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!

May 29, 2014

Happy Birthday Ardyth and Mary (DJKASE#19)

Hello Stampers!

Two of my dear bloggy friends are having birthdays today, so I would like to show them your card! Wait. No. I would like to show you their cards. 

ARDYTH

In Alpha Betty order, first up is Blogland's outstanding graphic card artist, Ardyth Percy-Robb. You can link to her wonderful Maskerade blog for amazing inspiration. I did a birthday card surprise hop for Ardyth's birthday last year, and I honored her with a DJKASE on Valentine's Day this year, so here is my latest card for her:
I know it is very similar to last year's birthday card and it is also like a card I once made using my Spirograph set, but Ardyth loves this style of card and I love the opportunity to make one for her.

When I see this card I think "ferris wheel," which is a little bit close to what I originally had in mind because of the fact ferris wheel rides go up in the air. You see, originally I was thinking of making a card using kites or hot air balloons, but then I saw this image in my container which houses flying objects:
It turns out it is from this Papertrey Ink set called "Baby Button Bits."
 Baby Button Bits Stamp Set

Hey, don't look at me! You know I separate my stamp sets and at some point I forgot this little booger was sposed to be a pea pod to hold three peas signalfying two parents and a new baby. I mean, it looked like a blimp to me (even though I did wonder why a blimp would have vines around the fin tail?!) Whatever, I filed it with my flying things. She says, shrugging her shoulders.

ANYway, I used it to make an Ardythesque graphic rainbow-colored ferris-wheel birthday card! I thought the addition of a sediment would ruin the design, so I left it alone.

Happy Birthday, Ardy, and many, many more!!

~~~~~~~

Over at Shopping Our Stash #153 we are to stamp our own background and I sure did that so I'm linking my card in this fun challenge!
Grab Our Badge!

MARY

My second bloggy friend celebrating a birthday today is Mary of the bright and beautiful Carolina Cards by Mary H. Mary's special occasion today gives me the opportunity to copyliment her and make her a DJKASE of one of her cards as a tribute and a thank you to her for following me and supporting me!
Darnell's card
(I don't know why the "happy" looks kinda green. It's colored with a pretty yellow Wink of Stella pen.)

Actually, the main focus pocus of Mary's card came about because of a RAK that I received from her a while back. She very kindly gifted me with some incredible images from Nicecrane Designs, so I used one of the images to make her card!

If you know Mary, or you visit her blog, you will see she makes stunning cards with her images ornately framed and often flourished. I made the mistake of matting the print image for Mary's card in a plain rectangle mat before I thought to find a specific card of Mary's to DJKASE. Oopsles! (You might say I sorta got the card in front of the horse!) So I had to look a ways back on Mary's blog to find a card she had made with a simple matting. You can find it here.
Mary's card
Mary, I wish you a Happy Birthday and many, many more!! Thank you for your friendship, for following me, and for your encouraging comments on my posts! I hope you like my DJKASE birthday card!

~~~~~~~

I used snippets for my matting so I'm popping over to join the girls at Pixie's Snippets Playground. I didn't use an impressive amount of snippets, but the girls at Pixie's know Mary and I know they would like to know or be reminded that her birthday is today!
Pixies Crafty Workshop
~~~

My sister, Diana, is arriving tomorrow for a few days! I have a scheduled post on Sunday, so you'll see me then, but just so you know I may not be able to visit with you until sometime next week. 

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! 
  
 
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59 comments:

Cathy said...

Fantastic cards Darnell, I'm sure both Ardyth and Mary will treasure them! Hope you have a fun time with yous sister, Cathy x

vic said...

These are lovely hope the girls have a lovely birthday :)
Hugs
Vic x

Hannelie said...

What a clever use of that little stamp Darnell!
2 great cards to celebrate 2 special people's special day!

Redanne said...

Wow Darnell, the card you made for Ardyth is gorgeous, you have an amazing eye - that stamp is wonderful. I love Mary's card too, I didn't realise it was her birthday today (sigh)...

Hope you have a wonderful visit with your sister. Big hugs, Annie xxx

Sue - said...

Love the kaleidoscope effect on Ardyth's card - very clever. The bird one is also lovely. Two very different cards but each beautiful. Enjoy your time with your sister.Hugs Sue x

Stamps and Paper said...

Two fantastic cards Darnell and such a clever idea stamping the 'ferris wheel' effect a lovely colorful card.
Adore your sweet bird card would make a lovely card for a male...
Have a great day

Anne

Suze Bain said...

Wowee, your graphic card for Ardyth is fabulous and Mary's card is beautiful. Have a nice day! Xx

Kathyk said...

FAB(-u-LOUS) makes from you today (as always, Darnell - simply LOVING your card for Ardyth

Kathyk

Carol L said...

What a wonderful way to celebrate 2 great card makers with pretty cards! I'm sure Mary and Ardyth both loved their cards made just for them! Well done!

Petra Swart said...

WOW, that was clever to use THAT little baby stamp to create such a great 'ferris wheel' card for Ardyth, Darnell!! Love your use of colour!! You have done a great job - think I should start separating my stamp sets as well!! Good idea not to add a sediment!!! LOL!! Lovely card!!
Your card for Mary is such a lovely DJKASE of her style, Darnell. I love the bright blue and yellow and the lovely image. The 'card' in front of the horse worked out very well!!!

Enjoy your sister's visit!!
Greetings from Africa!!

Ros Crawford said...

Terrific cards!! happy Birthday to your friends ... that ferris wheel is brilliant ... what a clever use of that stamp!!

Gerrina said...

Both beautiful cards! I really love the first one; love graphic designs! Just right for Ardyth... Have a lovely day, Gerrina

Lynn said...

Have a wonderful time with your sister Darnell! I love how you captured Ardyth and Mary's style so perfectly. gorgeous birthday cards!

Marilyn said...

Beautiful cards!!

Lee-Anne said...

Awesome cards for the girls, Darnell! Have a wonderful visit with your sister :)

JD/ Jill said...

Two wonderful cards. Happy birthday to both ladies, and I hope you have a fun time with your sister, Diana.

Happy Dance said...

Both birthday cards are brilliant. You've channeled Ardyth perfectly with you (minus the peas) pods card. In rainbow colors too...one of her favorites! She'll be thrilled to see this! And your "birdy" card for Mary is really lovely. She'll be tickled with it. Have a lovely time with your sister, dear friend, and I'll "see" you next week. Bev

Pia S said...

I think it's sweet of you to make them cards that are according to the styles they love! Very clever colorful design for your first card, and I love the image on your second. I never get enough of Nicecrane images!

Sue said...

Wonderful cards Darnell. I love the colours on your first card and the clever design. The bird image is so beautiful and your design is gorgeous.
hugs Sue xx

Alycia said...

Your "blimp" card is awesome! I'm partial to rainbows and blimp together myself. :)

Irish Cherokee said...

Two excellent cards and both recipients will be delighted with them.

Anonymous said...

What a great way to celebrate two fabulous card makers Darnell!! Beautiful cards!Happy Birthday girls!!

Diane Jaquay said...

Totally LOVE the creative and colorful "pea" card, and Mary's card is lovely (the birds are beautiful!)

laurie said...

I think they will love the cards! The pea pod card is awesome!

laurie said...

I think they will love the cards! The pea pod card is awesome!

Canonbury creations said...

Two lovely cards Darnell, I'm sure they will love them:) Great use of the peapod stamp so vibrant!
Val x

Carole Pollard said...

Two fabulous cards love them bot h they are just perfect Love and Happy Crafting Hugs Carole x

Sue said...

Lovely cards. Your friends will love them. Sue 57

Patti said...

These cards are FANtabulous Darnell!! what a blessing you are to your friends : )

I'm crazy about your pea pod ferris wheel! how clever is that!?

Patti

Sue said...

Have a wonderful time with your sister Darnell and what fantastic cards! lots of huggles Sue xxx

cm said...

Two gorgeous cards, Darnell, made all the more special because you've infused their style/personality in combination with your signature style and flair! Mega-watt smiles guaranteed, along with a whole lot of thunderous happy dancing! Hugs~c

Lisa Elton said...

Perfect birthday cards Darnell, Ardyth's is so bright and happy! Love the way you used the sweet pea stamp!!

Anita in France said...

Awesome and inspired Ardyth card, Darnell ... you've captured her style to a T! Lovely DJKASE for Mary too! They'll both be thrilled to bits to see them! Have a fabulous and fun time with your sister! Hugs, Anita :)

Bonnie said...

Two more wonderful DJKASES of two wonderful artists! Enjoy your visit!

Anonymous said...

Two brilliant cards, loving the design of the first!
Helen x

Verna Angerhofer said...

Your cards are both so bright and beautiful. I am sure the ladies will be so overjoyed to receive them.

Ardyth said...

You know I love it! I'm just sorry I'm so late getting here - I was busy at Kate's school today, hosting the Staff Appreciation Lunch! So lovely of you to remember my birthday and make this fun card - I love how you used that stamp to create a geometric rainbow!

Sharon Underwood said...

Your cards are absolutely beautiful! I LOVE that design on the first one. Thanks for showing the stamp set -- I was wondering how you did that! Your post reminded me of my former college roommate, Mary Ardyth!

Barb Ghig said...

What a clever way to used that little stamp, Darnell...WOW! I love all the fun, rainbow of colors, too! It's so 'Ardyth', and I'm sure she really appreciates all the love you put into it!

I also love the stunning card you created for Mary! So beautifully framed, and I love the alphas...even if they don't come through the pretty yellow that you used for them! Both cards are so thoughtful and sweet...just like you!

Enjoy your visit with your sister! I hope you girls have a fun weekend, and we'll see you next week ~ Hugs!

MaryH said...

Darnell, the wonderful birthday card arrived today...thank you so much for thinking of me! It's even more gorgeous IRL than the photo here on your blog (and that's awfully pretty too!).So glad you got a chance to use the NC image and hope you liked it too. Loved also the beautiful card for Ardyth, and it did make me think of a ferris wheel. Aren't you clever to see the stamp image and figure out a way to use it so graphically & colorfully. I'm sure Ardyth will be just as thrilled with her special card as I was. It's such a blessing to have a sweet & talented (not to mention generous too) friend as you. Hope you're enjoying your week. Love & Hugs - & Smooches - Mary H.

Bobby said...

Your spirographic ferris wheel is a perfect card for Ardyth. You did a splendid job of turning peas into porridge. Enjoy your sister's visit.

Joyce said...

Two fabulous cards,. Have a wonderful time with your sister.

Tracey McNeely said...

Your card for Ardyth's birthday is just fantastic Darnell! I know she will love it because your design is right up her alley! Both fabulous cards. Enjoy your visit with Diana!

Shannon J said...

Whaaaattt??!!! That's not a blimp?!! Noooo, it is a blimp. Obviously, it's a blimp. I'm with you on that one!! Fabulous, stunning cards for both of your birthday buddies! Have a ton of fun with your sis!!!

Marina said...

Two great cards! The first one looks like a fancy 'colour wheel' - really cheerful. I always lose the packets of my stamps, so never know where they came from!
I love the embossed sentiment on the second card- such an elegant design.

Viv said...

More fabby cards Dee! you always put a smile on my face and a leap in my heart.....leap? well it sure feels like a leap to me he he.Have a fabbylus ( couldn't think of another apt word....well I did consider flabipuss there for a microsecond) weekend my lovely friend :) hugs Vee xx

Di said...

Two beautiful cards Darnell! I love the fr erris wheel - very clever indeed and your snippets card is just perfect for Mary!

Hugs, Di xx

Brenda in IN said...

I love how you think "outside the box". The ferris wheel idea is so cool and the card is so happy. The card for Mary is also great. Enjoy your time with your sister. Eat, drink and be happy.

Sarn said...

Hi Darnell . . . love the cards you've posted here today and very ingenious use of a pea pod, if I may say so!

Off to say Happy Birthday to Mary now - thanks for the heads up!

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Karen Petitt said...

Two fabulous creations huni! I thought the pea pods were butterflies or flowers! I don't think you need to worry about it - both cards are stunning Karen xx

Kim Heggins said...

You are just the best blogging buddy around and what a sweet birthday card for sweet Ardyth. I totally missed the party (long story for another day) but I may just have my own party in her honor. I love your adorable card, so sweet and soooo Ardyth!

Planetsusie said...

Has anyone ever told you that you are barking mad Darnell - it takes one to know one! LOL!!! I am sure you must have the same genes as moi!!!

I love both of your cards, they are nice a vibrant (bit like us eh??) The first one has a touch of the London Eye about it, methinks!

Anyway I will pop orf now chaps and catch you latah!!

Hugs to you Sue Pxxx (Soupie)

PS Mary H is a teamie of mine on our Christmas Card Club. ~She makes gorgeous cards.

Greta said...

Wow--2 totally different & fabulous cards! You are quite the talent, Ms Darnell!

Leslee said...

2 cool cards. How in the heck did you find the home for the pea pod stamp? I would gave never have guessed from looking at your card. Hope you are enjoying a visit from your sister.

Brenda said...

Wow, both of these cards are fabulous Darnell!! The first one really does remind me of a Ferris Wheel! So cool looking!!! You did a great job CASEing Mary too! I love bird cards and this one is a beauty!! Hugs, Brenda

Donna said...

Beautiful cards Darnell! I love love love the colours in the background you've created! Thanks for playing along with us at Shopping our Stash for the "Background Check" challenge!

Geri said...

....just look at you go in the 'resourceful department' girl friend! This is so stinkin' clever and so perfectly 'Ardyth'!

I bet you were holding your breath as you stamped the last few images! Nothing worse than a dropped (inked) stamp on the last stampdown!

Perfect Ardyth colors too :)

Geri said...

... now about Mary's card...you picked THE perfect colors to showcase this image (it is spectacular!). The EF looks great....made me remember that I have one and seldom use it!

Nonni said...

Fabulous cards for your friends. It's great that you make cards in so many different styles!