Hello Stamplings!
How are you on this fine hump day? I want to thank you for your well wishes about my struggle to adjust to new medicines. I just keep telling myself how blessed I am that there are medicines created to fix me up and low engerny is a small price to pay in the short run.🛏
Wake up! It's the Twofer day of the month, otherwise known as the 10th! I know I usually do a twofer in my posts anyway, but once a month it becomes Oh-fficial and this month I'm becited to have thought of a new and fun way to challenge you to stretch those design skills, expecially if you've been running low on those mojo juices . . .
This month the prompt is ... drum🥁roll ... UP TO YOU!
That's right, it's Your Choice!
Angel, bunny, cat, dog, elephant, flower, gnome, ... the options are only limited by your stash and your imagination. Please note that only the prompt is "anything goes" ~ all the other rules of the challenge apply.
Just start by picking the stamp, die, or stencil you want to play with and make a card in any style whatsoever! One card done. 🗹
Then, move that same stamp, die, or stencil around on another panel to form a different design for your second card. (The more different your two layouts are, the better.) Don't forget to also put your sediment in a different area on your card front and make it for a different occasion. Two cards done. 🗹
Take a photo of both cards together and link up! That's it! 🗹
It's so easy, but yet it's challenging enough that you feel like a designer rock star when you're done!
My Prompt: Dragonfly
I know a lot of folks aren't crazy about dragon flies, but I love the mystical little beings that suddenly appear in the yard in all different colors after the temperatures climb to 90°+. And then just as quickly as they appear, they disappear. Thankfully, rubber stamp companies create them so they last forever!
The dragonfly I used on both my designs is a very old stamp from SU.
Onefer
Don't you just love that spotlight background in pretty pastel colors? It is a straight-line blending technique that Loll introduced us to at a recent Zoom session. We followed the fabulous Eileen Godwin's YouTube video here. It's super easy and super fun. (Ever notice how that's my favorite type of card-making style?😄) You basically hold a ruler or straight-edge of some kind and then blend on the ink by sliding your blending tool off the edge.
After making the background, Hammy chose the lacy-winged dragonfly. He glossified the body while I dotted the eyes. Haha, you see what I did there?
Twofer
For my second design, I fussy-cut three of the stamped dragonflies and Hammy glossified their entire everythings this time, although it doesn't show very well. The background pp also has a lovely shine. The celebrate die cut was a sweet gift from a friend. It's one intact die that makes a frame around the word. I used a marker to color the word to make it mwah.
Challenges
- AAA Birthday: Patterned paper.
- Pixie's Snippets Playground: A/G using your snippets.
- Seize the Birthday: A/G birthday - no option.
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No excuse this month for not having the prompt! I can't wait to see which stamp, die, or stencil you choose for your prompt and the two designs you create with it!
Nancy and Klara are the two incredible Guest Designers who are joining the Design Team this month to help inspire you. Click over to the Twofer Card Challenge and see what prompts everyone has chosen and the amazing card designs they made!
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Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy, but 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!
*Life is too short!
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Great twofer cards !!!!
ReplyDeleteI will join it one time....its on my list !!!!
groeten Ineke
Oh these are gorgeous! I love dragonflies and you've captured the magic of them perfectly.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty, I love dragonflies too, just relieved that temps don't have to reach 90' to come out and play here! The dragonfly in the first does look as if it is the spotlight. Keep well. :)
ReplyDeleteI like dragonflies, we can see them in our garden every year.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are amazing. On the first one I like the pastel colors and on the second card, how you have glued on the dragonflies, there is a nice shadow play.
I too am a fan of the dragonfly although now we have filled in our pond (safer for our grandaughter Mollie) I don't expect we shall any more visits to our garden. FAbulous cards Darnell. That off the edge inking looks amazing and echoes the pretty colours in drangonfly wings. Hope you are doing okay xx
ReplyDeleteLove your pretty dragonfly cards and I for one love the real ones, we have lots of them in the summer living along the creek, I find them fascinating! Two great and fun designs, what a fun challenge this will be!! I am on new to me meds too and I feel your fatigue as my body is slowly (and I mean slowly) is adjusting to them!! Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteI love to see the dragonflies, we get loads in our garden- we don't have a pond...'though there is a very large one across the street (takes up all of their front garden) so they must come from there. Your cards are gorgeous, particularly like the background on the first one...must try the technique, easy and fun sounds right up my street!
ReplyDeletexx
You already know how I love dragonflies, Darnell ... we see lots here in the summer too. Your delicate, shimmery ones are an absolute delight! What a soft and oh so cool way to create a dreamy, graphic, pastel background for that solo one ... and how bold and vibrant is the striped pp as the backdrop for the totally glossified trio! Thinking of you and praying things are improving, my dear friend. LYAMYLALMA ... HAACWYFUTI? Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful cards!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE that spotlight card. I have never done it in different colors and I adore. Your second card with the pretty stripes and the lovely colors of the dragonflies. I cannot wait to join this challenge this month.
ReplyDeleteLove your two cards and I love when the dragonflies come into the yard. Their wings are so magical! I love the spotlight background, it has the rainbow of colors that you see in their wings!
ReplyDeleteThey are adorable! Hopefully I'll have time to play this month xoxo
ReplyDeleteI love dragonflies. I even have one on my business cards. That colorful background is a great backdrop to show off the dragonflies. Another new technique I need to try. Isn't it amazing how things cycle. SU is currently featuring another dragonfly.
ReplyDeleteYou've made two lovely cards with the dragonflies - makes a change from all the butterflies which seem to be taking over the crafting world at the moment. Real dragonflies are so beautiful and elusive too.
ReplyDeleteWe don't see too many dragonflies in my neck of the woods (probably because there's not too many days in Michigan where it gets above 90...thank goodness!!), but they are definitely beautiful little creatures with their gossamer wings! I love the background on your first card and have had some fun using that technique too...and your dragonfly looks FABULOUS against it!! Your trio of dragonflies on your 2nd card are awesome and once again I love the background...sooo shimmery!! Great twofer Darnell and glad to hear you're doing better with the meds! Take care and stay safe!! (I get my 1st covid shot this afternoon...YAY!!) Hugs. :0)
ReplyDeleteWell...I'll admit I'm not a huge fan of dragonflies, except maybe these. Ours come out in late summer, and are still here in September. They are pretty, except when the sky is swarming with them. Sorry. I do so love the lacy wings on this SU dragonfly. And he is pretty darn cute, too. Great spotlight background; what a clever technique! Am loving that patterned paper on your second card. It really highlights your trio. Very happy cards. Hope things are beginning to even out with those meds - I know how that can be! Sending love and hugs. Stay safe sweetie pie. xo Bev
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Dragonflies and we don't see too many of them, incredible insects to be sure. Both cards are so different Darnell with design and colours, who would even notice they are the same stamp. Fabulous and beautiful cards Darnell. I hope those meds are doing what their supposed to do. Keep sane and well.
ReplyDeleteFaith x
Fabulous cards Darnell, both beautiful and that straight line background is fabulous! Off to watch the video!
ReplyDeleteYou rocked this Twofer! Just gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteHow is it time for Twofer already - I only just finished congratulating myself on entering last month lol!
ReplyDeleteJust love your cards and I know one blogger who will certainly be drooling over them - I see in your comments she already has!
The ink work on the first one is just amazing.
L x
Hi Darnell, Loving the cards. My dads garden use to get dragonflies.
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a nice day. Sue
It's very rare that I see a dragonfly but yours are lovely. The Eileen Godwin look is so gorgeous and my favorite technique so far. The stripes are so colorful and happy that I can see why the dragonflies want to land there. This is a wide open challenge that will really make me think. I hope your energy is coming back and you feel better.
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't love dragonflies? They're exactly what you said...mystical, happy little critter who invoke a feeling of hope and joy in me. Love the way they pause and hover, like they're just looking around to find the next adventure. Definitely, one of my favorite winged insects in my garden. Love them as much as I love your cards celebrating them.
ReplyDeleteAs long as the creatures are not dive bombing my face, I do like them. I especially love that first card with the pastel spotlights. A delightful twofer and a great prompt.
ReplyDeleteYour spotlight background is fantastic, you are right it is such an effective and yet very easy technique. Really love both these cards xx
ReplyDeleteTwo great cards using dragonflies! Love the one with the Eileen Godwin technique we did in our zoom get-together. A beautiful blend of colours! Pretty patterned paper for the second one and excellent fussy cutting on all those dragonflies (and good job, Hammy, glossifying them!)
ReplyDeleteI am absolutely certain that at 72 I have never seen a dragon fly but lovely seeing these super ones on your cards. Two super creations, fabulous backgrounds and images.
ReplyDeleteKath x
Fantastic work my friend! I like the prompt you've used for your Twofer. This dragonfly is stunning. As always, Hammy did a great work to put gloss on the motive. :-) i like the pastel background on the first card and the vibrant scene on the second one. The fussy-cut is perfectly done, it seems as the die cut.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day! Hugs, Sonja
I like the idea of choosing our own prompt Darnell, and look forward to seeing all the different themes chosen of course sticking to the normal rules for both cards. I love your cards and the first with this beautiful SU dragonfly Darnell and the merging differently coloured lines across the background on the first are really pretty in those light bright colours and love the pink pierced frame. The second background has that brilliant striped paper and love the blue through to purple tones, and three wonderful dragonflies flitting across the top, and what a terrific die cut framed sentiment and love your idea of colouring the word itself in that vibrant pink whilst leaving the frame white. x
ReplyDeletewonderful Twofer Darnell, your dragon fly are so sparkly and cute. I'm in awe of the fussy cutting, I've never been able to cut an even edge all the way around :)
ReplyDeleteI love dragonflies and these are so fun with their big eyes! Love the geometric inked background with those fantastic colors! Congrats on using decorative paper that works perfectly with the three beauties! Great sentiment and fun challenge!
ReplyDeleteYour pretty little dragonflies remind me of summer days spent with my hubby in our swing watching the dragonflies dart around our backyard! These are both wonderful, but your onefer is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteThat pastel spotlight background is spectacular! I love both your dragonfly cards. I've always been mesmerized by their iridescent wings and their ability to "flit." Wish I could "flit!" I will have to give this challenge some thought and see what I can come up with. Thanks for continuing with the Twofer Challenge, even with all you have going on right now. I hope you're feeling better and stronger every day. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteI happen to enjoy your lovely dragonflies, and that oh so pretty pastel background! The boldness of the second card really works well too -- a lovely pair by you and Hammy!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're feeling a big better and pray that the upward swing continues!
Medications are marvelous - but sometimes that is balanced by side effects, especially initially. Praying you soon adjust.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see Hammy is so busy helping you - I am sure that it is real encouragement to have him there ;)
Loving your combined talents on these two bee-yoou-ti-full creations.
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine
Happy and colorful. Dragonflies are very colorful active fliers. Perfect for the celebrate card. Cute on the hugs card.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Blessings,
Jim
Two fabulous card Darnell...love the spotlight technique and your stripe background paper really shows off your dragonflies beautifully.. hope you are starting to feel a little better
ReplyDeleteHugs
Anne x
Totally stunning twofer cards Darnell absolutely fabulous dragon flies my favourite colours too ....hopefully you will be feeling better medication can take some time to work sending lots of 🤗 xx
ReplyDeleteI love dragonflies and I love both of these glorious cards Darnell x. Great technique with your first card and so very pretty and a real 'wow' factor for card number two x.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dragonflies and wow- such gorgeous designs for them! Love the effect of both, stunning and impressive backgrounds!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty. Love the pink one and the way you did the colorful background. TFS
ReplyDeleteLove the twofer cards this month, dragonflies are a favorite of mine. I really like the straight line blending technique you used on the first card, off to watch the video as soon as I get done with commenting. Glad Hammy could help.
ReplyDeleteLove your dragonflies!!!! Excited to play along.
ReplyDeleteWowser Darnell - two beautiful cards here. Love the rainbow background and of course you snippets entry! Wonderful fussy cutting as well. If I can't rustle up an entry for Twofer this time around then I need shooting! I hope you're adjusting to the meds change - it's always a tricky time when they tinker about with meds but I bet you'll soldier on like the great little trouper you are. Get a nurses outfit for Nellie - as you know, they're the very best therapy. Dudley is in hiding here as it's time for his late afternoon brush and comb. Little monkey has learned to hurl himself into my arms when he's had enough (I have to sit to be at the right level rather than bend over) - and then he buries his sad little face in between my bazoooms! Sure knows how to tug the heart strings!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Di xx
These Twofers are absolutely fantastic! I love the background you made for each of them too. The pastel one is in such lovely Spring colors. And the bolder stripes works great as well with the dragonflies.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning cards Darnell, beautifully designed and coloured, the dragonfly image is gorgeous, Kate x x
ReplyDeleteThese are fantastic twofers! Your straight edge blender brush background (I have yet to try this technique) on the first card is so pretty and delicate... love the softness. Then BAM! your second card is bold and bright. Perfect examples of twofers. Fun challenge this month.
ReplyDeleteHope you are feeling better. Take care. Hugs. 💙
Thank you so much Dolly for inviting me as one of your GD this month. It took me about 1 second to decide my prompt..Leaves:-) I have always loved the many different colors of leaves..depending on the season and their different shapes and sizes are endless:-)
ReplyDeleteNow...about your gorgeous cards...how could anyone Not Love Dragonflies? We love it when they show up on the warm Summer days and they love flitting around our vegetable garden and flower gardens eating tiny bugs...yes, we still have insects and use NO pesticides:-) One of our chipmunks showed up yesterday and our Springtime wild flowers and daffodils, etc are beginning to bloom along with the deciduous trees leaves popping out. Such a beautiful time of year:-)
I hope your new meds are starting to agree with you my friend so you have more energy to play in your gardens and playhouse. Take care and Love and Hugs...Nancy
Your dragonfly cards are so pretty Dolly! I LOVE the geometric design with those pretty summery colours. Your sparkly dragonfly looks so happy to be in the spotlight! :) Your celebrate card is another beauty with the three dragonflies in different colours. The striped ombre background really shows them off! Love, Lolly
ReplyDeleteI love your dragonfly cards and the background technique on the first is fabulous! Loving all the colors and subtle shimmer on the 2nd card too! It won't be long before these are seen IRL and I'm ready!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry I am so not up with blogging and didn't know about your struggle with new meds-but you know how I feel about that and send a big hug! These 2 cards are just adorable. Love that they are both quite geometric but so different. Have to say I lean to that wonderful first card, the soft colours and the cross over-just so pretty x
ReplyDeleteI don't have any energy most days and I don't have an excuse...Hope you are feeling better by the look of your beautiful cards you must be... Love them! Sending hugs
ReplyDeleteGorgeous card!
ReplyDeleteLove your easy cards. What a great technique.
ReplyDeleteHope your energy levels return soon.
I love dragonflies too Darnell and yours are beauties! Love the backgrounds, so different! TFS the ink blending link too must check this out, Cathy x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dragonfly cards, Darnell! You're right--it's great there is the medicine you need & I do hope you adjust to the increase soon. I haven't had much energy & can't even blame medicine! Sending hugs, Greta
ReplyDeleteLove dragonflies, we get lots around the pond in the summer, and your two cards are just bright and beautiful! Please may I case that spotlight idea, I have a new stencil that might make me a design rock star! Xxx
ReplyDeleteTremendously lovely designs! I can scarcely fathom how anyone could fail to like and appreciate dragonflies. They are dazzlingly gorgeous creatures that do a lot of good for the ecosystem.
ReplyDeleteAutumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life
I love dragonflies a lot, but don't have many stamps or dies. One day, when things settle down here, I should do a dragonfly extravaganza with the few I have. Your cards are inspiring! Your pastel background on the hugs card is so pretty, and I like how you used the celebrate die on the second card. I sure hope you're feeling more energetic soon. Things are bound to level off. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm a dragonfly lover too, Darnell, and was just about to make a card using one. It become a Twofer - yay!! Thanks for hosting this fun challenge - love it and love getting two cards done!! Anyway, your single dragonfly looks great atop that background and your trio of dragonflies has such movement! Thanks for the inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteI'm a dragonfly fan too, we just don't see many over here!
ReplyDeleteLove your twofer. Gorgeous background on the first one, you've definitely nailed Eileen's technique there. Pretty background paper on the second one, love the shimmer xx
Such fun twofer cards! Love that striped one! Thanks for joining in at STB
ReplyDeleteFabulous cards! I love the striped one with the trio of dragonflies! Thanks for joining our AAA Birthday challenge!
ReplyDeleteSo striking! Fabulous cards. Thanks for playing at AAA Birthday,hope to see you join in with future challenges too. Stay safe and keep crafting!
ReplyDeleteI really like your spotlight effect on the first card. Dragonflies make a wonderful theme for both of the fabulous cards.
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell! I love your dragonflies. The shimmering patterned paper is pretty too. Thank you for sharing your beautiful card at AAA Birthday. Valérie DT
ReplyDeleteI love dragonflies with their delicate bodies and iridescent wings. Yours are wonderful with all their glossifying, Darnell.
ReplyDeleteDragonflies are both light and strong at the same time. I love them as a card theme. Your both cards are amazing
ReplyDeletexx