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

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Christmas at Sweet Stampin' - Divinity Designs

Hello, my friends!
First - thank you for staying with me - it's been a rough few months, and I'm slowly recovering. My fumble fingers are beginning to coordinate with my Mojo, and my strength is kind of getting normalish. I had a body-wide exacerbation which then triggered an unexpected, unpleasant infection. The ways our bodies respond to certain "stimuli" is just amazing (as many of you know first-hand). The most difficult thing is being patient with myself and flexible enough to be satisfied with what can be accomplished, even if it is, seemingly, a big Nothing.

Enough of that!


Today begins a new challenge at 
Christmas at Sweet Stampin'!




My brilliant teammates have fantastic samples to share! The challenge is ANYTHING GOES for ANY Christmas theme craft project. June's Challenge is open until July 6 and has an optional theme of non-traditional colors.


My non traditional color is BROWN.
How fun! I used a Christmas Tree Collage image that has been in my stash for 4-5 years and has never seen ink! How could I be so cruel?
I'm so pleased with the quality and details in the stamp, that I'll be buying more from this company.

My first brown card has an oval frame.



I began by creating a background paper with this beautiful poinsettia stamp, embossing powder and Ken Oliver Liquid Metal Heavy Metal Brushos. I both painted and splattered with them.



Here's a close up of the "Heavy Metals". I painted them around the tree's star halo, and a little on each ornament:


The frame is glittered, of course, and covers portions of the stamped collage:


The second card features the Cracked Glass technique. The image was stamped and distressed with inks. The background paper was also stamped with a Music background stamp. Here are the pieces before assembling:


I smeared Judikins embossing ink on the dried image, and heat set several coats of clear EP on it. Next it was put in the freezer for 45 minutes, and then "cracked". Black Soot distress ink was smooshed into the cracks. 

You can see the glassy effect here. The entire panel shines like that:



Hopefully you can see some of cracks here:



I love this stamp! How could I have neglected it for so long?

Will you come play, too? Remember, the non-traditional color is optional.

Two cards, one stamp, one brown color:


Some Products:
  • Stamp (on both cards) Divinity Designs Christmas Tree Collage with VersaFine Clair Acorn Brown Ink
Oval Card:
  • Me and Carrie Lou Poinsettia (apparently they are only sold at Violette's a brick-and-mortar store in Lakeland FL)
  • Ken Oliver Liquid Metals Heavy Metals watercolors
  • Vintage Brown Cosmic embossing powder
  • SB Classic Oval die set
  • SB Fleur de Elegance 5x7 oval die set


Rectangle Card:
  • Embossing Ink (for cracked glass technique)
  • Clear embossing powder (for cracked glass technique)
  • Scattered Straw, Aged Mahogany, Black Soot Distress Inks
  • Tutti 123 Arched Fir Branch die
  • Tonic Studios English Picnic Rectangle die set
  • MS Doily Trim punch
  • Judikins Music Background Stamp

Challenges I'd like to play in please:


  1. Merry Little Christmas Challenge #11 Anything Christmas Goes 7/1
  2. The Holy and Ivy Christmas Challenge #51 Anything Christmas Goes 6/16
  3. Christmas Cards All Year Round (June) Garland-Leaves or Christmas Flowers (one card has stamped poinsettias, the other has golden garland die cut) 7/1
  4. Classic DT Open Challenge #6 June  AG for DT 7/1
  5. Love to Craft Challenge Blog #35 Anything Goes 7/1
  6. Crafting by Designs (June) Anything Goes 7/1
  7. Artistic Inspirations #216 Anything Goes 7/2
  8. Use Your Stuff #362 "Vintage" 6/17
Stamping Hugs,

49 comments:

Glenda said...

Both cards are beautiful and I'm amazed at how pretty the brown is! You have a knack for using an unusual color for sure!

Mia said...

I am glad you are feeling better, Donna. Both your cards are simply amazing! Brown is a great non traditional colour. Hugs, my dear friend.

Lisa said...

I'm so glad you are feeling better, Donna. Thinking of you and sending big hugs your way my friend. Your cards are stunning!! The details are spectacular!! I love the gorgeous designs of each!! Have a great day :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Monica said...

Dearest Donna,
Sending you lots of love and healing energy.

Your cards are sparkly and shiny and your creativity bears no boundaries. Just super.

Love,
Monica

Shona Erlenborn said...

Glad you're feeling a bit better, Donna. Both these cards are just beautiful! I especially like your cracked ice design, with the golden fir branch. The brown coloring really gives these cards a lovely vintage look. Wonderful work as always!

Diane said...

The brown color on these cards gives such a beautiful vintage feel, which happens to be my favorite kind of Christmas card 'vintage'. What a great stamp it is too and looks so very different on each card..beautiful designs! Hope you are feeling up to par soon..take care!!

Chris said...

Firstly Donna, I'm so glad you're feeling better, long may it last and hope you continue to improve!
Your cards are both stunning Donna, it's a fabulous stamp andthe brown shades really suit it. Love that cracked glass technique, again really suited to the stamp.
Take care, hugs
xx

Bunny said...

Two beautiful cards. Love the colors.

A trip to Violette's is a trip to heaven isn't it? I wish it was closer to me.

Doing nothing when you want to do something is not fun. A lot of us understand and know how the body can create "stuff" we don't want.



[Bunny]`

Beebeebabs said...

Glad your feeling better my friend - love your cards - you did a great job as always - love the layout and choice of dies - great creations!!!

*Vicki* said...

So sorry to hear you've been having a rough couple of months my friend! Hoping your body experiences a more pleasant functioning from here forward!

For your creations today, I am in absolutely LOVE with that Vintage looking Christmas tree! Love that image especially with the musical sheet background! The brown colors work brilliantly with the way you've put these creations together by adding the brushoe and glittery frame...that's my fave! I really love the second design with the cracked glass tech. It's a perfect pairing with the images!! Beautifully done as always my friend! HUGS

Mrs A. said...

Two gorgeous cards and am intrigued by the placing in the fridge for 45mins!! Not heard of doing that before. Hope you continue to improve. Hugs Mrs A.

Sarah said...

I love these grown up elegant cards...so luxurious xx

Linda Simpson said...

These are gorgeous Donna, love the layers, sparkle and design on each of the cards.
Hugs
Linda xxx

KraftyKoolKat said...

Two real beauties sweetie. Great news that you are seeing a bit of an improvement in your health.
Hugs
Cathy
xxxx

KarinsArtScrap said...

these are very beautiful chritsmas cards Donna
Gr Karin

Sue said...

Hi Donna,

Lovely cards.

Hope you are having a nice day. Sue

pam said...

So sorry you have been ill De, did`nt know..glad you are feeling a little better and taking your time.
Wonderful cards, you have shared ..beautiful stamping and colours you have used, what a fabulous background.
Big Hugs De..
Pam xxx

Jackie T said...

Hi Donna I am sorry to hear that you have been poorly. I am pleased that you are starting to feel better. Your cards are gorgeous. I love them both. Take care. Hugs Jackie

cuilliesocks said...

Hi Donna, I hadn't realised that you had been poorly, I hope you are well on your way to recovery now.
two glorious cards, beautifully designed, coloured and stamped, you are so creative, your cards are so inspirational, Kate x

Verna Angerhofer said...

Brown has never looked so beautiful the way you used it on these fabulous cards. And thanks for bringing back the old cracked glass technique. It has been ages since I did that. Both of these cards are so gorgeous and wonderful Christmas cards. I love the vintage feel of them.

Karenladd said...

I'm so glad to hear that you're getting back on your feet. You're right about having to adjust your expectations to reality,which is easier said than done.
These non-traditional colored cards are gorgeous and I especially like the vintage Christmas tree design. Oooh, the cracked glass effect adds a nice touch, as does the gold touches on the ornaments. Three beautiful and creative cards that anyone would be thrilled to receive.

aussie aNNie said...

Beautiful cards De, love that punch which reminds me I have it.. tend to forget about our expensive punches.xx

Donna said...

Your cards are just amazing! Gorgeous designs, thanks for sharing such a good description of your techniques. Glad to hear you are on the road to recovery, keeping you in my prayers.

Conniecrafter said...

Oh my Donna these are both just gorgeous, my favorite is the first one, I just love how you did the background and used those metals, I have some and haven't tried them yet, you have given me inspiration! Lovely stamping of the background too and I love how framed it also!! They both look fabulous in the browns! Love your gold die for the second card and great job with the cracked glass technique, such special cards!!

brenda said...

Both of your Christmas creations are total delights Donna. I do hope your body behaves itself as I know just how frustrating the limitations are at times.

B x

Valerija said...

Beautiful cards and images. Love the sparkle and vintage feel.
Valerija xx

cotnob said...

Two stunning cards Donna, lots of beautiful details and lovely vintage designs.
I'm sorry to hear that you have been suffering, I hope your recovery continues at pace - it is difficult to accept that perhaps we can't do what we would like sometimes isn't it!
Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
x

Becky said...

Beautiful cards!

Kathyk said...

Welcome back to crafting, may you continue to improve. Lovely makes and thank you so much for sharing with us over at the Love To Craft Challenge Blog

Kathyk
DT @ LTCCB

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, Donna, I laughed out loud when you said "how could I be so cruel?". I know the feeling! I didn't realize you were going through a difficult spell, but I'm sure glad to hear you're coming out of it bit by bit. You always bravely persevere. Now, your cards... I'm a fan of brown and love it for Christmas cards. These definitely have a beautiful vintage look. Also a fan of the cracked glass technique. It's one of the few techniques I took a shine to years ago and continue to enjoy. That frame is gorgeous. And the metal -- love that, too! You're making good progress on your Christmas cards!

Furrbster said...

Wow these are absolutely stunning creations,

Hugz Tinz

Monica C. said...

Glad you are feeling better Donna! I hope you continue to improve from here.
Your cards are beautiful! I love the brown and the gold together. A gorgeous combo!
Hugs Monica

Donna Phelan said...

Oh wow! Glad you are on the mend and feeling better. Yes! The human body is such an amazing vessel, astounding really! Beautiful Christmas cards, I love the brown it gives each creation a vintage vibe! Of course, I also adore all of that glittery sparkle....your signature! Shine On, Girl! xo~

Mac Mable said...

I so love the non traditional colours. The cracking technique is fabulous and will definitely being giving that a go. I normally use crackle glaze etc but when I went to use a pot this week it had all dried up. From now on it's 45 minutes in the freezer with heat embossing....Thank you x Glorious and unique designs and I love them x
Sorry to hear you have been poorly but glad you are slowly on the mend.....Sending hugs x

Jackie C said...

Oh my! Donna this is on another level. Love everything here and must get those metal Brushos!
This has come together beautifully! Great project! Fabulous that you have shared this with us here at The Holly & The Ivy. Good luck hun and do come back again!

Jackie DT @ TH&TI

crafty-stamper said...

Glad to hear you are feeling better Donna and love both these beautiful cards love the cracked glass technique and the beautiful glittered frame -funny how this year we are all finding long neglected and unused stamps with such beautiful results
Carol x

Alexa said...

Thank you for sharing us!!

AGEN POKER DAN DOMINO TERPERCAYA
AGEN JUDI ONLINE BERKUALITAS
AGEN POKER SANGAT AMAN TERPERCAYA
AGEN IDN PALING DIMINATI
BANDAR CEME TERPERCAYA TERBAIK
SENTA POKER
AGEN DOMINO TERAMAN DAN TERPERCAYA
BANDAR CAPSA YANG PALING AMAN
AGEN JUDI ONLINE PALING RAMAI
AGEN JUDI TERLARIS DAN DIMINATI

Aimeslee Winans said...

Donna! I am so happy to hear you are feeling better but it hurts my heart that you've been down and suffering. You are in my prayers, hun. I'm pretty sure I'm older than you are and I hate to say it but for me and a lot of my friends it's the new normal. We joke that it's one thing and another all the time, this must be what they mean by being old ain't for sissies. You sure can work through it, though - my goodness, your cards are stellar. You've made brown sexy, yes you have! I truly cannot figure out which card or which technique or which anything is my favorite. I love it all. Will have to study this much further, so PINNING. Both of your cards are just amazing. Hugz!!! xoxo

Inkyfingers said...

Love the gorgeous vintage look on these two beauties Donna and the gold with the brown is a fabulous colour mix. I've never heard of gold brushos but I can feel an internet search coming on lol! Glad to hear you're feeling better but take it easy until you're back to full strength.
Hugs
Carol x

crafty-stamper said...

Thank you for the lovely comment Donna and it was just the flowers holding it closed -but I do usually phograph them flat as I use my phone and it's easier in front of the window for light
Carol x

wannabcre8tive said...

Beautiful cards. I love the brown and the gold. You are smart to be making Christmas cards. Christmas will sneak up on us and you will be glad you have these cards ready to go.

Darnell said...

So glad to hear that this flare of your MPS is slowly receding, Donna, and that you are feeling better. May it continue! Your twofer is sensational in every way! It's a shame our photos cannot properly show the glimmer and shine and schparkle. I'm sure these two designs are breathtaking in person!! Hugs, Darnell

Julie Odil said...

Hi Donna, thanks for visiting my blog today. I am now your newest Google follower :) I love the heavy metal effect on these cards. They are beautiful!

Pia S said...

These are eye candy cards. Isn’t it fun to hunt for treasures hidden in your stash? I’ve experienced this too. I will try that clear ep and freezer technique you’ve used. As for the first card, the background looks gorgeous, perfect with the image!

Sue said...

Awesome cards, how you could have neglected that beautiful stamp for so long.....I understand.....!
Love the oval frame all glittered up, looks like an antique mirror frame.
And the colors you chose for the second card are lovely too. Two special beautiful cards for some lucky recipients!!

Hugs
Sue

Keen Crafter's Hand Made Goodies said...

These are gorgeous love the backgrounds you have made Thank you for sharing in our challenge at Classic Design Team Challenge we really appreciate you joining in.

Michelle DT

Keencrafter's Hand Made Goodies 

ike said...

Gorgeous, classic cards :-) Thank you for coming to play at ARTISTIC INSPIRATIONS Challenges.

IKE
Artistic Inspirations DT

Wendy Nicola Jackson said...

What beautiful creations Donna, so many lovely layers and details. Beautiful ink work hunny and I especially love that beautiful glittery frame. A wonderful finish to that card. Hugs, Wends xoxo

Helen said...

A great card - thanks so much for joining us a Christmas Crafts All Year Round.

Helen x