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 21, 2015

Year of the Shrago!

Happy Chinese New Year!

There is a bit of confusion over what animal sign is associated with the year 2015. Some say it's the Year of the Sheep. Some say Year of the Goat. Some say Year of the Ram. Apparently, we have options this year because those are all the ways "yang" is translated into English. So I propose we say it is the Year of the Shrago.

In the Year of the Shrago, you will find your Mo Joe Juice will be flowing at new all-time high levels of creativity. Bravo!

All this is my way of reminding you that I am guest designing for a wonderful challenge going on over at Inkspirational with a photo that has an Asian influence. We would love to see you participate! There are many floral designs you can come up with even if you don't have any traditionally Asian stamps, plus there are always digital images available.

I have more inspiration for you today. (Did you get your beverage? Okay, good.)

So last week when I was doing my original card for Inkspirational, I heat-embossed two "Love" symbols on the pretty origami paper. The first one you can find here or on the Inkspirational site. I thought for this second card, a butterfly I found in my drawer would make a nice accompany mint:
Rather than a Spellbinders rectangle die for embossing, for this card I used a rectangle mat die, which I believe came from PTI. It's a perfectly fine card, right?

Well, ahem, yesterday I thought I should deepen the grooves of my embossing to make it more pronounced, so I reached for an angled thingie that I have in my carousel for doing rub-ons. It was a bit dirty on the end, but it looked like it would work, so I took my metal ruler and grooved.

Aacckk! It turns out, gasp, that wasn't just some stain on the end, it was dog-gone INK! Sah-lap! What a dumb-dumb! INK! That'll make you drop a thing like a hot potato and fly backwards in your chair!

Well, hey now, it was too pretty to throw away, so I just inked the whole way round to fix it:
I even like it better. Here's a close-up of the sheen and shine:
And there you go. I do hope you will play along with the Inkspirational Challenge in any way that inspires you!

I'm also entering:


We'd love you to display our banner
And, then, since whenever I see a butterfly, I want to play in Mrs. A.'s Butterfly Challenge, I looked across the pond to see the brief. Beg your pardon? This month we are to use a ribbon with our butterflies. Well, chile, there is a blank space inside that rectangle in that lower right sweet spot, so ho ho how about this?

Grab My Button.
~~~

Part Two

Now let's turn our attention to a more whimsical card. It turns out I don't have an image of a Shrago. Nor, (I don't think) of a Goat or a Ram. But I happen to have a NBUS sheep from Paper Smooches!
This card makes me grin. I like the current CTS sketch, so I started with that. Hammy pointed me to my star collection, which made no sense, but when I opened the drawer and worked my way to the back, I found this awesome bit of ribbon I've had since the last century. It's gorgeous IRL, so that became my band and, well, I have to admit, stars and celebrations DO go together!

I then did an acrylic block watercolor background using the same colors in the ribbon. I stamped the sheep on the dry watercolor and fussy cut it. Then I made a stitched oval using my Lil' Inker dies. My NBUS sentiment from the Stampendous set "Retro Ornament Set" was laid out on an acrylic block before stamping so that it would curve to fit the oval. Then I popped on the sheep and punctuated the design with a little star cut from my watercolor paper using my NBUS Framelits dies.

Once I took the photo, I realized that I really should have embossed the card with the stitches, too, so I ran it through my Big Shot to do just that. Here is one without the stitches:
And here is one with the stitches:
 
I felt like I was too clever by half when it worked! Erm, well, not really. Unfortunately, it squished my oval panel and now it looks like somebody took that wool and put it in the washing machine and now it's a too-tight sweater over those pop-dots! Oops.

I am entering my non-squished Year of the Sheep card in:
~~~

Part Three

I am trying to make two cards for every one card and, as it happens, I had just enough of that pretty ribbon to make one more card, thusly:
 
For this card, I used a different sketch (below). I used a stitched circle instead of an oval and cut it out of craft foam and I used a kookoo bird instead of a sheep.

The birdie is really new NBUS. It is the result of another instance of enabling, except this time I can't remember who did the enabling. The stamp set is by Tim Holtz, called "Bird Crazy." There are six birds in the brood and you will be seeing all of them. They moved in here and immediately hit it off with the hamster!

For this card, I did a little cosmetic surgery on the head and tail feathers and then I colored her with my colored pencils. The "Hey" is also NBUS from Avery Elle. The eyeballs are, I think, from Darice.

Once again, after taking the photo, I wished I had stitched the card base, so I popped out her eyeballs and ran her through the Big Shot. Here then, is the "after" shot:
That's better, no pop-dots to squish on this one. She nails you with that look, doesn't she? You're not quite sure if that's a "Hey, how's it goin'?" or a "Hey, whadder you lookin' at?" Or, maybe a "Hey! Why did you squish me?"

Challenges
  • Freshly Made Sketches: Sketch
  • Cure For the Monday Blues: Photo Inspiration. (My first time here.)
  • The Card Concept: Photo Inspiration "Get Well Soon." I was inspired by the stars. My card is clean and simple and if it doesn't bring a smile to someone not feeling well, they are badly sick. Like in a coma.
  • Shucks, I missed the Feathered Friends challenge at The Paper Players.
Any of the challenge links will provide you with information on rules, sponsors, and prizes!
~~~

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.
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Click Comments and the pop-up box opens.
Click Jump to Comment Form; no more car pool tunnel! Mwah!
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123 comments:

Jane Willis said...

I love all three cards but I'm wearing my Butterfly Challenge hat (sadly only mine for a fortnight, then I have to rinse the hair spray out and hand it on to somebody else) so the first card is the one I'm here to comment on.
I love the way you showed us how the card evolved, and although it started off beautiful, each step made it more stunning.
Happy Chinese New Year!
Jane

Rahmat said...

You have been busy Darnell, love all the cards.
Well here in AMcau, all are calling it year of goat or ram, and so many cute goats decorated allover the streets!

Sue said...

WOW! Loving all the cards.

Hope you have a good day. Sue

Sue - said...

Love them all! Definitely like the final butterfly card best. As for your birdie he's gorgeous - I feel some retail therapy coming on!

Michelle said...

Happy New Year of the Shrago, Darnell! I just learned all about the meaning/s of "yang" yesterday, so I was well-prepared for your post. :-) Great cards! That butterfly card is amazing! Our Lunar New Year celebrations were cancelled due to the weather here. I'm so disappointed! Maybe next year...

Lizzy Hill said...

Now that was a journey with a few detours, blocks and alternative routes!!! I do like the top one once it was all finished up!!!! That ribbon is lovely:) Good on you using it all up like you did:)

Inkyfingers said...

How productive you have been Darnell and these cards are lovely. I'm particularly smitten with the one that has the embossed rectangle - that was such a happy accident!
Hugs
Carol x

Sarn said...

Wahoo . . . and Happy Shrago to ewe too!

Loving all these makes - they are all fun, bright and cheerful.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Aileen said...

Wow nice collection of cards. Love love that ribbon, wonderful embellishment. And the bird I had seen those used by someone else. LOVE them, but saying to myself NO NO Aileen NO Spending.

Mrs A. said...

Way to go Darnell. I liked the first design and then the second with the black line all round enchanted it and then finally the bow. Super duper.
I was going to go back and do the corrections with the predicted text but hey I rather like the word it put in when I was trying to say enhanced so you get two for the price of one. Thankyou for fluttering by my 1st anniversary challenge. Hugs Mrs A.

Rocky said...

Part one has to be my favourite, I love the oriental design, beauty and simplicity all in one.

Stamps and Paper said...

Darnell your cards are lovely all so different but equally gorgeous..love your colouring on both your little bird and your sheep

Anne

Pat said...

Three beautiful cards Darnell. I just adore that blue background on the first and the butterfly finishes it perfectly, then the second and third with that gorgeous starry ribbon and cute and funny sheep and bird, and I love the stitched edge dies you have used too. Have a good weekend. x

Linda said...

Someone's been busy! Happy Shrago to you too.
Fabulous cards ..... love them all, especially the bird!
Have a lovely weekend ..... hugs Linda xx

Marilyn said...

Beautiful cards Darnell!! I really love the butterfly one the best

Redanne said...

WOW - three for the price of one!! I adore the gorgeous butterfly (my fav creature ever) and the sheep is fabulous (my fav animal ever) and the Crazy Bird (my current fav stamp set) so I am in crafty heaven!! Love them all and love the way you did the eyes on the bird, it is so effective! Wow again.... Hugs, Annie xx

Leslie Hanna said...

My morning brain can't get past Year of the Shrago. I need me some MO JO JUICE!!!

Bananastamper said...

Well, it sure sounds like fun times in the playhouse with squishing sheep and removing eyeballs and plastic surgery and whatnot, lol!!!

I love the pretty paper in the first card and the fun images in the last two! That bird's eyes are da bomb!

Thank you kindly for your warm welcome in your last post. Such a lovely idea to welcome your followers the way you do!

Have a lovely weekend!
Shanna :)

Jeanne said...

Amazing cards, all of them! I love how you describe your adjustments. I'm not too proud to say, I've been known to do the extra squishing myself and I do believe one time, I didn't remove the eyeballs. Oops. Thanks for sharing your lovely cards. Have a happy weekend!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

All three are gorgeous, the top one is very elegant, the others have such wonderful colours. Have a great weekend, Shirleyxx

Happy Dance said...

Jumping in to tell you how much I love your cards here, before I load the car and head up to S&S. Happy accident on your first card...or is it just plain brilliance on your part? And shrago??!! Love it! Sweet little sheep on card #2, and what a bird on #3!! A trio of beauties! Gotta run, but am thinking of you sweet friend. Bisous. Bev

Nan G said...

Too funny Darnell. Love the too tight sweater look. :) Niw that crazy birdie from TH is my fave and going on my must have list. Oh almost forgot the first card.....love! Hugs from me and the Girls to you n hammy.

Susanne Vargas said...

A trio of fabulous cards! The inked frame gives your first card more definition! Amazing how mistakes can sometimes make a project better! The other two cards are so fun! Love that ribbon!

Irish Cherokee said...

Like #1, #3 and #2 in that order. Love them all actually. How can I comment on them all? I could write a book but that won't do. Love blue and especially butterflies so #1. Love the "Hey, Big Boy" (blush) look of #3 and #2 is just flat out cute. - Jim

adele holcomb said...

Nice save, Darnell! I was admiring the first picture which is quite simple and unique and beautiful, when I read about your mishap. The black border is even prettier. Love the kanji word!

Unknown said...

Love the PS new year card!! Such a great use of color! And I never thought of a Chinese New Year card! So much fun!

KT Fit Kitty said...

You made 3 beautiful cards, but the butterfly really caught my eye! Gorgeous! I like how your little mistake turned out - great save!

designbydonna said...

All so cute cards. I really love that butterfly. And isn't it fun when a mistake turns out so good>

Bobby said...

You've been a busy little beaver, Darnell. You're not only guest designing, you're making a plethora of cards and making up new words. I agree that the black line draws your eye into that fab Love symbol. That sheep is a smile maker for sure and I'm with you on the stitching on every part although it looks okay without. And that bird!! I love him and his cutesy friends but said "Enough is enough" and resisted. You did a great job of coloring it.

Brenda in IN said...

Love them all and especially that star ribbon. It is so bright and happy. The black lining around the mat really sets it off. I don't think you should be looking at other people's briefs (but that's just me)!

Lisa Elton said...

A triple play of fabulousness! I LOVE that you had the inky accident on your first card, the outcome is beautiful! I thought you had stamped the stars behind your colorful sheep, what great ribbon. And those eyes...OH those eyes on that bird, what a FUN card!! Have a great weekend Darnell ;)

Lisa said...

All three of your cards are so amazing!! I love the designs of each one!! The eyes on the bird - awesome!! Fabulous job on all of them!! Have a great day :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

conil said...

You've hit a home run...Tada. three stellar cards including afterthoughts. You & Hammie done good, girl.

Katherine said...

Love how your "accident" on the first card created an even BETTER card! Awesome. I THINK I have some Shrago cards I need to make... you always inspire! :)

Cindy Beach said...

Loving all the cards, but the bird really caught my eye! The DSP and sentiment are perfect to complement him.

Laurie Unger said...

Oh my goodness, you've been busy! First of all, love the butterfly card. The CTS card is also wonderful specifically because of that yummy ribbon and to use it on the last card, too! Wow! You go, girl!

Craftychris said...

Ooh Darnell, three awesome cards! You have been so busy - I love, love, love them all! Have a lovely weekend! xxx

Petra Swart said...

Love your beautiful butterfly and the frame and the ribbon on the first card, Darnell!!!
The sheep looks good, squished and stitched and non-squished and non-stitched!!!! Either way, it's a very cute card!!!
So glad you took the bird's eyes off before squishing - what would squished eyes have looked like on a bird!!?? Very sweet card, Darnell!!!!
Have a super weekend!!!

Birgit said...

Oh these are great cards! I love the background paper with the butterfly and isn't it great when a mistake turns into triumph! Sheep, ram, goat...who knows for the New Year but I love your psychedelic lamb-he seems quite happy. I made a recent boo boo with my card and put it on backwards so gotta fix that one:) The last card is funny and I love that bird-a perfect critic for the Fashion Police.."You are wearing...that?" Of course Alastair the bird (my name for him) should be watching the Oscars

Carol L said...

These cards are all great, and I love seeing the steps taken in finalizing them too! LOVE that little bird on the last one and I'm on the edge about ordering that stamp set! Too cute!

Cat Craig said...

Wonderful cards Darnell. I love that you kept going on your butterfly card, I love the last version...so all that had to happen. Have a great weekend.

The Craft Princess said...

Wow...everyone seems to be doing stitching...I need to try that. And I really love the angle of the strip of papers with stars. Cute card :) Hugs...Janie

Karren said...

Fabulous cards, Darnell! That bird just cracks me up! I've been eyeing that TH set myself and I think I'm now going to have to buy it! Thanks so much for joining us at Freshly Made Sketches.

Janis said...

Love the TIPs.....Truth In Postings....that you shared when things didn't go quite as planned. This kind of thing happens to each of us....sometimes more often than not with my cards!!....and I love knowing that it occasionally happens to "real" crafters, too!

Love all your cards, but that last one with the bird just got me!! SO FUNNY!!!! Great idea giving him googly eyes. Hilarious!!!
<3 J

jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

Pia S said...

That was a really lucky mishap, Darnell! I liked it without the black frame, but I like it even more with it!
Cute sheep and love the bird with the googly eyes!

Amanda said...

Gorgeous cards you have there, I thought it was only me that has that lightbulb moment then goes and does it rather than waiting lol. At least yours were good enough to still use. Everytime I ink up a NBUS I think of you and smile. Hugs, Amanda x

Carol said...

Three super cards Darnell...and I love your "happy accident". Your posts do make me smile. Happy Shrago! Carol x

Unknown said...

Love LOVE them all & I hope you are happy! I never was into the whole "stitching" thing but now I need those dies!! The enabling continues. . .

Unknown said...

Lovely cards Darnell! All are so cleverly designed, and the colors on your "hey" card are fantastic! I love how bright they are!
Thanks for stopping over to visit me earlier, and for the heads up on the Addicted to CAS challenge!
Nina-Marie :)

oldpunca said...

Dear Darnell, it was a pleasure reading your post :-) All your creations are fabulous. If I have to choose a card for myself, it would be those with an Asian influence. With or without a ribbon. :-)
Have a nice day, Sonja

Elizabeth S. said...

These are amazing and wonderful details! Love your coloring and designs! My head is spinning with inspiration from your cards..love them.

Kathleen said...

Or as the song goes.. Hey, girl don't bother me.
Three fabulous creations and I love it when things go wrong and a fabulous card is made from the error.
Love the bright and bold ribbon and a great sheep.

Kath x

Karenladd said...

Oh my gosh!!! I always love your cards but these are beyond amazing!! Let's see, that first one is gorgeous from the paper, to the embossing, to the butterfly...and embossed sentiment....and so calming. Then we have the Shrago card....AWK! The ribbon, the immensely entertaining and acrobatic sheep...and the way you picked up the ribbon colors in your paper pieced image....all A+! As if that weren't enough, you hit us with that Crazy Bird card...with her oh so glamorous eyeshadow and lashes..haha! These are all so fun and creative!

Bonnie said...

LOL, you have me in stitches though not flattened. Could use some flattening! Love the butterfly and the embossing. The sheep is fun whether flat or not. And that bird cracks me up with those eyes! Three fun cards!

Jenny Marples said...

So I love the first one with the embossed Chinese character and the other two are such fun and make me smile (always a good thing). Jenny x

Joyce said...

3 wonderful cards, Darnell. Love coming over here to see what you have made. Your entry for CASology is especially stunning. Love the Chinese writing. Thanks so much for playing along at CASology this week.

Anonymous said...

Three fabulous cards. Love the extra black border on the first one and the butterfly is simply beautiful. The sheep and the bird are fabulous too. The extra little stitching details were worth popping the eyes on and off for :)Thanks

Verna Angerhofer said...

Gorgeous card designs. I love the first one. Great colors on the butterfly too. And, my family who live in Japan said it was the year of the ram. LOL

OH Babs said...

You are so silly and entertaining and so creative and a great card maker. Oh, and nice, really nice.

Kara Lynne said...

Your creativity knows no bounds! The beauty of your first card to the whimsy of your colorful sheep, to the fun of your bird and her fantastic eyes! I've been eyeing that TH bird stamp set myself!

kiwimeskreations said...

Love coming to your blog Darnell and reading about all your card-making adventures, as well as enjoying the stunning eye candy you produce!
I love that bird!!!
Blessings
Maxine

Cathy said...

Fabulous cards Darnell, love the befores and afters too! That star ribbon is gorgeous, perfect with the cute sheep and bird. I LOVE your butterfly card wish I had some hiding in my drawers (the desk variety!), Cathy x

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Hi Darnell, your inky ruler resulted in a spectacular card! What a happy accident! That Paper Smooches card - LOVE it - if you wouldn't have pointed out that it look squooshed I would not have noticed it... and lastly those birds - I think you pushed my over the edge - I am going shopping right now!!!! Don't you think some stamp company ought a come out with a goat....!

Nancy Penir said...

I LOVE the new holiday Shago, if it's a newbie, so be it! and what a beauty to celebrate said holiday, your card! Love the accidental line, (happy accident) and love your other cards too, just love the butterfly a bit more. Ever so elegant! Somewhere in my stash I must have a shrago. Gotta go, craving Chinese food all of a sudden...

jimlynn said...

WOW! You're rocking! Love all of these. I swear that butterfly on the first one is real! Just trying to figure out how you got it to stay still for the photos!
LOVE all these Darnell!
Lynn

Pam said...

Wow! You have been busy. Love your cards. I really like how you're inky mishap trned out. Your sheep is so cute and who doesn't love Tim's Crazy Birds? Especially with googly eyes with lashes! So glad I found your blog. Such a fun visit.

Unknown said...

Great post and great cards Darnell! I love visiting your blog I always leave feeling inspired and with a smile on my dial.

Judy1223 said...

Darnell, I do love visiting your blog, I am always guaranteed a smile, a chuckle, and a whole lot of gorgeous card-making! I love ALL of your cards...that monochrome blue card is so STUNNING!!! As always, thanks for joining in the fun at CASology this week!

cm said...

Oh Darnell~I'm back home after having been with my mom since Wednesday (and with Andy's family before that). The sadness at leaving mom, and the 'sigh' of being exhausted, have been much lifted in seeing your brilliant post (ROFL...my husband can attest to that, and we had a near battle with him trying to take photos of my 'Darnell Dazzles' as he calls my 'episodes') and fabulous cards. Mega-swooning over the butterfly card, while the sheep and bird have me completely charmed! Love your post, your card and, of course, YOU!!
Hugs~c

Brenda said...

Goodness gracious, but you pulled that ink oops and made it work for you Auntie! I love the "frame" now even better than before and I love the addition of the ribbon!! OMGosh I love that sheep and that bird!! These two cards just make me smile from ear to ear, and you had me cracking up with your "to stitch or not" story. I'm so glad the bird wasn't squished though. lol Love, love them all!! Hugs, Brenda

Greta said...

Oh my goodness--you've been busy, Darnell! I love your cards, especially the end result after the ink boo-boo--fabulous card!

Cheryl W. said...

Wow - when your mojo is flowin', it's a downpour!! Great cards and commentary.

ike said...

Yay !! Brilliant cards - I LUV what happened with the butterfly one - it looks amazing now :-) The 'Shrago' just made me giggle. Cozmic little sheep on that card and such gorgeous ribbon.
The look on that little bird's face is priceless - it just sooo makes me giggle :-D xxxxxxxx

Janelle said...

AMAZING!!!! You are a card making dynamo! I love all of the cards, but the pretty blue one is gorgeous. Happy Year of the Shrago! :)

ÄŒarovnije z male kmetije said...

Hi Darnell, you always make me smile, the way you write about your card makings is so funny and nice. All cards are beautiful, but my favorite is cute sheep without stitches :)Hugs :)

Gerrina said...

What a bussy lady! Love the first asian card'great to see such colours! And the sheep-thing and bird look so funny! That ribbon is beautiful and they way you used the colours it fits the images so good! The first is my favo, but that is just because I studied Japanese I think.... Enjoy the sunday, hugs, Gerrina

Ros Crawford said...

Oh my goodness what beautiful cards!!! I adore that butterfly card ... the blue is amazing yet the other 2 really stand out magnificently with those amazing colours ... Love the eyes on the bird! Have a super Sunday!

Leslee said...

Wow! I love coming to visit you and check out your cards! They all look fantadtipc. I would love to see that ribbon, IRL. Those eyes on the bird are something else. And that inking on the butterfly card turned out superb!

Leslee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kim S said...

Happy Year of the Shrago!! May you be right in your prediction for this year - a little more Mo Joe for all of us!!

I can't tell you how many times I've tried to add edge stitching after the card was done with much worse outcomes than a too-tight sweater! Trends are funny things, aren't they? I've gotten to the point that a card looks incomplete without the stitching on the edge.

I love your paper for the butterfly. I vaguely remember having some of that - I wonder how deep I would have to dig to find it? Love the kookoo bird with his googly eyes. I'm glad they hit it off with hamster and look forward to more. (Thanks for playing along with us at Freshly Made Sketches.)

BożenA said...

Beautiful card. The first card is very elegant. The other two cards impressed me with its composition and colors. Beautiful and inspiring.
hugs,
Bozena

Alanna said...

Three cards for us today? Just fabulous. The butterfly on the first one is so beautiful and I love that cute little sheep on the 2nd one. And the googly eyes on the 3rd one? So stinkin' cute.

Unknown said...

Well Dippy it was definitely serendipity that led you to use the dirty tool to deepen your ridge!!! It has just made the card POP with the black line around it.....fabulous. Just had to giggle at your lambikins and that amazing ribbon (looks to be from the 60's!) and that birdie is so cookie - I've been looking at these for a while but those eyes really make it. Still got a big grin on my face.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Anita in France said...

Wow, you've been busy, Darnell ... what a trio of fabulous cards! That gorgeous first one developed beautifully (as butterflies do!) ... and the following two critter cards are just fun, fun, fun ... temporarily squashed or otherwise! I'm thinking that little bird is asking 'for goodness' sake, how long do I have to wait for a drinkie-poo'! Bon dimanche, ma chère amie! Bisous, bisous, Anita :)

ilse said...

love your butterfly card

KandA said...

They are all fabulous Darnell. Specially love the butterfly with the ink stain - just shows to go you that some things are meant to happen xx

Canonbury creations said...

Three fab cards Darnell and a perfectly gigglicious post!! Love the eyeballs on that bird, so funny:)
Val x

Jasleen Kaur said...

Wow!! Three awesome cards, Darnell !! Are you sure that the butterfly you found in your drawer is not real?? Because it seems like if I touch it, it's just going to fly away. LOVE the sheep card. That has to be the cutest sheep ever. Acrylic block background looks beautiful. And I love that birdie's eyes. All the best with the challenges.

Nora Noll said...

What fabulous cards Darnell. I LOVE the butterfly card and how you upped the ante by adding the ribbon. Too cute. I also love the sheep with the watercolor technique.

However, my favorite is the bird with the sultry eyes. Totally fun!!! Great take on each of the challenges!!

Becca Cruger said...

You sure know how to make me grin! Shrago, indeed. I love the inky "accident" of the first because it makes it more defined. And that rainbow sheep? I'd love to count them before I go to bed!

Chrissie said...

Well, these are three fabbo cards... your imitation shrago looks cool, your utterfly looks real and that birdie is as smug as smug! I just love her eyes!
You write a fab post my fine friend! I am always royally entertained.
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"

joy said...

Love your cards, Darnell! The butterfly card is so pretty and the sheep one is adorable. But, my favorite one is the bird crazy one - that stamp set is just too much fun and I have made several cards with those birds!! Must find some of those googly eyes with eyelashes!!!!

maria f. said...

Sheen, shine and monochrome - wowzers. Love that blue. Glad you joined CASology this week. And couldn't help but wonder if your sweet birdie went to your surgeon too?!?!

Sharon Underwood said...

You are something else, my friend! I love the butterflies, the stars and the awesome bird, but I especially enjoyed your commentary. You are a HOOT! I keep telling you that, and you keep getting better and better with each post. I'm so glad we've connected on here, and thanks for the card!

Sazzle Dazzle said...

Super fun and informative post as always Darnell. Love, love, love your LIM card - the others are great too but that one shouts utter class and elegance. Congrats on the well deserved GD spot - I'm struggling on this one if I'm honest but may just skip through the gates and Inkspirational before they slam shut!
Sarah
Less is More

Hettie said...

OMG! I just love that flutterby card Darnell. Great idea with the old ribbon trick too!
The others are nice but the flutterby has blown me away!
Hugs
xx

Larissa Heskett said...

OMG OMG OMG!! You've been BUSY Darnell!! =) I LOVE all of these, but your Part 2 Card is my FAVORITE!! I just LOVE the Design and the HAPPY Colors!! That image just makes me SMILE!! =) THANKS for joining us at Paper Smooches SPARKS and I hope you'll join us again this week!! =) Have a FABULOUS WEEK!! =)

Taheerah said...

Love those bright colours and the patterned strip with all those stars! Thanks so much for playing to find a Cure For The Monday Blues!

Geri said...

Beautiful butterfly cards with more of this yummmmmy paper! I really like how the accidental border highlights the image and stamp. Nice softness with the ribbon.

Babs (as in ba ba black sheep) is looking resplendent in her custom died wool sweater and matching ribbon backdrop!

Zsa Zsa Gabore would die for 'Birdie's lashes! It appears that Birdie is also channeling Elvis (...the hair).

Great cards pal!

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell....as always you are just so funny and I love your take on Chinese New Years, I will ask my students tomorrow what they think too. LOL
Love all three of your cards and you are so clever to make two cards for everyone, so smart and I am looking forward to seeing all of them, even if they are channeling Elvis or Zsa Zsa Gabor!

Barb Ghig said...

You've been a really busy girl, Darnell! I adore your Asian themed card...the soft yet textured background, your butterfly and lovely Chinese symbol is so striking! Your sheep is absolutely adorable, and your last card is such a wonderful take on the sketch! Beautiful coloring, too!
Thanks for making me smile with another really fun post :)

Helen F. said...

These are three (or should I say six) fabulous cards, Darnell :-)
Love the pretty (Asia influence) butterfly card, the Year of the Shrago is very cute and the HEY bird is just adorable...now need to check out that TH stamp set.

Joanne James - The Crafty Owl said...

I love all of these cards Darnell - you are a powerhouse! Love the multi-coloured sheep - he is a fave and the bird is also cute! Shame you missed my 'feathered friends' challenge over at The Paper Players - he would have been perfect! Hugs to you for a good week! Joanne x

Shelly said...

Your first card is simply, beautiful! And your next two cards are soooo CUTE! Love the bright and happy colors!

Nonni said...

Bunch of cool cards, Darnell! I love the added ribbon of your Ink inspired card and that sheep is hilarious... And so pretty papers too!

Leigh Penner said...

Wonderful cards, Darnell! I especially love the one with that sweet sheep -- great take on the sketch!

LauraJane:) said...

I always forget to wipe the edge of the ruler off and often end up with a mess:(
Tthat KUUKUU bird, makes me want to sing... I only have Eyes for you!! Ha!
Thanks for linking up at The Card Concept!

Jacee said...

You have been busy Darnell! what super cards you've made, I love the all!
Hugs Jacee
Simply Paper Card Design

Jen W. said...

I really thought I had commented on this post but I scrolled through the 1001 comments above and don't see my picture so maybe I only commented in my head...

I totally snorted water out of my nose when I read the Year of the Shrago! Brilliant! And your rainbow coloured sheep card is the best new year' card I've seen. As for your butterfly card that background paper is gorgeous! Such awesome texture! Thanks for playing along with CASology this week!

ionabunny said...

These are great. Love the squished sheep. I had heard it was the year of the wooden green sheep so a little disappointing that I might have the wrong Bovidae. Love those Timmy birds. Yours looks great with the quiff. Hugz

Geri said...

Whooops! Forgot to say thanks for sharing your sweet "Hey" card with us at the Card Concept Challenge!

Taunya Butler said...

Your cards are all delightful - each one with its' own personality but with a little stamp of creative Darnell on them!! You first card with the butterfly and all that gorgeous sheen amazed and delighted me - awesomely done and just thanks for the smile you put on my face tonight!!! Have a wonderful and delightful day!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh Darnell! Boy, oh boy, that blue butterfly card is a beauty! (Some Alliteration? ;) ) I love it. :)

Dolly B said...

If I had to pick a fave it would have to be the top card. Love the colour , the simplicity and the butterfly, beautiful. The other cards are pretty cool also
Mary

Dora B. said...

Darnell, I am sooo far behind in my reading. I have to say, somewhat belatedly, that I love the "Asian butterfly" card. Yes sometimes there are happy mistakes, and sometimes a woman just has to throw on a little ribbon.

shirley-bee said...

These are fabulous, Darnell! The butterfly card is so serene, and I love that textured card. And I see we've moved on in the culinary world from pulled pork to squashed sheep. My favourite is the primped and preened birdie, tee hee!

Lynne said...

Fab cards Darnell love the LiM one.
Lynne xxx

Anne said...

Darnell what fabulousness!
That bird looks really unhappy that you took out her eyeballs and Big Shotted her - or maybe she's been at the tequila! Either way I love it!
Gorgeous butterfly on your LIM card and we're just about to start lambing at my friend's farm so got to love your shram card too
Thank you for joining us at Less is More
Anne
LIM
x

Kathyk said...

What a glorious array of makes from you today Darnell, particularly love your rainbow sheep and the bird with the splendid 3D eyes!

Kathyk

Craft-E-Place said...

Stunning collection of cards. The first one is purely beautiful.
Elaine

Yoonsun Hur said...

OMW!! Darnell, awesome cards!! So adorable birdy!! Thanks for playing with us at the Card Concept!

Kim M said...

Great cards, Darnell! I adore your butterfly card! Fantastic design. I like the inked rectangle better too. It seems to ground the image and make it stand out more. It's beautiful anyway. It was wonderful having you GD this last challenge at Ink. Hugs! :-)

Sheri Gilson said...

Lovely cards! Thanks so much for playing along with Athe Card Concept!