Song of Spring Becomes an Autumnal Beauty in Fantasy {Fairy Tangles}

Greetings, Sweet Blogging Friends!

(and yes! I do mean SWEET, because you always are to me!)

Autumn has finally arrived in central Florida!
Our evening lows now dip into the 60s (15-17C), and our highs are in the mid 80's (29ishC).
Last week-end we actually had a few nights dip into the 40s!
And yes, those "highs" are in the shade in the middle of the day.

Autumn in Florida is unlike any other place in the USA. Bewitchingly blue skies, decreased humidity, the magic of tree leaves beginning to trade their emerald green for a lovely olive complexion, the enhanced blue-gray of the swaying Spanish Moss, and the decrease of green fungi on tree trunks bringing out their natural lovely caramel, cocoa and latte colors... these are my Florida's Autumnal shades.

We live in an oak hammock, so my card today depicts the colors I see from late October until mid January, spiced with small amounts of the olive green in the oak trees.

And...

Oh yes! It's time for a new Cardz 4 Galz challenge!

This challenge blog is dear to me because it is all about sharing what's in your stash!

Badges are awarded for the Spotlight Winner and Top Picks.

This fortnight's challenge, 
put your imaginative daydreams on paper!

The theme is Fairytale/Fantasy - 
so get crafting and show us your 
fantastical, 
whimsical, 
fanciful, 
fun creations!

I am featuring a beautiful Vintage rendition of an image in my stash longing to be used:

She is actually called THE SONG OF SPRING - but because it is Autumn, I exchanged the spring colors to become an "Autumn Vintage meets Sparkle" style.

IS THERE SUCH A THING?

One of the SIMPLEST images EVER to color, so I will purchase more in the future!

Then again, maybe it is actually ugly, and I only think it was simple LOL

My close blogging buddies know what I mean by the word "ugly" - so rest assured I'm not being derogatory of my artwork LOL

My card started out as a pretty colored image, to be mounted very simply;

HOWEVER...

 one calamity after another caused me to alter the design. It's always a journey, isn't it?

So here is how I covered up my many boo-boos:

First, create custom sized mats and frames:

Next - I won't even tell you how I blundered here, but my card ended up WAY-LARGER than I had planned LOL. It is 8.5" tall and 6.66" wide - I can't even convey how that happened, because it surprised me as well. Still, it is a pretty card (giggle - I almost said MONSTROSITY in place of the word "card" more giggling!)

The finished interior uses the "ugly" original frame from the front, and a punched border along the white panel that matches the front (sorry for the blurry sentiment photo, but you get the idea, right?):

And that's two ways of fixing boo-boos.

Feathers were added... JUST BECAUSE... they seemed appropriate since she has wings, after all.

I'm partial to the Mediterranean STARS embossing powders at Sparkle N Sprinkle.

They really do contain a lot of glitter, and I'm sad that they do not photograph as beautifully as they look in person. It added a touch of sparkle to this matte vintage creation.

The hint of "olive" greenery in the scroll work picks up the leaf colors elsewhere.

I had so much fun coloring this image, that I really do want to create more using the artist's fabulously imaginative stamps and pages!

Thanks for visiting today!

Hoping you will join us at Cardz 4 Galz!

Products Used:

• Image: Fairy Tangles - Song of Spring
• Copic Markers, Sharpie Metallic Copper
• Spellbinders 5x7 matting basics, (mat and frame)
• Sue Wilson pierced rectangles  (in mat)
• Sparkle N Sprinkle Sienna Star EP425 embossing powder (frame)
• Martha Stewart Laurel Leaf punch (frame and border)
• Embossaliscious Floral Wonder (Crafters Comp) embossing folder (mat)

The Path of Positivity Challenge this month is "Friendship". 

Friendship means Relationship, a Close Attachment, a Mutual Caring Deeply for another, a Supportive Companionship, Mutual Affection, A Kindredness -

As I pondered what friendship means the past few weeks, I think it goes much further. Some people are a True Friend to others, without it being reciprocated. It's a Gift freely given, a selfless Graciousness which is not demanding, but rather, given liberally.

But even more, I believe Friendship begins within.
     We must befriend ourselves first,
          caring about ourselves,
               respecting ourselves,
                   enjoying ourselves,
                         in order to be that true Graciousness and Friendship toward another.

Friendship with Nature,
     the deep love for The Creation,
          and for the Life we are granted,
                must also be deeply inhaled,
                       breathed into our lungs and hearts,
                             and breathed back out into the world through our

actions,
     thoughts,
          and lifestyles.

To be uncaring about the Earth,
    to be negligent toward wildlife,
          to be disrespectful about other humans,
               is not only an Unfriendly Gesture,
                    but it harms the Friendship within our Souls -

- for those who believe in God, it harms the Companion who resides within -
- for those who do not believe in God as a Being, it harms the Companionship of Self.

So my card today is about The Friendship Within - with Self, Creator, and Creation -

to see our lives as the threads of
    Loving Companionship/Friendship that have woven all History,
        bringing us to this point in our lives.

It is about recognizing ourselves,
     appreciating ourselves,
           yet reaching out to our polar opposite

(hence, the title of my blog post: Song of Spring becoming the Beauty of Autumn).

Thanks to the Path of Positivity for October's Theme.

I would love to know your thoughts as well on this little discussed topic.


Challenges I'd like to support with this card:

1. Addicted to Stamps Challenge #134 Lots of Layers + a Stamp 11/7 (sep post)
2. Crafting with Friends Challenges (Oct 21 - #29 or #30?) Anything goes 11/4
3. Dream Valley Challenges "For The Girls" 11/6
4. Fussy and Fancy #175 Shades of Autumn 11/4  please see Autumnal description above (sep post 11/11)
5. Path of Positivity (Oct) #42 "Friendship" 11/7 (please see my written thoughts about Friendship just above this section) (sep post)
6. Stamping Sensations (October) Autumn (please see my write up at top) 11/8 (sep post)
7. World Wide Open Design Team Challenge #15 Oct15-Nov14 Anything Goes 11/15 (2nd entry)

Stamping Hugs,

Garden Fairy

Welcome, everyone!

Hope this finds you doing well.

Today I'm celebrating my birthday by guest designing for
the Scrapbook Stamp Society
using this darling Garden Fairy image by Sherri Baldy!

Although we love living in Florida,  it is still hot and humid here.
My card reveals that I'm dreaming of the cooler, less humid days of a Florida Autumn
 -- another 3-4 weeks to go! sigh...

I always enjoy coloring these sweeties with Copic Markers.

Brings out the little girl in me.

Design Tip:

Don't waste that pretty paper!

Here is a Close Up of the "easel stop" using the left over portions:

Love this pearly coated vellum! Wish the photos better reflect it!

(The heart brad was an ugly color, so it was heated up, dipped into embossing powder, with the process repeated two more times. The EP is a Cosmic color, giving it that creamy, pearly finish)

Tip:

Use your stash by changing those outdated flowers!
On the left are the bright yellow Prima Flowers.
On the right, they have been inked, crumpled, and layered.

Finished card:

(gorgeous embossing folder! It's a shame to cover it up!)

Thanks for popping by today, friends!

Products Used:
Sherri Baldy My Besties image #IMG376
Penny Black Eloquence Sentiments
Spellbinders Grand Decorative Labels One
Impression Obsession Mini Rectangle Tags
Sue Wilson's Faux Quilled Leaves
Anja's Large Ovals "Creatables" die set
Embossalicious Die'sire Rose Vine embossing folder
Sparkle N Sprinkle Fiery Brown embossing powder (on the heart-shape flower center)
Prima Flowers (altered), Tulle stained gold
Distress Dye Inks, Brilliance Inks
Papers: White Pearl Vellum, Chocolate Brown, Rusty Brown, Express-it White,

Playing in the following Challenges Please:

• Addicted to Stamps Challenge #134 Lots of Layers + a Stamp 11/7 (sep post)
• Classic Design Team Open Challenge #7 Anything Goes 11/1
• Crafting with an Attitude #20 "Anything Goes" 11/3
• My Besties Colour It- Create It- Show It Off Challenge - #8 "Anything Goes" 11/1
• My Besties Spanish Challenge - #28 Anything goes 11/1
• My Besties 3D Deco Blog - #10 Anything Goes with a Bestie - I hope I understood the directions by submitting this card. 10/30
• World Wide Open Design Team Challenge Blog #15 (Oct 15th-Sept 15th) Anything from a DT

Stamping hugs,

Showing the "Cool" in your die cuts!

Greetings, Sweet Blogging Friends!

So excited to say: this is my first post as a DT member for Cardz 4 Galz!

Such a great group of card enthusiasts who want to see artwork based on a special theme using "stuff in your stash!".

I am especially excited because this challenge blog is all about sharing!

Badges are awarded for the Spotlight Winner and Top Picks

Playing couldn't be easier or more fun! Just check out the theme for this fortnight, and do your magic!

This challenge's theme is courtesy of DT member ALY:

USE AT LEAST ONE DIE CUT

I'm bringing out "winter's cool" in my regular (NON-CHRISTMAS) dies.

These fun layers bring out a snow flake theme to keep the darling Snowman and his friends comfortable.

A variety of shaped layers brings visual interest:

A few interior uses dies were used as well, with plenty of room for a message:

Fun textures help keep the card flat for mailing.

Beautiful Pamellia at "My Little Craft Things"

  coerced me (we all know how forceful she is - LOL - NOT!)  

into trying the Snow Writer!

Oh! It's a must have!

How easy it is to apply, 

even for those who have fumble fingers or difficulty keeping their hands from shaking!
Are you surprised that there is glitter on the snow sections?

Here... let me enable you.

snow writer here

so cute!

This darling little Two-Turtle Doves Snowman image is from The Stamp Boutique.

Hoping you will join us at Cardz 4 Galz!

Products Used:

• Image: The Stamping Boutique - Two Turtle Doves Snowman
• Copic Markers
• Spellbinders Shapeabilities Pendants "Fair Isle" S4-270
• Spellbinders Scallop Squares
• Spellbinders Labels 27, and Decorative Labels 27
• Die Versions Snow Flurries
• Martha Stewart holly punch
• Embossing Folders: Craftwell Delicate Dots, Cuttlebug Swiss Dot
• snow writer (from Michaels)
• Sparkle N Sprinkle Starfire glitter G1017

Challenges I'd like to support with this card:

1. October Anything Goes Link-up at "Just Keep on Creating" (11-1 tab)
2. Addicted to Stamps #133 Embossing (dry embossed 2 blue panels and the white die cut panel) 10/23
3. Classic Design Team Open Challenge Anything Goes 11-1
4. Craft Your Passion Challenges - #333 Anything Goes 10/17 (sep post)
5. Crafting from the Heart #131 Anything Goes 10/17
6. Crafting with an Attitude #20 "Anything Goes" 11/3
7. Crafting with Friends #29 anything goes 10/21
8. Crafty Girls Creations Challenges #27 "Anything Goes" 10/19
9. Crafty Hazel Nuts Christmas Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes 11/1
10. Inspiration Destination #107 Anything Goes 10/19
11. One Stitch at a Time Challenge - #272 Anything Goes Monochromatic 10/16 (sep post 10/23)
12. Simply Papercraft #38 anything Goes 10/21
13. Sparkles Christmas Challenge - #69 Show me a Snowman 11/1
14. Sunny Days #18 Anything Goes 10/18
15. The Twelve Months of Christmas Linkup #22 "Anything Goes" 11/1
16. ABC Christmas Challenge (Oct 12) U is for Under the Pile! (use an item in my stash for more than a year - it is the blue ribbon! Gosh, years and years! I was so glad to find a way of using it). 10/25
17. Vilda Stamps Challenge Blog #1 Anything Goes 11/1

Snowman hugs,

Embossed Butterflies

YAYYY! You are here!
I am positively overjoyed you could stop by for a visit.
I've rolled the red carpet out, just for you...

NOW we can begin LOL...

Happy October, everyone! It's a wonderful new month with great opportunities!
(you may have noticed the change in my blog header)

AND...

Happy World Cardmaking Day to my Paper Crafting buddies!

I've tried to incorporate some Autumn theme colors on my projects BUT BUT BUT -- here in Florida, we have only seen the slightest hint of Autumn, with temperatures declining a few tiny degrees, and the leaves scarcely beginning to fall off the oak trees.

Hope this finds you doing well!

To find the winner of my Blog Candy, please click here.

Psssst! As a thank you to my loyal readers...

New Blog Candy HERE!

and FINALLY...

It's time for another Crafts Galore Encore Challenge! 

(and I have two cards to share)

We always enjoy seeing the wide array of art uploaded to the challenge,
and hope to see many more this month!

Our theme this month is: 
Anything Goes. Cards, Tags, Recipes, Knitting -- 
anything at all!

Our Prize Sponsor this month is KennyK. 
The winner gets to choose 3 digital stamps of their choice from the KennyK Store! 


First, the easy-peasy 5" x 7" card with wet and dry embossing --
The Stampin' Up! butterfly is embossed with gorgeous 
Sparkle N Sprinkle Patina Gold EP281.
After fussy cutting the butterfly, I adhered it to pine cardstock, 
and fussy cut a dark halo around the image.

Lush designer paper sets the stage using the sketch from another fantastic challenge - Sunday Stamps.

Oh! The pain I felt... cutting into this resplendent designer paper! Ouch! (giggle)

 It's quite old, and something that just looks pretty to these eyes! LOL 

I also used the colors from Dragonfly Journeys Challenge Blog.

Three white droplets of Nuvos Crystal Drops brighten the page a bit.

 Crimson Copper Brilliance ink brings out the pretty dry embossed background.

Die Cut sentiment makes this an "all occasion card".

My second card uses the same butterfly image in the same EP, 
same designer paper, 
and 
same background paper.

At 5.5" x 8", this pretty card has a red, gold-flecked, punched leaf border, 
with the same Die'Sire Rose Vine embossing folder, 
this time embellished with a bit of Gold Galaxy Brilliance ink. 

tip:
Memento Cottage Ivy was stamped on the Hero Arts Sentiment. Because it is a water-based dye ink, I knew it would not dry well on the pearl vellum; so, I heat set the sentiment with clear detail EP. Now the stamped sentiment is raised, and won't smear.


tip:
The butterfly also has a bit of Gold Tinsel EP in the body and top corners of the wings. In real life, it looks "distressed," and mirrors the Gold Tinsel embossed edges around the 3 vertical designer papers.


tip:
To make the punched scallop bottom stand out a bit, a 3/4" strip of double-sided Tear-ific Tape was applied to the inside of the card, coated with Gold Tinsel and Russet EP
to provide fun color and interesting texture:

Inside:

The Stampin' Up! Butterfly has been colored with Tombow Markers on Ivory CS, fussy cut with a slight "halo" around the edge, and wings are bent with dimensional adhesives under the "poofy" parts (technical word there).

Card Front:

tip:

The card front is layered, so it's easy to coordinate the inside by following these steps:

The layer is a brick-poppy red panel.

Continue the butterfly theme by die cutting a shape:

It's beautiful just as it is:

Continue the distress look from the front, using the same Gold Tinsel embossing powder:

Outline the butterfly image with VersaMarker pen, apply EP, heat set:

Glue the front panel in place so the back of the red panel shows through.

Adhere the butterfly die cut, or leave as is:

Thanks for stopping by today!
Hope to enjoy your creations on the

Crafts Galore Encore Challenge

Products Used:

• Embossalicious Die'sire Rose Vine embossing folder
• Sparkle N Sprinkle: Nuvo Crystal Drops White, Patina Gold EP281, Russet EP223, Gold Tinsel EP385, Clear Detail EP,  3/4inch Tear-ific Tape, Memento Cottage Ivy Dye Ink, VersaMarker, VersaMark
• Stampin' Up! Butterfly stamp
• Hero Arts Sentiment stamp
• Martha Stewart Laurel Leaf, Vintage Lace punches
• EKSuccess Scallop punch
• Cheery Lynn Monarch Butterfly B668
• Memento Cottage Ivy Dye Ink, VersaMark Ink, Fired Brick and Worn Lipstick Distress Dye inks, Crimson Copper Brilliance Ink, Gold Galaxy Brilliance Ink
• Tombow markers (butterflies)
• Impression Obsession Top Edgers Words DIE434-K

Supporting these fine on-line challenges:

1. A Bit More Time to Craft Challenge #29 "Anything Goes" 10/15 (sep post)
2. Anything Goes with a Create TLC Element (Oct) "Anything Goes" (this is my first entry using any images)11/1
3. Cardz4Galz Challenges #32 Autumn/Fall Colors 10/10
4. Classic Design Team Open Challenge Blog - (October 1) Anything from a DT 11/1
5. Crafting With Friends #28 Anything Goes 10/7
6. Creative Craft Challenge #72 "Anything Goes" 10/6
7. Creative Fingers Challenges #117 Anything Goes 10/13
8. Dragonfly Journeys Challenge Blog #76 Fall Festival of Colors 10/16
9. Eclectic Ellapu Purple Team October Challenge 11/1 (tab)
10. Fashionable Stamping #115 Autumnal Colors must use rubber stamp (sentiment and butterfly) 10/9
11. Just Add Ink #331 Just Add Wings (butterflies) 10/5
12. Just Keep on Creating Anything Goes Link-Up (Oct) Anything goes 11/1
13. Little Miss Muffet Challenges #147 Anything Goes 10/4 (in tab)
14. QKR Stampede #211 "Cut It Up" (dies, scissors, punches) (used all 3 methods) 10/6
15. Sunday Stamps Challenges #SSC136 Sketch (shown above) 10/7
16. The Artistic Stamper - (Oct) "Patterns" loosely interpreted 11/1 (few days aft sep post)
17. The Crafty Addicts #25 "Anything Goes/Pattern Paper" 10/10
18. World Wide Open Design Team Challenge  #14 (Sept 15-Oct 15) Anything from a DT 11/15

Stamping Hugs,