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!

July 7, 2013

Material Girl Cooling Down ~ ATCAS #17; CCCB #166; CFC #108; NBUS#18; Pixie's #80

Happy Day!  Happy Day!

Before I forget (and to possibly save some of you from the flusteration I experienced), if you are getting a "required field must not be blank" message appearing on your draft posts which is preventing you from saving, previewing, or publishing your posts, it is because Blogger has annoyingly decided that you are not allowed to start typing your post until after you have filled in the post title.  That's all, just put something on the title line, even temporarily, and you can continue with your draft.

I think it would be nice if Blogger would email blog authors when they make this kind of change; they know who we are.  Also, perhaps the staff at Blogger have too much time on their hands.  Perhaps they might like to write their own blogs instead of mucking around with ours.  Oh, was that out loud?

~~~
 
I took a break from making a card to visit a few bloggie friends yesterday when I came across a brand-new-to-me challenge via the incredibly talented Barb Murphy of Barbles, to wit, City Crafter Challenge Blog.  This is this week's CCC photo inspiration, "Cooling Down."

I know, you gasped, right? 
 
I'm like Barb, and prolly a lot of you, in that I love anything to do with leaves and trees. Every piece of non-family framed art in my admittedly-small house is trees or leaves or parts of trees or leaves.  Not only that, but the above colors are beyond delishus.  Not only that, but some of you know I have the awesome "Water Droplets" stamp from Designs by Ryn, a gift from a generous and sweet friend.
 
So, naturally, I had to stop what I was doing and make this:

My NBUS (never-before-used-schtuff) for this card is both the "hope" sediment from the CAS-ual Fridays stamp set "Calm and Gentle" and the jute ribbon from Creative Ideas. 
 
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Can you believe the new challenge posted at Addicted to CAS is the code word "water?" Sometimes things just fall into place!  I suspect we will see a lot of cards featuring Ryn's delightful water images!  The prize this week is a $15 GC from Clearly Digi Stamps.
~~~
In addition, the jute ribbon I used is perfect for the fun at this week's CAS-ual Fridays challenge where we are to use some kind of material (fabric, felt, canvas, etc.) on our projects.  There are sensational DT inspiration cards for you to check out and I imagine this week we will see some equally sensational participant cards!  The prize is a fabulous $25 GC from Ellen Hutson!
CFC108
~~~
And last, but not least, the paper snippets I used allows me to join in the play at Pixie's Crafty Snippets Playground.  At Week 80, this is a good time for me to acknowledge the kind and entertaining and lovable hostess, Miss Pixie Di!  Thank you, Di, for all you do!  This is she:
 I don't normally wear a flower in my hair.......
Just looking at that picture makes you want to be her bestie!
 
~~~
I'm working part of next week, actually part of the next five weeks, filling in for other staff who are on summer vacations.  I've also got three online card classes going ~ whatever was I thinking?!  The plan, if I'm not too tired, will be to post my homework and keep on NBUSSING!  So far, I've missed ezactly five days of a class that ran five days last week.  Alrighty then.
 
~~~
 
Enjoy your day!  No, seriously, enjoy.  LITS*!

Thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse.  Special thanks to you if you take the time to leave a comment and/or join as a follower!
 
*Life Is Too Short!  
 
Paper:  SU! DSP; PTI vintage cream
Stamp:  Designs by Ryn "Water Droplets"
  and CFC "Calm and Gentle"
Ink:  SU! crumb cake and tempting turquoise
Ribbon:  Creative Ideas "Toffee" Jute
Embellie:  SU! clippie
 

69 comments:

Suzie McFloozy said...

Beautiful card - love the serene colour combo and I like that droplets stamp more every time I see it x I need it !!
((Hugs)) Suzie xoxo

Kathyk said...

You are so right about the peeps at blogger, messin' with what ain't broke!!!!

FAB PROJECT - I LURVE those water droplets by RYN and they are on my MUST HAVE list but all the stockists appear out of stock - here's hoping they'll be in stock next time I'm Stateside!

Kathyk

Hannelie said...

Awesome effect!!!

Lyndal said...

Perfectly perfect card Darnell - that water droplet stamp is a winner - LOVE how you used it & your burlap bow is gorgeous too!

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Hi there Darnell yes blogger annoyed me with that one too till worked it out.. aren't they funny??! why they suddenly get a bee in their bonnets about having title is a puzzle..
However love the card, with little bit of jute new sediment..:D

.. and yes things did fall into place for your card..

.. and yes Miss def. is our bestie that is for sure :D ..of the unruly bunch of playground, so say all of us..
love Shaz in Oz.x PS dont work too hard this week.

Sue said...

Your card is stunning Darnell, I love that image, wonderful colours and the jute ribbon is gorgeous.
Sue xx

Linby said...

This is a fantastic card, just love the effect you achieved. thanks for stopping by yesterday and you are so right with your comments about the gardening, it is almost like you were there with me!!!
Linbyx

Cathy said...

Gorgeous card Darnell, the droplet stamp looks amazing on those beautiful colours :) Cathy x

roffeycreations said...

Hi Darnell - lovely soft muted colours and the droplets stamp stunning as usual - that inspiration photo is fine too... have a great "full on" week - Mxx

Redanne said...

Mr Blogger - hmm, yes..... the least said, the better.

Love your gorgeous card, it has a lovely cool feel to it, just what we need at the moment. I am beginning to regret passing my Ryn droplet stamp on to a friend now......just could not think what to do with it!

Hope you get caught up with your classes - and - don't work too hard! Hugs, Annie xx

Anonymous said...

I gasped ... and sighed ... at the inspiration picture and at your card, Darnell, it's gorgeous! That burlap bow is simply awesome! Hope your busy week's a good one ... remember to breathe once in a while though! Anita :)

Ros Crawford said...

Wow! This is a stunning take on our photo ... beautifully done ... just adore those droplets! Thanks so much for playing along at CCCB this week!

Ardyth said...

You've captured the inspiration perfectly! I love the soft colours and those raindrops!

Sandy said...

Oh I love the water droplet stamp that is just awesome, it looks so real.. Your card is perfect for the challenges well done love that little hope stamp too..
Sandy :)

Julie Lee said...

Even in the short time I've been blogging, there have been changes - why oh why? You just get used to something and it changes - grrr! Ah well, too hot to get grouchy. Which brings me to the lovely watery, cool and leafy art on your blog. I am so loving that droplets stamp. Good luck with the challenges, Darnell and have a happy Sunday! Julie Ann xx

Canonbury creations said...

Stuning card Darnell, my favourite colour combo too! Those raindrops look so 3D and are on my wish list:) Love that hessian bow, great texture.
Val x

Kelly Griglione said...

Well, alrighty then!! : ) Thanks for the Blogger tip, I must always title first because I haven't run into that error yet. But seeing as how I do most of my work at 2am these days, I can imagine that would be frustrating and I wouldn't have the mental capacity to quite figure it out. Love your water droplet stamp, how perfect is that for the challenges? And inspired by your continued NBUSing. So glad you joined the CAS-ual Fridays challenge, Darnell!

Sue - said...

Love the inspiration photo such cool colours. And your card is amazing. The water droplets stamp is so realistic.

Kate said...

Love your card. I am blown away by that water droplet stamp. I initially thought they were real (was wondering why your ink hadn't run LOL)

Kate said...

Love your card. I am blown away by that water droplet stamp. I initially thought they were real (was wondering why your ink hadn't run LOL)

OH Babs said...

What a great card. I, along with everyone else, love the stamp.

jimlynn said...

Oh WOW!!! This is over the top gorgeous. I keep wanting to blow all the water droplets off the card since they look so real! BEAUTIFUL!!!! I need that water droplet stamp now......just another "need"!
Love your card.
Lynn

Tenia Nelson said...

Awesome!!

JD/ Jill said...

Wonderful job with your card. Great take on the inspiration picture. (which makes you feel cool just looking at it...)
Thanks for the tip about blogger...took me a while to figure it out...I kept changing things till it went away..wasn't quite sure what it was all about.
After yesterday's problem with blogger...(finding my blog deleted!!! Nothing much surprises me with blogger) I keep asking myself, "How can I complain about something that is FREE? That thought helps me to live with the changes.

ria gall said...

Hi Darnell
what a fantastic card and I have to say I am so excited as I am waiting for Mr Postman to bring me some of the water droplet stamps
Ria

Bonnie said...

This is jaw dropping gorgeous, Darnell! Wow!

Anonymous said...

WOW! Gorgeous card-just gorgeous Darnell ! Love the colours and couldn't believe those stamped droplets-how real are they ?
Don't work too hard now-go on run off and catch up on your classes LOL!
Hugs,Nessa xxx

Loll said...

Hi Dolly. I did gasp when I saw the inspiration photo ... GORGEOUS!!! And you've captured it so well with the blue leaf backdrop and droplets stamp. Love the added texture from your jute ribbon and library clip - fabulous job! Thanks for joining us at ATCAS. Lolly xx

Tracey McNeely said...

Darnell way to perfectly execute all three of those challenges! Your card is so so so gorgeous. The water droplets are fabulous! I have to have that stamp now, amazing and the jute ribbon too. Happy Sunday and don't work too hard over the next five of weeks! The online classes will still be there when you have time. That is the beauty of them.

Carole said...

Beautiful soft wet colors...so textured and lovely.

Sue said...

Your raindrops look amazing, Darnell! Love your soft leafy background and fabric bow. Thank you for joining us at ATCAS.

SYLVIA-ANNE said...

Oooh Darnell - what a fabulous card. Love the leafy paper and those amazing water droplets. The jute ribbon is a perfect finishing touch.
Thank you for joining us at ATCAS again - hope we will see you next time too!
Sylvia xx

Karen Dunbrook said...

what a great card...

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Yummo! This card is dewy deliciousness !!!!!
Love the way you used the colors!

Carol L said...

Ahhhhh, the pause that refreshes and cools me off! Great card, and I really like those droplets of water!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Darnell, gorgeous card, love the water droplets over the blue leaves and the wonderful bow. Hope you are doing well, Shirleyx

Bobby said...

I knew before I even saw your card that you were going to use your droplet stamp. This looks good for all three challenges, lucky you.

Dianne said...

I'm really glad you like trees and leaves, they are very special to use birds:).Now the water drops YIIIIKES I freaking love them, when I'm in beautiful rainy England I take stacks of pics of water droplets on well anything LOL, your card is gorgeous looove the jute ribbon, I must get this stamp, I NEED it :O)// Thanks for sharing it and you wonderful tip and you're right it would be nice to have a heads up on that darn blogger, thank goodness we have you to help us, oh I love my BD banner you're the best, good luck with your busy weeks, what were you thinking, LOL, you will do it I have lots of confidence in your ability to handle it.. Have fun..

Unknown said...

Darnell you are a tweetheart! Thank you for mentioning me and all the kind words reserved for me...makin' me blush ;) It's a good thing I'm still able to type cause my jaw went "THUD!" when I saw this beauty. This Ryn genius of whom you speak...I've NEVER heard...thanks in advance for enabling my next shopping expedition...unreal realism! Beautiful card!

Mary H. said...

Oh wow! I'm really impressed with your use of the wonderful Ryn stamp (lucky you!) on this one. Really did make one feel a tad cooler, and using the jute was inspired. Made that texture really POP! Don't work too hard. Hope the place is plenty a/c! TFS & Hugs all round. Great card totally.

scrappymo! said...

Love the leaves with the droplets...hanging my head to say I haven't tried mine yet...but I just got home yesterday so just opened the,...aren't they wonderful!!!

The jute on your card is fabulous!

cm said...

Darnell, your card is gorgeous (I need to expand my vocabulary, but for now GORGEOUS is perfect)! As for the droplets: Holy realistic out, Batman! Stunning! I need to scope out that stamp, for sure! Your upcoming busy days have me exhausted just thinking about them! I'm already 'behind' in challenges, as well as taking the Summer Camp course. Guess we need to take Anita's advice and...breathe...
c

alexandra s.m. said...

Your card takes my breath away...the serenity that pours out is just beyond belief...Thank YOU!

Linda said...

What a refreshing card Darnell. That is a great rain drop stamp. Thanks for all of you lovely comments on my blog. I really appreciate them. I can't believe how many comments you get. It must take up all of your time just reading them all.

Joyce said...

This is just gorgeous. I've never seen a rain drop stamp--what a cool effect. And, the subtle pattern in the paper--is that stamped? Anywhoo--it all ads up to one fabulous card.

Barb Ghig said...

I stopped by to tell you how much I love your take on the ATCAS challenge, and got side tracked by the pics of your "Playhouse" (be still my heart).
Beautiful card, Darnell! I love the effect of this stamp...so powerful! Stunning design and the color palette is just perfect!
Thank you so much for your inspiration!

Harriet Skelly said...

Wow Darnell that is a lot of challenges for this one awesome CAS card!! This is just beautiful - I love that color combination! have a great week!

Jacquie Southas said...

Incredible water stamp!! Love the serenity of your card - very refreshing after a hot week!

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Oh wow, that is a beautiful interpretation of the inspiration photo, well done there, thanks for sharing it with us at CCCB!

shirley-bee said...

A great way to nail these challenges with this fabulous card, Darnell! Love the jute ribbon and the clip to hold the sentiment. Whenever I read the word "sentiment" I always say "sediment". You'll have us all talking (and typing) your language soon!

Sounds like you're in for a busy few weeks! Hope you manage to keep up with your classes.

Hettie said...

WOWWEE Mrs! This is bootiful. Love it.
xx

Amanda said...

Simly stunning creation Darnell, Love those colours made me think of clear blue sea. Hugs, Amanda x

Mrs Harry said...

Beautiful card Darnell. Those water drops are right at the top of my neeed list.

Ryn Tanaka said...

Darnell, you captured the essence of that photo so well! Your card is perfect for the challenge. It's beautiful!!! I will definitely repost to my page. Thank you so much :)

Jessi Fogan said...

Barb is totally the best - I am lucky enough to have met her outside the computer & she's even cooler in real life :D
That jute ribbon is incredible - love the intense texture - and those water drops are CRAZY detailed!

Unknown said...

Such a beautiful gentle card Dippy and I'm delighted you've got the amazing water droplets stamp. I keep stamping it as I can't quite believe how realistic it is - Ryn certainly is one talented lady. Thanks so much for joining us for this challenge at A2CAS.

Karendipity x

Anonymous said...

Stunning, love the background!!Thanks so much for sharing this week at CCCB :-)

Di said...

Oh my word Darnell, what fabulous use of the droplets stamp - absolutely perfect! Love the soft colours and the jute is a brilliant touch. A real stunner and I'm delighted to see that Ryn loves it so much.

Thank you so much for the lovely and very kind words - blushing here :)

Hugs, Di xx

Marybeth said...

Oh my gosh your card is beautiful ...no ...gorgeous! I love the water droplets stamp,looks so real!
Thanks for the tip on the blogger message I was just pressing ignore. Thank you!

Sharron said...

This is the most amazing card! Love the leaf background and those awesome droplets! I would never had known about these except for your gorgeous cards. Thanks so much for the enabling tip!!

Lisa Elton said...

OUT OF THIS WORLD!! I love it when you use the water drops!!

Karen Petitt said...

Oh my Darnell - that picture is perfect for the Rynn stamp. Your creation is beautiful, the leaves that are then over stamped with water - brilliant! Karen x

AppleApricot Wen said...

Oh wow, love those drop dropperdy drops!!! Awesome pretty card! Thanks for joining us at CCCB :) Hugs, Wendy

Anonymous said...

Those drops are amazing! Thanks for joining us this week at CAS-ual Fridays!

Jingle said...

Your card is so very pretty! Thanks so much for playing along with us over at CAS-ual Fridays!

Sylvia Blum said...

Super pretty card! LOVE the droplets :)
Thanks for playing along with us at CAS-ual Fridays!
Sylvia xx

Kimbo said...

This is stunning. Thanks so much for joining in Pixie's Playground so that I could find you x

Vicki Dutcher said...

That droplet stamp is amazing! So realistic -- perfect on your card! Thanks for joining in at ATCAS!

ps- if I commented b4 sorry -- too hard to go through ALL these comments to see if I commented before - awesome for YOU getting all the love :)

Elizabeth said...

Hi Darnell, I did suffer a tiny flusteration the first time I tried to type up a draft but, fortunately, cottoned on to what Blogger wanted me to do re title and save myself from a gazillion little palpitations. Like you say, they could warn us.

Love, love, love your card - beautiful colour, super-duper stamping and the hessian is fabulous too - very worthy of Pixie Di's showcase.

Hugs, Elizabeth xx