Playing with Layers

I am trying to learn how to create more texture in my photos by adding edges and layers. I went to a site called Cottage Arts, and purchased some interesting layers called "blends" to add to my photos. My goal is to make my photos look like they are photo transfers. I want nice edges and textures that give a vintage feel. I purchased some layers and have been playing with them in Photoshop Elements.

Here is a before using a photo of green onions from the Farmer's Market in Boulder, Colorado:
















And here is the after, which includes Image number 10 from Photo Arts Blends 2:
















Here is an example using a lighter photo to begin with, this is a doorway in Charleston, SC:






















And here is the one with a Blend number 13 from the same set:






I am going to be experimenting much more with these types of layers. It is fun to see the possibilities in using these layers not only for my blog posts, but also in my collage work.

Why Orange?

I am very excited to be starting my new blog which combines many of my interests in one blog. I have had an intermittent blog on my fiber addiction (spinning and knitting) and I have a couple of other blogs (see here and here), but I really wanted an outlet for all of my artistic endeavors.

Why Dreaming in Orange? I love orange. If asked, green is actually my favorite color -- sea-green, lime-green, moss-green -- these are the colors that I am most often drawn to in yarns and paint.

But, orange is the color of joy, happiness, light, silliness. Orange is a symbol of autumn, my favorite season. The time of year that I see as new beginnings (too many years spent in school I suspect). "Dreaming in Orange" means to me dreaming of new beginnings grounded in joy and a certain light-heartedness. This is what I want for my blog and for my life.

So here is the gratuitous picture in orange:


It is my hand spun BFL (Blue Faced Leicester)wool yarn that I will knit into a scarf. It is two-plied and about 342 yards for those to whom this matters. Here is another photo of it hanging to dry outside.



This blog is a new forum to me to explore the many aspects of my life including my spinning and knitting obsessions; my drawing, painting and collage art; and photos from my daily life and my travels. I intend to explore my world and myself through these pages. I hope you enjoy traveling along with me.