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!

May 13, 2014

Watercolor Notes ~ NBUS #131

Hello, my friends!

I hope all is well with you and if you celebrated Mother's Day, I hope it was very special! I'm very blessed to say that mine was delightful!

After taking a break on Sunday, I had a chance on Monday to squeeze in some homework for the online watercoloring class I'm enjoying. I am three days behind in class and, boy, does that bring back memories of my school days. Actually, I'm kidding, I was pretty much a straight-A student, except for physical education and deportment. I learned about imports, exports, transports, airports, supports, reports, and comports, but I was always lousy on deports. So was the Mister, which explains why we were attracted to each other!

Anywhistle, I spent some time trying to mimic and CASE the extraordinary Shari Carroll. She showed us how to use markers and Gelatos to produce watercolor cards and this is my attempt:
This card is the first-generation image which I achieved by coloring my NBUS stamp from Rubbernecker with my Marvy markers. I colored directly onto the stamp, spritzed it with water, and stamped it on my watercolor card. The sediment is from SU. I cut the card down to note size and poof, you're a muffin.

I am entering this card in:

Addicted to Stamps where the challenge is CAS (clean and simple).
GRAB OUR BADGE!
Less Is More where the challenge is one-layer and the theme is thank you.
~~~

Here is my second card, which is the result of respritzing the stamp and giving it another press:

The NBUS sediment is from the Waltzingmouse Stamps "Compact Sentiments" set. For this card, I brushed the flower center with Wink of Stella for a little extra pizzazzle.
I love that the second generation stamping gets you two cards for the effort of one, so it couldn't be any EZPZier.

I am entering this card in:

Seize the Birthday where the toppings are May flowers.
Simons Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge where the theme is "Spring Flowers." I'm telling you, you should bookmark this one for future reference! There are TONS of wonderful spring card designs from the DT and the gallery to inspire you!
Simon Wednesday Challenge Blog 
Remember to click on any of the challenge links to find out the details about rules, sponsors, and prizes! I hope to see you in the galleries!

I am not sure when the deadline is to register and join in the watercolor Online Card Class, but if you click on the link, you can find out more information on this outstanding class.
~~~

New Friends Corner

We have more new friends who would like to meet you! Please help me welcome:

Anne F. of Stamps and Paper. Anne is a fountain of knowledge and inspiration! She has been making cards for 15 years and blogging since 2009. She has a supportive husband, two daughters, and four grandchildren. In addition to her terrific card art, Anne loves any kind of crafting and sewing.

Caroline of Pink Blossom Creations. Caroline has only been blogging since last month, but she has jumped in with both feet, playing in challenges, and making wonderful card art to show you! I would love it if you could make an extra effort to stop in and welcome Caroline to Blogland and leave her some love!

Carole Pollard of The Things I Love. Carole started blogging in 2013, but she has been enjoying sewing, cross-stitch, scrapbooking, and making cards for years. Carole made all the stationery for her son's wedding a few years ago! You will love her enthusiasm and wonderful designs.

Hazel of Hazel's Handmade Crafts. Hazel has been blogging since 2011. She is an award-winning card artist who also enjoys many of the fun challenges available to us online. Her cards are lovely, very detailed, and impeccably executed.

Janet McLaughlin of Mainely Cards. Janet lives in a small town in Maine near the border with Canadia with her husband, three cats, and two birds. Wait. What? Janet has been blogging her unique and beautifully-designed cards since December 2012 and she is a proud member of the Outlawz Design Team. 

Thank you for joining us, ladies, and welcome to the Playhouse!

~~~

Real quick, here are a few photos of our bruncheon on Sunday:
With son Daniel, grandsons Adam and Henry, and DIL Rachel
And in tribute to the watercolor class I'm taking, I had to take a photo of this dazzling ice cream color we found on our walk along main street. The flavor was Lavender (only in California!) and it was a bit over the top, but the color was glorious!
~~~

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 leave a comment and/or join as a follower! Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor! 
  
 
*Life Is Too Short!

To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrolling:
Click CTL + Home.
Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post.
Click Page Down to reach the end of the post.
Click Comments and the pop-up box opens.
Click Jump to Comment Form; no more car pool tunnel!
Mwah!

121 comments:

Cathy said...

Wow Darnell, stunning cards. Love the colours, so vibrant but beautifully watercolor looking. Lovely pics too, glad you had a happy mothers day, Cathy x

Lyndal said...

Super cool watercolouring Darnell :)

Irene said...

Wow Darnell, your cards just get better and better, absolutely stunning and beautiful.
luv
irene
xxxx

vic said...

Love this Darnell :) very beautiful card!!!

Hugs

Vic x

Jasleen Kaur said...

Beautiful, divine watercolouring, Darnell. I love how you picked the subtle blue from the flower to add the matting behind, on the second card. Glad to know your mother's day was fun. Sweet pictures. :)

shirley-bee said...

Oh, Darnell, both versions are absolutely stunning! They should be framed! I love all the different shades and colours you've achieved. Love the Mother's Day pics, and I fancy that lavender ice cream!

Sue said...

Wow, Darnell! Your watercoloured flower looks amazing, love the stamp and the fresh colours xx

Julie B said...

WOW, those cards are gorgeous Darnell, I love that soft watercolour effect. I too have been playing with W/C, they have been at the bottom of my drawer for too long!

Sue - said...

Stunning watercolour cards Darnell. Love them both. Glad you had a good Mothers Day - lovely photos!

Sue said...

Forgot to say I like the touch of sparkle too!

Canonbury creations said...

Love the watercolour effect Darnell and this flower stamp is perfect for it. The touch of sparkle is so pretty as well. Lovely photos from your Mother's day and what amazing icecream:)
Val x

Aileen said...

Love the watercolour look, they have turned out well. Glad you had a good mothers day.

Gerrina said...

I love that technique; it makes beautiful cards; they look painted... Hugs, Gerrina

Di said...

Oh my word Darnell - these are both absolutely fabulous! Beautiful watercolour effect and such lovely colours too. Go you :)

Hugs, Di xx

ike said...

FANTASTIC cards - such beautiful colours you used and the effect is perfect - I thought you had actually painted that daisy at first ! Glad you had a super time at your brunch and that ice cream colour is divine !!! Not sure I would like the flavour !
Hugz
IKE xx


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Lynn said...

Love the happy smiles from your bruncheon. Sounds like a beautiful day. And wow! Your watercolor cards are amazing. Love the touch of shimmer.

Maureen Merritt said...

Absolutely gorgeous!

Mrs A. said...

Your water colour flowers look wonderful.so much so I have gone and spent my pennies and joined the class!! Probably won't do it in real time but you can access the class for ever and a day.
The lavender ice-cream reminded me you can buy Lavender jelly jam over here and it is really nice. Also just bought a jar of Tea jelly from the garden shop and it realy does taste like your eating a cup of tea. Delicious. Hugs Mrs A.

Carole Pollard said...

Oh Darnell so talented these are fabulous and such patience to achieve these delightful cards. Thank you again for joining my blog and you kind words above Love and Happy Crafting Hugs Carole x .

Chrissie said...

Darnell, this is Daisy-a-licious!
I just love those mingled colours.
I've even had to order myself some Gelatos, which I'd never heard of until this week!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"

sandie said...

Wonderful CAS card-love the placement of the sentiment in the first card and fab water colouring x

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Love your stunning card
hugs Tamara

Inkyfingers said...

I have really loved all your watercolour cards Darnell and I'm so impressed with how you have kept up with the homework. I had a chance to look at a couple of the lessons over the weekend but I'm not sure I'll get to grips with it until class is over. Bad student or what?

The gorgeous pictures of your Mother's Day celebration would look wonderful as is in a frame on the wall.
Keep well
Hugs
Carol x

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Gorgeous, love the watercolouring effect. The image works very well with that technique. Have a great week, Shirleyxx

Michelle said...

Wow.... two beautiful cards!! Not sure which is more lovely- and the touch of Wink of Stella is perfect!

Lynette said...

I love your beautiful flowers and your awesome cards! That class looks like so much fun.

Brenda in IN said...

I never realized how much the twins look like you, same smiles and eyes. I love your gelato and marker card. It is so vibrant and colorful. I am so loving this class. It is my favorite so far.

Benzi said...

Both versions of your watercolor cards are gorgeous, Darnell. I used to watercolor with a brush...been a long time.

Krisha said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!! I LOVE the water color technique, the results are always so different.

Stamps and Paper said...

Darnell thank you for your lovely welcome to your blog...
Beautiful watercoloured card your colours just blend so well and your Wink of Stella just finishes off your work of art...

Anne

Colleen said...

Darnell, you sure have a knack for this water coloring class...tell me why are YOU taking this class? You could be teaching it...your card is really stunning! Thank you so much for sharing it with us at Seize the Birthday!
ps...happy picture of your family!

Lee-Anne said...

Stunning in every way, Darnell! You are a natural at water coloring!

Heather said...

A fabulous card Darnell, your water colouring is wonderful and such a beautiful combination of colours!!

Thanks so much for joining Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge
hugs
Heather xx

Patti said...

Stunning!!! I have always loved the look of watercolor art. It almost sounds easy they way you described how to do this.

Patti

Diane Jaquay said...

Sigh, these cards are SO dreamy, LOVE the beautiful flowers you created! I keep thinking I should sign up for this class!

Redanne said...

I agree with Diane above, they are both dreamy - and stunningly gorgeous too! Well done, you look like a watercolour artist now - love these. I also love Shari, I have had the honour of taking two classes with here when she was here in the UK a few years ago - a lovely and very talented lady - a bit like yourself Darnell.... Hugs, Annie xx

Sheila H said...

Fabulous watercolor cards! I love the Wink of Stella. You may be behind, but you're rocking the techniques :)

Karen Petitt said...

Love it! I have some Gelato's and only recently started playing with them. I need to try playing with them plus my markers. Am a big fan of Shari's art and love this so much.
Good to hear you got spoiled over the weekend. I can't bear the thought of lavender ice cream though - too much like those violet sweets, euch! Karen x

Karen Petitt said...

Love it! I have some Gelato's and only recently started playing with them. I need to try playing with them plus my markers. Am a big fan of Shari's art and love this so much.
Good to hear you got spoiled over the weekend. I can't bear the thought of lavender ice cream though - too much like those violet sweets, euch! Karen x

Lisa Elton said...

Sweet MD pics Darnell, happy faces! Why can't daisies really look like this, such a pretty mix of colors!!

Cat Craig said...

Darnell, you nailed it. Such lovely cards you created. The colors are fantastic.

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I'm a muffin?!

I wondered if that was the watercolor class you were doing. I really wanted to do it, but had no time. Supposedly you can access at any time though? I really want to learn to watercolor with some lessons and not just trial and error.

I love your cards. That's a fine stamp for doing the marker/water color technique, nice and bold.

Jacquie Southas said...

Love the cards Darnell - can't believe how much color was still there for the second stamping!

Craft-E-Place said...

I love your cards. You are such a clever lady - your colour choices are stunning.
Elaine

Monika Reeck said...

whoaaa Darnell you really made two fabulous cards...love the color and the texture at the photo of your card...may I ask you which tip to have much more Lovely comment on a post...I sometimes has so little time can not come back to the other ladies blog..also they come only one and gone LOL SMILE....you are amazing each post of you getting much love...and you are amazing lady too..great family Photo...I am happy to know you from Blog land..hugs from Germany...Monika

Sazzle Dazzle said...

Hi Darnell
Thanks for joining in this week's challenge at less is more with such a fabulous card. Love the pops of colour and I'm so enjoying seeing all these watercolour images.
Thanks for the lovely comments on my blog and also well done on the GDT post at Addicted to CAS.
Sarah
Less is More

Geri said...

Hey there stranger! I'm finally getting around to some blog visits!

Fabulous 1st and 2nd generation projects! I love the vibrancy of the inks on the first card and the subtle somewhat 'dreamy' watercolor look on your second card!

I'm off to see the rest of your goodies that I have missed :)

Kristie Goulet said...

Beautiful cards, Darnell!

Sally H said...

Wow, Darnell! Two totally stunning cards! I love them both! Gorgeous watercolour work x

Suze Bain said...

Wow Darnell, your watercolour flowers are fabulous! Xx

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Both cards are absolutely stunning. Simple and elegant.
Deportment classes? Did you go to a Parisian finishing school lol?
Best wishes.
Ang x

Neets B said...

I wouldn't call this an attempt, I'd call it a triumph! Its amazeballs!!! I LOVE this, I have some Marvy markers so I may have to have a play some time very soon xx (PS..love your 'poof you're a muffin') :D

Deborah Frings said...

Wow - Darnell, both these cards are absolutely super. I love the watercolour flower. Thanks so much for playing along with ASM this week!

Shannon J said...

Two breathtaking stunners! Miss Thing just fell over...but I'm going to finish my comment before I pick her up. She'll be fine...hopefully. Haha! Lovely family photos and Happy belated Mothers Day!!! Lavender ice cream huh?! We have a place here that serves a million different flavours - and they're wacky! I mean seriously - garlic?? Curry??? Bean paste??? I'll take the vanilla, thanks!! Haha!! xoxo

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

Beautiful watercolor projects! Carri~Abusybee
Skittles!

Sarah G said...

Wow - these are completely stunning! Love the watercolour effect....A+ for homework. I will have to keep persevering to get something as lovely as this :)

Pat said...

Both of these cards work beautifully by inking the stamp, and the colour combination works wonderfully well. Like the added sparkle on the second one too. Love the photos and you obviously enjoyed Mother's Day, not sure about the lavender ice cream though. x

Carol L said...

Beautiful cards, with a wonderful technique! I love that big single bloom!

Bonnie said...

Beautiful and unexpected colors for these flowers! WOW! Glad you had a good Mother's Day with your beautiful family!

Loll said...

Gorgeous cards Dolly! I love both versions. Beautiful image and perfect for this technique. Love the colors you've used and the little bit of shimmer on the center of the second flower is so pretty! Lolly xx

Tracey McNeely said...

Darnell love your Gelato watercolour card so much. I must try that technique or take the class of both! I love the shimmer too!

jimlynn said...

Yummy looking ice cream, great photos, and absolutely stunning looking cards! Love these!
Lynn

Sheri said...

I am loving the colors you used to make the flower. Absolutely a stunning card.

Teresa Kline said...

beautiful watercolored flower! So glad you played along with Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge!

sparkle & shine *~*

Nora Noll said...

Every time I see a card from this class I could kick myself for not taking it. Your cards are gorgeous!! I love the bold colors of the first generation and then the softer image you created for the second generation stamping. I have used this method before but forget about techniques like this. Thank you for sharing!!

Susanne Vargas said...

WOW, those flowers look really stunning! The second one is even more watercolory! You are a real pro at this! Just gorgeous!

JD/ Jill said...

Great cards, Darnell, you sure are getting a lot out of those classes...Glad you had a nice Mother's day.

Happy Dance said...

Is there anything higher than A+? Well if there is, you sure deserve it for these two gorgeous cards. I'm in awe. Sooooo beautiful. Wow. LOVE these. Really. Bev

Nan G said...

A++ for you! Both cards are gorgeous! I had hoped to take this class but sadly funds were not avail. I'll look to you to give us the skinny on what's being taught and maybe at a later date I can sign up for it. Hugs

Danielle Vincent said...

You are definitely the star student Darnell. These are soooo beautiful - almost dreamy really! Nice job! Thanks so much for joining us this week at ATS&M.

Sharron said...

Wow, Darnell, your cards are gorgeous! Love the colors and that great flower you used! Glad you had a wonderful Mother's Day.

Jane said...

Two very amazing cards! Adore this effect and will be checking out the watercolour course.

Shona Chambers said...

Both of your cards are absolutely stunning! I would buy those from a store in a heartbeat they look so good. Your obviously enjoying the class and have a natural ability with watercolour. I got a few days behind with the last Online Class, thank goodness no one checks up on you!

Michelle said...

Darnell, those cards are spectacular! Wow! I'm so far behind in class, I'm pretty sure I'll never catch up. ;-) Those twinks are growing up so quickly! It looks like you had a wonderful Mothers Day! :-)

Alycia said...

Stunning, D!!

cm said...

You may have not done well in deportment, but when it comes to spritzing, you are tops in the class! Two gorgeous cards, Darnell, guaranteed to receive plenty of gazing and admiring from whoever receives them. WOW! Your bruncheon photos are delightful - such a handsome, beautiful family - and the lavender ice cream "looks" yummy! Once again, a day-brightening post in every way! Hugs~c

Brenda said...

Wow!! What amazing cards and water color stamping Darnell!!! I love that stamp, but how cool it stamped with all those fabulous colors!! I love both cards equally. I have some Marvy markers, I think I need to try and find a stamp and give this a try. I know it won't be anything near a beautiful as yours though! lol Love your pictures, such a lovely family you have. Those boys are just as cute as they can be!! Love, love the purple ice cream. lol Oh yes, I do love ice cream-not a good thing either! lol Hugs

MaryH said...

Loving these flowers. Well done. Really liked the WoS on the center of #2. It added a lot of glitz to an already pretty posie. Enjoyed the pictures of your lovely family, tfs & so glad you had a very special Mom's Day. Hugs

OH Babs said...

Two gorgeous watercolor cards.

Petra Swart said...

WOW, Darnell, both these cards are so beautiful!! Your flower is stunning!!
Lovely pics of you and the family!!

Petra Swart said...

WOW, Darnell, both these cards are so beautiful!! Your flower is stunning!!
Lovely pics of you and the family!!

Sue said...

So very pretty. I am loving these watercolor cards. I just saw that stamp at Rubbernecker and it's on my wishlist. Will be ordering it sooner than later!

Jessi Fogan said...

But did you TASTE the lavender ice cream? Gorgeous pic of the family :)
And these cards are magnifique! Love the double whammy with just one inking, and the smidge of colour, and the awesome sentiments on both, and also the POOF YOU'RE A MUFFIN!

Bobby said...

Those cards are absolutely fabulous, Darnell. I'm getting a little behind in my homework, mainly because I don't have many stamps suitable for the lessons, and with visitors and meetings and . . . well, you know how it is.

Linda said...

Wow! Love these Darnell, the colours are simply stunning.
I like the look of the lavender ice cream too ..... I've had lavender shortbread before .... yummee! and Lavender Earl Grey tea but never ice cream. I'll keep my eyes open for that one! Hugs Linda xx

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Stunningly beautiful!!!! Wow!!!

Dana said...

Gorgeous cards!! The flowers turned out fabulously!! I love this technique!! ( i need to do it more, hehe!!!)

Barb King said...

I love this card! That flower is perfect and the technique worked out great, well done. It is a fun class, but I am really far behind now. It has gotten me going on cardmaking again, that's for sure!

Barb King said...

I love this card! That flower is perfect and the technique worked out great, well done. It is a fun class, but I am really far behind now. It has gotten me going on cardmaking again, that's for sure!

wienerhoneymooners said...

These are the best watercolor flowers I think I have EVER seen!!!!!!!!!

You are growing beyond measure in your awesome abilities, I LOVE these!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow Darnell, very beautiful cards, they are simply stunning and perfect CAS. Thanks for playing along at ATSM. Monika

Barb Ghig said...

Darnell...I am so sorry for my late post! So glad you had a wonderful Mother's Day with your family...you certainly deserve it!

Your cards are just amazing...WOW! I really love them both, but if I had to choose, the 2nd card is my fave! The dreamy look of the flower with all that gorgeous sparkle...and lovely sentiment, too! You're doing an amazing job in this class...seriously! My post is so late, I think I need to check for the next one :-)

Greta said...

I think you need to do a scrapbook page with those pictures--really treasures, Darnell! Love that watercolor technique which I don't use very often. Thanks for the reminder as I love your flowers!

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Both card are amazing - you are already the queen of watercolor - congrats on your win at Addicted to Stamps and more!

Lee-Anne said...

Right back at you, Darnell...congrats on your win at ATSM on this beauty!

Shona Chambers said...

Congratulations for your ATSM pick, this card is so beautiful it was definitely a winner!!

Shirley said...

Wow, on your flower for day one! That is stunning! Thanks for a close up of the center too!

Karen M said...

Love both these gorgeous beauties Darnell and congrats on your HM at Atsm - very well deserved! I am also loving watercolour class - isn't it fab! Hugs xx

Anita in France said...

You're aceing all your watercolour homework, Darnell ... these latest two are stunning ... glorious colours, all so beautifully blended! Hugs, Anita :)

Sarn said...

Oh my goodness - these 2 cards are just SOOOO pretty. LOVE what you've done with the Marvy markers.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Leslee said...

So loving these two cards. Fantastic job!

Anne said...

WOW WOW WOW Darnell these are stunning, knock your socks off cards, LOVE them!
Thanks for joining us at Less is More
Anne
Less is More Designer

Katie Melhus said...

Those flowers are both Beautimous! Gorgeous watercoloring and two beautifully designed CAS creations :)

Sherrie M. said...

Beautiful watercoloring Darnell! i am so behind on this class but hopefully will get some time in soon. Don't think I can make a flower as pretty as yours but I'm gonna try!

maria f. said...

Umm, numero uno... Get Hallmark to grab the rights to it. That flower is so gorgeous - the unexpected colors and then rim of blue around its center. Wow.

wienerhoneymooners said...

I KNEW these were winners, CONGRATS Darnell, you SERIOUSLY ROCK the watercolors, your Sandie card, WOWZA AGAIN!!!!!

Glenda J said...

This is absolutely stunning!! Love it! Thanks for playing along with Seize the Birthday.

Bridget said...

Darnell, I just popped over for a closer look from LIM - what stunning cards, fabulous watercolour technique!

Bridget said...

Darnell, I just popped over for a closer look from LIM - what stunning cards, fabulous watercolour technique!

maria f. said...

Hey "goober". Told ya this was one mighty card. WTG at LIM!

Joanne James - The Crafty Owl said...

Hi Darnell Just popped over for a closer look following your LIM win - this card is gorgeous!! Makes me want to have a go at this technique, the colours look fab. Congratulations on a well deserved win!

Tracey T said...

Was so pleased to see your gorgeous card in the winner's spot over at Less is More! A well-deserved win! Hugs, Tracey x

Craft-E-Place said...

Congratulations, well done, brilliant, amazing ... What more can I say! If I was responsible for choosing the winner I too would have chosen your card - it is simply STUNNING!
Elaine

Loly Borda said...

Congrats on winning at Less is More!! Yay, so well deserved, your card is beautiful, so artsy! So proud of you!

Pat said...

Love these - can't ask for better than two beauties for the price of one!

wienerhoneymooners said...

ANOTHER Win for this card, and I am NOT shocked, I am HAPPY, HAPPY Dancing for your lovely creation Darnell, you really ROCK at watercolors!!!!!! Now that you know this for sure, I can't wait to see MORE, no really I want to see MORE...!!!!!!YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bobby said...

I went to Less is More to post my card for this week and what did I see? This lovely getting it's due reward as a winner. Congratulations!!

Julie said...

What lovely colours and a great image. Fantastic technique Darnell. I must give it a go..!
Beautiful cards.

LauraJane:) said...

The colors are captivating!!

Sandy said...

I saw this card on Pinterest - it is absolutely gorgeous! Can you please tell me the name or number of this Rubbernecker stamp? I have searched their website but can't find it. I will be going to a stamping show this weekend and Rubbernecker will be there - I would love to get this stamp! Thanks so much for your help.

Shawna said...

Okay, so I am on Pinterest (as usual) and I see before my eyes this fantastic card!! OMG what a beautiful design and color.. ohhhh the color I just love it!!! Must CASE this one... Wow, wow, and WOW!!!