Birds in the Spring

They say once we see robins, that it’s the first sign of spring.  I have seen robins and a variety of others birds now that the snow has all melted.  It was fun creating a scene with a variety of Elizabeth Craft Designs die sets.  I have included sets from Joset Designs, Els van de Burgt Studio, and Susan’s Garden Club.  Here is how this card was created:

1.   The card base is a 6″ square, top-fold. Cut a piece of white cardstock to 5.5″ x 5.5″. Use the Susan’s Earth & Sky Stencil to sponge clouds and grass onto the white square. Score lines around the square to create a raised, finished edge.

2.  Use the Birdhouse set to die cut the birdhouse.  For the house and stand, cut the pieces three times; stack and glue the pieces together for added dimension. Die cut a fourth house, color it with Distress Oxide Ink. Draw white stripes on the house with a white opaque ink gel pen. Then glue the trim pieces onto the house.  Glue the house to the stand. Set aside the completed birdhouse.

3.  Use the Love Birds set to die cut the birds on the branches.  Color with markers. Glue on a single black Prill for a dimensional eye on each bird.

4.  Die cut three fence pieces using the CountryScapes Nantucket Arbor & Picket Fence set.  Use a white gel pen to draw a wood grain design on the fence pieces.  Adhere the fence across the bottom of the card as shown in the project photo.

5.  Use the CountryScapes Garden Edges Tulip set to die cut the tulip edge with green cardstock leaves and bright pink cardstock tulips. Assemble the Tulip Edge and glue in front of the fence.

6.  Attach the Birdhouse and Lovebirds. Tip: The Lovebirds die cut is delicate. Use Mini Glue Dots or apply a tiny bit of Beacon Kids Choice Glue with a toothpick or corsage pin to adhere this piece.

7.  Use Susan’s Garden Notes Dogwood set to create two dogwood branches.  Watch Susan’s Garden Notes Dogwood YouTube Video at this LINK for a how-to.  Adhere one complete branch and a section cut from the second branch to the upper left of the card front, angled as shown. (Save the leftover piece of the second branch for another project.)

8.  Use Susan’s Garden Notes Bugs & Butterflies set to die cut five of the smallest butterflies. Color, shape, arrange and adhere them around the birdhouse and dogwood branch.

This card can be used for many occasions: To cheer someone up, celebrate a birthday, or say ‘I’m thinking about you.’

SUPPLIES:

Elizabeth Craft Designs –

Joset Design Birdhouse

Lovebirds

CountryScapes Nantucket Arbor & Picket Fence

CountryScapes Garden Edge Tulip

Garden Notes Dogwood

Garden Notes Bugs & Butterflies

Earth & Sky Stencil

White Soft Finish Cardstock

Susan’s Tool Kit

Prills (for birds’ eyes and center of dogwood blossoms)

Beacon Kids Choice Glue (optional)

Other –

Cardstock in green and pink

White gel pen

Markers of choice

Ink pads in blue and green

Artist’s sponge

Mini Glue Dots