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, March 14, 2019

Those Bugs! Moving Along With The Times Challenge


Hello, dear blogging friends!


Today I'm sharing a project made with a stamp purchased in 2000

!! gulp !!

It has never seen ink before.
(hanging head in shame)


And now... 

It's time to share a Project for the new Moving Along With The Times Challenge!


Challenge #93's theme is BUGS - for the next 2 weeks upload your creations that feature Bugs in some way!


Does anyone remember the fun movie called "Mothra" in 1961?
Here is the 2 minute trailer (giggling).

OK - hopefully my moth looks better than the original Mothra, but this stamp is virginal, like Mothra, from long ago (I bought it in 2000). Just like Mothra it is BIG (at 5" x 4.5"). (more giggling) 

My card is 6" x 7.5".

Two sides have a dainty white scallop. I like altering the look of my punches:

I inked the image with Memento Tuxedo Black, using a stamp positioner. After coloring with Copic and Prismacolor Markers on 140lb Neenah, the image was placed back into the stamp positioner. With VersaMark ink, I stamped the image one more time so that the VM ink was on top of the black ink. Then I dredged and heat set with Sparkle embossing powder to give a little glittery sparkle to the image. It did not photograph very well.
I cut it out with a craft knife. Orchid Pearlescent Brilliance ink was applied to the inside of the embossing folder and then the negative image from the butterfly was run through the machine. The Brilliance ink creates a satiny shine in the debossed areas.

  
A fun, wonky circle frame was created and heat embossed with Sparkle EP:

Here are the layers (1) stamp, (2) wonky frame, (3) dry embossed panel, (4) taupe, (5) white scallops, (6) mauve - the negative portion under the moth can be seen:

The IO sentiment was stamped with VersaFine Clair Acorn Brown and heat set with Glitzy Gold EP (a rich brown with golden highlights)


The wings have been manipulated and popped up with 1/4" deep adhesive. Even the body has been popped up with 1/8" adhesive, but it does not show very well. I hope you can see the negative area of brown under the wings:


Some Products Used:
Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Orchid Pearlescent Brilliance, VersaFine Clair Acorn Brown, Worn Lipstick Red Distress, VersaMark - Colored with Copic and PrismaColor markers - Embossing Folder: Tonic Layered Leaves - Stamps: IO C13039 "She has Wings", Holly Berry House 1651K (moth mosaic) - Dies: SB Grand Labels 23, SB Grand Circles - Embossing PowdersGlitzy Gold EPSparkle EP


Challenges I'd like to play in please:

  1. ScrapyLand #109 AG dies SL sells (Dies: SB Grand Labels 23, SB Grand Circles) 3/18 (sep post)
  2. Classic DT Challenge 3/1 AG DT  4/1 (sep post)
  3. Sparkle N Sprinkle Creative Challenges 3/1 used Sparkle EP on top of the black stamped image using stamp positioner, and used more Sparkle EP on top of the wonky circle die cut, Glitzy Gold EP on the sentiment) 4/1
  4. A Perfect Time to Craft #3 AG 4/1 (sep post) 4/1 Sep post
  5. Creativ Fusion Arts and Crafts Blog #10 "Spring" - last column BUTTERFLY-GREEN-GLITTER (glitter in both types of EP which is on image, wonky circle and sentiment) 4/1 (sep post)
  6. Addicted to Stamps #172 "Spring" 4/10 (sep post in mid-month reminder)
  7. Creative Inspirations Challenge (Mar 6) "Spring Greens" 4/3 (sep post)
  8. Sweet Stampers Challenge Blog #30 Easter or Spring 4/10 (sep post)



On a Personal Note:

Our Azaleas finally decided it was time to bloom. They have been frustratedly attempting to bloom since November because of our unseasonably warm weather this winter. In mid February after this photo was taken, all the azaleas on the property opened up so we had pretty pink colors everywhere we looked! 

This is a view from the top of the hill, where the Monstera Pothos Philodendrons grow up the Oak Trees. Most people have them as small-leaf house plants - green leaves that have yellow spots. The philodendrons have acclimated to our winters and can withstand a certain amount of freezing temperatures. They come back year after year, even if all the leaves fall off (see the pile of the brown leaves toward the middle of the photo?) The dark magenta azaleas in the distance are about 8 - 9 feet tall. (Jack's garden has been freshly tilled on the right corner) (he was preparing to plant his bell peppers in the tray on top of the rolled fencing). The fencing will be unrolled and stretched across that open space to keep bunnies out. Facing northeast:



2 weeks later looking up the hill over the top west acre where the deep magenta, bright pink, and white azaleas are blooming:


An early morning capture of the east side of the property:

Butterfly Hugs,

49 comments:

Mia said...

Simply adorable card, Donna. Love this sparkling butterfly. And your spring photos are fantastic! Kisses, my friend.

brenda said...

Love, love love your colour palette today Donna, it's an adorable creation and some of the oldies are the best, I still love my old wood mounted's over the newer clings, nothing beats a lump of wood to my mind - call me old fashioned.

Your Azaleas are so far ahead compared with here in the UK, our Magnolias are just about showing colour the last couple of days but very reluctant and some of the Viburnums are out, but apart from the Spring bulbs that's it so far.

B x

KT Fit Kitty said...

Wow, Donna, what a gorgeous stamp and you've coloured it beautifully! Your card is stunning! Thanks for sharing your photos - you have a lovely property with such pretty shrubs! We still have snow on the ground!

Lisa said...

Wow, this is absolutely stunning, Donna!! The colors are amazing!! I love the sparkle and texture you added!! The wonky circle is so fun!! This is spectacular, my friend, as are you azaleas!! I love the pretty pink blooms!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Jenny L said...

Hi Donna,
oh my word that Butterfly is so gorgeous and all the lovely work involved in creating it has made it so stunningly beautiful.
Super designed card also.
Just love this so much.
You always go the extra mile with you super creations.
Beautiful Azaleas and such super rich colours too.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Beebeebabs said...

Wow another beautiful creation. Love the texture and beautiful butterfly. The butterfly looks like you can wear it as a brooch - love it thanks for sharing!!!

SD pooja said...

What ? This stamp set had to await 19 years to get inked !! Well its has served the purpose and the resulting card is very beautiful !

Bunny said...

Oh what a beautiful card. I love all of the texture and the colors. I had to laugh at the stamp being a never before used item. I think there are many of us in the paper crafting world that have those.

Your pictures of your yard and those beautiful azaleas is amazing. It is such a lovely shrub. I do wish they'd bloom more than once a year. It's fun taking a drive and seeing them when they're in bloom.[Bunny]

Wendy L said...

Looks wonderful Donna, thank you.
Love the pics if your garden too, so vibrant, xxx

Chris said...

Hi Donna, what a stunning card this is! Well done for using that poor neglected stamp in such a spectacular way! It is a big stamp and I personally find them quite difficult to use sometimes but you've done a fantastic job showcasing this one. Love how you explain the techniques you use too :)
Lovely photos of the azaleas, we've a while to wait yet before they bloom here!
hugs
xx

Linda Simpson said...

This is stunning Donna, love the gorgeous butterfly. That azalea bush is stunning love the colour.
Hugs
Linda xxx

Jackie T said...

Oh wow Donna your card is gorgeous. I love that big beautiful butterfly. I hadn't heard of that film and your garden is just amazing. Take care. Hugs Jackie

Dawn Phillips said...

Wow, what an awesome card. Love Dawn x

*Vicki* said...

Oh my goodness Donna!! That is one really GORGEOUS stamp!! I've not seen that before and please don't be shamed about your old goodies....I have SOOOO many of them just as old, maybe older, not sure!! LOL!! Some day I tell myself!! You've done a gorgeous job with the colors and I love what you've done with the punched borders...I need to remember that!! :) Your garden/yard is stunning and now colorful too!! I can't wait to start seeing that around my house!! Waiting and tapping my fingers! LOL!! Have a great weekend! HUGS

KarinsArtScrap said...

beautiful card and gorgeous back yard Donna
Gr Karin

Shona Erlenborn said...

That's a beauty, Donna! I can't believe you've never inked that one up before now! You've done a fabulous job with the coloring and all those different textures and layers - just gorgeous! Your gardens look amazing - still got some snow on the ground, but it is supposed to reach 60 degrees today, so hopefully it will be short-lived. I've never heard of that film before, but having watched that trailer, don't think it would be on my list!!

cotnob said...

This is stunning Donna, such a pretty butterfly stamp and your colouring is fabulous - a beautiful card.
Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob

x

KraftyKoolKat said...

Your creation is as beautiful as ever De, such beautiful colouring & design. Your Azalea is so gorgeous as is all your garden.
Hugs
Cathy
xxxx

Lori Kobular said...

OMG Donna!! This is GORGEOUS!! The butterfly is amazing and I LOVE that sentiment to go with it! The butterfly looks like stained glass or one of those cement mosaic!! The colors and the details are absolutely stunning! I can't believe you waited that long to use that beauty! I love your card!!

Donna said...

I see why you bought and hung on to that stamp, it is a beauty especially with your coloring! Your yard is lovely!

Verna Angerhofer said...

Your card is so very gorgeous and that butterfly with all the intricate designs within it is awesome. Your colors are outstanding too. So glad you shared this.

Leslie Miller said...

Holy cow wow! Your moth is way more beautiful than Mothra and, yes, I do remember that movie. Rich and I still like to watch these old scifi movies now and then just to have a giggle. Back to YOUR moth... not only is it beautiful, it's huge! All the better to see the detail and pretty coloring. All your lovely card details go so perfectly with it, too. Bet you're glad you finally brought this out.

It looks so interesting to see philodendrons growing up your trees right alongside the azaleas. You have such a lovely tree-shaded property. We should be seeing azaleas in bloom here soon. It's looking very spring like!

Sue said...

Hi Donna, Loving the card.

Your garden is lovely with the colours being so vibrant.

Hope you have a fab Friday. Hugs Sue

Shona Erlenborn said...

Back with my SNS hat on! This is amazing! Loving all the layers and dimension that you have created. Thanks for joining us over at the Sparkle N Sprinkle Creative Challenge.

Sarah said...

I have never seen a moth as beautiful as that for sure!! Beautifully done and I love the off set circular frame. Amazing shots of your wonderful garden xx

bolletjelucky.blogspot.com said...

A beautiful stamped, decorated and coloured card Donna.
Thank you for playing along at Addicted To Stamps Challengeblog.
Greetings Miranda (dt-ATSC)

cuilliesocks said...

Your card is stunning Donna and what wonderful jewel colours you've used, the butterfly is amazing and the design is gorgeous.
Beautiful plants and garden, Kate x

Furrbster said...

Wow somewhere near 19 years old!! That poor stamp - and just look at the amazing creation you have made with it :D A gorgeous stained glass design.

Hugz Tinz

Sue said...

WOW, your Moth is beautiful. Don't you wonder how a stamp this beautiful can get unused for all these years, I am certain that I too have some stamps that have never seen ink that are very old. Ugh....... I love how you made the wonky circle, very clever, Donna. The layers and sparkle are all so very pretty and the perfect accents for your gorgeous Moth.

Those flowers are HUGE! And so lovely. How nice to see them in the yard with all that color bursting onto the Spring scene. Will be awhile before we see flowers peeking up out of the cold ground!!!

Have a nice weekend, Donna.

Hugs
Sue

aussie aNNie said...

Gorgeous post De, not a long comment from me as it has been flooding here and lots of cleaning to do...my azaelia's have been in bloom for a while now.x

Donna Phelan said...

I have heard of Mothra, but have never seen it, bet my brothers have...plus that was the year I was born lol Your coloring (as always) is really beautiful, just perfect! That is a very fun wonky frame, clever and creative. I also adore all of your glitz and sparkle, your signature for sure. Beautiful!

NanaConnie said...

WOW! The moth is incredible, Donna, and I love how you did the off-set, circle frame. I'm going to have to try that when I'm playing in the craft room this afternoon. Great texture in the background and that sentiment is delightful.
Wonderful yard photos, my friend. I do always enjoy those. :-D

Inkyfingers said...

Your beautiful floral moth has come out of the cocoon at last Donna and it rightfully takes pride of place on your pretty card. Love all the gorgeous details.
Hugs
Carol x

crafty-stamper said...

WOW that is one fabulous moth beautifully coloured and love the wonky circle and sparkle --we are all bringing out our long neglected stash this year.Beautiful pics of the azaleas.
Carol x

Conniecrafter said...

Oh wow Donna, it is great you decided to use this moth, I will have to say that is the most lovely moth I have ever seen, you have colored it just beautifully, I so love it and the great way you did the embossing behind it, as as always sweet shimmer too!

Conniecrafter said...

I forgot to mention I just love your pretty azaleas, we are on a weekend away right now and we saw a few starting to bloom, so pretty!

aussie aNNie said...

I will be absent from April 10 to May 30, so although I have scheduled posts, but I will not be able to comment on your posts .....

Doni High said...

Beautiful! I hope you don't wait another 19 years to use it again...lol. Thanks for joining us at Addicted To Stamps Challengeblog. Doni ( DT)

Caz said...

Beautiful..Really must visit more often..Sorry ive not done so before...Me bad..

Caz xx

Anne Temple said...

Amazing card! Love your coloring and how fun to find a virginal stamp to play with :-). Your azaleas are so pretty. I'm sure you love looking at them.

Darnell said...

What a great post and really stunning card, Donna! Thank you for taking the time to write it out. And your azaleas are simply glorious! What a blessing! As for your NBUS, you just might hold the record, lol!! Hugs, Darnell

Mac Mable said...

The wonky frame draws your eyes right into that magnificent moth. Stunning card, so pretty, so unique and absolutely beautiful x.
Thank you for sharing the photos of those beautiful azaleas. We grow them here in Scotland and they are stunning when they come out....will be awhile yet but they don't last long when they do...unfortunately x.

CraftyLyn said...

What a super project,stunning moth,thanks for sharing your project with us here at Creative inspirations challenge Lyn DT x.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Beautiful butterfly!

Your flowers are way ahead of mine. My crocuses bloomed and the tulips and daffodils are thinking about it. Love blooming season!

Kuni said...

Your card is so wonderful.
Thank you for joining us at the Sweet Stampers and i hope to see you again.
Hugs
Kuni

coldwaters2 said...

Wow Donna what a beauty this is that butterfly and the colours you have used looks amazing thank you for sharing this wonderful card with us at ADDICTED TO STAMPS
hugs
lorraine x

CraftyNatalie said...

Very pretty design. Thanks for joining us at Creative inspirations.

Jessica K said...

BEAUTIFUL card Donna! I love the image - hard to believe that you have never used it before! I have many that have never seen ink - oops! I think it's a common problem :) Thanks for joining us this month at SparkleNSprinkle Creative Challenges! Good luck.

Jess - DT

Melanie Smith said...

love love LOVE your butterfly card!!!! It immediately caught my attention. Beautiful yard too....I love Azaleas too. Thank you for participating with us over at Sparkle N Sprinkle Challenges. DT Melanie