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 22, 2020

Summer Blooms

Hello Stamplings!

I hope you are doing well and for those who celebrate it, I hope you had a wonderful Father's Day in the Age of Covid 2020! The prodigal and family returned for a great picnic lunch in the backyard. It was wonderful to see them again, even at a bit of a distance!

I got a bit melon collie after they left, so I distracted myself with this:
It's as QACAS as can be. The image is "Banners and Blooms" from Concord & 9th. I watercolored with my Ziggies and Hammy finished up with a new winker.
The sediment is ancient. I want to say it's from MFT, but I'm not sure. (ETA: Thank you Lindsey and Bev for letting me know it is from Neat & Tangled!) It comes with the long thin lines attached equally on either side of the block sediment (I offset it) and there were other sediments in the set. 

BTW, how did the words, "I want to say ..." became a thing? What was wrong with, "I think ... ?" 

Do you find yourself having deep thoughts like that now that you're in the fourth month of isolation? Lots of heavy stuff is happening before our eyes and sometimes we just need to look away for a few minutes and think about fluffy things.

For instance, why does it really matter if our socks match? And why aren't men's and women's colognes made out of real smells that we love, like chocolate, apple pie, and bbq ribs? Okay, your turn.

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Real quick, here's another design from my recent round of making paper hug cards. The oval frame die is from PTI, cleverly turned on its side. The sediment is from Penny Black and the iris is from my dwindling stash of store-bought die cuts.

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Happy Father's Day

Three generations with The Mister keeping socially distant. ltr: Adam, Henry, Kevin, and Dan. It was very hot so everyone was a bit flushed and schweaty.

To close, a little fun play-on-words signage from my friend Brenda:

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

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!

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76 comments:

Sue said...

Hi Dartnell, Fab cards. I particularly like the second one.

Nice photo of all the menfolk.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Jane Willis said...

Gorgeous cards - I love the CASliciousness of the first with it's magical touch of winking!
As for cologne, there's a brand called Demeter, I think they are made somewhere obscure like Belgium but you can find them online occasionally, that sell scents in lots of unusual favourite fragrances - I once had one called "Paperback" which smelled of books, and bought my gardening mad daughter "Cut grass" and "Tomato leaf". They do all the favourites you mentioned and many more, and I can't understand why they aren't more popular or widely available.

Aquarius said...

Two pretty floral cards. Good that you could celebrate Father's Day even if was at a distance.

meg said...

Two beauties the first one pops with colour and the second has gorgeous pastel tones,thank you for joining in at the Alphabet Challenge

Lia said...

Beautiful cards. A bit CAS and I like it. Like the picture of the 'boys' as well!!
Lia xx

Cat Craig said...

Wonderful CAS cards, Darnell. And I particularly love that first sentiment. Not sure if I overlooked it when I read or not, but did you add the line to the sentiment or is the sentiment the block including the lines. Love the look. YOur second card is darling, great die cuts. Loving the picture of your handsome men, those boys are growing up fast. hugs.

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two gorgeous card Darnell, I have to admit to having a thing about Iris's though. A great photo of the generations, looks like you had a great get together.

Sue xx

Stamps and Paper said...

'Bloomin' Lovely cards Darnell...lovely picture of the boys & Mister at least they could get together...the boys have grown up so much...

Anne

kiwimeskreations said...

Four months of isolation - that's incredible - I though four weeks of total lockdown, and another four weeks gradually easing our way out was bad enough - Oh Darnell, that is terrible.
Loving your cards, and I am so glad you bought Hammy a new pen for his winking - he has made a marvelous job of it on your first card
Your second card is so elegant with that soft green frame
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine

Sandra H said...

So pretty are both your cards Darnell lovely effect on your first card and l just love Irises used to grow many in my garden they smell beautiful too! Lovely photo what a wonderful family you have and how nice you was able to meet and l can understand the emotional effect it has on us all hopefully all this will come good again take care xx

Mac Mable said...

Such a pretty CAS card and great use of the die cut oval frame on its side. Thank you for sharing the wonderful 'family' photo....all so handsome x.

Mac Mable said...

Your first card is so pretty Darnell and love the shimmer.....I pressed the enter button too soon .....LOL x.

Jeanne said...

Pretty cards, handsome family and food for thought. What an all around fantastic post! Hugs!

Marilyn said...

Beautiful cards! Nice picture of the guys!
Have a great day!
Marilyn ❤️

Barbara said...

A beautiful family, so handsome! I can see why you get a bit melon collie when they leave. Glad you put those feeling away with some crafting. I have a fondness for watercolor cards and these are gorgeous. So glad that you joined in the fun at Seize the Birthday Challenge.
Barbara DT

Bunny said...

I love your QACAS cards. The 3 generation picture is great. We are getting terrible heat here. Last night at 11:00 p.m. it was still 80 degrees. Ugh!

I think we should all take a break and lay on our backs and look at some fluffy clouds. Just for a few minutes. [Bunny]

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Always a smile when I visit Darnell, thank you. Yes melon collie is around a lot recently, wish that dog would wander off! Love your first card sunny happy colours and great design. Funny you should say about matching socks, but hubby had a pair of non matching socks on the other day and he didn't even notice, I asked him if he had another pair like that LOL.
Your second card is also gorgeous, love the flower in the oval and frame, super sentiment too. A Lovely photo of your "boys". The road sign is so funny.
Take care
Faith x

Donna said...

Oh Darnrll, your grandsons are becoming such handsome young men, I enjoy your pictures and watching them grow up! Your fist card is beautiful, like the sparkle, the second I like the flower and the dimension and love the sentiment!! Take care ❤

Pat said...

I love your pretty bunch of blooms Darnell, beautifully coloured and excellently winked by Hammy, and your layered iris sits perfectly in that wonderful frame. What handsome fellas and must have been great to see them in the flesh, and can understand why you felt sad to see them go. I sometimes think the whole world has lots its sense of proportion, and like you need to turn my thoughts to nicer things. Thanks for always bringing a smile to our faces with your lovely posts. x

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Looks like you had a wonderful Father's Day, Darnell - just love the three generations photo!! Two beautiful cards too - the colorful blossoms on card one really made me smile & I love the iris!! I have several iris prints hanging on my walls so I guess I like them A LOT! A friend just gave me some iris bulbs so I'll have blossoms just like yours next year!! As to things to ponder, why does a tool box for a guy cost so much less than a tool box for a crafter (mostly women) - must be the die to paint ours pink... Hugs to you and stay sane in isolation!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards, Darnell, and four handsome men! xoxo

Lisa Babitz said...

Two great cards! The black and white sentiment with the line behind looks awesome! Great sparkle on your florals as well. Love how you used the oval frame die on your second card. It was great that you got to see your family for Father's Day.

HilaryJane said...

Love both these cards, especially the winking on those lovely blooms. Thanks for sharing the photo of all your lovely boys xx

Hilda Burton said...

I love your beautiful cards today, Darnell. Your grands are grown now and all the "boys" are so handsome. Thanks for sharing your cards and pictures.

Verna Angerhofer said...

Wonderful card designs and I always love to see what you have done. So glad you got to see some family. We did too but I missed them when they left as well. Sounds like a couple grandsons might come for a day or two to see if they can go fishing with Grandpa in the boat if it is not too windy. So that is something to look forward too.

Carol Cel said...

Love the cards - especially the Concord and 9th.
LOVE you got to spend some time with your family. So did we, just like you: outside - they left when she had to use the bathroom because she wouldn't go in the house :)
GREAT photo of all your men! A treasure for sure.

JoAnn said...

Two beautiful cads. Love them both. Thanks for sharing the first one with us at Seize the Birthday.
Great photo of the guys. Glad you all had a good Father's Day.
I got a good chuckle on the street sign.
Have a wonderful week. Hugs. JoAnn

Maura said...

Love both cards, Darnell - my fave is the first one with such a great CAS design!!! Love the photo of "your boys"!!! What a handsome lot!!!

OH Babs said...

Handsome men in your life.
Of course the cards were lovely and I especially like the Penny Black sentiment.

conil said...

Saw that picture on IG of your hunky boys...all that testosterone...how do you handle it. Your cards today are right up me alley...CAS perfection, although, lately, I can't seem to stop embellishing my cards. Must be a side effect of Covid lockdown. BTW, how are you liking this weather?...NOT!!!!!

Bonnie said...

I want to say, and I will say, that those brightly colored flowers are so pretty! Love the offset birthday sentiment! And the iris is gorgeous! I love how it's popping out of that oval frame! I enjoyed seeing all your handsome guys! Glad you could get together!

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Both your cards are lovely. Glad you got to spend time with family. We are all going to need to get used to being outdoors more!

Carol L said...

Your cards are wonderful and I just LOVE the first one with those purty colored flowers and a simple sentiment! I have had deep thoughts all along with this isolation, and some are best left unsaid me thinks :) The family photo is great and I'm glad you had time to share with one another on a special day for dads. Have a great week ahead :)

Loll said...

Your flower spray watercolouring is gorgeous Dolly! Love the shine from the winking. The Iris is really beautiful in the oval framing. Two beauties, my friend.

Wonderful photo of three generation of Knauss men!! They look so happy to all be together. Glad you had a wonderful Father's Day. Love Lolly

Liz said...

Great cards, Darnell. My especially love the second one with the iris. We've seen so many irises in local gardens recently when we've been out for walks during lockdown. Your deep thoughts really made me smile. Great photo of the three generations too. xx

Lindsey said...

(Someone may have mentioned already, but I *think* that first sentiment is Neat & Tangled.)
Two gorgeous cards! The iris may be commercially beautiful, but your colouring on the first card is equally gorgeous! Thanks for linking it up with Seize the Birthday!

oldpunca said...

I have to say that the four men in your life look great! Super nice 3 generation photo. :-)
Your card with summer flowers is fantastic. Fabulous coloring and great design. Hammy did a great job with a new winker. :-)
And the hug card is fantastic too! It's a great idea to make hugs cards, especially in the present situation. It means a lot to get one. :-)
Take care and stay safe! Hugs, Sonja
p.s.
My daughter said that obviously Stephen King wrote the year 2020.

Nan G said...

A couple of delightful cards Darnell. My my what a handsome bunch of fellas. Mmmwah Now how can it be that the twins are that big/old? Weren't they just babes a few years back and you were introducing us?! The Girls and I are healthy following our usual routine...I don’t go anywhere anyway. 😁 Take care. Long distance hugs to you and the family.

Susan said...

Beautiful beautiful summer blooms - love them all. Great photo of the three generations - what handsome grandsons you have!

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, my word, is that sign real? Hahahahaha! And are those men real? I want to say they're the handsomest bunch of guys I've seen in a while. I know that melancholy feeling, sad to say. You did one of the best things to help pull yourself out of it. Gorgeous card all nicely CAS and beautifully colored and winked. I hereby testify as to the awesomeness of the iris hug card. Definitely clever to turn the die on its side like that Love the sentiment. Keep looking up, Darnell. I keep trying.

Rufus said...

WOW seeing all of them together it's obvious that's 3 generations of the same guy! What a handsome bunch. Love the cards too!

Lisa Elton said...

Two pretty floral cards today Darnell but the photo of your fellas steals the show!

Cheryl W. said...

Wow - you sho 'nuff have handsome masculine types in yer family!! Your cards are right purdy, too. Not sure why I'm typing with an accent. Maybe it's because I talk to myself a LOT these days and all those personalities now think they have free rein to take over my thoughts. Hush up, Lulabelle!

TK said...

Beautiful card, and I love that you altered the line! I spy that twinkle too...

Looks like you had fun, even from afar :9)

Christine Alexander said...

Two beautiful cards Darnell and love those pics of all your handsome boys :) Looks like everyone had a great Fathers day :)

Ros Crawford said...

What a wonderful photo Darnell... So glad you boys came by. Love your cards especially that first one, so pretty! It's funny but I still make the 'effort' both with the house and myself in case someone comes by even though I know they wont. Then if the door goes I get snarly... like 'why are you bothering me' Lol. Stay well and happy

Celeste Goff said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell and the 3 generation photo is awesome!

cuilliesocks said...

Hi Darnell, such a fabulous photo of your menfolk, handsome lads all.
Gorgeous card, such lovely images and colours, both beautifully designed, Kate x

Brenda said...

I am loving your QACAS card Auntie, those blooms are beautiful. I need a lesson on how to color so well with the Ziggies as you are so great at it! Hammy winked those blooms up perfectly too. I think we need a book made from quarantine thoughts as I'm sure there have been many conversations about things just like this! lol I've found that I have enjoyed quarantine, but my mind hasn't. It's funny how the mind reacts when it isn't "getting out" and socializing. So even though I've enjoyed not being out, my mind hasn't! Your second card is stunning. Love that oval frame die, so pretty. Your iris is gorgeous and I love that sentiment and the font of it. The 3 generation photo is so awesome! Look at all those handsome guys! Much to be proud of Auntie! The "haviture way" sign is so fun. I loved it when I saw it from Brenda and had to laugh out loud. Some people really do have it their way. lol Sending big hugs to you Auntie! Brenda

Happy Dance said...

How about 'fresh baked bread,' or 'grandma's pies?!!' Mmmmmm....the grandkids would never venture far from me if I smelled like that all the time, lol!! And since I buy the same kind of white socks, they all match. Two grandgirls always wear mis-matched socks - Lily and Lizzy! So I was wondering...do you have to lock up that group of handsome men so that they aren't attacked by isolation crazed girls? Easy to understand if you do! I've seen an old N&T set like that first sentiment, but don't know if it's one of theirs or not. Very pretty card, and I love the WoS on it. I gave Sue a tube of it; she'd never used it before and fell in love! That's such a pretty bouquet. Love the iris card, too. So soft and gentle. And I really wish I could give you a hug in real life. One of these days.... I hope to finish painting soon so I can get back in the ol' craft room...rooms...UGH!!! Sending love and at the very least, virtual hugs. xoxoxoxo Bev

Dawn Phillips said...

What stunning cards. I like the idea of using card making as a distraction. Thanks for joining us at The Alphabet Challenge. Love Dawn x

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
beautiful cards and such lovely stamps and dies used to create them.
Love them both they are gorgeous.
You are right about everything and who cares if someone has odd socks on they are just showing their individauality.
I love Mens perfumes more than the ladies.
My what a handsome bunch of fellas youngesters are going to be heart breakers that's for sure.
Lots of crafty love and hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.

Redanne said...

Both cards are beautiful, I really love the Iris one and your colouring on the other card is superb.

You certainly gave me food for thought on the perfume question.... my mom used to wear a perfume called California Poppy and I loved to 'borrow' some when I went out, but sadly they stopped production. Nothing has ever smelled the same since.

It is a lovely picture of Mister and Dan and the boys, I never noticed before how much Dan looks like you, he is lovely! Sorry to be late but this heatwave is getting to me, I can only imagine what you have to live with in the summer. I don't think air conditioning is worth it though over here for two or three days each summer! Take care, stay safe and well. Hugs, Annie xxx

Vicky Hayes said...

How lovely to have had all those gorgeous menfolk over! I'm not surprised you felt a little melon collie when they'd left and am glad you have your She Shed to distract you. I love your pretty card with its flowers and that fabulous offset sentiment. I shall look out for that set. Love the way you turned the PTI die on its side for the iris card too - and that's another great sentiment there!

'I want to say...' is about 'one side of my brain is urging me to say this but the other side is telling me it is inaccurate' isn't it? And yes, I do find myself pondering these issues, pandemic or no pandemic! We are in the middle of a crazy heatwave in the uk so I DON'T want to think about fluffy things at all!!! Except Eva (who has become a mer-dog!) Colognes ARE made out of smells that we love - flowers! Laughed a lot at Brenda's sign as I'm pretty sure you did too. Keep smiling Darnell, mwah! Vicky x

Fikreta said...

Wonderful cards!
Im wearing different socks right now :)
lovely photo!

Jaydee said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell and what a great photo. So glad you were able to share your fabulous one layer card with us at ATCAS this week
Jaydee

KandA said...

Two gorgeous floral cards Darnell. The die-cut iris is so pretty and I love the cheery colours on the first.

What a fabulous photo of your menfolk. I bet you have it framed and taking pride of place on your workdesk to remimind you of the good things in life during these crazy times xx

Nora Noll said...

I LOVE both your floral cards. Your coloring is so bright and cheery on the first card and your use of the pre-made die cut is awesome on your second!!

Love your father's day photo with the social distancing. I actually broke down and went to see my Dad and step mother this week. I couldn't social distance anymore. They had been in FL since December and I missed them. They did two weeks quarantine before I went but I didn't hug them.

Deep thoughts? Hmmm...I have nothing. You would have to catch me in the morning for those!! Have a great day and thank you for making me smile today!!

Kathyk said...

Super duper makes and beautifully coloured. Lovely pic of your family too, Darnel, TFS. I love your Haviture Way too!

Happy Saturday to you and yours

Kathyk

Trina P. said...

Both floral cards are fabulous. Wow, the shimmer on your flower bouquet is amazing!

Wonderful family photo. Glad you had a great weekend visit with them.

Bobby said...

Yes, crafting and/or coloring can be a great distraction, Darnell, and when it results in a twofer, all the better. I love the winked arrangement and thanks for sharing that one at Addicted to CAS. The PTI frame was a perfect spot for the lovely iris. Looks like handsomeness runs in the family. So glad you could get together - at a distance.

Kylie said...

I love this one layer card with your sparkly flowers. The sentiment stamp is really cool - I've never seen that before. Crafting at the moment is a god send for me. As a pharmacy assistant, things have been quite 'hellish' over the last few months. To come home, switch off my brain, and colour or stamp is like a holiday :) Thanks for playing along at Less is More xx

frommycraftroom said...

Fabulous cards.

Love the socially distant pic!

Thanks for the street sign - certainly 2020 is that!!

Vicki Dutcher said...

Very classic card! Thanks for stopping by 😀

Cathy said...

2 gorgeous cards Darnell, love the sentiment with the lines. What a handsome bunch and haven't the boys grown up! Glad you got to spend some time together for Father's Day. Ours is in September. The street sign is a crack up! Wonder if it causes any car accidents!! Thankyou for playing along at Seize the Birthday too, Cathy x

My Paper Epiphany said...

What a gorgeous shimmery CAS card! The Iris is stunning and I love the sentiment stamp. A fabulous pic of all the boys:)

Linda said...

Beautiful twofer .... love the sparkle on those pretty flowers.
And what a handsome bunch you have there too .... great photo xx

Maria said...

Two very lovely cards, Darnell! Love those sparkly flowers, so pretty! And, second card looks like the one I received from you!:) I still have it displayed to look at every day, thank you! Wonderful photo of the guys in your lives! Looks like you had a great family time together, how fun! Take care, hugs!!

Greta said...

Such a cute picture of the men in the family! How great to see them again. We still haven't been able to see hubby's daughter & family, unfortunately. However, we count our blessings as we aren't stuck in a hospital or nursing home & cases are lower here than in a lot of places--but on the rise. I'm trying to stay sane, but constantly have to fight anger & depression--so much stupidity & selfishness! OK--done ranting. I do love your cards, Darnell! That is one cool sentiment on the first card & a beautiful way to use the floral die cut!

Di said...

Yay! I got the hug card Darnell - it's gorgeous and how clever to use the die the other way round. i was so surprised and delighted to receive your happy mail.

Love and hugs

Di xx

Barb Ghig said...

It's always so much fun to visit your blog, Darnell! Your birthday card is so pretty and I love how you colored the blooms! Loving this sentiment, too...it's perfect with your design!
I also LOVE the iris and how you framed it in pastel green...what a lovely way to send a hug to a friend :)
Thanks for sharing the photos of your boys...they're all so handsome, and the twins are growing up too quickly...WOW!
I sure hope this lockdown crap ends soon...I'm so tired of it, but glad to know I'm not the only one who's going stir-crazy!!!
Thanks so much for playing along with us at Addicted to CAS! It's always a treat to see your cards in the gallery! Hugs, Barb xx

Claire said...

Your blooms are so pretty Darnell, especially with the added sparkle. What a lovely photo of all your menfolk...glad to see you are still socially distancing. Hope things improve over in the US soon!

Anita in France said...

Oh my goodness, handsomeness abounds with the men in your life, Darnell ... what a brilliant photo! Dan and those young'uns definitely inherited the dishy genes ... seems Kevin is proudly looking on! How lovely you got to see everyone ... even though it wasn't as snuggly close as you'd like. Gorgeous cards ... I love the bold black sentiment with the winked blooms, it's so CAS and striking. That N&T set is in my stash, though none of the sentiments has ever turned out as crisp as this. More practice required p'raps! Your framed iris is beautifully presented ... and what wonderful words to go with it ... I'm sending them right back to you :)! LYAMYESDMA ... LFTCNW! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

PS Don't give those menfolk chocolate scented cologne ... they're irresistable enough (as you already know)!!

BożenA said...

Great birthday card, I love the glow of a rose. The second card is equally great. Has this iris been colored by hand? It looks stunning!
I see that you are a minority in your family :-) But it's wonderful to have so many defenders and such solid supports in everyday life :-)
BożenA xx

Pink Unicorn said...

I'm so glad you got to spend time with your family Darnell, sorry to hear about the melon collie but it clearly worked wonders for your creativity as your cards are both beauties. Hope the crafting chased away that nasty collie dog and the melons too. I especially love the purple iris, it's gorgeous and the sentiment is a reflection of the times we live in right now. Thank you for playing along with the STAMPlorations CAS Challenge. We hope to see you back again soon! Karola, DT, InvisiblePinkCards

Neets B said...

Those sunny florals have just brightened my day, so pretty with that bold sentiment and Hammy did a great job at winking them. And the lilac florals with the soft green is a gorgeous combo too. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Less is More.

How lovely that you managed to spend time with your family for Father's Day. These are certainly strange times and I love how your mind works, I shall ensure fluffy things spring into my mind more often. Working from home has kept me busy but, even for me who loves being at home, I'm beginning to experience cabin fever now. Lockdown is being eased but I'm still too anxious to go far. Take care and stay safe, Anita xx