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 19, 2020

I'm So Tickled!

Hello Stamplings,

How are you? I hope you are managing well.

We have been having an unusually long string of sweltering temperatures around 100-l08 degrees. A few days ago, the heat resulted in an unusual thunderstorn and lightning sparked many fires in northern California. So far we are safe, but the sky in the whole Bay Area is thick with smoke and stench. Because everything is dry, the fires are zero percent contained. It's unhealthy and frightening. I pray for those fighting the fires and for those of you in other parts of the country and world who are also experiencing severe heat and storms.🤗

Onefer

On a happier note, I am so tickled to be appearing with other previous winners of the fun Happy House challenges in a post today. It's a lovely way of honoring past winners and to show how tickled I am, I'm sharing this feather card:
I madeth this card some time ago, but I hath never posted it. It's a regal feather stamp and die set manufactured by PTI a few years ago. The look of it, and its age, maketh me want to talketh this way. Dost thou know what I meaneth?

Can you see the little notch in the black sediment panel for the quill to nestle in? If I remember right, my friend Colleen did that once on a card and I loved it. The sediment and dotty heart were heat-embossed in white and you can just make out that Hammy skated freely all over the feather with his winker.

Challenges
Blog BadgeRRCB 141
Twofer

My second card today is all about using NBUS and making a super QACAS OLC!
I'm perverse enough to get a kick out of using the elegant lady silhouette with a snarky sediment!

This fun and NBUS snarky sediment is from Carmen's Veranda and the lovely lady is a NBUS die called "Susan Silhouette" and she's made by Memory Box. I did some research and discovered that the model's full name was Susan Glaston. She was well known in the branding community as a model for all sorts of wares from imprinted soaps to dies to jewelry. She modeled for this die when she was just 14 years old. Records indicate that she cut her hair to be in style when Twiggy came into fashion in 1966 and, as a result, she lost all of her lucrative contracts. Apparently her father was so upset with her, he chucked her out.

But no worries. If he hadn't, Susan would never have made her way to Hollywood where she turned her attention to becoming a movie star. The only work available at the time was in a daytime soap opera. At her agent's suggestion, Susan changed her last name to Lucci, got the job, and the rest is history to American TV buffs!

Challenges
Our Brother Challenge Blog 

Reminder

If you haven't yet played in the August Twofer Card Challenge, we'd love to see your creations! Our prompt this month is sun/moon and who doesn't have at least one 🌞 stamp, die, or stencil?! Our talented Team member Kara has made another set of amazing sunny Twofers to inspire you!
The challenge is open until end of day on August 24, 2020.
~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy, but please take care and stay well! LITS!*

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!

To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrollingClick CTL + Home. Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post. Click Page Down to reach the end of the post. Click Comments and a pop-up box opens. Click "Jump to Comment Form" and wallah, no more car pool tunnel! Mwah! (p.s. If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave me your email address so I can respond. Thank you!) Source: None available due to the author making the whole thing up; apologies to Susan Lucci.

67 comments:

Ne-Ja said...

Darnell, it's such a pleasure to be with you on visit in Play house :). Your feather card is so adorable with a kind of magic touch. The second card have so cool thought - love it!

Greetings
Jerneja

Sue - said...

Hi Darnell, I thought we’d had it hot last week but not as much as you. Stay safe my friend! Love the feather card - so pretty. And how true is the sentiment on the silhouette card!

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two fantastic cards Darnell. I love the beautiful feather stamp and die and also love the silhouette card with the snarky sentiment too. Hope the fires stay well away for you and that everyone is safe.

Sue xx

Gerrina said...

Both strong CAS cards! That feather looks gorgeous with just the little colour and the silhouette made me think about old gutting-artwork! Hope you stay safe and thinking of all trying to work against all the fires and the oones who are treathened by them... Hugs, Gerrina

Stamps and Paper said...

Hi Darnell...Your cards are lovely particularly love the feather one and the colours...silhouette cards are always eye catching and I what a true sentiment...that heat must have been unbearable I thought it was hot here in the UK last week..Fires are awful just hope everyone stays safe..

Anne

Sandra H said...

Wonderful are both your cards Darnell love the feather and the colour used and the 2nd card equally beautiful the silhouette is adorable and well that sentiment says it all how true ...weather seems to be so changeable all over the world hopefully the fires will be controllable and all will be safe enjoy your day xx

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh Darnell what a gorgeous card that feather one is - and so glad Hammy was practicing his skills way back when - he really hath inherited the longevity jean!
Your snarky one is fabulous - thanks for the giggle
We had a thunderstorm this evening, but it was accompanied with rain and hail!
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine

Mac Mable said...

Sorry to hear about the horrendous fires Darnell x.
What a pretty feather card. Hammy has done a marvellous job with his winker x.
Striking QACAS card, with a fun sentiment and thank you for the information on Susan/Lucci x.

Karen said...

Both cards are wonderful, but I especially love the silhouette! We watch the horrendous fires on the television every night from western NY and shudder! Stay safe. (Just spent some time looking at your playhouse! It's amazing.)

Pat said...

I adore your gorgeous sparkly feather Darnell and the sweet silhouette with that fun quirky sentiment is just great, and an interesting story to go with it too. That heat must have been so difficult to cope with and now to have these dreadful fires. I hope they manage to get them under control soon and that you all stay safe. x

Birgit said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell! The snarky sentiment on the second cards gave me a good chuckle! I hope you're safe, far away from those fires.

Em Louise Fairley said...

Two gorgeous cards, Darnell xoxo

designbydonna said...

You started my day off with a good chuckle with that snarky sentiment. Your feather card is stunning . Prayers for your safety from the fires.

Jeanne said...

Excellent cards, Darnell, espeically that second one. That's a good snarky sentiment and your bitty story about the model made me snort! Good one! I feel so bad for CA and the wildfires. SO scary! I hope you continue to stay safe. We've got some major ones here, too. They are in the mountain areas, but we are affected by the smoke and ozone here. But nothing like you are dealing with. Hugs!

Brenda said...

I've been avoiding the news but did turn it on to get the weather report-not sure why when I can just ask Google, but there you have it. I was horrified at all the wildfires they showed in CA. I am glad you are safe Auntie and I pray it stays that way. I pray for everyone else that is effected by these fires. It is just awful. The heat has been awful and so hot all over the world. We did get a few days of cool, non humid temps, but tomorrow go back to being hot and humid once again. Of course not as hot as you!! Love your feather card, it is gorgeous-the feather is so cool and I am loving all the dots. Love the winking that Hammy did too, that sentiment is such a beautiful font and who wouldn't love that dotty heart. I love too how you made a notch for your quill to fit into. I think quill pens are so cool and fun! Not sure people who had to use them would agree with me though. lol Oh my I love the lady card with the snarky sentiment! lol That is so fun and funny. OMGosh, shut the front door!!! I didn't know that Susan was a model for all sorts of wares and at such a young age to boot. Oh I remember the Twiggy hair cut, that is pretty bad to have your father chuck you out. Never in my wildest dreams did I think you were going to say Susan Lucci! This is such an interesting story! Thanks for sharing it Auntie! Please stay safe Auntie and I will be sending prayers out to all!! Love and hugs, Brenda

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Two great cards, Darnell - just love the sparkly feather and snarky sentiment for your silhouette lady!! Funny story too! I popped over to Happy House and left some love there too - congrats on being a guest designer!!

Anita in France said...

This silhouette girl is so stylish and crisp, Darnell ... and how fun is that sentiment. BTW ... who is Susan Lucci?? Your dreamy, shimmery feather is just lovely ... soft and serene ... and I love how you tucked the quill into the sentiment strip ... great detailing! LYAMYEDMA ... HYETC! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Bunny said...

Hoo boy! Those fires are so bad. Y'all are in our prayers. They said the air quality is the worst in the world. Egads! I wish CA could get a great slow rain for about 2 days. Slow so as not to send houses down the cliffs.

Love your cracker card and the Susan Lucci story. You coulda knocked me down with a feather. Tell Hammy to be careful while skating and using his winker.....[Bunny]

bolletjelucky.blogspot.com said...

Hi Darnell, what a lovely feather on your beautiful card. I love the colors and the sparkle. Thanks for the giggle by reading the text on the second card, I love that kind of humor. Stay safe.
Greetings Miranda

Jean said...

Such lovely cards. I hope the fires do not advance and that you stay safe.

Bobby said...

If you're going to talk that way me thinkst you must call it a plume, Darnell. ;) Very lovely it is too. I was researching last night too to see how far you are from Vacaville. Praying for your safety and those near and dear. As for your story. Do you think I have a G on my forehead? I'm gullible most of the time but not this time.

Trina P. said...

Wonderful twofers! Congrats on GD at HH. The feather is one of the prettiest I have ever seen. The sentiment on the second card is super fun. Interesting facts about Susan Lucci. You nailed the Inkspirational Face prompt with that one.

Glad to hear you’re safe. Our province is fighting several fires due to thunderstorms, too, but no where near the level of California.
Stay safe. 💙

Glittered Paws said...

I am having a hard time picking my favorite - but I think the feather has it. I too love snarky sentiments especially for bestie friends.
Thinking about you during this challenging time with the fires, Covid and what ever else is going on. Keep Hammy Safe.

Verna Angerhofer said...

Stay safe from those fires my friend. I worry about all in that area. We are so dry here too and are supposed to get really hot temps this next week too but they said it would be a dry heat so hope it doesn't spark T-storms which might cause issues for us too. I love both of the cards you made. And I liked the history behind the silhouette design too. Take care and stay safe.

Bonnie Lynn said...

Stay safe from those fires up there Darnell. I'm dealing with the smoke from the fires you're dealing with, a couple around me, and the Southern California fires. All that smoke is settling into the central valley here and making it impossible to breathe; even inside right now. Never knew that history about Susan Lucci. Thanks for sharing that bit of info. I absolutely LOVE that snarky sentiment! Stay safe.

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Your cards are lovely. I hope they get the fires under control soon!

conil said...

OOOOOH! That feather is luscious! It shimmers off the card. And I love that you inlaid it into your sentiment. Gorgeous effect. For your second card, don't know if I love the card and sentiment or the back story more. I believe the whole thing is a huge success, just like Miss Lucci.
You can have this hot, smoky weather, though. I doesn't do anything for my creativity or disposition. It's just nasty.

Christine Alexander said...

Two great cards Darnell, that is such a neat trick die cutting into the sentiment.
Your second card made me howl :)

Loll said...

Your feather is beautiful Dolly. I can see why you are tickled pink about it! :) Sweet! And I love the silhouette with the snarky sentiment. I laughed out loud when I read it. What a great start to my day! And great history about this silhouette image. Even I know who Susan Lucci is. :) Stay cool, my friend! Love, Lolly

nancy littrell said...

I am tickled pink over your beautiful feather, Dolly. TFS the notch tip too. Your 2nd card is so elegant and then I read the sentiment and laughed:-) TFS Susan's Story too.

I keep thinking of you with all the thick and very unhealthy smoke in Central and Northern CA. I would think it would be even too far to go from the house to your playhouse with all that smoke:-( And on top of it...horribly HOT weather, which of course started all the fires..LOL!!!!

Take care and know I am sending wishes of a cooling trend and getting the fires under control...Love and Hugs...Nancy

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Thee hath made a spectacular card. The quill feather is just gorgeous, I love the colours and the dots and sequins. Then the silhouette card? WOW! love the image and the fabulous sentiment. Being a Brit, I haven't heard of the lady concerned, but will google her right after this to make me more aware. I suspect her father was getting lots of payoffs before she cut her hair, perhaps that's why she did it? We learn something every day don't we?
Keep safe Darnell.
Faith x

Redanne said...

I have seen a bit on the news from time to time about the fires, I honestly thought it was much further south than you so now I am worried about all the smoke. I wish I could send you some rain.... Please keep safe!

Feathers make such beautiful cards and this one is especially nice because it is so 'fluffy' looking - not surprised you are tickled pink! I love that notch idea, I must try to remember that one.

Susan's silhouette is gorgeous and I just love the snarky comment!

Take care my friend. Annie xxx

dinosaur said...

I loved both cards! I just had to find the sentiment on the 2nd card. I found it on a site called Carmen's Veranda.com. She has a lot of other great snarky sentiments. Thank you for researching the story of the die. That was really fascinating and makes the card even cooler!!

Fikreta said...

Very beautiful cards!

Kathleen said...

Love the feather card, great colours and a touch of sparkle, fabulous sentiment on your lovely second card.

Kath x

oldpunca said...

I knew, you have high temperatures lately, but someone (!) forget to let me know about fires. Perhaps he doesn't want me to get worry on holiday. I hope that it would not be so frightening as it was last year. I'm sending positive thoughts to all suffering because of fire and smoke.
Dear friend, thank you for the visit in Happy House (Vesela hiška). :-) It is so nice that you are supporting our young challenge. Your feather card is awesome.
The second card with the lovely silhouette and a little provocative sentiment is fantastic too.
Hugs, Sonja

Bonnie said...

Love this big, fluffy feather, Dolly! It tickles my fancy! The silhouette is awesome! Love the strip of Washi tape that separates it from that fun sentiment! Hope you are safe tonight!

Bonnie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mischelle Smith said...

Lovely cards. Susan Lucci who da known. I watched her with my Grandma Silkman and well, I'm a Great Grandmother now. ( But, I married at 15, 43 years ago!).
As for the fires, Out here in Death Valley, Husband is a vollunter Fire Captain, retired), We to have smoke, and can see fires while traveling toward the High Sierras.
Hang in there, stay well and healthy.
Virtual fist bump.

Marcia Hill said...

Great post and great cards my friend!! Loved the little notch in your feather card...it's all in the little details, isn't it!! And your silhouette card is FABULOUS...LY funny!! You just crack me up with some of the sentiment stamps you find! Those temps sound horrific and definitely not good for the fires! Stay safe Darnell!! Hugs. :0)

Lisa Elton said...

Your posts are always so much fun and bring a smile to my face. Your cards are great too!! My mom and I were talking about the fires today...prayers for all.

Natalie said...

Great cards Darnell! I really got a chuckle out of the sentiment on the second card. Your story about Susan Lucci was quite interesting as well. I hope that you, the Mister, and Hammy stay safe.

TK said...

Lovely cards, and your snark goes perfect with the class! Pretty fantastical bit of history there too!

Cheryl W. said...

Your feather card definitely tickles my fancy, and I loved reading the back story of the silhouette die-cut. The snarky sentiment is perfect. I love me a little snark!

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving both cards.

Hope the fires keep away from your area. Sue

Neet said...

The feather card is just gorgeous, what pretty colours. Of course Hammy added the finishing touches and we are all so grateful for them.
Love the girl and the snarky comment is hilarious - love it - and thank you for the story behind the silhouette.
So sorry to hear about the fires, I had no idea until I read your blog. Stay safe, poor CA has so many of these and I have seen evidence of the devastation of one of them when my friend lost her home and we went to see if we could salvage anything.
Thinking of you and holding you in prayer
Hugs, Neet xx

sandie said...

super cards and love the softness of the first with the black grounding the image. And I just adore the second-so stylish and then with a super fun sentiment!! Hope you are keeping well xx

Brenda in IN said...

Love the tickled pink feather on ye old card. Hammy did a great job for his part of it. The verse on the second card just cracked me up. Yep, that's what I'd want to be - younger, much younger. Please take care and keep an eye on those fires. My heart goes out to California. Stay safe. I can't imagine being as close as you are and seeing the breathing that smoke all day and night. Kudo's to all the brave firefighters.

JD/ Jill said...

Two great cards! Of course, I love the sentiment on the second one!

I'm praying that those fires are contained.

Jan Clothier said...

Thanketh thee for joining us, onceth again at Retro Rubber Challenge. Thy feather is fantabulous!

Craftychris said...

So glad you are safe from the fires my friend! Sounds so nasty with all the smoke etc though. I hope things get better soon and everyone is safe from the fires there. Love your gorgeous feather card, very regal and the notch is such a cool idea. Hammy did a good job with the winking. The second one is soooooo cool! The silhouette is beautiful and the sentiment hilarious! Together they are perfect. Take care and stay safe. Hugs xxxxxx

Cat Craig said...

well this was a full post...fabulous cards, great humor and a great story. Thanks Darnell!

Ros Crawford said...

Oh I wish I could send you some Liverpool rain my friend...Thing is I'm still on that faraway beach... (I wish) terrific cards and that sentiment did make me laugh... Be safe and have a lovely weekend

HilaryJane said...

Two very different but equally gorgeous cards. So sorry to hear about fires again in California as if the pandemic isn't enough to worry about. Hope it all ends quickly and well and to think I was complaining about our little bit of hot weather the other day! xx

dorsetdawndesigns said...

Love the image and interesting background info. The pun made me laugh. Thanks for joining in our challenge at Cardz 4 Galz Dawn S DT

Rachelle Oltean said...

Love the beautiful feather card and love the script sentiment! Thanks for sharing it with us at the Alphabet Challenge "J" is for Jewels!
So sorry to hear about the wildfires in your beautiful neck of the woods - we spend a lot of time in CA hiking and wine tasting and am so devastated to see so many folks in peril! Stay safe!
Rachelle : )

frommycraftroom said...

I hope you are still safe from fires.

No chance of fires here in freezing cold Melbourne - we are in a wintery blast at the moment and for the next few days.

Awesome cards. Love hammy's winking and had a great chuckle at the second card.

ionabunny said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell. Love the feather. The silhouette card is fab and awesome to see you using that fab Carmen's Veranda sentiment. It's a favourite of mine LOL. It's Anything Goes with real stamping at the Lost Coast Portal to Creativity....... In case you are interested LOL. Take care. Be safe. Hugz

Leslie Miller said...

A lovely tickly feather and silhouette! I'm laughing over that sentiment! Snarky or funny sentiments do need the right image to go with them and I think the silhouette is perfect! I kept waiting for you to say you made up the Susan story. Really? That's very interesting!

Laurie said...

Love your clean and simple, black and white card. I expected this to be a serious message and love that I was completely surprised! Thanks for joining the Lost Coast Design Challenge!

Marlena M. said...

You cracketh me up Darnell, EVERY SINGLE TIME I VISITETH. ;) I loveth both your cards! Your sentiment for your face card is hilarious, thank you for sharing with us at INkspirational!

Helen said...

Love it! That sentiment just isn't what you expect when you start reading it!!

Thanks for joining us at Cardz 4 Galz.

Helen x

Cazro said...

A stunning feather card. I love your design. Thanks for joining us at Alphabet Challenges for our Jewels Challenge. Caz. DT.

Greta said...

Beautiful feather & the second one did make me laugh! Hoping things soon improve with the smoke & fires. We've been fortunate, so far, not to get the smoke. Plus we're back in the 80s instead of 90s--hurrah!

Riet Harikini said...

What a lovely card, thanks for your post at Lost Coast Designs challenge.

BożenA said...

Sometimes a small detail can make a card unique. The attachment of the feather works just like that, and the feather itself is just lovely. The second card is very stylish, the sentiment is funny and the whole story is very educational. Thanks for that bit of history, Darnell
xx

ionabunny said...

Gorgeous card and that sentiment works perfectly. Thanks for joining the fun at the Lost Coast Portal to Creativity! Hugz