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

Tuesday, November 01, 2016

Nikki Burnette Mermaid Symphoni

I'm so happy you could drop by!
Hello, and welcome to today's project!


Today's project uses the same image in two different ways.

and have you guessed yet?

It's time for another Crafts Galore Encore Challenge! 

We always enjoy seeing the wide array of art uploaded to the challenge,
and hope to see many more of your projects this month!

Our theme this month is: 
Use a digi or a stamp on your project - which can be:
Cards, Tags, Cookies, Cupcakes, Scrapbooking -- 
anything at all!

Our Prize Sponsor this month is Nikki Burnette

Click Below For:

I am featuring Nikki's beautiful Symphoni Beach Mermaid!

Today's Z-fold card is inspired by blogging friend Linda's card at Linda Viche Creates.
Although not as intricately folded as Linda's card, my inspiration came from her layers, fold and dramatic colors!

Three colors of sparkling glitter were used around the image. I surely wish the photos showed how glittery it is:


Ribbon is from D. L. Art.
(She has a free shipping special until November 5.)
The ribbon is adhered until the image, around the back and to the front so that the card can be tied like a present:


Mudd Puddles Sand was used in the corners of my card. It's been applied quite thickly for dimension. (not a flat card anymore). 


Here is a tutorial for a more flat application:


A black gel pen outlined the starfish and shell details on the die cuts, then I coated with a VersaMarker and "Hit the Beach" embossing powder. The EP and Sand Mudd Puddlesare color  coordinated, but offer different textures. The black lines barely show through:


I'm embarrassed to admit that the Mudd Puddles are at least 6 or 7 years old LOL.
The good news is, they still applied perfectly!

My second card is an A7 size flat for mailing:


I used the same embossing folder and the same designer paper, however the designer paper is stamped with an old rubber stamp, and antiqued with green to coordinate with my mermaid:


The retired Spellbinders dolphin has been wet embossed with sparkly EP.
Instead of having the currents in water flowing merely behind the mermaid, I have masked in front, and allowed the watery depths to flow in front of the image for dimension:


Card Interior:

The set:


Looking forward to seeing your projects at:

 Crafts Galore Encore Challenge! 



Products Used:

  • Image: Symphoni Beach Mermaid
  • Stamped side panel on flat card Fred B. Mullett #126 (15+ years old?)
  • Embossalcious Regency Swirls by Die'sire (embossing folder)
  • Stardream Pearly Cardstock orange and aqua (z-fold)
  • Spellbinders Grand Labels dies, Grommet Tag dies (z-fold card), 5x7 Modern Stationary (flat card)
  • IO Dies: (shells) DIE077-W and DIEO176-E
  • Dee's Distinctively Dies Flourish Set 4
  • DL Art "pink hue tail" ribbon
  • Malibu Beach Mudd Puddles (the sand in front)
  • Sparkle N Sprinkle: Aqua Marine, Waterscape, and Waterfall ultrafine glitters, Brushable Glue, Hit the Beach and Mediterranean Star embossing powders, VersaMarker
Challenges I'd like to support please:
The Alphabet Challenge "R" is for Recipe Ribbon/ Digi Stamp/ Dies/Punches) 11/4
     (z-fold card uses ribbon, a digi, several dies (across)
     (z-fold card uses sentiment, digi, Embossing (EP and EF)

warm hugs,







57 comments:

brenda said...

Where to start Donna - two super cards which an adorable image, the first in particular blew me away with so many elements of interest, the way you frames the image and all the added embellishments making for a very special creation.

B x

Sue said...

Hi Donna, I thought the previous card you put up was beautiful, but this one is stunning. I love the colours.

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Pamellia said...

Wow Donna, these are just incredible! Your mermaids are coloured to perfection and I am just loving the dimension on the first one. That sand is so amazing and I adore all the seaweed and how it's intertwined with the starfish and seashells! Just so beautiful my friend!!

Well I feel like I'm finally getting back on track this week. Just after returning to blogland, I had some surprise company which kept me quite busy and a sick squirrel keeping my extra moments tied up as well. I do hope you have had a lovely week and are having sparkly weather!! Thinking of you, big hugs :)

Carole J said...

Gorgeous cards, Donna, with so many lovely details to look at! Love the way the first one fastens with a ribbon and the verse and sentiment is so perfect. x

Shona Erlenborn said...

Oh my, what gorgeous creations Donna. Your images are colored to perfection first of all, and both card layouts are so well coordinated with their mermaid. The seaweed and sand in the first, along with the textured ribbon are just amazing. My favorite part of the second card are the waves in front of the mermaid - I would have never have thought to do that (in fear of ruining the coloring) but it is stunning!

maria's knutselplezier said...

What a fantastic ,amazing project, great picture of hte mermaid , great embelishments, great colours and layout, I just love it!!

Have fun!!
Maria

Ann Greenspan's Crafts said...

What gorgeous cards, Donna. You've outdone yourself again. I don't know how you manage to put so much time into a card but they are just stunning with all the layers and coloring. I love the colors on the first card with the sand at the bottom too. You never stop amazing me with all the detail you put into a card. I just wish I had your energy.

aussie aNNie said...

Magnificent cards, embellies, frame and the image is gorgeous.... The colours and design is just beautiful.xx{aNNie}

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Wow two stunning cards again, gorgeous colours, colouring and again I love all the detail. It must take hours to create each amazing design:) I hope you are doing well, Hugs, Shirleyxx

Chris said...

These cards are just gorgeous Donna, such a beautiful image and fantastically coloured. Love the texture of the first one, the sand looks so realistic...and I can imagine how glittery that background looks IRL..it's pretty amazing in the photo!!! The second card is equally gorgeous, just love how you've let the 'water' flow over your mermaid.
Chris
x

Linda said...

Really beautiful, Donna! Lots of colour and great imagination here! Very creative!

KT Fit Kitty said...

Wow, Donna, you put so much love into your cards, it's absolutely breathtaking to look at both of them! The mermaids are coloured so beautifully and all the details are A++++! I also love how you added the waves of water over the mermaid on the second card - it looks brilliant and adds the underwater look - I love it! Both cards are fabulous and I love the sentiment on the inside as well! Awesome job, my friend!

Anne Temple said...

Both of these look amazing. Love the glittery water in the first one and the added dolphin on the second one is the perfect addition.

Emma said...

These are both stunning cards Donna, thank you for joining us at The Alphabet Challenge for our ‘R is for Recipe’ Challenge, hope to see you again. Emma DT x

KraftyKoolKat said...

Two fantastic creations sweetie. Love the colour palette and shape on both. Those sentiments are fantastic too.
Hugs
Cathy
xxxx

Linda Simpson said...

WOW Donna these are stunning! I love the beautiful mermaids and sentiments. The layering and textures are fabulous too.
Hugs
Linda xxx

Lori Kobular said...

OMG!! Donna both of these cards are GORGEOUS!! I love everything about both of them and I don't know where to begin!! That digi image is beautiful, you colored her perfectly! The paper you used is so beautiful and I love the DL.ART ribbon you used! You are so talented Donna! I wish we lived closer so we could craft together ~ I could learn so much from you! You put together so many amazing dies to make two gorgeous cards!! Love, love, love the colors of your cards!!

Abfabdesigns said...

Two amazing cards Donna, great colouring and layers love how you done the ribbon great work o ce again my friend xxx

Lisa said...

Quite possibly my favorite cards ever of yours my friend!! These are absolutely stunning!! I love the beautiful mermaids!! You colored them perfectly!! The sparkle you added is amazing!! I love the designs and the ribbons, oh heck, I love every single thing about these!! Truly magnificent, Donna!! Thank you so much for playing along at DL.ART!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Jackie T said...

Hi Donna they are absolutely stunning both of them. The mermaids are so pretty and I love all the embellishments you have used. Thank you for your kind comments about my card. Take care. Hugs Jackie

Keen Crafter's Hand Made Goodies said...

This is just beautiful Thank you for joining into our challenge at Classic DT Open Challenge
Michelle DT

Verna Angerhofer said...

Two beautiful cards using that wonderful mermaid image. Your coloring of both is awesome and I love all the embellishing you added to them. Even though they are framed differently they both are stellar quality art pieces. I love how you used more shimmer on one with more embellishments too.

crafty-stamper said...

WOW absolutely stunning cards Donna and fabulous colouring on both love the waves over the front of the image,the mud puddles and all the glitter and embossing-you captured the watery effect perfectly
Carol x

cotnob said...

Two stunning cards Donna, such a gorgeous image and two fabulous designs - both colour ways work equally well.
Pauline
x

pam said...

Two Stunning card designs Donna, love the gorgeous colouring on both, beautiful textures and dimension on the first card..and just as gorgeous your second, love your beautiful sentiment..
Hugs Pam x

Granmargaret said...

Lovely work. Thank you for joining the challenge at Creative Fingers and at Whoopsi Daisy. Hope to see you again next time.

Andree said...

Stunning projects Donna and gorgeous colours. Both images are beautifully coloured and your embellishments look wonderful xx

Conniecrafter said...

Oh my Donna, these are just Beautiful, coloring is outstanding and I love the dies and sparkle that you have added to them!!

Jean Bullock said...

Love both variations. The layout, the papers, the embossing, the coloring. Both are WOW! I love how the glitter looks like tiny bubbles. Gorgeous job!

Cara said...

Wow! Both are gorgeous!

DIANA L. said...

Both are just beautiful your coloring is fabulous!! I love it.
Thank you for joining my DL.ART Thankful Thursday Anything Goes November Linky Challenge. Have a blessed day
DIANA L.

DL.ART DESIGN TEAM MEMBER
DL.ART crinkle ribbon
http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com
http://dianamlarson.ctmh.com

tilly said...

two beautiful coloured images, well done, thank you for joining our challenge at crafty catz and hope to see you again
Tilly

coldwaters2 said...

Wow Donna these are both so beautiful, full of mystic and magic, brilliant colours and card design, excellent cards
hugs
lorraine x

Unknown said...

WOW! Now I know why I always make sure I have a full cup of coffee before sitting down to your Blog Feast! Egads woman!!! Your coloring design and layouts are beyond beautiful! The details, the texture, the sparkle and shine and of course sand...that sand! These are SPECTACULAR!!! Like YOWZA! :)

Becky said...

Ah, both are beautiful cards, but my favorite is the glittery one. I love the glitter background....looks more underwater sparkly. And I do love sparkle. Thanks for sharing.

Olga Fink said...

These are absolutely gorgeous! the first one is amazing with all the glitter that reminds you of water and all the details you have added are so beautiful! The second one is so realistic too! I love the waves you created!
Fantastic work!
xoxo Olga

*Vicki* said...

Wow Donna, these are both really stunning and amazing creations!! I love the effect of the bubbles you've embossed on the one design and your "wavy" background on the second design! It reminds me of the masked backgrounds that I like to create on my cards! :) You've just done such an amazing job with both of these designs my friend!! HUGS

Leslie Miller said...

Hi, Donna! Yay, your post came in my Feedly this time and WOWWWW! What incredible beauties with loads of crafting skills and imagination in evidence! All that sand and sparkle and fabulousness on your first card is so amazing to look at and words are inadequate to express how I admire it. Then your coloring with the water currents on the second image... I gasp! You're a master! Holy cow, you and Copics are very good friends!

Pia S said...

I'm speechless, Donna! Oh, they are beauties! Such prettiness, great illusion of movement and water, fantastic sparkle, colors and layers!

Annettes Hobby Rosettes said...

Wow this is just stunning. Great work.
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]

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

Well what can I say hun just stunning the incredible detail on them just blows me away thank you for sharing such beauty love cheryl xxx

Beebeebabs said...

Wow your cards are absolutely gorgeous - love the image and great coloring thanks for sharing!!!

NanaConnie said...

Let me start with an apology and a request for indulgence. I've had a serious injury to my left elbow, requiring surgery from which I'm still recovering and it's going to be a long, slow process of healing. Not only is my crafting limited but the amount of time I can spend typing is very short. So I can (and do) visit but commenting literally takes hours. Hope you'll be forgiving. And, if you read this same comment on someone else's blog, you'll know that I cut my commenting time to nothing by doing a copy and paste of it. I follow so many dear friends that this seemed the best way to get the word out. :-D
Love the mermaids, my friend!

Chrissy said...

WOW!!..both cards are stunning...beautiful.
Thank you for sharing with us over here today at the Classic Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

Chrissy DT   http://classicdesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com.au/...

Danoesja said...

Hi Donna
This is so beautiful, your colouring is amazing and i love the sentiment inside.
Thanks also for your lovely comment on my blog.
Greetings, Danoesja

Julieanne..aka pinkjools said...

Two beautiful cards....fab image and colouring...great makes....Joolsx

Linda Vich said...

Donna, I am touched that you took inspiration from one of my cards! I love the colors you have used on them—you have a real knack for coloring images! Love the complementary orange and blue and the sand is wonderful!

MaryH said...

Enjoyed these 2 pretties earlier, but not time to comment at the time. Love the copper & blue mood you've been in the past 2 posts. Such a gorgeous color way. Also love the greens. Amazing how the different colors affect the mood of the same image, each is beautiful. I love the wavy effect you've achieved with adding the fronds on the borders. And TFS the Mud video. I have some of that, need to learn how to use it. Once again, a wonderful creative effort from you...I love BOTH these, but I'll be honest and say the coppery one is my favorite. So rich! Happy Sunday, hugs.

Puppy Kisses and Paper Dreams said...

Donna - These are both really pretty! I love the layers of the first one, and all the textures and sparkly glitter. Well done! Thanks so much for joining us at Sparkle N Sprinkle's Creative Challenge. -Chris, SNS DT

kReN said...

Well, I can't decide which I love most. Your blog banner or your card. Lovely, both of them! kReN@afourthlife

Sue said...

Oh my goodness, I'm so glad you didin't ask us which one we liked the best. Both cards are wonderful. I do love the sparkly water in the first one and those colors you chose are ocean awesome. My granddaughter loves the ocean and beach, and just this week I sent her a t-shirt at college that said "Take me to the Beach". Mermaids are a real fascination for me and there is just something magical about your wonderful cards. LOVE the sentiment too. Beautiful work my friend as always.

Hugs
Sue

Unknown said...

amazing and beautiful creation. love love love it.
Thank you for sharing with us over here today at the Classic Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

Kristyn DT   http://classicdesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com.au/...

Vicki said...

I love them!! So beautifully done

Cazro said...

Wow! Donna, your eye for detail is amazing. Stunning, beautiful art work. Thanks for stating the 3 required elements. Thanks for sharing at Alphabet Challenges. Caz DT.

Unknown said...

Wow Donna, both cards are absolutely stunning, and your Z-Card especially. Just goes to show doesn't matter how long you keep your Crafting stuff for it will work for you when you need it.there is always a reason to keep everything hehe. Thank you so much for joining us for our Embossing Challenge at Morgan's Art World.
Samantha (AngelicBadGirl) DT xx

Nancy Hill said...

Beautiful cards with the mermaids. The tutorials are wonderful. Love you owl sorry in your blog. Hugs

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