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 19, 2018

Jelly Beans and a Hummer in the Garden

Hello Stamplings!

Welcome to the fresh unblemished start of a brand new week! Yay!

I hope you enjoyed your St. Paddy's celebration, whether you're Irish or not! We enjoyed having the boys. They have been too big to make cards with Bama for a while now, sob, but they joined me on Saturday to make get well cards for their mom and it was so much fun! I hope the memories of all the times they have spent in the Playhouse making cards (along with their mom and dad's excellent parenting) will make them empathetic and caring adult men.

Onefer
It's been a while since I made a shaker card and soon into it I remembered why. I have such problems with building them! I did buy one of those fuse tools a coupla years ago which makes making them a lot easier, but I already had a lot of schtuff on my desk and the fuse tool was across the room in one of those drawers and even if I did get off my assets to go get it, I would then have to find the extension cord because I don't have an available outlet under my feet, and ... oh, heck, just forget it, I'll just whip one up without all that. 

Egads, it took three tries! If I were smart, I would make 30 or 40 shaker cards at a time because I don't get the hang of it until around card 24! It didn't help that Hammy kept sneaking over to steal jelly beans while I was concentrating. He doesn't try to eat them, he just likes to arrange them on his bed as pillows.

Here's a photo of my shaker laying down so all the jelly beans aren't clumped in one spot:
The jelly beans were made with a stamp from Stamps by Judith. They were stamped onto a piece of paper I watercolored and then they were fussy-cut and glossified. I didn't have a Happy Easter sediment that fit in the space on the panel of vellum, so I used the Hello stamp.

Challenges
Snippets Playground Badge

Twofer
Loll's watercolor challenge for March is "garden," so what better stamp to use than "Corner Garden" by SU? I find this image so relaxing and fun to paint with my Ziggies. It could use a coupla more layers of paint, but I'm not that patient.

Using this stamp also gave me the perfect opportunity to use my NBUS and adorable hummingbird stamp from Pretty Pink Posh. I really didn't "need" another hummer stamp, but I just couldn't resist him! I copied Gemma's color scheme for the little guy. His tail (which I curved for dementia) is in the shadow from being popped up on foam tape, but in the light it glimmers and schparkles in pretty winked purples and blues.

The sediment is from Concord & 9th's "You're My Person" stamp set.

Challenges
Grab Our Badge!
~~~

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81 comments:

Jane Willis said...

You must have more humming bird stamps than I have dragonflies! Both cards are gorgeous.
Hope those lovely grandsons are bearing up well
xxx

ike said...

How fabulous. I love both the cards. I have never attempted a shaker card LoL The little hummer stamp is adorable... I don't possess even 1 hummer stamp :-( Got lots of cats though LoL xxxx

Cathy said...

Aww these are gorgeous Darnell! 2 gorgeous cards and there's no way your grandsons could be anything other than fine young caring men, who appreciate the odd card lol! Cathy x

sandie said...

I am the same with shaker cards!! Adore the texture on this one. And what caught my eye on your Time Out Card was the gorgeous combo of colours and the mixture of dimension, wonderful and so pleased you shared with us at Time Out

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Fantastic cards Darnell
love it
hugs Tamara

Lia said...

Both cards are fab!!
Lia xx

Linda said...

These are gorgeous Darnell, so full of colour. I haven't made a shaker card for well, I don't know how long, and you've just reminded me why .... too much faffing around. I love how yours has turned out though. The texture looks fab and those jelly beans are so sweet!! The little hummer is cute too. Have a lovely week xx

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Fab cards. I love all the scrummy colours in the second one.

Hope you have a good start to the week. Sue

oldpunca said...

Fantastic start into a new week! I'm admiring your wonderful cards. Shaker card is amazing. I like jelly beans. I also like the look into your colourful garden! Super nice stamp and fabulous colouring. :-)
Hugs,
Sonja

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell, I love the Jelly Beans on the first card and the wonderful little Hummingbird on the second.

Sue xx

Lynne said...

Both cards are fabulous! I love the jelly bean idea for your shaker and the colours of your flowers on the second are gorgeous x

Gerrina said...

Reading about you making the shaker reminds me why I don't make them often...yeah have the fuse and no room and always fiting to get them the way I want them; so super you made this one!!
And a great summercard for the twoofer; love it! Thanks for joining us at TIME OUT again! Hugs, Gerrina

Marilyn said...

Love your jelly bean shaker card!! Love that embossed background also! Your hummingbird card is gorgeous!!
Have a great day!
Marilyn😀

Jeanne said...

Thanks for the best way to start a new week, with a smile. Your grandsons will definitely be compassionate, caring men as well as having a well developed sense of humor and fun, no doubt! Hope their mom is feeling better! Your cards are wonderful. You couldn't tell you had any issues making your shaker card. The beans look great and well contained to do their shakeriest best! Like the texture, too. Your hummingbird garden card is glorious with all that bold beautiful color! Thanks ever so much for sharing. Hugs! :)

Carole said...

Two lovely cards Darnell...shaker cards...well how can you say you do not have the patience when you can sit and make all those jelly beans? Personally though I prefer those you don't make...you know those yummy edible ones!!..lol
Oh you had eaten all yours..that's why you had to make them(only joking)!!
Very pretty card with the humming bird, lovely and summery...something we can do with right now...still bits of that horrible white stuff lingering here! Hugs xx

Ros Crawford said...

Terrific cards!! I don't think I've ever seen jeely beans in a shaker before... Clever! And I adore your watercolour card! I hope your DIL is doing well? Thinking of you

stampwithsandy said...

Love both your cards, Darnell! The Easter card has the most adorable shaker elements, and your coloring of the watercolor card is just beautiful. Believe it or not, I do not have a hummingbird stamp even though I love them! I like the one you used a lot. Another item on my never-ending wish list!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Beautiful cards, Darnell, love the summery look of them xoxo

Leigh Penner said...

Wonderful cards, Darnell!

Birgit said...

Oh my, that hummingbird card is gorgeous Darnell! Your coloring is pure perfection!! The jelly bean shaker card is so darling too. I hear you about the difficulties in making them. I'm still vacuuming up seed beads from my very first attempt which was well over a year ago now. They like to hide in the carpet.... little buggers! Hope your daughter in-love is doing well. Praying...

Brenda in IN said...

I don't make shaker cards either. I think I made one and it didn't shake very well. I was not happy. Maybe I will try again. I do like the jelly beans for the inside. The garden flowers are so pretty and the hummingbird is so sweet. The twins couldn't help but be warm caring men after being raised in your family.

Jen W. said...

I really must remember not to have liquids in my mouth when I hop over to your blog - today's title left me with a spray of coffee to clean up! :D I do love that PPP hummingbird but for now he's hanging out in my wish list basket at Ellen Hutson. He'll make it to Bermuda eventually I'm sure. As for your shaker card - girl, I'm right there with you! I have merrily purchased sequins and glitter and tiny beads to fill up all the shaker cards I'm going to crank out. Then I make one and I just end up cranky. Such a pain in the bootie!

Lisa said...

Wow, these are both so gorgeous!! I love the jelly bean shaker!! So clever!! And the flowers and hummer are stunning!! The colors are amazing!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Pat said...

Two gorgeous cards Darnell, and those jelly beans and gems in the shaker are just fabulous, and the dry embossing goes beautifully, then that array of wonderful flowers and so prettily coloured, and another sweet hummingbird too. Great that the boys made lovely cards for their Mom, and hope all is going well, and how could they be other than kind and caring with all the good influences they get from around them. x

Marcia Hill said...

Two FABULOUS cards Darnell! I hear you about the shakers...I love them but boy oh boy are they a lot of work and then my shaker parts always stick to the frame and then don't shake anymore...grrrr!! But anyway, someone is going to smile and love shaking those jelly beans when they receive this card! Your garden card is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Your stamp was just perfect for the CAS challenge, and I have that stamp, so why didn't I even think about it?!! (I think it's cuz I have so many that I don't remember what I do have...shhhhh, don't tell anyone!!) And you hummer is just lovely too...Colleen brought her set when we met in Kansas, and of course I had to have it and ordered it right away when I got back...and I wonder why I don't know what I have anymore!! But anyway again, lovely, lovely card and thanks so much for sharing it with us at CAS Watercolour!! :0)

Mac Mable said...

So enjoyed reading your post. The boys will cherish their memories, I am sure x What a wonderful, fun and fabulous shaker card. So glad Hammy didn't 'borrow'the jelly beans to lie on! So glad you got the hang of making them at try number 24 x. Such a unique and clever idea and what patience to fussy cut and colour those beans. The dry embossing looks great too and adds fabulous texture. This is a card that will stay in my memory for a long time, on many levels....Thank you so much for joining in the fun at The CAS Mix Up with this fun and fabulous card x
What a delightful and colourful second card. So pretty and beautifully water coloured and yes I can see why you 'had' to have that cute hummingbird. This beautiful card just pops right off the page...love it x

conil said...

Woohoo! I don't care how many tries you took to make that shaker...it is so worth it. Love the idea of the jelly beans (something I'd never have thought of). So stinkin' clever. And your garden card is gorgeous. Your coloring is really fabulous.

Sharon Underwood said...

Absolutely love your cards, Darnell! Such nice, Spring colors. You did a wonderful job with the shaker card. Hope you're having a good day!

Leslie Miller said...

So many times you speak for every stamper, Darnell. Yup, that would be me leaving the tool in the drawer across the room. Nevertheless, you made a fabulous and fun jelly bean shaker. Jelly beans are a weakness of mine and I can't get too near a bag of them or it would do a magical disappearing trick. Now, I'm swooning over your watercolored flowers and pretty hummer. How perfect they are together! I was pretty tempted by that hummer set, but this shopping spree has to stop (for a while). Your flowers look perfect to me, especially sitting there in that beautiful sunshine!

KT Fit Kitty said...

I am not very good at visiting lately but I saw the word hummer and had to pop in! I LOVE your absolutely beautiful hummingbird card, Darnell! What gorgeous stamps and beautiful colouring! Your jelly bean shaker is adorable too! Love the textured background! I've been thinking of making a shaker myself; it's been awhile. Enjoy your day!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Oh Darnell, your shaker with the jelly beans is so fun and different! :D Love it! And such fab embossing on the back!
Your hummingbird and flowers card looks amazing, wow! A fab explosion of colours and spring!!! Wonderful colouring!
Great works!

Colleen said...

Sweet cards...and I had to have that hummer too...it is like butterflies for Lin...can't have too many! And this one is smaller and oh so cute. WOW you colored that garden of flowers beautifully! Amazing cards my friend! Heart Hugs and have a wonderful week! Col

!neke said...

Hay Darnell,
Two great cards !
Love the bird !!!!!!

Neet said...

I to do not like making shaker cards - but even if it took a long time ours was worth it. Lovely card, do like th embossing folder.
Great colourful card underneath, just the ticket on a miserable day in the UK - certainly brightened my day up.
Hugs, Neet xx

Kara Lynne said...

Those jelly beans look like the gourmet type! I would sneak a few while you wrestled with the shaker elements too! I love your corner garden flowers - so beautiful! That little hummer is hard to resist! I'm glad you could make some cards with the boys, or maybe it's time to say, "the guys".

Anita in France said...

Scrumptious jelly beans in their fun shaker, Darnell ... all bright and beautifully glossified ... not surprising Hammy is sneaking in to snitch a few! Beautiful, bold flower garden ... such a perfect spot for that wonderfully coloured, shimmery hummer! Thanks so much for playing along with us at Time Out with this beauty! The boys ... even though they've (mostly) now outgrown it, they'll hold the memories of crafting with Bama close to their hearts always, I'm certain ... they'll treasure those moments! LYAMYMA ... KYCIPAT! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Loll said...

Fantastic cards Dolly!! Love that sweet (pun intended!) jelly bean card. Great job with all the fussy-cutting. So cute as a shaker with those little multi-coloured beads. I'm with you on constructing the shaker ... it's a nightmare and so very rare that I have one to post. :) Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Mix Up!

LOVE that corner garden ... your zig watercolouring is AMAZING! Great shading to create lots of depth and dimension with your pretty flowers. And your hummy is so darn cute! He makes me smile! Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Watercolour! xx

Glittered Paws said...

OH I am so happy to read your story on shaker cards- I'd rather go to the dentist than make a shaker card (well ok not really). You cut all those jelly beans by hand. I'm surprised Hammy stayed awake that long!!! (Love your Hammy stories). What a nice compliment to the boys parents. Always love your twofers.

Shelly Schmidt said...

Love the colorful jelly beans all covered over with gloss! Very nice- great card! I am a sucker for any hummingbird- LOVE the beautiful card with the wonderfully colored flowers!!! Screams Spring!!!

Redanne said...

Oh, that really did make me smile, I do that so often when I can't really be bothered to get something out of the cupboard! I have to say, when you get your shakers right, you do it so wonderfully well, they are real treasures... I just love your jelly beans, they look fabulous!

As for the hummer, he was worth it, he is a real beauty and oh, those gorgeous flowers... wow!

I know the boys are getting older but I think it is so lovely that they wanted to make get well cards for their lovely Mum with you, it is a measure of how well they have been brought up by their parents and of course with guidance from you and the Mister too! Thinking of you all. Big hugs, Annie xxx

Fikreta said...

those cards are so wonerful!
hugs

JD/ Jill said...

Wonderfully done cards!

Bonnie said...

I LOVE your shaker jelly beans and the beads too! Shakers are time consuming even with the fuse tool! Lots of fun in that card! And your flower garden is GORGEOUS! No more coloring is necessary! Beautiful bright colors! The adorable hummingbird looks like he's enjoying the garden! Thanks so much for sharing with us at CAS Mix Up and CAS Watercolour!

Lindsey said...

Two great cards, but the hummingbird card is GORGEOUS! I can still get my grandkids to make Christmas cards for their parents, so once a year, yay!

Cheryl W. said...

Your shaker card looks perfect - are you sure you're not a professional shaker card maker in disguise? Your floral card is stunning! I love those bright colors and the sweet little hummer.

Barb Ghig said...

It's always fun to visit your blog, Darnell...I love reading about your beautiful grandsons and of course how Hammy stole the jelly beans to use as bed pillows ~ LOL!!!

With all of your trials creating your shaker card, I think it turned out amazing, and I love how you added texture to your card base! Your blooms are absolutely gorgeous on your 2nd card! Flawless coloring with your Zigs and your color palette is perfect for spring...of course, my favorite is your sparkly Hummingbird ~ a real WOW, and I think he finishes off your card perfectly!

Thank you so much for inspiring me with your creations, and for playing along with us at Addicted to CAS! It's always a treat to see your beautiful cards in our gallery!

Shelly said...

Two super sweet cards, Darnell!

Verna Angerhofer said...

I love both of those fantastic cards you made. The jelly beans in the shaker remind me of the Jelly Belly ones I always used to buy. They are so addictive! And, that garden design is so delightful and I love how the hummer is hanging around all the beautiful blossoms. Thanks for sharing and by the way, thanks for the lovely card you sent me too. That was a lovely surprise!

Cat Craig said...

wonderful cards Darnell, love especially the blooms and the hummer. I have that stamp too, but its yet to see any ink! I'lll have to fix that soon.

Christine Alexander said...

are those jelly beans the Beanboozel version or the real thing :) love the glossy accents and the wonderful colours. You Humming bird card is so sweet, awesome colouring. I love both cards.

nancy littrell said...

I so get your building shaker issues...me too!!! I loved your jelly bean shaker, though...glad you persisted.

Gorgeous Zig colored flower garden card too. So glad you joined us at CAS Mix Up with your acetate card and CAS Watercolour with your watercolored garden card. Thinking of you and the family. Love and Hugs...Nancy

Sharron said...

Gorgeous blooms, Darnell! The coloring is absolutely stunning! Your little hummer must be in heaven finding such a wonderful bouquet. Love your shaker too! I always love seeing them but I seem to take forever getting one done.

Greta said...

Hope things are progressing well with your DIL--stressful, I know. The first card is just so fun with the jelly beans in your shaker, Darnell! I just ordered the Brutus Munroe shaker pouches to make it easier from now on. The second card is absolutely gorgeous--love those flowers!

Sarah said...

Lovely cards Darnell, the jelly bean shaker is fantastic...well done for persevering!! xx

Carol L said...

That jellybean card is so stinkin' cute and I love your hummer with all those beautifully colored flowers too! I could never make a decent shaker card either until I began making them with tulle instead of acetate - which is MUCH easier to do!

Ruth said...

They are fab! I have a Fuse tool and even when I make a card with it, it still takes me about 10 goes to get it right. Lol!! You are right we should do them in batches. I absolutely adore your hummer card though - and if you see my mermaids this week, that’s my weakness! The flowers are so bright and cheery. Xx

Julia Aston said...

What a fun shaker with those fussy cut jelly beans Sis! the embossed background gives nice added texture to your card - and your beautiful sunny garden with the lovely hummingbird brought sunshine to my snow filled life over here on the other coast!! Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Mix Up! Julia xx

Susan said...

Two great cards, Darnell! I love the jelly bean shaker - what a great idea, and I'm glad you persevered with the pain of making a shaker!! I know just what you mean about the gizmo and the extension cord being too much trouble to get out so you struggle on with what you have out! And clever Hammy pinching those colourful jelly beans to use as cushions - great sense of interior decorating! Thanks for making a card the challenge I'm hosting at CAS Mix Up!

And your second card is so lovely in all those vibrant colours - it's been too drab and grey here that they are a feast for my eyes. Thanks so much for joining in at CAS Watercolour.

Nora Noll said...

Oh my goodness!! that shaker with the jellies is so CUTE!!! I LOVE the fun way you made the little beans!! The second card is really elegant. The colors of the flower are so festive. So want spring as we are expecting yet another snowstorm tomorrow!!

Brenda said...

I have no doubt the twins will be empathetic and caring adult men. They have great role models in you, the Mister and their parents. I'm glad they got out and made some cards with you for their mom, so sweet! Now speaking of cards, wow! I love your shaker card, just to stamp and cut out those jelly beans was amazing, but the card turned out amazing as well! I love shaker cards, I haven't made one in a long while though. lol Then there is your second card-well it is just stunning Auntie! The scene you created is so beautiful, love your coloring as well. Hugs, Brenda

TK said...

Two great cards, Darnell! Shakers are always interesting and fun, especially in your beautiful colors! Then the second card is so gorgeously colored! Bravo!

Sheila H said...

It's so nice that you and your grandsons made cards together again, Darnell. I know that meant a lot to you. I know what you mean about shaker cards. They are not easy for me either. But you did a bang up job, so all the efforts were well worth it. I love the second card. I have wished for that same hummingbird stamp, but have resisted the urge to buy it. Combined with the flower stamp, it it truly beautiful.

Patti said...

Ok Darnell! your shaker card is amazing!! I love every perfect detail of it!! I'm sorry it gave you a little trouble but girl! don't stop!! shake it shake it because you GOT it!! : )

I was happy and content to move on to another blog when I scrolled down and saw your stunning garden! No wonder that happy hummer is going in for a sip! WOW! you outdid yourself on this one friend : )

Thumbs UP!
Patti

Bobby said...

I've had a few fails in the shaker department too, Darnell, and I haven't made one in awhile. I bought extra thick fun foam to help out and now I have the Scor-tape that should make things stick better. I love it with jelly beans in it. I'm amazed at your beautiful garden and it definitely doesn't need any more Zig layers. It's perfect as it.

scrappymo! said...

Your shakercard looks wonderful/ I like the idea of jelly beans for the shaker item along with your sparkly things. I always forgetting powder the edges of my foam tape and then all the sparkly bits cling to the edges!

The floral hummingbird card is beautiful. Such a sweet hummingbird!

Susanne Vargas said...

I am not a big fan of making shaker cards, they are too much trouble but I do find them very fun! Have never seen one with jelly beans! Great idea since we are in the jelly bean season...
Your hummingbird looks so excited to see all these pretty flowers! Gorgeous card!

Di said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell - I adore your jelly beans snippets shaker card (try saying that after a Grey Goose and lemon with pips!). Like you I hide a bit from shaker cards - but the results can be so worth it for sure! LOVE the hummer card - fabulouc colouring there too!

Hugs

Di xx

KandA said...

Well I think your shaker card is fabulous and well worth all the effort you put into it - I made a shaker card one time and it took me so long with so much faffing about that I've never tried it again! And as for your adorable little hummer and those gorgeous flowers, well it really is so beautiful xx

Sandra H said...

As always your cards are amazing x

Carol H. said...

Hi Darnell! Getting caught up on blog reading after being on a little vacay! I totally love your jelly bean shaker card! Shaker cards are a bit of trouble but oh so fun--your colorful beans are really fun! My love is florals and WOW what a beauty you have here! Awesome coloring of the lovely flowers for the sweet humming bird to visit! Sending hugs! :)

My Paper Epiphany said...

I love your cute shaker! I'm with you - they are very challenging, although I think I might be getting better at making them:) The second card is stunning! Love the colours and that gorgeous hummer! I hope to see more pics of hummers in your garden this year:)

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Another fabulous twofer from The House of Knauss (That has a certain ring to it lol!!!) but the Hummer card is amazing.
A fusing tool sounds like some form of ancient torture........I'd just use foam tape lol!!!
Ang x

Bobby said...

It never fails. I comment and then I have to come back and thank you for sharing your bird card with us at Addicted to CAS. I should have just done that in the first place. Will I ever learn.

Donna said...

Fabulous cards, your shaker card is fabulous and your hummer card with the bright gorgeous coloring is amazing!

Karenladd said...

First, let me get this out of the way...EEEK!!! That floral card with the hummer is gorgeous!!! Those colors are so clean and bright against the white background, and so beautifully shaded.

Now, onto the shaker card. Oh, I feel your pain because shaker cards are my crafty nemesis. I have only made two shaker cards in my life and they both nearly brought me to tears, ha! Whether beads, or sequins, or confetti..nothing seems to end up where it's supposed to be. My last shaker was made with a special shaker die and window, and it still came out wonky! Yours, however, is sweet and delightful (as jelly beans always are).

Jill V said...

Both these cards are absolutely fabulous Darnell! I love the jellybeans in the first one - they remind me of those fancy Jelly Belly beans - and so much fun to have them shake around :) Your second card is equally beautiful - your corner garden is so beautifully watercoloured and that hummingbird is the perfect addition! So great that you joined our Birthday celebration at Time Out! Jill

sandie said...

Congrats on being the winner of our 4th Birthday challenge. We had 165 entries and the DT voted your card as the winner. We just loved it, huge congrats and thank you for all the support you give us at Time Out. See our blog for details xx

Milka Gubo said...

Love both of your cards, but the hummingbird one is just WOW. Stunning!!! I love it! :o) Congratulations on your win over at Time Out Challenges. Well deserved. :o) Big hugs!! :o) xx

Greta said...

Congrats on another win, Darnell--& a great prize!

Joyce said...

Congratulations on taking top honors at Time Out. It was our biggest challenge ever! Your card is absolutely stunning and so deserving of the win. Thanks so much for playing along.

TK said...

Congrats on Time Out Top Pick!!! It's gorgeous!