First Dance + Song Lyrics Wedding Picture Tutorial Part 1: How to create a photo graphic

November 28, 2009. 

A day that changed my life forever. 

In one of the best ways possible. 

The day I became Mrs. Kyle Leahy.

I will never forget our first dance as husband & wife. We were both so nervous, in a smiley, embarrassed kind of way. We aren't great dancers + we don't like to be the center of attention. But when I walked up there to the dance floor- with the most handsome man alive- my husband{!} all of that nervousness I felt melted away. It was just me and him. Forever. Always. My Endless Love.

We chose Endless Love as our song because it's a song that we both love. We chose the Mariah Carey and Luther Vandross version. We feel the lyrics of the song fit our relationship perfectly. I just love everything about the song, and it is even more special now that it is our song. 

I found this picture of a couples first dance  with the words from the song printed it on pinterest, and knew I wanted to make one. For most of my graphics, I use PicMonkey.com to create them. It is fun, and easy to use, and can turn most pictures into something amazing with just a little creativity. My only complaint is that sometimes the editing and saving is a little slow. But as long as I don't have many pictures to edit, I can handle it.

So for this project, I found our cds with our wedding photos, and took a little trip down memory lane, getting distracted a few times before deciding on this picture to use.

I uploaded it into picmonkey, using the edit a photo button, cropped it to the size I wanted {in this case, 8x10}, and began editing. 

First, I took all the color out of it using their colors tab on the left side. Then, I adjusted the exposure so it was a little darker. I wanted the shadows to be darker than normal so the white words would stick out on it a little better.

{On the left side of the screen there are basic edit buttons. For most of my photos I use exposure, color, and crop.}

Next I started the process of adding the text. To get text options, click on the "P" on the left side of the screen. There you will find an add text button, and a vast variety of font options. Play around with the fonts to see which one you like.

Click the "add text" button at the top left, and a box will pop up on the screen. From there you can adjust the size, placement, orientation font, and color of the text. While making mt picture, I used a different text box for every phrase, or size of the text. This made it easy to adjust and move the text around to be how I wanted it. I also used the circle above the text to rotate some of the words for variety. There were some words I left out too. This project is completely flexible, and easy to personalize.

When everything looks how you want it to look, click save at the top of your screen. This will allow you to download your file back to your computer. I usually just click "download it" under "Having trouble saving your photo?" because the other saving option doesn't always work for me. 

I have made so many graphics and great pictures using PicMonkey. There are so many ways to use the website to create amazing things. There is even a Royal, or paid version {like a membership}, but so far, I haven't needed it. I use all of their free options. 

Here are some of the other graphics I have made using PicMonkey.

Now, I will upload the wedding lyrics picture file to my favorite photo printing website, and order an 8x10 picture. When I receive it, I will show you how I plan to make a photo canvas out of it for our wall.

I'd love to see your photo creations, if you make any using PicMonkey. Please share them with me on Facebook, or email them to me at HootandBumble@gmail.com

**Updated to add the link for Part 2 pf this project: how to create a photo canvas**

new beginnings

Lately, inspiration and motivation  has been all around me. From watching my favorite handmade business blogger, brand her business, to my friend, Lincy following her dreams and opening up a shop and studio {Grand Opening Weekend starts tonight!}. Inspiration is everywhere, if you open your eyes and looks for it. I guess, I've been looking.

Ever since I was a child I've had dreams of opening up a handmade business. Over the years I've tried my hand at many different crafts, and attempting small businesses. Some I've loved and have been good at, others- not so much {like crocheting & button accessories}. These things didn't work out because my heart wasn't in it. I was trying to sell stuff I didn't care for myself. That just doesn't work.

Hoot & Bumble has been recently created as a name for my brand. I am beyond excited to announce that my handmade items will have a space in The Shop & Studio! I am so thrilled to be a part of The Shop, and the vision Lincy has for it. It's truly going to be amazing. && I'm{finally} going to have my handmade products out there! 

Not only will my items be in The Shop, I have other plans in the works for my new brand. Stay tuned for the online shop that should be opening up in the next few weeks! In the meantime, check out the grand GRAND Opening Weekend at The Shop. Click here for details.

I am at a crossroads in my job right now, and I'm not sure what lays ahead. I am a nanny and my youngest charge is starting kindergarten in the fall. As sad as I am about this, I am excited for new beginnings. I am determined to make Hoot & Bumble a success and part of my family's new beginning.

A recent theme I've noticed in my life has been about following dreams. I notice it everywhere in my day to day life and it has been so encouraging. This is why I have decided that now is the time to launch Hoot & Bumble full swing. I'm using the summer to get the ball rolling. I have big visions for this brand, and I'm going places.

I could not do any of this without the support from my soul mate and husband. I am so very grateful to have him by my side, encouraging me to reach for the stars. 

So with great anticipation, and pride, I introduce to you, Hoot & Bumble- my handmade business brand.

For some sneak peeks at what I'm working on, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. You can also check out The Shop & Studio in Delaware City to find my items and much more!

You can also reach me at HootandBumble@gmail.com. 

I'm following my dreams. Are you?