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 Mirror Cardstock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mirror Cardstock. Show all posts

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Lavinia World - Light As a Feather

Greetings, Blogging Friends!
Hope this finds you well, and enjoying life.
I had a very difficult time photographing today's project, but hopefully you'll be able to see what I did.


IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER Lavinia World Challenge!
Details of our challenge:
Challenges begin every other Thursday with an Anything-Goes theme for chances to win a $15 gift certificate to the store, and badges for your blog. Use ANY brand clear or rubber stamp - no digitals. If your project features Lavinia World stamps, your chances to win double.

While "our" Lavinia World store is located in the US, it ships worldwide. Buy $25 and get free shipping! Lavinia World carries other coordinating products for your convenience (like Brushos, inks, art supplies and dies).


Today's project is sparkly and full of shiny details. First, a background was created using watercolor pigments and metallics, and then stamped with Distress inks and Distress Oxide inks using the Feather stamp. This stamp's detail is exquisite!


I trimmed it down, die cut a frame from royal blue mirror cardstock to coordinate with the blue feather die cut. Various copper colored ribbons and twine were wrapped around the background paper:


The little Fairy Forager was stamped with Blue Belle Versafine Clair ink and heat set with clear detail embossing powder. Stamped on a little piece of left over background paper and loosely fussy cut, the fairy was placed on the slant, as though she is resting on the copper twine. 

 The Feather, stamped in Warm Breeze Versafine Clair ink, was stamped once on turquoise vellum, and once on plain vellum, heat set with white detail powder containing glitter, and clear detail powder. The detail is extraordinary, and I apologize for the poor photography, unable to capture the crisp embossed images.

The vellum (with heat set feathers) is actually shiny and glistening, but when I photographed them, the camera picked up more shine than detail. Feathers were die cut from the blue mirror cardstock, and the copper glossy cardstock - each providing a complementary texture.

 This photo was taken in the dark, without lights and no flash on the camera, to better show the stamp details:

The sentiment is PoppyStamps Fairy Loose Script, and was cut once from the blue mirror CS and once from white cardstock to help show it off. The "wings" portion was computer generated and lined with White Galaxy Opaque Marker.

 I learned a lot making this project because it was full of new-to-me ingredients, and many unused items from my stash! Because I kept dropping things during my creative process, I deliberately adhered the framed panel on an angle:

Thanks for visiting! Hope I didn't write too much, but I also wanted to convey what was done to each layer.

Wishing you a lovely week-end, and many happy fairy days ahead!
Remember! ANY brand rubber or clear stamp is acceptable in the challenge, so hop on over and play!

Products:
Challenges I'd like to play in please:



  1. Joy of Sets Tic Tac Toe (JOSTTT007) Last Column Copper Twine--Die Cut--Heat Embossing 8/3
  2. Die Cuttin' Divas #429 Embossing Heat or Dry (dry embossed both SB feathers, heat embossed the two stamped feathers and the stamped fairy) 7/23 bottom of post
  3. Creative Fingers Challenge #168 Anything Goes 8/12 (check chal 170)
  4. Creative Crafters #17 Anything Goes 8/15
  5. A Perfect Time to Craft #7 Anything Goes 8/1
  6. ScrapyLand Challenge #117 Anything Goes SL dies (SB and PS listed above) 8/1
  7. World Wide Open DT Challenge #7 AG DT 8/15
  8. Dragonfly Dreams Challenge (July 7) Things With Wings 8/7



Stamping Hugs,




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Thursday, August 16, 2018

All Kinds of Textures at Moving Along With The Times

So glad you are here!




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

We hope you can play along. Challenge #78's theme is TEXTURE - just make sure your project contains texture and share it!



My card share is a little different from anything I've done before, using a combination of High Gloss Black Mirror Cardstock,  Silver Chequer Handmade Paper by Tonic, Glitter Tinsel in Silver Leaf, Black Ice Ultrafine Glitter, Sassy Silver Ultrafine Glitter and even Nuvo Crystal Drops in Wedgewood Blue.

 First, I cut the mirror cardstock to 5.25" x 7.25". A piece of black cardstock was folded as a base at 5.5" x 7.5". I trimmed highly textured handmade paper into 1" strips. On top of the mirror cardstock, place any width of Tear-ific Tape horizontally. I used 1.5" tape. The tape could also be applied diagonally, vertically or in any wonky manner pleasing to you:

Next I pulled off the protective covering, laying the 1" strips of handmade paper in the center of the tape, carefully avoiding the exposed tape:



Using glitter, beads, ribbon or embossing powder, burnish them into the exposed tape:



It's a great way of using up strips of left over paper, or odd leftovers of glitters. Try alternating the glitter colors, or mix them together. Here I used just a single blend of Glitter Tinsel in Silver Leaf.

 Here is a close-up of the combined textures with glossy silver cardstock and detail black embossing powder:


Finished card is quite sparkly in real life with marvelous shine, too:




Some products I had fun using:





Products Used:
Challenges this card has been submitted to:

  1. Craftaholics R Us #33 Anything Goes 8/23
  2. Crafty Creations Challenges #372 Anything Goes 8/20
  3. Word Art Wednesday (348-349) Anything Goes with Loving Words 8/29


Thanks for stopping by!
hugs,




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Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Embossing Folder - Back to Basics and Beyond Challenges

Welcome crafty blogging friends!
Hope this finds you doing well, and playing with your artsy supplies.

It's very hot, humid and wet here. Typical Florida Summer! And quite conducive to indoor meanderings in my craft room.

Hey!
It's time for another
Back to Basics and Beyond Challenge!

It's a challenge blog dedicated to... you guessed it... getting back to the basics.


For the next two weeks, join us by uploading an "Anything-Goes" challenge as long as an embossing folder is used.






I'm showing a modern-take on a vintage tag.



Is that an oxymoronic description?



The tag is for a very special on-line friend, who is always so generous with her cards and love.






It all started with a 5x7 embossing folder and Chrome Silver mirror cardstock (Apologies for the poor lighting):


After dry embossing I decided it would look fantastic to add blue coloring to the debossed areas (yes, I did that backwards, deciding to color AFTER embossing the cardstock - lack of planning on my part). To keep the ink in place on this non-porous surface, Clear Detail Embossing Powder was dredged on top of the dry embossed tag, and heat set:


 TIP: this was a great lesson because I learned that the Clear Detail Embossing Powder anchored the ink in place AND kept the shininess, but refracted the light enough to help with taking photos!
The die cut leaves were covered with Brushable Glue and dredged with two monochromatic "blue tone" ultrafine glitters: 

 Fascination G1030 (mixture of blues and other hues to bring out some silveriness) 

 and

Blue Lightning G1008 (bright bold blue that sparkles gorgeously)
Sentiment is from Pretty Blooms Rubber Stamp Set 873, 
(also in digital format).







The glue for the glitter dried in the time it took to assemble the ribbon and die cut the sentiment, even on a rainy day.



A slate blue background was punched with an old edge punch and adhered to the tag. Everything else was adhered with 1/2" Tear-ific Double Sided Tape.




Hoping to see your projects at 
Back to Basics and Beyond Challenge!
A few products used:


Products Used:



Challenges I'd like to play in please:

  1. Craft-Dee BowZ (July) AG with handmade bow 8/1
  2. Create and Inspire #76  AG 8/10
  3. Mix it Up Challenge #15 Mix it Up More than one medium (mediums listed above) 8/1 (sep post)
  4. Monochrome Magic #13 AG Monochrome 8/15
  5. Not Just Cards Challenges (Jul 11) "AG" 8/11
  6. That's Crafty Challenge Blog (Jul 4) "Close To Nature" 8/1
  7. Pammie's Inky Pinkies #1829 Anything Goes  7/31
  8. World Wide Open DT Challenge #7 AG DT 8/15
  9. A Bit More Time to Craft #72 Anything Goes 7/29

Thanks for visiting!
Stamping hugs,


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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, May 12, 2016

Pretty Staggered Backgrounds {Dies R Us}

Hello, Sweet Crafty Friends!
Welcome to my blog for a little Dies R Us Inspiration!

Today's post is about jazzing up die cut backgrounds!
Team Member Ann Greenspan and I challenged each other to stack our backgrounds.
Ann's comprehensive post containing gorgeous artwork is here.

It was such fun creating this Beauty (as well as the pink one below)!

Same colors of die cuts,
and
Same background dies,

one is a PINK base,
one is a BLUE base

BUT
they yield very different effects!

__________


My card duo today features the following 
Dies R Us Products:



Make Some Fun Staggered Backgrounds!

First, plan ahead by choosing glitters or embossing powders to texturize some of the layers:



Second, move the layers around around:



TIP:

When you have several layers and elements on your card, move them around until you have hidden all the mistakes and blunders, so that the best parts show up on top! (giggle)
Here I moved the flowers around until the shapes were cohesive, and the boo-boos were hidden:



The backgrounds are staggered so that the back mirror cardstock panel is positioned half-way behind the glittered panel. I left the glittered panel uncut.
The ornament is heat embossed with White Detail EP via Anna Griffin sentiment.


The glittered frame is a nice contrast to the flower centers, ornament and back panel, all cut from the same purply mirror cardstock. The pine branch die cuts have been embossed with another color of glittery embossing powder to provide a touch of variation in the silvers.

Some of the flower layers are heat embossed with Shimmer EP - it contains just a touch of silver glittery happiness!


The interior has been distressed around the edges of the die cut, and also halo'ed around the card base to which the layer was adhered:


To make this card:


Step by Step Directions:








Assemble on 6" x 6" white card stock:


The mirror card stock sleigh and scene are halo'ed with white cardstock.
The scene actually uses 3 glitters for texture.


The pink glitter provides a touch of shading.

The medley of clear, green and pink is in the skyline.

The white moon is with velvet glitter.

It would have been easier to simply use the same color of glitter on all three areas, and then shade them with watercolors or Copic markers, but I do like the differences in textures. Plus, I always seem to make things more difficult than they need to be - laughing because it is OH SO TRUE.

The bow and sparkly trim had to be adhered with Crystal Lacquer because the underlying cardstock was too "plastic-ky" for ordinary glue and tape. I used clothes pins to hold the pieces in place while it dried.

The Merry Christmas stamp was only partly used to fit the tag. The tag is distressed with Brilliance Silver Ink and Pink Bubblegum glitter.

To give the eye a place to rest, a banner of pearl pale blue was utilized. It picks up the colors in the diagonal trim.

The sleigh and banners are adhered with dimensional tape.





Dies R Us  is an on-line store carrying a huge assortment of amazing dies by several manufacturers.
I hope you enjoy today's project


click below for:


Other Products:
  • Judikins embossing ink applicator (comes in a bottle)
  • Brilliance Pearl Lavender (on embossed white poinsettia)
  • Aleene's Quick Dry Tacky Glue (everything is adhered with this adhesive)
  • Cardstock: Gray, Navy Stardream, Purply-Slate Mirror, White
  • Recollections Amethyst Rhinestones
  1. Sassy Silver Ultrafine Glitter G1050 (on the grate), 
  2. Shimmer EP137 (for the contrast behind the ornament and on the white poinsettia leaf layers, 
  3. Silver Lightning EP262 Detail EP for the ever green branches (this EP formula contains a little glitter to help transform plain silver to a marvelous holographic silver).
  4. White Detail EP for the sentiment (blue card)
  5. (hand blend of clear, green and pink for the background around the moon)
  6. Bubble Gum Ultrafine Glitter G1088 (around village and santa slight near the moon)
  7. Cloud Nine Velvet Glitter GM2000 (in the moon for a different sparkly texture)
  8. Sakura Quickie Glue Pen (for added glitter around the Snowy Breeze Border mistake)
  9. Sticker Paper and 1/2" Tear-ific Tape
Challenges I'd like to play in please:

  1. 12 Months of Christmas Link Up - #17 Christmas Optional Theme - Non Traditional Christmas Colors - two cards on a single link up - 6/1 (sep post may be 1 month off)
  2. ABC Christmas Challenge "J is for Jewels" (I have used several rhinestones in my design) 5/25 sep post
  3. Aud Sentiments Challenge #155 "Anything Goes + Sentiment" 5/24 (sep post)
  4. Crafting For All Seasons #125 Add Some Embossing (I have heat embossed the poinsettia petals, all the silver pine needles, and white behind the ornament, the white sentiment on the ornament. There is also dry embossing in the big poinsettia flower) 5/25
  5. Christmas Card Challenges #23 - did not use the optional challenge - Christmas cards - 5/25
  6. Crafty Hazel Nut's Christmas Challenge #280 Vintage or Anything Goes Christmas 5/13
  7. Crafty Hazel Nut's Extra Christmas Challenge - May - Anything Goes - 6/1
  8. Crimbo Crackers Christmas Challenges #106 Anything Christmas Goes 5/17 (sep post may be weeks later)
  9. Scrapy Land #41 Anything Goes using dies SL sells (please see the listing of dies used under my collage near the top of my post) 5/15
  10. Sisterhood of Crafters (May 11) "No Designer Paper" no pre-printed paper. I created backgrounds with my die cuts. 5/22 (sep post)
  11. Sparkle N Sprinkle Creative Challenges May - Anything Goes with loose EP, Glitter - please see list of Products used above. 6/1


Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,









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