Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 02:10 PM

The big news flying around blogland today is that Photoshop has finally made a small free version of their famous program available to everyone online (everyone in the US that is).  Adobe Photoshop Express.  I tested it out... and I have to say that I am decidedly unimpressed.  I think that even for those who don't use Photoshop in their everyday life (or have never used a photo editing program) it is rather complicated yet bland.  How many people want to change a photo into a florescent hued version of the original (one of their special "effects" called Hue)?!  I much prefer tools that enhance the original (in all the right ways of course)!

...So where does this leave us with all our waning excitement... Flickr of course!  I admittedly never use Flickr's photo editing tools because I have the full version of Photoshop (the real thing = awesome) and don't need to... but just for the sake of comparison, I edited a photo on flickr (account required) and in the free version of Photoshop released today (account required)... and here are the results: 

Please note that each of the processes used here could either be toned up or down... these are just the examples I chose for comparison.

A Peek at the Process

I find that I'm always wondering about what inspires those who inspire me most.  Sometimes a design or a grouping of objects has such a clear focus that you can easily spot it's starting point.  Others are not so lucid... and these are the ones that enchant me the most.

So... today I just thought I'd share with you the process that this post went through in it's formation:

If you're interested in the process and the product links please ...

Step 1. It started with a quote.  I don't know where I discovered it, but several weeks ago I came across these words by George Bernard Shaw, loved them, and saved them for future use.  While on the one hand these words can sound rather pompous (not so good)... I see them more as a motivational tool... inspiring me to keep believing in my dreams.  Sometimes it helps to have a little reminder now and then!

Step 2.  Flickr (a constant source of inspiration).  I discovered these fantastic Artist Designed Tea Towels (and more) via a photo from one of my contacts (I'm so sorry, but I don't remember who)... and followed the link to Third Drawer Down. Fabulous!

Step 3.  From these two towels (featured) I began thinking about natural elements transformed into industrial objects... which lead me to Google the term: Wooden Chain Necklace... and found that and the equally lovely Little Wooden Cottage Necklace from UK shop Hanna Zakari (they ship Worldwide).

Step 4.  Then I started thinking shoes... I couldn't pick just one pair, so I included both the glamorous Guiseppe Zanotti "E86128" Heels and the fabulous hardware-embellished Bronx Shoes "Dieke" Sling-backs, both from Zappos.

5.  After shoes I felt that the finishing touch to this compilation would be something natural and unique (I was thinking of a fantastic vase)... so I popped on over to Jason Home & Garden (where one is always certain to find such beautiful things), and discovered this exquisite Lamb's Ear with Scabiousa Floral Arrangement.  The downy green of the Lamb's Ear is perfectly balanced with the jet-hued Scabiousa!  Wow!

And that's it.  Who knows what "paths" I'll follow for my next post.  Thanks for reading dear lovelies! xox Ez

Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 03:00 AM

Well I am happy to announce that my computer is finally back where it belongs... with ME!  Hurray!  Thank you for all your patience and well-wishes... you guys are why I blog!

Anyhow...I must have had my head in the sand, because I just recently discovered that Poketo! (makers of fabulous limited edition artist-designed wallets), also sells apparel, accessories, art, and home decor as well?!  I love it!  Check out some of their sweet offerings - LINK

Juxtapositions

My computer saga continues! It seems I need a new fan in my laptop... the part has been ordered, and they estimate that by late Wednesday I should have it back in my eager little hands.  Sigh!  Thanks for all the well wishes everyone!  I'm so grateful that I don't have to buy a new one!  For now I will continue to use my Dad's computer, and will sporadically be checking emails on my horrid little PC (sorry PC fans).  My apologies if you've written me an email and haven't heard back from me yet... I'm working on it... I promise!

Here are two little juxtapositions I hope you will enjoy.  I'm loving that bright fuchsia!!!

{FIND IT}
-Photography by Janis Nicolay
-Jeweled Posy Capri Sandals and Tivoli Patterned Ballet Flats both from J.Crew

La La Laurie

Did you all have a lovely holiday weekend?  I sure hope so!

The status of my computer is still frightfully undetermined.  I was supposed to receive a diagnosis Friday evening, but they still knew nothing by Saturday afternoon... do they not understand how frantic I am without my dear computer?!!

So... the bad news is that sometime today is the very soonest I will even know what is wrong with my baby... and then it's a lot of nail biting and stomach churning moments until they actually repair it... or tell me that I have to buy a new one (crossing fingers that this is not the case)!

...The good news is that I'll be able to use my step-father's computer starting Monday evening (though this requires some juggling, due to my daughter's holiday scheduling)... so, you can expect regular postings to resume tomorrow.  Thanks for your patience and understanding!

For now though... take a look at the gorgeous handcrafted creations of Laurie Cinotto!  I love the fanciful little woodland creatures she's skillfully embellished her work with! ...And for chic brides, her stunning Paper Flower Bouquets are true perfection (plus they'll last a lifetime)!

{LINK}