Hello Stamplings!
How's everyone doing out there? I didn't expect to be away so long with this nasty virus, but this nasty life-sucking virus had other plans. We are sick and tired of being sick and tired and now we're just trying to get things done during short spurts of energy, which are few and far between.
In one such spurt, I made a card for the first time in weeks! I went easy on myself and did a simple smooching/painting with acetate to create this:
I can't remember the last time I did smooching with acetate, if ever. There are many videos out there showing this technique. (I used this video from Lisa Arana.) I fluffed my painting out a bit with my Ziggies to give more form to the flowers and leaves. I need a lot more practice with the acetate to target the areas I want painted.
To start, the image (Framed Anemones from Honey Bee) was heat-embossed in gold. You can see that I was too weak to press down on the whole image. Now you may ask yourself why didn't I just start over and do it again? Well, I'm glad you asked yourself because if you'd asked me, I wouldn't have an answer. Maybe brain fog? Anyway, I shrugged it off and after I smooched the inks on it using the acetate, the whole exploding anemone design started to grow on me.
Hammy (who has nearly died of boredom while I've been laid up) sprayed pearl mist over the whole panel, trambolined gold schplatters over that, and topped it off with gold bits of bling. The sediment looks popped up, but it is simply two-layers glued on the card.
Challenges
- Beautiful Blossoms: AG with optional Mood Board.
- Triple B: Blooms-Birds-Butterflies.
- We Love Stamping: Fabulous Florals, with an AG option.
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I didn't make a Christmas card Twofer and I haven't gotten all the way through our vacation photos yet, but here's a fun couple of photos of a baby sunflower that started growing in a flower pot a few weeks ago. One of our neighbors grows a small patch every year so I suspect a squirrel did his little squirrelly thing and this is the result.
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And here's our Lantana in bloom. I just love how yellow flowers are allowed inside the pink flower balls and vice versa. Flowers are inclusive and magical.
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Also, do you have a hard time thinking of what to say on the inside of your card? You might have seen the following idea on Facebook. It really made me giggle, so I wanted to share:
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Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*
As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse, especially when I've been terrible about visiting you.
*Life is too short!
A lovely summery floral creation Darnell and beautiful garden blooms as well, many thanks for sharing with us at We Love Stamping challenge.
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon, there are some nasties over here as well, many saying it's worse than when they had Covid.
B x
A great explosion of colour on this card - so pleased you are starting to feel a bit better after the nasty virus hit. Take care 😊
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you're still under the weather, this summer virus thing sucks!
ReplyDeleteStill your card cheered me up with the punchy summer colours. Absolutely love the suggested card sentiment, made me giggle too. Your stray sunflower looks fab as does your lantana, never seen one of those before. I keep finding stray oak seedlings scattered around the hay field. No sheep have been grazing there for sometime so they have had a chance to show above the grass! I suspect a squirrel or Jay had 'planted' them for later consumption and forgot! :)
Not hood to read you are still sick... Good that you could get your mind of by doing some stamping! I loke the grungy look of the flowers! Sending some positive energy for you to heal... Hugs, Gerrina
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry this virus has had you knocked down for so long, but hopefully things will soon improve and you'll find your energy and strength return soon. This card turned out absolutely beautiful and it's a technique I've never tried because I'm not a big fan of working with acetate, but you've mastered it from what I see! I love that big sunflower and what a nice surprise to find it growing in your pot! Do take good care of yourselves and I send you my heartfelt wishes for complete healing soon! Take care, hugs!
ReplyDeleteI ama glald you are feeling better. Your card is gorgeous. I forget about the smooching technique. I need to go to my stash and look for some acetate. I love the water color look of it.
ReplyDeleteOh man, I'm so sorry you are still not feeling your best. I sure hope you feel better soon. Being sick is bad enough, but during the summer is extra deep in the pits. The pictures you shared were wonderful and so is the card you were able to make. Thank you for sharing! Masked hugs!
ReplyDeleteYour card is absolutely gorgeous, love everything about it, the design, the colors, the bit of pearl shimmer, beautiful beautiful! Your flowers are pretty too and I surely hope you kick that virus in the butt soon, nothing worse them being sick in the summer!
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining our challenge at Triple B and Beautiful Blossoms!
Diane TB Co-Owner and BB DT
{Nellies Nest}
{Triple B}
{Simply Clean & Simple} NEW
Such a gorgeous card, Darnell - you must be feeling a bit better to get such a stunning result (aided by Hammy, of course). So sorry you're still under the weather and hope you get better each day!! Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteI hope this bright, cheerful card will be the thing to get you started stamping again and brighten your mood. Keep feeling better and better. Big hugs to you. Beautiful flowers in your yard.
ReplyDeleteThis is really gorgeous Darnell. I am pleased you felt a little bit better to make this gorgeous creation. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely creation with us at We Love Stamping.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Cathy
xxxxx
Firstly your gorgeous happy card, I love the gold embossing and beautiful smooching you did. Love your photos of the flowers. I'm so sorry to hear you've been poorly. However, you must be on the mend to make this wonderful creation. So I hope it's a quick recovery.
ReplyDeleteFaith x
Sorry to hear you guys are still under the weather a bit. Hope things get better quick now.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card and I love the coloring on it. Stunning!
Lynn
So sorry you've been so sick and for so long! What a bummer anytime, but especially (at least here in the northeast) during summer. I would never have noticed any problem with the gold embossing had you not told me. The card is lovely-and your colors are gorgeous! Hope you feel back to normal SOON!
ReplyDeleteOoh gosh Darnell so sorry to read that this virus is taking it out of you l only hope that it clears pretty soon and your back to being yourself again, your card is stunning what a lovely pearly effect and the colours are so beautiful, the sun flower is lovely they are so nice and bright put a smile on my face, take care sending lots of hugs x
ReplyDeleteI looked at this and saw the incomplete frame and thought it looked really cool. I wondered how you did it! What a happy accident, I think it looks great, as does the whole card. Love all the vibrant colour and slight messiness. Wish I could achieve that look. I always have to be neat and tidy. I am sorry to hear that your virus is still causing grief, but pleased that you are slowly getting some energy back. Thanks for sharing your garden photos. they are fab xx
ReplyDeleteOh! I finished with such a laugh! Thanks for that! First, I spent a good while admiring your fabulous smooched flowers. Love the whole splattery effect and the mixed in colors. Kind of like your gorgeous Lantana. I would have guessed you intended the artsy look of the unfinished flower. It looks amazing just as is. I'm so sorry about your extended illness. That's one heck of a bug to have gotten you so down.
ReplyDeleteThe card turned out beautifully, as if by intent. I hope you are on the mend and feel better soon. Being sick sucks!
ReplyDeleteThis is so bright and beautiful Darnell and the acetate smooshing looks divine and the slightly incomplete gold embossed outlines suit it admirably. What beautiful photos of your fabulous Lantana and that sunflower is so pretty and just shouts 'summer'. Sorry also to hear that nasty bug is still hanging around and hope that you will soon be rid of it! To have a lovely holiday and have that come back home with you is most unreasonable. x
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear that you aren't still at your best, hope you feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteYour card is amazing, so artistic and vibrant! Great technique, thanks for the link!
Love that cute little sunflower in your pot and your assumption about the squirrel made me laugh. :D I have a lot of different plants that I don't put, but no squirrel here. I think the magpies make the same. :) Always love these surprises.
Hugs
... Forgot to say you thanks so much for joining us at We Love Stamping!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that the nasty virus is hanging on, Darnell. I would be crazy by now.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of exploding anemone and it looks fantastic. Thank Hammy for his contribution to this lovely card. Your lantana is beautiful. I saw some hydrangea on Nantucket that had a similar look and the variety of colors on one plant is magical.
Lovely flowery card Darnell so sorry to hear you haven't been well I hope you feel better soon hugs x
ReplyDeleteEverything on your lovely card looks as if you planned it that way, it's wonderful Darnell! Sure hope you are back to 100% soon. Sending hugs and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI was so happy to see your post, and I'm glad you're getting better, even if it's a slow process. Your card is lovely. I'm not good at those "free-hand" techniques. My results never seem to look artsy, they just look messy. Thanks for sharing the photos of your flowers. They are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI happen to love your bright, friendly, smoochy card! Beautiful colors and so cheerful -- perfect, Darnell
ReplyDeleteLove your smooched and splattered card, and your pics are so pretty, might have to search for a Lantana :)
ReplyDeleteMade me smile, that insert.
Hope you’re feeling better soon, tell that virus to bug off xxx
Big cyber {{{{{hugs}}}}} from Down Under, Darnell, not good to hear that you have been so unwell - I am on my second go-round with covid at the moment, and the head is really spinning this time.
ReplyDeleteLoving your gorgeous card - who said everything had to be perfect on our cards!!
Well done on Hammy helping you out so very cleverly
Take care
Blessings
Maxine
I'm sorry to read that you are still experiencing the effects of the bug. I do hope it clears soon. A friend over here had the same thing and her and her husband decided they weren't going to ill anymore as it dragged on so long.
ReplyDeleteJust love this bright colourful card, it's so beautiful.
Hi Darnell,
ReplyDeleteso sorry to hear that virus is still giving you such a bad time.
I do so hope it leaves you felling A1 again soon.
There has been some nasty ones about this year.
Love your wonderful smooshed design amd that flower is gorgeous and so pretty.
The sentiment is also fabulous and so 3d looking.
Had to laugh at the photo of the verse it's brilliant.
Great photos of the flowers.
Poor Hammy he needs a playmate to occupy him while you are feeling ill.
Lots of crafty love and gentle hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.
So sorry to hear that you are still under the weather Darnell and hope that you are soon feeling better. This card is simply stunning as are the beautiful blooms in your garden xx
ReplyDeleteMissed you on Zoom sis - and dropping by (better late than never) to see how you are doing! What a lovely card you created with the acetate smooshing and embossing - you really shouldn't point out what you think are mistakes because from my desk chair - it is just lovely - with no issues whatsover! Feel better please - I'm worried about Hammy now!! Julia xx
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel better soon, I caught an unpleasant Summer Cold a few weeks ago and it really drained me. Your card is lovely, ink smooshing is always fun and an easy way to a beautiful base of color. Thanks for inspiring us at the Beautiful Blossoms Challenge and we look forward to more of your designs soon.
ReplyDeleteDonna xx
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So relieved to see your post, have been worried about you. Many good wishes and a hug for a more speedy recovery. Hopefully your Mister is doing better too and the twins have stayed well.There is still summer left so hope you can enjoy it. Oh, and I admire your card - I could never be so creative. Smiles to you.
ReplyDeleteI love the bright colors of your smooching, Dolly! I'm glad you are feeling a little better and well enough to create! The sunflower is beautiful. I wish the squirrels would put one in my pot instead of throwing dirt all over the deck! I love lantana and have several plants in my yard. Usually there are Swallowtails all over them, but not this year. And a great sentiment!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you haven’t quite recovered and are still under the weather! Hope you both feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteLove your smooshing! It’s terrific! Xoxo
So glad you're feeling better, we missed you on the zoom last week ♥.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card and fun technique, I have to try that :)
A beautiful card Darnell. I’m sorry the virus doesn’t want to leave you, there does some to be some nasty ones around. Lovely flower pics too, I do like lantana but don’t think our weather is suitable. Love the FB quote! xx
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you're still struggling, but glad you're feeling better. The card and photos are beautiful xoxo
ReplyDeleteGorgeous card Darnell, glad you had a bit of energy to visit your craft room. Great pictures and thanks for the link.
ReplyDeleteYour card is lovely and your flowers are gorgeous! I’m sorry to hear that you have been sick. I hope that you continue to feel better each week.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a riot of colour - absolutely stunning! And Hammy did a great job on the spattering and gems! Lovely pics too. I hope you're feeling better soon! Hugs, Kate!
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell. What a pretty and very arty card you have created with your inks and smooshing. Sorry to hear that a virus has got to you and I hope you feel back to normal very quickly. Keep trucking!! xx
ReplyDeleteBret got that virus too and then gave it to me. We are over the worst of it, but have no energy and sometimes I still don't feel the greatest. So I definitely know what you mean about trying to get things done during short spurts of energy, which indeed are few and far between!
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love your card Auntie! The smooshing looks fabulous, nothing wrong with a little tweaking with your Ziggies either. I'm not great with smooshing with acetate either, but I've been practicing some, so that video was helpful-thanks for sharing it! Hammy did a wonderful job with his contributions too. Love it! Hugs, Brenda
It’s a beautiful card! I thought that you were being real artsy with the faded out stamping. 😉 The smooshing is great too. 🙂 hopefully you are on the mend. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that you've been so unwell, Darnell. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteYour card is beautiful, I love all the smooshing. xx
Darnell, that bug is still hanging on? What a bugger!! I am so sorry friend, it is not fun being sick anytime, but when the weather is nice and you want o enjoy the sun from inside your Playhouse, it makes it even worse! Your smooshed card is fantastic, I think you planned the whole thing and left the opening for whatever size greeting you decided to use...yes, I would go with that! *wink
ReplyDeleteLove sunflowers and yours is so pretty, bless those little squirrels, they knew exactly how to cheer you up!
I did see that inside sentiment on FB too...pretty clever really! Lantana was growing in Israel as a hedge! It was so pretty. I believe it was in Nazareth, the flowers were gorgeous as a shrub, but the hedge was something I had not seen before!
Hope you can kick this bug and get back to a normal life (is there such a thing these days?? I am not sure I know what normal is, it changes day to day! Love you friend! Heart Hugs, Col
Wishing you a full recovery soon, Darnell! Love your card - I think you did a great job on the acetate smooshing (something I've never tried).
ReplyDeleteGorgeous and lovely card!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing at We Love Stamping Challenge;-))m
Sorry you have been so, so sick, Darnell! Hopefully some time soon you will be all better! Your card is lovely. I really like that it's not completely stamped - it's perfect! I like the way the color turned out, too. Thanks for sharing the flower pictures and also the great greeting.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card! Sory to hear you haven't been feeling well. Prayers for a speedy recovery
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Marilyn❤️
I'm hoping you are feeling way better as it has been a few weeks.
ReplyDeleteLove your card and the FB message and your garden.
I'm so sorry for my blogging absence! I have put up a post today and thank you for letting me know I hadn't posted since March!!!.
Gorgeous card and flowers, our lantana is thriving so well here in this Texas heat. Hope you continue to feel better, Thanks for linking this up at Beautiful Blossoms Challenge!
ReplyDeleteXOX, Aimeslee