Welcome back for this month’s edition of “An Insider’s Look.” The September issue of Creating Keepsakes was so fun to put together because we all love the back-to-school theme—it’s such an exciting time of year with the new pencils, new classes, and even new schools. I’ll be heading back to school this fall to start a graduate degree, so this issue makes me even more excited than normal! It makes me want to go shopping for new school clothes and notebooks, but I have so many fun insights to share with you about this issue, so let’s get started.
Let’s start with the cover. This fun layout by Cindy Tobey has many techniques you can try on your pages. Make a number 2 pencil into something fun. Here, Cindy transformed the pencil into a branch by adding leaves and a cute owl. She also explains how she created the chalkboard effect on her blog. Check it out, and try it on one of your school layouts.
Sometimes, we call on our talented contributors to create more than layouts for us. On page 69, you’ll see this adorable art on the opening page for the article “Moving up a Grade.” This was created by Suzy Plantamura.
Next, I hope you loved Kelly Purkey’s article “Hot Fall Trends” as much as I did. It’s exciting to see some of this fall’s hottest fashion trends applied to scrapbooking. Beth Opel collaborated with Kelly to decide on which trends to feature. Then our graphic designers decided they would like to photograph a pair of brand new shoes for the opening page. It didn’t take Beth long to agree to provide the new shoes for the shot. They’re now happily sitting in her closet, waiting for fall to come.
Last up this month, I’d like to tell you a little more about the Tamron lens (AF18-270mm VC) that was featured in “Cool Things” this month (page 122). It’s the world’s first 15X zoom lens, and it’s a great all-in-one lens if you’re looking for the perfect complement to your DSLR camera (for Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras). It also features Vibration Compensation, which is an anti-shake mechanism. This allows you to take blur-free photos up to 4 stops slower than usual. Just think of the shots you can get from sunrise to sunset!
Here’s the most exciting part: Tamron is giving away one of these lenses (valued at $629) to a lucky CK reader! If you’d like a chance to win, simply leave a comment on this post with what you loved about the September issue of CK or how you would find the Tamron lens useful in your photography. Check the “giveaways” tab at the top of the blog on Friday, August 28 to see if you’re the winner!
-Maurianne Dunn, Associate Editor
I’m a newbie to digital SLR photography, and that Tamron lens would be great for me, as I would not have to switch between my wide angle and telephoto lenses. I’ve read that it has the largest zoom ratio of all SLR lenses so far. I bet the wildlife shots would be great!
That lens would be perfect for my photography! I enjoy getting shots of my 17mo twin daughters.
It would save me lots of money to win the lens instead of renting one everytime I use it. My business would have more of a shot taking off!
it would be a great add to my lens collection!
My wife is the crafty one in the family and loves CK. It helps her create great ideas that she can implement in our lives. I’m more of the photographer in the family and would love an all-in-one lens. It will save me time from changing my lens which will mean more opportunity to get great pictures.
Thanks for the opportunity to win this!!
What a great giveaway! I have always had a Canon camera but lately my pictures have looked a little blurry. I thought it was my camera but now I’m beginning to think that maybe I’m not as steady as I once was. I’m also not using my flash – thanks to great inspiration by Ali Edwards – and I’m shooting in low light situations. I also take lots and lots of pictures of our Boy Scout troop always on the go. I guess the point is, I could really use, and would LOVE to win the Tamron lens – especially with the anti-shake feature! I’ve got my fingers crossed. Thanks for the chance!
I enjoy the entire September issue. I always look forward to receiving it in the mail and skim through it briefly and then read it in detail – cover to cover. I would love to win the Tamron lens to help capture two high energy boys, ages 4 and 2.
Thanks.
I just simply love Ali’s article!!!
I just simply love Ali Edwards’s article!!!
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Love this lens –amazing
JUST WHAT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANKS FOR THE INFO
GIDEON
What’s not to love about back to school pages. And I do think I’d love this lens, since I always seem to miss what I’m really seeing with my own two eyes with my camara at my boy’s sporting events!
OMG I’ve been dying to have this lens. I could finally get those great pictures of my family I keep missing.