Mish Mash We Were Having a Blast . . .

Hi there!

I have a mishmash of goodies for you today.  I looked up mishmash because I thought it might have a fun origin to share with you, and this is what I found for the definition:  hotch-potch. 

Alrighty, then, that was helpful.

I took some time off from my at-home work project (sshhh) and met up with two crafty bloggie friends for a delish and unique lunch of the most ginormous crepes imaginable:

Seriously, people, that is a quarter-fold crepe on a full-size plate!  Oh, but they're so light and airy.  We made short work of them! 

And here I am (left) with my fun friends, the talented card artists, Harriet of Ally Cat Cards (middle), and Kim of Cupcake, Cards and Kim (right). 

 

We had a delightful time together, sharing talk about our hobby and ourselves, sprinkled with a whole lot of laughter!  Especially awesome was getting to see Kim's craft room, which is so cozy and welcoming.  It is brilliantly decorated in a tribute to Mickey Mouse (with a splash of Lucille Ball).  It is also THE most terrifically well-organized room ever!  I thought I was well-organized, but she can come over and redo the Playhouse any time!

 

If you ever get a chance to meet up with your bloggie buddies, go for it!  It's a blast!!

 

~~~

 

Do You See What I See?

Once in a while you will see a challenge in Blogland where the directive is to use a stamp in an unexpected way.  I didn't enter any such challenge, but on Monday week, I posted this card:

 

(which I'm thrilled to say was a Pals Paper Arts Pick!) and I wanted to let you in on a little surprise about this card:  those ornaments (baubles) were actually made with a beach ball stamp!  Tee Hee

 

In order to further confind and befuse you, I hand-drew the little thingie that you would expect to see on the top of Christmas ornaments for hanging the hanger on.  I did say in my ingredients list that the image was from the "Summer" stamp set by Technique Tuesday, so it was right there on my post, however, I decided not to mention it specifically because I perversely wanted to see if anyone caught it.  (I'm not such a sweet old granny now, am I?!)

 

Stamper Carol of Inky Fingers was the only one who came close in her comment:

I think you are so good at the dreaded one layer card Darnell, and I love this particular example. As we are bathed in beach type weather here, I recon you could redo this one as a beach ball card with a little selective inking!

Very good, Carol!  You win a day at the Playhouse!!

So don't be afraid to look at the stamps you have in a new light.  They might have multiple hidden personalities!!

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I wanted to share a card that I made for my bloggie friend Bonnie of Stamping With Klass who had a recent birthday!

Bonnie is such a sweet lady I wanted to make her a sweet card.  On it I was happy to showcase one of the incredible crocheted mats which you can purchase from Jessi of One Crafty Mama.  It is such a unique handmade touch on a card!

 

Those chubby little bluebirds look like they are going to slide right down and off that branch.  I'm just sayin'. 

 

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I also wanted to share a photo taken by my sister, Diana.  She has made appearances before on my blog.  Diana's hobby is photography and she is highly-skilled.  Recently she had the thrill (I'm SO jealous) of being visited on her patio by a gecko.  They sat companionably for quite some time, as Diana clicked her photos trying to get that "just right" shot.  After a bit, she captured this:

 

Honestly, this photo is not doctored or photo-shopped!  Isn't it cool?!  I asked her if I could share it with you.  Look at those nails, eek! 

Doesn't he look like that insurance gecko dude?  You can almost hearing him saying,

"Lady, stop already!  I beg you! How many photos do you need of me!" 

I think she should sell it to that insurance company or to some company for a poster or other ad campaign.  There are endless captions you could use with it! 

 

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Last, but not least, it is a pleasure to have you meet our newest friend Sammy of Sammy Jean Crafts!  Sammy is fairly new to Blogland and I know you have a lot to offer each other: you will find new inspiration from her great cards and she will appreciate your visit and your encouragement!  Welcome, Sammy, and thank you!!

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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 leave a comment and/or join as a follower!

 

*Life Is Too Short!