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 12, 2013

COS #10; JUGS #192; WOYWW #210 ~ On Your Special Day and Make Your Own Patterned Vellum

Happy Hump D. Doody Day!

It's time once again for a Snoop Hop, where we all link up our work areas for virtual viewing over at What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday, hosted by the wonderful Julia!  If you click on the link, Julia has all the details for you.  It's fun and addicting and I hope you join in!
My desk appears thus:
I won a fun cupcake-and-candle die from my friend Jeanne of A Kept Life and I used it for the first time on the card you see.  A close-up is in Card Talk below.  Other than scraps and tools, you can also see my binder of embossing folders.  Ah, yupper.  That's a lot of 'em, hence my quest to use my schtuff of which I have an indecent amount.  But, OGG (oh, golly gee), after more than a decade, I'm still having the time of my life with this hobby!
That's all I got this week, so I took a picture out my other window.  I haven't shared that in a while.  The first buds just popped open on those crepe myrtles so I'll post another piccie when they are in full bloom.
I see I need to have Mister unroll that umbrella.  We had some gusts recently and had to close it down.  I just realized that if you put an "e" in "gusts," you get "guests."  I'm guessing, then, that the word "guests" came from folks saying they had "some guests blow into town for the weekend."  Someone (Earl) thought his friend said "gusts" and there you have it.
So to keep this short for you WOYWWers, that is the end of my WOYWW.  Enjoy the rest of your hop and do let me know you stopped by so I can be sure and return the flavor!  I visited pretty darn near everyone last week and it was fun to meet some new folks and visit others I haven't seen in a while!  I hope you all have a tremendous week!!

~~~~~~
Card Talk

If you're staying, the card I made is going to be entered in the current challenge at CAS on Sunday, which is "black, white, plus one."  The awesome sponsor is The Alley Way Stamps.
CAS On Sunday Challenge
Here's is my card:
I just realized that I didn't use stamps nor ink on this card!  That's pretty darn CAS!  It's also a lot prettier in real life, where the words are much easier to read, the score lines are visible, and the texture and sheen pop.
Since I'm making note, the previously unused products from the Playhouse are the cupcake-and-candle die and the "On Your Special Day" embossing folder.  The embossed shiny white paper came emb, er, I think that's called "de" bossed and I have had it for ages.  It's heavy and beautiful card stock IRL and I just have a few pieces left.   So that means my card is both debossed and embossed.  Now I just sound bossy.
 Here is a close-up of the cupcakes and below, a close-up of the candle:
That pretty aqua patterned paper is actually Washi tape!  Doesn't it look like a beautiful vellum?
I made several cupcakes and candles, just messing around with various patterned papers.  Then I thought it would be interesting to die-cut some of my patterned Washi tapes.  In order to get that vellum look, I laid out upside down pieces of regular clear tape (maybe Scottish, maybe not) and then I covered those pieces with pieces of Washi tape.  Here, I'll go take some pictures for a picture tute.
I laid out one single piece of clear tape for the candle die, which is slim.
Then I covered the clear tape with a piece of Washi tape, turned that over and applied another piece of Washi tape, which I then die-cut.
If you want to make a bigger die cut, like I did with the cupcake die, you lay the clear tape upside down in rows.  You can make it as wide as you want.  (IRL, you do need to overlap the clear tape a smidge to make the rows stick together.)
Pretty fun, huh?  If the instructions don't make sense, just let me know in the comments.  I'll report it to management immediately.
Edited:  I've just learned that Just Us Girls is having a technique challenge to use Washi tape.  How perfect!!  It's my first time joining this fun challenge!

~~~
I'd love for you to meet our newest friend!  Her name is Cornelia and her blog is Stempel Spass (fun-stamping!).  She has oodles of tremendous CAS cards for your inspiration!  Welcome, Cornelia, and thank you so much for joining our crafty journey!!

~~~

I also wanted to share with you that I had a fun lunch with another stamper who lives in the Bay Area!  I'm sure a lot of you are quite familiar with the sweet Kim Heggins and her fantastic cards on her Cupcakes, Cards, and Kim website.  Kim and I gifted each other with die-cuttings that the other didn't have: roller-coasters came to me and feathers went to Kim.  I hope to get to see her craft space on our next outing this month!
Here we are:
Kim is the cutie in pink.  I'm the one whose bangs got swept back from my forehead in all the excitement!  I keep reaching my hand out to the monitor to fix them.  Do you ever do that with photos on the computer?

Be nice.  I'm heavily medicated.
~~~
Well, I'm sure I've worn you plum out by now.  Enjoy whatever is left of your day!  No, seriously, enjoy.  LITS*! 
And thank you so much for stopping by the Playhouse.  Special thanks to you if you take the time to leave a comment or join as a follower!


*Life Is Too Short!  

Paper:  PTI true black; SU! pool party;
  unknown white
Dies:  Serendipity Stamps 1278
EF:  Darice
Washi tape from Freckled Fawn
Corner Chomper

67 comments:

Unknown said...

A very pretty card and great use of washi tape.

Sounds as if you had a great time with your crafting friend.

CraftygasheadZo said...

Love your card and your garden pics are fab!! Take care Zo xx 29

roffeycreations said...

Hi Darnell - thanks for sharing that tip on die cutting washi tape - very clever... and the cards is lovely Happy WOYWW... Mxx #25

Tracey McNeely said...

Darnell what a great technique, I can't get over the amazing look of it--Wow. Your cupcake card in the soft aqua is gorgeous. Enjoyed your post as always and I am so glad you and Kim had a great visit. Great photo of the two of you.

Jessi Fogan said...

It is so hard to read your posts & not end up giggling. Good thing there's no rule about that. Also, please report THAT to management ;)
I love the card - the technique - the meeting & sharing with a bloggie buddy - and your 'messy' desk ;)

Michelle said...

Wah! Darnell, you always pack SO MUCH into your posts, I don't know where to start! I can't get past the fact that you had lunch with Kim Heggins, eek! How wonderful for you both! Your card is awesome, fabulous technique. Your view is super-duper, can't wait to see the crepe myrtles in bloom. :-)

Redanne said...

Not joining in this week but just wanted to say hello - great card and photo. hugs, Annie xx

Sarn said...

Aww . . . I wanna come play in your Playhouse Darnell.

It's great that you met up with a fellow crafter and had fun.

Happy WOYWW.

Hugs, Sarn #57

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

ah another fab post Darnell ♥♥♥ love the washi tape idea for cutting with die 9have one roll but still one is more tan none :D fab card too doesn't it frustrate you when pickies and real life dont match..
Thanks so much for sharing ~ happy WOYWW! Shaz in Oz. x #4

Loll said...

Hi Dolly. Love those cupcakes ... so sweet. Thanks for the tip on using the washi tape - will give it a try! Lolly xx

Keep It Sweet and Simple said...

Cute card - love the soft, pretty aqua colour. What a great way to use your washi tape - very ingenious.
Caroline xxx

Ardyth said...

Great colours on your card - love the shimmer! How fun to meet up with a blog-friend for real! I'm hoping to do that in the fall, when I go to Wisconsin!

Karen Petitt said...

Very cute card - love the cupcakes and candle die. The way you've used the Washi tape is so inspiring. Have a good day Karen xx

Kara Lynne said...

Love those cupcakes!! This is one beautiful card, Darnell. Great idea with the washi tape, thanks for the tut! So glad you and Kim got together, wish I was there with you guys!

shazsilverwolf said...

Love the cards, and the ideas for the tape. Have a great week, Hugs Shaz #36 xxx

glitterandglue said...

What a lovely card, Darnell. Great idea for the tape! Well done.
You were kind enough to leave a message of encouragement on Mrs D's website last week - as she explained about her hubby's operation. I have put an update on my blog today. Chris is so very thankful for all the support she is getting at this resally difficult time. Thank you.
Margaret #67

jimlynn said...

No stamps or ink needed! Great use of the washi (and thanks for explaining how you did that). Fantastic card! Lovin' those cupcakes!
Lynn

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Hi Darnell, thanks for the special greeting! I would have loved to join in your lunch meeting with Kim - I am a member on her blog , too - you two make fantastic cards!

ria gall said...

you have a great looking desk there today loving the card very clever idea with the washi tape. I would be happy sitting out on your patio
Happy WOYWW and I hope you have a great week
Ria #42

Krisha said...

Hello there,
Great POST AND PICTURES!! Love the card. What fun to join up with a fellow crafter.
Krisha #17

Maisie Moonshine said...

Hi Darnell - loving your card and your garden looks like a nice place to chill. MMx #43

Anne said...

That's a great card. Your garden is fabulous as is your Playhouse. I am green with envy. Only just had a look round. I'm such a dunce. Kept trying in past to have a peek but was told not authorised- was clicking in wrong place der!!!! Happy WOYWW Anne x #75

Kristie Goulet said...

Great post Darnell! Love your little tutorial on the washi tape, very easy to understand. Thank you! I love that you got to meet up with Kim for lunch. It is so fun to meet up with bloggy friends. :)

scrappymo! said...

That cupcake and candle die are amazing! I love that you made them out of the washi tape! Brilliant!

Your garden/patio looks wonderful. I am so ready to downsize from our huge perennial bea garden. We are trying to find a house just a tad smaller than what we have but a garden very much like yours!!! It justy looks so relaxing and inviting to me!

Carole said...

Fun with washi tape. Seeing your smiling picture...I know I would like you instantly...you got sauce, snap, spunk and sparkle. Your charm shines through. Hugs.

Harriet Skelly said...

I am so sad that I missed lunch with you and Kim but we did have a good Doctor visit with Lexi. Anyway, I love you card - great use of the Washi tape and I love these colors together!

Geri said...

I could have read another two days worth of your fun words! Reaching to the monitor to fix your hair - my favorite today....plus the chevron umbrella!

What an amazing Washi/Irish/Scottish/tape idea! It really does look like vellum! So how in the heck did you think of this?

Love your card, the colors and the paper are just as yummy as the cup cakes! Great photos too :)

Thanks for making my Wednesday afternoon so much fun!

lisa said...

I always love stopping by to read your fun posts, Darnell. I'll never see a windy day again in the same way!!
You have such a pretty garden and as always your crafty space is full of lovely things.
Love the cupcake cards and what a great day you had with your friend. It's a beautiful photo of you both.
Happy WOYWW
Hugs Lisax #105

Bobby said...

How fun to have a crafty blogger friend close enough to lunch with.

Anonymous said...

Fabulous picture of you and Kim, Darnell ... looks as though you had a lot of real life fun! Super cupcake card, wow on the use of the washi tape! Anita :)

Kim Dellow said...

Great make and space too! Lovely piccies too. Kim

Vickie Z said...

'Kay you are sooo brave showing your space... I would be ashamed of the mess at my house:)) Gorgeous view "out the other window" and how wonderful that you and Kim got to meet and have lunch... totally fun!! BTW.... I have short hair too and it can get "messed up" easily...well that's probably me pushing it off my face but, anywho...there should be a program (with all the technology out there) where you can just swipe the area on the computer and magically the pic is altered.... just sayin!! Have a wonderful week!!

Mrs A. said...

I like this word game. Did you know that if you add another g you get 'suggest'!!
Glad you enjoyed the yarn last week. There are still plenty more to come and then I will start on The Doc's Mishaps. Now that, I really could write a Trilogy on.
Like the view from your other window. I got a lawn full of butter cups and daisies but what the heck they look pretty and who decided they are weeds and roses are flowers anway.
Hugs Mrs A.

Hettie said...

I wanna play with your new toys in your Wendy House, may I?
Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease!
Nice to see a pick of you so I know who is going to meet me at the airport when I come to play!
Nowt wrong with your sausages!
Hugs
xx

Bonnie said...

Wow, what a lot of ground you covered and all in your fun and interesting way! What a wonderful win with these cupcakes! Love the candle and I'm sure if I had half of my brain waves working I could do that. I even have some of that Washi. How fun to meet up with a fellow stamper. Aren't stampers the best folks? And you look rather chic with your bangs swept back!

Carol L said...

Thanks for your very clever tutorial and pretty card! I thought it was vellum until I read how you did it! Those aqua cuppies look yummy :)
Great photo of you and your stamping buddy too! Just loving those smiles :)

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell, you are so funny! Your bangs are fixed on my monitor, not sure why yours will not work...I had so much fun meeting you for lunch yesterday and I am looking forward to our next meeting with you and Harriet too!
Your card is just too cute...love that sweet new cupcake and candle dies and you did some amazing things with them...too cute!

Anonymous said...

Gosh, Darnell, it's a good thing I donated some words to you today -- you needed 'em! lol Just kidding. I love to read your posts -- and I'm loving that awesome birthday card. Thanks for the washi tape + tape tape die cutting idea and happy WOYWW. :-) ~ Laura #101

Nancy said...

I so enjoyed reading your post...it made me laugh out loud! I love what you have done with the washi tape so clever...Glad you joined us at JUGS....now ...I am switching hats...lol....I am also dropping by form CAS on Sunday and your choice of colors for our Black and white plus one are wonderful! I love aqua and black together! Great technique on your candle...brilliant! Have a great day!

okienurse said...

great looking desk and I love that card you made. Is your yard totally bricked or paved? I have thought about making my less work but so far haven't figured out how to! Thanks for sharing and I hope you have a great week! Vickie #26

The Taming of the Glue said...

Gorgeous card, love the colours and how you've used the Washi Tape.
I do love your garden, looks so bright and cheerful. Hugs. Pam#26

Lunch Lady Jan said...

You really do have a Room with a View! It's a wonder you ever get any crafting done at all....I wouldn't, for sure!
Do you do cryptic crosswords? I only ask because of the enjoyment you get playing around with words! I like the sort of crossword where you groan when you get the answer, and that's always when there's been a really bad pun!!
Nice photo of you as well, btw :-)
Hugs, LLJ 39 xx

jill said...

What a great tip with the washi tape, I'll have to give that a go.
Thanks for wanting to follow me . What a lovely view from your window.Happy crafting jill #28

sandra de said...

Hi Darnell, thanks so much for visiting and leaving such lovely comments. I think we both had a play with pearl cardstock this week. The cupcake card is gorgeous. That die is a great win.
Sandra @106

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Oh my gosh you are hilarious, I love coming to visit your blog to have a chuckle or two. The problem is I can't remember everything I've read when I'm leaving a comment :) "Live after Menopause".

Your card is beautiful, love the shade of blue and I cannot figure out how you made the icing on the cakes, looks like a lot of work they are great. I'm sure it is even nicer IRL.

I also have a lot of stash & tools collected over the 8 years I've been enjoying this hobby. I started with paper folding, hand embossing with a light box and stitching on paper and have a lifetime of supplies even if I was still creating cards in that style. (still like those techniques, but ink & stamps have become a bigger addiction). I have given a lot of things away that I 'think' I'll never use again, one person can only use so much right? I'm also still loving this hobby.

Well I guess that is a long comment from 'wild Shirley'. Cheers, Shirleyxx ps.. in 'real life' I'm not wild at all !!!!!!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

That's LIFE after menopause, not live.. geezzzzzzzzzzz

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Great use of washi tape,
stunning card
hugs Tamara

Mary said...

Darnell, great make on your Sweet card. I'll be hopping around see what Kim is up to. Isn't it fun to meet with people you've met through a shared love.

Mary said...

OOPS....I meant to comment on the gust/guest....great way to think about those two words. Sometimes it's sad when the guests blow through so quickly, and sometimes... well.... :-)

dottielottie said...

Hi Darnell, I do like visiting your blog, I always find something you've written to make me smile or even lol as they say in txt speak. Oh! nearly forgot why I am here, love the cupcake and candle die, the card you made with it is lovely, as is your delightful patio area. Great washi tape tut, can you believe it I don't own any washi tape!??
Happy art making
Hugs Lottie #143

Zw@@n said...

Wow, love that card! I like the colours. And thank you for the tip with the washi tape. Thank you for joining us at CAS on Sunday. Luv, Wilma

Lisa Kind said...

What a great use of the washi tape! Very clever! And your card is so pretty! I love the soft blue with the black and white! Thanks for playing with Just Us Girls!

lostinpaper said...

Another fabulous post Darnell and of course some great cards in there as well... I'm sure that I also have some NBUS's around here somewhere lol.

Nikki said...

Hi Darnell
Oh I'm not sure if the Big shot is better then the big Kick I use to own the little Red Press down Sizzix machine(1st one they made) and that's the one I'm giving to my friends daughter to play with
Love your Washi tape on your die's they are wonderful and those cupcakes look amazing :) hugs Nikki #1

Cathy said...

Love the washi vellum tape Darnell, TFS the tip! Lovely card too. Sounds like a fun meeting with your fellow blogger! Great that you could meet up IRL :) Cathy x

RosA said...

Wow! I am so in awe of your beautiful crafting area!
Happy late WOYWW,
RosA

JD/ Jill said...

Beautiful card, and great pic of you with Kim. really like your patio too. I am fortunate enough to have a small patio...but it's open to at lease eleven of our neighbor's view...I would so love to be able to afford a privacy fence. Yours look so nice.

VonnyK said...

I really love your card. The colours are gorgeous and so cool that it is made from tape. Really gorgeous.
You have a very enticing back yard.

Have a great week and thanks for visiting me.
Von #21

Jackie Rockwell said...

Love, love , love the vellum and washi! Your patio looks so peaceful.

BJ said...

Love the new die and what you have achieved with Washi Tape. The garden looks oh so inviting too. Thanks for visiting me this week Happy WOYWW BJ#74

Wida said...

gosh what a jam packed post. First a very rogue Christmas card...which I love. Your back yard is the cutest ever and I dont' mind a medicated woman with bang problems...my kind of people ;)

cm said...

Delightful post, fantastic photo of you and your friend (my bangs have a mind of their own, too, darn thing, or is it things? Whatever!), and a most charming card! Your NBUS is turning out to be rather cool and definitely usable. My NBUS isn't used for good reason, namely icky, big time! Still, you've motivated me to explore my neglected goods once again, just in case...
c

April said...

What a beautiful desk. And I love that shimmery paper you used on your card with the cool dies. I imagine you spend a lot of time on that beautiful patio. Get that umbrella up and grab a drink. :-) Thank you for stopping by my blog earlier. All the workdesks last week? I am IMPRESSED. ;-) April #110

fairy thoughts said...

A very tidy desk, but in full card making mode. pretty card and not a stamp in sight.
janet#35

505whimsygirl said...

Hi Darnell,

Great card! I'm sure you'll be a hit with the challenge. I've started a SMALL collection of washi tape!

Hmm, the story of gust and guest is quite interesting. Although for a moment I thought I was over at Sandee's blog "In the Hills of North Carolina."

So glad to finally put a face with your name!

Can you believe I'm still visiting desks from last week.....

Happy WOYWW
Kay (93)

Queen Lightwell said...

Very pretty card, and I bet it is even prettier IRL, with that shimmery paper and all. Thanks for sharing the pics of your lovely outdoors area...it's picture perfect! :) Also, thanks for visiting my desk and leaving me a comment already...I am running fairly far behind on the return visit, huh? Well, still I made it! lol Deeyll :)

Linda said...

Let me see if I can find the end of the comments section. 66 comments, wow....now 67. Anyway what a lovely card. So pretty.
Nice picture of you and Kim. Sounds like you had a great time together....