The Story of the Ladybirds

Early 2012, my sister-in-law Michelle, suggested I make cards, using my photographs. She felt the photographs were worthy of such an endeavour and that people would love to buy them. I couldn't get my head around selling the cards for my profit so to speak, so did nothing. A few months later it was my birthday, and my gift from Michelle was a kit to create 20 cards. My friends snapped them up. Soon after, my son was involved in a charity bike ride and had to raise $2500.  This gave me a purpose and I raised over $800 for him. I continued selling the cards and regularly donated money to the cancer fund. 

A colleague and now good friend, mentioned that if I could make cards with ladybird photographs, she would be able to sell heaps. There was a very sad cancer story attached to this reasoning. 

Collage of some of my cards sold.

So I went hunting for ladybirds, but the Australian ladybird is quite small and elusive. My attempts to photograph them, were poor to say the least.

I needed the skill of 'Linda's Lens' to capture a shot good enough for a card.

https://photomomlinda.blogspot.com.au/2016/03/first-day-of-spring.html

Not long afterwards, I was in our local hardware store and found the ladybird below. Given her size, I thought she would be would be perfect to use as a model. Often there is too much shine on her wings, but I have captured some lovely snapshots. 

Alas I had to sell all my cards that were already made, before creating the ladybird cards. The result is that, although the cards are sold, I've yet to find time to create more. Sometime soon I hope.

Ladybird and the bromeliad.

Joining us on a hike at the beach - ready for some dune jumping.

Delighting in the beauty of some rarely seen autumn leaves.

Accompanying us on a rainforest walk.

Unexpectedly having a horse ride.

About a year later, a smaller ladybird was found in a craft shop. Much easier to pack, she has enjoyed some overseas jaunts.

Canadian fir tree.

Swiss snow.

English soulmate.

Attending the Ladybird summit in the Lake District of England.

On our return home from overseas, my ladybird family grew. A lovely friend brought a tiny Murano ladybird, from Venice for me.

Being a little shy and fragile, she rarely leaves the house.

July 2016, saw me visiting my brother in North Queensland. The lovely Michelle [his wife] welcomed me with this cute, wooden ladybird for my collection.

He is very adventurous and hiked the the thick northern rainforest and lovely sandy beaches with us,

2 more ladybirds have arrived from wonderful friends. The tiniest, on the leaf, flying all the way from Terrace, Canada.

Having made such a long flight, he quite happily sits on my hat, when we are out and about.

Slightly larger than his Venitian friend, this ladybird only likes the bromeliads.

On special occasions, this little fellow likes to ride along on my earrings, another lovely gift from a friend.

When I first photographed the ladybird, I added captions to the photographs and included them in my blog. I happened upon these recently and decided to include them again.

So that is the story of the Ladybirds and why they keep appearing in my blog and on occasion, tricking people into thinking they are real.

Recently, I have had one or two more successful photographic attempts.

Kneeling down to take a lake view, I discovered this tiny one in Banff National Park, Canada.

 

Locally

Alpurjurra, Spain.

This was a heart breaking find amidst the lava of Mt Etna.

Some of you may have noticed that the Ladybirds have a new friend when they go exploring.

I wonder if you can guess what is special about this gorgeous ladybird?

So that's the story of my ladybirds. Keep your eyes open to spot them in your garden.

I would love to read your comment.