tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49368884592558807712024-03-14T01:10:14.608-04:00Kelly LunaKelly Lunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413542714428249750noreply@blogger.comBlogger339125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-36961368891472521392016-09-23T20:43:00.000-04:002016-09-23T20:43:42.478-04:00Macro Lens + Flowers = Perfect Match<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gskQR-4clE4/V-XLdn5oZhI/AAAAAAAABoc/KFBeE_ahqbcV_xbSXVD9kzFrAMWMqRqBgCLcB/s1600/cleome-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gskQR-4clE4/V-XLdn5oZhI/AAAAAAAABoc/KFBeE_ahqbcV_xbSXVD9kzFrAMWMqRqBgCLcB/s400/cleome-sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Flowers are one of my favorite photography subjects, and when you thrown a macro lens in the mix, it's downright magical.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FlwMybBtoLo/V-XL063UxEI/AAAAAAAABok/I98DV_PvAVk8EiRaRAuSC0IH7AVRFoGNQCLcB/s1600/cleome-close-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FlwMybBtoLo/V-XL063UxEI/AAAAAAAABok/I98DV_PvAVk8EiRaRAuSC0IH7AVRFoGNQCLcB/s400/cleome-close-sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I bought some cleomes last year and the self-seeded this year, so I got to enjoy them yet again. They are cool and weird and just plain beautiful.<br />
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I even managed to (kind of) catch a spider with its prey. Circle of life, yo.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Exzbp-62Ma8/V-XL0MQ_2uI/AAAAAAAABog/gdgBbNfSRE8JSRQSKacvsJhIHfCUcK-zACLcB/s1600/spider%2Bfly-cleome-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Exzbp-62Ma8/V-XL0MQ_2uI/AAAAAAAABog/gdgBbNfSRE8JSRQSKacvsJhIHfCUcK-zACLcB/s400/spider%2Bfly-cleome-sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-53950078638627752552016-09-18T16:04:00.002-04:002016-09-19T21:24:08.141-04:00Zinnias!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adQni-_Q-CI/V97yjwPVICI/AAAAAAAABn4/tWDBirFg770agmsnQtYTU3cetptQK7zlQCK4B/s1600/zinnia%2Bgroup.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adQni-_Q-CI/V97yjwPVICI/AAAAAAAABn4/tWDBirFg770agmsnQtYTU3cetptQK7zlQCK4B/s400/zinnia%2Bgroup.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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I picked up some absolutely gorgeous flowers at a road-side vegetable stand and had to get some reference photos for future paintings, they're just too pretty. And also because FLOWERS. Zinnias make me dreamy sigh. I just love them.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5If9PCa_3cs/V97ywVRFx4I/AAAAAAAABoA/SafmNCB1MTgf7B30u9tyWjGZpayABLQ3wCK4B/s1600/pink%2Bopen%2Bzinnia%2Bdetail.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5If9PCa_3cs/V97ywVRFx4I/AAAAAAAABoA/SafmNCB1MTgf7B30u9tyWjGZpayABLQ3wCK4B/s400/pink%2Bopen%2Bzinnia%2Bdetail.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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I also managed to attract some attention, and had a few live models join the photo session. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ge3y2fgQZyM/V97zFAGa9mI/AAAAAAAABoI/4h_Heghrpage7urH5dss5rzBv8HZ5F6-gCK4B/s1600/zinnia-kaylee%2Bnose.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ge3y2fgQZyM/V97zFAGa9mI/AAAAAAAABoI/4h_Heghrpage7urH5dss5rzBv8HZ5F6-gCK4B/s320/zinnia-kaylee%2Bnose.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W4IRyEEbv80/V97zQz6kpOI/AAAAAAAABoQ/Tmo2-wkN7x8cPwTW3uh_aj5_fNr9_yh7QCK4B/s1600/zinnias-floyd%2Bsniffing.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W4IRyEEbv80/V97zQz6kpOI/AAAAAAAABoQ/Tmo2-wkN7x8cPwTW3uh_aj5_fNr9_yh7QCK4B/s320/zinnias-floyd%2Bsniffing.jpg" width="213" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-68098590478495424362015-09-20T21:19:00.002-04:002015-09-20T21:21:09.556-04:00It's been a while.I've never been a fan of the excuses-why-I've-been-away posts so I'm just going to skip that. I hope to post here more regularly, so in the mean time, please enjoy this photos from today's visit to <a href="https://wellfieldgardens.wordpress.com">Wellfield Botanic Gardens</a>, of which I've become a recent member. It was so beautiful today that I just had to take a few minutes and fill my soul and camera with nature.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/21592066221/in/dateposted-public/" title="white anemone"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/638/21592066221_8f4c95582b_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="white anemone"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/20960496254/in/dateposted-public/" title="wellfield waterfall 092015"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5705/20960496254_93e1624471.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="wellfield waterfall 092015"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/20960496254/in/dateposted-public/" title="wellfield waterfall 092015"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5705/20960496254_93e1624471.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="wellfield waterfall 092015"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/21583332395/in/dateposted-public/" title="pods"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5771/21583332395_a10f135d0a.jpg" width="500" height="386" alt="pods"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/21592138721/in/dateposted-public/" title="pink anemone-side"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/696/21592138721_305bd3fdb0.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="pink anemone-side"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/21395483628/in/dateposted-public/" title="log fungus"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5679/21395483628_a07a553ed6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="log fungus"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/21557142836/in/dateposted-public/" title="log fungus-end"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5811/21557142836_3a40c8881f_z.jpg" width="511" height="640" alt="log fungus-end"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/20962225843/in/dateposted-public/" title="lavender wellfield 092015"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5655/20962225843_78327a0e75_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="lavender wellfield 092015"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/21557173506/in/dateposted-public/" title="hydrangea closeup 092015"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5811/21557173506_09b6c6669a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="hydrangea closeup 092015"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/21396469009/in/dateposted-public/" title="coral bells-bee"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/648/21396469009_28ff308661_z.jpg" width="498" height="640" alt="coral bells-bee"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/21583434085/in/dateposted-public/" title="coral bells foliage"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/576/21583434085_95b9504d4d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="coral bells foliage"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/21583468785/in/dateposted-public/" title="Bridge wellfield 092015 v2"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5640/21583468785_1a01bc37d2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Bridge wellfield 092015 v2"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-544156845151534782014-12-13T20:32:00.000-05:002014-12-13T21:08:20.761-05:00"Moonlight" - 18" x 18" Acrylic Painting Progress<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/15901303555" title="swan head detail WM by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="swan head detail WM" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7542/15901303555_fc4a547a92_z.jpg" width="429" /></a><br />
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Here are some in progress photos of my latest piece, "Moonlight" which I started on September 28, 2014 and finished on November 27, 2014. <br />
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I didn't have an agenda for this piece as far as the subject when I started, but I did want to stick with a limited color palette. I tend to thrown a lot of color on my pieces (which I love, obviously) but this was a way to challenge myself and see what would come. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/15715532327" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="swan paint palette WM by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="swan paint palette WM" height="335" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7461/15715532327_daaaf73ce4.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My limited palette</td></tr>
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About halfway through, I walked into my art room with the lights off, so the only light coming in was pre-sunrise glow. It was then that I saw the swan and I went from there.<br />
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I'm thrilled with the results. This is 18" x 18" piece on 2" deep canvas with sides painted red. That doesn't show up in these images, but it adds a nice finishing touch. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/16013274541" title="moonlight_1 by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="moonlight_1" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7534/16013274541_e4f0c67751.jpg" width="444" /></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/15392974714" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="moonlight_2 by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="moonlight_2" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7466/15392974714_7a6604e0a2.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is when I saw the swan and decided the direction to take it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/15392978114" title="moonlight_2 detail1 by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="moonlight_2 detail1" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7501/15392978114_4445b13d45_z.jpg" width="478" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/15829218209" title="moonlight_2 detail2 by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="moonlight_2 detail2" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7483/15829218209_9b073bb0cb_z.jpg" width="478" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/15989477026" title="moonlight_2 detail3 by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="moonlight_2 detail3" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7462/15989477026_27e882df20_z.jpg" width="486" /></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/15829636467" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="moonlight_3 by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="moonlight_3" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7464/15829636467_94f9360018.jpg" width="438" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After I decided on the swan, I got started on the body and other details. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/15393119784" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="moonlight_4 by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="moonlight_4" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7575/15393119784_19b844087d.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I created more contrast, added more branch imagery and played with movement and flow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/15989479896" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Moonlight-finished by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Moonlight-finished" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7493/15989479896_df3379b37b.jpg" width="489" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished piece with refined details and repeating dot pattern</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>I hope you enjoyed seeing my process with this piece. I'm smitten with it and look forward to more limited palette painting.</div><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-height="28"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a><br />
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<script type="text/javascript" async defer src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-21008369031671534992014-10-21T21:00:00.001-04:002014-10-21T21:04:05.621-04:00Fall Leaves - Free Images<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IO8GWMHVm8w/VEb-HVYvCnI/AAAAAAAABl4/KeD3oLMKAjk/s1600/KellyLuna_leaves1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IO8GWMHVm8w/VEb-HVYvCnI/AAAAAAAABl4/KeD3oLMKAjk/s1600/KellyLuna_leaves1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/q2zoe9rl4ppuly0/KellyLuna_leaves1.png?dl=0" style="color: purple;" target="_blank">Leaves 1</a><span style="color: #999999;"> (direct link to Dropbox file)</span></b></span></div>
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How's it going, fabulous peeps? I went for a walk yesterday as it was finally decent enough to do so. I saw so many beautiful leaves and I just couldn’t help picking some up along the way. I wondered how they would scan, and the answer is, they look AWESOME! I just had to share them with you. I’ve made them transparent PNG files, so you can layer them on othe backgrounds, or if you want to get fancy, you can pull individual leaves out using Photoshop or equivalent. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jsarTD6ZQGI/VEb-HvwftgI/AAAAAAAABl8/DpIUh1hRNq8/s1600/KellyLuna_leaves2%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jsarTD6ZQGI/VEb-HvwftgI/AAAAAAAABl8/DpIUh1hRNq8/s1600/KellyLuna_leaves2%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/jwgogykwjfuysci/KellyLuna_leaves2.png?dl=0" style="color: purple;" target="_blank">Leaves 2</a><span style="color: #999999;"> (direct link to Dropbox file)</span></span></b></div>
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Use these however you want. GO NUTS. And feel free to put links in the comments so we can see your fab creations. Just be forewarned - these are large images (about 11MB each).<br />
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Happy Fall!<br />
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p.s. Check out <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/" target="_blank">Flickr</a> for a few individual images.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6267787758/" title="Pumpkin-allthree by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin-allthree" height="333" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6267787758_71b0a65445.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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One batch of bread dough, three different-yet-similar final breads. Brace yourself for a post of epic proportions. I'm not even kidding. This thing is LOOOONG. Ready? OK, good. Let's get to it.<br />
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I'll keep the words to a minimum because 1) I took a ridiculous amount of pictures so they'll take up a ton space and 2) let's face it, you'd *rather* look at (mostly) pretty pictures <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">{I apologize in advance for the large number of blurry pics}</span></i> and get to the good stuff, anyway — the recipes!<br />
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Let's start with the base — <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the dough</span>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6264736569/" title="pumpking dough-overflowing by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="pumpking dough-overflowing" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6037/6264736569_c89be3cc12.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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It's vigorous. I hope you've got a big bowl.<br />
<i>("I hope you've got a big trunk, 'cause I'm gonna put my BIKE in it." Name that movie.)</i><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pumpkin Yeast Bread</span></b><br />
<i>adapted from <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/pumpkin-yeast-bread-recipe">King Arthur Flour</a></i><br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
1/2 cup warm water<br />
2 Tbsp SAF instant yeast or 2 packets of rapid rise yeast<br />
2/3 cup warm (NOT HOT) whole milk (or 2%)<br />
2 large eggs, beaten<br />
1-1/2 cups canned pumpkin <i>(This is *almost* the entire 15oz can. I was tempted to just use it all. If you do, you'll just need to adjust the amount of flour needed.)</i><br />
2 Tbsp vegetable oil<br />
1/2 cup dark brown sugar (can use light if you want, I just wanted a more robust flavor)<br />
2 tsp salt<br />
1 Tbsp cinnamon*<br />
1/2 heaping tsp ginger*<br />
1/2 tsp cardamom*<br />
1/4 - 1/2 tsp ground cloves*<br />
1/8 tsp nutmeg*<br />
4 cups bread flour<br />
2+ cups whole wheat flour<br />
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<i>*I'm very willy-nilly with my spices. I just sort of toss them in until it seems like the right amount, so these measurements are approximate. I know, not exactly helpful. Use what YOU like and how much you like. Remember this makes 2 LARGE or three good-size loaves, so what might seem like too much probably isn't. I LOVE cinnamon so I tend to go crazy with it. Disclaimer over.</i><br />
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<b>Directions</b><br />
In bowl of stand mixer, add 4 cups of bread flour, yeast, salt, spices. Mix until blended. Add water, milk, eggs, pumpkin, oil, and sugar. Beat well about 2 minutes. Add whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup at a time until the dough comes together and switch to the dough hook. Knead until the dough clears the sides (you'll need to scrape them down once or twice) adding just a little bit of flour at a time. The dough will eventually clear the bottom as well. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky and should be fairly smooth. This will take about 10 minutes all told.<br />
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Put dough in a large, oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap (spray the wrap with oil so that the dough won't stick when it BLOWS UP. *ahem*) and put it in a warm spot to <strike>blow up</strike> double, about 1 hour.<br />
<br />
Get ready for the FUN to begin.<br />
<br />
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6264737117/" title="Pumpking dough-divided by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpking dough-divided" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6232/6264737117_9fe15e0964.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I divided this beast into three pieces, each weighing in around 20.5 ounces.<br />
<br />
With the first piece, I made the easiest of the three — pull-apart bread. (Keep the other two covered while you work so they don't dry out.)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6265266490/" title="Pumpkin pull apart steps by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin pull apart steps" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6107/6265266490_8549221ef0.jpg" width="476" /></a><br />
<br />
Roll, slather, cut, layer, cut, stack, put in pan. Wait....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6265266798/" title="Pumpking pull apart-proofed by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpking pull apart-proofed" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6237/6265266798_457710c644.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Told you it was vigorous. Here's the pan of pull-apart bread after about 45min to an hour. HUGE and ready for the oven.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6265267188/" title="Pumpkin pull apart bottom by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin pull apart bottom" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/6265267188_d28553e45f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Oh, gracious. Would you LOOK at the bottom of that bread. Dreamy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6265267686/" title="Pumpkin pull apart baked by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin pull apart baked" height="312" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6265267686_65fe20fcc9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
And here's the crunchy, sweet, cinnamon-y top. Equally dreamy.<br />
<br />
<b>Pumpkin Pull-Apart Bread</b><br />
Ingredients<br />
1/3 pumpkin bread dough<br />
1/4 cup brown sugar, loosely packed<br />
1/4 cup granulated sugar<br />
2 tsp cinnamon<br />
6 Tbsp butter, melted, divided<br />
<br />
Directions<br />
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray loaf pan with cooking spray, coating entire inside.<br />
Using 1/3 of the pumpkin dough, pat into rectangle and roll out to approximately 18" x 10" or thereabouts. Mix together sugars and cinnamon in small bowl. Spread about 4 Tbsp of the melted butter over dough and cover completely with sugar mixture, reserving a tablespoon or two for topping.<br />
<br />
Cut in half lengthwise and stack the two strips. Cut stacked strips in 2" sections. Stack these and place in well greased loaf pan. Drizzle remaining butter over the loaf and sprinkle reserved sugar over the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until top crest the pan about 1/2" to 1", about 45 minutes.<br />
<br />
Bake approximately 30-40 minutes, until internal temp of bread is 190°F. Top will get dark. Cover after 20 minutes to prevent it from burning or getting too dark.<br />
<br />
Remove from oven and let rest on wire rack just a minute or two. Run knife around edges of pan to make sure it's not sticking, then turn out onto foil or parchment paper. Let it sit there for a minute or so to let the gooey goodness distribute a bit. Flip again so the top is upright. Let cool slightly (5-10 minutes) before diving in. The sugar will be HOT and basically like caramel (oh, yeah) so it's easy to burn your fingers if you start devouring immediately. It'll be worth the wait.<br />
<br />
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br />
<br />
Next up: Monkey Bread. But not just any old monkey bread. Oh, no. This is...<br />
<br />
<b>Cream Cheese Stuffed Pumpkin Monkey Bread</b><br />
<br />
Did you're eyes just flutter and roll to the back of your head like you were going to pass out? It's ok. Mine did when I had the idea for this, then it was all I could do not to laugh like a mad scientist. "EUREKA! Bwah HA HA HAAAAAA!" *drumming tips of fingers together* I was just sure it was going to be amazing. I was right.<br />
<br />
You're going to mix up a block of cream cheese with powdered sugar and spices.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6264739881/" title="cream cheese mixture by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="cream cheese mixture" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6264739881_62ce7fd0d7.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
<br />
Then you roll out the dough in no particular size, just roll it to about 1/4" thickness but no more than that. Thinner is ok.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6265267936/" title="Pumpkin MB squares by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin MB squares" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6031/6265267936_4c9e3b1d01.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Then cut into 1-1/2" to 2" squares. Cover most of the dough, then get to work. I'm not going to lie. This is time consuming, but oh so worth it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6265268636/" title="Pumpkin MB squares-cc filling by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin MB squares-cc filling" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6265268636_33515daceb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Shape...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6265269708/" title="Pumpkin MB shaping by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin MB shaping" height="343" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6265269708_836a230b7b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Dunk...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6265269226/" title="Pumpkin MB coating by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin MB coating" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6223/6265269226_a8de60d8d7_z.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
And repeat with all of the dough. Put in a greased bundt pan, cover and let rise...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6264741661/" title="Pumpkin MB in pan-proofed by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin MB in pan-proofed" height="428" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6264741661_a84dd7d245_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6265270496/" title="Pumpkin MB in pan-detail by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin MB in pan-detail" height="428" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6167/6265270496_ec32c95764_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Bake...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6265270986/" title="Pumpkin MB baked-detail by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin MB baked-detail" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/6265270986_ffe8ce5b3b_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><br />
<br />
Nearly pass out again when you turn this out onto a serving plate...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6265271346/" title="Pumpkin monkey bread by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin monkey bread" height="428" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6236/6265271346_c2b53a7953_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Then bliss out when you take your first bite...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6264743129/" title="Pumpkin monkey bread-bite by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin monkey bread-bite" height="508" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6264743129_e0897eb930_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
It's best cooled to warm-not-hot. So, if you can resist, let it sit about 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6264743527/" title="Pumpkin monkey bread-crumb by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin monkey bread-crumb" height="410" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6235/6264743527_9eb56fa972_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Cream Cheese Stuffed Pumpkin Monkey Bread</b><br />
Ingredients<br />
<i>Filling</i><br />
8oz (1 pkg) cream cheese<br />
1 cup powdered sugar<br />
1 heaping tsp cinnamon<br />
<br />
<i>Coating</i><br />
1/3 pumpkin bread dough<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed<br />
1/4 cup granulated sugar<br />
2 tsp cinnamon<br />
dash nutmeg<br />
any other spices you like - ginger, cloves, cardamom - go crazy<br />
1 stick butter, melted<br />
<br />
Directions<br />
Spray bundt pan with cooking spray, coating entire insides well.<br />
<i>Filling:</i> In medium bowl mix all ingredients until smooth. I used my hand mixer, but you can mix by hand with a spoon, just make sure the cream cheese is room temp - it'll be easier that way.<br />
<i>Coating:</i> Melt butter in small bowl. Mix sugars and spices in another small bowl. Grab a slotted spoon and a large regular spoon.<br />
Roll dough to approx 1/4" thick but not more than that. Thinner is ok. Cut into squares, covering dough as you work. Place a dollop of cream cheese mixture in the center of the square then pull edges of dough around the filling, sealing as best you can. Roll into smooth-ish ball shape and put in butter. Scoop out with slotted spoon and tap on edge of bowl to drain excess. Drop into sugar bowl, turning to coat with regular spoon. Place in prepared bundt pan. Repeat with remaining dough layering the coated pieces as you go. You'll end up with extra cream cheese, butter and sugar mix. No worries. You'll use them in the next bread. OR if you're only making this bread, save them to slather on pancakes or toast!<br />
<br />
Drizzle a little bit of butter over the pan of dough and sprinkle on a bit more sugar, too. Cover and let rise about 45 min.<br />
<br />
Bake in 350°F oven 40-45 minutes or until internal temp is 190°F. Cover the pan with foil if it's getting too dark.<br />
<br />
Remove from oven and run knife around all the edges. Grab a large plate or serving platter. Place on top of the bundt pan. With one hand on the bottom of the plate and the other holding the pan (with an oven mitt or towel) flip them together keeping bundt pan on top of the plate. Let the weight of the bread pull it it from the pan. You might need to tap it a bit. Slowly pull the pan off the bread and marvel and what you've just created. TA-DA!!!<br />
<br />
Let cool about 30 minutes before eating. I know you're not going to, but that's OK. I didn't either. But it DID taste better once it cooled a bit. Bring this to Thanksgiving or your next get together. Be prepared for the deluge of compliments and the "OMG-this-is-amazing" you'll receive.<br />
<br />
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br />
Are you still with me? I'm so glad. We're almost done and this one is super simple because we've got everything ready to go since we're using the leftovers from the other bread(s).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6265272746/" title="Pumpkin Cinn Swirl bread-shape by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin Cinn Swirl bread-shape" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6265272746_7e49655a7b_z.jpg" width="626" /></a><br />
<br />
Roll, slather, sprinkle, rollup, seal, plop in pan, wait...<br />
<br />
Bake...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6265273722/" title="Pumpkin Cinn Swirl bread-crumb by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin Cinn Swirl bread-crumb" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6265273722_6c7a5d8c75_z.jpg" width="457" /></a><br />
<br />
Realize you didn't roll the dough tightly enough...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/6264744743/" title="Pumpkin Cinn Swirl bread-void by somethingshiny712, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin Cinn Swirl bread-void" height="428" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6234/6264744743_9784a2f3af_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Then shrug your shoulders and eat it anyway 'cause it's AWESOME.<br />
<br />
<b>Cinnamon Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Bread</b><br />
Basically, this is a straight up cinnamon swirl bread but you use the cream cheese mixture in place of butter. Easy peasy. So if you take away anything from this post, just try this with your favorite cinnamon swirl bread recipe. You'll thank me.<br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
1/3 Pumpkin bread dough<br />
Cinnamon Sugar mix<br />
Cream Cheese mixture (cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon)<br />
<br />
Directions<br />
Preheat oven to 350°F.<br />
Spray loaf pan with cooking spray.<br />
Roll out dough to approximately 10" x 10". Smooth cream cheese mixture over dough then evenly sprinkle cinnamon sugar mix. Roll dough pulling tightly to avoid gaping voids. Smooth edge into roll then pinch the ends to seal and tuck under. Place in greased pan, cover and let rise about 45 min or until dough crests edge of pan. Bake until internal temp is 190°F about 35-40 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.<br />
<br />
Remove and place on cooling rack. Immediately turn out of pan on to rack. let cool before slicing and serving. Bread will smash and mush if you try to cut it while hot. This is really good toasted and I'm guessing it would make out-of-this-world French toast. Give it a shot!<br />
<br />
WHEW! You made it all the way through. What a trooper. If you try any (or all) of these recipes, please let me know. I'd love to hear about it in the comments or shoot me an email.<br />
<br />
<br />
ADDENDUM: I've linked this post up to the Red Star yeast Holiday Recipe Swap.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5c5c5c; line-height: 18px;"><em>Come join the fun at the <a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/holiday-recipe-exchange-rules/" style="color: #9dbbc5; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" target="_blank">My Baking Addiction</a> and <a href="http://www.goodlifeeats.com/holiday-recipe-exchange-rules" style="color: #9dbbc5; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">GoodLife Eats</a> <a class="kLink" href="http://www.goodlifeeats.com/2011/10/sweet-potato-dinner-rolls-holiday-recipe-exchange.html#" id="KonaLink5" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; border-bottom-color: transparent !important; border-bottom-style: none !important; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-color: transparent !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: transparent !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-color: transparent !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; bottom: 0px; color: #9dbbc5; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px;"><span style="color: rgb(150, 0, 0) !important; font-weight: inherit !important; position: static;"><span class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: rgb(150, 0, 0) !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-weight: inherit !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Holiday</span></span></a> Recipe Swap sponsored by <a href="http://www.redstaryeast.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #9dbbc5; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" target="_blank">Red Star Yeast</a>.</em></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-34017635934760570832014-09-08T21:06:00.000-04:002014-09-09T08:13:24.317-04:00Doodling with Sidewalk Chalk<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/15109236052" title="chalk-feet by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5575/15109236052_87a57b4bc3.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="chalk-feet"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/15109583755" title="driveway-towards garage by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5568/15109583755_b6715b89b2.jpg" width="500" height="257" alt="driveway-towards garage"></a><br />
<br />
I had the best time doing this. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14922882819" title="sidewalk-dusk by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3846/14922882819_5828d6f1c5.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="sidewalk-dusk"></a><br />
<br />
I'm definitely putting "make sidewalk art" on my schedule this week, even if I have to do just a little bit at a time. I posted some images on my Facebook wall and got some comments about how it was to bad it was going to rain. To me, though, one of the best things about this kind of art is that it's temporary. Ephemeral. Imperfect. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/15106557441" title="sidewalk-from upstairs wm by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3856/15106557441_4d54103b57.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="sidewalk-from upstairs wm"></a><br />
<br />
It doesn't matter what it looks like because it will be gone eventually, usually sooner than later. This washed away less than 24 hours later, and I smiled as the rain came down. It doesn't matter. It just means I get to do it again!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14923066117" title="raining by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3856/14923066117_2cc81e55f7.jpg" width="307" height="500" alt="raining"></a><br />
<br />
I highly recommend getting a tub of sidewalk chalk and going to town. Embrace your inner 6-year-old. Don't worry about what it's "supposed to" look like and just have FUN! No judgement, no inner perfectionist whispering in your ear. Let it go! Make a mess. I'm pretty sure you're going to love it!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/15109590935" title="chalk detail by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3900/15109590935_37fd03d60a_z.jpg" width="428" height="640" alt="chalk detail"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-47257586963460754112014-09-01T15:00:00.000-04:002014-09-01T15:00:14.407-04:00PB&J Smoothie<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/15105851501" title="PB&J smoothie top by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3894/15105851501_9d6277a3ee.jpg" width="500" height="352" alt="PB&J smoothie top"></a><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>The title is a bit of a monomer as there is no actually jelly in this smoothie, it's just what this particular smoothie combo tastes like. I've put peanut butter in my smoothies before, but found a new product this weekend that makes it even easier - powdered peanut butter. Who knew?<div><br />
</div><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14922322107" title="powdered PB by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5596/14922322107_0f3346b796_z.jpg" width="459" height="640" alt="powdered PB"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/15108883965" title="powdered PB-back by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3842/15108883965_d00cea41fc_z.jpg" width="430" height="640" alt="powdered PB-back"></a><br />
<div>I'm sure others have seen this before, but I hadn't. It caught my eye on the top shelf of the PB selection and I just had to give it a try. I wasn't even thinking of it for smoothies at the time, but when I got home, a light bulb went off, and I had to give it a go.</div><div><br />
</div><div>It was perfect! The flavor is amazing and the easy of use can't be beat. I'm going to try it in baking, too. Ooh! And in oatmeal. So many possibilities!</div><div><br />
</div><div>A note about blending: I splurged on a <a href="https://www.vitamix.com/" target="_blank"><b>Vitamix blender</b> </a>for myself last Christmas and absolutely love it. I bought it directly from the company website as they offer <a href="https://www.vitamix.com/shop/Certified-Reconditioned-Products.aspx" target="_blank"><b>reconditioned models</b></a> and were running a sale on shipping. I got <a href="http://tified-reconditioned-standard.aspx/" target="_blank"><b>mine</b></a> for $299 which is still a lot of money, but considerably less than new. Keep an eye out on the site for sales, and be open to getting a reconditioned one. It's an incredible blender.</div><div><br />
</div><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/15105849991" title="PB&J smoothie by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3920/15105849991_1c8f7e6a3f.jpg" width="477" height="500" alt="PB&J smoothie"></a><br />
<div><span style="font-size: large;">PB&J Smoothie</span></div><div>Please note that I don't measure anything when I make a smoothie. Dump and go is my motto - or something like that. It's a "little of this, little of that" method and generally whatever looks or sounds good at the time. I always have frozen fruit available. I don't like to use ice in my smoothies, so frozen fruit is the way to go. </div><div><br />
</div><div><i>All measurements approximate. Add water as needed if it's too thick.</i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div>3/4 cup milk</div><div>1/2 cup Greek yogurt</div><div>2 tsp Powdered Peanut Butter</div><div>1/2 frozen banana</div><div>3/4 cup/handful frozen strawberries</div><div>3/4 cup frozen blueberries</div><div>1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional if you're not into cinnamon, but it tastes really good and is good for you!)</div><div>1/4 cup water (additional as needed, especially with a less powerful blender)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Optional</div><div>-Scoop protein powder</div><div>-sweetener, to taste</div><div>-big handful of spinach - you won't taste it, but it will add a ton of nutrition. Be warned-the color of your smoothie will look terrible. Purple + green = not pleasant </div><div><br />
</div><div>Add all ingredients to blender, liquids first (although I add water last, so...)</div><div>Start on low speed, but quickly crank to high, and blend about 30 seconds (with powerful blender) or as long as it takes to get it smooth. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Pour and enjoy! The combination of fruit and peanut butter makes you feel like a kid again, just like a PB&J sammich. Mmmmm... </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-77677582213000791732014-07-26T16:34:00.000-04:002014-07-26T16:59:58.070-04:00How To Make a Tri-Fold Art Display<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14751042792" title="tri-fold panel by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="tri-fold panel" height="642" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3875/14751042792_43c01da637_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
As promised, albeit much later than I anticipated, here is my "How To" on the tri-fold art display Dwight and I made for our first <a href="http://www.kellyluna.com/2014/05/elkhart-art-walk-may-2014.html" target="_blank">At Walk show</a> back in May.<br />
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We researched a lot of ideas but landed on this as it was a great way to make use of ready-made parts.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14202303655" title="menards-frame panels-500px by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="menards-frame panels-500px" height="800" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5564/14202303655_32998e629b_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
We bought three of these free standing storage rack frames. They were a good height saved us from making a frame.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14015717027" title="menards-frame-closeup-500px by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="menards-frame-closeup-500px" height="353" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2927/14015717027_cfb773c3cd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We needed two pieces of pegboard for each frame because they come in 4' x 4' or 2' x 4' sizes but we needed 6' of board to completely cover the frames, so we bought six 2' x 4' sheets.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14015692760" title="Panel assembly-parts by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Panel assembly-parts" height="382" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5199/14015692760_c92b301a5f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Next up: Hardware<br />
Two hinges per connection = 4 hinges, plus plastic feet for the ends (6 total) and lots of 1" wood screws, which we already had on hand.<br />
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Finally, some black spray paint. We bought flat black paint and primer in one. I don't remember how many cans we ended up using, but it had to have been at least four. Obviously, you can use any color-and finish- you like!<br />
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First up, we sanded the frames. They were ROUGH. They weren't perfect after, but at least we didn't have to worry about getting maimed by giant splinters!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14222458003" title="Panel assembly-sanding by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Panel assembly-sanding" height="669" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2936/14222458003_faca9f8fe4_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Next we cut the pegboard so that we would have some place to screw them in. That is, we had to make sure that the pegboard could be fully supported by a crossmember.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14222473763" title="Panel assembly-pegboard by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Panel assembly-pegboard" height="606" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5319/14222473763_72a48f6516_z.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We attached the pegboard to the frames, centering them as closely as we could. Because these frames are meant to hold a 24" board between the supports, the pegboard did not go from edge to edge. It's noticeable when the pieces are raw, but after they're painted, it's not a big deal. This also means that there are no screws along the sides, only horizontally along the cross members.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14015659479" title="Panel assembly-pegboard-Dwight by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Panel assembly-pegboard-Dwight" height="669" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5117/14015659479_9e377df0bf_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We stood them on end, lining them up to make sure they would fold the right way, then added the hinges.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14015735887" title="Panel assembly-hinges by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Panel assembly-hinges" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5585/14015735887_d4f346583c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14015705900" title="Panel assembly-unpainted by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Panel assembly-unpainted" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5032/14015705900_76f72027bd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Finally, it's painting time. My least favorite part. We have a well-worn tarp that has seen countless spray-painted projects and bares the scars! We grabbed the paint and had at it, trying to avoid being down wind, and hoping our hands wouldn't cramp up.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14179201686" title="Panel assembly-ready to paint-Dwight by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Panel assembly-ready to paint-Dwight" height="629" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2916/14179201686_447fa5c0a0_z.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14202338225" title="Panel assembly-1st coat paint by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Panel assembly-1st coat paint" height="669" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5031/14202338225_60e37a87fc_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14015686088" title="Panel assembly-1st coat paint-front by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Panel assembly-1st coat paint-front" height="669" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2926/14015686088_6ec57ef0a7_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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After it was completely painted and dry, Dwight added the plastic feet to protect whatever surface these would be on, and they make it much easier to move the screen around once it's up. (You can see them in the very first photo on this post.)<br />
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It works great indoors. We haven't tested it outside. I suspect it needs some bracing or strategically placed weights should there be any wind. While it looks fantastic and holds a lot of art, front and back, it does have a few drawback, size being the biggest. It's 6' tall and about 28" wide. Dwight has an Element and we're able to get it in there with the passenger seat all the way forward. Unless you have a similar vehicle or a truck, this is just too big to be hauling from show to show.<br />
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We ended up finding a much better solution for us, which I'll share in my next post. Ooooh, cliffhanger!<br />
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<b>Supply list and costs</b><br />
All of this is from Menards:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Frames – $11.99 ea x 3 = $35.97</li>
<li>Pegboard – $3.99 ea x 6 = $23.94</li>
<li>3" hinges – $2.48 x 2 (2 per pack) = $4.96</li>
<li>Spray paint – $3.37 ea x 4 = $13.48</li>
<li>6 plastic feet (can't find receipt)</li>
<li>Screws (we already had these)</li>
</ul>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-20555819496523484942014-07-11T19:48:00.000-04:002014-07-11T19:48:20.867-04:00Seen on my walkLooks like someone is getting married tomorrow.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oLbo3UZFphU/U8B1yjjq3YI/AAAAAAAABlQ/fIIiiJNwF_0/s1600/wedding+chairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oLbo3UZFphU/U8B1yjjq3YI/AAAAAAAABlQ/fIIiiJNwF_0/s1600/wedding+chairs.jpg" /></a></div>
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In one section of my walk, there are empty, heavily wooded areas on either side of the road. Our neighborhood has a very high water table, including some wetlands, which is why these spaces aren't developed. Reminds me of the lush scenery in The Hunger Games. Clearly someone is using this area as a dumping ground for their yard waste.<br />
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And finally, the Queen Anne's lace is in full bloom around here.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kEjKVRkNhTg/U8B1zhgjN0I/AAAAAAAABlk/mmvj3NHrc84/s1600/queen+anne%2527s+lace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kEjKVRkNhTg/U8B1zhgjN0I/AAAAAAAABlk/mmvj3NHrc84/s1600/queen+anne%2527s+lace.jpg" /></a></div>
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Just a few of the things going on in my 'hood.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-91548746200297436092014-05-27T21:10:00.000-04:002014-05-27T21:10:16.256-04:00The Weekend in PicturesI could get used to three day weekends. Really, really used to them! Here's a glimpse of some of the things I saw and did this weekend.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14283684351" title="eggs by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/14283684351_8d2c3d8e53.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="eggs"></a><br />
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We had friends over for dinner Saturday night. They brought us these gorgeous eggs. Now I want to keep chickens even more. Dwight is opposed, but I'll win him over whenever we move to our dream home in the country. We had a few of them for breakfast the next morning. Delicious!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14307201293" title="annuals by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2915/14307201293_c53c72a5a1.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="annuals"></a><br />
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Just before breakfast, though, we made a quick trip to Lowe's to pick up annuals. We hoped to get mulch, but they were out. Oops. We got just one flat of annuals this year, and I also picked up some herbs - Greek oregano, spicy globe basil, and sweet mint. Gotta have my fresh mojitos this summer!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14283683951" title="herbs by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2932/14283683951_cbb1b13d9f_z.jpg" width="454" height="640" alt="herbs"></a><br />
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Dwight grabbed a large container of catmint. Have to think of the kitties, too!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14100339479" title="catmint by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/14100339479_b9d8cf7c8e.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="catmint"></a><br />
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Dwight mentioned that he saw some poison ivy in a flower bed at the front of our yard, so I grabbed the poison ivy killer and searched it out. Wasn't hard to find; there was a ton of it, all in this bed filled with snowdrops (still going strong, even this late in the season). <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14263884826" title="snowdrops by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2927/14263884826_0e7ef970f9_z.jpg" width="478" height="640" alt="snowdrops"></a><br />
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I had a run in with poison ivy last year, and I didn't want a repeat. It wasn't bad, just a bit on my right wrist and forearm - but it was enough. KILL THE IVY!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14285001082" title="poison ivy by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/14285001082_34cbffa05f_z.jpg" width="500" height="505" alt="poison ivy"></a><br />
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Our yard is very shady. Like, ridiculously so. It makes growing a variety of plants a challenge, to say the least. However, it does make our back yard look like a park, so I sort of fall in love with it this time each year. I mean, come on. How can I not appreciate THIS?<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14100376768" title="back woods by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5272/14100376768_b5505e1563.jpg" width="399" height="500" alt="back woods"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14100459977" title="backyard by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/14100459977_8d20bf0e0f_z.jpg" width="462" height="640" alt="backyard"></a><br />
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I have to admit, we can grow the crap out of hostas, ferns, and bleeding hearts, so that's something. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14263886226" title="pink bleeding hearts by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2913/14263886226_7c8e82b14c.jpg" width="500" height="464" alt="pink bleeding hearts"></a><br />
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The hydrangeas and rhododendrons seem to like it, too, despite getting seriously zapped this winter. The snow up to the keester and super frigid temps meant losing one decorative tree, and our hydrangeas and roses to the ground. Stupid winter. Pfft.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14100380210" title="white bleeding hearts by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2911/14100380210_f9cac4373c.jpg" width="444" height="500" alt="white bleeding hearts"></a><br />
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Our tree peony only had two blooms on it this year, and I almost missed them! Fortunately, I did manage to get a photo before the petals fell.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14286505274" title="tree peony by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2931/14286505274_fb35c7d433_z.jpg" width="481" height="640" alt="tree peony"></a><br />
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Aside from lots of yard work, I also did some artsy stuff. I worked on (and finished) a 12" x 12" panting of a parrot tulip (finished photo yet to come). <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14283679251" title="tulip painting1 by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2910/14283679251_204da5ea0c.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="tulip painting1"></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14100380670" title="tulip painting2 by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3808/14100380670_58abe99231.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="tulip painting2"></a><br />
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And I started a new thing - paper beads. Kind of digging them!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14100455847" title="paper beads by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3832/14100455847_8bb54822c8.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="paper beads"></a><br />
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p.s. All photos were taken with my iPod Touch. I'm kind of in love with that thing. Don't tell Dwight.<br />
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On second thought, it's OK. I'm pretty sure he knows. He has one too, and I think he's got a crush on his, so we have mutual understanding.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-28171818540621885062014-05-23T20:48:00.001-04:002014-05-23T20:53:11.517-04:00Giveaway! Original Painting by Yours Truly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kxgrjLqbqyc/U3_sD6JhBDI/AAAAAAAABkg/zS9htI1-yjE/s1600/CC-Feb-Dream+Big-Finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kxgrjLqbqyc/U3_sD6JhBDI/AAAAAAAABkg/zS9htI1-yjE/s1600/CC-Feb-Dream+Big-Finished.jpg" height="640" width="498" /></a></div>
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I made this almost exactly two years ago. It's FULL to texture and some of my favorite colors. I used a map for the balloon, modeling past and stamps for texture, masking tape, and some stencils. It was so much fun to make.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPmhN7oyKoc/U3_rYODduvI/AAAAAAAABkQ/0un5ULt0pWo/s1600/CC-Feb-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPmhN7oyKoc/U3_rYODduvI/AAAAAAAABkQ/0un5ULt0pWo/s1600/CC-Feb-1.jpg" height="400" width="330" /></a></div>
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I still really like it, but I feel like it wants and needs a new home. Someone else to inspire. So I've decided to give it away to one of my readers. Sound good? All you have to do is leave a comment here - leave me your email address - and I'll pick a winner at random. No jumping through hoops for extra entries, just keeping it simple. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpCw5NG3T1k/U3_rYIyIFtI/AAAAAAAABkU/zVt5YjqmnN4/s1600/dream+big+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpCw5NG3T1k/U3_rYIyIFtI/AAAAAAAABkU/zVt5YjqmnN4/s1600/dream+big+closeup.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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If you feel inspired, tell me what your big dream is, but no pressure. If you want to keep it secret, I get that. Just leave a comment by a week from today - Friday, May 30 - and I'll pick a winner.<br />
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p.s. this is an 8" x10" canvas<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-size: large;">BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS! It's the only way I can contact you if you win!</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;">If you don't feel comfortable leaving your address in the comments, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;">email me with the info after you post your comment.</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-34193487044260489022014-05-20T19:05:00.002-04:002014-07-26T16:41:07.330-04:00Elkhart Art Walk May 2014<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14199188861" title="Art walk door poster by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Art walk door poster" height="669" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2934/14199188861_120b94df0b_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Technically this was my second art show. My <a href="http://www.kellyluna.com/2012/06/the-garden-art-show.html" target="_blank">first</a> was two years ago when I entered two painting in a juried show and one was accepted. That was very cool. This? Well, the <a href="http://www.downtownelkhart.org/arts-entertainment/artwalk.html" target="_blank"><b>Art Walk</b> </a>was another beast entirely. I've been wanting to do more shows, specifically more art fair types of shows, with booths and tents and the whole nine yards. I finally got my act together and made the commitment by applying to two. (I haven't heard back on the second one yet - stay tuned!)<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14015713308" title="setup-complete-outside by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="setup-complete-outside" height="669" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5277/14015713308_f95faae25d_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I was sure I hadn't been chosen for the May 14 Art Walk because I assumed I would have heard something earlier, but on April 27, I got the email:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Dear Kelly --</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br />
</i></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I am so pleased that you will be part of the upcoming Wed. May 14 ArtWalk.</i></span></blockquote>
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Eep! I was in. Then mild panic set in. So much to do! I need display panels! A set up! SOMETHING! I took some deep breaths, reminded myself that this is supposed to be FUN, and got to work planning and making lists.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14199852922" title="K paintings-varnishing-driveway-500px by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="K paintings-varnishing-driveway-500px" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2905/14199852922_514bcbbe54.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I didn't realize when I submitted my application that Dwight wanted to participate, too. Oops. Thankfully the organizers were fine with it and we got to work putting hangers on the paintings, spray painting old, second hand frames, buying new frames, and figuring out what kind of panels we could make in a short amount of time. After a scouting trip to Menards and lots of searching online, we devised our own folding screen and we were set!*<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14015659479" title="Panel assembly-pegboard-Dwight by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Panel assembly-pegboard-Dwight" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5117/14015659479_9e377df0bf_z.jpg" width="478" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14202343095" title="Dwight-paintingprep-driveway-500px by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Dwight-paintingprep-driveway-500px" height="523" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/14202343095_762bd0015d_z.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14015816269" title="adding hangers by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="adding hangers" height="640" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2921/14015816269_726435e341_z.jpg" width="478" /></a><br />
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The purpose of the Art Walks is to spotlight local art talent and create a sort of salon experience for them and the community. To do that, downtown businesses graciously open their doors and display windows for the artist. Each artist is assigned to a participating business and the artists coordinate with the owners to set up their art displays.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14202256804" title="setup-complete by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="setup-complete" height="669" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5572/14202256804_da139a2f3c_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Dwight and I were first assigned to a restaurant in the middle of changing to a different restaurant, but construction was behind. It wasn't going to work. But we lucked out, and were reassigned two doors down at<a href="http://www.matzkeflorist.com/" target="_blank"> <b>Matzke Florist</b>.</a> What a score! The owners and employees were amazing, and the store was filled with gorgeous flowers that smelled heavenly.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14199865332" title="setup-column bag easel by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="setup-column bag easel" height="669" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5583/14199865332_208bdbf93f_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We arrived the Thursday before the event to set up. Because this is a way to promote artists, displays are set up early and left up about a week after the walk so that people can check out the art for two full weeks, not just on the night of the Art Walk. So cool!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14015719119" title="Artwalk-sidewindow by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Artwalk-sidewindow" height="669" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2920/14015719119_f4306b5f05_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We made trip after trip into the shop — paintings, the homemade screen, easels, and even some little columns we happened to have — and got everything set up. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14179222946" title="Setup-Car-labels by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Setup-Car-labels" height="604" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5522/14179222946_b39a483d2a_z.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14199976422" title="Art walk-folding table by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Art walk-folding table" height="536" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2923/14199976422_26f25a8170_z.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The day of the walk, we got a call that the florist was going to rearrange the art so that we would get the entire front window. When we set up the week before, they had the display set up for Mother's Day, seeing as that's a pretty big deal for a florist (!) and had taken it down, letting us have the coveted space. The did it all themselves. How incredible is that? They did a wonderful job and really showed off the art, Dwight's in particular, since his paintings are larger and so striking.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14015724308" title="Artwalk-frontwindow by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Artwalk-frontwindow" height="669" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5515/14015724308_bcde930ea1_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The weather did NOT cooperate, but the people of Elkhart did not let that deter them. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14199876252" title="weather by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="weather" height="320" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2927/14199876252_0bdfa9d398_n.jpg" width="198" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14202478595" title="Art walk signs by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Art walk signs" height="636" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2918/14202478595_40404a32a4_z.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We had a surprisingly good turnout, and the three hours went quickly. And we sold THREE paintings! I sold one and Dwight sold two. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/14222521553" title="Artwalk-display1-sold by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Artwalk-display1-sold" height="669" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5231/14222521553_6b18011a8b_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Both being introverts, however, meant that Dwight and I were seriously pooped afterwards, but had a great time. In fact, we're planning on doing it again for the next Art Walk in July. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NTVXKxQgKg0/U3veN0AxuVI/AAAAAAAABjg/E1mPgNzkP-Y/s1600/us-artwalk-may.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NTVXKxQgKg0/U3veN0AxuVI/AAAAAAAABjg/E1mPgNzkP-Y/s1600/us-artwalk-may.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<i>*Blog post coming soon for a "HOW-TO" on making the folding screen.--- </i><b>You can find it <a href="http://www.kellyluna.com/2014/07/how-to-make-tri-fold-art-display.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-50110259049853205302014-03-16T22:11:00.000-04:002014-03-17T08:03:46.901-04:00My First Painting Demo Video!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/89251259" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here it is! my very first painting demonstration video. There was quite a learning curve on all of this–took a LOT of time– but I had a blast. And there is still so much to learn! I have a entirely new respect for artists that regularly create videos. It is very time consuming, although I suppose you get better and better at it, just like anything.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I don't have a proper video camera, so I used my iPod Touch along with a special tripod adapter and my regular cheap-o tripod to shoot this. Again, lots to learn but overall the set up worked nicely. I even got to put one of my photo lights to use.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Starting out, I had an idea of what I wanted to do, something similar to some other pieces I've done recently, using a pallet knife and broad swipes of color. As you'll see, I decided to shift the idea to more closely follow my inspiration than stick with a strictly abstract piece. I've never been taught how to properly use a pallet knife, so I just go about it all willy nilly, just the way I like it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You'll also see me paint with my fingers quite a bit. I think it's a wonderful way to make flowers and blend color. I also like to use sandpaper because it helps the piece feel lived in and a bit worn, like a great pair of jeans. You'll notice I keep going over and over the piece. Part of that is refining and honing the look. Part is just covering up what I no longer like. But even when I cover things up, the depth of the piece is always enhanced with these layers and layers of paint. I think it makes it a lot more interesting.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I hope you enjoy watching. I got it down to just over 25 minutes, so I hope it's not too long!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In the comments below, please let me know what you think of the video, and any suggestions you have RE: music, lighting, duration, etc. I'd love to hear them!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Supply List</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">12" 12" Blick Premier stretched <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-premier-traditional-78-profile-cotton-canvas/" target="_blank"><b>canvas</b></a>, 7/8" deep</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/liquitex-acrylic-gessos/" target="_blank"><b>Liquitex Gesso</b></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Valspar satin latex sample pots:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Belle Grove Sorbet, Rushing Stream and Lovely Buff</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bilck <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-matte-acrylics/" target="_blank"><b>matte acrylic</b></a> in Brilliant Magenta</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/liquitex-basics-acrylic-colors/" target="_blank">Liquitex Basics</a>:</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cadmium Yellow Medium Hue</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mars Black</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/golden-fluid-acrylics/" target="_blank"><b>Golden Fluid Acrylics:</b></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cobalt Turquois</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Phthalo Turquois</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Quinacridone Magenta</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/caran-dache-neocolor-ii-artists-crayons/" target="_blank"><b>Neocolor II crayons:</b></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Payne's Grey</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Turquoise</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My Pinterest <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kellyluna/inspiration/" target="_blank"><b>Inspiration</b></a> </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-15657072615385020282014-03-09T08:48:00.000-04:002014-03-09T08:48:00.589-04:00Oh, hey look, it's snowing again. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xAxaCi0fdc/Uxxf-QPMoXI/AAAAAAAABhQ/uBdVU4Fi88g/s1600/snow-Japanese+Maple-pine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xAxaCi0fdc/Uxxf-QPMoXI/AAAAAAAABhQ/uBdVU4Fi88g/s1600/snow-Japanese+Maple-pine.jpg" /></a></div>
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This isn't another rant about how spectacularly long this winter has been. Seems pointless, right? So instead, let's look at some pictures of the admittedly pretty snow. I'm not thrilled it arrive, but it was very lovely as and just after it fell.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FLzj8Dm8Ja4/Uxxf-U55b3I/AAAAAAAABhg/l8DHFWGlWx4/s1600/rhododendrons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FLzj8Dm8Ja4/Uxxf-U55b3I/AAAAAAAABhg/l8DHFWGlWx4/s1600/rhododendrons.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sad rhododendrons :(</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDFbtj9Ytd4/Uxxf-D4owJI/AAAAAAAABhY/WA1twp8uZJ4/s1600/snow-backyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDFbtj9Ytd4/Uxxf-D4owJI/AAAAAAAABhY/WA1twp8uZJ4/s1600/snow-backyard.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here's the back yard. In order to get to our wood pile, you have to cross from the garage to the opposite corner of our lot. Twice this winter, I shoveled a path to it while Dwight powered through with wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow of wood. It was pretty brutal. The funny thing, though, is that the outdoor critters, wild and domestic alike, used this trench as well. Deer, squirrels, and one of the neighborhood cats seemed especially grateful for the way to get around that didn't involve 12-20+ inches of snow!<br />
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But no complaining about all of this "winter bounty." Aside from there being nothing I can do about it, we're getting just that much closer to spring. Whew.<br />
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My mother, however took a far more humorous approach to the weather. She cleans our house usually once a week (I pay her, don't get the wrong idea) and she left this note for us on Friday.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-knTHU7GH-rc/UxxfwkiWMDI/AAAAAAAABhE/H8qzcwzuWLk/s1600/snowman+timeout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-knTHU7GH-rc/UxxfwkiWMDI/AAAAAAAABhE/H8qzcwzuWLk/s1600/snowman+timeout.jpg" /></a></div>
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I burst out laughing. My mom put my snowman ornament - my nod to winter "decorating" - in time out, turning him around and putting him in the corner. Awesome.<br />
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I come by my goofy sense of humor quite naturally.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-74912631096231570272014-02-25T19:53:00.002-05:002014-02-25T19:53:57.761-05:00Life Book 2014 — Um, Wow.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sNDETjO5cMg/Uw04yP8Yv1I/AAAAAAAABg0/qyw7IXH7QEg/s1600/LB14-Wk4-collage-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sNDETjO5cMg/Uw04yP8Yv1I/AAAAAAAABg0/qyw7IXH7QEg/s1600/LB14-Wk4-collage-sm.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have a bit of an art e-course addiction. I love how many different ones are out there and have learned so much - practically everything, really - from the various ones I've taken. I have a rather substantial backlog of videos to watch, projects to try and posts to read. It's a bit overwhelming at times, but they are so much fun.<br />
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I fed my addiction this year big time. I signed up for <a href="http://www.willowing.org/life-book-2014/" target="_blank"><b>Life Book 2014</b> </a>hosted by the wonderful Tamara LaPorte of <a href="http://www.willowing.org/" target="_blank"><b>Willowing Arts</b></a>. It's a year long course with lessons from 20+ artists in all different kinds of mixed media. I loved the line up of artists this year, some of which I knew through other courses I've taken and some just by way of the online art community. Some were brand new to me.<br />
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I have not been disappointed. In fact, I'm amazed at the quality and amount of information we've already received and it's only week 8. I'm blown away. For the money, this is by far the best course I've taken and highly recommend this class to anyone interested in mixed media, newbies and seasoned artists alike. I bought this course for my mom for Christmas since she had expressed an interest in this kind of art. She's loving it, and tells me so about every time I talk with her. She's very creative and has always been artsy and crafty, and passed it on to me, so I knew she'd enjoy the course.<br />
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The images here are a few things I've worked on so far. I have to catch up one a week I skipped (oops) but this week is a bit of a break with no assignment, so hopefully I can make the time! <br />
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I really can't recommend this course enough. Tam is a delight, both as a person and and artist, and all of the contributing artists have been generous and encouraging. I can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-74595560714155382962014-02-12T21:03:00.000-05:002014-02-12T21:03:47.277-05:00WIP – Dwight's Landscape<div style="text-align: left;">
Thought I'd show you a new work in progress (WIP), but with a TWIST. This is my husband's (Dwight's) latest WIP – a gorgeous landscape. He's building layer upon layer, slowly but surely defining and beautifying his painting.</div>
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Pretty awesome, right? Can't wait to see how it turns out!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-159035686113730642014-01-05T17:20:00.002-05:002014-01-05T17:20:49.858-05:00It's Snowmaggedon! Or Snowpocalypse! Or something.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/11785630893/" title="010514-snow-ruler by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="010514-snow-ruler" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/11785630893_5d4ca90dba.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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It's snowing, of that I am certain. And it's piling up and going to get super duper cold, so I guess I get why people have their knickers in a twist about it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/11786143756/" title="010514-snow-dwight by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="010514-snow-dwight" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/11786143756_1dae8563d8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Part of me still just wants to tell everyone, "Hey, it's northern Indiana. In January. It *supposed* to snow" but everyone seems intent on freaking out, in no small part due to the near-constant stream of "OH MY GOD, WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!" type of weather reports coming from the local stations.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/11785645453/" title="010514-snow-yard by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="010514-snow-yard" height="334" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5484/11785645453_a90d826699.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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All I know is I have plenty of food to last a long time, so bring it, Mother Nature. I got this.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-848491843726718182013-12-03T18:39:00.001-05:002013-12-03T18:39:53.079-05:00It's like he's always been here<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10810826923/" title="floyd-1stday by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="floyd-1stday" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/10810826923_6994b40874_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><br />
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On September 25, Floyd officially became ours. He has adjusted nicely to indoor living. And by adjusting, I mean taken to it like white on rice. He discovered the amazingness that is The Bed - became an instant bed kitty.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10810749676/" title="Floyd-bed-hr by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Floyd-bed-hr" height="335" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3694/10810749676_3e8e859eb1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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He's 100% kitten, even though he's about 11-1/2 pounds and solid as a horse. Everything is a toy.<br />
E V E R Y T H I N G.<br />
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Dried flowers? Check. Decorative bowl? His now, thankyouverymuch. Chandelier? Check.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10810577486/" title="Floyd-driedhydrangea by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Floyd-driedhydrangea" height="335" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/10810577486_028efc9056.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10810964653/" title="Floyd-DR light by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Floyd-DR light" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/10810964653_110eef3cb4_z.jpg" width="369" /></a><br />
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He still goes outside, weather permitting.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10810841864/" title="floyd-outside-under tree by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="floyd-outside-under tree" height="373" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7381/10810841864_d5911679d7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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But he prefers it in here, with us, taking baths on his pillow (while it snows outside)...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/11196982225/" title="Floyd-pillow-snow by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Floyd-pillow-snow" height="335" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/11196982225_d17a05c47c.jpg" width="500" /></a><<br />
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....or messing with my stuff. Oooh! Art toys!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/11196989805/" title="Floyd-art table-pen by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Floyd-art table-pen" height="335" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7315/11196989805_bd5758a6b1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Here he is on his very last night as an outside kitty. Awww. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10810564335/" title="Floyd-lastnightout by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Floyd-lastnightout" height="335" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/10810564335_191a122860.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Next morning was quite the surprise. Lured into a carried with treats, whisked into the car for a (thankfully) short ride to the vet where they gave him shots and snipped his, um... berries. He hasn't seemed to notice they're gone. Then again, Dwight and I suspect he isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer. That's ok. With a face like this, you can get away with a lot.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/11196992835/" title="Floyd-sweetface by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Floyd-sweetface" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/11196992835_80de129cce.jpg" width="428" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-68829530006303611572013-11-21T21:14:00.000-05:002013-11-21T21:14:46.155-05:00In honor of the Hunger Games movie... (not really)<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10987017165/" title="painting-face-forest by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="painting-face-forest" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/10987017165_1982f997ae_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><br />
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Here's the latest painting I've finished. It's an 8" x 10" mixed media canvas using acrylics, tissue paper, <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/caran-dache-neocolor-ii-artists-crayons/">Neocolor II</a> crayons and Faber Castell <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/faber-castell-pitt-big-brush-artist-pens/">big brush pitt pens</a>.<br />
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As she was coming together, I realized that she was looking rather like.. Jennifer Lawrence. Do you think so? I think it's funny that the next movie comes out tomorrow—utter coincidence, I swear. I'm tempted to call this one "Katniss" but I'm not sure. What do you think?
I also though it would be fun to show you where this canvas started.<br />
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Fortunately, I took random pictures along the way and I tucked a note into the back of the canvas once I realized I was having a hard time remembering what this originally looked like. Not surprising since I started it in February 2012. Seriously. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10987185434/" title="painting-face-forest-note by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="painting-face-forest-note" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/10987185434_2103c200c9_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><br />
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Take a look going from most recent to the beginning...
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10987237923/" title="painting-face-forest-drippy by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="painting-face-forest-drippy" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/10987237923_f60c6d7e1c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
July 2013<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10987121856/" title="painting-face-forest-outline by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="painting-face-forest-outline" height="334" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3721/10987121856_afdfd083ba.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
July 2013<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10987120686/" title="painting-face-forest-stencil by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="painting-face-forest-stencil" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/10987120686_b13e9e1de1.jpg" width="423" /></a><br />
March 2013<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10987130786/" title="painting-face-forest-before by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="painting-face-forest-before" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/10987130786_fc6f4b4e26.jpg" width="397" /></a><br />
December 2012<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10987033035/" title="painting-face-forest-beginning by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="painting-face-forest-beginning" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/10987033035_f7ee417d50.jpg" width="365" /></a><br />
February 2012<br />
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Sometimes it takes me a LOOONG time to finish a painting!<br />
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Happy Hunger Games!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-53097621187055651472013-11-03T18:28:00.000-05:002013-11-03T18:28:48.500-05:00Extra Hour!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10657751633/" title="110313-trees-sun by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="110313-trees-sun" height="747" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5525/10657751633_57065a8a2d_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10657610446/" title="110313-backyard-window by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="110313-backyard-window" height="337" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3807/10657610446_13f7e1efa1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Here it is. Best day of the year (kinda). DST ends and we get an extra hour. Super awesome. So what did you do with yours? Here's a glance at what Casa Luna did on this beautiful Sunday, November 3rd.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10657551986/" title="110313-redbeans by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="110313-redbeans" height="335" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/10657551986_6df6408c80.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I made some red beans and rice. It was go-ooood. I forgot that we didn't have regular rice, but I did have sushi rice (don't ask me why - I've never made sushi). So technically we had red beans and sticky rice. Still go-ooood.<br />
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The kitties' day looked something like this.
Floyd was outside most of the day, enjoying the sunshine. Can't blame him. He came to say hi, then headed towards the tree…<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10657788363/" title="110313-Floyd-walkingaway by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="110313-Floyd-walkingaway" height="335" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/10657788363_4bea06623a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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...where he got "that look" on his face.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10657593534/" title="110313-Floyd-thelook by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="110313-Floyd-thelook" height="335" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/10657593534_a6985ea583.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I knew what was coming next.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10657594546/" title="110313-Floyd-climbing by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="110313-Floyd-climbing" height="800" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3668/10657594546_09ab0c3a24_c.jpg" width="556" /></a><br />
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Yep. Climbing the tree. He's gotten WAY farther up that that before. I saw him chase a squirrel up a tree the other day. Crazy kitty.<br />
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Gir was on the couch taking a bath between naps.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10657584065/" title="110113-Gir-bath by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="110113-Gir-bath" height="335" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/10657584065_a0cd012620.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Malcom was napping in the super special kitty bed/box.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10657556426/" title="110313-Mal-sleeping by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="110313-Mal-sleeping" height="347" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/10657556426_5d07e09797.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10657568684/" title="110313-Mal-face by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="110313-Mal-face" height="335" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/10657568684_6e313483c7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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"Hey."<br />
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Kaylee was also napping (shocker) but she was in the front room on "her" couch.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10657568326/" title="110313-Kaylee-stretch by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="110313-Kaylee-stretch" height="367" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7361/10657568326_6a9065d2b3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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She did get up though. Had to say hi and also see what was going on outside. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10657533645/" title="110313-Kaylee-watching-sm by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="110313-Kaylee-watching-sm" height="747" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/10657533645_85a6707b44_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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This was.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10657624834/" title="110113-Dwight-leaves by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="110113-Dwight-leaves" height="335" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/10657624834_9161ab9933.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Dwight, with his extra hour, spent most of it outside cleaning up the leaves. It's a job and a half!<br />
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Then Kaylee spotted the tie on my hoodie and just had to play. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10657780113/" title="110313-Kaylee-playing sm by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="110313-Kaylee-playing sm" height="747" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5488/10657780113_9f79f14f37_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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"Gr-RRR." She's vicious!<br />
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Caught up with Floyd again, still outside, this time taking a bath while sitting on the hot tub (remind me to tell you about the time he took a bath IN the hot tub). <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10657809253/" title="110313-Floyd-bath by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="110313-Floyd-bath" height="747" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7456/10657809253_bb461b989b_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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And behind him, Dwight was finishing up the leaves…three hours later. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/10657573245/" title="110313-finishingleaves by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="110313-finishingleaves" height="369" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3768/10657573245_916de6c15c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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That man is dedicated. Hey, I helped some. Honest.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-53443826167659136802013-10-29T06:43:00.000-04:002013-10-29T06:43:23.200-04:00Hello hello hello!Welcome to the new digs. Pretty nifty, eh? I'm still working on it, getting links reset (which will take approximately forever) and all that jazz. I figured if I waited until it was "perfect" this place would never see the light of day.<br />
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So here it is, warts and all. Holler if something isn't working like you think it should. I'll be tinkering around here for a while!<br />
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Oh, and Floyd wanted you to know that he helped.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-498m6t4upAI/Um-RIokWpMI/AAAAAAAABeM/oIhUCd3oclU/s1600/floyd-desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-498m6t4upAI/Um-RIokWpMI/AAAAAAAABeM/oIhUCd3oclU/s400/floyd-desk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-28588073568214518062013-09-20T11:17:00.000-04:002013-10-27T19:55:26.098-04:00Free Shipping, Yo!Society6 is offering free <strike>domestic</strike> WORLDWIDE shipping* thru midnight PST September 22, 2013 on most items. So if you've been waiting to grab one of my prints or case, now is a great time!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esq2cxX9R0c/UjxmoO-CKiI/AAAAAAAABbE/dGdYJmwEbbE/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-09-20+at+11.14.57+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esq2cxX9R0c/UjxmoO-CKiI/AAAAAAAABbE/dGdYJmwEbbE/s400/Screen+shot+2013-09-20+at+11.14.57+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>In order to get the promo, you must use <a href="http://society6.com/kellyluna?promo=a32ed1" target="_blank">this link</a>.</b> Happy shopping!<br />
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Add did you know that I always offer free domestic shipping on my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KellyLunaStudio?section_id=12298032" target="_blank">original artwork</a> on Etsy? It's true.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><i style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">*Offer excludes Framed Art Prints, Stretched Canvases and Throw Pillows with insert.</i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-83523646644836102922013-09-17T20:53:00.000-04:002013-10-27T20:00:41.306-04:00Say Hi to Kirsten!Hey guys! Wanted to let you know that my super-talented, super-sweet friend <a href="http://kirstenreeddesigns.com/?page_id=12" target="_blank">Kirsten Reed</a> is embarking on a new and exciting journey and has launched her <a href="http://kirstenreeddesigns.com/" target="_blank">brand new website</a>!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATRVwNgfgOg/Ujj3YuiRevI/AAAAAAAABaY/PEPtyggaUzQ/s1600/1017727_681684238512047_1390243557_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATRVwNgfgOg/Ujj3YuiRevI/AAAAAAAABaY/PEPtyggaUzQ/s200/1017727_681684238512047_1390243557_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">See Kirsten's Gallery </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://kirstenreeddesigns.com/?page_id=78" target="_blank">Here</a></span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WcAjoZnmO6M/Ujj3c6ts8II/AAAAAAAABag/L69ConfIp9M/s1600/1239325_710420058971798_400184137_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WcAjoZnmO6M/Ujj3c6ts8II/AAAAAAAABag/L69ConfIp9M/s200/1239325_710420058971798_400184137_o.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHzbbGgJKrI/Ujj3eChYKkI/AAAAAAAABao/xmyPZi5rwQc/s1600/1269787_710951272252010_1291546819_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHzbbGgJKrI/Ujj3eChYKkI/AAAAAAAABao/xmyPZi5rwQc/s200/1269787_710951272252010_1291546819_o.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Kirsten and I met an an Inspired Art workshop at Donna Downey Studio back in March 2012.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kcHYFY9AxOY/Ujj07uZQLhI/AAAAAAAABaE/3MDHy6UQiGQ/s1600/429641_3572591398102_1601029104_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kcHYFY9AxOY/Ujj07uZQLhI/AAAAAAAABaE/3MDHy6UQiGQ/s320/429641_3572591398102_1601029104_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Kirsten and Laura</td></tr>
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She and I were at the same table and, along with our three other table mates, immediately clicked. We were definitely the best table, amiright Jan, Tracy, Laura & Kirsten?!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pT3e6jNS998/Ujj1026iPgI/AAAAAAAABaM/y3WQl6e572A/s1600/my+table+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pT3e6jNS998/Ujj1026iPgI/AAAAAAAABaM/y3WQl6e572A/s320/my+table+sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We had a blast together making art, laughing, and having a great time getting to know each other and learn new techniques.<br />
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I witnessed first-hand how talented Kirsten is and am thrilled that she's really taken off with her art. So go check out her site, and if you're in the Nashville area, check out her <a href="http://kirstenreeddesigns.com/?page_id=27" target="_blank">show schedule </a>and meet her in person. You'll love her, I promise!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xfqeiejasqo/Ujj43YDkFJI/AAAAAAAABa0/270VDGW0pqs/s1600/Kirsten-headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xfqeiejasqo/Ujj43YDkFJI/AAAAAAAABa0/270VDGW0pqs/s320/Kirsten-headshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kirsten is having an amazing giveaway on her <a href="http://kirstenreeddesigns.com/" target="_blank">BRAND NEW SITE </a>to celebrate and you definitely should definitely check it out. Tell her I said HI!<br />
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What are you waiting for? <a href="http://kirstenreeddesigns.com/?page_id=12" target="_blank">Go meet Kirsten.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936888459255880771.post-58562246741570873232013-08-12T20:06:00.001-04:002013-10-27T20:01:25.668-04:00Meet Floyd<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/9496246605/" title="Floyd-patch of sun by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Floyd-patch of sun" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/9496246605_bea3e9363b.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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About a month and a half ago, we had this guy show up on our back porch. We hadn't seen him before and weren't sure if he was a stray or just a new kitty on the block.<br />
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We fed him, since he seemed skinny and looking for food, but he wouldn't let us get near him.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/9496239619/" title="floyd-uncertain by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="floyd-uncertain" height="334" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3725/9496239619_82484c542d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
"Thank you very much for the food, but stay on that side of the door, okay?"<br />
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<a name='more'></a>He came around more often and we were pretty sure he was a stray, given his appetite, lack of neutering (He's ALLLL boy, ahem) and condition of his paws and fur.<br />
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He welcomed the food and started to get used to us. Sort of. I sat on the steps and took some shots, but when I got up and got a little too close.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/9499045266/" title="Floyd-too close by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Floyd-too close" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/9499045266_9c86219307.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
"Uuuh... "<br />
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He decided to keep his distance.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/9496248841/" title="Floyd-deck by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Floyd-deck" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/9496248841_e99b7aa5f4.jpg" width="372" /></a><br />
"Sorry, lady, but I'm still not sure about you."<br />
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Slowly, slowly, we earned his trust. We'd sit still while he ate so he'd get used to us being nearby and not trying to touch him. Just sit and let him eat.<br />
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Then one day, after he finished eating – and drinking some delicious milk –<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/9499171868/" title="Floyd-milk-tongue by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Floyd-milk-tongue" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/9499171868_3f9518e3a7.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />
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he let us pet him. It was awesome. You know that scene in <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0892769/" target="_blank">How to Train Your Dragon</a></i> when Toothless lets Hiccup touch him? Yeah, it was like that. Floyd butted his head into my hand, and my heart melted. D'aww. Seriously, it was a "moment". Earning the trust of an animal that's been abandoned by other humans... well, it felt pretty darn amazing.<br />
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He's still a little skittish, but lets us pet him any time. He even purrs and rolls around like a proper kitty. He's so cute.<br />
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In fact, we just had this conversation tonight. (For reference, he's on the top of our hot tub which is on our used-to-be-screened-in back porch.)<br />
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<i>Me walking out onto the porch</i></div>
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Floyd: Oh, hey.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/9499030844/" title="Floyd-whatsup by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Floyd-whatsup" height="348" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/9499030844_717b28e379.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Me: Mind if I take your picture?<br />
F: Yeah, sure. Just get my good side, okay?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/9496236953/" title="floyd-profile by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="floyd-profile" height="327" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/9496236953_a8a2f539a8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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M: You got it. How's that?<br />
F: Cool. Hey, you don't mind if I...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/9496229351/" title="Floyd-yawn by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Floyd-yawn" height="350" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2810/9496229351_6d143c8450.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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F: Just put my head down for a sec...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/9496237651/" title="Floyd-passed out by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Floyd-passed out" height="271" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/9496237651_5b1cbb661e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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F: Uuuggghhh, just need to stretch out a bit...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/9496236299/" title="floyd-stretch by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="floyd-stretch" height="290" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/9496236299_97f92d97a5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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F: And... *Homer Simpson-esque snoring*<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96808649@N00/9496229103/" title="Floyd-chill by Kelly Luna, on Flickr"><img alt="Floyd-chill" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/9496229103_cd8c9f410c.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Nice talking with ya, Floyd.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4