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!

February 10, 2021

Lifting Spirits With Balloons!

Hello Stamplings!

I hope you are doing well! A lot of you are in the deep freezer and I sure hope you can climb out of there soon. That's no fun being that cold.

It's hard to belief, but it's the 10th already, which means Twofer Time! I thought about choosing hearts for the prompt, but the challenge runs past VD, so how about ๐ŸŽˆBALLOONS๐ŸŽˆ? 

And if you still need a Valentine and you have a heart-shaped balloon, well there you go for one of your occasions! Or, if you just want to make cards to lift two peeple's spirits, playing in TCC is a fun way to do that!

Here are my Twofers to inspire you:
I used an unmarked stencil for my ๐ŸŽˆBALLOONS๐ŸŽˆ prompt on my two different designs for two different occasions.

Onefer
Until the trend happened of using long-handled makeup brushes for ink blending, I made a mess of blending balloons (and anything else). No more!๐Ÿ‘I'm tickled pink with my balloons. I used Catherine Pooler inks. I drew on the little balloon strings and the confetti and big balloon strings are from SSS's "Celebrate" stencil. The sediment from "Critter Celebration" by Penny Black was white heat-embossed. 

There was no winking here because I like the balloons the way they are, so I asked Hammy if he wanted to try his paw at putting the front panel on the turkoyce card base. I love how he intentionally attached it asque for even more interest! In fact, I'm so impressed that I've decided he deserves an upgrade to those mini carrots that come already peeled. As you can imagine peeling those tiny unpeeled carrots take him forever and that's just a waste of his talents.

Challenges


Twofer
This was a fun QACAS design to make. The pram is "Baby Carriage" from Memory Box. I used the same stencil to ink on the pink balloon and then drew the balloon string. The elegant border was a gift from a friend and the v.o. sediment banner is from GKW. 

Challenges

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I can't wait to see how you use a ๐ŸŽˆBALLOON๐ŸŽˆ stamp, die, or stencil to design two different layouts for two different occasions for the Twofer Card Challenge!! We are pleased to have Greta as our Guest Designer this month! You will love how she and the talented Design Team have made Twofers to inspire you! Thank you for playing!
        
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Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy, but keep safe! LITS!*

We are only four days away from Cupid's holiday! Enjoy it the best way you can during a damnepic! For anyone alone, I'm sending you a mwah through my mask and a huge hugagram!๐Ÿค—

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!)

62 comments:

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh Darnell what awesome use of the stencil - loving your beautifully stenciled balloons, and the resulting gorgeous cards!
I did notice the photo of Hammy having a balloon ride - I hope you kept the balloon tethered and he is still around to help you with winking and designing your cards!
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine

Sandra H said...

Aww o adorable are your cards Darnell the balloons ๐ŸŽˆ are amazing great stencil love the prom too just love them all stake care stay safe xx

papierelle said...

Your first card is so wonderfully happy and I like the pastel colors. And of course balloons cannot be missing from a baby card!!

Aquarius said...

Two super cards using the balloon stencil and as usual an amusing read. Sun is shining cheerfully but it is VERY chilly!!

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two fantastic cards Darnell I especially love the first one. Sun is out here today but very cold too.

Sue xx

Stamps and Paper said...

Two brilliant cards Darnell and love the way you've used the stencil your balloons are brilliant...we had a light covering of snow but its very cold


Anne

Marilyn said...

Two beautiful cards! Love the fun balloon card
Have a great day!
Marilyn๐Ÿ’–

Pat said...

Your Twofers are terrific Darnell with those wonderfully shaded stencilled balloons in lots of pretty colours on the first, and love the added strings and bits of confetti, and then the sweet pram to welcome a new baby and the added balloon with the string tied to the handle, and I love the ornate mat and the added banner sentiment. x

Em Louise Fairley said...

Both cards are utterly adorable, Darnell xoxo

Lisa Babitz said...

Great job inking your balloons; they look amazing!! Both cards came out great.

Donna said...

Your stenciling is fabulous Darnell and both cards are fabulous!

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Glorious cards each in their own way, beautiful shading on the balloons and Hammy was clever to do the "asque".
Faith x

Happy Dance said...

Birthdays, babies, and balloons...they just go together, don't they?! Your stenciling is simply stunning! I'm not sure I could do that well whatsoever. Hammy did a great job, too; the tilt brings just a bit more fun to your already fun birthday card! Love it! And that baby card. How sweet and adorable is that?! The frame is so delicate, and the baby buggy/pram is so sweet. And that frame...it's to die for! VD will be quiet, but that's alright. I'll take one of those mwahs, and a hugagram, however! Great Twofer, my friend. Stay safe, miss you tons. xoxo Bev

Jean said...

Simply darling cards! the balloons are just perfect! My 1 1/2 year old grandson loves balloons especially in books. He will keep going to those pages and pointing. Happy Valentine's day.

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Fabulous twofer with that balloon stencil, Darnell - just love the colorful bday card and the sweet pram with pink balloon!! And Hammy looks like he's enjoying his balloon ride :)

Brenda in IN said...

Your blending with the brushes looks so good! Balloons are a wonderful choice, they are always for a fun celebration and just bring happiness. Even the strings are cheerful! I am in love with the baby card. So soft and sweet and the frame is perfect.

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Love the cards.

Hope you are having a nice week. We have had a lot of snow for here, with temps staying below zero even in the day.

You take care. Sue

designbydonna said...

Beautiful balloon stenciling. Such pretty colors. Makes a very festive card. The pram card is adorable and sweet. Pretty in Pink. I am staying in my warm little box inside the deep freeze and playing with paper. Have to check out what I have in the way of balloons.

Verna Angerhofer said...

Wonderful card designs and I have to agree your balloons are awesome. Great job on the blending! Those brushes are the best.

conil said...

Well, these two cards are clearly going to delight their recipients. Impressive stenciling but even more impressive balloon strings. Such cheery, fun creations. Hammy was right in off setting the first card's panel...adds so much interest. And who wouldn't love that sweet baby card.

Chris said...

Two beautiful cards Darnell- LOVE those stencilled balloons- fabulous ink bending!!
Take care and stay safe.
xx

Pia S said...

An unexpected and FUN theme, Darnell! And I love how your balloons turned out, with some areas appearing translucent and shiny, like in real life. Nicely done. A card full of party feel and I love the baby card, simple and sweet.

oldpunca said...

Brilliant as always! I love balloon stencil you've used and soft colors on your birthday card. Baby card is so sweet! Smart idea to tie balloon on the baby carriage.
Hugs, Sonja

cuilliesocks said...

Love your two gorgeous cards Darnell, beautifully designed and the colours are wonderful, Kate x

Hilda Burton said...

Both cards are beautiful! Love your coloring. Enjoy your day!

Celeste Goff said...

Beautiful inking on those stenciled balloons Darnell!!

Kathleen said...

The balloons are really, really super, great colours and love the way they shine.
Some great dies on your second card and a brilliant design.

Kath x

Helen F. said...

Two beautifully festive cards for two fun occasions, Darnell!
Balloons always bring a smile to my face :-)

Colleen said...

As always, you inspire me my friend! And I too love the "asque" design with the birthday balloons, that Hammy is pretty clever *wink *wink! And I LOVE LOVE LOVE how you inked up the balloons and gave it a bit of shine in the center by leaving it uninked (is that even a word?) Happy Hump Day!

Bonnie said...

You've done some fantastic stenciled balloons, Dolly! Even with the brushes I sometimes get those dreaded splotches! A very festive birthday card for any age and the tipped panel is very artsy! Congrats to Hammy! Love that sweet baby carriage with the balloon tied on! It was so nice seeing you today!

Lisa Elton said...

I like the colors of your balloons and the highlights they have! These are both delightful, Darnell! Happy Valentine's Day to you and the Mister!

TK said...

Terrific cards, Darnell, and I too LOVE the way those stenciled/inked balloons came out! The pram is gorgeous, I can't say I've seen a die like that but obvious why you bought it.
Have a terrific V-Day!

Susan said...

Great use of the balloon stencil for two very different cards - such a sweet baby card with the lovely border die, and a really fun birthday card with all those colours!

Cheryl W. said...

OMG, Darnell, I love your cards so much. Those balloons look splendiferous. You really nailed that make-up brush ink blending technique. Do you give Zoom lessons? Your baby carriage is super sweet, and a pink balloon is just the right celebratory touch. I was actually planning a balloon-themed birthday card tonight for my son-in-law, so I think I'll just add another layout/occasion card and take part in the twofer fun.

Barb Ghig said...

Beautiful ink-blending on your balloons, Darnell! I love how you created such a festive layout for a birthday celebration and your color palette is so fun! Your baby card is so darling...I love how you paired a single balloon with your pram! Can't wait to play along ~ Hugs, Barb xx

Anita in France said...

I'm not surprised you're tickled pink with your balloons, Darnell ... they're beautifully stencilled ... each one so deliciously round, full and plump ... they're brilliant! Your birthday card is wonderfully vibrant, colourful and full to the brim with happy energy ... and the baby card balloon with that sweet carriage is so pretty in pink ... especially with that delicate frame surrounding it all! Thanks for the hugagram ... sending you one right back! LYAMYHAHMA ... SLTCWYTOD! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Nancy said...

You should be tickled with your balloons Darnell they came out so well! The brushes do make all the difference no matter which ones you use. As for your baby card that is just as cute as can be too. It is always a pleasure to stop by and see what you are up to. Thanks for sharing with us a new card challenge too, I had not heard of the Make the Cards Challenge as of yet. Oh and I see you linked up with us at Seize the Birthday too...so glad! Take care!

Marcia Hill said...

WOW...you have definitely mastered the art of ink blending on balloons Darnell as both cards look FABULOUS!! Your colorful birthday card with it's "asque" placement of the panel is so fun and festive and sure to bring a smile to someone's face! And your baby card just couldn't be any sweeter all done in pink and white, and I love, LOVE that border you used!! This was definitely a FUN prompt this month and I'm looking forward to seeing what shows up in the gallery! Take care and stay safe my friend! Hugs. :0)

Brenda said...

We are in the freezer here Auntie, no sign of climbing out anytime soon. Wow, loving your balloon twofers Auntie! The traditional birthday card is so pretty and festive. I love, love, love your balloons and how they came out. I was wondering how you did them, and then read. Wow, that is some great ink blending on those balloons! I don't blame you for not wanting Hammy to wink them. He did do a great job on layer it on the base card though, I love it skewed like that! Love the sweet baby card too. How cute is the balloon attached to the carriage?! Love that beautiful die cut you used too as the mat as well, so sweet for a baby. Well done you and Hammy! Hugs, Brenda

Cat Craig said...

Oh those balloons are so darned perfect!!!! Love that you left a light spot.

Redanne said...

Well, you definitely go to the top of the class for your balloon colouring, your shading is just sublime and I think you made the right choice not to get Hammy to wink them...

We are in the deep freeze here which is not so good but the snow looks lovely. It is funny to watch the birds walking on the pond rather than swimming!

Take care, keep safe and well. Hugs, Annie xxx

Loll said...

Both your balloon cards are gorgeous! I LOVE how you've shaded the balloons ... just perfect! I agree, those blending brushes are fabulous! Looks like we were on the same wave length with making a birthday and baby card. :) We are starting to channel each other more frequently, my friend! Love the finish on both cards. The gorgeous turquoise on your birthday card with the tilted panel --- so bright and cheerful. And the lacey edging on your baby card --- sweet! Love, Lolly

Vikki H said...

Oh, such sweet, sweet cards, Darnell! Great choice for dreary old winter days (at least in OR). Thank you for the beautiful birthday card which my husband declared his favorite.

MS Kraft Store said...

Such a sweet cards. Thanks for sharing with us at Make the Card Challenge.
Hope to see you again next challenge.
Hugs,
Mifta.
Owner ~ MS Kraft Store
DT ~ Scrapping4funChallenges
DT ~ Through The Craft Room Door
DT ~ Make the Cards Challenge

Lynda said...

Great couple of cards Darnell - as per usual. I know what you mean about the 'invention; of blender brushes - I feel much happier using them myself. For our challenge - you are right - what says love more than a new baby? Thanks for joining us at Happy Little Stampers CAS Challenge xx Lynda/Loopyloo xx

HilaryJane said...

Your ink blending on the balloons is just perfect, they look amazing, I'm jealous xx

Kara Lynne said...

I had to giggle at Hammy floating away with his red balloon! That's just the best! Beautiful ink blended balloons, Darnell! I was surprised to read that the strings weren't already attached - they are all perfect! I love the sweet pink carriage paired with the lacy border too.

Leslie Miller said...

I love how beautifully shaded all your softly colorful balloons are. Those brushes were a godsend for me, too. Your little hand-drawn strings are amazing to me. I can barely draw a stick figure and even that doesn't turn out good. Plus, the ink is perfectly matched. I also love the wonky angle on the birthday card. I have a soft spot for baby cards and rarely make them these days, sniff sniff. Beautiful border on that one and another awesome balloon string. It's the little things.

My Paper Epiphany said...

What a wonderful Twofer! The colouring of the balloons is fantastic with light & shade! I love the baby card idea:) I hope I am able to join in this month!

Neets B said...

Wowee, your blending of those balloons is just perfectly, if only my make-up went on so flawlessly with those brushes! Absolutely love the turquoise base, it really lifts all those beautiful colours. And the baby card is adorable, thanks for the inspiration, my best friend is due to 'drop' any day now so that's given me some inspiration. Thanks so much for playing along at HLS CAS Challenge, Anita x

Ros Crawford said...

O your blending is beautiful! Loving both cards. No one seems to have those beautiful old fashioned prams now but I still love them.. Only had a baby to get one Lol!
It's bitterly cold here but we are doing okay... sending hugs your way

Carol L said...

These cards are fabulous with those perfectly shaded balloons! I love the turquoise birthday with the confetti and that baby coach is just too cute! I love that lacy little frame with the pink color too! An adorable twofer once again!

Chrisboldo said...

Awesome cards, love the balloons one a lot!

frommycraftroom said...

What awesome stencilling! These are fabulous.

Darlene said...

OH my friend ... these are both just FABULOUS! Thanks so much for joining in the fun at our Make The Card Challenge! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back often.

Darlene
MAKE THE CARD CHALLENGE
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS
Please stop in for a visit!

JoAnn said...

Great job with that balloon stencil. They all look so lovely and yest the brushes are great blending tools. Love how you add the cute pink balloon to the baby buggy. Thanks for sharing with us at Seize the Birthday.

AlisonC said...

Hi and thank you for the cheerful challenge, just what we needed. We have just come out of the freezer, still have lumps of ice around but can go outside without fear of hypothermia. The blending on your balloons is beautiful and the soft colours are delicious. I hope Hammy had a soft landing. xxx

Greta said...

Just love your cards, Darnell! Wonderful stenciling & darling baby card!

Mac Mable said...

Yay to Hammy and how he attached the happy balloons to the turquoise card.....Well done Hammy and enjoy the tiny carrots x.
What a super cute baby card, all girly and love the attached balloon x.
I hope you weighted down the adorable Hammy so he doesn't go too far away with the balloon x.

foleysfriend said...

Loving the shading you achieved with your balloons! The addition of the confetti is a perfect complement to the balloons. Thanks for joining us at Addicted to Stamps and More!

sue n.

Trina P. said...

Yay! Hammy got a promotion!
Saw your beautiful birthday balloon card at ATSM as a well-deserved HM and wanted to drop by to say CONGRATULATIONS! Your ink blending is flawless.

MA-MI said...

Great CAS card! Your balloons are amazing! Thank you for sharing your creative talents with us at Happy Little Stampers.
I wish you a lovely day!
Maja, DT HLS