Photography is a Love Affair with Life!

I love to capture moments in time to be able to remember them forever. I have always enjoyed photography and the smile that comes across my face as I look through old photos and memories they stir that come flowing back.

If you follow me on Instagram (if you don't, you should!) you will know that after a lot of encouragement from family, friends and fellow home décor enthusiasts, I have added a "Shop" section to my website to allow you to purchase my photo prints, canvases and photography services.

I'm re-vamping my gallery wall today and to be able to look at these prints and re-visit these breathtaking views of the world around us is inspiring! Whether it's Notre Dame surrounded by Cherry Blossoms or the shore of Lake Huron at sunset with the waves crashing in, as much as these photos hold memories for me, they also illustrate the magnificence of these stunning locales, which in turns adds beauty to the home of those who hang these pieces of art. 

Through my website Shop, you can purchase separate prints and I'm now happy to offer collections that will almost instantly help you start your own gallery wall!

I'm also holding a giveaway on Instagram where you can win one of my prints. Be sure to pop over and check it out!

I'll leave you with this.....

" Photography is the art of observation. It has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them." - Elliott Erwitt

RR

Get Minted!

I was scrolling through the over 7000 photos on my iPhone (apparently, I need to do some purging) when I decided to put my photos to use and make my own Christmas Cards this year.

I looked at many different options and websites and kept going back to Minted. I then received an email from Blogpodium about Minted and it seemed like fate....it was time to get creative! 

One thing that really drew me to Minted was the fact that it is a design marketplace for independent artists from around the globe. You can not only formulate your own Holiday creations on their site using the templates of these independent artists, but you can also purchase amazing prints/pieces to decorate your home too!

I sat in front of the computer for almost 3 hours on a Sunday afternoon, designing and putting together option after option for my Christmas Cards. I couldn't get over how user friendly the site was to navigate! It was so much fun to decide on what colours to use, square or rounded corners, foil or no foil, single shot vs multi photos, colour vs black and white, white or kraft paper envelopes.....I literally could have made/ordered 25 different cards!

This was one of my photos that I experimented with in a template by Leah Bisch. It was one of my favourites.....but......maybe I'll use it next year ;)

After much deliberation, review by my QA team (ie. my Mom and Charlie), I finalized my design, hit 'order' and my confirmation email was in my Inbox. The next day, I received confirmation my order had shipped and by Wednesday (only 3 days later!!), they arrived, much to my excitement!

As I opened the box, it felt like an early Christmas gift! The high-quality paper and printing was beyond my expectations! Minted's Signature paper is thick and luxurious with a creamy cotton texture, and has been optimized for photo printing. 

I was browsing the Minted Instagram page shortly after I had placed my order and quickly realized that my final design was 'right on trend'.

As per #MintedHolidayTrends, my choice to use black and white photos is a 'modern trend with an edgier vibe' and I couldn't agree more! While my cards still have a rustic feel, there is also that modern vibe through the use of B&W photos.

I can't yet share my final design as I have only began to start delivering my cards to friends and family this weekend, but check back soon to see my final work of art! Why don't you get creative this holiday season and design/make your own cards too?!

 I want to say a HUGE thank you to Minted for an absolutely wonderful experience, start to finish! I can't wait to get started on my next project....

Stay tuned!!!..............................

RR