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2024 Holiday

March 17, 2015

City Crafter Guest Star ~ Photo Inspiration

A fine Happy St. Patrick's Day Hello to you!

I am happy to be guesting again at the City Crafter Challenge Blog where this week we have a beautiful photo collage from Kirsty to inspire us! The colors are all corals and whites and beachy delicious salmon!

I'm still into smooching, er, wait, that's on my other blog. Here we concentrate on smooshing. For my cards today, I smooshed on a large acrylic block and emerged with this:
I only used coral inks, but the sunshine turned my coral into fiery gold. Or my camera did. Either way, I like the sunset effect.

For my cards today, I used Recollections white paper. The inks were by Color Box and SU. The "sun/moon" is a NBUS stamp by Stacy Stamps. The "beach/waves" were created with an ancient stamp by SU. The sediment is from the PTI "Signature Greetings" set.

Here is the photo inspiration and Kirsty's comment:
I love the ocean, I love seashells, and I love the colors of this collage, and thought, let's see what you people come up with this, so this week I am asking you to created a project inspired by this collage, you can pick up the colors, the theme, or anything that inspire you, please tell you in your post what inspired the project too, come join in the fun.

Thank you for playing along last week! I hope you can join me again at City Crafter this week with your interpretation of the collage in whatever way your mojojuice flows! 

~~~

While I had my schtuff out, I created a second card.
For this card I used PTI vintage cream for the card base, a mat of patterned paper, and the sediment is from Avery Elle.

Here is a picture collage of the smooshing process I did using an acrylic block:
I used the range of coral inks I have, smearing them on the block from light to dark. You could also use markers. It's sometimes easier to scribble the color onto the block than swipe the large pads. After applying the ink, spritz your block thoroughly, and lay your paper upside down on the block, pressing on it with your fingers. 

In the lower left is the first pass I made. The next photo shows the result after another ink bath and smoosh. Use your heat gun to dry the paper in between smooshings if you like. I also use a tissue or paper towel to dab up the big droplets. For sure you should use your heat gun after the final smooshing because your paper will be pretty wet and want to curl up in a ball under the covers with the cat.

~~~

Enjoy your corned beef dinner and Irish soda bread! It's always a tradition in our house. However you spend this day, enjoy it! 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 leave a comment and/or 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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91 comments:

  1. Greetings Darnell,

    Lovely colors, with your pretty paper and stamping.

    Have a Happy St Patrick's Day

    Hugs Diane

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  2. These are gorgeous, Darnell. They have such a calming affect. I feel like I'm sitting at the beach watching the sun set over the ocean.

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  3. You did a fantastic job with this technique and your cards are spot on our theme. It;s great to have you with us at CCCB Darnell! Have a great week!

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  4. Gorgeous cards, Darnell, but I favour the second card most. :) I also loved the stamp you used yesterday. What a character?! What is QACAS?

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  5. Both cards are equally beautiful dear .....brilliant BG using the smooshing technique...superb !!

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  6. What fun cards - I have smooched using markers onto a plastic file folder, than spritzing with water and inserting the card and smooshing- must try this variation as the results are gorgeous.
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  7. Lovely cards.

    Hope you have a good day. Sue

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  8. Happy St Patrick's Day! Both cards are stunning, must try this idea, you make it look so easy... Hugs, Annie xx

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  9. Gorgeous cards, Darnell, lovely results! I prefer the second one with the beautiful frame!
    Karin x

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  10. Lovely beach scenes! Must play with that technique soon!
    Happy St. Paddy's Day!

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  11. You have a blog about smooching? Please do tell! ;-)
    Gorgeous cards Darnell, love the effect (and suddenly feel the urge to go shopping again *sigh*) x

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  12. These are absolutely gorgeous Darnell - thank you so much for showing us how to do this technique. Something I MUST try. Love the effect. Beautiful work as always.
    Hugs, Neet xx

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  13. So that is smooshing? (my spelling assistant wanted to put smooching)I wondered what it was all about and I love the beautiful results you got Darnell. Such a calm scene and a lovely pair of cards.
    Happy St Patty's Day.
    Hugs
    Cartol x

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  14. Two amazing cards Dippy - I just love the vibrant sunset in the first card; it's just glorious. The second is so pretty and I love the backing paper you chose which goes so well with the colours. You've so captured the inspiration on this challenge.

    Hugs.

    Karendipity xxx

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  15. Oh my your smooshing is divine!! I love your cards they make me think of a warm sunset!

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  16. What FABULOUS smooching! Love the colour combo, too....really gorgeous card:):)

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  17. Thanks for sharing this technique. I've done it before and enjoyed it. But it got pushed to the back burner. I'm glad so many techniques (and stamps) are moving back to the forefront. It does the heart good! Your cards are wonderful Darnell. Enjoy your Irish feast! :)

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  18. Beautiful colors. Love the smooshing technique. I think I will be trying that.

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  19. What fabulous cards Darnell, love the colours and the wonderful designs, thanks for showing how you created them, hugs Kate x

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  20. Darnell, the effect is great !

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  21. Great smooshing job! Love those colors! Thanks for the tutorial!
    Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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  22. Gorgeous cards Darnell!!! Love the artsy feel to them :) So good to have you this month at CCCB :)

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  23. Fabulous fabulous fabulous cards Darnell! I've not tried this smoosh ing stuff guess it's time I do. Love the moon stamp, it's one of my faves and used often when I made cards. Enjoy your corned beef I'll have a pizza thanks. ;) :) hugs

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  24. Gorgeous sunny, cherry cards Darnell!

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  25. Wow oh wow, love these 2 cards Darnell. Those colours are gorgous and perfectly finished with your choice of stamps xx

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  26. Oh my gosh, your smooshing is absolutely gorgeous. Love both of them.

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  27. FABULOUS! Love it Darnell. x

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  28. what a fabulous card, and the result is stunning! Thanks for share!
    Regina*

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  29. Love the smooshing! And the colors!

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  30. HI Darnell :D These are stunning, simple, just how I love em!!! You're such an inspiration my lovely friend!!! Gay xx

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  31. What beautiful colors you achieved with your "smooshing"! And the perfect stamp sets to use with them!! Hugs, Colleen

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  32. Ooooh, these are beautiful! Love! Happy St. Patrick's day, Darnell! Enjoy!

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  33. The smooshing background is awesome, colors are perfect too, what a lovely creation!
    Thanks once again for bring our special guest star this week at CCCB!

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  34. Wonderful cards and love how well the colors blend with this sunset look!

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  35. A stunning backdrop. When I looked at the first card, I felt I was flying the plane high above the clouds, the sun goes down and It looks as if the red sky was falling to the solar lava, to once again rise into up. Beautiful effect. This card simply live.
    Regards,
    Bozena

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  36. Gorgeous cards, I love the effect of your smooshing with those fabulous colours.Thanks for showing us how to do it.
    Jean x

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  37. Beautiful card Darnell. The colours are so pretty. Love those stamps. Hugs Rita xxx

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  38. Both smooshings are gorgeous Darnell, and for someone who once swore she couldn't use inks with water these results are stunning! I love the coral with the yellow and the stamps go beautifully also two interesting nice sized sentiments. x

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  39. these cards are like pictures and they look like somewhere I would love to be! The soft mix of colours go so perfectly with the dreamy image x

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  40. Gorgeous inspirational cards Darnell! Those fabulous sunsets you have created reminds me of one holiday we had in South Africa . . . glorious! Have a great week! Hazel xx

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  41. A ha, I didn't realise you had to smoosh it twice to get the desired effect, that's why my attempts have always been rubbish, but your sunsets are delightful! Top of the mornin' tae ye! Xx

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  42. Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! Beautiful warm rich colors! Gorgeous cards, Darnell!

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  43. yummy colors, Darnell. I love both cards.

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  44. Wow! Love these backgrounds. You could get lost just staring into them. They worked into some really nifty cards too.

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  45. Such beautiful cards Auntie, I love the colors you used and love how the one looks like gold at the bottom. This smooshing looks like lots of fun. Hugs, Brenda

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  46. Oh Darnell, you have totally mastered the smooshing technique here. Love both of these summertime inspired cards :-)
    Happy St. Patty's Day to ya!

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  47. Dear Darnell your sunset cards are fabulous. Wonderful technique. It's always fun to craft with colours and water. You never know, how will be the final result. :-)
    Have a nice day, Sonja

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  48. What beautiful scene cards and love the cheery colors of your sky and sea. I so enjoy to smoosh too! LOL

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  49. Wow, Darnell! Your backgrounds are SO gorgeous! Those colors make me think of super-yummy orange-pineapple sherbet! Could really go for some of that right about now.

    Lately I've been doing some shaving cream backgrounds, but my next ones will be the acrylic-block ones, like yours. Hope mine turn out as bee-YOO-tiful as yours!

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  50. Darnell all cards gorgeous you created stunning background that mimic the inspiration wonderfully!

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  51. Good Lord, how I love coral, so it is extra special to drop in at your blog today. May I say, gorgeous cards. Love them both.
    I'll think of you when I put the corned beef on...hope you have a lucky day.

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  52. What a fantastic job you did on this technique... And you have inspired me to "give it a go". As always I am blown away by your seemingly bottomless well of inspiration and techniques.... WE ARE NOT WORTHY... Grin! thanks for sharing, your Canadian friend, Scrapbook Lynne

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  53. The colours are fantastic and both brilliant cards, you must be the Queen of 'smooching' but I bet yo are also the Queen of smooching!

    Kath x

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  54. Gorgeous gorgeous! The colours just make me want to be on holiday!

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  55. No joking this time, these are gorgeous. They are so soft and calm. It makes me smile just looking at both of them. I must try this and hope mine cards will be this pretty. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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  56. Your cards are amazingly beautiful and have taken me back to an evening in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico when my husband and I were on the beach and enjoyed a fiery sunset such as this - it was awesome and your cards are too!! You have achieved smooshing perfection and thanks for the details of how-to so I can give it a try!!! Just a wonderful and happy blog post - Thank you!!!

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  57. Hi Darnell
    Glorious colours and effects. I fear it would not look so good if attempted by moi.
    Enjoy your smooshing and smooching and heaven forbid you mix them up!
    Best wishes.
    Ang x

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  58. What beautiful colors, Darnell! I set my blog to post last night and forgot all about having to link it up. Duh! Sometimes my brain is like mush! Maybe I can make it in time this week.

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  59. A pair of gorgeous cards Darnell!! My goodness the coloring is out of this world and looks like two of the prettiest sunsets ever!!

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  60. What fabulous colors you got from the Smooshing technique! Gorgeous sunset cards!

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  61. These are stunning Darnell, love the gorgeous colours you've smooshed with and the wonderful scenes you've created. carol x

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  62. Gorgeous cards, Darnell! I love those inky backgrounds - what beautiful colours you chose! I need to do some smooshing - just love the look!

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  63. These are just breathtaking. You've got that smoosh technique down so well. Both of these scenes reminded me of a Fla. beach sunset. The stamps you've chosen look so beautiful with the hot colors and I especially liked the look on #2 where you added the pattern paper that is peeking round the card rim. Well done, you! And Happy St. P's day back atcha. TFS & Hugs

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  64. I love your smooshed backgrounds, Darnell! Those colors are fabulous. Great stamps, too. Gorgeous cards! Hugs!

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  65. Beatiful card! How I do love those colours! So warm and inviting!

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  66. These are gorgeous! I have wanted to try this technique for a long time! Carri~Abusybee
    Skittles!

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  67. Smooshing is your forte! I am so impressed with your gorgeous sunsets!

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  68. two GREAT cards, Darnell! I haven,t done any smooshing in a while...maybe I'll give it another try soon! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  69. Holy wow! That background is gorgeous! Now I HAVE to give this technique a try!

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  70. These are beautiful! They remind me of summer and warm lazy days! Beautiful! I hope your St Patrick's day was a great one!

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  71. Yep, there is definitely something 'soothing' about the ocean...and you've captured it perfectly on paper! GORGEOUS colors, so beautifully smooshed! Fab photo tutorial too! Love the color of ink that you used for the sentiments.

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  72. Both of your cards are so pretty! I love how the ink is blended on the backgrounds. I haven't tried smooshing yet but looking at your beautiful creations I need to.

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  73. What great colours. So bright. Makes for fab cards.

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  74. Totally gorgeous smooshing, my friend!

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  75. Lovely smooshing - gorgeous colors, Darnell! Happy St. Paddy's Day to you & yours :)

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  76. Dear Darnell, first I would like to congratulate you for your guesting at the City Crafter. :-D
    These two cards are amazing!!! Love the colors! :-D
    Thank you for sharing "how to" process... I must try this technique.
    Have a beautiful day.
    hugs
    Milka :-D

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  77. Both so great! Love the technique and love the stamp+sentiments! And oh so ashamed; that one from the sun too from another brand. I have it laying here in my box "still got no ink on" for over a year... Have to use it sometime! Have a fun week! Hugs, Gerrina

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  78. WOW..these are gorgeous and so creative...beautiful!!

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  79. Lovely job and great directions. You are expanding your horizons and your latest cards are delightful.

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  80. Love the beautiful sunset bg's you created to go with the lovely stamp, Darnell!!! Both cards are fabulous!!!

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  81. Your first card is gorgeous, gorgeous gorgeous; your second, a repeat of the first! I've tried smooshing, with the only result being smooshing the messy paper into a ball and tossing it to Mr. Recycle Bin. I just don't get it! I'll be scoping out your photos more closely...perhaps something about this technique will smoosh into my head!
    Hugs~c

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  82. What wonderful smooshing, Darnell, and those stamps work so well together.

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  83. Absolutely beautiful! Gorgeous inspiration and you used it beautifully.

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  84. These are gorgeous. Oooh, haven't had corned beef for years. Hugz

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  85. Darnell...these are about as stunning as can be! I love your wonderful designs and your step by step, it is always fun to see how you make your fabulous cards. Your a smooshing genius!

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  86. These cards are beautiful! I love the sunset effect. This is quite an interesting technique. I may have to give it a try.

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  87. WOW! Your sky is so beautiful!! Really love you design!! Love the mood board too and would like to play along...now to find a darn sea shell!! LOL!! :) HUGS

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  88. Seriously splendid smooshing, Darnell ... imagining myself bathed in the gorgeous light of both these cards ... a tropical shore, gently lapping waves, long cool drink ... I've been transported! Thank you! Hugs, Anita :)

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  89. Beautiful cards! I have to admit that I never tried this...but you sure have inspired me to add it to my "to try" list!

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  90. Your cards are totally gorgeous!

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Thank you for commenting on my blog post! I read and appreciate every one! Mwah! (Sorry I've had to set comments to moderate because of excessive spam.) Darnell