I Heart Macro Sunday

Joining up with Lori Plyler over at Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro, here is my close-up shot for the week.

As I was taking some shots of all the flowers blooming this week, I came upon this shrub that was literally buzzing with activity (pun intended).  Bees were everywhere but catching them in the lens was a challenge. 

And finally this guy was probably the most persistent of all.

We are not sure what this flowering shrub is.  It looks like an azalea but blooms a couple of months earlier than all the other azaleas.  It has been here for probably 30 years or more and pre-dates me in the house.  I guess you don't have to know what it is to enjoy its early March lavendar blooms each year. 

So take some time to smell the roses (or azaleas) and take some close-up shots while you are out there.  And then share, please.

Happy close-ups to you,

Carol

Organization Find

Here is a new-to-me cabinet obtained at an estate sale.  I was so excited to find it because I had been looking for a cabinet with shallow drawers for my jewelry making tools, beads and findings.  The cabinet appears to have belonged to a dentist at one time and then had become someone's tool chest.  I speak with some authority here because when cleaning it, I took out the drawers and all kinds of things had fallen down inside (sample floss packets, toothbrushes, drill bits, coins, keys, screws and washers).  Don't you just love to discover goodies left in thrift finds?  I was really hoping for some items to use in my jewelry but other than the keys, there wasn't much to inspire me. 

As you can see I have quite a bit of work to do on the outside, but surprisingly the inside is in very good condition.  One drawer has a little rust inside but several of the drawers had been lined with white contact paper.  This served to protect the paint inside. 

All of the drawer handles were intact when I bought it and somehow by the time I got home, one was broken.  How does that happen when it was lying on its back?  Grrrr!  Anyway, let's see what I can do to make this cabinet fabulous and then put it to good use.

So watch me organize while I create,

Carol

Can Never Have Too Many Earrings

The day before I left on vacation a special package arrived in the mail.  So this post is a little late but no less thankful for these darling earrings won from a giveaway on Earrings Everyday.  Several jewelry artists donated earrings and mine are from Marie Voyer-Cramp at Skye Jewels.  The link will take you to her Etsy shop for lots more goodies.  Thanks Marie.

I was surprised to see the lovely coral color because it exactly matches a knit top that I had just purchased.  What are the odds?

Keep creating,

Carol

I Heart Macro

Spring has arrived early this year.  The daffodils appeared at the same time as the crocuses.  These hellebores are in full bloom and are such a soft yellow and white along with the dark green surrounding them.

The vincas on the slope behind the house are glowing their beautiful blue, although I got them in a little too much light so they look paler in the photo.

And even the hostas are popping up ready to leaf out.

So it is time to get out in the yard and flower gardens to do a little work.  I don't remember ever having to start yard work so early in the year.  I am not complaining though, because I will take yard work over housework any day of the year. 

And if you want to see more photos or join in with some of your own, just click on the link above to go to Studio Waterstone.


Enjoying the warm weather,
Carol

I Heart Macro

We are taking a short vacation in Hudson, Florida, this week.  Even though it has been a mild winter in Virginia, it is nice to experience these warm temperatures in the 80s.  These little creatures are plentiful here and will occasionally hold still for a photo shoot.

Sometimes the photographer has to get in to some precarious positions to get a good shot.  But it is worth the effort if you can hold still enough to focus.

If you have some close-up photos you would like share, join us at Studio Waterstone.



Have a creative week,
Carol