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, December 16, 2015

Sugar Plum Snow Ballerina {Scrapy Land #32}

Best Wishes to all for a very happy holiday season, 
and may the new year be especially good to you and yours!

Welcome new followers Cara Malmrose of My Creative Chaos, Cheri Weston of Stamp'n Boomer, Jenny Alia of Jen's Paper Obsession

Today I have fun card share for Challenge #32 at Scrapy Land
For those who enjoy the Nutcracker Suite At Christmas Time
it's...
The Sugar Plum Snow Ballerina!


Challenge #32 at Scrapy Land is 
Anything Christmas/Holiday Goes with die cuts. 

To enter the challenge follow the theme AND use any die brand that Scrapy Land sells
and become eligible for a fabulous prize and badges!

My card measures A7 (5" x 7") using the following "mix-and-match" dies from three Scrapy Land manufacturers.


(Scrapy Land dies shown below with their links)
Poppy Stamps Poinsettia Bloom

We would love for you to become a Follower of the Scrapy Land Facebook page and the new Pinterest boards.




I'm not sure where I acquired this graphic. It was lightly precolored, so I added the blue and some extra pink, to bring out the "sugar plum" theme. It's a silly, sweet creation.

Looking forward to seeing your creations on the Scrapy Land Challenge Blog!

NOTE: A glimpse into the future! Hope you enjoy!


My Christmas Cacti this season:




Scrapy Land Products:
Other Supplies:
  • Inks: Sky Blue dye, Spun Sugar dye, Worn Lipstick, Tuxedo Black
  • (partially pre colored image unknown)
  • Rhinestones, Stitching, Patterned Paper, White & Pink Cardstock
  • Stickles (on flowers) and Sparkle N Sprinkle Bubble Gum Glitter G1088
  • USArtquest mini Prills "Mango"
Playing in the following fun challenges please:

  1. Avenue 613 #154 "Create Your Own Challenge" 12/20 (Col 1- image, sentiment, PP, Solid Paper Col 2-  die cut, Col 3-  Stickles (on flowers), Col 4-   Pearl (center of lace), bling (rhinestones by sentiment) sequins (on lace), flowers (poinsettias in corner and Chloe Stems), Col 5 - lace, real stitching in frame.
  2. Glitter N Sparkle Challenge #167 Non-Traditional Colors 12/20
  3. The Christmas Challenge #74 Anything Goes  12/31
  4. A Gem of a Challenge "Anything Christmas Goes" 1/2
  5. A Snowflake's Promise #12 Anything Christmas 12/28
  6. Fan-tastic Tuesday #116 "Make It Sparkle" 12/21
  7. Holly Jolly Christmas Anything Christmas  01/16
  8. Eureka Stamps Challenge #171 "Non Traditional Christmas Colors" 12/21
  9. Sparkle N Sprinkle Challenges December - Use Loose Glitter (on Snow Dancer's tutu and head ornament). 12/31
  10. Shopping our Stash #231 "Let It Snow" 12/23


Christmas Hugs,



Wednesday, December 02, 2015

Christmas {Scrapy Land}

A Happy Hello from Warm, Sunny Florida!
Hard to believe we are nearly at the end of another year.

Pretty Die-Versions snowflakes adorn today's card.

Challenge #31 at Scrapy Land is 
Anything Goes with die cuts. 

To enter the challenge follow the theme AND use any die brand that Scrapy Land sells
and become eligible for a fabulous prize and badges!

My cards measure 6 inches square, and A7 (5" x 7") using the following "mix-and-match" dies from three Scrapy Land manufacturers.


(Scrapy Land dies shown below with their links)




Both frames are dark purple, and the middle 
dry-embossed paper is a metallic lavender.
The ornate white frame and Snowflakes are coated with glittery 
Sparkle Embossing Powder.
This photo shows the metallic lavender a bit more realistically.
is among my favorite for the pretty details.


The metallic paper is textured and dry embossed.
Snowflakes are adorned with sparkly rhinestones.
The square card took a little longer to create because of the heat embossed snowflakes and frame, and the extra inked areas. 


But the rectangular card was very fast and easy. 

Even though dimensional adhesive was used, both cards are relatively flat for mailing purposes.

Sue Wilson Ornate Pierced Rectangles
Looking forward to seeing your creations on the Scrapy Land Challenge Blog!


Scrapy Land Products Used:
Other Products:
  • Sentiment: SU Elegant Cheer
  • DCWV Metallics Set, Rhinestones, dye ink, pigment ink, purple/white CS
  • Sparkle N Sprinkle's SPARKLE embossing powder.
  • Embossing Folders: Die'Sire's Star Of Wonder, and Craft Concepts Tuscan Tile
Challenges I would like to play in please:
  1. Crafty Hazel Nut's Christmas Challenge #257 Use Die Cuts Or Punches (listed above) 12/4
  2. Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge #108 Use a Diet Cut 12/4
  3. Winter Wonderland Challenges Nov 27 "Add Some Sparkle and Bling (snowflakes have rhinestones, and snowflakes and frame have glittery Sparkle EP, cardstock is shiny) 12/3
  4. Christmas Card Challenges #52 - Anything Goes Christmas 12/4
  5. Holly Jolly Christmas Challenge - Nov 24 - "Embossing" (I used EP on the frame and snowflakes and 2 EF's on both shiny background panels). 12/6
  6. Cuttlebug Mania Nov 24 "Embossing" 12/7 (used 2 EFs and several die cuts shown above)
  7. Outlawz Monday Greetings Challenge - Nov 30 - 12/6
  8. Always Playing With Paper #53 "Non Traditional Christmas Card" 12/5 (Used unconventional colors).
  9. Artistic Inspirations #146 "Anything Goes with a twist of Christmas" 12/13
  10. Sparkles Christmas Challenges - #59 Christmas Die Cuts (Santa's sleigh) 12/28

Crafty Hugs!





Tuesday, December 01, 2015

Crafts Galore Encore!

Yes! I'm doing a Happy Dance!

Beginning 2016, I'll be joining the fabulous UK-based Design Team at 



Hope to see your pretties at the challenge.
There are lots of chances to win badges and prizes!

This month, the challenge theme is "Merry Christmas - Anything Goes".

The rules are SIMPLE at 


  1. Enter using the theme - new projects only(no back linking).
  2. Maximum of 3 entires per Challenge.
  3. Enter any number of other challenges in addition to ours.
  4. Your blog post should link to our challenge with a comment about your creation if appropriate (ie: Bingo challenges, Inspiration words or photos, etc.).
  5. Please link your specific entry, NOT your blog in general.

Thanks for sharing my happiness!
Looking forward to seeing you there.
warm crafting hugs,



Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Hello...

No card today... but...


Thank you, 
sweet friends, 
for being a big part of 
my Thanksgiving Blessings. 



love,


Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Monochrome Christmas {Scrapy Land}

A Warm Welcome from Warm Florida,
my dear crafty friends!
Hoping you are well, and enjoying the seasonal weather.
Thanks for stopping by and for your sweet encouragement.


Challenge #30 at Scrapy Land is 
Anything Monochrome Goes with die cuts. 

To enter the challenge follow the theme AND use any die brand that Scrapy Land sells
and become eligible for a fabulous prize and badges!

My card is an A7 (5x7) card, using the following "mix-and-match" dies from three Scrapy Land manufacturers.


(Scrapy Land dies shown below with their links)
Spellbinders Bitty Blossoms


The image was stamped in VersaFine and heat set with Sparkle N Sprinkle's Concord Star EP, for a fresh glittery look. The same EP was used on the 2 Holly Branches by Die-Namites.


I played with Color Bursts as a background for the pretty Sue Wilson Snowflake Background die cut. The white die was adhered with my Xyron. Then the entire Color-Burst-background-and-adhered-Snowflake-die-cut was run through the Xyron again.  Clear Detail EP from SNS was then heat set on the panel.


While completely covering the white snowflake die cut, the Clear EP created for a "distressed look" on the Color Burst Background. The finished process achieved an icy appearance. Finally, the frame was coated with VersaMark and Sparkle EP107 and heat set one more time for a glitter border.

A Martha Stewart Punched frame provides visual interest under the panel.



Looking forward to seeing your creative designs at the Anything Monochrome Challenge #30 at Scrapy Land Challenge.


Scrapy Land Products:
Other Products:

Challenges I'd like to Play in Please:
  1. Crafty Calendar Challenge "November" - Sparkle-Bling-Embellish - The frame is embossed with glitter, and the holly leaves are also embossed with glittery EP, the snowflakes are embossed with shiny EP, Bells are embossed with purple glittery EP, hand-made roses 11/29
  2. ABC Christmas Challenge DT Call (ends Nov 30). I also submitted a second card located here: http://creativesmiles2.blogspot.com/2013/11/lovely-wreath-twisted-easel.html
  3. A Snowflakes Promise #10 Anything Winter/Christmas - 11/30
  4. Creative Card Crew  #100 "Sprinkle" 11/23 Sprinkled purple glittered EP on image and holly die cuts, Sprinkled clear EP across the background and white die cut, Sprinkled "Sparkle" EP on the white frame of the snowflake die cut.
  5. Fantastic Tuesday #112 "Purple" 11/23
  6. Scrap Creations Nov 10 "Make It Sparkle"  Purple glittered EP on image and holly die cuts, clear shiny EP across the background and white die cut, glittery "Sparkle" EP on the white frame of the snowflake die cut. 11/23
  7. Unicorn Challenge #3 "Christmas Is Coming" 11/27 (12/1)
Thanks for stopping by!
Stamping Hugs,



Wednesday, November 04, 2015

Autumn Friendship

A big hello, crafty friends! Hope all is well for you.
Here in central-rural Florida, we are still enjoying day time temperatures in the mid-upper 80s (30C).
Our evenings are still in the upper 60s, lower 70s. We would enjoy some of the Autumn weather everyone is boasting about!

My card today is inspired by a very special friend.
Flower Girl - Magic in You (digital)
Flower Girl - Magic in You (rubber stamp set)


The Challenge this fortnight at Scrapy Land is 
Anything Goes with die cuts. 

To enter the challenge follow the theme AND use any die brand that Scrapy Land sells
and become eligible for a fabulous prize and badges!

My card is an A7 (5x7) card, using the following "mix-and-match" dies from three Scrapy Land manufacturers.


(Scrapy Land dies shown below with their links)
The card felt a little out of balance after adding the sentiment, so I added a heat embossed "portion" from the Spellbinders Triple Tear S4-490 in the top right corner, with a coordinating sticker-jewel. Here's how:

TIP:
To create visual interest, or fill in a spot, die cut a shape on an unused scrap or color of cardstock you don't care for. Then heat emboss, cut, and use part of the shape as an accent. Here was the before and after color, using Sparkle N Sprinkle's Sienna Star EP.


TIP:
Such a pretty, dainty font in this Penny Black sentiment. I enjoy embossing sentiments, but sometimes the daintier sentiments don't do well unless a detailed EP is used.
Sparkle N Sprinkle produces several colors which work well with fine fonts, due to their special hand-blending formulas. The SNS Tuscany and Cosmic lines are both wonderful alternatives. This color is Moss EP418.



TIP:
How to "splice" or "shadow" thin die cut pieces:


TIP:
Cutting and embossing border frames on two sides of your card.
here's how:




Looking forward to seeing your creative designs at the Anything Goes Challenge #29 for the Scrapy Land Challenge.



GRATEFULNESS is the theme for The Path of Positivity Challenge this month.

Trying to maintain a positive attitude is challenging at times when living with chronic pain and illness. 
When my Peace and Contentment seem "remotely missing" due to disconcerting limitations, symptoms and pain, I know it is time to have a Gratitude Check. 

Anyone sharing these same issues knows that sometimes we might succumb to that Green Monster Jealousy because we cannot live "normally" as others do.

STILL...

There is always so much to be grateful for, 
regardless of one's circumstances or feelings.
This year, one VERY dear Gift in particular 
was sent my way during a very difficult time! 

My best friend from High School contacted me! Forty-seven years ago we inseparably shared every detail with giggles and tears and lots of studying! As happens with many friendships, we both relocated, married, and Life got in the way of catching up... until this year! It's as though we were never apart, sharing (again) every part of our lives, and so happy to be a part of each other's well-being. Though 1,000 miles separate our bodies, our hearts are still melded. It goes to prove that even with all the changes we experience in our lives -- all the turmoils, job transfers, health challenges, child problems, happy events, and personal growth, we are essentially the same people we've always been.

The added blessing is that many personal healings have taken place for BOTH OF US, simply by being able to fondly "look back together" and by being there for each other today.
Aside from all the many "small-yet-big" things in my life,
I am very grateful for, and to, lovely Diane Brown.

**************************************

Products Used from Scrapy Land:



Other Products:



Playing in the following challenges please:

  1. The Path of Positivity Challenge #32 Gratefulness (blurb written in last paragraph of my post) 10/7
  2. Crafts Galore Encore Challenge Blog and Design Team Call - #23 - Use a stamp or digi stamp (I have used both : Bugaboo's Digital Pretty Flower Girl, Penny Black sentiment set "Eloquence" - 12/1
  3. Crafty Time Challenges - Nov - EMBELLISH IT! Lace, Glittered EP, Jeweled Flourishes and dotted "I"s, Die Cuts 12/1
  4. Sparkles Challenge #73 Pearls or Lace 11/15 (lace)
  5. The Crafty Addicts - #4 Anything Goes Using Die Cuts (I have used 4 shown in the products listing) 12/3
  6. Crafting by Designs - Nov 4 - Anything Goes November Edition! 11/26 (sep post)
  7. Fab N Funky Challenges - #280 Die cuts and Punches (I have used 4 die sets and a Martha Stewart border punch 11/11
  8. Dies R Us Challenge - #36 Fall (used fall colors in a Gratitude theme) 11/13
  9. Whimsy Inspires Challenges #87 Fall Colors 11/17 (brown, orange, gold, copper)

Hope your crafting week has been creative!
hugs,


Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Butterflies Butterflies

Greetings Sweet Blogging Buddies and Crafty Friends! 
Thanks for your comments and support.

Here in Florida it is still in the mid 80s, making it difficult to get into the Fall Colors many are enjoying at this time. However, we have enjoyed a few cool mornings at 59F (15C).
So my cards are still summery! 
They are also in honor of our Southern Hemisphere friends coming into their Spring months.

The Challenge this fortnight at Scrapy Land is 
Anything Goes WITH EMBOSSING. 

To enter the challenge follow the theme AND use any die brand that Scrapy Land sells
and become eligible for a fabulous prize and badges!

My cards use the following "mix-and-match" dies from several Scrapy Land manufacturers.


(Scrapy Land dies shown below with their links)


The cards are size A7 (5x7):

The solid yellow beneath the frame is dry embossed. Difficult to see, there are three layers of butterfly wings - the white (back) and vellum (middle) are both dry embossed.

The sentiment is gold heat embossed.

Both sides of the slender, designer paper frame are distressed with Crushed Olive ink. It was cut using SB Grand Large Labels.

Hope you can see the dry embossing in the white and vellum layers! 



The pretty Die'Sires background image is self-embossing during the die cut process:

Both the frame and background show dry embossing.
The base of the butterfly die cut was cut with a layer of Tear-ific Tape.
Velvety Cloud Nine Glitter was burnished atop the adhesive so that the yellow paper color would remain natural, while the velvet glitter adds sparkle and texture.

Added a peek of Sue Wilson California Collection Border, Corner, Tag on the bottom of the card for a touch of elegance. 

My pink card uses the same sketch as above:

The embossed frame was coated with Tear-ific Tape,
dredged with Cloud Nine Glitter, and then dry embossed after being die cut.

The butterfly's base layer is also coated with Velvet Glitter to match the frame.

Just a touch of Sue Wilson's border die again, to create texture in the flower arrangement.
The seam binding was crinkled and spritzed with Tattered Angels.

Looking forward to seeing your creative designs at the Anything Goes Challenge #27 for the Scrapy Land Challenge.

Products Used:

Scrapy Land Dies:
Other:
Thanks for letting me play in the following Challenges:
  1. Craft Your Passion - #284 "Anything Goes" 10/25
  2. Crafty Boots - Oct 12 "Pink Challenge" 10/25 (two weeks)
  3. Sparkle N Sprinkle - Oct "Anything Goes with Loose Glitter/EP" 10/25 used glitters shown above and gold EP.
  4. Creative Card Crew #94 - "Use Ribbon" Used hand-dyed ribbon in my pink card, and satin ribbon bow tied on one yellow card 10/26
  5. Sweet Stamps "Oct" 'Anything Goes' 11/1
  6. Hiding in My Craft Room - #221 Favorite Cutting Tool (my favorite tool is my SB Grand Calibur - all these dies were cut with it, and it is used on every card creation!) 10/24
  7. Craft-Dee BowZ - October Challenge "Anything Goes with a Bow" 11/1 (my yellow and pink cards each have bows from my CDBZ).
Stamping Hugs,