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!

February 7, 2016

A Pocket Full of Love and XXOOs

Hi there and Happy Sunday Funday!

I've got a lotter pictures and since it's Sunday, the side show attractions have been given the day off so we can get right to the main infraction.

First off, direct from their sold-out show in Lost Wages, please give a warm welcome to A Pocket Full of Love!
Two different embossing folders are performing here. The background folder is "Wire Fence" by Darice, who has been entertaining creative minds prolifically for many years. The folder used to wrap the pocket is 3D "Quilt" from We R Memory Keepers. The marquee shouting LOVE is from Paper Smooches. The hearts (designed by Cuttlebug), are dressed in low-cut glitter foam, sparkling provokingly in the stage floodlights.

Following tonight's performance, this feature production will move on to the following challenge venues: CASology's "Glitter" and Less Is More's "White on White."

Happy 5th Birthday to LIM and thank you for all you've done to inspire me since my very early days of blogging! Cheers to many more happy years!

~~~

Next, I am pleased to present a three-part harmony presentation featuring the NBUS border die "Hugs and Kisses" from Memory Box.
This little ditty is festooned with chipboard hearts from my stash. The sediment is from Hero Arts (A2917).
This lovely number is made from an ancient strip of sparkly red paper and a scripty love die cut designed by the renowned duo of Winnie and Walter. You can also catch this performance over at the Addicted to Stamps and More show, "Clean and Simple (CAS)" and the "Inspired by Words" presentation at the TIME OUT Challenge (featuring "Mind Games" by John Lennon). 
In the final scene, the chorus sediment is NBUS from Happy Little Stampers, "Everyday Sentiments." Here you will see firsthand how performers can appear on stage dressed in the die cut cast-offs from other numbers. Nothing goes to waste in the paper-crafting industry! As such, we are proud to also be appearing in the "Snippets" production over at Pixie's Snippets Playground and in the word production at Just Us Girls where the star of the show is "Valentine."

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending this performance! I have been asked to apologize on behalf of the Stage Director for the gap in the dancers (downstage left) in the last performance. One of the XO duets became enthusiastically entangled in each other and missed last call for curtain. Please accept our complimentary and celibatory wine now available in the Auntie Chamber!

~~~
~~~

FYI, the current GIVEAWAY ends at noon on Tuesday.

~~~

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 or rejoin as a follower! Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor! 

*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!

110 comments:

Craft-E-Place said...

Morning Darnell, a stunning collection of cards. Fabulous designs beautifully executed surrounded by an entertaining blog post! All helping me start this Sunday morning with a smile.
Elaine

Jane Willis said...

Applause! Encore, encore!
Jane

JennyH said...

Love your pocket full of hearts Darnell, what a neat idea, the two embossing folders go so well together : )

Anonymous said...

I think a standing ovation is called for here , i hope you don't mind if I raise my coffee cup to you as its the a.m and coffee time. A fabulous array of cards full of love and passion and the Darnell flair. Hope your team wins today !

Marie

Sue said...

You have been busy. All lovely cards.

Hope you have a good day. Sue

Kath said...

Fabulous cards - love them all and can't choose a favourite today!
Kath x

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

They are all so creative!! Fabulous CAS, and Looooove the pocket with the glittered hearts inside!!

Stamps and Paper said...

Lovely cards Darnell espically love the idea of pocket full of hearts...

Anne

!neke said...

I like the white one the most, but all are great !

Ineke XXX

Barb said...

These are all fabulous Darnell. The pocket of love is gorgeous. I really like the way you've embossed the pocket too. I've not seen that hugs and kisses die before. What a lovely border for your super cards. Barbxx

Keep It Sweet and Simple said...

Well, that's a whole lotta love there.
Terrific cards.
xxx

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

A wonderful show in which all participants played their part magnificently, but the star of the show . . . bum roll . . . ooops, I mean drum roll . . . and the winner is, 'A Pocket Full of Love', with it's glistening and sparkling in the sunshine (we have gale force winds and torrential rain) and the two wonderful textures from those EF's and WOW! Amazing! Have a lovely Sunday! Hazel xx
My Card Attic

Pat said...

What a beautiful array of cards Darnell. I adore the WOW card with the pretty glittery hearts and then the different versions using that lovely heart border and my particular favourite is the one with the 'love' script die. Your posts are such fun and always brighten my day. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. x

Marilyn said...

Awesome cards Darnell!! Love the performance!! Thank you

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Absolutely LOVEEEEEEEEE these! LOVING that pocket on the first one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

None None said...

Hiya, Darnell!!! Love that cozy pocket of love. The quilted panel looks so heavenly and comforting, even more so with hearts just spilling out of it. The chipboard hearts on your second and fourth card - STUNNING!!! Overall, you've knocked it out of the park (as always). Happy February!

Jeanne said...

Four stellar performances! Thanks for sharing. Great comic, too. :)

Petra Swart said...

Unbelievable how wonderful those two EFs go together, Darnell!!! and the glittery hearts ...stars of the show (and it sparkles so nicely in the photo)!!!! Love the small little label tab you've added on the pocket's side - just like IRL!!!!!
...and the Hugs and Kisses die ...simply great - love the great ways you have let it shine!!! A great applause for all of these, Darnell!!!
Have a great afternoon/evening!!!!
Hugz

Vicki Dutcher said...

Fabulous eye candy of heart cards! So glad you joined in at JUGS!

cm said...

WOW! All these hugs, kisses and hearts have me 'feelin' the love', Darnell! Gorgeous cards, all; I'm particularly smitten with the script-sporting hearts. Classy! The vacuuming pigs are hilarious...and this little piggy is about to do the same! Our 'pen' needs some serious cleaning! Need to tackle that before the football game (I'm not the fan, my husband is, but I do enjoy the commercials, especially the Budweiser horses...). Happy Sunday!
Hugs~c

Gerrina said...

Beautiful haerts-cards! And linked up to TIME OUT again; thanks for that. Just back from the Carnavalparade here...so your post was just an wxtention of my mood :) No seriously; good to see how you combined every element to beautiful balanced cards! Enjoy the sunday!

Kathyk said...

What a fantastical collection of makes you've shared with us - love 'em all

Happy Sunday

Kathyk

Pen Sunshinepen said...

Afternoon, Thanks for popping over to my blog and I am now your latest follower.

Crafty hugs and happy crafting

Pen x

Canonbury creations said...

I'm clapping Darnell, can you hear me? Lovely post with a fabulous array of cards!
Val x

lilian said...

Love all your card Darnell,
Thank you for following my blog.

Have a great Sunday
Lilian

Redanne said...

Thanks for giving me a Sunday Smile Darnell. Your line up of cards is beautiful, I especially the love black, red and white combo - so perfect for Valentine cards. Hugs, Annie xx

cuilliesocks said...

Hi Darnell, what a fabulous selection of cards, each one is brilliant, great designs and colours. Love the cartoon, Kate x

Dana M said...

Wow Darnell! Each card is amazing. I absolutely love that you used the front and back of the embossing on the pocket card.

KandA said...

What a wonderful fun filled performance Darnell. Super cards and great designs. But I think the award should go to the last with the brilliant use of leftover snippets. Have a fun week xx

sandie said...

Love your pocket full of sparkly hearts. And gorgeous love heart strips. Hope Sunday is going well. Thanks for joining TO and a big thank you for leaving us a comment on our main blog, I really appreciate this xx

Cat Craig said...

Those glittery hearts are swoon worthy, and your entire line up is fabulous! So much talent!

conil said...

This is quite the entertaining revue...you've taken this love theme to new heights. That white number made my heart sing and the fun of the border routine made me dance in my seat. And who wouldn't love that snippet finale. Kudos on a fabulous show.

Aileen said...

Love your pocket full of love. Very classy all in white. x

Jenni's Jems said...

Love your very entertaining post Darnell had me grinning from ear to ear.. and no need to ask if you can case of course you can but looking at these beauties don't think you need to !!! X

Jenni's Jems said...

Love your very entertaining post Darnell had me grinning from ear to ear.. and no need to ask if you can case of course you can but looking at these beauties don't think you need to !!! X

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

Amazing cards Darnell, I like them all!

Love and hugs
Maarit

Susanne Vargas said...

What a fantastic show (next time could you please provide dinner as well?)! From the sparkling white beauty to the last hugs and kisses card! Applause, applause!

designbydonna said...

You've put on quite a show. Love all your features. That pocket card is especially dear to my heart. Standing ovation.

Susan said...

Four fabulous cards and one hilarious cartoon that had me chuckling. I especially love the glitter card - wonderful hearts! Thanks for your comment on my blog telling me to be in touch with my "rebel" side more often - that had me laughing too!

Sandy said...

What a "love"ly bunch of cards. I am most impressed at the patience that black/white/red border of tiny die-cuts must have taken.

Donna said...

Air stunning cards Darnell and great presentation, you always entertain me!

Verna Angerhofer said...

I love all of those wonderful cards you created. And, I certainly giggled at the cartoon at the bottom of your post too! Thanks for a good laugh!

Sazzle Dazzle said...

looks like you've had a busy day Darnell - thrilled to see your make for the white on white challenge. Love the glittery shimmer too and such a clever design. Thanks for joining the birthday challenge this week at Less is More. Sarah

Vikki H said...

While your cards are fun & creative, I think this performance blog writing is some of your best! Great post!

Jean said...

Gorgeous cards!!

Ruth said...

Rapturous applause and shouts of Encore, Encore! Love them all, especially those chipboard hearts. You really are getting through all that NBUS - I'm getting quite a few of my own!! xx

Bonnie said...

There's a lot of love wrapped up in this show! Take a standing ovation!

patrap777 said...

As always, I LOVE this post and your beautiful cards. You have so inspired me to really get in there and use things I had completely forgotten I even had! With my craft room reorganization I found many forgotten treasures and I have challenged myself to use everything in my craft room at least once in a year from when I started, Oct. 1, 2015 In all honesty, I'll need to make it a 2 year challenge, because to use everything in a mere 365 days would have me making about 5 crafts a day. Still, the will is there and I have to say, it is much harder for me to justify new purchases to myself knowing all that I already have. Your humor and your talent are amazing! God Bless

Anonymous said...

Beautiful cards.
How patient to pick up all the die cuts to make the last card. :)

Kathleen said...

Well, what are like, thank goodness for blogger like you.
Love the first card to bits and the other cards are superb too, a very clever and talented Lady, notice the capital letter there?
All I can say is.......
Encore, encore.
Have a great week Young Lady.

Kath x

oldpunca said...

Beautiful post, full of love. :-) I like your pocket with hearts.
Have a great week!
Sonja

JoAnn said...

Love your pocket full of love card and the other pretties. TFS

Michele K. Henderson said...

These are all so cute! I like the pocket card the best--really clever idea!
Take care!
Michele

Nora Noll said...

What a wonderful "show." I LOVE that beautiful Pocketful card in all that white!! Stunning performance!! I LOVE that you used similar supplies for your next cards but they are so different. LOVE all of the design. I hope you have a fabulous week!!

Cheryl W. said...

I loved every performance! Thank you for the show! Now let the love fest begin!! he he

Kim Heggins said...

Sweet collection of amazing Valentine's Day cards...love them all!

Rose said...

Wow! What a fabulous collection of cards! The all white with its glittery goodness is quite stunning. Thanks for another entertaining blog post.

Unknown said...

You crack me up ... plain and simple ! Love your cards- all four acts:)
Lu C

Lisa Elton said...

Well I have to say you brought down the house with these Darnell!! Fabulous, each and every one...encore, encore!!

Jacquie Southas said...

Wow, you really capture the shine on those glitters hearts, Darnell! Thanks for linking it up to the CASology challenge this week!

Mimi said...

Whooooo... monochromatic... and colorful... lovely! Looks like you been busy!

Suchi said...

Whata a stunning display of cards! Beautiful cards Darnell! :)
Suchi xx

Hannelie said...

Goodness Darnell... a line up of beauty! I love the subtle glitter on your white on white design! Stunner!
Thanks for joining us at CASology!

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
what super designed cards.
They are all so very different and great.
My fave is the pocket full of hearts.
Superbly created as always.
Love and big hugs from my house to yours.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Carole said...

Fabulous post Darnell...you cheer me on a very wet day here in the UK (yet again). Fabulous cards............such clever designs.......all brilliant...but it has to be said they are made by a brilliant designer.Big hugs xx

Carol Cel said...

absolutely gorgeous cards!! -- my faves are the first (pocket full of hearts) and the last - for Snippets.
Have a Happy Valentines' Day.

Di said...

All brilliant cards Darnell! LOVE that unusual die on your snippets card - and the pocketful of love is such fun!

Lovely to see you in the Playground again.

Hugs

Di xx

Geri said...

Definitely a Standing Ovation for this performance dear friend (although it is really hard to type while standing, so I am going to sit down now!).

I giggled throughout your entire post! How do you think of all these fun things to say? You are truly amazing....as are your cards! Loving all the red, white and black, bling, sparkle and shine!

Just wondering if "X" and "O" were disciplined for being MIA for the performance?

Unknown said...

Four brilliant cards Dippy - love them all but think my heart goes to the fourth card with the elongated hearts inside each other. Now just how many Valentine's are you going to have this year???? lol

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Sarn said...

Your cards are simply wonderful Darnell. xxx

Pia S said...

A post filled with love:) the white one sure is eye catching, nice texture and sparkle! I also love the hearts on the second one, they kind of look a bit glossy and eatable somehow. They're all fab!

Loll said...

Beautiful array of love cards, my friend! xx

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Dood! That post was too much fun. I love all your great VD cards. That X O X O border is the bomb!

BożenA said...

Hi Darnell,
All your cards are beautiful, but the second card took me speechless! Wonderful, I do not know what it is, but this card has long been somewhere in the depths of my heart. Thank you.
hugs,
BozenA

Monika Reeck said...

That Glitter Pocket of Love is clever made Darnell
Love the heart glitter and that embossing folder is adorable too
and you are ready for valentine
woohoo so many valentine cards
love them all Darnell
I miss you
just have time to visit you pardon me :(
hugs
Monika

Chriss Blagrave said...

I so love your pocketful of Love card, all that gentle texture and sparkle, just dreamy. The trio of heart day cards is Lover-ly!!!

Sue said...

Oh, Darnell, I'm not sure how you come up with your story lines, but they are great...as are your cards. I love them all. I bet the white one is quite stunning in person with the glittered hearts.

Lisa said...

Your cards are so gorgeous, Darnell!! I love the pocket full of hearts!! Those hearts sparkle!! Beautiful!! The other three cards are fabulous!! That Hugs and Kisses die is a NBUS for me, too and you've inspired me to use it!! Love all of these!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Joyce said...

Spectacular collection of cards, Darnell. Glad to see you in she spirit of Valentines day. Really love your pocket full of glittery hearty goodness. Thanks so much for playing along at CASology this week.

Sandy said...

Where do I start funny lady -- all of your cards are really fabulous! I like the first one the best.
You are such a wonderful writer!
Last but not least is that fantastic cartoon. I am still smiling!
sandy xx

Carol L said...

What a wonderful collection of love cards! I love them all but that quilted look of the white pocket with glittered hearts just won me over! Nice work on all of them!

Brenda said...

Wow! What amazing cards Auntie! I love each and everyone of them. I'm in love with that pocket on the first card and of course the embossing is simply fabulous! Those glittery hearts are amazing as well, they all perform well together! The next cards are so elegant, I am in love with the Hugs and Kisses die cut. How cute is it?!! The hearts that came from your stash are so elegant too, love them. Love the love dies you have used, they work perfectly on the cards. Yep, I'm in love with this hugs and kisses die and of course all those beautiful cards!!! Hugs, Brenda

Rahmat said...

Awesome card Darnell, this pocket of love is fantastic, I am super happy to see you at ATSM.

Janis said...

An encore-worthy performance, for sure!!! I love the white on white of the first card with all that fabulous embossing! Gorgeous. The black and white and red of the other cards is wonderfully dramatic. I am enchanted with those scripty chipboard hearts....so ideal for your cards.

Thank you for your awesome comment on my mixed media valentine the other day. You made my day!!! I am totally in awe of your expert CAS style....so spare and so perfect!!
<3 J

jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

Maura said...

HI Darnell,
Love all your cards, as usual, but my fave is the second one with the text on the hearts - so classy, my friend!! Love the new look on your blog - take care!!

Maura said...

HI Darnell,
Love all your cards, as usual, but my fave is the second one with the text on the hearts - so classy, my friend!! Love the new look on your blog - take care!!

Wendy Nicola Jackson said...

Love that pocket full of love card Darnell, especially the sparkly hearts. Also love the different designs you've created with that same XO die. Very styley and cool. Lovely to have a visit from you on my blog. Thanks for your sweet words. Hugs, Wends x

Greta said...

Oh so clever--your post & your cards, my friend! I just adore the pocket card--so fun & beautiful!

Nan G said...

What a performance! Bravo bravo! I might have to Case one of your layouts. Have a great week! Hugs

scrappymo! said...

Wow! You have so many great Valentines Cards made up. They all look wonderful. My fave is the first...
You have been a card making queen!

Rainey's Craft Room said...

Gorgeous cards, very romantic and full of love. Sorry I haven't visited in a while, I always seem to be trying to catch up with myself of late and commenting gets very behind although I have seen your creations in my Bloglovin feed list.
Lorraine

Ros Crawford said...

My I'm so impressed by your creative talent! Wonderful cards and fabulous post!

Liz said...

Brilliant cards, as usual, Darnell. I have the Hugs and Kisses dies, a recent purchase, but still part of my NBUS. You've given me the inspiration to get it out and use it! :-) xx

Cheryl said...

These are all terrific!
Thanks for joining us this week at Just Us Girls!

Linby said...

All great cards but my fav is the pocket. Says what it is right there! Love those two embossing folders but I am not adding to the NBUS!

Neets B said...

Firstly, apologies for my lack of visits and comments of late, I'm a rubbish blogger and you may slap my wrists!
Secondly, wow, what a gorgeous selection of hearty loveliness! That pocket is just stunning, so much texture and sparklyness (not a word I know but you won't care! lol) And so many more gorgeous CAS cards.
Thanks so much for sharing at Less is More and ATSM this week, Anita xx

Chris Dring said...

Encore! Encore! OMGee, was I laughing out loud reading your post! Your cards are all fabulous, Darnell! Thanks for joining us at Just Us Girls!

OH Babs said...

The white on white Valentine is really, really lovely with so much texture and bling. Of course all the cards are great but I am attracted to the chipboard heart and his grandson. Thank you for cheering up my early morning and I laughed so much as I continued to read, and read some more, my coffee got cold. Yesterday ate lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant on the patio with a snippet view of the Pacific, it was another gorgeous Southern California day. :)

Caz said...

So many amazing cards :-) Thank you so much for the one you sent me! I'm so sorry I haven't been able to reply yet but i'm working on it :-) xx

Marybeth said...

Love the white pocket card and the NBUS die is terrific ! Love the way you made three beautiful cards all different! You are too funny!

Mandy LaCroix said...

FABULOUS collection of cards, Ms. Darnell! :) Love them all!
Thanks for sharing over at the ATSM challenge, it was a pleasure to visit! :)

Chrissie said...

What a bounty of loveliness Darnell!
The use of both sides of your EF on the pocket card is inspired!
Yumderful!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"

Anne said...

What a love-ly collection Darnell, the pocket of love is fab.
Thanks so much for joining our 5th birthday celebration challenge!
Anne
"Less is More"

Anita in France said...

I know I'm exceedingly late for the performance, Darnell ... but I would have called for an encore! The texture-y, shimmery, low cut number is a true stunner ... and what gorgeous Valentines ... crisp and CAS and so delicious! Always delighted to have you playing along with us at Time Out, mon amie! Hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Sue - said...

Super fun post Darnell and three positively scrumptious cards.

Karenladd said...

What a fun trio of cards, and all with my favorite color combo of black, white and red. The one I like the most is the last one, because of the missing X and O couple, which gives it that extra pop of personality that makes it memorable!

Lisa Kind said...

Your cards are oh so lovely! Thanks for taking the Time Out to play with us!

Bobby said...

I don't know which I enjoyed more - the performers or the reporters snappy repartee. The cards are all wonderful in their respective costumes, Darnell.

Olga Fink said...

So beautiful cards! they are all fantastic!
xoxo Olga

Helen F. said...

Weeelll, these Valentines are FABULOUS, Darnell! Love the black n white but couldn't pick a fave~love em all.