Signs of Spring

Yesterday morning we woke up to blue skies and sunshine, such a bonus at the weekend. We had already appreciated how light the mornings and evenings are becoming...all signs that spring is on it's way. My daffodils are well ahead this year and were nodding sweetly in the rays of the sun. Such a pretty sight.

I also noted that my flowering current is in blossom.

And look at the buds on my magnolia

Last week Ignacio of Nicecrane sent his DT some of his new releases. I really loved these images, they are just perfect for spring themed projects and they are aptly named Blossoms and Birds. I decided that it was a perfect time for my inspiration from my garden to help me create a few projects for him as his DT guest designer.This lovely sheet is available here.

I first decided to make a card using the bluetit image on the bottom left. I made an inky backing card using some very spring coloured Distress Inks, one of them is named Mown Lawn, what a great name! I also added a few flicks of water to give some extra texture.

I wanted to made a scene like my branches I saw on my magnolia tree so I used my Marianne bough die which I inked to give some depth. I also wanted to make some blossom so I headed for a couple of punches I have had for years and punched out some little blossoms, I wanted these to have just a delicate wash of colour so mad woman that I am I decided to paint them.....I kid you not and here is a photo to prove to prove it.

 The backing card is some gorgeous new blue pearl card which fell into my online shopping basket the other day.

Here is my finished piece. I kept it quite simple as I think it shows off the image, blossom and backing card without other big distractions.

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges;

Frilly and Funkie Bloomin' marvellous
Ladybug crafts Ink flowers galore
Country View Crafts Painty Pleasures
Totally Papercrafts spring
Artistic Stamper use Distress
4 Crafty Chicks things with wings
Cupcake Inspiration Birds
Pile It on Thinking of you

And in case you have been missing the newest flower in my family... darling Daisy...she is 14 weeks old tomorrow and has started swimming lessons ;0)

Here she is 2 weeks ago wearing Nana's handknit...;0)

and my daughter sent me these photos during the week of Daisy when she first woke up, waving to Nana...bless ;0) She is losing her very dark hair she was born with and looks as though her hair is going to be a light brown.

Daisy is just such a happy soul, her photos make me smile every day and I do miss her lots.

and when my girlies came to stay the other week we had lunch in Caffe Nero and it seems my granddaughter has already taken an interest in cake...it must be in the genes.She was fascinated by it but at least at this age can't pinch any from her Nana. 

and good news...my girlies are driving up to meet me after my silversmithing class on Tuesday and then we have a whole day down there with them on Saturday, I can't wait.

Thanks for all you kind words and your entries to my jewellery giveaway, I have put a link in my sidebar for it and also you can find the post here if you would like to join the fun. It is open until 7 March to everyone.


Today is rather dull and damp but I have plenty to keep me busy as it's my darling son's 25th birthday tomorrow and we are hosting a little tea party here in the evening...so there is a cake to bake....must get going.

Back soon,

Bye for now,

Jane x