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!

March 16, 2015

You've Got This!

Hey there!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! I especially hope all my UK friends enjoyed a Happy Mum's Day, whether they were with their mothers in person or in spirit! We had a lovely Sunday topped off by an impromptu lunch with the kids and the grandtwins.

After wards, I whipped out two cards for some challenges, one of them very QACAS. Before we drove over to see the kids, I was doing some long-overdue breaking up of my stamp sets and in doing so I came across an ancient unmarked stamp of a winking lady made from black foam. Earlier I had just seen a challenge where the prompt was about honoring women, and I knew when I got home I would have to use her to make a card. She has been neglected for too many years.
Isn't she great? For my first card I paired her with one of my favorite encouraging sediments. It's from PTI's "Harvest Berries" set. I finished off the bottom with a sweet little flourish from the Casual Friday's "Calm and Gentle" stamp set. In honor of St. Patrick's Day arriving tomorrow, I thought my lady should have dyed her hair light green! As one does.

Challenges

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I used the same kind encouraging lady for my second card.
For this card I added some dimentia with frames. The distressed green frame around the front I cut with a metal ruler and my craft kanife and then lightly sponged with ink. The red frame was made with Nestabilities Classic Squares die. The blue frame I cut myself and the heart was cut with Nestabilities Heart dies. The sediment is from Casual Fridays "Calm and Gentle" stamp set.

Challenges
  • TIME OUT Challenges: 1st Birthday (congratulations!) photo inspiration.
  • Inkspirational Challenge: She Art or Image of a Woman. This winking lady seemed like the perfect stamp to show that women are not only strong, they are cheerleaders for each other, especially in times of emotional need. 

Frame Collage Funky Bright Home Decor Upcycled Vintage Frames Hollywood Regency Apartment Decor Quirky Decor
The challenge links will give you details on rules, sponsors, and prizes and provide you with lots of amazing inspiration.

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New Friends Corner

I am so pleased to introduce you to these new friends!

Sabrina Sulaiman of Sabrina Scrapbook. Sabrina has been blogging since 2010. She is well-known in Blogland for her various design team appointments and her cards are always over-the-moon incredible! Her stunning floral designs will take your breath away!

Ela Wróbel of Moje Pasje. Ela is from Poland. I'm sorry I couldn't see a translate button on her blog and so I don't have any more information. I can tell by her page counter and number of followers that Ela has been blogging and designing for years. You will be mesmerized by her incredible dimension works of art!

Jackie Trinder of Tinyrose's Craft Room. Jackie has been blogging since February 2014. In that short time, Jackie has won many challenges and served on several design teams. You'll understand very quickly when you visit Jackie why she has come so far in such a short time. Her cards are outstanding!

Tracey aka Lalkygirl of My Creative Place. Tracey has been blogging since 2009. Her side bar goes on for miles displaying all of the well-deserved awards Tracey has earned from challenges over the years. Like the other ladies today, Tracey will astound you with her layered, dimensional, and expertly colored creations!

Shannon McComb of Stamp & Glitter. Shannon has been blogging since 2013. She is young and it's always wonderful to seeing young women and men take up this fulfilling hobby. Tracy lives in Ottawa and works full-time. When she is not making her sensationally designed and colored cards, Shannon enjoys scrapbooking, DIY and home decorating projects, jewelry-making, and knitting!

Diane Simpers of Back Porch Stamper. Diane is an Independent Stampin Up demonstrator and this is her personal blog which she has maintained off and on since 2007, if I'm reading her archive correctly! Diane's cards using SU products are well done and very inspirational!

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


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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!

Thank you to all of you who offered sympathy and prayers for my friends and understanding about the little hummers. It is very much appreciated!


 
*Life Is Too Short!


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74 comments:

vilini said...


It is my pleasure to be joining. Lovely card! Regards!

Sarah said...

What a fabulous rediscovery Darnell and she "does" green hair so well!! Two great cards!! xx

sandie said...

I love this image, good find!! And so very perfect for our challenge at Ink, there are so many people we could sent this card to and it would be cherished for sure. And very cool idea to add in the frames for Time Out. Great to see you at Ink and Time Out

Rema DeLeeuw said...

Isn't it amazing what we can find when sorting through our stash. I have found some awesome treasures in the past myself. Love that image. These cards turned out fabulous...

kiwimeskreations said...

What a fun image Darnell, and love that green hair - of course we dye our hair green this month ;-).
Blessings
Maxine

Redanne said...

That really is a fantastic stamp of the lady Darnell. Both cards are fabulous and I love how you added the frames to the second one - very clever!

How lovely to have an impromptu lunch too, it is always special when that happens. Big hugs, Annie xx

Sue said...

Lovely cards. That first sentiment is fab.

Hope you have a good start to the week. Sue

Stamps and Paper said...

Just love your image Darnell what a great find...two lovely cards, even with green hair...

Anne

Dotty Jo said...

Great cards, Jo x

Jeanne said...

Sound like a lovely weekend, Darnell! And your cards are great. She is a keeper for sure and I adore how uplifting your sentiments are! :)

Becca Cruger said...

It's you on a stamp! :) She really is fantabulous with her cheeky little wink. And it must be springtime with all those bright colors.

cm said...

Fabulous stamp with the wink, the A-OK and the 'knowing' look! LOVE both cards and you are sooooo right about us being cheerleaders for one another! Don't I know that - and you, especially, have been tops in the 'emotional support' department! So thankful and grateful you entered my life, because it truly is all the richer for having you in it! Your She Art-inspired cards in the Inkspirational gallery = happy me! Thank you for sharing and inspiring!
Hugs~c

AJ Bodine said...

I love this image and both cards you made with it. It's always fun to go through stored things and find a treasure that's been tucked away!

Susanne Vargas said...

That is a fun image and so versatile! I am glad you found her and made two fabulous cards with it! And if your hair is green tomorrow we want to see a picture of it!

Kim M said...

These are fantastic! I love that winking woman stamp! Your sentiments are great too. So glad to see you playing over at Ink again. :-)

joy said...

What a fun stamp, Darnell! I love her green hair. Great cards for the challenges.

hellerlittle said...

if I read it right this stamp was a NBUS ??? You did 2 great and amazing jobs with the "Lady" she, or your creations, makes me smile
TFS CU hellerlittle

Carole Pollard said...

These are just gorgeous what a great stamp and two wonderful cards Have a great week Love and hugs Carole x

Hettie said...

Lovely lady there and great cards.
So sorry to hear of the demise of the Hummers. Maybe you will get some new tenants soon!
Hugs
xx

Unknown said...

She IS great! Wow, I love that stamp. Also the hint of green in the hair is just fab! Thanks for sharing with us at Colour Me. :)

Krisha said...

FAB job on the use of this adorable image Darnell. With this being a "green" week, her hair is perfect....LOL

Vicki Dutcher said...

How fun is she with the winking going on! Thanks for joining in at ATCAS~

Ros Crawford said...

They are terrific cards!! That's a great stamp ...

Unknown said...

Fantastic cards Darnell - a great image which could be used for a variety of occasions.

I Card Everyone said...

Very darling lady.. as are you... will you dye your hair green?
=] M

KandA said...

What a super stamp and I really love the sentiment on the first xx

Lisa said...

These are both so awesome!! I love the image!! She's fabulous!! Have a great day :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Jean said...

I love that stamped image and the super sentiments. Two fabulous cards.
Jean x

Birgit said...

These cards are great! I love this sassy woman and her green hair is needed for St Paddy's day. Love the 2nd card as well with the bold frames

Unknown said...

My favorite is the first card Darnell! I totally love how you kept to a green and white color scheme. Very beautifully done!

Bonnie said...

This is an awesome stamp and sentiment! Are you going to dye your hair green for St. Pat's Day?

Jenny Engelke said...

What a fun stamp! I especially love the sentiment you've put with it on the green card! It's so awesome!!! Thanks for joining us at Colour Me! ♥

Carol said...

Two wonderful cards Darnell...what a great stamp and you made good use of it. Carol x

Cat Craig said...

What a great Image, Darnell. I love how you have showcased her. Fab!

Chriss Blagrave said...

Love, love your winking lady! I have never seen this stamp in all of my stamping years, she is great! Love that she is joining in the St. Patty's Day festivities and her twin, with all of that dimentia around her...great for the Time Out challenge!

Marybeth said...

Oh I love that lady stamp, it could be you! That sentiment is so you. Love the cards Darnell!

Anonymous said...

LOVE the green hair!!

Rubeena I. said...

These are so sweet!!

conil said...

That image is the bomb! And the green hair is perfect considering what's going on tomorrow. Both cards ROCK!

Verna Angerhofer said...

That is a wonderful winking lady image. Looks fantastic on these cards and brings a smile to one's face too. Your cards are awesome!

Bobby said...

How fortuitous that you found your little lady in time for these challenges. (How's that for big words? lol) You made great use of her, Darnell, green hair and all.

Jeanne H said...

Love your winking lady! Question~when you break up a set, how do you remember the name of the company that made each stamp for when you blog? I've always wondered that so hesitate to break anything up! Thanks! Hugs!

oldpunca said...

I like your winking lady, dear Darnell. Great cards. You have crafted something "different", nice and special. :-)
Have a nice day, Sonja

Cheryl W. said...

Your lady stamp has that sassy, but supportive, look. Love it, and love your cards!

Taunya Butler said...

Great stamp - and love it paired up with the two sediments you used to create these awesome, encouraging cards!! Sometimes people just need someone to tell them that "You've got this"!!! Thank you for the little lift I felt in seeing these wonderous cards!! You are awesome!!!

Helen F. said...

These are great cards, Darnell! Such a great winking lady image ;-)
PS: Glad I'm not alone: I find something new every time I clean off my craft desk, then again when I put that something in the drawer or box where it belongs! LOL

Sue - said...

What a fun find! Green hair - well why not?

Brenda said...

This is a very cool stamp, how fun to have come across it again. I love both of your cards, hey are amazing just like you. Hugs, Brenda

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell...your cards made me smile from ear to ear. Just so sweet and love that sentiment but your sweet lady stamp is fabulous. Where do you find all these amazing stamps???

Carol L said...

I love This image, and especially the green version. After all, it's almost St. Patrick's day, right?! Now drink up, I see you're behind!

Brenda in IN said...

What a great stamp. She looks so sassy with attitude and I love her. I love the verse on the second card so much and all of us need to remember this. Terrific cards.

Tracey McNeely said...

Darnell this is fantastic! So glad you found this woman and gave her some green for St. Patty's Day! Did you enjoy your family? Yesterday my Mom & Dad came for dinner. It is always good to see them. Have a wonderful week!

Shelly said...

Two lovely cards, Darnell! Perfect image and sentiment on each one!

Stephanie Lanzalotto said...

Darnell! If you curled your hair, she could be you! I love your winky woman cards - i especially love the first one. The sentiment is fantastic! Wonderful work, as always!

Sheila H said...

Good for you, putting an old stamp to good use. The cards are excellent.

Lisa Elton said...

Ah yes...so many stamps, so little time!! Love that you grabbed this gal and blew the dust off, she's terrific!! Fabulous cards too!!

Sharon Underwood said...

I love the look on this lady. What a find!

Renee's ramblings said...

Hi Darnell!
I've been enjoying your e-mails and all of your super-wonderful cards for quite a while, but just tonight figured out how to post a comment on your blog. D'oh! I'm feeling kind of dopey about that. Now that I've figured that out, I can at last respond when you ask for stuff, like funny comments and/or jokes. Here's a fun stamp I sometimes use on snail-mail things: "You don't have to drive me crazy; I'm close enough to walk." I figure it will give a smile to whoever has to open the mail!

Kara Lynne said...

This lady reminds me of one of my mother's friends. If ever anyone needs encouragement, she's the one to call! Both of your cards are wonderful, I'm so glad she came out of hiding!

Renee's ramblings said...

Phooey! Forgot to comment on the great cards you made with the winking lady. Her green hair is very fitting for her!

Shirley said...

Thanks for the welcome back, Darnell, and the wonderful compliment too! You are so lucky to have found that too cute stamp of the lady and the sentiment on your first card is just awesome. What a lifter upper!! The second card is wonderful too!! Hugs,

Pat said...

Two lovely cards Darnell, and this forgotten stamp certainly deserved an outing. I love the sentiment you have matched her with and the pretty green card base on the first, and the second with the different coloured frames works beautifully and the distressed look sponging on the outside frame is just perfect. x

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Lovely cards!

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Oh my! What a great stamp. That looks like a nice lady. You've got this. Great makes! Do you feel guilty for breaking up families so easily? I mean sets, yes, I meant sets!!!

Gerrina said...

A fun lady and a fun card with the coloured frames! Thank you for taking some TIME OUT and join us! Hugs, Gerrina

Geri said...

How cool is this stamp! "She" reminds me of Marion Cunningham from Happy Days. Sweet shades of St. Patrick's Day greens!

AWESOME take on the Time Out challenge! Such a cool way to incorporate the colors and the frames! Perfect sentiment too!

Greta said...

What a fun image & 2 great cards, Darnell!

Petra Swart said...

Oh, I love her, Darnell!! Two super fun cards!!! I love the green hair!!!

Barb Ghig said...

Great find, Darnell! What a great image, especially for 'girlfriends' cards! Love both cards so much, and I'm so happy to have you playing along with us at Addicted to CAS challenge! It's always fun to see your creations in the gallery! Hugs, Barb

ionabunny said...

That is a very cool lady. Hugz

Anita in France said...

These have given me such a big smile this morning, Darnell! Been musing about what this delightful lady is called ... Stella perhaps ... cause then she'd be Wink of Stella (tee-hee)! Fun hair, fun frames ... and fabulous! Delighted to have you play along with us at Time Out, my friend! Hugs & Bisous, Anita :)

Deborah Frings said...

Darnell - what fabulous cards! I love the image and her smiley face. Both cards are just super and so inspiring too. I do enjoy your posts xxx

JD/ Jill said...

That is a really cute stamp. You made two really nice cards with it. I like the green hair (I think mine turned out a bit green one time...of course NOT on purpose!

My Paper Epiphany said...

Love that wink! I lgreat cards!