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, September 28, 2017

Dragonfly Magic! Tonic Studios - Sparkle N Sprinkle - Cardz 4 Galz


Hi, Everyone! I'm back!
Sorta....
Slowly picking up speed from recent Florida events - I especially am thinking of those who have lost loved ones, their homes, and businesses throughout the Caribbean, Texas, Florida and Mexico, and wishing you all a brighter tomorrow.

The new challenge at Cardz 4 Galz Challenges today!

Badges are awarded for the Spotlight Winner and Top Picks.

Challenge #57 is chosen by guest designer Sian - and the theme is:

  DRAGONFLY  

show us your Paper Crafting projects using any technique and medium, 
AS LONG AS IT INCLUDES DRAGONFLIES!
Challenge ends on OCTOBER 11th.

My project uses fantastic Sparkle N Sprinkle Products which have been listed at the bottom.

TIP:

Fantastically sparkle-full, the Celestial Ultrafine Glitter on the leaves is a combination of transparent and opaque glitters. Why tell you this? The leaf die cuts are cut from the same color yellow cardstock as the sentiment. Some of that yellow shows through the transparent glitter colors, so that it blends beautifully and looks well coordinated.

TIP:

The "green" is actually an embossing powder! They are equally sparkle-full, aren't they?
I blended a Hybrid Embossing Powder SNS Military Green EP288 mixed with Green Nugget Ultrafine Glitter G1065. Both are opaque. Again, why have a mentioned this? The green cardstock was not quite the color I needed to match the designer paper, but covering it with embossing powder did the trick! ALSO, with opaque products, you can even cover white cardstock with any color to customize your papers.


The dragonfly is cut from gold glossy cardstock, and adhered to a black shadow using Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive. I am still in love with the Nuvo Large Glue Pen which was used to adhere the glitter to the leaves, and the designer paper to the cardstock. HOWEVER, the Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive has an ultra thin applicator and applies creamy smooth directly to the thinnest portions of the dragonfly and leaves! While I am grateful to have been gifted with the adhesives, I will definitely purchase them on my own in the future. That's saying a lot since I had used the same wonderful glue for more than 10 years. I'm HOOKED! 

As you can see below, there are now glue smudges from my fumble fingers on the glossy cardstock:

Tonic's Autumnal Oak Die Set contains pretty leaves (above), a two-piece acorn to be used as shown or as a solid silhouette, a two-piece oak leaf, and this delicate twig. Very versatile and easy to cut. The acorn above had a piece of sticky-note-tape to hold the tiny pieces in place. Then I flipped the acorn and taped them in place permanently. 

Love the Tonic Thinking of You miniature die
 

On the inside, a sneak peek at an upcoming SNS sentiment, inspired by a dear friend:





We would love seeing your dragonfly projects at the
On a personal note:


I'm still having trouble getting up to speed, but at least my brain is semi-functioning again (giggle).

This is  what is happening in our area due to the Withalacoochee River. Although we are up high and don't suffer from the flooding which is about 6-7 miles to the east, the mosquitoes and humidity travel everywhere nearby.




Flooding shown in green - our area has still not crested, so the photos reflect flooding a week ago, where the areas have not reached their maximum flooding yet:


 THIS IS DEDICATION:



our home has these "shutters"
which are put in place before an event, and then removed.

The photos were taken 24 hours after Hurricane Irma passed overhead - we were SO FORTUNATE as only a few tornados passed through the area, and the winds were deflected by large trees. Irma downgraded to a Cat 1 by the time it hit our home.


We were VERY GRATEFUL to have the shutters.
(see the shutter bottom left which has been removed from the door):

       





Other Products:

  • EKSuccess Border Punch
  • Rust, Pale Gold, Black, Gold Glossy, Avocado Green, White cardstock and stash designer paper.
  • Recollections Jewel
Challenges I would like to play in please:

  1. Crafty Cardmakers #196 Autumn 10/1
  2. Make My Monday #55 Autumn Colors 10/1
  3. Use Your Stuff #281 Something Old - Something New 10/1 (Designer Paper, border punches, EP and G all very old - the die cuts are brand new)
  4. Fab N Funky Challenge #364 Fall Colors 10/5
  5. ScrapyLand Challenges #74 (Anything Goes using Die SL sells) (4 different Tonic Studios Die Sets listed above)
  6. World Wide Open Design Team Challenge (Anything Goes for a DT) 10/15
  7. Sisterhood of Crafters (Sept 27) Use Your Dies 10/15 (4 different Tonic Studios Die Sets listed above) (sep post prior to new challenge)

Miss You Hugs,

47 comments:

Jackie T said...

Hi Donna it is good to see you back. Your card is gorgeous I love the dragonfly. Thank you for sharing your photos. I have no idea what it would be like to go through something like that. My heart goes out to all those who have been affected by the devastation. Take care. Hugs Jackie

Sue said...

Hi Donna, That card is stunning. It sure will brighten the day of the recipient.

Hope the people effected by the flooding are soon able to get back into their homes.

Those shutters look just the job, but glad you didn't get the whole force of the hurricane and the tornadoes were few.

You take care.

Hugs
Sue

KarinsArtScrap said...

Hi Donna hope you are oke,beautiful card you have made
Gr Karin

Chris said...

Yay Donna, glad to see you back. Hope you are feeling better now after the catastrophic storms have passed. So pleased that you personally didn't suffer too much damage... to your property at least...seems as if healthwise it's a different matter:(. So sorry for all those people whose lives have been devastated by the hurricanes, it must be a terrifying experience.
Your card today is beautiful, gorgeous colours and the glittered embossing looks lovely.
Chris
x

Lori Kobular said...

Wow!! So glad to see you are back Donna! I sure have missed you! Everyday I sit down at my computer and tell myself I am going to send you and e-mail and see how you are doing and I just don't know where to begin! You sure have gone through a lot! Your pictures of the flooding still is very upsetting! I feel so bad for all the people that have been effected by all this weather! I don't know how people pick up and move on! Now on to your gorgeous card! I love dragonflies and yours is simply amazing! Your card is beautiful with the soft colors and the glitter! I do hope you are doing better physically now. I know you said that all of this weather caused you to have a flare up, I hope you are doing better now! Have a great day Donna!!

SD pooja said...

Hello Donna ! Glad to know you did not suffer due to the hurricane. Hope those effected get back there normal life soon.Coming to your card,its very Elegant and loved how you decorated it inside :)

craftieodmae said...

Your card is gorgeous as they always are, your pictures are amazing, I have prayed for everyone involved in this storm and thank God most made it through. It's gonna take time. Glad you all are ok...

Darlene said...

Oh Donna this creation is just stunning (as always!) I'm so glad you didn't have anymore damage than you did and yes, my heart just aches for so many this summer with all the devastating events that have hit way too close to home! Thanks so much for joining us at The Sisterhood’s ‘Use Your Dies!’ challenge and please come back again soon!
Darlene
one of the 'Sistahs'
The Sisterhood of Crafters
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS Please come for a visit!

Bunny said...

This is a beautiful card. I love the dragonfly and the colors.

I so wish we had some hurricane shutters. Yours are so nice. We are still a mess in Florida as it just about covered the entire state so you can't concentrate on one area. I loved the picture of the electric worker on the pole with his climbers. He's got his safety belt on, his hard hat and his cone is out. I wish you would find out who this is and send it to him and his supervisor. There's no telling if that man is from Florida or a different state as we have had so many states help us out in Florida.

My husband and son are phone men so I know this picture would mean a lot to this man as they have both been on climbers on poles. It is a great shot. [Bunny]

Linda Simpson said...

WOW this is stunning! I love the autumnal colours and gorgeous textures. Thank you for sharing the photographs of the flooding. So very sad that lots of people in the area lost their homes and livelihood too.
Hugs
Linda xxx

Linda said...

What a brilliant card, Donna! Your photos are lovely and your header is stunning!

Tammy said...

Hi Donna, so happy to hear that you didn't have a lot of damage to your home and property. My heart breaks for the families that have lost loved ones and their homes. Stunning card, I love that gold dragonfly and how you added glitter to your cardstock, stunning creation!
Hugs, Tammy

Verna Angerhofer said...

It is so good to have you back and safe and sound. I can see where you still had a great deal to take up your time after the hurricane. But at least it has not dampened your artistic talents as your card is absolutely gorgeous inside and out. Your work always amazes me. It is fantastic and I love all the beautiful shimmer and wonderful dies used.

Ann Greenspan's Crafts said...

What a wonderful card with all that sparkle and shine. I like the edges you have on the card and the dragonfly looks like it was cut out of thick metal. Beautifully done as always, Donna. I'm glad you are safe.

Shona Erlenborn said...

Gorgeous make. Love the way you coordinated all the glitters and eps with your papers. That dragonfly is amazing - it looks 3D? Loving that sentiment inside too! Thanks for sharing the photos. Crazy to think that there is still more flooding to come, but I'm glad that you are over the worst of everything. Continued healing thoughts for your health too.

CherylQuilts said...

Oh, dearest Donna! It's wonderful to see you and to know that you are slowly (ever so slowly) picking up speed and feeling better. I know how stressful it's been for us here in South Florida. I am so very sorry to see the flooding and tremendous damage from the overflowing river. And the mosquitoes are a big problem. But I absolutely LOVE, LOVE your card and is totally amazing! I truly love the glitter and amazing butterfly! WOW! Beautiful colors and stunning inside too, Donna! I always love reading your posts and seeing the step-up photos. Thank you, precious friend! Much love and hugs!!! xoxo

pam said...

My dear friend, lovely to see you on blogger again, with a stunning card, love the colours and sparkle with a beautiful dragon fly.
Those poor people, my heart goes out to them! loosing everything thing you own.
take care sweet Donna.
Hugs Pam x

Conniecrafter said...

So good to see you doing well enough to make this Beautiful creation. I love the sparkle and gold against the designer paper, just lovely, wonderful detail in your dragonfly, pretty layering of the borders too!
So sorry to hear all that you have had to go through, so glad that it had calmed down by the time it made it to you, I can only imagine the humidity and bugs after all of that, I felt so bad for all of those without power after it went through.
Take care

Abfabdesigns said...

Hiya Donna great to have you back safe and well, my heart went out to you all can't begin to imagine what you go through.
Great card just love that dragonfly
Take care my friend xxx😘

Annettes Hobby Rosettes said...

Wow Donna, just saw your photos. What a worry. The flooding was very bad, thank goodness you were up higher an not affected.

Love your project, its stunning as always. Lovely work.

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


Donna Phelan said...

This is so stunning! The colors are out of this world fabulous! That dragonfly is so elegant and regal, love it in the gold! Perfect layered border cuts and a fantastic design! I am glad you have not suffered from the flooding and are safe. I hope your humidity breaks and the mosquitos fly off. Be well! xo~

coldwaters2 said...

Wow Donna your card is so beautiful it is full of colour, sparkle and magic the Dragonfly is awesome, brilliant creation. It is so sad to see the devastation that has been caused but I am so glad that you survived the worst of it, take care
Love & hugs
lorraine x

Mia said...

Beautiful card, Donna. My thoughts are with those who suffered from the hurricane. I am glad that you were not in danger. Take care, my friend.

KraftyKoolKat said...

So lovely to see you back posting and safe. I can't even begin to imagine what you all went through. I have been worried and praying for you all.

Your card as always is beautiful. I hope you feel fully better soon.
Hugs
Cathy
xxxx

Chris C said...

What a stunning background! Thanks for joining us at Use Your Stuff.

Becky said...

I'm in love with that stunning dragonfly. What a beauty. Your cards are always so beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Glad to hear you are getting better, even if it is slowly. Sometimes that's the best way. :-)

Leslie Miller said...

Wow! Sparklefully gorgeous and truly one of your masterpieces! Beautiful fall colors and papers. Love the tip about the transparent EP on the same color paper as the sentiment. Little things make such a difference in the outcome. The border is gorgeous, too. I do like using sparkly EP for die cuts. Really love the gold dragonfly and the acorns. Well, I just love it all! Now that you mention it, I can imagine how the mosquitoes must love all that water. It's heartbreaking to see all those flooded homes. I hope it doesn't make it too difficult for you to get around. I'm so glad your beautiful home and property are safe! Hugs from Oregon!

SewPaperPaint said...

So glad that things are becoming more normal again. What a pretty use of glitter and a lovely design for this gorgeous card. Big hugs, Autumn

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Hi Donna, pleased to see you are still in one piece. Love the dragonfly card, it's gorgeous. Take care and have a...hopefully quiet weekend. Angela xXx

Loose Stitches said...

Gorgeous card Donna, love the dragonfly, glitter and design! Thank goodness you are safe. My heart goes out to all those who have suffered.
Hugs, Sherry x
Loose Stitches and Unraveled Threads

crafty-stamper said...

Great to see you back safe and sound Donna -we complain about our weather but don't get anything near as extreme --Stunning card Donna and beautiful Dragonfly-the papers are gorgeous and look like a rich tapestry
Carol x

Ina G said...

Donna you amaze me at the amount of work you put into your creations. This is simply beautiful with all those amazing colours. Love that you show us every little detail.
So glad you are back and life is good. Thanks for showing us a little of what you went through. We have had water like this here in Oz but not near me. Your house looks absolutely stunning btw. Hugs Ina

aussie aNNie said...

A real blessing to see you crafting again De and thank goodness you are both fine. Material things can be replaced loved ones can not.

Beautiful card and valuable tips...hugs.xx
Have a lovely weekend.♥
[aNNie]

Sian said...

A beautiful card.

I'm glad to hear that you're safe and that things are starting to get back to normal.

Josephine said...

What a fabulously rich-looking card. It's absolutely gorgeous!

Thanks for joining us at Crafty Cardmakers!

Kim x said...

Thank you for entering your lovely card into my 'Autumn' challenge at CCM.
Hugs Kimx

Nandini said...

Love the glittery background and the gorgeous dragonfly. Thank you for joining us at the Make My Monday challenges. Nandini, DT

Diane said...

Hey, glad to see ya back on your blog with another fabulous card...wow, I just love the dragonfly and all the sparkle (of course..lol)...beautifully created!!

Pat K said...

Beautiful card Donna. Wonderful fall colours and I love that butterfly. Good to hear you are ok. Thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the storms. Thanks for joining us at Fab'n'Funky. hugs, Pat K xx

Maikreations said...

I love the shimmer and shine on your card! Thank you so much for joining our "Autumn" challenge at the Crafty Cardmakers! Have a lovely week and happy crafting, Maike ;o)

PS: Seeing your pictures on the blog however I feel like it is even more important to let you know, that I am very glad for you that your house has these shutters and that I am glad that you seem okay! Dreadful flooding though! Stay safe, Maike

Maryvonne Coussé said...

Gorgeous gorgeous card Donna!FABULOUS §
Thanks for joining us at Scrapyland Challenge Blog and Good Luck !
MARYVONNE , DT Member

Marsha Reed said...

Beautiful card, Donna! Love the butterfly and all the texture you've used. Thanks for joining us at The Sisterhood of Crafters Challenge.

Sue said...

Donna, another beautiful sparkly (of course) creation. Dies are all so pretty. That fancy die cut dragonfly is lovely. The rich colors on your card remind me of a tapestry. Just gorgeous. You always put so much into your cards, each a masterpiece.
Photos of the flooding are heartbreaking. Little is of much use after it gets soaked. My heart goes out to those who have lost so much.
Seems everyday there is a sad news story, it gets depressing.....

Hugs
Sue

DIANA L. said...

I am so glad you are ok Donna, You just never know what will happen Big hugs my friend. I have been MIA for awhile But I am back now

mixamatoasties said...

Beautiful creation.

Thanks for sharing at FabNFunky.

Susan

Sherrie K. said...

Beautiful card Donna! I love the color combination and the glitter adds so much to your design! I love it!!
The pics of the flooding weighs heavy on my heart. So glad your home was ok. Thoughts and prayers to those effected. So much going on these days..so sad.
Have a good day and thanks so much for popping over to my blog:)
Sherrie K

Wanda said...

Beautiful sparkly card! I love all the texture and detail you have added. Its so sad to see the damage from Irma, I'm so glad to see you are ok.

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

Wanda DT World Wide Open Design Team Challenge