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!

June 7, 2015

Cards of Summer

Hi Everybody!

I hope you are enjoying your weekend and it isn't whooshing by too terribly fast!

I love the challenge themes that are happening around Blogland right now. Everything is coming up roses and other flowers and butterflies and beaches and sunshine. What a happy creative time this is for us. It reminds me of Lesley Gore and this joyful ear worm song: (You're welcome.)
Sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows.
Everything that's wonderful is sure to come your way
When you're in love to stay!
My first card:
A glittery coven of butter flies from Hero Arts to let someone know I'm thinking of them. You'll just have to trust me about how glittery this is. Even the closeup doesn't do it justice.The sediment is from SU. I painted a Wink of pink, blue, and red Stella on the butterflies and then clear WOS all around the puffs of watercoloring. I added tiny pearls, but I'm thinking a smattering of dots or sequins might also be in order.
It's been ages since I've played at the MUSE Card Club where this week we are to CASE a card by Design Team member and my friend Vicki Dutcher. Vicki is stepping down from the DT and I didn't want to miss this opportunity to tell her that her DT cards have been inspirational and I'm pleased to CASE one of her gorgeous designs!
I'm also linking to:
~~~

I liked the design layout of Vicki's card so much that I used it to make another card. 
Ah, all kinda NBUS in this card! How are you all doing with using your NBUS? I see you sharing as I skip through your blogs and it makes me happy!

For this card I've used a NBUS cross-stitch die from Memory Box. I've used my NBUS "Painted Roses" set from Altenew. And I've used a NBUS sediment from the "Compact Sentiments" set from Waltzingmouse. I should get a free sets of pans or something for all that NBUS.

By the way, FYI, I forgot to tell you yesterday when I shared my watercolored rose that June's flower is the rose. My friend Glennie told me that. I'm linking this card with the Inkspirational Challenge: Photo inspiration.
The links will take you to the challenges where you will find lots of inspiration and details on the rules, sponsors, and prizes.

~~~

New Friends Corner

It's also been ages since I introduced new friends to you and I'm pickled tink to do so today. I apologize to those of you who have been waiting in the wings for a while.

Sue of Foley's Friend. Sue just started blogging her cards in January of this year, so please take a minute to click over and welcome her to our friendly and supportive community! Many of you may already recognize the blog name as Sue very quickly is receiving well-deserved challenge recognition for her beautiful cards!

Theresa Knopf of Scraps by Gracie. Theresa, whose hubby calls her Gracie, is from Ohio and has two daughters. She has been blogging intermittently since 2010, but this year Theresa has really taken off with her card art. She made great homework in the recent Online Card Class! Theresa loves scrapbooking as well as cards and she is a pro with the Circut!

Carole of Card and Cake. That name immediately pulls you in, doesn't it?! Carole is from the UK, has been blogging since 2012, is married, and has two sons. She has been crafting since she was a youngster and making cards for the last twenty years. Carole is also City and Guilds Qualified in Cake Decorating and Sugar Flowers. Drool. Carole is fun, funny, and makes fantastic cards ~ and cakes!

Stephanie of Tea and Ink. As you may have guessed, Stephanie loves tea. She is from Louisiana and she is another new addition to our card blog community this year! In addition to making her sweet cards, Stephanie loves sewing and wood crafts. Please welcome Stephanie with your encouragement as she wants to make friends with you and learn everything she can about making cards, mixed media, and art journaling!

Mandy of Mandy Reedyk Happy Scrappin'. Mandy has been blogging since 2013 to post her Project Life albums. She is primarily a scrapper who makes outstanding layouts and when she does turn her hand to cards, they are adorable. So whether you like inspiration from cards or from layouts, you'll find it on Mandy's blog!

Amy Fillmore of Paws Ink. Amy lives in Pennsylvania and she has only been blogging since August of last year, even though she has been scrapping and making cards for over fifteen years. It's wonderful that Amy has started blogging to share all that experience with us and I hope you'll stop by and welcome her. As you might have guessed, Amy will inspire you with her darling critter cards! 

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

If you've joined recently and not been introduced, please email me at darnell dot knauss at gmail dot com. I may not have had enough information to find you. Thank you!

~~~

I'm off to enjoy some summer sunshine! Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*

As always, thank you for coming to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to 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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101 comments:

jimlynn said...

OMGoodness! I haven't thought about Lesley Gore in years! Brings back some fun memories too. We we ever really that young!
Love both of these Darnell. You just can't get much prettier than a butterfly and your card is so beautiful. Love those gorgeous flowers too!
Lynn

Inkyfingers said...

Beautiful CASES Darnell and I love the soft colours and clean lines.

Hugs
Carol x

Pat said...

I love your two pretty makes Darnell. The first with those gorgeous butterflies and the watercolouring behind has lots of sparkle which you can see in the photos, and the roses are beautiful blooms. I have seen and adored this Altenew stamp and they are the loveliest blooms in great colours. Hope you have had an enjoyable weekend. x

Unknown said...

Every time I click over to your blog my jaw drops! Your cards are so stinking cute! Love that Altenew-rose, and the splashes around the butterflies - genious! I've been trying to resist the Altenews, but think I'll have to give in soon :)

Hugs,
Sofia

Chriss Blagrave said...

Oh I love them both! Such fresh CAS cards and a summery song in my head! Thanks Darnell :))

Btw...I LOVE your Hammy watermark!!! Forgot to mention in the last comments.

Vicki Dutcher said...

Both are simply fabulous! I so enjoy the 2nd card - the thin black outline with the flowers -- love that look -- Beautiful cards! Thanks so much for joining in at Muse and ATCAS~

cuilliesocks said...

Hi Darnell, gorgeous cards, love the CAS style and the images are so lovely. I love roses, but again I'm a june baby, hugs Kate x

Jean said...

Two super card Darnell. I always like butterfly cards and your sparkly trio on the water colour background are no exception. Having said that I love the fabulous rose stamp you used and I think it is actually my favourite of the two cards. I really like the die cut cross stitch panel as well.
Jean x

Ardyth said...

Both are beautiful! I love your 'puffs' of watercolour around the butterflies! And I've got that roses set in my NBUS pile too - love it with the outline layer stamped in black! Thanks for joining us at Muse this week!

Sharon Underwood said...

Great job with the CASE! I like the butterflies AND the roses! So pretty.

Kim Heggins said...

Two gorgeous and fabulous cards my sweet friend. I am in love with your beautiful roses, they are as stunning as can be!

Marianne said...

These are both beautiful CASEs, Darnell. Love your water coloured butterflies and your soft and pretty roses. Where would we be withouth any Wink of Stella, lol? Everything is looking so much better with a suble touch of glitter. Still working on my NBUS and trying not to buy more...
Marianne x

Bonnie said...

Thanks for the worm that got me humming. Love that song! And a beautiful bevy of butterflies you have here! And roses too! Great inspiration from you and from Vicki!

Bonnie said...

Woops! I'm supposed to say "Thanks for sharing with us at ATCAS" too!

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Amazing cards Darnell
love bouth
hugs Tamara

Craft-E-Place said...

Stunning cards, Darnell. I simply love those roses and the butterflies are just beautiful.
Elaine

Carol said...

A beautiful pair of cards Darnell, do love the pretty colours you've used. Carol x

Unknown said...

Beautiful cards!! Love the colors around your butterfly's!!

oldpunca said...

I just love your water colouring! Your cards are amazing. Butterflies are superb, but roses are something special. :-))
Have a great week!
Sonja

Renata said...

Spet dve krasni voščilnici. Rože so mi še posebej lepe.

Birgit said...

Oh I love both cards! I love butterflies and glitter so that is right up my alley. The 2nd card is so sweet with the watercolour look. Great cards

Redanne said...

The butterfly CASE is wonderful and I think I can see a slight shimmer there, I can only imagine how beautiful it must look in real life. The roses are simply stunning! Hope you have a great week ahead. Hugs, Annie xxx

Canonbury creations said...

Wonderful CASE of Vicky's card Darnell, love all the sparkle. Your roses are glorious, another stamp for my wish list!
Val x

Carole Pollard said...

Brilliant cards the designs are so pretty I love flower cards love and hugs Carole x

Unknown said...

ooh I jus love those roses!! xx

Pam said...

Who doesn't love that song by Leslie Gore? Or any song by her? Your cards are gorgeous! Love butterflies and flowers. Why must you sow me a NBUS die? You know I have no will power. Now I have to have it.

Cat Craig said...

Fabulous on both takes Darnell. The soft watercolor wash on the first one is lovely, and your flowers on the second are so sweet.

Loll said...

Two gorgeous card Dolly! Vicki has been a wonderful inspiration at MUSE and will be missed. Both your butterfly card and Vicki's are so pretty! Love the sparkle you've added to yours. And your rose card is gorgeous. Great designs. Thanks for playing along at ATCAS. Lolly xx

Verna Angerhofer said...

Beautifully done. You CASED the card of Vicki's so well and by adding the shadow of each color of butterfly in the same color family you added your own special touch too. I love the floral one too.

Joyce said...

Two fantastic cards. I am especially in love with the 2nd one--those flowers are to did for, and love your color choices.

Donna said...

Both beautiful cards! Like the shadowing around your fab butterflies and your flowers are stunning! I am trying not to buy stamps for at least the summer and work on my NBUS Stamps and digis, so far succeding!

scrappymo! said...

Two beautiful cards. Love all the glitter...I enlarged the photo and man oh man...I could see that gorgeous sparkle!

Loly Borda said...

I love butterflies and yours are delightful! So are the roses, both cards are beautiful Darnell, and congrats on using your NBUS! Big hugs

Janeen said...

love love love the coordinating colors behind the flutter-bys. what a great idea. i too love the summer themes but i really just want to be outside during our short short very short summers. :D --however it hasn't really turned summer much at all here yet but we have been swamped with company...and ..people before paper.

JD/ Jill said...

Wonderful cards! and, as always, so creative...
Thank you for stopping by my blog...and leaving such lovely comments!

Barb Ghig said...

Can you say GORGEOUS?!!! Well, I can! Absolutely stunning cards, Darnell! Your sparkly butterflies are so pretty, and I love that you were inspired to use those lovely blooms to create another card! You are really on a roll, and I'm so glad you played along with us at ATCAS for the butterfly challenge...Thank you!

Bananastamper said...

Whooshing always seems to be the case, but I did get to do some digging in the garden and make some cards all in the same weekend - hooray! lol
Lovely creations! I love how you have showcased the butterflies in the first card and the lovely NBUS stitched die background/base sets the card off so nicely!
Wishing you sunshine!
Shanna :)

kiwimeskreations said...

What gorgeous cards Darnell - love the layout, and those soft colours are perfect on both cards - just wish i could see all the sparkle on the first one IRL, as I can see some in the close up.
Blessings
Maxine

Barbara (C) said...

CAS and Butterflies - for me a pretty combination. The Roses work so well in the same layout too....x

Hannelie said...

OH WOW!
Eye candy on this lovely Monday morning!
Beautiful cards Darnell.
Have a great week!

Jenni's Jems said...

Loving those butterflies !but your roses card stole my heart,that one is just gorgeous x

Greta said...

Love your cards, Darnell! I want those Altenew roses--my willpower is giving out seeing your beautiful card!

Jane Willis said...

These are really gorgeous - totally CAS and yet with so much to say for themselves!
Jane

wienerhoneymooners said...

Gorgeous!! Love the colors!!!! Shimmer is lovely!!

sandie said...

That water colour wash is gorgeous, soft and subtle. I have to get myself some of these Altnew roses they are lovely and this design really works well. So good to see you at Ink x

Karen M said...

LOVE both your stunning cards Darnell - Two awesome designs! Thanks for the lovely comments on my blog...you always make me smile - hugs xx

Stamps and Paper said...

Love your gorgeous butterfly cards Darnell love the colours around your butterflies too

Anne

Kath said...

Fabulous cards - my favourite is the one with butterflies and I love the shimmer on the wings.
Kath x

Sue said...

Lovely cards. I particularly like the flower one.

Hope you have a good week. Sue

Caz said...

Butterflys are so pretty and yours are no exception! I was in a butterfly house the other day, there are some truly amazing ones out there!!

Nance said...

I love how you used the colors behind each butterfly and then colored them too. Very, very pretty. I like the floral one too, but the butterflies have to be my fave.

Sarn said...

Loving your Summer Sensations here Darnell. I could see the glitz, with my nose pressed up against the screen!

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Linda said...

Beautiful summery cards Darnell, the butterflies are gorgeous and I love those pretty little flowers ... might just have to add that set to my wish list! Have a great week .... Linda xx

Carole said...

Hello my new friend...the weekend has whooshed by and I am flitting by to say I love your butterflies. Love the splash of colour behind each one..great CASE and the flower card is fab too. Both say summer and sparkle....so very pretty. xx

!neke said...

Hi Darnell, great butterfly cards !
Send me some sun and higher temperatures !
Its to cold for this time of the year !!!! Brrrrrr!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Both are gorgeous CAS designs, love the trio of images and the colours. The emobossing of the butterflies is fabulous. I hope you are doing well, Hugs, Shirleyxx

KandA said...

Hi Darnell, these are both fabulous cards. I love the colours and super layouts. CAS and perfect xx

Unknown said...

Beautiful cards Darnell!! Love your butterflies and flowers!

Jeanne said...

Both cards are gorgeous, Darnell! Oooh, I do wish I could see it in all its glittery glory, but what I can see is pure beauty. That watercolor background is so very pretty. The second card is lovely, too. Great colors and placement. That cross stitch panel looks fun! Excellent work! Hugs! Jeanne

I Card Everyone said...

So pretty, D... love the flowers and that fabulous cross-stitched rectangle die - OH it's your party, and you'll die-cut if you want to!!!
I saw/met Lesley in NY in 1985, and she was just as fabulous then.
=] M

Petra Swart said...

Both these cards are simply GORGEOUS, Darnell!!! WOW, love them both - wonderful CASEs of Vicki's card!!!! The one with the roses is my fave!!!!
Have a wonderful week!!!

Nan G said...

Fabulous cards Darnell! Love the roses especially! Progress with the hands recovery...I'm typing..just barely. :) And I have been creating. Now just to get it posted so y'all can see. Hugs

Ros Crawford said...

Gorgeous cards!! I love that Altenew stamp!!

Julia Aston said...

Two beauties Darnell! love the glitter on the butterflies and your roses are delicious!! Julia xx

Linda said...

Oh wow, Darnell, such gorgeous creations. Really love that butterfly card.

BożenA said...

Hello Darnell,
each successive Your card is beautiful. It's amazing how quickly you grow an artistically. I've always loved your cards, but now I'm captivated by them. They are really very beautiful.
hugs,
Bozena

Carole Z said...

Love these gorgeous, summery CAS style cards Darnell, fabulous! Hugs Carole Z xx

walchowDesign said...

Two beautiful cards! Love how you put three colours on the butterflies, Darnell!

conil said...

Awesome glittery butterflies. Who wouldn't love those...the pearls remind me of dewdrops. Your duet of cards is perfect for this CASE. You really should get a tiara or something as the Princess of NBUS for your third card...lovely stamping...think I may have to add the Memory Box die to my HUGE stash.

Deni(se) said...

Very appealing. I have seen from other blogs how hard it is to photograph sparkle, but you have done a good job.

Ksenija @Sweet Kobylkin said...

Dear Darnell, wonderful caseing, love the watercoloured BG and beautifully coloured butterflies! Thanks for your comment and nice words on my entry to a new DT :)

Sue said...

Darnell, I love your cards, you are so artistic. The butterfly card in particular is just gorgeous, so stylish and beautifully made.
Sue...xxx

Elizabeth S. said...

Wow! These are fabulous and love the CAS look you did. Fantastic way to use NBUS

Leslee said...

Such pretty cards! I love those glittery butterflies!

Lisa Elton said...

What a fabulous pair of cards Darnell!! Those butterflies are so pretty and I have GOT to get that Altenew set. Every time I remember, it's out of stock!!

Jacquie Southas said...

Both beautiful, Darnell! The glitteriness of the butterflies definitely came through in the photos :)

Jacquie Southas said...

Both beautiful, Darnell! The glitteriness of the butterflies definitely came through in the photos :)

Nancy said...

Darnell, thank you for your sweet comments on my blog!! I think I love your flower card with "Painted Roses" the best, but all your cards are just stunning! You are so talented! Keep up the good work and keep up the spreading of such JOY!!!

Brenda said...

Wow, both cards are stunners Auntie! I love those butterflies, all shimmery and sparkling in the light. The colors are just gorgeous and my, oh my, I am so loving that watercolored background! Those roses, well know, they are stunning too, love the design of these cards, Vickie does make beautiful cards that is for sure! Hugs, Brenda

Irish Cherokee said...

Love both of your cards Darnell. It is impossible to be partial to either of them. 5 stars to both.

Love, Hugs and blessings
Jim

Ксения Phedra Ли said...

Darnell, your casing of Vicky's card is so detailed and well done that if I played this week I would vote for you) both cards are thender and soft)

Anonymous said...

Love the roses :) Just stunning.

Craftychris said...

Both you cards are so bright and happy, love them! xxx

Kristie Goulet said...

So beautiful, Darnell!

Nora Noll said...

Oh Darnell!! These are so pretty!! I LOVE your take on the challenge. You rocked the butterflies!! I also like how you used the flowers with that same design. You are doing a great job on making "two" of a card. I am hoping to do better with this over the summer when I am off.

Bobby said...

Both of these card are delights, Darnell. I love your soft watercolor around the butterflies. You keep this up your NBUS mountain will become a mole hill. ;)

Gerrina said...

What a great summer and light blogpost this time! Love the butterflies; placed perfect and coloured so beautiful!
Would like to life in the states for a few moments just to let some great stampset and other goodies deliver to my door; that Althenew set is stunning in the colours you used! Hope you are enjoying the week, hugs, Gerrina

Anita in France said...

These are both so deliciously summery and bright and fabulous, Darnell ... love all the shimmer on the kaleidoscope of butterflies ... and those blooms ... stunning! Hugs & Bisous, Anita :)

Taunya Butler said...

Your butterflies are stunning an so very lovely!! Love the trio of them and the colors you have chosen make them just sparkle and shine!! And you are such a genius to catty that trio thing onto your next card with those incredible flowers in those yummy colors!! Love that you carried the trio them a bit further - gave me a thought!! Anyways - hope you are well and happy!! Have a great day!!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful pair of cards. I'm sure the butterflies are very sparkly. And way to go using so many NBUS on the second card. Those rose stamps are so cool.

ionabunny said...

I have been lax recently in declaring my NBUS. Maybe cos everything seems to be NBUS LOL. Lovely cards. Off to check out MUSE. Hugz

Cheryl W. said...

Ah, yes, I remember singing along to Lesley Gore on the radio. The good old days (emphasis on "old"). Lovely cards today. Those butterflies are so pretty...the roses, too.

Geri said...

Stunning cards pal! Your water colored flutter-byes are so pretty! Perfect choice of sentiment - follows the flow of their antennae(s)!.

Ka-thunk - jaw hits the keyboard gorgeous flower card! Clean & simply beautiful, especially wit the wee detailed "x'd" border!

Hettie said...

My Darnell. You are rolling them out good and pwopper! These are incredibibble!!
Love them ALL!
Hugs
xx
PS Something arrived from Hammy yesterday. Not opened yet!
Hugs
xx

Greta said...

Congrats on the HM at Muse!

Jaydee said...

Your butterflies are gorgeous and your cards CAS perfection. So glad you joined us at Addicted to CAS this week
Jaydee

Rebecca Hoy said...

Ohhh I love your trio of butterflies, thanks for playing along with this week's ATCAS Challenge, Rebecca x x x

Helen F. said...

Two more CAS stunners! I have to say, I am lovin your beautifully simple designs here, Darnell!

Pia Larsen said...

Darnell, you have me swooning over this card! The Altenew flowers combined with cross-stitched border die....so yummy!
Thank you for playing with us at INK for our Photoinkspiration Challenge. I would love (and I mean it) to see you again for our next challenge :-)
Pia xx

Shauna said...

Wow. What a stunning design! I love your use of color and the water colored look. Thanks for playing with us at Inkspirational!
- Shauna

cm said...

Butterflies = swooning; the painted roses = smitten by! You have those stamped beautifully! The Vintage Roses and I are still trying to figure one another out! I can do the three layer ones, but the four layers...grrrr! You should see the 'odd' florals I wind up with...hmmm...better you don't see! Love your cards!
Hugs~c