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

Monday, May 27, 2013

Dreaming On Aquamarine Tides



As a little girl, I enjoyed a father who would take me down the cliffs into tide pools as the Southern California tides receded.

So many magical things to touch and see. Tiny fish nibbled at my toes, anemones tried to catch my inquiring fingers, starfish clung stubbornly to rocks, crabs scurried into crevices.

Pure delight!

Sometimes I can close my eyes, inhale and still feel the salty, wet sea breeze kiss my little face as I played in those tidal pools.

Scrapbook Stamp Society offers a variety of image styles. Dreaming On Aquamarine Tides by Mitzi Sato Wiuff is in my card share today.



Dreaming On Aquamarine Tides  Digi StampHer image speaks to me - the calling of the sea with delicate and amazing creatures called Sea Dragons. Did you know they are real? (cousins to the sea horse).

Mitzi's image also inspired the Sentiment which reflects how I feel about my you, my blogging friends - a special love which goes soul to soul, because that is what we see in each other on-line - we see the Soul of our friends.

You can also view Mitzi's fabulous diamond studded colored image, in her gallery here.


Being rather new to digital images, I don't quite know how to create a scene. In this instance, Mitzi has a wonderful scene. However, I wanted a larger "garden setting".

To accomplish this:

I vertically cropped part of the image in the bottom left, and pasted it 3 more times in the plant life to the left of the dreaming maiden. Next I cropped the very top part of the magical bubbles-plant life-hair and pasted it sideways in front of the other vegetation at the bottom left, to create a larger garden setting. So it is all the artist's drawing, but slightly expanded to accommodate the shape of the canvas, and make a special place for the greeting.

To the left is the open card laying flat after being taken out of a regular A7 envelope.

A few more photos:

The photo below shows the:

 chunky glitter, 
pure gold flakes, 
glass beads, 
punches,
sea shells
 and flowers. 

I love the sea dragons - so gently floating by.


The clear glass beads are lovely, and contrast beautifully with the chunky glitter and gold pieces.


What is especially different for me is the choice of colors - definitely out of my norm. But the coral red is reminiscent of star fish, sea shells, corals, sea anemones, and other dear oceanic creatures.

Finally, a little photo from my back yard to set the stage :-)


Gratefully submitted to the following fabulous Challenges:

  1. Scrapbook Stamp Society - use a Die Cut, Punch or Cut file (3 different SB dies, an unknown vine die cut, Martha Stewart branch punch)
  2. Lady Anne's Challenge - #2 Easel Card (shaped easel card)
  3. Ooh-la-la-Creations Challenge - "Inspired by Nature" (ocean and ocean life)
  4. Songbird Challenges - #21 "All Creatures Great and Small" (sea dragons, cousins of sea horses)
  5. Avenue 613 - #21 Anything Goes
  6. Scrappy Frogs Challenge - "Free Choice"
  7. That Craft Place - "Dies and Punches" (Spellbinders and Martha Stewart)
  8. Totally Gorjuss - #184 Water - (under the sea)
  9. Digi Makeover - #90 Anything Goes (referred by Eret!)
  10. Path of Positivity Challenge - #2 Love and Interconnectedness 

Products used:
  • Scrapbook Stamp Society's Dreaming On Aquamarine Tides by Mitzi Sato Wiuff
  • Computer-Generated Sentiments
  • Spellbinders: Grand Labels Four
  • Martha Stewart Twig/branch punch
  • Copic Markers
  • Paper: Textured Deep Turquoise, Coral Red, Neenah White
  • Inks: Mountain Rose Dye Base, Copic Markers
  • Adhesives: PPA, Quick Dry Tacky
  • Embellies from my stash: tiny sea shells, flowers, beads, glitters, eye-lash yarn, shell fragments
  • Pure Gold Flake Medium by USArt Quest



Thanks for stopping by today!
"Soul to Soul" hugs,


52 comments:

Brenda said...

I'm speechless!!! That is just gorgeous. The chunky glitter is perfect and the "scene" stunning!
Love the little kitty with the headsets on the top right too LOL

Barbara Bruder said...

What a dreamy mystical card. Love your recall of your childhood with your father, what a magical time that must have been.The elements of your card add continuance to the image and your embellishments really add such visual excitement.

Desire Fourie said...

Donna this is just so beautiful and I love the decorative shape of the card and tge awesome colouring, Suchva wonderful sentiment too.
Hugs Desíre {Doing Life}

Lady Anne Milnes-Howard said...

Such a stunning creation from you Donna, I see your love within the depth of the making of this card as your words touched the very soul of me. Thank you for sharing it and you with us all...
Love ~ Lady Anne xx

Lady Anne's Blog

Lady Anne's Challenge
Lady Anne's Stamp Challenge
Lady Anne's: NanaVic's Challenge

brenda said...

What a wonderfully mystical image Donna and you have selected perfect colours to complement it.

I'm always a sucker for easel cards although not made one lately, this is a very pretty shape as well.

B x

KarinsArtScrap said...

wowwwwww Donna this is gorgeous, love the colours you have used.
and the wire between the dies.
fantastic card.
thanks for join us at Scrapbook Stamp Society challenge.

greetings karin DT member.

Eret said...

Donna, I've watch your card at least 15 minutes to admire every little detail. Your coloring is amazing. And all those embellishments... Oh my... It looks like a real sea scene. I love the blue fibers peaking out the top layer. I love everything! Really stunning card. Coral red frames your card so beautifully. It brings the eye to the center of the card. You did excellent job with digi image, Donna. I truly love your card. I'm very glad you joined with us at the Digi Makeover Challenge. I hope you join us again.
Hugs, Eret

julie_woolston said...

A really beautiful card Donna , love the image and all the wonderful embellishments, the sentiment is lovely.
Thank you for joining us at Lady Anne's Challege.

Hugs Julie xx

Sue said...

WOW!! A truly stunning card Donna. The image is gorgeous and beautifully coloured, I love the sentiment and your detailing is just amazing.
I think you have really captured your magical memories and your card is a pure delight.
Hugs Sue xx

McCrafty's Cards said...

Wow Donna, this is stunning!! I love the image she looks kind of dreamy, the shape alll the glitter the shells and the fuzzy twine edging.
Kevin xx

Monica said...

Hi Donna,
I seem to have gone missing for a few days... just taking a break.
Your post is beautiful as much as your card... loved reading the story about you going with your dad to tide pools and experiencing all those wonderful creatures. I have seen sea dragons in an aquarium in Australia. They are fascinating.
And now to your card - words cannot express the beauty you express through your cards. Just so divine and out of this world.
The image is so charming and dreamy and the sentiment is awesome. I used to love Khalil Gibran and still love reading his books.
I like what you say about bloggers being soul mates. Yes they are...
Much love,
Monica xxx

kReN said...

Hi, Donna, Love your beautiful card! So lovely!
Have to ask how you did the hummingbird animation on the FP email today? So nifty!
kren@
http://afourthlife.blogspot.com

Anne Temple said...

WOW! This is jaw dropping gorgeous!! Love the color combo (and everything else).

Lisa Minckler said...

That's the most exquisite coloring on this image. The blend of her with the aquatic life surrounding here as an extension of her look fabulous. The bolder colors on the card framing really lend to drawing your eye right back to the image. Very much enjoyed reading your reminiscing story. Truly makes the card even more special!
Thank you so much for your visit to my blog and leaving such a sweet comment too.
hugs to you,
Lisa x

ShersL84bed said...

Beautiful Donna. I love your write up too. I'm sure Mitzi would be pleased :) Hope you tag her on facebookso she can see.

Wendy L said...

AMAZING card, so different and so pretty. Thanks for joining us at Lady Annes this month. xxxx

Shona Erlenborn said...

This is so magical Donna. Your dreamy write-up fits the card beautifully. I can just see you getting your toes nibbled in the pools!

cotnob said...

Wow! What a beautiful card Donna, your image is stunning and your colour combination is gorgeous - beautifully embellished and such a lovely sentiment, I love it.
Pauline
x

Kaija said...

Donna,this is Fantastic card,I love colours!Thank you for joining ScrapbookStampSociety challenge:)
Hugs Kaija DT-member

Path of Positivity said...

This is just stunning and so very unique. I love the concept of your piece along with the wonderful design. That image is incredible, the quote beautiful (Khalil Gibran has some fab quotes)and the choice and way you have added the embellishments all come together to create a truly uplifting piece of artwork. Thank you so much for joining this month on the Path of Positivity. I'm so glad that you found my challenge and I hope that I will see more of your lovely creations in the future.

May the sun always shine down on your path,
Lisa D.

Debi said...

Beautiful Donna!
I would never be brave enough to use a red card with this pastel masterpiece, but it really works!!!
The scene you painted with your very wonderfully descriptive story is as lovely as the card.

Karenladd said...

Wow, this is beyond gorgeous. The image and coloring alone is amazing but when you add the texture of the fibers and flower...did I already say wow?!! The funny thing is, I have a digital image by this artist that I have never used and now I'm inspired to print it out and give it a try.

Shanna Shands said...

Such wonderful detail. This is a lovely card. I love the trim you used and all the punch outs. Really goes perfectly with the image.

Unknown said...

Donna, OMG! this soooo creative and beautiful!! I love everything about it!! Thank you for playing at 613 Avenue Create. Hope to see you again and good luck! Barb DT member.

Anonymous said...

This is such a magical card and I love your childhood memories. Such a great story with such a beautiful card The colors are also magical.

Eleanor (craftsbyej)

Jean Bullock said...

this is so lovely. It makes me think of a clam shell.

maria's knutselplezier said...

what a gorgeous and great design!!!Love your card a lot, lovely ligh sea colours , beautiful details and what a pretty stamps you have used, You made another perfect card!!!

Greetings
Maria

Kezzy said...

WOWSER wow wow wow gorgeous stunning easel card and the image and colours are awesome. Thank you for joining us at That Craft Place challenge blog :-) Happy Crafting Kezzy xxx

Kat W said...

Wow, what a stunning card Donna! I'm not sure where to start because if I start listing all the things I like it might take a while - lol! Ok, my top 3 fave bits are the shaped base, the chunky glitter and the fab sentiment...but it is all wonderful of course!
Kat x

Mitzi Sato-Wiuff said...

Donna, this is Mitzi. I'm just so impressed with what you've made with my digi. Your attention to detail and knack for color and texture are evident in the card. I really enjoyed reading your childhood memory, too.

Barbara GR said...

Hi Donna
fantastic image! Your colouring is just perfect! She looks soo... amazing! Welcom on board at Fashionista!
Hugs
Barbara GR

Mrs A. said...

I really do not know where to start. This is totally fabulous. The colours are a sheer delight to look at . Your cutting and pasting of the image perfect in your rendering. Love the choice of card design too. Fantastic all round. Hugs Mrs a.

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Wow Donna, your masterpiece is gorgeous. Starting with the main image, she is beautiful - I love how you have painted her and expanded the digital (somehow). The background with your embellishments expands the beautiful scene and your sentiment & card lay-out make it even more wonderful. Thanks for the link to the artists work, so beautiful! Thanks for taking us the adventure in your memories as well, it was wonderful. Beautiful Donna, Hugs, Shirleyx

Leslie Miller said...

I know I'm starting backwards, but I'd like to say first I love how you fit this creation to the Path of Positivity challenge. Beautiful words by Khalil Gibran and also by you with your reference to your blogging soul mates. I've always been astounded by how we've all been brought together worldwide by our craft and reaching out through our blogs. Now... your rendition of this image is breathtaking! In the first two photos I can just get lost in your coloring of her hair. It's wonderful how you put the scene together. Such a nice collection of sprinkles among her underwater treasures. The branch punch is an absolutely perfect representation of coral. You know, I subscribe to Feline Playful and I'm still overwhelmed by all the challenges and keeping track of the winners. Hats off to everyone who plays multiple challenges like this. It's a marvel to me! A stunning card, Donna!

Bernardine Cuttino said...

Wow, DE this is an awesome beauty, loving the texture and design, so sweet and delightful, simply striking and very creative.Thanks for playing in our neighborhood at 613 Avenue Create. We look forward to seeing you again.
Hugs
Berni,DT
613AvenueCreate.

StampNScrapJunkie said...

What can I say that hasn't already been said but WOW and WOW! Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for joining us at Scrapbook Stamp Society.

Ema M.
Design Team Member

Carol Hurlock said...

Wow Donna-this is a pretty significant piece of workmanship in detail and creative execution. I love the beads and chunky glitter in the sea spray. The image is fascinating in colorant variation-I just love that beautiful image and am swept up in the beauty of it all. The sentiment touches the heart with it's message of friendship. The eyelash yarn was a genius addition to the creation by complimenting the movement of the hair on the image. Also learned something new today. I did not know about Sea Dragons! They look like marvelous creatures. Thank you for sharing your glorious talent and inspiring us with this masterpiece.
Bear Hugs,
Carol

Carol Ric said...

Beautifully done. Thanks for playing in our neighbour hood at 613 Ave Create.

NanaConnie said...

Oh, My, De! What gorgeous colors in your combo. I would never have thought of adding the red but it's magnificent!! Love the fibers, the shape of the card, the roses, and most of all the sparkles. Beautiful coloring on the image. Such a lovely sentiment, too.

Shannon White said...

First off I must apologize for being so completely MIA the last several weeks!! it's been a super crazy couple of months here in my neck of the woods!! 8-) And all I can say is WOW!! This is Soo GORGEOUS Miss Donna!! 8-) love the soft dreamy image and your Beautiful coloring and design!! So many lovely details I could just stare for hours! Goodness! 8-) Wonderful sentiment too! 8-)

Hugs
Shannon

Shannon White said...

First off I must apologize for being so completely MIA the last several weeks!! it's been a super crazy couple of months here in my neck of the woods!! 8-) And all I can say is WOW!! This is Soo GORGEOUS Miss Donna!! 8-) love the soft dreamy image and your Beautiful coloring and design!! So many lovely details I could just stare for hours! Goodness! 8-) Wonderful sentiment too! 8-)

Hugs
Shannon

Unknown said...

Another refreshing De card...love the freshness and charm of this one.xx

Pat K said...

Donna this is exquisite. Fabulous image among such a beautiful setting. Wonderfully detailed as always and love your colour choices. hugs, Pat K x

Dawn said...

This is stunning Donna! I love how you have made that image your own; it is so gorgeous. Your embellishments are perfect and the sentiment is really beautiful.

Hugs, Dawn

Ciska said...

Such an atmospheric image and a gorgeous card! I especially love the fibres around the image, beautiful. Thank you for playing along with us this fortnight @ Ooh La La :)

Charlotte said...

Hi Donna, your card is fantastic, all the layers and your colouring looks fab.
Hugs Charlotte

Eret said...

Congratulations Donna on your winning at PMS Digi Makeover challenge. I'm so happy for you.
Hugs
Eret

Ellis said...

Simply stunning card you made and fantastic coloring too! =)
Hugs, Elenor

Nikki Craft said...

One word....STUNNING!!!!!! love everything about it:)
Hugs Nikki x

DeadUntilDark said...

OMG, this card is amazing. I totally love everything about it.

Thank you for joining us in the Songbird Challenge Blog.

Hugs Linda

coldwaters2 said...

Wow this is so beautiful that image is quite magical, the design, colours and embellishments look ACE, thank you for joining our challenge at OLLCB
hugs
lorraine x

Shea said...

STUNNING card, Donna. Your command of colors and how to put them together floors me. Love this combination, it fits the scene perfectly. And that chunky glitter...I now must have some! Thank you for sharing another lovely card AND story to go along with it!