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!

September 7, 2014

Rustic Sunflower Birthday

[If you're looking for my NBUS Challenge, click here.]

Happy Sunday Funday! 

I've been working on making cards for family members who have birthdays in September (a lot of them) and I love pulling out my sunflower stamps for them. Of course, I also love seeing if I can find challenges to play in and immediately I was drawn to the current CAS(E) This Sketch.

Unfortunately, I ran into a glitch because none of my sunflower images was big enough to be the focus pocus per the sketch by the fantastic N@ Ali. Not to worry, I pulled out one of my paper sunflower embellies instead and using my fun burlap ribbon, I made this little number:
The sediment is from the PTI "Bigger Blooms" set. The paper is a textured SU pale yellow. I spiffed up the sunflower with Wink of Stella because if you have it, you gotta use it on every card.  It says so right on the fine print of the packaging as if we couldn't finger that out for ourselves. Here is a close-up of all that spiffiness and even so, it's more spiffier in real life:
I'm also playing in the sunny yellow color challenge over at Colour Me ...!
I overcolored the green leaf with brown markers to keep the card just yellows and neutral browns, but I see a wee bit of green on the monitor so I might be disqualified. You can't pull the wool over a camera's eyes.

BTW, I looked up the origin of that idiom about pulling the wool over someone's eyes and the thinking is that it comes from back when woolen wigs were worn by both men and women in the 16th and 17th centuries. Others doubt that origin as wigs were already out of popular fashion in America by the early 19th century.

I think what happened then was that turtleneck sweaters were invented and so that made it easy to hide something from another person by going up behind them and pulling the neck of their woolen sweaters over their faces, which included their eyes. Hmm? You can see that, right?

Remember when you did that to your little sister that time your friend walked into the room with a pack of smokes and you didn't want your sister to tell your parents so you somersaulted over the back of the couch and grabbed her sweater neck and yanked it up over her eyes before she knew what hit her? Ah, memories.

You're welcome. I know you appreciate it when I look into the oranges of idiots.

~~~

New Friends Corner

There is a lot of sunshine yellow over the Playhouse as new friends have come a knockin'! I'm delighted to have you meet:

Mary V. of Mary V Scraps. Mary has been blogging since early in 2012. She is a wife, mother, and lover of paper. She makes really wonderful bright cards and even has amazing designs for wedding invitations and adorable shaped children's party invitations. You will be impressed by her works of art!

Connie of Crafty Home Cottage. I met Connie through The Creative Blog Hop. She is a woman of simple pleasures, a wife, and grandmother. She and her husband of 38 years live on an acre of land in the Pacific Northwest and enjoy every day. Connie is an uplifting soul who shares lots of art and creativity on her blog!

Lindsey of Bashful Blogging. As the blog name suggests, Lindsey is shy, so I won't say anything else about her. Just kidding. Lindsey is a hoot and a talented card artist. I met her through the Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers, so that tells you a lot about her. You will enjoy your romp through her blog!

Nikki Acton of Addicted to Art. Other than three posts in 2013, Nikki started blogging this year. She is a dedicated and talented artist and huge fan of Tim Holtz. I don't know about some of you, but I find the fans of TH make the most extraordinary works of art with their layers and embellishments and innovation. If you aren't familiar with what I mean (or even if you are!), a visit to Nikki will be revealing and appealing!

Bibiana of Stamping With Bibiana. I first introduced you to Bibiana here when I was tagged by her to participate in The Creative Blog Hop. Her talents and interests and her generous spirit of sharing are more fully described in that link so I hope you will click over to read it and then visit Bibiana to see for yourself all that she has to offer!

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

~~~

We are still without a new computer, but the pictures of our weekend with the boys were not lost, thank goodness! Here is a little collage for you:
~~~

NBUS Challenge #2:

Thank you to everyone who has already played in my NBUS Challenge #2! I just love seeing all your new and old virginal schtuff being used in your stunning creations!! The challenge is open until September 25th.

~~~

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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82 comments:

Petra Swart said...

Oh, Darnell, I just love everything burlap, so this card has a 10/10 from me (sorry, make that 9/10 for the wee bit of green!!) Your glittery sunflower looks great and I love the sentiment (I mean sediment!!) stamp!! Lovely card!!

Have a super Sunday!!!

Sammy said...

Sunflowers *and* burlap... I think you may have just made the perfect card. LOVE it! x

Sue said...

Lovely card.

Hope you have a fab day.

Sarah said...

Fabby card Darnell!! Love the collage of your lovely "boys" too xx

Hannelie said...

Sunflowers makes me miss home!
Lovely card Darnell... just look at that fabulous shimmer!

Pia S said...

Great take in the sketch, Darnell! Love the combo of the glittery sunflower and the burlap, and your card has a lovely autumnal feel to it!

Sue said...

This is gorgeous Darnell. The sparkle on the sunflower looks glorious and the burlap ribbon is prefect.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos too.
hugs Sue xx

Redanne said...

A totally spiffing card my dear! Lol. But honestly it is gorgeous, I love the sunflower and I always love to see hessian, it has such a rustic feel and suits the hessian so well and as for the touch of Wink of Stella, it is perfect!

Great pictures, especially the one of the boys at the aquarium(?), that is amazing. Big hugs, Annie xx

PS Nice to Nikki in your 'roll', she is indeed a very talented lady!

Anonymous said...

I love anything with sunflowers so this really hits the mark, gorgeous shimmery goodness! Cx

Stamps and Paper said...

Gorgeous card Darnell love the way you've used burlap with your sunflower and lovely combination..

Anne

Inkyfingers said...

Who doesn't love a sunflower to brighten up their day? Love the burlap ribbon too. Hope the computer gets sorted out soon but you did a great job with the beautiful collage without it!
Hugs
Carol x

Lynn said...

Ahhh...love the pictures of the boys. And all the shimmer on the sunflower is beautiful!

Sheila H said...

Your sun flower and burlap ribbon look great together. I love the rustic feel of your card. Love that WOS also :). Thanks for sharing your weekend pictures.

Keep It Sweet and Simple said...

Your bloom is beautiful and to have it sitting on that gorgeous textured burlap is just perfect.
Caroline xxx

Keep It Sweet and Simple said...

Your bloom is beautiful and to have it sitting on that gorgeous textured burlap is just perfect.
Caroline xxx

Benzi said...

Beautiful sunflower card and the Wink of Stella made it even more yummy.
Great collage of the boys and fun post about the pulling the wool over someone's eyes.

Chriss Blagrave said...

I love this card Darnell...beautiful textures carried throughout and it is really shimmering on my monitor! I love sunflowers and have a beautiful set that I should pull out and ink and wink up. I think I need to get that Wink...of Stella! You have sold me on it ;))
Love the photos of the grandchildren, precious.
I love the history lesson, as always, teaching me shctuff that I have meant to look up...! Oh, I think any smidgen of green showing on your card looks neutral to me!

Jeanne said...

Lovely card, Darnell. The sunflower is wonderfully sparkly. I also like the texture in the burlap ribbon. :) Happy to hear that the photos weren't lost. Looks like a grand time was had by all. :)

Happy Dance said...

Am sneaking in a little quiet time before I head off to church. Love your sunflower card! Perfect for this time of year!! And your glitzing it up reminds me of how mom used to "doctor" up foods... add a bit of this, and a bit of that, and voila!, yummy delish! That's exactly how I'd describe your card too!! Have a wonderful Sunday. Bev

Sue said...

Gorgeous card love the burlap and sunflower! huggles Sue xxx

Joanne James - The Crafty Owl said...

Oh Darnell! I don't know what hits the spot best: the beautiful sparkly sunflower that is perfect for this week's monochromatic challenge over at Colour Me..! or your humorous musings over wigs and turtlenecks! Thanks for making me smile today :-) and for joining in our challenge over at Colour Me...! this week.

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
what a really fab creation.
Love that sunflower and your interpretation of the sketch.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

I Card Everyone said...

D - I don't remember the turtleneck, but I remember her shoving/thinking she could hide the ashtray under the couch and then smelling the dust bunnies burning... those sisters!!!
Darling card... love the sunflower and how it has no trouble tipping over from its weight!!
=] M

Katie Melhus said...

Rich and yummy nummy sparkly goodness Darnell - PS I'm super proud and not at all surprised that you've reached 600 followers! You go you charming and talented lady, you! Now off to make use of some of my NBUS!

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Don't sunflowers just shriek Summer!
And your card is shouting loud and clear "I'm beautiful!"
Ang x

Linda said...

Darnell, this card is stunning. So beautiful. Did you see that Avery received A Cut Above shout out for her card that you liked better than mine.....? I guess they did too. Lol
I am quite proud of her.

Jacee said...

Beautiful card Darnell, that sunflower is so gorgeous, love it, a great card.
Hugs Jacee
Simply Paper Card Design

Cat Craig said...

Darnell, such a gorgeous sunflower, --they are particular favorites of mine, so this caught my eye right away. The burlap is a wonderful resting place for that spiffy-ed up bloom. And yes you are right if one owns a WOS pen it must be used...what did we all do with out them?

jimlynn said...

Just beautiful! LOVE that gorgeous sunflower and the burlap tops it off perfectly! Stunning card.
Lynn

Mrs.B said...

Great card, the burlap ribbon adds a great texture.
Love your explanation of the saying, much better than wigs!
Avril xx

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

Fantastic card Darnell, the sun flower is fabulous! Super photos of the boys, bless!

Warm hugs
Maarit

Verna Angerhofer said...

Such a gorgeous card with that shimmery sunflower and addition of the burlap. I just got some burlap so need to try a few things with it too!

1CardCreator said...

Gorgeous card and thanks for the close up on the Wink of Stella, I wondered what that stuff was! ~Diane

Canonbury creations said...

Absolutely stunning card Darnell! Perfectly CAS and just beautiful :-D
Love the collage too
Val x

Carole said...

I love the sunflower and burlap combo...I think I can smell straw...is there a scarecrow around. Very Cute collage of the twins all arms and legs and hands to hide behind. Hugs C

Taunya Butler said...

This card screams September to me!! Love the burlap with the Sunflower and I love how this is so spot on with the CAS(E) this sketch!! Awesomely done - and I am sad that I don't have any wink of stella because that means I did knot know every card required it - I must get with the times!!! :) Thanks for the smiles I enjoy while here!! Gorgeous pictures - so glad they were not lost!! Have an amazing day!!

Carol L said...

I'm really loving this card with the burlap and sunflower image, and the photos of your family times look like fun! Can't help but pity your poor sister for having her turtle neck pulled up over her face to hide the evidence! tsk tsk dear Darnell :)

Peggy in Mentone said...

It is always such a delight to come and visit you...it is like stopping by a friends home and having a cup of tea, solving the problems of the world and having a very good laugh to lighten the mood, and then being inspired to go out and do your BEST work! (I too am a run-on sentence writer...) I Love your sunflower and a bit of sparkle makes everyone's day a bit better. Green? what green? If you should need some one to testify for you in the challenge court...I'm your person!

LOVE the burlap on your card adding texture and interest and your sunflower ROCKS! I was especially drawn to your sentiment font..and was hoping it was computer generated so I could go find it...but sadly (sad for me, happy for you) I see it is a VERY cool stamp!

Thank YOU for the awesome comment on my latest card...Such sweetness on this Sunday morning. (oops I just saw it has slid into afternoon...)

Have a great week!

Hugs,
Peggy

Greta said...

What a wonderful collage--pictures to treasure! Is that the Monterrey Bay acquarium?--loved going there with my sis. That burlap ribbon flag is perfect with the gorgeous sunflower--great card, Darnell!

Nora Noll said...

What a great card Darnell!! I love that burlap ribbon and how you used a STICKER!! It looks awesome with Wink of Stella on it.

Thank you for the fun facts on the idiom. I did not know that. However, I like your turtleneck interpretation of the facts better. It made me laugh too because I so would have done that to my sister. Poor girl had plenty of pranks pulled on her by me. Have a great day.

Nikki Acton said...

Love your card Darnell, I might be a Tim fan but I love CAS too! Thank you so much for the lovely write up too, so kind! Shall be popping back regularly to see your work. Nikki xxx

OH Babs said...

Clever, simply clever. I too like the font on the sentiment. Nice photos of Grandpa and the twins. How is his back? What beach do you go to? Half Moon Bay? Of course I enjoy every story you have to tell I.I. Have a good one, B

Kathleen said...

Fantastic, as always.

Kath x
PS no I am not pulling the wool over your eyes.

Hettie said...

Great card there Mrs! I am liking the sunnieflower! You need green with flowers.
I was the Lickle sisser!
Hugs
xx

Bonnie said...

My computer is being very bad today and wouldn't let me load and comment earlier so I'm going to try again. I love sunflowers and burlap. They seem made for each other. And that big sentiment is just the right size! Looks like you had a great time at the aquarium! I love the picture of all the arms and legs.

Barb Ghig said...

Oh, what a GORGEOUS card, Darnell! I love how you inked it up, and adding the WOS clear glitter was such a great idea! By the way, I don't see any green from where I'm sitting, so I think you're safe :) And, the burlap banner, well that's just divine!

Thanks for sharing all those great pics from your weekend...looks like everyone had a great time! And that gorgeous sunset and sky? WOW!!!

Also, I want to thank you for making me LOL! I never noticed the fine print on the WOS marker, so it must be instinct that we all use it on 'everything'! I'm so happy you've saved us the trouble of researching the origin of the quote, too ~ I think your reasoning with the turtleneck sweater makes the most sense...wink, wink!
Hugs, Barb

MaryH said...

Areb't you just brilliant to combine that sunflower with the burlap? Perfect pairing. Loved all this on the cream c/s too. They best NOT disqualify you - this one's luscious. Enjoyed seeing the piccies too. That was one gorgeous sunset and I could see everyone was having a grand time. TFS & big hugs.

Bobby said...

Love your big beautiful sunflower. And the burlap ribbon, too. And the pictures of the kids. And your visitor expose'. And your idiom explanation. I guess I just love everything about your blog post.

laurie said...

I love that sparkly sunflower set on the burlap, they just go together perfectly! I love that textured card stock too!

Lisa Elton said...

Your burlap ribbon and your sparkly sunflower were the perfect pairing Darnell! This is marvelous!!

Susanne Vargas said...

That's a beautiful late summer card, Darnell! Love your spiffy sunflower!

Lindsey said...

Shy me, just popping in to admire your card... it's perfect! Especially if you like fall and fall colours. Too bad I don't. :D Still love the card, though!

Karen Petitt said...

I love this card Darnell. Everything about it screams quality and very exclusive boutique. The ribbon is lush and the sunflower is wonderful - I envy the recipient. Thank you for sharing your photographs too Karen x

Alanna said...

What a gorgeous card Darnell. I love the sunflower and the burlap is just perfect.

Marisa said...

Gorgeous sunflower and love the touch of burlap.

aussie aNNie said...

Darnell wow this is a fantastic sunflower ...beautiful collage too.xxx

The Journey is the Start

sandie said...

What a wonderful collection of photos, that sky is amazing! And the WOS is so perfect on the sunflower. I go with the roll neck jumper idea...that is what we call turtle neck sweaters here!

Carole Z said...

Love the sunflowers and burlap, a fabulous combination! Hugs Carole Z X

Wendy Nicola Jackson said...

Love everything about this card Darnell. Sunflowers are some of my favourite flowers and my Aromatherapy clinics in London were called 'Sunflower Studios', so I think this is fab! I also am a big fan of CAS design and hessian, so it's a winner in my books! Big hugs, Wends x

Unknown said...

Fabulous card Dippy. Love the sunflower on the burlap, so effective and lovely sentiment. Glad your photos didn't disappear......the collage is wonderful, love that huge sky and the twins silhouette heads looking through the glass; but it's the feet that had me giggling....I can imagine what they were saying when you took that photo!

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Sarah G said...

Gorgeous card, Darnell - who can resist a sparkly sunflower?? Love that burlap ribbon too - I must get me some! Looks like the boys had another fab visit, thanks for sharing the lovely photos :)

Jean said...

A fabulous card Dranell, the sparkling sunflower is beautiful and it looks great on the burlap ribbon.
Perfect in style and simplicity.
Jean x

G Peplow said...

Fab sunflower card Darnell, loving all that glitter :D I'm so glad you researched the wool over the eyes, fascinating stuff!!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos, it looks like you all had a great time, love the sunsets too :D xx

Ros Crawford said...

Gorgeous sparkly sunflower! And I love your collage ... what a good looking family you are!

Andrea said...

great card Darnell I love the burlap and sunflowers are such happy flowers and you cant beat a bit of sparkle I've not got any wink of Stella pens but have seen them in use and I can see why you need to use them on everything;-)...looks fabulous. also I ot your email,thank you I will email you back later in the week.. .off to work shortly so had time to do a bit of housework and more importantly squeeze in a blog hop to all my favourite people/sites. great photos it looks like they and you had a fabulous week and very active too..stunning sky in the beach photo . and so pleased to hear you did notloose any. Happy crafting an d have great week ..big hugs
Andrea x

Em Louise Fairley said...

Darlene, this is so beautiful! :) x

Stamping With Bibiana said...

hello my friend! great simple card love the ribbon.. and thanks for getting me to understand a little bit better English language , which is so rich and full of idioms like this one...and Thanks as well for the mention again to my blog! hugs from you know where :)
bibiana

Sharon Underwood said...

Love that sunflower! And, if you ask me, those leaves are brown, not green! A pretty brown, at that. I also love the family photos at the end of your post. Somebody takes great pictures in your family...just sayin'.

Brenda said...

Love this card Auntie Darnell! lol I love that burlap ribbon, so perfect with that amazing sunflower! I have got to get my hands on a Wink of Stellar pen, so much shimmer and shine and sparkle, I almost needed my sunglasses when I enlarged the photo. Love it! I also loved the story about pulling the wool over someone's eyes. I never wore turtle necks often, I was always much to hot for them and claustrophobic. lol Wouldn't have wanted to be your sister though. lol,lol You always crack me up Darnell, so thanks for the laugh today. Hugs, Brenda PS-Loved the pictures of the boys especially the one where they have their feet and hands up hiding from the camera. Oh yes, I have some just like them. lol

Anonymous said...

Love the burlap and that gorgeous sunflowers my dear, perfect!

Unknown said...

We wouldn't dream of disqualifying you for a little bit of green or brown peeking through, Darnell! Your card is gorgeous and after all, we do allow neutrals at Colour Me…! and as long as the main colors are present, we are happy crafters :)

Your card is gorgeous, the sparkle put a very wide, very silly grin on my face ;)

Thank you for playing along with us at Colour Me…! this week!

Julia
CMCC Design Team

Gerrina said...

So good to see how you take an embelisghment and turn it in a little piece of your own art! Great card! And a sweet reminder-collage of the pics... Enjoy your week, Gerrina

Colleen Dietrich said...

Ah, I love burlap and sunflowers together. This is so beautiful, Darnell!

Congrats on reaching over 600 followers. YOu go, girl!

Pat said...

Lovely card Darnell, and some great photos of your weekend. Love the burlap you have used too. x

Leigh Penner said...

Gorgeous card, Darnell! I love the texture! Great take on the sketch!

Grá O'Neill said...

Beautiful card, love the burlap & sunflower :)

Anita in France said...

A veritable ray of sunshine, Darnell ... all gorgeously glittery and touchable! Such fabulous photo's too ... a sense of joy just leaps out from each one ... so pleased they were recoverable! Anita :)

Anita in France said...

Had to come back, Darnell ... your beautifully bloom won an HM at CTS ... congratulations! Anita :)

Taunya Butler said...

So pleased for you - this very lovely card was a CTS Honorable Mention!! Yahoo for you!! So glad to see this!! You positively ROCK!!!

Kim Heggins said...

So pretty...and your are all set for fall with your cards. Such a beautiful sunflower, so sweet and your use of burlap, genius! Enjoy your weekend.

Petra Swart said...

Hi Darnell!!!
Thank you so much for all your sweet comments on my blog!!! And a big congrats to you, too, hey, for HM at CTS!!! Yeah for your beautiful sunflower!!!

Just came back from the Post Office - put you a little something in the mail!! Should hopefully reach you not later than end of next week!!!

Have a super week!!!
Hugz

cm said...

A spiffy, sparkly sunflower, Darnell...gorgeous! As for those turtle-neck sweater episodes...um, yes, yes I *may* have engaged in pulling the wool over my sister's eyes once or twice (but if was for her..er, my, own good). Keep up with sharing word/phrase origins; they're awesome!!
Hugs~c