GSO for Ethel!

I just learned that my Memories of Ethel was selected as a Gallery Standout or GSO. I am so tickled and know Ethel would have LOVED it! (see the GSOs HERE)

Memories of Ethel

This month's color challenge isn't about the colors, but about what we're thankful for and whatever colors that entails. I've used a photo I scrapped before -- but not like this! I love the photo and how it captures some of Ethel's irrepressible spirit. She wasn't always easy, but she was special. I've always been glad I got to take her on a birding trip to New Mexico when her bad knee limited her ability to participate in a normal birding tour. We had a great time! The photo was taken in New England (I think) a while later. Next year will see the 100th anniversary of her birth. Amazing!

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Designer Credits:
by Anna Aspnes
-background: ArtsyBlendz Snow Paperie No. 2
-photo mask: ArtPaly Palette No. 10
-large brush, black flower: ArtPlay Palette Encapsulate
-small brush, red flower: ArtPlay Palette Barren Sunrise
-word art: ArtPlay Palette Encapsulate by Dido Designs
font: Pea Beth

Look out for winter?

We have a challenge based on a curious sort of Christmas card. I stayed with the basic theme of a tree image and the original colors of grays with a touch of red. I used a photo at my sister's from last Dec. 9th and did an edge effect (Find All in PSP). It really made me think of Ezra Pound's irreverent poem, "Winter Is Icumen In" and so it is titled. I am so NOT ready for this to happen and am really glad we missed the big storm on the east coast. Nevertheless, I like my result.

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Designer Credits:
-background: Photographed in Black and White by Sue Cummings
-border: Slightly Edged 1 by Merkeley Designs
-notepaper, postcard: Recollection by Joanne Brisebois
-overlay: Shimmer by Kitty Designs
-leaves: MultiMedia Leaves No. 2 by Anna Aspnes
-bird brush, bead: ArtPlay Palette Barren Sunrise by Anna Aspnes
-frame: ArtPlay Palette Encapsulate by Anna Aspnes
my photo altered with an Edge Effect
fonts: Cardinal, Catriel

Amazed by Hazelnuts

I had no idea how a hazelnut grew, but they are part of fantastic shapes. My brother-in-law has a small tree in his garden and there were nuts still in the husks that had turned brown and looked beautiful. They were beginning to fall off the tree. This husk was stiff but brittle. Always some fascinating new thing! I've used a photo in a Member Spotlight scraplift challenge.

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Designer Credits:
lift of "Innocent Beauty" by dlhoffer
http://ozone.oscraps.com/gallery/data/500/InnocentBeautyFnl.jpg
-kit: Terra Toni by Maya de Groot
-paper strip: BackPackers - set 5 by Maya de Groot
fonts: Kunstler Script, Ligurino
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Here's a photo of a cluster (of two) that had already fallen but not been eaten by the squirrels. Such a fabulous thing!

Drawing #16 - Irresistible

In this new drawing I used some color from acrylic paints. They were applied dry with a sponge or paper towel. Without added water, they dry flat. There is one small piece of paper added too. Guess that really makes it multi-media. I've called it Irresistible as I believe everything is rushing into the red center.

Fall Blooming Bushes

Last week we were delighted with bushes in Lake View that were in full bloom even though their leaves were turning color. The flowers looked much paler and prettier up close. We had frost Saturday morning, but not a freeze, so they're probably still fine. I used some photos of them for my first challenge for November, this one a copycat or template challenge.

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Designer Credits:
template by Elisa (EHStudios) for Nov. Copycat Challenge based on "Play Is The Exultation Of The Possible" by Lorileigh
-background, most papers: A Hopping Halloween Collab Kit by the Lilypod & Oscraps
-darker gray and brown papers: All Hallow's Night, Leora Sanford Designs
-glitter element: The Silver Flakes by Kitty Designs
-swirls (blended): ArtPlay Palette Encapsulate Dido Designs collab with Anna Aspnes 
-brush: ArtPlay Palette Barren Sunrise by Anna Aspnes
fonts: Enchanted Prairie Dog, Kings of Pacifica, Minya Nouvelle

Flowers for a Birthday

Today is my BIL's birthday and I created a digital "card" for him featuring the hibiscus that he gave Dick last year. You'll see the first bloom on Oct. 26 of the current phase of blooming. It has since had a second bloom and has lots of buds yet to come. We think it is gorgeous. It is still residing in our indoor porch upstairs, but that is an unheated space and at some point we have to close it off. Then the plant will spend the winter indoors getting what sun it can.

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Designer Credits:
Golden Memories by Retro Designs (I don't think I've used this rich red background before!)
-word art: ArtPlay Palette Encapsulate by Anna Aspnes
fonts: Pea Aimee, Pea Anderson