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!

August 4, 2016

CTS GD ~ You're On My Mind

Greetings! 

I'm home safe with Hammy and we're reunited with the Mister! It was a wonderful once-in-a-lifetime experience and I'm happy to be home!

I'm interrupting my ongoing travel diary to present this scheduled post which came about as a result of a happy win at Case This Sketch back in April. I am honored to be here today as the Guest Designer for the current challenge!

Here is the challenge sketch:
And here is my card to inspire you:
When I saw the sketch, my ancient wooden stamp called "Pecking Order" by artist Carolyn Shores Wright immediately came to mind. In the past I have colored the image with colored pencils, but for today's cards I used my KGT paints for their rich and creamy color. I used an oval frame for my sediment to mimic the plump little bird bodies. And then I was stymied by what sediment to use. I think I went through my very large sediment inventory three times round, but nothing really rang my chimes, so I set the card aside.

A few days later I happened to be writing a note inside a "thinking of you" card. As I wrote to let my friend know she was on my mind, Hammy ran out from under my arm and pointed at my CTS card which was sitting there. Aha! A perfect sediment to send a caring card and also punny because that poor birdie holding the sediment has three other birdies literally ON his mind! And since I couldn't find the exact stamp I wanted in my collection, I just wrote it out by hand.

~~~

While I had my paints out for this detailed stamp, I took the trouble to paint two images. For my twofer, I fussy cut the image and trimmed it to fit the card base, nestling in my vertical "thank you" sediment from Endless Creations.

I hope you will be able to join the challenge with your own unique take on the sketch! There are so many possibilities! Click over to CAS(E) This Sketch! to see the other incredible cards from the Design Team!

~~~

As soon as I can (allowing for jet lag), I will be back to continue with my last few days in England!

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 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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74 comments:

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh Darnell it took me a few seconds to 'see' what the image was, but how I smiled when I realised what it was, and paired with the punny sediment I nearly burst out laughing - just as well I did not as the grandies are barely asleep, and I would hate to wake them as babysitting means an evening to myself ;-).
Glad top hear Hammy made it home with you :-)
Blessings
Maxine

Jasleen Kaur said...

Congrats on your GD post, Darnell. Your card is super-fun and your colouring is so beautiful. Those images go perfectly well with the sentiment. I hope you are doing well. Hugs.

ike said...

How fabulous - I love that funny image. Great colouring and a super card. Congrats on your GDT :-D
Lovely to have you back home safe and sound. I have really enjoyed your travels :-)

Hugz
IKE xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Welcome back home, and congrats for your GD! So pretty and fun card!!! :D

Mac Mable said...

Congratulations on the guest slot. Glad you are back safe and sound and have loved your blog posts along the way. What a funny card today...Fabulous colouring and fabulous stamp. Still chuckling x

KandA said...

Super cards Darnell and a really fabulous fun image. Glad you arrived home safely after your very busy holiday and I can't wait to hear about all your adventures xx

Marilyn said...

Welcome back!! Glad you made it home safe! Gorgeous cards!

Brenda in IN said...

That stamp is a hoot and perfect for the sentiment. You have nice handwriting and could be making your own handwriting fonts! I'm glad you and Hammy are back safe. Rest up, then catch us up on the rest of your travels. Hugs.

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

So glad you arrived home safe and sound Darell! It was a real honour meeting you whilst you were over - albeit, all too briefly - I'm so pleased you have so many happy memories from your visit here, and you must be so tuckered out! Your cards, with that adorable birdie stamp is such a fun design and I can't believe you wrote that sentiment yourself! You are so talented in so many ways!! Well, sweet friend, rest yourself, and have a great day! Hazel xx
My Card Attic

Lisa said...

Welcome home!! I'm glad you arrived safely and had a wonderful time!! I enjoyed following along with your travels!! Your card is absolutely gorgeous!! What a beautiful image!! You colored it perfectly!! Love it!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Pat said...

So pleased to see you have made it home safely after your epic tour around the country. It was so lovely to meet you and we really enjoyed the time spent in your company. Congratulations on your GD spot Darnell and love these two birdie cards, beautifully coloured and such fun, and love your hand written sentiment too. Hope you soon get over the jet lag. x

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Glad you're back safe and sound! It was wonderful to meet you 😊💖💖💖
LLJ xxxx

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

You have so inspired me to take a few moments today, and send out a few cards. I do adore those birds for ages ago. I think some of my very favorite stamps are my oldest. Glad you are home safe and sound, and that you had a very eventful trip!

I Card Everyone said...

Hi Darnell! Welcome home!!! I think I actually saw you on your fly-by - there were heart-shaped contrails - must have been you!!! I am so happy to have you joining the team this week - your card couldn't be more perfect, and perfectly adorable ... on my mind indeed!!!
=]

Sharon Underwood said...

So glad you're back, safe & sound. Congratulations on your win! That must be exciting! Your card is wonderful. I love the birds. Now, get some rest & take it easy!

designbydonna said...

Welcome home. I've been following your trip. Sounds like lots of fun. These blue birdies are so adorable. Just the right image for that sediment!

conil said...

Okay...still laughing at your card. Not for the construction, which is obviously meticulous, but this has to be THE PERFECT SENTIMENT for this image. And you hand wrote it...and it's perfectly legible...I am so impressed. Congrats on your guest design gig, so well-deserved.
Oh yes, and welcome home. Did your suitcases get heavier after their trip across the pond? Your really looked like you were having fun.

Geri said...

Glad to hear that you are back at home, safe & sound! Fabulous card to celebrate your GD spot! Love your trio of sweetly colored stacked birdies! The vertical sentiment rocks!

Stamps and Paper said...

So pleased you are home safe and sound Darnell and I expect your 'mister' was so pleased your home....hope there wasn't too many dishes waiting to be washed and the laundry basket wasn't overloaded??
It was so nice to meet you in person...

Loved your fun card and congrats on your GD spot....

Hugs

Anne x

Loll said...

So happy you are back home safe in Mister's arms. :) Looking forward to hearing more about your trip when you are up to it.

Wonderful design and cute images Dolly. And great colouring skills!! Congrats on being GD at CTS! xx

Cat Craig said...

It's good to be quick witted when the right sentiment just cant be found. Yours is perfect for your stack of feathered ones. So glad you have made it home safe and sound. Jet Lag is a lot easier going west. Rest and welcome home. Looking forward to the remainder of your trip posts.

Jacquie Southas said...

Oh, this made me chuckle, Darnell! A perfect sentiment for those stacked birds :)

Happy to see you made it home safe and sound and looking forward to reading & seeing the final legs of your marathon UK visit!

Dotty Jo said...

So sweet! Glad you had a fun time here in the UK but I'm sure it's lovely to be back home, Jo x

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Glad you are home safe. So glad you enjoyed your trip over here. If you ever make it again, we'll have to get you to swing over this side of the country:)

Looking forward to reading more about your time here.

Loving the cards.

Hugs
Sue

bolletjelucky.blogspot.com said...

Hi Darnell, I'm pleased to hear that you are returned at home safe. I had to look twice at the image and then I saw the funny birds hihi. I love the layout and the colouring on both your cards. Lovely vivid colours.
Greetings Miranda

Sarah said...

A fabulous twosome Darnell, great brush work. Glad you are home safe and sound xx

Marybeth said...

Welcome home! My goodness what a trip! Congratulations on another GD team spot! What a fun and colorful image, love the fun and silly birds on this darling card!

Sue - said...

So glad you're home safe and sound! It was lovely to meet you on your travels. It seems like an age ago! Congrats on your GD slot. Love the card you've made for it.

cuilliesocks said...

Pleased to hear you are safely home Darnell, lovely card and image, love your bright and cheerful colours, Kate x

Pia S said...

You certainly had the perfect stamp for that sketch! Two great cards, beautifully colored!

*Vicki* said...

Welcome home!! :) Your image is super cute and I just love your adorable card!! Congrats on your guest spot win!! HUGS

Harriet Skelly said...

Welcome home Darnell. I have been enjoying ready your trip journal entries! Glad you are home safe and sound and I'll see you next week! Hugs, Harriet

Bonnie said...

What a cute stack of feathered friends! Congratulations on your win! I've enjoyed following your trip journal. I'm so glad you were able to enjoy that wonderful time and meet so many of our blogging friends. Truly a once in a lifetime event!

Brenda said...

OMGoodness, these two cards are just as cute as they can be Auntie!!! I love those cute birds stacked on top of each other. I do feel for the bottom bird though, he has the toughest job of all of them!! Your hand written sentiment works perfectly and to be honest, I thought it was a stamped sentiment. You know PTI has some fabulous handwritten sentiment stamps! Your second card is as cute as the first one and I love the vertical greeting. I have a set of vertical greeting stamps that are a NBUS to me, need to get those puppies used! lol Your trip looked so amazing and so fun! I'm so glad you got to experience that once in a life time trip, meeting so many blogging friend. Well it is a blessing indeed!!! I got your sweet postcard as well. I knew something was different about you, and kinda' thought it was new glasses! You look amazing in them!!! Happy you are home safe and sound!!! Love and hugs, Brenda

Verna Angerhofer said...

Such cute stacked birds and I love how you used them on your card designs. Congratulations on your new guest designer gig. And, welcome back home too!

Shelly said...

Yay for guesting! Your cards are fabulous!!
Glad to hear you made it home safe and sound! :)

G Peplow said...

So glad you've arrived back safe and sound, didn't we had the very best time? Thank you so much for spending some of it with me :D Congratulations on your guest designer spot, fabulous card, I just love those birdies!!!!Big hugs Gay xxx

Vicki Dutcher said...

Glad you made it home and are recouping from the AMAZING-time-of-your-life-trip. I can't believe how many stampers you got to meet! What a photo album you will have!

Anne said...

Hi there . Great card- made me laugh. Glad you are safely home. Anne x

Linda said...

So glad you made it back home safely. Really enjoyed your posts and pictures of all the ladies and gents you met.
What a fun card and congrats on your win.

Sybrina K said...

Darnell, Welcome back to The States! Can't wait to see more of the travel diary. In the meantime, I'll just grab one more peek of these fun little birdies. Adorable!

Kathleen said...

Gorgeous card Darnell, great image and colours.
Glad that you arrived home safe and sound and that you enjoyed your visit to England, it was an honour to meet you.

Kath x

dottielottie said...

Glad to see you (and hammy) made it back home safe and sound Darnell and reunited with the mister. You will be able to chew his ear off with all the details of your escapades! Thank you once again for your company, generosity, and for being such a gracious host.
How organised you are to have scheduled your lovely card before you left for your trip, and what a tweet card it is, love those stacked birdies and the perfect sentiment. You should have your own line of handwritten stamps. Hope you're soon over the jet lag!
Love and hugs to you my friend. Lottie xx

Inkyfingers said...

I'm so glad to hear you are back home and hope the jet lag will be gone soon. It was so great to meet you and wasn't the retreat fun? This card has you written all over it and I love how you coloured those cute tweeters! Take care my friend.
Hugs
Carol x

Di said...

I adore this card Darnell - so cute!! Glad you're home safe and sound - it was the happiest of times meeting you for those two days!

Love and hugs

Di xxx

Carol L said...

Welcome home! I'm so glad you were able to take this trip of a lifetime, but I'm betting home sure feels good right about now :) Fun cards today with those stacked squawkers!

Redanne said...

I am so pleased that you arrived home safely, I hope it does not take too long to get over the horrible jet lag! I hope Hammy is not suffering too much either. It was such a great pleasure to meet you in real life, I have some wonderful memories now! You are such a kind and generous friend - I am still not sure how you managed to organise everything so perfectly. You are one amazing lady!

Both cards are wonderful, I just love that really sweet image of the birdies and you have coloured them beautifully! The image is just adorable.

Love and hugs, Annie xxxx (and a hug from David) xx

Kim Heggins said...

Welcome home...loved seeing all your fabulous photos of your wonderful journey. Your card is so sweet and fabulous coloring too, just beautiful!

Jean said...

Welcome Home! Cute card!

donna mikasa said...

Hooray! So happy to see your sweet face on the CTS blog and your card is just delightful. Plump little birds, oval frame. Love it!! Oh, and welcome home! xx

Happy Dance said...

Welcome home Miss D.!! I'll bet the Mister was GLAD to see you! But what I want to know is how you managed to get Hammy to come home too?!! He must have had a blast meeting everyone, seeing everything, and eating pretty darn well! There you both are, however! And home to make pretty cards too! Congrats on the GD spot over at CTS. I love this 'pile' of birds! You've colored them beautifully too. Your handwriting is phenomenal, and it should be made into a stamp font -- for reals!! Love your pretty birdy cards! You're pretty fantastic. Rest up, and relax well before you get back into the swing of things. xo Bev

Lisa Elton said...

Welcome home Darnell, so happy you made it safe and sound!! I'll bet the Mister was happy to see you!! Your cards are just as cute as can be. Love them both and so will the recipients! Congrats on guesting, you rocked the sketch!!

Anita in France said...

Welcome home, Darnell ... so delighted you and Hammy made it back safe and sound ... to the welcoming arms of the Mister! Congratulations on Guest Designing with CTS ... and on these sweet and delicious cards! Those stacked birds are just a delight ... and are so beautifully coloured! Always thought your handwriting was gorgeous ... here it looks exceptional ... so elegant and flowing ... rather perfect actually! Hope the jet lag isn't too draining! LYAMYHMA! Hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Cheryl W. said...

So glad your trip was a happy success. Your cards today definitely made me smile. Those plump birds look absolutely huggable. Love the bright colors, too. Your handwriting is beautiful, by the way!!

Greta said...

So glad you're home safe & sound, Darnell! What a super creative & wonderful use of the sketch! Congrats on the win in April!

Linda said...

Glad you're home safe and sound. I bet your Mister is happy to have you home.
Gorgeous cards ..... what a fab image and beautifully coloured.
Have a fabulous weekend ..... enjoy your holiday memories xx

Ros Crawford said...

So happy that you got back safe and sound and I will never forget our meeting! Your card is absolutely fabulous!! Amazing colouring! Well done on your GD spot too ... sending big hugs!

Cara said...

These are just too cute! Glad you made it home safely. It was wonderful to meet you, hopefully we'll meet again. Cara x

Em Louise Fairley said...

Love this! Hope you're rested and recovered.
Hugs,
Em xxx

Leigh Penner said...

So wonderful to have you guest design for us at CAS(E) This Sketch, Darnell! Your card is fabulous!

Princess Judy Palmer said...

What silly birds. That sentiment made me scream (quietly since I'm at work) because I got the literally on his mind gag. It's great that you had an awesome trip. Rest up and get back to that 'Murican time soon.

Andrea said...

I love the colourful card Darnell,what a fun stamp.I am so pleased you are back home safely It was so great to meet you and the others at Knutsford and I hope I will get in touch with them soon . haven't been online for a while but will be back big hugs, Andrea x x

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Fun card, congrats on your GDT! Now I have to catch up with your travel diary... I did enjoy your FB photos - what a fun time you had!

Donna said...

What a gorgeous take on the sketch! Welcome home.

Carole Pollard said...

Fabulous card love this great design Loved all your UK photos and posts just so glad you had an amzazing time love and hugs Carole x

Julia Aston said...

Welcome back Darnell! Have to scroll down to see how your trip was! Love these funny little stacked birds - what a wonderful job on the coloring! Julia xx

Patti said...

Oh welcome home!! It has been great fun reading all about your adventure!

It is fun to see your Kard Kreations again!!these delightful little chubbies are colored perfectly friend!

Patti

Birgit said...

Both cards are great and love the rich colours. The first group look like they may entertain us as mimes:)

Tracey McNeely said...

Congratulations on your win Darnell and welcome home!I thoroughly enjoyed reading about each leg of your journey of that fabulous trip. You were so fortunate to meet so many people and see so many sights. Loved all of your fun photos. I am exhausted from all that you did and I am sure you had a fabulous time but are likely exhausted for real. Love this card and that fun stamp so beautifully coloured!

Lisa T said...

Welcome home Darnell! And what a treat of a card for us - love those birds and the rich colours of the paints. It's a stunner!

Craftychris said...

Congratulations on being guest designer! Both your cards are gorgeous, that is such a cute fun image! I am glad you are home safe and it was so awesome to meet you! xxx

Michelle said...

Hahaha! This card cracks me up! So cute and so funny. :-)

Barb said...

Two beautiful cards here Darnell. I love that super cute stamp and my goodness your handwritten sentiment is so neat. Love the bright and happy colours. Barbxx

Mrs A. said...

Glad to see ugh got home safe and sound . My goodness I bet the birdie on the bottom of the pile has a nasty headache. Love your very very neat handwriting. Hugs Mrs A. Norm says Hi to you and
Hammy. He has taken my blog over for August.