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 4, 2019

More Makes From Alcoholic Inks and Foil

Hello Stamplings,

How are you doing this fresh April day? It's been really hard to concentrate for any length of time in the Playhouse because of everything happening outside the window. There are so many shades of green, the flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, the hummers are everywhere, and the squirrels are running up and down the top of the fence like their pants are on fire. Even the weather is interesting to watch. I decided I'd better close my blinds or I'd never get this written!

Today I am sharing some artsy makes.
A while back my friend Harriet came over for a playdate and we had lots of fun with alcoholic inks and different types of paper. The above are the ones I made. I used the pink one in a prior post. Here is the lovely Harriet holding up one of her makes.
My backgrounds have been on the corner of my desk and I finally put together a Twofer with them.

Onefer
When a background is this sensational, it's hard to cover it up, so I went with a simple gold-embossed sediment from PTI and a stitched frame from MFT cut from gold mirri card.

Here's a more schparkly angle:
The process involves laying a piece of colored foil over the sticky bits left from a play with the alcoholic inks. Then you use one of your acrylic blocks to press the foil into the sticky bits. I achieved those cool slashes of gold you see by turning the block on its side and running the hard edge across the foil. It really adds a lot of dramatazazz which the photo doesn't begin to do justice.

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Twofer

I apologize for the cloudy day photos.
With white linen card, I used the MFT stitched frame again, adhered over another frame from PTI, and topped with a NBUS sediment from Concord & 9th. The coolest thing about these alcoholic backgrounds is that each one is unique. The frustrating thing about them is that each one is unique. Sometimes a background is so WOW you want to be able to duplicate it prezackly. But you only lament for a second and begin again because it's so fun and addicting and you never know how it's going to turn out. You know, like raising a child.

This is the inside of the card. Warning: Please avert your eyes if you don't like a little bit of naughty language...



What happened was, Hammy gave me the list of challenges he thought I might like to play in and one them involved using witty, naughty, and funny sediments. I didn't have a way to attach a funny one to the front, so I put it inside. But then when I went to add the links, it turns out it wasn't a challenge after all. It was a come-on ad for new carpeting for hamster cages! I'm not mad about that because I read it the same way myself.

Well, by then it was done and I rather like the unexpected inside with such an artistic outside. The sediment is ancient from River City Rubber Stamps. I know a few of you have been recipients of this stamped verse! 😄

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71 comments:

oldpunca said...

I'm still giggling about the sentiment you have stamped into the cards. :-)
I'm admiring "alcohol ink" cards with open mouth. Fabulous backgrounds. Playing with alcohol inks is a real anty-stress therapy. And it would be a shame to cover up this unique backgrounds. :-)
Have a great day!
Hugs, Sonja

Redanne said...

The sediment made me giggle too, it really is very funny. Both cards are stunning and I really do love that you cannot re-create a similar background, it makes each one so unique. You are right, it would have been a real shame to cover each one up!

I love Spring, everything is so vibrant - the only slightly irritating thing is the Canada Geese, who are nesting at the side of the pond next door, and they insist on 'honking' from 4 am onwards.... I would love it if they were hummers though! Hugs, Annie xxx

kiwimeskreations said...

Wonderful shmantastic cards Darnell - and well done on Hammy thinking like you...or is it you thinking like him???? I must try some foil on alco-hic inks
Blessings
Maxine

Lia said...

Wow, these bright colours are amazing! You made great cards.
Lia xx

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

These backgrounds are stunning Darnell. I've not seen this technique before but I'm sure I'll be trying it soon as they make beautiful cards.

Sue xx

Mac Mable said...

Still chuckling about the sentiment on the inside....Wow to your alcohol inked backgrounds Darnell, they are unique and amazing and the gold adds wonderful sparkle and makes them even more special x. Wonderful colours and designs, both of them and you sure do look like you had a fun day with Harriet x

Aileen said...

As always a brilliant couple of cards, love the alcohol playing and foiling and the sediment was A++

Lisa said...

These are both so stunning!! The colors look so artistic and amazing!! And the inside - haha!! Love it!! Gorgeous cards!! I'm still waiting for spring to arrive here...ice on the windows in the mornings, chilly temps. But, the daffodils are finally blooming and I can't wait for the first hummer to arrive!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Valerija said...

Fantastic backgrounds and your cards are gorgeous.
Valerija xx

KandA said...

You certainly had fun making those backgrounds and transforming them into two stunning cards.... but of course my favourite has to be the one with the cheeky sediment. I love those bright and cheery colours and the way you used those strips to finish the inside. It's a dull and chilly day here and definitely no sitting out in the garden today xx

Jeanne said...

Beautiful foiled pieces, Darnell. Looks like you two had a marvelous time! Got a nice giggle from the sentiment inside. I'm sure it is just beautiful in your backyard this time of year!

ionabunny said...

Gorgeous backgrounds with thosebright colours and splashes of foil. Hugz

Marilyn said...

Pretty cards! Love the backgrounds!
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤️

Stamps and Paper said...

Hi Darnell ..what beautiful backgrounds you’ve created and love how you’ve made them into stunning cards....it’s lovely when you have craft days with your friends I’ve got a crochet day tomorrow

Anne

Bunny said...

The birthday card and the sentiment cracked me up. Lordy those inks are so beautiful. I would like to be able to re-create some of them as they are so beautiful. My friends would laugh at the sentiment because I'm always saying "I don't give a rat's toenail".

Spring has sprung and everyone is twitter pated. Bring on all the new babies of every species except for some nasty bugs that make me run over you to get out of the way. [Bunny]

Bonnie said...

Gorgeous backgrounds, Dolly! I love that bit of gold foil and your beautiful cards remind me that I need to get those alcohol inks out and play again. I love the strips of AI beauty added to the inside too. Have you tried alcohol ink on plastic Easter eggs? That's fun too! Just in case Hammy is friends with the Easter Bunny.

Vicki Dutcher said...

How fun are playdates! Lovely cards - I do love the pop of gold.

Pat said...

Such gorgeous twofers Darnell using the beautiful bright AI backgrounds and the added gold foil makes them even more glitzy and pretty, also the interesting shapes using die cut sentiments and the stitched frames finish them perfectly, and love that cheeky but fun sentiment inside the second one too, it really made me chuckle. x

Brenda in IN said...

The schparkly view required sunglasses but it is beautiful! All of the backgrounds really look so cool and the cards are great. I love that touch of gold. That humor is right up my alley and it cracked me up. That's so fun that Harriett came to play. I would never look that good to play with alcohol inks, especially with no apron.

Jean said...

Those backgrounds are so beautiful and make such pretty cards!

Shelly said...

These are awesome, Darnell! Especially love the second one with that sentiment inside! lol And I agree, sometimes it's so hard to concentrate when the weather is beautiful! ;)
Have a great rest of the week! Hugs

Chris said...

Fantastic backgrounds Darnell, have never tried this technique but the results are stunning...looks as if they'd be fun to make too. The cards are gorgeous!
x

Marcia Hill said...

Once again, thanks for my morning chuckle Darnell! Actually it was more of a rip roaring snort...LOVE that sediment!! And the al ink pieces are just lovely too...really love the gold going through them!! I haven't done much with my al inks lately, but just got some of the new pearl ones and need to just sit down and have a play date with them! Kind of hard when I'm more interested in what's going on outside too! Not that we have any flowers or greens showing up just yet, but LOTS of birds and squirrels and Daisy just loves chasing them...what a goof! Have a great rest of your week my friend. Hugs. :0)

Verna Angerhofer said...

What fun backgrounds you made and they worked into great cards. And, I am still chuckling over that sentiment. I think that is so fun!

JoAnn said...

Your alcohol ink backgrounds are so pretty and I love how you add the bits of gold to them. They made such beautiful cards.

jimlynn said...

Fun times with alcohol inks! They're all so pretty. LOVE the inside of that one card too. Such fun.
Lynn

OH Babs said...

I have not used foil but my groups use lots of alcohol inks and several techniques. So much fun! A little messy. :)

Sandra H said...

These backgrounds are so creative l just love the colours used and the sentiment well that says it all so laughable your so talented xx

Cat Craig said...

Fabulous backgrounds and fabulous cards. Sometimes its great to just play without having to finish. Love the sentiment, a good giggle. Hugs.

Carol L said...

This foil technique really turns out cool every single time! I must try it some day. As for the snarky sentiment inside - those are my favorites:) Love this one! I suppose I have a dark side of humor, because they always bring a good chuckle for me! Do enjoy the lovely goings-on outside your playhouse! Spring is finally making an appearance and it's wonderful to see nature unfolding once again :)

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving your background and they have made wonderful cards.

Hope you are having a nice day. Sue

conil said...

OOOOh,such pretty backgrounds, that flash of gold really adds a lot to the overall effect. Personally, I love that sentiment...There are a lot of rat's asses I don't care about.

Loll said...

Gorgeous AI and foil panels Dolly! LOVE how you got the slashes of gold for your first card --- so cool! The colours of the second card are intense and really pop with the white base. Two beautiful cards! So happy you and Harriet are having a lot of artsy fun! Love, Lolly

Birgit said...

Who doesn't love some sass which rhymes with...well, you know:) I love what you did with the alcohol inks and the foil which I never worked with. I love both and totally agree not to cover them up

Kathleen said...

Some super backgrounds Darnell and you have used them to great effect.

Kath x

Patti said...

Cool! I wanna try this!! : )

I hope you and your Mister are doing well my friend!!

BIG (((Hugs)))
Patti

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Wowzer!!! How cool and vibrant backgrounds!!! Love how you played with alcohol inks and foil!!! Gorgeous cards with magical colours!!
Hugs!!

Carole said...

You colour my world Darnell...what a pair of utterly fabulous cards. Love your backgrounds and the cards you have turned them into....and I am still chuckling about that sentiment. I guess I know a couple (or more) people I could apply that one to! Hubby's first week of retirement and I am exhausted!......NO not that sort of exhausted (you naughty thing you)...he is always bust busy..and we are here and there together...I need him to go back to work so I can have a rest! Hugs to you xx

Susan said...

Love that technique of pressing foil into the sticky bits of alcohol ink! You created beatiful cards using those backgrounds, especially the second one - such gorgeous colours!

Lisa Elton said...

That sentiment is a hoot, something my brother would enjoy! Your cards are awesome Darnell. And the sentiment fonts are perfect with your backgrounds!

Trina P. said...

Darnell! 😂😂😂 Love that sentiment... it made my day! I see your inner mixed media is coming through and shining oh so brightly. Great job! xx

Mrs A. said...

How comes your squirrels get to have pants on.Lol. Talkabout keeping up with the Joneses!!
Liking your striking backgrounds. Hugs Mrs A.

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

Hee hee!! I so need that seDiment... What super cards Darnell, you really have put them to good use, always so refreshing to see a splash of random colour as each is so unique (rather like that seDiment haa haaa!!) The addition of the foil and embossing really takes them to new heights. Magnifico!
Thank you for sharing these little pops of inspiration.
Hugs for the weekend Tracey xx

Nora Noll said...

I am loving all the fun alcohol backgrounds you created. Your first card is amazing with the gold. Your second card is my favorite, though. The colors just jive with me and that sentiment-PERFECTION!! Great designs!

Cheryl W. said...

Normally, I don't laugh at cards, but yours isn't normal - it's hilarious!! Love your amazing backgrounds. Those bits of gold must really be spectacular IRL. I'd try this technique if I had some alcohol inks, but alas, I don't. Will have to tuck this idea away until I do. Something to add to my Christmas list for Santa.

Christine Alexander said...

oooh yummy foiling, just love the touch of sparkle randomly on the inks. Love the cards :)

frommycraftroom said...

Fabulous backgrounds. A great sentiment to be given to the right person!

Inkyfingers said...

What a wonderful technique Darnell, one that now goes onto my never-ending things to try list lol! Love those bold colours with the unexpected gold highlights. Love the naughty sentiment too.
Have a good weekend.
Hugs
Carol x

Anita in France said...

It's been said but it's worth repeating, Darnell ... these are both luscious! The shimmer and shine on the first one is fantastic, especially so seeing the shot you took with the sun glimmering on it! More hahahahaha this morning at the sentiment inside the second one ... such elegance and loveliness with a fun and oh-so-unexpected surprise inside! LYAMYHAHMA ... IWSLTCWYLN! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

nwilliams6 said...

Fun bgs and fun cards. I love the inside on the last one - that is soooooo funny! I need that sentiment for sure. This is such a fun post but then all your posts are fun. Hugz

Ros Crawford said...

That sentiment had me laughing out loud! I love your artsy makes and what fun you guys must have had... Yep, everything is starting to bloom here and the squirrels are everywhere but it's cold here... We have the March winds with the April showers... Still I'm off to the beach in 5 days time... Enjoy your day my friend!

Di said...

Wonderful cards Darnell! And finally, I see how you can do the foiling onto a background without needing fancy gizmos! Need to hunt out the alcohol ink and am sure I have some foil hidden away! Such a wonderful look!

Great to see you in the Playground!

Hugs

Di xx and a 'woof' from Dudley!!

Leslie Miller said...

These backgrounds are fandangtastic, Darnell! No kidding! The colors are wow and the gold oooooh. I wonder what would happen if I finally used my three colors of alcoholic inks that I bought way back when they were a brand new thing. I mean waaaayyyy back. Impossible to cover up so I love that you left them exposed. Cloudy day photos, sheesh. My cards would turn to mush if I propped them up outside today. Cool look to the front sentiment on the first card and I laughed and laughed at the birthday sentiment on your second card!

Fikreta said...

these backrounds are super nice!
cards are stunning!
love them!
hugs

Kara Lynne said...

I cannot get over those gorgeous papers you made with you Vodka! The gold foil is incredible! I see I'm going to NEED some of that now. It looks like you and Harriet had a blast, and your card designs really let the paper shine! I didn't read what it said inside the card because you told me to avert my eyes - bahahahahah!

!neke said...

Great backgrounds Darnell !!!!!
Great colors !
hugs Ineke

Gerrina said...

Two beautiful cards due to the beautiful backgrounds! And that text; super whitty! Hugs, Gerrina

Kathyk said...

WOWSER! LOVING your alcohol backgrounds and super makes, Darnell. Thanks so much for sharing with us over at the Love To Craft Challenge Blog

Kathyk
DT @ LTCCB

Neet said...

Love your Alcohol Ink backgrounds, I just don't get these inks out enough these days but I think you have spurred me on to give them another try. I do like the addition of the gold, it really makes them even richer than before. Great cards as a result - with these backgrounds you need nothing more than a sentiment and you have two lovely dies here. I think I need to invest in some diecut sentiments and then play along with you with the Alcohol Inks.
Hugs, Neet xx
ps have bought one of those "lift off" pads for using with AI's - will have to find time to play and see how that works.

Bobby said...

I'm anxious to find some time to make alcohol panels. Yours turned out beautifully and I love it with the foil added, Darnell. You're right, you don't want to cover that loveliness with much of a sentiment.

Dotty Jo said...

Great cards, Darnell! Love that super snarky sentiment and your fabulous alcohol ink backrgounds, Jo x

Cris G. said...

Both cards look scrumptious, Darnnel! I love playing with alcohol inks too, because we never know what a panel looks like when we finish.
You are so lucky to have all that blooming life happening in your yard... I guess it means that those little critters know they are in the right place!

Hugs,
Cris.

ike said...

WoWza ! Such awesome backgrounds. !! I am glad you had fun :-)
Thank you for coming to play at IKEsWORLD Challenges. =^..^=

Hugz
IKE x

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KT Fit Kitty said...

They are gorgeous, Darnell! I love using alcohol inks too. I need to try the foil! It really adds a nice touch! Looks like you and your friend had lots of fun!

Lynette said...

Such beautiful backgrounds, Darnell! And how fun you and Harriet had another playdate. I love the cards you made with them, too. I agree - a person doesn't want to cover them up!

Kelly Griglione said...

Hey Darnell!! Aw, you got to play with Harriet! So fun. Especially when it involves making alcohol ink backgrounds. I super-love the two-fer rainbow on in the white frame ... it totally pops and makes me happy! And you are absolutely right about alcohol inks and children being similar : )
xoxo,
Kelly

Em Louise Fairley said...

That sentiment sounds just like something one of the rat triplets would say. Grin xoxo

Greta said...

Stunningly gorgeous backgrounds, Darnell! I wouldn't cover them up either! You're inspiring me to use my AIs again--especially adding some foil!

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Ah wunnerful Darnell. Love the stunning colours and glitz of gold. Slowly getting better thank you.. 😁
Hugs Shaz in Oz.x

Colleen said...

Oh yes, wonderful AI backgrounds, it is hard to cover them up, so your ideas are all fabulous! Have a great week!!

Susan Renshaw said...

Fabulous background! And I liked that sentiment too...
Thank you for sharing with IKE'S WORLD Challenges!
Susan
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