Sparkle N Sprinkle May 1 Reveal

Welcome to the Sparkle N Sprinkle May Stamp Reveal!

(if you have arrived here by way of my fabulously-creative friend Shona, you're in the right place!)

As Guest Designer, I'd like to reveal four sweet projects with brief descriptions
AND 
invite you to the SNS Blog Hop.

Check out the Sparkle Team's beautiful creations,

AND

earn a chance to win the grand prize!

NEW STORE - NEW BLOG - NEW PRODUCT LINES!

 FUN TECHNIQUES, VIDEOS AND KITS WITH DEMO DONNA!

It's Demo Donna on the SNS YouTube Channel!

Subscribe today to REVEL IN all the latest Demo Donna tips and techniques - AND - great entertainment! Each week a new technique is shared, and each month, a new video kit is revealed!

HERE is the May Video Kit Club using the gorgeous peacock.

The new sets are 20% off until May 3, 2017, so after the blog hop, hop on over to the NEW STORE and have fun shopping! Be sure to check out the OTHER amazing new products as well! 
With names like TONIC and NUVO and STAMPENDOUS and HOUSE MOUSE, you're sure to fill that cart up quickly!

There are EIGHT new rubber stamp sets being released this month with their digital counterparts, plus a new Digi Papers set, and two digital mega bundles!   

The new SNS sets are:

840 - Happy Flowers 

      (digi version DIGI840FS)

      MEGA bundle includes additional images, decoupage sheets, 10 digi papers)

844 - True Beauty  - Peacock   (This month's fabulous video kit)

         (digi version DIGI844B)
845 - Girlfriends Support Set 3  

         (digi version DIGI845BG)
846 - Flower Girl-Magic in You  

      (digi version DIGI846BG)
4004 - Rainbow of Pastels Patterned Paper Pack (10 Digi Papers)

847 - Kaitlyn Mermaid 
        (digi version DIGI847LS)
848 - Rory Batter Up
        (digi version DIGI848LS)
849 - Graduation-Final Roll Call  

850 - Graduation-Party Time
         (digi version DIGI849-850B - MEGA BUNDLE combines both sets and additional images) 

         

Extras goodies come with our newer digital versions.  The extras can include additional images not available with the rubber version, JPG and PNG formats for scene creation, colored images, digi papers, and a cut file to use with your electronic cutting machine. Having both the rubber and digi versions of all our new releases brings you the best of both worlds.

On May 3, ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be selected from the comments left on all the Designers' blogs listed below.  Please leave a comment with each designer to be eligible for the Grand Prize (checked for compliance).  The Grand Prize Winner will be announced on the SNS Facebook page and the SNS New Blog.  

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First up is my girly Girlfriend Support 5x7 Card:

To change part of a rubber stamp:

I especially like the NUVO fine (small) Glue Pen which was used as dots around the image, inside the hearts, and along the sentiment to hold the Waterfall Ultrafine Semi-Transparent Glitter. Once dried, the glitter DOES NOT come off.

Made hot with the heat tool and dipped into the Dragon Fruit Cosmic Embossing Powder, the brads match the embossed sentiments beautifully. Each brad was heated twice to create the smooth, creamy texture. This particular EP contains three thoroughly-mixed colors, with a touch of cosmic magic, making it mottled yet creamy. You can see the "mottling" in the brads.

List of Products for Girlfriend Support 5x7 Card:

• Girlfriend Support Set #3 (also available digitally with sentiments and color versions)
• Dragon Fruit Cosmic Embossing Powder EP410 (sentiments and brads)
• Waterfall Ultrafine Semi-Transparent Glitter
• NUVO fine (small) Glue Pen for glitters
• NUVO Gilding Flakes (sunkissed copper)
• SW Indian Ocean Collection Maldives die set
• SB Fancy Tags, SB long classic scallop rectangles, SB Grand Labels 4
• Copic Markers, ribbon, eyelet lace, heart brads

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Rory Batter Up Baseball 5x7 Card:

A different sort of "girly" card, Rory Batter Up! is quite versatile in its uses as Thinking of You, Get Well, or simply encouragement. This sporty gal is sure to conquer anything she sets her mind to!

I colored her with Copic Markers.

The background sentiment has been embossed on top of designer paper with Glitzy Gold Cosmic Embossing Powder - it's kind of a copper-umber-gold-brown metallic color. Around the edge of the pattern paper, I ran the NUVO Medium Glue Pen and let it dry to become tacky. Then NUVO Gilding Flakes - Sunkissed Copper were rubbed along the edges for a distressed metallic look that matches the EP. 

The brads were dipped into Skylight Cosmic Semi Transparent EP for that all-star appearance. Flower centers are embellished with NUVO Crystal Drops (gloss white). 

Beautiful Blue Jewel G1113 Ultrafine Sparkling Glitter is adhered to the tag under the sentiment.

List of Products for Rory Batter Up Baseball 5x7 Card:

• Images - Rory Batter Up! rubber stamp set (also available digitally with sentiments and color versions)
• Sentiment on tag - from True Beauty rubber stamp set (also available digitally)
• NUVO Gilding Flakes - Sunkissed Copper (distressed around the frame)
• NUVO Adhesive Pens (medium) - (for the gilding flakes)
• NUVO Crystal Drops (gloss white) flower centers
• Glitzy Gold Cosmic Embossing Powder (great for detail embossing) EP360
• Skylight Cosmic Semi Transparent EP212 (great for detail embossing) used on star brads
• Blue Jewel G1113 Ultrafine Sparkling Glitter
• Poppy Stamps Grassland Border die cut, IO Grass die cut, misc MS punches, star brads, Copic Markers

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Flower Girl - Magic in You Tag (fits standard business size envelope):

This Girly Tag was cut from pale yellow cardstock, inked with Straw DI, dimensions are 7" x 3.25".

Pretty Flower Girl is colored with Copic Markers, surrounded by an aqua halo which has been embossed with Sparkle Embossing Powder. 

Embossing powders that contain a transparent powder will usually make the underlying colors more vibran.

I wanted a bit more aqua sparkle in addition to the EP, so I ran the NUVO fine (small) Glue Pen for around the edge of the pearl clusters at the bottom, and dotted the glue pen on top of the Sparkle EP around the halo, and added more Waterfall Ultrafine Semi-Transparent Glitter to those areas. 

The designer paper background has been stamped with the flower and sentiment, and then heat set with Gold Detail Embossing Powder.  For texture, NUVO Glimmer Paste was added to the gold-embossed flower centers.

List of Products for Flower Girl - Magic in You Tag:

Images - Flower Girl Magic in You (also available digitally with sentiments and color versions)

Gold Detail Embossing Powder (sentiment)

Sparkle Embossing Powder EP107 (around the girl)

NUVO Glimmer Paste (flower centers)

NUVO fine (small) Glue Pen for glitters

Waterfall Ultrafine Semi-Transparent Glitter

MB Pinpoint Scalloped Circles die set, SB Classic Scalloped Circles

DL Art crinkle ribbons with a little color added, pearls, lace, Copic Markers

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Kaitlyn Mermaid 5x7 Card:

My final Girly card is sweet for any age girls in your life, and for any occasion.

It comes with fantastic sentiments to be used individually or as a cluster.

Colored with Copic Markers, Kaitlyn Mermaid is sweet, kind and happy being her unique self.

The distressed inks across the panel make water, and have been lightly dotted with the NUVO fine (small) Glue Pen for glitters to adhere. I also used the glue pen on the dry embossed background to add more Waterfall Ultrafine Semi-Transparent Glitter. The shells have been entirely colored with shiny, quick drying NUVO Embellishment Mousse.

.

Products used in Kaitlyn Mermaid 5x7 Card:

• Images - Kaitlyn Mermaid rubber stamp set (also available digitally)
• NUVO Embellishment Mousse (Cornflower Blue, Indian Gold, Mother of Pearl) on shells
• Tonic 1461E Ribbon and Bow Layering Die Set
• NUVO fine (small) Glue Pen for glitters
• Waterfall Ultrafine Semi-Transparent Glitter
• SB Shapeabilities Foliage S4-368 (coral)
• IO Seashells die set
• Dee's Distinctively Flourish die Set 4 (sea grasses)
• Copic Markers

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The Blog Hop order this month is:

Jess
Belinda
Anne
Diane
Eret
Shona
Donna (hi! you're here!)
Chris

After leaving a comment for a chance to win, hop on over to the fun blog of teamie Chris!

Challenges I'd like to support:

1. A Gem of a Challenge #193  Embossing - Wet or Dry - 5/11 all four cards (mermaid card dry embossed with glitter - yellow tag gold embossed flowers and sentiment and Sparkle EP in blue halo around girl - baseball card brads are embossed with Skylight EP, sentiment with Glitzy Gold EP, words on background paper with Glitzy Gold EP - pink/black card sentiments and brads are embossed with Dragon Fruit EP) 
2. Allsorts Challenge Blog #413 Embossing - Wet or Dry 5/4 all four cards (mermaid card dry embossed with glitter - yellow tag gold embossed flowers and sentiment and Sparkle EP in blue halo around girl - baseball card brads are embossed with Skylight EP, sentiment with Glitzy Gold EP, words on background paper with Glitzy Gold EP - pink/black card sentiments and brads are embossed with Dragon Fruit EP)
3. Classic Design Team Challenge #14 Anything Goes DT  6/1
4. Crafting from the Heart #157 Anything Goes 
5. Crafty Friends Challenge #56 Anything Goes 5/4
6. Pammie's Inky Pinkies #1718 Anything goes 5/4

stamping hugs,

Shape It Up! {Cardz 4 Galz}

Hello! Hope you have been enjoying a great week, and that you are feeling well.

Beginning today at Cardz 4 Galz Challenges we have a brand new challenge!

Badges are awarded for the Spotlight Winner and Top Picks.

Challenge #46 is chosen by teamie Maryvonne -and the theme is:  Shaped Cards.  Show us your cards using any and all manner of shapes - just "don't be a SQUARE!" (giggle)
Challenge ends on May 11.

While my shaped card is rather unimaginative,
the fun was in putting it all together,
with lots of whimsy and carefree happiness! 

Often my heart feels that way, even if my body does not.   DOES YOURS? 

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

The Path of Positivity Challenge this month is:

The BEAUTY OF NATURE.

While we all THINK we know what "Nature" is, I've discovered it is quite a subjective topic in many ways. What it means to me (living in the countryside of central Florida) and what it means to someone who lives in a high-rise in a large city, would mean different things.

But 

Exploring Nature, 

Enjoying Nature, 

being Enamored with Nature

these bring Beauty to all of us. A child sees the wonder of the sky through a 25th floor apartment window. An invalid seems the beauty of Nature in a floral arrangement someone sent. Looking into darkness one evening, we might all enjoy the cool night's air, listening to the wind and feeling its caress through our hair. Relishing the chirping of birds, the flight of butterflies, the photographs of mountains, the TV documentary of far-away lands, a sea shell on the beach, a pet's loving embrace, pondering the Wonders of the Universe - all these things bring us up close to Nature in a variety of ways.

Today my card is about a child swinging under the sky and amidst the flowers in bloom.

We all have an inner child longing to explore the wonders of the world, 

         the thrill of wind against our faces, 

                   the kiss of Nature and Life upon our cheeks...

JUST LIKE THIS LITTLE GIRL SWINGING HER HEART OUT SO MERRILY!

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

Colored with Copics, this little sweetie is enjoying the shade of a cloud.

Virginal items from my neglected stash:

• this adorable Swinging image (won at another challenge years ago),
• three older unused die sets (SW Petite Peony Cluster, SW Double Pierced Circles set B, PS Twirly Clouds),
• aqua ribbon from my Great Aunt Agnes's stash,
• Pink Grosgrain ribbon never been opened after years of just having to have it!

Have you tried the Nuvo Glue Pens?

To me, a glue pen was a glue pen, and I have my favorites and seldom stray.

However, I acquired one of each of the 3 sizes of Nuvo Glue Pens.

In a single word: GRATEFUL

All the Glitter on these elements was adhered with the Jumbo Nuvo Glue Pen.
I can rub hard with my thumb, and the glitter does not come off. Even if I use a finger nail to scratch it off, only a few of the glitter particles came off.

Very sticky in both the wet state and tacky state for a host of different mediums. There is no odor, and it goes on slightly bluish so I could see exactly where it was needed, and when it was dry enough for mica flakes and such. And for adhering the glitter? I was surprised that the glitter stayed on even after being rubbed rather roughly.

Available in three sizes, they store conveniently, and are very easy to hold and use. There are little ball bearings (or the like) inside the pen barrels so mixing the glue is easy in order to keep the sticky formula at its best.

The flowers below were painted with NUVO Crystal Drops, and the centers are also NUVO Crystal Drops. I painted the petals. They have a slightly pearly luster just like real flower petals:

finished card:

It is always a pleasure seeing your artful treasures,

so please come play with us at
Cardz 4 Galz.

Products:

• Images: Stamp On It Eureka "Swinging" colored with Copic Markers, Co-Motion Stamps Graceful Vine inked with Brilliance inks
• Poppy Stamps Twirly Clouds #1287
• SB Labels 46, Decorative Elements Labels 46
• SB Decorative Grand Stately Circles
• SW Double Pierced Circles A and B
• SW Petite Peony Cluster Dies
• SW Faux Quilled Leaves
• MS Heart
• Nuvo Glue Pens
• Starfire Glitter G1017 on the cloud, branches, other frames
• Peruvian Lily Microfine Velvet Glitter GM2014
• NUVO Crystal Drops, Buttermilk Color and Glow-in-the-Dark Shocking Pink Color
• Lace, Grosgrain Ribbon, embossing folder

Challenges I'd like to play in please:

1. Crafty Creations Challenges #340 Anything Goes  5/10 
2. Crafty Gals Corner  #120 Anything Goes 5/2
3. Creative Moments Challenges  #116 Spring Has SprungTheme 5/2
4. Deep Ocean Challenge #153 Spring Time 5/1
5. Get Creative Challenges #57 Use Flowers and Lace  5/1
6. The Path of Positivity Challenge #48 The BEAUTY OF NATURE (blurb written toward the top of the blog post) 5/1
7. Try Stampin' On Tuesday #319 - Make it Round 5/10 (sep post)
8. Use Your Stuff #261 Use Circles 4/30
9. World Wide Open #21 Anything Goes from a DT 5/15
10. {Pin}spirational Challenges #189 Be inspired by the photo (colors and joy): 5/10

Stamping Hugs,

Stella Happy Meds {Sparkle N Sprinkle}

Hello, dear blogging friends!
Today I have a silly, fun card suitable for:

thinking of you
older birthday
get well
support through a long illness

Anyone familiar with Jodie Mackrell knows that Stella is one of her favorite characters.
Sparkle N Sprinkle fell in love with Stella's unique form of snarkiness and encouragement, and turned this fun image into a rubber stamp set.

Card Size:
5.5" x 7.5" (A7 American)

Colored with Copic Markers, and framed in orange and aqua, a little "Sparkle EP" was added on the doilies and frame for visual interest.

If you enjoy watercolors, embossing this with black detail EP and then watering down brilliant colors in the background and on the jar images, this would be an easy coloring job, too!

Punched with a retired MS punch, the aqua paper was also dry embossed with dotted EF and shmooshed with Brilliance ink.

Putting it all askew is just "typically Stella" (giggle).

Products:

Sparkle Embossing Powder EP107

Stella - Happy Meds rubber stamp set (also available in digital format)

Copic Markers

On a Personal Note:

As mentioned in a previous post, we are in our "wild fire season" in Florida.

Unfortunately, a wild fire broke out close by yesterday, and our clear, fresh air now is laden with ash and smoke. Combining with the heavy layers of pollen everywhere, the smoke and ash is sticking to everything. SO GRATEFUL for the air conditioning.

We live just outside of the Withalacoochee (With-a-la-coo-chee) Forest, so we will see more than the average number of wildlife temporarily, and will keep the water buckets full so they can drink.

Floridians are looking forward to our rainy season, but we must always be careful what we wish for, right? Here is a headline you may find interesting, with over 100 wildfires being fought throughout the state as of April 10, 2017. I know many of you live in areas prone to fires as well. They ARE necessary for the Florida ecology, but just not pleasant - I guess kind of like having to choose to let a surgeon perform a necessary surgery?

Thanks for visiting today!

hugs,

Fairy Tangles All Dressed Up {Cardz 4 Galz Glad Rags}

Hello, Sweet Blogging Friends!

Here in Florida, we are approaching the end of our "wild-fire season".
Ending in June with the beginning of Hurricane Season, the fires are a necessary part of the ecology in Florida. While unpleasant smokiness occurs, depending which way the wind blows - and the winds change frequently, good things happen as a result of the fires.
Presently, in our county, we have a large woodland fire near the coast caused by lightning, that firefighters have been battling for a week. After the fire, lush growth begins anew, seedlings pop up everywhere, and critters emerge from their protective dens and return from neighboring refuges.

On to crafty things:

Beginning today at Cardz 4 Galz Challenges we have a Fabulous, Fun, Fashionable theme!

Badges are awarded for the Spotlight Winner and Top Picks.

Challenge #45 is chosen by teamie Julie -and the theme is:  HANDBAGS AND GLAD RAGS.  Show us your cards using any and all manner of purses and/or fashionable wear! 
Challenge ends on April 26.

I'm using the last of some Fairy Tangle images I purchased a few years ago and had never used.

This fashionista positively flows in her garb! She is staged against sequin cardstock which sparkles colorfully against the flashing lights of fashion photographers!

She is colored with Copic Markers - I think my favorite images to color are the fantasy style images which favor any colors my heart desires!

I was inspired by the Atlantic Hearts Challenge Sketch:

It is always a pleasure seeing your artful treasures,

so please come play with us at
Cardz 4 Galz.

Challenges I'd like to play in please:

1. 613 Avenue Create #196 Anything Goes with optional twist Anything Spring 5/1
2. Always Fun Challenges #1 Anything Goes 4/17
3. Artistic Inspirations Challenges #176 Anything Goes 4/17
4. Classic World Wide Open DT Challenge #13 Anything DT Goes 5/1
5. Coloring in Scrapland (April) "Girly Stuff" 5/1 (sep post)
6. Crafts Galore Encore (April) "Anything Goes"  5/1 (top tab)
7. Dragonfly Dreams (April 2) Anything Goes 5/1
8. Glitter N Sparkle Challenge #234 Anything Spring 4/16 (colors, whimsy, flowers)
9. Pammies Inky Pinkies #1715 Anything Goes 4/17
10. World Wide Open Challenge #21 Anything Goes DT 5/17

Stamping Hugs,