Yes, we are going to talk Spring today. Talk, think, breathe, anticipate. This post will surely make you want it as much as I do... if you aren't already experiencing it. Here in MN we get little tastes of Spring and then winter comes back with a vengence.
First off I have to share this little idea that I found at the Martha Stewart website. Could this little project be any sweeter? I love this idea. Real egg shells in pretty pastel colors filled with candles for the Easter dinner table. Such a simple yet fun idea. I'll let you know if I make some-- and if you want the instructions, just click on Martha's name above and it'll take you directly to the page. So fun.
Okay, so I've been into working with clay lately. It's easy and sort of soothes my tense little brain. Here are 2 projects that I added some small clay creations to.
This paper mache egg was made using a premade egg that I picked up at Hobby Lobby. I cut a hole in the center front-- added paint, Melissa Frances polka dot paper (that I made into a ruffley ribbon) silver tinsel, and glitters. The little "Spring" sign inside the egg is made from one of Melissa's white resin appliques.
I added some shimmer to the painted dots, clay bird, and eggs with Shimmerz paints. These paints are just awesome. They put a finish on items that looks so professional. I even colored the flower on the top of the egg with a pink Shimmerz paint (it used to be ivory colored.)
This spring party bird sits atop a whole buch of Melissa Frances stuff. The papers, resin, rub on phrase, silk flowers, and the postcard on the front are all included in her collections. Those postcards are one of my favorite things.
Another Melissa Frances project that uses her new paper collection called Fresh Twist. I used one of her paper mache photo album boxes, velvet ribbon, and some glitters. The vintage bunny image was downloaded from The Vintage Moth... thank you Abbie for all of the free images that you share ! :-)
I have several other projects to share, but I need to photograph them. There seems to be lots going on right now and I'm kind of behind, because we were sick here. Then when we thought that we were better it came back and kept hanging on.... and on.
Since I feel like sharing something too, I will do a giveaway from this post. It will be a surprise!!!! So make a comment here to participate in a chance to win one of the above projects. You have to tell me which one is your favorite when you post your comment. Right now, I think that my favorite is the paper mache "Spring Egg"-- with the "Spring Party Bird" box coming in a close 2nd.
Be back very soon with the winner's name and some more new projects!
And just because I love this image.....
Lovely thoughts,
Linda
Oh, btw, Spring box is my favorite because that little blue bird is divine and so sweet!!
Posted by: Elaine | March 05, 2009 at 08:08 PM
I guess the first comment never posted...nothing like filling up the comments page to tell you that I tried to post, huh? Anway, I wanted to tell you I think these are way too sweet and just the perfect dose of spring...even in our wintery, cold, snowy Seattle weather...Thanks for sharing a dose of spring with us!
Posted by: Elaine | March 05, 2009 at 08:10 PM
Linda - As usual your work blows me away. My favorite Dose of Spring is the little blue spring party bird. Too cute. I also love that little white stand that you have the egg piece on with the white chippy paint. Thanks for making me smile! Lori
Posted by: Lori | March 05, 2009 at 08:12 PM
Gorgeous projects, Linda! The Spring Party Bird box is my favorite, because I love birds. I'm looking forward to all the new Melissa Frances products getting to stores. Thanks so much for the chance to win!
Posted by: Jessica Canham | March 05, 2009 at 08:19 PM
First of all, I love all things PINK.
Secondly, I love all things BIRDS.
Third, I love all things Melissa Francis.
So have you guessed? My pick would be the sweet paper mache egg covered in that polka dot paper with the sweet little bird sitting inside. I'm in LOVE!! Ms.Cheryl
Posted by: cheryl yelverton | March 05, 2009 at 08:38 PM
All the projects are gorgeous! If I had to choose a favorite I would pick the egg. So sweet!
Posted by: Debby Schuh | March 05, 2009 at 08:39 PM
I LOVE the Spring Party Bird box. It is so adorable! I love your blog!
Posted by: Chelsey | March 05, 2009 at 08:41 PM
I love your wonderful spring crafts...so adorable!!! You always have the prettiest things to show!
Posted by: debi @ life in my studio | March 05, 2009 at 10:24 PM
What a tough choice....I'm torn between the Egg and the Party Bird. I am so into birds this year it's not even funny, so I'm going to say that the Spring Party Bird is my favorite.
Your work is gorgeous!
Posted by: Jennifer | March 05, 2009 at 10:27 PM
All your projects are always darling. I agree with you - I think my fav is the spring egg, but the party bird box would be a close second! Thanks for the chance to win one of your precious creations.
Susan
Posted by: Susan Tidwell | March 05, 2009 at 11:18 PM
Depuis le temps que je suis ton blog, je n'ai jamais osé poster un commentaire car je ne parle pas anglais, mais je me lance aujourd'hui pour te dire que tout ce que tu fais est rempli de charme et de beauté, je suis toujours éblouie par tes réalisations.
A très bientôt, Lydia.
Posted by: Lydi'art | March 06, 2009 at 03:18 AM
Everything is just lovely Linda, I love the little blue party bird - his face is so sweet!
Posted by: Cathy K. | March 06, 2009 at 03:23 AM
Linda, you just stun me with your art. Those birds are the cutest thing I think I have ever seen!!
Posted by: Tammy Tutterow | March 06, 2009 at 04:20 AM
These are such beautiful projects! It makes me feel a bit warmer already!
Posted by: Jingle | March 06, 2009 at 04:29 AM
The spring party bird sitting a top of the box. So cute. I'm going to get some of the shimmer paints!!!
Posted by: Gale | March 06, 2009 at 04:47 AM
Your creations are so beautiful - you have inspired me to make lots of Easter creations!!!
Have a fab weekend!
Posted by: Anna Sigga | March 06, 2009 at 05:52 AM
You have nothing but amazing projects in and out! It's when I look at your altered projects like these that I realize what a master you are at your art. I can only admire and enjoy, thanks for the feasts of the eyes!!!
Posted by: Jing-Jing | March 06, 2009 at 06:24 AM
Funny, I tore that MS project out of her magazine years ago and I still have the eggs ready to make the project! I think I bought all of the supplies and never made the cute little candles. Maybe this year...
Posted by: Amy | March 06, 2009 at 06:32 AM
Oh how I love your creations - Would love them all - But If i were to win - would love the sweet bird on the box -- I await each post -to see your wonderful creations -
kathy - ga
countrychintz.blogspot.com
Posted by: kathy lowry | March 06, 2009 at 06:57 AM
I LOVE them ALl....but my favorite is that sweet little bird that sits in a box!!! It's the cutest thing!!!!!
Posted by: Char | March 06, 2009 at 08:22 AM
I love love love that birdie box...I wish you had an Etsy shop..I'd be your best customer!!
Posted by: Carol | March 06, 2009 at 08:25 AM
i love the spring party bird!!! beautiful! there's so much detail in each project. love the little photo corner on the edge! your work is amazing!
Posted by: ivy | March 06, 2009 at 08:38 AM
I usually fly thru posts using my Google Reader (LOVE IT!) but HAD to stop to comment on the kewl Easter egg candles ... AND your latest header - it's awesome! Thanx for the inspiration!
Posted by: SueB | March 06, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Ooooh it's a toss up! If I had to pick just ONE...how about the bird inside the egg. THey remind me of the sugar confection eggs with scenes inside we used to have as kids. :) What gorgeous projects, all of them.
Posted by: Dana G | March 06, 2009 at 09:35 AM
I love the spring joy egg you made - actually everything you make is gorgeous!
Posted by: Wendy | March 06, 2009 at 10:04 AM