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 10, 2016

Stamping Smiles Designs GD!

Greetings, Friends and Challenge Lovers!

I hope things are going well for you as you crest the wave of this week!

I'm surfing in to happily share that I am one of the Guest Designers for Stamping Smiles Designs Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge! This is only the third challenge for this fun new place to play and I hope you will be able to join us!

As always, there is a Tic-Tac-Toe board for you to choose from. In addition, there is a sketch option so you have guidance galore!
I've made two cards to inspire you!

First, I made a card I think is gender neutral. You wouldn’t have to make it the size of a business envelope, but guys might like the size of it!
As you can see I used the awesome sketch for my design and this card was also inspired by row one across on the Tic-Tac-Toe board: love, shimmer, and hearts

The shimmer is from the red foil paper from Stampin' Up. In fact, all the papers used for this card are from Stampin' Up. The word "Sending" is from Simon Says Stamp and the words "you" and "love" are from Winnie & Walter.

My second card is an always-fun interactive shaker card:
This time I used row three down for my design: hearts, confetti, and sketch. The diagonal hearts are actually strips of heart Washi tape. The double-stitched rectangle frames were made with Lil' Inker dies. The sediment is from Hero Arts.

I hope my cards have inspired you to play along! I want to thank Ka for the honor of asking me to be the Guest Designer for this Third Challenge! I can't wait to see what you create and BTW, you'll have the chance to win one of these stamp sets!! You can link your card here.
~~~

I'm going to sneak in one more Valentine:
Hmm. Are you thinking that's an odd choice of focus pocus for a Valentine? Well, wait. Here's a closeup:
Now do you see hearts, organically speaking? Don't groan. I AM that coo-coo, but your groans will change to romantic sighs when I tell you that I made it for my friend to give to her cardiologist husband. Aw.

You see, every time you think I've gone round the bend, I fool you!

The die is from Memory Box and it's called "Quinn Flourish." It really is beautiful and it will be posted on the GIVEAWAYS page sometime today.

~~~

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93 comments:

Sandy said...

Lovely bunch of valentines card. I've never seen a challenge blog that did tic-tac-toe every time. Might be fun to check out.

OH Babs said...

These are three lovely beauties Irma and I think Quinn Flourish (was in on Dancing with the Stars?) might be my fave because it is so unique. Now on to the previous post for which I have not yet commented. Have a lovely day oh lady who makes so many Valentine cards. Did you send one to Quinn?

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

All three your valentine cards looks gorgous and you made me smile with the last one for the chardiologist.... these are just the perfect hearts!! :D
Love so much the shaker, such a wonderful look it has!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

...And congrats for your GD!!!

Kath said...

Three great cards - love them all - and congratulations on your being GD.
Kath x

Sarah said...

I really "heart" these Darnell!! xx

Pat said...

Three beautiful heart warming creations Darnell. They are all lovely but I do particularly adore that cute red heart washi tape you have put diagonally across the second card and the shaker element is the icing on the cake. x

Gerrina said...

Congrats on being Gueat Designer! Dont know the challenge, but will look into that later.
You made three lovely Valentinecards! Favo is the first one, but the shaker has great washitape on it! (A quick dive now in my dressor çause i forgot to use any of my haertstapes...) Must say I was a bit curious for the last one, but totally understand you; that is a great one for someone with the actual haert as profession! Enjoy your week (if you could, could you send some sunshine? Yesterday and today from 15:00 I have only see rain here... Hugs, Gerrina

KT Fit Kitty said...

Congratulations on your GD feature, Darmell! This is one of my favourite new challenges! All 3 cards are gorgeous!

*Vicki* said...

These are all really amazing designs Darnell!! I love your take on the challenge AND the sketch!! :) HUGS

Happy Dance said...

Congrats on the GD spot! Very cool, my friend, very cool. Love your first two cards, and my!, have you rocked this challenge or what? And twice! The grays, shimmer, and shaker are all perfect. LOVE these. And I saw hearts right away on that amazing third card, so if you're around the bend, then I'm in the passenger seat along for the ride! A trio of sweet Valentines. Awesome possum! Miss you. xo Bev

Kate said...

Wonderful inspiration Darnell, love that last one in particular. Perfect for a cardiologist !!!

Lisa said...

All three of your cards are so gorgeous, Darnell!! I love the designs!! The shaker is fabulous!! Amazing inspiration!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Ruth said...

Oooh GD! I haven't got round to trying out this challenge yet, but your cards are certainly great inspiration for it - definitely really fit the profile and I do love those hearts for your cardiologist friend :) xx

Sue said...

Fabby cards. I particularly like the shaker one.

Hope you are having a good week. Sue

Mrs A. said...

And here's me thinking they were little telephones!!!!!!! I need a drinkie poo.
Hugs Mrs A.

designbydonna said...

Delightful valentines. I love challenges and sketches so I'll be going over to check that out.

Milka Gubo said...

Congratulations on your GD spot, Darnell! GORGEOUS cards!!! Love them all. :o) hugs xx

Lindsey said...

Darnell is fabulous! I love both cards for the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge! I would have never thought to put a shaker in the middle of the sketch. Such a great idea! And your cardiologist "heart" card...another stroke of brilliance. So awesome!

Lisa Elton said...

Yippee, congrats on guesting!! A trio of Valentine fabulousness Darnell. Love each and every one!!

ellyscard creatief said...

Beautiful Valentine cards Darnelle.Love the shaker card.
Thanks for your lovely comments.
Gr, Elly

Jean said...

BEautiful cards!!

Tracey McNeely said...

Darnell congratulations on your Guest Design and wow three sweetheart cards! I love the vibrant red on white and your shaker is filled with all kinds of yummy!

Valerija said...

Wonderful sweetheart cards! Love them all.
Congratulations on your Guest Design.
Hugs, Valerija

conil said...

Aaaack! Hearts are dancing before my eyes. I'm starting at the bottom and working up. Your friend's cardio M.D. should be tickled pink...no...red, with this card. That die is awesome and it looks fabulous on your card. I'd say your second card is going to shake someone up, BIG Time (washi tape, brilliant). Love all that foil-goodness on your first card...it is gorgeous. Congrats on the GD spot...well-deserved.

Lizzy Hill said...

Fun cards...especially the last one....had a bit of an eye roll going, very clever indeedy!!!! My fave is the shaker one. Cos I love 'em and never make 'em, of course;)!!

Kathleen said...

Three totally fabulous cards, the red is stunning agains the white.

Kath x

BożenA said...

Hi Darnell,
what did you do with die MB Quinn Flourish is wonderful. The die is quite different. Wow, I'm impressed. Card with hearts looks like he was on route of hearts, which left its mark on it. What an extraordinary idea.
Hugs,
BozenA

Verna Angerhofer said...

Three gorgeous and wonderful card designs and so awesome with the red and white.

cm said...

A whole lot of innovation and beauty happening with this trio of Valentine cards! Love the 'triple shimmer serving sentiments' of the first (say that three times quickly...); the shaker happy of the second, and the organic-awesomeness of the third. Your friend's cardiologist husband's heart is going to pitter-patter when he receives this gem! Feeling the love...
hugs~c

Dena J said...

Fabulous shimmery Valentine's! and I LOVE new challenges. It is on my favorites bar and hope I can join the fun.

Lee Ann Barrett said...

Oh my goodness, love these valentines, Darnell! The first is a gorgeous use of white space- just awesome! And I am in awe of how you have used the die in the third card- funny thing is I have that die and would never have thought to do what you did with it! Amazing!

MaryH said...

They made a fantastic choice in asking you to be the guest designer. You hit the assignment right outta the ballpark! I am loving each of these. Such clever use of the tic tac arrangement, and I do love those bold sentiment dies on #1. Look smashing with the flurry of tiny red hearts. Also very much like these shaker cards you've been rolling out (good for you on the Fuse not being a NBUS now). Like the corner to corner hearts and the stitched framing. Clever girl! But #3 might take the prize, with your play on the hearts for your friend. Also that is a super embossing on the swirl --- you're gonna be going 'Pro' I expect! These are all just perfect for the Big V day. We loved the sweet card that arrived yesterday. Will be sharing on the blog! Big hugs & many thanks to you, for such enjoyment here, and also your sweet thoughtfulness.

Greta said...

Hurrah! Congrats on being the GD, Darnell! I've played in one of the TTT challenges & hope to again soon. Your cards show why they asked you to GD--fantastic work! The heart card for the cardiologist is over the top! Hugs, Greta

oldpunca said...

Beautiful cards, full of energy and love. This time the shaker card is my favourite. :-)
Congratulation for the honour to be a guest designer by Stamping Smiles Designs Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge!
Hugs, Sonja

Anonymous said...

Just beautiful!!!!! LOVE all three, my fav is the shaker I think....its so hard to decide and is making my brain freeze up lol!!

Birgit said...

These 3 are great and love the white and red theme going on here. I don't think you are coo-coo because i could see myself do this also...and may do this one day. Wonderful cards

Karren said...

Congrats on your GD spot, Darnell! Your cards are just gorgeous!

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Congrats on your GDT, Darnell! Those 3 cards are real beauties! Of course shakers are always great, but the third card is a real stunner!

Susanne Vargas said...

Congrats on your GD spot! You rocked it again with your fabulous cards! And I am sure the cardiologist will be very impressed by the "real" hearts card! Way to customize a card!

Marcia Hill said...

Very impressed with ALL the Valentine's cards you have made this year Darnell...do you send out as many Valentine's Day cards as you do Christmas cards? I send out LOTS of Christmas cards, but admit I only make a few Valentine's ones! I love your shaker card one and had to smile when I saw which stamp you used for your sentiment on the front...I have had that same stamp for years and years, and use it every year for the insides of the few that I make! Hope you and the Mister have a wonderful Valentine's Day together!! Hugs. :0)

Rose said...

Three gorgeous cards! Love the classic red & white & the soft grey (silver?) in the first is lovely for a more masculine look. I have the Quinn Flourish but would never have thought to use it for Valentines. Beautifully done!

Lindsey said...

I rather love the third card, for its so very literal use of hearts. :D And the first two, though perhaps more traditional, are beautiful!

Loll said...

Congrats on being GD Dolly!! And you've done an amazing job! A three for of Valentine's Day beauties. :) xx

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Ohhhhhhh these are gorgeous! LOVING all the hearts!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lostinpaper said...

Congrats on your GD gig, all your cards are so wonderful, love the bold pops of red and all the shiny goodness!

Carol L said...

What a wonderful array of Valentines, and I'm floored with what you saw on the last card - a perfect match for a cardiologist's card! Brilliant and beautiful too!

Dr Sonia S V said...

WOW Darnell what a cheerful and gorgeous collection !

Suchi said...

Congrats on your GD position Darnell! All of your cards are beautiful Valentine's cards! I loved the third one- so amazing! :)
Suchi xx

Anonymous said...

Fabulous cards. Love how you highlighted the hearts - perfect :)

Linda S. said...

I can't believe I am doing this, but even though I know you are doing another giveaway, and yes, I did check it out, I will not be entering my name in the draw. Those are two great dies, but I know deep down that I have no use for either of them, so rather than waste someone else's chance of winning, I will pass this one up. Now I'm off to take my temperature!!

scrappymo! said...

These are wonderful! My fave is the second...love the shaker aspect!

Creative world said...

Gorgeous cards...love you color combination...and gongrats to GD position Darnell...XX Željka

Marybeth said...

You will bring many people to the new challenge ,congrats on your GD spot. Your cards are truly amazing ,crisp clean and beautiful! Love the shaker and wondering if you always use the fuse tool,for them. Oh my gosh on the last one for your friends husband the heart Dr. is that not just perfect! Gorgeous red and whites!

Ros Crawford said...

Congrats on your GD spot!! Fabuous cards Darnell ... Loving that shaker!

Mimi said...

OOOH, how did I miss all of these? You were in a V-day frenzy... did you have romantic music and a bottle of wine??? Ha! Thanks for sharing info on the new tic challenge. I always love those! Choices! I'm giving top pick to the first card listed, but another day I could easily choose either of the others!!!

Unknown said...

Such lovely Valentine's day cards Darnell! Love your take on the sketch so glad you were a guest designer with us!!

Unknown said...

Congrats on your GD spot Dippy. You've produced a Hugmongous Hug of Hearts with these three gorgeous cards. The sentiment on the first card looks like they were bought together as the script looks identical. Love the shaker card and the Quinn Flourish had me stumped until I saw the close up! What a clever, awesome friend you are.

Hugs

Karendipity xxx

KandA said...

Hi Darnell, Congrats on your GD. Love all 3 of these fabulous cards and as I just bought some acetate you've inspired me to try a shaker card.
I really love that MB Quinn flourish (can't believe you're actually giving it away) and it works perfectly as a real heart xx

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Okay, that cracks me up that the "sending" in "sending you love" is by a different company. They go together so well. Great cards but that one takes the cake (yes, there was cake and you missed it). Although I have to say the heart card to the cardiologist was a scream too. Fun times~ !

Petra Swart said...

Big congrats on the GD spot, Darnell!!! And what great cards you have made using the TTT board and the sketch!!! Love all the cute hearts, the lovely foil paper and the fun shaker!!!
Love your card for the cardiologist!!! So clever and very cute!!!!
Have a wonderful day!!!
Hugz

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh what an amazing collection of cards Darnell - I saw the hearts in the third card straight away :-). I hope Hammy approved of this trio of masterpieces!!
Blessings
Maxine

Cat Craig said...

Always a method to the madness right? Fabulous Vday cards. Every recipient should be quite pleased.

Viv said...

Stunning cards as always Dee, loving the red and white combo too ;) Viv xx

Redanne said...

Just one word my friend - Exquisite!!! Hugs, Annie xx

Susan said...

What a beautiful gallery of cards! You rocked the valentines! These cards will surely make someone feel very special!

SonjaK said...

LOVE those wonderful cards in my favorite color combination! They're so pretty! Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog, Darnell, and for becoming my follower. I have, in fact, already visited your blog so often that I'm in fact baffled I'm not yet following YOU. Changed that immediately, of course. I love all of the cards I see here every time I come around. (But I must admit I'm lousy at leaving comments.)

laurie said...

Awesome Valentine cards, Darnell!I love that shaker..so cute!

Megan said...

Always glad to find new challenges. Thanks for sharing!

JoAnn said...

Beautiful Valentine cards. Love them all.

Kim Heggins said...

Fabulous trio of sweetness my dear friend.I love them all! See you real soon.

Cheryl W. said...

I adore your lover-ly Valentines! I bet the cardiologist is going to love the one intended for him, too. You're a doll for making it. Happy Valentine's Day to you, Darnell. Hope you get lots of hugs and smooches.

Canonbury creations said...

Congrats on your GD spot Darnell loving your heart explosion!
Val x

Marilyn said...

Gorgeous cards especially the last one!!

505whimsygirl said...

Hi Darnell,

All three are beautiful cards. Your "explanation" of the third one is perfect! It definitely does make sense.

Happy weekend.

Hugs,
Kay

Betty Wright said...

WOW! WOW! and WOW! Love all three! Definitely feeling the love and seeing REDs! I totally see the hearts, too! Fabulous designs, Darnell!

SHartl said...

I always love your clean and simple style because I barely have time to stamp, much less spend a lot of time coloring and cutting, and layering. So modern and simple always catches my eye, and you do it up right!! The cardiologist card cracks me up and is a really creative way to use that die! Happy Valentines day to you.

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

Congratulations on the GD post Darnell, the Valentine cards are simply wonderful. I do like the third card too, being a science teacher I found it quite fun :)

Have a lovely weekend!

Love and hugs
Maarit

Jane Willis said...

Here I am bringing fresh supplies of tea, marmalade and screen wipes! What a stunning selection of cards today, and where on earth did you find a die that looks like REAL hearts instead of stylised ones? That's brilliant - and ideal for a cardiologist!
Jane

Tracie Pond said...

Hello Darnell, I am so happy to see you as a Guest Designer at Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge. Your cards are amazing and perfect for Valentine's Day. The pop of foil on your first card adds great shimmer and is so pretty. I really like the framing on your shaker card and your shaker mixture. Thank you kindly for the sweet comment you left on my blog. I have been to your blog in the past because I remember your cute playhouse. I am now following you. Hugs, Tracie

Tracie Pond
Stamping Smiles Designs
Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge
#ssdtictactoechallenge
Design Team Member

Nora Noll said...

WOW!! These Valentines ROCK!! I LOVE all your cards but I think the shaker card wins for me. The sequins you used are FANTASTIC. I have to note that you inspire me with your creativity, your kindness and your sense of humor every time I pop in. Thank you!! Have a happy Valentine's Day!!

Anita in France said...

You little romantic soul, you ... what a trio of loveliness, Darnell! Gorgeous shimmer on that shiny sentiment, cool interactive shaker ... and that last one ... I saw hearts in that die ... made sense to me, especially with that fun sentiment! Wondering ... does that say something about you ... or me ... or us both! Miss you loads! Hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Anita in France said...

Swooning over all that red and white deliciousness had my whelms quite overed and I forgot to say ... congratulations on your GD spot, mon amie! Still missing you! Hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Karenladd said...

Oh, leave it to you to see beating hearts hiding in that flourish die, ha! Of course, now that you pointed them out, I can't erase it from my mind and that card appears to thump and quiver as I gaze, wide-eyed at your imaginative take on a Valentine design. The cardiologist is going to just love this!

Loving the gray patterned paper on your first card, which sets off the red and white perfectly, and that shaker card is a delight! I've only ever made one shaker card in my life, and that nearly put me round the bend so I settle for admiring shakers, rather than trying to make them myself.

Congrats on your guest design spot, and that tic tac toe challenge looks like a fun one that I may check out!

Geri said...

Congrats on this GD gig. You are sooooooo deserving of this honor! And, you rocked it big time (or should I say 'gig time'...okay, I agree, a bit lame!)

Spookyness...your "Sending" card is almost IDENTICAL to one of the v-day card that I made for the kidlets (that got sent without snapping a picture). No surprise then to learn that I love your version!

2nd card - sooooo cool! I love the angled hearts, especially with te fabulous inlaid panels....and they line up perfectly! The shaker element 'shakes'...as opposed to 'rocks'.

3rd card - My fav of the group! Embossing the strip of hearts at the bottom is so cool! Love your sparkly 'organically speaking' hearts that will definitely make the cardiologist hubby smile!

Cris G. said...

Three cards, three beauties! Congratulations on your GD spot, Darnell!
Happy Valentine's day!

Karen M said...

Congrats on your GD spot Darnell and you have made some awesome valentine's cards....love them all! Happy heart day xx

sandie said...

This is a new challenge to me, so thanks for the tip. Adore all these heart cards, especially the shaker xx

Dana M said...

Oh Darnell, absolutely gorgeous cards - WOW! Congratulations on your post as guest designer for the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenges!

Brenda said...

Wow, what amazing card Auntie! Love them as they are so classy and pretty and I love that the first one is really gender neutral. And yes, I can see those hearts you speak of in your third card. lol And I think it is a fabulous choice for your friend to give to her heart doctor husband! Congrats on your GD spot, you were the perfect choice! Hugs, Brenda

Bobby said...

I planned to play in this challenge but I never got around to it. Congratulations on your GD spot, Darnell. Your cards are wonderful. I love the idea of the tall skinny one and shakers are always fun if a bugaboo to make.

Olga Fink said...

Three fantastic cards! but my favourite is the shaker card!
xoxo Olga

Helen F. said...

These three Valentines are so awesome. The designs on all are really pretty. Love the one you made for your friend's husband the mostest :)