just one of the reasons that I love summer

A couple years ago I put together a why I love summer post. One of the things that I did not talk about in that post was outdoor concerts. Milwaukee has amazing support for all types of art and is home to an abundance of outdoor concerts from local park series to Summerfest. A couple weeks ago, my brother's band Hood Smoke played Jazz in the Park.

Last year Hood Smoke played Summerfest! Check out the photos over here.

Finally, on the subject of summer, last year I complied my summer photography tips. If you're like me and you get out and shoot as much as possible during the warm months, check it out.

Friday Feature: summer buttons

This week I'm revisiting one of my favorite features from last year: summer buttons. Think about picking up items from one or more of these sellers for your summer crafting this year.

Summer Pony (set of 2) by TessaAnn

Wooden Buttons - Engraved Laser Cut - Flower Explosion Design by memoriesforlifesb

XXL 2.5" handmade ceramic button 2 hole sew through "watercolor" glazed BICYCLER bike rider by FaithAnnOriginals

6 Handmade Ceramic Buttons - Small Purple Dragonfly Buttons by beadfreaky

 

Large Oversized Round Aqua Romantic Summer Turquoise Sea Blue Polymer Clay Buttons by ChrisOsCreations

ceramic buttons, bright yellow, handmade, small, round by karoArt

Blue and pink handmade marbled polymer clay buttons by visartdali

Do you use buttons in your art work or craft projects?

F is for Dandelion Flowers

Are you ready for another round of Alphabe Thursday? Let's go!

I visited dandelions back in December during the last round of Alphabe Thursday and am excited to be re-visiting them today. Many of you know that I love dandelions and seem to keep photographing them wherever I go. Enjoy.

 

 

 

Check out what the other Alphabe Thursday participants posted for the letter F this week right here!

June Color Combination Inspiration, Round 2

We have a fabulous round up of color combinations to visit today. Thank you!

I hope that you're able to find something here that sparks a new idea of some sort for your creative endeavors. As always, I've done my best to mix up the subjects that I feature. You can pull color combinations from any source for literally any type of creative project. Click on the photos to visit the original sources. Enjoy!

 

Kraft (Brown) / White for a Wedding from Edi

 

Royal Blue / Moss Green from Sharla

 

Bahama Blue / Bright Purple from Natasha

 

Baby Sky Blue / Leaf Green / Cloud White from Margaret

 

Green / Orange from Grace

 

Green / Gray from Grace

 

Neutrals from Paige

 

Let's Keep It Going!

What color combinations are you loving right now? Have you experimented with any new color combinations recently?

first shots with the 100mm lens

I recently got an unexpected opportunity to borrow a 100mm macro lens for free for an unspecified period of time. Some of you know that a 100mm is one of my wish list lens. For those who are curious, I'm borrowing the older (and less expensive) version. While there are so many neat possibilities for a macro lens, the biggest reason that I want one at this point is because I'm not satisfied with what either of my current lens can do in terms of product photography. The question is whether or not the 100mm is a better solution and if so, whether or not I can justify the price.

It will take a lot more than a couple days to answer that question, but I wanted to share some of my first shots with the lens. I'll continue to share input on this topic over the next couple months.

I recently got a wholesale order of earring wire that should hold me for the next couple years.

Of course I also had to cut some new earring cards to go with said earring wire and all of the new earrings that I have in the works.

I have been restocking celestial designs the past month. Right now you can purchase bracelets and earrings in four color palettes: blue, purple, purple / pink, and black / silver.

This lovely piece will finally be in the shop very shortly.

 I will take the 100mm on excursions this summer to do more extensive outdoor shooting, but I did a little outdoor shooting with it in my yard over the weekend.

 

Of course I had to try out the new lens with my kitties. These next two shots are of Apollo who is the only one of the three who will sit still long enough for me to focus manually on his face.

While I was taking the outdoor shots, the next door neighbor white kitty was watching me.

If you have a macro lens, please feel free to share your input on it in the comments!