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!

September 26, 2013

AUTUMN ~ ATS&M #64; CASology #63; OLW #159; NBUS#55; SSWC

Hello! 

I'm back at the office these days, so here we go.  Everything autumnal is out on the desk and floor, so once again it's the card theme for today.
 
At CASology the cue card is "Autumn" and the sponsor is DeNami Design.

The One Layer Wednesday challenge is being hosted by the fabulous Karen of Snippets and she has chosen a "Free For All!"

Similarly, the Simon Says Wednesday Challenge is "Anything Goes."
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog
And finally, at Addicted to Stamps and More, the challenge is simply CAS (clean and simple).

Here is my card:
In order to make my falling leaves, I cut apart my Hero Arts rubber stamp of leaves and applied them individually after coloring them with markers.  I love that "Autumn" word image and the rake, which are part of a NBUS set from Technique Tuesday.  I liberally used my new Wink of Stella clear glitter pen and wish you could see how sparkly this card is IRL.
 
Someone asked me yesterday in a comment what NBUS meant.  I've put it over to the right on my side bar, so I don't always spell it out in each post.  It means "never-before-used-schtuff" and it represents a personal challenge that I started a few months ago to use those stamps and products in the Playhouse that have never been used on a card before.  Several bloggie friends of mine have now joined the movement so you may see the acronym on other blogs. 
 
Someone else asked me recently if I wasn't "running out of NBUS."  Hahahahahahaha!   I chuckled with embarrassment and wish I had the nerve to show you my huge Rubbermaid container of NBUS.  What can I say?  Shopper Girl personality spent a lot of time in the forefront of my brain this summer, thinking she could single-handedly save the American economy.  Cough.
 
~~~
 
My PhotoI'm delighted to have you meet another new friend today!  Her name is Lisa and her blog is Lisa's Craft Garden.  Lisa is a seasoned blogger and card artist and photographer.  You will find TONS of inspiration and tips and beautiful photos when you go meet her.  Welcome, Lisa, and thank you so much for joining the party!
 
 ~~~
 
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:  PTI white
Stamps:  Technique Tuesday "Fall";
  Hero Arts
Ink:  Kaleidacolor Autumn Leaves  
  Wink of Stella pens; Prismacolor pencils

45 comments:

Anonymous said...

Perfect Autumnal card Darnell-Great colours-i love those falling leaves and the sentiment looks fab!
Don't work too hard :)
Hugs,,Nessa xxx

Sammy said...

GORGEOUS card! Seriously. It really, really is stunning! The colours are just fabulous.

I was actually telling myself that I really had to stop buying stuff and start using up my NBUS instead before buying anything else.
Then I remembered the huge papercraft fair that's on nearby next week, which I already have a ticket for and for which I have put monies aside already. So naturally, said good intentions will have to wait! ;-)
(And in the meantime, a little digi shopping never hurt anyone, right..?)
Have a fantabulous day Darnell! x

Gillian R said...

So gorgeous Darnell, love that little rake! Thank you so much for joining us this week at CASology

Sue - said...

Beautiful autumn card Darnell.

Lisa Elton said...

What a delightful fall card Darnell, great job!! I'm impresses you had the guts to cut apart your stamp!!! You have me considering doing that to a few of my own!

Kim M said...

Great fall card, Darnell. Love that you cut apart your leaves stamp. I've done that too, especially to sentiment stamps. It can make a stamp even more versatile. I still think we need to start a new challenge blog called The NBUS challenge. LOL. :-)

Redanne said...

Wow Darnell, that is one beautiful card! Loving the autumnal colours in the word autumn and the leaves are lovely. The rake is a nice touch too. Please don't overdo things at work..... Hugs, Annie xx

Carole said...

Wow Darnell...you are a bloggin' busy bee these days.nice movement with the falling leaves.

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Darnell your Autom card is fabulous
love it
hugs Tamara

Kathyk said...

I'm another one trying to singlehandedly bump start the American economy - thanks Michael and Joann!!!!!

Love your Autumnal card

Kathyk

Sue said...

Wonderful card Darnell. I love the way you have coloured everything in those wonderful Autumnal colours.
I can imagine how gorgeous and sparkly it must be, I love my Wink of Stella glitter pen but it never shows up on my photos.
Take care
hugs Sue xx

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Lovely card! Just be aware - you are NOT the only one who saves the American economy with massive purchases of crafting supplies - I'll happily join you group - who knows - I may even be the leader....

Cathy said...

Gorgeous card Darnell, the colours are lovely. Love the falling leaves and that garden rake too standing ready to rake them all up LOL! Cathy x

G Peplow said...

Hi Darnell, Wonderful Autumnal interpretation clever card!! Glad to see you back at the office too :D Gay x

MaryH said...

Think Autumn is my fav of the color combos! This is so very pretty against that stark clean white, those colors really sparkle & dance. I did my bit to help you perk up our USA economy. We just didn't have enough help from our craft sisters, did we? You should start a NBUS challenge in your spare time. I did show some of mine recently (but it's NEW NBUS...would that count!). Some of which I saw demo'd, and now racking my brain as to "What did they do with this?". Loved your card, and enjoy your brief stint back at work. TFS & Hugs

Loll said...

Hi Dolly. LOVE your autumn card. Fabulous colors and love the images with the letters. Lolly xx

Karen Dunbrook said...

what a fun cas...
thanks so much for playing along with the OLW this week.

Bonnie said...

What a wonderful Autumn stamp and the rake is adorable! Love the falling leaves! Great idea to cut them apart. I've been cutting lots of stamps apart lately. It's easier than masking. I think I'm getting lazy! Or am I just busy? Both I think!

Geri said...

The Autumn stamp is definitely worthy of high praise - it is so cool! Beautiful job showcasing this little pretty!. Love the rake and the cool colored handle - nice touch!

And, you need to be commended for your sincere attempt to save the economy! I'm sure there are a few of us that could...ummmm...join you on said list!

I admire your act of bravery! It takes courage to cut apart a stamp! Well done :)

cm said...

Your autumn colours are gorgeous and the falling leaves - you've captured the scene outside my window earlier this afternoon, except the leaves were swirling about vigorously, buffeted about by the crazy winds. Cutting apart stamps isn't an activity I've embarked on, but you have me putting on my thinking cap! Saving the American economy - count me in, as I *cough, cough* appear to be doing the same (even though I live in Canada). I've decided I have a wee addiction to buying new stuff, just because. Happy Mail Syndrome...and I'm just fine being thusly afflicted! Thanks for the wonderful post!
c

Cheryl said...

You cut apart your stamp? Wow! I always knew your were a brave woman! LOL! Love the colorful rake handle. If my rake was that pretty, my DH would have no problem getting me outside to clean up those pesky fall leaves.

Tracey McNeely said...

So cute Darnell, I love that autumn stamp and the rake. perfect autumn colours too. Thank you so much for joining us this week at CASology!

wienerhoneymooners said...

I LOVE this, and I and feel the glitteryness of it!!!
I am with you, I think I can save all struggling craft companies if I spend a little everywhere!...LOL..and my stampin up seller friend, and my garage sailing gals... oh...

Anyways, love your posts as always, and thank you so much for this awesome card this fine day..at CASology!! Brightened my day!

Nan G said...

The Autumn stamp is so cool! What a fab little rake. Awesome card all around, Darnell.

Kim Heggins said...

You are too funny! I can't imagine you ever running out of NBUS!!! Fabulous card by the way, so perfect for this time of year...beautiful.

Sharron said...

Fabulous fall design! Great colors and I love the falling leaves and the rake.

Vicky Hayes said...

Love how windy your card is (as it were...) Darnell and the colours are fabulous! So pleased you were able to do your little bit for the American economy! Vicky x

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, the autumn word is beautifully done in those lovely colours and great idea to use the rake with the leaves! Thank you for joining us at ATSM. Hugs, Sue x

Bobby said...

That autumn stamp is unique and I love the little rake. My question to you, and other cardmakers out there: To whom or for what occasion would you actually send this card? I have difficulty making cards I know I'll never use.

Judy1223 said...

You were NOT alone this summer, Shopper Girl...and you always bring a smile to my face! Your card is fun and colorful and perfect for all the challenges! So glad you joined us at CASology this week...love it when you play along!

Viv said...

Hi Dr Arnell, hope you are keeping well? This is another fantabulous card, loving the brightness and the beautiful Autumn leaves esp. Oooh and it's sparkly too.... what's not to like! Must use more of my NBUS too ( red face). Enjoy your weekend :) hugs Viv xx

Ardyth said...

Love the colours - that purple is the perfect addition to such a fun sentiment and image! Thanks for joining us at CASology this week!

Anonymous said...

A perfect autumn card, Darnell ... marvellous colours, wonderful tumbling leaves and wow ... a rake! Great NBUS, beautifully put to use ... thanks, as ever, for the chuckle! Anita :)

JD/ Jill said...

Cute and creative, (AS ALWAYS!)

Maureen Merritt said...

Unique and beautiful! Thanks for joining us at CASology this week!

Vickie Z said...

Adorable card!! BTW-shopper girl has hit my house before too...I Agree we are just saving the American economy!!

Joyce said...

What a fun card for autumn. And, good for you for helping the economy. I seem to be doing quite a bit of that, too. Is my hobby crafting or shopping--I'm not quite sure.

Karen M said...

Gorgeous card - I love those pretty autumn colours and I would love a rake that looks like that:) Hope you have a great weekend - hugs xx

Happy Dance said...

Love this!!! Bright and happy and adore the wink of stella!! Just ordered some; can't wait to get it after seeing your card. Hope you are having a great weekend. Gorgeous here, and plan to get outdoors and enjoy it. Bev

jimlynn said...

This just SCREAMS autumn!!!! LOVE it!
Lynn

shirley-bee said...

Love those bright autumn colours, Darnell, and good for you for cutting up your stamp. I've started doing it more and more. Keep on with your lifetime NBUS quest (!)

OH Babs said...

Fun card Darnell.
Stop teasing us - we want to see the NBUS bin. Please.

Dianne said...

Looooooove those colors, I can see it and looooooove the sparkle, fabulous card, and thanks so much for sharing Lisa's blog she is a fabulous artist,my friend has a closet full of NBUS things and I was telling her about them, we had a good laugh, thanks for being you..

debby4000 said...

Love you gorgeous Autumn card, so clever.

Thank you for joining us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge.

maria f. said...

I have to try to figure out how you did this. That gorgeous color showing up in the letters is oh-so-cool.