Who doesn't love a classic red barn in any season? This handsome gem "Had me at Hello" with the lush vine growing along the side. Tucked between a grove of trees and a field of harvested corn the striking bold red contrasts against the empty blue sky. 

 

Bring back a blown out or empty sky by adding depth with a classic vignette and texture.

Photoshop Tutorial:

Optional: Apply a vignette or edge burn
Sparks Cool Texture / Multiply Blending Mode / 65%

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The Texture Twist Photo Challenge

Scroll down to link up your photos with a Texture Twist

- natural or enhanced

An InLinkz Link-up

In the Kitchen: Maple Apple Cider

This week I'm sharing with you a special autumn treat from our Bittersweet Walnut Grove book series. Farm to Table isn't a trend for those us who grew up on farm! This refreshing Maple Apple Cider recipe is straight from the farm, published in Fall Thyme. It's so incredibly easy to make! Just add water to 3 simple ingredients and let it simmer while it fills your home with a scent of "Home Sweet Home". 

Download the Apple Jar Toppers

Supplies:

• 8.5 x 11 inch white card stock
• Scissors
• 2.5 inch circle punch (optional)
• Whole punch
• Natural jute twine
• Cinnamon sticks
• Swing top glass jars
• Printable Apple Jar Toppers

Start with the Maple Apple Cider Recipe, then come follow the directions below to make adorable bottles to share or have at your next Autumn gathering! 

DIRECTIONS:

Fill swing top glass bottles with Maple Apple Cider. Secure swing top lids.

Print apple jar toppers onto one sheet of white card stock.  Punch or cut jar toppers from card stock. Whole punch each jar topper and set aside.

Using a heavy duty whole punch or a hammer and drill bit from your husband's tools punch a whole into the center of each cinnamon stick. Thread twine through cinnamon stick and jar topper. Tie onto  Maple Apple Cider bottles and serve.

Find more seasonal projects and recipes in Bittersweet Walnut Grove's Book Series

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Walnut Grove Farm

Every Autumn Walnut Grove Farm open it's gates to hundreds of visitors. During Autumn the farm hosts a farmers market, horseback and horse drawn carriage rides, and a petting zoo.  Than barn pictured below is over 150 years old and in it you will find a cafe and a variety of artisans, craftsmen, and musicians on featured weekends. Where have your weekends taken you to this Autumn? Share in the link up or comments below. 

All Natural Textures this week

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The Texture Twist Photo Challenge

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The Country: On the Outskirts

I discovered this weathered American beauty on road trip. It was just on the outskirts of rural town near border of Illinois and Missouri. Half way hidden by corn stalks yet a contrast to the bright blue skies. Try the Photoshop tutorial below to boost contrast and depth in your next landscape photograph.

Photoshop Tutorial:

Aging Estates Texture / Soft Light Blending Mode / 50%
Buttercup Overlay #4 / Color Burn Blending Mode / 40%

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The Texture Twist Photo Challenge

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The Country: Woodford Plateau

Above the Illinois river bed, bluffs rise into rolling hills. Atop the hills is a plateau covered in a patchwork of fields, pastures, farm roads, and weathered barns.

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The Country: County Roads

What is one of my favorite ways to spend the weekend? Getting lost or at least trying to down the rural county roads. I found this weathered and worn barn doing just that! It obiviously is out of work and the farmer planted a crop of the beans around it. I tend to stay out of farmer's fields unless it's not planted or it's already been harvested. So, I didn't get a look inside this barn although, it's probably not safe to inside. So, I got down as close as possible to the barn, right on the edge of the field to photograph it.

 

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The Texture Twist Photo Challenge

Scroll down to link up your photos with a Texture Twist

- natural or enhanced

An InLinkz Link-up

The Country: Green Acres

I love the mix of old and new on this barn. At first glance you see a barn stripped of paint and worn by weather and time. With a closer look you will see new white metal roof and windows. Altogether is makes a beautiful setting on the country green acres.

Enhanced with the New Hazel Overlay #3

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The Texture Twist Photo Challenge

Scroll down to link up your photos with a Texture Twist

- natural or enhanced

An InLinkz Link-up

Photo Touch Up: Windsong

I photographed this farm while out shooting maternity portraits. To be honest I was actually treading back and forth in the grass to get cow manure off my boots.  I got some great shots of couple, cow manure and all! By the way if your addicted to photo textures too check the Texture Giveaway at The Shabby Photographer!

Touch Up Technique:

1. Stamp on a layer of the hurricane warm texture blend on multiply at 60%
2. Add the dreamsicle texture blended on color, lower the opacity for just the right amount of warm

Join me in a Photo Challenge:
Barn Charm
Homestead Barn Hop
The Creative Exchange
Touch Up Tuesday
The Happiness Project
Sweet Shot Tuesday