Happy Christmas to All from Lorissa of LJDesignphoto

Wishing you the best this season and throughout the new year! Thank you to all who have helped and supported me by being a fan and purchasing my work. Blessing to you all,
Lorissa

Last Minute Handmade Gifts for Him

Each Christmas I find it difficlut to go gift shopping for my husband. If he wants it and we can really afford it. He is not into nick-nacks or buying things just to give as a gift. He doen't play video games, so new games are out, and just how many pairs of underwear can you give as a gift? Really?

So I thought as I searched I would share a few ideas for all you out there still searching:

Instead of one more necktie, check out this great wallet made from a recycled necktie, by Prix-Prix. This Bi fold is made from recycling a vintage necktie and a wool suit. Extremely functional it features pockets for cash and cards.
Also great for almost any guy is soap from the Beer Soap Company. They have all kinds of "scents" including this Outback Lager soap which is made with Foster's Lager. This would be a great stocking stuffer for any guy.


Is your man a traveler? Does he like little gadgets? Then these Working Celsius Thermometer & Compass Cuff links might be great for him. These handmade cuff links by luv4sams of the Empty Nest are so much fun, he will want to wear a dress shirt again.


If your looking for a gift that says a bit more, how about this beautiful tuxedo ring by Blazer Arts. This ring is made of oxidized sterling sliver and 14K white gold. This is a ring that would look great on any guy. You can find more by this jeweler at www.blazerarts.com.

Photography by Ryder Gledhill and property of Blazer Arts

Keep him warm this winter with this fab Hazelnut latte - Hand Knit Scarf by GreenCouch. This classic scarf in a wonderful natural color will go with every thing he owns. It is a made with a blend of wool and acrylic, so it is both soft and warm.

And if you man loves the open road or the nostalgic Route 66 check out my Route 66 Clocks. One features a beautiful Red Corvette and the other has signs pointing to the best known towns on the road. Both would make a great gift and look great in a family room, man's den, or office.



Good luck in your last minute shopping and have a wonderful holiday.

Snow and Christmas Light: one of my Joys of the Season

In so many ways this is my most favorite time of year, especially now that I live in a place that has seasons. While it is cold and I don't like driving in the snow, the beauty of nature and seasonal lights make it so wonderful. I captured this photo last year during our Christmas snow. It reminds me that no matter how cold it is outside, home is warm, cozy and bright.

This photo, "Christmas Lights" is now listed in my Fine Art Photography 1000 Markets shop as an 8x10, but is avaliable in 5x7, 11x14, 16x20, and 20x30. The print will come signed and numbered on back and without my logo on the front.

Also new in my shop is the Item of the Day. Each day a different item will be featured and discounted. During the holiday season the discount will be an amazing 50 % off. Check back each day to find a great deal on LJdesignphoto's fine art photography.

I hope your season is warm, cozy, and bright.
Lorissa

Wordless Wednesday

Handmade Gifts for Her

Looking for something to fill her stocking? Or just a little something for a friend? There are a few ideas that are all handmade by Fabulous Moms in the USA.

First is Michon, beautiful simple jewelry by Leah Ybarra. I love her earrings and own a couple of pairs right now. She loves silver and pearls, and this shows in her designs. Because she is also a mom she uses "non toxic" methods of metal work and many of her jewelry designs are baby-friendly (fun studs that are difficlut for little hands to grab.)


Another great item is andreabaker's Business Card Cozies. I love, love, love mine and I often get asked where I got it. I even use it as a small wallet sometimes, I'm amazed how much it holds. This is a great gift for anyone who has business card to carry around. She even has a listing for a Custom Business Card Cozy where you can choose the fabric and style you want. He shop is eclectic and full of beautiful things including Totes and handbags, aprons, hair accessories and more.

Lastly I want to show you valeriesgallery, a beautiful shop of classic knits and felted treasures. My most favorite items in Valerie's shop is her Felted Bowls and Vases. Her work is beautiful and her craftsmanship is just amazing. Each bowl is a unique piece of art and a great decorative gift. For those that like useful things for gifts, Valerie makes beautiful handmade Scarflettes and Scarfs. In her shop you can also find lovely felted handbags, wallets, jewelry, and hair ponies.


All these handmade artisan shops can be found on etsy.com. Etsy is a wonderful place to find gifts that are not found in those big box stores. I find it a great place to sell my photography at my LJDesignphoto fine art photography shop and to purchase great gifts.

Something for Him, Something for Mom, Something for your Home

You can get it all for 20% off or more at with my Cyber Monday and Beyond Holiday Sale. Shop my Etsy photography shop, 1000 Markets Art Photography shop, or my LJdesignphoto Fine Art Photography website.

In stock prints are marked as "SALE" items and are 30% off. The sale price is on the listing, so you just need to purchase them to receive the discount. These are in stock prints, so the discounts will last only as long as by back stock. Take 20% off the listed price all other prints. I will send you a refund via Paypal or Amazon Payments on these items. And if you order over $50 I will also refund your shipping cost.
It does not get much better then this. Route 66 and Red Corvettes for Him, perfect for his office, and lovely florals for Her. And landscapes fit into any room, a great gift for your whole family or a home warming.
Oh, and if you would like a larger print then you see listed, just let me know and I can make a listing just for you!

It's time to have a stress free and happy holiday season. Let me help you get there.

P.S. check out the Etsy FAM blog for more wonderful sales: http://fam-fabulousartisticmoms.blogspot.com/

and the plan for the coming weeks is to bring you the best small handmade gifts, great for any budget.

Dark Cloud and Abandoned House

This abandoned house in southwestern Colorado was not by itself remarkable, but the early morning sun and looming storm gave it new life.
I see two ways of interpreting this image. My first instinct is that the storm is leaving and that the light is bring new hope and possibilities, but that might be based on my actual experience of being there, more then the photo. The second is of two forms of destruction. The house is abandoned and no longer cared for and the dark clouds of the storm just add to the feeling of loss of hope and love.
I'd love to know what you think. How it makes you feel?

Clearance Sale - Select Fine Art Photographs on Sale for a Limited Time

I really try not to have sales of my work, but I've found that I have over ordered some prints and thought I would offer these prints at a special price. With the holidays coming up and everyone looking for deal this seemed like a great time to clear inventory.

So if your looking for something for your mother or wife, I have some beautiful flowers on sale, maybe even her favorite flower. Or for him maybe a classic Route 66 photo, or beautiful landscape.



The sale is in both my LJDesignPhoto Fine Art Photography Etsy Shop and my LJDesignPhoto Fine Art Photography 1000 Markets Shop. Check out both shops, because they both have different images and sizes listed. All prints on sale have SALE in the titles and are limited to items in stock, so once they are gone they are gone.

The sale end when inventory sells out or on November 14, 2009, which ever comes first.

A Morning of Autumn Now Available

A Beautiful Autumn Scene Now Available in my LJDesignphoto 1000 Markets shop. This beautiful photo was taken on my most recent trip to Utah. The first night of the trip was spent in Southwestern Colorado and an abandoned house caught my eye. We had gotten up early and with the morning sun and mix of storm clouds the lighting was perfect. While I really like the photos of the house, I love this photo. I hope you love it too.

Just trying out a little HDR Photography

I've been wanting to try this new digital photography tool out for a while, but I really haven't had much time lately to sit down and figure it out. I also wasn't sure it was a good fit for me. So many of the images I see are beyond reality and I like my photos to capture the true beauty I see around me. There are times I go farther with images into more of a digital art, and there is nothing wrong with that, but I wanted to use it for the right reason for me and my work/art. I've also found that I still have a lot to learn about it (which is fine, because I try to learn something new each day) and can't wait to have more time to take it farther.


This abandon house caught my eye as we were driving out of our Forest campground in Southwestern Colorado. The morning light was beautiful and abandoned buildings are one of my favorite subjects. Just meant to be. My husband pulled the RV over and let me out, but then got concerned when it was 15 minutes later before I got back. Oh, but the photos were worth it and I would have stayed longer if I was alone.

This is Hamburger Rock Campground in Southern Utah. This place is BLM and beautiful. It is just outside of the Needles area of Canyonland National Park. The campground is fairly primitive and the road in a little rough, but it was so worth it. This is a view from on top of the rock looking down at our campsite.

These were taken from our campsite, it was a beautiful sunset.



Hope you have enjoyed!

New Photographic Fine Art Series Now Avalible on 1000 Markets

I love fall, and I've missed it so in all my years in Florida and the Mohave Desert. But now I'm in living in a place with real seasons and fall may just be my favorite time of year.
My latest photographs are of plants and flowers in the fall. Mostly of the plants after going to seed. To me they still hold their beauty, it is just transformed. And it is a reminder of the cycle and magic of nature. I've just listed the first two in my LJDesignPhoto 1000 Markets shop.
To view my new listings just click on the photos above, or these links:
Fall Seeds l
Fall Seeds ll

Interview with Photographer LJDesignphoto: now on 1000 Markets

I've started listing work for sale on 1000Markets, this great new marketplace. I'm only a member of three markets so far, but Camera Angles, a group of all photographers, is one of my favorites. Recently BriefMoments, who help write the market's blog, asked me to do an interview and she just posted it. She asked me some questions that no one has before, so I thought it would be go to share it with the readers of my blog. To find the interview click here, Photographic Reflections: LJ Design & Photo.
To find my 1000Markets shop use this link: LJDesignphoto Americana and Route 66 Fine Art Photography. I've been trying to add new images every week and it where you will find my newest work.

When in Florida, Do Disney - FL Vacation Part 4

And for two days we did Disney.

Now if you have ever been to Disney World you know that two days is not enough time to visit the entire thing (I'm not sure two weeks is either), but we tried. We stayed at a Disney resort and for two days we had park hopper passes. Now with young children you can skip over things that they won't see (like fireworks shows) and, since they don't sleep in anyway, you can get to the parks early. But with young children you do have to take some time out/nap time during the middle of the day.

We tried to use these to our advantage and arrived just after the parks opened the first day. The first park we went to was MGM Studios. This is a great park to go if your children want to meet the Characters. My daughter just was beyond herself when she met Mickey. Here she is waiting in line getting her pen and autograph book ready.


After lunch at the Studios we went back to the Resort to rest, which didn't last as long as we had hoped, and then went to the pool for a quick swim.

Redressed and ready to go we headed for the bus station to catch the next bus to Animal Kingdom. Of course it was just driving away as we got there, so when the Epcot bus arrived we decided that we would just go there. If we were smart we would have called for dinner reservations right then, but unfortunately we didn't.

Epcot was fun. We got strollers for each kid and started towards the Nemo ride. Along the way the three year old fell fast asleep so we thought we might visit the world showcase first. When we got to France they had a Craft for Kids sponsored by Sharpie. It was paper masks that the kids decorated with the new sharpie color markers. Now I don't know about you, but sharpies are the last markers I will buy for my child. Okay, maybe when she is 17 and needs them for a school project. But seriously. My daughter actually said, "But mommy you told me that I can't use those markers." And I did, so I had to amend it to just this once. Here is her mask:


Each country had a little dangle that you could add to your mask, things that represented that country. We had fun until we couldn't find a sit down restaurant that we could get a table. I wanted Japanese food, but we should have stayed in Morocco like my friend suggested. Finally in China we found a place that had seating and food the kids would eat. Due to time we were rushing out as the fireworks started and headed to the Monorail for the Magic Kingdom.

We arrived at the Kingdom just in time for the fireworks over the castle, but the children decided they wanted only to ride rides. There were no waits in Adventureland so in less then an hour we rode Pirates of the Caribbean, the Jungle Cruise, and Aladdin's Carpet ride (many times). On the way back to the hotel both kids passed out. Here's mine:


Day two there was no sleeping in. We got back to the Magic Kingdom for it's early opening for resort guest. This time we headed straight for the Haunted Mansion. My daughter was scared at first, but I've never gone to Disney and not ridden it. I told her it was just pretend and as long as I held her hand she seem to enjoy it. After the ride was over, she asked if we were going back to the hotel. I said no and asked why. She said she didn't want a ghost to follow us home, but if we were going to the hotel that would be okay. LOL

After that we headed for Fantasyland before it got too crowded. This is where you find my daughters now favorite ride, Dumbo. I can't believe I stood in line for 45 minutes in the Florida heat in August to ride it, but she loved it and that made it so worth it in the end.


After all the rides in Fantasyland and some ice cream on Main Street we headed home. What a great time. I won't forget my daughters first time at Disney.

Visiting my Brother - Florida Vacation Part 3

Yesterday's photo of the kitten Wow, Wow, Wubbs was taken while we were staying with my brother. Wubbs is named after Wow! Wow! Wubbzy on Nickelodeon. The last time we visited it was my daughters favorite show and her aunt remembered. My daughter loves her Aunt and Uncle, but what makes the visit even better is their five cats. She can spend all day playing just with them. Here are a few more:




While in Florida we spent about a third of our time with them. They live in New Port Richey, which is not a beach town, so we spent the time going to the city pool which is huge and a lot of fun, shopping with my sister in law, and playing Monster Mini Golf.


I think Monster Mini Golf may have been a little much for her. It was the her first time playing and she tried really hard. She actually did really well until all the black light lite monsters started to move and make noise around her. We did about half the course before she wanted to go. Wanted to go until we found the Duck Dance and Stomp machine. Of this she just couldn't get enough, but it was worth the quarters.


In the end we ended up with so many tickets that she got two handfuls of small plastic toys. It ended up being a great thing to do on a rainy day. And when we got back to my brothers place she started to play with the cats again.

Wordless Wednesday - Wow Wow Wubbs

A Day at the Beaches - Florida Vacation Part 2

Yes. I said Beaches, with an s. Well what else do you do when your on Vacation on the coast in Florida? A day at the beach of course. Or if you me, you make sure to get to two beaches in one day.
I had actually hoped to spend as much time on the beach as I could, so the second day of my visit we headed for Dunedin's Honeymoon Island State Park. The girls seemed to love it, at first. They didn't enjoy the sand on their fruit. My daughter really didn't like the seaweed that lined the edge of the water or the rocks that you had to walk past to get out to the sandy, shallow sand bars. It was also her first experience, at four, of waves. I said waves, but they were so small that I didn't even think of warning her about them. So small, in fact, they barely "crashed" as they rolled onto the shore, but when you are only three feet tall and trying to catch small fish in a net out on the sand bar, they can seem quit large as the water around you seems to push your little body around. Especially when your not expecting them. Opps.


Eventually the girls decided that the shore was a large sandbox and that building, mixing, and digging was exactly what they wanted to do. Ah, what a lovely day at the beach. It really was great till we decided to leave and we had sandy, tired, winy, and wet toddlers. "How quick can we get back to your home?" I asked my friend.

After a late afternoon nap and dinner we headed for Sunset Beach for Tarpon Spring's Music on the Beach. The night we attended the Bayou Boys played a mix of Country, American, and Rockabilly covers. Oh so, so Florida.

It was about a mile walk with the little ones in strollers and the strollers loaded down with chairs, snacks, beach toys, and the all important wine. The evening was fun, full of watching the girls play in the sand as the sunset with a background of live music and getting to know my friends neighbors. A relaxing and fun evening.

This was my last big day at the beach during my vacation because after this my daughter decided that the beach just wasn't for her. I can't say I was a big beach person while I was living in Florida, but when you only have a week or two to visit it a year, you want to make the most of it, and go as much as possible. Granted, I've ever been big on sand, partly because it can get in places it shouldn't and irritate, but I was disappointed that my daughter was more interested in spending time at a pool then the beach. But that is a story for another day.

Wordless Wednesday - Sunset Beach Evening

Tomorrow - more on the images and our day at the Beaches.

Dinner and a Stroll in Tarpon Springs, FL

In August I packed my bags once again and headed to visit family and friends in Tampa Bay Florida. I love visiting whenever I can because it is a little bit like going home. My brother still lives in New Port Richey and I have friends in Tarpon Springs and St. Petersburg. Every time I go back something has changed, but I can still count on my friends and family to welcome me and for a great time.
I can also count on The Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs to not have changed too much. I know, it is a tourist trap-ish kind of place. But it is also one of the best places in the US to get wonderful Greek food. Yummy.
The first night of my visit my friend and I took our daughters to Hella's. On the way we were talking about food and the foods that other friends won't eat or even try. I made the mistake of saying I'd try just about anything. So of course my friend called me on it and challenged me to try some pickled octopus.

Now for me, octopus is one of those foods that look too much like the animal even in prepared form. I know it's a bit silly, but I was not looking forward to this challenge. I was looking forward to the saganaki, skordalia, baklava, and a good open face gyro.
To fulfill my challenge we started off with the cold plate that included octopus, shrimp, skordalia, taramosalata, tzatziki, olives, peppers & feta cheese. Everything was good. The octopus wasn't so good I would eat it all the time. It was pickled and I'm really not a big fan of pickled anything except dill pickles.

After that we got the sapanaki, or flaming cheese, just for the fun of it (something you can do on vactaion). OPA!!!!!!!

The kids love the show much more then the cheese.
By the time we finished the appetizers and half our gyros we were full so we took our extras and headed for their bakery to bring some baklava and galaktoburiko home.
After dinner we walk for a bit and stopped in the wonderful little soap shop, Lori's Soaps. They sold hand made olive oil soaps and some of them had a sponge added right into them. What a great idea. I only got two, but now that I'm home I wish I had more.
Here are some photos I took with my point and shoot during our stroll after dinner:



To see more photos of the Sponge Docks visit my last post: Wordless Wed.: The Sponge Docks

Wordless Wednesday - The Sponge Docks in Tarpon Spring, FL