I use to own an Umbrella Cockatoo. Tyler was so sweet and lovable, but after Rachel was born, Tyler could no longer be kept out. She also did not get quite so much attention, so we felt it was best to re-home her. I have often told Rachel stories about Tyler, but she has never had much contact with a big bird like a Cockatoo. Since we were spending the afternoon Del Mar, we decided to stop by Free-Flight.

Before going in, I told Rachel I hoped I could cuddle one of the birds. I was so pleased to see that they had two Umbrella Cockatoos, one of which, when approaching her, stepped up on my and leaned right into my chest to cuddle. It felt so good, and I hugged and stroked her head and back. It amazed Rachel that the bird would let me touch her.

I eventually handed this sweet bird to Rachel, who couldnt believe how lovable she was, and how we could pet her feathers, and even lift her crest and wings. This little Cockatoo even clicked her beak, which Tyler used to do as a show of affection. I loved seeing the delight on Rachels face as she stroked the Cockatoos feathers and gazed into the little birds face.

Everything by Anna Aspnes:
ArtsyLayered Template No. 212 http://www.oscraps.com/shop/Artsy-Layered-Template-No.-212.html
ArtPlay Palette Autumn Cheer http://www.oscraps.com/shop/ArtPlay-Palette-Autumn-Cheer.html
MultiMedia Branches No. 5 http://www.oscraps.com/shop/MultiMedia-Branches-No.-5.html
Play WordART Mix No. 1 http://www.oscraps.com/shop/Play-WordART-Mix-No.-1.html
ArtPlay Palette Wild Autumn http://www.oscraps.com/shop/ArtPlay-Palette-Wild-Autumn.html
UrbanStitchez No. 8 http://www.oscraps.com/shop/UrbanStitchez-No.-8.html
UrbanThreadz No. 8 http://www.oscraps.com/shop/UrbanThreadz-No.-8.html
LoopDaLoop Melange ArtStrokes No. 1 http://www.oscraps.com/shop/LoopDaLoop-Melange-No.-1.html
ArtPlay Palette Airy http://www.oscraps.com/shop/ArtPlay-Palette-Airy.html
WarmGlows No. 6 http://www.oscraps.com/shop/WarmGlows-No.-6.html
WoodWords No. 6 http://www.oscraps.com/shop/WoodWords-No.-6.html

Process Notes: I began with ALT 212, and then placed the 3 photos. I moved everything to the right side of the page, and then began modifying layer colors and blend modes. I added additional transfers and stains to create a diagonal page design. I added the MM Branches, changing the leaf color of one, and duplicating the artstrokes to various places on the page. I added the woodWord beside the MM Branches along with the definitions from Play WordART. I added the title, giving it a stroke and custom shadow. I added the journaling, the artstrokes (placing it on blend mode divide), and added the stitches. I finished up by adding a glow beside the larger bird (under the leaves), changing its color to a pale blue. Once done, I decided to lighten and desaturate the background cardstock just a touch.

Fonts: Cereal Script, Eras Light ITC
Thanks for looking