Journal Cover......and Gifts!

I decided to have a play with my Luana painting, so I printed out a small version of it and used it as part of a collage for a book cover. I used a variety of paints, plus thick gesso though a stencil, a bronze cross, torn papers and a gold pen.
I want to thank everyone who sent me such kind comments about my painting; this is all new to me so I really appreciate every single one.

My original painting is 8" x 8"....this book cover is quite small - 5 1/2" square.
If you've got a spare minute, I thought I'd show you some of my lovely birthday presents.......

.......a beautiful gold necklace with a freshwater pearl from my daughter and her boyfriend, a stunning chunky pearl necklace from my mum, a bead for my bracelet from my sister (its almost full now!), and a book (one of the presents from DH)..................some gorgeous fabrics, buttons and beads from my lovely friend Dot including 2 hand-made bird beads - just look at that cute little owl! (She also sent me my fabric book back from its trip around the world - I'll show you that tomorrow)

....and last, but not least, yet more luscious fabrics, a bracelet and a delightful hand-made doll from sweet Sesga in Wales.
I am so lucky to have such lovely gifts...and wonderful friends.

Presents

Strangely enough my engagement ring broke last week, so Brian bought me a new one for our Anniversary. It's a blue topaz - my favourite stone.

He also bought me a freshwater pearl for my Troll bracelet....its almost full now!

Every bead has a special meaning (no, I won't bore you with them all!) but suffice to say it began when I retired, so some of the beads are from the girls I worked with in the Foundation Unit. My daughter bought me the heart for Christmas, bless her. I love the clasp ( I think that was the most expensive part!)

Hugs

Linda xx

Quote for the day: Don't dwell on mistakes of the past...they only exist in your memory.