I am getting the impression that stencils are coming back. And I'm bringing back mulberry paper. Can crimpers be far behind??
When I made my card today, I actually didn't think about it being a sort of stencil until after I was done. So what happened was I wanted to make a one-layer heart card for this week's one-layer heart card challenge at the ever fabulous Less Is More. As it happens, Chrissie and Jen used this photo as their photo prompt for the challenge:
Well, that immediately reminded me that I had two left of these wonderful lace cut-out heart note cards from SU:
Remember them? I took one of them and alienated it over a white card and then pounced on it with red ink with my dabber dauber.
And it left behind this wonderful flowery design in the shape of a heart, very similar to the perspiration photo!
To which I added a black heat-embossed lovey-dovey sediment and walla, Frank's your aunt! QACAS! You might look around and see what you can use as stencils and pounce away!
I applied Wink of Stella to each of the little parts of the design to pizzazz it up a bit.
Coinkydinkily, there is another one-layer card challenge heating up the Bloggosphere. Some of us have been playing with the One Layer Wednesday challenge for a long time, originally the brilliant brainchild of Susan Raihala. As I mentioned the other day, it now has its own website called One-Layer Simplicity Challenge. This will be my second card linked because they are giving us LOTS of time to play!
Check out these challenges and join in, woncha? The linkies will give you all the details about everything.
In Our New Friends Corner, I have FOUR new friends to introduce to you:
Kathy Schweinfurth of Stamps at Play. As you can see, Kathy is a mom of an adorable youngster. She just started blogging mid-year last year, but she is already well-recognized for her card artistry! Her cards are clean and crisp and always delightful!
Tara G of Inking on the Edge. Tara is an American Sign Language interpreter and mother of two. She has been blogging since 2007! How cool is that? You are going to want to just pack a suitcase and a two-week supply of food and lock yourself in your craft room when you go visit Tara!
Leigh Penner of to the full. If you were impressed by how long Tara has been blogging, hold on to your porkpie hat! Leigh has been blogging since 2005! Seriously, I didn't even know there were blogs back then and it makes sad that I didn't know Leigh and her inspiring card and scrapbook art from day one. Luckily, it's all still there for us to sit back and soak up! As you get to know Leigh, you will also get to know her darling daughter, Sage, an aspiring and talented card artist in her own right!
Stacy of Sweethearts & Sweet Tarts. Stacy is a mom of two with a great sense of humor who has been blogging since 2012 on a whole range of creative topics, including scrapbooking, gardening, and cooking. She makes beautiful cards and takes beautiful photographs!
Welcome, ladies, and thank you so much for joining my amazing group of crafty friends at the Playhouse!
~~~~~~
A Benchmark Celebration
For various reasons, I have never offered blog candy. When I reached 200 followers I sent thank you cards to any of you who gave me your address and many of you have also received surprises as I privately drew random names. I have been considering how I might otherwise show you my appreciation and I have decided that the best way for me to do that would be to CASE you. I feel when you CASE (copy and share everything) someone's card, it is a huge compliment, a way of saying, "I was so inspired by this card of yours that I used it to make a card of my own!"
So I'm going to refer to my saved and pinned cards that you have made and to my list of followers to randomly select one of you to CASE each week. The fun for me will be going through your blogs again as I pick a card I want to CASE. Then, to the best of my ability, every Friday I will whoosh in and dedicate my post to showcasing you!
I hope you like the idea. Mwah!
Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy. LITS!*
A djkase from djkardkreations!
I hope you like the idea. Mwah!
Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy. LITS!*
*Life Is Too Short!
| Project Details | |
| Paper | PTI white |
| Stamps | PTI "Signature Greetings" |
| Ink | SU real red |
| Accessories | Embossing Arts "Silhouette Black" EP |
This is GORGEOUS, Darnell! Thanks for sharing your magic! My friend and I were just discussing NOT purging our mulberry paper! How funny that you'd mention it today. Beautiful card!
ReplyDeleteWow--I am #2 today? You must have just posted, because usually by the time I get to you, I am like number 1 million. Anyway, your card for today is absolutely stunning, and I think your case idea is brilliant. With 400 followers and one per week, it will only take you 8 years.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant idea and perfectly executed!! This is so pretty Darnell. BIG BIG congrats on reaching 400 ~ but it's no wonder, you are such a SWEETHEART!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on those 400 plus followers!!! Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteYour card........speechless! The absolute PERFECT CAS card and so beautiful.
Lynn
Always love what you do. Glad to see we think alike too. I also was playing aroung with my die cut hearts from IO and was was seeing what they were like as stencils. One of these days I will be able to show you as I have started playing around with a blog idea 😉
ReplyDeleteGorgeous gorgeous Darnell my most extremely popular friend. You know people gravitate to your site because you are so sweet, funny and welcoming. I am so happy to call you my friend. ~kisses
ReplyDeletePerfect for LIM!!! Lovely inking Darnell!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely introduction! Your stenciled card is a true beauty. I look forward to seeing your CASE creations!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous card dear Darnell!
ReplyDeleteSo delicate and beautiful!
Thank You~
Woot woot!!! Congrats on 400 followers!!! Love your idea for celebrating - that is going to be so much fun!!! Today's card is just gorgeous! Perfect and beautiful. Sweet and pretty. Totally love it!
ReplyDeleteOne word...W-I-N-N-E-R !!!Fabulous idea Darnell-gorgeous card :)
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you reaching 400 followers(otherwise known as the Darnell Appreciation Society LOL!)
And what a lovely idea to CASE others work in celebration-can't wait to see what you come up with :)
Have a lovely day,Hugs,Nessa xxx
ah how clever is that, Darenll!
ReplyDelete... great idea can see will go hunting as have lovely butterfly cut out card needing using now..
... if only will remember the idea :D and then could case back to you well done on 400!!! ...woohoo!!
Shaz in Oz.x
One of my all-time favorite cards, Darnell! I will have to CASE you--& I think your casing followers to celebrate reaching 400 (which, by the way, I cannot even imagine!!) is a wonderful idea! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWOW! This is stunning Darnell. The added shimmer on the heart looks so beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteBig congrats on reaching 400 followers, I love your CASE idea.
hugs Sue xx
Beautiful card, Darnell! The definition of CAS or should that be CAB - clean and beautiful? Congrats on 400 followers, though I'm not surprised. As well as great eye candy, you also make us laugh and that can't be a bad thing. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteOh, this turned out so beautiful! Love your heart! Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog! And congratulations on the 400 followers!
ReplyDeleteVanessa x
Wow, Darnell so simple but gorgeous and stunning.
ReplyDeleteluv
irene
xxxx
Wow Darnell, what a great card!
ReplyDeleteAnd your idea of how to celebrate 400 followers is brilliant.
Hugs
Di
xx
CONGRATS on reaching 400 followers to your fab and fun blog.
ReplyDeleteLovely make from you.
I'm experiencing renewed interest in stencilling myself since someone gave me some fabulous sparkle medium (from Imagination Crafts) for Christmas - GORGEOUS
Have a great Tuesday matey, keep blogging!
Kathyk
This is so very beautiful Darnell! And the hint of glitter makes it that much more special!
ReplyDeleteIt's very fitting you mention wanting to CASE followers' cards that have inspired you, as that's exactly what I feel like doing after seeing this card!
Congrats on reaching 400, by the way. That's a pretty impressive milestone. x
Hearty Congratulations on reaching the 400 mark. :) May you get many more such reasons to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteDarnel, I love your card. It's such a perfect take on the inspiration picture, great stenciling and beautiful results. I love your idea of CASing the cards every week. Looking forward!
Love the card! So beautiful all those flowers! And the glitter gives it the "oemp" it needed! Have a good day, Gerrina
ReplyDeleteBeautiful heart card Darnell, congrats on having 400 followers, am I surprised? NO!! What a great idea for unusual blog candy can't wait to see who gets chosen:)
ReplyDeleteVal x
First of all this is a fabulous card Dippy........when I saw you were "wasting" your SU card my heart sunk a little; but when I saw what you'd done up it bobbed and did a happy dance! Just think, you can use it over and over again - it's beautiful. Many congratulations on your 400 followers - and I LOVE your idea of CAS(e)ing your followers cards on a random basis and can't wait to see what you come up with.
ReplyDeleteHugs.
Karendipity xxx
What a great idea to use a laser cut to stencil through, and the lovely red stands out beautifully with no bleeding, and such a nice embossed sentiment. Wow 400 followers, it makes mine look a bit sick! It's so nice of you to think of CASEing a follower's card every week and I look forward to the results.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly made good use of the gorgeous SU card, it looks amazing as a stencilled piece and the Wink of Stella give it such a beautiful shine. LOVE it! Loads!
ReplyDeleteI think your idea to case is wonderful, I am really looking forward to seeing what you come up with now! Big hugs, Annie xx
Breathtaking and soooo striking, Darnell ... simply put ... winner, winner, winner! Many congratulations on 400 followers ... what a joy you are to us all, near and far! Hugs, Anita :)
ReplyDeleteThis is one fabulous creation! I just love that stenciled heart!! Congrats on your many followers too, WTG!!! Thanks for keeping us all in good spirits with your upbeat and often hilarious posts too! You rock the blogging world :)
ReplyDeleteAren't you the creative one! I love the stenciling and you've made a beautiful card.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on reaching 400 followers. I'm looking forward to seeing your cards as you CASE.
Beautifully simple card, Darnell :)
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful Darnell. I have a very similar die. Congrats on 400 followers. I love your idea of casing one each week. Sounds like so much fun.
ReplyDeleteApplauding and cheering the 400 followers! Hope you're feeling that love that comes from that, because you're an amazing source of delight and inspiration! Casing your fans' cards is brilliant; yet another sign of how special you make us feel! Your stenciled heart: stunning! I'll join the chant: winner, winner, winner. Hugs~c
ReplyDeleteWow, this card is gorgeous Darnell!! I love CAS cards as they really grab my eye and I guess I just love simplicity. Not that I don't enjoy the fussed up ones either, but I know I don't do that well. lol I have a challenge coming up to use a Cricut cut for a stencil so you can bet I will be looking for a lacy one. lol Congrats on 400 followers!!!! How fun and boy does it speak volumes about your blog! I love coming here and visiting although I don't always get the time to comment. I still peek in though! Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDeleteWow, such a beautiful card!!! I just love the stenciled heard...it turned out perfect :)
ReplyDeleteOh Darnell, you have outdone yourself with this beautiful card and it is being pinned as I write!!! I'm starting to look at everything through squinty eyes to see if it would do as a stencil You have a lot to answer for my friend!
ReplyDeleteMany congratulations on you 400 follower landmark.
Hugs
Carol x
Beautiful card, brilliant post!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 400 followers I would be delighted to make it to 100! I need to brush up my writing skills - your posts are always so entertaining, your blog is always worth a visit!
Elaine
Awesome card! Love the stencil look you made. What a wonderful idea to case. It is a perfect way to say thank you. Thanks, too, for sharing your friends with us. Stampers and crafters are the best.
ReplyDeleteOh, Darnell! I just LOVE your heart of flowers! What a gorgeous masterpiece with your red dabbing. I love it!
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell, I just love your OLC .... great use of that gorgeous SU cut out.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on reaching 400 followers too .... mind you I'm not surprised your blog is always such a good read. xx
How perfectly perfect your card is, Darnell! And what a brilliant idea to use a cut out from another card and use it as a stencil! (giving myself a facepalm and saying 'why didn't I think of that!') Congrats on reaching 400 followers! What a fabulous idea to case cards as a way to say thank you! Again, brilliant!
ReplyDeleteFABulous one layer card, Darnell! Love it! The little bit of shine is just perfect!
ReplyDeleteFABulous one layer card, Darnell! Love it! The little bit of shine is just perfect!
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell, what a gorgeous CAS card, love the pattern on that heart!! Thanks for following and visiting my blog, I'm now following you too! I checked out your playhouse and am totally jealous!! ;) I scrap along one side of my bedroom....it sucks, but it's what I have to work with!! Hope you have a great day!! :)
ReplyDeleteSharla
Frank's my aunt? I think you may be on to something with this "stencils are back" proclamation. They just fail to send me but I do like what you did with your faux stencil. It does look just like the inspiration photo. Great job! And about Frank....
ReplyDeleteHello Miss Darnell, well I looooooove your stencil, looks perfect in the heart and the sparkly stuff make it special. Well my dear I'm not surprised you have reached 400, come on, you make us laugh every post,created fabulous clean and simple cards, brilliantly incorporate each card into a zillion challenges :O), your generosity by sharing all of your followers blogs, your always helping any time we ask, your one SPECIAL Lady, that's why we all come to visit you :).
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, ((( BIG HUGS )))
How simple, how beautiful! I wish I would be one to come up with such clever CAS design ideas, I'm gathering inspiration from your blog, believe me!
ReplyDeleteI love your idea of caseing others cards. It's flattering and a nice, original way to say thank you. I love to case cards, it makes me create something that's not typically me. Have fun!
What a gorgeous card Darnell! What a great idea to case cards created by your followers and I agree with you - cas(e)ing a card is a high form of compliment!!
ReplyDeleteWinner winner chicken dinner is your lovely one layer card..Wow what a beauty!! Been using those stencils lots lately. No surprise to me you have so many followers..with your always make me laugh posts I wouldn't miss a one!!!
ReplyDeleteAnother fabulous bingo marker inspired card! What an ingenius idea! The sentiment is absolutely perfect for this inked heart! Totally in love with the simplicity of your design!
ReplyDeleteAND NOW....WHOOT WHOOT...
400 followers is a testiment to your amazing personality! Your humor, your creativity, your 'Darnellisms', your photos...I could go on forever, but it is your magnetic, kind & caring personality that draws folks like me to you! You are one of a kind Darnell. I'm so glad that I am one of the 400 that found the sweetest blod lady in the world to hang out with :)
Aww how fun of you to CASE on Fridays! That will be interesting to see -- You are a popular blogger so I am sure you will have lots to choose from! G
ReplyDeleteGreat stenciled card also!
hmmmm....i'll bet i could use one of the gazillion stencils i have. :) I like your take on this, extremely.
ReplyDeleteYou are so clever, Darnell! I love how you used this card for a stencil...it's so pretty! And the PTI sentiment is perfect!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your landmark 400 followers! I'm not at all surprised that so many of us flock to your blog...your creativity is amazing, and your sense of humor is genius and so, very appreciated! Thank you for always making me smile, Darnell! I can't wait until Friday :-)
I love how you used the card as your stencil! Awesome one layer card.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your landmark 400 followers! I want to be like you when I grow up. haha I LOVE your idea of CASEing one of your followers. I can't wait until Friday! :)
Hugs!!!
Stunningly beautiful card Darnell. Brilliant idea to use the card as a stencil. Congrats on your 400 followers too, fab idea to CASE randomly too :) Cathy x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful CAS card! Hang on to your "stencil"
ReplyDeleteAlso, keep the crimper, but step away from the mulberry paper!
Absolutely stunning, Darnell! What a brilliant idea! Congratulations on 400 followers too x
ReplyDeleteDarnell - This is just a beautiful card.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous & perfect ---- I love wink of Stella !!! I used her on my post from today.,. Lol !! She's a helpful lass!!
ReplyDeleteFab design as always -- can't wait to stay current on your blog -- this catch up nonsense is for the birds !!! Xo
What a beautiful Valentine!!! And congratulations on the big 400!!!!!!!!! I am not surprised because you are so talented and a fabulous writer, too!!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh!! I love this!! Great idea to use the cut out!! It's the perfect card to make multiples of!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Darnell! You are even up to 406, I just saw! Wooohooo! Like your idea of celebrating that milestone! And your card is just gorgeous! What a brilliant idea! You know, that's one of the reasons why I would like a Silhouette - to make my own stencils... Maybe one day! In the meantime I'll look more closely at my stuff like you did!
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell! LOVE your card! And congrats on 400 followers! Wahoo!! I love your idea of CASEing your followers...very original. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations you! 400 very well deserved followers :) And, as followers we are treated on an almost daily basis to your witty banter and your fabulous cards - I think we are the real winners in this equation ;)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous OLC! I'm way too much of a scaredy cat for OLC's - I always think I'm going to ruin it at the last minute and that would be a waste of a whole card blank which would be most upsetting! Maybe I should set that as my goal - to get over myself!! :)
I cannot wait to see you CASE 400 cards! You really have set yourself quite a task there assuming you intend to CASE everyone?! I don't know how you're going to fit those posts in considering how often you blog already and all the challenges you participate in - I feel worn out already and I'm not the one doing it! I wish you all the best of luck in the world ;)
That is a fantabulous card, Darnell!! Love it. It's great to discover a different way of using something, isn't it? Congrats on your 400 followers! What a milestone! I think your idea to randomly CASE followers cards is a great one! :-)
ReplyDeleteOh that's a beauty! I love stencils too, must make more use of them. I love the big "reveal", that moment when you lift it off the page to see the effect it created. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Brenda
Congratulations!! 400 followers that sound so amazing... there are so many people who admire you n ur creativity :) and ur idea about casing is so brilliant an amazing way to acknowledge :)
ReplyDeleteForgot to mention about ur stunning card, I always drown into the details of ur post :)I love that stenciled heart, I might case this one :D
ReplyDeleteI wish I had some of these cards left! What a great idea for a perfect QCAS card! Love your idea of honoring your blog followers by CASEing them. Have fun with that.
ReplyDeleteWell aren't you the bees knees? At least 408 people think so. (8 have joined since your posted.) You're so darn lovable I can see why. Wait til you see what I use for my one-layer card. And CASEing cards you love is a wonderful way to thank those who follow, although I don't know how you'd have time to go back through everyone's blog.
ReplyDeleteWell, it's no surprise you've reached 400 followers - or 408 as it stands. Word has spread. Your words mainly, and they always entertain us. Mrs Malaprop has nothing on you! I think you get the most comments of anyone I know, and they're not just short comments - we love sharing with you as much as you love sharing with us! (It must take you forever to read them all!)
ReplyDeleteLove your one layer heart card, very resourceful. I'm loving this stencil craze.
Hey! I did a card with crimpers just two months ago...are you telling me that I am out of date??!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the followers, but no surprise. I can be with any group of crafters and someone says "do you read Darnell..." You are a well-known lady! And remember, people no longer have to click on "follow" to follow you. You probably have 1,000 or more actual readers out there!
Stencils...I'm not there yet. The first cards that I saw used stencils and a smear of embossing paste for a beautiful, random effect. I knew I could never replicate that - so I ignored the whole trend. You do make it look straightforward with your little daubers. Hmmm...
Gorgeous card Dolly. Love the stenciled heart. Yes, stenciling is making a return ... and luckily I've just signed up for an on-line stenciling course - yay!
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about doing the exact same thing this year ... CASE'ing cards and I started with my bokeh heart card that was inspired by Irene. Such a great way to show appreciation for those that inspire us! Lolly xx
400 followers! Congratulations, you deserve them all your blog is fab and so are you! The way you have chosen to celebrate is awesome and so thoughtful. I love your stencilled card - it's simply wonderful xxx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteWow fab card Darnell,and another wow 400 followers too...it doesn't surprise me though :) Viv xx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous Darnell... the card is pretty special too!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"
Wow wow wow Darnell, this is truly stunning and that red so pops on your card...
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting to 400 followers!!
hugs and xxx
Gemma
Adore! You are brilliant, my friend!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous card, Darnell! Such a clever idea to use that as a stencil! Love the bit of shimmer too :)
ReplyDeleteAnd the CASEing idea? What better tribute than that? GENIUS! Congrats on 400 followers, sweets!
A.Maze.Ing. LOVE how pretty this sparkly heart design turned out, Darnell. Love how you used a stencil. Love how cheerful the card is! Love you for being so funny and generous and kind and enthusiastic! You ROCK!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting, 400 followers, congrats my friend! How fun that you remembered that you had these amazing stencil cards too, it really made for one stunning and sweet card.
ReplyDeleteFantastic Darnell
ReplyDeletehugs Tamara
Yes! Bring back the mulberry papers so I can make use of the ridiculous stack of it that I have! And crimpers huh? Hair crimpers as well as the paper ones? ;)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous gorgeous 1 layer card and I love your brilliant stencil idea!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!
ReplyDeleteHuge CONGRATS on reaching 400 Darnell, and THANK YOU for adding a sparkle to our days - and not just with that Wink of Stella ;)
You must keep that SU! card forever and ever to use as a stencil...this is simply stunning! And hooray for you for your win at The Card Concept. Eek! I'm so excited for you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 400! Wow. Love that you re-purposed an old card. It makes a fantastic stencil, and your card is designed perfectly.
ReplyDelete