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, February 01, 2018

Bunnies, SheepSki Designs, and 2 Crafty Critter Crazies

Hello, Critter Loving Friends!
Can you believe it is already February?
Here in subtropical Florida, we have intermittently thawed out of our series of "deep freezes." Still, it is nothing compared to what Canada and the upper US have been experiencing. So grateful to live where we do!



It is my pleasure is to Design for the 2 Crafty Critter Crazies Challenge Blog today!

If you love critters - ANY kind of critter - this is a fun challenge made for you.
The ABCs: From Ants to Anteaters, Butterflies to Buffalos, Crocodiles to Cardinals
you get the picture.

SheepSki Designs is sponsoring February's challenge, so get hopping and show us your projects using critters!

Any style, any theme, any technique - just be sure to have a critter on it!
I'm featuring this dramatic, multi-purpose Rocket and Rosie image; great for just about any theme, but I am especially focusing on "love":


Colored with Copic Markers, and distressed with both water-based and pigment inks, my card uses LOTS AND LOTS of oldies from my stash! Sigh... I love using my hoarded goodies.
(like brads, ribbons, dies, papers, inks)

Do you find a certain SPECIAL ENJOYMENT using your older products? 
It's like running into an old friend, and reliving good times.


Like this amazing Spellbinders die. It's been crying out forever to be used, and it surely is an amazing die! I love all the possibilities with this set.
To make the intricate pop up, cut 4 frames, inking one of them:

Adhere the four frames. A bead of glue using Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive with fine tip around the very thin edge of this frame and the innermost part of the frame produces this look:

A little Brushable Glue on the Foliage and dredged with Beach Ultrafine Glitter gives a bit of texture and visual interest to the floral spray.


Thanks for popping by and don't forget to let us seeing your critter creations!

On A Personal Note:

Did you see the Super Blue Blood Moon the past few nights?
Amazing - it looks like dawn all night long with all the trees, grass, shrubs, etc.  illuminated brightly!

We keep our thermostat rather "cold", but thought you might like to look at the outdoor temperature:

Inside:

Outside:
Ice everywhere! On the roof, wherever trees did not protect the grass and pasture, from the downspout onto the driveway:


The deer don't have much grazing area:


Ice everywhere - I was unable to capture the glistening whiteness with the camera - the Crepe Myrtle trees are covered with icy limbs:


Does not look very subtropical, does it?
Thanks for visiting our little homestead.



Products Used:

  • Rocket and Rosie from Sheepski Designs
  • Spellbinders Lovin' Diamonds S6-019 die set, and Foliage Leaf set
  • Memory Box Chloe Dies, and Flourish Vine
  • Copic Markers, Distress Inks, Pigment Inks
  • DLArt Rose colored crinkle ribbon
  • Craftwell Modern Stripes Embossing Folder
  • Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive with fine tip
  • Brushable Glue
  • Beach Ultrafine Glitter G1111
  • White, pink, tan, brown cardstock
  • Flowers
Challenges I'd like to support with this pretty card:

  1. Cardz 4 Galz #64 Think Pink 2/15
  2. Craft Rocket Challenges #45 "Love" 3/1
  3. Crafty Creations #359 Anything Goes 2/14
  4. DLArt Thankful Thursday #221 "Love" 2/8
  5. Moving Along With the Times #64 "love" 2/15
  6. Scrapy Land #82 Use Dies SL Sells (2 SB, 2MB listed above) 2/2
  7. Sheepski Blog Challenge #11 Love 2/15
  8. Sheepski FB Challenges #20 ends 2/20
  9. The Crazy Challenge #267 "Love" 2/12
  10. Tic Tac Toe Challenge #33 Diagonally - heart.die cut.ribbon (lots of hearts throughout my frame)


hugs,


57 comments:

Sue said...

Hi Donna, The card is beautiful.

Hope you thaw out there. We have a colder snap, but nothing like some places.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

KarinsArtScrap said...

gorgeous card Donna and gorgeous photo's

Gr Karin

SD pooja said...

Adorable card with pretty layers of die-cut and pps :)

Jackie T said...

Hi Donna your card is gorgeous I just love those cute bunnies. The dies you have used are stunning. This is such a beautiful creation. Thank you for sharing the photos of your home. Take care. Hugs Jackie

Donna Phelan said...

FANTASTIC! Yes, that die is amazing, love how you layered it all up! Sweet, sweet bunnies--I have a stamp similar to that, perfect for love and Springtime! I love the pinks, they make me happy! Your ribbon and cluster of flowers and golden foliage look STUNNING! Fabulous creation! Oh MY! When I hear people speak of the 'deep freeze' in Florida I always roll my eyes, because typically they are speaking of 55 degrees!!! You ARE having a deep freeze, heck you might as well live here in New England!!! WOW! Stay warm stay cozy....I hear crafting helps with that! xo~

Beebeebabs said...

Such a beautiful card - love the image and beautiful die - another great creation thanks for sharing my friend!

craftieodmae said...

Gorgeous card and beautiful pictures!!

KT Fit Kitty said...

Your bunnies are soooooo cute, Donna! I love your beautiful card! I enjoyed looking at your photos! You have a beautiful home and yard! Your fireplace sure does look cozy! Thank you for all the sweet comments you've left on my blog! You are appreciated!

Chris said...

A beautiful creation Donna, love how you've framed those sweet bunnies, the flower and ribbon cluster is gorgeous.
Such weird weather you're having...it's colder than here in the SE of England!
Chris
xx

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Gorgeous card and beautiful home, wowzer :) I guess it was a bit cool but not like it's 'cool' up here :) Actually it hasn't been too bad lately, we are expecting some snow again, looking forward to it. :) I hope you are doing well, hugs xx

Bunny said...

Fabulous card with a lovely die and layering. Love the beautiful embellishments, too. Who doesn't love bunnies?

Great pics of the yard and the fireplace. Lovely looking. The thermostat showing that 21 made me shiver. Us fellow Floridians to the north of you closer to Georgia are not liking the cold weather. I'm the first to say I'm a weenie when it comes to the cold. Going to make a cup of hot tea now! [Bunny]

Pamellia said...

What a wonderful card Donna! Once again, your work with die cuts is just incredible, and those bunnies are just so adorable!! I agree about using old products, I will exclaim out loud "OMG, I forgot I had this!" lol.

I can't believe how cold it is where you are! Temperatures like that are quite normal for where I am, but for Florida, holy heck! On a separate note, can I come and live with you in your gorgeous house on that amazing lot with all the trees and vast expanse!!! So jealous!

It's been a long two weeks fighting off this darned flu bug, but I'm on the mend now. Being sick is so freaking boring, so I'm really looking forward to my next outdoor adventure. I hope you have been avoiding the ickies this year and having good weather to enjoy. sending hugs :)

Shona Erlenborn said...

My, this is just precious Donna! Love the gorgeous color combination and that die is to "die" for! Love how you layered them up for added dimension. Those little bunnies are so cute and so pleasingly colored. A sure work of art. Thanks for sharing your tropical temps with us! Spring will be here before we know it - even here in brisk New Jersey!

Ann Greenspan's Crafts said...

What a beautiful card, Donna. I love the hearts on that frame die and your flowers and ribbon. Your coloring of the background behind the bunnies is perfect and really sets them off. Such pretty colors too.

Dr Sonia S V said...

Donna...I love this cute creation of your jam packed with tips and inspiration. I love that you share such useful tips in each post!!! And I have a tendency to reach for old supplies more...it is the new ones I struggle with. I can never usually play with a new die the very day I get it....I usually cut it out and play with it for a few days or weeks even before using it on a project!!!
Cheers
Dr Sonia

Lori Kobular said...

Donna thank you for sharing this gorgeous card with us at Scrapy Land Challenges! That die is amazing!!

Linda Simpson said...

Hi Donna, this is gorgeous, love the layout and cute bunnies.
Hugs
Linda xxx

Abfabdesigns said...

Love the card and of course the bunnies, when I see you have blogged I make a cuppa because I no I’m in for a good read.
Love the photos and keep warm my friend, xxxx

Unknown said...

Hi Donna what a pretty and cute card I love your design
And your topper is gorgeous.
Thank you for sharing

Hugs Debs xx
http://debsartliffscards.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1

Janice said...

A fantastic card Donna, I love that frame die especially how you have used it. The bunnies are so cute and the spray of flowers....just beautiful!
Thank you for sharing your amazing photos, I hope it soon warms up for you.
Janice x

SewPaperPaint said...

I absolutely adore this card Donna, the image is sooooo beautiful, soft and sweet. I love how you framed things with the pretty die cuts and color layers. And yes burrrr - ready for summer! ;0 Hugs, Autumn

KraftyKoolKat said...

Such a breathtaking creation Donna. I adore the dies & layers you have created & the bunnies are so cute too. Thank you for sharing the photos of your home they are gorgeous sweetie. I am sorry I don't keep in touch with you as much as I would like too.
Hugs
Cathy
xxxx

Diane said...

Gorgeous card, I just love the bunnies and all the beautiful details!! I have that SB die and have yet to use it too, so now maybe you have inspired me to get it out!! It looks as though you have a beautiful piece of property both inside and out, thanks for sharing I really enjoyed seeing it!!

Lisa said...

This is so gorgeous, Donna!! The bunnies are so sweet!! I love their pink noses!! the frame is amazing!! You colored it so beautifully!! The flowers and leaves are fabulous!! I absolutely love this, my friend!! It's stunning!! I'm so glad you are thawing out!! It's snowing right now as I type :( Soooo ready for spring!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

cotnob said...

A beautiful card Donna, such an adorable image and fabulous die cut frame - lovely colour choices, so pretty.
Thank you for all of the visits and lovely comments you make on my blog.
Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
x

Silvis Kreativstube said...

Hallo liebe Donna,
eine ganz zauberhafte Karte hast du gestaltet. Der Rahmen gefällt mir sehr gut und das Motiv ist ganz entzückend. An eurem Kamin istces sicher schön kuschelig warm. Hugs Silvi

Unknown said...

Donna,
What a beautiful card I love those cute little bunnies. Thank you so much for joining us this week over at Tic Tac Toe challenge.

Verna Angerhofer said...

Absolutely gorgeous card with such cute bunnies. I love that frame die you used and how you made it with so many layers to frame those bunnies. And, of course, all the gorgeous flowers and wonderful colors. Now you be careful with all that ice that you don't slip and fall. I hate ice and don't venture outside any more than I absolutely have to.

NanaConnie said...

This is the most stunning card, Donna! I love the die cuts you used and those flowers among the loops of the bow are simply incredible. What a sweet image - perfect for a love theme.
I had to lol at your thermostat setting. Out here in California, I've had mine at 65F all winter and our lowest outdoor temp has been right at freezing but only for a short time a few early mornings. We've really had an incredibly mild winter.

pam said...

Oh you are shaming me Donna! another die I too have never used, you have made a wonderful card using this Spellbinder frame, love how you added colour and your cute bunnies with a beautiful floral corner.
looks like you have are UK weather De.
Stay safe and warm.
Hugs Pam x

crafty-stamper said...

Really cute Donna and love the beautiful die-cut frames-we are warm with inside temp at 20!!!not sure of outside temp but really cold today and wet
Carol x

Karen said...

Donna, Your bunnies are adorable, and I love the beautiful frame!

aussie aNNie said...

Hi De, you have taken some magnificent photos, oh your place looks like a paradise retreat, love it and the fire burning looks so romantic.

Your gorgeous card is just that GORGEOUS and I love sheepskin designs so may have to enter this one..

Hope you are well..
biggest of hugs.xx [aNNie]

Puppy Kisses and Paper Dreams said...

Donna - You always DAZZLE and DELIGHT! This card is amazing. I love that you focused on LOVE and your bunnies are adorable. I LOVE what you did with the Spellbinders frame too. Ah-may-zing! And, WOW is it cold your way! You are 30 degrees colder than we are. Brrrr. Hopefully everything does okay through this cold snap. Hang in there, cozy up to that amazing fireplace! Hugs to you, my friend! And thanks for sharing your card with us at Cardz 4 Galz! - Chris, DT

Conniecrafter said...

Oh my is that ever the cutest little couple, your background is so neat and I love the colors... Beautiful corner embellishments! It is always wonderful to use up our old goodies, I try to do that at least every couple of cards!
Wow you have had some cold weather haven't you, we keep our heat at that same level in the evenings. So glad to hear it is feeling warmer for you though.

Valerija said...

Oh my gosh, I love this! That image is so sweet! The layers and details are fabulous! Gorgeous card.
Valerija xx

MaryH said...

Love the gorgeous spring roses in your new header...and certainly enjoyed seeing the pictures of your lovely home and surrounding areas. Bet the local critters were disoriented with the icy temps you had...love the rural look around your place. The S/B frame (in your hands!) looks stunning as a frame for these cute bunnies. Haven't tried that Nuvo glue yet, although I do have some in a 'pen cyclinder' form, that I just found & forgot I had! What a wonderful Valentine you've created for someone special. TFS & Hugs. Happy wkend.

Hazel said...

Your card is absolutely beautiful and now that I've seen that lovely Spellbinders frame I might have to spend more money. I swore that I wasn't going to buy anything more as I have a room full but it looks gorgeous so I might have to succumb. lol Your home photos are great and it was nice to see them, thank you. Thank you also for joining us at MAWTT. Hazel x

Jackie T said...

Hi Donna I am back again this time to thank you for joining us at Moving Along with the Times Challenge Blog The theme Love. Hugs Jackie DT

Wendy L said...

So gorgeous, thanks for joining us at MAWTT, xxxx

Cheryl Morgan said...

Donna, this is real romantic. I love what you have done with the spellbinders die. Amazing. X

Unknown said...

Beautiful card! Thank you for sharing it with us at Crafty Creations. Ciao, Lisa

Debbie Mageed said...

Truly amazing card, Donna! First, those adorable bunnies are wonderful, so cute and perfectly detailed. Then, that background - OMG, it is spectacular! I am so glad you brought that die out to use because I love how you used it. The beautiful spray of glittery foliage and that incredible bow, WOW!! Thank you for playing with us at Cardz for Galz and look forward to seeing you back in the gallery!

Leslie Miller said...

Wow, Donna!! That is quite the die and quite the beautiful, sweet, adorable card you made with it! YES, I love using my older products and all my hoarded goodies! I sure have plenty and I haven't been buying as much lately. Everything on your card looks brand new to me! It's so pretty all sparkled up, flowery and beribboned, with the adorable bunny couple. It's much colder at your house than it's been here this winter. I enjoy a change in season, but not too much of a change. Quite a shock to your area! I do love visiting your beautiful homestead, so thanks for taking the time to share it!

Mia said...

What a BEAUTIFUL card, Donna!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE BUNNIES!!!!!!!!! Thank you for the great photos you shared with us. Kisses, my friend.

Anna-Karin said...

Beautiful work! Thanks for joining us at Crafty Creations. Anna-Karin DT

Shirley said...

Awww Donna, love your fire I can feel the heat from here, beautiful. Your place looks amazing with so much space to move, no chance of that when we move back to the UK!!!!

I agree with Pamellia you are the die cut queen sweetie and your make is another stunner. I have finally got round to using some of mine this week, will post later.

Andrew had his op and things are starting to settle down. Still miss my sweet fur baby but I know he is finally at peace.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
ShirlsCards.

Tammy said...

WOW this is gorgeous Donna! I love the sweet little bunnies and the stunning frame around them, beautiful embellishments as always! Great pictures too! Thanks so much for joining us at Cardz 4 Galz!
Tammy x

Sue said...

Your critters are darling, love bunnies! And that die looks wonderful with the paper your chose. What a gorgeous card with the corner flowers too. You always make all your cards so special.

We have had snow on the ground for so long now. Not a lot at one time, but constant. We live very close to the Canadian border, and they always blame the cold air from Canada!! But, we are used to it having lived here all our lives, but we still complain about it around this time of year when we are tired of it.

Hugs
Sue
PS, WOW, loved the pictures, hard to believe so much cold and ice! Weather is really unpredictable nowdays......

Mia said...

Amazing card, Donna. I love your die cut frame and the beautiful bunnies! Kisses, my friend.

Iskra said...

Gorgeous card, I love the image and the colors. Thanks for sharing with as at The Crazy Challenge.
Iskra DT

Pia S said...

Oh my, what a beauty! Not only is the image the sweetest, your die cutting as perfect as ever, but the ribbon, flower and leaves decoration looks amazing too! It's a card with a wow factor!

Mia said...

Coming again just to tell you, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, my friend!!!

sarascloset said...

Donna, I'm so happy you dug out the oldies! They sure are goodies! This card is so pretty! I love those bunnies--well I love any bunnies! But you have shaded that image perfectly, giving them such a dimensional appearance. And the way you've framed them is just stunning with those delicate die cuts and gorgeous flower spray!

Wow! I can't believe the ice! I think you got it worse than us up in NC! We are having a beautiful summer like few days, but it's expected to be more seasonal over the weekend. I'm on my way down to SC to visit with Autumn! Yippee! Hugs to you!

nwilliams6 said...

Cute image and dies and cards, Donna. Love your house and fire!!!

Jean said...

Absolutely stunning, loving your colours and how you have created the frame. Such a brilliant idea x
Thanks for joining us over at Sheep Ski Designs.
Jean xx

Mau xx said...

Gorgeous card Donna, love the frame die and how you used it to great effect!
Looking back you make beautiful creations xx