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

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Holly the Christmas Fairy at Fashionista

A hearty August Welcome to you, my blogging friends, and my newest followers - Lindsay, Kim, Gery, Jackie, Mimi, Marie, Judith, Pooja (of Quilling) - and my newest friends from Bloglovin and other Readers!

This month the Fashionista Challenge is featuring those "sweet pretties" in Christmas Motif (be sure to upload your Christmas creation for a chance at a prize or badge!)

Focusing on All that is typically "seasonal" -- like...

  Joy, 
     Family, 
        Peace, 
           Friends, 
               Kindness, 
                    Harmony, 
                        Love, 
                           Happiness -- 

this Sparkle N Sprinkle Stamp says it all. Holly the Christmas Friendship Fairy is gentle and sweet. If you are a "digi" person, click here for the digital image.



Glitter - Sparkle - more Glitter!


The Path of Positivity Challenge this month is all about OPTIMISM.

Because Holly sees Beauty in all, her sweetness is evident as she tenderly greets each soul as a special gift. To soothe "ruffled feathers" her lovingkindness pours forth.

Optimism is like that.

Despite what others may say or do,
       despite the hardships or circumstances which come into our lives,
                despite our emotional reactions at situations,
our Souls can rise above. 

Some call it Hope,
     or Optimism,
           or the Silver Lining - ability to see the good in everything,

Some call it "The Peace That Passes Understanding",
        and others call it a knowledge that we can bring Love, Peace, Joy, Harmony
                (or whatever is necessary), by simply "being our true selves".

It has been said that Optimism is the "ultimate survival tool". It is filled with Hope and a certain expectation that in the end, all will not be "merely" well, but it will be beautiful, in its own way.





Not quite ready to move into full traditional Christmas Colors, I selected royal colors instead - purple, magenta, a "distressed" golden hue, and a surprise hint of pale turquoise.

Check out the glittery embossing powder below (it will never come off and is acid-free)

The Memory Box Christmas Tree has been in my stash for over a year, and never used.



The image was stamped twice on white cardstock. One image was oval cut, and the other with Labels 23. The oval was distressed, lightly "painted" with Brushable Glue, coated with Concord and Mulberry EPs and heat set. The other white was cut with Labels 23, so that the framed line in the Oval matches the framed line in the layer below. The outside area around the black line in the bottom panel was "colored" with VersaMarker and embossed with Cappuccino EP. The Panel below the "white" panel was also smooshed with VersaMark and embossed with Mulberry EP around the edges. 



The oval panel is adhered to the panel below with dimensionals.




Holly's furry white cuff, belt and hem are quite fluffy with special dimensional glue and glittery flocking powder.

Snowy coated branches glisten with more glitter that has a touch of lavender in it.


The snowflakes and Swirly Christmas Tree are die cut in advance, smooshed with VersaMark ink, and then dredged with three colors of glittery embossing powder (listed below). SO SPARKLY, with a touch of added creaminess from the EP.

TIP: The smaller snowflakes were done differently. This technique is perfect for punches.

Using scrap paper/card stock, smoosh VersaMark all over the piece. Dredge with glittery embossing powder and heat set. Keep these smaller pre-embossed papers on hand for punches.

Great for punching butterflies and flowers as needed to cover up boo-boos on our cards.
(My boo-boo is shown below.)



See how glittery the snowflakes and swirly tree look? 
(laughing here, because our German Shepherd is just as glittery)



As promised, here is my boo-boo -- 
A MAJOR hole in the metallic lavender layer on the right side, covered up by the layered snowflakes. (you can see the "accidental 3-inch black hole" if you look through the gold snowflake on the right side. The sentiment covers the rest of it up)
Thought you might enjoy that (smile)


Even our traditional "New Years Greetings" are full of Optimism. 

This oh-so-glittery card has been submitted to the following fabuloso challenges!

  1. Christmas Cards All Year Long - Fussy and Fancy - (M,P1)
  2. Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge - Anything Goes - (M,P1)
  3. Path of Positivity Challenge - #5 Optimism (M -Aug)
  4. Card and Scrap - #59 Anything Goes (M P1)
  5. Sunshine Mail - Anything Goes (ends Sept 1)
  6. Christmas at Sweet Stampin' - #9 Winter Animals (birds enjoying the snow covered branches) (ends 9-10)
  7. Holly Jolly Christmas - "Gimme Glitter-lots of glitter!" - Glitter everywhere! (W-Tues)
  8. Crafts and Me - #139 Anything Goes - (ends 8-21)
  9. Divas by Design - Christmas in August - (W-W)
  10. Christmas Card Challenges - #38 - Non Traditional Christmas Image (W-Sun, Winners ann'd 1st Challenge of month)


Products Used:
Sparkle N Sprinkle rubber stamp set Christmas Friendship Fairy
Embossing Powder, Glitter, Flocking:
  SNS Mulberry STAR EP427
  SNS Concord STAR EP431
  SNS Cappuccino STAR EP434
  SNS Mediterranean STAR EP429
  SNS Lavender Iris Glitter G1061 (on snow)
  SNS Twinkling Clouds Sparkle N Soft flocking SS107
Ink: Memento Black Tuxedo, Brilliance Orchid Pearlescent, Memento LuLu Lavender, VersaMark
Copics: BV00, V17, V12, E35, 0, W3, R0000, W1, E53, B05
SNS Brushable Glue
SNS Dimensional Glue
Lifestyle Sticky Thumb Dimensionals
Paper: Neenah White, Purple, White, DCWV metallics
Dies and Punches:
Spellbinders:
  Grand Oval Nesties
  Grand Labels 23
  Labels 23
  Gold Labels 4
MS Himalayan Snowflake Large Punch
IO Triple Snowflake Die
Memory Box Wonderland Tree

Warm Hugs Always,

68 comments:

Wendy said...

Absolutely gorgeous...Thanks for playing along with us at Divas by Design this week.
Wendy xx

Sue said...

WOW!!! Such a beautiful card Donna.
I love the pretty image, gorgeous colours and wonderful sparkly detailing.
Thanks for the tip with the embossing, I can see that being very useful.
hugs Sue xx

Gerlinde said...

Wow! So much to see! - And I wish I could touch and feel it too! The colors are royally splendid and the details amazing! How do you do it? Fabulous card! Thank you for sharing it with us!

McCrafty's Cards said...

Wow Donna, this is absolutely gorgeous, I like the fairy with her little birds, all the beautiful die cuts the pearls and the wonderful colours.
Kevin xx

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

WOW from me too ! Gorgeous creation Donna, so much to see:) The faery is so whimsical, love your colours, all the embellishments & glitter. I also like your words about optimism. Have a great week. Hugs, Shirleyx

Donna Maligno said...

one word -- EXQUISITE!

maria's knutselplezier said...

Woow, Donna, what an amazing card and a great image, I really love it, great colours too!!

Greetings
Maria

Unknown said...

Donna this is Awesome, I love all the detail you have used on this image, great colours and I would have to look awfully close to see your boo boo...covered it up beautifully..xxx

Cindy van Oorschot said...

Great colors and wonderful design. Thanks for joining us at Holly Jolly this week. Also thanks for the comment on our blog, much appreciated.
Cindy DT

Unknown said...

Lovely card. Thanks for playing with us at Divas this week x

Lynne Knight said...

your card is magical and so much attention to detail
thank you for entering the CCAYR "Christmas Extravaganza" challenge

Shona Erlenborn said...

Just heavenly. Love the non-traditional colors and all the dimension and glitz that you've created here. A gorgeous work of art, Donna.

Hazel said...

Stunningly beautiful creation - love all the purple - thanks for sharing for my CHNC challenge extra for August - hope to see you again soon. x

Anne Temple said...

Amazing! Wow, so much to look at. Love the color choices and all the glitter and flocking. Fabulous! (I also love the way you outlined her in grays and dots - I tend to look at the small details, which I think makes or breaks a project) :-)

Pat K said...

WOW Donna, this is stunning! Such beautiful detail. Love reading your blog and thanks for the tip with the embossing. Have a great week. hugs, Pat K xx

Silvis Kreativstube said...

Hallo liebe Donna,

was für eine fantastische Karte. Ich bin total begeistert von deiner Gestaltung. Ein wunderschönes Motiv hast du verarbeitet zu einem Traum von Karte. Es ist immer wieder ein Vergnügen deine Karten zu bewundern. Ganz liebe Grüße Hugs Silvi

Brenda said...

such a sparkly, gorgeous creation. It's not a card - it's an art installation!!!!! You rock.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous! I love all that purple and what pretty sparkle :)


Best crafty wishes!
Amber
Staying Crafty

SD pooja said...

WOw ! Such a lovely christmassy card..loved the glittery snow flakes and the cute image..the fluffy dimension looks fab too !

cotnob said...

This is such a beautiful card Donna, I love your colour choices and gorgeous image. Your embellishments are stunning as always and I do enjoy reading your blog posts.
Pauline
x

pam said...

absolutely amazing Donna, love every little detail on this card, gorgeous image and beautiful embellishments
pam

Kat W said...

I love how much detail you pack into your cards and this is no exception. It really draws you in with the gorgeous rich colours and sparkle, and then you stop to appreciate all the little die cut and pearly details.
Thanks for sharing your boo-boo; it happens to us all. Mine is usually a smudge of Copic when I am colouring because I always get the ink on my fingers!
Big hugs, Kat xx

Debi said...

This card is just sparkling with creativity. It was wonderful of you to include all the photos. I would have loved a picture of your glittered German Shepherd as well. Next time? Your cards and write up for the Path of Positivity are always stunning. You go girl!!!
hugs and high fives,
Debi

Karenladd said...

So beautiful and so magical!! I love that you went with purple rather than traditional Christmas colors. it gives such an elegant look. And I had a chuckle at your boo boo. Unfortunately, it happens to us all but what a great cover up!

NanaConnie said...

Oh, Donna, I love everything about this one starting with the purples and lavenders! Magnificent punched snowflakes (what booboos? lol) and, of course, the glitter is spectacular. Loving all the punched filigree pieces and the pearls. That cheesecloth gauze is wonderful for texture. Finally, that's an incredible stamp set and I'm happy to see that it's also available as a digi. I feel a shopping trip coming on. :-D

Stampsnob. said...

Oh Donna your detail is to die for and the purples are beautiful Lovely card............Lis

Grenouille Greetings said...

A super collection of sparkly embellishments decorating this pretty card, Donna! Fab shape and lovely colouring too. Thanks for playing with us at Christmas at Sweet Stampin! Hugs, Lesley

April said...

Such a beautiful and shimmery card, Donna! Thanks for the tip also. You have done a great job! Love it!

Anonymous said...

Excellent, beautiful, gorgeous, etc.! I love everything about this card. And the inside of the card is really neat also. Glad you are feeling better and making such beautiful cards!
Eleanor

Chris Hanselman said...

Donna, I could only wish to be as creative as you. I so love this card.

~~Chris

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, my! Look at this gorgeous Christmas fantasy! LOVE the colors and all the incredible sparkle and many, many details into which I can totally lose myself. It conveys such happiness. The inside sentiment is just wonderful, too. Great boo boo cover up, and thanks for all the words of positivity. I feel better and I didn't even feel bad to begin with!

nwilliams6 said...

Wow - this is soooooo Beautiful! I love the colors, sparkle, image, details - EVERYTHING. I love that you entered it in the Path to Positivity challenge (I just entered it too) as it is a gorgeous example of Optimism and beauty (as are all your cards!). Hugz!

Abfabdesigns said...

Wow wow wow love it all Donna the colours sparkle image and the way you have made a frame round the image .
It's beautiful really Beautiful
Big Hugs xxx

Bernardine Cuttino said...

This is stunning definitely Optimism. So pretty with all of the shimmer and colors, blend so perfect together. Awesome attention to details and design. A card of elegance.
Hugs

Shea said...

Donna, this card DEFIES description in mere words. The oohs and aahs and OMG's can't do it justice, so all I can lamely say is that it's a wonderful, sparkly feast for the eyes, and your description is beyond helpful and detailed. And I learned how to make glittery snowflakes when, for all the time I've been making cards (1.5 years), I've been punching them first and THEN trying to glitter them, always with a big mess. I always learn something new when I visit your blog, so thank you for another inspirational gorgeous piece of eye candy.

P.S. I still can't see the boo boo, even after you spelled out where it is. That's some clever crafting on your part. :)

Dawn said...

Stunning card Donna! Gorgeous layers, die cuts and sparkle. Such a sweet fairy - she really does look kind and gentle and I think your colour choice for he accentuates her personality with the soft palette. I love the deep jewel tones that surround her and the beautiful words she shares. There are so many beautiful details - it is a pleasure to soak them all in.

I hope you are feeling better :) Hugs, Dawn

Eva Gro said...

This is really beautiful Donna!! Love all the nice details!

Hugs Eva

Desire Fourie said...

This is just jaw dropping gorgeous with awesome colouring and textures.
This is so perfect for our OPTIMISM theme this month. Thanks for sharing your talent with us and good luck.
Optimistic Hugs
Desíre
{Path of Positivity DT Member}
{Doing Life – my personal blog}

Diane said...

OH WOW!! I love this....all the sparkle and glitter and the gorgeous details, I couldn't stop looking at it...so pretty and I truly enjoyed your post.........beau-ti-ful!!

Mayras Designs said...

Absolutely beautiful ! I am in love with everything you did on this card it's beyond compare !!

Mayra
Mayrasdesigns.blogspot.com/

mixamatoasties said...

Lovely card.

Thanks for sharing at CaSS this time.

Susan

Eret said...

Donna, I don't know what to say... It is most stunning Christmas card I've ever seen. Love all the layers and texture, all the sparkle and pearls. Your coloring is beautiful, I especially love the blue birds. They are adorable. Magnificent card, Donna! Love it so much!
Hugs,
Eret

Hazel said...

Me again to thank you for also entering this gorgeous card for CCAYR 'fussy and fancy' challenge, Hazel, CCAYR DT x

Shirley said...

What a magical and sensational card Donna. So sparkly and pretty.

Crafty hugs from Shirl x x x

SAMARA said...

Oh Donna, I am blessed once again to have you on my rotation # at Path of Positivity!!! If that baby isn't OPTIMISM, I don't know what is...and what you have written about optimism - my goodness - a sermon in itself (and this is coming from a Minister lol.) Your card is so joyful and up and lovely and heartful and just lifts to the heaven's above. Donna I can't imagine someone not feeling the ray of hope that optimism is all about when they look at your card, and isn't that what this challenge is all about! I wish you great success (in everything you do) and with your creative essence here. HeArtfully Yours, Samara - DT Path of Positivity (samaranavi.blogspot.com / shadowsideart.blogspot.ca)

Anonymous said...

Wow, Donna your cards are always eye candy at its best and this one is no exception. Absolutely gorgeous with all the beautiful embellishments and pretty die cuts.
Amelia

Anne said...

Love your creation! Thanks for hopping along to the Christmas Card Challenge to share it with us. Hugs x

brenda said...

I've been a bad bad blogger since I came back from holiday Donna, only now really catching up properly.

I hope all is well with you or as much as can be and that you are coping with life's curve balls.

Your crafting certainly continues in a very positive way and this card is a total delight.

Take care my friend and speak soon.

B x

Sasha said...

Hi Donna,
Your Christmas card looks beautiful! I love those rich colours and your attention to detail is amazing! Your blog is full of gorgeous cards, all beautifully coloured and created!

Thank you for visiting my blog, leaving such a lovely comment and becoming a Bloglovin follower.

Carol Hurlock said...

Greetings Donna:
Here finally is my over-due visit. And boy it was with joyous expect ions that greeted me when the browser opened onto this luscious creation. Michelle's images are so darling. I think I might have this one-I know I have the Snow Fairy. I love the royal colors and all the sparklies are just magnificent. The cheese cloth background softens everything perfectly. I love the colored snowflakes and how they glisten. Your cards are always so rich and filled with delightful extras that entertain the eye. Love your message of optimism. Don't you think that people who craft have a higher degree of optimism as we set out to accomplish something that we basically start from scratch to make and are optimistic it is going to turn out beautiful. Without optimism we wouldn't even know where to begin!!! lol Great post. I enjoyed it as always.
Bear Hugs,
Carol

Bernardine Cuttino said...

Stopping by and to say Hi from Santa Clarita. Hope you are well.
Hugs

JoanieMc said...

Wow! A jaw dropping creation! So beautiful!

Thanks for joining Sunshine Mail Challenge "Anything Goes". The Sunshine Child that receives your card will have a big Christmas smile.

We hope to see more of your beautiful creations often.

Hugs
Joan DT

Unknown said...

Very stunning De, thinking of you but oh for more time.xxx

Auntie Em said...

Your card is just beautiful! I love the layers and all the details and texture you used.
Good idea about the little embossed scraps. Always looking for ways to use them up.
Thanks for sharing! :)

Decosse's Dynamite Doodles said...

I had already signed out of my PoP identity when I came over here and have just realized that you entered this card into this month's Path of Positivity Challenge (with having been ill, I haven't had a chance to visit anyone yet this month).

It is always so lovely to see you participate because not only do your cards reflect the concepts we are looking for but your posts always espouse on the concept as well. As always I like what you said. You hit the nail on the head--we need to try and stay optimistic DESPITE everything around us trying to create deleterious conditions. Sometimes it can be extremely difficult given the hands we are dealt but there is so much glory to be had by staying positive as it effects every aspect of our self.

It will be a luck individual who receives Holly this Christmas season as I'm sure the recipient will benefit from her 'lovingkindness' year round. You have done such a fabulous job with this creation in all its sparkly goodness. Just stunning!

May you continue to remain optimistic during each of the challenges that life throws at you.

Much love,
Lisa

Inkypinkydelights said...

What a lovely festive card! Thanks for sharing at Christmas at Sweet Stampin and good luck with the Challenge. Judy x DT

Sue from Oregon said...

Hello Girlie! You sure did a great job of coverin gup your boo boo! Such lovely glitter and pearls and that image is gorgeous!!!

Inkypinkydelights said...

Hi Donna, Just want to say thank you for your kind words on my Blog today. Judy x

Shannon White said...

Wow Miss Donna!! this is Absolutely Stunning! Love your Sweet Angel and Gorgeous Design!! your glittery snowflakes are just fabulous! I am definitely going to have to try out that glitter embossing powder! Thanks for the Awesome inspiration!

Big Hugs
Shannon

Donna Maligno said...

Totally elegant Miss De. I love your eye for layering. Spectacular job!

Katy said...

Wow! This is so pretty!

Monica said...

Hi Donna,
Sorry that I missed this awesome creation. This fairy is so cute. I love her dress and all the glittery snowflakes around her with the pearls and all. The little blue birds make me happy. Another beauty from you...
Love,
M

Nikki Craft said...

Sorry I haven't visited for a while:( I feel sad that I have been unable to visit my fellow bloggers, but life has been so hectic and I now have a house full of baby and toddler...surprising how life changes so quickly...however I hope you are on the mend and life is treating you good:) Thank you for all your lovely comment's that you leave me, I really do appreciate you stopping by:) x
So to this amazing card...It has to be one of the most beautiful Christmas card that I have seen....It isn't Christmas without glitter and bling! Love the colours just a totally stunning creation:) x
Hugs Nikki x

Sue said...

What have I missed while I was fighting with Google!!! This sweet Angel is lovely, but OH MY what have you done with all that glitter and bling on this wonderful card. Every project a masterpiece for sure!

Hugs
Sue

Our Sparkle Adventure said...

Great Job!

Jackie C said...

Donna, you are so sweet and gracious to leave that lovely comment on my card, thank you, your card is AMAZING! Hugs Jackie

Verna Angerhofer said...

A beautiful card with so much sparkle going on. And, love all the positive little messages on the front of it too. Inside is a wonderful message as well. This is fantastic!

Planetsusie said...

This is truly glorious De - I just love it, especially those colours. I have searched the pic for your boo boo and still can't find it! I have voted and am not telling you who for - lol!!!!! Lots of big hugs to you, my fingers are crossed!

Love Sue Pxxx