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 22, 2020

Spring Tulips and Earth Day 2020

Hello Stamplings!

How are you? I hope you aren't feeling too blue today. If you are, I send you a cyber hug to make you feel a little better. This pandemic is teaching us first-hand what it means to live in the moment and take things one day at a time. Else, you know, you're in the land of coocoo. 
Just to be different, I thought I would share two cards with you today. Haha. One of these days I'll just share one and you'll be looking around the back of your device to find the second one!

Onefer
This is another remnant from BOB of another remnant from last year's ESCR retreat. On this occasion, my crafty friend Nancy led a class where we made beautiful smooched and blended bookmarks. I saved a couple of images to use on cards like the one above and below are a couple of others I made and laminated to use as bookmarks:
Thank you, Nancy. I think of you every time I use them!

Challenges
Right Click to Save
Twofer
Today is Earth Day! When I realized that yesterday, I reached for my "You Mean the World to Me" die from MFT. The die is one part globe and one part sediment. I covered the sediment with a dry baby wipe in an attempt to make it look like a face mask ~ an icon of this pandemic. I'm not sure how successful I was, especially considering some of the really sharp and professional looking masks many of you are coming up with on your cards! Mine looks more like a diaper or a panty liner, but the thought was there! 

Then, while I took out some cabin-fever-frustrations on the score board, I gave Hammy the job of taking the letters which the die cuts out to say, "you mean the world to me" and rearranging them to say, "we are one world." That is one indisputable fact this virus has shown us. It does not discriminate. It is not political. It reminds us that we all inhabit and are responsible for this big beautiful globe and by extension, each other.

Another thing that has been a constant as the virus has moved from country to country is each nation's brave first-responders and medical personnel who work insane hours at insane risk to keep people alive. We can never thank them enough, but one of our favorite challenges, Seize the Birthday, is running a sister challenge called Seize the Heroes! Thank you STB! I'm happy to be playing along!

Also playing in:
Snippets Playground Badge
~~~

And Then What Happened?

©Karen Bitters
It was a red-letter weekend here. I cut my own hair! I don't think I did too badly either and it certainly feels less shaggy. 

I've also decided to take this opportunity to let it go white. Or gray. Or a combination. Who knows? I have family members with all shades of gray, so it's a crap shoot as to what it will look like. And I can always recolor it. (And now I'll get a million hits on this post because I said shades of gray!)

I also gave Nellie her first all-over bath. Before I've just washed her feet and belly in the sink between groomings. She is so patient and just stands there and takes it like a pro. I also trimmed the hair around her eyes, but I'm not feeling capable or desperate enough to cut the rest of her hair just yet. I guess I need to start watching some videos.

How You Can Help

Oh, speaking of videos, I'll leave you with this video link which some of you may have already seen. It's a lady who shows how you can help by making masks out of your bras. My experience with making one was similar to hers.


Enjoy and enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!* Take care and keep safe!

*Life is too short!

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64 comments:

Cat Craig said...

I think shes been digging around in my lingerie drawer! LOL. Too funny. Love that tulip card, the blending is gorgeous and that embossed stamp is lovely. Thanks for brightening my day.

LesleyG said...

Happy Earth day Darnell, I had no idea, but at least our globe is benefiting from less pollution etc at the moment.
Totally agree with your sentiments, and enjoyed reading your post again, and of course having a chuckle which is always good xxx

Fikreta said...

Happy Earth day!beautiful cards!

oldpunca said...

My first thought as I saw your Happy Eartd Day card was:"It's the mask!" Perfectly done. With a little touch of art. :-) The sentiment is so true. I like your tulip card too. The piece of paper, destined to become a bookmark, is super nice colored with elegant heat embossed tulips. Perfect CAS.
As if a knew what will happen, I'm not coloring my hair since a while now. There is not 50 shides of gray on my head. Tere are a lot more of them. :-)
Take care and stay safe! Hugs, Sonja

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, OMG! I just spat my coffee over the monitor watching that video. Hilarious:)

Loving your cards and bookmarks. I went through a stage of making cards with a pocket and inserting a bookmark.

I gave up colouring my hair purple. Now it's a mix of silver, grey and my original dark brown (which for some unknown reason is just at the back)

Hope you have a nice day. Stay safe. Sue

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two gorgeous cards Darnell, I love the ombre collours with the tulip and the wonderful one worlp card too. My family have thick hair that goes grey at a very early age. I started dying my hair in my late twenties and when I reached 50 (nearly 10 years ago now) I decided enough was enough and stopped. I was very surprised at how white I was.

Take care and stay safe
Sue xx

Sandra H said...

Fabulous cards as alway Darnell so lovely are the colours you always get it right - l once had blue hair tried to go grey in my younger days don’t have a choice now lol 😂 take care stay safe x

Ros Crawford said...

That video really made me laugh!! I love your beautiful ink blended card... It's so beautiful! Terrific bookmarks too... I'm a little wary of ordering books right now but I love real book, not the kindle type things. Super card for Earth Day, though I wasn't aware of it either... I think the Earth is kinda grateful right now and is healing from the disasters mankind has inflicted upon her. I'm sure you will look gorgeous whatever your hair colour is... I though about it too but then I cave in and colour it.
Be safe and well my friend

Jeanne said...

Happy Earth Day! Wonderful cards and bookmarks to celebrate. I think your mask is awesome. Way to go! Congrats on cutting your hair and letting the color go. I know it's not fun to watch it grow out, but I hope the end result looks good for you. I don't regret letting my hair go natural. So nice to not have to worry about it. I'm not brave enough to cut it on my own, though. Kudos to you! Funny video. Hadn't seen it before. Hope you have a lovely day, my friend! Hugs!

Carole said...

Wow...that video had me in stitches! So funny. Love your cards as always especially the tulips and your lovely bookmarks. As for going grey/white or whatever nature intended...hope you like the result. Looks like a lot of hairdressers might go bust after this!..lol I dare not cut my hair so will definitely get my moneys worth when the salons open again! Hugs xx

Sarah said...

Fabulous cards and, as always, a fabulous visit with plenty of chuckles!! I am one week overdue a haircut and am currently sporting the old english sheepdog look. I am going to have to get the scissors on it, the alternative would be Martin and the horse clippers!! Keep well xx

Stamps and Paper said...

Great cards and book marks Darnell and I just love the video made me laugh which is what we need in these uncertain times...
Well I now what its like going 'grey'...I used to colour my hair for many years and then like you decided to take the plunge and I've never looked back....go girl....look forward to seeing the 'new you'..

Anne x

Lisa Babitz said...

Love your bookmarks and the card you made with one of them. And your mask card looks great, too. OMG - that bra video is a hoot!!!

Marcia Hill said...

And Happy Earth Day from me too Darnell! Your tulip card with the fabulous blending is beautiful and your bookmarks too! Great earth day card too! You CUT your won hair????? AND you're going gray?????? We want to see pictures!! I've had gray just at my sides for a few years now but just noticed a few weeks ago that I've got quite a bit up on top now too...guess I really am getting up there! Oh well, it is what it is! Have a great day my friend! Hugs. :0)

Diane said...

Both cards AND bookmarks are lovely!! The mix of colors are so striking!! Great earth day card too!! Thanks for joining our challenge at Double D also, don't forget to enter it today, I am sure it's just a time thing but wanted to remind you LOL, in case you are forgetful like ME!! The bra video..hahahaha!

jimlynn said...

Cards and bookmarks are great! Love the colors you used for the first card. Very soft.
Gosh, I went gray years ago! I colored it for a while and then decided it was time to just be ME. So, what you see now is what you get. So much easier. I'm going to have to whack on mine by next week I'm sure. Either that or slap it in a pony tail! EEK!
lynn

Maura said...

Love the tulip card and the book marks, especially the one with the Creative Chaos stamp!! The card with the "panty liner" is great too, thanks for the smiles as always!!!!

Bobby said...

OMG that video is a riot, Darnell. Almost as good as the picture I saw on Ellen yesterday of a man wearing a maxi pad for a mask. Ellen said she was going to trademark them as masky pads. Yours looks nothing like one BTW and that card is such a great idea. Love the sweet tulip card too.

Donna said...

Such a lovely collection, your butterfly and mask card are fabulous, and your book marks are amazing! You did not show a picture of your haircut. Mine is pinned back.

Verna Angerhofer said...

Love the cards and thanks for the laughs.

sandie said...

My hair is joining yours-half way grey but I am leaving mine to see how long it gets! I just have to taggle the eyebrows now as they are becoming one! And you cards are so full of joy-adore the fresh colours of the first and what a fun second card-perfect for the day-sending hugs and keep your eye on that post....London is visiting xx

conil said...

Laughed so hard it was running down my leg. Hilarious. You and she must feel so "blessed". Both your cards are perfect for this day...and, the second one does not look like a panty liner.

Pat said...

How pretty Darnell, and your pearlescent card base goes brilliantly with the pretty stamped tulips on the bright and beautiful blended background, and the other two bookmarks look great too. The die cut world map is perfect for 'earth day' and your diap...err..face mask is perfect for the present situation. I think it is obvious but I was a bit dense and at first did wonder what it was, but don't think I am typical..lol. That video link was hilarious! x

Bonnie said...

You brought back fond memories, my friend! I recognized the projects immediately. My bookmarks always make me think of Nancy and Trina too since she gave me the one she made. Your World Day card is very inventive! Another good use for baby wipes! I think it makes a better mask than a bra! Ha! We're all gonna come out of this with a new look, I think! xoxo

Em Louise Fairley said...

Happy Earth Day! Beautiful cards, as always xoxo

Redanne said...

Oh my dear friend, thank you so much for giving me the best laugh I have had in ages, that video is just a treasure, it is absolutely hilarious!

Your cards, as always, are just beautiful.

Well done on cutting your own hair! I had David take some off the back of mine, I didn't trust him with the front though. I have been trying to go grey for years now but it just will not totally go, it is very annoying... but hey ho, there are worse things! I bet Nellie looks adorable!

Hugs, Annie xxxx

Carol L said...

OMG, I cannot stop laughing over that home-made mask! ROFL!! Your cards are all so pretty and I'm glad you tried to cut your own hair as well as trim Nellie, but that video just has me in tears of laughter LOL Thanks for the chuckles and happy Earth day!

Liz said...

Two lovely cards, Darnell and Happy Earth Day! LOVE the video clip - thanks for the laugh! xx

Loll said...

You should have warned me!! I almost fell on the floor .. and you know I would never be able to get back up! :) HILARIOUS video. Thanks for sharing Dolly. I really needed a good laugh!! :)

Love your cards. Such a great idea to save a couple of your "bookmarks" and make them into cards. And LOVE your mask card. :) Love, Lolly

Debbie Mageed said...

Such a pretty tulip card, Darnell! Love the background!! Thank you for playing with us at MMM and hope you can join us again soon.

Lisa Elton said...

I can't tell you how many times I've thought about cutting my own hair this past month. You go girl!! Fabulous cards and bookmarks!

TK said...

Your first card is just stunning with its blending of colors and shimmer -- beautiful! And love your second card, which is to unite us all together as we become one in battle :o)
Can't believe you cut your hair! I would look like Hubbs if I tried my own! I can cut others' hair, but not going there with mine thank you

Leslie Miller said...

I tell you, that first card is absolutely stunning to my eyes. It's perfection, really. You make your bookmarks the same as I do -- laminated and ribbon free. Love that smooshy look. The backgrounds on them are beautiful. Your second card is cleverly done and very meaningful. I knew it was a mask before I read anything, but you did make me laugh. And, oh, the video -- teeheeheehee! One of mine might work, hahahahahaha!

GerJanne said...

SO lovely to read ypur post. It's just like a letter form a friend!
Your card is wonderful and the bookmarks are pretty!
The world card is beautiful too....
Thanks for your support as I'm a nurse ;-)

Christine Alexander said...

great memories of the retreat and wonderful cards.
the video made me howl:)

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Great cards and bookmarks, Darnell - had to laugh at the panty liner comment though. Truly doesn't look like one! Anyway - fab card for Earth Day!! And aren't you delighted you can add pet groomer to your lengthy resume? Amazing how we can find new talents born of necessity....

Cheryl W. said...

You have stepped up with your usual card-making finesse to create two beauties. The ink blending on the first one is outstanding! Since I made three more face masks today for family members, I decided to watch the video you recommended. OMG - I laughed so hard. While I'm nowhere near that well-endowed, I did suggest to my DH that I had some old bras I could use to make him some masks. He gave me THAT look. Guess he wouldn't wear them. LOL

kiwimeskreations said...

Loving that first card Darnell - that is exquisite.
I recognized the face mask before you said it looked like other things, which then spoilt what I saw :) :) :).
I have not resorted to cutting my own hair, yet... I have not bothered to colour mine, and I have two grey 'wings' either side of my temples :) - must be training to be angelic, but getting confused as to where to grow my wings. Hammy did some wonderful dissecting of the letters!
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine

cuilliesocks said...

Beautiful cards and bookmarks Darnell, lovely designs and colours.

The jury is still out on face masks over here, but I'll have a look at the video. I hope you and your family continue to be well, keep safe, Kate x

Bunny said...

Happy Earth Day! We are all in it together. Like it or not. It's about time we came together to help each other.

So, you're going gray/white. I'd do that way if I got white. But, no, I'm sure I'd get gray. You deserve a medal for cutting your own hair. Has the mister let you near him with scissors yet? [Bunny]

baileyrosy.com said...

Hi Darnell so happy i popped in today as once again you have made me smile with your stories `I have missed you soooo much. Two fantastic cards and love the sumptuous tangy colours on the first and the nod to Covid on the 2nd.I too have let my hair take its natural course will be really interesting to see how it evolves.

Hoping you and all of your beautiful family are well

Hugs Marie

baileyrosy.com said...

forgot to say thanks for the video soo funny

Marie

Marilyn said...

Cute cards! I have not tried cutting my own hair yet and don’ plan on I doing that for fear of ruining it but I have been using rinses to keep from going completely gray.
Have a great day!
Marilyn ❤️

HilaryJane said...

Two wonderful cards and thanks for the video link, it really did make me laugh out loud xx

KandA said...

Oh Darnell you certainly know how to make us laugh. I showed Ken the clip and he's declined my offer to make him a face mask!
Two fabulous cards - BOB's certainly being creative and I love the way you changed the sentiment on the second. Take care xx

Basslady said...

your cards look gorgeous!

thank you so much for playing along with us at make my Monday challenge!

hugs and kisses from germany,
Silvi

Kara Lynne said...

These are beautiful bookmarks, and you were wise to keep some for side panels on cards. I love your Earth day card and I knew right away it was a mask, but when you described what else it could look like, I laughed right out loud! It's been ages since I've been here at your blog, and I guess I've been under a rock (or maybe in quarantine), but whohoo! to your new NBUS challenge site! How cool! I know so many people are grateful to you for that! I hope you are well and keeping safe. I miss you dear friend, hugs to you!

Anita in France said...

Hahahahahahaha ... I laughed even more seeing the video, Darnell, though you did do a brilliant job describing it first time around! Great creative use of the baby wipe on your bright globe card (I thought mask straight away) ... and gorgeous blending of that oh so delicious colour combo behind the tulips ... love love love! LYAMYBLMCA! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Darlene said...

LOVE the colors you chose for your smooshed panels! What a beautiful card & book markers! Love your Earth Day card too and OMG that video cracked me up! LOL Thanks so much for joining in the fun at our Double D ‘Showers & Flowers’ challenge! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back often.
Darlene
DOUBLE D Challenge Blog
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS
Please stop in for a visit!

Di said...

Oh Darnell - you do my heart and soul the World of good! I love your first card - and your snippets Earth Day card cracked me up. Sorry but I did immediately think pantie liner :) Very clever to use the letters with some wily reorganisation.

Bravo on the hair colouring decision. I've rarely regretted letting mine go silvery - now and then I faltered but am glad i stuck to my decision.

A question. Has Nellie ever made a REALLY big 'Nope' statement to you by turning her back on you and putting her face up against (say) the back of a chair or similar? Dudley did it last night and I so wish I'd managed to take a photo. We didn't really help by rolling around laughing - I'll try to describe it in my Sunday Snippets post :) Whatever did we do before Nellie and Dudley came into our lives.

Sending love and hugs from afar my friend

Di xx

Celeste Goff said...

Two beautiful cards perfect for Earth Day! Love those bookmarks too!

Greta said...

Oh wow--that first card is just gorgeous, Darnell! Fritz & I are bringing back long hair--haha! Not brave enough to do any cutting. Bless his heart--hubby put the color for roots on my hair & it turned out great! I tried the going gray thing, but felt about 100 yrs old--haha! My mom was gorgeous with her natural gray & I bet you will be, too!

Karenladd said...

Well, not being "blessed", I watched the video without turning the sound on and thought, "What does that woman have on her face anyway??". Once I recognized what it was, I couldn't stop laughing. Love how she muses over whether she would be safe to drive or not.
Your first, CAS card is so elegant and serene and I love the bookmarks too. I'm determined to make a few backgrounds this weekend, using my new Distress Oxide inks and my Color Burst powders. Maybe having the backgrounds waiting will kickstart my creative motor?

I haven't cut my hair yet myself, but I have been known to hack here and there. You know the FB memes that caution us not to cut our bangs? Yes, that's me...shut-down or not.

Stay safe and enjoy your new look!

Nancy said...

I have to thank your for this fabulous post! It was just the chuckle I needed this morning. Love your creative use of the wipe on your card. B the way, you gave me and my hubby a great idea with that card. He is working on an art piece and didn't know what to title it. So I suggested One World and then we babbled back in forth for a few minutes with other phrases and settled on One Love. But thanks to you we came up with one!! Love the softness of your other floral card and the great bookmarks too. Have a fabulous day and stay safe! Hugs Nancy

Nancy said...

Oops....See I'm losing it! Thanks for joining us for our special challenge of Seize the Heroes!

Mac Mable said...

All good our end and very thankful for some very good neighbours x.
Your first card is beautiful Darnell and the ombre effect is so pretty and great use of the bookmark x.
A fun second card and what a unique face mask.....LOL x.
I couldn't agree more with your sentiments about the first responders x.
Well done you on cutting your hair and I suspect Nellie was thrilled you didn't do a full cut on her????....
Stay safe and well my friend x.

frommycraftroom said...

Beautiful cards. I can tell its a mask!

Well done on cutting your own hair. I have only ever cut my fringe (when I had one). I am well over due for hair cut - I think its about a year since I went to a hair dresser. :0 I have long hair and you can't tell unless you look at the ends!

Thanks for the comment on my CASE card - I can't believe you have over 4K to CASE you will busy.

Glittered Paws said...

Amazing cards - and then the video on the mask from a bra - just what I needed today - yes we are all in this together - but I'm missing friends that don'e have hairy legs. I think a friend and I are going to have a picnic this week with the mandated 6 feet apart rule. Love the fact tht you made bookmarks - something useful in the future. I have read so many books already the last few weeks.

creativetimewithme said...

Your projects are wonderful! Thank you for playing along with us at Make My Monday!

Hugs,
Mary Ellen
blog - https://www.creativetimewithme.com/

laurie said...

Awesome projects Darnell! SO creative too. Hope you are doing well. Thanks for joining us at Happy Little Stampers!

Nancy said...

FYI. https://seizethebirthday.blogspot.com/2020/04/winners-for-seize-heroes-challenge-188.html

nancy littrell said...

How did I miss this post...so much cool stuff..BTW, life these days is all about being patient, flexible, willing to do 1st ever beauty tricks, etc!!! But 1st...thanks for sharing your bookmarks...I had forgotten how gorgeous yours turned out. I think of all our retreat girls too when I use my Retreat Bookmarkers. So fun seeing how everyones turned out!

I would love to see your pretty grey/white hair. I was surprised when I let my hair grow out about 15 years ago and how shiny and healthy it was, which I really liked:-)

About me and my hair..I have cut my bangs 3 times and starting yesterday...put the back into a little ponytail, since Denny gave me one of his ponytail bands:-) Now he keeps telling me my pony looks so sassy...what a guy:-)

I will stick with my cool neck warmer as a mask...of course, have not had to use yet...Have not been to town in 8 weeks...lol! Denny wears his mask to pick up our curbside groceries. Taking social distancing seriously!

In the meantime, enjoying all our gardening and my extra crafting time. Sending wishes of Staying Safe, Many Thanks to ALL our Essential Workers and Thanks for Sharing so many creative projects..card making, mask making, hair cutting for people and animals, etc. Much Love and Hugs to you all...Nancy

BożenA said...

The first card has a great mix of background colors. White tulips look so wonderful on it. The second card with your description has a great message. Now you can clearly see that we are one, a lord of one is hurt to another. We live in the illusion of seclusion, but we really create unity, an undivided whole. We must finally see it. Thank you for your card and your words. Words have great power, they can change the world.
hugs,
BożenA

Helen said...

Great cards, Darnell! I love the message of your card and blog! It has certainly proved we are one world! What will we all look like when we come out of isolation!!??? Thanks for joining us at HLS Dies Challenge for April!