Sending Happy Thoughts by Jean Okimoto

The cheerful Backyard Wren is the perfect messenger to deliver happy thoughts and good wishes. Diecut him from felt and add shimmery Rainbow Reflections mirror cardstock wings. Hi, Jean here with a design to celebrate a promotion, new job, retirement or special milestone in someone's life.

Attach adhesive label paper (or a sticker sheet) to turquoise wool-blend felt and cut Backyard Wren. The paper backing stabilizes the felt and keeps adhesives from saturating the fabric. Cut the wings from the turquoise Rainbow Reflections 6x6. Cut the petal-shaped beak piece from white cardstock. Color the beak section with an orange marker. Color the eye area with a black marker. Attach the diecut behind him.

Cut Magnolia Bud Trio from light yellow cardstock Cut two sets of the sepals from green cardstock. Assemble the buds and layer the sepals for dimension.

Cut Magnolia Leaf Branch from the green cardstock too. Mask the leaves with scrap paper and sponge, daub or brush the stems with Toffee VersaFine. Trim the leafy sprig that will be hidden by the wren - it'll be attached is other areas. Attach some of the narrow "half-leaves" for dimension.

Stamp the greeting - from the Joyful Moments Clear Stamp Set - on light kraft cardstock with Warm Breeze VersaFine Clair. Dry the ink and diecut the greeting with the smallest A2 Rectangle Frames Die. Cut another rectangle from green cardstock and layer it for dimension.

Attach the diecuts to a light kraft A6 card (4-½" x 6-¼")- use foam dots to the feather tips and the tops of the buds. Add extra leaves to fill the branches. Add light turquoise Pastel Jewels. Cut an A6-sized rectangle of cardtock to protect the card front for mailing.

Celebrate a major achievement - or even a small step in the right direction - with a handcrafted card. Add a personal note too!

Thanks for visiting - see you next week...