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!

October 24, 2018

Smooched Acetate Bird. (That just sounds wrong.)

Hello Stamplings!

How are you this fine fresh morning of, um, what day is it? It's so odd to come back from vacation and not know what day of the week it is. Actually, once you're retired you have trouble knowing the day, too, so you can imagine what it's like for a retired person to come back from vacation! I know, I should just look at my phone, right? But it's white and it hangs on the wall and I can't find the date on it anywhere!

That reminds me. Oh my gosh, you guys, have you all seen the skit from SNL about Echo for Seniors? It is so funny, I promise you, tears WILL run down your legs! Just Google "Alexa for Seniors" and the first thing that pops up will be the skit which is now on You Too. I mean, You Tube.

But first, I have a card to share:
Have you ever smooched inks with a piece of acetate which dries into this beautiful sheet that you don't know what to do with? I thought this one from my stash looked so beautiful in the negative of the die-cut bird, which is NBUS from Poppystamps. The purple embossed sediment is from GKW and the stitched scalloped panel is a die from Mama Elephant.

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Now if you look at the card, it looks like I just slapped a bit of the colored acetate behind the bird opening, doesn't it? Sigh. I wish that's what I'd done. Instead I used the bird die to cut the acetate and then Hammy and I inlaid each piece into the bird's bits! And since the die didn't want to cut through the acetate very well, I had to trim some of those itty-bitty pieces ... 

... and after all that, it doesn't even show unless you look at it just so:
It is very shiny! We did have fun making it and while Hammy finished up, I put together a coupla three collages for you and we reminisced about the our fun vacation!
Hammy was a handsome part of the table decorations for the Open House. Kelly finally felt sorry for him, fed him a grape, and gave him a cuddle. The last photo shows the pretty daisy hat that Bev made for him! I wish I had a dollar for every time he's asked since we've been home when my friends are coming to play!
Here are some nature shots and the Open House brunch table. I love the photo of the ducks butts in the air as they fished right outside the window!

And here are the peoples:
Yes, that's right, I might have tackled a fish-bowl sized Margarita on my last night in Indy! Num-Nums!

~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to join as a follower! Please let me know you came by so I can be sure and return the flavor!

*Life is too short!

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76 comments:

Karren said...

The effort you put into that card sure paid off, because it is just gorgeous! And yes, I did have to Google Alexa for Seniors. Too funny!

Jane Willis said...

Gorgeous card! I think I'd have taken the easy route and just put the die cut over the acetate background though! And fabulous photos.
I'll have to take a look at that sketch, because Alexa and I are NOT getting on too well at all. I was quietly pottering around the kitchen the other day and she was left unattended in the living room - and suddenly I heard a voice! It was Alexa, announcing a list of Spanish football results. Try as we might, neither OH nor I can think of anything that might have caused her to think we needed to know them.

Loll said...

WOW! STUNNING card Dolly!! So worth all that effort ... it is GORGEOUS! It's great to have these beautiful bits stashed away. This acetate smooshed piece is just perfect for this beautiful bird die-cut. CAS perfection! Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Christmas! xx

Craft-E-Place said...

Stunning card, the ink smooshing on acetate is a brilliant idea I might just need to try it!
Great piccies of you vacation it looks like you had a great time.
Elaine

Julie B said...

Your posts always make me smile Darnell, especially the bit about not knowing what day it is since we've retired, if I don't keep to a routine, I'm totally lost!!!!
Since we moved out to the sticks we haven't really been away as it seems we are already on holiday, it's so peaceful here. Except we hosted our Grandson's 1st birthday bash on Saturday. It was lovely to see the kiddos running free in the fields and no computers in sight.
Fab card by the way.:)

Gerrina said...

Looks like a vacation witch give you fun and warm memories to go on for a long time!
Love that background and a great way to use it! (brings an idea in my mind...)
Hugs, Gerrina

KandA said...

I know just what you mean about the days, hubby and I lie in bed every morning for at least an hour trying to work out what day of the week it is... reckon I'll just start calling every day 'sunday'!! Your holiday photos are fabulous and Hammy looks as though he had the bestest time ever.
As for your beautiful card, that is the most wonderful acetate background and so worth the time you took to make it. I bet the inlaid pieces look amazing up close.... but I am wondering what happened to the negative piece of the acetate? xx

Carole said...

I love this card Darnell...that background...sorry inlaid pieces.... is/are wonderful...what patience you have! great photos of your hols and girlie/crafty time. Back to reality now eh? xx

Stamps and Paper said...

Gorgeous card Darnell using the swooshing the acetate with colours and using the negative die cut is a brilliant idea...
thanks for sharing your photographs with us..

Anne

Marilyn said...

Beautiful card Darnell! Will have to check out Alexa for Seniors
Have a great day!

Marilyn❤

Jeanne said...

Beautiful card, Darnell. SO worth the effort it took, believe me! Thanks for sharing the photos. Beautiful friends to play the day away with. So happy for you all to have had this fabulous opportunity. Hugs!

Donna said...

Stunning card Darnell and enjoyed your pictures. Too bad my cup of coffee is not as big as your margarita!

Sharyn Polesel said...

This is so beautiful! I love to smoosh...such interesting and colorful backgrounds. Loving the bird die cut! Have a fun day! <3

Bunny said...

That video of Alexa for seniors cracks us up. I enjoyed looking at some of your vacation pictures. By the way, lovely card you made. I didn't realize how handsome Hammy was.

My spouse retired recently and we are losing our days, too. We used to laugh at my mom when she'd say "What day is this:? Yes, we can now understand. [Bunny]

Em Louise Fairley said...

The card is beautiful, Darnell. I love nontraditional Christmas designs. And the pix are great too! xoxo

lostinpaper said...

All of my favourite papercrafters in the one place! It truly looks like you guys had a blast, and I would have to bet there was a lot of talking and laughing, am I right? ps I hope the smooshed bird is alright, he is a pretty one lol.

Carole Pollard said...

Wonderful card the colours look so vibrant I've never tried that technique so one for the list that I never get time to do. Thanks for sharing those lovely photos and especially the fun ones with your crafty friends looks like a great time Love and hugs Carole x

Kara Lynne said...

Piecing in every little bit of that acetate? Well, I don't know about that. I do know that it is gorgeous! So fun to relive our time together through your photos. Now it just feels like a dream. What day was it? Was I driving?

Pat said...

Great photos of all you ladies having a lot of fun Darnell, and Hammy was universally adored and spoilt rotten too..lol. I adore your acrylic inky piece used to infill that really beautiful bird and so pretty on that stitched scalloped mat which looks wonderful against that heathery blue background, and I can see why you were anxious to use this inky acrylic as all the colours are just perfect for this fabulous bird, and the coordinating tones of the sentiment work well too. x

Brenda in IN said...

Wow, gorgeous colors in your smooshed bird. I'm sure Hammy is happy to be back home and in the playhouse helping with that intricate task. It turned out beautiful. The lake house is great with that wonderful view. The food looks yummy too. I shouldn't have let you have that Margarita since I thought you were driving. Turns out I was! Did I have the Margarita?

Marcia Hill said...

A beautiful card AND a labor of love...I very rarely use "colorful" language, but I imagine you would have heard a few slip by while trying to get all the pieces that didn't cut so well out and then laid into the proper spaces! You definitely qualify for an extra award or something for that endeavor Darnell!! Loved all the photos and sure wish there would have been time to actually sit down and play with all of you...maybe next time?!! :0)

Trina P. said...

Just beautiful Darnell! Love the nontraditional feminine colours. Fantastic inlaying work! Thanks for joining us at CAS Christmas Bird challenge. xx

Fun collages of your trip., too.

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Brilliant, sweet and colourful card, Darnell!! It's a joy for the eyes!!!
Seems you have had a wonderful vacation!!! :D

JoAnn said...

Wow, it looks like you have a great time on vacation, and so did Hammy. Love your card and the smooshed acetate. I bet you had a time cutting all those pieces. I would have just put the acetate behind the cut out. :)
Have a great day and thanks for sharing the photos.

Cat Craig said...

Your card is gorgeous, looks like stained glass ---so whatever the steps it was worth the time it took. The SNL skit was too funny thanks for sharing. And its great seeing those pictures of your visit too. Hugs and have a great week.

OH Babs said...

Charming card and wonderful photos of your lake trip.

conil said...

You're right, that title does sound a bit fishy but the care turned out beautifully...and, yes, I have those inked acetates cluttering my craft space, too. You've provided an excellent idea to use them up.
Have to say, your retreat looks splendid and it appears you shoved a lot of talent into one room. Also, good to know you all didn't starve or become too parched. Looks like a blast.

Ne-Ja said...

It's gorgeous card and the background behind the bird... WAW :).

Greetings
Jerneja

Leslie Miller said...

What a loverly bunch of cuckoo nuts you are! Er, coconuts... er, well, maybe just nuts. Seriously, you're beautiful, smiling ladies all having a wonderful time. Thanks so much for sharing the pics. I love seeing them! The acetate background is beautiful for your bird and made such a perfect and sweet CAS Christmas card. Oh, the trials and tribulations of card making! I'm off to see the SNL Alexa video and I'll have to bookmark it for Rich 'cause I know he'll want to see it, too.

Brenda said...

That was a funny You Tube video Auntie! I laughed so hard that I almost had tears running down my leg. lol I love your beautiful card, I did think you put the smooshed acetate behind the bird. I liked to have died when you said you and Hammy in laid it all! It is beautiful though and well worth the effort! So happy you and Hammy had a wonderful vacation! The BABES all look fabulous and it was nice to see some new ones in there! I am also happy you got to meet up with Brenda W!!!!! How exciting your trip was...your family...the BABES...and Brenda W. I love it! I guess Hammy is really missing them all, can't say I blame him and if I know you well enough, I'm sure you are too. It's wonderful that you all can get away together like that. Blessed is the word isn't it?! Oh and I'm always confused on what day it is. lol Hugs, Brenda

Susan said...

Great photos of your crafty get together! Hammy looked happy as a hamster taking part in it all! And what a good job you and he did with placing all those tiny pieces of the acetate bird - amazing patience! And I love the colours!

Patti said...

Your card is beautiful! I did think there was simply a panel behind your die cut!Girl!! you have more creativity in your little finger than I have in my whole body!!.... must be all the help you get from Hammy heehee

I envy you the wonderful memories you create with our blogger friends! Going on a retreat like this is on my bucket list!! I'm so happy for you all!

BIG (((Hugs)))
Patti

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, The card is lovely and would be perfect for many occasions.


Glad you had such a nice time. Thanks for sharing your photos. Sue

Bonnie said...

Wow! Love that bird and it's probably good I hadn't seen it yet. Now I need to forget I saw it before I Google Poppystamps and end up with another NBUS. The colors and patterns on the acetate are so pretty and the perfect way to color this handsome bird! Kudos for cutting the acetate and fitting all those pieces togehter. I'm guessing Hammy skittered out and left all the piecing to you while he thought about winking! Good times with good friends. Looks like a beautiful place and a fun time together. xoxo

Happy Dance said...

Well Odessa, we sure had a good time, didn't we?! Sooo much laughter and fun. Not to mention relaxation, too. *sigh* What delightful memories!! I'm so glad I finally got to meet Hammy in person. Thanks so much for including him in our LH Adventure, Alice. Your card is gorgeous. You seriously inlaid all those pieces??? It must have taken a while, but I bet it was relaxing to do, too. Well worth every second, Alyssa. Love the colors too. And the scalloped frame die. And the whole thing. You should have heard C&J laugh when I showed them the video... I still watch it now and again just for a good chuckle. The photos are delightful, and I smile every time I see them. Missing you terribly, Alexandra. xoxoxo Bev

Redanne said...

Oh wow, that card is so pretty, I love the gorgeous bird, it was definitely worth the time you must have taken to create the bird - I love it.

What a happy bunch of ladies you look, I am so pleased to hear that Hammy enjoyed himself so much that he wants all the ladies to come to your playhouse! Hugs, Annie xxx

Linda said...

Gorgeous card Darnell .... you have so much patience to put all those little bits back into the die cut, well worth it though.
You say I always have stuff going on .... looks like you're pretty busy too Mrs!! Great photos ..... I had to look twice at the ducks with their butts in the air, and you with the margarita well, reminded me of myself last Saturday night with the steins of beer!!! xx

Liz said...

Stunning card, Darnell and what a labour of love to inlay all those little pieces.
Thanks for sharing the photos - looks like you all had a really fun time.
I'm now off to google "Alexa for Seniors"....... xx

Sherri Thacker said...

What a beautiful card! I love the smooshed colors. So pretty! Thanks for joining us at Cards in Envy.

Sarah said...

Such beautiful colours and you must have been blessed with amazing patience to have pieced all those acetate parts, which look incredible!! Loved seeing your pictures and hammy looked very stylish indeed!! xx

Kathleen said...

A really super card and I just love the CAS look, a great choice to showcase the lovely sheet of smooched inks.

Thanks for your comment, lots of folks get my comments in their spam box, it is so annoying because I have changed my e-mail from tiscali to a google.com one but it still seems to pick up the tiscali but I don't know from where. To be honest I am losing the will to live with it all.
I also get some of the team from Allsorts going into to my spam box and we have no idea why.

I am certain that if Blogger was totally run by women there would not be any problems.
Hope you are having a good week.

Kath x

Bobby said...

The bird is gorgeous, Darnell, but not as gorgeous as the smiles on the faces of that fabulous group of women. I'm still pinching myself that I was lucky enough to be part of it.
BTW: Congrats on your winning prize at Simon.

Christine said...

Darnell!!! Only you would find a youtube that's soooo funny..... loved it.
Thank you for sharing.
X

Christine said...

Darnell!!! Only you would find a youtube that's soooo funny..... loved it.
Thank you for sharing.
X

Carol L said...

SNL always nails those spoof ads and that one was too funny! I never caught on with those talking devices - for me it's just as easy to look at the clock to see what time it is?! LOL I had no idea you inlaid the cut acetate pieces into the bird, but it turned out to be quite a lovely card! Great photos of your vaca in Indiana too - you girls all clearly had great times together (and so did hammy)

Fikreta said...

Your card is so pretty.
Photos are beautiful.

Today is hubbs birthday so we eat cake.
Hugs

Christine Alexander said...

Wow Darnell, I don't know where to start, awesome pics of Hammy and your wonderful crafty retreat.
Your card is so colourful, I'm in awe of all those smooshed colours carefully trimmed and inlaid :) thanks for joining us at CAS Christmas.

Sharron said...

So worth tackling all those pesky pieces--your card is gorgeous! I can so relate to trying to keep track of days! And I remembered that SNL skit--so funny. Looks like you all had a marvelous time crafting together. Getting a chance for all the visiting must have been wonderful. TFS your photos!

Lisa Elton said...

Bless your heart for piecing all of those tiny bits into that bird! It was worth the hard work though, it looks fabulous! Speaking of fabulous, love all of the photos and those beautiful smiling faces. I walked into the post office this morning and had to do a double take. There was a lady in line that could be your twin! Either that or your were in Ohio and didn't stop by for a visit!!

Greta said...

Love the colors on that acetate--beautiful, unique Christmas card! Great pictures of your fun travels! Hope your body is adjusting to our time zone now!

Sandra H said...

Gorgeous is your card Darnell as always so creative and your photos are lovely looks like an amazing time you had by all and so nice that you shared them too x

Ros Crawford said...

Oh what a wonderful bird... Not you, well, you are too! But the tiny pieced bird was what I meant... Digging a hole here. You card is splendid and I love the coloured acetate and so cleverly done. I really love seeing your photos too... It's so nice to see everyone that for so long have just been names on blogs... TFS! Enjoy your day

Lisa T said...

I totally thought you had just stuck that acetate piece behind a die cut, but like me you do things the hard way! But it is SO pretty and worth the effort! Beautiful colours and isn't it lovely that we don't waste these little pieces of art. I always have trouble cutting acetate too - it makes me avoid it sadly. I enjoyed seeing all the photos of the trip too. Hammy with that flower on is just too stinkin adorable! Hugs Lisa xx

Cris G. said...

Hi Darnell! Your card looks wonderful, even though all your efforts don't show the way you expected. One can always say "it looks much better in real life"... that is my motto :D.
What a fun and happy crafting group! Looks like you had a great time... Hammy must have been euphoric with all the attention and cuddling!

MaryH said...

It's gorgeous! I did think you'd put the negative over the acetate, but oh my, I bet that was a brute to die cut. What a super job you've done with the inlay bit. That's tedious enough just using regular card stock. Acetate is SO slick! But it turned out beautifully, you and Hammy did your usual super-duper duo job. Enjoyed seeing all the pictures, and what fun you were having It was lovely to see one familiar face in the collage. I'm SO pleased that you ladies got to meet and greet, have fun too. Lucky both of you! TFS & Hugs (and hope Adam is still healing beautifully).

Jen Mitchell said...

That SNL skit is on my all-time faves list! I'm truly impressed that you inlaid the acetate on the negative image. I tried to die cut my own stencil once and had the same experience with it not cutting all the way through, so I empathize with your struggle! The end result is beautiful so I'm glad you persevered!

Jeanne H said...

What a lovely card, Darnell. Love it. So glad you got to meet with and craft with your pals again. Am envious too. :-)

Vikki H said...

Wow, that bird is crazy gorgeous! You're so fortunate to have these crafting trips. Thanks for sharing the photos as some of these gals have become online acquaintances.

Viv said...

Loving your amazing card Dee! you did such a clever thing with that sweet bird die too, super background there. Love your photo's too, looks like you sure had a lot of fun. I have no idea what day it is sometimes either....but does it really matter I tell myself.I tend to have the same food on certain days which helps...handy tip!...until I decide to change the menu, of course, lol...which I do...often.Off to google that Alexa thing now...you may hear me laughing soon ;) hugs Vee xx

Cathy said...

Beautiful card Darnell, yet another die to add to my wishlist lol!! Looks like you had a fabulous time :) Cathy x

ShazInOzCardsCalligraphy said...

Hi Darnell
I can't recall if thanked you ever so very much for your beautifully made and thoughtfully inscribed sympathy card for my darling dad. Thanks dear Pal.. you're the best! And its being kept in my ideas cards as love the framed use of Ryns bubble stamp. Mine is under utilised! And yes I miss him a lot but fact he's with Lord makes all difference!!
Brilliant acetate card. You remind me I've some inky glue acetate waiting to be used. I can see it now as a nativity silhouette having seen your card.
Prayer hugs.
Shaz in Oz.x

frommycraftroom said...

Thanks for sharing the pics. Looks like an amazing time.

Gorgeous card - um patience and persistance!

Mrs A. said...

Very pretty birdie however he was made. Hopes ou wern't leafing hammy up the garden path whilst on vacation. I know what you two can be like. Hugs Mrs A.

JD/ Jill said...

Beautiful bird card!

Billie A said...

I love the bird color and the bird die. Awesome. So glad you shared over at The Merry Christmas challenge.
Billie A
The Merry Christmas Challenge
Catch The Bug
Creative With Stamps
Aud Sentiments
Sunny Day Crafting
Pause Dream Enjoy
Craftaholic R US
Always Happy Birthday
Always Fun Challenges
Colour Crazy Challenge
Creations In Pink

Aimeslee Winans said...

Looks like you had a ton of fun on your trip! Beautiful card, thanks for sharing it with us at The Merry Christmas Challenge!

xoxo,
Aimeslee DT
https://paper-paisleys.blogspot.com/

Nora Noll said...

Oh that card is amazing!! I LOVE the acetate!! I am so jealous of your photos!! I wish I could have joined you. NONE of my friends make cards at all. Looks like you all had a great time!!

Craftychris said...

Oh Darnell, I just watched the YouTube clip - it hilarious! Thank you! Gorgeous card - beautiful colours and the die is fabulous! Love the photos - both yourself and Hammy seem to be having an awesome time - so do the girls! Hugs xxxxxx

Susanne Vargas said...

What a wonderful card! Sorry to hear that the inlaid pieces gave you trouble but the result looks gorgeous! Thank you for sharing the fun pictures of your get togethers! I bet you will cherish the memories you made forever!

maria f. said...

So glad I dropped by to tell you that this lovely caught my eye immediately in the gallery at Cards in Envy. Glad cuz 1) I bet it's gonna be a really long time before you play with acetate again ;) and 2) I'd have missed those lovely collages of those lovely ladies!

Cheryl W. said...

Your card is beautiful. I appreciate the fact that you inserted all the little pieces into the openings of the die-cut. That makes the card even more special. Looks like you had loads of fun on your vacay. Now it's time to start planning the next one, right?

Ruth said...

Can't beat a giant glass of drink can you? Have to say I might have fallen over after it! Lol! Love your card, the colours are particularly beautiful, and I am seriously impressed with your piecing skills. Hammy looks very cute in his hat! xxx

Anita in France said...

Eeeks and yikes, girl ... good thing you had Hammy with you to help inlay all those delicate little smooshy acetate pieces into this gorgeous card ... it's tacspecular! I'm thinking one of those medium sized margherita's would have been a suitable reward for all that hard work ... and maybe another grape for Hammy. Fabulous photo's ... it brought back all that lovely laughter-y warmth from our trip ... what a joy it all was! Just wonderin' ... that last pic ... was I driving ... or were you just holding me upright?? So ... what day is it anyway? LYAMYH, mon amie ... here's to the next time! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Pia S said...

I’ve never added inks to acetate before, that is going on my to do list. This is just gorgeous!

foleysfriend said...

Stunning and gorgeous! I love the beautiful use of the non-traditional Christmas colors of your bird. Thanks for joining us at The Merry Christmas Challenge.

sue n.

Kimi said...
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