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 5, 2020

If You Obey All the Rules ...

Hello Stamplings!

Did you miss me? I have to say, when life or circumstances keep you away from normal crafting and blogging, it gets easier to just stay detracted. I've been mostly moving things from one part of my craft desk to another. My Mojo has been out every night drinking and then yesterday, when I glanced over at Hammy, I noticed he had the Help Wanted ads up on his laptop!

Well, hold on just a cotton-pickin' minute, that'll never do!

So I whistled everyone into action (while the Mister, who is doing pretty well, was napping) and we played with acrylic paints!
For this card, I used Sparks acrylic paints by Finnabair Art Alchemy.
The crayon stamp is from "Crayons2stamp" by The Stamps of Life. I'm not sure where the sediment is from, possibly River City Rubberworks. The background stencil doesn't have a name on it. The procedure is pretty self-exploratory. I painted the big section and the point of the crayons and Hammy took care of those impossibly tiny areas.

Here's a closeup view of the gorgeous sheen and shine of these paints!
Challenges

  • CAS Mix Up: Acrylic Paint and Happy 4th Birthday! Paint ☑, stamping ☑ , and stenciling ☑. 
  • Cardz for Guyz: Use ink or paint.
  • Retro Rubber: Anything goes. The crayon stamp is from 2012.

Cardz 4 Guyz LogoRRCB 129
~~~

Using my acrylic paints reminded me about this card which I've never posted:
At the ESCR retreat last year, Christine showed us how to play with Gelli printing plates and acrylic paints. I turned my make into a card and sent it back to her! I can't wait to get together again with these ladies and play. Maybe this year we will play with Jami plates! While in our jammies!

~~~

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse! Things are going well here, but healing is slow, so it may be another month before I can take off my nurse's hat and get fully back on track. 

I'll be using the time to tackle spring cleaning (which I love) and a few minutes ago I pulled out my BOB (box of bits). I'm itching to either make cards with them or recycle them and then I'm going to shut it down. Life's too short. 

Now don't laugh, but from now on, my rule is no more making just card toppers or partial cards. Other than backgrounds, if I don't have time to actually make something into completed cards (barring something unforeseen), then I'll just complete the cards I can and that's that. Don't I sound ever so bossy with myself?! I'm hoping if I write it down, then I'll have to stick to it! 

And I hope none of you lost your homes in the tornado in Nashville and that the flooding has ended in the UK. And, please, for the love of God, NEVER touch your eyes, nose, or mouth! I'm giving up all makeup until this pandemic is over. Okay, well, I pretty much don't wear it any more at my age, so I guess it would be more honest to say I'm giving up picking my nose. Be careful out there!🙏

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!* 

*Life is too short!

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60 comments:

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Lovely cards. I like the second one particularly.

Sending positive healing thought.

Hope you can stick to your plan. Do you want us to berate you if you don't?:) LOL

Hope you have a good day. Sue

Julie B said...

Love the sentiment on your first Darnell, made me smile.
I have a gelli plate sealed and unused in my drawer, so your 2nd reminded me I must be brave and have a messy play!
Glad to hear that the OH is progressing well.
Thanks for your well wishes, the floods are further south of us here but the fields were v v v v wet!!! Happily my OH says the big one in the field behind the house is down 12" at least so that is good news. At times like this you appreciate what you have, keep safe yourself! :)

Jane Willis said...

Love those cards, especially that wonderful sheen on the crayons. And glad the Mr is doing well - now make him do as he's told so there will be no more setbacks!
I have a box full of UFOs - unfinished objects. Backgrounds with no topper, toppers with no background, random die cuts and things that didn't go quite right but could be OK after a tweak. I really ought to go through and either use or lose them.

Sandra H said...

Beautiful cards Darnell as always done to perfection loving the polished look too! so pleased to know the Mister is doing well enjoy your day x

papierelle said...

Your first card has a great modern look and the background of your second card fits perfectly with the motif. Gundi

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two fantastic cards Darnell, I love them both. I have boxes (yes boxes) of scraps and a couple off small boxes with UFO's, I just need to use them more often. Hope Hammy has stopped looking at the wanted ads now you have your mojo back.

Sue xx

oldpunca said...

I like sentiment on your first card. It is so funny and at the other hand so true. :-) Amazing card and clever use of acrylic colors. Also butterfly card is amazing. Background made with gelli plate is something special. I like it. And I like the orange color too. :-)
Nice to know your pacient is doing well. :-)
Hugs, Sonja

Ros Crawford said...

Fabulous post and 2 fabulous cards for the challenge Darnell... Thanks ever so much for sharing at CAS Mix Up! A beautiful lady like you doesn't need any make up BTW!

Viv said...

Glad the mister doing well - although the nurse sounds to me like a bit of a battle axe..... no wonder Hammy scouring the Ads.
2 fab cards Dolly as usual.... obviously Mr Mojo's hangover not too bad after all.
I have long been in the habit now of starting a card - and finishing it. If I make a background I use it - otherwise if I put it down they would have to use a humungushoosive pair of shears to find me underneath the paper mountain....
xx

Rahmat said...

Love your card and more the write up, missed having my laughs while I visit and read your posts.
Let's see if you stick to your plan now that you write it down 😉
Wishing speedy recovery to your husband.

Carole said...

Two great cards Darnell..love the sentiment on the first one! Glad all progressing in the right direction at your end. Stay safe ad well....I feel the world is trying to end itself out there...fires, floods, tornadoes and viruses!! keep positive eh? Hugs xx

Marilyn said...

Love both of your cards Darnell! Love the sheen on them. Glad to hear that the Mister is getting better! Just take it one day at a time
Have a great day!
Marilyn ❤️

Glittered Paws said...

Love the crayon card - and what a great sentiment. Then on to the acrylic paint on the gel plate. Well I too have a gel pain - it is opened but I don't have a clue what to do with it. Oh but I sure thought I needed it. LOL
Glad Hammy had a little job to keep him busy. Good to hear that mister is slowly getting better. Take good care of him.

Pat said...

So pleased the Mister is progressing well Darnell and you are relieved of your nursing duties for long enough to make two fabulous cards. I love the shimmery crayons and then the completion of a gelli plate piece which is very pretty with that adorable butterfly. x

Em Louise Fairley said...

The cards are both beautiful, Darnell. Sending healing hugs to both of you xoxo

Bobby said...

Being a consummate rule follower I hope I haven't missed out on too much fun, Darnell. The paint on the crayons is lovely and your butterfly card is wonderful. I know nothing about gelli plates but I do love the look of it. If you're bossy then so am I because I made a rule to never make a card I wouldn't send to someone. I am also trying to never force a card. If inspiration doesn't strike right away for a challenge, then I let it go. I know what you mean about the Mojo when you have to take a break. Fortunately mine is back somewhat but I still have to be careful with how much I do as there is still a lot of hand pain when I over do the pinching motion, like holding an ink cube or waterbrush. We are all in this for the fun of it so let's make it fun! My best to the Mister.

Trina P. said...

Both cards are beautiful, Darnell. Love the gorgeous sheen and that sentiment on the first!... it’s so you! 😂 Your second card made me want June to come NOW! Can’t wait for ESCR.
Glad the Mister is doing better and you and Hammy got some crafting in. Sending my best to you all.
If things go as planned, I should be back home by end of next week... fingers crossed.

Claire Grantham said...

Hahahaha Darnell, that sentiment on the crayon card is SO true. Love how shimmery the crayons came out, that paint is nice! Thanks for joining us at Retro Rubber this time. Claire DT

Cat Craig said...

Good to see you coming up for some air. Hoping the mister continues towards healing and recovery. Your acrylic cards are cool, so glad Hammy nudged you back to work...lol. As far as the touching goes...be careful out there. Hugs.

Shelly Schmidt said...

Stopping by to say hi and check out your cards. Oh, I love the shimmery look of the paint on the crayons! But, the second card steals my heart- loving the wonderful background! So perfect to use up scraps and such- I should take on that challenge! Glad your Mr. is healing!

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Love the shimmery paints! Great card!

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Well! I'm glad Hammie got you out to play otherwise I wouldn't have seen these fabbie cards. I love the shine on those pencils, but I'm absolutely NOT going to buy anymore stuff (although I had to go out and get some card today and some so pretty papers pads jumped into my basket) The butterfly card is gorgeous, so glad you found it.
I'm happy to hear hubster is getting on the right track.
As for the pandemic, I actually went into a crowded place and it's only 6 miles from our only case! However just got a rumour there is 6 more! At least the flooding around here has cleared. Gotta be grateful for small mercy's.
Take care.
Faith x

Inkyfingers said...

What a lovely pair of cards, Darnell! I love the sheen on the fun crayon card, and the background you achieved with the Gelli plate is awesome and I love those hot colours.

I'm so pleased to hear that things are going well with the Mister's recovery but did I hear right that you LOVE spring cleaning? You clearly need to go a lie down in a darkened room my friend.
Sending a big hug
Carol xx

Brenda said...

Wow, that is some beautiful, shimmery acrylic paint Auntie! I love this card, the background stencil is so fun, those crayons are so fun and so shimmery painted in this paint, but it is the sentiment that is the best. lol I do love the crayon stamp though, it looks nice and big/ Hammy did great with all the small spots. That butterfly card is so beautiful! That background is amazing, looking like a summery sunset. I've never seen or used a Gelli plate before, but I know so many love them. I wouldn't know what to do with one. lol Evidently you knew what to do! Glad to hear the Mister is doing ok, lots of healing to do and it won't be a fast recovery I'm sure. Just as long as he is making some strides, taking it one day at a time. Yep, I hear you on your new rule, I tell myself that too. I fall short at times though. I fall short a lot of times on things! Yes, trying to not touch my face and keeping my hands clean! You be careful out there too!!! Hugs, Brenda

Jan Clothier said...

Your crayon card had me laughing - so true! Yet I also like how you coloured those pretty shimmery paints right inside the lines! Thanks for joining us again at Retro Rubber Challenge.

Verna Angerhofer said...

Lovely cards and love the shine on those crayons. And, the other card is fantastic too. And, good luck on not having some almost finished things being eliminated. You never know when they might come in handy. I hope the healing goes fast for the Mister too. May you both take care.

conil said...

I so appreciate your PSAs especially while getting over the mother of all virus' (NOT Coronavirus) here at home. We're both so much better now than we have been...I think.
Anyway, love what you've done with your cards...the shimmer on those crayons is simply awesome. Think you're brave to try out the Gelli plates...I haven't go the nerve yet but love the results on your card.
Glad to hear Kevin is making some progress. Give him a high-five from me.

Susan said...

Love the shine of those acrylic paints (you could bring those to the retreat as one of your techniques - and we could do some painting of images with them - I think you said you hadn't decided what to lead yet?)

Also love your gelli plate card you made from something we did at last year's retreat. And I love even more your idea of Jami plates while in our jammies - and we could add eating jammie toast to that too.

Can't wait to see you!

Redanne said...

Oooh,don't those shiny crayons look fabulous! I have tried those paints and know just how beautiful they are. Your Gelli print is gorgeous and the card you made for your friend is beautiful.

Glad to hear that Mister is still improving and well done for starting your Spring cleaning, I am well on with mine too - slowly, but getting there!

The flooding seems to have settled here now (hopefully), luckily we have not been affected but so many have been devastated, it is so sad. Now this Coronovirus has taken hold, we are doing our best to stay away from crowds. Shops have completely sold out of anti-bacterial hand wash and wipes, panic buying has set in... it is all so crazy!

Hugs, Annie xxx

Lindsey said...

I'm with you - a break from crafting makes it so hard to find that mojo again! LOVE the crayon card - and the sentiment was one of my work mottos. :D Beautiful gel print card, too.

Christine Alexander said...

I love shparkly paints and I have some of those and I need to pull them out. Both cards are beautiful Darnell, but of course the geli is my fave :)
The retreat is creeping up on us now.
Don't forget-
Sneeze into your sleeve and wash your hands as though you just chopped hot peppers and are about to put a contact lens in (that's enough to wash the germs off :)

TK said...

Your shimmery crayon card is awesome, I haven't seen those paints but they look great! As for the second, I have no idea what geli (SP?) plates are, but you're finished card is beautiful. As for the jammies?! I'm game!!

Cheryl W. said...

I wish crayons had been that shimmery when I was in grade school. If I could find a box of crayons like that now, I'd be tempted to buy them along with a coloring book, just to play and entertain myself. Both your cards are right up there with awesome and other such adjectives. Looks like Old Man Mojo is still around.

ike said...

Ah... there you are :-D
Loving those paints and that's a great idea about making the cards. I wonder how long that will last. ?? :-D :-D
Best wishes to you, The Mr and Hammy.
xoxo

Karenladd said...

I know what you mean about your mojo going out drinking every night..but in my case it's sneaking off in the corner and taking a snooze. Thank goodness you shook yourself off and pulled out those gorgeous shimmery paints and started creating. Wow, I haven't ever seen or heard of these paints and I'm going to have to try very hard to forget about them so I won't add to my stash. Those crayons look like the special fancy metallic crayons that I always pined for.
Ugh...I am also very familiar with bags and boxes full of partially finished card and card parts. I've made it a point to pull some of those out and turn them into donation cards at the very least. It's a great feeling to see the pile shrink (except that it really isn't shrinking because I keep adding to it..sigh).
Hope the Mister continues to heal and starts feeling better soon.

Loll said...

Those shiny crayons are so pretty. What lovely acrylic paints! Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Mix Up! Your gelli plate butterfly card is beautiful. I know I have some of those backgrounds in my studio ... if only I could find them. :) I never seem to stick to rules that I make for myself so I just stopped doing that. :) Hope it works out for you.

It's great to see you back in blogland ... we have all missed you. Good to hear the Mister is slowly getting better.

Can't wait until ESCR ... less than three months away! Love, Lolly

Stamps and Paper said...

Nice to see you back Darnell and pleased you've managed to find time form your nursing duties to make a couple of cards... ...love your beautiful shiny crayon cards the colours are fabulous...love the background on your butterfly card..
we got flooded in our village last Saturday...but the sunshine is out today...

Anne

Carol L said...

I feel so out of touch, I guess I've been missing the latest on your DH. I know he had pain a while back, but did he have surgery? I do hope his pain is minimized and he's having a good recovery I too have been spring cleaning, donating dishes and household items I've cherished for years but know I'll no longer use, so it's slow going trying to get those things packed up and live life at the same time. The dreary weather hasn't helped much either to get me into a crafty mood, but once you start tasks like this, crafting takes a back seat. I admire your resolve to use or lose your bits - I've tried so hard to do that but those gremlins keep sneaking in overnight and fill the boxes all over again! I think I'm ready for a major purge :) Love the shimmer on that crayon card and the butterfly make is gorgeous! You did a great job on both of them, and I wish you a joyous spring season, when the hubby is all healed and your cleaning is all finished. Just breathe :)

Maria said...

Glad to hear that your husband is on the mend and is doing better! Your first card is so fun and sparkly! Love the sentiment, too!:-) Your second card is just as lovely with the pretty butterfly! I have done some spring cleaning and more to do. I'm proud of myself for getting rid of all those coffee cups that I don't use. I tend to be too sentimental at times. I had a box of bits and finally got rid of that, too. I have even told myself to finish the inside of a card before I start on another one. I don't know how many times I went to send a card and then the inside wasn't finished, lol! Anyways, it's great to see your wonderful cards! Take care, hugs!!

Heidi Weaver said...

Great cards, Darnell. Love those crayons and the wonderful sheen and sparkle in that paint. The background stencilling and, of course, the perfect sentiment make this a wonderful card to give to your special "fella". Thanks so much for joining us for the Cardz 4 Guyz.

Mac Mable said...

What pretty shimmer from the first card and what a fun design and sentiment. A great way to use the acrylics. Wow ....to your second mixed media card, which is so artsy, creative and unique and I love it x. I really am going to give this gelli plate technique a go x.
Glad DH is on the mend but it takes time and patience x. Great idea about the bits box and I hope by writing down 'I must complete a card' works out....x. Thank you for your thoughts at the end of your post too Darnell x.

Leslie Miller said...

Love those sheeny shiny crayons! I wouldn't have a clue what to do with a gelli plate, but I do think you made a very cool card with it. I can hardly wait for April to spend a whole crafty week with some awesome crafty people! I'm still trying to figure out exactly what I'm going to take. Good luck with your new rule. You sound like me. I also love spring cleaning and I'm huge on de-cluttering. I wish everyone could be healthy, pain free and harm free. It's hard to understand why bad things happen to good people.

Cris G. said...

Great cards, love those shimmery inks on your first card, but the big bold butterfly looks sooo cool!
Wishing your husband's fast recovery and a happy spring cleaning to you.
Sending "footshakes" and "elbow bumps"...
Cris

Jean said...

Pretty cards! Love your comment about giving up make up. Maybe I will also stop wearing mine - I rarely use:):)

Neva Cole said...

As I read your post I got the giggles, especially towards the end. Lovely crayon card. By the way my mother (now 80) learned you don't as your mom if they had crayons when she was little . . . well yes the did. We appreciate you playing along with us at Retro Rubber for anything goes.

Anita in France said...

Cool, graphic and so scrumptiously shimmery, Darnell ... those crayons look positively edible ... and what a fun sentiment! That butterfly is amazing ... so artsy ... looks as though it should be on a wall! So pleased Kevin is doing well ... and that the spring cleaning's in focus ... have fun playing with BOB before he's banned forever! LYAMYLALMA! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Lisa Elton said...

I think those shimmery crayons were some I would have hoarded as a little girl! Heck, I might hoard them now! So pretty Darnell. And that butterfly card ~ wowee!!

KandA said...

Two gorgeous cards Darnell. Fabulous butterfly and I love those shimmery crayons and super sentiment. Good luck with your new rule! xx

Celeste Goff said...

Two great cards Darnell! I love those shimmery, shiny crayons especially!

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My Paper Epiphany said...

Oh I think your mojo must have been taking a holiday with my mojo! I have been quite despondent over the last few weeks, because I haven't created a thing. Luckily all my DT stuff was done in advance. I'm now back at the beach house for a few days and hope it will get my creative juices flowing. I love your gorgeous crayon card and those paints look so luscious! I'll take your advice about the n/p😂!

frommycraftroom said...

MOJO has gone here too! Well sort of - loads of ideas just not put into action!

Thinking I should write some rules for myself - but I know I will break them Haha.

Yes definately staty safe out there. Did the weekly shop to find most things out of stock - really! And I'm not stock piling we have a big house we go through all that food a week!

Fab cards by the way.

Papercraft Boutique said...

Both cards are so sparkly and beautiful, Darnell!
The colors of the crayons are so pretty and I love the design. Hammy did a great with the tiny areas! :-)
The Gelli printed butterfly card is gorgeous! I love the way you added the matching matte at an angle.
Thank you so much for sharing the first card with us at CAS Mixed Up!
Hideko xx

Greta said...

Wozer--those paints are incredibly beautiful! Love your cards & so glad The Mister is improving!

Gerrina said...

Your post was just what I needed (and a cup of tea) to get me back in gear to do more work in a few moments; Thanks!
Love that glitter and glad to hear that the mister is doing good and you are fine! Here we are as careful (without needing to thinl of it; somethng good came from all those years of practice) as allways and hoping for warmer wetter... Keep believing in your own promisses! And don't forget to have fun making things! Hugs, Gerrina

Cazro said...

Fabulous crayons card, amazing shimmery colours. Thanks for sharing with us at Cardz 4 Guyz. Caz. DT.

Ruth said...

LOVE those crayons - and the sentiment is spot on. Hoping the Mister improves soon. I'ev been going through all my old bits and bobs and been making cards from my Box of Unused Coloured Stuff and it has made me realised just how much stuff I have that is crying out to be made into a card. I did also put a whole pile in the recycling bin too though.... at least it was going to some use! xx

Linby said...

Two fab cards, the second ne is just stunning.
BOB - yeah I've got one of those, been using it too! Maybe it's Spring cleaning.

maria f. said...

Hammy is such a traitor! Glad DH is doing well. Keep the patience! Had to come get a closer look at that amazing shimmer on those crayons. Wowzers!

Fikreta said...

Wonderful cards!