Monday, July 4, 2011

Some More Sunshine--and--Bird's Nest Update

Kristin,  can  I  tell  you  how  much   fun  I'm  having  with  your  Summer  of  Color??!!    This  week  the  color  is  yellow,  and  I  had  so  much  fun  making  my  sun  on  my  last  post,  that  I  decided  to  do  it  again!!

I  even  used  a  map  again  from  the  same  atlas  book  that  I  had.   And  another  cool  thing  about  Kristin's  weekly  prompts  is  that  she  has  a  giveaway  if  you  participate....plus  your  name  is  entered  twice  if  you  decide  to  add  another  element  that  she  suggests.   This  week  it  was  anything  metallic  incorporated  into  your  piece.   So,  I  decided  to  add  some  metal  embossing  with  it.   This  piece  is  on  a  cradled  wood  panel  with  deep  sides,  and  this  is  how  I  finished  off  the  sides--


Metal  embossing  is  very  easy  to  do,  and  you  get  such  great  results.   I  actually  have  2  tutorials  on  my  blog  that  you  can  find  HERE  and  HERE,  and  if  you  really  want  to  learn  but  want  more  help--all you  have  to  do  is  ask  me!

And,  actually  the  sun  face  is  collaged  on  metal  too.  It's  on  copper  and  I  didn't  emboss it.   I  just  stamped  on  it  and  added  alcohol  inks--

....very  cool  effect

And  here's  the  finished  piece--

I  would  never  never  have  thought  of  making  this  piece  this  way  if  Kristin  hadn't  of  suggested  the  metal....so...thank  you  Kristin  again   for  that  spark!

And  you  know  what  I'm  going  to  say  next....go  on  over  to  the  Summer  of  Color  to  see  more  yellow!

And  remember  the  nest  I  found  last  Wednesday  with  the  1  lonely  little  egg  in  it?   Well,  the  next  morning    this  is  what  I  found--


.....and  on  Friday  morning  I  found  this...


...Saturday...



...enough already!!

And  on  Sunday??


This  is  ridiculous!!

So  that  was  yesterday  morning.   I've  left  it  alone  since  then.   I'm  a  little  afraid  of  what  I  might  find  now.   Now,  mind  you,  I've  been  working  with  the  parents  here--everyday  I  take  it  down,  and  very  carefully  water  the  plant,  take  my  photo,  and  then  put  it  back.   They've  been  very  lenient  with  me.  I've  been  doing  some  research,  and  these  birds  are  called  house  finches  (thanks  Regina  for  telling  me  what  they  could  be,  because  that's  exactly  what  is  nesting  in  my  basket)


  They're  so  cute!--very  small,  and  I  read  that  they  hook  up  in  the  winter  time  and  remain  monogamous--so  cute!!  The  one  on  the  left  is  the  male  and  the  more  color  they  have  on  them  is  what  attracts  the  female  to  them.   Gee--you  learn  something  new  everyday! 

And  for all those celebrating--Happy 4th  of  July!!


67 comments:

Mandy said...

oh my...i love this and that beautiful side paneling....wow...seriously its beautiful...very nice of you to point out your tutorials you have too...xxx

Chrissy Foreman C said...

Oh yay! Ever since I've been pregnant I've had a little soft spot for birds nests with little eggs in them! I'd be squeeing with delight if they were near my place!

Unknown said...

That is gorgeous, I love all the different elements to it.

Anonymous said...

Amazing work Diane, I lake it!

Have a great day,kisses:)

rachel awes said...

this is art magnificence! wow!
& i adore the bird story...
so dear to follow! xox

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Gorgeous! Love your sun! :) Keep us posted on the birdies when they hatch. :)

Janet Ghio said...

Aren't those little finches sweet!! and who knew they laid blue eggs! Love your son with the metal!

Cathy Bueti said...

Diane this piece is gorgeous!!! Love all those hearts!!! You always amaze me with your work!

And how cute are those birdies!! Love it!

I picked up a copy of Somerset this weekend and was smiling when I saw you in it!! I scanned all the pages to find you after reading your post about it! Still so excited for you!

Hugs!

xo

Joanna said...

BEAUTIFUL artwork, just stunning! Kristin's prompts are superb aren't they?

That nest and increasing number of eggs is TOO cute!

Alis Clair said...

What a fabulous textural piece.
I love it.

Connie said...

Very nice piece. I have house finches too. Their brave little birds. Brave in that they will come close to me to eat the seed I put out.

linda (dots n doodles) said...

Stunning work. I love the embossing down the sides, these really finish off the whole piece wonderfully. The whole piece has an antique feel to it.

joanna said...

Gorgeous Diane! the metal panel is just amazing and goes so well with the rest of the piece!
love the bird nest!! I once found one in my plant, but the cat next door...
xoxox have a great week :)

Heather said...

awww, how cute! they are so precious! and love those little eggs in their sweet nest. How funny that she made one egg at a time. I guess that makes sense! she's a little bird!
The collage work is lovely too! so perfect for summer!~

Sherry said...

I love how the birds "know" they are safe with you. When they are lenient like this and tolerant of you being around you know they have accepted you. I've had 2 birds' nests this year and had never had any before. I'd walk out quietly and whisper when they were at the nest. It's an amazing experience isn't it? Can't wait to see the babies in your nest!!!

As for your art...it's always mind blowing and this is no exception. I love the metal embossing and now I'm off to read your tutorials...you've sparked my imagination.

Netty said...

Oh wow your box is fantastic and love the details on the edgings. Fabulous work. xx

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Sounds like the house finches have no concept of birth control (grin). I've never heard of a bird laying an egg a day before.

As for your box, I think I like this one even better than last week's entry. I am in awe that you are able to take the challenge and make something that will eventually go in your shop. Makes it a two-fer in my book.

Have a happy and safe 4th.

Theresa Plas said...

happy Fourth to you too Diane! The sunshine piece is wonderful and I loved seeing the nest - sweet!

JessiVille said...

A Gorgeous, gorgeous piece for our yellow week! Amazing! I just love the metal treatment and all the texture - fantastic!

And thanks for the exciting update on your birdie family! That is quite a clutch they've got going there!
Hugs, Jessi xox

kluless said...

Just when I think you surely cannot top your artwork, you do it again. Beautiful!!
Having the opportunity to watch that next is amazing and what is more amazing is that all those eggs came out of that tiny little bird - yikes!

Becca said...

Another lovely sun piece!
That nest with eggs is amazing! I think they picked you and your garden because they felt safe with you. Hope you get to see the babies.
Happy 4th to you!

Geri said...

A beautiful piece and I love the metalwork! I must hop over to your tutorials and have a look!

Anonymous said...

This piece is just lovely - I love how you've used the whole three dimensional nature of the board - with the drawer pull on top - fantastic! Really like your work - and beware the house finches. We have a family at our home - they are VERY NOISY when they feed - so you'll have LOTS of birdsong around your home soon! Enjoy!

Dianne said...

Gorgeous art piece!! the metal embossing is quite lovely, and your 'faces' are beautiful too.

Nan said...

This is wonderful....loved everything about. The sun just makes you want to come take a close look at all the detail. I love to use metal tape around the edges of my pieces, easy to emboss but not as sturdy I would guess. :)Nan

Kristin said...

Ooh, those little eggs! Be still my heart! I wonder what kind of artwork you will make with those photos one day . . . I am SO happy that you love these prompts and so lucky to have you joining in. I LOVE all the beautiful detail here - especially that copper and those intricate sides. You always have so much in your work to be admired ;) Looking forward to your brown, xo

Terri Smith said...

Oh My Gosh..I Am Lovin' What You're Doing With These Map Themes! Diane, You Sure Have A Fabulously Creative Mind! And Girl..What A Precious Nest. Accumulated A Few More Eggs Since My Last visit. :)) Have The Happiest Fourth Ever Sweet Lady! Hugs, Terri

Georgie Horn said...

this is a wonderful piece and can see it on my wall....wonderful! I love the little family that has adopted you too!

Poetic Artist said...

I love this..Thanks for the sharing. How I love the eggs and the birds..Beautiful..

Terrie said...

LOVE the sun and all the unique elements showing there. Your metal embellishing is the perfect finish for the edges - very creative!

Dorthe said...

Diane, this painting and collaging and metal using are gorgeusly wonderful.You are an amazing artist, and I admire your work, dear.
Love all those lovely eggs,too- I wonder how they will all fit into the nest when growing up :)
Hugs,Dorthe

sugar Creek said...

Oh my gosh this is beautiful! I need to try that!
Oh those little eggs! So sweeet!

Ella said...

Happy 4th to you; I love all the dimension and detail in your work~
Beautiful! The sun has never looked so good :D
Thanks for sharing the bird nest; they are adorable~

Lesley said...

Wow this is incredibly brilliant. I must go take a peek at your tutorial for the embossing.
Thanks for showing us the bird nests and the birds. Who doesn't love nature and it's wonders.

Anonymous said...

What a stunning piece of art ! I love all the beautiful detail and could spend ages looking at it.
loving the birds nest photees ... waiting for more lol
If you get chance to pop by my dezinaworld blog please do, and grab the magical midnight background freebie and check out the challenges etc.
Have a wonderful day
hugs June xxxxxxx

Anonymous said...

I love how you incorporate maps into your work and all the little elements add interest too. Very nice.

K J D said...

Really, really stunning and so full of gorgeous details.

Hope your eggs have a happy ending .... let us know in 'brown' week!

JaN's ArTy JouRneY said...

Wow, what a beautiful piece of art..love the embossing with all its texture...Gorgeous!!!

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh Diane, I am in awe of that sun--WOW!!! Your work is always astounding (but you already know that, right?) And the bird's nest is unbelievable!!! And I think it's such a good omen too!

XO
Cindy

Sunny K. Lee said...

So beautiful Diane~!!!!!!! Very Lovely~

Juls said...

wow another stunning work of art!! thank you so much for your inspiration!! Hugs Juls

Terri Kahrs said...

Ohhhh, what a sweet little nest! I adore those little eggs. I've gotta admit . . . I'd be a little afraid to peek inside the nest too! Gorgeous pieces, Diane! You are the BEST when it comes to metal embossing. Your style is unique and beautiful. Hugs, Terri xoxo

Unknown said...

What an amazing work of Art. How fun to get to watch those little finches.
can't wait to see if they hatch..

kae pea said...

LOVE LOVe LOVE it. It is my very favorite so far . Thank you for your giving and sharing spirit :) xokp

Tammie Lee said...

Diane,
I love how wonderfully creative you are! And look how fabulous your art is!

thanks for sharing about the eggs, I had no idea they would lay one egg a day. Fun.

wandamarie.blogspot.com said...

Yeah and thanks for teaching us, you lucky mommy you!
All of this work is so enticing and scrumptious, d...and the sun resembles you, seriously! xoxo

Lesley Edmonds said...

Hi Diane,
I have just been catching up on your posts and just love what you have been doing for the Summer of Colour. Your Suns are just gorgeous! I love this one for YELLOW! Your pink frame is always glorious!
I'm loving watching the progress of your nest too. Such beautiful little blue eggs!
It reminded me of some Robins that nested in one of Mum's hanging baskets - years ago now - when I was quite small. All went well as she continued to water and all the little robins fledged. Hope you finches do too.
x

Buffy said...

Oh Diane this one is my new favorite,love how you did the sides too. Beautiful. And that was interesting about the birds. Can't wait to see the little ones.

Dianne said...

What a beautiful and cheerful piece! And the nest is adorable... Can't wait to see little baby birds!

Wildflowerhouse said...

Oh this is spectacular. I really love this and find your talent amazing.
Please keep us posted on the birdies arrival.

Lovey said...

BEAUTIFUL Diane!! WOW!!! Thanks for the tutorials too!!I would love to just reach out and touch all the textures in this piece! WOW!

Liette alias Pixelle said...

First...I have to tell you the surprise I discovered at each step of your BEAUTIFUL CREATION...it was amazing and the result is the nicest thing I have ever see since a long time...wonderful...!!!! and the nice eggs will become nice little birds, lucky your are to have it near you!!! I will come back next week to see you brown creation...be sure of it xxx

Theresa MacNaughton said...

Hi Diane! I hope you had a lovely 4th of July! What a BEAUTIFUL sun!!!! It's so warm and inviting and exotic. :) What beautiful eggs! I love that the little finches have set up house with you. The parents are so sweet. Can't wait to see babies!!!! :)

Anjas-Artefaktotum said...

OMG what an fantastic unique incredible great art work!I love the front side and the metallic borders around, all details are amazing!
Thanks also for sharing the nest photos and the little birdies.
Hugs Anja

wandamarie.blogspot.com said...

YEP, you said it baby..."all things considered"...i am trying to press on and find some balance.
and looky here, we are up at the same time in the morning, writing, only instead of 3 a.m. i think it's 5 a.m. in your neck of the woods...
i just love when this happens! oh what a world! XOXOXO

Rosie said...

Oh you've inspired me now, this is SO great. Now where did I put my metal stuff ....

Plumrose Lane said...

What a fun posting ~ I adore the creations you made, the sun is fabulous and I especially appreciate the asymmetry design. The eggs are just too precious, I adore it when nature comes to stay for awhile!
♥Sharon

Nelda said...

Love that box. You are so blessed to be able to watch the finches nest like that. What a gift.

Sandi McLean said...

The metal embossing is a fab touch! Great piece again - and those finches..just perfect.

Heather Henry said...

Oh my goodness, again, I am so in awe of your gorgeous artwork. I love how much you put into it. All the different little bits and pieces, so much for the eyes to take it. I love, love, love it!
Adorable birdies. We have a lot of little yellow finches. They are so sweet. What gorgeous pictures you got of their nest and birds. You are so, so talented.

Daniele Valois said...

I LOVE your work!

Diana said...

My 15 yr. old niece showed up with a white box last night to our "Art Night" and we spent some time looking at your blog. I wanted to show her the different ways you embellish boxes so she could decorate it for her friend. Funny, she just ended up painting it Pepto pink and wrote her friend's name on it. Done. Ahh the young. :)

Art by Darla Kay said...

Hi sweetie! I've missed you and your beautiful creations!
Hope you're doing great and enjoying your summer!

E Makes Art said...

Wow!! Another AMAZING piece by you!! I love all that you do! So inspiring!!

xoEsther

Lisa said...

Beautiful work, so rich and full of texture!

E Makes Art said...

Hi again! I just wanted to thank you for your sweet comment!

xoEsther

Jen @Sadie Inspired said...

I just absolutely love the glass knob on the top! LOVE!

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