Today I'm sharing a beautiful all-occasions card made using the newest collection from Pion Design, "My Dearest Sofia". I just adore these Cherry Tree images, they work so well with the soft blue and pink tones!
Pion products:
My Dearest Sofia - Lovely Things PD8802
My Dearest Sofia - Cherry Linens PD8805
My Dearest Sofia - Caring PD8812
My Dearest Sofia - Borders PD8810
My Dearest Sofia - 6x6" Lovely Things PD8902
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I had a lot of inquiries about the horrible loss of trees here in Southern Ontario, so here's a quick rundown on one of the problems (there are more than one). There's a bug killing our Ash trees that spread to us a few years ago from the US, it's called the Emerald Ash Borer. It has gotten quite out of control the last couple of years due to the mild winters, as the prolonged cold would normally help to kill off the larvae.
Where I am located, a good portion of the trees are Ash, and they are all being cut down even though they look just fine. There is a treatment for this infestation, but it would take a few years and a few million dollars, so chop chop chop is apparently the option!!! I've been told that there is no plan at this time to plant more trees in the barren areas. IDIOTS!!
OK, back to the business of cute furry friends!! For my birds today, I have this stunning Grackle...
and this handsome House Sparrow...
How excited was I to see this sweet little Cottontail last week. There aren't many left in this area, so I was thrilled to see him! Can anyone tell me, is this a Mountain or Eastern Cottontail?
As spring arrives, it's time for me to find a spot to set up my photo shoot for the summer. I still don't have the heart to go out to The Shire, so I have found a new spot that I call The Briar Patch. I have made a couple of new friends I would like you to meet.
This is SCARLET. She is really brave and likes to cover huge distances to bury her stash. She's very smart, she recognized me on just my second visit!! Can you believe that!
This is WINSTON. He is a funny little fellow as you can see. He like to pop out from behind the trees, give me a good stare down, then dart around collecting his lunch! So adorable!
"What do you mean share? No way, these are both mine! Finders keepers, right? That's the rule!" ~Winston~
The best part about The Briar Patch, is that I pass right by MISSY's house, so I get to say hello to her twice on every trip!! Notice she doesn't hide behind the trees as much as she used to!
"Ummmmm, you're staring at me! Am I supposed to do a trick or something, because that would have been useful information before I took the peanut! "
~Missy~
For my macro today, a rainy day Burr...
That's it for today. Thank you for stopping in and for all the amazing comments. If you have any questions or interesting tidbits about today's wildlife, please let me know.
Your creation is beautiful, as always, and love the photos, especially the gorgeous grackle. Winston is totally cute, too. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteThe little cluster of berries and flowers sits beautifully on those gorgeous layers. Another fabulous card Pamellia. I can't believe you're not getting new trees, idiots indeed. Love your briar patch photos, Scarlet and Winston like great new friends. Have a wonderful weekend xxx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful card as always and so delicate and feminine.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the trees and such a shame that they won't be replacing the dead ones.
Beautiful 'friends' again to see and thank you for sharing them Pamellia
Love Chrissie xx
Such sweet colours Pamellia. Lovely combination of the two colours pretty pinks.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous embellishments as always.faboulas work
Good pics
Best wishes
Jules xx
Beautiful card, wonderful papers and colours...stunning design. Thanks for the explanation about the trees...can't believe that they're not replanting though!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend
x
Its a gorgeous project Pamellia, love the hidden elements as well as all the beautiful things you add to your work.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to meet the new furry friends today.
Yvonne xx
This is another supersweet card, Pamellia!!! And another pin for me LOL
ReplyDeletehttps://it.pinterest.com/pin/534802524488703809/
How lovely is it?? Amazing papers and layers!! The frame with the blossoming tree is just delicious and all the flowers and berries compliment it so very well!! The tags with the lace look amazing and I Love, love, love, the way you made the butterfly body!!!! So gorgous and creative!!!
On trees lost: Men never think that Mother Nature has long times and her laws, and that any action on her must be so well tought, before doing anything!!! So so sorry for all the trees. They are life for all the cretures!
The grackle seem a young one, such lovely shimmer on her (his?) plumage! The household sparrows is so cute and such a sweet Cottontail!!
Scarlet is delicious, and has a fabulous grey fur, and Winston makde me laught with his lunch!! Two peanuts in a so little mouth!! :D
How fat seems Missy! Or it's her fur that makes her so large? :)?
Stunning macro with that big drop in the first plane and the others on back.... love the reflections inside them!
Hugs my friend, have a fabulous weekend!
Wow!! Another super gorgeous card Pamellia. I really love that design (as you know! LOL!)and the papers used are so pretty. Beautiful colours, delightful embellies and I really love the beads and stamen you added to the butterfly .. brilliant idea!!
ReplyDeleteStill beggars belief at what's happening to your trees .. how can they be so stupid?? Similar things happen down here too. They just can't seem to see the long term effect of their actions.
Love the photos as I always do and really adore the new friends you've made. So very cute. Another amazing post. hugs xx
Pamellia, this is such a stunning card! I love the gorgeous hues on this one, those papers are delish with their candy pink and blue combo. Sooooo going to have to have another spend I can see! I've got that Katy Tunstall song going through my head now, 'Big Black Horse & A Cherry Tree', hehe. So sad to read about your Ash trees, we've had a similar problem with our Native Kauri trees here in New Zealand. A real tragedy, but with care, there seems to be a stemming of the disease. Lots of educating the public about cross-contamination though and dirty shoes when doing bush walks. I hope they DO replant the barren areas. That will be devastating for the wildlife! I love your pics today, that sweet bunny, they're usually too fast to capture! Your images really are amazing hunny. You're so talented. Hugs, Wends xoxo
ReplyDeleteOnce again, you've created a most beautiful card, Pamellia. I could stare at your cards all day taking in each and every detail. Love your briar patch photos. How are you able to know which squirrel is who? Thanks to you, I am taking closer notice of my furry friends around here.
ReplyDeleteits amazing!
ReplyDeletegorgeous potos!
WOW..so beautiful Pamellia..all the pink and pale blues, the layers and frills, just beautiful..
ReplyDeleteSuch a shame about the trees..where will all the wee animals go, they will be terrified of the noise too..so crazy.
Luv CHRISSYxx
Oh wow, this is so stunning, Pamellia!! The colors are so beautiful!! I love the cherry trees!! The layers are amazing!! Oh gosh, I could just stare at this all day!! It's so dreamy and gorgeous!! Saving!! Love, love, love it!!
ReplyDeleteYour new friends are adorable!! I look forward to getting to know Scarlet and Winston!! And how cute is Winston with the two nuts!! And wow, that is an amazing shot of Missy!! The bunny is so sweet!! Your macro is amazing!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, my dear friend!! Big hugs :)
Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
Now I am going to have to track down those gorgeous papers, oh they are SO beautiful!! Your card is fabulous, love the layering and my favourite bit is the way you created the antennae for the butterfly - such a clever idea!
ReplyDeleteI do wish they would plant some trees for you... I wonder if they would let people in your neighbourhood plant trees. You really got a great shot of the Cottontail, the big feet remind me of the Hares that we get over here. Winston cracks me up with the two peanuts and Scarlet is just adorable, love the red stripe on her chest. Hope you are having a good weekend so far. Hugs, Anne xx
Hi Pamellia, what a stunning card, very Oriental looking with all that blossom and the colours, wonderful details, a feast for te eyes.
ReplyDeleteOn the tree front, perhaps the tree authorities need to make sure the ground is clear of the virus in order to plant new trees, it's a thought.
As ever your photos are amazing, hope your weekend is going well, Kate x
Stunning feminine creation Pamellia, those papers and colours are gorgeous, love how you built up those layers of butterflies and flowers.
ReplyDeleteShame they are not replacing any trees! wonderful wildlife photos today.
Hugs Pam x
Hi Pamellia
ReplyDeleteMy first thought when I saw this was strawberries and cream ....... trust me to think of food. Sooo many delicious layers.
Maybe Kate is right about the replanting. I know you can't re-plant Apple trees for some years after a diseased one has been dug up.
Such a shame. Your bunny friend is adorable.
Hope all is well with you.
Ang x
When I first saw you beautiful card it made me feel little sad as the cherry blossom tree quite close to our balcony has been chopped down - we heard the men in a neighbours garden - apparently its lifting their patio!!!! We thought at first they were just pruning it - then suddenly - GONE!!! Your card is beautiful - of course!! I then go on to read of more trees being chopped down - so sad that they don't have plans to replace them! Lovely to see your birds and Squirrel friends! Hugs, Chrisx
ReplyDeleteWOW! So many pretty layers in this stunning make! The tags are such a nice touch and the lovely butterflies and flowers are great way to finish this shabby beauty.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Samra
Paper Talk with Samra
So sad about the trees - especially that they won't replant :-(. Your wee furries are gorgeous, ans are your feathered friends
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Maxine
Such a yummy card! I love the colours, and the berries are the perfect touch.
ReplyDeleteI love your friend Winston and his two peanuts: so fun!
HiPamellia,
ReplyDeleteoh what a very beautiful and stinning creation yet again.
Those papers and your superb design are so fantastic.
I love all the wonderful elements you do to create this.
Your butterfly is sich a great idea, and the colours are so pretty.
As usual your photos of your feathered and furry friends are adorable.
I love how you have names for them, and what you think they would say as this sounds exactly right.
Love and big crafty hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.
FIrstly your AMAZING card, beautiful colours and so cherry blossom like, love the beads in the butterfly, a great idea and the beautiful layers and lace tied bows, absolutely GORGEOUS.
ReplyDeleteSecond, the photos are just awesome , would love to be able to pick a book up and see all these photos with their captions, what a joy it would be.
Then the trees, we have the Ash thing here too with the same thing happening AND we have the Larch being cut in the thousands due to some fungas. Where we had mountaisn full of trees they are now bare, A startling sight to get used too.
Perhaps the people in the know will realise what is happening soon and plant more trees.
Have a great week.
Faith.
PS the macro is beautiful.
You get amazing comments because your art,papercraft and photos are amazing! And also, you are quite gifted with the funny animal quotes! heeehee
ReplyDeleteLove that Cherry blossom card- soooo pretty!
hugs my friend!
Jackie xo
Pamellia, it is always such a good day when I visit your blog and see what wonderful creations you have made with your own two talented hands! You have taken these GORGEOUS papers and made shabby magic with them! I love all the layers, and those two tags that pull out and your butterfly body and antenna are just so durn clever! One day I am going to count the different ways you present your butterflies and I bet I count at least 200 different options! Your flowers, berries and handmade frame are so perfectly arranged and I adore that cheery tree front and center. Our gorgeous deep pink one that stands guard over our daffodill garden will be blooming shortly; the lighter pink yoshinos have bloomed and are already starting to fade due to our recent high winds.
ReplyDeleteI'm so saddened by your tree loss, and I'm sorry our borers have found their way up there and invading your trees. There are so many reasons we need to replace our trees and I hope the powers that be will wise up to those facts.
I love seeing your furry and winged friends! That Winston is a hoot with his two peanuts! You captured his greedy nature perfectly! (Or perhaps that's the old trick my kids used to play with sticking two carrot sticks in their mouth to look like fangs!) I will never see those irritating burrs the same way; what a beautiful macro shot! These things are starting to fall from our hazelnut tree now, and I've about sprained my ankle 10 times walking over them when we were doing some yard work yesterday. Sending you warm hugs!
More lovely things to feast our eyes on!! Love the pretty card, the butterfly looks amazing. Such a shame about your trees, we had similar in the 70s with Dutch Elm disease. Looking forward to meeting characters from The Briar Patch xx
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad that there are no plans to replace your felled trees. We all know that nuture abhors a vacuum but it will take years and years for new trees to grow from seeds. However I am looking forward to more photos from The Briar Patch, I love the cottontail, so sweet and I am sure there will be lots of new squirrels for us to get to know.
ReplyDeleteI almost forgot to tell you how much I love these faulous card, wonderful colours and so many layers, wow. The butterflies look amazing and I adore your frosted berries.
Have a great week.
Dionne xx
What a stunning card this is ... Stunning colours in that collection and you have used them wonderfully! I love the photos and Winston had me laughing my head off!
ReplyDeleteThank you Cynthia. Actually, for the most part, I use hot glue from a glue gun and not clay. I'm way too impatient to wait for clay to dry. lol. Then I just paint the frame white with plain acrylic paint.
ReplyDeleteSigh of delight for that incredible card - what a joy of a creation. Such pretty springtime colours and the layers are beyond brilliant, even for one of your cards!! Love it. And an even deeper sigh of delight for the photos today... especially the amazing macro - wow!
ReplyDeleteAlison x
My goodness the wonderful layers on this! Love that little framed tree on the very top! Julia xx
ReplyDeleteWow what a creation, I must get those papers I love the colours and this gorgeous make shows them off perfectly
ReplyDeleteAnne xx
As always your stunning creation lets me drop my jaw and drool on my laptop keypad lol. I love the soft colours, the layers, the layout and the tiny cut out tree in the frame!
ReplyDeleteOh it's a shame they just cut the trees and don't seek for another solution! It must be a reason why this bug came over and survived the mild winters. Nature has its own law but humans will never understand it me thinks! I wish we would all fall asleep for a thousand years so the nature can recover from us!
Huge hugs, Ally
Beautiful card and papers love all the gorgeous distressed layers -fabulous pic of the Grackle never heard of that one before and such a shame about all the trees-our newest family members are three chickens grandaughter Holly asked for-for her 8th birthday-but they are at Grandmas lol
ReplyDeleteCarol x
LOL! Winston's peanuts look like two gigantic brown BUCK TEETH! LOL Too funny. I guess if he can haul away two at a time, he deserves two at a time, Pamellia! LOL All the critters are delightful, of course. Your photographs are INCREDIBLE! You ARE a professional, P. It's a wonder how your critter buddies pose for you. Are you VERY patiently waiting for the perfect pose? Do you photograph one-handedly? (love that macro, BTW).
ReplyDeleteBeautiful all occasion card. Your attention to details never ceases to amaze me, and I find I must peruse every tiny centimeter of your creations to view the sweet beads for the butterfly's body, the tiny pink die cut around the tag hole, the beautifully blooming miniature emerging from the small frame - all tiny elements your dear fingers have carefully assembled. It's lovely.
Today I watched a PBS biography for 2 hours about author-biologist Rachel Carson. You remind me of her for so many reasons. Thanks for being who you are, my friend! xo
I nearly missed this beauty Pamellia, such a glorious cheery blossom creation, I had forgotten how much I love pink with blue! The tree situation sounds grim, we lost all our elm trees here to Dutch elm disease and they have never returned...;0( I hope they decide to replant your trees with something else...our trees are vital aren't they. Hugs xxx
ReplyDeleteOh those cherry blossoms are beautiful and I can only imagine how you fussy cut those out! I bet you used your huge Scissors and did an amazing job. This is an exquisite design with stunning details and layers. Dear me! Horrible news about the trees. I wonder if there is a time limit on when to plant new trees? Just so they won't be affected by the disease. Thanks for sharing the pics as well and all are amazeballs! Hugz to you muffin! ~Doc
ReplyDelete