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!

August 4, 2020

Add Schparkle at The Flower Challenge!

Hello Stamplings!

Welcome to August already! Whoosh!

August's full moon is the Full Sturgeon Moon.🐟 It's a wonderful month for star gazing and the month of the Perseid🌠Meteor🌠Shower, which peaks between August 11 and 13. This year, the falling stars peak right around the last quarter moon🌗, which means the moon shouldn't wash out too many of them!

August 1-7 is International Clown Week!🤡

And August 4-25 is the running of the internationally popular Flower Challenge! I happily have the honor of being the Guest Designer this month and the challenge prompt is perfect for me: "Add Sparkle!" 

Who doesn't love a little schparkle on a card?!
This pretty flower (which in itself is shaped like a schparkler!) is a Penny Black cling stamp called, "Together." Loll taught this technique at our last retreat. In brief, you stamp your image with Versamark ink, set it with sticky embossing powder, brush it with Pearl-Ex pigment powders, and then heat-set it again. Loll does a great job of explaining it here.

I was itching to add schplatter, but decided to keep it simple with just a lovely sediment and a pointed narrow Poppystamps frame to draw your eyes in. You know, to the flower, but not so far in that you're cross-eyed.

Here's a closeup:
I hope my card has inspired you to glitterize, glossify, wink, or otherwise add schparkle to your pretty flower design for this month's The Flower Challenge! I can't wait to see what you create!!👀

I. Hammy's Union Update

You might wonder if Hammy was upset that I used Pearl-Ex instead of letting him wink on the schparkle. He wasn't. I've given him some time off after several exhausting negotiating sessions with me about the advisability of joining/forming a union.

After my post about this, Hammy was very kindly invited to form an offshoot chapter of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Horse's Union by his friend Susan. And then Mrs. A. (his friend from England) formed HAMAS (Hampster and Mice Appreciation Society) in Hammy's honor. Lastly, he discovered that there was an old unexpired Union licensing agreement available on Ebay in South America. 

But in the end, after a lot of defibrillation, he decided that I provide a pretty amazing environment for him and I meet his every little need. So we're all good for now, but I must hurry and finish this because he asked me for some peeled grapes ten minutes ago. 

II. Nellie Update

Nellie made it through her appointment at the vet where she had a great checkup and she got a passing grade on her teeth, except for her two teeny-tiny front teeth on the bottom which had to be pulled because of bad pockets of bacteria. Two days later, she was pampered at the groomers, so her needs have all been met now, too. 

Well, except for the ever constant . . .
Sugar-free from now on, little girlie!

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71 comments:

Viv said...

Ah Dee what an amazing schparkly card you made for us over at 'The Flower Challenge' ;) It really is outstanding, so happy to have you guesting with us this month Dee! Love all the chatter about Hammy too lol, he really is a lucky Hammy to share your craft space. Glad Nellie is ok too and passed her exam with flying colours...well mostly! I did look to see if I could spy a large meteor recently but it was a no show...even at 2 or 3ish in the morning and several tries arghhh! hugs Viv xx

Brenda in IN said...

Oh how pretty this is. It does sparkle and the soft color is lovely. Congratulations on being the guest designer and what a fantastic card you made for it. You picked a beautiful image for the challenge. Before I got to the Hammy update I did wonder why he wasn't included in a challenge called sparkle. But now I understand. He is taken good care of if you are peeling grapes for him! Nellie looks gorgeous and not traumatized by her teeth being pulled. As long as she can still eat her cookies she will be happy.

Bunny said...

The card is great. Now you get in there and start peeling grapes before he starts to re-negotiate. If I were you I would tell Nellie about the sugar free part of the cookie.

Not traumatized by her teeth? Dang......good for her. We should all be so lucky when we have a problem.

The House Mouse mice heard about HAMAS. Fortunately they know they have a good thing going on too. We do love to love our family.

Keep up the sparkle and infotainment. We need it! [Bunny]

conil said...

Oh BOY! You've done The Flower Challenge up right. This glorious, bloom's effulgent sparkle is magnicent to behold. They're so lucky that they chose you and your fertile mind and fingers.
Good to hear that the union issue has been resolved for now. Just be sure those peeled grapes are constantly at the ready.
Nellie looks to be the picture of health and cleanliness...wish I could do the same for my white cat.

Pat said...

Congratulations on being GD over at the Flower Challenge Darnell, and love your very beautiful and schparkly flowers and love the pretty frame and a lovely sentiment too. Glad Nellie's dental check up went well with only the loss of two teeny weeny bottom front teeth, and she looks very sweet and wonderfully clipped and primped in the photo. I love the expression of longing on her face too...hopefully a suitably unsugary cookie can be found..lol. x

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Lovely flowers, Darnell - just love the sparkle!! And of course, purple!! Poor Nellie and her two missing teeth but she still has plenty!!

Cat Craig said...

Beautiful bloom Darnell, and your stories...I mean update are just what I needed this afternoon. Love ya.

Kathleen said...

A really lovely creation, super image and choice of colour, love the sparkle.

Kath x

Liz said...

Congratulations on your GD spot and what a fabulous, sparkly card you've made. Sounds like Hammy has realised how lucky he is where he lives. Glad Nellie's check up at the vets went well and I'm sure Hammy will sneak a little cookie to her now and again. xx

Lisa Elton said...

Who doesn't love a little sparkle, this is a real treat Darnell! Good to know that all is well with both Hammy and Nellie!

Cheryl W. said...

Oooooh, your card is just beautiful! I love that delicate lavender flower. And I think you made the right decision to not add the splatters. It's perfect just the way it is. Hammy is quite the union activist, isn't he? And Nellie looks lovely with her new do.

My Paper Epiphany said...

Absolutety perfect and sparkly! I love your pretty colours! Thank goodness your critters are happy and feeling pampered! I hope you are too:) Congrats on GD!

brenda said...

How very elegant your blooms look with the hints of sparkle and silver. I was actually using that image yesterday - ended up in the bin as didn't like the background so might try the softer touch following your inspiration.

Many thanks for joining our 'Say it with Flowers' theme at Penny Black and More challenge August challenge.

B x

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, What a pretty card.

Glad Hammy realises just how cushy he has it with you.

So pleased Nellie got a good check up. Shame about the two teeth, but at least now she won't have any problems with them. She looks lovely after her groom as well.

You take care. Sue

Linda said...

Who doesn't love a touch of sparkle ..... your flowers look spectacular, even without Hammy's help (Please don't tell him I said that)
So glad that Nellie's check up went well, sounds like she was so brave. Lucky girl getting pampered afterwards.

Sandra H said...

So wonderful is your card Darnell beautiful bloom love the colour and sparkle ❇️ ooh just look at Nellie she is just so gorgeous glad all was well with her checkup even having the 2 teeth 🦷extracted it’s better for her and l will be getting groomed myself this Friday nice too that Hammy was given time off 😆take care and enjoy your day x

Ros Crawford said...

Oh this is so pretty!! Congrats on your GD spot too! Nellie looks so beautiful! Stay well and enjoy your week

Sarah said...

That schparkler is a Bobby Dazzler!! Such a pretty colour. Pleased to hear theat Hammy has realised which side his bread is buttered (a UK term for knowing where you are well off!!) xx

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

OH! This is such a beautiful sparkly card, love the stamp and the frame.
My son's birthday is on the 11th, I wonder if the meteor shower has significance for him? I hope it's good. This week is clown week, well there are quite a few clowns about! AND a flower challenge? WOW August has a lot going on. Then poor Nellie having teeth out too. Poor pup.
Take care
Faith x

Glittered Paws said...

Hmmm I have the sticky inky, as well as pearl ex - (somewhere in my closet), what a pretty sparkle this added to your flowers. I think Hammy might need to hire a secretary to keep up with him, he has seemed quite busy these last few weeks. Great news on Nellie, such a pertty girl.

Maria Rodriguez. said...

Dearest Darnell: Thank you for being our Guest Designer this month over at THE FLOWER CHALLENGE, it's a joy for us to have your beautiful cards on the blog.
This card is gorgeous, I love all that amazing lavender schparkle paired with the silver on the steams. Love the dotted frame too.
I'm so happy all worked out with Hammy and Nellie, both are so lucky to share your home with you.
Thank you again for being our Guest Designer over at THE FLOWER CHALLENGE, I hope you come back to play along with us again next time.
Stay healthy and safe, my friend.
XO
Maria Rodriguez.

cuilliesocks said...

Your card is soooo beautiful Darnell, lots of sparkle and a gorgeous flower.
Pleased to hear that Hammy knows what side his bread is buttered.
Isn't Nellie just gorgeous! Pleased to hear that the tooth thing wasn't too bad, and she's groomed perfectly, Kate x

Jeanne said...

Delightful post, Darnell! From a gorgeous bloom to a beautiful pooch and lots of fun in between! Thanks so much for sharing and helping us smile! Hugs!

Bonnie said...

This brings back happy memories, Dolly! I think I used that same image for this technique and just had to buy the stamp after I got home! Love how yours schparkles and how clean the background looks! Congratulations on your Guest Designer status! Glad Hammy & Nellie are good!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous card, as always, Darnell xoxo

Fikreta said...

Its gorgeous card!

I Card Everyone said...

D, I'm so happy to see you guesting at The Flower Challenge as I know how much you love to SCHPARKLE! Thanks for sharing another of Loll's tutorials... is there anything she can't do?
You've managed to add the perfect POW to this wonderful PB stamp to turn it into a sparkler! so pretty!
=]

Stamps and Paper said...

Lovely sparkly card Danell it really does look like a sparkler.....please both Hammy and Nellie are ok...Nellie looks absolutely gorgeous...

Anne

Diane said...

Beautiful sparkle card and I love it just the way it is..gorgeous!! Nellie is so cute, I am partial to the name as my last Doodle was named Nellie, I miss her so much but enjoying seeing your beautiful little Nellie!!

JoAnn said...

Beautiful card with all that sparkle and pretty flower. Congrats on being the Guest Designer at The Flower Challenge.
I enjoyed reading your updates on Hammy & Nellie. They are in good hands.

Lisa T said...

Congrats on your gd at The Flower Challenge Darnell. You super schparkley card is a dream! That sticky embossing powder is fab, I use it with distress glitter which also works beautifully. You know, just in case you have a few tons of that hanging around! I'm glad to hear that Hammy is doing well. He mustn't get too used to his peeled grapes though. We would miss him and his twinkling efforts! Lots of love Lisa xx

Verna Angerhofer said...

Congratulations on the guest spot. And, I love the schparkle on your card too....great image and colors.

My Paper Cat said...

This card is so pretty. Well done

OH Babs said...

Love your sparkle card and of course your enthusiasm. My enthusiasm and mojo are on a sabbatical. Yesterday I watched a YouTube on watercolor and almost fell asleep

HilaryJane said...

Congrats on your guest designer spot. This card is simple but fabulous and I bet it is so shiny in real life. I love that you have let the flower and stem flow over the frame xx

Loll said...

Your pearl-ex flowers are so pretty and sparkly, Dolly! I LOVE the pink! :) Congrats on being Guest Designer at The Flower Challenge!

Happy to hear that you and Hammy have made up. He is a keen negotiator!! :) And happy that Nellie did well with her dental appt. It's hard to see our babies go through these things. Love, Lolly

Mac Mable said...

Congratulations on guesting Darnell with this beautiful and sparkly card. Such a striking technique and one fabulous and stunning card x.
I am so glad that Hammy is Ok now with his union rights etc and knows when he is well off. Good that Mrs A and Susan were offering their Union clout, if Hammy needed it.....And of course my bears Union as well if needed x.
Sorry to hear about Nellie and her two tiny teeth but doesn't she look so pretty in her photo? Keep well and safe Darnell x

Redanne said...

Huge congratulations on your Guest spot, I love the gorgeous card you made - the flower reminds me of the Allium flowers in our garden at the moment.

What can I say about Hammy? He definitely knows a good thing when he sees it, I am so glad he will be staying as he would be missed!

Nellie always looks adorable but after her grooming she looks even more adorable. I am sure she will miss cookies but it is all in a good cause....

Big hugs, Annie xxxx

oldpunca said...

So elegant and so sparkly! I love your flower card. Amazing technique you've used. Congratulation to the GD!
Thank you for the Hammy's and Nellie's update. I'm sorry for the little girl that it is not allowed her to eat sweets any more.
Stay safe! Hugs, Sonja

Donna said...

Gorgeous sparkly card for a well deserved guest designer spot Darnell! Thanks for an always cheery post!

Marcia Hill said...

BEAUTIFUL card Darnell and another new technique for me to try out!! Congrats on your GD spot and how perfect that you got to do the sparkly part all by yourself! I'm sure Hammy's nose was a little out of joint, but glad to hear negotiations went well and he's decided to stick around! Glad to hear Nellie made out ok too...she looks just lovely!! Hope you're having a good week my friend!! Hugs. :0)

Sharyn Polesel said...

All of that sparkly goodness is really lovely. That big, beautiful flower is gorgeous. Hope all is well with you. Hugs, Sharyn

frommycraftroom said...

What a gorgeous card. Sounds like a fab technique and one I have all the supplies for and maybe now we have a curfew and stage 4 lockdown I might get some mojo to make a card or two.
Glad to hear all the adventures of Hammy and Nellie. Happy to hear her vet visit went well.

JD/ Jill said...

So pretty! I love to see glitter on cards. But when I try to use it...I have it everywhere...Including my face. I usually only try to use when I try it outside on my porch...but it's just been to hot. You are reminding me to get it ready and the first cooler day to get out on my porch with the giltter (Unless it's a "windy" day...smile

Christine Alexander said...

schparkle galore on this one:) that was a fun technique at the retreat.
Glad Nellie had a clean bill of health and is fighting fit and wanting her treats :)

TK said...

Great SCHPARKLE it is! Pretty flower, and a great one to do this challenge with.
Glad Hammy is good now, being thankful sometimes gets your unexpected rewards :oP
As for Nellie, hope her recovery was quick, she sure looks fantastic

nancy littrell said...

So excited...I actually got to see your really, really sparkly (sorry, misspelled) flowers at our retreat, but now get to see it finished with a frame and sentiment (dang, misspelled word again..lol)! Now about your critters: Be careful...Hammy is on a union craze...think he needs a cookie everyday! My but Nellie looks beautiful with her professional haircut and shiny clean teeth..yep, sugar free cookies would be best! BTW..Loved your finished card:-) Love and Hugs...my friend...Nancy

Poppyfield Card Crafts said...

Beautifully sweet Darnell and Nellie is so darn cute!

June x

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh what a gorgeous card Darnell - full of your fabulous schparkle. Love the delicate colour, and I am going to have to look at the destructions.
Nice to hear that you are meeting every wee need of your fabulous assistant Hammy.. he works so hard for you, I am sure you have formed a mutual admiration society!
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine

Tracy said...

Really pretty creation, thanks for joining Penny Black & More @ Allsorts challenge, good luck.
Happy crafting
Tracy x

Gerrina said...

Lovely sparkly! Congrats on being giestdesigner!
What we do for our pets :) But great to read your post again! (Have to go cook and feed DH and daughter before they get grumphy now :) Hugs, Gerrina

Leslie Miller said...

Ooooh, the sparkle! This has plenty of it, and what a gorgeous stamp! Love the color. So pretty! I'm sorry about Nellie's little teeth needing to be pulled. I think those funny little front teeth are the cutest things. You're taking good care of her. Glad to hear all is well with Hammy, too. Finally, congrats on your guest spot in The Flower Challenge!

Jean said...

Love the card and the schparkle. So pretty. Hammyand Nellie have a pretty good life with you.

Nancy Penir said...

So happy to see one of my favorite peeps guesting at the Flower Challenge. Your gorgeous card leads the pack with sparkle a plenty! Have to check out Loll's tutoring for glamming up an image! Stay well pretty lady!

Trina P. said...

Congrats on GD at TFC. 🎉🎉🎉 I remembered you were one of the few who were successful with this Pear-Ex technique. Beautiful card and love the gorgeous schparkle! (sorry Hammy).
Nellie is adorable. 💕

Anita in France said...

How schplendidly schparkly, Darnell ... and beautifully clean ... you created a stunner! Congratulations on your so well deserved GD spot at TFC! Thanks for the update on Hammy and Nellie ... always good to keep up with the family antics! LYAMYESDMCA! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Pia S said...

A beautiful flower in all its sparkly glory! I love the framing too.

Bobby said...

Well the dog and the hamster have been pampered. What about you, Darnell? We'll pamper you over at The Flower Challenge for making such a fabulously sparkly card for your guest design assignment. We're glad to have you.

Brenda said...

Wow, this is a stunning and schparkly card for sure Auntie! I love the soft color combo, the schparkle is so beautiful. I guess I need me some heat and stick powder now too. lol I just can't keep up with all the amazing crafty stuff out there! I was wondering why Hammy wasn't involved in making this card schparkle, but now reading the update I understand. Glad Hammy realized what a wonderful home he has with you and how much you spoil him. Nellie is looking as cute as ever! I'm glad she made it through the vet appointment and the teeth pulling! Ouch! I'm sure she will still enjoy her sugar free cookies just as much as the sugary ones. lol I used to use the sugar free cookies to train Savannah with-a great doggy treat for sure! As much as I hate to wish away a year or even a month, I will be glad when 2020 is over. I am hoping and praying that 2021 will be much better for the whole world. I don't know how August got here so fast, but it did. Now I can't believe all that is going on in August. lol Who knew?! Duh, you did! Sending love and hugs your way Auntie! Brenda

Zoechaos said...

Why oh why have I not spent more time here exploring, well apart from Blogger not letting me comment I have no idea. To read the words of wisdom from someone who is a sane as me is pure delight. So be assured I intend on visiting more often. Love the card sparkle is one of my blind spots but nearly not one of yours. xx

KandA said...

Ooh what a beautiful card Darnell. It's so gorgeously schparkly and such a pretty flower cc

Sheila H said...

Love your sparkly card, Darnell. I'm sorry that it's been ages since I visited and commented on your blog. I'm going to try to stop by more often in the future. Take care, my friend!

Lynne said...

Gorgeous sparkly card Darnell, who doesn't love a smattering of glitter (apart from my husband when it gets into his dinner lol)and I love the stamp you've used. Thank you for joining us at Less is More.
Lynne x

Kathyk said...

Fantabulous makes, Darnell, loving the use of the purple shades!!

Great pic of Nellie - sorry about the teeth though!

Delighted that your negotiations with Hammy worked out well too!

Happy Tuesday

Kathyk

Shona Chambers said...

So excited your our GD for this month at The Flower Challenge!! Your card is gorgeous and have never seen that technique before so had to go and look at Loll's blog post. Love the soft lavender colour and glad you didn't splatter over it (although having done it a few times lately I understand the urge to 'splatter') it sparkly enough to look good on its own. Can't wait to see what you do for your reminder card. Glad your little girl is good after seeing the vet, although losing two teeth isn't much fun. I keep threatening Bella with braces, her bottom teeth are all over the place. I took her back to vet yesterday, the area where you cancer was removed is suddenly very itchy so its either an infection or possibly the cancer growing back. Throwing lots of antibiotics at it and fingers crossed its better in 10 days.......

Greta said...

Glad Nellie didn't have any big problems & she does look perfectly coiffed! Congrats on being the GD! Your card is gorgeous, Darnell! Love that floral stamp & the look with the Pearl Ex. I have a bunch of it that never gets used, so I should try the technique.

Mervi said...

What a darling and sweet card.
Thank you for sharing at Penny Black and more;-))m

TaeEun said...

The sparkle of the Pearl-Ex on the flowers looks gorgeous, Darnell! Love that PB floral stamp! Thank you so much for being our guest at The Flower Challenge this month! I'm sorry for being so late visiting :)!

Kylie said...

The sparkle is perfectly beautiful, Darnell. I love how you achieved it and I may have to try out that technique! Thanks so much for playing along at Penny Black Saturday Challenge and Less is More xx

Ericka Strange said...

Gorgeous card Darnell and I love the sparkle on these beautiful colors! So pretty and fun! Thanks for being a Guest Designer at The Flower Challenge! Love your work!

BożenA said...

This looks really spectacular, Darnell. I love the soft colors and all the sparkle you have captured in your photos. I'm sure this card actually shines with a wonderful glow
xx