Upcoming solo botanical exhibit at Children’s National Hospital

Getting ready for my second solo botanical photography exhibit at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC! The show will run May 20-August 30, 2024. More details to come!

My first show there was way back in 2015. I have ample inventory to showcase, but I ordered several new gallery wrap canvases this afternoon, and just finished putting together this 4×6 postcard that will be available for anyone interested in learning more about my work.

I’ll provide more information and some behind-the-scenes sneak peeks as the event draws near!

Debbie Dyer Talbert, Celebration of Life

To view the memory book I created for my sister Debbie, click on this link:

https://laurendrawdy.com/debtalbert/

Deboo

My older sister Debbie passed away unexpectedly yesterday very early in the morning. She turned 70 exactly a month before and her family and friends threw her a nice party. The photo I’ve attached is one she emailed me a few weeks later, with the caption, “This is what 70 looks like…geez Jesus Christo, I’m freakin’ old as the hills, lol.” I texted back, “And you look adorable.” She was always sending me selfies when Samantha gave her a new haircut style or a new hair color, or when she bought something cute to wear. This is the last selfie she sent me. I look through the slew of texts between us and I start crying again. We shared a very special relationship and I have and will always treasure it.

A few nurse friends suspect it could possibly have been a pulmonary embolism followed by cardiac arrest, which I’ve read has a 95% mortality rate. They were unable to revive her. Maybe I’ll never know the chain of events. I just know that there’s a huge void where this one bright, shiny, happy and very loved woman once lived.

My heart is breaking and I’m in a complete fog. She was a dear friend as well as the best big sister a girl could have. She and I talked almost daily for many, many years and never a day went by without texting something funny, an observation, photos of our cats, typos on menus and tv screens…after our mom passed, she called me and said, “I used to call Mom every day when I got out of work (she was a copy room lady and substitute scheduler at Churchill High School in San Antonio), so now that she is gone, you’re it!” She did that for years until she retired a couple years ago, and then we could talk anytime we wanted!

I shared everything in my life with her, both the good and the bad, and she was such a good listener–always patient, never judgmental. We always said we loved each other when we hung up.

When our mother was battling ovarian cancer for 11 years, I visited a month each year to spend more time with her. After she passed in 2010, I continued to visit my dad, who passed in 2019. I continued the journey to visit Debbie and her family and my sister Kelley and her family. Debbie and Bill would host me for a month or more while I worked and played down there.

I had just returned from visiting right before the world shut down in 2020 and hadn’t seen her in four years. I drove down to Texas for two weeks this past August and am so grateful that I did. They built an above-ground pool with a beautiful deck and she was so happy that all her friends and family gathered often to enjoy it. They had done so many wonderful improvements to their home and I know Debbie was very proud of the results. Home was always my Mom—and then when she passed, home was Debbie.

She adored her granddaughter, Chandler Rae, who turns three in June. I’m most saddest for Chandler not being able to spend more time with her Mema (which was our mother’s name for Debbie and Kelley’s kids). I’m sad because Debbie won’t get to share all of Chandler’s milestones. I’m just so very sad and my grief is so, so heavy.

I’m sad because my niece Lauren and nephew Landen have lost their mother too soon and so unexpectedly. I’m so sad for Bill, who retired in 2020, and was so enjoying retirement with Debbie, and making plans to travel. My heart aches for all of them, and it aches for me, too—this loss feels so much greater than the loss of my parents, whom I loved dearly. Maybe it’s because they had more time on earth? Maybe it’s because their passing wasn’t unexpected?

I thank all her dear friends for making her so happy–she was so loved by them. Years ago, I asked my mom to play a word association game with me—I’d say a person’s name and she would say one word that she associated with them. When it came to Debbie, she said, “Friend. Debbie has so many friends who love her. She is a good friend to so many people.” Mom was right—her friends adored her and I’m sad for their loss as well. Life won’t be the same for any of us without her presence. And thank you to my friends and family who are my support system during this awful time.

It’s all too raw right now to be poetic and profound. I’ll write something later that I hope will be poetic and profound and loving—something befitting this wonderful woman I called my sister. I love you and will miss you so much, Deboo.

Michael Powell is published again!

My dear friend Michael just had one of his gorgeous dragonfly-in-flight photos published on the cover of Take Flight 2023, a poetry journal published by Flight of the Dragonfly Press, a UK-based poetry group. Learn more about them at www.flightofthedragonfly.com.

Learn more on Michael’s blog about how he photographed this beautiful Migrant Hawker dragonfly in 2018 at the Botanical Gardens in Brussels while on a business trip.

https://michaelqpowell.com

New botanical-only-website is live!

www.cindydyer.com

My new botanical-photography-only site is live and ready to view! There are LOTS of photos (grab your popcorn and soda and enjoy the lengthy show). Scroll down and click on anything that prompts you to click. A gazillion thanks to my uber-talented niece, Lauren Drawdy, for the spectacular job she did on this site! I am so, so, SO excited about the results.

There’s another great photo gallery under PORTFOLIO called MORE EYE CANDY that has all horizontal botanical photos. Be sure to click on FREEBIES and enter your email address so you can download my newly-expanded Photography in the Garden magazine and also receive a monthly creativity newsletter, which I’ll be starting in December! I won’t share your email with anyone; you’re just sharing with me to get your freebies and hear from me on occasion.

If you need a website for a competitive price with someone who is a delight to work with, great with ideas and feedback, and has a whole lotta patience with creative people like her aunt, reach out to her! (I told her she’s mine for the time being, lol). You can click on her name at the bottom of the home screen to get in touch with her. (She’s going to work on a site for herself, with prompting from me!)

This one is for her husband Chris’ realty business in Texas: www.getrealtytx.com

And this site for a remodeling company she works with in San Antonio: www.lehrco-tx.com

New garden photography-only site coming soon!

Another exciting thing on the horizon (possibly as soon as this weekend!) is the launch of my new garden-photography-only website, designed and produced by my very talented niece, Lauren Drawdy!

This site will showcase a plethora of botanical images and I’ll have packages available for garden club speaking engagements, one-on-one in-the-garden sessions and other workshops available soon.

🌿 Introducing Cindy Dyer: Garden Muse Photography 🌺

🌷 FREEBIE Alert! 🎁
Visit my FREEBIE tab and share your email address to unlock a world of botanical wonders! Once you sign up, receive a complimentary copy of my 28-page Photography in the Garden magazine to download. Brimming with invaluable tips, behind-the-scenes insights, and breathtaking visuals, it’s your guide to mastering the art of botanical photography.

You’ll also receive a monthly dose of inspiration with my free e-newsletter, illustrating how you can capture stunning photographs in the garden—whether you’re wielding a DSLR or harnessing the amazing power of a smartphone camera. The newsletter will also contain tips and tricks, stories from the garden, and photographs galore! I’ll also share event updates—you’ll be the first to know about upcoming exhibits featuring me and my fellow artisans. I’ll also be announcing a series of workshops available in the studio and in the garden in 2024.

STAY TUNED: NEW WEBSITE LINK COMING SOON!

I can stop anytime I want to. Really, I can.

(Apparently, I cannot.)

Two dozen more patterns selected for the reversible headbands I’ve been crafting for the last few months—whenever I can tear myself away from computer design work, that is. I get such a creative kick combining colors and patterns with this project. It’s like playing with a paint set or crayon box!

I usually sew 2-4 of each pattern combination so that I’ll have several available. I really, really need to have a cut-off point, though! The good thing is I’m finally using these fabrics I’ve been collecting for years. The photos below just show my latest color/pattern selections—there are several steps to get them to headband stage! I just have to refrain from the “one for me, one to sell, one for me, one to sell” mantra. Take a look at the watercolor paint palette combo toward the end of the collection. Isn’t that the cutest? (Yes, I’ve got a “one for me” set aside.) I also love the donut pattern!

In addition to all my botanical-photo-related products, these reversible headbands will be available at our Holiday Pop-Up Shop on November 18-19 in my shared photo studio in Springfield, VA. Email me at cindydyerdesign@gmail.com for details. After that, stay tuned for my in-the-works online shop!

Some of the featured artisans at the Holiday Pop-Up Shop, Nov. 18 & 19

Holiday Pop-Up Shop: 11 artisans will be featured!

Holiday Pop-Up Shop Artisan Spotlight: Susan Boriso

SUSAN BORISO is my neighbor and she creates beautiful seasonal wreaths, which she will be selling at the pop-up shop. She will also be featuring crocheted hats and scarves in chenille yarn.

Meet Susan and join us at our first pop-up in my photo studio on Saturday or Sunday, Nov. 18 & 19, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm! The address is in the flyer below, but you can reach out to me for more details at cindydyerdesign@gmail.com.

NOTE: Susan will only be at the Saturday, Nov. 18 event, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Susan is one of 10 vendors (plus me!) who will be displaying their artistic creations at the pop-up. We hope you (and a few friends) can join us to usher in the holiday season. Refreshments and munchies will be served!

The studio is located on the 2nd floor and is not handicapped accessible, unfortunately.

Holiday Pop-Up Shop Artisan Spotlight: Nan Lopata

“I am primarily a jeweler but do a lot of fiber stuff, too. I create knitted items such as hats, scarves, shawls, sweaters with my own hand dyed and handspun yarn which I also offer for sale. I make jewelry, such as rings, necklaces and earrings, made with wire techniques in sterling.

My yarns are hand dyed and or handspun, suitable for knitting, crocheting, and other crafts. I fire up my dye pots in spring and fall—the best time to dye outside. I’m spinning yarn on a wheel, and I’ve been knitting and designing my own hats, shawls, and sweaters since I was a kid. I took my first jewelry class about 20 years ago, and when I retired from the military I made my passion my new career. I solder, set stones, etc., and I also knit, crochet and weave wire.”

Nan is one of 11 vendors who will be showcasing their work at our first-ever pop-up shop at my photography studio in Springfield. Come join us Saturday or Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, November 18 & 19! Refreshments and munchies will be served! Questions? Email cindydyerdesign@gmail.com for more information.

See more of Nan’s work on her Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/nanlopata/

Holiday Pop-Up Shop Artisan Spotlight: Susan B. Hillson, Jewelry Designer

SUSAN B. HILLSON is a Vienna-based jewelry designer with an eye for designing wearable art. Her line, SignatureDesigns, features semi-precious gemstones, metal, and mixed media. She will be spotlighting eyes, bracelets, and necklaces, just in time for holiday buying. Find her on Instagram: @signaturedesignsonline. Email: shillson7@gmail.com.

Meet Susan and join us at our first pop-up in my photo studio on Saturday or Sunday, Nov. 18 & 19, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm! The address is in the flyer below, but you can reach out to me for more details at cindydyerdesign@gmail.com.

Susan is one of 10 vendors (plus me!) who will be displaying their artistic creations at the pop-up. We hope you (and a few friends) can join us to usher in the holiday season. Refreshments and munchies will be served!

Honey bee on Bearded iris

A nice birthday surprise this past Friday…a honey bee on a very late-blooming Bearded iris in my front garden! Captured with my iPhone 12 Pro Max using the Camera+ 2 app in macro mode

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

ARTISAN SPOTLIGHT: Nancy Ferron, Blacklick Studio

Hello! My name is Nancy Ferron and I am from Central Ohio. I learned to sew, knit and crochet at an early age, and rotate between the three. Right now, I’m in the sewing phase, making quilts, decorative kitchen towels and potholders (for stocking stuffers and holiday gifts). I also make various lotions, soaps and cleansers. I started making soap to get away from all of the additives, but as seasoning soap takes several months (to make sure all of the lye has been processed), I have switched primarily to lotions and cleansers. Hope to see you at our Holiday Pop-Up Shop!

In the studio with Rabia

Fun in the studio Sunday with Rabia! For this shot, we were inspired by a b&w image of Winona Ryder, so Rabia donned a short and sassy dark wig and we added a smokey eye look. I so enjoyed this shoot today (as well as the insightful conversation!), Rabia. More photos to come!

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

 

Introducing our artisans at the Holiday Pop-Up Event

Hope my local friends and colleagues can join us on November 18 or 19! Details in the flyer below. Refreshments and munchies will be served. Mark your calendars!

Holiday Pop-Up Shop in November!

Howdy, neighbors! I’m hosting a holiday pop-up shop with artisans at my shared studio off of Fullerton Rd. in Springfield next month. I will be showcasing my botanical photography with prints, greeting cards, photo jewelry and gallery wrap canvases. I will also have boho jewelry, polymer clay pendants and sewn items. Details are below. Refreshments and munchies will be served. Mark your calendars and I hope you can join us and show your support for all our artisans and crafters.

In the studio with Chandler Rae

This photogenic little cutie is Chandler Rae, my great niece, daughter of my nephew Landen and wife Megan. Smart as a whip, uber funny, a very expressive face, and so fun to photograph!

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

 

Holiday Pop-Up Shop! Calling all crafty vendors!

Coming soon! We still have room for a few more crafty artisans, so sing out if you want to join us to sell your creations if you’re in the DMV area. The event will be held in my photo studio in Springfield, VA. Email me at cindydyerdesign@gmail.com for more information!

In the studio with Alex

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

In the studio with Alex

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

In the studio with Alex

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

All in the family: Landen, Chandler and Megan

All in the family—my nephew Landen, wife Megan and daughter Chandler Rae

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

 

In the studio with Madison

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

In the studio with Madison

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

First shot: A nod to one of my favorite illustrators, Alphonse Mucha—“dress” made from a pucker-y fabric sofa throw from IKEA of long ago and a crown headpiece I made with eucalyptus leaves on a thin metal headband. I added several layers of Mucha backgrounds in Photoshop and tinkered with that a bit.

Polymer clay pendants available at Green Spring Gardens!

Very special thanks to Lisa at Green Spring Gardens for being the very first wholesale customer for my polymer clay creations! She has a sampling of the finished pieces for sale at the gift shop (at the checkout counter) at the Horticultural Center at Green Spring Gardens now! (The larger photo below shows a sampling of the ones available). She’s selling them for just $26.99 each. Each pendant hangs from a vegan leather or vegan suede cord.

The park is located at 4603 Green Spring Rd. in Alexandria, VA. Green Spring Gardens is open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, and Sunday from 12-4:30 p.m.

This is my absolute favorite place to photograph flowers in the DC/Virginia area and I’ve had two solo botanical photography exhibits there (2012 and 2016). (It’s less than three miles from my home!) The first show resulted in me getting to work with the USPS and is the reason I now have 11 images published as FOREVER stamps—so this place is near and dear to my heart. There is always a huge variety of plants in bloom and I’m so grateful to the horticulturists and volunteers who are the amazing caretakers for this little paradise.

Ribbet!

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

Lotus in bloom

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

In the studio with Claudia

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

In the garden with Claudia

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.