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 6, 2013

Into the Pool! WOYWW #218; CCCB #171FM #121; STS#1

Yoohoo!

Nearing midpoint, we'll soon be whooshing up to Friday, reveling in the week end, hop off, round around to the front, hop on, and then do the whole ride all over again 52 times in the course of a year.  How fun is this?!

Here's my desk.  Yes, it's mine.  I didn't pay to borrow someone else's messy desk. 
It all started when I ordered a few things I did not needed in the way of stamps and dies and then out of the corner of my eye I saw one of those damm sale slash clearance racks that get me every time and I ordered a giant bag of  assorted sequints.  Then, being ridicmeticulous, I decided I would separate them into their respective nonassorted ... aacckk!  It's taking me forever, and since I don't chuck projects, I have to keep at it and since I wanted to make a card now and then, I just worked around the project ... you know how it is.  You also know I don't do messy, especially when I couldn't find my sandals a little while ago.  Not my shoe sandals, my little card sandals.  I'm ready for the backhoe ~ again.
 
Here's the card I made.  (Feel free to click off if you're just What's on Your Workdesk? Wednesday (WOYWW) desk-hopping, but please do let me know you came by, so I can return the flavor of a visit back to you!) 

 
I love this stamp and sediment.  Since I stamped them directly onto my card base, I thought the sediment needed to be wrapped in an on-trend conversation bubble, so I drew one on by hand.  There is no NBUS (never-before-used schtuff) on my card, but I am playing in NTMC (new-to-me challenges)!
 
The first is a brand-new-to-everyone challenge called Seize the Sketch!  It's the sister challenge to "Seize the Birthday!" and it's another brain-child of the delightful and talented Lesley.  Here's the terrific in auger all sketch designed by the superbly talented Amy Tsuruta:   
The next NTMC is The Friday Mashup! challenge, where the theme is "polka dots."
As it happens, the City Crafter Challenge Blog ALSO has the theme "polka dots" this week!
 
How about that?!  This is my second time playing with the inspirational CCCB card artists.
 
I'm also reentering the "Summer" challenge at Addicted to CAS (ATCAS).  Sometimes the dials all line up beautifully!
 
~~~
 
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!  The DT cards are always awe-mazing!
 
And I hope you will check out the addicting and delightful WOYWW, hosted by the humorous and delightful Julia!
 
~~~
 
I leave you with this smoochable face from the Grand Duke R. Dog.  He is doing us the flavor of watching us for a few days.
"I'm sorry I ate your sandal embellies.  Please forgive me.  Having said that,
may I add that if you weren't so messy, they wouldn't have been on the floor."
~~~

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:  DCWV double-sided
Stamps:  Art Impressions K-1605, P-2637
Ink:  Versafine onyx black, Prismacolor pencils
Starfish from ancient stash





101 comments:

Renee said...

Fabulous card!
Love that fun sentiment...
and so glad since I read it here and now know it to be a fact and will tell my kiddos that the next time they accuse me of being too old to be this goofy! :)

Cathy said...

Perfect card for all of those challenges Darnell, love the image!! You could never stay mad at that cute puppy dog face either...give him some more sandals LOL! Cathy x

Unknown said...

Love that card. The image and sentiment are fantastic. Don't you just love organizing. Happy crafting #1

Lisa Elton said...

This gave me a chuckle Darnell, fun card!! Love the "innocent " face on the pup too!!

trisha too said...

I hear you, Darnell--those sale racks get me every time.

EVERY time.

What soulful eyes on the pooch, a very handsome fellow, indeed--and obviously repentant.

Happy woyww to you!
:)trisha
#17ish this round
with an atc and mail art

RosA said...

Good card! Made me chuckle! Oh dear, those sale racks always suck me in too!
And your desk looks very creative!
Rosa # 16

Tenia Nelson said...

What a super fun card!!! :)

jimlynn said...

Lovin' those polka dots! VERY cute and also love the image - in fact, I'm using the same one on a card I'm have going up on Friday!
Yes, those racks suck me in too......maybe it's because I NEED it!
Love your pup too!
Lynn

GeeCee said...

Luv, luv reading your posts weekly! You're such a witty inspiration! I have a F.O.B (fear of blogging) and I don't know how or where to start. I'm working on it tho! I'm new to the blog world so I'm still not too sure what the heck I'm doing. Sometimes I think my comments go somewhere into cyber space as I don't know where they go after I press the button. Thank you for making my day everyday! I luv your fast wit and amazing use of words. You're so, so funny! Thank you! -glenna

Jackie said...

I know I am supposed to comment on your desk ..... But I love your hanging cups and saucers baskets!!!!!!
Card is lovely to , made me think good supporting bra's are a must!!!!
Jackie 29

VonnyK said...

I love your card and how true is the sentiment. I've stopped taking my daughter to the stamping shop as it's cost me a fortune. Like you say, there's always a sale sign somewhere and she always really needs it.
Have a great week,
Von #33

My name is Cindy said...

Great desk, great card - you must be QOA (Queen of the Acronyms)

LOL
Happy WOYWW, Cindy

Anonymous said...

She is fabby Darnell! Hope i'm like that when i reach her age LOL!What a great card-and how clever of you to add the starfish to make the sketch.
Duke really does have his "I'm sorry" face on there(he is just soooo gorgeous I could forgive him anything)and anyway sandals are SO over rated!
Nessa xxx

Greta said...

How could you possibly be mad with that adorable face?! Shouldn't admit this, but I finally took the stack of scraps off my table & chucked them into a sack. I'm hoping to play in that new challenge, too & I really chuckled when I saw your card! By the way, my last card has NBUS in your honor!

Helen said...

Great desk - hope you find your way down to the surface of it soon.... shall we send a rescue party?! The card is fab, I love those fun stamps. Helen, 6

Belinda Basson said...

Great mess...I mean desk...I can relate! Love that dogs face. I have just got in some of those stamps...nearly ordered that one...next time. #43

Julie Lee said...

Now those polka dots are the kind of spots I love to have in front of my eyes! This is such a lovely cheery post! I love the card with the lady who isn't too old to 'do goofy things'!!! Glad to know there are others out there who share that sentiment with me! Happy WOYWW! Julie Ann #41

Di said...

Fabulous card Darnell! I think the Duke wins the day for appeal though :)

Now, remember I said in email about my craft room looking as if it's been burgled already - this is JUST what I meant, snort!

Have a Happy WOYWW!

Hugs, Di xx

Uuna said...

a Large table and many boxis is very good thing. It means that You are working, You are happy. I am :-)
Have a nice WOYWW, Uuna #42

Anonymous said...

Happy Wednesday, Darnell!!! I personally love coming by to see what's on your desk!! When it's messy, I smile and relate... when it's tidy, I feel a wee bit guilty of my piles!! :) :) :)
Your card gave me belly laughs and I just love that line of stamps... who doesn't fee like that sometimes...? My girls always try to tell me that I act goofy, but I think they love it!! HA! :) :) :)

Sian Ridley said...

You are really embracing the messy desk lately - I love it! It makes me feel better for having a messy desk :)

I am glad that I'm not the only one who feel the need to sort assorted items. I buy my little tiny pearls in a big assorted bag and then separate them all into colours to put in my pearl organiser. I also HAVE to have them sorted by size too so it's quite a mission! I have to admit, half way through the process I often lose the will to live, but once it's done I feel great! Persevere girl! :)

Ok, now on to the important part - how brilliant is this card!!? I totally agree with the sentiment too, ha ha! Good work too for making one card that satisfies the criteria of so many challenges - you are my hero! :)

Sue - said...

Great card Darnell and I so agree with that sentiment!

Sazzle Dazzle said...

Fabulous comical card Darnell and you sequin story just made me laugh out loud... sort of thing I'd end up doing! X

Redanne said...

Love the card - it is hilarious (BTW - how did you get that photo of me to put on it? lol). Love the photo of Duke, he looks so huggable......

Sadly, not joining in again this week, DH's birthday celebrations always last a week! Hugs, Annie xx

Mrs.D said...

DArnell, I thought it was just me who bought lots of things because they were on offer etc. What a comfort to know I'm not alone.
But you are right the weeks go by so fast, I an't keep up either.
I love your card, where did you get that stamp? I think I need it stamped on my forehead.
Blessings
Chris No 67

Unknown said...

A really fun card. Good luck with your sorting x

Silvia said...

The Card made me giggle and the Dog made me jealous! Im not allowed a Dog or cat for that matter:(
Happy WOYWW
Silvia #66

Maisie Moonshine said...

Hi Darnell. Great post I love a mini rant in the morning! I too did the sort the sequins thing - I do LOVE to sort - is it OCD? Who cares it makes me happy :0) Hope you get straight again soon - I can tell it is stressing you out! MMx #65

Robyn Oliver said...

Super busy lady Darnell....love your cards and yes it's always great when the challenge blogs line up and you can entry a few. Cheers RobynO#52

Ros Crawford said...

Fabulous card and gorgeous dog!! Thanks so much for playing along at CCCB!

Karen said...

Just love the image and the sentiment on your card - LOL! The cute dog wins hands down though, they just look at you in such a way without words and you melt! Happy WOYWW! ♥ Karen ♥ 79 x

Sammy said...

I did think for a minute I'd clicked onto the wrong workdesk! lol.

And what an adorable dog! Embellishment thief or not, he's beautiful! :-) x

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Love the card! I am doing my utmost to rise to the Age-Goof Challenge!.....watch this space :-)
Hugs, LLJ 58 xx

sandra de said...

Now that is a fab sentiment and your dog is soooo handsome.
Sandra@46

Unknown said...

I got distracted by the cute dog then. Loved the card too, well done on all those challenges you do.

Lynda #82

Meg said...

As always a great card and a giggle! I love stopping by.

Aileen said...

Your fun summery card made me smile! x

CraftygasheadZo said...

Super desk that looks productive to me and fab photos throughout! Take care Zo xx 72

Heidi Baks said...

Very fun card! The polka dots just add to the playfulness. Thanks for joining the Friday Mashup this week.

ddazzled71 said...

Such a fabulously fun card, I love the image and your colors along with that cute sentiment. And that definitely is a smoochable face. Good Luck with all your challenges and Happy WOYWW! Danie #14

Shoshi said...

Gloriously messy desk, Darnell, but it's producing lovely stuff! That card is hilarious - my sentiments exactly! Goofy is definitely IN.

I got into that sequin sorting lark once. Not an experience I'm keen to repeat.

Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #75

Krisha said...

Hi Darnell,
Thanks for the earlier visit. I was really wondering if Mr. Linky took me to the wrong desk....LOL
Sorting sale bags is so boring, but like you once I start I have to finish it. I have the same stamp and I just love her, she always makes me smile. What breed is your dog? Such a cute face!!
Good luck on your challenges.
Krisha #19

Sandy said...

I don't think I am in the right playhouse look at the mess and I am seeing spots in front of my eyes hehe..
Lots of creating going on here and yes some more stuff to organise into there new homes always good.
Happy WOYWW
Sandy :)#61

roffeycreations said...

Hi Darnell,
hope you have a fab week - Happy WOYWW - Mxx #96

Anonymous said...

Whoa Nelly, that's one messy, messy desk! At least it's not the sequins all over the floor! I'd be locking the door and walking away! Yup, Andrew is Mr Fixit, we've owned the little G since 1989 and we also have a Triumph GT6 too, he loves messing about with his toys so it's all good! Love the card, we're all living proof of that sediment!!

Hugs
Brenda 3

Carole said...

Hey girl up and at it early...#12 Wow
You're famous now.. how do you keep up? Foolishly fun and frivolous.

Carol L said...

flippin hilarious card! It's good to know I can still act goofy at my age along with the rest of us :)
Thanks for the morning chuckles :)

Flo Langley said...

How tidy is your desk!! I can't reach mine at all! LOL! Lovely post. Fabulous card. Thank you for playing along with the ATCAS challenge.
Florence x

wienerhoneymooners said...

Love the coloring, love the polka dots. Fabulous color choices work so well together - you have a serious knack for that!

Have a great day Darnell!
-Kimberly

Anonymous said...

Your desk is looking awesome! :)
That card is really great - fits my mom perfectly...
Happy woyww!
Jana #71

Unknown said...

Darnell, wow, I love your blog! Thank you for the links to the challenges too. Your card made laugh so hard. And I'm in love with that dog! Happy WOYWW! Sandy Leigh #11

Unknown said...

...and one more thing--I was so excited to see this master crafter list you've created for Pinterest!!! I just joined my Pinterest boards, so I hope it worked. Thank you for doing that, it's exactly what I've been looking for. Hugs! Sandy Leigh

Andrea said...

you do make me LOL as always great post and a fab card love the sentiment !,maybe one day the sandal will turn up have great week and happy sorting Andrea#42

alexandra s.m. said...

Love your post and lovely card Darnell. It made me giggle, of course!!

Cathy Weber said...

Your card hits way too close to home in how I look in a bathing suit, but you sure do crack me up! Love the pic of your desk...it just proves you are having fun with all of your "must-have" purchases!

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Fantastic poste,
gorgeous fotos
funny and fabulous card
hugs Tamara

Bobby said...

Hahaha, that sentiment is my life story, but I'm better looking than the lady in the inner tube.

Deb said...

oh your pup has such a sweet face! Love your card, such a fun image! I am with you, clearance aisles should be marked with a danger sign, I just can't resist and buy way more stuff that I really do not need!
Debxx #23

Unknown said...

1st, TY for stopping by my desk, that always makes me happy. :D 2nd, I think I got Carpal Tunnel scrolling to the bottom of your comments this week. WOW!!! You must be a very happy girl. My desk has your desk beat. My hubby wants to know how I can find anything. Organized chaos. That's how. I LOVE those polks dot tea cup planters. Your pooch is too cute!! Have a great weekend. Happy Hump day!!! (((HUGS)))
Kimmie
WOYWW #4

Karen P said...

Fab image and sentiment Darnell, love them dots! I wish I owned a pink car with dots on it, although DH would hate it lol!
Ah yes the dog that eats stuff! I have lost many stamps, papers and embellishments over the years because of one naughty terrier!
But how can you tell off those gorgeuos chocolate box eyes - they are so good at getting away with being naughty little splits! Karen x

April said...

I think some of us 'messy' people are rubbing off on you. ;-) April #122

voodoo vixen said...

Love the sentiment on that card with the polka dots... what is it about polka dots that is always so easy on the eye? So glad it is not only me that falls for the clearance sections... can't resist them! Happy WOYWW Annette #5

Ellie said...

Hi! I noticed the "naked" birthday calendar on the wall...hadn't noticed that before. I made something like 32 of them years ago, and now I have 3 new blank ones ready to stamp on, that I have had for at least 8 months..., but never seem to find the time to do them! I have enjoyed your posts for many months now, and honestly I don't know how you do it! Thanks for the laughs and inspiration!!

Unknown said...

Hello, Im Roberta 110, Im on my 2nd week of this and looking at every ones goodies has really got me doing things..now I cant wait till mine looks nice and tidy. My Daughter sent me your link last week, I just didn't get to them all. I have to say I love it! This is what she said I need to do with my hubbys bike building. Its just a little bigger than yours. But I would freeze out there and I don't think he would be to happy about it. lol Thanks for letting me peek around. Bright Blessing to you and yours

Kim Heggins said...

love, love, love your messy desk! It makes me feel so good to know that I am not the only one who has such a huge mess while being crafty! Your card is just too cute but you title misled me a bit, I would have been money you would have a picture of you the twinks in the pool! But as cute as you would be in the pool, so is your card. I love that sweet little old lady (not that you are one), just too cute!

Unknown said...

Wow Dippy, talk about being at the end of a queue.......it's like standing in line at the start of Harrods sale! Had to laugh at your card. It so reminded me of an image of you going down to the beach......hehe. Loved the sentiment. Great photo of Duke - you can just see what he's thinking.....and it's not what you said! Thanks so much for joining us for this challenge at A2CAS.

Karendipity xxx

Geri said...

Did he really eat your sandal bling? Looks like it!!! He seems like such a good dog and must love visiting his human grandparents...just as much as you guys love having him around!

Awesome card - the polka dots rock - especially when you carried the colors throughout your card. Another amazing image - love her chicken legs.

Don't you just marvel (I know I do) at gravity's ability to defy itself and keep all that fluffiness around the middle. What's with that eh?

JD/ Jill said...

Your card is really cute, and your desk looks a bit like mine right now...smile...It just shows how busy we are, right? Love your pics...tfs...

Nan G said...

Oh Darnell, you're a hoot! Always have a smile and/or chuckle reading your pots! Aacckk mean posts! :0 love the mess and card. You do find some interesting challenges too. Happy WOYWW! Nan G #8

Claire Grantham said...

As I am a project manager in my 'real life' I love to organise, it's such a great thing to do, especially when you have new necessary (?!) goodies. Love the card - the sentiment is too true. Happy WOYWW Cx #31

Hettie said...

Congratulations on your mess!! I thought you were supposed to be tidying your shed up! Looks like a s**t shed now!! No wonder you cannot find your embellies!
Love your card though. Great image.
Were your ears burning today?
Tee Hee. Was wiv Miss and Mo today.
Hugs
xx

Shoshi said...

Thanks for your visit and your kind words, Darnell. I'm feeling a lot better now and amazed how quickly the antibiotics started to work - the colitis has settled down too, and I wonder if the antibiotics are helping that as well as the cystitis? The only trouble is I feel wiped out today, but it's not surprising because with the M.E. I have a very low threshold and with the assault on my body of an infection, it's bound to drag me down. Drinking loads to flush it all out, and also drinking cranberry juice like there's no tomorrow lol!!

Glad you're enjoying watching my new ARTHaven taking shape.

Shoshi #75

Kim Ferguson (Paper Crafting) said...

Want/need, interchangeable in my book :-) I am a bit depressed about the whole 52 weeks of things starting over again when it comes to non crafty weeks. Kim 56

Greta said...

PS--I don't see any comments asking me who's that, so everyone does know Darnell--just like Cher! Seriously, I was just lazy not to include a link--will have to remedy that.

Inkyfingers said...

I think you have a case of craft OCD coming on Darnell. It can be very serious and I've heard that separating sequins into individual colour groups is a major symptom. Love the fun card and it is how I intend to drift into old age, which sadly is coming up fast!
Hugs
Carol x

Karen M said...

I love your fun summer card Darnell and I must go check out these new challenges that you have found! Please give duke a big hug from me - he is sooooo cute:) hugs xx

Jackie Rockwell said...

I agree with "Grand Duke R. Dog" it's not his fault that those YUMMY sandal embellies were on the floor! LOL!!!

Funny card! I think goofiness is a symptom of aging! ;) I would have shared what I had on my desk but there's nothing on it at the moment. :)

glitterandglue said...

Hi Darnell. Love the card - great fun. Oooohh - yes - I do understand about sale stuff...It just falls into your basket all by itself, doesn't it? Don't know what happens really...
have a great week continuing to sort, make cards, and be in a glorious muddle:)
Margaret #68

Anonymous said...

Love that polka dots on the inside. Your hand drawn word bubble is fabulous!! I love cards that make me giggle;)

Anonymous said...

Your desk looks very similar to my whole room!!!! Love your card!! Thanks so much for playing along at CCCB!

Happy Dance said...

EIGHTY-ONE comments before mine????!!! I don't think I've ever seen that many comments unless it's a blog hop with a prize! You are simply amazing, girl. So is your card. I laughed my butt off when I saw your image! Great card, and I fully subscribe to that philosophy. And you can always call me 'Bevie'....

Spyder said...

fabulous card, very funny! (I need a tire to keep me afloat these days!) and your craft-room looks very productive as always. Thanks for my snoop! Have a great crafty week! Happy WOYWW!?!
((Lyn)) #38

fairy thoughts said...

Hi Darnell
great desk, a real work in progress. Love the card and sentiment too
janet#27

Bonnie said...

Wow, 84 comments! Did I miss some blog candy in this post? Love this card and will think of that if ever I have to put on my bathing suit again! And you should see my craft room. 8 ladies came to play today and the whole room looks like your desk. They had a blast with my UFOs and I got rid of a pile of them. I love it when everyone is happy at the end of the day!

Nikki said...

Wow am I way down your list :) I love those tea cup planters so kewl and ha haa at your card hugs Nikki 7

Marybeth said...

Love your too funny card and the to die for polka dot cup ….. I have one of those.

Patrice said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Tera Callihan said...

I love your card! I know a few people that would be perfect for!! Thank you for stopping by my Mess, and Happy belated-WOYWW! (those clearance bins always get me too!!!) See you next Wednesday!

Tera Callihan said...

PS.. i fixed moms comment section (I think) and i wish i knew how to fix the follow part? I have it set so people can follow 3 different ways, but i think the G+ one is the only way it will show pics (that i know of anyhow) Any suggestions let me know...

Joyce said...

What a crack up of a card. I love it.

A Magical Whimsy said...

I love the humor in the card about never being too old to do goofy things...that's ME!
Just joining your blog and becoming a follower.
Cheers!
Teresa in California
http://amagicalwhimsy.blogspot.com/

Kelly Griglione said...

Oh yay, I'm 93!

Almost as old as the Aunty you made the holey card for : )

And wow, you sort your sequins? That's some dedication right there. But you do sort your stamps too, so maybe that's no surprise. I leave things out too until they are finished, otherwise they would never get done!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I'm playing catch up after having been offline for nearly three days due to internet woes associated with our recent rain. Had a good laugh at the card, the sequins, and the sandals. Loved the message Julia left on her blog, too.

Happy quite belated WOYWW from #2.

Sherry Eckblad said...

What a fun image. Thanks for joining us at Seize the Sketch for our first challenge.

Marcia @ Pretty Things said...

Had to giggle, you sound like me - I am forever sorting out my stash and have an eternal pile of mess on my desk. Great card, love how fun it is. xx Marcia

Keep It Sweet and Simple said...

Fab card. (I saw it over at 'seize the sketch') Love the way you added your own speech bubble.
Awww... cute dig. He looks suitably chastened :-)
Caroline xxx

PapierGirl said...

Ain't that the truth! What a fun card Darnell - thanks for joining us at Seize the Sketch! :)

okienurse said...

Awesome card and I love that messy desk! All sorts of fun things to snoop through! And shame on you blaming grand dog for eating the sandals...hope you find them and he didn't really eat them! Sorry I am so late getting around this week but I am making it around finally! Hope you had a great weekend! Vickie #36

AppleApricot Wen said...

Hahaha, Darnell, you're card is brilliant! As is your post, as always :) The countenance of that woman, hilarious! Thanks for joining us again at CCCB :) And thank you for your happy comments on my blog too! Hugs, Wendy

Anonymous said...

That card (and the doggie) are too cute! Love the "sediment" -- doesn't it seem like you are always either too young or too old to do or be something in this life? The heck with that! Carpe diem! (Well, unless you're my sweet 9 year old who, in daylight hours, wants to be a teenager (and exhibits bursts of attitude), but sleeps like a little angel with her stuffed animals every night.) Thanks for popping over to visit. ~ Laura #131

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Beautifully done! Thanks for playing along with us at CCCB!