Bird Song from Graphic 45 & a Paper Mache Box

**Added 2 new pictures to try to explain how this thing works better.**

First, I'll try to keep it simple...the GORGEOUS papers speak for themselves.

I was fortunate to have been able to follow Deb Emmons fast retreating footsteps at CHA and get one of 45 new paper pads of  Bird Song  at the  Graphic 45 booth...could not have done it without her leading the way!!!!

That said.....this is what I did to honor the papers I was given!

Thanks to all the G45 ladies...soooo talented and beautiful.

This is a cabinet box I found at Ben Franklins a few weeks ago...very cool, but wait till you open it up!

This is what it looks like when its drying on my worktable having the edges painted and propped open to dry.

While waiting for paint to dry....hmmmm...I got out my various markers and began adding shadows and bits of color to certain areas.

Isn't she breath-taking???

This is a top view after all the layers of paper are glued on.

You could not add embellishments or the creation would not close...so it's rather flat.

I LOVE the butterflies in the turquoise papers Endless Spring that contrast wonderfully with the red-orange fans of the Good Fortune strip paper on the front lids.

The other panels with the flowers are trimmed in the green Harmony paper.

This is the back when the piece is opened up.

The birds are enhanced with markers as well and a bit of watercolor pencil on the flowers.

The skinny red paper with dots is from an older line, but it was the perfect red for contrast without having a pattern that was too busy.

The inside of the boxes have the STUNNING Joy Luck flowered paper with the black background.

Probably one of my all-time favorites...black outlining color...works for me every time!

Here you can see the fence post top that I found to fit perfectly for the base.

One of my favorite places to browse is Lowes....or Menards...I love wood.

Here you can see where I used 2 pieces on the front to make a large enough section.

The birds are soooo pretty with the white flowers.

Both are panels from the Tranquility paper.

**New Picture**

**New Picture**

This shows a little different angle of the front being open...it's hard to realise how this really looks...it wraps around the corner and the black emblem acts as a closure...sort of.

And finally, this is a shot looking down from the top.

I HAD to use the fantastic Jasmine Dream with my favorite color combination...Red, Black, and Tan that you see here.

Now, if you want to see another piece using the Bird Song papers...go check out the NEW SITE for The Gentleman Crafter....with Jim Hankins.

HE IS AMAZING!!!!

So that's it for today...got to get to the TV to watch the Olympics.

Good luck to everyone....it's thrilling to watch, but the gymnastics are so hard on me. I don't take the stress well for those kids...the soccer is easier. You always get a few more chances to shine.

Be well and be good to each other.

Linda