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 28, 2018

Sweet Birds and Their Houses

Hello, Stamplings!

And just like that - snap - we have whooshed through the month of February! EGADS!

Should we bring back the word "egads," do you think? Everyone now says OMG, but aren't we getting bored with that and ready for something new? Or rather old-that's-new-again? I like the sound of it.

HLS March CAS Guest Designer

I was delighted to win the Happy Little Stampers January CAS Challenge, which means I get to appear on the new challenge for March as the Guest Designer! The prompt this month is HOME.

I went with a home for a feathered friend rather than for a people friend.
I scribbled some Ziggies onto my craft map and then smooched the edges of my watercolor panel in the inky mess to create a subtle background for my floating metal birdhouse. The birdhouse is from Studio g. The sediment is from "Whatnot Sentiments Four" by Your Next Stamp. The sweet bird is from Memory Box, die cut from a left-over piece of previously smooched paper. Very QACAS.

I'm sure you've got lots of goodies in your craft home to come up with an awesome card to enter! Maybe even more than one!

ETA: Kylie told me the start date for the challenge was March 1st, but she had been drinking ... no, stop it, she just misspoke. It actually doesn't start until March 3rd, so that's why it isn't up on the Happy Little Stampers CAS Challenge blog yet. Oops! All of you just got a head's up, lol! Whoot!

~~~

Of course, Hammy and I rarely make just one card. After all, there are two of us, so making two is the least we could do! 
In the sweet package of giant metal brads from Studio g there were two birdhouses and two birds, so Hammy wanted to flip the plot for the second card. Here the birdhouses are from an ancient wooden stamp from Hooks, Lines & Inkers dated 1993! Haha, some of you weren't even born then! Cough. I got rid of most of my wooden stamps a year ago, but there are some, like this one, that are so charming I had to keep them. The sediment is from Penny Black's "Sweet Wishes" set. 

Egads, were you wondering about the structural integrity of the wee birdhouse above? Allow me to  reassure you that this nesting development is over in the Carlton Hills area. The, erm, plump percher is Eugenia, but she doesn't live there. She is just in the neighborhood visiting her cousin Cindy, who is a chickadee on her father's side. The whole reason Cindy lives there is because Eugenia collapsed her last home, so after several months on the wait list, Cindy is happy to finally be in Carlton Hills because she enjoys Eugenia's chirps and stories. Now they both feel safe where the birdhouses are specially constructed and engineered to withstand the forces of rooftop landings up to thirty times the circumference of their total scale diameter.  I knew you would want to know.

~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*

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68 comments:

JD/ Jill said...

Am I the first to comment? If so it's a FIRST! Adorable cards, Darnell!

cuilliesocks said...

Hi Darnell, congratulations on your win, and I love your two birdie cards, brilliant designs and colours.
OMG seems to have travelled all the way from the USA, and now firmly entrenched in our language, crivens helpma bob!!, I even use it myself, the exclaimed words are pure Glaswegian by the way. cheers Kate x

Inkyfingers said...

What a cute pair of cards Darnell and I love your smooshy backgrounds. I'm relieved to know that Cindy is safe whilst Eugenia is visiting. Egads, I love that you perched her on the rounded birdhouse - it really makes it look as though it is buckling, lol. We are having a late period of snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures here. Brrr just as I was thinking spring is around the corner.
Hope you are well my friend.
Hugs
Carol x

Bobby said...

I'm all in for the EGADS expression. Second choice: Holy Moley. ;) Those metal brads are so cute and work well with the stamped accompaniments, Darnell. Congratulations on being the guest at HLS CAS.

Mac Mable said...

Sure did want to know about the structural integrity of the wee bird houses....Thanks x The cutest of cards and great take on the 'home' theme. Congratulations on guesting too x

Verna Angerhofer said...

I love your sweet birdie cards and their homes. Both the cards are wonderful. I had a bird house stamp I used also for someone who had moved to a new address so I think I had much the same idea at one time. Not often I give cards for people who are on the move though.

Carol L said...

I love your twofer birdhouses and birdies! They're so cute and I haven't uttered "egads" for decades because people look at me like I have 2 heads! LOL I'm with ya, let's bring it back!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Congrats for your GD Darnell!!! Well done to you and Hammy, great use of the giant metal brads! Both the cards are striking and so lovely!
I don't know Egads, but in 1993 I was already a woman.... times fly :)
Big hugs

Kathleen said...

Over the pond we say Yegads, an upper class word instead of swearing.
Two fab cards, first, super background, lovely colourful bird and a fabulous use of the black for the bird house, super duper.
Second, well when I had stopped laughing at the huge lovely black bird sat on that cute little house, I took in the really lovely design and colours of the card.
Heavy snow here Daughter in Oz tells me it is 29 degs, talk about rubbing it is!

Kath x

Sue said...

Hi Darnell gorgeous cards they are really lovely huggles Sue xx

MagsB said...

Egads, Darnell, what fab cards! You and Hammy have done a great job - I love the metal birdhouse and bird, so unusual and pretty! I hope Eugenia enjoyed her visit to Cindy.

Your post has cheered me up on a chilly, grey, depressing day. Thank you!

love Mags B x

Liz said...

Two cute cards, Darnell. I've never heard the expression Egads before, but it make a change from OMG and certainly better than a few expressions I hear at the football, which are far to rude to put on here!!! LOL! xx

JanetB said...

Your smooching looks so good, much better than mine ever has, egads! I need to practice! Sweet cards, too. How did you ever say goodbye to your wooden stamps? I have drawers and drawers full, and I'm attached to them all! Don't tell anyone, but I must be a hoarder.
Congratulations on your win, and the HLS Guest Designer spot.

Pat said...

Congratulations on your GD spot over at HLS CAS Challenge Darnell, and two fabulous cards with that in mind. I love your super selection of bird houses and the zigs smooshed backgrounds are so soft and pretty, and that rather well fed bird on the second will certainly be a talking point in the bird community. Crikey and Gordon Bennett are two more to add to the collection. Bennett was actually my maternal grandmother's married name, but I don't believe Gordon was any relative of theirs, but it is something that Londoners tend to use as an expression of frustration or surprise..lol. x

ionabunny said...

Egads! That's a tall tale to go with that chubby chickadee. Egads! it is. Much better than the modern acronym. Love the metal bird house and luckily I was not drinking coffee when Eugenie popped onto my screen. Congrats on your GDT at HLS. Hugz

Susan said...

Oh, YES - I am so tired of OMG so I'll second bringing back egads!

Love your two birdhouse cards and the great story of Cindy and Eugenia. So clever of Hammy flipping the metal accent on the second card!

Lisa Elton said...

Congrats on your win and your guest spot! Your smooched card is ever so lovely. I'm so happy to hear that things are structurally sound on the second, what a relief for Eugenia and Cindy. Now about this egads. Yes, OMG must go, God's name is used in vain far too often in my book. I say we move on or move back! How about jeepers or golly gumdrops...heard that last one on Downton Abbey!!

Happy Dance said...

Congrats on GDing at HLS this month! Very cool. And, egads, I love your birds and houses cards! I'll throw in a "gadzooks" just for good measure, too, lol!! I think it's high time we brought back some of those words - they're just too good to be left by the wayside! Your first card is lovely! The watercolored/smooshed background you've created is gorgeous! That bird is so cool, too. Eugenia is perfect to sit on the roof of that blue birdhouse. After all, she's just visiting. Sweet! Love the dots, too! Someone is happily watching baseball, so I get to stop by here and visit! Yay!! Missing you. xoxo Bev

Sheila H said...

Congratulations on your Guest Design win, Darnell. Your bird house cards are a delight. I'm trying to get in the habit of making at least two cards at one sitting.

Christine Alexander said...

Congrats Darnell on being GD at HLS, well deserved. Love those little bird houses, two awesome cards :)

TK said...

Your two cards are superb, so fun and I love that you reversed the tools used! And you? You, MY DEAR, are a hoot!

Cheryl W. said...

How fun to be given the honor of Guest Designer! Go you! Love your QACAS cards today. Eugenia is a bit on the plump side and definitely needs a home built to 2018 specs.

ike said...

Congrats on your win and Guest posting :-)
Both of these cards are wonderful but I do like the 2nd one best with the 'chubby' bird...Eugenia. I am glad she has now found somewhere sturdy and safe to live LoL.
Definitely bring back Egads..... I use it regularly :-D xxx

Kylie said...

omg! I mean, egads.... Whoopsy... Hiccup.... Oh dear Darnell, I'm sorry for giving you the wrong date. As you say, there will be a few people with a heads up so that's a good thing! Your two cards are bloody fantastic. LOVE your backgrounds. Right, back to my mini bar... Toodles! xx

Janelle said...

I have never used the term egads, and I'm no spring chicken either. OMG has been around here for a long time and I'm afraid it's here to stay. Congratulations on your Guest Designer spot. it's great they know talent when they see it. I love your cards and your beautifully smooshed backgrounds. The birdhouses are simply the icing on the cake. Great to see how you combined the brads with the stamping. ☺ I'll be able to sleep easy tonight after your impossible tall tale, but I am concerned I'll be seeing huge birds trying to land on my house in my dreams. Hugs and kisses, Janelle xxx

Julie B said...

You had me panicking there Darnell. I still struggle with the fact that Aus is almost 12 hrs in front of us and have to double and triple check I've got the dates right!
A fab twofer, love the delicate inky background of the first. :)

Linda said...

Its great to have you as our Guest Designer this month for the HLS CAS challenge, and you have done us proud. I love your little bird house cards and the smooshed inky backgrounds look gorgeous. The little birdies are cute too! Thank you for being a fab GD xx

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two fantastic cards Darnell, I love those little houses.

Sue xx

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the cards and the explanation:) LOL

Congrats on winning the challenge.

Hope you have anice day. Sue

Loll said...

Two adorable cards Dolly! The first QACAS is awesome. Love how you've added the watercolour around the outside edges. So pretty! And the bird looks so sweet on the metal house. So happy you explained about the structural integrity of the houses in Carlton Hills as I was concerned when I saw Eugenia perfected on the small house. Whew! :) xx

oldpunca said...

Wonderful houses, wonderful cards. Smooshed background on the first card is superb. Wonderful CAS. I really wanted to know the story behind the second card. :-)) Thank you for the daily dose of laughing.
Hugs,
Sonja

Jeanne said...

You are awesome and so are your cards. Egads! I don't know what we would do without you. Please keep up the fabulous work! Hugs!

Unknown said...

Loved your cards and the accompanying tale to go with them. March has arrived and so has the snow in what is normally mild Plymouth but we are experiencing the beast from the east as the weather reporters call it. Snow is falling again and I'm glad I can stay tucked up indoors and admire it today.

Em Louise Fairley said...

So cute! And your stories always make me giggle xoxo

Kara Lynne said...

Egads! Yes, I was concerned with the structural soundness of the house! Thanks for the reassurance, and thanks for the laugh! Wonderful cards, Darnell! The pastel smooshing is a great backdrop for your metal house, and that trio of houses is a keeper. Eugenia looks quite at home!

Bonnie said...

Cute birdhouses, Dolly! I'm glad the structural engineers have reinforced these houses! Hope she doesn't get stuck inside! I was thinking the other day that Egad would be so much better than OMG (unless we're on our knees). Shall we start a movement? xoxo

Trina P. said...

Congratulations on GD at HLS!!!.... and thanks for giving us a headstart. Your cards are delightfully adorable. Fun little story on your second... fabulous imagination! Your posts always puts a smile on my face. 😊 Have a great day! Trina xx

Redanne said...

I really love the idea of the birdhouse for a new house card and the background you created is gorgeous. For the second card I am so glad you did explain, it does make sense, I just hope the new bird houses last for the whole of her visit! Hugs, Annie xxx

Brenda said...

I love egads! lol And I don't say OMG, instead use OMGosh. But egads is much better and I so remember it. Of course I am showing my age too. lol Wasn't born in 93 but was married in 93 to my sweet Dwayne instead-already 33 years old. I am loving your first card Auntie! The background is amazing!!!!! I so need to try this look with my Zigs. I also added Arteza Watercolor Brushes to my Zigs and love them both, they play so well together. Your second card is adorable but you had me cracking up at the story. Now that is one big brad and I didn't even know Studio G had them.But it is all so cute. Thanks for always giving me a chuckle Auntie, it sure makes the soul feel good! Hugs, Brenda

Leslie Miller said...

Poor wood block stamps. Nobody wants them anymore. Mine are dwindling, but, like you, I have quite a few that are too cute or pretty to give up. I always love bird houses and these are some cuties today. Special needs birds like Eugenia require something very well constructed, so I'm happy to know Cindy's home is safe for Eugenia's visits. Love those brads! You just reminded me of something fun in my stash. Cool smooshing on your first card and bird. Congratulations on your guest spot!

Viv said...

Sooper Dooper cards Darnell. Like the smooshing particularly on the first one - but love the birdies on the second! x

Fikreta said...

wonderful card!
hugs

Donna said...

Darling cards, like the sweet background on the first and the darling bird on the second. Congrats on your GD spot!

KandA said...

Congrats on your GD spot with these two BRILLIANT cards Darnell, love them both xx

shirley-bee said...

Our slightly quainter expletive was 'ye gods and little fishes'. Me neither.
Congrats on your GD spot at HLS CAS. Fab, fun, birdy house cards (love the background on that first card) and who knew about structural integrity of birdhouses? :)

MaryH said...

Congratulations on your win! And what a pair of real cuties for the Home theme (I was becited to see some charms that I think I have too!) Loved your take on the theme for each of these cards - I'm rather partial to birds, as you know. Great look with the zigs background for Eugenia, and I'm in awe that you got rid of your wooden stamps. Oh that I should be so strong! The back story of Eugenia and Cindy was adorable, and I think we should use egads rather than OMG! TFS & Best to Hammy. Hugs

conil said...

Yet another brilliant twofer. You should get paid for this. Both cards are simply wonderful. Birdhouses and sweet birds...and those lovely backgrounds. Fantastic.

Karenladd said...

Whew! I am finally getting around to commenting on your blog posts after a month of colds, sore throats, more colds, sinus headaches, visits to the grandkids (where I caught another cold of course). How fun to be met with two lovely cards that sing with springtime cheer! I have some metal charms from the Michaels Craft bins myself and never use them because I can't figure out to adhere them to the card. I wish I had been smart (like you) and gotten giant brad shapes instead. Then the fastening would be obvious, sigh...

Tell Hammy that he should get an extra treat for coming up with the flip-flop card idea...thereby using two different brads from your set. Just so clever and fun.

Glittered Paws said...

Love both cards. Our bluebirds have already starting to check out our bluebird houses in our yard. They are very picky. They do not want a slum landlord so every early spring we clean out the houses to get it spic and span for new tenants. Live your stories.

Ruth said...

Oh goodness, you always make me giggle. Gadzooks is also a good one. Just love your sweet little birdies - well big birdies - and their houses. Hurrah for winning the challenge too! xx

cm said...

Thrilled that you're our GD for the challenge and oh, what a pair you've brought to dazzle, delight and inspire! If I were a bird (which is odd coming from me, the Queen of Bird Terror!), I'd happily take up residence in any of those cozy houses. Actually, the yellow with the heart does catch my eye...I could hang out with Cindy and enjoy Eugenia's visits when she's in the neighbourhood! Your post makes me laugh; great to know that the houses have the structural integrity withstand the forces of rooftop landings up to thirty times the circumference of their total scale diameter! Can you please share some of your wit and writing talent with me? Smiling my way off to write my blurb for the challenge (I'm glad you posted early; just the reminder I needed!)
Hugs and love~c

Brenda in IN said...

Congratulations on your win and being GD today. The metal brads are so cute. I feel bad for Cindy when Eugenia destroyed her home. Good things come from bad things, so now she is in her desired area in a brand new home that will withstand Eugenia's visits from now on. Hammy always has such good ideas, both cards are sweet.

Cat Craig said...

HA! So good of you to fill in the blanks and the obvious questions after looking at that delightful second card. I love the subtle color back drop on the first...like a windblown sky.

Carol H. said...

Awesome cards, Darnell!! I love birds and therefore, I love all bird stamps and cards!! Your ink smooshing on the first card is so pretty! That technique is so fun!! And the over-sized bird on the second card just makes me smile!! Hugs!! :)

Jane said...

Delightful duo of birdie inspired home cards. Great to have you guesting with us at HLS CAS Challenge.

Robyn Oliver said...

Whooopiiee Darnell and congrats for the HLS guest spot... both your cards are too cute and like the idea you went with a bird 'house' for the challenge. Enjoy your weekend

Ros Crawford said...

Congrats on your win!! Yippee!! Love these card and especially the second one with the terrific story too! Thinking of you and sending happy thoughts

BożenA said...

I am so glad Darnell, that this month we work in one DT :-)) Your first card has a dazzling background. I love its subtle colors. The metal cage looks stunning on it. The second card is equally beautiful, and the description explains all the doubts. Well I laughed reading it :-))
Hugs,
BożenA

Susanne Vargas said...

Congrats on your GD spot! Both of your cards are mega sweet! And your post made me laugh again! You are such an outstanding writer!

Sybrina K said...

Darnell, Looks like you and Hammy had birds on the brain. Both cards are great... but I'm crazy about that subtle inky background on your first card. Well done!

Anonymous said...

Too sweet! congrats on your GDT spot.

Anita in France said...

Congratulations on your GD spot, Darnell ... you aced the theme! A couple of super cute cards ... the first all subtle and delicate, the second whimsical and fun! I'm so reassured that when Eugenia visits Cindy, they're both going to be safe at Carlton Hills, no matter what level the plumpitute reaches! LYAMYMA ... HYEYTA! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Mau xx said...

Your creations are fab u lous! Darnell, glad those tweets got together for a holiday :-)
Yes I agree OMG is well played out! I never use it as I don't like it!!!
Thank you for the birdie story...it explains a lot..... Crazy lady you are! Love to visit you! we can always be certain of a laugh and a smile!
xxxx

Retiredmimi said...

Egads, I sometimes use that expression...as in, egads, I love your playhouse. I always wanted a playhouse when I was a child and yours is adorable!

kiwimeskreations said...

Egads Darnell you really do know how to spin a story and make me giggle - I think your story is almost better than the cards, which are pretty darn good too!!
Blessings
Maxine

Craftychris said...

I love both these cute birdie cards - I am glad you explained the engineering though or I wouldn't have slept! Egads - definitely needs a revival - much better than OMG! Hugs xxx

Neets B said...

Sorry I'm so late visiting this one, Darnell. It's so great having your guesting with us at HLS and I'm loving both of these. The delicate smooshed background on your first is so pretty, and what a perfect piece of paper you die cut that little bird from! A super fabulous second card too, you really do have some great treasures in your stash.
Thanks for making me chuckle as always :) Hugs xx

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Have you been at the Novocaine again???
Ang x