Something Different

First of all, I just want to take the opportunity to thank you for your continued prayers!  The protocol I'm on is so far going as planned but that does mean things have been extra yucky and painful.  I have had a shot or two of some hours when things were "good" (relatively speaking) so, so far, this means I'm hopefully now on my correct dose and progressing (very slowly).  Going through this is NOT for the faint of heart.  It's taking all of my ability to trust that God will get me through this.  He's the only reason I haven't lost my mind and He's the only thing keeping me going.  The last three years is the hardest thing I've ever gone through and I cannot say enough how thankful I am for everyone's prayers!!  :)

But today, I want to post about something different.  Many of you know that when I'm feeling up to it, I try to spend some time doing something creative that I enjoy.  That something is digital scrapbooking.  I also enjoy photography.  I'm no professional but I long to take good quality photos and have spent the past few months practicing on my furbabies.  :)  I have discovered, though, that there are two things that can make or break photos.  #1 - having a good lens (something other than a kit lens) for your DSLR is a must.  I spent $100 on a lens and it's the best $100 I've invested in my camera.  #2 - having a decent flash.  The pop-up flash is just not good and when using it for indoor pics you'll not be able to avoid the harsh dark shadows that make it look so unnatural.  Good photos are all about good lighting and so for my b'day this year, I asked for a mid line canon speed light and I am so glad I got it!  I've been able to take much better pics of my babies inside and have light that looks natural instead of harsh. 

Anyway, this past month, I decided to finally combine the two and I finally made my first digital scrapbooking/photo book.  I've had a lot of yucky days in the past month but when I actually felt I could concentrate for a bit and sit up for awhile, I've been working on this project on my computer.  It's finally done and I can't wait til it gets here but in the mean time, here's a few previews of the book I made.  Also note that I used the digital scrapbooking kit called "Because" by Paislee Press to make the pages you see below. 

 

 

Front Cover

I also made a few different layouts(LO) that I reused throughout the book.  Here's a few previews:

1 Photo LO

Wording LO for separating sections of different pictures.

4 pictures grid style LO

2 Photo LO

A favorite of mine!

back cover

So, as you can see, I kept things very simple.  I really wanted the photos to do the talking and keep the digital design more minimalist.  Once it comes in the mail, I may just have to show you a few photos of the finished product!  :) 

Thanks, again, for reading and I hope that as each month passes, things will start to improve.  I thank you so much for your continued prayers and encouragement!  We need it!!