Good afternoon, everyone!
What a beautiful day it is here in my little corner of the world--spring is definitely here, I think!
Some sweet-smelling blossoms from my plum tree...
The view from my back patio...
Ahhhh, SPRING! Such a breath of fresh air today....I felt inspired to make something springy & fresh! Somehow fairies just came to my mind and I couldn't think of anything else, so....today we have fairies!
This sweet fairy image with her bird friend comes from Crafty Secrets' "Little Dolls" Images & Journal Notes booklet. I've been wanting to use this one for a long time...today was the day! The delicious background paper is another from my new DCWV "Ciao Bella" stack--yummy! The large apple blossoms were cut from a sheet in the DCWV "Vintage Collage" stack--love these!
Yellow Stickles on the blossom centers, Dazzling Diamonds on flowers & wings, crystal rhinestones on her sweet fairy crown...surround it all with Martha Stewart's "White Gold" fine glitter, and that's just about it!
Here's another I did this morning...
Isn't she cute? She looks a bit perplexed, though, as to how she came to be placed on cupcake wrappers in the center of a card...oh, well, little fairy--don't worry your sweet head about it!
The fairy and all her wings and butterflies is also from the "Little Dolls" Images & Journal Notes booklet from Crafty Secrets. So much to play with in these! The music background paper is from Crafty Secrets' "Radiant" paper pack.
Some creamy crocheted lace, ribbon I "dyed" with Glimmer Mist (love the stuff!), and my favorite brown & cream gingham...more White Gold glitter, some fabulous ribbon flowers I bought at CHA last month...
A few weeks ago on someone's wonderfully creative blog (sorry I don't remember who's!), I saw the fabulous idea of using cupcake wrappers for rosettes. How brilliant is that! I decided to cut them different sizes and layer them...then of course had to distress them with "Vintage Photo" ink and then add some glitter! Oh, yes...and I completely covered them with "Iridescent Gold" Glimmer Mist--they really shimmer!
Again, Dazzling Diamonds on everything that should sparkle, more crystal rhinestones, and we're all done!
Late last week, I received the most delightful package from one of the sweetest blog friends there could ever be...Elizabeth of Creative Breathing. Elizabeth amazes me...there really is no end to the things she can and does do! Her stories of her life wrap you in a spell you can't get out of until the very last word...she creates the most adorable things out of felt--garlands, penny rugs, wall hangings--I could go on!
And paper creations--oh, my! Her cards, tags & swaps will make you swoon!!! Here's what I received in the mail...(she wanted to do a swap for a couple of my kitchen cards...I was the obvious winner in this deal, let me tell you!)...
Can you believe how adorable these are??? She puts so much into each and every one...
...so much attention to detail...so much of her heart put into everything she does...
...I love them all! Thank-you so much, Elizabeth! I'm so looking forward to seeing every new project you make! If you haven't met Elizabeth yet, hurry over to meet her...you'll fall in love with her beautiful world just like I did!
That's it for today...I hope you sense at least a glimmer of spring around you today! If not, go make something with a fairy on it...you'll feel better...I promise!
So much beauty in every one of these photos!
ReplyDeleteLet's start with the view...UNBELIEVABLE! As one who lives in the slightly 'hilly' midwest, I am jealous! We had a batch of snow last night to on top of the lovely view : ) from my back patio haha
As for these creations...stunning as always. Love the cupcake papers! I had mine out a few days ago, but just couldn't come up with the right combo to make them work.
I have yet to get the Ciao Bella papers...I do have Songbird and the At Home collections...when I saw Ciao Bella though, I immediately KNEW you would be all over it! It reminds me a lot of the Artsy Urban collection from GCD.
Glad you are enjoying an early spring....PLEASE send some east!
Oooh I love your sunny spring photos Julie, they look so cheery. We are still getting a little snow every couple of days, so it is so warming to look at some bright pictures! Fairies are great anytime :-) Your cards as as gorgeous as ever x
ReplyDeleteI love that work of Elizabeth's too isn't she the most talented women! I try and make things like she would but I'm not there yet.
ReplyDeleteYou are right up there with her no doubt about that !!
I loved your photo of how CA looks right about now. Wow I love it but I know in June it's turned to brown while here in Alaska it's brown now but will be green all summer, the opposite of what I had. Nan
Love the fairy cards. So cute. The view from your patio is unreal. So very beautiful, breathtaking, actually. Yes indeed, Elizabeth is one of a kind. Truly a talented and special person, just like yourself ;)
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week.
Maureen
Love your catds and what a view you have. You are really giving me the urge to travel towards Spring. We are going to Victoria BC for the month of March and I see blossoms on their trees; we are still in the snow!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.
Rita
Hi Julie,
ReplyDeleteYour view is breathtaking! Your art is beautiful and your treasures from you friend are so sweet. Beautiful post.
Debby
Love your springy blog entry! I just moved 4 inches of fresh snow out of the driveway! Beautiful cards!
ReplyDeleteOMG, THAT'S your back view?! Amazing! And I love, love, LOVE the drawings of the robins! Soooo "springy!" Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a view! And your cards are the perfect Springtime creation. ~ Angela
ReplyDeletethe cards are fantastic! what a great idea to use cupcake wrappers! i will go on over to creative breathing right now.
ReplyDeleteblessings,
aimee
The view from your balcony is breathtaking! I could definitely live in a place like that. All I see is rooftops and concrete. Yuck! And today, can't see anything as we have a dust storm -- fine dust that just hangs in the air. Double yuck! Your images are gorgeous and your creations always incredible. As for Elizabeth, there are no words to explain the creativity, love and attention to detail that she puts into everything she does. You are so lucky to receive some of her fantastic paper crafts. Have a blessed day. Tammy
ReplyDeleteJulie, your fairy cards are absolutely stunning!!! Perfect in every way - such an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteOMGosh! I can't believe that view!! That would be something to wake up to every day!
ReplyDeleteI love your collages...very pretty. And I love the cupcake paper rosettes...too cute!
Love the pretty tags! What a great swap gift!
Julie, You live where the California Cows live! I just can't imagine such beauty outside my own window. Truly you are blessed. Thank you for your sweet post today. I am always so embarrassed when someone posts something I have made. Your post today and words from the other day have given me peace of mind. My crafts turn out cute no matter my beginning intentions; so that is just how I must continue. The peace comes from knowing that I can enjoy the graceful elegence of your work, and enjoy the other side of myself through your beautiful art. Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteOh Julie, I wish that we were experiencing some springtime treats here! It's so cold and yukky out!! I just think that view from your patio is absolutely gorgeous! You are so lucky!! And I just love the fairies on your newest cards. I don't know how you keep coming up with these new ideas all the time. You amaze me! Oh, I love Elizabeth's stuff as well, her penny rugs, garlands, cards, etc. She's a treasure and how lucky you are to have been able to swap some of your goodies with each other. I am sure she is as pleased with what you sent her as you are with what she sent you! How very wonderful!! Love and hugs coming your way from across the sea from me to thee!! xxoo
ReplyDeleteOh Julie spring time,how lovely your photo's are. WOW!!! We have so much snow here today..LOL I love all your dazzling art work, so pretty. I loved visiting your and seeing all your awesome art work.
ReplyDeleteI will enjoy following your blog and seeing all your stunning new art work.
Thank you for sharing, such a pleasure to visit. Hugs,Laura. xoxx
Julie, what a wonderful package you received from Elizabeth. She always amazes me. She is one of the most creative people I have ever 'met'. I love the cupcake liner idea! Your view is quite spectacular! I think I'd stand there and look at that all day! Have a wonderful day! Twyla
ReplyDeleteI think we have a while to wait for spring in my corner of the world (more snow forecast this week!) so I'll enjoy your view for the time being - thanks! Fab fairy cards, love your cupcake wrapper rosette and all your glimmer and sparkle. Great swaps too, enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHi Julie,
ReplyDeleteThank for visit my blog...and commments..your blog are beautiful...I love it...special the crafty secrets..they are so cute...now I am a follower too.
Hugs,Willy
Netherlands
I am in love with your back yard!!!I have brown,brown and more brown.And your cards....come on...can they be any cuter...I think not...that cupcake wrapper idea is brilliant!!!Have a wonderful day!!Cat
ReplyDeleteOh those beautiful GREEN California hills I remember so well!!!! I saw them in April & then when I took hubby back in June... they were BROWN! I LOVE THEM GREEN! Thank you for bringing back those happy memories (I NEED THEM THESE DAYS since my world is so glum with the loss of sweet Reba). Also, I love the fairies. I need to do some of those! Wanted to let you know I am posting about ALICE today. Hope you get some good visits. I have her on my fridge & think of you everytime I pass her. THANK YOU AGAIN SWEET FRIEND!!! Hugs! Charlene
ReplyDeleteOH.........I want to be on your back porch right NOW!!!! I can just smell the fresh springy air!!! GREEN!!!! NOT WHITE!!! LIKE it is here! Can I be you?
ReplyDeleteHi Julie,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for coming over and entering my giveaway. I am just blown away by everyone's heartfelt responses!
Its a wonderful thing to be able to share our passions and our sorrows with so many like minded women. I feel like I have friends all over the world and I am happy to count you among them.
The cards you made are just adorable. In fact your whole blog is too!!! I look forward to my next visit. Have a wonderful week!!
xoxo,
Karen
My Desert Cottage
What a beautiful view!! Enjoying all the sparkle and glimmer : ) Love those cupcake rosettes! TFS
ReplyDeleteYou have lovely white blossoms and I, on the other hand, have lovely white snowflakes coming down and making my snow piles even higher! I love your beautiful art cards!!! What great creativity...just WONDERFUL!
ReplyDeleteIsn't this the most gorgeous time of the year in California? All the green and the wildflowers. We have the Blossom Trail for touring all the blooming orchards.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are so sweet and charming. Those must be so delightful to put all together.
Uugh! Julie, how could you do this to me??? I thought we were friends!!! Just kidding! I am VERY jealous however, LOL!! I yurn for the apple blossoms to pop open on my 100+ year old crab apple tree ... always such a welcome site!! (I will share that photo when the time comes ... unfortunately NOT today)! Your creations are amazing as always and I see you friend has the same touch of detail as you do. I will pop on over, check out her work and leave her a little love! Another amazing posting ... thanks so much!!
ReplyDeleteYour backyard view always amazes me! I can't believe you live in such a beautiful place and can wake up to that view every morning. I would never want to leave! Lovely cards, as always. so full of beautiful, intricate detail! And yes, you did get some wonderful gifts from your online friend. They are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHello, there! Thank you for visiting our blog and becoming a follower. :) We are new to blogging, so it makes us extra giddy when we get a new follower!! And WOW, what an amazing view you have!! And Those blossoms are so pretty. It isn't looking like Spring at all around our way. In fact we are expecting a big snow storm tomorrow and Friday with a chance of up to 15 inches of snow with 50 mph winds!! Ahhh!! But we wouldn't appreciate Spring as much if it wasn't for Winter. ;)
ReplyDeleteP.S. So happy to have found your blog. You have wonderful creations!! We are definately going to follow also.
Beautiful view from your home patio and beautiful cards...so cute and detailed...have to study them for a while to soak it all in. Come say hi sometime.
ReplyDeleteLucky you! Both spring and a wonderful sweet gift!
ReplyDeleteYour cards are so beautiful!!!!!!
Hugs Hanne
oh my gosh, Those cupcake flowers are just the sweetest, who would have ever thought of that one! and what a great stash of valentines. Your blog always leaves me with a smile on my face!
ReplyDelete