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

Thursday, October 27, 2016

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)


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,




61 comments:

coldwaters2 said...

Wow Donna your post has held me spellbound not only seeing that stunningly beautiful image but also the amazing content that is full of love, friendship and humour, awesome, such a lovely way to start the day. Donna your colouring of the image is top notch, so soft, so delicate, the frame, poem, colours and card design are outstanding, you have brought me so much joy today, thank you for sharing
hugs
lorraine x

Shirley said...

Donna you are the queen of colouring (and words). An amazing post as usual and how you got her to look so life like is just awesome.

Wish I had your temperatures here.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
ShirlsCards.

KraftyKoolKat said...

Wow!!! De you say the image was easy to colour, I was just thinking how hard it looked and I wouldn't know where to start. It shows your talent sweetie. The colouring and layout is awesome. You also have such a good way with words. Your beautiful words just flow.

Hugs
Cathy
xxxxx

maria's knutselplezier said...

Dear Donna, what an amazing artwork, I love the image very much, and I love the way you make such a gorgious card with it, all these details !! Great beautiful colouring too!!

Have fun!!
Maria

Chris said...

This is so beautiful! A fabulous design and palette, your colouring of the lovely image is absolutely superb!
Chris
x

Linda Simpson said...

WOW Donna this is stunning! Autumn is my favourite time of year with regard to the wonderful colours nature shares with us. Gorgeous image and stunningly coloured.
Hugs
Linda xxx

brenda said...

What super Autumnal colours Donna and that image is a sheer delight and so expertly coloured and what a pretty frame you made as well. Thank you so much for sharing both your lovely card and inspiration.

B x

SewPaperPaint said...

She is far from ugly my friend! I love your autumn scheme and beautiful shading. Gorgeous layout! Just seeing the peek of this made me smile! :) Happy autumn, no matter which way it presents itself in your area! Hugs, Autumn

Shona Erlenborn said...

So beautiful. The coloring of this image is breathtaking Donna. The framework is gorgeous - just love the angling. The wispy feathers just make the image seem weightless - as though she is flying. Beautiful inside and out, as are your words!

aussie aNNie said...

Love your post, your fabulous 'discussion' your autumn colours, your colouring, your little tuts, thank you De....and a bit of news to you I am celebrating a new grand daughter born today, Sofia Maria, and I just can't wait to fly over to see her...xx  {aNNie}

Lisa said...

Seriously one of the most beautifully colored images I've ever seen, Donna!! You completely brought her to life in color!! I absolutely adore her!! The frame you created is stunning and just draws the eye to her!! The feathers are such a magical, beautiful touch!! I love, love this my sweet friend!! Stunning, stunning card!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Ann Greenspan's Crafts said...

Donna, you never seem to stop amazing me with your work. I had to carefully read your post to see if you actually colored the image or if it was pre-colored and printed. Your coloring is just jaw dropping........I have never seen an image colored in so softly and perfectly with the shadows in the right spots and all. And I love the frames you made too. This is so perfect in so many ways. I love it so much! You don't have to worry about me copying your work because I can't even come close to being able to color like you do.

Beebeebabs said...

Wow absolutely beautiful - love the image and your coloring is on point. You said it did not photographed as beautiful..... if it photographed any beautifuller (not a word but you know what I mean lol) it would pop off the page and kiss me lol - again absolutely stunning thanks for sharing!!!

*Vicki* said...

Wow Donna, this is such an amazing creation my friend!! Really love that Vintage style image and how you've tilted it in your sparkly frame!! Such a magical and wonderful design you've made again! Wonderful post and thanks for sharing! HUGS

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Donna, Wow you have outdone yourself my dear, I am in love with this stunning design. I adore Norma Burnell's art and you have coloured her image so beautifully. The details that you have added to in the framing and card compliment her so well, I also love the blues and browns. Your words about friendship and life are inspiring. Take good care, Shirleyxx ps.. enjoy your fabulous weather, it's cold and rainy here today... but will warm up again on the weekend.

Sian said...

Great card. That's a beautiful image!

Sue said...

Donna, That is stunning. I love everything about it and the verse is perfect.

Hope you are having a good week. Sue

Becky said...

I am so in awe of your coloring abilities. This is absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.

Maryvonne Coussé said...

Wonderful colouring and Stunning image Donna !
Your card is Fabulous !
Hugs

Brenda said...

You are just too funny when describing your process LOL... the coloring is beyond amazing!!! You rock, as always.... need to get my creative butt in gear :)

KarinsArtScrap said...

wow stunning card and colouring of the image
the image is gorgeous Donna

Gr Karin

Jackie T said...

Hi Donna this is a stunning card the image is just so beautiful. The frame is amazing. I do have that punch you have inspired me to get it out again. Take care. Hugs Jackie

Unknown said...

Now ugly is a 4 letter word and you should NEVER use it, especially when sharing your beautiful artwork with us! I love the wonky way you displayed her, and she is a beauty--perfectly colored too! That gold frame really shows her off in a nice light! I LOVE the addition of the feathers--they can never be wrong! lol This is STUNNING (so there!) xo~

Linda said...

Donna, I never tire of seeing your creativity, and this is so beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing. Warm hugs. :)

crafty-stamper said...

WOW WOW WOW absolutely stunning Donna and absolutely fabulous colouring and love the added feathers
Carol x

cotnob said...

A gorgeous card Donna, such a beautifully coloured image and fabulous way to use your dies - you are so creative.
Pauline
x

Pat said...

The coloring is stunning!!

pam said...

Dearest De, this is the most stunning coloured artwork I have ever seen anyone create! it is perfect colours on this gorgeous image.
Beautiful layout in complementary colours.
Thank you for sharing.
Hugs Pam x

Annettes Hobby Rosettes said...

Oh my gosh, this is absolutely stunning. Love your design and love your image which you have coloured so amazingly. Love how you have displayed your photos in full on your blog too. Great job great work. Love it.
Thank you for sharing with us here today at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

Annette DT Registered Owners/Admin for World Wide Open Design Team Challenge

Theresa said...

great step by step. loving your thought process and having a giggle. a lot of it sounds like what goes on in my mind. thank you for sharing it with us at FFFC and good luck, Theresa DT xx

Verna Angerhofer said...

Beautifully colored image and I love the wonky framed design you used to showcase it. And, your wonderful words on Friendship really are awesome. So glad to call you my friend.

Mrs A. said...

Simples? I really don't think so. Your colouring of this image is exquisite. I love everything you have done here. hugs Mrs A.

Stampsnob. said...

You sure pull this off I love the frame arrangement ...........Lis

McCrafty's Cards said...

This is stunning Donna, I am loving this image so much and the fdesign, you always manage to get some sparkle into every make, I love how she is kind of jumping out of the frame
Kevin xx

Lori Kobular said...

Donna this is so beautiful! I love the colors that you colored this beautiful flower fairy! I love how you framed the image, and it doesn't look like a mistake at all, but rather a gorgeous creation! Sometimes the best projects come from covering up a mistake!

Carole J said...

An absolute masterpiece, Donna! The image is beautiful and I LOVE your colouring - you capture the shadows and shade perfectly. The frame, borders and feathers are just perfect. x

Aileen said...

Ohhh my goodness Donna what an amazing card, this image is so so beautiful as is your colouring. The design of the card is stunning.

brenda said...

Me again Donna, when I checked in at Stamping Sensations this morning I realised I totally forgot to thank you yesterday for sharing your lovely card with us there, so popped back to do so.

B x

MAKKE FOAR DY said...

Dear Donna,

What a beautiful card! And the blogpost is so lovely and kind!
Also your comment on my card!

Nice te have a DT teamie like you!

Have a nice day!

Aly x

Marlies said...

Wauw your card is gorgeous Donna!! Fantastic colouring of the lovely image and thanks for all the photos on how you put the card together. I think I'll emigrate to Florida haha, its warmer than here in The Netherlands. Thanks for joining our challenge at Addicted to Stamps with your second card. Marlies x

Monica said...

Hi Donna,

Sorry I have not had time to blog and need to keep up with emails but somehow life takes over or rather meditation takes over. Lol. I spend lots of time doing meditation and everything else takes a backseat.

Apart from that we were in Malaysia over the autumn break and then we visited Jakarta. It was nice to go back to our old place even though we had mixed sentiments. Did manage to meet a few old friends and our driver and the mobile beautician who used to come home.

Your card is BEEE-YOOOU-TI-FUL and I love the text inside. I think the text is so YOU. You are so caring and loving and such a fab artist at that. This image is very expressive and I like her eyes and her body language. SUPER. And what a great way to replicate the colours of autumn. In Singapore, we have rainy season here and it rains along with thunder and lightening all the way until February when it is Chinese new year.
I will try and post pictures of sunset in the island we visited in Malaysia.

Take care and keep spreading your magic of love.

Hugs,
M

Pamellia said...

Your card is absolutely magical Donna! I am completely blown away by your image, so perfect with those delightful colours! The glittery frame just adds to the fantasy feel, like fairy dust surrounding your beautiful focal image! So gorgeous!

A few of the trees have turned, but for the most part it is still pretty green around here. No frost and not much mist, but last night it snowed just a couple hundred miles from here, yikes! We had some wind yesterday that turned my patio umbrella inside out, and now I fear my squirrels will have no cover from elements, so off I go to find something suitable to set up. Have a very eerie weekend my friend. Oh yeah, that date you were asking about, October 5th. lol. hugs :)

Conniecrafter said...

Oh Wow she is just stunning, your coloring of her just brings her to life, you did a lovely job of giving her an Autumn look. I love the design you came up with for the card also!
We are experiencing a very late fall or one that the colors are not as special as past years, we looked back at past pictures and by now the colors were amazing and this year things are pretty much turning brown and falling, we were glad we were able to make it up to Michigan this year to see their colors. I am still hopeful for the trees that haven't turned yet, we do get some pretty ones just not an over all colors as in past years.
I agree with your writings about friendship, I do believe it starts from within, having a good relationship with God and what he wants for our lives and loving the person he has made me, and then sharing the love he has given to me with others and his creation :)

NanaConnie said...

This is the most incredible coloring, Donna, and I adore the angled, offset framing! Fabulous layout and the feathers are such a delightful touch. Love the sparkle and the border punch you chose. It all just works so beautifully together, :-D

Janice said...

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G Donna!! What a beautiful card, and fabulous tutorial, your work never ceases to amaze me, you are so very talented in all you do. I wish I had a smidgen of your talent, then I would be very happy! :-))
Janice x

Tammy said...

What a stunning card Donna!! I love that image and you've colored it beautifully, gorgeous design and sparkle!
Hugs, Tammy

Shelly Schmidt said...

Goodness- your card is just Gorgeous!!! I just love the glittery frame- love the way you have set up your layout. And, your coloring is so masterful- pretty! Love your poem as well. Wowza!

Leslie Miller said...

I read every word very carefully to be sure I was correct in understanding that you actually colored this stunning image yourself. Well, yes, you did and it is jaw dropping. Easy, you say? Hmmmm... I'm happy to hear you describe Florida's autumn in such beautiful terms. One has to be close to nature and in tune with the subtle variations to appreciate it. It's a total body experience, isn't it? Not just visual, not just the change of temperature, but something you feel inside. Donna, every little thing that directed the outcome of your card just put it in a better place. The leaf frame, glittering with autumn dew, is perfect for the image, and I love that it's angled and the leaf border is echoed in the blue underneath. The feathers are wonderful. I kept all my feathers when I was clearing out and now I have to remember to use them. As for your thoughts on friendship -- I'm with you completely in that you have to be okay with yourself in order to be a good friend to someone else. You can then accept another's differences, even polar opposites. Let them go on their way and embrace them upon their return. No demands, no pushing. Maybe I'm getting off track. Been sick with a stomach bug and taking a few days to recover. Hit me like a brick. Hugs to you my friend, Donna.

Joan said...

A stunning card with such a beautiful image, the colouring is amazing, love your description of Florida Autumn and you have captured the colours perfectly on your card

Joan

Jean Bullock said...

Wow, this is the most gorgeous calamity I have ever seen, lol. It looks great. Love the coloring and the image and of course the glitter. Well done, my friend. Well done!

MaryH said...

A beautiful post, and I certainly enjoyed reading about the changes to the Florida season. People who've not lived there, never realize that autumn does come...just perhaps more muted shades of colors than other places. I think your Autumn Beauty has captured the look very brilliantly. As always your coloring is superb, and I'm loving the blue & glittering copper combination, with the slight touches of olive. So enjoyed reading about your 'fixes' - very clever. And I love the inner sentiment, and the salvage of the 'boo-boo bits'. No one would know. It's so good of you to take the time to show the tutorial pictures and the thought provoking Path of Positivity part of the post, was just great. Enjoy your cooler nights. TFS & Hugs.

Sue said...

Our colors have peaked here, and with two days of rain,the trees have lost a lot of leaves. Colder too, but great for sleeping.
This image is fabulous, and you have colored it up to perfection, she looks so lifelike. Lovely colors and the card design is awesome too. Just a gorgeous creation.

Hugs
Sue
PS, the card size on the twist and pop card on my blog is 12x5, folded at 6 inches tent style, so it will fit in a 5x7 inch envelope. Hope this helps.

Linda Vich said...

Donna, this card is truly a work of art! I absolutely LOVE the way that you colored this fairy . . . lovely vintage look that reminds me of those old post cards. The use of the complementary colors of blue and orange work very well here and I love that you tilted the frame/mattes rather than leaving them in a more formal arrangement. Lovely work!

ScrappyHorses said...

Wow, this is stunning! The coloring, layout, textures, colors, use of digi.....everything is just inspiring. Your art conveys your words about friendship so beautifully! Thank you for sharing your lovely card and thoughts with us over at Path of Positivity. We hope to see you on our path again very soon.
Katrina
ScrappyHorses.blogspot.com

Joan said...

Hi Donna, what a beautiful card, lovely image and colours and a great layout.
Thank you for your lovely comments on my blog and becoming a follower, I'm just about to return the compliment

Joan

Christina Hor said...

"Autumn Vintage meets Sparkle" It has a beautiful ring to it. I think you have invented a new style Donna and it a beautiful one. I don't know where the ugly is. All I see is a gorgeous card full of love and soul pour into it. The coloring is amazing! She's so life-like. And you've really took it outside the box by having her framed that way. Something different yet beautiful. And I really enjoy the reading on the meaning of friendship. So deep yet so true Donna. I think before we can be a friend, a good friend to someone, we must first befriend to yourself. Love ourselves first and appreciate and respect ourselves first. It is only then can we truly love, cherish and respect another human being and their friendship. Beautiful post and project Donna. May you have a blessed week. Hugs.

Pia S said...

Sorry I've been absent lately, I've been away on holiday and now I'm waiting for mr mojo to get back home as well... In the meantime I'm trying to catch up a bit on what's been going on in blogland, a great source of inspiration. Your coloring here looks amazing. I would never have guessed this is one easy to color, I tend to shy away from lots of hair, skin and clothes, coloring isn't my strength. This looks gorgeous!

wannabcre8tive said...

Wow, this card is just beautiful. I love the end results. Your coloring is fab and the layout is very well done.

Karenladd said...

This is just spectacular, and so beautifully colored! I had to laugh at the way your card grew to an enormous size!! All the layers and frames added beauty and size. Either way, the result is gorgeous.

Jacqueline Muller said...

This is gorgeous! Love the image and frame you've made.
Thank you for joining the challenge at the World Wide Open Design Team Challenge!
Hugs, Jacqueline

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

I saw your wonderful card with that stunning fairy and had to look better... and founded this AMAZING post! :) WOW!
First, the image is really amazing, the most beautiful and sweet fairy I have never seen and your autumnal colouring is breathtaking!!! Your colouring skills are awesome!!! Love really so much all your design and I don't know the boo-boos, but I think that they were a lucky accident, because your card is just PERFECT as it is!!! :) Life is always a changing, isn't it? :)
And then I founded your very beautiful and true words about Friendship, and I agree on all you said so well! Fabulous "poem", sage and loving words!
Hugs and thanks for this beautiful surprise on my day :)!