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 28, 2017

The Merry Christmas Challenge

Good Morning, dear blogging friends!
Whew! Just one month before the end of 2017. Is it possible? We are again enjoying the typical Florida "Autumn" weather, that many of my northeastern friends in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine would consider to be summer.



I'm happy to share:
Today begins a challenge #45 at the Merry Christmas Challenge Group!

The theme is always ANYTHING CHRISTMAS GOES. This can include any type of crafting at all, so work on those decorations, tags, wreaths, sweaters, gifts, cards -- Anything Christmas Goes! Every week begins a new challenge.



I'm somewhat discouraged with the newer cameras - they capture every flaw and little particles of light that the human eye cannot see. So these photos were taken in two places.
One has artificial light (where the camera captures no sparkle), and the other is bright and sparkly, but the colors look darker than they are in real life.

Here is what I made:


White and chocolate brown cardstocks were used:



Check out the "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" frame:



Apply Tonic Nuvo Mother of Pearl Embellishment Mousse (on white cardstock):



Makes a big difference transforming the card stock:



Stamp on top of the moussed cardstock. My VIRGINAL stamp was purchased at a convention in 2011 - and is happy now that she has been stamped:



Me and Carrie Lou "Poinsettia" was stamped with Versafine Sepia Brown ink, and heat embossed with SNS Log Cabin Cosmic Embossing Powder (it's a combination of elements to create a "detail" EP but still sparkle with glitter). This luscious EP is both creamy and sparkly.


TIP:

to color the leaves:

Spritz a little water in the Embellishment Mousse to keep it moist AND use a water color brush on top of porous and NON porous surfaces:



The first layer of poinsettias was stamped and heat embossed on a large section of cardstock pre-embellished with Nuvo Mother of Pearl Embellishment Mousse.
Then only one delicate section of the die set was used to frame it.

On another scrap piece of paper, also prepared with Nuvo Mother of Pearl Embellishment Mousse, the poinsettia was stamped and embossed again, then fussy cut some of the petals out:



While the next step could be done with white cardstock, I used brown, just in case I missed any sections. SNS Copper Dreams Detail EP was massively dredged on a precut square that was liberally inked with VersaMark (This EP is extremely Sparkly but great on details, and coordinates well with Log Cabin Cosmic Embossing Powder).

I die cut the Tonic Poinsettia Wreath Die, smooshed VersaMark on it, and heat set with SNS Copper Dreams Detail EP so it would match the background. The die cut was cut up into pieces, with one adhered to the moussed background, and another popped up on the bow.


It really is shiny, shimmery, and sparkly all over!
The color values are truer in the photo below, but it just does not show off the shimmer of the mousse, or the sparkle of the embossing powders:


Ribbon is from DLArt "Coffee House Bundle Two".

Now for the inside:

All the white cardstock was again prepared with Nuvo Mother of Pearl Embellishment Mousse, and the brown was prepared with Copper Dreams Detail EP:


The inside is just as pretty as the outside.

Here it is with the shimmer and sparkle showing:


Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to play in our Christmas Challenge!



Sparkle N Sprinkle Products Used:
Other Products Used:
  • Images: Me and Carrie Lou "Poinsettia" H180, Heartfelt Creations HCPC3552 "Bright Christmas"
  • Ribbon: DLArt "Coffee House Bundle Two"
  • Martha Stewart "Cherish" Punch (edge inside)
  • Memory Box Pinpoint Scallop Circles (inside)
  • Pearl Brad

Challenges I would like to support by playing in them:

  1. Crafting with Dragonflies #94 Christmas Card in non-traditional Colors 12/2 (sep post)
  2. Christmas at Sweet Stampin Challenge Nov 8 Anything Christmas Goes 12/14 (sep post)
  3. Kerst-Christmas FB Challenge #11 November Anything Christmas 12/2
  4. Monochrome Magic #7 Monochrome 12/15
  5. Retro Rubber #76 Anything Goes 12/6 (my VIRGINAL stamp is from a convention purchased in 2011)
  6. Scrapy Land Challenge #78 Anything Goes with A Die SL Sells 12/6
  7. The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge #20 Anything Christmas Goes 12/12
  8. Use Your Stuff #290 Heat Embossing 12/3 (sep post)
  9. World Wide Open DT Challenge "Anything DT Goes" 12/15 (sep post)

Warm and Cozy Christmas Hugs,











54 comments:

Silvis Kreativstube said...

Hallo liebe Donna,
deine Karte ist so wunderschön und schimmert in vollem Glanz. Eine sehr aufwendige Gestaltung. Ich bin ganz begeistert von deinem Weihnachtsstern. Eine wirklich sehr edle Gestaltung. Großes Komliment für deine Arbeit.
Auch deine House Mouse Karte ist traumhaft schön gestaltet.
Ganz liebe Knuddelgrüße Hugs Silvi

Abfabdesigns said...

Love the colour combo ,and all the sparkle ,beautiful as always Xxxx

brenda said...

This is one beautiful creation Donna, always love Poinsettias and you have really showcased this one to the full, the soft earthy colours along with the hints of glitter are stunning.

B x

Janice said...

Just beautiful Donna, inside and out! I love the bronze metallic and sparkle, such an elegant card.
Janice x

Jackie T said...

Hi Donna this is a stunning Christmas card it is just so pretty on the inside as well of the outside. This card will be treasured by the recipient. Take care. Hugs Jackie

Sue said...

Hi Donna, What a beautiful card.

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Glenda said...

What a beauty! Thanks for all the details!

Chris said...

A stunning, elegant card with so much shimmer and sparkle. The colours you have chosen are beautiful and look fabulous together, it's always interesting to see how a card is put together step by step and the thought processes behind it...many tips are picked up this way :))...so thank you for the detailed tutorial.
hugs
Chris
x

Pamellia said...

WOW WOW WOW!!! This is absolutely stunning Donna! I think one of my favourite things about your style is your amazing ability to use metallics, shimmers and glimmers without having the card look overdone or garish. This is extraordinary, my eye just floats from one glittery element to the next! Elegance at it's finest, love love love!!!

Hope you're having a great week my friend. It's very dark and overcast here, but we finally had our first frost of the season so I'm hoping that's a sign that we will soon get some snow. sending hugs :)

Donna Phelan said...

This. Is. STUNNING! I love that poinsettia and the colors you used, they are magnificent! Your dies always amaze me as you pick just the right ones and layer them like a pro! WOW look at all of that depth and dimension! And of course that signature sparkle! Just for the record (pun intended) you'd never be able to get away with any criminal activity as you would surely leave a trail of sparkle wherever you go! LOL FANTASTIC!

Bunny said...

Wow, Donna! This is fabulous. The colors are amazing and I love how it sparkles. Beautiful! [Bunny]

Diane said...

Donna this is absolutely STUNNING!! I love, love the vintage colors and all the techniques you have used...WOW...a beautiful post!!

craftieodmae said...

Gorgeous!!

Lori Kobular said...

Wow! Donna another gorgeous Christmas card! I love the frames and the chocolate brown and white is such a beautiful color combination! Your poinsettia is gorgeous! You have such a way with glitter! I just make a mess with glitter! Sorry if I have been MIA lately, but something came up with my oldest daughter and I have been very busy with that! Just know that I love seeing your gorgeous creations and they always make me smile!!

KarinsArtScrap said...

this is a gorgeoussssssss card Donna
Gr Karin

Lisa said...

Wow, Donna, this is absolutely stunning!! I love the beautiful colors and sparkle!! The poinsettia is so gorgeous!! And the inside is amazing, too!! Wow!! Love this, my friend!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Puppy Kisses and Paper Dreams said...

Absolutely amazing!! I love the rich chocolate and copper colors. Such elegance, my dear!!

Wynn said...

A very elegant Christmas card. I love the colour palette. Thank you for sharing it with us at Crafting with Dragonflies Wynn DT

Linda Simpson said...

Stunning Donna, I love the sparkle and gorgeous colours. The design is fabulous too!
Hugs
Linda xxx

Leslie Miller said...

It can be frustrating how the type of light changes things in a photograph. I don't get much sparkle in natural light, but when I set a card under tungsten light it flashes and sparkles to nearly light up the room. Still hard to capture in a photograph, though. Plus, different lights change the color and it cannot be totally edited to correct it, sigh. Just saying I know what you mean and there's nothing like seeing the real thing. However, what I'm seeing of your card is utterly gorgeous! I do love browns and all that warmth. You're so good about sharing the details. The one picture sure shows the difference the embellishment mousse makes. Your poinsettia is so happy to have the attention -- all prettied up and ready to party!

Jan Clothier said...

What an elegant work of art! Such detail! I'd never seen the embellishment mousse you've used and I'm amazed at the difference it made to the cardstock. Thanks so much for supporting us at Retro Rubber Challenge this week.

Verna Angerhofer said...

You never let us down with your beautiful designs and gorgeous creations. And, this card is proof of the pudding that once again you have come up with a fantastic and fabulous Christmas creation. I just love all the layers, shimmery details and the beautiful poinsettia and ribbon that went into this design. Absolutely gorgeous in every way.

Ann Greenspan's Crafts said...

Donna, you always put so much time and detail into each and every card and it shows beautifully. I wish I had your patience. This is stunning!

SewPaperPaint said...

Your are certainly teasing me with wanting the Nuvo Mousse. I just love the effects and am amazed that you used it to watercolor - brilliant! Such a great color scheme and design here. Big hugs, Autumn

Annettes Hobby Rosettes said...

What a gorgeous Christmas Project inside and out. Turned out really stunning and thank you so much for your wonderful step-by-step photo feature. It's always a real pleasure to drop by your blog and view your amazing talent. Lovely work as always.
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


aussie aNNie said...

De this is one amazing die set and the card is truely a bit WOW FACTOR, love the fabulous tut you always provide. I am in love with this one.xx[aNNie]🎄

MaryH said...

Gosh, what creativity in the colors of this gorgeous poinsettia. And my, does it sparkle. Really like the EP color too, and it works beautifully with the M.o.Pearl (I have some of that, and it's quite dry. Will try spritzing to see if it helps. Inner lining was left in place, also tightly capped, still dried out). I love all the layers, brilliance of the embellishments. Yes, indeed, the interior is just lovely too. TFS & Hugs

Conniecrafter said...

Oh my Donna it is gorgeous and I can see the sparkle and shimmer, so glad you finally broke out that stamp, love the embossing on it and I learned some new things, I did not know you could add water to the mouse, I just bought some gold. I just love your corner treatment with the ribbon too, Love!

NanaConnie said...

That is such a gorgeous card, Donna! Love the chocolate brown and white combo. Those dies are marvelous! Can't wait to get my hands on them. :-D Love the embossing on the poinsettia and the sparkle (your trademark, of course) is perfect one a Christmas card. Magnificently done, my friend.

Beebeebabs said...

Absolutely beautiful - love the gorgeous flower and color combination - another great creation - thanks for sharing the tutorial

Karen Dunbrook said...

gorgeous, elegant card Donna, love the sparkle.
xx Karen

Becky said...

Beautiful non-traditional colors. Thanks for sharing.

KraftyKoolKat said...

So gorgeous Donna. Such a beautiful colour and texture.
Hugs
Cathy
xxxxx

sarascloset said...

Donna, I'm sitting here with my mouth open! A-MAAA-ZING card with so much shimmer and glitter, I'm giddy with delight! You have done an outstanding job with those mousses (mice?) and I'm stunned that you can watercolor with them! That embossing powder is moving right to the top of my wish list, but no one does glam and glitz like YOU, my friend! Happy you are enjoying your fall weather. We fluctuate from winter to summer to spring to well, no real fall yet! I hope you have a wonderful day! Hugs! Sara Emily

Loose Stitches said...

Totally gorgeous creation Donna, love the flower, ribbon and design!
Hugs, Sherry x
Loose Stitches and Unraveled Threads

pam said...

OMW De, this is one stunning Christmas card! gorgeous colours and wonderful shine and glitter, beautiful Poinsettia stamp and wonderful layout outside and in.
Hugs Pam x

Debbie Mageed said...

Donna, absolutely stunning artwork! Trust you to make your own gorgeous glimmer paper. This is certainly a gift all by itself so I enjoy the recipient! Thank you for playing with us at Retro Rubber! I always love seeing you in our gallery!!

cotnob said...

A stunning card Donna, such a beautiful Poinsettia and great colours -your card is absolutely gorgeous.
Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
x

Tracey T said...

What a stylish creation Donna. Perfect for Christmas. Thank you for playing at Christmas at Sweet Stampin'. Tracey

Claire Grantham said...

Love your card, so detailed and ultimately STUNNING. You have inspired me to dig out my Nuvo paste, I haven't loved it until I saw you use it here. Thanks for joining us at Retro Rubber this time. Claire DT

Neva Cole said...

What a wonderfully detailed gorgeous card! Love the tutorial on the process as well. Thanks for playing along with Retro Rubber!

Ina G said...

Absolutely stunning Donna. Love all the Nuvo magic and your choice of yummy chocolates. So love this one and that ribbon is scrumptious!

Samra said...

Gorgeous work!!! Thank you for linking this beauty to our challenge at Scrapy Land!
Samra DT
Paper Talk with Samra

crafty-stamper said...

Stunning card Donna love the beautiful poinsettia -sparkle and bronze colour and embossing
Carol x

Anonymous said...

Your card is so stunning! amazing layers and just really beautiful! Thanks for joining us at Use Your Stuff and hope to see you again!
Tammy -DT

Tina Campbell said...

Beautiful card and such lovely details :) The blog post is awesome on explaining too :) Love the inside of the card too :) The die set looks like a fun one to use. Thank you for joining us over at Use Your Stuff blog!
Tina-DT

Amy Lane said...

What a clever and stunning creation. Thanks for playing along at UYS.

SweetScraps said...

WOW! intricate and gorgeous, lovely layering. Thanks for sharing with us at UYS!

Caren B said...

So pretty and elegant!

Lisa J said...

Beautiful and glttery card. Thanks for playing along with me this month. Lisa Monochrome Magic

Pia S said...

Oh my, this card looks absolutely amazing! Like a true vintage item with metal and lace. Fantastic, well done, Donna!

Sue said...

This card is stunning. Love the neutral colors. Beautiful dies and the poinsettia is lovely. Another gorgeous creation, you are on a roll girlfriend!

Hugs
Sue

Shirley said...

How elegant does this card look, it is perfect in every way. Gorgeous.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
ShirlsCards.

Maryvonne Coussé said...

What a gorgeous card !!!!love the colors combo , and great design inside and out !
Hugs
Maryvonne