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 22, 2013

Transparency ~ ATC#24; CTS#50; PBM; NBUS#63; WOYWW#229; 2nd Blogaversary

A Happy Hello!
 
As it's Tuesday in some parts of the world and Wednesday in others, I've both a desk and a card for you to see.
 
In celebration of week No. 229 at the marvelous What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday (WOYWW), here is my desk:
Separated from the mess on the Showcase Sill this week are two excellent Halloween cards I have been fortunate to receive! 
The one on the left is from Karen M and the one on the right is from Kim.  Thank you, my friends!

My desk is very skitzo frenetic today.  Or perhaps multipersonalitied.  It is displaying signs of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  You mean, all mixed-up?  On the desk?  Together?  I'm afraid so.  I'm sorry if it gives you a tic under your right eye like it does me.  It's just that there are so many fun challenges going on right now for all of these rapidly approaching holidays that I'm finding it hard to pick and choose and keep up.
 
For today's choice, I turned to the current challenge at Addicted to CAS:
Are you kidding me right now?  Nopppe.  Is that a challenge or what?!  By some miracle, my memory bank was still open for business when I went searching for ideas and I remembered I still had a few of these old transparent skeleton leaves from Stampin' Up in my stash.
 
So I made this "transparent" CAS card:

I'll be honest.  I have had these leaves all these years because I've had a heck of a time figuring out how to use them, so I'm really delighted to discover how cool they look on top of a sediment.  The fabulous sediment, BTW, is NBUS and made by Penny Black.  Over at Penny Black and More the October challenge is "Anything Goes" (with fab prizes!), so I'm also entering my card there.

And since my design closely proximates the sketch by the talented Chrissy Larson over at the current CAS(E) This Sketch challenge, I'm also playing there.
~~~
 
Enjoy your day!  No, seriously, enjoy.  LITS*  

If you'd like more information about WOYWW, just click here where our lovely leader Julia has all the deets on her salad bar for you. 

If you are impacted by the dreadful fires plaguing Australia, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
 
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! 

~~~
 
Second Blogaversary!!
 
BTW, I'm so lame that I forgot to mention last week that it was my second anniversary in Blogland on October 14th.  Sharing my posts and cards with you continues to get better and better and is so much fun!  Thank you and big hugs to each and every one of you for following, or subscribing, or commenting, or all three!  I appreciate all the love you give me and I love you right back!  Mwah!!  Mwah!!  Mwah!! 
 

 
 
*Life Is Too Short!
 
Paper:  PTI rustic white
Stamp:  Penny Black 4303F
Ink:  Versafine onyx black
Leaf:  Stampin' Up!
Corner Chomper

72 comments:

Tracy said...

Happy Anniversary!
I always look forward to WOYWW and this week mine looks like yours!

Anonymous said...

Happy Bloggy-versary !!!!!!!!!!
I'm so thrilled to know you & am happy to report that your posts always make me smile !!! :))
Super fab card w/ Mega clever technique, as always!!! :)) gorgeous leaf & I loved the curved corner!! :))
My desk looked like that all last week while I felt like #r^p!! & I had to clean up the whole room before I could move on!! Xo

Unknown said...

You have rec'd really cool Halloween cards. happy crafting #4

Unknown said...

Love how your desk looks Darnell, full of delicious creativeness!! What beautiful Halloween cards you were sent! But I oh so love your transparent leaf card simple elegant and full of class...and the saying is just so true, beautiful work :-).
Have a wonderful week and happy WOYWW.
Janene #5

Kay Miller said...

Ooooh that is one lovely card Darnell!! When I saw that challenge, my mind totally drew a blank... transparent?? But you did a wonderful job! And I'm glad to know that my desk is not the only skitzo desk out there!! haha! Congratulations on your Blogaversary!! So glad I found you!

Eliza said...

Happy blog Anniversary to you. I do have to admitt that your desk state shocks me a little but hey you are productive and that's good. You will return to the norm soon. Happy WOYWW

HUGS ELIZA & Yoda 13

Robin said...

Happy Anniversary to you Darnell. Looks like you are sooooooooo busy! All those holidays on one desk! WOW. My hubbie calls me a butterfly, because I jump from one thing to another...I tell him, I am having fun! He giggles!

Have the very best week!

Hugs, Robin #23

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Hullo Darnell ah so lovely so know what you mean about those leaves have some myself great way of using them well done!! happy blogaversary and WOYWW Shaz in Oz.x #16 I think

Hannelie said...

I've had skeleton leaves in my drawer forever... and now I think I threw them out some time ago... mistake... big one, because look what you did!
Love it!

Marybeth said...

Happy,Happy blogaversary! Love the design of your card just perfect for the sketch and beautiful way to use that thin feather. I have some catching up to do.

Jacquie Southas said...

Happy Blogaversary - you are inspiring me to use that NBUS all the time. Love the leaf & the pops of red with the hearts!

Lisa Elton said...

What a pretty card Darnell! Love the stamping on your leaf, great idea! The happiest of Blogaversary wishes to you ;)

Unknown said...

beautiful!!! i love the scale of the leaf and placement of the sentiment...

Greta said...

That is one creatively wonderful card, Darnell! I love that sentiment stamp & the leaf is perfect here!

Greta said...

Happy 2nd Blogiversary! Keep up the good work!

trisha too said...

Wonderful cards from your friends, and your CAS is lovely. A very happy blogaversary to you!

:)trisha
#32 this week with
happy mail

Claire Grantham said...

Happy Blogaversary Darnell!! What lovely Halloween Cards, I am making a couple this year as I am in America, it's not a thing back home...Love the use of the leaf..I think I have some of those...somewhere. Your desk is a hive of activity, that leaf paper is gorgeous. Cx #37

Andrea said...

a big happy anniversary hug doesn't time fly though ! love the skeleton leave sentiment card...what cool idea I too would struggle to use them(dont have any phew!). Have a wonderful week and loving your multipersonalitied desk!and fab words LOL...it makes for a fabulously bright and colourful space,keep enjoying...big hugs Andrea X #31

Maisie Moonshine said...

Hi Darnell and happy 2nd blogaversary. Loving your oh so busy desk and all those cards are fab. Have a happy week. MMx #36

peggy aplSEEDS said...

Happy, happy blogaversary! Great card! That is a wonderful way to use that leaf!
Happy WOYWW!
Hugs,
peggy aplSEEDS@11

The Taming of the Glue said...

Happy anniversary! I love to look at a busy desk so yours was perfect for me! Lovely Halloween cards, how great to get them in the post. I still have a stack of skeleton leaves, might have to get them out now. Hugs. Pam#38

Krisha said...

I love those skeleton leaves! I think I still have ONE left from years ago, now they have become pricy little gems. Great card.
Krisha #44

Belinda Basson said...

I too have a bag of very old leaves, thanks for the idea...they will now get used up! #57

Redanne said...

Gosh, is it really two whole years! Happy Blogaversary dear Darnell, here's to many, many more. I have always wondered what to do with those skeleton leaves too - thanks so much for the inspiration, your card is stunning. Love the cute cards you received too. Have a happy WOYWW (not joining in - again!) Big hugs, Annie xx

Amanda said...

Happy blogiversary!! This blogging lark is very addictive isn't it. I have some of those leaves somewhere too, now I know what to do with them I will probably never find them again. Hugs, Amanda x

lisa said...

Nothing wrong with having a multi personality desk, Darnell, means you are being very creative.
Love the skeleton leaf sentiment. Like you have I have two packs lurking in the back of a cupboard, will have to give this a go and use them up, thanks for the inspiration.
Hugs Lisax #56

Neet said...

Happy Versary!I have some of those leaves in a box which comes out and goes back each time I pretend to tidy up. Maybe I will use them now I have seen how you used yours. You made a lovely cad and quite clever to think of that. Pain to stick though!
Two delightful Halloween cards on display, I must get on with something for the end of the month - oh gosh, next week!! Eek! Must fly!
Hugs, Neet 24 xx

Kylie said...

Hi there Darnell. What a wonderful take on our code word. I LOVE your transparent leaf. Beautiful!! Thanks so much for playing along at ATCAS xx

Sammy said...

Happy blogoversary! :-)

I love that card Darnell. I have a load of leaves too that I'm not sure what to do with, and it's so great when you hit upon something that works, no? x

Julia Dunnit said...

Two years? Good grief, am so happy that you found us so soon then, we've shared a lot..and regrets..NONE! Blogging is such a great thing huh - congrats and don't you dare stop. YOur desk does look indeed, like you have many and serial personalities..what a multi tasking skilled bunch of people you are. It really really does give me a bt of a tic, you're right. I'm such a one job at a time gal!

CraftygasheadZo said...

Love your desk description!! A desk that is versed in creativity I reckon. Take care Zo xx 70

stampwithsandy said...

Happy blogaversary and many more to come, Darnell! What a cool card. The sentiment is great and even more so layered beneath the beautiful leaf.

Unknown said...

Happy Blogversary Dippy - doesn't time fly? Don't you wish we could? Then I could pop on over and sort your desk out!!! lol Love your card - that leaf is gorgeous and perfect for our challenge at Addicted to CAS (not Addicted to Stamps!!!! naughty girl...... hehe).

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Anonymous said...

Happy Hallowistmas? Thankful Christoween?? That's one creative but confused desk! Beautiful leaf card too, love how that turned out. I like bright and happy! I'm wearing a bright and happy Julia crocheted cowl today, and in my teens I used to hunt out the craziest, most garish socks you've ever seen... and then wear them inside out as the inside was usually more funky!!!

Hugs
Brenda 1

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Darnell, Gorgeous card, love the leaf over the sentiment and also love the words. Happy Blogaversary, I just passed my 2nd one as well, can't believe how the time flies. I have a lot of catching up to do to match your number of followers :) Congrats again, Hugs, Shirleyx

Tracey McNeely said...

Darnell you desk is well loved really! Gorgeous card, love the skeleton leaf. Happy Blogoversary Darnell, something to celebrate for sure. Just look at you with 356 members and every single post so many people showing you their love! Hugs to you my friend. xoxo

Karen Petitt said...

You are so very clever Darnell - what a fab idea - may have to borrow this in future. Although I have used up my small stash of those leaves so will get some more when I can, wonderful CAS card and I love the staple to attach it, I think that was the thing I struggled with most when these were in fashion - how to attach them to the card lol! xx

Debs Willis said...

Happy blogaversary to you, tra la la la! Great halloween cards from your friends & I can cope with the mix of Hslloween, Christmas and Thanksgiving - mine's similar. No Thanksgiving, but plenty of the others, plus birthdays & weddings & prep for classes!
Happy woyww
Debs #81

Brenda in IN said...

Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary. Great idea for transparency. Your blog always tickles me and starts my inspiration. I'm off to use my fern stamps in some way.

Anonymous said...

Glad to see that the old memory bank was still open for business and you came up with this amazing card. I too have a bag full of those leaves sitting there but know I know what to do with them ! Fantabulous ! Thanks for joining in the merriment at ATCAS and a happy happy belated blog anniversary Mrs.

Marie

Anonymous said...

Glad to see that the old memory bank was still open for business and you came up with this amazing card. I too have a bag full of those leaves sitting there but know I know what to do with them ! Fantabulous ! Thanks for joining in the merriment at ATCAS and a happy happy belated blog anniversary Mrs.

Marie

cm said...

Skeleton leaves - now how cool are those, and even more cool is your 'magic' in using them. Clever card, indeed! Wish my creative skills were as sharp as yours: fabulous creativity you have, my friend, be it showcased in your cards or through your ever engaging, awesome posts. Dynamic and dazzling = you!! One of my most treasured discoveries this year: you!! Thank you!! Happy Blog-iversary!!
c

Carole said...

I agree with what all your peeps had to say and I love the enthusiasm of cm. Happy Blog-iversary.
Thanks for sharing. Be well Carole #91

Julie Lee said...

Wow! Dear, dear Darnell, one of my fave WOYWW blogs! Have you really been blogging this long! Well done! Hope that Halloween, Christmas, Thanksgiving twitch settles down some time soon! I love what you did with the skeleton leaf and that sentiment is so lovely! I so agree. Long may you prosper! Julie Ann xx #28

jimlynn said...

Very unique looking leaf - and so beautiful! Love it!
Lynn

Anne said...

Loving your desk !! i AM FLITTING FROM ON THING TO ANOTHER AND DOING NOTHING WELL. That wasn't meant to be in capitals but I'm too idle to start again :-) Happy WOYWW Anne x #99

Jeanne H said...

First, congrats on your anniv. Am so proud to be a follower. (May re-start up my blog one day ;-))Secondly, love your MUSE card and the things you wrote. Third, thanks again and again for your inspiration and humor!

Anonymous said...

Mwah right back to you, Darnell and congratulations, my friend ... you are such a shining light in our crafty community! What a stunning card ... I love the sentiment and how it appears in view through the skeleton leaf ... so, so delightful! Anita :)

Susanne Vargas said...

Hi Darnell,
What a great use for those leaves! (Now I have to find mine...) Absolutely love your card!
Happy Bloggiversary! ... and many more!
Hugs,
Susanne

April said...

I'm so proud of you - your desk is all cluttered up. :-) Those cards are very cute - what sweet friends. And I really like what you did with your transparent leaf. April #29

Vicki Dutcher said...

Killer use of the transparent leaf! Thanks for joining in with ATCAS!!

ps- GF you rock it out in receiving comments!! I always try to guess how many you will have when I pop over :)

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Happy anniversary!!!
Love your cards
hugs Tamara

Anonymous said...

Happy WOYWW and First Anniversary. Fab Halloween cards. At least on the UK we do not have Thanksgiving and do not send out Halloween cards - reduces the pressure! Ali x #49

Deepti said...

Oh I visited just the right time to wish you a very Happy 2nd Blog anniversary... I am sure you ahve many more to go with all those lovely inspiration and skitzo frenetic words ;)LOL. Everytime I read words from ur Darnectionary (Dictionary)... I think how do you do it :)

Now to your card, I just love it, thank you for sharing with us at ATCAS!!

Barb Ghig said...

Happy Blogaversary, Darnell! It's always fun to visit your blog, and today is no exception! LOVE your beautiful card with all its' pretty details!
Thanks for making me smile with all of your funny expressions about your craft desk :-)

ddazzled71 said...

Happy Blogaversary! Your desk always looks fabulously busy and I am just loving your halloween cards you received particularly the cat in the pumpkins and your take on the challenges you have played along with for your transparent card is fabulous. I am a huge fan of CAS. Have a great week! Danie #25

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Well, out of the warped and twisted (desk, that is...) comes the simplest and yet most eloquent card.. I love it :-)
Hugs, LLJ 7 xx

Jean said...

Love the card ~ a fabulous sentiment and fabulous way to use the leaf. Happy Blogaversary!

Sue from Oregon said...

hmmm it is hard to imagine it is fall when I see that gorgeous sunshine out your window! what a bright and cheery place to craft! Love your RAKS and your pretty card too!

scrappymo! said...

Happy Blogaversary sweetie...Thanks to you and your brilliant idea, I have been challenging myself to use my VOS and my NBUS.
Now, I could prolly use it for 10 years and still have NBUS but you have set a flame in me to use it!

Lovely take on a transparent card!

Sherry Eckblad said...

Fantastic Halloween cards from your friends. Your desk looks a lot like mine this week.

Nan G said...

1. Happy Blogoversary!
2. Need a hyroglifix dictionary for the title :)
3. Happee blog a verse a ree
4. Love the cards on the showcase sill
5. A aahhhh the terrible twos (grin)
6. Fab skeleton leaf card
Think that covers everything. Thanks for the earlier visit! Happy WOYWW! Nan G #9

Robin K. said...

This is pure brilliance Darnell!!!! I can't overstate how much I adore this design!

Betty said...

Such a beautiful card and I love your take on the sketch. Thanks for playing along with us in the CAS(E) this sketch! challenge and hope to see you again.

Queen Lightwell said...

Well, a belated Happy Blogaversary to you! As one of the many who greatly enjoy your posts I have to say I am so glad you blog. :) And join WOYWW! Hope things are going really well, your yard still looks very very green for late October...how do you manage that?! lol Love the transparent challenge card, especially the sentiment, very very true...almost hauntingly so. Hugs dear! Deeyll #107

Kristie Goulet said...

Happy belated blogaversary to you!!! I am thankful I have found you. I so enjoy visiting your blog.

This card is so cool. I thought you stamped on top of the leave, how cool that it is so transparent that you can stamp under and have it show through.

Thank you for your comments on my blog. I appreciate them so much.
Hugs!

Geri said...

Happy blogiversary! How time flies when you're having fun!

Beautiful card! Awesome idea to stamp the sentiment behind the leaf! Is that a staple anchoring the leaf - if so, cool idea!

Love your post...yes, my right AND left eye are twitching! But hey, that's what creativity looks like!!!

Linby said...

Happy Blogaversary!
I have a load of those leaves too, thanks for the inspiration with this CAS card.
Thanks for joining us this month at Penny Black & More.
Lynn x
DT

Bobby said...

If you can see the sentiment that well through the leaf then it is truly transparent and a perfect idea for the challenge. Congrats on 2 years of blogging. You've done well in the follower department. :)

Bonnie said...

OMG, 71 comments already, well 72 now! That's a lot of love, my friend! Love the leaf and wonderful sentiment! Love you back!

alexandra s.m. said...

HAPPY BLOGANNIVERSARY
Here is to many many more!
Love your very pure looking card Darnell!

Kim Heggins said...

Happy Anniversary Darnell...wow has it only been 2 years, seems like you have been blogging forever! Love your card too, so lovely and your desk, love, love seeing your desk.