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 26, 2015

Look! I Sponged! With A Stencil!

If you are looking for my NBUS Challenge #4, click HERE
Thank you to everyone who has already played!

Hello, my friends!

I want to take a moment to acknowledge my sympathy for the families of all those lost in the tragic Germanwings plane crash in the French Alps. It is horrible for everyone involved and particularly unbearable to think of the pain happening in Haltern, Germany, where sixteen students and two teachers were from. We are reminded again of how precious and uncertain life is.

~~~

Away in my crafty world, I needed a couple of "new home" cards for friends, so I went to play.
First of all, a lot of you may recognize that the design of my card is a direct take-off of the adorable card that Karolyn Loncon showed us how to do in the "Stretch Your Dies" class. Thank you, Karolyn, this was a lot more work than I normally put into a card, but it was worth it!

[I just noticed that the little guy is slacking his hold on those balloons and all the orange color has drained from his chicken fingers. It's not his fault. I took about 23 photos, so it's no wonder he's losing his grip.]

So Proud!

What is astounding about my cards today is that I sponged!

Now, to be honest, I have tried many times to sponge in the past. (Not counting the kitchen counter and the bathrooms.) I bought into the whole Distress Ink groovement and purchased the adorable little wooden sponge handles and, yes, even the carousel. I mean, c'mon it's a carousel!

Then I tried to use the dang things. And failed. Way more times than I care to think about.

The best I could do was schmear some ink onto the paper, along with irritating and unacceptable lines from the rectangle sponges! No, seriously, I watched the videos and I really tried to get up a good swirl from off to the right before I hit my actual card paper, but that never worked for me either, despite the experts' assurances.

I tried from a few inches away to several feet away. I tried a light hand. I tried a heavy hand. I tried a slow swirl. I tried a fast swirl. I tried counterwise and clockwise. I tried tiptoeing as I approached the paper, hoping the surprise of the sponge softly hitting the paper wouldn't leave a mark. It did.

In the end, I declared defeat. The sponges won. I put the torture turning device away in a cupboard filled with its cute little ink-stained deelybobs. It was all good. I don't expect to be interested in or talented in all things card art.

And then ...

Months later, I watched with awe during the BABES Lake House adventure as Ardyth sponged like an angel. Then Kim did it. I'm pretty sure everyone there could do it. I looked down ashamed, but not before I made a mental note that Ardyth was using a new-fangled round sponge blending tool. Ah, hello? Finally.

Well, long story long, I bought a couple after the Lake House and yesterday I SPONGED with the NBUS things!! I not only sponged, I made clouds with a stencil!

WHAT??

Me, a stencil? As far as I knew, I only had a couple of tiny brass stencils and I wasn't going to buy any more, nor the embossing paste. I just couldn't see investing in another new groovement when I have too much NBUS and too many techniques on my to-do list to justify adding one nother thing.

So, then, where did the clouds come from?

Hammy, of course. He earned his oats and carrots for another day as he piped up while I was staring at Karolyn's card with its pretty sponged grass and sky. "Don't you have a binder somewhere from like twelve years ago with those things that had shapes? You could trace them and then cut them out? You know. Stencils."

I sat up with a start and sloshed wodka on my shirt. Naturally he was right. In the second place I looked, I found this old thing filled with stencils!
As we were leafing through the binder, I saw all the fun shapes, but Hammy pointed out that the edges on some of the sheets also had shapes and you can see on the one above that there is a cloud border. "Well, I'll be darned," I mumbled as I creaked to my feet, "I'll give it a shot."

And it worked!

I didn't have room on the front of my card to put the rest of the sediment, so I decorated the inside. The balloons are winked, of course.
 Here is my second card:
I used a ten y/o NBUS Hero Arts stamp called "Row of Squares" to make my little neighborhood. I inked the boxes and then I used my markers to add the rooves to each little "house."

I had so much fun, I made a third card to welcome spring:
 This time, here is a close-up so you can see all the shiny bits.
Yippie Skippie, I did it! (Ardyth and Lolly, look at me!) And I even sponged HILLS! My sponging is still novice, of course, so I know you'll be kind. I have to admit, it was hecka fun!

Since I waffled on, I'll skip the ingredients bit, but if you have any questions, lemmeno.

Challenges
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~~~

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! 
 
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See you at NBUS Challenge #4! We're about halfway through!

107 comments:

Di said...

Oh what fun you had doing the sponging Darnell, I loved the tale of your journey there and such fabulous cards you made! Well done on the Percy Veerance :)

Hugs

Di xx

Milka Gubo said...

:-D This made ma laugh! Fun journey and it was worth it!! GORGEOUS cards, Darnell, and FABULOUS sponging! :-D
hugs
Milka xx

Sarah said...

OMG you do make me laugh, it was the vodka that did it for me LOL!! I too have struggled with stencilling clouds using the rectangular pads and have resorted on occasion to dabbing a stubby old paintbrush into the Di pads with reasonable results. Round ones sound ideal, and logical so I am now on a mission!! Gorgeous cards BTW!! xx

Linda said...

Someone's been having fun! With fabulous results too I might add. You've definitely mastered the sponging technique hun ..... those clouds are amazing! Hugs .... Linda xx

joy said...

Love your cards, Darnell! And, the sponging looks fabulous. The mini round applicators are so much easier to use than the rectangle ones.

Tanja said...

you did a great job sponging and those clouds turned out beautifully - thanks for joining us at ATSM this week

!neke said...

So Darnell, you used your playground very well !
Great cards ! I am of now to the hostpital with my husband for a MRE scan.....
Hope it ends well !

Sue said...

Loving the cards.

Hope you have a good day. Sue

Inkyfingers said...

YAYYYYY to you Darnell! I had the same problem with the rectangly tool thingy and am much better with the round one, but I still often use an actual sponge or a brush.
I love your clouds and the card designs are gorgeous.
Hugs
Carol x

Ros Crawford said...

What a great post and one I that resonates with me ... sponging! I'm so glad it isn't just me ... I have the rectangle wooden things ... I also have finger daubers, brushes and sponges ... tried it all and failed many times ... I'm sticking with the wood ones for now till I can get some round ones and I'm trying ... inks all work differently and the card type too.
I LOVE your card ... It looks pretty perfect to me and I too offer my condolences to all involved in the terrible plane tragedy ... Enjoy your day my friend

Carol said...

This made me laugh Darnell...I had the same problem with the rectangle ones, love the round ones though. You've made a veritable trio of cuteness here...great sponging! Carol x

Pat said...

Wow Darnell, three gorgeous cards and your sponging is superb. I love the embossed frames using dies and the stitched balloons on the first, the very clever way you have made the little houses on the second, and the pretty added shiny flowers on the third. I adore them all! Needless to say your fun explanation of how you got there made me chuckle. x

Carol L said...

You've been turned into a sponging princess with your new tools! What sweet spring-like cards - you did a great job on them all!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Wow fabulous artwork with the sponging, love your cheery scenes and designs. Have a great day, Shirleyxx

Marilyn said...

Beautiful cards!

Lisa said...

All three of your cards are so gorgeous!! I love the scenes you've created and the fabulous sponging!! They are so beautiful and will be adored!! Have a great day :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Jeanne said...

Oooh, I'm so glad you didn't give up on sponging, Darnell! It is a fun technique and makes some amazing clouds. I am going to have to check my notebook of stencils and see if I have a could border! In the meantime, just in case the size of the stencil is too cumbersome, you can also stamp a cloud image (if you have one) onto scrap paper, cut it out and sponge that piece to make your cloud shapes. I did that very thing with a card I just posted on my blog this week. :) Your cards look terrific with their happy chicks and happy clouds!! :)

Unknown said...

Yay!!! Love your sponging!!! I burst out laughing when I read your journey of sponging as you "tip-toed" towards the paper to lightly sponge...you are so funny!!! It all turned out fantastic in the end and everyone survived!!!

Sheila H said...

Love your cards - your sponging is awesome! I know what you mean about sponging. I get uneven results - sometimes good, sometimes bad. Sometimes I just settle for "texture" in my sponging - LOL!!

Carole Pollard said...

Brilliant cards today and a lovely post Love your sponged cards so pretty I've not tried this technique but the results you have are fab love and hugs Carole x

Nan G said...

So freakin cool, Darnell!! Welcome to the world of distressing (sponging)! Crikey I've not even been able to do 'clouds'! These are so neat....cool. Can Ya tell what era I grew up in?! giggle snort Have an inky licious weekend my friend. Hugs p.s. My ipad blogging app is on the fritz so no blog from me till the app is up n running. :(

I Card Everyone said...

I am totally charmed by each and every card, D... just to let you know- I suck a sponging unless in the bath... there? I'm really good at it!
=] Michele

JD/ Jill said...

Darnell, You've done in again! Not only in making fabulous cards...but started out my day with a laugh...why, because I could so relate to everything you said...I enjoy sponging (It's fun way to play) but I so struggle not to get the lines, etc...where I don't want them) Your clouds look amazing! You have certainly mastered the technique. (can you come and give me some lessons?

Nessa's Crafty Place said...

Beautiful collection of cards-you nailed that sponging!!
Hugs,Nessa xxx

Happy Dance said...

You go girl!!!!! Atta way to show those square spongy things! And wowzers to your cards. PERFECTLY sponged. So proud of you for your bravery. Your cards turned out Supercalifragilisticexpialidociously. Well done you. SU image? Love 'em! Hooking up to NBUS later today if I have the chance. Taking DH to dr., and expecting company this aft.... Miss you. Giant hugs your way. Bev

Linda said...

Who knew you had trouble sponging? These are beautiful. And so much fun reading about your sponging escapades.

Julia Aston said...

First - I just love that little half egg chicken - what a stout little fellow holding signs and balloons! congrats on getting the sponging thing down - (you might try a non stick craft mat under your card when you sponge - it makes the sponge glide onto the edge smoother??? and hold the sponge at an angle so it hits the card in the middle of the sponge not on the curved or straight edge - you probably already know these things...)

Pawsitively Creative said...

Oh Darnell, I sure needed a laugh today and knew I could count on you. This post hit the laugh spot. Thank you so very much. Your cardssssss are amazing and your sponging is above novice. It looks downright superb! So glad you were finally able to sponge! Carpe Diem! Hugz! ~Niki

conil said...

Clouds and hills? You're a spongin' queen. I bow to your expertise because I have very little. Delightful cards...so Spring-y and fresh. And that critter makes me smile, BIG. Then you go ad make your own little neighborhood. Cute, cute, cute.

Neha said...

awesome cards, Darnell!Love your clouds...blending is so smooth... i also have heard round sponges are better. Well one more thing to wishlist...:) Love your idea for those tiny houses. <3

Anonymous said...

These are fabulous Darnell!! And LOVE the clouds, so are tooooooo funny!!!

Sue said...

Wow, gorgeous cards, Darnell. Your stencilled clouds look amazing! I like how you used the cube to make the houses too. Thank you for sharing at ATSM x

ionabunny said...

Hi Darnell, I always get lines when I sponge as well. I call it art LOL. Love these bright happy cards. Hugz

Birgit said...

You had me at Vodka:) These are great cards and I have been horrible at making clouds. Your clouds are amazing! I love the fat chick too..Is his name Herman? Since I am looking outside and seeing snow I am loving spring and your cards are spring and Easter and fun! It is very sad about the plane since it is now confirmed that the co-pilot did this on purpose and took all those people with him

Marybeth said...

Your clouds look amazing! Love all the wonderful scenes you made on each darling card.

The crash is just so horriable, and for the families, I cannot imagine. My heart and prayers also go out to the family of the pilot that caused the crash.

Craftychris said...

Fabulous cards with awesome sponging! I love those little round tools too! xxx

Lin said...

Such happy cards, Darnell! They will be so appreciated! Thanks for sharing them with us at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge!

Sharon Underwood said...

What fun cards! You know what? We have the same old folder full of old stencils! Great job on the clouds!

Karolyn at Paper Therapy said...

Darnell - you are a stitch!! I laughed hysterically through your post, mostly because you were describing my life with ink blending!! I'll be completely honest with you - the clouds and grass on my OCC project were the FIRST time that I was successful with ink blending! Why I chose that moment to give it a go again is beyond me! But I did, and I'm so glad I did. Because I think I had a light bulb moment! I think it's using the stencil or craft mat as my launching pad for my ink blending tool. When I started on the paper - I got the same messes you were getting. But once I realized that if I slid my ink blending tool from the stencil or craft mat, leaving most of the ink behind, I had success!! I'm going to keep trying it because I'm determined to perfect this method. But I think you've pretty much mastered it now!! Beautiful work, sister!! Really really great!!

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

I admire your eye for detail and how you try out new technique. Fun and lovely work! Thanks for sharing.

oldpunca said...

Dear Darnell, the result of your "sponging" is gorgeous. :-) Wonderful clouds and hills and fabulous cards. And the little guy is so sweet. :-) I have to laugh about your description. You are the best! :-)
Have a nice day, Sonja

Chriss Blagrave said...

Oh how I adore your sponging, squares stamping and roofing skills! Really great cards Darnell!
You had me laughing out loud, all alone here, with all of your previous approaches to your sponging...tiptoeing...hahahaha. You do make me smile big!
I too am thinking about all of the families involved and the town or with any ties to the tragic plane happening...

JoAnn said...

Love all of your fun cards. I think you did a fabulous job of sponging the clouds and hills. What fun journey to get there too. :)

Verna Angerhofer said...

Your cards are wonderful and so well done. I love the little scenes and your sponging is perfect! I think you are becoming a sponging Diva now.

Brenda in IN said...

Your sponging came out great! Good for you to try again. I never could get the hang of the rectangle ones. These cards are adorable. Love the sparkly little flowers. My heart goes out to the people who have lost loved ones in the air accident. The more information that comes out, the more horrible it is.

BożenA said...

Welcome Darnell,
your clouds are like the pictures! As if you all your life massively produced them:-) It's hard to believe that it was the first such successful cloud in your performance.
Beautiful card, all!
Regards,
Bozena

Kara Lynne said...

Your sponging is fantastic! You make it look easy. If you hadn't explained your sponging history, I would've thought this was always the case. All three cards are cute and super fun!

Pia S said...

Yup, I recognize everything you write about your sponging experience. And yup, I've failed too. I've seen those round ones and now I'm definitely going to get some. You're sponging like an expert now! I hope that'll happen to me as well...

Bobby said...

I've been using those round thingamabobs for a while and I never made such perfect clouds as yours, Darnell. All three cards are well sponged and designed.

Geri said...

Yeeeee-haaaa! You go girl!!!

OMG!!! These two cards are absolutely spectacular! They are like 3D story book pages! "Just learning"....are you kidding me? These two cards are the work of a professional inker! The clouds are sooooo pretty! Yep...that Hammie is one creatively talented rodent with an awesome memory of where he stashed long forgotten product!


Redanne said...

Woohoo! Now you are like an old pro - in the nicest sense of the word! Wow, your sponging is spectacularly good. I think you are slowly and quietly being converted to The Mr Holtz!! Fabulous cards my friend... Hugs, Annie xxx

Susanne Vargas said...

I can't stop thinking either about all those people affected by the plane crash!
I am very impressed by all your fabulous cloud and hills sponging! It looks as if you had been doing this all your life! Just gorgeous! You made me chuckle (and I needed that) with the way you described your previous efforts of trying to sponge!
Hugs!

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Terrific job on the sponging Darnell! Wasn't that class fun? These cards are terrific, well worth the extra effort I would say! Have a lovely evening! Hazel xx

Carol Cel said...

Terrific job -- your clouds are gorgeous!! Now that you are no longer a "sponge-virgin", what will you do next?
Beautiful!

Monica Maier said...

Great work Darnell and it seems you had fun in the process! YAY!!!

Monika Reeck said...

That Little Boy or girl image is so cute Darnell and I love that he or she always bring something on his tiny hand ...you made a great scene and I LOVE YOUR CLOUD!!! looks so real and nice blue inking or sponging there...do you have much sun shine Darnell...??You lucky
in Munich today is grey no sun shine and cold and not good weather to walk with dog (I am happy I have no dog but two naughty little boys only hehehe LOL)
hope you are doing well and see you soon on my blog Darnell
big hugs
Monika

Kathleen said...

Well another terrific post and two fantastic cards with great images, not to mention the trial and error that went into previous attempt but you came good in the end.
Your fabulous card at the beginning and your words brought tears to my eye, very well done on that one.

Kath x

Ann said...

Oh I can so relate to your travails with the spongeing Darnell! I often stop to wonder if I really want to spoil a perfectly good card with spongeing marks, but 'Way to Go' (another great sentiment from that SU set!) - you did it! And superbly too - love your cards for a new home owner - very cute! Hugs Ann :)

Karen Petitt said...

The world news is so bleak these days and when something bad so out of the blue happens it's just awful and even worse is the fact that it was deliberate. I have cried for those poor kids today Missy D and my heart hurts so bad for them and their family and friends.

The cards are stunning huni! I wish I'd have known you was having these issues and I'd told you to get a ruler or stencils. I could never create fluffy clouds until I saw the Picasso stencil that Dreamweaver sells/sold - and bang I got perfectly fluffy clouds.

I was reading your post in my email huni and I stunned my DH. It is the first time I have giggled for a couple of days so thank you Darnell not just for sharing these gorgeous cards but for making me smile today. Big hugs huni, hope to get something created for the NBUS this weekend, JFF again though. Have a glorious week Karen xx

Sue - said...

Oh clever, clever Hammy! Your sponging is fab and I agree with you about the round thing versus the square - so much easier.

Karen Petitt said...

Forgot to say I found a large lever arch folder when I moved dining and work rooms. Found some very old NBUS stencils to play with too!
I'm sure Hammy must have sent me a telepathic message too - big hugs to Hammy for making us both happy xx

Loll said...

Awesome job sponging, Dolly!!! I'm so proud of you!!

No wonder you were having difficulty. I bought some of TH blending tools ages ago (the rectangular ones), but they never worked for me. I ended up buying jumbo daubers ... just like those small finger daubers, but much bigger ... and they work like a charm.

Anyways, you did a wonderful job. I love your sweet sponged background of grass and sky with clouds. Totally adorable!! Now that you've got it mastered, you'll be sponging up a storm, I'm sure. Thanks so much for playing along with us at Happy Little Stampers. Lolly xx

Elizabeth S. said...

Wow! These are absolutely gorgeous and love all the scenes you created! Also, I must say I adore reading your story and kept saying ...me too...I bought a lot of distress inks, tools, etc and saw many videos on blending but no luck. Than tried different papers and still no luck. I thought I must be the only one who can't get this but kept at it recently and finally managed to blend 3 colors together last night. Now I have to see if I can do it again. Love yours!

Bonnie said...

AWESOME! You sponge like a pro! I couldn't get anywhere with those square pads either. I do better with sponges. With the round daubers I get circles instead of squares. A friend gave me some of a discarded chair cushion and I cut pieces off it with my electric knife. It works pretty good too. But I still haven't done clouds that look this good. I do love the balloons and sunshine.

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

OM Goodness! I am so proud of you! You did it!!!
And what a FABULOUS job! Your clouds are wonderful! Cute,Cute Cards!!!!
And I loved your story about your spongy adventure!

Vicki Dutcher said...

Isn't it awesome to use tools from years ago just like clothes, trends repeat :) excellent color usage on these fun spring cards mf!

dottielottie said...

Love your (non)blending tale of woe Darnell, and have to agree wholeheartedly with you, it is not as easy as it looks. I can just imagine you singing from the Play House "We shall overcome" lol and so you did, your cards are gorgeous with their beautifully inked and stenciled skies. Way to go! I am rattling my tambourine in accompaniment. Hugs Lottie x

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

Oh Darnell I love your sponging story - I use foam (that used to arrive in Bible covers in the shop I worked in) chopped into small cubes and then 'squished" in my hand :-) price is a major consideration and this leaves me more $$ for other gear.
Beautiful cards, as ever. My heart broke when I heard that the crash was deliberate - so sad for all involved and affected.
Blessings
Maxine

Pam said...

Wow! I'm so proud of you. That is excellent sponging on your fab cards. I find it hard to believe that there was something you couldn't do well. So glad Timmy made the little round blending tools - for you!

Sue from Oregon said...

Your wonderfully sponged card is a bonus on this post...your play by play just keeps me smiling!!! I think I am going to try me one of those round blending tools. I am like you...no matter how I dance...my sponging looks oh so bad! Going to get me some!!!

Karen M said...

Love your fun cards Darnell and your sponging looks amazing! So happy you joined us this week at ATSM xx

Joyce said...

Absolutely fabulous creations, Darnell. And, I'd say you have pretty much mastered sponging and now you can teach the rest of us.

Anonymous said...

What wonderful cards Darnell. I love that you used some older stencils. You jogged my memory - I have a binder that were my mum's that when she passed I kept hold of thinking the kids will use those for school projects. I must dig them out and add that project to my to do list. Thank you for such fun posts the added extras are your fab cards :)

Cheryl W. said...

That Hammy is a smart one! Great cards - your clouds (and hills) look perfect! Hope you have many happy hours sponging away.

Barbara (C) said...

What a cheery set of cards. Have you seen the new egg shaped inking spongy things that Crative Expression have bought out...they a fabulous for...well - all levels of inking capability...and...they look great stored in an egg rack!!

Gerrina said...

Yes yeah!! Finally you are sponging also!! I buy stamps and stencils allmost at the same numbers and love sponging, because you can do so much with only one stencil... so I am really glad that the round tools are totally your tools and you make so many great cards with this technique! Love them all three! Big hug, Gerrina

Carole Z said...

Super post and lovely card Darnell, I love sponging, usually use any bits of sponge that are about! It was terrible when we heard about the plane crash and to know that it was a deliberate act must make it even more unbearable for the poor families of the victims.hugs Carole Z X

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

You're cards are a hoot! The newcomers will adore them. As for the sponging skills....You Go Girly!

Rubeena I. said...

LOL you are HILARIOUS! He got tired of holding it :P So yeah, I felt that way about using those sponges and distress inks...kept getting those darn lines and it could never come out smooth. I tried a lot too. I would cover up 'defects' by spraying white ink and sometimes shimmer over it to create a messy sky backgorund. But then I realized most crafters were using the ROUND blended tool! Ah, having to invest in all those again...but it was worth it :) I still get some lines but oh well...going to take practice. You did a great job stenciling and sponging!!! I'll have to try some ;)

Leslee said...

Yeah for sponging! Your cards look great.

Julie B said...

What a fab set of cards Darnell, you did a great job with the clouds on those cards and the little guy is adorable!
Thanks for MYM at ATSM and linking up at STAMPlorations. :)

Hettie said...

Lovely cards there Darnell. Sooo sad that you can't use your ink applikators....I love mine and yours must feel so sad and lonely in the cubbard! Maybe you should take them out and give them a stroke now and then so they don't feel so sad.
Happy Friday.
xx
PS Can you guess what came in the postbox yesterday? Big smiles last night. xx

Canonbury creations said...

Fabulous cards Darnell, brilliant sponging and i'm with you on the fab round spongers so much easier to use!!
Val x

Carole said...

Thanks Hammy for reminding me of the binder with many stencil shapes...forgot all about them.
Fun read along with heartfelt empathy for the victims of the plane crash...you da best. I love the bday card...simply elegant.Thanks you Hugs C

Jacquie Southas said...

I have 2 bags of crafting supplies sitting by the door waiting for me to finally cut them loose and head to Goodwill, and then I read about you rediscovering old stencils and now feel compelled to go through those bags again :) {{sigh}}

Once I sponged my coffee off my shirt after reading about your first sponging attempts, I had a closer look at these cards. Congratulations!! You have mastered sponging - truly amazing clouds & hills. LOVE the second card wth the rows of red houses.

Unknown said...

Wow these are some amazing clouds Darnell!! Congratulations on finding your way with the Distress inks! I just love them, but using the small blending tool is so much better! Such a beautiful scene card!

KandA said...

These are super cards Darnell. Love the fun images and cheery colours and your excellent sponging (there may be hope for me yet - you've given me a nudge to try it again!). I'll be along to join in the NBUS over the weekend xx

Shelly said...

Oh, now how CUTE are these?!!...And I'd say your sponging is awesome! Love what you did!

*Vicki* said...

Oh wow these are really ADORABLE Darnell!! I didn't realize that you were taking the class too?!!

I love your take on these and so happy to see you joining with us at ATSM!! BIG HUGS

My Paper Epiphany said...

Stunning cards - I love the happy scenes and the designs! hugs

Greta said...

I can't believe this is the first sponging you've felt successful with as these look like an expert did them! The clouds blow me away, Darnell! Wonderful cards!

Shona Chambers said...

I love my mini round blending tool, I don't think I would have ever tried blending or sponging if I hadn't discovered it somewhere. I'm not very good at it yet but its fun to do, don't you think?? Well, what am I saying, you obviously thought so because you went sponging crazy. Everyone of your cards is amazing and the clouds and hills look fantastic. So nice to find a new technique!! Looking forward to new sponging wonders in the future...... And its awful about that plane crash. Dave (my husband) told me yesterday about how the co-pilot locked the pilot out. The poor pilot, knowing suddenly they were all going to die. So very sad.

Shona Chambers said...

Forgot to say how much I'm in love with your little houses, you clever thing you!!!

Lizzy Hill said...

Your clouds are AWESOME. My square tool has got dust. I now sponge with......wait for it....SPONGES!!!! Love these cards. Very pretty indeedy:):)

OH Babs said...

Will wonders never cease. First smoothing ( I call watermarks), and a tutorial on smooshing and now excellent sponging. Honestly your week with the Babes only improved your talents and gave you new confidence. The clouds were perfecto and ingenious you found and used the antique scrap booking stencils.
Ignore ant typos (I see one) because if I go back to make corrections I will lose the entire message.

Janelle said...

Great cards, Darnell! I wore out my finger "Pinning" all of the photos! ;) You are particularly talented with the sponging. You should do it more often! Hugs!

Sandy said...

Congratulations Darnell! You did it kid and your cards are wonderful! As soon as we are settled and I can create again, I will get me some of those round sponge things - thanks for the tip!!
Sandy xx

Cat Craig said...

YEA! you did it, and it was fun, and gratifying huh! Those round tools make a bit of a difference! Love the cards, and your story.

pinky said...

Oh Darnell I had the very same problem and I hid mine that well that I just can't find them at all now!! I love your clouds and I am sure I have those same stencils from years ago, also well hidden lol. Love your blog!!

Becca Cruger said...

WOWEEE!!! Boy you are on a sponging spree. And I can tell by the plethora of bright and adorable cards that you were having a blast. I had to laugh up a storm over the tiptoeing up to the sponge. I still have the old square sponges, but I have to admit that I drool over the round ones.

Robyn Oliver said...

Hi Darnell...isn't it amazing what we have on hand it's just that we have soooo much stuff from so many years of collecting - well you've done yourself proud...super sponging and use of NBUS. Nice group of cards too.

Anita in France said...

Yay, Darnell ... we both used stencils this month ... must've been something in the water ... or wodka ... or wine! Delicious cards ... that chickie is so dapper in his checkered vest ... and oh my, he looks so at home on his softly sponged meadow surrounded by fluffy clouds ... no wonder he wanted to star in all three! Hugs & bisous, my friend, Anita :)

Taunya Butler said...

What a delightful commentary on the perils and frustrations of sponging!! I am so proud of you and so impressed with how well you did just outta the gate!! I myself am not a sponging pro - i find it to be quite a challenge but with your enthusiasm and pride in your efforts maybe I will get more into the groovement of sponging!! Your cards are just, each one, so cleverly done and fun!! Super impressed with how you turned those square rows into houses!! Amazing job - looks so smooth and effortless - great job and an excellent post!!!

Princess Judy Palmer said...

That Hammy is a smart one, noticing the cloud border. I love your sponging job and you did good keeping the sky a consistent color. When I sponge clouds, by the time I'm done those last bits look like a storm is rolling in. I like the cartoonish looking guy and all his message board signs. You've been having a lot of fun playing and it sure shows.

Kim Heggins said...

A+++++ in sponging my sweet friend! I love your beautiful fluffy clouds, so fabulous for your sweet spring cards, they are so adorable.

Brenda said...

Note sure how I miss these awesome cards Auntie, but I did. I love them!!! I have been wanting to try this technique too, but was afraid to try it. lol I do have some of those old stencils too, so will have to get them out to give it a try. I so love your clouds, hills and houses. So cute are all these cards! Hugs, Brenda