Hi everybody!
I'm happy to say we had nice weather all day today, which was a really good feeling. It's good to go out without being wrapped up in coat, scarf and cap, and to feel the sun. Hope the sun has been smiling on you, too!
I made this altered matchbox holder recently. I made the covers for the 4 matchboxes from coasters, which I embossed with a TH texture folder, and then painted with various colours. I started with some crackle paint in weathered wood, but it didn't look crackly enough. I put a coat of blue metallic paint on top of it, and then the crackles showed up better. Then I stenciled the diamonds and numbers with structure paste, which I embossed with Frantage EP after it had dried. The image has been cut from a gecko Galz image sheet, crackled and distressed. The matchboxes were painted with the same combination before I sandwiched them between the coasters. I added screw brads as knobs, and some flat wooden beads underneath as feet. I was pleased with the distressed and crackled look, and the little drawers will be filled with paper clips or brads etc.
I am linking to Craftroom challenge, recycle - the coasters and boxes have been recycled, and to Simon Monday challenge - M for matchbox.
This morning I visited 'my' geese and ducks at their feudal home.
The goose in the background has her three little goslings nestling next to her:
As I went past, she unfolded her wing to cover them:
The ducks were resting everywhere in pairs:
This cheeky little bird is dancing on the lion's nose:
And this little wren obligingly stood still to have its photo taken:
All in all, a lovely walk.
Have a great day, take care, and thanks a lot for coming by!
I love that gorgeous matchbox creation, so pretty! And it really looks ancient. The photos are really exceptional today, too, great work! Have a good start in the week, Hugs, Sarah
ReplyDeleteWow this is some matchbox awesomeness, Valerie! Love all the texture and so many elements on such a tiny space and then the crackle is so cool! Lovely grouping of birds all looking so happy. Enjoy your sunshine!
ReplyDeleteWow Valerie, that is one amazing box!! The texture and crackle look awesome, really stunning with that bright and beautiful butterfly!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous bird photos too, love those ducks!!
Gorgeous box, love the textures and beautiful colours.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos, especially the one with the protective mama.
Yvonne xx
Fabulous box Valerie. You always show great team x tired and colours on most of your creations. I have some Frantage, but have no idea what to do with it. Aren't those ducks just gorgeous, so colourful. Hugs Rita xxx
ReplyDeleteSorry Valerie, that should read textures and colours. Xxxx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful matchbox drawers Valerie and lovely to see all the local birdies! Xx
ReplyDeleteWow another fantastic matchbox! So love those colours. You have inspired me to have a go and copy the idea. Love the birds, I have a nature reserve near me must go and take some photos,
ReplyDeleteBeyond Stunning!!! Thanks so much for joining us at the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog! - Ashli :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome creation. Lots and Lots of wonderful texture. And your photos have me smile.
ReplyDeleteHugs~
Your matchbox is such fun and love all the 'spring things' on your walk today. Spring ... the world really does come alive, does it not! Enjoy. Happy the weather was beautiful for you today. Hugs, Donna
ReplyDeleteWonderful matchboxes. So beautifully decorated. Never seen as gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteDucks are so peaceful and cute and grass fresh looking. Thanks for sharing.
Great Day, Valerie,
hugs, sirkkis
WOW,ist dieser zauberhafte Matchboxkasten für mich?G*ich finde ihn sooooo wunderwunderschööön,und bin ganz hin und weg,grandiose arbeit.
ReplyDeletedie bilder der Natur sind auch wieder traumhaft,ich genieße sie auch gerade in vollen Zügen,und wenn ich ein paar kilo runter habe,dann zeige ich auch mal Bilder in der Natur mit mir in schönen kleidern,ich liiibe kleider,und habe mir gerade ein paar zugelegt,Bildschööön,sag ich dir.
hab noch einen schönen tag :-)
Knuddel Jeannette
Oh that is the smartest altered matchbox holder ever with its flowers, the lovely crackled blue and the thread-ribbon and all the other pretty arty embellishments.
ReplyDeleteWrens here are usually very shy, we hardly ever see them although they are about, this one is obviously an extrovert wren and wanted his photo to be shown to the world.
Yes, the wren surprised me, I stood still watching it for good 5 minutes.
DeleteValerie, you are the Queen of Texture! Love the match box. Adorable photos today! I liked the way the mother goose shielded her young, and the little bird on the lion's nose!
ReplyDeleteHi Valerie, Love your altered matchbox. You have such an eye for the details and so very talented with your camera too. How very sweet the little wren stood so still for your photo. Precious!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day.
Hugs
I see a lot of people commented on Sunday and today is Monday and I JUST got your post today! The picture of the mother duck covering her babies is adorable - I hate to tell her but I can still see their little fannies. Love the picture of the bird on the Lion - the lion looks like he is trying to look at his nose to see what is there. That is the sweetest little wren - so sweet! I love your pictures, not only are they fabulous but they give me a closer glimpse into your life.
ReplyDeleteYou little storage chest is amazing - The crackle looks perfect - so many times I cannot get the crackle strong enough. You have so many great ideas and the vision and talent to carry them through.
Okay - it's time to vote for the best picture of the day "Curious Lion"!
I hope you have a lovely week Valerie -
Sandy xx
Thanks Sandy! Had to laugh about still seeing their fannies! I don't know why Blogger takes so long to send the mails, sorry!
DeleteWunderschön Valerie ... wow!
ReplyDeletesagenhafte Arbeit und himmlsiche Fotos!
xoxoxo
Susi
Fabulous box so many textures and interesting elements. Thank you for sharing with us at Craft-Room Challenge
ReplyDeleteGorgeous box so beautiful texture and images.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with us at Craft-Room Challenge
Stunning matchbox with so much detail. I love the effect of the crackle too. Beautiful pictures it looked as if all nature was standing still for you. ~Diane
ReplyDeleteBeautiful texture achieved on the matchbox and such lovely colours.
ReplyDeleteThat wren looks rather lonely and very sweet.
Wishes
Lynne
Die Streichholzschachtel ist hitverdächtig, tolle Texture. Und dann wieder so schöne Fotos. Ich sollte meine Kamera auch mal wieder häufiger nutzen.
ReplyDeletegosh this is just delicious!! thanks for sharing with us at Craft Room Challenge, Debi x
ReplyDeleteThis is so pretty! I love all the different textures and the bright blues. Thanks for joining us at the Craft Room!
ReplyDeleteThis is stunning - love the texture, colours and all the details ! And what a great idea for storage, Thanks for sharing with us at Craft-Room...Esther xx
ReplyDelete