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, April 06, 2016

Nesting Bird {Dies R Us} {Sparkle N Sprinkle} {Digital Tutorial}

Greetings, Crafty Friends!
Welcome to my first post as a new Dies R Us Inspiration Design Team Member!

Have you ever... ?

Have you ever planned a design in your head, and then made one boo-boo after another so that your project ends up completely different?
 THAT'S what happened with this card.

LOTS of boo-boos (giggle)

Dies R Us  is an on-line store carrying a huge assortment of amazing dies by several manufacturers.
I hope you enjoy today's oh-so-ugly project (giggle)...


click below for:
STORE
CHALLENGE BLOG
FACEBOOK
INSPIRATION BLOG

My card uses the following Dies R Us Products:



TIP:

Change the appearance of die cut "frames" by adding borders to them:



TIP:

It is not necessary to use the dies within a die set to create pretty frames. Change it up by using other dies (like circles, ovals or shapes) rather than what the manufacturer has put together.
This gives you the ability to create frames to suit your project needs:


TIP:

Mark frequently used dies to help expedite your crafting:


The Poppy Stamps Grassland Border does not have a cut edge on the bottom, making it ideal for wide borders of grassy layers, or turned upside down for icicles. It's a long die, but can be cut apart to use in patches (shown in the base of the card). It can also be fussy cut in a shape, shown in the sample below:

TIP:

How to customize the sizes of your panels while keeping the details of the dies (like the piercings on the Sue Wilson set):


Boo Boo Time!

While the stencil for the Fleur de Elegance die is beautifully detailed, I was displeased with the way the ink looked around the decorative portion of the die cut. It was too dark. To fix that, I resorted to glitter. Probably opaque white embossing powder would have been easier:
AFTER:
I used a very large transparent chunky glitter and SNS Waterfall Ultrafine Glitter to "distress" the problem area and hide the ink:

I slightly altered the SNS digital image to place greenery around the sentiment, and add greenery around the bird as well. View my TUTORIAL for altering and masking digital images, including using Apple products.


Other Products:
  • Copic Markers: Y15, Y32, E00, E19, E43, E50, E35, E11, B0000, B00, B02, G0000, G00, YG03, YG11
  • Images: Sparkle N Sprinkle Nesting Birds (digital set), Nesting Birds (rubber stamp set)
  • Chunky Glitter, SNS ultrafine Waterfall glitter
  • Embossalicious Regency Swirls by Die'Sire embossing folder
  • Ribbons, Brad, Dye-base inks
Challenges I'd like to play in please:

  1. Animal Friends Challenge #37 "Birds" 5/1
  2. Card Mania Challenge #79 "Spring" 5/1
  3. Craft Your Passion #306 Anything Goes 4/10
  4. Crafting for all Seasons - #123 Use Die Cuts/Punches 4/13
  5. Crafty Boots Challenges (Mar 28) "Spring is in the Air" 4/10
  6. Creative Card Crew #110 Die Cut (list of dies shown above) 4/18
  7. Critters and Creatures Linky Party - Ellibelle's Creative Moments (April) "Critters and Creatures 5/2
  8. Dies R Us Challenges #46 "Use Scallops" (scallop border at the top and bottom of the top card portion) 4/14
  9. Doodle Pantry Challenge #16 Anything Goes 5/1
  10. Love to Scrap #75 "The Big Bow Theory" 4/17
  11. Ooh La La Creations Challenge #201 "Feathered Friends 4/10
  12. Outlawz Twisted Thursday Challenge "Anything Goes With Wings" 4/13
  13. Sisters of Craft (April) Anything Goes 5/1
  14. Sparkle N Sprinkle Creative Challenges (April) "Anything Goes" 5/1
  15. Where the Heart Is Challenge #8 "Sparkle and Bling" (Used lots of chunky and ultrafine glitter on the frame) 5/2
  16. Word Art Wednesday #224-225 Anything Goes with an Uplifting Sentiment 4/13
  17. The Ribbon Girls Anything Goes as Long as it is a Card 4/17



Thanks for stopping by today, my sweet friends.
hugs,




74 comments:

Barbara said...

This is so delightful! You did an amazing job, Donna:)

Barbara
Dies R Us Challenge Blog DT
http://carterie-creative.blogspot.fr

Abfabdesigns said...

Well I have just fell in love with this card ,the colour ,the glitter ,the image ,and all the dies on how to alter them ,great work Donna .
Xxxxx

brenda said...

I've done that more times than I can to remember Donna, but whatever went wrong with this piece your certainly turned it around into a real beauty.

I'm am off away for a few days so see you when I get back.

B x

Desire Fourie said...

Wow all those booboos were worthwhile as this is stunning Donna. One can hear the bird song amongst the reeds.
Hugs Desíre {Doing Life}

Sue said...

Hi Donna, Well the finished card is stunning.

Boo Boo made me smile, as it's also the name of Yogi Bears friend and I used to love those cartoons as a kid:)

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Paula said...

This card has so many beautiful things going for it, the way you used all the different dies together, the sparkle, the white on white (a favorite of mine) and the exquisite coloring all come together to make a scrumptious card Donna. Just remember, there are no mistakes, just opportunities to embellish!

Silvis Kreativstube said...

Hallo liebe Donna,

deine Karte ist ganz traumhaft schön geworden. Es gefällt mir sehr gut wie du die Schablonen eingesetzt hast. Vielen lieben Dank für die ausführliche Erklärung wie was angewendet werden kann. Ich bin begeistert von deiner Arbeit und bewundere deine Werke immer wieder sehr. Ganz liebe Knuddelgrüße Hugs Silvi

coldwaters2 said...

Hi Donna your card is beautiful I love the dies you have used, the tips you have given are brilliant, thank you for sharing, the image and sentiment are both full of Nature's delight, the sparkle around the frame is ACE, I love it
hugs
lorraine x

Diane said...

Well my dear, you certainly have set the bar high with this gorgeous creation and your boo boos were meant to be as it turned out FABULOUS! A beautiful post...I will hawking your next DRU creation for sure!!

Samra said...

Gorgeous make Donna! Love the design and tutorial, thank you!!!
Hugs
Samra
Paper Talk with Samra

Shona Erlenborn said...

Another stunner Donna! Your work with the dies is just amazing. Thanks for all the wonderful tips. The image is beautifully colored - love the glittered frame too.

KarinsArtScrap said...

this is stunning Donna, fabulous stamp great colouring, love it.


I have here the link for that decoupage sheet.
http://www.creatieve-hobbymaterialen.nl/product-categorie/marianne-design/knipvellen/

Gr Karin

Lisa said...

Oh wow, Donna, your card is absolutely stunning!! I love how you've layered the dies to fit perfectly together!! The image is so sweet and colored beautifully!! I love how you added the glitter to cover the color, too!! This is just so gorgeous my friend!! And all of your tips are fabulous!! Spectacular card!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

SD pooja said...

Such a pretty card with soothing colors and beautiful design..embossed n diecuts on it !Loved it !

Linda said...

The card is beautiful, and I absolutely love your header, Donna! It is very pretty, refreshing and captivating. :)

Monica said...

This is a fab card, Donna and thank you for the inspirational tip regarding using different kinds of die cuts. What a superb idea that is.

Love your new header, too.

Lots of love and gratitude for you being you,

Monica xxx

Lori Kobular said...

Donna this is gorgeous! I wish my mistakes turned out as beautifully as this! I love that sweet bird image and you colored it perfectly! I love the way you put different dies together!

Dee's Craft Room said...

Stunning card Donna, your embossing and die cuts look amazing, and your shading is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your work with all of us at Crafty Boots Challenges.

Dionne

Joanna M. said...

Oh heck yeah I've had to change my design based on a boo-boo. I think that the resulting ideas make us grow as crafters (or at least that's what I tell myself while I'm whimpering and going with my "Plan B" idea) Gorgeous card. I would NEVER had known that this was a Plan B card. Soo pretty! Thanks for sharing this with us over on the Doodle Pantry digital challenge!
~Jo, DP-DT

Karen Letchworth said...

This is gorgeous, and I thank you for sharing you technique with us. It's so nice to have the step by step instructions. It turned out SO beautifully. Thanks so much for sharing your talents with us. It's so nice to have you play along, and I really hope that you will continue to share your wonderful art with us.
Blessings,
Karen
Word Art Wednesday

P.S. I'd love to have you stop by my personal blog some time to say hello if you get a chance.
Thanks!
www.karen-mycuprunnethover.blogspot.com

Mrs Beez said...

Absolutely stunning. I love how you have built the die cuts to frame the beautiful image, especially how you have used the grassland. The chunky glitter is a brilliant touch. Thanks for joining in at Crafty Boots Challenges this time.

Verna Angerhofer said...

Oh, my! What a beautiful card and lovely colors too. I adore that little scene you made and colored. And all the extra layers and shimmery effects all look magnificent. If there were any boo boo's you sure covered them well as I can see nothing at all wrong with this card. I love it!

NanaConnie said...

Oh, Donna, I do love this "oh-so-ugly" (Not) card! Love the way you added the border pieces to the die cut. What a great idea. You can bet I'll be playing with that one very soon. :-D

Darlene said...

Just stunning Donna! I truly love every aspect of this creation (and your posting). Thanks so much for sharing fabulous tips/tricks too! GREAT job! Thanks so much for playing in our ‘Scallops’ challenge at Dies R Us! Please come back again soon!

Darlene (DRU Blog Leader)
DIES R US CHALLENGE BLOG
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS

Linda Vich said...

Donna, I have definitely had my share of booboos! You turned yours around to create this absolutely stunning card! I think this is my favorite card of yours! I also appreciate all your helpful tips about how to get more use from your dies by combining them with others.

Maryvonne Coussé said...

Wow Gorgeous card Donna ! Love your design and the dies are Fabulous !
thanks for the Tuto !
Hugs
Maryvonne

Donna Maligno said...

Well if you keep making boo boos like this, you'll be featured on the cover of a maggie. Love the soft colors and your trick with borders. - excellent idea! And I assume that bow was made on the Craft-Dee BowZ tool?

Mrs A. said...

Well if this is your boo boo then anything else you made must be a maseterpiece. Can't see a thing wrong with this card. Hugs Mrs A.

Nancy Hill said...

Fantastic tutorial and tips. Beautiful card and gorgeous coloring on the bird and nest. Nancy Hill - Hugs

Heather said...

Well, I think this is anything but ugly!! : ) But I do know what you mean about making mistakes and having to "fix" them. This card is really beautiful! Love all the dies you used and the ways you combined the different sets together. Thanks for playing with The Love To Scrap Challenge Blog.

Leslie Miller said...

I'm in love with your so NOT ugly card! Ohhhhh, everything about it is beautiful from the colors, to the image. And all those gorgeous dies with the chunky glitter are a fantastic combination. Have I mentioned how I'm loving birds lately. I did finally manage to get my hands on a couple of new bird stamps yesterday. Your coloring of the image with the shading around the scene is exquisite. Fabulous first post for Dies R Us, Donna!

Karen said...

Donna, this is beautiful! You are lucky I don't scold you for calling it ugly... everything created from the heart is beautiful, willy nilly changes included! I see nothing wrong your gorgeous card.. it is sparkly, elegant, and contains a stunning scene from nature. I hope you soon will see the loveliness within your card. :o) Wishing you a beautiful weekend of love and joy, my dear friend!

Hugs and blessings,
Karen

Petra Swart said...

I'm still trying to figure out where the 'oh-so-ugly' comes in, Donna!!!! Your card is so beautiful and I love the glitter!!! What a wonderful set of dies you have combined so creatively and the little scene you created is stunning!!!! What a darling bird and the soft colours are lovely - love the bow, too!!!! Really stunning, my friend!!!
Have a great day!!!
Hugz

Birgit said...

This is so incredibly beautiful, Donna! Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog. I sent you an e-mail and am sending you (hugs).

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Donna, What a fantastic post with great tips. Your card is gorgeous, full of wonderful layers with the pretty image. And congratulations on being part of the Design Team, they are lucky to have you join as you are so talented using die cuts. And finally, I don't think of the process of designing and changing things as 'boo boos' but 'going with the flow' and adjusting to what looks pleasing to your eye. Well that's all for now, have a great weekend, Hugs, Shirleyxx

Becky said...

Beautiful card and great tips. My friend calls boo-boos "OOPS" - Outstanding Opportunities Presenting Suddenly.

Becky

crafty-stamper said...

Booboos or not it's absolutely beautiful love all the intricate dies and gorgeous bow -love the image and you should have had faith in your sentiment lol
Carol x

Anne Temple said...

Wow, this looks amazing Donna! Love the tips you share and no one would ever notice your boo-boos but you :-). Fabulous coloring of the image too!! Thanks for sharing another beautiful creation with us for the Sparkle N Sprinkle Creative Challenge and congrats on being a SNS Featured Artist again this month.

Patricia St Martin said...

Totally fantastic!! Love everything about this stunning card. Thank you for all you tips love all of them. You need to tell me how you arrange the layouts on your blog so the the pictures are in one roll or over lapping, blogger will not let you do that and I get so frustrated with them because it would save so much room. Love the colors all the dies the stunning image and you layered it and colored it just amazing. I'm so glad you have joined us at Twisted Thursday that was a nice surprise and sharing your beautiful card with everyone.
Hugs Pat

Christina Hor said...

Oh I absolutely love everything about this card Donna! Such beautiful details and love how you add the blue color to the card! I have every one of the dies except for the Poppy one. That Embossalicious Regency Swirls by Die'Sire embossing folder is a MUST have but where can I find it? Beautiful pick of the stamp and how true is the inside sentiment. Stunning work as always Donna. May you have a blessing weekend. - Hugs, Christina

maria's knutselplezier said...

Wow this looks so beautiful!!! what a great card!! great image , great details,great colours, I love the dies you have used, and what a sweet stamp!!!

Have a nice weekend!!
Maria

Dorothy S said...

Boo boos? I wish mine looked like this...
STUNNING!

Pia S said...

Whenever I make a card that I've clearly pictured in my mind before getting started I end up with boo boos. Or at least it never ends up how I thought. I mostly start crafting and just go with the flow, and those are the cards I'm the most satisfied with it seems.
Your boo boo card is nothing but spectacular, Donna, your eye for detailing is impressive.

KraftyKoolKat said...

So beautiful and delicate Donna.
Hugs
Cathy
xxxx

Pamellia said...

Absolutely breathtaking Donna!! I am so in love with that image, wow. And your soft colours and subtle shimmers have melted my heart!! Boo Boos?? I swear by them! I think if I didn't have at least one boo boo per project, I may think something was wrong with my mojo! HAHA!! Looks like it all turned out in the end, that's for sure!! hugs and happy weekend :)

cotnob said...

This is absolutely stunning Donna, such a beautiful card. Your image is so pretty and all of your die cut details are gorgeous.
Pauline
x

Unknown said...

Absolutely STUNNING! Your card is AHmazing....as is this post....so much info and great tips. Your coloring and shading is beautiful! And I love all that glitter goodness--no matter the reason! Wink, Wink. Its a visual feast for the eyes! And girl, look at all of those Challenges....I hope you win every single one of them....YOWZA! xo~

Annettes Hobby Rosettes said...

Wow just stunning. Love your frame dies and love the image which is beautifully coloured too. Great work adn so beautifully illustrated on your blog.
Would love to see you enter our Classic Design Team Challenge and also our World Wide Open DT Challenge, new sponsors and new DT's.
[Annette Registered Owner/Admin for Classic Design Team Challenge]


Carrie said...

Wow! Amazing card, Donna! This is gorgeous! I enjoyed all your tips, too! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving some love on my tulip girl card. I'm your newest follower now and would be honored if you returned the favor: http://carriescustomcards.blogspot.com

Ardilla said...

Great tutorial!
Thanks for leaving a nice comment in my blog.
Hugs,
Ardilla :)

Doreen said...

This is just stunning,love it all.xxx

JoAnn said...

Absolutely gorgeous card. Love all the details. Thanks for sharing all the tips and supplies you used for your card.

Puppy Kisses and Paper Dreams said...

This is beautiful! And, also thank you for the step-by-step information on how you did your die cutting and fixing your boo boos. I often have a design in mind, and then have a boo boo which totally reshapes what I end up with. Either way, thanks so much for sharing and joining us at Sparkle N Sprinkle's Creative Challenge. Have a wonderful day - Chris, DT

Jean Bullock said...

Sorry I am so late with my comments on this. It's so gorgeous. I love the coloring and the dies you used and the layout of course. I checked out the tutorial too. Well done! Oh, and I pinned too. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/415386765612683678/

Monica said...

Hi Donna,

I know I have visited earlier to tell you how beautiful is this card however this time is also to tell you that you are so kind because you have not given up on me. Your kind words made my day as I recover and feel better.

You are honestly an amazing blogger and I do so value you and your wisdom,

Monica xxx

*Vicki* said...

Oh wow Donna, this is absolutely amazing!! I love all of your elegant layers and what a great idea to use your die cut in a different way than what's intended with it!! Thanks for sharing your inspiration! HUGS

Catie Cuddles said...

You might suggest you made some boo boos but this is stunning and a great step by step too. Thanks for joining us at Craft your passion challenges.
Happy crafting! Catherine ( DT ) x

Catie Cuddles said...

You might suggest you made some boo boos but this is stunning and a great step by step too. Thanks for joining us at Craft your passion challenges.
Happy crafting! Catherine ( DT ) x

Monika Reeck said...

Hi Donna
I visit you back
and lovveee what I have seen this
no wonder you got many comment
ths bird and coloring sooo beautiful
you have talent to coloring Donna me not
and that DIE oh you made me jealous
I love that grass die and the frame and the ribbon
your card full of white embelly and adorable
love this much Donna
jump to your other card and please visit again my second post Donna
if you have time :)
hugs
Monika

SewPaperPaint said...

Hey Donna, it's Autumn from SewPaperPaint, just not sure if you put the connection between my "team clark" name. Blogger wouldn't let me change it. Boo! Anyway, I always love visiting you and let me tell you - this is NOT a boo boo card!!! This is one of my favorite layered die creation EVER! Oh my goodness, is this ever beautiful!!! The way you colored the bird and layered the dies is brilliant. You should definitely teach classes somewhere because I know loads of ladies that would be all over this! Hugs today, Autumn

MaryH said...

This is just stunning! I had to smile at your boo-boo comments, cause oh yes, this happens to me all the time. (as has the stenciling within the die cut and then not liking the look after). Also immensely grateful for your fine tutorial with all these tips, this will be a great help to me. Think I have this image in rubber, and of course I love the bird in the nest. You made it even more beautiful with all the treatments you've done on this most impressive card. I'm encouraged to think that an expert such as yourself can still have little unhappies with a card, and I learn from the recovery process! So I'm thankful you shared all this. Big hugs & TFS.

Antoinette/Cultivate Life in Joy said...

Hi Donna, What a lovely design. And I love how you share all the details in your beautiful heart-art. I was so inspired and loving the idea of using the grass die in a new way. I love when we come up with those ideas. I am for sure going to use it. Thanks for inviting me over to for a friendly visit. I am your newest follower and Crafting friend. Look forward to more visits. Big Texas Hugs, Antoinette

www.antoinettesfilledheart.blogspot.com

Zelda said...

Wow! I'm so glad you directed me to your blog! How amazing is this post? Not just a beautiful card but so many great tips! Thanks for sharing and the wonderful inspiration.

Dawn said...

Such a grgeous creation Donna! I love every single detail on it!
So very clever!
Hugs
Dawn xx

I'm a Little Teapot said...

Donna- this is the opposite of an ugly card! I think it is really pretty!

Karen said...

Hello, my sweet friend! I'm fluttering back for a belated answer to your question... my apologies for the delay. Life remains completely insane. For any pearls that are not self-adhesive (or even sometimes if they are!), I use Glossy Accents. I wish it didn't clog so easily, but for now that is what I use. Thank you for being such a sweet ray of sunshine in my life. :o)

Hugs and blessings,
Karen

CherylQuilts said...

Wow, Donna! I hopped over here from Christina Hor's blog, and wow! I absolutely love this beautiful card and how you've used this gorgeous digi. And I love the tutorial about using dies with each other more. Thanks for a great tutorial. And I love the soft colors and even how you "fixed" the sponging of the one die! It happens to us all, and sometimes it ends up better than we had planned. Truly a stunning card! Hugs!

sarascloset said...

Wow! such a gorgeous card and a great idea to correct a boo boo with the chunky glitter! Hugs!

Tindaloo said...

Gorgeous cards and love your dies and techniques :)
thank you for the visit on my blog and kind comment ♥

Anne said...

A very pretty card Donna and some great tips too! Thanks for joining in with The Ribbon Girl April Card Challenge and best of luck.

Anne x

www.ribbongirl.co.uk
www.learningtojive.blogspot.co.uk

Sue said...

WOW! Love everything about this card. First the color, gorgeous. Second the image, beautiful. Third all those wonderful dies! and of course, the sparkle, I love the glitter. Thanks for sharing your ideas for correcting ways to save a card from our boo boos, very helpful.

Hugs
Sue

Karenladd said...

I always admire your beautiful cards but don't always leave a comment. However, this gorgeous card is so fabulous that I had to let you know how much I love it. WOW!!! The layering and glittery embellishment give it a magical look. I have a lot of trouble using intricate die cuts and frames so will be bookmarking these great tutorials for later reference. Will have to take a closer look at how you made the pierced edging on all 4 edges because I've been pretty much limited to the exact size of the dies so far. Being able to have more versatility would be wonderful. Thanks for all the tips and hints and for sharing this impressive card design!

Paula said...

wow Donna, this card is simply DAZZLING!! I love the ways you have shown us to extend our dies, this is fun and something I should do more often.

Jacqueline Muller said...

Very Pretty! Love those dies you used!
Thanks for joining at the challenge of the Sisters of Crafts.
Jacqueline ~ DT Sisters of Craft