Thru My lens

Art Challenge- Numbers/Peak

2012-01-29T21:32:00.005-05:00

This week's art challenge from 2 Things Blog was a bit more complicated for me as I contemplated what to post about for awhile and came up short... until just a little while ago. I had been looking for days for something interesting to photograph that would match this 2 word interpretation and the only thing I kept spotting was gas prices on billboards as I traveled to run errands all weekend. That wasn't really good enough for me considering I hate looking at them and would care less to photograph the sponge which soaks up much of my money and probably yours... so I had to think of something else.

Alas, I thought of something more calming. something more cool, relaxing and seemingly perfect for this challenge. I unfortunately could not obtain a photograph myself, so I have utilized one from the Public Domain.

Mount Everest image found Here

The above image is one of Mount Everest. I chose to share Mount Everest as my submission for the art challenge because I love the mountains. I find them intriguing, breath-taking and almost like nature's towers towards the heavens. This particular Mountain has an elevation of 29,035 feet(8,850 meters), making it the highest mountain in the world. That is one great peak if you ask me.

a few other fun facts about Mt. Everest:

It is has been recorded that the mountain is rising a bit every year as well as moving in a northeastward direction a few inches every year.
It has an extreme climate with the summit temperature never rising above a temperature of freezing.
It is located Latitude 27° 59' N Longitude 86° 56' E
The summit ridge separates Nepal and Tibet
There have been an estimate of over 4,000 people to attempt to climb Mt. Everest but only about 700 have achieved it.

Don't drop less appealing photos, make them POP!

2012-01-26T09:00:00.001-05:00

As one who doesn't even throw away the little resealable containers you get when you buy lunch meats at the store, I tend to find ways to preserve my less than perfect photography as well. What do I mean by less than perfect or less than acceptable? Those slightly less pretty or more out of focus shots that you capture as you're calibrating your camera for a particular scene, trying to adjust for lighting or even still trying to learn your way around your new camera. I call these 'Trial and Error' photographs. Even some of the most seasoned photographers have these because no one is perfect and nor are the subjects that we shoot.

My point is that those shots you spent so much time trying to capture don't have to go to waste, so long as you have some sort of imaging software. Those pictures don't have to be complete garbage. Even if most of the shot is ruined beyond compare but the subject of the shot is of great quality, you could clip the subject out of the image and crop it someplace else all together. I call this getting creative with photographs.

I believe that anyone who has sheer passion for art, life and taking photos- even for sport or as a hobby- could learn to love doing this. It is a wonderful form of self-expression and it brings new life to something that you may have potentially thought was dead (speaking about the photo of course). Best thing is, you don't have to use only your 'trial and error' photos... you can digital recreate and manipulate to your hearts' content.

Here is an example with both before and after images. The one on the left is of a 'trial and error' photograph of a Blue Jay that I took. The image came out less focused than I would have liked. I decided that instead of tossing the image, I would digitally manipulate it using some filters from my extremely ancient version of Photoshop Elements (that would be the image on the right).

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If you do not have any imaging software but you are interested in getting creative with your images,

I have compiled a small list that you may consider

(note: some may cost money and some only do minor imaging effects):

http://picasa.google.com/

http://www.gimp.org/

http://paint.net/

Download a free trial of Photoshop CS5 Extended

Download Free trial of Corel Paintshop Pro

Download Free Trial of Adobe Photoshop Elements 10

Do you have more imaging software links I can add?

Please share them in the comments!

Zazzle Starts The New Year With Lots of New Gear!

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Zazzle has been kicking out new products left and right since just before the new year. They are seriously on a roll. I love it! I am amped up, excited and cannot even keep up with all of the new products they have available right now. One thing I anticipated the most was the partnership that Zazzle now has with Rickshaw Bagworks! These bags are incredible. Not only does Zazzle now carry the messenger bags by Rickshaw, but they also carry iPad 1&2 sleeves, laptop sleeves and folio planners that have a space for phones in them. All of these things are fully customizable!

That is the absolute best part.

Anywho, now to the fun part! Here are some absolutely fantastic custom gift ideas on some of these new products made from other fellow Artists who have a shop at Zazzle.

Another greatly anticipated product that has arrived at Zazzle is the 100% American made water bottles by Liberty Bottleworks.

Zazzle has also begun what I can only describe as a 'top secret' and very exciting venture into a new type of custom shoe, so right now shoes cannot be purchased thru Zazzle. The unveiling of said 'top secret' new shoe is supposed to be coming soon. I can't wait for that either. Be sure to keep checking back because you know I will be sharing some awesome shoes as soon as they are made public!

Stay tuned :)

Art Challenge- Town/ Illusion

2012-01-25T15:30:00.000-05:00

I am running a bit late on this challenge by 2 Things Blog... I got caught up with work and home type stuff. For some reason or another I thought "Town/Illusion" was this upcoming Sunday's theme but missed some weekend's somehow LOL. Sorry about that. I get ahead of myself sometimes, and then I get lost in translation. Anywho, I am back... at least for the time being. Being late, I am unsure of whether my submission will take... but I would like to share it anyways.

When I saw the theme for the week, it reminded me of my trip to Tennessee for my husband's and my honeymoon. On the way to the place in which we were staying, we had to pass all of the tourist attractions in the town of Pigeon Forge. One of the attractions we passed was an attraction called "Wonderworks". This attraction stood out to me because the whole building was designed upside down! I only had a disposable camera back then, so I tried my best to take a decent photo of the attraction as we passed it.

You'll also see a small glimpse of me in the side view mirror taking the picture LOL.

In this town of Pigeon Forge I am awed by the building that gives
an illusion that it has been dropped from Heaven.

This building has the appearance that it fell from the sky and landed upside down. It is cracked in certain places of the foundation and on the columns in certain places, to imply this. I believe this place is a museum for children. There is apparently another one of these cool attractions in Florida. It looks like a great place to visit. I bet it is quite fun too!

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Have you ever been to Wonderworks? Tell me about it in the comments!

Never Alone- Poetry

2012-01-22T19:46:00.001-05:00

It may seem overbearing at times as if it leaves you in the dark but when life gives you struggles, remember your faith.

Listen for my voice child, I will lead you home.

Don’t let evil surpass greatness. Remember that you are the light.

When you feel lost my child, take a moment to look within yourself. My spirit is within you guiding your way.

Not alone will you fight against demons... I will fight by your side. Together we will conquer your fears.

My child; take my hand and I will guide you.

You shall never again be left in the dark...I will light your way. Follow me my child, I will never leave you alone.

**Never Alone Poem ©Kristina Conatser, All rights reserved. Please do not copy my poetry or take pieces from it and claim it as your own. Also, if you would like to share it with others, please do not copy it and distribute it but instead, share this article. Respect my rights please. Thank you!**

Design Giveaway for Artists!

2012-01-17T16:51:00.005-05:00

I work a lot online and am always searching for great seamless patterns and designs I can use commercially for free without limitations. Today, a friend of mine from Rewards4Life Gifts has started yet another venture offering up fabulous patterns for commercial use for sale! The site where you can find all of these great patterns and vectors is called Designs4Sale. Currently, Designs4Sale is doing a 'can't miss' giveaway where you can win 1 design or pattern of your choice!

Designs4Sale

Enter the pattern/design giveaway

Hurry giveaway ends soon!!!

Silly Drawings

2012-01-11T13:22:00.001-05:00

I am majorly one who does not partake in drawing. I am simply not very good at it. My brother inherited that skill from somewhere, I didn't. My artwork is mostly derived from my photography, vectors I have made using Inkscape and fractal programs. I do sometimes endeavor to draw though and I do have a few products with my hand-drawn artwork on them. I never tend to leave my hand-drawn artwork as is, so I usually put my drawing into Photoshop to touch it up a bit and bring out the colors.

Last night, so I put pencil to pad and went to work. It took me some time to do three silly little drawings, but I like them and would like to share them here today. I would really love your input about them. Please leave me a comment or send me a message using the contact me button.

Amorette- Angel of Love
© 2012 Kristina Conatser (BWC Designs)

Aaralyn- Angel of Music
© 2012 Kristina Conatser (BWC Designs)

I hope you will enjoy my art and share this article with others.

P.S. These silly little doodles are being introduced into my Beauty Within Creation shop as you read this, so if you really like them be sure to keep checking back for when they'll arrive. Thanks for reading!

New Camera!

2012-01-08T22:49:00.001-05:00

My husband bought me a new camera for Christmas this year. He knows me so well and I love him so much more for it. He knows I prefer to capture moments than to wear jewelry. I am still learning my way around a camera so I asked him not to purchase on that is too complex or having too many detachable pieces. He bought me the Olympus SP-810UZ. It is a 14 megapixel digital camera with a 36x optical zoom wide angle retractable lens. My camera came with a case, battery, USB cable, 4 GB SD card, camera strap, charger, instruction manual and Paintshop Pro Photo X2 software.

My review: So far, I love it! I like to think of it as a hybrid because it doesn't have any detachable lenses like a Digital SLR camera, but has just as much quality and zoom capability. It also has the handheld feel of a Digital SLR, so it is very comfortable in my hands and makes me feel very confident when shooting a subject.

There are tons of cool functions and I haven't figured them all out yet, but the image quality is great. So far, I have taken good quality images with sizes up to 4288 pixels in width and 3216 in height. Below are a few samples of images I have taken with my new Olympus. Hope you enjoy!

29mm... F4.8... 1/13 sec... ISO-800

155mm... F5.7... 1/400sec... ISO-400

155mm... F5.7... 1/125sec... ISO-400

Happy New Year- It's 2012!!!

2012-01-04T15:45:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it is already 2012. Last year blew by so quickly. I am so excited about this year. I believe that this year has so much to offer us, we just need seek it out.

Resolutions never seem to work out for me and setting goals that apply pressure and stress just seem to throw me off balance every year causing me to fall back into the same rut. This year, I have decided that my only 'true' goal will be to let go and let live. No self-inflicted pressure or stress, no impossible goals... just happiness. I still have goals and plans that I hope to achieve but they are of nothing out of reach. It is healthy to be a planned person with goals and hopes, but to over-exert oneself is not good at all.

Here are some things I hope to accomplish this year for this blog and for my shops:

1.) write a new blog article at least 3 times each week

2.) Make at least 10 new art gifts available for sale in my shops each day.

3.) Smile or say 'Hello' to strangers (be friendly) because kindness goes a long way. I hope it spreads like wildfire.

4.) Make more FB and Twitter posts to try and broaden my reach.

5.) Sale more artwork and learn more creative ways to design.

What are your plans for the new year? What are your goals?

Important question: What would you like to see more of on this blog? Poetry, photos, gifts & new products from my stores? Please share in the comments, thank you!

Holiday Fun in the Kitchen

2011-12-23T00:39:00.001-05:00

More and more I am finding that I have a growing passion for cooking, baking and just generally creating edible art in the kitchen. Today, I decided that I wanted to do something simple, easy and Christmas-y because I love the holidays. In most families, there are traditions for these times of the year but in my family, we didn't have those types of traditions. My endeavor is to compile some fun festive things to do each holiday, so that when my husband and I are blessed with little ones we may start some traditions of our own.

For Thanksgiving, to take to my families house along with Green Bean Casserole and Cherry Pie, I made Chocolate Acorns! They were so easy to make and everyone loved them, especially my niece. So for Christmas, I thought I would make something just as pleasing to the eye and fun to eat. I call them "Holiday Lite Brites" pretty much for lack of a better name. Got a better one? Leave it in the comments for me please, I would be delighted to have something better. I decided to make them using the candy cane Hershey kisses and green M&M's for the Christmas effect. I plan to make more of a variety a day or so before Christmas.

Here is how my Holiday Lite Brites turned out:

Holiday Lite Brites

Ingredients

1 bag of waffle pretzels

1 or 2 bags of Hershey Kisses (regular, caramel, or festive candy cane)

or you can use Rolos chocolate and caramel candies

1 or 2 bags M & M's (regular, or festive red & green only)

it is better to only use the milk chocolate for this snack

1 roll of parchment paper (optional)

Directions

Heat oven to 170 degrees.

Place parchment paper on baking pan.

Place the desired amount of waffle pretzels on the baking pan.

Unwrap Hershey Kisses and place one atop of each waffle pretzel on the pan,

then place the pan in the oven for 3 minutes (SET YOUR TIMER!!)

Remove the pan from the oven and quickly top each slightly melted kiss with one M&M.

Gently press down on the M&M to allow all three to adhere to each other.

Move the finished Holiday Lite Brites to a storage container or candy container to harden while you make more. You may store them in the fridge and they will harden much faster but they will lose their glossy appearance, especially if left uncovered.

New Product in my shop!- Plates!

2011-12-18T00:20:00.002-05:00

I love having new products and gifts to create designs for and now I have something I have been waiting for a long time. melamine plates!! These plates are dishwasher safe and non-toxic too, so they are safe to eat off of. They are perfect for collecting, creating a custom/personalized dining or party set. There are endless possibilities about what types of designs could go on them and what they can be used for. Some ideas to use these plate for are for parties, weddings, dining sets for your kitchen and even as collectible gifts for family and friends.

Some details about these Melamine Dinner plates

They are actually a decent size, being about 10'' in diameter. They are designed in high quality vibrant, full-color printing with the design that you choose. These plates are meant to be drop and break resistant as well as easy to clean. They are not microwave safe though, which may be their only downfall to some.

Create your own one-of-a-kind Melamine plate

I do know that I love designing these new products. There are so many new products still yet to be unveiled... for now though, I would like to share a few of my custom plate designs with you here. I hope you'll enjoy them and share this article with others.

Shop more Plates by me-Here
Find more custom gifts in my shop- Beauty Within Creation Designs

Art Challenge- Apple/Art

2011-12-15T17:05:00.001-05:00

For this week ( I completely miss last week's challenge btw) challenge on 2 Things Blog, the theme is Apple/Art. With this theme, I thought I would pull out an older art piece I made years ago for a ministry program I worked on and I figured I would play with it a little bit for this challenge.

The program I worked on years ago was a ministry DVD program discussing temptation. For this, we used the image of an apple because although not proven... it is the most popularly thought of fruit that Adam and Eve took a bite of from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. It is always good to go with something people are familiar with. I myself, believe that the forbidden fruit is not a fruit we have yet re-discovered as there is only one particular tree growing flourishing that type of fruit; just as there was only one special tree in the Garden. On the other hand, if we have acquired the fruit our fallen ancestors-Adam and Eve- here outside of Eden... I believe it would be a more exotic fruit; something not as easy to come by.

What type of fruit do you believe Adam and Eve ate from? Was it an Apple, a Pomegranate or something more exotic? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Here is my entry for this week's theme: Apple/Art

Pixelated Ruby Red Apple with green leaf

Cute, Cuddly and Crazy Fur Babies

2011-12-08T16:46:00.001-05:00

Animals have been scientifically proven to add years to the lives of people because of their ability to bring comfort, joy and laughter. Nature's greatest medicine comes in the form of furry four-legged companions with wagging tails and floppy ears.

I love my fur babies, all three of them. I have a cat and two dogs. My critters are my world. Everyday is a new adventure and every moment gives me another reason to smile.

Today I want to share a few videos and photos starring the fur babies in my life. I hope that they will bring a smile to your face as they do mine each time I watch them. I also encourage you to join in the fun and share any absolutely adorable, fun or cute videos/photos of your companions via link here in the comments or on my FB page. Thanks for viewing and participating!

Art Challenge- Card/Blue

2011-12-04T16:30:00.001-05:00

This week's art challenge on the 2 Things Blog was for the themes Card and blue. This challenge was originally set for last week but because of the Thanksgiving holiday, it was postponed.

When I saw that this was the theme to be interpreted, my mind flooded with ideas and I became overwhelmed. I finally settled on something that I really enjoyed making and feel really good about. It is a digital art design and it's (you guessed it) BLUE! I feel it would make a fantastic business card, so you may see me posting about that in the future =)

Check it out:

Can you think of a cool name for this design? Nothing likes to be nameless.

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What did you think of this article? Did you enjoy it? Leave me a comment and let me know you've stopped by.

Imagining Freedom

2011-11-29T12:00:00.001-05:00

If I Were A Bird

Oh, how I wish I were a bird

To lift my feet from the ground

To get away for awhile

Oh, if only I were a bird

Oh, how I wish I were a bird

I would take flight into uncharted territory

Exploring the world from a new perspective

Oh, if only I were a bird

Oh, how I wish I were a bird

So many times I have dreamed this dream

Soaring high above the clouds in the sky

where not a soul could harm me

Oh, if only I were a bird

Oh, how I wish I were a bird

I would fly away right now

Leaving all of my troubles behind me.

Oh, if only I were a bird.

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Did you enjoy this article? I would love to hear from you. Leave me a comment to let me know you've stopped by.

Current Sales at Zazzle!

2011-11-27T21:34:00.001-05:00

Zazzle Cyber Sales Extended!

Zazzle had a ton of great deals for Black Friday, and unfortunately I missed them because I was out of town for Thanksgiving and didn't receive the newsletter in time to save or to share. Fortunately, for me & for you (the reader), Zazzle isn't done dishing out great savings and I get to share them here so that we can take advantage of them. Cyber Monday was full of great deals and now they have over-flown into Tuesday! Take advantage of these popular and very limited deals. Be sure to use promotional code: ZCYBERTUESDAY at checkout to receive your discount. Hurry to save because these special deals end tonight!

$5 off of T-shirts- Shop T-shirts Here

$3 off of Mugs- Shop Mugs Here

60% off of Wrapped Canvas- Shop Canvas Here

50% off Posters- Shop Posters Here

50% off of Photo Enlargements- Create your own Photo Enlargements Here

50% off of Cards- Shop All Greeting Cards Here

50% off of Invites- Shop Fully Customizable Invitations Here

50% off of Postcards- Shop Postcards Here

50% off of Photocards- Shop Photocards Here

40% off calendars- Shop Custom Calendars Here (start on any month)
30% off Ornaments- Shop Holiday Ornaments Here
20% off Cases- Shop Custom Mobile Cases Here

Plus Get FREE Shipping on orders of $50.00 or more!

~Create your own personalized one-of-a-kind gifts~

BWC Designs on Cafepress

2011-11-22T09:46:00.001-05:00

I finally broke down and created a premium shop at Cafepress yesterday because I have been reading reviews and watching their product inventory grow. I like what I see for the most part and figured I would give it a try. There are two different plans to choose from when opening a shop. You can open a basic shop-which is completely free- but you are limited on how many of each product you can have in your store. You can open as many shops as you'd like though, even under the same account/username! Then there is the option of upgrading or opening a premium shop. You are given two options when you choose to operate a premium shop:

1. No Up-front Fees Plan: Pay only when you earn royalties

10% of your earnings (not sales) will be deducted for the monthly shop service fee. The maximum amount deducted each month is $10. If no royalties are earned, no fees will be collected. Payment is deducted on the first of the month.

2. Pre-pay by credit card- A flat fee plan for sellers with higher earnings

Pay a flat monthly shop service fee when you pay by credit card. If you earn a high volume of royalties (I.E. $50 or more), this option could save you money. Payment is deducted on the first of the month.

I had a basic plan but since the new payment plan rolled out... I changed over because the deal seems so much sweeter! Especially because if you choose the no up-front fees plan, you don't have to pay if you don't earn and; you still get to add as many of each product you would like to in your store.

So far, I find Cafepress to be a fairly easy and fun way to share my artwork on a wide variety of custom gifts that are very high in quality. They have tons of different kinds of gifts that shopkeepers can add their art to. They've pretty much everything from t-shirts to throw pillows and so much more. Most of their products also come in various colors too!I love their various gift products and I enjoy putting my art on them. My favorite products to make so far, are jewelry and bags! I love the Cafepress necklaces, earrings and charm bracelets- the quality looks amazing. I also love the wide variety of totes and handbags that Cafepress offers.  I am excited about my new store at Cafepress and can't wait to see what lies ahead.

Here are a few things I have made so far:

To see more of my products available at Cafepress click Here

A Special Gift

2011-11-19T10:05:00.001-05:00

So for today instead of sharing an image or design I have created, I have found these 2 very unique and exclusive coupon codes for use in my shop - BWC Designs.

Secret code to be revealed to winners

I would like to try and see if I can share this discount opportunity with my loyal readers, followers and supporters. I am eternally grateful to you for all of your support and so being able to help you save as you shop, is the least I can do.

This special discount is only valid for 3 days, but because I would like to try and gift it to 2 special readers... you will only have 2 days to use it. Because I only have 2 unique codes, I unfortunately cannot reward everyone with one so that they may save on their orders, but I can reward special 2 winners who follow theses few simple rules:

1. Follow BWC Designs on Facebook

2. Follow this blog

3. Leave a comment on this article

(5th and 15th persons to comment will win- read more below)

* Only 1 entry per person is acceptable. No spamming!* The 5th & 15th person to comment on this post will win the unique coupon code to receive $10 off of $10 or more in my

Beauty Within Creation Store.

*Winners will be notified via email tonight at 8PM ET- because I would like to get the winners their code as soon as possible. So please add your email to the info box in the comments so that I may send it to you. (no one else can see it but me- your info is safe) If you have followed the rules and have commented in the 5th or 15th place, but neglect to put your email in the info box... I will be forced to randomly select someone else. Please do not make me give your gift to someone else. Thank you!

Get started!! The clock is ticking!!! :)

***Legal blurb about coupon code & this giveaway: There is a small chance that the code given may not work. In the event that it does not, the author of this blog article has stated such and it is of no fault of his/hers. You utilize all codes at your own risk. The $10.00 discount applies to Zazzle orders with a subtotal (before shipping and taxes) of $10.00 or more when the unique coupon code ------------------------------ is applied at checkout. Offer is valid until November 21, 2011 at 11:59pm PT. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. This promotional offer may not be used on Zazzle gift certificates. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

Newest Creations available in my shop!

2011-11-16T15:47:00.001-05:00

I have been working a lot in my shops lately, and am excited to announce that there are new products available in my shop! Currently, there aren't many variations of these new product lines available yet though-many have just been released by Zazzle- but I am constantly adding more and more so I should have a small variety to choose from soon enough. I would like to share a few product creations that I have recently added with you here.

Custom spiral-bound notebooks, laptop sleeves, new tiles/trivets and so much more are being unveiled and becoming available in my stores. Be sure to check back often to see what's new! You can do this by following the burner-feed at the bottom of this blog and by visiting my website HERE

Fun Pop Art Creations

2011-11-13T12:12:00.001-05:00

I like to play around in Photoshop as a hobby as well as for work purposes. Lately, in my spare time, I have been creating pop art or cartoonized manips of images I have lying around on my PC. I have also been asked to make some of these for others, so that they may be used as profile pictures on FB, Myspace and etc. I enjoy creating these type of graphics. I find fun in adding textures, patterns and filters to images of people, places and animals to give them a unique look.

Here are a few of my creations:

Actress- Nicole Kidman

Art Challenge- Wet/Hot

2011-11-11T16:03:00.001-05:00

As you may have read previously in my last Art Challenge article, I have tuned in to the fun weekly events by 2 Things Blog and have begun participating as well. These fun events are free art challenges where 2 random subjects are chosen, and those who would like to join in artistically express their own unique interpretations of those 2 subjects thru photography, painting, crafting, digital art or whichever art form feels comfortable to them. Anyone's welcomed to join these art challenges and enter their art interpretations each week, so long as it's family friendly.

This week's theme was Wet/Hot and here is my entry:

The image above is my interpretation of this week's theme- wet/hot. When I think of this week's theme, I recall playing at the creek on a hot summer evening as a child. The Sun's reflect's on the wavy surface of the water as it flows ever so gently, heating the water up to a lukewarm and playful temperature; perfect for fun! This is where I am taken as I interpret this week's theme... where does it take you?

What did you think of my digital art interpretation? I would love to hear from you! Thank you for viewing and following Thru My Lens art blog. I also would like to say thanks again 2 Things Blog members for giving me the opportunity. I had so much fun!

Recent Sales - Be Unique Inspirational Magnets Sold!

2011-11-10T14:09:00.001-05:00

I was SO excited this morning to receive an email stating that one of my favorite inspirational designs has been purchased by a customer from Attard, Malta! It excites me to know that this customer has purchased not one, but 6 copies of this particular product.

Be Unique by BWC Designs

I am so grateful and very humbled that my work was chosen, so I would like to say Thank You to the customer who made this purchase. You have made my day! I hope that you and/or your loved ones will find these magnetic accessories uplifting and inspiring. Many blessings to you and I hope you will visit again.

Texture Day!

2011-11-09T15:02:00.000-05:00

I love textures! Everything has texture... well, except air I do suppose.

Back to today's fun artful venture. I decided that I wanted to capture some of the textures I have seen today and share them with you.

*feel free to use the two textures below however you would like to*

Dog hair

Rust

I think it would be fun to see what we could all come up with today and share with one another. So, let's make this interesting. Break out your camera, capture some neat textures and post them to your blog, website or FB fan page... then share the link here in the comments. Have fun!

Texture Gifts by BWC Designs

See more custom gift ideas here

What Do You See?

2011-11-08T13:30:00.000-05:00

So, for today I thought I would get interactive with you. I hope you will join me. I was browsing through my photography and digital creations pondering about today's post, when I came across one of my oldest abstract designs! I think it's fun to gaze upon abstract creations and try to depict what we believe they could be. Kind of like when you make up what the clouds in the sky are forming into. It's a great use of the imagination... and it's fun! Join me and let's discuss what we think is within this abstract image together.

I wanna hear from you! Let me know what you see in this funky abstract image.

Leave it in the comments.

Newest Sales- Thank You!

2011-11-07T13:56:00.001-05:00

Today I would like to give a special Thank You to a customer, from Washington D.C. for ordering
5 Dove of the Holy Spirit Vintage Keychains
5 Holy Spirit Fire Vintage Scripture refrigerator Magnets!

I truly and sincerely hope that you will enjoy your new vintage style gifts.
Many blessings to you. Please visit again.

Dove of the Holy Spirit by BWC Designs

Holy Spirit Fire by BWC Designs

*To see some other my other latest sales Click Here*

Mysterious & Beautiful Poem

2011-11-06T17:25:00.001-05:00

Close your eyes
Envision the universe
Oh, how the twilight glistens
Mysterious and beautiful
Just as my love for you

When I close my eyes
I picture you
So perfect you are
Mysterious and beautiful
Just as my view of you

Looking through your eyes
Painting the universe
Oh, how pure is your heart
Mysterious and beautiful
Just as your everlasting love.

The poem above was written to express my love and adoration for our Lord, all of His beauty and mystery. I used to be one who viewed the world as if it were a glass full of bitterness, hate and ugliness. I envisioned no color; only shades of Gray. I wanted more out of life. I wanted to see more so I ripped off the Vail of pessimism and began to really open my eyes to the beauty all around me. I live to love His creations. His mysteries are my fascinations. I adore the works of His hands. I believe that a true Artist leaves a piece of himself in every creation. As I find myself admiring His works, I can see His face through them. I find new peace, new comfort and new hopes through looking at the beauty of creation I see all around me that has been shaped by His hands.

“We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls.”~Mother Teresa

Let your mind wonder and drift away into the realms beyond logic; beyond basic principle. Just feel. Use your initial instinct. As children, we simply knew that there is something there. We danced under the stars as if we are putting on a performance. We embraced the wind. We played in the rain. We just knew. Simply close your eyes... feel; believe again. Our emotions tell us that there is something there. Even when we don't want to believe, there is still a connection. Think about it. Many of us innately call out to God even in anger or if we don't believe. We often look in the upwards direction to see if anyone is looking back at us. This in itself, is a mystery. Many believe it is the spiritual bond we share with Him. No matter how far away we are from him spiritually, He is always there waiting on us to return just like the Father in the parable of the prodigal son. He is always there- the slight whistle in the wind, the crackle of the fire- he is there. Sometimes we simply must shut our eyes in order to see. His love is immeasurable and unconditional. His ways are mysterious and yet so beautiful.

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Thanks for reading. Did you enjoy this article?

I would love to hear from you. Leave me a comment to let me know you were here. Many blessings!

Art Challenge- Bar/Yellow

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I was invited by a very talented friend of mine, to join another blog in their weekly "2 Things" art challenges. I thought this was a great idea. Right now, you're probably wondering what the "2 Things" art challenge is, so I will tell you. Every week, the author of 2 Things Blog chooses 2 random subject that we artists must interpret into our artwork anyway we wish. It's all about using creativity, imagination and having fun. Anyone can join (including you!) and any form of art is welcomed, so long as it's family friendly.

This week's Challenge is- Bar/Yellow.

Here is my entry:

The image above is my interpretation of this weeks art challenge. For the yellow, I chose a photograph of a blooming Sunflower and then photo-shopped the image causing bar-like separations within the graphic. To me, it almost looks as if vertical blinds have opened revealing a beautiful springy flower.

What do you think of my floral image? I would love to hear from you! Thanks for viewing and thanks to 2 Things Blog for the art challenge opportunity.

New beginnings...

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Hi, thanks for peering Thru My Lens. My name is Kristina, or KC for short. I am a self-taught artist with a love for creativity, imagination and all things beautiful. I believe that art is an expression of the soul. It is an outward reflection of our innermost thoughts and feelings. It is a universal language. Read more about me HERE.

My hope for this blog is to share my artwork, poetry and photography with others so that it may inspire the artist within you to express yourself. Art is naturally a part of who we are and it is what we are because we are creation. We are all a form of artwork; each of us individual, beautiful and inspiring.

My goal for my creations is that they may help others to enjoy the simple things... those things we often over-look and forget. The little joys, inspirations, and times of faith that we tend to forget are what inspire us to become better, to dream, grow and to change. When we look for the beauty within creation, we can change our perspectives, our actions and who we are. I hope that Thru My lens my readers will see the beauty all around them as well as within them.

New Beginnings by BWC Designs