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!

January 6, 2015

A Winter Birthday Snowflake

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

If you're looking for NBUS Challenge #3, please click HERE.

Speaking of, you talented card artists are knocking my socks off with your incredible support and partysipation in the NBUS Challenge! The gallery had over a hunnert cards only four days in!

For that kind of enthusiasm, I think you deserve more chances at winning, don't you, so I'm upping the ante: 
FIVE TEN $25 GIFT CARDS

Remember, for Challenge #3, I am featuring Stamplorations, but
 if you win, you are welcome to choose a gift card from a different domestic company. Please make sure you read the RULES to be eligible for a prize. MWAH!

~~~

Even though it hasn't been that long since we were all frivoliking in New Year's Eve celebrations, other parties and events must carry on throughout the month. As such, my card today is attending an elegant January birthday party! 

The beautiful classic black ball gown is bejeweled with a snowflake which you might even say is from out of this world! The circle of rare blue sapphires was last worn by Princess Grace on the cover of Life magazine, April 11, 1965.
Today, with the invention of dies, it's easy to make QACAS cards from the comfort of your own home. This card has a PTI true black base and white insert. It will be worn with black velvet slingbacks with rhinostoned adornaments and matching clutch.

The NBUS "snowflake" is by Memory Box ("Orbit Circle") and the NBUS sediment (severed between the outside and the inside) is also by Memory Box ("Happy Birthday Garland").
Darn. Now that I look at it, I should have adhered that "birthday" down near the bottom and on the edge so it lined up with the front when you opened it. Owell.

Challenges
We'd love you to display our bannerCURRENT SKETCH CHALLENGE
Our Badge
To join in the fun, you can click on the links to find details about rules, sponsors, and prizes!

New Friends Corner

Please help me welcome five more new friends!

Tiziana Biagioli of Sweet and Coloured. Tiziana lives near Rome and has been blogging since June of 2013. She is a painter in all mediums and also makes beautifully colored and detailed cards. She loves entering challenges, has won many awards, and is also on several design teams. I think you'll love her sweet and charming card art!

Rocky of Rocky's Crafting Blog. Rocky, from the UK (my 700th follower!), has been blogging since June of 2010. In addition to participating in challenges and being on several design teams, Rocky is a freelance demonstrator and workshop teacher. Her cards, tags, and projects will keep you mesmerized and you'll appreciate Rocky's detailed directions!

Lizzy Hill of Dream of Tomorrow, Live Today. Lizzy is from Australia and she has been blogging since February of 2012. She is a card artist and a scrapbooker who also loves mixed media and has created some marvelous 3D projects.  I think you'll be very impressed and inspired by Lizzy as she shares details of her projects with you!

Cheryl Winget of Paper Panacea. Cheryl is from the USA and has been blogging since May of 2012. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother of ten! I'm so jealous!! When she isn't busy grandmothering, she makes beautiful cards and plays in challenges. She often shares the fabulous cards that her sister makes so you get double the inspiration and fun!

Kath Buckell of Handmade by Kath. Kath is from the UK and has been blogging since 2011. She has been crafting since she was a child and made clothes for her dolls. In addition to making cards, Kath has enjoyed crewel work, cross-stitch, woodwork, flower arranging, cake decorating, and sugarcraft. You'll be awestruck when you see some of her extraordinary CAS cards and her unique designs!

Thank you so much for joining, ladies, and welcome to the Playhouse! I love how international our Corner is today!

~~~

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! 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!
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96 comments:

Carole Z said...

Gorgeous sparkle here today Darnell! I've made my NBUS card and will be uploading later today after work! Hugs Carole Z X

Sazzle Dazzle said...

You write such fun posts Darnell ... I've had to stop reading every few words v for a little chuckle to myself! Superb take on our challenge. Utterly glam, sophisticated CAS.
Thanks so much for taking part.
Sarah
Less Is more

Sue said...

Such a stunning card Darnell. Your design is so elegant, the colours are wonderful and the circle of blue sapphires.
hugs Sue xx

Kath said...

Fabulous cards Darnell - my favourite is the first one with the 'snowflake' - very stylish.
Thanks for your welcome and link to my blog.
Kath x

Kathyk said...

Such splendid makes from you in today's post Darnell - Happy Tuesday

Kathyk

Gerrina said...

What a super effect gives that sparkling and dimensional silver on the matte black! A real eyecatching card! Hugs, Gerrina

Canonbury creations said...

Very classy cards Darnell love that snowflake!
Val x

Gillian R said...

Fab cards Darnell, think I will finally have time to join in with your NBUS challenge this time, yaaay

Inkyfingers said...

Wow that is so elegant and I can just see you in a dress to match.
Hugs
Carol x

Milka Gubo said...

WOW! This is so pretty, Darnell :-D

Stamps and Paper said...

Lovel your spakly cards Darnell the silver and black looks stunning

Anne

Lizzy Hill said...

Hooly Dooly!! Popped on by & wham....I star alongside a GORGEOUS li'l black card number! Thanks for the intro...that is really kind of you:):) And that silver bling on the card.....seriously LOOOOOVELY:):)

Lynn said...

Woozers...love all the fabulous silver Darnell.

Anonymous said...

I could picture myself on the red carpet or dancing the whole night long with this gorgeous (LBD) card. Just stunning. Have a nice day.

Christine said...

Happy New year Darnell! Beautiful cards with the dies!
Christine

Ros Crawford said...

Beautiful card! And I love it just as it is ...

Sheila H said...

Dazzling! Great dies and colors :)

Jeanne said...

Such a pretty and sparkly card!

Pat said...

This is gorgeously sparkly Darnell, and those pretty blue stones just sing out! x

~amy~ said...

glittery goodness...LOVE it.

Lyn said...

NBUS is so popular I think the whole concept is just so fun and it would be as well received if there were no prizes. I know I would still play along because Darnell you just awesome!!!. I am now off to check out a few of your featured blogs before heading off to bed. Nite nite and thanks for hosting such a fun challenge I have found some great friendly blogs through this

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

That is so pretty Darnell . . . sparkly, I love sparkly! Hazel x

Shelly said...

Ooooh, pretty! Love all the glittery goodness!

Vicki Dutcher said...

Way to bring in the new year -- all sparkly and gorgeous!

Suze Bain said...

Wow, what a stunner! Nothing like a bit of bling to brighten one's day! Xx

Lisa said...

Wow, what a stunning card!! The sparkle is fabulous!! I love the beautiful ring of sapphires!! They are the perfect touch!! Gorgeous, gorgeous card!! Have a great day :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Anonymous said...

LOVE the sparkle and shine "Kinda like your personality" :-)I want to play, just haven't had time. It's my busiest time of the year at work :-( Happy New Year!

Joyce said...

So very pretty, Darnell. I love all the glitter, especially on the corner and inside, where it is unexpected.

Marisa said...

Loving the sparkle and shine against the black - nice touch with the circle of blue gems.

Nan G said...

Stunning card! You and Hammy do dress up very well. :) :)

Karen said...

Darnell, my sparkly heart is enamored with this glittery creation! It's stunning! The ultra-sparkly silver atop the black is exquisite and I love the royal blue circle of gems! A gorgeous card and a fun post, as always! I will soon be playing in your NBUS challenge! I linked up too much with my current one before remember that part of the rule.. I am excited to play along soon. Your blog is such a fun place. :o) Have a happy day, my friend!

Hugs and blessings,
Karen

oldpunca said...

What a elegant card, dear Darnell! It is worth the elegance of Princess Grace itself. :-))
Gratulation to the success of your NBUS Challenge! :-)
Hugs, Sonja

Janis said...

Very glamorous, Darnell!! Sparkling and elegant. LOVE!!
And...wow...you are so generous with adding the extra chances for wonderful gift cards in your NBUS challenge!! You are a sweetie!!
<3 J

jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

Brenda said...

Wow, this card sure does sparkle and dazzle!!! I love the black with the silver and blue rhinestones-very elegant and princess like! Just beautiful!! Hugs, Brenda

Kay Miller said...

Oh I just giggle so when I read your posts Darnell! Princess Grace herself! haha! And what a beautiful card it is with all the lovely silvery glitter! And the severed sentiment is just perfect... even if it doesn't match up! haha! Hugs my friend! :)

Kristie Goulet said...

LOVE all the fab glitter, Darnell! Thanks for joining us at Merry Monday! Hugs!

Jerrie said...

I love the silver and blue together. It is so rich looking. I love the sparkle your card has.

Becca Cruger said...

Glitter is a girl's best friend! You can never layer enough of it on one card. And Holy SCHMOLY rocky! 10 gift cards?! You are the queen of generosity!

Chriss Blagrave said...

I LOVE you your sense of style darling friend!

Redanne said...

I think Princess Grace would love your sparkly card, it is fabulous, much like your own personality dear lady! You really are THE most generous of ladies.... Big hugs, Annie xx

conil said...

You & Princeass Grace...twins. Your card is spectacular....great design..love the placement of the front sentiment.

Kathleen said...

Great post as always and a gorgeous sparkly card.

Kath x

cotnob said...

A gorgeous card Darnell, such a stunning design.
Pauline
x

Liz said...

What a stunner! I love silver sparkle against the black and the touch of blue is just perfect. xx

shirley-bee said...

FABulous, dahling!

jimlynn said...

Looks perfect to me! A crowning glory of a card! Beautiful!
Lynn

Anita in France said...

Breathless with the beauty of your card, Darnell ... it captures my last 'event' ensemble to a T ... from the elegant little black dress to the stunning Princess Grace sapphires ... and right the way down to the velvet slingbacks ... now, where was that photo showing my sartorial elegance (cough)! Jaw droppingly gorgeous ... hope you heard the loud clunk of chin hitting floor! You are so, so generous with your NBUS prizes, thank you! Hugs, Anita :)

Cheryl W. said...

LOVE your elegant card! Thank you so much for featuring me as a new friend today. I am really enjoying your blog posts. So glad I joined up!!

Lisa Elton said...

Now THIS is a snazzy birthday card!! Such great sparkle and I love the happy on the bottom corner. Thanks SO VERY much for my adorable birthday card, you're a peach!

Happy Dance said...

Had to run for my sunglasses....LOVE this sparkly beauty! And dang it girl, splitting the 'happy' and the 'birthday' was totally and completely brilliant (as is your card). And I like the 'birthday' up where you have it. That way it leaves a ton of room for writing in the card! You so rock! bisous. Bev

Bonnie said...

What a lovely ensemble! Love the glitter against the black! So elegant! The beautiful circle reminds me that I bought a MB fancy circle a while back and don't know that I've ever used it. Maybe once. I'd forgotten. Thanks for the reminder. Now if I can remember by the time I get to the craft room......

Jerrie said...

Darnell, I had to come back to your blog today. I was on SOS and saw that you were signed up!! I wish I was ahead of you so I could get your card! Maybe next time. Toodles.




Kim Heggins said...

Darnell...this is just beautiful. I love all the glittery silver. what a festive way to say happy birthday to someone special.

Kara Lynne said...

Gorgeous! Can I borrow that for my next cocktail party?! The blue bling is perfect!

Susanne Vargas said...

What a stunning card! So elegant and sparkly! I also love your photo with the glitter background and bottom!

Marybeth said...

I swear those little blue gems are blinking all the way around when I look the slightest bit away. No, I have not been drinking! Anyway I love this beautiful birthday card! Congrats on another huge success on NBUB!

Carol L said...

What a stunning creation! It's so elegant and regal and I LOVE the circle of sapphires!

Leslee said...

Love the sparkle and the glitz! Beautiful!

Greta said...

Absolutely stunning card, Darnell! What a great January BD card! PS--thanks for introducing me to W2SB--what a surprise to be on the DT a few months later!

Sharron said...

A real stunner, Darnell--so elegant! Love the silver on black and the ring of sapphires!

Loll said...

A card fit for a queen Dolly! Love the silver and black with the blue sapphire necklace. Thanks for playing along with us at Happy Little Stampers!! Lolly xx

sandie said...

I could do with a dress with all those gems! Fabulous sparkle x

D- said...

Thanks for sharing your beautiful card.
Crafty hugs,
Dawn
DesignsByDragonfly.blogspot

Linda said...

WOW! Love this .....you can't go wrong with a bit of sparkle! The touch of blue looks fab too.
I need to find my mojo and make a start on my NBUS stash! I'm a little concerned he may have been put away with the Christmas decs though! Xx

Petra Swart said...

Hi, Darnell!!!! Oh, boy, December has gone long ago and all the X-mas decorations has been packed in boxes till December comes again, and I've been on holiday in Cape Town and now I'm back and I am (again!!!!) catching up on blogvisits (what's new??? LOL!!!!) I hope you and yours had a fabulous, blessed X-mas time and that the new year has treated you only well so far!!!!! I would love to wish you a very happy 2015!!! May your days be filled with fun and laughter and happiness!!!!
I have spent some time with you now, enjoying the last 8 posts you did since I last visited somewhere during 2014!!! I loved all the cards I saw and the lovely family photos and I had a good LOL every now and again!!!! Always such a joy to visit your blog!!! And there's a new NBUS challenge going!!! ... will have to dig into my boxes of stamps and stuff and come up with an entry or two!!!
OK, will leave you with that for the moment!!
Have a super day!!
Hugz

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous sparkle. Love it.

Bobby said...

My little black dress should be so well adorned. :-) I think you could do a NBUS challenge every month, Darnell (even without prizes) and you'd get the same response. It's just the push we need.

Heidi Baks said...

Wow, look at the sparkle! A great New Year's card or January birthday card. Thanks for joining the Friday Mashup this week.

maria f. said...

A card for Angelina Jolie in The Tourist (just saw that for the first time with DD during the holidays) ;)

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Oh what fun! love glittery winter card!

cm said...

GOR-JUSS, Darnell...most definitely a run-way inspiring beauty! Shimmer, sparkle, glam, and those lovely blue rhinostones...oh my! Swooning...
Hugs~c

Diane said...

Happy New Year Darnell, I see you are off to a fabulous start with your sparkly delight.

Hugs diane

Hettie said...

Wow oh Wow! This is wonderful Honey. I just want to touch it as it looks so tactile.
Love this in case you did not realise!
Hugs
xx

Brenda in IN said...

Gorgeous card!! I love the sparkle and elegance of it. Please post a picture of you in the outfit that matches it. I love that die you used as well.

Chrissie said...

This is decidedly twinkly Darnell, super regal card!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"

Maura said...

Love that sparkly snowflake against the black, but it's the blue sapphires that won my heart - so pretty! Thanks for sponsoring a fabulous challenge again!

Indy's Designs said...

Blue jewels takes this card over the top! Splendidly done!

Tara Bourgoin said...

Well, now THAT'S a fun birthday card! Great sparkle :) Thanks for sharing with us at The Friday Mashup this week.

samanthadesigns said...

Darnell. Thank you for stopping by my blog and joining. I love the sparkle of both your cards and look forward to seeing more of your work.

Neesie said...

Such an elegant sparkly card Darnell... anyone would be thrilled to receive such a gorgeous creation.
Enjoy your week ;D

Kylie said...

VERY elegant and creative with the split die. I love this sparkly card, Darnell. Thanks so much for playing along at Happy Little Stampers xx

Dana said...

So elegant and CAS!! I love the glitter! The black and silver really pop!!

Monika/Buzsy said...

Fantastic card Darnell. Love the silver on back. Very elegant!

Krisha said...

Stunning sparklies Darnell!

Lynne said...

Ooh Darnell this is gorgeous. Looks like a piece of very expensive jewelry.
Lynne xxx

JoAnn said...

Wow, this is gorgeous Darnell. Love the silver sparkle on the black and the touch of blue jewels is perfect. Thanks for sharing this beauty with us at Seize the Birthday.

Viv said...

Hi Dee, another FABlus card,sounds a bit like NBUS he he.Love all the bling too BLING FABlus then lol;) hugs Vee xx

Tracey said...

Very pretty ...love all the sparkle!

Cat Craig said...

Love love love this one Darnell. Just back from a CA vacation seeing my Dad and am catching up on my reading. Hope you had a lovely holiday, and that your new year is filled with crafty fun.

Geri said...

Happy really needs to venture off on its own more often, proving that it alone can rock the Wowometer to the max! Of course, the bedazzledness of the paper and Grace Kelly's jewels contribute to the off-the-charts Richter Scale reading!

Stunning card Darnell! Great photo - love the blingy backdrop :)

Hannelie said...

So happy to see this beautiful card in the gallery at Seize the Birthday!

Nancy said...

Very Pretty Darnell! I love dropping by over here and seeing what you have been up to! Thanks for sharing your talents with us at Seize the Birthday! Happy New Year too!

Debbie Henderson Debbie's Designs said...

The perfect word for this card is STUNNING! I love how the glitter and blue bling looks on the black, so pretty! Thanks for playing with us at Merry Monday this week!

Wendy said...

So elegant & beautiful, Darnell!! Love the glitter paper against the black and the little pops of blue from the rhinestones! Amazing! Thanks for playing along with us this week over at Merry Monday! :)

Taunya Butler said...

Gorgeous, beautiful, sparkly, flashy, glitzy - all are words which describe this amazing card!!! WOW - I am in love with the sediment die cut that you have used - wonderful, is a word to describe that!! You, my dear Darnell, are all things good and crafty!! Have a beautiful day!!

Susan Joyce said...

Stunning Birthday card, love the commentary Darnell. Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday.