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!

August 30, 2013

Birthday Silhouette for Hannelie! CQC #204; CTS #43; NBUS #46; OLW #155; SSWC; STB

Hi there!
 
And here we are, whooshed back around to Friday! 
 
I had a busy day yesterday, so lots to show you if you have the time.  First of all, I had a lovely picnic lunch with some of my friends.  I think you've met them all before.  I have been house-bound for a week and it was wonderful to get out!  Would you like to see us all again?  Oh, good:
Donna, Darnell, Sue, Nancy, Helene, Cec, Barbara
Before I left for lunch, I noticed online that this week's One Layer Wednesday (OLW) challenge is "Silhouettes."  Not the machine, the image.  The very talented hostesses of this challenge rotate the duty each week and this week's hostess is the fab Karen of Snippets. 
 
I haven't been able to play in OLW for awhile, but this time I knew immediately what image I wanted to use.  Do you remember this SU! silhouette stamp?  I've always loved this image of a sweet young lady with her little Scottie** at her feet.
While I like this silhouette stamped in black, I thought my choice of sediment would be a good way to bring some color to the card.  I've also been wanting to doodle a frame like I see so many of you exspurtly do.  It's really cool, especially if you're a little shaky anyway.  It was so much fun, I just kept going and "stitched" a frame while I was at it.
 
~~~
 
So then.  In my very s-l-o-w quest to revamp the Pigpen, formerly known as the Playhouse, I have managed to clear off a couple of shelves of my bookcase and as a result, things are starting to just lie about waiting to be reassigned a designated spot.  Things like a Strathmore postcard pad.
I have had the pad for ages and never used it, making it one of today's NBUSes.  I realized that the little lady silhouette would fit in the perfect space provided and anywhizzle, what can be more one-layer than a postcard?!! 
 
Here is one side:
and here is the other:
I used a couple of flower and leaf stamps (more NBUS) from the Paper Smooches "Crystal Clear" set to create a lovely background for my "letter."
 
~~~
 
So then.  After lunch I received an email head's up from my friend Bev (of Happy Dance) letting me know that today is the burp day of another friend, Hannelie of Desert Diva!  (I'm sure a lot of you already know Bev and Hannelie, but if you don't, you really should bookmark these links!!)
 
It is a pleasure to wish Hannelie all the best on her special day!  Even better, I made her a virtual card, again using the lady silhouette stamp which hadn't been put away yet.  I decided to use the current sketch from CAS(E) This Sketch, designed by the fantastic Karolyn Loncon, only I flipped it.
 
 
 
For my colors, I decided on the current scheme from ColourQ:
 And I made this birthday card for Hannelie:
I had a couple of pretty used stamps that fit perfectly for the sketch, the colors, and the image!  Our last NBUS for today is the SU! letterpress "Fancy Fan" that I used on the card base:
Hannelie is not only an incredible card artist, she's also very generous.  Quite often you can find her fantastic sentiments available on her site absolutely free!  Thank you, Hannelie, for your constant inspiration and generosity!  I wish you many, many more happy birthdays!!

~~~

I'm also entering my birthday card in the current Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge which is "Anything Goes," and the current Seize the Birthday challenge which is also "Anything Goes."  Please make sure you check out the challenge blogs for prize sponsor information and rule details.  I hope you get a chance to play, too!
 
~~~

Enjoy your day!  No, seriously, enjoy.  LITS!* 
 
As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to leave a comment and/or join as a follower!   


*Life Is Too Short!  
 
Good Friend
Paper:  PTI white
Stamps:  Hero Arts D3066; SU!
Ink:  Versafine onyx black;
  Kaleidacolor autumn leaves
Postcard
Stamps:  Hero Arts H2142, A2051;
  Rubber Stamp Tapestry 42022-D;
  Paper Smooches J2S161; SU!
Ink:  Versafine onyx black:  SU!
  Bermuda bay, calypso coral, lucky limeade
Hannelie
Paper:  PTI white and SU! colors
  as above, plus concord grape
Stamps:  SU!; Avery Elle "Fanfare"
Ink:  Versafine onyx black
Impression Plate:  Sizzix for SU!
  letterpress "Fancy Fan"
 
 
 
**Mister and I once owned a Scottish Terrier we named Heather.  We're original like that.  We were newly married and wanted a dog to practice parenting.  We failed miserably right from the get-go.  We used to go to a place called a library in the 1900s and we researched how to buy a dog.  We're geeky like that.  We were clearly advised in italics not to buy a dog from the first place we went.  We did. 
 
Heather didn't come with a guarantee.  We were starving students and had no business spending money on a dog.  (This was before there were "rescue dogs.")  She was unwell from the start, diagnosed with distemper.  That meant vet bills and lots of messes.  She ate better than we did for months, hamburger mixed with cottage cheese.
 
She recovered physically, but mentally she was psychotic.  If she got around other dogs she would become like a thing possessed.  That wasn't the least bit embarrassing.  This was before there were dog whisperers.
 
Heather eventually found a new home and luckily we had better luck when we had a human baby, followed by a long succession of lovely dogs.  Phew!

54 comments:

Kathyk said...

Gr8 to see you and your pals, Darnell. You continuing your recovery well?

LOVELY projects from you today - FAB colours

Have a great weekend matey

Kathyk

Hannelie said...

Darnell... this card is so special and I feel very blessed right now!
I appreciate your thoughts and kind words!
Hugs

shirley-bee said...

I love these three very different cards from the one stamp, Darnell! I think the third one is may fave - I love how you've used the colours (winner!).

My head is reeling at the thought of honing your parenting skills on a dog. And I'm still trying to work out who got the hamburger mixed with cottage cheese, you or the dog. Is it a delicacy over there?

lostinpaper said...

All your designs are so clever Darnell, my fave is the teal... but that's only because I love teal on any card, really, they are ALL beautiful!

Sammy said...

Such a lovely range of cards with that stamp Darnell! I do love seeing a range of different projects with the same image... It reminds me how versatile these stamps really are!

And why is it that pets always end up eating better than their owners? Kids eat better than their parents too. And then there's husbands... You know, sometimes I think it's a wonder I get food at all! :-) x

Mrs Harry said...

So glsd you are feeling better. You certainly sound more like your cheeky self!
Lovely cards, my favourite is the postcard.
My cat decided she liked my cereal this morning, licked each of the little wheatie parcels until it was soggy then wandered off again, leaving me breakfastless.

Cathy said...

Great cards Darnell, lovely to see you out & about with some crafty buddies. Glad that things improved with the doggy parenting!!Cathy x

Lisa Elton said...

What a pretty silhouette image and your used it beautifully! Heather sounds like a real handful. I think Max & I have encountered her descendants LOL!!!

Brandi said...

Your doodle frames turned out perfect and you were right adding a touch of color in the sentiment made everything come together!

I love that silhouette image so much. I have a couple of westies and they look like that since they are so close to the scottie look!
Cute!

Hettie said...

This is one gorgeous stamp you have used and love the ways you have used it too.
Glad to hear you are up and out of the hoose now! Poor Heather! All our four legged babies have been rescue and they come with issues but they usually learn how to rule the roost very soon!!
Hugs and Happy Friday.
xx

Happy Dance said...

Oh thanks for the shout out dear friend! You are just the sweetest li'l thang! And your cards are lovely. That image is very serene, and I love how you've made three different cards with her and her little friend. As to dogs...Paul and I actually traveled with our three children over 200 miles to buy a beautiful, but very naughty Great Dane. What the hell were we thinking?!! Loved us, our family and friends, and hated everyone one else...He found a new home. I'll have to post a photo of him one of these days. Sure hope you are continuing to recover speedily and well. Bev : )

cm said...

What a FABULOUS post you've shared today! Your post card is so pretty and the card for Hannelie is STUNNING! You've rocked all the challenges, but most important, you've showcased what an amazing person Hannelie is! Such a thoughtful, heart-warming description of her and Bev, from someone - YOU - who is also incredibly awesome! Yes, pets...I had two schnauzers once upon a time and yes, they were quite the dynamic duo. They were bundles of fabulous and sometimes naughtiness, heavily sprinkled with cute! One lived until she was 18. Yes, EIGHTEEN! Maybe one of these days, another 'four on the floor' will come to live with us! Enjoy your day, Darnell!!
c

Ardyth said...

Great use of that stamp (and a perfect impression every single time - you must have good black ink - oops now I went back and see what you're using -mine never looks that dark!) Great OLW and CTS cards - so fun to join in with you on Hannelie's birthday!

Aileen said...

Loved catching up with your post today. What a fab bunch you all are!

Love your cards and the birthday card at the end is brill. Super use of the sketch which I though looked quite tricky but you've made it look easy.

xx

Redanne said...

Love, love the photo of you and your pals, you look amazing, dear lady! Good to see you out and about. Also love how you used that lady stamp, I really like it and it is so versatile. The turquoise paper is fabulous too. Hugs, Annie xx

Canonbury creations said...

Fab array of cards Darnell but I'm in love with the postcard:) I love old postcards and have got several written by my grandfather from the 1st WW and others from my grandmother to her friends and family. Glad to see you are up and about again:)
Val x

Canonbury creations said...

Fab array of cards Darnell but I'm in love with the postcard:) I love old postcards and have got several written by my grandfather from the 1st WW and others from my grandmother to her friends and family. Glad to see you are up and about again:)
Val x

JoAnn said...

Very nice photo of you and your friends.
Love this image you have used on your cards. They are all lovely. I think I like the birthday one best. Thanks for sharing with us at Seize the Birthday.

Karen Petitt said...

LOL! Gorgeous creations Darnell and lovely to see you having a nice time with your friends.
You just described some of the things we did with our JRT Eddy. We were told they make lovely pets but that was all. We found out after they are not the first dog you should have and thankfully no distemper! Stubborn little devil he can be at times too lol! But we muddled through and he's a good dog and a lovely pet now, thank goodness for pet whispering books Karen x

Jacquie Southas said...

I love the card - love the rich colors around the silhouette panel!! Thanks for my morning smile!

Darlene said...

OMG I love, love, love what you've shared today! Thank you, thank you, thank you! What a fabulous inspiration you are! Now where did I put that SU silhouette stamp set?? I know it's here somewhere! LOL! Guess I need to do a bit of 'clean up' too! THANKS SO MUCH! Happy Day to you!!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Darnell, this is a good test of my memory to try to comment on all that I saw and read.... Great use of the cool sillouette stamp with the little Scottie. Also thanks for sharing the story about your first canine family member. I like your doodle frames around the images and the 'sewing' around the edge - well done! The design with the used stamps is very pretty and a great idea. I think I've missed a few things, sorry about that! Have a wonderful weekend, Shirleyx

Carol L said...

I'm loving all those smiling faces in your photo, and so happy for your friendships! I'm glad you got to get out after being cooped up all week too! Great cards, great stories, and I wish you a wonderful holiday weekend with lots more smiles :)

maria f. said...

OMG I shouldn'ta read the footnote. You just scared the crap out of me... we pick up our pup tomorrow!

Not as if my nerves aren't already fried after our bunny ordeal. Finally put them back out in their stall (instead of in my basement). Hope they are nice to each other tonight.

What I originally wanted to say was I.LOVE.THAT.CARD.WITH.THE.STAMPS. Oh those colors!

Julia Dunnit said...

OK, quick before I forget...the Desker with a penchant for rocking horses is Elizabeth at Altered Book Lover. And OMG...the Golden Gate Bridge...I may have driven past you...my sweet sissy lives in Danville, so I do visit occasionally!! Lovely teeny world!!

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell, you have been a very busy girl! I love photo of you and your friends, so sweet. But your cards, wow! Just amazing. I love that sweet silhouette, it just gives your cards a sweet look.

Bobby said...

I can't believe you actually had stamps that were the right color and the right "touch" for your wonderful card. Your doodling on the first card was fabulous and the postcard was such a great idea. You've been busy so I guess you're feeling well.

Nan G said...

Now that's a group women who love to have fun! I would so join in with y'all...if I lived closer. :) Fab cards too Darnell. Especially love the postage stamps one! You always have such good challenge links so I 'tagged' along at simon says stamp. :) have a super weekend. Hugs

Bonnie said...

What a lovely stamp and you got not one, not two, but three beautiful cards with it! (My favorite is the postcard and I have some of those hanging around too.) And look at all those challenges! We had a similar experience with a dog when we were first married. Thank God the kids worked out better!

Karen M said...

Love all your gorgeous cards made with the one stamp Darnell - clever you! I really love your handmade frames too and I must try this out soon - hugs xx

Greta said...

What a neat stamp & I love your projects, Darnell! Fun to see the picture of all of you & I love your story, as always!

Sharron said...

Wow, awesome job with every one of your cards! Love the postcard!! I love silhouettes and that one is especially gorgeous plus you used it so well! So glad your kids worked out better than the pup! It's so much harder to find them a new home---'giggle'!!

Geri said...

Awesome post! It is 11:25pm and it was just the giggle I needed before hitting the hay!

Your "doodling" is down right amazing! I love the stark contrast between a hand doodled border and a somewhat formal image - great mix!

Then there are the postage stamps - totally blew me away with the 'theme' that you created...with such pretty, vivid colors!

And WOW - that postcard...totally FANTABULISTICALLY ingenious!

...too bad/so sad about Heather :(

Anonymous said...

Love that Bermuda background! You are such a delight to visit...your creativity with words, paper, and story telling is amazing!

wienerhoneymooners said...

This turquoise silhouette card is so stunning and eye catching!

Caught my eye, and kept it, and kept me from seeing any other!!!

Have a lovely weekend!
-Kimberly

Unknown said...

Bet you were getting cabin fever Dippy - you look really glad to be out with the girls! Love your use of the SU silhouette stamp on the "postcard", your fab stitched lines and the great colour combo on Hannelie's virtual card. You're quite right, she is so generous with her sentiments. Poor Heather......but poor you and Mister watching her eat her way through food that was probably intended for your dinner! Glad the outcome was happy......hehe

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Jules said...

Hi Darnell

A brilliant post .. .. you always have so much to share!!!

Loving your doodling. It looks fantastic! and those little postcards are so lovely!

I hope all is well with you.

Have a great weekend.

Love Jules xx

Anonymous said...

Lovely photo, Darnell ... looks as though you had a fab time with your chums! These cards are a delight ... love how you've used the silhouette stamp ... especially the gorgeous teal with the splash of postage stamps! Anita :)

Vicki Dutcher said...

How nice of you to recognize Hannelie's birthday. I am sure she appreciates that! Meanwhile fun OLW card and postcard -- so fun!

Laurie Unger said...

I really like how you turned the sketch - made it very interesting and your silhouette is perfect for it!

Inkyfingers said...

You must have been going stir crazy after a week at home Darnell, so I was really pleased to see you looking so well in the photo with your friends. Love your silhouette cards and the doodled frames are inspired. Keep up the good work with the reorganising!

Nancy said...

Your posts always bring a smile to my face!!! Your cards are wonderful!!! Thanks for joining us at Seize the Birthday!! I need to go back to making more than one card with the same image at the same time.... Thanks for the reminder!

Unknown said...

My own pigpen is in a state of re-org...but it's taking forever! :'(

Love these cards...that postcard is lovely!

Anonymous said...

GREAT looking "silly-ouette" a la Mary Poppins!! I just love it when Bert says that in the movie!! :) :)

I love your doodles and faux stitching!! :)
The teal and happy colors make me smile!!
HUGS!

xo

Karen Dunbrook said...

nicely done Darnell....
thanks so much for playing along with the OLW this week.

OH Babs said...

Goodness look at all these posts - you have quite a fan club. And the card is charming (like you?).

Oma said...

Thanks for visiting my blog Darnell & for the lovely comment on my card. You made my day! Love this card - I have a few silhouette stamps that I really should start inking up!

Kim S said...

Those two colorful postage stamps with that elegant lady is a truly wonderful look!!

Dianne said...

I love to come and visit, your post are the best,your stories are great and always a lot of laughs for us,the cards you made were a brilliant use of one stamp, you are the challenge Queen :). I love the idea of the postage stamp, I'm a shaky woman so this is right up my alley,thanks for sharing all your creativity..

Marybeth said...

Lol, ....glad you did well with all the other dogs....and people.
Love all your pretty cards/postcards. ( now I am going to be looking for that watercolor pad.
Looks like a very happy group of friends.....and pretty ladies.

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS on your CAS Wall of FAME!!!! So EXCITED and PROUD of the super talented and clever stamper that you are !!! WOOT !! WOOT!!! :) :) :)
xo

Sylvia said...

Fun cards, Darnell, glad to see you back! Thanks for sharing them with us at the colourQ this week! Happy September!

JD/ Jill said...

I really like to see Silhouette cards. and yours are fabulous!
Thank you for the nice comments on my blog. We just got back from vacation and I'm exhausted from hours on the road...so If my comment has typos forgive me...LOL. I'm going to send you an email...

donna mikasa said...

Whoa! Do the comments never end? LOL! I love Hannelie's card and how you used the sketch. Those two postage stamps are the perfect touch! Perfect!