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!

October 4, 2013

Bountiful Harvest ~ ATCAS #23; ATSM #65; CASology #64; NBUS #58

Hello! 

Once again we are whooshed back around to Friday!  Here in America we are enjoying cornflower blue October skies, the fall produce is bountiful, and the leaves are putting on their finest dresses!
 
I made another card beflitting the season.  Actually I made two cards.  As I was in the beginning stages, I suddenly got the urge to transition between styles.  First, I made a very CASlicious card and then I stepped outside the produce barrel and layered it up a bit. 
 
First, let me acknowledge today's spotlight challenges:

CASology where the cue card is Harvest.


Addicted to CAS (ATCAS) where the code word is Autumn/Fall.

Addicted to Stamps and More (ATSM) where there is a photo inspiration:

Please do check out the links to the challenges for the details and for the sponsor information.  I hope you get a chance to join in the fun!

~~~

So here is my CAS autumnal (love that word) card:

And here is version two, wherein I applied a lovely plaid blanket layer for a little warmth against the evening chill:
I'm quite partial to plaid and I had this lovely fall plaid sitting on my desk so one thing led to another.  While I like them both, my eye tends to linger longer on the CAS card.  Styles are like people, aren't they?  Quite different but quite beautiful all the same.
 
The basket and produce are more images from the "Fall" set by Technique Tuesday that I used the other day.  There are so many fun autumn/fall images in that set!  I've never used these stamps in the set before so they are NBUS, as are the adorable button leaves from Dress It Up.  I stamped the barrel twice and then fussy-cut all the images (after coloring and winking) to overlap them on my cards.
 
~~~
I hope you'll forgive a little horn-tooting!  I was delighted when Noor Nahdi of the terrific Paperie Designs' Studio asked me to be the featured stamper today for "Fascinating Fridays."  Thank you, Noor, for the compliment!!

 
~~~
 
We have a new friend rustling through the leaves and up to the door of the Playhouse!  I'm delighted to introduce you today to Grá O'Neill of Paper Learning Curve.  Grá has been posting a few cards a month for the last couple of years, so she has several sensational cards on her site for your inspiration!  Please drop in to take a look and say hello when you get a chance.  Welcome, Grá, and thank you for joining the party!

~~~

{source}
 
For those of you who might not have seen my last post, I'm taking off tomorrow to go to another state to help one of my sisters pack up her belongings to move to yet another state where she will move in with yet another sister.  Did you follow all that?! 
 
It reminds me of that old-timey carnival attraction, "The Musical Chairs Sisters."  Some of you (a lot of you) are too young to remember the lovely ladies of The Musical Chairs Sisters.  Not only did they sing, they danced on the backs and seats of chairs while they smoked cigars and ate spaghetti.  Okay, I made all that up, but you have to admit you were getting the whole visual, weren't you?!
 
It's a blessing that my sister's house sold and I thank you for all the positive vibes you have been sending her way since I visited her in March to help her stage her house.  I'm so happy she won't have to deal with a winter all by herself and I'm so grateful these two widowed sisters will be together.  They are going to have a lot of fun times!
 
~~~
 
Enjoy your day!  No, seriously, enjoy.  LITS* 

If I finish a QACAS Halloween card I'm working on, I'll schedule a post for sometime next week so I can pop up and say hello.  I hope your week will be great!!  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 (which I'll be able to read while at my sister's) and/or join as a follower! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 

*Life Is Too Short!
Paper:  PTI white; unknown paper for
  the barrels and mat
Stamps:  Technique Tuesday "Fall"
Ink:  Kaleidacolor "Autumn Leaves"
  Wink of Stella glitter pens
Buttons: Dress It Up

73 comments:

Hannelie said...

I just love both!
Travel safe...
Hugs
x

wienerhoneymooners said...

Darnell, I am just Smitten with this Bounty of creativity here!!! You seriously rocked this challenge let me tell you!
Love your passion in all that you do!
Keep it comin' gal, we ALL love it.

Thanks for joining in the FUN and always supporting CASology!!!
love it!

Sue - said...

Like them both Darnell but possibly the CAS one best! Have a good trip and hope your sister's move goes well.

Anonymous said...

These are both gorgeous, Darnell ... my eye lingers longer on the CAS version too, but I do love the snuggley warm plaid blanket ... cosy! Happy and safe travelling, my friend! Anita :)

Sammy said...

I'm quite certain I am jealous of your weather... Here in the UK it's just soggy...

Gorgeous cards both! I don't think I could choose a favourite between the two. Love the colours and the button leaves are adorable!

Good luck with helping your sister move. Moving house can be stressful at the best of times, so good on you for being willing to cross state lines to help her out. We have trouble getting hubby's brother to cross the road for much less! x

Kylie said...

I'm loving both these cards Darnell. The baskets are so full of goodies and beautifully coloured. Thanks so much for playing along at ATSM and ATCAS xx

Leni said...

Wonderful baskets! Love all fall colored things!

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Fantastic cards
have a great weekend
hugs Tamara

Sarn said...

Hi Darnell . . . YAY . . . hope all goes smoothly for your Sis.

Two beautiful bountiful cards here!

Hugs
Sarn xxx

Sian Ridley said...

I love how basically the same card can take on such a different appearance just by adding a background! The first card appeals to my CAS side, but the plaid pattern of the paper on the second card makes me think of a picnic blanket so I'm loving that too! ;)

I hope you have a lovely time away at your sisters', even though packing is a bit laborious! Looking forward to your return already :)

Hettie said...

Lovely cards there. I love both but like you I love the plaid - must be my Scottish roots showing there instead of my hair-needs-touching-up roots!
Happy Friday and have fun with your sisters!
Hugs
xx

Anonymous said...

Hmmm,choices choices!I love both of your cards today Darnell-but I am drawn to the CAS version,I do like that plaid rug background though(have one just like it in shades of cream on my sofa to throw over my poor cold knees in the winter evenings LOL!)
Have yourself a good and safe trip-see you soon :)
Nessa xx

stampwithsandy said...

Ooh Darnell I love both versions! I love the pails of apples and you did such a fab job coloring them!

Susanne Vargas said...

Hi Darnell,

Isn't it interesting how just one change can give a card a totally different feeling? The white background makes the baskets pop out more while the plaid background makes it look cozy and warm. Thanks for showing both! You did a great job on the coloring, too!
Have a safe trip and a good time with your sisters!

G Peplow said...

Always totally interesting when I visit you Darnell :D You made 2 fab cards for the ATCAS challenge, I love how you described the blanket for your laden baskets LOL
Good luck with all the sisterly moves, I hope it all goes smoothly and have fun :D xx

Jacquie Southas said...

Amazing how different the cards feel - I am drawn to the CAS one, but love the warm of the plaid. Safe travels next week - sisters are the best!

alexandra s.m. said...

Love Love your cards Darnell and so happy about your sister's house being sold too ;)
Thank You~

alexandra s.m. said...

me again, sorry, the last two links don't seem to be working for me...

jimlynn said...

I like BOTH of these!!! The first one is CAS and totally beautiful - but then, the second is totally beautiful too! Love that plaid paper you used!
Have a good trip and don't work too hard.
Lynn

Joyce said...

These are both fantastic. I love the images and your coloring. Have a wonderful trip!

Karen Petitt said...

Both are stunning Darnell, but I do love the CAS one in particular.
I hope it all goes smoothly for you and your sisters, travel safely and return soon x

Tracey McNeely said...

Oh beautiful cards today Darnell, such warm earthy colours. As for your sisters you are all so amazingly close. Good luck with the packing and enjoy time spent with family!

Tracey McNeely said...

...and of course thank you for joining usu this week at CASology!

Lisa Elton said...

Love your baskets stuffed with the bounties of autumn! Both cards are darling Darnell. Have a safe trip and enjoy your family time. Is it really work when it's family...well I suppose it is but it will be fun!!!

Craftychris said...

I love both of them but the CAS one is more 'zingy'. Have a fab trip - I am so glad your sisters will be together. xx

Bonnie said...

My eye is drawn to the CAS card too, but I love the plaid and the warmth it hints at! Don't be dancing on any chairs while singing and eating spaghetti now while you're away! You'll fall for sure and the Mister will have to go get you. Do have fun though!

Aileen said...

Love them both. Makes me feel all cosy. Thanks for the trip about hydration, my daughter is feeling much better today. x

Viv said...

Two beautiful cards again Dr Arnell, I think my fav has to be the CAS one though as that is my first love. Enjoy your time helping your sister, I imagine there will be lots of nice chatty times in between doing 'stuff' :) hugs Viv xx

Colleen said...

Both cards are amazing Darnell! God bless for helping out your sister...packing up a house is a lot of work but made easier with loved ones and I am sure you all will have a lot of laughter and possibly tears...

Denise Price said...

Isn't this time of year (early October) beautiful? You captured it well in your cards--I love both of them!

Kristie Goulet said...

Two great cards, Darnell! I really love the CAS one!
Have a great weekend!

Vicki Dutcher said...

Great coloring on those baskets! Have a fun trip! i love when get to visit my sister!!

Geri said...

Absolutely beautiful and so "autumnal" seasonally appropriate (think I messed up with the sentence structure/grammar error but wanted to pop this word in here somewhere!!!)

Gorgeous coloring - so beautifully shaded! Amazing fussy cutting too. Love the cooler feel that the white space of the first card creates...but also love the warmth that the fuzzy blanket adds to the second card.

Safe and happy travels :)

Redanne said...

Oh I love both cards, I am swinging slightly towards the gorgeous autumnal colours of the tartan one... have a wonderful time with your Sisters, will be thinking of you! Hugs, Annie xx

Sue said...

Fab creations hun and safe travelling huggles hun Sue xxxx

Mrs A. said...

Well what a difference a blanket makes! Glad to hear that your sisters house sold and that she can now be with another of your sisters! How many of you are there?
My mind was boggling at the spaghetti part of your story. tell us another do. Hugs Mrs a.

Deborah Frings said...

Both cards are lovely, but I do like the addition of that plaid blanket! Super colouring on the baskets too. Thanks so much for playing along with ATSM this week!

Have a good time with your sister.

cm said...

Oh, the plaid blanket caught my attention first (perhaps that's a sign of my issues with cas - love it, but can't do it!), however, they are both gorgeous! Autumnal colours captured ravishingly! Have a safe, wonderful trip to visit your sister; you're a gem for helping her out (be careful of your back...remember?). Hugs,
c

Dianne said...

Oh Miss Darnell,that's wonderful news,the article was excellent, loved reading more about you and your favorite cards, they made me chuckle then,in mouth open in awe of the last card, like I said excellent interview. Now these cards, love both of them, your coloring is fantastic, the shine on the apples, amazing, I too love plaids so really love the warmth it added.
Thanks for Gra's blog, she is a lovely card artist. You are to funny, you had me going, I was getting ready to Google the The Musical Chairs Sisters.", there were 7 girls in out family, I can relate LOL, there is nothing better for them, we have a 2 pairs of sister's who go to water-fit, they are so sweet. You all will have a fabulous week of special memories, best wishes to you all, big hugs, so you soon..

Unknown said...

Two beautiful cards Dippy.......but my heart goes out to the CAS one as well; it's stunning. Hope your sister's move goes smoothly for you all.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Canonbury creations said...

Can't choose Darnell, the plaid is so pretty though! Enjoy your time with your sisters:)
Val x

Greta said...

Have a great trip, Darnell! How neat that your sisters will be living together. Sure wish I lived closer to mine. Beautiful cards--the coloring is fabulous! Both are great, but I keep going back to the one with the plaid bg--so warm & inviting!

Loll said...

Hi Dolly. Two fabulous card. I love your baskets of bounty :) Your coloring is amazing. I love plaid too ... and your plaid card is so country and fun ... and cozy! But I'm partial to CAS and I think your baskets really pop off all the glorious white space. Lolly xx

Brenda in IN said...

Both cards scream autumn. Pumpkins, apples and leaves - perfect. I like the plaid best. Seems warmer to me. Enjoy the time with your sisters.

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Awesome Bountyful cards, they are both beautiful but my favorite is the more CAS. While I don't 'practice CAS' very often I am drawn to lots of white space in designs. I think it's because your eyes go right to the image. And yes I have a mixed up personality :) Have fun with your sisters and don't work too hard packing. It's wonderful that the two of them can live together. Cheers, Shirleyxx

Judy1223 said...

So glad to read that I am not the only person who loves the word "autumnal!" I love your cards today, Darnell, and both versions for different reasons. What a great image...perfect for all the challenges! So glad you joined us at CASology this week...and good luck helping your sister move!

Geri said...

Ahhh...I love these 'autumnal' cards;) And I'm so ready to make a few of my own...if time will only cooperate with me. I love the tiny detail of the shadow of the baskets on the white card...it's perfect, and they look so pretty there in the spotlight! Thanks for inspiring!!! (and always encouraging!!!;) Enjoy your time with sis!!!

Mary said...

Darnell, your cards are always gorgeous Have a safe trip, enjoy your sis. Love your tale... You do know it's not nice to lie to us. Especially when some of us believed you!

Lynn said...

Hello Darnell, your fall cards are truly wonderful - I wish I could get my colouring like that! Hope all goes well with your sister's move. Sigh, I wonder if we could get the fire-fighters to come to the Halloween party in the snippets playground?! Lynn x

Carol L said...

Great fall cards, and I wish you safe travels again! For me, I'm off to my garage sale...........I'll be glad when this is over :)

Karen M said...

I love both versions of your card Darnell - they are gorgeous! I hope you have a safe and fun trip - hugs xx

Janelle said...

I've not messaged for a while, but just wanted to let you know you're still an inspiration. Love your cards but the plaid one makes me feel warm and snuggly - which is ridiculous as it's hot here in Oz. Best wished for your sister's move.

Meghan said...

Both cards are outstanding as always Darnell! You are just the sweetest person I know! So glad you joined us at CASology this week!

Kim Heggins said...

Wonderful cards Darnell, stunning coloring as well. Hope you are having a fabulous time with your sisters as well!

Happy Dance said...

Oh stop! First, these are two very sweet fall cards, and second, you're the only one I know who routinely gets 50+ comments on a post! I'll bet you were popular in HS too! lol. Safe travels dear friend, and enjoy the time you'll be spending with your sisters. Let us know when you're back. Bev

carol (krillsister) said...

Love your two cards. Amazing how that touch of plaid jazzes up the crd to make that image look so different from the CAS card.

Cathy said...

Fabulous cards Darnell, amazing how the plaid changes the look! Have a fantastic time with your sisters, happy times ahead :) Cathy x

Jessi Fogan said...

Stepped outside the produce barrel...that made me laugh right out loud! Autumnal is a word that just sounds funny out loud - a friend & I ended up in hysterics over that last week :) I love both cards, but am drawn to the CAS one too! I WAS TOTALLY GETTING the visual :) Glad you can help your sisters! Have fun :)

Bobby said...

Hahaha. I wasn't visualizing the Musical Chair sisters. I was wondering where the heck I was when this was going on. I know you're not older that me and that seemed like an old time event. Anyway, on to your harvest card. I love that you added a warm blanket to the second one. Isn't it great when one stamp can make a variety of card looks.

Jen W. said...

These are both gorgeous, Darnell - great coloring. And although I am a CAS girl at heart I really do like the plaid background on the second card. It really is warm and cozy looking. :D I hope the move goes smoothly for you girls. Try not to get up to too much mischief while you're on the road - no Thelma and Louise adventures please! Thanks for playing along with CASology this week!

Kay Miller said...

Both of your cards are just lovely Darnell! I do love the plaid blanket in the second one though. Makes me feel all warm, cozy and fallish!! Safe travels :)

JD/ Jill said...

Both of these cards are great...but I think I am drawn more to the plaid in the second One...Hope you have a good week!

maria f. said...

Well hope your sisterly time is going wonderfully. I'm lovin' your CAS version of those fruits and veggies. Can't get over the texture on the baskets - does the stamp do that or did you do that? Coolio. And the multi-toned sentiment is fun too. Methinks you picked the colors of the Deutschland flag!!

Anonymous said...

Woo-hoo, my friend, congratulations on your HM at CASology with this truly bountiful card! Anita :)

Unknown said...

congrats on the mention at CASology! both of your cards are stunning!!! love them!!

Anonymous said...

I love them both!!! But, the plaid one makes me want to snuggle w/ a blanket & cider !! :))
Congrats on HM!!!! So happy for you!!
Woot ! Woot! Xo

Inkyfingers said...

What gorgeous cards Darnell, and I love the highlights on the veggies and the multicoloured sentiment. I hope you have a great time with your sister and that her move goes well.

Well done too on being a well deserved features stamper!!!

Diane said...

Both cards are beautiful, what a gorgeous stamp!! I had great pleasure reading your post, it is always my smile for the week!! I hope all goes smoothly for your sisters and you have some good times with them...enjoy yourself!!

Marybeth said...

Congrats and your cards are adorable! Love them! Loving the plaid !

scrappymo! said...

Two different looks and they both look great!

Anonymous said...

Congrats, Darnell !!!!!!!
http://addictedtostamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2013/10/winners-challenge-65.html

Woot !! Woot !!!

Christine said...

adorable layout, your two little leaves in the front are perfect!
Thanks for playing along at ATCAS!
Christine

Gerrina said...

Congratulations with your top3 with addicted to stamps and more! A perfect card for this challenge! Have a good weekend, Gerrina