Free as a Bird for Paper Players #456

Hi everyone.  Happy Sunday.

It's the fabulous Laurie's turn to host our Paper Players challenge this week and she has a sketch for us:

 

I thought this sketch called for the use of some of my new DSP - Bird Ballad.  It's part of the Bird Ballad product suite.  I love the paper - and I love the stamp set.

 

I stamped the bird onto Neenah Solar White 80# and watercolored it with my zig real brush markers.  I chose colors that would complement the colors in the DSP.  Instead of a white base, I decided to go with an old textured card stock from SU.

 

Here's my card:

I love the polka dot background and I think this paper does pair nicely with the grey.  :-)  It really is hard for me to get away from white card bases!!!

 

I hope you will join us and play along this week.  As usual, the design team have some fabulous inspiration for you:

• Ann
• Claire
• Jaydee
• Joanne
• Laurie
• Anne Marie
• Su
• Wanda
• Windy

On a personal note:

I got to spend a little time in my craft room today.  It really is getting easier and easier to use my hand.  Still a way to go - but still so far from where it was a couple of weeks ago.  I exercise it constantly throughout the day to try straighten the finger.  The tendons are still holding on to the bent position, so I am constantly fighting against it.  But, with exercise - and patience - it should get back to normal!

I'll be back with another card for you tomorrow.  That will be my.... 4th day of posting in a row!  It's been a very long time since I have been able to do that.  :-)  In the meantime, warm hugs and prayers for those of you who need a little lift tonight.

Hugs

Jaydee

Card recipe:

• Stamps:  Free as a Bird - Stampin' Up!
• Paper:  Bird Ballad - Stampin' Up!
• Inks:  Inks on 3 - black.   Kuretake Real Brush watercolor markers
• Cardstock:  Neenah Solar White 80#.  Going Grey textured - Stapin' Up! (retired)

 

 

Comments

[Gail S.]

Beautiful card! What die did you use for the silver-looking leaves? I've had way too many surgeries on thumbs and fingers, so believe me when I say it will get better. It takes time and lots of exercising and working with them, but you should get full mobility back. Will keep sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

[Wanda Cullen]

Love the soft color tones you used! So glad to hear your hand is getting more functional! Have a great week!

[Sharon H]

Just lovely! What die did you use for the circle?
Thank you

[HJ]

Beautiful card today in the soft colors. Love all the elements you've combined to make this pretty card. I'm glad you are able to make cards and what progress to be able to make four in a row. All the hard work of exercising is paying off. Enjoy your day!

[Ann Schach]

Beautiful, Jaydee! This is definitely my favorite stamped set and paper from the Annual Catalog. I am so happy to hear that your hand is healing. It takes time...and patience for sure! Hugs!

[Joanne James]

Jaydee the soft colours of your bird and chosen papers compliment your grey background perfectly. So glad to hear your hand is continuing to improve - you will get there!

[jaydee]

Hi Gail, I used Neenah Solar White card stock and colored the leaves with one of my Altenew ink cubes. Then, I covered the leaves with my gel marker to add that shimmer and shine. I hope that helps and thanks for the reassurance from experience.... it does sometimes feel that I am fighting a very tight elastic band on the three affected fingers, so it's good to know that mobility came back for you. Thanks also for the good thoughts and prayers :-)
hugs
jaydee

[jaydee]

Sharon,
thanks. I used the Lil Inker Stitched circles. They aren't layering circles per se, but I am able to use two of them to help create the outer circle. if you have layering dies, it would probably be easier. https://www.lilinkerdesigns.com/stitched-mats-circles/
hugs
jaydee

[jaydee]

Hi HJ
thanks... so glad you like the colors, I love the softness of them, too. Yes, it honestly felt so good to be able to make multiple cards in one sitting :-)
hugs
jaydee

[jaydee]

Ann, mine, too. It was this set and paper that encouraged me to sign up as a demo again :-)
hugs
jaydee

[jaydee]

Thanks, Joanne. I don't generally use grey, but think it really does work so well with these colors.
Hugs
Jaydee

[jaydee]

Thanks, Wanda. Pink isn't normally my "thing", but I just fell in love with this DSP and who can say no to polka dots :-)
hugs
jaydee

[Claire Broadwater]

Jaydee, I am so happy you hear your hand is much better! That is great news! Your card is gorgeous! I love the pink polka dots and the sweet little bird! The grey background is perfect to compliment your DSP! Have a great weekend, My Friend! XX

[Windy Ellard]

Your bird is so sweetly colored. I am going to have to case it for a card. Really beautiful card!

[laurie]

How pretty! I just love those polka dots and sweet bird!!!