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!

June 22, 2014

True Friends ~ NBUS #140

Greetings!

I hope you had a lovely weak end!!

We had one of those weekends where we did nothing in particular and yet it went by in a flash. Know what I mean? What do we have to show for it? Some groceries, some clean undies, that's about it. We are Mr. and Mrs. Sloth, apparently.

In between the weight of all those chores, I had a play with a NBUS PTI Text Block Friends Die. I love these dies and I think I have most of them somewhere on Mt. NBUS. I wanted to use my new die to join in the birthday celebration happening at Addicted to Stamps and More. Congratulations to Kylie and her delightful and talented band of merry card artists for their 100th Challenge and 2nd birthday!! May you have many, many more! Thank you for all you do to inspire and challenge us!!

Here is my card:
The die was run through several times using snippets of rainbow colored cardstock and then the pieces filed in the slots in ROYGVIB order on a white cutout.

I wanted to use that Sizzix embossing folder so that I could cut the embossed paper in half and apply the halves to the card base which-way-up. That way half of the card has arrows pointing up to metaflorically signify the "good times" and the other half has arrows pointing down to signify the "bad times." Through which true friends will follow you and love you. Deep.

I added the layers of narrow ribbon snippets to cover up the incision, and punctuated my text with SU candy dots. Now that I see the card on the screen, however, I have to say I'm finding the ribbons very distracting to the focus pocus of the card. It's just taped on the back at this point, so it's not too late to remove all but one. It can be very evolutional to see your card up on the big screen.

Here is the ATSM photo inspiration:
The other challenges I am joining are:


Simon Monday Challenge Blog


Simon Wednesday Challenge Blog

  • Pixie's Snippets Playground, where the only brief is that you use up some of your snippets on your card and you like joining others for a romp around the playground like you did when you were a girl! I haven't been using many snippets lately, but today I remediated that big time!

Pixies Crafty Workshop

Please make sure you click on the challenge links for all the details on how to join in and to find the sponsor and prize information!

I've have another card using this die that I'm fiddling with, so I might be back tomorrow with it ...

~~~

New Friends Corner

This is a favorite part of my post for some of my readers who enjoy getting to know new folk who share their card-making hobby! Today I have five more lovely card artists for you to meet!

Donna Mikasa of three umbrellas. Donna has been blogging since 2008! When you visit, you will find a ton of the most fantastic CAS card art you might ever hope to see in one blog! Many of you will already recognize Donna from seeing her incredible work over the years on various design teams!

Monika Reeck of Creative With Monika. Monika has been blogging since 2009. She is an Indonesian native, now living in Germany. She is a delight and so are her cards! You will often see her in the winning galleries of various challenges around Blogland!

Marsha J. Reed of Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe. Marsha has been blogging since 2009. She is an independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator, a mother, grandmother, writer, and creative coach. Over the years Marsha has also served on many design teams and won many awards!

Susan Bridgman. Susan doesn't have a blog, but here is a link to her Splitcoast Stampers Gallery where you will find 856 works of card art to inspire you dating back to 2009! SCS's galleries are like Pinterest boards ~ only way ahead of their time and Susan's gallery will keep you busy and inspired for a very long time!

Christine Winslow of Grandma's Stamping Corner. Christine has been blogging since 2012. Although it's been a couple of years, Christine doesn't blog very often and I'm sure she would appreciate a visit from you and some words of encouragement and support! Her cards are CAS and well-executed delights!

Thank you for joining, ladies, and welcome to the Playhouse!

~~~


Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy. Be a friend. 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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Mwah!
Never-Before-Used-Schtuff (Stamps, Dies, EFs, etc.)
June 6, 2014 - June 27, 2014
Thank you for your overwhelming support and enthusiasm!
Here

66 comments:

Indy's Designs said...

This is spectacular! Love the embossing, the rainbow colors...fabulous!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Lisa Elton said...

Hi Darnell!! Back from vacay and trying to catch up. Love everything you've done while I was away. Today's card is a delight and I love what you and the twins did for their working dad!!

Patti J said...

You are one clever sloth, my friend! Lol...love your card, it certainly has it's ups and downs, and happy colors. Thanks for the inspiration! Hope you are well! Hugs...

Rita said...

Great card Darnell. My weekend was much like yours. We are having a real heatwave at the moment. Take Care. Hugs from Scotland. Rita xxx

Donna Nuce said...

Love this card Darnell! The arrows idea was really amazing! Have a great day!

Alanna said...

What a beautiful card. I love the rainbow design and how you did the embossed background. Hugs!

Craft-E-Place said...

Wow! This is amazing absolutely brilliant.
Elaine

Anonymous said...

Catching up and I soooo appreciate you checking up on me! Kinley was born yesterday and boy AM I IN LOVE!!!! I told the kids I'm stealing her :-)

I love how you used the PTI text block my friend!

Sarah said...

What a fabulous idea...you clever thing!! LOVE the rainbow xx

Sue said...

Such a fabulous sentiment die. I love the rainbow background and wonderful embossing too.
Thank you for the smiles!
I hope you have a good week.
hugs Sue xx

Sue said...

Lovely colourful card.

Hope you have a good week.

Kathyk said...

FABULOUS make from you today - thus proving you have waaaaaaaaaaay more patience than I do!

LOVE your cartoon too

Happy Monday

Kathyk

Irene said...

Wonderful Darnell, Love the embossing and rainbow effect colours.
This year is also wizzing past.
luv
irene
xxxx

Carole Pollard said...

This is fabulous loving the rainbow effect on the background and what a stunning die just lovely. I know what you mean about the ribbons what about using white just a thought it may look awful who knows Love and Happy Crafting Hugs Carole x

Lynn said...

We need to chat about that rainbow...it is fabulous. I would have run it through about 20 more times as I'm sure I would have lost some of the rainbow pieces. I'm in love with your card Darnell!

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

This is one fantastic card, Darnell! Have you been watching Carol, as she cuts, and takes out, then puts back in? LOL! I swear it is a favorite past time of hers. Best of luck with the challenges, and welcome to your new friends.

Jeanne said...

Hi Darnell, I really like how you used the rainbow of colors to set off that great die. And that comic is fantastic as well! My younger daughter loves comics and often tells me I need to read this one or that one. Or we have great conversations over what one means since she doesn't always "get" the joke. Have a fantastic week! :)

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Very beautiful design with the embossing and vibrant colours. I really like the sentiment. I hope you are doing well, I've been MIA its extremely busy here. Take good care, Shirleyx

Sheila H said...

I can't imagine taking the time you spent on this one card, but the effort is truly worth it. I love the die and you really made it pop. Your card is awesome.

Craftychris said...

Beautiful bright and colourful card! Fabulous words! The cartoon made me smile too xx

Happy Dance said...

Awesomely cool card! You've got the Roy G. Biv thing going, and all that lovely emobssing...Totally brilliant. And dear heart, you do realize that you'll be putting up a new NBUS before this one ends, don't you??!!! You're like nectar to a bee; so darn attractive!!!! Great card, my dear friend. You da bomb! Bev

Diane Jaquay said...

How totally COOL is this card!!! The strips of color you incorporated with this die look fantastic!!

Jingle said...

This is just AWESOME! I really love how you worked the different colors of cardstock with the die cut. AMAZING job! Thanks so much for playing along with us over at the You've Gotta Have Friends challenge on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog!

Taunya Butler said...

I love the awesome feel this card gives!! It is bursting with color and yet the background is subtle!! Great combination!

Tracey McNeely said...

Thanks for the laugh that comic is priceless! Love your vibrant rainbow of colours Darnell!

Patti said...

Very deep! and very nice!! I am sorry but I must disagree about the rainbow ribbon - I quite like it : )don't touch it!! : )

(((Hugs)))
Patti

Pat said...

This is a great Papertrey die and I love what you have done with it Darnell. The white embossed card finishes it beautifully, and the mix of ribbons is a lovely pop of extra colour too with some nicely scattered gems. I'm sorry I have not entered your challenge yet, but I have been stretched in all directions lately, and the muse has left me briefly, but will pull my socks up and hopefully make the deadline. x

Verna Angerhofer said...

Oh, so splendidly created and love the bright colors. I like the idea of your splitting the embossing folder so the arrows point both ways. That was a great idea! And, the ribbon matches perfectly with the other colors. This is indeed a wonderful card.

Christine Harrop said...

The rainbow colours are just so effective on this gorgous die Darnell. A great die! Hugs Christine xx

Petra Swart said...

This card must have taken a lot of time and a lot of patience to make, Darnell, but it was surely worth the effort!!!! It's beautiful and so cheerful with all the lovely bright colours!!! Love your way of thinking to do the embossing going upwards and downwards in the bg and I think you should leave the ribbons as is!!!!

Tfs the cartoon!!! Really enjoyed that one!!!!

Have a super Tuesday!!!!

Chriss Blagrave said...

Love your rainbow card Darnell, especially the the ups and downs arrows! ;))

Debs Willis said...

Hi Darnell, very cheerful card & I can see why you wanted to give that die an outing, it's fab!
Hugs
Debs c

Lynne said...

Hi Darnell, love your fabulous rainbow card. Such gorgeous bright colours.
Lynne xxx

Anita in France said...

Simply glorious, Darnell ... delicious rainbow colours against that crisp white (and deep!) embossing ... stunning! Chortling at that cartoon ... that'll be me when I'm old ... no wait, that's me now! Hugs, Anita :)

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
A glorious rainbow greeting. Fabulous!
There's a lot to be said for full cupboards and clean butts!
Best wishes.
Ang x

Inkyfingers said...

Congrats on your 140th NBUS! Love your rainbow card and that die looks as though it needs to come to my house soon!
Hugs
Carol x

shirley-bee said...

Fab card, Darnell! The background and the ribbon remind me of a cricket jumper - perfect for summer :)

MaryH said...

Love this bright beauty. I have been admiring that 'add the snippets back' technique but not yet had the courage to try it myself as yet. (gettin' close though!) Had to laugh at your M&Mz Sloth comment. Same at our house. Sunday was a total rest day, aside from necessary personal hygiene tasks! Much reading & recliner time - er - make that dozing time, and it just felt like the right thing to do. Hot outside, cool inside, and just quiet enough to enjoy doing nuthin' at all. I did finish 2 cards last nite, so could feel righteous about that. Can't wait to see your next card with this technique. This one is just bloomin' beautiful. TFS & Hugs

Carol L said...

Now that's a cool way to use this die! I love switching colors within a die, but the two-directional arrow embossing is crafty beyond my imagination! Well done with this gorgeous, colorful card!!

Sharon Underwood said...

Love the bright colors on your card; what a wonderful die! I'm so glad you finally used it!

Greta said...

What a great use of that die, Darnell! Isn't it true--real friends are there when everything isn't wonderful. Glad someone else doesn't have a lot to show for the weekend--LOL! Work 1/2 time at the most & still manage to not get much accomplished!

Deepti said...

I like the Mt. NBUS :) made me smile. The way u used the die is simply incredible. Love the rainbow colors, thank you for joining us in our celebration at ATSM !

Bobby said...

How can I type when I'm laughing so hard at the cartoon? Love it! I also love your card. That ROY G BIV comes to the rescue again.

Kristie Goulet said...

I am in love with your rainbow card, Darnell!

Bonnie said...

Wow! You rocked all these challenges with this card, Darnell! Love the symbolism of the arrows!

Cindy Brumbaugh said...

Wow...that roygbiv is amazing, Darnell. LOVE!! It just makes a smile come across my face over and over!

Nan G said...

Aren't you clever! I looked at this and thought...cool tree branch e.f. LOL And now you tell me it's arrows going ups and downsy. aaaccckkkkk Anywhos it's, love the bright colors. That's a cool word die and a great way to use it!

dnisme@blogspot.com said...

I love your colourful card and when you get tired of that EF, can you let me buy it from you. LOL! Kidding. You've just shown me another cool way to use it. I love the way you designated the card, Darnell,and wouldn't thange a ching.

Gerrina said...

What a great background with the arrows pointing both sides! Little detailos make a card, but the bold colourful sentimentpanal is super standing out! Hope you have a fun week planned, Gerrina

Redanne said...

I have not heard ROYGVIB used for years!! Love your card, the colours are fabulous and so is the sentiment. Hugs, Annie xx

Shona Chambers said...

Gotta love the rainbow colours!! I haven't seen that friends die, its spectactular and looks so good with all the different colours. You paper pieced with such patience!! And I know what you mean about seeing the card on your computer screen and then thinking 'hmmmm...'. A few times I've actually changed things and taken more photos. Bugs me for weeks if I post something I'm not happy with... And enjoy your 'slothy' weekends, sometimes it nice to do nothing in particular.

Unknown said...

Amazing card Dippy - just love how you've infilled all the negative spaces with the rainbow of colours; and how deep what that nifty bit of cutting of the embossed panel showing the up's and down's of life!!! Gorgeous.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Susanne said...

Simply awesome card.

Janelle said...

What a terrific card, Darnell. I love the colours and the die is to die for! (Pardon the pun!) You're so clever.

Brenda said...

Love, love, love!!! Hugs, Brenda

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Wouldn't that actually be the "little screen" or do you have a jumbotron for a monitor? I think the ribbon is distracting because it is more rainbows on an already very rainbow-y card. Mayhaps ribbon of just one color of the rainbow should go there.

dottielottie said...

What a great card Darnell, that is a lovely die, what a great sentiment especially with those rainbow colours behind it. Love your explanation and reason for the embossing folder and is so true my friend.
Hugs Lottie x

Brenda in IN said...

Wow, what a great die. I love the bright colors and the way you did the embossing folder for good times and bad times. Great idea.

Geri said...

Wow! This is sooooo vibrant! The inlaid technique really does create an amazing card! And scraps...atta girl!

Now 'bout the ribbon...should have saved my preference vote for this comment, not the previous one...

They both look great but I do prefer it without the ribbon :)

Deborah Frings said...

Oh wow!! This is just fabulous. I love the bold rainbow colours and the way the words stand out. The embossed background is great and I do like the ribbon too. Thanks so much for playing along with ASM this week!

Di said...

Just STUNNING Darnell! You really made a great card here - just when I thought you couldn't surprise me much more. LOVE the rainbow, really clever to do the arrows up and down too.

Hugs, Di xx

Jean said...

What a fabulous card, I love everything about it, the lovely bright colours, the super die and your patience in placing all the cut out bits.
Jean x

Loll said...

Bright and cherry card ... love the block of text and rainbow behind it --- great design Dolly! Lolly xx

Barb Ghig said...

I don't know how I missed this GORGEOUS card, Darnell! Your rainbow of colors and embossed background is absolutely, positively, fabulous!!!

cm said...

Groceries and clean undies: those are key ingredients to 'good living' so I don't consider you and the Mister slothly at all! You crack me up! Your card is amazing; love the die, the ROYGBIV colours, the 'deep' arrangement of the arrows. Delight x a zillion! Hugs~c

MaryH said...

Awready said how much I liked this bright card, but saw you were highlited over at the Playground, so popped back to say a big Congrats on that score. Well deserved too. Also a BIG HAPPY HAPPY. I hope you did something wonderful for the day, and got to have your family enjoy it with you. HUGS