Queen of Flowers II – A mixed media collage

Hi everyone! Happy Friday! This week flew by and I am just now getting the chance to sit down and visit with you. How has life been treating you?

I wanted to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the sweet and encouraging comments left after my last post. It’s always a bit scary to share my artwork – so please know that I greatly appreciate the support! Art is such a core part of me. When I actually take time to do it, I am amazed at how it fills me with happiness and peace. I was so pleased with the last collage that I did a second one. I snapped pics of my progress with my phone to document the evolution of the piece.

Similar to the last project – I started by collaging bits of vintage ephemera to the inside of an old book cover.

Enter my muse (another Anthropologie model) who I painted over, inked her face and hair and added scrapbook papers for her dress. You can also see in the upper right hand corner I added some pink acrylic paint to start balancing the color composition.

The last details were added to complete her, including a sweet antique Australian stamp (a little shout-out to my homeland!), a jeweled crown and of course a bird. Gotta have a bird.

I stamped the cover of the book with this chickadee stamp and added the word “fly”.

So there you have it, another little collage project that I was able to complete in a couple of days during Claire’s naptime. So much more fun than folding laundry!

I have just listed prints of this collage and the last one in my Society 6 shop too!

Have a beautiful weekend!

xo,

Ivy

 

Claire and the Peony

Hi friends. How are you all doing? Happy Friday. I hope your week has been lovely. It was my second week home alone with Claire while Chris was at his new job and I can honestly say that it went much smoother. Seems like we are finding out own rhythm and schedule. I do miss being able to pop into his office and say hello but I’m adjusting.

The peonies I got for Mother’s Day are in full bloom and are truly glorious. So I thought why not pair my favorite flower with my favorite baby girl…

Claire bear will be 11 months old in two days. I can hardly believe it. Almost a year has flown by and she is desperately trying to walk.

She is enamored with flowers (like her Mama) and always tries to grab at them when she gets the chance.

She was surprisingly gentle with my dear peony and I am happy to report that no flowers were injured during this photo session.

Thank you, Claire for being such a good little model for Mommy.

Have a beautiful weekend!

xo,

Ivy

More photo fun…with RadLab

Hi everyone,

How was your weekend? Ours was busy, as usual…but good. After a thorough cleaning of the house on Sunday, I felt ready to start my online class (Blog Boss) today. Felt so good to put Claire down for her nap, make a cup of tea, light a candle and sit down to class. I’ve got some homework to get to and I hope you will all be patient with me as I continue to “renovate” my blog. My goal is to share more with you and teach some of the things that I have learned along the way.

Wanted to show you another little RadLab makeover photograph today. Tomorrow, I will be drawing the lucky winner who will get RadLab for free! There is still time to enter…just go here and leave a comment about why you want RadLab.

Okay…so here is a floral shot from Grace’s birthday gathering last year. One of my favorite flowers – Ranunculus. While the shot isn’t dreadful, it could use a little love…

After RadLab and few layers of textures, I was able to give the image a dreamy quality.

Here is the RadLab recipe:

{RECIPE: Lights On 100% – Oh, Snap 80% – P.O.S. Lens 100% – Edge Blur 100% – Divine Light 65% – Claire-ify 39% – Prettizer 100% – Get Faded Winter 80% – The 600 100% – Flirt 18% – Boutwell Magic Glasses 88%}

I used a few textures to further add to the mood of this image. One layer is from the wonderful, Kim Klassen, who shares layers, textures and tutorials! She is such an inspiration. The next two layers were from Deviant Art – where you can find a vast array of free stock layers and textures to download and experiment with.

Please remember, that just because we can tweak a photo with photo editing programs, it is still important to compose your shot. You have to begin with a good photo or at least a decent one to truly get a magical end product. So don’t let those eyes get lazy, always take time to adjust lighting, camera settings and composition. Also, learn when to stop editing. Just like a painting, a photo can become overworked. Of course, like any art form this is subjective to the viewer but try to trust your instincts. I often switch a layer on and off within Photoshop and ask myself – “Does this layer/texture/effect truly add to the image?” If it doesn’t delete it.

Go check it out these fantastic resources and get inspired!

Have a lovely Monday.

xo,

Winter White Roses for you.

I’m stuck in bed, sick as a dog with the flu. So I won’t say much but I did manage to edit these photos today, so I thought I would share some winter white roses with you. Flowers always cheer me up…

I will be listing this sweet, vintage silver rose bowl in the store very soon!

I hope that you and your family are staying healthy!

xo,

 

Around the House: Holiday Sparkle

Hi friends! How are you? It’s been quite some time since I’ve had the opportunity to share something with you! As usual, life’s been crazy but I’m happy to report that we are all getting a little more sleep (most nights) and it has greatly improved the general mood in the Newport house. Plus, it’s hard to be grumpy with all the Christmas decorations up. I do love this time of year! So let me take you on a tour of our house…who doesn’t love some holiday sparkle?

First off…welcome to our living room where we place our prized, live, Grand Fir Christmas tree. Isn’t she a beauty? I usually do this tree in soft gold, silver and touch of light blue. I crown her with sparkling branches in stead of the traditional star.

I love using my vintage items in my decorating so this antique, turquoise seltzer bottle takes center stage on the coffee table.

A frost covered forest was my inspiration for the greenery…

This beautiful, old clock dates back to the 1890′s and was found on one of my many treasure hunting trips.

Strung from the mantel with a piece of twine, hangs vintage postcards featuring birds and antique European letters.

Come through to the dining room where the winter forest theme continues…

 

A vintage printers tray is displayed on one wall filled with glimmering bits and pieces and antique French postcards…

On the kitchen table, I have featured a vintage silver bowl filled with budding paper-whites. I have always wanted to do these! Can’t wait to see them in full bloom!

A lovely, antique confiture jar from Paris holds miniature white roses. This gorgeous, rare jar is currently listed in my Etsy shop.

I may have overdone the roses…but in my opinion, you can’t have enough and they pair so well with the tarnished silver, don’t you think?

Look who couldn’t resist jumping up on the table to get into my shot – none other, than my ever curious cat – Toby…

Thanks for coming along and checking out my holiday decor. I had a blast putting everything up (with the help of the hubby)! My family gets here this week, so I may not be posting much until after Christmas. I wish you all the very best for the holidays! Thank you for all your wonderful comments and loving support! I will see you in the New Year!

xo,

My Society6 Shop is now Open!

Hello friends,

How have your Fall been so far? Portland has been delivering absolutely gorgeous, sun filled, Autumn days – but I know the rain is coming soon. We have been trying to make the most of this lovely weather by taking long walks, visiting with neighbors and of course, I’ve been sneaking in a few photo shoots. Fall has brought forth a surge of creativity in me and I finally decided to open up a Society6 shop, where I can sell my digital art and photography. Here are a few of my latest pieces…

Guess I have been inspired by roses lately!

I invite you to come visit the shop and hope you enjoy my work. Thank you for all your love, support and encouragement. You all inspire me to keep creating!

xo,