Friday, May 17, 2013

Signs of Spring!

Hi there!

I'm so glad you stopped by today! I have a couple of cards to share with you but first I want to show you where my inspiration came from. 

I've been spending as much time as possible, outside in my yard, just watching and enjoying the signs of spring. If you know me at all, you know that this is my favorite time of year. Not only because of the warmer weather that has FINALLY arrived, but also because it's just the beginning of our warm, beautiful summer season - YAY!!!

So here are some signs of spring from my yard.

 This is one of my Peonies plants - can't believe how tall it has grown in just the last few days and I can't WAIT until they bloom!



Pansies! LOVE!!



 Our pine tree is even budding!

 

This is a big, fat, awesome squirrel's nest, way up high in one of our maple trees. In another week or so, the tree will be so filled with leaves, we won't be able to see it. 



 I love it when my crab apple tree starts to bud - so very pretty!




I found Mr. Bunny next door in the neighbor's yard - isn't he sweet?!



We are visited every year by a special mallard duck couple. I love watching him follow her around! He is so patient with her and so very protective!


My last two photos gave me some wonderful inspiration for card making. First up - these adorable goldfinches!
 See the one little guy peeking around on the right side - so cute! :) Here's my inspired card, created using the Simon Says Stamp, April card kit.

  

And one last springtime photo - my pretty begonias.

The beautiful pink and yellow colors are what inspired this next card, which sort of took on a life of its own.

I used the Looped Circle Pattern stamp from Hero Arts, embossed in yellow and colored with Distress Inks. I added a bunch of sequins for a sparkly look.

Happy spring (and summer) to everyone - you can bet I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts! :) 


 











25 comments:

Dawn T said...

what beautiful photos Barb. Spring is such a fun season. Love how your bird feeder and flowers gave you such inspiration. the cards are just delightful.

maria f. said...

You are just glowing, Barb! So happy Spring has finally sprung in your neck of the woods. I too was just noticing how incredibly tall my peonies are this year. Just about to bloom ;) Your cards are wonderful, especially when inspired by those miracles of nature.

Lynn said...

I love the gorgeous pictures of spring...they make me happy too! And your cards inspired by the colors are beautiful. I especially love the touch of gems on the second one.

Unknown said...

Such beautiful pictures! Love the ducks. They are such a cute couple! Your cards are so pretty. Love the splatters!

Sue McRae said...

Wonderful spring photos Barb! The bunny and ducks are so cute! Love the bird card with the ink splatters and the colours on your second card are gorgeous!

Robin K. said...

LOVE how you were inspired by the spring beauty surrounding you Barb!!!! Lovin' those splatters on the first card and the beautiful colors of the second!

Lin said...

Love your post today, Barb, with all the signs of spring! And love both of your cards! Your mojo is flowing!

Brenda said...

Wow, what a post filled with inspiration! It's easy to see why you were inspired to create those two beautiful cards! I totally adore the splatters in the first and the gorgeous colours in the second! Just beautiful Barb!

Trinh said...

I always love your photos of the garden and these are no exception! Your cards are gorgeous! I especially love the rich background you created on the 2nd card. Have a great weekend!

Martha said...

WOW...WOW...Barb! I love ALL the wonderful & colorful Spring photos you've shared! So glad you've been able to enjoy some outdoor time. What amazing BEAUTY you are surrounded by! Enjoy!

OH, when I saw your "squirrel's nest" photo, I was reminded of how I used to think squirrels were SO sweet, UNTIL...they invaded our attic TWICE last year, & caused lots of expensive damage. Please keep them in your part of the US. Ha!

WOW...I love how you were inspired to create such BEAUTIFUL cards! I love the pretty colors & all the different techniques you've used. So many lovely details! Thanks for sharing these with us!

HUGS! ♥

Kathy (krolski) said...

Love your beautiful photos Barb, especially the pansies! Gorgeous! Your cards are beautiful too. That little bird is adorable!

Barb Ghig said...

Gorgeous photos, Barb! You are so deserving of all this beauty after the brutal winter you've endured! I love how everything has inspired you to create such pretty cards...Love them both!

Nancy K said...

I love springtime in your neck of the woods, beautiful photos! Your cards are fantabulous, love them!

rcwidow (Linda) said...

Love your cards and photos! Spring is my favorite season too! Love the flowers starting to bloom and the whole summer to look forward to. Enjoy!

Karen B. said...

Love all your photos! Your cards are both lovely.

Jacqueline said...

SPRING at last,for you Barb! Blue skies and sun and such beautiful cards too - love how you used a bird on your card!

Nancy said...

Hi Barb! So much FUN to see where you get your inspiration. Looks like Spring has reached your neighborhood for sure! I love both of your cards. The second has amazing colors, which you always do so well!

Rosemary said...

a fantastic set of cards, barb! thanks for sharing all those beautiful "signs of spring".

Greta said...

My goldfinches are back, too--had 3 pairs last night. Love the look of spring at your house--no wonder you were inspired! 2 fabulous cards, Barb!

alexandra s.m. said...

What a wonderful post you have created for us to enjoy Barb!
I love your cards mixed with a tour of your surroundings ;-)

Thank You~

Vicky said...

Such a lovely post Barb! Great pictures and so pretty cards!!!! Don't you just love spring?! Such inspiration all around!!!!

donna mikasa said...

You are blessed with such lovely inspiration from Mother Nature! I love the animals that find their way to your home--especially those sweet ducks! Your cards are wonderful, too. Happy Spring and Summer!

Deirdre said...

Beautiful photos Barb - love peonies too! Found a fledgling in our garden this morning before the boys went off to school. Wonder will it have managed to find it's wings and fly before they return home! I love Spring too!

walchowDesign said...

Gorgeous photos of spring from your garden, Barb! Great inspirational cards from the nature.

Virginia L. said...

Such a BEAUTIFUL post and card, Barb! Love your beautiful surroundings! And I think that's why we are "punished" for such such long winter (LOL)!! It's all worth it! I just love this time of the year!xoxo