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!

April 22, 2024

Earth Day!

Hello Stamplings!

I hope you're having a good and plenty kind of day! Who remembers Good & Plenty licorice candy? I still love them and have loved them since my childhood in the 1890s. You'd think they would be stale, but no.

Onefer

Today is Earth Day ~ Yay! Last week Serena Dipity came by to visit the Playhouse and together we made a card to celebrate her. Mother Earth, not Serena.
It all started when I was flipping through my binder of die-cut shapes. No, wait a sec. It all started a coupla weeks ago when I noticed on the calendar that Earth Day was coming up on the 22nd, so that was in my subterranean conscience. So then Serena showed up just as I turned the page in my binder and right before my eyes was the above circle die cut from an old session of dribbling alcoholic inks onto Yupo paper. I looked over at Serena, she smiled knowingly, we both looked at Hammy and Stanley and together we all yelled, "Globe!"

Then, if you can believe it, the littl'n ran over to Mt. NBUS and nosed out the arms die from Alexandra Renke. I recently got it on super sale, wondering at the time when I might ever use it. (But, you know, super sale!) Then, not to be out-done, Hammy dove into my stash of sediments and found the perfect one.

So we had the bits, now we just needed a background and that was quickly sorted when I remembered I had some ancient pieces of cloudy blue sky vellum which I embossed with a ... ta-da ... cloud e/f!

You gotta love when Serena Dipity shows up!

Twofer
Here's another nature theme with a blue green color scheme. I made this card (cough) ago, but I can't find that I ever posted it. The background was made using the dirty pour technique during one of the fun Canadian crafty sessions I attended. The beautiful seahorse is from Katzelkraft and the Lavinia ocean flora stamp was a gift from a sweet friend. Hello friend.

I.D.E.A.S.

Both of these cards (and any of yours this week!) will fit the A = Anything Goes brief of I.D.E.A.S. I'm looking forward to playing with you and πŸ“Œing your creations!

And to close ...
With the rain we've been getting, we are seeing bulbs come up for the first time in years. First the smattering of white irises and then as they were fading, we were treated with just one regal purple bloom! Thank you, Mother Earth! Every day should be your day!

~~~

Enjoy your week! 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!
Challenges:
Onefer: Inspiration Station (photo of globe inspired me); Can You Handle the Pressure? (a/g); SSS Monday (It's up in the air).
Twofer: Addicted to Stamps and More (make your mark); Double D (water related).


38 comments:

Julie B said...

Well that combined effort certainly paid off with your first card Darnell, inspired! We've had loads of rain but the iris are still looking a tad tatty as the slugs have enjoyed the rain even more! :)

Aquarius said...

Brilliant cards - how fortuitous that Serena came to visit at just the right time 😊. Thanks for sharing the lovely flower pics too

Jeanne said...

Gotta love that Serena! Beautiful cards my friend and what a joy to see your flowers. Have a great week.

Carol L said...

What a great pair of cards to celebrate earth day. I love those hugging arms around the earth - what a great idea for a card. Wishing you warm, sunny days for those budding bulbs to bloom into wonderful colors. We had a frost advisory this morning and it's quite chilly in here right now! Have a great Monday!

Pat said...

Serena Dipity has her uses Darnell, and love your Earth Day card using that gorgeous piece of alcohol inked Yupo, and the arms and heart work brilliantly, and the cloud embossed vellum is so pretty and perfect! I have a soft spot for seahorses, and the dirty pour background is beautiful and I love the Katzelkraft seahorse and added Lavinia Ocean Flora for the underwater foliage..a beautiful card. I do have a card for this weeks I.D.E.A.S. too. x

Gerrina said...

Great how something in the back of your mind and seeing a piece of paper can lead to a card! Love the fresh blue and green combi on both of them! Hugs, Gerrina!

Brenda in IN said...

This is a great card for Earth Day! It's amazing how everything worked together to assemble this card with all your helpers and of course, Serena. That background is wonderful for that delightful seahorse. Isn't Mother Nature surprising with her bounty popping up when you least expect it?

brandco2450@gmail.com said...

What a fabulous post, Darnell! I love reading about your
antics and get a real laugh! Mustn't forget your cards,
they are awesome!

cuilliesocks said...

Wonderful cards Darnell, fabulous designs and colours, Kate x

Karen said...

You just have to love it when all the pieces come together like those in your Earth Day card--and to end up with such a wonderful card! Your iris are lovely. After being in South Carolina for two weeks, we were pleasantly surprised to see all our daffodils blooming in the front yard. We thought they might be "past their prime" by the time we returned. If only we could have brought the warm temperatures home with us!

Gail L said...

Happy Earth Day!
Both cards are fabulous!

HilaryJane said...

Isn't it just the best feeling when things come together like that. Both cards are superb and thanks for sharing your iris pictures. Mine aren't in flower yet. We have been reading today about how Californian deserts are flowering ad looking spectacular this year xx

I Card Everyone said...

I'm delighted to celebrate Earth Day with you today, D! LOve your 'alcohol inked' Earth and sweet embossed clouds - but that hug? Just the next best thing to seeing your smiling face today!
I'm waiting on some new tulips I planted last Fall - fingers crossed! I adore your Irises!
=]

Sue said...

Both fabulous cards Darnell hugs xx

Bobby said...

Collaboration at its best, Darnell. You all should be proud of your tribute to Mother Earth.
Now why did you have to mention Good and Plenty? They are my favorite but I have to limit myself as I could eat a box in a day. Now I'm hungry for some.

Jeanne H said...

Senior moment today, took me a while to recognize Serena. Love your card, so creative. Hugs

Robyn Oliver said...

Two fabulous cards from your stash pieces Darnell...I like that, they do come in "handy" and perfect use to celebrate Earth Day! and aren't we just so happy to be on it... Love your irises too.. Enjoy your day hugs Robyn

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

I totally agree with you, Darnell, ANY day should be the Heart Day!!
I laugh reading about Serene Dipity :D LOL Amazing Heart Day card, your own background is fabulous, as well the arms that hugging the globe, well done! Also the second card looks fabulous, very beautiful seahorse and amazing poured backround!

Cheryl W. said...

I would like to extend a formal invitation to Serena Dipity to come and live with me--all expenses paid! I promise I will treat her royally and be her best friend. She will have access to my entire cardmaking stash.

She helped you make some stunning cards and I'm a bit green (an apt color for today) with envy. I really love the "globe" card. Fantastic use of those hugging arms!

Lisa Elton said...

What a lovely tribute to Earth Day, Darnell! Love that big old hug that's happening. Terrific cards and terrific Irises!

TK said...

Serena Dipity is quite the gal -- she helped create the PERFECT card for Earth Day; I just love all the elements that point toward our great home. Your second card is place on the best panel I could have ever imagined, it definitely looks like Mr Seahorse is blowing bubbles in his deep blue sea.
Good & Plenty? Yes, of course, a throwback to the good ol' days.
Iris? Yes PLEASE! My favorite flower 😊

Viv said...

Beautiful cards and beautiful pics Dolly! xx

Leslie Miller said...

Best earth card ever! You, Serena, and the little ones make a good team. It's amazing how it worked out and it's absolutely beautiful! I'm totally mesmerized by your underwater card. The background is jaw dropping, and the stamps are beautiful. The seahorse is a work of Katzelkraft art! This is an absolutely fabulous addition to our water-theme gallery at Double D. Thanks, Darnell!

Patti J said...

I have a stash of NBUS that I've never used...I tend to get really excited when the need arises for one of them! Your cards are delightful, as always, your flowers are SO pretty, but wow, Good and Plenty from the 1800's....you make me laugh out loud, my friend! All kidding aside, they are one of my all time favorites! Thanks for sharing this fun post - keep inspiring me!

Donna said...

Great Earth Day cards, especially like the sea horse card! Your flowers are beautiful. I hope to plant mine this coming weekend!

kiwimeskreations said...

Wasn't Serena such a timely visitor Darnell!! - and those wee boys really have got the hang of helping you in the playhouse. Give them both a pat from me :)
A great result with your Earth Day card, and loving your seahorse card also - a wonderful pair.
Your irises, and the freesias are looking beautiful
Blessings
Maxine

Em Louise Fairley said...

Beautiful cards, Darnell xoxo

Donna Phelan said...

Gorgeous background, love the under the water sea look and vibe! That seahorse is majestic--love him! Beautiful Earth Day card too! So cool! Thanks so much for playing along with us at The Double D, Water Related Challenge. Donna, DT Member.

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Two beautiful cards for Earth Day, Darnell - love your earth wrapped in a hugs and your seahorse is darling! Gorgeous irises too - I'm hoping mine will come up soon!

Sue - said...

Two great cards. Isn’t it good when everything just works? No irises in my garden but everything else is starting to look good. It’s nice to have some colour again. xx

Sandra H said...

l used to have the yellow & purple Iris's and they was great for spreading yours are looking lovely as are your cards Darnell Earth day everyday for me and that seahorse is gorgeous xx

Susan said...

Two lovely cards for Earth Day! Beautiful blues and greens with that stunning sea horse - he goes so well with the squiggly ocean flora stamp. I remember doing the dirty pours at our retreat! Would love to craft with you again! The globe card is fabulous - so happy Serena Dipity was there to inspire it!

Lynette said...

Happy Earth Day - nearly a week late. Fabulous cards, Darnell. They came together beautifully. Pretty flowers, too.

frommycraftroom said...

The perfect piece of alcohol paper for earth day!

Just stunning cards and garden too!

Donna Walls said...

Darnell, your card is brilliant and I love your alcohol inked Earth! It was meant to be. Thanks for joining us at The Inspiration Station Challenge and we hope you'll share again soon.
Donna xx
Inspiration Station Challenge
Paper Funday Challenges
Beautiful Blossoms Challenge

Alexandra Y said...

Such a pretty card! I love the embossed texture in the background. Thank you for joining us at the Inspiration Station Challenge this month! ~Alexandra

foleysfriend said...

Love the background from the pour technique. It's perfect for an ocean scene like the one you created. Beautiful. Thanks for joining us at Addicted to Stamps and More!

sue n.

Carol Cel said...

Both of these are great cards. Beautiful!