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 31, 2015

Masking Magic, Day Five

Hi! Happy Sunday!

Well, I did it. I did all five days of the Online Card Class Mask-erade in five days! I haven't been able to do homework yet for every video, but I made two cards for each of the five days which is the best way for me to have the lessons stick to the diminishing velcro lining my brain walls. And I had a lot of fun doing it! 

Okay, well, maybe I didn't prezackly make two cards every day. After class yesterday, I made one good card and then I came down with a migraine and had a lie down. While I slept Hammy made the second card. And because I need him to be happy, I'm letting him show you his card first. 
Hammy loves the Tim Holtz Bird Crazy stamps and has been dying to use this one. Don't tell Tim, but Hammy took a little bit of artistic license and made this bird a girlie bird with long eyelashes and lips. She is supposed to be Ravone (Hammy's latest crush) and he has her standing on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Or rather, with her back to the ocean. Okay.

It's good, right? He forgot to color the balloons before he embossed them, but there are white balloons, right? Do tell him it's good or there will be no living with him. Thank you!
In the interest of fairness, the NBUS balloons are from both Uniko's "Balloon Bash" and PTI's "Birthday Style." The vertical birthday is from Stamps by Judith.

My card.
I used a NBUS Memory Box die called "Cottage Leaf" for my embossed mask which I watercolored and splattered around, wearing my dark navy 14-year-old stained t-shirt. The "hope" sediment is die-cut from a WPlus9 die.

Challenges

Simon Wednesday Challenge Blog
That's it. I'll take a coupla days off to give you a break, put my houses in order, and catch up on my visiting and commenting.

~~~

I'd like to thank the very talented ladies of the Online Classes for providing clear verbal and visual communication in their outstanding video lessons. Remember, you can sign up any time and I highly recommend it!
~~~

Enjoy your day, whatever you're doing! 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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79 comments:

KT Fit Kitty said...

Way to go, Darnell! You did an awesome job with this class and I have enjoyed every single card! These are both great, yours and Hammy's. I've been coming here for a while and I've noticed you writing about Hammy but I thought he was your pet hamster. Now I am not so sure! Thanks for sharing your cards with us!

Happy Dance said...

Well, my mojo has left the room...Can I borrow Hammie so I can craft some more? His card is delightful. Love how he copied your technique! That lady bird is a hoot (or is that her cousin?...) Love your second card too, handmade by YOU!Very cool Cottage Leaf die! Looks like it's floating on a pond. So pretty. You rock girlfriend!!! Miss you tons. Talk to you soon. Bev

Liz said...

Just popping back to see how your masking cards are going......and this one is just gorgeous too. Hammy did a pretty good job on his card - you've taught him well! xx

Dotty Jo said...

Great cards... Hammy is very talented! ;)) Jo x

Ксения Phedra Ли said...

I think Hammy will be a great scrapbooker soon) your creativity never stops working! Five days for 10 cards! That is amazing)

Taasha Blevins said...

I'm always looking forward to your commentary. You make me smile; often. Thanks for that! Oh, and, of course your cards are always great inspiration too. I'm enrolled in the Maskerade class too but haven't managed to get any crafting time. In due time I hope.

Cazzy said...

Wow, Hammy did do well! I love the TH birds too but I don't yet have them.

Lisa said...

I so wish I had taken this course!! Your cards have been amazing!! And Hammy did such an amazing job!! I love that TH bird!! Your card is fabulous, too!! Have a great day :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Brenda said...

Oh yes, Hammy's card is brilliant! I love how he made this bird into his girlfriend and look at how pretty she is too! Looks like she has some nice, white balloons for Hammy, lucky guy! lol And Auntie, your card is beautiful!! Love those colors, your masking looks fabulous and I love the hope die cut. I'm glad you did some splattering this time around in your stain dark navy t-shirt. lol I hope your migraine is much better now! I hate migraines and I'm so happy that I don't suffer with them anymore. I pray the same for you! Hugs, Brenda

Canonbury creations said...

I've rally enjoyed seeing your creations from your Maskerade class Darnell even if i haven't commented on all of them! The pink feather was my favourite :0) Hammy is so talented too, your creativity has obviously rubbed off on him!
Hope your migraine has disappeared.
Val x

Kathleen said...

Well done Darnell on completing the classes and these are two fabulous cards, great colours.

Kath x

Bobby said...

Shoot! If Hammy can do homework then I should be able to. ;) I made one good card and one fail. I'm going to get busy and do a couple more, after I tell you how great you and Hammy did on yours. Yes, there are white balloons and they look perfect high above the ocean view. The watercoloring around your leaves turned out beautifully.

OH Babs said...

Way to go Hammy and friend.

Monika Reeck said...

ach that bird Image always so sweeet Darnel
anywhere I see this stamp this is cute and makes me smile
love your BG
I am sorry is the first card not yours? who is Hammy ...I am confused hehe (grinz)
and your hope card is I love all the blue there..great masking Darnell
I remember as I was 8 Years old in my school that my teacher teach us to put the leaf a real one and took the tooth brush and spread the color on that paper and leaf
it looks like that
and I love all blue color on your card
hugs, Monika (who can not always visiting you every day I am really sorryy but you are always in my heart sweet Darnell)

adele holcomb said...

Hammy did a great job (and so did you!). Give him a high five for me. High paw?

I seem to manage two cards a day too, but I've been so busy my two today were only for day 4 -- hope to get them posted later. What fun this class has been! Glad we have a few more days to post our work because I would really like to make each and every project. Hope to see more from you too!

adele holcomb said...

Hammy did a great job (and so did you!). Give him a high five for me. High paw?

I seem to manage two cards a day too, but I've been so busy my two today were only for day 4 -- hope to get them posted later. What fun this class has been! Glad we have a few more days to post our work because I would really like to make each and every project. Hope to see more from you too!

oldpunca said...

Dear Darnell, if I were your teacher, I would give you the highest possible score for your work! Amazing!
Have a great week, Sonja

BożenA said...

I love this card. Wonderful bird, this time a real bird lady. Had a great made eyelashes! A true masterpiece. Is it possible to enroll in the queue to improve the beauty? :-)
hugs,
Bozena

conil said...

Braggart! No not really, I'm just envious because I'm so behind. Glad you're feeling better today, Hammie substituted so well and with my favoritest stamp set this year. Love those birds and Ravonne looks so chic. Have to say LOVE the "Cottage Leaf" card, too. Like that heart you put in the "HOPE". Have a kind of restful couple of days...based on what I've seen from you this week, you deserve it!

Redanne said...

I am so, so happy that Hammy loves crazy bird too, that has made my day! I love the first card, the balloons are fantastic in white too. The second card is very stylish and elegant. That must have been one great class because you have mad some truly beautiful cards! Hugs, Annie xx

Verna Angerhofer said...

Well, you and Hammy both did outstanding card designs. Love them!

Sharon Underwood said...

Love your cards! You're really knocking out the homework--great job! I love your comments, as always. So sorry you had to endure a migraine. I've lived a life full of those things and I understand your pain, my friend. Hope you're feeling better!

Nora Noll said...

I am living vicariously through you for this class. So wish I had taken it!! Love your fun card with the white balloons. (Hammy-you rocked the homework out of the park) The second card I LOVE the leaves on this. Stunning cards!!

I hope you are feeling better. Migraines are awful!!

Carol said...

It's been a fun journey through your homework Darnell, you've been very dilly gent. Hammy has made a fab job of his card and yours ain't too bad either! Carol x

Pat said...

Love these last two cards Darnell, and Hammy deserves a pat on the back for his great creation. I love the white balloons and that zany bird, and then the pretty fern with the hope die, and a lovely idea to add a heart to the 'o'. Take it easy after your marathon. x

Bonnie said...

You go girl!!! And Hammy too! Shimmery white balloons are awesome! Love the leaves with the blue! I'll bet yesterday's shirt is prettier than the white speckles on the navy! ;)

Pam said...

Glad you made it through the class in a timely fashion. I myself am a bit behind. As in I haven't even registered for the class yet. It's on my "to do" list. One of them anyhow. Your cards are fabulous and please tell Hammy I love his white balloons. I love my Crazy Birds, too. Using them is on another list here somewhere...

Alanna said...

I'm sorry that you were taken ill. I hope you are feeling better now. Hammy made a wonderful card. I love that bird and she looks great with the white balloons.

Donna said...

Always enjoy your blog. Your cards are great, and your verbal meandering is delightful! I always leave with a smile! Thank you for that. :)

Unknown said...

Both cards are Fab, Darnell!! Hammy did a wonderful job :) when you were down with a migraine :( Good for you on taking the Online Card Class--aren't they wonderful!! So glad that you had such a wonderful time in class, it shows!!! :) XOXO-Shari

Linda said...

Darnell, you are rocking this class. Great cards. And thanks for your comments.

laurie said...

Sorry about the migraine..that's no fun. Hope it went away quickly!

Both cards are awesome! Sounds like the class has been fun. Thanks for playing along with my tic tac toe challenge at The Paper Players this week!

jimlynn said...

Pretty and fun cards Darnell! Class sounds like it was great. Hope you're feeling better.
Lynn

Lisa Elton said...

You do know that if Hammy enters his fabulous card with those nifty white balloons in a challenge and wins that there will be NO living with him! Your card is pretty too with that wispy fern and little splatters. Sorry about the migraine, hope you're feeling much better!

Susanne Vargas said...

Hope your migraine is gone! Hammy's card is awesome! No surprise, since he learned from the best! Also love your card with the light, wispy, floating leaf! So gorgeous!

Joyce said...

Hello Darnell--I have been MIA because my daughter graduated from high school yesterday. I cannot believe it but it is true. I have caught up on all your posts from your class, and see that you have learned many wonderful techniques. I hope I picked up a tip or two from just reading about your lessons.

Greta said...

Well, I wore my favorite white jeans once, so don't feel bad, my friend! I'm so impressed you did all 5 days in 5 days! I still haven't finished the one class I've signed up for, so won't let myself sign up for any others. Yes, there certainly are white balloons & I actually love them, but "your" card is just wonderful--nailed it!

Aileen said...

Darnell, you have done the online classes a great service, so much inspiration. Love the female version of the bird. They are so on my list of must have/neeeeed. Hope your migraine is fully gone. They can bè such buggers, sticking around and just twinging in the background. Take care and ask Hammie for a massage or two.

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh Darnell these are gorgeous - migraine or not - I hate those things, they take me out for half a day, and then, apparently, I am grumpy for a couple of days afterwards. I hope you do better than that :-).
Love Hammy's use of the TH image and making it feminine. The leaves make for a fabulous mask too.
Blessings
Maxine

Anonymous said...

Hope you are feeling better :)
Both yours and hammy's cards are fab.

Linda said...

What a way to finish ...... these cards are fab. I love Hammy's crazy bird ...... how clever is he! Have a great week ...... hugs Linda xx

Sue said...

Loving the cards. Yep, I've seen white balloons.

Hope you have a good start to the week. Sue

!neke said...

Beautiful masking cards !!!!!!!

Heather said...

Both fabulous card Darnell, I love the Crazy Birds - I always feel this one is a little sad!!
I love the colours of the beautifully embossed leaf and gorgeous sentiment die!!

hugs
Heather xx
Thanks so much for joining us with Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.

Julie B said...

Well done on finishing all the classes. I've never tried on line classes, perhaps I ought to give them a go.
Love the way 'Hammy' glamourized the fun birdie!
Thanks for the lovely comments on my blog by the way. :)

Jeanne said...

Oh so sorry to hear about the migraine, but that Hammy sure did an awesome job in your absence. :) Your second card looks fantastic, too. Looks like it was a great class and am happy to hear you were able to get most of your homework done in a timely manner. Have a great week!

Suzanne said...

Both You and Hammy did a great job on the cards, sooo pretty and the TH bird with the lips and eyelashes, it is so darn cute!!!! Even when you are not feeling up to par your cards rock! Congrats on completing the course, I'm starting my homework for day 5...somehow life, like cooking, showering and eating always seems to interfere with my crafting...:)

Ros Crawford said...

You did an amazing set of cards!! Thanks so much for your offer BTW ... It's really kind of you but I think I'll just stick to what I have ... One reason I didn't go buy the freezer stuff was because I didn't think I'd use it that much ... Thanks for thinking of me!

Geri said...

Hey...I bet you looked like I did at the Lakehouse....wearing a 14 year old stained T-shirt!

Two fab cards! Hammie did a fine job on his card - I really like the white balloons cuz color may have taken away from the pretty blue/green shading!

Such a fitting image for your "hope" card...soft, subtle, serene. The wee heart within the 'hope'.....genius dear friend!

Shoshi said...

Love the embossing and the white balloons, Darnell. Thank you for your lovely comment and your anniversary wishes and your very kind words - I don't feel as if I am creating outstanding works of art - yet - lol! - but at least my mojo has returned, thank goodness. Too exhausted for long periods in the studio and the sitting room looks like utter chaos with loads of boxes and fabrics and so on as I work on my little lavender sachets for fellow cancer sufferers at the hospital.

Shoshi

Carole said...

You sure have been busy...two cards a day! I'm lucky if I hit one a week! Your work is amazing, that feather card idea...knockout...great inspiration thank you. I have had a good time looking through your blog and of course I had to knock and enter the playhouse!!! OMG...I thought I was a OCD on being tidy but your play area is immaculate...love it. I can't work in clutter..lol. Thank you so much for your kind words on my blog and for becoming my latest follower, I am more than happy to return the favour. xx

Sybrina K said...

Darnell,

Love your and Hammy's cards! And, something tells me Tim would be just fine with Hammy's aritistic license. Looks like you've taken to masking pretty well. :)

Inkyfingers said...

I hate to break it to you my friend but I think Hammie is after your followers!!!!
I am so impressed that you kept up with all the homework and you produced such lovely cards. Hammie's bird cracks me up with the fluttering eyelashes!
Hugs
Carol x

Diane said...

I like the crazy bird stamp also, super cute and wonderful balloons and design Darnell.

Hugs diane

Brenda in IN said...

I'm so sorry you had to deal with a migraine. They are a beast. I'm so excited about Love being in the air for Hammy. Ravone is ravashing, no wonder he is smitten. He made such a cute card. Yours is pretty good too. I love that hope die and the lovely blue you used.

Anonymous said...

Awesome cards Darnell! I sign up for the classes but haven't made one darn card :-( Boo for me :-) ! Was a fun class and they are fabulous!

nwilliams6 said...

Wow - these are some of the my favorite cards you have made! Beautiful work!!!!! Hammy is doing some great things! Fun stuff. Hugz

Cat Craig said...

whoo Hoo Darnell, congratulations on making it through class and participating for each day, well done. These cards are adorable.

Kim Heggins said...

Love your card...and that sweet bird too. You totally rocked this class and I am sure the teachers gave you an A+

cuilliesocks said...

Again two fabulous cards Darnell, love the crazy bird image and both cards have such fab colours, love them, hugs Kate x

Unknown said...

The altered birdy look fantastic!! I love it! I think the white balloons look great against the blue background! Great job!!!
I am happy you are having fun with the classes! I would like to try that some time seems like a lot of fun and work :) I like a challenge ;)) Your card is beautiful! I just love the colour combo and that delicate embossing!
hugs

Mary-Anne V said...

Very nice card...love the topics of these classes.

stampwithsandy said...

Great cards Darnell, and I'm glad to hear you are enjoying the class on masking. The crazy bird is a hoot, and I love the shiny embossed leaves on the second card. So glad you joined us this week at The Paper Players!

Nessa's Crafty Place said...

Well,you look like you are having lots of fun with your classes Darnell!Loving the cute birdy card :)
Hugs,Nessa xxx

Donna said...

Those are fabulous Darnell, the bird put a huge smile on my face. All your cards from your class turned out great, very inspiring!

Maria said...

Sounds like a great class, Darnell! And, you made one fab card...so pretty! Love the bird card, too! I've eyed those bird stamps for awhile now...so CUTE! Take care and have a wonderful week!:-)

Carole Z said...

Fab cards Darnell, I love the birds - having been having a lot of fun with them myself lately, hugs Carole Z X

Taunya Butler said...

Spectacular and so genius - that hammie is sure talented and clever!! His card looks real good and I LOVE white balloons!! So in love with the hope card as well - so sweet, gentle and peaceful - just the kind of card that would fill a heart up with hope!!! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing with us your homework and inspiring us for so many days in a row - you are totally sweet and super talented!!!

Marybeth said...

Love thise silly birds! I am thinking I maybe should have taken this class as so many of you did. Beautiful close up of the embossed fern ,love that one too. Hugs!

cm said...

Good on Hammie for exercising poetic license with his 'chick'; quite the talent he has! As for white balloons: yep, they exist. I've even blown up a couple or twelve for the kiddos, in every colour. Not doing that again: hy-per-vent-i-la-ting is not my idea of fun, though they seemed to enjoy watching Aunty C gasping for air. Silliness! Your second card: lovely! Way to go on keeping up with the lessons: A++++!
Hugs~c

Unknown said...

Hammy did a lovely job with the bird and the balloons. I really like the colors on the background. And that bird stamp is fabulous.

The hope card is so pretty. I really like the soft blue and your splatters.

You learned some fabulous techniques during the class and created some beautiful cards.

Birgit said...

Hammy did a great job on the card. I love that bird-Love him and I shall name him Herbert or Herberta:) There are white balloons and I love the blue shading. Love the 2nd card also with the leaves in white and the shading behind it-really pretty

Jan Clothier said...

Congratulations Darnell on a fine win at Paper Players. I really love your hope stencil and the cute heart on it.

Michelle said...

I love BOTH of these. I popped over because the Paper Players card caught my eye. Love those colors! But then I saw the bird card....best use of that stamp that Ive seen. Love it!

Anita in France said...

You and Hammy both did a great job with your cards for the final day of class, Darnell ... I've so enjoyed seeing all the splendid yumminess from the whole week! Any time Hammy would like to pop over here and create while I'm tied up with other stuff, he'll be most welcome ... and I could teach him a little French to try out on his latest love interest!! Hugs & Bisous, Anita :)

BożenA said...

Wow, beautiful card. Congratulations on winning, fully deserved! White and blue - the perfect combination.
Regards,
Bozena

Loly Borda said...

Tell Hammy he did and awesome job with his girly bird and card! And of course I love yours! TFS

Helen F. said...

Good Job, Hammy! Sooo creative~
Love the Crazy Bird image :-) and the Hope card is super inspirational!

Unknown said...

Nhiều bạn đọc thắc mắc Mọc răng khôn là điềm gì Dế vào nhà kêu là điềm gì. Vì nhiều người cho rằng những hiện tượng bất thường từ tự nhiên luôn đem lại điềm báo trước gì đó cho con người. Tuy nhiên, với cuộc sống thực tại hiện nay, không còn ai tin vào những lời đồn đại này nữa. Mỹ một đất nước lớn với nhiều văn hóa dân tộc đặc sắc. Vậy có Có nên đi Mỹ sống định cư không để thử nghiệm của sống mới không. Và Thời điểm lý tưởng để đi tắm nhất là lúc nào. Nhiều người cho rằng, tắm buổi sáng sẽ giúp máu lưu thông, mang lại nhiều lợi ích cho sức khỏe.
Chung tôi chuyên cung cấp dịch vụ order hàng nhậtvận chuyển hàng hóa từ nhật về việt nam với giá cả cạnh tranh, dịch vụ tốt nhất trên thị trường hiện nay, đã và đang được rất nhiều người tiêu dùng sử dụng.