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!

June 5, 2015

Coloring With Water

Hey! How's it going?

Today I'm joining in the Watercolor Hop being hosted by Paulina on her Pretty Pink Posh website. There are pro watercolor card artists appearing as guests (which means oodles of inspiration) and lots of prizes being offered.

The hop runs from June 5-8, 2015. I hope to see you there!

For my first card, I honored Dad's Day again. This time I used a stamp of a delicious martini, complete with fishies and a fishing pole stir stick! I heat embossed the stamp image in black to give it more interest and teschure. (Sorry, I had to drink it after removing the hathards. I wasnit gonna let it go to wathp.)
The stamp is from Impression Obsession (E2295). I watercolored it with Distress Inks by smooshing the sunset-colored ink pads onto my acrylic block and painting with my water brush. These colors were chosen because of a phrase we often use around here, which we first heard spoken by a gas station attendant while we were on a camping vacation thirty years ago.

"Yes, sir," he said to the Mister, "when the hills are pink, it's time for a drink."

The sediment is from Imaginations. The border was made by die-cutting a Simon Says Stamp "Grid Border" and using it as a stencil to watercolor inside the boxes.
Challenges
WatercolorBloghop
Shop
~~~

My second card:
The roses are from a v.o. and long-neglected SU stamp. I first applied Distress Ink markers directly to the stamp and then I spritzed and stamped it onto watercolor paper. I added more color and detail by scribbling Distress Ink markers onto my craft mat and using a water brush. The stitched dies are from Lil' Inkers.

To give the card dimension, I inked all around the sides of the inner panel with my Versafine black ink pad before placing it back inside the frame. After holding my breath for that risky maneuver, I wasn't taking any more changes, so I used a pretty SRM sticker for my sediment. 

Challenges
GRAB OUR BADGE!WatercolorBloghop
All the links provided will take you to the challenges where you will find details on rules, sponsors, prizes and lots of inspiration!

~~~


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123 comments:

stampwithsandy said...

Darnell, I love the fun image in the dad's day card and you colored it so well. But whoah, you knocked me out with your gorgeous floral! Absolutely beautiful!

Sylvia said...

Darnell, I love this rose card. Watercolor is my favorite art technique. Stitched frames I really like so I'm totally loving this card. Good Job! Sylvia D.

Leigh Penner said...

Fabulous cards, Darnell!

Pat said...

Two gorgeous watercolour cards Darnell. I love the Dad's Day card with that wonderful cocktail and the die you have cut for a stencil works really well, and what a beautiful rose on the inset stitched rectangle, and such a great idea to ink round the inner edge of the outside piece before replacing the rectangle. Really pretty colours you have used too. x

Sarn said...

Well, they are both GREAT watercolour cards Darnell . . . but I am plumping for the Dad's day one as my fave.

Have a great weekend.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Ros Crawford said...

Absolutely gorgeous cards!! Your roses are splendid!!

Kay Miller said...

Ooooh Darnell!! These cards are lovely!! Well the roses are lovely and the drink is just plain funny! haha! Your watercoloring is fantastic!! Just seems like yesterday you were emailing me to tell me how to get my paper not to crumple all up when I watercolored! Now look at us old pros!! Have a great weekend my friend!! ((Hugs))

Inkyfingers said...

What a fabulous pair of cards Darnell! They are so different but I wouldn't like to have to choose one as a favourite. No crafting under the influence now my friend!!!

Hugs
Carol x

Claire Broadwater said...

Such fantastic cards, Darnell! I love both of them! I love the martini glass! The pink is perfect for your funny memory!!!!! I LOL! Thank you for joining us at The Paper Players this week! XX

laurie said...

Wow those beautiful water color cards just keep coming...they are awesome!You make it look so easy!

SD pooja said...

Loved both of them !

Susanne Vargas said...

Love the phrase about the pink hills, how you used the grid die as a stencil and watercolored it, and that beautifully colored rose on the second card! So fabulous, both of the cards!

Joanne James - The Crafty Owl said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell - you are on a watercolouring roll this week!

Susie Sonnier said...

How fun is this card!!!

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Fantastic card
have a great weekend
hugs Tamara

Vicki Dutcher said...

There is the Flickr card [ I borrowed your idea ;)] -- love the fishing pole very cute idea. Gorgeous colored flower -- Fun day of participating hops huh?

Sarah said...

What fabulous inky goodness you are sharing today Darnell. Love the martini glass, perfect for a chap and the roses are gorgeous and beautifully framed xx

Sabrina said...

WOW!!! Both cards are absolutely marvelous and stunning!!

Carol said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell, love the image and colours for Dad day and your second is so pretty. Carol x

KT Fit Kitty said...

Your watercolour cards are gorgeous, Darnell! Love the stamp on the first card - so fun! And the roses are stunning!

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

That's one funky Martini! But who knows, those little fishies could be tasty ;)
Fabulous water coloring - I wish I could stay home and craft all day....

Unknown said...

Gorgeous watercoloring Darnell! Love how you created both a masculine and a feminine card!

Geri said...

Oh my goodness...your martini card had me giggling out loud again...at work! Awesome card - awesome stencilling! Reminded me that I have some of these lattice pieces that I brought home from the Lakehouse! Love your inked background and the fish in the glass!

Stunning, magnificent, beautiful, totally WOW flower card! Inking the edges of the inner panel makes an INCREDIBLE difference - GREAT idea! Yep, I'd be adding a stick-on too after all this work!

Marybeth said...

Oh gosh ...too cute and gorgeous are these cards! Love the martini and I have to say my DH makes the absolutely best fresh squeezed lemon drop martinies ever!
Your watercolor blooms are just gorgeous!

Cat Craig said...

WHat a fun image....love this card.

Jenny said...

Two wonderful cards Darnell! The fishing pole martini gives me the giggles - soooo clever! You should also enter your fishing pole card into the Sweet 'n Sassy Hop...it fits the theme perfectly! :)

http://www.stampingicandy.com/2015/06/lets-hear-it-for-boys-pretty-pink-posh.html

Laura Norris said...

Love your martini card! So fun with the handmade stencil. Great job Darnell.

designbydonna said...

Two great cards. I like the stenciling on the Father's Day one. The drink there looks good enough to reach into the computer and take a sip. Beautiful coloring on the roses. I like that hint about accenting the edge.

Sue said...

Both cards fab. I love the flower one. The roses look so real.

Hope you have a lovely weekend. Sue

Jenny said...

To answer your question Darnell....you can use stamps and supplies from any company for the Sweet 'n Sassy challenge. :)

Nancy Lee said...

great Mom and Pop cards!!

Nora Noll said...

What stunning cards!! LOVE the fun drink one. Could use a drink about now too!!! I like that you made a your own stencil. Great way to stretch your dies. The second one is STUNNING!!! I love that you used your distress markers and a very old stamp. The roses are so beautiful. GREAT take on all the challenges!!

BożenA said...

For me, the time for a drink is coming :-) Great card and cool watercolor. But the second card just stunned me! That is wonderful! These roses are a real impression. The moment you stopped by, transience and fragility ... a real miracle!
hugs,
Bozena

Becca Cruger said...

Giiiiiiirrrlllll you need to break out those brushes more often because your watercoloring is out of this world! Stunningly tailored, extremely elegant and flabbergastingly lovely. That's all I can say about it.

sandie said...

This is so funny because as I write this Hubby is having his Friday night Martini...no fishes just olives!! I adore the pink background and that saying is a winner. Adorable flowers, I am hoping to join in but will see how the weekend pans out x

cuilliesocks said...

Two brilliant cards Darnell, I love the dad's card, super image and love the stylish grid. Beautiful floral card, lovely colours, hugs Kate x

Sue said...

Totally gorgeous cards Darnell!!! have a fabulous weekend huggles Sue xx

Jerrie said...

Darnell, beautiful watercoloring. I love the rose card. The martini card is so fun with the fish in the glass and the fishing pole on the side!!

Verna Angerhofer said...

I love the dads day card and the beautiful rose one too.

jimlynn said...

One as cute as can be and one so pretty! Love that first one and I really can't think of a better way to "go fishing"!
Lynn

Redanne said...

I love the way you did the stencil and it has produced a wonderful result on your first card. Love the fishing rod in the glass - such fun!

Your rose card is stunning, your watercolouring is absolutely superb! Hugs, Annie xx

Pam said...

Great cards, Darnell. That martini is so funny and your roses are beautiful. I'm going to try to get something made to join in. Love to watercolor.

Suzanne said...

Love both your cards but the flower one is awesome!!!!

Kelly Szafron said...

Fantastic cards, I love the Father's Day card!

stampingbowd said...

You are so funny! LOVE the description on your first card. I love the border you used. I am going to try that out!!! ....when the hills are pink....that's funny! Your second card is exquisite!

Carole Pollard said...

gorgeous card I love them both they are so pretty love the cocktail glass so well coloured love and hugs Carole x

Unknown said...

You created the absolute PERFECT dad's day card for my dad. He loves fishing AND he's a wine-maker/liqueur maker. He would love this card! Now I wish I had these stamp sets. Thanks for the inspiration!

Ardyth said...

Love the idea of cutting your own stencil! Beautiful watercolour cards! Have a great weekend!

Claire Grantham said...

Two very cool cards Darnell..did you notice that we are next to each other in the linky :) 2 brand new breaks to the foot..deep joy. I like your clever border! Happy Weekend my friend. Cx

oldpunca said...

Dear Darnell, you have impressed me very much with your water colouring. Two amazing cards. I like the border on dad's card and fabulous colouring of the rose.
Hugs, Sonja

maria f. said...

So different but both so wunnerful. I'm really diggin the fishing rod in the martini glass for Dad. But the bestest is the filling station attendant's quote!

Milka Gubo said...

Hi Darnell,
Both cards are so so cool and pretty! Love your watercoloring. :-D
hugs
Milka

Sue D said...

Fun and fabulous cards. Love the fishing pole and fish and the border on the first and the roses are beautiful on the second.

Lizzy Hill said...

Never been much of a watercolourer, but I adore the look & dabble a bit. LOOOVE the rose...... so pretty! And I'm liking your pink....drink idea up the top! that side 'stencil' looks awesome, too :)

Megan said...

I like the watercolored stenciled border! Great way to stretch your die. And a fabulous color combo!

Lindsey said...

Hi Darnell! I'm shamefully behind in commenting, and will come back to see your MASKerade cards soon. Meanwhile... I love the image on the first card! And I'm wondering if pink hills have pink elephants after the drink is drunk. The second card is a classic beauty. <3!

Cris G. said...

Your first card is really fun, Darnell. Fishes inside a martini... could they be olive fishes? Your second card is just so beautiful, great job with watercolors. Clever idea to accent the borders of the inner panel.

Michele K. Henderson said...

What a fantastic idea! I love that grid template technique! Looks AMAZING and so clever too!

TK said...

I love your watercoloring on both cards, nice job! Also, I won't tell you that I just saw someone say today that "you can't use a stencil" for watercolor cuz it doesn't work -- yours looks great to me :o)

Lisa Elton said...

The fishing pole in the martini glass gave me a giggle!! Love this and your pretty watercolored panel. Your second card is beautiful, wow your roses look amazing!! So happy you could hop with us Darnell!

Shona Chambers said...

Was imagining you stamping around the edge of that panel...eeekk....I would have had ink everywhere!!! Those flowers are beautiful and love the die-cut you used for the middle panel, adds just that bit of interest. And your first card is so fantastic and such a cool image. My dad would have loved this if it was a fishing rod in a glass of beer!!! Gosh, I just realised it would have been his birthday today and he would have been 81yrs old. Wow, it was two years on Tuesday that he passed away, amazing how time flies but the 'missing them' part seems awfully slow......

Hussena said...

Wow !! Both your cards are just fabulous ..hoe amazing is the grid design on your first card !!..And I have totally fallen in love with your coloring on the second card ..so gorgeous !!

kiwimeskreations said...

Awesome cards Darnell - love the martini, and especially the reason for you background colours. The stencilled grid was an inspired touch. The roses are gorgeous!! Love how you have cut them out, blacked the edges and then re-inserted it in the frame.
Blessings
Maxine

Anonymous said...

The rose card is divine. Love it.
Love how you made your own stencil too :)

Robyn Oliver said...

That's pretty cool martini glass stamp...a great fun image for a male card...and your rose is just gorgeous Darnell, beautifully water coloured.

Marilyn said...

Darnell, I love both of your cards especially the first one with the martini glass

Lisa Savini said...

Both are great cards, very inspirational!

Sazzle Dazzle said...

Another brilliant post and gallery from you Darnell.
I do love that fun image on the first one - very clever and superb watercolouring. It's addictive isn't it and so relaxing!
Great to see you've linked up at AAA Cards and ATSM.
Thanks so much. Sarah

M said...

Wow! LOVE both your cards!! Such beautiful work. 😊

Maura said...

Great cards, Darnell! I especially like the flowered one and how you added the dimension with the black around the edges - I have never done that but I like the look! Congrats on your win at Paper Players!!

mgpm said...

Lovely cards, and the water coloring is so beautiful!

D.Ann C said...

Love the background, stencil, and gorgeous flowers!

Shanna Shands said...

Great set of cards!

Shanna Shands said...

Great set of cards!

Chriss Blagrave said...

Beautiful cards again Darnell! Love the pink hills martini :))). I use the 5:00 rule, but there are several time zones in this country, right?
Beautiful detailed roses...I need to look for a good rose stamp!
Hugs XOX

Victoria Lavender said...

Ha Ha! Still safer than ice fishing! So fun, so glad you shared this zinger with us. Hugs, Victoria- AAA Cards

Gerrina said...

Beautiful cards! Love the blocks and panel on your first! Enjoy the weekend!

Brithzi said...

Great watercolor cards.

Shona Chambers said...

In my rush to comment on these beautiful cards I hadn't realised you had linked them to the ATSM challenge, so officially I wanted to thank you for playing!!! Sounds all serious, doesn't it??

Michelle said...

Darnell, that rose card is so super beautiful! Great technique! Love it!

Monika/Buzsy said...

Fantastic cards Darnell. Love the heat embossed martini glass with the wishing pole. That is just awesome... the border line with the little squares is amazing. The rose is beautiful. Wonderful colors.

Dortesjs said...

great happy Dad card and i love the rose card to

Greta said...

The watercolored grid is fabulous--gotta try that! 2 wonderful cards, Darnell, but the pink roses are my favorite--big surprise, huh?!

Nana Griffin said...

Both cards are lovey but the flower is my favorite.

Jessica said...

These are both so awesome! Love the flowers, they're so soft and pretty! :)

Brenda in IN said...

That martini is a hoot with the fishing pole and fish! Maybe the bartender was drinking too. Your roses are so pretty and I love how you inked the black around the edges. Great idea to use the grid as a stencil. I would have sworn I commented yesterday, but I don't see it so if this is a second one, I'm nuts.

Julie B said...

Love how you made the panel down the side and the fishing rod in the Martini is a scream!
Thanks for linking up at STAMPlorations. :)

Jenni's Jems said...

Love your martini glass but gotta say that rose isn't just awesome it is STUNNING!!!!!! :)x

Unknown said...

two wonderful cards, but that rose colouring is stunning

Carole Z said...

Two really fab cards Darnell, love them both! Hugs Carole ~Z X

Renata said...

Krasni voščilnici. Vrtnice so mi še posebej všeč, tudi voščilnica za očeta je lepa.

Kim Heggins said...

Both of your cards are fabulous...but I love that you are fishing for a martini! I know an easier way to get one but this is so clever and fun!

Bonnie said...

There are pink hills somewhere at any given time. Right? Love the martini with fishes swimming happily! And your roses are gorgeous!

Celeste Goff said...

What a fun and creative card!

Birgit said...

OK you made me laugh with your drinking writing style:) The first card is fun and great for father's day especially with that saying. I love the roses-It looks like it was a watercolour painting which it is in many ways. June is my birthday month so this rose goes perfect!

Wanda Cullen said...

Oh...love that grid stenciled border! Now I'm thirsty. Your roses are gorgeous and so perfect in the throwdown colors!

Kristina B. said...

LOVE the stencil you made! It makes for a gorgeous stencil!

Joyce said...

Oh, why are there always 100 people here before me????? Love both of your cards, Darnell. Fantastic idea to use that border die as a stencil. It looks a bit like mosaic tile. And, your spritz watered flower is just beautiful.

Donna said...

Both fabulously stunning!!

Brandi R said...

That first card is just too cute! Love that stamp! The second is just stunning. Gorgeous flowers ♥

Barb Ghig said...

Two fabulous cards, Darnell! I love your water coloring and stenciling on the first one and your flowers on the 2nd card are gorgeous! You've really outdone yourself today! Thanks so much for playing along with us this week at ATSM...I alwaays enjoy seeing your creations in the gallery!

JD/ Jill said...

Your watercoloring is fabulous! So clever to make and use your own stencil...must remember that tip...thanks for sharing.

Carol L said...

I'm cracking up over the fishing pole (and fish) in the martini glass! What a fun image, and I love your stenciled border too! Beautiful roses on the 2nd card, and the coloring looks ahhhhhhmazing!! Great cards!

Petra Swart said...

Your watercolouring on both cards is great, Darnell!!!! Love the cute martini glass and the roses are beautiful!!!!

Jenny said...

I'm so glad you joined in the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Let's Hear it for the Boys, Darnell. My dad loved to fish and had a wonderful sense of humor - he would have loved your card!

Annie said...

Love both your cards, beautiful watercoloring! Thanks for sharing! ~Annie

conil said...

Laughed so hre when I saw the 1st card I almost...er...we won't go into that here. Let's just say it is delightful and totally clever to use the die to create the stencil. The second one is 180 degrees out, feminine and elegant. Just bee-u-tea-full.

Taunya Butler said...

What can I say that has not already been said!! You are a marvel and both these cards are absolute winners - so well done and those blooms are super spectacular!! Hugs and love to you!!!

Craftychris said...

Both these are fab! Love the fishing idea in the glass and the grid looks brilliant! The second one is so delicate and gorgeous! I wanted to make a card for the watercolour blog hop but life got in the way! xxx

Lee Ann Barrett said...

LOL! Sounds like the gas station attendant had quite the sense of humor! The flowers are just gorgeous!

Vickie Z said...

Here I am again!! Love these cards!, I think I have flunked the stamp on block...spritz thing...you aced it!!

Brenda said...

OMGosh, I love this first card! lol The cocktail with the fishing pole is just fabulous! But even more fabulous is the man who told you guys that if the hills where pink then it is time for a drink! I've never heard that, but I am loving it and i hope I can remember it!!! lol Love, love, love the rose card! That is just stunning!!! Your watercoloring is just superb Auntie!! Hugs, Brenda

Tracey McNeely said...

Awesome Darnell, the fishing pol in the martini glass? I forgot where I had let it--LOL Your flowers on the second card are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I love your coloring!!

Larissa Heskett said...

OMG OMG OMG!! I LOVE these!! The Martini with the Fishing Pole is just SO FUN!! I think he's going to ENJOY getting that for Father's Day forsure!! =) Such a BEAUTIFUL Design on your Rose Card and your Water Coloring is AWESOME!! =) THANKS for sharing and have a FABULOUS WEEK!! =)

Anita in France said...

How fun is that martini glass with all those little fishing accoutrements, Darnell ... and that awesome border ... need to snitch that idea! Stunning, really stunning watercolouring on that rose ... it's just ... well ... stunning! Hugs & Bisous, Anita :)

Sarah said...

what a gorgeous card, i love it.x

Unknown said...

The martini card is fabulous. I really like the stenciling you did down the side and the watercoloring you did on the image.

The roses are absolutely stunning. And the stitch dies add just enough interest without taking the focus away from the image.

Bobby said...

You're really getting into this watercolor thing, Darnell. Your martini card is great and I love the watercolored grid. The roses? They are extraordinary!

ionabunny said...

Very nice. Great saying. Hugz

Helen F. said...

Super fun Dad's Day card and beautiful water-colored roses Birthday card.

LauraJane:) said...

Great job coloring with water! The roses are my favorite:)
Thanks for playing at STAMPlorations!

cm said...

Hello my friend! TEN posts, and in the case of this one, 122 comments, behind! What the ??? I'm coming out from under the mountain of 'buried me under' stuff to do some catching up! Your martini card...brilliant! The teschure is amazing and I quite love the pink (and the 'when the hills are pink, it's time to drink' phrase, too). Your roses....swooning! Works of art! Are you counting down the days to your trip? We are...one. more. week!
Hugs~c