Hi Everyone.
Happy Tuesday. I hope you are all keeping warm!
I have a quick post for you tonight showcasing a wafer die that recently arrived in my mail box. Sometimes I have absolutely no idea how new goodies arrive in my mailbox… :-) The truth is, when I saw this die released by SSS, I absolutely couldn't resist it. My regular blog readers will know that I love my avian friends and we do everything we can to protect them. Consequently, this die was perfect.
I checked along at the SSS blog and they are having an "inky background" challenge this week. Well, I was certainly up for that! However, I needed a sketch and found a great one across at freshlymade. Although I realized I was too late to enter the FMS challenge, I loved the sketch and it was perfect with this new die.
I began by die cutting the branches, the leaves and two of the birds. However, they just looked blah! There just wasn't enough dimension to them and the two little birds were just one dimensional Pumpkin Pie birds. Then, I decided to go ink up my background using three different shades of blue using my mini Tim Holtz blenders (love those things!) on a rectangle cut from my Lil Inkers stitched rectangles.
Once I had inked up my background, I got to work with the same blenders and some inks to complement the Pumpkin Pie. It took me AGES to get the birds right, but once I had finished with my blending tool and added some enamel accents for the eye – I was pleased. All that was left, was to give the LITTLE TINY leaves the same treatment – and finish off with a little shading on the branch. I then stamped the sentiment from my new SU Crazy About You set. (LOVE this set!)
Here's my card:
and here's the detail on the birds:
When I was finished – and it took me quite a while… well… a long time.. to complete this card… but I was absolutely thrilled with it. I loved the sponged inky background shading and I think the time spent shading the birds, leaves and branches was absolutely worth it.
On a personal note:
Just a couple of quick photos for you tonight. I absolutely love the look of the wetland in winter – especially in the early morning sunrise. The grasses out on the wetland take on a bronze hue and look beautiful against the snow
Our heated birdbath continues to attract many birds – including these guys, who just love sitting there to keep warm!
I'll be back tomorrow with another card using more new SU goodies. In the meantime, warm hugs and prayers for those of you who need a little lift tonight.
Hugs
Jaydee
Card recipe:
- Card stock: SSS 110# white
- Stamps: Crazy About You – Stampin' Up!
- Tools: Songbird Branch die (SSS). Stitched Rectangles Die (Lil Inkers). Inks: Tim Holtz. Tim Holtz Mini Ink Blender
- DSP: Old SU stash
6 Responses
Hi Jaydee!
This card is just beautiful. I too am a bird lover.
I’m curious about your bird bath. Is there water in it? Are they sitting in water? Or is it frozen but then it wouldn’t be warm? I’m intrigued. They look so happy.
Loved the blending on the birds. Perfection! Beautiful card. Your wetlands are beautiful in the winter. I know you enjoy the view.
Simply wonderful! That little bird looks darling! Thanks for joining along with the Simon Says Stamp Monday challenge!
This is so stunning, Jaydee! Love the beautifully sponged birds and delicate branch, and this CAS layout is perfect to showcase your creation. A heated birdbath? Who knew such a thing existed! I bet your feathered friends love it!
Jaydee, I love everything about this card! The shading on the little birds is lovely and as always, you have such a way with the crisp/clean design. Those little birds look pretty happy in their warm birdbath, too. 🙂
Beautiful card! The inky background is so soft and I love those birds. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog!