Spring Mantel...

Nature sits dormant under a white, cold blanket.

The sun - taking mercy upon her - warms the earth.

The earth smiles back at the sun...

...with bursting colours and renewed life.

After a long winter...

...plants stretch out their limbs and wave hello.

They dance in the wind and drink the rain falling from the sky.

The sun smiles back ...

...and whispers with its warm breath...

'oh how I've missed your beauty'

Creatures awaken from their long slumber...

...and their melodies break the silence of winter.

So there you have it - this is what I have been working on.

I wanted to incorporate eggs into my Spring decor, yet I

wanted it to do it in a unique manner.  I decided to make a

faux bird egg collection like the ones you see at museums.

My creative process often starts in the middle of the night.  

I then take those ideas and transfer them onto my sketch book.

The sketches are not always so detailed.

Because I wanted the eggs to look realistic, I had to make them myself. 

I used air drying clay, allowed them to dry, sanded them and painted them.

I suppose I could have purchased them, but I needed different sizes and shapes.

 In order to mount them, I filed the back so they would sit flush in the shadow box. 

I purchased a candle stick from the dollar store; sanded, painted and aged it.

 I then used Gorilla glue to adhere it onto the frame.

 I think it looks very tender.

As the weather gets a little warmer, I will incorporate touches of green and it will evolve into Easter and then summer.  I am happy with the way it turned, and even though it took a long time because of the drying time, I think it was worth it.

And as we all prepare for our busy week ahead, my sincere hope is that we don't lose sight of the tragic events occuring in Japan.  That we continue to pray for them, keep them in our hearts and help anyway we can. 

If you're in a position to lend financial support, I have included a link to the American Red Cross website below:

https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?idb=0&5052.donation=form1&df_id=5052

Have a safe and beautiful week!

much love,

Lucy

p.s.

As you might know, the kiddies are on their March break and I will be spending much valuable time with them.  I will try to post as often as time allows without jeopardizing my time with them.  I will be concentrating on children's crafts, so if you need any ideas, please stop by.

I will be sharing here:

Also joining the Centsational Girl fair weather Forum

And here

http://www.thestoriesofa2z.com/