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!

September 12, 2017

Rainbow Butterflies and A Bonkers Bee

Hello, Stamplings!

I hope your second full week of September has started off well and you're not in the middle of some new natural disaster. Prayers continue for everyone struggling to return to some form of normalcy.

I had to finally turn the television off to find our version of normal here. The force of Mother Nature is mesmerizing and terrifying. So I turned to something lighter.

Onefer.
When I saw the current TIME OUT Challenge was to CASE (copy and share everything) my friend and owner of Uniko, Beverley Brown, I knew I needed to take time out to play along. The NBUS butterfly frame is from WPlus9 cut from a background I made by schmearing rainbow colors of DI onto my craft mat, spritzing it with water, and then laying the watercolor paper into it. The pretty outline blossom is from Uniko's "Building Blossoms II" stamp set. 

Here is Bev's beautiful card for us to CASE:
I'm also playing in Paru's Card Making Challenge where the brief this month is "Rainbow," and in Happy Little Stampers Watercolour Challenge, which is "Anything Goes" with the optional twist of "spritzing."
Grab Our Badge!

TwoferAnd now for something even lighter!
This is more like the world where Hammy and I live! For this one-layer card (OLC), I stamped my NBUS sediment (a gift from my friend Shaz!) from Visible Image onto watercolor paper. Then I stamped the whimsical bee from Paper Smooches upside down and colored it with my Ziggies. Finally, using a metal ruler, I drew a yellow line down each side of the card to give it the appearance of a matted layer. No combing necessary. You can't tell, but the bonkers bee is liberally Winked.

Challenges
 For your blog

NBUS Reminder!

NBUS Challenge #12 is coming up in 12 days!! Unearth your virginal unused products, young or old! Their time in the limelight is coming soon!!
~~~

Enjoy your day!  No, seriously, enjoy!  LITS!* I won't see you for a week or so because I'm off on Thursday to go halfway across the country for my high school reunion. Let the shenanigans begin!!

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 to return the flavor!

And if you get a chance to play over at Inspired By All the Little Things, I would appreciate it!!








*Life is too short!

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94 comments:

Jane Willis said...

Have fun on your trip and don't run into any weather! Love both cards, the beautiful elegant butterflies and the laugh out loud bonkers bee.
Jane

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Such great interpretation of BEV sketch, love these rainbow buterflies in the frame!! Adorable card! That cute bee with her sentiment makes me smile so much! Amazing creations!
Hugs

Cheryl W. said...

I think card making is the great escape we all need right now. Fabulous cards! They both lightened my mood.

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the cards. The Bee one made me smile:)

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Aquarius said...

Very pretty use of the butterfly frame and as for the bee - as you say bonkers but so amusing!

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two beautiful cards Darnell, I love the rainbow butterfly frame and your wonderful bee too. Have fun at your reunion.

Sue xx

Kathyk said...

Two fab makes from you again today, Darnell, love the bonkers bee!

Know what you mean about Mother Nature, we've been gripped by watching the Florida news channel (Baynews9) and were even watching it here at 05:00 this morning! Have to say ... now totally exhausted!

Kathyk

kiwimeskreations said...

Thank you for the smiles you have given me Darnell. Love your butterfly card - it's beautiful. The best though is the bee - your card is perfect - the sentiment, the up-side-down bee to illustrate it and the yellow edging. It must be wonderfully sparkly IRL.
Enjoy your reunion, travel safely, and don't let the shenanigans get too raucous! ;-)
Blessings
Maxine

Ksenija @Sweet Kobylkin said...

Darnell, I love all your cards! The card with a bee is so funny, I really laughed loudly when read the sentiment. (Would suit me ;) Thank you so much for sharing your card with us at AAA Cards Challenge. - Sweet Kobylkin

Birgit said...

Your butterfly card is stunning! The colors are so pretty together and of course you can never go wrong with butterflies. The whacked out bee is too cute! Genius to color in the matted lines. It really looks like it's matted. I've had to step away from the tv too. Lot's and lots of prayers going on for everyone effected by the storm.

Marilyn said...

Your butterfly card is gorgeous and I just love that little bee card!!

Jeanne said...

Your two-fer is fabulous, Darnell. The colors on the butterflies have me swooning and the silly bee on the second card has me smiling big time! Have an amazing time at your reunion! Hugs! :)

jimlynn said...

Darnell, the butterfly card is so beautiful and I love the colors on there. VERY pretty.
The bee.............OMGoodness! That's me too for sure! TOO fun and cute.
Have fun at the reunion!
Lynn

Deanna said...

Love, love loved the upside down bee! Loved all of them really. All so beautiful! I don't blame you for turning the TV off with all the IRMA stuff. We live in Savannah (all is fine) and it was just SO crazy and nerve wracking! Have fun on your trip!!! Shenanigans are always good.

Stamps and Paper said...

Lovely card Darnell love your pretty butterflies and your bee card made me smile....what awful pictures we are seeing on the tv of the destruction caused by the hurricanes my heart goes out to those poor people who have lost so much.
On a happier note enjoy your reunion trip

Anne

ionabunny said...

Oooh, love your upside over bee. Genius with the inked lines. A card and postage saviour. Looking forward to NBUS. I seem to have more that ever!!! How does that work????. Hugz

KandA said...

Two super cards Darnell, especially your fun bee with that super sentiment. Hope you have a great time at your reunion xx

cm said...

What lovely butterflies you've created to frame the pretty Uniko bloom; we need more butterflies and flowers in our days! Your topsy-turvy bonkers bee resembles me these days, living in my little world with my friends *grin* So stinkin' cute! Enjoy your reunion and go full-on with the shenanigans! Safe travels!
Hugs and love~c

Marcia Hill said...

Your butterfly card is absolutely GORGEOUS Darnell...LOVE it!! And I really like the sentiment on your bee card too...in fact my hubby has a t shirt with that saying on it! (it's very appropriate for him a lot of the time! :0)

shirley-bee said...

Gorgeous 🌈 watercolour smooshed butterfly frame, Darnell, and I just love that crazy bee! Safe travels, don't get into too much trouble ;)

conil said...

AWESOME (note the "all caps" excitement) watercolor of that frame. Fits perfectly into the challenge, clever girl. And it is so stinkin' pretty. I am partial to the bee card, though. It's definitely due to the sentiment...it's so true. Good thing too because all the news outside my world seems to be bad.

Lisa said...

These are both so fabulous, Darnell!! The first card is gorgeous!! I love the rainbow butterfly frame!! It looks so amazing!! And ha!! The second card made me laugh out loud!! So fun!! That upside down bee is too cute!! Love them both, my friend!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Mac Mable said...

Glorious first card with the prettiest of colours and your second card just made me smile...such a great sentiment, what a fun world to live in x

Linda said...

Oh my, your butterfly card is stunning. Love the colors. And that little bee is just too adorable. Two great cards, Darnell.

Sazzle Dazzle said...

What a delightful duo Darnell. The rainbow butterfly is definitely one to swoon over! The cute upside down bee is just perfect. Oozing cute to the max and coloured so vividly. Thanks for playing along at LIM and enjoy the school reunion shenanigans! x

Sandra H said...

Oooh l adore both your cards as always your so talented hope you enjoy your reunion take care xx

Jean said...

So very pretty! Love the bee!

BożenA said...

Great interpretation of the Beva card. I love the beautiful rainbow frame. The card looks amazing. And I love the second card, it's so funny :-) This bee is very sweet.
Hugs,
BożenA

Trina P. said...

i always look forward to seeing what you've been crafting up and you never disappoint, Darnell. Your rainbow framed butterflies are gorgeous. Love rainbow anything. And your OLC bee is adorable. It made me smile. Them I smiled even bigger when you mentioned the upcoming NBUS challenge! Have a great day. Thank you for joining us this week at Less is More. 😊 Trina xx

Redanne said...

The butterflies are beautiful but the bonkers bee and the sentiment have stolen my heart, I love them so much!! Tonight we are expecting the UK version of a storm, called Aileen - the joys of living on an island, but if that's the worst that can happen, there is nothing to worry about. My heart goes out to those affected by Irma....

Hugs, Annie xxx

Ruth said...

Those butterflies are gorgeous! And such a rainbow of colour, but that little bee cracks me up no end. He is supremely hilaritous. I live most of my life like that! Looking forward to the next NBUS. I have quite a bit..... xx

cuilliesocks said...

Hi Darnell, love both of your cards, gorgeous frame on your first one, love the floral stamp too. but the bee card is adorable and I love the sentiment. Sometimes it's good to be in your own wee world, enjoy your reunion, Kate x

Jean said...

Great cards Darnell, The rainbow coloured butterfly frame is beautiful and the Bonkers bee is great fun and I love the sentiment.
Jean x

Donna said...

What a fabulous set of cards Darnell, and another NBUS coming up, it will be a tough choice which of my many to use!

Fikreta said...

butterfly card is so pretty!
Love that bee card! gorgeous and funny sentiment.

Verna Angerhofer said...

Your cards are all so fabulous but that bee one just cracks me up. Love it!

Karen Petitt said...

When the wee upside bee popped into my inbox I had to come on over and leave a comment lovely lady! Darnell that is such a fun card, love it! I will have to look at my stamps to see if there are any that I can do that with lol! Thanks for the reminder about NBUS too - there are some pretties sitting in my to use box that are perfect for your lovely challenge Karen xx

Pat said...

I love the pretty rainbow of colours on the butterfly frame Darnell which complements the outline flower and sentiment perfectly and who wouldn't adore that cute little bee and fun sentiment, and I love the way you have him flying upside down. I hope you have a great time at your school reunion and meet up with lots of old school friends. x

Pat said...

Sorry Darnell I meant to say that I am looking forward to your NBUS challenge and there are plenty of things amongst my crafty stash which need an outing..lol. x

Cris G. said...

Hi, dear Darnell!
Love your rainbow onefer, made with an always fun technique and gorgeous framed butterflies. I miss making cards, but for now I'm going crazy with all the stuff I (still) have to organize, plus a little setback... but I sure hope to be ready for NBUS #12 approaching fast.
Twofer is a cute one, which I can relate to, from the sentiment to the upside down position :).
Thanks for your visit and see you soon!

Carol L said...

I love both cards today, but I'm totally tuned into the bumble bee card more! I feel like I'm hanging upside down some days but as the sentiment says - they know me there :) FUn stuff, and do have a great week ahead!

Bonnie said...

Love that bonkers bee and that sentiment! What fun! The rainbow of butterflies is impressive! Beautiful! Fun and elegance all in one post!

Bobby said...

Your smooshy paper had great colors to cut the butterfly frame, Darnell. And the bee? How cute hanging upside down with the crazy sentiment.

Sheila H said...

The butterflies are so pretty. I like how you paired them with the black line flower. Your little bee is darling. Travel safely back and forth to your reunion and have fun!

aussie aNNie said...

GORGEOUS CARDS and I can relate to the telly and all the horrible disaster news, won't watch it anymore unless there is a good movie. Got to get away from things we can't control.

Love your cards but in particular love the last bee one, the sentiment is perfect.

Bush fires here in my part of the world and it's bad considering it's only the start of our spring. Can't get away from this one as the smoke and wind is terrible and it's not far from home...

Oh well, off to craft more.xx [aNNie]

ike said...

Fantastic cards - the bonkers bee is really cute and I really love that butterfly frame cut from your gorgeous paper :-) xxxx

scrappymo! said...

Your cards are wonderful
I love the idea of using the inky paper to make the diecut. Brilliant idea and a beautiful card.
The bee card is so funny. Perfect for me to see today as we drove 5 hours each way to the lake and back over the last two days. We pushed ourselves to do it! We danced to our own tune and now we have to pay the price...

Had to be done though as we listed the lot, sold it in two days and had already made a first trip back for our personal possessions and still had another truckload to get.
We worked till bedtime, packing, cleaning and even packed light items into the boat! Pulled out around noon and drove the trailer back home and to the storage lot. Enroute we drove through narrow winding roads with the boat on the trailer as we had to stop and pick up the cheque at the lawyers.

We went to bed a 6pm and I just woke up now at 10pm. Yes we danced to our own drummer and now we feel old! teehee
I shall show AL your bee card tomorrow and he will have a good chuckle.

scrappymo! said...

Me again...Looking forward to NBUS 12

Greta said...

I know what you mean about turning off the TV--so much misery. Oh you did make me chuckle with the bee card--love it! Beautiful butterfly frame--great case! Sending hugs, my friend--Greta

Linda said...

Have a lovely trip ..... Sounds like fun!
Love those rainbow butterflies, but the little bee gets my vote this morning ..... love that sentiment! xx

Nonni said...

Two wonderful cards, Darnell. Your CASE card for us at TO is amazing -you've captured so many elements of Bev's card and yet made the design completely your own. Amazing job! Your bee-card then.. This just makes me smile!! What a great idea to stamp the bee upside down and the sentiment is hilarious. The border add a lot of interest to a OLC design. Thanks for joining us at Less Is More and Time Out!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Two great cards Darnell.
Hugs,
Em xoxox

Angela Walters said...

Great take on the Time Out Challenge, Darnell! I thought that card was so creative and I love how you were inspired by it! I also love that stamp set you used for your bee on your second card. I have that set but have never gotten to use it. Maybe I can pull it out for your NBUS challenge! I've been stamping like crazy here lately. I never know when my back is going to act up, so I'm taking advantage of it as long as I can. I'm praying it holds out for your NBUS challenge. Heaven knows I have plenty of things to choose from for it!

Brenda in IN said...

Oh that green color on the butterfly card is gorgeous. The whole card is wonderful but that green really stands out to me. The bee is so funny and fits the sentiment perfectly. I hope the reunion is ready for you! I'll listen hard and can probably hear the laughter from my front yard. Have a great time. I am in awe of the power of these storms and how much destruction they bring. Prayers to all that were in their path.

OH Babs said...

I too had to step away from the TV. We were in the Keys, as well as other parts of FL, a couple of years ago so we know what it looked liked. So sad. We of course have had our share of fires so we know the feeling of devastation. I am guessing you are feeling well as you are wearing a couple of hats. Looking forward to your challenge as I have not participated all summer and my NBUS box is over-flowing. Amazing no time to make a card, but time to order more crafts. The butterfly card and border is especially charming. :) BBB

Cara said...

Fab cards as ever, but I love the bee card! Sending staying safe vibes to all in the US x

Jane said...

That upside down bee and sentiment is just so funny! Know exactly how he feels! Thanks for playing at AAA Cards.

Joyce said...

I hope you have a wonderful trip. I really love your submission to Time Out. Such a clever way to incorporate a rainbow into your projects. Thanks so much for playing along at Time Out.

Berina RGA said...

Beautiful cards Darnell!! Love them both! Yes! Watching the news is very depressing nowadays!

Susanne Vargas said...

Your take on Bev's card is unique, brilliant, and fabulous! Love it! And the bee card is fun, just like you and Hammy!

Anita in France said...

That gorgeous kaleidoscope of rainbow butterflies makes for such a wonderful frame for the simple outline bloom, Darnell ... seems those beauties are fluttering as I watch! Delighted to have you playing along with us at Time Out! Oh my, the bee, he's brilliant ... and had me laughing out loud ... I'm so feeling the affinity! LYAMYBLMAHYHAHAST! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Leslie Miller said...

Here I am thinking how pretty that butterfly frame is and how I love all kinds of frame dies and you're so clever and artistic to do the watercolor rainbow effect and it's perfect for the CASE and the rainbow challenge and and and THEN along comes that adorable upside down bumblebee and fantastically funny sentiment... (fingers taking a breath now)... and I laughed out loud! If you want to sent someone a card just to make them giggle and feel good, this is sure the one to do it. LOVE it!

Izzy Scrap said...

This butterfly rainbow frame is stunning ! It pops up so beautifully over the white linen card ! It frames gorgeously the Uniko blossom ! And this little bee is so cute and so funny the head upside down, and I love the sentiment too, it is how I feel sometimes when I spend hours in my craft room ! Thanks so much for playing along at Less is More ! Hugs xx

Dr Sonia S V said...

Such a cool butterfly frame Darnell and you are right it is unsettling to watch the TV!!
Cheers
Dr Sonia

cotnob said...

Your first card is beautiful Darnell, lovely butterflies and great take on the CASE card.
Your second card is so cute - a fun image and sentiment.
Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
x

Craftychris said...

Beauty butterfly card, such gorgeous colours! Your second card gave me a huge smile! Perfect image for the cool sentiment! Have a fantastic trip! Hugs xxx

oldpunca said...

Dear Darnell, your little upside down bee with the funny script is the best card I have ever seen! :-) Amazing idea! I also like your rainbow card very much.
Enjoy the days with your school friends!
Hugs, Sonja

Colleen said...

Darnell, these are fantastic...that little bee is so cool upside down, that is how I often feel, like my head is spinning and I don't know which way is up! Love that sentiment too! And I have that butterfly die from WPlus9 I love how you laid it over your water colored paper and cut it out! Fantastic! Heart Hugs, Col

Neet said...

Truly gorgeous butterfly card, love the colours you have used.
Yes, we grumble about the weather here in the north of England but at least we don't get quite the same number of disasters as some. What the latest hurricane has wreaked is terrible. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone helped rather than spend energy fighting?
Love the bee card - reminds me of a little rhyme about a firefly but I will save that for another time if you don't know of it.
Thanks for visiting me - take care, Hugs, Neet xx

Angela Walters said...

I love this card, Darnell! I have this stamp set, but I haven't used it yet. Yet another set on the mountain of NBUS I've collected during all of this time I couldn't stamp. Now I want to use it even more! Keep up the great work using all of these wonderful sets! You're inspiring me!

PS The texture is fabulous with the ribbon and the flowers!

LesleyG said...

That's a pretty butterfly frame, looks good with the simple flower, and I love the upside down bee, such a fun sediment! Xxx

Kylie said...

Loving these two cards, Darnell! The rainbow butterflies are gorgeous and the upside bee is just adorable. NBUS #12?? Good grief.... I can't believe yet another one is just around the corner. Thanks so much for playing along at Happy Little Stampers xx

Gerrina said...

Great cards, my favorite is the card for TIME OUT...love rainbows! And a great take on the casecard! Thank you for joining us at TIME OUT again! Hugs, Gerrina

Barb Ghig said...

Such a beautiful take on Beverly's card, Darnell! Your butterflies are perfect all dressed up in those lovely DI colors and your outline bloom is so pretty...I love that you didn't color it in!
Your 2nd card is absolutely adorable! I love how you flipped the bumble bee and your sentiment is too funny!!! Thanks for making me smile :)

Anonymous said...

Your butterflies are gorgeous. Love the sentiment on the bee card. In short 2 great cards.

Ros Crawford said...

Well that butterfly card is absolutely beautiful! Wonderful colours! But I have to say that bee card speaks to me... Oh it makes me smile and reminds me of me!

Viv said...

Yet more amazing cards here Dee, how do you keep doing it!love the rainbow coloured butterflies,and the flower one too and the bee one...aww sooo cute and love the sentiment too he he ;) hugs Vee xx

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

Stopped by for a visit. Howdy! Love both cards, but that bee is too funny. Hope all is well.

Cat Craig said...

Fabulous cards Darnell. Love the bee especially...

Dena J said...

I adore that cute bee card!! I am leaving for my 50th reunion on Tuesday from WA to MA. Hope someone will recognize me...lol
But I will be away for the entire NBUS event.
Enjoy your trip.

Cathy said...

Great cards Darnell, such gorgeous colourful butterflies and I love the bee! That's me lol! Cathy x

Neets B said...

I loved that bee cards when I saw it on Facebook, crazy and lovable just like you :) And your colourful butterfly frame is so pretty. Squee, and I really must get more crafting done so loving that you've another NBUS challenge coming up!
Thanks so much for sharing with us at Less is More, Anita x

Sharon Underwood said...

Love your cards, Darnell. Pretty colors on the first one, and love the sentiment on the second, along with the upside down bee. What a hoot you are!

Lillianb said...

Have a great time on your trip. Great cards

Lilian

Sue - said...

Another lovely set of cards! Have a great trip to your reunion. Looking forward to NBUS - that is if I canclimb over the builders to get into the craft room!

Zw@@n said...

Gorgeous cards, Darnell. My favorite is the one with the bee on it, love the sentiment. Thanks for joining us at CAS on Sunday. Luv, Wilma

Dr Sonia S V said...

Wow love the textured background of your first card...so cool it is
Cheers
Dr Sonia

Patti said...

Hey Darnell : ) It is always fun to visit and read your posts and admire what you and Hammy have been creating in the Playhouse!! you never disappoint!! I am especially wowed! by your beautifully colored butterflies : )

Patti

Ã…saJ said...

Wow, just WOW! Love your card!!! Thanks for joining AAA Cards! Hugs Ã…sa

Sybrina K said...

A high school reunion?! WOW... You're a braver lady than I am, Darnell. Have a great time and safe travels. :)

Sharron said...

Your colored butterflies are stunning, especially gorgeous with the texture background! And your adorable upside down bee is a wonderful smile maker, gotta love that sentiment!

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Doing a Hammy and chasing my tail again.
Your first card is just outright beautiful. The shading of the vibrant colours is stunning.
Love the sentiment on the second. Would love to spend time in Darnell World.
Best wishes.
Ang x

Karenladd said...

That butterfly frame is really unique and you did it justice plus! Great take on the inspiration, especially with the water-colored spritzed background!
As for that bee, he's the perfect antidote to all the fury of mother nature out there right now. He'd bring a smile to anyone.

Helen F. said...

Two wonderful cards, Darnell. The butterflies are so pretty and that Bonkers Bee is too cute!