Easy Photo Editing Tutorial {Guest Post-Amanda Padgett}

Meet Amanda! She is a "Pioneer Woman" of sorts, although, she says she's not nearly as talented, witty or culinarily gifted as the real one. Amanda grew up in the suburbs or on military bases, but ended up in the country on a cattle and chicken farm an hour from any sizeable town. She is an amazing stay-at-home, homeschooling mom to four children, ages 11 to 4.

Amanda and I really "clicked" as we started our photography journey about the same time, last spring, and it has quickly become a passion for both of us! Most of her subjects are her beautiful kids, the cows, her mother-in-law's flowers and her weeds ("they're prettier in a picture than in real life", she claims). She enjoys editing (with PSE 7) and continues to learn daily. The tutorials she writes are very basic and well documented so that brand new users can learn how to use their editing software. Amanda's tutorials have been an amazing resource for me!! I had owned PSE for years and rarely ever used it because I didn't know how.

Amanda has recently started Everyday Elements, online workshops and video tutorials for PSE users. Also, she has a photography resource blog, PhotographyHaven where you can find lots of free actions, tutorials, workshops and more. You can view her personal pictures at Moving Forward or her Flickr stream.

Today Amanda is going to share one of her basic tutorials that can be used for any picture!

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Hi there! I am thrilled to be guest posting here at TidyMom! Cheryl invited me to do a guest post and after my initial excitement, I started thinking about what to share. I tried to think of a quick, "tidy" trick to share with you and I hope this one hits the spot.

Whether you shoot with a DSLR or a point and shoot, I recommend getting some a photo editing program. There is so much you can do with your images, regardless of the camera used to capture them. The program I am using today is Photoshop Elements, but this tutorial will work in regular Photoshop (CS5 or earlier versions) just as well.

With almost every picture I edit, I do this edit trick which provides light while also boosting color and contrast.

Step 1: Open your image in PSE or PS. Create a Gradient Map adjustment layer by clicking on the half black/half white circle (see "1st"). Then choose 'Gradient Map.'


Step 2: Once the Gradient Map options pop up, navigate until you see the B&W option, click on it. If you don't see this menu, click where the * is and another fly-out menu will appear, then choose 'Default.'


Step 3: Click on the Blend Mode menu box (1st). A menu will either pop up or pop down. Choose 'Soft Light' (2nd).


Step 4: Lower the layer opacity to suit. For portraits, I usually lower this down to between 15% and 25%. For still life, I usually keep it higher.


Here is a before/after shot, with nothing else done to it, not even sharpening. I wanted to show the effect


Here is a little tidbit - I use this technique with 98% of my edits. Never right at the beginning, but usually before I finish with an image, I will have used it. I love it and I think it adds just the right amount of definition to most shots.

I hope you find this helpful. If you give it a try, let me know your blog address or Flickr stream so I can go take a peek.

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Thanks again Amanda, you are SOOOO generous with your knowledge and I learn something every time I talk to you or read one of your posts!!


Seriously people, if want to learn more about editing, head over to Amanda's sites and even consider taking some of her online workshops, they're VERY affordable and you will be amazed at how much you will learn!! The Everyday Elements Facebook page is another thing you don't want to miss........she has been known to "give out" free actions and more to those who "like" her!!

This tip "works for me".....so I'm linking up at We Are That Family's Works For Me Wednesday

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I'm Lovin' It! - Trash to Treasure

Welcome to the Party!!

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While my daughter's and I are heading to The Windy City, one of my favorite bloggers has accepted my invitation to host I'm Lovin' It this week!!! Amanda is a creative mom who blogs about her life as a Christian mom and wife at i am mommy and does amazing things with food and her camera at i am baker. Amanda is one of those super funny people, who is every bit as sweet as she is funny.

So today while I'm Lovin' Chicago, and Amanda being here.......Amanda is going to share what SHE is Lovin'...........Enjoy!!........I think I see a cupcake with MY name on it down there......

I am so, so, so honored to be able to hang out at Tidymom's blog today! Hers is much cleaner then mine, and I have a feeling her kitchen always smells good... fresh cupcakes and fruit roll ups and Gooey Upside Down German Chocolate Cake? Um, yes please!

But anyway... since it is Friday and all, I thought I would share with you somethin' that I love. Ya know, for I'm Lovin' It Friday!

One thing that I love is finding a 'trash' and making it a 'treasure'.

I have a little baking blog and I really struggled to find ways to photograph cakes, cookies, and cupcakes. Cake stands are gorgeous, but can be so expensive! So one day at the thrift store, I spotted a candle stick for less then a $1 and an idea hit me. I would make my own!

I have made about 20 so far, and every single one is white! So I needed something new.

I picked up these little diddies at my local thrift store.

They are ok on their own, but not as pretty as I would like, and certainly not functional. Although I am drawn to all things shiny, these just dont work when trying to photograph a scrumptious dessert. Who wants to see me and my camera in the reflection?

I decided to spray paint these black. I normally choose satin, but I was drawn to the semi-gloss this time.

Since it has been so hot, it took all of 15 minutes to complete.

Wanna see how everything turned out???

(insert dramatic drum roll here please. What? I cant do that? Can someone please figure out a html code for dramatic drum roll and email it to me? Thanks.)

I painted this base white. Its perfect for those extra special cupcakes!

The black plate turned out beautifully if I dont say so myself.

And I love my little cupcake stand! (and apparently I heart Tidymom too!) :)

But my favorite it using the plate and cupcake stand as a cake pedestal!

Now.

I want you to know, since this is just spray paint, I wouldn't actually serve food off of them. These are more for decorative purposes, or for props. You certainly could use them for serving! You just purchase a special paint at home improvement and craft stores that seals the paint and is safe for eating off of.

So there you have it! Something that I'm Lovin'!

Thanks you SO much Cheryl for having me over... next time lets sample some of your refreshing Strawberry Lemonade drinks... its hot out there! :)

Thanks again Amanda the cupcake was D.E.L.C.I.O.U.S!! LOL......and after this post I can't WAIT to hit the resale shops with a new eye when I get back!

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Now it’s your turn, let us know what you’re lovin' this week! If you have something to share with us on your blog, add your link below.

What is I'm Lovin' It Fridays? get all the info, how to's and button here

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Mod Podge Rocks {Guest Post} tutorial

I have a fabulous treat for you all today! Have you heard of Modge Podge Rocks? Amy is an amazingly talented lady.....I wished we lived closer we could have some serious fun crafting! Today Amy is sharing an adorable Mod Podge project for us!! I LOVE this idea!! ..........!

Well hallo! I'm Amy from Mod Podge Rocks, your local wacky decoupage expert. You may have visited me to learn more about Mod Podge, but if you haven't, please swing on by. Be prepared to be "wowed" by the amazing community of people who use and love Mod Podge. Cheryl and I are both part of that community, and I'd love for you to join us!

One thing you might not know about me is that I started my crafty journey with a sewing machine at about 10 years old. My mother sewed a lot and made me learn, which I hated at the time but am thankful for now. As an homage to my mother and to the many seamstresses/Mod Podgers who read my blog, I created this sewing award. It's actually a pin that you can attach to a sewing bag or a shirt . . . you can even use it for a gifty tag. Customize it for the crafter in your life.

Gather These Supplies:
Die cut machine - I have a Sizzix Big Shot and an award ribbon die
Scrapbook paper - I used two sheets of Cosmo Cricket's Material Girl
Maya Road Chipboard Collection - Sew Cute
FolkArt Paint - Pink, Baby Pink, Titanium White and Silver Anniversary
Mod Podge Hard Coat
Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
Flat paint brush
Liner paint brush
Lara's Crafts 2" wood circle
1 1/2" pin back - self-adhesive

The first thing you are going to do is cut out your ribbon piece. I used one sheet of scrapbook paper for the main part of the ribbon and a second, coordinating sheet for the inside of the ribbon. Once you have your die cuts, set aside.

If you don't have a die cutter, never fear! You can use a template from the internet (search for award ribbon line art) - just be sure to use something license-free if it's for other than personal use.

I painted my pieces next. I chose to use a wood piece as the main part of my pin to make it sturdy. I painted the wood piece and the main body of the thread Pink, the "spool" of my chipboard thread Titanium White and the needle Silver Anniversary. Let everything dry and set them aside. Set them aside in a safe place - I spent about 30 minutes looking for the MIA needle at one point!

Attach the ribbon die cut to the wood circle. I used Hard Coat Mod Podge - you don't have to, but I wanted the Satin finish. Paint Mod Podge around the edge and then adhere the ribbon shape to the wood circle. Smooth thoroughly.

Add Mod Podge to the center of the circle, and place your circle piece in the middle. Smooth and allow to dry for 15 - 20 minutes.

Coat the entire piece with Mod Podge - I even did the back! Mod Podge will help the ribbon not to tear. Do at least three coats, allowing time to dry between coats.

Glue down the chipboard pieces with Mod Podge. I decided at the last minute to use my Baby Pink and liner brush to give some texture to the thread. Just a little swoop here and there adds some interest.

Now's the fun part! I love Dimensional Magic. LOVE! It fries with the same kind of look as an epoxy, glassy and raised, but without the mixing and chemicals. All you have to do is turn the bottle over and tap gently to remove bubbles (don't shake), then start squeezing gently on the object(s). Build it up as much as you like! I added to both the thread and needle.

Allow to dry overnight.

Add your self-adhesive pin back and press . . . you're done. It doesn't take long to make a variety of awards for friends. I love buttons, so I'm thinking a button award might be next! Would it be bad to give it to myself?

Thanks to Cheryl and you, her readers, for having me. Your visit means a lot. Swing by Mod Podge Rocks! anytime for the latest decoupage debauchery. Hope to see you soon!

Thanks again Amy.......you really do ROCK!!

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Solving a Garden Trouble Spot {Guest Post}

My guest poster for today is a sweet friend of mine, Janet. Janet and I have never met, but we have connected thru our blogs and have so much in common....I really think we may be long lost sisters! Janet and I have become close over the last 5 month while her son, Brandon has been in Afghanistan.............Janet will have the BEST 4th of July this year, as you are reading this, Janet is packing, because this weekend, on the Fourth of July in fact, their Ranger will step onto a plane in Afghanistan to end his deployment and come home!!

Those words made me cry!!! Please, after you read her a guest post here today, pop over to her blog and tell her how much you appreciate her son and her family as, we American's, celebrate our freedom this weekend!

Isn't this a picture to be proud of?

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Hi there, Tidy-Mom fans!

My name is Janet and I author the blog, From Captain's Daughter to Army Mom. I am relatively new to the Army Mom part, and Proud but Terrified pretty much sums me up. In fact, as I write to you today, our son is making his way back to the United States from his deployment in Afghanistan. Nevertheless, I'm thrilled to join you here at Cheryl's blog as today's guest blogger, and humbled to follow my friend and couponing-mentor, Melanie of The Coupon Goddess. Ever since Melanie taught me how to get paid to buy my favorite shampoo, I can't shop for it any other way! Throw in the fact that she has supported my son's Ranger battalion with care packages and it pretty much makes her a perfect angel in my book.

When our mutual friend Cheryl invited me to guest post for her, I was quite happy to accept. For over a year now she has inspired me, through her blog and friendship, to become more organized in almost every aspect of my home and office life! And have you checked out her recipes and photography? I find both equally delicious!

Since we are in the throws of Summer and spend every waking moment outside in our gardens, I thought I would share a little gardening how-to with you. Not because I'm this terrific gardener, oh no! I most certainly am not!

About all I know about proper gardening is how to enjoy it. Fortunately, I am married to a Brilliant hobby-gardener. He plans, he executes, and Everything he plants thrives, and in most cases, multiplies!

I titled this post Solving a Garden trouble spot because it's exactly what he did... In a Big way! The addition of a koi pond and shade garden in a spot in our back yard that almost never gets any spring or summer sunshine, and is almost always damp, was the perfect solution for a space that was otherwise unusable. Having said that, my husband insists I tell you that there are, No garden trouble spots... Only plants put where they don't belong.

This slight disagreement between us aside... I would like you share with you what I believe was a trouble spot in our garden solved in a most delightful and entertaining way.

In this area of our rear Garden behind the house, there are no less than

eight huge trees. Their spring, summer and fall Canopies makes this

a decent place to hang out to Escape summer heat; however, the shade

created by the trees makes it next to Impossible to cultivate a lush,

green lawn. So what to do? He suggested a pond. I said no pond!

I just couldn't see it...

But he could. And so, the Pond and

shade garden that would Frame it began

It was quite the project... And, I had absolutely nothing to do with

it. Except to come home every day and Marvel at the progress!

Pretty soon, his Vision came to life and I began

to see exactly what he was so Excited about

With the addition of a deck, this area became More than just a koi pond

and shade garden. It became another Outside room. A place to hang

out and Relax apart from the pool, firepit area and deck off the house

It was at this point I began to see the Error of my ways. And,

when we went Shopping for our first bunch of fish, I was all in!

The fact that the View from the house was improving helped too!

And, it's only gotten Better over time!

With the addition of fish and water plants, our pond was complete

Speaking of plants! While a lawn is a No-no back here... Other plants,

such as Ferns, hostas, creeping jenny and Japanese maples, love it!

An added Bonus of having the pond is the wild life it attracts all year long

In summer, when the Hostas bloom,

their sweet fragrance fills this area!

I didn't expect so many plants to bloom in this Shady, moist

garden. But the fact is, there is something Blooming from early

spring, right into late Fall. Here is one of my favorites - Toad Lily

It's the perfect compliment to the ferns and hostas that surround it

And speaking of Hostas!

Hostas fascinate me. They disappear completely from the

garden following the first Frost, and return faithfully each

spring to produce these wondrous bouquets of green

Deer love Hostas too! The secret to having both is to offer

the Deer something else to munch besides your hostas!

We offer cracked corn. And plenty of

it, since it's also what the Ducks like!

Of course, it's important to keep Feeding after the hostas go to sleep too!

In winter, the pond shade garden disappears. However, the pond

and trees continue to offer plenty of Visual interest and appeal

Early spring, as things awaken and in summer, when things

are at their peak, are my Favorite times of year at the pond

But honestly, there isn't a bad time to be at the pond. Even in

a heavy down-pour, the Trees high above act as a natural

umbrella so that we can continue to Enjoy time by the pond

I especially enjoy the little Visitors!

They come. They eat. They swim, and they Nap. Right at our feet!

If you have a shady, moist area in your garden, ferns and Hostas are for you!

And of course, a pond too. If you're so inclined...

I assure you... You'll never regret the initial effort

it takes for such tremendous and Continuous reward

Aside from feeding the Fish and cleaning the

pond filter, this Garden takes care of itself

No weeding. No trimming. All enjoying!

Which is exactly what I like in a garden!

I hope you've enjoyed this Tour of our koi pond and

shade garden. I've certainly Enjoyed having you along!

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