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!

July 24, 2013

Beat the Heat ~ PBBC; DD #62; NBUS #26

Morning Doves!

I'm not sure how many of my British friends will be joining in What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday today, what with all the partying that went on yesterday following the arrival of the Royal Baby Prince!  Congratulations to William and Kate on their healthy baby boy!
 
I'm not joining the hop today because darn work is taking up too much of my visiting time, but if you stopped in, you might as well see my desk in all it's horror able glory! 
I'm sorry if you got whiplash just then, whipping around to make sure you were in the Playhouse.  I know it is very unusual to see me in such disarray.  I need a mahoosive clean out and clean up.  Or at the very least, a clean top.
 
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My card today is for the Dynamic Duos (DD) challenge, where the colors are calypso coral and black with a butterfly option:
 
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I'm also playing in the Penny Black Blog Challenge (PBBC) where the theme is "Beat the Heat." Three lucky winners will receive a prize package from Penny Black, each valued at $25.
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Here is my card:
The sediment is from Penny Black.  The NBUS are the cute pair of sandals/thongs/flip flops from K&Company.  I popped off the little flowers that were adorning them and put on butterflies, also from K&Company.  I think the background woodgrain paper looks like the pattern the ocean makes on the sand.
 
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New Friends
 
I'd like to introduce you to our new friends!  First up is a fun Mystery Guest "choc312002!"  I love your choccie name!  If you have a blog that you would like me to share with everyone, please let me know the name.
 
Next, please welcome Heather Jensen of Simply Handmade by Heather.  Heather comes from my old stomping ground, Iowa.  She has been blogging since 2009!  I know!  I missed so many years of bloggy goodness on the Intertube, but it's never too late to catch up.  Pull up a beverage and enjoy all the years' worth of inspiration Heather has in store for you!
 
Next, please welcome Laura of Send a Joyful Card.  Laura has also been blogging since 2009, so she, too, has lots of inspiring eye candy for you!
 
It's so wonderful that we can all meet each other like this and share our inspiring craft.  Thank you, ladies, and welcome to the party!
 
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Wow
 
I have no words to describe how appreciative and complimented I am to have 325 followers, unknown subscribers, and all of you nonfollowers and nonsubscribers who loyally stop in to read my blitherings.  I offer you my humble thanks!  I've been wanting to hold a behind-the-scenes random draw for some time to send a little surprise gift to followers now and then, so that's what I'm going to do.  It's past time I share some of this wonderful NBUS overflowing in the Playhouse as a little token of my appreciation for you!  Mwah!!
 
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Okee Pokee, gotta go.  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 leave a comment and/or join as a follower!
 
 
*Life Is Too Short!  
 
Paper:  SU! calypso coral and black;
  PTI white; unknown DSP
Stamp:  Penny Black 2673H, "This Day"
Ink:  Versafine onyx black
Ribbon:  Cheap'O organza in black and
  white; SU! calypso coral
Embellies: K&Company
 

54 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yay!! I get to be first!!! Congrats on all your blogger followers!! Woot! Woot!
Your DD card is so cool with that fresh color palette & fun flops! I really like the sentiment -- & that's so true. Each day is a gift!!
(I spy something fun on your window ledge!) -- glad it arrived. :))
Happy Wednesday!!! :)) :))
~~Nicole~~

Tenia Nelson said...

What a wonderful card, dearie!! :)

Unknown said...

Loving all the crafting goodies on your desk. The card is wonderful. happy crafting #11

Julie Lee said...

Oh, I love the card with the cute little flip-flops! And how true that sentiment is; we really need to live life like this! Julie Ann #17 x

Sammy said...

I adore your blog Darnell! It's so much fun :-)

And your desk is starting to look like mine! Although, mine always looks like that! lol.

Mrs A. said...

That's an untidy desk? I don't think so. Looks very neat to me.
Congratulations on your followers.
Hugs Mrs A.

scrappymo! said...

Your desk looks like you have been creating! lol

Love this beautiful card...those colours are awesome together.

I just realized that you are numbering your NBUS projects...what a great idea. Such fun to look back at the end of the year and see just how many items you used!!!

MaryH said...

Congrats on your blog following. It's very easy to see why your following is growing. Amusing posts, lovely cards, and always something to cheer one up. Now your desk still looks pretty clean to me, but I can imagine with your 'organizational ethic', it must bug you. Wisht mine looked so clean. On to your lovely card: That says it all. Your sandals were so cute on this one, and loved the background paper. Really a pretty card. TFS, and would love to win some candy. Hugs & don't work too hard.

Kate said...

If you think that's bad you should see mine, and as all my family are currently away I've taken over the kitchen table as well. Well I had to 'cause there was no more space on my desk LOL. And as I got sick of traipsing back and forth I've started taking over the kitchen benches too. Enough is enough I'd better have a tidy up I think - soon ! Thing is I'm having too much fun creating to stop right now. I'm thinking of that song from Queen "Don't stop me now - I'm having such a good time" !
Awesome card BTW, love those butterfly flip flops (or as we Australians call them, thongs).
Congratulations on your followers - well deserved though !!!

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell...how exciting to have so many loyal followers, your blog is always a fun read for me. Your card is just fabulous too, love your take with orange and black, just stunning! Love your desk too, it looks like mine right about now too, glad to be in such good company!

Geri said...

325 people know a good and fun thing when they see it! Congrats! I cannot imagine my blog world without you in it! You're truly the cat's pajamas!

So how stinkin' cute are these wee flip flops? They totally make this card sweet as pie. Love the wood grain paper too!

Nice to see other desks looking like mine! I suspect it is driving you crazy!

Suze Bain said...

A messy desk, that's what I love to see, makes me feel more at home when A come to visit! Lol. A bootiful card, love that DP and wonderful sentiment. Big congrats too on your ever increasing entourage. Xx

April said...

Love the flip flop card. I am a sucker for flip flops. :-)
April

roffeycreations said...

Hi Darnell - another wonderful card and another new link to another new challenge - thank you... have a great week - Happy WOYWW - Mxx #4 [yeah I know - but even if you didn't play its worth the visit to your fabbo desk!!]

Inkyfingers said...

Hi Darnell and congratulations on all your followers. I'm not surprised so many people enjoy your great blog. I love the bright, summery card you offered us today and those flip flops are so darned cute! Now don't be working too hard!!!

Tracey McNeely said...

The most beautiful tiny butterflies on those pretty flippy flops Darnell. Do you know that I love looking out your window and you lovely garden?

Unknown said...

Oh my Dippy look at that desk...........what a disgrace; go sit on the naughty step immediately!!! lol Seriously though, it's what most people's desks/tables/workspaces look like (except they probably haven't got that lovely view) Your card is wonderful - love that woodgrain on the b/p and thost flip flops are such fun. Congratulations on your 325 followers .....thing is once we've dipped our toe we are hooked and wouldn't miss a single post - you brighten all our lives and make us giggle. Long may you continue to blog and lighten our lives.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

505whimsygirl said...

Hi Darnell,

Like you, I didn't join in WOYWW this week - I think this has been my longest "dry spell."

Your card is perfect for the challenges you are entering it in. Good luck! And congrats on your new followers!

Peace,
Kay

Unknown said...

Congratulations on so many followers - it doesn't surprise me as it's always a fun time when we visit your blog.

Ardyth said...

Gorgeous colours for this lovely fresh card! How fun to have butterflies on your flip flops - I may try that for real!

Loll said...

Hi Dolly. Fun card ... love the coral!

Your desk looks like mine. I need a major clean-up too and that's what I'm doing this afternoon.

Keep cool. Loll xx

Canonbury creations said...

Great colour Darnell and I love the cute flip flops. Creative genius's always have messy desks:) congrats on so many followers.
Val x

Kim M said...

Just a wonderful card, Darnell! Love those flip flops. Your desk is starting to look more like mine. Almost. Mine is long overdue for a clean up. It's just I get so little time to create I don't want to waste it cleaning up! LOL. 325 followers! Wow! I'm glad I'm one of them. You are a delight, my dear! You've been so nice and supportive towards me and my blog. Thank you! :-)

Unknown said...

such a pretty card! i love the sandals...perfectly cut :)

Bobby said...

I truly understand why so many people seek out your blog. It's fun, colorful, funny, artistic, funny, informative, fun, interesting, Oh and did I mention fun to read?

Miriam Prantner said...

Wonderful sentiment and I LOVE the flip flops!

Kim S said...

It is a wonderful day, isn't it!? And yours was probably much better after you cleaned your desk!!

None None said...

Your card is so refreshing, Darnell! I feel like I could be at the beach with those cute flip-flops! I love the sentiment you chose for your card, so perfect for any occasion. Darn, now I want to be at the beach instead of getting my clothes ready for work tomorrow. *sigh*

Hope you were able to clean your desk off so you can feel better mentally about your workspace! :)

Nan G said...

Oh my goodness, yes, what a mess. giggle :) Someone sent you a card made with JOFY stamps! Lucky you! Hv

Nan G said...

Meant to say Thanks for the earlier visit. Happy WOYWW! Nan G #49

Sue from Oregon said...

Love those darling little summer slippers!

Pam Carter said...

Darnell, the flip flops are great and the card says it all. Goes with your "LITS". Everyone comes to see blog not only to see your cards but also to see what interesting things you have to tell us. Most says you put a smile on my face. Get it up.

JD/ Jill said...

Very cute and creative...(Like always!) Your desk looks better than mine does right now. You may have noticed that I have been on a card making marathon! (mainly because it's been too hot to go outside)

Colleen said...

Very awesome card, Darnell! Congrats on all your followers...you provide a lot of entertainment along with you wonderful crafty creations!!

Anne said...

Hi great card &I agree re the 'wave' pattern on the paper. A super sentiment as well! Always enjoy reading your blog. Anne x

Michelle said...

325 followers? Congratulations! It is no surprise, you are such fun! Not to mention the beautiful cards. ;-) This card is no exception. I love that sentiment! Thanks for joining in at Dynamic Duos! I love seeing you there. :-)

Michelle said...

Hang on! I missed those tiny butterflies! I'm giggling! So cute!

Dianne said...

I'm not surprised sweety your blog is wonderful always full of good advice ,tips and beautiful artwork and and we can't forget our giggle for the day, thanks for sharing the great blogs, Miss Heather is so nice to share how she creates her beautiful cards. You will have fun cleaning up, might even find something new on there somewhere, :O). Your card is beautiful, the flip flops are so cute, great sentiment too, thanks for sharing and have a great day..

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Beautiful background for the fabulous quote. Your desk says you are busy ! Have a great day, Shirleyx

Happy Dance said...

Great card, first of all. The wood grain DOES look like sand patterns! Clever girl... Perfect take on the DD colors. Cool, too, how you've snuck the butterflies in. 325 followers. Well, being the sweetest cardmaker out there, it's no wonder--you are all heart and kindness. We all love you to bits!!!! Big hugs, and I'm proud to call you friend. Bev

cm said...

Fabulous card! Beating the heat is exactly what I want to do...with a refreshing beverage, some crafty time, and a chance to catch up on my blog friends - like you! Your 'messy desk' has me green with envy! My 'crafting zone' is the kitchen countertop, that needs to be un-disarrayed daily! Oh, to have a spaced to leave cluttered...dreaming big!! As for 325 followers (not sure how to add myself 'offically' but you know I'm here): testament to how AWESOME you are. I'll echo Bev: you are sweetness and kindness++++ Lots of love!
c (carol)

Heather Rogers said...

What a super cute card! I love that shimmery ribbon and cute flip flops.

Thanks for the shout out! :)

Lori Turner said...

Gorgeous card! I love the flip-flops!! Thanks for joining us at Dynamic Duos this week :)

shirley-bee said...

What a mess! But I love your flip flop card with the very neat three-layered ribbon, so you've redeemed yourself ;)

Bonnie said...

I'd love some flip flops in this color with butterflies! What a pretty way to cool the tootsies!

Vicki Dutcher said...

Oh to read all the love :) -- isn't it fun!! Personally, to see your playhouse desk so untidy......is FABULOUS! Welcome to the rest of our desks :)

Joyce said...

Beautiful card, and wonderful sentiment. You do have an extremely large number of commenting followers. I count myself privileged to be one of your groupies.

Joyce said...

Beautiful card, and wonderful sentiment. You do have an extremely large number of commenting followers. I count myself privileged to be one of your groupies.

Erin Mac said...

Such a pretty card! Thank you for following me and you're definitely follower worthy!

Linda said...

Really pretty card. I love the flip flops.

Jessi Fogan said...

Now when I was looking for flip-flops on the weekend, why couldn't I find cute ones like those? I'm going to have to add my own butterflies!!
And, glad to know it's not just me who constantly needs a clean shirt. Ahem.

Redanne said...

That's a creative desk in my eyes, not a messy one..... Many congrats on reaching 325! That is some achievement and one you richly deserve. Love your card today, the little flip flops are adorable and I love that chevron background too. Big hugs, Annie xx

Cathy said...

Love your card Darnell, the cute little butterflies on the flip flops do it for me :) Congrats on your follower milestone too , love reading your posts :) Cathy x

Kelly Griglione said...

How perceptive of you to pick that background for the patterns made by waves ... I didn't think that upon seeing the photo, but now that you pointed it out it's very obvious. Very smart : )

So happy to be one of your blogging groupies!!