Photo Contest on my Facebook Page!!

Want a chance to win an 8x10 by me well check out my facebook page for all the details. Thanks : )

 

Click here for Details on Contest

Earn your Price

I have decided to offer some great little discounts in exchange for some simple gifts

Earn Discounts:
5% for commenting on my blog or face book page
10% off for Hearting a print or my shop
15% for adding me to your Treasury
25% for blogging about my shop or print
30% for sponsoring a blog giveaway

If you have done any of these things and would like a discount code let me know.  I am really excited about this especially since my sales have gone up a lot in the last couple of weeks.  These do not have expiration dates so you them at any time.  They can only be used with a print order all other specialty items are excluded.

Here are a few of the prints recently purchased in my shop. Feel free to add to the list.

June’s Joy of Winning Part 1

Another great giveaway is underway.  This has an added entry opportunity.  I live in Joplin, Mo and therefore long to help anyway I can.  If you feel led to do so, if you make a donation you’ll get two extra entries to win these great prizes from some very talented artists.  Now for what’s available to win.

 

Artist #1

Denne Alise Photography

How did you begin taking photos?

 

I've always loved photography, but became real passionate about it after my first little girl was born.  I am so in love with capturing the magic in reality, peoples’ connections and the small things that really matter.

 

How do you come up with the ideas for these wonderful works of art?

 

I don't really come up with ideas ahead of time, I am completely inspired by the sun and light. The mood seems to just be more delightful in it. I am a total flare junkie. I love capturing the innocence and magic in children because they grow way too fast and I adore anything whimsical.

 

What is Denne Alise Photography offering to my readers?  Your choice of any image up to 11x16 in size. Great right!  Plus if you can’t wait to purchase one of her adorable photos you can use her coupon code SUNSHINE1 to receive 15% off you next order!

 

You can also find here on Facebook and a website dedicated to her work

www.dennealisephotography.com

 

Artist # 2

ThePoppyStudio

How did you get interested in pillow coverings?

 

I love to sew in general, throw pillows are just a quick and easy way to change up your home and decor.

 

How do you come up with your ideas?

 

I find inspirations in almost anything, I mostly look at swatch of fabric and think "what do I want this to be? That would make a pretty pillow!"

 

What's your favorite design , etc.

 

My home is a mix between country cottage and modern if you can imagine that! I don't tend to stick to one theme, if I love it I will find a place for it.

 

What is ThePoppyStudio  offering to my readers?  The winner will receive the cover pictured above. I mean you’re well on your way to a posh pad.  Plus if you can’t wait to purchase one of her comfy creations you can use her coupon code IHEARTBLOGS for 10% off 1 item!

 

You can feel free to visit her other Etsy shop as well, it’s called The Grey House.

 

Artist # 3

HeavenScentCandleUSA

Tell me a bit about how you got started and your family?

 

The Tucker family has been making extremely fragrant candles for six years. My wife (Tara) and I (Drew) have four beautiful children (two boys and two girls). Tara homeschools the children and I am a volunteer pastor/elder at Fort Christmas Baptist Church.

 

Anything else you would like my readers to know?

 

We also provide an extremely lucrative fundraiser program to schools, youth groups, sport teams, and pretty much any group looking to raise money fast.

 

What is HeavenScentCandleUSA  offering to my readers?  The winner will receive any fragrance in their hexagon line ($9.99). So not only will your home look great with the above items but it will smell great too.

SO HERE'S WHAT YOU DO:

 

Mandatory entries:

Simply visit all three Etsy shops and tell me in separate comments which item and/or scent you like the most!  (Three automatic entries!!) and you must follow my blog for entries to count.

 

Bonus entries:

• Heart an Etsy shop of your choice; (one entry per heart so 3 entries possible)   See above for links

• Visit any posted Facebook pages and hit that like button

• Tweet the following "I hope 2 win at Attempts at Being Artistic. 4 ur chance 2 win go 2 http://tinyurl.com/3e3vwha"

• Donate to Joplin Relief efforts through my church www.ccochurch.org (2 entries)

IMPORTANT! Don't forget to leave a comment on this blog post and tell me which of the above you have done! Leave a separate comment for each entry, so at least one comment for mandatory entry and then a comment for every extra entry. Also, please leave a link to your blog, tweet etc. Remember also to leave your e-mail address so that I can contact you in case you win (you can put your e-mail in a form like this: "merryroseberry(at)hotmail.com " if you prefer). You can not be entered if you don't post below!! The giveaway ends in June 17th at 12:00 am (cst).  The winner(s) will be notified by email in about two days time and will also have their name posted on this page so others may know that the winner(s) have been chosen. Since you are receiving a third party's artwork I will be passing along information so that you can arrange for shipment. Some items may come from other countries so they may not arrive in as timely a fashion.

 

Thanks everyone and Good luck!!

 

We'll have a new prize about every two weeks so always check back.

All In a Days Work

I have had a very busy week but it’s all been for good.  I started my week by meeting with some of the lovely ladies of the Jo Mo Etsy Team.  One of the members, Plain Jane, offered up some very good tips in getting our name out there a little bit more.  On Wednesday I was pleased to find a blitz in hearts and Etsy love and discovered I had a print listed on the front page! Needless to say I was very excited .  From that I got a sale of that said exhibited work. It’s quickly  emerging as crowd  favorite.

I than had a blast meeting with Mark from 9art Photography. I’m going to have a small “internship” with him, which means I’ll be holding any lights or reflectors needed.  It might not sound like much but I’m excited to learn more about that side of photography. 

Last but not least my Etsy shop is being featured in a giveaway on Lifeologie. You should totally check her blog out!  And don’t forget today and tomorrow is the last day to enter the giveaway I’m hosting on my blog.  Freebies all around.  *whew* I made it through. HA!  Be sure to check back to see some new pieces I just added to my store that has a little bit of a Carnival flare. Until than here’s a little freebie to make your day.  Just go to My Publisher’s page on Facebook. Click the Like button and you’ll be given a code for a free mini book.  These are small but great little gifts for hmm Mother’s Day maybe?!? This is only while supplies last so hurry.

Loving the New Life around Me

Although the weather here in Missouri seems to have a hard time making up it's mind on what season it wants to display I have managed to capture a few small hints of spring. One of my favorite new photos is this one

I just loved how it turned out. I have taken some more recently and can't wait to see them.  Another great way to celebrate the changing of the seasons is with a treasury. I mean how hard is it not to want to party with some Etsy favs



'Rabbits and Rainbows' by RaeoLight

Nothing says spring like those.

Long-Eared White Bu... RedandMain $28.00	Charlie's Halo ... CharliesHalo $8.75	Baby Bunny on Wheel... greenbeantoys $13.00	vintage NEIMAN MARC... TwirlVintageCo $47.00
Easter SALE Bunny R... DollsAndDaydre... $7.99	Bottles - Fine Art ... AmeliaKayPhoto... $49.00	RESERVED FOR MAGGIE... sugarandflour $18.00	ORIGINAL Large Abst... ModernHouseArt $300.00
Large Handmade Wrea... TheBakersDaugh... $31.00	White Rabbit in Won... retrospettive $18.00	Vintage Toothpick H... OhDearWatson $8.00	super Cute little r... kekou2011 $11.90
Black or Red Bad Bu... giftbird $19.97	Sorting Birdhouse ... theenchantedcu... $8.00	Rendezvous of rabbi... Rozibuz $42.00	Spring Cashmere Bab... HouseOfRowan $110.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Also who could forget I am having a giveaway I hope to have on a bi-weekly rotation.  You should check out my first one and keep checking back for more. Just check out my tabs at the top

Coming up soon, I had the fun experience of turning an old birdcage into a great spring planter.  You know you don't want to miss that. 

Finally I have found a new blog and fallen in love.  It contains a ton of Etsy giveaways and one of those great giveaways is found here.  Check them out and who knows you could be the next winner.

New Photo Giveaways!!!

I'm excited to announce a Giveaway that will hopefully become a permanent fixture for all to enjoy. As was previously mentioned I love photography...hmm I know a little bit of a shocker.  And there is just so much on Etsy that I thought it would be great to provide a venue for artists to not only get their work out there but also allow other photography lovers to get their hands on some of their work for free.  The hope is to run the giveaways with different prints from various artists being offer in a two week rotation. I'm excited for this to began.  If you are a photographer on Etsy and think you might be interested please convo me via Etsy or email me at rae_of_light_photos@yahoo.com Thanks everyone and lets make this a success!  Again it starts tomorrow April 1st, no Foolin' and click on the link above in my tabs.

                               

Ode to Wednesday

I have to say I have been a bit neglectful of my written words lately.  Back in my college days I was all about outlining my daily life for the internet world, but for whatever reason, I started finding it difficult to cultivate just the right utterance to convey my everyday exsistance to readers. I believed part of my dilenma was rooted in the fact that my life now is not as interesting as I once supposed it to be. I would wait for just the right thing to talk about only to come up empty.  I decided instead to save up some good stories to spread over time, but when the time came for those my memory failed me.   So my final solution is to look for other more interesting things to discuss. And that just happens to come in the form of some great items on Etsy.  Most of you my readers are from this wonderful site.  I am always so amazed at the many various things located on this very electic site.  The creativity that God has granted so many people never ceases to amaze.  One of my major loves is *drum roll please* photography.  (fanning a fainting victim) oh I know it was a shock but it still remains true.  Not only do I enjoy looking at those who take photos for their shops but there are so many item photos that are works of art in their own merit. So I'm taking a long paragraph to simply state  that I would like to show off some of those wonderful works of creation with hopes that maybe you'll swing on by and show them some love in exchange : )  P.S. I guess this really isn't an ode to wedesnday but it's still a dedication none the less.

Need a Free Calendar??

As I stated in my first post I love finding freebies. Adding to my joy is passing those finds along to those who will enjoy them as much as I do. 
This leads me to my first find of the year.  Mousesavers. One of my resolutions, if that's what it can be called, for 2011 is to go to one of my favorite places on earth, Walt Disney World.  I am hoping to pay my own way but I figured why not try and win my way there just in case.  That's when I stumbled on this forgotten website.  Along with the page dedicated to the latest sweepstakes it also offers free info on how to get the most out of your trip to the house of mouse. Going back to my intial offer of free, one of those sweepstakes includes a chance to receive a code for a free 12x12 calendar from Snapfish. Not bad if I do say so myself.  The free calendar allows for free personalization in everyway, so have fun and only worry about shipping and handling. To celebrate I thought I'd pass along a few of my photos from my last trips to Disney in 2008-09.

The second site/magazine I found to promote is All You. I do not have the magazine but I have heard it is chalk full of coupons and money-saving ideas.  When it comes to the website, you can sign up for daily free samples to be emailed to your inbox.  There can be a lot of repeats but some of the samples have been quite a find and it gives back all the time I would have spent trying to hunt them down.

Finally in an unrelated shift, I am proud to say I entered my first photography contest.  Photo Spiva is an international competition so I am setting my goals pretty high. I'm just happy I have decided to take this leap whether my entries are accepted or not. For now here are the five photos I placed in the running.

All are available on my Etsy store except the Packard Emblem if you would like to make them yours.  Or to see a more complete version of these five photos.  Thanks and good luck in whatever freebie you chose : )

Watermarking your Masterpieces

Photography used to be a medium that was hard to copy, but with the advent of the Internet it's becoming harder and harder to guard your images from those who would claim them as their own.  There are many programs available to help relieve some of these worries but they can be costly.  I did find one however that is very inexpensive (i.e. free) and after a little bit of investigation, was very easy to use. TSR Watermark Image Software is the site I found while browsing through google and Cnet.

You start by downloading the program to your computer. Once that is done you have to set up a new folder in your "My Pictures" section of your computer.  I labeled mine “Etsy Copyrights

(I tried to do screen shots but blogger wouldn't let me)

I then created another folder inside of that one. I called it “finished” but really it should be labeled something like unfinished so that you know those images are without watermarks.

What you will do is put all of the photos you would like to have watermarked into that secondary folder.

At this time you would open the program that you just downloaded. 

(again no screen shot, please refer to the open program on your desktop

At the top left of the screen you’ll see the word “Source” and “Destination”.  In the source section press select and a screen will pop up that allows you to chose the folder that contains the photos you would like to add a watermark to.  In the space under destination you repeat the step from above only choose the folder you would like your finished images to land in.  I would not mess with the defaults under these two sections unless you really want too. 

As you work your way down the left side of the program it allows you to choose the type of file you would want. It also allows for the strength or transparency of your watermark.  I usually try to go as light as possible but the default is set at 75% which is a pretty good starting point. 

Beneath that you can also chose the location of your watermark. I usually go right for the middle but you can head for any direction you want.

Going back up to the top middle you have a section that allows you to chose an image for testing.  You simply choose as you would to load an image to Etsy.

And in the top right is the section that allows you to enter what you want your watermark to say and look. This is a great area to play with until you what fits for you. 

Finally click on the “Start” button. It will run through all the photos and the previously empty first folder should be filled now watermarked photos.  Your secondary folder will still have the unmarked images you had in there before and you can then move them to any other folder or leave them and they’ll just be run through every time.  There shouldn’t be any duplicates unless you unchecked the “overwrite similar files” option.

And that’s all there is to it.  You now have you very own watermarked images and can still show off their artistry all in one simple step. Good luck and let me know if you discover more : )

 

Getting a Little Personal

I'm sure you have noticed a long pause on my blog entries lately. This was due to the fact that I recently lost a great man in my life, my grandpa.  I have been blessed in my 29 years to have known both sets of my great-grandparents on my mom's side and grandparents on both sides of my family.  But as with life when we get older we do have to say good-bye.  I lost all of my great grandparents at a fairly young age, save my granny whom I lost in 2004. Other than that my life has been relatively free from funerals and the like.  When I got the call last Monday morning that my grandpa had finally found peace from his illness it was a bit of a shock.  We did your standard things to get ready for a funeral.  I booked my plane ticket and made my way back to Ohio.  It was good to be with my family to grieve and at the same time rejoice at this man's amazing a much lived life. 

One of the most treasured parts of the funeral and visitation was a PowerPoint of pictures of my grandpa. Being a photographer I am keenly aware of a lost moment when there is not something there for snapshots, therefore to see that his life was well documented made me smile.  There were photos there I had never seen. It was so great to see the robust, impish grin of a man full of many talents who overcame a hard life to lead a family towards Christ and ministry.  In less then a week I'll be traveling back up to Ohio on my first initial trip for Thanksgiving.  Though it will feel a little different not having my grandpa there,  I will find comfort in seeing his face among the many captured moments encircled by pieces of wood and plastic.  You never know how important that meaningless snapshot is until that person is no longer there to photograph. 

So my challenge to you is take photos like there's no tomorrow this holiday season.  Catch your Uncle Joe making faces, or your Aunt Ruby in that ugly Christmas sweater she loves.  Take the everyday and make memories last.

Treasury Thursday!!

After a small hideous from my Treasury last week I'm making up with a wonderful new treasury and a reminder of your chance to own of my prints for nothing.  Yup! Just check out my link available in my right hand column titled November Giveaway. Enjoy!!!

'Starlight and Snowflakes' by RaeoLight

Don't they just make a wonderful combination??

Starburst bloom - luxur... redrubyrose $98.00	Stars Sparkled in the S... catay $50.00	Recycled Sheet Music Mo... Deliverance05 $10.00
Silent Snowflakes - Mo... TwigsandBlosso... $34.00	Country Snowflakes Tile... MynskiandLibel... $12.95	Golden Star - Swarovski... JBMDesigns $24.00
Custom Ring Bearer Bloc... jenniferraichm... $38.00	Set of 3 Star Stakes fo... sierrametaldes... $9.00	vintage 1980s black SHO... brokenhipvinta... $34.00
Sparkling vintage rhine... MySoCalledVint... $20.00	Snow Globe- Photo Art L... heartworksbylo... $40.00	Starry 8x8 photo print viewfinder $18.00
Barn Star Peg Board Rus... CountryChicCot... $14.00	Soft Sheer Dark Blue Tu... FabricConnecti... $3.99	Sparkle Glass Plates whiteroomvinta... $7.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

A Meet-up for the Fun of it

, As most of my wonderful followers are from Etsy you are probably very aware that almost all my photos have nothing to do with portraits.  I have dabbled in them in the past but b/c of the 35 mm element behind my shots I preferred inanimate objects b/c they well are inanimate. 
However I have discovered so many great photographic groups in my area which allow for much out of comfort zone experiences. 
Yesterday afternoon I meet up with the about 15 area photographers to do just that.  They had a couple of wonderful volunteer models on hand and the fun of portrait taking commenced. It was a ton of fun and I am still waiting to get my film back from the processors.  Until that time I did get a couple of shots with my point and shot Nikon L11.  Here are the two results.

Since I don't have photo shop I decided to try out picnik. It was so much fun.  And it made my pictures look much better then expected.  Since this is only the third time I have attempted to take portraits I think it went quite well.  I might suggest if you're new to try out Picnik.  They allow free editing and it lets you get used to playing around with different effects.  Here is another shot I did last night with just slightly different style

I went with more of a 1960's feel for this.  I have to say it is one of my favorite shots.  It was semi-posed but only after on of the girls did this exact same look naturally and I just loved it so I had her do it again.  I've discovered that sometimes the best shots come from watching your subjects mannerisms and just having them repeat it again.

The hardest part of portrait taking is being able to communicate with your subject exactly what you see in your head.  With objects you don't really have to worry about that. Speaking of which I did manage to sneak in a photo that didn't have the wonderful models in it.

If you live in the Southwest Missouri area and would love to be apart of these fun meet ups feel free to join them on their Facebook page for more info or feel free to comment below.