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

Monday, March 19, 2012

Kindness by Sparkle N Sprinkle Sketch

Hi! I'm showing a VERY easy card today, which features the SNS Challenge Sketch -- it's a simple sketch, conducive to just about any image (and a chance at winning any large stamp set!).

A new embossing folder called Compassionate from Couture Creations was used. (I love love LOVE it!). Dry Embossing on mirror cardstock always produces a WOW card. 

Using a sanding block, I lightly removed some of the finish from the embossed mirror cardstock. It is burnished with a bit more pressure on the detail-raised areas (bringing out the white base), and more lightly on the bold-raised areas (just enough to deglaze the mirror aspect, but leaving the color). 

The Vintage Floral Punch Around the Page was used as the backdrop for "Your Kindness Is Appreciated" by SNS. It is embossed with the new Mulberry Tuscany Creamy Cosmic embossing powder.

Also used are Pink Sherbert and Lemonade dye inks, and VersaMark ink. Simple!

Thanks for stopping by.
Stamping Hugs,

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Springy Star Card

Hi! It feels good to be posting again. I hope Life has been good to you since our last visit.

Today's card share is for a very dear friend. It is the result of our Florida Stampers Get Together where Paula demo'd a Star Card. We all made templates for future use. Here's my card: fi-nal-leee.


PaperCraft Inspirations has a wonderful free template section. They have two marvelous, life-size PDF documents to download. Simply place them on your 12"x12" light-weight cardstock and mark the places which require trimming or scoring. 


If you prefer videos, check out "Molly Scrap" on YouTube.

Finally, Tracy at "I Wanna Build A Memory" has a very easy to follow, pictorial tutorial here 


A Scoring Board and Tool are highly recommended for this project.

It was fun using K&Company's Sweet Nectar DP, and Spellbinder's Rose Creations dies S5-050.

Stonewashed dye ink was smudged around the edges of each layer, tag and floral die. Pink pastels were applied in the tags as well. Stamps are from Anna Griffin's "You Are" set. Simple tag punch from EK Success, and Martha Stewart's Vintage Floral Punch Around the Page were also used.

If you've not created a Star Card before, please don't be intimidated. Even I found following the template remarkably easy. I'm looking forward to making more of these cards.

This card has been submitted to the following challenges:
Gingersnap Creations - GC142 Border Punches
My Mums Craft Shop - #48 - Mum's the Word
The Pixie Cottage - #112 Perfect Pastels
Whimsical Designs - "Going Green" (use Green somewhere)
City Crafter - #100 - Things in my Heart (this card is made for a very dear friend)
Sweet Stamps - #57 Think Spring

Thanks for dropping by today!

Happy St. Patrick's Day hugs,