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 16, 2017

Schparkle and Sunshine

A happy mid-week hello, Stamplings!

How's everyone doing today? I hope you're basking in your own little happy glow, but if you're not, I have lots of schparkle and sunshine to share with you!

First up is a card I made for our local jewelry store. They plan to make into an advertising poster.

That's actually not true, but it could have been, considering all the gold and platinum and silver schparkliness!

What we have here is glittery dark gray card base covered in a glittery light gray panel. How many of you still hoard have some of that paper in your stash?

It was hard for me to use it, too, but I done did it and I'm going to keep going through this schtuff. I think it's like spring cleaning, once you clean that first shelf . . .

And how did I make that delicate gold and gray dragonfly by Clearly Besotted? Why by cutting it from a piece of neglected and ancient gold-embossed pp.
Yes, I put Hammy to work cutting out more dragonflies, so we didn't waste a single bit. He managed to get six more cut and, yes, they've actually been made into six more cards! Sorry. Too smug? I'll knock it off. But it is a super easy design that would work with butterflies and noodles of sediments.

The pretty one I used is from Concord & 9th's "Happy Day" set, embossed in platinum. The dragonfly was attached with old-timey brads.

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And now here's something for the kids!
This is an adorable LOTV image my friend Di stamped off and sent to me ages ago. She sent me several various fun antics that this little girl got into. (What shall we call her? I'll bet the artist gave her a name and someone will share it.) I've colored and carded quite a few of these little girls in the past and this week, I finally finished the rest! Thank you again, Di!

After Zig-coloring her and her little dog, too, I stamped the sediment from Technique Tuesday, added some Winking, and wrapped around a vellum sun cut from a Lil Inkers die. Then the whole business was matted in black and based in yellow.

Honest, there really is schparkle in those overalls, which she got all over the tree branch when she climbed up there! I'm surprised her little dog isn't covered in it!
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Why all the emphasis on schparkle and shine? Why that's my way of remindink you that I'm guesting this month at Just Us Girls and this week the Trend Week word is SHINE! I'd love to see your schparkly creations there! Thank you!!


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84 comments:

wienerhoneymooners said...

Lots of SPARKLE!!!!!!

Jane Willis said...

That dragonfly is a gorgeous way to use the patterned paper - you can't see the original pattern, just the lovely glints that make it just like a real dragonfly. Gorgeous!
Jane

Liz said...

Love your sparkly CAS dragonfly card, great idea for using the embossed card for the dragonfly. I can't believe I nearly fell for your jewellery store advertising poster story! Your second card is so cute with the adorable LOTV image. xx

brenda said...

Your Dragonfly creation is so stylish and elegant Darnell and the second a real sweetie.

B x

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving both cards. The first is so elegant, whilst the second is so cute.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Unknown said...

That dragonfly is a gorgeous way to use the patterned paper - you can't see the original pattern, just the lovely glints that make it just like a real dragonfly. Gorgeous!

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Julie B said...

The little girl is Annabel, I have one or two of her tomboy antics stamps!
Well done using up the stash, I try but don't seem to make an impression, doesn't help that my friend Di is clearing out her stash and then gives it to me. She says I will make more use of it than her. To get my revenge I gave her some old bits n bobs for her 'old' ladies at her craft group. :)

Ros Crawford said...

I actually beieved that about the jewellery store haha! Gorgeous sparkly card and the embossed sentiment is so perfect!
What a fun image in your twofer... Beautifully coloured! I used to do that as a kid (minus the dog) Got in to trouble many times with my Gran who thought girls should be ladies and not climb trees!
Have a super day!

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two stunners Darnell, I love the sparkle one at the top.

Sue xx

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
what a very super card and that dragonfly os gorgeous.
Love all the platinum, gold and silver in your design.
Super glitzy card or paper used too.
As usual your twofers are all so brilliant and wonderfully created.
Thank you for joining the MAWTT Challenge.
Love and big crafty hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L. DT

Sarn said...

Two lovely cards . . . one all growed up, and one all growed down! Perfect balance.

Hope you are doing OK now.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Carole said...

Brilliant makes Darnell...yes I have loads of glitter paper and it sheds like fury so recently have found some that doesn't...wonder if the old will ever get used now but have to keep it just in case! Annabel is tree dangling in her lovely sparkly overalls.......the age of innocence and freedom ( maybe not so much these days). xx

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Wow, how many sparkle here!! Love it :)

Birgit said...

Beautiful and cute as can be Darnell! What a great way to use up that piece of embossed paper. The dragonfly looks fabulous all gilded up. Perfect coloring on your darling little tree hanging, glitter covered, puppy loving girl. So sweet!

Sherri Thacker said...

What a beautiful dragonfly card. Its perfect for our "Bug Me" challenge at Cards in Envy. Thanks for sharing it.

Tina Z. said...

perfect sparkle, I love it!
hugs xx

Gerrina said...

Both cards sparkle beautiful! Love the first card! And the 2nd is so sweet! Great how you seem to work your way trough your stash and make beautiful cards with it! Hugs, Gerrina

Jeanne said...

Two beauties here, Darnell. The dragonfly is wonderful in all its gold glory. Really like the glittered background! And your sweet friend on the second card makes me smile. I saw in the comments her name is Annabelle. I was thinking Eloise or Eleanor...don't know why, other than she kind of looks like she could be an Ellie for short. LOL Love all the sparkliness! :) Hugs! Have a great day.

Cara said...

Two fabulous sparkling cards. Your comment about Annabel's dog reminded me of my ex-boyfriends dog. She was black, but often had a glittery sparkle to her coat from joining in the crafting!

Marcia Hill said...

OK, you had me going there Darnell...I really thought you were going into the retail design business with your spharkly card! Good one!! It is definitely one sparkly card though and love how you cut the dragonfly from the DSP...you and Hammy are smart thinkers! And yes, I too have lots of hoarded special paper and someday I may actually use it too...but these are not things you want to rush without totally thinking them over...and over and over and over! You understand, right?! Have a wonderful day my friend!! :0)

Redanne said...

Oh, I love the sparkly card and the gorgeous dragonfly and well done to Hammy for successfully cutting more for you! Annabelle is just adorable, you have coloured her beautifully. Hmmm, you have made me look at my stash (big pile) of paper, I really need to stop stroking them and use them!!! Hugs, Annie xxx

Bunny said...

I love both cards. I love sparkley. Now, had the story been true about the poster for the jewelry store I would have asked for something sparkley in return. I think we all have some hoarded paper. Now, unfortunately I am in search of some BoBunny paper that used to be pretty common but since we only have 1 local (kinda local) mom and pop store I can no longer find that color. Argh! [Bunny]

Sarah said...

You got me!! In all honesty though you should approach your local jeweller with that idea!! Great cards xx

Betty said...

WOW!!gorgeous gold and sparkle in your card - love it!

Donna said...

Fabulous cards Darnell, you had me going on the jewelry store at first. You always brighten my day!

KandA said...

Love all your fabulous Schparkle Darnell. Your first card is so beautiful and elegant and would be the perfect gift card to go with jewellery... definitely an idea for your local jewellers. Love the sweet LOTV image on the second card too. Take care xx

Lin said...

Love that kids' card, Darnell! It's been a loooooong time since I tried that! Thanks for playing along with us at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge!

Brenda in IN said...

I think you should approach the jewelry store with the possibility of an ad just in case they want it! It would be perfect. I love the simplicity of the card and the lovely shine. What a darling card with the little girl and her pigtails and her dog right up there with her in the tree. I can't remember the last time I saw anyone climb a tree. I used to climb our cherry tree all the time as a kid. I don't think anyone does anymore, let alone play outside. Remember all the outdoor games we played outside - red rover, dodge ball, hide and seek, ring around the rosie, jump rope and hopscotch. Rode our bikes all day too.

Kathyk said...

Beeeeeeeeeeooooooooooootiful makes, Darnell. The second is so cute but the first is so sumptuous, twinkly and elegant

Happy Wednesday

Kathyk

Chris Dring said...

I may have to case your dragonfly card, as I'm pretty sure I have all items you used hoarded, I mean, stored somewhere in my craft room! LOL! Your second card is adorable! Love that cutie pie image and she looks like she's having so much fun! Thanks for joining the fun at Shopping Our Stash!

Pat said...

I adore that oh so pretty dragonfly and then the sweet Annabelle swinging from the tree. I think you are trying to make us all look bad with our hoard of stuff which we never get around to using...lol, but utilising a piece of patterned cardstock to cut the dragonfly has worked beautifully with the bits of gold and black on it it looks perfect, and then the great colouring and added sparkle you have given that cute little girl. I must say I nearly fell for the jewellery store story too. x

Ruth said...

Now that is what I call a sparkly post! I love that dragon fly and you're an inspiration for me to get going through the patterned paper that I don't use that often to see if I can do something similar. I also wish I could hang upside down from a tree like that little girl. Have a sparkly day! Xx

conil said...

You just go ahead and be smug...you deserve it. Your using up all those elements, cardstock and patterned paper make me so jealous. I really have to perform a purge of my surroundings.
Incidentally that first card would be a perfect logo for a jewelry store. Simple, clean with so much glimmer to add interest. I do love that dragonfly especially with brads. Awesome.
The little girl in the second card (I'll call her Chloe) is a complete delight. That is one of the best, happy images I've ever seen. She and her little dog don't look like they're in Kansas, anymore.

Unknown said...

A beautiful and a so elegant card

Thank you for joining our 'Things That Fly' Challenge at MAWTT

Your second card gorgeous! Colours and images are stunning

Crafty smiles

June/DT

Mac Mable said...

Glorious sparkle and CAS perfection on the first card. Such a fun second card and fun take on the chillaxin challenge x

cuilliesocks said...

Absolutely stunning cards Darnell, both are beautifully designed, love the sparkle on the dragonfly card and the lovely colours on your second card, Kate x

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Schsparkle plus, dear friend, love that dragonfly die cut, clever use of DP too.
Bad blogger with comments, little online time.
Love prayers and bloggy hugs, trust healing is great. Think I owe you an email reply.
Shaz in Oz.x

Jean said...

Stunning cards!

Kathleen said...

You crack me up, Darnell, don't know how the Mister copes with you but I expect he is used to it by now.
Two fabulous cards love the sparkle and shine and the super CAS design.
Great image for the second card, lovely bright card and a super image, only thing that worries me is that if she falls off her head will hit the ground before she can save herself with her arms as they are rather short.
Her Mother needs to have words with her.

Kath x

Verna Angerhofer said...

Super wonderful cards and I do indeed love the sparkle.

shirley-bee said...

Your local jewellery store would do well to use your design as a poster, Darnell, its gorgeous! And that tree-climbing girl would definitely not have been called Shirley' - I was never good at climbing trees ;)

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Great cards! These were perfect to brighten my day since my outlook lacks sparkle and shine. (Why do people think going to college is a last minute decision???)

Berina RGA said...

Beautiful cards Darnell!! I love the dragonfly! Your second card is so cute with that adorable little image. Love that sparkle! Why is sparkle and shimmer so hard to get on camera!! I tried and tried to capture the shimmer on one of my cards and then finally gave up and took a quick clip instead!

Susanne Vargas said...

Oh, I admire you for using your precious sparkly paper! I have a hard time with that but this way it will make somebody happy which it doesn't when it sits in a drawer, right? That shiny dragonfly looks great on all the schparkliness! And cute little Abby (that's what she looks to me) is adorable in her sparkly overall!

Marilyn said...

Love your dragonfly card and your kid card is so adorable!!

Anonymous said...

Such a beautiful sparkly dragonfly card.
The girl is so cute - can see her climbing up the tree getting sparkle everywhere!

Patti J said...

Wow! That dragonfly card is gorgeous! Loving all of that beautiful sparkle! And your kids card is just too sweet! Someone will be so happy to see this in their mailbox! Thanks for sharing!

Ina G said...

Oh Darnell that dragonfly is just the most beautiful one I have ever seen. Soooooooooo schparkly! Lovely background paper.
You can't climb a tree with schparkly overalls on and not get glitter all over the tree trunk. Beautifully coloured and super cool layout. Don't know how the dog missed out. Must have been too quick!

Carol L said...

I love the classic clean look of that dragonfly with a sentiment! It sparkles and it's just beautiful! Love the little puppy looking at the boy hanging by his legs too! Cute!!

Lisa Elton said...

Well, I for one, think you should stroll over to your local jewelry store and present them your idea!! BEAUTIFUL card Darnell. Now about that sweet little swinging kiddo...GAH so stinkin' cute!!

Dana M said...

Beautiful, fantastic use for the DSP! I LOVE the sweet gal swinging from the tree. Visiting you always brings a smile!

Shelly Schmidt said...

I love your sparkly and shimmery card with the beautiful gold dragonfly! Quite elegant. And that little girl is adorable- Reminds me of a day when I was about that age- hanging upside down from trees and all! LOL darling card!

HJ said...

Love this beautiful sparkly card, Darnell. Love your coloring on the child hanging upside down. So cute and fun! Have a great week.

Susan said...

Love that beautiful dragonfly - what a great use for the gorgeous dp, given that none of us are using up our dp stash anymore!! Perfect against the glittery cardbase and background. You're an inspiration to me to quit hoarding all that old stuff! New motto - "just use it!".

Cat Craig said...

Fabulous sparkle and shine, love the double glitter paper layers. Your lil girl looks like she is having a ball.

Linda said...

Beautifully CAS ... and all that sparkle. I love it!! The little girl is pretty cute too! xx

Julia Dunnit said...

You're too clever missus. Perfect paper for the sparkle and shine...and yes I still have some, but they may be in slightly more garish colours...but nothing a dragonfly wouldn't like...how very inspiring! Love the schparkle...a nice thing to have in my inbox first thing today! Xx

Keep It Sweet and Simple said...

Stunning glittery creation.
You must have nerves of steel to cut into glittery dp like that. Not sure I can do it! Maybe after a stiff drink! :-)
Thanks for your visit to my blog and your lovely comment.
Really appreciate it.
xxx

Anita in France said...

Oh my, the schparkle, Darnell ... the sun glinting gently off a slow moving stream on a lazy, hazy summer day ... that glorious gold adorned libellule is so perfect against it! What a little sweetie hanging upsidedown in the tree in her shimmery overalls ... goodness, if it wasn't for the braids, that would've been me!! LYAMYLALMAHTSISOYT! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Craftychris said...

Love the sparkly gorgeousness that shines out wonderfully from your first card - love the dragonfly and the lovely sentiment! The super cute image is darling on your second card! Fab colouring too! Adore this happy, sparkly post! Hugs xxxxxxx

Neet said...

Love all that sparkle and shine - what is pp though? ("neglected and ancient gold embossed pp)
Such a lovely clean card.
Little girl - well my first instinct was Chloe because my friend has such a daredevil girl called Chloe but I am sure there are more suitable names.
Have a great week -
Hugs & Thanks for visiting me xx

Fikreta said...

wonderful cards!
hugs

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards, Darnell.
Hugs,
Em xoxox

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

I truly believe that the local jewellers could use your wonderful, sparkly card as an advertisement poster Darnell! Full of glimmer and glam! And, that little girl on your second card is just adorable, and you've coloured her beautifully! Have a lovely day, my lovely friend! Love & Hugs. Hazel xx
My Card Attic

Lynette said...

Love them both, Darnell! I read the beginning of your post and thought, "For real?? How cool!!" :) Good idea, though!

Bonnie said...

Your certainly have brightened my day with your schparke and shine, Dolly! Isn't if fun how glitter travels? It's like spreading happiness! Or how we should spread happiness.

Sandy Trefger said...

Beautiful golden silvery dragonfly! I love it and the design of your card! Thanks for sharing with us at Cards in Envy.

Donna Ellis said...

Hi, Darnell! Your LOTV image is oh-so-CUTE! I love the colors and cheerfulness with the little puppy up in the tree with her fur-sister. And that sun shining so brightly is perfect for your dear sentiment! Let's talk about your SCHparkle! I love the way you say that word! LOL But can you say it three times fast? LOL Your sparkly dragonfly looks like a piece of jewelry the store would sell. It will be a great poster! BEAUTIFULLY done. Have a great day, Darnell! hugs, de

Leslie Miller said...

I'm schmitten with your schparkle! Yes, I do have a lot of sparkle paper which I use sparingly because I hoard it, for shame. I can't believe you stamped and embossed on it. Really? And it turned out so perfect! The dragonfly is exquisite cut from the gold DP. Wow! Almost looks like mica flakes in the close up. Good to see those old-timey brads getting used, too. Your LOTV card is so dang cute! Makes me smile hugely! You sure got Stella's winking to show up great in the photo. Looks fantastic!

JoAnn said...

Love the pretty sparkly dragonfly card. That little sunshine girl is adorable. Love your coloring and the great card. TFS

Christine Alexander said...

love all that sparkle and shine :)

Greta said...

I do love sparkle & shine & boy do you show why with these wonderful cards, Darnell! The little kiddo is so cute--great job of coloring with your Zigs! The first one, though, is my favorite--so elegant & gorgeous!

JD/ Jill said...

You always come up with great ideas and inspiration! Lovely cards and I commend you for having the courage to cut into and use that fabulous hoarded card stock...(takes lots of courage...smile!)

Cheryl W. said...

I love your sparkly card. You totally had me at the poster story - I was hoping you share the poster with us once it was printed! Your impish little girl is super cute. Her antics remind me of my own childhood. I loved hanging by my knees. Perhaps one of my parents was part bat. he he

Di said...

Caught me out as well with that glorious dragonfly Darnell! And the little girl image is called 'Annabel Upside Down'. Wonderful colouring and it really made me smile here! So lovely to see you in the Playground my friend.

Hugs

Di xx

Kristie said...

Such a beautiful and sparkly card! I love that dragonfly and how clever cutting it out of the design paper in your stash. Thanks for playing with us over at Cards in Envy!

Karenladd said...

Wow! A big hand for you in using that double dose of sparkly glitter paper! I use my glitter paper as sparingly as I do elbow grease when spring cleaning comes around so I am in awe. The result though, is so beautiful that I may even consider cutting into a glitter sheet or two myself.

Bobby said...

You had me going there for a minute, Darnell. I actually thought that card was worthy of being a jewelry store poster. Your little girl is darling in her sparkling bibs.

Sheila H said...

I have a niece who would totally love the dragonfly card. While I have a lot of unused paper, I don't consider myself hoarding it. It's just unused. Am I in denial?? The little girl is darling.

Pia S said...

Oh, what a fantastic dragonfly card, all sparkle and shine and it's still very CAS. I do love this one!

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Oh boy does this twinkle. Definitely a less is so much more card.
Your LOTV card is one of those that just makes you smile.
Have a great week.
Ang x

Helen F. said...

Oh Darnell, how I love your sparkly gold dragonfly! It's a brilliant idea for advertising for your local jewelry store ;-)
Your second card is so stinkin' cute ~ love that sweet image.

Nora Noll said...

How am I so behind on your blog? I LOVE the first card with all the sparkle and shine. So elegant!! The second one is adorable with the little girl hanging from the tree. Wish I could still do that but I think I would have to go to the hospital if I tried that at my age!!

harada57 said...
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