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

Monday, October 23, 2017

Lovely Autumn Color theme at The Crazy Challenge!

Good Morning, sweet blogging friends!
I hope this finds you well and enjoying the season.

Today I am guest designing for a fun challenge blog called

THE CRAZY CHALLENGE. 

(thank you for giving me this opportunity, Crazies!)


This fortnight's challenge is COLOR THEME #260.
So get your Pretty Autumn Colors out and join in the fun!


I'm playing with a masking technique, using "Post-it Tape" with this collage stamp. Manufactured by Rubber Cottage and purchased in 2005, it has only seen ink one time before. How NEGLECTFUL of me! (Isn't it a cool image?)

(click on the image below to enlarge)
Assorted inks were used (hybrid, pigment and dye base):


I embossed the background, sentiment, and around the leaves and acorn with Copper Kettle Cosmic Semi-Transparent EP. Because it is semi-transparent, the color changes depending on the colors behind it. For example, see the green leaf below, distressed with Citrus Green, Indian Gold, and Orange Blush Embellishment Mousse? The Copper EP changed to a pinker hue when touching the Orange Blush Mousse.

The versatile Autumnal Oak Die set is great because the leaves and acorn are actually two pieces, allowing for an assortment of techniques. For the acorn:


On the inside, I used the negative portion of leaves from the same die set, distressing with a little hybrid ink and Indian Gold Mousse:

Don't forget to upload your lovely Autumn creations to THE CRAZY CHALLENGE!


Products Used:



Challenges I would like to play in please:
  1. Crafty Catz Challenge #389 Anything Goes with Autumn Colors 10-26.
  2. Moving Along With the Times #56 Autumn/Fall 10/25 (sep post)
  3. The Crafty Addicts #41 Anything Goes Autumn Colors 10/31
  4. Stamping Sensations (Oct 1) Autumn Glory 11/1
  5. Dare2BArtzy (Oct 1) Fall Colors 11/1
  6. A Bit More Time To Craft "Anything Goes" #54 11/1
  7. World Wide Open DT Challenge  Anything for a DT Goes 11/15
  8. A Perfect Time to Craft #10 Anything Goes 10/31 (sep post)
  9. Crafting from the Heart #180  Anything Goes 10/31
  10. Emerald City Crafts Challenges #4 Anything Goes 10/31


Stamping Hugs,










51 comments:

Donna Phelan said...

WOW! Where to begin? I love your masking technique! I think I have done something similar, Retiform Technique? BUT I like how you were able to frame out your pretty image! That's super cool! Love that acorn and your pretty leaf dies, aren't they perfect for the season? Your colors are spot on! Ooooh and a pretty new tool too. I don't know about resin non warping plates....I wonder if anyone else will make them for the numerous other die cutting machines on the market....or the 2 in my craft room lol

Chris said...

Oh My Goodness Donna, this is gorgeous!! The masking technique and your clever shading have added so much depth to this beautiful stamp, and the colours are wonderful! Your die cuts look so pretty, such a lovely sheen on them.
hugs
Chris
x

Bunny said...

This is gorgeous, Donna. The colors are beautiful and the technique looks fun. Love your acorn.

Thanks for the heads up on the cutting machine. I am pretty sure mine is going to give up the ghost pretty soon. I'm glad you found something you like. [Bunny]

brenda said...

I can see so much love and attention has gone into your beautiful Autumnal creation Donna, the warmth of the season just radiates from all the elements right down to that lush Acorn.

And a wood mounted as well, call me old fashioned but they remain my stamp of choice. I can understand the move to cling as they take up so much less room but I guess I am rather spoilt not having to take that one into consideration.

And a new die cutting machine, I don't know too much about that one other than it's pretty new but they really they are very much a personal thing. I started out with a good old Cuttlebug, moved onto a Grand Calibur which fell to pieces on me, next a Big Shot Pro which was far to big and heavy for me to handle, then came the Big Shot Express and that still has a place in my craft room alongside my e.bosser. Love both of those as they are electronic.

Take care my friend,

B x

Diane said...

Fabulous fall card Donna and what a great technique, loving the soft colors of fall and a really nice stamp, too!! I have one yours reminds me of, too that has never seen ink! I have thought about the tangerine myself and was hoping to get one at some point...and it sure is Tonic bright orange...and would brighten up any room...not sure when your birthday is or when...let me know please and your addy, too :>)

Gertrude said...

WOW, was für eine tolle Karte, gefällt mir sehr gut
glg Gertrude

KarinsArtScrap said...

gorgeous card and a great new cutting machine Donna and offcourse Congratulations my friend.

Gr Karin

Jackie T said...

Hi Donna your autumn themed card is gorgeous I love it. I am so pleased that you like your new die cutting machine. Take care. Hugs Jackie

Jackie T said...

Hi Donna I am back again this time to thank you for joining us at Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge Blog for challenge 389 the theme is Anything Goes with the optional theme of Autumn Colours and the sponsor is Bugaboo. Hugs Jackie (GDT)

Linda said...

Absolutely gorgeous, Donna! I love all the colours and details.

Linda Simpson said...

WOW this is stunning Donna, I love autumn and this is just full of autumnal colours which are my favourite. I love the stamp too.
Hugs
Linda xxx

KraftyKoolKat said...

Wow sweetie, this is just amazing. So full of gorgeous colours and beautiful work.
Hugs
Cathy
xxxxx

Lisa said...

First of all, Happy Birthday, my friend!! I hope you have a wonderful celebration!! And congrats on your guest design spot!! Your card is absolutely stunning!! I love the techniques you used and your fabulous tutorials!! The colors are so gorgeous!! Perfect Autumn card!!

I hope you like your new cutting machine!! I love the idea of plates that don't bend...I go though cutting plates like butter. I hate that they warp so easily. I have two machines and they are both electronic. I don't think I could go back to the crank machines...I cut so many dies that my shoulder was absolutely killing me. Once I went to the electric machines, the pain went away. So I hope Tonic comes out with an electric version!! Happy birthday again, dear friend!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Mrs A. said...

That is a gorgeous stamp and the more I look at your card the more i like what you have created. Have fun with your new machine. Plates that don't bend sounds ideal to me. Hugs Mrs A.

Loose Stitches said...

What a gorgeous card Donna, love the beautiful colors, those leaves, acorn and design!
Oh, what a wonderful birthday present to yourself! Sounds great that it doesn't bend the plates or your dies.
Hugs, Sherry x
Loose Stitches and Unraveled Threads

Shona Erlenborn said...

Absolutely stunning! What a wonderful technique. The colors are gorgeous as is that stamp! Your little acorn is to "die" for!! What else can I mention? Oh yes, congratulations on your new toy - what a wonderful birthday gift!!

Lori Kobular said...

Happy Birthday Donna!! I hope you have a wonderful day! I love that stamp you used on your gorgeous card! I have never seen a stamp like that before and it is so unique! I love all the embossing you did, you are so good at using the embossing! Your Tonic die cuter looks wonderful! Have a great day my friend!! Sending you big Birthday Hugs!!

Karen Hasheck said...

Love this card and had to come visit and pin it for sure! And wanted to say that I totally agree about the Tonic Tangerine and how badly the plates warp and bend in other machines and that does not ever happen in my Tangerine! Enjoy!!!

Diane Louise J said...

Hello… Thanks for sharing your lovely card with Moving Along with the Times Challenge Blog; it fits perfectly with our ‘Autumn/Fall’ challenge theme. Hope you can join us again very soon.
Diane Louise (DT member) xx

Debbie Mageed said...

Donna! I absolutely adore this new piece of artwork that you created! I have never seen a stamp like that and I would be absolutely stumped what to do with it. You surely were not and made a gorgeous card with it. I love it!! Now, about that Tangerine "cadillac" die machine you got for your birthday (happy birthday!) - I haven't heard of it before and will have to check that out. I am tired of going through base plates like crazy because I can't make anything without a die cut anymore! LOL I'm not sure I should thank you or not! But I can't wait to hear your screams of joy all the way here in Michigan. Enjoy!!

Stampsnob. said...

Lovely technique Beautiful card and what a wonderful BIRTHDAY present .Have fun.....Lis

wannabcre8tive said...

Your card is beautiful. I love the masking and the colors. Great job.

pam said...

What a fabulous technique Donna, beautiful stamp and colours you have used.
Wonderful layout.
Happy crafting with your new machine!!!
Hugs Pam x

Annettes Hobby Rosettes said...

Wow what a gorgeous stamp you have used here in this project and you have coloured it to absolute perfection. Love that acorn and love the photo tutorial step by step instructions of this project. It's just amazing how much work does go into these entries. Gorgeous work and it looks fantastic. Great job.
Thank you for sharing with us over here at "A Perfect Time To Craft" and best of luck with your entry.

Annette DT for http://aperfecttimetocraft.blogspot.com.au/

Annettes Hobby Rosettes said...

Back again, and again great masking technique and photo tutorial. That Tonic looks amazing and I hope it works well for you. I too have gone through a number of brand name machines. I recently purchased a ToDo as I liked the idea of the Dial to adjust the thicknesses for the roller arm. It's fantastic. Only issue I have is I cannot buy the plates for it and if I do I have to pay $60 plus order from UK. I am using other machine plates in it at the moment but great machine. Very expensive though to purchase. xxx

Janice said...

Wow....this must have taken you absolutely ages Donna, it is just stunning! A fabulous design, so many techniques and wonderful colours!
And a new machine to play with too, how lovely!
Janice xx

Verna Angerhofer said...

Your card is so well colored and beautifully so. And, a great Fall design. I am so glad you got yourself a machine you can love. That is awesome!

Conniecrafter said...

Oh my you did an outstanding job coloring and shading of this stamp, such wonderful sense of dimension you have given to it! Love the coloring of the diecuts too and how you used them to frame this, Wonderful Autumn card!!
Looks like you picked out a neat present for yourself, I had not heard of this one yet, looks a lot like my grand calibur from Spellbinders, they have the same type plates. I do love my cuttlebug because of how small it is but the plates can be a bother that is for sure.

Christina said...

Donna, what beautiful colors and the warmth of Autumn you have captured here! Such awesome use of the three different types of ink with masking. I think you have just created a new style with the masking technique. Very neat! And the mousse acorn and leave embellishment added a perfect finishing touch. Oh beautiful autumn card Donna! And what sweet birthday gift you have picked out! I haven't seen this one. I still have my old Sizzix Big Shot which still work great but last year I have to added on the electronic version after injuring my wrist. Donna, I wish you lovely days ahead. Hugs.

Wendy L said...

Gorgeous Autumnal card, thanks for joining us at MAWTT. Xxx
I,ve not seen that machine before but it should be a good one from Tonic

Janette said...

Your card looks really beautiful and I just love that stamp...
Thanks for sharing with us at CraftyCatz this week...x

Sue said...

Hi Donna, Fab card. I love the autumn colours.

You'll need sunglasses to use your tangerine machine:) LOL Sue

Ann Greenspan's Crafts said...

Happy Birthday Donna. And congratulations on your guest design spot. Obviously they are lucky to have you as your work is stunning and so original. You always put so much time and talent into your cards. This one is no exception and truly says Fall all over it. Love it!

Dixie Designs by Gill said...

I love the technique you have used on this card. Thank you for entering it in the Emerald City Challenge xx

Joan said...

A beautiful card, love the feeling of depth and your lovely colouring technique and I also really love that acorn too

Thanks for joining us at Stamping Sensations this month

Joan

MaryH said...

Indeed this is a marvelous scenic stamp and I would have guessed it to be a Northwoods or Stampendous product. I love the covered bridge. Also this masking technique is something new to me and how fabulously it turned out. Of course you are the queen of embellishments and the mousse looks fantastic on all the leaves and acorns. I have the mousse in some colors (They are NBUS too). The new toy is also unfamiliar to me, but sounds like a great buy if the plates don't warp. Will these plates work in the Big shot do you think? They sort of remind me of the way the grand caliber plates look. Great card, and thanks for sharing the machine info. Hope all is well as fall comes to your area! TFS & Hugs

Pamellia said...

Congratulations on your guest designer spot Donna, well deserved and you will be an inspiration for the challenge! This card is just gorgeous, wow!! I love the warm tones and the richness to the colours, so perfect for the autumn season! I love that you pulled out an old stamp! I have stamp sets that have been in my craft room for years, still in the package, never even used!! Beautiful touches of metallic! i especially love copper and bronze tones for autumn, so pretty!!

Love your new die cutting machine! I would like to get one of those electric ones someday, all the cranking is just so hard on the arms!! I've been thinking about you a lot and especially on your birthday. I do hope you had a wonderful day and got lots of crafting goodies! Our temperatures have been up and down this autumn, but at least the nights are getting cooler and I'm thankful for that. We've had lots of rain and I'm hoping that's a sign that we will get lots of snow this year. Wouldn't that be great!! lol. Hope you're having great weather and enjoying some pain-free days. sending hugs :)

coldwaters2 said...

WOW, wow, wow, Donna this is absolutely an amazing work of art what a brilliant technique you have used it looks awesome, the colours and image are magnificent. I am not a frequent visitor of craft shops anymore and rarely watch the TV so I did not know that Tonic had brought out a new die cutting machine it looks ACE and sounds terrific, you are a lucky lady
hugs
lorraine x

crafty-stamper said...

WOW brilliant technique and what a fabulous collage stamp I love it and great result -love all the Autumn colours and leaves.Fabulous birthday present love the colour-you will have to let us know how you get on with it.I have a Big shot (with warped plates) which I use all the time and an Ebosser which I rarely use--congrats on your GDT spot too
Carol x

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Donna,

Your card is very beautiful and the tutorial excellent. So much detail and work you've put into showing us, thanks :) Congrats on the new die cutting machine. I just bought a new one, it's from the Netherlands, Press Boss Pro, I'm enjoying it now that I finally have a craft room again. (but still not much time in it)... hugs xx

Janis Lewis said...

Gorgeous card. Thanks for sharing at Moving along with the times.
Janis, Design Team Member

cotnob said...

A gorgeous card Donna, such a beautiful image - very unusual, super colouring and lovely Autumn colours.
I have a Tonic Tangerine, they are brilliant.
Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
x

aussie aNNie said...

Just stunning love this stamp De, it's gorgeous. Your new tonic looks rather flash.xxx [aNNie]

Ania said...

hank you for sharing with us over here at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

Ania DT

Lori Turner said...

Fabulous card! Thank you for sharing with us at "A Perfect Time To Craft" and best of luck with your entry.

Lori DT for http://aperfecttimetocraft.blogspot.com.au/...

Sue said...

Donna, what a unique card. Love the colors too. I love Rubber Cottage stamps. Many years ago they had a brick and mortar store in Medina Ohio where they are from, and a large group of friends of mine used to attend a big stamp show near them and always made a visit to the store while in town. For many years now, husband and wife travel the stamp show circuit in a beautiful motor home. Nicest folks too. Have lots of their stamps. Like you, need to get them out and use them more......ugh........

Beautiful card, Donna.

Hugs
Sue

Nonnie's Cards and Gifts said...

Love the stamp and technique. Thank you for sharing with us over here at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

Vicki DT for  http://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com.au/...

NanaConnie said...

WOW, what a gorgeous stamp, my friend! Excellent color choices and I'm so glad you showed the photos of your masking. I was having trouble visualizing it but then it became clear. Love the acorn and leaves.
Your new cutting machine sound like a dream. I'll go check it out (although I really can't justify buying another one right now since the old one is working fine.) :-D

Janice said...

It’s me again Donna with my DT hat on!
You have made such a beautiful Autumnal card. Your stamping, shading and detail have me looking at it for ages!
Thank you for sharing with us over here at "A Perfect Time To Craft" and best of luck with your entry.

Janice DT for http://aperfecttimetocraft.blogspot.com.au/...

Leslie Miller said...

Ohhhhh, this card is so gorgeous with your masking and inking technique, and the embellishment mousse and all your special Donna details. Wow! The stamp is an absolute beauty. I seem to be so stuck on flowers and critters. You really don't see a lot of stamps like this anymore. Or maybe it's where I shop, I don't know. The oldies are some of the best, I think. Happy, happy birthday! It looks like you got a fantastic present. I don't know anything about this cutter, but I followed your link and it looks like a great price. You'll have to let us know how it holds up. I love the orange! I'm glad you enjoyed the card I sent. Sorry I'm having such a hard time catching up since we got back, sheesh. I spend a couple of hours every morning catching up with blogs, then I stamp a teensy bit, and then work, work, work at the house and garden chores. I'm getting exhausted!

Unknown said...

Beautiful card thank you for sharing with us at The Crafty Addicts - good luck
Lyn - DT