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!

July 8, 2015

A Smooshing Birthday Garden and A Playhouse Visitor!

Hi Stampers! I hope your week is passing smoothly and happily!

I'm going to get right down to business as I'm feeling a bit under the weather. But wait. Instead of getting right down to business, first I see a squirrel and must go off and research the origin of that oft-used phrase. They say it either stems from the idea that the weather affects our mood or it is believed to be shorthand for the phrase "under the weather bow," which referred to the windward side of the ship's bow, which took the brunt of the high seas.

Okay, good. I think it's both. Let's move on: 
This "artsy" coloring was done by applying DI to my teeniest one-inch acrylic block, one color at a time, and then just "stamping" it onto the paper and smooshing it just a little. I stood my Corner Garden stamp up in front of me while I was applying the inks to the naked paper, so I could sorta aim my smooshing in approximately the places where the blooms were. I suppose it would have been easier to stamp the image first and then smoosh the colors, but I, well, I just went the other way. I think I was afraid the black ink would smear. Or the hamster was at lunch.

The whole coloring process took like five minutes and I just love how it ended up when I actually stamped the image onto my smooshed colors. I'm usually a "color inside the lines" kind of gal when it comes to coloring, but I have to say this rebellious outside the lines behavior worked beautifully with this line-drawn stamp. To give some added interest, I popped the image panel over an embossed card bottom.

Challenges
~~~

A Playhouse Treat!

No twofer card today. Instead, look who came for a visit to the Playhouse!
This tall and pretty lady is none other than Susanne Vargas of Keep in Touch. She and her handsome husband and sons traveled from the East Coast to the West Coast on holiday and Hammy and I were fortunate enough to be included in their itinerary!

Susanne is as sweet, kind, and fun in person as she appears to be on her wonderful blog! It was a true pleasure to meet her and spend some time with her. It wasn't enough time, but it was fantastic! If Susanne is new to you, you'll be doing yourself a favor if you go and get acquainted with this beautiful lady and her incredible cards!

Thank you, Susanne, for taking the time out of your vacation to come for a Playhouse visit! Mwah!

~~~

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! Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor!
*Life is too short!

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95 comments:

Sue said...

Your card is gorgeous Darnell, the image is beautiful and I love the way you have added the colours.
Sorry to hear that you are feeling under the weather. I hope you feel better soon.
Glad you had a nice time meeting up with Susanne.
Take care, hugs Sue xx

Sue said...

Such as pretty card.

Glad you got to meet another blogger. Lovely photo of the two of you.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Hannelie said...

Your card is lovely Darnell!
I really hope you will feel better soon ♥
Lucky you for meeting Susanne!

Redanne said...

Oh very nice Darnell, it is beautiful and so 'artsy', I love it and wish I had the confidence to try out that technique! It really is a stunning card.

I am so sorry that you are feeling under the weather, I hope it passes soon and that you feel lots better! Take care. Big healing hugs, Annie xxx

Sarah said...

Hope you are soon Feeling better Darnell ((xx))
Love a bit of smooshing and this looks like you took ages on this fab job!! xx

Lizzy Hill said...

Hope you feel better quick. No fun being sick in the summer....your card is fabulous....made me laugh a bit with the guess-timatoring where to smoosh those colours...but hey! It looks wonderful & you would not know that errrr 'technique'???!!! had been used!!!

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

Well now, I say lets all go smoosh something! This is just lovely, and lucky your on having visitors! Looks like fun times.

Lynn said...

Love your smooshy technique Darnell...the outside the lines look is fabulous! And how awesome to meet up with a blogging friend!

Jan Clothier said...

Lovely smooshing! This is the second card I've seen this week using the Corner Garden stamp and both have been fabulous.

Sarn said...

LOVE your pretty and colourful card Darnell.

SO much fun meeting up with fellow crafters isn't it?

Hugs, Sarn xxx

ionabunny said...

Love the soft effect of the colouring. Feel better soon. Hugz

cuilliesocks said...

Hello Darnell and I am sory to hear you are feeling poorly, I hope you feel better soon.
Your card is gorgeous, love your colours and it's such a pretty floral image. Lovely photo of you and your friend, take care, hugs Kate x

Pat said...

I like the random colouring idea Darnell and it goes with that stamp perfectly. How wonderful to have a meet up with Susanne for a great crafty chat and love the photo. Sorry you are a bit under par at the moment and jope you reel better soon. x

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

It's always FUN to meet a bloggy friend!!! LOVING your card!! The colors are GORGEOUS!! Hope you feel better soon!!!!!!!!!

designbydonna said...

Love your smooshing coloring. Makes for a beautiful flower garden. Hope you are feeling better soon.

Happy Dance said...

Hope you're feeling above the weather by now. Will pray that you are! Beautiful card. Really beautiful. Just might have to totally CASE this one. Perfect colors for gorgeous flowers. And you got to meet Susanne!! How cool is that?! Lucky girls! I swear, we card makers should have this huge convention and all get together...except what hotel can host the millions of us out there?! Golly! Anyway, love your card, and am hoping you're much better today! Gentle hugs. Bev

~amy~ said...

Oh I hope you feel better soon! Your card is GORGEOUS!!!!! Love the colors!
Yay for crafty friends!

Nessa's Crafty Place said...

Gorgeous card today Darnell!Love all your smooshing-it came out a treat :)
What a lucky lady to come visit you and step inside the Playhouse(bit like going through those gates into Willy Wonker's Choccy factory I imagine!)one of these days I shall get a coach trip organised from the UK and we will appear "en masse" at your Playhouse door tee hee!!
Have a good week,
Hugs,Nessa xxx

Linda said...

Gorgeous card Darnell .... great 'smooshing' ..... very arty I must say.
And can I just add that if Nessa does get the coach trip from the UK organsied count me in!!! I would love the chance to visit the Playhouse. Feel better soon hun .... big hugs Linda xx

adele holcomb said...

If I didn't have an ADD husband and son, I wouldn't have understood your squirrel reference. "Oh look, a squirrel!" is said a lot around here! I think it was also used in the cute movie, "Up".

I really like the effect you got with the smooshing on your pretty card -- I never thought to use my tiniest acrylic block.

Jeanne said...

Hope you are feeling a lot better by now, Darnell! How fun for you to have had such a special visitor. You both looks tickled pink in that photo. :) Adore your card. I am an in the lines kind of gal myself as well and still I adore the out of the lines feel of this card. What a great look you can achieve with a stamp block and some ink. Wow!

Lisa Elton said...

You are an expert smoosher!! That corner floral stamp was perfect for this technique Darnell, so pretty!! How fun that you had a chance to meet with a blogging friend, cute photo of the two of your lovely ladies. I just noticed your blog signature and hammy running in his wheel LOVE IT!!! Sorry if I'm late to the party noticing ;)

Brenda said...

Wow! What a beautiful card Auntie! I love the colors and to think you placed all those colors down with a 1 inch block and smooshed them is amazing. I need to give that a try. lol Although I don't think I have a stamp this fabulous to use. I love that image of all those flowers! I hope you are taking it easy and healing Auntie, my orders!! How fun that Susanne and her family travel to the West Coast and ya'll got to meet up! That is always fun to meet a blogging buddy! I'm glad you ladies got to spend some time together. Hugs, Brenda

Susanne Vargas said...

It was so wonderful to meet you in person, Darnell! I wish we could have chatted for much longer! I so appreciate your taking time in your busy life to show me where you create such beauties as today's card! What I great technique! Will have to try that! I also would have been nervous about smearing the black ink! You did an amazing job with the placement of the color! You go right ahead rebelling!

Carole Z said...

HI Darnell, this is so feminine and pretty colours, love how you've created the was effect, gorgeoushugs Carole Z X

Maura said...

Love the soft coloring behind that gorgeous flower stamp, Darnell! Great use for "smooshing" watercolors.
Belated birthday wishes - hope you had a fabulous day and that the year to come is full of blessings and joy and much satisfaction! Thanks for all your kind comments on my cards - You are a gem!

Cat Craig said...

Love your smooshing...feel better hon.

Kara Lynne said...

Beautifully smooshed, Darnell! Your flowers are gorgeous! So fun to meet blogging friends, what a happy occasion!

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Hi Darnell, great smooshing! Glad you like my B-Day card and that it made it eventually to your house :)) - LOVE hammy next to your signature - he is soooo cute! And Susanne - well, I am sooooo envious that she got to meet you and I did not....Thanks for sharing the picture!

Unknown said...

SO very pretty!! I love the way you have the different colors smoothed on top of your flowers! Simply gorgeous! :)

Unknown said...

Oops auto correct. Meant to say smooshed.

stampwithamyk said...

What a beautiful card! I love the way that your background turned out, great technique! Awesome embossing too. Thanks for joining us at The Paper Players, hope to see you again soon!

Lisa said...

What a gorgeous card!! The colors look amazing!! Perfect smooshing!! I hope you are "over the weather" soon (if under is bad, then over must be good - right??!!) How fun to meet up with a bloggy buddy!! What a beautiful picture of you two!! Feel better soon :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Jean said...

I love your card , what a great technique and a fabulous stamp.
Hope you are soon feeling well again.
Jean x

Liz said...

Firstly, hope you feel better soon and secondly, wishing you a happy belated birthday! Hope you had a wonderful day.

Having been away for a week or so with very little Internet connection, then being asked to work every day this week supply teaching has resulted in getting behind with my blog visiting and commenting. :-( I've just been looking at all the fabulous creations you've posted over the last week or so. I must try that technique with the cover plates - the results are stunning! xx

BożenA said...

Hello Darnell,
Beautiful watercolor, so delicate. I love her pastel colors.

I am sorry that your health is not perfect. I hope you now feel much better, and I wish you to disease contrary to what doctors say (they too are human and happen this time let the wrong) has given way.

Hugs and I wish you wonderful health,
Bozena

jimlynn said...

Darnell, the acrylic block stamping on this is just awesome! SO beautiful.
Sorry you're a little under the weather - feel better soon.
Looks like you had a wonderful time with your friend too.
Lynn

Linda said...

Gorgeous card. Beautiful job smooshing. I hope you don't have what I have had for 4 weeks. This horrible cough and no energy. I am starting to get some energy back this week but still have some coughing. Yuck it's not fun being sick in the summer. So hope you are feeling better soon. Fun meeting another blogger. Great picture.

conil said...

Inside or outside the lines, this card is a winner. Wish I could produce something like that while smooshing. Need to practice.

Em Louise Fairley said...

Your card is gorgeous, as always, Darnell! I've not got the stamp set, but I'll for sure add it to my wishlist now after seeing this :)

Hugs
Em

Kristie Goulet said...

Hope you are feeling better real soon! Love that you got to meet Susanne! Thanks for sharing the picture! Your card is beautiful!

Birgit said...

It always sucks to feel ill when it is summer. I hope it goes quickly! I love your card because i also think of colouring in the lines (or try to) and I love this affect. It so dreamy. It looks like you had a great time with your blogger friend

Verna Angerhofer said...

I love your beautiful card and the details on how you created it. I also hope you are soon feeling much better. Take care!

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Sorry to hear you aren't feeling 100% Darnell! Hope you are back to rights real quick! I love the 'artsy' look of your acrylic block stamping, you did make me smile when you said that it would probably have been better to stamp the image first, as that is the sort of 'back-to-front' type of thing I always do ;) But it turned out just fabulous anyway . . . which is NOT like mine! Thanks for joining us at Happy Little Stampers! Hazel xx

Chriss Blagrave said...

A beautiful summer beauty, Darnell! Love this technique that you created your card with and I will be trying it too with my small square blocks!
Thanks for sharing the photo of you and Susanne...I hope to meet with you one day to...
Hope that you will be feeling better soon.
Hugs XOX

OH Babs said...

Wonderful, just wonderful. Isn't it fun to color outside the lines? This is a charming card and you did a great job despite the fact you feel crummy - hope tomorrow is a better day.

Bonnie said...

I was thinking about this stamp last night and thinking I needed to get it out! Love how you've done the smooshed colors! Very pretty! I think I'll give that a try! I think I need to borrow hammie!

Kathleen said...

A cracker of a card and love the image and the way you have done those fabulous colours.
Funny how a lot of sayings come from sea related things.

Kath x

Carole Pollard said...

Wonderful card love how you've made that background and the stamp is so pretty. its wonderful to meet your blog friend a lovely photo Love and hugs Carole x

shirley-bee said...

Fabulously smooshed card, Darnell! Right up my street! Hope you're feeling better soon. I'll also be on the coach from the UK ;)

Janeen said...

absolutely love the smooshed card. so very pretty.

VanessaB said...

i think i need to smoosh! :) your card turned out so very very pretty! :)

Tenia Nelson said...

Gorgeous!!

Anonymous said...

Love your colouring outside the lines.
Hope you are feeling 100% soon.
And how fun to have a friend come visit you in the playhouse - bet you both had a blast :)

Loll said...

Love your rebellious side showing on this card Dolly!! Acrylic block stamping at it's finest!! So beautiful. Thanks for playing along at Happy Little Stampers. Lolly xx

Jean said...

LOVE this card!!

Pam said...

I'm jealous you & Susanne got to bond and I wasn't invited. Just because I'm in NY & have never even been to California doesn't matter. In fact, that's exactly why I should have been there. Can you please get Hammie started on teleporting me there? Thank you.
Ok now for your card, I mean work of artsy card. How fabulously you have colored outside the lines. Stamp the image first? I would never expect that of you, my friend. Feel better!

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

So glad you got to meet a blogger friend!!! I would love to see the playhouse!!
Your card gorgeous!!!!! Love the smooshed colors!

Shawna said...

OH my gosh, OH my gosh, OH my gosh I can't get enough of this card Darnell.. Is this the Stampin Up flower stamp? Oh I must get my crafty hands on that one.. I have seen it a lot here in blogland and your design is one of the best!! And what fun to have fantastic company! Just a joy to see friends!! Also, I want to thank you so much for your wonderful comments on my 'cherish' card.. And you were right it was chosen as a favorite.. Thank you so much for your encouraging words Darnell.. Bar none, you write the best comments.. I can tell you take the time to compose them and I must do the same for you!! Thank you again and must travel along to more of your posts..

Rose said...

Such a lovely card! So soft & pretty.

Greta said...

Now that's my kind of coloring! Thanks for the inspiration, Darnell--beautiful card! So fun to meet a blogging friend--great picture!

Virginia L. said...

One word-outstanding! So glad that you join the fun over Virginia’s View “100% Stamped” Challenge! Thanks so much for your kind comments and support, Darnell!

Cheryl W. said...

I just have to say it, Darnell, your smooshing is smashing! Lovely card!

Virginia L. said...

....and what? You met Susanne!? Lucky that you both got to meet! Aren't crafting friends the best? :)

Nonni said...

What a stunning technique, Darnell! I want to try this! Your card looks super artsy and pretty. I see some CASEing happening... If that's ok for you I'll let you know when my card is done and also send people to your blog! Beautiful beautiful beautiful!

Kylie said...

Beautiful stamping and colours, Darnell! Thanks so much for playing along at Happy Little Stampers xx

Shona Chambers said...

How wonderful for you two to meet face to face!! I bet you both had a blast and it was as if you had met before. Thats the great thing about blogging, you really do make a connection with someone you might never meet in person. I better start saving my pennies so I can come and visit you and Hammy!! Maybe I can sell a kidney???? Beautiful card by the way, love the smooshing and the floral stamp is delicious!!

Leslee said...

I like hiw you created your card! It is so pretty! Hope you are feeling better. And glad you got to meet up with a fellow card maker.

Pia S said...

Love the result of your acrylic block coloring technique, lovely water color effect and beautiful colors. Must try this myself!

Kelly Latevola said...

1. I hope you're feeling better. 2. I'm so glad you two got to meet. How fun! 3. This card is spectacular. Who makes that stamp? I must buy it immediately.

Brenda in IN said...

That's great that you got to meet another blogger. I'm glad to have a link to her blog too. I hope you are feeling better today and not getting sick. You smooshed exactly in the right place for your flowers. I never thought of just using a block to smoosh with. You always have the best ideas!

Marga said...

Wonderful card. I have to try this technique. I love the watercolour look.
Hope you are feeling better.

Beverley said...

Your posts are always a delight to read and your cards an even better delight to see. Wonderful smooshing! Hugs Bev x

JD/ Jill said...

So sorry that you are feeling under the weather! Hope by now you are feeling much better.

Yes, I really like your card! In fact, your lovely card is sitting on my desk right now! It's even prettier in real life! Thank you so much for your kindness!

I love the pic of the two of you...so glad you were able to get together...off to look at her blog.

Shelly said...

Your card is GORGEOUS, Darnell! Love the pic, too! And I hope you're feeling better by now! ;)

The EmBellished Card - Belinda said...

Beautiful card, Darnell! Love the image and the colors are outstanding.
Hope you are feeling better soon.
Thanks for joining us at Cuttlebug Mania.
Blessings,
Belinda

Lindsey said...

Fine ink-smooshing goodness. :) I hope you feel over the weather soon.

Susan said...

Love your "smooshing" technique! I love those blooms....and the inking really hit the right spots! It's always fun to meet some of your online buddies!

Pawsitively Creative said...

You little rebel you! I think I need to join in on the "coloring outside the lines"! This smooshiness is awesome sauce! So fun and creative D! Hugz. ~Niki

Joyce said...

I hope you feel better soon. Your card is stunning, and I think the way you colored it is absolutely brilliant. Yay for meeting bloggie friends in real life. Love the picture

Regina said...

Your card is absolutely beautiful Darnell! The color scheme is lovely!
I’m so sorry you're not feeling well. I wish you all the best!

Regina*

Janelle said...

What a great variation on the smooshing technique. I love how you're able to individualise the colours to particular areas on your stamp. Been wanting to do this and hadn't had the patience to sit down and nut it out. Thanks for taking the time. :)

Craftychris said...

Your smoothing card is really arty! Great colour choice too - fabulous card! I hope you feel better soon - take care! xxxxx

Kim Heggins said...

How fun for you and Susanne, it is always so much fun to meet up with blogging friends in person, always a wonderful treat. Love your sweet photo too, you both look fabulous. And just like your card, simply fabulous Miss Darnell, love your smooshing.

Robyn Oliver said...

Hi Darnell....I'm a colour in the lines gal too but I'm definitely going to give this technique a go, your card is fabulous and so simply pretty

KandA said...

This is GORGOUS Darnell. Your rebellion certainly paid off and has produced a wonderful card. Will definitely have to try that idea. Hope you're feeling better now and have a super weekend xx

MaryH said...

Sure hope you are feeling 'above the weather' by the time I got around to zipping in to enjoy this pretty card. Aren't you clever to think of using the smoosh technique with this particular stamp, as it was just absolutely spot on to use with the colors (and yes, being organized you, you smooshed the right colors in the appropriate place! I'd never think that far ahead!) And of course you had the 'sparkle-ies' in just the right places too. I'm liking the way you've overlayed the embossing with the main panel too. You've had a great season, getting to meet so many of your blogging buddies (with a couple more to come!). I count myself very blessed to have been in that number! Big hugs and hope you're getting ready for this next adventure. Big hugs. TFS & have a good weekend.

Irish Cherokee said...

I too am am in the lines kind of person. I do however like to see a well done artsy bit of rebellion now and again. Really nice work Darnell. Cherokee and Jill both say Hi.

Love, Hugs and Blessings
Jim

Bobby said...

If Hammy was at lunch it just proves you don't need that hamster to create a wonderfully rebellious card. (Shhh don't tell him I said that.) I think that was the perfect stamp to use with that technique. Yay! for meeting blogging friends. I'm so glad the playhouse was open for visitors that day.

Anita in France said...

Gaspingly gorgeous, Darnell ... the outside the lines smooshing is so deliciously unstructured and free ... and so brilliant with those lovely stamped blooms! How fantastic that you and Susanne got to meet and spend some time together ... in the Playhouse! What a wonderful photo of you two beautiful girls! Hugs & Bisous, Anita :)

Unknown said...

Cool, idea. I have this very stamp, and don't use it often because it's time consuming to color.

Marybeth said...

Gorgeous card and beautiful picture of you and Susanne! So fun to meet up in person.

LauraJane:) said...

Congrats on the TOP 10 at Virginia's View! LOVE the watercoloring...oh SO Trendy:)

Petra Swart said...

The lovely colours you have smooched so cleverly onto your card front looks great, Darnell!! And that flower stamp is just gorgeous!!! Beautiful card!!!
Lovely photo of you and Susanne!!!

Taunya Butler said...

Beautiful card and I love it when bloggy friends meet up with each other!! Yeah!!