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!

February 5, 2015

A Bubble Gum Kiss!

Hi there!

Thank you for whooshing your way through the week to Friday and coming to see me! Golly gee, folks, do I have a cutie-patootie card for you today! 
I haven't paper-pieced for quite a while and this card, which is perfect for this time of year, gave me an opporturnity to piece to my heart's content! This card is going to my dear friend Lolly, who I consider to be one of the world's experts at paper piecing. I hope she approves of her grasshopper's skills and it brings her a smile. She recently fell and went boom big-time, so she could use a smile.

Didn't the stamp artist do a sensational job drawing these tykes with their little bellies sticking out? The stamp is NBUS by Penny Black ("bubble heart"). The entire image was paper-pieced except for the bubble, which was colored with colored pencils and then painted with WOS. I know it's a lot more rosy-red than normal bubble-gum, but that's cuz it is special Valentine-hued bubble gum! What do you think it tastes like?
The sediment stamp is an old wooden stamp by The Rubbernecker Stamp Company. It's a tad too big for the location on this card, but I wanted to employ it because of the "xoxoxo" feature so I could enter it in the Addicted to CAS and Addicted to Stamps and More (photo inspiration) challenges, both of which are "Hugs and Kisses."
I'm also entering:
We'd love you to display our bannerPlease do grab our logo to display on your own blogPixies Crafty Workshop
Please click on the links for information on sponsors, prizes, rules, and to play along!

~~~

I have to share a fabulous card I saw recently, made by my friend Anne of Stamps and Paper:
Isn't that funny?! It really struck a chord with me right now. I'm afraid all those chocolate kisses I have been keeping in my desk drawer and enjoying with Reckless Abandon have caught up with me. At first the calories settled in my behind, which made me on-trend. And since I can't see it back there, it didn't really bother me. But then the calories creeped around to form a front butt and that is harder to rational eyes. So I've had to give up my beloved choccie. However, please, sir, a mouth wash made of chocolate would be low in calories, Shirley?

~~~

New Friends Corner

Here are five more new friends for your enjoyment and inspiration!

Sonia Claveria of I Am a Washi Scrap Addict. I think a lot of us can relate to being Washi tape addicts! Sonia is from Spain and she has only been blogging for just one year! Happy Birthaversary of your blog, Sonia! Sonia started her blog to share her wonderful works of art and those of her two daughters, who also share her love of this hobby. It also gives her a way to enter challenges and win recognition for her work. Please stop by Sonia's blog and welcome her to our friendly and supportive community!

Monica Taylor of Taylor Made Cards 4U. Monica has been blogging since July 2013. She is a card artist with a wide range from clean and simple to mixed media and 3D. She makes Tim's Tags, so that will give you an idea of her talent! She is on several design teams, loves to play in challenges, and has lots of inspiration to share with you!

Sue W. aka Tilly of a consuming passion. Another fabulous and relatable blog banner name! Sue is from Australia and she has been blogging since 2009, which means noodles of incredible ideas and inspiration are available to you! I've actually followed Sue since almost the beginning of my blogging journey and I love her works of art. Her card execution and her photography are stellar and she has a very enjoyable and positive personality!

Shari Trumbull of Ain't That Artsy Fartsy. Speaking of positive personalities, Shari is a delight as you can tell from her blog banner name! I wish I'd thought of it first! Shari has been blogging since June 2013, but she started her crafting addiction back in 1998 after helping someone make homemade wedding invitations. She does a marvelous job with mixed media, but you'll find a full range of card art from Shari!

Lisa Petrella of Bellalistona. Lisa is a mountain girl with a passion for paper crafting. She has also been blogging since 2009 and loves designing everything from card art to 3D gift bags/boxes and stationery. It is quite impressive to see the recognition that Lisa has received over the years as you scroll through the side bar on her blog, including World Card Making Day winner in 2011! Lisa serves on many design teams so you'll see amazing card art on her blog and on challenge blogs! 

~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy.  LITS!* 

I'm sorry to be apologizing again for being behind in my visits. I'm spending every free minute making Walentines. Then things should settle back to normal! (She said, as Life laughed hysterically!)

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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93 comments:

Suze Bain said...

What fab paper piecing Darnell, very cute indeed! Know what you mean about chocolate consumption, I blame the dark winter nights, can't be bothered doing anything at night except lazing in front of the TV eating goodies! Xx

Sue said...

This is gorgeous Darnell, I love the sweet image and your paper piecing looks fabulous.
I hope you have a good weekend.
hugs Sue xx

Lizzy Hill said...

What an amazing card! Paper piercing. eh? Never gone there & not likely to in this lifetime. Doesn't mean I can't enjoy in others though, right??? Oh, YES! hearing you with the chocolate. Still trying to finish off the Chrissy stash of choccies & biccies [you call 'em cookies!].... it's my DUTY to, isn't it???!!!!!!!!!!

Sarah said...

Amazing paper piecing on this cutie Darnell, just out of this world!! I LOVE the idea of calorie free chocolate mouthwash...if only!! xx

!neke said...

Your paper piercing is great !
Love this kids with the bubble gum .
greetings to you !neke

Shirley said...

The image says it all Darnell. So cute and colourful and great that you have made it into a valentine card. Your paper piecing is perfect and I hope the person who receives it loves it.
Thank you for joining our February challenge at Penny Black and More this month and we you will join us again soon.

Shirley

Sue said...

Fab card.

Hope you have a fab Friday. Sue

Sue - said...

Super paper piecing Darnell - cherry flavour I think!

Inkyfingers said...

You get 10 out of 10 and go to the top of the class for paper piecing for this cutie Darnell. I think the sentiment is a perfect size for them to stand on too. All the cutting out will keep your hands out of the chocolate drawer so I see your cunning plan and perhaps I should try that too.
Hugs
Carol x

KandA said...

What a fabulous card and amazing paper piecing of that oh so cute image. If you've got any excess lbs to spare just send them to me - I'm trying like crazy to add a bit of weight but only just managing not to lose any more xx

Aileen said...

Darnell, I wove your paper piercing, absolutely perfect. And the bubble gum, looks so yum. Ohh Ilove coming to visit. Take care

Julie B said...

What a perfectly sweet image Darnell, I love all the paper piecing you did here.
Thanks for sharing with us at ATSM as well!:)

Unknown said...

I love your paper piecing Darnell!I have a card on my desk a this moment that i paper pieced too! :)
Nina-Marie :)

Unknown said...

I love your paper piecing Darnell!I have a card on my desk a this moment that i paper pieced too! :)
Nina-Marie :)

Kathyk said...

Great make, what fun colours too. I don't paper piece often either and yet .....

Have a great weekend, Darnell

Kathyk

Ros Crawford said...

Your paper piecing skills are fabulous!! It must have taken ages but hey it was worth it ... Such a terrific card!
Have a great day!

Carol said...

Great make Darnell, love the paper piecing.Such a cute image (though I hate bubble gum with a vengeance!). Enjoy your weekend. Carol x

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

You should piece more often.... this is amazing!

Linda said...

This definitely is a cutie Darnell, and it's paper pieced to perfection .... I love it!!! Have a fab weekend ... hugs Linda xx

Marilyn said...

Cute card!! Did someone mention chocolate??? Chocolate is my weakness!! Chocolate mouthwash sounds good to me

Hettie said...

Tee Hee! That is Strawberry flavoured bubblegum of course!!
Great card and well done for paperpiecing it. you have too much patients! It would have gone out of the window if I could be brave enough to open it!
Hugs and Happy Friday.
xx

Jeanne said...

What an adorable card. Love your paper piecing! The gum must be watermelon flavored! I love how you added WOS to the bubble heart. Great card!

Lisa said...

I love this!! That is the sweetest image!! You paper-pieced them perfectly!! Absolutely fabulous card!! Have a great weekend :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Pat said...

I love that cute stamp Darnell and with all that wonderful paper piecing, and then that great sentiment to finish, voila you have one wonderful valentine card. This is sure to give poor Loll a lift after her horrid accident. x

*Vicki* said...

Darnell, I just ADORE this image!! Such a sweet design and your coloring looks fabulous!! :)

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Beautiful paper piecing, it's fantastic! I like the quote about washing mouths out with chocolate:) Have a great weekend, Hugs, Shirleyxx

Nancy said...

Such an adorable image! Too cute! Your paper piecing is just amazing!!!!!

alexandra s.m. said...

How fun and absolutely adorable Darnell!
Your paper piecing is exquisite!
Thank You~

Jacee said...

How adorable Darlene, such a sweet image
hugs Jacee
Simply Paper Card Design

Brenda said...

Oh my, how sweet is this card?!! I love that sweet image of the boy and girl, so cute!!! And how I remember blowing bubbles with other kids and our gum getting stuck together. lol I know, sound yucky but as a kid we didn't care! This is a fabulous card Auntie and I adore it and I think Loll will too!! I also had to chuckle about the chocolate, that is so funny! I'm not a huge fan of chocolate, but I do enjoy me some from time to time. Hugs, Brenda

Leslee said...

So very cute! Such an adorable image! You're so right about the week whooshing by!

Kara Lynne said...

Paper piecing paradise!! I wish I had that dress and tights for my girls, although there would be protest now that they are 13 and 11. Darling card and I think the sentiment is the perfect size for the image.

I Card Everyone said...

Love and yes, please...
=] M

Ellibelle said...

A very cute card Darnell. I love the paper piecing!
I also just now saw your "playhouse" Such a wonderful idea! I am going to show it to hubby, maybe I can convince him that I need one too! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Oh, and thank you for playing along at Penny Black and More!

Viv said...

Hi Vee ! sorry not to pay you a visit for a while but that new 'puter has fried my brain I fear! another lovely card again here, just adore that sweet couple too. Have a lovely weekend my friend.Thanks for telling me that I had an Honourable mention over at CASology....I hadn't spied it earlier ;) hugs Vee xx

Redanne said...

In my mind I like to think it would taste of juicy red cherries... your card is super cute and I do hope it cheers up Lolly - falls are no fun at all! Hope she gets well soon! Hugs, Annie xx

Sarn said...

Utterly adorable card Darnell. Fab paper piecing too . . . I'm sure your friend will love it.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Monica taylor said...

Super fun card. Paper piecing is one of my favorite techniques. I use it often.

jimlynn said...

Fantastic paper piecing!!!! Love the image too. Very, very cute and know she's going to love this card.
Lynn

sandie said...

That is some super paper piecing and what an adorable image! How about Gin flavoured mouth wash, now that would be more to my liking!

cuilliesocks said...

Such a cute card, love the image and your colours, Kate x

Susanne Vargas said...

Adorable card and a fabulous job of paper piecing! Everything works so well together!

Lisa Elton said...

Adorable card Darnell!! You did a great job with the paper piecing. I'm smitten with her polka dot dress!!

Becca Cruger said...

Just darling! That bubblegum heart probably tastes like a unicorn. All glittery and magical. That's what I'm going with. :D

Jean said...

Such a very cute image Darnell and your paper piecing is great.This card is sure to cheer your friend and make her smile.
Jean x

Liz said...

Fantastic paper piecing and such a great image. Love it! Love Anne's card too, let me know if you find that chocolate mouthwash. I'll put in an order for some! xx

Chriss Blagrave said...

This is such a darling image and what a fabulous paper piecing engineer you are! I especially love the striped tights matched with the polka dot frock! Love!

Anita in France said...

Complete cuties, Darnell ... sartorially elegant too in their perfectly paper pieced outfits ... I'm thinking apple and cinnamon gum! OK, chocolate mouthwash ... oh yeh, I could use that! I hear Life laughing hysterically over here too ... you'd think it'd laugh itself out after a while, but nooooooooo! Bisous, Bisous, Anita :)

oldpunca said...

You created a really sweet card dear Darnell. :-) Paper piecing is very well done. I love shiny red bubble gum.:-))
Have a nice weekend, Sonja

Unknown said...


My Name is Jones Benady from Australia..I never believed in Love Spells or Magics until I met this special spell caster DR ODIMILI when i went to Africa to Execute some business..He is really powerful..My wife divorce me with no reason for almost 4 years and i tried all i could to have her back cos i really love her so much but all my effort did not work out.. we met at our early age at the college and we both have feelings for each other and we got married happily for 5 years with no kid and she woke up one morning and she told me she’s going on a divorce..i thought it was a joke and when she came back from work she tender to me a divorce letter and she packed all her loads from my house..i ran mad and i tried all i could to have her back but all did not work out..i was lonely for almost 4 years…So when i told the spell caster what happened he said he will help me and he asked for her full name and her picture..i gave him that..At first i was skeptical but i gave it a try cos h ave tried so many spell casters and there is no solution…so when he finished with the readings,he got back to me that she’s with a man and that man is the reason why she left me…The spell caster said he will help me with a spell that will surely bring her back.but i never believe all this…he told me i will see a positive result within 3 days..3 days later,she called me herself and came to me apologizing and she told me she will come back to me..I cant believe this,it was like a dream cos i never believe this will work out after trying many spell casters and there is no solution..DR ODIMILI The spell caster is so powerful and after that he helped me with a pregnancy spell and my wife got pregnant a month later..we are now happy been together again and with lovely kid..This spell caster has really changed my life and i will forever thankful to him..he has helped many friends too with similar problem too and they are happy and thankful to him..This man is indeed the most powerful spell caster have ever experienced in life..Am Posting this to the Forum in case there is anyone who has similar problem and still looking for a way out........ CONTACT THIS POWERFUL SPELL CASTER TODAY VIA EMAIL:hamonyspellcaster1957@gmail.com

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Amazing piecing and an image to make you smile.
You should enter this at House of Cards as the theme this month is love.
How may walentines are you making? Does Mr K know about this?
This is what happens in the Free Love generation I guess, lol!
Ang x

conil said...

Aces on the paper-peiecing, Miss Darnell. Awesome color choices, as well. While I'm at it, adorable stamp. Your Wallentine's gonna love it. I, too, am unhappy with my current figure and trying to do something about it. Apparently, though, I'm not trying hard enough (insert heavy sigh here).

Barb Ghig said...

Absolutely darling card, Darnell! I love your paper piecing and sparkly bubble gum...so fun!
Thanks so much for playing along with us this week at ATCAS!

Anne said...

Darnell this is awesome paper piecing for your little ones!
I think the bubble gum will taste of raspberries :)
Thanks for joining us this week at LIM
Anne
Less is More

Anonymous said...

Hi Miss Darnell! I received your card and was so excited!! TY soooooooo much! It put a great big smile on my face!! And so did this card! Sooooo cute!!!!

Maura said...

What a fabulous job of paper piecing, Darnell! Love all the different colors and textures you chose for this darling image! Happy weekend!

Chrissie said...

Great paper piecing Darnell.... it works so well with these images!
The bubbles look fab!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More

Carol L said...

This is one adorable Valentine and your paper piecing is beyond impressive too! What are you going to fill that big drawer with now that you've given up the kisses???

Susan said...

I always enjoy visiting your blog. I always leave with a smile. Love your adorable card and the great job you did with paper piecing. XO XOXO

Renee said...

This is just too stinkin' adorable...
love it!

Kylie said...

The bubble gum kiss is brilliant. What a great image! Your paper piecing is sensational and will certainly do Loll proud. I'm sure that sentiment about the chocolate was written about me...... good grief! Thanks so much for playing along at ATSM and ATCAS xx

Bobby said...

I can't believe you cut out all those little pieces, Darnell. Well, actually I can believe YOU did but I definitely wouldn't. It is so perfectly designed and put together, right down to the cinnamon flavored bubblegum.

kiwimeskreations said...

This is one amazingly sweet card Darnell, Thank you for sharing your inspiration! Oh, and the other card!
Blessings
Maxine

Cheryl W. said...

Your card is fabulous! I love that sweet image and your expert paper-piecing!

Karen M said...

Gorgeous card Darnell and your paper piecing looks fabulous! Thanks so much for joining us this week at ATSM:) Hugs xx

Carole Z said...

Wow Darnell what great paper piecing! Such an adorable card, hugs Carole Z X

Taunya Butler said...

Oh, sweet Darnell - this card is colorful, lovable and full of cuteness just like you!! Live those kids and the paper piecing you did on them is Incredible!! They look so good and the bubble gum - well my mouth is watering for some of that sparkling red deliciousness! You have a beautiful, fun valentine on your hands - thank you for the inspiration!! Have an amazing weekend!! Hugs to you!!! Thanks for your help with the suggestions I asked for - it helped so much!! Please know I appreciate you!!!

Di said...

Super card Darnell - and the paper piecing is absolutely wonderful! Aren't those two such a pair - young love indeed :)

Hugs

Di xx

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Stunning card
hugs Tamara

laurie said...

They are adorable, and the bubble gum is so fun! A cute valentine, that's for sure!

Kristi said...

Whoa! Paper piecing? That is seriously some talent! I love how you chose papers to use that have texture in them for the girl's hair and the boy's jacket. Perfect!

Shelly said...

Now, how ADORABLE is this?!!...So sweet! Enjoy your weekend, Darnell! :)

Cat Craig said...

Simply Sweet Darnell. Love the glossy sparkly bubblegum heart.

Birgit said...

Love both cards-the first one is sweet and I think it tastes of Cinnamon and love the 2nd card and the saying. I have a BIF too (AKA Bum In Front)

Lindsey said...

Your card is so cute and your paper-piecing is awesome!

Jasleen Kaur said...

I did see this stamp online this side and really loved it, but the thought of colouring so much stopped me from buying it. Well, because it didn't occur to me that I could use it by paper piecing!!! You have done a brilliant job, Darnell and inspired me to use such stamps. This is one of those cards anybody would love receiving with a big smile :)

Petra Swart said...

Oh, what great paper piecing, Darnell!!! Love that cute stamp and the bubblegum really looks yummy!!! Maybe kissin cherry flavour?? And boy, a chocolate mouthwash - now you're talking!!!!
Have a great week!!!!

Lynn said...

These are two little darlings. Fantastic paper piecing, and the sentiment is perfect! Perhaps the bubble gum flavour is 'strawberry kisses'?! Lynn x

Brenda in IN said...

I would never have known that was paper pieced. It looks perfect! I love the paper you used on her outfit. That is a cute image and I love the bubble balloon. I don't say the word diet but I think I should so I can wash my mouth out with chocolate! I love that!

Willeke said...

Hi Darnell,
what a lovely and bubbly card !
Greetings from Willeke

Nora Noll said...

Wow! How long did this card take you with all that paper piecing? It came out fabulous. I love all the paper choices you made for the clothes. Just picking the papers would take me forever. Really, really spectacular card!!

Joyce said...

Now, how do you have time to read 82 comments, and do all that paper piecing? You must be quite organized. Love this very sweet card, and all the different papers you chose.

JD/ Jill said...

This card is so cute and great paper piecing!

BożenA said...

My God, it is so exciting chewing gum together ... beautiful times when a man does not think about the terrifying bacteria of, just enjoying life. Wonderful card, evokes the memory of those wonderful times, which, unfortunately, are long gone, but the memories of the time they are forwarded to us and evoke nostalgia. Thank you for calling these old memories ...
Regards,
Bozena

Bonnie said...

Bubble gum and chocolate! What a delicious post!

Sharon Underwood said...

Just looked over your past several cards. They all look great! This one has such a cute image! I especially like the one above this, where you used a heart die. Another one for my WANT list!

Gerrina said...

I think this is one of the cuttest and beautifully coloured valentines cards that I have come across this year! Beautiful! Hugs, Gerrina

Deepti said...

Perfection in paper piecing :) Love this adorable card, Thank you for sharing with ATCAS!

Yolanda Garrido said...

I love paper piecing AND you did it great!!!!!! Many kisses!!

Shona Chambers said...

Sorry I'm a bit behind with my commenting at present. These two little cuties are absolutely adorable and you did a fantastic job with your paper piecing!! So glad you shared this with us at all ATSM!!

Unknown said...

This is such a sweet card! What a fun image and lovely colouring :) Thank you so much for taking the time to play along with us at Addicted to Stamps and More, we sure hope you will come back and join in the fun again!!!

Greta said...

Darling card, Darnell!

cm said...

Cutie-patootie, indeed, Darnell, and I believe that your 'grasshopper' skills will receive abundant accolades, indeed! Sooo sweet! A chocolate induced front-butt? Hahahahahahha...
Hugs~c