Hello Stamplings!
I hope you are having a great week!
My news is that as I was embossing in the Playhouse yesterday, we had a 4.3 magnitude earthquake centered just north of here. The Playhouse is tiny, so I could really feel it, but thankfully there was no damage.
It was very interesting how my brain immediately reacted ~ or rather, didn't. I quickly sat down and grabbed the edge of my glass desk for a few seconds. Yes, that's right, my glass desk! Earthquakes are not an every day occurrence so the brain is shocked and starts to operate in slow motion, a bit dazed and confused about what prezackly is happening.
It wonders: Wait.was.that.is.that.are.we.is.this.an.earthquake?! Finally, the answer comes back YES!
So then I rapidly took action, right? I got up and moved to the doorway, being at least smart enough not to get underneath my glass desk?
No, no, not yet. Even logically knowing I should be moving, my brain is holding up its hand as if to say, let's not be hasty. Hold up a sec. Let's take a wait-and-see approach.
Of course, by now the shaking has stopped. It's at that point I get up and move to the doorway in case there is a large aftershock. Good. Good girl.
So now we know that I'll be safe in the event of an earthquake aftershock. Not so much for those initial BIG quakes that do the most damage, but okay for those smaller aftershocks! Hammy, of course, is smarter. He immediately dove under the bookcase, watching me in disbelief.🙃
I've got no segue for that, so here are my Twofer Card Challenge GARDEN reminder cards for you!
I used a large wildflower stamp as my common prompt element this time. Unfortunately I removed it from its packaging a few years ago and either it was unmarked or I failed to write it down. I'm thinking it might be Penny Black or Hero Arts. ETA: Thank you to Jane (Onions & Paper) for letting me know the stamp is CI-385 from Crafty Individuals.
Typing that makes me wonder how many young'uns are walking around with the name "Hero" in these modern times? Am I right? What would you want your, um, unusual first name to be, if you had to choose one? I'm thinking the one that I have lived up to and fulfilled the most in my life would be Chocolate. Coco for short, of course.
I was talking to the daughter of a friend of mine about this the other day and she said she feels like she's a mere commoner every morning when she does roll call for her little first graders: Pharaoh, Empress, Majesty, Judge, and Regent!
Onefer
For this design I inked my stamp directly with my markers, gave it a light spritz, and stamped it onto a subtle watercolor wash background. I then die cut the image using a circle to spotlight it on my circle-embossed card base. To balance the composition of my design, I offset an oval die stamped with a PTI birthday sediment. Hammy chose the bling-a-ding-ding.
Twofer
For my second design, I heat-embossed the garden image in black. It was so striking that I decided to leave it as is, simply adding die-cut sediments and bling and attaching it to a black card base. QACAS!
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I am enjoying seeing your beautiful GARDEN entries in Twofer Card Challenge #18 and I look forward to seeing more of you play ... and sharing your garden photos with us, too, if you like! Twofer is a fun challenge that will get your brain cells moving as you stretch your design skills! You have until the end of the day on July 24th to enter your pretty creations!
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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!
*Life is too short!
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Goodness me my friend! I am glad you are ok and the earthquake wasn't big enough to shatter your glass desk! Take advice from Hammy next time!!! Love both your cards, fab colours on the first and the die cuts look fab along with the embossed circles. The monochrome is perfect for the second - shows off the gorgeous stamp to perfection! Will try and join in the twofer. Hugs xxxxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteGosh, San Andrea's is definitely getting uppity. Shery said they've had two slightly bigger shakes in the last couple of weeks. Glad all is well and you are all OK.
ReplyDeleteThese are two super cards, the marker stamping is so crisp too. :)
How very scary. I think I'd have been under that glass desk and never a thought for the consequences!
ReplyDeleteYour cards are gorgeous and have reminded me of something I've been planning to make for a couple of months now - perhaps I'll get a round tuit now. You see, I have that stamp, and a co-ordinating set of single flower stamps. It's a Crafty Individuals one https://www.craftyindividuals.co.uk/rubber-stamps-c1/linda-edwards-illustration-stamps-c24/crafty-individuals-ci-385-summer-meadow-art-rubber-stamp-90mm-x-82mm-p389 and it's far, far too long since I used it.
Had to smile at your earthquake experience Darnell - we are known as the 'Shaky Isles' down here and we would hardly have moved at a 4.3.... We are all drilled to stop, drop and hold (onto a something solid, which we are underneath).... well there is a one day a year drill via the media.
ReplyDeleteLoving your cards - they are gorgeous Darnell - and well done Hammy on your choice of bling-a-ling. And Hammy, bookcases are not the best as the books can fall and you may have been squashed-a-lot under them, and I would hate that!
Blessings
Maxine
Sure it was an earthquake? Or maybe just The Mister opening the Bank Statement and seeing how much you have spent on crafty stash???
ReplyDelete2 great cards Dolly Daydreams! x
Goodness that must have been scary - glad you're OK. Two super floral cards
ReplyDeleteTwo fab cards Darnell...and wow to the earthquake!. glad you (and your desk) came to no harm...next time dive under the cupboard (??hmm). Seriously isn't it strange how we react to things? Hugs xx
ReplyDeleteSince two weeks ago as I hear about earthquake in the south of California, am I worrying. For my children, for my friends, for everyone living there...I hope everything will be well and without stronger earthquake. And there will be no need for you to practice jumping to the doorway. :-)
ReplyDeleteYour garden - transmited to the cards - looks amazing. It is so colourful on the first card and elegant on the second. I like the black embosed flowers and the big sediment.
Regarding to the mess in my craft room, my name could be Collector. :-)))
Stay safe and near the doorway!
Hugs, Sonja
Oh gosh, I'm glad there was no damage from the earthquake. I was in one once and it scared the bejeebies out of me!! Both of your cards are so stunning!! I love the floral designs on each one!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
Glad you are OK Darnell - I am sure it is pretty terrifying to experience an earthquake.Pretty cards too - no idea where the stamp is from, but it looks both gorgeous in colour and black. Hope your feet stay firmly on the floor today. And Hammy's too. Lisa xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards! Glad to hear you had no damage from the earthquake
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Marilyn❤
You really know how to shake a morning up, D... I'll tell ya. 4.3? that's pretty big - first, I say it. then. I'd do it.
ReplyDeleteYou and Hammy came through beautifully I see - twice. and I'm so glad for it!
=]
Yikes, be careful, Darnell! The cards are beautiful xoxo
ReplyDeleteLovely cards. Earthquakes are no fun and they really do shock the brain. In Florida at least we have a warning when a hurricane is coming. Not that we like that any better. Kudos to Hammy for getting underneath the bookshelf. [Bunny]
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you and Hammy are safe and happy you didn't have to pick up all the craft supplies in the Playhouse. Your watercolor flowers are so crisp and clean and I wish I had gotten that PTI stamp when it came out. I love that font and can no longer find that stamp set. The flowers look fabulous in black and white too. I finally got my twofers done and now think they aren't all that different so I have to remake one of them.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards, Darnell. I really like the wildflowers. Oh those earthquakes. So scary, no matter the magnitude. Happy there was no damage. You described things pretty darn perfectly! I hope this is the last you'll feel for a good long while! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had no damage from the earthquake. I love these cards with the beautiful wildflowers. Enjoy your day! Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteOh no! Glad to hear all is well and no damage! We believe in you, Darnell! I survived one when we lived in Vegas for 3 years, it was in SoCal, but we felt it all the way at our house - no damage but I sure woke up Hubbs in the wee hours because "someone ran into our house"! lol
ReplyDeleteAs for the cards, they are simply marvelous and the simple silhouette stamps are perfect!
Fun cards and I like the stamp set but don't have it, nor know the name.
ReplyDeleteI heard after the swarm of quakes we had to get under a heavy table or desk and that is what I was taught in school. Somewhere along the way we were told to get under a door frame. The table makes more sense than a door frame, in my opinion.
We did not feel it here in San Diego but around the time of the first one our dog Ginger did some weird/unusual barking. Have a good one - BBB
Two beautiful cards Darnell, I love the way you inked the colours individually. It gives me a stiff neck (peeking under the ink pad) thinking about it :) Your second card is so classy.
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell, Thank goodness you had the sense to freeze and not dive under your glass desk. Next time do a Hammy:)
ReplyDeleteYour cards are fab. I particularly the colourful one.
Hope you are having a nice day. Sue
That's one of nature's surprises that I've not experienced, Darnell ... though I can understand the brain freeze ... just a smidge scary! Glad you're safe and there was no damage ... hope there are no follow up ones. Your cards are delightful ... such charming garden flowers ... both on the dainty and delicately spritz-coloured birthday design ... and on that striking, bold and oh so stylish monochrome encouragement card! LYAMYBLMA! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are safe...And the smart Hammy too x....So glad to hear that you would be OK with the after shock....Not so much with the big one!!!
ReplyDeleteGlorious cards, both of them with very different designs and both very striking x
Beautiful cards and that is such a pretty array of flowers used for them. I am so glad you are okay. I remember when I was in an earthquake I was out in the garden picking green beans. It was a particularly dry year and there were cracks all over in the ground. I realized I was standing with my legs on each side of a crack and I immediately stepped over to one side only. I did not want the ground to split open as I knew my legs could not handle a big gap. Funny now as I think of it as most likely would not made a difference. I told my husband about it when I got back to the yard and said you might think I am crazy but I swear we were in an earthquake. He grinned at me and said I was right as he had experienced them when he was in the Philippines while stationed there. But here in South Dakota we never had any hardly. My niece was staying with us that summer and she was in the house taking care of my baby while I was in the garden and she said all the dishes rattled but none fell out of the cupboards. She was scared too!
ReplyDeleteHi, Darnell! Just got home late last night and I'm parsing out the ketchup this morning... er, I mean, the "catch up". I have a long way to go... a little quiet 'puter time first. Sheesh, I was pretty out of touch. Didn't know you had an earthquake yesterday! I'm glad there was no damage. That's the second one in CA recently? Wow, these cards are amazing! LOVE the flower stamp! You have some really great stuff in your playhouse. It looks fabulous either way and so very different! Those names -- how funny! I'll have to think about that. Rich and I have talked about people being named for where they were conceived -- Tercell, Corolla, Forrester, Rogue... you could go on and on.
ReplyDeleteGlad to know your “quick” response will keep you safe when the big one happens. *lol*😂 I was actually wondering if you were affected... great to know you’re safe. Beautiful twofers. Love the monochromatic one. xx
ReplyDeleteNot sure how I'd react! Glad you got away from the desk! Gorgeous cards!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea there was an earthquake there yesterday, Dolly! (Or should I call you Coco?) That's pretty scary in light of the others recently. I'm glad the playhouse is sturdy and there was no damage.
ReplyDeleteYour first garden is so pretty with all the bright colors and I love the elegance of the black and white embossing. That is amazing!
Well I think Coco suits you just fine! I didn't realise there had been another quake - I checked your blog when the one hit 5/6th and assumed as you didn't mention it you were ok. I'm sure it must have been a weird sensation, good you acted as you did and you are safe.
ReplyDeleteJust love these cards, so pretty and that bold embossing in the background is a great touch.
these two cards are beautiful Darnell
ReplyDeletegr karin
Yikes Auntie!!! Did you feel the big southern one the other week?? After Southern CA had their second big one, they said on the news, the aftershocks can be bigger than the first quake, the first one leads up to a bigger one sometimes. So scary!!! We have them rarely, but do have them occasionally. Ours are small and most of the time can't be felt. I've only felt one and that was back in the 80's. Was in the basement getting laundry to hang out in MD. Haven't felt the ones we've had in PA thankfully. Glad you are alright and that the Playhouse was ok as well!! Love your twofers Auntie It's so pretty in color and I love the black and white one. I'm thinking because I want to try and join in this time. I think I might have an idea, so will see how it turns out. Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDeleteLove your cards, so different I could hardly say they were the same stamps, love them.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have many quakes in the UK, but last year we had a local one that was 7.5 but 3 miles underground. We just thought a heavy vehicle had somehow driven into the house. Then went for a drive around to see what it was? Yes we're crazy!
I was glad to hear you were all OK especially your little house.
Faith x
Hope the shaking has stopped, I know you've had at least one aftershock since. Your garden cards are FABULOUS, I love the bright blue background with the white panels. And that black and cream...is so eyecatching.
ReplyDeleteWell Coco, you've done well, again, picking that truly lovely stamp set for the Twofer. The marker coloring is really pretty but my eye (I think it was my left one) went directly to that black and white beauty. G-g-g-gorgeousness!
ReplyDeleteGlad you didn't suffer any damage with yesterday's rumbler. I didn't even feel it here.
What would I rather call you going forward - Dolly or Coco? I like them both! Just having you say you'd pick Chocolate if you could have an unusual name gave me an instant craving and I had to go and get a chocolate biscuit to go with my cup of tea.... I think I'd pick one of the more extravagant-sounding flower names if I got to pick - maybe Delphinium as that is one of my favourite flowers.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of flowers, I love your two cards. The dotty one is so much fun and the black and white one, so elegant and sophisticated. Might have to dig out some stamps today and make a twofer since the theme is perfect for me.
So glad there was no damage from the earthquake - it sounds like it was scary. Glad Hammy knew what to do, even if you weren't quite sure at first!
I remember the day we had one in our area on the East coast. (Not sure how strong it was...) It seems like every felt it but me. I was outside hanging up wash...Never felt it... Both those who said they felt it were inside their house.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are Lovely! I always forget how stunning Black and White cards are...Must try and do some Black and White again...
Stay safe!
Oh my gosh, it's always so much fun to visit your blog, Coco!!! I'm so glad you and Hammie weren't hurt during the quake and aftershocks!
ReplyDeleteI love both of your garden cards...your marker coloring is so bright and summery and I really love the contrast of the black silhouette of blooms on the cream background...so pretty! As always, you've done an amazing job inspiring us to play along :) Barb xx
Oh my, well done for having not put yourself under the glass desk during the earthquake!!! :O Luckily was only one shake!!!
ReplyDeleteTwo fabulous cards and LOVE the black&white CAS, wow!! The perfection with the beautiful wildflowers and the split sentiment!!!
BeUtuful cards, I've just been playing with that stamp too. How scary with the earthquake, my sister lives in California and I do worry eveytime I hear about another quake!
ReplyDeleteLove that stamp and the ways that you have used it, pretty colours on one card and a stunning black and white creations on teh second card.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the earthquake but think carefully, are you sure it wasn't a hangover?
Kath x
Oh my, I'm not sure how I'd react.. living in Blighty we're pretty safe from natural disasters and I can only imagine how terrifying those can be so it's good your safe and sound. I love how different your two cards are, the colourful one has a sense of fun but I must admit I'm a sucker for a black and white combo... Oh thanks for stopping by again, toodle pip for now :) x
ReplyDeleteGlad all well with the shakes!
ReplyDeleteTwo beautiful cards. Love that stamp set - its gorgeous both black/white and coloured!
Oh, I have that stamp and haven’t used it in a long time. Your cards are lovely! Glad you were fine in the earthquake! I ‘m not sure how I would have reacted!
ReplyDeleteOMG - poor dear to feel an earthquake!!! Glad you're safe. Don't get many of those in MN but there have been some. I remember one, though, when I was going to college in Costa Rica. The windows started rattling in the middle of the night and I thought it was a burglar - LOL. Darling garden cards, Darnell - especially love the flowers in circle!!
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, that must have been a fright. Glad all is well and hopefully there won't be a re-occurrence (the quake or your reaction!!). Two fabulous cards!
ReplyDeleteYour cards are both beautiful. That stamp is a real stunner! I was in a 5 point something earthquake once in Alaska. I didn't realize what was happening at first, so I just laid there (in bed, as it was early in the morning) trying to figure out who put a quarter in the vibrator mechanism. When I finally realized it was an earthquake, I thought maybe I'd best get dressed and move to a safer place. No aftershocks, so my story simply fizzles out. I appreciate having had the experience, though, especially since there was no real damage.
ReplyDeleteOMG...so pleased you are alright and there wasn't any aftershocks and that you didn't head for that glass table Hammy did get it right l had to laugh out loud regarding Hammy so glad that you are okay and that there won't be anymore in the near future...both your cards are adorable and that stamp is so lovely great colours used with the mixed coloured card and l love the you are amazing card equally as lovely hope you enjoy your day xx
ReplyDeleteOh my... What a thing to happen! I don't know what I'd do, so long since the earth moved for me Lol! Sorry I shouldn't be flippant! Glad you are all okay. Two beautiful cards Darnell I love them!Great design on the first one and the second is so very striking!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe people actually call their offspring those names WHAT!! I've always loved your name though but I can go with Coco...I may be Ros(alind) but my family have always called me Lindy and that's what I am most comfortable with... Be safe!
Oh yes, I know exactly what you mean about the earthquakes. I live in the Sierras, not far from the center of the earthquake. We have been having aftershocks almost daily.
ReplyDeleteMy craft studio was our library before, I started to craft in there. With over 2,500 book stacked 3 deep to the roof, it's not really super safe. Yet, that is where I go when I'm stressed out. Crafting (stamping, and mixed media), is my happy stress - free place. So, that is where I was when all the quakes happen.
Maybe, I should craft myself a helmet!
stay safe,
Mischelle
oh, tell me...the brain never ceases to amaze me at how annoying it can be! I am glad you are ok and brain back in gear! A wonderful way to show this set in 2 different ways. This challenge I find so hard but you and the DT are so good at this-a total inspiration-so thank you x
ReplyDeletebeautiful cards!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness Darnell, that encounter would have made me so scared and you have came through it all. Love your pretyy cards so nice and bright too. Hugs from Scotland Rita xxx
ReplyDeleteHow scary Darnell but pleased you are ok...two beautiful floral cards
ReplyDeleteAnne
Absolutely bucketing it down here at present. Though the garden does need the good watering.
ReplyDeleteThe Doc has taken my little sports car off for its MOT and the canvas roof is gonna get so wet coming home. He wouldn’t do such a thing as leave it closed down in its compartment and drive home in the open would he!! Heck. Off to find me the rolling pin just in case. Well as I can’t get out in the garden best see what stamps or dies I have for making a couple of cards. Hugs Mrs A.
Woeps, that isn't the finest thing to feel....Glad you're oke!
ReplyDeleteAnd you made two so super different cards; good to see how different you can work with the same stamp!
Keep it cool and unshaken! Hugs, Gerrina
Beautiful cards .... both so striking, but I love the black and white version.
ReplyDeleteOMG! So glad to hear you're OK after the earthquake, it must have been scary whilst it was happening. Follow Hammy next time hun! xx
So glad that earthquake wasn't any worse, how scary it must have been. I love these 2 cards, the black and white one is stunning but I all really like the colours on the other one so I can't choose between them xx
ReplyDeleteLove the coloured and the black and white option using this pretty CI stamp Darnell, and the large spotted EF goes beautifully with the gorgeous watercoloured look, and then the black heat embossed version is finished perfectly with the die cut sentiments and the black gems. Glad that earthquake was not strong enough to cause any damage, but still a bit scary! x
ReplyDeleteTwo fabulous cards, my friend! Love the silhouette image with the classic black and white. So striking! Your colourful garden is so bright and pretty. Great design with the large circle dry embossed background. Your two white panels really pop. Glad you are save and didn't dive under your glass table, Dolly!! Not that any of us would be diving, right??!! Love, Lolly
ReplyDeleteWhat a great pair of cards - the colourful one has an embroidery look that I love.
ReplyDeleteHoly cow Darnell, I'm glad you're okay! Your cards are gorgeous. Be safe!
ReplyDeleteWhat a scary experience and I'm so glad all is okay and no damage done to you or Hammy. If that had been me I'd probably have dived under the desk containg the chocolates!
ReplyDeleteLOVE both of your cards and I'm finding impossible to pick a favourite... one minute it's the b+w, then it's the colour, then back to the b+w and so on! and that really is a beautiful stamp xx
Love that big floral image & both ways you used it, Darnell! I've actually got my garden cards done, so just have to write the post. Haven't felt an earthquake in quite awhile, so won't make any judgement on your reaction--haha!
ReplyDeleteMy gosh, how scary Darnell! I'd totally do what you just did, ha!
ReplyDeleteOk, I'm halfway there with my creation and hope to get mine done in time. ;) Love your colorful garden card and striking companion~