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!

January 12, 2014

Tweet Birthday ~ ATSM #77; CTS #59; NBUS #91; RIC #51; SSMC; Stamplorations; TAWS

Good Day! I hope this finds you all well! There is terrible flu and upper rasperator illness going on, so please do be careful. Wash your hands often and if there was ever a time when picking your nose or your teeth was not a good idea, now is the time!

"What is up with Blogger?!"  

Sorry to yell, but I just couldn't hold it in. First there were / are problems trying to post (BTW, no matter which operating system you are using) and now a lot of us are having problems with margins, line formatting, and leaving comments. 

Yesterday I finally got to spend some time catching up on my visiting, only to have my comments wiped out when I hit publish!  Grrr! As you know, I am not one to say things in two words if twenty-two will suffice, so having my comments wiped out did not make me very happy. I resorted to copying so I could paste if need be, but then I would forget and lose it and then, well, then I would lose it! 

I'm saying this to get it off my chest and also on the off-chance that Blogger might randomly spot check the blogs they publish and see this and fix it. Oh, hahahaha, I do karack myself up!

~~~

Okay, let's get on with the fun!  The challenges being showcased today are:

CAS(E) This Sketch
(I flipped it for my card.)



"Blues"
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog
Stamplorations
Cornelia put a bug in my ear that I should also play with
the "Stamps and Feathers" January challenge.
It's my first time playing here!


The Alley Way Stamps Challenge
They are celebrating their third birthday! 
Congratulations!
We are to create a birthday card.




Here is my card:



The goofy bird is just fun, but the feathers are really quite classy and cool, so the two of them together really make me giggle. I put those two word stamps together to look like one sediment. The bird and the words are all NBUS from The Alley Way Stamps.  The feathers are die cut using the "Feathers and Arrow" die from My Favorite Stamps, also NBUS. I'm so glad feathers made it into 2014 card art since I have had this die for months and never got around to using it.

To make my "bokeh" (boh-kay)^ dots on the feathers, I used Marvy ink and a sponge dauber. I'm not sure if you can make a bokeh design using one color. I did find this example of a single color bokeh when I searched Mr. Google,
so I think so. If my feathers are not bo-kay, then they certainly are om-bray, so go me for being trendy one way or tother!

^See this post of Loll's.

~~~

In Our New Friend Corner today, I am presenting two new friends!
The Chef
First, we have Jim Conklin of Love the Details.  Jim is a multi-talented man, who is brand-spanking new to blogging.  He describes himself better than I could: "I am a birder, photographer, artist, poet, woodworker, gardener, amateur astronomer, computer geek, better than average cook, archaeology fan ...  ." His coloring of images is outstanding!  Jim also happens to be married to a good bloggie buddy of mine, Jill of Ribbon Challenged.

Next, please meet Janeen Thompson of A Little Bit of This and That. Janeen is also fairly new to blogging.  Her cards are really well done.  I think you will enjoy visiting both of these new friends, making them feel welcome, and showing them what a caring and supportive community we are!

Welcome, Jim and Janeen, and thank you for joining us!!

I'm thrilled to be getting close to 400 followers and thank you all so much! I'm thinking of ways I can celebrate all of you when that happens . . .

~~~

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!  Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor! 
  
 
*Life Is Too Short!

Project Details
PaperBazzill textured blue; PTI white
Stamps    The Ally Way Stamps "Priceless Joy" and "Jibber Jabber"
 InkMarvy blue & orange pads and markers
AccessoriesDies: MFT Accent It - "Feathers and Arrow"
Sponge dauber





75 comments:

Jasleen Kaur said...

Hi Darnell! First about your card, I love those feathers and the bokay in the different shades of blue. Yes, they sure look classy. Clever idea to bring together two diffetent sentiment stamps like this.And now about blogger, I remember giving u a suggestion a few days back to help curb your blogger troubles. But I'm sailing in the same boat now. Weird ads have suddenly started popping up and I cannot do anything about it. I wish blogger does something about these issues and fast.

Irish Cherokee said...

Love the card. having Cherokee blood, love feathers. Thank you for the mention. Been around computers before Microsoft or Apple. Appreciate the support after a full day down. Humor was about all that was left. LOVE THE DETAILS Jim

Anita in France said...

First, your card, Darnell ... I chuckled at this little sweetie, all ready to go celebrate with his cool bokeh party feathers on ... fun, fun, fun! Blogger ... yep, commenting's been a bit of a challenge since Friday, ended up doing the same as you ... and breathing calmly and deeply! Anita :)

Kylie said...

I love this card, Darnell. The bird is so cool with those big ol' feathers. Thanks so much for playing along at ATSM. You may also like to like this up over at STAMPlorations where the theme is 'Stamps and Feathers' !!! xxx

http://stamplorations.blogspot.com.au/search/label/monthly%20challenge

Sue said...

Your card is fabulous Darnell, I love the cute bird and fun way to use the feathers. Gorgeous colours too.
I have been having trouble with Blogger too and often copy my comments now because I was getting so annoyed having to type everything in again.
Hugs Sue xx

Sammy said...

Haha... Your card made me LOL too! It's just so fun, and the colours are great!

Yes, blogger is a pain in the backside. Been driving me loopy for more than a week now, which can be awkward when you're trying to comment on a hundred or so blogs as a DT member! Grrrr...

On the upside, I've been using the extra time I had not being able to blog to craft more, so all's good in the end :-) x

Carol L said...

You always amaze me with the crafty way you incorporate so many challenges into a CAS card! Love those feathers!
And yes, blogger has probably stayed out too long in the bitter cold weather and can't work properly anymore. On any given day, I get up to 4 identical comments from the nice folks who stop by my blog, and talk about slow!!! It takes forever to navigate through blogger!! I'll try to be nice though, because where would any of us be without blogger? LOL

Redanne said...

LOVE your card, it is gorgeous. That is a great technique you used on those beautiful feathers, must give that one a try! The bird is delightful.

As for Blogger, I have had mega problems leaving comments too, it takes twice a long and it annoys me intensely too.....

Keep well dear friend! Hugs, Annie xx

Jackie Rockwell said...

I noticed blogger was acting weird too. You managed to combine a lot of challenges with this card. Your "goofy" bird sure is FUN! Love how you colored the feathers!

Suze Bain said...

Hee, hee, love your goofy bird Darnell, certainly made me smile this Sunday morning. Xx

Pat said...

What is life without a bit of humour, and this certainly made me chuckle. I do love his gigantic feathers. As for blogger, it has taken recently to occasionally putting something on a separate line for no good reason, but the publishing problem - I will let you know after I press the button! x

Viv said...

Once again one of your cards has brought a smile to my face Darnell! Great 'goofy' effort!

Diane said...

Very cute card, that has to make one smile...I know I did...love those "cool" colors, too! I have a "spouting off" later today about blogger, too...but mine is worse then comments (though already today, they went "woosh" right off into nana land)...mine is NOT letting me load any pictures. I went to blogger "gripe" board, and read for a bit, I ended up loading google Chrome and it did let me work on my blog...not counting my chickens yet!!

Benzi said...

My, what big feathers you have...what a cute birdie he is with them. All sporty in the "bokay" style. Fun card, Darnell.

Janeen said...

I love your fun card and CAS too, BONUS! On the blogging, b/c BLOGGER has isshoos OFTEN, I loaded and love Windows Live Writer! No more shooting my computer screen!

And what a special treat to see you adding me to your new friends Post! Thank you and welcome all!

Janeen said...

I love your fun card and CAS too, BONUS! On the blogging, b/c BLOGGER has isshoos OFTEN, I loaded and love Windows Live Writer! No more shooting my computer screen!

And what a special treat to see you adding me to your new friends Post! Thank you and welcome all!

Vicki Dutcher said...

As usual I smiled~ :) Gotta love the big ole bird headdress - too fun!

Unknown said...

What a whole fistful of challenges you've entered here Dippy. Just love your card with the dinky little birdie who looks like he's put one of his parents' feathers on......far too grown up for him! lol Now mind you don't pick your nose or teeth, we don't want you going down with something nasty..........hehe

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Alanna said...

Sorry to hear of your issues with blogger. You always leave the most fabulous comments.

Your card is so cute. Love the fun bird.

Laurie Unger said...

What a cute card! Made me giggle when I saw it!

jimlynn said...

Yep! You just gotta love Blogger!! LOL! Hope it straightens out for you soon.
What a fun, fun, FUN card!!! So cute and creative.
Lynn

Bonnie said...

Love these bright colors and the bokeh feathers!

Brenda in IN said...

Love that bokeh technique. Great feathers and the bird is a cutie. It takes a looong time for blogger to even load the comment section. After all I've been through with tech problems, I just patiently wait it out. What else would I be doing - cleaning house, nah I'd rather wait.

Canonbury creations said...

Such a cute little birdie Darnell, love his feathers and so trendy to TWEET a message!!
Val x

Canonbury creations said...

Such a cute little birdie Darnell, love his feathers and so trendy to TWEET a message!!
Val x

Alycia said...

Love this card...think we need to be "card-exchanging friends" sometime in the near future... :) -Alycia

Carole Z said...

HI Darnell..a fab fun card! It was great to see your comment on my WOYWW (#28) this week and thank you for your very helpful storage suggestions...I have just been to have a look at your craft room summer house..wow it is fabulous and as it looks about the same size as mine has given me some great ideas for when I get out there in the Spring to start working on it..thank you!As for stamp storage, I think I'll have a decision by tomorrow's blog post! Carole Z X

Kathleen said...

Fabulous card, love the feather and the image did make me giggle.
Well I'm on google chrome and when I switch my puter on I can get into it and go to my dashboard but if I come out then I can't get back in again till I restart my computer, now what is that all about, just started happening these past few days.

Kath x

Pia S said...

Love the feathers you added to make this bird's tail. I think your CAS card looks so cool!

SandeeNC said...

That card is so stinking CUTE...covering my keyboard in hopes I don't catch your blogger bug! lol waving hi from the hills of North Carolina ♥

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I was picking my teeth when I got to your blog so now I feel all intimidated! I've already had this respiratory thing twice so I should just knock it off already. Yes, kill blogger...well, except then how would we blog? The comment thing drives me to distraction, being a lady of too many words in comments myself. I love your take on the feathered card. Yours silly little bird is just too too cute! How do you find all these challenges? Goodness so much fun to get inspiration from them.

Dana said...

Sooo cute!! Love the feathers!! Wonderful birthday card!! Sorry you have trouble with blogger! Hopefully it will get fixed!!

Virginia L. said...

You sure crack me up, Darnell! I have been having some commenting/posting trouble with Blogger lately as well. I thought it was just ME (LOL)? I guess something "fishy" is going on...huh? I love your fun and creative take with the Runway Inspired Challenge! The goofy bird cracks me up, too! Love visiting you blog! HUGS!

Chris Dring said...

Yes, I agree, Blogger has been irritating me a whole lot lately, with the same problems you are experiencing. Grrrr! Now on to your card, which is super duper adorable! So cute and whimsical! Love the bokeh feathers! And you go girl, combining all of those challenges! You rock!

cotnob said...

This is such a fun card Darnell, gorgeous feathers and such an adorable little bird.
I know what you mean about blogger, it's taking ages to comment - like you say half of the time they just disappear into thin air, or even more annoying I get this silly little message saying Oops! I now copy my comments before I try to publish them just in case.
Pauline
x

Greta said...

I'm so glad it's not me! Ran my clean up programs thinking my computer was the problem. Can't believe you can combine so many challenges--such a fun card with your combination of beautiful & cute--love it, Darnell!

Being Mrs Miles said...

Your card is LOVELY - thanks for your visit to my blog too.

I know this wrestling with blogger thing well! grrrr.

I hope you have a super creative week!

Blessings,
Barb

Lisa Elton said...

Computer/blogger issues are NO FUN!!! Hope it gets resolved soon. Your card is so stinkin caaaaa-yute and very FUN!!!

Michelle said...

I love this fun and quirky little bird. He is such a clever little guy! The feathers are fabulous. I'm so glad that you joined us this week for the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. Thank you! And thank you for coming up with the NBUS term. I love that! :) ~Michelle

My Paper Epiphany said...

Ha, ha! Your card made me smile! Great take on the ric!

Shannon J said...

Eeeek! You used one of my fave little birdie (well, that's what I call, some may say chicken!) images! Love the feathers too. Now that I have a die cutting machine (and one whole die to go with it!), I am keeping my eye out for dies I love - the feather just got added to my list!
Now, blogger issues. Yup, I'm still getting that dang error, but haven't posted for a few days, so don't know if there are other gremlins at work like you're having. Commenting though...this explains a lot! I haven't lost any (yet), but I am noticing a huge delay between the time I click publish, and something actually happens. Good grief! I'm saying POOF, but I don't really mean it. This is annoying. And in closing, I will say "what? you're not supposed to pick your nose or your teeth? (!!!). Now I'm off to hit the publish button and will go read a few chapters of my book while I'm waiting for it to process - ha!

Jessi Fogan said...

Ugh, blogger....I haven't had problems publishing YET but comments...I too was resorting to copy/paste and LOSING it. I'm so far behind in commenting I can see my own butt. Insert various bad words here.
I so love the funky feather headdress little birdie dude's got on! I love pairing cute & elegant - it makes the eye go 'huh' and the hamster tilt his little head :)

Sian Ridley said...

This little critter is just too cute!! I love him! I also love his fabulous feathery hair style (do birds have hair styles...I don't know?!!) I am loving the feather trend but have nothing in the least bit feathery in my armory which is not helpful! If I can justify a shopping trip then I may have to invest ;)

I wish blogger did check their blogs periodically...I think they'd learn a lot! I always copy my comments just in case as I also had to learn the hard way some time ago that trying to remember and re-type them is not fun! Good luck with your continued blogger mission ;)

PS...I hope Mister is back at work, oh, I mean feeling better! :)

Sarn said...

That is a fun card Darnell. I have no idea what's up with Blogger . . . but you're not alone. It keeps eating my comments and spitting them out too! Grrrr x

Kathyk said...

Fab, as always, welcome to your new bloggy pals too.

Bloggers been driving me MENTAL lately and the combo of I.E. 11 and blogger conspiring against me .... my visit to your blog has just taken me ten minutes to get to leave you a comment - grrrr

Kathyk

Emily Keaton said...

Your sweet tweety with the big ol' bokeh feather sprouting out of the top of his head made me grin from ear to ear, Darnell!! Those feather dies look super fun :)

Joni Andaya said...

HI Darnell your post always makes me smile, though sadly you are not the only one having problems with Blogger...I hope they make things better some how :( What a FABULOUS card Darnell!!! The bird and the feather is Fantastic combo! Love!!!

Leigh Penner said...

What a fun card, Darnell! I love how you rotated the sketch!

Kristie Goulet said...

First, LOVE your adorable card, Darnell! Second, I hear you about blogger!! UGH! It sure is frustrating isn't it?! I have been having the same problems. Hope it gets fixed sooner rather than later. Hugs!!

Geri said...

You are one creative and ca-razy brilliant lady! At first glance, I thought this wee guy was a rabbit!!! I adore your bokeh technique! (hey, I can use my Bingo daubers for this!) Awesome colors and awesome sentiment! Love how you 'squared off' the sentiment by placing 'tweet' sideways - matches the block head bird perfectly!

Victoria H. said...

Oh your card is super fun and oh so sweet! I love the pretty feathers and that cute little bird.
What a really sweet thing you do introducing us to new bloggers and giving is the opportunity to sharing in these other people's creativity and talent. Thank you.

Stacy said...

I love the bokeh dots on the feathers ~ just recently learned of that word. Very cute card! And you have a fun blog!

Sue said...

Hi Darnell!!! fabulous card and you did make me laugh out loud LOL I love reading your blog, and yes it has been a pain!! I hope its put right now because it was driving me insane lol lots of huggles Sue xxxx

Bobby said...

I laughed out loud at this one. You have such a good imagination, Darnell. I will not say anything about B_____ because the only problem I have had is with the "cannot save" message but it does it anyway, and I don't want to jinx it by saying something.

Diane said...

You really made me laugh with this card, the square bird with the fun feathers are so cute.

Hugs Diane

Jen W. said...

Okay so I thought I'd just been away from Blogger for so long that I had forgotten how to use it but apparently either everyone has had a similar memory lapse or Blogger is being a pain in the patoot! Ahem. Your birdie is a riot!! Love his goofy face and brilliant bokeh feathers - he's one trendy tweeter!

Judy Inukai said...

Your bird card is sooo cute. I'm lovin' all the feathers I'm staring to see. I'm glad to finally find out I'm not the only person having problems commenting on Blogger. My problem started about a month ago and I couldn't even access the comment box. Someone suggested I change my browser, so I switched to Chrome, but I'm having trouble getting used to it after Internet Explorer.

Indy's Designs said...

Great bird! I so love reading your blog...I can hear your "voice!"
Hugs, Debbie!

Unknown said...

You are a 'hoot'! Thanks for commenting on my card. I am following you too!

Kim Heggins said...

Hi Darnell...yes commenting has been a pain but I just keep trying too. No fun when blogger won't play along. Your card is just as cute a bug in a rug...love it!

Deepti said...

I can imagine how painful it is to not get a long comment published :( this issue is becoming a regular phenomena... Hope this is taken care soon. Now ur excellent card, love the bokeh on the feather indeed elegant. Thank you so much for sharing with us at ATSM!!

Karen Davis said...

Oh what a cutie pie bird, he makes me giggle too. I love his two oversize feathers, which are so beautifully made, they make him even more appealing. Bokeh is a new word for me. Your blog has everything, fabulous cards and education too. Congrats on reaching 400 followers.
I thought my troubles with Blogger was just me.

cm said...

Your finely-feathered bird has me tickled pink...er, blue, with how adorable he is! Cleverly composed, my friend, and your bokeh ombray technique truly is trendy! Thanks for sharing Jim's link with us - I scoped out his blog yesterday, and plan a return visit to leave comments. His colouring is impressive! As for blogger...grrrr. That's all I have to say. Hugs~c

Sue said...

This is lovely, Darnell! Love the adorable little bird and the feathers are beautiful. Thank you for joining us at ATSM.

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Hi Darnell, this card cracked me up! It also fits the Stamplorations challenge perfectly, if you are interested to link it up, here is the link: http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/2014/01/january-challenge-stamps-feathers.html
Hugs, Cornelia

PS: I also had problems with blogger - so annoying....

Anonymous said...

Now that is some fun right there!!!!!
& you already know how I feel about blogger --- but google plus is my real nemesis !!!

Love your card !! It's fab & fun !!! Xo

Kim S said...

I about spit out my coffee when I saw your funky little bird!!

I'm not a fan of Blogger. It's been cranky and slow - but I haven't had any giant issues (other than my long-term loss of blank lines in my posts). However, I live in greater fear that it will go away - that Google will make it disappear like they did with Reader. I am repeatedly told there are better blogging platforms out there - I'm just not up for starting over - no matter how big the headaches!

maria f. said...

You rock, that's all. (No, it's not cuz I gotta get my 22 in too) That's the cutest chickie out there, spotting a monochromatic-bokeh-do. And as for the Bloggers perusing... yeah, right. Had you noticed if you searched your own blog using the gadget in your side bar it didn't work? I (and a thousand others) had been waiting for an answer to that one for weeks. Seems to work again though.

Deborah Frings said...

I'm going about this in any order - love this one too! The inked feather look super and that fun bird! Sorry I'm so late commenting, thanks for playing along with ASM!

Chrissy Larson said...

You crack me up! This card is just too much fun! Love it. Blogger has been a real pain lately. What is up with it...

donna mikasa said...

I thought it was just me, having problems with Blogger! Glad to know we're all in this together. And here's to a fun, fun card! Love your take on the sketch and those gorgeous bokeh feathers!

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

I was away so I don't know nothing about problems-now is ok-I think
your card is gorgeous
love how you used feathers
hugs Tamara

Jennifer Rzasa said...

Oh my, this is so cute! Love those huge feathers on such a tiny bird :) Thanks so much for joining us on the Runway!

Lyndal said...

Super TWEET card Darnell!!!
I've decided Google is trying to force everyone to use Google + by stuffing up Google Bloggers LOL!

maria f. said...

OMGeeeeee. Tweety-bokeh-bird landed on my doorstep this morning! His feathers are even cooler IRL. But he was huffing and puffing due to the heavy load he had on his back. Said something about a hamster saddling him up... Thank you so much, you lovely lady, for making my bday celebration continue. And for the stamp set. That hamster has the best ideas!