I was both surprised and thrilled when the Crafts-Too Challenge You team selected my card amongst their Top 3 again in November (having already been included in October - see my previous spotlight piece here). This time I've made some Christmas ornaments for my spotlight - I can't decide which pair of birdies I prefer!
My project was to meet the Challenge Theme of 'The Natural World ' with a twist of 'any winged creature'.
I've used the Sizzix Bigz 'Bird Scroll' die by Brenda Walton for the ornaments. The papers used are Velvet paper by SEI in 'Blaze' and 'Tomato' plus 'Ferro Gold' foil paper. (Each bird and scroll has a matching back and front - I glued the paper sheets to both sides of a sheet of grunge paper and then diecut). Also ran the Birds through embossing folders once they were diecut (Sizzix 'Holly Swirls' and 'Sheet Music'). For further nature related elements I addded sparkled snowflakes, Snow-Tex, branches and jingle bells to emulate the sound of birdsong!
Very many thanks to all at Crafts-Too Challenge You for featuring me in their spotlight today!
This is my last post prior to Christmas so I'd like to thank everyone for all your visits and wonderful compliments through the year. I wish you a joyous and peaceful Christmas and every happiness in 2014.
Nicola x
Congratulations on your double victory - so well-deserved! And what a gorgeous set of ornaments you've created here. I'm not entirely certain but I think, on balance, that the golden musical birds just swing it for me! Beautiful, delicate die-cutting and delicious sparkle - they really are lovely.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Alison xx
really beautiful, happy christmas hugs trace x
ReplyDeleteGorgeous sets of tree ornaments...I can't decide between the two as the both are so Beautiful.. Love the designs...the added bells & sparkle are fabulous....Merry Christmas Nicola to you & your family.... Hugs May x x x
ReplyDeleteWell done Nicola and well deserved. Both bird projects are adorable and I'm with Alison the gold birds just have the gilded edge for me. lol
ReplyDeleteHope you have a fantastic Christmas and thank you so much for my e-card it is the cutest, just keep playing it. We must catch up in 2014 but until then hope you get lots of crafting goodies for Christmas and 2014 is a good one for you.
Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x
Beautiful decorations Nicola. The wonderful birds and the added elements make them very festive and perfect for the Christmas tree. Thanks for all your wonderful inspiration this year and for joining us at Crafts-Too. Hope you are ready for the big day. Have a wonderful and magical Christmas.
ReplyDeleteFestive greetings.
hugs {brenda} x0x
These are gorgeous! Congratulations - so well deserved. Judy x
ReplyDeleteWell done again Nicola! Love both birdies but the gold ones sing out to me. Merry Christmas, Margie x
ReplyDeleteMany congratulations Nicola and well deserved, your work is always so beautiful. I love both and not sure I could choose between them, you have included such beautiful elements in both of them.......but I do love the golden birds....
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the very best for Christmas and the New Year, it has been a delight following you this year and I am looking forward to more wonderful creations in 2014. Hugs, Anne x
Congratulations on your spotlight! These ornaments are just lovely. I wouldn't be able to decide either and I'm glad that I don't have to :). Thank you for your lovely ecard. I hope you have a wonderful and magical Christmas and a fantastic New Year! From my family to yours xxxx
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Nicola,
ReplyDeletetruly deserved! :)
I too think both are absolutely gorgeous!
Have a merry X-mas and I wish you all the best in 2014!
Hugs,
Claudia x
Wow, wow, WOW...now these are just incredible! Love how you've turned a flourish into an exotic winter wonderful of nature elements and holiday beauty. All of these embellishments go together so perfectly and I can only imagine they'd look incredible adorning a tree or a package. Fantastic job Nicola!
ReplyDeletehugs and a very Merry Christmas to you...
Lisa x
These are gorgeous! A beautiful pair of ornaments indeed! Love the bling! Congrats and Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Nicola! I don't think I could decide either, because they are both stunning and very clever! What great and festive ornaments. I want to thank you for the lovely Christmas e-card and hope you have a wonderful Christmas! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI love them Nicola, they are beautiful, have a wonderful Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteKevin xx
Well done and very well deserved Nicola, big congrats!! I love your sweet bird ornaments so beautifully cut, embossed and embellished, perfection! I keep looking at both pairs trying to decide which I like best, a hard job, but unlike most folks it seems, I think in the end it is the red ones I prefer....
ReplyDeleteNicola I hope you and yours will have the most wonderful Christmas and thank you so much for the sweet e-card, I loved it!!!
Congrats Nicola! The darling birds look fabulous! Love all the texture! Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteNot a surprise you've been spotlighted again Nicola. Huge congrats and what a wonderful way to celebrate. Love these. Have a fabulous Christmas and a happy New Year. Jenny x
ReplyDeleteBoth sets are absolutely amazing and so delightful that I understand why you can't choose!!!!! Wishing you a Merry Christmas again, and many many good things for you my dear Nicola... Hugs, Coco xxx
ReplyDeleteNicola...your bird ornaments are fabulous! I love them....the gold and deep red, perfection! I am not at all surprised that your Christmas card was chosen by Crafts Too Challenge You. All of your work, particularly your vintage Christmas cards are amazing! Congrats on that well deserved honor! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends. Thank you for all of the much appreciated comments you leave on my blog. Happy New Year! Keep your inspiration coming in 2014! <3 Candy
ReplyDeleteThese are just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteMoira xx
Isn't it amazing what an impact a little change of color has? These ornaments are gorgeous in both color versions!
ReplyDeleteWell done Nicola, these are gorgeous! I hope you had a great Christmas, all the best for 2014! Chris xxx
ReplyDeleteWow, these turned out absolutely stunning! Such a clever idea and I jut love the result! I wish you a happy and creative 2014!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning makes Nicola x hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I am sending you Best Wishes for 2014. Thank you for your visits and encouraging comments, which are truly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to viewing your creations in 2014
Crafty hugs and best wishes
Annie x
Congratulations! I understand why you've been picked. I can't decide either - they're both stunning!
ReplyDeleteOk Nicola ... you are making it very difficult for me to get through your posts. I have to stop and pin everything and then examine all of the fabulous details of your makes. Seriously ... such wonderful projects!! Love these ornaments. I can see why you had a difficult time choosing a fave. They are both fantastic. The twigs with snow, the bells, the embossing and glitter ... all such gorgeous details. Can't wait to see the award winning posts. Congrats in advance. Sorry I was so slack during this time. I was in survival mode for a few months :) -- Mary Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ornaments.
ReplyDelete