Sunday, October 21, 2012

Ceramic Owls on the Mantel

See this little guy?
He's been my inspiration for a project that I've had in my head for the last several weeks. Well, actually this little fella has a twin. I knew I wanted to have some white owls on my mantel, but I couldn't find what I was looking for. I needed bigger, as these are only about 5 inches tall. Several of you (if you read this, please leave a comment, 'cause I can't remember where I saw them) had spray painted their flea market ceramic owl finds.



So these were the ceramic misfits that I finally located. 
But I wanted a white "Snow Owl" look. 



After a couple of coats of white latex paint...Getting there, but too "modern", and I wanted some definition of their faces.



So I got out the craft paints and gave them a slight gray wash. 
A little paint for the eyes and beak,
and a light coat of spray sealer.
But they needed a little sparkle to get them close to my inspiration.





I think they turned out pretty cute.







Their bigger size makes them show up on the mantel,
 even though they've been "snowed".


I warned you early on that there would be many evolutions of my 
"Fall Mantel". 
I think this will work until after Halloween.
then...
the "Late Fall Mantel".


joining in for these parties:

Party Time at Design Dreams by Anne
Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm
Mod Mix Monday at Mod Vintage Life
Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Hope you're having a great Fall weekend,
xoxo,
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74 comments:

  1. Nancy @ The HeadmistressOctober 20, 2012 at 6:47 PM

    I love those little owls; they are so sweet! You did a great job painting them!
    Nancy

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  2. SerendipityRefinedOctober 20, 2012 at 6:56 PM

    Oh my gosh! You and me, Debra! White spray painted owls are the BEST! ( I painted ONE that I found at Marshalls a couple of months ago. I do remember someone else doing it right after that but for the life of me, I can't remember who, either)

    I love your mantle but I came over specifically to tell you that I saw your entire home over at Debbie's today. Wow! It's incredible. From room to lovely room, each with things that I loved and found familiar as well as other things that I know I'd love to do one day.

    Months ago, when we first met, you said something that continues to be true each time I read your posts: (I'm paraphrasing here) "sometimes you come across a blogger who is kindred, someone who has a style that makes you feel at home."

    I've found that in you! Your home is lovely and I look forward to watching your mantel in the coming weeks and months! Have a glorious weekend! xo, Kimberly

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  3. Julie MarieOctober 20, 2012 at 6:58 PM

    Those are so pretty Debra!... but, I loved the "before misfits" too... maybe because I love owls... and all of God's precious creatures... they look so pretty on your mantel... you are too cute, calling it approaching fall mantel,early fall mantel, mid fall mantel, late fall mantel... is there a winter fall mantel coming?... tee hee hee... I would not blame you... I want Autumn to last and last... xoxo Julie Marie

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  4. UnknownOctober 20, 2012 at 7:59 PM

    Perfect. I love your beautiful florals on either side too!

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  5. UnknownOctober 20, 2012 at 9:06 PM

    I so want to find some owls now! Yours turned out wonderful. Great Job!

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  6. PamOctober 20, 2012 at 9:21 PM

    Well Debra. I'm so glad you couldn't find the owls. Yours are so beautiful I think it would be hard to match! Have I ever said "I love your style"? Well, I do! xo's Pam

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  7. Judy at GoldCountryCottageOctober 20, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    Debra. You have done a fantastic paint job on those owls. You would never know that they weren't straight from the artist like that. I will certainly stay tuned for the rest of your Fall mantles..Happy Weekend..Judy

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  8. UnknownOctober 20, 2012 at 10:13 PM

    So whimsical and beautiful! Perfectly fall, I need to find some owls now :) Kelly

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  9. shaggysheephomeOctober 20, 2012 at 10:25 PM

    They are so chic. I bet the owl loves his new makeover.

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  10. Merri JoOctober 20, 2012 at 10:46 PM

    Your owls are beautiful! Melissa @ The Inspired Room painted her Goodwill owl white- it was cute, too!

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  11. JunkchiccottageOctober 20, 2012 at 10:50 PM

    Oh My Gosh those owls came out so cute. You have such a great eye for being able to see a vision of change for things. These really came out nice. Great job.
    Kris

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  12. Brynwood NeedleworksOctober 20, 2012 at 11:15 PM

    Debra, my dear-
    Your owls are lovely on your mantle! I love how you changed them from colored to the whitewashed look.

    Just this evening, two owls "lit up" right next to the house.Tag was so surprised that he ran out into the Holidome and barked at them until they flew off. We love hearing the owls, but couldn't help laughing at our protective corgi!

    Happy Sunday to you and yours.
    xoxo
    Donna

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  13. Our Hopeful HomeOctober 21, 2012 at 12:10 AM

    Well, it appears that great minds think alike lol! I picked up a few little ceramic owls a few weeks ago at Goodwill in the hopes of spray painting them white. Still haven't gotten around to doing it, though. Glad I saw yours first, they're way better than what I was going to do! Thanks for the inspiration.

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  14. SusanOctober 21, 2012 at 12:56 AM

    Way back in the day when I first started my homemaking............we are talking 18 years old here. Owls were popular at that time.
    I am so glad to see they are really being appreciated once again.
    Your owls are gorgeous! The transformation is beautiful.

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  15. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsOctober 21, 2012 at 7:40 AM

    They turned out beautiful, Debra! Your added touches really added the perfect look to them. I did two large owls for my daughter in a white gloss spray paint. Kind of like an Anthropology look and, yes, a bit modern/contemporary looking.

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  16. Vickie @ Ranger 911October 21, 2012 at 8:08 AM

    Your mid autumn? mantel is stunning!

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  17. Decor To AdoreOctober 21, 2012 at 8:23 AM

    Well done! Bravo! I love that your mantle transitions. Mine does as well. :)

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  18. DawnOctober 21, 2012 at 8:30 AM

    It turned out just fab. Love the view in the mirror also. Can't wait to see how you change it up for late Fall. Lovely!!

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  19. ChiPPy-SHaBByOctober 21, 2012 at 11:25 AM

    They came out PeRfeCt!!! LoVe the White & Sparkles...
    Jeanine Burkhardt

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  20. LoriOctober 21, 2012 at 12:50 PM

    Debra, what a lovely mantel, makes me crave one even more! The plate just brings a warm Autumn touch to warm the heart! Lori

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  21. Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow October 21, 2012 at 1:06 PM

    So sweet. And it reminds me that my daughter has an owl to put out.

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  22. ANNEOctober 21, 2012 at 1:28 PM

    FANTASTIC! Oh so much better than the originals and I really like that you added the definition to them. They look spectacular on your mantel.

    Have a great day!

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  23. Becca BertottiOctober 21, 2012 at 2:58 PM

    Love your owls, Debra ... they are so cute! And, they're a perfect addition to your beautiful Fall mantel!

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  24. Blondie's JournalOctober 21, 2012 at 4:19 PM

    These are so pretty, Debra! You did wonderful job and how you painted the eyes give them a very "wise" look...seriously! I just love your entire mantel!

    XO,
    Jane

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  25. Laurel Leaf CottageOctober 21, 2012 at 4:36 PM

    Your owls are darling!!! I have an ugly old green one from the 70's packed away in a box somewhere...I'll have to give this a try!! =)

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  26. SarahOctober 21, 2012 at 7:11 PM

    Debra, your owls are wonderful. Great job! I like your mantel. I used an owl with pumpkins on our mantel this season too. I really like the snowy owls though! ;-)
    Thanks for sharing........Sarah

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  27. AnonymousOctober 21, 2012 at 8:08 PM

    LOVE those owls...gotta go pin!

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  28. Lady PamelaOctober 21, 2012 at 8:28 PM

    I am seeing white owls in decor all over the place.They are really popular right now. Yours turned out very well.
    *Smiles*

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  29. srpprcrftrOctober 21, 2012 at 11:32 PM

    Fall decorating isn't just about Halloween, it's nice to see just Fall ideas. Your owls turned out so cute. Love how you gave them some personality. It's fun just to play with things and change them at will. They don't have to stay the same do they? Can change it again for Thanksgiving if you want. Can express yourself to your hearts content.
    I keep changing things in my displays, take something away, add something differently, to me that's half the fun. I get tired of how something looks so I change it some way.
    Hubs made me an awesome shutter shelf and am I having fun with that, that's my mantel. Keeps me thinking and doing. Happy week to you.
    I'm not a blogger, just a reader, get inspired by all the incredible talent you bloggers have.

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  30. LYNDA QUINTERO-DAVIDSOctober 22, 2012 at 1:44 PM

    Wonderful transformation! Love the new look and finish you've created for your owls and warm fall mantel display!

    xo Lynda

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  31. OliveOctober 22, 2012 at 3:27 PM

    That mantle gets transformed in a more lovely way each time. I think you need to write a book. I love the owls. Even I have brandished a can of spray paint this month. I also painted a table. This is what blogging does to ya-right?

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  32. craftylesOctober 22, 2012 at 3:47 PM

    Great makeover for the owls. Your mantle looks beautiful.

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  33. UnknownOctober 22, 2012 at 4:10 PM

    Good Call! I love it. That was such a good idea! :)

    ~Liz

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  34. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeOctober 22, 2012 at 4:34 PM

    Love them painted white. They look fabulous on the mantel. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  35. Penny @ Penny's Vintage HomeOctober 22, 2012 at 5:36 PM

    I have passed up several owls at yard sales because of the dated colors on them....not anymore! I love your owls!
    Hugs, Penny

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  36. ShaneeOctober 22, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    I am so loving owls this year! Your makeover looks awesome. Thanks for sharing, visiting from Between Naps on the Porch.

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  37. Number Fifty-ThreeOctober 22, 2012 at 9:04 PM

    Oh that is such a fantastic transformation! I recently bought quite an ugly little turkey at the thrift store with the intention of painting it. Thank you for the tutorial! I think I can actually make this project work.

    Angela

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  38. Athena at Minervas GardenOctober 22, 2012 at 9:54 PM

    These are beautiful, Debra--I like the little bit of grey wash you put on them to bring out their pretty highlight. Your mantel is gorgeous!

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  39. andrea@townandprairieOctober 23, 2012 at 5:01 AM

    Whoooooo would have guessed they've been appropriated?? LOVE THEM! I've been on the look out for some pheasant sculptures myself. Your owls are divine. What a perfect channel into early winter, too! A little evergreen and leave them up. Clever!

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  40. TracyMB @ Crows Feet ChicOctober 23, 2012 at 1:42 PM

    Oh I love your reworked owls!! The snowy touch is perfect... they'll work well into your late, late fall, early winter, mid winter, Christmas, late winter looks. ;) Scrumptious in an owlish way. Love 'em.

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  41. MelanieOctober 23, 2012 at 1:42 PM

    Hi Debra ~ I'm new to your blog. Found your link through Brenda's Tweak it Tuesday. Your owls (and mantle) are gorgeous! I'm into owls lately (just ask my husband, lol), so I'm loving your new look. Very clever how you painted them. Can't wait to look through the rest of your blog. Hope you will visit over at my blog as well and become a new follower. Oh - I also followed you on Pinterest. :-)

    Blessings,
    Melanie

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  42. BECKYOctober 23, 2012 at 6:21 PM

    The owls came out sooo cute! Just love them! You gave them the perfect personality, gal! Oh...and I love everything you do with your mantle!!! :o)

    Hugs,
    Becky

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  43. chateau chicOctober 23, 2012 at 7:24 PM

    Debra, Your owls look so much better with the white paint and other detailing. Your mantel always looks beautiful. I have to hand it to you for changing it so often during one season!
    Mary Alice

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  44. On Crooked CreekOctober 23, 2012 at 8:42 PM

    Debra,
    WoW!!! What an amazing transformation, dear friend!!! I adore the new "fresh" look you gave your owls! They are gorgeous on your Fall Mantle!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  45. Amy KinserOctober 23, 2012 at 9:12 PM

    Your owls are super cute and fun! I so love your mantel and fireplace, Debra.

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  46. Inspired By JuneOctober 23, 2012 at 10:44 PM

    I'm partial to owls and yours turned out lovely! Nicely done, Debra!

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  47. Ann @ Corner of Plaid and PaisleyOctober 24, 2012 at 12:14 AM

    Wow! What a difference! You took ugly and made the owls look great! thanks for sharing your process. Beautiful mantel!

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  48. BabsOctober 24, 2012 at 8:20 AM

    OMGosh Debra! Your paint treatment really transformed the "ugly duckling" owls to beautiful "swans".
    LOL, I know I'm mixing birds, but they're gorgeous! Also, I keep looking at your mantel. It's somewhat like mine,except mine isn't painted. Yours looks so good painted white with the mantel stained.
    Babs

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  49. Celestina MarieOctober 24, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    Hi Debra, Love your owls and especially after your painted them. I did this to my rooster collection too.
    Owls are all the rage now and they look wondeful added to your fall mantel. Such an inviting look.
    Hugs, Celestina Marie

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  50. Sandi~A Cottage MuseOctober 24, 2012 at 12:08 PM

    They turned out just perfect!!

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  51. Carlene @ Organized ClutterOctober 24, 2012 at 5:38 PM

    The owls turned out just as good if not better than the inspiration.

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  52. Karen ValentineOctober 24, 2012 at 9:15 PM

    Debra your owls turned out beautifully!!! Don't you love it when a plan comes together!! They are a perfect compliment to your Fall decor!
    xo,
    Karen

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  53. I Love To Op ShopOctober 25, 2012 at 5:41 AM

    Just beautiful :-)

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  54. Julie MarieOctober 25, 2012 at 11:31 AM

    Taking another look at your pretty owls Debra... they would fit right in with our snow here today too!... they are so beautiful!... xoxo Julie Marie

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  55. Jennifer @ Town and Country LivingOctober 25, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    Cute owls! You made them look a whole lot better. My daughter has an owl tattoo on her arm so owls always make me think of her. I'd prefer that she not have a tattoo but what's a mother to do? :)

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  56. AnonymousOctober 26, 2012 at 7:11 PM

    Well..."hoo" knew these cuties would turn out so great, you "hoo",that's "hoo".
    I think they are perfect.

    I'm stickn' a "pin" 'em.
    saw your #16 @ Debbiedoo's.
    #15
    LoblollyLane

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  57. KathrynOctober 26, 2012 at 8:51 PM

    So cute! I just did the same thing to my set of ceramic owl twins (whom I have now christened Owlexander and Owlbert!) You can see their before and afters here: http://www.aheartfulhome.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-tale-of-two-owls.html
    Yours look lovely on your gorgeous fall mantel! I'm soooo close to breaking down and painting my whole bookshelf white... just waiting for the right "push". ;)

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  58. Kristin@ A Vintage FairyOctober 27, 2012 at 7:10 AM

    i had a ceramic owl all painted and drying in the garage...I knocked him down on accident and he shattered in many unfixable pieces. I was so sad, and now am again seeing how awesome yours look on the mantle!

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  59. Kristin@ A Vintage FairyOctober 27, 2012 at 7:10 AM

    i had a ceramic owl all painted and drying in the garage...I knocked him down on accident and he shattered in many unfixable pieces. I was so sad, and now am again seeing how awesome yours look on the mantle!

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  60. Craftberry BushOctober 27, 2012 at 9:43 AM

    Debra, they didn't just turned out pretty good...they are gorgeous...what a beautiful display as usual....hugs...xo
    Lucy

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  61. THE FARMHOUSE PORCHOctober 27, 2012 at 11:22 AM

    Your house is breathtaking, I'd love to see it in person. These owls are fabulous! Thanks for joining the party!
    ♥Linsey

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  62. Kathryn Ferguson GriffinOctober 27, 2012 at 5:09 PM

    Debra, you did an amazing job on the cute, little owls. They look absolutely perfect on your mantel. Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    ReplyDelete
  63. Jocie@TheBetterHalfOctober 27, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    Yay, I love owls and these look so cute!
    Would love if you came and linked up with us. We’re giving away one free week of ad space for one lucky feature, and our blog gets thousands of hits per day! Hope to see you there!
    http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/the-humble-brag-link-party-4/

    ReplyDelete
  64. The Pink Geranium or Jan's PlaceOctober 27, 2012 at 10:53 PM

    What a great post, the owls turned out stunning...wow!!

    Jan fro the Pin Geranium

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  65. KarissaOctober 30, 2012 at 12:56 AM

    WHAT A NEAT IDEA!!! I hope you don't mind if I steal this. I have tons of owls and some that need a re-do and I can't wait to try this. This may be a stupid quetion but to make them "sparkle" did you use glitter or something else?

    ReplyDelete
  66. Stan and Jody GabaraOctober 31, 2012 at 12:10 AM

    Debra, Thanks so much for sharing your ceramic owls on Simple & Sweet Fridays. I love how you painted them and added the detail. The sparkle was the finishing touch! Love them!

    Jody

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  67. The Charm of HomeOctober 31, 2012 at 9:35 AM

    These are adorable Debra! Great job on transforming them!
    Sherry

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  68. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonNovember 5, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    What a transformation those owls took Debra. I love how you added the bit of gray and sparkle. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
    Hugs,
    Jann
    p.s. I keep meaning to tell you that your new profile pic is so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonNovember 5, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    What a transformation those owls took Debra. I love how you added the bit of gray and sparkle. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
    Hugs,
    Jann
    p.s. I keep meaning to tell you that your new profile pic is so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonNovember 5, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    What a transformation those owls took Debra. I love how you added the bit of gray and sparkle. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
    Hugs,
    Jann
    p.s. I keep meaning to tell you that your new profile pic is so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  71. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonNovember 5, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    What a transformation those owls took Debra. I love how you added the bit of gray and sparkle. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
    Hugs,
    Jann
    p.s. I keep meaning to tell you that your new profile pic is so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonNovember 5, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    What a transformation those owls took Debra. I love how you added the bit of gray and sparkle. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
    Hugs,
    Jann
    p.s. I keep meaning to tell you that your new profile pic is so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonNovember 5, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    What a transformation those owls took Debra. I love how you added the bit of gray and sparkle. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
    Hugs,
    Jann
    p.s. I keep meaning to tell you that your new profile pic is so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  74. UnknownOctober 10, 2013 at 6:29 AM

    Great job with your snow owls! Gives me an idea for mine.

    ReplyDelete

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