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!

October 7, 2015

Cards for Causes

Greetings, my friends! I hope you are doing well!

Things are still progressing here and, trust me, if you're going to gress, you want the pros on your side! Even by my prattling standards, this post is a lah-ong one. I know I should have done three separate posts, but in the interest of my nursing duties, and because the hamster just kept handing me the information, I just kept on keepin' on ... 

In Blogland this month there are some very special causes and happenings that are near and dear to me ~ and to the world of card art.

First Lee

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. As I've said in my annual posts highlighting this important cause, it is rare to find someone whose life has not been impacted by breast cancer in some way. When it strikes close to home, we know our cards are a wonderful way to show our support, love, and encouragement.
For my card, I used my NBUS Triangle Trio die from PTI. The symbolic ribbon is cut from a Provo Craft die, and the NBUS sediment is from The Alley Way Stamps ("Life is Short"), heat-embossed in melon mambo. The Tim Coffey DSP is from my stash. The pretty sequints are from Pretty Pink Posh.

Challenges
Our Badge!!!Simon Wednesday Challenge Blog

Twofer Lee:

I didn't realize this, but October is also Domestic Violence Awareness month and purple is the representative color for this cause, just as pink is for BCA.

My dynamic friend Becca is hosting "The Hop to Stop" at her place to raise awareness for this worthwhile cause. She's also kindly distributing to women's shelters any cards that you wish to make and send to her. And, there are even sponsors participating!
To join in the hop and find all the rules and deets, click on the above link. Thank you, Becca, for being a kind and generous soul!

Here is my purple contribution:
I couldn't wait to ink up this adorable NBUS stamp from Purple Onion Designs called "Jolly!" The papers are from my stash. I watercolored the image with my Ziggies and then winked the colors. The sediment is from SU. I think it is also NBUS, but I'm not for sure.

Challenges
The Hop to StopWe'd love you to display our banner

And, Third Lee:

Vera Yates and Jennifer McGuire are holding their annual Caring Hearts Card Drive. Along with a few volunteers, these ladies unselfishly use their own time and money to collect and distribute hundreds of Christmas cards to nursing homes! (You may stand and applaud! They deserve it!) For rules and complete information, please visit either special lady!
New Friends Corner

I'm delighted to have you meet five more fabulous card artists!

Purvi Gadewar of Craft Concoction. Purvi started bloggin in 2013. She doesn't get a chance to post often, but I love seeing her craft concoctions when she does. She has been interested in making cards since she was a girl. When you visit, you will find cool and unique inspiration, including hand-lettering and hand-carved stamps!

Karen Letchworth of My Cup Runneth Over. Karen has been blogging since 2011. Her range when it comes to designing knows no boundaries. You will find card art, of course, but you will also find oodles of 3D creations, journals, and stitchery. I'm sure Karen is familiar to a lot of you from all of her guest design and design team positions. If not, you are in for a treat!

Crafty Hazelnut of My Crafty Outlook. Take your hats off, everyone: Hazel has been blogging since 2007!! That alone tells you why you should visit Hazel and how much inspiration you will find when you do. There is always fun going on around Hazel's place as she is also the owner of several challenge blogs! I don't know about you, but I admire and respect a blogger who has been at it since 2007!

Marlena McDeavitt of Marlena is Faithfully Crafting. Marlena has been blogging since 2010, so she's also an experienced blogger. She is the mother of three sweet girls and she enjoys sharing her faith in her card artistry and her blog. Marlena enjoys entering challenges and her cards and 3D projects are always clean and thoughtful!

Susanne Rose of Susanne Rose - Paper Blobs. (I'm not sure about the translation!) Susanne has been blogging since 2013. You probably know her from the work she has done on several design teams. If you don't know Susanne, however, I assure you that you'll be impressed by her wide range of artistic talent, jewelry designs, and tutorials!

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

~~~
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97 comments:

Sid said...

Great LIM card !!

kiwimeskreations said...

Love your cards and love your post Darnell, and shhh, don't tell Hammy, but I love visiting your blog :-)
Trust the nursing duties are working and Mister is improving.
Blessings
Maxine

Craftychris said...

Two wonderful cards for wonderful causes! So many super kind people in Blogland and you are top of the list! xxx

Sue said...

Loving the cards.

It is always such a lovely thing to get a card in the post. It cheers us up and lets us know we are not alone and someone is thinking of us.

Hope you have a good day. Sue

Lizzy Hill said...

I hope the patient is making such awesome progress, that the nurse can soon take extended leave! Meanwhile, these are wonderful takes on the LOT of stuff that is happening around your place..... can't go past a snow man to make me smile!!!! Take care :)

Redanne said...

Your Breast Awareness card is absolutely stunning and your snowman card is just adorable. As always, you made me smile big! I too hope Mister is improving day by day and will soon be fit again.

Will be missing for a day or two, got the call yesterday, today's the day - Yay! I'll catch up soon.

Big hugs, Annie xx

Sammy said...

Fabulous cards for some very worthy causes Darnell! Love them. x

Julie B said...

Fab cards Darnell, as usual you made me smile. I needed a little bit of cheer this morning as it has been tipping down yesterday and today.
The rain was so heavy yesterday that the downpipes couldn't cope and I had to wade across an ocean to reach my car! :)

Lynn said...

Two wonderful cards for two very important causes. Love them both Darnell.

Unknown said...

Thanks a lot for mentioning my name Darnell...you have summed everything about me just perfectly...
As for the cards for the causes...2 beautiful cards for 2 great causes!

Aileen said...

Mmmm I like both of these cards. You have done very nicely, I love the bit of patterned paper you used. Verly pretty. Hope you are both well and the Mister is behaving himself. Hugs Aileen

Marilyn said...

Love both of your cards!! Hope the Mister is feeling better

Jasleen Kaur said...

Two absolutely delightful cards for very good causes. That snowman is just too cute. :)

Ros Crawford said...

Wonderful cards for wonderful causes!

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

These are beautiful! LOVING that snowman on the second one!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeanne said...

Fabulous cards for wonderful causes. That purple nosed snowman absolutely makes me smile in delight! Thanks for sharing and caring, Ms Darnell! :)

Dr Sonia S V said...

Both your cards are gorgeous ...the sentiment on the first one is so apt and the happy snowman is adorable
Cheers
Dr Sonia

Pat said...

Wow! You have been busy Darnell and two beautiful cards and some great causes you have highlighted too. I love that wrap over type card with that beautiful dp at the back and the wonderful sentiment and ribbon, and then those gorgeous purple tones with that fab snowman, a real cutie. Hope the Mister is doing better now and you are beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel. x

Happy Dance said...

You so rock. Two wonderful cards for two wonderful causes. And beautiful ones too. Love that paper on your first card, and the sentiment is so perfect. It's lovely!! Gotta support the girls. And that pretty linen paper... I can guess where that's from! And a perfectly purple card for Becca's hop. What a sweet image!! Love that little snowman. Love the colored-in "y" too. This is a real charmer!! Rocked it. Miss you!!! Bev

Barb said...

Two lovely cards for very worthy causes Darnell. Wishing you and Mister well. Hugs. Barbxx

I Card Everyone said...

Lovely cards for worthwhile causes, D ... LOve that P.O. snowman!!!
=] M

OH Babs said...

Two great cards for two worthy causes Darnell. For me making and creating cards and then donating them is what gives me great pleasure. Hope your life is less hectic and Kevin is close to leaving the nest. Until the next time, BBB

Linda said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell .... and for such good causes too.
Hope the Mister is improving and that your nursing days are coming to a close.
By the way .... loving your photographs on FB! Enjoy the rest of the week hun xx

Ardyth said...

That sentiment is perfect for your image - he is so full of joy for the snow falling (obviously he isn't in Toronto at the end of January! lol!) Thanks so much for joining us at MCV this week, Darnell!

Becca Cruger said...

Third Lee - I'm sure you get soooo sick of hearing it (snicker) but you are AMAZING. Seriously, from the first moment I stumbled onto to your witty, charming blog I knew it would be love at first read.
I really like the layout of that first card - I haven't seen it before and it reminds me a little bit of an envelope. Brava!
And that SNOWMAN!!! Egads, could a thing be cuter? I think not!
Thank you SO much for supporting the Hop to Stop, and for also raising awareness for Breast Cancer. You rock.

Sharon Underwood said...

Love your "cards for a cause." They will surely bring someone great comfort AND joy!

Marlena M. said...

Oh my goodness, I came in to see you and was so moved by your links to worthy causes. Then, what do I see? My face! Thank you for the sweet Friends' shout out Darnell. "Experienced"... ;)you truly blessed me and I giggled a little~wish you could see my smile. By the way... LOVE the sweet snowman card and powerful message on your first card.

Jenni's Jems said...

I lost my mum to breast cancer so it's is a cause close to my heart and LOVE your card for it !and also loving your cute snowman!hope Mister is back to his old self soon xx

ElizStewart said...

Your snowman is the cutest!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Wonderful both your cards, Darnell! The first one is stunning on the design and really love the sentiment, so full of hope!
All three are great causes!!

Suzanne Reynolds said...

Two great cards for two great causes, and love the sentiments on both cards.

Karen Letchworth said...

Thanks for the "SHOUT OUT", Darnell. I've had a lot of fun playing along here as well, as love meeting new crafty friends. I hope to play along again soon. I also want to welcome you and everyone else to share your creations in the challenges at my challenge blog, Word Art Wednesday. www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com - we have Anything Goes challenges every week and would LOVE to have you join us!
Karen

Bonnie said...

Lots of great opportunities for sharing cards and some delightful cards to share! Love that sediment on the first card and the pretty paper! And that snowperson is adorable! Love all the purple! Hope Mister is recovering at a more rapid rate now.

KT Fit Kitty said...

You're awesome, Darnell, supporting both of these worthwhile causes. I love both of your cards but I'll focus on your purple one for the Hop to Stop - thank you for supporting domestic violence awareness. I love your cute snowman and wonderful sentiment - your colouring is so pretty! And you used some NBUS too!

Virginia L. said...

AWESOME creations for wonderful causes, Darnell! Love each of the three cards. You truly are a GEM! Thanks so much for playing Simon Says Stamp Wednesday “Anything Goes” Challenge!

Sarah said...

These are all equally fabulous Darnell and for such fabulous causes too. Pleased to hear that things are progressing so long may it continue xx

Julia Aston said...

Two lovelies Darnell - and what great reasons to make cards!

BożenA said...

Beautiful card. Actually letter with a message of support and assistance, the news that nose up, because everything will be fine. Darnell, this card can restore faith in a better tomorrow.
This unusual snowman is so beautiful. Great idea.
And thank you very much for the birthday wishes. I am moved by the memory :-)
Kisses and hugs,
BozenA

jimlynn said...

Popping in for a few seconds! Glad I did too and got to see these wonderful cards - and for great causes! Love them!
Lynn

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Love all of the cards, especially the jolly snowman!
And I have especially enjoyed your self photos on Facebook!

Carol L said...

The cross-over card is so pretty, and I love the dsp, but that whimsical snowman just won me over with his cuteness! Great cards for great challenges and causes! Whew! You've been busy my friend!

Lindsey said...

Chief nurse and carmaker, these two cards are terrific! I do love that snowman's purple nose. :)

Susan said...

Two fabulous cards for two very important causes!

Kathleen said...

Another great post with some more fab play on words, two stunners here and a very kind and generous person, with your own problems to take the time to care.

Kath x

oldpunca said...

Two amazing cards, dear Darnell. Your pink ribbon card is super nice. And I really like your LIM snowman. Great idea for a Christmas card to use purple colour.
Hugs, Sonja

Marilyn said...

Darnell, I'm so honored that you played MCV and found inspiration from my card. Your snowman is too fun, and I love your colors. Glad things are looking up on the health front.

Tiffani Trumble said...

All three are beautiful! it is wonderful to hear of someone who gives to others so much! you are a true inspiration! thank you for sharing your work at the hop to stop!

Cat Craig said...

Great post Darnell. I am in love with your snowman...I smell a winner there for sure!

Marybeth said...

Beautiful cards Darnell! I love and have that same snowman,I should have used him. I'm happy to see you have some you time! Hugs!

Pam said...

Great cards!

Bobby said...

Two wonderful cards for causes, Darnell. I love the sentiment on the BCA one and that snowman is a cutie.

Lisa said...

Beautiful and adorable....I just love that snowman....

Sue from Oregon said...

First Lee-Great creations
Twofer Lee- Great info today
Third Lee-You always make me laugh!

♥ Sue Kment

Joyce said...

Hey Darnell. Sorry I have been so scarce around blog land. I am finally getting a chance to come by and see that you are up to your usual tricks--making wonderful cards and spreading cheer far and wide. Thanks for your reminder about special card drives going on now.

sandie said...

wonderful cards for these causes.It has given me an idea for next year. March is Epilepsy awareness month and the colour is purple. I must sort something for this x

Jane said...

Always a pleasure to see your cards popping up in the gallery and such an important cause to support too. Thanks for playing along at AAA Cards.

Unknown said...

Amazing cards, Darnell! Love that you're supporting everyone :) xx

Unknown said...

A beautiful duo of cards Dippy. I just love your snowman and just might have to go a-hunting in a minute!!!

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Penny Ward said...

Oh my wordlets.....Your Breast Cancer card is just too sweet. Love the layout, designer paper and the color of your sediment....must find me some Melon Mambo!!! Thanks for playing along with us at W2SB. hugs, :)

Marsha Reed said...

Cute snowman card, Darnell! Thanks for joining us this week at Christmas Card Challenges. Marsha DT @ SCCC

Mac Mable said...

What beautiful cards. The sentiment on the first card is gorgeous and so poignant x What a fun card the snowman one is! Love them both and well done you on supporting such worthy causes x

Loll said...

I'm happy you got some time to play and be creative Dolly. Two beautiful cards ... LOVE the pretty paper and the triangle design of your first one. And that snowman is SO CUTE ... and perfect done in purple. Great job with colouring with your zigs. Lolly xx

Kimbo said...

Two beautiful cards. I love the cute snowman and especially the fold on your first card

Thanks for playing along at Cuttlebug Mania this time x

Lisa Elton said...

Two pretty cards for two wonderful causes!

Susanne Vargas said...

Your purple nosed snowman put a big grin on my face! How adorable!
Love the layout and the sentiment on the first card!
Two great cards for two great causes!

Chrissie said...

Your first card is gorgeous and your snowman one with the purple carrot, really made me chuckle!
Fab cards Darnell!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"

conil said...

Good to see you and the hamster are doing what you do best...not to say that your nursing skills are stellar, because I'm sure they are. That being said, is your white cap with the red cross on it askew yet? Clearly Hammie is helping to bring some joy during this rough time. Both your cards are gorgeous. The BCA card is truly gorgeous. Kudos, girl. And that snowman. Doesn't he look as though he's just busting a gut because of the snow. I'd go for some of that about now.
Take care of yourself while your administering TLC. We want to keep you healthy, you know.

Sybrina K said...

Darnell, It's good to see you finding some crafting time while tending to hubby. Two great cards! Love that NBUS trio folder die -- and how you used it. Thanks so much for joining us at Words 2 Scrap By. :)

Jerrie said...

What great cards for causes!! I love the encouraging sentiment on the breast cancer card. It is so uplifting and sends a message of hope. Love your silly little snowman with his nose in the air!! Nice job!!

505whimsygirl said...

Hi Darnell,

I came across your card the other day. You've been busy, as usual. I love the idea of sending cards to Nursing Homes. And as you said, there are very few among us that breast cancer hasn't touched. I know so many of my friends that have had to fight that battle.

I hope you are doing fine. Retirement is on hold for now -- perhaps two more years.

Hugs,
Kay

Anonymous said...

Beautiful cards Darnell! I hope the Mr is doing better?

Ceal said...

Beautiful cards, thanks for linking to AAA Cards!

OH Babs said...

Beautiful cards Miss Darnell. The snowman is really cute.

Kara Lynne said...

Each cause is special one, and your cards are special too! I haven't been around much lately, but it sounds like the Mister is still on the mend. Hang in there!

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

Wonderful cards for such amazing causes! I am just loving that Snowman stamp, sure is a cutie! Carri~Abusybee
Skittles!

wienerhoneymooners said...

JOYOUSLY FABULOUS Congrats Darnell, you are always a MUSE star to me!!!!!!

Gerrina said...

So good that you made that first card! It is a stylish and super direct card! The snowman on your second is a fun one and I love how you coloured it and gave him "a ground"... Have a colourfull weekend!
P.s. Sending some energy to your DH to get better and to you to keep managing all!

Sazzle Dazzle said...

A fantastic post Darnell, and so thoughtful of you to combine the challenges with these important causes. Love both cards - I'm welling up at the first one as this is such a beautiful sentiment and works perfect at our wordy challenge at AAA Cards then I'm grinning at your cheeky snowman on the second one decorated in those exotic jewel colours too so thanks for playing him over at Less is More! Thank so much as always. Sarah xx

shirley-bee said...

Two wonderful cards, Darnell! I love that DP on the first one, and your cheeky snowman with his purple carrot nose is adorable :)

Joyce said...

Hi Darnell--just realized that I needed to amend my comment from yesterday to thank you for playing along at CASology this week.

Liz said...

Two brilliant cards! I love the sentiments on the first one and triangle fold. The image on the second one is just adorable and the colours are just perfect. xx

Neets B said...

Fabulous cards as always, Darnell. Your first is so classy and elegant, I love the design. And as for your jewel coloured snowman, he looks like he's offering a big fat hug! Love him, he makes me smile :)
Thanks for sharing with us.
Anita x
Less is More

Anita in France said...

You're such a star supporting these causes when you're up to your eyes in nursing duties, Darnell ... both cards are fabulous! The DP on the BCA one is stunning, so elegant and beautiful ... and good grief, Jolly the Snowman ... could anything snowy be cuter ... he's delightful, delicious, delovely (and I'm pretty certain he's been in the spotlight a time or two this week ... congratulations!) Miss you, mon amie! Hugs & bisous, bisous, Anita :)

Helen F. said...

Fabulous cards for wonderful causes, Darnell! Thank s for the links :-)

JoAnn said...

I was sure I had commented on your adorable snowman card, but didn't see it, so wanted you to know I love both of your cards. Thanks so much for joining us at Christmas Card Challenges.

JD/ Jill said...

Two wonderfully made cards, Darnell!

Jen W. said...

These are both beauties, Darnell, and all the better that they support such important causes. Love the Melon Mambo embossed sentiment on the first card and that POD snowman makes me smile. :) Hope all is well with you and thanks for playing along with CASology this week! Hugs!

Taunya Butler said...

Perfect, perfect cards - wonderful, delightful post!! I hope the pros continue to be on your side!! You and your hubs are in my thoughts and I hope life is treating you good!!!

Greta said...

Your purple snowman card is just adorable, Darnell & your card for BCA is gorgeous! Thanks so much for joining us at W2SB! Hope your nursing duties will soon be over! Big hugs, Greta

Birgit said...

I missed this somehow-great cards and a beautiful message on the first card. The 2nd card is just fun and cheery for Christmas

ionabunny said...

Oooh, I love purple carrots. What a fun snowperson. Hugz

D.Ann C said...

Great cards! Glad to hear a sense of humor in the midst of the stress... Having the pros on your side made me giggle! I'm going to share that with dad, who just had a hip replacement and is progressing, just slower than he'd like. lol. May your hubby's progress be steady and as quick as possible. Have a lovely week!

Sharron said...

Awesome cards for two great causes! Love that adorable snowman!! Hope Mister is progressing well. Recovery unfortunately is all too often the pits! But with his wonderful nurse, he's sure to be better soon! Hugs to you both!!!

Donna said...

Your cards for the causes are fabulous, glad you are supporting both! Great causes!

Helen F. said...

Beautiful BCA card and wonderful sentiment, Darnell! AND, that snowman...could he be any cuter ?!?

suzARTe said...

Such beautiful and positive cards.

Jenny Colacicco said...

Glorious cards, and super important messages. I love your blog and how you feature new card makers on your posts. It's wonderful. Thanks so much for joining us at AAA Cards!