As the name of my blog indicates, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. Of course, my Heavenly Home is the one that is eternal, so that’s where I need to lay up my treasures, and that’s the one I’m striving for. But in the meantime, I have been given this tiny piece of the here-and-now—this home on the edge of town, this family, this neighborhood—in which to serve Him. And, though this is in the earthly realm, I want the things that happen here to be investments in the Heavenly realm.




Friday, November 8, 2013

A Personal Photo Challenge {Layering Textures}


The key word in the title is "challenge."  

And Donna's challenge this month is "Layering Textures." 

My first challenge was to find out what in the world a texture is! So I read the helpful articles that Donna linked, as well as her own suggestions on layering textures. Ooooohhh...so that's what a texture is. 

The second challenge was to learn something totally new (I have never added a texture to a photo!) and take the plunge!  Here goes...

I began with this cropped photo of one of my favorite subjects: Coffee. Coffee that tastes even better when served in a Friendly Village cup and saucer. 




Because I am familiar with PicMonky, I decided to use the textures that they offered. The first one I tried is "Smudge" (the fifth choice in the possible "smudges"). 





Then I got (a little) more adventurous and applied another "smudge" (this one the fourth choice) and faded it to 40%. I liked how this texture sort of framed the cup of coffee.




The last texture I tried was PicMonkey's "Paint" (the second of the "paint" choices). This time I was really brave and erased the texture over the coffee and the cup, leaving it in place over the remaining parts of the photo. I liked that effect.  



Then with a final burst of creative inspiration, I decided to add some text.


Just sayin'.


Thank you, Donna, for challenging me to learn something new!  

21 comments:

  1. Oh how Fun!! You did a wonderful job on that cup of coffee!
    Love the text as well...
    Happy weekend!!
    hughugs

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  2. Great job! I have added text before, but never the effects. I may have to play with it now, lol.

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  3. You are so wonderfully creative and have such a natural feel for these homey things. Your stuff is always inspirational.

    BTW, I totally agree about the coffee.

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  4. You are an A student in my book! I love these textures, particularly the last two examples. You were smart to use a simple photo because then the textures can shine. I'm so glad that you stepped outside your comfort zone and learned a new skill! Just think of the possibilities now for blog headers and any time you want to create a special image!

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  5. Great Job I'd say, but what do I know! I do know this is a well chosen study for you as you love coffee! And it must be in your love language!

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  6. You took your cup of coffee to new heights with the textures you put over it. I like the second photo best as I didn't like the red drawing my eye away from the subject.

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  7. Photo challenge? I think I need to get in on that action! Thanks for calling it to my attention. And showing us your process... that's great!

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  8. How neat! I use picmonkey and the paint is one my favs but I've never used Smudge. I'll try it soon. I knew I would learn a lot in this challenge! Great job!

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  9. I LOVE PicMonkey and use it a lot - along with iPhoto. Don't have time to learn anything more complicated!

    I like all the versions but my favorite is the second one - it really brings out the antique look. Lovely china, especially the floral motif inside the cup.

    Have a fun weekend - Mary

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  10. Wow! I am impressed. I see that "the trick" may just be to go with an unfussy photo. Ahhhh... That cup of coffee looks so good!

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  11. My fav is #1. I really like the colors too. From another beginner, I think you did a really good job!!

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  12. I love all of them but the last one is my favorite. Very creative!

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  13. WOW! Great job for just beginning with textures. I love all of them.

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  14. Wonderful! I'm pinning your last coffee image to my coffee board, just for the inspiration. But this post makes me wish I could sit down at the table across from you and share a good cup of coffee and a real nice visit.
    Have a blessed weekend!

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  15. I use Pic Monkey too and the paint is one of my favorite. I use it for cards a lot.

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  16. Wow- great job! Love all the choices you made, especially the smudge. They all look great on your coffee photo! (I think a simple subject is the key to this challenge!)

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  17. Hello Cheryl
    Your cup and saucer make a wonderful image to play with.
    I really love the 'smudge' one and will look at that next time - thanks for the tip!
    I'm so pleased you enjoyed the challenge so did I - time can run away when playing like this!!
    Hugs
    Shane
    I've just seen you're Kati's mum - she is such a sweet girl and I belong to her blog too.

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  18. You did good! I love that last photo with the words. PicMonkey is fun!

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  19. You did a fine job! Stopping by from the Photo Challenge. I enjoy editing in Picmonkey, its kinda fun!

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  20. What a great job. You've made a very artistic looking cup of coffee. I'm most impressed that you were able to erase the texture from where you didn't want it.

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  21. I am impressed! I don't even know how to use pic monkey.

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