My blog is called "Creative Smiles" because my designs are the result of incorporating mistakes. With fumble fingers that drop whatever they are holding - repeatedly, it takes a lot of giggles, smiles and creative patience during my crafting process. xx

Thursday, March 07, 2013

Sweet As Can Be

Happy Thursday! Today's card share is way different for me, and has a lot of "firsts".




What are all my firsts?


It is my first "Cutesy" card. I will make more. (smile)


It is my first card with a Digi Image: Have you been putting it off? It was not nearly as difficult as I made it out to be. (do you ever make things more difficult than they really are?)


Over on the Besties' Site, this adorable freebie "Tiffany and Squeek" was offered so that everyone could participate in her weekly challenge.



Squeek reminds me of the Blue Bird Of Happiness - they are so sweet together.

It is my second time for using Copic Markers in this manner. Is there a trick to staying in the lines? Or is it my fumble fingers which don't cooperate?



Another first- Sneak peek for the sentiments.



They are part of the new Sparkle N Sprinkle Spring Floral #490 set designed by Beccy Muir.


Sparkle embossing powder and Copic markers also from SNS.






The Sparkle EP is used on the dryer sheet, blue panel, and Decorative Labels Eight in order to provide depth to the distress color, and some sparkle, too, of course.


More - It is my first easel card (wonder why I waited so long?

Another first - One blogger mentioned she die cut used dryer sheets for her flowers.

I tried it with Spellbinders dies, but they would not cut through the dryer sheet.

So I stitched the dryer sheet between the lace and blue panel to add some body and fru fru.

I will use more dryer sheets in cardmaking. :-)

It is also the first time my Labels Eight and Decorative Elements Labels Eight have been used - they are beautiful dies!

Thanks for popping by to share my day of "firsts".

Products:
Besties Tiffany and Squeek
Spellbinders Labels Eight Nesties
Spellbinders Decorative Elements Labels Eight
Cheery Lynn Fanciful Flourish
MS PAP Deep Edge Floral Crochet
MS Lace Doily border punch
Copic Markers from Sparkle N Sprinkle
Sparkle embossing powder from SNS
Cardstock: White, Bazzill Pink, SU Pink, Bazzill Yellow, Blue
Inks: Shell Pink dye ink, Versafine Olympia Green pigment ink, VersaMark pigment ink, Sky Blue Brilliance pigment ink
Lace, Dryer Sheet, white flowers

This card has been submitted to the following challenges:

Besties Challenge - #8 - Lace (fabric lace, 2 lace punches)
Cuttin and Stampin - #9 - Use Flowers
Oldie But A Goodie -  Feeling Floral (Labels 8 dies are more than 6 months old)
Paper Take Weekly - Anything Goes with femininity
Party Time Tuesday's - #110 Die Cuts (badge is at top in tab)
Shopping Our Stash - #92 Border Punches (2 MS border punches)
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
ABC Challenges - Anything Goes
Artistic Inspirations - #31 Things with Wings (girl holding blue bird)
Crafty Bloggers Network - #9 Spring or Pastel

Stamping Hugs,


52 comments:

brenda said...

So pretty and feminine Donna.

B x

Marie said...

This 'FIRSTS' card is utterly adorable! Great color palette. Glad I'm not the only one who obsesses about my 'treasures'.

crafty-stamper said...

stunning card love the Besties images-beautifully coloured and love all the die-cuts and the lay out-thanks for joining us at Artistic Inspirations
Carol DT x

ShersL84bed said...

This is so darling. I love what you did with Sherri's bestie. Your card is so beautiful. I love all of the sewing. If you would be so kind to contact me at ShersL84bed@aol.com I would love to ask you some questions.

Thank you for joining the besties challenge blog.

Smiles Sher

Karen Petitt said...

Gorgeous card Donna, your colouring is wonderful and I love the design and embellishments you've used! I regularly put things off if it's something new - always worried that it will be very difficult - most of the time it's not lol! hugs Karen

Abfabdesigns said...

Wel Donna for a first it's fab darling just fab ,and the colouring is beautifully well done you
Big hugs xxx

McCrafty's Cards said...

Beautiful card Donna, I like the sweet image the die cuts the colours and the lace.
Kevin xx

NanaConnie said...

What a terrific bunch of "Firsts," Donna! I'm so impressed. I had no idea you'd never used a digi before. (I'm totally hooked.) Great coloring on it. Hint about using Copics (or any other alcohol markers -- I prefer Spectrum Noir; every bit the same quality but 1/3 the cost!): use very smooth, very 'hard' paper. I like to use parchment paper because the alcohol inks tend to "spread" less. Second thing, don't color right up to the line, especially with reds and blacks, which 'spread' no matter what you do!

Finally, if you've fallen in love with Besties digis, check out Lacy Sunshine, also. To die for! http://lacysunshine.weebly.com/jpeg-digis.html

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Wow Donna this is GORGEOUS! So much detail and oh so pretty & yes the image is cute. I love the decorative elements that match labels 8, I 'need' those! The flowers, flourishes, sewing & lace and layers are so wonderful. Also like the yellow that sets off the other colours. Awesome work with a lot of 'firsts'! Have a great weekend, Shirleyx

Debi said...

Donna,
Love it! Great job on the Bestie image. Wonderful coloring! Great layers and textures, and a dryer sheet? I never knew a dryer sheet might look good on a card!!!! Way to go, girlfriend!

Pat K said...

WOW, stunning card Donna. Love your colour choices and gorgeous detail....absolutely fabulous, hugs, Pat K x

Unknown said...

Awesome and delightful Donna, for a first different card it's gorgeous. Glad to see you thinking outside the square...as always you do anyway. Love SSB images and am on their DT and nice to see my friends using Sheri's images...xcxxc

Shelly Schmidt said...

Whoa- this is gorgeous! Your eye for color is evident- love your DP and the pretty layout!

Dawn said...

What a bunch of fantastic firsts! Your card is stunning! Love all the gorgeous layers - including the dryer sheet - so clever. Such a sweet image, gorgeous die cuts and wonderful spring colours. There are so many lovely details :)

Hugs, Dawn

Monica said...

Hi Donna,
This is so beautiful... super copics colouring and everything seems within the lines. How creative to use dyer paper and I love all the details. The sentiment touches me no end. Another work of art from you. LOVE it.
Love,
Monica

Shona Erlenborn said...

That is one long list of firsts - which I can't believe from such a seasoned stamper!! You have done it again, from the gorgeous color combination and then all the glorious dies and lace and flowers - the dryer sheets probably make it scented too - perhaps another first? Love it Donna!

Anne Temple said...

Fantastic job! Love the colors and so feminine and cute at the same time. So many great details.

Brenda said...

Another gorgeous creation with so many elements, you have to keep looking and always find more :) Fabulous job on the coloring!!!

Sylvia said...

Beautiful card, cute image and so beautifully coloured, love the sentiment.

Sylvia xx
Crafty Bloggers Network Design Team Member

Patricia said...

This truly is sweet as can be. Wonderful layering and embellishments. Your image coloring is awesome! Thanks for joining us at Artistic Inspirations this week.

April said...

Just gorgeous, Donna! The image is so sweet. I love all the wonderful elements! Great job as usual!

creativearts said...

Gorgeous card, De! Love all of the beautiful colors, lace, dies, trim, flowers you used.

Gerlinde said...

Wow! what a beautiful card! So much detail! ANd the color combination is stunning!Love the lace, the embellishments, the dies, and the coloring! Your firsts all look like a pro did them! Gorgeous, gorgeous!

Sue said...

Donna, what a lot of Firsts in one card, and a beautiful one at that. The digi is adorable, and so many awesome details to look at and enjoy. Such pretty Spring pastel colors too. Now that you have stuck your toe in the water with all these new ideas, can't wait to see what's next!! Just lovely.

Hugs
Sue

Lela said...

I really like all the layers and all the firsts! Isn't that fun? Thanks for sharing with us at ABC Challenge Blog

Shea said...

Oh my good Lord have MERCY!! This is WONDERFUL! I can't believe for a minute all the firsts you have listed - this card is sooo professional, from the beautifully balanced colors, to the embellishments, to the coloring of your image...Donna, you are a true artist! This little confection is eye candy at its best - sheer delight! PS, yes, the secret to staying in the lines with Copics is Colorless Blender! Thank goodness for that! But your image is PERFECTLY colored! Beautiful job!

Pat said...

Gorgeous card. So much work put into it.

Carolyn said...

Oh Donna, What a gorgeous card!!!! What else can I say...I LOVE it.

Carolyn

Patty Gorka said...

Oh, my goodness! Look at all the amazing details on your card!!! It's just beautiful! Thanks for playing along this week at ABC Challenges!

Bernardine Cuttino said...

OMG What a delightfully sweet card! The colors are so fresh and I love the step card design. Thanks for visiting and leaving the sweet luv.
Hugs
Berni
berni46blogspot.

Bernardine Cuttino said...

Ok, DE me again, I just love the design and colors, so could you PM on how to make this design.
Hugs

Danielle Vincent said...

Wow - fabulous job with all your firsts! This is a gorgeous card - so much fun to look at - a true work of art. Thanks for joining us this week at 'ABC' Challenges.

Shannon White said...

OMGoodness How cute are they!! Just can't help but smile at these little Sweeties!! And I am so Loving all the lacy details and pretty patterned papers too! Just Love this Lady! 8-)

Hugs
Shannon

Carol Hurlock said...

Good morning Donna:
I am popping on over to see what I missed last week. The "Firsts" post!!! Wow lots of firsts!! Love it-it's inspiring to do lots of firsts. Love what you did with the dryer sheet and that image is adorable. It looks so spring and festive in the pastel colors. I keep thinking where have I heard Sparkle and Sprinkle-I know that vendor. Then it dawns on me that I hang out at her booth at the Creative Keepsake Conventions all the time-getting all the cool colors in embossing powders and glitter!!! Who knew...lol I love her pink embossing powder. I have never tried dusting my die cuts with glitter. I think I need to do that. It will be my first!!! It's funny reading that you glittered your dryer sheet as this weekend I glittered some cheese cloth for the first time and I like how it came out. You are an inspiration. But the way congrats on your first easel (they are so fun and beautiful every time) and using a digi. I love digi's. So easy to store too. Your work is gorgeous.
Bear Hugs,
Carol

Bonnie said...

You did a fantastic job on all your firsts! Can't wait to see more!

Shelby said...

Glad you accomplished so many firsts as this card is so sweet and wonderful. Love all of the girly elements you've used and your coloring looks fantastic.

Shelby

Shirley said...

She is super cute Donna. So many layers on such a delightful card. Gorgeous.

Hugs Shirley x x

Julie Z said...

Ah yes, all those firsts that we put off or are afraid of....how often we are all there! Thanks for sharing all your firsts with us - you nailed them all. And congrats on taking the plunge with them. Hopefully some of that "boldness" will rub off on all of us! The card turned out great! Love the colors and coloring and all the accents are perfect (as always)!

Leslie Miller said...

Wowie! You always amaze me. This design is just incredible, and so many challenges and firsts! I haven't been using digis really all that long, either, but I LOVE them. I can get lost in the shopping, and the instant download is divine. So many freebies out there, too. Can't say enough! That big-eyed fish sent me an instant smile, I tell you. So cute! It is fun to get all girly and cute sometimes, isn't it? About those Copics... it took me a while to get the feel of how close I could get to the line, how much pressure to apply, and how long to let my marker linger on the paper when I get close to the line, and I still flub up. Your coloring looks absolutely beautiful to me! What a fun post. I think I'll read it again!

TeresaK said...

I am loving all the layers on this lovely card! Thanks for joining us at Cuttin' and Stampin'!
Teresa
www.createenjoyshare.blogspot.com

Sue from Oregon said...

That's a lot of first girl! How fun to try new tools and learn new things. I have never made an easel card either...I must give it a shot one day! With copics, you need to use the right type of paper to stamp on-that might be your problem. You will hate your copics for about 3 weeks and then you will LOVE them LOL!

Glimpses of My Heart said...

Donna - Such a cute card! Sounds like you stepped out of your comfort zone on this one and I think you did a fabulous job! Thanks for using you border punches for our challenge at Shopping Our Stash!
Blessings,
Michelle

Dee's Craft Room said...

Oh wow, this is seriously gorgeous.

Fabulous design and great colouring.

Dionne

Scrappin Robin said...

Very cute card, I love it. Thank you for sharing and playing along with Cuttin' and Stampin'. Happy Crafting!

Unknown said...

beutiful design.... love it

Audrey Hiltke said...

OMGoodness, Donna - this card is breathtaking!! So many wonderful details - including your fab coloring!! Looks to me like you are in the lines perfectly my friend! You are such an inspiration to me - thank you for that.
Blessings,
Audrey

Helen said...

Gorgeous card!
Thanks for joining in with my 'Feeling Floral' challenge over at Oldie but a Goodie!
Helen x

E. Marie said...

Donna, your coloring is gorgeous, as is your card. Love these pretty spring colors and all the special embellishments you added.

Anonymous said...

Aaaggg, so pretty and adorable. Love the "springy" colors Donna and all the feminine touches.
Amelia x

Angela D said...

Very pretty card, love the image thanks for joining us over at the CBN Challenge this month
Hugs
Ang
Crafty Bloggers Network DT
My Blog: A Crafty Blether

Ger said...

Gorgeous, love the image and all the pretty borders. Thanks for joining us this month at Crafty Bloggers Network

Desire Fourie said...

Donna this is just beautifully coloured and wonderfully girly.
Hugs
Desíre
{Doing Life – my personal blog}