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!

July 1, 2015

Sweet Card Pals

Happy 1st of July and Happy Canada Day! Welcome to the second half of the play known as "The Year 2015!" That first half whooshed by and it wasn't the least bit boring, so I'm looking forward to the second half. I hope you are, too!

Appearing on stage today is a card I made (and a card I received) as part of a fun card chain called Society of Stampaholics. Each month our energetic and talented hostess, Deborah, provides us with a Card Chain Challenge with options for colors, sketch, and theme.

Here were our guidelines for June:
2015-06
2015-06
Friendship/Bling
The little rodent and I were slapping each other paw-to-hand when we hit all the guidelines on the nose with this card which I made and sent to Chris in Texas:
Hmmm. Oops. Mayhaps we were celebrating too early, now I see the card on the Big Screen. It would appear that some little fella swapped out the neon lime enamel dots for turkoyce. Well. Nevermind. Move along.

The fishtail banner die is from My Favorite Things. The embossing folder used on the card base is from Cuttlebug. The circle die is from Nestabilities and it is embossed with a Darice e/f. The NBUS "Sweet" word die is from Serendipity Stamps.

You might remember a while back I took the Online Card Class "Maskerade" and on day four I ended up with a watercolored background sporting a failed masking attempt of a word die (here).
I was pleased that it worked perfectly for the negative banner space and matching "sweet" word of my SOS card, with some left over!

And here is the adorable card that I received from Christy in California. Thank you, again, Christy!
June SOS card chain mail sent to me by Christy at Flickr
If you want to participate in any month, you simply sign up that month and then you send a card to the person in front of you on the list and the person behind you on the list sends you a card. Simples and an easy and fun way to get some Happy Mail. If you would like to join in for July, the deadline to sign up here is July 6th or you can bookmark it to join in for a future month(s).


I am entering my card in the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge "Summer" because the colors are evocative of the Popsicle colors of my youthfulness, and because I used snippets, I'm taking my card over to Pixie's Snippets Playground.
Pixies Crafty Workshop
~~~

New Friends Corner

Continuing my last post, here are four more new friends for you to meet, who would love to meet you, in turn! When we visit, follow, and comment on our peers' blogs, we make them feel just as special as we feel when someone takes the time to do that for us!

Sandma of Sandma's Handmade Cards. Sandma is one of our newest neighbors in our wonderful community in Blogland! She just started her blog in April of this year! She is getting the hang of blogging and entering (and winning!) challenges, but her cards themselves are not beginner level. They are magnificent and you won't be sorry you stopped in to welcome her and show her some love!

Julie Tucker-Wolek of The Tucker-Wolek Clan. Julie is a card artist and scrapper who has been blogging her beautiful work since 2007!! If you want inspiration for warm and wonderful scrapbook layouts or cards or 3D projects, you will find it on Julie's fun and impressive blog!

Rose of Elegant Simplicity. Rose is from Brisbane, Australia. She just started her blog in January of this year, although she has been making card art since 1993. She loves all card styles from CAS to shabby chic and vintage. Again, please do take a minute and welcome and follow Rose to encourage her. Her latest card literally took my breath away!

Tina Riddle of Tina's Crop Shop. Tina blogged just a few times in 2013 and 2014, but this year she has really taken off and been productive on her blog, so you could say that she is also a newbie to the community. Your VFC (visit/follow/comment) would be a source of great encouragement. Her cards are beautiful, thoughtful, and executed with precision!

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

~~~

And thank you all for your wonderful concerns, positive energy, and advice about my knee/calf/ankle/foot debacle! It's much better!

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 join as a follower! Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor!
*Life is too short!

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81 comments:

Sue said...

More lovely cards. I like the colours.

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Di said...

Wonderful card Darnell! I did giggle about the swapped out lime dots :-)

Hugs

Di xx

Kathyk said...

Gr8 save on the watercoloured panel and a fab card to boot.

Have a lovely day tomorrow!

Kathyk

!neke said...

Great cards Darnell !
We finally have a lot of sun !!!!

Have a good first day in the second half of 2015 !

Ineke

kiwimeskreations said...

Darnell those colours together are my absolutely favourites of all time... fabulous card that ticked all my boxes - the lime green enamel dots would not have fitted there at all, so I am glad they ran away!
Blessings
Maxine

Julie B said...

Fab use of the w/c scrap, love the colours, definitely sweet. :)

Pat said...

This is so pretty Darnell and I love the beautiful watercoloured paper you used and all that lovely embossing, and I particularly like the way you have done the banner. x

Lizzy Hill said...

Gorgeous! Love the turquoise & the errr 'flexibility' we have over at CCC!!

Lynn said...

Sweet for sure! Love those colors Darnell!

Marilyn said...

Awesome card!! Love the colors

Bananastamper said...

Such a fun card! Love how you re-purposed your fabulous watercoloured background and made it work here! and that die cut is fabulous!
Such a cute card you rec'd as well. Oh how I love happy mail - I am sure everybody does, but for me, it stems partly from spending summers helping my Mom sort and deliver the mail on a rural postal route, and also from all those pen pals I had when I was younger! Oh the thrill of going to the mailbox and finding anything other than bills and flyers! I am adamant about teaching my boys the importance (and mostly the FUN) in sending Snail mail! You know, we have a summer student at work and she didn't know where to place the postage stamp or where to write the postal code!?!? I realize it seems to be an uphill battle, but before my children exit my home, they will know these things.
My nephew, who is 3, lives in the same province, but 17 hours drive away from us. He adores my children (who are 10 and 13) and they adore him, so we enjoy popping things in the mail for him from time to time - I do, of course, want him to know where the postage stamp goes too! Drop by my blog if you would like to see what we are mailing him this week, especially if you need a giggle!
Hugs,
Shanna :)
Anyhoo, that might have turned into a loooong story, or perhaps a novel, lol!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful creation.

Jeanne said...

Such a happy card, Darnell. Thanks for your encouragement on my recent post. That means a lot! I like the idea of the happy mail program. Your card is terrific. Adore that you got to use that background piece so effectively! Yay for hanging on to some things. :) The card you received is equally delightful! I hope you have a very happy day!

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Love love love your card!! GORGEOUS colors!! And thanks for the beautiful and heart warming shout out!!! You are the sweetest!!!!!!

designbydonna said...

Sweet card. Great save on the "failed" water color scrap. Never know when you can recycle those scraps.

Redanne said...

So pleased to hear that your leg is feeling much better!

Your card is gorgeous, I love the wonderful colours, they are so pretty and you made great use of the watercoloured piece - a fantastic bit of recycling! Hugs, Annie xxx

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Darnell, Happy July to you and I think a big day coming up tomorrow, have a great one :) Beautiful card, I love the colourful banner and words cut from the inky sheet. Hugs, Shirleyxx

Kelly Latevola said...

Oh my goodness I haven't played along in the card chain in so long that they've changed the name. How shameful. However, your card is beautiful. I love those fun summer colors in watercolor!!

Carole Z said...

Fabulous Darnell....I love those colours and what great use of the watercolored paper, hugs Carole Z X

Cat Craig said...

Love that you rescued a not perfect piece. Water color pieces I always save, you just never know when they will come in handy. Great card for the swap.

Inkyfingers said...

Lovely card Darnell, and I love the embossing in the backgrounds.
Hugs
Carol x
Ps Happy birthday for tomorrow. My card is winging its way to you as I write but I'm afraid that unless it travels at the speed of light, it will be late even though I have been carrying it around to post for the past week! Hangs head in shame:-(
xxxx

conil said...

All I can say is it's a good thing you kept that piece you made for Maskerade. Looks like a very serendipitous card. You must be sending out special color vibes to the blogosphere. Such a pretty card, too...love all that texture. Question, "Do you own every embossing folder, or what?".

Lisa said...

Oh my gosh, gorgeous card!! I love the beautiful colors and the embossing!! Perfect take on the sketch!! And what a great use of your previously-misted card!! What a fabulous card you received, too!! Have a great day :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Jacee said...

Gorgeous Darnell, what very pretty colours!
hugs Jacee
Simply Paper Card Design

Monica Maier said...

I bet the receiver loved the card, the embossing is gorgeous and I love that you used the "negative" of the die cut.

Hugs, Monica

Birgit said...

I think this is a great card and I love all the different embossing and textures. I love that strip of colour also-sets the tone just wonderfully. I remember these "suckers" they were rounded with half a colour in pastel green and the other in a pink or yellow or purple. It was chalky in texture which I loved!!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards, Darnell! Love them xxx

Unknown said...

What lively and fun colours Darnell! I love the added extra with the enamel dots too!! Fab work xx

Verna Angerhofer said...

I love those fun colors you had to work with. And, I am so glad to see that using the foiled background worked so well for that awesome card you created. I always try to find a way to make use of them as well.

Verna Angerhofer said...

I love those fun colors you had to work with. And, I am so glad to see that using the foiled background worked so well for that awesome card you created. I always try to find a way to make use of them as well.

Vicki Dutcher said...

So fun - it's fun to exchange cards too! If I don't get by - have a safe and Happy July 4th!!

Kathleen said...

Super creation but did panic at the thumb nail, I thought it said swear. I always have to think twice at how to spell turkoyce but I now know the correct way. Thanks!

Kath x

Jean said...

Fabulous card Darnell, great interpretation of the sketch. I love the gorgeous colours in your failed watercoloured background that turned out to be just perfect for this card.
Wishing you a Very Happy Birthday for tomorrow, have fun.
Jean x

Renee's ramblings said...

As usual Darnell, you've created some amazing cards! (With Hammie's help of course! You provide such wonderful inspiration. Super glad you're healing up from all your boo-boos! It's hard to be creative when you're "experiencing some discomfort" as "they" say.

Sue said...

Darnell, Sweet is about right! Totally gorgeous card, such a pretty and effective CAS design, I love it...xxx

Carole Pollard said...

Love your card today the embossing is just fab love that trellis design The card you received is so pretty Love and hugs Carole x

Linda said...

Happy July Darnell! Summer has finally reached us on the island in the Irish Sea ..... the sun us shining!
Fabulous card hun ...... the colours are gorgeous and I just love that embossed background.
So glad to hear that your leg is on the mend too..... big hugs Linda xx

Nan G said...

Happy Birthday, Darnell.! Have a wonderful day. love the card, turkoiuse and all. :) p.s. thanks for card..made my day. :)

Anonymous said...

Great use of your class paper. Made a lovely card.
The card you received is lovely to too.

Karen said...

Darnell, this is beautifully sweet! The design is lovely and I adore your use of the previous card... it works so well in the negative space and the sentiment is gorgeous! I love the sweet pops of pink and blue dots, too! The card you received is wonderful, too! And did I read that it's nearly your special day?! Happy Birthday to one of the sweetest crafters I've ever happened upon... I'm thankful for you and wish you every happiness! :o)

Hugs and blessings,
Karen

Nora Noll said...

How lovely Darnell. I like the colors you used better then what you were supposed to use. They seem to "go" better. That card you received is adorable!!!

OH Babs said...

Re-purposing and finding valuables in one's UFO box make for a fun afternoon of cardmaking. I never throw out my flawed handmade background papers because you never know when you might make something fantastic. This is such a sweet card, hee hee. I love the choice of colors and the use of two different embossing folders and using your re-purposed background paper. This would also make a lovely birthday card (know what I mean). The enamel dots are just right.

Lisa Elton said...

I love that you turned your watercolor mishap into something fabulous!! A beautiful card Darnell and Christy's is just too cute!

Skye said...

A lovely card. Sweet colours & neat use of the little mishap.

Rose said...

Beautiful colours in the watercolour panel & word. Love all the texture.

Jeanne H said...

Absolutely love your pink 'n turquoise card! Just stunning. So much color and texture. Wow! P.S. Hope you are having a nice summer!

Meihsia Liu said...

Love your beautiful card! The colors are wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. :)

Alanna said...

What a beautiful card. I love the embossing and that gorgeous water color background.

Cheryl W. said...

You've done it again, Darnell! Created an A+ card with something you thought didn't make the grade (but we all did). Your water colored background was perfect for that banner and for the word smile. Love the font in that die, by the way.

Greta said...

I do love being part of the CCC & so glad you've joined in! How neat that piece worked perfectly for the sentiment!

Aileen said...

Wonderful card, those colours are so my favourite. Hope you had a wonderful birthday, delicious birthday cake and we spolit by all your family. Love and best wishes xxxxxx

Maria Rodriguez. said...

Hello Darnell: Your card is beautiful, I adore those embossing folders, and your repurposing of that water colored piece to create this lovely card is amazing. I love that you used it for the negative space cut with the banner die and your SWEET sentiment, this was a fabulous idea.
Thank you for sharing. :)

Sarn said...

GREAT snippets cards Darnell.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ya xxx

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday, Darnell! ;-) Hope you have a great one. (Hope your knee heals quickly, too.)

Helen F. said...

What a great card, Darnell! Love the color combo~even thou your lime dots are missing ;-)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Hope your day is filled with happiness and love. HUGS XOXO

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Happy Birthday!!! xx

Gerrina said...

Those colours are great and beautiful on the embossed BG! Enjoy your week! Hugs, Gerrina

KandA said...

Hi Darnell and a very Happy Birthday to you. Hope you have a super day.
Love this card and such a great idea for reusing your watercoloured background - the colours are so pretty xx

Viv said...

What a gorgeous card Dee, fab watercolouring too! Just swishing by to wish you a very Happy Birthday today. I hope you are being thoroughly spoiled as we speak ;) big hugs coming your way esp. today my luverly friend ! Viv xx

Pia S said...

What a fun concept! I'm not going to be able to join this month, but will definitely consider joining in later...
I like your take on the sketch and your color choices. And thanks for your birthday wishes:)

MaryH said...

Oh my, at first I thought the background was brusho done. Amazing looks to it, and always so thrilled to see another 'save', and this one was just brilliant. I paid for this class, but have yet to get a chance to even check out the videos. Big Happy Bday to you today. Hope it is just grand & filled with all those people & things that you love. Hope to get a chance to get back and visit some of your new friends, and hope to make some new ones my own self! MWAH & Big Birthday hugs to a truly wonderful friend. TFS

Lucy E. said...

This card is so pretty! Great idea to save those "botched" pieces we don't like to later use to die cut something.
I heard that today (July 2) is your birthday.
Happy, happy birthday! I hope you get to do some fun things that you enjoy :-)

Kathy Schweinfurth said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Darnell!! Hope you have an awesome day!!

Krisha said...

Happy B-day Darnell1
LOVE your card.....even with out the lime green......*grin*

VanessaB said...

great cards! and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! :)

Craftychris said...

Your card is so gorgeous! I love it! Happy Birthday too - I am so sorry I haven't sent a card!!!! I am a bad friend! I meant to but time ran away with me. I had even planned what I was going to do! You will get it eventually - hopefully before next year! Sorry again and big birthday hugs! xxxxxxxxxxx

Brenda said...

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTIE!!!! I'm late with your card but it did go in the mail today. I swear, I'm always late and a $ short! lol You'd think I would learn my lesson of being late, but no I never do. My trouble is time gets away from me. Yep, that's my story and I'm sticking to it! lol Your card is beautiful!!! I love how your masking turned out. I love the color combo, just a fabulous CAS card. I also love your card that was sent to you, how cute is it?!! Hugs, Brenda

Tracey McNeely said...

Happy Birthday Darnell! I hope that you are having a fabulous day today! Your card is late but in the mail, hope you get it soon. Your cards today are both so artistic--love love love them!

shirley-bee said...

Happy, happy birthday, Darnell! Hope you're having a wonderful day and taking advantage of the Mister ;)

Bobby said...

OK, there's good news and bad news, Darnell. The good news: snippets, leftovers and one very ambitious hamster make for a beautiful card. The bad news: I'm not at home and totally forgot your birthday card to send while I'm away. I do wish you the happiest of birthdays, my friend. We don't stick to the day in our family so I'll send something when I get home.

BożenA said...

Hello Darnell,
I hope that I managed Happy Birthday. Happy, health, love, joy and fulfillment of all dreams. Be still a wonderful inspiration to us all. Happy Birthday Darnell.
hugs,
Bozena

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell...so cute and so creative too. Love that fabulous paper you created, do you ever sleep???? Just love it! Enjoy your birthday and Happy 4th of July to you!

Joyce said...

Lovely card and what a great way to use that inked panel. And a giant HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Some day we will meet in person. I feel it in my bones.

Pat said...

Wishing you a Happy Birthday! And to let ypu know I still enjoy everything you say and every card you make! TFS

Monika Reeck said...

Great idea to not throw aways that watercolor panel and the color is so adorable on that banner on the first card
the second card so cuuutee love it Darnell
again Happy Belated Birthday from me..
hugs, Monika

Unknown said...

Fabulously fun cards, Darnell!! Love how you used a piece of 'failed' masking experiment--That's a success to me :) :) Happy 4th of July early!! XOXO-Shari

Geri said...

Doesn't it feel great to rescue something out of the recycle bin and put it to great use on an awesome card? I see you nodding in agreement! You & Hammie have crafted up a winner here! Lovin' the turquoise dots too :)

nwilliams6 said...

Super cards Darnell - love the technique on your rescued strip - another reason we should never through anything away - you can always cut a strip or add more ink or something. Fun post as always. Hugz

Bonnie said...

Sweet is the word for this card, Darnell! Love that watercolor background behind the banner! I'll be your camera switched the colors on the dots! Mine does that all the time. Pesky things those cameras! I'll bet that Chris love this and has it sitting up where she can see it often!

Anita in France said...

Sweet indeed, Darnell ... all that yummy texture and fondle-ability is delicious! So, clouds do have silver linings ... if the previous Hugs card had worked perfectly, this little beauty would never have existed! Hugs & Bisous, my friend, Anita :)

JD/ Jill said...

Wonderful card! You nailed both the challenges!

Shawna said...

Okay we need to be pen-pals!! I just love this card and your take on the sketch.. This one stumped me Darnell.. I just couldn't get a design out fast enough and mine went into the land of good intentions, like so many other things.. The SOS blog is wonderful... It is great to get happy mail stuck between all your bills and junk mail.. this is great... Now for your hilarious chicken card.. I'll be there in a minute...