Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Double D Challenge -- Birds




Hi friends!  Double D Challenge time is here again, and Double D Darlene is asking for birds.  Well, I think I have a bird or two in my toy box.  Have a look at all the color in the inspiration board:



And a prize for a random winner.  Creative favorites, as always, are voted on by the team.



One of my favorite things about challenges is that they oftentimes remind me of something fabulous I have in my stash.  Today it's the Marianne Collectables Toucan.  He's a fun guy that I've only used once and I was pretty happy for the nudge to bring him out to play again.  There's just something about him...



I cut all his parts from colored cardstock and did a little sponging around the edges of each piece, except I didn't sponge the feet and you can see the difference.  Next time I'll remember to sponge.

His tropical habitat is made up of non-tropical dies on a background of designer paper.  I added the sun circle to highlight him.  Or maybe it's a moon?  A make-believe world can be anything you imagine.




Try as I might, I couldn't get happy with any kind of sentiment placement on the front, but inside it says "Just another day in Paradise".

Hop over to the Double D blog and see some beautiful bird cards, then show us yours.  I hope you enjoy our challenge.  Have a happy day!

Dies:  Marianne Collectables Toucan, Poppystamps Sylvan Frame and Sylvan Sprig, Spellbinders Standard Circles Large

23 comments:

Sue from Oregon said...

Dang Leslie, I am so glad you got this one out again. It is a super die cut and your jungle themed scene is super! I love all the bright colors and the complete design! 💕Sue Kment

Lia said...

What a great tropical scene with the toucan and foliage. Super background too!
Lia xx

Birgit said...

I could easily go for a day in paradise, and your card almost brings me there. This is darling Leslie! I have many Marianne Designs dies but I do not have this dapper fellow. I love how you've framed him with the sun (or moon), whichever the case may be, and the leafy frame. He's delightful in every way!!

Yogi said...

Love the card. That Toucan is beautiful. So nice and vibrant. Have a great day

Darlene said...

WOW! He is GORGEOUS! And, I love the scene you've created around him! GREAT job my friend ... awesome take on the mood board!

Marcia Hill said...

Your sweet toucan is just as bright and FUN as can be Leslie! I'm loving all the bright colors...even his non sponged feet!! Your background with the dsp, die cut leaves and the sun (or moon) highlighting him are the perfect touches to this wonderful card! I love the sentiment you used for the inside too! Delightful card my friend!! Hugs. :0)

HilaryJane said...

You have excelled with this what. What a wonderful tropical card and that toucan is amazing. Thanks for the tip about sponging the edges, very effective. The patterned paper makes a great background too xx

Ida said...

This one makes me smile. Gotta love a Toucan!

Lisa Elton said...

I do like all of the fabulousness you've perched this fancy fella among! Kind of makes me want a bowl of those childhood fruit loops lol! Marvelous card, Leslie!

Nanny's Pansy Patch said...

Well, talk about a happy bird showing off his colors! He looks so content sitting on his branch. I remember seeing so many of them when we went to Disney in Florida many years ago. Their colors are just amazing.

I Card Everyone said...

OH, he IS so much fun, Leslie!! I thought the Boobie was the only blue-footed bird - there I am, wrong again! I have no trouble imagining it warm, sunny, and with lots of bird calls where he is! Wish we could join him!
=]

Vicki said...

How fun is this Toucan....so bright and colorful. I love how you put him in the spotlight of the sun/moon. That is an awesome die cut. A perfect day in paradise for sure.

Bonnie said...

You have created a beautiful scene for your awesome toucan, Leslie! I love how the decorative paper adds depth! I can almost hear the bird calls!

Conniecrafter said...

you did an awesome job on him, yes the shading does give it a great look but honestly I didn't notice the feet until you said something. I love your choice of the paper for the background too! Terrific scene!
I have had a few cards lately were I wasn't sure were to put a sentiment so I just left it off.

Diane said...

He is a beautiful and cheerful bird in his brightly colored foliage, these colorful birds fascinate me, I am so grateful you brought him out!

Glenda said...

Well i'm speechless and that isn't easy to do! The little bird sitting on a limb in his tropical paradise is just too cute! The colors are amazing and I would have totally missed the feet if you hadn't said! Have a good upcoming weekend!

Donna Ellis said...

Oh my gosh, Leslie! How UTTERLY amazing! First of all, the placement of all those little pieces is a feat in itself! Your shading always wows me, and this card really brings out the happiness factor (yellow) in abundance! Loving the SUNSHINE, and the beak, and the white shading on the black feathers. I don't know how you think up your scenes, but they consistently make me sigh with adventure and pleasure. Wishing you a beautiful Spring, my friend! xx

crafty-stamper said...

Absolutely gorgeous card Leslie, love the fabulous Toucan and scene you created. Thank you for your lovely comments, just had a quick look through all the beautiful cards I have missed. Hope you get some sun sone we have actually had four days of sun bound to break soon lol.
Carol x

Christine Alexander said...

Wonderful tropical card, the Toucan is so majestic tucked in the foliage ♥

Barbara said...

Your toucan is majestic. I remember the first time you used him and I was so impressed that I quickly went out and bought the spellbinders tropical birds that I used in my card. Believe it or not you were the total inspiration for my card. I love your setting for your bird. That circle in the background really makes him stand out. Idea

Donna Phelan said...

Your Toucan is marvelous! I love how he is just sitting there perched watching the world go by! Such a pretty background too and I love that sweet little delicate frame!

Cindy Beach said...

The colorful toucan is a delight and I love how he is perched in your dream world. A magical card that makes me smile!

Judy Woodland said...

Oh my goodness, that toucan just couldn't be any more perfect. You color choices are spot on, and I LOVE all the bright colors. Great design here, but then I'm not surprised. You never disappoint!!!!