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!

March 13, 2015

Doodling and Smooshing Diddly-Woo

Hello, Friends!

How was your week? Thank you so much for whooshing through it to come here!

There was a recent Papertrey Ink Make It Monday challenge where Ashley showed us how to doodle our nondetailed stamps. I missed the challenge, but I love the doodle idea so I incorpulated it on both my cards.

Now the current Make It Monday challenge shows us how to watercolor smoosh our backgrounds, which I also love, so I combined both techniques in my first card. Both of these techniques are super fun, so you should check them out.

Here's the smooshed and doodled card:
I have "smooshed" watercolor backgrounds in the past by using my craft sheet or acrylic blocks, but in her awesome video, Betsy shows how to apply ink to a sheet of acetate, spritz it with water, and then lay your paper over the ink. When the paper is lifted, you are left with a lovely watercolor wash. You can repeat the process for more color.

Now you might look at my card background and ask, "huh?" 

I know it's faint, but, honest, I did do the technique! It's just that I was looking for a very soft wash, so I only did the process once. Plus, I used PTI inks of spring rain, aqua mist, and a little enchanted evening, so two out of the three inks are soft. I usually like bright watercolor smooshes and I've got one to show you next week, but occasionally it's nice to go subtile and let the image be the star.

For my leaves and blossoms, I used my NBUS set "Beautiful Blooms II" from Uniko Studio (which I won, squee!). The stamp is a two-step stamp, meaning you stamp the flower "base" and then you overstamp it with the flower detail (lines). Because I wanted to practice doodling, I just stamped the base. I chose to do the doodling with a Micron blue #36 pen, rather than black.

After I doodled the lines, I used my water brush and enchanted evening ink to give the blooms some added dimention. Now that I look at my card on here, I think it looks like shadus interruptus happened and it could use a little more attention to dimention. The sediment is from PTI "Bigger Blooms." The papers are PTI white, enchanted evening, and spring moss. 

Oh, and Hammy wants me to tell you that the flower is also winked with Stella, but it doesn't show.

~~~

And my second card:
The background for this card is a different kind of smooshing. It's the kind of smooshing that lazy stampers do. I took a cotton ball and pounced it alternatively between the spring rain ink pad and the paper. I actually did that after I did the flower and sediment because I felt it needed something. I like how it kinda sorta looks like blue sky peeking through the clouds. Kinda. Sorta.

The cone flower stamp is from SU called "Inspired by Nature." It is a stamp with no detail, so all the lines and dots you see are doodles that I did with my Copic multitliner pen. But first, of course, I painted my flower using my water brush and PTI pure poppy and SU going gray and mint melody. The sediment is from PTI "Think Big Favorites #24." The paper is PTI white and spring rain.

Say what? Oh, yes, here is a close-up of the WOS and the gloss I applied. Hammy is fussing about it because he always has to remind me to add sparkle and shine to my cards.
Thank you to Nichole and the gang for the awesome Make It Monday tutorials! 

~~~

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~~~

Some Days Are Sad

I got news today about a dear bloggie friend who's husband is gravely ill. They are much too young for this tragic outcome, so I pray for a miracle.

Also, one of my surrogate moms, Verna, who has appeared here before, recently had a freak accident and she is not doing well. She is 90 years old and somehow she got squished between two automatic sliding doors, breaking her back in four places. She has already survived one broken back, but this is a hard uphill climb for her.

And then.

I missed getting a picture of the baby hummingbird eggs for you, but I did get a couple of the new hummerlings.
Wednesday
Thursday
That was just taken yesterday.

Today when I went out after lunch the nest looked a bit disheveled, so I climbed the ladder and took another picture. I can't see into the nest, even on the ladder and so you can imagine my devastation when I downloaded the photo and found an empty nest except for a couple of feathers. I will spare you the photo.

I'm O-for-2 in the surviving bird experiences in our back yard visible nests. The Mister thinks the mama immediately forgets and moves on, but I don't think he really believes that. He's just saying that to make me feel better, bless him.

I'm sorry to be the bearer of this news, but I got you all enthralled with me so I had to let you know what happened. Sometimes nature can be harsh. Next time I promise I'll take a photo diary and I won't share it with you and get you all becited unless and until it comes to a happy ending.

In the meantime, you take care, watch those sliding doors, and appreciate all the beautiful birds you see. It's a wonder that any of them survive to birdhood.

~~~

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99 comments:

Carol said...

Two very pretty cards Darnell...loving the techniques although I don't do doodling! Nature can be very strange at times but I guess that's the way the world goes round. Carol x

Marcia Hill said...

Both of your cards are beautiful Darnnell and I love how you combined both MIM techniques...yes, you are so clever! :0) And I'm so sorry to hear about your friends (I've offered up prayers for both of them)and the birdies...hopefully a good ending for all of them soon!

kiwimeskreations said...

Beautiful cards Darnell - love the sparkle and the water colour washes ;-).
So sorry to hear of your friends,and about the wee birds - any starlings that nest here have to dogge the neighbourhood cats once they fledge - a risky business this life!
Blessings
Maxine

Lisa Elton said...

A lovely lovely pair of floral cards Darnell!! You did a great job with the MIM techniques. I like the sparkle on the second cards. So sorry for all of the sad news, prayers for those in need. Hugs, have a good weekend.

Sheila H said...

Your cards are so picturesque, Darnell. Your doodling adds lovely detail to the images. I'm no doodler, but I think I could manage some smooshing - LOL!

Rupa Swaminathan said...

Stunning cards. I loved the colors of the first one and the flower on the second one! Treat for the eyes this morning. Thanks and hugs.

Happy Dance said...

Geri and I were just talking about your little birds...So sorry they aren't filling the nest anymore. More will come, as you have a good heart and they have spread the word. Your cards are stunning. I'm not brave enough to try those techniques as of yet, but might be soon after seeing your lovelies. Love the sparkle. Love the colors. Love the subtle skies. Love the smooshing!! You so rock!! Miss you dear friend. And prayers out for your friends. Blessings to those families. Bev

Karen Petitt said...

Both of these are stunning Missy Darnell! I love that soft and subtle background on your first smooshed card and the doodling you added to the second one is so spot on! They look exactly like those flowers do in real life, my mum grows them, she's very green thumbed with her garden.
So sorry to see that the baby birds have gone, that is awful - was looking forward to seeing more of them. That friend of ours has a lot of prayers going her and her DH's way - she and he are way too young to be having to deal with that.
Thank you for following my new blog huni - it means a lot to me so I'm so happy you like what I am doing. I shall try to pop back soon, take care and have a lovely weekend Karen x

Helen F. said...

Both of your MIM cards are beautiful, Darnell. I really love how you used the 2 techniques.
So sorry for your friends' sad news, prayers will be offered for them. Hugs to you.

Patti J said...

Your cards are so lovely, Darnell, and so is your heart! You are such a kind, thoughtful person. Hugs to you, dear friend...thanks for sharing about the sweet birdies.

Birgit said...

OK First off your cards are beautiful. I will have to go to youtube and check out this smooshing effect. Love the glitter on the 2nd card. I will send a prayer to your friends. It is always difficult to see friends who are in need. I am in shock as to what happened to your 90 yr old friend. I hope she is as comfortable as she can be. Mother nature can be cruel and, more than likely, these birds were dinner for a cat or another bird. I hope next time will be better.

Laurie Unger said...

Awesome job on the make it Monday challenges! Also you need to be careful climbing up the ladder to get pictures of baby hummers! Take care!

Cathy said...

Beautiful cards Darnell, I must have a look at those techniques, so effective.I hope your friend recovers soon, what a terrible shock it must've been. Also hope that Mother Nature sends some new birds to your garden. They are fascinating to watch and we do get attached to them,so it's sad when things go awry. Cathy x

Karren said...

Two beautiful cards, Darnell and I can totally see the smooshing in the first card - it looks so soft and pretty! I'm sorry to hear about your friends and hope things turn out well for both of them.

Rema DeLeeuw said...

Beautifully done Darnell! So sorry about your friends and those baby Humming Birds are so stinking cute! Enjoy your weekend...

Irene said...

Beautiful cards Darnell, I love them.
Sorry to hear about your friends.

luv
irene
xxxx

Jane Willis said...

You cards are gorgeous - especially the second, I think I need to look out for that stamp as it's one of my husband's favourite flowers.
Sad news about the nest, but I'm afraid the attrition rate for baby birds is very high, that's why birds have so many babies over their lifetimes where as we only have a few 9if any!). Console yourself with the thought that some other lovely creature has had a good meal. Cruel, but necessary.
Jane

joy said...

Both of your cards turned out so beautifully, Darnell! I love the first one with the soft wash. I so enjoy visiting your blog.

Sue said...

Your cards are stunning Darnell. I love the image, gorgeous colours and wonderful 'smooshing'! The added sparkle looks wonderful too.
So sorry to hear all your sad news.
Take care, I hope you have a good weekend.
hugs Sue xx

Sarah said...

Love your cards Darnell, the background is so pretty.x

Sue said...

Both fab cards.

Sorry to hear about your friends hubby and your friends accident.

What a shame about the Hummerlings. Mother nature can seem cruel at times.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Redanne said...

Oh Darnell, such a very happy and then very sad post today... I am so sorry for your friends, I am wishing them well! As for the little hummers, that is so sad too... sigh.

As for your cards, I liked the first one very much and that is a great technique but the second one - wow! It is utterly fabulous, I love the colour and the great photo with the twinkling stars - wonderful! Hope you have a lovely weekend. Big hugs, Annie xx

Ros Crawford said...

Oh Darnell I am so sorry to hear about your friends and also your birds ... Not a good day for you at all and I'm sending a big hug your way and hoping that your friend's improve.
On the up side your cards are both stunning ... I love the soft BG and the flowers and doodling are perfect. Try to enjoy your weekend my friend

Monika Reeck said...

I want to do quick visiting your Darnell and found this lovely blue card and blue sentiment love all blue and green on the first card the second one wohooo you really give attention to coloring that flower I love it and the big bold sentiment is adorable too I wish I have bold sentiment too...great post Darnell...big hugs from Germany and visiting me back sweety..I miss you :)

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

You are an excellent doodler, Darnell! Lovely works, both of them! Sorry for the sad newses.

Neha said...

Lovely cards, Darnell! love your kinda, sorta - swooshing background...:) and the details you added with copic.

Carol L said...

Your floral cards are both so pretty, and I love the techniques you used along with the added sparkle!
Gosh, poor Verna - what a horrible accident to endure, and I hope she's able to recover quickly! I think I heard my heart break for Brenda when I read her recent post too. Life is never easy - not for us or for those precious little birds.

Jeanne said...

Your post definitely reflects the beauty and the difficulties we face in this life. Your cards are so pretty and full of fun and interesting techniques. I do hope your friends are able to heal fully. I am so sad to hear about the baby birds. You must be due for a delightful surprise very soon. Thanks for sharing and sharing the not so fun as well as the pretty! Hugs!

Birgit said...

Oh Darnell, your cards are gorgeous! I love that you incorporated the doodling in there too. I've been bitten by the glitter bug too and add something shiny to just about all my flowers now. Sorry to hear all the sad news. Life is beautifully tough sometimes.

Casandra Bennett said...

Beautiful cards. They actually remind me of this nature series of cards that Hallmark used to carry a while back. I still have one of those cards because it was so pretty and the poem on it was frame-worthy. Have a great Saturday!

Sarah G said...

Love all of the smooshing, watercolouring and doodling going on in your cards - they are both beautiful! My thoughts go out to those who are ill or caring for others. Hugs x

Lisa said...

Both of your cards are absolutely gorgeous!! The flowers look amazing!! I love them!! Have a great day :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

stampwithsandy said...

Two gorgeous cards, Darnell! I absolutely love both techniques that you used and can't wait to check out the videos. Thanks so much for providing the links! So sad about the baby hummers...

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Both cards are gorgeous, fantastic backgrounds and colouring. And wow love the baby hummer photos.. amazing! I hope you are having a great weekend, hugs, Shirleyxx

Tracey said...

Love the smooshing technique.......Your cards are so so pretty.

Becca Cruger said...

I am loving the proliferation of blooms in the blogosphere lately and these cards are no exception! A glittering finish never hurt anyone. And I'm sorry to hear of your string of bad news. Sending hugs and good thoughts to all involved.

Pat said...

Two stunning watercolour cards Darnell, and I particularly love the wonderful sky in the first as the bits of blue make pretty cloud shapes with enough blue to patch a sailor's shirt as the saying goes here. I love the flowers on both cards and you have coloured them both beautifully and finished with two nice large sentiments. So sad to hear about the horrendous problems your friends are experiencing and my heart goes out to them both. Lovely photos you got of the young hummers and sad they didn't make it, so that's why every creature that makes it to adulthood is special, well maybe not creepy crawlies which I am not fond of, but I suppose even they have there part to play. Hope you have a good weekend. x

Colleen said...

First up...the cards are all fabulous! Second, I am so sorry for your loss, I know how much you love to watch and record the growth of your feathery friends...and those littlest of God's creations are just so fun to watch...don't give up hope! One day you will have a whole family in your backyard!

SD pooja said...

Lovely cards !

Kara Lynne said...

I'm so sorry for all the bad news. Nature can be harsh, and life can be too. Your cards are beautiful, and you are an expert doodler and smoosher. I should go on your resume!

Unknown said...

Two gorgeous cards Dippy - love how you've filled in the details - looks lovely, as do the backgrounds. So sorry to hear about your bloggie friend's husband and Verna - how awful for both families. I shall keep them in my thoughts. I oohed and ahhed with your hummingbird baby photos, but what a terrible outcome for them. As you say, nature can be very cruel.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Jean said...

Two beautiful flowery birthday cards Darnell. I love the super techniques you described and the lovely stamps and colours.
So sorry about all the sad news, life can be so harsh at times.
Jean x

Susanne Vargas said...

I can definitely see the smooshing on the first background. They both remind me of the sky! Beautiful cards!
So sorry about all the sad news! I'll be praying for both of your friends. As for the empty nest - nature can seem cruel at times but everyone is just trying to survive...
Enjoy your weekend,
Susanne

Krisha said...

You mastered the technique beautifully Darnell.

Maura said...

Wow, you packed a lot into that post! First of all, the cards are lovely! You did a great job on the doodling - I haven't been brave enough to try that yet. On the personal side, I am so sorry to hear about your friends - I will keep them in my prayers. Life is so packed with joys and sorrows, isn't it? Hopefully, your friends will get the gift of some of life's little miracles.

JD/ Jill said...

Beautiful cards, Darnell! Added your friends to my prayer list!

Kathyk said...

Two GORGEOUS makes from you today Darnell, I've followed the link from the Craft Stamper challenge.

So sorry to hear about your friends and hope both will make a good recovery.

Also, sad news about your nest and the feathered evidence - maybe next year will be better

Want to say THANK YOU for my happy mail which arrived today! You are too kind

Kathyk

Joyce Erb said...

Both cards are gorgeous! Great coloring and smooshing:-) Thank you so much for participating this week at the Mod Squad Challenge

sandie said...

superb water colouring and love what you did with the Uniko stamps-great doodling-bet this card was a lot of fun to make!
Sorry to hear the news of your friends, you never know what life is going to throw at you, I hope things improve for them x

Linda said...

Darnell, both of your cards are simply beautiful. Your smooshing is like I would have liked mine to turn out. Love them both. And sorry about all of your sad news too.

cm said...

1. Your cards are stunning! Your doodling is pro; your colouring, shading and water-colouring amazing! You've inspired me to try something different with our "shared" Uniko flowers!
2. I'm sad about the hummerlings. Very sad...
3. So sorry to hear about Verna; sending prayers her way.
4. I'm connected with our dear friend, to let her know I'm joining with the crowds of us sending prayers, hugs and support her way. Miracles: I am believing!
My commenting style this round is a Shirley B influence. Controls my rambling, but we'll let loose with that very soon!
Hugs~c

Petra Swart said...

Your doodling and your smooshing look great, Darnell!!!! The flowers on both cards are stunning and WOW how lovely that WoS gives shine to the flower!!! Lovely cards!
My heart goes out to your two friends, Darnell and I hope that things will get better soon!! And my heart wants to break on hearing the sad news of your hummings!! O, dear, nature can be so harsh!!! Hope you will have some new hummings moving into your garden, soon!!!!
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!!!!

Pia S said...

I struggle making backgrounds for my images, so I really appreciate you took the time to describe some techniques I can try out. They look wonderful in your cards.

Kay Miller said...

Awww, I"m sorry about the little birds :( It is sweet of Mister to offer words to make you feel better :) Your smooshed and doodled cards are fabulous! I have to be real careful leaving comments about all of these smooshed cards, because auto correct keeps changing it to smooched and I've embarrassed my self a couple of times! haha!

Geri said...

I'm feeling so sad for your dear friend Verna and for the wee birdies!

Two amazing cards! Did you notice the cool 'star light reflections' that you captured in the close-up photo of your AMAZING hand doodled cone flower? 3 prominent ones on the left and one on the right! This is like big time/professional photography dear friend! Well done!

Squirrel!!!

Gorgeous water colored effect and seriously awesome hand doodling! These two 'artsy' creations are so pretty and should be framed and hung on a wall! Swell job pal! Hammy was right - the wee winks and gloss add some really nice shine!

Brenda in IN said...

Wow, both of these cards are great! I love that smooshed background and had never heard of the acetate technique. Sounds so easy and I like the result even if it is light. So sorry about the baby birds. That is so sad. Also I' terribly sad about the friends news. Prayers for both. I feel so bad for Verna. That is a terrible thing to have happen. Good luck to her and sending positive thoughts.

MaryH said...

Oh I did so enjoy both these wonderful cards. I did see that video (thx to BK's linking) and you did that technique just grand. Your bkgrounds are extremely soft & subtle, and so beautiful with each of the pretty flowers. I'm awestruck by your doodle skills too. Especially the blue flower. Tell Hammy the WoS looks awesome in the enlarged photo, and thx for reminding you to add some. I'm continuing my prayers for our mutual friend. Know they will appreciate it and all the blogland support too. She's pretty special. And if you come a few hours south in May, you can play all you'd like with the Brusho-s! We'd have such fun. You wan' I should brang 'em along? BK has them too! TFS & Happy Sunday. Hugs

Chriss Blagrave said...

I love your doodling, swooshing and winking on the cards Darnell. I have not watched the latest MIM video, but will now after seeing your cards :). Love the cotton ball pouncing too and it does look like cotton candy clouds to me.
Sad news with your two friends...I do hope things will go well for the older lady and miracles do happen, hopefully for the younger couple.
I can imagine your disappointment with the missing fledglings. That happened to me last Spring with a trio of baby cardinals. But they built their nest in a bush, not 3 feet from the ground...I imagine all kinds of critters that had opportunities in my back yard :(
I did just read that the hummingbirds are able and likely to build and brood again because it is still very early in the season in your part of the country, so be on the lookout. Please do not climb any ladders. Please don't. Hope your weekend will be fun filled, creative and amazing!
Hugs-️️Chriss

Unknown said...

Your cards are so beautiful! I need to use the WOS more, too, instead of adding bling all the time to give it that effect.
I also enjoy reading your blog--so full of spunk and laughter-evoking, and I love your word mixes.
I was "be cited" about the hummingbirds pix, but sad to think that they became part of the food chain for some animal.

Verna Angerhofer said...

I love both of your beautiful cards. Great spring designs and love the shimmer on them too.

April said...

Love what you did with one of my favorite stamps by Stampin Up. Great detail.
April

Dolores Raml said...

Gorgeous cards, I'm a fairly new follower but really loving the work that you do. Sorry to hear about your birdies, I had something similar a couple years ago watching a Robin and her babies. She made it easy to watch as she was in a tree below our bedroom window and I could see her nest and easily take pictures.

Kathleen said...

Two fabulous cards and I particularly like the first card, I think the background of the colour wash is just perfect, sometimes backgrounds take over from the image but not in this case the fabulous image stands out perfectly.
We have a blue tit box with a camera in and it can be so interesting but also so very upsetting.

Kath x

Nora Noll said...

Your cards are beautiful!! I love the soft touch on the smooshing technique on the first card. I also like your fun doodling. The colors are just so ME!! (I love the blues and greens you chose together!!) The second card I think your second technique is interesting. I have never heard of doing it this way and will have to try. The flowers are lovely and I like the shine you added. Poor little birdies. Sometimes nature can be so harsh.

Bonnie said...

I love that subtle background with the doodled flowers! You're a Yankee Doodling Dandy! So sorry about your hummers. Sometimes birds put their nests in bad places. Hopefully the mama is OK and will find a better location next time. Prayers for Verna. How awful! If she'd like a card email me her address. I'd love to send her a bit of cheer.

oldpunca said...

Dear Darnell, I can't stop admiring background on both of your cards. Wonderful cards with wonderful flowers. Lucky you, that Hammy reminds you to use glitter. :-) I would need someone as him ... :-))
I'm sorry to read about bad news. I hope the miracle will happen ...

Taunya Butler said...

Darnell - darling!!! You are so clever and have just knocked my socks off with these cards - you have just made me want to try "smooshing" and "doodling" on my creations - you have been quite masterful with both those techniques here!!! Hope you realize what an amazing job you did doodling on both of these - looks so professional!!! Awesomely delightful works or art!!

conil said...

Sounds as though, despite the gorgeous cards you made, you're having a rough week. I'm sad to hear of your sorrows. I'll be sending healing thoughts and prayers for you friend's husband and Verna. Hope they help. Also sad to here of your missing hummers. Nature can be so harsh.

ionabunny said...

The sliding door incident is sad and bizzare. How does that happen?? Pity about the little hummers. Must try smooshing. Looks like fun. Hugz

JoAnn said...

Beautiful cards. I love your soft smooshed backgrounds.

Bobby said...

That's not doodling, Missy, that's downright drawing. You did a perfect job filling in the details on both cards. So sorry about your friends. Prayers for healing and strength.

Sandy said...

Your cards are smashing but I do like the second one the best. I do love the color red.
I must say you ended the post on a rather sad note. Sending out prayers to your friends.
Your bird story broke my heat. I had the same thing happen to a nest of wee ones I was watching. A black snake got all three babies and the mama and papa birds were going crazy. This happened the summer before last and I remember it like it was yesterday.
I have been studying your craft room a lot. It is of similar size to the room I will be using in our new home.
Sandy xx

Loll said...

Two gorgeous cards Dolly. Love the soft and subtle colours of the backgrounds and your beautiful blooms. Your doodling really makes them special. I need to give this a try! :)

There are a lot of people praying for our mutual friend. I know that she will appreciate the support. Lolly xx

Lizzy Hill said...

So sorry to hear of your bird woes.... Nature IS cruel. I hope ur human friends cope with their troubles - doesn't sound very good news..... As for your cards.... Bright spot! Both beautiful - love the soft bg technique & your a better doodler than I'll ever be:):)

Tracey McNeely said...

Darnell two beautiful cards, your smooshing is amazing! Ii am so sorry for all your sad news today, I will send prayers through you. As for the hummingbirds, so sad, but that is also nature. Amazing how we are touched by little creatures.

ike said...

Very beautiful cards but I didn't like the sad bits :-(

Cheryl W. said...

Love both your pretty cards. So sorry for the difficult news you received from loved ones. And for the loss of those hummingbird babies. Sometimes, life is hard.

My Paper Epiphany said...

Beautiful cards! i love the blue colours so much and the cone flower is amazing and I love the smooshing! Great photos of birds too!

Gerrina said...

The cards are beutiful! Great flowers the way you worked them and add glimmer etc! Love your BG's! The pics are great; I never have seen such babies... Enjoy the sunday! Hugs, Gerrina

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

The cards are very beautiful, the colours are so pretty. So sorry for your friends, they'll be in my prayers and thoughts. Oh, and Nature can be so cruel, poor little birdies.

Lots of love and warm hugs
Maarit

Anita in France said...

You and Hammy make a great team, Darnell ... both versions of your smooshing technique are soft and subtle and lovely! Cool doodling too ... the outlining really emphasises the beauty of your gorgeous shimmery blooms!

What a shame about the hummers ... there will be more, my friend, that's the beauty of nature.

I'm so sorry to hear about Verna ... prayers and healing thoughts being sent for her as she reclimbs that long hill. I'm also praying for a miracle for our sweet friend and her DH ... and for strength for them both.

Missing you ... Hugs & Bisous, Anita :)

Craftychris said...

Both cards are beautiful! I am going to try both of those background techniques - thank you! I'm sorry to hear about the health problems of your friends - I send them my best wishes, oodles of them! It makes me realise how lucky we really are! Shame about the hummers too, nature can be mean sometimes. Take care and have a lovely Sunday xxxxx

Keep It Sweet and Simple said...

2 pretty cards. Love the detail you've added to them
Caroline xxx

OH Babs said...

I think you had fun smooshing. Your setting for the photos were great and the details stood out. So sorry about your friends and your hummingbirds. Have a great week II.

Brenda said...

Both your cards are just beautiful Auntie. I love the doodling as it really doesn't look like doodling but rather shading and outlining that should be there. My prayers will be with your surrogate mom, Verna. That is so awful that she got caught between sliding doors. I know she has a hard struggle to heal from this. I pray she has the strength to do this journey and I pray she heals completely. I love the pic of the hummers, but how sad that they aren't there now. Nature is hard to see at times isn't it. We watch the eagle's nest in our area and as fun as it is to see the eagles, it is hard to see them feed. The circle of life, not an easy one for sure. Hugs, Brenda

Marybeth said...

First I am so very sorry to hear about your friends husband not doing well and your friend her hurt her back in so many places.
Your cards are gorgeous with the light touch of smooshing love only just a bit and let those flowers shine. I love the close up of the second card two gorgeous flowers cards, the best kind.
Oh no about the birds! That is just too sad. :(

Sue said...

Prayers are being lifted for your friend's husband. These cards are very pretty. I love your doodling in both. I haven't tried it yet, too chicken that my doodling won't be perfect...I know it's not suppose to be. Maybe one day I will venture out of my box. Sorry about the hummingbirds, too.

Linda said...

Beautiful cards Darnell .....Thanks for joining in with the Craft Stamper TIMI Challenge .... good luck! Linda xx

Cat Craig said...

Beautiful cards... the cotton ball technique is new to me,and now its filed away for future use. Love the look you got.
Awe so sorry for the babies.

Vickie Z said...

Fabulous cards....perfect swooshing! OMW....how did you get the hummingbird baby pics!!!

Kim Heggins said...

What sad news about your friends, just heartbreaking. They are blessed to count you as a dear friend and they are all in my prayers.
Your cards are so sweet and your smooshing is just fabulous. Love your sweet bird photos too, just so precious!
See you soon.

Karen M said...

Your cards are gorgeous Darnell and I love them both:) so sorry to hear about the little birds again:( Big hugs xx

ilse said...

2 beautiful cards

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Love your smooshing. Fabulous effect on both cards.
Sorry you've had a bit of a mare last week with bad news about friends and birdies.
We have some resident blackbirds (Mr and Mrs B as we call em) and over the years, we have seen their babies grow (and even had the cheeky things come into the house for feeding!) but one year they lost 3 of their broods. It was heartbreaking but that's nature I guess.
Hope this week is a happier one for you.
Ang x

KandA said...

These are both gorgous Darnell. Fabulous flowers and wonderfully coloured xx

Shelly said...

Two beautiful cards! Love them both! And I am so sorry to hear about your friends...and hummingbirds. :( Though, nature does have a way of working all on its own...once baby hummingbirds get their full feathers they will fly away as what adults do and never return to the nest. Perhaps, they flew to a new home. ;)
Hugs

Shona Chambers said...

Sorry I'm ignoring the cards but you've had such an awful lot of bad news this week. Wanted to send you a hug by telepathy...my eyes are closed, sending it now. Hope you can feel it. I'm gutted about the Hummerlings, how devastating for you, following their every day life. I hope whatever happened to them was quick and painless. I am crossing my fingers that the rest of your week is full of happy things. I'm sending an extra hug just in case!

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Great doodling! I had a kit once that encouraged you to doodle on the patterned paper and it was a lot of fun and added neat accents. BUT... I never think to do it again or to doodle on a stamp.

Sad about the hummingbirds. They seem to be pretty delicate creatures so it probably is a nature thing.

Greta said...

How disappointing something happened to the baby hummers. I love your cards, Darnell--fabulous job with the doodling. Love soft wash backgrounds & plan to make one with lighter inks for an Easter card. Hope you're having a great week, my friend!