Camera bag/purse

How many of you are tired of carrying around an ugly camera bag, and also trying to maneuver your purse as well. After my last trip I took, I decided I had to buy a combination of the two, because I was super fed up and uncomfortable schlepping both. I went on line trying to see if such a thing existed. I found this and this, just to name a couple. They were way more than I wanted to spend. I looked at some blogs that had DYI tutorials on making your own. After reading a few of them, I thought I could probably do it.

I went off to Target to find an inexpensive purse that had a shoulder strap, and other things I wanted in my camera bag. I found the above purse for only $29.95. Better than $169.00!!!

I had this fabric in my stash already, so all I had to do was buy a yard of one inch foam, and some quilt batting, to make it extra soft and cushy. I'm happy to say that everything fits perfect, and I'm so happy with the results. I think with all the supplies including the purse, it cost about $50.00.
These are the pieces I made to insert into the cheapo purse. When I looked at the tutorials on other blogs, it seems like you pretty much had to come up with your own game plan, because of the uniqueness of the purse you choose. I opted not to do side padding, because this purse angles slightly, and I couldn't make it work. Instead the two larger pieces curve perfectly to create protection on the sides. The shoulder strap that came with the purse was a bit narrow and flimsy, so I used another strap we had lying around with a padded shoulder.

That's my Sunday project. Perfect for the very odd and cold rainy days we have been having here!

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Winter light

There is nothing like photographing with natural light, especially winter light. Since all the trees are now naked outside of our bedroom, we get the most glorious winter light streaming in.
All the shadows that are cast, are so interesting to me........
it becomes quite graphic I think.......
or just calming....
Our kitchen is on the same side of the house as our bedroom, so it too gets all the pretty winter light.
Beautiful lemons my mother in law gave us, aren't they gorgeous?! (Thanks Joan)
My little napkin holder, that has made an appearance on here before, always casts a lovely shadow.

What are you favorite times of the year for natural light in your area? Here in northern California, I would have to say my two most favorite times of the year would have to be fall and winter. Here in the fall, there is a crystalline look to the light.
But, by far the most gorgeous places for natural light, for me anyway, would have to be first Sweden, then Scotland.You just can't take a bad picture there, it simply takes your breath away!

Winter scapes

As much as I adore spring, winter has it's beauty as well. I love the nakedness of all the trees around my home. This tree by far is my favorite. The very lovely fuyu persimmon tree. With it's little fruit dangling like little ornaments. I'm looking for some good recipes for this type of persimmon if anyone as them, please pass them on.
The color is amazing.......

The pomegranate tree is just as beautiful with it's large red globes....the birds have gotten to most of them now, but hey they need some winter treats too, so that's OK.
Look at the little silhouette of the mourning dove.......
perhaps he is contemplating weather to land on this soft mossy roof top.
Muddy leaves everywhere with their autumnal colors still in tact......
I'm busy sewing up a storm, so I have been a bit absent from here. I would love to show all that I have made, but the surprises will be spoiled if I do. I'm really trying to get all the sewing done this week, because I really want to do some baking, and I have many ideas on that front, so I'm excited to start on that.
Is everyone finished with their shopping yet? I'm getting there.
Hope everyone is having a good day, and I'll try and keep things more up to date.

Playing with the new Nikon

These are a couple of sample shots I took with the new camera, nothing special,but I do love the clarity of the pictures.
Tomorrow I plan to go to the "Bouquets to Art" at the De Young museum in San Francisco. Last year I got very frustrated with the camera I had,and the quality of photos that I got from it. This year, barring the people not stressing me out, I may have some beautiful photos to share with you. For those who don't remember my post last year, it is a show where floral designers interpret a work of art in the museum in a floral display. It is always so much fun, and you can't believe the creativity of some of the designers. So, stay tuned for those. They will be much prettier, I hope, than the above boring photos :)