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!

April 13, 2018

Rubber Bands and a Rainy Silhouette

Hello Stamplings!

How was your week? High tens to you if you had a healthy and productive week and big hugs if you didn't and life conspired against you.

The good news is that today is a new day! I love that every 24 hours we are given the opportunity to shake it off and start again! Still, I'm getting too old to shake it off effectively so I really should break down and buy some towels.

Onefer.

Since I saw you last I tried a new-to-me technique of wrapping a couple three rubber bands around an acrylic block and stamping with it. Cool.
I happen to have a chair whose fabric looks like it was stamped with rubber bands, so I was trying to recreate these colors:
I stamped my rubber band block and I thought it looked like modern art waves on the ocean. The sailboat and sediment are from Paper Smooches.

Here is a closeup of the little glossy sailboat. 
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This NBUS little girl is from Flourishes. She is supposed to be blowing a dandelion, but I had to perform emergency surgery so she could hold an umbrella to keep her pretty frock dry when a sudden rain shower appeared overhead. The umbrella and sediment are from Stamps of Life. The rain is an ancient SU stamp. 

The inside says, "... you are a friend of mine." Those are May flowers, come early, but they are holding off showing their colors until May out of respect for those folks who are still getting April snow! Also because Hammy usually colors small areas, but I can't tear him away from seeing who comes to play in his Twofer PET challenge!

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72 comments:

Bonnie said...

Love that rubber band water, Dolly! The sailboat looks very happy and shiny there! Awesome chair too! They must have had a big block and huge rubber bands (snicker)! And aren't you clever to switch a dandelion for an umbrella! You are so creative! Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Mix Up!

Cheryl W. said...

I have never tried the rubber band technique, although I've heard about it and seen a few examples online. I wouldn't have thought of using it for water. What a good idea. Love your silhouette card, too, and the sentiment is great. Now I've got to head over to the Twofer Challenge and get inspired by the entries there.

Bobby said...

I'm glad your surgery was so successful, Darnell. That little girl looks perfectly happy to stand in the rain with her new umbrella. Thanks for sharing her with us at Addicted to CAS. I love your rubber band ocean too.

Cathy said...

Your rubber band water looks fantastic Darnell, brilliant use of that technique! Love the silhouette card too, think I now have to track down another ancient SU stamp!Love the raindrops. Thank you for the wise words too, it's a new day! Have a great weekend, Cathy x

adele holcomb said...

Love how your card turned out! I've played with rubber bands on a brayer before, but never thought of an acrylic block.

Lisa Elton said...

Cool rubber band background Darnell and a cute card! But your post-op patient steals the spotlight here for me. Your successful surgery resulted in a VERY SWEET card!

Christine Alexander said...

Oh Darnell, the rubber band technique is so perfect for waves and I love that cute little boat.

Greta said...

So clever to give her an umbrella! The rubber band background is perfect for the sail boat! 2 great cards, my friend! Thanks for the well wishes--ankle is almost well, so I was very fortunate!

Loll said...

Your chair was the perfect inspiration! Love the colours of your "waves" Dolly! And so sweet with the little red and white boat and adorable sentiment. This is such a fun technique, right??!! :) Thanks for sharing your sweet card with us at CAS Mix Up! Lolly xx

Milka Gubo said...

Oh, the first card... So cool and pretty. Thank you for sharing. I must try that technique. :o) xx

Anita in France said...

So, Darnell ... did you have to buy a big acrylic block and enormous rubber bands to do that chair?? What fabulous inspiration it was for those oh so cool waves ... your glossied up little boat is wonderful with them lapping against the sides! What a sweet silhouette ... all pretty and delicate and lovely ... with a delicious sentiment outside and in! Thanks so much for playing along with us at Inkspirational! LYAMYMA ... WEMYLT! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

shirley-bee said...

Those rubber band waves are so impressive, Darnell! (Would make a great landscape in greens, too.). I need to collect some rubber bands to have a go at this. Your lovely barefoot silhouette girl looks like she’s having fun in the rain :)

kiwimeskreations said...

What a gorgeous pair of cards Darnell - love your ship and it's sea, and that wee silhouette girl in the rain is stunning.
Blessings
Maxine

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Two brilliant creations! I have never known about rubber bands technique before seeing your work with stamp block (and Mary's one with a roller brayer). It's a very interesting technique, such fabulous sea you made! Love he glossy sailboat on the waves, too!
Fab stretching of your dandelion girl stamp, nobody could have said that the umbrella isn't part of it :) Adorable card!

Julie B said...

Love the rubberband waves, they look so effective. The cute sailing boat just finishes the card perfectly.
Thanks for sharing at Cardz4Guyz too. :)

Carole said...

Great cards Darnell...I remember the rubber band technique...on a brayer and also string. It makes a lovely sea! Now dandelion or Umbrella?...great surgery .....reckon it would be the reverse over here...umbrellas are fixed to people at the moment! Hugs xx

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Both lovely cards. I like the effect of the rubber bands.

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two beautiful cards Darnell, I love the rubber band background (must give this one a try).

Sue xx

Marilyn said...

Pretty cards!! I have seen the rubber band technique but have not tried it yet.
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤

Donna said...

What darling cards Darnell! That rubber band technique has been peeking out a bit, after seeing your card I am itching to try it again, and your darling rainy day card pairs beautifully with it!

Brenda in IN said...

I am so surprised. I thought you only played a surgeon on TV. But here you are in real life cutting up! These cards are so clever. I love the rubber band water and your surgery was successful. She is adorable and I love the silhouette look.

Jane Willis said...

Woo-hoo, I get to wear my Cardz 4 Guyz hat while commenting on your blog. I don't think I've ever been able to do that before! I love, love, LOVE that rubber band ocean you've created, once I get myself sorted out and back into crafting mode I am going to give that a try.
Jane

Cat Craig said...

Super twofer today Darnell. I love the rubberband trick. I had never heard of it and it makes for fabulous waves. Your silhouette card is so clean and elegant. Wonderful decisions and stamp usage here.

Jeanne said...

Two terrific cards today, Darnell. I adore what you did to create the waves. I think you were super successful in the look you were trying to achieve. I think the silhouette on the second card is so charming and sweet. Great job here on both! Thanks so much for sharing!! Hugs.

Mac Mable said...

Great inspiration from your chair and yes modern art it is x The fun rubber band technique looks fabulous as the sea/waves and such a fun addition with the cute boat bobbing along. Clever idea to create surgery.....or should I say fun idea to make the dandelion blowing into an umbrella. Beautiful silhouette and gorgeous CAS card. Hammy did well not to colour it in x Thank you for joining in the CAS Mix Up Challenge with the first gorgeous card x

Nora Noll said...

That rubber band technique was perfect for that sea scape!! Looks so cool!! I forgot about this technique and need to dig out my rubber bands again. Your second card is simply spectacular. Lovely design on both of these cards!!

Viv said...

Two sweet cards again Dee! love the clever idea with the rubber bands and that sweet girl holding the umbrella is so cute too ;) Enjoy your weekend mf ;) hugs Vee xx

cuilliesocks said...

Hi Darnell, I love your little sail boat card, your waves looks so cool and a sweet little boat.
Gorgeous image on your second card and a super design. Hope you are well and thank you for your visits, much appreciated, Kate x

Laurel said...

Wonderful cards! Love that rubber band technique! Thanks for playing at Inspired By :)

Patti said...

These are great! Darnell!! I keep seeing this cool technique with the rubber bands but have not yet tried it!! I also really like your second card! Amazing surgery! and so clever to transform it like this. I just finished a rainy day card I will have to check out these challenges you linked to : ) Maybe my card will fit the theme! Great enabling my friend : )

Have a wonderful day!

Patti

Lisa said...

So creative and gorgeous!! The rubber band technique you used is so creative and fabulous!! I love the results!! Both cards are so beautiful!! Have a great weekend!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Verna Angerhofer said...

So many are trying that old technique of using rubber bands to make backgrounds. I think that was one of my first stamping tools other then a few stamps. I used a brayer with rubber bands on it lots of times. But I sure love the waves you created for the boat design. This is so fun and really does look like a rocky sea. I love your little girl with the umbrella. I can see why you needed to protect her pretty frock when that rain shower started up. Your surgery went well as she seems to be well covered with the umbrella. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful card designs. Have a great weekend now.

Celeste Goff said...

Cool technique with the rubber band stamping Darnell! I will have to try that!

conil said...

Once again fresh and fun cards. Love the rubber band idea, think I saw an YT on it but can't remember who's or when. Literally losing my mind. Sad, isn't it. But love seeing that you've managed to be so beautifully productive. Good to know someone has.
I'm still mulling over what to do for Hammie's Twofer challenge...the mind I lost doesn't seem to be very fast when it does come back to me.

Kathleen said...

'A life on the rubber band 'doesn't sound quite as good as 'a life on the ocean wave' but love the effect that it has given and your cute little boat, one other good thing, you won't get sea sick on a rubber band.
Now the second card reminds me of the song 'Any umbrellas ' how old is that one but not sure if it was just an English song.
Love the black and white.
Have a great week.

Kath x

Jean said...

I will have to remember the rubber band technique! Cute cards!

Karenladd said...

Hmm, I think I'm going to have to try that rubber band technique now that I've seen it. Great background for just about anything, and your chair pattern isn't bad either!!

Fikreta said...

Beautiful cards!

MaryH said...

Clever you to see the chair fabric and create your rubber band water. I love that you inked in 2 colors, as it certainly did a great water look. The little sailboat is just delightful floating atop this. And you will be qualified for a surgical license with the work on the little silhouette. Would never have guessed the umbrella was added to her hand! Love both these cards! TFS & hugs.

Carol H. said...

Oh yes, WOW! What a fab technique with the rubber bands! Never heard of that and your beautiful card sure makes me want to try that! Totally love your black and white silhouette card! It is really pretty with no other colors added—something I need to learn to do! Hugs!

JoAnn said...

Great card with the rubber band stamping and it does look like ocean waves. The boat is cute. Love the silhouette stamp too. Two great cards.

Helen F. said...

Oh Darnell, I just love your sailboat bobbing around in your rubber band waves! I have never tried that technique, but need to get wrapping those rubber bands for my little sailboat stamps/dies! The silhouette of the sweet little girl in the rain is too adorable. Thanks for always inspiring us with your creations! {{{HUGS}}}

Penny Hanuszak said...

Wonderful cards Darnell. Silhouette cards always intrigue me and they have such a wonderful quality. Yours is stunning. Thanks so much for joining us for our "All Occasions Challenge" this week at Watercooler Wednesday.

Heidi Weaver said...

Great cards, Darnell! I love the silhouette friendship card. The emergency surgery you performed is flawless. I would never have guessed that a dandelion had ever been held in that little hand rather than an umbrella. What a great idea, getting more use from a lovely stamp. Thanks so much for joining our Watercooler Wednesday Challenge this week.

ike said...

So cool - what an excellent technique. I will have to give that one a go xx

Anonymous said...

Fabulous cards. Love the rubber band technique - you have done an amazing job and every time it would look different.
The surgery you performed looks to have gone seamlessly. I have the flourishes set and really should give it (and most of my sets!) some more love.

Ros Crawford said...

Love what you did with the rubber band technique!! What a stunning card Darnell and Your alteration to the second card - adding the umbrella is terrific! Oh my I needed one last week I can tell you!

BożenA said...

Your waves look fantastic, Darnell! I love how you added the components of the enamel to the boat, now it looks amazing. This card is stunning, Darnell.
The second great card uses a monochrome beauty of simplicity. It looks really beautiful.
Hugs,
BozenA

Nonni said...

Two amazing cards here Darnell and as always your posts are a joy to read. I just had a couple of slightly worse weeks and your wonderful attitude towards life made me smile so thank you for that! Love love love your silhouette card for us at Ink -great job with stamp surgery to create this unique design. I love the completely black and white look.T hanks for joining us at Inkspirational!

Pat said...

What a great way to use your rubber bands Darnell using that pretty cushion as inspiration, and love the cute sailboat. Then the sweet black sihouette looks wonderful with the white, and adapted beautifully to hold the umbrella and such a fabulous frame and a super sentiment too. x

Helen said...

Your silhouette card is so striking, Darnell! There is nothing like the simplicity of black and white! What a great idea to alter a stamp to make it fit the purpose you need. Thanks so much for joining us at Watercooler Wednesday this week!

Marlena M. said...

Your rubber band technique is brilliant Darnell! Love that look! I saw your second card and had to come and say "awesome drama!". I always enjoy my visits here~

I Card Everyone said...

D, I am so often inspired by textiles, and dish towels! LOve that you've been inspired by your chair - it is a wonderful fabric! you've floated your boat, beautifully - and the surgery was a huge success!
=]

Leslie Miller said...

Well, how cute both of these cards are! Fantastic wavy rubber band background with your cute sailboat and perfect sentiment. Love that! And your silhouette girl -- I would never suspect the umbrella and rain were not part of the original stamp. What fun! Hoping I can make my Twofer Pet cards soon.

Carol L said...

This is a great pair of cards, and I really like that rubber band technique with the tiny sailboat! (love your chair too BTW) Great rain or shine card with all of the perfect elements! Well done on both!

Ruth said...

One wonders why we spend quite so much money on quirky texture stamps when a rubber band around your old acrylic block gives quite such an amazing technique! Just love that little sail boat bobbing around in the rubber band stamp sea..... xx

Linda said...

Awesome rubber band card, Darnell. I like how your designs turned out. And the second card is so adorable. Hope you are doing well, my friend.

Glittered Paws said...

Oh love your "new" technique - I'm sure I have some stamps that rubber bands will work with. I have put rubber bands around my brayer before but never an acrylic block. The little girl with umbrella is precious - off to play a bit.

Susanne Vargas said...

Your rubber band background came out great and makes fabulous waves for your cute sailboat! And your little girl in the rain is adorable in black and white!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Love them both... the rubber band background and the sail boat makes me long for summer.
Hugs,
Em xoxo

OH Babs said...

I think the waves are ingenious what a great look. Better buy some rubber bands. :) B

Vikki H said...

You are so clever! I often wish I had an ocean wave stamp and here you invent one of the easiest and cheapest techniques to get one!! You're on a terrific roll and appreciate all your encouraging notes!

Tracey McNeely said...

The stamping with the rubber bands is so cool! On my list of new techniques to try, love how you created an ocean with them. The second card is so sweet I am very fond of silhouette stamps and she is darling.

Redanne said...

Wow Darnell, I have only ever seen this technique once before and you have done an amazing job - the 'water' looks fantastic!!! Love the little shining boat on top. The little girl is an absolute delight too! Apologies for my lateness - better late than never though! Big hugs, Annie xxx

JD/ Jill said...

Cute cards...and great job using that rubber band technique...something I have never tried...but It's going to go on my to do list! Hope you are having a good week!

Created by Kath said...

Great cards! Thanks for joining us at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges!

Sharron said...

Great technique to use for your water! I just watched two videos using rubber bands and am really intrigued with the different effects that can be achieved. Love your sweet little girl too. Just wish someone could send some real rain our way!

Gerrina said...

So late commenting by the weekend Event I went....
Love the technique; tried it in a class a few weekes ago and even though I hadn't done it in a while I so like the results...so simple to do so great result! Sometimes you have to get a reminder that there are other, older, but most of all more techniques you can use :)
I love that flourishes girl; such a pitty no shop is selling these anymore here... I like the change to the umbrella! Hugs, Gerrina

Julia Aston said...

Hi sis! what a great inspiration your chair was for your rubber band stamping! Love that colorful ocean you created for your sweet little sail boat! isn't this a fun technique?! I had never heard of it but apparently a lot of people have - duh?!! Thanks so much for joining us in the CAS Mix Up! Julia xx

Lisa T said...

Gorgeous Darnell! I have been hearing about this rubber band technique and glad I have found someone to tell me what it actually is! I have never tried this but how intriguing. Love the wave look that you managed to create - looks fabulous. As always you bring a smile to my face, thank you! Lisa xx

Pia S said...

I love how that sea turned out, what a cool and decorative technique! Will save this post for inspiration:)

Mrs Duck said...

Hi Darnell
What a lovely pair you have put on display for us......cards of course.
Loving the rubber band technique. Its nice to know that there is something else to do with them other than make rubber band balls.
Did the chair come with that pattern or was it one of Adam and Henry's post modernist toddler moments?
Be good.
Ang x