letterbox', Border Punch: Martha Stewart Deep Edge Fan, EK Success Double Scallop, Ribbon: Paperchase, American Crafts Stamps: Papertrey Ink, Ink: Staz'On (Timber Brown0, VersaColor (Umber), Rhinestones: Prima Marketing, KaiserCraft, Heidi Swapp, Corner Rounder: Woodware.

It was lovely to see my brother Eric, Ingrid, Fleur and Sanne again and to say goodbye to them as we don't know when we'll see them next. My dad also came by, so I had to say goodbye to him as well.

Tomorrow I'll go and have coffee with my Nike friends before driving back home again after lunch. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Christmas Cards for Faraway Friends

Last Saturday I sent of two packages to Australia with Christmas presents for our friends. I also included a handmade Christmas card for both of them.

The first one I sent to Beth (our babysitter), which I created when my mum was here.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics, Patterned Paper + Die-Cuts: October Afternoon, handstitching, Scalloped Square Die: Spellbinder Nestabilities, Rhinestones: KaiserCraft + other, Ribbon: local haberdashery, Ink: Rangers Distress Ink Linen.

The second one I sent to Beth, Stuart, Lauren and Aden, which was inspired by Ingrid's card.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics, Patterned Paper + Die-Cuts: October Afternoon, Cirlce Die: Spellbinder Nestabilities, Rhinestones: KaiserCraft, Ribbon: local haberdashery, Ink: Rangers Distress Ink Linen, Brown Marker: ZIG.

Bright (not really it was still pitch black) and early at 5.30 a.m. I got up to get ready to drive to Holland. We left at 6.30 a.m. and arrived at my mum's around 1.45 p.m. The children helped my mum decorate her Christmas tree. After they finished I took some pictures in front of it with my new camera, which I'm loving by the way.



Just recently Ruben decided to cut of his hair. I do love his spiky crop, but I miss his long locks too. What do you think? Does he look younger or older?







Thank you for stopping by... Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Halloween

Yesterday we celebrated Halloween over at my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's house. She's fantastic at organising parties. Of course a requirement was to dress-up. My mum was the only who didn't, but everyone else did. It was a great colourful bunch and we had a great time. Here's an impression of yesterday:

I hope everyone has had a great Halloween too! Tomorrow it's back to school.

Lousy Picture

I think this pretty much sums it up for me at the moment:



No focus, bad lighting and mixed emotions... So much going on, I'm constantly busy but can't find the inner peace to sit down and blog.

This week is half term break... a very much needed break. The clocks went onto winter time this past weekend, and I can tell you that extra hour in bed was very welcome too. Despite it being a week off, I had a doctor's appointment this morning. A long overdue blood pressure check-up. I've been feeling fine since my last check-up in January and have not been too worried, however since 'the move' is on the table again, I've been suffering from migraines and headaches again. Before children I suffered more from hypotension rather than hypertension, but after having had pre-eclampsia during my first pregnancy it's been very up and down. My GP took my blood pressure three times, but unfortunately my lowest measurement was 132/93. He didn't want to put me on medication straight away, but I need to come back for another check-up in a fortnight. I guess this partially explains the mood I'm in at the moment too. I'm taking it one day at a time and as long as things aren't falling apart just yet, I'll keep going.

The picture I took this afternoon when I took the kids out to a pumpkin farm to pick some pumpkins to carve later this week. I'd hoped to take some nice shots, but that didn't happen. It was a real shame because it was a beautiful day with 17 degrees Celsius. The kids even had ice cream. It seems it's going to be nice all week, so that's a bonus.

Tomorrow is Rebecca's party, so hopefully I'll be able to take some better pictures. Wednesday my mum is coming to visit for 4 weeks. On Thursday afternoon we're going to see the Michael Jackson movie and on Friday Rebecca is going for a sleep-over to one of her old school friends. Saturday we have a Halloween party at my SIL and finally on Sunday we can hopefully recover from the week and prepare to go back to school. We won't be bored this week, that's for sure.

I'll leave you with two Christmas cards I made several weeks ago, but never yet posted.



Supplies: Cardstock - Bazzill Basics, Patterned Paper + alphabet stickers + clear stamp - Basic Grey 'Eskimo Kisses', Dies - Quickutz (snowflake), Spellbinder Nestabilities 'Labels one', Ink - Stampin'Up (real red), Rangers Distress (linen), button - Basic Grey, twine - Martha Stewart, marker - ZIG, corner rounder - Woodware, Clear Stamp - Hero Arts.

Supplies: Cardstock - Bazzill Basics, Patterned Paper + dimensional sticker - Basic Grey 'Eskimo Kisses', Die -Spellbinder Nestabilities 'Labels one', Clear Stamp - Hero Arts, Ink - Stampin'Up (real red), Rangers Distress (linen), button - Basic Grey, twine - Martha Stewart, marker - ZIG, ribbon - local haberdashery.

Thanks for stopping by and your lovely comments.

P.S. I owe you a Halloween card and Ruben's party bag as well...

Photo Shoot

I'll keep it short but sweet today and show pictures I took of my brother and sister-in-law and their beautiful girls.

Annalise was a real trooper today. I got some lovely shots of her.

Amelia wasn't a 100% today, but I still managed to get a few good ones.

This one is not all in focus, but I just loved how Amelia was clinging onto Annalise.

I had to resort to my 24-105mm to get all of them in the frame. I love this one!

Leaving the leaves behind, we headed for the tall grass. The girls really didn't want any more pictures taken, they'd rather play with their cousins (and who can blame them). But here's a few more.

My only willing child today was Ruben. He really struggles to keep his eyes open when he looks up to the sky and ends up squinting. I just love his new shirt that we bought in Holland during our holiday.

That's all from me today!

How I edit my photos

Hanneke asked whether I edit my photos and what software I use to do this. To edit my pictures I use Adobe Photoshop CS3. Since I didn't do too much tweaking to last nights pictures, I'll show you one example.

Here's the shot I took of Renee SOOC (that's short for straight out of camera). I took the picture in RAW, which means that when you first open the image in Photoshop it will come up in the RAW Editor, where you can adjust a lot of settings before opening the actual photo in Photoshop itself. You can also do this JPEG files, read about it here.



In the RAW editor I changed the exposure to +20 (standard is 0) and the black to 10 (standard is 5).



I then ran the following actions: Soft Color Pop, Yin/Yang (to brighten the eyes at 40%) and KPD Magic Sharp. And finally I cropped the image to a 4"x6"portrait.



Once I'm done editing, I save the file as a JPEG, which ultimately means that information gets lost and the colours will change slightly, but at least the size of the file will be far less then when you save it as a PSD.



I hope this explains it a little.