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 1, 2016

NBUS Challenge #6! Day One

Welcome to NBUS (Never-Before-Used-Schtuff) Challenge #6!!
Let's get right to it! If you're like me, when you play in a challenge you want to know three four things:
  1. The theme.
  2. The dates.
  3. The rules.
  4. The prizes.
So here you go!

Anything Goes!


12:05 a.m. PST on March 1, 2016 to 
11:55 p.m. PST on March 10, 2016

  • You must use a NBUS item on your creation and indicate what it is. It doesn't matter if it is old or new, although that old virginal schtuff would really like some attention!
  • This challenge is a thank you to my followers, so to be eligible for a prize, please join via the blue "Join This Site" button on my side bar to your right where all the happy little faces are!
  • Cut and paste the NBUS badge shown above into your post or on your side bar and include a link back here.
  • Please enter only four other challenges in addition to this one, for a total of five.
  • Link up your creation using the Inlinkz button at the bottom of this challenge in the usual way.
  • You may enter a total of three times. New work only please.
  • HAVE FUN!!
For more detailed rule information and instructions for how you enter if you don't have a blog, please click HERE. For history and prior challenge winner information, please click HERE.
Wait. What? There are prizes? Well, yes indeed there are! Unfortunately, I am not feeling up to par, so to make things easier for me, I am going to be the sole sponsor as I was for the first four NBUSesses. I hope you understand and don't mind! (And thank you to all the would-be sponsors who contacted me!)
Prizes:  FIVE (5) $25 gift cards 
from any US domestic company of the Winner's Choice!

and


A complete set of 12!

Selection

Because you are all my friends, I could never select one of you over another, so I will use Dr. Random and Mrs. Dot Org to choose the prize winners. They will work tirelessly with Hammy and The Hammettes to hold the random drawing and I will post the winners at the latest on Sunday, March 13th.
I have been making cards when I've been up to it, so I will be posting one or more cards each day as inspiration for cheering you on! I'm sorry I'm not going to be able to comment on each of your entries as I've done in the past, but I will visit as many of you as I possibly can and I hope you will visit each other as well.

Here is today's QACAS OLC for you:
As it happens, this works well for the current CAS(E) this Sketch challenge!

~~~

 
I can't wait to see the beautiful creations you make and enter below using one or more item of Never-Before-Used-Schtuff!! Thank you very much for participating and for being incredible followers and supporters and friends! Your friendship and your encouraging comments keep me going! MWAH! 

If you have any questions, please email darnell dot knauss at gmail dot com.

~~~

Enjoy your day! Enjoy the challengeNo, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*

& Hammy and The Hammettes

*Life is too short!

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101 comments:

Kathyk said...

Brilliant ... I have THE perfect thing!

Kathyk

Rahmat said...

Oh those balloons are lovely in teal, I was about to post a card with NBUS, so will link it :), and it will be another hit challenge Darnell.

Gerrina said...

This is not just another ballooncard; with the twine like that it is a more elegant card! And I love the teal/turquoise colour!
Great that you do another NBUS-challenge and good that you won't try to comment on all; think that is nearly impossible without doing other fun things :)! Enjoy our enthousiasme!
Have a colourfull week!

G Peplow said...

Fabulous challenge again Darnell but I have to say, I'm so sorry to hear that you are under the weather 😕 I send you happy healing wishes, big hugs Gay 😊 Xxx

hellerlittle said...

Gerrina is so right "Great that you do another NBUS-challenge and good that you won't try to comment on all; think that is nearly impossible without doing other fun things :)! Enjoy our enthousiasme!
Have a colourfull week!"
I´m happy about the new NBUS *yeah let´s have funny times together
CU hellerlittle

G Peplow said...

P.s Smashing card by the way ;D xxx

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Love the card.

Hope you have a good day. Sue

Kath said...

A great card Darnell. I'll link up soon - the problem is choosing which NBUS item to use!
Hope you feel better soon.
Kath x

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Woohoo, wot fun have bags of new schtuff just begging pick me, pick me!! Some of em are pretty loud too, def'ning like.
Mm not happy though Darnell to read that you're not well, very sorry t hear, hope it remediable sooner rather than later dear friend. Better check back in case you've said something further back.
Praying for you and health "chez Darnell and gang".
Shaz in Oz.x

Aileen said...

Glad to hear the Challeneg has begun, started with a beautiful card and inspiration. Now to decide which item to remove from the mountain of NBUS.
I hope you are feeling better by the time I post, if not please take care. Also congrats on your win the other day, you clever duck with that beautiful flower (I have forgotten the name, lots of little flowers making one flower blues mauves so beautiful).

Jane Willis said...

Good morning and happy St Davids/NBUS Day. Had to rush in early with my post because I'm off for a few days shortly and typically will only just be getting back as the doors close until next time. Oh well, it saves you from having to wade through three entries from me!
Jane

Redanne said...

A great new NBUS challenge Darnell and what a gorgeous card to kick start it with, the colour of the balloons is so beautiful and fresh looking. I am worrying about you though....please take care and don't overdo things... Big hugs, Annie xxx

Cathy said...

Hi Darnell, hope you are feeling better soon! I'll have to sift through all my NBUS choices for some inspiration! LOVE your balloon card, the stitching detail is lovely, Cathy x

Cat Craig said...

Feel better soon Ms. D. Sending well wishes. I love those aqua balloons and that script-y birthday sentiment. I am so glad to finally be home and able to add a card or three to your NBUS challenge. I have a bin full of stuff and I will be digging into it some more.

Ruth said...

As it's the last day of the 30 Day Colouring Challenge, this will stop me sliding into despair (I love that challenge!) and make me use some stuff I've not yet managed to use! Yippeeeee!!! Can't wait!!! You're lovely Darnell :) xx

Mimi said...

Darnell, darn, I wish you were feeling 100%... Here's to a healthier March! Your faithful followers will be sending positive thoughts and love your way. Hugs.

Carole said...

Hope you feel a lot better very quickly. Hugs xx

lostinpaper said...

So excited to see another NBUS challenge and I hope to join in the fun, don't sweat not being able to comment all round, we know that you love us and will enjoy our cards just the same x

Sandma's Handmade Cards said...

Thanks for the challenge Darnell. I've had great fun playing with my unused stamps. I hope you feel better soon so sending you lots of love and crafty hugs :) X

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Beautiful! LOVING the balloons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ionabunny said...

Yeah Darnell, you are a star. So glad NBUS #6 is here. Thanks for keeping us amused. Take care. I'll be back soon with mucho NBUS. Hugz

cm said...

My sweet friend...I'm concerned that you're not feeling 100%! Sending hugs, love and prayers for a turn to the positive for you! Let me know if there's anything I can do to help out...with this challenge or whatever you may need. Wish I lived closer...Your balloons make me smile!
Love, hugs, prayers~c

SD pooja said...

Wow..you already have 7 entries ! This challenge is going to be ROCKING !

Pam said...

I hope you feel better soon!

Sue said...

Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. I love your teal balloons on your card, too. A great CAS card. Yeah! another NBUS challenge. I have one card ready and hoping to post it later today. Feel better soon ((HUGS))!!

Pat said...

I'm so looking forward to entering your challenge Darnell and so generous of you to donate five lovely prizes! I love your turquoise balloons and the matching sentiment and finished beautifully with the blue enamel dots. I'm sorry you are still feeling a bit under the weather and hope you get back to full vigour soon. In the meantime don't overdo the visiting, we all understand! x

Yolanda Garrido said...

Deaerest Darnell!! I am sure it is going to be amazing again! Thanks for the chance and for encouraging us to use what we've got!!!! I will take part, for sure! Hugs!!

Happy Dance said...

Don't stress yourself out dear, sweet Miss D. You are in my prayers for all that's going on in your life. Love your pretty balloon card; the teal is delightful. I will play along before it ends, too. Can't miss the world's most fun challenge run by the world's sweetest blogger! Miss you!! xoxo Bev

Becca Cruger said...

Wooohoooo! I've been waiting and waiting and waiting. Actually this week I stopped waiting and starting thinking WWDD - What would Darnell do because I have about 15 stamp sets I've ordered and not used. Yikes.

rachel said...

a great card and thanks for the challenge too. sorry you're not feeling too good. hope you'll feel better soon! hugs rachel x

Patti said...

LOVE!!! your card so fresh and sweet!! just like you! giggles.

Thank you for another fun NBUS challenge. I surely have plenty of SCHTUFF that needs using!! : )

Hope you are having a great day friend.

(((Hugs)))
Patti

Cindy H. said...

Who doesn't love balloons!? Your card is so clean, fresh and fun! Love all the stitching goin' on and the happy colors :) So sorry you're not feeling up to par and I hope that you feel better real soon.

Craft-E-Place said...

How exciting March is here along with your challenge!! I've been so looking forward to it, I love your posts so much they always bring a smile to my heart! Sorry to hear you are not quite up to par I hope you feel 100% soon in the mean time sit back, relax and just enjoy the entries to your challenge! Fabulous card to inspire and delight!
Elaine

TK said...

Woohoo! Waiting for all the gorgeousness to come! Hoping you feel better SOON, Darnell!!!

Greta said...

So hoping things are soon much better for you, Darnell. What a sweetheart you are to do the challenge anyway! No need to worry about leaving comments--let the players do that themselves! Big hugs, Greta

Greta said...

And I forgot to say--that's a darling BD card--love those balloons!

Ros Crawford said...

Yay!! I hope to get to play along ... Loving that CAS card!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Great! I have some new NBUS to play with :D I hope only to have time to partecipate
Thanks for your generousity and congrats for your blogaversary!

conil said...

Wahoo...we're off and running. Have just a couple of things up my capacious sleeve. This is going to be fun.
Hope you're feeling perkier soon...not a time to be ill. Spring is just around the corner, although it seems already to have sprung here.

designbydonna said...

Sorry you are not feeling well--hope that is short lived. Love your CAS balloons. Thanks for another NBUS challenge. I have lots and will have trouble deciding which one to use.

Janeen said...

i am so sorry to hear you are not feeling well. that was my lot all last winter and it's no fun at all. Get well soon please.

KT Fit Kitty said...

Woohoo, Darnell! I am sure to have some NBUS to join you! You are very generous with your prizes - these look AWESOME! I like the random draw and that way everyone has a chance. So sorry you are feeling under the weather - I hope you feel better soon! Your birthday card is gorgeous! I would love to make QACAS OLC but those are definitely the toughest IMO!

Dana M said...

Whoo Hoo, love NBUS!! Looks like it's off to a roaring start. Fabulous CAS card Darnell!

Sarah G said...

Yay for NBUS! Boo for you feeling unwell :( I hope you feel better soon. I love your CAS balloons - so fresh and light!

Susanne Vargas said...

Woohoo! So excited!

Elizabeth S. said...

This is so adorable and love this card with those balloons!

Karen Hasheck said...

Hope you feel better soon and thanks for another great reason to play with my NBUS!

Kathleen said...

Fantastic CAS card Darnell and I am so sorry that you are not on top form, hope this doesn't last long at all.
Great challenge and some fabulous entries already.
You take care and hope Mister is well enough to look after you.

Kath x

Karenladd said...

Ugh, so sorry you've continued to feel less than tip-top but so excited for another NBUS challenge. I certainly have more than my share of NBUS schtuff in my stash, and this will motivate me to dig around and see what I can manage to create. Off to clear off my craft table before I start making a brand new mess.

Hiška iz papirja said...

I'm glad NBUS challenge is back! Your balloon card is perfect CAS, great inspiration.
I really hope you feel better soon Darnell, take care!
Kind regards, Maja

Craftychris said...

I love your balloon card, it's gorgeous! I will definitely be joining in to support your NBUS challenge! I hope you feel better soon, take good care of yourself! xxx

Megan said...

I don't know how you have managed to comment on all the entries in the past. So much work! PLUS so kind of you to be the sponsor :)

Carol Cel said...

Hi Darnell. Sorry to hear you are not feeling well -- Looked back and saw an earlier post. My son has the same troubles. He swears by eating sushi! Just want you to know I'm wishing you to feel better soon.

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Sorry to hear you are not up to par Darnell! Look after yourself and I hope that you are soon well again! Love your card and excited about this, your latest, challenge! Take care! Hazel xx
My Card Attic

Di said...

As if I would miss this Sweet Girl!! Hope you feel better real soon and you can always come for a cuddle in the tree house :) Psssssssst, love your card, as always :)

Love

Di xx

Rema DeLeeuw said...

Love your Cas card Darnell! Sorry your feeling a bit under the weather. Hope it's not anything too serious. You are such a generous soul. Thanks for sponsoring these NBUS challenges. You know we all do appreciate your time and effort.Get well soon...Hugs, Rema

Lisa Elton said...

I'm so sorry you're not feeling well Darnell, that's no good. What a trooper you are to go ahead with your challenge. I'll keep you in my prayers. Your card is darling, love the trio of balloons!

Cheryl W. said...

Fab card today, Darnell. Love those balloons and your mono-color design! Hope to join in on your NBUS challenge, but I'll have to see if time allows. Looks like you've got lots of great entries already.

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Hi Darnell,
Am popping back to say I've linked up dear friend.. and also to say caught up on why you're not well and praying for it all to behave itself ASAP,
hugs and prayers, dear friend,
Shaz in Oz.x

{Shaz in Oz – Calligraphy Cards}

Anita in France said...

Perfect QACAS card, Darnell ... LOVE that gorgeous teal! Sending gentle hugs and bisous, mon amie ... and healing thoughts and prayers that you're back to yourself real soon! Miss you! Anita :)

Diane said...

Loving the balloon card and I have been wanting 'me' a balloon die lately and just need to order one...I can see so many usess for it! Thanks for a fun challenge once again!!

JennyH said...

Thanks again for another great NBUS challenge. I've failed my DBMS (Don't-Buy-More-Stuff) for 2016 already, so at least I'll be making an attempt to use it : )

KandA said...

You are so wonderful to be hosting another of your amazing NBUS challenges. I'll be along to play when I've got myself into gear and managed to crawl out from under my NBUS stash. Fabulous card too xx

Olga Fink said...

My first NBUS challenge! Well I have some of them :-)
Your card is beautiful!
xoxo Olga

Bobby said...

Sorry you're not up to snuff, Darnell. I had to use that word cuz it rhymes with schtuff. ;) I have my card half done. Yours is lovely and perfect for the CTS challenge but did you use NBUS on it?

sandie said...

Hope you feel better with every day and thanks for doing this wonderful challenge again. Love the colours of your card. Take care xx

Leigh Penner said...

Super sweet take on the sketch! It's perfect!
And how generous of you to offer such wonderful prizes!

Becca Cruger said...

What a great way to make twofers! Most of my dies are from my Cricut, though I've started to buy more metal ones lately. Looooove the seen on that glossy cardstock.

Barb said...

Thank you for another wonderful Challenge Darnell. What lovely cards you've made to get us started.

I'm so sorry to hear you're under the weather. Do hope you'll soon be feeling better. Hugs, Barb xx

Linda said...

Whoo hoo!!! Challenge #6 ..... and what a fabulous start Darnell ...love those cheery balloons xx

D.Ann C said...

Hooray for NBUS #6! What a sleek and elegant card you started out with!
I had joined last time, but it Google made me sign in again.. it does that a lot on other sites, too. I think the number of followers stayed the same, though, so I should be still in there from last time (D.AnnC)
Off to go check out some of the other entries... TTFN!

JD/ Jill said...

As always, your balloon card is adorable!
Thank you for doing this for us again. You always motivate me to get back to crafting when I am in a dry spell.
Hope you are feeling much better! Hugs, Jill

Karren said...

Congrats on another NBUS challenge, Darnell! I'm sure finding some NBUS won't be an issue for most of us. Your balloon card is gorgeous!

Sybrina K said...

Hi, Darnell! Sorry it's been a while since I've visited and even sorrier you're under the weather. Hope you feel better soon. You're too talented to not be crafting at full strength. :)

Helen F. said...

Such a fun celebration ~ NBUS #6! LOVE your fun B-Day card, those balloons are fabulous, Darnell :)
Hope you feel better, stronger, craftier soon, dear friend!!

Rose said...

Gorgeous teal balloons! Hope you are back to full speed soon.

Vikki H said...

So bummed to be on vacation right now and not get to participate on your NBUS #6 challenge. Your balloon "mistake" is awesome, purty and inspirational!!

donna mikasa said...

Yay for another NBUS Challenge! And I'm totally smitten with your take on the sketch--love those balloons!

Tina Z. said...

Woohoo, Darnell, great challenge, I have a lot of NBUS to join you :)))
You are very generous with your prizes, thank you.
Great cards with balloons!
Have a great day!

Cara said...

Love your card, beautiful colour. Your challenge is a great incentive to use some of that stuff that is languishing about. Cara x

Carol L said...

Congrats on your incredible 6th NBUS challenge! You're rocking the blog world my friend, and it's well deserved! I love the balloons and colors on your refreshing spring-time card! Here's hoping you're feeling like your ole self sooner too! HUGS!

Pia S said...

Wow, 78 entrants already, your NBUS events sure are popular, Darnell!
I love your monochromatic ballon design, perfect for any gender and age, I love that about a card.

BożenA said...

I'm so glad that once again we have a great playing with you. Thank you, Darnell. I regret that so rarely we can celebrate together. I assure you that when there was no prize money equally willing to join in your challenges. It's a real celebration!
hugs,
BozenA

Bonnie said...

I had some NBUS balloons too! We even used the same colors! (That's Luke's favorite.) Thanks for doing your NBUS challenge again. My mountain was getting high!

SHartl said...

This is my first time participating in your NBUS challenge and I am excited to have an excuse to make cards this week. I don't usually leave comments on your posts because I'm usually reading them on my phone but I always love your great CAS designs. These happy little balloons are just so darn cute and that stitched detail is the extra bit of detail that makes it fun.

Pam Sparks said...

So much fun to be back here playing in your NBUS challenge! Thank you Darnell! Fabulous CAS card too! I love CAS!

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Great balloon card! I guess you want us to use our NBU--CRAFTY--S not a photo of me trying to figure out how to make the programmable thermostat work in our new house. *sigh* I know where all my cling mount stamps are but I suspect it will be months before the rest of the craft room emerges.

Judy1223 said...

Hi, Darnell! Thanks for doing this again...what a brilliant idea this is! I don't know if never-before-used digital stamps count as "stuff," so if they don't you can disregard my entry. I'm really LOVING your cards...the balloons are so festive and fun, and I adore the color!

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Woohoo.... NBUS is back!!!!! Thanks for the fun Darnell!

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
Sorry I haven't been around lately.
Mot been blogging lately due to family bereavement, and just noticed today that you have started another Nbus challenge.
So I think this card fits the bill that I posted today as I used Nbus items on it.
Good luck to everyone who enters this fab challenge, and thank you for all your hard work involved in this.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Monika Reeck said...

Your card is Brilliant Darnell
and I cant imagine if you must commenting all
maybe you need an assistant or DT member and they can commenting with number rotation
Darnell I love to join your challenge
and love to visit your blog
big hugs from Munich
Monika

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

I almost missed this - no wonder, with all the stuff going on in my life....but now I am almost back to normal and of course I have to be part of this! Great card - so pretty, those balloons! Thank for another wonderful NBUS Challenge!

Petra Swart said...

Hi, Darnell!!!!
Another NBUS challenge!!!! I hope that I will be able to find something 'new' amongst all my 'old' stuff, to join in the fun!!!! Thank you so much for hosting another challenge and having such a lot of prizes!!! You are the best!!!!
Hugz

Joyce said...

Love all the samples of cards made using patterned paper. So inspirational. Perhaps, one day I will use some patterned paper on a card. Not sure if I have enough paper, though. Only three full baskets so far, LOL. Is this where I say I would love to be considered to win those Brushos? Hope you had a great weekend, Darnell.

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Hi Darnell,
Just popping over, t'say I've done my dash and entered "free" times now, Hammy will be proud of me using up all that NBUS!! moi also!

Quite inspiring can see some more coming out of woodwork.
May God bless you, and the gang, dear friend praying for you,
Shaz in Oz.x

Sue VanDeVusse said...

I LOVE this beautiful, clean design! Those balloons are awesome in the teal and their fun strings. I love the idea behind your challenges to use NBUS!

Paru Mahtani said...

Super challenge Darnell! I don't know how I missed it so far!
Will surey play along! I hope you will link up to Paru's Card making challenges too!
Cheers!

Brenda said...

You have kicked off the NBUS challenge with a bang Auntie! I love your simply birthday card. I am praying that you are feeling back to 100% again as well. I hate flair ups and I hate it even more when my favorite Auntie is having them. Feel better soon!! Hugs, Brenda

Vijaylaxmi Siyal said...

Wow..Last time i missed this challenge !! but This time I am entering my projects !! So much fun this challenge is having & thanks Darnell for hosting this for all of us :)
Hugs

Ruth Doman said...

Hi Darnell, So sorry to read you are feeling under the weather. I am looking forward to taking part and playing in the Playhouse in these challenges. I didn't realise how much stash I have that is still in its original packaging! Thank you. Ruth x

KT Fit Kitty said...

Dear Darnell, so sorry I've missed all the festivities, but I'm finally here for your final day. I've been sick and miserable with the flu for a week, and not much better even now, but I did finally do some crafting yesterday, so I just linked up my card. I made another item and I'll be linking it up shortly. I wanted to support you, even from my sick bed haha!