Saturday, September 8, 2012

Happy fingers, happy feet and a chance to win a trip to Ireland

My fingers are orange and green but, as always, I've had great fun playing with distress inks!

I made this card for the Focal Point Challenge in the Moxie Fab World, Paper Crafts September 2012 Gallery Challenge (natural elements) and the current Hero Arts Challenge (fall feast).

Autumn in the Air

Stamps (Hero Arts) - Earth Flowers, Blossom Art, Designer Woodgrain & Everyday Sayings

On the card base I stamped the woodgrain using antique linen distress. Then I die cut a piece of fabric and stamped the Earth Flowers with tea dye distress ink. The flower and leaves were white embossed and I applied distress inks (spiced marmalade and forest moss). To add some more natural elements I added some raffia and a wooden button.

So you've heard about the happy fingers and now on to the happy feet with some photos from a recent hike in Glendalough. We started the walk from the far side of the lake you can see way down in the valley. You can probably tell from the photo our walking boots have enjoyed quite a few rambles!


On some parts of the trail these railway sleepers have been put down, mainly to protect the mountains but they also provide a good grip on what can sometimes be slippery slopes.


Wish I could capture in photos just how beautiful it is in the mountains,

especially on gorgeous sunny days.

The heather is in full bloom.

But it looks like we were a bit late to try the sweet, juicy fraughans (bilberries) that can be found there.

Coming down through the forest we can across foxgloves. A bee was hovering around them but in each photo I took he had disappeared into the flowers or ended up blurry.

Here we are back down at the lake again and up to the left is where we had been.

I just thought I'd mention a place where I came across a chance to win a trip to Ireland next year from the US. A year long event called The Gathering celebrating Ireland and all things Irish is being held next year. It sounds like it's going to be a brilliant fun filled year. Anyway on The Gathering's Facebook page there is a chance to win the holiday here. Good luck!:)

14 comments:

Barb said...

LOVE your hiking photos, Heather! Amazing scenery and looks like you had the perfect day! Your card is so gorgeous! Love all the different natural elements you've added! They all come together beautifully!

jintyoo7 said...

What glorious photographs, Heather! Your card is stunning too :) It is funny, I have always wanted to visit Ireland but even when it was on my doorstep - I never seemed to get round to it :(

Lin said...

What a wonderful post today, Heather! LOVED your card with all the lovely texture and I really loved your photos of your beautiful homeland! The big bonus was seeing the heather! I've tried growing it here, but it won't last through our winters......so this was a real treat! We like to hike, too, but it's been awhile, so I really enjoyed these!

donna mikasa said...

Such gorgeous photos, Heather! Good luck with winning a trip to Ireland! I think Deirdre Horgan just posted some of her pics of her home country. And your card is stunning! Love how you incorporate fiber into your cards!

Scrumplescrunch said...

Hello Heather
Gosh this card is beautiful I think it is the fabric Bg that sets he tone, as it has wonderful texture, your flower is gorgeous.
Photos of where you live look wonderful.
Smiles:)
Sue

Dawn T said...

Looks like a great hike Heather. Such beautiful scenery. One day, I'd love to visit Ireland. Love the card too. Your use of fabric makes the card special.

Ger said...

Gorgeous card and that fabric is perfect for it. LOVE Glendalough, it's been years. Ger x.

Aixa M. said...

Gorgeous card! I'm loving the rich textures!

Monika Reeck said...

lovely Photo Heather and I love your card it is always with a new idea and clever idea love the flower colord with distress ink...great card dear...and thanks for visiting my blog I am so happy :)

Trinh said...

I love it when you use fabric on your cards, Heather. This is one is beautiful and makes me so glad that fall is around the corner. And your photos are beautiful! I would love to see all those places in person one day.

Maureen Morton said...

This post is most amazing, dear gal......what lovely pix of your hike! A glorious country you have there. My friend from Dublin will be here next month, so will think of you. Your card is beyond beyond.......so amazing with that great texture and rich colors. You have enriched my life in so many ways - thank you!

Chris Millar said...

Amazing pictures Heather!! What a beautiful part of the world you live in!! And what a splendid card too!!! I'm going to enter that competition, would love to come visit you!!!

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Gorgeous card, Heather - love the linen and the vibrant flower! But oh, what beautiful ramble photos!! Just love the ones of your namesake flower! Glad you had a fun weekend!!

Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Editor said...

Hey Heather Maria! Thanks for linking this up to the Focal Point Challenge in the Moxie Fab World! I'm so glad you joined in on all the fun! :)

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