You've whooshed all the way around to the end of the week without me and I hope your week was wonderful! Mine was! Grab a beverage and here we go.
My grend Cheryl, otherwise known as Myrtha, showered me with good times, fun, and affection. Colorado was darned happy to see me because I brought the sunshine with me, which was so badly needed.
Cheryl and her husband Rick recently moved into a stunningly beautiful home. She is a naturally talented interior decorator. Her downstairs powder room is in warm and rustic tones of, well, rust and warm sunshine. By the wash basin lay printed paper napkins (towelettes?). I slipped one into my suitcase to make my thank you card.
JIC there were a couple of challenges that matched my card, I checked out a few favorites. I couldn't believe the timing of the current challenge at the Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge which is "Sunflower Surprise."
This challenge is being sponsored by the incredible stamp company Clearly Besotted!
The always generous Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge is celebrating Stamptember. We are to use any product that Simon Says Stamp sells in the store. (For my card, that's the paper and the enamel dots.)
And, lastly, today's card gives me the opportunity to join in for the first time this year with Susan Raihala's 2013 Thanksgiving Crusade on her sensational blog, Simplicity. Susan is on a crusade to save Thanksgiving, which gets overshadowed every year by Halloween and Christmas. That's just wrong, right?
I hope you get a chance to join in all of these challenges!
~~~
So here's a photo of the paper kanapkin I kanicked from Cheryl:
and here's the card I made for her:
I used DIs to lightly sponge the card base. I thought since I used distressed inks, I should also distress the edges of the napkin art. I love that there are still several sections left of the paper napkin to use for other cards. I also found a store that had several packages of glorious napkins on sale, so you'll see me using this technique again. I didn't iron on the napkin, I simply applied it with double stick tape. QACAS.
~~~
Here is a picture of me (Ethel) and Myrtha. BTW, I must say a lot of you got a kick out of calling me Ethel. You go right ahead.
Cheryl looks prezackly like she is. A hoot! The kind of person you would want to meet if you saw her across the room. A lifelong friend. Mwah, M!
~~~
Not only was I happy to spend a few days with Myrtha, I also had the awesome pleasure of meeting a bloggie friend IRL! I'm sure a lot of you are already fans of Kim S. of Joyful Creations With Kim. Kim lives in the Denver area, too, so I was delighted when she was available to meet me and join us for lunch! Kim wrote about our meeting on her blog, along with our picture:
She wrote such extremely nice things about me and I wholeheartedly send the same compliments back to her, double! Kim has been a huge inspiration to me since I started this journey and it was a thrill to meet her. If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing her card artistry, please make sure you click on her link!
~~~
Back home, the little squirrel I showed you recently came back today to distract me with his cuteness. I think we should name him now, don't you? He's definitely made himself at home here. What do you suggest?
Um, Flat Stanley, obviously, but that's already taken ... I couldn't get his head in the photo, because I was inside the Playhouse when I took these and that was as far as I could capture through the window. After a nap, a snack he had obviously buried earlier in the grass. Prolly one of my bulbs, the little imp.
From the silly to the sublime, new Gerbera daisies in brilliant fall colors are popping up:
~~~
I will do my best to stop in and visit you over the weekend to catch up on what you've been doing. 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!
Paper: Neenah Solar White
Stamp: Endless Creations D72
Inks: Tom Holtz Distress Inks: mustard seed
and rusty hinge
Enamel Dots: My Mind's Eye
48 comments:
Hi Dolly. Sounds like you had a wonderful adventure, visiting your friend and meeting Kim.
That napkin is so pretty and the card you made from part of it is GORGEOUS! I'm sure Cheryl will LOVE IT! Lolly xx
Sounds like you had a super visit to your friend. I'm back in the land of blogland after a super holiday. I just love your card and what a great idea to use one of the napkins.
Such a lovely post Darnell! LOVE that you pinched a napkin to make a thank you card - ANd used double sided sticky. I can't do the ironing thing at all.
Great photos of you and friends too. And as for your little garden friend, as a lifelong Beatrix Potter fan, he surely can't be called anything other than (Squirrel) Nutkin - pretty please?
Hugs, Di xx
What a heart warming post Darnell, always so lovely to meet up with great bloggy friends. Love the photos, you look so happy! Love what you did with the napkin too, I steer clear of them because I can't get the ironing bit right........
I agree with Di, it just has to be Nutkin, it is always the first name that springs to mind with squirrels.... I did think about GroundhUg but that's not so easy to say, or in my case, remember!
Have a lovely weekend dear lady, Annie xx
What a lovely idea Darnell and a lovely card you made too.
Your squirrel is cute, Cheeky Charlie might be appropriate.
Have a great weekend. Pat x
Couldn't sleep so thank you for the early morning entertainment. Love your stories Darnell. Using the napkin on your card is very clever and so pretty!
Wow, that's a napkin on your card? Just gorgeous! I love sunflowers. Cheryl is going to love it too.
Love how you actually nicked a tissue from your friends toilet and then had the cheek to make a card and send it back!!!! Hope she liked it and recognised it! Oh yes Nutkin he has to be. The one who visits our garden is called plain old Mr Squirrel. That may have to change though. He ate all my alum bulbs a few yrs back. I have bought new ones this yr and put some in the front garden(yes mr Squirel I know exactly where I planted them) cos he doesn't to my knowledge go in there and the rest are in my planters right by the house. So unless he wants to get caught on candid camera digging em out (security lights)they are safe. Suffice to say if he does it be the last nuts he gets furry or otherwise so better start calling him Nonuts!!!!!
Hugs Mrs A.
Fabulous use of the napkin - WTG. How fun to meet a fellow stamper -- Great photo of BOTH of you! Sounds like good times were had~
I love that you used the napkin...what a lovely way to preserve the memories from your visit! As usual your stories a delight! thanks for sharing your life with us!
Wauuu
such amazing post again
you lift me up every time I came along
beautiful cards
hugs Tamara
Sounds like a fab time was had by all - which no doubt was good for the soul.
This is such a beautiful card Darnell and the sunflowers are stunning. I've not seen napkins used much like this but I love it - will have to have a ferret in the dining room as I know we had some really pretty Xmas napkins!
Have a lovely weekend Karen x
Believe it or not, I have yet to try this awesome technique!
I love your card, so in keeping with the weather outside ;)
Great post with wonderful happy pictures! Many Thanks
Great friends, great card and a great blog. Love the technique with the napkin. You always lift me up when I visit. Such a fun blog and great outlook on life.
So glad you had a wonderful week!
Love your "napkin card"! So pretty and a very creative way to say thanks.
Lynn
Dear Klepto, Love the card.
WOWZERS this is pretty, great idea to use the napkin!! So happy you're back safe and sound after you trip. Sounds like you had a great time. Pretty pictures all around of you ladies! The squirrel is just as cute as can be, I like Nutkin too ;)
That napkin is so pretty and you have used is sooooooooooo well :) Love it and then the way you have captured all the beauty that lies around you is simply stunning. Love the Gerbera, I might try it on my card some day ;D
So much fun in one post! Excellent job bringing the nice weather with you - and sending the napkin back to Myrtha ;) lol
Oh your so brilliant,sneaking the napkin, I love using them, haven't tried the iron yet. the card turned out GORGEOUS as all your cards are..
WHAT, the photo of those two beautiful smiles who wouldn't want to cross the room to meet both of them, I went over to Kim's blog and she writes a lovely post of your visit and describes you perfectly, the crafting world is a wonderful place to hang, so many gracious creative people, thanks so much for sharing you fabulous day and all your creativity, hope you have a wonderful weekend, big hugs....
Thanks for sharing your wonderful day Darnell and the card is stunning huggles Sue xxx
Stunningly beautiful card - looks like you had a great time in Colorado - thanks for sharing it with us!
I love that napkin and the card you created with a part of it! Your friend looks like someone I would want to meet. How cool that you met Kim - love her CAS style. Welcome home and I hope you are feeling well. Harriet
Sounds like you've had a wonderful week. I remember napkin crafts from eons ago but they never looked like this. Your card is wonderful and I'm sure Cheryl will be surprised. I was a little surprised at the distress inking. That's more my style than yours ;) but you did a great job. I'm glad you're back in the playhouse safe and sound.
what a lovely card, Darnell! how fun that you got to meet KIM! thanks so much for playing along at the Curtain Call!
Gorgeous Darnell-Wow-I have never used a napkin before(well,obviously I have used a napkin of course-just not on a card though!)what a brilliant effect-did you steal lots more designs tee hee!
Glad you had a lovely time-you look well my friend,hope you are feeling better now xx
Mr Squirrel is gorgeous-I love them,we have one who comes every day without fail-he steals the biggest fat ball and tries to run with it,its hilarious!
Have a lovely weekend,Nessa xx
In awe of your creative streak, Darnell ... what a stunning card! Sounds as though you had so much fun with Myrtha and with Kim ... how lovely! Nutkin sounds good for your visiting squizzle ... though he may like Nuts for short! Anita :)
Hi Dippy (aka Ethel) - love your gorgeous card and sounds like you had a hoot with your friend Myrtha; meeting Kim must have been amazing. So glad you took some much needed sunshine with you - they've had a terrible time with the flooding. You must check out all of Stephanie's wonderful stamps and matching dies at Clearly Besotted - they are amazing (I'm definitely Clearly Besotted with them as I have most of their sets!!!); they are all available at Simon Says Stamp for your pleasure. Squirrel Nutkin is great if a bit predictable.....how about Flat Roger? lol
Hugs.
Karendipity xxx
FABULOUS!! had to pin it!
Sounds like you had a glorious time with your friend! There is nothing like friendship! Who would have thought to steal a napkin from a friend could end up so pretty??? haha! It is gorgeous> She is gonna be touched!
I'm going against the grain here... My vote is for Clark Griswold after the squirrel in "Christmas Vacation". Or Sparky, which is Clark's nickname. Now, your card. Wait. What? A knacktin? Pure genius. Love that you're 'giving back' to your pal. Love the design too. Those bits of dots are a perfect compliment. Glad you were able to connect with Kim. All of us who read this are fully and totally jealous - in a good way! Bev
Your napkin card is awesome! Beautiful and creative:) You ladies look awesome, healthy & happy and so does your squirrel. Have a wonderful weekend, Shirleyx
How exciting that you got to meet Kim and spend time with your BFF! I'm glad you were able to do all that, and your card is very nice too with the sunflower! Great photos, and I suggest the name "Rocky" for your furry friend :)
You never cease to amaze w: your clever craftiness !!!
I mean, really??!!! You thought of that while in the powder room?!! Goodness gracious!! Walking genius!!!
I love how you used the paper guest towel & created a super de duper pretty focal point!! :)) :))
Your pics look fun & fresh!! I can tell that good fun was had by all !! :)) :)) Glad you are back home safely & crafting away!! :)) Enjoy the weekend w: cheeky !! :))
Xo
Wow great idea hers and gorgeous card!
Beautiful pictures of the three of you. Yes Ethel looks like she would be a fun friend...with that sweet face. Glad you had fun. So fu that you got to meet Kim as well...love her cards!
Hi Darnell, thanks so much for your nice message on my blog - I've just had a lovely time looking at your lovely creations on yours, and also your fabulous playhouse!
Helen x
Hi Darnell! What beautiful, smiling faces!!! Looks like you all had a blast! The card is beautiful! The flowers are too. I think I would have grabbed a couple towelettes;)
They are so pretty!
As for the sneaky squirrel. Its too smart, so it must be female. I think Lucy would be a great name! Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs, Rasz
Geesh, where do I start. Can't believe Gerberas actually grow where you live. I thought they only come in the cut variety! That squirrel - I'd be looking for a name to engrave on his tombstone, little poop. You met Kim S. - jealous, that's all I have to say there. And you snitched one of the towelettes? What a fabby idea, girlie. So glad you were able to turn off the rain in CO. You're good like that.
Stunning, clever, perfect! LOVE how personalized this card is - really just fab!
Wow...sounds like a wonderful trip Ethel! Love that name and her friend Lucy too. Your card is stunning by the way and those photos of you and your sweet friends are so beautiful!
Oh gorgeous looking ladies! Y'all look like a whole lot fun to be with too! Pinched a napkin huh?! And made a smashing card with it! Now I have to find some cool napkins! Guess the art world moved to Colo after I moved away. Course, back then there wasn't any Internet to connect everybody. Nuttin sounds like a good name for squirrelly squirrel. I chuckle so at his total collapse on your wall!
Love the card, and the pictures are wonderful. I hope one day, to have a pic of me with you after a day of crafting.
Beautiful card...and look slike you all had a ton of fun!!! I would name the squirrel "Maple"....just seems to fit a squirrel..haha!!
Gahh..my two previous comment attempts didn't stick (connection malfunctions), so I've returned in hopes that 'third time's a charm.' LOVE everything about this post, from the photos of the lovely you and your friends, to the sheer cleverness of seeing the 'perfect design' of the napkin for what becomes a most GORGEOUS card, to the stunning beauty found in your backyard! Yes, day-brightened once again, as each visit to check on my comments means another post read-and-view. So much delight here...so very, very much!! Hugs!!
c
This is gawgous! A beautiful napkin and even more beautiful card! I'm so glad you had a good visit with your friend and how cool to meet Kim in person! Beautiful Gerbera! Love that color!
Adore this beautiful card you made with your "hot" napkin. Thanks for the how-to on the creation too. I was just thinkin' I needed to youtube the iron technique & use some Christmas ones I was gifted with, some time back. You made a lovely thank you card, and I think Hannibal would be a fine name for your new friend too. TFS & Hugs
Bautiful card Darnell, so elegant and pretty.
I love your photos too :0
Thanks for joining us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge
hugs
Mandy xx
I'm with several other of your commenters. You STOLE a napkin...from the TOILET??!! Well, at least you had the good sense to create a work of art from it. You'll have to tell us if Myrtha notices that it's stolen!!
It was lovely to meet you too. I love your area of the country so don't be surprised if I return the surprise at some point!
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