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!

February 16, 2017

Wishing You A Beautiful Day!

Hi there!

How's it going? Did you have a lovely Valentine's Day? I didn't make a single Valentine this year except the thank you heart card I posted on Monday. I ended up giving that to the Mister as his Valentine, cuz he takes such good care of me!

And now I think it's nice to have a short break from major holidays and just have fun with Hammy making birthday cards and all-the-other-occasions cards to build up my stash and use my NBUS.

Today I have a 4fer for you, but it's a bit of a cheat since it's the same focus pocus and design for three of them.
I played with someone's Concord & 9th "You Are Enough" stamp set at the Lake House in October and fell in love with it so I ordered my own set. The set has this simple, yet striking, flower that looks fabulous in any color and with any sediment.

You could use it to make a one-layer card or add a little embossing and matting as I did with these.
Or you can dress it up with a pretty little frame.
Challenges

~~~

Speaking of flowers, look at this amazing view we see from the dining room table looking out at the Garden Art Wall. You can see how much those succulents have grown and with all the rain, the hardenbergia is spectacular this year!
On the other side of the wall to the right is the front yard where the hardenbergia is actually planted. About six feet from the fence is a crepe myrtle tree. Check out below how one vine of the hardenbergia reached up and over the six feet to the crepe myrtle and grew right up to the top of it!
And here are some sweet crocus bulbs blooming. I think they are crocus?
~~~

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!

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 a pop-up box opens.
Click "Jump to Comment Form" and wallah, no more car pool tunnel!
Mwah!
If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave me
your email address so I can respond. Thank you!

101 comments:

Jane Willis said...

Beautiful, and every one looks so different with the different colour schemes. It's amazing what a difference a simple colour switch can make.
YOU might not have any major holidays coming up but here in the UK it's only a month to Mothers' Day and the "Perfect gift for Valentines Day" emails stopped flooding in at 11.59pm on Tuesday night, only to be replaced at 12.01 am by the "Perfect gift for Mothers' Day" ones. It's as if all the holidays are concertinaing into one long sales drive. So Happy Diwali and merry Christmas!
Jane

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the cards. The particularly like the first and last ones.

What a lovely view you have. The Crocus are beautiful.


Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Ros Crawford said...

Oh my that view is spectacular!! LOVE the climbing plants ... Wonder if we could grow them here... I'll check.
4 fabulous cards Darnell! And all from one stamp - I can see why you had to have it.
I do hope you are recovering well ... sending hugs

Sandra H said...

So beautiful Darnell are your cards the stitching is so attractive and the flowers themselves are gorgeous .....ooh your garden flowers are stunning and the crocus's look to be in full bloom sending lots of love xx

Fikreta said...

those cards are super pretty!
have a nice day!

Preeti D. (aka Dutt Preety) said...

Such pretty cards!! That flower stamp is beautiful :)

Canonbury creations said...

Wow what beautiful cards Darnell, love that stamp set! Something else for my wish list. Fabulous flowers in your garden, lifts the spirits and yes they are crocus :)
Val x

Carole said...

Fabulous cards Darnell...I see why you wanted that stamp, and it says it all on your cards...beautiful! I agree with Jane W, here in the UK it seems to be one long commercial drive from one celebration day to the next...and if there isn't one...well they invent one I think! After Mothers day..Easter!! and the eggs have been in the shops since Christmas! No wonder the year flies by so fast. Hugs xx

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Love all three of those gorgeous cards Darnell! That's another stamp set I have got, but not used yet! I am too shameful, I must get it out! Your garden is looking beautiful too, all those pretty flowers would brighten anyone's day for sure! Have a wonderful day my friend! Luv n’ Hugs. Hazel xx
My Card Attic

Marilyn said...

Cute cards!! Awesome garden!

Barb said...

Your cards are beautiful Darnell and look lovely in each colourway. What spectacular photos of your garden. I look forward to spring when things will spring into life in our garden. Barbxx

Skye said...

Terrific cards. The flowers are so delicate and the gold stampings adds such elegance.
Do you get lots of bees with your Hardenbergia? I am trying to attract more bees into our garden so I was thinking of planting a Hardenbergia. The crocus are so pretty. Does that mean that Spring is just around the corner?

Karen said...

What an inspiring set of cards; I love them all. The cross-stitch frame is gorgeous, and new to me. Our garden is covered in snow, so a peek through your window is a welcome sight!

Craftychris said...

Ooh these cards are just beautiful! I love all the colours you have chosen and that stamp is lovely! So is you garden! What gorgeous photos! xxx

Gerrina said...

That is a beautiful stamp! On itself so elegant, but with a different colour it looks also more masculain or realistic...just beautiful how you coloured them!
Be careful with your body (and mind!) and enjoy making cards and the garden! Hugs, Gerrina

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Darnell, your cards are gorgeous, I just love the colours and painting of the flowers. Your purple blooming garden is stunning! Take good care, hugs, Shirley xx

Redanne said...

Oh what a wonderful wall(s)of colour in your garden! The little flowers are definitely crocus, they are such beautiful little blossoms! We have a few Snowdrops in our garden but no other colour at the moment...

I love that stamp you used, it looks so versatile too, you have coloured each of the cards so beautifully and those stitched borders are so very pretty! Hugs, Anne xx

Brenda in IN said...

I can see why you fell in love with this stamp, the flower is beautiful and so are all four of the cards. They look so different with a change of color and greeting. Your view is gorgeous. What a wonderful place to just relax and recharge.

Kath said...

A beautiful stamp which looks so different on each of your fabulous cards.
Kath x

Sandy said...

The flower image is beautiful in every variation.

Julie B said...

A fab set of cards Darnell.
Love the view from your window, so much colour. Unfortunately the view here is still quite grey, the lambs are due in a couple of weeks and the snowdrops on the edge of the road are out, so spring can't be far off. :)

Lynette said...

Oh, these are beautiful! I love them all, but that last one is by far my favorite:)

Bunny said...

The view out of your window is beautiful. I mean "pea green with envy" beautiful.

The cards are very pretty. That flower and the sheerness of some of the colors reminds me of a kit they made when I was a kid. It had wire that you shaped in to flower petals and leaves and you dipped it in a liquid and it dried with a transparent or sheer film. Oh how I wanted one of those kits. Does anyone remember these? They also had kits for boys that made insects I think.

Anyway.........beautiful flowers and pretty flower cards.

Krisha said...

LOVE this stamp! Would love to own one.......... ;))
Lots of lovely flowers this year......and green! Driving to the coast last weekend was a beautiful drive, all the hills are lush and green.......been a while since we've seen that!
Have a super day!!

Sheila H said...

Your yard is so beautiful. It appears to be so tranquil and soothing. Your cards are quite lovely. Each is striking in it's own way.

PJ said...

Fabulous cards. WOW.. I'm so glad I searched for you. I know I'm following you,but it don't come up in my blogger list. (My blog and I don't have a good technical relationship apparently) I Just remembered the cute stamp house and that your name started with a D.. so I googled ya.. SO happy that worked. Cause I love looking at your cards. Great inspiration. and your flowers are spectacular. I thank you again for popping over at my blog. I have had a few other people mention that they can't find my follow button to sign up too. so if you have any advice I'd love to know what to do. Hope you have a Blessed day. Pj at Pj's Projects

cm said...

After seeing your cards, this set needs to come to live at my place! Beautiful - and enabling - showcases! In love with all! Your view: nothing short of stunning! WOW! Off to check out "You are Enough"...evidently I'm really smitten!
Hugs~c

Lisa said...

Oh my goodness, Darnell, all of your cards are stunning!! I love that flower!! You showcased it perfectly on all four!! The colors are amazing!! I love, love them!! And I'm so jealous of your beautiful flowers!! We've had a mild winter with hardly any snow, but no flowers yet!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful ones with us!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Amazing flowers on your garden and onto your cards!
I think that he "crocus" are "fresias"(it's my favourite flower and it smell fabulously, too!!) :D
The flower stam is really versatile, and you have made a compilation of lovely cards with it! My favourite is the last one in the little frame!

Sammy said...

Oh wow, those are simply gorgeous Darnell! Such lovely colours, and such a pretty, elegant design. Love them! x

KT Fit Kitty said...

Hello, Darnell! Your cards are gorgeous! Beautiful white embossing and watercolour! I like the cross-stitched rectangles too! Wow on your weather - it's very different from ours! I shared the results of our blizzard on my blog the other day and we got dumped on again today! We just got it all shovelled out yesterday and it looks almost as bad again today! I do not like winter! I like your weather much better!

conil said...

I'm so crazy about this flower...love how you varied the colors and design a bit. They really make an impact on your cards. The vine oh your backyard fence looks spectacular, even in the crepe myrtle. Ours haven't started to bud yet but, after all this moisture, I'm hoping for a riot of color. Those succulents are amazing on that trellis...did you do that yourself? Love the way it looks.

Glennis F said...

What a lovely flower stamp, you have certainly done it justice. Thanks for showing your beautiful garden, I guess it must be spring where you live.

Tracey McNeely said...

Cheat or not those are four lovely cards using one of my favourite floral sets! Beautiful!

Creative world said...

Stunning set of cards with one focal image and different colors and CAS perfection as well...hugs Željka

Anonymous said...

Lovely cards. So pretty and soft.
Thanks for sharing the fab pics of your garden - what a great view you have.

Verna Angerhofer said...

What wonderful cards you made with that floral image and I love all the various ways you colored it too. And, your flowers in your yard are just gorgeous as well. It will be awhile before we see any beautiful blooming flowers around here but so glad Spring is getting closer every day now.

BożenA said...

So many amazing cards, Darnell! I love the colors of your flowers. Especially the last card delights me! A garden is simply amazing. It is a great pleasure to look at this beautiful corner.
Hugs,
BożenA

Kara Lynne said...

That is one gorgeous and versatile flower! Each card is beautiful! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous garden as well. I just looked out my window for comparison and everything is brown and gray except where the snow is crusted over here and there - That's it, I'm coming over!

Kathleen said...

What a totally gorgeous stamp, looks stunning in every colour and love the variation in the design on the cards.

Kath x

Jean said...

BEautiful cards! I am going to have to look for that stamp!
Such lovely gardens!

Unknown said...

I love this stamp set too ! The first time I saw it was with Anita and I immediately fell in love with it ! Your cards are fabulous and show beautifully how this stamp is versatile!
Gorgeous pictures from your garden, lucky you are, here we only start to see the daffodils growing ! Thanks so much for sharing.
Izzy Scrap

Berina RGA said...

Beautiful cards!! I love the pictures of the flowers! The hardenbergias are lovely!!

Shelly Schmidt said...

I just love the image of the flower- you have certainly done it justice! The soft colors are just so pretty- and I really love the embossing. I will have to go check out the Concord and 9 stamps.... I love your view with the beautiful flowers- and what a view! Thank You for sharing them- it will be a while before we have any of those where I live : )

Leigh Penner said...

Beautiful cards!

Mrs A. said...

Love your cards. Look so different in the change of colours. It's not all doom and gloom here as The Doc found his hard hat! Hugs Mrs A.

OH Babs said...

Love the cards with fun wc image and die cuts. I can tell you had fun. Thanks for sharing the lovely flower photos. Praying the rain is kind. Hugs, B
Hope you are feeling as "fit as a fiddle." Uh!

Loll said...

What a gorgeous image ... no wonder you had to buy it for yourself. It's surprising how different it looks done in different colours. Beautiful watercolouring skills, my friend! xx

Nan G said...

So good to see you're out in the playhouse with Hammy! Love the cards! Did you watercolor them? Or use brushos? I've been eyeing that stamp set too, now I'll have to get. Thanks Darnell ;) xoxo

Nan G said...

p.s. Gorgeous view! Love the flowers. Enjoy

JoAnn said...

Wow, beautiful cards. Love how each card has a different touch.
Love your beautiful yard full of flowers.

Lindsey said...

These are gorgeous! I could see your garden photos and raise you some snowbank ones, but not nearly as pretty...

Lisa Elton said...

I don't feel cheated at all, I'm pleased as punch to see these beauties!! Love the pretty bloom and variety of colors!

Carol L said...

The colors on your cards are so fabulous and lovely - they all look great. And you are SO FORTUNATE to have such an incredible view from your window with those colorful flowers gracing the fence! It's nothing short of spectacular!

nancy littrell said...

Gorgeous flower cards and Stunning patio flowers, Darnell. TFS and reminding us Spring is just around the corner! Hugs...

Cheryl W. said...

Your cards are beautiful - they'd make a lovely gift set. Thanks for sharing the pics of your flowers, too. Can't wait for spring to pop through the ground in my neck of the frozen woods!

kiwimeskreations said...

What beautiful cards Darnell - love how you can make just one stamp do so many 'jobs' and look so different on each card.
Love your garden, and I must admit to having to look up what a hardenbergia is - an Aussie native!! Now you will have to find a New Zealand native to balance your garden!!
Glad to hear you and Hammy will be creating together again - I love how he 'helps' you!
Blessings
Maxine

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
oh what gorgeous cards, and that stamp is so fab.
I love that flower and the wonderful colours you have chosen to create it.
Perfectly coloured as usual.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Jane said...

Such gorgeous cards Darnell and I can see why you bought that gorgeous flower stamp. I love the stitched backgrounds too. What a floral feast you have outside your window and sunshine....please send some over here! Hope you are continuing to recover, take care xxx

Cobnut Crafter said...

Beautiful cards - just love the flowers. I would be very interested to know which dies and die cutting machine you use to achieve such crisp and deep impressions. My stitched die cuts never look this good! Best Wishes, Anne xx

Jane said...

All totally gorgeous, but of course the final one with the purple hues has won my heart. And you're right that flower stamp is so beautiful. Thanks for linking up with Uniko.

Kate said...

Beautiful cards, not surprised given your inspiring garden!!!

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

That is one purdy flower! No wonder you had to have your own set!

Hannelie said...

Your flowers, both on your cards and in your garden are soooo beautiful Darnell!
Thanks for joining us at CTS this week!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Beautiful cards, Darnell and beautiful crocus.
Hugs,
Em xoxox

Bonnie said...

What a beautiful flower any way you color it, Darnell! Love all that luscious purple in your garden. It looks similar to the wisteria we have here. It blooms in the spring. It will cover a tree if you let it grow. xoxo

I Card Everyone said...

I'm very pleased that one of these beauties landed in our gallery at CTS, Darnell! [it might be my favorite of the 4some!] Thanks for playing cards with us!
=]
p.s. I'd love to see those blooms irl, do they smell Heavenly, too?

Petra Swart said...

Love your cards, Darnell!!!! That is such a great flower stamp and you have coloured it so beautifully in the soft colours!!!!
Enjoyed the photos of your garden so much!!!! Spring is for sure in the air!!!!! Beautiful!!!! TFS!!!!
Have a great day!!!!!
Hugz

Brenda said...

Oh my I'm in love with your cards Auntie! That flower is just beautiful and I can see why you got the stamp set. I am loving it too! I am also in love with all your flowering bushes and trees and that succulent wall is just stunning! The rains has brought forth such beauty!!!! That is a view I would never tire of! Hugs, Brenda

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

I love your floral cards in many colors, and your garden is so pretty, maybe that is where you got some inspiration for those cards? Lovely!

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, my goodness, that flower is so pretty with all the colors, sentiments, and card designs you gave it! It has such lovely flowing lines. No wonder you fell in love with it. I'm continually working on my NBUS. It seems never ending! And your beautiful garden! Ohhhhhhh, how I would love to see that out my window! The rain beat down my crocus as soon as they showed their colors, tsk tsk.

cuilliesocks said...

What a gorgeous image Darnell and beautifully coloured, it's amazing how different your cards look with the different colours and sentiments, I jus love them, Kate x

Cat Craig said...

Love all three cards, and that is a fabulous idea to change each up a bit...still unique cards but quickly made. Love your garden view.

Sarah said...

Wow Darnell, beautiful cards, love the white embossed outline. A beautiful garden to, a riot of colour xx

Nonni said...

I'm in love with this stamps set too, it's on my wishlist! What a great set of cards, this would be a an amazing gift for someone! Love them all but maybe the first one with the white outlines is my fave... So soft and pretty!

Neet said...

What a fabulous garden - gorgeous pictures.
Love the image on the cards and the way you have coloured them in is superb.
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs, Neet xxx

Sybrina K said...

Darnell, These cards are just so pretty, and those real-life flowers are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing pics of all. :)

Susan said...

I suppose I should be commenting on your cards but I'm blown away by your gorgeous flowers - I am green with envy as here in Vancouver, we've only just got rid of the last of the snow. All I can see in the way of signs of spring are some snowdrops!

So on to the business at hand - the cards are gorgeous. The first and third make my blue-loving heart sing!

G Peplow said...

Hey Darnell, Fab stamping and colouring, I love your flower stamp! Great cards you made 🤗 Hoping you're fully recovered from your new upgrade and feeling hunky dory 😜 Sending a big hug 💗 Gay xxxx

Stamps and Paper said...

Gorgeous selection of cards Darnell and everyone so different and just LOVE those dies....

Your garden looks so lovely with all the spring colours

Anne

Kathyk said...

FAB pix - your yard looks GORGEOUS

Happy Saturday .. how're you feeling now?

Kathyk

Kathyk said...

What a dumbass! I forgot to say how totally fab your watercolour makes are - DOH!

Kathyk (2nd attempt!)

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
A handsome quartet of beauties. The floral stamp is smashing but I also love the little kisses around the frame, which I'm assuming is a die.
Although you didn't make any Valentine's, I bet you had a few 😉.

Ang x

Ps..... love your flower shots. Can't wait for Spring flowers here. x

Robyn Oliver said...

Wonderfully pretty cards Darnell.... I'm making 2fers when I stamp and image this year, great idea

Whisper said...

Oooo what a stunning image and the set was all so different and devine, Luv Sam x

Marisa said...

ADORE that flower image and you have used it fabulously on each card!!

Mac Mable said...

I absolutely love that contemporary flower stamp..it's so classy and elegant. You have coloured your cards so prettily and they really look amazing x CAS perfection x

Bobby said...

Your flowers are gorgeous, Darnell, both on the card and on the wall. I'm especially taken with the pink one with all the other colors in it.

Susanne Vargas said...

You know, Darnell, I really can't get enough of your beautiful blog header! Love the background, the colors, and that fabulous tree! Just had to tell you again!
But now to your cards: This pretty flower looks good in every color and doesn't need much to make a gorgeous card!
Thanks for the lovely pictures of your garden! I appreciate them since we have tons of snow here!

Happy Dance said...

Hi honeylamb. I'm not dead, though there were three days when I thought it might be easier. But my am much better now. Speaking of better, I hope you are up and about coughing and laughing to your heart's content. Now. As to your pretty quartet of quards. (I'm so damn funny...ok...maybe not) they are spectacular! That is a pretty stamp, but you've made it even prettier with the embossing, watercoloring, x-stitch dies, and frame. Each one is as pretty as the one before it. You've water colored them to perfection. I LOVE THESE. Not just 'love,' but LOVE. You're so good. And I miss you. Will try to give you a holler sometime this week. xoxoxoxoxo Bev

Anita in France said...

Be still my pitter pattering little heart ... swooning, Darnell! These are so gorgeous all dressed up in their watercolour ensembles ... you already know how much I love this bloom ... and each one of these cards is stunning! My special favourite is the first (of course!) because I'm admiring it in person/paper as we speak (or more accurately, as I type and you sleep!). Thank you from my heart! What a joy it was to chat, mon amie ... hope you had a bon appetit! LYAMYAASGFOF! Hugs & Bisous, Anita :)

Carole Pollard said...

Such pretty cards the flowers are all just gorgeous and your yard looks amazing wish i could say my garden looked similar however I do have a few spring bulbs just showing through not so much though it might get very cold again and back in they will go Love and hugs Carole x

Tina Z. said...

wow, amazing flower cards, all are perfect!
hugs xx

Lisa T said...

Well all I can say is I don't blame you for buying this stamp Darnell, it really is a beauty and you are right, looks good in any colour, and any medium. Four gorgeous cards - I can't decide which I like the most which is a great thing in itself! You are making me want to add it to my list - I like the openness of the petals, so great for watercolouring. There are so many stamps I want *sigh*! I hope you have had a wonderful weekend Darnell :) xx

SHartl said...

Well I don't think that's cheating at all to make several cards with the same flower image because they all look beautiful. It's actually fun to see how changing the colors gives a whole different feel to it. My garden is still looking pretty sad these days so I don't know how you got yours to bloom so perfectly!

Sandy said...

Your cards are so very beautiful - and so is your yard. Where do you get the time!?! You definitely don't lack for comments!!
sandy xx

Barb Ghig said...

I can see how you fell in love with this gorgeous bloom, and I love how you made each card unique with your watercoloring and designs, Darnell! I really love how you used the cross-stitched border on the first 3 cards and the addition of gold ep works perfectly! You have really outdone yourself with these beauties....that's for sure!
Thanks so much for sharing those great pics of your garden with us...everything looks so pretty! I do hope you're staying safe with all that rain ~ Hugs, Barb xo

Helen F. said...

Beautiful flower image for your gorgeous set of cards, Darnell. Thanks for the glimpse of your amazing garden also

jenn shurkus said...

beautiful cards :) and gorgeous flowers on the cards and in real life :) thanks for joining us on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge!

Lindsey said...

Really serene and lovely cards Darnell. Loving the piccies of your gorgeous garden too! X

Beverley said...

I simply ADORE these cards, beautiful image, beautiful colouring and CAS design. Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring and my sincere apologies for taking so long to pop by and comment. Thank you for joining in on the Uniko challenge too. Hugs Bev x