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 30, 2013

Guest Designer ~ September 12 Kits of Occasions (ColourQ #208; Pixie's #92; NBUS #57)

BOOO!  EEEK!  The first day of October is TOMORROW!!
 
Now that I have you properly scared you out of your shoes, let's have some fun with HALLOWEEN!
 
It is my absolute pleasure to be posting today as the Guest Designer for the September month of the fabulous card blog, The 12 Kits of Occasions. 

The 12 Kits of Occasions
Twelve bloggie friends got together and formed this monthly kit challenge where they take turns putting together kits which they send to the others.  Everyone then makes whatever they would like from the kit.  Everything doesn't have to be used from the kit and your own supplies can be used to supplement the kit.
 
For September, the sensational hostess is none other than my friend, Kim Heggins of Cupcakes, Cards and Kim.  She paid me a huge compliment when she asked me to guest design for this month! 

Here is the fun kit that Kim put together for us:
Kim LOVES orange and black!  Kim LOVES the San Francisco Giants!  And Kim LOVES Halloween.  So, of course, her kit is all about the spooky October holiday.  Now I freely admit that this is not a holiday I am keen on or make many cards for, which turned this kit into a challenge for me.  Suffice to say, Kim has succeeded in turning me into a Halloween convert!!  There were way more items in her amazing kit than I had time to use, so you will prolly be seeing these products in future posts.  (You can find a detailed ingredients list on Kim's blog.) 

~~~

Let's get started!
 
I noticed that the "trick" medallion that Kim provided fit just perfectly inside the sunshine impression plate from PTI (NBUS), so I ran it through the BS using the striped paper.  Then I thought it might look kinda cool if I ran the plate again using black paper and then cut out every other impression to make it look like rays from the sun . . . a scary bah-lack sun, of course!  [Insert diabolical laughter.]  It ended up like this:

You might just be able to make out the impression plate creases in the striped paper:
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For the next card I used some fabulous ribbon that came to me as a gift from my friend Lynn.  I love how it perfectly matched Kim's color palette!  (Thank you, again, Lynn!)
 
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I think all my other creations below are self-explanatory, but let me know if you have any questions. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(**)
  ~~~
 
Kim, thank you again for this huge honor!!  I hope I did you proud!
 
Please take the time to hop along to the uber-talented Ladies of the Twelve Kits who are listed below.  You will want to follow this group, if you don't already, and let the artists know how much you appreciate their efforts to delight us every month with TONS of inspiration!
 

~~~

Enjoy your day!  No, seriously, enjoy.  LITS*  I'll see you next month! 
 
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!

(**)Card also being entered in:
     ColourQ
     Pixie's Playground
 
 
 

63 comments:

Vicky Hayes said...

Wow! I'm bowled over (ouch!) by the sheer halloween-ness of your post today Darnell! GORGEOUS cards - I'm sold! Vicky x

Karen M said...

LOVE all these gorgeous creations Darnell and congrats on being a guest designer - they are so lucky to have you along:) Halloween looks like so much fun too - hugs xx

Sammy said...

Fantastic! All of them!

Halloween is not yet huge over here in the UK, but more and more kids are using it as an excuse to get themselves some extra treats, lol. Last year I made up 50 bags and ran out! Huge change from 5 years ago when we got 1 trick or treater...

I don't tend to make cards for the occasion, but I *am* currently working on tags for the treat bags. I shall probably do around 70 of them this year!

And what a fabulous idea to make each other kits... I love all the stuff the crafting community comes up with! x

Hannelie said...

Wow, you busy one! You made seriously awesome cards . Impossible to pick a favorite!

Lisa Elton said...

First a big congrats and well deserved!! And you were one busy lady. Just look at this display of frighteningly fabulous Halloween fun!!!

Jill Norwood said...

Wow! What fabulous Halloween inspiration! Love what you created!! :)

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

WOW you sure have been busy creating! So many beautiful pieces, my fav is the one with the Cat and the bat droppings are hilarious. Awesome work! Have a wonderful day, Shirleyx

Anonymous said...

WOWSER! Fantastic work Darnell-I LOVE that witches black cat with the tag collar-goreous! And the bat droppings eeeeeww-but WOW!!
Have a great day,
Nessa xx

Kara said...

So many beautiful cards and projects! Thank you so much for joining us this month!! You have really made such gorgeous things with Kim's kit!!

Noor Nahdi said...

Dear Darnell,

Hope this finds you in great health!!!

I'm Noor Nahdi, the hostess of Fascinating Fridays at Paperie Designs' Studio,,,

We feature creative artists every Friday throwing spotlight on their crafting careers...

It will be our pleasure to feature your overwhelming creations,,

If you're interested to be our next star, then do reply us back at artisan@paperiedesigns.com...

Waiting to hear from you soon!!

Take care

Brenda in IN said...

Wow, what a great job you did. All of those cards are fantastic and I love the bag. My favorite is the sun ray card. It really stands out. Congratulations on being the designer and again for being offered a chance to design for Fascination Fridays. We can say we "knew you when".

Loll said...

Hi Dolly. Congrats on your guest designer spot!! Awesome group of Halloween cards. All fabulous made from the fantastic kit put together by Kim. LOVE the sun ray card - outstanding!! Lolly xx

Karen Petitt said...

Fabulous creations Darnell. Perfect for Halloween and you've put your own spin on them - which means they gorgeous lol! Like you I don't make them. We have trick or treaters in the UK it's nowhere near as big as in the US x

Bobby said...

There are some serous goodies in that kit and you made the best of them (for someone who doesn't do Halloween). I had to do a double take on the bat dropping photo (laugh hysterically) and love the embossed tag one.

Suze Bain said...

I'm not a big Halloween fan either Darnell but these are fab - I particularly love the black and white ones - classy Halloween! Congrats on your DT spot too! Xx

Marybeth said...

Get out of here !!!!
These are amazing Darnell! Welcome to this months 12 kits. I love what you did with the sunburst card truly amazing. The one you show on the blog is too spooky with the splotches. You did an amazing job ..who knew we could have a GD…. :) I love every card you made and you even photographed them so creatively.

alexandra s.m. said...

Great post and you sure know how to put us in the Halloween mood!
Lovely card and projects Darnell, thank you for sharing them so generously with us once again ;)

Greetings from Chi-Town~

cm said...

Congrats on your GD spot with the 12 Kits team; you are an absolutely spectacular addition to this creative group, especially with your 'spooktacular' creaitons! Each card is a delight (a 'scary' ones, of course), and you've showcased the kit ingredients wonderfully! Plenty of inspiration happening here!! Way to go, Darnell!!
c

jimlynn said...

Big congrats on the guest designer spot!!!
Such darling projects and I love them all!!! That ribbon looks fantastic on your second card! Glad you were able to use it.
Lynn

Canonbury creations said...

Loving all your projects Darnell especially the black sun and the spooky bats! What a novel idea for a challenge blog:)
Val x

Greta said...

What a neat idea--The 12 Kits group--& congrats on being the GD--you certainly made Kim proud! All are great, & I'm not big on Halloween either. Your final card really grabbed my attention--Love it!

Sue - said...

Congrats on being guest designer! I don't do Halloween either but your great cards might convince me I should!

Helen F. said...

WowZA, Darnell! Absolutely fabulous Halloween projects here today with this fun kit! Great job as GD ~ you go, girl :)

Helen F. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sue said...

Congrats on being a Guest Designer Darnell. Your creations are wonderful, I love your designs and the way you have mixed the colours looks so effective.
hugs Sue xx

Redanne said...

Wow - Guest Designer extraordinaire! You have taken to Halloween like a duck to water - love all your fabulous makes but that sunray one is such a genius idea - I do love how creative you are - it is stunning! You are such an inspiration Darnell. Hugs, Annie xx

Kelly S. said...

I am so loving that bat droppings card! It's fabulously disgusting with the bat dropping candy, my nephew would LOVE it! Actually, my daughters too, as they can love all things gross, TOO! The Witch Wanda tag looks likes it's resting on a tea towel in her kitchen ;)! How sweet is your cat named BOO, adorable in her CHARM-ing collar (pun intended!) The effect with the impression plate is fab...makes for a spooky effect, makes me a bit woozy likes those fun house mirrors, hee! And how sweet would a collection of those Trick or Treat bags be all lined up in a row on Halloween night. SOOOO glad you joined us this month, Darnell! Such inspired projects!

Kelly S. said...

I really love the caps lock key, hee! :)

Dianne said...

Well this was a fabulous idea, not surprised you got picked and I see someone else want to have you as a guest designer WOOHOO.. Now waht you have created with this kit is OUTSTANDING,the trick brilliant,love the bat dropping, colorful scary cards and the bag is fabulous, thanks so much for sharing it all with us, hope you have a wonderful week..

Nan G said...

I'd say you did her proud! They are all fab! Now...on the black one how did you get the fuzzy black behind the medallion? The card has black jelly beans in front of it. Beware! Once converted you're hooked. :)

The Paper Parade said...

Darnell, you totally showed us all up! These cards are fantastic!! I love the bat one you picked for the 12 kits blog...its so spooky. That first one is just amazing, I love the layering, and that burst die in black looks amazing! Then the wanda the witch card in white with the embossing? to die for. What an absolutely amazing assortment of projects!

shirley-bee said...

Congrats on the GD spot! I don't do Halloween, but I'd make an exception for the bat droppings, loved that!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your GD spot, Darnell ... you've certainly done the girls (and Kim in particular as host and Halloween expert extraordinaire) proud here! Mmmm ... faves? The black and white texturey delight with the splash of pumpkin on the button ... and of course the bat droppings one, complete with actual real life bat droppings ... mmm ... yum-my! Anita :)

Jean said...

What a fabulous set of Halloween cards/projects! And congrats on the guest designer spot. Off to check out the whole hop.

Anonymous said...

Ooh Darnell, well done on the honour (which is much better than a plain ole honor!), love all your makes for Kim. I don't do much for Halloween either, I make a card or two but that's all. These are all grand, but your first one is a stunner.

Hugs
Brenda

Renee said...

They're all awesome...
but let me just say that the paint splattered "bat droppings" is just WOW!!!
I LOVE it!! :)
I'm so happy you came and played with us this month...
love seeing your take on Kim's incredible kit...
seriously...
wasn't it incredible?
And I'm pinning you now onto the 12 Kits board...
you're immortalized! *giggle*

Susanne Vargas said...

Wow, Darnell! Now I am starting to panic! Where did September go? But your fabulous cards put me right in the mood for October and Halloween! And congratulations on the designer spot! They couldn't have found a better one!

Cathy Weber said...

You outdid yourself Darnell! Not only are your cards great...but your photography is beautiful! Loved then all, but that spooky sunray card was so creative! I had to zoom in and catch every detail. I also loved you cute cat with the little "Boo" tag. Such a cute idea and I even see a little spider in the corner too. I am so glad you got to play along with our 12 Kits group this month!

Deborah Frings said...

What a fabulous selection of cards! I think you certainly did the group proud!!

Joyce said...

Wow, Darnell. You totally rocked the guest designer spot. I was so very happy when Kim told me it was going to be you. You have set a very high bar for our next guest designer, that is sure. All your creations are absolutely spectacular, with special commendation for that amazing sunray die cut card.

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell, first, thank you so much for being willing to be our GD this month. Honestly I had no clue that Halloween was not really your holiday but you would never know that from the look of your cards and projects. All of them are just fabulous! Now on to my favorite card...I love your bat droppings cards, so fun and looks like you were able to find some real droppings for your photo too! Thank you again.

Sharron said...

Wow, awesome job as Guest Designer this month! Your sunray design is just awesome and so creative. They are all fabulous but I must say I am partial to the bat droppings one. I bet being in a bat cave would not be a happy experience--'giggle'! And I never thought of decorating a bag--wonderful use of that die cut. So happy to have you share in the Halloween fun!!

Lindsey said...

Definitely a "treat" to see you join the 12 kits group. Loved how you used this fun kit.

Sian Ridley said...

Congratulations on your DT guest spot my darling, very well deserved!! ;) what a beautiful set of cards!! I especially love the 'bat dropping' and the 'witches brew' cards - my favourites!! ;)

Thank you so much for popping by my blog following the casology HM - I've missed that and I'm so glad you had cause to do it! ;)

Sarn said...

A wonderfully spooky post!
xxx

Jacquie Southas said...

Congrats on the DT spot & what a fun kit to get to play with Darnell - LOVE the coverplate on the first card & the bat splatter is perfect!

Robin said...

AWESOME!!!! You are so creative and can take on a challenge around a Holiday you are not a fan of. I love Halloween and I have to say you got those cards done perfect! I love the bat droppings!!! Hugs!

Anonymous said...

These cards, tags, & projects are fabulous!!!! Congrats, Darnell on being a guest designer!!! So well deserved!!! You are creative & have such a versatile fun style!!!
Love that you joined up w/ Kim for the fun!! :))


Ps --- I did event planning for a little while... It was way way too stressful!! Lol !! -- thanks for your vote of confidence in me!!!! Xo

Kim S said...

Look at you go with the Halloween!!! They knew what they were doing when they sent a kit to you. I am marveling at the Halloween sun rays - what a fun look!

Jeanne J. said...

You totally rocked this kit Darnell! Amazed here and not sure where to start - I love all the texture you added and the little details - the bow around the cats neck for instance and the fluffy looking mulberry edges on the bat droppings matt. Fabulous - you are a wonderful addition to the team.

Geri said...

Wow...for a gal that doesn't usually 'do' H'ween, you have done an incredibly SPOOKTACULAR job here! I love how you staged & photographedall your amazing cards! Especially love a) the bat poop, b) the boo on the cat's collar, c)the creases on the striped paper, d) the GORGEOUS plaid ribbon, e)the yummy jellie bellies f) the awesome pop of orange in the button

... so now you've got me itching to pull out all my H'ween goodies and bet busy making some cute spooks for the wee ones!

SYLVIA-ANNE said...

Wow Darnell - what a fabulous collection of Halloween cards. I don't really do Halloween - I leave that to the Grandchildren, but I do like these cards! The only one which I find scary is the "Bat droppings" - I was once scared almost to death by flying Bats when I was walking through the countryside with friends one dark evening!! OOoooooooh!

Congrats. on your GDT role - very well desrved Darnell!
Hugs, Sylvia xxx

MaryH said...

Congratulations on being the Guest Designer for this group.You got a super duper kit and I should hope to say, you done it proud, lady! All the cards are beyond fab (and I will have DH lookin' at these when we get home. Him don't likey the laptop). He found some neat spook stamps at a Mike's today (not on sale either nor did we have enough coupons! but we gott'em anyway. You go back & they will be gone). I especially smiled at your bat do-do...but I really liked the design on the sunray one too. That's so innovative that you could see that sun ray used that way. It looked almost like a hologram (is that the word I want? Well,you'll know what I mean!). Lovely - all of these. TFS & Hugs

Unknown said...

Wow love all your halloween projects - I've got into halloween more since we had grandchildren (not sure why I didn't with our own children though).

Tracey McNeely said...

Darnell you made such an amazing set of cards and projects, I am just in awe! Your sun ray card is the bomb! How stinkin' brilliant is that! So many favourites here and so little time. We are so happy to have had you join us this month as our guest designer!

Di said...

Crumbs Darnell - you've been really busy getting ready for Halloween! All lovely makes too.

Hugs, Di xx

Bonnie said...

I didn't used to do Halloween cards until I had classes for people who love Halloween! You have outdone yourself, Darnell! I especially love that black cat cut out and the tag for witches brew. What fun!

carol (krillsister) said...

Great cards! I absolutely love the first card with the impression plate. I need to try that. It is so striking! Very clever. I also love the last card with the witch's tag. the background is perfect! You are one talented, creative lady. No wonder you were asked to be the Guest Designer.

Christina said...

What a treat to have you as a guest designer with us this month, Darnell! I would never have guessed that you weren't big on Halloween with these fantastic creations. I am so impressed with the way you cut the rays on the first card. Seriously clever! Love how you used the patterned paper as one larger panel on your second card. And your bat droppings totally crack me up! Seriously, what fun seeing your projects this month! Thanks so much for the inspiration to use up more of the supplies I have left!

Sylvia said...

Fabulous cards, Darnell, love your pop of orange in the colourQ card. also love the embossing! thanks for joining in the fun at the colourQ.

kay said...

Fabulous set of Halloween cards and love the bat droppings,made me smile x

maria f. said...

What a beautiful batch of witch's brew - love all that white texture. And what should we expect next? Hummingbird poo?

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