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!

May 29, 2015

Masking Magic, Day Three

Hello!

Are you getting tired of me yet? Thank you all for your wonderful compliments on my class homework, which just encourages me to keep on creating and posting so, really, it's not my fault, it's your fault. Convulsionary logic at its best!

But, seriously, it's nice to be able to have a free week to take the class and do my homework the same day. That hasn't happened in the past, and I have found it hard to disciple myself to go back and do it at a later date. 

So, well. We really swam into the deep end of the masking pool yesterday at the Online Card Class: MASK-erade course when we tackled liquid masks. After a lunch of brisket, we used our frisket. Sorry, these things just come out of my fingertips.

First:
I realize now, looking at the monitor, that this wasn't a very good stamp to use for this masking technique because I could have just sponged my sky and then stamped the cone flowers over it in black ink. Geesh. All that work of applying the liquid mask and waiting for it to dry ... sigh.

I used bumpy watercolor paper so you can tell by the uninked white areas of the flowers that I did, in fact, use a mask or the sponged blue inks would have colored in those uninked areas of the flowers. It was good practice and I think I picked a better image for the concept on my second card.

Anywhizzle, for this card, the pretty metallic raspberry paper is from a DCWV pack. The cone flower is from SU ("Inspired by Nature") inked in Archival black on Ranger watercolor paper and the background was sponged with DIs. Water droplets were smattered about. Although it doesn't show well, I also sprayed a fine white mist all over.

In the masked area, I stamped the NBUS sediment from The Stamps of Life "Umbrella4you" set. I covered the cone flower with Modge Podge and added some rain stones to complete the front.

It kinda looks like creepy fingers in the closeup to show you the sparkle. You'll have to use that awesome imagination of yours to add some creepy dramatic music right now.
Here is the inside with the continuation of the sediment:
Challenges
Grab Our Badge!Simon Wednesday Challenge Blog
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Speaking of friends, I'd like to wish my friend Ardyth (of "Maskerade!") a very happy birthday today and many, many more!
Enjoy your special day!! MWAH!

~~~

My second card:
This card gives you a better idea of how amazing liquid masks can be for doing watercolor washes across the whole front of your card in smooth stroke lines, rather than painting up to and around an image. Not to mention that a paper mask would get soaked and allow for seepage. Ew, seepage.

Again I spattered water and white. You can better see the white droplets on this card. The stamp is "Jumbo Poinsettia" by Stampendous. The "Vertical Merry Christmas" is by Paper Inspirations. You may not be able to see that the center pips of the poinsettia are plumped up with Modge Podge.

Challenges

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I'm off to class, skipping to "a tiskit, a brisket, a green and yellow frisket!"

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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60 comments:

Kathyk said...

FAB makes and .... been there and done that - with the masked when I didn't need too but oops just as well I did!

Happy Friday Darnell

Kathyk

Laura Norris said...

Two more beauties Darnell! Good job keeping up with the homework!

Ardyth said...

I will never get tired of seeing your creations - loving watching this class through everyone's home work! Thank you for the birthday wishes (and the birthday card and the birthday gift!) - I'm having a lovely day - it's sunny and warm and just about perfect!

Lin said...

2 very pretty cards, Darnell, looks like a great class! I like the sentiment starting out on the front and continuing on the inside of that first one, too! Thanks for sharing these with us at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge

Sue said...

Fab cards.

Hope you have a nice weekend. Sue

Lisa Elton said...

I feel like I'm seeing/taking the class through your eyes Darnell. Would that be considered as cheating!?! Your work is inspiring not to mention fabulous! Love your beautiful poinsettia card! have a great weekend ;)

conil said...

You're such a good student...doing you homework so well and on time. (I haven't even had time to open my first lesson.) Anyhoo, really like the effect on the first card with all that shine and shimmer. The second card knocked me flat. You have learned you lessons well.

Barbara (C) said...

Your posts always make me chuckle Darnell! Just the tonic as we deal with sad family news. Back to the cards - love the masking technique and the stamp you have used....and also the poinsettia card...we have just had a hail storm so the winter theme was quite appropriate...Have a good weekend - I am on a Craftathon making cards for a Children's Hospice...x

scrappymo! said...

Had such a good giggle today reading this post!
Your Christmas poinsettia card sure proves the point of this masking technique. The effect is beautiful!!!

The vertical sentiment is perfect on this...

Thanks for taking part in the May Rudolph Days Challenge.

Verna Angerhofer said...

Oh, my goodness! You have certainly made some beautiful cards. Thanks for the inspiration!

Cat Craig said...

Keep those gorgeous creations coming, I am taking the class vicariously through your posts!

Suzanne said...

Beautiful cards, very inspiring!! I'm very much enjoying the class as well, lots of fun and great techniques!!

Birgit said...

You are funny:) I love the way you created the background. I do see the freaky hand but I love the sparkle and that hand is only in close-up:)Love the poinsettia and the colours behind it-like a real colour wash

Brenda said...

Both cards are very pretty Auntie! I love the first one with the silhouette and after you said about the creepy fingers, I could see them. lol Looks like a witches hand with long lacy sleeves. lol Ok, back to serious-I love the sparkly look and your watercoloring turned out great, so you must have masked off those flower's perfectly. Your second card is my favorite! That poinsettia is just beautiful, love the water colors in those colors. A great vertical sentiment as well. I adore this card! Hugs, Brenda

Carole Z said...

Fab cards Danell and great technique, hugs Carole Z xx

BożenA said...

Wow, what a card! The first drops of rain has stopped and look stunning, and the other card has the magic of Christmas ... I love both cards because they are wonderful.
hugs,
Bozena

Kathleen said...

A fabulous first card and 'Space Oddity' music comes to mind. lol. Love the background and the image.

Official head on now.
Gorgeous Rudolph Day card, love the poinsettia especially in white for a change, great background and little droplets.

Thank you for joining in this months Rudolph Day challenge.

Kath x

Kim Heggins said...

Two absolutely gorgeous cards...love the look of the rain, so sweet and now if you could send that message to the rain Gods over California...just beautiful my dear friend. See you soon!

KT Fit Kitty said...

Wonderful cards, Darnell! Great use of masking fluid - I have never tried this. Your results look beautiful! I hope you can continue to get your homework done to share what you are learning!

Pam said...

Fabulous card, Darnell. I especially like the poinsettia. I didn't sign up for this, but I wish I had. I just have no time right now and like you, if I don't do it then, I rarely go back. If I sign up when I have a week off, I'm good.

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Awesome sparkle on your first card and fabulous masking on the second card - I think I should finally open that jar of rubber cement that's sitting on my windowsill before it turns into true cement....

Jean said...

Two more lovely cards, I have never tried this technique but it looks brilliant. I like the Christmas one best, the colour wash background is fabulous.
Jean x

oldpunca said...

Dear Darnell, I'm amazed about your masking! You are the best! :-) The previous card with feathers is so nice and gentle. This two I found as an artwork. :-) If it depends of me, I would give you the best note ever for this class. :-))
Have a great weekend!

Carol said...

You're being very diligent with your homework Darnell and making a fab job of it too...Love what you've done today. Carol x

Anonymous said...

So cute Darnell!!!!!!

Aileen said...

You are really highlighting this on line class Darnell. Keep the cards coming, I think I need to go buy some frisket brisket or whatever its called. Back from mum and dads and really ready to craft when I get back from work today. Your second card really shows how well this type of masking works, will be interesting to see if I can achieve the same look without leakage.

Linda said...

Great cards Darnell. Isn't this a great class? So fun.

Bobby said...

I'm so proud of you for getting your homework done. I thought I'd have the time too when I signed up but have only done Day 1. Your poinsettia card is outstanding, Darnell. I've used rubber cement on earlier cards. Too bad I can't just post one of those.

Rahmat said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell, the rain splatters look very much realistic, I was looking at it again and again!!

Unknown said...

Between the water droplets and the rain stones, you really captured the feel of rain with your background. I really like the raspberry paper with the blue.


The Christmas card is stunning. I love the red and green ombre effect you created. And the poinsettia is so pretty. The masking technique really lets it stand out. Beautiful.

kiwimeskreations said...

Wonderful work Darnell - I am so glad you are sharing so much with us - you are an inspiration:-)
Blessings
Maxine

JoAnn said...

Love your fabulous cards, especially the one with the big poinsettia. Thanks so much for joining us at Christmas Card Challenges.

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Thanks for sharing your homework! Now I've got cheat sheet for some pretty cards!!!! Your are doing a great job!!!!

Leslee said...

Your cards certainly are beautiful! You are doing such a great job keeping up with your homework! Thaanks for sharing your creations with us!

Regina said...

How gorgeous! Two cards with an amazing look!
I've never tried this technique!
Regina*

Marilyn said...

Awesome cards!! Love reading your all of your post. Just have to remember not to drink hot coffee when reading them.LOL

Sarah G said...

Great cards - looks like you having a fab time in class! The backgrounds on both are gorgeous. Love the water drops on the first card too :) I have never tried masking fluid but may just go and investigate!

Jeanne said...

Two great cards for sure here, Darnell. So glad you are enjoying the class and are able to get your homework done in a timely manner. The results are fabulous for sure! Keep up the great effort!

Bonnie said...

Go to the head of the class, Darnell! Two great examples of masking! I've tried a little of the liquid masking and my masking fluid but only on very small spaces. That poinsettia is awesome!

Hettie said...

Oh My!! I love these. Both of them are awesome. You are a clever tart aren't you!!
I have got some masking fluid somewhere. Maybe I can get Fergus to pootle round and find it for me! Time I gave it a try.
Great inspiration pieces.
Hugs
xx
PS Is Hammy ok now? I am worried I frighted him and he won't talk to me.

Marilyn said...

Wow... nuff said, it's just WOW!

Linda said...

Two more fab cards Darnell .... love that mahoosive poinsettia! Enjoy the rest of the weekend ..... hugs Linda xx

ionabunny said...

Love the white poinsettia. I'm not so good at waiting for things to dry, but this is worth waiting for. Great technique. Hugz

Geri said...

So, I'm thinkin' that you are definitely the "Teachers Pet" in this classroom! Two more ah-mazing creations pal! The background on your cone flower card is breathtaking, especially with the water droplets and the gorgeous color of the card base! Nice sparkle too.

Second card - STUNNING! Beautiful seamless blending between the red & the green! LOVE the bold pop of red in the centre of the poinsettia!

Brenda in IN said...

Okay, you started this. You had brisket, then used the frisket and on that first card you "mist" it. Seriously, I love the cards you're making. You are nailing these techniques. The Christmas is really pretty with the soft colors. Great homework!

Gerrina said...

Looks good again; especially the second card is my favo... Enjoy the weekend!

Alanna said...

How fun that you are able to keep up so well with the homework on this class. Your cards are fabulous but the second Christmas one just knocks my socks off.

Pat said...

These are both so pretty and you have used the masking fluid so well. I love the cone flower silhouette and the little droplets, and the masked white space for the sentiment, and then the poinsettia with that beautifully smooth and graduated colour in the background and the reds and greens are great complementary colours and th fluid has rubbed off perfectly. I tried using some masking fluid the other day but when I tried to rub it off my stamped image it took half the image with the top layer of paper, so not a great success! I probably was too impatient and didn't allow the image to dry enough before putting on the fluid. x

Donna said...

Darnell, you are wowing me more each day, just amazing cards!

Chana Malkah said...

Beautiful project and just perfect for our Play Misty For Me challenge this week at Shopping Our Stash!
Hugz,
Chana, DT

Greta said...

I just adore your Christmas card, Darnell! Maybe I will have to start using masking fluid.

Craftychris said...

Another two wonderful cards! I have some masking fluid- I should have a go! xxx

Marie Bingaman said...

Oooooooo, weeeeeeeee!!! I LOVE that poinsettia card so much! What a stunner! :) You are doing your homework so wonderfully well! :)

Shona Chambers said...

Have never used liquid masks before. Actually, I've only done normal masking once or twice...should have done this class shouldn't I? Love your cards, especially the poinsettia, the colours are gorgeous!!

lauren bergold said...

what a beautiful card! i looooooooooove those dew drops, too, they are the PERFECT finishing touch! thanks for SHOPPING YOUR (misty!) STASH with us this week! :)

Unknown said...

hahaha creepy fingers! I just love reading your stuff Darnell! You have my kind of sense of humour! Your cards are so pretty I think I like the colourful one better just cause I am a sucker for colours - can't help it :) TFS!! hugs

Donna said...

Fab cards Darnell!! Thanks for playing along with the SHOPPING OUR STASH crew this week for our "Play Misty for Me" challenge!!
~*~donna~*~

Taunya Butler said...

WOWZERS!!! You are rocking your homework and impressing the socks off of me!!! What special cards you made today both with beautiful backgrounds and luscious focal points - superbly done!!!

Anita in France said...

How could anyone get tired of coming here, Darnell ... seeing your stunning creations and enjoying the entertainment that is djkardcreations ... not me!! Delicious shimmery shiny floral silhouette ... and background to the poinsettia ... WOW ... it's a stunner! Hugs & Bisous, Anita :)

Helen F. said...

Two very different and pretty floral cards, Darnell!