Hello Autumn Mixed Media Owl Canvas

*  This is my second post today - please keep scrolling or click "older posts" for an exciting announcement and giveaway.  *  

We have a new challenge at Stamps and Stencils and I will be this month's hostess.  Our challenge theme for October is Elements of Nature.  Here's how I've described the theme, "Whether you are inspired by the glorious world around us with the changing seasons, or tempted to use elements of nature in your art work, this month we'd love to see your nature inspired entries.  Anything goes as long as you include a natural element in your art which can be either either stamped or an actual item! As always you need to include stamping or stenciling."

I recently purchased a digital plaid background bundle from the company Creative Market.  As a result, they sent me free weekly downloads and I got this fall watercolor leaf package for free.  You can get this download through 10/9/16 HERE.  I can't wait to see what freebies they offer next week!  These leaves are amazing and yes, I printed and fussy cut every last one!  But it was fun to do because they are such glorious and vibrant eye candy.

Sadly, I forgot to take a pic of my background.  I used a Finnabair dots stencil and crackle stamp and Lindy's Stamp Gang Sprays.

My main idea was to use a square tea tin lid to build a nest for my sweet owl.  I have a very nostalgic and sweet story of me and my grandmother seeing an owl in the wood near our home and this piece brings back all of those precious memories...

Here you can see the tin a little better.  It is a beautiful copper.  I cut a piece of wood grain paper to go inside and layered with basket filler.  I added in several of those lovely tiny pine cones from a girl scout trip to the eastern most elevated area of the US, in North Carolina.  Man, I love those itty bitties!  I built up my layers by using twigs underneath.

I just had to add this banner, one of the beautiful free downloads from a different set.  Of course, to me it is a pun.  I love the idea of this owl looking back to me from his autumnal setting saying hello!  But then, I'm a silly and imaginative girl...  Happy autumn to you my friends!

I'm also sharing with:

Lindy's Stamp Gang: October Photo Challenge

I used the following sprays from the Go Greased Lightening Set:

Rizzo's Rowdy Red, Sandra Dee Sepia, Tears on My Pillow Tangerine

STAMPlorations: Anything Goes Mixed Media w/Stencil

We Love to Create: Anything Goes Mixed Media

More Mixed Media: Anything Goes w/Option of using Orange
Kartishok: Autumn Leaves & Old Books