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

Friday, February 28, 2014

March Reveal - Sparkle N Sprinkle


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Welcome to Sparkle N Sprinkle's March 1 Reveal.

Happy Smiles to all my dear blogging friends and to new followers
Carmen, Barb, Jenny, Maria, Tanti K, Gabriela, Michelle, Danielle, Gabriela, Leeann and Naomi

This month Sparkle N Sprinkle is featuring five versatile stamp sets.
Two of the sets are perfect for Christmas.
Many SNS customers said they promise themselves to make Christmas cards but something always comes up. So this month's technique kit uses the pretty Red Cardinal drawn by Rosiland Solomon.

The Winter Cardinal stamp set is available by itself on line.
It is also included in Jazzy Jill's Technique Video for the month.
AND it can be purchased as a digital image.

The first of the month also means a new challenge at SNS Creative Challenges where the theme is always 
"Anything Goes with Loose Glitter, Embossing Powder and/or Flocking."

click here for complete directions to my card 
it was actually a simple card because the embossing makes it look great!

Debuting stamps sets (please click image to enlarge)

Born to Shop #554
also available as a digital image here
(also available as a digital image here)

Iris Frame #532
Springtime Spunky #537


How the SNS Mystery Party works:

On Five of the participating blogs below, a Commenter will be selected to receive a prize
No one knows who the five Mystery Designers are, so you may wish to visit each blog to leave a comment. Winners will also get to choose one Glitter and one Embossing Powder to go with their new stamp set.  Winners will be announced on March 3 on Facebook, the SNS blog, and on our blogs:

April Williams
Anne Temple
Anita Scroggins
Donna Ellis
Shona Erlenborn
Eret Pank
Mayra Duran-Hernandez
Emmy van den Heuvel
Belinda Shupe
Marie Berquist
Jazzy Jill

Each of the five stamp sets are available at 20% off.
Promotion valid through March 3. 
You may also phone the SNS Shoppe to place your orders.

I did it! I made a card which folds flat!
proudly taking a bow before the audience - and laughing at myself

Even with the two layers of extra thick Stardream Cardstock, it weighs an ounce, so can be mailed in a single-stamp envelope, folded with the top flap closed, or with the Z-fold left in tact. 
My card is 6" tall and 7" wide when the Z-fold is left in place.
Or it may be folded "in half" and is only 6" x 5.25".
I'll "cheap out" with a rectangular envelope so the Post Office will accept it.

Not sure what type of fold this actually is because the card completely morphed on its own.
Can it be counted as a Z-fold?


Like everyone else, I want to make my Christmas cards a little all year long, so my card uses the new Cardinal and Peace images. 

The Cardinal is stamped with Rhubarb Stalk Memento ink and colored with Copics. With this color ink, there is no dark outline to the stamp. 

Also used are stamps from two other SNS Christmas sets (listed below). They have been heat embossed with Tuscan Sun and Tuscan Star EP. To add a touch of red and green to the aged gold, Chantilly Glitter was added to the distressed panel in front, and the greenery in the other 2 panels.

(Wahhh! the glitter colors do not show up in the photography - so sorry!)

 I dug out some Stardream cardstock which had not seen the light of day for at least 5 years and decided to use a gold-brown motif for a change. That luscious brown is laced with gorgeous metallic gold throughout! It's beautiful!



The cardinal on the front is looking out over his winter wonderland at his friend on a distant tree.


Where the fold is between the sentiment and winter wonderland, I created a bit of a "hinge". There are actually 2 folds 1/8" apart. This accommodates the thick Stardream Cardstock Layers and prevents the 2 panels from rubbing against the glitter on each side.

Standing up:




Sparkle N Sprinkle Products Used:
Spellbinders: Grand Stately Circles, Grand Labels Four
Copic Markers: R05, R29, R56, R59, W03, G21, G94, YG67
Ink: Antique Linen (Distress), Galaxy Gold (Brilliance), Rhubarb Stalk (Memento)
VersaMark Ink
VersaMarker
Cardstock: Neenah Solar White, Brown-Gold Stardream, Gold Stardream
Embossing Powder: Tuscan Sun EP414, Tuscan Star EP426
Glitter: Chantilly G1041, Fire Engine Red G1007
Brushable Glue #540

Challenges this card is playing in:

  1. ABC Christmas Challenge (Feb 19) - D is for Die Cuts (3 die cuts used) 3/3
  2. Christmas Card Challenges #13 - Anything Goes Christmas 3/1
  3. Fab N Funky Challenges #205 - Christmas  3/3
  4. Craftin' Desert Divas (Feb 24) - Glitter it Up - 3/1
  5. Crafty Cardmakers #110 - Come Fly With Me (must use bird) 3/1
  6. Crafty Girls Challenges #12 - Anything Goes 3/3
  7. Little Miss Muffet Challenges - #80 - Anything Goes 3/3
  8. Jellypark Challenges - "Things With Wings" - 3/12
  9. Stampin' for the Weekend - "Sparkle N Shine"{lots of EP (2 colors) , and lots of Glitter (2 colors) sorry that my camera could not capture all the glitter and shine very well - 3/12

Warm Florida Hugs,


66 comments:

Bernardine Cuttino said...

OMG this is awesome. Love the fold and the gold glitter is so perfect for this holiday beauty. Fab image and eye catching colors with amazing details.
Hugs

Shirley said...

Wow, De, your card is beautiful and thank you for all of the details too! I hear you on flat, I need to try for more of that!! LOL Really beautiful embossing too!

Anne Temple said...

This is gorgeous ! Love the fold and how you combined these two stamps. Love it.

Shona Erlenborn said...

Well you did it again! ... and no boo boo's this time? JK! I totally love this card and you probably think that this is CAS - because it can be mailed in a normal envelope right? Wrong - nothing CAS here!! Love the gold with the red - everything is just stunning!

April said...

So pretty! I love the sparkle and fold. Love that crowd clapping too! LOL! Great job!

MaryH said...

This is definitely a big WOW! I am so loving this fold you did with this gorgeous bird. The brown stardream is such an unexpected color & then with the gold forest scene...stunning. I can see there are some EP's I need to purchase (have the forest scene!) This is just so beautiful. I'm off to see the other DT's selections. I am so loving this Winter Cardinal set, and if I didn't have it already, you can bet I'd be at the site putting it in a cart. It's awesome, and you showcased it superlatively! TFS & Hugs
Oh yes, I liked the clapping crowd too, you clever girl. :-)

maria's knutselplezier said...

Wow Donna , you did do a great work again, a parkling, gilttering christmas card, I love those beautiful stamps sets!!! You made a masterpiece for Christmas with them!!

Greetings
Maria

SD pooja said...

I loved this shimmery card n the fold too ! Red cardinal image with no outlines looks more natural than with outlines and you have colored beautifully !

pam said...

hi Donna, What a stunning card, love the scene you have created, beautiful rich colors and that fabulous fold, with gorgeous stamped images.
pam

cotnob said...

This is a stunning card Donna, I love your beautifully coloured cardinal and you have created a wonderful shimmering winter scene for him to look out over - such a fabulous design.
Pauline
x

Beatrice Lawson said...

Staring to follow you, I was just amazed by your stunning card! Love that glittery scene and it folds flat, woo hoo!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Wow Donna your card is stunning. I love all the details. The cardinal is very beautiful and the inside is amazing. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, Hugs, Shirleyx

KarinsArtScrap said...

what a gorgeous card Donna, love the layout and the glitter.

gr karin

Sandy (Cheesy) said...

My oh my, Donner. This is a stunner. I am loving that Chantilly glitter. And you invented a new fold! You go girl.

Shanna Shands said...

Donna you always create such amazing projects. This one is just stunning!

Sue said...

WOW! This is stunning Donna. Such a wonderful image and your colouring is fantastic. The gold embossing on the rich brown background looks amazing and I love the design too.
hugs Sue xx

nancy carroll said...

Absolutely stunning! and yes it does make me want to start my Christmas cards early!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful design.

Karen E. said...

This card is gorgeous! Love the Cardinal. Love the glitter. It's just beautiful!

KT Fit Kitty said...

Wowzers, Donna - This is absolutely gorgeous! So many details - I love the cardinal and I love all the sparkle. I like how you added a little red cardinal on the tree - such a sweet touch. It's a good feeling to get a headstart on those Christmas cards, isn't it. Anyone would be over the moon to open up this one!

Benzi said...

Oh my goodness, DE, this is fabulous and then some. I love the stamps used, and talk about glitter. What a wonderful scene you made on this fold card. GORGEOUS!

Linsey R said...

OH I had to leave a comment to tell you how much I love this card! Wow, you really blinged it out with all the fabulous gold and shimmery elements! Beautiful image, I like how you stamped the bird in red, then colored it leaving no dark outline! I Must try that, I never have!!! :p You totally inspired my today, thanks so much you crafty lady!!! Hugs, Linsey

barbara macaskill said...

I can hear the angels in Heaven singing!!! This card is absolutely stunning!! I love how you used so many different sets to form such an incredible card!!! Whoever receives this is sure to be smiling for a long time!!! TFS!

Angie said...

Gorgeous card love the trees!! Thanks for joining us at Crafty Girls Challenges!

http://angiescraftblog.blogspot.com/
http://angiesdigistamps.blogspot.com/

gobarb26 said...

De, This card is beautiful. Love the fold and all of the details! TFS!

Lin said...

OMW what a stunner! Your red cardinal is so vibrant. A gorgeous Christmas card

Thanks for sharing with us

Lin
Crafty Cardmakers and More

Anonymous said...

Hi, A beautiful card and image, love the colours too. Thank you for joining us for challenge 12 at Crafty Girls Challenges good luck and we hope to see you again soon.

Hugs Erin DT and Co Owner

Jean Bullock said...

First of all, you had me cracking up with the animated audience gif. Loved it.

As for your card. It is awesome. I love the fold you created. The exquisitely stamped and embossed inner scene is fantastic. I love the brown and gold. The Cardinal looks great and the glitter on the pine needles is just right. I love how you set up the card so that the Cardinal on the front panel is like a magnification of the tiny one in the inner scene.

Awesome. Can you tell I like it?

NanaConnie said...

Donna, this is just too gorgeous! Love the distressed edges on the image and, of course, all the sparkle. What a magnificent cardinal and your coloring/ glittering of the image is simply marvelous. Whatever you call that fold, it's wonderful and so elegant. I admit to being overly impressed that it all fits into a regular envelope. Good for you, my friend!

Brenda said...

There's nothing to say except
STUNNING!!!
Okay - also - love the people clapping LOL

Verna Angerhofer said...

I just love this card. It is so beautiful and elegant looking. I love that cardinal image a lot too.

Anonymous said...

Terrific swith on the tri fold card and i love you used gold and not silver. That bird is ready to take flight Awesome coloring

Anonymous said...

Stunning card = love the way you folded it. Thanks for all the super directions and pictures !!!

Stampsnob. said...

FLAT but not really that little Z fold is terrific and is going in my TO DO book Beautiful card de...........Lis

SHartl said...

Wow, this image is so beautiful! I had to laugh about your flat folded card feat!! Flat, but still fabulous!

Pat said...

Love your card. Normally I prefer silver but the gold is stunning.

Anonymous said...

An interesting fold design. I'm always looking for something on the unusual side. The whole scene you created is very pretty. I shall start on mine soon.

Jan Hobbs

Anonymous said...

Beautiful card. I would think you could call it a z-fold card. Looks like one to me. There are so many wonderful things happening with this card - the forest with the shiny trees the deer in the background, and the amazing red bird. Great job. Thanks for sharing.

McStamper said...

Donna, your card is so gorgeous. BYW, I miss your daily emails :)

Carmen said...

Donna this is an amazing card. I love the fold ... Thanks for the little shout out at the top.

vic said...

Donna this is so pretty your so creative! Love the shaped card it looks wonderful :)
Hugs
Vic x

Anonymous said...

Donna this is a stunner! I so love the beautiful bird and all the glitter - a beautiful piece of art.
Amelia x

HelenM said...

Your card is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! so creative. I loved the cardinal on the outside--- but the inside was too beautiful to be on the inside!!! thanks for the inspiration!!

Jackie B said...

I love everything you did on this card. The images used, the sentiment, the brown card stock with the gold glitter and your cardinal, wow.

Mayras Designs said...

Donna , this is so pretty !!! I love the rich colors , and the design is perfect !!!!

Hugs,
Mayra
Mayrasdesigns.blogspot.com

NWFlamingo said...

Wow! My eyes hurt from looking at it all! How did you have time to make this and run Bingo?

Tina said...

stunning card , gorgeous colouring of the admiral too. you have inspired me to try a card like this Thank you. Popping in from the Aurora wings blog directory and now following. Hugs Tina xx

Nancy said...

Really beautiful card, Donna! Thanks so much for joining us at Jellypark Friends! :o)

Karenladd said...

Oh, I love your beautiful Z-folded card! That embossed and glittery winter scene is gorgeous and anyone would love to receive this at Christmas!

Paula said...

oh, oh oh this is stunning! I was at SNS yesterday and ALMOST bought the cardinal stamp, now I want it, so I must drive back.

Eret said...

Donna, only you can think of something so clever. Love how you used a Winter Wonderland stamp with the new Winter Cardinal. They are perfect match. The pine branches are so nice on top of the Wonderland scene. Absolutely stunning card, Donna!
Hugs,
Eret

Unknown said...

Beautiful card. I especially love the front of the card - great coloring job and the the pine branch is lovely.

Annette said...

Fab Christmas card, Love the image and al that gold embossing.
Hugs
Annette - Netty's Cards
xx
Proud to design for :
Crafty Little Fairies,
Top Tip Tuesday,
ABC Christmas,
As You Like It,
Pink Gem Designs,
The Stamp Basket, and
Stampfairy.

Leslie Miller said...

Really, Donna? Have you really outdone yourself again? Seems you do it over and over again. Oh, how I love the gold on brown for this forest scene and the beautiful cardinal. Lovely coloring with no line showing! Love the torn edges, too. Well, what's NOT to love? Your sentiment fits perfectly in the narrow fold. Amazing design all around!

Anonymous said...

Glorious card LOVE all the embossing too! Thanks for Playing along with us this time at ABC Christmas Challenge, hugs Samantha :0)

nwilliams6 said...

Donna, this is sooooooo pretty! Wow - I love how you did all the gold and this gorgeous image. This is one of the prettiest Christmas cards I have ever seen! Seriously, this is soooo special. Hugz!!!!

Shirley said...

Donna, Donna what are you doing to me, making Christmas cards that are so gorgeous and making me feel guilty and thinking I should start mine as well. No matter how beautiful and inspiring this is I am not making any yet. lol

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x

Sharon said...

Wow Donna, this is sensational. The bird is gorgeous and I love all the stunning embossing and design. Fabulous.
Hope you are having a lovely week.
Hugs Sharon x

Karen Petitt said...

Donna, omg, this is stunning! So clever to add that extra fold to stop the panels from damaging each other. I have to get hold of that bird stamp - it is stunning. I don't think we have those birds let alone the stamp in the UK, something for me to 'google' lol.
As for your question about the PetaLoops I used a hot glue gun - it holds the flowers much quicker than wet glue but I had to be quick and use the minimum amount too or they were too dense.
Going to spend some time looking at the background of this gorgeous card now xx

Sue said...

Absolutely stunning! Who won't want to be on your Christmas card list!
Love how you stamped the winter wonderland and glittered, so beautiful. And the cardinal is so pretty, love how you colored it up. All your fancy folds and die cuts make this one gorgeous card, LOVE IT.

Hugs
Sue

Unknown said...

Stunningly gorgeous, love the images, embossing, the fold, oh all of this, you are one amazing and inspiring crafter...luv n hugs.xx

crafty-stamper said...

love the cardinal image and little red bird in the tree and love all the beautiful embossing
carol x

chrissy xx said...

WoW! This is Stunning! FABulous colours and I'm LOving your design and all the Sparkle..Your Audience looks and excited bunch too lol..
I'm your newest stalker..Look forward to getting to know you!
Chrissyxx

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing your lovely work with us over at Jellypark Friends this challenge. Good luck in the draw!

Lisa xox
Paper Craft Bliss

UTs Hobby Time said...

This is a striking card Donna. The image looks wonderful and you have embossed it beautifully.

Bernardine Cuttino said...

Hi Luv
Passing by, loving that blog header. Definitely spring is here or on it's way./
Hugs my friend

Carol Hurlock said...

Oh WOW-this is extraordinary. I love the sparkly scene on this. It makes for one amazing looking card. I just love everything about it. Sparkles are my favorite. I wear at least one thing that sparkles everyday....lol Even some not intentional-like if I glitter something before work, I may have it on my face when I get there!!! hahaha Love your sparkles.
Bear Hugs,
Carol