April in the Land of Jood

While I can list a million creative excuses as to why I haven't written anything since February, I'll go for the honest approach - I've just plain been busy. A quick synopsis to catch you up on what's been going on in Jood-Land...we've photographed some weddings and engagement photos, covered a few events, done some fashion and advertising work, and even had a few birthdays (mom - aka Diane had her birthday this month, and my not so little puppy turned 1 yesterday). I also had the opportunity to attend a film premier for the movie "The Messenger" at the Sarasota Film Festival (a strange turn of events brought about by Willie Nelson, Kermit the Frog, the song "Rainbow Connection," and my boyfriend Eric...long story) with VIP access to a private party with the cast and crew, including Woody Harrelson, Ben Foster, Jena Malone, and Lawerence Inglee (the producer, and fellow "Rainbow Connection" fan). Needless to say, it was an amazing time, and we (Eric & I) got to pretend to be rock stars for an evening.



I've also been working with an amazing artist, Pat Kaufman (www.patkaufman.com) on designing books and promotional materials for her work, and even working on my own book (on adventures throughout coastal California), which hopefully will be completed and available for purchase by July (after my next adventure west - special note to California people - I will be back sometime in May).





I have a few things in the works right now, including the launch of Jood Jewelry - an extension of Jood Creative. The Etsy account should be up and running in the next few weeks, and I will include a link to it as soon as I have it set up. In the meantime, you can see a picture of some of the necklaces I have created here (beads are all natural materials, precious & semi-precious stones, wood, and recycled glass, and the center pieces were all collected on my different adventures throughout America - made by local American artists), and I can custom create anything your heart desires. I've been meaning to do this for years (after numerous requests to buy the necklaces right off of my neck), but to be honest, I have a really hard time parting with things, and have only given a few as gifts, or made custom pieces by request. I fall in love with every piece I make, and I'm hoping you will too. It's time to share (I am the youngest child - we have a hard time with sharing, you know).



As far as photography goes, we're about to spring into summer, which means there are weddings to be had, babies to be born, mothers and fathers to celebrate, events and parties, graduations, frolicking pets, and memories to be made. So while you are planning for your summer, don't forget to ask yourself what Jood can do for you.

Here are a few suggestions just to get you thinking:

-Photo collages or books with old and new family photos, custom designed into works of art (I made my mom 2 - 16x20 collages after my grandparents died, filled with letters, photos, and mementos from their lives, lacquer transferred onto heavyweight fine art paper - these make for an amazing mother's day or father's day present).



-Photo restoration and reprints of your kids for graduation, your mom or dad as children, or better yet, of their parents (I did this for my grandparents a few years back, and it still brings tears...brownie points with the family for years to come, super brownie points if you do it for the in-laws).

-Puppy pictures - printed on fine art paper and framed, or printed onto canvas, they are the perfect way to put art on your walls that you will never tire of. I especially love to photograph their cute little noses - how can you not love a puppy nose? (P.S. this is my beloved Bubbs...aka Bubbalub the Wonder Bear)




-Wedding, birthday, and party invitations - custom designed to reflect your personality and style (I'm not just a photographer, you know).

-Room staging/photography/real estate services - let me help you sell your house by freshening up the interior with design services and tips, artistically photographing your house for your real estate listing, or better yet, let Diane (aka Mom) sell it for you (she's licensed in Florida www.dianesfloridahomes.com)


(All interior design, photography, and flyer design by me)

-Make-up lesson, application, and a photo session for your teenager (an instant confidence boost for that horribly awkward age...come on, we all remember it)

I could list a million more, but I guess I'll give your eyes a break. It's been so long, that apparently I had a lot to say.

I will end today's blog with a product junkie tip of the day:

LUSH
www.lush.com

I can not tell you how much I love this company. All natural and mostly vegan body care products, I have been a dedicated "lushie" for quite some time. With summer coming, you want to make your skin and hair happy. My recommendations are as follows (although I would buy everything if I could): Ultra Bland - the world's best make-up remover and skin softener/cleanser, you just smoosh a little bit all over your face, and wipe with a warm washcloth. Don't freak out by the greasy feel, it doesn't clog pores. Sandstone soap - smells like lemons and scrubs away all the yuck.

Ok...seriously....that's it...for now.

-Jenna