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

Tuesday, August 01, 2017

Cards For Little Hearts Card Drive Blog Hop

Hello, blogging friends!

We are now one month into the CARDS FOR LITTLE HEARTS card drive.
Thanks to everyone who has been making cards, and sending them to Christina Hor.

Today begins our "thank you" blog hop.
(there is a little freebie at the bottom for you.)




The card drive's purpose is to cheer the pediatric cardiac in-patients at Nationwide Children's Hospital. They suffer from a variety of congenital heart disease issues, and it is hard for them to be in the hospital during a time when others are enjoying parties and celebrations. 

The cards lift the children's spirits, inspire them to fight the good fight, and to know they are not alone. Several prizes are being offered for those who donate cards to the card drive:


As a big thank you to everyone, today we have the CARDS FOR LITTLE HEARTS blog hop.
There are prizes from generous sponsors for winners who hop along with us. A few of us also have blog candy we'll be offering. We hope you will spread the word of this worthy cause, because the drive continues until August 25.

Randomly-discovered Blog Hop Prizes for those leaving comments on each blog:

$15 Simon Says Stamp gift card
$15 Ellen Hutson gift certificate






(My blog hop prize has one extra sentiment with the snowflake on it.)

To purchase this adorable set, please visit Bugaboo's Snowman-Snowflake.

Winners will be announced on Christina Hor's Blog at 8AM on August 8.
Winners of individuals' Blog Candy will be announced on our personal blogs.
My winner will be announced on my blog at 8AM on August 8.

My little snowman has been printed for an A2 size card (4.25" x 5.5").
He is darling in his lavender cap and scarf.
He has been colored with Copic Markers, and a little ink distressing here and there.


Tip:
To make your digital stamp collection go a lot further, try changing the size of the image, where it is die cut, and flip horizontally:

Here is the enlarged version of the snowman where he is facing the opposite direction:


He is also colored in the same color Copics, but the cap is green, rather than lavender.

Be sure to put a white piece of paper on the inside if using dark cardstock:


Blog Hop Order:

Donna Ellis (hey! that's ME!) giggle


Here are some freebies for your cards. Just click on the Heart(s) you want, then right click to save to your computer. Resize on your word processor to whatever size you like. These are PNGs and are transparent outside of the heart area. Ink them up and play! Please, no commercial use, and no reproduction for selling.




Enjoy!


On a personal note:

My Hoya Rope Plant has vines approaching 10 feet (over 3 meters) long. The leaves are curled and very waxy. They do not require big pots for their roots. This one has begun blooming. The blooms are both waxy with honey, and velvety soft:


Here's a shot using Apple's new "portrait" mode shot on an iPhone. (giggling more)


Thanks for stopping by today!



Challenges I'd like to play in Please:
  1. Crafty Friends Challenges #63 "Christmas in July" 8/10
  2. Christmas Card Challenges #18 Snowman Inspiration 8/7
  3. Dream Valley #160 Anything Goes (C10) 8/12
  4. Kerst/Christmas Facebook Challenge - (Aug) Anything Christmas 9/1
  5. Merry Monday Christmas Card Challenges "Summer Link Up" (comment 3 - 37, 107, 77) ends 8/31
  6. Pammie's Inky Pinkies #1731 "Circles" 8/6
  7. The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge #11 Anything Christmas Goes 8/5



hugs,



63 comments:

aussie aNNie said...

Two more adorable cards De, for a most worthy cause.
Love your pretty Hoya plant, stunning. night from down under.xxx

Lori Kobular said...

Donna these cards are so precious! I love the green and purple color combo and that snowman is adorable! You always put so much love into your cards! I really love the 'snow' sentiments on your cards! Thank you for participating in this wonderful card drive for the children! I know you will be making some children smile!!

Unknown said...

Love both of your cards Donna, colours are fab x

Bunny said...

Love the cards you did in purple and green. How fun this looks. Bugaboo has the cutest images. Thank you for the free heart sentiments and for a chance to win. I hope there are many people that will participate in this drive. [Bunny]

KraftyKoolKat said...

Two adorable cards De, love the colour. Your plant is so beautiful sweetie just like your heart.
Hugs
Cathy
xxxxx

SewPaperPaint said...

What sweet designs and a precious cause. I love these fun images and your beautiful coloring and layers here. Big hugs, Autumn

Linda Simpson said...

My goodness Donna these are fabulous! I do love snowmen and these are fabulous!
Hugs
Linda xxx

*Vicki* said...

Hello lovely lady!! :) I'm sorry I've missed a few of your posts and I know you've already made several cards for this wonderful cause! I just love your sweet snowman image and your brilliant tips about the digital editing of the images! These cards are just adorable and I know will go over well with the little ones! Thanks so much for your sentiments too...perfect for these types of cards! BTW, your plant is looking gorgeous!! I am loving my hibiscus plants on my front porch right now. I know I'll have to bring them in when the weather changes! Thank you for your wonderful posts and your creations you've made for this wonderful card drive!! :) HUGS to you my friend!

Verna Angerhofer said...

Fabulous card designs and I just love the layouts you make for those card canvases. I wish I could come up with such cool designs like you do. These are so cute too with those snowmen images.

Lisa said...

They are so sweet and beautiful, Donna!! I love the snowmen!! The colors are fabulous!! These are gorgeous, my friend and they will be treasured by the recipients!! And wow, those blooms are stunning!! I'd love some just like them for my cards ;) Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Silvis Kreativstube said...

Hallo liebe Donna,
Ich bin von den Karten ganz begeistert. Ich liebe dieses Schneemannmotiv. Es zaubert mir ein Lächeln ins Gesicht. Die Aktion Karten für Kinder zu basteln finde ich sehr gut. Ich hoffe es kommen sehr viele Karten für die Kinder zusammen. Herzlichen Dank für die Freebie Herzen. Ganz liebe Knuddelgrüße herzlichst Hugs Silvi

Sue said...

Hi Donna, The cards are fab. I love the sentiments on the front.

Your plant is so pretty.

Hope you are having a nice week. Sue

Leslie Miller said...

Cute, sweet, and Bugaboo -- of COURSE I love it! My friend has a Hoya plant in her kitchen window, but it's not as splendiferous as yours. Wow!

Christina said...

Oh this little snowman is very adorable Donna. Jodie did a beautiful job and just love the colors! I really like the inside of your card as well. Thank you for the freebies! Love them! Donna, thank you so much for all the help you have given me with the card drive and for sharing your big beautiful heart with the children this winter holiday season. And thank you for blessing me with your friendship. Wishing you a beautiful day Donna. Hugs.

cotnob said...

Super Christmas cards Donna, such a fun snowman image and great sentiments - lovely colour choices.
Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
x

Lillian A said...

Bugaboo has some of the most adorable images, and this snowman is no exception. Although my first preference for holiday cards is the traditional red/green, your use of green and purple here gives a refreshing look to your creations. Awesome that word's spreading about this card drive and just know it's going to be a huge success!

Ann Greenspan's Crafts said...

Love the purple and green together, Donna. As usual your coloring is perfect too! These cards are going to be loved and touch some special hearts. You're a saint for doing this.

Stampsnob. said...

Darling snowmen and lovely cards............Lis

Diane Louise J said...

Hello Donna
It’s lovely to see you have joined in the ‘Christmas in July’ challenge at Crafty Friends Challenge Blog. You have created 2 beautiful Christmas cards... Good luck in the draw and we hope you will come back again very soon.

Diane Louise
[Team Leader for Crafty Friends Challenge Blog]

Debi said...

Donna,
I love the color combination of the lavender with the dark green. Looks great! I just mailed my box of cards off to Christina this afternoon. Hopefully, the hop will inspire more crafters to do the same.
Fabulous photos of your plant. You have such a green thumb!
Hugs, Debi

crafty-stamper said...

Fabulous cards Donna love the snowman and large banners great tip too --love the beautiful rope plant
Carol x

CherylQuilts said...

Donna, what adorable cards! I love this fun snowman, and the sentiments are darling! Your cards are so beautiful made, and I love your coloring! Your vine is gorgeous, and it looks so beautiful! I love the sweet flowers on it! Have a beautiful day, sweet friend! Hugs and love! xoxo

Linda said...

Lovely photos, Donna, and the cards are so pretty and creative!

Brenda said...

Love Bugaboo images, but these are just too cute - awesome job of coloring.....
Your flowers are beautiful - don't think I've ever seen them before.

Unknown said...

The images are too cute, love the colours you used the cards look great.. Thank you for the freebies they are great. Nancy

Edwina said...

Your cards are gorgeous! Love the purple and green together. Thanks for sharing the heart sentiments. Edwina Brown

Jackie said...

i LOVE that snowman - thanks for sharing! I tried to follow the link to Bugaboo and received a message about the page not being found :(

Marilyn said...

Cute cards!! Love the snowman and the colors!

Diane said...

Love love these cards and love, love the colors, both are the cutest ever (I have a soft spot for snowmen..must be because they are always so 'happy)!! Very fabulous designs! Your flowers are always amazing, too and I really enjoy seeing them!!

Becky said...

Beautiful non-traditional colors. I love them!

Shona Erlenborn said...

Double cuteness! These little cards are just adorable. Love that you flipped the digi. That's a new plant to me - how gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.

Donna Ellis said...

Yikes! Jackie Johnson - thank you for letting me know! I've corrected the links (they got changed on the website), and I've tried to locate you through your google ID, but there is no blog or email address. I'm sorry to leave the info here: https://bugaboostamps.com/products/snowman-snowflakes

thanks again for visiting my blog, and letting me know there was a bad link. hugs, de

Jodie Mackrell said...

Beautiful cards! and such a great cause!

Inkyfingers said...

That snowman is so cute and I love the card you made with him. Your unusual flower is sooo beautiful!

Sybrina K said...

And, these cards are snow special, Donna! These images are so cute and the colors are so fun. I just know the kids are going to love them. :)

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Hi Donna, I so love the card but getting a bit worried at how many crafters are making Christmas cards as I know I will be on the last legs as usual! Who knows maybe all these gorgeous pieces will make me start early. Have a great week, Angela xXx

Sandra said...

Adorable cards with a super cute image!! Love it Donna!

Donna said...

Your cards are absolutely adorable Donna! Thanks for the sweet freebie to use on our cards.

Beebeebabs said...

Wow such beautiful cards - love the snowmen and very nice choice of paper and great coloring as always thanks for sharing!!!

ann barnes said...

Love these snowman cards and the purple is such a perfect color for his cap! I really like the way you have colored them and such sweet sentiments! lovely!

Pam Sebring Iowa said...

These cards are all extremely precious! I love what you're doing for this organization. Blessings to you all!

Cara said...

Well I'm sold! You are are just wondering and tThat snowman image is so cute and I love the sentiment so I will be off to purchase that when I'm done here LOL.

Thank you for the little freebies too and your plant is gorgeous! I don't seem to have been born with the green thumb that my parents have/had so I have to enjoy everyone elses lovely flowers!

Thank you for sharing!
(Hugs) Cara
My Creative Chaos {My Personal Blog}
TTCRD Challenge Blog {Owner}

Janice said...

Such really cute snowmen, I love the colours you have used together and the great layouts.
Janice x

Angie said...

They are awesome cards - your colour combo is fab.x

Gina said...

What a lovely thing you are all doing...sharing love to so many. Gorgeous cards, and love the plant*though I don't think it would survive our freakish weather in the UK lol* Thank you for sharing with us at Dream Valley Challenge XXX

Dee said...

Super cute! Made me smile!

Chris said...

These are 2 gorgeous and super cute cards Donna! Adorable snowmen and I love the colour combo. I very rarely 'do' bloghops, but I think this is a cause worth supporting. Well done all of you the generous gift of your time and talents.
hugs
Chris
x

Conniecrafter said...

Oh my they are ever so adorable, lovely coloring and I love the two tone shading you did around the edges of the first one!!
Wow that plant is just beautiful, and sounds like it has grown quite big, I don't know that I have ever seen one like that before.

Pia S said...

I think you've nailed it with these cards and showing us the power of a little change of color and the impact of flipping and resizing an image. The cards are so cute and I love your color choices too.

Pam Tiedtke, or Pammie Lou said...

Both these cards are awesome! Your coloring is fabulous! Thanks so much for sharing them with us at PIP Challenges!
Hugs

Catnip and Kitty Whiskers said...

Beautiful cards! They are sure to be loved! :)

stampfoldandrepeat (Jeanie) said...

What a wonderful hop - so many great card ideas! I love your snowman cards; they are so bright and happy. ALso, thanks for sharing the tips on working with digis!

Christine said...

Love your snowmen! They are so cheerful and are sure to encourage the children.

sarascloset said...

Your cards are so sweet, and I'm just loving that you have the kindest heart to make these cards for the children! Your Hoya rope plant is gorgeous and even more beautiful with your photography! I've never seen one of these! My Biskit would sure love to get her teeth into this! Tee Hee! Hugs!

Migdalia said...

I love the snowman image! Love Bugaboo too!Your cards are absolutely adorable!!A very pretty plant. Thanks for the freebie!
Have a wonderful day,
Migdalia
Crafting with Creative M

Karthikha said...

Beautiful cards :) I love the color combination!! :)

Kathy Schweinfurth said...

Your cards are so cute and the colors are fabulous!!

NanaConnie said...

Fabulous coloring on that darling snowman, Donna, and I love, love, LOVE the purple and green combo! Beautifully done.

LilArtsyWoman said...

The image is so cute and how you have design the card to make the snowman "pop" is fantastic. Very wonderfully and beautifully done and I love viewing your cards.

Helen Gullett said...

Such an adorable card.

Donna Phelan said...

You're so kind and thoughtful.... a true gem! Thise snowman are adorable and I love your colors, so pretty and cool perfect for the winter theme! They just POP!

Lori said...

Your cards just make me smile! Love the snowman and the colors that you have used! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Christmas Card Challenges! -Lori DT

Unknown said...

Your cards are so cute, and what a fantastic idea with the Card Drive. I love the way you coloured these cards, and the colours of the papers that you chose to pair them with. Amazing! Thank you so much for playing along with us at Christmas Card Challenges. – Amanda DT