Creative Spotlight: Aprons

Aprons and More Aprons

For some reason, I have been thinking a lot about aprons, which I never use. My grandmother, above, wore aprons all day every day. I have a couple of hers and am attempting to put my hands on them so I can take photos and show you. No such luck so far. Imagine: Losing something in my home. (It's about the third thing lately I haven't been able to find, and I hope that's not a trend.)

My grandmother Zelinda, who we called Nonna, was a wonderful woman who loved to cook and clean. She had the cleanest house I have ever been in. It's what she did.

Her love of aprons did not quite pass through the generations, but I am wondering if that will change. I own three other aprons -- a beautiful one crafted by a friend as a Christmas present; one given to me by my in-laws which was brought back with them from Ireland and one from Disney World.

Today there is an entire magazine devoted to aprons called Apron-ology so there must be a lot of interest in these garments. Although I have seen the magazines in stores, I haven't bought one. I just might have to change that.

Stop by to see more photos of aprons and a picture of my other grandmother, for whom I was named and who also wore aprons most of the time.

Creative Spotlight

A cute birdie decoration

After keeping busy making baby blankets for nieces and daughters of friends, I made this cute little crocheted bird following directions at a great new crochet site I happened upon. Attic24 contains the creative crocheting energy of  Lucy who lives in Northern England.

What I really love about her patterns is the full bore use of color! Rainbow colors attract me every time. (I used to favor pastels, so much so that one visitor to this house when we first moved in thought I must be a perennial optimist because of the pastel color choices.) Now I lean more towards jewel tones, possibly a sign of maturity? Naw!

I hope you will visit Lucy's site. She has promised a new "creative mess" project soon, using buttons and bows and all sorts of things from her stash. Can't wait to see it!

 

In the meantime I am making a couple more birds for friends. I will post photos of them as they are done, like the cardinal above.

Yeasty Adventure: Studio Lighting



No, this isn't my house OR my equipment. But it's a neat photo!

 I asked Santa for some hobby lighting equipment so that I could begin to learn the best way to light objects and portraits indoors.

A class in studio lighting was available at Pittsburgh Filmmakers when I was still taking classes there but I didn't have the inclination to dive in then.

Truth be told, I prefer taking photos outside. I remember how after I had spent a couple of winter months shooting (bad) photos of my son at his indoor college track meets how amazing it was to look into the viewfinder when he finally had an outdoor meet. Wonderful!

But since I live in Pennsylvania, the chances for outdoor shots have been reduced considerably with the frigid turn in the weather. So I am hoping to learn how to beef up my skills in order to take better indoor shots.

I will keep you apprised of my progress, and if you have suggestions, please don't hesitate to send them along. I need all the help I can get!