Smartphone Photo Edits & 2:365

I just love taking photos on my iphone, it's so much easier to quickly whip out of my bag or pocket than my DSLR is.  I also love how quick it is to edit your photos with some easy apps, they can really make a difference and help the image look more like what you're actually seeing with the naked eye.

I'm working on a little how-to guide for editing smartphone photos, is there anything you'd like me to add?

Today was Day 2 of my 365 daily creativity challenge.  There were lots of birds around me today including a gorgeous heron that visited my backyard which lead me to the word "Free".  The stunning bird in this photo was made by the terribly talented Sam from Jetta's Nest.

I'll be putting updates of this challenge on the blog every now and then, but aim to upload it daily to instagram.

1:365 Starting Afresh

My first attempt at the 365 this year failed within the first few days.  I started out really excited yet very quickly felt locked in by using the same medium everyday.  It was like my inner toddler stomped her foot and said "But I want to play with silver / resin / paint today"...  I felt that I could only do it if I created something great...  I felt that I needed to go from start to finish all in the time that was available that day... I was embarrassed that I had failed so quickly so went to hide under a rock.

It was an interesting lesson to learn, it really highlighted parts of myself that I had only suspected were there.

Today, I have started to try a new 365 challenge.  A mood board of sorts, a quick (and I am setting myself a time limit) visualisation on my thoughts / plans for the day.  Today's was "Start Afresh".  The basil, rosemary and lavender leaves are freshly picked from my garden and all have aromas that I associate with freshness.

I still want to create something tangible each day, or at least work on a project, so I'm locking myself into a little creative playtime each morning before I turn on my computer.  These pieces I may or may not share so that I don't feel pressure (from myself)

The irony is, the first thing I wanted to play with was the same kimono fabric that I was resisting a couple of weeks ago.  Years ago I used to make "Kimono Bubble" greeting cards and am working at some new originals for these.  They are now waiting for some stitched details.

On instagram today, a number of people said that they find weekly or monthly challenges more manageable.  Have you ever tried a regular challenge like this?  What worked best for you?  

Day 2 : 365

Day 2 of my 365 Creativity Challenge.

One I started earlier (the resin I use takes a few days to cure).  A butterfly wing cut from kimono fabric and encased in resin.

1:365 My Daily Creative Challenge

Happy 2014!  I'm so ready to dive into 2014, a year that just feels full of promise.

A couple of years ago, I bought 365 : A Daily Creativity Journal but it has sat unused on the shelf, waiting for me to be ready.  What a better day to start than the first day of a new year.

Wanting a theme and also wanting to start playing with my kimono fabric collection more, my Kimono Creation a Day challenge was born.

I was a little easy on myself today and started with something familiar, but that I love yet haven't made for a long time - a tsumami kanzashi style flower (you can learn how to make your own over here).

To be honest, I'm quite nervous, I've never been good at daily challenges.  Have you ever done one?  Do you have any advice you'd like to share?