Craft Night!

About a month ago, Jaci and I went on a local quilting 'stash dash' that included eight quilt shops from Port Angeles to Bainbridge Island. We had so much fun! We also came home with so much fabric. :)

So, the following Friday, we had a "craft night." We, of course, invited the rest of the crafters in the family. Grandpa graciously cleared his work off the table. We all enjoyed it so much, that we've been getting together every Friday night since then to work on our projects. We've decided to continue this tradition, knowing that everyone won't be able to come every time. Sometimes, we don't get as much done as we might have thought we would (Jill crocheted one round on one granny square!), but being together is a huge part of the whole thing.

Sharing

I love, love, love taking pictures! Over the years, with a variety of both film and digital cameras, I've had opportunities to document the history of our family. On occasion, I actually had the privilege of being a wedding photographer. How I've loved these experiences.

Recently, I bought a new camera. I've been wishing and hoping and saving for a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. It is more like the old SLR film cameras I used to use (and still own, I'm loyal) than the point-and-shoot cameras. The camera, a Canon Rebel t3i, came with the stock Canon zoom 18-55mm IS lens. It's pretty cool how Best Buy works with their price match guarantee. For thirty days from purchase, if the price goes down, I can get refunded the difference. I already got one refund as well as another lens at half price! My second lens is a Canon EFS 55-250mm f/4-5.6 zoom. I know, some of this is like Greek, but I'm very excited!

Anyway, I've decided that since I'm no longer involved with facebook, I'll be more active here. AND, I'll have pictures taken with my killer camera to illustrate all the stuff I get to do! I hope you enjoy my blog. If nothing else, I'll be doing a better job at documenting what's happening in my corner of the world.

I did a lot of playing around with a water bottle and the focus options on my camera, but I won't bore you with those. One of the first things I got to do was a photo shoot with Alicia, Amy and Riley. It was such fun! We found a few spots down at the library in Kingston that worked for us. We also took several of the pictures at Grandma's house. Alicia had the best blankets for 'studio' shots. Here are some sample pictures.

 I also like to take outdoor and experimental pictures. So, if you're still with me, I'll share a few of those now. :-)

Hydrangea in Grandma's yard

Hood Canal Bridge through the windshield

Kingston ferry at night

playing with focus

more focus experimentation (should I say I did it on purpose?)

Hood Canal Bridge from Salisbury Point Park

through the windshield at 55 mph

moon and clouds

Madrona tree at Grandma's

Lots of practice shooting to go, but I'm going to love every moment of it! See ya next time!