Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Double D: First Signs of Spring




It's Double D challenge time again!  Thoughts are turning to spring, even if it has not yet arrived in many parts of the northern hemisphere.  We can dream.  I love the pretty pictures Diane has provided on the inspiration board.  Those little chicks are so sweet!  Here's the board and a prize for a random winner:


 


The Double D challenge team also votes on four creative winners.  

Since the theme of the challenge is "First Signs of Spring" my thoughts went immediately to an older Penny Black stamp that depicts the earliest rays of hope that winter will end and spring begin.  The sentiment is Hero Arts, and I added some sprinkles courtesy a Stampin' Up Itty Bitty Backgrounds stamp -- all oldies.




Coloring is with Tombow markers, part watercolor and part blender.  I finished with a simple fluted edge and the panel popped up.

Do visit our Double D challenge for more details and check out some fabulous team samples while you're there.  Take care and have a wonderful day!



Stamps:  Penny Black Pretty Perch, Hero Arts Spring (sentiment), Stampin' Up Itty Bitty Backgrounds (tiny blue sprinkles)  Paper:  Fabriano Artistico Extra White 140 lb hot press watercolor, green card base  Ink:  Ranger Archival Shadow Grey, SU Old Olive and Bashful Blue  Coloring:  Tombow markers with blender and water  Other:  Spellbinders Fluted Classic Rectangles, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

27 comments:

Loll said...

Sweet image, beautifully coloured Leslie. I love those sweet little snowdrops ... first signs that Spring is on it's way here. :) xx

Glenda said...

Absolutely stunning my friend. I love the image and as always your coloring is lovely!

Darlene said...

Beautiful! I just spotted a robin in the apple tree out front yesterday! Beautiful coloring and design!

Donna Phelan said...

That simple frame makes this card all the more beautiful, it lets the lovely image POP! Love your water coloring, how much depth you got on the flower pot--it is lovely! The bird is a sure sign of Spring! Lovely sentiment as well! 13 days til it arrives--at least on paper! ;) (oldies but definitely goodies!)

Barbara said...

This entire image really takes in the idea of a new beginnings. Snow on the ground, but a spring flower pushing through and that beautifully colored bird hoping for some sunshine. Great creation!

Yogi said...

Oh I love that image. Sweet card. If only it was true up in my neck of the woods... Have a great day

Diane said...

A beautiful Spring card with the bluebird showing up to start things off, I get real excited when I see my first one appear
! Your coloring and design are superb, and even a few beautiful paperwhites in the scene, nothing better then that!!

Margaret said...

I love the design and the watercoloring. So pretty. I think that Spring has finally arrived here (or maybe it's summer already by the temps). I am looking forward to springing forward on Sunday.

crafty-stamper said...

Absolutely beautiful Spring card and image love it and the sentiment.
Carol x

HilaryJane said...

Such lovely colouring and vibrant colours against the snow. You are clever xx

Nanny's Pansy Patch said...

What a gorgeous card! I love your little bird chirping away that Spring is on its way. I'm so excited - we saw a robin this morning which just made our day. Just rain is in the forecast - no snow!!!

Vicki said...

Beautiful sign of Spring! Love the sweet little blue bird surrounded by snow but with a crocus popping up. The water coloring looks amazing. That sentiment is delightful incentive for the upcoming season.

I Card Everyone said...

Those chicks are adorable, Leslie, but I'll take a Bluebird any day, or season of the year!
Beautiful card, beautifully colored - love the snow! But am SO happy ours is gone bye bye for a while!
=]

Lisa Elton said...

This is a lovely card, Lesley and your coloring is fantastic! Just the glimpse of spring I needed after this chilly rainy day!

Bonnie said...

Our birds are certainly showing signs of spring with their brighter feathers! Your sweet bluebird is so bright and pretty and looks ready for spring! Awesome coloring, my friend!

aussie aNNie said...

So cute and lovely card love how you have coloured this .... xx
[I ghave this gorgeous stamp too x]

Cat Craig said...

Gorgeous bold colors Leslie. As usual your coloring is spot on. Lovely card.

Anke said...

WOW WOW WOW absolutely stunning, I love your spring card.

Hugs
Anke

Marcia Hill said...

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL card Leslie and it definitely says SPRING!! Your little blue bird is so sweet and your coloring as always, spot on! Lovely, lovely card my friend and I am SO ready for Spring too!! Hugs. :0)

Christine Alexander said...

gorgeous image and so beautifully coloured ♥

Birgit said...

You've outdone yourself with the coloring of this darling spring image. It is absolutely beautiful Leslie! I'm still waiting for spring to arrive here on the east coast as well. Can't come soon enough in my opinion. Your card has given me a good dose of what's to come. Thanks for sharing your spring beauty!

Conniecrafter said...

So pretty, I love the glow you put around him, I think he is getting excited for spring too! Terrific coloring and great sentiment to go with this scene :)
My Iris are starting to come up and down the street the blooming trees have started to show their flowers, I am getting pretty excited for sure!

Pauline said...

Beautiful! I must agree that stamp you chose to use really does depict the 'first signs of spring'! Your colouring is gorgeous! We have had tons of Robins around since the 2nd week of Feb. Just love hearing their songs in the early morning hours, makes my heart happy! I can't wait until Spring bird migration! Thanks for sharing this beauty! Have a wonderful day Leslie.

Cindy Beach said...

Well, this pretty bluebird could be in my backyard, without the snow! But I love the way you've created this scene, it looks wonderful and so beautiful with your coloring. Please never stop using those bitty bg stamps and oldies to inspire us to use OURS! They never grow old.

Ida said...

So pretty. Love the bird and the snowdrop flowers...one of the first ones to bloom before spring arrives.

Judy Woodland said...

Sweet little blue bird perched on the clay pot in the snow. This image is so full of hope for new birth and the coming of spring. I love everything about it, and your coloring is first class. Fabulous design here, I am smiling.

Judy Woodland said...

Sweet little blue bird, perched on the clay pot half buried in the snow. He's calling for spring and the first signs of new life. Such an adorable image, so perfectly colored. I love everything about this, it just makes me happy.