Hello Stamplings!
I hope this finds you feeling well! I'm not even going to talk about the weather. Maybe if we don't give Mother Nature any more press, she'll just settle down, have a drinkie poo, and take a look at the calendar!
Today I have a coupla Quick And Clean And Simple cards. I mean, uberly so!
Today I have a coupla Quick And Clean And Simple cards. I mean, uberly so!
I know I should've done a video, because this explanation might get too complicated with words, but do your best. You take a piece of white card and fold it over, lay a stencil over it (this one from Tim), hold it down with removable tape, and pounce a pretty color through the holes using a stippling brush. You can do it! For this card I used chalks from SU. Remember those? I added a vertical sediment from Stamps By Judith and two score lines and, wallah, a birthday card for any age!
Challenges
- AAA Cards: Use only one third.
- Less Is More: OLC Stencils.
Twofer
That was so easy, I switched to a snowflake stencil from Loll for a Christmas card, only this time I used Doxies. The sediment is from MFT.
You might have noticed that you don't see a lot of beautifully ink-blended designs from me. What can I say? It's just something my inks don't do. I have tried to make them blend. Lord knows I've tried. I've had lessons. I've watched experts with awe. I've even tried cheating and using Hammy's fur. Then his nose. Then his paws. I wish you could have seen how pretty he looked, but the cards, not so much.
But I digress. Anyway, since I was pouncing and not blending, I tried using inks. The coverage wasn't as great as with the chalks, but I think that's okay because snowy wintry skies are a bit fuzzy, aren't they? Oh, sorry, we weren't going to talk about the snow. Sorry.
~~~
A Cautionary TaleWith her permission, I wanted to share that our beloved daughter-in-law Rachel (mom to the grandtwins) was diagnosed with breast cancer recently. She has had a lumpectomy and the prognosis is very positive because her cancer was caught early with a mammogram. We don't know the full extent of her treatment plan, but we do believe she will be fine and we're very relieved and grateful.
I am sharing Rachel's story to remind you how important and life-saving mammograms can be. Rachel is only 45. She had her first mammogram two years ago and it came back clean. She recently received a letter from the clinic telling her that the protocol for her age is to wait five more years before having another one. Thankfully, Rachel's intuition told her to go ahead and get a mammogram anyway. The tumor was deep and would not have been discovered with a self-exam.
I know having mammograms for women under the age of 50 is controversial, but we shudder to think how advanced Rachel's cancer would have been had she waited five more years! You're all dear to me, so if you've been neglecting getting your mammogram, make that appointment today, especially if you are over 50. I have neglected getting my own, but now I have an appointment next month.
Mwah!
~~~
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!
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!
*Life is too short!
To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrolling: Click 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 a 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!)
75 comments:
Love these, Darnell! You've reminded me I need to use my stencils--so effective with chalk or ink! Such good news that Rachel's cancer was caught early & you're so right about how important it is that we all get our mammograms! Glad you scheduled yours, my friend!
Great cards Darnell! Love the way you made them, it's a fab and quick way to do CAS, I will try :)
Hugs
Two great cards! (You know I love the technique with the stencils)
Super that Rachel took a mammographe anyway and it was seen so early stages! Hope she will pull trough oke, but she will need so much support; it is a live-changer going trough something like this, certainly at such a young age! Hugs, Gerrina
Fabulous cards Darnell, and beautifully CAS. OMG!!!!! So glad Rachel trusted her instincts and had a test and that this has been caught early. I have my own OMG moments with my family and it pays to remember that Drs, although they can be great, are only human and things can be missed and it's so important to act and take care of yourself. Whew! Cathy x
Fabulous cards Darnell ... versatile designs beautifully created.
Trusting our instincts are so important when it comes to our own health. Best wishes to Rachel.
Elaine
Gorgeous cards Darnell - love your poncing with the chalks - had not thought to use my chalks like that, thanks for the inspiration :-).
I had my Breast Scream (mammogram) last year (we have free ones every two years from 45 - 75 now) and then found some lumps a matter of months later. I Had an ultra sound scan within 4 weeks and it was nothing to be concerned about! Whew!
Blessings
Maxine
Fabulous cards Darnell - I must do more stencilling too. Glad to hear Rachel is okay and that you've made an appointment to have your boobies squished!
Kath x
Gorgeous stenciled designs Loll, love those snowflakes.
Big hugs to Rachel too xx
Two fab stenciled cards, pounced or blended, who cares.
So pleased your DiL listened to her instincts. I too was in the same situation at 39. If I hadn't pushed for a biopsy I don't think I would be writing this now. We know our own bodies, we sometimes don't listen as we should. Hope the treatment goes well, I found mine wasn't as bad as I had feared. Just thankful that we have a 3 year programme of screening here and when there is a hint of a problem in between, appointments are swift. x
Two beautiful CAS cards Darnell, I love them both.
Sue xx
Hi Darnell, Cards are lovely.
Sending heaps of positive healing thoughts to Rachel.
Hope you have a nice day. Sue
Two fantabulous makes and I love them both.
TFS your cautionary tale and I am delighted to read that your daughter in law should make a great recovery too. No-one enjoys mammograms and it's way too easy to use the "I'm too busy" and skip them ... but what's 5 minutes discomfort compared to the alternative - most of know someone who has had or is enduring treatment for breast cancer and the fewer of our friends/family who have to go through it the better ..... take those mammograms ladies
Kathyk
Thanks for the easy to follow instructions on making your two QACAS cards. They're fabulous and easy + fast = awesome! I'm so happy that Rachel's breast cancer was detected early and I pray for full recovery for her. Thanks for the timely reminder about the importance of having mammograms.
Two delightful cards shared and an all too important message as well. Thank you so much for reminding us to get checked what needs to be checked. I've gotten a mammogram every single year since I was 40. I get a reminder in the mail and not once have they said to skip any years. I'm so relieved to hear your dear daughter-in-law will be fine. Good luck to all as you navigate the process. Hugs to you all!
Cute cards!! Glad to hear Rachel is OK! That reminds me that I have to go get mine done soon. My doctor sent the order in last week.
Thank you Darnell in sharing your news about Rachel and so very glad that the prognosis is looking good. What great advice you have given and I shall send you and your wonderful family love and hugs x Both of your cards are CAS perfection....pounding is good x Love the pretty colour of the blues and the sentiment is fun on the first card. Great snowy effect on the second and interesting about the ink differences and thanks for the reminder about the chalk inks.....again stored and not used, my end! So glad Hammy looked so pretty!!! and your cards are so very pretty too x
Beautiful cards, Darnell. Rachel and indeed all of you are in my prayers xoxo
You've done two perfect cards using stencils. I like them both.
Thank you for sharing an advice about mammographie. We all have to think of ourselves first. I'm sending best wishes to your daughter in law.
Hugs,
Sonja
I love the simplicity of both cards. I always recognize Judith's stamps. If you use Hammy again to try and blend please take and post a picture. I am so glad Rachel's cancer was caught early and her outlook is so positive. I think the cartoon is an excellent way to remind us about mammograms. And not talking about snow isn't going to help here. We have a possibility of up to five inches tomorrow. Good crafting Saturday.
Pounce away dear friend. We all have things that for some reason, we can't do. I can't color. And I can't blend inks very well. But it's okay. We all have things we are good at doing. You've pounced beautifully on these two sweet QAEZPZ cards. They're just wonderful. Keep on making these! Such good news about Rachel. We all need to take a page from her book and listen to the voices of our own bodies. I had me a mammy-o-grammy last summer, and will continue to do so. Give her a "God Bless You" from me. And grab a hug for your own self! Bev
Two great stencilled cards Darnell and I love the embossed lines you have added which give them both a very clean and elegant finish. So pleased that Rachel is doing well, and how fortunate that she had a sixth sense and decided to have the mammogram when she did, and personally I always go when called for one. x
You're right, the instructions were grueling but I'll give it a try anyway. Until Oxide inks blending for me was a nightmare and most projects ended up in the round file, so I fully aware of what you mean.
Great reminder of breast health and the need for diligence with mammographies. So happy the Rachel's lumpectomy is over and the diagnosis is good.
Fabulous cards Darnell,and I am glad you were able to share Rachels story. Continuing prayers.
Your cards are beautiful plus!!! CAS and sensational just like always.
Still sending prayers for Rachael and everyone in the family. Yes, it's very, very, very important to have that yearly mammogram.
Lynn
Fabulous cards and I love your very complicated instructions on how they were achieved! LOL! Best wishes to your DIL, good on her for being brave enough to follow her instincts. Thanks for playing along with AAA Cards.
Hmmm... I've never tried stippling chalks before. It sure turned out pretty! I still like to use my chalks now and then. I like both backgrounds and so easy to turn out beautiful CAS cards. That's a frightening story about Rachel, but good that she followed her instincts. I have regular mammograms, usually in October, which is breast cancer awareness month and easy to remember. Plus my doctor sends me a reminder. I'm really glad you posted this, Darnell.
Lovely cards! So glad they found the cancer now and how happy to hear she went ahead and got checked instead of waiting 5 years. Sending lots of prayers and hugs as she goes through whatever treatment and plans they have for her. Thanks for posting this! Hugs!
Best wishes to Rachel and the whole family as you face the coming months. I hope you find comfort and strength in each other and those around you. Sending prayers for effective and minimally impactful treatment.
BTW, wonderful cards and the blending is lovely!
I too love your cards. Wonder where my chalks are...lol. Thanks for the reminder to get my mammogram. I've been lax. Special thoughts and good wishes to Rachel and for you. Hugs to you, Darnell.
Love your quick cards with that stenciling, very nice.
Prayers for your daughter-in-law. Thankful she did have the mammogram and caught it early.
2 super duper stunning CAS cards Darnell, lots of gorgeous inky blending and in my favourite blue tones. Wonderful use of your stencil on the first one and a perfect take on our challenge at Less is More. Thanks for playing along. Sending big hugs to your D-I-L and hope all is well. x
Both these cards are gorgeous! Fabulous stencilling. I would love to have seen Hammy after your ink blending efforts with him! It's such good news about Rachel! I am still sending those positive vibes! I have a mammogram every two years. I agree how important it is! Lots of hugs! xxxxxxx
Oh Darnell I can't think of a more frightening sentence than "you have cancer" I will keep Rachel in my prayers and thank the Lord He is on the move!!
Your cards are beautiful!! really really CASolicious!! : ) I have recently pulled out my chalks too! Love the soft and dreamy look they give ; )
Patti
Two super cards. So that's where my number stencil was hiding!! Just knew it would turn up somewhere. Hugs Mrs A.
Hi Darnell, Came by for some crafty inspiration, but was so surprised to read the news about Rachel. Sending hugs and thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear about Rachel's cancer but thank the Lord she went and got a mammogram earlier then they said to do. It sounds like it was caught in time before it had a chance to spread too far.
But for the cards you did with stencils. I love them. Clean and simple but still very effective with artistic flair. Hey! I think I could even do some with stencils this way too. And, don't worry about the blending as they look great with just one color. Now let's hope we start getting sunshine more and more after this week. I won't give that other four letter word any publicity!
Your stenciled cards are so pretty and I love the CAS design of both! So glad your DIL listened to her intuition and followed up on it! I'm glad to know she's on her way to a complete recovery of good health!
I love the simplicity of your pretty cards! The shade of blue is wonderful! Continued prayers for Rachel and good to hear she followed her instincts to go ahead with that mammogram.
Love your CAS cards! I bet hammy looked adorable all Inked up! LOL! Bristol smooth card stock is perfection for ink blending!
Thank the Lord that your DIL found trusted her gut and it was found early! Sending many prayers for her and quick recovery too! Hugs!
Hammy is such a good sport letting you try ink blending with his various body parts! I don't think the spaniels would put up with that, though their ears might be quite effective!
Two lovely CAS cards, especially the snowflake one!
And a great reminder to all of us to get those mammograms done regularly. Wishing Rachel a full and speedy recovery.
Gorgeous cards.
I was 41 when I Had my first mammogram and first cancer diagnosis. The doctor scrutinized the films with a magnifying glass and found calcifications. I had a lumpectomy and radiation. Three years later, the same doctor found more calcifications , this time resulting in a mastectomy. That was 20 years ago. Get those mammograms!!! It is a small discomfort compared to the alternative. If you have a family history get them more often. Luckily my daughters doctor understood our history and started her at age 30.
Your cards are both great! I love the look of stenciled images. Thanks for the mammogram reminder. I actually just had one done - and all is ok.
Two beautiful cards with Your techniques, Dolly. Whatever works is great. I loved your CAS designs..so pretty and easy to duplicate. TFS
Thank you for also sharing Rachel's story. What a relief that all is going to be fine and that she had a mammogram, which caught her disease early. Please keep us up to date on her treatments. Love and Hugs..Nancy
A deliciously pounced twofer, Darnell ... crisp and CAS and wonderfully fresh in those lovely blue hues! It was so good to hear Rachel's good news following her lumpectomy ... and thank you to you and to her for sharing the lead up to that shock diagnosis. How imperative it is to trust ourselves and our instincts ... and to be checked as a routine and as soon as we believe something is wrong. Prayers continuing for you all as Rachel's treatment progresses, my dear friend. LYAMYMA ... HYWICAR! Great big hugs and bisous, Anita :)
Two brilliant CAS cards Darnell and wonderfully 'pounced' - and now you've put me in the mood to go and hunt out some stencils. It really is such great news about Rachel's lumpectomy and a great relief for you all xx
Two lovely CAS stenciled designs Sis - love the scored edge along the vertical sentiment - I haven't done that in a long time and what a great look! Thankful to hear Rachel's prognosis is good - what a scary thing for all around - my mother and 2 of her sisters had breast cancer (at an older age and all were fine after surgery luckily) so I have been having mammograms yearly since my 30's. Have a great weekend! Julia xx
Well you surely can do more stenciled blended ink cards for me - talk about easy but love them both.
Will keep Rachel in my heart and prayers - and for her trusting her own gut feeling. Keep us updated.
Hi Darnell
Sometimes less is more and that is certainly the case with these 2.
Glad you decided to share Rachel's story with everyone as it may hopefully prompt someone into having an overdue check done.
I had my first last year (they have lowered the age in the UK) and wouldn't hesitate to have it done again as it was a quick and easy procedure.
Rachel and The Knauss Posse will continue in my prayers.
Ang x
These are brilliant cards Darnell definitely batch designs. Thank you for sharing Rachel's story with us and I wish her well xx
You are too hard with you, Darnell ! Your ink blending is gorgeous and your two stencilled cards are beautiful ! I love your design on the first one, such a lovely dimension with the two score lines for a OLC card ! Thanks so much for sharing and for playing along at Less is More.
PS: Sending special thoughts and prayers for Rachel and you all. Hugs x
I can't sponge ink evenly to at all! I'll have to try stippling! I do have brushes and I think my last escapade with sponging was done with the brushes and worked so much better than sponge in any way shape or form! The birthday card is perfect for anybody of any age or interest! Love that! And the snowflakes are so pretty on that soft blue!
I have my mamo appointment set for next month. I get my appointment when I get the photo op and make sure I keep it. The new 3D mamograms are awesome and I think not as uncomfortable. Definitely worth the few minutes it takes!
Wonderful news Darnell and wonderful cards too!!
Two beautiful CAS cards I always love them as its something I struggle to do always want to add something !! I'm so glad your Daughter in Law is doing well. I had exactly the same breast cancer operation 20years ago and thankfully have been well since early prognosis is the thing and everyone should get mammograms if they can I was only 48. You always have a super post Love and special hugs to your Daughter in Law Carole x
Hi Darnell, your stenciling is fabulous on the beautiful cards. Your information regarding mammograms is so important, wishing your daughter in law all the best in her treatments, recovery and ongoing good health. Hugs xxx
I think I gave away my stencil brushes but if you want good blending, Darnell, the secret is Bristol paper. I know it's not bright white but both regular and oxide Distresses blend like butter - ala Laura Bassen. ;)
Oops, I meant to add that my prayers are with Rachel as she chooses treatment and fights this dreaded disease.
Oh, these are so lovely, Darnell! And thanks for the inspiration and encouragement to give more love to our stencils. So sorry to hear about your daughter but thankfully it was caught early. I agree about the importance of mammograms. Best of luck to her in deciding on the best treatment plan. Thankfully there are so many better options today.
Two lovely cards. I found some chalks on a recent tidy of my craft space.
All the best for your daughter in law.
I've recently rediscovered my chalk inks. They were the first ones I bought when I started over 3 years ago and they do stamp beautifully. Never tried to blend with them, but I might have to try. I do love a very CAS card like this. So brilliant for Christmas cards. I'm also very pleased to hear that your daughter in law's cancer was caught very quickly. I have no idea when they start mammogramming us here in the UK. I've never had an invite and so I'm off to look into it. I lost a friend in 2013 to agressive breast cancer when she was only 46 and now at 41, I realise it's time to start checking for things much more. Hugs to you all. xx
Great cards, Darnell. They are so beautiful in their simplicity. I tend to use chalks only to dust on paper when I don't want a stark white background. I should use mine more. I am thankful that Rachael's cancer was caught so early.
Love the stenciling Darnell, a technique I forget all too often. I am so sorry to hear about your daughter-in-law, I will keep her in my prayers and yes early detection is the key here.
Hello, Darnell... long time (and I mean looong time) no see! I don't even know where to start. Your cards are two great twofers. Personally I love that Tim stencil. Maybe with a little more "break dance", Hammy might help you with ink blending. Have you tried the new oxide inks on watercolor paper? They are supposed to work well together... hope this helps, although you've probably tried them already.
I'm so sorry to hear that your daughter-in-law had breast cancer. Fortunately it was diagnosed at an early stage, and she was wise. I was really surprised with the letter from the clinic. I have mammograms since my early 30s (when my mother was firstly diagnosed) every year. Maybe it helped the fact that there was other cases in my family, but still, five years is way too much without having one.
For what it's worth, some type of cancers aren't even detected with a self-exam, only by mammogram. Ask me how I know. I never had a lump, but I had breast cancer caused by a cluster of micro-calcifications. It's rare, but happens.
I finally made it! I think I am more or less up to date now after my few days away! Both cards are beautiful Darnell and even though you don't get on with blending, your pouncing is superb, both cards look fabulous!
You know already how I feel about Rachel, I am just so thankful that it was caught early, that was so intuitive of her to go for the check up. I am keeping her (and you) in my thoughts and have my fingers crossed that all goes well going forward.
Big hugs, Annie xxxx
Two fantastic QACAS cards Dolly! Your pouncing with a stippling brush has created two beautiful cards! Great job!
I'm so relieved for Rachel that the tumor was found early, removed and now she can focus on the recovery part and anything else she needs to do to put this terrible disease behind her. Intuition is a wonderful thing. xx
Love both your one layer cards - must try using chalks with stencils. Thanks for reminding me about these!
Your QACAS cards are fabulous, Darnell!
Thanks for sharing Rachel's story and reminding us all to get mammograms! So glad that Rachel listened to her intuition and the tumor was found early! Wishing her all the best for the rest of the treatment!
Beautiful cards Darnell! I will add Rachel to my prayer list.
Two great cards Darnell! So funny, I was only thinking about chalks the other day as I don't think I've used mine for a decade, funny how some things go out of fashion isn't it! Thanks for playing along with us at AAA Cards.
Thanks also for sharing about your DIL's diagnosis. So glad she trusted her instincts. Wishing her all the very best
I am so glad that Rachel took her intuition seriously and got a mammogram because catching these things early can make all the difference. How frightening for her and your family, but I'm sure she'll be getting the best of care. Hopefully the lumpectomy will take care of the cancer once and for all and she will be one of the very fortunate ones. Mammograms are one thing that I've always been on top of, especially after I had an irregularity several years ago that resulted in a lumpectomy as well. Mine turned out to be non-malignant, for which I am very very grateful. I'll be thinking of Rachel and wishing her the best. Thanks for reminding us all of the importance of making our health a top priority.
I got sidetracked by the news about Rachel and forgot to say that I am tickled by your use of colored chalks and a stencil. I have TWO sets of chalks that haven't seen the light of day in years, but have never even thought to use them with stencils. Another technique to try before I leave this earth..oh my! The list grows every longer, which means I may have to live forever.
Two fab card. The pouncing is beautifully done. I must dust of my chalks. Hadn't thought of them in ages.
All the very best for your daughter-in-law.
Beautiful stencilled cards! LOVE the CAS and colors! I get a mammogram every year. I hate the new recommendations for women's health about waiting longer in between all tests! Glad she listened to her gut and glad she caught it in time!
Darnell, I love your QACAS card (and the word itself too)! It really looks so simple and quick, but also so effective. Love the Oriental style of the sentiment. Thank you so much for sharing your card with us at AAA Cards Challenge. - Sweet Kobylkin
Click through to see now the best stamping technique for colouring with pencils on coloured cardstock.
Hello Darnell, Love your 1/3 cards. They would work for anyone’s birthday. Thank you for sharing with us at AAA Cards. =) Tracie
Post a Comment