Happy New Year! I'm trying hard to be make up for my dismal blog showing this December and am crafting up a storm. And no, I'm not late, I'm EARLY! This gorgeous image, from Aurora Wings, represents the Chinese Lunar Calendar and the upcoming Year of the Dog celebration on February 16th, which will begin the Spring Festival. The image is a special New Year's gift from Mitzi for those in the Aurora Wings FB Group and will be available there as a FREEBIE through the weekend along with a fabulous Coupon and special contest to wind $30 in AW digis. Not a member? Ask to Join HERE and HURRY!
The animals are from the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac and those born in any given year are said to possess the characteristics of the animal. The dog is considered one of the most likable of those in the Zodiac and are loyal, faithful and honest and always stick to their code of ethics. Their characteristic word is action.
Here's a closeup of Year of the Dog. Mitzi used an Akita puppy as her model and I colored him with Copics in one of the many variations of fur colors and patterns of the breed. The Chinese character is in the image is 'Dog' and I'm guessing the plum blossoms signal the beginning of the Spring Festival, that focuses on home and family and the hope for good fortune throughout the year.
I've used the Outlawz Wednesday sketch for the card design as the image itself reminded me of the a lot of the sketch, even with no embellies.
Again, I'd like to mention that our Anything BUT a Card Challenge is still going strong on the AW Challenge Blog until Saturday January 13th and you can enter up to 3 times if you use an Aurora Wings image.
Also, don't forget to pop over and collect this gorgeous Year of the Dog image, such a generous New Year's surprise from Mitzi, and check out the special contest (all you have to do is COMMENT) where you could win $30 in AW stamps and Coupon in the AW FB Group. If you aren't a member yet, you might want to join. (And hurry, this ends Jan 7th!)
There's always lots going on at Aurora Wings, so here's how to keep up.
Aurora Wings Challenge Blog (New challenge runs through Jan.13, 2018)
Aurora Wings FB Fan Page
I'm also entering this in the DL.Art January Linky Challenge, the DL.Art Thankful Thursday #219 New Year Challenge, Lil Patch of Crafty Friends #72 AG, Crafty Animals January #10 AG w/Animal, 2 Crafty Critter Crazies Jan AG w/Critter, the Outlawz Festive Friday New Year theme, Simon Says Monday Something New, Simon Says Wednesday Something New, Crafting by Designs Jan. AG, Your Scrapbook Place January AG.
Donna, I love this little cutie. What a great colour you've put him with - those papers are beautiful. x
ReplyDeleteI love the colors on this beautiful card, Donna! Hehe, the digi looks tailor made for the sketch. The yellow and peach of the pretty DT looks great with the plum blossoms in the digi. And of course, the Akita puppy looks so fuzzy and full of energy. Perfection! Mitzi xxx
ReplyDeleteOh I absolutely love this. I had an akita and they are the most loyal and loving dogs on the planet. They get a bad rap for being aggressive, but they are protective and not aggressive. You did an amazing job with the coloring of stamp.
ReplyDeleteso very nice card!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely adorable, love the colours. Thanks for the info too.
ReplyDeleteFaith
x
beautiful card Donna, love that cute pup, thank you so much for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge...hugs kath xxx
ReplyDeleteWonder card Donna, love the colors!
ReplyDeleteWow, how fun is this Year of the Dog image! The Chinese sentiment "dog" is lovely in this! Thanks so much for playing Simon Says Stamp Wednesday “Something New” Challenge! Beautiful colors and design. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThis is great.thanks so much for playing along at YSP. Xx Jan DT
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning! Thanks so much for sharing with us in the January Challenge with SheepSki Designs over at Your Scrapbook Place!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Leslie, YSP GD
Love To Scrap 2
Love To Scrap!