Summer Vacation 2014

This year we went to visit family in Morro Bay, CA.

If you're not familiar with Morro Bay, it's kind of famous for the big "rock" which is at the entrance of Morro Bay Harbor.  I captured the fog rolling in so you can't really see how tall it is.

I miss the ocean, growing up not to far from Galveston, TX.  I love just sitting on the beach watching the waves crash up on the sand, seagulls running around and kids building sand castles.

I like to play in the sand too...lol.  Personally, the water is a bit chilly for me, but I did eventually put my feet in it.

Ok, maybe just my toes.

There were these really weird, but kind of cool looking jelly fish that washed up on the beach.  Here's Charlie writing a message out of them to his cousin (that's who we're visiting).  They don't sting, so no worries there.  Here's a better photo of what they look like (top and bottom)

We had a great time just relaxing and hanging out with family.

I love the beach!

Capture Life!

A few vacation pics...

Here are some random photos from our family vacation.

Topaz Lake, NV

Far end of Topaz Lake, NV

Lake Tahoe, CA from Harrah's Hotel

Lake Tahoe, CA

Old paddle boat on Lake Tahoe...(was closed for repairs).

Capture Life!

Vintage Appeal

I've seen a certain effect being used on photos lately, probably some really cool "Action" for Photoshop, they have this vintage feel and look to them.  So, I've set out to figure out how to accomplish this with my available photo editing programs.  Here's one I've done in both Paint Shop Pro and Picnik.com (used on same photo).

Run mouse over to see before photo

What do you think?  Am I getting close?  Any suggestions or how to's would be extremely welcomed.  Off to try more!

EtsyBlogger's Blog Carnival - Aug. 14th

The two choices we have this time are great and very hard to choose which one to write about....so I'm going to write a little about both.

First, Carrie and I have been working hard building up our inventory in hopes to have a booth at "The Renaissance Festival" this year. Also we've been revamping our shop Ametista to have the look and feel we've truly wanted. Here are a few of the items we've been working on...

The GriM ReaPer MoNsTeR bOx

Night's Grace Artisit Apothecary Bottle

Also a few hand painted and designed photo frames with polymer clay accents...

The Pumpkin King

We've posted before how we were asked to be a part of a "Celebrity Basket" and how we came to own a few WWII French Apothecary bottles and decided to create an apothecary bottles for Helena Bonham Carter and Christina Ricci....and still have more of those bottles we are creating with...busy...busy....

There are so many other items that are still in the works and we will post about them as the progress of each come about.

Second, have you been having fun this summer...gone on vacation? Well yes in between working/creating my family and I went to San Diego, CA. We decided this time we would relax more than go sightseeing since we have been there before. So we spent most of our time at the beach.

My son riding the wave in on his boogie board.
Kids having fun....I mean Luke and Charlie..LOL...

We did do one activity other than being lazy on the beach. We took a tour of the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier. It was awesome and amazing how those guys live when they are out to sea.

Sleeping quarters....

Time to eat.....

It was so huge, we were there for at least 3 hours and still didn't see the whole thing. My son really wanted to get back to the beach...ha ha...He stilled enjoyed looking at everything and the planes.

Go Navy!....LOL!

So now it's time to get in the groove of getting the kids up and ready for school...Hummm...I have mixed feelings about that..LOL.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer and busy crafting...creating...selling...and buying.

Bright Blessings!

Coming soon to Ametista......

Mermaid MoNsTeR bOx

I finally finished her....I made a few color changes, but here is the final product.

I had made the face a long time ago and just wasn't sure what I wanted to do with it, and then I finally created this fantasy mermaid box. Even though this box went through several different transitions before the final product came to be. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as Carrie and I do.

I've been Published!

A few weeks ago, I received an email asking my permission to "possibly" use one of my photos in the 8th Annual Schmap San Diego Guide (an online publication which is down loadable) from a trip that we went on to the San Diego Wild Animal Park. They have a panel that chooses which pictures will be used. I was absolutely shocked and thrilled and of course said "Yes"!

So the other day I received another email announcing they did choose my photo, along with others, for their publication. Yea! Wooo....hooo....Yippeeee! O.k., so I'm a little excited, but mostly very honored to have one of my photos chosen.

Here is the photo they are using and the link too. The Wild Animal Park is so worth going to as well.

There are a lot of talented photographers whose pictures were chosen. To see them just click on my picture and it will take you to the guide.

Happy Summer!

EtsyBloggers Team Blog Carnival......

Plans for the Summertime!

My son is officially out of school now and he's already complaining about being bored....LOL. I told him there's a big list of chores coming his way, so there is no way he'll be bored. He didn't seem to like that much...LOL. But he has a few things he needs to pay off!

On a better note...we have a few trips planned this summer. First we will be heading over to Morro Bay, CA. for our cousin's son's High school graduation party! Congrats Garrett! I can't wait for this trip...I love going to the ocean. I miss the ocean. It's also a lot cooler this time of year around there.

A beach close to Morro Bay!

Then we'll be heading to Bass Lake, CA. which has always been a tradition for us. We try to make it there every year if not every other year. The boys went last year, but this year it will just be us up there! It's so relaxing and the lake is very refreshing too. Our dog Leggs loves to swim in the lake. He tries to chase the ducks...it's pretty funny to watch.

Our final trip will be to Santa Cruz, CA. We'll be meeting up with some friends and hanging out at a beach house...well technically it's not exactly on the beach, but within walking distance to the beach (private at that). This will be nice too! I love to shop in new places...LOl!

In between all the vacations I will be creating new apothecary bottles and "monster" boxes for our etsy store and hopefully doing a few shows here and there.

I wish all a happy, fun and safe Summer!