045CUP_DR-feathers2Completed by Taina Kankare

Here in Finland we have an Easter tradition called "virpominen". It means to wish another person health and happiness on Palm Sunday by tapping them lightly with a willow twig and chanting a rhyme and/or to perform a similar act from door door disguised as witch done by children in quest for candy. The willow twigs are traditionally decorated with feathers. So, even though this fabulous set of feathers is clearly for ladies hats, masks or gowns, I decided to use it for willow twigs.

I opened my photo editor and modified one willow twig to several different twigs. Then I added different color feathers leaving the decorative gem out. Usually the feathers are attached to the twigs with some tape, glue or thin craft metal wire. I just added the feathers behind catkins, as if they were attached with hot glue.

Next I opened a new file and added a yellow background sheet. Then I added a green vase and arranged the willow twigs with the feathers into the vase. I added also some willow twigs without any feathers. After this I wrote the text "Hyvää Pääsiäistä", which is Finnish and means "Happy Easter". I also added some yellow ribbon bows to decorate the card.

I saved the file and printed the sheet. I cut the topper out and attached some lace around it. Then I attached my card front on a green base card leaving a narrow border. I printed the ribbon bows another time and attached them as a decoupage layer. I decorated the card with almond shaped faux gems.