A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

August 22, 2023

Sunflower Season

Hello Stamplings!

Good day or good evening wherever you are! I hope you had/will have a sunny day! If not, I'm bringing the sunshine to you with my card. (Sorry if you are about to turn in and my card keeps you awake!)

Onefer
This sunny sunflower and sweet bees image is NBUS from Whimsy Stamps, called "Sunflower Buggies." I had great fun coloring it with my Ziggies and, of course, Hammy followed behind with his winker. 

It was a head-scratcher trying to figure out how to add a sediment and do something to the sides which were begging for some kind of something. The next time I stamp it, I will stamp it off to the side. I stamped it in the middle because I was planning on stamping two more, one on each side. Then I decided against that idea and after a bit of scratching and cocking my head, the sunny striped Washi Tape saved the day!

Challenges
Twofer
Here are a few more Christmas makes. I used regular embossing folders (not 3D). I know the trick of lightly spritzing the paper on both sides before embossing a 3D e/f, so I thought I would do the same with a regular e/f and I was surprised and pleased with the resulting dementia. The e/fs are from Sizzix and the sediment is from Winnie & Walter.

Challenges
~~~

The Mister stopped at the Farmer's Market and brought home fresh peaches and blueberries. He handed them to me with a knowing smile and a question in his eyes. He's irresistible.
Ina Garten's Peach and Blueberry Crisp
It is delicious with vanilla ice cream. 

And it was fun to use "knowing smile" in a sentence.

~~~

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! 

*Life is too short!

52 comments:

Donna said...

Your sunflower card is stunning and like your Christmas cards too!

Cheryl W. said...

All your cards today are "bee-uties." I love the sunny disposition of the first card. It actually brought a smile to my face! The Christmas cards are simply elegant. Love the white on white and white with silver. I am sorely lacking in my Christmas card production. If I had an employee like me, she'd be fired!

Stef Perry said...

Oh Darnell, you never fail to bring a smile to my face with your clever narrative and the beautiful cards you create. I think the washi on either side of the sweet sunflowers with buggies was a brilliant idea and so perfect for the end of summer. Such fabulous color and placement of the sentiment - it was worth the time to decide! Love this darling card to pieces along with your beautiful holiday cards! Thanks so much for sharing with us at The Flower Challenge!

TK said...

Your sunny card made my day! So cheerful and welcome, kinda like that knowing smile... Two more wonderful cards for your stash, you're better than me! and that PIE???? OMG -- my absolute favorite! I grew up with Birthday pies, not cakes, cuz WHY -- when you have peaches and blueberries?!

Susan said...

Oh my goodness, peach and blueberry crisp - you've got my digestive juices flowing. And those Christmas cards - beautiful, perfect CAS cards! I must try spritzing the paper with my regular e/f's too! And wonderful happy sunshine yellow on the first card!

LesleyG said...

You always bring us sunshine and your card is so sweet, the washi tape is perfect. I wouldn’t have thought to spritz for an ordinary EF, I have those exact ones, so scooting off to try it……hope I don’t fall off 😃……..whilst drooling over your pie! Xxx

Kathyk said...

DELIGHTFUL makes, loving the bright summery feel of the yellow and the cool elegance of the white on white... has to be said the crisp looks fab too - any left?

Happy Wednesday

Kathyk

Aquarius said...

A fabulous sunflower image and the pie does look delicious too

Christine said...

What a cutie on the first card and Oh! My! Christmas cards.. I usually skip the C bit but those cards are soooo elegant. I think they are inspirational, thank you for sharing.
I shan't mention the 'knowing look' but the pie sounds delish.

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Three beautiful cards Darnell, I love the sunflowers and bugs card.

Sue xx

Gerrina said...

The sunny flowers pop even more with the yellow stripes! Great idea! And beautifully coloured! Good that you remind me of the watering trick; have to do that next time!
And wow you baked something I really wish I live closser; wouldn't mind tahing a bite :)! Hugs, Gerrina

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

I love your sunny happy card, and your fabulous embossed cards, must try the water spray? As for your "knowing smile" Yep! I know that too. hahaha. Love your yummy looking pie.
Faith x

Carole said...

Fabulous sunny card Darnell...great use of the striped washi tape I have to say. Love it. Your Christmas cards are great too, lovely embossing....and the crumble as we call it...I will be round for a taste. xx

Jeanne said...

Your sunflower card is a delight and your Christmas cards are beautiful and elegant. Your pie looks scrumptious! Thanks for sharing all these wonderful things. Have a happy day, my friend!

cuilliesocks said...

Your cards are just beautiful, the Christmas cards are so elegant and I just lovely your sunflower card and that cute bee.
Your pie looks delish, take care, Kate x

Brenda in IN said...

The bee card is "beeutiful" and fun. I'm seeing more and more washi tape on cards and this is a wonderful way to use it. Great inspiration. You got terrific dimension on the Christmas cards by spritzing. That crisp looks delicious.

Sue said...

Hmmm scrummy photo's you are making me hungry LOL Gorgeous cards Darnell fab sunflower card I love it and the embossed ones are beautiful hugs x

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, my goodness, that's the cutest stamp I've seen since the Bugaboo digi site went down! Brilliantly colored with all the pretty depth and shading. And yellow! I love it so much! I'm thinking I should pull out my mixed media and cold press watercolor papers for some spritzing and 2D embossing after seeing your gorgeous Christmas cards. I have a 3D folder that could use some extra umph, too. And to top it all off you have that amazing peach and blueberry crisp! My mouth is watering. Darnell thank you for sharing your darling sunflower card with us at Double D!

Andrea said...

Fabulous sunflower card and as always I love your colouring and hanky’s flair😂.the embossing I’d ace must give that a go. That pie looks scrumptious I’m so jealous liol as every thankyou for sharing a wonderful post take good care andrea x

Pat said...

What an adorable first card so bright and love the sweet little bees buzzing around that gorgeous sunflower Darnell, and your four twofers are so pretty using the embossing folders, and I have tried spritzing one side before embossing and that does make it stand out more but spritzing both sides seems to make the result look totally 3D..just fabulous. The peach and blueberry crisp looks absolutely yummy...what a shame it couldn't somehow be transported to my dinner table..lol. x

brandco2450@gmail.com said...

What a fabulous post! I love the sunflower card just the way it is!
The two embossed cards are just gorgeous and clean! Last but not least the pie looks delicious!xoxo Sharon

lauren bergold said...

Love the elegant white on white embossing... beautiful CAS holiday cards! So happy you could join our Christmas Tree fun at Jingle Belles!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Two very different seasons, from hot to cold in a single post! :D The sunny one is adorable, well done with the striped washi tape! And the cards in the second photo have a beautiful dimension!! At this moment I like more the Christmas makes, here it's SO HOT, all day and night!!!
Your cake looks just delicious!
Hugs

Karen said...

You can never go wrong with a white on white design--especially for Christmas! Yours are beautiful. The Washi tape was an inspired answer to your dilemma and I love your happy sunflowers---wonderfully colored! We're having peach and blueberry galette on Friday when company comes for dinner. I love that combination!

Lynette said...

Oooooh, I love this card, Darnell!! I love the wonderful coloring and the bright cheeriness and the thin stripes along the edges. What a great idea to use Washi tape for that. I like your simple Christmas cards, too.

Lisa Elton said...

Your sunflower card is just the sunshine I needed after the rain we've had today that is continuing into tonight! Very cute and cheerful, Darnell. Love the results you got with your EF cards, they're both wonderful. Dessert look scrumptious, something my hubby would enjoy too!

Ann D said...

All four of your creations are perfection! Thanks so much for sharing all of them, especially the "resulting dementia". :-)

kiwimeskreations said...

Darnell that pie looks, and sounds amazing - not a fruit combination I would have used, but...
Good old Hammy following you around the card winking it - well done Hammy, here's a high five from Down Under - oops, it's upside down...
Your embossing is so dramatic Darnell - two fabulous cards as a result.
Blessings
Maxine

designbydonna said...

Sunflowers are a favorite. Yous is so bright and cheerful, brings a smile to my face. Love the elegance of the Christmas cards.

Diane said...

Beautifully created sunflower card, (the Christmas ones are lovely too), I love Whimsy stamps and you have shown then perfectly, such a happy and cheerful card which we all need!!
Thank you for joining our challenge at Triple B, Double D and Colorful Options!
Diane TB and DD Co-Owner and CO DT
{Nellies Nest}
{Triple B}
{Simply Clean & Simple} NEW

jimlynn said...

I'm trying to decide which of these I like the best. To be honest, the pie won because I'm so hungry right now and lordy me, that looks delicious - and I'm sure it was too! Yummy.
Now, I really do love the cards too - the bright sunny yellow on that first one makes me smile. So pretty. Love the embossed ones too! Fantastic cards Darnell.
Lynn

Em Louise Fairley said...

All your cards are beautiful, Darnell xoxo

Darlene said...

Oh my friend, your cards are always so uplifting! LOVE the brightness of those sunflowers! Brought an instant smile! Thanks so much for joining in the fun at our Double D challenge! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back often.

Darlene
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS
Co-Owner … Can You Handle the Pressure, Double D, Four Seasons, Peace On Earth, Stencil Fun, Simply Clean & Simple, Two Old Bats, Triple B

R's Rue said...

So beautiful

Sandra H said...

Oh your card is a wide eyed wakener as l was up it didn’t keep me awake it’s stunning l love sunflowers love the sentiment with the bee 🐝 and as always white on white embossed cards are also stunning......now that desert looks totally yummy 😋 delicious with ice cream 🍦 too enjoy your day xx

Inkyfingers said...

I love your bright and cheery card, Darnell - bee-autifully coloured and the washi tape is a perfect finishing touch! Thanks for the tip with the embossing folders - I shall certainly be trying that on my 2d folders if you get that kind of result. I love the design of the Christmas card and they will be ideal for batch making.
Hope you are well,
Hugs
Carol x

Loll said...

LOVE your happy, sunflower card. Washi tape was the perfect addition add something special to the sides of the card. And what a fun sediment!! :) (I was channeling you, could you tell??!!). :) Your embossed cards are wonderful, I need to start spray in card before using the folders!! I wish I had made it over for a helping of that delicious-looking peach and blueberry crisp ... maybe next time! xx

Stamps and Paper said...

Two great cards Darnell..your pie certainly looks delicious..

Anne

HilaryJane said...

Your pie looks delicious and the cards are nice too. Love the simple embossed Christmas cards. Might copy that idea xx

Mummylade said...

Your project is perfect and the dessert looks sooo yummy. Thank you so much for entering our challenge at ABC Christmas.

frommycraftroom said...

WOW What a happy card. I'm hoping for sunshine not long had breaky here!

2 more fab Christmas cards for the stash too!

OH that pie - thanks I need ideas for dessert! :)

My Crafting corner said...

I love your bright and cheery image on your gorgeous card. Thank you for joining our challenge at
Let's Craft and Create this week and good luck.. Ursula Uphof DT

Rach83 said...

Wow Darnell, you've been busy. Your CAS Christmas cards are stunning and I'm very impressed with the dimension you achieved. Your pie is making me hungry - looks divine! Thanks for joining us at CCC and I hope you'll be back soon.

Donna Walls said...

Everything in this post is Yummy - the cards, the Pie! Thanks for playing along at the Beautiful Blossoms Challenge, we appreciate the support.
Donna xx
Beautiful Blossoms Challenge
Paper Funday Challenge
Inspiration Station Challenge

SmilynStef said...

Love those elegant embossed branches ... so glad you shared your pine boughs with us at Jingle Belles.

Brenda said...

What a fun, happy card Auntie! I love the bright yellow....it always makes me feel happy as does this card! The image is just too dang cute and I love the way you have colored it with your Zigs. But I thought those beautiful yellow stripes was pattern paper...until I read that it was washi! You have the coolest washi Auntie! I love this card! Your twofers are equally beautiful, one has to love simplistic Christmas cards that are so elegant as well. I had to smile at the Mister handing you the fresh fruit with a knowing smile and the question in his eyes. That Mister....I would definitely say he is irresistible to you for sure! Hugs, Brenda

Kate said...

A bee-autiful bunch of cards Darnell! I must say your addition of dementia (I hadn't realized previously there was a plural of dimension) to those Christmas cards by spritzing first was brilliant! However your decision to add striped tape to the sides of that bee card was inspired - perfect placement of a perfect sentiment too! I've done some serious head cocking of late and have had to put projects aside for fear of having a permanent crick in my neck! Thank you for inspiring us all with your cards and your prose! Hugs, Kate!

Carol L said...

Just loving that bright yellow flower with the bees and yellow stripes! The white on white cards are just beautiful too and with all the white snippets I have, I should give it a go to make a few of my own. As for the pie, I'm in! I haven't made a pie in years and the fresh fruit with ice cream, what a YUMMY combination!

Judy Woodland said...

What an adorable design, those little bees just make me smile. So much wonderful work here, and great take on the challenge. Thanks so much for playing along with us over at Double D, hope we see you back again soon!
Judy~ DD DT Designer

Bobby said...

I could have sworn I already commented on your card, Darnell, but I've been away and maybe I just saw it on my phone, or at The Flower Challenge blog. Who knows? I'm so far behind right now I'm not sure what's up. I love your sunflower with the requisite strips along the side. Great way to add them to your card and the image with the bee is whimsical. Thanks for sharing it with us.
I never would have thought of mixing blueberries and peaches but it looks yummy. I just picked peaches the other day but will be making a quick and easy upside down cake.

baileyrosy.com said...

Fabulous cards, fabulous pie, fabulous embossing!I think your sediment is perfect just where it is. Your card is so cheery and really made me smile. So lovely of you to play along with us at Colorful Options.

Marie

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Oooo - love the sunflower card, Darnell - so bright and cheery!! Darling Christmas cards with those efs, too! Yum - pie; looks delish!!