Sunday, October 3, 2010

Simple Blue.....

Wanted to participate in Sally's Blue Monday AND play with "Picnik", which is a photo editing site that offers a free download you can use to jazz up your photos!

So took some photos of the kitchen/dinning area that wears a lot of red, white AND blue during spring and summer.

blue 008

One of my favorite pieces is this old, milk-painted blue cupboard that we use for storing canned goods.  Also, makes a nifty resting place for these old crockery bowls.

I confess I am one of those grandmas who, normally, would have several photos of her grandchildren on this side of the frig......but every once in a while I clear it off....so for today, at least, you can see the cool Dad's Root Beer metal chalkboard advertising sign sans photos!

blue 010I like the Picnik cropping tool but I'm not sure I totally understand the brightness option.  I love the drama that can be achieved by cropping!  See the photo below for the BEFORE cropping......it so easy to eliminate stuff you don't want to show and to highlight what you want to showcase!

blue 009For those of you who have been using these tools, this is old news, but to a relative newbie, like myself, it is so much fun to experiment with these tools.  I think the end result is so much better, visually, and I've only begun to explore the possibilities.

No blue, actually this red and white photo was another opportunity to play with Picnik...more cropping fun!

blue 002I know there are other photo editing downloads available. Next, I plan on exploring Picasa but this one is certainly easy to use and does seem to improve the quality of the photos. 

I use a point and shoot Olympus that takes a decent photo, but it could be better, so I am hoping to improve the quality with these programs BEFORE I rush out to buy a new camera.

Hope you enjoyed my red, white and blue world and my photo experiments.

In addition to Blue Monday, I always love being a part of

Metamorphasis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch and Sue's Rednesday be sure to visit all of the parties, you will love what you see!

32 comments:

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

I use Picasa almost exclusively...I have Photoshop but have never gotten the hang of it. I find I can do almost anything I want with Picasa. I have read about a lot of people who love Picnik!!! They seem to love it....Have a great week!!!

Anonymous said...

Great photos. I use Picasa and I love it. There are so many features, options, yada yada...

I also have lots of photos on my fridge!

All Things Pretty... said...

Oh my! I'm in love with your little blue cupboard! and the bowls! Wonderful post!

LV said...

You found just the right touch of blue for today. I like that finish on your cabinet.

Pie said...

Nice photos of blue. I like the chalkboard.

My Blue Monday.

Anonymous said...

Happy Blue Monday! Great cabinet, and I really like those bowls as well.

Fresh Linen said...

Love, love, love that blue cabinet.

SmilingSally said...

I'm sure it's fun experimenting with your camera. You found some pretty blues.

Happy Blue Monday!

Scribbler said...

I was so glad to catch up with your blog today -- I have some connection issues myself since changing over to a website which incorporates blogs.

I looked back through your posts and spied something I really love: the little piece of cranberry glass. My mother started a collection for me - and it always catches my eye.

Nanette said...

Your little blue cabinet is great. Love your blues!
Valerie

Donnie said...

Everything came out good. I use Picasa but just the basics so I'll have to check out Picnik. That red 3 came out great. Love your blue bowls and cabinet.

Kim, USA said...

Love your three blue bowls.
Fishes & Bird

joyh82 said...

I really like your blue cupboard and even the sign above it. How neat! Happy Blue Monday.
All of our tomatoes are gone now :(

Marigene said...

What a fantastic little cabinet...love the blue bowls.

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

blue bowls are cute.

Dena E's Blog said...

Lots of neat pics Sweetie!!! Myself,, I like the BLUE bowls and the print on that lovely chair!!!
Happy BLUE Monday !!!
Blessings from Heaven as you look to Him~~~Hugs Dena

Sharon said...

Love your blog and I use Picnik also. Check out my blog: http://corgisinmygarden.blogspot.com/ and see what I did to my banner with their stickers.

Sharon

Sharon said...

In your post before this one, you had a picture of the cutest magazine rack for sale? Do you still have it and how much?

Sharon

Karen said...

What a neat post! I loved your blue cabinet and the pretty blue bowls and the tomatoes in the red rimmed dish.

Now, for Picasa, yes, I just started using it and Photoscape and find it fun to edit and play with photos but at times frustrating; I have a lot to learn. Seems like I will be over my quota for pictures soon if I don't stop though. I can see you have the hang of it already! Thanks for the inspiration!

JayLeigh said...

I love the little blue cupboard. Picnik is fun!

Ann said...

Your #3 and red enamel bowl are so neat, love them. I know it's not red but I love the blue cupboard.
Ann

Unknown said...

I LOVE those gorgeous tomatoes in that red/white enamel basin :)

Blessings!
Gail

Simply Shelley said...

Love that old blue cabinet...its just wonderful...thanks for sharing...blessings

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Did your mum gave you the cupboard? Great to have something from long ago.

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

Wonderful Pics ! I love the blue cupboard .
Blessings,
~Myrna

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello...

Ohhh...you are a lady after my own heart! Hehe! I love playing with all the photo editing software. I think I have four different programs that I use regularly! I would highly recommend Picasa. It really has alot of neat options...you just have to get into it and experiment! You are absolutely right about being able to crop a photo to focus on something in particular! I enjoyed your photos and love your beautiful blue cabinet and your fabulous crock bowls! Love that blue! I enjoyed the white and red enamelware bowl full of pretty red tomatoes as well! Thanks for sharing your pretties with us!

I have also joined the Rednesday party today. I actually have a couple of photos that I used photo effects on as well. I'd love for you to come by and take a peek!

Warmest autumn wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Angela said...

I love the vignette you made and that chair beside it just makes everything POP...

craftyles said...

I love your blue cupboard. Also the chalkboard on the fridge. I'm gonna steal that idea for mine!

Bea Christianson said...

I'm with all of you - I love Picnik. It's one of my favorite creative ways to save money with pictures of home, hearth, and grandkids! :) Loved your red pillow as well. Perfect for Rednesday :)

A Christian Home said...

Every thing is just beautiful. Doylene

Natasha said...

I love Picnik too. Have you seen the gorgeous frames and things they have for Halloween and Christmas? They are fabulous!

Best wishes and thanks so much for visiting my blog. Great to meet you!

Natasha.

Pam Kessler said...

I don't know how I missed this on Met Monday the first time around. I am addicted to Picnik and Picasa. Love them and can't stop fiddling around with them. Love the bowls and LOVE that cabinet. Milk paint has such a great patina to it.