My Studio

2012-01-09T11:31:00.002-06:00

My latest project at Mixbook:

| Learn About Mixbook Photo Books | Create your own Photo Book

A Windy Day

2011-04-28T11:13:00.005-05:00

A Windy Day, a photo by LD-Artist on Flickr.

“There's always a period of curious fear between the first sweet-smelling breeze and the time when the rain comes cracking down.”

~Don Delillo

Rain has fallen 16 of the 27 days this month in the Chicagoland area. That means this April has had more rainy days than any Chicago April since 1961! It had better bring about a lot of May Flowers!

2011-04-28T11:05:00.010-05:00

Our Cold Snap

2011-02-15T11:53:00.007-06:00

So while we were busy digging out from Snowmageddon Mother Nature threw another obstacle our way in the form of COLD! We found ourselves facing wind chills of 20 degrees below zero! Not even the dogs were allowed to be outside for more than 5 minutes. The girls had pity on poor Molly; who has no real outer coat to speak of. They piled coats and blankets on top of her in attempts to warm her up. She really didn't seem to mind!

Snowmageddon

2011-02-04T10:26:00.020-06:00

There's probably no good images that I took that can truly capture the sheer beauty that "Snowmageddon" brought with it. We got 20.5 inches in all. And before the flakes stopped falling people were outside with their snow blowers and shovels digging not only themselves but their neighbors out of the snow. People helping people; that was the mood through out the storm. That is why I can remember this storm, this "Snowmageddon" with fond memories.

The Big Rivalry

2011-01-08T15:48:00.032-06:00

Two of our towns biggest rivals were pitted against each other last night. Rivalries transform what would be just another normal game into something special. Two of my nephews are on the team so I went to support them and their team.

It was such an exciting game, very close. The other school won 26 to 27! The team was disappointed but they'll be many more opportunities to try again.

I went there with the intentions of taking some pictures but the action was fast paced and the photos blurry. I'm just glad I managed to get a few of the boys with their team mates.

Weeks #49 and #50

2010-12-26T14:46:00.005-06:00

I've been running terribly behind with my 52 project but better late than never.

Here is week #49. It was December 17th and I took the girls into town to shop for gifts. They had a wonderful time looking at all the holiday books!

Week #50 came from our "Photo Challenge Forum" - "Holidays". I captured a beautiful glass ornament and thought it would make the perfect entry into the challenge.

It sure is beginning to look an AWFUL lot like Christmas!

50 weeks down - two to go!

Week #48 Snow Dog

2010-12-05T14:20:00.009-06:00

We got our first real snow storm Saturday and the kids could not be happier. Lindze headed out and built herself a snow dog. She made eyes and a nose out of rocks she found under the bushes and the tail was a stick. It is just the cutest puppy ever! She did a great job!

Week #45

2010-11-15T10:59:00.010-06:00

It's been a few weeks since I uploaded my weekly photo but I have been keeping them up. I will be ordering a photo book at the end of the year. This has turned out to be a fabulous idea and I hope to do it all again next year.

So this is week #45. We had rain all weekend. The temperatures we in the 50s, chilly but not too cold. Certainly not cold enough to stop me from driving to the arboretum for some pictures.

I like the photo from the road but not this thumbnail size. It looses something. Better to click on it and see the larger size.

I like the photo of the leaves. Kinda sum up that day. I was heading back to the car after trying to shoot a bridge. The leaves with the rain drops on them caught my eye so I pointed the camera down and shot. I like this one better than any of the ones from the bridge. It was not a very productive day.

We did have a successful challenge though! I"m so happy! Everyone participated and we had our first vote this weekend. Now we're on to another challenge. I hope this week is just as productive!

Death of a Flower

2010-11-12T11:56:00.011-06:00

The challenge now over at Weekly Theme Challenge was "Death of a Flower". For some dumb reason I never thought to look at the flowers this time of year. I was greatly surprised at the number of photos I was able to get.

These two are my favorites. I found the first one in Karen's front yard. Not sure what it is but it had that classic dried flower feel.

Then my clematis blooms are going to seed. I was fascinated by the soft texture it created. I had loads of fun playing with this image trying to emphasis the softness.

The hydrangeas are another favorite of mine and I did find some beautiful bunches. They just didn't stand up to the texture the other two possessed.

The Motion Blur challenge is up today. Can't wait to start on the new challenge!

Motion Blur

2010-11-05T11:02:00.006-05:00

Way fun challenge this week by Zoe; Motion Blur. I learned a lot by researching the online photography sites. Fortunately we had some good weather so the kids could run outside and play while I tried my best to grab a shot. Julia was such a good sport, racing back and forth and back and forth on her scooter while I tried again and again and again for that one shot! And we got it! Yay! I can't believe how clear her face looks! I give her a lot of credit for being such a good sport.

Halloween is slowly winding down. The decorations still adorn a great many windows and doors and so I couldn't help but grab a few more shoots. I love this pumpkin's "hat" - for lack of a better word. I love the twisting and the textures. Plus it didn't hurt with that left over 'spider web' behind it. LOL

Click on either photo to view it on a larger scale.

Halloween Weekend!

2010-10-31T12:09:00.013-05:00

And so another October ends with the celebration of Halloween! On Friday the kids all got to wear their costumes to school. It was Lindze's first year and she was very excited to see what everyone was wearing! She was fortunate - being a cat, that no one in her class was a dog!

After school she was invited over to Julia and Lilly's to play. Lilly was a Dancer and Julia was a zombie! They had a blast running around the park all dressed up. After wards they made "Witches Finger" cookies while the older girls; Elyse and Payton watched a scary movie on TV.

On Saturday Lindze went with Mommy to her work to paint pumpkins. And for dinner we all met at Cheeseburger in Paradise for Ryan's birthday. Happy 16 Ryan! And then ofcourse, Sunday was Halloween! Hopefully everyone had a fun and safe holiday weekend!

Week #42

2010-10-24T15:54:00.002-05:00

This week the girls had two days off for teacher/parent conferences. We filled our days rediscovering the parks. We started with Willowbrook Wildlife Haven. Jen came this time and the girls were excited to show her the place.

The next day we hit the Arboretum. Elyse and I wanted to see some color. The girls just wanted to play. The girls had fun but due to our lack of rain the colors were some what muted. But I was able to grab a photo for the 52 challenge - week #42! Wonderful white pumpkin with orange behind it. Love it; it's my new desktop wallpaper.

Willowbrook Wildlife Haven

2010-10-21T22:14:00.011-05:00

This week we went back to the Willowbrook Wildlife Haven. I got some marvelous photos. The bobcat has recovered nicely and is much more social now. She stays around when people come by so I was able to get a nice, clean picture of her today.

I also got some snaps for the Autumn Challenge running over at the "Enter and Vote" photo challenge. "Bare" and "Autumn's Smallest Flair" are over at Flickr.

At our Photo Challenge Forum" it was Elyse's turn to post. She choose "Rings". Very clever idea, haven't heard of that before. As I was walking through the park I found the perfect entry in a park bench. Beautiful cast iron grill work. I like it!

Contrast

2010-10-12T11:49:00.015-05:00

My Challenge this week - Contrast!

I thought with all this color around us this time of year what a perfect challenge to fill. I grabbed these shots of the leaves at around sun set last night. The sun hit them just right and this gorgeous tree just lit up! This is nature at her finest! This photo doubled as Week #41 photo for the 52 Challenge.

Week #40 Happy Birthdays

2010-10-10T10:56:00.006-05:00

This October there's more birthday parties than ever with the addition of Julia on the 6th, Lilly on the 8th and Elyse on the 14th. Lots and lots of shopping to get done! But then... when is shopping not fun? LOL They had a wonderful party for the girls! Everyone had a marvelous time so this is my photo for the week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRLS!

Click on the photo for it's Flickr page.

ELEMENTS (EARTH, FIRE, WATER, WIND)

2010-10-10T10:43:00.006-05:00

This week at Weekly Theme Challenge the topic was Elements. I thought no one would pick earth so that's what I went for. I headed back to the side garden where I shot the mushrooms and I found some wonderfully colorful foliage growing over the dead log. I thought this one made for a fabulous entry for "Element"

Click on it for a better look

Tell A Story

2010-10-05T22:08:00.017-05:00

Our first challenge at Flickr. It's "Tell A Story".

Photographs have the ability to convey emotion, mood, narrative, ideas and messages – all of which are important elements of story telling.

That's often the difference between a good photograph and a really fantastic photograph! In a good photo, you might have a picture of your subject. The photo might be perfectly composed, well shot, in focus, and touched up to perfection -- and still missing that certain something. On the other hand, a slightly less technically perfect photograph can be much more successful if it gives you a sense of story -- for example, if you look at it and think, "Oh, what is happening here!

Here's two of mine for this challenge. I took the first photo today. The Halloween decorations are popping up everywhere and this year someone isn't as afraid any more! She boldly walked right up to this one hanging from the front door. Last year she would not have gone anywhere near it! LOL

The second one is of Stanley, patiently waiting for the bus to come. What I saw when I got home was how interesting Brian's shadow made the photo; standing there with his arms crossed.... even though I was standing right there, viewing the photo made me wonder, "now what was going on there?"

Week #39 Autumn

2010-10-04T11:00:00.008-05:00

It's getting colder now, we're full into fall. The days range from 60 to 70 the nights are wonderful! They'll range from 50s all the way down to the 30s. Beautiful sleeping weather!

All the Autumn decorations are out. Some have the Halloween decor, some opt for just the seasonal things.

We're into October now It's birthday time! Time to grab a jacket and head to the stores!

Ah, it's Fall!

Week #38 - Bird's Eye View

2010-10-04T10:56:00.004-05:00

My first entry in a new challenge group; Bird's Eye View.

I'm so bummed my old group; Photo Challenge Forum is closing. Hopefully they'll move over to Flickr and we can all just continue over there. I hope!

So this one is for another group; the Weekly Challenge Group (Easy enough).

Lindze is lovin' school! She's heavily into reading and is learning so darn fast! It's WONDERFUL!

September 29, 2010

Week #37

2010-10-04T10:54:00.002-05:00

This week's momentous moment was when I turned around and found Julia almost to the top of a tree! (gasp!)
The girls were more than happy to help me recreate the moment! Little Monkeys!

September 17, 2010

Week #36

2010-10-04T10:52:00.003-05:00

The kids are beginning to get into the routine of school and homework.
So this week this photo seems very appropriate

September 7th, 2010

Week #35

2010-10-04T10:51:00.001-05:00

I was cleaning out the garage when my brother pulled up with his 15 year old son behind the wheel!

WOW, another one getting ready to drive.
It's not fair how fast the time goes by.

September 4, 2010

Week #34

2010-10-04T10:50:00.003-05:00

Another one from my "bucket list" - a Renaissance Fair!
A photographers dream! Just had so much fun!
Here's Maximilian taking the field:

August 28th, 2010

Week #33

2010-10-04T10:47:00.005-05:00

Sunday we visited the Nicolet National Forest Preserve to see the Cathedral Woods:

August 15th, 2010

Week #32

2010-10-04T10:45:00.002-05:00

This past weekend we went white water rafting on the Wolf River
in upper Wisconsin. Quite the experience!

August 14, 2010

2010-10-04T10:44:00.003-05:00

Week #31

Saturday night our family took my Mom to her first concert.
She loves country music so we took her to see Lee Ann Womack and Mark Chestnutt.

She had just the best of times!
Happy Days Grandma Helen!

August 7, 2010

2010-10-04T10:39:00.003-05:00

Week #30

Thursday I visited the Botanical Gardens. My friend has been trying to get me out there for years!
No wonder! I loved it! I took 369 photos! It was hard to boil it down to just one, but I think this one is a favorite.

I'll have to find out what it's called but it's a big, wonderful, sunny flower!

July 29, 2010

Week #29

This week we went exploring at the Arboretum.
I was working the whole dutch angle bit so most of the photos were at an angle.
Here was one of my favorites from that day, love the trees behind them

Their bodies hid the horizon which makes it hard to tell it's on an angle,
which is why I didn't use it for the challenge.
It remains one of my favorites from that day.

July 19, 2010

Dutch Angle

2010-07-22T10:22:00.010-05:00

Learned about Dutch Angles this week.

"Dutch angle is accomplished by simply tilting the camera so the horizon is at an angle to the bottom of the frame of the shot"

The difficult part of using a dutch angle was to enable the angle to make sense. I had such a hard time with this technique. I found the most pleasing photo I took was of the sculpture "Steel Roots". Probably because it looks as though it's on an angle itself.

Another use for shooting on an angle is to

"portray the psychological uneasiness or tension in the subject being filmed."

For this I tried using one of the rats. The black one Isabelle wasn't very cooperative so I had to use Belle. Even at an angle all I saw was cute.

The one thing I took away from this challenge was the fact that even though I don't use an angle very much I DO like the way the photos look. It's something that I need to make a conscience effort to do more often!

"Baby Belle" --->
July 2010

Light Painting

2010-07-12T16:57:00.004-05:00

Pretty fun challenge this week. When I first thought about using "light paint" capturing traffic trails came to mind. Or leaving the lens open to get that lighting shot! Ah, good times.

So when I checked out what people are doing today with light I was completely blown out of the water!!! Some of the things folks have done are amazing!!! So I tried my hand at it. Not too successfully I admit. But I had fun.

So don't laugh TOO hard at my attempts to paint with light. After all, it was all in good fun!

Circles

2010-07-05T15:13:00.011-05:00

This week's challenge is "Circles".

I've been really into extreme close ups lately. I think it stemed from the nature shots I did last week. I'm even considering buying a macro lense.

I thought I'd experiment with my regular lense first, see how close it can get. I grabbed some screws and nuts to experiment on. I was pretty pleased with the result. I guess I'll wait on that macro lense - for a little while longer.

Nature

2010-06-25T17:30:00.008-05:00

This week's challenge is "Nature". Simple enough, also my absolute favorite! I grabbed the camera and headed into the garden!

The white flowers are from the Hydrangea bush. Those flowers change color and texture as the year crawls on. Check it: Fall & Winter. Cool Huh?

I took several photos of the "Little Angel". I can't decide which one I like better; the vertical or horizontal one. I'll show the horizontal crop here. Love my Little Angel.

Reflections

2010-06-19T11:13:00.005-05:00

This week: "It's really pretty simple, use anything you can to capture a reflection. Glass, mirrors, water, windows, any kind, any where, anyhow ...and have fun!"

My first thought was of a photo I had taken of Tyler years ago. We were trying to show off his "shiner" (he was so proud). I put him in front of the mirror and, WOW, did it turn out great! So today I recreated it with "Lil Miss". She brought a bit of softness to it. She's such a good sport (as well as a great lil' model!)

Fences

2010-06-11T16:02:00.013-05:00

This week's photo challenge was a "simple subject; Fences" My first thought was the garden entrance. Early June is when the clematis are in full bloom and they adorn the fence with flowers this time of year! I just love this spot right now.

My second thought was of the gate on the other side of the yard. I took a photo of this sign last year and I really liked the way it turned out so I recreated that. I like this result!

Seating

2010-05-04T08:43:00.003-05:00

"Love empty chairs, and benches. Something about them is just begging to be photographed. So that's it; photograph seats."

The weather called for a fabulous day; high in the 70s with warm winds. We HAD to go to the Arboretum! With my camera over my shoulder I searched for "seats". I guess my favorite has to be the logs since they're so "casual" and SOOC. The bench came in a strong second. The entries for this challenge are spectacular! Great idea!

Vehicles

2010-05-04T08:36:00.005-05:00

ve·hi·cle:–noun

1.any means in or by which someone travels or something is carried or conveyed; a means of conveyance or transport: a motor vehicle; space vehicles.
2.a conveyance moving on wheels, runners, tracks, or the like, as a cart, sled, automobile, or tractor.

And that was the challenge.
On the very day the entries were due we went to the Garden Place to check out new plants coming in. I was able to grab a few shots of the wagons they have available for shoppers. I went with the stacked wagons but I liked the other one as well.

The Candid Shot

2010-04-20T09:37:00.009-05:00

This week's challenge was to grab a candid portrait. As defined at flickr:

1. Candid: This means no posing, no studios, no lighting set up and no models. Images should attempt "perfecting the immersion of a camera within events". As much as possible, the camera must be unobtrusive to the subject or, at least, to the context of the image. A smile and a glance at the camera is fine, but no more.

I was lucky, this weekend was Lindze's birthday party; 5 years old! Wow! I had plenty of opportunities to capture that candid shot. 150 photos to be exact!

My favorite turned out to be Ellie swinging on the "dot" out front. But a shot of Angelina riding the bike came in a fast second. Such lovely, little ladies. Such a wonderful weekly challenge!

5 miles

2010-04-15T08:06:00.003-05:00

This week's challenge was to photograph anything within a five mile radius from your home. There was so many to choose from I couldn't decide. On Monday morning I asked the kids where they would like to go that day. Jack answered the Wildlife Haven. He reminded me we hadn't been there since last summer so off we went.

I took 150 photos that day, it was hard to choose just one. I went with this photo below of a tiny, little falcon. One of the volunteers had it out enjoying the afternoon. It had broken a wing and the wing had never healed right. The American Krestle now resides at the haven.

Food

2010-04-02T17:51:00.006-05:00

What better time to do a food challenge? This week Lindze and I started decorating the house for Easter. She had a ball with these eggs I bought at Pier One. So, since I have no idea how to take photos of food I thought I use this photo for the challenge!

With the entrance of April our temperatures rose into the 70s - NOT the norm for our area. With the week off for spring break I was able to get outside and do some spring cleaning in the garden. I found our Forsythia Bush in full bloom. It's just beautiful! I thought it would be the perfect subject for this week photo. It represents spring!!!!

Blur - Cause Focus is Over Rated

2010-03-31T14:32:00.003-05:00

I absolutely LOVE the title of this week's challenge! Awesome!

I had some wonderful photos from weeks past that were blurry. I never delete anything - even if they are blurry! LOL But I wanted to keep to my goal and take the photo especially for the challenge. So Lindze was my model. She was hysterical spinning and posing for the camera! We had loads of fun.

This is week #12 for the year. On Saturday Lindze had a date with the Easter Bunny at the Easter Egg Hunt. So on Friday I took her out and we found a suitable outfit since the temperatures decided to plunge! We found a dress with leggings and we found a new basket at Pier One. I put her hair up in pig tails and we were off! I'm sure what was more fun; the Easter Egg Hunt or the shopping! In the end I think it was the hunt!

Bird's Eye View

2010-03-24T08:03:00.003-05:00

This week's challenge is to get a photo from a bird's eye view.
We went to the arboretum, the first time this year! Yay! I tried to grab some photos but because I had the ISO set WAY too high a lot of them did not turn out. One that did was a photo taken from the top of the lookout platform. I thought it turned out really good so I used this

This year the Arboretum features the "Steel Roots" exhibit by transformational artist Steve Tobin. We focus on the Confers Path where the kids ran around playing on the various sculptures. My favorite was the last one. It reminded me of a pine cone. I got loads of photos of this one. It'll be this week's photo; week #11

Nature's Grunge

2010-02-27T13:51:00.014-06:00

This week it's MY challenge; Nature's Grunge! It's my first so I hope everyone likes it!

One of my favorite forms of photography is Urban Decay or Grunge. I love the sharp lines, the shadows and the textures. I found that in nature those elements abound! Think of it as "Nature's Grunge". So that's my challenge this week; find and photograph "Nature's Grunge".

Here's some examples out of my collection of what I consider

"Nature's Grunge".

Olympic Spirit

2010-02-23T08:44:00.004-06:00

This week is the start of the winter Olympics. For this week's challenge, being the International community that we are, the challenge is to capture the spirit of the Olympics in a photograph.

We did have snow this week but there was no getting the kids out of the house. And let's face it, I wasn't exactly pushing them out the door. I didn't want to go out either - it was cloudy and cold and I was in a lazy, lazy mood.

I did manage to capture the flag over at the school. I found out that there were a multitude of different ways a flag can fly (or flap). When reviewing the shots I was lucky to find this one. I think it's a wonderful view of old glory. :-)

Repetition

2010-02-16T16:18:00.002-06:00

I like this week's challenge; it's all about repetition. I never really thought about repetition in photographs but when I saw the examples I realized what an impact they can have!

The weather still makes good photography a challenge so I had to limit myself to photographing inside the house. Here's what I came up with. I kinda like it!

Self Portrait

2010-02-05T17:01:00.008-06:00

That's right. It was time for the dreaded "Self Portrait" assignment. This time there was a twist. They didn't want the "typical stand in front of the mirror and shoot" photo. No, they wanted "edgy, artsy," us only different.

I took an amazing amount of photos, even for me. But it was no use. I was not going to be able to put a photo of me, online without heavy editing in Adobe.

Thank goodness, thank goodness I have Adobe!!! I used it's magic and this was the result. I love how, if you look close you can see the reflection of me holding the camera. Thanks to Adobe I was able to complete this challenge early. Now on to a new photo challenge at Paislee Press ; "Develop on Friday".

Covers

2010-02-03T17:13:00.010-06:00

This week's challenge is to photographically represent a cover. What is a "cover"? In this instance it is a cover of anything - album, CD, book, magazine, poster - anything!

This sounded like an awesome challenge!

But wow... this was HARD!!! I found this photo of an album by an artist known as Fjordne. The album's called "The Setting Sun (Kitchen)" It looked SO much like the radio that I had admired in the Wachtel's home that I had to reenact it! So here is my rendition:

I absolutely LOVE the outcome! A difficult challenge with a wonderful reward! I think when I scrap this page with the lyrics to Rush's "Spirit of the Radio".

:-)

Listen to the Picture

2010-01-25T08:23:00.008-06:00

"This week we could either choose a song and photograph it or choose a photo and find a song and tell its history."

I wanted to put a photo to a song. There were so many of my favorite songs to choose from. I had so many ideas running through my head! I went with Nickelback:

"If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life
Let nothin' stand in your way
Cause the hands of time are never on your side"

Lyrics by Chad Kroeger
Nickelback

I liked this photo and cropped it close because you can see movement on the hand of the clock.

Crop

2010-01-16T11:25:00.024-06:00

To quote Marie this week's challenger, "..(there's) something about having just the right crop can really bring that something special to a photo." This week's challenge; to crop.

It does force me to look through the lens in a whole new way. I love the photos with close crops, and that's the hardest thing for me to do! I tend to want the whole subject in the picture OR to throw them off balance with lots of space to one side.

So, with that in mind I took these photos from around the house. Above; the rat statue that I received last Christmas.

Since it's Saturday; which means Lindze is here so I had to grab a picture of her.

And keeping herself busy Lindze turned on the tealights under the TV and so helped me take this wonderful shot! Now I just need to figure out which one to submit??? Any suggestions?

Resolution

2010-01-07T21:54:00.023-06:00

My resolution for 2010:

"I will put my energies into the positive.
Look for and enjoy the good things in my life"

Which is why this week's challenge is so interesting.
The topic: "Resolutions - Photograph it"

How do I put that into a photograph it?

Someone (Amy) suggest I shoot what makes me happy. My first thought are the kids! But it would be impossible to gather them all for one shot; believe me I've tried! LOL

My second thought was those photos that I took of the quite, peaceful moments in life. I love the garden photos, the photos of the fallen snow blanketing the ground. Now that would be easy to find this time of year here in the midwest. And a nice snow storm was forecasted. What luck! LOL

I took a few photos of Megan and Jack playing in the snow. I used my zoom lens and shot them from the balcony. Once I was satisfied I had some good photos of them I looked around for that peaceful, serene shot; I found the bird house covered with the snow.

If you click on it you can view it a bit larger, if you look close enough you can actually see the snow falling. I can still hear the sound of the kids playing in the snow. A nice, peaceful photo.

New Year!

2010-01-06T17:07:00.023-06:00

We'll soon be out of the "00" years and entering the awkward double digits. For this week's challenge they suggested we comb through the photos we took this year and find our favorites. I narrowed it down to four.

Ofcourse "Abby" is a finalist. How can I forget that face. So angelic. So sweet. So Abby!

"Winter" was another favorite and not just because it was a beautiful photo but because it was such a wonderful day. I'll never forget the fun the kids found in the frozen grounds of the Arboretum.

I absolutely adore "Imagine" the photo I took of the dry creek bed in the garden. This one I have printed out and have hanging in the house.

And last is the picture I took of a field of flowers. I don't even know what kind it is but this was early, early spring and these were the first signs that winter was truly over. Maybe that's why I like it so much!

It was a great year to for photos.
And I am looking forward to exploring more of my camera can do.

Happy New Year One and All!
See you in the galleries!

December Celebrations

2009-12-27T11:06:00.010-06:00

This week's challenge was to simply share your favorite December celebration picture. I wanted to try and capture something on Christmas Day to share. I got the presents under the tree.

I even got the tree - I was going for the star burst effect with the lights!

I really didn't capture a good picture of the family. I was more enjoying myself than working on a picture.

After dinner we had the best time. Somehow a staring contest came up. Karen told everyone that no one can beat Lindze in a staring contest. Everyone tried, some came close, but she remains the champ. Her victory over the family gave me the best shot of the day.

Lindze Wins!

I photoshopped it in Adobe and Picnik due to the crappy background; I still had the tripod up from the family dinner picture. The editing worked and I think if nothing better comes up in the next few days this will be my entry for the "December Celebrations" challenge.

Holiday Decorations

2009-12-18T14:23:00.004-06:00

One week till the big day. The last challenge really got me into the holiday spirit and I was so happy to find this week's challenge is all about Holiday Decorations. "Show us your favourites, your oldest, your most prized decorations and have fun!!!!" Here's the first thought that ran into my head; Rudolf!

Back in the day this was the show I looked forward to the most. I could really relate to those poor misfit toys.

Christmas Lights

2009-12-13T09:51:00.013-06:00

Two weeks till Christmas! And that's why this week's challenge is so welcomed. The challenge to try and capture a bokeh photo using holiday lights. I haven't shot a good holiday tree photo in years so I looked forward to trying this out!

There were two ways to take photos this week. One was going for the bokeh effect. Bokeh derived from Japanese meaning "blur" or "haze". Here's a good example: Textured Bokeh

********************************

The other option was to go for the Star Burst. I really like the star burst effect. And now that I have a good tripod that is the technique I went for.

While taking the photos I noticed the lovely the shadows the lights were creating on the wall. So I moved in closer to grab an image with those shadows added. I just love how it turned out!!

They are so pretty! Now I'm really getting into the holiday spirit!

Water

2009-12-05T18:00:00.012-06:00

This week's challenge in a word: WATER
Some of the most remarkable photos out there are of water drops.
There's some great links I followed to find out how to take them.
But with our horrendous weather outside and Lindze spending Friday and Saturday with me it's somewhat difficult to do. So I reverted back to some of my favorite pictures of WATER.

A goose from the lake in Lisle

The same lake flooded from the rains

And Mueller's Lake in WI.
I sat on the shore and took pictures while the kids swam. I like the horizontal and vertical lines.

The links for water drops from Nadia

You Can Click!
Scott Photographics
HypergURL
Ephotozine

And from Marie:

Digi Photo School
Another Digi Photo School

Point of View

2009-11-27T11:52:00.012-06:00

This week's challenge is to change the photographs point of view. "Put the camera on the ground", take a picture from an ant's point of view.

That worked out perfectly when George was taking one of his many naps. I got down and snapped this picture. He is so darn cute!!!

Once awake I took him outside to the patio for some more shots. I love this one since you can even see his name tag. He looks so sweet and innocent!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T19:49:00.006-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!
I am so thankful for my family and friends!
May we all be so blessed.

Familiy Portraits

2009-11-15T16:03:00.006-06:00

This week's challenge; the Family Portrait.
This time "leaning toward the casual, candid type" of photo.

Because I was ill I wasn't able to go out and get a lot of photos. Lindze was over Sunday so I captured a moment with Maggie. She so sweet with her.

I also love this one of Lindze and Ryan that I took a month ago. Thought the challenge certainly suited this one.

Accent Color

2009-11-08T13:37:00.007-06:00

This week's photo challenge is to take a color shot, desaturate the photo, except for one element that must stay in color. This way it brings into the light one (essential) element.

Okay so in my first attempt with Louie I didn't keep an "essential element" in color. But I thought it turned out brilliantly.

Since the weather is turning colder, the darkness falling earlier summer is fading away. Playing ball is no longer a favorite passtime. And so the ball sits, sad and neglected.

Autumn's splendor gasps it's last breath!

Color Challenge

2009-10-23T12:39:00.012-05:00

Last week's challenge was so much fun!
Can not tell just how many shots I took!

This week's challenge is to document the colors and changes going on where we live. Some folks are on the other side of the world and are experiencing spring! As for us, the clouds have not cleared so we went to the Arboretum -- in the rain -- and had fun taking photos. Here's some of what I took:

So even thought the place was cold, wet and empty we still manage to grab some of the color of the season - and had fun doing it!

A New Adventure!

2009-10-18T15:34:00.008-05:00

This week I joined a new web site featuring photo challenges!
I want to put this new camera to work!

This week's challenge was a personal favorite; playing with the depth of field!

I was lucky as the clouds actually parted and I was able to get out and grab some shots.

The Hydrangea bush - click to view larger

Lindze this morning. Such a champ pausing her play so I can get her picture. Funny the online version looks "gritty". Hmmm...

Forecast Rain

2009-03-14T10:17:00.006-05:00

I had so much fun with this page.
I was able to use 6 of the photos I shot that rainy, rainy day in the page.
There's six pictures in this one page.
That sounds so nuts but it was loads of fun!

<-- as always, click to see the larger size

Credits:
Paper Vinnie Pearce's "I Live For"
Frame Vinnie Pearce's "U.S. Freebie"
Paper behind photo: Vinnie Pearce's "Romance Me" strip.
Stitching by Anna Aspnes and Katie Pertiet

2009-02-28T12:58:00.006-06:00

The layout for Izaac's 16th birthday party Feb. 21st.
<-- CLICK ON IT to see it better.

Credits include: Background photo "37" by Valeria Moreiro at stock.chng
Wooden Frame by Vinnie Pearce "Time Out" kit
Photo frame by Katie Pertiet
Masking tape by Annie Manning
Magnify glass "glare" by Katie Pertiet

Journaling reads:

I simply can't fathom where the time went? Izaac is 16. Since he was in Wisconsin for his actual birth day; February 15th, Karen threw him a party on the 21st. Izaac’s friends were there as well as Karen’s crowd and of course family. Everyone brought along good cheers and well wishes. They mostly hung out downstairs playing Wii and some computer games. We did see them occasionally when they came up for food and drink. Sheri was there with her daughter Riley. Carol brought her two girls Danielle and Niki. Kelly and Tim came with their two girls Shelby who is turning 16 in two weeks and Monroe who will be 13 next month! Jamie was there with her son Alex. Roseanne came a little later. Her daughter Jessica will be engaged some time this year. And the really big news; Sheri is going to become a grandmother this year! Wow, what a year!

2009-02-15T15:31:00.005-06:00

"The Show at Shoreline"

On February 14 Shoreline GSDC had their winter dog show.
The journaling reads:

"Sara came down all the way from Antigo just to show under Bart. But Leon just wasn’t up to the challenge. Not that we cared. Sara cared.

We all told her that there wasn’t anything she couldv'e done to show him any better. A little more time,
another show
another day....
They'll have their day!"

Leon was in the 9 to 12 puppy class and just wasn't ready to show. This show was his practice.

Go ahead and click on it to see it larger!

I made the page in yellow, since that's the color of the ribbon they won.

Credits include:

Paper out of Jofie Devoe - "Painted With Autumn Sun" kit
Ribbon, sparkles and feather by Vinnie Pearce "My Drama Queen" kit
Hanging Star from Jofie Devoe's "Dream Whispers" kit.

Thanks for looking!

2009-02-02T19:10:00.003-06:00

"2009"

This will be the first page of the 2009 photo album
I think it turned out great! The hardest part was finding the right picture! LOL

The journaling reads:

"Someone recently pointed out to me that 2009 is going to be a very momentous year! This January we welcome our first African-American president to the White House! History we were all fortunate to take part in. In February television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital! Since television was invented it has always broadcast in analog! History again. But the big news is that in February Izaac will be turning 16. He’ll be eligible to drive! The lil’ kid I used to baby-sit, who’s diapers I used to change is going to be 16! Remarkable.
Then in March Jackson is becoming a teenager. A teenager? Our little Jack!? I still remember him in those Lil’ Swimmer Diapers running around pool side at Disney World. His little body trying hard to fill that big lounge chair.
In June, Devin -- the first born, Devin will be turning 20! I remember her entering her teens and now she's leaving them behind?
Next fall Ryan will be entering high school. I remember so well going to his open house and meeting his first grade teacher, listening to him read for the first time. Now he’ll be in high school.
Grandma is another one with a milestone birthday this year; she’ll be 75 in October. I can remember when she was turning 50 and I was turning 25. I remember Glen Johnson saying she will never be my exact double age again. She was turning 50 then and now I am?! I could never, ever imagine myself at 40 much less 50. Didn’t I just turn 40?
Wasn’t I just getting used to being 40? And now I’m facing 50? It just doesn’t seem possible. But as this family has learned again and again, all things are possible in this world and will continue to be so.
Here’s to facing the future, here’s to 2009"

Credits:

Background photo "Old Window" by iammi-z
"Retro TV" photo by Craig Jewell
Bear by Mateusz Stachowski
Leaf and branch by Jofia Devoe

TFL

2009-01-19T11:31:00.003-06:00

HAPPY MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY!

Wow, how appropriate that tomorrow is the Inauguration!

This layout is actually for November 2008 when Obama was elected President. Finally got around to finishing it today.

The original layout by Jess Hunt (by the same name) is so brilliant I was complete intimidated into creating one my way! Here's the original:

"All Things Are Possible"

The products I used:

Paper by Jofia Devoe "Sweet Song" kit
Ribbon by Jofia Devoe "Sweet Song" kit
Speech by Barack Obama
(click to view larger - hopefully you can read it)
Staples by Patti Knox and Vinnie Pearce
Postal Date brush by Katie Pertiet

Thanks for looking!

2009-01-15T19:34:00.006-06:00

Brrr.....

It's so cold out there!

I thought I should start scraping current events other than my own family and friends. To begin with; this year's weather!

We've broken records for snow fall and now for cold. Yesterday I took this picture to show just how deep the snow was. (Click on it and you'll see it better) You can barely see the landscaping lamp it's just buried in the snow! I just love this photo. So I'm scraping it here with a little tidbit on today's forecast. This should be interesting to read in August! It reads:

Forecast for Thursday, January fifteenth.
Subzero over the metro area -- this winter's coldest to date and more than 30-degrees below normal. Sunshine, but stinging northwest winds 10 to 22 m.p.h. generate dangerous wind chills of 20 to 30 degrees below zero. The first full calendar day here since Feb. 3, 1996, to remain below zero. Clear, bitterly cold at night. Lows: minus 16 at O'Hare: 21 below coldest outlying areas.

Most of the elements are by Vinnie Pearce; the flower, the dots, the "diamond" and the smaller "snow flakes" wandering about. And another all time favorite designer Anna Aspnes. Those are her flourishes in the upper left hand corner and behind the flower.

Thanks for looking!

A Chance of Snow

2009-01-09T19:39:00.004-06:00

HAPPY 2009!

And it's the first layout of the year.
Well, the first layout using a picture from 2009

It's of Lindze outside today.
She was running around in the snow while I was using the snow blower.

I've been wanting to use some of the Tim Allen "Michigan" ad slogans in a layout for ever now and today I finally got to use one.

Here's what the journaling says:

"The forecast is in;
“a chance of snow”.
And for those of us who love winter
these words mean so much more.
They mean a chance to concur new hills,
explore new trails,
a chance for first steps,
a chance to leave the world behind.
It's our chance to bundle up,
get outside and laugh with the ones we love
Welcome Winter 2009!"

Isn't that great?

(I think if you click on the image you can see it larger.)

HAPPY 2009

Family

2008-10-19T14:59:00.010-05:00

Hey all,

Time for a new layout.

If you didn't know Steve flew in from L.A. for a visit.
I have so many pictures it's gonna take some time to post them all!

We had a great visit. One of the things he wanted to do was go to the Arboretum to see the changing leaves. He picked the perfect time to go. They say it was the peek weekend.

I took a good 140 pictures that day. Most of them were combined to make one large panoramic photo like the one in this month's layout; "Family". If you click on it you can get a better look.

For you scrapbookers I used elements from a new site; "Pixel Canvas" I know I've told a few of you about it. The owner is a fantastic artist and I just love her work. So naturally I like her scraping supplies. If you don't digi scrap I'd still visit it to have a look see at her stuff. Pretty cool.

Till another date!

2008-10-19T14:59:00.001-05:00

Model Pupil

2008-09-14T15:56:00.006-05:00

This was a few weeks ago; Lindze doing her best "Super Model" poses. It took all I had not to laugh out loud!

I espeically like the finger to the lips, and she sure has the "pout" down! :-)

<--- click on it to see it larger

Credits include:

Paper by Dana Zarling, Janice Dye-Szucs and Katie Pertiet

Side papers created using Marcie Reckinger's Curled Border, Anna Aspnes' Curled Edges and Anna Aspnes' Chunky Torn Edges #1
Those frames are Katie Pertiet's Vintage Photo Frames No. 6
The flourishes are Katie Pertiet's Doodle Do Flourishes No. 1
The masking tape is Annie Manning's "Tape"
Staples by Patti Knox
"Snapshot" is Katie Pertiet's "Loosely Labeled Tags"
The "Happy" post mark is Katie Pertiet's "Postmark Celebrations"
Star created using Guggenheim's "Guggsystars" brushes
"You make me laugh" -- Katie Pertiet's "Expression Tapes"

and that's about it.
Till nex time.....

I'm Thankful For

2008-09-07T16:02:00.004-05:00

A quick favorite.

This was based on the layout "A Very Welcomed Vistor" by
Esther A at Designer Digitals.

The photograph was taken at Y.T.'s "Weenie Roast" last weekend, the 31st of August. Ryan just gets the biggest kick out of playing with Lindze. No wonder he's her favorite "big kid".

To create the effect with the photograph I used was is called a "clipping mask".
I found a video on how to create one here, at You Tube:

"Clipping Mask Part I"

You should try it.
It's easy and you can get some fantastic results!

Credits include:
Paper, title and Frame by Vinnie Pearce
Free at her new blog: "Right Now"
Staples by Patti Knox
Date stamp by ME

Till next time!

Nap Time

2008-08-29T18:08:00.014-05:00

I have so many pics of Lindze.
I've probably documented every new moment
she's had over here - but one.
The dreaded MELT DOWN!

And even in "melt-down" mode she is adorable!

<--- click for a larger view I found out that one of my favorite Digi-Designers; Vinnie Pearce has a blog and was offering some mini kits for folks to play with. I wanted to try some out. This page was made using her things.

Her blog: "Right Now"

Credits:

Paper, title and heart by Vinnie Pearce out of her "Moment of Special" free mini kit

Overlay made using japonka's "Floral Extraction"

Word "Nap" using Victoria Greenlees' "Delicate Dreams" alphabet

Clock Katie Pertiet's "Clock Parts"

Stitching made using Jackie Eckles' "Quirky Stitches" in black

Photo frame by Jessica Sprauge's "Companion Digital Kit"

"Lil' Bit Tag" by Katie Pertiet

"Wall Clock" by Benicio

From the same day..
My Very First You Tube Video:

Paula Cole

2008-07-15T13:03:00.006-05:00

As usual, click on this to see it larger.

This is from the Paula Cole concert.
You can see what great seats we got!
20 feet I'd say from the stage!

Anyone ever get a chance to see her she is GREAT in concert!

The lyrics are from the song"Comin' Down"

"I'm free here in the mountains of peace may I be,
I see the greatness above and the smallness of me.
So free, here in garden awake consciously,
I see the greatness within, the greatness in me."

Credits:

Terri for the picture
Paper by Dana Zarling
Photo frame Vintage Frame No. 8 & Tied Fasteners by Katie Pertiet
Staples Patty Knox

Clearing

2008-06-29T09:27:00.003-05:00

I'm focusing on enhancing photos.
This one's from the spring when we visited the arboretum.

Besides the original the photo contains:

"Light Effect" by Dora Mitsonia
"Chartreuse lichen on Rock" by Andrew Beierle
"Dirty Wall" by Ali Farid

Thanks for looking!

Serenity

2008-05-25T18:10:00.004-05:00

<-- click for larger view

I'm finding my way out of the "fantasy" phase!
Yay!

That's one of the things I'm enjoying with this blog. I can scroll down and see how my digi-art is developing! Very fun.

Ok, so Miss "K" posed for this layout when we went on our Arboretum Trip in May. This is simply layering textures and playing with the blending modes. Credit for all the fabulous textures goes to:

clothe 2 by "Jake and Lee'
Pretty 37 by "Inthenameof-Stock"
Soft 16 by "Inthenameof-Stock"
Katie Pertiet's Floral Clusters No. 2

If you want to see what's involved in this just click on one the links above. They've got so much to share!

Till next time,
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

Autumn Stand

2008-05-17T08:52:00.014-05:00

(Click to see better)

This one I'm defiantly printing out!

This week's is a flashback to last fall. I took this photo at the Dog Park with lil' Lou. This little tree had one or two lonely leaves on it still, holding on to Fall before it's big sleep through the winter. (I suppose it's blooming now)

Credits include:

Blas Lamagni's "Adobe 6"
Steven Ritts "Sunset Rays"
Insan's "Paper Texture"

Thanks for looking

Stormy Delight

2008-05-11T12:13:00.005-05:00

(click to enlarge)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

I finally got to this photograph. The kids were so excited about the previous layouts they wanted to see more. I haven't had the time to get to them. I found time this weekend so here's one!

Credits:

Stock exchange photo "Waiting" by The Frog
AP-TURE's photograph "Storm Blowing In!" also at Stock exchange
Black dress by "Fallin Stock" at Deviant artist
Texture "Muddy Paint" by Sol Stock at Deviant artist
"Hair Brush" by Trisste atDeviant artist
"Light Beam" by SS at Deviant artist

Thanks for looking

Explore Your Dreams

2008-05-02T10:58:00.009-05:00

Another fantasy layout.

I seem to be stuck in this format. Lindze loves seeing herself in these layouts. When she's here she always asks for the album so she can take her time and see all the pictures. How can I say no when she so clearly loves it! :-)

<-- click to enlarge

The photo is from her 3rd birthday party. The forest photo is from up in WI, the road going to Muller's Lake.

Other credits include:

"On the Lake" by Jade1493
"Bird of a Feather" Brushes by Midnight Touch
Flame's glow by FallnBrushes
"Glitter brushes" by Redheadstock
"Water brushes" by Redheadstock

Thanks for looking and don't forget to click to get a closer look.

The Gambol

2008-04-20T18:27:00.006-05:00

(Click on to Enlarge)

It was eventual that I'd come to use this picture of Sara taken back in 2005. For those of you who know it how can we forget that crazy picture in which she's dancing (I guess you'd call it that?) in front of the bon fire. Some sort of pre-tween tribal rite I suppose. Anyway, it was a great shot so it stars in this week's layout; Gamboling.

gam*bol
intr.v. to leap about playfully; frolic. n. A playful skipping or frolicking about.

The photo of Sara and the lake are my own.
I used a second picture for the background; "Waterfall" by Zdeslav Schreiber.
A "texture" photo gave it that painted feel: "Rust in Peace" by Brandon Gandy .
She was wearing a tee-shirt and jeans, in the jeans place is a skirt by Lisajen; "Gold 9"

I used a multitude of brushes, three by Redheadstock;

Two brush sets were by Trisste:

This one was really fun to do. Hope you all enjoy it as much as me!
Till next time get out and enjoy the season!

Making Friends

2008-04-12T10:18:00.004-05:00

(click to enlarge)

Learned a lot from creating this layout. I had fun discovering how to create smoke and painting in the folds of her dress. I think as a first timer it turned out great. I also found some wonderful brushes to use. They are:

"Fairy Brushes" by Obsidian Dawn
"Faerie Wings" by Falln -Brushes
"Birds of a Feather" Brushes by midnightstouch

Stock photos from:

Castle photo found at "Bulb Media"
"Rock" by Aave
"Coastline" by Jos van Galen

One more thing before you move on, the pixie Lindze is holding is her grandmother, taken some 60 years ago at a dance recital. Ain't photoshop grand!?

Without Wings

2008-03-29T17:22:00.005-05:00

To create this layout I used a combination of photos and scrapbooking elements and manipulated them using blending modes, filters and masks. The words are lyrics from a song called, "Flying Without Wings" written by Wayne Hector and Steve Mac. (I shortened it up a bit.)

(click to enlarge)

The photos used to create the background include:

Superstart's Black Tree
Tsanchez01's Blue Bubbles
4younity's Starfield
Mr. Ristoo's Blue Strings

The frame is by Kellie Mize.

My thanks to the artist for the use of their photos and elements.

The Calm

2008-03-22T13:42:00.007-05:00

(click to enlarge)

Another layout created using a combination of photos and manipulating them using blending modes, filters and masks. This one turned into one of my favorites. To create it I used the following photos, click on each to view the original photo.

A big thank you goes out to them all!
Till next time.

Wood Nymph

2008-03-15T13:52:00.011-05:00

(click to enlarge)

This one took a long time. I couldn't decide on a wide variety of things; water, hair, background lighting, ect.... I just kept changing things around, finding new photos. I believe this one is the final one. (*I hope*)

I love the photo of Sara. When I started working with it it quickly became a work of fantasy - a "Nymph" themed page. I really wanted to stay clear of fantasy but what can I say? Once I began working, this is what it became.

Credits include:

Dsnap's "Manabe Beach"
Thunksalot's "Forest Floor"
Fishmonk's "Flow"

Comments always welcomed. Although I did find out you have to "sign in" to leave one. So if you don't have an account just e-mail me.

Buh-bye

Sail Boat

2008-03-09T13:14:00.008-05:00

If you're looking for "Feeling Small" you'll have to scroll down.
I finished "Sail Boat" on Saturday. Still recuperating and passing the time in Adobe. I like how this one turned out. The photo is almost a year old, she's still just as cute!

This is the result of playing with the blending modes in Adobe. So simple and yet such a dramatic effect! This one is destined to be printed out.
The layout contains two of my own photos as well as Crisderaud's "Waterfall Texture" and Deboer's "Winter". Both photos I found at stock.xchng.

If you like to see a larger view simply click on the photo.
As always leave me a comment so I know you were here.

Feeling Small

2008-03-07T16:45:00.007-06:00

<--- (Click for a larger view)

I took this photo in 2006. It was so long ago but I never forgot it and it found it's place today in this layout; "Feeling Small".

I have found a definition of the type of layout this is referred to; "Photo Manipulation - Digital Art." I found many similar pages at a site called
"Deviant Art". This site covers every type of digital art imaginable! It's a fabulous place for inspiration. Check it out.

That site lined me to another site where users share photos online for personal use. It's called; "Stock.Xchng". I've bookmarked that one as well.

This continues to be my passion while I try and recuperate from this stubborn cold. Hopefully I'll be able to post more layout soon.

AS ALWAYS; let me know you stopped by by COMMENTING on this layout! (nobody ever comments!)

Till next time - LD

I Wonder

2008-02-29T14:09:00.011-06:00

I decided to post the layout I created this week to this blog instead of my digi gallery because I'm not sure it qualifies as scrapbooking. I need your opinion! What do you think?

<-- you can click on it to get a better look.

I took these pictures at the mall. Not two minutes after I took these photos poor Ty fell and split open his chin. 8 stitches! It was such a traumatic day I wanted to place the photos into a very serene scene. This feels right!

Is this still scrapbooking?

Credits:

The tropical waterfall I found as a screen saver at art-screensavers.com.
The wings are by Katie Pertiet - Designer Digitals
The blue background paper at the bottom is also by Katie.
The title is by Anna Aspens

I used with a couple of filters and actions:

Filter/Artistic/Poster Edge
"Sharon's Colored Sketch" by Sharon Lee Core

and I played around quite a bit with the blending modes. That's how I got that ripples under the swan. It's using the "Luminosity" blending mode.

So? What do you think? Is it still scrap worthy? or not.

(you click on "comments" below - hey I didn't know either!)

My First Time

2008-02-24T15:45:00.006-06:00

My first "blog".

Never thought I'd do one of these things. Thought they were kinda "stupid".
That's the beautiful thing about being human; the chance to change one's mind.

So let me begin. I'm going to use this "blog" to keep organized. I want to post my latest layouts on here. I want to place my favorite links here as well. It's all about becoming more organized!

So join me.
Go ahead and comment.
Click on the links and enjoy my world.
More the merrier. Now let's see how this works!

This is "Play Big". I found that quote and I knew I had to use it with the kids' soccer page. The photos were blurry, they were taken inside and far away. To create the page I used the following techniques in Adobe:

First I extracted each individual using the Lasso and the magnetic lasso tool.
For each child I applied: " Filter/Artistic/Poster Edges" I turned them into cartoons.
For the white outline I used the blending option "Stroke", choosing white for the color, 7 for the thickness.
Last I applied a shadow to help with the 3-D effect.

It printed out fantastic, although next time I might make the stroke larger.