I was hanging some artwork this past weekend, in dire need of finding creative ways to ignore the dismal days of weather that have been lurking around. In doing so, I came across some photos I had framed a few years back that had been in an “as soon as I can get to it” pile. It reminded me that changing around home decor accessories can really jazz up a space and give it some new life. It worked! A few nicely framed and matted photos brightened my walls and my spirits…
If you’re looking for some new sources of artwork to spruce up your “nest”, consider photos, hung alone or in groupings. I did some “window shopping” on Etsy over the weekend and found some really wonderful fine art photo shops that I would love to share. Might just be the lift you’re looking for. Check out the amazing talent here.
Lena of LenaBrownDesigns is a self-taught photographer as well as a passionate knitter, spinner, and fiber artist from Grand Rapids, MI. The photos in her shop deal mostly with nature and our surroundings, and are quite lovely. Pictured below is a photo she took of flowers in a Mother’s Day bouquet. It is a stark, yet delicate floral photo that really caught my eye, entitled “Stand Out” … and it does! Lena is running a 10 % special in her shop that makes a purchase even more alluring.
Billy Currie hails from Stirlingshire, Scotland. He has two passions – woodturning and photography, and is renowned and quite proficient in each. What a range of expertise! The photo I selected to high light in this post is entitled “Delicate Wings”, found in the “Artistic Photography” category of his shop, as it is available in five colors/styles. The photo is of a butterfly, and the detail is remarkable. Take a look, and then check his shop to see the processing styles he is offering on this image.
It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for anything bird-related. I’ve always enjoyed the capers of the little creatures. Tracey from Raceytay has captured a sweet little goldfinch in a setting of red buds from maple trees that is a delightful burst of color. Graphic design is Tracey’s background, but her passion for photography is quite evident in her work. She is having a “March Madness” sale in her Etsy shop … not to be missed.
Another photo that wows! in the color department is in a shop called davita. Jamie Mc Coy is a self-taught photographer and environmental artist from Erie, PA – she has a fine selection of photos in her shop and graciously offered a special promo to readers when I asked if I might highlight her shop in my blog this week. (more on that in a sec…) The photo that I chose to include here was one of many I loved – the “play” of the red and electric blue is amazing. She has titled the image “Heaven is Decorated in Polka Dots”.
Jamie’s offer, available through next Wednesday, March 10, is a “buy one print, get one half off” sale. When you’ve made your selections from her Etsy shop, simply put the word “nest” in the “Message To Sellers” at checkout and Jamie will take care of the rest!
As I’ve been doing since I started this Wednesday feature a few weeks ago ( and with thanks for your encouragement and kind words regarding it! ) I will give you the benefit of some research and/or personal experience about the week’s topic. I am not a photographer in, really, any sense of the word, but thanks to my trusty digital camera I can at least come up with photos that do some justice to the items in my Etsy shop and on my website. And I have found a few tools to help in the process, and some fun sites as well…
To adjust my photos (crop, enhance, size, etc.) I mostly use Paint Shop Photo Album 5 from Corel which I’ve had for some time. (the newer version is out, natch, but I’m still happy with the one I have) I do have Photoshop Elements 5 installed on my computer, but haven’t had sufficient time to play with it to feel confident. I’m anxious to do so, and will!
I came across a Gorillapod (a flexible, easy to use tripod) a while back on Photojojo, a website devoted to the very best photo tips, DIY projects, and gear. It’s a fun site, loaded with tons of ideas. (The Gorillapod is great!)
Two sites that are cool for creating official postage stamps utilizing your own photos are zazzle and photo.stamps.com. What a great way to advertise your work (promotion, promotion!) or celebrate a special occasion or person in your life such as a new baby or an upcoming wedding, perhaps.
One last site to share before I close, and I use this one a lot, is picfont, a site where you can add text or comments to a picture in about ten seconds – it’s just FUN!
I look forward to your comments and hope you’ll subscribe to my blog by either adding your email address to the left sidebar or by clicking on your favorite reader, also to the left. Have a great Wednesday!
