Foto Friday: Little People - a tiny street art project

Little People - a tiny street art project is one of the coolest photography websites I've found so far.  An artist by the name of Slinkachu paints wee figurines and places them in various positions around London.  He then photographs them close up and from far away.    (Can you see the tiny people in the second photo?)

This website is definitely one for entertainment purposes as opposed to learning purposes.  But, someone might be inspired to try something like this themselves, so who am I to rate its usefulness.  As for me, I enjoy the artist's work and will leave it to them. :)

Happy Halloween!

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Foto Friday is a weekly installation, occurring every Friday, exploring Photographic websites and books as well as other Photographic topics.

Foto Friday: 3191

I'm sure many have heard of this site, A Year of Evenings.  It stemmed from their original concept, A Year of Mornings, which was then published in a book.  The two friends, Stephanie Congdon Barnes and Maria Alexandra Vettese, who live 3191 (driving) miles apart, each take a photo and share them side by side.  They do not plan before hand, and the result is breathtaking.

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Foto Friday is a weekly instalation, occuring every Friday, exploring Photographic websites and books as well as other Photographic topics.

Stories In Hand

Jessica Sprague is offering a free class, registration begins tomorrow, the 20th! Go sign up! You don't have to be a scrapbooker to participate!

Foto Friday

In an attempt to make my photography better, I have taken an online class, taught by Barbara Carroll, at Big Picture Scrapbooking.  I wasn't able to participate as I wish I could have, but I've still got all the hand outs.  This class has spurred me on to find inspiring and intriguing photography websites in which to haunt and try to emulate, in an effort to learn more.  Perhaps I shall add books to this intrigue as well.  And maybe a class taken in person might help too.  :)
Anyways, every Friday, I shall highlight a website or book that I think is worth checking out, if photography is something that interests you.  As I'm still learning about this whole thing too, I welcome suggestions of anything you might have come across in the surf across the web...or gambol through the library or local bookstore.
So, this first link is from a 2007 contest at PDN, Photo Direct News. There are some pretty cool photos as well as methods in which to print/display them.  Check it out!
And, don't forget, send some suggestions if you have any!

Interesting.

I came across this, this evening (clicking on it will take you to the site of origin, as well as a larger image):

A more spatially-correct chart than this image, making the viral rounds:

Draw whatever extrapolations from this that you will, I just found it interesting.

So Long, Farewell

I bid my scrapbook supplies adieu.  To you, self healing mat, to you clear mono adhesive, and to you beautiful, beloved patterned paper.
Since we are moving soon and having a garage sale even sooner, I needed to clear off the storage units on which all my scrapbook stuff was residing.  So, it all must be emptied, and thus, boxed up, to ensure organization on the unpacking end.  That, and I don't want the movers to mess it up.
So, it's all going into boxes and bags.  And as a result, no more layouts or cards or creative things.  Not 'til we're in the new place and unpacked.
Papers & Pretty Things will still continue to run, but the crafty posts will be on a hiatus for a little while.  Instead, I'll be sharing some of the places that I go for inspiration, sites that I enjoy shopping (and window shopping) at, as well as a few other installations, yet to be determined.
Stay tuned, blog readers, I'm not going anywhere!
 

Campaign for Creativity

Donna Downey is one of my favorite people to go to for inspiration. She has posed a concept, Campaign for Creativity. I completely agree. Join in if you feel it is what applies to your artistic philosophy.
Live Life Inspired. Dream With Possibility! Donna Downey

Here's what the idea is about:

Quotes up
we all have a voice.
sometimes it speaks to us in a department store, or while reading a catalog, or while walking in nature. it is the voice that stops you and makes you look a things in a different way.

* like the placemats you pass while shopping at Target that inspires your next layout design,

* or the new bedding set you see in a pottery barn catalog that inspires the color pallet for your next collage painting

* or the nature walk that prompts you to pick up fallen branches and twigs that inspire your next home decor project.

embracing our creative potential and letting it free to guide our art is the challenge. believing in the power of your passion to create is the gift we all have to share.

"believe in your creative potential,
enjoy the creative process,
try something new, Quotes down
explore new possibilities,
but most of all believe."

Rainbow box-1

The Batty Bat (aka 1, 2, 3 Count!)

When I was little, I would watch Sesame Street every day. (Who didn't?) It even stayed in my after school tv line-up until 2nd or 3rd grade, believe it or not. Of all the songs they sing, even the theme song, this is the one I remember the most. I have no idea why. It will randomly pop into my head every now and again.

In honor of Count, I titled a side bar section after what I call that song, "1, 2, 3 count!" and have placed all of the applications with numbers in there: a 12-hour clock in my time zone, a 24-hour clock (which is for my benefit, as I still cannot tell time this way - despite being married to a soldier) and finally, a countdown to the Winter Olympics! Go snow! It's all the way at the bottom on the left.

batty batty batty batty batty bat 1 2 3 count!

p.s. I like colors!

p.p.s. I FINALLY figured out how to embed a video. (obviously).

Rainbow box-1

*Update: I just did a search on when this episode first aired; November 18, 1985, episode 2096. That link is a nice flowchart of all the skits on that episode... and I remember most of them! haha! wow. Some lovely memories! This episode was monumental, as we met Snuffy in real life for the first time!

This particular skit was one of my favorite ways they showed letters:

Letter g

I cannot find a video of this right now.. if anyone has seen one, please let me know!

Learn It

I have to say, I've been really into taking classes lately.  I miss school sometimes.  But the problem with online classes is that you don't have to show up in person to get the info, see the powerpoint, etc.  Everything is online, and I have a little more trouble with commitment.  I'll fall behind about half way through.  Then the class is over and I'm furiously trying to catch up and get in any questions before the instructor is no longer available.  Sigh.
I didn't do all of the homework for the Bling Out Your Blog class, but this will be one of the assignments. :)
I've learned so much from Kimberly Brimhall, it's amazing.  I had no idea there was such a huge structure to blogging.  So many help sites and tutorials, so much to do to customize one's online journal. 
To anyone who reads this via RSS feed, I've changed much of the design I was using before - a brand new look (so check it out!).  There are a couple things to change still, but I'm getting close to what I want.  The only brand new application in the sidebar is a playlist of tunes.  I've set it to play upon selection, instead of automatically playing and startling you out of your seat while at work... or late at night when the whole house is quiet...or just startling you period.  (You know what I'm talking about - we've all been to those blogs.)  :)  There are currently 103 songs by Christian artists, so it is safe for the family - most of them are on KLOVE.  It is a good mix of worship/praise songs, comfortable listening and several "hardcore" songs.  Hardcore Christian Bands, remember.  Nothing to be frightened of.  There are much more heavy metal/rap/screamer Christian bands out there, but still not my scene.  I usually listen to this playlist while I'm working on any of my crafty projects, doing the bills, reading blogs, or making dinner.  It's an all-around lovely selection.  (And if you don't like something, you can skip to the next one.)
One of the homework prompts (of at least a hundred to choose from) was "College taught you".  College taught me much, but what sticks out the most as it pertains to all the online classes that I'm taking is that I love to learn.  I always have.  I've done layouts about this before; my mom has dubbed me a Lifelong Learner.  While I was in the middle of college, it sure didn't feel that way, but I know I thrived in that environment.  Looking back, I can see it taught me how to organize, how to take notes, how to read more efficiently, and that I love classes.  If I could go to school just to learn, and not need to pay for it, pass the class with an A, or apply what I've learned to a specific job, I'd go to school forever.
Perhaps I'll make a little badge for the classes I'm currently taking.  That way, if anyone else is interested, they can check it out too!
*A bit of housekeeping:  If anyone finds any links that don't work or just want to talk about anything I've worked on my blog so far, don't hesitate to send me a comment or email.*

 

Dust Poofs

As part of Kimberly Brimhall's Bling Out Your Blog class, I am overhauling my blog, so excuse my dust.  I just made it very simple and clean, a new template for now.   Some of the photos I've posted are a little bit cut off on one side.  I'll adjust them soon.
Right now... we just finished watching The Last Samurai - I love this movie.  Pete says it'd be more accurate if Tom Cruise were French. :)
Right now... I'm feeling a bit like the sausage links we had for dinner.
Right now... I'm learning about a free photoshop-like program.  I just downloaded it.  We'll see.
Right now... I wish I was a cooking genius.
Right now... I'm praying our house will sell.
Right now... I'm missing my kittie.
Right now... I'm overwhelmed at the 235 photos I took at the concert this last weekend.  I filled the little memory card.
Right now... I wish I was tired so I wouldn't be up til 2 like usual.
Right now... I'm counting the days we have left in this place.
Right now.

Project Catwalk Finals Week 1

For the final four weeks, how the scoring works is that the top 10 will get points, but all 25 will move on to week 2.  Then, combined with week 2's scores, the new top 10 will move on to week 3.  The final top 5 from that week will then move on to the final round, week 4.  And from there a winner will be chosen.
So, here is what I entered for the first week of the final rounds.  We were given a materials list to choose from, with leeway of tool usage.
On a different note, this is where we were last night (I forgot to mention it earlier - how, I don't know.)

It was extremely awesome! We had the best seats I've ever had at a concert - row J.  10th row!  In the orchestra section.  On the floor!  So cool!  I'll post some pics later today or tomorrow, once I get a chance to look at them. (Oh and I love the promo poster - the graphics are pretty sweet.)

The Shopping Trip Spoils

Here are a few of yesterday's purchases.
From Hallmark:

I have the whole Demdaco's Willowtree Nativity Set, but needed an angel for the manger-top.  I also wanted a second set of stars, to balance out the backdrop.  In addition, I picked up a few Christmas gifts while we were there. :D
From Bath & Body Works:

I've got scads of lotion from this place and many others.  If anyone out there who is reading this is considering purchasing a bath set or body lotion for me for Christmas... I beg you, please don't!  It'll take me 5 years to use up what I have...if not longer.  So I spent the gift card on an oil warmer, at Pete's request.
From Ross:

A $10 pair of Reebok football cleats.  That apparently are the "comfiest I've ever owned," according to the hubs.  I almost got a Kenneth Cole handbag... but the Ross price tag was missing and they said it would be $65.  Now, from $159... that's a really great deal!  But I still can't bring myself to pay that much for a purse I'll only use for a year.  (I get tired of my purses after 6-12 months.  But maybe that would change if I had a well-made one.)
From Linens N' Things:

A drying rack, Hercules Hooks, and a broken digital cook-timer that I have to return.
And, from Claires, a darling green owl necklace, some jangly bracelets and several toe rings.  (None pictured - obviously.  I couldn't find a photo of them online, so I'll just have to photograph them myself.)
And, on a separate note, we filled out the registration to vote today, to be mailed tomorrow.  I can't figure out how to embed a video in my blog yet (still learning!) so here's a link to a cool 5 minute video.

Happy October!!

Almost at the end of the day, Happy October 1st!  I can't wait to see changing colors!! I'll have to live vicariously through those back home! So take lots of pictures for me!
In an effort to get out of the house, we decided to spend all of our gift cards we've been stockpiling since Christmas.  So, there were piles of bags in the trunk!  I'll take some photos tomorrow in the good light!
I have to say though, this was one of the highlights:
Bring on the LEGO pieces.
I'm also taking this class:

I CANNOT WAIT!!!