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, November 30, 2016

Ewe're So Wonderful

Greetings, my friends!

Hope this finds you well, and enjoying the holiday preparations in your special corner of the planet.

Today I have the pleasure of guest designing for Sparkle N Sprinkle during their December Reveal!
If you arrived here from Diane's fabulous blog, then you are in the right place!


Sparkle N Sprinkle has six new stamp sets to share with you today.  I am using:



These new sets are 20% off until the 3rd of the month; so once you finish the blog hop, head on over to the store and start shopping!  Five of the new sets are available on cling-mounted rubber and digitally. One of the new offerings is available digitally only.  

The sets are:


Build A Flower Set #811  (digi version DIGI811)
  Will Ewe Be Mine Set #813  (digi version DIGI813)
   Light Up My Life Set #814  (digi version DIGI814)
Rustic Flowers-Snapdragons Set #816  (digi version DIGI816)
Spring Bunny Set #819  (digi version DIGI819)
Build A Wreath (Digi Only)  DIGI3128B
   
On Dec 3rd, ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be selected from one of the comments left on ALL the Designers' blogs listed below. So leave a comment with each Designer in order to be eligible for the Grand Prize. The Winner, who will be announced on the SNS Facebook page and on the SNS Blog, will receive ALL of the new stamp sets released this month (or the digi versions, if preferred).

My super talented teamies have some wonderful ideas waiting 
JUST FOR YOU on their blogs! 
The Blog Hop order this month is:
Donna (that's me!)

(*Tip: if you have difficulty with a particular link, 
try clicking on the Designer's blog title to send you to their Home page.)

We hope you enjoy the stamp sets as much as we do.  Thanks for joining us and remember to comment on each of the Designers' blogs to be eligible for the Grand Prize. Wonder who the Mystery Host will be this month?



BEGINNING TODAY: The easy-peasy Sparkle N Sprinkle Creative Challenge

There are lots of prizes and recognition badges.  We would love for you to be a SNS Featured Artist as well.  The theme is always Anything Goes using Loose Glitter, Embossing Powder, and/or Flock.



IT IS ALL ABOUT FUN AS YOU HAVE NEVER ENJOYED IT!
It's Demo Donna on the SNS YouTube Channel!

Subscribe today to REVEL IN all the latest Demo Donna tips and techniques! But even more - PREPARE TO BE ENTERTAINED! I usually giggle and laugh at Donna's comments throughout her demonstrations - 
She is...

     The Informative, 
          The Talented,
               The Fully Entertaining...

DEMO DONNA!


Now, let's get down to business (giggling)


Today's cards use:

      the same image, 

          the same border punch and
                    the same Sue Wilson oval die. 

However, they look completely different!


I love the cute, silly images from Bugaboo. Jodie (the artist) captures emotions so beautifully in her delightful drawings. I can't help but smile at these three crazy ewes!

TIP:

On both cards, the sentiments have been cut apart to mix and match the words:



If you are thinking they look a little "fuzzy" in the photo, you would be correct! Each ewe has been hand painted with Brushable Glue. Around the outer edges Swanky Gray Sparkle N Soft was applied.  It contains a little glitter. The interior portions are covered with Snow White Flocking.

My ewes LONG to show off their soft wool, hoping someone will simply pet them!
It makes for a fun card!

Here's a close-up of their cuddly softness:


This set comes with lots of sentiments. I cut them up to mix and match the words from "a Wonderful day" and "Wishing ewe".
It's cute to say "Wonderful ewe".

(right?)

I've also used a little Nuvo Mother Of Pearl Embellishment Mousse on the embossed back panel to bring out the flowers from the embossing folder:


BOO BOO TIME!

This was my first application of the Embellishment Mousse. It's wonderful to work with.
AND GUESS WHAT? You can distress with ink on top of the mousse! BUT BUT BUT,
if you do use dye-base inks for distressing on top of the mousse, clean off the applicator because some of the creamy mousse ends up on the applicator, making the ink rather smooshie and dark the next time you use the applicator (see the blue coloring around the sentiment? It's suppose to be like the distressed blue in the ewe panel).

Just sayin'...
๐Ÿ˜„๐Ÿ˜„๐Ÿ˜„
The grass began as a piece of Sticker Paper. Peeling off the protective layer, I burnished Parisian Mist Ultrafine Glitter G1037 into it. Then cut the blades of grass. Finally, with the help of Brushable Glue, I added more grassy detail to highlight the greens with Spirited Green Ultrafine Glitter G1070.

You can see the lighter color green glitter atop the darker color below:


Happiness is... WONDERFUL EWE!

Tip:

Create the illusion that there are more layers on your card by carefully using glitter or unheated embossing powder. Apply double-sided Tear-ific Tape around the back side of your punched or die cut shape. Leave the protective coating in place on the backside. Turn the panel face up, so your tape is sticky-side up. Burnish the glitter (Misty Blue Ultrafine Glitter) into the small openings as shown in the frame below:


My next card:

(Wahhhhh! my dry embossed hearts don't show on the bottom part!)


TIP:

Make a single layer look like two:


The new background paper gives a little glitter pizzazz to the lacy front.
The glitter trick from the first card was used again; and burnished Misty Blue Ultrafine Glitter is around the interior edges of the lacy frame:


Burgundy Glitz Ultrafine Glitter G1047 was burnished into a piece of Sticker Paper, and then die cut using the SW Oval die, and the SB wavy border die. Before adhering the silly ewes panel, I die cut the SW leaves from the glittered section. There are a few punched hearts as well from the left over areas of the glittered shape. Again, the sentiment has been cut apart to mix and match:


Lots of sparkle in the custom background panel, the lacy edge, the middle panels, the extra tiny hearts and the leaves:



IT IS FLAT FOR MAILING!

Thanks for dropping by today, and for hopping in SNS's December Release!
Be sure to check back to see who won the grand prize!

Sparkle N Sprinkle Products:
Other Products:
  • Dies: SB A2 Curved Borders One, SB Mega Scallop Long Rectangles, SB Petite Scallop Ovals, SW Double Pierced Ovals, SW Faux Quilled Leaves
  • Punches: MS Lacy Heart Border (for the glittered hearts), and the Vintage Floral PATP, EKSuccess Rounded Scallop Corners
  • Embossing Folders: We R Memory Keepers Dotted 2 hearts, Embossalicious Crafter's Comp Floral Wonder
  • assorted inks, papers
Challenges I'd like to support:
  1. 613 Avenue Create #191 ANYTHING GOES! 12/4
  2. Aud Sentiments Challenges #169 ANYTHING GOES + A SENTIMENT 12/5 (both cards contain sentiments where the rubber has been cut apart and pieced together)
  3. Craft Your Passion #340 Anything Goes 12/5
  4. Crafting by Designs (11-30) Anything Goes 12/7 
  5. Crafting from the Heart #138 Anything Goes 12/5
  6. Crafty Gals Corner #100 Anything Goes 12/7
  7. Creative Fingers Challenge Blog #121 12/9
  8. Creative Moments Challenges #107 Anything Goes 12/7
  9. Die Cuttin' Divas #294 Make It Sparkle (the EP has glitter in it for background, the layers around the frame are glitter, the leaves are glitter, the gray flocking has sparkle and glitter, hearts are glittered, the grass is die cut with scallop rectangle and glittered, the embossing has shiny embellishment mousse) 12/4
  10. Get Creative Challenges #53 Birthday (my easel card) 12/12
  11. Lil Patch of Crafty Friends #46 ANYTHING GOES! 12/4
  12. World Wide Open Design Team Challenge #16 ANYTHING GOES! 12/15

December hugs,

71 comments:

Diane said...

Oh my Donna, I LOVE these, so silly and so fun...and I love, love what your did with them, they just make smile!! So creative and just the cutest ewes ever!!

Anne Temple said...

Adorable!! Love all the details and all the tips :-)

Puppy Kisses and Paper Dreams said...

Boom! You are the bomb diggety! These two cards are so fun and festive and make me happy. And, LOVE the technique of the "double" layer background by masking and doing the glitter through the holes. Awesome. Gonna have to scraplift that one.

aussie aNNie said...

So cute, De, you know how to make a sick girl smile, love ewe, and your wonderful tips n tricks and creativity.xxc {aNNie}

Shona Erlenborn said...

Ewe crack me up! How creative are these cards? Love them both, but particularly the second with the swooping curves and the leaves for the easel. So, so pretty! Your creative mind always amazes me. Glad to see you back at SNS!

Jessica K said...

These are both adorable and sooo pretty! :) I love all your tips, tricks and commentary! SOOO fun! :)

Beebeebabs said...

LOL cute cute cute - love the fun image, another great card my friend thanks for sharing!!!

Jodie Stoddard said...

I absolutely love both of your cards. I can't wait to CASE them. Your colors and coloring are beautiful and I love the sparkle that you added. You make me have to have those stamps right now. I can't wait. Thank you for sharing all the instructions and tips.

Denise Bryant said...

Love these adorable cards! Such a fun stamp set! Love the sheep with their cute expressions, and the great sentiments too! Pretty layering and details on your cards!

Patti L. said...

How adorable is this! Love all the details

Linda said...

What adorable, delightful cards, Donna! And I absolutely love your header!

Gina H said...

I love them! The flock on the sheep is perfect and I love the colors that you used.

Unknown said...

Ewe did a great job using this adorable stamp! Love the flocking so it will be included on my next order.

Abfabdesigns said...

Gorgeous cards Donna ,great detail and tips
Xxxx

Pam English said...

I must get those lambs! They are great

Unknown said...

Fabulous cards, it usually takes me a whole cup of coffee to go through your pretty and informative post! And it's a BIG cup of coffee lol Your ewes are fantastic, loving all of your tricks and tips, so clever, so creative! Oooh I still have coffee left, off to HOP! Have a happy day!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Donna, your cards are adorable, elegant, colourful and so detailed! Gorgeous work as always :) Thanks for your email, I will get back to you. Hugs, Shirleyxx

Hollyk said...

I love your card. This stamp set just makes me smile the sheep are so cute.

Lori Kobular said...

Donna these cards are awesome! I love the image and all the colors and layers on these fun cards! They sure made me smile!!

Shirley said...

I wouldn't mind petting those sweet little characters Donna. Fabulous make.

I kid you not Donna that when hubby and I lived in Kuwait I rescued a lamb and brought it home. It lived in our front garden and loved playing with our dogs.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
ShirlsCards.

Shirley said...

Me again Donna, forgot to tell you that we called the lamg Minty.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
ShirlsCards.

Lisa said...

Oh wow, these are stunning, Donna!! I love the sweet image...they are so cute!! The sparkle looks amazing!! I love the grass! Your tips are fabulous as always!! Love these my friend!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Becky said...

What cute, fun cards. Thank ewe for sharing. :-)

KarinsArtScrap said...

cute images and beautiful cards Donna
Gr Karin

ionabunny said...

These are soooo cute. Love both versions although the red glittery one is so striking I think I would love to have that one. Love the fluffy sheep. Just love. Hugz

Linda Simpson said...

This is gorgeous Donna, love the step by step and wonderful sheep.
Hugs
Linda xxx

Leslie Miller said...

Now, who would think to cut a decorative curve in an oval? Only you! Donna, I've been over every word, up, down all around, scrolling back and forth and clicking on the pics. I marvel over the details. You're the embodiment of craftiness! And you know how I love Bugaboo images. These sheep are darling, and with a very useful collection of sentiments. I have a Bugaboo sheep or two in my collection, as well. So cool that they're in stamp form now. Back to your cards... All that sparkle! Wow! I love how you shaded the sheep with pink, too. I have to remark on the grass -- those two shades of green glitter make it outstanding! Also, your faux layering is remarkable. If you hadn't said anything, I would have totally thought it was layered. Well, this was fun. Thanks, Donna!

CdeBaca Crafts Gallery said...

Adorable cards and just wonderful! This looks like a lot of work! So wonderful. The colors and images are awesome!

SewPaperPaint said...

How I love these wooly guys! What fun and tremendous beauty! You are so talented with working with dies, always an inspiration to visit. I spied these boys and came right over! Hugs, Autumn

Mary Holshouser said...

I had to smile when I saw those ewes.
They are so stinking cute.
Great cards. Great tips on
techniques too.
thanks for sharing.

Chris said...

These cards are adorable Donna! Love the silly sheep, and your designs are beautiful ...thanks for the clever tips too!
Chris
x

Sue said...

Hi Donna, Fab cards. I love the sheep. Sue

Jackie T said...

Hi Donna your cards are gorgeous. Those sheep are amazing. Take care. Hugs Jackie

Teresa Godines #6857 said...

these guys are so cute. I think they are my favorite from the release. Love how you framed them. TFS

Annettes Hobby Rosettes said...

Well these are both sensational creations. Gorgeous image and fabulous designs. Love both they are perfect. You have created great background and love how you have illustrated step by step feature on your blog. Great job nice work. Your Grass is amazing too. Well done.

Thank you for sharing with us here today at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

Annette DT Registered Owners/Admin for World Wide Open Design Team Challenge

pam said...

Two gorgeous cards Donna, love these cute ewe`s! amazing flock and glitter and colours, gorgeous punched border , not used mine for years and boy do I have a lot of MS punches.
Thank you for your tuts and details..
Hugs Pam x

cotnob said...

Brilliant cards Donna, such a fun image sentiments. You have chosen lovely colours and great designs.
Pauline
x

NanaConnie said...

Love these cards, Donna; especially partial to the second one!

*Vicki* said...

Oh wow Donna, both of these cards are so adorable!! I love the sheep and all of your amazing details with them! The sparkle and texture really set the image off so nicely! I especially love the sparkly blades of grass!! :) HUGS

Tee said...

Both cards are fantastic! thanks for the tips and techniques!

Carole J said...

Amazing EWE, Donna! Love both cards - the image is so, so sweet - both funny and heart warming. Superb textures with the glitter and flock (did you see what I did there?). Some great tips and tricks to be learned from this post, too. Thanks, Donna. x

McStamper said...

Love the darling sheep and your cards are fantastic. Thanks for sharing the techniques and how-tos with us.

Verna Angerhofer said...

These are so cute and adorable. I love both of the cards you did with that stamp set.

Ann Greenspan's Crafts said...

Such adorable cards, Donna. These would have taken me weeks to make. Your detail is amazing and all the layers, as usual, are gorgeous.

Sue D said...

These sheep are so cute. I like all the sparkle and fluff.

cinderella said...

Oh my, Donna. I think you out did yourself with this card. The sheep look so soft and fluffy. I'm sure I will be counting them in my sleep tonight! I love, love, embellishment mouse, and love you using it on the embossing portion of the card. Nothing else to say, except BEAUTIFUL!!!!

TracyM #6773 said...

CUTENESS GALORE!!!
EWE are SO CLEVER and CREATIVE Donna!!!
LOVE your sheep and LOVE the colours, layers, sparkle, textures and design of BOTH cards - WOW!!!
THANK YOU for sharing your tutorial, tips and CRAFTY AWESOMENESS :)
PS - I tried to reach out and pet them ... all I ended up doing was to leave fingerprints on my screen

KT Fit Kitty said...

Congratulations on your GD feature, Donna! They are lucky to have you! These ewes are adorable! I love how you created their wool! You've provided some very helpful tips! Now if I could just remember everything I learn from you, I would be all set! Both of these cards are gorgeous!

Pamellia said...

Wow Donna, you sure have mastered the art of embossing and glittering (is that a word?) lol. I really love how the two tones of glitter creates depth and dimension, like an extra layer that's not really there, well done!! This image is just adorable, I think I would hug these little guys if they were real! Beautiful cards Donna and so many wonderful techniques, your tutorial is fabulous!! Thinking of you and sending hugs. Had some computer issues so I haven't had proper access to my email, but I will write you soon as I have ironed out some wrinkles. hugs :)

Eret said...

Both your cards are so gorgeous. Love those adorable fussy sheeps. I want to pet them :) Most of all I love your creative use of the Wonky Lines stamp. Fantastic! Thank you all those tips you shared Donna.

AuntDi said...

These cards are beautiful! I appreciate the step by step instructions. The grass is very cool. I love the sheep. They are so cute. The backgrounds add the perfect touch.

sarascloset said...

Oh, dear! Why do I always choose to get in the middle of a blog hop when I stop in just to say "Hi, I miss you!"?? Hi, Donna, I miss you! Just stopped in to say that although I haven't been visiting, you're not off my mind. What a fun card and a gut splitting post! I hope you are enjoying your Christmas preparations! Hugs!

namabearx10 said...

Gorgeous card Donna luv the layers that are not layers thanks for the tip. Both cards are just AWESOME!!!!!

crafty-stamper said...

Fabulous fun cards and images -fabulous texture and great tip with the patterned die middle section a great idea
Carol x

MaryH said...

1. LOVE your new sparkly banner! Fantastic for the season
2. Love the fluffy ewes in all their different iterations. You've got some super tips here (especially like the one about the mousse). Each one is a nifty idea to try, and certainly made your woolies look quite different in each 'get up'. This is a delightfully fun image, and you've definitely showed how it can be cute, pretty and just downright fashionable! Have a good wkend. TFS & Hugs

Conniecrafter said...

They are very fun and cute, I agree these images have the neatest expressions, and you have done such fun techniques with them and the grass this is such great details, and will certainly bring great smiles to the receiver of the cards!

coldwaters2 said...

Hi Donna I am not on the hop but wanted to say how much I have enjoyed reading this fabulous post, the two cards are absolutely gorgeous, the images are so cute, the tips you give are brilliant, thank you for sharing
hugs
lorraine x

Sue said...

OMG, first the little sheep could not be cuter. And your cards, awesome. Every detail makes these cards so special (as always). Glittery additions, your signature trademark, look fabulous too. Lovely cards, Donna.

Hugs
Sue

Pia S said...

I always read every word in your posts as I don't want to miss out on all those great tips! Your two a like but oh so different cards look spectacular! With dies and glitter you're able to create a lot of different looks using different techniques. I love how these cards turned out.

aussie aNNie said...

De re your question on the tulips, I am not sure if they grow here but I know I have actually bought the flowers for my grand daughter so I guess they would have to be grown somewhere...Too hot in my part of the world but maybe in other parts of Australia...I will google that now..xx

Billie A said...

Cute sweet Bugaboo image and coloring. I like the card layout. So glad you shared over at Aud Sentiments.

Billie A
Aud Sentiments
Creative with Stamps
Catch the bug
Inspiration Destination

crafty said...

These are adorable. Thank you for sharing your work with us at Crafting From the Heart.
Mary

Sue said...

Gorgeous cards Donna, I love the sweet image and your designs are fantastic.
hugs, Sue xx

CraftYourPassion said...

What a fabulous pair of cards.All the techniques are so beautifully executed.Thanks for joining us at Craft Your Passion.Hope to see you again next week.
Lisa x

Julieanne..aka pinkjools said...

Gorgeous cards Donna....Just love the cute images.....and what backgrounds too....Joolsx

Marjeta said...

Super card. Thanks for tips and tricks.

Marjeta

Unknown said...

Stunning card,thank you for joining in with us at world wide open and good luck

TSCQUEEN said...

This card is out of the park! Great attention to detail. Winner!

Carla's Cards said...

Cute card with great details!
Thank you for sharing with us over here at the World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

Carla DT for:-  http://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com.au/...

TracyM #6773 said...

... I'm back ... I commented earlier on your super cute cards Donna, dropping by now to say THANK YOU for joining us at the Crafty Gals Corner :)

wannabcre8tive said...

Your cards are just adorable. The image is so cute and I love the glitter paper you used with it.