Crusades in the Breeze

Over at the Street Team Crusades, Michelle Ward has posted Crusade # 33 for the month of September. Many of us know and believe that there are no coincidences in life. Things happen for a reason, so how fortuitous is it that Michelle's crusade has to do with feeding your brain and trying something new..... (This is quirky - I say there are no coincidences and then use the word fortuitous, meaning "by chance," yes, girls and boys it is Sunday morning in the honeysuckles and I have probably breathed in too much of their scent and am running in circles....)


Here is a quote from Michelle's challenge: "This month's challenge is to feed your brain - in or out of the studio. Tell us on your blog what you have learned recently, what you plan to learn, or what you are currently learning. It does not have to relate to art. It can be anything. Tried a new recipe? Learned to knit? Took a yoga class? Refinished a piece of furniture or built a birdhouse? Joined a book club or learned ballroom dancing? Tell us."


Well, as many of my readers know, I was on a staycation for two weeks in August. I ended up trying something totally new -- creating business cards for two friends of mine. I have not worked with photoshop that much. I have been in awe of those who do, especially Michelle. So with a little trial and error using special effects I created my first one. This sample does NOT include logo and message since that file is too large to include in this blog but you can see how I photoshopped it with the "glowing edges." I am lovin' the glow... The cards came out nice. I like them and felt good and so did James.


Then, his business partner wanted some but did not like the photos my brother took several years back when she had "weight" on her.... So, I had to borrow a more sophisticated camera from a friend and we went out on a glorious day and took photos (a far cry from my little digital camera).


The one Mary and I really wanted to use did not work and so we went with this stylized one. I am still trying to work on the "glowing edge" one we love and will figure it out one of these days and we will get it printed somewhere




I feel good I ventured out of my comfort zone and worked on these business cards. Yes, I stressed on these. Yes, I was so pleased I tried them. I remember when they approached me on this proposition, I cringed. Will I do any more? I don't know. But I am pleased with the results and happy I tried it. I do plan on working in photoshop more and may even take a class on it! New camera? Not in the cards just yet. Thank y0u, Michelle, for letting me put these thoughts down and looking back on this experience in this way! See you soon in October!