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, June 22, 2017

Sew and Sew {Cardz 4 Galz}

Hello, blogging friends and visitors! It's great to see you this morning, and I hope you are doing well.
It's typical summer weather in Florida - HOT AND STEAMY!
But I love where we live, and it would take something very important to make us move away.
Time for a new challenge at Cardz 4 Galz Challenges today!
Badges are awarded for the Spotlight Winner and Top Picks.
Challenge #50 is chosen by teamie Caz -and the theme is:

  Sew and Sew  

Show us your sewing themed cards using any technique and medium!
Challenge ends on July 5.




Today's design celebrates the birthday of a very special friend who has been there for me time and again! It's different from anything I've made before, and anything she would expect; however, I am using her favorite citrus colors - tangerine, lime, lemon - those are colors she loves.


The collage is comprised of freebies from The Graphic Fairy and Create with TLC,
then colored with Copic Markers and Distress Inks.


A little stitching down the side of the lacy punch panel, and a couple coats of clear EP on the butterflies to help them match the gloss on the buttons:




Products Used:

  • A collage created with several images from "Create with TCL" and "The Graphics Fairy"
  • sentiment computer generated
  • colored with Distress Inks, Copic Markers
  • SW pierced rectangles
  • rick rack and buttons from my Great Aunt Agnes
  • Clear EP on the butterflies for texture, embossing folder triangles
  • Stitching on the black card stock panel punched with MS border lace punch


Challenges I'd like to play in please:
  1. A Perfect Time to Craft Open Challenge #6 - Anything Goes 7/1
  2. Butterfly Spot Challenge #14 Bingo Card (Buttons, Butterflies, Bows - rick rack) 6/28
  3. Classic Design Team Open Challenge #15 - Anything Goes DT 7/1
  4. Crafting With An Attitude #28 - Anything Goes 7/6
  5. Crafts Galore Encore JUNE - Anything Goes 7/1
  6. Crafty Girls Creations - Anything Goes 7/6
  7. Dragonfly Dreams (June) Make it Sparkle 7/2 (green frame is glittered, butterflies are coated with clear EP to make them shine)
  8. Making Memories Crafting #6 Anything Goes/Bingo Board (diagonally from top right BLING - IMAGE - DIE CUT  7/7
  9. World Wide Open Design Team Challenge #23 - Anything Goes DT 7/15
  10. Path of Positivity Challenge #50 (please read below)

Although the theme FAITH, HOPE, LOVE are not wedding related in my card,
they are about the importance of RELATIONSHIPS.

I was inspired by my treasured friend during the creation of this project (especially the asymmetry, colors, and vintage style). It is nothing like she would expect, nor anything like I've made in the past.

Although symmetry is what many of us prefer in our lives, this card is a reminder that the best times in our lives are unexpected, occurring when and where we least expect them, and coming from the least likely source(s).

The “base” is a digital collage including:

Friendship based on a firm foundation similar to sisterhood. The vintage aspect reminds us of long-lasting events and friends. The older, antique “tools” (sewing machine, scissors, dress form) remind us that as we age, our hearts remain young if we only embrace the new “lifestyles” that find their way to us - whether it be in new friends, new material things, new thoughts, RENEWAL.
  1. Sewing represents the fabric of our lives - the stitches that hold it together, or might even require pulling out, and restitching where necessary. The rick rack from Great Aunt Agnes’ sewing stash, was used to cover up sewing mistakes, and to adorn everything from potholders to baby clothes. The rick rack of our lives is our willingness to be flexible, to roll with the changes Life brings us, to transform what we can about ourselves, and to accept the rest. 
  2. Buttons hold openings together - but always, buttons can be undone, accidentally lost, and even changed to modify styles. They come in different sizes - some shiny and dull. Buttons are the stays - little gifts - that keep our lives interesting yet held together. Some of them are bright and shiny, like good times with family and friends, and happiest of memories. Some are dull and unlikeable, symbolizing the darker, unhappier moments of our lives. On this card, one of the buttons is on a butterfly’s body, ready to accept its transformation.
  3. The butterflies remind us of freedom and beauty. We can allow ourselves to be held prisoner by the “dull buttons” of our lives, or we can find freedom through those hardships by flying off, changing our perceptions, and becoming the beauty of who we are no matter what happens. The dress form reminds us that one form will fit many, but it is the custom tucks and trims that make us each unique.
  4. The Sparkle (glitter) and Lightness (feather) we bring to our lives, and the lives of others, is all dependent upon our choices. We can make ourselves and others feel guilty and “small”, or we can free ourselves and others by moving forward constantly, setting an example by growing continually, and being content with the preciousness and joys in our lives.
  5. My friends are those Precious Joys in my life - they bring out the FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE. Friends are color and buttons, butterflies and rick rack, vintage and contemporary - all things beautiful and valued.






57 comments:

Shirley said...

Love this card Donna and I was sooo excited when I saw the ladies as they look stamped and everything would have been perfect for the challenge at FSC this month which is "Make It Feminine".

Never mind the card still looks beautiful and I bet your friend loves her birthday card to bits.

Hope all is well at your end, we are finally having some beautiful summer weather.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
ShirlsCards.

aussie aNNie said...

What an amazing card De, gorgeous colours and design. It certainly looks like a stamp similar to I have but then I read it wasn't ....pretty all the same and a lovely gesture for your friend.x
[aNNie]

brenda said...

What a real stunner Donna, the colours give a lovely vintage feel and everything just comes together to make a perfect feminine creation.

We have been in the middle of a heatwave and weather so like Florida, but's it's the UK and we have to be realistic, five days of intense heat, this morning I dressed ready for another then out of the blue a thunder storm. So yesterday 32deg and now it's struggling to reach 20deg and I'm in my third change of cloths and working up to a cardigan.

Take care,

B x

Babs said...

Wow Donna what a beauty ,love the embellishments and the vintage feel about the whole thing, your friend will just love her card as I do.
Hugs Babs x

Chris said...

A lovely combination of vintage images, great composition and colour choice! Love how you've managed to incorporate so much texture into this fabulous card, your friend will be delighted.
Chris
x

Donna Phelan said...

Texture, Glitter, Feather Fluff, Sewing Oh MY! How fantastic is this beauty?!?! It's fun to just let go and go and go on a card! I love your coloring and hi-lighting, so perfect! That dress form is wonderful as are your beautiful butterflies! This is amazing and your friend will love you all the more! WOW!!!

Beebeebabs said...

Wow such a beautiful card - love the vintage feel and beautiful embellies - another great creation as always thanks for sharing!!!

Jackie T said...

Hi Donna this is a gorgeous card there is so much stunning detail to feast the eyes upon. Take care. Hugs Jackie

sarascloset said...

Donna, this is such a beautiful card, full of the expression of your friendship! Loved reading about the symbolism as much as I did looking at your creation. The colors you've chosen especially for your friend are stunning together, and I love the combo of the lime and black--very inspiring! So happy you are comfortable where you are living in spite of the hot steamy weather. Enjoy your week! Hugs!

Lisa said...

Wow, Donna, this is stunning!! I love the vintage image you used!! The details you added are so perfect!! The colors are gorgeous and the butterflies, buttons and feathers are fabulous!! This is stunning, my friend, and such an amazing expression of your friendship!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

SewPaperPaint said...

Oh Donna! I just love this vintage make. Super design elements and fantastic coloring. A true beauty! Hugs, Autumn

Sue said...

Hi Donna, Loving the vintage card.

Hot and sticky here as well.

Hope you are having a nice day. Sue

Linda said...

Donna, this card is gorgeous!

Marilyn said...

This is such fabulous card. I love the vintage look and it goes perfectly with the sewing theme.

KarinsArtScrap said...

I love this vintage sew card Donna, great design and use of colours.
Gr Karin

Leslie Miller said...

It's a beautiful card, Donna, and again you've got me looking and looking at all your wonderful details. And details upon details! So much love went into this. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your thought process, the analogies and metaphors. So true and beautiful. Thank you!

Terri's Cards N More said...

Wow, beautiful card. Great color combo and love the feather and stitching. Thanks for joining the Crafting With An Attitude challenge.

*Vicki* said...

Wow Donna, this is a really stunning Vintage themed design!! I love the images, colors and that little feather detail! Your creations are always top notch! HUGS :)

crafty-stamper said...

we have had it very hot here in the UK in the 30's never ever known it soooo hot a lot cooler today with showers but we haven't had the thunderstorms here.Fabulous sewing card Donna,great vintage image,love all the embellishments and little details
Carol x

Verna Angerhofer said...

What a beautiful card design and I love the vintage look of it. This is perfect for a seamstress particularly but it would work for any gal as well.

Ann Greenspan's Crafts said...

I don't recall ever seeing you sew on a card before, Donna. Love the arrangement and all the layers. You are so clever and talented!

pam said...

Beautiful vintage sewing card for your friend Donna, graphic45 always looks beautiful, love he colours and your sewing! detail too.
So hot here in the UK getting to most people..we are not used to this heat.
Hugs Pam x

NanaConnie said...

Delightful vintage image, Donna, and I adore the dress form! The dimensional butterflies are wonderful. Love the whole sewing theme, my friend. :-D

Stampsnob. said...

I love this vintage sewing theme............ lovely card ..........Lis

Shelly Schmidt said...

This is just amazing! I love the vintage images you used! The dimension and texture, the stitching and ric rak and the feather are wonderful additions to your beautiful card.




Diane said...

Fabulous card Donna with the vintage look and 'feel'....of course love the added feather, the rick rack and the dress form. I used to collect dress form stamps and have several (many that I have never used..shame shame lol)...I am sure it was well loved by your friend! Our weather here is a bit perfect this week, but we need rain...have a wonderful weekend!!

Carole J said...

What a stunning, vintage style card, Donna. So much attention to detail and so many elements - I love the symbolism of each and every layer of your gorgeous card - your words are pure poetry! xx

Maryvonne Coussé said...

Stunning card Donna ! Wonderful colors and great design !
Hugs
Maryvonne

Nonnie's Cards and Gifts said...

Great steampunk card. I love it. Thank you for sharing with us over here at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

Vicki DT for  http://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com.au/...

Tammy said...

WOW Donna, what a stunning card! I love the vintage images you used and the colors are gorgeous, some of my favorites! Beautiful embellishments and design, a work of art for sure!
Big hugs, Tammy

Mrs A. said...

What an ingenious idea to use the ric rac braid for your bows. This card is gorgeous and will be such a surprise girl your friend to receive the unexpected. Thank you for glittering by my bingo challenge. Hugs Mrs A.

cotnob said...

This is gorgeous Donna, beautiful colours and so many fabulous details - a stunning card.
It has been very hot here but thankfully it has cooled down a little now - we are just not used to it!
Pauline -
Crafting with Cotnob
x

Ina G said...

Donna! what a gorgeous card you have created here. Love all the sponging and all the detail you have added. A lot of love and 'work' has gone into this and I know your friend will be over the moon receiving such a beautiful card. Nice touch with the feather to finish.
PS My little fire is burning keeping me warm and cosy! LOL

Janice said...

A beautiful vintage card Donna, a real work of art which I am sure your friend was so pleased to receive!
Janice x

Dr Sonia S V said...

Donna love the theme of your card and so much of beautiful symbolism you have explained so nicely
Cheers
Dr Sonia

Cara said...

WOW Donna! What an fabulous card and a wonderful way to show your friend you are thinking of her!
Thanks for sharing!
(Hugs) Cara
My Creative Chaos {My Personal Blog}
TTCRD Challenge Blog {Owner}

craftysahmiam said...

Thank you for sharing your pretty citrus colored sewing themed collage card with us at Making Memories !

Conniecrafter said...

Oh my Donna, not only is that an amazing card with it's lovely colors, vintage feel with the image and dress form ect. but your lovely writing at the end describing what it all represents is just amazing, I see you have put a lot of thought into this, I am sure she will be so thrilled when she gets it!!

Arteconpapelmaderaehilos said...

GorgeousThank you for sharing with us over here today at the Classic Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

Maritza DT for http://classicdesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com.au/......
card!

CdeBaca Crafts Gallery said...

Awesome.card! So creative and vintage!!

Hester said...

Fabulous card!
Thank you for sharing with us over here at Classic Design Team Open Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

Hesters DT for  http://classicdesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com.au/...

Shona Erlenborn said...

Another true beauty - packed with Donna's love! You really have a way with words Donna and it comes out through your stamping every time.

Lori Kobular said...

Love the beautiful colors and the sparkle on your gorgeous card!!

Pia S said...

Ah! Love the collage you've made, it's so pretty the way you layered it, some elements covering parts of others, but in a clever way. This is something I hope I'll one day manage to do myself. It's certainly not as easy as it might seem. Your friend will love your card!

Karen said...

Donna, this is absolutely stunning! Wow! You have captured vintage to perfection. I am completely enamored with the sentiment, too! Stunning textures and design, my friend. Thank you for the sweet inspiration. :)

Hugs and blessings,
Karen

Andree said...

A gorgeous card Donna. I love the vintage feel to it and the fabulous details you've incorporated like the stitching and lovely butterflies xx

Nonnie's Cards and Gifts said...

WOW- this is fantastic. Thank you for sharing with Making Memories Crafting. Vicki- DT

Linda Simpson said...

WOW this is fantastic, I love the design and gorgeous embellishments
Hugs
Linda xxx

ILEANA ARTUFFO said...

Beautiful creation! I love vintage style! Wonderful design and details!
Thank-you for joining us at the Crafts Galore Encore Challenge June "ATG".
Ileanaxx

Loose Stitches said...

Gorgeous creation Donna, I Love all the wonderful details and vintage style! I'm one of your followers. :)
Hugs, Sherry x
Loose Stitches and Unraveled Threads

aussie aNNie said...

Hi De, just sending hugs from Aussie...xx
.♥
[aNNie]

Desire Fourie said...

So beautifully vintage Donna. I adore the hint of zig zag sewing on the side.
Hugs
Desíre
{Doing Life – my personal blog}

Anila Dikay said...

Great vintage card...
Thank you for sharing with us over here at "A Perfect Time To Craft" and best of luck with your entry.

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

Julie Odil said...

Thanks for joining our Faith, Hope, and Love challenge this month with your pretty vintage card. Julie, DT member

BożenA said...

Very nice card. I love every vintage element of it.
Thank you for joining us at CWAA.
BożenA DT CWAA

Loose Stitches said...

Again, gorgeous creation Donna, I Love all the wonderful details and vintage style! Thank you for joining us at Making Memories Crafting! We hope to see you again!
Sherry x
DT for Making Memories Crafting
Loose Stitches and Unraveled Threads – My personal Blog

Sue said...

Love the sewing theme and all the sewing touches on your wonderful card, Donna. Pretty colors too. Very creative card, I love everything about it.

Hugs
Sue

just now catching up on commenting. Edith's husband passed away after a two week battle with pneumonia. He had bad lungs and heart trouble and just could not fight it off. Left us all so sad. Stayed with him day and night in shifts. Sue