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!

March 31, 2017

Frogs and Hydrangeas

Hi there!

Thank you for whooshing through your week to get here today ~ the very last day of March already!

I'm popping in to remind you that the Tag You're It challenge is still going on! I'm honored to be the Guest Designer for this challenge and this is my second inspiration tag for you:
I cut my tag from PTI's colorful sequin DSP using an MFT Die-namics stitched tag. The adorable fat-headed frog is from Purple Onion. The lily pad is from SU and the "ribbet" is from Inky Antics. The NBUS Happy Birthday stamp and die is from the Concord & 9th set, "Eat Cake and Celebrate." I added a few sequins and colored hearts. The ribbon is from PTI.

Those googly eyes are such fun to add and you never know until you download your photos what kind of personality the plastic eyeballs have given your critter. Seeing my frog on the big screen, I think he looks like he might have just put a jelly bean up his nose. I mean, if he had a nose. Now that you mention he doesn't, then I'm guessing he did potty somewhere he shouldn't have.

The featured artist for this TYI challenge is the talented Gayatri Murali and here is her tag for you to CASE:
Gayatri's tag is so darn cute and there are so many ways you can interpret it. Plus, don't forget cards are welcome at Tag You're It!! Here are the rules of the challenge:
If you LOVE creating Clean and Simple TAGS or CARDS, this challenge is for YOU! Every two weeks we'll feature a designer's project for inspiration. You'll link up your creation, then come back to see if IT was TAGGED as the winner! Our focus will be tags but a card, scrapbook layout and journaling card with a tag, even if it's teeny tiny, is acceptable. Even bookmarks and scraplings can take the form of a tag. Just have fun and be creative with TAGS!
Hop over to Tag You're It to get more DT inspiration and join in the fun with your take on Gayatri's card! You have until next Wednesday, April 5, at 9:00 AM EST to play along.

Other Challenges

Twofer

I also have a card to share today. I made this for the current Muse Challenge:
I don't often find my timestars lining up so I can play in this challenge, but I MADE time for this one because I adore hydrangeas. It's very hard for me to walk by a hydrangea challenge without going inside!

I used an embossed panel from a Recollections pad to cut my stitched MFT oval and attached that to a splattered card base. I die cut the Essentials by Ellen Mondo Hydrangea and stamped the companion image on a scrap of Brusho panel I made last summer. The sediment from Hero Arts is heat-embossed in platinum on vellum.

And here is the beautiful inspiration MUSE card made by Sonja K: 
You can see that I CASEd Sonja's card layout with my kraft-colored stitched-oval panel, hydrangea die and stamp, and embossed vellum sediment.

I used to have blue hydrangeas like that in the yard but they couldn't take the summer heat here, so this year I am trying out a hydrangea in a large pot that I can move into the deep shade if need be. It came in this happy neon fuchsia color!
Other Challenges
National craft month

~~~

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I'll see you tomorrow! 

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84 comments:

Heidi Weaver said...

Hi Darnell, welcome to our challenge. I'm glad you found us. I love your version of the "muse" card. The wash of blues, greens and yellows over the hydrangea blossoms is gorgeous. The background embossing and the die-cut hydrangea really add a lot of texture. Thanks so much for joining our Watercooler Wednesday Challenge this week.

Jane Willis said...

I love both your cards. I'm a hydrangea fan too, so naturally I love your gorgeous hydrangea. As for that frog - his face! You're right, he is wearing just the same expression my 4yo granddaughter gets when she knows she's done something she shouldn't - but it was fun!
Jane

kiwimeskreations said...

What a gorgeous pair of creations Darnell - love your frog with his googly eyes!! and your hydrangea is a stunner.
Blessings
Maxine

Nonni said...

Two fantastic projects, Darnell! Thanks by the way for pointing out that cards with tags are ok at tag you're it -I often like to use tags in my cards but have thought they would not work for this challenge, now I'll definitely play along! Hydrangea is such a pretty flower, when writing this it's snowing here in Finland so I can just dream of them! :) The artsy look of your flower is stunning. Have a fun weekend!

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the tag and what a pretty card.

Your Hydrangea is so pretty.

Hope you have a fab Friday. Sue

Julie B said...

Cute frog Darnell.
Your hydrangea looks very pretty too. :)

Stamps and Paper said...

Hi Darnell...two lovely cards, your frog one really made me smile he so cute and your floral card is gorgeous....I'm also a fan of hydrangeas we have quite a few in our garden I just love the large colourful blooms..
Have a great weekend..

Anne

Wendy L said...

Wonderful creations Darnell, thanks for joining in at MAWTT, xxx

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Such a sweet frog but yes, he does have the look of having performed an amphibious misdemeanor!
Love your hydrangea card and plant. I have a huge white one in my garden but it's a while off flowering yet.
Yours must look lovely with your geraniums 😉.
As a MAWTT teamie, thank you joining in at the challenge.
Best wishes.
Ang x

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

beautiful projects :) i love the coloring !! so pretty
hugs
preeti

Jo Nevill said...

Gorgeous ! Love your super fun frog !

Thank you for joining us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge this week.

Jo x

Pat said...

This pretty tag brings a smile to the face Darnell, and I love that cute frog with the googly eyes and all the added embellishments are beautiful. The hydrangea card with your wonderful Brusho piece is looks gorgeous, also love that embossed kraft card in the background, and a great CASEing of the card by Sonia K, and adore that fabulous bright pink hydrangea in the pot. Hydrangea flowers are so big and blousy. x

Marilyn said...

Adorable tag! Love the frog with the big googly Eyes!! Also your card is so pretty!!

Redanne said...

The frog tag is an absolute delight, I love his cheeky little face. At first I thought those were real sequins - the DP is beautiful!

Your Hydrangea card is beautiful and you did a wonderful job CASEing it. As for your pot plant, it is such a gorgeous colour, I really hope it survives the heat, I am sure that moving it around will help! Big hugs, Annie xxx

Lia said...

The frog makes me smile and I LOVE the other cards as well! You have been busy crafting!
Lia xx

Marcia Hill said...

Your frog with no nose and the big, BIG eyes is absolutely adorable Darnell and perfect for the TYI challenge...love it!! And really love your Hydrangea card too! I can only grow Hosta's and fake greenery, but I absolutely love looking at other peoples gardens and getting inspirations for cards...I do much better with stamped flowers than real ones! Anywho...great tag and card Darnell! :0)

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Oh my, this frog on your lovely tag is so cute and fun!! :D
Love also the hidrangea card, fab use of your brushos scrap, great colours and love the sweet vellum banner!
Amazing pot of real flowers, too! That fuxia colour is so happy! :)

designbydonna said...

I love your google eyed frog. He has a lot of personality with those eyes. Super cute. Your hydrangea card is so pretty.

Brenda in IN said...

Adorable froggy tag. It is so colorful and happy. The eyes make him look smart. The hydrangeas are beautiful. Very pretty cas. The real ones are just beautiful and I love the pot they are in.

Canonbury creations said...

Love your googly eyed frog Darnell and your hydrangea card is beautiful! Love the colour wash over the image. 💐
Val x

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

What a combo, frogs and hydrangeas... Snort! That tag is adorable and I have been inspired for the whole day by that pretty water colored flower card.

jimlynn said...

OMGoodness! I'd kiss that froggie whether he ever turned into a prince or not! What a cutie! He really does look like he pottied somewhere that he shouldn't have too. Love your tag Darnell and the flower card is just yummy with beauty!
Lynn

Geri said...

...a jellybean up his nose...

Totally made me laugh out loud!!! How do you come up with these ideas? But you're right...that's exactly how he looks! Great choice of DP - totally works with this image and your FUN FUN FUN tag!

Your hydrangea card is STUNNING! The colors are beautiful! Love the embossed sentiment and LOVE the 'gold-ish/craft-ish' colored base!

The real life hydrangea is magnificent! Here in the great white north, we seldom see colors other than a light green or light pink (apparently our growing season is too short and the temps too cool).

Lisa said...

Both your tag and card are so gorgeous!! Love the adorable frog on the tag!! The flowers are beautiful on the card!! Have a great weekend!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Linda said...

Your tags are adorable Darnell. And the hydrangea card is so beautiful.

Barb said...

Two beautiful hydrangea cards Darnell. We're fans of these lovely flowers too and have a number in big pots on our patio area. I love your tag. The frog with his googly eyes is adorable. Barbxx

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two fabulous makes Darnell, I love your gorgeous frog tag with his great big eyes. I also love your gorgeous hydrangea card too.

Sue xx

Leslie Miller said...

Sequin paper! I love it! Your frog is too cute, but a naughty froggie to piddle indiscriminately. I also love that pretty color combo with the green, pink, and aqua. That's one beautiful, big hydrangea, too! We grow them lots here, but I can't keep the pink color. They always want to turn blue or purple. Your new hydrangea is simply gorgeous. I hope it works out for you!

scrappymo! said...

Your tag is a hoot! That frog is so darned cute and your design looks great.

Loving the hydrangea card. It is so pretty.
I love hydrangeas too but they are picky about where they grow. When we lived in the Kootenay region of BC, it was too cold there for hydrangeas I did everything to save them, like wrapping them in burlap for winter and piled them with straw bales around them to help prevent dessication in the spring.
No luck though!

So glad to live at the cast again where hydrangeas thrive. Your new one looks really pretty and perhaps you will have better luck with it.

Marsha Reed said...

Beautiful hydrangea cards, Darnell! Thanks for joining us this week at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.

Ruth said...

Oh my! I had a good giggle over Mr Froggy Google Eyes. Your comment about a jelly bean up his nose reminded me that last year as I was getting the kiddies ready for school, my littlest aged 2 appeared in the room and announced 'bead... nose' at which point I started panicking, but managing to see said pink bead wedged at the top of her nostril, grabbed my pointy tweezers and went towards her, she was so freaked out at these sharp implements, that with some gentle wiggling and squishing of the nose managed to pop it out. 5 minutes before school run! Was so not in the mood for A&E that day! Your hydrangea is absolutely gorgeous. I really hope your real one survives. Xx

BeverlyBL said...

Your tag is just darling. Of course, I love Purple Onion, too. Your hydrangea card is so pretty. Love how you colored it.

Maria said...

Awesome creations...love the frog...so cute!! And, your hydrangea cards are so pretty in lovely color! Have a great weekend!:-)

Penny Hanuszak said...

In our development hydrangea are abundant and in the most fascinating colours - everything from the traditional corn flower blue to rich deep amethyst colours. Every year I'm excited to see them come to bloom. Your cards are a fond reminder of how much I love this flower. Beautifully done Darnell. Thanks for joining us at the Watercooler Wednesday Anything Goes challenge this week.

Maikreations said...

Hello Darnell, haven't had a chance to stop by and leave a comment in far too long. Now that I finally got a few minutes I strolled through your last posts and have to say I really love your flower cards! My favorite is the pointsettia one from not too long ago and I also LOVE the Easter tags! They are so bright and cheerful ;o) Thank you for sharing your lovely creations with us! Have a great weekend and happy crafting, Maike

SonjaK said...

Awww, Darnell, so glad I could inspire you to play along with the Muse challenge this week. Love the way your card turned out. I'm a huge fan of hydrangeas as well. To me they are simply synonymous to summer, and I'm crossing my fingers that your fuchsia colored ones will bring you lots of delight this summer.

Anonymous said...

Another cute tag. Love the froggie and your hydrangea card is beautiful. x

Cat Craig said...

Darnell, your tag is so darling who could resist that froggie face? ANd as for the hydrangea...gorgeous stuff my friend. I to am absolutely in love with hydrangeas...we have the blue ones in front of the house... but they do not do well past the first blooming...still they come back every year for a bit.

Happy Dance said...

Now I never put a jellybean up my nose, but I did put a button up there once...while my parents were out and my elderly grandmother was 'watching' me. We won't even discuss the dried bean.... But your frog is adorable and I love the tag you've put him on! And what a pretty ribbon too!! Your hydrangea is gorgeous. Like you, I can't walk past, must stop for a visit. Love that embossed paper you've used as well. Really highlights your flower. Hope to play tomorrow!!!! Missing you. xoxo Bev

Pam Sparks said...

That frog! Cute as can be...his personality just shines on your tag! :D

BożenA said...

I love this frog from Purple Onion. I see that you smuggled some authentic sequins and tiny hearts and it looks amazing in conjunction with the design background. Great tag, very optimistic :-))
The second card impressed me with the delicate colors of the hydrangea. WOW, amazing design.
Hugs,
BożenA

Dana M said...

Fabulous projects Darnell! Love that fabulous frog!

Kathleen said...

Totally adore the first tag, who would have thought a frog could look so cut, bet he becomes a real handsome Prince.
Super second tag too, great flowers.

Kath x

Ardyth said...

Love the flowers coloured with the brushos! And the finishing touch of the gold twine is perfect! So glad you found time to join us this week, Darnell - we're always happy when you do!

Sharon Underwood said...

Love your tag AND your card! That frog is so cute, he works well with the rest of your tag. And the flowers are gorgeous, as well. Guess I'd better get with it and create some more cards for my blog! One day all this unpacking will end...at least I hope! About half the Craft Room is left.

Princess Judy Palmer said...

WhoO! Real live Hydrangeas how cool! What a pretty color. I hope they survive because they sure are cheery. Love your froggie card. He does look mischievous. Cool paper that you used for that tag. It's all good stuff!

Sandy said...

I am not much of a frog person - ugly critters but I do like to eat their legs southern fried.
Your cards are beautiful - bravo!Q
Sandy xx

Berina RGA said...

Wow! Love your hydrangea! Such a beautiful shade of fuchsia. Hope it survives the Summer. The googly eyes on the frog is a lovely addition.

Anonymous said...

Your tag and card are fab. Love the googly eyes on the frog - he is a great image anyway.
Hope your hydrangea survives the summer heat.

cm said...

Oh my stars! Your description of your googly-eyed frog who *may* have jelly-beaned his nose or *may* have pottied somewhere he ought not to have has me rolling on the floor, which is challenging, given all the disarray in this place (but it's coming together...and I'm loving every second of putting stuff here, or p'rhaps there, or in another place). Your tag is sheer delight! As for your hydrangea: lovely! Not sure if I shared this but...my grandma, living in Northern Alberta, had not just a green thumb, but a green hand. Her gardens, be they flower or vegetable, were gorgeous and plentiful. I've never seen carrots or potatoes or cabbages as large - or as flavourful - as hers, since. Anyway, she grew lovely hydrangeas, tending them with a watchful eye and bringing them indoors whenever the weather was 'iffy." She spoke mainly Polish and didn't really master English as all her friends spoke her language. She didn't know how to pronounce hydrangea, so she called them her 'four seasons' flowers and that name has stuck with me. So, your 'four seasons' flower is absolutely wonderful...visually and in the memories it sparked...
Hugs~c

Bonnie said...

That adorable frog has me grinning from ear to ear! Love how surprised he looks! And that hydrangea is beautiful! That was a perfect Brusho panel for it! Hope you have a great weekend!

Skye said...

I love your frog, his expression is wonderful. Great colouring and design. I am with you and hydrangeas and have the same problem. Your card is very pretty, lovely colours.

Carol L said...

That's another fabulous tag with that cute frog, and I love the card too. Your flowers are a beautiful vibrant color and I wish you luck growing them. Since that frog has no potty manners, watch your step in that garden, ya hear? :)

Nan G said...

"I am in LOVE with Mr. frog!" says froggy designs! :)) Your hydrangea is pretty too. Mine turned purple when I tried to grow them down here. But like you the heat killt them. Awesome frog btw! wink wink

Verna Angerhofer said...

Your tags are so cute and I love hydrangeas too.

Helen F. said...

Hey Darnell, just hippity hopping by :-p Oh how much fun is your googlie-eyed frog! Love your hydrangea~my favorite (and first) flower stamp

nancy littrell said...

OMG Darnell...Cute, Cute tag and Gorgeous Hydrangea. TFS my friend. Hugs...

Marina said...

Ahhh the Brusho panels - did you make it in Swindon? Looks absolutely gorgeous here on your hydrangea. Thanks for joining in at City Crafter.

Ros Crawford said...

Oh I Love that frog!! So cute! And your cards are beautiful! Thanks so much for playing along at CCCB!!

Greta said...

The tag is over the top adorable, Darnell, but oh my goodness--can't stop looking at that gorgeous card! Can whisper to you that it's prettier than the lovely one to case?! I've never seen a hydrangea that color--oh I hope it survives--so, so gorgeous! I am super excited that a lilac start given to me about 3 years ago is actually going to bloom this year now that I finally fed it last summer when the nursery owner told me that was all it needed. I'll be taking pictures, but hopefully it will also have an incredibly wonderful scent! Enjoy your weekend!

Lisa Elton said...

Your froggie tag is darling Darnell! And WOW WOW WOW to your pretty hydrangea card!!

ElizStewart said...

LOVE the colors on your Muse flowers!!!

Sharron said...

Goodness, that is one adorable frog! This tag will definitely bring a smile! And I love your gorgeous hydrangea. I have never tried one due to our lack of shade but always think they are so stunning. Your plant variety has wonderful color too!

Brenda said...

OMGoodness, this little frog tag is adorable Auntie!!! I love that little frog even though he looks like he is up to something or keeping a secret like potting somewhere he should have. lol I love google eyes, they add so much character to images and these work perfect for Mr. Frog. I still think he is so adorable, can't help it, I love frogs! The the festive paper you used for the tag and I know Mr. Frog will go well with his birthday wishes to someone special! OMGoodness again! I love your hydrangea card!! The watercolor, smooshing or whatever it was that you did on that bloom is just beautiful! Goodness, how hot does it get in the summer where you are? Glad you got another hydrangea that you can moved to the deep shade, it sure is a beautiful one!!! I have one, it does ok, but last year didn't do anything since we didn't get much rain. And so it goes with the weather on both sides of the country. lol Hugs, Brenda

Janice said...

A packed post, with some super makes along the way! Love the frog tag you chose to share with us at MAWTT, Jx

Susanne Vargas said...

That googly eyed frog is absolutely adorable! I am in love with him! And your brusho hydrangea card is fabulous! Hope you have more luck with the potted one! So pretty!

desperatehousewifecraft said...

Beautiful and cute cards Darnell! I love hydrangeas too. I have some in a pot that magically grows again each year after looking like its dead all winter!

Fikreta said...

gorgeous!

Lisa T said...

Oh that ribbit is adorable! And I wish he had a nose with a jelly bean in it - I burst out laughing at that! After saying I was gonna make more tags, I still haven't, I need more hours, more days, more minutes, more everything including crafty goodies!

And funnily enough, I was looking at the Essentials by Ellen stamps the other day and eyeing that hydrangea and also the mondo magnolia - both beautiful stamps. I love the Brusho colours that you used. Isn't it great when you have something you made yonks ago that you can turn into something else equally as beautiful months later. Stunning card! Lisa xx

Gerrina said...

Tour tag is so funny! I love those eyes and the fresh colours! Great take on the challenge! But the flowercard is my favorite; it has one of my favorite flowers in my favorite colour on it and looks great!
For once I'm glad it isn't that sunny and warm here; they have new leaves at the moment and in a week or three they will bloom again and give colour to the garden untill autumn...I enjoye them so much every year... Hugs, Gerrina

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous projects. I'm finally catching up and will enter a card into your latest challenge in the next couple days. It's created, but needs the post and a heap of others, writing. Grin.
Hugs,
Em xoxo

Lady Joyful said...

Fabulous creations! I love the colour on your hydrangea.

Heather Hopson said...

My Goodness! I have never seen so many comments on someone's blog. Your cards are beautiful. Thank you for sharing your creativity and your gorgeous cards with us on Watercooler Wednesday. I especially love your little frog. We have many little tree frogs in our back yard. They are so tiny and make the loudest croak that you have every heard. LOL
1

Unknown said...

Wow! The handheld Weather measuring instruments should be used by agencies and companies which have firms in different territories. It can be more productive.

Barb Ghig said...

Congrats again your Guest spot at Tag You're It, Darnell! Your froggie is adorable, and your Hydrangea is absolutely gorgeous! I love the effects of watercoloring with Brushos, and your choice of colors is just beautiful! Thanks for inspiring us, as always!

Emma said...

Congratulations on your Guest Design spot at Tag You're It - I love your creation! I'm a big fan of Purple Onion Designs and I think your frog stamp is adorable! I had a giggle reading what you thought he was so wide eyed about - maybe he's just spotted his birthday cake ;) I love the colours you've used and the funky fonts! Thank you for sharing with us at MAWTT, Emma (DT) xx

P.S. I love your projects so I've just started following your blog :)

sandie said...

Love the stamped sequins which reminds me I have some! And the google eyes are such fun. Adore your flower card, must send you a photo of mine when in bloom x

Anita in France said...

Don't see hydrangea much around here, Darnell ... no idea why ... so seeing your pot of vibrant neon pink blooms is a delight! Your brusho hydrangea is delicious in all it's glorious variegated colour ... an IRL one like this would be fabulous! That googly eyed frog ... he's brilliant ... and had me laughing out loud at the expression on his face. Hope he didn't go potty anywhere near your pink hydrangea ... eeeuwwww! LYAMYHMHTSISOY! Hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Donna said...

Your froggy tag is just the best. Don't you have a frog friend for Hammy now who's name completely escapes me?
Very pretty twofer.
Enjoy the rest of your week. x

conil said...

Once again...you're a star. Congrats on your well-deserved Muse win. Woot!

Stella said...

Such a lovely card! You sure know how to nail a theme:) Thanks so much for joining us at CCCB! I LOVE your tag too!

Ann said...

Gorgeous hydrangea card and such a deserving win at Muse! Congrats to you Darnell on this and your wonderful blog! Thank you also for visiting me with my LIM card last week - I do appreciate your kindness:)

TK said...

Look at all this gorgeousness going on in my absence! Just beautiful, Darnell, and I agree hydrangeas are just enticing!

Bobby said...

It was great to have you guest designing with us, Darnell, and I love your big-headed frog. I think he looks like we wants to scare some poor unsuspecting little girl. Your hydrangea is gorgeous. I love them too and have been crossing my fingers that the ones that my Mom loved and that I took from their house when it sold will survive at my house. I checked yesterday and I see new growth so hopefully they'll bloom.