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, July 06, 2017

Butterfly Challenge {Fred She Said} {Cardz 4 Galz}


Welcome, friends and visitors! It's great to see you this morning, and I hope you are doing well.



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

Badges are awarded for the Spotlight Winner and Top Picks.
Challenge #51 is chosen by teamie Babs -and the theme is:

  BUTTERFLIES  

Show us your projects using any technique and medium!
All paper-crafting projects are welcome.
Challenge ends on July 19.



My cards today feature Fred She Said's fabulous new Butterfly and Background sets.
The colors are so brilliantly happy, that I chose the artist's amazing precolored images, and simply could not limit myself to one card - but tried using the same images in different ways, with the same color schemes. Not too much glitter, though, so that the artist's pretty coloring shows through.

Buy Now

Each card is a 5"x7" design. The sentiments are also available at the FSS store (Fred She Said "Butterfly Dreams" Sentiment Set).

While the same color butterfly is used on each card, 
the backgrounds are an assortment from the many being offered at Fred She Said's collection.

First, an oval with blue and green, using one of the pretty watercolor backgrounds:



Next, a pretty blue garden with a less detailed background. The backgrounds are also available preformatted in an oval and look fantastic cut in an A2 rectangle shape:



I added a touch of orange to the pretty precolored images. this sentiment comes in solid black as well as blue highlights. The butterfly also is available in a magical rainbow color scheme!



A simple green card with some gems. flowers have been added to the background. The flowers are available in a number of colors, and can be used with or without the backgrounds! (click on the image below for a better view):


And LASTLY, a fun pocket card - using glossy card stock on the pocket.
A belly band accompanies pocket card "just because":


Click on the image below for the dimensions to make a pocket 5" x 7":


Tag is inside, and the belly band adorns the outside:



Back side of the tag:



Front side of the tag uses the pretty very detailed distressed watercolor sketch background with added flowers. The butterfly, bottom left leafy twig, and the right flower are all popped up for dimension::




Don't forget to upload your Butterfly Creations to the
Cardz 4 Galz Challenge.


Products Used:

ON A PERSONAL NOTE:

The weeds are abundant during our hot and steamy summer weather in Florida - mulching helps, but certain tiny seeds have a way of making big plants everywhere!

I suppose it is like that in our lives, too. We try to keep unwanted "weeds" from taking root, but they are always finding new ways to sneak in.
On the plus side, that gives us lots of opportunities for personal growth, right?
Your encouragment helps me pull those "weeds" out and plant beautiful "flowers".
Hopefully, I do the same for you (smile).

Our pool area, with caladiums (they are our summer color in the humid heat).
Jack's barn and workshop is in the background:


Part of the old cow corral (we have retired from the cow business LOL). All the cross fencing is gone, too:


The hummingbirds, butterflies, and all sorts of bees and wasps cherish the blooms from the lowly coleus - again, one of the few colorful plants that grow in the humid heat. In the background is our front yard, front pasture. To the far left is our driveway:


The front grew crazily with the colorful caladiums and coleus. A few volunteer pentas and periwinkles help feed the hummers, but it quickly became an overgrown jungle:




Challenges I'd like to Support:


  • Crafty Card Makers #192 Tic Tac Toe (SHOWN BELOW) 7/16 (diagonally gems-digital stamps-die cuts) 


hugs,




61 comments:

aussie aNNie said...

A magnificent post De, just adore and love your plants and your pool area, totally different to ours which is all open up. Beautiful and serene post and love the cards all is so relaxing and wonderful.xx.♥
[aNNie]

Sue said...

WOW!!! Absolutely stunning. I particularly like the green tag with the quote on it.

You have a beautiful garden. So envious of your pool.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Donna Phelan said...

Oh My Word! What gorgeous garden cards you have created, they are simply fabulous and there is nothing simple about them! Your butterflies look so real, I hope they don't flit away. Your sentiments are beautiful and thoughtful. And that fold is amazing, how fabulous! And your home and flowers and pool and workshop and yard....egads woman you could give tours and make some crating dollars lol (hmmmm not such a bad idea, aye?) Have a happy day!

Gertrude said...

WOW, wunderschöne Karten und Bilder
glg Gertrude

brenda said...

Stunning creations Donna, you can never beat a Butterfly or two and each design is a delight, especially like the one with the little tag and pocket.

As for your garden, it looks beautiful with so many colours and species that we never see here in the UK.

B x

sarascloset said...

Donna, your set of cards are just BEE-u-TEA-full! I love the watercolor backgrounds and those butterflies just pop right off them! How clever to come up with so many designs with this one set! It makes me wish I knew how to do digital stamping! I love how you've made the pocket and the belly band is a drop dead gorgeous embellishment!

I love seeing your yard--what a huge place you all have to keep up with! Your flowers look so happy in the heat--I love caladiums, but I did not grow any this year. Do you save your bulbs year after year? My Mom sent me some a few years ago, and when they came up they were the most beautiful I had seen, but the bulbs were so tiny. I dug them up, over wintered them and replanted as she instructed, but they never came up again. Your pool looks so inviting! Ours is FINALLY up and running, but it's too hot to be in it.

And one more thing...I see you entered our Anything Goes challenge at Scrapy Land, so I want to thank you for that, too! Hugs!

Pamellia said...

Wow Donna, these are absolutely breathtaking! The images from that set are beautiful with the water colour style and the vibrant colours, and you have showcased them brilliantly! So many gorgeous designs, you put so much work and tlc into each! I truly love the pocket with the tag, what a unique layout, and of course your work with all of the intricate die cuts is as amazing as always! You take my breath away with your work dear friend!

It seems we are having opposite weather this year. It has been unseasonably mild with only a hot humid day now and again. We have had more rain this year than in the last decade. The rivers are overflowing and the walkways are flooded, but I dare complain after the severe drought we had last year. With all the lush greenery, it's hard not to see the bright side!

I sure am jealous of your pool area. Oh how I miss being in water. Our lake is lovely, but you sure wouldn't want to dip your foot in it, never mind swimming in it! I enjoy my little bird bath fountain, it's refreshing to listen to the water running, but what I wouldn't give for a dip in a pool. Your home is beautiful with such a lovely piece of land and all of the gorgeous flowers and plants and trees. Beautiful world!

I think of you often my friend and hope you are doing well. Sending hugs from way up north. :)

Beebeebabs said...

Wow such beautiful cards - love the choice of die cuts and beautiful butterflies - you did a lovely job as always - thanks for sharing the lovely photos - whenever I'm in the neighborhood I will stop by to visit you lol - great photos!!!

KarinsArtScrap said...

gorgeous card with those butterflies Donna, and what a fab big garden and pool wish I could swim for a moment there [ lol ].
fab photo's and those plants at the front doo are looking great and beautiful too.

Gr Karin

Jackie T said...

Oh wow Donna all your makes are stunning I love them all the butterflies you have used are gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your photos. Take care. Hugs Jackie

Tammy said...

WOW Donna, all of your creations are amazing!! I love all of the different colors and the fabulous dies you used! The pocket/tag is my favorite, what a stunning design! Great photos too, I love your swimming pool!
Hugs, Tammy

Valerija said...

Wow! This is so amazing and unique! Stunning creations!
Have a great day.
Valerija xx

craftieodmae said...

everything is just Gorgeous!

Linda Simpson said...

WOW Donna, these are amazing! I love them all, I do love butterflies. Thank you for sharing your photographs too!
Hugs
Linda xxx

Linda said...

Donna, your garden is absolutely gorgeous! And I love the card!!!

Maryvonne Coussé said...

Gorgeous cards Donna , look fabulous !!!
And wonderful garden !!!
Hugs
Maryvonne

KraftyKoolKat said...

Every one of gorgeous cards take my breath away. Your diecutting and layouts are awesome. You are such a talented lady. You have a very beautiful garden and home sweetie. Thank you for sharing.
Hugs Cathy xxxx

Lori Kobular said...

Donna your cards are so beautiful! I love butterflies and have a big butterfly garden and I wish these beauties were flying around in my yard right now! We haven't gotten much butterfly traffic yet, mostly cabbage whites, although we did have our first monarch visiting the milkweed yesterday! Back to your cards ~ you always pick the most beautiful dies that match perfectly to your images and sentiments! By the way, I absolutely love the sentiments you made and I think I am going there next to buy them! Thanks for sharing your amazing talent with us!!

Lisa said...

Oh wow, Donna, my jaw just hit the floor!! These are amazing!! Wow!! I love the colors and designs and the stunning butterflies!! The layers and details are fabulous!! Oh gosh, I just adore these!! So spectacular, my friend!! I love, love them!! And thank you so much for linking up at Scrapy Land!!

Your house is so gorgeous!! I covet your pool!! Even though it's been mild here so far this summer, what I wouldn't give to be able to swim!! The front of your house looks so stunning with the beautiful flowers!! Our hummers are abundant this year...I'm making sugar water for them almost daily!! I've added a deck bird bath with a fountain, hoping to entice them to play in the water, but so far, no takers ;) Thank you for sharing your stunning home with us, my sweet friend!! I hope you have a wonderful Thursday!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Babs said...

Wow Donna how gorgeous are these such beauty and elegants. Each and everyone are breathtaking, , your pool looks very inviting at this moment the weather here is so humid and no air,, we have had thunder storms too, I would give anything to jump into a pool right now, your garden looks amazing with your beautiful plants.

Hugs Babs x

cotnob said...

Gorgeous cards Donna, lovely rich colours and beautiful butterflies.
Your pool and garden look wonderful, we could do with a pool today - it is very hot here in the south of England.
Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
x

crafty-stamper said...

Gorgeous cards and love all those fabulous colourful butterflies -you certainly have beautiful grounds and that pool is to die for -I go swimming with son and grandaughters at the local swimming baths but luxery to have your own private pool
Carol x

Sue said...

GORGEOUS all, Donna. What magnificent colors and designs. Ask for one card and you make all these beautiful cards. WOW, just love butterflies, look so real, like they just landed on your cards!
Your yard looks so beautiful all in bloom. Never ever have seen Coleus so large! Wonderful deep red colors too.

I still have the card you sent me with the beautiful butterfly on it, can't part with it..........sounds selfish.......

Hugs
Sue

Ann Greenspan's Crafts said...

What a gorgeous assortment of cards, Donna. I love the frames you've die cut for them. Your caladiums are doing so well.....I don't think they are really meant for up here in Maryland as mine are barely doing anything and they don't like the sun. How I would love to have an arrangement like your huge one with the caladiums......but I'll have to do with the flowers that do well here I guess. Thanks for the share.

*Vicki* said...

Wow!! Your creations are quite amazing here Donna!! I really LOVE your stunning butterflies here!! You've made them even more stunning with your lovely elegant framing and I really love how you've made the pocket for them too!! Really beautiful on all of the creations my friend!! What a stunning home you have my friend!! I would love to jump right into that pool as it looks really refreshing on my end with heat well into the upper 90s and humid!! Enjoy your day!! HUGS :)

Chris said...

Donna, these cards are magnificent, with those beautiful colourful butterflies and the way you've framed them with your lovely designs. Love the wonderful vibrant colours, they make me think of summer!
Your photos are lovely too...that pool looks so inviting and it's always interesting to see the plants that thrive in a very different climate to ours...although at the moment it's very hot and humid here...not too dissimilar to what I experienced in Florida whilst on holiday...the difference being that it doesn't usually last long here! :D
hugs
Chris
x

CherylQuilts said...

Oh, sweet Donna! What gorgeous cards, and I love the butterflies! These are truly not simple cards but are magnificent! Truly stunning with your "DE" touch! Only you could make something this beautiful! I agree that your home and property are beautiful! You're absolutely right about what grows here in Florida during the summer and how it can easily get away from us. Walt was just mowing the lawn and caring for the landscape. Well worth doing and such beauty to behold! Thank you for this beautiful post. I am so far behind and just plan to move on ahead. Hugs and love, sweet friend! You are a true treasure! xoxo

Verna Angerhofer said...

Your cards are all so amazingly beautiful. These colored images are awesome. And the dies and added glitter really added such a special touch to each of them. Love your garden photos too.

Shelly Schmidt said...

Your work is stunning! Your colors and the delightful FSS images are amazing! I love all of your detail and fab pics too.
I am in awe of your garden and flowers, and your pool : ) We are having massive bunny problems this year- they are eating everything in spite of all of the measures we have taken to keep them away.

Janice said...

Fabulous butterfly cards Donna, they are all so detailed and gorgeous.
Thank you for sharing your garden photos....amazing! That must certainly keep you very busy, but a dip in your beckoning pool would be the perfect reward! :-)
Janice x

Ina G said...

Fabulous set of beautiful butterflies Donna. Love Fred images. You have shown them off perfectly.

Becky said...

I love those colorful butterflies and backgrounds. Gorgeous cards, too.

Love looking at your colorful plants. I think periwinkles are one of the prettiest flowers, very low maintenance (even I can't kill them). The white ones are harder to find than the purple ones, but I have nurtured my whites until I have a good supply of them.

I can't wait for cooler weather. I hate the humidity, but force myself to sit outside with the chickens for at least an hour a day.

SD pooja said...

Beautiful cards Donna !like is visit to blooming gardens with lovely butterflies :) I loved how you have used diecuts to enhance the fresh backgrounds.My favorite is the pocket fold card .btw ,Your garden is lovely !

SewPaperPaint said...

What a gorgeous pool and beautiful views of your yard. DE, this is my favorite project of yours ever! WOW! I love those leafy layers and gorgeous dimensional butterflies. The white borders are perfect and everything looks so elegant and rich! Hugs, Autumn

Puppy Kisses and Paper Dreams said...

Donna ... ALWAYS the overachiever! Your cards are beautiful!!! I love the pocket card, and I love the rectangle die you have used too. Everything is just stunning. And I LOVE your yard, flowers, and your pool! When can I visit????!!!! Hugs to you, my dear friend!

Silvis Kreativstube said...

Hallo liebe Donna,
Wow was für ein wundervoller Beitrag. Traumhaft schöne Schmetterlingskarten sind entstanden. Ich bin von der Gestaltung ganz begeistert.
Einen wunderschönen Garten habt ihr mit einem tollen Swimmingpool. Die Blütenpracht ist ja unglaublich schön. In eurem Pool würde ich liebend gern mal schwimmen. Hier ist es zur Zeit nämlich sehr heiß. Wir haben heute 31 Grad gehabt.
Vielen Dank für die tollen Fotos. Ich wünsche dir einen guten Start ins Wochenende. Ganz liebe Grüße herzlichst Hugs Silvi

pam said...

Hi Donna, fantastic card designs, love your beautiful butterflies, flowers and wonderful sentiments, great pocket card and tag, you have used some wonderful die cuts on these cards dee.
Wow would love a part of your gorgeous garden, your pool looks so inviting, then finish of with a wander around your stunning garden.
Hugs Pam x

Christina said...

Oh the precolored background and butterfly are so magical Donna! And I just stop by the shop and saw that the beautiful sentiment was created by you! I knew it! It has your signature written all over it. LOL. You do gorgeous work as always and I love that detail scallop frame die. It's going on my wishlist. And thank you for the template for the pocket. You know as I'm staring at your beautiful card, it got me thinking how gorgeous this design would look if printed out to size 8 1/2x11 and frame it up in white. It would made a beautiful room decor. May you have a lovely weekend Donna. Hugs.

Unknown said...

Donna,
Wow such beautiful cards and i love the butterfly card along with the tag with the quote. I'm so happy you joined us this week over at Tic Tac Toe Challenge.

Conniecrafter said...

Oh Donna that is just beautiful, she does have some great pre colored goodies, I love that you added a bit of color yourself, and a bit of dimension, terrific idea with the little pocket, I so love that die you used for framing, it is still on my wish list ;)
You are a wonderful encourager, both in your creativity and comments you leave :) Wishing you a joyful weekend!

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, my word, this must have kept you busy for a while! To my way of thinking there's nothing simple about designing and constructing a card. It takes a lot of thought and time to make things this beautiful. Lots of choices here. I just love those backgrounds and the layered butterflies. The sentiments and the quote are beautiful, too. You even finished the back of the tag all pretty. My hat is off to you, Donna! I also love seeing pics of your home and landscape. Wow! Such a lovely and peaceful place. Those coleus and caladium -- WOW! They can make an overgrown jungle at my house any day! It's been so cool and overcast here I'm not enjoying much of a garden this summer. New pots of annuals are barely growing. Now, here's a duh moment -- I didn't know coleus bloomed. It's always sold at our garden centers, but really too cool for it outside here. However, I planted one this year in a pot with some impatiens. It seems to be holding its own, if not thriving. Nothing like yours! Would be lovely if it bloomed. Gorgeous pool area, too. Your home all over is dreamy/fantastic!

Crafting With Jack said...

What an amazing post, first the cards are fab-u-lous! Love all those pretty die cut edges. Second, a swimming pool from a cow shed? Thirdly, humming birds in the garden - how wonderful! and lastly, that comment about the weeds really resonated with me. hugs Angela

Alex said...

Fabulous projects and I really love butterflies. The post is amazing!
Thanks for playing along with us at our present challenge at Craft Rocket and good luck! Hope you will join us next month again.

Hugs
Alex
*DT* Craft Rocket Challenges {#39 – Anything goes}
*DT + Admin* Do-Al(l) Kreatives {#7 – Cool wet – A small cooling / refreshment due?}
Alex' Kreative Seite

aussie aNNie said...

Hi lovely De, sent you an email re the baby oil.xx

Pia S said...

What a terrific set of cards, all so pretty in their own way. There's lots of detailing even though there's not as much glitter as you usually use. I especially like the tag in folder one. So pretty with the butterfly belt you added. All cards have beautiful colors and scenes of nature.

Nonnie's Cards and Gifts said...

Fantastic- what a gorgeous set of cards. Thank you for sharing with us over here at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

Vicki DT for  http://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com.au/...

Nicola Gold said...

Eeee Donna these are so stunning. Fabulous designs and I really love how the 3D butterflies just pop right off the page. Thank-you for joining us at the Crafting with an Attitude Challenge 'Anything Goes' July 2017.
{hugs} Nicola, CWAA DT (Amethyst Lily Designs )

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Gorgeous card. Thank you so much for sharing it with us at Crafty Cardmakers and good luck with the challenge. Angela x

Peggy Noe said...

Donna, I'm just blown away by your creations! Each one is so beautiful. And I enjoy seeing your lovely home and garden! Thank you for sharing your talent with us this week at the Tic Tac Toe Challenge!

Loose Stitches said...

Wonderfully gorgeous creations! I love those butterflies, sentiments, colors and design! Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures, wonderful pool and beautiful flowers/plants!
Hugs, Sherry x
Loose Stitches and Unraveled Threads

WCS said...

I have great admiration for all your beautiful creations - the time, details and care you put into each design is amazing! I wish I had time today to write a longer comment, but suffice it to say I love what you've done and am glad you joined us at the Tic Tac Toe Challenge!

Teresa

Jerri Jimenez said...

De, your cards are all so fabulous, bright, joyful, full of sunshine! I love the butterfly bands and the tags and envelopes are perfectly stunning . . . a gorgeous ensemble! Where in Central Florida do you live? I'm in Tampa. We are having some of the hottest temps and most awful humidity, I try to stay inside most days and the summer storms are here, which my lawn loves! Your home is quite stunning, the front entryway is so beautiful, as well as the pool and your spacious yard is absolutely fabulous! What a beautiful view, your caladiums are gorgeous! I live on a nature reserve and unfortunately the deer eat everything I plant . . . :-(

Jeni Mc said...

Wow Donna What a wonderful blog , Your plants are amazing , (as I write this it is raining in the UK ) As for all your butterfly cards they are amazing ,such variety and colours , Thanks for your little crafting world ,it has made me feel warmer already , Jenix

Shona Erlenborn said...

These are absolutely stunning Donna. Love every single card - what's not to love? Gorgeous creations, followed by stunning Mother Nature (with a lot of Donna help, I'm sure) It looks like a spa vacation spot!

Lia said...

Hi Donna, thank you for visiting my blog and for your lovely comment. It is fun, visiting yours and I am admiring your gorgeous creations!
And ofcourse your photos. You are living in a beautiful part of the world and my 2 daughters have been there on holiday and are so 'in love' with Florida!
We love our country, although it is so very different from yours and the weather is changing almost every day....
Have a nice day,
Lia xx

CdeBaca Crafts Gallery said...

Stunning cards! The colors and everything about them are so gorgeous! Some of my favorites! And your yard is great!

Nancy Soetaert said...

lovely work!
Nancy
DT5CSG

J said...

Wow, those butterflies are so vibrant! Gorgeous card - Thank you for joining us at Crafty Cardmakers this time...

Jackie

Maryvonne Coussé said...

Gorgeous cards !
Thanks for joining us at SCRAPYLAND challenge blog and good luck !
Maryvonne DT Member

Anila Dikay said...

Simply Gorgeous!!
Thank you for joining us at Craft Rocket challenge this month.
Anila DT

Mrs A. said...

Love, love all of these butterfly cards Donna. Beautiful colours and fabulous layers. Hugs Mrs A.