Love, Joleen Photography Blog

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1. I loved this idea on the Paper Source blog. These turned out so cute!

2. Raspberry Lemon Drop from California Pizza Kitchen. Delish!

3. This lovely spread is from Trader Joes and was part of our most recent Crafter's Night Out.

4. Looooooove how my nails turned out! ♥ Sally Hansen Hard As Nails (Twisted Pink); Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen (Neon Pink); Hot Kiss Glitter (don't use a top coat!)

5. Sweetest little Knit Heart Coin Purse. Had to have this! The most unique Valentine's Day gifts found here. I especially love Shakespeare's Love Sonnets (gorgeous illustrations and lettering) and this Honeysuckle Mercury Glass Candle (it smells divine!) 

6. Sample Valentine favor/treat. To make this you need: Jars (can be found at thrift and antique shop used or at the grocery/big box store new);  Valentine Hang Tag Kit, Hearts Shapes Pack (simple but I've used this for tons of projects!); Burlap or other fabric; Cord or ribbon; Fired Brick Distress Ink (optional); Stickles Glitter Glue for embellishing; Foam Squares (optional; I'm obsessed with adding dimension); Valentines Rubber Stamps (embossing supplies optional but recommended).

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

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. :)

Autumn 2011 Mini Book Flip Through 1 | Video

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!! ♥

Retail Me Not

Like most of you, I enjoy a good deal! I love thrift stores and discount stores like Homegoods, TJMaxx, Nordstrom Rack, and the like.  Recently, I came across an amazing website called Retail Me Not when googling for a discount code for something I was about to purchase online. I've heard of similar coupon yielding websites before, but in the ones I tried the coupons were invalid or already expired. This website couldn't be easier to use! You can browse existing discounts or use the search bar at the top for the specific store you're shopping. You may not be aware of this but my blog is not free; I incur a monthly fee to run it. Retail Me Not even had a coupon for Typepad listed and now I save 10% every month for the next year! The really cool thing is it doesn't cost a dime and you don't even have to sign up or join a club. They also list each discount's expiration date so you don't waste your time trying to enter codes that don't work. Anyway, check it out and happy shopping!*

 

*I was not asked or paid to write this review. I just really like this and wanted to share!

Ready, Set, Shoot | Tips for Product Photography

As I was setting up to shoot more of the jewelry line, Bee's Knees, I thought I would share my process and give you a few tips on how you can shoot your own "stuff". #1 product - products to sell on Etsy or Ebay, your art work or journals, flowers your kids picked for you, etc. Tied for #1 in being equally important is #2 lighting - Lighting, lighting, lighting. For a natural light photographer this is, hands down, the most important tool I utilize. If possible, I will shoot the couple of hours before sunset. I am in major lust with that beautiful golden light the sun gives at this time. You want to make sure the light is diffused. In this instance, the sun was setting on the opposite side of the house. #3 background - be mindful of whats behind your shot. This could be nature or a solid wall like this. For product shots I prefer a solid wall, [wrinkle free] fabric, or posterboard. Be far enough from it that it doesn't become the focus in your shot. It's the background. #4 props - you won't always need props but sometimes they're nice to have, if they make sense. Choose items that compliment your product, without stealing the show. #5 get comfortable - don't kill yourself trying to get THE. PERFECT. SHOT. If you need a pillow for your knees (I prefer being low/eye level) or a chair to sit down on, use it. If you have a lot of items to shoot, don't forget to take breaks. I also have a water bottle with me at all times.

When it comes to shooting your product, make sure your camera settings are right! Play around/experiment until you find what you're happy with. When I want to shoot closeups I always shoot on aperture priority and adjust my ISO. Below are the photos I took with the above setup. My ISO was all the way up to 1000 and  my f-stop was 5.6. Make sure to shoot your product from multiple directions (straight on, above it, from both sides, etc). You'll want a wide shot and several closeups.

Would love to hear if these tips prove to be helpful for you!! ♥