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!

January 20, 2018

Unconventional Valentine and Pillowy Pussy Willow Hello

Hello, Stamplings!

Welcome to the weekend already!! Most of us just slid on in, but I did notice a few of you had your heels dug in and sparks were flying out the back. It's a shame it didn't work and now you've ruined those shoes!

Did you know that St. Marher coined the phrase, "time nor tide wait for no man" in 1225? Think about that! 1225! And still we fight against it! (I sort of love that undying optimism!)

I've got another twofer for you today. Not a Twofer Card Challenge twofer, just two cards. I had planned to have a threefer for you, but a certain little varmint went to sleep on top of his wheel, fell off into his water bowl, which splashed water all over the card I was working on. That could be a good thing, but the water bowl itself tipped on its side and crashed into an open bottle of black ink refill. Not a good thing.

My onefer today is an unconventional Valentine!
Can Valentines be blue and green? Well, why not?  The pretty stained-glassish panel was made with Brushos and cling wrap. I love this technique! If you want to try it, you can find several videos on Loll's CAS Mix Up Challenge site. The cool NBUS heart die is one of three "Highlight Frames" from Simon Says Stamp. The sediment is from "Oh Happy Day" by Avery Elle.

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Twofer.
This card is inspiration for you for the current Inspired By All the Little Things challenge where I am hostess and my friend Linda is joining me again as Guest Designer. Thank you, Lin! Here is the photo inspiration:
Isn't that a delicious photo?! I hope I haven't made you go off the new year diet wagon! I was inspired by the quatrefoil 3D frosting, the colors, and the wee bird. The 3D embossing folder I used is from We R Memory Keepers. Of course I had to do some winking:
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Enjoy your day!  No, seriously, enjoy!  LITS!*

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse! I'm having my second cataract surgery this coming Tuesday. Thank you for your patience with me as I neglect your blogs because I'm not able to spend as much time on the computer. Mwah!








*Life is too short!

To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrollingClick CTL +  Home. 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 the pop-up box opens. Click "Jump to Comment Form" and wallah, no more car pool tunnel! Mwah! p.s. If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave me your email address so I can respond.  Thank you!

86 comments:

Jeanne said...

Beautiful cards, Darnell. I really like the first one with the Brushos and cling wrap. Such a lovely effect in blues/greens. I think as a cardmaker you can take creative license on Valentine colors. Not everyone enjoys red and pink! Your second card is lovely with the embossing and the sweet sparkly little bird colored and winked wonderfully. Hope Hammy is okay after his escapade and your second cataract procedure goes well. Hugs!

Lia said...

So simple and so beautiful! I think CAS cards are the most difficult to make!
Lia xx

SD pooja said...

Wiw..I loved the bold cling wrap bg and the embossed bg on second takes to the next level ! Loved the twofer ;)

ionabunny said...

Wow, love the stain glass like panel on #1 and that embossing folder on #2 is just sexy. Where that come from?? And since I am going to a 9 years old's party this afternoon I am sure the desire for cake inspired by your photo will be amply sated. Hugz

Kara Lynne said...

Your Brusho and cling wrap creation is amazing! I really want to try that. It makes for a beautiful valentine. That minty background looks like tufted upholstery and is a gorgeous backdrop for you wonderful bird! I hope you are resting those peepers!

Viv said...

Fab cards Darnell. Love the twinklie birdie!

Viv said...

Oops! Back again - forgot to say - thanks for linking in with us at Stamping Sensations for our cold and frosty colours challenge!

Kathyk said...

Shockingly clumsy of Hammy, falling off his wheel!

Super cards, LOVING the first one

All the best

Kathyk

Maura said...

LOVe that unconventional valentine, Darnell - the panel is gorgeous and that die cut heart frame is the perfect embellishment! And then there's that fabulous font on the sentiment, love it! Hope Tuesday's surgery is a smashing success!

Mrs A. said...

Well for goodness sake lets just cut straight to the chase. Is Hammy Ok???????
Hugs Mrs A. ( aka Frantic of UK).

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving both cards. Really like the unconventional Valentines.

Hope you are having a nice weekend. Sue

Bunny said...

Pretty cards. Valentine's can be blue and green and black and purple. [Bunny]

Cat Craig said...

Both cards are fabulous Darnell -- those blues and greens on your Valentine are fabulous and I am seriously loving that embossing folder.

Lisa said...

These are both so gorgeous!! The colors on the first are stunning!! The bird is so sweet on the second!! I love the sparkle!! Have a great weekend!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Christine Alexander said...

gorgeous Darnel, love both cards especially love the colours on your bruosh cling wrap card :)

conil said...

Glorious on both counts...loving the CAS Valentine and I think Blue/greens are appropriate any time of year...especially one that is unisex. Plus you used a, new to me technique, that I'll have to add to my list. And the second card has everthing I love on it. Texture, birds, sparkle...who could ask for anything more?

Verna Angerhofer said...

Two gorgeous cards. I love the idea of an unconventional Valentine. That design really is great. And, love the bird one too. Such a nice shimmer on that birdie too! So that is a great one also. So sorry the other card got ruined but now and then things like that happen. Have a great weekend now.

Susan said...

Two great cards! Love the unconventional Valentine...cool technique! That embossing folder you used for the second card is yummy! LOVE the 3-D effect!

Bonnie said...

I love your Valentine, Dolly! The colors work beautifully and that little heart on the ribbon is adorable! The embossing on the second card is gorgeous! And the little bird is one of my favorites. Love that inspiration photo that's making my mouth water.

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

:)Oh my!! Now I have understand why my heels are always ruined!! Ah ah LOL :D
Do you say that there is no chance to have a day of 30 hours instead of only 24??? :O( Such a shame! No craft time again for me... :((
Amazing Valentine CAS with Brushos and cling wrap, it's a technique that always intrigues me so much, but I have never tried. Love the colors!!
The second card looks so yummy :) with that 3D embossing and the sweet colors!!! Cute bird too, and the bit of sparkle looks great!
Hugs, have a lovely weekend


Susan said...

Oh, I am so inspired (no, not the inspiration photo for Inspired by All the Little Things - though hopefully I'll get around to that) but by your blue and green Valentine. I am going to make a blue and green Valentine!!

I also love your sweet little bird with his winkiness and pink bullrushes.

Tell that naughty Hammy my puppy Tessa hopes he didn't get into trouble for all that spilling the way she did when she chewed up a galaxy background I worked long and hard on, and was thrilled with my end result - I guess she was thrilled too and her response was to give it a good chew.

Susan said...

Forgot to say - thanks so much for joining us at CAS Mix Up with that fabulous cling wrap background!

OH Babs said...

I guess I better try the saran wrap technique tis a lovely card and I like the format. In card two what a wonderful embossing folder I want to touch it. Did you notice I have done a couple of challenges even when I said I probably wouldn't? Well for me it is play with stamps, ink and paper or laundry. I hate doing laundry. So. :)

Kathleen said...

First card has a fabulous background and I love the Highlight frame, super CAS card.
Your twofer card is a lovely shade of green and the background looks puffed up, like a bed head, super cute image and love the sparkle on the bird.
Have a great week and remember time and tide wait for no man.

Kath x

Linda said...

Darnell, this is just too "tweet". And love that background in the soft green. So pretty and thanks for asking me to be your GD.

Fikreta said...

so very nice cards!
hugs

Cathy said...

2 beautiful CAS cards Darnell, I LOVE your brusho bg, my cling wrap misbehaves on that medium! I'll have to have another go and rewatch some tutorials, Cathy x

Pat said...

I love the cling film pattern you have given that prettily coloured panel Darnell, and the white heart border across it stands out beautifully, and the 3D embossed background on the second reminds me of one of those quilted panels, and the spring green is so bright and goes perfectly with the delightful bird image. x

nancy littrell said...

I love both your pretty and sweet cards, Dolly. So pleased you added your 1st beautiful cling wrap card to our CAS Mix Up Challenge. Love the font on the Love You sentiment.
The dry embossed background adds so much depth to your sweet bird image for your 2nd pretty card.

TFS both and will be sending you quick recovery wishes for your 2nd surgery. Take care my friend. Hugs.

BożenA said...

Oh, Darnell !! The first card is absolutely stunning !! I love the colorful background, so beautifully emphasizes the belt with the heart. And your sentiment ... everything so perfectly matched. This card is perfect.
Hugs,
BożenA

Greta said...

I have those Highlight Frames dies, but have a heck of time using them. Thanks for the inspiration! Dry embossing is why I first gave in & got a Cuttlebug & oh my goodness--that is one gorgeous folder! Lovely cards, Darnell! Have a great week!

Cheryl W. said...

Wow - love both the Brusho/plastic wrap technique and the 3D embossing folder. Both cards are awesome!

sandie said...

That cling film technique is a beauty and I like the colours. The background shows real movement and why not add this to Calling All Sistahs...could also be a card for a friend, I just joined the DT and we are spreading the word to raise awareness of Breast Cancer, here is the linhttp://callingallsistahs.blogspot.co.ukk
Also what a pretty card your flower card is, that background is stunning.
Have a good day x

Kirsi said...

So Beautiful card!

lostinpaper said...

Valentines can be whatever you want it to be (after all we have the power), and your colour combo certainly makes me happy!

AlisonC said...

That's a perfectly elegant Valentine and I think they can be any colour you choose. I adore that quilted embossing, it's sumptuous. x

Stamps and Paper said...

Two lovely cards Darnell and I love the effect with your Brushos and cling plastic

Anne

Janneke said...

What a great cards have you made ;)
Thank you for joning us at CAS on Friday.

Carol L said...

I am in love with the colors on the Valentine - they look gorgeous and I'm sure lots of folks appreciate a break from the red valentine cards now and then! The embossing folder on the 2nd card is amazing and looks perfect with that great little image! Take good care of those peepers, and I wish you well with the upcoming procedure!

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
2 wonderful twofers today the first is such a brilliant colour and that technique looks amazing.
Your second is so very super too love that gorgeous 3d embossing it treally stands out so wonderfully the design is awesome.
Super colour as well and what a fantastic image.
Love and big crafty hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.

Linda said...

I love your non-conventional Valentine's card, the colours look amazing, and the little birdie is just adorable xx

Leigh Penner said...

Wonderful cards, Darnell! I love both your beautiful take on the sketch and your super sweet take on the inspiration photo!

Brenda in IN said...

The valentine is so pretty in the blue and green colors. I love the embossing folder on the bird card and the bird just shines. Both are so pretty. Poor Hammy, in trouble for just taking a nap!

Birgit said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell! Love the inspiration photo for IBATLT and your take on it. The embossed background is perfect and so is the coloring of the sweet little birdie. Sorry Hammy made such a mess for you but twofers are still a delight!

HilaryJane said...

Love the valentines card. So sorry about the mishap, I feel for you as it often happens to me! x

Donna said...

What fabulous cards Darnell! Like the nontraditional colors and your background on the Valentine card, and your bird is just amazing on your second card!

Marlena M. said...

Fantastic cards, Darnell! I love the vibrant backdrop in your first card and the second card has wonderful texture~

Craftychris said...

Love your Brusho panel, it's just gorgeous! Blue and green make a fab Valentine's card. Your gorgeous little bird card is beautiful! I hope the little rascal didn't cause any more mess! Hugs xxxxx

Mac Mable said...

Unconventional colours for valentine maybe but it is absolutely stunning with a fabulous technique. Love the texture on your second card and that image is sooooo cute x

Catherine said...

Both of your cards are lovely. I love the embossed background and soft colors on the card for our weekly challenge. So pretty! Thanks for joining us on the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge.

Cathie ♥

Nora Noll said...

Unconventional colors for holiday cards are my favorite!! I LOVE the Brusho technique!!! That second card is a stunner. The close up of the bird with the sparkle-so pretty!! Glad you had some fun in the craft room!! I spent my day coloring and watching videos yesterday but no production. Sometimes that is just fun itself!!

Carol said...

Two great cards Darnell...love that Valentine, perfect for the husband who doesn't do the red hearts and flowers stuff. Hope you are well. Carol x

Loose Stitches said...

Beautiful cards Darnell, love the colors on the first one and the embossing on the second!
Hugs, Sherry x
Loose Stitches and Unraveled Threads

Marilyn said...

Beautiful cards!!

Sharron said...

Goodness, such gorgeous colors today! The stained glass panel is amazing and so wonderful for a CAS design. And I've always loved that Avery Elle sentiment font. Your embossing in the dreamy mint with the charming little bird is stunning! Best of luck on Tuesday!

StirYourCreativity said...

Two super cool cards. I love the sharp, crisp lines of the valentine card and of course the beautiful textured panel!

Gerrina said...

I just love your onconventional valentinecard; love the grungy panel! And the birdcard is so spring-like; would like that spring started this week... Hugs, Gerrina

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell, I love the gorgeous background that you've made on the top card and also the beautiful stamp on the second.

Sue xx

kiwimeskreations said...

Darnell youv;e done it again and absolutely aced these two cards - love them both, but i think the second one is my favourite of the two.
I think you had better ban the varmint from the playhouse after that episode - maybe he had better come down under for some RnR as you must be working him too hard for him to be that fumble footed!!
Blessings
Maxine

Sue - said...

Two great cards again Darnell, especially the valentine! Hope all goes well tomorrow. Hugs xxx

Carole Pollard said...

Such pretty cards I love that delicate little bird it is so adorable lovely post Love and hugs Carole x

Glittered Paws said...

Love your stained glass in blues and greens. Hope Hammy is ok after being so clumsy.love your beautiful cards and your great dialogue on your blog.

Em Louise Fairley said...

Stunning cards, Darnell. I'm sorry, but the universe conspired against me so I'm unable to enter the first Twofer challenge. I'll definitely enter the next though xoxo

oldpunca said...

Blue and green Valentine is fabulous. I like the effect achieved with the cling wrap. Your twofer in "sugar" colours is amazing. The image is coloured wonderful.
Have a great week!
Hugs,
Sonja

KandA said...

Two super cards Darnell, especially the unconventional valentine.... that colour is beautiful and such a wonderful design too xx

Leslie Miller said...

An unconventional Valentine to express unconditional love with unequivocal beauty! I'll take green and blue any day. The background is fantastic and I love the little heart strip and the sentiment script and all the CASness of it. Then there's that beautiful bird stamp. I love birds and can't get enough of them. So pretty with your winking and the pretty green embossed background. Two WOWs, Darnell!

sandie said...

So pleased you did link up with us at Calling All Sistahs, you already know ai love this card, the background really does flow just like our photo xx

Sheila H said...

Your cards are beautiful, Darnell. That 3D embossing folder really packs a visual punch. Love the sparkly birds. Your unconventional colors are perfect as a valentine. Those brushos really are nice.

MaryH said...

Valentines can DEFINITELY be blue! Love the CAS & the beautiful brusho colors with the cool smooth heart die. Just perfect. Always love the birdies, and he looks very handsome atop that wonderful quilted look of the embossed & subtle colors of the pale sage background. Sorry Hammy had a water accident! TFS &Hugs

Bobby said...

Your Brusho panel is to die for, Darnell, and a very good color for a Valentine IMHO. That little bird in the cat tails is darling and I love the green quilted background.

Susanne Vargas said...

Absolutely adore your modern-looking Valentine's card! The blue/green color scheme is so refreshing amidst all the red, pink, and purple! And that sweet bird panel looks like it's sitting on a green comforter! What an awesome embossing folder!
Good luck tomorrow!

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Such fun designs!!!!

Tracey McNeely said...

Two very pretty cards Darnell. I really like the blue and green for your valentine card. There are no rules. Your birdie is so,pretty with the 3D frosting. I am not creating a whole lot these days, a setback again and mojo on hiatus!

Cara said...

Two stunning cards. I hope someone used their fur to mop up the mess x

Di said...

Fabulous cards Darnell! I so love the EF you used on the pale green card - which looks good enough the lick by the way, get down Parsnip! I have a little white fluffy bundle scrabbling trying to reach the screen here!

I so hope your surgery went well today and that now you can do the dust check :)

And as for sayings, I came across one in a SU stamp set the other day which tickled me - 'They say challenges make us stronger.......what a stupid system!'. Or words to that effect!

Take care - sending healing hugs

Di xx

Di said...

Forgot to say - poor little Hammy!! xx

Anonymous said...

Fab cards. As you can see I am way behind! working 5 days a week will do that. Love the brushos technique and the colours.

Mariken said...

Lovely Valentine/love cards!
Thank you for joining our challenge at Cas on Friday! Mariken DT

Jo said...

Beautiful colour combo and the cling wrap really turned out clean. Such a dreamy valentine, perfect for the occasion. Perfect balance.
Thanks for joining us at CAS Mix Up!

Lisa Elton said...

Love your artsy Valentine, terrific colors! And that little bird looks cozy on the tufted background!

Pia S said...

I like the twist of more untraditional colors used for your Valentine's card. And the texture of the embossed panel in your second card, wow. And the sparkle! WoS looks lovely irl, not so easy to capture in a photo, but the detail image shows just how gorgeous it is.

Helen F. said...

Two simply beautiful CAS cards, Darnell! I always have a tough time with CAS ~ there is always a few sequins, ribbons, wood veneers, bling and pearls laying around on my desk taunting me to add 'em to my card ;-0

Sally H said...

two beautiful cards, Darnell! I particularly love the bird x

Silke Ledlow said...

Both CAS cards are awesome Darnell!

Larissa Heskett said...

SQUEAL!! Such AMAZING Cards!! I LOVE the way you used the Colors for a Valentine's Day Card and the Design!! Looks like a FUN technique too!! THANKS SO MUCH for playing along with the Calling All Sistahs Challenge and I hope you'll join us again!! Have a FABULOUS WEEK!! =)

Lori Kobular said...

Love both of your cards! But that Valentine card is precious! I love the unconventional colors! It looks amazing, thanks for sharing with us at the Calling All Sistahs Challenges!