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!

August 15, 2014

What Do You See? ~ NBUS #147

Hallow, boys and girls!

I have a quickie for you.

When I saw the challenge over at CAS(E) This Sketch, I could not get it out of my mind. I was amazed and impressed by the beautiful DT inspirations and the cards showing up in the gallery, so I thought I'd give it a go and I made this QACAS card:
Here is the sketch:
That's a challenge, huh? The embossing folder is Darice "Multi Circle," the NBUS sediment is from "Journey" by Tim Holtz, and the wood veneer time pieces are from Prima Marketing.

I sponged the colors onto the clocks using the colors from the current Pals Paper Arts challenge:
08-14
After I sponged the black on the largest clock, the numbers were oblivious so I drew them on with my white gel pen.

~~~

Okay, now I'll tell you the truth. The truth is that when I look at that sketch, THIS is what first pops into my brain:
Remember, my brain has a hamster living in it, so you can understand how this happened. I'll tell you what, when I glance over and catch a glimpse of it, that face looks like a zebra puppy with its inquisitive nose smooshed up against the camera lens!

Out of respect for the challenge, I made the first serious card, too, because I dinnit want the superbly talented Donna to get the wrong impression and think I was making fun of her sketch. I just see the silly in things, I guess.

The card ingredients for this QACAS card are PTI vintage cream for the base, ancient zebra paper and nose paper from GKW, and the "hi" sediment is a NBUS Framelits "Bitty Banners" die, which was cut using SU poppy parade textured paper.

Since this is also coinkydinkily perfect for the challenge at The Sisterhood of Snark Stampers, where I am guest designing, I'm going to link up there just for fun. 
You can click on the links for all the details on rules, sponsors, and prizes. I hope you can play, too!

~~~

Gottago! Mister needs to get on here again to figure out what Comp O' Nuts to order for the new computer. (Thanks for all the offers of temporary housing!!)

~~~

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!

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85 comments:

Tracey McNeely said...

Darnell you are so right, I love zebra puppies!! I have always wanted one. ;) You are brilliant. Love the clock card with the veneers--fantastic! Happy weekend, I hope it is a good one. Mine begins the emotional roller coaster ride of a week I am about to have!

Susanne Vargas said...

That must be a first - that I am the first to comment on one of your posts!!!
Anyways, I love your clock card with that cool saying! The zebra card makes me laugh and I probably won't be able to look at that sketch again without seeing a zebra!

Susanne Vargas said...

Haha, I guess I wasn't typing fast enough so Tracey beat me!
Have a great weekend!

Lisa Elton said...

Oh the clocks are FUN Darnell and I like the swirly circley background. But your Zebra Pupppy is the bomb...too CUTE!

Leigh Penner said...

Fabulous cards, Darnell! I love the one with the clocks and the time sentiment -- so lovely! And the other card totally made me smile! You are so creative!

MaryH said...

I am playing comment catchup tonight, and saved you for last, because I knew I'd leave the computer smiling. Well, I'm liking that first card really well. Love that sentiment too along with the embossing, colors, etal. But then I get down to #2, and it just made me laugh! I think this must go to a very special person who will appreciate the details and the silliness (if you get my drift). Only you could look at the challenge and see this face! It's adorable, cute and gosh, I'm too tired of think of more adjectives. But you get that I like it, right? Both are simply you...each just right! TFS & Hugs. Happy wkend, and hope the migraine is his-tor-ree! G'night.

Sharron said...

OMG, you are so funny! I was reading along on your post and enjoying your fabulous clock design, when up popped a zebra pup! You are so clever. Now I'll be seeing zebras staring at me in my dreams!

Karen M said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell - the clocks look fab and I just adore the zebra - how cute! Hope your having a lovely weekend - hugs xx

Jill Norwood said...

Darnell as usual your post made me smile and giggle when I saw the second card! You have such a fun personality that comes through in all your posts! Love visiting you! :)

Sue said...

I like both cards. The verse is lovely.

Hope you have a lovely day.

Stamps and Paper said...

Two great cards Darnelle...your posts always brighten up my day..
Love your quirky clock and the Zebra pup has the most appealling eyes...both cards a hit with me...
Have a great weekend...

Anne

Anita in France said...

As if your first card wasn't fabulous enough with that perfect (and so wise) sentiment, Darnell, you go ahead and surprise me with a severe case of the silly giggles at your cute and adorable, squashy nosed, google eye zebra pup ... he's an absolute riot! (Had to retype that last word ... doing it fast it came out as roti ... which is not what you want for a zebra pup ... it translates as roast! Hugs, Anita :)

Michelle said...

Darnell, that zebra puppy is now stuck in my brain, and when I look at the sketch, I see a cute puppy, too! I love how your brain works! :-)

Marilyn said...

Awesome cards!!

Diane said...

As always, you made me laugh and almost snort coffee through my nose..ouch!! Both are great .... I love how you can see, what the rest of of can't (without you pointing it out to us)....LOL!!!

Michelle said...

A perfect card for CTS #88.... great textures, wonderful colors, spot on sentiment! Love the zebra puppy version too!

Laurie Unger said...

Darnell - I just love the zebra one! Had a little giggle over it with my coffee this morning! TFS

Veerle said...

Gosh Darnell, you have given me the laugh of the day. I tell you the truth too, I prefer the crazy card, I really do I JUST LOVE IT.
It's fun, it's crazy, it's the sketch, it's perfect. Hugs, Veerle xxx

Sharon Underwood said...

Oh My Gosh, Darnell, you are TOO funny! I laughed out loud at your silly card with the eyeballs. What a hoot! The more serious card looks awesome with that incredible embossed background! Perfect for the timepieces!

Gerrina said...

Tought I was the only one by whom this popped in her head by seeing the sketch!!!
I like bouth cards; the first seriously and the second one in a fun way! Enjoy your weekend, Gerrina

Krisha said...

OMG Darnell, you had me snorting my coffee as I read your post.

I vote for the zebra puppy too.

Inkyfingers said...

You are such a hoot and I think your second card would brighten anyone's day! The first, 'refined' card is so clean and fresh and the sentiment is really wonderful! See you DO need all that stash so you can lean in and pull out these pearls when you need them.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs
Carol x

Redanne said...

When I saw your first card I was super impressed that you used a Tim Holtz stamp!! Wow! It really is a beautiful card.

Then I got to the second one and it made me smile (well, laugh actually - but in a good way). You are a genius with those googly eyes - just love that card. Hugs, Annie xx

Sarah said...

Two fab cards Darnell, such a cute face on the second!! lol xx

conil said...

Your first card is lovely...that sentiment got me all verklempt. But when I saw that second card, I laughed so hard, I had a little accident because you're right, it does look like the nose of this critter is pressed against the camera lens. Laughed my butt off.

Kristie Goulet said...

Both of these cards are just great, Darnell! The zebra puppy sure brought a huge smile to my face. Hugs!!!

sandie said...

I know you know I love this sentiment.Oh so true and yes so hard but a timely reminder is always welcome (I hope you spotted my attempt at a pun!) And I adore the second card-made me smile and that is what is needed
Hugs xx

Bonnie said...

The baby zebra is adorable and I'm sure will be enjoyed by everyone! What fun! Like the clocks too but they don't make me smile as big as the zebra!

Verna Angerhofer said...

Both fantastic cards and great takes on the sketch. Thanks for sharing your talents once again.

Sheila H said...

A serious card and a hilarious card both from the same sketch - I love them! The first makes me contemplate time and life. The second makes me howl with laughter. Great going!

OH Babs said...

Great clock card and like the embossing folder. Congrats on the Sistrthood guest designer.

Nancy in Iowa said...

Such different cards - both as cute as can be!!!

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Have to say, I do prefer the first one. Great embossing and poignant sentiment. Nothing wrong with the second one but perhaps Hammy needs a holiday lol! (or vacation as you folks over The Pond say)
Have a great weekend.
Ang x

Christine said...

Great cards! Typical your style!
Hug
Christine

Pat said...

These two cards are both great Darnell, but the second is perhaps the most ingenious. It just makes me smile and only you could think of doing this with that brief. I love the clock faces and the circular embossing folder echoes the shape beautifully, and the zebra paper and the fun paper for the nose, and the sentiment pops in that lovely red. I'm not sure if the eyes are googly eyes or whether they are card that you have used glossy accents or something on to, but anyway this is so clever. Have a great weekend. x

Greta said...

You're amazing, Darnell! 2 incredible cards using that sketch!

MagsB said...

Your cards are so gorgeous, Darnell, it's so instructive to see variations on a theme. The first card is lovely, but the second is AWESOME!!! How I love the zebra paper and the eyes!

Well, there comes a time when we all have to 'go wild' lol!!!

love Mags B x

Sarah G said...

Love them both, Darnell! The clock veneers are fab but the zebra puppy is just the best! You can never go wrong with googly eyes :)

Chriss Blagrave said...

A case of the giggles with the zebra pup (those two different sized googly eyes cracked me up) and definitely pressing the nose up against the glass Haha!
I love the swirly background timepiece clock, fantastic colours that you worked with and a beautiful sediment ;)
Stay well friend.

Hettie said...

Bwahahahahahaaaaa! I nearly spat my cider over the computa when I got to the second card. You nutter!!!! (I may be poorly but not that poorly!!! Vitamin C in cider you know!)
I am liking your clocks....I said CLOCKS! but your zebra is fun!
Check your fb out Mrs!!!
Hugs
xx

Mike said...

LOL! I can see how your brain works! So we have a serious and playful rendition! I love the CAS style of both! Thanks for playing with Pals Paper Arts!

Cris G. said...

Two fun cards, Darnell, but your zebra card is just to cute for words... so creative.

Unknown said...

Love your first card Dippy and the sentiment is wonderful, but I'm definitely with you on the second with the adorable dog squished against the camera lens.......really made me laugh.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Unknown said...

Love your first card Dippy and the sentiment is wonderful, but I'm definitely with you on the second with the adorable dog squished against the camera lens.......really made me laugh.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Ros Crawford said...

Terrific cards!! I adore that Zebra!!

Bobby said...

A zebra puppy? Now I've heard everything. The veneer clocks made a great card for the sketch and I love the colors and the embossed background.

Harriet Skelly said...

I love your take on the CAS(E) this Sketch - I have been having a hard time figuring out what to do for it!

Mau xx said...

Hi Darnell...yes I see the puppy too...lol
Love both the cards, so different and equally fantastic.
sorry been MIA but my blog says it all...ha-ha I feel like my home has become a flower garden!
Hugs Mau xx

Marybeth said...

Sorry playing catch up here. I know I need time when I come to your blog :)
Love both of your cards and the zebra puppy is adorable!

Sue said...

I've never heard of a Zebra puppy! These cards turned out beautifully! Great job for the challenge!

505whimsygirl said...

Hi Darnell,

Oh, I see the baby zebra -- how funny! I can't imagine that someone would be offended by your quirkiness! The "serious" card is great too.

Oh, thank you, thank you! I went back and hit the "Publish" button on my posts and now it says "Scheduled" just like you said!! Woo hoo. Thank you so much for that!

I should pay you for directions.... next I need to add buttons to the top of my blog. I'm hoping that once I retire (next June/July) I'll have more time to really learn what I'm doing!

Hugs,
Kay

Carol L said...

This looks like something straight from Sesame Street! LOL Super cute card, and I love the pop of red sentiment too! FUN!

Happy Dance said...

Playing catch-up AGAIN! You'd think I was a jet-setting mama, but no, I just look that way, hahahahahahaha. I love visiting your blog; your cards are always delightful, and your posts are always a great read. First card - what an amazing sentiment and so wonderfully emphasized by the clocks. Thx for the reminder. I can't say too much about the zebra baby. Except darn clever and darn cute. Googly eyes always make me happy. Nothing quite like 'em. Way to rock the challenge, bud. Bev

Barb Ghig said...

No question about it...there really is a hamster living inside your head, Darnell! You are a RIOT!!!

I love how you tied together the embossed circles with those fabulous clocks! What a gorgeous card! And, I also love your 'fun' card! The googly eyes just kill me!

Thanks so much for another fun post! It's always a blast to visit your blog!!!

Beth Beard said...

Both are fabulous and your post has me chuckling....too funny! Love the sentiment on the first with clocks, but the Zebra would be my "fave". Thanks for playing along with us this week at Pals Paper Arts.

Diane said...

Fabulous cards, Darnell and your fun post.

Hugs diane

Taunya Butler said...

Both cards are extremely excellent!! Love the cleverness behind both of them!! The circles in the clock card just mesmerized me! Way to go and your second card just made me laugh and smile!! You are the bomb.com!!

Peggy Noe said...

Darnell, it isn't too often a card post makes me laugh out loud, but yours such did! Both cards are great and your post is fun! Thanks for making me smile today and thanks for playing with us at Pals Paper Arts!!

Carole Pollard said...

Fabulous just love the first design and what a beautiful sentiment just love it. I also love your fun card its just great Love and Happy Crafting Hugs Carole x

Carole Pollard said...

Fabulous just love the first design and what a beautiful sentiment just love it. I also love your fun card its just great Love and Happy Crafting Hugs Carole x

alexandra s.m. said...

I love your two takes Darnell!
Thank You~

Leslee said...

Very cute cards! I love the big eyes looking back at you! Hope you are off to a great week!

Brenda said...

I love your first card Darnell, the wood veneers are so cool looking and I love that embossing, but I gotta say that the second card is my favorite! lol I love the cute zebra puppy with his nose squished up against the camera lens. Too cute just like you! Hugs, Brenda

Donna said...

Fab cards Darnell! That zebra made me giggle...he's adorable!! Thanks for joining the sisterhood of snarky stampers for the Z is for Zoo challenge!!

Jeanne J. said...

Thanks so much for popping by my blog Darnell - you always make me happy - and I wonder how I ever got so lucky - I know I don't deserve it. So I came by to see you and you did it again. I loved your masculine card with the embossing and clocks, and then I saw your"baby zebra" card and just had to laugh. It's still super cute especially with the story that goes with it! Hamsters!! HA! You're a hoot girl!!

Anonymous said...

I have so missed coming by your playhouse I have missed so much and couldn't begin to catch up with everything so hope you don't mind if I just comment on these two stunners. Well I had to laugh at your Zebra and Im sure if I was Donna I would have been delighted and very amuse with your Zebra card it really made me smile. Your first one is a little more , well a lot more serious but a fab card never the less with a very true sentiment beautifully done Darnell.

Marie

Katie Melhus said...

Your Zebra card just jumped out of the CTS gallery at me Darnell! I love this and I love the way your brain works, lol! :)

Janelle said...

Both cards are great Darnell, but your second one is the best! Hugs, Janelle

Shelly said...

Two totally fun cards! And I just love the 'zebra'! Too cute!

1CardCreator said...

Lol, love your first card and that is exactly what I thought of when you said what do you see? Well almost exactly, I actually saw a yellow smiley face with a big frown so maybe my brain has something darker than a hamster rolling round in it! Have a great week! ~Diane

Canonbury creations said...

Two great cards Darnell but the idea of the 2nd one made me laugh! How cool would that be to have a zebra puppy? Love the googly eyes!
Val x

Anonymous said...

To funny!! I always love your sense of humor!! Both are great!!

Deepti said...

I think your zebra card is such a genius :) I see the the innocence oozing out of that card !! Love it :)

aussie aNNie said...

This is just the most gorgeous creations and I just love those papers and your colour combo. I am so impressed with your wonderful work of art, so I have joined as a new follower, more inspiration for me...thanks xxxx
♥aNNie

The Journey is the Start

Lindsey said...

First card... beautifully CAS, quite serious, and great sentiment, even if it runs on a bit. ;) Second card... now THAT'S a Darnell card!!! ♥

cm said...

Hahahahahhahah...I'm with Tracey: I want a zebra puppy, too! I imagine he'll be quite big when full-grown, so good thing we live in the mountains, where he can lope and bray as he sees fit! First card is great, too, but I'm loving the second! How am I supposed to make a card now, with a zebra puppy image embedded in my brain? (I already have a name picked out...). You're awesome!
Hugs~c

Craftychris said...

Both are fabulous - one classy and one fab fun! xxxx

G Peplow said...

I love it when you see the silly in things Darnell :D Fab cards both, well done!! Have a great week :@D xx

vic said...

Oohh these are so much fun love the huge eyes in the second card he he!!!
Hugs
Vic x

Mrs A. said...

I like the clocks on the first card but can see the funny side on the second one . My kinda humour. Hugs Mrs A.

Mrs A. said...

I like the clocks on the first card but can see the funny side on the second one . My kinda humour. Hugs Mrs A.

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell...as always you crack me up. Both cards are amazing but your second card is about as cute as they come, love, love those ginormous google eyes, something one of my preschoolers would love to pull off and use for something else...so so fun.

Kelly Latevola said...

These are both fabulous! I honestly tried to attack this sketch twice but couldn't come up with anything even mildly attractive ha! I adore your zebra puppy. What a super creative take on the sketch :)

Chelle (PhotoArt/MaybeCreative) said...

I love it..Thanks for joining us at Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers.

Kim S said...

What a quirky mix of cards!! Somehow it seems appropriate coming from your blog! I'm not sure why you are worried about the smoosh-nosed zebra puppy - he's absolutely charming - and shows a level of creativity that I could only dream of!! The clocks on the circle embossed background are fantastic too (particularly with the sentiment)!!