The Road Ahead

As  you probably already know, One Story Down, had an unrepairable crash last month. The only way to get her back was to start completely from scratch, which obviously not the news we had hoped for. We had finally gotten the site to a nice stable place and, quite frankly, I didn't have it in me to go back and do it all over again.

One of the OSD designers asked if she could rebuild the site and it took on a life of it's own! Some designers are off in new directions, while some are staying to rebuild OSD. I'm excited to see what the future brings to the site!

As for me, I've gone through a big fat whirlwind... thankfully, I have enough work on my plate to keep me preoccupied while I figure out where my journey will lead me next.

I have a huge project for our school that needs to be completed by the beginning of April, so I'm swamped day and night until completion! It's quite rewarding, but completely overwhelming for one person. Good thing I love those kiddos to bits!

Once my project is off to print, I'll have time to design again and figure out where my future shop will be.

It's exciting.... and scary.... and confusing with a twist of curiosity as a most adventures are, right?

Thank you for your continued support, it means the world to me!

xo

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Book Review

Today I have a review for you on a  great new book called Photo Craft by Susan Tuttle and Christy Hydeck. 

Photo Craft features tips, tricks and projects that combine the art of photography with the messy goodness of mixed media arts.  The book will help take your photos to the next creative level! Did I mention they even drop in iPhonography tips and app suggestions?! *swoon*

Those of you familiar with Photoshop Elements will be excited to see that the photo editing tricks are done using tools found in PSE. "Regular" Photoshop users can easily adapt these to your own system. I'm not sure how easily they'll translate if  you're using other graphics programs. A few of the techniques covered include removing unwanted areas of your photos using the clone tool, using blend modes, and creating cross-processed images.

My favorite technique had to be about shooting through found materials.... I had NO idea you could shoot through tissue paper and other items to achieve really interesting effects! Think super cool blurs and photo tints!

Oh the photography.... be prepared to be inspired... the whimsical shots will keep you thumbing through the book while your dirty laundry pile continues to grow.

Throughout the book you'll also find crafty projects thrown in. They have thoughtfully provided step-by-step directions (complete with more gorgeous photos) which lay out just what to do and what supplies are needed. Very helpful for those of us who have a fear of "messing up". 

One of my favorites projects was on how to create a realistic looking watercolor painting using a photo as the basis. Below you can see how I used this technique to create this a sweet Valentine's Day card. 

There were only a few steps involved and I think it came out really sweet!

Want a chance to WIN a copy of Photo Craft so you test out the projects yourself???

Head over to the OSD blog to enter!

xo Lauren

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Elf on the Shelf vol 2

Tis the season for the silly Elf on the Shelf to resurface and make a bit of mischief in our homes!

This past year we saw the popularity of “Elf on the Shelf” explode and had fun showing off some of the creative ideas on how you can get your Elf on the Shelf into mischief.

Not all elves are mischievous, some simply move from place to place during the night. Our elf, Jack, is of the mischievous variety! Here are some of the antics he's already gotten into this year... 

from mustaches....

to blue milk...

to TP'ing the staircase...
(oh YES he did!)

to shoes on the chandelier!

He's a trouble maker, but we love him to bits!

Okay, now let's talk "Elf on the Shelf modifications" or Elf Mods... it's a bit like creating a Stepford-Elf, but seems worth the effort if you're a hard core elfer!

Dirty Diaper Laundry run you through the whole process and what you end up with is an elf that basically has SUPER-ELF powers! Have done a mod to YOUR elf? (Part 1 | Part 2)

And here's a fun little project I designed to let your Elf communicate with your kiddos....

Simply print out the ready to print pages and snip out the ones you'd like to use each day! Easy peasy!
Still not sold on the Elf on the Shelf tradition? Or do Elves moving around in your house simply creep you out?

Well... what about this cute elf alternative... the Christmas MOUSE! (you MUST check it out, it's absolutely precious!)

image via mini mocha

Or you could just do a straight up advent calendar, but I can assure you that the giggles from the elf are PRICELESS, I can't imagine giving it up!

In need of even more Elf on the Shelf mischief ideas?

Whether “Elf on the Shelf” visits your home or not, we encourage you to Check out my post from last year and the OSD Elf pinboard, they are full of ideas! You are sure to end up with a grin on your face as you view all of their Elfie antics!

xo Lauren

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Tech Support

New in the shop this weekend is this fun mini-kit, Tech Support.

Today's the last day to snag it for 20% OFF!

 

by Jana

by Val

by Chantal

by Anna

I also have 3 repacked goodies in the shop as well...

And there's still a few hours to snag 50% OFF Sidewalk Sale goodies too, so be sure to pop over and check them out!

oxoxox

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1st Day of School Inspiration

What? SCHOOL already?! I know, I know, it doesn't seem possible, does it? We still have 2 weeks before school starts here, but lots of kiddos have already headed back!

Do you have any special "First Day of School" traditions? We are lucky just to all be up and ready on time, but we DO always squeeze in time for a quick photo shoot. Some families have special breakfasts too! Check out this fun one via Your Home Based Mom:

Here's some back to school scrapbooking inspiration for you....

by amypeterman

by ania79

by MaggieHolmes

by MaggieHolmes

by rebecca h

by BrandiSutherlin

by gumpgirl

by 1girl1boy

by Sande Krieger

by gumpgirl

by 4theloveofmyfamily

by Amypeterman

by Heathergw

by Inspired.By.Love

by nanienamou

by scrappin the details 

xo Lauren

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Photo Art Fun

The benefits of digital photography are endless.... pairing that up with Photoshop just extends that even farther!

Natalie of SmART Class, has proven this fact with a really fun DIY tutorial on how to blend your children's art work WITH your photos!

  + 

Isn't that a great idea? I can see taking this basic idea in so many different directions!
Be sure to head over to the tutorial for more details on how Natalie achieved this look.

xo Lauren

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The Infamous Interview

I'm sure by now you've all seen the infamous video by artist Jeremiah McDonald, where his 12 year old self interviews his now 32 self, which has gone viral on YouTube. In case you haven't seen it, please do yourself a favor & check it out...


My husband & I are OBSESSED with this video... not only is it uber clever, but it reminds us SO very much of our son Joshua.... he is also an avid videographer & actually has lots of the same mannerisms as Jeremiah. :)

Just 24 hours after he uploaded this video the Huffington post was mentioning it! Check out this interview where he explains how the creation of this piece came about....


What a treasure to have these videos... it's just another way to  share a piece of who we are and were.... like our scrapbooks.... telling our stories....

Thank you Jeremiah not only for the laughs, but for such an inspiring piece!

xo Lauren

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