A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

May 22, 2013

WOYWW #207 and a CASE of Fusion!

Hi! Hi! Hi!

We are one week short of the 4th anniversary of What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday (WOYWW), where there is going to be an ATC swap, if you'd like to participate.  X CITE TING!!  Our lovely hostess, Julia Dunnit, can  provide you with information about what WOYWW is and what an ATC is via the above WOYWW click.  I hope you can join in the fun!!

In the meantime, let's enjoy today for what today is, and today my desk is thus:
Another mess!  As you may have guessed, my personalty, Kay Os, has been using my desk lately.  Some of you wanted to see the stamps I was trying to hide last week because I told everyone I wasn't buying any new stamps until I've inked the ones I already own.  Kay, however, made no such promise, so she is proudly displaying her pelf for you to eyeball. 

Also, you can see two lovely cards which the postman brought me from my dear friends, Bonnie and Di!  The 7gypsies rubbings in the middle was bought with ATC ideas in mind.  Not my mind, mind you!  Those ideas are way outside my comfort zone, so I'll need to eVoke my personality, "Stea M. Punk" to help me use them, provided I get brave!  (She intimidates the crap out of me.)

First, though, not able to stand it a moment longer because I lost, of all things, a needle in that mess, I evocated Anita B. Clean to whip things back into shape.  Yum, now I can get it all messy again with a fresh project.  And I found the needle, phew!

You got to see two desks today on one stop!


~~~

Also on my desk is a card I made for a challenge which I'll talk about next, followed by The Nest update.  If you'd like to skip that part and move on with the WOYWW hop, I'd like to thank you so much for stopping by the Playhouse!  I would appreciate it if you could page down to the comments below and let me know you were here, so I can return the flavor as I make my visits around the hop!  Have an Xcellent day!

Mwah!
Darnell

~~~ ~~~

The card that you see on my desk was made for the current Fusion Challenge:  Hypothesis #7 is:
I played with Lesley's Challenge photo by CASEing a member of her Design Team.  I usually try to use a sketch or a photo as a jumping-off point and then make a card that is my own.  This week, however, I was so enchanted by card artist Allyson Andersen's sensational card, here . . .

Allyson's card
 
that I had to try and recreate it, thus:

 
Thank you, Ally.  Making this CASE of your card was a fun Fusion challenge for me!

~~~

The Nest^, Day Two:

I thought you might like to see a picture of the hanging basket from a distance.  (First one in the line.)  That window is the twinks' room and looking out I can see Mama Bird, but not down inside the nest.

Here are the five babies 24 hours after yesterday's photo:

Only four hours after the above picture was taken, Mister came home and when we were peeking through the window, we saw this amazing sight:
You have GOT to be grinning right now!  Just LOOK at that punky little birdie hairdo!!

~~~

Enjoy your day!  No, seriously, enjoy.  LITS*!
 
Thank you so much for stopping by the Playhouse. Special thanks to you if you take the time to leave a comment or join as a follower! 
 

*Life Is Too Short!
 
Paper:  PTI white and kraft; DCWV DSP;
  SU! Always Artichoke; vellum
Stamp:  Technique Tuesday
Ink:  Versafine onyx black
Dies:  Memory Box "Prim Poppy" and
  "Norrland Flower;"
  Spellbinders "Blossom Two"
Pearls:  Stampin' Up!
Brads and pearls from stash
Corner Chomper

^I made a label "Nest" in the "labels" list on the right, in case you happen upon this blog somewhere along the line and want to see all the pictures in the series.

67 comments:

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

So clean desk,
fabulous card-gorgeous flowers,
hugs Tamara

lisa said...

Is that really the same desk. I think I need to borrow Anita B Clean for a day please!!
Isn't is a nightmare when you loose a needle, causes me sleepless nights and panic about wearing shoes in the house as I always drop them on the floor!!
Love your birdy tennants, how cute.
Happy WOYWW
Hugs Lisax #70

Sandy said...

Anita B clean has been at my desk but I like V Y Messy as it shows that I have been having lots of fun. Has your desk always had that top it looks very classy. Your recreation of the cards is lovely.. How fabbulous that the birds picked there to have there babies love the punk rocker doo on the chicks how adorable.
Sandy :) #38

Julia Dunnit said...

Yep, get that Anita B on a plane to me..anytime! Loving the new stamps that you were forced to show...and I'm with you about the Steampunk..hope your alter ego will get out of the box and do it for you! Love the floral cards..such a sweet idea for a bit of dimension. As is the punky bird - too cute!

Janelle said...

Wow! A gorgeous card, a super clean desk and you still had time to stop and smell ... no, I mean ... look at the birdies! You're a wonder, Darnell! I love how you recreated the card - it was a beautiful card to start with - and you did it justice. Well done.

Helen said...

Fantastic desk(s) and love all your cards. Have a great week. helen 5

Anne said...

love both desks!!! My workpsace started off all lovely and tidy yesterday but.....
Love the card you created and am thinking of making something similar thanks for inspiration.
Great photos of your feathered friends. Pun hairdo reminds me of eldest GS when a bay - just the same :-) Happy WOYWW Anne x #73

Karen said...

Love the desk and all the goodies on it! So mmuch fun was had there I think. The bird photo is SO cute love it. Happy WOYWW! Karen 85 x

Minxy said...

Think this could be my first visit to your desk.. Great to see the b4 and after shots.. You have some cool stamps by the look of it.
Great card and Oh My what cute little birdies, you're so lucky to get such a great view
Hugz Minxy #22

Karen M said...

Hi Darnell - I just love your card - those flowers are so pretty:) Thanks for your lovely words on my blog this week - as always you have brightened my week - hugs xx

Kim M said...

Oh Darnell, even your mess is tidier compared to mine. LOL. I think I may have to call on my own Anita B. to clean up my desk soon. It really is out of control. :-). That is a lovely CASE card. Love how you did the flowers. Those little baby birdies are so cute! So fun to be able to watch them every day. Have a great day!

Unknown said...

Love all those stamps. When you clean, you really clean. I'm so glad you found that needle. Your cased card is really nice. Happy crafting #3

Anonymous said...

Love the messy desk vs clean desk Darnell -doesn't it feel good to get it all clean again ,just so you can mess it up again !! Card crafters-bonkers we are LOL !!
That little punky baby is just way too cute-bless him-thank you for sharing,i'm looking forward to seeing them grow :)
And what a gorgeous and fabby take on the card-i just LOVE it :)
Have a great day,Nessa xxx

Carol L said...

I love all the personalities that take over your shopping and stamping chores! You're too funny with your word play :)
Love the card with those pretty flowers, and those baby birds are adorable!

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Love that cool grey card...so elegant! Just like me..snort :-)
Ad funky pinky birdie is so cute..great birds eye view into the nest as well...awwwwwww
Hugs, LLJ 40 xx
PS Is Anita B your stripper Alter ego name??

Viv said...

Loved seeing your messy and then tidy space Darnell. How do you get a space to craft in?? I have so much 'stuff' mine is always very limited. I have an A3 mat and that's it, 'stuff' accumulates all around it !!! Love your beautiful card and the cute birdies too :) Viv xx

Lyndal said...

Gorgeous CASE Darnell - I agree, Allyson's card is VERY CASEable!
So glad you joined in the fun experimenting @ FUSION - hope to see you again soon :)

stampwithsandy said...

What a beautiful job you did recreating this card Darnell. I may have to case it (and you) too. I love the soft colors and the linen thread. And thanks for inspiring me to clean my desk today!

cm said...

Darnell, when all your *helpers* have finished their tasks with you, can you send them my way? Puh-leese?? You're invited too - we could have coffee, make cards, eat treats...
Your card is stunning - and how clever to create a 'cas-ed FUSION'! Great tip on how your find your jumping off points (mine are far too convoluted to describe...random, rambling, ridiculous...). Once again, you've sparked my day with fresh ideas and a smile (and my hair looks rather like little bird dude's!!). Wishes for a wonderful Wednesday winging your way!
c

Tracey McNeely said...

Always so fun to read your posts Darnell. I may you beat on the mess before you cleaned it looks like an explosion right now in my crafty space. Love love your fusion, you CASE'd Ally so perfectly. Love seeing the baby birds, our four little robins flew the coup the other night mama kicked them out as I was BBQing right underneath them. Have a great day. :)

Annette Allen said...

wow your card is totally gorgeous.. and love your hanging plants..

ria gall said...

Oh wow you have spoiled us today, you show two really beautiful cards your take on it is amazing love it.
then we get to see the babies in the nest how wonderful is nature
Sending hugs and hoping you have a great day
Ria #74

Mrs Harry said...

A beautiful card Darnell, I love those flowers. Aren't those chicks just the cutest? Lucky my cats are the other side of the pond.

Kara Lynne said...

Thanks for the glimpses of your desk and your personalities! Gorgeous card, Darnell.

Happy Dance said...

Ok, your desk beat mine...both ways...Mine's somewhere in the middle. I love your card. twine, polka dots, and vellum. So gorgeous. Great take on the Fusion challenge. And all those new babies at your house! I've got a nest of robins in my tree by the family room, but the dad guards the little ones pretty carefully. New life...isn't it great?! And...I get a new grandbaby in September! Woohoo! Bev

Lisa Elton said...

So HAPPY you found the needle Darnell, had me worried ;)!!! I was in love with Ally's card too and you CASED it beautifully! Thanks for sharing the sweet baby birds, the twinks must love this so much!!!

Redanne said...

Please, please send Anita B here, I need her now that she has done you proud! Your cased card is stunning Darnell, those flowers are positively yummy. The baby bird hairdo is just too cute for words......look forward to the next installment. Big hugs and happy WOYWW, Annie xx #54

Kim S said...

SO gorgeous! I love those delicate flowers and your touches of green with those wonderful neutrals is just perfect!

My name is Cindy said...

I was smiling all through your post at your alter egos and then fairly grinning when I saw the birdies. Good luck keeping everyone under control, Happy WOYWW Cindy #95

Unknown said...

It's so comforting to see your desk in such disarray - makes me feel so much better.

Love your CASED card - really pretty.

Cute chicks - great hair do.

The Taming of the Glue said...

The cards are gorgeous. How long will the desk stay that tidy! Can I borrow A.Nita.B.Clean?
Lovely photos of the birds.
Happy WOYWW. Pam#20

Unknown said...

Kay Os has been hanging out at my place, too! I tried to schedule Anita B. Clean last weekend, but I guess she was busy, 'cause she never showed up!
Lovely card. I've never thought to use vellum for flowers. That could open up a whole new world of possibilities!

Jessi Fogan said...

My needles always fall on the floor too! I worry about the dog catching one since she's usually keeping my feet safe.
OMG the cutest hairdo ever.
AND, I must say, Kay is much closer to how my desk looks, all the time. Anita really just rearranges things, dusts, and then puts all the clutter back in. Sheesh.
I love your take on Ally's card - both of them are gorgeous!!

janelle said...

Love your post and card. Beautiful flowers! And Anita B. Clean can come visit my house anytime! ;)

Geri said...

...gotta tell the truth...as soon as I read the part about the nest, I zipped right on past your card to check out the pics! You are so lucky to be part of this amazing process. Yes, the wee one is sporting a rather trendy do!

Now back to your beautiful card...
If I were Allyson, I would be nodding my head in approval and giving you a thumbs up for your beautiful interpretation of my card.

The softly sponged edges work so well with your card elements to create a beautiful tranquil scene!

The flowers are beyond stunning! Absolutely Gor-gee-us!

dottielottie said...

I neeed an Anita B. Clean as Kay Os usually rules in my craft room lol.
Your friends cards are gorgeous, and your take on Allysons card is so pretty. I will be waiting each day for the email of your post to catch up with the birdie family. As you guys like to say "too stinking cute".
Happy art making
Hugs Lottie #132

Krisha said...

BEAUTIFUL cards!! Love your post
Krisha #50

Shannon J said...

Darnell, you are just the sweetest! Thank you so much for the comments you've left on my blog - you really know how to make a girl feel happy and put a spring in her step!! And you, oh my goodness, so inspiring yourself (and funny too!!). I love the personalities that came for visits today - especially Anita B. Obviously that's where she's been - at your playhouse! I've been looking for her for weeks! Please tell her to return immediately!! There is A LOT of work to be done!! Ha ha! Thanks again for adding sweetness to my day!

Anonymous said...

Oh, what a fun post, Darnell! I'm so flattered that you would want to CASE my card, and love how yours turned out! It was a fun inspiration photo, no? ;-) Thanks so much for the shout-out!

I think I need a visit from Anita, too, so send her my way when she's done with everyone else's places...

Loved the photo of the chicks - how perfectly delightful! Oh my goodness - that did bring a huge smile to my face. Thank you. ;-)

((hugs))

okienurse said...

great looking desk with the befores and after photos! Love the birds pictures. I usually always have a next by now but it has been unseasonably cold but suspect that it will be warmer next week! DID I agree to swapping an ATC with you? Want to swap? I didn't make it around to many blogs last week so I promised myself that I would visit everyone who visited me last week first this week. I hope you have a great week and thanks for sharing. Vickie #26

505whimsygirl said...

Hello Darnell,

Yes, I'm slowly getting back in the groove. And I have a confession. Remember the cute little bird stamp you mailed to me? Well, I have something very specific in mind for it.... and I couldn't find it --- anywhere. My heart sank. Oh, but this weekend I did find it! I did a happy dance right in the middle of the living room. Katie and Muffin were excited too (my dogs) and Poppy was screeching in happiness (my conure).

So, I'd like to swap ATCs with you and you never know what else will be in the envelope!!!

I think I need your mailing address -- although I'm pretty sure I kept your envelope.... will have to search.

Oh, and LOVE your flower card - and the peeps are so dang cute in their nest safe and sound.

Happy WOYWW
Kay (6)

Nan G said...

Holy smoking pistols! Send Anita B Clean this way! What a transformation. Now if'n you needs any help putting ink to any of those stamps you just give holler this way. I am only to willing and very able to offer assistance. :) Love the vellum fusion card by the way! Oh ...OH oh my aren't you lucky to have such a show out your window!! Happy WOYWW! Nan G #105

Unknown said...

Wow Dippy....two desks in one day! I had to laugh as after the first photo was taken I just had this vision of you swiping your arm across your desk and ........TA DAH - one very clear, neat desk! lol Love your CASe card - so delicate and lovely. Those little birdies are so cute (and you're right about the hairdo!)....would still like to know what flavour the birdies are?

Hugs.

Karendipity x

Denise Price said...

I love the flowers on your card. They look so layered and full, yet still flat enough that the card could be mailed in a regular envelope.

Oh, those baby birds are so cute: just like living puffballs! :)

Anonymous said...

Ooh, squeaky clean desk missus, I can hear it squealing from here! Love the card, both yours and the original, very pretty. LOVE LOVE LOVE the little birdies and wish them all the luck on their journey! I hope their bad hair day gets better!

Hugs
Brenda

April said...

Love your version of the CASE card. The original is lovely as well. Cute birdies. Nature is so fun to watch.
April #129

Aileen said...

I can see why you were inspired and I love the resulting card. Very chic.

p.s can you send Anita B. Clean over here cos Kay Os has run wild!

x

Bonnie said...

I'm glad you cleaned up that mess, cause it was driving me crazy wondering how in the world you could work on that desk! I'm glad Miss Orderly got back in the building! And I LOVE your vellum flowers! The pictures of the birds are amazing. Be careful climbing on that table to get the pictures. I don't want to read about another injury!

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Your card is fabulous! The vellum flowers are beautiful!
Your little "punkers" are so cute!! Please keep us posted! I just love looking at the pictures!

Can I borrow Anita B? Pleeeeze!!!

Bridget Larsen said...

Those birds are so darned cute, still love your play house outside-it is so cosy and cute.I will one day play with fusion but yours are lovely
Bridget #11

Unknown said...

I'd give my left foot to be so organized. I rarely use it my left foot these days ;)

Ally's card is a beauty and your CASE of it is too! I love those curly stems...and the gossamer blooms. So pretty.

I want a punky hairdo, but I fear that I'm not cool enough to pull off the look... :(

Anonymous said...

Hi DARNELL!! SUPER CUTE FUSION!! Love it!! :) :) :) I didn't play along this week, but WOW were there some BEAUTIFUL projects !!! :) :) :) Have a LOVELY super DAY!

Anonymous said...

Hi DARNELL!! SUPER CUTE FUSION!! Love it!! :) :) :) I didn't play along this week, but WOW were there some BEAUTIFUL projects !!! :) :) :) Have a LOVELY super DAY!

Sue from Oregon said...

Oh my-so darned pretty! Great job!

Almo said...

omg Darnell I thought I was at the wrong desk for a moment till I saw the tidied view Phew! Loving the flower cards so pretty. Thank you so much for the photos of the little birdies, they are so cute. Hugs Mo x #60

Sarn said...

Hi Darnell . . . bit late in wishing you a Happy WOYWW!

Great nest piccies with your punk babies.

LOVING the look of the second desk picture but nearly ran away at sight of the first one!

Hugs
Sarn xxx

Andrea said...

two desk shots in one day as well as a fab card and cute bird shots ... you dont do things by half thanks for a great post as always and have a super duper week love all those fab stamps too enjoy. Andrea #42

~amy~ said...

I always enjoy reading your fun posts! Awesome job on the Fusion Challenge! Love how you were inspired!!! Thanks for joining us in the Fusion Fun!

Debs Willis said...

Fusion challenge cards were great, but punky baby did it for me!! needed the smiles (laid up with damage to knee ligaments grrrr!)

Happy woyww (amd please send Anita to stay with me for a while, I need her superpowers!!)

Debs #115

Queen Lightwell said...

Wow! Thanks for sharing the birdie pics. I've never seen newborns before...they are kinda ugly! lol Actually at first I thought the mama must have lined the nest with dandelion heads! You know, before they have blown away in the wind? Anyways, love your card, too. I wonder how she made her flowers? I can tell what yours are made of, but I can't tell on hers...fabric of some sorts, you 'spose? Hmm, well your card is fab! :) Love the before and after shots of the desk, I did that too this week! Well, one day late. (whoops!) :) Hugs and smiles! Deeyll #166

glitterandglue said...

Yep! Grinning, indeed, at those gorgeous little birds. Fabulous, isn't it?
The transformation in your desk is great - can I borrow you little helper?!
Have a great week.
Margaret #153
PS - have managed to change the colour on my screen - still learning!!

Bobby said...

Sybil had nothing on you. lol Great card for Fusion and such sweet birdies. Have you ever watched the eagle's nest via the internet in Iowa?

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell, your card is a winner in my book. Love your take on the sketch, so classy and elegant.
Your sweet little backyard guests are so cute...love seeing how they are doing.

Unknown said...

Love the desk transformation!! I need to learn to do that!! And the pics of the babies in the nest - oh wow! You're so lucky! Sand #155

Jenny said...

Fantastic CASE of Allysons card, I love the tissue flowers :0) What a transformation to your desk... how do you do that!!?? I think I need to invite Anita B Clean round to my house too :0)
The birdies are so fluffy, how lucky you are to see them grow..lets hope they all make it.
jenny x

Unknown said...

I have to say I like the tidy desk, I am a neat freak. But it is great to snoop at the messy one. Thank you for visiting me.
Karen #46

Carole said...

Fun to read, nature to admire and a beautiful card to case. I love the vellum flowers. Hugs C