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!

March 11, 2014

Pretty Paper Petals Wrapped in a Bow

Greetings Galore!

I'm delighted to be back today for my second and final post as the March Guest Designer over at Addicted to Stamps and More. I want to again thank the lovely members of ATSM for their wonderful support and for this incredible honor!
This week the challenge is everyone's favorite, "Anything Goes!"

The amazing sponsor for this challenge is: 

Shery has a wonderful prize for us this week.
You could win the stamp set called 'All About You'!!
~~~

I have been itching to make a card for Mrs. A.'s Butterfly Challenge where the brief is the "3Bs." We are to use at least one butterfly, one bow, and one button on our cards. Now, that compounded me for a while, as it seemed like a lot to me, but I fingered out a way to make it simple dimple! Now the question is, can I fly in there before the challenge closes?
Grab My Button.
For my colors, my clear choice was the awesome inspiration board from Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge, a monthly challenge blog, where the colors just fill your senses with spring!

Here is my springtime card:

Are you trying to touch it through your monitor? I don't blame you. It does feel and look so lushus IRL.

When I made the little eggs/nest card with handmade paper recently (I'm talking paper that has been handmade in India and Japan, etc., not in the Playhouse!), I also came across a few sheets of the above delectable paper. I have it in a heavier weight, which I used, and in normal weight, and in vellum weight. I wish I could have worked out how to use all three compatible layers on the same card, but to me it seems that each weight needs to be the star, on its own. At least I couldn't bring myself to layer it.

So I matted the handmade paper to a piece of SU celery, wrapped a lavender organza ribbon around it and popped it onto a wisteria card base. The butterfly embellishment is from K&Company. I struggled with adding a button for Mrs. A, until I found a place for my weeest button, which also satisfied my need for something white.

(Sometimes challenges make me feel like I'm playing scavenger hunt, which I always loved as a kid! It's so nice to be a kid again!)

I could add a tiny tag to the bow with a sediment or just finish the inside with an appropriate sediment once I know where the card is going. It could be used for anything (cepta guy card), including Easter or Mother's Day. 

~~~

Remember to click on the links for the challenges to find the rules, sponsor, and prize information. I hope you can join in the fun!

~~~

New Friends Corner:

Once again, it is my pleasure to introduce you to more talented card artists!

Donna Mundinger of Popsicle Toes. Okay, seriously, do I even have to say any more? Isn't the name enough to make you go over and check her out?! Well, I agree, so I'm going to leave you in suspense so you can see her beautiful work for yourself! I will say that she has been blogging since 2008 so, no fooling, you better allow some extra time for bookmarking and pinning! 

Erica of Today is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life, another wonderful blog name! And you aren't going to believe it, but Erica has also been blogging since 2008! You guys are lucky readers today!! I'm so grateful that we all have so much FREE and inspiring works of card art to see!

Lauren of SAHM I Am. Isn't that is a fun play on words?! Lauren is a wife and stay-at-home mom of two handsome boys who has been blogging since 2011. She is a fantastic card artist whenever she can find the time! As a modern young woman, her blog is multi-faceted and covers her art, family, fitness, food, and life in general. It's always wonderful to see the next generation carrying on the card-making tradition!

Jan Frances-Dicks of Grot's Craft Room. Jan started blogging in 2013, but not often. She is lovely and so is her work! I know she would appreciate it if you took a few minutes to stop in and introduce yourself and leave her some encouragement. I think her cards and projects are a treat!

Welcome, ladies, and thank you so much for joining the Playhouse fun!!

~~~

I saw this on Facebook and just had to share!

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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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55 comments:

vic said...

Oohh this is so pretty! What a pretty butterfly and love the lilac ribbon which sits lovely on the handmade paper :)
Hugs
Vic x

Kim M said...

This is a lovely card made by a lovely lady! :-). That paper is gorgeous!

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Super cute card
with rice paper and fabulous ribbon,
have a lovely day
hugs Tamara

Anita in France said...

Completely delightful, delicious and charming, Darnell ... such an elegant and pretty card in a gorgeous colour palette ... yummy! Hugs, Anita :)

Sue said...

Such a gorgeous Springtime card Darnell. I love the delicate colours and the prettiest ribbon ever!
Love that picture you found, thanks for making me smile!
hugs Sue xx

Dana said...

Gorgeous card!! I love the colors, the springy greeness!!!!So nice and bright and cherry!! Just what i need with more snow on the way!!!

Patti J said...

This is so pretty, and yes, I wanted to touch it! Great texture, pretty, soft colors, and oh, so springlike! Thanks for sharing, Darnell - they were so lucky to have you guest designing for them!!!

jimlynn said...

Beautiful!
Lynn

Mrs A. said...

So glad you managed to snuck in as this is just plain right gorgeous. Love the butterfly and that paper is really pretty. I used something very similar for the pages in my pink faux leather book. Tahnk you for fluttering by #2. Hugs Mrs A. (butterfly challenge.)

Inkyfingers said...

What a lovely spring card Darnell, and I love that beautiful butterfly.
Hugs
Carol x

Shannon J said...

So much texture, so much spring, so much awesomeness, Darnell! Miss Thing just popped over and gave it two giant thumbs...um paws..um whatever she calls them...UP too! Love the wee little button too...it looks like it was meant to be for this card! Oh and how I can relate to the scale. I am going to have to invest in a water proof one at this rate!!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Gorgeous 'Spring' card, I love the handmade paper, the texture is fantastic. The colours are so beautiful. Have a fabulous week, Shirleyx

Karen P said...

Very lovely and I envy you that paper Darnell. Tis absolutely gorjuss!!! Beautiful card and that wee button is fabulous xxx

JD/ Jill said...

Very pretty card!

Dianne said...

WOW Miss Darnell this is GORGEOUS and yes I do want to touch it being a tactile kinda girls, I love the wisteria with the butterfly, fabulous make for your guest design creation. I great to be a kid isn't it, have a wonderful day, ((( BIG HUGS)))..

Deepti said...

This is gorgeous!! I did not realize that hand made paper could look so yummy, I actually wanted to feel ur card ;) we are so happy to have you Guest design for us, u are so adorable n inspiring :)

Lee-Anne said...

This is spring all wrapped up in one gorgeous card, Darnell! Love the texture and ooooh the colors...just luscious!

Susanne Vargas said...

Gorgeous spring card, Darnell! And so versatile! You are right it could be used for so many different occasions - gotta love those cards!

Carol L said...

This is just a lovely card with that pretty hand-made paper, and I absolutely LOVE the ribbon!

Lisa Elton said...

The sheer lilac ribbon and the handmade paper were made for each other Darnell! This is wonderful, so fresh and springy!

Sharron said...

So much to love, Darnell! That paper is positively gorgeous and I adore those colors. You've added such charming embellishments too--love the butterfly, tiny button and yummy ribbon!

Greta said...

Beautiful springy card, Darnell! Your bow is amazing!

Barb Ghig said...

Oh my, Darnell...this card is absolutely gorgeous!!! Your hand made paper is so elegant, and perfect with your stunning design and your ribbon/bow? Don't get me started :-) Like a breath of fresh air on a spring day...WOW!

Sindhu said...

Darnell...your card is SO beautiful! Like Deepti said, I wish I could reach out and feel the awesome texture on it! Love the gorgeous bow too! :)
hugs... Sindhu.

My Paper Epiphany said...

Very beautiful and feminine! I love all the interest you've created!

Pia S said...

The butterfly image is beautiful, and it's great that it doesn't cover up much of the gorgeous textured paper! The sheer ribbon looks fantastic too!

sandie said...

Love, love the sheer ribbon and paper. I have had some of this paper forever and not used it!! So pleased to have you join us again this week xx

Gerrina said...

Love how you managed to put those challenges in one elegant, beautiful spring-feeling card! Have a sunny day, Gerrina

Jasleen Kaur said...

Congratulations on your last post as GD at ATCAS. I'm sure your delightful cards and posts have inspired many crafters. Darnell, I loved the beautiful handmade paper and those butterflies are lovely. Love the touch of that lilac coloured ribbon :)

Jasleen Kaur said...

*I mean ATSM

Sheila H said...

Gorgeous card - love the paper and the bow!

Pat said...

A pretty card Darnell, love the topper and the handmade paper, and that oh so lovely satin edged ribbon. x

Unknown said...

Gorgeous card Dippy - those colours are fab and I love the handmade paper - it adds so much texture and dimension to this really pretty card.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Deborah Frings said...

As always, when I read your blog I end up smiling! Love the sweet cartoon at the end - so true!!

Thanks so much for being our Guest Designer - your card this week is so pretty - really a breath of spring!

Redanne said...

Lush is a great word for your beautiful card, it really has the wow factor! Love it, that bow is an absolute delight. The texture of the handmade paper is lovely too. Congratulations on your stint as GD! Hugs, Annie xx

cm said...

Lush and luscious, Darnell, not to mention super-duper pretty!! I'm swooning over the lovely butterfly and the floral panel...spring-y and fresh! Yes, another post that delights, a card that dazzles and a cartoon that makes me laugh! Sparkles added to my day!
Hugs~c

Bonnie said...

'Nother congratulations on being honored to be Guest Designer at ATSM! Great job on hitting all these challenges with this gorgeous card! Love that sticker and that paper is perfect for a butterfly! Beautiful bow!

Kathleen said...

This is so beautiful, missed it earlier, sorry, love the delicate shades of the card and the brightness of the backing card.

Kath x

MaryH said...

Yes'm - I did indeed want to touch it. It's very tactile looking with all the fibers & plants in it. Like the ivory color too. Great way to use this for a special challenge and what a perfect embellie for the lovely paper. Now I've never seen handmade paper in vellum. You come up with the most unusual good schtuff. TFS & Hugs

Sandy said...

I entered the challenge with a journal page that has lots of stamping.. Love your card and I do want to touch it, love all texture on it and the ribbon is truly lovely..
Sandy :)

Petra Swart said...

Perfect on the 3B's, Darnell!! ...and loving your teeny weeny little button!!! Lovely paper and a great card!!

Kylie said...

Scales? What are scales? They are banned in my household, lol. LOVE the cartoon.
Darnell, thank you so much for your contributions to our little ol' blog at Addicted to Stamps and More! Your card with that handmade paper and the butterflies..... oooooo ahhhhh, divooooone. xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Darnell. Love the pretty handmade paper with the butterfly and organza bow. All perfectly delicate. ... my scales have just landed in the bin! :-D Have a lovely day! xxx

stressfreestamping said...

I love the texture on this card, Darnell! You are right...I just want to touch it! That is why I do not care much for digital scrapbooking and cardmaking because I love all of the textures of the real thing. :) Your bow is FABULOUS too. SOOO glad you have been joining us at ATSM. Your work is beautiful. :)

Unknown said...

Love your beautiful spring-y card Darnell! Thanks so much for playing along at Stampin' Celebration!

Unknown said...

So happy to have you with us Darnell. Your card is just lovely. I had a kit years ago that showed me how to make the paper you used as your background, really brought be back when I saw it. Beautiful job :)

Cori Kozak said...

This is so pretty! I love the paper and the bow is great too! Thanks for playing along at Stampin' Celebration!

Anonymous said...

I love all the textures and the spring-y colors on your card, Darnell! That handmade paper you used makes me salivate. I wonder where I put my stash of handmade mulberry paper -- your beautiful card made me remember I've got those! Hugs!

~Shery

maria f. said...

"Popsicle toes".... hmm. This card is so purty.

Katie Melhus said...

A lovely and subtle beauty. Perfectly topped with that soft bow. Go girl, go!

Heather North said...

It's a good thing you like treasure hunts because you excel at them! Thank you for hunting the web and sharing your treasures with us. Your soft beautiful card is pretty enough to frame. Thank you for joining us at Stampin' Celebration! Now I'm off to check out the new-to-me challenges linked in your post. :)

Brenda said...

This card is gorgeous Darnell! I am so loving that handmade paper. You got your 3B's in there and they look fabulous. One day I am going to play along too. lol Donna from Popsicle Toes is amazingly talented and I love everything she does! Hugs

Lauren said...

That is an absolutely beautiful card! Thanks also for introducing me to the blogosphere!

Princess Judy Palmer said...

So delicate and pretty!

Danielle Vincent said...

Absolutely gorgeous Darnell. I love the papers. I agree - its luchus and I wanted to try and touch it. So glad you've been with us these past couple of weeks at ATS&M. Hugs D