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!

January 15, 2020

A Coupla CAS EKGs

Hello Stamplings!

Is anybody else having trouble putting the MO in their JO this week? My mojo juices are running low. Is this like my hormones or does it happen to you young ladies, too? With a sidekick like Hammy, with the emphasis on KICK, I'm usually good, but I guess even the little guy is slowing down now that we aren't eating copious amounts of holiday sugar in one form or nother.

Then yesterday at lunch we were watching giraffe videos when we decided to look at the weather forecast. We have more rain coming and because I like to take my card photos outside (especially sheeny-shiny cards like these), we got busy!

Onefer
I love this NBUS Reverse Confetti "Falling Hearts" frame and decided to go white-on-white with it. I used some beautifully textured cardstock with a lovely sheen that I've had since the last century. (Did I say that right? Does it sound like the paper has a lovely sheen or I do?) I'm down to only a couple of sheets because it's so delicious, but why hoard it any longer?! I die-cut it once and then used less dear paper under it in four layers to create lots of dementia. 

Then what happened was what usually happens when I try to do a W-O-W card: Hammy wants to add some color and I always agree with him! Instead of a sediment, I used an ancient but awesome heartbeat die from does-anyone-know? I don't have the packaging and it must be so old that Dr. Google nor Pinterest can find it. It's meant to cut through paper, as in the Twofer below, but I made it into a sort of ribbon by cutting it once and then taping it back down just above the first cut and running it through again. 

ETA: Thanks to Michele, I can tell you that the manufacturer is Paper Smooches and the die is called Borders 1 and it IS still available!

Challenges

Twofer
For this design, I first attached a panel of red glossy paper to the bottom of a card base. Then, using the same pretty paper, I made the die cut. I separated the two halves a bit so the shiny red could, well, shine through and then I attached the sediment from Winnie & Walter, also cut from the same glossy red. QACAS and sexy, just as a Valentine should be. I mean, unless you make one for your neighbor or the local vicar. Be careful there.

Challenges

Cardz 4 Guyz Logo
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67 comments:

Tina Z. said...

No mojo here as well...
Both cards are so beautiful, especially WOW, I like this special paper too.
Oh yes, I have some creative stuff from last century too, like papers, stickers... :).
Crafty hugs xx

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Love both cards. Glad you were able to beat the rain.

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Craftychris said...

Love both these cool cards, the shiny card on the first is divine! I have stuff from last century too. Hugs xxxxxxxx

kiwimeskreations said...

Ohhh Darnell, you and Hammy are rocking these Valentines - loving the die cutting, and who said you need more inspiration - these are stunning!
Blessings
Maxine

sandie said...

yep mojo not working either! But when I see these I would say you were on a roll! These are both stunning, love the falling hearts and as for your Time Out card-CAS perfection and such a creative way to make this-love all the shine. Thanks for joining Time Out

Marjeta said...

Your cards are beautiful, so I do not believe you have no MOJO. I still 'running my time'. I wish I have more time to create.

Sandra H said...

Yes Mojo happens with me we just have to take it easy and then it returns think it would happen to all at some time ...your Mojo is certainly back after seeing these two gorgeous cards l just love them have a great day xx

oldpunca said...

My mojo woke up as I realized, that I have to create birthday cards for my daughter and also for some friends. :-) For taking foto it will be a little bit complicated, because we have fog. No shiny cards creation recomendet in this days in our part of the world. :-)
I like your heart beat cards very much. You did a perfect W-O-W effect with super nice paper and color combination.
Have a great day!
Hugs, Sonja

Jeanne said...

Mojo? We are supposed to have mojo? Mine must be on life support. Sigh. But your cards are doing their best to kick start it! Such fun and unique designs and I love that about them. Happy hugs!

Mischelle Smith said...

Thanks for the CAS share. Is there any way you can remember where you purchased or the name of the white scheen cardstock? It's lovely.

Kara Lynne said...

Ah, shimmer and gloss! I love both of your cards, Darnell! The combinations of one color on white is striking! At first I thought that heart beat might be an old Paper Smooches die, but then I thought, "Hm, I don't know about that." Kudos to you for using hoarded paper, and for kicking it in gear so you didn't have to take pictures in the rain!

Pat said...

These are both so pretty Darnell using this beautiful white card with the pink and then the yummy glossy red and both wonderful valentine/anniversary designs. Things are definitely very quiet in blogland at the moment and hope this is not a trend. I think everyone's mojo has dipped since the busy pre-Christmas rush so hope it picks up as the month progresses. x

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Lovely cards! I am also trying to work through some of the new or newer stuff in my stash. I ordered something the other day so I need to work faster to make sure the NBUS pile doesn’t get too big!

Em Louise Fairley said...

They are both beautiful, Darnell xoxo

I Card Everyone said...

D, I have that heartbeat die!! but damned if I can remember where it is!! I hope I remember to look for it - it is still fabulous! Could be these fab papers you've finally used! SO PRETTY!
About that mojo... I think I found yours in my guest room - come pick it up!!! xx
=]

Diane said...

Oh what fabulous cards and beautiful paper too...what a cool die, one I have never seen before!!

Aquarius said...

Wouldn't know about MO and JO with young ladies but they have been letting down an OLD lady for a while!! Two fab cards and that 'heartbeat' ziggy die is brilliant and just works so well on both these occasions. What a shame it is not still on the market.

Brenda in IN said...

This sheen could possibly be you since you always shine for me. Two pretty cards for Valentines. I have a set with the heartbeat from Altenew but I don't have a die so I'm not sure that's it. The red just shines and taking pictures outdoors really shows off the shine. I do wish that you on the west coast would keep your rain to yourselves. We have had so much and flooding with more rain coming this weekend again. I know we are told to play nice and share but please do not share anymore unless it's sunshine.

designbydonna said...

Two very pretty heart cards. As a retired nurse, I love that EKG die cut. Looks like you have a pretty wide QRS complex for whatever that means. ( It has been too long and I forget.)

Marlena M. said...

Beautiful twofer Darnell~these really pack a punch!!!

Verna Angerhofer said...

Yes, my mojo is on vacation too. I am forcing myself to do some things. But those cards you made sure look fantastic and to me it doesn't show your mojo is missing. I think I over did it the first week in January making cards so I am now burned out for a bit.

Cat Craig said...

I think the darned mojo is hibernating...I've designed 5 cards since Vacay. UGH! But on to your fab pops of red! Wow, loving it on both your cards.

Anita in France said...

Mojo, Darnell ... hmmm ... been MIA for rather a long time now! You've created a duo of CAS deliciousness here ... crisp, stylish, full of impact ... and so wonderfully shimmery and shiny! Delighted to have you playing along with us again at Time Out! LYAMYLMA ... CT! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

slang said...

The die is a Paper Smooches die and is included with the set Borders 1 and is still available! Great cards. I have that die and use it often.

Jeanne H said...

WOW. Your cards are just stunning. You are lucky to have those dies and that paper. Your designs (with Hammy) are great. TFS and a hug.

Bonnie said...

That's awesome cardstock with texture and shine! I love the pink "heartbeat" and the added dimension to it! Love the sexy, shiny red Valentine to. So perfect for your honey!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

I have mojo but haven't time to make it happy!! Could we exchange a bit of free time with a bit of mojo, please? Would be fine for we both! :/
Love your super shining paper and the heartbeat die is fabulous!! Two so lovely CAS!

Sarah said...

No mojo...I don't believe you!! these are gorgeous and will be perfect for Valentines next month!! xx

Patti said...

COOL! cards!! I love that heartbeat die!!!

Mac Mable said...

Yes without all the holiday sugar I am slower too....The sheen on your first card is so pretty Darnell and the die cuts look fabulous x. Sexy second card for DH.....no doubt? x. Fabulous cards, both of them x

Cobnut Crafter said...

Beautiful cards. Just like Hammy, I love that splash of colour. x

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Keep still my beating heart! I LOVE these cards, the "beat" shape is so connected to the heart, it is perfect. Love the simplicity of them too.
Faith x

Susan said...

No mojo here at my house. Too tired from shoveling snow! But I plug away at cards as I have some birthdays coming up.

Love your two Valentine cards - that heartbeat die is perfect for them. Both are great designs.

cuilliesocks said...

I'm struggling too Darnell, so don't feel alone. In fact I have very little inspiration to get in to the craft room let alone create a card.
Now, these two card are really beautiful, I love the design, Kate x

Redanne said...

Both cards are beautiful, the hearts are so lovely on the first one but I just adore the red and white on the second!

Sadly, I am with you on the mojo-lessness, I am hoping it is just a symptom of the after Christmas lethargy, rather than anything else! Big hugs, Annie xxx

Carol L said...

I love this pair of cards! That heartbeat line is an awesome die and I love how you used it on both cards! Isn't the stamping community amazing? Someone always has the answers we're looking for, and thanks to Michele for saving the day! The 2nd card must have been quite fiddly to get the red perfectly centered between the white panels, but it's a gorgeous CAS ending to a fun crafting day! Glad you beat the rain! We had sunshine today but I couldn't finish the cards I'm working on to get them photographed, so mine will have to wait a few more days until the sun makes another rare appearance :)

conil said...

Sexy is just the right description for this pulsing die...liked it so much, I went & bought it (like I didn't have enough dies). Anyway, think both cards are just the right thing for this time of year.

Kathleen said...

Two fabulous cards, love the heart die and the touch of pink, lovely card stock too. Such a really super LIM card and love the shiny red on white.
Please send your rain to Australia where my eldest Daughter live, she is in Sydney and while the fire has not hit there they are getting fumes and have to wear masks.

Kath x

Maria said...

Both of these are very cool! Love the shine and simplicity of them. Thanks so much for playing along with Just Us Girls this week.

OH Babs said...

Nice cards Darnell. I thought I had a stamp from Paper Smooches, but could not find it. Then someone said a die from a die set so now I know where mine is. Will I remember?
No rain yet here but it looks like tomorrow. Stay dry. BBB

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Two darling cards with that heart beat border, Darnell! Especially love the one with the falling hearts! I know what you mean about missing the packaging - happens to me all the time....

Marcia Hill said...

Shiny, sparkly, and CAS...what more could you want from an EKG?! Seriously, love them both Darnell!! Hugs. :0)

Maria said...

Oh, such fab cards, Darnell!! Seeing them makes me smile and flutters my heart being that I trained as a nurse! I do love hearts and I love your cards!! Wonderful pretty shine, too!!

Lisa Elton said...

Oh wow, love them both Darnell. I see no lack of mojo here, they look great to me!

TK said...

Super fun and flirty -- two great cards! Leave it to sweet Michele to know :o)

Cheryl W. said...

Both Mo and Jo have been partying at my house for the last few days, but I expect they'll head out any time now. They never stay very long. I love your cards and that heartbeat die is the perfect embellishment. Thanks for the inspiration. Now before Mo and Jo go home, I need to get some heart-themed cards made for that twofer challenge.

frommycraftroom said...

My mojo has gone on a long trip! My pre-xmas purchases have started arriving so I hope to it returns soon ;)
Lovely cards. Congrats on using the special paper - maybe when my MOJO returns it will use some stashed paper too.
Is the die perhaps Papersmooches??? If it's not on the site I'm sure Kim would be able to confirm or deny!

Poppyfield Card Crafts said...

Your MOJO is working for me Darnell. Love these cards

June :)

Marilyn said...

Pretty cards! I made three cards this month, but have Not posted any of them yet! It’s just sitting by the computer typing all of the info that I seem to not get to.
Have a great day!
Marilyn ❤️

Linda said...

I think my mojo has been packed away with the Christmas decorations ..... things are no where near up to speed in my craft room!!
You seem to be doing OK though .... amazing twofer. I love the pretty hearts on the first one and the red and white looks stunning on the second xx

Cris G. said...

Well, as a "young lady", I don't have the mojo problem for now. In fact I want to do all kinds of crafts these days, but I do have the dark weather and rain problem... today rained almost for the whole week.
Honestly, I didn't notice any lack of mojo in your lovely CAS cards, they are beautiful! Loving the elegance and dementia on the first card.
I don't worry about adding extra dementia to my cards, because it's coming sooner or later... :)

Cécile RIBON said...

Wow! This is stunning! You created such an amazing dimension. I love the white on white of the falling hearts with the pop of color from the heartbeat! Thanks so much for joining us at Just Us Girls.

Donna said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell, I like your EKG die!

Leslie Miller said...

I can really see the sheeny shine on your cards and they look beautiful! LOVE both designs and especially the heartbeat die. Wow! I can't wait for sunshine here or I'd rarely get a card photographed. We had a small spell of it this morning and it was lovely. It's nice that the forecast of rain got you busy making cards!

Fikreta said...

These are beautiful cards.

Bobby said...

The mojo was working by my hand wasn't and not just because of my thumb surgery. Everything I tried ended up a disaster. Smudges. Glue everywhere. Murphy's law in full force. The weather is going to be bad the next couple of days (and I'm not working) so I plan to get down and dirty with my stamps and ink. Your mojo looks just fine to me. That heart beat makes a great ribbon and sexy split.

nwilliams6 said...

Fab cards and die! I almost bought one like it (or this one) over the weekend and now I wish I had. I am having some MOJO issues definitely. I have a desire to make a million cards, but getting started is a struggle. Many hugz

Celeste Goff said...

I live in a perpetual state of no mojo. I have to force myself to sit down and create no matter how horrible it turns out just to get the creative juices flowing again. I love both of your cards and the sheen on the first one is fabulous!

Greta said...

Wonderful Valentines, Darnell! Love that RC frame die!

maria f. said...

For the vicar... you nut! I love your sexy valentines. Both of 'em. Very cool heartbeat die. It looks great stretching across those cool hearts all white-on-white. And also in #2, peeking through the white. Hope you got some rain. Like some that saved MI from getting more. The high lake level is eroding the entire MI shoreline. Yikes.

Dawn Phillips said...

Two fabulous cards. I love white on white myself and your CAS Love card is perfect for our challenge. Thanks for joining us at Cardz4guyz. Love Dawn x

Loll said...

It's good to hear that I'm not the only one having days with no mojo ... maybe we need to start a support group??!!

Your mojo looks like it's in good working order for these two cards, Dolly! Love the bright and shine heart beats over the white backgrounds. They really pop and make a statement! Great work, my friend! Love, Lolly

Jill V said...

It looks like your mojo is back in action with these two fabulous cards :) I love the first one - the WOW looks beautiful and shimmery. The pop of red in the second one is a perfect take on our inspiration photo - thanks so much for playing along with us at TIME OUT! Jill

Sue - said...

Two wonderful cards Darnell. Doesn’t look like you’ve lost your mojo to me! Thanks for joining us at Cardz for Guyz.

Cazro said...

Two fabulous cards, I love the CAS red and white card for our challenge. It's perfect CAS. Thanks for joining us at Cardz 4 Guyz.Caz. DT.

Helen said...

I can imagine that cards looks amazing with that beautiful paper! It gives a wonderful effect to these pretty hearts! Love the addition of the pink stip - added elegance! Thanks so much for joining us at HLS Dies Challenge this month!

Glittered Paws said...

How did I get so far behind in m commenting??? Can I say as a nurse LOVE both of these cards. Simple is the best and let the die be your great focal point. I don't think you are the only one who hoards cardstock because it is pretty.