Create a frozen effect with textures & photo veils [Photo Recipe]

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, Ring-ting-tingling too, 

Come on, it's lovely weather, For a sleigh ride together with you.

Outside the snow is falling, And friends are calling, "Yoo hoo"...


You can just imagine the shouts of joy this Christmas morning, as we opened the curtains and saw that it was snowing outside! In the afternoon we took a long walk outside: It was wonderful to hear the snow under our feet, to breath the cold air, and just enjoy the white landscape around us.

I had my camera with me - I was looking for a motive for next years Christmas Cards. As I spotted these red heart-formed leaves covered with snow, I knew I had found it: With a few layers of textures and photo veils, I would create a hazy, frozen feeling to the image. 

You see below a step by step-tutorial on how I proceeded with the editing - I ended up using 7 layers of textures and photo veils.

Photo Recipe:
1. In order to highlight the red leaves, making them to stand out a bit more, I used the lasso tool in Photoshop: I masked the red leaves in the middle of the photo by drawing a circle with the lasso tool around them, and adjusted the brightness up to 29 and the contrast up to 7, inside the circle. I did set the feather for the mask up to 70%
2. Thereafter I started to add layers of textures and photo veils:

• Aloha texture from Kalani Collection, blending mode Soft Light, opacity 30%
• Twinkle photo veil from Simplicity Collection, blending mode Lighten, opacity 15%
• Serendipity photo veil from Simplicity Collection, blending mode Soft Light, opacity 16%
• Chamomile photo veil from Simplicity Collection, blending mode Linear Light, opacity 4%
• Keiki texture from Kalani Collection, blending mode Soft Light, opacity 11%
• Ice photo veil from Simplicity Collection, blending mode Soft Light, opacity 100%
• Wailele texture from Kalani Collection, blending mode Soft Light 16%

--> I used the brush tool with each layer, to erase the texture and photo veil effects from the area around and on top of the red leaves.

... I'm sending you a fresh and snowy greeting, hoping to have inspired your creativity - Textures and photo veils are lovely to work with, creating just the amount of effect that suits to your photos and personality.

With Happy Holiday greetings,

Nina

Peace of Heart

Let the peace of heart that comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, 
for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body. 
And always be thankful.

Colossians 3:15 Living Bible

Draw Me Close to You Sax Solo

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As we woke up Christmas morning, it was snowing outside -
Such a lovely surprise!

Blessings to your week, 

Nina

Here's a printable

of Colossians 3:15
for you 

Sharing with: 

Still Saturday, Give Me Grace,

Scripture & Snapshot

Photo: Nikon D3200, Photo Veil Light from the Illumination Collection Love That Shot

Merry Christmas

Photo: iPhone 5S (Camera+ og TadaaSLR) - Texture Simple 2 by Kim Klassen

"Somewhere across the winter world tonight

You will be hearing chimes that fill the air;

Christmas extends its all-enfolding light

Across the distance...something we can share.

You will be singing, just the same as I,

These familiar songs we know so well, 

And you will see these same stars in your sky

And wish upon that brightest one that fell.

I shall remember you and trim my tree,

One shining star upon the topmost bough;

I will hang wreaths of faith that all may see --

Tonight I glimpse beyond the hear and now.

And all the time that we must be apart

I keep a candle in my heart."

Mary E. Linton

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Wishing You 

Merry Christmas 

& 

Happy Holidays!

Nina

Angels sing

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,

Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

Luke 2:8-14 The Message

Hark! The herald angels sing / Gordon Young by Bente Kiil Toftegaard from Nina Jensen on Vimeo.

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Blessings to your week, 

Nina

Here's a printable

of Luke 2:11
for you 

Sharing with: 

Still Saturday, Give Me Grace,

Scripture & Snapshot

Photo: iPhone 5S, Rhonna Designs, Stackables, Snapseed, Filterstorm Apps
Textures: Love That Shot, FrenchKissStudio & Kim Klassen

My Christmassy Week

iPhone 5S: Camera+, Image Blender, texture by DistressesFx, VintagePhoto, Filterstorm

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

with every Christmas card I write ..."

I was feeling creative last Saturday and made some Christmas cards. I punched coloured cardboards with either a heart or an  angel paper punch, gluing them to the cards, together with a ribbon. Thursday evening I wrote the cards, listening to carols and sipping tea ... And now they're stamped and on their way, thanks to my sweet husband, who patiently waited at the post office to get the stamps.

iPhone 5S: Camera+, VSCOcam, Snapseed, FocalLab

Christmas Carols have been echoing at my work as well, as the children have been decorating the classrooms.  Watching them I remembered an occasion from my own kindergarden class: I was 6 years old, and we were making Christmas collages. We had a dark blue cardboard, where we glued some cotton balls as snow - and I was allowed to sprinkle some silver glitter to the sky, for stars ... The collage is printed on my mind - being a magical piece of art, our kindergarden teacher inspired us to make. 

On Friday some of the students performed the old Nordic tradition, Lucia - bring the light. The Lucia day is actually the 13th of December, but we delayed the Lucia-tradition to Friday, when the parents were invited to school to Christmas workshops at the classes.

Rick Steve's European Christmas Part 4: Norway

The Christmas traditions in Scandinavian countries are very similar. The video above shows both the Lucia-tradition, the pepperkakkor-cookies and the Christmas porridge with almonds, that among others are a part of the Danish Christmas traditions.

Last but not least - I have been introduced to a fun and creative doddle game, a smart phone app called Draw Something. I am newbie but find it nice and relaxing: Draw one of the 3 words suggested - and try to guess the words, that co-players have drawn. If you already are doodling away at Draw Something, I'd like to guess your word - you'll find me as Niksu12.

Happy Weekend greetings, 

Nina

Friday Finds Friendship Friday Weekly Top Shot

 Saturday Share Fest Friday Photo Journal

Grab the Hope

When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they’ll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. 

When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable.

We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 6:18-20 The Message

Still, My Soul Be Still by Keith and Kristyn Getty

Blessings to your week, 

Nina

Here's a printable

of Hebrews 6:18-20
for you 

Sharing with: 

Still Saturday, Give Me Grace,

Scripture & Snapshot

Photo: iPhone 5S, Hipstamatic: Libatique 73-lens, Shilshole-film
Textures: Anna Lenabem & 2 Lil Owls Studio

Faithful

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Faithful by Chris Tomlin

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Blessings to your week, 

Nina

Here's a printable

of Lamentations 3:22-23
for you 

Sharing with: 

Still Saturday, Give Me Grace,

Scripture & Snapshot

Photo: iPhone 5S, Camera+, Snapseed
Textures: FrenchKiss Tableaux Old Style, Anna Lenabem 275, Kim Klassen Simple

Songs of Joy

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy.

Psalm 65:8

Word of God Speak

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Blessings to your week, 

Nina

Here's a printable

of Psalm 65:8
for you 

Sharing with: 

Still Saturday, Give Me Grace,
Scripture & Snapshot

Grateful November

Sunlight casted a shadow to my office wall this Tuesday ... making me notice, that the skies were blue and clear outside. The yellow leaves were dancing in the wind, falling so elegantly from the chestnut trees under my window - such a pretty sight.

My next meeting was to start in 20 minutes - I grabbed my coat and went outside, admiring the bright sunlight, breathing the cold air - and waiting for the arrival of my colleague. 

According to the Danish Meteorological institute, Copenhagen has only had 29 hours of sunshine in November - this maybe the reason why the moments in the sun won't go unnoticed ...

November is a kind of a culmination of fall - The days get shorter and the weather gets colder - we're moving towards winter. 

November invites us to
- wear wool socks and warm gloves, 
- notice the changing weather from grey and cloudy periods to the moments when the sun breaks out, 
- cherish the foliage color play
- bake apple pies and 
- light candles in the evenings.

November is also a month of Thanksgiving. I has been a pleasure to see the many images on Instagram feed #gratefulnovember - picturing the small and big things, people are thankful for. We do not celebrate Thanksgiving as such here in Scandinavia, yet there is so much to be thankful for, actually each day, that I wouldn't mind dedicating a special day as a national holiday for Thanksgiving:

Happy Thanksgiving to all the friends in America!

Nina

Sharing with

Friday Finds Friendship Friday Weekly Top Shot

 Saturday Share Fest Friday Photo Journal

Take delight ...

Oh, how sweet the light of day, 

And how wonderful to live in the sunshine! 

Even if you live a long time, don’t take a single day for granted. 

Take delight in each light-filled hour, 

Remembering that there will also be many dark days.

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭11‬:‭7-8 The Message

I See You Lord by Aiza Seguerra

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Blessings to your week, 

Nina

Here's a printable

of Ecclesiastes 11:7-8
for you 

Sharing with: 

Still Saturday, Give Me Grace,
Scripture & Snapshot

Glimpses of Sunlight - and Dreams of a Tripod

Welcome back, sunlight and blue skies ... Such a pleasure after a week with rain, fog and grey skies! The sun peeked out Friday afternoon - so I biked by the lake, so see the setting sun, on my way home from work.

The weather is getting cold - the crispy, fresh air fills my lungs each morning as I step outside - the temperature may soon be under zero during the nighttime.

The sun is getting up at 8 am, and setting down at 4 pm ... That is my working hours and I am mostly inside ... So I'm cherishing the weekends, having the opportunity to be outside during daylight.

Light is so important, in many ways ... and especially with photography. I prefer taking the advantage of natural light when taking pictures, so I'm using each and every opportunity I get, to snap the daily photos with my iPhone.

Yet winter is a wonderful season for learning low light photography ... which is the reason why tripod for my DSLR is on my wish list. I have been reading lately some articles about slow shutter speed photography, and would really like to experiment more in that area. 

What would be important to consider when buying a tripod?
And furthermore - what to consider when photographing with a tripod ... Should I use a timer in order to behave sharpness when photographing with normal shutter speed?

- As you can read, I am thinking about entering into a new, unknown terrain!

 ... Wishing you a Happy Weekend with Glimpses of Sunlight,

Nina

Sharing With

Friday Finds Friendship Friday Weekly Top Shot
 Saturday Share Fest Friday Photo Journal

Path of Peace

Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, 
God's Sunrise will break upon us,
showing us the way, one foot at a time, 
down the path of peace.

Luke 1:78 The Message

It Is Well by Terry MacAlmon

"Shalom is not just peace but flourishing, 

flourishing in all dimensions of our existence -

in our relations to God,

in our relation to our fellow human beings,

in our relation to ourselves,

in our relation to creation in general."

Nicholas P. Wolterstorff

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Blessings to your week, 


Nina

Here's printables

 Luke 1:78 & Flourishing Peace
for you 

Sharing with: 

Still Saturday, Give Me Grace,
Scripture & Snapshot

Pretty in Pink [Wordless Wednesday]

Hipstamatic App: Bruno-lens & Dream Canvas-film

Hipstamatic App: Bruno-lens & Dream Canvas-film

Camera+, VSCOcam, TadaaSLR -Apps

The bracelet with the pink heart is a gift from my cousin from France-

I'm fond of the tiny enamel heart and wear this bracelet almost every day ... Merci Nathalie!

Wordless Wednesday greetings,

Nina

Sharing with 

Wordless Wednesday - Create with Joy

In the Silence

My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. 

This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality... 

For God is greater than our worried hearts 

and knows more about us than we do ourselves. 

1. John 3:18-20 The Message

 

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Blessings to your week, 

Here's a printable

of 1. John 3:20 for you 

Sharing with: 

Still Saturday, Give Me Grace,

Scripture & Snapshot

Photo: Nikon D3200, textures: Simple by Kim Klassen & Tableaux Old Style by FrenchKissTextures 

Lensbaby ML-10 Snapshots - Danish Parliament

Danish Parliament Backyard

Brooks Bike Seat - A nice one in leather

By the Horse Stables, The Danish Parliament

A Window by Dantes Place

Streetlight Reflection in a Puddle 

The Travellings Lens Project has arrived to Denmark ... I received the Lensbaby Sweet Spot Lens LM-10 for Mobile last Friday from Steffi from Germany.

I am slowly learning to find the sweet spot - my first images were rather blurry, but after a bit training the images are getting sharper and clearer. The Lensbaby Application for iPhone is surely a great help.

I will take the lens with me as I am biking in the city this week, so new Lensbaby images from Copenhagen are on their way soon...

... Sunshine to your week,

Nina

Sharing with 

Wednesday Around the World

Walk with care

You taught me how to walk with care 

so my feet will not slip. 

 Psalm 18:36 The Voice 

Blot en dag by Carola

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Blessings to your week, 

Here's a printable

of Psalm 18:36 for you 

Sharing with: 

Still Saturday, Give Me Grace,
Scripture & Snapshot

Photo: iPhone 5, OldCamera, Snapseed, Filterstorm Apps.