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 16, 2014

Watercolor Birthday Surprise!

Hello Friday Fans!

The only thing good about how fast the week whooshes by is that it's the weekend! Course then the weekend whooshes by, too, so there you go. Or rather, there it went.

I want to start by saying that my heart goes out to everyone in southern California impacted by the terrible fires. Our entire state is suffering from a severe drought and we worry that wildfires may become commonplace throughout the state with the heat of summer. We don't normally get rain in the summertime, but prayers for no wildfires would be most welcome.

My card today is brought to you by the fact that it is the birthday of my little friend Sandie of Purple London Days! Happy Birthday, Sandie, and many, many more!! Sandie's other friends are linking up their birthday cards over at the blog of the delightful party hostess, Nonni. Her blog is Korttikarkuri - Runaway Cards. Nonni's cohost is the also delightful and well-loved Lynn of The Mango Boys and Me.

The linky button will be open for two weeks over at Nonni's blog, so if you would like to join the party and make a card to link up for Sandie, we would love to have you!

I've had a super busy week what with lunches and whatnots so I'm still stuck way behind with my homework for the watercolor course I'm taking. Oops. Suffrice to say, you'll be seeing watercoloring on this blog for days and days to come, weeks even, depending on schtuff happening like tomorrow we are gone all day.

At last, here is my watercolor birthday card for Sandie:
I colored the beautiful Penny Black flower stamp with my Marvy markers, spritzed it with water, stamped it on the paper, and art happened. Seriously, you can do this! I scored the card to correspond with the sketch seen below, added a sticker birthday sediment, and adheesed the watercolor panel to a gold card.

I hope you like it, Sandie!

~~~

I am entering Sandie's card in these challenges:

Please do grab our logo to display on your own blog
Seize the Birthday challenge ~ Anything Goes with a topping of May flowers.
Our Badge
Seize the Sketch challenge sketch by Lesley, which I turned on its side.
The Paper Players ~ color challenge chosen by Sandy. A different, but no-less superb Sandy.
The links provided will take you to the challenges where you will find all the details regarding rules, sponsors, and prizes and where you will be inspired by the wonderful works of art by the Design Teams. Do join in!!
~~~

In honor of the birthday sock hop, I'd like to share this birthday fairy tale which I recently saw on a friend's store-bought card:

A Birthday Fairy Tale
Once upon a time, there was a
Princess who was like a size four or 
something. She could eat and drink
whatever she wanted and always
stayed really skinny and had
flat, firm abs even though she
never went to the gym.
Every time she tried on jeans, the
very first pair fit perfectly and
made her butt look amazing. She lived
in a great big beautiful castle with
her handsome, multimillionaire husband,
who was busy all the time buying her
giant diamonds, taking her to
Hawaii, giving her foot massages, and
telling her how beautiful she was.

One day she was eaten by a 
dragon and no one cared.

The End.
 ~~~

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 leave a comment and/or join as a follower! Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor! 
  
 
*Life Is Too Short!

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Mwah!

101 comments:

Lynn said...

I love Sandie's card...the score lines and your amazing water color are stunning. And my husband is wondering why I am cracking up laughing at your birthday fairy story! Love you Darnell...you never fail to bring a smile to my face!

~Tammy~ said...

Your watercoloring is ah-mazing! It sure looks like you are a pro to me...no classes needed and I can't imagine Sandie not loving it even if you put a blob on it! :-) STUNNING!

You started my Friday off with a giggle I tell ya with the Fairy Tale Princess....size 4....sigh....

Have a GREAT weekend!

Nonni said...

So beautiful, Darnell! Great idea to combine a water colored flower with score lines -they compliment each other perfectly! I also love the poem of the fairy... Where laughing out loud here! Hugs!

Hettie said...

Gorgeous card there Missey. Like the idea of the score lines.
Love that Birthday Poem. Oh to be size 4 or even double at 8!
Hugs
x

Benzi said...

Darnell, your card is so lovely. The water coloring is terrific and love the scoring.

Yep, like the Princess, I'm a size 4..NOT. HA

Kim M said...

This is truly lovely, Darnell! You are fast becoming a water colouring wizard! Love it! :-)

Craftychris said...

Ooh Sandie's card is gorgeous! The embossed lines add that perfect little something! I love the birthday story, it had me giggling a lot! xxx

Deborah Frings said...

Wow! This watercoloured lily is stunning and I really like the definition added with the scored lines. Simply perfect for Sandie!

Susanne Vargas said...

You "painted" such a gorgeous flower! Also love the golden frame and the score lines! I think we are all behind on watching videos and doing homework but having oh so much fun!

Sue - said...

I'm loving all your water louring! This one is so pretty, and as for your story --still giggling!

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

What a delicate beauty you created here! Fantastic! I also really like the partial scoring! This has winner written all over it!
And I am very much looking forward seeing you catch up with your homework in the watercolor class - I'm going to learn from you;)
Have a great weekend and pull out those watercolors.....

Leigh Penner said...

Gorgeous card, Darnell! And I loved the birthday poem, too! Thanks for the laugh!

stampwithsandy said...

This is gorgeous, Darnell! Wow, that flower is beautiful and the score lines and embossed greeting add so much. Though I haven't commented on all of them, I've enjoyed seeing all your watercolor creations over the past two weeks. Thank so much for sharing this one with The Paper Players! Hugs!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous card Darnell...I am sure Sandie will be over the moon with is beauty! I love love love that birthday poem, just so funny!

Redanne said...

Wow, Sandie's card is amazing! I really love all the watercolour creations you have been making, they are all so beautiful... As for the poem, I have had to dry my eyes before I could write this comment... Hugs, Annie xx

Krisha said...

OMG!!
first, your card is beautiful.
Second, LOVE THE POEM!!!

Yes, there are daily prayers, said here, for the south land fires. My son is in El Cajon, but the young man that lived across the street (but mostly at my house) and his family actually had to evacuate. So scarrrrry!

Kathyk said...

Beautiful card Darnell, you sure are talented. Happy Birthday to Sandie from me too. I've been on vacation (another reason I've not been by to see you, Darnell) and missed much of the details about these awful fires - how dreadful for all concerned.

Happy Friday

Kathyk

Canonbury creations said...

Love your new watercolour card Darnell, Sandie will love it! Great idea to add the embossed lines it really makes the flower pop. Aren't I glad I'm not a size 4 with a millionaire husband:p
Val x

JD/ Jill said...

Beautiful card, Darnell. Must do more practicing with water colors...love the look.
Yes, I am praying for everyone is California near the fires...I have family out in California who have had to evacuate many times because of the fires. You're reminding me to email them to see how they are doing.

Alanna said...

WOW Darnell, this is so pretty. You are doing an amazing job with all of your water coloring.

Deepti said...

Beautiful Card, I love the water color effect on the flower and the score lines. Your poem.... I am still laughing :) u r the sweetest person I have known

Tracey McNeely said...

This is stunning Darnell! I just know Sandie will love it! Happy weekend.

sandie said...

You always bring a smile to my face, thank you so much for this Darnell. Score lines, CAS and wayercolour, all ,y favs in one card. Plus a little tale to keep us all doing the happy Friday dance. You are a gem xx

Peanut said...

Score lines and watercolour on a perfectly CAS card! I think Sandie cannot help but LOVE his card, Darnell. Genius!
hugs, Asha

cm said...

GORGEOUS card, Darnell! You should be teaching the course with a stunning beauty like this! WOW, WOW and WOW! Perfect for our sweet Sandie! Sending prayers that the wildfires will end! As for the size 4, firmly toned, beautiful princess with the hottie multimillionaire husband who lavishes gifts on her...toooooo hiliarious! Hugs~c

Patti said...

Oh Darnell! your watercolor card are perfect! You've got talent you never knew you had!! LOL MY mother-in-law used to say that all the time.... well not about you but... you get the idea!

What a great class this has been! I've enjoyed seeing your creations. I have not been able to get out and about in blogland much myself these days. But I know thed sun will come out eventually and get me back on track.

I hope this finds you well and happy in your heart!

Patti

p.s. thanks for stopping by my blog and not lying about my cards LOL maybe my followers think they have to say nice things in order to win the candy LOL

Pat said...

This is a beautiful card Darnell, and the stamp using Marvy Le P pens and spritzing with water works wonderfully. The colours are so soft and pretty, and the scoring is the perfect highlight for the sentiment. x

Carole Pollard said...

Brilliant design such a great card loved the verse made me smile love and happy crafting hugs Carole x

Karen Petitt said...

I need to get me some more markers or felt tips - just more colours as I have a limited colour palette at the moment. Love this loads and it is something I have done before and will do again! Our card art looks like hand drawn art so it is fab. Have a lovely weekend Karen x

Barb Ghig said...

Oh, what a GORGEOUS card, Darnell! Beautiful water colored flower, and I love your CAS design...I'm certain that Sandie will love it too, and treasure it for a long time to come!

I'm so sorry to hear about all the fires going on in California, and I'm sending you all my sincere prayers that it settles down quickly! You live in such a beautiful state, and it's such a shame that you all have to worry about this...hugs to you!

Once again, you have 'made my day' with your HUMOR, Darnell! Your Birthday Fairy Tale is fabulous...Thanks!

Marybeth said...

Another beautiful card, love the way the watercolor flower turned out. So elegant! Love the font on the sentiment and that gold embossing. Thanks for joining us at Seize the Sketch.
Cute birthday poem. Hope you have a great slow weekend.

Lisa Elton said...

PRETTY card Darnell, love the gold embossing!

Andrea said...

lovely card Darnell that stamp is perfect for that technique and you make it look so easy love the detailing of the score lines ..takes it to a whole new level ...would easily be seen in a high end card shop ...as for the greeting LOL i wasn't expecting that ending ! ..have great weekend crafty hugs Andrea x

Viv said...

Such a beautiful card Dee,just love your pretty watercoloured flower too.Prayers said for you too, I hope you escape fires and the weather is kind to you. big hugs Vee :) xx

MRS DUCK said...

Darnell, you are an absolute hoot!
Stunning card as usual. Your water colouring is fabulous.
Hope you don't get any more fire issues,
Ang x

Kay Miller said...

First off, yes, it all whooshes by way too fast these day! The week, the weekend, all of it! Secondly, I am saddened by all the fires out there and you certainly have my prayers.
Thirdly, you are doing amazing things with the watercoloring!! Wow! this card is soooo pretty! Beautiful work!!
And last by not leastly that fairytale poem is hilarious!!!! I laughed so hard! let that be a lesson to us all! haha!
((Hugs))

Jeanne J. said...

Wow is this ever gorgeous - if I saw this in a store I'd pick it up and buy it - watercolor, embossing... so soft and subtle, but it loos so rich and expensive.

Sue said...

This is fabuuuuuuuuuulous Darnell!!! I will have to have a go at doing this:) have a great weekend huggles Sue xx

Verna Angerhofer said...

Your card is awesome. I so love that you scored around the flower too, as that adds so much to the design. I have not done that technique for ages so should try it again. It seems watercolors have been making a comeback of late. And, I love the look!

Geri said...

Good golly Miss Molly...you just made me spew Pepsi through my nose! When will I learn not to sip on anything while visiting your blog! The tiny wee princess was likely just an appetizer for the dragon!

Gorgeous! The scored lines are so effective in grounding the image. Brilliant idea and amazing colors! This really is a cool card!

Thanks for making me smile all over my face pal!


Kathleen said...

Gorgeous card, love the watercolour effect, very pretty.
Great tale.

Kath x

Carole said...

WOW what a beautiful card and a really funny fairy tale...I love it. Dragons like princess's... they are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
Be well Hugs Carole

Bobby said...

What an outstanding card, Darnell. I love that you put in the score lines and that stamp is perfect for the technique. I always thought fairy tales were scary and yours is no different, although it does drive home a point.

Carole said...

Absolutely beautiful! I love the idea of the embossed lines! C x

Happy Dance said...

Girly-Q, Sandie will absolutely adore this gorgeous masterpiece!! You've done it again...made such a beautiful card, that I'm almost speechless. The scored lines accent your blossom perfectly. Love the poem! Almost woke John up this morning laughing!!! Have a great weekend dear friend. Bev

Sharyn Polesel said...

Gorgeous card, Darnell! Those scored lines really accentuate that beautiful flower! Thanks for joining us at Seize the Birthday!

Bonnie said...

I've tried this technique and didn't come out with anything artsy. Unless you count blobs of ink with no shape or form. I'm hoping the video will help. This card is gorgeous from the artsy flower to the scoring that matches up perfectly which is no easy feat doing it from the back. Prayers that the wildfires stay away.

Cat Craig said...

Fantastic card Darnell, I love the score lines you added. A wonderful touch to really highlight that super bit of watercolor!

Jen Mitchell said...

This watercolor flower is amazing! I love how the colors are splotchy and have such depth! Nice take on the sketch too!

Carol L said...

This is a wonderful example of water coloring! I love the added embossing too! NJ!

Mrs A. said...

Tis bootiful Darnell. I have managed to look at the videos for the first lesson to day and might even get round getting Started. So far behind I meeting everyone coming back the other way.!! Have fun out tomorrow. I shall be in the garden digging holes as The Doc puts its. Hugs Mrs a.

gardener said...

Ooooo la la. Love the watercolor, the embossed lines, "adhesing" it to a gold card. A real trifecta. This is my first visit to your blog and will definitely return. Like your style!

Mona Pendleton said...

Gorgeous card! The watercolored image looks fabulous! Thanks for joining along with Seize The Sketch!

Dianne said...

Hello Miss Darnell, I've been missing all the chuckles and smiles you always give us. I know you have been blowing me away with all your water color creation, I think you have found your forte, I absolutely love every one you have made, so I'll be looking forward to seeing more.I haven't have much time to even be on my computer so I'm flying around blog land while I can, your always in my thoughts, hope you have a wonderful weekend, ((( BIG HUGS)))..

OH Babs said...

Good job Darnell your card is a beauty.

alexandra s.m. said...

Gorgeous card!
I love that soft watercolor effect Darnell!
Have a fantastic week-end!

Susan said...

Your watercolor flower turned out much better than mine did....in fact my attempt ended up in the trash. Sorry to hear about the wildfires. Wish I could send you some of the rain we've been having. Last week we had 26 inches of rain in 24 hours. Lots of flooding all around this area with many roads and bridges washed out. Then this week we had another 6 inches in about 8 hours. Hopefully things will begin to dry out now!

Another great card! Can't wait to see what you come up with next!

Mary said...

Like it? I LOVE IT! A really pretty card. Very nice!

Shirley said...

Lovely water stamping and score lines too! Very elegant and could be framed!

Marina said...

So delicate, and the score lines are the perfect design detail.

Unknown said...

Love your watercoloured card Dippy; those score lines certainly draw the eye and give that added dimension to this gorgeous one layer card. Sandie will love it.

Hugs.

Karen x

Lesley said...

Hi Darnell! Gorgeous card and love your watercolor skills. This is pretty and fresh too. The gold embossed sentiment makes it a double wow. Thank you for joining us at Seize the Sketch.
Hugs,
Lesley

Jenny Marples said...

Oh Darnell, this is magnificent and it's the little things, like adding the scored lines, that make all the difference. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Jenny x

Eve said...

Gorgeous delicate and subtle card Darnell - I love it!
Love your fairy tale too!

Hope you have a lovely weekend.
xx

Monika Reeck said...

Darnell....ooh my Gosh...are you painted the Flower...it is soooo magnificiant...totally caught my eyes and love that score lines is really clever idea...love the simplicity and elegant card...happy weekend to you...I feel not good because the Month GUess (that every woman have...) I feel no mojo also only doing blog hop to my lovely friends...hugs ...Monika

Karen M said...

Such a beautiful card for Sandie Darnell - I know she will love it:) I also love the birthday story.....it gave me such a laugh - have a great day xx

Sue said...

Stunning card, Darnell! You have this watercolouring off pat, so soft and gentle. Have a great weekend. Sue x

Sheila H said...

The water color flower is gorgeous. All that beautiful white space and those score lines highlight your stamping so well.

Manuela said...

Hi Darnell, this card is a real beauty. The idea here to use the score lines is perfect! and what a wonderful flower!
Have a great weekend

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Gorgeous card design, I love it very much. The colours and watercoloring are fabulous !!!!!! Have a wonderful weekend, Shirleyxx

Brenda said...

OMGosh, this card is amazing Darnell!! I love how beautiful it is, but so simple and clean! The score lines adds so much-love it!! I also love the fairy tale, it cracked me up. lol Hugs

Nan G said...

Gorgeous gorgeous stamping with water, Darnell. :)

Anita in France said...

So beautiful, Darnell ... delicate, elegant, gorgeous! Your dragon story's just had us both falling about ... thanks! Anita :)

Chris Dring said...

Wow, Darnell! This card is absolute gorgeousness! Love! And that fairy tale just about had me spewing tea out my nose! LOL!

Diane Jaquay said...

This is SO pretty, Darnell, and I love the scored accent lines! You've really been rocking the watercolor!

Sarn said...

And the same goes for the THIS beauty of a card as for my last comment on the your other similar watercolour experiment. So pretty and vibrant.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Loll said...

Beautiful watercolored card Dolly! Love how you kept it CAS in Sandie's honor by adding the scoring for the sketch - great job! Thanks for sharing the story about the princess - very funny!! :) Lolly xx

Sharon Underwood said...

Love this! Great job with the watercolors! So glad to see you in class.

Brenda in IN said...

Love the watercolor on your card. The sentiment in gold is so pretty. The fairy tale on your friends card is hilarious. I feel so bad about all those people in the fires. Such a terrible thing and so scary. Sending prayers for your state.

Leslee said...

Such a pretty and delicate looking flower. Looks like you are a water coloring pro. Hope the wild fire situation is under control and that you are enjoying a fab weekend!

Greta said...

Oh my goodness, Darnell--may be my favorite card! I totally love this!

Judy V said...

Love your take on the sketch! The water coloring is beautiful!

Pia S said...

This is so classy and beautiful! Love your flower and I like the detail of the scored lines, very decorative!

Christine Harrop said...

Your water colour card is gorgeous Darnell! Hugs Christine x

Petra Swart said...

You are becoming a master at these watercolouring techniques, Darnell!!! Your card is beautiful!! Love the scorelines - finishes off the card so nicely!!! Sandie is going to love this one for sure!!!

Greetings form SA!

Katie Melhus said...

Just popped in to see what you've been up to, and of course it's gorgeous-ness! Love how you framed your flowers with those score lines, what a sweet little detail!

Sue said...

I'm enjoying seeing your watercolored cards. They are just beautiful! I pray the wildfires end soon, too.

ILEANA ARTUFFO said...

Your watercolor cards are gorgeous!
In this card i like lines embossing, it's a beautiful detail.
Hugs,Ileanaxxx

Dana said...

So so pretty!! I love the dry embossing, really adds additional pop!!

Anonymous said...

Very nice. look forward to trying this stamping technique myself.

Neet said...

Had forgotten all about this technique - fabulous!
Hugs, Neet xx

Joyce said...

What a gorgeous card. I love your water coloring. And, that story is the best fairy tale ever. Also, liked your little blurb in your other post.

Beverley said...

Beautifully soft & delicate. Hugs Bev x

~amy~ said...

Such a perfect birthday card. Love that watercoloring technique!
Thanks for playing with us at Seize the Sketch!

shirley-bee said...

Loving your watercolour homework, Darnell! Love the fairy tale - there is justice after all ;)
Oh, and thanks for joining in at Seize The Birthday!

Linby said...

This is just beautiful, so elegant and serene.
Thanks for taking the time to share with us at Penny Black & More.
Lynn x
DT

Susie W. said...

Wow...this is just gorgeous! Love it!
Thank you for joining us at Seize The Birthday. :)

Marie said...

Simply beautiful, Darnell!

Colleen Dietrich said...

Tsk - wow, Darnell! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! The softness of the flower, the ample amount of white space, that gilded sentiment...

Thank you so much for joining us at Seize The Sketch!

(and for dropping by my blog from time to time. always love seeing you!!)

maria f. said...

"art happened" - yep, that's why we do this, right? That is one amazing bloom, Miss Can't-talk-right-now-I'm-out-to-another-lunch-Date. Hope CA is settling down...

G Peplow said...

Fabulous card Darnell, love the water colouring :D xx