Month: March 2011

I will indeed have a few extra kits (in case you can’t make it to Berkeley, CA on Saturday for class) – here’s the info:

“Bits & Pieces” is a class where I’m teaching two single page layouts. *BUT* It’s more than that too. See – the kit is filled with goodies and because I know so many of you love 2-page layouts I include images/suggestions for adding a 2and page onto each layout as well as supplies to do it! Oh yeah – this is a fun one. It’s all about adding layers & fun stuff to your pages – you can find a full class description by clicking on the link to my creative workshops at the top of my blog – there’s more images there too.

If you would like a kit you should know that in addition to the class kit, you’ll get a 8-9 page PDF file with images of the two layouts made in class as well as detail shots, my teacher notes (shown partially below), and plenty of close-up images of the layouts, tips, etc.

You can see the full list of products included and more images of the kits over at Etsy. I’ve loaded a few kits into the shop, as well as a few mini kits of just embellishments. AFTER class this weekend I may have a few more to load there as well.

If you don’t have an etsy account, have questions, or would rather directly purchase from me that’s totally cool! Just shoot me an email (mflaum@ comcast.net) and I will get you hooked up.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/mayflaumdesigns

I have more classes coming soon… I hope to have the Kraft and Tea Party kits available within a week or two. It just all depends on when supplies get here!

You don’t have to have a fancy camera or know the photog lingo to get great pics. As weather warms up here, and things are getting green I can’t help but be more interested in taking people pics!! I was reminded of a few good tips on my recent trip, and today I’d like to share with you.

First: for heaven’s sake TURN YOUR CAMERA!! Take a portrait (vs landscape) oriented picture and get more of your subject, less of random junk. When handing your camera over to someone to take your picture – ask them to take a shot this way (if that’s what you’re after) and don’t hesitate to zoom on in. I will never understand people who don’t turn their camera more often. I flip back and forth looking for the better shot ALL the time.

the other thing you MUST do for close-ups? LOOK at what is behind your subject. Ugly buckets? Weird building? Signs? People? Move yourself around and find a complimentary backdrop for your subject. (Or if you’re in photos, turn around and make sure there’s no funk going on behind you!)

Also: sunlight. DO NOT get trapped into weird part shade/part sun situations especially on the face. If you can’t get totally in (or out) of the sun – at least position so that it’s not in the face (see above photo – sun is just on his arm). Indirect sun is always preferable (less harsh) – but do what you can with whatcha got.

So that’s it. Three simple tips that can mean the difference between blah and ooh that’s good people pictures.

Miss E this morning: modeling her Creative Chicks Rule T-shirt. (from Target)

I’m no photographer – I’m just a point & shoot girl. But at least with being more aware of my environment and what’s going to happen when I go to develop my pictures I can get more good shots, and avoid “oh no I can’t believe I didn’t notice…” moments and ruined shots.

This morning at the gym I wasn’t feeling it. Oh and I have SO much work to do I should just go home. So much EFFORT has to be put forth to exercise and I still cough a bit (leftovers from my lovely time spent with that killer flu) when I exert myself and… and…

well aren’t I just the most precious little princess? Just full of excuses for myself.

i made myself go an extra mile for all that mental malarkey.

Here’s the thing y’all.

You can do a lot more than you think you’re capable of, if only you are determined and TRY. Oh, it takes effort, time, energy, and it’s not the easy road… but you can do great things.

Just leave the excuses and bad attitude at the door.

I have my reasons for NOT exercising for 3 weeks and having the single most UNPRODUCTIVE month (uh, killer flu anyone?!) I’ve ever had since having newborn children in the house. I’m comfortable with that. What I’m NOT going to choose to be ok with is falling down into a destructive spiral of negative thinking and actions.

Nope. Instead I’m going to keep trying to improve my physical fitness. Keep on eating more carrot sticks and less chocolate. Picking up things to craft vs vegging out. I’m going to do great things today, tomorrow, and the next day.

If an illness or circumstance holds me back for a day or more? That’s ok. I’ll just pick back up where I left off soon as I can.

What I will NOT be doing is turning into one of those negative people who excuses themselves and acts like their “reasons” are better therefore they are excused from being productive or positive people. NUH UH. Not this precious princess.

My inner drill sergeant just won’t hear of it! She’s insisting I train harder and see if I can’t meet my cousin’s 2 miles in 16min time he just met for Army standards.

Yeah. I CAN do that… eventually.

thanks for the inspiration Army…

It’s no secret that I LOVE Elle’s Studio – especially their newest release. So I’m very happy to be guest blogging over there today!

You’ll find a new layout from me plus the chance to win a seat in my upcoming Big Picture class!! I hope you enjoy – and that you had a very happy weekend.

Link: http://ellesstudio.blogspot.com/2011/03/celebrate-may-with-may-giveaway.html