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 26, 2017

JUGS GD #408 ~ "Aloha"

Hello there, Stamplings!

I want to first say that my thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by Hurricane Harvey in the days ahead.

As the Guest Designer for the month of August at Just Us Girls, I'm here to welcome you to the fourth week, which is Photo Week! It's all about the tropics and Hawaii and Florida flamingos and pineapples and wherever your imagination takes you!

And just for no reason, Hammy wants to entertain you with a bit of rhyming!


As the days of summer wane,
fall appears on the window pane.

We whisper, No! It went too fast!
What can we do to make it last?

We can hit the beach at least once more
and stretch our toes upon the shore!
I used a sunglasses sticker and pp (patterned paper) from my stash cut into rectangles. The flip flops are from Lil Inkers, the NBUS "aloha" is from Your Next Stamp, and the sediment is from MFT. 

I hope you can join in for the challenge this week! Here is the badge photo inspiration for you:
So many ways to go with this! For more ideas, please check out what the Design Team made for you on the Just Us Girls blog! I'd like to thank the Design Team at JUGS for the honor of being the Guest Designer for the month of August. It was a lot of fun! 

I'm entering my card in the Make My Monday Challenge where the theme is "Lazy Days of Summer!"

~~~

Now the sand is brushed away
As a new season has come to play.

The garden sighs and roses fade,
Bulbs are planted, beds are laid. 

The sunflower stands tall above the rest
And welcomes autumn to her golden breast.

I've used sunflower pp from my stash behind the MFT stitched circle die cut. I colored and fussy-cut the sunflower from Technique Tuesday. The sediment is from Your Next Stamp. Of course, the sunflower is all winked up!

Challenges
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~~~

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 to return the flavor!








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73 comments:

Jane Willis said...

Beautiful cards Darnell.
Jane

Sue said...

Fab cards Darbell. I really like the Sunflower one.

Hope you are having a nice weekend. Sue

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Fantastic cards Darnell, and a great rhyme from Hammy, I love the sunflower card.

Sue xx

Nonni said...

Such great cards, Darnell! I'm blog hopping for the first time in about 2 weeks... Hate it when work bothers your hobbies! ;) Your autumn-card is very beautiful. The color tones are just perfect for the theme and how fun you found designer paper to match the stamped flower -I always find it hard to use papers that have actual images and not just patterns like dots or stripes or something... The way you used your paper looks amazing! Great job! Thanks for joining us at TIME OUT!

Cathy said...

Great cards Darnell, love the beachy one, such a great use of the patterned paper, Cathy x

Marilyn said...

Beautiful cards!!

Leigh Penner said...

Great cards, Darnell!

Dotty Jo said...

Your cards never fail to delight and inspire, Darnell! Jo x

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Both cards are beautiful, I especially like the sunflowers, they are a fav flower as they are so cheery in late summer. The days are getting a little cooler here, which I love. I love that your followers are 'stamplings' :) Have a great weekend, Hugs xxx

Brenda in IN said...

Hammy is quite the poet and he did a good job! That is a great use of pattern paper and made such a fun card. I love the sunflower image and how you used that pattern paper. I have such a hard time with that kind of paper and I have soooo much of it!

Jeanne said...

Sweet poetry and lovely cards! I love the fun feel of the first one and the nostalgic feel of the second. Great job!! :) Hugs and happy weekend.

stampwithsandy said...

Ahh your little poem describes me exactly, Darnell. Summer went way too fast and I need to stick my toes in the sand one more time. Gorgeous sunflower card, love the way you colored the image from TT, and as I have that stamp set I've pinned this for future inspiration! Have a great day :)

sandie said...

Love the sunshine feel of the first card and then we see the Autumn joy of the second. Amazing colouring of the sunflower. Come on we challenge you ar Time Out to make a card in less than 10mins!! Thanks for joining us and thanks for your lovely comment on our main blog...I know I always say it, but these comments mean a lot to us xx

Happy Dance said...

So I tried my hand at a limerick for this comment, but I'm no Hammy. Your poem was delightful, and captures the very essence of the season's changings. Well done! What a fun last-of-summer card! Love those little flippity flops and the sweet little sunglasses. Those rectangles are marvelous, btw...! And your sunflower card is gorgeous! It's just lovely and calm and serene. I'm waiting for the sunflowers in Michael's garden to pop so I can watch all the birds enjoy the fruits (or seeds) of his labors! Blessings to you dear friend. xoxo Bev

Bunny said...

Very nice cards I really love the sunflower. Living in Florida I'm begging for fall. All 3 days of it.

Thanks for the poems, Hammy.

[Bunny]

conil said...

From the Summer Solstice to the Autumal Equinox in one blogpost. You are talented. Poetry and pretties to look read and look at...the whole gamut of sensations. Your summer card looks like someone just dropped their sunglasses walking over some interesting tiled floors. LOVE the design. And being a sunflower lover of the first order, that second card is right up my alley. Gorgeous.

Vicki Dutcher said...

Fun Summer card! I love those sunglasses~ :) Thanks so much for joining JUGS this month! It was our pleasure having you create with us~

Pat said...

Two more beauties Darnell and this first card really wakes us up with the cute and colourful flip flops and matching sentiment, and the beach themed paper is just perfect with that great arrangement of rectangles. Your TT sunflower fussy cut and wonderfully coloured on the second works beautifully over the pretty sunflower paper within the stitched circle and love Hammy's poetic words re. the fading of Summer. I guess we all get a bit sad when Summer fades into Autumn though I do love it when the leaves turn to fiery reds and golds. x

Sarah said...

Hammy really is quite the poet on the quiet isn't he!! Love the tiled effect behind the flip flops Darnell and the sunflower is gorgeous, such a friendly flower xx

Linda said...

Two amazing cards, Darnell. And your a poet too? Loved that.

Cara said...

Two stunning cards and amazing poetry, you and hammy really have it all! Hope you have a wonderful weekend x

Leslie Miller said...

First of all, Hammy's a very creative poet! Here you have summer and autumn all in one post. It's that transition time of year when we don't want to give up summer but do starting thinking about the next season. There's something to love about all of them. There's definitely something to love about both your cards! You just happened to have that NBUS "aloha" in your stash, along with the flip flops, sunglasses, and perfect paper. Love the background layout. Been meaning to do that one with some leftover die cuts. How beautifully colored your sunflower is and it works so perfectly with the sketch! As always, a fun post, Darnell!

cuilliesocks said...

Absolutely gorgeous cards Darnell, lovely bright colours on your first card, love the embellishments and I love the sunflowers on the second one, wonderful colours and design, Kate x

Jeanie said...

Beautiful card! I love the sunflower! Thanks for playing along with the Tic Tac Toe Challenge this week!

Sharon Underwood said...

LOVE your cards! Fantastic challenge at JUGS. I'd jump in and play, but I have absolutely nothing to go with the theme. Guess I'd better put some of that on my list! Oh, boy, more shopping! YAY! Thank you for your comments on my blog. I enjoy your support and appreciate your kind words. You're a tremendous person, Darnell. Love your creativity and your sense of humor. Keeps me going!

Sheila H said...

I love those flip flops and the patterned paper on your first card. The sun flower on the second one is spectacular. Both cards make me smile.

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
well what a clever little poet is Hammy.
Love these wonderful cards and their super duper designs.
You could put the first somewhere in your craft house to remind you that summer will be back again next year.
I too hope people that may get affected by this hurricane, are safe, and well.
Love and big crafty hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.

KandA said...

Two wonderful cards Darnell, the first is a really super fun design and I LOVE the second with the beautiful sunflower. Are there no end to Hammy's talents - his verses are so clever.
I've been a very good girl and just ordered some new crafty goodies just so I'm well prepared for your NBUS challenge! Take care and have a great weekend xx

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Wow, two fabulous cards!! Love both, so different but both so striking!

Fikreta said...

wonderful cards!
hugs

Kathleen said...

Two lovely creations and a great way to have used the DP on the first card with the lovely embellishments.
Fabulous design for the second card, super image and colours.

Kath x

Verna Angerhofer said...

Oh, my! I love both of your beautiful cards. And, love the poem as well. It explains the changing of the seasons so perfectly.

Redanne said...

Hammy is a poet and I didn't even know it! He is good, very good!

I love both cards, the first is such fun - love those sunglasses and flip flops. The sunflower on the second one is just stunning, I love sunflowers, they have such happy faces! You really do make THE most beautiful cards!

Hugs, Anne xx

Cat Craig said...

Darnell, those tiles on your first card add such interest and dimension...so fun and colorful. Your sunflower is stunning and reminds me of the sunflower card I have from you hanging in my display. I love sunflowers...but not the fact that autumn is right behind them. Have a fun weekend, and I hope its cooler where you are...102 here- but 15% humidity makes it a walk in the park compared to the wet MD summer.

scrappymo! said...

Two wonderful cards, Darnell.
The sunflower design is so pretty and the inset DP is so soft and sort of misty looking...I like that. It is a perfect foil for you bright sunflower!

Your first card really caught my eye too. I love the way you had the background paper cut into various rectangles...it looks great!

PD You did leave two comments on tea-riffic. I was too busy to respond to and then release my commenters words. We listed the RV and lot and 2 days later had an offer. The lot is sold as of Sept 12 so we have been busy trying to find storage for our boat as well as arranging to take our 5th wheel into Kamloops to leave at a dealership on consignment. Of course this has all had to happen is a huge rush as the dealership wants the 5th wheel ASAP to hit the market of buyers who head south for the winter.

Gerrina said...

That first card for the guest designer post from this week looks so sunny and feels so like summer! Clever and beautiful card!
And your sunflowercard accompliched with that poem is so perfect for those transsiciondays into autumn! Enjoy your weekend!

Lisa said...

What an amazing poet Hammy is!! I love his prose!! Both cards are so gorgeous!! The designs are fabulous!! Have a great weekend!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Bonnie said...

Love those flip flops with the shiny fun and those little sunglasses are adorable! Very tropical! And your sunflower is gorgeous! I love sunflowers and this is no exception. Now I wish I'd used Nance's TT sunflower when it was handy....

HJ said...

Love these pretty cards and your poetry! You or Hammie always put a smile on my face. Enjoy your weekend.

Carol L said...

What pretty cards today! I just love how you cut that dsp and then placed it back in place leaving little space between pieces! Great look, and love the sunflower too! Enjoy these last few moments of summer - they're fading all too quickly :(

Sue VanDeVusse said...

Awesome cards, Darnell! I really like the fun patterned paper cut into the rectangles paired up with the flip flops and sunglasses, so perfect for our challenge. Your sunflowers card is absolutely gorgeous, too! Thank you for joining us this past month as our Guest Designer!

Ina G said...

Loved little Hammy's poem. I am certainly looking forward to summer even though our winter has been mild. Need to get out and attend to my very neglected garden. I have enjoyed seeing your amazing work and reading your fun stories. Never fear I will still get notifications so I can see more of your creativeness.
Now on to your card. Love the bold colourful background paper those cute sunglasses and of course the perfect sentiment to match those bright flip flops as you call them. Thongs here in Oz. Funny how the word is so very different.
What an absolute stunner of a sunflower. Love the layout. Love it.
Thanks soooooooooo much for being out Guest at JUGS. We have all loved having you and I look forward to seeing you again sooooooon.

Sybrina K said...

Hi, Darnell! Sorry to have been such a stranger. As you can imagine, it's been a whirlwind of activity around here. Thanks so much for your kind words. You'd love little Brody... he's such a sweetie. As for this card of yours, I just love that pieced together background. :)

JoAnn said...

Love your fun aloha card with the flip flops and sunglasses. The DSP is perfect. That sunflower is very pretty. Thanks for sharing them.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful cards!

Greta said...

The sunflower card is a stunner, Darnell & the first one is just so fun! Hugs, Greta

Bobby said...

That pp is perfect behind your bright red flip flops and aloha, Darnell. It sure says summer to me and I hope it stays around a little while longer. It's been considerably cooler the last few days. The design of your sunflower card is wonderful. I can't imagine fussy cutting all those petals. Love your poem. That Hammy sure is talented. ;)

Bobby said...

I forgot to say that it's been fun having you as our guest designer on Just Us Girls. Great job all the way around!!

Susanne Vargas said...

Hammy is a great poet! The talents this guy has...!!!
What a fun summery card! I am not ready for summer to be over but it has cooled off quite a bit here so I better get ready! Your sunflower is real pretty in front of the pp peeking through the circle!

Cheryl W. said...

My goodness, you are certainly waxing poetic in this post! I love it! I used to write more poetry myself!! I'm loving both your cards, too. That sunflower one is so impressive!

Papercraft Boutique said...

Love both cards, Darnell! Putting the sunflower pp behind the fussy-cut sunflower is so clever, and your coloring of the sunflower is so realistic and beautiful! Hideko

Berina RGA said...

Beautiful cards Darnell!! Love the sunflower! And I love Hammy's poems :) Please do tell him!

LesleyG said...

Aloha! What a fun card so bright and cheery, I too hope everyone stays safe from that horrid hurricane. Lovely bit of fussy cutting stands out against the pretty coordinating paper, we passed a whole field of sunflowers yesterday, stunning xxx

Chrissie said...

Gorgeous job Darnell, two wonderful cards!
Our thoughts are with those affected by Harvey too, it's dreadful to see such devastation!
Xx

Anita in France said...

A delicious and fun beachy card, Darnell ... and a simply gorgeous sunflower, so perfectly fussy cut ... and so perfectly complemented by that lovely background DP. Hammy's poetic skill is amazing ... personally, I think he's got his way with words from you ... don't think it comes naturally to hamsters generally! So delighted to have you playing along with us at Time Out with this sunny autumnal beauty! LYAMYMAHTSISOYT! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Colleen said...

Your cards are absolutely amazing Darnell! And thank you for leaving such kind words on my blog...Lin and I are like chickens with our heads cut off. She said yesterday, do you think others get as stressed as we do about everything SAF? I don't know, we do have fun, but must admit to stressing about some of the projects, especially if they are not card oriented! or the technique doesn't work the way it is supposed to!!
I love your sunflower card, that is a gorgeous flower, and your JUGS card is as usual so very creative, you just know how to think outside the box and come up with clever ideas! Happy Sunday friend, I am waiting for my friend to wake up so we can start our day with another video! Wish you could be here with us! Do you skype? We should connect on Monday while Linda is still here!! Heart Hugs, Col

Marlena M. said...

Love both your cards and your poems Darnell :)

Mac Mable said...

Great rhyming and a fun post to read. Congratulations again on guesting x Vibrant and fun first card with a great layout. Classy and elegant second card x

Susan said...

Lovely post (and great cards) on the transition from summer to fall! Though I'm certainly not ready for it to happen. We've had the most glorious summer here in Vancouver. Your sunflower card is wonderful - makes me think of Van Gogh.

Nancy said...

Darnell, Love your fun patterned paper cut into the rectangles along with those fun flip flops and sunglasses. I should have looked at your card before I struggled so terribly with mine! Your sunflowers card is absolutely gorgeous, too! Thank you for joining us this past month as our Guest, you have been such a joy to have on board!!

Lisa Elton said...

Love your use of the paper in the background on your first, very fun card!! The second is ever so pretty with that wonderful sunflower!

Shona Chambers said...

Your running into Autumn while we are running into Spring and yet we both want the sunshine!! Hope yours lasts a bit longer and ours gets here sooner!! Your colouring of that sunflower is phenomenal, it has so much detail and dimension, its so good! And goes so perfectly with the PP behind it. Sunflowers come out here in the height of Summer and long gone by Autumn which is a shame. Love Hammy's poem too, will you take him to the beach for one more swim?? Always wonderful to see you at TIME OUT!!

Maria said...

Beautiful take on he challenge! Love all the colors and textures in your card. Those sunglasses are awesome! That pineapple card is amazing as well. Thanks for joining us for the month of August.

oldpunca said...

Two seasons in two cards. :-) Wonderful. I like your colourful tropical card. And especially I like the sunflower on the second card.
You and Hammy have a really good sense for rhythms. :-) Nice poems.
Hugs, Sonja

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards, Darnell. And thank you again for mine - I love it!
Hugs,
Em xoxox

Barb said...

Two lovely summery cards Darnell. I really like the way you've used the pretty paper on the first card. Barbxx

Macimbalo said...

Love these and so happy to see your creations at JUGS this month! I love that poem too....made me smile, just like every time I visit your happy blog!!!

Judy Woodland said...

You put such a smile on my face with that awesome rhyme. LOVE it!!! And I love your card. It has been such a pleasure to have you with us this month as our guest designer. Sure hope you won't be a stranger, I always look forward to seeing your lovely creations!

Unknown said...

Beautiful cards by you and great poetry by hammy x. It was great to see you entering the Tic Tac Toe challenge - at the moment its the only I'm entering each week. Have a fabulous week. X

Lisa T said...

Lovely cards as always Darnell. Such a fabulous use of PP and those cute little sandals... makes the perfect summer card. And that beautiful sunflower - what says summer more than a sunflower? It's bold and beautiful and makes me want to pack my bags and head off to France to lay in amongst the fields of sunflowers so abundant over there. Hugs, Lisa xx

Nandini said...

Absolutely adorable cards! Great to see you joining the Make My Monday challenge. All the very best! Nandini, DT

Nora Noll said...

Your first card is adorable with the fun paper and the flip flops. I LOVE your second card though. How clever of you to use the patterned paper that way!! I need to re think some that I have in my stash now!!

shirley-bee said...

Two fabulous ways to use pp stash, Darnell! I especially love the snazzy mosaiced beach background blocks. I'm so impressed with Hammy's poetic prowess, another string to his bow :)