Rich and I visited the Brutus Monroe Store located at 1000 Greentree Rd., Pittsburgh PA 15220.  Christopher Allen is the owner of Brutus Monroe, and he graciously took the time to talk to us. His director of operations, Heather, walked us through the store, detailed the history of their business, and was a great source of information. If you’ve ever wanted to know anything about Brutus Monroe products, Heather has the answers…
Here’s a link to their website:  https://www.brutusmonroe.com/                                    The telephone number for the store is Phone: 412-892-9511
Hours of operation: M-F 10-6PM Sat & Sun Closed
Questions email to: info@brutusmonroe.com
Chat feature on their website is live during hours of operation (Bottom right corner of the screen)

Products discussed and used:                                                                                      Embossing powder–If you want to create the same purple / glitter embossing powder that I made, you can contact Heather, and she’ll help you out.  Phone 412-892-9511  Magic Powder Bag link: https://tinyurl.com/y57y7bzk                                                     Round acrylic block link: https://tinyurl.com/y2yu8wxs
Sunshine Sunflower stamp link: https://tinyurl.com/yxvlvtps
Raven embossing powder (black) link: https://tinyurl.com/y54w4kr9
Alabaster embossing powder (white) link: https://tinyurl.com/y4ssjpwt
Heat tool: (not the one used in the video, but the one Brutus Monroe sells…link: https://tinyurl.com/yxwktyns
Embossing powder of the month: https://tinyurl.com/yxfvyylw
Glitter cardstock link: https://tinyurl.com/y2as7kmc
Easy Cut Adhesive Sheets link: https://tinyurl.com/y375hz2h
Deco Foil Purple Tape link: https://tinyurl.com/y6ht95fk
Pixie Spray link: https://tinyurl.com/y2zaub3r
Stencil Pal link: https://tinyurl.com/y6d4zbyg
Squeaky Clean link: https://tinyurl.com/y637ddz9
Pre Printed Card Panels link: https://tinyurl.com/yy85njkp
Aqua Pigments link: https://tinyurl.com/y6ecm3vd
Aqua Pigment of the month club link: https://tinyurl.com/y4vyt3dk
Night Shifting Aqua Pigments link: https://tinyurl.com/y6qs4u34
Skin Color Aqua Pigments: I couldn’t find these in their online store, so please call the store and ask for Heather if you are interested…Phone 412-892-9511
Aqua Pigment Paper link: https://tinyurl.com/yy3d77mg
Surface spray link: https://tinyurl.com/y5bwz3gg
Monthly subscription boxes link: https://tinyurl.com/y4ms6usf
Pear Blossom Studios EZ Lights set of 3 link (create lighted cards): https://tinyurl.com/yxrwqj5o
Cargo sleeves link: https://tinyurl.com/y5gzh96u
Stencil Club link: https://tinyurl.com/y5qaw6d9
Glitter Glaze link: https://tinyurl.com/y5kjp24q
Media Mat link: https://tinyurl.com/y33q5udl
MISTI tools link: https://tinyurl.com/y2kk4a2b
Fussy Cutting Scissor links: https://tinyurl.com/y4b89vpd
Foam Tape link: https://tinyurl.com/y5gqlbmx
Laser cuts link: there are three pages to this link https://tinyurl.com/yxdrf329
Glitter Glue: https://tinyurl.com/y46g4htp
Brutus Monroe shirts link: https://tinyurl.com/y5mkoa9b
Ruler link: https://tinyurl.com/yxh4ljnh

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Brutus Monroe, and will share my purchases in an upcoming video..Thanks Heather and Christopher, for taking the time to show me your store.  

I am excited that Rich is finally uploading and editing the visit we made to the Brutus Monroe store in Pittsburgh.  I’m sorry it’s taken us a few weeks to get it up and running.

Today we went out to lunch with a friend and after lunch I started thinking about a crafty idea I’d like to try.  I have been chewing Tic Tac Spearmint Gum for the dry mouth I have from my arthritis.  It’s one of those side benefits to the disease that I didn’t have until about five years ago…and it’s SUPER frustrating…I’ve tried every over-the-counter product that my dentist and rheumatologist could come up with, as well as a couple prescriptions…Nothing has helped except (for some unknown reason) Tic Tac Spearmint Gum.  You probably can’t imagine the number of containers I’ve purchased in the last few month, since discovering the benefits of this gum….And, although we recycle, I still am a little bit upset by the amount of waste I’m creating from it.  So I started thinking about what kind of craft project I could make and what the container would be good for, and I’ve decided it would make a great pill container.  Obviously it’s not big enough to carry a weeks’ worth of medicines, but for those of us that like to have some Ibuprofen on hand for headaches, muscles aches, etc., I think it will work perfectly for that.  So then I started to think about what to cover it with.  Initially, I thought material would work well…then I changed my mind, and thought covering it with napkins was the answer, and now, I’m thinking about painting it white and then stamping and painting the stamped image…or using layered stamps and Archival inks to create an image that should last.  Obviously, I’ll need to either put Mod Podge over the finished project, or a spray that will seal the image…but that’s my plan.  I’m going to get busy with it tomorrow, and I’ll let you know how it goes…

I watched a video by Mixed Up Crafts showing how to make a tunnel card…here’s a link to their video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4kHwRHfNEM

I wanted to show how to create a mirror image of a stamp, so used a scrap of white cardstock and laid a piece of acetate on the cardstock and stamped the fish I wanted to reverse onto the acetate, then flipped the acetate over and laid it on the scrap of cardstock, holding the acetate in place and rubbing it with the other hand to ensure a good transfer. I used Versafine Onyx black ink and clear embossing powder to heat set the black ink.
I colored the image with my Arteza Everblend set of 120 markers. I don’t get paid anything to use Arteza products, or for sales of Arteza products as a result of my video. But all of you are able to received a 10% discount if using the discount code CraftingforAlmostEveryone6 by October 20th, 2019.

(US): https://arteza.com/?utm_source=postaffiliatepro&utm_medium=affiliate&a_aid=Youtube_CraftingForAlmostEveryone

Everblend Art Markers (Set of 120): https://arteza.com/collections/markers/products/everblend-art-markers-alcohol-based-set-of-120?utm_source=postaffiliatepro&utm_medium=affiliate&a_aid=Youtube_CraftingForAlmostEveryone&a_bid=fa1eb31d

(EU): https://arteza.co.uk/?utm_source=postaffiliatepro&utm_medium=affiliate&a_aid=Youtube_CraftingForAlmostEveryone

Everblend Art Markers (Set of 120): https://arteza.co.uk/products/everblend-art-markers-set-of-120?utm_source=postaffiliatepro&utm_medium=affiliate&a_aid=Youtube_CraftingForAlmostEveryone&a_bid=d7b0ef18

To begin the tunnel card, I started with a piece of 12 x 12″ cardstock that had a glitter finish that I cut down to 11 3/4″ long by 6 1/2″ tall. On the 11 3/4″ length, score at 1″, 5 1/2″, 6 1/2″, and 11″. My scoreboard is from Martha Stewart and was a score board and cutting tool all in one….and is no longer available in stores.
For the inside of your card, you’ll need four pieces of cardstock in different colors, I chose different shades of coral….You’ll need to cut these 5″ x 6 1/2″ tall, and score on the 5″ length at 1/4″ and 4 3/4″ (or do like I did, and score at 1/4″ then flip it around to the other edge, and score at 1/4″ again.)
I struggled with this card because you need to either have a larger die cutter than the normal sized ones, or cut out the first layer by hand. You’ll need to lay a die in the left section after the 1″ score with the largest oval die you feel will work for you. You need three or four sizes of dies from a layered die set. I chose oval dies, and using the largest one for the glitter card stock. I taped it with washi tape and then used a craft knife to cut around the outside edge of the die for the top layer. The second layer, you’ll lay the piece of cardstock so it lines up with the score lines you’ve created on the outside card and put the next layer under the opening you’ve just created, and lay the next smaller die into the center and tape it in place. You’ll die cut the center, then lay the next layer under the opening of the second card layer, and line up the two score lines, lay your die in the center, tape it in place and cut it out. You’ll do the same with the next layer, then the last piece, I cut smaller to fit inside the back of the card.. I cut it to 4 1/4″ wide by 6 1/4″ tall. I adhered it with tear tape inside the back section of the card. I folded down all of the 1/4″ scores then put 1/4″ tear tape on the top of each edge up to the 1/” score. I glued down the kissing fish in the center of the card then layered other pieces of sea life inside the card. I found it easiest to glue these pieces in before putting the card together. To glue it together, start with one side (should be the center score) and take the first cardstock and line it up with the score line, then lay the next layer so it lines up with the edge of the paper before it, then do the same with the next layer. I did the same with the right side and glued each layer on top of the next. I glued the outside edge and folded the card together and glued it shut. I added a sentiment from Just for Fun on the front and on the back of the card and took a heart die and used the guts of the hearts for the air bubbles that rise to the surface between the two fish and the outside of the die to surround the outside of the card.

Friday, Rich and I went out for lunch and a movie with friends.  We saw “Judy,” about the life of Judy Garland.  Renee Zellweger did a terrific job of portraying Judy, but the movie wasn’t as interesting as we had hoped.  The best part of the movie was the last ten minutes when she sang “Somewhere over the Rainbow.”  After the movie, we went to visit a college friend who’d fallen down his basement steps while carrying a small television.  He had some brain damage, and is still struggling to remember words…it was one of those things that could have happened to anyone, and was a small wake-up call for Rich with his upcoming hip replacement surgery.

Saturday I went to a few garage sales and found nothing of interest, then later in the day, we got together with a few couples who all went to college with us.  Normally when I talk about college, I don’t mention the name of it, since it is such a small school, but lately, it’s been getting a lot of national publicity as it’s the focus of the Coca-Cola football campaign, making fun of the football team (for being so bad.)  Our college is called Thiel College, and the advertising campaign is really hurtful to Rich and his friends, all who played on their football team and were proud of their team and the school.  Rich feels like the advertisement is a slap in the face to anyone who ever played on the team, and since he was one of the captains when we were there, it’s especially hurtful to him.  I, on the other hand, hope that it brings more awareness about the school, and that, in turn, brings in more students.  The saying “there’s no such thing as bad publicity” is true when it comes to things like this, and I’m crossing my fingers that enrollment is up as a result of these ads.

Today was one of those days where all it did is drizzle, so we didn’t do much…in fact, I slept, a lot.  I have been bugging Rich to get more videos uploaded, so we have some in reserve for the three weeks he will not be making videos while he’s recuperating from his hip surgery.  He got busy and I finally have a video to upload.  I’m sorry you’re still seeing videos about my nephew’s wedding, but I think, this could be one of the last…

I thought I’d recap my crafty tales from yesterday….I went to my craft room immediately after writing the blog and decided to do a haul video that will work along side the Brutus Monroe field trip Rich and I took.  I think the haul video went well, and after, decided to make our great niece a Halloween card (she’s a freshman in college.)  One of the things I bought from Brutus Monroe was a small stamp set of a candy corn vampire.  I tried to upload the stamp image from their website, but I kept getting an error, so used this image from Nubble Light Designs facebook page.  I hope they don’t mind.

I made the front of the card, and then decided it was time to include the “Bite Me” stamp, and couldn’t find it….anywhere.  I spent two hours looking for it.  I know it’s crazy and I should have thrown in the towel at least an hour before I did, but I was committed.  I went back to look again after dinner, thinking it couldn’t have gone very far, and still couldn’t find it…but moved a few things around on my desk, including one of the lights that sits there.  Before I went to bed, I dragged Rich into the craft room and showed him the progress I’d made on the card and looked down on my desk, and there it was….directly where I’d looked, only this time, the base of the Ott light no longer hid it.  I was so mad…so much wasted time and energy..

I did accomplish a little more in the craft room between searches.  I wanted to make some sympathy cards for friends who’ve lost their thirty-five year old brother.  I am finishing those cards today, and they’re watercolored dahlias.  I think they will look good once I’ve finished them…so far, I’ve watercolored the dahlias, but haven’t come up with a base or what I want to appear as the background.  The dahlias are really large, so I won’t need to put much more on the card front.  I just need to get back in the craft room and finish them.  It’s all about staying on task, and once I spend so much wasted time searching for something, I get so frustrated that I’m not worth much (in a crafty sense.)

I hope today has a different end result.

I haven’t been in my craft room since getting back from the wedding, and frankly, haven’t had much ambition to accomplish much.  Today is the day that’s all going to change.  I have to make several cards, and at least two videos.  I want to do a haul of the things I bought when we toured Brutus Monroe, and I need to send them a thank-you card for their kindness.  I also have several cards I need to make for friends, and am behind on trying new techniques, so will be attempting to do that as well.

I apologize for being out of the loop on social media and hope you’ll understand that the wedding and travel, plus getting home to a neurotic dog….took a lot out of us.

Rich is scheduled to have his hip replaced on October 31st, so I need to get as much done before that as possible….so that’s my plan.  I’m going to get serious about videos that need made and cards that are overdue to friends and family.

I’ve been spending time reading and resting, and now it’s time for action….Did that sound sincere?  I hope so…At least I hope I can convince myself to get serious about it….

 

I wanted to show the September, 2019,  Simon Says Stamp card kit that is still available….The kit is called “Look for the Rainbows,” and I made a card using the things that were provided in this kit.
The kit’s value comes from the large, Look for the Rainbows stamp set that’s normally $26.99, and the 3D Sizzix Texture Fade (embossing folder) called Kaleidoscope (link: https://tinyurl.com/y4nu4knt ) that sells between $4.99-$7.99. You also get a pad of lightweight designer paper and six pages of foil paper, plus cardstock and envelopes, enamel dots and crystal gems.
I made a 5 x 7″ card base with a white Recollections heavyweight cardstock from Michaels.
I used my Arteza watercolors set of sixty, that I had decanted from tubes into plastic snap shut containers, video attached.  I used a flat brush to paint the Seaweed color on one of the designer papers that was included in the kit, to color the entire sheet green. I really didn’t need to color the whole sheet, but did. I cut this piece to 4 7/8 x 6 7/8″ to layer on top of the folded layer then rounded the corners. I colored the edges of the white card base with an apricot color, then set it aside to dry along with the green layer.

You can receive a 10% discount on all Arteza products by using this code by October 20, 2019, CraftingforAlmost Everyone6.

(US): https://arteza.com/?utm_source=postaffiliatepro&utm_medium=affiliate&a_aid=Youtube_CraftingForAlmostEveryone

Everblend Art Markers (Set of 120): https://arteza.com/collections/markers/products/everblend-art-markers-alcohol-based-set-of-120?utm_source=postaffiliatepro&utm_medium=affiliate&a_aid=Youtube_CraftingForAlmostEveryone&a_bid=fa1eb31d

(EU): https://arteza.co.uk/?utm_source=postaffiliatepro&utm_medium=affiliate&a_aid=Youtube_CraftingForAlmostEveryone

Everblend Art Markers (Set of 120): https://arteza.co.uk/products/everblend-art-markers-set-of-120?utm_source=postaffiliatepro&utm_medium=affiliate&a_aid=Youtube_CraftingForAlmostEveryone&a_bid=d7b0ef18
Watercolor Paint – 60 Colors (60 x 12ml/0.4 US fl oz):
(US):https://arteza.com/collections/paint/products/watercolor-paint-set-of-60-colors-x-12-ml?a_aid=Youtube_CraftingForAlmostEveryone&a_bid=4efa7bfa

(EU): https://arteza.co.uk/products/arteza-watercolor-paint-set-of-60-colors-tubes-12-ml-0-4-us-fl-oz-with-storage-box-rich-pigments-vibrant-non-toxic-paints-for-the-artist-hobby-painters-ideal-for-watercolor-techniques?a_aid=Youtube_CraftingForAlmostEveryone&a_bid=7c5e00ef

Don’t forget, Arteza has a YouTube page as well…https://www.youtube.com/arteza

I do not receive any monies from Arteza, only the products to use on my channel..

I stamped the pattern and sentiment from the Look for the Rainbows stamp set in Brutus Monroe’s Detail Black ink (Link: https://tinyurl.com/yyxklkzl) then used Ranger clear embossing powder and heat set it. This raised embossing powder will hold the alcohol markers within the lines when heat set. It’s a great way to ensure you don’t make too many mistakes while coloring.

One of my viewers found a YouTuber that was kind enough to share a project she did with the Arteza Everblend markers. Her name is Mary Polanco and her YouTube channel is Mary Polanco Designs. Here is the link to it. https://tinyurl.com/yxzc854m
Mary made charts to show which Arteza markers blend well together, so all you need to do is color in the color chart that Mary provided so that you can easily see which colors blend with which. She made a chart for both their 60 count and 120 count sets. Here is the link to Mary’s color charts..https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1–76f_AWAqwwyg4zxxpp02I6B84pxZw8?usp=sharing   (If you copy and paste that link on a new tab, you’ll see that you can choose between the 60 or 120 count color charts.)
I used a variety of Arteza markers to color with, and used Mary’s color chart to help me determine which would work best together. After coloring the image, I decided I needed something more in the background, so used an old All Night Media #369J stamp that adds dots (splotches)…It’s an oldie but a goodie..I used Distress Ink in Mowed Lawn for the ink. I glued the green painted layer to the base, then added the embossed layer that was mirror cardstock from the kit and rounded it’s corners with the Kadomaru Pro corner rounder (Link to it. https://tinyurl.com/yy376389)….That layer was cut to   4 1/4″ x 6 1/4″ and cut my top layer to 4 x 6″..I added tear tape to the back of the top layer with wet glue and added some green ribbon to the side and tied a single knot with a small strip of the same ribbon….I wrapped the length of ribbon around to the back of the top layer and cut the knot so it looks more like a bow. I added fun foam under the top layer w/ tear tape sized 3 3/4 x 5 3/4″ so it would add more dimension. I used a peg stamp bird from The Secret Garden Set link: https://tinyurl.com/y67zo3zp I added Wink of Stella to the flowers and birds for more glitter.

My nephew’s rehearsal dinner was held at an Olive Garden and was a very informal affair. Most of the people in attendance did not know each other and by putting these jars on the tables and pulling some pf the lips and other props out to share, we were able to get people to start interacting, and by the end of the evening, we have some really fun memories, and great photos.

But first, I wanted to share some cards I got from friends that I’ve been collecting…

I bought the stamps I used from Just for Fun and just went to their website and couldn’t find it. I kept getting an error code, so you might not be able to find the stamps…If you find them, the stamp I used were the Stamptangle Sea Kelp Large #E2794. I put cardstock scrap of white paper in the MISTI and stamped the sea kelp with an old Stampin’ Up ink called Really Rust (retired). After stamping the image, I took a waterbrush and rubbed the ink that was left on the door of the MISTI and colored in the kelp. Make sure you hold the paper in place so you can restamp over your image once you’ve colored it in, as you’ll be able to redefine your lines when you stamp it one more time.. I mention the Baren I used for putting pressure on the door of the MISTI, and you can find them at dickblick.com.. I buy the economy baren that they sell for around $10. I trimmed the sea kelp so there were no white lines left, then used the waterbrush and rubbed it back into the ink and brushed the edges of the sea kelp so the edges are inked after trimming them.. I bought jars with a straw in the lid..I removed the straw and replaced it with a grid that I bought at Michaels. II couldn’t find the grid inserts online at Michaels.) I did find them at Amazon and here’s the link. https://tinyurl.com/y3cgobjg The jars I bought on clearance at Dollar General… I took the lids off the jars and took the images I had stamped and ran them through my Xyron link: https://tinyurl.com/yynlccyv with the inked image face down so the face becomes the sticker. I’m putting these inside the jar so I wanted them to be sticky on their fronts. Once they are sticky, carefully place them on the inside of the jar and then rub them with the end of a paint brush or other tool that will help adhere them to the jar side. I bought the mouths and other fun things for the guests at the rehearsal dinner (very casual event) to use to lighten the mood and help strangers feel more at ease around each other. I have to say, this worked so well, we couldn’t believe how much fun the guests had playing with these. Links to them at Aliexpress: https://tinyurl.com/y2yeqg9y (this was the set of wedding inspired props and they were not attached to the sticks when they arrived, and the materials they sent didn’t adhere them well) and https://tinyurl.com/yybvhdp3 (these were the mouths, and came already assembled and they stayed assembled…People loved these and used the hats and other props from the wedding set along with the mouths. I can’t stress enough if you have a group of people who don’t know each other and your rehearsal dinner is casual, these will really help to break the ice.

Yesterday, we basically did nothing…so tired from the trip, and getting in so late the night before..or the morning of…Anyway, we just wanted to sleep…so we did.  Today, we went to a movie and lunch with friends.  We saw the new Brad Pitt film, “Ad Astra.”  If you want to waste money and time, this is the movie for you.  It’s basically supposed to be a psychological look into Brad Pitt’s character, but is so repetitive and boring, each of the four of us were napping throughout.  That’s never happened to us before, and we go to movies together at least twice a month…I thought maybe I was overly tired from the trip and being overly critical of the movie…As soon as it ended, our friend said he wished we could have walked out halfway through….we told him he should have suggested it, as we thought it was terrible….So bad, and not worth the two hours you could waste if you choose to see it.

Rich is finally allowing a few of the photos he’s taken to be shown.  The first was taken the day after the wedding at the beach.  Their dog had several wardrobe changes, and this was his first look.  We loved the look of this photo…..and the second is one of the posed shots for the couple to possibly use for their newspaper photo….If I know them, I think they will choose the one on the beach…..

I can’t make any promises that I won’t be uploading more wedding photos….because apparently I’m obsessed.  Such a sweet couple, and so happy with each other.  The dog’s name is Oliver, and he was Mike’s gift to Melissa when she graduated from the Paul Mitchell Hair Academy in LA….I wish you could see the tie he’s wearing..The light blue with blingy bow was a gift from Aunt Sandy and Uncle Rich and the tie he’s wearing is a blue, brown and white checked long tie, but we didn’t have a chance to tighten it so you can’t see that it’s a real tie..It was so hot that we didn’t do the wardrobe changes as effectively as we could have…but in the end, has Melissa put her finger behind his neck and pull the neckties up so they were in the right spot…Love how her head is tilted toward Mike…that’s all the photographer’s doing…that Rich, he’s quite the guy….

Our nephew’s wedding was lovely…Intimate and touching..Rich, as you probably know, acted as the photographer.  We spent the day before the wedding touring the aquarium with the bride and groom, deciding which photos they wanted taken, and where.  Ultimately, some of the spots were changed, as it was so hot, and the outside photos for the women in the bridal party ended with everyone getting bitten by mosquitos..and sweating…Not the look you’re going for in a wedding.. Luckily, they were the first to be photographed, so they had over an hour to sit and relax..and have some water to stay hydrated, haha..  We originally planned a sunset photo of the bride and groom outdoors, but decision was made by the bride and groom to skip it to avoid heat stroke…I’m telling you, it was hot out there.  At one point, the bride’s father and brother both pointed to my forehead and said “there’s a huge mosquito on you..”  YIKES!! Every woman’s dream, to have a huge bug bite in the middle of their forehead and itching like crazy while trying to keep the flow of photographs going…

I wish you could have seen what Rich called his Bible…He had gone to every website on weddings and printed every list a photograph had offered for possible photos.  There were at least nine typed pages of photos.  On Thursday afternoon, I sat with the bride and groom, and we went through the lists, one by one, and the eliminated ones that they didn’t care about, which was so helpful.  The time between the wedding and reception was absolutely crucial, as that was when we were taking all of the formal photos of the entire party, the parents with the bride and groom, and ones of just the bride and groom..We were given about ten minutes at the venue before we were told to move so they could put up dinner tables, and so every second counted.  It turned out that ten minutes was more like three, as the aquarium woman started taking down chairs and putting up tables immediately after the ceremony.  It made taking those photos a time crunch, and ultimately, the bride decided to move to another local, which was so much smarter.  It also took us away from the guests so we could do the posed photos and not be interrupted.  The guests were supposed to be filling out the wishes (remember that video I made?) while the photos were being done, and the guests were also free to roam the aquarium.  There was supposed to be one of those lines you see in theaters, that stop people from proceeding into another area, but someone took it down, so the guests started finding their way to us.   And then the photo requests started.  We had such a short time for everyone to rest, and this was it .  Our nephew has planter plantar fasciitis (a painful foot condition), and really would have benefited from sitting down at that point… I only had a few more photos of friends that they wanted individual photos with, and then the gates opened up.  It was so funny, that I eventually went to the rest of the guests and offered individual photos with the bride and groom, because if they later found out others had them and they didn’t, I thought some people might be offended.  The bride and groom were so gracious and smiled through all of it, even when they were probably crying in the inside from pain….Luckily, with less than fifty guests, it wasn’t horrible, and they made it back for their introduction to the reception with maybe five minutes to spare.

The ordained minister was the bride’s brother, and he did a great job for never doing anything like this before, and especially, on his sister’s big day.

The most difficult part of the wedding was lighting, as the aquarium promised us they would have track lighting on during the wedding so you’d be able to clearly see the bridal party.  I really wish that they had been more honest with us about the lighting, as there was one set of track lighting about halfway between the bridal party and where the guest seating ended, so it was almost impossible to have time to focus on the bridesmaids as they entered, since they went from dark to light in an instant.  We’d decided the day before, that if the lights weren’t better, Rich would hold his hand up, the bridesmaid would pause long enough for him to take a quick photo and proceed.  The aquarium “wedding planner” told the women not to stop or look at Rich as they approached.  Anyone who has ever been in a wedding knows that’s their one chance for a nice photo of themselves, so we said, “stop and look right at Rich with your biggest smile,” and they did….Such nice friends of the brides, and so helpful.  One of the bridesmaids had read somewhere that you should bring a large Hefty garbage bag with you, so if the bride ever needed to go to the restroom, one of the bridesmaids would put the back of her gown in the Hefty bag so the gown is protected from its surroundings, and also giving that bridesmaid the opportunity to hold the front of the dress off the floor…Such a smart idea (and probably one most brides wouldn’t want to think about, but it really was helpful…)  Still, the bride said going to the restroom with an entourage was kind of embarrassing, and I’d bet it was..

All of the things I made for the wedding were well received, and I’m happy I helped…Now it’s up to Rich to get his photos edited and ready for the public.  I’m attaching one photo, but keep in mind, it’s not one of Rich’s, it’s one a guest sent….I’ll be sure to upload a couple of Rich’s in the near future.  Thanks for bearing with me through the wedding and all of the wedding related videos….Can’t tell you how much it’s meant to me to get all of the well wishes and good lucks from all of you…