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, December 02, 2013

Path of Positivity and Joy

Greetings, dear blogging friends, and new followers Alanna and Becca!
It's already the last month of 2013!
(how did that happen?)



How nice to be a Guest Designer with the great team at 
Path of Positivity Challenges!
(challenge # 9 - Joy)

In case you've not heard of them, it's a wonderful challenge blog comprised of "positive" thoughts - regardless of personal belief. All religions, philosophies, and life-sharings are welcome. The intent is to bring some positive "conversation" to share with our cyber buddies!

This month it is all about "Joy" 
       - you know - 

                 that deep abiding Contentment within us 

                             which promotes 

                                            Peace and Well-being

For the first half of the month, Fresh Brewed Designs is the PoP sponsor.

 They provided their darling snowman image called "Have a Tweet Christmas".


His Joy is found in "being there" for his friends, in whatever way they need him. 
He is also a great listener! (giggle)



The same sketch was used for both cards. The snowman panel is colored identically. But the cards look very unique, even though they are the same shape!


** DECEMBER PRIZES **

The sponsors and prizes for this challenge are:
  • Ten digital images from Creative Bug Digitals for the person out of the top seven who receives the most votes during voting week.
  • Three digital images from Ike's World for the post or project that the DT deems most inspiring of the bunch.
  • Three digital images from Fresh Brewed Designs, our guest sponsors this month, for a person chosen in a random draw based on all entrants.
  • One digital designer paper from Décosse's Dynamite Doodles for one lucky voter who leaves a comment.
  • One digital sentiment for every single person who enters the challenge from Décosse's Dynamite Doodles as well.

And custom Badges for the Top Seven!



The brown version has a major boo-boo covered up by the pine branch die cuts. 
taunting with sing-song lilt
I bet you cannot see it, though! (laughing here)

Well, the musical notes and lilt in my voice fit with the "Tweet" and "Joy" themes, right? haha


Love this lace with the sequins and pearls - so girly and "tweet"!




I used Craft-Dee BowZ tool to make the little bow.


Thanks for stopping by - be sure to play along with the PoP Challenge - all you need is a craft, project or written Life Share which has the theme of JOY - then upload that blog post to their Linky!

Products used:

  • Fresh Brewed Designs called "Have a Tweet Christmas"
  • SNS Diamond Dust G1116
  • SNS Sparkle Embossing Powder
  • Copics: scarf B24, B60, B93, B97, snow B000, carrot R02, R05, arms E08
  • Computer generated sentiment
  • Dies: Spellbinders retired ornament, Grand Labels 1, Dec Grand Labels 1, IO pine branch, SU oval punches, Cottage Cutz foliage branches
  • embossing folders, lace, rhinestones, KandCo, Neenah and SU cardstock



Fabulous Challenges these cards have been submitted to:


  1. Craft-Dee BowZ Challenge - Anything With a Bow CDB08 (12-31)
  2. Corrosive Challenges - #188 Happy Holidays (12-7)
  3. 52 Christmas Card Throwdown -  Pick a Previous Theme - (theme challenge #6 Snowmen)(12-5)
  4. Inkspirational Challenges - #44 Anything goes (12-5)
  5. Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge - #5 Anything Goes (12-5)
  6. Jelly Park Challenges - Christmas Challenge - (12-31)
  7. Totally PaperCrafts - #195 Ho, Ho Holidays - (12-5)
  8. ABC Christmas Challenge - X for Out of the Box - No Squares Allowed (shaped with SB Grand Labels One dies) (12-9)
  9. Created With Love Challenges - #69 Christmas - (12-9)
  10. ABC Challenges - A for Almost Christmas - (12-15)





Chilly December hugs,

72 comments:

Pat K said...

Two beautiful holiday cards Donna. How clever of you to create something totally different using the same image....just fabulous. Pat K xx

Shona Erlenborn said...


For heaven's sake stop it old fumble fingers! These are absolutely adorable, not only one but you had to do two gorgeous creations!! ... and that is what they are! I'm in awe of your creativity. How can you pull that off when there is so much going on in your life? You totally amaze me on a day to day basis.

McCrafty's Cards said...

Both cards are absolutely gorgeous Donna, I like the sweet snowman image, all the sparkle the branches and that lovely bow.
Kevin xx

Karen Petitt said...

These are stunning De, I love the almost vintage/frantage effect from the SNS glitter - will have to try and get some of that for Xmas. Will check the challenge out xx

Donna Maligno said...

Two wonderful creations!! And repeat after me -- there are no boo-boo's in stamping, just embellishment opportunities!! Way to go, De.

Brenda said...

love them both, but the white one grabs me the most :) cute little snowman

maria's knutselplezier said...

Two gorgeous cards dear Donna, love the way you made the backgrounds it shows the snowmen even better!! Very pretty and very christmas!!! I love them!!!

Greetings
Maria

SD pooja said...

Congrats on your GD post !! Both of them are fantastic n I loved the white one more !

Shirley said...

Absolutely fabulous my friend they are real little cuties, the card designs look stunning. As you say same goodies but so unique in there own way.

Especially adore the brown one. Loved reading your write up on the cards and when I got to the boo boo part covered with the pine branch, I laughed out loud. Made my day sweets. Most of my makes have a cover up somewhere.

I had the feeling you were laughing all the way through this post.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x

Sue said...

They are both gorgeous Donna.
I love the adorable snowman, your colouring is wonderful and such fabulous detailing on each card.
hugs Sue xx

Unknown said...

Both stunning cards Donna, and a fabulous showcase on how to make the same image look so very different, love the image xxx

Unknown said...

Beautiful Creation, thank you for sharing it with us over at Suzy Bee's Bloomin Challenge, hope to see you again soon
Hugs
Suzy B
XX

Monica said...

Both so adorable and lovely. The sparkle is awesome and the variations are wonderful. The first is soft and gentle and the second is bright and vibrant. Wow, how well you have covered the boo boo.
Can I enter with just a snowflake card?

Love and gratitude for having you in bloglife,

Monica

brenda said...

Back to the C&P I am afraid but wanted to pop in any take a peek at your latest make and say hello.

B x

craftieodmae said...

these are gorgeous! I love all the details you have added!!!

Heather D. ~ Fresh Brewed Designs said...

I had SO much fun reading your post! What a delightful person you are :) Love all of the happiness and smiles you shared throughout the whole read. Your cards are STUNNING! I LOOOVE the white with the beautiful white pine branches and lace. Swoon! So pretty and soft and peaceful. The second (you said are very similar... but I did not notice that until you said it, hehehe!) has a very happy, festive feel. I love the browns and the sweet background paper. I have often times hidden boo boos myself :) and no, I never saw it LOL!!!

Congratulations on your guest designer spot at POP! I am so honored to be the sponsor and happy I was able to stop by and see your beautiful work.

Have a Tweet Christmas!
Heather

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Donna, your cards are gorgeous, especially love the white background. As usual you spend time with beautiful layers and embellishments. Beautiful colouring of the sweet snowman as well. Congrats to be a guest designer, a great choice! Have a wonderful day, Shirleyxx

Roxie said...

Such a cute set of cards, love all that sparkle!

Anne Temple said...

Both of these are gorgeous! It's amazing how different background papers completely change the look. Congrats on being their guest dt too!

Olena said...

Very beautiful card! Love it!

April said...

Donna, these cards are so cheery and beautiful! Great job!

Cynthia said...

Both cards are lovely, Donna. Great coloring of the sweet snowman image. Thanks for joining the Jellypark Friends Christmas challenge this month!

Marsha said...

So different from each other, yet, both very cute. Like the shape and all the embellies. Thanks for playing the challenge at Created With Love.

KarinsArtScrap said...

look at the bathroom pictures you have my taste it's gorgeous.
your cards are so cute and they are looking fantastic Donna.

gr karin

MaryH said...

Donna, these 2 cards are indeed so very different in looks, even though you used the same image, same layout. Each has such a unique flavor, and I looked for a 'boo-boo', but you had it well covered! Just joined as your newest follower, so that I didn't have an unidentified 'head'. For some reason, my laptop won't pick up the picture I use for my profile. I loved the s/binders you chose for each of these cards, and I have to confess, even though it was difficult to choose, I would have to lean towards the white card as my fav (but then again....hmmm..I SAID it would be hard to choose!). TFS & Hugs. Enjoy your warmth & sun. Very gray & gloomy at home, and we're still unpacking.

Lady Bug Stampers said...

Oh Donna these are both fantastic. Your a very talented lady. Thanks for joining in the fun at Created with love challenges this week.
Linda K. DT

Chris said...

Brrr, I do not like snow, but I love your beautifully colored snowmen, and all your gorgeous die cuts. Thanks for playing in our Christmas challenge at Jellypark Friends.

Karenladd said...

Wow, these are both so beautiful that it's hard to chose a favorite! Love the amazing texture and the way you centered the image in the die cut. The addition of the warm ink tones adds great dimension and a vintage touch!

Mynn xx said...

These are both amazing! LOVE that fun image and your coloring is absolutely fabulous! Thanks for joining us at 52CCT! HUGS and hope you have a great rest of the week! :) Mynn xx

PS: We've got a blog hop/DT call going on at House of Cards--I'd LOVE for you to join us! :)

Chris Hanselman said...

Amazing cards. Love the image and papers. Love all the little details. Thanks for joining our Christmas Challenge at Created With Love Challenges

~~Chris
Co-Owner

Debi said...

A boo boo you say???? I believe there is no such thing in card making - it is simply God's way of saying the card needs more of something and telling you exactly where to put it. Today I made a card with the fold on the right side. Clearly it was meant for my left handed brother. He probably won't even notice.
Both your cards are beautiful, as always. Have a joyous holiday season, my friend.
Fond hugs
DebiB

Leslie Miller said...

I had to do a double take to realize the images were colored the same on both cards. They each look so different and I love them both! One day I might be in the mood for white, and the next day for brown. It's like being out in the chilly snow and then coming inside to the warm cabin in the woods. These are fantastic, Donna!

Beverley said...

Stunning, love the sparkle on these festive creations. Hugs Bev x

KT Fit Kitty said...

Hello, Donna, congrats on your GDT spot at Path of Positivity! I love both of these cards - amazing how you can use the same image and both cards are so different. I like how you mention you had a boo-boo - some of my best cards happened because of a boo-boo - I call them happy accidents! And yours was definitely a happy accident because the outcome is beautiful!

Wishing you a day of joy, my friend.

Benzi said...

Oh, De.......you've melted my heart with these beautiful cards. The image is just beautiful. Oh, I'm such a snowman lover. I just love looking at both cards..one with beautiful ribbon and the other with yummy lace. Colored so pretty, too.
You always make the best photos. I'm green with envy. LOL

Benzi said...

I'm back....meant to say I love your new header.

Carol Hurlock said...

I see you have melted the hearts of many a snowman lover here!!! Both are absolutely gorgeous. It is wonderful how you can take the same stamped image and change up the coordinating colors and dies and make it look so different yet amazing. Very beautiful indeed!!!
Bear Hugs,
Carol :O}

Mayras Designs said...

Each is beautiful Donna !! I love the colors of both , and course every detail you so artfully put together ! No, I cant notice any boo boo on your beautiful card ! Congratulations on your guest design post , you are very talented !!

Hugs,
Mayra
Mayrasdesigns.blogspot.com

cotnob said...

Two gorgeous cards Donna, you are so clever creating two such different cards with the same image. You have coloured him beautifully and I love the texture and dimension you always achieve with your embossed and die cut details.
Pauline
x

Sue said...

Donna, I love how you did two cards with the same image. They are so different! That lace is to die for, and you know I can't resist a snowman. Love the little birds hat too. What a fun card, all fancy and elegant, and all kraft and cute background paper, nice contrast to show off!!

Hugs, Sue

Anonymous said...

These cards are beautiful! I especially like how all of the white elements on the first card give depth. The ornament shape is creative and I like how you incorporated the glitter. Thanks for sharing with us at Inkspirational!
- Shauna

NanaConnie said...

These are absolutely stunning, Donna! WOW! Wonderful use of the glitter and the white on white background for the first one. Both your coloring and your embossing are magnificent and so well thought out. I just can't say enough.... :-D

Deborah Frings said...

Both cards are just fantastic! You have so many lovely details and that snowman is just gorgeous. Thanks so much for playing along with 52CCT this week!

Sue from Oregon said...

You are the best at adding glitter and pretty embellishments!!! Very Jolly indeed girl! Enjoyed your bathroom remodel too...thinking you will need to have a lounge chair and tv so you can hang out there for a while and just look at all the prettiness! LOL

Desire Fourie said...

These are just so joyful Donna. Love the fresh pine decorations and there's nothing that a pine branch can't correct lol.
Hugs
Desíre
{Doing Life – my personal blog}

julie said...

So cute !! I love this !!
Thanks for joining us at The Corrosive Challenge Blog !

Bernardine Cuttino said...

Lovin your holiday blog header. You must show me how to get that size, so perfect. Now for the accolades for these awesome beauties, the perfect holiday creations, beautifully crafted and eye catching details.
Happy Holidays my friend
Berni

Pat said...

Donna, these cards are gorgeous! So happy for your guest DT spot!! There is JOY flowing from each of these cards!!

Stampsnob. said...

Gorgeous cards I loved watching the snowman develop......Lis

Hazel said...

Beautiful card - thanks for sharing this for Suzy Bee's Bloomin' challenge 5: anything goes - hope to see you again soon, Hazel, DT - you could also enter this into my CHNC challenge extra for December - I'd love to see it there too. x

Candy's Creations Blog said...

Beautiful cards and that snowman stamp is adorable!

ike said...

Fabulous creations Donna - I LUV both but am sooo drawn to the white one :-D It is a pleasure to have you creating with us as GDT and I wish you JOY. :-D

Hugz
IKE x
PoP DT

My Challenge Blog
My Shop
My Blog

Danielle Vincent said...

Wow Donna - how fabulous these are! The white is my favorite - but just by a bit as they are both so amazing. Thanks for joining us this week at 52CCT.

Unknown said...

Beautiful cards and I love your added sparkle.


Thanks for playing along at Created With Love this week.

Holly
xx

Eret said...

Donna, you always make me smile with your writing. POP got himself a perfect GD. You are always so positive and it's catching. Your cards are stunning. Love them both. Your boo-boo is covered up so beautifully. Love it!
Hugs,
Eret

KT Fit Kitty said...

Hello, Donna - Just came from The Corrosive and saw that you're the winner - Congrats, my friend!!!

Vada said...

OMGoodness Donna! What A Beautiful Blog!
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, and Thanks for the wonderful comment too. Wishing U a very Merry Holiday Season.
Hugs Vada

Benzi said...

Of course, you're the winner at Corrosive with this awesome card. A big congrats to you! :-)

Silvis Kreativstube said...

Hallo liebe Donna,

deine Schneemannkarten sind beide so wunderschön. Sie gefallen mir sehr gut. Die Gestaltung ist einfach perfekt. Ich bin begeistert.

Ich freue mich auch über die großen Fortschritte bei eurem Badezimmer Umbau. Das sieht alles schon wunderschön aus. Wenn es bald geschafft ist, könnt ihr es genießen. Einfach traumhaft und so groß. Unser Bad ist super klein. Von so einem großen Bad kann ich nur träumen.

Ganz liebe Grüße Hugs Silvi

Inkyfingers said...

These are just adorable, Donna - so much gorgeous detail. I love the glow around the snowman.
Hugs
Carol x

Bernardine Cuttino said...

Passing by and sending Holiday Wishes for a fantastic season. Hugs
Berni

Judy McKay said...

Beautiful Donna, as always. Love your blog. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Judy

vic said...

This is so pretty Donna how sweet is the snowman! You coloured him in beautifully too so pretty!!
Hugs

Vic xx

Helen said...

Gorgeous card!
Thanks for playing at the ABC Christmas Challenge!
Helen x

Unknown said...

What a sweet image! Love the white on white with the glitter tinsel pine boughs.

Unknown said...

What beautiful cards, I love how you have used the ornament shape. Thanks for joining us at ABC Challenges. cheers, Carol

Jeannette said...

Ooh WOW,What a cute christmas card,beautiful snowman and georgus lace on it,iam so facinadet,really wonderful work,loove it.

Have a great weekend :-)

Greetings Jeannette

Planetsusie said...

Hello there Donna! I just wanted to say how beautiful both of these cards are. I love the way you have used the same image to make two totally different cards - just amazing, and very happy cards!!!

In case I don't get back to commenting again before Christmas, I hope you have a peaceful time and enjoy yourselves.

Lots of love and hugs to you

Sue Pxxx

KT Fit Kitty said...

My lovely friend, Donna, a Happy Hello to you! I just came from Suzy Bee's and you won something over there - Congrats!!! Hope you are feeling okay today. I love to bring you some happy news :-)

Kitty

Shirley said...

Your cards are just so darn cute and beautiful! How do you get all of your spectacular glitter, etc. to show in your photos. The cards are just stunning!! Thanks for how you did them too!!!

nwilliams6 said...

Precious snowmen cards! Lovely images, die cuts, sparkle, and layers. Awesome! Hugz!

Path of Positivity said...

Woo hoo! I finally made it over here. Not only are we lucky enough to have you create for us, you go and create two separate projects giving us twice the pleasure...and what absolutely stunning creations they are. Even with the same layout they are both uniquely different. I have to admit that my favourite is the white one. All those feathers (well they probably aren't but look feathery to me anyways) and that lace is just so girly as you put it and appeals to that put away girly part of me.

Thank you for bringing so much joy to this post and of course for joining us as our GDT this month! I hope that you will consider joining us again in the future. I'd have you on the team full time if I had my way!!!!

Hugs,
Lisa