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 10, 2016

NBUS Challenge #6 ~ Day Ten!

[Linky tool below.] 

And here we are! The last day!

Once again you have outdone yourselves! You have made a huge success of NBUS Challenge #6!! I'm SO proud of all of you for turning that NBUS into US!
To thank you, I made you a thank you tag!
I not only used NBUS, I used NBUT (never-before-used-technique)!

When I first saw the faux mother of pearl technique being featured on the Happy Little Stampers CAS Challenge, I couldn't wait to try it. Besides, my dear friend Anita from France is the Guest Designer!
So with hamsters perched about my head and shoulders, we watched a couple of wonderful tutorials provided on the challenge blog and gave it a whirl. It's awesome! Basically, you ball up a piece of cling wrap and wet it with your liquid pearls and then you pounce the cling wrap ball on your card stock. And on your fellow hamsters, if you have any!

The liquid pearls act like an emboss resist and after it quickly dried, I followed Loll's lead, and blended tangerine and melon for the flower and then wasabi and pear for the leaves. (I keep asking, why are so many ink pad colors named after food?!) A little buffet to finish it off and you're ready for die-cutting your shapes or simply stamping on your beautiful background!

For my tag, I used a NBUS flower die called "Bloom Builders" from Papertrey Ink. The leaves are from two different dies: the long stem is "Lorelai Outline Leaf" from Poppystamps, and the shorter leaves are NBUS from the "Flower Box" die by My Favorite Things. The NBUS sediment is from "Thankful" by Avery Elle and the ribbon was inked to match.

It was a rainy day so I had a devil of a time trying to capture the pretty pearliness in photos, but Anita and the DT and the gallery all have some amazing inspiration over on the challenge blog for you to check out if you haven't tried this technique before. It really is super easy, super fun and, as Loll says, it has a huge impact!
For my design inspiration, I used the current Tag You're It Challenge where another dear friend, Marybeth, is the featured Designer and Michele is the Guest Designer. I'm also playing in the "Spring Fling" challenge at Poppystamps Challenge.
Challenge Badge copy


On a personal note, DDIL Rachel has gone to be with one of her sisters who is very ill. Her name is Elizabeth and your prayers would be appreciated. Dan is in the middle of trial prep, so Papa and I are enjoying the company of the twinsters and granddog Duke for several days. With their busy schedules, we rarely get to have them for sleep-overs, so we plan to enjoy every minute of it!

I'll catch up with you little by little and I'll be back for sure on Sunday with the winner's post! Again, thank you so much for your support, participation, and friendship! MWAH!

Enjoy your day! Enjoy the last day of the challengeNo, 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!

*Life is too short!

To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrolling:
Click CTL + Home. 
Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post.
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Mwah!
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Head's UP! Some of you do not have blogs and when I click on your name in the comment, I get a "no reply blogger" message or a Google+ profile with no information. That means I have NO WAY of contacting you if you are a winner! You must leave me your email address in your comment or email me separately with the information. If I can't find you, you can't win a prize! Thank you!!


82 comments:

Jane Willis said...

What a wonderful technique, totally new to me but I must give it a try, it looks gorgeous.
Thinking of your family, hope all will be well - and you get a bonus grandchild-spoiling chance which I'm sure is always welcome!
Sorry I've not been able to join in with NBUS much this time but I've been away visiting my Mum and have just got home so I'm frantically trying to catch up with life
Jane

Linda said...

Thank you Darnell for hosting another fabulous challenge ..... so much fun. You've nailed the faux MOP technique here that flower looks gorgeous.
Lots of love to your family .... enjoy the grandkids ❤😊 xx

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, What a pretty tag.

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Julie B said...

Such a pretty tag and thank YOU for hosting this fab challenge. :)

Kathyk said...

Goodness, the last day? ALready? You can't say it's not been well supported mate, and THANKS TO YOU for encouraging us all to use our stash of NBUS!!! Without you it might still be languishing in a box or drawer!

Fab tag and technique today too

Happy Thursday

Kathyk

Petra Swart said...

What a fabulous tag, Darnell!!!! You've done great with that M-O-P technique and your flower is simply stunning!!! So beautiful!!!!
Thank you so much for all the time and effort to host another NBUS challenge!!! You're the best!!!!
Have a great day!!!
Hugz

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Ho, thanks for this fab tag!! Love it! And thanks for sharing this beautiful technique, I must try!
Congrats for your goal, how much entries!! Now finger crossed...! :D

Cathy said...

What a beautiful tag Darnell, love the technique you used too. Sending prayers and hugs to you and your family, hope all will be ok :) Cathy x

Sandra H said...

This is so beautiful....sending prayers and lots of love xx

Marianne said...

Gorgeous tag, Darnell. Your flower is beautiful, but I bet it's even prettier in real life. I've been meaning to try this faux mop technique for a while now. Hopefully, life will become less hectic from now on. Just came back from our appointment with the surgeon who wanted to check the operation wound. Everything is looking well, and DH's bowels are slowly starting to behave more normally, but it will take a while longer before everything is back to normal. Thinking of you as well. Take care!
Marianne x

Cara said...

Beautiful tag, I hadn't heard of that technique before but think I'll have to give it a go. Sending lots of vibes for Elizabeth and lots of love for her family and friends. Cara x

Barb said...

A really beautiful tag Darnell and a technique I'm going to try.
Sending love to Rachel and Elizabeth and her family. Barbxx

Carole said...

Beautiful tag...love the colours!

Barbara Godden said...

I wish I had time to play every day I have enough NBUS to do it too. I love the challenge and love the fact I now am not a "no-reply" blogger thank you so much for the information.

Pat said...

This tag is a real beauty Darnell and the faux MOP technique looks great with that fabulous colour. I love that really pretty die cut flower and the leaves all using the same technique, and the ribbon finishes it perfectly. Thank you again for such a great challenge! x

Jeanne said...

Pure gorgeousness! That is indeed a beautiful technique. Glad you are getting some rain, although hope it's not too much all at once. I'm sure you will have a splendid time with your grandsons, although wish the circumstances surrounding the visit were happier. Hope auntie gets better quickly. Thanks for sharing this challenge. Hugs!

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

This is so pretty Darnell my friend! I love that big, stitched tag and the beautiful bright colours and I can imagine the stunning shimmer on your technique piece! TFS. Have a lovely lovely day! Hazel xx
My Card Attic

Lisa said...

Oh wow, Darnell, your faux MOP technique looks amazing!! I love the gorgeous flower!! What a stunning tag!! Thank you so much for being such an amazing NBUS hostess!! I'm saying prayers for Elizabeth. I hope you enjoy the time with the twinsters and Duke!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Jen W. said...

I'm sorry to hear about Rachel's sister but glad to hear that you house is full of twinks and puppies! :)

I will have to go and check out this technique because I love the look of your card! Yummy colours and that layered flower is fabulous!

designbydonna said...

Lovely tag. The mother of pearl technique is so pretty. I really must give it a try. Thanks for the NBUS challenge. I have enjoyed playing. Have a fun weekend with the grandsons.

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
oh this technique is fab and end result is ace.
Must have a go at this one sometime.
Love your design of that super tag with it, and the colours and pearl technique is superb.
So glad your challenge is so popular.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Dana M said...

Gorgeous tag Darnell! Fabulous technique and colors. Prayers for Elizabeth. Enjoy your time with the boys :)

TK said...

Wow! Gorgeous, Darnell! I believe your perfect pearls shone more than my pearlized paint! Gotta try your product now... Beautiful flower!

Marybeth said...

Congratulations on another huge success! Keeping Elizabeth in my prayers!
Love your tag and the pretty Pearl technique you added ! Don't you just love that Poppystamps tag set! I'm so happy you joined us at Tag You're It, and Poppystamps ! What an honor to be mentioned on your blog dear friend! Thank you!
Congratulations again oh your huge success with NBUS it is EVERYWHERE!

Toni said...

Oh, wow, Darnell, your take on the faux mother of pearl technique is amazing--I absolutely love it! But I don't love that I didn't have time to join in your NBUS challenge this round--next time!

Toni

Lisa's Creative Niche said...

Enjoy your time with the grand kids! Gorgeous flowers and hoping to squeeze one more card in!

JoAnn said...

What a gorgeous thank you card. I love your pretty flower and mother of pearl technique.
Prayers for Elizabeth and enjoy your time with the twinsters.
Also, thanks for having this wonderful NBUS challenge. So many wonderful entries and inspiration.

conil said...

Geez, great minds. This was almost exactly my plan for the Happy Little Stampers and Tag Your It! challenges, although, it's doubtful that I could create something as lovely as your tag. This pearly, marbley effect on the flowers and background looks awesome. Surprising that something this easy could produce such loveliness.
Your NBUS is a smashing success, yet again. Thanks for your generosity of time and prizes to put on this event. It really is fun to use stuff that you dig out of your stash that you've never used.
Sending prayers and positive thoughts for Elizabeth. Have fun with the twins.

Patti said...

Wow! I will have to check out this amazing technique! : ) Looks just elegant! Outstanding tag Darnell!

Have a blast with your boys!!

Patti

Cat Craig said...

That marbling techniques sounds fun, I will have to check it out. Your bloom is fabulous with all the color variations. This is an adorable tag, perfect for the challenge and what a nice end to your NBUS challenge. So glad I could participate this time. Hugs.

Brenda said...

Wow, what a fabulous tag Auntie! I love that technique too and want to give it a try myself. I don't have any cling wrap though, so I might try out a sandwich baggy. About the same thing, or at least to me. lol Love that flower too, all those yummy layers and then there is the leaves, oh my makes for such a beautiful tag! Will most certainly keep your DIL in my prayers as well as her sister. I won't even have to tell you to enjoy those twins, cause I know you guys are! And what a wonderful NBUS 6 this was!! Look at all those entries! Amazing, but not because you have us all train really well to get those NBUS's out and use them! lol Hugs, Brenda

Jean said...

Phew! I just about made it time to enter you fabulous challenge. I love your gorgeous tag, the flower is beautiful and the technique sure gives a super effect.
Enjoy your time with your grandsons.
Jean x

Carol L said...

I hadn't heard of this technique until you posted it, but your card turned out fantastic! I love the colors and especially that big flower! Enjoy your time with the twins and doggie - life goes by so quickly to begin with!!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Love your card, Darnell! My thoughts and prayers are with your family!
Hugs,
Em x

Verna Angerhofer said...

Your tag is so beautiful and I love the flower on it. And, thanks for the inspiration to use some of our products that had not seen any love yet. I did use many this last two weeks. And, enjoy the twinsters.

Loll said...

Your tag is so beautiful Dolly!! Great job with the Faux Mother of Pearl. LOVE those colours! :) Congrats on a very success NBUS Challenge --- I knew it would be.

Sorry to hear about Elizabeth ... will keep her in my thoughts and prayers. Enjoy your time with the boys.

Lolly xx

Renee's ramblings said...

Hi Darnell. I was at last able to get a pic of my card loaded, but am not exactly sure I've entered the contest correctly to be eligible for a prize. (I am SO inept with all this computer junk.) I started a blog, Renee's Ramblings, several years ago, but haven't kept up with it, and now have absolutely no idea how to access it. I have also discovered several others' blogs with the same name.

Anyway, my card is entry #353, and used some scraps of papers, a couple of NBUS stamps from DeNami, with some twinkling H2Os, and a couple of rhinestones from my stash.

rachel said...

a beautiful make Darnell and not a technique I have seen before! Lovely. Big hugs rachel x

Jeanne J. said...

OOOH.. your flower is gorgeous! I love a new technique too! Congrats on another successful NBUS challenge !

dottielottie said...

First of all I must say I love that tag for it's shape alone,but then it has the most gorgeous flower in all it's faux mother of pearliness perched prettily in the corner.Sooo lovely! I do hope things improve for Elizabeth it must be such a stressful time for your DIL. Hopefully you will have much fun and happy times with the boys and Duke over the next few days. Enjoy! Hugs Lottie x

Redanne said...

Just popped in to say hello, I LOVE your tag, it is gorgeous. Hope you have a good time with the Twinsters.

I will keep Elizabeth in my thoughts. Take care my friend. Hugs, Annie xxx

Cris G. said...

Gorgeous tag, the flower is a beauty all by itself! I will take a good look at this technique and try to do something as cool as you did.
Sending prayers and best wishes to Rachel's sister, Elizabeth; I hope that she recovers very soon!
Have the best times in the company of the twinsters and granddog Duke!

Tina Z. said...

Thank you Darnell for hosting another amazing challenge, so many lovely creations .....
I used the same technique for the first time and your flower looks perfect.
Enjoy with your grandkids!
hugs, Tina

oldpunca said...

Congratulation for a big success of your NBUS#6 challenge! Your tag with the flower in faux mother pearl technique is perfect. :-)
Enjoy the days with the twins.
Hugs,
Sonja

Birgit said...

What a great tag and I have to look to see how to create a faux pearl on YouTube. I hope, next time, I can enter in the challenge. Prayers sent and hope you enjoy the company also.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous tag! A big thank you to you for putting the challenge together - it really is the kick to use a few things :)
Enjoy the twin time

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell...your faux Mother of Pearl is just fabulous. I love your sweet little flower and can't wait to give this technique another try. Thanks so much for playing along with us at Happy Little Stampers.

Jean said...

So pretty!! Thank you for all you do!

Jen Mitchell said...

This is the second time I've seen this technique in as many days and I think I love it a little bit more! It's been a long time since I've attempted it and now I'm reminded about how pretty it is. And the bonus, of course, is that it's super easy and the end result looks like a million bucks! Your flower and leaves are gorgeous!

MaryH said...

Whoo-EE! YOu sure had magnificent participation. First thought I didn't get linked properly, and duh? go to page 2! I tried real hard to join in the fun. Lots of gorgeous entries too...Loved your thank you tag, and you've nailed the faux pearl smoosh technique. Beautifully textured flower on this gorgeous tag. Praying for your DIL's Sister, and that speedy recovery is on the way. Enjoy the youngsters while they are available, and I know you'll be doing sum-thin fun together. Big hugs, and tfs the wonderful NBUS challenge. Have a happy wkend, and hope Mr is all better with his aches too. Hey to Hammy & Co.

D.Ann C said...

Well, isn't that super lovely!!

My final entry was done from Instagram (371)as I don't have the energy to post on my blog. The blog link is in the profile, but in case it's easier, dcomer1 [at] gmail [dot com] works for contacting me (cuz I'm sure you're gonna this time. lol!)

Have a lovely weekend and thanks again for hosting this fun challenge!

Susanne Vargas said...

Played with this technique tonight with the Cardologists. So much fun! Now to turn the backgrounds into cards! Your tag is so pretty!
Will pray for Elizabeth! You have fun with your grandkids!

Greta said...

Absolutely stunning, Darnell! I've been intrigued by other blogs using this technique & now I've got to do it as I have a big selection of Liquid Pearls I haven't been able to use. Enjoy the twins & a pat on the head for Duke! PS--I used an NBUS I took from your discards for my last entry--yah!

Lisa Elton said...

Many congratulations on another huge success Darnell!! So sorry to hear about Elizabeth's illness. Enjoy your time with the twins and Duke!!

Tracey McNeely said...

Beautiful tag Darnell and congratulations of NBUS #6 being such a huge huge success!

Helen F. said...

HUGE Congratulations on the success of your NBUS Challenge #6! Thank you so much for hosting this very popular event, Darnell.
Your tag is stunning and that Pearl technique is beautiful, I am definitely going to try this one.
Keeping Elizabeth in my prayers. Enjoy the time with your grandsons and granddog.
{{{HUGS}}}

Neha said...

Love your tag and NBUT too...:) I thought I am late in linking my project but saved by 2 hrs. And there are 373 total entries so far....WOW! As always, your posts are like sunshine on a cloudy day! May god bless you!

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Great idea on technique Darnell a great use for a little used product. :) thank you.

And praying for your DDiL sister to come good, health wise.and for son to excell in his trial.. Enjoy grandies while you can, just found one of my NBUS links goes to wrong spot, will fix it when I can. No idea how it happened.

BTW TOTALLY agree re no reply bloggers and Google+ Totally does my head in ... Not that it takes much. ;)
Shaz in Oz.x

{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

Celeste Goff said...

This is just gorgeous Darnell!

Olga Fink said...

Such a gorgeous tag! I am very sorry I couldn't participate on your challenge! unfortunately sometimes life takes over! I hope for next time!
xoxo Olga

Happy Dance said...

Hello, my name is Daylate Dollarshort. I seem to be falling further and further behind these days. So sorry. This is one absolutely gorgeously beautiful tag. That was no earthquake you heard, it was my jaw dropping when I saw this stunning creation. I. Love. This. New favorite of yours. Hope all is going well with you, and that you're having fun with the boyos and Duke. And I hope you're feeling well too. I'm thinking of you, and praying for you. xoxo Bev

Cazzy said...

Well I made it - just! I had to join in despite the pain because you are the Queen of NBUS! That is an interesting technique and even I havbe clinng film! She said typing one hande while haging on the phone for the doctor's receptionist to tell me I that I won't be able to physically see the quack for at least a week, and a telephone chat won't cut it - probably a wait for that too! i gave up waiting and redialled once - big mistake, I it was erngaged for ages tehn. Been at it 25 mins so far, there is nothing saying I'm number 50 in the queue - or anything else, so I'm probably queueing to get in that queue!
1 like your flower, it's pretty!

Carol

Kay Wallace said...

Sweet technique and awesome tag!

KandA said...

Really pretty tag and a fabulous technique.
Well done for hosting another hugely successful challenge and naturally my wish list has just grown ten feet with 'must haves'
Enjoy your weekend with the Twinsters xx

Sybrina K said...

Darnell, The applause should go to you -- and lots of it! Sending thoughts and prayers to Elizabeth, Rachel, and your family.

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Clap clap!!!!! Yay for NBUS, so much fun I had, when is the next one? LOL! I have piles of NBUS waiting to be used. : 0

Maura said...

Thanks again for a great challenge, Darnell! Unfortunately that pesky thing called life got in my way and I was only able to post one card this time - boo hoo!

I love your tag and am planning on trying that technique myself before the Happy Stampers challenge ends.

Prayers going out to Elizabeth, and hope you have a great time with the twisters!!

BTW, I think you said we are to let you know if we are interested in the brusho prize too - that would be me!! I think we were supposed to email you, so I will do that too.

Thanks for your KIND comment on my card - always appreciated!

OH Babs said...

This tag is absolutely gorgeous. I can't believe how many gorgeous cards you have made during the time you challenge was in full swing. I see there are 375 cards wow! it just shows you how much you are admired. Hey have you thought of running for president? :)

JD/ Jill said...

Your tag is beautiful! Looks like a great technique...must check that out!
Saying prayers for Elizabeth...

Karen Letchworth said...

Using NBUS is always a good thing, but trying an NBUT is brave and fun. Yours turned out great. Thanks for sharing it. By the way, I prayed for Elizabeth tonight, and hope that things turn in the right direction.
Blessings to you and yours, Darnell.
Karen Letchworth

KT Fit Kitty said...

Your tag is beautiful, Darnell! I love the dies you used and the gorgeous technique! Enjoy fun times with your grandsons!

Sue - said...

Gorgeous tag Darnell - love the colours you've used. Not a technique I've tried yet. Enjoy your time with the twins even though the reason is not a good one. Will keep Elizabeth in my thoughts. Hugs xx Sue

KT Fit Kitty said...

Also wanted to say thank you for your fun NBUS challenge - I missed 90% of it but it did get me crafting even when I was sick. Slowly feeling a bit better - had a rough day yesterday but hopefully I'm finally on the mend! Hope Elizabeth will be okay - prayers heading her way...

kiwimeskreations said...

What a wonderful tag Darnell - so glad your NBUS challenge has been so successful :-) and that the Hammy's survived the liquid pearl attacks :-)
I will pray for Elizabeth
Blessings
Maxine

Anita in France said...

Oh, I'm so happy you had such a fun play with this NBUT and and all that NBUS, Darnell ... you created just the loveliest, pearly, shimmery and delightful, dimensional tag ... I want to reach in an touch all that deliciousness! Thanks so much for the shoutout, my sweet friend ... I'm tickled pink you had chance to play along with us at Happy Little Stampers with this beauty! Congratulations on the final day of NBUS 6 ... so much inspiration in the gallery ... what a triumph of usage! Enjoy the twinster time ... keeping Elizabeth, Rachel and all the family in my prayers. Miss you loads! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Cathy P said...

I love your NBUS challenges, Darnell! They almost relieve the guilty I have for the pile of NBUS on my desk. Although right now I can't even see the pile because my desktop is such a mess!! All the best to you with your upcoming tests and your well-deserved break. Thanks for your generous heart and sense of humor. It's a blessing to us all.

Bobby said...

I knew you'd love that faux MOP once you tried it, Darnell. I looks wonderful on your flower and leaves. It's us who should be thanking you for encouraging us to use our NBUS. Have fun with the boys and prayers are on the way for Elizabeth.

Sue McRae said...

Great texture from the mother of pearl technique on this very spring-felt tag! Thanks for joining us at Poppystamps!

anja curvers said...

Sorry for being this late with my comment on your beautiful tag. Love that technique have to give it a try sometime. And congratulations for being that huge succes on NBUS. I wished I had more time so I could play along. Thanks for joining us over at Tag You're It.

Erin (Homemade Cards by Erin) said...

I need to come back and play with NBUS, but in the mean time love this bloom and I can totally see your inspiration for Tag You're It Challenge, thanks for playing along.

Karren said...

Congrats on your shout out at Tag You're It! This is a fabulous tag and a fun technique.

Jeanne J. said...

Well who wouldn't want to play here Darnell? :) Gorgeous tag - love the pretty flower.. so many layers!!