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!

September 7, 2013

Golden Delicious ~ CASology #60; CFC #114; MUSE #33; NBUS #49; PIXIE'S #89

Al O. There!

It's lovely to be back.  It seems like it's been ages.  I'm feeling well enough to get back to reorganizing the Pigpen Playhouse, which is quite time-consuming when you are making gingerly movements.  Wouldn't you think that gingerly would be a more exaggerated version of ginger?
 
Ah, not so.  Here is gingerly, just as you suspected:
 
1 in a careful or cautious manner; 2 showing great care or caution.
 
And here is ginger:  2 stimulate; enliven.  "she slapped his hand lightly to ginger him up."
 
Indeed.
 
Today I've made another QACAS card.  I sure seem to have the "simple" part of "clean and simple" (CAS) down pat, don't I?  I resemble that remark! 

The challenges for today's card are CASology where the cue card is "apple,"
CAS-ual Fridays where the theme is "back to school,"
Pixie's Crafty Snippets Playground where the theme is always "use those snippets," (here are mine for today)
and MUSE Card Club where the inspiration artist this week is the outstanding Laurie Willison.  Here is her fun Muse Inspiration Card for us:

 
Please click on the links for these fun challenges for any sponsor information, rules, etc., and please join in the fun!!

~~~
Here is my take on Laurie's card:

I literally followed Laurie's design sketch, which I'll be using again.  I fussy-cut the apple and the pencil out of some designer paper scraps.  Since none of my oodles of bling seemed right, I just made my own using a snippet of blue and two different-sized hole punches.  I don't often get the chance to use that notebook paper edge punch, but it's sure fun when I get the opportunity.  Today's NBUS is the sediment.  
 
~~~
 
I was in the middle of doing a bit of paper sorting today,
Could I be a paper ho, d'ya spose?
when I was pleasantly distracted by two things. 
 
The first was a for real squirrel (not just the one that shares space in my head with a hamster).  We are still having summer here with the temperature rising to a hunnert degrees.  Mister had just watered everything and gone back inside.  A few minutes later, I looked out and saw this little guy, cooling off his hot unders! 
 
~~~
 
Secondly, a lovely new friend came to play!  Her name is Karren J and her wonderful website is Stamping Stuff.  Please take some time to visit Karren and introduce yourself.  Karren has loads of awesome cards for your inspiration!  Welcome, Karren, and thank you for joining us!

~~~

Enjoy your day!  No, seriously, enjoy.  LITS!*  We are off to spend part of the day with the twinklets, who have just moved into separate rooms and want to show them off to us!
 
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!  

Paper:  unknown card base; DP is either DCWV
  or K&Company
Stamp:  SU! "Loving Thoughts"
Ink:  Versafine onyx black
Punch:  SU! notebook paper edge; small dots

68 comments:

Jacquie Southas said...

Boy, do I know how that squirrel feels! Love your combination of challenges in this card - especially the Muse!

wienerhoneymooners said...

Love this Muse meets CASology!

The top spiral edging is brilliant!! Makes the entire card look like a notebook! The glitter, just the right touch!!

Thanks for joining in the fun at CASology!

Your squirrel's antics always crack me up!

Karren said...

Great card, Darnell! Love all the school-y features! Thanks for the welcome - I've had you in my Google Reader/Feedly for ages, but thought it time to actually use the Follow button!

Karen M said...

Hi Darnell - I love your card and well done on combining all those challenges:) I am really taken by Lauries design too this week - it's something different and fun! I hope you have a great week - hugs xx

Di said...

Brilliant card Darnell! And that squirrel is absolutely adorable :)

Hugs, Di xx

Greta said...

Wonderful Muse card! Great idea to use the hole punches--always forget that option. LOVE the picture of the squirrel! Take care, Darnell--it's worth being gingerly so you don't end up down again.

Redanne said...

Can I please borrow the hamster in your brain because he does a wonderful job enabling you to combine challenges so brilliantly!! Nothing to worry about there... I just love the photo of the squirrel, just too cute, poor little thing must be roasting...

Good luck with the paper sorting, I got a new 'toy' yesterday and will be playing with that! I bet the twinks feel all grown up now. Hugs, Annie xxx

Cathy said...

Great take on those challenges Darnell. The squirrel is flat out cooling off isn't he! So cute :) Cathy x

Anonymous said...

Ah,Glad you are feeling well enough to create a little something Darnell-and your hamster is obviously in fine fettle too letting you make one card fit all those challenges(and to do it so well too!)Great card-love that pencil :)
Aww-how cute is that squirrel-well,you did say it was hot there I am sure he needed to cool off a bit too!
Have a great day-enjoy those Twinks :)
Nessa xxxx

Carole said...

This card reminds me of blue jeans and a white tee. The apple pops with sparkle. Very kool! I don't know how you can be "gingerly" bending to pick up those papers on the floor. Take care my friend.

maria f. said...

Me likely. Reminds me of jeans too. Love the notebook paper touch. We too have gone from one neighborhood squirrel to three. Me no likely with wee one in the yard now. Me dream of live traps...

Bobby said...

Wow! Four with one blow -er card. Love the glitterati pencil and the way it all came together. I just love squirrel antics. I think he's thinking "If I lay here quietly, she can't see me."

Anonymous said...

Love the touch of notepaper! an impressive collection of paper! I can often see squirrels playing in the trees outside of my office - they're an entertaining distraction!

Anonymous said...

Love the touch of notepaper! an impressive collection of paper! I can often see squirrels playing in the trees outside of my office - they're an entertaining distraction!

Maureen Merritt said...

I love what you did with the top panel! Thanks so much for joining us at CASology this week!

cm said...

Your post has 'gingered' me up immensely! Great to hear you're on the mend, and taking things gingerly (practicing your vocab lesson: love your 'teacher' moments with us!) Your card is fabulous; a perfect take on all those challenges! As for the squirrel cooling his underparts: he's rather adorable, too! We're in the midst of the summer-fall cross-over with temperatures. Today, a balmy 55 degrees on the forecast; by Thursday, up to 85. The standing 'rule' about weather in Alberta is: "wait a minute." Have an excellent day, Darnell!!
c

Irene said...

Brilliant cards Darnell , I love the pencil, it's brill!!! and what about that darling squirrel, reminds me of our caravan.
luv
irene
xxxx

Anonymous said...

So pleased to hear you're back in the Playhouse, Darnell ... with an awesome card with simply perfect colours! I have so much empathy with that squirrel ... soooo cooling for the unders! Anita :)

Sue said...

Love your blog Darnell you always make me smile huggles hun Sue xxx

Ardyth said...

Loving your QACAS take on this week's Muse (and glad you're feeling better!). Thanks for playing along with Muse and CASology!

G Peplow said...

Hi Darnell, That's a great combination and it turned out so well, I love your card :D Hope you have fun with the twinklets and that your back continues to improve, have a great week! :D Gay x

Anonymous said...

So glad you are back... W: ginger or without!! ;))
Your card is super fun -- it reminds me of the apple computers from my teaching days & the lovely Mac that sits @ my desk now!
Perfect for school !!!
Your border w/ notebook edge also fab!!
Isn't it so fun when we pull out our toys & they all play so nicely together !! Lol

jimlynn said...

Fun and cute card for back to school! Love the shiny pencil!
That squirrel looks like me in all this heat around here too.
Lynn

Eve said...

Hi Darnell - thank you so much for your kind comment on my blog.

Your card is awesome! very cheerful.

That squirrel is just so cute! xx

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

You nailed these challenges, especially the Muse one. I just love it! It is cute!
And your squirrel-hilarious!

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Your card is briliant but your squirrel rules
hugs Tamara

Kim Heggins said...

Amazing card Darnell...love that glittered pencil and your apple, just perfect. Happy to hear you are on the mend and feeling better. Love your sweet little squirrly friend too, so adorable.

Helen F. said...

Hi Darnell,
I just love your card,it has all the elements of a FUN day at school ~~ remember when?
PS: That squirrel is way smarter than most people cooling off like that ;-)

Harriet Skelly said...

I love the end result of combining all of the challenges! But I really LOVE that picture of the squirrel - so adorable!! Hope you survive the high temps over there!

Judy1223 said...

Your blog posts never disappoint, Darnell...from dictionary definitions to wild life lounging in your yard to AWESOME cards, I don't know what I enjoy most about visiting! I adore your glittery pencil and apple, just perfect for this week's cue (and great for all the challenges)! Thanks for playing along at CASology!

Jen W. said...

Brilliant combo of challenges, Darnell! I love the sparkly pencil and the notebook edge. I also love that there's no red in sight! Thanks for playing along with CASology this week!

As for that squirrel he's got the right idea! Scout and Jem used to do that on the tiled floor all the time!

Tracey McNeely said...

Darnell you are truly my most popular friend!! I have to scroll and scroll and scroll to leave you a comment--this poor girl gets tired. LOL Love you apple themed card perfect for all those challenges and let's not forget to link up to the Curtain Call too!! What a sweet squirrel cooling off. Happy day my friend!

Tracey McNeely said...

...and thank you so much for sharing with us this week at CASology!

Unknown said...

Hi Dippy, so glad you're feeling better and up to more shennanigans in the playhouse! When I read your definitions of gingerly and ginger I thought the first one wasn't you at all, but the second definition seemed to be something out of Shades of Grey........hmmmm, scuse me! Fabulous card and YES you definitely have both the clean AND simple well under control. Can't believe it's still so hot with you......it was definitely chilly and autumnal here today so can you please have a word and send some warm sunshine over? Absolutely cracked up when I saw your photo of the squirrel (which isn't inside your head) - the look on his face is palpable!

Hugs.

Karen xxx

Marie Bingaman said...

Cute card Darnell! I LOOOOVE that glittery pencil! :)

Hettie said...

Great cards there Darnell. I am afrad that squirrel would be running if it were in our garden cos it keeps nicking my walnuts!
Hugs
Xx

JD/ Jill said...

Great take on the challenges! Nicely done!

Carol L said...

Great cards as always, and that little squirrel is hilarious!! TFS

shirley-bee said...

No wonder the squirrel's flopped out - the hamster's been working overtime! Great combination of challenges - I love the notepaper edge.

Barb Ghig said...

Firstly, I want to say CONGRATS on being inducted to the ATCAS Wall of Fame!!! Your cards are always amazing, Darnell and you are very deserving of this honor!
I'm glad you're feeling a bit better, too! Thanks for the language arts lesson and pic of your new friend...how smart is he to find a cool place to put his belly!

Lastly, I LOVE your card, Darnell! I love how you used your edge punch and the color combo is fab! Great take on Laurie's inspiration card!

Joyce said...

What a fun card--great way to combine those challenges. And, such fun to have all that patterned paper to play with and organize. What fun!

Michelle said...

Darnell, what IS that squirrel doing? Whatever it is, he gave me a big laugh! I love your cute card, that pencil is super!

Anonymous said...

Hi Darnell, I was here to comment on your card, but that squirrel had me in stitches! Your colour combination is so refreshing and the glittery pencil just finishes the card beautifully! Thanks for joining us at CAS-ual Fridays :-)

Stempelomi said...

great card,Darnell!

Happy Dance said...

I need to know how you snuck up on me and managed to photograph me while I was cooling down!!! What a funny foto! And what an amazing card. QACAS?! Even more amazing!! Now... don't push things too hard. Get all better first. Doctor's mother's orders! Bev

Geri said...

Okay, that squirrel has it figured out...wonder what my neighbors would think if they saw me sprawled out on the patio...likely would want some of what I had been drinking!!!

Your card is spectacular! I love the notebook punch - totally rocks with your back-to-school thing that you have going on! Awesome fussy cutting - I was sure the applie was a die cut! Lovin' the sweet sparkle too!

I'm calling winner, winner of this card for sure!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

HI Darnell, I'm glad you are feeling a little better and that you have squirrels hanging about so you can tell us funny stories and show pictures:) Your card is awesome, love the apple and the sentiment. Take care, Shirleyxx ps.. thanks for your fun & kind comment regarding my Zendoodle lady,

Robin said...

Hi Darnell!! Do you sleep? I have no idea how you keep up with all the creative challenges. Your card is SO cute, perfect for teachers since it looks like a notebook. Well that is a non-card makers opinion. The squirrel was so cute. In the pic he looked like he was hanging on for dear life! Have a great day and hope you are feeling well. Rasz

Craftychris said...

Fab card! So colourful and I am glad you are getting better. The squirrel is so cute! Sorry I haven't been around much xx

Rachel said...

the glitter on the pencil is GORGEOUS!!! and that poor little squirrel... hope he found some water!
-Rachel w k
rwkrafts.com

Jackie Rockwell said...

The notches on the notebook paper really look GREAT Darnell! Lovin' that glittered pencil too!

The squirrel cooling of his undercarriage is a HOOT! Is it really that hot there?

mjbest said...

Just read about your injury. Boy can I relate to that. Getting old SUCKS!!! Especially when the mind thinks the body is still 20 and the body says, Heck NO. You're an old girl now, and proves it by hurting like crazy and thereby preventing any kind of motion. And the moment you think it's safe to resume some semblance of normal movement, the back will hurt even more just to prove a point.
Hope you feel better soon.

Amy Kolling said...

Love how you used Laurie's layout for this!! Thanks for playing along at CAS-ual Fridays!

Lisa Elton said...

This is perfect Darnell and I love the stubby sparkly pencil! But my gosh the squirrel simply steal the show today! What a priceless picture!!!

Cindy Brumbaugh said...

Congrats on your MUSE pick from your crafting colleagues, my dear. Awesome card- always love teach/school themed cards!

Bobby said...

Congratulations on your Muse honorable mention. :)

Joyce said...

So very happy to come back here to congratulate you on your honorable mention at Muse.

Anonymous said...

Back to say Congratulations on your HM at Muse, Darnell! Anita :)

Bonnie said...

Love the sparkle! Don't you know a teacher would love to get this! Glad you are moving easier! Be careful!

Kelly Griglione said...

Love your school card, Darnell! It's a perfect one to use the notebook edge on. Your real squirrel photo cracks me up ... poor fella. I've certainly felt like that. Thanks so much for joining the CAS-ual Fridays Challenge!

Amanda said...

What a fun and creative card, love the cas style and this is perfectly executed. That squirrel is too cute. Hugs, Manda x

Happy Dance said...

WooHoo!!! An HM for this amazing card!! Doin' a little happy dance for ya. Yippee Skippee!!!!! Big smiles. Bev

P.S. head was good yesterday!

Lyndal said...

CONGRATS on your Muse HM Darnell!!!

Marybeth said...

Look like I should congratulate you! I will look into that. ‘Love that squirrel picture oh my that is too cute and adorable.
Love your cards and Happy you won!!!!

Elizabeth said...

Super card, Darnell, the notebook punch is great and the use of two sizes of hole punches for embellishment is genius. Elizabeth xx

scrappymo! said...

Great card Darnell! Love your take on the style. The punched notebook edge is perfect for this school/teacher card.

scrappymo! said...

Back again...forgot to say that I am sorting paper too...my room looks really scary...just have to pick up batteries for my label machine and hope to be finished tomorrow night.

Leigh Ann Baird said...

Love the layout! Thank you for playing with us at CAS-ual Fridays!