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, August 10, 2016

It's all about the "B"s!

Welcome, sweet crafting friends!
Can you see me waving all the way from Florida, USA?
The children in our area returned to school on August 10!

Thanks for stopping by for a little Dies R Us Inspiration today!

Today's post is all about The "B"s!

Birds, Blues, Birthdays, Browns, Blooms, BFFs.
*
This birthday card is for a very special, dear friend!

click below for:
STORE

Let's begin by building a flat, but dimensional birdhouse:




After putting the tape on so the sticky side faces down...


To create flat flowers:


Pretty Pearly Vellum clouds were cut using the Cheery Lynn B320 Clouds and Rain set.


Side view of the center card set - it also folds flat for mailing:


Finally, the back is just as pretty as the front! 


It looks slightly different than the front, but the card could be shown either way!


Hope you enjoyed today's ideas.

On a personal note:

Time for Missy's annual immunizations, so off to the vet we go!

First, she needed to get weighed:


Notice the red basket in the corner, how tightly it hugs the walls:


With the weighing done, the vet left the room briefly.
Normally, I hold her, and reassure her that everything will be ok. But this time, before I could get up...
We heard a funny rustling noise, and I knew Missy was digging a hole:


Jack asked, "Where did she go?"
Missy made herself as small as possible:


As the vet re-entered the room, she looked in all the usual places kitties hide. 
We finally pointed out where she was. It was a first for the vet!


Products used:

Challenges I'd like to support:

  1. Artistic Inspirations Challenges #162 Anything goes 8/13
  2. Craft Your Passion #324 Anything Goes 8/13
  3. Crafting By Designs (Aug3) Anything Goes 8/26
  4. Crafty Sentiments Designs Challenges (Aug 9) "Use Dies" 8/17
  5. Inspiration Destination Challenges #98 Anything Goes 8/17
  6. The Paper Shelter  #259 "Punches and Dies" 8/17




Thank you for visiting me today!
hugs,

62 comments:

Linda said...

I always love seeing your creativity, Donna, and these are beautiful! I also love that red bag!

brenda said...

Finally catching up in blogland Donna - my thanks for your kind words as well.

Today's card is such a delight with the bright and happy colours flowers plus lovely sentiments. And what fun photo's from the vets.

B x

Janice said...

Wow, such a pretty outdoor card Donna, full of lots of detail! Great tutorial on the birdhouse and I love how you have decorated the back of the card too! I am sure your friend was delighted to receive this :-)

Sue said...

Hi Donna, WOW! Your friend will be thrilled with the card.

Glad Missy is all up to date with her shots now.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Jackie T said...

Wow Donna this is a stunning card I love the design. I love how you have decorated both sides. Take care. Hugs Jackie

McCrafty's Cards said...

Firstly what a beautiful cat you have and she does not like the vet lol, your card is stunning I love all the detail both back and front !!
Kevin xx

Pamellia said...

Wow Donna, this card is above and beyond fancy! Love the embossing pattern in the background and the soft blue tone creates such a perfect sky feeling. So many beautiful elements, the little birdies flying around are just my fav!! I can't believe you do that back so fancy as well, wow, I thought it was a second card until I read your text!! Amazing piece!!

OK, so Milo is an absolute doll!! How sweet that she found a little corner to hide in, awwwwwwww! We had our little one at the vets yesterday too. Poor thing has injured her leg and needs some surgery. I do hope Milo recovered well from her shots. Pebbles was completely woozie after her exam. Ha, drunk dogs, too sad and cute at the same time! sending hugs :)

Shona Erlenborn said...

This is super gorgeous Donna. Love, love, love what you did with the birdhouse! It's awesome that it can be displayed from both sides - very neat idea!

Conniecrafter said...

Oh my goodness Donna you have totally outdone yourself, this is absolutely Gorgeous, beautiful use of all the dies, such pretty colors, makes for such a lovely scene, and I have totally never thought to do the back too, that is so pretty too and is worthy to be the front of the card, wonderful sentiments and paper to top it all off, your friend will feel very special to receive this beauty!!

KarinsArtScrap said...

it's a beautiful card you have made for your special friend Donna
Gr Karin

Dr Sonia S V said...

Donna love how beautifully you used the dies ...love the inking...I tend to be lazy to use the stencilling element in dies...you have reminded me to do it!!
Cheers
Dr Sonia

Lori Kobular said...

What a beautiful "B" card! I love all your B's! That birdhouse is gorgeous. I always love how you can put so many dies together and how perfect they look together! That is one lucky person to be receiving that gorgeous card!! I hope your kitty has recovered from the vet visit!

SD pooja said...

Ahh A center step card that t o decorated on both the sides ! Your friend is going to love it for sure ,loved the bird house .thanks for sharing how you created the effect !

Waving back from India ;) !

Becky said...

Beautiful card. Your Missy looks like my Shadow. Only, maybe smaller. My guy weighs 22 lbs., but he's black, also.

Linda Simpson said...

This is stunning! Love the gorgeous design. Missy is a little cutie and hope she is okay.
Hugs
Linda xxx

Lisa said...

What a stunning card, Donna!! The design is amazing!! I love that both sides are display-worthy!! Gorgeous papers, sentiments and flowers!! Your friend will adore and treasure this!! Missy is so sweet!! I hope her visit with the vet went well!! Have a great day my friend!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

craftieodmae said...

Gorgeous!

cotnob said...

A gorgeous card Donna, such a fabulous design and lovely details - your birdhouse and flowers are beautiful and the back is as pretty as the front.
I hope Missy has recovered from her visit to the vet, it doesn't look like it is her favourite place.
Pauline
x

Verna Angerhofer said...

Beautiful card and I love how you created so much dimension on it. Great style too!

Jeannie said...

Hi Donna! Gorgeous card and all of the touches of blue really set it off perfectly. Your little Missy is such a cutie, and she sure found the perfect hiding spot :)

Jeannie T.
Dragonfly Journeys

pam said...

Gorgeous card you created for your friend Donna, beautiful birdhouse and flowers, love sentiments too.
Poor Missy, trying her best to hide..lol.
Hugs Pam x

Darlene said...

Absolutely gorgeous creation Donna ... front & back! I've never thought to decorate the back like that ... great inspiration! Wishing you a fabulous weekend ahead!

Silvis Kreativstube said...

Hallo liebe Donna,

ich bin immer fasziniert und begeistert von deinen kreativen Arbeiten. Die Karten sind immer mit viel Liebe zum Detail gearbeitet. Du erklärst so toll wie man die Schablonen verwenden kann.

Das deine Katze Angst beim Tierarzt hat, kann ich gut verstehen. Auch eine Impfung tut ja ein wenig weh.....
Ich hoffe es ist alles gut gegangen und inzwischen hat eure Katze das sicher gut überstanden.

Ganz liebe Grüße Hugs Silvi

D K Crafts said...

Hi Donna, this is absolutely gorgeous. Love the colours and all your little details and your detailed description. The back is gorgeous too. Hope your cat has recovered from her visit to the vet. Donna

Monica said...

Hi Donna,

Both cards are very pretty and your creativity shines through.

Missy looks so cute with her shiny eyes in the second last picture.

Hope you are well,

Monica xxx

Unknown said...

Guuuuurl your card is AHmazing--as always! I love the step by step details, so much work for such a gorgeous creation! And of course the back is totally decorated too....or is it the front? lol Always keep us guessing lol That bird house dimension is awesome and I am so drawn to those pretty yellow flowers. This is a work of ART! Love it all! Have a happy day!

KraftyKoolKat said...

Such a beautiful creation sweetie. You make sound and look so easy. Not when my bunch of fives are involved. Lol!!!
Love the vets visit pictures, ah bless!!!
Hugs
Cathy
xxxx

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Gorgeous card, front and back it's amazing. You are so creative using dies. The children don't go back to school here until the first Tuesday in September, can't wait as they are making lots of 'kid noise' in the pools behind us. I can't sit out much anyway, it's way too hot and humid for me. Your nervous kitty looks so cute. One of my cats jumped up on a cupboard so high that the Vet had to get a ladder out to reach her. It was a first as well. Our boy Archie is not shy at all, he wants to explore everything when he gets to the vet's office. Take good care, hugs, Shirley xxx ps... thanks for your very kind words at my blog :)

SewPaperPaint said...

These are so beautiful Donna! I totally adore this color combo! And your beautiful and "dimensional" flat flowers really inspire me. I need to do more flat! ;0 Thanks so much for sharing your tips and lovely projects today. Hugs, Autumn

Linda Vich said...

Such a lovely card Donna! Thank you for the tutorial on the birdhouse—never would have thought of that but it looks great! Cats find the strangest places don't they? I haven't had cats for years now ( we have two dogs right now) but remember one cat that used to go camping with us. She loved to lay in the dish drainer :). You'd think it would be rather lumpy and uncomfortable but she loved it!

Patricia Alvarez said...

Amazing card!!! I love the design and all the elements you added. I really love the embossing and the die cuts. Great project. Thanks for sharing with us over Crafty Sentiments Designs. Good luck!!! Patricia

NanaConnie said...

Wonderful dimension on the birdhouse and flowers, Donna. What a WOW of a card! Love the story about Missy and am so glad you took photos. Poor sweet baby. I know she got cuddled when the vet was finished. She's beautiful, btw. :-D

Pia S said...

This is so detailed, every piece fits together, everything on here has a purpose, it looks gorgeous. I'm really impressed by your way of using your dies in different ways, thanks for sharing with us.

crafty-stamper said...

WOW stunning card Donna back and front,love how you created the bird house and great flower stems-poor Missy looks just like my Millie
Carol x

Cicci said...

Hi Donna and Thank you for visit My blog:)))
So wonderful creations you have Done here at your place !!! Love all The beutiful details at your card!!! A Stunning make !!!! Hugs
Cicci Vid Pennan
Cicci vid pennan {Welcome to visit My blog }

crafty-stamper said...

Hi Donna just popping back to say--Thank you for joining us at Artistic inspirations
Carol DT x

Beebeebabs said...

Wow your cards are absolutely beautiful - love everything about them - great job as always and have a fab weekend!!!

Unknown said...

Your card is gorgeous! I love all of the dimension and the sweet scene you created. Thank you for joining us at Craft Your Passion. We would love to see you again.
~ Bonnie DT

Stampsnob. said...

You about covered the B s with this beauty
Love kitty's hiding spot Like Rusty when he see the hair clippers .............Lis

*Vicki* said...

Oh Donna, your cards are absolutely gorgeous right down to every last detail with them!! Always have such fun and inventive designs to see here! :) Awe! Poor little kitty hiding in the corner!! Thanks for sharing my friend!

Nancy Hill said...

Just beautiful and what a wonderful tutorial. Love the step card and all of the details.

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, I love LOVE it, and how fabulous to do the front and back! Wonderful! So cute the way you cut up the flower die to spread it around in the garden. The embossed panel and designer paper are perfect for the scene, too. I got a good chuckle from Missy, but I don't think she found it quite that amusing. She's so adorable. Those eyes... oh, my! I know Wally would have liked to go hide on his recent vet visit, but he's a little bit bigger. He's home and recovering now and things seem to be going as well as can be expected. Time will tell.

April said...

Such a beautiful card on both sides! Love it! I also love the fold. I just took my cat, Tiger, to the vet and she wanted back in the carrier! Yep, they try to hide any way they can!

Christina Hor said...

The children will be starting school on the 17th here in my area Donna. I'm very looking forward to sending them all back. They had too much sun this summer. LOL.

This is a very beautiful step card Donna. I love how you colored up the die flowers. Truly brought them to live in comparison to just cutting on color cardstock. In addition, the yellow color complement the "sunshine" of the sentiment beautifully. Your friend will treasure it for sure and a happy birthday to your friend too. Have a lovely rest of your Sunday. Hugs.

laurigami said...

Beautiful card. Thank you for joining us at Crafty Sentiments Designs. hugs
laurigami

Mrs A. said...

Thank you for the info on how you made the bird house . It looks really good. As for the vets pictures they really can get into the smallest of places when they want to. Hugs Mrs A.

StampNScrapJunkie said...

What a lovely project! I love all the texture and so appreciate all the different view. I just love it when someone showcases an interesting project like that! Cute story about Milo, too! Thank you so much for joining us at Inspiration Destination Challenge Blog for our weekly anything goes challenge. Good luck and I look forward to seeing you again.
Regards,
Ema

Patty Sue 2 said...

That is one smart cat. Poor baby she was scared! I love your card and thank you for all the directions in creating it! Thank you for joining us at THE PAPER SHELTER with your lovely work! Good luck and please join us again, it is a treat to see your work!

CdeBaca Crafts Gallery said...

Such lovely work! Very nice! Its so creative ! And the cutest cat

Diane said...

Stunning card and design Donna..wow. beautifully created a fabulous tutorial, too! I had a great laugh when I read about your kitty and her vet 'antics'..thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Hiya Donna ..Your cards are just stunning and the blog looks fabulous,makes mine look very simple lol.The Dies on the last card you did were stunning love the Poppy one too ..well love it all trouble is I keep buying haha running out of places to put it all now..Your poor cat has the right idea hiding ,had to look close to find it ..My little dog does the same when I need to wash her face too as she is white and gets dirty .But we would be lost without them ..Thank you for your lovely comments on my card and on several others over time ,I am actually a follower on Google too and have been since you first asked me to visit..Well back to work next two cards to go on ,not so good I am afraid as have been ill and it is amazing how much it shows in your work..Take care and look after your beautiful Fur Baby ..Hugs Christine xx

http://cheryl-cherylscreativeatcscards.blogspot.co.uk/ said...

Oh just stunning hun love all the layers and beautiful detail hugs cheryl xxxx

Lidia R. said...

Woww gorgeous cards and blog!!
Thank you for visiting mine !!
Greetings from Costa Rica!
Lidia R.

Desire Fourie said...

Wow Donna what an amazing little scene you have crafted here. Just adore the versatility of being able to display both sides. Your special friend is going to treasure this.
Hugs
Desíre
{Doing Life – my personal blog}

Michele said...

Wow!! If you make cards like this... scrapbooking should be no problem and what beautiful pages you could make. Thanks so much for you comment on our Lasting Memories blog. I left you a comment there as well. :)

Darnell said...

Your card is magnificent, Donna! It involved a ton of work and was clearly made with love for someone very special. Having said that, however, your little Missy stole the show! She is very clever!!

I sent you an email about Blogger. I see that you commented that it was fixed, but I still don't see "follow' or "unfollow" on your blog from my end of things! And for almost all my other friends, the whole gadget has been removed totally!! Grrr! If you don't see my email will you check spam and then let me know at darnell dot knauss at gmail etc. Thanks! Hugs, Darnell

Donna Ellis said...

Darnell, thanks for the feedback! I received your email, and replied at length in it, including a snapshot of what your blog looks like to me. I also left some info regarding how to explain what you are experiencing to best help the google engineers. xo

ILEANA ARTUFFO said...

Beautifulcreation and wonderfultutorial! I love both the sides!
Hugs Ileanaxx

Wendy Ann Batchen said...

Lovely blog Donna, I'm your newest follower. Would love you to follow mine too http://wenscreations.blogspot.co.uk/

Bernardine Cuttino said...

Donna, this is so refreshing to have a beautiful garden with this birdhouse. Love seeing nature so pretty with the flowers dancing. Love the tutorials. OBTW, I am still having problems with bloggers follow and unfollow blog. Have a beautiful weekend.
Hugs

Glenda Atkins said...

Beautiful card and love the details given in your blog post. The bird and bird house dies delightful! So want them :O)!
hugs
Glenda

Shirley said...

Missy is one smart cat Donna I too would hide from that Vet if I was her.

Beautiful make sweets.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
ShirlsCards.