CASEing Genius: Darnell Knauss



Hello Crafters!

It's Monday and it's time for a new Genius. I know she's going to be a familiar face to many because she is just that awesome . . .

It's Darnell Knauss!

Can you love someone you only know on the internet. I'm going to say yes because I absolutely love this woman. She is kind and encouraging and basically the funniest person I know though text. If you've never been to her blog , Djkardkreations, you're missing out on one of the gems of the internet. She's also super talented in her card making which is like the cherry on top of the cake that is this fabulous woman.

let's get to know her better so you can fall head over heels for her too . .

The Interview:

1. Who are you and where do you live?

I'm Darnell. I'm a stamp addict and a blogger. I live in the Bay Area of Northern California.

2. How would you describe your style?

Clean and simple, sometimes ridiculously simple, and sometimes punny, funny, or whimsical.

3. Name one product you're completely crushing on right now?

Anything having to do with watercoloring. 

4. What was your first crafty purchase?  Would you still buy it now?

Who can remember that far back? Oh, sorry, I shouldn't answer a question with a question. Okay, prolly a black ink pad, a stamp set, and the scrubby cleaning pad all from Stampin' Up, since they hooked me at a party.  Would you still buy it now?  Yes, with relish. All except the cleaning pad because now, thank God, some frazzled baby mama somewhere accidentally discovered one day that she could clean her stamps with a baby wipe. (She found it was much more difficult, on the other hand, to clean her baby with the stamp scrubbing pad.)

Fun Stuff:

5. What is your current favorite song?

Was and always will be Anne Murray's Christmas Wishes.

6. Who would play you in a movie?

Kathy Bates.

7. One random thing about you that people would never guess?

I'm a man. No, stop it. Hmmm, before I became addicted to stamping, I used to roam antique and second-hand stores for three collectible passions: Heisy glass, blue/white china, and first edition books, especially poetry. I still have my favorites.

Do you see why I love her?! She's my tribe that one. Kathy Bates. Fantastic.

Speaking of fantastic let's look at some cards!

Hello Beautiful! I just think this watercolor piece is stunning.

Have you ever seen more perfect embossing?! Seriously black on white is hard to pull off with such clean lines. Those little pops of red are the perfect way to draw the eye.

This is just so soft and pretty. I love all the texture she achieved with the popped up feather and white on white embossing. Plus I'm always a sucker for a script sentiment :)

Before we get to the CASE I have a favor to ask of you all. Pretty Please :)

I did an edited video for my actual CASE and then an unedited video for a take on it with copics. The unedited is so long. Seriously, get the coffee before you settle in for this one.  I'm looking for feedback. I'd love to know which video you chose to watch and why. Or if you just poured an enormous cup of coffee and decide to watch both let me know which you prefer. Since you all rock my socks off and are willing to take your time to do me a solid I'll pull a winner from the comments to win a $25.00 gift certificate to MarkerPOP so you can get some goodies. I'll leave the giveaway open until next Sunday September 6, 2015 at 11:59 pm to give you plenty of time. Thanks in advance. Your feedback really does mean a ton to me :)

The CASE:

I really loved the watercolor flower Darnell used in her first card. I decided to use a cluster of flowers because her second card included a stem with several flowers on it. I included some white on white embossing like Darnell did in her third card. I loved the way she split her sentiment on the second card and used a large script sentiment to split my panel to mimic it.

If you'd like to enjoy the edited video click the link above! 

If you'd like to enjoy the unedited video for the card below click the link above.

Thanks you so much for visiting me!

I can't wait to read your feedback :)

Go visit Darnell too and leave her some love!!

XoXo