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, June 08, 2016

Patriotic Inspiration + Freebie {Dies R Us}

Hello Sweet Blogging Friends!

I'm glad you could stop by for a little Dies R Us Inspiration!
Hopefully summer is settling in at your home, 
and that you are thawing out from the recent crazy winter and spring.

Today's cards utilize simple layering techniques to draw special attention to a focal image. 



My cards use the following Dies R Us Products:
Spellbinders - Grand Rectangles
Spellbinders - Matting Basics A and B 5x7
Sizzix - Branch with Leaves
Sue Wilson - Pierced Flags

The rectangles are different sizes in order to produce a little intrigue, while keeping the over-all design simple.

The first image was stamped in Memento Flannel Gray Ink. 
I chose turquoise and orange Prismacolor pencils to highlight the vivid colors in Old Glory.
After selecting several reds ranging from orange to burgundy, I chose
blues including navy, bold-true, and turquoise:


As the star section was completed, I pressed the turquoise pencil harder over the area, using it as a blender pencil, rather than a traditional Prismacolor Blending Pencil:


In the same manner, the orange pencil was used as the blending tool for the red stripes.
The white stripes were deepened using both grays and blues:


This beautiful Rubber Monger stamp has been in my stash for over 10 years and had never been used! In fact, the stamp woke me up one night, crying out for me to come color it, so I accommodated, getting up at 2AM and giving it my attention.

Do your stamps ever wake you up?

Finishing touches include Vellum and Vellum Cardstock. The Sue Wilson Pierced Flags set was used to feature the sentiment. Spellbinders Grands and Card Creator Matting Basics A and B (5x7) were used in creating layers.


In the next card, the image is stamped in Memento Cocoa on ivory for a sepia effect. Darker pencils were used in coloring. Tan, gold, and brown tones were used in shading, with a black layered panel. The Pierced banner is placed on the side:


Another Sepia tone card on ivory, this time layered with red and navy, and a touch of green for our beautiful country. Even though this was colored with a lot more browns, the blue matting highlights the cooler colors. Using different sizes of rectangles makes a pretty mat:


Lastly, a vintage rendition done in Gray Ink and gray-and-blue tones of pencils to create yet another flavor. This one is simply adorned with navy cardstock, and green branches:


In each case, a slight variation in the matting sizes and colors, 
and in the blending colors, 
has created a different effect.


click below for:
STORE
Products Used:
A few personal shares:
I've been gratefully enjoying a bit of a remission these past few months, and am now leaving the remission period. Therefore, it's a bit difficult making the blog rounds, and keeping up with my normal daily obligations. I only explain so you will understand why my comments may not be quite as descriptive as ordinarily.
In the meantime, I have some freebies for you!


INSPIRED BY ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE FOUGHT FOR (AND LONG FOR)
FREEDOM:

(from the United States' Declaration of Independence)

These are for personal use. They may not be used by companies or for profit:

It is the same sentiment - four styles available in jpg.
To download, click on the sentiment first to enlarge it, then download to your hard-drive.
Not sure why the original version looks great compared to Google's reduced size below.
Once this is published, I'll try downloading to be assured of the quality.


Hope you enjoy!

1.



2.



3.




4.





Challenges I'd like to play in please:




Great Impressions (June) RWB Anything Goes 7/3
Simply Create Too #110 Red White Blue 6/21

Dream Valley Challenges #133 "Vintage"  6/18









hugs,

42 comments:

Becky said...

All your samples are gorgeous. Of course, I'm partial to the one I have. :-)

KarinsArtScrap said...

these are gorgeous Donna and great colouring love your new picture on the top with those gorgeous flowers.

gr karin

Linda said...

They are beautiful, Donna! And your new header is absolutely stunning! I love the image and quotation! Hugs. :)

Olga Fink said...

Amazing coloring! Some gorgeous cards! TFS
Xoxo Olga

NanaConnie said...

Donna,
OMG, your coloring is so incredible! I love all the different but simple designs you made with this same image. What a great tribute to all our military people, both current and past, and such a great idea for celebrating our country's birthday, too.
PS Love the new banner!!

Unknown said...

These are just wicked awesome (ala Boston speak) I love all of your photos and tips and tricks. You are just one clever cookie! Thanks for always sharing your awesomeness with us! I appreciate it and YOU! xo~

D K Crafts said...

Hi Donna, Beautiful cards. Love all your colouring/shading and sentiment. Thanks for sharing your colouring tips too. Donna

McCrafty's Cards said...

These are brilliant Donna, the colouring of the flags is wonderful!
Kevin xx

Verna Angerhofer said...

I just love all the various ways you did the coloring on those wonderful flag cards. Your coloring is so well done with just the right shades added. And what great ways to showcase the flag image.

Darlene said...

These cards are INCREDIBLE Donna and just in time for July 4th celebration! You are truly an artist of a special kind and I can't tell you how much I enjoy & appreciate everything you share! FEEL BETTER ... you're in my thoughts & prayers! Awesome give away too ... you go girl!

CdeBaca Crafts Gallery said...

Very nice cards. Amazing work!

Mynn xx said...

These are all GORGEOUS, Donna! I really love the different colors you chose to use and showcase the different ways the flag could look! Thanks for joining us at Great Impressions! Sending HUGS! :) Mynn xx

Dr Sonia S V said...

What a lovely post Donna...love the sheer simplicity and beauty of these
Cheers
Dr Sonia

Monica said...

What great colouring in these cards. They are TOO good.

Lots of love,

Monica

Sue said...

Hi Donna, WOW!!! Your colouring technique is fab. Really like the cards, especially the brighter red one.

Always happy to see you stopping by my blog, but totally understand real life get's in the way at times.

Sending heaps of positive energy your way and hugs (((Donna))). Sue

KraftyKoolKat said...

Such gorgeous creations Donna. Love your new header on your blog and the awesome verse. It is so true.

Hugs
Cathy
xxxx

Pamellia said...

Wow Donna, these are incredible! I can't believe you coloured these yourself, your talents are endless. I especially love the one that has a vintage feel to it, very effective! Love em. hugs :)

SewPaperPaint said...

Oh my word, I totally thought you printed these! Great coloring. I particularly love the vintage take. Gorgeous card designs! Got around to watching your craft room tour and really enjoyed it! What a wonderful space you have! Thanks so much for letting us into your world, sweet girl. Hugs, Autumn

Lori Kobular said...

Donna your Patriotic cards are absolutely gorgeous! I love how you colored each flag differently and the dies you used really make the flag stand out! You did an awesome job on all three of these cards!! Love them!!

*Vicki* said...

Really love the detailed flag image!! Your coloring looks fabulous as well as you amazing layering designs too!! Such a beautiful patriotic design!! Sending hugs for a wonderful weekend! :)

Sue said...

I have been down for the count for a few days with a pulled muscle in my back, but finally got the card to Jerry in the ail yesterday. Glad he is coming home, will be so much more comfortable for him and easier on Helen. Of course
I am thinking of them and praying for them.
Your flag cards are beautiful. Love how you colored each one up differently. I have a similar one that is old that I love and have used it numerous times.Cards you made with them are wonderful. Sorry to hear that you are not as strong as you want to be, and know i am thinking of you. Hope remission returns to you quickly.

Hugs
Sue

Leslie Miller said...

Your ink choices and pencil coloring on these to get the different effects is amazing! I especially love how you achieved the vintage tones, like an old flag that's been waving in the sunlight for many years. Wonderful that you brought out an old, never been used stamp. Yes, my stamps speak to me, as well, and sometimes keep me awake at night. I'm really sorry your remission has faded and I truly hope it returns soon. These non-remission times must make things very difficult for you. You're such a trooper, Donna. You inspire nevertheless, and you've done a great kindness in sharing the sentiments. Thank you!

SD pooja said...

You colored them ?? That too with color pencils ...I thought the images to be printouts flawless coloring !! Loved that you kept the card design simple and let the flag stand out !

SD pooja said...

You colored them ?? That too with color pencils ...I thought the images to be printouts flawless coloring !! Loved that you kept the card design simple and let the flag stand out !

Petra Swart said...

Your flags look amazing, Donna - what fantastic colouring, my friend!!!! Really like your cards!!!!
Hugz

pam said...

Well Donna, think it`s all been said about your amazing colouring on this flag image!!! truly stunning to look at, looks more of a print than a stamped image.
Sorry dear friend your remission is fading, hope it returns soon, please no worries about blog land, you keep posting so we can visit.
Hugs Pam x

coldwaters2 said...

Wow Donna these are amazing what superb colouring stupendous work
hugs
lorraine x

cotnob said...

Wonderful cards Donna, your fabulous layering certainly draws the attention to the focal image.
I'm so sorry to hear that you are coming out of remission, please don't worry about commenting just make sure you look after yourself.
Pauline
x

Patricia St Martin said...

Donna, Thank you for this wonderful sentiment in different ways. I LOVE all of them and the fact that you used colored pencils I think was a good idea leaving you the variation of the colors and leaving a person with a different feel about each flag.
Hugs Pat

Linda Simpson said...

These are stunning Donna.
Hugs
Linda xxx

Shirley said...

One very talented lady Donna. I have always said you are the queen of dies but now I am going to call you the queen of colouring. Everything is fantastic as usual.

I find colouring with pencils easier than any other medium especially for the blending.

I love reading your blog posts because they always inspire me.

Sorry for not being around for a while but I am off to see all I have missed.

Hope all is well with you and your family? x x

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
ShirlsCards.

Pia S said...

I do love these! A much inspiring post, layers, change of order of colors and banners in different directions, so little needs to be changed to create different looks.

Beebeebabs said...

Wow great coloring thanks for sharing!!!

KT Fit Kitty said...

Hello, Donna! Your pencil colouring is absolutely gorgeous! So impressive! Yes, my cardmaking has woken me up in the middle of the night too! Sorry to hear your health is taking another downturn - please don't worry about commenting - just take care of yourself and use your energy for more important things, my friend! Please know I am thinking of you and sending healing prayers and gentle hugs.

Anne Temple said...

Wow! These are all fabulous and look amazing colored in pencils! I can never get pencils to be vivid enough for me.

testing 123.....

P.S. I'd love for you to visit my personal blog if you have a chance. Thanks!
{Anne Made}

maria's knutselplezier said...

Your flag samples are gorgious dear Donna , trouly , I'm sorry to hear that your brother in law passed away, I didn't see your request to send him a card, otherwise I would have send one, sorry for that!! I hear that you aren't well , and I hope that you will better soon!! you are such a sweet lady!!! Take care of yourself end do only the things you like to do, no pressure!!!

Greetings
Maria

Vicki said...

Wow, Donna! These cards are fabulous. Each is unique in it's own way with how they are colored. Your coloring is awesome too. Thank you for stopping by my blog. I am so sorry to hear about your BIL. Hugs and prayers for your family and SIL.

Diane said...

Beautifully created Donna, a gorgeous job with the pencils...I tell you, I learn a lot when I come here to visit and enjoy every minute of it! I hope things are going better for you...hugs to you my friend! (Sorry I have been so late in getting here, we were gone for a bit and then while gone a close relative passed away at the young age of 58, so it has been crazy here to say the least)!!
Take care!!

crafty-stamper said...

Fabulous selections and amazing colouring love the different effects with the different colour schemes-hope you feel better soon
Carol x

Lisa said...

Oh my gosh, how did I miss these?? Wow, Donna, they are absolutely stunning!! I absolutely love how you colored each flag!! They look amazing!! You've framed them perfectly, too!! These are spectacular!! I also spot some dies I must have!! Big hugs sweet friend :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Jean Bullock said...

Awesome coloring! Just Awesome. Pinned of course.

CherylQuilts said...

Oh, Donna, I am so late, but I LOVE all the cards you've colored with this amazing American flag image! It's wonderful and one of the most beautiful I've seen (tried to find it to no avail). I love the different ways you've colored it and made the cards. Beautifully done, and I so love our flag and what it stands for. Thank you for these wonderful freebie sentiments. I cherish this portion of the Declaration of Independence. Thank you!! Hugs, sweet friend, and I'll be slowly catching up! xoxo