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!

June 27, 2019

Air-Blown Thanks and Two Oddballs

Hello Stamplings!

What DAY is it?! Have you ever had one of those weeks with unexpected events that make the week seem like it's two weeks long? I'm having one of those weeks. But it sure started out nice as we wrapped up a terrific long weekend with Adam and Henry and Duke and Jack. The weekend's photo, however, features the Mister in all his glory*!

But first, I want to share these alcoholic backgrounds I made recently using a can of air.
There are talented artists out there who make the most sensational flowers and other art using their cans of air! I am not going to be one of them. It requires much, much, much practice, but I had fun playing and loved the results.

I used several of them to make thank you cards using vellum and a thank you sediment embossed in platinum and simply stapled to the panels. 
I still have a couple of the backgrounds I haven't used and Hammy spends hours staring at the imaginary critters he sees in the colors!

Twofer
I recently saw this Stampingbella "Oddball Boy Elf" on someone's blog (sorry, I can't remember whose it was) and I had to immediately open a new window and order it. Haha, that conjures up a funny image, doesn't it? The day will prolly come when I can just open my Playhouse window and a drone will pull up, take my order, zoom off, and return a half hour later with my item!

Anyways, normally my NBUS sits on Mt. NBUS for a few months or years before it sees ink, but not this goofy elf! I used my Ziggies and Artezas to color him. Hammy winked his shoes and knit cap and I added a piece of Washi tape to ground him. Please don't mention his eye condition. He's very sensitive. And the odd color of the candy cane which is normally red/white or green/white? Why, i's chocolate!

The sediment comes with the elf. I may or may not have partaken of some spirits of my own before stamping it a schmidge too close to the edge. Hic.

Challenges
~~~

*Another Oddball!
Fact: Guys who go to county fairs turn into adolescents and eat all the garbage food they can get their hands on! This particular treat is a foot-long hot dog wrapped in a corkscrewed raw potato and then the whole thing is deep-fried. Disgusting. Even the twins were disgusted. The man has an iron stomach. And before you ask, yes, he had a sore jaw for three days. If we were on the Tweeter platform, I'll bet he would go viral. #viralspiral!

~~~

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!

To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrollingClick CTL + Home. Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post. Click Page Down to reach the end of the post. Click Comments and a pop-up box opens. Click "Jump to Comment Form" and wallah, no more car pool tunnel! Mwah! (p.s. If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave me your email address so I can respond. Thank you!)

69 comments:

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, I love those backgrounds and your cards are fab.

Glad you had such a nice time with your grandsons.

We'd call that sausage and chips:)

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Cat Craig said...

Darnell, those backgrounds are fabulous and I love the staple for your vellumn. YOur elf is a hoot for sure. I don't know that dog sounds kinda good...but give me a knife and fork and a ton of Franks Red Hot!

Wendy L said...

Amazing inky background, so vibrant, they would loom great under my parchment Groovi work. Your CAS card is lovely too, thanks for joining us at MAWTT, xxxx

kiwimeskreations said...

What wonderful fun backgrounds Darnell, and I'm quite sure Hammy is worried that he may usurped by those imaginary critters he is seeing... give him a hug from me and reassure him that his position of creature superiority is safe!!
Glad to see him getting the Wink on the elf - I thought his (the elf's) visual condition was because of the shock of biting into a chocolate candy cane!!
Fabulous work as ever
Blessings
Maxine

Aquarius said...

I do so love reading your posts - always lift my day! The alcoholic backgrounds are fabulous, taking me back to the days of psychedelia.

Cathy said...

Gorgeous AI backgrounds Darnell, you never know what you're going to get LOL! The elf is adorable as is your hubby! Fancy eating that LOL!! Cathy x

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Fantastic backgrounds Darnell and all your work
but the foto of a hungry man is top
have a lovely day
hugs Tamara

Diane Louise J said...

Hello… Thanks for sharing your little elf card with ‘Moving Along with the Times Challenge Blog’; it fits perfectly with our ‘clean and simple’ challenge theme. Your other inky background cards are gorgeous too. Hope you can join us for our next challenge.
Diane Louise (DT member) xx

Marilyn said...

Pretty backgrounds on your cards and love the adorable elf !
Have a great day!
Marilyn ❤️

Redanne said...

So pleased you had a good time with the boys and the dogs too, although I am not sure what to say about hubby and that hot dog - I think you are right, it would definitely go viral on Twitter (not that I know anything at all about Twitter).

Your 'blown' backgrounds are gorgeous, who needs flowers when you can create modern art pieces like that!

The elf is adorable, I can see why you were tempted.... so glad someone else does what I do when I see something I like! Big hugs, Annie xxx

Carole said...

Oh what zingy backgrounds! Fabulous!!...and little elf is definitely a talking point..lol...as is the Mister with that long sausage...! So glad you had a good weekend with the Grandkids. Will be in touch soon. Hugs xx

Bunny said...

I think Hammy and I are kindred spirits because I kinda stared at the cards and saw faces and all kinds of stuff. Speaking of stuff. I probably would have had a go at stuffing some of that hot dog and potato in my mouth, too. Just a bite or two.

I like your new stamp and the card you made. I'd take a chocolate candy cane any day.

I wonder how many of us have NBUS mountains? Hmmm...........[Bunny]`

oldpunca said...

This are amazing backgrounds, Darnell. I like crafting with alcohol inks too, but I'm years behind your masterpieces. The simple detail with one word is just enough not to cover amazing background. Your twofer with funny elf is amazing to. Wonderful colored with a brown candy cane (I won't mention his eyes... ).
Sorry, but I have to giggle about the photo. I know such situations. And also the result. :-)
Have a nice day!
Hugs, Sonja

I Card Everyone said...

Move over Hammy, cuz I might gaze at these for hours, D. I'm seeing Jellyfish, Ham - how 'bout you? GORGEOUS!
and yes, the Oddball is so fun... you've colored him with such fun, too!
=]

Jeanne said...

Look at those glorious alcohol inked backgrounds...canned air? Never heard of using that. Hm. Your oddball elf is pretty adorable, even with the whackadoodle, uh, interesting, eyes. And your wacky husband. Oh my goodness, what concoctions they come up with at fairs for mature guys who want to feel young (?) and definitely crazy again. ;) Thanks for sharing, Darnell!

Pat said...

Wow, fabulous alcohol ink backgrounds Darnell and the shapes and colours using the air to blow the inks about are just fantastic, and the finishing touch with the piece of vellum and the platinum heat embossed sentiment is perfect. I don't quite know what to say about the quirky elf, and won't be rude about his different sized eyes not wishing to offend...lol, and what could be more yummy than a chocolate candy cane, which leads me on to the Mister's rather dangerous looking snack. How awful if it got wedged in your mouth going neither forwards or backwards..lol. Hope he enjoyed it though and that the sore jaw was worth it. Seriously, glad you had a great weekend with the boys and the dogs too. x

Em Louise Fairley said...

Great cards and pic of the Mister. When you go to the fair you HAVE to eat junk! I'd try that, although I'd have to dunk it in ketchup before each bite. Grin

jimlynn said...

I love the picture of the "other oddball" but to be honest, I'd LOVE to taste that!!! Yummy looking! I'm sure it'd never fit in my mouth but I'd find a way around that. Looks delicious!
Love the other oddball too. Fun image and a cute card!
Lynn

HilaryJane said...

Who can ever resist alcohol ink backgrounds? I know I can't, I just love them. Love the elf too xx

Nan G said...

Love the splattered alcohol. But....omg! The elf is to die for!! 💖 Love that he took a nibble out of the choco candy cane. :) Way to go Mr! That looks Scrumptious to me! It’s the only way to eat a hotdog...deep fried. ;) hope your b-day card arrived safely. Have a great weekend! Hugs Nan and the Girls

nancy littrell said...

Your crazy one of kind elf was meant for you, Dolly! Loved your air blown Alcohol Ink Thank you cards, especially since I got one too...Thank you so much..again! Loved the one layer card with message written on the back too:-)

Ugh...my stomach is churning after seeing Mister's foot long monstrosity!!

Thank you for starting my day with joy, smiles and Ughs...my dear silly friend:-) Love and Hugs...Nancy

Lucy E. said...

Your backgrounds are so artsy,
bright and fun! I’ll have to try the
can of air.

Stampnms said...

Your elf is hilarious, thanks for sharing.

Liz said...

Fabulous alcohol backgrounds, Darnell. I've not come across the can of air technique, I have to check it out. Love your elf card too, what a brilliant image and the googly eyes are a perfect finishing touch. Great photo of Kevin!! xx

Chris said...

Your inky backgrounds are fabulous, so bright and bold, had to look up the technique...what fun!! Waiting for O/H to go out and leave his workshop unattended then I can sneak in and use the air compressor!He doesn't like me in his man playroom...says I'm too messy!!! A bit harsh...but true!
Brilliant cards, love the elf!
xx

Verna Angerhofer said...

I love the alcohol ink backgrounds and I think using that simple sentiment with them makes them an outstanding design. Who cares if you got flowers or whatever with them...you have lots of cheery colors and that is perfect I think. And, that elf is so fun. I love your explanation as to why he is leaning a bit too. LOL

Trina P. said...

Your backgrounds are goooorgeous. I need to try this technique. Now onto your oddballs... the elf made me smile, the Mister gave me a stomach ache. xx

conil said...

As I was reading your post and giggling over your cute elf, I was eating toast but almost hurled it across the room when I saw the Mister's photo. Fortunately, it stayed in my yap but it's really hard to chew and laugh when you mouth is full. I cannot tell you how familiar this pic is and, yes, it is viral worthy.
Your air can works of art are better than I could ever do...think they're amazing with that sentiment.

Bonnie said...

I can vouch for the fact that these backgrounds are amazing, Dolly! I want to try it with my old SU Marker Spritzer and see if I can squeeze enough air to move the ink. I may be buying some compressed air if my hand quits cooperating. That's one crazy elf and a crazy Mister too! I hope it tasted good!

ionabunny said...

Gorgeous backgrounds. Love the elf. Hugz

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Another wonderful post, with fabulous vibrant backgrounds and the most wonderful elf, I think it's his standing position that makes his eyes like that? Anyhow, loved the hotdog, haven't seen anything like that before. LOL.
Faith x

Mrs A. said...

Dunno wot Hammy is on but I can see flowers. These are great backgrounds. Hugs Mrs A.

mamapez5 said...

bulous. All those wonderful colours. And they are versatile too and could carry almost any setiment. The elf made me smile. He's fun and surely chocolate is even more traditional for Christmas than peppermint is? Kate x

Stamps and Paper said...

Your alcohol backgrounds are amazing the colours you've produced are stunning and you can use them for so many things....Loved your sweet elf card...and that Hotdog is something else!

Anne

Mia said...

Amazing alcoholic backgrounds, Darnell.
Men are the same in the whole world!!! Ha, ha. Kisses, my friend.

Colleen said...

Oh, I think I have one of those awesome backgrounds sitting on my counter! It was a single layer postcard!! *wink
Hey, someone has to eat that garbage... was it like potato chips once it was deep fried? I can imagine that would hurt the jaws! giggle giggle
Heart Hugs, Col

Lisa Elton said...

Cool backgrounds Darnell and the elf with his crazy eyes is a hoot!

Celeste Goff said...

First, let me say that the hotdog is a heart attack waiting to happen but does look good (lol), and second, your elf card is simply amazing! Love the googly eyes!

Christine Alexander said...

Dolly, I love that airy AI background, I think I was a recipient of one of your postcard versions (great use of the off cut card :).
I know what you mean about those air blown AI flowers, tried that recently and turned it into a Nebula or Northern lights sky (hang tight posting soon)
Love your goofy elf, so cute and a real odd ball :)

KarinsArtScrap said...

these are gorgeous backgrounds with fab colours.
gorgeous cards Darnell

thank you for follow my blog.

gr karin

TK said...

I can't say you're needing a whole lot of practice - those air can backgrounds are fabulous! And you used them perfectly, subtly with the embossed vellum sentiment. Your elf is quite fun too! He might be an odd one but he's a fun one! Oy! The Mister sure does know how to impress the grandsons!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

WOW!!! Your alcohol ink backgrounds are just FABULOUS!!! Such wonderful play with colours and can air!! Very inspiring!! They are outstanding, so your cards are just perfect with the vellum sentiment!
The elf card makes me smile, it looks so fun!
But the funniest is your hubby eating that very big treat :D :D LOL Great shot!!! :D
Hugs

Linda said...

Sounds like you had a great time with the boys. Not so sure about what the Mister is eating ..... he looks to be enjoying it though.
Great backgrounds with the alcohol inks, so bright and colourful. Love the elf too. Have a great weekend xx

Gerrina said...

hree so colourfull cards; they fit any happy celabration! Hope you have a good weekend planned, hugs, Gerrina

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

Your backgrounds have blown me away, the elf has me staring at an angle, but the elder teen is enjoying himself! Hey, I remember when deep fried oreo's were the new hit and now everyone makes them at home in their air fryer. LOL! Mine would have done the same thing. It's a guy thing.

Sarah said...

What amazing backgrounds Darnell, they look incredible!! Love that elf, he sure has been at the Christmas spirit. Looks like Mister is thoroughly enjoying himself!! xx

Sandra H said...

Ooh my my my....those backgrounds are amazing fantastic colours used some so vibrant and the elf card is just so adorable l don’t fancy the after effects after what the Mister was chewing on lol sounds like fun though take care sending lots of love xx

Birgit said...

I love that elf who might have drank a bit too uch of Santa's Sherry:) Great card. I also love thos eThank You cards you created. I have seen those flowers but didn't know they were made with blowing air. If I blew my hot air, the inks might fly across the room:) I have to check it out and try it. Your hubby is funny and this is not for the faint of heart. I would never eat it

Anonymous said...

Your alcohol ink backgrounds are lovely! We did a similar technique at our local stamp store using the Tim Holtz Distress Marker Spritzer. The elf looks a bit goofy, but he’s very festive and a chocolate candy cane would be delicious. Thank you so much for playing along with the June Rudolph Days Challenge.
Linda DT
Rudolph Days Challenge

frommycraftroom said...

I love your backgrounds. So pretty and such vibrant colours. Made into beautiful cards.

Oh the elf! love his eyes! Good for you not sitting on Mt NBUS. As for the drone um would that mean we would be so excited still about our purchase that we would use it straight away and therefore eliminating Mt NBUS? what a thought that we might still be excited for a new product when it arrives cause you know in Aus in can take weeks and weeks to arrive by then I have moved on to excitment in other places ;)

Ah the Mister looks like he was really enjoying that. Sounds like an interesting combination of food groups.

Cheryl W. said...

Your backgrounds look like white cards splashed with happiness. Love the bright colors! Your little elf is a fun one. He makes me smile with his googly eyes and shiny shoes. And then there's that mister of yours. Wow! Talk about a mouthful...

Shelly said...

Well, hello, hello, my friend! :) Your backgrounds are AWESOME and so are your cards! Love them! And seriously, that elf!...I just may need to buy it, too! Ha! Okay, and I'm one of those people, if it's deep fried it must be good. lol Now, I don't know about the potatoes around the hot dog but a regular deep fried hot dog, sure! Throw some bacon on there too and I'll take it! lol Can't go wrong with some good carnival/fair food. ;)
Happy Friday...have a great weekend! Hugs

Karen Brown said...

I love your humorous elf card! Definitely made me smile. :-)

Whisper said...

Oooo I've been eyeing this image up for a while, as I love how unique the oddball Elf is and thanks for joining us this month at Rudolph Day's Challenge, Luv Sam x

Donna said...

Fantastic alcohol ink backgrounds and cards, fun elf card and that hot dog/chip look delicious!

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, those backgrounds! The colors! The mess I'd probably have on my desktop when I finished! But they're fantastic! Your Oddball, tee hee... okay, I won't mention his eyes and how they're all popped out and two different sizes and he really should see a doctor about that. He's cute! I know what you mean about the NBUS sitting on the mountain for so long. That's where I find myself again after being nearly caught up. I'm working on it, though. Trouble is the mountain grows faster than I can color. Hmmm, I've never seen a concoction like the one the Mister is eating. It sounds good, actually, but, oh, the cholesterol!

BożenA said...

A great set of cards, Darnell. I love the alcohol ink background, the flow of colors is amazing. The third card is so cute.
Strong greetings,
BożenA xx

Mac Mable said...

Loving those vibrant colours of alcohol inks and all so unique...you sure looked like you had fun x Had a little chuckle about your last card...fun sentiment and image and of course loving the eyes!! x DH looks like he had loads of fun too .....x

Fikreta said...

these backrounds are superg great!
Wonderful cards!

Cris G. said...

Yay Darnell, what a fabulous collection of alcoholic backgrounds, I guess you had a a great time with the can of air... much better than blowing with a straw, for sure. The skinny elf is so fun!
Good to know that you had a great weekend with the twins and furry friends.
As for your hubby, after a sore jaw for three days I think he doesn't need a virus LOL.
Hugs,
Cris

JD/ Jill said...

Great backgrounds! They look fun to make...(And you made great cards using them!

Stephanie Lanzalotto said...

I love your funny elf, Darnell, but what I really love the most is the picture of Mr. eathing that weird potato wrapped hot dog. HILARIOUS!!!!! So thank you so much for playing our FUNNY challenge with your wonderful card, but aht picture far outweighs the funniness of that wonderful card. I am giggling still.

Anita in France said...

Gosh, those AI backgrounds are luscious, Darnell ... so vibrant and unstructured! Love that you kept the cards simple with the vellum sentiment strips ... they allow your amazing art to shine! That little elf is a riot ... fabulous colouring and his eyes suit him ... perfect for such a quirky little guy! So .. Kevin ... oh my goodness, the only thing it needs is chocolate poured over it!! Sure hope the taste made the sore jaw worth it!! Thanks so much for playing along with us at Time Out! LYAMYLALMA ... IWSTCLN! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

scrappymo! said...

I think that man is too, too, funny!

Your card is a hoot. That is one funny image. The eyeballs make me giggle!

Just finished leaving my last comments on the entries...not too shabby for a lady with a gimpy knee. It takes a wuile to get your knee muscles stretched enough to sit comfortably to use the computer for any length of time.
But i am doing my exercizes and every day it feels stronger and bends a little more! Yay.

Thanks for taking part in the June Rudolph Days Challenge.

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Oh, I think I would devour that thing, too - looks delicious to me! But I guess you are more into alcohol nowadays, LOL - just kidding. Great backgrounds! Alcohol inks are just so much fun to play around with. I think I need to get mine out again....

Lynn said...

I have been so MIA in commenting in blog land but am happy to be here today! Love the fun alcohol ink background. So so fun! And your hubby cracks me up!

Thanks so much for playing with us at Time Out!

nwilliams6 said...

Wonderful post. Love that picture of your husband - how fun! The elf is adorable and your goggley eyes are perfect. I have got to try to do an alcohol bg one day - yours are awesome!!! Hugz

Bobby said...

From your mouth to Amazon's ears, Darnell. Your wish for instant drone service is never far away. LOL Then you can buy all the crazy elves you want. I love all your alcoholic panels. It just amazes me how wonderful a mix of colors can look. I've tried blowing with a straw but get light headed so I gave it up but I can see how Hammy would enjoy finding critters in the abstract blobs of ink. The Mister's lunch looks fantastic but I'm sure my stomach wouldn't tolerate it. I'm glad he enjoyed it.

maria f. said...

Happy Belated Birthday, Darnell! Entering a new decade, eh? Hope it's a grand one! As for your photo lineup - loving them all (well maybe that heart attack on a dog not so much). Luscious results with those alcohol inks.