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!

July 7, 2014

A Baby? May Wee!

Happy Monday-It's-A-Brand-New-Week Hello!

Why am I still here? I meant to take a break and I AM going to take a break, I promise. In fact, this is my last post for at least a week, maybe two. I am taking a few days off to travel and have fun with a long-time girlfriend. If there is any down time, I'm hoping to catch up with some of your blogs which have been woefully neglected (honest, I'm woed about it), but there will be no new listings. A break for everyone! 

I actually hadn't planned this post except that I needed to make a new baby card for a young couple we know and since it fit into a couple of challenges, I thought I would go ahead and post it. 

The new mama and papa are French. We got to know them when the young man worked as a post-doc for the Mister until last year when he got a job and they moved back to France. (That's why I spoke some French in the title, in case you missed the Seq Way Significance.)

Now they have started their little family with sweet baby girl Alix and I made them a card.
This is my second time making a shaker card and I used the new SU shaker frame circles made of foam tape. They work great, but I wish they made bigger ones. My image, which (of course) I stamped and colored before fingering out how big the appleture needed to be, has only just made it through the port hole!

And I can see now that I was a bit stingy with the sequints. And that I forgot to chomp the corners which I meant to do so baby Alix doesn't poke herself in the face when rattling her little shaker card!

Crafting. It's a process.

Or at my age:

Thinking. It's a painful.

~~~

I'm squeezing into the current challenge at The Card Concept which is, "Oh, Baby!" My card for this challenge is Clean and Layered.
Over at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge, the theme is "Shake It!"
Simon Wednesday Challenge Blog
At the awesome Virginia Lu's fifth Virginia's View Challenge, the theme is "Die Cuts." Virginia's is a popular and fun challenge with famous and talented guest designers who come to visit with incredible tutorials!
Welcome to Virginia's View
Lastly, I'm going to quickly dash over to the Playground full of snippets run by a Pixie named Di so I can see my pals there before I take off!
Pixies Crafty Workshop
Please join in the fun of these challenges! If nothing else, stop in to visit them and check out the sensational projects the design teams have for you! The links will also provide you with information regarding the rules, sponsors, and prizes.

~~~

New Friends Corner

I am pleased to also have another opportunity to introduce you to five more new friends who have joined our party!

AJ (Art Jypsy) of AJ's Creative Energy. AJ has been blogging since 2013. Her name suits her perfectly as she has loads of energy! She is a very productive and talented card artist so you'll get filled up to the brim with inspiration when you visit!

Connie of Grammy's Attic. Connie has been blogging since 2011. She is the proud Nana of six and Great-Nana to two! She is also a designer and a card artist who loves entering challenges and she is well-recognized for her happy, colorful, and often whimsical cards! Connie was also born with an extra aorta of energy because she blogs nearly every day, providing you with incredible inspiration!!

Bonnie of Stamping in the Light. Bonnie is the mother of two children and she's been blogging since 2009! The name of her blog comes from her love of lighthouses. Her love of cardmaking comes from her desire to bring joy to others, which I think we can all agree is our primary motivation. Lots of delight awaits you from this designer and award-winner!

Vickie Doswell of Okienurse's Paper and Ink Therapy. Did you guess that Vickie is a retired nurse from Oklahoma?! She has been blogging since 2008! Like many of us, Vickie has medical issues which are relieved somewhat when she gets into her happy crafting place. Vickie's talents are far and wide when it comes to creativity, so you will find an enormous range of fascinating and fabulous works of art when you visit!

Rahmat Gouse of Cards and Cooking Corner. As the name suggests, Rahmat will bring you wonderful inspirations of both card art and recipes! She's only been blogging since February, but she has already received lots of recognition for her fantastic cards! When you visit, please leave her an extra-special welcome to our blogging cardmaking community!

Thank you for joining, ladies, and welcome to the Playhouse!!

~~~
Thank you again for all your heartfelt birthday wishes and/or cards!!

Enjoy your week! 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!

Project Details
PaperPTI white; SU pink pirouette
Stamps    Booties-All Night Media (995G07); sediment-SU
 InkArchival jet black; SU pretty in pink
AccessoriesDies: Spellbinders circles and scallop;
Darice sequins

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Mwah!

93 comments:

Sue - said...

Such a pretty baby card Darnell. Hope you have a fantastic break!

Aileen said...

Cute card Darnell, I have the shaker stuff there but still to try. NBUS. Enjoy your break bt not too much. Dont want you getting comfortable off air and disappearing.

Sue said...

This is gorgeous Darnell. I love the image and wonderful design.
I hope you have a fabulous break, with lots of fun and a chance to relax too.
hugs Sue xx

Carole Pollard said...

Fantastic baby card today its so sweet. Your friends will be delighted receiving this. Enjoy your trip have a fun time Love and Happy Crafting Hugs Carole x

Inkyfingers said...

What a sweet baby card Darnell and I love the clean lines and fab shaker element. Enjoy a well earned break my friend.
Hugs
Carol x

Rahmat said...

Oh I love that shaker card very much, Darnell..shaker cards are my weakness ;) , and a big thank you for the welcome and taking your time out to even introduce your followers, very kind and thoughtful of you..have a nice break..I am already on my 6week break to india :)

stampingandstitching said...

Aw this is such an adorable shaker card, Darnell! Love your design and the cute little booties that you have coloured beautifully!

Carol L said...

Awww, those baby shoes look so cute inside the shaker of this sweet card! I never imagined a CAS shaker card, because they're so labor-intensive to create! (at least for me anyway!)
Do enjoy your break and have fun in your travels. Thanks for the funnies too, I love cartoons that bring chuckles ;)

Lynn said...

Oh this is too cute Darnell. Those baby booties are beyond adorable.

vic said...

What a sweet baby card it's lovely!!! I'm sure they will love this! Have fun with your friend and I hope you relax :)
Hugs
Vic x

Cathy said...

Gorgeous baby card Darnell. I googled how to make these and I think there was a tutorial at PTI that used fun foam to bulk up the sides. Not sure I'll have time to try them, looks too tricky! Have a fab break, Cathy x

Monika Reeck said...

Dear Darnell you are a profesional card maker..why..I think you also great CAS designer..this card is really look profesional and looks soooo adorable..love tht circle and the pink soft color (I WISH I WIN LOTERY I WILL BUY THE CUTTING MACHINE AND BUY THIS DIE LOL) lovely baby card..

I am sorry just have time to go to post office today Darnell..your post will be 7-14 days come to your home hope you like your bday card and I am honoured if you like to show it on your blog post...big hugs, Monika

Stamps and Paper said...

Your baby card is so pretty Darnell love the booties....enjoy your well earned break..

Anne

Pat said...

What a gorgeous baby card with those cute little bootees, and that pretty die cut shape makes the perfect frame and shaker. I must say I have never tried to make a shaker card but perhaps I'll give it a go. Have an enjoyable break and come back fresh to inspire us some more with your lovely cards. x

Marilyn said...

Adorable card!!

Ros Crawford said...

Oh so cute!! Maybe baby will chomp the corners herself?

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

This little BeBe card is simply sweet! Bravo to you on this perfect shaker. The nice thing is that no matter how many shakies are inside, they still move!

Bonnie said...

This is so sweet! Love those baby shoes! And go you with a shaker card! I haven't tried that..yet! Have a fun time on your travels!

Irene said...

Stunning and beautiful Darnell. I love the simple layout and cute booties.
Enjoy your travels.
luv
irene
xxxx

Hettie said...

Pwetty card there Mrs. Likie that lickle immage and that porthole looks fabaroonie!
Hugs and enjoy your break.
xx

Sheila H said...

Sweet baby card - the booties are adorable! Enjoy your time off & have fun with your friend. I bet you'll have a funny story or two when you get back to blogging :)

Shelly said...

This is so sweet! Enjoy your time away, I'm sure you'll have fun! ;)

Brenda in IN said...

I'm so happy your are going to enjoy some time with your girlfriend. Sounds like so much fun. Your card is so cute. I love those sweet little shoes. I haven't done a shaker yet so I'll put that on my card bucket list. We will miss you and hope it's not too long. I'll have Darnell withdrawal.

Benzi said...

Your shaker card for baby is sweet as can be, Darnell.
Enjoy your girlfriend time. Relax!!!

1CardCreator said...

What an adorable card for the new baby! Enjoy your time with your friend! ~Diane

Laurie Unger said...

Wonderful shaker card! I'm still waiting for my kit to come from PTI so that I can finally make one. Enjoy your time with your friend!

Dianne said...

Oh my your coloring is perfect, love the design, hope you have a WONDERFULLLLLL time off, we will all miss you, ((( BIG HUGS ))))....

KandA said...

This is so sweet Darnell. The design is perfect. Hope you have a really fabulous break and hopefully you won't get into too much trouble! xx

Lynette said...

So adorable!

scrappymo! said...

Sweet,sweet baby card.
The shaker part is a wonderful idea...like you I wish they came larger too!

Lisa Elton said...

SWEET baby shaker card Darnell, I LOVE the little shoes!!Now go on...get out of here...take that break!!! No seriously, you will be missed but I KNOW you will have many FUN stories to share when you return ~ HUGS!

Pia S said...

I didn't even know ready-made shaker card frames existed. It has a beautiful lacey design, which adds sweetness to this baby card and still leaving it with a CAS feel. I think the size works with the image.

Anonymous said...

Have fun with your friend Darnell! And your card is adorable for the new baby, love those shoes!!!

conil said...

Did you go to school to learn how to color like that...those baby shoes remind me of my bronzed ones. My Mom had a thing for them. Actually, I still have them. Back to the card...super sweet and masterfully done. Think you got just the right amount of sequints...too many and you couldn't see those adorable little booties.

Sue said...

Love the cute baby card.

Hope you and your friend have a lovely time.

Lynne said...

Such a cute card Darnell, love those bootees. Sorry I missed your birthday, I hope it was a good one and you enjoyed the whole day.
Enjoy your break too.
Lynne xxx

Sarah said...

Such a great card Darnell, and a shaker card too, I've not seen one for ages yet this is the second I've seen within a few days!! Have a lovely break with your buddy xx

Jingle said...

This is very sweet! Thanks so much for playing along with us over at the Shake it! Challenge on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge blog!

Donna Ellis said...

Hi, Darnell! What a darling baby card and delightful comic! Your shaker card is so sweet (a great technique for this type of card) and a wonderful keepsake! So glad I found your blog because I am your newest google follower! hugs, de {Creative Smiles}

Verna Angerhofer said...

That is a beautiful baby girl card you created. And, you have a great time on your time off!

Redanne said...

Love, love your little shaker card, it is so beautiful and the little bootees are so cute!

I am going to miss you loads and loads but I am pleased that you are having a little break to have some fun. Enjoy yourself my friend! Big hugs, Annie xx

Vicky Hayes said...

This is fabulous Darnell and I love that it's a shaker card although baby Alix may want to wait until she's a tiny bit older to play with it! I'm so sorry I'm late wishing you a happy birthday but I'm pretty sure you will have had a great day with lots of love and laughter. Sending a big hug decorated with sequins and ribbon, Vicky x

Petra Swart said...

Your shaker card is just bootieful, Darnell!!!! Love those booties you have coloured so nicely and yes, I do agree that you could have added a few more sequints!!! LOL!!! ..and the poor girl poking herself in the face!! Oh boy (I mean girl!!!) LOL!! But it is still a lovely card!!!

Enjoy the break!! We'll be missing you!!

Lee Ann Barrett said...

Pure sweetness, Darnell! Love, love, love those little booties! I have to agree with you, SU would do well to make some shaker adhesive in a bit bigger sizes. Or maybe I need to make shakers a bit smaller. Hmmm...Your baby card is tres magnifique! Thanks so much for sharing with us at The Card Concept!

Taunya Butler said...

What a completely sweet card for the celebrating of a new little one!! So cute and so fitting with that cute pair of shoes - for some reason, baby shoes are always so precious to me!! So precious, sweet card and the shaker thing turned out awesome!!

Kathleen said...

Brilliant baby card.
Enjoy your trip.

Kath x

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Aw, what a darling card. At least being stindgy with the sequins saves you postage lol! You could have saved even Om if you'd chopped the corners too lol!
Have a great trip.
Ang x

MRS DUCK said...

That should have been "more" not "Om". . . . . Doh!

Brenda said...

This is a pretty card Darnell! I so love shaker cards and a baby one to boot is just fabulous! I love those cute baby shoes. I was afraid that the SU shaker things would be smaller than what one would need. I still might check them out, but glad your image squeaked by and is showing in the window! A little or a lot, doesn't matter you can put in ever how much sequins you want, some put a lot, some don't. Enjoy some much needed time off with your friend!! Hugs, Brenda

Bobby said...

That is such a sweet baby card, Darnell. I love those booties. I'll miss my laugh of the day while you're relaxing and funzing but you deserve it. Have a wonderful time!

Helen F. said...

What an adorable shaker card, Darnell!
I actually like the size of this frame for your baby shoes image, it would limit my over-adding to the card, which is a problem I am in craft-therapy for ;-)
Enjoy your time away from BlogLand, have fun with your friend!

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Why, this is absolutely adorable!!! I just love that you made it a shaker card!!!
I hope you have a fabulous time on your vacay!! Stay out of trouble!!!

Loll said...

Sweet! That scalloped circle is perfect for those darling little bookies. Love the shaker card! Have a great holiday and break! Lolly xx

dottielottie said...

Aw Darnell, that is such a sweet baby card and so much nicer for being a shaker card, love that style of card. I hope you have a great time with your friend and take some time to just chill. See you when you get back.
Hugs Lottie x

Karen Petitt said...

So very, very, stinking cute! Love those little booties and what a fabulous way to showcase them.
Belated birthday wishes lovely friend and make sure you have a fab and fun time with your friend. Just going to check what else I have missed Karen xx

MaryH said...

Here I'm thinking you are relaxing & recovering from all the celebratin' & you're goin' off gallivantin - such energy you do have (and HAVE FUN TOO!). Take the break - as I'm sure you need it. Know you deserve it! We will miss you. Loved the May Wee card. Never tried a shaker card. You are brave. Also talented. It is adorable and just right for a sweet little girl. Hugs & TFS

Shona Chambers said...

I totally agree, crafting is a process and sometimes that process turns to custard. I made a card last night and worked on it till 1am this morning, to then wake up, quickly added a banner and strings and ruined the whole thing. Bugger! Oh well, it just wasn't mean't to be. Your card though looks squeaky clean and sweet and I'm sure Alix will have chewed the corners off way before shaking commences. Have a wonderful holiday and look forward to hearing about your adventures.

Carole Z said...

Such a pretty card Darnell..have fun on your trip, hugs Carole Z X

~Tammy~ said...

Love the baby shaker card Darnell and they will too! Hope you enjoy your bloggy break!!!! Maybe you are soaking up some sun somewhere!

Virginia L. said...

Well, there is no need to apologize that you blog too often/too much...your fans (me included) love you just whenever you feel like posting, Darnell! You had used my favorite Spellbinders to create this darling baby card! The image and scalloped borders are a perfect match, Darnell! So glad that you join the fun over Virginia's View Challenge! Thanks again for continuing to be a BRIGHT light in card-making blogsphere! HUGS!

Geri said...

Sweet as sweet can be! Wee baby Alix's mom will be thrilled when she sees this card and I'm sure that Alix will be captivated by the shaker part!

As for the corners...they will likely get gummed and salivated into soft, mushy paper - harmless!

Have a safe & happy trip!

Keep It Sweet and Simple said...

Such a sweet card and the shaker style makes it so extra special.
Caroline xxx

Pat said...

Enjoy your time away and we'll await your return.

Eve said...

WOW! What a stunning card Darnell.

I wish that I saw this before I made my shaker card as I added too many sequins to mine!!
Yours looks much better.

Hope that you have a lovely break.
xx

Anita in France said...

Ta carte est si mignonne, Darnell ... vraiment adorable pour cette petite choupette! Keeping the theme going here! Have a splendid break! Anita :)

Teresa Kline said...

totally cute card, so glad you played along with Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge!

sparkle & shine *~*

Diane said...

Cute card Darnell, love the shaker idea.

Hugs Diane

Happy Dance said...

Shake that thang, girly! Now I know you probably won't get to this comment, nor should you. You SHOULD be out and having fun! But just in case you do see this...Your card is gorgeous. I'm guessing Alix's parents were thrilled to get this. It's beautiful like a baby girl! DH is still helping post-docs with stuff...old professors never retire, they just take it all home with them! You should see his office! Have fun girly q. Will chat at you later!!! bkb

Julia said...

adorable!

Bonnie Lynn said...

Darnell, I absolutely LOVE your shaker baby card. Thank you so much for introducing my blog to all of your followers too.

Diane Jaquay said...

Such an adorable baby card, Darnell! Hope your time off is fun!

Marybeth said...

Gorgeous shaker baby card! Oh my gosh I love those baby shoes!
Have fun and enjoy your time with your friend......hugs

Kim Heggins said...

My sweet Darnell...baby cards don't come any cuter than this! I love your adorable little booties and your shaker card is so fun. I am sure baby Alix will love it as much as her parents do. Enjoy your time away from home.

Nancy Thomas said...

What a sweet baby card - love your coloring on the booties.

Di said...

Absolutely adorable card Darnell! I think the booties are just so cute and love that you made a shaker card for baby's parents to rattle :)

Hope you have a lovely break from blogland - LITS!

Hugs, Di xx

Deepti said...

This is the cutest baby card, Love the framing of the focal image :) enjoy ur break and come back soon !

Sarn said...

Happy Blog Break Darnell.

This baby card is just adorable.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Cris G. said...

Cute baby card, Darnell. Love the little boots, may wee :). After you mentioned your french in the title I finally got it. Bone Vaweeaje! Have a great time :D!

Lindsey said...

Hope you have a fabulous trip with your friend! And a VERY happy belated birthday! We've been out of town ourselves, and I'm sorry I missed the actual day. I hope it was incredible.

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Darnell, wow I'm number 80 comment !!!!! Gorgeous baby card, I love it. I need some baby images. Have a great time and enjoy your break. don't worry about trying to keep up with 600 blogs :) IMPOSSIBLE !!!! Hugs, Shirleyx

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
super new baby card.
I bet new parents loved it.
I do hope you enjoy your break.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Greta said...

What a darling card! Hope you & your friend have a fabulous time away, Darnell!

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

Super cute card Darnell, love the fabby image.

Have a wonderful stay away!

Warm hugs
Maarit

Leslee said...

That's one super sweet baby card! Hope you have a fantastic time with your friend. Enjoy a little down time from your fantastic blog!

Barb Ghig said...

I can't believe you submitted this post almost a week ago, and I'm just getting here...life is just crazy sometimes! So glad to know that you're off having fun with an old friend...you sure deserve it, Darnell!

This is such a charming shaker card! And, I think your aperture is the perfect size for those darling booties! So much lovely pink, too! I'm sure your friends will appreciate all the love you put into it, and baby Alix will enjoy her interactive card!

Thanks for making me smile once again, and as for the cartoon ~ LMAO!!! Hugs, Barb

JD/ Jill said...

Darnell, this is just so precious! Great job!

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

So sweet - its a keep-sake! Your cartoon - so funny!

Barb King said...

That is an adorable baby card. Enjoy your break and time with friends. Barb

maria f. said...

Tres adorable! Didn't even realize at first that it was a shaker - fabulous. Found a new trick (cuz I don't like the sticky edges from foam adhesive for shakers). Die cut two layers of craft foam or three layers of cereal box if you don't have to worry about postage. Happy girlfriend vacay!

alexandra s.m. said...

Love your card Darnell!!
Enjoy your break and safe travels

Unknown said...

Great card! I love the image and that it is a shaker card! Babys first rattle! Cute!! Check out my shaker card for our dogs vet! I can see that i will be hunting more for shaker items since I only have sequins so far. The dollar store (where everything is a dollar) has some small items that you can use to decorate your nails. I will be taking a closer look to see if it will work for shaker cards! Thanks for sharing your creative work.

cm said...

Your shaker card is gorgeous - and from my perspective - perfect! The frame, the booties, the sequints: Alix's first 'rattle' is a delight in every way! Good chuckle on thinking being a painful. I have the same affliction. Once again, your post has planted a mega watt smile on my face!
Hugs~c

BożenA said...

Sweet card to welcome a little girl. Great idea to use a stamp with her shoes.
hugs,
Bozena