Thursday 24 October 2013

Chillin' Out!

Hi and welcome. We've had a little relief from the hot, dry conditions here,with some mizzly, welcome rain. In other areas of NSW bushfires are lessening  which is great news for all of those involved in the firefighting efforts.
As well as completing layouts for some challenges I've been experimenting with some ideas for a girl's group (10 -  12 yr olds) who meet in their lunch hour once a week for various activities. I've been asked to do a Christmas activity with them and apart for what I've already planned (will show you when completed), I would  like to also come up with a small, quickly-made gift they could make. If anyone has any ideas, could you share?
Today's layout is showing photos of a tawny frogmouth taken in early January, 2010. It was a particularly hot day with temps in the mid 30's (degrees C), and no breeze whatsoever. To get some relief from the heat, this tawny (and there were 2 others  in the tree)  sprawled out on a branch  (the tree is in my front garden), with its wings on either side. It just seemed to be balanced there. It mustn't have been too uncomfortable, because it remained in this position for at least half an hour. I was lucky to get photos of it as it was spreading its wings to get cooler. I love the look on the tawny's face... it reminds me of  'Animal' from the  Muppets.


The challenge at ARTastic this month is to use wood &/ or feathers. Pop on over to
 http://artasticchallengeblog.blogspot.com.au/   to see what the inspirational art work is, and what the fabulous Design Team have come up with.



I've had the paper in my stash for some time. The edges of the tree and owl paper were moistened before distressing and rolling.  I also used gesso over a stencil and while damp, sprayed it with green  and chocolate dylusions sprays...... what a surprise to find when the leaves dried that the ones sprayed with chocolate colour  had turned ... PINK!!! ... not the colour I wanted. Back went the stencil and a good layer of 3D Stamping Paint added. The wooden feathers were sprayed with chocolate coloured dylusions and wrapped with twine to resemble the tawny feathers. Thickers in the title were painted with liquid pearls.
Thank you for visiting and for leaving your positive comments.

8 comments:

  1. This is really wonderful Di. What a fantastic way to create feathers, and it is perfect with those awesome photos. A really fab and colourful LO, love the bright green bg paper too. Thank you for playing along with our challenge at ARTastic :)

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  2. What a vibrant and colourful layout! Beautiful! I love these birds, so cute! Thanks for joining us at ARTtastic this month!

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  3. So creative Di and that background paper is a hoot (pardon the pun :)) I've actually seen tawnies do this - must be their equivalent to dogs panting in hot weather.

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  4. Such interesting photos.....I've never seen them do that before. Love the distressed edges and the feathers wrapped in twine look great. A great take on this month's challenge.

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  5. Yes, such great photos Di, & a fabulously lush green page they are on. Thanks for playing along at ARTastic once again, with something terrific.

    For your girls group I can only think of Styrofoam balls covered in sequins that are pinned on one by one, with ribbon around that makes a little hanger for a tree. Cheers, D

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  6. I really dig your love for your tawny companions Di and you certainly have captured some awesome photos of them! These are super - they had obviously had a BIG night!
    Your layout has so many delightful details that all help to tell a gentle nature tale. My ideas for the girls group you already have :) Enjoy your Sunday and thank you for joining in and supporting ARTastic challenge. We certainly appreciate your ongoing support!

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  7. Lovely background and smart feathers, I really like your twine arrangement

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  8. Great page. As helene I love your twine. Thanks for joining in at ARTastic this month.

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