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

Wednesday, July 03, 2013

A Cozy, Warm Christmas AND July blog candy

A big welcome to you, My Dear Blogging Friends, and to my newest followers - Vicky, Asha, Tessa, Anke, Avril Ann, Judith, Milena, Jill, and all those who have moved over to new Readers. (Thank you)

A 5" x 7" Easel Card made with greens and browns

To qualify for this week's WINTER WONDERLAND challenge:
1 image
2 designer papers
3 snowflakes 



We're enjoying a Christmas themed swap this month in my Florida Stampers group, so what could be better than creating a card with one of the newest Besties Images?

I'm calling her Yukon Lovey because she is still unnamed on the website. She looks like a "Yukon" type girly girl with her cap, muffler and fur lined boots. But if you **need** her, just click here for a quick purchase.

The glittery look around the card panel and in the snowflakes is actually embossing powder from Sparkle N Sprinkle (listed below)


How sweet Yukon Lovey looks in her fur pieces (of course, they are not REAL animal fur), but these are so soft, warm and cuddly. Using SNS Dimensional Glue and SNS Twinkling Clouds Flocking, the fur really does stand out quite a bit (and has a touch of sparkle, too!)


The Dimensional Glue from Sparkle N Sprinkle is not essential for flocking, but it does provide additional "plump and fluff" for the fur - smile -


The Sketch from Sketchy Colors Challenge was utilized by turning it sideways. Instead of straight lines, Spellbinders dies and Martha Stewart Punches were used.

Here is my special smile for you!

A friend dared me to create a card which would fit in a regular envelope and accept one first class postage stamp - so I accept her dare, using the same image. Yukon Lovey is colored identically, except browns were substituted for the blues in the the halo around the image:


There is quite a bit of glitter on this card (across the top lace, in the brown panel, in the snowflakes) but for some reason, it eluded the camera.


Soooo... Nannie Nannie boo boo - I did it! The Christmas Tree folds flat, and no "dimensionsals" were used, except the Dimensional Glue for the fur. The card is 5" x 7" and fits in a standard 5x7 envy with 46¢ stamp :-)

(grin)

Products used:

Stamp Credits:
Sherri Baldy's "Yukon Lovey" Besties IMG848
Sparkle N Sprinkle:
  Sparkle embossing powder (around the edges of die cuts)
  Cappuccino Stars embossing powder
  Twinkling Clouds Sparkle N Soft (flocking) (white fur on Yukon Lovey)
  Guava Nectar Glitter (2nd card)
  Dimensional Glue #539
Martha Stewart:
  Holly Leaf PaP
  Snow Flake Trim (deep edge)
  Himalayan Snowflake Large
SU - punches (Oval and Scalloped Oval)
Impression Obsession:
 Snow Flake Trio die
 Pine Branch die
Spellbinders:
 Grand Big Scallop Ovals
 Wonky Rectangles
 Petite Small Ovals
 Petite Small Scallop Ovals
 Fleur de Lis Rectangles
 Long Classic Scallop Rectangles
 Decorative Labels Eight
 Holiday Trees 2010 (now retired)
Copics
Ink:
 Walnut Stain Dye
 Old Paper Dye
 Shabby Shutters Dye
 VersaMark
Cardstock: KandCo Christmas (2 DPs for Winter Wonderland Challenge), (SU) Browns, Greens, Salmon, Neenah White, Vellum, Pale Beige
Sentiments are computer-generated

Fabulous Challenges my card has been submitted to:

  1. Winter Wonderland (W) - 3 Snowflakes - 2 designer papers  - 1 image (mentioned above in blog post)
  2. Sketchy Colors (W) - #170 Sketch (turned sideways)  (mentioned above in blog post)
  3. Merry Monday (M) - July is a Month Long "Anything Goes Christmas" challenge
  4. Artistic Inspirations (W) - #48 "Anything Goes"
  5. ABC All Beautiful Cards (W) - #35 "Anything Goes"
  6. Craft-Dee BowZ - (M) - "Anything Goes with a Bow"
  7. Holly Jolly Christmas (W) - "Something New" (new image, new Cappuccino EP, new Guava Nectar glitter, unused MS Snowflake trim punch, unused SB Tree die, unused Christmas paper from KandCo)
  8. Created With Love Challenges (W) - #48 "For the Girls" (new girly image)
  9. Sparkles Chrismas Challenge (M) - #30 "Christmas Tree" (in the 2nd card right side)
  10. Path of Positivity Challenge (M) - #4 "Caring" (see paragraph below regarding my blog candy)

July Blog Candy

  1. There are two July blog candies. One is a new clear acrylic Christmas set by My Mind's Eye, which will be sent to someone outside the US (for postage reasons).
  2. The other consists of 2 wood mount Christmas/Holiday sentiment stamps and some other Christmas items which will be mailed inside the US.

Just leave a comment (or email a comment) about what special thing you have enjoyed doing for a charity or unsuspecting person during the Winter Holidays. 

This ties in with this month's Path of Positivity Challenge about Caring

We have been given so many opportunities to care for others, and I'm grateful for each one. One of my fondest Christmas memories was the year we "brought" a Cozy and Warm Christmas to a family experiencing extreme hardship. Without going into details, we anonymously left everything needed for the month of December on the porch of a family experiencing extreme hardship a few days before Christmas. SO FUN!

As always, I promise to get in touch with the person whose name is drawn from the basket in August - as long as your information is available through blogger, or if you email me with your contact info - you don't even have to follow my blog :-)

Thanks for visiting today!

Warm and Cozy Christmas-in-July hugs,

72 comments:

Crafting Vicky said...

Great card. Love the easel and the fabulous coloring of your digis is really impressive.

What a great Christmas memory and great show of Care!!! Isn't it the best when you share with others?!?

Thanks for becoming my latest follower and the shout out in this post ;) It's a pleasure to follow you!

downrightcrafty said...

thank you so much for the lovely comment on the Winter Wonderland challenge blog and we are glad you joined us with this fabulous creation and love love love that colour just beautiful
Hugs Kate xx

KarinsArtScrap said...

What a gorgeous card Donna so beautiful made.

have no answer on your question sorry.

greetings karin

Julie Z said...

Absolutely gorgeous De! Fantastic attention to details as always & they all come together so beautifully. Very, very sweet!

And I had to laugh about the dare for you - so funny! (I can see where that came from he he!) Well, you sure rose to the occasion - and quite a challenge it was!

Wonderful cards De!!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Its gorgeous Donna! The main image is a cutie pie, love the vibrant colours and as always your card is full of stunning elements, so much to see ! Beautiful my dear! I'm still confused about Bloglovin, do I need it? I see I've somehow missed another one of your posts, will drop over to it, Shirleyxx

maria's knutselplezier said...

What a great card Donna, I really love the cute image of a bright eyes girl and I really love your marvellous background!!A really great easel card!!!What a beautiful Christmas gift!!!

Greetings
Maria

Stampsnob. said...

These little ladies get cuter with each one you use .This card is to die for .......Lis

Sue said...

So beautiful Donna. You have coloured the sweet image so beautifully. I love the design and all your wonderful detailing which you add to make your cards so very special.
Well done for making your extra card to fit a regular envelope, it's gorgeous too.
hugs Sue xx

Jennifer said...

I love absolutely both of your cards, but the easel card wins hands down out of both of them. I love your colouring, it is beautiful and the sparkles with the glitter make this an absolutely stunning Christmas card. The person who receives this will be over the moon. Hugs, Jen :-) xx
Krafty Keepsakes

❤ Kaia said...

What a beautiful christmascard you have made..
Love the image, and your coloring is gorgeous.
Thank you for joining SC's sketchchallenge this week.
Lot's of good luck, and welcome back.

Hugs, Kaia

Abfabdesigns said...

Beautiful as always and the colouring is just Fab
Big hugs xxxx

Karenladd said...

You colored little Yukon Lovey perfectly and you also made me giggle with your clarification that she's not wearing real animal fur...hee hee! And as for what charitable effort I make around the holidays, we always donate money to the local Rescue Mission toward their Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, along with donations of household items and clothing which we do all year round.

Karenladd said...

I also have to comment on your flat fold card because I myself have to struggle sometimes to make cards that will fit easily into a regular envelope as I make cards for Operation Write Home and they can't be too dimensional. I am addicted to foam tape...LOVE the stuff, but am always looking for ways to add dimension without bulk. Your flat version is adorable and I really like the brown shading around the Yukon girl!

Jennifer said...

I worked for a charity and I was responsible for carrying out various charitable events in the area, whether it be for elderly, disabled, young children - I could go on. Every year I would run Christmas Dances for over 500 elderly and disabled people over 6 different areas. I used to go along just to make sure they were enjoying themselves as they always did. The best Christmas was when I held a huge Christmas party for all the children in socially deprived areas (again 6 areas), we had jelly, ice cream, sweets, everything that young children like, there were streamers and all the party things, which were all kindly donated by companies in the areas. Of course Santa Claus was there along with his elves (me being one of them) we gave out presents to the children and they were all so happy to have got something from Santa. It was so nice to be able to see all the happy smiling faces a few days before Christmas. At least I knew that they had one good day and I could only hope for the rest of it being as happy for them all. My job was the most wonderful job in the world, as I could arrange some of the most wonderful events to make people happy, to see them all smiling was the best thing I could ever have asked for. I had to give up this job due to ill health, but I still have all the memories and pictures to remind me of the wonderful days that we ALL had. Hugs, Jen :-) x
Krafty Keepsakes

pam said...

two beautiful cards Donna, adorable image beautifully colours, and love the design
pam

Lady Bug Stampers said...

What a beautiful card you have designed. I love the image and the colors you used but then green is my favorite color. Thanks so much for joining in the fun at Created with love challenges.
Linda K. DT

McCrafty's Cards said...

Both cards are beautiful Donna, I do like this adorable image, the frosty snowflakes on your easel card and the folding tree on the other card. brilliant!!
Kevin xx

Chris Hanselman said...

Donna, amazing card!! I love the image, the die cuts, and your coloring. Thank you for joining our For the Girls challenge at Create with Love Challenges.

~~Chris

Bernardine Cuttino said...

Outstandning DE, love the easel and the coloring is amazing with all of the details. The perfect holiday card. Hope you are doing well each day and enjoy the holiday tomorrow.
Hugs
Berni

Barbara Bruder said...

Two outstanding cards. But I would expect nothing less from you!!! LOL
Very sparkly and what beautiful colors you've use. Thanks for sharing all of your great information.

Shelby said...

Gorgeous easel card! Love all of the greens you've used in this Christmas design and your coloring of that little cutie is perfect.

Shelby

Shona Erlenborn said...

Another beauty Miss Donna! Love the Sparkle N Soft for the hat, boot trim and muff. She looks so cozy amidst the sparkly snowflakes. Your coloring is awesome too. Fumble fingers did it again!

Barbara Bruder said...

Donna, Two beautiful cards. Great use of all the dies and punches. Love the bow, too. Thanks for joining us this month at the Craft-Dee BowZ Challenge. Hugs, Barbara - CDB DT

K8 said...

WOW stunning card, love everything!! Color, dies and sparkles!! Thank you for join us at Artistic Inspirations this week, hugs Kate (DT)

Dawn said...

Wow! Another stunning card. Beautiful details, colouring and sparkle. And you sure rose to the challenge on the second one - it is gorgeous. Love your tree - perfect for adding dimension without the bulk.

How wonderful and special that you were able to bring Christmas to a family in need! My funnest Christmas memory is the year my mother and I played Santa for the neighbour's kids. We wrapped all their presents and while the family was away on Christmas eve, we delivered them. I had to chuckle to myself when several years later (well beyond when kids usually figure it out) they still swore that Santa was real because of the year he came to their home.

Hugs, Dawn

MA-MI said...

Great card, I like green and white combination. Thanks for sharing it with us at Artistic Inspirations this week and good luck with the challenge.
Hugs Maja

Kat W said...

I always have to take a long time to properly admire all the beautiful things on your cards Donna and these are no exception. I love the green and brown combo and your glittery snowflakes are just delish!

Well done for meeting your challenge to create a regular sized flat(ish) card! I try to keep my cards flat but it is hard with so many pretty embellies available! I do love the dimension you achieve on your cards too :-)

Ok, I'm not sure I have ever done anything really special for a charity but I do have regular donations to quite a few charities and take all my old stuff to charity shops including some of my older handmade cards!

Wishing you a happy day,

Hugs, Kat
xx

ShersL84bed said...

I just now saw your card at a Christmas challenge, and WOW!!! Love the detail and beauty you put into your cards. So pretty.

Smiles Sher

Desire Fourie said...

Oh wow Donna, this is just so beautiful, from the amazing colouring to the lovely little sparkly touches. Your requirement stipulation makes it perfect for our CARING theme this month. Thanks for sharing your talent with us and good luck.
Caring Hugs
Desíre
{Path of Positivity DT Member}
{Doing Life – my personal blog}

cotnob said...

These are both gorgeous Christmas cards Donna, such an adorable image and brilliant attention to detail as always. I love your flocking and the fabulous sparkle you have created with your embossing. Great idea to make the Christmas tree fold flat.
Pauline
x

Nicecrane Designs said...

OMG what a warm Xmas card,, love your beautfil colorization and the stunning glitter,,,,,,thanks for yur comments at Lis blog,,,,,,,about my retro kids,,,,,,,,,,,my freind,,,,a big hug

April said...

So sweet and sparkly! Love it, Donna! Such a cute image too.

Sharon said...

Gosh Donna, your easel card is fabulous. Aren't Bestie images just the cutest and this one is no exception. You have coloured her beautifully and I love the colour combination and design. Love all the sparkle. Well done on your challenge - another gorgeous design.

It is Frantage that is around the image and butterfly. It is embossing powder which has glitter added. It is a lot chunkier than normal embossing powders which gives it more dimension. Thank you for your lovely words on my blog. Here is the link to the Frantage.

http://www.liveandlovecrafts.com/accents-glitter/826-stampendous-frantage-embossing-enamel.html

Hugs Sharon x

Anne Temple said...

Both of your cards look fabulous! Love the sparkly flocking.

Cindy van Oorschot said...

Hi Donna. First of all I would like to say thanks for the lovely comment left on our challenge blog. Also want to say you have made two lovely cards. The image is sweet and the way you used the embossing powder very cool. Have to see if I can get that dimensional glue here in Canada. Again great cards and thanks for playing with us at Holly Jolly Christmas Challenge.
Cindy DT

NanaConnie said...

Fab cards, Donna! Isn't it great that glitter doesn't add much weight or bulk? lol I have to share a "caring' story which has nothing to do with me but made me so proud of my two granddaughters. Last Christmas, the two of them (ages 13 and 10 at the time) heard about a family who's youngest child (age 11) was suffering from terminal leukemia. They offered their little boy a chance to have his biggest "wish" come true, kind of like participating in the 'Make a Wish' program, but without that program actually being involved. His prognosis was such that there just wasn't time for Make A Wish to get involved. as it turned out, his wish was to give gifts to all the children who would be spending the Christmas holidays in local hospitals. His parents undertook the massive chore of organizing such a donation program, including getting local merchants to donate gifts and toys which ended up numbering almost 1,000 individual packages! The delivery itself was a tremendous undertaking and in the midst of the project, sadly their son died from his illness. When my granddaughters heard about the situation, they decided to go to a friend of their dad who owns several box vans for his business, and ask if he could help out with deliveries so that the parents, who had been trying to get everything done, could have grieving time and make final arrangements for their son instead of having to organize and get the hospital deliveries done. My two granddaughters spent hours of their free time calling people and making out schedules and coordinating with hospital services administrators so that the deliveries would go smoothly. My youngest granddaughter even called a radio station to see if they could make an announcement that volunteers were needed to actually carry the gifts to each child in a hospital. Over a 3 day period, gifts were delivered to kids in 5 different local hospitals, and the balance of the donated gifts were given to 3 local churches who were sponsoring Christmas for families in need. When the local newspaper in their town wanted an interview with the girls for their story, they both decided that they wanted to be anonymous because it was more fun that way. Now, just ask me if I'm proud of those girls? ;-D

Bonnie said...

What an awesome easel card, Donna! And I love the version that can be mailed with one stamp! LOL, that's my goal, but I seem to be standing in line at the PO an awful lot! Thanks for sharing these delightful cards with us at Merry Monday!

Chrisboldo said...

Cute, Cute, Cute Card,I love Sherri's image and you colored it beautifully. Thanks for playing in our challenge over at CWLC Blog this week.

Chris B

nwilliams6 said...

What a lovely card. I am drawn to all the sparkle and that sweet image (the glitter is beautiful on this as is your colors and coloring). So well done! Hugz!

Leslie Miller said...

Two very adorable Christmas cards! The embossing powder is so sparkly! Whether you're making a heavily layered card or not you manage to make it a feast for the eyes. I just love her pretty faux fur. As for your question, I don't know that I've ever done anything so special particularly at Christmas, but we always pick some "names" off the tree in the mall and buy presents for them, even though we don't buy for each other anymore. We contribute to some charities regularly and take food to our local animal shelter and volunteer time for miscellaneous things, but those are random acts throughout the year. Your question makes a person think about what more they might do.

Marisa Job said...

Such a pretty card!! Love all the pretty details!!

Unknown said...

oh wow this is an incredible Christmas card. The colour is so subtle and stunning.


Thank you for joining us at Artistic Inspirations this week.
Claire x
(DT member)

Path of Positivity said...

I love how you always tie in your candy giveaways with the theme challenges over at Path of Positivity. Such a clever way of getting your readers to reflect on positive attributes. You are definitely one of our challenge blog's greatest supporters and I thank you dearly for that.

While sadly we haven't done it in quite awhile, we used to participate in 'Operation Christmas Child'--an organization that supplies shoe boxes to be filled up with toys and goodies to help brighten the life of a child in a third world country. Our church used to be involved but no longer is so we lost the local drop off connection.

As my husband and I were never blessed with children of our own it was always nice knowing we had done something nice for a few children each year who had very little in terms of treats in their lives.

I hope that you are blessed with lots of examples of people showing their care in unexpected ways.

May others always show you the care and concern that you show to so many of us!

Hugs,
Lisa

Danielle Vincent said...

Oh man Donna this card is pure loveliness. I LOVE your glittery elements and your coloring is perfect! A terrific card in every way! Thanks for joining us this week at ABC Challenges.

We have a couple ways that we do special things for others at the holidays. Ever since my kids were old enough to understand the concept we would go and pick out two toys for each child that would then be donated. At first they didn't understand why the toy they wanted was going to someone else - but slowly over the years they got it. Now they ask me when we can go pick out something for another child. We've also participated in holiday family dinners for others by providing some of the food -like the turkey, potatoes, etc.

Meighan Wheller said...

What a beautiful card Donna and we are so glad you found our challenged at Holly Jolly this week and submitted this lovely card. I love the layout and the image is stunning and stunningly coloured! Fabulous dare that you and your friend have shared. Thank you so much for joining us this week and we would love to see more of your lovely work when you can. Meighan

Anonymous said...

Oh my this is so beautiful, a gorgeous easel card Donna. I love all those wonderful sparkle and cute image.
Amelia

CG said...

WOW, stunning card! Love all the details and gorgeous greens. Best, CG

Jill Norwood said...

Donna thanks for the shout out! So happy to be following your wonderful blog! Your cards are lovely! Great coloring of this image and I love the flocking and glitter! Way to meet the "mailable" challenge with a single stamp too!

I find that the gold label dies cut perfectly but I have a vagabond. Also it could be that someone is comfusing the embossed elements of these dies as areas that should be "cutting"? There are some cuts but mostly deep embossed areas. I find them to be very beautiful though I have only purchased the gold labels 4 so far!
Hope that is helpful in answer to your comment on my latest post!

:) Jill

Ger said...

Lovely colours and a gorgeous card! Love the sparkle. Thankyou for joining us this week at ABC Challenges

Em said...

Oh, such a beautiful Christmas card! I love the way you color the image and all the gorgeous glitter effects! All the interesting dies add such a nice finish to the card!
I'm still looking at the Christmas tree on the second one! Loooove it! Such a great embellishment that adds so much spirit to the card!

Hugs
Em

Sue said...

Every card a masterpiece! What a lovely Christmas card, and that sweet little girl could not be colored more to perfection. Love the "Fur" and all your wonderful details. Need to just stop and take it all in or you will miss something.

I would NOT bet against you doing anything you set your mind to and your second card is every bit as lovely. Did I say I like the color combo!!

Outstanding creative work, can we call it that when it is so much fun? Donna, you amaze me every time I come here to see what you have been up to!

Hugs
Sue

Sandra H said...

So beautiful is your card and gorgeous colours too! thank you for joining our challenge at Sparkles Christmas Challenge "Christmas Trees" good luck and hope to see you again next time DT Member Sandra H xx

Narelle Farrugia said...

Gorgeous! What a gorgeous Christmas card with a perfect amount of bling! Thanks for joining us at Merry Monday this week!

Notes by Nina said...

Stunning card Donna, I love all the sparkle and this image is adorable. Thank you for joining us for Merry Monday.

Debi said...

Wonderful cards Donna! Congrats on fitting one in a regular envelope.
Darling image! Fantastic coloring! Is that a tiny fleck of green in her eyes? Such detail!!!
As for my Christmas story. My friend's niece was diagnosed with neuroplastic lymphoma(I think I have that right. Same cancer as Alex from Alex Lemonade had.) several years ago at age 7. She spent over a year in and out of various hospitals for treatments, tests, and related illness. It was a severe financial hit to the family as Mom had to quit her job and Dad cut back on his hours at work. So I save up the rewards points on one of our credit cards and every year at Christmas I use the points to purchase a special family gift for them. My reward (not that I need one) is a lovely thank you note and a small photo of their growing family which I proudly display on my piano with the rest of my family photos.
Have a wonderful day Donna!
Hugs
Debi

BTW - As of Bethie's scan last week, she is currently cancer free!!!! TTL

arlsmom aka Lynda said...

Wonderful cards!!! My favorite memory was picking a stocking from the giving tree at work...I always looked for a family with children so I could buy toys and other fun things in addition to their "needs" on the list. Second favorite was making sandwiches in an assembly line in our cafeteria for hand out a meal day...nothing like going home smelling like mustard knowing someone will have a meal because of your efforts. Thank you for the chance to win!

Pat K said...

Beautiful card Donna. Love your take on the sketch...so creative as always.

..thank you so much for the wonderful comments you leave on my blog...you are the best! Have a great weekend. hugs, Pat K x

Sue from Oregon said...

Lots of gorgeous glitter and sparkle Donna! You went all out-and it only cost 46 cents to mail! I wish I would make more 5x7 cards-definitely cheaper to mail than a 6x6! Thanks for popping in to say hello-I always look forward to your visits!

Monica said...

Hello Donna,

Here I am atlast... what beauties here. The first one is like a magical Christmas theme with all the sparkle. Yukon Lovey as you call her looks simply splendid in all her finery. Honestly your cards remind me of the prettiest jewels. The snowflakes on the first card are just exquisite. And Yukon is coloured to perfection. Just SUPERB. Haha, so your friend dared you to create a flat card and sure, you did shine to the occasion. Another gorgeous creation!

Much love,

Monica xxx

Carol Hurlock said...

Donna you card is just beautiful. I love the green and brown and, of course, the glitter. I am counting down the days again until the Creative Keepsake Convention in Jacksonville Florida. I will be hitting up the Sparkle and Sprinkle Booth! The image is so sweet and I adore the fur-she is colored to perfection. Love your 46 cent stamp card. I am going to have to practice making some of those for this year myself-great challenge from you friend. I too have fond memories of a Christmas when 3 of my girlfriends provided a complete Christmas for a family whose Mother was going through Breast Cancer Treatments. They were so poor too! We went in and decorated the house for Christmas about two weeks before. Then came back with Santa Claus to leave gifts and enough groceries and a full cooked turkey on Christmas Eve. My girlfriends and I all hugged each other and cried out in this families driveway when we were done. It overwhelmed us-we got some much back in love than what we gave in material things.
Bear Hugs,
Carol

Karen Petitt said...

That is so nice and so sweet - it's just how you are Donna - you are very kind to peeps!
Sending a huge box of cards to a friend to help with the cancer charity fund raising event and extra cards to help her local animal rescue centre.
I've just finished two huge boxes of cards which are going to my aunts - things are a bit tight for many peeps in the UK right now and I know my silly little cards will help them hugs Karen x

Unknown said...

Beautiful card and easel design De, lovely as always.xx

Bernardine Cuttino said...

Hi, stopping by leaving hugs and kisses. Hope you are going stronger each day.
Hugs

Shea said...

Donna, you never cease to amaze me with your wonderful creations. There is always so much texture, color and pattern in your designs and I ALWAYS swoon when I see them. I especially appreciate all the close ups which saves me from having to put my nose to the screen to see all the delicious details. And only YOU could make such a beautiful, sparkly, texture-filled card that could still fit into a regular envelope with a regular stamp. You truly are an inspiration to card makers everywhere. You certainly are to me!

Lynne in NI said...

What a fabulous card ... it's tough trying to make a card that's cheap in postage!
I make cards all year long for my local animal shelter, but make an extra effort in Winter making Christmas cards for them. I try to make every one different, but also to make them as CAS as possible :)

Verna Angerhofer said...

Your artwork is always top notch. I love all the sparkle and bling you bring to the table with your lovely designs. And, I am always a fan of easal cards.

SHartl said...

Wow, I am in awe of your coloring on this card. I am still at the stage where I use a lot of images that don't have to be colored, or color very little. As for fancy folds, well let's just say that I'm intimidated..ha ha! My main talent is baking and I like to bake up batches of decorated cookies that I surprise friends with by hanging them from doorknobs in cute gift bags. Then I take a big batch over the the Boys and Girls Club for their Christmas party every year. My daughter loves to help surprise them!

Crafting Vicky said...

I'm back with an official DT hat on to say how fabulous your card is. I really love the idea of a rectangle easel card. And just love how you do color the image.

Thanks for joining our monthly challenge here at Path of Positivity challenge. Hope you will join us next time. DT Crafting Vicky

Hazel said...

I saw your lovely Christmas card on Always playing with paper Merry Monday - you might also like to enter this into my CHNC challenge extra for July - I'd love to see it there too. x

Marie Bingaman said...

Love the colors used on this one! :)

SAMARA said...

Oh Donna, your Yukon Lovely is...well absolutely lovely!!!! You have quite a flair for color and for the embellishments that you use to enhance your card choice. I had to laugh when you talked about being challenged to card size! You are quite funny...what a joy and wonderful blessing to have that quality. I also notice how gracious you are to welcome your followers. That is so nice of you and I can only imagine they would feel SO good that you took the time to acknowledge each and every one of them! I really love each card, not only the image (which is adorable) but the sparkle and flair you work with. What a joy to be here to comment on your card. Truly, my pleasure! On behalf of Path of Positivity Challenge, thanks so much for entering your card and best of luck in our challenge. Please do come back and grace us with an other delightful post and stellar creative piece. Samara, DT - POP

Papercrafting Princess said...

Christmas brings so many wonderful gestures for the holiday season! Love Yukon's sparkled outfit