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!

May 29, 2018

WC With No Lines

Hello Stamplings!

No, not WC for "water closet," although it's always nice when there are no lines there! Rather, there are no lines on my watercoloring today! This is one of the many things I learned and played with while crafting with the ESCR gals in British Columbia!

For my first effort, I chose a Penny Black stamp. This card was watercolored with DIs.
I was quite pickled tink with how this turned out. The hamster winked it, as he is wont to do, which really brightened it, but you'll have to take my word for it. This would be a beautiful card for Christmas, but I am giving it to a friend for her birthday along with a baby honeysuckle plant with red berries for her newly built front porch.

Challenges
For your blog
City Crafter Challenge Blog
Twofer
This is a wedding card, watercolored with my Ziggies. This time I took a closeup photo of Hammy's winking:
Here you can see that the inspiration for my card was the wedding invitation itself. 
My blossoms are a little pinker than I wanted, but I think the young couple will see how I was attempting to CASE their invitation. The florals are from a couple of Concord & 9th sets, the bells are from Memory Box, and the sediment is NBUS from "Give Thanks" by Concord & 9th.

Challenges
~~~

I don't have any photos of us practicing the no-line watercoloring, but I do have a photo of Hammy at the Retreat, all ready to sign autographs!
Hammy was accompanied on this retreat by his friend, an appaloosa stuffie I purchased at one of the prior Lake House retreats. Pretty quickly after I unpacked, we discovered that Christine's dog Tika had claimed "Apple" as his own!!
So adorable! I didn't have the heart to take it away from her. (We were all just enormously relieved that Tika hadn't spied a certain hamster first! Ssshhh, don't mention it.)

~~~

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!

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86 comments:

Darnell said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Darnell said...

Thank you for all your kind comments! Mwah!

Christine Alexander said...

your no line WC is flushing awesome. I can't believe this was your first time especially with the shading on those leaves.
Tika really wants to say thank you for Apple, she carries him everywhere, I'm so happy hammy watched from the safe position on the table :)

beautiful twofer, hammy certainly sprinkled magical dust on them :)
Christine and Tika

Trina P. said...

Super cards, Darnell. Your no line watercolouring is gorgeous... amazing shading. And you did a fabulous job CASEing the wedding invites.
Love the retreat pics, especially Hammy holding the pen! xx

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Wow, amazing no lines watercoloring on both the cards!!! Love so much especially the first one!! I have to try this technique one day :)
So fun photo of the doggie, don't mention Hammy please, I think he is very scared :D
Hugs

Jane Willis said...

This is a colouring technique I'm still trying to pluck up courage to try. You've done a wonderful job and if that first one was your first attempt there just *might* be some hope for me after all! And the second, CASE-ing the invitation is such a wonderful, personal touch, the happy couple will be thrilled.

Linda said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell. Great job with the no line watercolouring those leaves look amazing xx

kiwimeskreations said...

Ohhh I do love that first card Darnell - well done on rocking the technique! The second card is a lovely CASE of the invitation. Hammy has done a great job with the winking!! Give him my love, and I am so glad he survived the weekend and signed all the autographs so rightly requested of him.
I smiled when you mentioned a cultivated honeysuckle - it grows wild here and is a noxious weed!!
Blessings
Maxine

Tina Z. said...

wow, amazing technique and amazing card, I totally love it. uf, I have never been successful at no-line colouring.
and your wedding card is a perfect CASE of the invitation.
have a great week.
hugs xx

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving both cards. The first one is my favourite.

Oh my goodness, Hammy was so lucky he wasn't the starter before the main course of Apple:) LOL

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Julie B said...

I love this stamp too and couldn't resist it last October. It does indeed make a fab Christmas card but also a birthday one too!
Love how you CASEd the invite, sure the happy couple will be chuffed at your thoughtful response. :)

Redanne said...

Whew!! Hammy certainly had a lucky escape - thank goodness, although Tika is rather adorable, I am glad that Hammy is safe!

Darnell, that first card is absolutely stunning!!! I don't know how you do that kind of watercolouring but it looks wonderful and your colouring is beautiful!

You cased the second card beautifully, I think the couple will be delighted to get your wonderful card! Hugs, Annie xxxx

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two beautiful cards Darnell. I love the watercolour one and how you've managed not to get lines.

Sue xx

Maria Rodriguez. said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell, the first one is an amazing example of the No Line Coloring, which can be tricky but you totally ROCKED IT!!! beautifully done!!
The second card.....WOW!! what a gorgeous CASE of the Wedding invitation, which is truly lovely. The golden Wedding Bells finishes this card perfectly.
Now, I've always wanted to meet Hammy and I feel so happy you included a picture of him all ready to sign autographs, how adorable is he??!!! And I too am glad Tika didn't spot Hammy first, I don't think he would have liked it to much to miss the chance to meet his fans.
Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos.
Big hugs, my dear.
XO
Maria Rodriguez.

Loll said...

Your no-line watercolouring is gorgeous Dolly. It looks as though you've been doing it for years. I admire how you embraced all the new techniques at the retreat and excelled at all of them. It was so nice to meet Hammy in person ... he's a lot of fun. And Tika is so happy you brought Apple with you. :) Great photo of Tika and Apple! Miss you! Love, Lolly

Loll said...

Meant to say how pretty your twofer is. The young couple is going to be thrilled to see how you were inspired by their beautiful invitation. L.L.

StirYourCreativity said...

Amazing cards! The no line water coloring looks gorgeous.

Carol L said...

What a wonderful pair of cards - I'm really liking the no-line watercolored card! Great photos of that sweet dog and hammy too :) So glad you had fun at your retreat and hope you're enjoying another one as I type this :)

oldpunca said...

No line watercoloring is one of the techniques I'd like to learn soon. Your card is beautiful. I also like the wedding card with blossoms. Great CASE of the wedding invitation.
And thank you again for the advice how I can get comments on the e-mail.
Hugs,
Sonja

adele holcomb said...

Your no-line watercolor turned out great! And how clever of you to use a wedding invitation as inspiration for your wedding card. Both cards are lovely.

It was a treat to see Hammy -- so handsome! And hilarious to see his little friend kidnapped -- that's just what my dog would have done, as she's sure all stuffed animals belong to her. Hope no harm came to him.

Sharron said...

Both are so gorgeous! I especially love the first one with the amazing leaves and berries. Your wedding card so wonderfully matches the invitation too. Sounds like you and Hammy had a fabulous time. Just hope he isn't missing his little friend!

Bonnie said...

You have done a wonderful job of no-line watercolor, Dolly! Love the pretty berries and branch! And what a great idea to CASE the invitation for a wedding card! Glad Hammy wasn't noticed. Whew!

jimlynn said...

You get a big BAB on these - Both Are Beautiful! I love the no line watercolor card. What ink did you use to stamp that image with? The wedding card is so lovely and your card will be treasured.
What a pretty dog and yes, Hammy is pretty much of a cutie himself! Great cards Darnell.
Lynn

Jeanne said...

Your cards are lovely, Darnell. That watercolor one is actually gorgeous. Wow! You are a star pupil! You should be very proud of this card! A honeysuckle with red berries? I didn't know such a plant existed, which, admittedly, isn't saying all that much. ;) Your wedding card is such a loving gesture and so pretty! Oh not to the doggie taking the giraffe. But you are so generous there, too. Thank goodness Hammy is okay. Cute photos. Thanks so much for sharing, Darnell. Big happy hugs to you!

cm said...

WOW! The learning that happened on your retreat is amazing and you certainly were a stellar student! Your no-line colouring cards...oh my stars! Awesome x two! Your first is lovely; perfect to pair with the porch-warming gift. The wedding card: beautiful and yes, the newlyweds will adore seeing their invitation design reflected in yours.
Hammy poised for autographs is absolutely adorable! Tika and Apple: quite the pair! Fabulous photos!
hugs and love~c

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards, Darnell! I really must try the no line WC xoxo

Marcia Hill said...

I am SO impressed by your no line water coloring card Darnell...it's FABULOUS and I can see why you were so tickled with how it came out! If you didn't already have plans to give it away, I'd say it's frame worthy! And your wreath wedding card is also just lovely and I'm sure the bride and groom will recognize the CASE of their wedding invite! Sounds like you had a wonderful time at the retreat and learned lots of new techniques, AND made one doggie very happy!! :0)

Julia Aston said...

Look at you doing no line water coloring Sis - just like a pro!! I tried this once - and guess I have to get out to BC to see how the pros do it! A beautiful card! and your wedding wreath looks exactly like the invite - how impressed will they be to receive this! Tika looks quite happy with his new friend - I, too, am so glad it wasn't Hammy!!

Carol H. said...

Hi Darnell! Sounds like you had such a fun time! Your no-line watercoloring is beautiful! I’ve yet to master it! I love all the colorful florals and and berries—two beautiful cards you’ve made!

Verna Angerhofer said...

Oh, my! Your no line coloring is fantastic! Both of the cards are so beautiful! It sounds like you had a fabulous time and learned lots of good things at your time away. Good for you!

Leslie Miller said...

Your PB card, sigh... gorgeous things happen with those stamps and this is certainly one of them. The no-line watercolor is whisper soft. A beautiful card to go with such a wonderful gift for your friend. I'm amazed at how similar your 2nd card is to the invitation. The winking makes it all the prettier. Love those stamps! Christine's Tika totally has my heart! She was just certain that Apple was for her. How could you possibly take it away from her? Adorable!

Gerrina said...

Your watercolourno-line-card is super! Such a beauty! Glad that the dog didn't see hammie first...:) HUgs, Gerrina

nancy littrell said...

Your photo turned out beautifully of your no-line watercolored leaves and berries, Dolly. Even so...your image was even more Stunning IRL! The glow you achieved on your leaves and berries was absolutely Gorgeous! I still can't believe it was your 1st try on the stamping in a light color and then using your brush to add your watercoloring:-) It was so much fun being your roomy along with hammy. Loved your photos of Hammy and Apple, who was claimed by sweet Tika:-)

TFS your beautiful wedding card too. The bride and groom will treasure your CASED card! You sure nailed the no-line technique:-) Miss you dear friend. Hugs. Nancy

Sandra H said...

Your posts Darnell are so interesting l just love reading through them and of course your cards are stunning too! the colours are gorgeous on the first card with no lines absolutely adorable it truly is as is the other card xx

Susan said...

It's great to see your beautiful no-line watercolouring piece turned into a card - you did such a fabulous job on it. And I love seeing the photos of Hammy and Tika (with Apple) from the retreat!

Susan said...

Forgot to say that I also really like the wedding card - brilliant idea to CASE the invitation!

Pat said...

Two gorgeous cards Darnell and what fabulous no line watercolouring, such pretty leaves and berrries, and your wedding card CASEing the invitation is just delightful and so beautifully coloured with your Zigs. Great photos of Hammy, pen in hand, he looks just as handsome as when I met him in person nearly two years ago now, and Tika has really taken to little Apple, and so kind of you to leave it behind as her playmate. x

Patti said...

heehee sweet post! I can see why you didn't want to disappoint that beautiful dog! giggles!!

Your cards are beautiful friend! a completely brilliant idea to use the wedding invitation as the inspiration for your card. This will be a treasure! they keep forever! : ) I am jealous that you got to play will Loll and the girls in BC! Your card is beautiful and perfectly colored!

Dana M said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell! Fantastic no line water coloring!!

Mac Mable said...

Stunning first card, a work of art...love it x What fabulous inspiration for the second card. Such a unique wedding card and so creative x What a lucky escape for Hammy...not so for Apple! x

Ruth said...

I'm glad we cleared that up in the first sentence.... and your no line WC is just gorgeous. Don't you just love that when you make cards you can take inspiration from wedding invitations and make them personal?? Gorgeous stuff. Hammy looking very handsome as always. xx

Carole Pollard said...

Fantastic design and another lovely post always such fun Love and hugs Carole x

Cat Craig said...

Super cards Darnell. That no line watercolor is my favorite. Reminds me of ART - framed on a wall! Your wreath is sweet and is sure to bring the couple joy as they celebrate. SO glad Hammy was the pups first choice...we'd miss him.

cuilliesocks said...

Beautiful cards Darnell, I especially love the first one, I love using water colours. Your wedding card does reflect that lovely invitation card. Hammy is so cute and what a gorgeous dog, Kate x

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Your no line watercoloring is stunnning! I was so relieved to know that wasn’t hammy in the dog’s mouth!

Pat said...

Your no line watercoloring is just amazing- I can't even do a wash I'm happy with. CASing the invitation was pure genius. You rocked this, Darnell.

Nancy said...

Very nice no line coloring. I struggle with this technique and really should practice. Yours are lovely amd so are the firry friends:)

JoAnn said...

Beautiful cards. Love them both.

MaryH said...

It's a gorgeous PB image, and your w/c noline technique is superb. Gosh, I'm envious of all the fun ya'll had, techniques you learned. You've certainly put it to great use on this card too. (but you always were skillful at W/Coloring) You were in some awesome talent in that group fer sure. (relieved that the puppy didn't find the other little critter. That would have been di-SAS-TER all round). I love the MB bell on the pretty wreath and I don't think the flowers look too pink at all. They look lovely with the golden bells. Well done on both (but then you have Hammy to help - so of course it is!) TFS & Hugs.

Lucille K said...

Hi Darnell. Your watercolor no line card is beautiful and Tika is adorable. Thank you for joining us at City Crafter :)

Helen F. said...

Very impressive, Miss Darnell! Love your beautiful no-line water colored card! I totally would be Pickled Tink with this artwork too! The wreath is simply a lovely Wedding card and how wonderful to CASE the wedding invitation!
Happy your fun time at the retreat learned you a bunch o' new techniques~look forward to seeing you share here on your blog :-)

Julia Dunnit said...

I LOVE that you were able to and so did CASE the invitation, it looks gorgeous. SO fresh. Pretty sure the happy couple will be thrilled by your attention to detail! AS for the no visible panty line stuff...amazingly clever, I think you’ve got this one in the bag!

Jane said...

Oh clever you, no line water colouring. Still can’t get my head round that. Your card is very beautiful Darnell. Thanks for linking up and joining in with AAA Cards birthday celebrations!

Marilyn said...

Your water coloring card is gorgeous!! Never tried that technique yet!!
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤️

Tracey McNeely said...

Excellent no line colouring Darnell, I personally have never attempted it as I am pretty sure how it would go for me! lol Glad you had a good time at your retreat, they are always so good for the soul!

Kara Lynne said...

What a joy to read your posts! Whew, so glad for Hammie that he scurried away from Tika, unlike poor Apple. Your no line WC is gorgeous! The mix of colors on the leaves and the shading on those berries is fantastic! How fun that you CASEd the invitation for your wedding card. It is beautiful!

Greta said...

Tika is so cute--don't blame you for not taking it away! The PB card is beautiful & so perfect for that friend! I love to use the invitation as inspiration for a wedding card. My non-cardmaking friend didn't mention it, but I was pleased with myself--haha!

Karenladd said...

This is really the best post I've read today! Beautiful cards, handsome Hammie AND an adorable dog with his mouth full of appaloosa stuffie. That first card is so gorgeous, that I had to take a moment to pause and gasp in delight. The colors and no-line technique give such a painterly quality to your design.

Barbara said...

I am drooling over this gorgeous card. Good thing that I am not close enough to ruin it. Love the no line look as it is great on this stamp. Your gift for your friend is a great accompaniment. Thanks for joining us at Seize the Birthday. I really should try your twofer challenge sometime.
Barbara DT member

Nora Noll said...

Your no line coloring is fabulous!! The images look so elegant!! I love how you used the invitation as the inspiration for your second card. So stunning!!

Izzy Scrap said...

One more time you made me laugh so much with your WC with no lines introduction ! When I saw the subject in my email box, I really had to open it to know what was about ! And as soon as I read your first line, it was as if you read in my head and that you answered me, so funny ! After that hilarious introduction, I discovered this beauty ! For a first trial, it is absolutely stunning, it seems so real. You've succeeded to give so much dimension in your watercoloring, AMAZING ! And your second card is also a fabulous take on the wedding invitation, I'm sure they will love it ! Have a great day and a fabulous weekend ! Hugs xx

Craftychris said...

ooh the watercolouring on your first card is sooooooo beautifully done - an absolute beauty! The second is absolutely gorgeous too and so cool you modelled it on the wedding invitation. Talking of modelling - a perfect pose by hammy ready to sign autographs for his adoring fans and I can see why you couldn't take Tikka's new friend away - Thank goodness it wasn't Hammy! Hugs xxxxxxxx

Anita in France said...

Beautiful no line watercolouring, Darnell ... it's a gorgeous card ... looks as though you've taken to it like Tika to Apple!! Lurvely wedding invitation ... and such a delicious take on it with your delicate blossom-y wreath ... the happy couple will be delighted! Hammy must be accustomed to all the adulation by now ... what a cutie he is all ready for autographs ... or maybe a book signing?? LYAMYMA ... HYHAWTIS! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Sybrina K said...

Hi, Darnell! Happy weekend!!! Love the no-line watercoloring on the first card and the invitation homage on the second. Great job on both!

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Your attention to detail in these card results in a truly stunning designs!
What a cute pup that is!
Thank you for stopping by my blog to send some birthday wishes, I spent with family in Singapore, glad to be back in the desert though! : )

Bobby said...

That PB card is gorgeous, Darnell. I have that stamp and have only used it with markers. Your highlights give so much life to the image, as does Hammy's winking. The wedding couple will be honored that you thought enough of their invitation to CASE it.

Patti J said...

Absolutely stunning! Love how you colored it. Glad you had such a fun retreat! Hugs...!

Vikki H said...

You bedazzled the web universe with your amazing water coloring technique, Darnell!! It's so much fun to peruse your blog~

Colleen said...

Why didnt we have you instruct us on no line water color? This is stunning, my special friend! And of course meeting Hammy in person was a treat! Thank you for sharing this card at Seize the Birthday! Love your story and your other cards too.

Donna said...

Fabulous cards, your water coloring without lines is amazing. Have a wonderful weekend!

Brenda said...

Wow, you must have learned a lot from the gals in British Columbia! I'm hoping one of them was Loll. This card is just stunning! I've never did no line watercolor and half scared to try it. lol You did an amazing job on it Auntie! It will be perfect to go along with your gift as well. I love the twofer too! I think you did a great job at making their card look like the wedding invite and it is just beautiful! Loved seeing the photo's as well and I wouldn't have had the heart to take "Apple" way from Tika either. lol He/she looks so smitten with it, too cute! I am glad too that Tika didn't focus in on a certain Hamster either! lol Auntie I have a new email address and it is in the post I posted on my blog. Please send me your email if you would so I can get it in my new contacts. Hugs, Brenda

Ros Crawford said...

Fabulous cards!! I love your no line colouring, so good! What great photos! Aww! I couldn't have taken Apple away from him either! have fun Darnell!

Vicki Dutcher said...

Gorgeous no line coloring . I love seeing Hammy participating with your crafting time too ☺

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Sometimes, you can only dream of a WC with no lines.
It is a true work of art and would look fabulous in a frame and your acceptance card is also lovely.
Thank goodness Hammy was not Tikka'd.
Best wishes.
Ang x

shirley-bee said...

I’m so glad that your WC has no lines 🤣. And I love how you’ve referenced the wedding invitation for your card, which is what I always try to do too. So glad you and Hammy had a blast at the retreat, despite the close call with Christine's dog 😉

Cheryl W. said...

I am late to the table in commenting on this post, but I just wanted to tell you how beautiful both cards are. I've always wanted to try the no-line coloring. I just need to SIT DOWN and DO IT! Thank you for the inspiration.

frommycraftroom said...

Two gorgeous cards. I'm sure both recipients were very happy.
Lucky Tika didn't spy hammy!

appears I can still only leave comments from google ;( not my blog. Vicki frommycraftroom.wordpress.com

stampwithsandy said...

Wowza Darnell, this is stunning! You did an amazing job with your no-line WCing. You should be quite tickled! So glad Hammie didn't take the place of Apple, too! Thanks so much for playing along at Seize the Birthday :)

Lindsey said...

Wow, Darnell! Your no-line watercoloring is fabulous!!! Blown away by your first card and absolutely loving your wedding bells card as well. So happy to see you play along at Where Creativity Meets C9!

Marcia said...

Stunning! What a gorgeous work of art. Definitely frame-worthy. So glad you could join us at the CAS-ual Fridays Challenge.

Susanne Vargas said...

Well, your first try of the no line WC looks fantastic! Can't wait to see more examples of your talent!
And your wedding card is sweet! Love how we card makers can personalize our cards that way!

Ã…saJ said...

Beautiful card! Lovely technique! Thanks for joining AAA Cards Birthday celebrations. Hugs Ã…sa

Ksenija @Sweet Kobylkin said...

Darnell, I always enjoy reading your posts! I am sure your friend will be happy to get this beautiful card with a plant. And I hope to play at your Twofer challenge soon, so far I could not match your challenges, no butterflies and feathers in my stash :(
Thank you so much for celebrating our 4th Birthday with us and sharing your card with us at AAA Cards Challenge. - Sweet Kobylkin

nancy littrell said...

Congratulations, Dolly...your gorgeous no-line watercoloured card was a CAS-ual Fridays Contender:-) Loved how your no-line watercolouring turned out my friend. Hugs..Nancy

Sue - said...

Love, love, love your no line watercolouring! Another technique I must get round to trying. Phew what a lucky escape Hammy had!

shirley-bee said...

Your no-line WC is just perfect, looks just like a Stickeroo. And I love how you matched the wedding card to the invitation.