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

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Somethin' Fishy for ABC Challenges

Greetings to one and all, and a warm welcome to my newest followers. Thank you for taking time to visit my little blog.

From what I see on your blogs, it seems most of you are just beginning to thaw out from Winter's Icy Grip. But here in central Florida, we have been in the 90s! Yikes!

The geraniums are already wilting from the heat :-(






About today's card share 
(I LOVE the image!):

I **TRIED** to make a more simple card - HONEST I DID - but something in me has trouble doing that. 

Maybe I am "broke". 

--- smile --- 

Do you have trouble making more simple cards? I am convinced it is a skill I must work on.

At any rate, my card share today is inspired by a Florida Stampers swap. We were to use Alcohol Inks or products made with solvents in the inks. I used Tria Inks and Copic Markers.

ABC (All Beautiful Cards) has a challenge this week to create a card using Stamped Backgrounds.


This background was created using white glossy cardstock and Tria Inks (old, old no longer produced). Those were made in the days before Alcohol Inks became available.

After the Tria inks dried, I stamped Hero Arts Petal Etchings flowers in Galaxy Gold, Pearlescent Blue and Pearlescent Lime Brilliance inks all over the background.

It really is pretty, as the paper is glossy naturally, then the pretty Tria ink colors, and finally the pearly and metallic inks stamped atop. Lovely muted background with shimmer and gloss.

Totally Gorjuss Cards has a Water Theme challenge this week - perfect for this incredible angel fish by Rubber Stampede which has been stamped in Graphite Black Brilliance Ink and heat set. A few Copics were used to enhance the color in the image.

For visual interest and texture, glitter is absolutely necessary, right? 

and it needs to be shiny, right?


SNS Laser Blue Glitter did the trick and was applied with Sakura Quickie Glue Pen. (If you do not have one of these pens, you ***NEED*** one. (smile)

TIP: Sakura's Quickie Glue Pen is great for embossing powder, glitter and flocking. It is also useful if tiny amounts of adhesive are needed on fine die cuts or corners. It even dries on non-porous surfaces, like glossy cardstock and photos.

Texture Texture TEXTURE - Shine, metalics, glitz, fibers, and a highly distressed sea horse charm. The charm was lightly inked with VersaMarker - two colors of EP applied (see below), and then a quick, light dip into my all time favorite embossing powder - SPARKLE - the charm now looks like something which came from the bottom of the sea.


Also for visual interest, the MS punch around the page was only used on two sides of the mat layer. Two colors of yarn fibers were laced through the openings. The new Spellbinders Curved Borders created an interesting black card base, where even more glitter has been applied.




Products Used:

  • Embossing powders by Sparkle N Sprinkle to distress brass seahorse charm: Pear EP420SparkleMediterranean EP417
  • Glitter courtesy of Sparkle N Sprinkle: Laser Blue G1074
  • Adhesives: Aileen's Quick Dry, Sarkura Quickie Glue Pen
  • Stamps: Rubber Stampede Angel Fish 15218 (old old), Echinacea Leaf (unknown, old as dirt)
  • Martha Stewart Flourish Lace PAP
  • Spellbinders A2 Curved Borders One
  • Cardstock: Glossy white, Black, Chartreuse, Turquoise
  • Inks: Tria Inks (before alcohol inks became available), Brilliance Inks (Galaxy Gold, Graphite Black, Pearlescent Blue, Pearlescent Lime), VersaMarker (for charm), Copics were used for shading.
  • Yarn fibers, seahorse charm

Submitted to the following much beloved Challenges:

  1. ABC All Beautiful Cards - #29 Stamped Backgrounds (echinacea leaf stamped in 3 colors all over the background of the fish)
  2. Make It Monday - #141 Anything Goes Challenge
  3. Melonheadz Friends - "Sparkle and Shine" Challenge - (shiny glossy cardstock and glitter embellishment and metallic, embossed charm)
  4. Scrappy Frogs - "Free choice Challenge"
  5. One Stop Craft Challenge - #229 Anything Goes
  6. Totally Gorjuss - #184 Water


Thank you for stopping by today!
always stamping hugs,

58 comments:

Desire Fourie said...

Absolutely stunning with awesome aqua colouring.
Hugs Desíre {Doing Life}

Barbara Bruder said...

WOW another gorgeous creation.Fabulous background and a stunning fish. Great detail in your description, I feel like you are right here directing me on how to make this. Thanks for the incredible detail.

Dawn said...

This is absolutely stunning Donna! The background you created looks amazing. Love the fish and it looks spectacular with all the glitter. The fibers strung through the die cut are perfect - makes me think of sea grasses. Beautiful shape and I love how you have transformed the little charm with embossing powder.

Hugs, Dawn

Cathy L. Calamas said...

Saw this beautiful card linked at Make it Monday and had to come get a closer peek. Really lovely, great image and colors. I agree CAS is harder than it seems and does take practice.

Rosie Gustafson said...

Hi Donna, thank you for visiting my blog. I love your card, all the sparkles and the fibers you used are awesome. I also like the different shape of your card, very creative.

KarinsArtScrap said...

this is gorgeous Donna, the card, fish and colours.

your cards under are also gorgeous.

greetings karin

Anne Temple said...

Wow, this is stunning! Love the background and such a fabulous color combo!

Shanna Shands said...

WOW this card takes the cake!!! I love the background and the fish looks fabulous with the sparkle.

McCrafty's Cards said...

Wow Donna, this is beautiful I like the Angel fish image the wonderful colours and that fuzzy twine.
kevin xx

Shona Erlenborn said...

What a great image first of all! Love all the detail, just gorgeous - from the stamped background to the beautiful threads! It's even 90 degrees here, and I would love to be swimming with your guy right now!

Sharon said...

Yes Donna, glitter is absolutely necessary!!!
The background is fabulous and the fish is just stunning. Love the colour scheme and design.
Hugs Sharon x

Sue said...

WOW!!!!! This is a real stunner Donna! I love that fish with all the magical sparkle you have added. The background you have created looks amazing. The shape looks fabulous and I love the coloured yarn fibres and beautiful embossed charm.
hugs Sue xx

Kat W said...

Wow, you have added so much texture to this card and that sparkly fish looks fab!
Thanks for joining us at Totally Gorjuss this week - a perfect card for our 'Water' theme :-)
Kat x

Pat K said...

Oh my goodness Donna...this is STUNNING! So much gorgeous detail...fabulous colours and patterns....I LOVE IT! hugs, Pat K x

Pat K said...

Oh my goodness Donna...this is STUNNING! So much gorgeous detail...fabulous colours and patterns....I LOVE IT! hugs, Pat K x

Debi said...

Absolutely positively 100% marvelous, girlfriend! Thanks so much for sharing all the details. I was admiring the die cut on the green and using a border punch on just 2 sides is something I never even considered. I love it all, right down to the perfect little seahorse. Way to go!!!

Abfabdesigns said...

Wow Donna you do it every time stunning darling as always
Big big hugs xxxx

cotnob said...

This is gorgeous Donna, fabulous image and I love the background you have created. Your fibres are perfect, they look like fine seaweed - brilliant attention to detail.
Pauline
x

Verna Angerhofer said...

Your card is absolutely fabulous! Love the shape, shimmer and great image used. Also the little extras added make it over the top.

http://blog.timetocreate.com.au/ said...

Your card is delightful. Keep doing what you do = interesting and satisfying!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Wow Donna gorgeous design. Love the background & colours. The glittery fish is beautiful and the die cut mat with the gorgeous fibers weaved through it just sets it all off. Awesome work! Enjoy the heat, Shirleyxx

Anonymous said...

Such a gorgeous card! Loving those inks and copics -- beautiful alcohol ink colors plus I love green and blue together. That is also a gorgeous stamp and you really a beautiful project. I love the stringy bling and all of that glitter!
Eleanor (craftsbyej)

Jean Bullock said...

Love this, love this .... love this. Glad you didn't go simple because ... I love this.

Sue said...

Oh my, Donna, I LOVE your Angel Fish. What a gorgeous stamp. Background is amazing and the sparkle is a must and looks so pretty. The charm of the sea horse really does look like he just came up from the bottom of the sea. Love everythig about this treasure.

Hugs
Sue

Chrissy said...

Gorgeous card Donna, I love your fish image, he is fabulous, and the sparkle is jusr gorgeous..beautiful inking on the background..love it.

Thanks for sharing with us at Make it Monday..

Luv CHRISSYxx

Leslie Miller said...

Amazing inky background! Love how you used the flowers for the underwater look. I didn't notice they were flowers until you mentioned it, but then they were so apparent. The fish stamp is simply gorgeous, and even better with all that beautiful glitter. The seahorse turned out wonderful, too. You leave out no detail when you create. Great use of the fibers. I could go on and on. There's always so much to love about your cards!

The Sparkly Fairy said...

Stunning card - thank you for leaving a lovely comment on my blog x

Monica said...

Glitter is ABSOLUTELY necessary, Donna. Lol. And this card is BEEEEEEEEEEEEAUTIFUL. I love this angel fish and the background - my, my, so impressed with it. It must be even a greater beauty in real life. The little sea horse is so cute and perfect for this card. The colour scheme makes my spirits soar even though I should want to swim with the angel fish lol.
Love,
M

NanaConnie said...

Stunning background, Donna! Terrific sparkle on the fins and tail. I'm afraid I would have overdone that part but you have it nailed. Fabulous color combo and those fibers give such a perfect visual and textural effect. Love the seahorse!

Donna Maligno said...

I, for one, think you've achieved CAS! Although, in reviewing your step by step instructions, there was a lot going on, but the final result was perfect. And I have Tria inks as well!! Haven't dug them out in a long time, but you've inspired me. Great job and love the colors!

Jacquel said...

Wow! Your card is so beautiful & I love that image along with all the sparkle!

I have a hard time making simple cards too but I'm working on it LOL!!! Thanks so much for joining us this week @ ABC Challenges & hope to see you back again for the next one!!!

Eret said...

This is absolutely stunning, Donna! The background you created looks amazing and so is the sparkling fish. I really love the color combo. Lime green looks so fresh with blue and black. It's fabulous what you did with a charm. Fantastic card!
Hugs
Eret

kReN said...

What a gorgeous card! So lovely!


Come and see what I've done lately!
kren@
http://afourthlife.blogspot.com

maria's knutselplezier said...

Wow, very beautiful and special, I love the fisch and the way he is coloured , and you made a very amazing background!!!

Greetings
Maria

pam said...

amazing beautiful card Donna, fabulous fish image and gorgeous colours.
tried 4 new pens last night, cannot get any glue out, not the first time this has happened grrrrrrrr, back to stickles.
pam

Carol Hurlock said...

Oh my gosh Donna this is gorgeous. That fish is just exquisite and looks so life like with the beautiful coloring. The background is just beautiful. The wispy eyelash yarn is perfect to compliment this sea worthy creation. I need that sea horse for my future album. It appears we are thinking beach and the ocean doesn't it. Have a Happy Memorial Day. I am sneaking away for a few days on a little trip and will be back Monday some time.
Bear Hugs,
Carol

Bernardine Cuttino said...

OMG!! DE, it is so surreal like being in underwater scene, you must have the glitter, Your details are outstanding and eye catching. Simply an adorable card. Been under the weather and working my way back.
Hugs

Shirley said...

It's all been said and it's gorgeous too!! Lovely!

Sue from Oregon said...

Now this card took some serious planning...love the colors and the pretty glitter! For some reason I wear glitter, so it stays in the drawer most of the time!

Cathy said...

Amazing card Donna, love the gorgeous image and all of your elements. The colours are stunning :) Cathy x

Unknown said...

Gorgeous card De, love the colour combo and design of your card. Exquisite my friend...hope you are doing fine...luv your Aussie "sista", annie xxxxx

Candy's Creations Blog said...

Love the colors of this card. Makes we wish I had a fish aquarium!

Planetsusie said...

Hi Donna - hope you are keeping well and it's not too hot for you!!! I'm on holiday soon and hoping for some hot weather!! Sorry I'm waffling - I love your card and the colours are just gorgeous. What a fabulous stamp!

Hugs to you Sue Pxxx

Olena said...

WOW!!!! So Beautiful card! Love it! Olena

April said...

So lovely, Donna! I love the image and the sparkle! The shape of the card is wonderful. Great job as always!

Karenladd said...

Wow, I am always so impressed with your gorgeous projects! Beautiful coloring and design

Mrs A. said...

Love your beautiful shimmery fish. Spotted your card on MIM and came over or a closer look. Hugs. Mrs A.

Nikki Craft said...

Truly beautiful:) The sparkle is just stunning!!!
I am working at more simple cards... but those embellies keep jumping on my projects lol!!! Yours is amazing x
Hugs Nikki x

Lindsay Craftymonster81 said...

Gorgeous, beautiful colours and a fantastic image, I love the added texture of the fibers too
Lindsay xx

Margreet said...

Awww, this is awesome...love your technique and colouring...great shape too...thanks for playing with us at Melonheadz Friends!
xxx Margreet

Lindsay Craftymonster81 said...

Hi Donna, just hopping back to answer your question, I got the berries from a local craft shop here in england, I just had a quick look online but can't find anything similar, if I come across anything like that I will be sure to let you know though
Lindsay xx

Stampsnob. said...

So cute. Feels like soft kisses ...........Lis

Danielle Vincent said...

Oh my Donna - this is an absolute Stunner - a real WOW card! I totally get what you mean about Clean and simple being a lot of work - I had to practice a LOT to feel comfortable with that style. Now I find that it saves me a lot of time - but my heart still loves lots of layers, DSP and embellies the most ":O) Thanks for sharing your fabulous card with us this week at ABC Challenges.

Brenda said...

Gorgeous!!! Just love the colors - it's so soft and pretty and sparkly :)

Shannon White said...

OMGoodness Miss Donna!! What a Gorgeous and Dreamy underwater scene you've created!! Wow!! Love the wonderful colors and the soft watery affects too! Really Beautiful! 8-)

Hugs
Shannon

Shea said...

Donna, some people are programmed to do CAS (Clean And Simple) cards, some are programmed to glam it up. You are of the latter kind - EMBRACE it. I surely embrace your wonderful works of art ("cards" is too simple a word), and part of what makes them so enjoyable is all the sparkle and glitter you employ, not to mention your keen sense of design and talent with coloring media. Embrace the glitter. Embrace the glam. Your cards thrill me with their out-of-the-box sheer gorgeousness. :)

Shea said...

And yes, glitter IS absolutely necessary. :)

Olga Direktorenko said...

Gorgeous project, really beautiful!