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 26, 2013

Christmas in July at Festive Friday, Hazel's, and Sarn's! NBUS #28

And, hello, we are ~whoosh ~ back around to Friday!
 
Not only that, it's the last Friday in July!  Didn't see that comin', didja?  Suddenly Christmas card making doesn't seem so ridiculous when you turn around and it's August.  Don't even tilt your head a tiny bit to see behind the skirts of August, because you'll be blinded by the lights of the holiday choo-choo barreling straight at you!

I've been wanting to play in a never-before-played-in-by-me challenge called Festive Friday, ever since I laid eyes on this inspiration board:


Isn't that gorge?!  Actually, what I really want is some cookies that look like that, but that's a different blog.  Festive Friday has some of THE most talented card artists on the face of the earth on the Design Team and you are going to be inspired out the wazoo by the work they do! 

It's a pleasure to play in another-never-before-played-in-by-me challenge hosted by the creative and prolipstick, Hazel, at Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra where "Anything Goes" in July, as long as it's Christmas!

Lastly, I'm also playing in a challenge hosted by my uberly-talented friend, Sandra ("Sarn") of Stamping for Pleasure.  I have only linked up with Sarn once before, in October 2012, and I'm a little tardy getting to this challenge this year, but I know I'll be welcome anyway.  Sarn runs her Rudolph Day challenges from the 25th of each month to the last day of each month.

As always, many of the challenges I enter have awesome sponsors and prizes, so I hope you will click on the links for the details, meet the fab Design Teams and Guest Designers, and join in these fun challenges!

~~~
 
Here is my simple dimple card:


I took the photo outside in the sunshine to try and better capture the metallic sheen of the background paper. The tag paper also has a beautiful sheen and a brocade design which the paper pack also had in a flat finish, which I used for die-cutting the NBUS flourish.  Using my fingers, I smushed silver ink all over the pink ribbon as it was pirouetting around the desk. Just kidding.  This pretty pink ribbon was brilliantly made with interwoven silver gray threads.  I attached the tag to the ribbon with silver cord and looped the flourish over that.

~~~

New Friends

If I could just get you to stop trying to feel that ribbon through your monitors, I'd love to introduce you to two new friends at the Playhouse!  Joining us today are Erin Mac from Creativity From Scratch and Sue Lelli from Card Therapy.  These crafty ladies represent both ends of the blogging spectrum.  Sue has been blogging and creating masterpieces of card art since 2009, and Erin is brand-spanking new to this whole wonderful community!  I know they would both love to have you visit.  Welcome, ladies!  It's a pleasure to have you join us!
 
~~~

Make Someone Happy
 
The disparrotity between Erin's blog and Sue's blog in terms of longetivity gives me the opportunity to opine on how important it is for ALL bloggers to have you click that follow button (what does it hurt you?) and, more importantly, leave some love on a blog to let the person know you came by to visit.  It's as simple as treating others the way you would like to be treated. 

All of us appreciate every single comment whether we have been on the blogging scene since computers looked like small Volkswagens, or we just started blogging yesterday; whether we have four comments/followers, or whether we have hundreds.  Each one is appreciated! 

You don't have to write a paragraph (who would do that?!) in a comment, just a simple "nice card" can make someone's day very special!  Nine times outta ten, you'll get a visit and a comment in return.  Wouldn't you love that?  One com(pli)ment deserves another typo thing is what I'm saying and that's how our happy world goes round!
 
Can one of you help me down from my soap box?
 
~~~

Speaking of Compliments
Adam and Henry
We had planned to have the twins for a sleep-over Saturday, but the phone rang last night and a pipsqueaky Henry voice could be heard to say, "Bama, can Adam and I come over for Friday night, too?"  Naturally, Papa and I burst into tears at the compliment!  The thing is they are in day camp today until 3 p.m. and we had decided that the two-hour commute at that time of day wasn't worth it and we would get them early Saturday morning.  But now that the boys have let us all know they'd really, really like a two-night stay at Chez Geezer, the traffic shall be dealt with.  Yippee!  We are so becited!!

~~~
 
So have a wonderful weekend!  Monday brings another working week for me, but I'm pretty sure I'll be needing a card fix by Sunday night if I'm not too tired, so perhaps I'll see you in a couple of days.
 
Enjoy yourself!  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! pink pirouette; unknown silver;
  K&Company DSP
Stamp:  SU!
Die:  NBUS Memory Box "Elegant Scrollwork"
Ribbon:  SU! pink pirouette and silver cord

G'night, LuC.  Sweet dreams!

51 comments:

MeredythG said...

Darnell, your beautiful pink ribbon, your kind comments about bloggers (experienced and less so) and your story about the twinks (I love reading these stories as my youngest would fit right in with them..) motivated me to write a very long run-on sentence and wish you a happy weekend! I always love to stop by the playhouse for a smile!

Neets B said...

This is great, what a fantabulously gorgeous bow dahling! Love it :) xx

Lindsey said...

So pretty! What a gorgeous color combo...I especially love that giant bow and the shimmery paper. Looks like you are going to have a fabulous weekend with the twinks...hope the traffic is better than expected. (P.S. Thanks so much for your sweet comment...it certainly lifted my spirits...maybe even enough to encourage me to make my way back into the craft closet and try to make something.)

Deepti said...

Wow this is gorgeous, the shimmery paper, the ribbon and the flourish are a perfect recipe for a huge success of ur card, I am sure the receiver would adore this one :)

JD/ Jill said...

Beautiful card! And since my favorite color is pink!!! I especially like that stunning PINK bow!

Ardyth said...

Wow! The shimmer of the silver and the big beautiful (and perfectly tied) bow make this a very luxurious card! I hope (know) you'll have double the fun with twinks this weekend - good for you for braving the traffic to give them their (and your) hearts' desire! You gotta enjoy the moments like that because they go by quickly! Thanks for playing with us at Festive Friday!

Redanne said...

Woo hoo to the Twinks coming to stay for longer!! How exciting is that. Hope you have a fun-filled weekend.

Love your gorgeous card, that die is stunning, as is your beautiful bow. LOVE this card!! Hugs, Annie xx

Anonymous said...

Fabby take on that gorgeous inspiration piccy Darnell-love that generous amount of pretty ribbon you have used LOL!
Awww,how lovely of the twinks-i can see you are doting grandparents and they must have just the best time to want that extra night so badly-how lovely :)
Enjoy your precious time with them this weekend,hugs ,Nessa xxxx

Joyce said...

Not just 'nice card' but super duper shiny and fun card. Your words about comments are so true--and I have made lots of friends from leaving comments and having back and forth visits. Have fun with your twinks! I do miss a lot about San Francisco (I did leave my heart there in '96), but I can honestly say that I do NOT miss Bay Area traffic one bit.

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Fabulous card,
love the big bow
hugs Tamara

Hazel said...

Your card is beautiful, Darnell - thanks for sharing for my CHNC challenge extra for July - hope to see more of your festive loveliness soon. x

Lisa Elton said...

Darnell this is fabulous! LOVE LOVE your gorgeous plush bow and all the pretty shimmer. Enjoy those twinks, sounds like FUN!!!

MagsB said...

Darnell, I love your blog so much, no matter how low I feel you always make me smile! And your creations are so lovely - this one is no exception! Wow, that bow!!!

Big apologies for not being by for a while, I will try to be a better blogger! Have a wonderful time with the gorgeous Twinks!

love Mags B x

PS I remember when computers were the size of a small bus and had to be placated by feeding with punched cards. And then all that came out were print-outs of numbers. Times have changed for the better :)

Tenia Nelson said...

That bow ROCKS!!! Seriously though!!! Awesome card!! :)

Leigh Penner said...

I really enjoyed reading your post, Darnell! Enjoy your time with your grandsons!
Your card is lovely, too, by the way. I, too, would love some of those cookies!

Cathy said...

Gorgeous card Darnell, happy times ahead this weekend for you :) I enjoy your philosophy on life, and blogging, oh and what other blog?!!LOL Cathy x

Anonymous said...

Love your card!! I super duper love non-traditional holiday cards -- so it was a winner from the start !! Ribbon is gorgeous -- :))
Have a great weekend w/ the kiddies - & hopefully they will craft something w/ you like usual !!
:))

Carol L said...

Your take on the color challenge is simply stunning!! I just love that giant bow!!! Well done my dear :)

Nan G said...

Oh wow more Christmas challenges to check out! Well since you're off to get the twinks I guess someone helped down off the soapbox. :) Fan-tab-u-lus card. Love the bow! Happy weekend!

Unknown said...

I love reading your posts. I don't usually have time to keep up with everyone's as much as I'd like to, but I really love your perspective and you are hilarious as all get out! Your pink ribbon bow is just breathtaking!

scrappymo! said...

Have a wonderful weekend with the twinks...our times with grandkis are so precious arent they...

Gorgeous card...love that beautiful ribbon and the pretty swirly bit too. Great soft shimmer off that silvered glimmer paper!

Sarn said...

Hi Darnell . . . you certainly are MOST welcome over at my little challenge, especially with such a WONDERFUL big bow card and all schparkly too.

Thanks for joining in.

Enjoy the Twinks' extra company this weekend.

Hugs
Sarn xxx

Karen Petitt said...

So pretty and what a delicious bow! Enjoy your weekend with your twinks Karen x

Marybeth said...

GORGEOUS !!!!!! Oh my gosh! Simple and oh so very elegant! So glad you went outside to take this photo, and capture its beauty.
So true on leaving a comment ,WE all love it and should by all means return the favor.
I can just feel your heart melt when the boys wanted to come a day earlier. Nothing better than knowing the grandkids love being with you and love you! BLESSINGS for sure!!!!!!

Laurie Unger said...

Wonderful big bow!!! love the paper!

Have fun with the Grandkids!Spending time with my Grandma was always a real treat growing up!

Brenda said...

Fun post (as always)! Love your elegant Christmas card.

Sue from Oregon said...

Pink and grey are such elegant colors together! Enjoy your boys this weekend! Mine are here too so am looking forward to some serious Granny time!

Erin Mac said...

Thanks for mentioning me in your post! I love the card, it's so elegantly gorgeous!

Heather Rogers said...

Beautiful take on the color challenge. Love the shimmery silver paper. :)

Kristie Goulet said...

Stunning! I have fallen in love with this inspiration photo too but haven't played along. What am I waiting for?! Hee hee

Kim Heggins said...

You are just so sweet...and I am sure the twinks just love you both for all you two do! Your card is so dreamy too, love those colors and may just have to play along too.

Hettie said...

Ooo La Lah Mrs! Loverly shimmerey card there. Like it....alot!
Have fun with the twinks!
Hugs
xx

Canonbury creations said...

Great color combo Darnell and you have done it proud! I'm drooling over that bow, it's gorgeous. Hope you are having a great weekend with the twinks, we are Charlie sitting and having a ball!
Val x

jimlynn said...

I'm finally free of all my company and have time to check out blogs - and so glad too since I didn't miss this gorgeous beauty! LOVE those fantastic colors and your card is simply perfect.
Hope you're having fun this weekend!
Lynn

Bonnie said...

I think I see a winner here, Darnell! This is gorgeous and perfect for that inspiration photo! I'm so glad that you practice what you preach and make such a good example to all of us here in Blogland! You are an life inspiration to all of us. And those boys are the sweetest on the planet (next to Luke and Jack that is). Aren't grandsons wonderful!

Shannon J said...

Love the card Darnell! And here here on the comments! Now I have to go to emergency because I just split my gut open laughing about Chez Geezer!!!!!!!! Hope you are having fun with the twinks!!

Kelly Griglione said...

oh that flourish is wonderful ... so glad you used it on this card! I could see getting a lot of mileage out of that one. And good for you seizing the day and not letting traffic stand in your way! Your grandkids will always remember things like that. Life is just too darn short!

PS, still chuckling about "chez geezer!"

Joni Andaya said...

Darnell this is so lovely. I love the background and the flourish is so pretty :)

wienerhoneymooners said...

So glad you posted this ribboned lovely to Festive Friday!

It is always fun to find a new playground---see you on the swings Darnell!

Hugz Kimberly!

Aileen said...

Wow look at that sumptious bow! So pretty in these colours.

Hope you're having a great weekend.


xx

Marlou McAlees said...

fabulous card!!! thank you so much for the kind comment you left for me on my blog :) :)

Keep It Sweet and Simple said...

Wow! Really beautiful card. Love all the shimmer and that gorgeous bow is to die for.
Caroline xxx

Kathyk said...

Your card is just glorious, Darnell

Kathyk

G Peplow said...

Hi Darnell, WOW I love your simple card, it looks simple but I for one knows simple can be quite difficult to achieve!! Fabulous job with the colours and yes I'd love to touch the ribbon LOL Sounds to me like you deserve your grand son's compliment, I'll bet they have a wonderful time at 'Chez Geezer', lucky lads!!! Gay xx

Greta said...

Oh my goodness--this is my favorite type of card--LOVE every single thing about it, so it's pinned to come back & CASE! That the twinks asked to come a day early says so much. I know you're having a great weekend! I have to just add my 2 cents worth. For me, becoming a follower isn't important (I have many I never hear from), but leaving me a comment is so appreciated. Even if I'm in a blog hop, I return the favor if I can find the blog or photostream--not always easy. It'd be great if everyone included that info in their profile to make it easier. OK--off the soapbox! PS--thanks, Darnell, for taking time to be sure I knew my name was drawn by Emily.

Geri said...

Darnell, Darnell, DARNELL...This is simply GORGEOUS!!! Love that luxurious bow on that sparklin' silver background! And the sweet little tag and flourish...Perfect extra toppings to soften it up and add interest! It's a true beauty and I'm delighted you were able to play along and add this to the inspiration at Festive Friday! (Do come back, now...ya hear???)

Meredith MacRitchie said...

This is beautiful Darnell! I am so glad you found our challenge and decided to give it a try! What a stunning card - thanks so much for sharing it with us at Festive Friday!

Sian Ridley said...

Oh Darnell...this card is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!! I love it! You really nailed the colour combo and I like the fact that it doesn't look like a traditional Christmas card but is, unmistakably, a Christmas card - an absolute beaut! :)

I totally agree with your soap box-ing :) I know, as do we all, that every comment makes my day and it's so nice to know that people have stopped by and taken the time to have a little look at my tiny spot in blogland - I do love it here! :)

MaryH said...

Great background use of that sometimes 'hard to cut' glitter-y stuff. Loved how you used it in such a simple way, dressed it up with the pretty tag, lovely pink flourish, and that is some bow! I really thought you 'had' added some gray ink to the pink. Had me fooled. Enjoyed your words on leaving comments at new blogs. It does encourage new folks to keep posting, even if one doesn't always get a lot of comments or have a huge following. It will come. Thanks for the reminder, and i'll check out these blogs. TFS & enjoy your grands while they still enjoy visiting! They're cute ones.

Geri said...

My oh my Daisy Mae...what a fine post you've gone and put up fer our readin' pleasure! Golly, but this sure is one perty card.

The pink/silver not-home-made ribbon is stunning! I absolutely love how you tied the tag to the bow with the silver thread! Such great attention to the small details ALWAYS make your cards so beautiful!

I smile from ear to ear each time I read about the twinks! You are so blessed!

Julie said...

Sweet card. I love the bow!