Picnik, say it ain't so.

I just learned that on April 19th Picnik will be shutting down their free photo editing website. I am still in shock over this announcement. It's like preparing to say goodbye to a dear friend you talk to everyday.

As an ode to Picnik, I'll be sharing my favorite Picnik project: Grace, a year in review.

Head over to Picnik and upload a picture that has some empty space to either the left or right of your subject {in this case Grace}.

Under the edit tab select the text tab. Select a font you like and add your text. I entered one line of text at a time, changing the font and font size with each additional line I added. As soon as you enter your line of text, press add. The text will appear on your picture. You can move it around, change the size and/or change the color. Repeat these steps to add more lines of text.

When you are finished, go to the save and share tab and save your picture to your computer.

Enjoy Picnik while you can.

Is anyone else as devastated by this news?

My Photography Studio

Recently, I have discovered how to take my pictures from this...

to this...

My secret: a location that has some natural indirect light, a camera {don't use your flash, let the natural light do all the work} and 3 pieces of white foam board.

Are you ready to see my photography studio?

Here it is...

It takes some furniture rearranging and it may look ridiculous but the quality of my pictures has improved dramatically.

The result is a clean and bright picture.

My photography assistant, Grace, likes to prompt the 'models' to say "Cheese" as I take their pictures.

So now that you know my secret {and how easy it is}, I hope you feel inspired to create your own photography studio, however temporary it may be.

Not Your Ordinary School Pictures

I was driving by an old school, near our house, that is due for demolition. Having the knowledge that soon this building would be gone, I started to look at it in a new light.

Something about this school, in particular the garage doors, drew me in and compelled me to grab my camera and take some pictures.

23 really doesn't have any particular meaning to our family...

but 3 does {since Grace is currently 3}. With my growing knowledge of Photoshop Elements {the cheaper version of Photoshop, with a few less bells and whistles, but enough for my editing needs}, I was able to remove the 2.

The distressed garage doors resulted in an interesting background. The promise of a lollipop resulted in a willing model.

I even decided to step in front of the camera.

Sometimes an unexpected location may lend itself to some interesting pictures. You never know where your next memorable photo may be taken.

If you think that Grace's hat is adorable, head over to Aesthetic Nest for the free pattern to make one of your own.

If the shoe fits, remember them.

Grace starts ballet this week. Seeing those tiny ballet shoes, brought back memories from when I took ballet as a little girl.

That's me...

As soon as I held her first pair of ballet shoes in my hands, I became overwhelmed with emotion. The warnings I have heard, countless times before, about how these childhood days should be cherished because before you know it, you'll look back and wonder where the time has gone, suddenly seemed so real to me. I can already fast forward and see myself reflecting back, thinking of Grace as a little ballerina.

I decided, if the shoe fits, remember them. Simple enough, right. Grace, in her pink leotard and ballet shoes, is definitely something I won't want to forget. It's a memory I want to preserve not only for myself but for her as well.

I found a couple of ideas, I know that I'll want to try of my little ballerina.

I love they way Smashed Peas and Carrots has captured her daughter's ballet shoes in the photograph below.

Such a simple photo but so full of meaning. {If you visit her site, she also has a great tutorial on how to make those leg warmers.}

My favorite idea comes from Martha Setwart. What a great idea to display not only your adorable ballerina but also her first pair of ballet shoes.

Last year, 'the shoe that fit' Grace was a sweet pair of pink Converse sneakers. Nearly every picture I took of her last summer, she was wearing those shoes.

Using Picnik, I converted a picture of these Converse, on Grace's chubby little feet, using their editing effect '1960s'. I printed it as a 5x7 and it's displayed on our bookcase.

Whatever the shoe, whatever the memory, whatever the moment you are in, cherish it and look back on it with...

Thank you cards

It's already been established that I love getting mail. I still believe in writing (and mailing) thank you cards. I always attempt to incorporate something visual, in addition to words of gratitude, into my cards. I'd like to think it makes getting a thank you card a bit more interesting.

Personally, I love getting and giving gift cards. When I give a gift card, curiosity usually sets in making me wonder what the recipient decided to buy. So, now when we receive a gift card, in addition to writing, 'thanks for the gift card' (I'll spare you my long diatribe of gratitude I would also insert), I like to send along a picture of what we bought, in case anyone else finds themselves in the same situation as me...curious.

Other personalized options I've included in my thank you cards are...

Including a picture either opening or enjoying the gift. When you buy something for someone, chances are you put some thought into their gift. So, I always like for them to see that their gift was a success. -Thanks Auntie Carrie for the Tinkerbell bike.

Or I like to include a picture of them from the party. It is a way of showing them that not only was I grateful for their gift, I also appreciated them being there.

Interested in the process, read on: Using word, create a text box and insert your image. The images for my gift card were taken from the store website (in this case Old Navy). Simply right click on the image, select copy image and paste it into your text box. For pictures from your computer, in word select insert, picture and locate it in your picture folder. Resize the text box so that your image will fit on your card. Print the image out, using a color printer, onto white paper. Cut the image out and glue it to your card.

Even the stamps you select can add a personalized element. Did you know you could turn your photos into USPS Stamps?

Cute, right? The possibilities are endless. One of my favorite ideas, turning your ultrasound picture into a stamp and use it for your baby shower thank you cards. Regardless the picture, what a great way to add a touch of personalization to your envelope.

Now that your card is written and personalized, drop it in the mail. I'm sure I am not the only one that loves to open the mailbox to find a handwritten card there waiting.

Chalkboards and Backdrops

Growing up, I was the kid that always wanted to draw on the chalkboard at school. Something about it seemed so grown up and important, maybe even forbidden. SO when I saw this post on Oh dee doh about chalkboards, I knew I had to try it. Using chalk on a sidewalk or driveway is fun but drawing on a giant chalkboard, at least the kid in me thinks, is so much cooler.

I figured it would be the would be a perfect addition to Grace's arts and crafts birthday, not only for the fun element but also because...

1. it would hide our unsightly chain linked fence

and 2. it would hide our neighbor's unkempt yard.

It was so easy. I used some plywood and 2 cans of Rust-Oleum chalkboard paint, 2 coats per board. When they have completely dried, prime the board by rubbing it with chalk and then it's ready to use. I drilled some holes along the top and used zip strips to attach each chalkboard to the fence. After all my hard work, Martha Stewart emailed me her tip of the day, how to make your own chalkboard paint (ironic). I am not sure how well that would have worked but if you'd rather try a DIY, you can find that formula here.

When I saw the finished chalkboards, the kid in me came out, I had to grab some chalk and start writing. Which turned into an impromptu photo session. Rarely does a day pass that I am not begging someone to say 'cheese'.

And since I can't show favoritism. I had to include my other baby as well.

Though, she was anything but a willing participant.