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.

Altered CD

This is the CD I altered for Chriss's challenge on http://thepapergirls.blogspot.com/
I was influenced a little by the style of Anahata Katkin....I just love her collages!

I have become quite addicted to chopping up magazines in recent weeks; I find it quite therapeutic.......

I've had two exciting parcels from Australia this week. I am so grateful to Jacky, who sent me a gorgeous selection of paper napkins to use in my collage work and journaling (much nicer than the ones you can find over here ...as she'll discover when she receives some from me in return!)

And my very good friend Dot sent me some of her fabulous artwork (and lots of extras including a pile of delicious fabric pieces!)

Dot makes lots of these flying birdies in different colour combinations (as you'll see on her blog) - I especially like the Christmassy colours on mine!
And this is the fabric arch she made for our challenge on http://bigartadventure.blogspot.com/
Thank you for giving it to me Dot....its even more lovely in real life (and I just love the bird's legs!)