A HUGE thanks to everyone who joined in the Birthday celebrations last month and what an amazing array of projects were entered - and what a job we had making decisions for the pinworthies too. Before we make the big announcement, it's time to enjoy a project from one of our former winners. Zelda of Out of Africa Creations won our January challenge, and she's here today with some inspiration for Annie's lovely Magic of Three theme. Let's hand over to Zelda so that she can introduce herself and her fabulous creation. ___________________ Hello everyone! I'm thrilled to be here and a huge thank you to A Vintage Journey for the opportunity to share my Magic of Three project hosted by Annie. I'm from South Africa (hence the name of my blog Out of Africa Creations) and moved to the great big US of A in 2012. I've always loved creating and have tried many different crafts over the years. I love learning new techniques and when my mojo tank is a little empty, I experiment and often find myself elbow deep in paints and inks .... it's food for my soul. I decided to create a mixed media canvas for the Magic of Three theme and included a number of elements in three's, namely 3 floral arrangements, 3 leaves (in focal area), 3 wire thread embellishments and 3 lace flowers. I first added some color with Color Bloom spray to my canvas. I always feel better once I have a bit of color on a blank canvas, it somehow seems less intimidating. Next I distressed the edges of my patterned paper and adhered it to the canvas. I then added some lace and modelling paste with a stencil. After arranging the flowers and embellishments I added color and texture to various areas and finished off with a few pearls. Here are a few close ups: For more details please head over to my blog. Thanks again to A Vintage Journey for inviting me and have a wonderful day! _____________________ Thank you so much, Zelda - such lovely work. Now it's time to find out who our Birthday winners are, so here goes - Our out and out winner of the £20 voucher from Counttry View Crafts and chosen by Random Org is.............. #69 and that's the lovely Rupa from Together for Arts with this fabulous Spring wall hanging. Congratulations Rupa, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful art with us and for all the support you give us over the year. You should be receiving your voucher from Country View Crafts very soon. To follow this we have three wonderful Pinworthy Mentions for you - #36 Creations by Nora #40 Irena's Art #48 Scrapbook Dreams Well done ladies, it was a very tough job choosing these but they all three stand out for their ingenuity, inspiration and style. You all did a magnificent job. You will be contacted soon to see if you would like to be a guest here at AVJ. _________________________ Finally we have the special Tag Friday giveaway prize and although we had far fewer people join in (it seems a week isn't enough for you to get your entries in), we still have a winner and that is - #3 and we have the fabulous Trace from 'inkypinkycraft' with a gorgeous vintage tag. Congratulations Trace your little prize will be wending it's way to you soon. We are so happy you have been able to join in with us and pleased to see an ex Creative Guide sister taking the stage. ***************** So there we have all our fabulous winners and pinworthies this week and many thanks to all of you who took part and who often find time to make and share something with us. As we now enter our fourth year of challenge making we look forward to seeing what comes our way and hope you will be there at some point joining in. Don't forget to come back on Monday to see who has been in transit with the travel bag this week and what creation they have made with the contents. And also we hope you have seen the new challenge 'The Magic of Three' and the inspiration projects from the amazing Creative Guides and hopefully you will be joining us for that one too. Have a wonderful Easter weekend and enjoy whatever you have planned which hopefully will include some chocolate on the way. hugs Brenda, Alison and the rest of the incredibly talented and hardworking Creative Guides. xxx