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!

July 27, 2015

Happy Birthday, Geri!

Good Morning!

Ahhhh, there is something so optimistic about waking up on a Monday morning with a clean slate and the smell of a fresh new week filled with possibilities stretching out before you!

And my sweet little friend and fellow BABEtte Geri of Manitoba Stamper has the added pleasure of waking up to today being her birthday! Yippie! Happy Birthday, Geri! I hope you enjoy your special day and I hope you celebrated over the weekend, too!

In honor of Geri's special day, I used a design that I made a while back and never posted. I like it so much, I made a onefer, twofer, threefer, and fourfer! They are really QACAS, super fun, and make great gift sets.
 
 
The balloon dies are by Lil Inker* and the sediment is by Papertrey Ink. I simply used the negative image for all the cards, backed with some of my noodles of pretty designer paper I have. Seriously, five minute cards. Schweet!!

*balloons and strings

Challenges
GRAB OUR BADGE!
~~~

Gotta scoot today. I'm trying a brand-new technique that I've seen used a lot in Blogland, especially by my friends across the pond. I've got my Jelli Plate all ready to go, now I'm off to watch some videos ...
~~~

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!

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!
If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave
me your email address so I can respond. Thank you!

97 comments:

I Card Everyone said...

I love your collection, Darnell! Wow they are cah-ute - and think of the noodles of balloons you have yet to play with!!! Another round of birthday wishes included for Geri!!! Haven't a clue what the jelly plate is about - but now I want some hot pepper jelly over cream cheese!! share?
=] Michele

Sharron said...

Love quick and easy! And love, love, love your stunning stylish designs! What a wonderful start to the week!

Betty said...

love all the different balloons - such fun cards.

Sue said...

Fab cards.

Hope you've had a good day. Sue

Unknown said...

Love your design Darnell! Cute!

Redanne said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell and I just love the font on that wonderful sentiment. I look forward to seeing this new technique, it looks a bit like a cheesecake at the moment.... Hugs, Annie xx

Craft-E-Place said...

Fabulous design, stunning cards! I love it when an idea comes together! Great opportunity to use up designer paper too. Love the reference to Gelli plates! I think I prefer your take on the technique although it might make your card a bit sticky! I was given a gelli plate by my daughter for my birthday last week and have been playing with it today - no masterpieces yet!

Have a good week.
Elaine

Hannelie said...

Oh yes... she will LOVE this Darnell!
Love your take on the line cue this week!
Thanks for playing along!

Jacee said...

So lovely Darnell, they each look so different, amazing what a difference another paper makes, fabulous work!
hugs Jacee
Simply Paper Card Design

Taunya Butler said...

Lovely cards and each one has such fun pattern papers as the background - I am so pleased that you made so many to show us!! Love that die and I just might be going over right now to check on it - shh, don't tell my husband!! I don't have any crafty money left for this month!!! SO it will have to go on a wish list - but I think I NEED it!!! Have a wonderful day and hope your week keeps you smiling!!!

Pat said...

I love all these different cards using the same die and I think all the dp's are gorgeous. I love the large sentiment too. I think your Jelli Plate looks very interesting and mouth watering. x

Marilyn said...

I love these cards and your design! They are so happy and feel-good and you just gotta love 'em!

Viv said...

Great card collection Darnell!

Nora Noll said...

Oh my Darnell!! These are simply amazing. I like that they are simple and you used your patterned paper. I need to do more of that on my cards. Have fun with your Gelli Plate. They scare me!!

Inkyfingers said...

Lovely cards Darnell and the sentiment from PTI is one of my all time favourites!
Hugs
Carol x

cuilliesocks said...

Hi Darnell, I just love your balloon cards, so effective with the different papers, brilliant, hugs Kate x

Regina said...

Quickly birthday cards and the die is fabulous!
sending hugs
Regina

conil said...

Look at you banging out multiple cards in seconds. You're quick, all right. This is a great idea for using those scads of patterned papers we all seem to have, and the result looks so cool. BTW, your Gelli plate looks delicious...thing I'll go get a snack.

Doni High said...

Fantastic! You have to love cards that are quick and easy and look this great. Naturally I'm liking the chevron on the best! lol
Thanks for joining us at ATCAS.

Eve said...

Wow! Darnell thanks for sharing your fabulous cards - AMAZING!!
Don't you just love it when you can make some quick cards that look stunning and have them ready up your sleeve for someone special - priceless!!

Hope you have a lovely week. xx
P.S will you be having ice-cream with your jelly?!!! tee hee!!!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Four gorgeous cards, Darnell! I look forward to seeing what you'll create with that jelly plate. Something other than perhaps a sticky mess? LOL

Marybeth said...

Oh my gosh each one is simply stunning! Wow I love this design and I am sure Geri will love hers too!

Verna Angerhofer said...

Great look and love the CAS design.

Linda said...

Love your cards. Such a great idea and very cute too.

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Brillint use of negative!!! Love how you have made more different cards with the same technique and very quickly. It's a great idea!

Jan Clothier said...

Clever use of the dies and I love that cute sentiment! Great cards.

Jean said...

A fabulous set of cards, I love the super stripes and spots on the papers you used. Each one makes the balloon design look so different,very creative. I really like the sentiment stamp As well.
Jean x

Liz said...

They may be quick and easy to make, but they are fabulous cards. I love how you've backed the negative image. I haven't got this gorgeous balloon die but I'm off to see if I can use this technique with any of the dies I have got.......

PS Have fun with your Gelli Plate! xx

Anita in France said...

Wow, Darnell ... I LOVE these balloon cards ... all that gorgeous white space with the fun DP peeking out through the negative die cut ... totally perfect! A technique to add to my 'must try that' book! Geri will love every single one too! Hugs & Bisous, Bisous, Anita :)

Pia S said...

It always amazes me how different cards can look even if the design is the same. Oh the power of color and patterns. Super, all of them!

BożenA said...

This card has so many lifetimes! Beautiful background and I love your idea.
hugs,
BozenA

Carol said...

Love all those balloons Darnell...a lovely way to use up designer papers on a CAS card. Hope you enjoyed your jelly play! Carol x

Sue said...

Such a wonderful selection of cards Darnell. I love the design and gorgeous colourful papers.
Have fun with your Jelli Plate!
hugs Sue xx

Kate said...

That's my kind of jelly plate Darnell !!! Striking cards, they look abs fabs with those stunning DPs.

OH Babs said...

what a great array and supply of cards. Wishing you a great week.
:) BBB

Monika Reeck said...

Oh woow I love the idea of using the negative for your balloons card
so clever Darnell and that birthday sentiment is to die for I have to buy it in USA because in Germany no Papetrey ink sell here (SAD)
adorable DP too you have
I am sorry I visit you so less but I always remember you and i am sorry too no birthday card send this year was sooo busy with my sons..
but Christmas card i will send you Darnell
And with my Hat on I want to say...
thanks for joining us at ATSM this week
hugs, Monika (DT Member)

Kathleen said...

Brilliant set of cards and I don't blame you for making 4, great die and lovely papers.

Kath x

Chriss Blagrave said...

Love this collection of balloons in the stripes, polkie dots, chevron...terrific die to make these! I am sure that Geri will love hers!

Geri said...

Oh yeah...clean & simple graphic gorgeousness has my heart a flutter! I best be careful not to get too becited over your sweet cards cuz after all, I am one year older now!

I'm all over this Jelli Plate technique too! Now this is something I can totally get into!

JoAnn said...

Love your cards. Great idea and great use of the dies & pattern paper. Have a great week my friend.

Bunny said...

Hey, Darnell. Thanks for visiting and joining my blog. I love your work and your playhouse. We share the same disease on the organization. I don't have ½ the play pretties, but, I have enough to play with. I love your desk and all the lighting in the playhouse. Grand! What fun. I enjoyed visiting and will be back.

Kay Miller said...

Oh wow! Those are really cute cards Darnell! I love that design and the cut out balloons. The wheels in my little mind are spinning with some other ways to do this same type thing!! Fun!! You've inspired me!! Not sure what the jelly plate is all about, but I'm sure if you're doing it, it must be something fun!! Enjoy!! ((Hugs)) :)

Cat Craig said...

Great design Darnell, well worth repeating...and case-ing :-)

Lizzy Hill said...

THAT is a way-cool card idea....might have to nick and adapt....pressies.....stars.......hearts.....LOOK OUT, Lizzy's coming for you;) And the Gelly Plate. have fun!!!! Messy art is on the move;)

Jean said...

Wonderful cards!

Aileen said...

You are so on a role babe, these cards look brilliant. You fill me with inspiration.

Clare said...

These are so fun, Darnell! They're so bright and happy, perfect for birthday cards!

Bonnie said...

Four perfectly CAS cards! What a great way to use paper! Enjoy your jelly plate!

Kim Heggins said...

So many festive cards...love them all and you are so stinkin' clever! What a fun way to say Happy Birthday to Miss Geri.
So I am in the dark too...what is a jelly plate, it looks so pretty I do have to say!

Diane said...

Lovely collection of colors and designs Darnell.

Hugs Diane

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Wow wow wow!! These are gorgeous!! LOVING all the balloons!!!!

Tina's Crop Shop said...

Wow! Talk about inspiration! I love this card set! I love CAS and these are awesome! :) Thanks for sharing Darnell!

JD/ Jill said...

All wonderful cards! Hope you are having a wonderful day!

Anonymous said...

Such joyful birthday balloons, Darnell!! Love those vertical lines!Your cards are always such fun!! That jelly plate looks pretty good too! Yum! Thanks for having fun with us at CASology this week!

Susanne Vargas said...

Great set of balloon cards! Can't wait to see what you did with your "Jelly" plate... besides eat it!

Birgit said...

I love all 4 cards! What a great quick birthday card to make and now you have 4. I love the bright zentangle one

Geri said...

OMG…what a clever design, Darnell! (and I love that font!!!) I wanted to thank you for your sweet visit to my blog! I know how busy you must stay with your own, and I DO so appreciate your time and sweet comment! I'm so glad to see that you're still creating and blogging away! I'm so hoping I have a little more time for that myself soon! (AND…I didn't know it was Geri's b-day!!! Thanks for sharing!) Happy crafting, my friend, and thank you, again!!!

Alanna said...

These are all so much fun. Awesome card design.

Cheryl W. said...

There is something so cool about negative die space. Your cards are awesome! Love the font in that sentiment stamp, too.

Joyce said...

What a fantastic collection of cards. Love how the pattern papers peek out from the negative spaces. I spy some patterns I have too, that would love to be put onto a card one of these days.

wienerhoneymooners said...

What a collection! Yahooooooo love it when you get so crafty!!!!
Thanks for joining CASology!

VanessaB said...

Great cards. Simple but adorable. Looking forward to seeing what technique you were learning today. :)

Carole Z said...

Great cards Darnell, love how the different papers give them all a new look, hugs Carole Z X

Jules said...

Hi Darnell

So pleased to have come across someone else who loves Monday's as much as I do. Most people think I am strange (well to be fair I probably am LOL!!).

Many thanks for your lovely comment on my blog.

I too have been absent from the playground .. .. and indeed my blog .. .. for most of the year. Just getting back into a nice routine again so hopefully I will be a bit more of a regular playmate.

Loving your balloon cards and the fonts on the sentiment are great.

Catch you soon and have a good week.

Love Jules xx

kiwimeskreations said...

What a fabulous technique, and cards, Darnell - I am looking forward to seeing the results from your play with the gelli plate.:-)
Blessings
Maxine

Carole Pollard said...

Clean and Simple but Classy and Superb. I love this design its gorgeous Hope you friend enjoys her birthday and your card for her is perfect. Enjoy playing with your gelli plate looking forward to your first makes Love and hugs Carole x

Craftychris said...

Ooh these are fabulous! Your choice of papers makes them all really pop! Oops, you don't really want your balloons popping do you? Tee hee! Have fun with your Gelli Plate - I haven't used mine for a while, must get it out! A while ago I bought the tiny 3 x 5 one too and haven't used that yet but it looks really good fun! xxx

Ros Crawford said...

Terrific card and wonderful design ... I'm not surprised that you made 4 of them!! Happy birthday to your friend !

Sandy said...

Wonderful cards - I really do like the repeating patterned paper!
Sandy xx

Marilyn said...

Awesome cards!!

*Vicki* said...

I love the concept of this design!! What a fabulous way to use some of those papers in your stash! :) Thanks for sharing your creation with us at Addicted to Stamps & More! Hugs & Smiles - *Vicki*-DT member

Unknown said...

Beautiful cards Darnell! Love them all! Thanks so much for sharing it with us over at ATCAS!

Jeanne said...

Fantastic attitude towards Mondays, Darnell and four fantastic cards as well. What a fun way to use the negative space. Your patterns make the cards extra fun and festive! Not sure what the jelly plate is all about, but I'll betcha it must be pretty neat if it has piqued your interest. Have a great day! :)

Kristie Goulet said...

These are just great, Darnell! Lovely way to use up that DSP! Hugs!

SD pooja said...

Cool CAS cards ! I loved the strips n chevrons :)

TK said...

Loving those cards! ...so eye-catching.

Sharon Underwood said...

Love all the stripes and balloons! Very nice cards!

Karen said...

These are gorgeous, Darnell! The balloon die is lovely and your use of it is so beautiful! Each version is so pretty and will surely brighten their special day. :o) Love the sentiment font, too! Beautifully done, as always. :o) Have a sparkly day, my friend!

Hugs and blessings,
Karen

oldpunca said...

Super cute CAS cards, dear Darnell. And the super cute background paper. It's useful to know, how to create cards in no-time. :-))
Hugs, Sonja

Monika/Buzsy said...

Fantastic cards Darnell. Love the different designer paper behind the balloons. Fun, fun, fun.

Lindsey said...

Definitely a multiple-fer worthy design!

sue t. said...

So clever and you could do something similar with other dies as well. Thanks for joining us at The Male Room!

Greta said...

These are just great, Darnell! I love the design & the first 2 are my favorites!

Shelly said...

Such fun and sweet cards!

Carole said...

Love , love love these Darnel ! fabulous designs.

Sue - said...

Great set of cards and what a fab way of using up patterned paper - of which I have way too much!

Brenda said...

Boy, I am so loving these fast and easy but fabulous cards Auntie! They really would make a nice set of cards to give as a gift. I love all the beautiful papers you used. I am loving those balloon dies, now looks like I might have to go find those dies, you are such an enabler! lol I also love that font on the sentiment. Hugs, Brenda

Helen F. said...

Oh how I love that balloon die AND the HB sentiment too. This is a great set of birthday cards, Darnell!

Anonymous said...

Great cards.
Very effective and would make a start at a dent in my pattern paper stash I have been saving :)

Petra Swart said...

Love your beautiful balloon die and the creative way you have used it, Darnell!!! The patterned papers you used are all lovely and it's amazing how different the cards look, hey!!! Love the font of the 'Birthday' - goes so lovely with the balloons!!!! Lovely fun cards to celebrate Geri's special day!!!!
Hugz

Kathy Mc said...

What a great card set, Darnell, and you make it sound so simple! I'm sure Geri approved and was thrilled to be the recipient.

Loll said...

Great design ... and a great way to use up patterned paper Dolly!! I have oodles and oodles of the stuff! :) Your geli plate looks way more delicious than mine. :) Thanks for playing along at ATCAS. Lolly xx

Gerrina said...

Fun design and so great to see what difference a colour or other paterned paper makes! Enjoy your week, Gerrina

Ruth Doman said...

Hi Darnell, I have lots of NBUS in my stash too! Liz Cavill pointed me in your direction :) I love the banner cards you have made - so clean and colourful.

Deborah Frings said...

What a fabulous set of cards! All perfectly CAS and I think a great use of the negative space. Thanks so much for playing along with The Male Room, and I'm sorry I'm so late commenting!! Deborah x

cm said...

Marvelous set of cards (and a reminder to question where I put my balloon dies...hmmmm) and good luck with that 'jelly' plate technique! Watch out for smudges! Hahahahahahahahaha!
Hugs~c

ionabunny said...

Oh Darnell, is that what a jelly plate looks like? Nam. Can you hear me laughing?? Now you've made me hungry. Hugz