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, November 14, 2017

Sparkle N Sprinkle November Blog Hop

Greetings, Blogging Friends!
We enjoyed a brief few days of Florida Style Autumn weather, and reverted into a warm "Indian Summer" with temperatures back up in the 80s (28-30C) with way too much humidity. Other than that, all is well here, and
I hope life is good for you and yours.

Warning! Mirror Cardstock is very difficult to photograph (sigh).

Inspired by a very special friend, today's card shares are a little different for me - they show off some amazing new specialty papers in the SNS store! Therefore, there is little-to-no stamping.
That's right! In the new stamp reveal, I have almost no stamping (giggle).




First, let's get business done, and then onward to the cards! (smile)

Welcome to the 

Sparkle N Sprinkle November New Stamps Blog Hop

The Blog Hop order this month is:

Chris
Diane
Shona
Belinda
Anne
Donna
Eret
Jess

We are pleased to bring you: 
3 new stamp sets
3 new video kits
and lots of new papers (sigh - I am in love!)



  • Snowman Couple rubber stamp set and digital version
  • (digital version contains two colored images which I colored with Copic Markers - one with a background and one without - and bonus sentiments not on the rubber set)
SNS digital stamps include JPG and transparent PNG images, and often have additional sentiments and papers.  All the new digital and rubber stamp sets are 20% during their debut from November 15 - 20.

SPECIALTY PAPERS WILL ALSO BE 20% off DURING THESE DAYS.

On November 17th, ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER will win all the rubber or digital images (winner's choice). Winner will be selected from the comments left on the Designers' blogs listed above. Please leave a comment with each Designer in order to be eligible for the Grand Prize. 



Would you like to win a $15 gift card to the SNS store? Just create a project using any SNS image and join the fun in our monthly ANYTHING GOES Sparkle N Sprinkle Creative Challenge group on Facebook. The challenge runs from the 1st through the 25th. 

Here is a darker photo of the cards - it doe snot show the shine of the mirror cardstock, but it shows the textures of the handmade papers pretty well:


Tonic's Swirling Frame Layering Die Set 1462E is currently 50% off in the store. Both cards were made using this set.

Step One:

To bring a little dimension to the frames, I die cut matching "fun foam" pieces. Because I knew the pieces would be slightly off (size wise), the edges were darkened so the white would not show up from beneath the layers. Tear-ific Tape was used to adhere the papers to the foam, and the foam to the card base.
(TIP: as shown in the first layer, I tried Staz-on Timber Brown ink, but it was much easier tracing the edges with a dark brown Copic Marker)"



Check out the "fire" in the High Gloss-Polished Gold Mirror Cardstock. It comes in a packet of five 8.5" x 11" pieces for $2.99. At 60 cents per LARGE sheet, this is a great value! There are several gorgeous colors of mirror cardstock available:



The Tonic handmade papers are very thin, yet surprisingly strong. They die cut beautifully without fraying or ripping, and adhered brilliantly on top of the fun foam with Tear-ific Tape. The papers also "distress" with inks and mousse if you want a greater depth of contrasting colors or texture, but I absolutely could not bring myself to do that, choosing to experiment on left over scraps. The Specialty Handmade Embossed metallic Copper Feathers shown here is a deep, rich brown with blackish debossed areas and golden highlights in the embossed areas. A Packet contains five 8.25" x 11.75" pieces for $6.99, making it about $1.40 per sheeet.  There are several unique Specialty Handmade Embossed Metallic and Pearlized papers. Each one is completely different.



SPECIALTY PAPERS WILL ALSO BE 20% off November 15 - 20.

Gorgeous papers aside, I did use one stamp from the new Botanical Orchid Flowers Rubber Stamp Set. It embossed beautifully with Peanut Butter Cosmic EP292. All of our Cosmic embossing powders contain a secret ingredient making them suitable for detailed images and sentiments:



The Tonic Mixed Edge Diamond Layering Die Set cut right through the heat embossed scrap that had Cappuccino STAR embossing powder. On it. One of the detailed dragonflies was also cut from the paper - I embossed the paper prior to die cutting since the dies were either tiny, or very detailed. Isn't the embossing powder sparkly? And look at the luminous shine contrasting with the embossed handmade papers:



The dragonfly that was cut from the prepared scrap with Cappuccino STAR embossing powder is shadowed by a plain piece of black cardstock. It complements the black debossed areas of the paper. I promise this is a clear shot - the brilliance of the mirror cardstock on the dragonfly makes it look a bit fuzzy.
(this is an oversized card at 6" x 7.5"). My dear friend will treasure it.



It's difficult to make an "icky" card with Tonic's Dragonfly Brooch die. So lovely!

How about a second option that is smaller at just under 5x7"?
I used the left over pieces from the large card above. This was a VERY EASY CARD to make, and quick, too! The dragonfly is actually a gold glossy, not mirror, in order to obtain a bit more texture:



The center is embossed with Craftwell Honeycomb Embossing Folder, causing the mirror cardstock to reflect even more light. Tonic's Thinking of You mini die set makes this an all occasion card, suitable for just about any need.


Another peek at the glossy fire in contrast to "mere" glossy cardstock:


I enjoyed a great time making these projects, and hope to have inspired you to try special papers in your creations if you haven't already. After all, every crafter NEEDS more paper! (laughing)

Products Used:

Challenges I'd like to play in please:

  1. Crafts Galore Encore Challenge #46 Anything Goes 12/1 (tab)
  2. Dragonfly Journeys #105 "Glamorous Gold" 11/28 (gold mirror cardstock and highlights)
  3. Glitter N Sparkle Challenge #265 Anything Goes 11/19
  4. International Art and Soul #21 Autumn Colors 11/28 (sep post aft 3 wks)
  5. Monochrome Magic Challenge #7 Anything Monchrome 11/13
  6. Pammie's Inky Pinkies #1746 Anything Goes 11/19 (sep post) 
  7. Pile It On Challenges #136 "Large Sentiments" (second card) 12/11
  8. World Wide DT Open Challenge #28 Anything Goes for a DT 12/15

Thank you for popping by today!
Wishing you Loveliness always...

68 comments:

Anne Temple said...

Stunning cards Donna! Love the specialty paper you used and the dragonflies are so elegant looking.

Wendy Baker said...

I am loving the metallic card stock. Love this!

Jessica K said...

WOW WOW WOW! What stunning, shiny cards! I love all the specialty paper you showcased! A stunning job!

Bunny said...

These are absolutely beautiful. I love the paper and the gorgeous dies. Especially the dragonfly. The embossing is a great color. [Bunny]

Puppy Kisses and Paper Dreams said...

WOW!!! Just WOW!! Those papers and mirror cardstock are amazing. Those dies are incredible. Everything about these cards are amazing. You outdid yourself my dear! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these :) Fabulous.

Patti L. said...

Love the papers! Mirror card always seem to make things pop

Sue said...

Another fabulously gorgeous card, with all those beautiful layers and details. Mirror paper is the best for decorating a card, the worse for photographing. I can always see myself in the paper with the camera. What dreamy golden goodness and those butterflies and dragon flies could not be prettier. Steller my friend.

Hugs
Sue

Abfabdesigns said...

Not normally a lover of gold Mirri , but you have made these cards very classy Donna,
Always a delight to pop in .
Martine 😘

Annettes Hobby Rosettes said...

Oh my, absolutely stunning and jaw dropping work. These look amazing.
Great work.
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


TracyM #6773 said...

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS cards Donna!
WOW - the shimmer, shine, texture and details are STUNNING!
THANK YOU for sharing these TREASURES ... I'm INSPIRED and TEMPTED too :)

aussie aNNie said...

WOW touch of gold and a rewarding visit. So love this and you are extremely creative and clever in what you make.xxx[aNNie]🎄

Shirley A Heinemann said...

So beautiful!!!

Sue said...

Hi Donna, So elegant. Think you did very well to photograph them.

Envy your higher temps. We are in single figures with the odd day getting to 11 or 12.

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Pamellia said...

Wow wow wow, my jaw dropped right on the floor when I opened this post! I have never seen such elegant cards before! The fancy shaped base and all the matching layers are so beautiful! The golds and browns and bronzes, just wowzers on that! Those dragonflies are beyond stunning, the filigree design is absolutely gorgeous!! The embossed patterns, the lovely sentiments and the attention to every little aspect of these has just captured my heart today! You are so talented my friend!!

There is officially Christmas in my house now. I got the tree and lights all put up this week. All I need now is some snow and I can start the winter celebrations! lol. Hope all is well with you, sending hugs :)

Chris said...

Amazing!! These cards are so beautiful, the elegant designs look wonderful in these gorgeous metallic papers, I really love the warm gold, bronze and brown combo, so luxurious. The dragonflies are stunning. THese are really something very special Donna! :)
hugs
Chris
x

Jackie T said...

Hi Donna your cards are stunning I love how they shine. I feel your pain with have to photograph reflective surfaces it is so different. Take care my friend. Hugs Jackie

Unknown said...

You did an amazing job! Love the colors and shine!

Diane said...

Elegant and gorgeous Donna...WOW...you have shown the mirror card stock to perfection!! Love all the lovely layers and perfect details, too, 'show' stoppers for sure!

richndebmarb@gmail.com said...

Gorgeous one of my favorites

Linda said...

The dragonfly card is just stunning. The gold is amazing

KraftyKoolKat said...

Such awesome work & design Donna.
Hugs
Cathy
xxxxx

Becky said...

Stunning.

Unknown said...

Absolutely gorgeous

KarinsArtScrap said...

wow gorgeous and elegant Donna.
Gr Karin

Pia S said...

Oooh, these are gorgeous, Donna, absolutely smashing. I know how mirri card looks like in real life and your different photos capture the shine and sparkle beautifully. And there's so much detail, really well designed!

Shona Erlenborn said...

What a beautiful way to showcase those mirror cardstocks and specialty papers. These are two extreme beauties for sure Donna! That dragonfly die is another show stopper! So much texture, dimension and sparkle. You rocked these projects my friend!

Diane said...

Oh my! Such lovely "Goldness"!!! You always inspire. Thank you.

Lorna said...

Beautiful cards Donna. I love using the mirror cardstocks also.

cotnob said...

Stunning cards Donna, lots of gorgeous die cut details and lots of lovely sparkle and shine.
Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
x

crafty-stamper said...

WOW Donna absolutely fabulous cards gorgeous embossing and love love love the fabulous Dragonflies
Carol x

SewPaperPaint said...

Donna, I just love these elegant/regal cards with the exquisite use of gold and glitter! Stunning designs, sweet friend. Hugs, Autumn

pam said...

Beautiful elegant cards today Donna, love the cream with gold mirri card, beautiful embossed detailed with gorgeous die cutting, love the butterflies/dragonflies.
Will pop over and view the videos now.
Hugs Pam x

Lori Kobular said...

Those dragonflies are AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!! Love that specialty paper and your card is just so elegant and beautiful!!

Penny Crafty Creations said...

beautiful card and love your creativity, your right no stamping but none was needed love it

Karen H said...

WOW!! I'm nearly speechless, these cards are so stunning. The specialty papers and embossing is absolutely gorgeous to the extreme. Love your creativity.

Valerija said...

Wow! Great choice of colour. Love the way you've framed your cards. Great design...fabulous!

Unknown said...

Love what you did with the Dragonfly. Just lovely

Teresa Godines #6857 said...

These are absolutely stunning. Love all of the textures you added. TFS

Penny S said...

Wow! That sparkles.

Verna Angerhofer said...

There may not be much stamping but your elegant style still shows through in top form. These are just so gorgeous and I love the gold card stock and the dies you chose for your design.

Katherine A Scales said...

Your cards are stunningly beautiful....!!!!! They're making it hard for me to stay on task I have a project I must finish... Lol

Cindy M-Team PIG said...

This mirror stock is out of this world. Stunning and should be framed!

MiamiKel said...

So bright and vivid and festive!! These are the most dazzling and gorgeous dragonflies I've ever seen! Love the video and how cheerful, especially talking about the fun products! TFS!

Doodlebopgirl said...

I love the mirror cardstock and the dies used here. Beautiful card

Pam Tiedtke, or Pammie Lou said...

May I just say...WOW!! Absolutely stunning with that mirror cardstock! Well done! So happy you shared them with us at PIP Challenges!
Hugs

Denise Bryant said...

Love the texture and dimension! Elegant with the gold cardstock!

Tigerberry said...

Very classy cards. Love them. I like the mirror cardstock and have used it a few times, but they never looked as elegant as what you have done with it. The tip about using a marker instead of an ink pad on the foam edges is something I will remember to do next time I work with the foam backing. Thanks.

Unknown said...

Beautiful and stunning. Love all the layered die cuts. I'm going to try this one!

Hazel said...

Very classy cards - thank you for joining us at IAAS. Hazel x

Silvis Kreativstube said...

Hallo liebe Donna,
wow, das ist eine absolut luxoriöse Karte geworden. Ich bin von der Gestaltung total beeindruckt. Super edel gemacht. Hugs Silvi

KMo said...

Both of these cards are so VERY elegant. Love the golds and glitter! Fabulous!!!

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, my word, I'm in awe! I do see the difference from ordinary mirror gold and, believe me, I know how hard it is to photograph. I think you did a great job, but to see in person must be astounding! I'm loving that leafy specialty paper so much, and the gorgeous dragonfly -- both of them. These cards just knocked my socks off!

Unknown said...

Those are some of the most beautiful cards. I have the dragonfly die and these have inspired me to use it (once I finish my Christmas cards).

Janice said...

Oh wow....these are just stunning! I love the shine and shimmer, beautiful colours.
Janice x

Anonymous said...

Another beautiful card! I love the swirling frame die that you used along with the mirror cardstock!

Sharon Maldonado said...

You always make such beautiful things. Your steps are easy to understand!

Bev Behal said...

I love the combination of the mirrored card stock and the embossed paper!

Conniecrafter said...

Wow Donn s that ever stunning. Such elegance when you combine the gold with the black, such neat laying and texture, pretty flower in the center of the dragonfly!! I can only imagine the wonderful shine it has in person!

Unknown said...

Just love the metallic cardstock. Makes the card just beautiful and adds a great touch.

CdeBaca Crafts Gallery said...

Whoa these are amazing cards! So beautiful and awesome!!

Terri said...

What a beautiful and creative card! You have such a wonderful talent! Thank you for sharing it with us!

CRAZYCRAFTSHED said...

Gorgeous card's Donna xx
Thank you for sharing with us here today at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

Dianne DT for the World Wide Open Design Team Challenge

NanaConnie said...

WOW, Donna! The papers are magnificent, the die cuts are incredible, and I love the frames! What spectacular creations, my friend. I think I've run out of adjectives to describe how impressed I am. :-D

Lisa J said...

Stunning work and I agree with you that Mirror Card is very hard indeed to photograph lol. Thanks for playing along with me this month Lisa Monochrome Magic

Jeannie said...

Hi Donna! Absolutely gorgeous my friend and the dragonflies of course stand out to me in a big way. Really beautiful! Thanks so much for joining my Glamorous Gold blog challenge :)

Jeannie T.
Dragonfly Journeys

ILEANA ARTUFFO said...

Hello Donna, this is a wonderful bright creation! I love design!
Thank-you for joining us at the Crafts Galore Encore Challenge
November "ATG".
Ileanaxx

cghundley said...

Beautiful work on this
card. The papers are
gorgeous and love the
Dragonfly.
Carla from Utah

*Vicki* said...

These are just stunning Donna!! REALLY love the monochromatic gold and the dragonfly die cut looks really amazing!! You always make such amazing creations my friend!! SENDING HUGS