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!

September 1, 2017

So Hot I Forgot

Hello, Stamplings!

Happy first day of September! So hard to believe that!

I have some cards to share with you which I meant to post earlier, but we are in the midst of record-breaking 112Fº heat and it made me misremember.

I say that to explain my tardiness brain toot, but I'm not really upset about the heat this time. It feels too petty in light of the horrendous conditions and suffering going on in the Gulf States as a result of Hurricane Harvey. But it also feels wonderful to see the heartwarming stories of hope as help has poured in from countless volunteers. Millions more who can't be there in person are helping with charitable donations, prayers, and positive thoughts.

It's a beautiful thing to see humans simply caring about their fellow humans regardless of their skin color or religion or sexuality or politics. I hope it continues.💙

~~~
I meant to publish this card as a reminder for the last Just Us Girls challenge where I was GD. Oops. 

I know. I'm all over the place with the seasons, but it is that time of the year where we flustruate in temperatures and we don't know whether to dress for cold or hot!

I took a single sheet of cute surfing pp, added flip flops in matchy colors, stamped the PTI sediment, and adhered it to a matchy colored card panel matted onto a white card base.

Challenges


~~~
And I meant to enter this totally QACAS card in the August CAS Mix-Up challenge. Oops. This card (and the two below) were made from my stash of backgrounds using alcoholic inks on glossy paper. The die is from MFT.

Challenges
More of the same, but different:
~~~

Enjoy your day and the things that really matter! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!* 

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69 comments:

Greta said...

112?! You're excused, for sure! So right--can't complain with the catastrophe in Houston. I'm with you--the world would be so much better if people were kind even when there wasn't a disaster, but sadly it's not the norm. I do love your alcohol backgrounds--makes me want to try again! Such a fun die, too! Hugs, Greta

Chrissie said...

What an amazing bunch of cards Darnell, love them all. The heat there sounds pretty intense!
Like you our thoughts this side of the pond are with all those suffering in Harvey's wake!
Great post as ever!
Chrissie ❤️

Stamps and Paper said...

Super collection of cards Darnell I don't like it really but sadly we are at the end of your not so good summer

Anne

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

A fantastic collection of cards Darnell, I love the beach theme card at the top and the backgrounds are gorgeous on the CAS cards. 112f that's hot certainly hotter than when we were your way in May.

Sue xx

Linda said...

Gorgeous collection of cards as always. Love those alcohol ink backgrounds.
Those temperatures would be a little too hot for me I think ..... stay cool in the playhouse is my advice. Enjoy the weekend xx

Pat said...

Your pretty first card reflects the hot summer temperatures you are getting at present Darnell. I'm not sure I could cope with temperatures like that, I would be sat about 2" away from a fan at all times..lol. I love the flip flops and the pretty paper and finished with that nice large sentiment. Your three alcohol ink creations are gorgeous and I especially love the strong colours on the third one which gives great contrast with the white background and love the three spicy enamel dots. x

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Great words, Darnell! And great cards, love these designs and the backgrouns!

Marilyn said...

Awesome cards!!

Jeanne said...

Thanks for the great perspective, Darnell! That said, 112 is too darn hot! I hope people are staying safe and cool. Your cards are fabulous and I feel so blessed to have received one from you recently. :) Thank you for the beautiful birthday card and for your friendship. Big hugs!! :)

Sue said...

What a fabulous array of cards Darnell and I don't think I could function in that heat either..lots of huggles Sue xx

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards, Darnell. It is devastating to see the tragedy in the Gulf states.
Hugs,
Em xoxox

Brenda in IN said...

Wow, 112 is pretty hot, just like your cards! Fun birthday card and I am in love with the AI. The soft colors are so pretty and my favorite are the bright, happy colors. I think Harvey has brought the country together in ways we haven't seen in a while. It is such a sad reason but I'm so proud of the USA. Stay cool and maybe share a portion of your heat. It is in the 50's here this morning and only 65 for a high today.

oldpunca said...

I like your CAS birthday cards very much. All three colour combos are fantastic. Your summer card comes just in time to remainds me on the nice days on seaside. Today the hot weather is saying goodbye in our part of the world. :-(
Have a great weekend. :-)
Hugs, Sonja

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Fab cards.

Hope the weather cools a bit for you. Sue

Aquarius said...

A great flip flop summery offering and those backgrounds with circle die are brilliant and so colourful.

Mac Mable said...

Echo your sentiments at the beginning of your blog post x Flip flop card such fun and vibrant...love the cards with the alcohol inks, especially the last full on colour one x Can't image the temperatures you've had here in Scotland! x

Linda said...

What a great bunch of cards, Darnell. Love them all but that last alcohol ink one is so gorgeous. Love the bright colors. And yes, it is so great to see people come together, but just wish we could do it every day.
It was so fun Skyping with you the other day. Col and I were amazed that the time flew by so quickly like we all had been friends for 60 years. Lol. 112 oh my, that is hot. We are still expecting temps in the 90's next week. Too hot for some of us in Washington.

nancy littrell said...

Wow!!! Love your gorgeous backgrounds for your cool die cut circle Happy Birthday. LOVED your alcohol ink colors and artsy background my friend..so worth the wait! TFS Hugs..

Leslie Miller said...

Ack, that heat! But, yes, it could be worse. I might say it's sad that it takes a tragedy to bring people together, but I think most people are good souls and this togetherness was in their hearts all along. Fantastic cards today and glad you remembered them. The first is such a cute beachy surfing theme, and all those alcoholic backgrounds are so pretty. You have the perfect QACAS design for that die!

conil said...

Think I've reached the limit of my ability to absorb heat so I would like to be wherever that sandy beach is, right now. Still, I'm so much better off than the Houstonian, Louisianans and othe Gulf State folks. Brings me to tears each time I see the devastation. And the heroes who are out there helping them...goodness lives in their souls. Bless them.
Anyway, came to visit with the intent of seeing just a couple of your masterpieces and I got to see 4. Wowzers. You win for working through this miserable weather.
Stay cool and safe over the weekend...I'll be thinking of you and Kevin.

Sheila H said...

Where I am, we're having bouts of rain mixed in with heat and sun. It's hard to know how to dress. The flop flop card is such fun. And I love that birthday die - so unique. You've got some great techniques going on!

jen said...

These are fab- love the way you were inspired for The Heart Desires! Thanks for joining us!

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Cool stuff! While the die cut bday cards are cool, I much rather fancy the flop flop cards. Yeah, I call those shoes flop flops cuz on my feet they just kinda flop around.

Verna Angerhofer said...

I love all your wonderful cards. Each is so well made and fabulous in every way!

cuilliesocks said...

Wonderful card Darnell, great designs and colours, take care in that heat, Kate x

Cheryl Robertson said...

Wow Darnell! 112 is pretty much unheard of in your area, isn't it? I hope you guys have air conditioning. Stay cool!

Sarah said...

I would melt in that heat so no apology necessary and you are quite right, the suffering in the aftermath of hurricane Harvey sure puts life in perspective. It's impossible to imagine what they are going through. Anyway, fabulous cards as always. Love the alcohol ink backgrounds. Stay cool xx

Kathleen said...

Totally love the first card, the colours, design and the CAS effect is gorgeous.
The three other cards are also a brilliant design with some beautiful backgrounds.
Been a bad week for me too, first of all the Bank Holiday on Monday threw me out. Daughter and Family arrived home from three weeks in America so I invited them for tea Tuesday and did a roast so I was convinced it was a Sunday and it just threw me for the rest of the week. Must be an age thing, we young ones get easily confused.
Have a good weekend.

Kath x

Ina G said...

I totally love your flip floppy summer card Darnell and those cas HB die cut cards are stunning with the backgrounds you achieved with the alcohol inks. So glad your brain wasn't fried in THAT heat. Hope things have cooooooooooed a bit for you now. If it makes you feel better I am sitting here typing in my pj's and winter dressing gown - but soon the sun will shine and become a glorious Spring day. Yay!

Sheri said...

You have been busy! I love them all but the last really bright one just pops! Great job, my friend

Jean said...

Wonderful cards! I have been in Phoenix for 2 weeks so know about the heat!

Patti J said...

I always love dropping by to see your creations! These are all so pretty! The first card is very unique, and I love it! Thanks for sharing!

Happy Dance said...

Meanwhile, in the Midwest, specifically in SE WI, it's in the 60s and 70s. Very unseasonable here. However, school starts up next week, which generally means that the temps will rise and make those classrooms unbearable. I'm loving this. I'll send you some cool.... Your cards are amazing dear friend! I love that beachy card! Those flip-flops are adorable, and I wish I had a pair in that color! Love all the ephemeral bits, too! Great card!! Your HB cards are stunning. Those backgrounds are beautiful, and I especially love the sherbet colors of the first one! Wonderful, dear friend, wonderful!! Missing you tons! Bev

Carol L said...

these cards are stunning and oh so colorful! I love all the color variations and each one is prettier than the previous one! NJ on all of them! Stay cool in that record-breaking heat wave. It has been a crazy summer for nearly everyone this year! Have a great holiday weekend too!

Susan said...

I had to convert your 112 degrees F to our Canadian Celsius temperatures and I was horrified when I saw it is 44 Celsius - truly unbearable in my opinion! We're all worried because it might go over 30 this weekend which would be hot for Vancouver! But as you say, with our forest fires in the north and interior of BC, the floods in Texas and other parts of the world, none of us should complain!

A bunch of lovely cards, especially the last two - love the blues and purples, and then the vibrant colours of the last!

Ruth said...

Blimey, I'd like even half those temperatures! We had a terrible summer. Going back to school next week and I know it will get glorious again! That patterned paper is fabulous and I LOVE your clean and simple alcohol background cards - something I still need to try. Don't melt! Xx

kiwimeskreations said...

Great to be back here Darnell - I am sorry you were worried, but i did not want to advertise that I was away... I had a wonderful trip, and now have loads of NBUS ready for later in the month :-).
Love your cards - despite you being sort of late with them.. blame Hammy!! He ran away with them... to make a tent to try and cool down in!!
The final card with the intense alcoholic inks is a stunner, and the others are pretty too.
Blessings
Maxine

sandie said...

love that pretty scene and those glossy background are perfect for this die-have a fun weekend x

Ros Crawford said...

It's such a tragedy to the people of the Gulf States but so heartwarming that everyone is pulling together...True humanity.
Oh how I love that beach card.. Superb design! And your painted cards are a delight! How I love that alcohol ink! Stay cool and have a great weekend!

Redanne said...

Oh what beautiful, bright and sunny cards Darnell, I LOVE those alcohol ink backgrounds - so, so beautiful and the flip flops are delightful!

I cannot imagine that kind of heat anymore, I wish we could take some from you.... As for the tragedies in America at the moment, so many people losing their homes... it really does warm the heart to see people working together! Big hugs, Annie xxx

Cara said...

Wow, fabulous cards, love that last MFT die. It's been terrible to hear of the events in Texas, but as you say wonderful to hear the stories of the kindness side of humanity coming to the fore. Have a great weekend X

Craftychris said...

Your surfing card is sooooo cool! Love your alcohol ink backgrounds behind the fabulous die cuts for the other cards. - wonderful! Hugs! xxx

Cat Craig said...

Oh my gosh that is HOT...only 102 here and its not a lingering heat it cools in the evenings about 30 degrees so it is livable.

I love those backgrounds for your happy birthday cards...they are so interesting to look at. Your flip flops are the epitome of summer for sure.

Loll said...

That is too hot!! Hope it is cooler for your today. LOVE that sweet surfing card. So fun and colouring. Lots of sweet embellishments to look at.

LOVE your AI cards. Perfect Clean and Simple design which looks amazing no matter what colours you use in the background. LOVE that die! xx

Andrea said...

Hi Darnell love the cards and well done in such wonderful creations whilst baking in the heat I thought we where hot!!! Off home tomorrow it was mid. 90s on way to Seattle CNN I thought that was hit whew love the. Colours and wonderful due as always beautiful creations and lots of giggles love your posts craft hugs Andrea xxgoing to miss your wonderful country we have had an amazing 17 days back to cold uk now and work with lots of wonderful memories xxxx Andrea xx

Trina P. said...

All beautiful cards, Darnell. Your flip flop card is so cute and I love the dimensions. And all your AI backgrounds are gorgeous. I especially love the blue one, since blue is my favourite colour. 😉

Anita in France said...

Such a cute beachy card, Darnell ... and just the place to be in either your or our temperatures at the moment! Those birthday cards are stunning ... I'm so taken with the crispness of the fresh white with all the delicious colours in the background ... seems those AIs are almost flowing and moving around! LYAMYMATOYAHYKC! Big hugs & bisous across the miles, Anita :)

Tina Z. said...

ooh, I just love summer card, it is super cute.
And your backgrounds are so interesting, great technique. Thank you so much for your birthday card - it is the very first card for my birthday I received this year - I am totally happy and smiling all the time when I see it on my special shelf.
Hugs xx

Lorraine A said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell!! all of them are absolutely fabulous!! Lovely colours and designs :-)

thanks for joining us on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge
Luv
Lols x x x

Sandra H said...

So beautiful Darnell are all of your cards l love the colours used and great designs too! take care sending lots of love x

Jenny Hall said...

Stunning coloring, Darnell! Thanks so much for joining the challenge this week at Stamp, Ink, Paper.

Lynn said...

We have gone from flip flops to boots in a three day time frame. Crazy weather here...it is cool out!

Love your beautiful cards. The birthday trio is fabulous and love the collage of summer happiness!

Berina RGA said...

Wow! That's very hot! Here it's better now. Your cards are very beautiful! Love that birthday die cut. Beautiful colors.

EmmaT said...

Gorgeous set of cards. Your summer one is perfect for a lazy summer day. Thank you for joining us at Make My Monday. Emma

Cazro said...

All of the above have said all I feel. I love your flip flops card. brilliant. Thanks for sharing your card with us at Make My Monday. Caz DT.

KandA said...

What a fabulous bunch of cards Darnell. Love the colours on all of them and those flip flops are super. Wish you could send some of that warmth our way... had to put the heating on here today xx

Bonnie said...

Love your AI backgrounds and that fantastic die, Dolly! Super simple with a BIG impact! My favorite kind of card! Loving your flip flops too, even if they were late! Better late than never, they say!

Julia Aston said...

Beautiful summery card designs Sis - It's raining here today - so these make me feel a little better! We have been in the 60's here in MA - summer is over (but may reappear in Oct - you never know!) Julia xx

Sybrina K said...

Oh my gosh, that's pretty darn hot! So glad you're able to spend some quality time crafting in the midst of all that heat. Take care, my friend.... and stay cool. :)

Patti said...

Wonderful friend!! so glad you published these cards tardy or not!! they are fantabulous!!

Hope things cool off a bit for you soon.

(((Hugs)))
Patti

alexandra s.m. said...

Oh my that is HOT!
Love your cards Darnell, that die is so cool and so are your backgrounds!
xx

BożenA said...

Great card for a guide to JFG challenge. I like these beach slippers. I saw the die, now I know I should order it :-)
The next HAPPY BIRTHDAY cards have beautiful backgrounds. AI produces such unexpected effects, each background is unique and unrepeatable. Great inspirations, Darnell.
BożenA xoxo

Bobby said...

Amen! to your humanity comments, Darnell, and Yahoo! on your cards. Darling little flip flops and the alcohol ink backgrounds are beautiful.

Nora Noll said...

Oh wow!! These cards are stunning. I LOVE the layering on the first card. The flip flops are too cute. I really like your birthday cards. The technique you did in the middle looks so cool. I like that you used a mix of different colors on each one. And I agree-it is nice that we are seeing humanity in a positive light with people helping people in Harvey. I only hope that this sentiment can be carried on in the aftermath!! Hugs!! Nora

Susanne Vargas said...

With these temperatures you are allowed to continue making summer card! Especially if they are fun like this one. Love the trio of birthday cards with the gorgeous AI backgrounds and this great die!

shirley-bee said...

Can you send some of those temperatures this way, please? We'll gladly take some ☀️ off your hands after a weak and wazzy summer. And now it's ☔️ but at least it's gentle rain. Although our national pastime is to moan about the weather, we're secretly glad that we don't get the extremes that others are suffering at the moment.

I love your cheery beachy flip-floppy card, and your alcoholic backgrounds are wonderful!

cm said...

112 degrees? Yikes! We're having some upper temperatures as well - hovering around the high 80s/low 90s - which is just a bit whack-a-doodle around here, however...I'll take it. The evenings cool quickly; a sign that the days will soon be following suit. Your beachy card: such fun, all bright and cheery! Your birthday trio: love the 'same but different' looks. I think I have a similar die; it's waiting for your NBUS challenge to come out to play!
Hugs and love~c

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Sorry I'm all behind (no rude comments please).
Been incredibly busy and its all catching up with me now lol!
A tropical delight and some gorgeous backgrounds. You're a talented gal!
112? We are lucky to hit the 12 at the minute. We may need to put the heating on, which makes me spit before November lol!
Best wishes.
Ang x

Karenladd said...

How did I miss seeing all of these posts until now? I guess my brain suffered from a bit of melting with the ridiculously hot days a couple of weeks ago as well. Now that we're having more reasonable temperatures I'm catching up on all my crafty inspiration again. Those cards with the alcohol ink backgrounds and that great, fun MFT die are just wonderful. I love how different they look in the various color combos and my favorite is the last one in rich, bold primaries, Wow!