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!

November 13, 2014

Twinkle Twinkle

Hey! How's it going? How's the family?

I am seeing lots of stars and tags around Bloggervania of late. Not necessarily together, but they're all over. Yesterday I saw a tag at the bowling alley, so you know Christmas can't be too far away. Today the soup of the day on the menu here is stars. You know I love it when the "stars align" between the challenges! (Sorry. I had to say it.) Also featured are one-layer cards (OLCs).

I went a bit unconventional with this one as far as stars go:
This card is for the current challenge at Less Is More where the theme is the sometimes-dreaded OLC and the scheme is "Starry, Starry Night." Actually both my cards are OLC, CAS, and starry.

The adorable twinkle twinkle sediment is NBUS from Technique Tuesday. I embossed it with gold.

For the card above I made my star from the giant "Ink Spash" by Neat and Tangled. I hope it's not just me who sees a star in this ink splat. ? I could be more sensitive than you are with these things because of all the monthly Rorschach ink splat tests I have to take during my psyciatic checkups.

Because I'm also finding this card to be very festive and I haven't been able to play there lately, I'm also entering the current CASology challenge where the cue card word is "Festive."

And I've just discovered that there is a wonderful one-layer CAS Christmas card challenge going on over at City Crafter Challenge, so I'm linking there, as well!
Take it, it's yours

~~~

My second card is a bit more conventional:
The inspiration for this card came from the current challenge at Fusion Card Challenge where I fused both the colors from the photo and the {flipped} sketch.

I used the same twinkle sediment and gave it a background comet splash using my watercolors after stamping one of the splats from My Favorite Thing's "Jumbo Abstract Art." The exploding star is from a set called "Sprinkled Expressions" by SU.
I'm a bit flustruated that the star is appearing more green than the aqua it is IRL, but such are the vagaries and hobo antics of blog photos. Plus we actually have a few clouds in the sky today.

Also lined up today is the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge where the theme is "We're Seeing Stars."

And over at AAA CAS Card Challenges (where I was thrilled to be a winner in the last challenge!) the theme is "Play With Watercolors."
Simon Wednesday Challenge Blog
Please click on the challenge links to join in the fun and to find all the details on rules, sponsors, and prizes!

The eagle-eyed among you may recognize the card bases for my two cards today. It's the same paper you see used in the winning cards crafted by the uber-talented card artist Anita in France. Thank you, Anita, for bringing some of your exquisite paper for the BABES to share! (Speaking of Anita, wait until you see the unique and dashing tag she created for her post today!!)

~~~

New Friends Corner

Down the Playhouse path comes the sound of new friends for you to meet!

Shirley-Anne Barber of Stamping for Joy. Shirley-Anne is from Adelaide. She has been making cards for over a dozen years and blogging since the very end of 2009. She is a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and she'd like nothing better than to share her knowledge of card design and technique with you! 

Deanne of Three Trees {paper} Creations. Deanne is another seasoned card artist who has been making outstanding cards and blogging since 2008! She is an award-winner, a designer, and a generous crafter who enthusiastically shares tips and tricks of this hobby with you. You can't help but be inspired by this "cheerful crafter!"

Hazel Kinvig-Paul of My Card Attic. Hazel is from the UK and she is brand-spanking-new to our corner of Blogland. Although she has only been blogging since September, she has been making cards for ten years. Like a lot of us, she is retired and her casual hobby has grown to the point where her supplies are overflowing. (Wait until she hears about the NBUS Challenge!) Please make a special effort to pop in for tea at Hazel's Attic and welcome her to our caring and supportive community! 

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

~~~

I've had a couple of days of raging ohmeegodyouhavegottobekiddingmigraines, but things are looking up ~ literally. And to answer the question of my friend Kath, yes, I am going around singing: "I can see clearly now the lids have gone!" You don't want to see pictures yet, but I promise I'll share once I have approval from the Fair Standards Barer and Decency Cupboard.

Speaking of sharing, thank you so much to my little "A. Nonni Mouse Stamping Fairy" for the unexpected and much-appreciate giftie poo that I found hidden by the mailman in the bushes today!! If you let me know who you are, I will send you a thank you note!

~~~

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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82 comments:

Lisa Elton said...

I think this works as a star and it twinkles with the shimmer that's there! THANK you for the pretty and very thoughtful card today sweet friend, it means more than you will ever know. HUGS

Lynn said...

Oh man...so glad the migraines have gone away Darnell. Love your beautiful cards...the colors are clean, crisp and perfect. Love seeing you play at Fusion.

Cathy said...

Gorgeous starry cards Darnell. Glad to hear your migraine is going :) Cathy x

Kylie said...

I love both cards, especially your 'unconventional' one. Amazing creativity, Darnell. I hope you are well, my friend xx

Susanne Vargas said...

A very twinkly post! You are right, I might not have seen a star in that splatter but now that you pointed it out I can't NOT see it! I just love stars so of course I love your cards! I did indeed notice that fabulous linen paper from Anita!
Sorry to hear that you also suffer from migraines - so glad that they have passed!

Sid said...

Loving both your cards .......especially the splat star !!

Patti said...

Awesome cards!! Your first star splat is sensational!!

I'm sorry you've been under the weather : ( and so glad to hear you are feeling better now! : )

(((Hugs)))
Patti

Joyce said...

Glad your eyes are healing and your headache is gone. Your cards today are marvelous, as usual. Thanks so much for playing along at CASology this week.

Aileen said...

Glad to hear you are feeling better. Love both your cards, the first one I looked and looked but couldn't see a star but I did see a planet that had just been squished by a giant......

Anyway love your posts as usual and checked out you ladies. Started following Hazel I think it was, your last one. My taste.

Becca Cruger said...

Love your unconventional mind! That "star" is way cool! I'm glad you're on the mend.

wienerhoneymooners said...

Love your clever use of splat!! You are sl clever and I LOVE it!! Such a spirit lifter! Thanks for joining us Darnell, always a pleasure!!!
HUGS!

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Fantastic card, love this star
have a great Friday
hugs :)

Sarah G said...

Glad to hear you are feeling better, Darnell and literally seeing stars! I love your splat star on the first card and that sediment is perfect for your starry designs. Great one layer cards. Thank you as well for your kind comments on my October LIM win - I almost dropped my ipad when I saw it was me :)

Gerrina said...

Great idea to use that as a star! Fun and original card your first! The second is beautiful in a "normal"way... Enjoy the day, Gerrina

Anne said...

Ooh I like star soup Darnell! Two fab cards, the spatter is really fun and I love the depth the second card has in its stamping.
Glad you're feeling better x
Thanks so much for your LIM entry
Anne
Less is More Designer

Lorraine A said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell :-) I love the splatter card ! Very original, the colour and gold embossing look gorgeous together and your 2nd card is fabulous too :-)

thanks for joining us on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge
luv
Lols x x x
Love your blog write up too, with highlights of your new friends, what a lovely idea :-)
Hope you're feeling better now, migraines are no fun ,,,, x

Inkyfingers said...

What a great use for the splat stamp and way to go for 2 lovely examples of the dreaded OLC! Hope you are feeling better after the migraines - they are the pits.
Take care my friend.
Hugs
Carol x

Rita said...

Good Morning from Scotland. I love both cards Darnell, the Splat one looks great even if it is unconventional, loving the star on the second one and the sentiment looks great. Hope your feeling better now as it's awful to be a migraine sufferer. Have a Good Day. Hugs Rita xxx

Suze Bain said...

I had to laugh at your splat star, perhaps it's exploding, or do they call that a supernova? Sorry to hear you've been feeling poorly. Take good care. Xx

Redanne said...

So sorry about the migraines, glad that you are back singing again - great song choice too too ...lol!

Both cards are wonderful although my heart keeps taking me back to the wonderful splat and yes, I can see the star in it - just love it - and the other one too, of course!

Big hugs, Annie xxx

Linda said...

Glad to hear you're feeling better hun ..... love the cards, especially the star splat ... just genius! xx

Sue said...

Fab cards.

Glad your mig has gone. They can hang around for days.

Hope you have a fab Friday. Sue

Jane said...

Sorry to hear about the migraine, glad you're better now. Love the twinkle twinkle cards Darnell, so pleased you played along with us at AAA Cards again this week.

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

LOVING those cards Darnell! Is that the 'woven' embossing folder in the top card, or is it a textured card? Great idea using the ink splot as a star . . . genius! thanks for the shout out, much appreciated. I adore your lovely little craft 'house'. have a great day! Hazel xx

Viv said...

Sorry been AWOL - playing catch up now! Love the splodgy star Darnell! Two fab cards. x

Kim M said...

Wonderful cards, Darnell! Love how you used the ink splat for a star. Way to think outside the box! Glad to hear your headaches are going away now. Take care! Hugs! :-)

Stamps and Paper said...

Bloggavania...I love it....
Love your star cards and those amazing colours darnell

Anne

Mau xx said...

What brilliant cards Darnell, the first one is such a great take on Stars, you always come up with something unique....love it!!!
Thanks for kind wods about Alfie :) he is a sweetheart, we always had a bigger dog too, and cannot imagine why I had never thought of dachshunds my daughter bought one (Stanley) earlier this year..he is now 9mths old We fell in love!
When she offered to buy one for our Golden Wedding we were thrilled beyond words. Neither Alfie or Stan have ever barked! They are amazing to teach ... like sponges. Alfie at 10 weeks was fetching and recalling...amazing! He is totally toilet trained since 9weeks. He never ceases to amaze us.
Xxxxx

Veerle said...

I like both your cards Darnell. And I love the main colour you have used. Hugs, Veerle xx

Veerle said...

I like both your cards Darnell. And I love the main colour you have used. Hugs, Veerle xx

Vicky Hayes said...

Your cards are always so much fun Darnell! I particularly like the splat star - definitely thinking outside the box on that one! Vicky x

KT Fit Kitty said...

Very creative, Darnell! And your commentary made me smile!

~amy~ said...

You know, I never saw a star in the ink splash until now! Love your cards Darnell...thanks for playing with us at FUSION.

Nan G said...

Hello my Friend! Love the splats! On that gorgeous cardstock too. I'm battling anohmygodwhereisthekleenix cold. Then to start unpacking...moving is finished. Settling in has begun. Hugs

JD/ Jill said...

Very cute creative cards, as always. so sorry you had to deal with the migraines...(I know from my own experience with the... how bad they can be) Hope you are feeling better now. Sorry that I have not been around much. Hope to be able to do much better after my next upcoming surgery...thanks for your prayers and good wishes. Blessings to you, Jill

Shelly said...

Lovin' both cards! I can totally see a star out of the ink splatter! Very clever!

Ros Crawford said...

So sorry about your bad headaches ... Hope you feel better soon ... lovely cards!!

Viv said...

Oooh Dee just loving all your splenderifous ( is it a word...well it should be)nope it's splendiferous lol !anyway what I mean is I am loving both cards.Great splatting too, I love a good splat myself. Loving the colours also...so pretty. I hope you are healing well, sorry about the darned migraines...mine have gone for now. Have you tried alternating a hot then very cold flannel to the back of the neck, supposed to help. I forgot that of course didn't I when I had one. Anyway try it Dee ;) hugs Vee xx

Chrissie said...

I love your thinking outside the box Darnell... two terrific cards!
Love the colour too!
Hope you're feeling on top form again now!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"

Brenda said...

Well I am loving both of these cards, but my favorite one is the first one!! Yep, I can see shimmer and shine and yes, even a star shape! So to me it is a star. Loving the colors in these two cards even if they aren't showing the right color on film. Still very beautiful!!! Glad that you are seeing better now that the "lids" are gone!! I'm sure it's not looking very pretty yet, but can't wait to see your eyes once all healed. Hugs, Brenda

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Both cards are super scrummy. The colours and the textured card are terrific. Did think on the first one that you had spilt your curacao daiquiri but then I guessed you would have licked it off if that had happened, lol!
Hope the eyes are better.
Have a great weekend.
Ang x

Verna Angerhofer said...

Cute card and I love that big Splat design. I love CAS.

oldpunca said...

Dear Darnell, both of your cards are super nice, but the splash is so unique that I can't take my eyes away. :-)) I also see the star in it. :-))
Hugs, Sonja

Diane said...

Greetings Darnell, what fun colors, love the splash effect.

Hugs Diane

Chark said...

these are fun and fabulous, Darnell!

conil said...

Bruised lids or not, yoy certainly have been busy (so sorry about the migraines...yuck!). Great OLC's. Actually the color is fine in the photos, though not what you intended. Glad to hear your head's clearing up.

Tracey McNeely said...

Darnell these are both so fantastic, I LOVE how crisp and perfect your gold embossing is! Thank you so much for joining us at CASology this week!

Kathleen said...

Great card and a great post, was a tad worried about seeing stars thought it was an aftermath of the Op (not really)
Hope the headaches are now gone.
Have a great weekend.

Kath x

Anonymous said...

Wonderful cards - so glad the stars have aligned for you.
Hope the migraines have gone now.
Going to visit some new friends :)

Sazzle Dazzle said...

Super stunning cards Darnell and love the effect of the textured card on the first one.
thanks so much for sharing
Sarah
Less is More

Victoria Lavender said...

Terrific cards! Love the colors and the "star". Thanks for playing with us at AAA Cards. Hugs, Victoria Lavender

Kathyk said...

Love them - you know me ... BIG fan of splats!

Kathyk

dottielottie said...

This is a great splat that definitely has star qualities, especially with it's shiny twinkly coat on. I also love the exploding star on your 2nd card, they are both perfect for your challenges. Hope the migraines are subsiding and you have a lovely weekend. Hugs Lottie x

Pat said...

I love both these cards Darnell, and the first definitely also has the look of a comet with a tail and so very enterprising and clever of you. The image of the star with those little trailing stars and then all the other little stars is great and love the gorgeous blue colour you have used. I hope your migraine is long gone and that you are feeling more like your old self. x

Kristie Goulet said...

Happy to hear your migraines are gone. YUCK!!! Love your cards.

Bobby said...

Truth be told, real stars probably look more like your splat than the 5 pointers we usually think of. So very creative of you, Darnell. Love that tumbling star. I'm with you on the strange color thing. Somehow they never look quite right on screen.

Melissa said...

Now THAT is a modern star! You're really too creative for your own good, Darnell. ;) I'm sorry you have to suffer through migraines. :( I hope you continue to feel better. Hugs!

Helen F. said...

Two beautiful twinkling cards, Darnell, love the CAS designs.
Happy you are feeling better and well enuf to create these beauties!

Shona Chambers said...

Your first card definitely passed the test because as soon as I saw it I thought of the Fusion Challenge and the SSS Wednesday challenge. And I recognised that beautiful card stock too, lucky you to get your hands on it!! Hope your gradually getting better in the 'eyelid' department and how exciting to find a gift in the bushes, all I usually find are snails or worse!!

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Love your green stars! Your cards are beautiful!

Kim Heggins said...

Fabulous and festive twinkle cards, just so much fun and so happy you are now feeling better too. Hope to see you soon.

Robyn Oliver said...

Darnell, your cards are lovely and your posts of so much fun to read...LITS...enjoy, Robyn

sandie said...

love, love these cards....adore the first one, my kind of non trad Xmas card! Have a fun weekend xx

MaryH said...

Such pretty 'splats'. Loved that first one. Reminded me when I used to have to take those R (can't spell it!) tests & they could try to figure out how my mind worked (we won't go there!!!). A delightful set of cards with great designs. It is not easy to do splats! At least on purpose - for me anyway! TFS & Happy wkend.

Anita in France said...

I'm so pleased those b*****s are easing, Darnell and you're feeling more like your wonderful self! Your cards are delicious ... yep, that splat is a simply splendid star ... cool and funky and gorgeous! Thanks so much for the blush making shout out, mon amie ... and as for the paper ... you're waaaay more than welcome ... you made it shine! Giftie poo bush ... any chance of a cutting?? Bisous, Bisous, Anita :)

Bonnie said...

Man is this computer slow! It's taken so long to get this little box up that I've forgotten what I was going to say! LOL, let me see... Oh, I love that splatted star! What a cool idea that I wouldn't have thought of! Love that aqua and the beautiful paper!

New Creations said...

Both of creations are awesome and I never seen a splash star before, so very creative!

Marybeth said...

Welcome to all your new followers !
I love your splat card and your second one as well. Such pretty colors. Happy to hear you are feeling better now.
You have me thinking about the same eyelid procedure , I am going to ask about mine , they are so heave and sit right on my eye.

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

So pretty, thanks for sharing with us at CCCB!

Greta said...

Festive & fun--love these, Darnell!

wienerhoneymooners said...

LOVING the second card too!!!!! That sentiment ROCKS!!

Jen W. said...

What a brilliant use of that splatter! It's makes and awesome star especially with that perfect sentiment. :) Thanks for playing along with CASology this week!

Sorry to hear about your migraines. I had a bad run of them a couple of weeks ago. So not fun. Especially as they occurred during the few days I'd taken off from work to work on card! Doh!

Stella said...

Both cards are brilliant takes on our challenge! Thank you so much for joining us this week at CCCB!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous starry cards!!!Sorry about the migraines Darnell, I've never had one but I know people that do and there horrible! Thanks so much for playing along at CCCB!!

Geri said...

Wowzers girlfriend! You sure showed that migraine who is boss, creating these two trendy beauties without giving in to the pain!

These really are cool cards with awesome colors and design! And yes, I definitely see a star in the first card - love how you think pal!

Barb Ghig said...

CONGRATS on your well deserved win over at AAA Cards! Really beautiful water coloring and design, Darnell... it's no surprise to me to see you as a winner!
I love your giant splat/star and this charming sentiment! Also, the texture on your card base is fabulous! I also love your conventional version! You've done an amazing job creating two OLC's...they're not the easiest, yet you've made them look as if they are!
I'm so glad your migraines have improved...yikes, they can really interfere with a good time! And, I'm so glad you are able to see better :) After seeing your photo on today's post, I must say you look Mahveluss Dahling!!! I hope things continue to improve...Hugs, Barb

debby4000 said...

Love them both Darnell, the splot really does look like a star.
Thank you for joining us at Simon says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.
Luv
Debby

Lyndal said...

Fabulous watercolour Darnell!! Glad you are feeling improved :) and super glad you joined in the fun @ FUSION!

Milka Gubo said...

Beautiful cards Darnell :-D I love love love that blue color and CAS design :-D

Kelly Griglione said...

Yes, I totally see a star in your ink splotch, now that you mention it! Too fun, Darnell ... I love it when people try new uses for things. Totally works. And, your comet trail on the Fusion card is quite effective too. Always glad to see you at the Fusion Challenge, Darnell!

cm said...

Unconventional to conventional, your 'starry' cards are pure delights! And the background paper...yes, yummy indeed!
Hugs~c

Greta said...

Congrats on your win at CCCB!