Hey there!
How are you? You're lookin' good! No, really, your robe and slippers look quite fetching and comfy. As it happens, I'm typing this in mine, so you're in good company!
There are several challenges celebrating spring and spring showers and umbrellas and the like, so we got bizzy playing along.
For this first card, I brought out another Penny Black, this time one of her famous hedgie stamps. It's a favorite of mine, unless I'm using one of the other hedgie stamps, in which case that one is my favorite. This one is called "Ladybug 'n Hedgehog." The grass is an unmarked stamp. The stitched rectangle dies are from Lil' Inker. The sediment is from SU's "Party This Way" set. The raindrops are from Designs by Ryn. They were, of course, glossified.
Challenges
~~~
How are you? You're lookin' good! No, really, your robe and slippers look quite fetching and comfy. As it happens, I'm typing this in mine, so you're in good company!
There are several challenges celebrating spring and spring showers and umbrellas and the like, so we got bizzy playing along.
- Cuttlebug Mania: April Showers.
- Ike's World Challenges: Rainy days.
- Penny Black and More: Birthdays.
- Retro Rubber: April Showers. (It's raining!)
- Seize the Birthday: Anything Goes. Toppings: Floral.
My twofer:
I have had this NBUS lady stamp from Rubbernecker for quite a while. The raindrops are from an ancient SU set and I don't even remember if it's NBUS or not. The sediment stamp is NBUS, also from Penny Black, called "Moment of Joy." I love the stamp, but could never make it work on a card before. Yesterday, it fairly jumped out of the stamp cabinet because finally this was its moment!
The bottom of the card seemed to need some grounding so I found a snippet of pp in the prezack colors I had painted. Of course, you've seen my drawer-after-drawer of pp, so really, the chances were pretty good I was going to find something that matched!
Challenges
- Ike's World Challenges: Rainy days.
- The Paper Players: Color challenge (see below).
- Penny Black Saturday Challenge (PBSC) for April: Showers.
- Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: April showers bring May flowers.
New Friend Corner
From the comments on my last post, I'm going to go proceed as I've always done and introduce five new friends at a time, at least until I can get caught up. I know you will enjoy meeting these talented ladies!
Lee Ann Barrett of Greyt Paper Crafts. Lee Ann started blogging the end of 2011 and I've been an admirer of her card artistry for years. She often shared the cards she made for Operation Write Home and she has become a prolific challenge player and winner. Lee Ann's designs and coloring are perfection!
Pam Simpson of Pam's Crafts. Pam has been blogging since March 2012. Her cards are exquisite and truly gifts unto themselves. You'll find lots of layers, textures, beautiful embellishments, and amazing folds and shapes to amaze and inspire you!
Pen of Sunshine Pens Rambles. Pen lives in a log cabin in the middle of a small village in the UK and she has only been blogging since July of 2015. She has gradually started playing in more challenges and having relaxing fun that way. In addition to her inspiring designs, Pen very kindly shares her process in photos!
Tracie Pond of Creations for Kindness. Tracie started her blog journey in April 2015, so happy first birthaversary, Tracie! As the title of her blog suggests, Tracie blogs to share the cards she makes so beautifully and to encourage us to use our artistic talents to make cards and give them away to bring kindness and joy into the lives of others!
K.M. Meena Herale of Sunshine Creations. Meena only started her blog in February so she is brand new to our community! Her cards are happy and her creations are well-designed to play in challenges. Please do make a special effort to introduce yourself to Meena and welcome her to our supportive and caring corner of Blogland!
Thank you for joining, ladies, and welcome to the Playhouse!
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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!
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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 a pop-up box opens.
Click "Jump to Comment Form" and walla, 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!
Love both of your latest cards, especially the raindrops on the first one.
ReplyDeleteSharon x
Love both of your cards. Must admit to being a hedgie lover myself.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Margaret M
Two lovely cards, but my favourite is the cute hedgie in the first card!
ReplyDeleteKath x
OOhhhh - Darnell you and Hammy-sters have outdun yourselves with these gor-juss cards.Love them both!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comments on my blog :-)
Blessings
Maxine
Love those raindrops and the little hedgie!
ReplyDeleteSat here in my pjs eating breakfast as the rain mizzles! :)
Hi Darnell, Loving both cards.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a nice day. Sue
Beautiful cards, love the raindrops on nr 1.
ReplyDeleteGr, Elly
Love these cards, the first one is too cute and the second is so sassy. Fabulous, just like you in your robe and slippers! Cara x
ReplyDeleteFirst card is so pretty and second one gorgeous! Can't decide which one is my fave! Ok, both are! :)
ReplyDeleteSuchi xx
Love both your card Darnell but your little hedgehog and raindrops is just the sweetest....I like the sentiment on your 2nd card it goes so well with your gorgeous image...
ReplyDeleteAnne
Fabulous both the cards, Darnell!! Love soooo much the raindrops in the first one, such a stunning effect!!
ReplyDeleteTwo beautiful cards Darnell as always you used the best of images and the raindrops are amazing xx
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty first card, loving the cute hedgie stamp and the raindrops. Yes you found the perfect image and theme for the sentiment in your second card, which is beautifully coloured in. Thank you for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous and I love the glossied drops :-)
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I am not in my PJs LoL :-D
These fit in my current IkesWorld Challenge too :-D !!
Hugz
IKE xx
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Two such delightful makes in post today - looks like you "got with the program" for this challenge - I love them both.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thursday
Kathyk
Two very different but beautiful cards Darnell! The colouring is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteTwo fabulous cards Darnell and I adore the cute hedgie and Ryn's great raindrops, and then your elegant lady and much finer raindrops here, and the pp border works beautifully, and both coloured to perfection. x
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are adorable, but really love that little hedgehog
ReplyDeleteTwo gorgeous cards ..... both coloured beautifully. I love little hedgie and the raindrops! xx
ReplyDeleteLove those wonderful glossy raindrops falling on your adorable little hedgie, Darnell - so cute!!!! And what an elegant lady all dressed up so beautifully and enjoying a spring rain shower!!!! ...and I love the strip at the bottom!!! Such a stylish card!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!!!
Hugz
Fabulous cards.....did Hammy have a hand in the first one??...I bet he stamped all those rain drops for you!! Love the pretty colored dress in the 2nd card, too!!
ReplyDeleteReally cute cards. I love that Hedgie one. The raindrops look really real.
ReplyDeleteWow Auntie, these cards are fabulous! I love the little hedge one. He is so cute sitting on his flower with his friend, Miss Ladybug. Love hoe he is looking up at those raindrops. Your second card is so elegant! Love that lady with her unbrella. Love the rain stamp too but it is that sentiment that steals the show! Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDeleteWow Auntie, these cards are fabulous! I love the little hedge one. He is so cute sitting on his flower with his friend, Miss Ladybug. Love hoe he is looking up at those raindrops. Your second card is so elegant! Love that lady with her unbrella. Love the rain stamp too but it is that sentiment that steals the show! Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards, love the lady one. You have dressed her perfectly, such elegance in the colours you chose. Very striking stsmp, love it. That rain stamp looks cool too with your favourite hedgie.
ReplyDeleteTwo more wonderful cards. Love the raindrops on both of these too! VERY pretty and fun.
ReplyDeleteLynn
Love this little hedgie stamp, and you've colored him perfectly. And those raindrops are still one of my favorite stamps of yours; they are big and juicy. You've created a wonderfully whimsical scene here; just love it! And your second card is full of wowzers. Your coloring is spot on girl! From the 'clear' umbrella to her gorgeous dress, it's very cool. Love that bit of dp on the bottom. Pretty certain you've got a couple of winners here. SWEET!!! Later, BABE. Bev
ReplyDeleteTwo simply gorgeous cards here Darnell. Can't choose between them! xxx
ReplyDeleteI am not o into the first kind of animal, but your second card is a beauty! Love the raindrops! Hugs, Gerrina
ReplyDeleteBoth of your cards are absolutely fabulous!! I love the images!! They look so gorgeous!! Love the designs!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
Darnell, your hedgehog card with those BIG raindrops is delightful! And I love the the lady in pink (sundress no less!) on the rain!! and to have a clear umbrella to "enjoy" the rain is priceless! You are just way to clever!! Heart Hugs, Colleen
ReplyDeleteEvery time I see those amazing raindrops stamped, I just want to snatch them off the page. I can feel the droplets splashing me! The vintage lady with umbrella is quite awesome, also. I just love the Hedgie and drops. Have a wonderful weekend, Darnell.
ReplyDeleteI love your card, Darnell. They are very, very beautiful. Great light form and wonderful CAS. Raindrops are perfectly polished, they look fabulous. WOW!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
BozenA
Cute and fun cards Irma. I have those raindrops and they are in my NBUS. Hope you are feeling GREAT. :) BBB
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell, what wonderful cards, love them both, the sweet hedgies and the huge raindrops is fabulous and the very girly card is so beautiful, lovely colours and a great sentiment, Kate x
ReplyDeleteThe hedgie one is just darling, you combined those stamps beautifully! When I saw the second card I wondered where you got that photo of me from...... ha, ha, I wish!!! It really is a beautiful card though - love how the umbrella looks see through - very clever! Hugs, Annie xxx
ReplyDeleteAdore your sweet little hedgehog card...especially the glossed up raindrops! The 'hog' stamps are always so stinkin' cute. Nice pops of red on the two little ladybugs!
ReplyDelete2nd card - WOW, WOW, WOW!!! This image is amazing! AWESOME job coloring her dress and purse! The SU raindrops are perfect! Love that sentiment too!
Don't know how you manage to remember which stamps you have! I've often thought about stamping the image of every stamp I own and filing them in a binder, sorted by subject. Key words here are 'often thought about'...cuz it hasn't happened yet!
Love, love, love Rin's drops...most realistic I've seen. Very creative use of them for your adorable hedgie. You must have been wishing for more April showers or Hammy and his offspring were...glad ole Mama Nature could accommodate you last night. However, I, for one, did not look as chic as this beautiful young woman on your second card. My outfit resembled the one you wore when you typed this post. Both cards are so happy and Spring-y...such a pleasure to look at them.
ReplyDeleteSeems that rain is really inspiring you. :-) You have created two wonderful cards. I like the lady with umbrella. Super colouring.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Sonja
Two totally fabulous cards , love both of them , especially the raindrops on the first card.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, the bird box is not easy to take a photo of but we do have a camera in the box and I hope to be able to take photo's off the TV.
Kath x
Wonderful card designs showing the April showers theme.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards!
ReplyDeleteAwww, I like the little hedgie and those big fat raindrops!! Your lady looks fabulous in her fancy attire. Lovely card!!
ReplyDeleteyour raindrops are so fun. i was sure they were little embellys and here you did all the work. Love!!
ReplyDeleteThat hedgie with the big raindrops is so, so adorable! Love it! And that lady with her beautiful dress and umbrella is just cosmic! Who knew rain showers could be so cute and pretty?
ReplyDeleteLovely cards dear :) especially love those shiny rain drops :) :)
ReplyDeleteOH my Miss Darnell both of your cards are simply fabulous! I am in love with your second card, you little lady is as sweet as can be.
ReplyDeleteI am besotted with your rainy cards today. I think they are both wonderful and will definitely bring some sunshine to someone's day.
ReplyDeleteThat first card is way too cute, and I love your lovely envelope-friendly card too, very classy!
ReplyDeleteAll your cards are fabulous.Thanks for stopping by :)
ReplyDeleteI want that pink skirt! She is one glam lady! And I am actually in dressing gown reading this in bed with a cuppa!
ReplyDeleteTwo super cards Darnell! Of course the little hedgie stole my heart, so clever to use Ryn's water stamp too!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Di xx
Your hedgehog is just the cutest, Darnell. X
ReplyDeleteHey Darnell - how are you doing? It's been too long! Love both of these cards. The hedgehog is so sweet with those big fat raindrops, but the colouring on the second one is perfect (I love the dimension of the skirt) and the sentiment is lovely - and so true! Thanks so much for joining my colour challenge over at The Paper Players this week!
ReplyDeleteSuch fantastic cards!
ReplyDeletexoxo Olga
Hedgehogs are just adorable no matter which ones you use. She looks happy to see the shiny raindrops and ready to dance. I love the coloring on the bright pink skirt you did. I used to have a clear plastic umbrella like the one she has. Mine was little and I thought I was so cool to be able to see the rain through it.
ReplyDeleteGreat cards Darnell, LOVE the lady in the rain.....and the sentiment is so perfect for this card.
ReplyDeleteI've been off-line for a couple weeks trying to get some ( a great deal) of things done around here....seems to be never ending. I was just doing some catching up with Blogland this morning and saw your post......of course I stopped by....and yes, I'm still in my robe and slippers......how did you know???? ;))
Hi Darnell! This is just so FUN! I love this image! Singing in the Rain! Her dress is gorgeous and I bet she is shopping for new shoes! So happy you joined us at The Paper Players this week! XXX
ReplyDeleteI am LOVING those glossified raindrops, and your coloring on both cards is just fabulous, Darnell! You sure know how to inspire us with your talent!!!
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are so spriny and fun. Love both designs and colors. Those rain drops are amazing! I really enjoy how big they are compared to your image and that you have made them wet. Super Super element.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these are fabulous! Hedgie is so cute and I love the fashionable lady! Though she is not a patch on all of us who are in our dressing gowns and slippers! xxx
ReplyDeleteLove them both Darnell, especially that fabulous hedgie. Have a great weekend xx
ReplyDelete2 super cards, Darnell! I love how you used the rain drops on the first one--darling card! I have that PB sentiment, too, & seldom use it. You've inspired me to get it out! I also have a rain stamp very similar to the one you used--had it in my hand, but went back in the drawer un-inked again--haha! So glad you joined us at PBSC & hope you're doing well!
ReplyDeleteWow Darnell! you colored those raindrops didn't you!? oh my goodness are they ever perfect!! and the dress on your gal is colored to perfection too!!
ReplyDeleteTwo great cards!! celebrating the wet stuff - which we are getting today too! Good thing we need the rain or I might be tempted to grumble! LOL
Have a wonderful weekend!
Patti
Loving your beautiful cards Dee, ...and ahem yes I am sitting here in my robe and slippers just now too....oh that made me laugh! I wasn't when I first read the start of your post in my emails but now I am here to comment I am laughing as I am dressed like that! Anyway your cards are amazing as always, love that cute hedgie and the pretty dress on the second one. I am feeling better now too thank you, enjoy your weekend my luverly friend ;) Vee xx
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful cards Darnell. Both amazing and love your coloring!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing with us this month at penny black and more! Hope you come join us again soon!
The sweet hedgie looks like he's enjoying the rain! And that lovely lady is colored so beautifully! Love the little strip of paper on the bottom. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteHello gorgeous! I love how we generally seem to be in Sync..Thanks for the visit, glad I'm not the only one spritzing with fear LOL. Your main card today SO should have been a Retro Rubber entry, it's water this week and those big fat raindrops are perfect. Did you see that I met President Clinton on Monday? Ha ha - I feel your balloon dies are responsible, I think he came to the community centre because he wanted to make the balloon card. Cx
ReplyDeleteDarnell, Love both of these cards, but the hedgie stole my heart! Both cards are perfect for the crazy weather we get in April. :)
ReplyDeleteYou mean the hamsters aren't jealous of the hedgehogs? Darling card, Darnell. I can't believe how much NBUS you still have but you seem to find just the right places to use it.
ReplyDeleteYou really rocked the raindrop cards! Love both of them! I think I need to find those big raindrops!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so glad you like my robe & slippers! How did you know? lol Make that one (1) slipper...Love your cards today! That lady is so retro. Love her! The other card is very cute, too. The hedgehog looks adorable with that rain coming down, & I can tell you I never thought I'd say THAT! Amazing how stamp sets change our world.
ReplyDeleteLOve both your cards, drops and umbrealla are extraordinary! Thanks for sharing with us this week on Simon Says Monday Challenge Blog! barbara
ReplyDeleteCute, cute, cute! Hedgie is adorable and worthy of being your favorite (till the next one anyway). I love how you have glossified the raindrops. They look so real! When you mentioned the name of the SU stamp set that has the "happy birthday" I literally ran to my sale pile and rescued it! What was I thinking?! I bet the balloon will work fine with the new SU balloon punch so I am going to give that a try this weekend! Thank you for playing along with Retro Rubber and will love seeing you back in our gallery again soon.
ReplyDeleteBoth of your cards are fantastic! The Retro Rubber card with the hedgie is ever so darling. Love the dewy rain drops and the pops of color. Not being a Penny Black aficionado, I googled the set to see how old the images were. I did find that both stamp images were circa 2010. Just wanted to make sure my design teammates were aware that the stamps were indeed "retro". Absolutely darling cards, Darnell. Hope to see you in our gallery very often!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun set of cards both with the rainy day theme! Thanks for including Retro Rubber Blog Challenge in your stamping fun this week!
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell
ReplyDeleteMRE fabulous cards. Those Run stamps have long been a temptation of mine and I may just have to give in after seeing your glossy drops.
Best wishes.
Ang x
Those raindrops??? Seriously! WOW! Great cards as always Darnell! Thanks for joining us over at Seize the Birthday, we love having you in our gallery!
ReplyDeleteCute raindrops on the hedgie card. And of course the hedgie is adorable. I love the Rubberneckers stamp too. Beautiful crrds!!
ReplyDeleteOh Darnell, I adore the Penny Black Hedgehogs, they are all so sweet and beautiful. And the raindrops are awesome too, I have that stamp and a few others from Designs by Ryn and I just love them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for playing along with us at Retro Rubber, we love seeing your cards in the gallery, hope you play with us again soon.
Hugs,
Maria Rodriguez.
I LOVE the Penny Black Hedgehog with those glossy rain drops. Really like that you put these two stamps together!! I LOVE the image on the second card. I remember having a clear umbrella back in the day!! The pink dress looks fabulous!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun card Darnell. That hedgie is so cute. Love all those big raindrops. Thanks so much for joining us at Seize the Birthday.
ReplyDeleteFabulous cards Thank you for joining us at Ike's World Challenges good luck Ginny DT for
ReplyDeleteIke'sWorld challenge
My Blog As I do Rodos
What a cutie pie, Darnell ... if you didn't have Hammy and the Hamettes, you could adopt this little hedgie and his sweet ladybird friend ... and bring them out of that awesome glossy spring rain! Your fashion model ... how very glamourous ... all stylish and chic in her wonderfully coloured ensemble! Hugs & bisous, Anita :)
ReplyDeleteLove your rainy day cards and especially like the raindrops by Ryn. Her stamps fascinate me but I fear that I would fiddle around with them forever, and not know when to stop!! Oooh, glossy accents would make those raindrops even more fun!
ReplyDeleteLove your cards, they are perfect for the Retro Rubber challenge. The raindrops on your first card is so adorable and love the lady with the umbrella. Thanks so much for playing along with Retro Rubber's challenge....good luck!
ReplyDeleteTwo beautiful cards Darnell. Thank you for ebtering our challenge this month at Penny Black and More and good luck in our prize draw.
ReplyDeleteShirley
The whimsy of your hedgie and the stylish pizzazz of your classy gal make for a duo of dazzle! Love those big, splashy raindrop! We soooo need rain here to green things up and settle the dust; forecast says for tomorrow and the weekend but...we shall see! Rain means Mr. Husband won't be able to ride his bike though, which means Mrs. Wife doesn't get uninterrupted crafting-time. Oh, the dilemma of it all! Perhaps a weekend to go together-shopping...
ReplyDeleteHugs~c
Hi Darnell! I am so glad you joined for this challenge! I adore this card - as I am a lover of all things hedgehog! So cute with lifelike raindrops! Beautiful! Thank you for joining us at Retro Rubber!
ReplyDeleteOh how fun is this!! Your raindrops look 3D. Your little hedghog standing on the flower is so cute. This is a warm and fuzzy card!
ReplyDeleteLove 'em both, Darnell. I think that little hedgie is too darn cute :-)
ReplyDeletePS: playing comment-catchup this weekend, so (in my best Arnold voice) "I'll be back"
I love the penny black images, they are some of my long term favourites. Thank you for taking the time to join in with our challenge and sharing your creativity with us, I love to see your talent and imagination at work. Love 'n' hugs Sall IkesWorld Challenges DT
ReplyDeleteWe both got Top Pick at Retro Rubber--how about that?!
ReplyDeletelovely love the little house mouse
ReplyDeletethanks for joining ikes world
Lynne
Oh my! Your little hedgie hog much be here in Southern AZ for that rainstorm. We do some of the biggest fattest (and coldest) raindrops ever. You know, once every 6 years when we do rain. Great cards with a great rainy day feel--and I mean that as the happy rainy day feel not the my socks are wet and I'm stuck in this stupid meeting for 3 hours on a gray day rainy day feel.
ReplyDelete