Then I envisioned a bird in a nest sitting there on my simple branch. But as I looked at pictures online nothing really looked like the angle and view I needed. So, I found a simple little bird and used it for my guide.

As I looked at the branch all colored and full of life, I knew I needed a better tool for what was to come next. I had to find something that was a little sharper and easier to manipulate through the semi hard surface...So I grabbed a crazy wall hanger thingy that was laying around on my desk. (I got these things at a hardware store, recommended by some guy who said one little nail could hold like 50 lbs!! I bought them to hang up my art work, whatever it turned out to be. It is sort of like a nail with a disk in the middle and about 3/4 inch big and angled slightly.) Anyway, it was just what I needed (although a little short) to make more refined strokes.

Soon I was carving out my pencil lines and seeing the little bird come out and become a permanent piece of the board. Once carved, I got to begin my favorite part... choosing colors. The image of the bird was in black and white and so all of the colors were up to me to bring it to life. As I mixed browns and yellows and blues and blacks the creature came to life with personality in her eyes. I felt like she looked at the heavens for guidance... Much like the artist who brought her in to being.

Well, all I can say is no matter how many things I make, when finished I think "how the heck did I make that!? Simple me? How am I able to instinctively color and shade these things that flow out of my hand. Huh..." Then I figuratively shrug my shoulders knowing all too well that I am merely a vessel. That my gift is simply put in me to share with others and hope that is awes them too. I know maybe that sounds a bit conceited, but really, when I feel successful at something I simply cannot take all the credit. I feel like I must thank the One who gave me the privilege to create... And hopefully, to be effective at touching people's hearts in the process... Blessings...

There is a metallic sheen on the image that can not show up except in person, but gives it a very warm heavenly effect.