A Hoot Of A Prize! (Whoo Will Win?)

A hearty September One Welcome to you, my blogging friends, and my newest followers - Shirley, Irina, Mayra, Diane, "yellowfawnlily",  - and my latest friends from Bloglovin and other Readers!

2 chances to win

the 1st with our Owlette Release Contest
 and
the 2nd with the SNS monthly challenge!

 In addition to the new Challenge at the Sparkle N Sprinkle Creative Challenges Blog this month, we have a special treat. But first, we'd like to invite you to the Challenge which is 

"Anything Goes with Glitter, Embossing Powder and/or Flocking." 

There will be three winners each month, and badges, too!

But Today...

 Sparkle N Sprinkle is releasing a cute little owlette set created by artist Becky Muir. 

For a chance to win the Owlette stamp set and an embossing powder and a glitter, we are kicking things off with a Mystery Designer Party!

On one of the participating blogs below, a Commenter will be selected to receive the prize. 

No one knows who the Mystery Designer is, so you may wish to visit each Sparkle Team Member's blog to leave a comment. 

The winner will be announced on September 3 on Facebook, the SNS blog, and on our blogs:

Belinda Shupe

Shona Erlenborn

Craft E Marie Berquist

April "Stampwilly" Williams

and Guest Designers:

Barbara Bruder

and me! (you are here - chuckle)

AND AND AND

This darling Owlette set is available  at 20% off 

as part of our Labor Day specials. 

Just use the code LABOR20 in the COMMENTS SECTION 

when checking out in the SNS on-line store 

to receive this brand new set at 20% off.

Promotion valid through September 3. (sorry, credit card customers only. Total will be manually adjusted. Or phone the SNS shoppe on Monday).

To see what Beccy's digi team has created, please click here.

This was such a fun card to put together - because there was GLITTER and more Glitter and LOTS of GLITTERY embossing powder. I'm more than partial to sparkly EP.

It's probably an addiction.

They say the first step to getting well is acknowledging there is a problem. 

But do I want leave my life of Sparkle behind?

My Tip Today:


Making a straight line for embossing powder: In my card above, there is a green glittery base created with Moss Star embossing powder. On top of that is a Brown Umber matte layer with the MS Punch Around the Page edger.

That "coppery-glittery-mica-powdery texture next to the decorative edging is the same brown paper - not a separate layer.

When using frame die cuts or Martha's punch-around-the-page punches, it is possible to achieve two textures on one layer by carefully applying VersaMark ink around the edge of the punched out panel.

Lay your stamp pad carefully on the line where the EP is desired. Kind of press hard, with just a tad of "smooshing", but don't move the pad or you'll lose the straight line (got that?) haha

Once that is done (you may need to do two or more separate applications between embossings so the VM does not dry), simply sprinkle on your EP and heat.

Above is a close-up of 

Groucho Marx Owl (the big guy with bushy eyebrows) 

and 

Zombie Owl (far right).

The little guy on the far left is sporting a "bur head" buzz hair cut with Buff color flocking.

(grin)

Beautiful creamy Bronze Rose Cosmic EP for the sentiment provides more bling,
    more dimension,
         atop the Peruvian Lily Velvet glitter ring,
               and
                    the Dandy Dandelion Glittery EP!

ADDICTED!

       ADDICTED

                           YIKES!

(but I don't want any help - I like my addiction)


Tip Number Two: 
The very glittery yellow scallop circle was made by smooshing VersaMark Ink on Ivory colored cardstock, and heat embossing Dandy Dandelion EP on it. Punch as needed.

One last wonky photo to show off the various textures LOL:

For complete directions to recreate a card or project like this, please click here.

Thanks for visiting today.

Remember to leave a comment on all 6 blogs because whoo knows which of us is the Mystery Designer? 

(secretly, I hope you will win! - but please don't tell anyone else)

If you are having trouble leaving comments, or have other questions, please click here for more details.

Craft Room Challenges is challenging us to use "new/unused" things in our stash. This cute new owlette set is one thing, but the MS Double Scallop Edger border punch has been in my stash for over a year, and never been used (shamefully admitting).

SNS Techniques Used:
Flocking Basics (with video) using Dimensional Glue
Making Glitter Paper (using colored EPs)
Staz-on and Velvet Glitters (steps one and two only)

Products Used:

Sparkle N Sprinkle Owlette Stamp Set (#511)  (20% off thru Sept 3)
Sparkle N Sprinkle 1/4" Tear-ific Tape
Sparkle N Sprinkle 3/4" Tear-ific Tape
Sparkle N Sprinkle 2.5" Tear-ific Tape
Sparkle N Sprinkle Dimensionals
Sparkle N Sprinkle Brushable Glue
Sparkle N Sprinkle MIXTURE of Moss and Pine Star EPs
Sparkle N Sprinkle Bronze Rose Cosmic Embossing Powder
Sparkle N Sprinkle Log Cabin Embossing Powder
Sparkle N Sprinkle Moss Star Embossing Powder
Sparkle N Sprinkle Dandy Dandelion Embossing Powder
Sparkle N Sprinkle Evening Glow Glitter
Sparkle N Sprinkle Peruvian Lily Velvet Glitter
Sparkle N Sprinkle Amber Wheat Flocking
Sparkle N Sprinkle Buff Flocking
SNS Assorted "E" Copic Markers
SNS Inks: Distress Peeled Paint, Distress Antique Linen, VersaMark, Memento Tuxedo Black
Sizzix Leaf Branch
MS - Double Scallop Edger
MS - Scalloped Scallop Edger
MS - leaf branch punch
MS - Lace Flourish PAP
EKS - scallop border
SU - Scallop Circle Punch
SU - 1.25" Circle Punch
SU - 1 3/8" Circle Punch
Spellbinders: Long Classic Rectangles
Cardstock: White, SNS Neenah White (for owlettes), Umber Brown, Dark Brown, Olive
Lace, Flowers

This Hoot of a Card is submitted to the following wonderful challenges:

#5 below (Hanna and Friends) Bingo + live cute animals

1. Craft Room Challenges - "Something New"(MS Double Scallop Edger and Owlette set) T (9-3)
2. Oldie But A Goodie Challenge - "Embossing + at least 6 months old" (5 embossing powders) plus MS Double Scallop Edger which is over a year old and never used. T (9-3)
3. Party Time Tuesdays - "Anything Goes" - T(W)9-3
4. Through the Craft Room Door - "Anything Goes" T(W)9-3
5. Hanna and Friends - #179 "Bingo+cute living animals" (owlettes, glimmer+flowers+dies) 2W (ends 9/11)
6. Paper Crafting Journey - Aug 22 "Anything Goes" (Th ends 9/12)
7. Crafters Cafe - #26 "Embossing" (embossing powder on sentiment, 3 layers and leaves) W(W)
8. Inspire Me Fridays - #118 "Anything Goes" (F, week)
9. Jellypark Friends - Aug23 "Things That Fly" - (owls) F-2W (9/6)
10. Totally Gorjuss - #199 Texture - (lots of glitter, EP and flocking, lace)

Wonder Whooooo The Mystery Designer is? Maybe me?


Thanks for sharing my day today, see you at your blog!
hugs,

Holly the Christmas Fairy at Fashionista

A hearty August Welcome to you, my blogging friends, and my newest followers - Lindsay, Kim, Gery, Jackie, Mimi, Marie, Judith, Pooja (of Quilling) - and my newest friends from Bloglovin and other Readers!

This month the Fashionista Challenge is featuring those "sweet pretties" in Christmas Motif (be sure to upload your Christmas creation for a chance at a prize or badge!)

Focusing on All that is typically "seasonal" -- like...

  Joy, 
     Family, 
        Peace, 
           Friends, 
               Kindness, 
                    Harmony, 
                        Love, 
                           Happiness -- 

this Sparkle N Sprinkle Stamp says it all. Holly the Christmas Friendship Fairy is gentle and sweet. If you are a "digi" person, click here for the digital image.

Glitter - Sparkle - more Glitter!

The Path of Positivity Challenge this month is all about OPTIMISM.

Because Holly sees Beauty in all, her sweetness is evident as she tenderly greets each soul as a special gift. To soothe "ruffled feathers" her lovingkindness pours forth.

Optimism is like that.

Despite what others may say or do,
       despite the hardships or circumstances which come into our lives,
                despite our emotional reactions at situations,

our Souls can rise above. 

Some call it Hope,
     or Optimism,
           or the Silver Lining - ability to see the good in everything,

Some call it "The Peace That Passes Understanding",
        and others call it a knowledge that we can bring Love, Peace, Joy, Harmony
                (or whatever is necessary), by simply "being our true selves".

It has been said that Optimism is the "ultimate survival tool". It is filled with Hope and a certain expectation that in the end, all will not be "merely" well, but it will be beautiful, in its own way.





Not quite ready to move into full traditional Christmas Colors, I selected royal colors instead - purple, magenta, a "distressed" golden hue, and a surprise hint of pale turquoise.

Check out the glittery embossing powder below (it will never come off and is acid-free)

The Memory Box Christmas Tree has been in my stash for over a year, and never used.

The image was stamped twice on white cardstock. One image was oval cut, and the other with Labels 23. The oval was distressed, lightly "painted" with Brushable Glue, coated with Concord and Mulberry EPs and heat set. The other white was cut with Labels 23, so that the framed line in the Oval matches the framed line in the layer below. The outside area around the black line in the bottom panel was "colored" with VersaMarker and embossed with Cappuccino EP. The Panel below the "white" panel was also smooshed with VersaMark and embossed with Mulberry EP around the edges. 

The oval panel is adhered to the panel below with dimensionals.

Holly's furry white cuff, belt and hem are quite fluffy with special dimensional glue and glittery flocking powder.

Snowy coated branches glisten with more glitter that has a touch of lavender in it.

The snowflakes and Swirly Christmas Tree are die cut in advance, smooshed with VersaMark ink, and then dredged with three colors of glittery embossing powder (listed below). SO SPARKLY, with a touch of added creaminess from the EP.

TIP: The smaller snowflakes were done differently. This technique is perfect for punches.

Using scrap paper/card stock, smoosh VersaMark all over the piece. Dredge with glittery embossing powder and heat set. Keep these smaller pre-embossed papers on hand for punches.

Great for punching butterflies and flowers as needed to cover up boo-boos on our cards.
(My boo-boo is shown below.)

See how glittery the snowflakes and swirly tree look? 

(laughing here, because our German Shepherd is just as glittery)

As promised, here is my boo-boo -- 

A MAJOR hole in the metallic lavender layer on the right side, covered up by the layered snowflakes. (you can see the "accidental 3-inch black hole" if you look through the gold snowflake on the right side. The sentiment covers the rest of it up)

Thought you might enjoy that (smile)

Even our traditional "New Years Greetings" are full of Optimism. 

This oh-so-glittery card has been submitted to the following fabuloso challenges!

1. Christmas Cards All Year Long - Fussy and Fancy - (M,P1)
2. Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge - Anything Goes - (M,P1)
3. Path of Positivity Challenge - #5 Optimism (M -Aug)
4. Card and Scrap - #59 Anything Goes (M P1)
5. Sunshine Mail - Anything Goes (ends Sept 1)
6. Christmas at Sweet Stampin' - #9 Winter Animals (birds enjoying the snow covered branches) (ends 9-10)
7. Holly Jolly Christmas - "Gimme Glitter-lots of glitter!" - Glitter everywhere! (W-Tues)
8. Crafts and Me - #139 Anything Goes - (ends 8-21)
9. Divas by Design - Christmas in August - (W-W)
10. Christmas Card Challenges - #38 - Non Traditional Christmas Image (W-Sun, Winners ann'd 1st Challenge of month)

Products Used:
Sparkle N Sprinkle rubber stamp set Christmas Friendship Fairy
Embossing Powder, Glitter, Flocking:
  SNS Mulberry STAR EP427
  SNS Concord STAR EP431
  SNS Cappuccino STAR EP434
  SNS Mediterranean STAR EP429
  SNS Lavender Iris Glitter G1061 (on snow)
  SNS Twinkling Clouds Sparkle N Soft flocking SS107
Ink: Memento Black Tuxedo, Brilliance Orchid Pearlescent, Memento LuLu Lavender, VersaMark
Copics: BV00, V17, V12, E35, 0, W3, R0000, W1, E53, B05
SNS Brushable Glue
SNS Dimensional Glue
Lifestyle Sticky Thumb Dimensionals
Paper: Neenah White, Purple, White, DCWV metallics
Dies and Punches:
Spellbinders:
  Grand Oval Nesties
  Grand Labels 23
  Labels 23
  Gold Labels 4
MS Himalayan Snowflake Large Punch
IO Triple Snowflake Die
Memory Box Wonderland Tree

Warm Hugs Always,

Things Are A Changin' (and Blog Candy Awarded)

Did you notice? 

You, dear bloggers, were given a reprieve from visiting for a while. Big changes occurred since I last wrote.

Mind if I share? Of course you do. (smile)

But you'll indulge because, after all...
      you are you.

First of all,

an offer to resume the Sparkle N Sprinkle Design Team Captainship was extended by my sweet friend Margaret, who is the owner. The current DTC, Miss Brenda, will be spending more time traveling and being with family.

Sooo... 
        that being said, 
                     I've switched hats a bit. 

SNS has a design team call through August 22 for scrapbookers and cardmakers (desperate for scrapbookers!)  If you'd care to take a peek at the Call, just click here (or e-mail me for a PDF).

At the Sparkle Team, we have lots of fun because... 
        well, because... 
                let's face it... 
                        We're all glittery and sparkly. 

And now on to the July Blog Candy.

The Christmas stamps and goodies in the U.S. go to Danielle Vincent of D's Crafty Connection. I've contacted Danielle to let her know. (hope you have fun with these Christmas goodies since the winter holidays are right around the corner!)

The acrylic My Mind's Eye Christmas set with snowflakes, snowman, trees, flourish, to-from for tags, and pretty sentiments goes to Karen Petitt in Northamptonshire U.K. I left a message on her Google Plus Account (hope you saw it, Karen!) (enjoy for Christmas cards this year!)

An August blog candy will be posted soon with my next card.

Almost the end...

In the meantime, (that's the same thing as "back on the ranch...")

         Each one of you contributes beautifully to my life.

                         Thank you for bringing such joy to me with your messages and encouragement.

Many of the visitors to this little blog read one another's Comments. Apparently you all enjoy and encourage each other as well.    It's wonderful being part of the on-line Community, isn't it?

Finally...

One Last Thing to those who have asked - I'm still using a walker, but have improved substantially. Thank you for your healing thoughts and prayers.

Always warm sparkly hugs from Florida,