Friday, July 24, 2015

Home Sweet Home - DecoArt Birdhouse

Hello Everybody!

I'm very excited to share with you today, my first full on DecoArt project since being accepted into the DecoArt Blogger Outreach Program. DecoArt was so generous with their box of goodies and I had a lot of fun putting them to good use on my birdhouse. This will be going to my wonderful Mom for her to display in her garden porch. She has lots antique elements in her porch and I think this will blend in perfectly, plus it has pictures of my little ones when they were just tots and she just loves them to bits!


I would like to send out a couple of special thank you messages today to some wonderful and talented ladies. First of all to Tracy - Craft Addicts, who so is so kind and generous. She sent me some rolls of rusted wire, which you can see wrapped around my birdhouse. How sweet is that!  Secondly to Niki - Pawsitively Creative Crafts, my team member and friend who turned me on to Rusting Powder, which I used to antique the brooch on the frame. You can find her spotlight HERE. Thanks ladies, big hugs to you both!



THE FRAME AND 'FAMILY':

- I applied a coat of Americana Desert Turquoise which is such a gorgeous colour, and then I applied some DecoArt Media Crackle Glaze. Once it was dry, I rubbed some Antiquing Cream English Red Oxide into the cracks. These creams are wonderful, they go on so smoothly and are super easy to work with. I lightly rubbed a bit of Metallic Lustre Brilliant Turquoise on the top for a beautiful shimmer. I wish it showed better in the photographs, in real life it's so sparkly and what a great way to showcase my two darling little girls!





THE BIRDHOUSE:

- I applied a coat of DecoArt Fluid Acrylics Cobalt Teal Blue. It's good and thick so I only needed one layer. Then I rubbed a little Vaseline here and there to act as a resist. I applied a coat of Fluid Acrylics Raw Sienna and let it dry. With a soft cloth wipe the paint off the areas where the Vaseline was.


- Next I took a little Fluid Acrylics Transparent Red Iron Oxide and mixed it with a little water. I flicked it in splashes and splotches using a paint brush. For the final step I used Andy Skinner's Mega Crackle technique with DecoArt Weathered Wood and Crackle Glaze to create some texture. I rubbed a little Quinacridone Gold into the cracks and touched up with Antiquing Cream Patina Green and Cobalt Teal Blue.




THE BUTTERFLIES:

- I dribbled a little DecoArt Americana Acrylics Peony Pink, Saffron Yellow and Desert Turquoise onto my craft mat and then smooshed a piece of paper into it I cut out the butterflies and covered them with a layer of DecoArt Crackle Glaze. Once dry, I rubbed some Fluid Acrylics Burnt Umber into the cracks. The great thing about using DecoArt paints for this technique is that when you apply your glaze or varnish, the colours don't bleed or blend together, your patterns stay crisp and vibrant!





THE BASE AND THE STAIRS:

- the stairs started as popsicle sticks. I coated them with some DecoArt Texture Sand Paste and the painted them with Fluid Acrylics Carbon Black paint. Once dry I rubbed on some Metallic Lustre Copper Kettle for a nice antiqued look.


- the base is an old wooden paper towel holder, which I covered with Modeling Paste and then painted with Crafter's Acrylics Hunter Green and Americana Acrylics Light Avocado and then lightly rubbed with some Metallic Lustre Gold Rush.







FAUX TREE BARK:

- I started with an empty Christmas gift wrap roll and covered it with bunched up masking tape. (the idea for this came from a wonderful tutorial by the very talented Claudia, also a DecoArt designer - thanks Claudia!) Then I painted the roll with Fluid Acrylics Burnt Umber and then applied random spots of Crackle Paste. Once it was dry I diluted some of the Burnt Umber and gave it another coat to colour the paste without filling in the cracks.


- I diluted some Americana Titanium Snow White and put it in a spray mister, a few squirts here and there. Once dry, I applied a coat of DecoArt Medium Ultra-Matte Varnish to seal the bark and leave a completely natural look.





I am entering my DecoArt birdhouse into the following wonderful challenges:

  


That's it for today. Thank you for stopping in and for all the amazing comments. I read and appreciate every single one! If you have any questions, please let me know.


98 comments:

  1. Wow, Wow, Wow... A gorgeous bird house. I love all the different effects you have used, playing with all of your new Deco Art products. Fabulous attention to detail and your steps and home sign are lovely additions. Beautiful florals, butterflies and birds and the picture of your girls when they were babies is adorable. Sally.x.

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  2. Fab project, wish I had more deco art stuff to play with! Actually wish I had more time to play right now! Lol. Xxx

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  3. You are just one crafty lady Pamellia , loving your work .
    Hugs
    Elaine H X

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  4. Wow great art project Pamellia, looks awesome.
    Hugs Veerle

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  5. This is stunning with so many things to admire on it. Thank you so much for sharing the techniques you used along the way.

    Love Chrissie xx

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  6. Wooooow!!!! This is amazing! So much work went into this creation and into your post!! Awesome! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about it all this morning on my way to work! Made my day better already! Sending big hugs! Xxx

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  7. WOW! This is absolutely stunning Pamellia! All the detailing you have added is amazing. I especially love the stairs and gorgeous butterflies. Thank you for such clear instructions too.
    I am sure your Mom is going to treasure such a wonderful gift.
    hugs Sue xx

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  8. Ooooh, Pamellia, you are Queen of craft art‼
    Love every piece of these gorgeous creations.
    Happy weekend, hugs♥

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  9. Oh my GOSH! What a lovely project and how much love and knowledge in every little detail! Another masterpiece Pamellia! AWESOME!
    Happy weekend!
    xxx
    Susi

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  10. I love bird houses..I love butterflies and I love bark...this is just AWEsome Pamellia..the bark you made is outstanding and I love the cute little lights and the flying butterflies..stunning.

    luv CHRISSYxx

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  11. Wow! This is gorgeous Pamellia! So many skills and techniques to assemble this birdhouse and 'age' it so realistically! So much patience too :) The end result is worth it...it looks amazing!
    Chris
    x

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  12. This is a real show stopper Pamellia, I just love how you add such intricate detail to your work xx

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  13. MASTERPIECE Pamellia! So many fab details! Love it!

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  14. Okay my friend is there anything you CAN'T do?? I am in awe of this magnificent creation...wonderful design of gorgeousness and nature...oh gosh in one word...brilliant.xxx

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  15. Fantastic! Lots of wonderful things to look at and lots of fabulous techniques. Love how you have aged everything with the crackle. The frame sets of your fur babies beautifully and the staircase turns a bird house into a tree house - how fun!
    Hugs!
    Cec

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  16. As always a lovely creation Pamellia.

    Hope you have a good weekend.

    B x

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  17. Wow oh wow oh wow!! You are so amazing, Pamellia!! This is spectacular!! The details you've added are just fantastic!! Popsicle sticks for stairs - genius!! I loved seeing how you made the different elements, too!! You so rock and are such an inspiration!! I want to run to my craft room right now and crackle everything in sight!! Love, love this my friend!! I said it once but I'll say it again - you are amazing!! Your Mom will adore this!! Have a great weekend!! Big hugs :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  18. Awesome and so creative, a gorgeous project that your mom will love.
    Yvonne xx

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    1. Calling back to thank you for sharing this fabulous project with us at Stamps and Stencils.
      Yvonne x

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  19. Great craft and wonderful effort to see. Best wishes!

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  20. Wow, Pamellia! This fantastic birdhouse deserves a medal for creativity, texture, beauty, whimsy, and detail, and of course the list goes on! I have to keep this short, as my internet service keeps coming and going. Much love and hugs, and congratulations on a wonderful 3D project. I'll be back for many more looks! You have made my day with sharing this beautiful and creative piece of artwork, sweetie! Big hugs!

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  21. Goodness me, what a wonderful creation! I hardly know where to begin so I'll just say, FANTASTIC!!
    hugs Jacee
    Simply Paper Card Design

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  22. Wow wow wow this is stunning your Mom will treasure it . Thanks for the mini tutorials along the way on how you created it . Like how you made the tree bark --cool and the stairs from popsicle sticks how clever.

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  23. I think the real question is: Where do you find the time to do such incredibly creative things like this?! I have to say that crackle glaze is going on to my wish list. As a question: Do you like the Ranger Distress Crackle Paint better or this? I find that I am not so sure about using the Ranger glaze because A) it takes forever to dry and B) I feel like any attempt to color over it after results in the muddiness you referred to. I would love to know your thoughts!

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  24. SUPER DUPER AWESOME ..I am drooling over the rustic crackle texture Pamellia ! Just like Becca crackle medium is on my wish list too.You have inspired me to buy/try it ;) The faux bard is real.n loving the perfect embellishments you have created specially the butterflies !

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  25. Oh wow! This is just my kind of craft and I think my favourite project of yours, I love it! I have a bird house all ready to go in my little paint workshop, aiming to finish it for our new conservatory ....thank you for this amazing inspiration, hugs Carole Z X

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  26. WOW Another stunner...Especially love the frame and the way you made the log...amazing!!
    Cheers
    Dr Sonia
    Cards Crafts Kids Projects

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  27. This is gorgeous Pamellia. So many fabulous techniques with all these great products. You showcase them all perfectly.....lucky DecoArt to have you on board. Your Mum will give this pride of place. Have a lovely weekend xx

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  28. So happy for you and big congratulations! Pamellia, this is such a delightful birdhouse and your mom I am sure loves it!!! The details are incredible and I love all the texture. What a fun project! Love the effect of that rusting powder, which I don't think we have here in the US! Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs!

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  29. congrats on your DecoArt position and love the fabulous project-love the faux bark effect and how you made the little house sign and wooden steps brilliant details and texture
    Carol x

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  30. Holy moly!!! What a terrific piece of art!! Your Mum is going to be thrilled with this and soooo proud of her talented daughter! It truly is amazing - I've scrolled up and down so many times ... the stairs are a fabulous addition and you have showcased those paints and mediums to the full ... Congrats once again!

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  31. Wonderful birdhouse and congrats on your new DecoArt Blogger! This is amazing and so detailed, love how you do it all, fabulous!~kim

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  32. this is so stunning Pamellia ,love the steps to your beautiful bird house,I think I would be coming again and again to this post for the sheer pleasure of feasting my eyes on this beauty!!

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  33. I love to decorate Birdhouses as there is so much detail you can add. Yours is stunning and I especially love your little steps. An inspiring project.
    Julie x

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  34. So many wonderful things to look at on this lovely bird house/tree house! I'm sure you mum loves having this on her garden porch! have a lovely weekend! Julia xx

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  35. An amazing piece of art Pamellia. I am thrilled you could use the rusty wire and you are very welcome. This is just a fantastic piece and has everything I love, texture, crackle, rust, dimension , design, truly fantastic. Inlove your little girls too. Truly wonderful. Tracy x

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  36. Oh my gosh, your pooches are tote adorbs!! :) And your birdhouse for your mum is just wonderful, and when you see how much work had gone into this with all the details and layers of paint to get each little bit just right, you can see why it is amazing! Your attention to details never ceases to amaze me hun xx

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  37. This is gorgeous Pamellia, is there no limit to your creativity - this will look wonderful in your Mother's porch.
    Have a great weekend.
    Pauline
    x

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  38. Stunning project Pamellia, so many wonderful details and so many techniques - your Mom will love this.
    Avril xx

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  39. Wow Pamellia ! Absolutely stunning ! Love it all, so much to see and drool over ! Ooh and yes you most certainly do qualify to join us at Stamps and Stencils ! Sue C x

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  40. Such an incredible piece of Art ! Pamellia So much attention to detail i could look at it for hours and still be seeing either something new or in awe of the way you have worked those deco art products to create such authenticity . I'm sure your Mum will be blown away not only with the Birdhouse but with having such a very talented daughter . xx

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  41. OMW Pamellia this is amazing, your Mum most love this stunning creation you made for..
    The details in your project is gorgeous, thank you for your step by step tutorial with so many techniques, maybe one day I will get around to playing.
    Hugs Pam x

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  42. I am speechless, honest, my mouth is flapping open in awe and admiration, this project is so amazing. You are queen of the rusk and master of deception - have you ever thought of getting a job with special effects for a TV company?

    Stunning.

    Dionne xx

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  43. Genius... the whole piece is just simply stunning. I LOVE the faux bark, the birdhouse treatment is stunning and I just love the wonderful pictures of your little girls, they are absolutely adorable. You have the most amazing ability to turn you hand to any style at all and make it look like a masterpiece!! Hugs, Anne xx

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  44. OMGoodness! Words don't even come near to describe this gorgeous creation Pamellia. So many luscious details and techniques, such beautiful effects and a very stunning gift. Your Mom will be so thrilled to own this. Thanks for sharing your step by step walk through of your beautiful techniques and the pictures of your cute little babies are so adorable too. Hope you have a great weekend.
    Lorraine

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  45. Fabulous coloured crackle throughout, and the tree bark and the tiny staircase are simply fantastic. What a creative delight this project is!
    Alison xx

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  46. Wowser girl! This really is THE most amazing project and I think we all know that your Mom is going to love it! ! (and I will be coming back to look on my computer screen! ) Hugs, Chrisx

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  47. Pamellia, why do you KEEP leaving me speechless?! The rusting and crackle on this out of this world creation is just jaw dropping....I'm seriously lost for words!! You really are in a league of your own ;)
    Biggest lovely weekend hugs
    Donna xxx

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  48. Wow! This is a delight,Pamellia! Love the rusting technique and also those butterflies. Your little babies are adorable!

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  49. You didn't just knock it out of the park, you knocked it clean out of the county! This project is amazing on so many levels I don't even know where to start! The faux bark is at the top of my list for now, but the steps and the rusted brooch are close behind.

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  50. I love it when you do 3D projects Pamellia, this one looks super with amazing details and textures through out!

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  51. This is a gorgeous piece of art.... your mom is so lucky to receive such a piece!! Thank you for your detailed steps on how to create the look, I definitely will try these techniques soon!! I look forward to your next project!!!

    Candy :-)

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  52. What a creation Pamellia. ..so much hard work and passion in this lovely birdhouse. It's going to be more than a conversation piece in your mom's house. I love that faux bark, the antiqued frame snow those rusted wires. Great make dear. ..have a fab weekend and big crafty hugs.

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  53. WOW this is absolutely gorgeous Pamellia! I love all of the textures and crackle effects, the bark and stairs are amazing!!
    Hugs, Tammy

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  54. Are you kidding me right now?! Pamellia, you are a treasure trove of creativity and you bless me richly with every post! This birdhouse is masterfully done, from the overall design to each tiny detail. DecoArt must be thrilled to have you, as you will inspire beyond belief! Your mom's heart will fill with love every time she sees this. I wish I could highlight favorite bits but it's always impossible with your creations. I will say that the floating butterflies on the wire, the sweet staircase (I want one for a little fairy house!), and faux tree bark especially made my heart flutter. Impeccably done, my dear friend! Sending you lots of hugs tonight! :o)

    Hugs and blessings,
    Karen

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  55. Wow.This piece is a masterpiece and a texture extravaganza.Love all the antiquing and rusting and crackling.You are insanely talented.

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  56. WOW this is just stunning! Gorgeous in every single detail! I love the look of the handmade tree bark! What a fantastic project!! So talented lady!
    Hugs,
    Jo
    xox

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  57. AMAZING! what you create with throw away objects. Love the rust effect, your Mum is going to be thrilled with this, as anyone would. Love how you threaded the steps too and the rusty wire.

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  59. Wonderful creation. Thank you for sharing your lovely crafting for Let’s Craft and Create challenge 103, Hazel, DT – hope to see you again soon. x

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  60. Holy Moly Guacamole!!! This sweet birdhouse is FABULOUS, Pamellia. I so love all of your work. It always has such a sweet vintage flair to it. And I love the way you always construct just the coolest things! This birdhouse is adorable. There is always so much well thought out detail to your pieces. Love every little crackled piece here. You've really done a fantastic job with DecoArt's products here. Gorgeous colors, gorgeous results. Great photographs and tutorial, too! Thanks for sharing! <3 Candy

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  61. WOW WOW and WOW again! AWESOME, just AWESOME!!!

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  62. Hi Pamellia,
    well what can I say that I haven't said before, about this superb creation.
    Your superb design of this is very fabulous, and such a lot of expert workings on the gem of a creation.
    Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

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  63. First of all... your little tots are precious - just precious. So love that you added them for your Mom. And seriously - no one can build a "house" type project with all it's crunch, crackle, glaze, glitter, dimension and lusciouness better than YOU Pamellia. It's just a fact. No denying it. This is a totally OVER THE MOON FABULOUSLY SPECTACULAR creation in every way. DecoArt should be "bustin their buttons"... meaning they should be swelled up with pride!! Doesn't get any better than this. j.

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  64. Are you kidding me?!? This is an insane feat of engineering and art. Love that staircase. Unbelievable!!!!!! Then there's the crackle and the faux tree bark (recycling at its best!). I am honestly in awe of this amazing project. You certainly have done DecoArt proud with this project. Hugs -- Mary Elizabeth

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  65. What a project Pamellia!!! Amazing texture and so many pretty details!!! Love the crackle effect on the frame and butterflies!! Just fantastic!!! I can see that so much work and effort went into creating this crafting gem! BRAVO!!!

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  66. oh wow i am speechless Pamellia, this is amazing.Love all the details and fantastic colours and texures, love it ;D

    xx coops xx

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  67. OMG Pamellia this is a treasure of a creation, WOW, I am totally memorized by the pictures of this incredibly wonderful project, I am awestruck, magnificent bird house every single detail is perfection your mum is so lucky to have such a talented, creative daughter I bet she will be thrilled to receive this.
    hugs
    lorraine x

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  68. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Greetings from Poland! xxx

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  69. Dear heavens- your Mom is going to be loving this fabulous creation. I just LOVE all of your pictures and step by step instruction tutorials- love the crackle effect and the pretty butterflies and the wood. Wonderful!!!

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  70. Your birdhouse is gorgeous. I love all the special details and how you have shared how to make one. Thank you.

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  71. Brilliant creation - your attention to detail is amazing and is what turns your projects into masterpieces, Pamellia.
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  72. wow love the rustic look.I love how you give texture to your projects,this is simply amazing.

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  73. Wow ... you are so talented Pamellia ... this is amazing! Your mom is going to love it! xx

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  74. My favorite part of this amazeballs design are your little darlins! Love them to pieces! So many wonderful and magical layers are in this luscious piece of exquisite art. I bet your mom is doing a happy dance about having this in her possession. Stunning and Wowzers. You are so very sweet Bubbles, to give me a shout out. Wonderfuk rusty yumminess you have created! Hugz to you muffin! ~Doc aka Niki

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  75. This is so pretty!! I love that you added the little tealights. A stunning piece!

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  76. An absolutely lovely creation! We are so happy you joined us at Let's Craft & Create. We hope you will continue to enter our challenges. It is so much fun to see your works of art!

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  77. Ohhh Pamellia, I LOVE this creation!! Absolutely stunning and soo cute your little puppies!

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  78. Wow, Wow, Wow! This is so beautiful! I love looking at all the details! And I see those two sweet furbabies - they make me smile! You are so clever and so creative - it even lights up! What a wonderful project! Home, Sweet Home! Love it!

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  79. Amazing as always, your attention to detail just blows me away! What a wonderful gift for your Mom, a treasure (and love the picture of the girls!)

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  80. This is very different and I love it! Thank you for joining us at Lets Craft & Create. Mary DT x

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  81. Hi Pamellia
    Tres bon Mon petit pois! This is incredible. Mr D's comment was "b#*@#y hell, that's good!" (That's high praise from him lol!)
    Your Mum is going to be one thrilled lady. Your girls are adorable.
    Best wishes.
    Ang x

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  82. Pamellia!! This is just incredible!! You are way too clever,girlfriend! Those stairs are ingenious!!
    Tell Mom if she doesn't love this- I will! heeheehee
    huge hugs xoxo

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  83. Oh wow, what an incredibly detailed project. Simply gorgeous! Thank you for entering your project at Rhedd’s Creative Spirit. Sammy-x

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  84. Golly Pamellia, this is superb!! Each and every element and technique looks FAB-U-LOUS! Brilliant creativity all round and your Mum will treasure this for sure. Love your supercute 'girls' too! Nicola x

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  85. Spectacular!! A real treasure with wonderful design and detail as always. hugs, Pat K x

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  86. Wow!1 Beautifully designed.Thank you for joining us at Altered Eclectics this month. Hope to see your art work back here again soon. Judy DT

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  87. Wow! This is gorgeous! What a fabulous keepsake. Thank you for sharing with us at Altered Eclectics July Challenge.

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  88. this birdhouse is BEYOND stunning! beautifully done. so glad you linked up to the doodle artifacts recycle challenge! xo from Michele, July guest artist

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  89. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!! Wonderful tutorial and welcome to DecoArt!! Apologies for my late visit but thanks for joining us at Stamps & Stencils. Julia x

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  90. Gorgeous, I want one. Thank you for entering the ASOI challenge this month.

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  91. This is fabulous.!!! All the details are just amazing :) i so adore the cute little steps:)

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  92. Wozzers Pamellia, this is a phenomenal piece. Too many amazing bits to mention them all here, but I have to say that I do love them all. Also loved reading how you did this. Thank you for sharing this amazing piece in our July challenge on Recycle, Re-Purpose & Re-Invent. Your work is always so extraordinary and I always come away feeling so inspired after visiting your blog.
    :) Chris / CS Designs

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  93. Stunning decoration! You really cared about every element here!
    Thank you for playing with us at BGC!

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  94. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! even by your standards...speechless!... and a brilliant tutorial. Ruth xx

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