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 Dragonflies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dragonflies. Show all posts

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...

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Thursday, September 28, 2017

Dragonfly Magic! Tonic Studios - Sparkle N Sprinkle - Cardz 4 Galz


Hi, Everyone! I'm back!
Sorta....
Slowly picking up speed from recent Florida events - I especially am thinking of those who have lost loved ones, their homes, and businesses throughout the Caribbean, Texas, Florida and Mexico, and wishing you all a brighter tomorrow.

The new challenge at Cardz 4 Galz Challenges today!

Badges are awarded for the Spotlight Winner and Top Picks.

Challenge #57 is chosen by guest designer Sian - and the theme is:

  DRAGONFLY  

show us your Paper Crafting projects using any technique and medium, 
AS LONG AS IT INCLUDES DRAGONFLIES!
Challenge ends on OCTOBER 11th.

My project uses fantastic Sparkle N Sprinkle Products which have been listed at the bottom.

TIP:

Fantastically sparkle-full, the Celestial Ultrafine Glitter on the leaves is a combination of transparent and opaque glitters. Why tell you this? The leaf die cuts are cut from the same color yellow cardstock as the sentiment. Some of that yellow shows through the transparent glitter colors, so that it blends beautifully and looks well coordinated.

TIP:

 The "green" is actually an embossing powder! They are equally sparkle-full, aren't they?
I blended a Hybrid Embossing Powder SNS Military Green EP288 mixed with Green Nugget Ultrafine Glitter G1065. Both are opaque. Again, why have a mentioned this? The green cardstock was not quite the color I needed to match the designer paper, but covering it with embossing powder did the trick! ALSO, with opaque products, you can even cover white cardstock with any color to customize your papers.


The dragonfly is cut from gold glossy cardstock, and adhered to a black shadow using Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive. I am still in love with the Nuvo Large Glue Pen which was used to adhere the glitter to the leaves, and the designer paper to the cardstock. HOWEVER, the Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive has an ultra thin applicator and applies creamy smooth directly to the thinnest portions of the dragonfly and leaves! While I am grateful to have been gifted with the adhesives, I will definitely purchase them on my own in the future. That's saying a lot since I had used the same wonderful glue for more than 10 years. I'm HOOKED! 

As you can see below, there are now glue smudges from my fumble fingers on the glossy cardstock:

Tonic's Autumnal Oak Die Set contains pretty leaves (above), a two-piece acorn to be used as shown or as a solid silhouette, a two-piece oak leaf, and this delicate twig. Very versatile and easy to cut. The acorn above had a piece of sticky-note-tape to hold the tiny pieces in place. Then I flipped the acorn and taped them in place permanently. 

 Love the Tonic Thinking of You miniature die
 

On the inside, a sneak peek at an upcoming SNS sentiment, inspired by a dear friend:





We would love seeing your dragonfly projects at the
On a personal note:
I'm still having trouble getting up to speed, but at least my brain is semi-functioning again (giggle).

This is  what is happening in our area due to the Withalacoochee River. Although we are up high and don't suffer from the flooding which is about 6-7 miles to the east, the mosquitoes and humidity travel everywhere nearby.

Flooding shown in green - our area has still not crested, so the photos reflect flooding a week ago, where the areas have not reached their maximum flooding yet:


  THIS IS DEDICATION:

our home has these "shutters"
which are put in place before an event, and then removed.

 The photos were taken 24 hours after Hurricane Irma passed overhead - we were SO FORTUNATE as only a few tornados passed through the area, and the winds were deflected by large trees. Irma downgraded to a Cat 1 by the time it hit our home.


 We were VERY GRATEFUL to have the shutters.
(see the shutter bottom left which has been removed from the door):

        



Other Products:

  • EKSuccess Border Punch
  • Rust, Pale Gold, Black, Gold Glossy, Avocado Green, White cardstock and stash designer paper.
  • Recollections Jewel
Challenges I would like to play in please:

  1. Crafty Cardmakers #196 Autumn 10/1
  2. Make My Monday #55 Autumn Colors 10/1
  3. Use Your Stuff #281 Something Old - Something New 10/1 (Designer Paper, border punches, EP and G all very old - the die cuts are brand new)
  4. Fab N Funky Challenge #364 Fall Colors 10/5
  5. ScrapyLand Challenges #74 (Anything Goes using Die SL sells) (4 different Tonic Studios Die Sets listed above)
  6. World Wide Open Design Team Challenge (Anything Goes for a DT) 10/15
  7. Sisterhood of Crafters (Sept 27) Use Your Dies 10/15 (4 different Tonic Studios Die Sets listed above) (sep post prior to new challenge)

Miss You Hugs,
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Thursday, August 03, 2017

Pretty Pastels {Cardz 4 Galz}

Greetings to one and all! (smile) Welcome to my little blog home.  
I have boo-boo's to share - can you find them?


Time for a new challenge at Cardz 4 Galz Challenges today!

Badges are awarded for the Spotlight Winner and Top Picks.
Challenge #53 is chosen by teamie Helen -and the theme is:

  PRETTY PASTELS  

show us your Pastel Paper Crafting projects using any technique and medium!
Challenge ends on August 16th.

My card shares today are the results of experiments gone awry.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself during the process!

Card Size 8 inches x 4 inches (Business Size Card)

This is actually an easy card to make, but it might take a little time:



Boo Boo Number One:

A Happy Accident:


Boo Boo Number Two

Bubbling plastic-coated brads:


Either way, the Boo Boos made things better (in my humble opinion):



It brings me great happiness to use any mediums in my stash - especially those which have been neglected:





And now a second card using the Saran Wrap Technique.

The background was made on some icky cardstock I didn't like by painting on two colors of luscious 
Jacquard Lumiere Paints 573 Pearl Magenta and 561 Metallic Pearl Gold. While the paints were still wet, a sheet of saran wrap (plastic wrap) was placed on top, and then I crinkled the wrap atop the paint a bit.

Here is a YouTube video with the technique - you can get the idea in the first 2 minutes of the video.


(I changed the lighting so you could get an idea about the sparkle and shine, below:)



Now create the flowers and dragonfly:







Products Used (for the business size card):

Sparkle N Sprinkle:
  • SB Fleur de Lis Shapeabilties Pendant S4-204
  • SB Scallop Labels One
  • SB Carnation Flower
  • SB Adorning Squares S4-389
  • MS Double Arch Deep Edge
  • Cottage Cuts Button Flower Mini
  • Lavender and White cardstock, assorted brads
Products Used (for the square card):
  • Jacquard Lumiere Paints 573 Pearl Magenta Pink and 561 Metallic Pearl Gold
  • Rhinestones

 Cards are entered in the following wonderful challenges:
  1. 613 Avenue Create #199 Anything Goes with optional twist Monochromatic 8/4 (8/7)
  2. A Bit More Time to Craft #49 "Anything Goes 8/15 (sep post)
  3. Artistic Inspiration #183 Anything Goes 8/7 (sep post)
  4. Classic Design Team Open Challenge #17    9/1
  5. Craftaholics R Us #30 Die Cuts (Tonic, Cottage Cuts and Spellbinders
  6. Crafting By Designs (Aug) Anything Goes 9/6
  7. Die Cut Divas (Aug) Anything Goes using die cuts 9/1
  8. Make My Monday #51 Monochromatic 8/6
  9. ScrapyLand Challenges #71 anything goes with dies SL sells (Spellbinders, Tonic Studios) 8/17
  10. World Wide Open Design Team Challenge #24    8/15
  11. City Crafter Challenge Blog #373 Pretty in Pink 8/10






Always warm, gentle hugs for you,


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