Hello Stamplings!
I didn't think it was possible to eat that much chocolate in twelve days, but I guess everyone in fire-ravaged California shares the same stress-reliever and now you can't even find it in the stores! Just kidding, but I'll bet there has been a run on sales!
I pray for those who have lost everything in the fires, and I pray that those in the path of Hurricane Laura are safe. Mother Nature is not happy and she doesn't care that we are all stressed by Covid, inequality, politics, and home-schooling. 🙏 Thank goodness for🍹and, of course, 🖌🎨!
Speaking of art, I was happy to join with friends a coupla weeks ago for a fun crafty session via Zoom. We wanted to play with the print making technique shown by the talented colorist Kathy Racoosin in her video here. Today we are all posting our cards. Further down there is a linky list of the other ladies' blogs, where you can find and enjoy their beautiful designs!
Onefer
I chose to use Penny Black's "red and greens" holly die for my card. I colored and spritzed it using my Karin markers just like Kathy did. You basically use watercolor paper and "stamp" your colored and spritzed die onto the paper, thereby turning your die into a stamp! I mean, how cool and stretchy is THAT?!
I know I use the peace die from Winnie & Walter a lot, but the loopy font was just perfect for my print design. Glitter and schparkle seem to be where its at lately, so I attached the watercolored and pink mat panels onto a panel of glitter paper. Here is a close-up of Hammy's winking of the holly to tie the two glittery elements together:
Challenges
- August Rudolph Days: Anything Christmas goes.
- 52 Christmas Card Throwdown: August technique: make shadows (sediment).
- The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge: Anything goes.
Twofer
This design is for a fall birthday. I used Concord & 9th's "Floral & Flutter" die for my "stamp" for this one, but the technique was the same. The stitched scalloped frame is NBUS from Pink & Main. The sediment is from Cottage Cutz. I used the same colors of markers to color the sediment to match the flower. I think you can see without your binoculars that Hammy did his thing. You don't even want to know how over-budget I am on liquid glitter now that you've all joined me in telling Hammy what a good job he does with the winking!
Challenges
- Krafty Chicks: All occasions.
- Simon Says Stamp Monday: Beautiful botanicals.
- Simon Says Stamp Wednesday: Anything goes.
~~~
If you'd like more inspiration from my friends using this fun technique. click over and enjoy!
Fire Update
While the fires to the north, east, and south of the San Francisco Bay Area are still less than fifty percent contained, the marine layer has come in which has helped the firefighters immensely. The temperatures are supposed to go up again starting today, but hopefully steady progress will continue to be made. Thank you for all your good wishes and prayers!
There is a wonderful account on Instagram called @activenorcal. It has many amazing photos of the Bay Area, fire related and non-fire related. This photo gives you an idea of why hundreds of fires were started by dry lightning storms in the state on August 23rd.
Isn't that power incredible?!
Take care and please be safe out there wherever you are! 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!)
The fires still sound so scary, I can only hope that they subside soon. I hope the smoke is not still being a big issue and that you have managed to get outside a bit more (not just for Nellie!).
ReplyDeleteYour first card is gorgeous, I love the soft colours and the wonderful watercolour look. How lovely to have a Zoom with your crafty friends. It is amazing how techy we have all become in lockdown (well me anyway!).
Your second card is so pretty too, I love the colours and the design.
Wow, that picture of the lightening is incredible. We have had some really bad storms and one strike of lightening made a local house catch fire and burn down, but thankfully nothing as bad as that. Take care and keep safe and well my friend. Big hugs, Annie xxx
First, I'm so happy to hear that you and Mister are doing OK during the fires. I pray for those that have lost so much and the firefighters that have to endure such extreme conditions. The ligtening strikes are so amazing and scary at the same time.
ReplyDeleteOn to your cards Dolly, they are both so beautiful. I LOVE the die-cut, sparkly holly and the beautiful prints you made with it. The background is so beautiful and artsy! And your flower is gorgeous done in the autumn colours.
Again, the sparkle adds so much. Good work Hammy! This is a great technique that is easy to do and fun too! So happy we had a chance to all meet up on Zoom and play together. Looking forward to doing that again soon! Love, Lolly
Glad you are keeping safe, those fires look scary indeed. We had some thunderstorms without the rain a couple of weeks back, luckily no fires resulted around here but the moors may have been hit. We have had some really weird weather here, today the temps plummeted and more rain lashed down, the grass is thriving but so are the weeds and the soil is too wet to hoe at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI love the effect of the holly die cut, so soft and ethereal. As I was saying on Loll's page what a great idea to get together for something fun online rather than its more prosaic uses! :)
Isn't printmaking coloring fun?! Just love both of yours, Darnell!! And how to fun to craft together on Zoom - I use Zoom for chorus but don't really think about it for other gatherings... Awesome photo of the lightning too - crazy what that force of nature can do! Stay safe, my friend!!
ReplyDeleteTwo really super creations, great colours and a super use of the method, The fires look dreadful and so does the storm but so does 'storm Trump'.
ReplyDeleteStay safe.
Kath x
Interesting technique. I'll have to give it a whirl.
ReplyDeleteOh those fires are just horrid and so was that hurricane. It'll take an eternity to recover from all of this mess. We still have over 2 months to worry about the hurricanes. Living on the coast can be scary at times. I pray for all of these people. What a picture of the lightning. Incredible and you can see how it starts the whole destruction process. I really do feel for those that are in the paths of all this destruction.
[Bunny]`
Wonderful cards Darnell, looks like such a great technique. What an amazing pic of the lightning! Unbelievable! Take care and stay safe, Cathy x
ReplyDeleteOur country is in a mess from all angles right now. I'm happy you and your family are all safe and pray it stays that way. Your cards are beautiful, what a fun technique! Hope you have a great weekend XO
ReplyDeleteHow fun that you had a crafty Zoom gathering - and it resulted in some beautiful cards! Using die-cuts as "stamps" is an interesting idea. I like the results you achieved and it makes me wonder if I could get such results with my water color markers. The next time I feel like getting messy, I'll have to give this technique a try.
ReplyDeleteStay safe from those fires. I pray for them to end and life to return to normal (whatever that is these days!) for all Californians. You have such a beautiful and important state--I look forward to my next visit when travel is easier and the pandemic is not an issue.
Darnell isn't nature incredible sometimes both for good and bad. What a spectacular scene :)
ReplyDeletebeautiful images from you print making. Love those soft images :)
Looks like you had a fun time Darnell making stencil prints and Zooming with friends... reminds me that I used to Skype with my friend Vikki every Saturday when I lived in another state... great cards too must try this. Awful hearing the news reporting the strife over there in the USA, we certainly feel for everyone's safety at this time - take care my friend, keep safe and hugs Robyn
ReplyDeleteTwo beautiful artsy cards using the awesome die cut prints technique, Dolly. I love the backgrounds using the technique for both your cards. You even got a Christmas card for your stash..good for you.
ReplyDeleteTFS the update on the fires and getting some cooling relief. Hopefully the hot days that are returning do not last too long. Take care and keep creating, my friend..Love and Hugs..Nancy
Mother Nature sure does have her knickers in a twist. Hope you stay safe from the fires.
ReplyDeleteThat lifghting strike really does show how powerful she can be.
Love the cards.
Hugs
Sue
I love the elegance and softness of your beautiful card! Wonderful combination of colors and design! Thank you so much for sharing and joining in with our current challenge at Christmas Card Throwdown.
ReplyDeleteAnd what a spectacular scene you shared with us, nature is truly magical. isn't it?!
Have a wonderful day, Majda
Two lovelies, Darnell ... the softness of the background 'printing' is wonderful ... and of course, Hammy's winking is just splendid on each one (even though he has blasted the budget!). The photo is awesome ... one wouldn't think there could even be lightning like that ... the power is phenomenal. So happy to know you and yours are safe ... and pray that peace, calm and love will prevail in our world. LYAMYAYFMA ... LTCLN! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)
ReplyDeleteBTW, this post didn't show up in my Feedly list ... it said it was there but it wasn't. I came here direct (cause I knew it was here!) ... maybe it's the new blogger system ... might have done the same in Bloglovin or other feeds? A:)xoxo
Ah Darnell, don't worry about the glitter budget - Hammy is better off glittering everything he can lay his paws to than getting into other mischief and filling your house with wee Hammy clones - now that would really blow the budget!
ReplyDeleteLoving your cards - the printed background is almost ethereal, and fits the die cut focal point(s) so perfectly.
That was one incredible lightening strike!!
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine
Two stunning cards Darnell, I love the technique that you've tried on the top card, I must go and check out your link. What an amazing photo of the lightning and the fires, nature can be so cruel sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining in with the Rudolph Days challenge this month.
Sue xx
Hi Darnell,
ReplyDeleteHappy Rudolf Days.
Your cards as usual are so lovely and that technique sounds wonderful.
It makes such gorgeous backgrounds and your designs are brilliantly created.
Love the wonderful colour choices as well.
So sorry that people are suffering yet again with all this weather problems.
As you say Mother Nature is sure Angry at times.
Here's hoping everyone stays safe and healthy in these trying times.
Lots of crafty love and hugs from my house to yours.Jenny L.
Hi Darnell, your card is so beautiful, lots of lovely sparkle and a fabulous background.
ReplyDeleteHope you are well, have a lovely weekend, Kate x
Mother nature was so happy when we had lock down... everything bloomed and the sun stayed around... But nothing changes for long...I'm glad that you and yours are at least safe and my heart goes out to all those suffering from the hurricanes.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are fabulous!! What a clever way to stretch those dies! Looks like yours worked a treat! Stay well and safe and if you ever need more chocolate I can send some.
This looks like a fun technique, and your cards came out great! Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteGreat that modren technology ables us to join together and make beautiful cards!
ReplyDeleteThose fires are creepy...stay safe! Hugs, Gerrina
Beautiful cards. I am definitely checking out that technique. So glad to hear you are not affected by the fires. If only they could ship some of that water from Hurricane Laura up to California.
ReplyDeleteIt was so much fun seeing you and crafting with you, Dolly! I love how your holly and berries printed on the background and the glittery die cut and panel! The flower on the second card is so pretty! Love those colors! A fabulous Fall birthday card! I'm glad the fire has slowed down and pray it will be out soon and not growing again! What an awesome photo of that firestorm! Awesome and terrifying! Can't wait to get together again!
ReplyDeleteI can see that I'm definitely going to have to give this technique another try after failing at my first attempts! Your cards are both just lovely Darnell...I especially love the Holly card (must be all that sparkle!!). I thought we had quite a lightening show here last night, but it looks like nothing now compared to your photo! Beautiful but so frightening at the same time! Sure hope things are getting better and that the air is getting easier to breathe! Take care and stay safe my friend!! Hugs. :0)
ReplyDeleteI m definitely going to have to give that technique a try, maybe once the mojo returns. Your cards are lovely...hence my wanting to give the technique a try. Glad you got to zoom with your friends it such fun. Stay safe. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteUsing that "peace" sentiment is so perfect right now. I like how you made a shadow for it and of course, Hammy did his job well. The holly is so pretty and the print making came out wonderful. The pink scallops framed those images beautifully. Even though you have invested a lot in liquid glitter, just think how important that is for Hammy. It makes him feel so needed and makes him happy to help so it's so worth it.
ReplyDeleteThese are such pretty cards with lovely backgrounds Darnell. I'm going to have to go see the video. As for the fire and the horrendous, but beautiful lightening, WOW! such an horrific time for people involved, aren't those firefighters brave people?
ReplyDeleteFaith x
This are beautiful cards Darnell and love the background echo of the pretty holly leaves and berries on the first and beautifully 'winked', and then the pretty sparkly flower and sentiment with another pretty transferred pattern, and love that scalloped frame too. The photo of that enormous lightening storm and hillside on fire is unbelievable and no wonder lots of fires were set by this event. I do hope that the situation will ease soon. x
ReplyDeleteHow fun you got to play with friends! Your cards are beautiful. That picture is amazing. Stay safe and stay well, Darnell!
ReplyDeleteI do believe Kathy R. would be proud that you and your cronies zoomed together to use this technique. And look, great cards to share with your pals. Dry lightning is so dangerous in this part of the country but it does put on a spectacular display.
ReplyDeleteLove how you did this! Gorgeous cards! We had thunder and lightning with storms last night but nothing like this. So scary. Stay safe and i hope there is enough chocolate and other goodies to see us through all of this!
ReplyDeleteTwo stunners Darnell and a fun and fabulous technique x. What fun you must have had crafting with friends? x.
ReplyDeleteYou stay safe your end too Darnell and what power Mother Nature has x. Sending love and hugs x
Beautiful cards from what looks like a fun technique. Our poor state! My niece was evacuated but is safely back home. My brother in Sacramento has a layer of ash all around. You must be getting quite a layer of that as well. Stay safe. Sending all good vibes.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are gorgeous and beautiful. Please continue to stay safe.
ReplyDeleteWhat stunning cards! I have made a note to try that fabulous shadow technique.
ReplyDeleteI'm so, so sorry you're having to deal with these fires as well as everything else Darnell. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Vicky x
I don't know why this post didn't show up in my Feedly, but I'm happy to be seeing it now. How beautiful your Christmas card is with the delicate holly and the amazingly gorgeous technique that I bookmarked way back but keep forgetting to try. Your autumn bday card turned out equally beautiful in its warm fallish way that I love so much. That lightning photo!!!!! I need to look up more pics on IG. Truly otherworldly, and don't we wish it was on another world so we wouldn't have all the destruction and heartache it has wrought.
ReplyDeleteI love that you ladies were able to Zoom and have a little crafty sessions together! In these troubling times, it is nice to be able to do that and lift each others spirits. Especially for those who live alone. Love, love, love this technique from Kathy R. I haven't yet tried it, cause you know I am always late on the trends. But I hope to sometime. Your peace card came out amazingly beautiful! You got such lovely prints from your holly leaves and berries. I love when you use that peace die, it is so gorgeous and needs to be used! I really love the colors of this one! Your twofer turned out equally amazing! It give that warm and fuzzy feeling-like a hug in a card! Love Hammy's winking, he is really good at it. I would say that you ladies had a productive Zoom crafty session! Thank you for the fire update Auntie. It is so sad to know so many have lost everything, but I am thankful that they have their lives. I am also thankful that they are making some headway with the fires and have some extra help. Prayers continue to go up for everyone and for the people who were in the path of the hurricane. That photo is amazing of the lightening and the fires. Yes, very powerful! Lightning is so beautiful but can be so destructive. How can a picture be so beautiful, but so sad too?! Stay safe Auntie and know that prayers are going up! Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDeleteNature is being so inclement at the moment, so many hardships for so many people. I do hope the fires get completely extinguished soon.
ReplyDeleteI was intrigued by this very effective technique, the results are beautiful, Darnell!
So glad to hear that you're keeping safe ..... those fires look so scary. I hope and pray that things get under control soon.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun way to have a crafty get together, and your cards look fabulous. I love the holly design ....... reminds me that I must make a start on my Christmas cards soon!!
Take care hun xx
Lovely crafty share Darnell, well done, love the background so off to check out Kathys work later on, heard Jennifer M mention it too. 😁
ReplyDeleteWow those storms are amazing, been praying earnestly fir those fires and Laura they’re both bad and also for the protests taking more lives that is sooo sad. Do pray for all such suffering everywhere... may we seek the LORD in it all... in Him is hope and help and comfort and strength.
Thanks for being a blessing, love your card very much it makes me smile daily..
... and may God bless you too, especially in these unusual times, a blessing to rest simply in Him! Praying you’re all kept well too!
Hugs, Shaz in Oz.x 😊
{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}
Hammy did such a great job of helping with the glitter I think he deserves a special treat. What a helper you have. Both of your cards are very pretty - have not tried or even heard of this (so far).
ReplyDeleteSo many htings going on in our country now, fires, hurricanes, epidemics, riots, really scary. Stay safe.
Such beautiful cards Darnell! And yes, Mother Nature is quite angry at us right now. There isn't enough chocolate in this world to stress eat away what's going on in our world but we can try, yes?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great technique - never heard of that before. It looks very effective.
ReplyDeleteI hope everything settles down soon - globally and locally - keep safe. xx
Thank you for the link for this great technique. Your cards are fantastic.You have chosen super nice motifs. I like the effect created with this kind of print. It looks really artistic.
ReplyDeleteAlso the idea to make the same thing with pals per video call is great! <3
Threre are so many bad things happening in the world. To much!
Let us stay in our blogger-craf-bubble. :-)
Stay safe! Hugs, Sonja
Stunning cards, Darnell. Stay safe! xoxo
ReplyDeleteOooo what a pair of stunners and such a lovely idea to do a crafty session via Zoom, learning a new skill too and with my dt hat on thanks for joining us at Augusts Rudolph Days Challenge, Luv Sam x
ReplyDeleteStay safe hun, my friends in Australia, know exactly what you are going through, as they were effected at the beginning of the year x
I really like the backgrounds you have created with this technique, I am going to have to give it a go. You have made two really lovely cards. Thanks for the update on your situation, hope you all stay safe and things start sorting themselves out soon xx
ReplyDeleteOh, the colors are so captivating, Darnell! I love the delicate background print and these beautiful holly branches. A wonderful card and a wonderful technique.
ReplyDeleteThe last photo is scary, I hope you are safe in your homes.
hugs,
BożenA
Hope you stay safe from these terrible fires. Mother nature can be cruel!
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas card is fabulous! Love this technique! The background is so soft and pretty looking, and then when you see the beautiful coloured die cut itself and the fab sentiment, it is beautiful! Love the glimmer look of it too!
Thanks for taking part in the August Rudolph Days Challenge.
Glad to hear you are safe and healthy.
ReplyDeleteAdorable cards, so sweet!
Stunning! Love that you "stamped" with the colored pieces, something I didn't do! Your cards are lovely and perfect.
ReplyDeleteAs for that lightning? Yikes! Prayers abound because the weather is winning thus far...
I am so glad you are ok! The fires are such a worry, I hope the smoke is still not being a bother for you. The lightening looks scary but amazing too. I am loving your cards, they are sooooo pretty and a cool technique too. How fun to have zoom crafted with your friends. Take care and stay safe my friend. Hugs xxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore that Christmas card, Darnell. I pinned it for reference when I get to my winter craft room and my Christmas stamps. It looks like such a great new technique and I can't wait to try it.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you are safe from the fires and I hope the smoke is't keeping you in even more than Covid does.
Beautfiully done cards using that technique! It's definitely going on my LONG to do list.
ReplyDeleteI'm almost afraid to turn on the news anymore. So much going on in this world that just makes me so sad...
Praying for your health and safely
Blessings,
Jill
Such great printmaking and I'm so glad you able to still meet up with crafty friends via Zoom. The lightening picture is amazing and reminds me how nature is terrible awesome in the true sense of the word.
ReplyDeleteHope you are safe and well.
Hugs
Carol x
Gorgeous and artsy cards! I bet you had a fun zoom play session! That photo of the lightening is incredible and scary! Thinking of everyone affected!
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible lightening picture! So sad what's happened all up & down the West Coast. We've seen videos now & know that most of the town we've been to more times than I can count is mostly gone, along with several other little towns. We aren't going to recognize so much of our beautiful state. Hard to comprehend & they say the big fires will be here until we get heavy rains. Right now, we'd just like a shower, but not sure we'll get it. Your print making is fantastic, Darnell! I loved what Kathy created, but mine didn't turn out that great. Maybe I will try again seeing yours. The Christmas card is my favorite!
ReplyDelete