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!

June 16, 2013

DD #57; NBUS #5 ~ Morning Dew

Happy Father's Day!

We had lunch yesterday with DS to celebrate, Mister is off on a ride today, so I'm stopping in to share a quick card for the current challenge at Dynamic Duos which is "green and black, with a plant dessert."

 
 
I've been craving the Water Droplets stamp from Designs by Ryn for ages.  Just when I was set to order it, I received one from a sweet friend as a surprise!  The serendipity doesn't stop there because this morning, while it was still on my desk from it's first-time use making two thank you cards, there was the perfect DD challenge!  Hallah!

Here tis:


So the NBUS product on today's card is the image and I've also used snippets (the paper and ribbon) so I'll be joining in the playground fun once the gates open today over at Pixie's Crafty Snippets Playground!  I love how the dew drops work perfectly with the leaf pattern on the DSP.  I sponged the greenery to give it some added deeption.
 
Speaking of NBUS (never-before-used-schtuff), I've heard that this idea of using the stamps and schtuff which you've not previously used is now spreading through the blogosphere.  Someone told me there are a couple of sites that are turning the process into challenges.
 
Of course, while my idea of systematically using my NBUS is new to me, it's not original, nor are challenges.  There are wonderful long-time sites that encourage us to use our schtuff, especially our scraps or "snippets" as my British friends say.  You've often seen me join in at Pixie's, which champions this idea.  There is also Shopping Our Stash, which is a another wonderful site, and there are prolly many more that I am not aware of.

However you choose to use your NBUS, or your snippets, I'm so happy you're joining this movement.  This definitely feels like a "Year of The Use It" and I have a feeling it will continue beyond December.  So far I'm really enjoying reversing my product/challenge process and giving my NBUS the love and attention it deserves!  I'd love to see your NBUS cards, too!

~~~
 
Having said that, please step away from the craft table long enough to join me in a warm welcome to our newest friends!  They are Anja of Scrappie, Too and Silvi of Silvi's Place.  Between them, these ladies have years and years of wonderful posts and cards and inspirational ideas for your viewing pleasure!!  Thank you, Anja and Silvi, and welcome to the party!!
 
~~~
 
Here a little giggle for you I found under my water droplet stamp:
 
 
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We picked out our landscape rocks, so now I'm off to the nursery to pick up some plants. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of year!  It's full-on summer the end of this week, although in some places Mom Nature has still not gotten the memo!  Waaake up, mother dear!
 
~~~
 
Printer Survey
 
Before you go, please scroll down to read about my little printer survey.  If you haven't already commented, I would appreciate it if you would take a minute to respond.  In order to really get a consensus and worthwhile results to share, I need you data, my friends.  Thank you!!
 
~~~
 
Enjoy your day!  No, seriously, enjoy.  LITS*! 
 
And thank you so much for stopping by the Playhouse.  Special thanks to you if you take the time to leave a comment or join as a follower! 
 
 

 
 
 
*Life Is Too Short!
 
Paper:  PTI white, SU! pear pizzaz,
  unknown DSP (DCWV?)
Stamps:  Designs by Ryn, "Water Droplets"
  CM-T3; SU! sediment unknown set
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black; DI for sponging
Ribbon from stash 
====================================================================================

PRINTER SURVEY
My laser printer is running low on expensive cartridges again and it doesn't like printing on vellum or on heavy card stock, so I think it's time for a change.  So many of you print out digis, sentiments, and even colored patterned paper that look so crisp and I'm wondering what you use for your printer needs.  Ink jet printers included.  I already have one recommendation from a trusted friend, but Mister and I are old-school and he'd like it if I get more than the one. 
Please tell me if you don't like your printer, too, so I can factor that into the results.   
Thank you for your input!  I will publish the results.  Mwah!! 

56 comments:

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Gorgeous card, love this drops,
they looks amazing on cards,
hugs Tamara

Jessi Fogan said...

Those drops are absolutely STUNNING! *sit down, want monster! lol*

Anonymous said...

Touchable and amazing, Darnell, really amazing! Anita :)

Joyce said...

This is so pretty. Love those water drops. And, I don't do digital card making, partly because the printing scares me. I have no printer to recommend, but will eagerly await your recommendations.

Anonymous said...

Just beautiful Darnell-and how pretty and touchable are those drops ?
I can't recommend a printer for you-sorry dont use one for my cardmaking(not much use to you am i tee hee!)
Hugs,Nessa xxx

Neets B said...

Wow those dew drops are stunning, they look so real. Beautiful card, Darnell.

I can't give you any printer advice but eagerly await the results. I wasn't even aware of digital cardmaking until I joined blogland 6 months ago and I really want to give it a go. I have an existing inkjet but its not back-loading so I can't use card. I want to put a new printer on my Christmas list so will be great to here other bloggers' views.

Take care, Neet xx

Sue said...

WOW!! Stunning card Darnell, the droplets stamp looks amazing and I love the way you have used those colours.
I hope you have had a good weekend
Sue xx

Nancy Guse said...

Those dew drops are amazing, your card is beautiful!

Cathy said...

Beautiful card and the drops look amazing, perfect dp for them too :) Cathy x

Carole said...

Yes those drops are amazing...they look dimensional...the colors are terrific.

Redanne said...

Love Ryn's stamp and also love the way you have used it Darnell - the drops look so realistic. Sadly, we had summer last week....... really hope it comes back. Hugs, Annie xx

Kathyk said...

LOVE your card (and droplets) and your funny.

I use a laser printer by Samsung - it's gr8

Kathyk

Bobby said...

Those droplets are so realistic I had to fight the urge to wipe them off the computer screen. I can see why you coveted the stamp and can't wait to see you use it again.

AB. said...

AAAAAA-mazing!! What a beautiful card!!! The droplets on that background are spectacular!! :)
Thanks for joining us this week on Dynamic Duos. :)

Canonbury creations said...

Stunning card Darnell, those droplets are amazing! I NEED that stamp!
I'm looking for a new printer too, I'm fed up with mine, the ink is ridiculously expensive and the wireless is rubbish! It's an HP btw.
Val x

Carol L said...

Those raindrops are gorgeous on the green leafy background! Such a pretty card Darnell!

Bonnie said...

I'm still trying to figure out how those water droplets look so real! I have a package on the way from a mutual, very generous friend and I just want to touch them. The thought occurred to me that I really didn't have any idea what to do with them since I don't have any fancy fish stamps and I've really got to stop buying stuff and do some NBUS myself. As well as clean out the UFO box and the mass of DP that I've collected.

As far as the printer...I bought an Epson Artisan 50 printer last year and I've been really pleased with it. The paper feeds from the back and doesn't have to go around a roller so I can print heavy weight card stock. The colors are pretty true and I've had to replace the black cartridge and am running low on another right now. I have to get the ink from Epson but they're pretty quick and don't charge shipping. So far the cartridges (5 of them) seem to be running out at different speeds so I don't have to buy all at once. Hope it helps.

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

I see you also love those drops by Ryn - I am a HUGE fan of her - made several cards with those droplets - they always look great! Do you know that she has designed new ones?

Kara Lynne said...

Darnell, your card just took my breath away! Love your new stamp, that looks like a must have. Your background is perfect for it and I love the ribbon detail.

Janet's Joy said...

How awesome are those dewdrops!! Perfect addition to your card. Thanks so much for joining us this week at Dynamic Duos!

Emily Keaton said...

I just LOVE that water droplets stamp, Darnell!! Very cool card.

I use a very old HP ink jet printer. I'm pretty sure they don't make this model anymore, but I can still get the HP ink cartridges. LOVE my ink jet and LOVE HP. When it's time to replace, I'll go with another HP ink jet. Hope that helps!

cm said...

Stunning card, Darnell! Those droplets add that show-stealing special touch! Pretty+++! And I'd like to add that your comments on my site add layers upon layers of 'happy' to my day! You, Darnell, are awesome. Wait, make that AWESOME! Hope you're having a fantastic Sunday! Happy Father's Day to your Mister!
c

alexandra s.m. said...

I'm sorry I have to repeat what your other admirers have said but your card is an absolute stunner!
Thank You Darnell~

Hannelie said...

I want to get my fingers wet Darnell... AWESOME!
PS...Did you receive my e-mail about the printer?

wienerhoneymooners said...

Loving your card...Great minds thinking alike again, I have a thank you with water "like" droplets. Not as realistic as yours, mind you - however was going for the feel..

Have a lovely time on the garden! I love gardening too, though I have bad arthritic knees (hereditary I am afraid that I began to have pains as early as 11)
However never mind that, I craft the dickens without bending! (Har)

Anyhoooo.. Lovely card Darnell!

Di said...

Brilliant Danrnell - and I adore the similar one you sent to me, thank you!

Fabby colour and such a lovely way to use the Droplets stamp - of course there must be so many ways to use it other than with fishes and mermaids she thinks :)

I LOVE your NBUS idea - would you care to start up a challenge blog? Evil grin - I thought not!

When I was extolling our two identical printers here I forgot to say that the ink cartridges are individual, it scans, and of course the rear feed is really good for heavy duty card. I suspect, from reading other comments here and on your previous post that you'll have quite a job deciding as we all seem to love different ones. Len wouldn't touch HP or Epson now, having had troubles with them over several models. Snigger, just to muddy the waters a bit more :))

Hugs, Di xx

roffeycreations said...

Love your card - just champing at the bit to get mine in the mail - it may very well be sitting on my desk at work - so it will be at least another week... oh well - the count down count down til I go back to work is made that little bit sweeter I guess.. LOL... I have a HP - but as I bought 2 whole packs of inks [2 black and 1 of each of the 6 colours] when they were on special it keeps telling me my inks have expired - cods wallop - I just keep going... have not had any issues with it. Good luck Mxx

Michelle said...

Darnell, your card is so BEAUTIFUL!! I never knew that I wanted a dew drops stamp, but it turns out I do! ;-) No fancy marketing required, just a fabulous demo by Darnell.

On the printer, I don't usually use my printer for card-making. I buy printers for photo quality printing. I have a Canon MG6250 and I love it. It rear feeds, it has separate colours (Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, Grey, Black, Black pigment) so you only replace the colour that has run out. It is wireless, too, which is handy for the multiple computing devices in our home. Let us know what you choose, I'd be interested to hear what and why you chose.

Sarn said...

WOW Darnell . . .you've made a beauty of a card with that luscious stamp. I LOVE it.

Printers schminters . . . I don't use mine for crafting AT ALL . . . so am no help to you. Oh wait . . . I just realised I DID use it recently - for the WOYWW4 words on my ATC - must be the first time EVER! It's a cheap crappy printer and as I am not at home . . . I can't tell you which make it is. Not much help am I?! Soz.

Hugs
Sarn xxx

Ardyth said...

Love this bright, fresh card - great colour and the effect of those drops is amazing!

Susan Raihala said...

Your card is a stunner, Darnell! And that water drop stamp is amazing.

No help from me on the printer. Ours is about 10 years old!

Susie W. said...

Wow! The droplets look SO real! Great card Darnell! Thank you for joining us at Dynamic Duos this week.

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Darnell, beautiful CAS design with great colours. As you know I love Ryn's waterdroplets and they look fabulous here. Have a great day, Shirleyx

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

ps.. forgot to say that I love the background behind the waterdroplets, beautiful!

Happy Dance said...

Oh. My. Gosh!!! The droplets look so real. As soon as I catch up on my commenting (so far behind...)I'm off to check out this set. This card works on every level Darnell. The white base and its green panel behind your lovely stamped leafy images, the black ribbon and sentiment. This is just amazingly beautiful. Though, all of your cards are...LOVE this, my friend! Bev

scrappymo! said...

Your card looks lovely! I have one fling across the pond at the moment too and had envisioned underwater themes...but you have opened up a whole new realm! Off to check out my foliage stamps!!!

Darnel, if you have a mo could you email me the printer Di recommended..or any other back loading printers that fill the requirements. I am shopping too and don't want to have the smeared ink problem I had with my HP which has thankfully died!

I will look up the machine that Hazel recommended to me and email you back with its name...that is the only one I have collected a positive review on so far.

Lisa Elton said...

Oh good gravy this stamp is FANTABULOUS Darnell!! (I might have borrowed that word from your fabulous dictionary ~ hee)!!! I can see this as pebbles or stones too. Great card for DD.

As far as printers, we're in the market too. My hubby's hobby is photography so he researched then invested in a highly recommended and pricey $$$ Epson photo printer. We DON'T like it. Unless we use it VERY regularly the ink (also $$$) clogs and doesn't print well.

Sue said...

Your water droplets card looks amazing, Darnell! They really look 3D.

I just have a small inexpensive Epson printer which I bought about six months ago. It works fine for printing photos, digis and backing papers and I use the inexpensive ink cartridges rather than the Epson ones which saves a lot of money, I don't think there's a lot of difference apart from the price! Thank you for your sweet comments on my blog, very much appreciated. Sue xx

Ryn Tanaka said...

Hello Darnell, I'm so glad that I got to see what you did with Water Droplets from my collection. Your card looks great :) What a nice friend you have to give it to you! May I post your card to my Facebook Page with a link to you? I would love for others to see it.

Tracey McNeely said...

Love those Dew Drops Darnell, what a fabulously thirst quenching card! Thank you so much for sharing with us this week at Dynamic Duos!

shirley-bee said...

This card is a stunner, Darnell! Love the droplets stamp, the leaf background, the black ribbon, everything!

I've got an HP Photosmart which came free with my new computer. It's a rear feed so can only take lightweight card without complaining loudly. I don't use it for printing background papers (I can't understand why anyone would want to print out their own low quality papers (compared to shop bought) using extortionately priced ink, and I don't use digis because I've got a lifetime of stamps to use.

My last printer was a Lexmark, it was great! It used to talk to me. "please add paper", "printer is low on ink". Freaked me out the first time I heard it!

Victoria said...

Drip drip drop little raindrop shower.... lovely effect with these classy colours!

Debbie Henderson Debbie's Designs said...

Love, love, love the water droplets! What a nice effect on your card! Thanks for playing Dynamic Duos with us this week!

Kim Heggins said...

Now if I had read this post I would have never bothered you with an email about the NBUS...I love your card and that water drop stamp is amazing!!!!!! Stunning card too and that black ribbon gives it such a classy look!

Loll said...

Hi Dolly. Wow ... coolest stamp EVAH!! Great card! Lolly xx

Geri said...

This is the first time I have seen the water droplet stamp (uh, where have I been ???) and it is unbelievable...it looks 3D! Did you add glossy accents to the droplets? Beautifully coordinated with the sponged DP. Seriously, a huge WOW factor on your card!

My printer info was on a previous post but will copy it here as well:
I use a HP inkjet printer (ancient). This sucker prints on anything! Old school tough. Will likely cry when it dies.

Cassandra said...

Oh wow Darnell, I didn't know there was such a thing as a raindrop stamp and now I REALLY need one! Your card is just lovely and serene, definitely pinning this one.

Diane said...

Beautiful card...LOVE the colors!! I need/want a new printer myself and had read about the Epson Stylus Photo Printer R2000, its around (ouch) $499...but after reading all its qualities for printing, I have it on my list...google it and see what you think...can't really recommend it as I don't have it...yet!!

Mrs A. said...

Brilliant use of your water droplets stamp. Mine arrived last week and just itching to get some use from it but got several projects to complete first so I'm sitting on me hands at the moment and now I can't even fell em!! Hugs Mrs a.

Karen Petitt said...

ooo I love your water droplets card, yummy colours and so effective! great way to use your stash up Darnell. Last year I did a year of use it up - only allowing myself to buy glues and card blanks. I'm glad that is now over but I still have a lot of paper and I won't let myself buy any more until I've used the paper and embellishments (tonnes of) I already have - glad I'm not the only one Karen x

Siara Acdal said...

Hi Darnell!
I love what you did with the water droplet stamp. Perfect match for your card! Your card is stunning!
Siara

JD/ Jill said...

Your card is beautiful! I think it's going to be A winner for sure!

I have been using NBUS a lot this year too. I've learned to ignore the great coupons that the big box craft stores that are near us have. It has not been easy, but my fixed income requires that I do just that.
In regard to printers I have an Epson, and I'm happy with it, but I don't do digital printing, nor print my own papers (it would be too expensive to use all that ink. I do a lot of copying with it, and scanning.

Kim S said...

What an amazing stamp - I'm still looking at your card, thinking it is real! It's just lovely on that paper - it's a summer morning with the lush green with dew and the hazy sun - I LOVE it. I can't believe your NBUS trend. I'm catching up on a lot of blog reading and caught it on a number of blogs - credited to you - before I got to your blog!! You say you aren't the first to have the idea - but your words are so perfectly persuasive - everybody wants to do it!!

Sharron said...

Catching up on blogs due to travel & illness when I came upon your AWESOME card! Those drops are amazing--couldn't imagine it being a stamp! You did a beautiful job on your card.

Wanted to chime in regarding printers too. This is our second printer and is now probably about 3 years old. It's an inkjet--Canon MG5300 series. I LOVE it! It has worked great for printing photos and digitals, takes heavy weight paper (from rear feed) like a dream and as a plus can make copies when needed. I have printed digitals and colored with Copics with no problems. Since it's not brand new, there may be something better but at least I can recommend it! Only negative might be paper size--8 1/2 x 11 is max. size.

Hettie said...

I could have sworn I had commented on this post earlier this week? Hey Ho!
Serendipity has struck with me today. A mutual friend sent me this stamp for my birthday! Just need to get in my room now to play but feeling poorly at the moment! :-(
Hugs
xx

maria f. said...

Hey, I've got some stamps from Ryn waiting for me at my folks'. Can't wait to pick up all my goodies... soon!