Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Second Helpings - Peace on Earth #32

I made Second Helpings for a challenge - there was another little birdy who told me he'd love to play along with Peace on Earth's Christmas challenge #32...


This guy comes from Altenew circa 2016 ... but I have to thank my friend Bonnie for inspiring my design today!  The branches were stamped and white heat-embossed onto vellum, then [after I added a soft blend of blue] the panel was flipped over before adding my layer-stamped, die cut Cardinal and branch.  A bit different than stamping onto the front, but it seems to work - what do you think, Bonnie?

This wonderful sentiment is one from Pinkfresh Studio - you'll be hearing more about it very soon.  Its message is something to remember, isn't it?  Especially on these dark and gloomy days of Winter!  Like this photo for instance... caught by my husband when there was the smallest break in the clouds at 10 pm last night!

My little red friend might have perched right there!

=] Michele

Altenew Winter Cardinal stamps and dies bundle - 2016 and it's still available!
CP Serenade ink
Pinkfresh Studio Detailed Leaf stamps and dies
Nikon Coolpix P900 - and a steady hand!

19 comments:

Cat Craig said...

Great pic yay hubs! Love your winter bird, that stamping and blending on vellum gives such a fab look.

Leslie Miller said...

Absolutely fabulous with a beautiful wintry look! Of course, the bird is the star, but the double stamped vellum makes such an interesting background for him. The technique is on my things-to-try list. Amazing moon pic!

Bonnie said...

Ooh, I love the misty look of the vellum and that glorious bird on the snowy branch! A fantastic and true sentiment perfect for any day. I'm glad I could inspire you. You are always inspiring me!

HilaryJane said...

That soft blue and white embossing on vellum, really adds to the wintry scene and of course, that lovely red from the cardinal is brilliant. Yes, I agree with the sentiment and that we need reminding regularly xx

lostinpaper said...

Love you 'antique' bird, I remember this from 2016 and I love how you have added the silhouetted the branches in the background... soooo very clever and one to add to my repitoire!
Ps Tom is a star (not a moon) what a fabulous photo!

Karren said...

This vellum background looks amazing and is the perfect backdrop for that gorgeous bird!

Bobby said...

I haven't used that stamp in a while but he did come to mind when I saw the challenge. The backside vellum stamping looks really cool, Michele, pun intended. I mean they are snow covered. ;)

Karen said...

Beautiful card! You executed that vellum technique wonderfully! The photo is fantastic, too!

Anonymous said...

This is just a great card and love that your friend Bonnie inspired you to create your vellum panel.

Lisa Elton said...

Oh, this is incredible! I have yet to try this technique, but I think you've mastered it! Speaking of masters... great shot Tom! I have to remember to show this to Shawn!

Brenda said...

Wow Michele, your second helping is just stunning! One of my favorite birds looks amazing. I love the background white branches on the vellum, so soft, so hazy like a foggy snowy day. Just gorgeous! I also love the sentiment because it is so true. I LOVE hubby's photo of the moon! Yep, that is how my moon is looking tonight. I was looking at it after I got home from Bret's house tonight. Hubby timed it just right to get this photo after the clouds parted. Love it! Hugs, Brenda

Jeanne said...

You and your husband are both simply amazing with your crafts. This card is stellar and I'm always in awe of what your creative brain thinks up. I adore Tom's photography. My dad was an astronomer and before macular degeneration messed up his vision a fantastic photographer. Tom's pictures make me think of my dad and all the memories I have of him sharing constellations and his knowledge with me/us when I was growing up. So thank you both for touching my heart. Hugs!

Linda Callahan said...

The vellum stamping is fabulous and so is the photo!

Marcia Hill said...

Fun technique with the vellum, isn't it?! Your snow covered branches and the soft blue blended background on the backside of the vellum make a perfect resting spot for your lovely birdie (you aced his coloring!!!!!), and this whole card just couldn't be more perfect...LOVE it!! Hugs. :0)

Birgit said...

What a stunning winter card of one of my favorite feathered friends. We have several cardinals visiting our feeders throughout the day, but they're always busiest at dusk. The photo your hubby snapped is amazing, as is your beautiful card!

Vikki H said...

One of my favorites of 2023 😊 I learn so much from your projects especially adding items to my wishlist.

Stephanie Lanzalotto said...

You and your birds... now every time I see a beauty, I think of you. We do have a massive bird problem though - turkey buzzards. I worry every day when Jon goes out to work that he will get swooped up before he gets in his car.... But I digress. I love this birdie, his beautiful places to perch, and maybe, just maybe he is visiting from the beyond.

TK said...

Perfect! While not embossing/stamping on both sides, I believe this technique works well for a terrific card. Your cardinal is quite stately, and his presence is bold. Also a great shot of the moon by Tom!

Papercraft Boutique said...

Oh I LOve this card, Michele! The background effect is wonderful and serves its purpose perfectly. The main guy, the red cardinal, looks so handsome and dignified, perching on a snowy branch!
Tom took a great shot! The moon is so thin and beautiful.
Hideko xx