Love, Joleen Photography Blog

My Christmas Wishlist

1. Mia Limited Edition Colisseum Bootie - these shoes are TDF! I would love them in any and all the colors they have but my favorite are probably the dark brown. So cute!!

2. I've mentioned it before but I REALLY love this Rose camera bag in the color teal by Jo Totes. It would make photo sessions so much easier and it's super stylish to boot!

3. Over the years I have collected several girl, bird, and birdcage pieces of art. "a GOOD bird" archival print would be the perfect addition!

4. I have been swooning over the Fujifilm Instax MINI 7s White Instant Film Camera ever since Polaroid stopped making Polaroid film. I seriously want this camera.

5. Love this California love (Orange County) car decal! I need to sport that, especially here in Georgia. ;)

6. An Amazon giftcard so I can buy more books for my Kindle that I'm obsessed with!!

7. I love the Mini Diana Camera. Every day at work I pick one up and dream about having one of my own! Ha! ...but seriously.

8. This Doily Rubber Stamp is too cute!

9. Since my birthday is St. Patrick's Day I'm somewhat obsessed with all things Shamrock. Especially really cute things like this ring. I love it! (and I'm a size 8, btw.)

10. LOVING any and all paper (washi) and fabric tape!! Pretty Tape has fabulous prints but I especially like these and these.

11. The. Most. Adorable. Use. Of. Matryoshka. Prints. EVER! - Babushkups Nesting Glasses from Fred Flare. (Also found at Paper Source, although currently not online.)

12. I don't usually use punches but I've seen too many cute things created with the Martha Stewart Classic Butterfly Punch!

13. I've had this Vintage Salvage Wooden Chair Back - Upcycled Jewelry Holder favorited on Etsy forever. I think it's so clever and quite lovely.

14. This "Camera" clear polymer rubber stamp was made for me. Obviously. ;)

15. There is one more thing I really want.. it's a vintage camera print reusable bag and its AWESOME but for some reason I can't find it online. I'll show you when I do.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>   What are some of the things on your wishlist this year?

Hey, Howdy, Hello

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Sorry for being so quiet the last couple of weeks. Things have been a little crazy around here! Anyway, I just wanted to *wave hello* and post some updated pages from my Autumn mini book. I hope you're enjoying your weekend! xo

SMILE Mini Accordian Book

Yesterday at Paper Source one of my managers and I were talking about ideas for tween workshops/classes. I suggested the accordion kits would make fun albums and they're clearanced right now for only 2 bucks! Before I left I purchased a Mini Basic Accordion Kit (with Chartreuse paper), a couple new sheets of scrapbook paper, and Stickles (Lagoon). I already had the rest of the supplies [shown above] as well as the word stickers (not pictured). To create this album you will also need scissors, adhesive, and foam squares for dimension. It should cost you less than $10 and a couple hours of your time to make!

*The views expressed in this blog are my own. They have not been reviewed or approved by Paper Source.

Love, Joleen Photography | NEW Logo Branding by Bluhm Studios

I have been meaning to post this since Friday but it's been a crazy few days and today I woke up in a funk I can't seem to shake. Nothing is wrong. In fact, most everything is quite fantastic. I just woke up feeling anxious and overwhelmed and I haven't felt better but for a few minutes here and there.

Anyway, moving on to something I REALLY am excited about!! As you know I have been in the process of "starting over" with my business because I lost all of my files when my car was broken into a couple of months ago. A couple of weeks ago I purchased a new domain, (since I can't seem to get lovejoleen.com back) lovejoleenphotography.com and I approached Heather to create my new logo. She does fabulous design work at very reasonable rates. With my new branding I am looking at creating new welcome kits, packaging materials, etc. With this in mind I choose six of my favorite Paper Source colors for her to narrow down from and work with. (I am absolutely in love with these presentation envelopes and can't wait to see how it all comes together!) I could not be more pleased with what she created for me!! Seriously. TDF. Thank you, Heather!

Here is an updated flip through of my Autumn 2011 Mini Book. The audio is a little better I think but it still leaves much to be desired. Sorry for all the "um"s, too. :)

Dear Bean | On Your 1st Birthday

Dear Bean,

I know it's cliche to start this letter by saying I can't believe it's been one year already, but I really, truly can't. So much has happened in one short year. You've grown so much and so have I. I was in love with you before you were ever born, you know. Mommy's doctor was just down the street from the apartment I was living in so I got to visit with her whenever she had an appointment. I loved seeing you grow and along with it Mommy's belly. She was and is so beautiful, isn't she? When you came into this world I was in a really dark and lonely place. You were the glimmer of hope I needed to get through some of those days. Someday, when you're older, I will tell you all about the Fall of 2010 and you'll know just what I mean when I tell you that you saved my life.

I took this photo (and many others) shortly after you were born. You being an Autumn baby, Mommy had this idea to photograph you on a pumpkin. It was such a cute idea but we realized shortly after we began that we could never have warmed up that pumpkin enough for your nakie little body. We could only torture you so much in the name of cute photos! ;) Still, I really love this photo. You look so serene. You really are such a great baby!

I was really lucky to spend a lot of time with you during your first 9 months of life. Mommy and I tried to visit as often as we could - usually one to three times a month. You loved coming to visit me at work where I nannied because you loved being around the other kids. A couple of times Mommy even dropped you off for playtime when she had a meeting at work. I have really great memories of these visits! In May I traveled with you and Mommy to Georgia to see Auntie Sarah's high school graduation. It was tough being away from the comfort and familiarity of your home but you were such a trooper! I was impressed with how adaptable you were considering the demands of your schedule. I tried to help Mommy as much as I could so a lot of times I would rock you to sleep while we were out. I even managed to get you down at the Braves game! The family started referring to me as Nanny Joleen, which is sort of silly, I know... but I loved that you felt so comfortable with me.

I get so excited to see you growing, but like any adult who loves a child I sometimes wish it happened a little more slowly! I feel so priviledged to have been there for so many of your "firsts". I secretly hoped your first word might be "Weenie" but I realize to people outside our family that may be a little problem. :)

One of the hardest things to consider when deciding whether or not to move to Georgia was leaving you. I love our relationship and with you being so young I feared it would change while I was away. When I get sad that I'm not there with you I just remind myself that this is temporary and when I come back I'll be a more fabulous version of myself. ;) You deserve my best me. It breaks my heart that I am not there to celebrate your first birthday with you!! Mommy has assured me that you won't remember but still we have big plans to Skype when the family goes to Nana's for your party. I am looking forward to it very much!! When you look back at photos and wonder why I'm not there hopefully you'll read this letter and know that I was thinking about you today and every day. I love you sooooooo very much.

xo, Weenie

Autumn 2011 Mini Book Flip Through 1 | Video

WIP: Autumn 2011 Mini Book

Since starting my new job I have been so inspired to MAKE things! Specifically, I've been itching to make a few mini books- my first one documenting Autumn.  Last night I cut pages out of what I had on hand. I keep the cardboard boxes my snacks come in to use as thin matboard. I just cut those to size and adhered the pages for a little added stability. I had today off and I picked up some cardstock and embellishments. I also printed several photos I've taken in the last couple of weeks. This mini book is pretty small (most pages 3 inches x 3.5 inches) but I included envelopes and pull tab/tag pages for extra space. Tomorrow I need to pick up two rings (the one here I borrowed from another book to keep the pages together while I worked). I plan on making this book SUPER thick. I'll post more photos as I progress!

I have been blogging for nearly SEVEN(!!) years. I can't even believe it's been that long but it has. Over the years I have made many lovely blogging friends. I've come across fabulous artists and unique online shops. I am hoping that through this sponsorship opportunity I can share them with you and you with my readers! If you have a blog or shop that you think is fitting for this blog and are interested in becoming a sponsor, here is all the information you need:

Instructions:

1. E-mail me (joleen.thiessen@gmail.com) with your link & ad image, and the months you wish to reserve an ad space. If you are interested in having me design your ad image there is a one time fee of $25.

2. If you are reserving a Medium or Large ad, please include your 3-5 sentence bio and photo you wish to appear on the group sponsor post. If you are reserving a Feature ad, we will discuss the feature post | giveaway via email.

3. I will send you an invoice via Paypal and payment will need to be completed to place your ad.

Thank you so much! I appreciate your support!! ♥

For the drive across country I only brought the bare essentials and the things I valued the most. I lost my camera collection when my car was broken into but I didn't lose my art journals, framed photos, or Blythe dolls.

Over the years I've had to sell most of my collection as I've needed the money. At one time I had seven dolls but now I'm down to my original two. I could never part with the two I have left and all their fabulous clothing/accessories. I can't even tell you how long it's been since I took the girls out for photos but I do try to take them out from time to time to share with the little ones in my life. They have brought me such joy over the years - kids love them because they're so pretty, unique, and special and I love to share their story with others.

Today, I thought I'd snap a few photos of Karissa. (She's always been my favorite but I try to keep that on the low. *wink*) I am so inspired by Autumn right now - the leaves changing and the air turning crisp. I love it! I bought this fabulous dress back in 2008 from an Etsy shop called Sleep Forever. It's made with vintage fabric and trim. You can see a lot of my dollie photos here.

Do you collect something that you could never, ever part with?