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 16, 2013

Have a Happy! WOYWW #215, Pixie's Week 81, and Moxie Fab World

Well, Hello!

It's time for our weekly desk hop via Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday (WOYWW) even if you, like me, never did quite hop to as many desks as you had hoped to hop to last week!  It's summertime and the living is easy.  Translation = we can't wait for nice weather and then when it gets here it takes us away from our desks!  What can you do?  Well, go out and enjoy it while you can!

Howbutever, if you did step back inside to cool off for a bit, here's what I have for you:

 
Um, shoes?  Yes, but I'm not showing them because I'm selling them, so don't pull my street creds, Miss Julia!  Although I will say that they are not only the cutest shoes, they are comfy like bedroom slippers, and if you're curious, they are made by Aerosoles.

And what do my shoes have to do with card making?  Actually, I'm pretty sure none of you asked that question.  You all know where this is going.  Here is a close-up where you can see up close that the shoe design is chevrons and I hope you can see that there are sparkly threads that run through the pattern.  And, as you can also see in the picture, I just happen to have a few rolls of sparkly simultaneously-colored Washi tape.
 
 Ever since I bought these shoes in May, I've been wanting to use them as inspiration for a card.  Yesterday I decided to just up and do it before chevrons become passay.  I laid the tape in colored rows to mimic the shoe pattern and then I ran the page of rows through my BS using the chevron stripes die from My Favorite Things.  I also ran a "happy" cut from my Memory Box die, and I came up with this: 


Walla Walla Bang Bang.  As usual, it is hard to fully capture the sparkle in photography, but the sun helped my efforts much better than the inside lights.  I tried adding several chevron rows because I ended up cutting several chevrons in two different widthecees, but in the end, just a narrow top and bottom ensemble encaptillating "happy" made me happy, beings as how I like CAS and all.
 
Seize the Birthday is still having their month-long challenge of "Anything Goes" (ending August 4) and Moxie Fab World is still having her birthday celebration challenges (ending August 12), so I'm linking my happy shiny CAS card with them.  And because I used a snippet of SU! champagne (oh, you perked up at that, didn't you?!) glitter paper for the "happy" die cut, I am finally able to run over and see my playmates at Pixie's Crafty Snippets Playground!

~~~

I know I have an indecently long-running birthday (woot!), but I simply must share with you my latest fabmeristic gifties which I have lined up on my window sill to delight me!! 


Thank you to my very good ~ and very talented ~ friends, Anne Redfern and Shirley-Bee!!
  
Made by Shirley-Bee
~~~
Made by Annie
~~~
 
Enjoy your WOYWW hop and 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!  If you let me know you stopped by, I'll make sure I return the flavor!
 
I'll leave you with Wendy Vecchi's brilliant rules to live by:
"Always be nice, do your best, love generously, live life fully, praise loudly, and never give up."
 
Amen.
 
 
 
 
 
*Life Is Too Short!  
 

83 comments:

Lisa Elton said...

Now those are some snappy shoes!! Cute card to go along with them too ;)

Krisha said...

I love those shoes!! And your card turned out great.
Krisha #5

alexandra s.m. said...

Brilliant! I love the shoes and your take on them ;-)
The cards you received are also spectacular!
Thanks for sharing~

Unknown said...

Love those shoes, they are great inspiration piece. The card looks fabulous. Happy crafting #13

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Those shoes look comfy. I need comfy. And I love the card. Nice of you to walk us through how you made it. Happy WOYWW from #2.

Anonymous said...

I love the shoes, card was a super snappy idea, but honestly I can't get past the shoes... I'm a shoe gal through and through ~~ long before I was a crafty gal!! :) :) :) PS ~ I love chevrons and hope they don't become outdated any time soon... :( :( :(

Sharron said...

Super stylish--both shoes & card! Love your sparkly chevrons!

Eliza said...

I loovvvveee them there shoes, at first I thought they were a gift and the card was made to match and here I was thinking you were totally talented giving a card to match, it blew that idea out when I read on. LOL You are totally talented anyway

Hugs Eliza 26

Oh great collection of cards too

Unknown said...

How fun are your photos. pure HAPPINESS… Those shoes are awesome. They look very comfy. All the cards you received are great, I think my favorite is the one with the flowers that say "take time to smell the flowers" They are all awesome though.I love how you used your shoes for inspiration in the one you made.. Was a pain making so many little cuts for the tape or do you lay the tape out and make one cut?? Which ever way, it was worth it. I hope you have a great week. (((HUGS)))
Kim
WOYWW #3

MaryH said...

Oh it _was_ such a happy feeling card. Great idea on the washi...I'm just stumbling into tryin' to use that stuff. You really have it nailed. The chevrons did sparkle so, and of course you know my feelings about those MB dies! Lucky you to get a card from Miss Anne...both your cards are lovely. And a Happy Bday to you again. Got your suggestion on the blog, we need to promote that idea of having our bdays showing. At least we can send ecards to our buddies if we don't have snail adds. TFS & enjoy your time outside. Too hot 'round here to be out much. Thank Heavens for A/C & electricity. Hugs.

trisha too said...

Always cute cards, but cute shoes, too? Bonus post!

Happy woyww to you, Darnell!
:)trisha
#27ish this week
with mail art

jill said...

Fab shoes . happy woyww jill #29

Claire Grantham said...

Hi Darnell, happy WOYWW, I too love Aerosoles, which I couldn't get in the UK, so now I am most happy. Love the idea of using your shoes as inspiration and the finished card is really lovely. I love the latest birthday gifties - especially the one to the far right of the photo, a close-up of that would be nice ;) Cx #36

Joyce said...

Your shoes are fab, and I love that they inspired your card. I bought some Ikat patterned Toms, and whenever I wear them, they remind me I want to make a card to match. Thanks for inspiring me--I think I'll just do that! Have fun tomorrow. I'm envious of you all.

Colleen said...

Those are the coolest shoes, Darnell and they are great inspiration...you really nailed it with your chevrons and the cool colors and the big happy!!

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

So glad Darnell you told me they weer slippers and never would have guess would not see them here, or I dont think.. or maybe I dont look :D

and well what clever idea and what great selection of birfdy cards, me dear!!
Have fun in playground (mind the parrot an' all!) will make it soon hope if have time to post have cards made.
Happy WOYWW, thanks for sharing, Shaz in Oz.x #30

Tenia Nelson said...

Awesome shoes and awesome card!!

ddazzled71 said...

Aswell as seeing what everyone is working on, I also love hearing where they get their inspiration. I am loving how your shoes inspired you and the cute card you came up with. Looking forward to seeing more from your work-desk.
Danie #32

VonnyK said...

Fabulous shoes. It's crazy where inspiration can come from but they sure made a fabulous card. Love dem sparkles. Love the pressies on your window sill.
Have a great week.
Von #31

Helen said...

The shoes are gorgeous, and how I love the card they inspired! Your birthday cards look wonderful, love the one with the JoFY stamps!! Helen 19

Anonymous said...

You are indeed a true crafter Darnell-to have gained inspiration from shoes !! And what fabby shoes they are-no wonder you couldn't wait to wear them!How could anyone fail to be happy wearing these :)
Your sparkley card is a perfect case-and beautifully CAS.
Nessa xxx

Unknown said...

Your shoes look both pretty and comfortable - just right for the summer. Great inspiration too and I love you CAS sparkly card. Have a great week of crafting.

Redanne said...

Oh wow Darnell, I am just loving those shoes! Love how they inspired to you create such a beautiful card too. The stepper card is stunning, I adore those JOFY stamps. Thanks for the shout out too, you are so kind. Not joining in this week but happy WOYWW to you anyway. Hugs, Annie xx

Di said...

Hi Darnell! Wow and double wow! I adore your shoes so much and the card you made is nothing short of brilliant! Remember not to take your shoes off in the Playground if you go paddling - my guess is that one of the little scallywags will have them on eBay to fund an outing or something more devious before you turn around!

SUPER snippets card!

Hugs, Di xx

Julie Lee said...

Wow! those shoes are sooo pretty! They make you want to kick up your heels and dance! I love the way you interpreted the sparkly chevrons on a card! Yes, we're all complaining about the heat over here in the UK - except my dear daughter who claims she loooves it!!! Have a great WOYWW! Julie Ann x #45

Kathyk said...

WOWser, love your shoes and LURVE your card. And, as for that JOFY stepper card - I WANT it!!!!

Happy WOYWW

Kathyk

scrappymo! said...

I think we should get a photo of you wearing the shoes and holding the card!!! lol

Great inspiration and great job on the card itself!

glitterandglue said...

Lovely fun post, Darnell. Thanks for making me smile! Like the card, as you say, clean and simple - great work.
Have a lovely week.
Margaret #48

Amanda said...

Love the card and the inspiration is perfect. I love that crafters see cards in shoes and keep items just cos they will look pretty on a card, I currently have a tshirt label that I love but cant bear to use so much so I am considering buying another tshirt just for the label lol. Hugs, Amanda x

Anne said...

Hi I have shoe envy! Love em! Great card as well. Thanks gfor tip re adding birthday date to blog still on my to do list. Might nick The rules to live life by as well!!! Happy WOYWW Anne x @ 69

CraftygasheadZo said...

Snazzy shoes and such fab inspiration for you card. Take care Zo xx 81

ria gall said...

Hi Darnell
oh I do love coming over to your blog always sure of a laugh and never sure where we are going with you.
Your shoes are amazing I love love love them. Then there is the fantastic card love it
have a great day enjoy the rest of your week
Ria #75

Unknown said...

love those shoes, your place is so clean and crisp, its lush, lots of craftyness going on, thanks for the snoop

Happy WOYWW
Jay NO.65

Canonbury creations said...

Great CAS card, very snazzy! Love the inspiration Darnell, fab shoes:)
Val x

Unknown said...

But if you did want to see the shoes I am your woman, they are super cool, love the inspired card too.

Very talented friends you have their sending you such pretty cards.

Lynda #84

Laura said...

Gorgeous card - shoes are wonderful too
Happy Wednesday
Laura
92

Jessi Fogan said...

I am in love with those shoes! And the card you made with them - my goodness, how fabulous is that? Fiddly and stunning :)

Kate said...

That was a happy card and a happy birthday to you. Great cards from your friends.
Your blog never ceases to put a smile on my face.

roffeycreations said...

Want those shoes - and as you know I take inspiration wherever I can get it and they are sparking things off in my head... I'll let you know when there's a solid connection LOL... Have a great week - Happy WOYWW - Mxx #87

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Brilliant creativity !!!! Gorgeous sparkly chevrons and your shoes are pretty darn cute too! Beautiful cards that you've received. Enjoy the warm tempatures, Shirleyx

Ardyth said...

Why I was surprised to see shoes on your desk, I don't know - you're always full of surprises! Love the card you made with them!

None None said...

This is an awesome CAS card, Darnell! I love the stripe-y chevron and your shoe inspiration is just adorable! I have been looking for a pair of ballet flats for the longest time, but could never find anything comfy. I will have to give Aerosoles a try next. Previous pairs of Aerosoles were always comfy so I don't see why their ballet flags shouldn't be. So thanks for the recommendation!! Also, I think I am going to have to place an order with MFT soon to get that awesome chevron die (and some others). ;)

None None said...

Meant to add that you are an influential enabler. :)

Bobby said...

I love your shoespsiration. Did you take a poll to see how many mentioned the shoes before they mentioned the card? lol I didn't jump on the washi bandwagon so have never seen the sparkly ones but they do indeed say "happy".

Mrs Harry said...

Wonderful card Darnell, just right for a sparkly colourful lady like you!

Leigh Penner said...

I love that you were inspired by your shoes! Great card!

Happy Dance said...

I want shoes like that! Not only are they fun, but man oh man, what a great inspiration for your card! Are we all like that now? Buying things that inspire us to make cards?!! Not a bad thing, if you ask me. Great card...love those chevvies and the sparklies too. Bev

wienerhoneymooners said...

You have hit the nail on the head Darnell, I am cultivating a CASE this CARD Challenge, based on SHOES!......

No worries on commenting on my blog, I know you are surveying the cardmaking creative queendom all the time!

I am happiest when I see you commenting on NEW bloggers sites...

Here is one crafter that just started blogging 2 weeks or so ago, and I have CASED her card this week for CASE study. Anytime you think of me, you can visit her sight paying it forward...
JANE of Purplejetlovescrafts

http://purplejetlovescrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/hello-tuesday.html

Did you ever see pay it forward the movie? I HIGHLY recommend it!

So if you want to comment, feel free to just add me a little smiley face so I know you popped by Darnell, I am full of inspiration, and your support is better needed to those new to your queendom!

Lots of Luvs Kimberly!
(though you know I just loves your comments)Naturally!!!
:)

Karen said...

How wonderful to find a pair of shoes that fit like slippers, what more could a girl want than happy feet!!! Love the card too! Happy WOYWW! ♥ Karen ♥ 109 x

Tracey McNeely said...

Love how your shoes inspired the card! I LOVE both! The glitter is fabulous. Hope you are having a great day!

cm said...

Darnell - I'm easily FOUR cards behind in commenting! How dare I be to so tardy, when your site/cards are absolutely fantastic! Traveling, bike races - those are the shoulders carrying blame this time! Now, happily nestled in our vacation rental in Bend, I'm playing some catch-up! So, here's on gigantic post to say I LOVE, LOVE and LOVE all the cards from this past week! And the chevrons shoes...pair added to wish list! Shopping is definitely on the Bend-agenda (before and after my husband's races, of course), so perhaps, just perhaps, a pair will find their way to me! Hugs to your for everything you do: enlighten, engage, inspire and delight!
c

jimlynn said...

Love the shoes.....but love your card even more! Fantastic!!!
Lynn

Elizabeth said...

Hi Darnell, I missed your birthday? How did that happen? Belated good wishes and many happy returns too. Love the cheerful bright and zingy colours in your shoes - and a bonus to you that they are so comfortable, and that they also inspired your fabulous card - amazing what can be done with washi tape and glitter card. Hope you've had an enjoyable day and have a great week. Elizabeth x #47

Stephanie Lanzalotto said...

Darnell, thanks so much for your kind comment on my blog. I came over to visit, and oh - I do love this card. brilliant take on the inspiration. I just love it! The sparkly chevron stripes are just perfect.

shazsilverwolf said...

Love the card. Sparkles beautifully. Have a great week, Hugs Shaz xx #50

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Fantastic cards, love the shoe inspiration
hugs Tamara

Geri said...

I want those shoes!

Why do I REALLY need shoes like that, you might ask?

Well, if I could create what you have created from the inspiration gleaned from these little pretties, then they are a must have! Sheer creative genius my dear friend!

Love the beautiful cards that your dear friends have sent you!

Lisa-Jane said...

Such a striking card! Love it!

April said...

What a fabulous idea. Great card. Lots of sparkle, but not overwhelming. And those shoes are too cute! April #107

Unknown said...

Your card really, really made me happy Dippy........love the way you've lined the tape in vertical lines to reflect your (gorgeous) shoes. You are such a clever bunny hunny! lol

Hugs.

Karen x

Unknown said...

Great shoes, really fun design and I love the way you've used them for inspiration. Thanks for sharing Wendy's quote to ...definitely words to live by. Happy Woyww Liz #112

Jackie said...

Love that you got such inspiration from the shoes!!!! Inspiration is everywhere... I love it !!! I am working on some white flowers over at my desk which was inspired by an advert in Tattler magazine for a wedding dress...... Inspiration is everywhere we just need to open our selves to it just like you have done ... Love the card!
Jackie 39

wienerhoneymooners said...

The cards are so fantastic!!

And thanks so much for poppin in on the NEW blogger Jane, I know it meant a lot to her and I think she will definitely visit you right back too !!

She is rather great as CS for just starting!

Thanks again you angel you!

Hettie said...

GREAT shoes Honey - they sure look comfy. Love the card you have made from them too! Well done you!
Hugs
xx

Shoshi said...

Love the chevron shoes, Darnell, and what they inspired you to do! Great stuff.

I'm too hot to do anything. I hate this weather.

Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #116

JD/ Jill said...

Really cute shoes! Great inspiration piece for your colorful, creative card! I'm one of those who also hope that chevron's don't go out of style soon, I so enjoy making them.

Dianne said...

Well how brilliant are you Missy, that card matches your shoes perfectly, nice shoes by they way.my step Mom would be screaming if she saw those shoe on your table,that is bad luck she would say get them OFF, funny how people are:).Your 2 cards are gorgeous,that 3 step card is amazing love those stamps, I hope your BD last the whole month. Well it's 45C here in Ont. way too hot for me, oh I wish it would rain:O) thanks for sharing and have a great week. Except for Julia, I think you have the most comments on WOYWW, that just shows how special you are..

Bonnie said...

Ooh! I love those shoes and being Aerosoles makes them even better! And the chevrons you've created are wonderful! Wonderful cards! I love that quote!

Harriet Skelly said...

Ooooh Aaaahhh - I love those slippers - and I got to see them in real life! What??? Darnell came to lunch in her slippers??? I love that card they inspired you to make! I had so much fun with you and Kim today - and I can't wait until next month!! Hugs, Harriet

Shannon J said...

I'm afraid that if I used my shoes as inspiration, you would see a lot of worn out, needing a wash elements! Time for new shoes, I think! But your shoes are awesome! Such a fantastic idea to use these beauties for inspiration - and the results are fabulous! And those birthday cards you received sure are beauties as well!!!

Joyce said...

Now I am coming back to congratulate you on your CTD win. I think you got the best prize--but don't tell anyone I said that. Hope you pick something fun.

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell, these shoes look just as fabulous in person as they do on your blog...so pretty and so much sparkle! I really thought you were trying to sell them and I was ready to buy too! Fabulous card but after seeing your inspiration in person I can see how you came up with such a beauty!

Cathy said...

Hi Darnell, fantastic card, fabulous shoes! Congrats on your CTD win too :) Cathy x

AppleApricot Wen said...

Hello early bird, it wasn't even Wednesday when you linked up to WOYW-Wednesday :) Happy shoes you have, and wonderful clever thinking to make them your inspiration for your card. I'm joining WOYWW for the first time now, thanks be to you who inspired me to do so.

Hugs and happy day,
Wendy

Anonymous said...

Amazing shoes, Darnell ... and so inspiring ... a completely cool, happy, sparkley card! Love it! Love your cards from Shirley and Anne too! Anita :)

Monika/Buzsy said...

Fabulous cards Darnell... what a great inspiration! :) Love the colors... you got some wonderful cards for your birthday... especially love the side-step card. Happy BELATED birthday. :)

Sarn said...

Terrific card from the shoe/slipper inspimiration Mrs.

And WOW - haven't you got some gorgeous birthday cards.

Hugs
Sarn xxx

Queen Lightwell said...

Don't we just find inspiration in the funniest of places? :) Your card is nice and simple, glad you pulled it off...sometimes less is more, huh? :) And sometimes no matter how much you mess with it you just have to put it away for awhile! lol That happens to me too much! :)
Thanks for stopping by already to ogle my ginormous paper stash and sympathize with my directionless self! :) Enjoy the rest of WOYWW dear!
~Deeyll #50

Craftychris said...

Fab slippers and such a cool card! Love your birthday gifts - lucky lucky you! xx

Spyder said...

They are lovely birthday cards! Shoe were inspirational! great idea.Happy WOYWW!!
((Lyn)) #11 again

shirley-bee said...

I want shoes like that! I love how they provided inspiration. And sparkly washi?! Just made for you!

Thanks for the showcase - and congrats on your showcase for your tickle me card at Less is More!

Shoshi said...

Thanks for your visit and your comment, Darnell - and for your wonderful enthusiasm about our new house and my fabulous new ARTHaven! Keep your eyes on my blog because there will be lots more photos to come, I promise. I'm over at the house usually two or three times a week. There will be an extra team member full time next week so the work will probably speed up some more.

Have a great weekend.

Shoshi #116

Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Editor said...

Hey Darnell! Thanks for linking this up to the Birthday Card Challenge in the Moxie Fab World! I'm so glad you joined in on all the fun! :)