Birds on a box, Birdsong 3, and an avalanche of cards

Rebecca called and invited me over to paint on President's Day.  I said, "Twist my arm" as I packed up a few things and grabbed pizzas (and son) for some creative fun.

I took a few things to work with, including a sectioned box that had once held some pretty glass dishes (above).

Several layers of paper later, I transformed the bottom of the box into this bird-themed shadowbox.

I did a decoupaged base layer over all the box surfaces, including the divider, which I glued down into the box.

Then I added some texture, like burlap in this square...

and over all of it, bits and pieces of ephemera like book pages, wall paper, and words from an elementary school dictionary.

This square contains an 1918 letter that I transferred onto contact paper for the background, and then rub ons, textured wall covering, and a bit of a bird on a branch.  I used some wonderful watercolor pencils to add color -- in this case, blue.

It was a fun way to while away some holiday afternoon hours.  You'd think I'd get tired of the bird theme, but not a chance!

In fact, I've just pre-registered for Karla Nathan's next event, Birdsong 3, on June 7 & 8, 2013!  Details will be forthcoming soon, so keep an eye on her blog.

Finally, I read on Kathy's blog about this adorable little post office in Vermont which is in danger of closing due to USPS cut backs; to increase mail volume, the owner is asking people to send her an art postcard.  You can read all about it here; the address for postcards is: Jane Davies, PO Box 45, Rupert, VT  05768.  I'm planning to send one and hopefully she'll get a volume-increasing avalanche of creative love!