Shabby Chic Dreams in a Neon Reality

Living in Las Vegas with a Vintage, Shabby Chic spirit can be challenging at times.  I dream of lovely overgrown acres where children run barefoot while dancing with fireflies.  Chipped white paint.  Antique tea cups with mis-matched place settings.  Dining outdoors under a chandelier suspended from an overgrown tree.  That's not much to ask for right?

Well, these are the things I think of when photographing my crafts.  I want to inspire that sense of warmth and snugly appeal.  A few of my favorite tricks:

*Lightening up my photos*
Even when I take outdoor pictures (I almost always do them outside now), I still take the time to lighten them up a bit.  It makes everything look a little brighter and softer.

*Close shots with some "props" in the background*
I like to add to the style of card I'm working on.  On the pieces below, I wanted to use a little nature and some old books.  I'm so happy with the results!

These cards are available at my hubby's, Just Write Blog, this month:

Now I can imagine a babbling brook in the background, instead of a topless boggle tournament billboard.  Much better...

Don't forget to register for my Spring Scrapbook Giveaway!  Contest ends March 5!