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, May 15, 2013

A Kind Heart Trio...

Note: My May Blog Candy is at the bottom of the Beach post.

Warm Greetings to everyone, and a special welcome to my newest followers.

But first...

Before sharing my card, I'd like to share a VERY HAPPY experience with an outstanding manufacturer. Spellbinders Grand Calibur has been my favored die cutting machine from the very beginning, when they first came out. My dear machine broke last week.

There is a happy ending, though.

Spellbinders offers a one year warranty on its machine, but mine is nearly 4 years old. I phoned their home office and spoke to Miss Fabulous Customer Service Karen Haas. After asking if I could purchase the parts so my husband could repair the GC, Karen kindly asked me to e-mail photos so she could determine if the correct parts were available. Three days later the parts were in our mailbox - mailed at no charge - in fact, the parts were completely at no charge. Spellbinders could not have given me a better gift than to back their product long after the warranty had expired. FABULOUS CUSTOMER SERVICE, SPELLBINDERS.

Today's card shares feature the birds on K and Company's pretty designer papers by Brenda Walton.

When piecing together card, I always look through my pads of DPs and think, "No, that needs to be for a card on its own". Then the papers are promptly forgotten until the next time I peruse for DPs.

Do you inadvertently save items for a special project, and then forget about them, so that they end up being in a stash of hoarded supplies?

This week I made 3 cards using the 3 sheets with birds in the bottom right corner. Each card is similar.

The card above is made with vellum edging from Spellbinders Fleur de Lis Squares, distressed and pieced together with stitching on the card. White flowers by Irene's Garden helped this card go together more quickly. One sentiment is popped up; the other is stamped direct to DP.



My second card is flat for regular mailing and uses 2 Spellbinders dies for the sentiments, two from Heartfelt creations. (the decorative corner is with vellum under all the tiny flowers. The flowers are embellished with Prills. And Memory Box's lovely Fuchsia Sprig die cut.

Less than 1/4" thick, the Prills still provide texture and dimension. The two images in this sentiment panel are from Impression Obsession (listed at the bottom of this post).

Interior sentiment is the same on each card, however, the edging is different on each card:



 Crafty Bloggers Network has a fabulous Tic Tac Toe Challenge going on.
The top card satisfies the row of "Flowers-Stamps-Stitching".
The second card has "vellum doily, stamps, sentiment".
The third card below has "Gems, 2 Vellum Doilies, punch/die cuts".



Over at Delightful Sketches, they, too are featuring a Bingo Card:

My first card features: Stitching, Glitter (right side beneath border bunch) and Flowers.
The second card features: Flowers, Punches/Die Cuts, Pattern Paper







The two Velvet glitters are on the inside panel; a strip each of Luau Green and Orchid Rose. They can just be seen through the Laurel Leaf border punch, but look fabulous on the inside. The Orchid Rose Velvet Glitter was also used between the jeweled flourishes for added bling.


Memory Box Tender Leaves Die Cuts were used to embellish the flowers on this card.






Gratefully Submitted to the following Lovely Challenges:




The Following Products were used in creating my cards:

Sparkle N Sprinkle Velvet Glitters: **new** Orchid Rose, Luau Green
Sparkle N Sprinkle 1/2" and 1/4" Double Sided Tear-ific Tapes
Paper: K and Company Designer Paper by Brenda Walton, SU Eggplant, Pale Plum, White, Vellum
Spellbinders: Labels Thirteen, Fleur de Lis Squares, Fancy Tags Two
Martha Stewart Laurel Leaf PATP
Heartfelt Creations: Layered Scalloped Posy die, Decorative Blossom Corner Die
Lace, Fabric Softener Sheet, Cheese cloth, skeleton leaves, flowers by Irene's Garden
Memory Box: Fuchsia Sprig, Tender Leaves
USArtQuest: Prills Lemon Chiffon, PPA
Inks: Peeled Paint, Milled Lavender, Eggplant, Pumice Stone dye base, Imperial Purple VersaFine, VersaMark
Other Adhesives: Aileen's Quick Dry, Dimensionals
Images: SU Floral Friendship, IO Thinking of You Days, IO Sm. Flourish Four

Thanks for stopping by today! I always appreciate the time you have spent here, and for leaving your sweet comments.

hugs always and always,

57 comments:

KarinsArtScrap said...

3 gorgeous cards Donna, love those beautiful birds and the sparkle.

greetings karin

brenda said...

It's so refreshing to hear stories of good customer service Donna. All to often companies shy away from the issues which is far from conducive to helping their reputation.

As for your artwork, it's absolutely glorious, the colours, the wonderful attention to detail not to mention the delightful sentiments.

B x

Nikki Craft said...

Aghhhh!! I can't imagine what I would do if my Grand Calibur broke....I just couldn't live without mine:( Glad you got yours sorted!
Wow.... these cards are gorgeous.... the bling is beautiful:) and my favourite colours!
Nikki x

Shanna Shands said...

Amazing set of cards. I really love the flowers.

Barbara Bruder said...

What a beautiful set of cards, Donna. Thanks for sharing your talents with us.

Sue said...

A stunning selection of cards Donna. I love the papers you have used and the every single detail you have added looks wonderful.
So nice to hear about the good customer service that you received. It makes a nice change!
Oh and yes I do hold onto things thinking I will use them for a special project and then forget about them!
hugs Sue xx

Bernardine Cuttino said...

Wow, DE Striking and elegant creations, great minds do think alike and this is no different. Simply stunning and gorgeous with that subtle touch of elegance.
Hugs my dear friend,

Shea said...

You are such a smart cookie, young lady! I'm ALWAYS wondering how to use the dp with big images on it and in fact thing I have that same paper from K&Co! And figured I'd probably never use it! Thank you for the inspiration and for these luverly cards with the gorgeous details and embellishments. But the bird images steal the show. You've shown me how to make the dp work for ME instead of the other way around! Thank you!

Keep It Sweet and Simple said...

These are just beautiful, little works of art.
Caroline xxx

Sharon said...

These are beautiful Donna. I can see why you love the papers so much and you have certainly done them justice with your gorgeous design.
Well done Spellbinders.
Hugs Sharon. x

McCrafty's Cards said...

To start with Donna, I have to say I think that was fabulous of Spellbinder to give such great customer service, and glad to here your GC will be back up and running, All three cards are beautiful I love those birds, and I have papers in my stash I think I will never use as I cant replace them, I know I am sad but I cant help it.
Kevin xx

NanaConnie said...

Each one is more beautiful than the next, De! I've never seen such magnificent flowers. WOW! You know I'm loving the lavender shades. The borders are magnificent and just set off the whole card. Great use of those papers. I'm so glad you shared the story about Spellbinders and the GC. I love giving my business to companies who believe in taking care of customers, especially far beyond a warranty deadline. Too many companies today really don't care about repeat customer business and that's just sad.

Leslie Miller said...

OMG! I have that sentiment set and some of these flowers, but I've never done anything remotely this gloriously beautiful with them. I'm stunned beyond words. Yes, I do continually set things aside for a special use and then promptly forget about them. Several things come to mind now that you mention it. Spellbinders is a good company run by good people. I'm glad to hear you had a positive experience with them. Now that I've caught my breath I just have to say I love all your trims and edgings, those fabulous Prills, the gems, the gorgeous paper in its lovely purple. Especially like how you used the feather with the bird paper. But most of all I love how you, yourself, are so evident in the expert and very artistic way you put it all together. Magnificent!

Debi said...

Beautiful cards Donna! I love how you used the vellum. I have to try working with it, I never have. And I really need to get me some feathers!!!
Hugs,
Debi

Eret said...

Wow, Donna, you are amazing. 3 stunning cards. I truly love everything about them. You used those beautiful papers so well.
Like you, I also like to keep pretty papers but not for any special project, I just don't want to cut them a part. I'm afraid to ruin them. Silly me...
The way you used your papers is fabulous. All the flowers and sentiments makes the papers even better. The vellum doilies are gorgeous. Love your cards so much.
Hugs
Eret

Audrey Hiltke said...

Thud, Gasp, Wowzers - picking myself up off the floor gorgeous!! Seriously, these are some of the most amazing creations ever. And all your beautiful photos make it even more special to look at - Donna, you are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your art!!
Hugs,
Audrey

Anonymous said...

De, these cards are so beautiful! Love the birds, all of the punched out features, the colors, etc. I'm so glad your Grand Caliber got fixed because no girl can live without her die cutting machne!

Eleanor (craftsbyej)

Anne Temple said...

All of these are stunning! Love the papers and all the dies you used. I haven't heard of Prills before, but I really like them.

Lady Anne Milnes-Howard said...

Oh Donna, I was so busy looking at your work I forgot to leave a comment and I have had to return *smile* I just love all three of your cards, your work is amazing. Thank You for sharing with us at Lady Anne's Challenges. I hope we see you again soon.
Love ~ Lady Anne xx

Lady Anne's Blog

Lady Anne's Challenge
Lady Anne's Stamp Challenge
Lady Anne's: NanaVic's Challenge

Sharon said...

Awesome card, love the colors, the birds and the layouts. Thank You for sharing with us at Lady Anne's Challenges. I hope we see you again soon.
Sharon
Lady Anne's Stamp Challenge
Lady Anne's: NanaVic's Challenge

Keep It Sweet and Simple said...

Hi Donna, just got your message about the farm blog. Ooh, how lovely to have all that gorgeous, fresh produce right on your doorstep.
I'd be delighted for you to add my blog to your list and I will do likewise. Had a quick peek at your delish recipes on Pinterest and am looking forward to trying some of them out.
Caroline xxx

Carol L said...

Bravo to Spellbinders for a superior customer service experience! That's something rare in this day & age!
Your creations are simply phenomenal with those amazing die cuts and gorgeous embellishments! I love the coloring, the use of mesh, and everything you've done with your beautiful cards!

Sylvia said...

Great card, fabulous papers and embellishments. Thank you for joining us for the Crafty Bloggers Network Challenge.

Sylv xx
CBNDT

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

WOWZERS Donna! Oh my three gorgeous creations in one post, and they all compliment each other so well. Love everything about each, the die cuts, flowers, colours, words & more. Beautiful work! Great story about Spellbinders, glad it worked out so well. It's wonderful that your DH is handy and can make the repair for you :) Hope your day was a great one, Hugs, Shirleyx

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Me again, forgot to answer the question- yes I save things for that 'special' creation and 'stuff' builds up in my stash. I've been giving a lot of things away, I can't deal with so many stamps & papers, ribbon etc. Cheers, Shirleyx

Brenda said...

Such a beautiful set of cards! Love the deep lavender color too. Spellbinder's definitely rocks!!!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous cards De and glad hubby could revive your die cutting machine, we'd be lost without these trinkets..xx

Denise @ kc242 said...

What a fabulous project. Love your color choices! Thanks so much for joining us this week at Delightful Challenges!
Denise

Sue said...

Donna.......these three cards are Hallmark moments!!! What beautiful papers (yes we all hoard them and hate to use the last piece or cut into them) so many lovely detail and then gorgeous sentiments. Love the lilac color too. OUTSTANDING artwork, just so very lovely.

Hugs
Sue

Shell Shearer Swinscoe said...

Beautiful creation, love the dies & other embellishments you have used!

Thank you for sharing with us at Delightful Challenges this week, good luck!
Hugs Shell xx

Monica said...

So nice to hear a positive customer service story... and now your Spellbinder will be good as new ;-)
Donna, these cards are so elegant and graceful - like pretty pieces of jewellery mixed with fresh flowers. The colour scheme is amazingly delicate and very pretty. The papers are out of this world and the distressing and stitching lend it much character.
Much love,
Monica xxx

Cely said...

donna you are so sweet! your cars are impeccable, too. :D thanks for the bloggy love you left me, i'm your newest follower!

Sherri said...

Wow, Donna you are a gifted card maker. Spellbinders should be very proud to have such a talented and loyal customer. You really make their products shine. I'm so glad you took us up on our challenge to use a beloved favorite, the results are stunning. Thanks so much for sharing your work with us at Use It Tuesday.

Sandra Carey said...

Such a Stunning Card thanks for joining us at L.T.C. this week hope to see you again Hugs Sandra DT x

Maria Matter said...

Wow, these are SO gorgeous Donna! you are such an amazing crafter!!

Dawn said...

OMGosh! These are stunning!! I can see why you saved that paper to make it's own special card front; it is so gorgeous. I love how you've embellished each one with beautiful die cuts and flowers and then made each one unique with textured elements. So beautiful!

Hugs, Dawn

Shona Erlenborn said...

Hmmm! Not sure how I missed this! I too just found some papers that I had no idea I had and you've given me lots of ideas here Donna. The color combinations are just gorgeous, together with your embellishments and those prills - well I've just got to get me some of these!! Three totally gorgeous cards!

Heather B said...

Great cards. I love the colors, those papers are beautiful. Thank you so much for playing with us at Use It Tuesday!!

Desire Fourie said...

Donna these creations are gorgeous with beautiful sentiments. I can see they have been inspired by nature's beauty. Wow that is fantastic customer service, rarely found here in South Africa.
Hugs DesĂ­re {Doing Life}

Unknown said...

Beautiful - the bird, sparkles, flowers... Excellent! :)
Have a nice day!

Faye Wynn-Jones said...

Wow, what a beautiful piece. X

DOROTHY MADEREEL said...

Lovely set with nice colours. I love the flowers. Thank you for joining us at Fashionista.

Have a nice weekend,
with love from Holland,
Dorothy

Anonymous said...

Awesome work, Donna! These cards stole my heart on first sight - very sophisticated designs with the most beautiful colors, papers and embellishments.
Amelia x





Carol Hurlock said...

Donna-These are positively exquisite. I love how you used the velum for those delicate die cuts. Perfectly place embellishments allow the beauty of the paper to shine through. What a treat for the eyes. I must confess that I have this paper and am hoarding to no end which is what I do with most my paper. I keep saying I won't by any more paper and lo and behold the mound on my shelves magically gets bigger and bigger. Must be the paper fairies love me...lol
Bear Hugs.
Carol

Bonnie said...

Thank you so much for visiting my blog, Donna, because it led me to your gorgeous creations! WOW!

ShersL84bed said...

Beautiful

AnyOldCraft said...

Customer service like that is hard to find. I will certainly remember that for my next cutting machine.

Your cards are stunning.
I first thought they were altered art notebooks.
Great job :)

Cammy404 said...

Donna, beautifully done! Another masterpiece from Ms. D! :) love it, you got my vote!
Cammy

joann beasley said...

beautiful Donna !!

Sharon said...

All beautiful cards! Love that you were able to use things from your stash. LOL we all have too much stash!!
Hugs,
SHaron

Lady Bug Stampers said...

Donna wow I love love love your journal. It is absolutely stunning. I found you thro a mutual friend Chris H. I think you will know who she is she owns Created with Love challenges. and I am on the DT. I am a new follower as well. It would be super if you came to my blog to follow me as well. I am also located in Fl. Love this state!!
Linda at www.ladybustampers.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Donna, very gorgeous card, thank you for visiting my blog, glad to know you.

Hugs
Betty

Karenladd said...

so glad you had a happy ending for your Grand Calibur...and seriously, your projects are so beautiful that Spellbinders should be paying you to use their machine!! These are just exquisite.

Stampsnob. said...

Card is gorgeous, love the ribbon bows .....Lis

Shannon White said...

Aww, that's So Wonderful!! I Love a happy ending!! 8-) So glad they were able to send the parts to repair you GC! And at no charge to boot! That's so Awesome of them! And your Cards are just Stunning Donna!! Love the Beautiful plums & purples!! and the lovely blossoms, leaves and bling together are just Fabulous!! Wowie!! You are just soo Talented my Sweet friend! 8-)

Hugs
Shannon

Ellis said...

Fabulous set of cards you have made! =)
Thank You for sharing with us at Lady Anne's Challenges. I hope we see you again soon.
Hugs, Elenor DT

Cards by Lady Anne

Lady Anne's Challenge
Lady Anne's Stamp Challenge
Lady Anne's: NanaVic's Challenge

Ger said...

Wow this is stunning! Beautiful design. Thankyou for joining us this month at Crafty Bloggers Network