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!

January 31, 2015

Let Love Shine


Happy Saturday Night and Sunday Funday First Fay of February for some of you!

The month of love is upon us and hearts are filling the Blogways and Byways of the Intertube and the challenges, so I'm joining in.
I have for you today a golden delicious Valentine made from a white card base, overlain with a leaf of white card stock covered in the finest Belgium vellum inlaid with flecks of gold, which are heart-shaped and rubbed to a fine gilded finish. Over that you will find a wooden veneer declaration of love which has been hand-rubbed in Brilliant gold ink.
As a garnish, the chef has prepared a Lil' Inker triple-butterflied embellishment made from imported sheets of stitched Aladdin gold, topped with a trio of miniature pearls from the rarest oysters found at Riec-sur-Belon. "Heureux regardant."

Can you tell I've been watching Top Chef?!

Speaking of which, are you watching The Great British Baking Show? Oh, crumpets and jam, I LOVE that show! All they do is bake! You do get to know the bakers as the episodes go on, but only on the surface. It's a real reality show which portrays the actual reality of baking and the frustrations of baking, not the loves, hates, miseries, and bickerings of the contestants. Don't get me wrong, I watch all those horrid reality shows, too, but this one is SUCH a breath of fresh air.

The only downside is that you'd better not have any breads, tarts, tortes, or desserts on hand in your house because you WILL eat them after you watch this show!

~~ Okay, where was I was ...

Challenges

Grab Our Badge!Grab My Button.Grab Our Badge!

Click on the links for the details on rules, sponsors and prizes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Society of Stampaholics Card Chain

I also wanted to share with you that I took part in the Card Chain at Society of Stampaholics for the month of January and the reveal is Sunday, the 1st. To participate in the card chain each month, you just sign up and you are guaranteed one piece of Happy Mail every month! What a fun idea!
SOS-Blinkie-0612
Here is the card I made. 
The card base for this card is glossy card stock embossed with butterflies. I die cut the column of hearts in two colors using the Memory Box "Twirled Heart Border" die, using one color for the frame and one for the inlay. I added the die cut sediment from the Paper Smooches "Love Die," also die cut in two different colors. Next, I scored lines above and below the sediment and on each side of the column of hearts and added some dotty bling. QACAS!

To participate in the Society challenge, you send your card to the person in front of you in the sign-up and it turned out the person in front of me for January was my bloggie friend Greta of GG Creations! Lots of times the person in front of you is a stranger to you, so it's a great way to make new friends! I hope that you'll check it out and join in!

glittered (blues)
Challenges
GRAB OUR BADGE!

Again, just click on the links for the details on rules, sponsors and prizes.

~~~

New Friends Corner

I'm pickled tink to welcome five more new friends for you to meet!

Mary of Dolly Bee's Snippets of Life. Mary has been blogging since 2011. As the title of her blog indicates, Mary shares snippets of her life and photography, as well as her really extraordinary scrapbook layouts. I mean, extraordinary! I haven't quite worked out yet why the name of her blog doesn't match her name, but I'm sure there is a story there. Just like I'm sure that you will enjoy your visit to her!

Christi Conley of Art Without Anxiety. Christi has been blogging since March 2013. She loves adorning her pretty card designs and makes amazing 3D projects! I love the title of Christi's blog except that she has been having some anxiety since my visit advising her that I cannot comment on her lovely creations because I'm not a Google+ member. Which is just not right, so I'm asking for your help. Christi has both types of follower buttons, so that part is great, but her "comments" under "Layouts" is different than mine (non-Google+) so I am at a loss how to help her. I know lots of you have both follower buttons on your blogs and I AM able to comment even though I'm not a Google+ member. If you know how you can help Christi fix her blog, she would be most grateful ~ and so would I and her other readers who presently can't leave her comments. Thank you!

Elizabeth Sarkisyan of Create for Family and Friends, Another fabulous blog name. Elizabeth has been blogging since April 2010. Elizabeth's cards often showcase children or critters or sparkle and shine. They are always bright and cheerful and always colored magnificently! She is a challenge award winner and she has lots of wonderful inspiration to show you!

 Ksenija Rizova of Sweet Kolbylkin. Ksenija is from Russia and she has been blogging since 2013. She has a wide range of talent and more than one blog to enchant you with her beautiful works of art. She also provides excellent photo tutorials for how-tos, which is always welcome to the rest of us. I know you will be inspired by Ksenija!

Lisa of This Sweet Madness. Lisa has been blogging since 2011. She is an avid challenge player and has won many awards for her fun card art! Lisa is on many design teams and one-half of a mother-daughter card business. I think you will find Lisa to be enthusiastic and her cards are all about fun, bright colors, and creative designs!

~~~


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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109 comments:

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

These are awesome! Just loving that 3-d butterfly and the hearts are to die for!! Carri~Abusybee
Skittles!

Unknown said...

Love your inlaid die cuts on the first card, and the stacked hearts on the second are such a beautiful color!
Nina-Marie :)

Unknown said...

Love your inlaid die cuts on the first card, and the stacked hearts on the second are such a beautiful color!
Nina-Marie :)

donna mikasa said...

Your golden delicious card is exactly that! Such a dazzling card, Darnell! And you've just reminded me that I have that heart border die and 'tis the season to use it!

Petra Swart said...

WOW, what an absolutely stunning gold and white card, Darnell!!! Love the cute little hearts and that stunning butterfly!! The sentiment panel looks awesome!!! Oh, this is beautiful, Darnell!!! Love it!!!
The second card is equally beautiful!!! I love those stacked hearts and the great colours you have used!!! The glossy cardstock is so beautiful and I love the sentiment done in two colours!! Lovely card!!! I'm going to check out the SOS blog!!!
Have a great Sunday!!!

kiwimeskreations said...

Beautiful cards Darnell - love the gold one - it is stunning!! The texture on the blue card is beautiful.
Blessings
Maxine
p.s. I am a relatively new follower

Mynn xx said...

Darnell, these are both AMAZING! LOVE the beautiful use of colors, dies, and shine together! Thanks for joining us at House of Cards! Hope to see you for our next challenge soon! HUGS! :) Mynn xx

Rema DeLeeuw said...

Two awesome looking cards Darnell! That first one is a beauty...

Čarovnije z male kmetije said...

Gorgeous cards! You chosen interesting colours for hearts, it's super! And embossing buterflies are very cute, and that golden card is amazing, with this panel of nice sentiment. Have a nice day :)

sandie said...

Adore all these golden hearts and what a fab die!! Thanks for joining TIME OUT. I don't watch the Bake Off show but it sure is popular here!

Shona Chambers said...

My Mum and I watch that show and absolutely love it!! The people that take part are so lovely and we love the two ladies who present, they are hilarious!! And yes, it does make me rather ravenous looking at all the yummy cakes etc. Your card is a vision of golden goodness and love all the different layers and textures. And such international supplies you have, they are very well traveled indeed!! Always happy to have you at TIME OUT!!

Vijaylaxmi Siyal said...

Beautiful golden dazzling card Darnell ..loved every tint detail of it to make it so perfect...n topping(triple butterfly) is yummilious..:)

Sue said...

Stunning cards Darnell, your designs are so stylish and the colours are gorgeous.
I am a big fan of the Great British Bake Off too.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend.
hugs Sue xx

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Gorgeous cards
hugs Tamara

Sarah G said...

Love all of the golden goodness on your first card, Darnell - it is good enough to eat! The stacked hearts look fab too. Happy February to you :)

Sue said...

Fab cards. It's nice to see something other than red:)

Hope you have a good day. Sue

Unknown said...

So clean in design yet so creative. Love your cards, you always have it down to a fine art!!
xx

Carole Z said...

Love this card Darnell, all that lush gold! So is the Great British Baking Challenge, the same as The Great British Bake-off over here? Is it your own version or ours re-named? Do you have 'Sewing Bee' as well? I love that programme..it's the same as baking but with sewing (of course lol) Hugs Carole Z X

Lynn said...

We're addicted to Master Chef Junior. Collin loves to cook so he's extra fascinated by what all they are making. Love your cards Darnell...all the gold is divine!

Marilyn said...

Adorable cards!! Love the butterfly

Mrs A. said...

There was a lot of elbow grease and rubbie dubbing going on with your first card and what a beauty it is too. I love the shinny gold.
Your 2nd qualifies too as it has butterflies on the backing sheet.
Love them both and thankyou for fluttering by my Butterfly challenge. hugs Mrs A.

Donna said...

Your Let it Shine and Love card both Shine in my eyes. Love that you used nontraditional Valentine colors! Thanks for joining us at House of Cards.

adele holcomb said...

Two lovely cards -- I loved your clever description of the "let love shine" card!

Sue said...

Wow, and wow, Darnell! Two beautiful cards but I have to say, the first "blew my socks off". That vellum is gorgeous, I love the negative diecut and the butterfly is beautiful. I do enjoy watching the Great British Bake-off! Just wanted to say thank you for your wonderfully encouraging comments on my blog and for taking the time to do so. I am happy if my cards bring anyone pleasure. Hope you're having a good weekend. xx

Jeanne said...

Oh Darnell, both cards are so lovely, but I am a sucker for a pretty butterfly and yours sparkles and shines so brightly on the first card. I also adore the embossed butterflies on the second one as well. So I guess I get a twofer today. Yay! I have NOT heard of that baking show you mentioned. What network is it on? I'd love to check it out sometime! Have a super duper Sunday! Hugs!

Alanna said...

Your card is gorgeous Darnell. I love the touches of gold and that beautiful butterfly. The show you've been watching sounds like a lot of fun. And now I'm hungry all the sudden. :)

Unknown said...

Hi Dippy, what beautiful cards you've brought us today. Happy 1st of February. Love the gilded wood and the butterflies - just gorgeous. So glad you're getting to watch the Great British Bake-off - such a great show and what amazing home bakers eh? Would hate all that stress though.........

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Kristi said...

Your description of your first card was spot on and hilarious! I haven't heard of the baking challenge show but it sounds like my kind of TV.

I love your beautiful cards. They both have such pretty shimmery qualities that I find hard to reproduce in my style! Love them.

Happy Dance said...

You've baked up a fresh batch of lovely here, Miss D. Gold upon gold upon gold...LOVE that card! Pearls, butterflies and hearts - the perfect combination of ingredients to make the perfect card. Dang girl! And your blue valentines...all shimmery and pretty...you are on a roll. Love your creations. Snowy here today, so I guess I'll have to stay in and CASE your cards! Sunday blessings sweet girl. Bev

None None said...

This is just scrumptydoodledelicious! Whoa! I think I just channeled you when I typed that in. :) I just adore your gold card - it is over the top, indulgent and perfect for sharing affections of love. Wow... and now I want some chocolate and it's nowhere near time for chocolate! This post should have been prefaced with a warning that it might make you hungry before you finish reading.

Thanks for the tip on the british baking show - I will have to look for it so I can TiVo it (I love cooking / baking shows!)

I Card Everyone said...

I, too, am hooked on that show, D... and this card!
=] M

Susan Powell said...

WOW!!! you nailed the LOVE theme! Your card is gorgeous and that 3D butterfly is perfect!

jimlynn said...

Holy Guacamole!!!! You knocked it out of the park on these two Darnell! Love all the gold on that first one. SO pretty. The second is just as lovely with that shimmer.
Yep, you can start your very own show now!
Lynn

Leslee said...

Beautiful cards! I do like those stacked hearts!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Gorgeous cards, I love the little gold hearts and butterflies on the top one. Happy Superbowl Sunday, Shirleyxx

Liz said...

Two beautiful cards.... I don't think I can pick a favourite, they are both stunning!

I didn't realise you get The Great British Bake Off in the US. it's really big in the UK, as you can imagine. It never ceased to amaze me how good the contestants are... although I must admit, it is funny sometimes when things don't go according to plan. ;-)

Julie B said...

Two fab cards Darnell, love the little gold hearts on the first and the different colourway on the second.
Which series are you watching on Bake Off? If it was the latest one look out for 'bingate' The lady involved on that show was a WI stalwart from around here. Have you seen custardgate yet?
Oh and by the way thanks for sharing at ATSM! :)

Cat Craig said...

Fab fab fab cards Darnell, and yes I loved the TC-esque feel of the intro. Love the cooking shows, and have gotten hubs interested in watching with me...he like the survivor feel of TC. Glad you joined in the CCC, it is such fun!

conil said...

Your golden card is scrumptious... reminds me golden wrapped chocolates. (If you're tired of food related comments, remember, you started it.) Back to your cards...these are both winners. Love the hearts falling down the side...like candy hearts spilling out of a bag. I've got to go now...have to work on my OCC homework and, thanks to you, now I'm hungry.

Shelly said...

Fabulous cards, Darnell! And suddenly after reading your post, I feel hungry! ;) Happy February!

KandA said...

These are both fantastic Darnell..... BUT after that description of the first I will expect to see the edible version in a future blog post!! It really would look amazing as a cake or choccie bar - not sure if it would last long enough to be photographed though xx

Lisa said...

Both of your cards are so shiny and gorgeous!! I love the beautiful butterfly!! The hearts are fabulous!! Love them both!! Have a great day :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

oldpunca said...

Dear Darnell, I'm totally amazed about both cards. What a wonderful work! Golden hearts are a dream. :-))
Hugs, Sonja

Pia S said...

These are both fantastic cards, Darnell! I love the shine on them and your use of non traditional colors. Great job!

Jacee said...

Two lovely cards Darnell, great designs.
hugs Jacee
Simply Paper Card Design

Anita in France said...

What a golden card recipe, Darnell ... such a cornucopia of wonderful ingredients resulting in a confection of Michelin star proportions! The two tone tumbling blue hearts and sentiment are delicious against the shimmery butterfly background ... yum yum! Hugs, Bisous Bisous, Anita :)

Anita in France said...

Oops, with all that tastiness on my tongue, I forgot ... thanks so much for sharing your delectable design with us at Time Out! Hugs, Anita :)

Pawsitively Creative said...

Is this a CAS card? Because I feel like I struck gold while looking at the first one. I am not a fan of gold but you sure made me like this gold piece. Toots your horn! Awesome, and I also want a pastry now. Love the 2nd card as well and Happy Mail always makes me happy. Wonderful! Hugs dear muffin! ~Niki

Verna Angerhofer said...

What a golden beauty you created. That is stunning. And, I love the blue and white one as well. Another equally stunning work of art!

Pat said...

I love both these cards Darnell. I adore that pretty vellum and stitched butterfly layered up beautifully, and the second looks so shiny and the embossing adds interest and with the lovely die cut border with the outside a different colour to the innner and the die cut sentiment it works perfectly. Hope you have had a good weekend. x

Yolanda Garrido said...

I also did a shiny card today!! I think we indeed miss Christmas cards jeje It´s lovely Darnell!!

Carol L said...

Your gorgeous golden beauty takes the trophy in my book for elegant and stunning! I LOVE all those itty bitty golden hearts! The 2nd card is pretty with the cascading hearts too, and what a great idea for mingling amongst the blogland stampers! I never heard of the baking show you mentioned - what network is it on?!

Carol said...

Two beautiful cards Darnell, do love the column of hearts die you've used. I've joined the February swap...looking forward to it. Carol x

Kay Miller said...

Ooooooooh that first card sounds so good I could eat it! hahaha! It is seriously lovely though!! The golden butterfly and that sparkly background with that lovely die cut sentiment is just stunning! Your second card is a beauty too! That embossed background looks amazing! Hope you have a fabulous week my friend!!

Kristie Goulet said...

What a lovely card, Darnell! I love the gold butterfly and the sentiment piece. So awesome! Have a great week!

Marisa said...

Adore that die on the first one - such a wonderful sentiment and the layered butterfly is so fun!! Lovely string of hearts down the sideo of the second.

Peggy in Mentone said...

Hello!

Being a HUGE fan of butterflies I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, both of your cards today! First I love all gold deliciousness on the first card and your description made me HUNGRY! And the 2nd card, you mention that your butterflies are embossed but you didn't say what you used to emboss them (unless I missed it). I am curious because I love the effect you achieved. Both cards were pure eye candy for me and inspires me to make a card with a butterfly!

Hugs,
Peggy

Sue said...

Both of your cards are gorgeous. I love Top Chef, but forgot the new season was starting and so I'm really far behind in watching it, so I'm skipping this season. Never hear of the British Baking show. I love to bake, will have to look into that one.

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Great to see you joining in at HoC with your fab err. . . . dish du jour! Thought it was a die cut but its delicious (carrying on the foodie theme)
Ah, Bake Off. Its compulsive viewing here. I'm guessing its last years that you are currently viewing Stateside. . . . Have you seen Dianagate yet? And as for Paul Hollywood's eyes. . . . . . Swoon!
Best wishes.
Ang x

Lindsey said...

Wow, these are both gorgeous! I really need to get a few more Valentines done... soon... eek!

Donna Nuce said...

Wow Darnell! Both cards are amazing but the gold one really is stunning! I think the reason I gain wait is I watch too many food shows. I think you can get fat just looking at all that food! LOL! Have a great day!
Donnaxx

Veerle said...

Love both your card Darnell and yes I watch the great brittish bake off show too. And afterwards when I'm back in my craft room I ALWAYS say to myself before I start: okay Veerle, on your mark, get set, CREATE !!!! ha ha ha ha yes instead of BAKE I then say CREATE !! It does work. LOL LOL
Hugs, Veerle x

Rubeena I. said...

Gorgeous cards! I love the gold one. It's got such a "wow" factor. Thanks for leaving love on my blog today. <3

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards! xxx

Susanne Vargas said...

You created a stunning gold Love card and described it in such a delicious way that I was ready to eat it! Also love your shimmery heart card!

Redanne said...

I think these are my favourite cards ever, I love them both but the butterfly one is just stunning! Love it a lot!

So pleased that you like the Great British Bake Off too, it is a fabulous programme, the new series is starting soon too, can't wait! Big hugs, Annie xx

Kara Lynne said...

Two beautiful cards, Darnell! I love all that gold, especially the butterflies. The blues are great together too.

Leslie Hanna said...

Please exqueeze me while I put on my shades. That gold card is STUNNING! And now I'm curiously hungry.

Thanks for joining us at Shopping Our Stash!

Anonymous said...

Lovely cards. Love the gold butterflies.
I hope someone was able to fix Christi's google issue. Amazing new friends.

Chriss Blagrave said...

Hi Darnell! I am loving these two cards, especially that first one. Those little gold hearts as background to that hand gilded golden wood plaque with the perfect little heart in the love...dreamy, not to mention that butterfly with the pearl body. I loved the photo of this card and the description was a three time read. Poetic and lovely, just like this occasion calls for :)
I must check out the British Baking show...have not heard of it but it sounds promising. A long time ago, I used to watch a show in Canada called The Galloping Gourmet with Graham Kerr. It was a fun show to watch for those times. I think he was mostly tipsy, but I can't be sure of that, only that he was charming and funny. Another British cooking show I used to watch was called Two Fat Ladies and they were a BLAST! I must see if there are some episodes online...

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Both of your cards are gorgeous! Especially the gold butterfly !! Yes, I love cooking shows, too! But I haven't seen the British one!!!i need to look for it!

Lisa Elton said...

Holy smokes Darnell I love the shimmer on both of your PRETTY cards!! That butterfly is beautiful!!

Sharron said...

OMG, Darnell--all the dazzling gorgeousness! Both cards are beautiful but I'm in LOVE with the gold and hearts! You've tempted me with the cooking show too--must give it a peek.

Joyce said...

Such a gorgeous love card. I am intrigued that it is gold and not red. What a great idea. That baking show sounds dangerous. And fattening.

Gunsan said...

Watching cooking shows at 8 pm, now that's another bad move. Stopped doing it since my growling stomach wouldn't let me sleep in peace.

The gold card is so ymmulicious! Never having been a fan of things too shiny, I'm just now developing a sort of kung Midas behaviour hoarding all things golden.

Craftychris said...

Two simply divine cards! The gold one is delicious - the tiny hearts, the gold sentiment plaque and the fabulous butterfly. The blue one is gorgeous too with the awesome die and the lovely embossing. xxx

Gerrina said...

Both great cards! Love that you went for non-red/pink! The wood fineer and velum on the first are beauties and thank you for joining at TIME OUT with that one!
I love blue, so the blue hearts are a feast for my eyes, for sure in a design this beautiful! Hope you have a good week, Gerrina

Dolly B said...

Beautiful cards and thank you so much for the warm welcome. My family call me Dolly and the Bee's is just a play on words as my Last name begins with B. I have done a layout on how my nickname came about , it is on my blog. Thanks again for the lovely welcome
Mary

Brenda said...

Wow, I am so loving both of your cards Auntie! The gold one is so elegant and rich looking and just drips high class! lol I love it but I'm not no where near high class. I also love the blue card, those hearts always grab my attention. The pretty embossed background is elegant too and I love the "love" die cut. You always make such lovely card Auntie!!! Hugs, Brenda

Sheila H said...

Your cards are brilliant in concept, design and appearance!

Ros Crawford said...

Such fabulous cards!! Love that gold against the blue!! Glad you are enjoying the Great British Bake Off ... one of my favourite shows and the judge Paul Hollywood is from my home town! I guess you are watching the series that is already finished here so I wont tell you who won ...

Brenda in IN said...

Your gold and white card is so elegant. I love that brushed wooden sentiment. The heart card is in my favorite color of blue and gorgeous as well. Thanks for the warning but I had to go eat something anyway after reading this post. I haven't seen the British program but I do like the cooking channel and have purchased several cookbooks of some of the cooks.

Barb Ghig said...

Your first card is absolutely GORGEOUS, Darnell! And, a joy to read your intro! I also love your blue inlaid hearts on your second card...they really pop on the glossy cardstock!

Thanks so much for the heads up about Great British Baking Show...off to check it out!

Becca Cruger said...

Your glittery, gold confection absolutely makes me drool! It's BEAUTIFUL! I love, love, love it. I've been watching Top Chef avidly (and hope Mai wins) but I'll have to check out the baking show. I'm glad to see you over at the CCC - it's been so much fun!

Karen said...

Darnell, your cards are beautiful! The shiny love on the first is stunning and the butterfly couldn't be lovelier! The embossing on the second card is exquisite... that is the *perfect* butterfly embossing folder! The hearts are so pretty alongside the sentiment. :o) Gorgeous creations! Have a blessed day. :o)

Hugs and blessings,
Karen

Neets B said...

Two beauties here, Darnell. All that scrummy gold on your first card is gorgeous and I love the delicious combo of shimmer and blues. I LOVE Great British Bake Off...my grandparents were bakers and my mum used to bake all the time when I was younger...perhaps that's why I'm on a constant diet! Yikes! I love baked stuff and baked stuff loves my thighs! Oh well, you can't win them all.

Thanks for sharing at ATSM this week, Anita x

cotnob said...

Two gorgeous cards Darnell, such a beautiful colour combination on the first one both are fabulous designs.
Pauline
x

Holly AKA KopyKat said...

Oh these are so beautiful.

Monika/Buzsy said...

Beautiful cards Darnell. Especially love the first one with the gold butterfly. I am a butterfly girl... any color, any shape... as long as it has wings. :)

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I was just thinking about eating some cake and I think your post pushed my decision firmly into the yes category. Love your Top Chef card and your description of it. Such a hoot. As for the other card I was just looking at a card base with the same shimmer embossed butterflies.... wherever did we get that from? The snail mail challenge sounds totally fun. I love real mail (junk and bills need not apply). Is it all 'Muricans from 'Murica? Not that I have anything against foreigners just that then you have to fuss with postage of an unknown amount.

Helen F. said...

Two "yummy" cards, Darnell! Love all the LOVE you displayed in these beauties!

Taunya Butler said...

Something I love about you is that YOU sparkle and shine ALL THE TIME!!! Your cards are gorgeous and sp cool looking!! What fun to see what you have fashioned in your playhouse!! Can I come and stamp with you some day - maybe then I can be as sparkly as you!!! Love to you!!!

Greta said...

That vellum with gold hearts is stunning & I love your card, Darnell! Thanks again for the wonderful Valentine which I'm so enjoying, my friend!

JD/ Jill said...

As always, great cards! really love the gold so elegant! Always such a joy to visit your blog!

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell...both of your cards are breath takingly beautiful. I love those sweet gold layered butterflies, just stunning. And you string of hearts, just as sweet as can be. I don't watch much current TV, I prefer old black and white reruns but my daughter and I love watching America's Worst Cooks on Food Network.

Ксения Phedra Ли said...

Darnell, LOVE your cards and you help me to find more and more challenges to train my creative muscles!

*Vicki* said...

Darnell, both of these creations are absolutely stunning!! I love your gold butterflies on the top card, but I especially love your second one with the word die and inlay die of hearts! The shimmer paper with the subtle embossed butterflies is really fabulous!! Thanks for sharing your creation with us at Addicted to Stamps & More! Hugs & Smiles - *Vicki*-DT member

Bobby said...

Lots of glamour in your cards, Darnell. That gold, in both the background and butterfly is so elegant. Love the shimmer cardstock embossed with butterflies.

Elizabeth S. said...

I don't know how I missed this one...Stunning cards and love the gold and triple butterfly! Love reading with the humor you add to the posts and Top chef ..love it! Also, thanks for having me under your New Friends Corner list. I love seeing what you come up with next.

ionabunny said...

Two lovely cards. I really liked your CCC card. Love the CAS style and the blue hearts. Hugz

Bonnie said...

What elegance with all this shine! I especially love the gold! King Midas would love this!

Kim S said...

Lovely card...and SO lovingly described!!

Nora Noll said...

Oh wow!! Both the cards you created are lovely. The gold one is my favorite. So rich looking!!

Tracey McNeely said...

Love all the gold on this card Darnell! What girl doesn't love gold, especially a gold butterfly!

Sarn said...

WOW Darnell . . . I love both cards you're showing here, but PARTICULARLY the first one because of it's wonderful words.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

PS: Leave that torte alone! xxx

Maura said...

Wow, Darnell, I LOVE, LOVE that gold card in particular! The vellum with little hearts, the sentiment panel, the gold butterfly - shimmering goodness! Fabulous job1

cm said...

Swooning over the butterflies; salivating at the mere mention of pies, tortes and other assorted baked goods! Top Chef and Top Chef Canada all-time favourites!
Hugs~c

Ksenija @Sweet Kobylkin said...

Dear Darnell, love both of your cards, but specially the glossy one with embossed butterflies. Your take on the colour/photo inspiration is just gorgeous! And thank you for featuring me in your post. I missed this part initially and wondered why people are coming to my blog from yours :) Thank you for your support! Ksenija

MaryH said...

Wowsers! I nearly tired my mouse finger out scrolling through all these glowing comments. What can I add that hasn't already been said: I laughed at your post (in a good way of course!) - as I like the Baking show too - comes on here before my Doc Martin. Absolutely LOVED both of these gorgeous cards. The gold glittered & the wood veneer top die is not something I would have considered in combination with the elegance of the gold, but it looks super. Great texture & color, and you can pull it off swell. Blue one is equally lovely, very cool & classy too, with the silver & I am loving the embossing & that nifty horizontal die. You rock 'em, Girl! TFS, Big Hugs, and Happy V Day too. Brit Baking is on our PBS tonight. :-)