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!

January 10, 2014

Keeping in Touch With Friends, Part 1 ~ ATSM #77; OLS #1; NBUS #89; Penny Black (2); TCC #1

Hey There!

Once again we have whooshed around to Friday!

There are a couple three new challenges in the Blogland of Stamping which are helping us kickstart our creativity in 2014.  One of them is a challenge called The Card Concept.
The first challenge is a color challenge.  The concept behind the challenge is a new one and they describe the concept way better than I ever could, so please click on the link for all the details and to join in.  I think you will like the concept and the Design Team is extraordinary so you don't want to miss out on what they have made for you!

I made two cards, utilizing two different styles.

First up is a card that fits into the Clean and Simple (CAS) style (no surprise).  

I used a NBUS cityscape stamp from Penny Black called "Skyline" which I colored with my SU markers.  I like how the markers give the skyline a distressed old-world look.  I needed to use the markers in order to make every other building pink or brown, and that also meant that I could link my card with the current Addicted to Stamps and More which is "Make Your Mark." Shazambam!
Addicted to Stamps and More!

Since I used a Penny Black stamp, new goodies, and a "love" theme on my card, I am going to link up with two different Penny Black challenges.  How about that!  Over at Penny Black Saturday Challenge, the theme for January is "NEW."
Penny Black Saturday Challenge
And at The Penny Black and More challenge, the theme for January is "Love is in the Air."  Besides Valentines, your card can be anything along the theme of LOVE such as weddings, anniversaries, or just for that someone very special.
Please do grab our logo to display on your own blog
And last, but not least, this card also worked perfectly for another fun challenge that I've been wanting to play in which is the recently rejunivated month-long One Layer Wednesday Challenge. This challenge now has its own website so it's much easier to find. Please check out all the details at One-Layer Simplicity Challenge. Besides being one layer, this month's challenge is all about "Restocking the Shelves" of whatever cards you may be running low on in your stash. My card is what I call an "all-purpose" card. While there is a sweet sediment on the front, it is general enough that on the inside I can stamp (or write) anything from a Happy Birthday to a Get Well sediment.

I hope you check out these challenges and play along!  Again, the links will take you to the sites where you will find all the details on rules, sponsors, and prizes.

***

I made a second card for The Card Concept, one for the Clean and Layered style, but I'm going to cut and paste it into a separate post because I'm not sure if Mr. Linky will let me link up two cards from one post and, anyhowzer, this is long enough.  In that post I will also introduce you to our latest new friend!

~~~

I had a lovely day Thursday with TWO lunches with the ladies!  I know!  It's not that I'm so popular that I have to double-up my dates with friends, it was just the only day some of them were free.  (Unfortunately I only have one photo to share.)  First up was more of a brunch than a lunch.  I was so delighted to meet up with two of my local bloggie buddies again!  

In the photo below on the left is Harriet of Ally Cat Cards, in the center is yours truly, and on the right is Kim of Cupcakes, Cards, and Kim.


As you can see, I didn't get the memo about the dress code colors!  These are two really nice, really fun, and really talented ladies.  We have already calendared our next get together which will be at the Scrapbook Expo coming to our area in March!

I went directly from there to a birthday lunch with three ladies I used to work with.  Also a lot of fun!  So much laughing takes place when I get together with my friends that I'm reminded of this Maxine cartoon:
Maxine gives "multi-tasking" a whole new meaning!

~~~

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!  Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor!  See you in a minute on my second post.
  
 
*Life Is Too Short!

71 comments:

Barb Ghig said...

I can just imagine all the laughter, Darnell! How fun to have 2 girlfriend dates in one day...sure wish I lived closer to you!

I really love this CAS card! There's nothing like a pretty skyline, and I love how you colored in the buildings! And, of course you added the perfect sentiment...especially after getting together with friends!

Thanks for making me smile with the "Maxine" cartoon...she hits the nail on the head every time :-)

Pia S said...

I really like your card. Great CAS style, love your cityscape stamp and how you used different colored inks!

Anonymous said...

Darnell! Just spat my morning coffee when I read the cartoon !!
That is such a lovely piccy of you and your crafty chums,how lovely :)
Loving the stamped version of your card-and in that colourway too-fabby!
Hugs,Nessa xxxx

Lyn said...

I love Maxine she is soooooo funny :)
Your card is fantastic I love it to bits and have been eyeing up Penny Black stamps but keep spending at MFT and Reverse Confetti at the moment will have to break the cycle and shop some Penny Black I think LOL

Sue said...

Fabulous card Danell, such a brilliant stamp and I love the way you have coloured it. A beautiful sentiment too.
A beautiful photo of you and your friends, the smile on your faces says it all.
hugs Sue xx

Mervi said...

Fabulous card, great inspiration.
Thank you for sharing at Penny Black and more, good luck;-))m

sandie said...

Fab Darnell, another cityscape, love it and oh how I wish I had a pink house!! I do love these sentiments on both your cityscape cards, where are they from? Thanks for joining us at ATSM, enjoying your cards and posts, always make me smile x

Kathyk said...

You look just like your blog - full of fun! Love your card and funny too matey

Kathyk

Sue - said...

Hi Darnell, lovely photo of you and friends. Great card too - I like the alternating colours in the cityscape! How true is Maxine!!!

Anita in France said...

What a lovely scene, Darnell ... how good would it be if all our cities looked as wonderful as this! Great photo of you all enjoying brunch ... such fun ... as is the cartoon ... I have so much to look forward to! Anita :)

Lisa Elton said...

Love those fancy buildings in your pretty little skyline!
Sounds like a fun day with friends and a full tummy!!

Nan G said...

Ooooh really like this one too. Cool building stamp.

Chris Dring said...

I really like this take on the challenge also, Darnell! Fabulous CAS card!

Ardyth said...

Great one layered take on the inspiration! Love those building! Thanks for joining us at the Card Concept!

Jackie Rockwell said...

Oh I really love that sentiment! Great card!!! The cake is a HOOT! Looks like you had a fun lunch date with your friends.

cm said...

Oh, to live closer - and I'd invite myself to tag along with the three of you for what I know we would be hearty laughs and delightful company. Adding that to my wish list! Your card: STUNNING! Small town life suits me just fine, but the city-scape you've created has sparked a wee yearning for my city homes in the past. Ever so pretty!! You are rocking this new challenge!! Hugs~c

Shannon J said...

LOVE the distress look you have created with your markers! It really does look old-world! Really, REALLY pretty! And SO lucky that you got to meet up with some bloggie friends!! That is my New Years resolution - hasn't happened yet though :( Want to come for a trip to Canada?!!

Susanne Vargas said...

Great CAS card, Darnell! What??? There is a cityscape stamp that I don't own yet????
How wonderful that you can meet your blogging friends regularly!

Pam Carter said...

Glad you didn't get the memo, I love your color of jacket. It fits you. Your card was wonderful as usual but the cartoon out did everything. Maxine is so funny and so right!!!
Keep up the laughter, it keeps us young.

Sue said...

What a lovely day you all had Darnell! and a great card and a great chuckle have a great weekend!! huggles Sue xxx

Kristie Goulet said...

I totally love your skyline card, Darnell!!! I love that you can meet up with blogging friends often, I am jealous. :) If you are ever in NH make sure you let me know. I would LOVE to meet you.

Vicki Dutcher said...

I have always loved this type of font~ looks fabulous with the "city"

How fun you are able to get together with fellow stampers!

Redanne said...

The Maxine cartoon is absolutely brilliant! I love that!

Your card is a real beauty, I love how you did the buildings with the markers (it never works for me, it makes them look so dimensional.

Great pic of you ladies too, looks like a great time was had by all. Hugs, Annie xx

Loll said...

Love your design Dolly!! Congrats on covering so many challenges with this fabulous card! Loll xx

Kathleen said...

Fabulous post, great cards and I really want the Maxine image, oh it did make me laugh.
Thank you.
Have a lovely weak end. (pun intended)

Kath x

Diane said...

Love...love this card...it is a beauty and what a great stamp!! Looks like lots of fun had by all...and I had a good laugh at Maxine...so true, so very, very true!!

Bobby said...

That took a lot of patience to color in all those itty bitty windows but it was well worth it. It does have an old world look and yet new somehow.

Geri said...

Maxine is a wise woman...and I bet she can tell brown from black on any given day!

Totally a gorgeous distressed look with the markers! The contrast of colors seems to make the pink buildings appear set back a bit from the 'brown' buildings! Love the pink heart in the sentiment too :)

Geri said...

Fabulous picture of three pretty ladies....how lucky for you all to be able to get together like you do!

BTW, your aqua blue sweater creates a stunning contrast between the reds!

Lee Ann Barrett said...

Hi Darnell! Thanks for sharing this fun OLC; the city scape is fabulous and clearly perfect for so many challenges! I am so glad you could join us for our first challenge of the year at The Card Concept. Off to check out your second entry!

Karen Davis said...

I am sure lunches with you are a laugh a minute Darnell. How lovely to have bloggy friends nearby.

I love your CAS card with it's gorgeous buildings and perfect sentiment. A wonderful take on the challenge.

Love the cartoon too. Will send it to a friend who is about to have one of the four skills fixed!!

I am so pleased you are playing along at The Card Concept.

dottielottie said...

Phew, busy busy lady.Love that city scape image, your card is gorgeous.Looks like a happy time was had by all with the "ladies who lunch", hope you were wearing your big girl panties lol
hugs x

Teresa Kline said...

luv the tall buildings..sweet....so glad you played along with us at Card Concept!

sparkle & shine *~*

Sally H said...

Love this card, Darnell! simply stunning! LOVE the cartoon too - So funny and true!

Michelle said...

Fabulous card, Darnell! I love the stamped city skyline! Such a fun birthday cake! Sounds like you had a fun-filled day!

Kerin said...

Love your skyline on this CAS card. One layer, wow I wish I had that restraint ;) Great job! Thanks for joining us this week at The Card Concept!

Tracey McNeely said...

Another lunch that I wish I had shared with you this week and another fabulous card for the Card Concept!

Irish Cherokee said...

Thank you for visiting my blog. I am still ironing out the problems but it is getting there. The last post has so serious bugs and we are trying to find the right exterminator for them but we will get there. I just hope it is sooner than later.

JD/ Jill said...

As always, Love your card...and enjoyed the pics! I was finally able to get together with my crafting friends last night. I really missed them...they have me so spoiled. (The weather prevented us from getting together...told them they need to get a dog sled...or snow skis...LOL)

Greta said...

So fun you guys can get together! I really like your card--great use of the City Scape stamp! I'd love to know details about the Scrapbook Expo now that Scrapfest is gone.

Karen M said...

Totally gorgeous card Darnell - I love the colours and the design is fab too:) Your lunches sound like so much fun and they look like such lovely ladies - hugs xx

♥Gemma♥ said...

Wow i love your card hunni and FABulous stamps you have used and great colours too!!

Sounds like you had a great day too!!

Oh about my blog...i decided to change it again because i think you were right about having colour. When you get a spare minute please could you pop by because i would love to know what you think about it now :)
hugs and xxx
Gemma

Dana said...

Lovely one layer card!!! I LOVE how you used pink and black for the skyline!!

Hannelie said...

Hi Darnell!
Firstly... a want to wish you a great 2014!
I missed you guys!
Love your card... great take on the challenges!

Ros Crawford said...

What a great challenge ... everyone can join in!! I LOVE your CAS card ... and I love your photo!

Ros Crawford said...

What a great challenge ... everyone can join in!! I LOVE your CAS card ... and I love your photo!

Sharon Underwood said...

Hi Darnell! How are you today? Thank you for the links to other challenges! I will try some out. Your posts look great, as always! Love those colors -- pink with kraft -- together. Looks great!

Joni Andaya said...

Very Pretty with the Skyline Darnell! I am in love with the black and pink :) Look like you guys had a very good time hanging up with friends.

shirley-bee said...

Love the alternating pink and brown buildings on your card, Darnell!

It's a good thing we crafters are scattered across the globe otherwise there would be more lunching going on than crafting! And I always knew that women are good at multitasking, just didn't realise how good we get with age ;)

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell, your card is amazing, love your city scene, so beautiful and what a sweet sentiment too. I had so much fun at breakfast and am really looking forward to doing the Scrapbook Expo with you and Harriet, so much fun!!!! Have a wonderful weekend.

Irish Cherokee said...

Hi Darnell! I am not a card maker as you know. That is why I really appreciate you joining me on my blog. Jill really likes your blog and your sense of humor. I will be checking in to see for myself from time to time. There is a new second post on my blog. Jill says you will really appreciate this one so I thought I would sent a heads up. Jim

Carol L said...

Great card with a wonderful scene, and the pictures of you ladies is great! Looks like you're all enjoying each other's company :)

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I love your cityscape scene. I recently found myself admiring some cityscape skyline stamps... didn't buy any though. I like the buildings in alternating colors. That really adds to it. I should check out some of these Penny Black challenges... I need to make a my choice card to send to someone who happens to like PB. This could be a win win situation... if only I could motivate off my butt.

Joyce said...

Another awesome skyline card, and this one is hands down CAS, although I like it equally to your other one. I love that picture of you with Kim and Harriet. One of these days, I'm going to show up for lunch too. That's a promise (threat).

Kelly Griglione said...

What a great idea to use pink and black for a skyline, Darnell! It's so fresh. Love it with your simple sentiment too. And I did see the lovely photo of you at lunch earlier, and was promptly jealous of all the girl-friend time you all got to share together : )

My Paper Epiphany said...

Gorgeous card! I'd love to live in a city with pink buildings! Did you know Penny Black have another challenge - Sending hugs - just post your card in Penny Circle flickr group and label sending hugs.

Anonymous said...

Hi Darnell. Great CAS card. Love the subtle shading you achieved through colouring your stamp with markers. Thanks for joining the fun at ATSM. Monika

Bonnie said...

Inking with markers is one of my favorite techniques! I love the soft look! And this is a perfect stamp for this technique! Love the sentiment!

Notes by Nina said...

Fantastic card Darnell, I love the CAS style.

Linby said...

Love how you used this PB Stamp.
Thanks for sharing with us at penny black & more this month.

Lynn x

Danielle Vincent said...

Great way to create the city scape - I love your pink and brown buildings. Thanks for joining us at ATS&M this week.

PS how blessed you are to have such friendships :o)

Sarn said...

Fantastic skyline card. LOVE IT. xxx

Jen W. said...

LOL! Love Maxine! What a fabulous day of lunching with the ladies! I lunched with Atticus which always ends with a puddle of drool next to my feet and me succumbing to his soulful eyes and giving him most of my plate! Love this sweet one layered card and you're right about the cool distressed look of the markers - perfect for those buildings!

Susan Raihala said...

Darnell, your card is soooo sweet! I love the colors and the layout and the sweet sentiment! And thanks so much for the shout-out to the OLS Challenge...again!!!

Love how you're restocking your shelves, but I have to ask why I wasn't invited to your meeting with Harriet and Kim. What is up with that? ;) So glad you had fun!

Anonymous said...

Fabulous card !! You are so lucky you were able to see Kim & Harriet !! Fun times!!
I can see that you will be a regular @ this new challenge blog & I have to say that I love it, too!!!

Next month I am cutting back on my coloring (as my wrist always aches) -- & I'm making some good old fashioned cards /- w/ just stamps & ink -- & dies, of course !!! How novel, right ??! Hugs! Xo

Colleen Dietrich said...

Wow, 65 comments! You are one popular lady, Darnell. :) Loved seeing that photo of you and Kim and Harriet. I used to be on the Mark's Finest Papers team with Harriet. What a nice gal.

Love this city scape, and the way you colored each building. Pink buildings would make the world a happier place, don't ya think?

Deborah Frings said...

Blimey! I got to the end of the list :) Love this card, the inked buildings are fab and that sentiment is super! Sorry I'm so late commenting, thanks for playing along with ASM!

Deepti Stephens said...

I love love love this card.. Thank you so much for playing along with us at ATSM. Good luck.. :)

Chriss Blagrave said...

Love your cityscape Darnell and how you so creatively worked in those colours!

Claire Grantham said...

Love your card Darnell, of course its CAS!! I am jealous of your girlfriend dates..I miss my ladies..I am trying to make new friends, but it takes some time... Cx

Lindsey said...

Fabulous card! And with 70 comments it seems that everyone else thinks so, too! :)