Hello, my fellow stamplings!
I didn't mean to be away so long, but I had a bit of a rough week with the darn staples used in my surgery. They were removed Thursday, however, so I'm all good now! I hope you are, too, and that you laughted while you crafted this past week or you get to do so in the weekend ahead!
While thumbing through the challenges to get some spark to light our fire, Hammy was once again intrigued by the CAS(E) This Sketch design, so this happened:
~~~
Today's twofer was made from a UCB second-generation stamp-off. Doesn't that sound like a spectator sport or the like? As in: The Stamp-Off Competition will be held in Pavilion Seven on the fairgrounds on August 11th. There will be tents available for both First-Generation and Second-Generation categories. Trophies, cake, and fireworks afters.
Oh, sorry. I digest. Here tis:
~~~
Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*
I didn't mean to be away so long, but I had a bit of a rough week with the darn staples used in my surgery. They were removed Thursday, however, so I'm all good now! I hope you are, too, and that you laughted while you crafted this past week or you get to do so in the weekend ahead!
While thumbing through the challenges to get some spark to light our fire, Hammy was once again intrigued by the CAS(E) This Sketch design, so this happened:
What you see is a background smooched with NBUS Oxinks, a comical and lovable NBUS palm tree from Purple Onion, and a NBUS sediment from Paper Smooches. I watercolored the palm tree with my Ziggies. The background was cut into little rectangles by hand, which was not easy. I'm math-challenged and, of course, the hamster's never heard of math, so you can imagine the two of us noodling away with lots of scratch paper before we fingered it out!
Challenges
- CAS(E) This Sketch!
- Make My Monday: Summer Brights.
- Virginia's Summer Blog Party. Share your summer creations.
Today's twofer was made from a UCB second-generation stamp-off. Doesn't that sound like a spectator sport or the like? As in: The Stamp-Off Competition will be held in Pavilion Seven on the fairgrounds on August 11th. There will be tents available for both First-Generation and Second-Generation categories. Trophies, cake, and fireworks afters.
Oh, sorry. I digest. Here tis:
I didn't totally love this artsy stamp-off when I made it several (cough) ago, hence the tossing into the UCB box, but now I kinda like it. I think it helped that I outlined the image and added black definition lines with a fine-line pen. I also added the swirly sediment and embossed the card with the Stately e/f from Craft Concepts, both of which seemed to fit the look.
Challenges
- CAS on Fridays: Flowers.
- The Flower Challenge: Embossing, heat or dry.
- HLS July CAS Challenge: Birthday.
- Stamping Sensations: Anything with flowers.
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 to return the flavor!
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Sorry to hear you've had a rough week, but pleased that things are improving now. I did smile when you mentioned the staples being removed. (Sorry to smile - I'm sure it wasn't a pleasant experience!) It's just that it brought back memories of taking staples out of the wall in school when I was teaching, where we used a little tool to hook under them, flicked the tool and the staples would fly out across the room! I had a vision of you lying there with staples flying everywhere!
ReplyDeleteGreat to see that you're back in the Playhouse, two super card today. I love the smooched background on the first one, trying to work out if the lines are cut or scored, but whatever they are, they look very effective. The image on the second one is so striking against the white background.
Hope your recovery continues to go well. xx
Sorry it's been a rough week Darnell but Im so glad you are over the worst. Your cards are super and I did laugh at your words..you are so funny! I can just see that show in real life..LOL. Such happy sunny cards..great to see the D'Oxide background in there too. Take care and get fully well soon hugs xx
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you've had it rough, hope you are soon on the mend.
ReplyDeleteTwo fab cards by the way. :)
Oh Darnell your week sounds horrific - so glad the staples are gone and you are more comfortable!! Love your cards - the palm tree looks so inviting, and Hammy was shouting that he wants to go there.... The flowers are definitely not your usual style, but still very stylish and arty all dressed up like this.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Maxine
Two great cards Darnell love the design of your first one and the colouring of your tulips is lovely.
ReplyDeleteHave a relaxing weekend
hugs. Anne
Hi Darnell, Both cards are fab.
ReplyDeleteGlad you feel better now the staples are out.
Hope you have a lovely day. Sue
Pleased to hear you are starting to feel better. The palm tree card is fun and good that you've used the floral image to make an elegant card. Take care.
ReplyDeleteHi there! Two fabulous cards my friend - love them both equally for different reasons! The first one is cheeky/impish and great fun and the second one has such beautiful flowers and a dreamy sentiment! I ordered myself some d'oxides at last! The place they were on offer was out of stock all the time but I just flew in earlier and grabbed a set of 12 - woot, woot!
ReplyDeleteOh good grief, thse staples sound as if they caused you real giref - so pleased to know they're out and you can move forward (or sideways even!). Still recovering from Germany trip here - new load of pills are helping a bit - so far!
Hugs
Di xx
Both cards are lovely and speak of summer to me. I'm glad you're feeling better Darnell! Sending (hugs)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are better after the rough week you had. Your cards are beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteIm sorry its been a rough time with the staples petal but next time you will have to think twice before playing with the stapler ok. Last time I played with the nail gun and ended up with a nail through my foot was a big enough lesson for me I tell you, and the tetanus shot I had to have as well. I digress, your cards are bee u ti full x specially that wonderful palm tree one. Wonderful colouring and I do really hope you are feeling better hugs Aileen.
ReplyDeleteWhew, I'm glad all that is behind you and you are on the mend. This is a funky tree and that's what makes the card so cute. I really like the e/f you used on the second card. It makes plain ole c/s elegant. Glad you saved the stamped image, it's a little funky too.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't realized you had surgery... I'm sorry the staples gave you problems and I'm glad you're doing better now. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWonderful cards, as always! I especially love how you were inspired by the CTS Sketch!
That poor palm tree looks a little droopy! Prolly just needs a drink...so do I...I'll have a diet miller, hahahahaha! You've colored this wonderfully! The shading on the trunk and on the fronds is perfection. So how do you like those Oxies? Haven't tried them yet, but you've made them look perfect here. And we're next door neighbors at CTS! I do like the stamped off tulips. I think the addition of the swirly sentiment and that fabulous embossed 'frame' makes this look extra special. Really pretty, if you ask me. Glad those dumb ol' staples are out! Sorry they gave you the honking fits. Shame on them! Hope by this morning that you're feeling way much better. Missing you, and thinking of you always. xo Bev
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are very nice. Yes, I am intrigued by the CTS too! Glad you are feeling better with out the staples and hope that upward trend continues.
ReplyDeleteOh I just love the second card, it's gorgeous and your first card is so bright and cheery, thinking of summer holidays in far off places.
ReplyDeletePleased to hear your staples are out and you are feeling better, Kate x
I'm sure that you are feeling far better now that your staples are gone Darnell. Two beautiful cards, love the summery feel on the top card and the lovely tulips in the second.
ReplyDeleteSue xx
Glad to hear that you're feeling better after a rough week. I've been down with the crud (translated summer cold/sinus infection) for over two weeks. Driving me batty. I too have a UCB box, not sure what that acronym stands for, but I have a box full of starts to use up on cards. Both cards are wonderful. Take care!
ReplyDeleteGlad you feel better now !!!!
ReplyDeleteYour tulips are great !
Also the first card !
Ineke X
So glad you're feeling better, Darnell--here's to a happy week! I'm trying very hard not to buy new stuff unless it's truly something I don't have--not just a different floral or butterfly, etc. I'm thinking that embossing folder qualifies, so I'm off to find it--absolutely love the look! The DO inks look great, but I'm not letting myself get those--great cards!
ReplyDeleteFrom now on, leave the staples to Staples.com and you should be just fine! Glad to know they're gone - whew! I absolutely LOVE the first card with those inked panels and the palm tree! Gorgeous! The 2nd is equally gorgeous with the embossed edges and beautiful little bouquet! Great makes, and I wish you a great weekend too!
ReplyDeleteLove both cards Darnell! The bg on your summer card is out of this world fabulous, and the embossed frame totally makes your second card a standout CAS card. Hope your "staples" situation is fully resolved and you are back to yourself soon!
ReplyDeleteLove that background on your first card! It is stunning and looks so sunny! Great how you used that 2nd card by working on it untill you were pleased with it...trowing in the bin is the last option I think...
ReplyDeleteGood to read that you feel slowly better! Hope you have a good weekend!
I'm so glad you are feeling better, Darnell!! Both of your cards are so gorgeous!! I love the colors and design of the first one!! So creative!! The flowers are amazing on the second!! I love them both!! Praying that you continue to feel better!! Have a great weekend!! Big hugs :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
Sorry to hear of your rough week! Unfortunately there are often those after-surgery trials to deal with. Both of your cards are wonderful. Love the smooshed background with that cool palm tree! Did Hammy add the sentiment!!
ReplyDeleteAck! You made me laugh so hard I forgot what it was I wanted to comment on. Hang on... I'll go back and check... Okay, got it! Well, first of all, I'm so sorry about your rough week. A nice person like you shouldn't have a rough week, but I'm glad you're feeling better now. LOVE your take on the sketch! That palm tree is so bright and cute and whimsical against your gorgeous oxide ink background. The "squeal" with it makes me giggle again. On your second card I absolutely love the embossed frame. It's classic and timeless and I want it. I wouldn't have guessed you outlined and defined the image yourself. You did a beautiful job and I imagine it is a huge improvement. You could have drawn the stamp itself!
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell,
ReplyDeleteso glad you are feeling more comfortable now.
You must take thing very easy for some time to come though.
Love your wonderful twofers as usual they are excellently created and stamped.
You sure do own some beautiful stamps.
Love your smooshed bckground also.
Love and big gentle hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.
Ouchies, sounds a very painful experience, I hope you are feeling a bit better now, love these two cards, the second one is brilliantly arty. I'm sorry, please don't shoot me, but I must have watched too many episodes of Dr Who or something, as I couldn't help but see those two coconuts as eyeballs and the tree as a monster with a shock of green hair.. I know, we'll blame it on my morphine, yep, just me and more morphined mind, nothing to see here but a fabulous card. Move along now, nothing to see, just a wonderful card....
ReplyDeleteI am sorry you have had a rough week but pleased to hear that you are feeling much better after being de-stapled!! Onwards and upwards now I hope, but do take care....
ReplyDeleteWow, love how you created the gorgeous background with the Oxinks, it really is very beautiful! Cute little palm tree too.
The flowers in the vase are beautiful too, the black outlining certainly gives lovely definition to the vase and flowers - well done you!!
Big hugs, Annie xxxx
I am so sorry you had a rough patch the last few days, but glad to hear having the staples removed made you feel more comfy. And you certainly have some great card designs. Thanks for sharing. I hope each new day makes you feel a bit better too.
ReplyDeletePoor thing!!! Sorry you had a hard time this week and so happy you are feeling better!!!
ReplyDeleteLoving that palm tree card! So fun! Great cards!
LOVE your tiled, smoothed background! Totally adds to your fun card. Nice watercoloring too ☺
ReplyDeleteWell good for you getting through the staple nightmare and making cards...I am impressed. When I'm having a bad time, nothing as great as these two beauties come out of me...just ask my other half. Anyway, that palm tree is really fantastic...you used those oxides to good advantage (I feel a winner coming on). Following it up with the second artsy card just shows how versatile you are. The dry embossing frames your panel perfectly.
ReplyDeleteGlad to have you back minus some additional metal, so I won't be worried about you being attracted to magnets. Hope you're finally on the mend now. Love both - but I most love the flowers because you abandoned them for a while, but now they've had their day and they look amazing!! Love it so clean and simple. xx
ReplyDeleteRight, sorry, but my first thoughts when I saw your first card was Bad Hair day, don't ask me why but just thought I would tell you to maybe bring a smile to your face, well you are never without one. Love the design, perfect card.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous CAS second card.
So very sorry to hear that you had a set back in your recovery but as they say 'You can't hold a good woman down' and you seem to have sprung up in fine form.
Take care though.
Kath x
I'm so sorry your staples have been giving you jip, and it must have been a relief to get rid of them and glad things are more comfortable now. Your two cards are beautiful and I love your sweet palm tree and the D oxide background is fabulours and the cut panels are just as seen in the sketch. Your pretty tulips are wonderfully enhanced by the black pen lines for definition and the embossing looks fabulous with it, it gives the whole thing a touch of elegance. I am putting that ef on my wish list. x
ReplyDeleteDarnell, I'm glad to hear you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteOn the first card with the blue background Did you diecut the background or cut it by hand? Sylvia D.
So pleased to hear you are recovering well now.....better late than never as 'they' say. Hope your recovery continues well.xx
ReplyDeleteSo pleased to hear you are recovering well now.....better late than never as 'they' say. Hope your recovery continues well.xx
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteyour cards are so pretty
have a nice day
hugs
Love them both...glad to hear you're feeling better! Love that palm tree from Purple Onion!,
ReplyDeleteStaples in the human body just sounds painful, whether they're going in or coming out! Yow! Glad that's behind you. Your cards are pretty darn awesome. I really love the e/f you used on the second one. Need to see if I can find that somewhere. It definitely adds a touch of class!
ReplyDeleteSorry you have had a rough week, but hope things are better now.
ReplyDeleteLove your cards, especially the the background in the palm tree card. TFS
Have a great weekend.
Hope you continue to feel better.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are fabulous.
Beautiful cards Darnell..I Love both the cards.. I 'm glad you are feeling better now..Hugs xx Deepti
ReplyDeleteGlad your staples are out and you're now really on the mend! Great twofer - especially the tulips - love them outlined in black and framed with that embossing folder.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful take on the sketch, Darnell! I love the way you colored the background - the sky and the beach have great texture. Hideko
ReplyDeleteTwo super cards Darnell, the Tulip one is just so striking and elegant, many thanks for joining our Flowers theme at Stamping Sensations challenge.
ReplyDeleteThe staples brought back memories and from going down that same road some years ago know you need to rest up, said by the master who never does what she's told!
B x
Sorry to hear you've had a rough week .... glad you're feeling better now.
ReplyDeleteTwo gorgeous cards as always ..... I love the one with the palm tree. Look after yourself hun .... big hugs xx
Hi Darnell! I am so behind on reading blogs and finally got around to reading Mrs. Ducks to discover you had a birthday. Happy belated birthday! Hope this week goes better for you. I totally love that background on your palm tree card! Just got my new oxides in and can't wait to play with them. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteDonna
Loving your palm tree card, it's perfect for our challenge. Thanks for playing along with us at Make My Monday. Caz DT.
ReplyDeleteHope things are on the up now Darnell. Two great cards, love the oxide background. Carol x
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell
ReplyDeleteOuch! Hopefully that's it on the staple front now.
Lovely pair of coconuts.
Love the embossing folder on the 2nd card. Very classy, much like your good self!
Be good.
Ang x
Hi Darnell, good to hear you are doing ok again after the pesky staples caused you some aggravation. All sounds very horrible. Unlike your latest two cards. No idea why you didn't like the flowers, I think they are so pretty and I agree they suit the sediment and frame completely. Keep smiling, amd keep using those UCB's, you are doing wonders with them :-) Hugs, Lisa xx
ReplyDeleteSqueal! I LOVE this palm tree, Dolly! And that background is as much fun! And your stately vase of tulips is gorgeous! Love the outlining! I'm glad those staples are out and you're feeling better. Bet you can laugh again without it hurting! xoxo
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear you've had a rough week but glad your staples are out Darnell! fabulous card and I love that image ..take care huggles Sue xxx
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Greece! Sorry to hear you had a rough week, hope this one goes better. That Palm Tree makes me giggle, looks wilted like me in this sun!! I love the added definition lines on the second card and pleased to see at HLS. See you when I get home x
ReplyDeletegreat CAS, I love both cards, such interesting effects ...
ReplyDeleteI am glad your are feeling better.
hugs xx
LOVE that palm tree card with that FABULOUS background and those flowers on the second card really stand out with the black outline and super CAS design. Take care and feel better soon xx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards, Darnell.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Em xoxox
So sorry to hear you had a rough week. Glad those staples are gone and you are on the next steps in the road to recovery! I had staples after a bunion surgery years ago and I'll never forget when I saw them. When they were set to be taken out I asked how he was going to do it and he said a staple remover! My jaw dropped and he laughed. Gotta say I thought about that and pictured the doctor with a staple remover taking out your staples. What a visual. I much prefer the beautiful visuals you provided with your lovely cards! Thanks for sharing and have an amazing day. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteOooh sorry you have had an uncomfortable time lately Dee.Glad things are settling down a bit now for you though.Super creations here, love the pretty tree & faby background. Your pretty flowers and embossed edges looks just divine! Thanks for sharing with us over at 'The Flower Challenge' and we hope you will be back soon ;) hugs Vee xx
ReplyDeleteIt rains cats and dogs outside and I've been freezing the whole day. The only summer feeling I have now comes from your fantastic palm tree card, love it!
ReplyDeleteIm sorry you had a rough week Darnell! I am so happy you felt well enough to get back in the playhouse and make these two beauties! Wow! I am so loving the CAS second card what a gorgeous one that is. I have not been on the blogs much either due to back pain. Today I tried to change a picture and somehow messed up my blog...ugg
ReplyDeleteFeel better so my friend !
You so rocked them both Darnell. I especially love that palm...looks so very much like a winner to me. Hope the recovery is coming along at a good pace.
ReplyDeleteTwo beautiful cards as always Darnell l loved them both but if l was to choose one it would be the 2nd card your always so creative with all that you do...........so sorry to ready about your staples l'm hoping all is well now sending lots of love and speedy recovery take care xx
ReplyDeleteGreat cards! Hope you are feeling much better today!
ReplyDeleteTwo fabulous cards, Darnell! Love your coloring on both!
ReplyDeleteHope you are feeling better ~ we all miss your fun posts and amazing cards and want you and Hammy back in the card making groove! :-)
Love both cards Darnell. Been awhile since my last visit. Trying to get back on track. Happy that you are doing the same.
ReplyDeleteLove, Hugs and Blessings,
Jim
Sorry to hear you had a rough week. Hope you are feeling better. Your cards are lovely. I love the sketch you have used in the first card.
ReplyDeleteThose staples are b*****s, Darnell ... much better without, even given the additional precautions needed. May each day bring full recovery a little closer, my friend. Your cards are fabulous ... the palm tree, brilliant colouring and fabulous with the DOX beachy background ... and an elegant, stylish and artsy flower vase ... your tweaking with the outlining and framing worked a treat! LYAMYHMAHTWIMBFY! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)
ReplyDeleteThat background for your fabulously colored palm tree is stupendous, Darnell, and I don't know what the second gen looked like but it's wonderful with the black outlines. Staples? That must be something new. I was just sewn back together with dissolving thread.
ReplyDeleteoooooooohhhhhhhh those tulips. Swooning. Seriously. That embossed frame is absolutely gorgeous. And the sentiment font too.
ReplyDeleteFantastic cards Darnell, great design on the palm tree with your oxides, and the flowers on the b-day card are fabulous! Glad you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteSorry you had a rough week, I am glad you are feeling better now! Love the cool background on your first card and the tree is so quirky! It's good you saved the image on the second, it looks lovely and the embossing is fabulous! Hugs xxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteSqueal! Wonderful take on the sketch, Darnell! I'm sure your card helped to cheer you up! Glad you're feeling better!
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell. Just a quick pop by. Before I go any further thanks for sharing this lovely artsy fartsy stamp and the card you made over at Stamping Sensations... I like it LOTS.
ReplyDeleteThank you too for my Birthday Card. It was a long time ago and I have only just found some time to pop over and say thank you. I feel reeeeeeeel bad that it's taken me so long to tell you I got it but I haven't been home a lot and internet connections in hotels are not the best - truth is I'm that damn tired many nights don't even log on - just fall into bed and make zzz's!!!
AND I MISSED YOUR BIRTHDAY whilst I was gallivanting about with 30 men (the Senior International Team doncha know... they sound very old don't they - but all Senior means is Over 25!!!!!). I am Sorry.
I need to spend some time finding out what's been happening to you - don't like the sound of them there staples {ouch}. Hoping you are getting back on your feet staple-less very soon.
Big Hugz from madam President. xxxx
Sorry to read you weren't doing well and apologies for my late response. I trust by now you're doing cartwheels in the garden?? Love your two cards. All the lovely smooshing on the first and the second is a stunner! It's amazing - I think we have a sure winner. Wonderful work! Thanks for the inspiration and hope you're feeling 'absolutely fabulous'! Hugs, Zelda
ReplyDeleteYour first card is so fun but I LOVE the artsy second card. I like that you outlines this yourself!! Way to save something you were not sure on!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful CAS card. Lovely done with the stamp.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining at Stamping Sensations this month.
Back with my DT hat on. Love the look of this card and that embossed frame is fabulous. Thanks for joining us at The Flower Challenge, hope to see you next month. Cara DT x
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are fabulous, Darnell, but I LOVE the bg on the palm tree card.
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell ...... so glad to have had a second viewing of these (still love that palm tree!) But it's the flowers I'm commenting on today ..... a bit late I know but better late than never. I love the little vase, and the blooms are coloured beautifully. Thank you so much for playing along with the HLS CAS challenge xx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linking up to “Virginia’s Summer Blog Party”! I am so glad that you share your beautiful summer creation!
ReplyDelete