Hello Stamplings!
What's happening? How is everyone? Things seem to be so quiet in Blogland. Or at least in my neighborhood. Is it a late Feb Funk? Did I just invent that or is it another outtake of Covid? Besides the pandemic droning on, I'm guessing it's because this time of year we are up to here with winter in the northern hemi and hankering for spring when there are longer days of light.
Not to mention the Blogger issues. What the Feb Funk is going on? Some of my friends' blogs aren't loading at all, some aren't publishing comments, some are no longer translating to English, some followers are dropping like flies, and some photos and copy/pastes are no longer loading in posts. 😞😟ðŸ˜
But hey ho, let's keep our chins up, better days are coming, and all that. To lift your spirits, I brought you some flowers from the garden along with wishes for a lovely day!
This very QACAS card makes me happy and I hope it does the same for you. I used a NBUS stamp set called Printed Rose from Fun Stampers Journey. I inked the first rose in the background with a peach CP ink, made a mask, and then inked the second rose in front with several inkings. The leaves are from the same set and the sediment is from GKW. As you can see, Hammy went to town with his winker!
Challenges
- Color Hues: Peach and green.
- Less is More: One layer card - flowers.
- The Flower Challenge: Use your latest stamps or dies. I only bought this set last month which has to be a record for time spent on NBUS Mountain!
- TIME OUT: Congratulations on your 7th year! Happy Birthday and thank you!
Twofer
At a Zoom craft session with friends, Loll led us through a technique where you bleed your stenciled images with sponges. Here is link to a video describing the technique: Kristina Werner. I used a Tim Holtz poinsettia stencil and makeup brushes to ink up the stencil with DI.
After wards we were to use our brushes or sponges to bleed the ink around the images and make them intentionally messy. I mean, arty. I didn't think I would like this technique because the images were so clear and pretty after inking through the stencil, so I let Hammy do the messy bit. And it turns out that I do like it! It's different and cool and that was something I always wanted to be in high school. Wait. What? Okay, well, cool then.
I used an MFT stitched tag die to cut down the stenciled panel, added a ribbon, and popped it up over a pretty coral e/f floral background. The peace die is from PTI's Wonderful Words Christmas, cut from a snippet of gold mirror.
Challenges
- 52 Christmas Card Throwdown: Tags on cards.
- Rudolph Days: Anything Christmas goes.
- UnstampaBelles: Anything goes.
- Watercooler Wednesday: Marsha's All About Occasions.
~~~
Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy, and keep safe! 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!
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!)
85 comments:
Lovely cards Darnell, especially the pretty floral card.
Kath x
Two lovely cards Darnell....love soft colours of your floral card...pleased to see you’ve made a start on your Christmas cards love the stencilled tag... yes blog land is quiet but I think it’s just been getting quieter over the last year...still we both here !
Anne
Two super cards - particularly like the one with the beautiful roses.
Hi Darnell, I love the cards, especially the one with the tag.
We are still in our third lockdown, but we can see the start of changes coming soon, which ultimately will lead to some kind of 'normal' again.
Got my first vaccination tomorrow. Second one will be within 12 weeks. By then we may know if we will need a booster for the variants.
You take care.
Hugs
Sue
I love the beautiful roses. Your coloring is gorgeous. The "messy" one is pretty, too, but it would take some getting used to for it to become a favorite technique. LOL! Enjoy your day!
Two lovely cards Dolly!
The gorgeous roses are soft and pretty and I love the vibrant colours of the tag.
Hugs from here. x
That's such a pretty spray of roses, the stamp is so effective and its great to see you at the Color Hues gallery too.
Your second card uses an intriguing technique which I shall have to investigate further.
Keep sane and safe out there! :)
Hello! Well, since the 'new' blogger came to town things have never been the same... Everything takes much longer and for no reason it changes things either when I comment or post... Another thing we learn to live with I guess. Anyways, your cards are terrific! I just adore your roses and the tag is so misty pretty... You know what I mean. I'll drop you an email soon, hoping that all is well with you
Lovely card and tag. I would have been worried about artsying up the tag, too. But, it did turn out great.
I wondered where all my comments were on my g-mail. I should have known it was blogger again. [Bunny]
lots going on my end as you know so no mojo but heh-good news TO is 7, so something to make us Happy-can you believe I have been running it that long-must be crazy! I love that first card-gorgeous arty feel and lovely colours-we need to see some more flowers around. Hope you are keeping well my dear friend and yes blogger is a pain!
Loving both of these coral beauties, and the beautiful flowers on each one! I wasn't aware of all the blogger issues, but I've lost some followers lately too. Modern technology boggles my mind to begin with, and perhaps folks are just too frustrated with blogger and have moved on. I will keep blogging until it no longer works and then figure out what to do next! For now, fingers crossed! Have a great day!
Beautiful roses, Darnell. That's a wonderful color combo! Your poinsettias look fabulous as well. I have no idea what is going on with blogs. I hope it all gets sorted out soon. Or could it be a sign of things to come with the platform? I'm still getting blogs showing up in my reader, though. Thank you so much for sharing all that you share. You are a delight. :) Crafty hugs!
Thank you Darnell for the lovely stencil idea. I too, like a clean stencil look. But, I liked the look you presented. So, I popped over to YouTube to watch the tutorial. Easy peasy to follow. I'm planning on trying out this idea the next time I have my stencils out. (It won't be long, cause I enjoy working with stencils)
Also, kudos for sharing about Turner's. I have never heard of this, until now. I'm the mom of 4 grown daughters and the grandmother of 6 granddaughters, plus a great - granddaughter. I appreciate the information.
I too, live in the desert, and have the February Funk. I can't wait until Death Valley is alive with spring blooms!
Stay safe and healthy! Keep creating, and I'll keep following!
D, I think these roses are meant for something really special: I now pronounce you Queen of Roses! SOOO gorgeous!
I'm on the ledge with the bleeding stenciling - I keep thinking my eyes aren't focusing! your embossing is totally gorg.
xo
Fabulous creations Darnell and visiting your blog ALWAYS lifts my spirits! Keep up the good work ... you are a beam of sunshine with your quarkie stories, etc. BIG HUGS!
Sounds like we're not the only ones Blogger is picking on. I'm glad it's let you post these gorgeous peach and coral roses. What an awesome stamp! I wasn't sure about the bleeding stencils either but it works. Love the different colors of your poinsettias! Such bright, unexpected and fun colors for a Christmas card!
Very pretty bouquets. The roses are beautiful colors and Hammy did a great job winking them. Your poinsettias are so pretty. I watched the video and will definitely be trying this technique. I am with you on the blog troubles--it seems the problems only started after Google came out with the "new and improved" version Ha!
Two beautiful cards Darnell! Your peach/coral colored flowers are just lovely and YAY to you for so quickly using a brand new stamp!! I can see why it didn't stay on Mount NBUS long...just too pretty not to use!! Your Christmas card is SO pretty too and I really like the messy artsy look! Just finished watching Kristina's video (thanks for the link!) and think I'm going to need to try this technique out! I'm bummed to hear about all the issues people are having with blogger...I haven't had any issues (knock on wood!!!!!) and hope I don't as that would be about enough to make me throw the towel in! This pandemic and Winter have gone on long enough, and I'm ready for sunshine and warmer temps, although we did get some sunshine the other day and the temp went up to 43...an actual heat wave I tell ya!! Hope your back is continuing to heal and that you and the Mister are both doing well! Take care. Hugs. :0)
Oh my - that first card is SO beautiful! The second card is very cool, too. I'll have to check out the technique. That is awesome that you Zoom-craft with friends.
Two lovely cards. The roses are so soft and pretty. Love the tag Christmas card and the technique. I have to watch Kristina's video and give it a try. Hope you are doing well. Stay safe. Hugs.
What a pretty effect with your first card Darnell and thank you for sending us flowers x. Fun technique with your pretty textural Christmas card and always great to try out new techniques x.
Two lovely cards darnell, especially the roses with all that lovely winking!xx
I love your peachy keen and coral cards. I think they certainly look very Springlike in design too. We have warmed up so we are melting our snow and thus it is getting slippery on the yard where there was a build up of it. But that is part of the process. I am sure we will still get more snow before Spring arrives or even into it we often get some blizzards. The transition time. I know I have been busy and not blogged much. And, I wondered why all the comments people left me went into my spam folder instead right to my email inbox. It might be blogger goofing around again. So if I did not respond back to yours it could be I did not get the notification. I am getting company so I am into cleaning mode now so probably not much card making either. We shall see. Thanks for the pretty peachy keen and coral inspiration though. They are indeed beautiful!
OH! You've brought those roses to life Darnell, a really beautiful card. Your twofer is gorgeous, love the effect you achieved. We have crocus, daffodils and other plants coming to life, a sunny day and warmer temperature today (even though there will be frost tonight) it makes me think Spring is nearly here - at last, it's been a long Winter.
Keep safe
Faith x
Such a beautiful card Darnell! Sure need that reminder of Spring time!! The polar storm wiped out all my plants and I sure need this reminder of the flowers to come! Love your Christmas card too! I haven't made a single one yet--I will regret that!! Lol! Many hugs!
Well this post is just peachy keen...is that high school cool enough for you? The masking makes those fabulous blooms...well...fabulous. Gorgeous coloring for them. Your second card makes me smile...I've got to try this technique. It's so artsy. Take care, my friend.
Lovely soft colours today, Darnell! Such pretty roses on the first card! And the one from our zoom session is perfect as a tag - love all those poinsettias in different colours.
Stunning cards, Darnell! The now not so new Blogger interface is a bleep! My pet hate is that published images now don't have their own specific link, just a generic one, but thankfully they can be copied and pasted in... for now!
Those roses are the prettiest and most natural looking stamped ones I have seen in a long time and love the added leaves and the masking to make this wonderful twosome Darnell, also winked beautifully and finished with a lovely sentiment, and your tag with the slightly fuzzy look where the ink has move a bit gives a pretty halo around each and love the mix of colours, and the dry embossed background and large die cut sentiment are great finishing touches. I think I definitely have the February funk as I have not felt like doing much in the way of crafting lately. I have tried to stir myself up and it has partially worked but I have been working very slowly so not got much done. Although we are moving in the right direction with the speed of vaccination and things are improving, realistically we still have another two months of living 'in limbo' which personally has started to get to me now. Oh dear I must shut up and cheer up...lol. x
LOvely cards Darnell, love the schparkly roses and a great technique with the messy stencilling, it looks fabulous. Pleased to hear I am not alone with Blogger issues, yesterday I could only see one friends's blog on my dashboard. Thankfully today all is well though. Keep well xx
Love that peachy keen card, Darnell. It's so, so peachy keen!!! Love those gorgeous flowers and they way you placed them. Hammy did a great job with the sparkle. Your card made me very happy and yes, looking forward to the emergence of spring. What the Feb Funk indeed. And Blogger is always messing with us in some way. It's all too much sometimes! Thanks for sharing your breath of fresh ait floral in celebration of Less Is More's 10th Birthday! It is always a joy to see you in our gallery! hugs, Stephanie
Lovely cards, though I had to fiddle to see the second one. What is up with blogger. Its a pain in the behind. I've given up on adding the challenge icon to the blog post, its a hit and miss proposition for me. Hugs from grumpy land.
Stunning subtle colours, a really great image and a super CAS card.
Kath x
This is absolutely amazing Darnell!! I literally gasped when I saw it in the gallery at Color Hues! The sparkle you achieved with Wink of Stella and got it to show up in the photo is amazing as well. So impressed right now! As for your second card...I love the softness you achieved with your stencils too! I bet you all had fun together with your group Zoom! Take care and thanks for sharing your fabulous card at Color Hues!
Two lovely cards Darnell, I really like the shimmery flowers in the first card.
A lovely technique and so pretty and COOL! Thanks for sharing with us at Unstampabelles.
Oh my, what beautiful roses, this is frame worthy! What a fun technique on your tag and such pretty colors. Two smiles tonight!
Two beautiful cards! Gorgeous use of the layered peech ink for the first card. Great technique for the second, I'll have to try this! Thanks for joining us at Color Hues!
Two great cards Darnell, your flowers are so pretty. Awesome stenciled tag that was such a fun zoom crafting session.
Both are beautifully done but I'm especially drawn to the first one.
Your cards are both so pretty. I have a hard time with some of the "artsy" techniques. I like my designs to be as tidy as possible. You wouldn't know it, though, from the state of my crafting space! The late winter doldrums do seem to have set in, even though we've had some warmer weather of late. I'm looking forward to seeing those crocuses poking their pretty heads through the snow!
Wow! Both are quite stunning, Darnell! LOVE that first flower, but the second does have that cool technique
just seen you added to Time Out so a big thank you for celebrating with us along with all I said in my comment before and a thank you for your lovely comment on our blog xx
Beautiful makes today and such tranquil colours too.
I've lost a few followers this past week too. I'm fed up of the copy and paste of challenge graphics not working ... now I simply open two windows and drag and drop, it's a faff but it works!
Happy Friday
Kathyk
Oooh, Darnell, just look at those shimmery, dreamy and oh so gorgeous peachy blooms (wait, you already did!) ... anyway, that's what came into my head when I saw them! Hammy did an awesome job on the winking ... he's become quite the little expert hasn't he! I was so interested to hear about your stencilled poinsettias and their halo's of colour ... what a lovely technique ... they have a wonderful soft glow around them ... and look fabulous against the texutre-y coral! Sorry about the February Flahs ... (a bit like the blahs but wintery) ... good thing it's a short month :)! Laughed out loud at the cartoon, thank you ... and realised that with not having a 'portable', I shan't ever need that particular collar of shame ... hahahahaha! LYAMYHAHMA ... HADW! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)
Two amazing cards the floral card and colours used are so lovely and the embossed on your 2nd card is beautiful too l have that embossed folder should use it more often it really does make a lovely background on any card...me too thought blog land was quiet maybe it will pick up soon take care enjoy your day xx
Your first card is just so pretty. Love your stencilling, maybe I will give that a go now I know it's a technique and not just me messing up lol!
Such beautiful cards Dee! thanks for the flowers too ;). Had no blogging problems touch wood but a few times the internet was dropping me grr! Stay safe and well and hope Spring comes quickly now too....we have Daffodils out ;) Thank you for sharing with us over at 'The Flower Challenge' ;) Viv DT xx
I love the colours of the poinsettia card, though probably I would prefer them 'unsmudged'. I am not clever with stencils and often end up smudging mine anyway!
My main problem with the new blogger is that when I publish it, it has changed the size of the font on random paragraphs, and often the formatting too. I go back into edit to put it right and another bit has changed. Or it suddenly leaves a two or three line space mid-sentence. It is quite frustrating, but usually I keep going back until I have got it right. It happens more on my 'diary blog' than the craft one, probably because the posts are longer.
I arrived via Rudolph day, but the roses are beautiful too. Kate x
Two simply wonderful cards. The roses are stunning - beautiful and elegant.
I love the arty look of your second card too!
Elaine
These are lovely cards, Darnell. The roses are stunning. Peach is a color you don't see used very much, nor many stamp pads that color. Hammy did a fantastic job. This turned out to be one of my favorite techniques ever and, like you, I didn't think I would like it. This card is awesome and I like the embossing folder you used too. I will post the card I made next time.
Two stunning cards Darnell especially the Peachy roses. I love the diffeerent colours of the pointsettias on the Christmas card. Thank you for joining in the fun at the Rudolph Days Challenge this month.
Sue xx DT
Love, love love both of these! The delicate colours are so pretty on your first one - fab masking too. I adore the bright colours you used for your second and the technique with the water looks cool! Take care and stay safe my friend. Hugs xxxxxxxxx
Lovely pair of cards Darnell. Adore that peach colour and love your textures and tag on the 2nd card. Thanks for joining us at the Watercooler Wednesday Challenge this fortnight. Tristan DT.
So wonderful to see you in the gallery of Color Hues! And such a gorgeous entry! Your no-line coloring of those gorgeous roses is wonderful as is your CAS design! Thanks for joining us at Color Hues!
Wow!! These gorgeous colors just jumped out at me and are a great sneak peek of springtime...which seems to be coming up quickly in our part of the country. I am impressed to no end by your perfect making and coloring of those roses. Masking is something I avoid at all costs, unless it's mandated by state health regulations of course. The coral card base and unique bleeding stencil technique (why does that sound like both dangerous and illegal?) make this one a winner as well.
I hadn't noticed any blogger issues yet (knock on wood), but I've been less active with blogging and chatting because of annoying issues that need to be taken care of around the house. That included my computer going on strike for a week. However, all is back online again, and so here I am.
Two beautiful cards.
Love the roses - such a gorgeous image and I can see the winking!
Sponging stencils - must give that a try.
Oh Darnell, you make me miss my roses from the other house so much with these beauties... and Hammy has winked them beautifully!!!
Loving your arty and cool stenciling - sorry, Hammy's arty effect on your stenciling.
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine
Your flowers are so pretty. And the CAS design gives them the opportunity to show their full beauty.
It seems we're almost out of range of the Feb Funk, and your pretty cards and wishes for lovely day did lift my spirits!Love the masking and soft mix of colors in your gorgeous floral card, Darnell! Beautiful images and such a sweet sentiment.
So glad to find you in our gallery at Color Hues! Thanks for playing!
A beautiful tag card. The stencil technique is lovely, although I think I'd find it hard to choose the crisp and clean or blended look too - they are both gorgeous. Thanks for playing along at 52CCT this week.
Everything seems crazy lately and having blogger not working right isn't surprising, I mean, what would it work at this time where life isn't normal and so crazy?! Yep, Feb Funk seems to be the perfect description Auntie! I'm totally in love with your roses card!! They are amazing looking...so soft....but yet so beautiful. The colors are perfect and I love the winking Hammy did. Your second card is beautiful too. I love the colors in this one as well. Embossing is so pretty. On camera I am loving the "smearing", but not if I would like it if I tried it though. lol But one never knows, again Hammy did a great job! Hugs, Brenda
Wonderful colours and wonderful inking on your first card and what an interesting technique to try on your second. I really like the look, but as you say I would struggle with making it messy! I agree it has been a very strange February, always a difficult month at the best of times xx
So very pretty.
Your roses are so stunning! I love the multi coloured Poinsettias and the bleeding method! Thanks so much for joining us at 52 Christmas Card Throwdown:)
Sorry I've not been visiting much. I've joined 3 new challenges and I'm trying to keep up! Not sure what I was thinking!
Always love your twofers - the second card is beautiful - we have formed a zoom groupie that we are trying new techniques etc. Still in the working out the kinds phase. I'm soglad Hammy got some time in your room - he makes such pretty messes.
Hi Darnell,
Happy Rudolf Days.
Firstly thank you for your concern on my health I am struggling at the moment and not finding much time to blog.
Hopefully soon I may find more time.
Love your wonderful cards they are always a wonderful inspiration to me.
Your Rudolf one is gorgeous and that technique sounds fab must look that one up as I have stencil similar to that.
Again thank you for thinking of me.
Lots of crafty love from my house to yours. Jenny L.
Hi Dolly! I'm in love with those roses!! They are gorgeous and really show off your artistry! Gorgeous colours and wonderful masking to create this piece of art, my friend. Hammy did good with the winking --- it's just right! :) And I love your take card with the stencil bleed. The poinsettias look beautiful done in different colours. I was the same as you, after stenciling I thought I liked it the way it was, but the bleed does add something special. Great work! Love, Lily Lolly
Beautiful sweet colours on both the cards, love especially the second one, it looks so happy!
Two floral beauties, Darnell - yes, they brightened the day!! Feb funk indeed, although the first half was pretty good :) Take care & thanks again for the bday card!!
What a lovely card with those beautiful and shimmery roses. Thanks so much for playing along at Time Out.
Spot on! You accomplished what you wished for Darnell! Your pretty QACAS definitely made me happy!
Thanks for sharing at Color Hues Challenge!
Your roses card is beautiful - it really is worth the time to make a mask with something like this. Thanks for joining us for our 10th birthday celebrations at Less is More.
Neil
Oooo what a great design and technique for your Xmas card and i'm sure it was also tough to do on Zoom too, I must confess I hate Zoom (don't like tech stuff) and with my DT hat on, thanks for joining us at Rudolph Days February Challenge, Luv Sam x
I hate to say "oh, wow" again, but seriously -- oh wow! Your cards are both beautiful in color and design. You always capture Hammy's sparkles so well in your photos. Love the softness from the technique on your Christmas card. I'm visiting blogs after getting way behind with so many other things going on, so it looks busy in Blogland to me. Also, I haven't yet experienced any of the Blogger problems, knock on wood. I'll never catch up now, and trigger finger is making stamping and coloring more difficult. Whine!
Oh wow! Two lovely sunny cards, Darnell! You can forget that the world has gone mad when I look at these cards. I love your flowers, stunning watercolor. And I love the second card, these winter flowers look like they are shrouded in mist ... I didn't know this technique, thanks a lot for sharing it.
Take care of yourself, let health, sun, love and happiness never leave you
hugs,
BożenA
Two fabulous cards, Darnell. The flowers on the first one are just beautiful and Hammy did a great job with the winking. Your second card is so bright and cheerful, perfect to brighten up the dull days we are having at the moment.
Hope you both are keeping safe and well. xx
Beautiful floral card--love the color combo! Fun Christmas card, too!
Can’t believe
I am only just managing to catch up. Yep
I have had some of those blogging issues but thought it was just me. I do wish They wouldn’t tinker with things. Love the pretty pastel colours of this card and does Hammy now glow in the dark! Hugs Mrs A.
Your roses card is simply beautiful in its CASness, Darnell and I wish I could see the shimmer IRL that Hammy worked so hard on. The poinsettia card looks so arty and modern - you really got that technique down pat!
I agree that things seem strange in blogland right now and the issues with Blogger are not helping one little bit!
Hope you are keeping well.
Take care,
Hugs
Carol x
Great cards, Darnell! I just love your wonderfully soft flowers on your second tag card! Such a wonderful effect with the stencil! I must give it a try!! So pretty! Hope your bloggy problems get better!! They certainly are super annoying!! (My own experience!!) Thanks for sharing with us at Watercooler Wednesday. Stay safe! :)
Love the card tag, that embosing and those wonderful flowers. Thanks for joining us at the Watercooler Wednesday Challenge this fortnight. Tristan DT.
Beautiful cards!!!And thank you for the nice comments on my blog.
The kast card is such a fresh ione..great for spring... But your first is stunning; love the masking/placing and the colours! Thank you for joining us at TIME OUT!
Love the intentionally messy ink look...it looks great.
Thanks for taking part in the Rudolph Days Challenge.
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