Funny how one thing leads to another. I just finished reading "Like Water for Elephants" and started watching the HBO series "Carnivale" (via Netflix). Last week I was downloading some new fonts and added several that were vintage carnival. This week while perusing Pinterest I found some awesome vintage carnival images. This is one of my favorites. I adore the colors and the feeling of soaring. Voila, a new collection was born. Now I am totally obsessed with vintage carnivals and the creative wheels are spinning.

Inspiration is all around us, it's organizing all our ideas that's difficult. That's one of the things I love most about Pinterest, it does the organizing for you. I'll let you know what comes of my carnival obsession!

photo © 2008 fran | more info (via: Wylio)

Ok, you've found a great image to use on your blog. Are you familiar with the terms of use? Do you credit the original source? Do you even know who the creator is? The more images are passed around on the internet, the less likely it is you do.

How do you locate the source? If the original file name is intact, google it. I've been given images from clients that I could tell were stock images and a quick search confirmed their origin. The fact that someone else posted this on their blog does not mean it is free for the taking. I know it's confusing and can be difficult to pin things down, but if you're not sure, best not to use it.

Many stock image sites have reasonable prices for personal use. If it is to be used commercially you will pay more, but shouldn't the creator be compensated for their work? Always read the terms.

There are some great discussions on this matter and while there is some disagreement about what is ok and what isn't, you can't afford to ignore them, especially if yours is a business blog.

Where can you find free images?
Here are just a few that I have used:

1. Stock.xchng
2. Wylio will automatically credit the origin for you as seen here.
3. Graphics Fairy is the best place to find vintage images.
4. Pinterest Not all images are free for the taking, but a great image resource that usually links to the original source.

When I closed my shop up seven years ago, I never dreamed that I would have an opportunity to revisit it! My good friends Deb & Bob Kennedy featured some of my Finch & Willow products in their Retreat Boutique on Camano Island. Deb was sweet enough to invite me up there for a sneak peek and I just loved what she had done. For too many years my beautiful things have been hidden away in boxes and to see them beautifully displayed in lovely shop setting again was a bit emotional for me. I knew I could trust Deb to do my things justice and I hope they all find a loving new home!

I must say I love Kate's style. She is an elegant, classy young woman with a love and respect of nature. Just take a look at the cake! Not only was it absolutely beautiful, but every flower is based on the "language of flowers" from the Victorian era. Of course every florist and wedding planner is familiar with the symbolism of flowers, but the choices made are still very personal to each couple. Kate's selections are listed below and reflect who she is. For example, "Sweet William - grant me one smile", isn't that sweet? I carried a lovely little book about The Language of Flowers in my former shop and while I expect most were purchased by and for gardeners, I wonder if a few may have found their way into a new bride's hands?

Kate's involvement in the wedding cake design:
(excerpts from Daily Mail article)

‘We reflected some of the architectural details in the room so the garlands on the walls were reproduced loosely on the fourth tier - we've used roses, acorns, ivy leaves, apple blossom and bridal rose.’

Along the cake's base ran ivy leaves, symbolising marriage, and the bottom three tiers were decorated with piped lace work and daisies, meaning innocence, sweet William - grant me one smile - and lavender.

Kate also gave Ms Cairns detailed instructions for her to include 17 different blooms and foliage for their meaning or symbolism - known as the ‘language of flowers’.

• Rose (white) - national symbol of England
• Daffodil - national symbol of Wales, new beginnings
• Shamrock - national symbol of Ireland
• Thistle - national symbol of Scotland
• Acorns, oak leaf - strength, endurance
• Myrtle - love
• Ivy - wedded love, marriage
• Lily of the valley - sweetness, humility
• Rose (bridal) - happiness, love
• Sweet William - grant me one smile
• Honeysuckle - the bond of love
• Apple blossom - preference, good fortune
• White heather - protection, wishes will come true
• Jasmine (white) - amiability
• Daisy - innocence, beauty, simplicity
• Orange blossom - marriage, eternal love, fruitfulness
• Lavender - ardent attachment, devotion, success, and luck.

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Star Magnolia