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

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Showing the "Cool" in your die cuts!

Greetings, Sweet Blogging Friends!
So excited to say: this is my first post as a DT member for Cardz 4 Galz!


Such a great group of card enthusiasts who want to see artwork based on a special theme using "stuff in your stash!".


I am especially excited because this challenge blog is all about sharing!

Badges are awarded for the Spotlight Winner and Top Picks

Playing couldn't be easier or more fun! Just check out the theme for this fortnight, and do your magic!

This challenge's theme is courtesy of DT member ALY:
USE AT LEAST ONE DIE CUT

I'm bringing out "winter's cool" in my regular (NON-CHRISTMAS) dies.

These fun layers bring out a snow flake theme to keep the darling Snowman and his friends comfortable.


A variety of shaped layers brings visual interest:


A few interior uses dies were used as well, with plenty of room for a message:



Fun textures help keep the card flat for mailing.

Beautiful Pamellia at "My Little Craft Things"

  coerced me (we all know how forceful she is - LOL - NOT!)  

into trying the Snow Writer!

Oh! It's a must have!

How easy it is to apply, 
even for those who have fumble fingers or difficulty keeping their hands from shaking!
Are you surprised that there is glitter on the snow sections?


Here... let me enable you.




so cute!


This darling little Two-Turtle Doves Snowman image is from The Stamp Boutique.



Hoping you will join us at Cardz 4 Galz!


Products Used:
  • Image: The Stamping Boutique - Two Turtle Doves Snowman
  • Copic Markers
  • Spellbinders Shapeabilities Pendants "Fair Isle" S4-270
  • Spellbinders Scallop Squares
  • Spellbinders Labels 27, and Decorative Labels 27
  • Die Versions Snow Flurries
  • Martha Stewart holly punch
  • Embossing Folders: Craftwell Delicate Dots, Cuttlebug Swiss Dot
  • snow writer (from Michaels)
  • Sparkle N Sprinkle Starfire glitter G1017


Challenges I'd like to support with this card:


  1. October Anything Goes Link-up at "Just Keep on Creating" (11-1 tab)
  2. Addicted to Stamps #133 Embossing (dry embossed 2 blue panels and the white die cut panel) 10/23
  3. Classic Design Team Open Challenge Anything Goes 11-1
  4. Craft Your Passion Challenges - #333 Anything Goes 10/17 (sep post)
  5. Crafting from the Heart #131 Anything Goes 10/17
  6. Crafting with an Attitude #20 "Anything Goes" 11/3
  7. Crafting with Friends #29 anything goes 10/21
  8. Crafty Girls Creations Challenges #27 "Anything Goes" 10/19
  9. Crafty Hazel Nuts Christmas Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes 11/1
  10. Inspiration Destination #107 Anything Goes 10/19
  11. One Stitch at a Time Challenge - #272 Anything Goes Monochromatic 10/16 (sep post 10/23)
  12. Simply Papercraft #38 anything Goes 10/21
  13. Sparkles Christmas Challenge - #69 Show me a Snowman 11/1
  14. Sunny Days #18 Anything Goes 10/18
  15. The Twelve Months of Christmas Linkup #22 "Anything Goes" 11/1
  16. ABC Christmas Challenge (Oct 12) U is for Under the Pile! (use an item in my stash for more than a year - it is the blue ribbon! Gosh, years and years! I was so glad to find a way of using it). 10/25
  17. Vilda Stamps Challenge Blog #1 Anything Goes 11/1
Snowman hugs,




79 comments:

brenda said...

He's such a very happy and cheery snowman Donna that you can't help but smile at your pretty card and the cool frosty colours all add up to a lovely seasonal card......and how the weather is turning here in the UK, Central Florida sounds very appealing right now.

B x

coldwaters2 said...

Hi Donna what an adorable snowman image a real cutie, I love the dies you have used also the gorgeous colours and card design a wonderful festive make
hugs
lorraine x

aussie aNNie said...

Hi De, what a fabulous card for your DT placement, love the dies and snowman is rather cool looking...love it.xx

Dr Sonia S V said...

Oooh what a cute image and love how you have used the different die cuts to create such a fabulous frame
Cheers
Dr Sonia

Beebeebabs said...

Very nice card - love the image and choice of dies - great job as always!!!

Janice said...

Such a gorgeous, frosty Christmas card Donna! The image is so cute, and I love all of the dies you have used.
Congratulations on your design team news, I love their challenges and also the one for the 'guyz'!
Janice x

Maryvonne Coussé said...

What a Stunning card Donna ! Love your dies , and the inside is Also Fabulous !!
Congratulations Teamie!
Hugs
Maryvonne

Sian said...

This is a lovely card. Great colouring, and I like all the different shades of blue. Sian.

Lisa said...

Huge congrats on your new DT my friend!! They are so lucky to have you!! This is gorgeous!! I love the snowy scene you've created!! As always, you used the dies perfectly!! Beautiful card my friend!! I'm addicted to the snow writer, too!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Unknown said...

Congratulations! They are lucky to have you! I love the blue and white palette, lends such a cool frosty air to your beautiful winter creation! I love the dies cuts you layered, from here they look like a beautiful snowflake. Cute, cute snowman and I also love your addition of snow....which is really the only way I like it...on a card! lol xo~

Shona Erlenborn said...

Another "WOW" creation. Full of sparkle and cheeriness! Love the effect of the snow writer. You certainly went to town with your die cuts! Gorgeous card Donna and congrats. on your new DT! Love your picture too!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Gorgeous card with so much wonderful detail. Your coloring is perfect and the snow and glitter finishes it all off beautifully. Love it :) Have a great day, hugs xxx

KarinsArtScrap said...

it's a very beautiful christmas card Donna
Gr Karin

Lori Kobular said...

Congratulations on your new Design Team position! How awesome! I love your adorable snowman and your card is exquisite! So many beautiful details!

Gertrude said...

Gefällt mir sehr gut die Karte
glg Gertrude

maria's knutselplezier said...

What a fantastic snowman card, I just love the snowman and the way you used it, with all the details and wonderful colours!!!

Have fun!!
Maria

SewPaperPaint said...

Oh my word Donna! What a gorgeous combination of layers! Love this fun and sweet image and all of the different edges do give such a snowy feel. Love your glittery snow - glad you worked your magic with it! Beautiful all in all and biggest congrats to you for this new position! They are super lucky to have you my friend! Hugs, Autumn

Linda Simpson said...

Congratulations on your new DT position. I am so adoring this card De, the snowman is wonderful and gorgeous colours you have used too.
Hugs
Linda xxx

Anne Temple said...

What a fun snowman! Love all the layers and the icicles look fabulous.

Linda said...

How beautiful! I love the details here!

Tracy Wray aka Trak said...

Oh donna this is so pretty I just love the snowman's face .. sweetie come and join our anything goes challenge its brand new and only just started this month there is a guest dt spot up for grabs http://vildastampschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

Silvis Kreativstube said...

Hallo liebe Donna,

eine wunderschöne Karte hast du mit dem Schneemann gestaltet. Es gibt wieder so viel zu entdecken auf deiner Karte. Ich bin von der Gestaltung ganz begeistert. Sie gefällt mir sehr gut. So viele tolle Stanzteile hast du kombiniert. Das sieht so Klasse aus. Ich gratuliere dir zu deinem neuen DT-Job. Ein fantastisches Einstiegswerk von dir. Ganz liebe Grüße Hugs Silvi

KraftyKoolKat said...

So cute and pretty De. Big congrats on your new DT role. They are lucky to have you sweetie.
Hugs
Cathy
xxxx

Shirley said...

Mr Snowman made me smile when I saw him such a happy chappy on a beautiful card Donna. Weather here in Ireland is not too bad but the nights are getting chilly could be doing with some sunshine at the moment.

Hope all is well your end x x

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
ShirlsCards.

*Vicki* said...

Yay!! Congrats to you on your new design team spot my friend!! So well deserved indeed! :) I have to say that this snowman just makes me smile from ear to ear!! I love his happy facial expression and your coloring with him puts him really over the top too! :) Your card design is simply gorgeous with lots of layers and details!! Beautiful job my friend! HUGS

Jackie T said...

Hi Donna this is a stunning Christmas card I love the snowman and the wonderful dies you have used. Take care. Hugs Jackie

SD pooja said...

Congratulations on your new DT role !!The snowman looks like having lots of fun among the snowflake layers !

Leslie Miller said...

Yay, Donna! Something new and looks like fun for you. A great challenge, to boot. Don't have to twist your arm too much to use dies, right? You always do such creative and interesting layering with them and you've inspired me many, many times. Such a pretty backdrop you've made for this darling snowman today! Beautiful coloring and shading of the image, too. Love the snow. Isn't it fun? I don't have the Snow Writer, but something similar. Plan to use it today, in fact. Stormy here and I'll be staying home stamping -- my only home day this week, sheesh. Some weeks are like that. Lots of challenges you entered. You're amazing! I'm going to put this one in my Feedly.

Christina Hor said...

Congratulations Donna on your new DT role! I'm so happy for you and what an awesome first project too! I absolutely love this snowman. He's so hilarious with the hat covering his eyes! The dies and colors are a great choice. So perfectly compliment the snowman. And I do agree. The Snow Writer is awesome! I picked one up also from Michaels last Christmas and let the children drew snowflakes and snowman on the windows. They really have a ball with it. I have not try using it on cards yet. But I just might for this year Christmas cards. I hope you and your DH are having a lovely week and well Donna. Take care. Hugs.

Stampsnob. said...

Blue always wins me over I really like this ...........Lis

cotnob said...

A fabulous Christmas card Donna, such a fun snowman and lovely winter blues. Congratulations on your new DT spot.
Pauline
x

Verna Angerhofer said...

That is such a cute and adorable snowman image and your coloring of him is perfect. Did making a card with a wintery theme cool you off as the last I heard it was still pretty warm in your area? At any rate I just love the design and all the wonderful layers you used for the background of the focal image.

pam said...

Hi Donna! Congratulation on your new DT position..
Wonderful first post you have created, love this cute snowman, beautiful coloured, with amazing die cut background, mmm have`nt got a snow writer! think I might try one..
You mentioned Pamellia, have you heard from her lately, hope she is OK as she has`nt blogged her amazing work since September..
Hugs Pam x

Janis Lewis said...

Cute! Thanks for joining us at Sunny Day Crafting. ~DT Janis

Elizabeth Hart said...

This is a fabulous and fun winter card - really evokes a chilly day!! Thanks so much for joining us this time at the Craft Your Passion Challenge, Elizabeth (DT)

Carla's Cards said...

A wonderful fun winter card, thanks for sharing with Crafting from the Heart!

Nancy Hill said...

Just a beautiful card. Love the coloring of the snowman and the icicles. Hugs Nancy

Annettes Hobby Rosettes said...

Wow congratulations on your new DT and your very first creation for your DT is super. Love the design, colours and image. I love how you drip your snow down too. Nice work, well done.

Thank you for sharing with us over here at Classic Design Team Open Challenge and best of luck with your entry.
[Annette Registered Owner/Admin for Classic Design Team Challenge]

suzARTe said...

Congratulations on your position with the DT, I am sure you will come up with lovely creations,starting with this one. I love this card, such lovely borders, colours and the main image is great.Thanks so much for sharing your creation at
Anything goes October link-up, Just keep on creating
Susan xx

Jean Bullock said...

this is darling. I love the beautiful layers and the cute snowman. That Snow Writer is pretty cool. I will keep an eye out for it, the next time I go to Michaels! Well done as usual.

Abfabdesigns said...

So cute Donna love the fun snowman and the way you layer up your dies ,I have a snow writer but never used it ,so watch this space lol .
Take care my friend xxxxx

Sue said...

Hi Donna, What a fab card.

Hope you have a good day. Sue

Ann Greenspan's Crafts said...

Love the layering, Donna. You are always good at layering the right dies and the right colors. Also like the fact that this card is flat for mailing yet it does not look flat in any way. Congratulations on your big news!

Mimi said...

Fabulous creation Donna, loving all your layering and what a great snowman image too :) :) :) Thank you so much for joining us at One Stitch At A Time this fortnight in our Monochromatic challenge. Hugs Jane xxxxx

CdeBaca Crafts Gallery said...

Such an awesome card! Always amazing colors and texture

Tracy Wray aka Trak said...

What a super sweet project you have for us today, so well thought out and put together a fabulous Creation Beautiful in every way, we are so lucky you have entered our VILDA STAMPS challenge blog
so beautiful to look at good luck hugs Tracy x

Pat said...

Totally adorable. Thanks for sharing with Sparkles Christmas Challenge

Diane Louise J said...

Hello… Thanks for joining our ‘Anything Goes’ challenge with your fun Christmas card… Such a cute little snowman... Good luck in the draw and hope you will join us for our next challenge…
[Diane-Louise DT for Classic Design Team Open Challenge Blog]


crafty-stamper said...

congrats on your new DT post Donna and will have to check out the challenge and love their idea of challenges using your stash-fabulous Christmas card,love the blue layers and cute snowman
Carol x

Sue said...

What an adorable snowman, and I too love the snow writer. Love he glitter in the snow too, so you!!! The Holly border around the image and inside looks fabulous and I'm loving all the blue, my fav color. Fun and beautiful holiday card, Donna.

Hugs
Sue

Tracey said...

Wonderful winter card Donna, I love how you've maximized those dies!
I hope you're having a lovely weekend :o)
Hugs
Tracey
xx

Carole J said...

Stunning card, Donna! Love the stamp and all the dies. Congratulations on your new DT role. x

Conniecrafter said...

Congrats on the new design team, this is such a sweet card to start off your posts. I love this snowman image, he just makes me smile, cute coloring and your framing of him is so pretty. Love that snow writer, may have to take a trip to Michaels :) Beautiful creation

Karen said...

Congratulations on your new DT, Donna! They are truly blessed to have your sweet and talented little self! :) Your first inspiration for them is a magical winter wonderful that I love with all of my heart. The image is darling and I just love the abundance of layers. The embossing is so pretty and I agree that Snow Writer is pure magic! I love it so much that I bought a back-up so I don't run out.. it's completely addicting. :) You have used it beautifully. Thank you for inspiring us with every post, my dear friend. Sending tons of love your way.

Hugs and blessings,
Karen

NanaConnie said...

OMGoodness, I hardly know where to begin, Donna. Love the snowman image and all those die cut layers are fabulous! You may consider me completely enabled on the Snow Writer - it's on my list for my next trip to Michael's. :-D Wonderful color combo with the different blues separated by layers of white. The bow is marvelous. I think my favorite die cut is the white layer with the holly leaves around the edges. I have to find that one. You and I are both so addicted to dies and that one just looks so versatile. Thanks for all the inspiration, my friend.

Pia S said...

Congrats on your new DT position. And I can't think of a more perfect theme for you, the way you use your dies is so inspiring. It's a lovely winter card with fantastic layers and derailing. Great job!

Mindy Beverly said...

This is such a sweet snowman and card! I love how you added the little snow glitter accents too! Thank you so much for joining our very first Challenge on the Vilda Stamps Challenge Blog! DT Mindy

Babs said...

What a gorgeous Christmas card you have created doñna with such lovely dies, your snowman is so jolly he just makes me smile, Christmas is my favourite time of year. Thank you for sharing this with us at Sparkles Chrustmas, hope to see you again...

Hugs Babs :) DT

CRAZYCRAFTSHED said...

Gorgeous Christmas card Donna thank you for joining us over on
Inspiration Destination
Dianne xx
IDCB DT

Loose Stitches said...

Very Adorable card! Thank you for linking up at Sunny Day Crafting!
~DT Sherry x

wannabcre8tive said...

Donna, your card is so pretty and the snowman is adorable. You did a great job with the design and snow writer. I will have to check that out. Congratulations, on your new design team.

MaryH said...

Congratulations on your newest DT assignment, and I'd say you've rocked the theme. Love the blue & white (very frosty feeling) and the way you've layered the different die shapes to create this beautiful card front. Really shows off the Snowie so nicely. Also like the way you've done the insert (one I should take heed, as I tend to do inserts at the last moment). I've had the snow writer for a while, but forget to use it! TFS & Hugs

CherylQuilts said...

First of all, a BIG congratulations on the new DT, Donna! Wow, you are perfect, and I adore this sweet little snowman!! Beautiful card - inside and out!!! Love it! Hugs, sweet friend!

KT Fit Kitty said...

Hi there, Donna! Congrats on your new DT! Your snowman card is beautiful! So many gorgeous die-cuts and layers and I love your Snow Writer! I came off my blog break so I could support The Hop to Stop for domestic violence awareness but also wanted to pop in and see what you've been making! I'm so glad I did!

I'll be back to regular blogging next week! The Cat Lovers Hop starts on the 24th so you know I can't miss it!

Debbie said...

Adorable card, love the colour scheme you've used. Such attention to detail love it. Thanks for joining in with us over at Sparkles Christmas challenge. Good luck. Hugs Debbie xxx congratulations on your new DT post too.x

April said...

What a fun card and cute image! Just love it!

Pamellia said...

Wow Donna, I actually just stopped in to say thank you for the warm welcome back comment, and look at the welcome I get. Your card is so amazing and I'm tickled that you took the Snow Writer plunge! Beautiful frosty blues, how wonderfully winterish!! Thank you so much for your kind words and shout out, you have really made my day today!! I hope you had a wonderful month and all is well with you and yours! Are you having lovely autumn weather where you are? The trees aren't turning colour like they should this year, apparently another side effect of our drought!! Oh well, I'm enjoying the cooler weather anyway. It's great to be back, see you again soon my friend. hugs :)

Pamellia said...

Oh boy, I forgot to send out my congrats to you for your new DT gig. They are lucky to have you my friend! hugs :)

CraftingMum said...

Lovely card thanks for joining us at Crafting with Friends, Louise DT x

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

Now that is one totally adorable wee snowman and all the layers you have created make for a brilliant card hun fantastic and frosty love it love hugs cheryl xxx

Darnell said...

Your snowy card in blue and white is seriously remarkable, Donna! Even so, I had a heck of a time tearing myself away from your stunning fall header to scroll down to your beautiful card! WOW!! Hugs, Darnell

Sandra H said...

This is just the cutest card ever and just perfect for our challenge over at Sparkles Christmas Challenge "Show me A Snowman" good luck and hope to see you again next time Dt Member Sandra H xx

Cazro said...

Hi, Welcome to the team at Cardz 4 Galz, we are thrilled to have you join us.
I love your first card with us, a wonderful example of using dies. A super cute snowman. Thanks so much for your excellent first card at C4Galz. Caz DT

Linda Vich said...

Congratulations on making the DT Donna—you deserve it! Cute card today. I love the blue tones and the die used on the inside is wonderful! I'll have to check out the Snow Writer.

Jirawadee Susanthitapong said...

What a cute monochromatic card! Thank you for joining at Addicted to Stamps challenge.
Sai

Sarah said...

Hi Donna, What a lovely card. There are so many textures and layers to it. It looks like that Snow writer worked out great for you, can't seem to find mine so it looks like it's on the replacement list. I'm really liking the alternating blue and white colors, those along with the snowman just make the whole card feel like a frosty winter day!
~Sarah

Dorte said...

Lovely Christmas card you are sharing,Donna, thanks for joining in with us at ABC Christmas Challenge,
Dorte x

flossbite said...

Wonderful card. Thanks for joining us at Crafty HazelNuts Christmas Challenge Extra this month. Good Luck!
Fiona xx

Helen said...

Great card, Donna - fab details and die cuts.

Thanks for joining us at The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up and welcome to the Cardz 4 Galz DT too!

Helen x