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 24, 2014

Texturize it!

Happy Saturday Salutay!

I am back with my second post as the May Guest Designer for Addicted to CAS. I am so appreciative of the honor and the confidence the members of the Design Team have in me. They are all so talented and supportive! Thank you, again, ladies!

The theme for this challenge is TEXtuRe. Rough it up, soften it down, do your thing with those wonderful crafty items that allow you to add texture to your card. How about embossing paste, Gesso, or Parmesan cheese? Or you can try burlap, string, or butterfly wings. Glitter and Brad and ~ no, wait, those are movie stars, aren't they? I can't wait to see how you texturize your card!

Here's what I used:
I used real dried flowers. It's been a while since I've made a card using the dried flowers that were so lovingly pressed by my long-time neighbor and friend, Rae. I received them from one of her daughters after she passed away. Some of you may remember the first cards I made with Rae's dried flowers and those that I framed to give to Rae's husband Jerry, in memory of her. (He has since passed away, too.) Dried flowers are surprisingly easy to work with; I think getting the minibits out of intricate dies is more dizzicult.

For this card I used a die from the Cuttlebug Heirloom Ornaments set. I trimmed the top and the bottom from the die cut in order to make it look like a vase and then I just positioned and glued the sweet flowers and ferns in place. The sediment line was drawn using a ruler and the word "celebrate" is from a PTI "celebrate today" stamp.

And just for fun I thought you might like to see a picture of the beige botanical chair cushion on one of our outdoor deck chairs that I used for my card inspiration:
Please join us in this challenge! It's a wonderful opportunity for you to jump clean out of your comfort zone or stay cozily inside it, depending on how much texture you normally add to your cards. Our wonderful sponsor for this challenge is Scribbles Designs.
~~~

My card is also entering the following challenges:

CASology, where the code word is "flowers." I went a little off course last week with my lack of white space, but I think this one will pass mustard. This week's sponsor is Serendipity Stamps.
Simon Says Stamps Monday Challenge where the theme is "Botanicals." As always, Simon awards the winner with a $50 gift certificate!
Simon Monday Challenge Blog
~~~

New Friends Corner:

I've called the catering truck for today's introductions so you can have a little snackipoo while you're visiting. Help yourself to the drinks trolley while you're at it. Please help me warmly welcome:

Marina of My Perfect Life. Marina has been blogging since 2011. I love that she says her life isn't actually perfect, but if she squints at it in a certain light, she can make it seem so! I think that's true for all of us! Marina has won many awards for her beautiful cards.

Mette of My Little Corner of Heaven. Mette has been blogging since 2008! Her designs are the epitome of CASliciousness! The coloring is divine on her brilliant works of art. When she isn't crafting or busy as a mom, she loves walking in the countryside.

Victoria Swanson of Victoria Lavender. Victoria has also been blogging since 2008! All those years amount to a TON of card inspiration made for you by Victoria as an award-winner and design team member. You will also be inspired by how she brilliantly photographs her cards!

Georgia Horn of Puddin n Pie. Georgia has been blogging since 2011 and she's a firecracker! You will find a humorous assortment of cards and layouts and recipes and goodnatured sassiness happening over at PnP. I think you'll like all things Georgia!

Thank you very much for following me, ladies, and welcome to the Playhouse!

~~~

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!

79 comments:

Sue - said...

Another gorgeous card Darnell. Love your use of dried flowers - and it goes so well with your cushion!! Hugs Sue x

Stamps and Paper said...

What a lovely way to show off pressed flowers they make a beautiful card love you inspirational cushion

Anne

Suze Bain said...

This is so lovely Darnell, those dried flowers are beautiful. Xx

Inkyfingers said...

This is a real blast from the past Darnell, and I love it. I remember trying to use dried flowers and getting lots of bits falling off all over the place, but you have definitely got the knack. You have inspired me to think about texture though and I will try to play along this time.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs
Carol x

Dotty Jo said...

A lovely card Darnell, and a charming 'back story' too! Big congrats on your LIM showCASe - I knew that card would be featured as its a beauty! Jo x

Sazzle Dazzle said...

Wowzers Darnell this is fabby. I saw the mini thumbnail and thought that's texture indeed ... even looks like real flowers so had to pop over and take a closer look and Yep it's real flowers! Love, love, love it even more lovely to use such personal flowers. Well done on the GDT post. Sarah xx

Alanna said...

This is so gorgeous Darnell. This vase of flowers just jumps off the card.

Unknown said...

Fabulous card for the challenge and love your cushion that gave you the inspiration.

Sheila H said...

I love how you used the dried flowers. The texture is lovely. I can't imagine using dried flowers myself. I would surely make a mess :)

sandie said...

what a great idea! And I love how you have grounded the vase and that little sentiment, just perfect so it doesn't distract from the flowers. Have a fun Sat and so pleased you are with us again this week x

Brenda in IN said...

I have been consumed by the watercolor class and haven't been visiting too much these past couple weeks. I have made more cards in this class than ever at one time! I love this vase and dried flowers. What a nice tribute you made for your friend with them. This is a beautiful card and great pillow.

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Fabulous card and a beautiful way to use your friends flowers.
Have a great day.
Ang x

stampwithsandy said...

So beautiful, Darnell. This card makes me think of my mom, who used to press flowers and make framed art with them. Yours is definately frameable, too.

Susanne Vargas said...

Such a great idea to add texture with dried flowers! Also love how you made a vase out of an ornament die - very clever! The color of the vase is so pretty!
Have a fun weekend,
Susanne

Vicki Dutcher said...

Love the real dried flower usage! Made a fabulous textured card!

JD/ Jill said...

Beautiful card, Darnell. And as you often do...You have inspired me. You inspired me to enter my very first CAS challenge. Since you often visit my blog and leave me wonderful comments, Thank You, you know that my cards are usually anything but CAS...lots of layers.
and while I am thinking of it...One thing I often forget to do is check my spam folder...don't ask me why, but your one comment ended up in my spam folder...LOL. You were probably wondering why I never approved your comment...smile...it was from a while back, well today it did get approved.

Lisa Elton said...

Lovely card Darnell! And how thoughtful it was of you to frame some of them for your friend's hubby. I'm sure they're looking down on this card and smiling!

scrappymo! said...

Oh Darnel
How like you to frame the flowers for your friends husband! That was so nice to read about.

Your card (and your cushion) are wonderful! What fun to make!

Cindy H. said...

Your card is so lovely! Love the colors and the beautiful arrangement of dried flowers and leaves. Very clever to use an ornament as a vase. It worked out perfectly!

Ros Crawford said...

Gorgeous card ... perfect texture and what a lovely thing you did making a framed piece for the gentleman ... I'm sure it brought him comfort ...

Tracey McNeely said...

Ack!! Your card is bang on with your inspiration pillow, Darnell so fun to see dried flowers. Years ago I bought dried flowers like I buy stamps now! Your vase is so perfect---LOVE this. Enjoy the holiday weekend!

Diane Jaquay said...

So clever of you to use the dried flowers for your texture, Darnell, they look marvelous in that vase! Happy Memorial Day weekend to you!

Ardyth said...

Love the use of the real flowers and the sea-glass colour of the vase! So glad you joined us at CASology this week!

Pat said...

A lovely card Darnell. The dried flowers are so pretty, and the heirloom ornament cut to form the vase is inspired. I can see how you came up with the idea - I do so love ferns. x

Redanne said...

I do remember when you first used those dried flowers and made the picture for Rae's hubby Jerry - so very sorry to hear that Jerry has died too. Very sad.

I do love your card though, that was a great idea for the vase! Hugs, Annie xx

Bobby said...

I first saw this at ATCAS and had to come see if those were real ferns. I used to do work like that, pressing my own. Another craft that went by the wayside. I love how you arranged them and the lovely aqua vase.

Patti said...

OH! I LOVE it!! Whooda thunk?
(((Hugs)))

Patti

Dan said...

Beautiful card and a wonderful way to use the flowers pressed by your friend. Thanks for joining us for this week's Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge!

Sue said...

This is gorgeous Darnell. I love how you have arranged those special dried flowers.
I hope you are having a good weekend.
hugs Sue xx

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Wauuu
another gorgeous card
blessed weekend
hugs Tamara

Pia S said...

Those dried flowers look perfect with this vase. A beautiful card!

Janie Printz said...

What a beautiful memory & tribute to your friend. The card is gorgeous beyond belief ... I LOVE using things I find outdoors on my cards. I am what you might call a "gatherer" of twigs, moss, weeds & anything else that might give a little interest to my cards.
Hugs, Janie

Sally H said...

Simply beautiful! What a wonderful way to use your friend's pressed flowers. My granddad made me a flower press when I was six and I still have it today

Karen Petitt said...

Gorgeous work Missy D! Love the texture and it's wonderful to see dried flowers on a card once again Karen x

Sharon Underwood said...

This is beautiful! I LOVE the dried flowers! In fact, I have some of the same sitting on my table right by the entrance to my home. You've inspired me to do something with them now! I absolutely love the way you added the sentiment across the bottom!

Hettie said...

Heya Chickadee.
Lovely card there. I may have to dig my flower press out :-)
Love that cushion.
Hugs
Xx

Kathleen said...

This is gorgeous and love the colour of the vase against the fabulous dried flowers.

Kath x

jimlynn said...

Beautiful and I DO love that texture! So very pretty with those dried flowers.
Lynn

Loll said...

How special to have some of the dried flowers from your friend and neighbour that passed away - very special indeed! Love all the gorgeous texture on your card Dolly! And love your inspiration pillow too - beautiful. Thanks so much for joining us as Guest Designer this month - it's been great! Lolly xx

Unknown said...

How gorgeously textured is this Dippy So delighted you're still playing along the DT on this challenge. Love that you showed us your inspiration piece - perfect.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Verna Angerhofer said...

Beautiful and I love that idea of real flowers.

Shoshi said...

How pretty, Darnell. Lovely to see it by the cushion, too. It's a lovely card.

Thanks for your lovely comment - no, he didn't remember our anniversary till I reminded him the other day as we were fixing up our meal out, but when it came to it, neither of us had a card for the other, for the first time ever! We've both been so busy with his retirement and everything that's going on, and I didn't have time to make him a card, so we decided neither of us would bother with cards this year. We've just got back from our lovely meal out, and we had a great time, with excellent food too.

I'm so glad you like my Zentangle card! I've got loads of stains from the drying teabags to use.

Shoshi

Harriet Skelly said...

Love the dried flowers you used - it is even better in real life!!! ;o) I had such a fun day with you and Kim today Darnell! Hugs!

Barb Ghig said...

Oh my, Darnell...you have really out-done yourself this time! I LOVE your dried flowers so much! And how perfect they are with your inspiration! Your vase is gorgeous, too...I love how you blended the colors to create a gradient! Stunning, CAS work of art...can't wait to get 'cracking' on this challenge!

Bonnie said...

Great way to use some dried flowers, Darnell! Love that vase! Hope you have a wonderful fun and family filled Memorial Day!

Sue said...

Gorgeous card Darnell and love the fact it matches your cushions..fab blog as always huggles Sue xxx

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Cool card - love your idea to use dried flowers - so pretty!

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell...this is just beautiful! And even more beautiful in real life. Your dried flowers are so perfect and I love how they coordinate with your pillow. Thank you again for a fabulous day, I had so much fun with you and Harriet.

mjbest said...

Love your card. It is so beautiful. I was wondering how you managed to get the colours so realistic only to discover they were real.

Anonymous said...

Lovely colors and composition-- I haven't seen pressed flowers in ages-- you may start a trend, lady!! CONGRATS on the guest designer spot!!!!!!! xo Kate

Gerrina said...

Such a stunning card! Love the way you combined the challenges and how the flowers make the texture part on your card!Enjoy the weekend, Gerrina

Anita in France said...

What a stunning card, Darnell ... those dried flowers are lovely and the texture's so delicious! Hope you're having a fun long weekend! Hugs, Anita :)

Shona Chambers said...

How do you keep coming up with these wonderful ideas??!! Using dried, pressed flowers would never have made their way into my card making brain area....they look fantastic! And talk about texture!!! You must have thought alot about your friend Rae while making this card, how lovely to have these mementos. The Addicted to CAS girls must be so glad to have picked you to join them this month!!!

Petra Swart said...

Oh, your sweet dried flowers are so beautiful, Darnell!! Lovely to use with the texture code word!! Stunning card!!!

Greetings from SA!!

Anonymous said...

Its been a pleasure and an honor to have you on the team at ATCAS and another super and beautifully textured card from you. the dried flowers are superb such a clever take on the code word . The shading on the vase is gorgeous so beautifully graduated. As for my piccies they are with the blog government for censoring at the moment i do hope I will get the green light to post of them.

Marie

jintyoo7 said...

Beautiful :)

Monika Reeck said...

wooowww I see a winner on this card dear Darnell..looveee the texture on your card ...really elegant and it looks fit with your cushion great Flower card my sweet Darnell...happy sunday, hugs from Germany

Angela said...

My word, is this ever beautiful and CAS to boot!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful card Darnell! How thoughtful it was of you to frame some of them for your friend's hubby. ! have a wonderful weekend!!

Joyce said...

This is absolutely stunning. I'll bet those dried flowers add such incredible texture in person. A super addition to your card.

Nora Noll said...

What a lovely card!! I really like that you used REAL dried flowers coming out of the vase. So unique. I think I would not be able to give the card away, though, due to the story behind the flowers. Or I would give it away to someone who would appreciate it. Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!!

Marybeth said...

Gorgeous way to use the dried flowers. Hope you have a wonderful rest of the long weekend. Love the little flag image you added on the hop post.

Dianne said...

Hello Miss Darnell, shesh your hamsters on over drive with creativity, the vase is brilliant and the dried flowers, give it a mixed media flavor, I love it and wonderful you can use them on it, thanks for sharing..

OH Babs said...

A touching story Darnell and lasting keepsakes to cherish. Your friend would be proud.

Karen M said...

WOW - your dried flowers look amazing - one very cool card Darnell:) hugs xx

laurie said...

Beautiful card!

I followed the link and decided to try the challenge too...it was fun!

Cindy Brumbaugh said...

I LOVE THIS, DARNELL!

Sharron said...

Love your card--the dried flowers are an amazing way to add texture! And I adore the wonderful color of the vase. Hope you have a great Monday!

Shannon J said...

Hey, where's the Parmesan cheese?!!! Gorgeous card and I love the story behind the gorgeous dried flowers :)

SYLVIA-ANNE said...

Wow Darnell - what a beautiful arrangement of dried flowers - you are one uber-talented lady!!
It's a pleasure to have you as this month's GD on our ATCAS team!
Have a happy week - Sylvia xx

Gillian R said...

This is gorgeous Darnell and I love that you used actual dried flowers. Thank you so much for joining us this week at CASology

cm said...

Texture of your card is fabulous as is the 'text' of your post! Whole lotta happy happening after visiting here! Hugs~c

Geri said...

So very pretty! Rae & Jerry are definitely smiling from ear to ear as they look down and say "yep, the flowers are in good hands!"

Great job 'altering' the vase - I love this shape. AND...amazing job with the sentiment placement! The line really does ground the image (great call) and draws the eye to the sentiment!

Geri said...

Whoooops! Forgot to add...fabulous guest designer card!

Deepti said...

I am so sorry for making a visit so late... well I was enjoying the skyscrapers of Chicago on the long weekend :) Your card is truly inspirational and unique. I have my memory of drying leaves and floral petals for some science projects. You have inspired me to go back into those childhood days again :) love ur card. So glad that you joined us at ATCAS!!
By the way I just can't stop laughing over Glitter and Brad. your posts are simply hilarious :)

Greta said...

Oh my goodness, Darnell--what a fabulous card! I haven't used pressed flowers forever--thanks for the reminder!

My Paper Epiphany said...

So many things to love in this post. The dried flowers are gorgeous! I love how you used the christmas ornament die for a vase - I'll be trying that one! Parmesan cheese - made me laugh! I haven't heard of any of these crafters, so I'll check them out. Congrats on guest spot :)

ThePurplePlace said...

Gorgeous card...as always! Special Congratulations on being the Guest Designer this week! You did a fabulous job and I'm sure your card was loved by ALL!

:)

Jaydee said...

Darnell, real dried flowers!!!! You are a creative genius! I love the simplicity of the vase with the texture of the flowers. Another gorgeous card. So glad you are guest designer and sharing these wonderful projects with us
Hugs
Jaydee