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 21, 2016

Ahhh, The Little Things


Good Morning!

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Today I'm presenting the last, but not the least, in a series of February guest designs and it's for something brand new, so it's a pleasure to help spread the word!

I'm talking about the new Inspired by All the Little Things card game. Right off the bat, I love the name and what the name brings to mind: life is too short, live in the moment, stop and smell the roses, don't be so impressed by the sunset that you step on the daffodils ...

Okay, I made up that last one, but you get the idea.

The creator of Inspired by All the Little Things is none other than Lesley Croghan of Always Playing With Paper. Lesley moved into Blogland back in 2009 and promptly became the Mayor of Challenges. I could list them all, but it's more impressive if you check out the resume she has on her blog here. You'll need a lie-down after you read it!

The thing is, her new venture is NOT a challenge! Wait. What? Here is how Lesley explains it:
This is NOT a challenge but I hope you will "play" along and share how you were inspired by my inspiration photo. Of course, you may not be inspired at all! But if you are...please share! 
So there you have it! Inspired by All the Little Things is a place where we can share with each other and inspire each other! No competition ~ just inspiration ~ and, of course, enabling! There's always that! Lesley has a linky tool for you to share how her weekly photo inspired you.

Here is the fun photo for this coming week:
I was inspired by the colors and the stacked cups and the polka dots in the shape of stars! How cool is that? And I happen to have some ancient pp that worked perfectly for this photo, so perfectly, in fact, that I have made a twofer for you:

First:
I used those Lil' Inker stitched rectangles again. This time my NBUS stitched ovals made their debut. As a matter of fact, everything else on the card is NBUS, too. The Poppystamps teacups were inlaid. (I sometimes call it paper-piecing, but really it's inlaying or laying in. Then there's laying about, but that's for the end of the day or your no-good Uncle Scradmer.) The banner and sediment are from the Layered Banner set by Papertrey Ink.

And my twofer:
This happened when I started gathering up the starry papers from my desk to put back and Harmony asked if she could have a go at showing her Hammy daddy what she learned in her composition sessions with him. (She's a good little learner, don't you think?)

Instead of stacked cups, we stacked paper shapes. You might think every shape of stitched die known to man has been used for this card, but not so. Nowadays you can get stitched anything on a die. The stitched star is NBUS, as is the hello sediment from Simon Says Stamp.

~~~

Thank you, Lesley, for the honor of being the Guest Designer for this new and fabulous card game! I hope to see a lot of you joining in. Play for fun and share how you were inspired by all the little things!!
 Spread the word!!
~~~

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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Finally! NBUS #6!

The next semi-annual NBUS (Never-Before-Used Schtuff) Challenge is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for two weeks from today!! Wheet!! If you are new to NBUS and would like more information, please click here.

Never-Before-Used-Schtuff (Stamps, Dies, EFs, etc.)

107 comments:

Valerija said...

Lovely.

Jane Willis said...

Gorgeous, and I need that fab teacup die!
Jane

Ruth said...

Gorgeous as always - adore the colour combination. This is something I need to check out - challenge that isn't a challenge! An inspiration - and I get inspired by a lot of people. You're doing great on using up all those NBUS :) xx

Sue said...

Fab cards. I love the colours.

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Aileen said...

Wow have you had the die cutting machine hammering them out. What a wonderful collection. Love the colour mix too. Great cards and waiting for the NBUS challenge to begin.

Barb said...

Two gorgeous cards Darnell. I do want those cups. Love the colours too. I laughed at your comment about stepping on the daffodils! Barbxx

Alanna said...

This new challenge sounds like a lot of fun and I absolutely adore your teacup card. I love the colors and how you inlaid everything. I'm thinking I might also have this die in my NBUS stash. And I always love when you give us a twofer. Excellent cards.

Rahmat said...

Stunning card! love the bright colors you have used.I have seen this feature, and would surely love to play just for fun, thanks for reminding Darnell.

Diane said...

Both cards are fabulous...and how perfect to make the second card with what you had left out....love them!!! sounds like a fun place to visit and to be inspired!

KandA said...

Both wonderful cards Darnell. Congrats on all your GD spots - you have had a busy month of it. I can't believe it's almost NBUS time again... must go shopping to replenish my mountain before the big day xx

Sandra H said...

Oh wow they are both absolutley gorgeous cards and the colour taken from the theme is beautiful l love everything about both cards x

vic said...

These are just gorgeous and you have made such a great card with the colours a fab take on the photo well done you!
Vic x

Marilyn said...

Beautiful cards!!

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Great takes on that inspiration photo Darnell! Great designs! Have a lovely Sunday my friend! Hazel xx
My Card Attic

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Great takes on that inspiration photo Darnell! Great designs! Have a lovely Sunday my friend! Hazel xx
My Card Attic

stampwithsandy said...

Oh I was so excited to see you as a featured designer at Lesley's blog, Darnell! So well deserved, your posts are a constant source of both inspiration and entertainment. LOVE your stack of cups, those dies are awesome, and the Hello card is perfect for so many occasions! Hugs :)

Pat said...

Wow Darnell, congratulations on another GD spot. I love your two cards and they are just great interpretations of the inspiration photo. I adore that stack of cups and then the stack of shapes on the second, and the red and aqua star papers on both and the gorgeous stitched stars and ef on the second, and great sentiments on both. Fabulous! x

Dotty Jo said...

Great cards and good to find out a little bit more about you! Jo x

None None said...

Super awesome card, Darnell!! Love the papers you used - so perfect for that inspiration photo. Love how you stacked your images like the photo and used cups like the photo for your first card. Congrats on the GD position. Wonder Woman Lesley couldn't pick a better woman for a GD!! Thanks for letting me know that Lesley has another challenge going - she really amazes me with her creativity and energy!! I'll have to check out her challenge sometime soon.

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

These are gorgeous! LOVING the colors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Really inspiring photo and your cards are both so pretty!! Love very much that one with the pile of cups, your inlaying is fabulous and the dp is just perfect to CASEing the patterns in the photo!!!

Vicki Dutcher said...

Excellent inspired cards. Those stacked cups are really fun with all the inlaying going on~ Yay for GDing - helps to get the word out with all your followers :)

Jeanne said...

What great cards, Darnell! I think that challenge sounds like a good one and boy oh boy did you step up to the starry plate and shoot for the moon! I adore what you have created in your two fer! Thanks so much for sharing!

ionabunny said...

Love that stacked teacup die and yours ae so pretty. Oh good, NBUS #6. I have been amazingly good and didn't buy new stuff for the first 6 weeks of this year. Yeah, I'm amazed too!! I was lucky in a few challenges though so I will have plenty of NBUS to join the fun. Hugz

Marianne said...

Love your stacked cups in that lovely colour comb and your stacked starry papers look great too.
Looking forward to the next NBUS event. I'm already doing practice rounds using my NBUS, but I'm sure there will be plenty of NBUS left to play with in March.
Good news on the home front: I dropped off DH at the cinic today and I won't pick him up again until after he has had his temperoray stoma removed. ;-)
Surgery had been postponed because of DH's blood levels and lungs, but it has been rescheduled for tomorrow afternoon after the pneumologist gave him the green light on Wednesday. So we have an exciting day ahead tomorrow. It may be a minor procedure to the surgeon, but it will have a huge impact on DH and me.
Marianne x

Michelle said...

WOW.... two bee-u-ti-ful cards! LOVE this red/aqua color combination!

Krisha said...

Well done Darnell!! Both cards are amazing, you were rightly inspired....*grin*

So you're going across the pond this summer??? Lucky YOU!

Looking forward to the NBUS coming up (I haven't used my little heart die yet...*grin*) Speaking of dies.........aren't the stitched shapes the greatest?

Thank you for the kind comments you left on my sympathy cards.

Dr Sonia S V said...

Love the stack of cups and the bright cheerful colors you used Darnell
Cheers
Dr Sonia

Canonbury creations said...

Just lovely Darnell, love the teacups, can't beat a cuppa! Reminds me I have a matching stamp and die set that haven't seen the light of day yet!
Val x

Lesley said...

Good morning, Darnell! Thank you so much for being my Guest this week! I adore you and your projects. Enjoy your weekend!
Hugs,
Lesley

Linda said...

Both of these cards are so awesome. The red just pops. So pretty. My favorite is the star card.

Sue said...

Love the color combo and the cup dies are awesome. Love your second card, too, with all the shapes and stars. I'll have to check out Lesley's site

Marybeth said...

Wow, your stacked cups are as adorable as can be! You nailed the inspiration photo with this wonderful card! Can you tell how much I love this! You are one busy guest,congrats!

Carole Pollard said...

Great cards love the fab colours what a great idea an inspiration page sounds fun Love and hugs Carole x

sandie said...

Fun to read your comments on Lesley block. Love how her photo inspired you. Looking forward to sharing a cuppa with you in July xx

Anonymous said...

Two divine cards the colours work so beautifully together and remind me of times gone by for some reason. I especially love the piled up crockery has a real retro feel to it. Hope all is well with you and yours Darnel.

Marie

Damjana said...

Simply gorgeous.

Sarah said...

I really, really, really love these, the colours are gorgeous for starters and those cups would sit beautifully on my kitchen dresser!! xx

Sandma's Handmade Cards said...

Hi Darnell, thank you so much for the very kind comment left on my blog. I have to say that the picture here could have been inspired by your first card. The dies work so well and the colours are just perfect. Congratulations on being a guest designer and I wish you a happy crafting week X

designbydonna said...

Cute cheerful cards. I love polka dots. And they go together really well with stars.

Rubeena I. said...

Awesome cards, Darnell!! Hope you're doing fab xoxo

Maria Rodriguez. said...

Oh Darnell, I adore this cups, the colors you chose are amazing together, and those dishes.....I love, LOVE the egg holders, I'm a sucker for soft boiled eggs and, when you eat them in something gorgeous, they taste even better.
The second card is fabulous too, it could be a really festive 4th. of July greeting.
Thank you for sharing.
Big Hugs.
PS. How is your hubby doing? I hope he is all better now.

Jean said...

These are so very pretty!! I am having a lovely weekend! Hope youa re as well.

Anita in France said...

You're really rocking these GD spots, Darnell ... congratulations on this new one with Lesley! A twofer of deliciousness ... the colour palette is gorgeous ... those stacked cups have a lovely retro feel about them ... as though they should be in grandma's special cabinet ... and yes, Harmony did a fantastic job with all those starry papers ... she gets a gold star! Miss you heaps! Hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Gerrina said...

Beautifull use of the colours! Love how the red let the other colours pop! And a cup of tea is a nescesarry thing every day again :)!
Have a good week!

Viv said...

Fab colour combo Darnell! Great job. x

Verna Angerhofer said...

Beautiful cards and excellent take on the photo too!

Lynn said...

Oh la La. Love, love, love this color combo and your two fabulous cards. They are fabulous Darnell.

BożenA said...

Great card! I love your gaze cup :-) and courageous conversion into pierced cards. An excellent idea. It is a mark of great creativity, Darnell.
hugs,
BozenA

Susan said...

As always you've created two great cards! Your NBUS stash must be huge!😉 Love all the "in-laying ". You've definitely showcased the inspiration photo!

Rose said...

Wow! Absolutely perfect takes on the inspiration photo. Love the stacked cups especially.

OH Babs said...

Congrats and WOWZA. I would say the Wheaties are working for you. I love the cups, really love the cups.

Brenda said...

Wow, what a fun inspiration photo! I love how you were inspired by it Auntie and I love those fun and fabulous and perfect pattern papers you used. Those stacked cups are so fun and whimsical. Love it! I never would have thought to stack up the pattern paper, how clever of you and Harmony to do so. The embossed stars are fabulous as are the die cut stars. Love this one too!! Hugs, Brenda

Redanne said...

Your colour combo on these gorgeous cards is fantastic Darnell and the designs are superb. These are my new favourites of your creations - love, love, love!!! Hugs, Annie xxx

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Congratulations on the GD !!! You are always such an inspiration with your your fabulous cards and funny writing!!! No wonder Lesley masked you to be her GD! Love how you interpreted this challenge, especially your inlaid stack of cups!

MaryH said...

Two beautiful and very happy feelings on these Two-fers. And congrats on your GD task too. You've done splendidly. Love the inspiration and how you've showcased the colors, designs. And extremely impressed at all the stitchy dies, (great to use NBUS,yes?), and the fiddly inlay pieces. Some look so scant, that I bet it was a tongue-between-your teeth effort, but they look grand. I should have these cheerful cups. As always, you astound with your designs. Great teamwork too, with you & Harmony. She is proving to be as adept as her Dad. Good genes, I guess! TFS & Have a wonderful week, and big hugs.

Pia S said...

Yup, I agree, you had to make two, couldn't imagine one of them not being made:) they're beautiful!

Bonnie said...

I didn't realize that Lesley was up to another inspiration for us! Thanks for the heads up and a beautiful heads up it is!

conil said...

Golly, do you and the Hamster team ever get around. Congratulations on this Guest Designer gig on the launch of "All the Little Things". Your cards are, well...inspired. You must be so organized to find just the perfect die and patterned paper to fulfill your assignment. I'm so envious, I'm green. Lesley chose well when she picked you, clever girl. This game is on my list to play.

Taasha Blevins said...

These cards are fantastic. I love love love the colors. Thanks for sharing and inspiring us all. And thank you for introducing me to Lesley; I started following her blog instantly!!

Carol L said...

What a fabulous pair of colorful and beautifully created cards! I just love those inlaid teacups along with those fantastic colors and papers you chose. The stars are just as pretty, and oh my how I love those stitched dies! I think I need to add more to my collection one day very soon :)

Anonymous said...

Two fabulous starry cards. Congrats on your GDT spot.

Greta said...

Wow, wow, wow! 2 incredible cards, Darnell! Love the colors, images, layouts--so appealing to the eye I keep staring at them!

Craftychris said...

These are both awesome! I love the teacup die, it's so cool! The papers and colours just scream 'happy' . Congratulations on being guest designer! Take care! xxx

Tracey McNeely said...

Fabulous fabulous take on the inspiration Darnell. Congratulations on your guest design, so happy to see you as the star with these two awesome creations, oh I am in love with those cups but the stars are lovely too! Hope you had a lovely weekend! xoxo

Becca Cruger said...

The teal and red probably is my favorite color scheme of all time ever so these both just make me grin! Awwwwwdorable creations!

Becca Cruger said...

The teal and red probably is my favorite color scheme of all time ever so these both just make me grin! Awwwwwdorable creations!

oldpunca said...

You was inspired quite well by the photo. I like both of your cards. Stacked paper shapes are simply a wonderful idea. I have to remember this. :-))
Have a great week,
Sonja

Joyce said...

Two amazing cards, Darnell. Love the bright happy colors you used. And, yay, I am excited to hear that the NBUS is about to begin. I have been preparing and readying myself for this challenge....by making sure I have a large stash of NBUS!

Susanne Vargas said...

Fabulous takes on the inspiration photo! The teacups are sweet and Harmony's more abstract approach is fun! These cards make my star-loving heart beat faster!
I have never heard of this challenge, that isn't a challenge! Off to check it out!

Lisa Elton said...

The spotlight could not shine on a more deserving blogger!! What a cute inspiration photo, love the colors. Your cards are both just as cute as cute can be. LOVE the stacked cups. England in July huh, sounds like a good time!!

Jan Clothier said...

Great to read your interview and to read all about you. lovely cards, as usual. Thanks for your positive comments on my AYSI card.

Mimi said...

Hey, you. Awesome cards-- I can definitely see how you were inspired by the pic., and what a nice description you gave the new inspiration blog! Let's lift eachother! And thanks for reminding the people that life is too short... Your attitude is awesome.

kiwimeskreations said...

What fabulous cards Darnell - your wee Hammy and Hammiettes really are very clever little people - learning from you no doubt!!
Looking forward to the NBUS challenge :-)
Blessings
Maxine

Robin said...

Hi Darnell! I LOVE your two cards that were inspired by the "not a challenge" inspiration game. Sounds like fun and inspirational! Great to come by and see your new creations! Hugs, R

TK said...

Well done, thou good and faithful carder! Great cards and the new "play along" sounds fun.

ike said...

Super awesome cards - I just love that colour scheme. Your teacups are beautiful and I think Harmony did an excellent job :-D
Hugz
IKE xxx

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Joanne James - The Crafty Owl said...

Love those bright and colourful cards Darnell and very much enjoyed reading your post today! So pleased to see you featured as one of Leslie's designers. Bravo!

Olga Fink said...

Two fantastic cards Darnell! as always you inspire! I love this combination of colors!
xoxo Olga

Dana M said...

Fabulous cards Darnell! Crisp, fun and fresh - great takes on the inspiration photo. Congrats on being featured as guest designer.

Ros Crawford said...

Well if it were a challenge, you rocked it! Fabulous cards and they totally represent that photo ... Congrats on your GD spot too!

Claire Grantham said...

Great cards Darnell.. Especially the star one which has pride of place on my desk along with my new dies.. You generous and naughty lady. You made my week because the world hated me last week... Happy mail got posted to you before I left for my trip. Cx

Karen Petitt said...

Gorgeous cards huni. I especially love the cups as I am a tea drinker but both of them are wonderful Karen xx

Unknown said...

Wow Dippy, you certainly cracked this inspiration photo perfectly. Love the teacups with that gorgeous dp paper pieced (inlaid) and the second one is equally lovely.............actually has me wanting a cuppa now so that's what I'm going to do!!! lol

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Carole said...

Crisp clean and lovely inspired cards. Thanks for the visit and kind words.

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I find the dots and the contrast between red and white to be very inspiring. I like the cards you made with your inspiration!

Inkyfingers said...

Well Darnell, I really think you outdid yourself with this one! Now isn't this proof positive that it is absolutely necessary to keep an enormous stash of goodies so that you can whip out the PERFECT materials for any given card challenge? I love the colours, the design and the beautiful inlay. Fantastic job my friend.
Hugs
Carol x

Geri said...

Congrats on yet another GD spot pal! You are rocking these gigs! Adore these sweet, whimsical little tea cups - especially with the cool DP and the light blue, red & white color combo! Quite festive! The star card is really neat-o too! Would make a great 4th of July 'hello'. Nice touch with the star embossed background too.

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Wow your cards matches the inspiration photo so well ! Beautiful designs on both. You card in the previous post is also beautiful. I hope you are doing well, thanks for your kind words at my blog :) Hugs, Shirleyxx

Karren said...

Congratulations, Darnell! I'm so happy to see you and your fabulous work being featured on Lesley's blog.

Lindsey said...

Love the idea of this, too! Your cards are fabulous. Wow! Amazing interpretation of the inspiration photo.

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

Yikes! These are beyond gorgeous! I just love all the stitched dies and the colors are super dreamy/ to die for!

Daniela Dobson said...

Well done Darnell!! Both cards are amazing as always. Looking forward to NBUS challenge in March.

Cat Craig said...

wow, gorgeous ness going on here Darnell. Love both cards couldn't choose if I had to. You'll be a fabulous ambassador!

Kelly Griglione said...

Love, love your colorfully stacked tea cups!! So fun!

Patti said...

Holy Buckets! Darnell you papercrafting artist you!! Brilliant take on this delightful non-challenge challenge : )

I'm back!! : ) wrote a novel this morning on my blog a photojournalistic approach to some of what has kept me from blogland so long.

I can't say thank you enough for all the love and encouragement you have sent my way during my long absence. You are surely part of the reason I'm back!!

Hope you are having a wonderful week. See you again soon : )

Patti

Anonymous said...

I have that tea cup die and have never used it...Hmmmmmm, maybe for NBUS :-) So many goodies, so little time! Your cards are perfect for the inspiration picture, love both!!! Have a great day! Hugs

Cheryl W. said...

Oooooh, I love the pop-your-eyes-open brightness of these cards!! Of course, teal and red is one of my favorite color combos. You rocked it with these gorgeous cards, Darnell!

KT Fit Kitty said...

Congrats on your GD feature, Darnell! Your cards are absolutely gorgeous! Love these colours! I especially love those teacups! I received those teacups as a gift so they are NBUS for me! Maybe I'll hold off until your challenge hehe!

G Peplow said...

Fabulous!! I really like the inspiration photo and your interpretation's are just superb :D LOve these cards Darnell :D xx

G Peplow said...

p.s Black eyes are a hazard if you're from Stampotique LOL xx

Helen F. said...

Lovin this color scheme, AND that cute stack o' cups, Darnell :)

Bobby said...

I love those cups, Darnell. I hope the ones I just ordered from Uniko are as nice. Speaking of order, you seem to have a LOT of NBUS. No wonder you call it a mountain. I love seeing all your new things.

Linda said...

Looks like I have some catching up to do ..... I missed these! Fabulous cards as always. Those tea cups are just adorable.
You're coming over to England too ..... how exciting. I'm across in the UK sometime in July ..... not sure of the dates yet though. xx

Nora Noll said...

I LOVE the cards that you created for this fun challenge. The tea cups are just adorable with the fun inlaid patterned papers. You are amazing!!

Yolanda Garrido said...

What a great news! Looking for the new challenge! I will take note!!! I have some new products to play with!!! Great! These cards with these combo colours are just the cuttest!

Miriam Prantner said...

Wonderful cards! I really love the stacked tea cups, it's such a cute die and I like that you used patterned paper.