Gothic Arches Challenge - Little Boys

For this challenge, I began with a photo of my grandmother Virginia's Uncle Joe. I've always loved this photo of him as A Little Gardener, with his tiny wheelbarrow. I added the Hens & Chickens, arch and colorization with Photoshop Elements. I think he would be pleased that his wheelbarrow is no longer empty!

(For a copy of the original photo and more vintage images, click here. )

Altered Legacy

After scanning in some family Tintypes and Ambrotypes, I decided these folks could use a digital "pick-me-up!" I used the Tintypes shown, an altered frame from an Ambrotype, a 1792 farm sale document, and clip art (made into brushes in Photoshop Elements).

Unfortunately, there were no identifying names on these pictures; they are from the McEwen/Stewart and Irons/McCrory branches of the family. The top tintype is quite large (8 in.), and the picture appears to have been taken in a barn. If you look closely, you can see the earlier farm sale document in the background.

(08/11/09: added links to new blog for downloading above images)

Gothic Arches Challenge - Vintage Toys

This week's Gothic Arches challenge is: "Toys - vintage or favorite from childhood."

I've always loved this picture of my grandmother, Virginia (1913) . I wonder, what would it have been like to join Virginia for Tea?

Happy Father's Day!

I’m so blessed to have a wonderful father! One of my favorite pictures of him was taken on the Santa Barbara Courthouse steps in 1937, when he won first prize at the Old Spanish Days Fiesta for being so nattily attired. His mother made his costume by hand, using real silver threads in the embroidery. I think they made the right choice for the prizewinner that year, don’t you? Happy Father’s Day, Dad!

Mother's Day

In honor of Mother’s Day, here two of my favorite pictures of my lovely mother, Jo.

I love the picture of her doing crafts while I’m resting on the table. This epitomizes her easy-going, artistic nature. What an adventure it was growing up immersed in all things crafty and fun! And the picture of us lazing on the dock in the summertime...does life get any better than that?

Thanks, Mom for being such a wonderful mother, amazing example and best friend for the past fifty years. I love you. Happy Mother’s Day!