Devastation

I've been glued to CNN all morning just greiving the huge loss and

 devastation  in our neighboring city of Joplin, Missouri.

We are less than an hour from them to the east.

Last evening at about 5:45, a massive EF4 tornado

 went through the main part of town,

literally leveling everything in it's path.

To those of you who know we live in this area, Thankyou, for your love, concern, and prayers for our safety. Please join me in praying for the people here, who are still searching for loved ones. And that God will strengthen and sustain them through this trying time.

much love,

Debra

Vintage Inspiration Friday #38: Paper Birds

I've always loved birds. When I was growing up in the country, my dad who never threw any thing away, always had seeds and scraps that he would put out for the critters. Opossums, raccoons, birds of all kinds, and even the occasional skunk joined the "dinner table" at the side of the farmhouse.

Bird feeders, houses, and baths have been a fixture in my yard since I've been married. Now that I have more free time, I really enjoy it so much more, and you could say I have a small obsession with all things "bird".

I grab every Bird book that I can find and really love all the old illustrations.

I've been putting together vintage windows with "bird" elements for awhile,

 and since not everyone can use a large window,

I found myself creating these paper bird collages with old illustrations,

 dictionary pages, and album pages.

Click here to see how I used illustrations for some framed art.

Recently my husband found a stash of these old albums at a flea market,

so we bought them all. Some had more elaborate design than the others,

but I love them all.

I used old type stamps to add a little extra to these plain ones.

I have a row of bird houses along the back fence that I put up this year,

and this sweet wren is busy building her nest.

Sunday, I took out a garden seat, did some weeding,

and had my camera close by.

She had a hard time with some of the longer sticks,

they just wouldn't fit thru that tiny door.

But she worked and worked till she got them inside.

One of the best ways to spend an afternoon!

Here are some great posts from last weeks VIF:

A Perfect Marriage

from Theresa at 612 Riverside

(I'm soooo in love!)

For some splashy color fun see Vintage Tablecloth Love

over at Cottage Beach House

Lovin' Stacey's Daisy Candle Sconce

over at A Sort of Fairytale

And Renee puts together a great idea for an endtable

over at Shabby, Chic, and Charming.

(you know I LOVE white suitcases!)

I'll be joining these gals for great parties this weekend:

Hope you can join in for Vintage Inspiration Friday.

Please link up with Common Ground

 somewhere in your post or sidebar.

I'd love you to display the button

(on the sidebar)

it let's everyone know where to party!

(and there's a "featured on" button too)

anything vintage or vintage inspired!

and if you haven't entered my May Give Away

then click here.

Have a wonderful weekend,

love,