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!

February 21, 2014

Holly and Hummers ~ DJKASE #9 and #10

Good Day! Good Friday! I hope you had a good week whooshing  to today!

It's time for another DJKASE and I'm happy to say I am copylimenting two more of my very supportive and talented followers. Surely, you must know that I am referring to Shirley . . . two Shirleys, in fact!

In Alpha Betty order, first up is Shirley Bampton of Shirley Bee's Stamping Stuff.
My Photo
Shirley is a multi-award-winning card artist who has been blogging since 2012. She is also multi-talented when it comes to her ability to design and execute any card style. When you visit her blog, you will find her excellent work ranges from the cleanest and simplest to the inkiest and grungiest! Something for everybody! (BTW, I noticed Shirley is just a few folks short of reaching 100 followers on her blog, so I know you'll help her reach that benchmark!)

As usual, I narrowed down my choices and in the end I decided to feature this Shirley Bee-utiful card, which was posted on Shirley's blog on November 28, 2012. I love how her sponged circle showcasing the holly reminds me of the earth and her splattered dots remind me of the stars.
Shirley B's card

Here is my DJKASE of Shirley's card:
Darnell's card
I chose Shirley's card in part because holly is also the featured theme on the current Merry Monday challenge which I wanted to play in, so I killed two objectives in one post!
Oh, well, while I'm at it, I will link again with the Festive Fridays challenge where this is the festive featured photo inspiration:
The red and white colors are used on my card as well as the silver of the ornate'ament dish handle.

======================================================================

The second Shirley I am honored to DJKASE today is Shirley D. of Paper Creations by Shirley. Shirley has been blogging since 2011. She is a published card designer, sketch artist, painter, gardener, and (in her spare time, bwahahaha) embroidererer. 
My Photo
Shirley's work as a card artist is often ethereal and done in vivid jewel tones, such as this card I chose, which was posted by Shirley on December 13, 2012:
Shirley D's card
It kinda scared the crap out of me to DJKASE her, because while I personally love the deep and rich colors she uses, if I try to do that, it ends up a muddy disaster. But I couldn't resist this card because it features Ryn's water droplets and a hummingbird, two things which I also love.

To save me from a muddy sponging disaster, I found a color challenge with lighter colors and I made this DJKASE of Shirley's spectacular card:
Darnell's card
The color challenge I used is the current Colour Me ...! challenge using pistachio pudding, brown sugar, and soft sky:
 
Thank you, Shirley and Shirley, for all your wonderful inspiration and consistent encouragement, which I very much appreciate! I'm delighted that you are both friends and I hope you are pleased.

~~~

To save space, I'm not including the ingredient list for my cards, so please let me know if you'd like that information. Also, I did a really dumb thing. After heat embossing, I set my heat gun aside on my desk, but it started to topple off to the floor. Dimstinctively I reached for it and caught it with the blistering hot end right smack in the tender area between my index and middle fingers on my right hand. It's the first time I've burned myself in twelve years using a heat gun, so I was due!

~~~

New Friends Corner

There's always space for welcoming new friends, of course, so please meet:

Julia Aston of Create With Me. Julia has been blogging since 2007 and in that amount of time she has tons and tons of beautiful card art to inspire you! In spite of being a well-known designer who has won many awards, Julia continues to support other card artists with her encouraging comments.

Birgit of Crafting While I Wait. Birgit has been blogging since 2012. She is from a quiet little town in Maine, USA, and I adore her often country cards, made with soft layers and sweet embellishments. I know she would appreciate your visits to see her creations!

Welcome, Julia and Birgit, and thank you for joining the fun in the Playhouse!

~~~

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!

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Mwah!




85 comments:

maria f. said...

Hey, go girl, case-ing the Shirleys. My first thought when I saw Shirley D.'s, was "no way." Fabby idea to go with the lighter color scheme. Hope your hand is not bothering you too much. Happy weekend.

Sammy said...

These are both fantabulous CASEs Darnell! One can see the initial inspiration is definitely there, yet you managed to put your own unique spin on them. Love them both! x

Redanne said...

Oh Darnell, so sorry to hear you burned yourself! I hope it heals quickly, that really is the most tender spot..

I loved your firs card, it is a real beauty but you really knocked the ball out of the park with your second creation - it is utterly stunning. Ryn's water droplets are the perfect background for the gorgeous hummingbird. LOVE it!!!
Hugs, Annie xx

None None said...

Gorgeous DJKASEs! Love your take on both of the cards by the Shirleys. I hope you have a great weekend and that the heat gun blisters don't get in the way of your blogging and card making. :)

Meg said...

Both these card cases are fantastic. Just beautiful and you have inspired me to look into my own stash of "to case" cards!

Diane said...

Wow, what fab-u-licious cards you did...stunning job...and the cards you cased are gorgeous as well!!

Linda said...

Wow! Two fabulous cards Darnell, love the hummingbird with the water droplets (such a great stamp!)
Your MM card is stunning, I love the layout and the holly stamp is so pretty.
Have a great weekend .... hope your fingers are feeling better .... mwah!!! Linda x

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Two gorgeous cards
have a lovely weekend
hugs Tamara

Kate said...

Great takes on both cards Darnell absolutely in love with the water droplets such a fab stamp :)
Kate x

shirley-bee said...

Darnell, I'm shocked on two counts: firstly, seeing my face staring back at me on your post, and secondly that you chose to DJKASE me. But I'm also very honoured :)

I (along with hundreds of others) love visiting your blog because I know I'm always in for a treat and, more often than not, an education ;)

Love your case of both Shirley cards - the holly card works wonderfully with reds, and your subtle case of Shirley's card is sublime.

Thank you so much, MWAH!!!
PS, I hear vodka is a good painkiller.

Lisa Elton said...

Fabulous choices and fabulous cards Darnell!! Your hummingbird is beautiful!! Sorry about the boo boo :(

Kim M said...

Great cards to CASE, Darnell. Love how your cards turned out. Especially the hummingbird one. You burning your hand the way you did is so totally something I would do!! I'm amazed I haven't yet. I can't tell you how many times I've burnt myself with a glue gun. I've got scars! L
OL. Hugs! Kim

Benzi said...

You certainly cased some beautiful cards and you really did a bang-up job on both. Wow!!!! You're very talented.

Sorry about the burn. Hope it is healing very fast.
I found out something scary with my heat gun. I never leave it where it can topple off something and I try to unplug it right away after using.
My turned off heat gun accidently fell to the floor one day and fell on the button that turns it on. On it came!! There were papers on the floor. I feel if I had not been there, they would have gotten so hot, they would or could have caught on fire. You know how a heat gun can scorch. So, I'm very careful now.
Be safe!

Irish Cherokee said...

My DW tells me I need to be more brief so Both cards you cased are really exceptional and you versions are exceptional as well. Yeah, Right. All four cards were drop of the cliff dead Gorgeous. Love it love it love it.

Anonymous said...

Oooooooh...!! So love --- ly !! :))
I really enjoy how you are doing a new segment in the Darnell show called the "DJ Kase" -!! It's so fun & clever!!

You have executed these designs just like the other ladies -- superbly !!! :))

Have a great weekend, Darnell !!!
I'm finally caught up on my blogger /- & not trailing days or even weeks behind. !! Yayyy!!! :))

I just posted a new candy!!
Nicole’s Craft Nook
Nicole’s March Digi BLOG Candy

Kristie Goulet said...

Perfect CASE's of two great cards, Darnell! Love both of them. Thanks for sharing! ♥

Bonnie said...

Two beautiful CASEs of 2 remarkable artists! Love the holly and it's so perfect for Merry Monday! And the hummingbird is beautiful with that soft background!

Karen P said...

Gorgeous CASE'ing Missy D! I like both of these very much - the birds are fab.
I love bright colours I would never go as bold as one of the Shirley's has - the thought terrifies me.
The layout and colours for the Xmas card is fabulous! May have to have a go at that layout myself.
Gentle healing waves from me for your poor pinkies - heat guns do get their revenge sometimes.
Have a lovely weekend xx

Gerrina said...

Your cards look stunning again! Great to see Shirley D´s card; I love that background! But way should it be smuddy with you? Cann´t see why you would manage that!! Have a fun weekend, Gerrina

Pat said...

I love these two DJKASE cards Darnell, and both originals are fantastic too. I love that holly sprig on the first card, and the red is gorgeous. The second with that beautiful humming bird and the lovely pastel tones is really pretty, and Ryn's water droplets are so realistic and make a super background. x

Jessi Fogan said...

Off to check these ladies out :) Your DJKASEs are brilliant! I'm loving each & every one, and it feels like the biggest squeeziest hug of tribute!
About your burn - OW. That sucks! I've just burned myself by picking up things too quickly after embossing (the worst? A flat rock. Duh.) I hope it heals soon!

Mau xx said...

What gorgeous Showcasing Darnell!! your cards are stunning! I love the rain droplets especially.
Off to visit your Shirley's and leave some love.
Thank you for your sweet comment :o))
xxxxx
Hugs Mau xx

Tracey McNeely said...

Darnell way to CASE! The chosen ones and the chosen cards--fab and of course both of your interpretations are awesome! Happy weekend!

Alanna said...

I've told you before but I just LOVE this new feature on your blog. So much fun getting to see who you CASE and what you come up with. Both cards are fabulous.

Sorry to hear about your burn. Hopefully it's not too serious.

Wendy said...

I just love your Merry Monday card, Darnell!!! Love those holly leaves and pretty paper! Love, love, love! Thanks for playing along with us this week over at Merry Mondays! :)

Dianne said...

Hello Miss Sweet Darnell,eekkss bless you little hand,working in a kitchen for 30 yrs burns were just part of the job, it's the continual pain, that's a pain, both of your cards are gorgeous, I adore that water stamp, it makes a fantastic background for your gorgeous little hummer. Thanks for sharing the 2 Shirley's, both are wonderful artist, and Miss Julia is a very special Lady with lots of creative talent, it;s been lovely visiting your play house, your love mail is in the post, hope you have a wonderful weekend.. ((( BIG HUGS)))..

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell...both of your card case cards are amazing, simply stunning my friend! That hummingbird is about the sweetest thing ever!!! I love all the beautiful and delicate details...so sweet.

Notes by Nina said...

Fabulous card Darnell, Thank you for joining us for Merry Monday.

Kay Miller said...

Oooooh both of your cards are marvelous Darnell! I love your take on both of the cards! I love the water droplets on the hummingbird one!! Amazing! So happy you joined us again at Festive Friday! Have a wonderful weekend! :)

Pia S said...

I love the CASE posts, Darnell! I love seeing the original design and your version of it, isn't it fantastic what inspiration can be found out there! Lovely cards, all four of them:)

Sue said...

I love seeing the cards you have picked to CASE, both are gorgeous as are yours. I especially love the water droplets on your second card.
I hope you have a good weekend
hugs Sue xx

Viv said...

Hi Dr Arnell !...sorry but I still love saying that now and again. Two fabulous DJKASed cards, you are truly so talented.Sorry you got burnt...not nice...I hope it heals soon...I would smother it in Arnica :) Viv xx

Carol L said...

Two wonderful CASEd cards today! Sorry about your heat gun mishap, but next time, just let it fall, OK?! OUCH!

Cindy Brumbaugh said...

You are a most wonderful copylimenter, Darnell. With the CASE card, you made them your own. What great works to be inspired by, too! I like your subtle colors on the hummingbird- and those droplets-so peaceful. TFS your love of blogging and creating with everyone!

Anita in France said...

Oh my, Darnell, you and the two Shirley's in one post ... wow! Your choice of cards is brilliant and your DJKASEs ... gorgeous holly in the red hues and a stunning and subtle hummingbird ... both beautiful! Your poor hand ... hope it's healing quickly! Hugs, Anita :)

Bobby said...

You did a fantabulous job of CASEing the Shirley cards. I especially love the hummingbird one. Wowsers!

Geri said...

Ouch! The hazards that come with this sport of card making can be dangerous. Best hope that the Workplace Health & Safety folks don't hear of this wee mishap!

Using red as the main color in your holly card is so unexpected and effective! The hummingbird card - breathtaking elegance!

Two stunning creations! The two Shirley's will be thrilled when they see your beautiful cards!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Darnell, this is my 2nd try to leave a comment, Mr Blogger is acting up today, also couldn't join Shirley's blog.

Wow you sure surprised me to see my face and 'bio' (thank you, you are too kind) here at your post. I've very honored that you chose to DKASE one of my designs and love your version, beautiful work. Also the other Shirley's design is beautiful and your version is as well. Now I understand why suddenly more kind bloggers joined my site today :) Thank you !

I always enjoy coming over to see what you are up and to read your humorous posts. You always bring at least a smile to my face, or tears to my eyes from laughing. Have a great weekend, Hugs, Shirleyxx

Sue said...

Both cards are beautiful CAS cards! I really love the holly stamp you used for Merry Mondays. The hummingbird is gorgeous also with such a beautiful background. Great job on both cards!!

Birgit said...

Hi Darnell~ Wow! Two beautiful cards! I adore the hummingbird one as I'm an avid window bird watcher. Thanks so much for the lovely introduction! Hopefully I'll get some new visitors. Blessings to you~ Birgit

Carole said...

you did a fine copyliment on Shirley Bee's fantastic card, and the hummingbird is so elegant and well done.

Canonbury creations said...

Beautifully cased cards Darnell I absolutely love the hummimg bird with the droplets! I must get that stamp:)
Val x
ps hope your hand heals quickly

Susanne Vargas said...

Two more fantastic DJKASEd cards! This was such a great idea! You always pick really beautiful ones and then put your own twist to them!
Have a wonderful weekend (and if you go into the playhouse stay away from the heat gun, ok?)
Hugs!

Dana said...

Wow!! Gorgeous cards!! You really know how to CASE!!!

Shannon J said...

Thunk...ouch, that was my chin!! Two absolutely GORGEOUS cards, Darnell! I would have been freaked out about DJKASE'ing the second card too, but love that you chose a subtler route and wow, what fabulous results! Hope your burn gets better soon :)

Loll said...

Two gorgeous CASE cards Dolly. It's a lovely way to try new things ... and a wonderful way to give a tribute to card makers that inspire you! Great job! Lolly xx

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Beautiful job with both cards! You are such an inspiration because you are always full of joy! your blog always brings a smile to my face! Thank You!

Chris Dring said...

Two beautiful cards DKASEd of two beautiful cards! Does that make sense? :) Fantastic takes on both of these cards, Darnell! So sorry to hear about your ouchy. Hope it heals up soon!

Katie Melhus said...

Hey there Darnell! What a couple of beauties you made. I love your stories of how you're inspired by others, what a lovely way to spread the love to our fellow bloggers who are my endless source of encouragement and inspiration, too! Ok guess I should talk cards. I love how you showcased the holly and that lovely sentiment in your first card. So thanks for linking up with Merry Monday! And your hummingbird card is just perfect for our combo this week at Colour Me...! What a stunning birdie image, and your balance of subtle colors is just perfect here! So glad you're playing with us at Colour Me...! as well. (It's official you just prompted me to write the longest comment in history. And you thought I was going to get tired of hearing from YOU, HA!) HUGS - katie

JD/ Jill said...

Darnell four fabulous cards today...the two that you cased...and the great job you did casing them...so much talent!

Hope your hand is healing...I tell my friends that card making can be dangerous they don't believe me...but then they didn't see the paper cuts...the deep cut from my exacto knife, and from the cut from the blade on my paper cutter...sorry..maybe more info than you wanted to know...just wanted to let you know that you have a kindred spirit here (and yes, I have burned myself with my heat gun)

stampingbowd said...

Gorgeous cards and CASEs!!!!!

Cathy said...

Beautiful cards and beautiful cases Darnell, Cathy x

Mynn xx said...

Totally gorgeous CASEing, friend! HUGS and happy weekend! :) Mynn xx

Jacquie Southas said...

Beautiful cards to CASE! Really love the red & silver palette on the first one.

Barb Ghig said...

You really know how to CASE an artist (or 2), Darnell! Both of your cards are absolutely gorgeous! I can see how it would take time to peruse Shirley and Shirley (did I just type that?) to find just the right card...they are both incredibly talented! And so are 'You'! Thanks so much for another great post...I always enjoy visiting!

I hope your burn heals quickly...I know it can be very painful, so I'm sending you lots of 'Healing Hugs'!!!

Vanessa said...

Fab Shirleys and your DJKASEs are great!! Love that hummingbird!
Hope your burn won't hurt much longer!
Vanessa x

sandie said...

These are great CASE cards and such fun you highlight these fab crafters. I know of Shirley B and nor D...so will be off to check her out! Thanks for the tip x

Unknown said...

Oh Dippy you've certainly done justice to your cased cards - they are both gorgeous. I would have been a bit scared to take on those gorgeous jewelled tones of the 2nd Shirley's card! Just going to pop on over and check them out.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Deborah Frings said...

It is always a joy to visit your blog Darnell! Your warmth comes across in everything you write. And your cards are just fabulous. Your CASE of Shirley's card is so elegant, and the humming bird card is just wonderful! Hugs, you've started my day with a smile xx

cm said...

CASing awesome-ness x 2 here, Darnell! How wonderful to showcase the two Shirley's, and follow up with dazzling delights of your own. We get FOUR beauties per post each time you do this; four times the inspiration and awe! Both of your cards are stunning! The water droplets stamp is soooo realistic! LOVE x LOVE everything you've shared! Hugs~c

Ardyth said...

Two beautiful Shirley cards! Love how you've captured both the feeling of the FF inspiration as well as staying true to the card you were casing. Thanks so much for joining us at Festive Friday!

scrappymo! said...

Hope your hand is healing well! Poor girl!

Two great artists you hae chosen to feature. These are lovely posts you have been doing lately...what an honour for those ladies!

Both your cards are beautiful...each in it's own way. I have those water droplets too and was waiting till I made a series of fihs/fishing/beach etc cards...silly me! Why did I not think of floral cards and bird card too...the rain makes beautiful patterns as does the morning dew!

Lesley said...

Gorgeous cards here and I love the way you credited your Kases! Great work, Darnell. It is always a pleasure to visit your blog!

Anonymous said...

Hi Darnell,
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog and leave me such a warm and lovely comment. I appreciate it so much. xx

How lovely of you to showcase blog buddies on your own blog! Love your take on their cards.
xxx

Happy Dance said...

Wowzahs!!! Two perfectly "KASED", perfectly beautiful cards. There's no way I could have done justice to Shirley#2's card, but you knocked it waaaaayyyy out of the park. And the first one all decked out in reds?! Brilliant also!A double dose of awesomeness. You so rock. Bev

Karren said...

Fabulous cards, Darnell. And kudos to you for being so generous in honoring your followers. I love the layout on your holly card - the stripes behind the circle element are great! Thanks so much for joining us at Merry Monday.

♥Gemma♥ said...

Stunning cards hunni and beautifully cased too...

Hope you're having a great weekend!
hugs and xxx
Gemma

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I love your take of Shirley's card. yes, both of them! I think I'm most impressed with your take the humming bird card because you rocked it without having to use the rich jewel tones but no one would question what card you are copylimenting.

Rebecca Luminarias said...

Loving your 2nd FF card, Darnell! It's pretty & glittery and your holly berries are so sparkly! I'm sorry you burned your hand, though...I hope you can still manage to create despite your injury. Feel better!

Judy1223 said...

Darnell, both cards are quite amazing...and you really do such nice credits to those you are case-ing! Very sweet, just like you!

anja curvers said...

Two amazing cards Darnell you are so talented and thank you for you sweet comments on my blog. They mean the world to me.

Laurie Unger said...

Great CASED cards - off to check out their blogs! Thanks for sharing

jimlynn said...

BOTH are WOW!!!! Lovely, lovely cards!
Lynn

Karen Davis said...

Darnell you cased Shirley's card beautifully! I love the delicate stamp you have used and the softly inked edges. The other card is fabulous too. Thank you so much for joining us At Merry Monday.

Lori Turner said...

Gorgeous cards, Darnell! I love your holly card for this week's Merry Monday challenge - you rocked it! WTG!

Emily Keaton said...

Two completely lovely CASEs, Darnell! The holly you used on the first one really caught my eye :).

Susie W. said...

Wow...beautiful cards Darnell!
I'm so glad you joined us this week at Colour Me!

Sheila H said...

Your cards are amazing. I love your colors. Sorry about your burn. I hope it's better by now.

Andrea said...

great case cards Darnell and I love your hummingbird what a fab design that tail is stunning and colour way used doe sit justice as always a great post and to be making christmas cards in Feb just puts you ahead of the game love your take on Shirley card and your red silver theme is perfect another great stamp again crafty hugs Andrea x

Andrea said...

great case cards Darnell and I love your hummingbird what a fab design that tail is stunning and colour way used doe sit justice as always a great post and to be making christmas cards in Feb just puts you ahead of the game love your take on Shirley card and your red silver theme is perfect another great stamp again crafty hugs Andrea x

MaryH said...

Well done on your 2 KASED bloggers. One Shirley I awready know & love! You did super nifty on her CASE too. She is an AR-TISTE & I will be off to visit the other - new Shirley and enjoy her work too. Thanks for sending along all the inspiring blogs for the rest of us to find! Great job on the cards you selected and your interpretations were stunning too! Hugs

Greta said...

You blew me away with your cases, today, Darnell! You picked 2 cards I love & then you made 2 cards I love! Thanks for the eye candy, my friend!

Deepti said...

You are just so thoughtful in casing ur admirers , what could be a bigger honor than this :) you did a Shirley good job in casing ;)

Geri said...

Lovin' the holly AND the hummer, Darnell! I really like how you made the CASEd card your own...you made some beautiful changes to an already lovely card, and I like it so, so much!!! So glad Festive Friday made it in there with your inspiration! Thanks for joining us, dear!

ike said...

Brilliant froggy card and how I laughed at the story of FIFFA and the bowling incident hahaha LoL
I too had an Aunt like that LoL
Now I just ADORE frogs (not that you find them here on my island in Greece.... no ponds !!) but I had many a fine time with an English frog or three in my past :-D
Thanks for my daily laugh :-)
Came over to you when I was browsing the entries at Sisters to see what everyone was making. Very nice to meet you :-D
I don't expect you will see this though with 89 comments to wade through !! :-)

Hugz
IKE xxxxx

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