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!

December 2, 2015

Ribbons of Fruit and More

Hello and Happy Midweek Slump Day!

Wait. What? We don't allow no slumping round t'ere! Straighten up and fly right! Boy, that's an expression that takes me back. Did you hear that from your parents? I'm sure with the sass on me, I retorted under my breath about not having wings.

You might think the origin of that phrase comes from the thought that children are like wee birds in the nest who need to learn to fly on their own. Or you might think it comes from the military and is a common air force expression.

Your thinking (same as mine) would be wrong. This phrase was first heard in a song written in 1943 by Nat King Cole and Irving Mills. It was performed by Cole and immediately became a pop hit. The song itself was based on a black folk tale that Nat King Cole's father used in his sermons. It's about a buzzard that took different animals for joy rides. When he got hungry, he threw them off in a nose dive, caught them, and ate them. He stopped doing it when a wily monkey wrapped his tail around the buzzard's neck, nearly choking him to death!

Sorry for that digression. I'm very inquisical, so I had to go look up the origin and then I thought it was too interesting not to share with you.

~~~

All right, please be careful boarding the card bus tour and away we go. 

In my last post, I promised you more ribbony cards. This first one is for all of you "down under" who are enjoying warmth and sunshine!
The sediment is from Hero Arts (C 1307). A few enamel dots and Jack's your rabbit! It doesn't get more QACAS than that! There's gold thread spun in that ribbon, so it's shimmery in real life.

~~~

And here we have a ribbon of gold and copper tones, which I think works for Christmas.
The sediment is from PTI's "Stocking  Prints," embossed in copper. I added a watchimacallit and bam, Shazambam!

Challenges
~~~

Here are two more CAS designs I've made.
This first one was a play on angles and includes the positive of a Snowflake Border die cut from Simon Says Stamp I used here. The sediment is from My Favorite Things set, "Seasonal Sentiments."

I have to say I love this QACAS Christmas card made using a non-Christmas flower die. A white card base topped with a red textured mat cut using a NBUS die from Simon Says Stamp. The joy die is from Winnie & Walter.

I'm entering this in the Third Birthday celebration challenge at Addicted to CAS where the code word is "dimension."

~~~

New Friends Corner

I'm happy to introduce you to these talented card artists and new friends of the Playhouse!

Damchy of Damchy Creates. Damchy is from Slovenia and she has been blogging since October 2014. Like so many of us, she had been enjoying all the wonderful crafting blogs and got up the courage to start her own blog to show her creations, which she happily enters in challenges. She not only makes amazing cards, she makes jewelry, and she crochets and knits!

Mojca of My Gifts. Mojca started blogging in 2013 and she is also from Slovenia. Mojca is talented in the same hobbies as Damchy, and she also enjoys cooking and baking. With her paper crafting, there is much to see and learn on Mojca's blog, including shaped cards, 3D cards, and gift bags and boxes. Mojca certainly has many "gifts" in terms of talent to share with you!

Dottie of Something Crafty by Dottie. Dottie has been blogging since 2011, so there's a ton of inspiration on her fun blog! Dottie and her supportive husband have been blessed with 4 children, 13 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren! Dottie loves challenges and she shows great attention to details with all of her cards!

Sue Reynolds of I Luv Scrapping 2. Sue has been blogging since 2014, but she only really started posting every month this year which makes her practically new. That also means she would appreciate meeting you and having you become a follower and friend. Sue calls herself a "challenge addict" who is loving this hobby in her retirement!

Olga Fink of Creating With Olga. Olga is originally from Greece. She married a Norwegian and now lives in Oslo. In addition to making cards, Olga loves photography, reading, cooking, and baking. Olga just started blogging in SEPTEMBER! Yes, that's right, she is totally brand new! Please show Olga how warm and encouraging we fellow paper-crafting artists can be, even in this busy holiday season! 

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

~~~

Thank you, as always, for trudging through to the end! Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*

And, 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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80 comments:

Kath said...

Fabulous designs - love the ribbon cards.
Kath x

Rahmat said...

Interesting info Darnell, never heard the song before. Kids nowadays for sure won't like it if parents had to say this ;) , I am a mother of 2 teens, I am learning so much with each passing day.
You have been busy, so many pretty cards, I love the ribbon ones..I do have some broad ribbons but with kisses and smooches on it, made a card but never posted it.. I also love the flower one, it looks very striking with the partial die cut.

kiwimeskreations said...

Love your card for those of us from Down Under Darnell - is it perfectly seasonal for us :-). Your red and white cards are marvelous - love them!!
Blessings
Maxine

Anne said...

What a clever use of those sumptuous ribbons - the pears are perfick, well both of them are really. Gorgeous fruity creations.
Your post has shamed me into realising my Simon Says flower die is NBUS, watch this space...
Thank you for joining us
Anne
"Less is More"

Redanne said...

Wow, not only a piece of interesting information (I just love the song) but four fabulous cards too! I just love the gold ribbon one and the watchimacallit looks amazing as an embellishment - very clever and very beautiful... Hugs, Annie xxx

Stamps and Paper said...

What a lovely way to show off that gorgeous ribbon Darnell....love your Christmas cards too

Anne

Barb said...

What a great way to use those lovely ribbons to make beautiful cards. I love the colour of the CAS card. What a great snowflake die and the Joy card is gorgeous. Love the way those petals lift up. A fantastic set of cards. Barbxx

Aileen said...

Ohh Darnell you have surpassed yourself you have. I love them all. That ribbon is just perfect, love how you got summer and autumn in there. And that snow die, I knew I should have ordered it. And the flower die, who would have thought to use it for Christmas, in red and white just perfect. Keep em commin babe I'm lovein the inspiration.

Sue said...

Loving the cards, especially the pear one.

Hope you have a good day. Sue

Carole said...

Love all your cards...especially the ribbon ones...beautiful ribbons!

Leslie Hanna said...

Wow, you still have some of that wide ribbon. I think I finally got rid of all of mine. Those cards are gorgeous.

And that pop-up flower die? I have it and can never figure out how to make it look right. Yours is a winner!

Marilyn said...

Awesome cards!! Great way to use ribbon!

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Gorgeous design
love your cards
hugs Tamara

Carol L said...

What a purty collection of cards today! I'm especially fond of the ribbon pears card, with that metal ribbon tab accent! I've got a whole pocketful of those doodads that need to be used! Thanks for the inspiration!

adele holcomb said...

I especially like the Happy Holidays card. Not only is the pear ribbon a beautiful background, but the use of the watchamacallit is brilliant. I have a bunch of those from way back when and have forgotten I had them. I also like the cool way you used the snowflake border. A feast of cards today!

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Interesting (but creepy! LOL!) where that saying came from! LOVING your cards!! They are gorgeous! I am LOVING that pear one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Susanne Vargas said...

I am sure I have some broad ribbon hiding somewhere... Thanks for showing me a great way to use it! Your cards are fabulous as usual - with ribbon and without!

Happy Dance said...

Quite a quad! I've always loved what you do with pretty ribbon on your cards; you just have the touch with it. True story. Perfect 'down under' card for those of our friends experiencing Springy weather, and such an elegant Christmas card; it's rather stunning! And two more lovely Christmas cards to add to your stash! You are on a roll! That snowflake border is so cool! Love how you've created such interest with it. Later today, I'm back in my craft room...once I get back from a coffee date! Btw....that W&W joy die is fabby. Next year, you're coming for Thanksgiving too! Oh the fun (and cookery) we'll have! Miss you tons. Bev

JoAnn said...

Beautiful array of cards. I love the colors and design of each one. The ribbon cards are lovely. I love the red and white one best. :)

Canonbury creations said...

Fab designs Darnell, love those ribbon cards, sumptuous! Many thanks for the lovely birthday card, so kind of you!
Val x

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Stunning use of ribbon! So beautiful! And your CAS are both wonderful, love so much the design!

Pat said...

Four fantastic cards Darnell and I adore the two with those gorgeous fruity ribbons and then the red CAS snowflakes and flowers work beautifully with your clever designs. x

Geri said...

Your ribbons, fruit, flowers and flakes
Are more delightful than a plate full of cakes

The colors are bright, the texture divine
Gazed at these beauties for a good length of time

Came to the conclusion that you rock my dear friend
Creating these pretties that one day you'll send

To friends and to neighbors close by and apart
Will bring smiles to faces and warmth to their heart.

XX OO

TK said...

Oh my! The cards with ribbon are just wonderful! However, the other two remaining cards are not too slouchy either :o)
PS Follower for awhile, but new at blogging... time4kards.blogspot.com
You said to mention our homes, but not necessary to crow about it :oP

Sandma's Handmade Cards said...

I really love the effect of the ribbons that you've used on your cards Darnell. The colours look so deep and rich. I have some lovely printed ribbons but I've never thought of using them in this way. Thank you so much for the lovely comments that you left on my blog x

Ros Crawford said...

Beautiful cads!!who knew ribbon could look so good on it's own, well virtually ... love the hinge thingy!
Great story there ... not an expression I've heard of except in American movies and TV ... But maybe one day I'll enter a quiz in one of our pub quiz nights ... and they'll ask that question and I will know the answer! Wait they closed all the pubs... sigh

Sazzle Dazzle said...

Yummy, scrumptious and exotics fruity cards for less is more Darnell and love the red and white festive treats too! You could link the joy one up at ATCAS for dimension if you haven't already. Thanks for joining LIM this week! Sarah x

Lisa said...

Your cards are all so beautiful! Those ribbons are amazing!! And I just love the curved snowflake border, too!! Gorgeous cards!! Have a great day :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

KandA said...

Wonderful cards Darnell. Love the ribbon cards and I think I may have a roll or two somewhere in the back of the cupboard... so thanks for the great inspiration xx

conil said...

Whoa, girl! Where are you getting this fantabulously gorgeous ribbon...it is drool-worthy as are the cards you put them on. WOW! Being a traditionalist, those red and white cards warm my pea-pickin' heart. Love the way you used those SSS dies.
As always, I come here for an education and the "fly right" is a term that resonates with me. Being a huge fan of Nat King Cole, your research grabbed my interest immediately. I've used this term on my grandkids and they don't have a clue how to respond. Obviously, yet another generational gap which is becoming more like a crater daily.

Linda said...

Well I've learned something new today although I am not familiar with the saying.
All gorgeous cards. Those ribbons are beautiful and love the other two with those lovely dies. Great cards, my friend.

Krisha said...

Stunning cards Darnell, the pear ribbon card is fantastic.
Oh yes, I remember that saying, but didn't know where it came from.
Now back to trying to figure out some C. cards.......been watching you on Pinterest....*grin*

N-Eva said...


What a lovely cards . Thanks for joining us at Holly Jolly Christmas challenge.Neva

designbydonna said...

Very pretty ribbon cards. Love that flower die cuts one too.

Julia Aston said...

Thanks for your story Darnell! I learned something today - whoo hoo!!! love both of your ribbon cards - what lovely pieces! and your pop up flower is stunning! Juila xx

jimlynn said...

Well, I know fruit is always good to eat - but in this case it's also pretty to look at! Wonderful cards on all Darnell!
Lynn

Janis said...

Love how the gorgeous ribbons are beautiful enough to take center stage! I am always trying to put them behind something and feeling bad that they are so hidden. Wonderful cards, Darnell.
<3 J

jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

Helen F. said...

Coming to your Blog is like going to school, Darnell...Always fun facts here. :-) Beautiful cards, the ribbony designs are lovely!

Cat Craig said...

Lovely cards Darnell! That ribbon technique is so awesome and makes for such a fun pretty card. I have to say your last card blew my mind. I have that die set and never thought to use it this way. Brilliant my girl, simply brilliant.

Carol said...

Brilliant fourfer Darnell...those ribbons are so pretty. Carol x

Verna Angerhofer said...

Wonderful card designs. Thanks for sharing the ribbon ones. Last year I made some for Christmas which was a red organza ribbon with gold trees and edging embossed on it. They were very elegant. I love the other cards you created as well.

Sarah said...

Love the scrumptious ribbons cards Darnell and those jolly red ones are fabulous too xx

Kathleen said...

Gorgeous ribbon and fabulous cards you have made with them. Love the bright and bold Christmas cards too.
Never heard that song.

Kath x

OH Babs said...

Four beautiful cards. You have fun playing with designer ribbon and some great die cuts. I like the pear card, that is lovely ribbon. Have a good and "fruitful" week. :) BBB

rachel said...

wow - amazing makes darnell and I do really like the idea of featuring the ribbon xx

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Beautiful cards using the fabulous ribbon and the bottom two dies are gorgeous. I hope you are having a great week, xx

oldpunca said...

Amazing cards, dear Darnell. I like how you use ribbon on the card. Great effect. :-) The two red Christmas cards are powerful and elegant. I love red colour. :-)
Hugs, Sonja

maria f. said...

Ha! I know that quote from the song! (Shows what kind of music I grew up hearing in our house) Love your ribbon cards, specially that lovely golden one paired with the beautiful sentiment. Hope you've battened down the Playhouse hatches to keep the bad guys out. Be safe, my friend.

Bonnie said...

Gorgeous ribbons and I love how you've used them! Pretty die cuts too! You've been a busy beaver!

Lisa Elton said...

A quartet of loveliness Darnell!! That fancy fruity ribbon sure looks pretty center stage on your cards!!

laurie said...

Awesome set of cards, Darnell! I love the ribbon ones...just gorgeous!

Kim Heggins said...

Four fabulous cards Miss Darnell...just love that fabulous fruit ribbon! You are amazing.

Patti J said...

Darnell, your cards are all beautiful, as always! I really love the ribbon cards! Thanks for sharing! Oh...by the way - can't imagine you having any sass 😉

Greta said...

I love the last floral card, too--perfectly Christmas! The ribbons are gorgeous--especially the beautiful gold & copper one! I have some of those watchimacallits, too! Maybe I will finally use one--looks great here!

Jeanne H said...

These cards are just wonderful, Darnell. I 'specially like the red and white one. TFS & hugs from MN

Unknown said...

I must confess I have been reading your blog for several years but usually read it in my email, and don't click over to comment. Shame on me! You make me laugh, sigh, swoon and shake my head every time I read your words. A gift like that should be acknowledged. So, dear friend, keep up the great work. Every visit with you brings me great joy!
Lu C

Loll said...

LOVE your ribbon cards ... so beautiful and elegant. And two awesome CAS Christmas cards. You are on a roll today Dolly!! xx

Kathyk said...

How fabulous to see the "fruits of your labours" (sorry, pun entirely intended!) - some great makes shared today Darnell

Kathyk

Olga Fink said...

Beautiful cards Darnell! elegant and simple yet with so much attention for details! and thank you so much for your warm welcome! I am very touched! It is so nice to make new friends! Thank you also for taking the time to visit me and leave me a lovely comment! Happy Holidays

Shelly said...

Beautiful cards, Darnell!!

Unknown said...

Four absolutely beautiful cards Dippy. The pear ribbon is stunning and certainly goes perfectly for a Christmas card. Sorry, but never heard the phrase that your parents used to tell you.........must be an original Americana saying!

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Pia S said...

Love your use of ribbon, it has never occurred to me that ribbon can be used this way, being the star on a CAS card... Great idea!

Linda said...

Fabulous cards my friend ..... those ribbons are just gorgeous! xx

Elizabeth said...

Hi Darnell, it's ages since I popped over to see you - sorry! Lovely your gorgeous cards - I love them all. The printed ribbons are beautiful and now I'm quite inspired to use some of my pretty ribbon too :) Elizabeth xx

Cheryl W. said...

Wowsers! You've been busy, Darnell. Love your ribbon cards. What a great way to use the ribbon that tends to just sit in our drawers or cupboards. I like you holiday car.ds with die-cuts, too. They're both so lovely

Anonymous said...

Four fabulous creations. Love the use of the wide ribbon and the partial flower die is very clever.

Karen M said...

Stunning cards Darnell and I am in love with them all! Hugs xx

baileyrosy.com said...

Hello my beautiful friend , hope all is well in your world. Love, love love the ribbony cards super dooper very clever and filled with colour. As for the red CAS cards love them both especially the Joy card that one jumped right off the page at me and said hello.

Marie

Sue - said...

Fabulous collection of cards, but the two ribbon ones win hands down! That pear ribbon is to die for!

Chrissie said...

What amazing ribbons you had in your possession Darnell, now you have some fabulous cards made with them. Loved your story too!
Sorry it's taken me all week to get around to visiting!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"

Neets B said...

Sorry for the late visit, Darnell, life is just bonkers at the moment!
Anyhooo, LOVE those ribbons, the copper toned one is just gorgeous. And your red and white beauties are fabulous too, love the last one.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Anita x
Less is More

Marisa said...

These are fabulous! Love how you used ribbon as your focal point on the first two, love the snowflakes on the third and the popped up poinsettias are great. Four score of goodness :)

Shona Chambers said...

Well aren't you clever! I would never have thought to use ribbon on a card like that, such a cool idea. They look amazing, especially the one using the kraft CS, thats awesome!! You can't beat red and white either for a crisp Xmas colour combo. I think its always great when you can use a stamp or die for something different and those floral dies are perfect for Xmas.

Birgit said...

I had no idea that saying came from a song! That was interesting. I love these cards with the big ribbon especially the pear one-so festive!

Karenladd said...

Oooh, I am loving those ribbon cards, especially the one in gold and copper tones! I know I have some beautiful printed ribbon that I've been hoarding but now they're going to come out and be put on a card. I often get stuck in thinking that ribbon can only be used in a bow, silly me!

ionabunny said...

Dear Darnell, I am awed. Love those ribbon masterpieces. I have some patterned ribbon that I haven't an idea what to do with. I am inspired. Fun QACAS I may have to CASE. Thank you. Hugz

cm said...

Gorgeous ribbons; gorgeous cards! And for some reason, I suddenly have a craving for apple pie...Your two QACAS cards for those of us Up Under...pretty to the nth degree! The snowflake border is a looker and your poinsettias with the joy sentiment is pure class! In awe...again!
hugs~c

Bobby said...

Love the bus tour, Darnell. That pear ribbon is stunning and the whatchamacallit is the perfect finishing touch. The red and white cards are so bright and beautiful.

Anita in France said...

Well, I won't need my fruit this morning after taking in all this fruity, shimmery goodness, Darnell ... they're so delicious! Gorgeous festive red and white delights ... perfectly QACAS, mon amie! Hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Unknown said...

That red and white "joy" card is simply gorgeous!