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 10, 2019

Full of Hot Air

Hello Stamplings!

Sorry to be away so long. I'd like to tell you that Hammy and I were in Hawaii for a week, but no. I've had a change in medications and I haven't felt like myself. I haven't named my new self, because I'm hoping she won't get comfortable and stay around. She's a bit slow and she eats and sleeps a lot. I like the old me better. Although the new me is ordering a lot of new fun toys, so maybe she's not so bad ...! 👥

But nothing can keep me for sharing what I made for this month's Twofer Card Challenge. The prompt this month is BABOONS!

Wait. What? Sorry, sorry. I meant to say BALLOONS!! I went with the hot air kind:
The hot air balloon that both cards share is a Bright Balloon Stripes die from Memory Box. It comes in two parts. The card on the left uses both can o' peas, the one on the right uses just the top can.

Onefer
The double-stitched NBUS scalloped border die from Poppystamps and the hot air balloon from Memory Box were cut from DSP from Our Daily Bread. I did a light rainbow watercolor wash for the center panel. The birthday girl sediment is from PTI's Road Trip set and the polkie-dotted basket is also from an old PTI set. Using a tiny dauber attached to his nose, Hammy pounced out the ropes. (Please, Maxine, don't get after me for giving him hard labor; he thinks up these stunts all on his own! 🐹)

Challenges
Snippets Playground Badge03-19

Twofer
Aaaaahhh, with winter still being deeply felt in many areas of many countries, doesn't this card make you hug yourself as if you could feel the warmth of that sun on your skin?! This gorgeous inviting landscape is also DSP from ODB, which I now have a ton of, thanks to Leslie. Some people think that stamping directly onto beautifully patterned paper is a bit of a cheat. Except for having to die cut a sun, I don't see how it's any different than if I stamped the images onto a white or solid color background. She says, shrugging a question with her shoulders. 

I stamped the deck chair, umbrella pole, and Sun & Sand sediment from Technique Tuesday's "Summer" set. I had to mask the shadows that came with the chair and pole images before I stamped them because they were shading the wrong direction. I used a pen to ink them back in on the right side of the law. The bottom sediment is NBUS from Simon's "Messages For Everyday." The hot air umbrella and matted panel are cut from very ancient pp.

Challenges
SPREAD THE CRAFTY LOVE - grab a badge!
~~~

Show Me Yours!

I can't wait to see your amazing Twofer creations this month over at the Twofer Challenge blog. Our talented Guest Designers Julie and Lucy and our clever Team have amazing inspiration for you! Thank you!
~~~

Threefer

Sorry to do this to an already long post, but real quick, with all the funny sediments I have, I just had to play along in the current Seize the Birthday challenge which ends soon.
I'm not sure who makes the conversation edge die because it's not in its original packaging. MFT? The sediment karacks me up. It is NBUS from Impression Obsession. The quote marks from Paper Smooches are also NBUS. I've had them since the last half of the last century and I just love how cute and plump they are. The photograph of me in my housecoat was taken by Stamps by Judith.

Challenges
  • Day of the Month: This is a brand new fun challenge in Blogland! The first brief is, "I Want You To Be Happy Day." I hope my card has made you laugh and made you happy!
  • Seize the Birthday: Toppings: Make us laugh. See above!
Unser Logo zum Mitnehmen! / Our logo to take away!
~~~

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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100 comments:

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

I hope the new meds do the job intended Darnell, I know how these little alterations can play havoc on our mindfulness and well being. Good to see you out and about in the land of blog sharing little bits of sunshine with us all. I think you have taken us to Hawaii and back with those bursts of summer sun and fun creations.
Take good care of yourself Sunday Hugs Tracey xx

Julie B said...

Trust those meds get sorted soon and you feel more like your old self.
Love the DP you used, makes a great scene. :)

Aquarius said...

Such a happy and amusing post as ever and brilliant cards. Hope you soon get back to your 'normal self' and I'm sure treating whichever self to goodies has to be good therapy!! How do I know that????LOL.

Lia said...

Your cards make me longing for summer...Great work!
Lia xx

Stamps and Paper said...

Hope you are soon back to the old Darnell..your posts always make me smile and this one is no exception...just love all your fabulous cards
hope your bit of crafty retail helps it certainly cheers you up..well it does me...

Hugs
Anne x

Kathyk said...

FAB makes and loving the teaser theme of baboons!!! Think the real theme of balloons will be easier though matey!

So sorry to hear your meds have been interfering with your life and hope you and your doctor can soon find a solution which works for you.

Take care, in the meantime, keep SHOPPING!

Kathyk

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Love the cards.

Sorry the change of meds has affected you. Hope you are soon feeling much better.

Hope you have a nice weekend. Sue


Sue's Crafty Corner said...

A fantastic collection of cards. I love the balloon duo and the great sentiment on the birthday card.

Sue xx

Sandra H said...

Aw so sorry to read you haven't been yourself but with the new meds they will sort you out and have you back to being 100% well again fabulous are all of your card l love the double stitched edged scalloped dies it's so effective and the Balloons not BABOONS lol are gorgeous too! and a third card great image and sentiment sending lots of love enjoy your day x

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Super clever idea to make the balloon into the umbrella! Great idea!

I hope you get back to your old self again soon!

Carol L said...

What a fun two-fer and I can almost feel the warmth of the sun on that 2nd card! Right now, it's raining cats and dogs, and I'm looking zactly like the chick on the birthday card at the bottom with the daylight savings time switch. Groannnnnn...........just when I get used to this time change, it's time to change the clocks back again?! LOL Hope your meds get sorted out soon - I hear you on the changes your body goes through with taking drugs! Sending healing hugs your way :)

Happy Dance said...

Sure hope it won't take too long before those darn meds have settled in and are doing their proper job. It's downright miserable to feel miserable! Sending warm, fuzzy hugs. Love your use of that MB hot air balloon! Such a fun first card all encased in a double layer of scallops. Pretty colors, too! And yep, we here in the cold north most certainly can use a bit of sunshine! While it's not so cold here by the big lake, and we haven't had a much snow as other places, a chair on a beach sounds mighty good right now! Love that bright yellow 'brella! As to your third card...I'm pretty sure that's a photo of me early in the morning at the Lake House, isn't it?! What a fabulous image! What a fun/naughty sentiment - sounds like something I'd definitely say! Excellent trio. Hope you're having a great weekend. Sending love. xoxo Bev

Marilyn said...

Adorable cards Darnell! Looking forward to summer Hop[e you feel better soon
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤

Chris said...

Fabulous Twofer cards, creative use of your balloon die, love the summery feel of both cards...wish I was sitting in that beach chair. I'm impressed by your attention to detail too...changing the direction of the shadows!
Brilliant image and sentiment on the 3rd card too...it IS funny.
Sorry you've not been feeling great, hopefully meds will do their job and you'll soon bounce back!
Enjoy your day
xx

Sharyn Polesel said...

What a fun way to use the hot air balloon! Of course, I'm drawn to the beach scene because I need it so much. We had storms and a ton of rain all day yesterday. Our yard looks like a big mud hole. Your sand and that lovely chair look so inviting. I hope your medicine levels off for you soon. I was put on an anti-anxiety medication a couple of months ago and I still want to sleep all of the time. It's hard to get anything done when you feel like that. Take care, sweet friend! Hugs, Sharyn <3

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

So sorry to hear that medicines are interfering with the "normal you", but I'm sure that all will come again as always. Enjoy your own challenge for a bit :)
Stunning cards, all so creative, and particularly love the "Sun and sand" one, I would love sitting on a chair under that beautiful umbrella enjoying the sun! :D
Hugs

ionabunny said...

Sorry to hear you've been ousted from your own self. Hope you feel like Darnell again soon. The eating and sleeping don't sound too bad, and the new toys are definitely a good thing. A girl can't have too many new toys. Can she?? Love the balloon to umbrella thing. You got me dreaming of hot summer days and I think baboon would make an excellent challenge theme. I have just the monkey!! Take care. Hugz

Carole said...

Well two fabulous cards here Darnell...certainly making us think of summer and how clever of you to even think about the shadows!! Smiled at the third card...the whole idea yes?...but frowned when I read you are morphing and hope it is short lived...wishing you back to your old self soon. Hugs xx

Pat said...

Fabulous makes and great ways of interpreting the balloon theme Darnell and love the way the air balloon with its scalloped background became the top of the parasol with the beautiful summery dp as the background, and your Threefer was so funny too, a great card. I'm sorry to hear your new meds have been making you feel less normal than usual if that makes sense, my word that covers this is 'discombobulated', what a great word...lol. Anyway I hope this soon passes or they change them up a bit. x

I Card Everyone said...

D, you do know how to start a girl's day... I'm so glad you let out some of that hot air to fill my morning with Summer-y pastimes! What a darling die - new to me, too! If anyone ever calls you a cheater for using that fab paper, let me know... I'll punch em in the kisser!
btw I have that quote edged die HIBHUIA* I think it's Paper Smooches? Was it stored next to these sweet/plump quotes?

Take care of all of your selves.. thanks for posing in your Hassenpfeffer house shoes! xx
=]

* have it but haven't used in ages

Birgit said...

Two super cute cards here Darnell! The second one definitely puts me in a place where I'd like to be besides getting more snow today. Thanks for the dreamy moment. I hope you feel like your old self soon. Sending hugs and prayers your way!

HilaryJane said...

Sorry to hear you are not well but glad it hasn't affected your ability to make wonderful uplifting cards. I have my thinking cap on for the balloons twofer challenge xx

Jeanne said...

So not fun when you are not feeling your best! I hope your meds adjust and you are soon back to your fun and perky self! Not that this post isn't fun, because it is! I think you did a marvelous job with the challenge. Love the rainbow effect on the first card. That stitched scallop border die is really pretty. Love the fun hot air balloon. And the DSP is gorgeous on the second card, too! That sun! Love it. Your third card got me to giggling. I can just see you saying that! LOL Happy hugs to you, Darnell!

OH Babs said...

Despite feeling miserable you still bring a smile and a chuckle to your many fans/followers. Hope the meds make you feel as good as new asap and hope Kevin is doing well. Hugs, Barb

Redanne said...

Just as Babs (above) says, you still bring sunshine into our lives with your wit and your beautiful art. I am sorry to hear the meds are affecting you so, but rest is probably the best way to deal with it. I hope you are back to your old self soon!

I love what you did with the balloons, very clever to turn one into an umbrella and ohhh, that beautiful beach.... if only! Snow and cold these days over here but occasional sunshine is very welcome.

Please take care, both of you! Big hugs, Annie xx

PS- Ladybug is North American whereas Ladybird seems to be the British word although they are used interchangeably over here. The rhyme has many, many different interpretations, even I had forgotten the ending! xx

Maura said...

Such fun cards, Darnell! Love the way you created the sun umbrella - so creative! Wish I was there as we just got about 6 inches of more snow last night!!!

I hope you will be back to your old self soon, so frustrating to have to figure out just the right dose of some medications! Thinking of you......

Bonnie said...

Bright and happy balloons/umbrella! Love that paper that has the sun shining on it! Great job of using it with stamps and dies! You look charming in your housecoat. Hope you feel better today.

Viv said...

Aww Dee so sorry to hear you aren't yourself lately. I do hope you feel back to your old self very soon.I haven't been well for over a year now but think I am almost back to my old self at last.As for your beautiful cards they are just that...sooo beautiful!...so hard making stuff when you don't feel well I know only too well. Sending big hugs your way Dee ;) big hugs (((()))) xxxx

Bunny said...

Love all the great cards. Tell your alter ego to keep buying and then tell her to go away. I think a lot of us can sympathize with the change of meds. They really can mess you up sometimes.

Oh, make sure the alter ego PAYS for all the new stuff and then leaves.

Marcia Hill said...

As always, thanks for my morning chuckle with your 3rd card...too funny!! (and I think you look just fine in your housecoat!! Seriously, do they still make those??) But anyway, your twofer cards are wonderful and I'm loving the DSP you used on both cards...especially the beach card! Probably because that's where I'm wishing I was!! (still pretty cool here.) Definitely another FUN challenge for this month Darnell, and again the wheels are turning! Hope the new medication levels out soon for you and that you have a wonderful week! Hugs. :0)

Christine Alexander said...

Sorry to hear you are feeling a little off with the new meds, Hopefully things will settle down soon :)
Love all 3 cards especially that DP background. I'm with you I take any help I can in making a card. It's so gorgeous it begs to be used.
The last card made me laugh out loud. Love it :)

JoAnn said...

Love all your cards. Great way to use the die on the twofer cards. You definitely put a smile on my face when sharing your card of you in your housecoat, so cute. Thanks for sharing with us at Seize the Birthday.

Susan said...

Sorry to hear you're not doing so well on the new meds (and sorry to hear you and Hammy weren't sunning on a beach in Hawaii - wishful thinking in that second balloon card, I guess?!!). Love both the cards, but especially the second one - blue and yellow are my favourite colours, and it's been so unseasonably cold in Vancouver since early February that I'd love to be sitting on a warm beach!

Lisa said...

I hope you are feeling like yourself again soon, Darnell. Your cards are all so stunning!! The colors of the first one are so stunning!! I love how you used the hot air balloon for the umbrella!! So creative!! And the last card totally makes me smile!! Thinking of you and praying the meds get straightened out so you feel well. Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Sharon Underwood said...

Love your cards, Darnell! Today it's over 70 degrees here in NC. I can so relate to that beach chair in the sand!

Jean said...

Oh - these are gorgeous! Love the nice sun umbrella. I forgot what those look like:):)

Zvonka said...

Both greeting cards are wonderful.
You used a great template in two ways.

Linda said...

Sorry, you have been under the weather. But your mojo was working quite well with those two lovely cards you created. Hope you are back to normal soon. Hugs, Lin

cuilliesocks said...

Hi Darnell, I hope you manage to get your medications sorted out and you will feel like your old self soon.
Love your balloon cards, lovely bright colours and your third card is just so much fun, brilliant image. Take care of yourself, Kate x

Cat Craig said...

Brilliant brilliant brilliant. Love both balloon cards. I really love the yellow beach umbrella...and that paper is gorgeous. Love that you stamped on it.

conil said...

Good grief, girl, for someone not feeling tiptop you certainly outdid yourself. Love your take on the balloon theme. Both are clever and colorful, reminding us that the sun does shine somewhere. And the third card had me laughing so hard that I...well...you know. However, I did think that was a photo of me.

Inkyfingers said...

I hope it won't take much longer for the pesky meds to settle in and do their work Darnell, and then you can be up to your usual shenanigans. If you can create such great cards when you are below par - I can't wait to see what you produce when you are on top doh!!! Your last card could be me too and that sentiment cracks me up!
Have a better week.
Hugs
Carol x

Fikreta said...

look these gorgeous cards!
love them!
hugs

Marsha Reed said...

Lovely card, Darnell. Thanks for joining us this week at the Watercooler Wednesday Challenge. Marsha DT

Bobby said...

Two gold stars for the wonderful use of your hot air balloons, Darnell. I think that printed paper was the perfect place to plant your beach chair and umbrella. I'm sorry you haven't been yourself and have been walking around the house in your slippers and cuddling your little teddy bear. Hopefully things will straighten out soon. I have a conversation edge die like that from Lawn Fawn and it exactly fit the card as I saw it on my screen.

Kathleen said...

New or Old Darnell both are a fabulous person and card maker.
Some really super creations but I do love the balloon.

Kath x

Kara Lynne said...

Well, I began reading about the meds and had a hard time getting past that. Changing meds is such a frustrating experience, and I'm so sorry you're struggling with it. Moving along to your cards... I want to be "up up and away in your beautiful, your beautiful balloon!" The wash of color in that sky is breathtaking! I think that DSP is the perfect place to pitch your yellow umbrella and unfold the perfect sitting chair! What else are you supposed to do with it? I laughed so hard at your last card! I can see her being the one to ask, "Was I driving?"! I miss you so much, and now I'll be praying about your med transition. Much love to you, Darnell!

Lisa Elton said...

Aren't meds the darnedest things, they sure can mess with a person. Hope you're back to your fabulous self soon. Love the way you've used the balloon dies, both cards are wonderful. I've always liked that speech bubble die and those plump quotations marks are cute!

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

That Twofer of yours - just so creative! Would have never thought of a hot air balloon and then use it as an umbrella is just genius!And I am sure you know that I have put on my thinking cap.....The birthday card - ha ha ha, I am still laughing! And what a delight to see it at the Card of the Month Card Club! Thank you so much for linking it up - you made my day and made me happy!
Hope your medication is causing those changes just temporarily. Not good, if you are not feeling quite yourself. Sometimes the body takes time to adjust. I wonder what medication I am on - constantly buying shtuff......I think I gonna blame my blood pressure meds for this....

Cheryl W. said...

I think I can muster a couple of balloon cards this month. Baboons would have been another story! Thanks for sharing your inspiring cards. Very creative use of your hot air balloon die. And I loved your "terrible idea" card. Gave me a right good chuckle. Have a great week.

Kelly Griglione said...

Hello Darnell! Aww, so sorry to hear your change in meds is not going smoothly. Big hugs! Hopefully it will straighten itself out and you'll be back to your energetic self again. Lovely trio of cards you've shared with everyone, regardless. What a fun die the double balloon canopy is!

nancy littrell said...

Two beautiful hot air balloon stamp cards, Dolly. Both so different and for different occasions. Love that. Your 3rd card is just plain silly...just like you. Hope you and your new med start getting along better or you may have to flush down the toilet!!! TFS another fun Twofer challenge, my friend. Hugs..Nancy

Loll said...

Great idea to use the hot air balloons, Dolly! Your balloon birthday card is so pretty with the layered scallop frames. Great use of DSP ... I'm challenged using it, so admire how you've used it on both cards. The second one is a beautiful ocean scene ... that sun is amazing in the corner. Ahhhh, I would like to be there. It's might snow here again tomorrow. Geesh! Will it ever end??!!

Your third card is a hoot. You look just like you did at last year's craft retreat, although I think the housecoat was missing and I saw a lot more than I bargained for. :)

Sorry the meds have you out of sorts. Hope you adjust to them soon. Sending hugs. Love, Lolly

Leslie Miller said...

There's no cheating in stamping It's simply innovation. Gee, Darnell, I hope you level off on those meds soon and that everything's okay. Your Mt. NBUS is like walking uphill in dry sand -- two steps forward, one step back. When I was working I was too tired in the evenings to stamp, so I shopped. That's my excuse for having too much stuff. Anywhooooo, your cards are way too clever seeing as how you turned your balloon into an umbrella. Sigh... I do want to be there. Maybe take a ride in that cute hot air balloon and land on a warm sand beach. Oh, and the sentiment on your last card is hilarious! If I'm ever caught up I hope to do some humorous cards. BTW, you look cute in your bathrobe. Feel better, Darnell! ps: Sorry not sorry unless you want me to be about the enabling.

Maria - Ivyleaf Crafts said...

I hope you feel better soon. Your cards are great love the beach one and the sentiment on the 3rd one is fantastic xxx

Dawn T said...

Fabulous. I really love your balloon card and how clever to make the umbrella with the die
Thanks for joining us at Watercooler Wednesday this week.
Dawn ~DT

Linda said...

Hope those meds settle down soon hun.
Gorgeous cards as always .... love the beach scene. Wish I was sat there right now! xx

Ros Crawford said...

Hello sweetie... Thank you for your advice about the RLS thing... I have some Diazepam which probably works the same way as yours... Send me to sleep... Ian will have to carry me off an airplane (or not)... Sorry about your meds, whatever the problem is I do hope it resolves soon. But your new self is making the same gorgeous cards... I want to sit on that beach chair right now! Gorgeous colours on the balloon card and I'm still laughing at the birthday girl with her teddy! take care

Brenda said...

I am so sorry you are not up to your old self Auntie, medicines can really change us can't they?! I hope you are right as rain soon and find your old self, maybe just keep a little of your new self, you know, the self that is ordering lots of new fun toys! Love the challenge for this month and will have to put on my thinking cap. Not that I have much of one though! I love your twofer's, they are fun and clever. Your hot air balloon card is so cute, loving those scallop frames. The top of the hot air balloon is so cute with it's scallops as well. Hammy is pretty clever himself! But it is your second card that I am loving! I think I can feel that sun shining down on my stiff bones and boy does it feel good! lol That is amazing pattern paper! Love how you stamped the chair and pole for the umbrella right on the paper! Why don't we do that more often?!!! Your balloon top makes a great umbrella top! I love it! Then there is the threefer, how cute is it?! Gotta love a huge speech bubble or could that be called a balloon?! Love the image, to stinkin' cute! And then of course there are the sentiments. Love it! Feel better soon Auntie!!! Love and hugs, Brenda

Barbara said...

Not only is this card funny, you whole post made me laugh. Sure feels good to to that. Love reading them and seeing your creativity. Also you are too cute in your bathrobe. Thanks for joining in the fun at Seize the Birthday!
Barbara DT member

oldpunca said...

I've been missing your posts already. Glad to have you back! :-) Your balloon twofer is wonderful. (It was smart decision from me to read to the end before asking the details of the beach background.) Fabulous idea to make a nice scene on the patterned background. I like tranformation from the hot air balloon to the umbrella. Your treefer made my day! I'm still laughing. :-))) Fantastic card!
Have a great week!
Hugs, Sonja

papierelle said...

Your implementation of the Twofer theme is awesome, but I am even more pleased with your very funny contribution to our new Challenge. Many Thanks!! Gundi

Em Louise Fairley said...

They are adorable! xoxox

Verna Angerhofer said...

Fabulous Twofers and I love the way you used that balloon die two different ways. Great as a balloon and fantastic as the umbrella topper on the beach scene. I sure hope your meds get you adjusted so that you begin to feel more like your own self. I know only too well how a change can mix us up for a while so I hopefully, this is a temporary thing for you.

Rosmarie said...

Great Twofer, Darnell! - You always have such brilliant ideas! I would never have seen a parasol in a hot air balloon!
And that birthday card made my day - impossible not to laugh!!! hahaha
What a pleasure to have you among our participants with such a funny card! I wish you a happy day...
Hugs, Rosi

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

I hope you feel better soon! Amazing cards! They all are!!!!

cm said...

Echoing the others in sending positive energy that the new medication will be sorted out soon. Glad you're 'resorting' to shopping to help you through this stage; retail therapy is the best *grin* Seriously, hope you're back to your 'self' soon!
Love your balloons! How about you scamper into that hot air one and come for a visit! Heaven knows the winds we have here will see you arrive within the hour! Bring a few of your new goodies and we'll have a play!
hugs and love,
~c

Sarah said...

Two fantastic cards Darnell, I love the beach scene so much. I hope you soon get used to your new medication xx

Shelly said...

FABulous cards, Darnell! I hope things subside some and you feel more like 'yourself' soon! Never fun when things change you like that...I've even had some antibiotics do a number on me before. But on the bright side, you have some new goodies coming! And I can't wait to see what you do with them! :)
Sending you some hugs, my friend <3

Julia Aston said...

I hope you adjust to your meds soon Sis - it is disconcerting to not feel like yourself I'm sure! Hopefully you can meld the two! Great designs with your hot air balloon - I love the beach scene and I agree - it's perfectly fine to use a scene as your background - art is art right?! I have to put on my thinking cap (which I often misplace!) and get some balloon cards done!! Julia xx

laurie said...

Hope you are feeling better soon! Love your trio of cards....that last one sure made me giggle!

Created by Kath said...

Great twofer! The added threefer made me smile. Thanks for joining us at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges!

Mac Mable said...

Sorry to hear about the meds Darnell x Hope it settles down quickly, failing that take advantage of ordering lots of new goodies!!! x
I know I told you about us hardy Scots but.....Storm Gareth is here and will stay a while and its really windy, stormy, wet and very cold....maybe not so hardy as I first led you to believe! x.....
Such wonderful Balloon cards, such fun and so creative and gorgeous too...I actually think its clever to think to stamp onto beautiful designer paper, must try it x
Laughed out loud with your last card and what a great photo of you.....LOL x
Enjoyed your post...except the meds bit of course x.

Di said...

Wonderful cards Darnell - I love them all! And of course your snippets card is brilliant. The balloon is really supet and fancy also using it as a sun parasol on the Twofer card. Had a good laugh at the 'selfie' card :)

Here's hoping the meds settle down OK.

Take care

Hugs

Di xx

JD/ Jill said...

How very cute and clever! Again, what house could I expect from you? It must be something going around. I've been feeling the same way. I told Jim to call me "Tired!" because that's what I am most of the time. Maybe, I could blame it on our sun less weather! I need more vitamin D!

Celeste Goff said...

Great collection of cards, especially that last one! I hope you get to feeling more like yourself soon Darnell!

frommycraftroom said...

Love the cards.
Hope you are feeling more like the old you soon! but maybe keep up the new toys :)

Eunice von creative clutter box said...

Your last card make me really happy :)
Have a nice day and greetings from germany,
Eunice

Anita in France said...

Praying and hoping that those meds settle themselves in and stop being so disruptive, Darnell ... new toys are nice, but feeling good is sooooo much better. What a fabulous twofer ... never thought of hot air baboons ... see, even on those meds, you're brilliant! The scalloped frames on the first card mimic the balloon edges beautifully ... and that dreamy sky ... gosh, doesn't that look inviting! Your lounger on the beach is equally inviting ... perfect use of that sunshine-y pp ... and perfect positioning of the parasol ... a girl wouldn't want to catch too much sun! Threefer ... hahahahaha ... can I come along to your horrible idea party? Think I'd fit right in with you, your kitty slippers and that cute bear! I'm guessing Hammy is resting after all that pouncing earlier! Thinking of you, my friend ... LYAMYLAL ... Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Greta said...

Love how that hot air balloon die can be used for totally different looks! Wonderful cards, Darnell! The last one is a kick, too! So sorry your body is not liking the changes & hope the new you is soon gone! Been thinking about you guys & hoping The Mister is feeling better. Sending hugs, Greta

kiwimeskreations said...

I must say Hammy is very creative with his nose, Darnell - I hope you gave him extra rations after all his hard work.... are you sure it was his idea???
Me thinks thou might protest too much (with apologies to Wille Wagglesword)

Love our cards, and your innovative use of the balloon die.
Enjoy the new goodies about to join your NBUS stash ;-)
Blessings
Maxine

Neet said...

Sorry you are not yourself - I've not been me either but that is another story. Love the cards you have been making and hope you soon start to feel more like the Darnell we all love so much.
Hugs, Neet xx

Helen F. said...

Oh Darnell, I do hope the old you comes back soon...not to say this impersonator did not have me giggling reading her post today!
And I just adore all three of her cards! They are all great designs and the last one is too funny :-)
Sending healing hugs and a search party,if necessary girlfriend!

Carol H. said...

Just working through my pile of emails—I sure hope the new meds have worked themselves out and you are feeling more like yourself! I love both of your balloon cards, such a clever way to create the beach umbrella! Love that scene—the beach is my favorite place to be! Sending hugs!!

KandA said...

Fabulous balloon cards and I'd love to be flying away on your first one to the sun drenched beach in your second. As for your threefer.... brilliant! xx

Robyn Oliver said...

Hello Darnell, and do hope your medication is getting sorted, still it's nice to have a break, and even a few naps, finding some days I'm nodding in the chair and even spent a whole day doing a jigsaw (one of those tricky WASGIJ ones with the picture view and the actual jigsaw years apart). I'm loving your two cards for this months TWOFER, got my act together early this month 'cause I missed last month. I agree with using DP and stamping on it, saves a lot of ink and I've acres of paper in drawers. Hammy did a lovely job with the sponging, quite light handed and pretty colours. Take care - our special friend, happy card making. Robyn

Michelle W said...

It is such a treat visiting your blog Darnell! I hope you are feeling better soon. Love all your cards as always and the photo of you in your housecoat makes me happy!

Lisa T said...

I'm playing catch up today, so I'm very late in wishing you well Darnell. It's not nice when meds cause havoc with your system and I hope it's a short term thing for you. I did chuckle that you managed to do some shopping too. That's a good things and that's what feeling well is all about, finding ways to make it better! Your cards are as always lovely, especially love the summery ones as it's blowing a gale force wind here today. Sending you lots of love and hugs and hoping when I read your next post, things have improved for you. Lisa xx

Robin said...

Super cute and fun card, Darnell! Thank you so much for participating in Poppystamps "Spring Cleaning" Challenge!

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
so sorry you have been unwell I do hope you continue to improve.
Love these magnificent cards and their designs what a brilliant idea for balloons too.
Love the summery one it's sooooooooooooo! warm nd glwing it almost warms me up.
The hot air ballon is also a fantasitc design and the colours on the die cuts areso pretty.
super sentiment on the third and it's brilliantly created.
Lots of crafty love and hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.

nwilliams6 said...

Hope you are feeling much better!!!! Great cards. I love the colors, the images, and your designs. You do some awfully fun cards, Darnell. Many hugz - healing ones!

Karenladd said...

Well I have to say that the new meds don't seem to have slowed you down at all Darnell...but I hope you're back on track soon. Eating and sleeping a lot is kind of my normal state so I probably would have barely noticed if that happened to me. Glad to see that Hammy picked up the slack by using his nose, instead of head, to add the rope elements to your card...good boy Hammy! Wish I had an assistant to fill in as needed, but all I have is my dog, Toby...who shows not the slightest interest in using his nose as a sponge daubber...sigh.

Love the clever use of the upper balloon half as an umbrella! Isn't it so satisfying to get even more use out of your stamps and dies?

Ruth said...

Here's to the new medication and a hope that they do the job required better than the old ones. Just love that you have used the die with the PP - especially the yellow with the parasol. Keep making! xxx

TK said...

Great cards, Darnell! I love that you went with hot air ballooms, and your umbrella is a perfect fit too!

Jacquie Southas said...

I think you were brilliant to stamp directly onto that sunny scene! All cards posted today are fabulous. I really hope your energy is coming back and the med side effects are temporary. {{{hugs}}}

Misty Elam said...

Hi Darnell!! Your cards are fantastic, as always. I love how you created 2 totally different designs using the same die. The colors on the hot air balloon are beautiful. Your Sun & Sand card makes me day dream about the upcoming summer months. Oh how I'd love to be on that beach right now with that fun umbrella protecting me and sand between my toes. I love that you used the same patterned paper for the background too. I hope you start feeling like yourself again soon.

Thanks for sharing it with us at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.
Misty

Jeanne J. said...

So nice to visit with you today Miss Darnell! Your cards are so fun. I love the layered scalloped borders that you inked up and the beach chair in the sand.. they look like a beautiful day!

LeslieT said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Karen Brown said...

I love all three cards you created, but my favorite is the beach umbrella...so bright and cheery! Very nicely done. I hope you bounce back quickly.
Karen

Cheryl W. said...

Well, it looks like you hit three home runs with your cards today. I could sure use some of that warm sun on my skin. It's downright chilly here in Minnesota. Also, I enjoyed the photo, ER, image of you in the morning. I see you CASEd my morning hairdo.