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 5, 2019

Aah, Sunflowers

Hello Stamplings!

I hope this finds you well! As you read this, Hammy and I are off on a little get-away retreat in Indiana while the Mister and Nellie hold down the fort. I fear I will be the third wheel in their relationship when I get back home! Actually, it's very endearing to see a big strapping man besotted by a little white fluffy dog!

I was organized enough Friday to make a coupla fall cards before I left.
I love the warm colors of sunflowers and tried to replicate that using my NBUS stencil from Magenta for this birthday card. I actually inked the entire stencil over a piece of subtle pp and then cut it in half so that I could make two clean and simple cards for the price of one!

For this card, Hammy winked the flowers after I had finished inking them onto the pp and then I added the stenciled panel to a piece of ancient card stock with schparkles embedded right in it. The NBUS sediment die is from Creative Expressions by Sue Wilson. I stacked it three-high and then used my Ziggies to paint it with warm sunflower shades.
Challenges

Twofer
Using the other half of the stenciled sunflowers, I made a horizontal Thanksgiving card. The sediment is from STAMPlorations, thoroughly glossed by Hammy. 
He is staying very close to me these days and being extra helpful so I don't forget he's here. As if, bless him. He is being reassured by the fact that he is here with me and Nellie is not!

~~~

Today is a really.big.day in our community!
Some sites have it as today, some have it as a week-long celebration from October 1-7. It doesn't really matter. What matters is that there is a day/week that celebrates US!! How cool is that?! And when I say US, I mean YOU! I hope you get a chance to have some YOU time to make a card. Then you can spread love and happiness inside a piece of folded card inside an envelope!! Mwah! 

~~~

Your Nellie smile for the day! 
~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!* Please remember that October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month! Check yourselves, ladies, and make those donations to breast cancer research! 

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!)

64 comments:

kiwimeskreations said...

So glad to know Hammy is helping you so efficiently with the winking and glossing on these fabulous cards Darnell- of course you would NEVER forget him, no matter how cute Nellie is!!
Love how you have 'halved' the sunflower and made two totally different cards, both of which are beautiful
Blessings
Maxine

Marilyn said...

Cute cards! Have fun on your get away retreat!
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤

Bunny said...

Both cards are lovely. The job of winking and glossing was beautifully done. Enjoy your retreat time.

Thanks for reminding everyone that it's Breast Cancer Awareness month. [Bunny]`

Viv said...

Lovely sunnyflowery winky things Dolly.... and get you - being thrifty and making 2 for the price of one!
Have a nice break and enjoy some Hammy time.... Nellie will be well spoilt by the time you get back. x

Cat Craig said...

Wonderful sunny cards Darnell. Love the shadowing of the sentiment on your first and the lovely abundance of yellow on the second. Hope you and hammy are having a good time.

Pat said...

Two gorgeous sunflower cards and great stencilling on the pp Darnell. I hope you have a lovely time in Indiana and I'm sure Nellie will be one very pampered dog whilst you are away, and hope Hammy enjoys the trip too. x

Ros Crawford said...

I love your sunflower cards... don't they just make you feel happy? Have a fabulous trip!

Lisa Babitz said...

I, too, love the warm colors of sunflowers, and you did a great job inking yours! I never remember to stamp/ink on patterned paper; I really like how it looks. Thanks for the inspiration!

Hope you and Hammy enjoy your retreat!

Donna said...

This is stunning and like the shimmer, you can't go wrong with sunflowers. Enjoy your retreat!

designbydonna said...

I love sunflowers. Yours are just beautiful. Great use of one panel to make 2 cards. Hammie did an excellent job wiht the winking. Nellie is adorable.

Jeanne said...

Your light shines as brightly as the sunflowers, Darnell! These cards are so lovely! Thank you for sharing. Happy WCMD! I hope you get lots of crafty time! Love that you and your hubby both are besotted by your sweet Nellie. She is a cutie! Crafty hugs!

ionabunny said...

Happy World Cardmaking Day Darnell!! Lovely cards. Enjoy your retreat. Off to get crafty. HUgz

nancy littrell said...

Beautiful sunflower cards and sweet adorable Nellie. Give Hammy a hug too..I have not forgotten him or Mister! I love that sunflower stencil too and used it for my most recent CAS Stencil card. Sunflowers are perfect for Fall cards. Have tons of fun creating with the girls:-) Hugs...Nancy

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the cards. Nice to seeing something that warms you up on these colder days.

Hope you are enjoying your break away.

I bet Nellie will give you a lovely welcome when you get back home.

Take care.
Sue

cuilliesocks said...

Hi Darnell, two lovely cards, I do love sunflowers, they always make me smile.
what a wonderful photo of little Nellie, she is quite gorgeous, and I'm sure your hubby and Nellie will have a wonderful time together. You also have a wonderful time on your trip, have a lovely weekend, Kate x

Mrs A. said...

Firstly enjoy your trip away and secondly your sunflower cards are well, Sunny to say the least . I love what you and hammy have created here. Hugs Mrs A.

nancy littrell said...

P.S. so pleased, Dolly that you added your beautiful stenciled sunflowers on pattern paper car to our CAS Stencil Challenge:-) Hugs..Nancy

Jean said...

Sunflowers are my fave. Gorgeous cards!

Verna Angerhofer said...

So gorgeous. That stenciling over the pattern paper is so pretty. I love it. And, have a great time on your outing.

Sarah said...

There is something so cheery about sunflowers and your fabulous two for one stencilled panel is double the cheer!! Hope you have a lovely time away, I am sure you will be missed xx

Barbara said...

Hi Darnell, I so enjoy reading your posts and seeing your creations. So smart of you to make two for one. The sunny Sun Flower is a great fall card and the stencil on PP is inspiring too. Thanks for joining in the fun at Seize the Birthday challenge.
Barbara DT

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

When I look at those lovely sunflowers, I sense that I can actually feel the warm sun shining down. Lovely!

conil said...

You're going to find that Nellie and the Mister are inseparable when you get home. They'll probably be finishing eachother's sentences. Be that as it may, have an awesome time traveling.
Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers and this one must be spectacular because it's large and beautiful...so clever to of you to get to gorgeous cards out of it.

Redanne said...

I can certainly understand Mister being besotted with Nellie, I am and I can only see photos of her!!! Poor Hammy, he is clearly jealous but I hope he feels reassured by travelling with you - lol !

You really have captured those sunflowers magnificently, the colours are superb, I love both cards. Hope you are having a wonderful time! Hugs, Annie xxx

Cheryl W. said...

Nellie is such a beauty. Her elegance along with the warmth exuded from your sunny cards has made my day so much brighter. Have fun in Indiana.

Fikreta said...

Very beautiful card.

Susan said...

Love the image of big strapping Mister hanging out with little fluffy Nellie!! Loll, Christine, and I got together today - ideal way to celebrate World Card Making Day, though it would have been nicer had we been more successful with the techniques we tried - a lot of stuff ended up in either garbage or recycling! Beautiful sunflower cards - perfect for the autumn and as an antidote for the darker days!

Becca Sadler said...

Both cards are spectacular, Darnell!!! Little rays of sunshine!

TK said...

Two pretty cards out of one stenciling -- brilliant! Love Hammie's glossing too

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Your sunflower cards are fabulous and have a so happy feel! Great use of that stencil! Well done to Hammy for the sparkle! :)
Nellie is a sweet lady, such cute smile! Enjoy your little trip
Hugs

Stamps and Paper said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell have fun and enjoy your time away

Anne

frommycraftroom said...

Love 💕 your stencil. HWCMD. No card making for me busy candle making!and today a bit of sewing. Bet your having a blast on your retreat.

Sandra H said...

So pretty Darnell and creative as always l just love your creation enjoy your time away and Nellie is just the cutest companion x

Bonnie said...

Your sunflowers are warm, happy and just plain gorgeous, my friend! You and Hammy enjoy your visit with the gals!

Leslie Miller said...

Gee, I would prefer it be a week long celebration! Look at you with two cards in one. Beautiful sunflower stencil and love the dimension on each sentiment, each created differently. Hammy probably does need some reassurance now that sweet Nellie is around. I hope you're having a grand time!

Carole said...

Super sunny cards Darnell...really cheery.We could do with a bit of the yellow stuff here in the Uk...very wet. Have a lovely and safe trip! xx

Vicky Hayes said...

What glorious, happy flowers sunflowers are. I thought it was clever of you to get two CAS cards for the price of one by chopping your stencilled paper in half!

I hope you and Hammy are having a lovely time! I don't think Nellie will forget you even if the mister IS obsessed by her. Dogs have a lot of love to share around!

Nancy said...

I hope you have a wonderful time with the ladies! Give them my hellos...who am I kidding...you aren't going to be reading these while on a getaway with friends. LOL Love both of these in the warm yellow tones. Love the shiny sentiments too! Have a great time and thanks for being in our gallery at Seize the Birthday!

Loll said...

Love the patterned paper that you've used for stenciling those gorgeous sunflowers overtop, Dolly! And they are so sparkly with the winking! Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Stencil!

Have a wonderful time at the retreat. Hope to see some pics soon! That Nellie is the cutest and I definitely smiled when I saw her. You're going to miss her (oh, and the Mister too! Love, Lolly

Lisa Elton said...

These are full of sunshine and prettiness Darnell! Safe travels, have fun!

Christine Alexander said...

wonderful sunflower Darnell. Isn't nice to still see the sun and feel it's warmth even though it's November. What s sweet little doggy :)

Barb Ghig said...

Oh, I just love that you chose these beautiful sunflowers for your subtle patterned paper, Darnell! Hammy did an amazing job adding sparkle to them, too :) Two really pretty autumn cards!
Have fun in Indiana...you have certainly earned it! Thanks so much for playing along with us at CAS Stencil!

oldpunca said...

For the first I wish you a very happy time in Indiana and a lot of wonderful moments at your retreat.
I like both of your sunny cards. And I like the idea to get two cards for the price of one. :-) The stencil motif is fantastic.
I'm sure Mister and Nellie will have a wonderful time at home. :-)
Hugs, Sonja

Em Louise Fairley said...

Fab cards, Darnell xoxo

sandie said...

Beautiful soft and sunny cards-love the added sparkle and have a lovely retreat x

I Card Everyone said...

So lovely, D … are you still only one state line from me? sigh...
=]

Anita in France said...

Deliciously warm, sunny and sparkly, Darnell ... both of them ... I can feel the warmth from here! Hope you're all having just the best time! LYAMYHAHMCA! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Robyn Oliver said...

Both your cards are gorgeous Darnell, lovely sunflowers stenciled on a subtle DP -- finished with a simple die cut sentiment...thanks for sharing with CAS Stencil, and hope you had an enjoyable getaway, hugs Robyn

Linda said...

Gorgeous Twofer ..... I do love sunflowers, they always make me smile.
Enjoy your little retreat ..... its always nice to get away. Love and hugs from Santorini xxx

Bobby said...

The stencil worked perfectly for two cards, Darnell. Two lovely, sparkly cards. Have fun in Indiana with your sidekick.

Sazzle Dazzle said...

Beautiful, elegant and super sunny take on our uniko challenge Darnell. Hope you're keeping well and great to see you join us this month x

OH Babs said...

Love the sunflower stencil, large and bold. Doggie is getting cuter than ever. Have fun on your retreat.

Mac Mable said...

What a striking and beautiful stencil and what stunning cards and of course with beautiful shimmer and blinging from Hammy ....as if Nellie could compete....adorable as she is x. Nellie sure did make me smile x

HilaryJane said...

These are 2 gorgeous shiny happy cards, what more could you want? xx

Carol L said...

Your sunflower cards are so pretty and perfect for this time of year. I hope you had a fantastic time at the stamping retreat in Indiana, and can't wait for the photos to come a little later. Too bad the big pond separates you and Di - Nellie and Dudley would be great companions I'm sure :)

Celeste Goff said...

Such a stunning card!

Julia Aston said...

Well look at you skipping town and abandoning both the pup and the Mr! Good for you Sis! what a beautiful ray of sunshine your sunflowers are stenciled on the subtle DP - thanks so much for sharing with us at CAS Stencil!! xx

Hannelie said...

So happy to see your beautiful creation in the Uniko gallery Darnell!
Thank you so much for playing along.
Hugs
Hannelie

Glittered Paws said...

Beautiful sunflower cards- and with a stencil, very pretty. Your Nellie is absolutely precious.

JD/ Jill said...

Really pretty, cheery, cards! Love them!

Cathy said...

Beautifully stencilled cards Darnell, love sunflowers, they are so happy looking and yellow! Thankyou for playing along at CAS Stencil too, Cathy x

Greta said...

I may never catch up, but it was so worth being with you & all the gals! Love these sunflowers--especially the first one! Adorable Nellie picture!

BożenA said...

These sunflowers look perfectly on patterned paper. They have a nice penetration effect, which allows you to see the shade of the pattern on the flowers. The second card is even more beautiful, I love its convex sentiment. It looks like it was made of caramel :-))
Great projects, Darnell
BożenA xx

Wiebke Kommerell said...

Darnell, I'm blessed to write a challenge-comment in your direction this time!

Your sunflower with this awesome sentiment die cut and the warm colours look simply amazing!
Glad you joined in the fun of our Uniko Challenge #55!

Greetings from Wiebke (KomMa-designed) - Uniko Brand Ambassador

Sorry for the late comment – the uncrafty part of life caught me for a while...)