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, 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,


56 comments:

brenda said...

Morning Donna,

Before I even got to your post I had to stop and drawl over your blog header, what a gorgeous picture and lovely Bronte quote.

As for your card, that image is so very pretty and in your hands made into a beautiful creation with all the dies and pearly swirl embellishments.

B x

craftieodmae said...

Beautiful, great tutorial!!!

Pamellia said...

Hey Donna, just gorgeous as always!! Just popped my head in to say thanks so much for all of the kind comments you left for me while I was away, you are so sweet! I am mostly all settled in now and finally able to take some time to visit my favourite blogs!! Looking forward to all of your intricate Christmas cards this season! Take care and I will see you again soon. hugs :)

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Donna, I also love your blog header. Your card is gorgeous, I just love how you are able to combine die cuts and glitter along with images. Yes I love our Fall weather and cooler tempatures but would enjoy sunshine and palm trees in the winter ! I love our seasons, but the winter is too long, it takes forever for Spring to arrive. Take good care Hugs, Shirley Xx

Lori Kobular said...

Donna this card is amazing! Love the image, but all those beautiful layers really make it shine!

Shona Erlenborn said...

First of all - love the new header! The card is sensational. Love the way you have shown how to die cut using pieces of the die AND pieces of ugly card stock (which then get an embossed uplift!). Great way to use up scraps. The result is gorgeous. From the image to the sparkly borders and frames, to the gorgeous embellishments. Thanks for the step by step tutorial.

Samra said...

Gorgeous card Donna! Thank you for the tutorial, I definitely need to try this :)
Hugs

Samra
Paper Talk with Samra

Anne Temple said...

Your card is amazing! Love how you created you own frame (thanks for the tips on how to do it too!). SO happy to hear you and your friend re-connected after all these years and it was like no time had passed at all.

Linda said...

Hello Donna, firstly, your header is absolutely stunning! Your card is beautiful! You are very creative, and I appreciate you sharing your lovely talent!

Pat K said...

Beautiful card Donna with great tutorials. Love your amazing blog header too...always a pleasure to visit. hugs, Pat k xx

KraftyKoolKat said...

This is such a beauty Donna. Love the colours and all those beautiful diecuts. So glad you have found your friend again.
Hugs
Cathy
xxxx

KarinsArtScrap said...

gorgeous design and so beautiful made Donna, love all the details and diecuts
Gr Karin

Lisa said...

Wow, Donna, your card is absolutely stunning!! I need the dies you used!! They look so amazing together!! The image is so sweet and colored beautifully!! Each detail you added is perfect!! I love, love this!! Fabulous tutorial, too!! And I'm so glad you were able to reconnect with your friend!! That's so awesome!! Have a wonderful day!! Hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Pia S said...

Donna, this card is gorgeous! I just love your mix of die cuts, with and without sparkle, and I do have a soft spot for Bugaboo images. It looks fantastic!

Sue said...

What a beautiful card. Sue

cotnob said...

Such a fabulous card Donna, your image is beautiful and your die cut details are gorgeous - the shadow effect really makes the most of your dies - a super design.
Pauline
x

Patricia St Martin said...

Donna, Fantastic card and thank you for the ideas with working with those longer die cuts. I was having problems with the same one and not happy as to how big it is, I will remember what you said and try that. Love the idea of embossing the die cuts with embossing powers to add sparkle and some different colors. Wonderful job with your Bugaboo image she is adorable, love the fall colors. I want to ask you what size are you making the cards? Love the lace and the pearls.
Hugs Pat

Nancy Hill said...

Love what you did with the Sue Wilson Design die. Just bought it and still challenged with the size. Love what you did with the card and beautiful picture. Love the lace and pearls.

Karen said...

Donna, this card is absolutely stunning... in design and inspiration. What a blessing to be reunited, sharing such a special bond forever. Love knows no boundaries. :o) The image is gorgeous and your design is filled with sweet elegance. A lovely treasure that she will cherish for always. :o) Have a beautiful day, my friend.

Hugs and blessings,
Karen

Stampsnob. said...

The dies are lovely but what is keeping my attention is the color you used it makes a beautiful card ......Lis

Maryvonne Coussé said...

Absolutely Gorgeous ! Love your TUTORIAL , and Thank you for the explanations !
Hugs
Maryvonne

crafty-stamper said...

I love the beautiful blog header too--and gorgeous card love the beautiful Bugaboo image and gorgeous die-cuts love the colour combination and great tips you give
carol x

pam said...

Stunning amazing creation Donna, love how you seem to alter your dies, mainly frames, most just do not use them! so thank you for the know how..
Adore your gorgeous coloured image, beautiful layout with gems and sparkle.
How lovely to get contact from your old school friend, must have given you so much pleasure.
Think we all love your blog headed LOL.
Hugs
Pam x

Leslie Miller said...

You clever, crafty girl! I first wondered what that gorgeous die was, and then I saw it is one of the very same dies in my own collection -- the Sue Wilson Orion border. So gorgeous, but you've turned it into something else altogether and enhanced its gorgeousness with your crafty skills. And that ordinary paper turned extraordinary with the glittery finish -- exquisite! Such a darling image so beautifully colored and your card design makes it extra special. Your details are always superb. You make card gazing so much fun!

aussie aNNie said...

Love this gorgeous creation, colours are beautiful.love your new blog header.
I have changed my blog due to a few google + issues Please take the time to follow me again... it is now here....
 { aNNie}

Gloria Shirr (purpleglo) said...

Gorgeous Diane. Very creative! Congrats you have won on my Blog Celebration. I sent you an email; so please contact me about your win. My email is purpleglo (at) socal (dot) rr (dot) com. Thanks for joining me in my Blog Celebration. Have a great day! Hugs, Gloria

http://purpleglocreations.blogspot.com

maria's knutselplezier said...

What a gorgious card!!! I love the picture of the beautiful girl!!!

Greetings
Maria

Shirley said...

Hi Donna hope all is well with yourself? So jealous of your weather(little green monster rearing it's ugly head) lol.

Finally feel well enough to catch up on all I have missed. Like yourself when I catch something it lingers forever, or so it seems.

Anyways this is a beautiful make with an amazing tonal colour scheme. Very very pretty image used and of course the imaginative use of your fabulous dies. Your attention to detail is stunning, right down to use of the tiny little gems dotting the 'i's' on the sentiment.

Off to see all I have missed.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
ShirlsCards.

coldwaters2 said...

How wonderful that you and your best friend have found each other again Donna I am so glad for you. Donna your creation is full of so much beauty the die cuts, the image and sparkle it looks amazing a stunning card
hugs
lorraine x

Petra Swart said...

Oh, my, what a darling image so beautifully framed with the wonderful die cuts, Donna - so clever to do the shadow effect like that - it looks great!!! What fabulous colouring of the pretty girl and what I really like is the green outline you have given her!!! The green works wonderfully with the autumn colours!!!! The pearls are so beautiful and the embossed die cut peeking out is lovely!!! This is such a special card!!!!
So enjoyed reading your story on meeting up with an old school friend again!!! Must have been so wonderful seeing each other after all these years and still have that special bond!!!
Your words on Gratefulness touched my heart, my friend - thinking of you and hoping that you are well!!!
Have a wonderful day!!!
Big hugz!!!!

Becky said...

Beautiful card. You are so creative. :-) Hope you have a wonderful day!

Hugs,
Becky

Pink Unicorn said...

Gorgeous die cuts and I love your glittery embossed card stock, what a great idea! Thank you for entering the Crafts Galore Encore Challenge, “Use a stamp or digi”. We hope to see you back again soon! Karola, CGE DT, InvisiblePinkCards

NanaConnie said...

Beautiful card, my friend, and wonderful story! I love that sweet and simple image, all surrounded by the delightful die cuts and embossing details. Truly creative genius! Thanks for playing at Path of Positivity where I have the ho9nor of being a Guest Designer this month. You're so special. :-D

Diane said...

Good Morning Donna, wow what wonderful tips, it is always nice to be able to get more use out of dies. Love the darling image and all the wonderful details.

I am very jealous of your warm weather.

Hugs diane

Jean Bullock said...

Wonderful card. Great tutorial and I love the colors. Liked your balancing trick too. Going to tuck that in my tips grab bag. I pinned this to my Donna board. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/415386765610514243/

Jackie T said...

Hi this is a stunning card I love the design and the beautiful image. Thank you for joining us at Crafty Addicts Challenge Blog challenge 4 Use a Die-cut. Hugs Jackie (DT)

Chris said...

Beautiful card, lovely image, fabulous design and a great tutorial. How wonderful it is to reconnect with 'old' friends, hope you stay close now! Thanks for joining us at Fab N Funky this week.
Chris
x

Gail said...

Thanks for showing how you created your beautiful card - love the dies used on this creation - super!

Darlene said...

WOW this is awesome Donna! Thanks so much for all the fabulous tips/tricks! Great job! Thanks so much for playing in our ‘FALL’ challenge at Dies R Us! Please come back again soon!

Darlene (DRU Blog Leader)
DIES R US CHALLENGE BLOG
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS

P.S. Please take a peek at this and let me know if you're interested. http://darscraftycreations.blogspot.com/2015/11/new-challenge-blog-coming.html

ScrappyHorses said...

This is such a great post! The card is beautiful with the fall colors and I am grateful for the super tips you added! I have fallen into the same places with neglecting to be grateful; your writing is a wonderful reminder! There is nothing like an old friend to bring joy back into our lives! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and lovely card at Path of Positivity!

Katrina
ScrappyHorses.blogspot.com

Pat said...

Beautiful card, lovely colours, thanks for joining in at Fab'n'Funky this week.

Pat xx

MaryH said...

Lovely to see the golden & deep blue autumn header back in place once again. What a WOW post. First the gorgeous, gorgeous card and thanks so much for all the pictorial tutorial. Ditto on the SnS fine detail EP colors...so pretty & will be looking for those. Fine detail EP is always good to have on hand. Sure did wonderful embossing on this one, and of course am drooling over the beautiful SW dies. Made my heart glad to read that you have re-connected with a beloved friend from long ago. What shared memories you can enjoy, and a real blessing for you both. Just really enjoyed this post today. TFS with blogland, both your pretty card, but also a piece of your heart! Hugs.

Pippa said...

A beautiful card and great tips too. I especially enjoyed reading how you linked it to the PoP theme this month.

DeBe said...


Hi Donna, Thank-you for applying to be on the Crafts Galore Encore Design Team, we have emailed you so please check your Spam folder! Denyse x

Pat said...

Beautiful as always, Donna. Thank you for the tutorials-will try them out when I have time for fun! Your card and post is perfect for the Gratefulness challenge at the Path of Positivity challenge blog this month. Thanks for sharing!

Tracey said...

Beautiful card Donna, thanks for all the little tips & tricks too :o)
Hugs
Tracey
xx

Maryvonne Coussé said...

Stunning !
Thanks for joining us at Sparkles Monthly Challenge blog and good Luck!
MARYVONNE, DT Member

KT Fit Kitty said...

Hello, Donna! Your card is a stunner! I love all the gorgeous die-cuts and layers! The sparkle is such a nice detail! Thanks for all the die-cut tips! I agree about gratitude - it is essential! Your story about reconnecting with your long-lost friend really warmed my heart! Wonderful!

Our contractors have delayed our work until April! Yup, April! Unbelievable! We don't have much choice but to wait as this is the contractor we want. I guess someone was supposed to call us and didn't. I was upset at first but also relieved that we don't have to move out, well, until April.

Hope you are doing okay, my friend! Sending hugs your way!

*Vicki* said...

Donna, this is so sweet and really gorgeous!! Love the elegant looking die cut borders and the colors are just perfect for a Fall theme!! ;) Hugs & Smiles - *Vicki*
My Blog: Stamp Smiles

Sue said...

First, another beautiful card. Donna, you put so much into making a card, I am always in awe when I come here. What a sweet image, and all the dies are just wonderful, and of course your signature bling.

Second, before I came here to your blog, I just got off the phone with my friend who lives 1500 miles from me and it is also like we were never more than a minute away. I met her in California when we were military wives and only knew her nine months before coming home, but we have remained friends all these years and have daughters the same age. Aren't we both blessed! Thanks for the beautiful story, made my day.

Hugs
Sue

Peanut said...

WOW! Outstanding project and a great tutorial jam packed with useful info. Thank you so much for sharing, Donna.
hugs Asha

Jenny Alia said...

Thanks so much for joining us at the Dies R Us Challenge! Beautiful colors! Love it.

Christine Harrop said...

Such a gorgeous card. Thank you for sharing it with us at Crafty Time. Good luck and we hope to see you again. Christine DT x

Darnell said...

Where to start?! Your blog banner is stunning, Donna! It was hard to drag my eyes away from it, but then I saw your card and I was mesmerized by it! The details you include in your designs are fantastic AND to give us all those tips is so generous of you! Thank you! Thank you, too, for sharing your wonderful reunion story - it just melted my heart. Friends are such a blessing in our lives!! Hugs, Darnell

Monica said...

Your card touched me and so did your blog post. How touching to meet a friend after 47 years and discover that you could connect so well. Wonderful to say the least.

Your card is very cute and thank you for the instructions.

Much love,

M

Julie Odil said...

This is wonderful! Thanks for the great tutorial. I love the die cuts on here, the sparkle and glitter, the image, the sentiment. It is a beautiful card. I also liked your blog post with your words on friendship. Thanks so much for joining our Gratefulness Challenge this month at Path of Positivity. Julie, DT