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 13, 2013

Harriet's Birthday? FBW #252; MFW Gold; NBUS #50; STB!

Hi There!  We have whooshed through another week in the blink of a star!
 
Today is the birthday of my friend Harriet Skelly of Ally Cat Cards so my card today is dedicated to her.  Happy Birthday, Harriet, and many, many more! 

Wait.  What? 

I just got an email from Harriet thanking me for my card which I put in the mail to her a couple of days ago.  She said, It's a bit early since my birthday is in November but I love it!!!  What can I say?  Ya gotta love me?  It turns out that today is Harriet's wedding anniversary, not her birthday, and I didn't make that distinction on my calendar.  Well, boogers, I'm going to publish this anyway, since it's all written and then in November on her real birthday, all I have to do is send her a link to this post!  In the meantime, Happy Anniversary, Harriet, and many, many more!
 
Harriet is on the Design Team of the wonderful Flutterby Wednesday challenge blog, where the theme each week is, um, let me think ... oh, yes, butterflies!  And/or fairies! 
Besides butterflies and fairies, the current challenge is to use autumn colors on your card.  It seemed approbate that I play in this week's challenge while celebrating Harriet's special day!

There is also an "Anything Goes" challenge going on at Seize the Birthday with an optional monochrome topping. 
 
And my friend Diane at Nellie's Nest suggested that I also link my card up with the All That Glitters is Gold Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

The All That Glitters is Gold Challenge

The All That Glitters is Gold Challenge
Ends 10/14
~~~
Here's my card:
I'd love to take credit for making that awesome background paper, which is NBUS, but it's from a single sheet of patterned paper I found while sorting through my papers.  Some day I'd love to take a stab at making paper like that.  It turned up because one of the things undergoing revamping is my stash of 8.5x11 patterned papers.  I used to keep them nicely organized in beautiful plastic trays under my desk, behind my wastebasket.  Thus:
How'd that work out for me the last three years?  Yeah, no, not so well.  The stack has been rescued.  I resorted to resorting it and another time I will reveal where it now lives ~ hopefully it will prove to be a place where I will actually remember it's there and use it!
 
Okay, back inside, recess is over.  Returning to today's card, the other stunning feature of the card is that exsqueezit butterfly!  I didn't make that neither.  That was made by my friend Nancy on order from me.  You can see the other ones she made for me here.  This is the first time I've used one of them on a card so it's also NBUS.  I know Harriet loves Nancy's butterflies, too, so I'm delighted to send her this one!
 
~~~
 
Today we have THREE new friends in the Playhouse!  I'd like you to meet Jeanne.  Jeanne, if you have a blog, please let me know so I can edit this post and share the link.  Please also meet Andrea of Arty Andrea and Bernadette Bliss of Sweet Paperbliss.  Both of these card artists have the most incredible cards on their sites for your pleasure and your inspiration!  Welcome to all three ladies!  Thank you so much for joining our party!

~~~

As I mentioned on Wednesday, I am taking off for a few days for a fun visit with a friend.  I've already gotten behind in my visits to a lot of you because of limited computer time and now I'll get even further behind.  That makes me sad.  Thank you for your understanding and for being kind enough to continue to leave me comments!  I'll catch up with you as soon as I can when I return.

In the meantime, enjoy the coming days!  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; unknown DP
Stamp:  PTI "Birthday Bash Sentiments"
Ink:  SU! baked brown sugar
Butterfly by Nancy
Corner Chomper

70 comments:

Craftychris said...

Gorgeous card, I adore butterflies! that backing paper is so cool - I bet you were so pleased to find it! Perhaps you could send an anniversary card in November!!?? Have a fab visit with your friend xx

Diane said...

Beautiful card....I had to laugh, but at least you didn't "forget" her birthday...lol...Moxie Fab World has a "gold" challenge going on, you should enter this there...perfect!!

Cathy said...

Gorgeous card Darnell. I too would love to be making bg paper like that!! When you do please let me know LOL! Have a fab time away :) Cathy x

Mrs Harry said...

What a lovely card. I'm sure Harriet will display it from now until November, I would!
I hope you enjoy your break. We will miss you of course but look forward to hearing from you soon.

Dianne said...

A lovely card, I love butterflies. It did make me smile when I read about your mistake but at least you sent a card even if it was for the wrong occasion!

Dianne.

Dianne said...

Forgot to say, I loved your comment on my art journal page.

Dianne.

Sue said...

Gorgeous card Darnell, I love the beads added the butterfly and beautiful paper.
I hope you have a fabulous time with your friend.
hugs Sue xx

Redanne said...

The backing paper was such a great find Darnell, the colours are gorgeous and compliment the fabulous butterfly so well. Love that you added beads for the body too. The good thing about getting a card early is that it can stay up for a whole month now - this one is so worth it! Have a wonderful break. Hugs, Annie xx

Victoria said...

ooops! well, it's the thought that counts! Great card in any case - how could Harriet not love it?
Have a great time with your friend.

Tracey McNeely said...

Fantastic card for Harriet for her birthday Darnell. Beautiful paper! You enjoy a bit of a break Darnell, you can't be everywhere all of the time. Enjoy your visit with your friend!

Brenda in IN said...

This is a beautiful card. Love the butterfly. Glad you are spending time with your girlfriend. I got to enjoy a day with one of mine yesterday and there is nothing like a great friend. Thanks, also, for sharing links for other new cyber friends.

Marybeth said...

Love your beautiful card ....and pretty butterfly! Enjoy time with your friend.

Mrs A. said...

Well isn't that just the butterflies knees!! (Do they actually have knees? Do Bees?)
Have a fab few days away. Hugs Mrs a.

JoAnn said...

Beautiful card. Love the paper and the gorgeous butterfly. Thanks for sharing it with us at Seize the Birthday.

Canonbury creations said...

What a beautiful card Darnell and the butterfly is drop dead gorgeous! Congrats on your LIM win your card was beautiful:)
Val x

Bernadette Bliss said...

Beautiful card, Darnell. And how I can relate to your debacle! Thanks for giving me a shot out on your blog also. Bernadette

Karen Petitt said...

A really beautiful card Darnell, the paper is so luch and that butterfly die cut - wow! What a fab idea to make the body and antenna from wire and bead - need to try that idea and will give Nancy a shout out if I do. Have a lovely weekend xx

G Peplow said...

Beautiful card Darnell :D I am here congratulating you on your win at LIM Well done!!! So well deserved too hugs Gay x

Vicky Hayes said...

Absolutely delighted about your win at LiM Darnell and it was the boot in the rear I needed to get myself over here! Not that I usually need a boot in the rear it's just that some bad elf seems to have adjusted all the clocks in my house so that they go twice as fast as usual... What a gorgeous card today and I love that background! So pleased you were instremely early for Harriet's birthday! Vicky x

Bobby said...

I'm so disappointed. I was hoping you were going to tell me how to make that wonderful paper. It makes a great background for that gorgeous butterfly. Have a great time with your friend and we'll see you back here soon.

shirley-bee said...

Fabulous card for Harriet's early birthday! Congrats on the LIM win, and enjoy your weekend :)

Harriet Skelly said...

I will definitely display this card at least through my BD maybe longer! And I am honored that you used that butterfly on my card! I thought you made that paper - it is totally cool! Thank you again for this gorgeous card. Have a great visit with your friend!

Jeanne H said...

Hey, who's using my name? LOL Hi to your new follower Jeanne. I've been following for a couple of years! MY blog has not been updated in forever, not sure why - lazy, trouble getting pic off camera and on my computer. Anyway, Darnell, have a great few days off. Love your butterfly card.

joy said...

Love your butterfly card, Darnell! And, congrats to you on winning the PB stamps at LIM. Thanks for visiting my blog and giving me the heads up on being showcased!

Carole said...

I might have claimed to have created that fantastic background and the ex-squeez-it butterfly...but we must give credit where it's due. We love how you do that. I don't always comment...but I always read your posts. I glance at all the comments and I know it's all been said and I don't want to add to the list of: to do's. Be well and enjoy your visit with friends.

Geri said...

Welcome to my world! Hey, at least you didn't mess up your own anniversary date....

Stunning card! Perfect match with the paper and the exquisite flutter-by!

Have a blast visiting your pal!

cm said...

GORGEOUS card - and how smart for you to be 'early' with her birthday! Yes indeed - gotta love you! And we all do! Have an exquisite time with your friend! Enjoy all kinds of shenanigans!!
c

Anonymous said...

Birthday, anniversary ... the important things are the wishes! Splendid card, Darnell, gentle, elegant and an astonishingly amazing butterfly ... just wow! Have a wonderful visit! Anita :)

Unknown said...

Hi Dippy - just a quick visit from me today as I'm chasing my tail as well (if only I could find it!). Love your card and all your NBUS - the paper is george-ous. Such a pretty butterfly as well. I'm so glad you do daft things as well. I sent a birthday card to a DT colleague only to find out I'd got the month totally wrong! Oops..... Hope you have a wonderful weekend catching up with your friend. Well done on your LIM win.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

jimlynn said...

Both the butterfly and the paper is super fantastic........and you put this card together just perfect! So lovely.
Have a great time on your upcoming trip.
Lynn

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Darnell, I know I keep saying it, but you are so funny! Beautiful card, love the butterfly and the background which I thought you inked up until I read your description. Great paper :) I know what you mean about resorting to resorting and resorting and resorting... trying to keep track of this stash. Whenever I look around at the accumulation I think about about the video you posted with the lady that was buying & buying because she 'saw it on UTube'..... Have a great weekend, Shirleyx

Karren said...

Love, love, love this card, Darnell! That paper is to die for and it sure looks like it can be re-created. As for that butterfly - wow!

Danni said...

This is beautiful!! What a fabulous card! I'm also glad to know I'm not the only one who sends cards a tad early or late...hehe!!
Thank you for playing along with my Flutter By Wednesday Challenge!

Kate said...

Lovely card Darnell. Enjoy your time with your friend !

Happy Dance said...

Beautiful paper. Gorgeous butterfly. Amazing card! I think it's pretty funny that you were nice and early... You just crack me up! Enjoy your visit and don't overdo it! See you when you get back! Bev

Joyce said...

Such a pretty card, and fabulous paper.

Deepti said...

wow what a beauty, I love the background :) and I am sure ur friend Harriet must be delighted by the fact that you remembered her :)

Bonnie said...

What a wonderful butterfly for a wonderfully talented lady! Love that paper. Hope you have a great visit with your friend.

Carol L said...

That's a gorgeous card with such a pretty background, and I'm sure Harriet loved it being super-extra early rather than late! LOL Have a great weekend!

Nan G said...

!!! What a fabulous Oops! Tehe giggle smirk ;) Have a great couple days. See you soon. Hugs

Helen F. said...

What a gorgeous butterfly card, Darnell!Yes, that background paper is wonderful ~ so happy you found it!
Have a fun time with your friend :)

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell, you are too funny! I love Harriet's beautiful birthday card, absolutely gorgeous. Enjoy your time away too.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful -- gorgeous--- & stunning!!! That butterfly is bling I'd like to buy... BILTB!!!! Lol!!! ;)) ;))
A birthday card has a 60 day window ... I think you still made it!!! Lol -- better early than never !!! ;)) :)) ;)
Hope you have a great time!!!
Xo

Karen M said...

LOVE this gorgeous card Darnell and the butterfly looks amazing! I hope you have a great time away - hugs xx

Joni Andaya said...

Love the butterfly Darnell, your card is AMAZING...love the background!

Eve said...

What a beautiful card Darnell. It doesn't matter if you made the paper or butterfly you put it together with love for a friend.
Love the style of sentiment xx

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Fantastic birthday card
love it so much
have a lovely weekend
hugs Tamara

Aileen said...

Hi Darnell, Lovely card even if it was too early I'm sure she'll treasure it until her birthday!

P.s. Let me know how your show and tell goes!

Aileen x

Anonymous said...

Beautiful card Darnell-I love that background(even if you didnt make it) and i LOVE that butterfly(even if you didnt make it!)you put them together in a fabulous way!
Nessa xx

Lyndal said...

Brilliantly co-ordinated creation Darnell :)
Hope you're having a fabulous weekend!

Kay Miller said...

Your post are always so fun to read Darnell!! I laughed out loud about the anniversary/birthday card! haha! The card is lovely no matter what event it's for. And if you hadn't told me you didn't make the background or the butterfly, I would have thought you were a rockstar! Nevertheless it's stunning and your placement of everything is fabulous! Have fun with your friend! :)

alexandra s.m. said...

Fantastic Card Darnell!
You are so creative ;)

Nancy said...

Wonderful card Darnell!!! I must admit I thought that background was handmade.... Although its still beautiful just the same!!! Thanks for linking it up with us over at Seize the Birthday!

Greta said...

Oh what gorgeous paper & you used it to perfection with this card I so love! Just so you know--you're not the only one to send a birthday card 2 months early--LOL! You're such a sweetie saying I look young!

Kelly Latevola said...

Beautiful card Darnell no matter what the occasion!

Hettie said...

Bootiful card Ethel! Love that paper and thought you had made it - cheat!!
xx

Lisa Elton said...

GORGEOUS butterfly on this pretty card!! Hope you have a nice get-a-way!

Robin said...

Wow, Darnell!!! What an awesome card! I love the background paper, too cool. Enjoy your days off and have FUN! Rasz

Sian Ridley said...

I think you'll find that you suffer the same as I do with a condition called 'some-timers'. I forget things, or muddle things up, but only sometimes! ;)

This is a wonderfully decadent card Darnell, I love all the gold and sparkles...beautiful darling!

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Gorgeous card! Oh, I had a good chuckle at your stash of papers. Isn't it funny how such useful thing can suddenly go unnoticed, but once you move it you wonder how you ever lived without it?! I hope yours is in one of those places now.

Pamela said...

This is just gorgeous <3 The gold butterfly frame is beautiful!!

Cindy Brumbaugh said...

All that glitters is Gold here...love it! The detail on the butterfly is great! TFS!

Kim S said...

That paper was the perfect find! An elegant accent for that beautiful butterfly!

Dianne said...

I have missed visiting YOU my dear, you put BIG SMILES on my face, your so funny..
I scrolled back to see your work space, I mean play space, and I want to play with you in there looks like sooooo much fun. Now that card is GORGEOUSSSS. If it came from that pile of papers, I see, with my Magpie eye's some pretty papers there hhmm I'll be asking often if the cards you make come from the new space you have it in :O)..Off to your next post:)..

Nazeema Calypso Thompson said...

Absolutely stunning card!! I think I have some paper that looks like that by Provo Craft..I think I ordered mine from QVC...Wow...how in the world I remembered that, I have no idea!! The butterfly is such a great touch accented with gold!! Thank you for joining us at Seize The Birthday.

SandeeNC said...

Great card, saw your name in the Birthday Honors over at Seize the Birthday so I came over to say congrats! waving hi from the hills of North Carolina ♥

Jackie Rockwell said...

Congrats on being in the STB Birthday Honours line up Darnell! Have a fun weekend!!!

Joyce said...

Congrats for your well deserved shout out at STB!!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Editor said...

Hey Darnell! Thanks for linking this up to the All That Glitters is Gold challenge in the Moxie Fab World! I'm so glad you joined in on all the fun! :)