Love, Joleen Photography Blog

Happy Halloween!

Love,
Nerd + Strawberry Shortcake

PS- Be safe.

Casting Call: 16 - 21 / Teens

I am working on my senior/grad portfolio and have really fun ideas in mind. I'm looking for two females and two males between the ages of 16 and 21. Sessions would take place in Coachella Valley or Orange County. In exchange for your (or your child's) time I will provide you with a CD of 10 processed photos for your own portfolio/personal use. I'd like to shoot during the week if possible. Let me know if you have any questions or are interested in working together.

The Good

Remember when I told you that there was a possibility of really great things in our near future? It started with a good job review for my husband and a promotion that will mean we get to move back to Orange County. Some of you may remember what a shock it was for me to move to the desert a little over a year ago. While I am thrilled to bits about moving closer to my friends + family (and the beach!) it is going to be a bit more of a challenge to move this time around, with a 13 year old. I think that once the actual move is over and done with (sometime in the next couple of months) we'll all be much happier.

Since we'll be moving the business  we've been talking a lot about the transition + changes we're going to make for the new year. It's really very exciting and I cannot wait to reveal all of our plans to you. I will say that we are undergoing a major investment restructuring, making plans for themed exclusive mini sessions, offering portrait parties, daycare + preschool fundraisers, and travel (out of CA). :)

Joli Paquet

Last week Heather told me about a conversation she had with Cerri of Little Pink Studio, about not being able to attend Silver Bella. Not wanting to be left out they concocted a plan to create a way for everyone at home to enjoy making great projects from kits created by a handful of talented artists/crafters online. The first release of these "Joli Paquet" kits will be the weekend of Silver Bella (November 9th) but plan on other special events throughout the new year. I am so thrilled to be a part of this project! Other participants include: Heather of Bluhm Studios, Cerri of Little Pink Studio, Holly of Holly Doodle Designs, Lori of Vintage Flair, Heather of Pretty Petals Boutique, and Cheryl of Rosy Posy Confections.

Here is a little sneak peek of my kit - Henrietta's Hanging Holiday. ;)

All Boy

Ok, how seriously cute is this little guy? These are three of my favorite shots from my holiday mini session with him this week in San Jose. I loved his bright eyes, sweet smile, and casual cool clothes. :)

The B Fam

My favorite image from this evening's super fun session. More here.

Pretties in Hollister

Today was a wonderful reprieve after spending most of yesterday in the car, driving north to visit Heather and family. This trip has definitely served to spark my muse with its abundance of inspiration!

This afternoon we visited the thrift store and handful of antique shops in San Juan Bautista and came away with oodles of pretties. When we saw this fabulously aged building we had to sit Heather's wee one down on the curb and use it as a background! :)

So far this trip I've almost completed ten holiday project kits as part of a super collaboration coming up in the next couple of weeks and I've tea dyed 10 pair of little girl socks for ornaments. This evening we're headed back to the mission so I can take family photos of her family for the holidays.

Once Upon a Child

One of my favorite things to collect from antique stores and flea markets are old photos. I love how sweet the kids look especially- how dressed up and posed they are and the character of each one. The grumpy kids just crack me up and have me thinkin', "They're kids all right." Last night I created this collage sheet of some of my favorite children's images, tea dyed lace, hand glittered star, and various vintage buttons. I wanted to create one or two of these sheets for purchase to use in your own artwork so these will soon be available at the holiday boutiques and eventually online.

Today was an incredibly busy day but I still managed to get one small art piece completed before having to pick up a bit and pack. I am driving up to Heather's tomorrow and will be there until Friday. I have a few holiday photo sessions and other than that will relax, create, and enjoy good company. I'll be on my computer (a girl's gotta work) ;) so I'm sure I'll have more to share over the next few days.

A Beautiful Little House

This weekend we took the "back way" to get to my sister's house in Orange County. We went over the mountains and ended up making a day of getting there by stopping a lot along the way. At this adorable little antique shop Alex pointed out these wonderful wire hangers. I thought they'd be perfect as part of a mixed media art piece and couldn't wait to create my first one when we got home tonight. The detailed photos are blurry (you know, bad lighting and all) but you get the idea. It's 6" x 12" including the hanger. I really enjoyed adding layers upon layers of paper and stitching it together. I purchased a bag of lace at a thrift store this weekend while looking for parts to Alex's Halloween costume and before I made the lace flower, I hand dyed it in a mug of tea.  Tonight I also created a collage sheet of children's images and pretty sewing notions to use in your own artwork. Great things ahead for Love, Joleen and I can't wait to share! :)

Seriously Productive Week

For a various reasons we decided that I would respectfully decline the offer for the new nanny job and for the indefinite future I am staying home. There is a possibility of really great things in our near future (no, I'm not pregnant ;) ) and we'll revisit our decision at that time. For now I am pursing Love, Joleen Photography full time,   creating for various holiday boutiques with my mom, and 'babysitting' when I can.

My goal for these boutiques was to finish the many projects I've long ago abandoned, and to actually use all the things I bought for "someday". I am really challenging myself to use what I already have and it's feeling really good! Here is a little peek of what I cooked up this week. Ignore the mess as I've taken over my kitchen (the island is the glitter station!) God forbid I use my HUGE studio. Der.

The ornaments have been *really* fun for me. They're a bit tedious and time consuming but I'm having fun picking out papers and pretty tidbits to put inside. I'm sort of embarrassed about showing you the first one because they've improved so much! This is a bit better of a photo but still not like seeing (and holding) them in person because you can point out the pretty beads, pearls, etc.

The next photo is a closeup of a piece called "Be Free" that I created after midnight last night. It's one of those pieces that came out so exactly like I envisioned and I know I'm going to have a hard time parting with it. lol

Lastly, is a little canvas art piece called "Dream". I fell in love with the pink button and created the paper flower around that. There is also the start of a checkbook cover I'm designing with a cupcake stamp I carved a while back and of course glitter. ;) Still wanna see more? Go here.