Saturday 16 April 2011

A birthday and the colour of spring

It was the birthday of one of my forum friends recently.  She had recently had a great technique published in Craftstamper called "floating front" and I thought it would be fun to use the same technique for her birthday.


My son also showed me a cool technique in Photoshop where you can blur the background and create a false depth of focus without the need for an expensive camera that does it for you.  I'll be using this again!

I also included a small pressie as it was a bit of a landmark birthday.   I was trying to think of a way to make the wrapping more interesting.  As Joanne is always coming up with interesting and quirky bits of knitting and crochet, I added this crocheted flower with a brad in the middle.


Spring is well on the way now and while photographing some craft items I took some pics in the garden.  Our flowering cherry tree never fails but it's only at full bloom for 3-4 days before the petals drop.  If you've noticed the huge pile of "straw" down the bottom of garden, I'm trying to spring clean the pampas grass! 


I've never seen so much blossom as there is on our apple tree this year.


18 comments:

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

What lovely creations for Joanne's birthday, a lovely idea and the crochet flower is fab. Your blossom is absolutely stunning, we need more pics of your garden, looks fabulous. I love gardening. Tracy x

Heather said...

Lovely birthday treat for your friend Carol - it's so unusual. The cherry and apple blossom is beautiful and is a joy this year.

Dotpat said...

Brill idea Carole you are so creative, our apple trees are laden with blossom too

Sarah Anderson said...

I just love this time of year, so much great blossom in such pretty colours. Fab floating card Carol!!!

Sid said...

Great stuff and your treat is fab !!

Netty said...

Joanne will love your card and crochet flower, beautiful. The photos of your garden are just gorgeous, its the best time of the year, oooh so love the Spring. Enjoy your Sunday, Annette x

Asia King (aka Joanna K) said...

Fab floating 40-th card ;) The crocheted flower looks great, too. And I really envy you your garden, must be gorgeous!

Suzanne C said...

Beautiful hanging project and love the crochet flower. Very clever and lovely. Look at the beautiful blossoms in your garden!

Chris said...

What a fab card for Joanne. Love the photos of your garden too.

Aren't kids great with technology. lol

cockney blonde said...

What a brilliant idea, love the design. Thanks for sharing some of your garden piccies, its lovely to see some colour in the gardens now, x

sam21ski said...

Fabulous floaty piece Carol

xxx

Lynne Moncrieff said...

What a great way to honour a friend's talents. Also added a big of "oomph" to number cards which can sometimes look a bit flat.

Impressed with the focus. If your son ever gets under your feet would you send him up here as I haev a million and one techie questions lol.
Beautiful photographs.
Wishes
Lynne

Karin said...

Great card for Joanne and love the crochet flower.

What an amazing display of blossom,looks like you're in for a bumper crop this year.

Anonymous said...

Lovely Birthday treat :-) S x

penibear said...

What a gorgeous card! I have no inspiration atm, and am very envious!:))

penibear said...

ps, garden looks gorgeous!

Alison said...

A fab 40th card Carol, & the little crocheted flower is adorable!
Love all the pretty blossom that's about at the moment, a wonderful time of year!
Happy Easter!
Alison xx

Neet said...

Beautiful photographs Carol and what a fabulous card for your friend.