Summer Watercolor Printables

Simple seasonal prints add a quick and easy update to shelves or mantel decor. I shared my newest watercolor-inspired printables as a part of the Celebrate Summer series on Today's Creative Life earlier this summer. If you haven't had a chance to stop over and get your copy, I'm sharing them here today.

If you've been here before, you've probably noticed I love to craft, but most days I'm a photographer at heart. I'm happiest when I find ways to blend the two pastimes:)

Today I'm sharing a two summer watercolor-style printables with you that I created by editing a couple of my own photos from years past. One of the things I love most about digital photography is the freedom and tools to create a new image I can use in decorating or crafting that might look or feel completely different from the original photo, but is still my own vision.

Tips for Adding Text to Your Favorite Photos

Whether you're adding text to photos to boost your social media presence, creating inspirational wall art, or enhancing the stories in your family memory albums...these simple tips for adding text to your photos are sure to come in handy. (I've even included a couple free photos for you to download and practice!)

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

If I'm working on my computer, Photoshop CC (part of the Adobe CC Photography Plan) and Photoshop Elements are still my go-to programs for editing and embellishing photos. That being said, with my iPhone almost always in reach and a love of Instagram, I find myself using apps on my phone for more and more of my workflow. Today I'm pointing out a few of my favorite apps for editing and embellishing photos. Snapseed is probably my favorite app for adjusting and editing photos on the go. I have to credit Chari over at Persnickety Prints for getting me hooked on that one. I really like the flexibility of working with layers, and once she pointed out the selective adjust tool, there was no going back! When I've got the look I want, I save to my camera roll and pull the photo into another app if I'm adding text. There are lots of great editing apps out there. My advice, try a few until you find one that works for you:)

Free Fall Photo Download

Autumn is such a beautiful season, but it passes far too quickly. In fact, we woke up this past week to our first taste of winter, and it's not going to warm up any time soon! It's even colder today with temperatures in the single digits. Brrr.

Even though winter white has replaced the array of fall colors out my window, I can't say I'm ready to say goodbye to fall just yet. So, here on the blog, I hope you'll indulge me if we let autumn stay around just a little longer.

Just Bloom: A Daisy of a Post & Free Photo Download

Recently I visited my sister's wildflower garden, camera in hand. It was a great place to practice with camera settings and composition. Read on for some tips and a link to summery printable wall art.

The daisies have taken over a bit, as you can see, but I think they made for some striking shots. I thought I'd share some of our favorites here.

Flowers in the garden provide countless opportunities for exploring composition. And, since flowers don't look away, frown, or need snack breaks, there's time to try out new or varied camera settings too!

Did you see how this shot changed? Similar composition and perspective, but the depth of field is much shallower. I like the painterly quality that the background took on.

Make It: 3-D Valentine with Heart Bokeh Background

So, if you're like me and still have a tree and holiday lights up, why not get a head start on a fun valentine?! (Disclaimer: I'm not usually very quick to "undeck the halls," but this year I had a reason to keep them up.  We had one last holiday gathering left to host on Saturday...)

Every year I see many versions of a 3-D Photo Valentine, and this year is no exception. I thought I'd share our version with you today.

What You Need

• Camera & Wide Aperture Lens
• Heart-shaped Bokeh Filter/Hood (Buy one from PhotoJojo here or make one here)
• Background Draped with Mini-Lights (a lighted Christmas tree works well)
• And, if your subject is a child, grab some flowers, a teddy bear, a doll, or anything to stand in while you check settings and take some practice shots. Save your child's patience for the real thing, trust me:)
• 4x6 print of Your Favorite shot
• Small scissors or craft knife
• Valentine Pencil (or other treat for the finished Valentine)
• Cutting mat or something to protect your work surface