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!

August 31, 2015

I'm Up at {CASE}ing Genius!

Hi there!

Here we are again, whooshed around to a bright, cleanly-laundered Monday, fresh as a daisy!

Today is a super-duper day for me as I am honored to be up on Kelly Latevola's blog You and Your Big Dreams as her featured genius! Yup, moi! 
Every Monday morning, Kelly publishes her unique {CASE}ing Genius series where she showcases different card artists she admires. It is a HUGE compliment to me that Kelly is interviewing and {CASE}ing me for her latest feature and I hope you will pop over and check it out!

If you haven't already, I have no doubt that you will fall in love with Kelly as I have done! After wards, search "genius" on her blog and the entire series will appear to delight and inspire you!

~~~
As many of you may remember, I previously DJKased Kelly here. Today I thought it would be fun to reciprocate's Kelly's compliment and thank her for including me in her series by doing another DJKase. This time the card I chose from Kelly's varied and plentiful array of card art is this one

And here is my DJKASE:
For this one-layer card, I used leaf stamps from SU. I stamped them with a Kaleidoscope "Autumn Leaves" ink pad. I wasn't happy with how distinct the ink color separations were using the pad, so I used Distress Inks and a water brush to blend (and add to) the colors. Kelly is a huge proponent of using micron pens to outline images, so ala Kelly, I used a Pigma Micron 01 in brown to outline the leaves and the markings. I love the definition it gives! The sediment is from SU.

Thank you again, Kelly, for this enormous honor! I very much appreciate that you do this series which either introduces us to new card artists, or allows us to become better acquainted with fellow artists we have already met in Blogland.

I think the true genius here is YOU!! 

~~~

Challenges
Simon Wednesday Challenge Blog
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New Friends Corner

I am so tickled to introduce you to two new friends of the Playhouse:

Kelly of Sandcastle Stamper. Kelly lives in Miami and she has been blogging since 2009. She is the mother of four who began scrapbooking when she was 16 years old.  In addition to paper art, she is an aspiring writer who enjoys reading, writing book reviews, volunteering at her children's schools, and spending time at the beach. She is a card artist who serves on design teams and enjoys entering challenges. I think you will enjoy her fun, sweetly-layered, and colorful cards!

Tina Z. of Treebug. Tina is from Slovenia. She is a  fairly new blogger who just began her blog in April of this year. She makes delightful cards, has a passion for the environment, and loves, loves, loves to enter challenges. It would be so wonderful if you visited, followed, and left some encouraging and supportive words for Tina! (And Kelly!)

Thank you for joining, ladies, and welcome to the Playhouse.

~~~

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!

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84 comments:

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Absolutely GORGEOUS! LOVING those leaves!!!!!!!!!

Lynn said...

Oh the texture and colors on this card are absolutely stunning Darnell. Love, love, love!

Kelly Latevola said...

You are genuinely spectacular, did you know that? I absolutely adore you and your beautiful card. Those leaves are stunning and i love the outline!! Do you?

Valerija said...

Gorgeous card!

Leslie Hanna said...

Well look at you! Congratulations on being featured on Kelly's site! And that card? Wow. Love the linen card stock, too. :D

Jean said...

Wow ! These leaves are beautiful Darnell, I love the way you have blended the colours, and the outline look great.
Jean x

Julie B said...

Congrats, well deserved, love your autumn leaves. :)

Patti J said...

What an exciting day for you and Hammy! I can't imagine why you were surprised...you are amazing! Your card is beautiful, those leaves are so realistic! Well done, my friend! Congratulations!!!

SD pooja said...

Congrats Darnell ! Awesome OL card..loved the colors on the leaves and texture of the card base !

I Card Everyone said...

Totally deserving, D... love your Kelly-CASE, and I'm runninG over right now... mwah!
=]

!neke said...

Wow, really great stamping !

Ineke x

Ardyth said...

Thrilled to see you at Kelly's blog - you guys are a perfect mutual admiration society - love your case of Kelly's card, too!

Susanne Vargas said...

Congratulations on being featured on Kelly's blog! I love that feature on her blog! How sweet of you to CASE her, too! Gorgeous fall card!

Jane Willis said...

That's gorgeous! I love the way you've taken the Kaleidacolour and moved it up to the next level. Must head over and look at Kelly's site now
Jane

Harriet Skelly said...

OMG Darnell, I knew you were famous but geez, being highlighted on Kelly's blog is just the bomb!!! I love your case and I love the case that Kelly did of your work on her blog!!! Huge CONGRATS!!!

jimlynn said...

WHOA! Darnell, this is stunning deluxe! Love those gorgeous fall leaves and makes me wish I'd see a little bit of Fall now. Just beautiful!
Lynn

Taunya Butler said...

I love that you are Kelly's genius this week!! What a treat to get to now you some more!! You really are a talent and I love how this card turned out - the brown tracing of the leaves is inspired - looks so good!! I hope you will have a FABULOUS week!!

Julia Aston said...

Congrats on the honor Darnell (you little genious, you!!) The colors on your fall leaf card are just stunning! Julia xx

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Big congrats!! And your leaves are simply stunning!! Love them so much! Such a fabulous watercolored work!

Dotty Jo said...

Well done you... And your card is stunning, Jo x

Pia S said...

First, congrats on being cased. Second, what a Wowzers card you've made! I'm so impressed at how this one layered looks and how the leaves look so real!!

VanessaB said...

oh, i gasped when i saw this card. it's soooo beautiful!!! i love fall leaves!

Ксения Phedra Ли said...

I feel like the autumn is near and winter is coming)

Casandra Bennett said...

Very pretty. We had our own taste of Fall last week when the temps dropped into the 50's. Brrr....

Cat Craig said...

What a thrill, congrats on being in Kelly's fabulous series. Your card is awesome...that linen paper just takes it to another level.

Carol said...

Love this Darnell, those leaves look so real...the colours are stunning. Carol x

Sue said...

Fab card.

Well done on being featured.

Hope you have had a good start to the week. Sue

Kristie Goulet said...

Congrats! So great seeing you over there.
LOVE your CASE of Kelly's card! Running over to see how she CASEd you!

Pat said...

How lovely to be chosen by Kelly to be her (CASE)ing Genius and so well deserved too. I have just been there and love the little interview and picks of your lovely cards and her CASEing was beautiful, and your DJKASEing of her card is really beautiful too. I love the autumnal leaves in those pretty colours and the outlining of them really works. x

OH Babs said...

WOW Irma. Who knew. You are a bonafide celebrity. First of all your card is just amazing and I am guessing many of your followers will CASE the card. Also I learned about outlining a stamped image and I will try that.
Your interview was delightful but I wouldn't expect anything less. All of the cards she showcased are a grand indication of how talented you are, not to mention charming, funny, sweet and generous. :) your fan, BBB

Verna Angerhofer said...

Oh, my goodness! That is so stunning and love those beautiful colors. And, against the linen card stock it is really filled with texture too.

Mrs A. said...

Normally I'm not too keen on being reminded that autumn is around the corner and that a shed load of leaves will be deposited in my garden to be picked up, bagged up and taken over the tip. Today though I don't mind cos we are in receipt of a letter from the council that tells us that our 20yr battle with them to remove the trees alongside our property has finally been settled. They are to be taken down within the next 3 months . Am hopping it will be before they shed there leaves otherwise I won't be such a hoppy bunny!!!. Hugs Mrs A.

Monica Maier said...

Gorgeous fall card! Love your take on her card.

Geri said...

CONGRATS on being the guest of honor at CASEing Genius!

Your card is AMAZING and a fine, fine display of your creative genius! I love how you played around a bit with blending & adding ink - stunning results. But what blew me out of the water (again) was the outlining! Wowzers...that is one Steady Eddy hand there pal!

conil said...

You, my dear, have done Kelly up proud. That outlining reall did the trick because I have leaves falling from my oak tree that certainly don't look this good. The colors are yummy. Don't you love one-layer wonders. By the way, Kelly's right, you are a genius.

Laura Norris said...

Beautiful fall leaves! Nice work!

Barb said...

Congratulations on being cased Darnell. Love the Leaf card such beautiful colours. I enjoyed reading the Q&A.Barbxx

Happy Dance said...

Well you ARE a GENIUS. True story. Congratulations dear friend. So very happy for you. And in a bit, I'll head over to Kelly's blog and scope that out too. Your CASE of her card is really, really lovely. I'm quite enamored of it, my dear. I'll also be checking out your newest followers too. Give me a call when you can. Missing you. Bev

Carole said...

Oh my..what beautiful colours in this card..........it reminds us that Autumn will soon be here! Fabulous card!

KT Fit Kitty said...

Beautiful fall card, Darnell. Love this!

Shelly said...

YAY, Darnell!! Loved reading more about you!
Your thank you card is beautiful!

Kathleen said...

Can't remember rid I commented earlier on this post as I was interrupted by a phone call, but I totally and utterly love it, fantastic colours and a great layout. Love, love, love it.

Kath x

Lizzy Hill said...

Love it - from the textured card stock to the 'played with' leaf colours, to the outlining [oh, SOOOO see how that works a treat!]...just a really lovely card - mind you, I'm a bit partial to SU stamps - I think they rock!!

Craftychris said...

Gorgeous card! Those leaves are coloured so beautifully - you are indeed a genius!

Unknown said...

Big fat "Congratulations" on being featured on Kelly's site. Gorgeous card, Darnell!!! TFS your creativity with us today.

Carol L said...

I always knew you had genius qualities :) That is one gorgeous card with those beautifully colored leaves! WOWSAH!

Nora Noll said...

Congratulations on being featured at Kelly's site. Your card is darn beautiful!! I LOVE the colors and that texture on the paper. STUNNING!!!

Bobby said...

I can almost hear those leaves crunch under my feet. What beautiful and realistic colors, Darnell.

Kim M said...

This card is phenomenal!!! I love the textured cardstock you used and the colour blending is fantastic! And you outlined the leaves freehand?! Outstanding! I thought it was stamped! You so rocked this card, Darnell. And it's always nice to see you over at Ink too! :-)

Chriss Blagrave said...

Your card is STUNNING! Darnell! Love the colours, added blending and texture!
So happy to see you over on Kell's blog! Congrats :)))

HJ said...

Beautiful card. I love the colors, the design and your coloring is awesome. Great job. I love all your cards on Kelly's blog too.

Loll said...

Congrats on being honour by Kelly! I LOVE your CASE of her card ... gorgeous design, beautiful colours, and love how you've blended the colours. Aren't distress inks the most fun to work with??!! Lolly xx

LauraJane:) said...

As always, you are a HOOT!! Loved reading about you over at Kelly's today!

Lisa Elton said...

OH GOODNESS those leaves are gorgeous Darnell, LOVE LOVE this card!!

Cheryl W. said...

I clicked over to Kelly's blog and enjoyed her post all about you. Congratulations on that awesome honor! Your card today is gorgeous. I love the definition you added with the brown Micron pen, as well.

Birgit said...

Congrats to you and you deserve the recognition! I love your card because of the white card you chose(looks like linen) and the beautiful leaves that you coloured.

Maria Rodriguez. said...

Oh Darnell, your card is gorgeous, love the colors of the leaves, amazing and beautiful.
Congratulations on that fabulous and totally deserved honor, I enjoyed reading about you and I also love Kathy Bates.
Hugs.
Maria.

Neha said...

That is simply gorgeous. Coloring is outstanding and love how you outlined images.

Sharron said...

Gorgeous card, Darnell! The texture and colors of your leaves are so amazing! You are so very deserving of Kelly's honor! Loved her case of your card as well!

kiwimeskreations said...

I am looking forward to seeing Kelly L's write up of you - she is my next stop. I love your case of Kelly's card!!
Blessings
Maxine

Linda said...

WOW! I love those leaves and the colours are just beautiful ..... great job! Xx

Unknown said...

Congratulations on becoming a recognised "genius" Dippy. My question is why it took them so long to recognise the fact - we've all known for absolutely ages!!! Great CAS(e) on the autumn leaves card........great colours and placement.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Shona Chambers said...

This is so exciting and I'm so happy for you!!! So wonderful to be honoured by someone you admire yourself. I'm off to see the blog post right now!! And your Autumn card is simply beautiful.....

Jeanne said...

Congratulations, Ms Darnell. So happy for you! And your card on this post is fantabulous. Adored the cards she shared that you had made on her blog. Awesome work and couldn't happen to a more fun gal!

Aileen said...

Missed this post, how did I miss it. Must be at mum and dads and missing the internet. My friend a celebrationary how cooool dude. Next ai know I'll have to book in to get you to come visit. Love love the cards Kelly cased. Clever girl you

Tracey McNeely said...

Darnell congratulations on the well deserved honour!! Oh yes fall is in the air I am noticing the the leaves are starting to change around here. Your fall card is gorgeous, you have captured the colours of the leaves perfectly. Off to see your feature. So happy for you! xoxo

Sandy said...

Your autumn card is beautiful! I saw your cards over at Casing Genius and really Darnell they are all gorgeous!!!! Congratulations!
sandy xx

Gerrina said...

A fun card for a seison I don't want to rush in jet... I enjoy the warmer temps and sunny days so... Hugs, Gerrina

Becca Cruger said...

Oh Darnell, this is stunning! The colors are so vibrant and if I wasn't ready for Fall before, I sure am now!

oldpunca said...

Dear Darnell, I agree with Kelly! Every word she wrote about you is true. :-) Wonderful interview. Congratulations about this honour!
Your card is a superb CASE of Kelly's card. I like the colouring of leaves and amazing design.
Hugs, Sonja

Kim S said...

Congratulations to you for catching Kelly's eye!! Well-deserved! But Kathy Bates? I really can't get over "Misery" and I may never look at you the same way again!!

LOVE your CASE of Kelly while she is CASing you!

Bonnie said...

Love, love, love these leaves! The placement and colors are perfect and I need to remember that outlining technique! It's amazing! Congratulations on being Kelly's Genius this week! Well deserved, my friend!

Teresa Kline said...

gorgeous colored leaves! so glad you played along with us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge!

sparkle & shine *~*

Greta said...

Hurray--congratulations, Darnell! Stunningly beautiful card using my favorite Kaleidacolor pad! I do find you have to ink the stamps side to side to prevent the definite lines of color, or do it your way which worked to perfection!

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Congratulations!!!! You ARE a case-Ing genius!!! Beautiful card! Love the textures!

Marina said...

I like how you've stamped onto a textured card - brave I think as I would worry about (and probably achieve!) partial prints - but yyours has come out beautifully! Thank you for joining us at Inkspirational Challenges. Come back next time! Marina

Kim Heggins said...

A big congrats to you my sweet Darnell! This is one beautiful card, I love all your gorgeous fall colors.

Maura said...

Congrats, Darnell! A well deserved honor, I might add! I love your leaf card - your idea for blending the inks more was, well, "genius" - so Kelly picked the right person! I want to thank you for the affirming comment you wrote on my card earlier this week. I was having a challenging day and your words were just what I needed to get my perspective back - so a hearty thank you coming your way!! You made a difference and I thought you should know that.

Helen F. said...

Gorgeous Fall leaves, Darnell

cm said...

LOVE your autumn leaves card; LOVE X LOVE X LOVE your interview! Such an honour for us to learn more about amazing YOU!
Hugs~c

Anita in France said...

Love that you're a genius (knew that already!) being CASEd, Darnell ... congratulations ... loved your interview! Stunning card ... those rich autumn colours are gorgeous ... seems I could just reach out and touch all that yummy, crisp, crinkliness! Miss you, my sweet friend! Hugs & bisous, bisous, Anita :)

Shauna said...

Oh wow! Your use of color is beautiful! Great placement on the "falling" leaves. Thanks for playing with us at Inkspirational!
- Shauna

Pia Larsen said...

Gorgeous, Darnell 😄

Petra Swart said...

Those leaves are so beautiful and true to life, Darnell!!! What wonderful colouring!!!! A beautiful card!!!!
Enjoyed my visit to Kelly's blog!!!