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 17, 2015

You Take a Mask and Strip Down

Good Morning!

I hope you are enjoying the fresh clean slate of a Monday morning with the promise of a great week ahead!

I'm delighted to let you know that the recalcitrant Hammy has surfaced! He ran out of money in Abilene and had to ride freight on a train bound for Glory. Luckily, he was standing near the door when the engine hit a loose rail. As he tumbled down the embankment and landed on his Senses, he realized the Playhouse is all the adventure he needs!

So I'm dashing in to post these cards and then I'm driving downtown to the bus station to pick up a tuckered-out hamster. It's a happy day for me and I'm wishing you a happy day, too!
For this first card, I masked off my strip and then sponged my oceanic horizon with Distress Inks. The dolphins are from an ancient unmarked wooden stamp and the NBUS sediment is from PTI. I think it would make a great manly birthday card or just a great card to let someone know I was thinking of them.

Challenges
OLS
Today's Twofer
For this card, I stamped my image from Technique Tuesday's "R&R" and then masked the sides and watercolored the horizon. The NBUS sediment is from the same set. I am sending this one off to someone newly retired.

Challenges

~~~
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98 comments:

KandA said...

Fabulous cards Darnell. Love the design and stamping on both but I think Hammy may well shy away from the second and forget about adventures for a while. So glad that he's come to his senses xx

Pat said...

Two great cards Darnell and the masked border with the pretty watercolouring works great on both cards and the silhouette dolphins are adorable and then the retirement card with the liner is a wonderful choice and the frame fits perfectly with the width of the border too. I'm sure Hammy will be glad to be back home, and that comic strip just made me smile, that doesn't refer to anyone we know I'm sure ..lol. x

Cat Craig said...

Love these cards the colors are fabulous. I am a color gal. Glad Hammy is back.

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Pretty cards - both of them - like the dolphins jumping out of that masked strip! Poor hammy - hamsters are not made for adventures....

designbydonna said...

Love the watercoloring on both cards. Very pretty. Chuckling about that cartoon. Your blog is certainly interesting and entertaining. Thanks for cheering my day.

Susanne Vargas said...

Oh boy, you must be so excited to have Hammy back (and he to be back safely in the playhouse)! Love your beautifully colored cards! And the comic strip is hilarious!

Sue said...

Both cards are fab.

Hope you have had a good start to the week. Sue

Joan B said...

oh you are having quite the adventure. Great cards!

Lynn said...

Love the title...was laughing when I posted my card for the strip down challenge. Two beauties here...and love the cartoon!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Your watercolou sponging is amazing! Love both cards, but my favourite is the first one, with these vibrant colours and the back dolphins.
So happy you have your hammy back safe! :)

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

What a fun card! Thanks for sharing with us at CCCB!

laurie said...

Love them both! Great job masking...actually a perfect job making! Have a great day!

Krisha said...

Wonderful cards Darnell, especially like the one with the ship.

Glad to hear Hammy has come to the end of his adventure.....LOL

Julie B said...

Two super cards and love the cartoon. :)

Harriet Skelly said...

I absolutely love that first card Darnell - pinned to case it!! Glad for you that Hammy's back! Hope he and you are surviving the heat! Hugs, Harriet

*Vicki* said...

These are really stunning Darnell!! I love the different colors and variations you gave with your designs!! So fun!! :)

conil said...

An amazing twofer. Your perfect masking make me drool. Certainly, know how to blend those colors...awesome. I smell a winner's chicken dinner.

Unknown said...

Oh boy, such great cards! Love the shadow-dolphins, so cute! Really like your crisp lines with the masking too, I always seem to mess the line up somehow - suppose I might be going too rough with the sponge lol :D

Chriss Blagrave said...

Super duper sponging and masking on both of these, Darnell! I love them both :)
The dolphins are such a happy pair and look so carefree!

Verna Angerhofer said...

What a great way to make some CAS cards that still look fantastic! I love them both.

Linda said...

Two fun, fabulous card, Darnell. Great sponging and masking....

Joyce said...

Two wonderful cards, Darnell. Lucky you--you were the very last card to sneak in at CASology this week before the link closed. Thanks so much for playing along.

Sazzle Dazzle said...

2 super duper adorable cards Darnell!
Fantastic masking on both, fabulous scenes and images.
Glad you got Hammy back on the rails and thanks for all the lovely comments you posted on my blog! Oh and thanks for linking up at AAA Cards - so thrilled to see your cards in the gallery. Sarah xx

Redanne said...

So pleased that Hammy came to his senses, hopefully he won't go wandering again any time soon....! The colouring and design on both cards is superb, I really, really love the ocean liner one, it reminds me of a 50's/60's advertising poster (which I love!). Beautiful cards Darnell! Hugs, Annie xxx

Janeen said...

what perfectly wonderful cards and fun little cartoon. i love the dolphins, my daughter would love that card.

Jacquie Southas said...

I "heart" both of these - great design & gorgeous colors! Glad Hammy is on his way back to the Playhouse and I really did LOL at the comicstrip :)

Stella said...

A fab take on our moodboard and a beautiful card!Oh my this is stinkin'cute. Love that little girl with her board! Thank you so much for being with us at CCCB this week!Always good to have you with us!

Pia S said...

I'm loving the both of them! Same layout, yet different looks. The designs are so versatile, both age and gender neutral, I love that about a card.

mamapez5 said...

I love these bright and cheerful cards. I also love black silhouettes on a bright background, so these tick all the boxes. Kate x

jimlynn said...

Two wonderful cards with fantastic masking! Love the dolphins and that ship looks like it headed right into my house. If it does get here hope it's a cruise so I can jump on.
CUTE cartoon too!
Lynn

Jean said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell,your masking and ink blending is brilliant. I love how you used the same design with two completely different looks. Lovely stamp you used in the second one.
Jean x

Carole Pollard said...

Two amazing cards today love them both so glad Hammy is back with you I loved the stamps you have used on these cards they are both just gorgeous Love and hugs Carole x

Kathleen said...

Phew, bet you are glad to have Hammy home and hope he has learned his lesson, the grass is not greener on the other side!
Two fabulous cards, as always, loving the fabulous colours in the strip, no not Las Vegas, on your cards. Great images too.

Kath x

Shelly said...

Ha! Cute comic and two super sweet cards!

Anita in France said...

Lovely silhouette dolphins frolicking against that gorgeous seascape, Darnell ... and that liner is fantastic ... love the art deco style ... want to be there! Good to hear Hammy's on his way back ... and is surprisingly unscathed after his jaunt ... treat him gently!! Hugs & bisous, bisous, my friend! Anita :)

Kristi said...

Oh I love the dolphin card especially! What a fun technique. And the Fusco Brothers is always good for a laugh. I guess my life must be more interesting because my blog is neglected!

Unknown said...

I LOVE your blog. I always get to see wonderful cards and have a good giggle with you. It's just a delightful visit all the way around! Thanks for sharing your wonderful talents.
Lu C

VanessaB said...

those are both fantastic. love how you did the layers of colors in the strip and then stamped on/around. very pretty!

Sue said...

Cute cards! I really like the one for Technique Tuesday! Sounds like Hammy has been very busy...even more than me! Enjoy your week.

Geri said...

Nice to hear that Hammie is back...all safe & sound and where he belongs!

A terrific twofer post! AWESOME inking on the dolphin card. I love the non-animated dolphin silhouette - adds a nice elegant touch to the perfect guy card!

Your second card totally rocks the ship that it is showboating (how's that for a whole lot of nautical words in one sentence???). More AMAZING inking. Soooo cool to extend the yellow & blue beyond the image border. I'm calling WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER on this beauty!

Deepti said...

These are so beautiful! Love the fab masking and inking :)

Bonnie said...

Perfect strips, Darnell! Love all the color interest in those strips! Glad Hammy came to his senses! You've done well without him but I'm sure it hasn't been as much fun!

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

So gorgeous! LOVING the colors and loving those dolphins on the first one!!!!!!!!!

Nora Noll said...

What amazing cards!! I LOVE the black dolphins against that colorful strip on the first card. I need to do this challenge!! Your second card is my favorite, though. I really like how you watercolored the water and the horizon. Just stunning!! Great job on all your masking!!

Anonymous said...

Well, you certainly knew what to do when you took a mask... Wow! These are fabulous! Love the way you created those horizons and sunsets - so different, yet so perfect for both! I need to give this technique a go! Glad Hammy realised where the grass was really greener. A redundancy package will only get you so far! Thanks for brightening my day!! Oh, and thanks for having an aquatic adventure with us at CASology this week!!

Lisa Elton said...

Another fabulous pair Darnell! I like the dolphin silhouettes against your pretty background. The cruise ship looks wonderful with it's pretty background too. Don't let Hammy see this one. We don't want him getting any "Love Boat" ideas ;)

Hannelie said...

Last in the gallery but sure not least!
I so love the dolphin silhouettes Darnell!
Beautiful card and so good to 'sea'you at CASology!

kiwimeskreations said...

So glad to hear Hammy is en-route home - (cough cough!)
Fabulous cards Darnell, particularly the second one - it is amazing.
Funny thing is I think I have that dolphin stamp, unmarked wooden, given to me by a friend who was de-stashing!
Blessings
Maxine
p.s., Thanks for the giggle with the cartoon

Anonymous said...

Hey Darnell!!! Both of your cards are amazing. Your did a great job on both. I was wondering if you where going to host another challenge? Thank you so much for playing us this week at CASology.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful cards. Beautifully masked.
Glad to hear hammy has come to his senses :)

Cheryl W. said...

Hammy may have come to his senses THIS time, but he's had a taste of the big, bad world. Don't be surprised if he goes missing again. Oh yes, great cards today, too. I'm always amazed at how pretty sponged inks can be. I need to do more of that.

Craftychris said...

Two fabulous cards - I love the inked panels! I am glad Hammy is back from his globetrotting adventures and the cartoon made me laugh too! xxx

SD pooja said...

WOnderful cards ! I loved the masked and inked panel on both the cards n second one being my favorite !

Kylie said...

Amazing masking. I love the colours behind the dolphins. Very tropical. Thanks so much for playing along at Happy Little Stampers xx

!neke said...

Hi there Darnell !
Two great cards !
Have a great week to !
Ineke x

Sammy said...

Huzzah for Hammy's return!
Although you made some rather fabulous cards in his absence! I personally adore the first one, but then, I've always loved dolphins. x

Ros Crawford said...

Fabulous cards!! I'm so glad you were able to join us this week at CCCB!! And I'm glad Hammy came to his senses! Lol!

ionabunny said...

Love the Saga of Hammy. Great masking. The ship is lovely left white against the colours. Hugz

Marilyn said...

Great cards! Glad to hear that Hammy is back

Sarah G said...

Gorgeous masking - love the panels on both your cards! I am a fan of dolphins and love the way they are leaping out of your beautifully inked ocean. The way you have incorporated that ocean liner in to the masked strip is inspired too.

Stamps and Paper said...

Two great cards Darnell the masking is really effective

Anne

Renata said...

Oooo, morje, delfini. Krasni sta.

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Love both of your cards Darnell! Beautiful colours and great masking! Fabulous! Sorry I have been remiss with my visits lately, but I have had an awful time with the internet . . . and it seems to be ongoing . . . only managing sporadic comments and posts! Have a lovely day my friend! Hazel xx

I Card Everyone said...

You've created magic here, D... love the masking you've done! But weren't you disappointed when the Lone Ranger finally removed his mask? I know I certainly was... not one speck of disappointment when I visit you though...
xo
=] Michele

Jenni's Jems said...

These are beautifully masked and stamped Darnell.Glad Hammy is back ,though when he see these beauties he will be most peeved at what you did without him! :)

Cris G. said...

Hey Darnell, long time no see... no one to blame but my "shelf". Great summer looking cards. Despite the same type of masking, they are different and both beautiful. Happy day(s) for you too!

Loll said...

Two fabulous masked and striped down cards Dolly! Thanks for playing along at Happy Little Stampers. So appreciate your support, my friend!

It's nice to hear that Hammy is back from his adventures. Looks like he had a wonderful vacation and came back refreshed and hit the bricks running. :) Lolly xx

Leslie Hanna said...

Love both of these! Masking rocks!

Sue said...

Two fab cards Darnell lots of huggles Sue xxx

Brenda in IN said...

I hope Hammy has learned his lesson. There's no place like home! Both of your cards are perfect. The dolphin card would make anyone happy and bring a smile to their face. Retirement is an adventure so that is perfect too.

Lindsey said...

Why that comic strip is just about the exact reasoning behind my blog! :P Your masked sky panels are GORGEOUS. Fab cards!

Greta said...

Funny cartoon--made me laugh! Your 1 layer cards are terrific, Darnell! Love the design & beautiful inking!

Canonbury creations said...

Beautiful masking and inking Darnell, love that ship stamp! Glad to hear of Hammy's return I hope he's not scarred by his experience!
Val x

Bobby said...

Has JC Duffy been reading your blog, Darnell? lol Love your stripped down cards and the wonderful vistas they provide. You have a happy day, too, my friend.

Janelle said...

I love the background on your second card, Darnell. It's very atmospheric! :)

Sarn said...

I see lots of lovely inking. Great cards . .. I particularly like the ship one with that great sentiment.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Jeanne said...

Oh that silly Hammy! Glad you got him back where he belongs! Your inking on the two cards is fabulous. I adore the dolphins in silhouette and the second card simply looks amazing. Well done! Have a wonderful day. :)

Elizabeth S. said...

Wow! Both of these are fabulous and love how you masked off a strip and sponged in color creating a scene. It's brillant! plus loving those dolphins and sentiment along with that ship and the watercoloring.

Clare said...

So neat! I love the inking on the first card - I think that card could fit almost any occasion!
And the second card - again, the inking is FABULOUS!! Love how you continued the sunset and water beyond the image itself!

Taunya Butler said...

Both of these showcase your excellent talents at sponging and masking! Gorgeous background strips for the images on both of these!! Just so wonderfully done and I think you are a genius for the way you thought of these!! Hope you are having fun!!

Liz said...

Two fabulous cards, Darnell. I especially love the way you've extended the sea and the sky on the second one.
Your little cartoon really made me chuckle. :-) xx

Rose said...

Gorgeous one layer cards & such beautiful colours.

Sue Lelli said...

LOVE the masking and your two cards! WOW! We just watched Dolphin Tale 2 and your first card made me think of that!

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Hullo Darnell..
Ah... Dear hammy, glad he had enough money for the return journey.. Happy days.
Hope he doesn't take a hint from your " the journey begins" card. ;)
I love the masking on both, you've had a busy time with the masks, thanks for popping over.
Hugs, Shaz in Oz.x

http://calligraphycards-shazinoz.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/colouring-dry-embossed-vellum-snippets.html

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Hullo Darnell..
Ah... Dear hammy, glad he had enough money for the return journey.. Happy days.
Hope he doesn't take a hint from your " the journey begins" card. ;)
I love the masking on both, you've had a busy time with the masks, thanks for popping over.
Hugs, Shaz in Oz.x

http://calligraphycards-shazinoz.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/colouring-dry-embossed-vellum-snippets.html

Shona Chambers said...

So glad to hear that Hammy is back safe and sound. He will certainly have some stories to tell I bet...... Both of your 'strips' are so beautifully blended and I love the black stamping on top. I must get organised and join in this challenge. I'm off to spend the weekend with my Mum tomorrow night, so hopefully I will get to makes loads of cards!

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

Hammy should have been treated to a few blisters compliments of the shoe leather express. Ha! As for this type of masking, I love it! I recently purchased some Micro-Pore tape to do some masking myself. Great cards, Darnell.

Stephanie Lanzalotto said...

Both cards are wonderful Darnell. I do especially like that cruise ship! I wish I was on it, cocktail in hand, going to some place with palm trees and aQua aGua!!!! Thanks for linking up and playing with us at AAA Cards!

Petra Swart said...

So glad to hear that you're off the get Hammy to come home, Darnell!!! Would have loved to hear all the stories he has to tell!!!
Both your cards are lovely - great sponging and watercolouring!!!! Love those beautiful dolphins and the image and sentiment on the retirement card!!! Two lovely one layers!!!!

Skylark said...

Great cards Darnell! I particularly like the second one with the extension of the masking and inking beyond the stamp! Love your funny stories too - they always make me laugh!! Stef x

Gerrina said...

The dolphincard is beautiful, but the ship-card is so stunning! Love the combination of the framed stamp and your watercouloring! HUgs, Gerrina

Sharon Underwood said...

Your sponging is GORGEOUS!!!!! I LOVE those dolphins, and the image on the second one is pretty awesome as well. Well done!

Kim Heggins said...

I love your funny!!! So which is it on your blog, accurate or interesting, or maybe interestingly accurate??? I love both of your cards, it always amazes me how beautiful a card can be with just a strip is all it takes to make is fabulous and you nailed it twice!

Barbara (C) said...

Love the Dolphin card - what's not to like with the clean lines of your cards!

cm said...

Great to know that Hammie finally realizes that home is where his heart is! Your stripped-down ocean-themed cards are gorgeous; in fact, so much so that you inspired me to give this sponging technique a try. After a few attempts, and a few cuss words, I managed to create two. Your creativity sparked mine; thanks for jump-starting a creative stretch!
Hugs~c

JD/ Jill said...

Again Great cards! (what else would I expect? Haha!
I also like that cartoon...It so fits here...
Only I don't post when there is nothing interesting to post...
so that explains some of my long absents-es...haha

shirley-bee said...

Ooh, both fabulous, but I especially love the second one - great for a retiree!

Jill V said...

Two fantastic cards Darnell! I love the design of the second one but I am totally in love with those silhouetted dolphins on the first! Both are fantastic masking cards and absolutely perfect for our challenge at AAA Cards!Thanks for sharing! Jill