Spring 2011 Newsletter

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 Ahhhh Spring!  Here are my warm wishes for us all …

 Sunbeams not sunburns

Flowers not weeds

Weeds not weed/people killer

Blackberries not blackflies

Mesquite BBQ not mosquito biting you

Starry nights not stormy nights (my dog asked me to add that one!)

BBQ’s & DQ’s not minding your P’s & Q’s

Sandals not shoes

Coasting downhill not pedaling uphill

Time with family & friends not grumpy bosses.  Oops, speaking of which – it’s time to get on with writing the newsletter!  (yes, I know I’m self-employed… )

 

Upcoming Classes:

Just one more before TAG & I take a break for the summer …

 Photobook Making Workshop

 During this 3 hour session you will learn how to turn your photos into a Photobook using an online photobook site. 
Create a record of a trip, a memory of Christmas or a special birthday party; write a story with photos for a grandchild, images from your garden ... the possibilities are endless.  This is digital scrap booking!  No scissors required!! 

You'll need to bring digital images with you on a disk or USB stick.

Cost of class: $36 - does not include printing/shipping cost of book - book cost will vary depending on soft/hard cover, size and number of pages

Tuesday, May 31, 2011
6:00pm to 9:00pm

50 Mary St. W. Lindsay
To register please contact Technology Alliance Group directly: (705) 878-9261
     

Upcoming Shows:

 Saturday, July 16thValentia Arts Festival

 One day only!  Doors open at 10am – 5:00pm.

ValentiaChurch & Community Centre

 Mark your calendars – over 20 artists showing & selling their work. 

Amazing crowd attended last year – don’t miss it!

I’ll post more info on my website as it becomes available.

 

Just a reminder:

 The return of nice weather means that I’m busier again with location photo shoots.  Weekend availability is already getting scarce. 

But don’t worry if you haven’t booked anything yet … there’s always Monday to Friday – daytime (the kids will be out of school soon, you’re on holiday …), or evenings (have an early supper and take advantage of the longer days – let me use that beautiful light to get some great pics!).

Don’t let another summer go by … you know you want these pictures!!  Call or email and we’ll make it happen!


Canvas Print for Sale in Online Charity Auction:

 Thanks to so many of you who donated and supported my partnership last summer with the Learning Disabilities Association of Peterborough (ldap) - a United Way agency which also helps children in the City of Kawartha Lakes.  I was the artist/teacher for a project called “Windows of Opportunity” in which ldap students took old windows and turned them into works of art.  It was a wonderful opportunity to help the children bring their imaginative ideas to life.  It was great to see their pride in their accomplishments and for them to receive positive recognition for their creative work.  Please visit my website to read about the whole project.

Auction info:  

Now the ldap is trying its first ever online charity auction – bidding is open until Sunday, June 5th at 5:00pm.

 www.ldaptbo.com

 It’s easy to sign in and bid. 

Funds collected will assist with programming in the communities from which the donated items originated.

 Three of the children’s windows are for sale in the auction and it would be wonderful to see them bring in some large bidders! 

There are also two windows created by ldap staff members and all sorts of other items from golf packages to maple syrup. 

 I have donated the following canvas print (it’s on page 7 in the auction)

 Front view 

                                                     

Side view   


  Print info:

 Title: Old Mill

Image size: 16"w x 24"h

Photographic image printed using museum grade canvas and laminate with a 1.5" thick stretcher frame.   

The border on "Old Mill" is white and wraps onto the sides so that a frame is not needed.

Value: $275

 

Something New from Ruth Tait Creations...                                                        

                                                Recipes!


 The recipe for the delicious Maple Walnut Tapioca Pudding for 2, shown above, can be found on my website: www.ruthtaitcreations.com

 Since I love cooking and baking, I thought I’d give it a page on my site – it’s an excuse to take more pictures …

 Check back to the page often to see what I’ve been up to in the kitchen.  I’ll be adding Lemon Poppyseed Muffins sometime this week. 

 

Are you on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn?

 Me too!!! 

We should be friends, followers, groupies, whatever ….

Look for Ruth Tait Creations on fb,

@ruthtaitphotos on Twitter

Ruth Tait on LinkedIn. 

 

So, that’s it for this edition.   I welcome your comments, and suggestions for future editions. 

 Hope to see you at a show, a class or in front of my lens!!!

 Bye for now,

 Ruth

 

 

Update - Feb 2011

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 Upcoming Exhibit/Sale:

 

Thursday, March 3rdUnited Way Girls’ Night Out event

FlemingCollege, Frost Campus     6pm – 10pm

Formerly known as the Women’s Gala, this United Way fundraiser has been revamped this year with an emphasis on being a FUN evening complete with a new Mardi-Gras theme and new things to do! 

Please stop by my booth and say Hi. 

Tickets are just $25.  Call UW for info 878-5081.

(Sorry guys – this one’s only for the ladies … but if you messed up Valentine’s Day, maybe giving her a Girls’ Night Out ticket would buy you some redemption!!)

 

Speaking of the United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes

 …did you know that they are still fundraising towards the 2010 campaign goal?  And did you know that the United Way funds 42 programs in CKL?  Every one of those programs supports families.  As you enjoy the upcoming Family Day holiday on Feb 21st, please consider making a donation to our United Way in honour of your family and all they mean to you.

 I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.
~Maya Angelou

 Visit www.ckl-unitedway.ca for info on ways to donate, including securely online. 

Thank you.


 Upcoming Classes:

 There are just a few spaces left in these courses that I teach at the Technology Alliance Group for Kawartha Lakes (TAG).

More details are available on my website or TAG’s at www.tag4kl.org

Call 878-9261 to register.

Photo Editing: Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 for beginners

Wednesday, March 2nd, 9th, & 23rd. (no class during March break)

10amnoon

$72

Digital Camera – new dates just added to winter session!

Tuesday, March 22nd, 29th, April 5th & 12th.

2pm – 4pm

$96

Note: this class is geared towards “point & shoot” small digital cameras, not SLR.

Digital Camera For Kids

 Ages 10-14.  Will need to bring a camera. 

Tuesday, March 15th (March break)

1pm – 4pm

$20

 

Helping You Market Your Business ….

 A photo shoot with Ruth Tait Creations can provide you with images suitable for use on your company’s website or in print flyers and ads. 

 Let me turn those images into a video creation that tells your story in an exciting way and can be viewed on your website, played at trade shows, even on You Tube!

 Please click on the following link to watch a video that I developed for The Brick Church, a B&B located in Manilla, to promote the location as a unique and elegant venue for small intimate weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, etc.  Very cool place! 

 

 

Join me on Social Media ….

 Twitter:  http://twitter.com/ruthtaitphotos

 LinkedIn: http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/ruth-tait/28/395/450

 Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=169303169769615&sk=basic#!/pages/Ruth-Tait-Creations/169303169769615

 YouTube Channel:  http://www.youtube.com/user/RuthTaitCreations

 

Hope to see you at Girls’ Night Out or in front of my lens!!!

 Bye for now,

 Ruth

 

 

Winter 2011 Newsletter

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 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

 I’ve kicked off the last couple of newsletters with the things I like best about that season, so I guess I’ll continue the trend.

 Best things about Winter …

  -umm, hmmm, give me a minute ….

 OK, I’ve got some:

  - “snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes”

  - crackling fires

  - ice skating (when I don’t fall)

  - hot chocolate

  - the way fresh snow sparkles on a moonlit night

  - snowshoeing

  - comfort food    

 So snuggle up to your computer – here’s my latest update ….

 Winter Courses at TAG

I’m back with my courses at TAG – the Technology Alliance Group for the City of Kawartha Lakes - 50 Mary St. W. in Lindsay.   

My Digital Camera class has already started.  I had it posted on my website but it filled up before I even had a chance to send you out the info.  TAG has already started a waiting list to be notified the next time it runs.  Call Derrick at 878-9261 to add your name.

For those of you wanting to enhance your digital images on the computer we have:

 Photo Editing with Photoshop Elements 

3 classes – Wednesday mornings from 10am – 12noon, March 2, 9, & 23  

This beginner class will get you started on the possibilities of editing using Photoshop Elements 8.  

 And Digital Camera 4 Kids is back for March Break!

Tuesday, March 15th from 1pm – 4pm this fun session teaches the kids how and why to use some of the features of their camera, there’s a photo scavenger hunt, and some image editing on the computer


To register for classes please contact TAG at (705) 878-9261

 New Product Offering now available!!!

Ruth Tait Creations can now provide clients with videos from the images taken during a photo shoot. 

You can enjoy these over and over and share them with all your friends and family.   

 Click on the link below to view an engagement video: (Flash 9 required)


 

 Note to business owners/corporate clients - this is also a great tool for your website.  No need for a boring site – let images and music tell the story of what your business has to offer.    

  Join Ruth Tait Creations in cyberspace

Please join me as I take my business onto the social networking sites.  Now you can “like” me on facebook, “follow” me on twitter, and “connect” on LinkedIn.  You never know when a video will hit YouTube!  And stay tuned for a new blog coming one of these days!

 My Solemn Social Media Oath to you:  I hereby promise never to tweet what I ate for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  (Notwithstanding clause: allows for the chance of a day of really amazing meals with possible photo ops/recipes.  Also does not rule out individual meal tweets).    

 Facebook:     Ruth Tait Creations

             http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=169303169769615&sk=basic#!/pages/Ruth-Tait-Creations/169303169769615

 twitter:      @ruthtaitphotos

             http://twitter.com/ruthtaitphotos

 LinkedIn:     Ruth Tait Creations

 

I'll leave you with some warm summery images in a video from a children’s photo shoot:



That’s all for this edition.   As always, I welcome your comments or suggestions.

 Hope to see you in my class or in front of my lens!!!

 Bye for now,

 Ruth



 

   “Back to School” 2010 Newsletter

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Where did the summer go?  Simply can’t believe its September already. 

A lot of you sent me great comments about my list of summertime favourites, so I’m going to try it again and see how many of you tell me it’s your perfect list too!

Best things about September …

  -the beauty of the leaves changing colour

  -grabbing a jacket because it will get cool out after dinner,

  -hardy mums and bales of hay,

  -biting into crisp apples and the juice runs down your chin,

  -wearing boots just because they’re pretty (vs. thermal lined and practical)

  -walking through crunchy, rustling leaves

  -and the great warm golden light loved by photographers!   

 

Of course, September can also be crazy busy – trying to get back into that routine, packing lunches (with no peanut butter – poor kids!), going to meetings, classes, the gym, volunteering, taking Suzie to ballet and Billy to hockey and, and … it’s okay – take a deep breath in and exhale sloooowly.  There now, sit down for a minute and read your Fall update – before all Hell breaks loose!!   

 Windows of Opportunity                                                                

As many of you will recall, I entered into an exciting partnership with the United Way and the Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) – CKL Services to start the Windows of Opportunity project. 

 Students who utilize the LDA's services had the chance to come to five sessions led by yours truly to use their artistic talents to turn an old wooden window into a masterpiece.  Their cretaions are on display at various locations in CKL and will be auctioned in support of the United Way and Learning Disabilities Association. 

Three of the windows go up for auction on Wednesday, Sept 15th during the United Way Tee Off breakfast event, 7:30am at the Lindsay Golf & Country Club, $15/person. 

Please come to bid on the windows and support both the UW campaign and the kids!!! 

You need to pre-register for this event by contacting the UW at 878-5081.    

Here are some thumbnails of the kids with their windows – please visit“Windows of Opportunity” webpage  for more images and info, including the very cute Artist Bios that the kids wrote ….

      

     

These are great kids - thanks for being so well behaved and so much fun to work with.   I really enjoyed this project. 

Many thanks to everyone who sponsored windows, donated new or used art/craft supplies and old windows, or volunteered their time.  We were very grateful to the Adult Education Centre for the use of the perfect size classroom and also to Dan the custodian for all his help! 

Thanks also to the CKL businesses that are displaying the windows.   

And thank you in advance to those of you who will purchase these windows to decorate your homes or businesses!!!


Back to School at TAG!!

 Again this Fall, I will be teaching at TAG – the Technology Alliance Group for the City of Kawartha Lakes - 50 Mary St. W. in Lindsay.   

 Keep reading there’s exciting NEW stuff!!!! 

Full details are available at www.ruthtaitcreations.com or at TAG, but here are the highlights…..

 Digital Camera

 4 classes – Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:30pm starting Sept 15th

Geared towards “point & shoot” digital camera owners, this class will take you from being an absolute beginner into the advanced camera settings, along with some lessons on composition and taking better pictures.  By the end of these 4 sessions you’ll definitely know how & when to take the camera off the “auto” setting!

NEW!!!!

Photo Editing with Photoshop Elements 8

 3 classes – Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8:30pm starting Oct 27th

You asked for it and TAG listened!  Learn how to use Photoshop Elements 8 to enhance your digital images.  Course will also be suitable for those with other recent versions of Elements. 

NEW!!!!

Photobook Making

 Wednesday, November 16th  - 1 session from 6 to 9pm

 It’s like scrapbooking without the glue, paper, scissors and fancy cutters! 

We’ll use an online website to create and order your choice of hard or soft covered photobook which will be delivered directly to you by that company once it is printed. 

Pick a theme – family, new baby, summer fun, children/grandchildren, your vacation, your garden, birthday party, making a snowman, Christmas morning the possibilities are as endless as your photos!

Put those photos onto a flash drive or CD to bring to the class with you - and we're on the way to publishing your first book!!!

To register for classes please contact TAG at (705) 878-9261

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Remember that beautiful golden autumn light.  Now is the time to be getting photos for holiday gift giving or Christmas cards!  Plan ahead.  (don't forget there's a cut-off date for me to be able make these things happen!).  

That’s all for this edition.  As always, I welcome your comments or suggestions. 

Hope to see you in my classes or in front of my lens!!!

Bye for now,

Ruth


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Summer 2010 Newsletter

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 Ahhhhh, summertime!!!  Doesn’t get any better than …. pick-your-own strawberries and raspberries, suntan lotion, BBQ’s, bare feet, Kawartha Dairy Moose Tracks, getting invited to your friend’s pool, flowers blooming, DQ sundaes …. and great weather for photography!!!! 

So, pour yourself a glass of lemonade – it’s time for a summer update.  (Go ahead, I’ll wait!!) 

 

Have you heard ….?

Ruth Tait Creations photo cards are now available at Galaxy Picture Frames and Graham’s Florist.  Both are conveniently located on Kent Street West

in downtown Lindsay.   These unique cards have one of my signed photo images on the front and are blank inside to let you say what you need to say.  They are suitable for framing – ask Sue at Galaxy about the many options; or get Andrea to include one with your next gift of flowers.

 

Upcoming Shows:

 

Saturday, July 17th – Valentia Arts Festival

 

10 am – 5:00 pm   Free Admission

Valentia Church & Community Hall,

108 Elm Tree Rd (#18), Little Britain

 

Mark your calendars!  This Arts Festival is a first for Valentia and I’m excited to take part in the one day show.  Drop by and say “hello”.  While you’re there be sure to check out the interesting works of my artist friends: Charles Leung, Alena Vyborna, and Niki Tichakova, along with over 30 artists and artisans!!!

 


A New Project!!!!

 

                                                                                Photo Credit:  DAVE FLAHERTY The Lindsay Post

L to R: Penny Barton Dyke, Executive Director for the United Way for CKL, Janice Balfour of the Learning Disabilities Association and I pose for our picture in The Post. 

I am very excited about entering into a partnership with the United Way

for City of Kawartha Lakes and The Learning Disabilities Association of CKL, as the lead artist on a new project called “Windows of Opportunity”.  

The following article from the July 2nd edition of The Lindsay Post tells the story well ….

 

Workshops to provide window for creativity

Posted By Dave Flaherty, Lindsay Post Reporter



LINDSAY – Creative energy will be encouraged and celebrated in a workshop being hosted this summer by the Learning Disabilities Association, Kawartha Lakes Services (LDA-CKL).

The project is called "Windows of Opportunity", a pilot project that will be led by local artist Ruth Tait.

The idea of having youth turn old wooden windows into pieces of art was an idea officials with the United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes and Janice Balfour, resource facilitator for LDA-CKL, have been looking forward to embarking on for nearly a year.

"At meetings we would often give each other a look and say 'We need to do this project'," joked

United Way
executive director Penny Barton Dyke.

Barton Dyke said she was renovating when she got the idea for the project.

"I've always seen the value of what you can do with old windows," Barton Dyke told The Lindsay Post. "I thought to myself, 'we could call it "Windows of Opportunity'."

Balfour and Barton Dyke agreed the project is a way to encourage youth to discover their artistic talents, create an exciting and unique fundraiser and to build community partnerships.

Current or past clients of the LDA-CKL can sign up for the five-week workshop that will run consecutive Wednesdays, beginning on July 14 by contacting Balfour at 324-2596.

The students will be given the chance to decide how they want to approach their pieces of work.

"They will be asked what their vision is," Balfour said.

Tait climbed on board immediately as the artist who will help with the project.

She said she believes it is a "very interesting concept".

"They (kids) need to see the artistic side of learning is important as well," Tait said.

Tait put out a simple request to local artists asking to help with supplies and the response has been overwhelming, she said.

"Artists have been responding with promises of paint, fabric and other funky materials that might be used. The quick response has taken us by surprise," Tait said.

Barton Dyke said they will be using the Adult Education Centre in Lindsay for the workshops and she believes it will be a great self-esteem builder for the kids taking part.

****She further said they are looking for donations of materials and for volunteers.

"We are hoping individuals and businesses will sponsor a window project at $25 or with the supplies required for the student," Barton Dyke said.

Barton Dyke further said they plan on auctioning off the children's art to help fundraise at the "Beat the Blues" event held by the LDA-CKL and for the

United Way
capital campaign launch that will take place in September.

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**** Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you if you are able to be of assistance.   Many thanks to those of you who have already come forth with supplies and sponsorships.****

Stay tuned to my website where the project has its own page that will feature regular updates.


 

That’s all for this edition.  As always, I welcome your comments or suggestions.

Have a wonderful summer!!!!

 

Hope to see you at the show or in front of my lens!!!

 

Bye for now,

 

Ruth

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Spring 2010 Newsletter

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Welcome to the first edition of the Ruth Tait Creations Newsletter. 

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the beautiful weather we’ve been having. 

There’s a lot to tell you about, so without further delay …

Upcoming Shows:

April 30th to May 2nd – Lindsay Armoury

Please visit the website for more info: www.kawarthalakesgardenshow.ca


I will be at this new show as both an exhibitor and workshop presenter.

My display booth will feature mainly floral photos and other images from nature. 

There will be prints on canvas – I love this format.  No framing necessary as the image wraps around the sides of the canvas and it’s ready to hang on the wall.  This is an easy way to give your rooms that funky designer look from the decorating magazines. 

Other options will include more traditionally matted and framed images.  I’m also bringing a number of prints that are matted only since some people prefer to choose their own frames.  

There’ll also be my ever popular cards – these cards feature a 4”x6” image on the front and are blank inside.  I’m pleased to mention that my new supply of envelopes and card stock are “Green Seal Certified 30% (Post Consumer Waste) Recycled Content” and wind power is used to generate 100% of the electricity used in paper production! 

I will be offering:  “Tips for Photographing Flowers” on Saturday, May 1st at 10:15am (subject to changes in show scheduling).  Tired of blurry begonia and fuzzy freesia photos?  You are invited to bring your “point & shoot” digital camera to this session for some hands-on hints to help you take better photographs of flowers. 

 

Friday, May 7th – Lindsay Agricultural Centre – Farmer’s Mutual Building

         Rotary Club of Lindsay hosts Rotanza!

 

This fun night includes food & desserts, silent auction, and an elimination draw for cash prizes – last ticket left wins $10,000!!!  For the first time ever there’ll also be an area showcasing some local artists/artisans - that’s where you’ll find me (but if I’m not at my display when you come by, I’d suggest checking where the desserts are!!!!)

I’m not sure how many tickets are left at this point?  They are $120 (admits 2 people) and are available from Rotary Club members.  (Contact me if you need the name of a member).

 

Something New from Ruth Tait Creations …

                                                                                Senior Portraits!

 

The trend for Senior Portraits is very popular in the US and it’s slowly making its way across the border.  Be among the first in the area to take part in this fun photo shoot.

 

I’m willing to bet that these girls are not what you think of when you hear the word “senior” – but these are HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS!!! 

Remember back in the day, we all got that cookie cutter picture with the cap and gown?   Well, that’s NOT what my Senior Portraits look like.  These are photos that both the parents AND the student will be happy to display.  These are photos that capture memories of favourite places/hobbies/sports for the grad as they begin the next phase in their journey.  For the parents suffering from empty nest syndrome, these are images that capture a natural look in a relaxed, no pressure setting.    

(And it’s not just for girls either!)


Ruth Tait Creations is pleased to present an introductory offer on

Senior Portraits for 2010 Graduatesof $150.

Includes: photo shoot of approx. 1 hour on location

               Artistic image processing

                4”x6” unmarked proofs

                1 – 8”x10” print

 

Feeling a little shy about a photo shoot?  Why not make it twice the fun with my BFF Seniors Portrait Session

Includes: photo shoot for 2 Seniors of approx. 1 hour on location

                Artistic image processing

                2 sets of 4”x6” unmarked proofs

                2 – 8”x10” prints

All this for the special price of $250!!!

 

Thanks so much to Heather and Megan – my pick for Canada’s Next Top Models - for braving a cool and very windy day for their shoot!  You did an awesome job!!  

So, that’s it for this edition.   I welcome your comments, and suggestions for future editions. 

Hope to see you at the shows or in front of my lens!!!

Bye for now,

Ruth