Intricate

I had a hard time with this concept- it took me a while to decide on an image to play with, and then even longer to play with all of my options. I love the intricate detail on the wings of the stork, I thought it really added more pop to the image!

Sleeping In

It’s another rainy, dreary day here. I keep trying to remind myself that it’s better than snow, but after trekking through the rain several times a day for work and driving through puddles big enough to swallow my car, I come home to this…

I swear, I want a cat’s life. Specifically, I want my cats life.

Spring Breezes!

This is my first time posting on Illustration Friday, and my first time really playing with Photoshop. I've figured out how to use layers and cut out images so I can import different things that I've collected and turn it into something. I look at some of the other wonderful images I've seen people posting and I'm humbled by my little project, but I also know that practice makes perfect. Hopefully, I'll be able to connect with some people who know more than I do and I'll be able to learn and grow through this experience!

The topic is Breezy and I thought that was a perfect time to celebrate the warm spring breezes and all the vacations that start up during the spring. I do have to admit, though, that it seems completely bazaar to go on vacation now when the weather finally clears up and the promise of fair weather is in the air. I would much rather pack my bags and head out when the snow is six inches deep, the wind is howling and an ice storm is coming.

Thanks for looking, and keep checking back. Now that the weather is better, I plan on getting out with my camera and getting some new shots!

Decorating for the Holidays

I've been decorating for Christmas the past few weekends, thankfully I had the outdoor decor finished before the snow really started to fall! I went with an old-world look this year, with lots of cut greens from my pine trees, Osage Oranges and pine cones.

Osage oranges and their trees have a fascinating history; used by the Osage Indians for bows and other utensils, they were also used by pioneers to create hedges for the livestock (and if you've ever been around one of these trees and gotten swatted by a branch while picking the fruit, I think you'll agree that this is an effective means of livestock control). Check out this website for more information.

Personally, I adhere to the old wives tail that they keep spiders and other insects away, plus I love how they look for Christmas!

In other Decorating News I also salvaged some old white skates in a box of 'stuff' I got at auction and thought they would be perfect outside for the season.

Plus, they have the added bonus of being able to transition from Christmas decor to winter decor after the holidays. In Michigan, you always have to think ahead- after all, who wants to go outside in January to pack up all your decorations? Not me!

Take care, stay warm and check back for additional Christmas pictures!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I've been decorating for Christmas now, although I did leave one corner of my porch decorated for Thanksgiving (which is not an easy feat for me when I'm loaded down with evergreen branches, hyped up on Christmas carols and buzzing on a decor high)! Happy Thanksgiving, and stay tuned in for some of my holiday decor, and some of the projects I've been working on!

Welcome

Welcome to Diminutive Discoveries! I've wanted to make a blog for some time now and have spent much of my time planning, plotting (particularly while at work), and pretty much doing everything BUT actually doing it. Well, no more! It's official: Diminutive Discoveries is now alive!

I'm excited to share with everybody who is willing to listen (hopefully, there is somebody...) some of the interesting things I find along the way, such as:

1. Antiques- because there is an entire world of really awesome things out there, and I'm not the only person interested in seeing them (plus, it gives me a great reason to buy more!).

2. Collectible- because, face it, not everything that's really cool can fall under the heading of "antique".

3. Art- because no life is complete with out it!

4. Other "Neat-o" stuff- for the "stuff" that I can't put in the other three categories, but is too neat not to share!