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!

April 2, 2015

Light It Up For Autism Awareness Blog Hop

Hello there!

Thank you so much for whooshing your way through another month of 2015 to get here! I hope you had a wonderful April Fool's Day! I can't tell you about the joke I played on the Mister because this is a family blog.

And today I have very special family event for you. I am here as both a participant and a sponsor for the Light It Up Blue For Autism Awareness Blog Hop! Just as cancer has touched all of our lives in one form or another, so now has autism. The current statistics for children experiencing some form of autism is sobering as 1 in 68 children and their families are now affected, which impacts all of society. When you make your charitable contributions for this year, I hope you will consider Autism Speaks as one of your contributions. Thank you!
The Light It Up for Autism Awareness Blog Hop is the brainchild of our fellow bloggers, Veronica Z of So Many Stamps So Little Time and Tenia Nelson of Jazzy Paper Designs. Both of these blogs will have an Inlinkz button for you to add your card to the gallery, just like you do for any card challenge. Veronica and Tenia have put a lot of time and effort into making this hop happen. Please make sure you thank them!

In addition, on Veronica's blog you will see there are MANY fantastic sponsors supporting Autism Awareness and I'm delighted to be one of them. I'm happy to be donating four (4) $25 gift cards of the winner's choice and I am making a matching donation to Autism Speaks.

You can see the complete list of sponsors/prizes HERE on Veronica's blog. If you would like a chance to win a prize from one of these sponsors, leave a comment on this blog and/or any of the other blogs participating in today's hop. 

Winners will be chosen at random and announced
on Veronica's blog on Monday, April 6th!
~~~

My "blue" card for today's hop is one I made a while ago for a bloggie friend, but never posted. It was waiting for this special occasion. 
I also decorated the inside:
I won't keep you. Hop along! Make sure you leave comments here and along the hop for a chance at the great prizes! Thank you!

~~~

Challenges


Simon Wednesday Challenge BlogSimply Create TooGrab button for Uniko Studio Challenge

~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy.  LITS!* Thank you for your support of the hop today!!
  
 
*Life Is Too Short!

To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrolling:
Click CTL + Home. 
Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post.
Click Page Down to reach the end of the post.
Click Comments and the pop-up box opens.
Click Jump to Comment Form; no more car pool tunnel! Mwah!
If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave
me your email address so I can respond. Thank you!

160 comments:

Kristie Goulet said...

LOVE the gorgeous embossing on your blue card, Darnell! Hugs!

Kath said...

A fabulous blue card and a great blog hop.
Kath x

Julia Aston said...

What a great reason to make a card Darnell - my niece works with Autistic children - love your inside and out birthday card!

designbydonna said...

Great card and a great cause. I have contributed thru my SU demo who is having a challenge. My grandson is on the autism spectrum so all donations and research are greatly appreciated.

I Card Everyone said...

You are a fantastic card maker, friend, and a gift to all of us, D... thank you for your support of this awesome cause...
M

Dana said...

Fabulous card!! Love the embossed background! The purple is great with the blue!!

Karen Petitt said...

Gorgeous! Love the bright blue and the glorious die cuts - you are a true gem huni - and it's nice to see I'm not the only one who thinks so Karen xx

Pat said...

This is a lovely card for a great cause Darnell and such a pretty embossed design, and how lovely of you to donate prizes too! x

Annie said...

This was one of the first embossing folders I bought and it's always been a favourite. Great cause - hope the hop is a big success.
Ann xxx

cdoggett01@yahoo.com said...

Great card, great cause!

Patti J said...

Wonderful card for a wonderful cause! Thanks for sharing!

Alanna said...

What a fabulous card Darnell. I love the embossing. How thoughtful of you to provide such nice prizes for the hop.

Yolanda Garrido said...

Oh, Darnell, I am so happy to share this Blog Hop with you too. Your card is so cute and your post so warm! Kisses

Lori Kobular said...

I love your blue embossed card! Great card for a great cause!!

Christine said...

Beautiful Darnell!
Christine

ValByDesign, Valerie said...

Such a pretty card!

AJ Bodine said...

Beautiful embossed card Darnell, perfect for this hop!

Stamps and Paper said...

Two lovely cards Darnell especially the embossed birthday background one...

Anne

ionabunny said...

Love the card. Blue is always a winner. Off to check out the hop. Hugz

Liz said...

A great card for a great cause. I love how you've continued the sentiment on the inside. xx

KT Fit Kitty said...

Hi, Darnell! Your card is gorgeous - inside and out! And thank you for your generous sponsorship of the blog hop! You are awesome!

Birgit said...

A great card for a great cause. I love the die-cut and the blue-nicely done

Krissy said...

Great card! Love that embossing folder!

Harriet Skelly said...

Love your card and love this cause - as you know Lexi has Aspbergers which is at the high end of the spectrum. I will definitely be playing!

Miriam Prantner said...

Love that embossing folder and the little gift you created! Great card!

Helen F. said...

Wonderfully bright and cheerful B-Day card and an awesome cause to contribute to.

Tenia Nelson said...

Super CUTE card, dear lady!! Thanks so much for sponsoring and participating in this AWESOME hop!! You ROCK, Miss Lady!!

TeamMould said...

Great job I really love this card. Thank you so much for being part of this blog hop for such a great cause!!Happy Stamping/Keep Moving Forward!!

Jessica Lynn
http://jessicalynnoriginalstamps.blogspot.com/

Mary said...

Love this birthday card!! Thanks for sharing and for joining in on such a great cause.

Carol said...

A gorgeous card for the hop Darnell, love the colour combo. Carol x

Happy Dance said...

You're such a peach. No. You really are! This is a sweet, sweet card. Love the embossing on this one. Your addition of the pop-of-color happy is a great idea. It just works perfectly. Easter blessings to you dear friend. Miss you. Bev

Vanessa said...

You are so sweet and generous and I love your gorgeous blue card, Darnell! That embossed background is beautiful!

Ilse said...

Thank you for de nice words on my Blog.I like this card a lot. I follow you now ;-)
Ilse

Sarah Anderson said...

Gorgeous cards :)

Jackie said...

That's gorgeous!

Taunya Butler said...

Love the beribboned gifts and that cool embossed background!! What a fun and cool card!! But, you, my friend, are the gift - you are marvelous and generous!! Full of awesomeness is what you are!! Love seeing your work and this is no exception!! Thanks so much for participating and supporting this hop!! I hope you have a REALLY GREAT day!!!

D.Ann C said...

LOVE that embossing folder and your fab card! Thanks for sponsoring the autism awareness hop!

Craftychris said...

Gorgeous card and wonderful cause too! Will be hopping round for sure! xxx

Linnea S said...

cute card and great cause!

Sue said...

Perfect card.

Hope you've had a good day. Sue

Susanne Vargas said...

How sweet of you to not only participate in the blog hop but also be a generous sponsor! Your pretty card inspires my to find my Happy Birthday EF and use it again!

Carol L said...

you are such a generous and thoughtful person, and I think it's wonderful that you've helped to bring awareness to autism by participating in this blog hop with such a pretty card! Well done Darnell!

Holly AKA KopyKat said...

Oh these are so fabulous, thank you for sponsoring such a wonderful blog hop for awareness.

Ann said...

Fun and festive card. Love how you used the heart. Wonderful hop and cause. So kind of you to be a sponsor.

Danielle Vincent said...

I love the terrific embossing on this card Darnell!!

Cheryl W. said...

A brilliant reason for a blog hop! Thank you for being so supportive of it and participating with your lovely blue card.

Rubeena I. said...

Beautiful card, love it!

wendy said...

very adorable birthday card !

Jingle said...

Very cute card!

Jen Carter said...

I really like that you've decorated the inside of your card too!

cm said...

Your embossed blue card with the purple: perfect x awesome! Fabulous, my friend! Looking forward to a down-the-road Skype!
Hugs~c

Shelly said...

Such a pretty card, Darnell! Love the inside, too!

Michele K. Henderson said...

Beautiful card! I love that great texture! Very pretty!

Verna Angerhofer said...

A wonderful card for a wonderful cause. I love it.

Eva said...

Fabulous embossing and beautiful card!!!
Kisses;)

Mary-Anne V said...

What a great embossing folder...love the look of the purple on the blue.

KandA said...

Gorgous card Darnell. Love the design with the embossed background and dies xx

conil said...

Wonderful birthday card...and this has been a great hop. This is a wonderful cause, too. I think I need that embossing folder. Any chance of finding out who makes it, pretty please?

Kathleen said...

Fabulous card Darnell and great embossing folder and lovely shade of blue.

Kath x

joy said...

I love any color as long as it's blue!! This is such a striking card, Darnell! Love the embossing folder you used and the inside is so pretty, too!

Anne said...

I was delighted to find this blog hop in aid of Autism as our 8yo son has low spectrum autism. He is a wonderful boy, much loved by many. Your card is brilliant! Thank you to all the sponsors for supporting this cause.

Centellazul said...

Lindas tarjetas!!!

Patty said...

Love your birthday card!! Awesome embossing!!

Karen said...

Oh how fabulous!!

And such a pleasure to be hopping for such a wonderful cause too.

Hugs,
Karen.xx

nancy littrell said...

Gorgeous Blue card for a very necessary (unfortunately) cause. TFS Darnell

Brandi R said...

What a fun and cheery card! Love it!! Thank you for being a sponsor AND your donation ♥

Karen said...

Very pretty card

ScrapaDiddle said...

Great cause, great card!

Sarah G said...

Fabulous card, Darnell! Love the texture - so fun :)

Crafting With Jack said...

Love the embossed background.

Chriss Blagrave said...

Beautifully embossed and that big happy says it all!

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

Great card! The embossing looks awesome! Carri~Abusybee
Skittles!

Pawsitively Creative said...

What a fantastic way to raise awareness and your card it perfectly suited for this! Thanks so much for sharing and for being a sponsor!

Cathy P said...

Love your card, Darnell - and your gift and donation to Autism speaks is very generous.

Megan said...

Now you've kind of got me wondering what kind of prank you came up with... In other news, so generous of you to sponsor the hop!

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell...this is just the sweetest birthday card. I love the blue and purple, so sweet!

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

This card is gorgeous! Love the embossing! I hope you and your family have a blessed Easter!

Pam said...

Love your gorgeous card. Thank you so much for sponsoring this fabulous hop. I work with autistic kids daily and they have brought much joy (and some frustration) into my life. Thank you for helping to raise awareness of autism in our society. We still have a long way to go. Hugs!

Unknown said...

what a lovely card Darnell! Love the embossed background!
Hugs,
Nina-Marie :)

craftylady1952@gmail.com said...

The embossing and die cuts on this beautiful blue card make it a real gem.

JoAnn said...

Very pretty. I love the embossing.

Viki Banaszak said...

I do those love dies. Thank you for participating.

Lindsey said...

What a great card! Beautiful, inside and out.

Lisa Elton said...

Happy, festive and FUN Darnell!!

Lisa Elton said...

Happy, festive and FUN Darnell!!

Stampy Sister said...

Such a beautiful card. Love the blue and purple combo. I have two children with autism. Thank you for supporting this cause.

Michelle said...

What a fun card, Darnell! And a great cause. Enjoy your time with your family while you "try" to take your bloggy break. ;-) Happy Easter! xxx

Sue D said...

Great card inside and out. I like the embossing on the front.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com

Karenladd said...

Love the fun embossing and die cut sentiment! What a great cause to support!

Karen Schroeder said...

Cool blue birthday card! I love it!

Tracie Pond said...

Cute creation, Darnell

Denise Bryant said...

Love your blue card! Awesome hop for Light It Up Blue!

Amy Martin said...

Your card is wonderful. I love how rich the color is and the embossing is so neat looking. I couldnt stop looking at it. Thank you for being apart of the hop and sponsoring it too. Your prize is beyond amazing because your matching it with a donation. That is so cool. HUGS

Waving My Wand said...

Your card is outstanding! Thanks so much for sponsoring the LIUB hop today! facebook.com/wavingmywand

Janelle said...

Thanks for being a supporter of this wonderful enterprise. I'm not sure if I've ever told you but by Alex has Asperger's, so this is a cause dear to my heart. I love the vibrant blue used on your card - my fave colour always. Happy Easter and have fun on your craftjourn. (That's a crafty break) Hugs and kisses. :)

Michele K. Henderson said...

Love all the texture in your card!

sandie said...

Great cause and love the design, have a good weekend x

Mynn xx said...

This is fabulous, Darnell! LOVE all the amazing texture and fun design! HUGS! :) Mynn xx

Margaret said...

Super card, Darnell, and a very worthy cause!

Jessi Fogan said...

OK Darnell, you already know I loves ya :) I love your card and thank you so much for being a sponsor for this hop that is making my heart sing :)

Susan Hurley-Luke said...

What a cute card and I love how you decorated the inside! This is a great way to raise awareness about autism.

Pam Watson said...

I love how simple, yet nice your card is. My favorite two colors together are blue and purple :) Also, thanks for helping to bring awareness to Autism!

Ros Crawford said...

A terrific card for a terrific cause which is close to my heart ...

Monika/Buzsy said...

Super cute card Darnell. Love the dry embossed background. I have that plate, but haven't used it for ages... maybe it's time to dig it out. :)

Lisa H. said...

Sweet birthday card! I always love that textured background.

Heather said...

A fabulous card Darnell, a lovely colour scheme and gorgeous embossing........the inside has such pretty papers.

Thanks so much for joining us with Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge,
hugs
Heather xx

Unknown said...

Amazing event.
So beautiful embossing card, I like it.
Happy Easter!!

Monika Reeck said...

I love that gorgeous Embossing too Darnell and nice decoration inside and outside..Love that tiny heart in purple outside your card..hop to my Blog too sweety..I miss you...hugs, Monika

snazzyjj said...

Great card inside and outside. Thanks for supporting the cause that effects so many of us.

*Vicki* said...

Your awesome Darnell!! Wonderful inspiration here in blue and you are so generous!! HUGS

Margreet said...

So nice to meet you as my 501st follower....of course I'll follow you in return.
Loce this embossed card...great inspiration...have the folder myself too!
Hope you will come over on my blog often!
xxx Margreet

Anita in France said...

What a generous soul you are, Darnell ... what a great cause and a fun way to support it! Delicious card ... great colour combo, wonderfully texture-y ... and I love that you took the design to the inside! Hugs & Bisous, Bisous, Anita :)

Mrs A. said...

What a great cause and a super card that your were keeping for that right moment to come along which it did. Wishing you a happy Easter. Hugs Mrs A.

Oreety said...

Too cute! Thanks for sharing!

Sazzle Dazzle said...

What a perfect colour combo for an Autism blog hop day Darnell and love the textured BG.
Thanks so much for linking up and playing along at Uniko Studio
Sarah x

Unknown said...

Great card Darnell, i love the colour! x

r.winncreates said...

I love your unique use of blue. That is such a gorgeous color. It make me happy! Thank you for sharing!

Paula-Scrap Addict said...

pretty! I like the inside A LOT

Anne said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
sweet art designs said...

Lovely CARD FOR A GREAT AWARENESS PROJECT
Thank you for sharing with us at Simply Create Too - Myrna DT

Gerrina said...

Love the blue; reminds me of sunny days! And that is a great embossed panal! Happy Eastern to you and your familly!

Loly Borda said...

Beautiful card inside and out Darnell! TFS

Lieve said...

Great card for this heart-warming bloghop !

~amy~ said...

such a fabulous card, love the shade of blue and the dry embossing!

Becca Cruger said...

Darnell, there are so many reasons you're a rockstar. But your generosity of spirit, kindness, and compassion for others shines through them all. You're card is awesome and I love how you decorated the inside.

Princess Judy Palmer said...

What a fun blue birthday card! And the inside decorated too--you rock.

Jenny said...

I already knew what a generous, warm hearted lady you are Darnell so its amazing and totally in character that you're a sponser for this hop too xx
Fabulous card too, love the bright colours and how you decorated the inside :)
Jenny x

Vickie Y said...

Beautiful card for a great cause.

hippymom83 said...

Awesome card! Loving this hop! My baby boy (14-year-old, Jake) has Autism, so this is close to my heart!

Sue from Oregon said...

Hello Darnell...I am a slow hopper...lots to take in and read! Great dimension on your card with the embossing! ♥ Sue Kment

Craftin Suzie (Susan Wykes) said...

What a fab card Darnell and such a worthwhile cause! Thank you for visiting me and I am now your latest follower! Susan x

Kris in Alaska said...

I love that embossing folder! It's my most used one because it's so easy to make a background! Great card!

Carole Z said...

Gorgeous cars Darnell, great colour and for a great cause, hugs Carole Z X

Brenda in IN said...

I love that embossing folder and the pretty combo of blue and lavender. I will pop over to Veronica's blog and do the hop. Thanks for the tip.

Lisa said...

Absolutely gorgeous card!! I love the texture!! I hope you have a very happy Easter :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Mary R. said...

Thanks for sharing your blue (happy) card with us. Love the blue & purple together...my 2 favorites.

D- said...

Your card is wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sponsoring and helping to raise Autism Awareness.
Crafty hugs,
Dawn
DesignsbyDragonfly {blogspot}

Janis said...

Beautiful cards, Darnell. Thanks so much for your lovely and giving heart by sponsoring this important hop. You are a treasure.
<3 J

jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

cheiron said...

Wonderful card! I love the embossed background. Thank you so much for playing along with us this week over at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge :)

The Hardy Stamper said...

Your embossed blue background is great! Thanks for sponsoring the blog hop too - it's much appreciated!

Sheila H said...

Your cards are marvelous as always!

TracyM #6773 said...

LOVE your CHEERY card Darnell, it is so PRETTY, inside & out - such crisp & HAPPY embossing and delicate sentiment!!!
THANK YOU for sharing your CREATIVE INSPIRATION and THANK YOU for being such a generous supporter of this AMAZING event for a great cause :)

Chris Dring said...

As always, Darnell, what a fabulous card! TFS!

Joyce said...

Your card is really wonderful, and your kindness in supporting Autism and this blog hop is just more proof of your generous and caring nature.

Geri said...

Now how cool is that wee pop of color on this gorgeous blue embossed panel? Too cool...just like you! Hope you're having a very happy Easter :)

Anonymous said...

A lovely card.
Great cause to make awareness of.

Lucy E. said...

I love your "Happy" card!
What a perfect card for the hop.
Thanks for being a sponsor :-)

Nance said...

Sweet birthday card! Love the heart bow!

Jerrie said...

Better late than never!! I love all the embossing behind the present and the bow that looks like a heart! It is fun to see the happy cut out and placed on top~I love the inside of the card all gussied up!!

Cat Craig said...

Adorable, and love the texture that ef adds.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful cards Darnell!!!!!! A great hop!!

Brenda said...

Autism has very staggering statistics for sure. And one that needs much more research done on it. Yes, I agree we are all being touched in some way or another by Autism. For me it was students at school. They are sweethearts for sure and a joy to get to know. I love your "blue" card and even better I love your inside, it is just as beautiful as the outside Auntie! Hugs, Brenda

Giorgia Rossini said...

I love your card and this is a great cause to help

Claire Grantham said...

Hey Darnell, thanks so much for the visit and the kind words. I kinda feel stupido for the foot / virus thing, but schtuff happens right? Love your card today, for a worthy cause and with superb embossing to boot! Cx

Elizabeth S. said...

This is beautiful and would make anyone happy to receive! Plus I love how the inside is decorated to match...perfect.

laurie said...

Love that embossed background! Sweet card. Have a great week!

Marika said...

Beautiful card and I loved the hop. Such a good cause. Thanks for your kind words, they mean a world to me.

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Hi there Darnell, sorry been bad as far blogging goes not much done...
Love this card and great kindness to sponsor it too dear kind generous friend.
My candy arrived a few weeks back now and posted it last Wed. Hadn't blogged much before that, and that's why didn't join in last NBUS.
Have one of stamp sets but much to play with..
Thanks again.
Hugs, Shaz in Oz.x

Leigh Penner said...

Fabulous card, Darnell!

MaryH said...

A wonderful embossed card to celebrate the Autism awareness hop. I like those raised letters, and the pretty color of the front embellies. Also enjoyed the way you've prettied up the inside just as much. Well done you, on participating in this so worthy occasion. Love this one...TFS & Hugs