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

Showing posts with label Circle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Circle. Show all posts

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,

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Shape It Up! {Cardz 4 Galz}

Hello! Hope you have been enjoying a great week, and that you are feeling well.

Beginning today at Cardz 4 Galz Challenges 
we have a brand new challenge!


Badges are awarded for the Spotlight Winner and Top Picks.

Challenge #46 is chosen by teamie Maryvonne -and the theme is:  Shaped Cards.  Show us your cards using any and all manner of shapes - just "don't be a SQUARE!" (giggle)
Challenge ends on May 11.

While my shaped card is rather unimaginative,
the fun was in putting it all together,
with lots of whimsy and carefree happiness! 

Often my heart feels that way, even if my body does not.   DOES YOURS? 


***************
The BEAUTY OF NATURE.
While we all THINK we know what "Nature" is, I've discovered it is quite a subjective topic in many ways. What it means to me (living in the countryside of central Florida) and what it means to someone who lives in a high-rise in a large city, would mean different things.

But 

Exploring Nature, 
Enjoying Nature, 
being Enamored with Nature

these bring Beauty to all of us. A child sees the wonder of the sky through a 25th floor apartment window. An invalid seems the beauty of Nature in a floral arrangement someone sent. Looking into darkness one evening, we might all enjoy the cool night's air, listening to the wind and feeling its caress through our hair. Relishing the chirping of birds, the flight of butterflies, the photographs of mountains, the TV documentary of far-away lands, a sea shell on the beach, a pet's loving embrace, pondering the Wonders of the Universe - all these things bring us up close to Nature in a variety of ways.

Today my card is about a child swinging under the sky and amidst the flowers in bloom.

We all have an inner child longing to explore the wonders of the world, 

         the thrill of wind against our faces, 

                   the kiss of Nature and Life upon our cheeks...

JUST LIKE THIS LITTLE GIRL SWINGING HER HEART OUT SO MERRILY!

***************
Colored with Copics, this little sweetie is enjoying the shade of a cloud.

Virginal items from my neglected stash:
  • this adorable Swinging image (won at another challenge years ago),
  • three older unused die sets (SW Petite Peony Cluster, SW Double Pierced Circles set B, PS Twirly Clouds),
  • aqua ribbon from my Great Aunt Agnes's stash,
  • Pink Grosgrain ribbon never been opened after years of just having to have it!




Have you tried the Nuvo Glue Pens?
To me, a glue pen was a glue pen, and I have my favorites and seldom stray.
However, I acquired one of each of the 3 sizes of Nuvo Glue Pens.

In a single word: GRATEFUL

All the Glitter on these elements was adhered with the Jumbo Nuvo Glue Pen.
I can rub hard with my thumb, and the glitter does not come off. Even if I use a finger nail to scratch it off, only a few of the glitter particles came off.


Very sticky in both the wet state and tacky state for a host of different mediums. There is no odor, and it goes on slightly bluish so I could see exactly where it was needed, and when it was dry enough for mica flakes and such. And for adhering the glitter? I was surprised that the glitter stayed on even after being rubbed rather roughly.

Available in three sizes, they store conveniently, and are very easy to hold and use. There are little ball bearings (or the like) inside the pen barrels so mixing the glue is easy in order to keep the sticky formula at its best.

The flowers below were painted with NUVO Crystal Drops, and the centers are also NUVO Crystal Drops. I painted the petals. They have a slightly pearly luster just like real flower petals:


finished card:

It is always a pleasure seeing your artful treasures,
so please come play with us at
Cardz 4 Galz.

Products:

Challenges I'd like to play in please:
  1. Crafty Creations Challenges #340 Anything Goes  5/10 
  2. Crafty Gals Corner  #120 Anything Goes 5/2
  3. Creative Moments Challenges  #116 Spring Has SprungTheme 5/2
  4. Deep Ocean Challenge #153 Spring Time 5/1
  5. Get Creative Challenges #57 Use Flowers and Lace  5/1
  6. The Path of Positivity Challenge #48 The BEAUTY OF NATURE (blurb written toward the top of the blog post) 5/1
  7. Try Stampin' On Tuesday #319 - Make it Round 5/10 (sep post)
  8. Use Your Stuff #261 Use Circles 4/30
  9. World Wide Open #21 Anything Goes from a DT 5/15
  10. {Pin}spirational Challenges #189 Be inspired by the photo (colors and joy): 5/10


Stamping Hugs,

Saturday, December 31, 2016

SNS EXTRAVAGANZA KICKING OFF 2017!

Hi! I hope your holiday celebrations were deeply memorable, and that 2017 is full of promise for new beginnings. Thanks for joining me today.
I am kicking off the New Year as a guest designer for the SNS Extravaganza 2017 with TEN new, fantastically-eclectic rubber and digital stamp sets PLUS a brand new artist joining the SNS team!

My projects use a combination of the digital and rubber images:


IT IS ALL ABOUT 
FUN AS YOU HAVE NEVER ENJOYED IT!

It's Demo Donna on the SNS YouTube Channel!

Subscribe today to REVEL IN all the latest Demo Donna tips and techniques! But even more - PREPARE TO BE ENTERTAINED!  Each week a new technique is shared, and each month, a new video kit is revealed!



BEGINNING TODAY: The easy-peasy Sparkle N Sprinkle Creative Challenge

There are lots of prizes and recognition badges.  We would love for you to be a SNS Featured Artist as well.  The theme is always Anything Goes using Loose Glitter, Embossing Powder, and/or Flock.

Welcome to Sparkle N Sprinkle's
 January 1, 2017 New Reveal Blog Hop!

We're starting the New Year off with a BANG! 
We have a huge reveal to share with you - our largest ever!

 There are TEN new stamp sets (one is a digi-only set) being released this month!  These new sets are 20% off until January 3, 2017.  So once you finish the blog hop, head on over to the store and start shopping.  

This month's sets include: 

    friendship, 
        Valentine's, 
            encouragement, 
                Easter, 
    birthday, 
        St. Patrick's Day, 
            Spring, 
                and celebrations. 
We hope you like the assortment! 


Our newest artist is Heather Valentin of Lacy Sunshine Stamps!

Emily Showers of Love 831   (digi version DIGI831)


Right Beside You 812  (digi version DIGI812)
Milton Friendly Giraffe 817  (digi version DIGI817)
Cattleya Orchid Friendship 818  (digi version DIGI818)

Easter Chicky 820  (digi version DIGI820)
Party #1 821  (digi version DIGI821)
Party #2 822  (digi version DIGI822)

Eggs-traordinary Kindness 825  (digi version DIGI825)


On Jan 3rd, ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be selected from the comments left on the Designers' blogs listed below. Please leave a comment with each Designer in order to be eligible for the Grand Prize.  It's always a mystery which Designer will have the winning comment.

The Grand Prize Winner, which will be announced on the SNS Facebook and on the SNS Blog, will receive ALL of the new stamp sets released this month (or the digi versions, if preferred).


The Blog Hop order this month is:

Donna (that's me!)

(*Tip: if you have difficulty with a particular link, try clicking on the Designer's blog title to send you to their Home page.)

My projects use a combination of both digital and rubber sets from Bugaboo's famous Edward Elephant - with the cutest sentiments and accessories!

_______________________________________
Business Size Card #1


Images: 
Embossing Powder: White Detail EP298,
Glitter: Meadow Spark G1014 (clover), Spirited Green G1070 (hearts)
Nuvo Crystal Drops - Woodland Green

The lucky clovers were printed at a very large size, painted with SNS Brushable glue, and coated with Meadow Spark G1014 ultrafine glitter. The clover in the square is layered.


Nuvo Crystal Drops - Woodland Green center each leaf cluster for visual pleasure and texture.
The Drop make perfect centers every time and never leave a peak or stringy appearance.

The patterned paper was randomly stamped with VersaMark and heat set with White Detail EP298.

_______________________________________
Business Size Card #2


Images: 
Nuvo Crystal Drops - Woodland Green
Glitter: Spirited Green G1070 (bow)

The digital 3-leaf clovers were printed in large scale format, colored with Copics, with a little Nuvo Crystal Drops - Woodland Green painted on and dropped in the center. It gives a little bit of shine to the clover.



_______________________________________

Standard Shape card 6" x 7.5" flat for mailing

Jackpot! Edward and his friends win!


Images:
Ink: Memento Cottage Ivy (sentiment)
Nuvo Crystal Drops - Woodland Green (on clover leaves)

Stitching accompanies the clover border which has been fussy-cut on the right side. The clover again has been painted and embellished with Nuvo Crystal Drops - Woodland Green after being colored with Copics.


Edward is darling and unabashed in all his "pink and green" glory!

_______________________________________

Last, but not least - the easel card


Images:
Digital Set Edward Elephant St. Patrick's Day #1 (Edward circled, 4-leaf clover border), 
Digital Set Edward Elephant St. Patrick's Day #2, (3-leaf clover leaves, sentiment)
Glitter: Meadow Spark G1014 (glittered circle),
Embossing Powder: Silver Pearl  EP391 (brad),
Sticker Paper (glittered circle), 1/4" Tear-ific Tape,
Nuvo Crystal Drops - Woodland Green

Here is my creative process, complete with boo-boos, of course!

Print border of four-leaf clovers, color with Copics and Nuvo Crystal Drops - Woodland Green. Trim and distress with ink on edges. This is the "Stop" for the card front.


Die cut SB Teardrop Circles from Sticker Paper. Place the die cut Edward image in the middle of the sticker paper, pressing firmly. Then burnish in the Meadow Spark G1014 glitter around the edges of the teardrops. The glitter is now firmly adhered with the image.







Sparkle N Sprinkle Products shown under each card above.

Other Products:

Dies: SW Pierced Circles, SB Teardrop Circles, SB Grand Big Scallops, SB Grand Circles, SB Oval Regalia, MBox Beloved Hearts,
Punch: MS lacy hearts border

On the Home Front:

My white Christmas cactus finished blooming.
They will be severely trimmed then rooted in March for new plants to give to friends:




Fabulous Challenges I'd like to support:

  1. 4 Crafty Chicks #331 Anything Goes! 1/6
  2. All Sorts Challenge #396 "Something New" (new stamp sets, new techniques with rosette and Nuvo Crystal Drops), 1-6 
  3. Crafty Gals Corner #103 Blogaversary and Anything Goes! 1/5
  4. Crafting with an Attitude #22 Anything Goes  1/5
  5. My Time to Craft Challenges #337 "Something New" (new stamp sets, new techniques with rosette and Nuvo Crystal Drops), 1-26 
  6. World Wide Open Design Team Challenge #17 Anything Goes 1/15

stamping hugs,
de