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!

March 25, 2014

Papertrey Ink March 2014 Blog Hop Challenge ~ NBUS #118

Hey! I hope the brand new week is going well for you!

I am popping in today to play in the Papertrey Ink (PTI) blog hop challenge, hosted on Nichole Heady's awesome {capture the moment} website. This month's beautiful inspiration board is:
March-Blog-Hop-Inspiration
Lots of fun images! I see that rainbows are still on-trend in Blogland and I decided to focus on that. To participate in the March blog hop, we need to use one PTI product and we are encouraged to let it shine, baby, in high gloss drama!

For my card I used my NBUS cover plate from PTI called "Mighty Oak." I spent a LOT of time trying various card designs with it. Some days you simply have to kiss a lot of frogs before your love-sick hamster decides to stop taking selfies to send to Ms. Thing. A little help here, Hammy?!

Bless him, he still comes to my rescue and in the end, I went with a CAS softly-colored rainbow of oak leaves:
After impressing my paper (and her parents) with my Big Shot, I outlined each leaf with my SU watercolor pencils. Then I used a tiny brush and water to drag the color from the outline over each leaf. Next, I painted on glossy Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. And finally, I stamped the sediment from PTI's Birthday Bash Sentiments in Kaleidacolor ink. Shazambam!

The above photo is okay, but looks rather flat. Ah, not so! In order for you to see it better, I flipped my card on its side and slouched it a little so that the sun could catch the high gloss drama. (After which he had to put a cloud over his face to recover.) 
As we like to say, it sure is pretty IRL.

~~~

I'm entering my card in The Card Concept Challenge which is to create a birthday card. This will be my second entry for this birthday challenge. I believe my card this time is "Clean and Graphic," if I'm reading the style descriptions correctly. This is really a fun challenge for stepping outside your standard style, sister, and learning and seeing first-hand what the different styles are!
I also think my card fits Arielle's current Retro Sketches sketch.
I haven't played at CAS on Sunday for a while, so I was happy to see that I could enter the current challenge of "One Layer Wonder."
CAS On Sunday Challenge
******

Please click on any challenge link to find the details regarding rules, sponsors, and prizes, check out all the DT inspirations, and then join in the fun!!

~~~

New Friends Corner

I'm delighted to introduce you to Linby of Crafty Linby. Lynn's smiling face is in the dictionary next to the word exuberant! To quote her: "Over the years I have always made things and tried new crafty hobbies. I've done macrame (in the 70s when it was all the rage!), crochet, knitting, dressmaking, quilling, pergamano, fimo, stencilling, my own chocolate Easter eggs!, x-stitching, scrapbooking and cards."

And if that weren't enough, she also works full time and has been blogging since 2009! It makes me want a lie down just thinking about being that energetic! But, oh my, it's all to our benefit, as you will see when you go for an inspired visit to meet her! Take your comfiest chair! You might even get a choccie bunny!

Thank you for joining us, Lynn, and welcome to the Playhouse!!

~~~

We enjoyed family time on the weekend, including the opening day of Little League. Here are Adam and Henry with Dan offering encouragement from the outfield:

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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! 

 
*Life Is Too Short!

To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrolling:
Click CTL + Home.
Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post.
Click Page Down to reach the end of the post.
Click Comments and the pop-up box opens.
Click Jump to Comment Form; no more car pool tunnel!
Mwah!

101 comments:

Marybeth said...

Crazy how one pictures looks flat and then you get gloss! Love this, its pure gorgeous Darnell! Looks like a winner for a few challenges as well.
We are doing the baseball thing as well … love it!

Kristi said...

What Marybeth said!!! Very colorful! Very nice!

Benzi said...

Wow! Your high gloss card is a beauty. I can imagine it IRL. :-)

Great photo of the boys on the baseball field. What a joy to watch them grow.

Alanna said...

What a gorgeous card. I love that cover plate and how you've used it.

The baseball looks fun.

Kim S said...

Hey Darnell!!! I have been woefully absent from the blog world and have missed you. I'll be reading all of your posts - but want to jump right in here and say "fabulous". I had managed to talk myself out of the Mighty Oak, but I am so in love with the totally different look that you have given it - I think it made it onto my wishlist again!

It's good to see the twinks are well!

Luanne said...

You just crack my up! Impressing the parents! Haha! Nothing funny about your card, it's just delightful!! Love it!

Sue - said...

Just love those soft coloured shiny leaves!

Tracey McNeely said...

Holy smokes this is so amazing Darnell! Naughty cameras, I always wish the gloss or shine would show better. I see you shine and dimension--LOVE this! xoxo

Dana said...

Oh wow!! I love how you used the die!! Awesome idea to make it into a rainbow!! And the gloss is the perfect addition to your card!!!

Gerrina said...

What a lovely colours! And the shining on it is beautiful! Have a good day, Gerrina

PiecesbyEmily said...

gorgeous creation Darnell! The colors and gloss are just perfect!

Jeanette said...

This is gorgeous!! I love how it shines!! Thanks for sharing!

Lisa Elton said...

How PRETTY!!! You are such a clever gal to come up with this terrific card Darnell, love it! CUTE CUTE picture of your little baseball boys. Gosh I miss those days!

jimlynn said...

Shiny and bright and beautiful! You really made this one shine Darnell! Lovely!!
Great pic of the boys too. Baseball is always so much fun to watch when they're young.
Lynn

Diane Jaquay said...

Love this rainbow of color!

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

This is gorgeous, Darnell! I'm "slaving" here at work -so envious - have to wait until tonight to make a card...

Jacquie Southas said...

Isn't it amazing how a change in angle and the card goes from flat to high gloss?! Love this completely creative use of that cover plate - gorgeous soft rainbow!

Laurie Unger said...

Oh my - love the shine on this! Your post just cracked me up! Thanks for the laugh this morning! Great way to start my day!

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

So pretty! Looks like stained glass! Carri~Abusybee
Skittles!

Kay D said...

Oh wow- glossy rainbow hued fabulousness- this is just stunning!

carol (krillsister) said...

Stunning! Love how you outlined those leaves with the watercolor. Those pastel colors are fabulous; so springy too!

Mau xx said...

Beautiful card Darnell, Love the colours and the technique reminds me of Brush embroidery on celebration cakes :o)
Hugs Mau xx

Craft-E-Place said...

Beautiful card - stunning use of colours
Elaine

Canonbury creations said...

Beautiful card Darnell, gorgeous colours!
Val x

Linda said...

Darnell, so pretty.

Joni Andaya said...

So VERY Pretty Darnell!!! Love those colors :) Fabulous as Always :)

victoria h said...

love rainbows and shine - fabulous Darnell

Leigh Penner said...

Beautiful card, Darnell! Great job with the challenge!

Ardyth said...

Love this rainbow (but you're not surprised about that!) and all the technique that went into it! Thanks so much for joining us at the Card Concept! And as for your green grass , I'm jealous. I don't know what colour ours is because I haven't seen it since NOVEMBER! I guess we should move to California....

Joyce said...

So much gorgeousness. Love how you did those beautiful leaves.

Vanessa said...

Beautiful! I love your rainbow leaves and the gloss is perfect! Vanessa x

Linda said...

This really caught my eye Darnell, I love the colours and the gloss looks fab. Hugs Linda xx

Verna Angerhofer said...

I love your gorgeous, glossy and colorful creation.

Janeen said...

I salute you!!! This is THE VERY FIRST rainbow colored card that I have truly enjoyed. You did a wonderful creation with that variety of color. It's AMAZING!! You win the prize for sure!!

Barb Ghig said...

Wow! What a gorgeous rainbow of colors, and I'm loving all the beautiful shine on this card! Once again, you have done an amazing job combining challenges, Darnell!

Redanne said...

Ah, sadly, I have to kiss a lot of frogs each time I create anything! Love your gorgeous rainbow of colours on this very, very clever and beautiful card. Hugs, Annie xx

Sharon Underwood said...

This is gorgeous, Darnell! Love the glossy coating--that second picture shows it well, so I'm glad you posted it sideways.

Patti said...

Your card is fun! and I'm guessing you are too after reading your blog for a while : )

Keep smiling!

Patti

Rema DeLeeuw said...

Love this card Darnell. That gloss really pops out!

Rema DeLeeuw said...

Wow! the gloss really pops out on this one Darnell! Great job...

Sherrie M. said...

Wow Darnell!! Love the high glossy leaves. Great card.

Kathleen said...

What a difference an angle makes, looks totally stunning and just love all the colurs.

Kath x

Irish Cherokee said...

Love the card and those SHINY oak leaves.

Kay Miller said...

Wow!! What a lovely shimmery card Darnell! The colors are beautiful! I need that die! I've had my eye on it for quite a while! Love what you've done with it! ((Hugs))

Shannon J said...

And make it shine you did!! Wo-wo-wo-wo-WOWWWWWWWW!! SO gorgeous, Darnell! Oh, and yes, this little romance between our hamsters is affecting my mojo too (note, have NOT posted in over a week!!!). Just what are we going to do about those two little rascals?!!!

Kathy Mc said...

Perfect use of the Mighty Oak cover plate and great glossy colors!

Jodi_E said...

Super cute card and love your take on the glossy card. Followed you back.

Unknown said...

So glad that Hammy managed to keep you on track with this great challenge Dippy. Fabulous colouring and glossing on the petals. The start of the Little League looks wonderful....boys (all three of them!!!) certainly seemed to be having fun!

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Beth said...

Ooh I need to look this stuff out, the shiny effect is beautiful! :-)

Beth xx

Carol L said...

This is one beautiful birthday card!! I love the colors and shiny gloss! WOW!!

Bonnie said...

I thought this was gorgeous with the first photo! Then when I saw the shine, I started to drool! Wowza! That hamster is working overtime!

Lynn said...

I love stopping my your blog Darnell as I always leave with a smile on my face. Your card is gorgeous! And...I'm in love with the Little League pic...I'll be at the baseball and soccer fields in just a couple weeks.

Marie Bingaman said...

Your card has brightened my day (well, night now)...it's wonderful! :)

Larissa Heskett said...

OMG!! LOVING this!! Such an AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL Design!! I LOVE your take on the Challenge!! THANKS SO MUCH for sharing and have a FABULOUS WEEK!! =)

Bobby said...

I hate being at the end of a long line of complimentary comments. What else is left to say? Just ditto all the previous remarks and sign my name.

Shelly said...

Wow! This is one COOL card! Love the colors and your 'gloss'...amazing! Thanks too, for playing with us at CAS on Sunday! ;)

Diane said...

Wow Darnell, your high gloss design is fabulous.

Hugs diane

Unknown said...

Love, love, love your gorgeous, colorful and glossy masterpiece!!!

Susanne Vargas said...

Your rainbowy, glossy card is just stunning! And I am still chuckling when I imagine your hamster taking selfies for Ms. Thing! He is pretty modern, isn't he?

Susan said...

As always...beautifully done! Love that die...very pretty!

Geri said...

Green grass AND baseball...something I dream of as I try to gaze over the tops of the 5 foot snowbanks in our front yard!

Absolutely amazing card! Love the angle view photo - definitely shows the lovely shine! Beautiful colors, great Kaleidacolor sentiment and awesome design (again!).

I'm calling some shout-outs heading in your direction with this creation!

Now, I will put on my Card Concept Challenge cap and say thanks for playing along with us this week pal :)

Geri said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sharron said...

What an amazing use of the cover plate--LOVE it! The shiny rainbow colors look awesome!

anja curvers said...

Outstanding love the colors great card. Glad you joined us over at CAS on sunday.

sandie said...

This is so fab, great design and fab techniques and who doesn't love a bit of gloss x

Craftychris said...

Ooh this is awesome! Fab design and I just adore the colours and shine. Absolutely amazing card! xx

Peanut said...

WOW! LOVE the hi-gloss action.... it's hard to ignore this one... It's a stunner, Darnell. Very clever design.
hugs, Asha

Mrs Harry said...

Darnell, you make the prettiest cards. That's just gorgeous, and the shine, well I wish my hair/teeth,smile shone like that :-)

Happy Dance said...

Oooohhh....shiny....LOVE this card, Darnell! Thanks to the hamster for cooperating with you on this beauty. And a brilliant technique too! I'm going to have to try that. Sure looks like you had a great weekend with the family. I'd pick this card as a winner for sure!! Bev

cm said...

Your photo of the twins playing Little League has sent me back into memories of my brother's baseball days from years ago! He actually received a scholarship to attend the University of Nevada for a couple years. No big leagues for him, but some amazing experiences! Your card: glossy, glitzy glamour! LOVE it!!
Hugs~c

Pat said...

A lovely bright card Darnell with all those rainbow colours, and even the sentiment has three colours. The glossiness is gorgeous. x

Chris Dring said...

Ooooh! Aaaaaah! Shiny, sparkly deliciousness! Love your card, Darnell!

shirley-bee said...

Love your soft shiny pastel rainbow of leaves, Darnell!

Loll said...

So pretty Dolly! Love your rainbow of oak leaves ... the gloss really takes this up a notch. Such a bright, fun and happy card! :) Lolly xx

Sue said...

Very beautiful card Darnell:) My blogger has been messing around so I'm now back!! lol and recovered from the NEC huggles Sue xxxxxxxxxxxx

scrappymo! said...

Great rainbow theme card! I love the shine you achieved as well.

Thanks for the kind comments about by week becoming heavenly...I sure am do for that!!

Karen Davis said...

What an amazing effect Darnell. The colours are so pretty. As you say, IRL it must be even more amazing. Maybe when we get to video blogging!

Karen Davis said...

Must add......I was just dropping by, but in my CC capacity, Thank you so much for joining us at The Card Concept.

Brenda said...

Ooh la-la! I love those rainbow colors on these leaves! So pretty but then I get to the next picture and bam! All that sparkly sunlight is dancing off that shiny surface! Oh so pretty and I'm even more so in real life. Love it! Love the baseball pics too, I so remember those days of sitting out at the field. Sometimes with gloves, coat and hot chocolate. lol Hugs

Sheila H said...

Love the glossy, vibrant leaves!

Anonymous said...

WOW would you look at all that gloss...hold on....I have to go get the sunglasses lol! Awesome card!!

Ros Crawford said...

Love that glossy look ... pretty colours too!

Kristii said...

Wow!! Your card is absolutely gorgeous!! The gloss and shine is perfect and the colors are very happy!! Thanks for the inspiration!!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Darnell your card is gorgeous, love the pastel colours with the textured pattern. I'm so jealous looking at green grass in your photo, here it's still very snowy & cold. Cheers, Shirleyxx

Petra Swart said...

I can just imagine how lovely this card looks IRL, Darnell!! Your leaves are beautiful - love how you have coloured them and the shine is great!! Very beautiful!!
Have a lovely Friday!
Greetings from Africa!!

Anita in France said...

Can we share a brain freezing moment, Darnell? Gasping, sighing ... and simply and so deliciously enjoying! Sooooo pinned! Fab photo of the three boys! Hugs, Anita :)

Claire Grantham said...

OMG Darnell this card is gorgeous! Thanks for swinging by today. I apologise for my radio silence..My Ma was diagnosed with Cancer, had an op and finally has an all clear. I went home to London and my new job got super busy..so my craft world has been contained as a way of keeping me sane!! Big love. Cx

Lynn said...

Very creative card. The detail shot really shows off the high gloss on your cheerful card. Thanks for stopping by "my bungalow" blog. I took a tour of your playhouse, wowee, you are so organized. Looks like a great use of space and a wonderful retreat.

Karen Petitt said...

I thought I had already commented on this one Darnell - so apologies for being so late.
I LOVE IT - the shape, the colours, the shine - it is a really beautiful card Karen x

dottielottie said...

Darnell have you seen the film When Harry Met Sally? if so Picture the famous scene in the restaurant, I sounded similar to Meg Ryan when I saw your card. Truly "organic"!
Love it. Nuff said
Hugs Lottie x

Mariken said...

I really love your card, very beautiful!!
Thank you for joining the challenge at CAS on Sunday.

Kim Heggins said...

Fabulous card! Love those soft and sweet pastel colors and the bit of shine. As for the baseball photos...love them and looking forward to Monday's season opener with the Giants...this is the best time of year!

Jenny said...

Ahhhh love the shimmery rainbow colours Darnell, what a great technique too...it turned out brilliantly :0)

Unknown said...

Oh wow...this is simply stunning. I love how the outline is darker. It adds such a fun effect. So glad you joined us at The Card Concept and shared this beauty with us:)

Jenni's Jems said...

Well done Darnell on a well deserved win with this card it is so beautiful and eye-catching! love the gloss and the rainbow of colours too! X

Susanne Vargas said...

I am back to congratulate you for making the top three over at CAS on Sunday with this beauty of a card! Well deserved!

Anonymous said...

I love how you made this card, Darnell! I have not tried the inlay die-cutting before but after seeing your card, I'm wanting to try it! Congrats on being top 3 at COS! I'm in good company...thanks so much for the heads up!

Hugs,
Shery

Rosmarie said...

Wow Darnell, what a luminous card! A true explosion of colors, I love love love it! Thank you so much for your nice birthday wishes, they make me really happy, and I also enjoy all the wonderful comments from you.
Hugs Rosi

Princess Judy Palmer said...

The card looking head on is fab in its own right but when you turn it so we can see the high gloss... well! That super fab!!! and what a fun card design too.

Shirley said...

OMGosh, Darnell your card is spectacular with the treatment you gave your embossed leaves!! Beautiful!!

Linby said...

Thanks for my welcome Darnell. I have to confess to having slowed down a little lately!
Lynn x