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, March 16, 2017

Tweetingly Pretty in Pink {Cardz4Galz}

I'm so glad you're here!
Wishing you a happy day, and hoping you are doing well!

It's time for the 43rd Cardz 4 Galz challenge!



Badges are awarded for the Spotlight Winner and Top Picks.

Challenge #43 is chosen by teamie Helen -and the theme is:  Pretty in Pink.

Show us your cards using lots of pink in any way! 
Challenge ends on March 29.

My "flat" 6"x6" card is flat, suitable for less expensive mailing. 
I wanted to pile on the flowers, layers and pearls, but restrained myself! (giggle)

This adorable bird image has lain virginal for years.
3 years?
5 years?
more?

It's been a long time coming to use this pretty.

HOW LONG?
Much, MUCH MORE than (one year) to play in the Retro Rubber Challenge.

It's even extinct at Overstock.com.  (hanging head in shame)

Can you believe how neglectful a mom I am? I just had to have this darling image,
only to bring it home, display it, and leave it unused.
So many of my stamps remain uninked, crying out for attention.


The IO bird cage is cut from sage card stock,
heat embossed with Silver Pearl embossing powder,
to give it a lustrous,
metallic,
pearly
appearance.

The Powder is semi-transparent
to allow the green tones of the cardstock
to show through the luster.

Silver Pearl embossing powder
can be used much like clear embossing powders
because it is nearly transparent,
but has a
pearly,
metallic
finish.

A little stitching for the pearly vellum semi-circle on the left side of the card can be seen through the bird cage.
Some pretty pearl daisies for the top and bottom of the tags on the card, gift from sweet friend Paula:








Finally, everyone deserves a little wine, right?

In this case, how about
Sangria Star embossing powder?

I personally like the entire SNS Tuscany line because they are detail powders that provide great coverage.

The glitteriness of these EPs is fantastic, and you would think it is straight glitter without any EP.

I wanted a little variance in the hues of the SW leaves, and the EP provides a little sparkle and darkness, keeping the color the same.

Below is my little story about

THIS

PINK

BIRD.




On A Personal Note:

and for the March Path of Positivity Challenge

The Story Goes...

 Once upon a time, there was an extremely talented song bird! Her music lulled all the forest creatures to sleep at night, and awakened them with happy, melodious, cheering tunes in the morning, so everyone could rise in good spirits, and go about their daily duties in gratitude.

Alas,

our little bird was not completely fulfilled at heart. 
Instead of being grateful for the love she gave and received, 
she suffered from a long-held disappointment. 

She has always wanted to be pink!

Imagine wanting to be pink, molting your feathers time and again, only to be found some OTHER seemingly drab color, without fully embracing and accepting her life as it was.

Nevertheless, our heroine persisted, and visited her local hair salon. She had the color works, including a body wave for her wings! Gotta love the stamina of this little lady.

She submitted to many unpleasant procedures trying to realize her dream. In the end, she was delighted with her appearance, which caused her to sing all the more beautifully, much to her friends' delight.

Our moral to the story is slightly different than usual. 

In this case, her friends helped her "keep her PINK ON!" They had always wanted to give a gift to her in return for what she had lavished upon her community, but she had never been completely honest and forthcoming about her true self.

In this case, everyone lived happily ever after, and learned to share openly their needs, desires and happinesses - all in the spirit of love, friendship and gratitude. The newly-pink bird and her friends learned that when we appreciate ourselves and one another, and become aware of who we truly are, that we can be fulfilled and follow our dreams more completely.

Speaking completely from a self-centered point of view:

Without going into any personal details, that is TRULY the way I feel about my internet friends. 
You are my strongest encouragers, sincerest cheerleaders, dearest heart-to-heart buddies and understanding comrades.

Without knowing it, you help me over many a hurdle, and appreciate me for who I am, despite my "disabilities" and flaws. Since I am a home-bound individual, your unexpected kindnesses have been a source of great awakening, and much of my personal growth! 

Thank you for helping me keep my pink on!

(I hope I do the same in return, singing a pretty song!)

Fellow Blogger Lis had more surgery on her injured leg. This has been an ongoing battle for her, and I admire her stamina and persistence in seeking healing and remaining active.

So here is a photo of my little Pink Bird of Cheer to Lis:


The sentiments are stamped in two colors of ink (gray and black).
But they are from the pansies same Pansies Set:


It is always a pleasure seeing your artful treasures,
so please come play with us at
Cardz 4 Galz

Products Used:

Challenges I'd like to support:
  1. 613 Avenue Create - March "Anything Goes with Option: Use Rubber Stamp (used 4 rubber stamps) 4/8
  2. A Bit More Time to Craft - #40 Anything Goes 4/1
  3. A Perfect Time to Craft Open Challenge #3 Anything Goes 4/1
  4. Come and Get It Challenge - (March 12) Things With Wings 3/19
  5. Get Creative Challenges #56 Use Favorite Color Combo (pink and green) 4/3
  6. Love to Scrap #95 Anything Goes 4/1
  7. Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge #1711 Anything Goes 3/20
  8. Path of Positivity March - Inspirational Post / Optional theme: Birth of New Beginnings (my little bird story explains how "new beginnings" can be an awareness of who we already are, and following our dreams to become everything we want to be) 4/2
  9. Retro Rubber Challenges - "Anything Goes with Old Rubber" (blurb written above) 3/26
  10. Stamping Sensations (March) "Close To Nature" 4/2
Thanks for stopping by today!
hugs,

61 comments:

aussie aNNie said...

Great post De, love the gorgeous tag/card, you are so inspiring and the 'pink bird' is another thing...cute.x ♥[aNNie]

Sue said...

Hi Donna, I love the cards and tags. Anyone would be thrilled to get them.

So glad we help you keep your Pink on. With me it would be purple:) LOL

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Valerija said...

Beautiful projects. Love the colours.
Valerija xx

Diane said...

What a fun post, I enjoyed your pink birdie story, so fun and so true! Beautiful card and tag with all your beautiful 'extra's that always make your creations so gorgeous.....have a wonderful 'pink' day!!

KarinsArtScrap said...

gorgeous card and tag Donna and beautiful papers you have used.

Gr Karin

Linda Simpson said...

These are gorgeous Donna, love the tag and beautiful birds.
Hugs
Linda xxx

SD pooja said...

As you said "Pretty in Pink" :) !! Loved reading through the positive story .Its you who has to be thanked for always encouraging and leaving wonderful comments .What we do in return is noting compared to it .

Jackie T said...

Hi Donna your card and tag are gorgeous I love the birds and the colours everything is just perfect. Take care. Hugs Jackie

*Vicki* said...

Hi Donna! Those birds are absolutely STUNNING!! Your cards are so elegant looking with a Vintage style! I love that about your cards here! I have SO many old images in my stash just ready to be used! LOL!! Thanks for sharing these beauties my friend! Hugs & Smiles - *Vicki*

Lisa said...

Both projects are stunning, Donna!! I love the sweet bird and the gorgeous cage!! The tag is amazing!! What beautiful colors!! Your friend will treasure it!! And was a beautiful story!! You definitely help us all keep our pink on!! You are amazing, my friend!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Linda said...

Gorgeous, Donna! You can never go wrong with birds! They are sweet and gentle creatures that bring so much joy!

Beebeebabs said...

Love your projects - you did a great job as always - love the choice of pattern paper and beautiful die cut - another great creation thanks for sharing my friend!!!

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, Donna, you're not alone with all your unused goodies! I oftentimes think of my stamps and papers as an art gallery where I look, but don't touch. Especially when you do design work and you have all that stuff to use, but you keep acquiring other things you don't have time to use.... well, you get my drift. I don't do design work anymore, so I'm playing catch up, but still so far behind. And then I went and bought four new dies today. Sheesh!

Your story about the bird is beautiful. Is that bird for real? Gorgeous! Online friends are very precious. We share so much and stampers are a supportive lot. It may be hard for some to understand.

Finally (long comment), your card and tag are both absolutely beautiful! Love all the dies and papers you used, and the beautiful pink bird. You know how I love birds. You also remind me that I have a bird cage die set that's only been used once. Bird cages are so pretty, but I like to see the birds outside of them. Lovely post today in all respects. You can see how it struck a chord with me.

Marilyn said...

Beautiful card and tag! Sheesh, you make it sound like it's a crime to buy a stamp and not use it immediately. It's not you know... I always say I let my stamps 'cure' and believe me, I have plenty waiting for me.

Unknown said...

I do love a tag! I do love a tag on a card! I do love a tag and a tag and a tag on a card! WOW! You surely grabbed my attention! Love the bird and cage and everything! Even your pretty foliage in the not green shades is awesome! Happy Spring. I can't believe you had a temperature of 28, we had a temperature of 28....it felt really cold too. Weird!

Ann Greenspan's Crafts said...

Donna, your work never ceases to amaze me. I absolutely love the wine / mulberry colors on your bird card. And those quilled leaves -- my how they add so much prettiness. I need to do a card in these colors after seeing your beautiful creation. Cute story about the pink bird too.

Stampsnob. said...

Beautiful work and I own the tag(s) it is the prettiest greeting ever Thank you Donna .....Lis

Lori Kobular said...

I have stamps and dies that I haven't used yet and have had for years! We should make a pact to use all our unused items by a certain time! I love both your card and the beautiful tag! That bird stamp is gorgeous! I am really loving the colors on your card that I think I have to stop by SNS and get me some Sangria Star! Your bird cage looks verdigris with the embossing powder. I love the story of the Pink Bird too! Here to all the Pink Ladies!!

cotnob said...

A beautiful card Donna, lots of lovely details as always and pretty colours.
I'm sure your little Pink Bird of Cheer will make Lis smile.
Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
x

Verna Angerhofer said...

Your tag card is so beautiful with all those fabulous shades of wine and pinks. Beautiful layers and wonderful shimmers. And, your little bird is gorgeous in pink as well. What an inspirational message you included. And, my sweet lady, you are always an inspiration to me. You always leave the most uplifting comments. You help me get through internet issues and provide encouragement anyway you can. So yes, you give back so much my friend.

pam said...

Think we are all guilty having stamps and goodies we must have and not used Donna, mmmm I have plenty..
Your card and tag are absolutely beautiful, adore your pink bird, reminds me of a Stampendous? bird stamp I have, gorgeous sentiments on your tag, love your colour theme too.

Wonderful story De.
Hugs Pam x

Annettes Hobby Rosettes said...

Oh my gosh, this is just stunning work and so beautifully illustrated on your blog too. Nice work.
Thank you for sharing with us over here at "A Perfect Time To Craft" and best of luck with your entry.

Annette DT for http://aperfecttimetocraft.blogspot.com.au/

crafty-stamper said...

I too have unused stamps and papers too good to use??? this year is for using stash I have and not buying new and I still have enough for another lifetime after giving absolutely loads of unused stuff to grandaughters school--hoarders unite lol -fabulous card and tag Donna love the beautiful stamps,papers and embellishments--keep your pink on and keep giving us these crafty tips and advice
Carol x

Shona Erlenborn said...

What a wonderful story! Just love your story of the little pink bird! The card and tag are just adorable. Wonderful colors and sparkle. You make it look like you've worked for hours. Amazing creations!

aussie aNNie said...

Thank you De for your lovely comment, you always look past the square and see the beauty in creativity, love it.xx ♥[aNNie]

Abfabdesigns said...

Lovely tags Donna loved how you embossed the cage .
Stay in the pink my friend xxx

Petra Swart said...

Dear, Donna, thank you so much for the wonderful story on the pink bird, my friend!!!!! How lucky I am to have a blogging friend like you and it brings me great pleasure to visit you and hopefully bring a little extra sunshine in your days with my visits!!!!! Thinking of you often and praying that you are OK!!!!!
I'm so glad that you finally given your adorable little bird some luv and used him on your beautiful tag and card!!!!! I can see that a lot of planning and thinking went into both your projects!!!! Lovely detail on both that makes it just that much more special!!!! ...and you managed to keep the card flat ...that's a bonus when mailing, hey!!!! Both stunning in beautiful pinks and greens!!!!!
Have a wonderful day, Donna!!!!!
Hugz

brenda said...

What beautifully bright and welcoming Spring creations Donna, the pretty colours, birds and flowers are a real delight and your whole post so inspirational - thank you.

It's so lovely to see you at Stamping Sensations Close to Nature theme this month, my thanks to you for joining in with your lovely artwork. Also love your new blog header.

B x

Becky said...

Beautiful cards. Lis will LOVE the pink bird get well tag. You are so inspiring, and I'm happy to call you my friend.

KraftyKoolKat said...

Such gorgeous tags sweetie. I adore the colours and all the different layers and all the finer detail you add to your creations.
Hugs
Cathy
xxxx

creationsnz said...

Both are beautiful works, and a lovely story. Thanks for sharing at Come And Get It, we hope you come again, CarolG

Viv said...

Lovely projects and I really enjoyed reading your post! Thanks for sharing your creations with us at Stamping Sensations.

SewPaperPaint said...

DE, your tag bundle is just so gorgeous! And the card with the gorgeous EP on the cage is tremendous! Super creations my friend! Hugs, Autumn

Caz said...

Beautiful Donna xx

Conniecrafter said...

such gorgeous layering on both projects Donna, they are absolutely beautiful, I love the different shades of pink that you have used, they go so perfectly together and love the sweet bird and shimmer of the cage!! I am sure your friend will be very touched by your lovely card too! You have a wonderful gift of putting a card together and using your embellishments!
I so love the pink story you shared, it is so good to be appreciative for those people in our lives that help to bring out our true selves and let us be happy with the person we are!
Have a wonderful weekend!

AO Creations said...

Super cute!!! Thank you for joining us at Love to Scrap, good luck!!! Amy DT

Katy McGloin said...

Donna, these projects are STUNNING. And I love your bird story! We never know who we might affect along our journey! Thank you so much for sharing with Retro Rubber. You will not be eligible for our top picks (we have a rule for ten total challenges or less), but please know that your projects are most certainly worthy of our top picks selection. Hope to see you again in our gallery!!

Shirley said...

Fabulous post and love your makes Donna. Join your sister in having stamps that have been unloved, unused and virgins to boot. I have just started a stamp and ink only journal to rectify this problem and it seems to be working.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
ShirlsCards.

Birdie said...

Donna, love your post and what lovely work you have done. Sometimes those stamps just need to wait until the right time; think many of us are guilty of having a few uninked in our possession. Thank you for entering on the PIP challenge this week.

Terri Winske said...

A beautiful card/tag combo as well as a beautiful post! Love your positivity! So happy to see you at PIP Challenges!

Jane Knudsen said...

Hi Donna! Wow! Spectacular cards! The colors, patterns and textures are put together so well. I only dream about being able to layer like you did! Really gorgeous! Thanks for joining us at Retro Rubber!! And for your email!

Dr Sonia S V said...

Donna what a stunner of a card you have shared ...the colors, the embossing, the little details...everything is amazing and I agree with you ...our blogger friends help us so much often without knowing it !! Thank you so much for being in my blogland life and such a treasured friend too.
Hugs from across the oceans
Dr Sonia

Janice said...

All, absolutely gorgeous cards Donna! So pretty and full of inspiration, thank you!
Janice x

Monica said...

Hi Donna,

What a touching story there. I am sure your pink bird will cheer up your blog buddy.

Thank you for not giving up on me. There is much happening and I am trying to count my blessings and do lots of meditation to keep my balance.

Thank you for your real comments. Lol.

Love,

Monica

PS: Forget to mention how pretty your card is. The colour scheme is so charming as is everything else about it.

Take care, my lovely friend,

Monica

Planetsusie said...

Oooh Donna - I really do lurve all the pinkleness in your creations! I am as guilty as you are with stamps, I have quite a few (loads in fact) that have yet to be inked - every so often though I have a splurge and stamp some out for future use and then I feel soooo pleased with myself - lol. This little birdy is looking very similar to a wren that comes to the bird cafe in our garden. Mind you he isn't pink (much to his chagrin)!! Fabulous story about the songbird - brought a smile to my face and cheered up a dismal, wet day here!!

Lots of big hugs to you Sue Pxxx

Pia S said...

This bird has waited for a long time, but it certainly became the star once used. I have stamps like this too, being in my stash for a long time before being used. Not because I don't love it, but it's waiting for the right moment and design inspiration to come along. I find certain challenges help me use more of my stash. Before it was twofers challenge blog, now closed, now its color challenge ones. With these challenges I need to go through my whole stash of rubber stamps to find one suitable, one that speaks to me for that particular color scheme. It's a process I've come to enjoy.p very much.
Very successful stitching on your card, I love stitching on cards. And beautiful color and texture coordination. The background paper on the tag is really special, it looks like a layered collage of sorts. Beautiful work!

NanaConnie said...

Sorry it took me so long to get over here to comment but first I was away from home for a long weekend and as soon as I got home, I came down sick so haven't done much over the last week or so.
I love your card and the tag and am so happy that the bird finally found her "pink." She's so perfect and that's such a fab photo of the other bird in flight! I wonder if you know how many friends you help 'get their pink on' each and every week? Hugs, my friend.

Nancy Soetaert said...

great get well card in pink!

Claire Grantham said...

Donna, I don't know where to start, I LOVE your projects, both stunning and so detailed. I especially like how you stamped over the pink spotty paper, lovely. I LOL we all have neglected items in our stash..are we hoarders? Or just forgetful! Thanks for playing with us at Retro Rubber. Claire DT

MaryH said...

You have ALWAYS been pink! Amazingly so. And I love this happy & pretty pink bird, and the stunning bird cage. Thanks for the tip about the silver pearl on the colored c/s. I have some and it's very pretty just on white (sometimes doesn't show well on white though depending on where I've put it). Like the idea to try over color though. Love the composition with the birds & tags, luscious layers, and the great stitching. Well done all round. TFS the info about Lis, I didn't know she was having difficulties - so will be in touch with her. Big hugs, and I hope your afternoon is just as pretty as it is round here! TFS (loved the story too! I like happy endings!)

Sue said...

Gloriously beautiful tags with your signature details. So much to look at and enjoy on these wonderful spring tags, with flowers, birds, pink at that!, and your story to go with. Always a pleasure to see what you are up to because you know it is going to be beautiful, sparkly, and most impressive to look at and take in. You have always stood out to me from my first visit to your blog. You are the most caring individual I've met blogging, and it is my pleasure to say I know her, she's my friend.

Hugs
Sue

Pamellia said...

Wow Donna, these are just gorgeous!! I wish I had the restraint you did, but I just love all those embellies that make cards expensive to mail, and I can't stop reaching for them when I'm in the craft room. lol. Don't even get me started on the drawer full of stamps that are still in the packages! Well your work with embossing powders is brilliant as always, loving that bird cage! Your colours and layouts are so beautiful, and of course your little birdie is just delightful!!

I love your story about the pink bird, so very true isn't it. I do hope you forgive me for returning your emails. Seems every time I sit with the intention to send you a hello, the phone rings or something else gets in the way. Please know I'm thinking of you and sending you hugs my dear friend. :)

Planetsusie said...

You know I love these 'cos of all the pinkleness but I've just popped by with my DT hat on to say that a few comments further down the list I still love this little pink wren (in my mind that is what it is) and the green with the pink is so soft and calming. Thank you for joining us over on the Crafts Galore Encore (Anything Goes) Challenge this month. Lots of luck. Hugs Sue Pxxx DT

creative lady said...

Donna, love your tag and card, I love the vintage look of it. Thanks for joining Retro Rubber.

Karen said...

Donna, how dearly I have missed you while I was away! This post is filled with everything beautiful. Your talent and heart are beautiful beyond measure. Thank you for the sweet inspiration, my friend. Your work is gorgeous. :)

Hugs and blessings,
Karen

Sally H said...

A fabulous card and tag, and that bird is a must have - maybe you were waiting for the mojo to do it justice? Thanks for joining us this month for our close to nature challenge at Stamping Sensations.

CherylQuilts said...

Oh, sweet and dear Donna! It's been a very long time since I've visited, but I've seen your posts. My eyes are slowly healing and disrupting my craft time, but it's all good. I too loved the story of the bird and just marvel at your exquisite work and how much delicate detail goes into each of your projects. It truly delights me to visit with you. And I too have so many "virginal" stamps and was even working on cleaning out my room a bit yesterday...much of which was still some sewing things that remain and will be given to someone who will use them rather than store them. And it certainly is freeing. But I too always see something I love, and you've enabled me with the pansies. I've seen it before (in your email) and clicked. But this time I purchased it. You know how much I love digital images and all the possibilities. I love the sentiments, and the beautiful gift for Lis will cheer her greatly. What a precious bird, and I love the photo of the pink bird. Tender hugs and much love, sweet friend! xoxo

Pippa said...

A beautiful card Donna and I love your story about the pink bird. I expect a lot of people would understand what that bird was feeling and felt at the end of the process. Thank you for sharing with us at Path of Positivity.
Pippa PoP DT

Ann Chuang Crafts said...

Donna, this is beautiful and so delicate! Thank you for your lovely entry at Love To Scrap! Challenge Blog! Hope to see you again soon!! HUGS!
Ann DT
http://anncard.blogspot.tw

crafty-stamper said...

Hi Donna just popping back to say----Thank you for joining us at 613 Avenue Create
Carol DT x

Pat said...

What a wonderful gift to receive whilst browsing the blogs! Not only is there a beautiful card and tag by which to be inspired, but more so the personal story behind it. A very beautiful mindset, and one I must take to heart. Thank you for sharing it with us at the Path of Positivity.