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 4, 2014

You Go, Girl! ~ NBUS #109

Greetings, my friends!

It is only Tuesday afternoon in America, but it's Wednesday morning in Australia and it is my utmost pleasure to be here today with the first of my Guest Designer spots in March for the wonderful challenge Addicted to Stamps and More (ATSM).

My GD honor was the result of my exciting induction into the Wall of Fame at ATSM last week! (BTW, a lot of you got the impression that I had been selected for the Design Team itself, which is not the case; just so there is no misunderstanding.)

This week ATSM is asking that we make cards in 
honor of International Women's Day 2014 which will be celebrated on March 8, 2014. 
International Women's Day
Here is the photo inspiration for this challenge:


The sponsor for this week is the fabulous Stamp Art Designs who are offering five free digis to the winner!


I made two cards for this very special occasion. Oddly enough, when I was looking for a sticker for another card, I came across this stash of old scrapbook quotes I've had since the 1900s, two of which are appropriate for my post today.

Here is my first card:

I love the visual imagery created by the women holding hands, as friends standing together against violence, and as cheerleaders and supporters, looking forward to the possibilities that await them as they journey through their lives.

I chose to keep the coloring monochromatic, using ombre shades of aqua. The woman stamp came to me via my friend Shirley who had originally received it (also containing a man) free in a magazine. Breaking up the couple (sorry!), I stamped the woman over and over to make the pattern. To be honest, I had to do several drafts of this "simple" one-layer card!

The sediment is from SU "Word Play," stamped in SU melon mambo. I brushed Wink of Stella on each of the ladies because, well, while we want to be treated as equals to men, we still want to be women!

I hope you will make a card to celebrate International Women's Day 2014. It's an intriguing challenge and I can't wait to see what you come up with!

~~~

Everything used on this card was from my stash. In fact, the image even came from someone else's stash before mine, so I'm also linking my card with the current Simply Create Too challenge which is to use only materials we have on hand; nothing new.
Grab Our Badge!
~~~

Continuing the color scheme, but adding two shades of gray in order to also play in this week's CAS-ual Fridays (CFC) challenge:

I made this second card:

The aqua is background, not part of the card.
For this card, the mum is from a NBUS Waltzingmouse Stamp set called "Vintage Garden Flowers." It is heat embossed in white embossing powder from Hero Arts. The awesome sediment is also NBUS from Studio Calico/Hero Arts 331074 using SU Bermuda bay ink. The gray papers are dry embossed with a Cuttlebug Dotted Swiss embossing folder.

~~~
Pixies Crafty Workshop
I used a few snippets on my card so I'm heading over to see some of my friends and the new fence at Pixie's Snippets Playground!
~~~

Yummy prizes are on offer at CFC and Pixie's, so click on the links for the details on rules, sponsors, and the prizes! I hope to see you in the funny pages galleries!

~~~


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! 


 
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84 comments:

laurie said...

I had to laugh when I read you had to do several drafts of your first card...it's a one layer card, right?

I have had more trouble with those myself, than any others! You would think they would be easy, but actually I find them more challenging.

Yours turned out awesome, stamped perfectly! I love the different shades of aqua!

jimlynn said...

Whoa!! How did you ever get all those straight on that first card! It would take me days upon days to do that one - and they'd still be crooked!! I do love it though!
The second is equally as nice!
Two beautiful cards.
Lynn

Alanna said...

Fabulous cards Darnell. I love the first one with all the people images. It's perfect with the sentiment.

Pat said...

Two really great and cleverly thought out cards Darnell. Those figures work perfectly in the first one, and I love the ombre effect. The beautiful 'mum' on the second card is so detailed and works so well with the pink background and white EP, and the sentiment is just great. x

Bobby said...

I love everything about the first card - the women, the colors, the sentiment. Perfect. The sentiment on the second says it all. We are women, hear us roar,.

Kylie said...

I LOVE the cards you have made for our challenge. Your rows of women and that sentiment are just perfect. It is a pleasure to have you as our guest designer at ATSM, thank you so much xx

Karen Davis said...

Congrats on your guest designer spot. I love the cards you have made to mark such a special day. Both designs are fabulous and the sentiments are so perfect for the day.

Benzi said...

Two super cards, Darnell. Stamp, stamp, stamp on the first one. Don't know if I would have ever gotten it finished.

Beautiful mum card, too.

Susanne Vargas said...

Congratulations on your GD spot! Both of your cards are fabulous! I agree - one layer cards are the hardest as there is no room for mistakes!
Loved to read about your fun outing with the twinks on the weekend!

Alycia said...

Congrats on your temporary gig! I love both your cards. :) Looking forward to participating.

Irish Cherokee said...

Two wonderful cards Darnell. I never have to do over cards. That's my DW's domain. LOL.

Cathy said...

Wonderful cards Darnell and huge congrats on your guest DT spot. Cathy x

Mounika Reddy said...

Congrats on your guest designer spot...Those two cards are gorgeous and perfect for the day...Your blogging style is icing on the cake..
BTW I am following you...

dnisme@blogspot.com said...

So happy for you and the honours you received...well deserved! I like your take on International Women's Day. It makes a powerful statement. My other favourite thing for both cards are the "sediments". They make me think of Prindercella. Even though she slopped her dripper, she managed to loll in fuv with Chinch Prarming AND lived happily ever after!(because she said she could, and she did)

Carol L said...

The first card looks so awesome and powerful in those shades of blue! Hand in hand, I see the strength in numbers. Then again, I see paper dolls too :)
Love the interesting angles on the 2nd - very pretty and easy on the eyes!

Carol L said...

I forgot to say congrats on your guest design position! Woot woot!

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Congrats on being GDT! Wow, you got a lot of honors lately - but that's not surprising! Love your card and the sentiment is beautiful!

Lisa Elton said...

Another pair of fabulousness Darnell!! Great sentiments on them too! Glad you found my Pinterest boards!! I'm following yours now too ;)

Jacquie Southas said...

Beautiful stamping on the first card Darnell - love that they are all glittery with that awesome Wink of Stella!

Unknown said...

Your little ladies remind me of the cut out dolls from the past. Just wonderful!

Shannon J said...

Love that these cards are so reflective of women's friendship and the strength that comes from us supporting each other! Absolutely fabulous, Darnell!

Greta said...

Congrats on your GDT spot, Darnell! Love your first card--great design & the Wink of Stella is the perfect touch! Such a neat design for the beautiful mum card! Thanks for noticing my win at MM--such an honor with all those gorgeous entries--didn't expect it! Hugs, Greta

Sharron said...

Both are fabulous, Darnell! But I was stunned by your first card--LOVE it! The design and colors are wonderful and your stamping amazing! The sentiment is perfect--lovely font too!

Sandy said...

Left you some bloggy love at the guest design challenge site saw your great photo and card there..
Love your cards you made they are just lovely..
Sandy :)

Barb Ghig said...

I have to tell you that in my comment to Deepti, I wrote "You go, girl", and when I was finished, I clicked on her link to your blog! Imagine my surprise to see your title!!! Great minds ♥

Congrats on your Guest DT spot...woo-hoo!!!
Your one layer card is gorgeous, Darnell! I love the symbolism and the ombre color palette (is that even grammatically correct?) is just perfect! Love the quotes that you chose for both cards, too! It's always a blast to stop by your Playhouse for a visit...thanks!

Sue said...

Congrats on your GDT spot Darnell.
Your cards are both stunning and beautifully designed.I especially love the first card, it has such a strong meaning, the colours are wonderful and the sentiment is so beautiful.
hugs Sue xx

Redanne said...

Firstly, congratulations on your GDT spot. Secondly, I love your first card, it really is a very powerful statement that you are making and would be so even without those fantastic words. I did smile at your 'drafts', I think I would still be here doing that......

Your second card is beautiful, I love the pink and grey together and again I love the sentiment. Two wonderful cards for a very special day! Hugs, Annie xx

Aileen said...

Your one layer card was well worth the effort. Love the colours. Your second card packs a punch with the geometric design.

Thanks for your fun comment on my card. You made me smile and here's a secret - that's the first time i've inked up Swallowtail!!

x

Sammy said...

Love and love! Such fab cards Darnell, and I totally agree with the being treated as equals but still being women thing.
Oddly enough I didn't realise this until I started crafting. I wasn't much of a girlie girl before, but that's kinda flown out the window! lol. x

Sammy said...

Oh, and congrats on the GDT! :-)

Diane said...

Wow...love your cards, how on earth did you manage to get such a perfect card with the first ones, no way could I have managed that..I LOVE it and now I need/want that stamp...lol!! Congrats to you for your guest design spot...well deserved!!

Unknown said...

Congrats on your induction to the wall of fame (hope it didn't hurt too much!!! lol) and your guest designer spot on ATS&M Dippy - very well deserved. Love your first card, it's absolutely perfect for the challenge and the second one is lovely with the flower and embossed card - plus the sentiment is so right on!

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Hettie said...

Hello from the "Funny Pages"!
I just love that first card. What a brilliant idea. I have a couple stamp which may now becoming divorced!
The second card is also gorgeous. It kinda has my mantra only it should be "don't tell her she cannot do it or she will!"
Hugs from a woman!
xx

Casandra Bennett said...

Congrats on your guest spot. I didn't realize you were an Aussie (hehe). Love that! Hey, but we get dibs on Keith Urban, okay?! Ah, but seriously, cute projects. Love your crafty style.

Brenda in IN said...

Love your cards today. Lots of stamping and your colors stayed true. We are women, hear us roar and see us shine! The white mum is so pretty and the colors go so well with each other.

Deborah Frings said...

Darnell - so pleased you're joining us as Guest Designer. I absolutely love your first card the images are so strong and work perfectly with the sentiment. The second card with that verse, just fab. Wish I could see a bit more coverage of the day - well maybe on 8th March there will be more. xx

~amy~ said...

congrats on your guestie-ship! well deserved!
All of your cards are wonderful, really enjoyed reading about your first card. Your quote for the Going Gray challenge is one of my favorites! Love the stamping/embossing!
Thanks for joining us at CAS-ual Fridays!

Anonymous said...

Darnell...both of your cards are fabulous!!! and congrats on your GD spot too, so much fun! I love your first card with all the blue ladies standing hand in hand, such a powerful card!

Anonymous said...

just me again...I forgot something, Thank you so much for playing along with Simply Create Too!

Ros Crawford said...

Two very different but equally terrific cards!!

Julia Aston said...

COngrats on being the guest DT today Darnell! love your rows of figures in blue and that awesome sentiment!

Anonymous said...

Hi Darnell. Great to have you as our Guest Designer at ATSM. Love the crowd of women holding hands, perfect ombre look. The sentiment on your second card is fab and very encouraging! Have a great day! Monika x

Lee-Anne said...

Congrats on your GD spot, Darnell...your work is fabulous...happy to see it recognized!

Your card for International Women's Day is outstanding! I love the message conveyed by your repeated stamping!

Andrea said...

Well done Darnell r e the GD spot I hope you enjoy it. I haven't been around for a bit lots to catch up with great cards and especially loving the sentiments perfect for the occasion have a fab week crafty hugs Andrea x

Pat said...

Well done! I so admire those who can pull from their stash (or somebody else's) and come up with a terrific card. Great imagery...strength in numbers, friends, and much more.

Crea-Sandra said...

Beautiful cards! Love the lay-outs!
Thanks for joining us at Simply Create Too!
♥ Sandra ♥

Kristie Goulet said...

Congratulations on your Guest Designer spot. Great cards. Love the ombre look of the women. Perfect!!!

Pia S said...

Fab take on what I find a really challenging theme!

Cindy Brumbaugh said...

You make my day each day I see your posts! What a gift to share your passions and love with all of us, Darnell. I love the women holding hands because we all need our girls- in person, on the phone...and across the internet. The ombre reminds me of how we are unique in different shades but all of the same make-up! Bless you!

shirley-bee said...

Fabby cards, Darnell! Love both sediments :)

Bonnie said...

What a wonderful card that touches my heart!

Deepti said...

There couldn't have been more apt guest designer to mark the women's day than u :) you having all the qualities of being creative to being expressive, I so admire you :) thank you so much for joining us at ATSM with this amazing card. Love the perfect stamping n the ombré effect :)

Gerrina said...

What a super card on this challege! Love the colours and the layout! A super card! Enjoy your week, Gerrina

Anita in France said...

Congratulations on your GD spot, Darnell! You've created such awesome cards here ... what a gorgeous white bloom popping on the hot pink, and such a fab sentiment! Your aqua ombré hand holding figures ... dynamite ... strong, bold, audacious ... and the most perfect sentiment! Hugs, Anita :)

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I've always liked that saying "she believed she could, so she did." When we were little my little bro and I did something (I no longer remember what it was) and we were bragging about it. We were told "You can't do that; that's impossible" to which we agreed it was good we didn't know that beforehand or we couldn't have done it.

Great cards. I love the repeating design of the top one, standing in solidarity.

Geri said...

So happy to hear that other stampers 'occasionally' need a draft or two or ten before we get it just right! And right it is! Fabulous stamping and awesome idea! Love the ombre look. Super duper sentiment too! You nailed your GD duties with this card!

The second card...beee-u-ti-ful! I'm totally in love with the typewriter font and the sentiment! Great call with the mum - perfect for this card!

Karen M said...

Congrats on your guest designer spot Darnell:)I love your gorgeous card & your stamping is perfect - yes the ole one layer cards are trickier than they look but yours turned out fantastic - hugs xx

Nan G said...

Fab cards Darnell! Love love the first one! It's looks like the stamp is a row of women but it sounds like it was a single and you stamped and stamped and stamped and....whew! Awesome job! GDT or DT being on anyone's wall is an honor. You go girl!

Dianne said...

Hello Miss Darnell It's about time, congrats, and you made 2 brilliant cards for the occasion, I love how you stamped the women, like she is rising from the ashes, becoming whole, love your old sentiment, oldies are goodies I say. beautiful empowering sentiments. Thanks for sharing you rock Missy have a wonderful day..((( BIG HUGS)))..

Nora Noll said...

I am so glad that I am not the only one who sometimes has to make more then one draft of a card. I love that you stamped the woman images in the different blues, holding hands. Just stunning.

I love the rich pink with the grays on the second card. Such a neat design too.

Thank you for sharing!!

Brenda said...

Wow Darnell this card is amazing and so beautiful! I love the women holding hands and I love the ombre look as well. Your second card is just as pretty and don't you just love that sentiment?! I do! Hugs

Kay Miller said...

Congratulations on your guest spot! You did a stunning job on your cards! THe first one is so neat with the way the color blends! I love the graphic look of both of them! Fabulous work!! ((Hugs))

Sue from Oregon said...

Wonderful cards today Darnell...I love the graduated colors on the ladies card! And I really must find some of that Wink of Stella! Thanks for popping in to say hello today! I always love it when you visit! ♥ Sue Kment

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Great job with your cards! That first one looks fabulous! It is perfect for this challenge theme! I can never do anything straight, so I really admire you for this one!

Sue Lelli said...

I just LOVE the monochromatic women holding hands, Darnell! FAB card! And CONGRATS on the guest gig!

Vicky Hayes said...

So pleased to see you guesting at ATSM Darnell and adore the dip die ladies card you created and the thinking behind it. Ldies certainly know how to support one another with or without glitter in our hair! Love your snippety card too! Vicky x

PS No,no! Please - not a machine! That sounds so brutal! xx

Mau xx said...

What great cards Darnell, love them both!! The first one though has to be my favourite. I love the way you have caught the feeling ..the sentiment is wonderful!
My bin is often full of my so called drafts...lol hugs Mau xx

Di said...

LOVE your first card and the snippets one is brilliant too. I run away from embossing, the white looks amazing!

Hugs

Di xx

♥Gemma♥ said...

These are absolutely stunning Darnell and massive congrats on your GDT spot too so well deserved!!
hugs and xxx
Gemma

Sian Ridley said...

Absolutely, you go girl!! :) Well done you! I love these cards, and the idea of a day just for women...it's brilliant!

Marybeth said...

Congratulations Darnell on another GD team spot!
Both cards are fabulous! Love your monochromatic blue card and the the shades of gray!
I took another tour of your craft room today… I love it!

Carole said...

Good golly gosh how do you keep up? You are definitely known, admired and loved in blog land. I see your smiling face on every ones side bar.
This card is genius a real DJK style. Thanks for taking the time to leave your ever thoughtful comments. Hugs Carole

Lee Ann Barrett said...

Both cards are fabulous, Darnell! I find stamping patterns to be the most difficult and easiest to 'mess up' so it is no surprise that this took several attempts. It is this style that causes me to waste so much paper! Love the design of the second card- the angular cuts of the cs and the bold color. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving sweet comments on my blog. Have a blessed day!

stressfreestamping said...

I love all of those women joined together. We don't ALWAYS need a man, right? lol So glad you could join us as guest designer at ATSM!

MaryH said...

Hadda check to be sure it was 'that Shirley'. It was! You sure used that image to its utmost perfection. Very powerful imagery & most excellent for the occasion demanded. Now #2 is equally awesome with the colors, the pop of that white flower against the hot pink, and the layout made me think of a March kite, flying in the wind, again, great with your sentiment. Soar away! Spread your wings. All that good stuff women oughta do. Should do. Can Do. Ok, I'll stop there, cause the next part would sound odd. Do ....TFS- Many hugs. Off to snoop around for more fun & inspiration here.

Joyce said...

Just fabulous. And, congratulations on your hall of fame.

Danielle Vincent said...

Hi Darnell - first I want to say "so glad you have you as a guest designer this month". Second "Wow- what an amazing set of cards you made for this occasion and challenge." LOVE love love the ombre effect of the women. And third "what a joy it was to read this post". Thanks so much for the smile and warm fuzzies. Hugs D

cm said...

Congrats on the GD spot, Darnell; well deserved, indeed! Your cards are amazing! Strength and love coming from friendships: Yes, yes and yes!! Hugs~c

Sandy said...

Thanks for reminding me to link up i'm there now and yes can see that with that quote that it is perfect for the challenge.. Glad you liked my doodled ladies I am enjoying doing them.
Sandy :)

Erica said...

Wow! These are real winners! I like how you've used the SU stamps. Thanks for playing along with the Simply Create Too challenge to "Use Your Stash".
Join us again soon.
Erica (Simply Create Too DT Member)

Sarn said...

Hi Darnell . . . 2 fab cards for the day. Congrats on your DT spot too.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

maria f. said...

Yay you - let's hear it for the girls. Love that you even used up someone else's stash! Thanks for joining us at Simply Create Too!

Sheila H said...

I love the ombre look of your women holding hands. Both your cards have amazing designs. And the sentiments on both are excellent - perfect for the occasion. Congrats on the guest designer selection :)

Indy's Designs said...

Congrats on the GD spot and LOVE the cards!