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!

February 2, 2017

How About Napkins?

Hi there, stamplings!

How are you all doing? Are you running out of Never-Before-Used Schtuff? That would me make me so happy for you! If you are here looking for NBUS Challenge #10, please click here.

I've scheduled this post, but I'm popping in to once again thank you for your emails, comments, and cards! When I'm not sleeping or toddling about having exchanged my wits (few though they are) for a walker, I'm enjoying your notes and they have really lifted my blad spirits!

I hope you are having fun playing with your NBUS and possibly with bubble wrap or any other OOTO (out-of-the-ordinary) materials to make your cards. I know time is an issue for so many of you with full-time jobs, young families, and DT assignments, so you can't just frolic about tossing marmalade and light bulb filaments on your cards.

My card today is made with a napkin. We've all seen amazingly beautiful napkins in boutiques which are not to be used as napkins ~ how dare you! ~ but to be used as art supplies! It's been done before; in fact, I've done it before. This card was made quite a while ago and I never got around to posting it. 
I just realized that the faintly drawn grapes look a bit like bubble wrap! If you look closely, you will see that I fussy-cut the napkin around the design from where the straight line shows to the right of the grape bunch around to the left of the large leaf. The textured lavender card base makes a lovely underskirt. The piercing you see is a part of the actual nappykin. 

Napkins are usually two layers, as this one was. I did my fussy-cutting before I separated the layers and then I adhered the top layer to the card base with some Tombow clear glue. It doesn't take much and I didn't want it to buckle, so I just laid a very fine bead along the outer edges and then a few dots on the cut portion.

~~~

Short and sweet today. I'll leave you with this updated photo of the wee baby hummingbird which the Mister took on Tuesday. He (the Mister) has been a trooper dashing outside and flailing his arms every time we hear a scrub jay start to caw. We are thinking (hoping) that baby looks like he is almost getting too big to be an inviting morsel. Fingers crossed!
~~~

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77 comments:

Marianne said...

Gorgeous card, Darnell. My sister put some wonderful wrapping paper into a parcel of crafting supplies that I ordered in the Netherlands, and i immediately thought the floral pattern would look awesome on a card. So who knows...
Happy to hear you are taking plenty of rest to recover.
Wonderful picture of the baby hummingbird. Well done on the Mister to keep the enemies at bay.
Marianne x

Lia said...

We crafters can use everything, like....napkins!It's a gorgeous card Darnell!
Lia xx

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, what a good idea to use the napkins. A beautiful card.

Hope the little Hummingbird makes it.

You take care. Sue

Gerrina said...

There are way too many beautiful napkins and that is way I, if I see them somewhere, walk around them very quickly! Your card looks great! But I have a too big NBUS pile here, so I will keep walking past them quickly in the shop:)! Hugs, Gerrina

Kate said...

Lovely card Darnell, so glad your spirits have been lifted ;)

Canonbury creations said...

I have quite a lot of napkins that are just for looking at Darnell! Lovely card. So pleased the baby hummingbird is surviving and that you are progressing well!
Val x

Stamps and Paper said...

LOvely card Darnell, napkins make such lovely cards and are espcially good for mens cards I find as you can get some super male napkins...
Strangely enough we are making these in our club meetin next week...
Hope you are fully recovered from your surgery.

Anne

Mac Mable said...

Glad you are on the mend...but you take it easy x What a good idea to use napkins on your card and so glad baby hummingbird is 'still' OK x

Michelle said...

I love your napkin card! Great napkin design! :-) The baby hummingbird is gorgeous! I hope he stays safe. I'm glad to hear you continue to improve. Take care, Darnell! xxx

Barb said...

What a beautiful napkin you found to use on your card. Great credit for the fussy cutting involved in this work of art. Barbxx

Birgit said...

What a lovely card using something as simple as a pretty napkin. You are so clever and creative Darnell!! You are such an inspiration to us all. Hope your little hummer fledges soon so your hubby can stop flapping around. ;0)

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
so glad you are on the mend and feeling a tad more comfortable.
You take it easy and don't try to do things to soon.
Love this wonderful card and the wonderful napkin used.
It looks so very pretty and very wonderful.
this reminds me Mary sent me some napkins, and I have made a card out of one of them, and I must show it soon.
Love and big gentle hugs from my house to yours.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Jenny L said...

Forgot to say oh how cute is that Humming Bird chick.
I do hope it survies as they can be so vunerable when they are small.

Fikreta said...

hi
Im very glad you are doing better.
this is so great card!
I must try this .
have a nice day
hugs, Ŧĭƙĭ
≽Ü«≼

Craftychris said...

I am glad you are still sleeping lots, the walker is a good idea! Whatever you need to make things easy while you recover. Gorgeous card! I have collected napkins but not tried to use them yet! Loving the baby hummer photo, so sweet! Take care my friend! Hugs Chris xxxxx

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

So glad you are getting some R&R Darnell! Also, glad to hear that your little fledgling is still there and doing well! Napkins, yes, I remember, I bought some years ago when the 'craze' first started, and, of course, never got round to doing anything with them . . . I'll have to try to dig them out (if I can find them that is). Fancy, you fussy cut around that leaf and bottom edge of the grapes, what a trouper! It has certainly paid off, this is one amazing design! Have a good day, and continue on and up, we are all wishing and praying for a very speedy recovery! Luv n’ Healing Hugs. Hazel xx
My Card Attic

Bunny said...

Kudos to the Mr. for scaring off the scrub jays.

I'll have to check out YouTube to see exactly how to make these napkin cards. Yours is gorgeous.

Unknown said...

Well that was brilliant! And it looks fantastic!

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

So pretty! Great pic of the baby hummingbird!

Brenda in IN said...

Thanks to hubby for the great picture. I'm glad to see you posting and actually feeling like it. I love this napkin card and I have some pretty ones put away for holidays that I need to try that with. And yes, the grapes do look like bubble wrap! I'm happy you are up and about with your walker. Don't try to do too much too soon and take care of yourself. SSS sold out in an hour.

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

I have seen a few cards with napkins but never tried it myself! That would be fun and yours is so pretty! Keep getting better!

Loll said...

What a beautiful napkin ... love the vivid colours. Great job with fussy-cutting Dolly!! That takes patience. :) Another great idea to use something different to make spectacular cards. Take care, my friend! Lolly xx

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

So creative card with this napkins! Love the textures and dimensions you added!
Fingers crossed for the cute little birdie!

Petra Swart said...

Your fussy cutting is sooooo neat, Darnell - must have taken you some time to do, but it was worth the effort!!!!! Your card is beautiful - love the soft purple at the bottom to go with the lovely vibrant colours of the napkin!!!!! Such a clever idea to use the napkin for your card!!!!
So nice to see the little hummer is getting stronger!!!
Hope you are getting better by the day!!!!!!
Hugz

KT Fit Kitty said...

Your napkin card looks so cool, Darnell! I see so many gorgeous napkins at Dollarama and I'd love to be able to use them on cards! How do you adhere the napkin? Do you peel apart the layers? Maybe a tutorial is in order - when you're feeling better! I hope you continue to heal and improve each day! I enjoyed seeing your baby hummingbird and so happy that it has survived. Yay! I love hummingbirds!

Jane said...

What a gorgeous card Darnell. How cool to use a serviette. Glad you are doing OK, take care. I had a play with bubble wrap today and hope to get a post up before the challenge ends. Hugs xxx

Pat said...

I have always meant to try a napkin design on a card but so far never have, but this is a beautiful design with the grapes Darnell and the base card with the lilac stripe is so pretty with it and the sentiment finishes it perfectly. Glad you are taking it slowly and gently too and not trying to do too much too soon. I love the photo of the sweet hummer chick and hope that the Scrub Jays have better fish to fry, or maybe that should be other meaty treats..lol, and hopefully your chick may survive this time, fingers crossed. x

conil said...

I have a bunch of these napkins...I'm going to have to try this technique although I doubt I'll be able to fussy cut as well as you. Love the vibrancy of this card. Reminds you of bubble wrap but reminds me of wine...which sounds pretty good right about now.
Thrilled to hear of your progress.
Happy to see that new life thriving, as well.

Geri said...

So nice to hear that your recovery is going well.

GO MISTER!!! Glad to hear that I'm not the only one who runs outside waving, clapping and yelling so that the wee babies stay safe! Must admit that it is an absolute relief when they have grown bigger than a yummy little kibble! Great pic of Baby Hummer.

Our new neighbors have learned NOT to be concerned and no longer come running to see what's amiss!

FABULOUS card, great idea, gorgeous colors and awesome fussy cutting! I've got several packages of beautiful napkins (that I'm saving for when the Queen comes for tea) that will soon be making their card debut.

Kathy Krug said...

I am a new follower and I have tons of NBUS stuff to use. Those before and after Christmas sales are so appealing. Your napkin project came out beautifully. Loved your bubble wrap projects such fun. maybe I will get some in the mail with some more NBUS i just ordered.

Redanne said...

Oh well done Mister, I truly hope your efforts pay off, that little chick so deserves to live!!

I have to admit I have never used napkins in art, although I do have rather a big supply of them (cough, cough) but I love how you used this one. I may just have to have a go now, your card is beautiful.

Keep taking good care of yourself, please... Big hugs, Annie xxx

Bobby said...

Are you going berserk yet, Darnell? I was sick for three days and the card withdrawal was worse than the illness. I'm praying you are mending quickly and will be back online soon. I miss your stories. I can see why this napkin isn't supposed to be used to wipe sloppy mouths. It's too gorgeous and made a beautiful card.

Ruth said...

I am so super glad to hear that you are up and on your feet and on the mend. I hope Hammy has been behaving himself! I have never in my life ever thought of making a card with a napkin, but this one is worthy of it. I'm one of those awful people who would have wiped gravy on it or stuffed it into my shirt.... xxx

Kathleen said...

Fantastic use of the napkin, the colours look gorgeous and the skirt just adds that extra special some fink.
Glad the Mister is looking after the baby bird, I should imagine that when he is flailing his arms he looks like a non-smoker in the presence of a smoker!
Glad you are getting about a bit and haven't lost your sense of humour.

Kath x

Bonnie said...

This is so pretty, Darnell! I love how you've fussy cut around the grapes and leaf! It looks like it's supposed to be like that. The napkin company can take some pointers from you! When you get time, how did you adhere the napkin to the card. No rush, I'm still thinking about bubble wrap. I love that the hummer baby is thriving. We're all hoping he makes it.

Greta said...

Baby hummer is going to make it--I'm sure of it! Good for The Mister being an on-demand scarecrow! Maybe you guys should invent a robot on-demand scarecrow for everyone needing to scare off such predators & I'll take a small royalty for giving you the idea--haha! Oh what a gorgeous napkin brilliantly used for this card, Darnell! I first saw them decoupaged on candles when I visited a college roommate over 30 years ago & in fact, I bought a bunch to use that are still in the bottom drawer of my vanity! Hugs, Greta

ionabunny said...

I buy lot of napkins to use on cards or candles. The biggest problem is you usually have to buy a whole pack but only really want one!! Ah well, makes a good substitute for bubble wrap when sending handmade cards to crafty friends. Glad to hear you and the baby bird are doing well. Hugz

Susanne Vargas said...

Your napkin card looks spectacular! Great job fussy cutting - that doesn't look easy!
Hope you can get rid of the walker soon! Keeping my fingers crossed that the baby hummer will grow to adulthood! How handy that your nurse is also a living scare crow... LOL

Jean said...

A beautiful card! Glad you are doing wewll!

MaryH said...

So good to hear you're mending well, and getting lots of uplifting encouragement (as well as lots more important TLC). I've tried this napkin technique, but never been real successful with the end results. Yours is stunning! Love the way you've fussy cut so that the grape cluster extends as it does. Much better to use this design on a pretty card, than as a napkin, anyway! Loved the look, also loved the little baby hummer. Good photo skills in capturing that little fella. TFS & continue to get better each day. Hugs.

Sarah said...

What a truly beautiful napkin Darrell, far too beautiful for wiping morsels from ones chops and far better suited to a bit of crafting!! I hope you are well on the road to recovery xx

I Card Everyone said...

I have had absolutely to luck with this napkin business! Even had excellent hand-holding ... but you've had the most fabulous luck, D ... maybe it isn't luck at all ... maybe you're just holding your mouth right! =\
Hope your hoohaw is feeling fitter!
=]

Verna Angerhofer said...

Your napkin card is so gorgeous and I just adore the pretty grapes design. Wonderful colors. I also made a napkin card and posted it in the NBUS challenge but I had to decorate my own as it was just a plain old cheap white one. Hope you are feeling better every day too.

Brenda said...

So happy to hear you are up and about some Auntie! I am totally in love with your card! It is so bright and happy looking. I have napkins in my stash, but have yet to try a card with them. Look and sounds like you have just used the napkin as is except for taking the layers apart. I know there is another way, ironing it on plastic wrap or something like?! So a technique I need to try and use some of the cool napkins that were given to me! I even have one that came from Paris! Aww, the baby hummer is really growing! So glad that Mister is being so good at keeping away the scrub jay from this little cutie! And glad that the Mister is taking good care of you! Hugs, Brenda

Happy Dance said...

Soooo happy to hear that your bladder is gladder! You just take it easy and heal right up properly! Now this is one clever idea... I love it!! I've seen those pretty napkins and wanted to buy some, but the thought of actually using them made my face go all funny. But now.... You are just amazing coming up with all these cool ideas! I love how your mind works. Please thank the Mister for protecting that baby hummer; we're all pulling for him. Pretty soon, he'll leave the nest.... Take care my friend. You're in my prayers. xoxoxoxoxo Bev

Lisa Elton said...

Glad you're doing well sweet friend. Your napkin card is so pretty! Wow, those grapes do resemble bubble wrap you clever girl!!

JoAnn said...

Beautiful card Darnell. I have made one before with a lovely napkin. They are fun to work with. Glad you are getting around some. Take of yourself and prayers for quick healing.

Tina Z. said...

I love your napkin card, you cut it perfectly, wow. I have so many napkins but I never use them 😑, uf, many NBUS☺. Lovely little bird and I hope you are doing well.
Hugs xx

Linda said...

What a pretty card, and what a beautiful napkin ...... too nice to use in the usual way. Glad to hear you're up and about ...... take things easy and have a lovely weekend xx

Ros Crawford said...

Hello my friend ... What a stunner of a card using the tissue ... It's years since I did that and I still remember getting covered in the glue but it was worth it. Love that photo of the baby bird and fingers crossed it will survive ... Well done to the MIster! Hope you are doing well.

Cat Craig said...

Running out of NBUS...uh huh. Glad to see you popping in. The napkin is gorgeous and reminds me of a technique I have supplies for but have never made...this might just spur me on.

Clever girl, again am in awe of that napkin card...love love love.

Olga Fink said...

A gorgeous card Darnell!
I have done quite many cards my-self with napkins ;-)
Hope you are feeling a lot better!
xoxo Olga

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous card, Darnell... and another technique on my to do list. So glad you and the little one are doing well.
Gentle hugs,
Em xxx

None None said...

This is just gorgeous, Darnell!! I guess I better start buying some purdy napkins to use then... I love what you did and I hope you are feeling better. So sweet about your husband going out to scare off those birds so the hummer can grow. I sure hope it works and the hummer sticks around (or returns) to thank you for your help in raising him/her?

Cobnut Crafter said...

Genius! I would never have thought of using paper napkins in this way. I must look out for some pretty or quirky designs and try this technique. I really enjoy your lovely cards and thanks for expanding my crafty horizons. Anne x

nancy littrell said...

Your napkin card is so pretty Darnell. So happy to hear you are on the mend my friend! TFS your tiny hummer...stay safe with your Mister watch dog (guy) helping you out. Hugs....

Helen F. said...

Love your pretty napkin card, Darnell! I have tried this in the past without much success~my napkin always looks lumpy and bumpy from the glue I've used :-( Will have to try it out again sometime using your tips.

scrappymo! said...

Your card is really pretty. I like that you incorporated the sort of textured edge of the napkin in your design!
Will be over tomorrow wit a card or two...just been too busy to write my post...

Carol said...

Ermmm yes there are more napkins in my craft room than the dining room! Love what you've done with yours...so pretty. Hope your recovery is going well. Carol x

kiwimeskreations said...

Ummm - yes, I am guilty of hoarding napkins too - must use them!! Your use of it on this card is amazing !!
Good to hear you are up and wombling around with the walker Darnell - and thank you on the update of the hummer baby
Blessings
Maxine

Kathy Mc said...

Beautiful, Darnell! You know I've seen napkins that are too pretty to use, but now I'll be on the lookout for card-making ones. Remember to stand tall or not at all with that walker. (We used to tell my MIL that all the time when she was still alive.) Happy Recovery Hugs!

Pia S said...

I've got a big box full of different patterned napkins. Used them for decorating different wooden elements before I started card making. Must be at least 4-5 years since I last opened that box. Will go on paper napkins hunt this weekend!

OH Babs said...

Fun card. Did you attach the napkin with glue? Once you do a napkin card you will never look at them the same. Happy healing, BBB

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
What a gorgeous card. The grapes look decoupaged, they have such a dimensional quality.
I have seen someone use cat litter on a card ....... thankfully unused!
Keep well girlie.
Ang x

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Great card dear friend, love napkins and def underused.
I actually use the cling wrap method to adher mine.. I think it's easier than glue.
So glad you're on the up and up.

Well done, praying for speedy recovery for you, Shaz Silverwolf and dear Shoshi. She was to emergency surgery in 2nd fir blockage hasn't posted since...
Sending hugs and prayers.
Shaz,x

Milka Gubo said...

Gorgeous card, Darnell!! :o) Love the photo of baby hummingbird. :o) Have a great day! hugs xx

shirley-bee said...

Ooh, my favourite fruit, especially once it's been squashed into a bottle ;)
Glad the Mister is still finding time to look after you in between jay-scaring duties!

Carole Pollard said...

What a brilliant idea must give this a try it gives a fabulous design. Glad you are progressing well Sending my love and a big hug Love Carole x

Tracey McNeely said...

Love your creativity here Darnell! You are so right, napkins are just beautiful so use they on a card. Brilliant!

Jen W. said...

Now that is a brilliant use of a napkin and if you hadn't mentioned it I wouldn't have noticed that you fussy cut it - that lavender is perfect!

Barb Ghig said...

Absolutely GORGEOUS card, Darnell! It's amazing to me that it's a napkin...you are so clever and I think your card is really beautiful!
I'm so glad The Mister is looking out for this little guy...he wouldn't stand a chance otherwise :)

Karenladd said...

I can see why you saved that napkin and used it on a craft project, instead of wiping up greasy burger juice or chocolate frosting...it's too pretty to waste! I have several decorative napkins that I inherited from my mom (yes, she was kind of a hoarder and saved everything...and now I've been designated as keeper of the hoard...sigh), so I really need to use up one or two (out of about 75....another sigh...). Napkins are so thin that I was worried about the glue showing through, but I'll just jump in and give it a try because you've inspired me so much.

Sammy said...

Oh this is beautiful Darnell! I've recently discovered the gorgeous effects that can be achieved with napkins, and now always have my eyes open for them. I love the one you used, such beautiful colours. x

Misty Elam said...

Never would have guessed that that is a napkin... Beautiful card, Darnell ~

Sheila H said...

Wow - you fussy cut the napkin! I'd be afraid to cut and glue it. You did a spectacular job. I've made some napkin cards, but I've never cut around part of the image. So happy to know you're getting stronger. I am really enjoying the hummingbird pictures. Thanks for your kind comments about my cards :)

Creative world said...

This is awesome...looks like a painting...hugs Željka

Lisa T said...

Oh I agree completely Darnell, those napkins should never be used to wipe our mouths! What a waste! Your card is stunning, I love how you partially cut the design and gave it a little underskirt. So pretty! And how fortuitous it looked like little bubbles! I collect napkins when I go away, so far France is taking the lead for beautiful napkins, but I am off to Italy I hope this year so will see how they fare. My mum actually made a card from a napkin with a beautiful Tuscan countryside image for my Dad on their 50th wedding anniversary and it was the first time I had seen a napkin on a card (I was new to cardmaking then). I am waffling, so will shut up. So glad you are on the mend! Hugs, Lisa xx