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Monday, May 9, 2016

Congratulations, Grad

Happy Monday!! I hope you had a wonderful weekend!! It's my turn to post on the Die-Versions blog and I have a couple of graduation cards to share with you using several Die-Versions dies. If you use the code lisa15 you'll receive 15% off your regular price Die-Versions order.


These cards are very different from my usual style, but I wanted them to be both unisex and flat enough that they would mail easily. I really struggle not using flowers and ribbons and bling!! I did add a touch of sparkle to the cap and diploma from the new Whispers Graduation Set. They were both popped up with foam for dimension. The square is a Whispers Stitched Nested Square, also popped up with foam. 2016 is from the Downhill Font set. Congratulations is from the Compliments Everyday set. The scalloped border is a Whispers Lacey Dots die (not currently in stock).


On a different note, I got a 150-600mm camera lens for Christmas and I've been practicing with it, capturing some of the springtime birds that have been visiting. The lens is super-heavy and it's hard to hold it steady to take shots. I really want to capture the hummingbirds but I haven't managed a great shot yet. It's been raining on and off for like a week, so most of these shots are taken through the glass.


This is the best I could get of the hummer. Unfortunately, you can see the reflection from the glass.


I had to add a shot of a Cardinal, the state bird of Indiana :) This is the male and...


the female. Sadly, I cut off her tail :(


Blue Jays are so beautiful but they are so noisy!! And they eat all of the food I leave for my outdoor cats.


The Eastern Bluebird is one of my favorite birds...not a great shot with the deck post in the way. I haven't been able to get another shot yet.


I'm guessing this is a female Gray Catbird since it looks like she's gathering materials to build her nest. Look at the size of that twig :)


This is a Northern Flicker...a medium sized woodpecker. His coloring is so beautiful!!


This is a Grosbeak....so pretty!! They stop by in the spring and don't stay long but I love when they visit. This is the male...


and the female. Not fair the male gets the pretty coloring!!


I was so excited when I saw the turkeys puffing and posturing!! Sadly, I couldn't get a decent shot through the window screens. I thought I'd try sneaking outside to get a better shot...


And while it is clearer, he (not sure what the correct term is) de-puffed and took off. One of my cats followed me and meow'ed the entire time so they heard us coming a mile away :) I hope to get some decent shots of the hummingbirds soon. There only a few right now and by the time I can heft the camera and spot them, they fly away :)

Thanks so much for stopping by!! Have a great week :)

61 comments:

aussie aNNie said...

Lisa, even your grad card is amazing and classy...and those birds, oh my goodness, the beauty of nature.xxx  {aNNie}

Sukie said...

Beautiful graduation card, I love the CAS design with a bit of sparkle cap and diploma. The black and white theme is perfect for a masculine or feminine card! Very nicely done! Your pictures are gorgeous, I love how you captured the beautiful details of the birds. I can't wait to see more when the weather is a bit better. Have a great week my friend!

Leanne said...

Beautiful card! Unlike you, I would struggle making cards like you normally do with all those beautiful layers. Thanks for sharing the beautiful pics of all the birds.

Tracey said...

Fabulous cards Lisa....I think your amazing creating anything and everything! Such pretty photos, love the variety of gorgeous birds that visit your home. Everything is big here and squarks.....I'd like to hear a tweet every now and then. LOL! ps..what is your camera?

Robin said...

Your cards are perfect for graduation. I love your photos. Birds are so enjoyable...love listening to them. You've got such a variety of them. I agree with you on the males...it's not fair. They should not be more colorful but that happens in so many of them. Hope you had a great Mother's Day. Hugs, Robin

Mary Ann said...

Beautiful card!!!Awesome pictures!!!Have a good week!!!

Nana said...

Beautiful graduation cards. Love the die cuts and the your paper choices. Very elegant. Your birdie pics are awesome. I love bids and love seeing shots of them. Looks like you having fun with your new toys. Look forward to seeing more.
Have a creative day.
Hugs Nana
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paperpapier said...

Great card design actually which is versatile where it is suitable for both gender of the receiver. Adding glitter to the mortar board gives it extra exclusitivity and I love the scallop border which tone down the masculinity of the overall design. Your bird shot photos really captivate me. Such a delightful Christmas present you received. The len gives out nice bokeh and such amazing clarity. The Cardinal photo looks interesting. I have never seen one here before. I loves Robin. If you manage a shot on it, hopefully you will post about it. Have a fun week ahead, Lisa!

SewPaperPaint said...

These are great cards, so useful! Love your birdies - wow - what variety! Beautiful shots. Big hugs, Autumn

Ranjana's craft blog said...

Beautiful card. and beautiful birds too. You are slowly becoming a professional photographer. :)

Donna Ellis said...

Lisa, I really like the graduation cards - they are frilly just enough for a female recipient, and all the glitz and glam dresses the cards up beautifully! I also like the shadowing technique you've employed for the layers. Very "gussied-up" LOL Do people still use that term? Not sure why it came to mind. Beautiful, classy, and heartfelt! hugs, de

Almost forgot! I envy your new camera! Thanks for mentioning it is difficult to hold. Yesterday I was trying to capture a bit of movement from an unexpected guest - a gopher turtle. They are endangered, and was excited to see he had come so close to the house. By the time I came back out with my iPad, he ducked inside his shell and refused to move. I could not get a close enough shot. Even the light weight iPad mini 4 was too heavy, and I was shaking quite uncontrollably. Probably, this is a limitation I need to accept LOL and be content that a least I can enjoy the view and hold the iPad for necessary photos, right?

love ya
xo

Creations by Shirl said...

Those grad cards are gorgeous Lisa! Love the bird photos... We don't have those fancy birds here except wild turkeys... But they sure looks pretty to watch.

Desire Fourie said...

Such a fun and beautiful graduation card, Lisa. And WOOOOW, your bird photograph is amazing! You must have a great camera to capture such fine detail and lots of patience.
Hugs
Desíre
{Doing Life – my personal blog}

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Fabulous card as ever by you Lisa my friend! Those photographs are something else!! Stunning! You are so lucky to live somewhere that you get to see such a variety of birds. I'm so envious, I live in a city and the most we get to see are crows, wood pigeons and magpies (of course all God's creatures are beautiful), but I would love to see some smaller, pretty birds, such as yours! Have a wonderful week my friend! Hazel xx
My Card Attic

jimlynn said...

Great grad cards! Love the dies you used and the design.
Stunning pictures of the birds! Wow!!! They're all so beautiful.
Lynn

April said...

I really like your graduation cards. The monochrome makes them stand out. And I would imagine bird watching in your yard is great fun. Have a great day.
April

Sherrie K. said...

Beautiful grad cards! Love the layering and the sparkles are fantastic! The pictures of all the birds are awesome! Love that you shared them all and look at the amazing turkeys! Great shots! My dad had some wild ones last week in his yard to~super cool and they are so beautiful!
Hope you are doing well! Life is busy in my neck of the woods...but when isn't it these days, ugh! Have a great week my friend!
Hugs,
Sherrie K

Migdalia said...

Hi Lisa,
The hummingbirds are just adorable!Awesoem pictures. Thank you for sharing them.
Fabulous graduation cards! The touch of sparkle to the cap and diploma is a super fun detail.I absolutely love the black & white theme! Awesome job my friend!
Have a blessed day,
M'
Crafting With Creative M

Beebeebabs said...

Love your graduation cards - love the diploma and cap die great job as always!!!

Mayras Designs said...

Lisa I love your beautiful photos , wow ! Gorgeous ! I love your graduation cards they are perfect !
Hugs and Blessings to you my friend ,
Mayra

Pam said...

Beautiful graduation card! WOW Lisa, you are an awesome photographer! I love the photos! I love the little red, white and blue female Cardinal. I get so excited when I see the turkeys too! We saw one the other day crossing the road in front of us not far from our house.
Pam
scrap-n-sewgranny.blogspot.com

Pam said...

Beautiful graduation card! WOW Lisa, you are an awesome photographer! I love the photos! I love the little red, white and blue female Cardinal. I get so excited when I see the turkeys too! We saw one the other day crossing the road in front of us not far from our house.
Pam
scrap-n-sewgranny.blogspot.com

Fikreta said...

love all birds!
so cute!
card is great
have a nice day
hugs

coldwaters2 said...

Hi Lisa it is always such a pleasure to come and see your awesome creations and was taken by surprise at the completely different projects you have made, they are superb graduation cards well done, today's visit has brought me an extra special pleasure seeing all those beautiful bird pictures, I love the birds and feed them everyday it is getting quite noisy with the baby Starlings, unfortunately we do not get such pretty colours in our birds at least not where I live which is a shame, enjoy them,
hugs
Lorraine x

Rhonda Miller said...

Wow, these cards are terrific. Thanks for sharing all the bird pics.

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Oh, my!!! LOVE all your wonderful photos, Lisa!! I just adore birds and these are really so beautiful!! Thanks to make me know some birds that there aren't in my zone! You are very lucky to seeing them throught the glassex of your home and to be able to feed them! Adorable free creatures!!
About your cards: they are stunning, so elegant in black & white, and perfect for graduation!! Love the cap and diploma dies you used, they are a my must have, my oldest nephew will gratuate this summer! Beautiful border and very elegant design!! The bit of sparkle on the cap is so pretty!! These cards are different by your usual shabby style, but they are however very classy!! Your talent shines as always, my friend!!
Hugs

katieo said...

Awesome Graduation cards. I love the sparkles and the scalloped border. The photos you took are amazing. I love the turkey. I haven't seen the Grosbeak before-WOW what a beautiful bird. I hope you have an outstanding day.

Donna said...

Such a fun post Lisa, enjoyed each and every bird post, great pictures. We have a few cardinals here, mostly purple martins, and the usual robins. Lots of purple martin bird houses (we call them condo's) as they eat the mosquito's which is fabulous as we live on a lake. Your graduation card is fabulous, great dies to work with, not your usual style, nice to see you outside your box, your card is very elegant and stunning! Oops, I worked from home today so I am very chatty. Have a wonderful evening!

Scrapper69 said...

First of all - your Grad cards look amazing my friend - I like it when you step outside the box on your cards sometimes - don't get me wrong I LOVE seeing all your beautiful cards with all the amazing flowers and embellishments & layers... But these cards are PERFECT for what they are intended for! :) And your Pictures of ALL those Birds! WOW! You took some great shots weather you believe it or not! So much detail in each bird... they are beautiful pictures - it's easy for you to see the flaws - We ALL judge ourselves way to harshly! But I honestly think the pictures are amazing and those close up details of the birds give it the WOW factor! I'm also jealous now... because you have that many beautiful birds right outside your door! Keep taking those pictures my friend and share as many as you can... Have a Wonderful day! :) Oh.. I almost forgot.... I hope you had a FANTASTIC Mother's day yesterday! HUGS!

Theresa
Theresa’s Crafty Creations

Margik said...

Lisa, your graduation cards are fabulous! Love the design, and the dies are fantastic.
The birds photographs are very beautiful!
Hugs, Mar

Lori Kobular said...

Lisa your graduation cards are gorgeous! Any graduate will love receiving them! But your photographs are outstanding! I have never been able to get a good picture of a hummingbird! I love all your beautiful bird pictures! You are quite the photographer!

snappy scrappy said...

FAB grad cards!!!! Wonderful pics too!

Tracy said...

Even thought this may not be your usual embellished card, it is perfect for a graduation card.
You photos are stunning.
Yes, hummingbirds are usually so timid. My husband got a few really good photos of hummingbirds, but our feeder is bright red, so I try to crop it out of the photos when I scrapbooked them.

Leslee said...

Even though your graduation cards ard out of your typical card they are still wonderful! You bird shots look great! How about a tripod so it's less weight and a trigger release? You get those beautiful cardinsl futher east! Our grosbeaks are different yoo!

Pamellia said...

Fabulous graduation cards Lisa, and even though they aren't your usual style, they are still amazing! I love the black and white palette, works so well for the theme!

Wow, I am totally blown away by your bird pictures, you seem to be handling the zoom lens quite well. I gave up on mine, I just don't have the strength in my wrist to hold it steady! I just saw my first Grosbeak a couple of days ago, yay!! Never seen an Eastern Bluejay, Catbird or that brand of Woodpecker either...love them!!! Fun turkey shots, I can't believe you have turkeys running around, hilarious!! I also just bought a Hummingbird feeder, so I'm hoping to spot one of those in the near future! Thanks for sharing, I just loved your post today! hugs :)

Davi said...

sUper job on the graduation cards LIsa! I Lovell the awesome bird pics!, YOu have so many pretty birds in you area!

Marjeta said...

Your card is beautiful. But your foto are stunning.

Marjeta

msmith434343 said...

What a terrific card! Anyone would be happy to receive it. I just loved looking at the bird photos - how wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Great graduation cards! LOVE the dies! and the sparkly hats! I have a bird feeder and love to sit outside and watch them! I sure have enjoyed the pictures!!! HUGS!

sarascloset said...

Wow, Lisa! What a treat it is to visit your blog today, both for the rare flowerless cards and the gorgeous bird photography! Your graduation cards are simple in style yet pack a powerful message for the lucky graduates!

Your photos are such a delight, and I think you did well to get all these amazing shots. Hummers are so shy and so ding dong fast, it's amazing you got a shot at all! Lucky you to have them visit your feeder; I've had no luck at my own feeders with them, but when they pass through in the fall, they love to have a snack at my Mexican Sage bushes. They seem to get quite giddy with that for some reason, and entire flocks will dive down, drink, and fly back up and then down again! It's quite a show! Turkeys! Wow! Now that is quite a remarkable sight! I have never seen a turkey in the wild, yet it's big with the doc's around here to hunt them--shame on them! Thank you for sharing your amazing (other) talent with us! Big hugs!

MiamiKel said...

Oh my, here I am drooling over your card and then I get to the eye catching photos of the birdies, in each type and size and spectrum of the color wheel! Absolutely striking photos- I love nature in action :) You've captured their essence and life so beautifully!
Now your cards - wow! I love the shimmer and sparkle! Hard to believe that graduation is upon us - next year for my 3rd daughter! Blessings, dear!

Redanne said...

The cards are wonderful Lisa! It just goes to show you are a very versatile crafter!

I love the photos of all those beautiful birds, ours seem very bland in comparison - well all except for the gorgeous Kingfisher we see most days, but he is way too fast to photograph!! Have you tried using a tripod for your camera? Just a thought... Hugs, Anne xx

JD/ Jill said...

Not only do you make amazing cards...You take amazing photos!!! We don't have as many birds visiting as we used to. Some of the trees around us have been cut down where they would nest. The hummingbirds were always my favorite visitors, but they stopped coming around this way.

Brenda in IN said...

Oh Lisa, those grad cards are great. Perfect for male or female. I love the sparkle on the hats and diplomas. You have inspired me as I didn't know I needed a grad card until today when I received a graduation invitation! I'm so impressed with your photography especially with a new camera and in this weather. I am so tired of rain and we are getting it all week it looks like. You have a wonderful knowledge of birds and have so many kinds right at your home.

Kathy Krug said...

Wonderful graduation card suitable for male or female. Love the little bit of shimmer. Your bird pics are wonderful. How fun to be able to take pictures of so many types of birds.

Tanya~Studio 5380 said...

Beautiful graduation cards and I love that they will work for male or female. I'm also loving the touch of sparkle (gotta have some sparkle)!

Your photos are amazing! You have quite a wildlife sanctuary in your backyard!

Pawsitively Creative said...

Your cards are always amazing and then you go and prove that a white and black card can actually stay white in the areas you want it to. That's amazing! How'd you do that? My white spaces usually ends up with color on it. Hehe! These cards make me want to graduate all over again. Love that you added the bit of sparkle and bling! Fantabulous creations and so fun! Your bird pictures are wonderful. I learned so much by looking at these and thank you for including their names and such. Hugz to you muffin! ~Niki

Georgiana said...

Fabulous graduation cards. My daughter graduates from HS next week! Then off to college in mid-June. Your bird pictures look amazing. I need to get a new lens for my camera. I want to take pictures of butterflies.

Diane said...

Fabulous grad cards....love the addition of the sparkle...it adds so much,these cards would make any grad happy (of course with 'moolah' in them...teehee)!! Your bird pictures are amazing...wow, I loved seeing all of them and shot through glass, you can't really tell...the new lens sure allows you an up close photo..we had a big Blue Heron in the creek yesterday 'fishing, it used to drive Nellie crazy..lol...hope to see more pics as you get them!!

alexandra s.m. said...

Hello dear Lisa,
Love love your cards and my! These pictures of yours are simply amazing.
I love birds and we do have some in the back yard but being in the city we never get all these specimen!
and turkey? how cool is that?!
Thank You. You have truly brought a big smile on my face this morning!
Hugs~

Shelly Schmidt said...

I love this sparkly grad card- awesome job with it!!! We have been having quite the bird year in our backyard, and also enjoy taking photo's of them..... We had a Baltimore Oriole stop by, a pair of Indigo Buntings, Cardinals, a Chickadee family moved into our birdhouse and chased out a thrush.... Cardinals, Finchs, a Bluebird (yes, they eat all of the food!), Robins..... I post pics on FB, never thought to put them on my blog as well..... Love your Turkey pics- awesome!

Gerda said...

What a fabulous cards!!! I love them!!!
WOW, Lisa!!!! Your pictures are AWESOME!!!!
Have a great day.
Hugs Gerda

Karen said...

My sweetest friend, I am so thankful to finally be here! Things went all willy nilly again, but at last here I am. Your cards may not be your usual style, but they still behold the Lisa touch of perfect design and sweet trims. :o) I love the Die-Versions border and you have so beautifully showcased the new graduation dies! I love that you couldn't resist adding a touch of sparkle. :o) Hehe! It looks amazing. Speaking of which, your photographs are stunning! Please don't be so hard on yourself... there are a whole lot of people who couldn't get anything near this. They are gorgeous. I love each sweet visitor with all of my sappy, sparkly heart. You certainly know my love of all things nature. <3 And oh my I couldn't believe it when I scrolled to the poofering turkeys! What an amazing catch. Thank you for sharing all of this beauty with us, my dearest friend. Have a wonderful night. :o)

Hugs and blessings,
Karen

jessica said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE your cards! AWESOME job!!
Those pics are so gorgeous!!!
Beautiful!!!!

Samra said...

Fantastic graduation cards Lisa! I know the feeling when you have to stay away from flowers and such and try to keep it simple, very hard, very, very, hard!!
Love the pics of the colorful birds! What an amazing selection! The only unusual bird we have ever seen in our neighborhood was sap sucker, which is from woodpecker family just bigger and not colorful...
Have a wonderful day my dear!
Hugs
Samra
Paper Talk with Samra

Karon said...

Fabulous Grad cards and I love the amazing photo's! Wonderful. TFS

lisa808 said...

I really like your elegant graduation card. The bit of sparkle is perfect.

Fabulous photos.

Dee Burns said...

Love the graduation card. We have the same birds hanging out around here too. A mama Cardinal has a nest right outside my craft room window in a Japanese maple tree, with reddish leaves she blends right in. I love to watch the birds and so do my cats, I'm glad they're indoors only. Great pics of the birds.keep posting them.....
Dee B

Brenda said...

Love your grad cards Lisa! The dies are fabulous and I love the design of your cards. Pretty CAS card for you my friend! But it is the pictures you took of the birds that has stolen this post! I love them. I think you did a great job of getting a picture of the hummer. They aren't easy to get a pic of. Love all the wonderful and unique birds you got. Your female cardinal looks different from ours, ours is mostly brown with a little bit of red on her. Yes, those are stinkers here too. lol The bluebirds are just so sweet, I love them. You other birds are so beautiful, I don't think I've seen them around here. Not sure...but maybe I've seen them but didn't know what I was looking at. lol The turkeys, oh yes the turkeys are always great at strutting around. Just has some in our yard the other week. Isn't nature just so beautiful?!! Keep using that new lens Lisa, you are getting fabulous shots! Hugs, Brenda

Kathy Salido said...

Hi Lisa!! Your card is great, but wow, those pictures are amazing. You are so lucky to have such a variety of beautiful birds right in your backyard!!

yyam said...

Your cards look great!
LOVE the photos of the birdies! :)

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