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 2, 2021

August Leaves and Flowers

Hello Stamplings,

I hope you're doing well! We've made it through another set of rapids on our way downstream rushing headlong into 2022. I mean, August? Holy guacamole, at this point, we might as well just throw our arms up and enjoy the pummeling.

But, hey ho, anypoo, all is calm in the Playhouse now that I've finished this:
This is for my friend Elaine's birthday a few days ago. She is one of the talented designers over at Less Is More. In order to celebrate Elaine's birthday, the brief is to CASE this beautiful card she created:
It's fabulous, isn't it? For my CASE (copy and share everything), I finally used my NBUS Altenew "Leaf Canopy" stamp and die set. I painted the leaves with my Ziggies, adding a vein to each leaf for some poycienality, and then I let Hammy loose with his winker. The sediment is from Happy Little Stampers.

And thennnn things got a bit out of the box for me because in order to wonkify my design a little bit in the same sort of cool arty way Elaine did, I found out just how OCD I am.😲It only took me a half hour to die-cut, stamp, clear heat-emboss, and paint the leaves before I popped them up on foam panel and cut the panel as you see. And then it took me three and a half hours to "unline" them up!πŸ‘

Thanks for the inspiration, Elaine, and may you have many, many more happy birthdays!

Challenges
  • HLS Watercolour: Anything goes.
  • Less is More: CASE card.
  • Simon Says Stamp Monday: Happy 11th Birthday! WOW!!!! Congratulations! I'm delighted that my lovely friend Anne is in the Designer Spotlight this month. Her creativity is really remarkable and I encourage a visit to her!
Twofer
I dropped my camera just before taking this photo and the colors of the pink flowers are off. That's the lighting though, right, not the camera? IRL the flowers are pink, not orchid, to match the pink panel underneath the grid. And what a great grid border it is. It is a Simon Says die which they no longer make and I know so many of you wish they would bring it back. Maybe someone out there knows someone at SSS who can make that happen. Eh? 

The sediment is from IFW, heat-embossed in clear. The fun and whimsical flowers are from MFT's "Build-able Bouquet." As you can see, my little helper was very generous with his glossification, which he managed to do during the Olympics commercials.

Challenges
~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy, but keep safe! LITS!*

Our air conditioner pooped out yesterday, so we are waiting for a repairman to come and tell us what the problem is.πŸ€žπŸ’΅ 

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!)

71 comments:

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Fab cards.

Hope they can repair the AC.

Have a lovely day. Sue

Aquarius said...

Two great cards - love how the first one is lined up and then on closer inspection not quite so!!

Julie B said...

Two fab cards Darnell, I'm sure Elaine appreciated all your extra effort to unalign your panels!
Hammy sure made a grand job of the glossification on your second, thanks for linking up at Uniko and Color Hues too.
Hope you get your AC sorted soon, luckily our 18inch walls keep us quite cool, if we remember to close the curtains that is. On the downside once it is heated up they also radiate the heat, great in winter but not so good in a heatwave!!

Jane said...

Absolutely stunning card and I agree that grid die is awesome. Thanks for playing at AAA Birthday, hope to see you join in with future challenges too. Stay safe and keep crafting!

Jane said...

Just seen it at Uniko, thanks for linking up there too. xx

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh what beautiful cards Darnell - loving the wonkified leaves - they are gorgeous, as is your second card - Hammy has been very clever and very busy - well done on having such an awesome wee helper :)
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine

Sandra H said...

Morning Darnell, both cards are amazing l love the spaces between the first card so effective and live your 2nd card equally enjoy your day xx

Mac Mable said...

Your card is a perfect take on Elaine's, Darnell. I know exactly what you mean about 'un-lining' it and boy have you nailed it. Such a striking and creative first card x. Your second card is so happy and pretty and extra loving the gloss...well done Hammy x. Hope you get the air conditioning back on soon x.

Gerrina said...

Two great cards! Love that you kept it serene on the first and the trellie-effect on the 2nd is beautiful!
Here we don't have airco and for the normaly few days of real warm weather we don't need it, but phoe in winter and cold I wouldn't be happy when the heather would fail... Hope all is good again? Hugs, Gerrina

brandco2450@gmail.com said...

Two gorgeous cards! I love them!

Nan G said...

Don’t ya just love the leaf canopy set?! I have been having a right good ol’ time with it. So I guess you know I love your chopped up card.! I hope you’re not melted by the time the a/c is fixed. Take care my friend. Cool hugs, Nan ( the Girls are hiding from the t-storms so I’ll send their hugs too) 😻

Carol L said...

Two beautiful cards with great flowers! Love that staggered put-together look on the first, and that grid die on the 2nd looks so cool with the flowers popping out of it! So sorry about your a/c, but hopefully you won't have to wait too long for repairs! Poor Gumby, LOL

Jeanne said...

Beautiful cards, Darnell. I really like the unlined up one. Very cool idea. Now, did you go back and reline them up after you took the picture? The second card is so nice. Love the colors (true or not) and the glossy look. I sure hope you don't have to wait too long for a repairman. But then again, maybe you hit up some brick and mortar stampy stores because their A/C is working and only come home to say hi to Hammy. ;) Good luck! Stay cool. Thanks for sharing these wonderful cards. :)

Marilyn said...

Beautiful cards!
Have a great day!
Marilyn ❤️

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Two fabulous cards, Darnell - just love the leafy spray cut into blocks on card one and the yummy glossified flowers on card two! You're right, that grid border needs to come back at SSS - sorry, I'd be no help there....

Kristie Goulet said...

Two beautiful cards, Darnell! I love your pink and yellow card! That die cut background is fab! Thanks so much for joining us at Color Hues!

designbydonna said...

Beautiful birthday cards. Especially love the sectioned one. I have no problems "unlining up" cut pieces. Lining is the problem for me. A wonky design is my favorite as a lot of my cards end up that way. I do like that grid border. Maybe it is available on ebay.

Pat said...

I love your blue/green toned leaves Darnell cut up into different shaped pieces and then placed at odds with one another looks great and a wonderful CASEing of Elaine's pretty card and wishing her a Happy Birthday too. The second looks fantastic with the grid die cut border and I love the way you have poked the flower stems through it, such a super idea, and a lovely large sentiment to go with it. I love all the colours and beautifully coloured by you. I hope you get your air conditioning fixed soon..please don't end up melting into your loungers..lol. x

Cat Craig said...

Oh goodness, I hope you are having cooler temps so that you can survive until the ac is repaired...and I hope its repairable and not needing replacement.

Your cards are gorgeous...3 hours for placement? Yikes. But beautiful. Loving the pinks and yellows too.

Stay cool my friend.

Jeanne H said...

I think your CASEd card is wonderful. It is difficult for me to cut into patterned paper let alone a card front. ;-) Hugs and hope you get cool air.

Bobby said...

I know what you mean about arranging the cut panel, Darnell, but I love how yours looks and that stamp set is long overdue in its use. I love it and the colors you used. I don't know why I've never seen that grid die before. I love it with the little flowers peeking through.

Brenda in IN said...

Oh wow. I love that leaf canopy set, the design and the coloring. What a great card. I agree with bringing back the grid on your second lovely card. I hope your AC guy gets out there ASAP. What a time to be without air! Good luck with getting it done quickly. Love the cartoon. A case of sunscreen doing no good at all.

Em Louise Fairley said...

Beautiful cards, Darnell xoxo

JulieP said...

Beautiful cards!!! Do you have AC in the playhouse?

nancy littrell said...

Love your CAS off set stamped, beautifully watercolored leaves design, Dolly:-) All worth the 3 1/2 hours...I looked and looked and wondered how you off set the design. By the time you were done....you were probably wondering how you did it too...lol! TFS sharing your Twofer card too. I love the CAS design with your pretty modernistic flowers and cool die cut border that was perfect for tucking in the stems. Thank you Hammy for your expert and beautiful Winking too:-) Love and Hugs and hope you do not melt before the repair man shows up...Ugh! We are inundated with apples and what seems like...Tons of veggies, but loving it!

Sue said...

Fabulous cards Darnell hope your AC is working now hugs Sue x

Christine Alexander said...

two great cards Darnell, love the colours and layout of the first ♥

Verna Angerhofer said...

Those cards are gorgeous! And anyway you lined up the first one would have still been a beautiful card. I hope your AC is back now so you don't have to melt in the heat.

Leslie Miller said...

Your unaligned card turned out great! That would be hard. Love the colors on both your cards. Even though the pink didn't come out right in the photo, it's a beautiful shade and coordinates nicely with the lighter pink. Love the grid die and the bold scripty sentiment. Heck of a time for your air conditioning to go out! Love the Gumby funny, tee hee! I hope The Mister's back is all better now.

conil said...

Oh my. Think August is going to be a winning month for you. Both of your cards are fantastic. I, too had some fits cutting into my Less is More entry, so I just did the minimum. You, on the other hand, were brave and created an awesome design. So admire your valor.
Who knew that pink was so hard to photograph. Had the same issue with my pink looking like lavender or peach no matter what light I had the card in. Yours is stunning and so fun. Fortunately, still have that grid die.
Be ready for bunches of kudos for these cards.

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Two beautiful cards, love your CASed one, so creative and elegant! The grid border on the second one looks adorable with the flowers!

Bonnie Lynn said...

These are fantastic Darnell! I have some inchies I really need to use. Thanks for the inspiration. I just might go dig them out of the stash if I can find them. :)

BoΕΌenA said...

Your twig looks very interesting after you split the panel. Your look at your friend's card is very beautiful.
The other card has such beautiful colors. I don't like pink theoretically, but in combination with yellow it looks really cute. Beautiful birthday card!
hugs,
BoΕΌenA

Karen said...

Both cards are wonderful! Your card for Less Is More is a perfect CASE. I just love your glossy pink and yellow flowers, and you're right--that is an awesome border die. Thanks for joining us at Color Hues! I hope your air conditioner is fixed promptly (and cheaply!)

Bunny said...

If the A/C dies in my neck of the woods it's a catastrophe. Ugh! Hope it gets fixed soon.

Love your cards. I would have had a problem with the first one because my OCD would have come out too.

[Bunny]

Lisa Elton said...

Loving the light aquas and lime greens, reminds me of one of my old twirling costumes! Two terrific cards, Darnell!

Jean said...

Gorgeous cards! I do hope you get your AC fixed quickly.

TK said...

Both cards are GORGEOUS, Darnell! Love them both... however...
I can only relate to the OCD part because, well, I've been known to take HOURS to do such tiny tasks as well

Cheryl W. said...

I think I would have also had trouble unaligning your leafy stamp. I suffer from the same OCD tendencies to line things up and balance a design. Your flowers entwined in the grid die-cut are so sweet, especially with all the glossification. Sure wish the grid die was still available. Sorry about your AC. Hope it gets fixed soon.

Susan said...

Two gorgeous cards! Love the split up image of the first one - what a great technique! The second card is great with the grid die cut allowing the pink panel to show through.

Marianne said...

two beautiful cards Darnell

dorsetdawndesigns said...

Pretty card I love how you've poked the flowers through the grid. Thanks for joining in our challenge at Cardz 4 Galz S DT

Irish Cherokee said...

Love both cards. The creative eye was active for both these cards. Sorry! Can't pick just one. Love them both.

Love, Hugs and Blessings,
Jim

Bonnie said...

You did good, my friend. It would have taken me DAYS to cut into this image! Cutting up a finished image gives me the heeby jeebies! It all worked out beautifully for you! Love how the flowers are "growing" out of the die cut lattice. They are so pretty whatever color the camera thinks they are! Hope you can get that AC fixed quickly!

Glittered Paws said...

What awesome cards you have created Yes love the SSS die is great - now who would have the pull to get it back??? I really enjoyed your first card - and yes those of us with OCD would go a bit crazy. Hope your AC is back on - weather here in southern Missouri has been very nice this week but supposed to get HOT this weekend.

OH Babs said...

I love the cards and cheerful colors. Hope the two of you are healthy and can tolerate the heat. Glad we live close to the beach.

Nancy said...

Hi Darnell, First, Our AC was acting strange after a power surge and was blowing hot air. This was Sunday (of course) so we broke down and called someone at 8 pm that night. Wouldn't you know it, the moment the repairman unscrewed the outside panel the beast started working properly again? So it cost us one Ben Franklin to find nothing wrong. He said what happened is maybe when the power flicked off and back on for a second the compressor started working in reveres and it took that long to right itself. Hubby had even gone outside and turned it off. I hope by now you are back with AC and it wasn't nothing like us, or not too much to fix. As for your lovely cards. Your CASE is stupendous and I love the aqua and green combo. And your card for Color Hues...Love all the shimmer and yes that grid-die is something we would all love to have. Although, I have zero connections and or influencers at SSS. Thanks for playing along with us and please take care!

Ros Crawford said...

Oh I love that CASed card! What a lovely effect is gives... And I recognise those MFT flowers and leaves... Still one of my favourite sets! Hope you are well...

Brenda said...

I know, I can't believe we are in August! I've missed July and wish I could get it back, but I know I'm not the only one. I just don't know how these months fly by like they do.

Love your CASE'd card Auntie! First off the image is gorgeous and I love how you colored it. But I wouldn't know how to go about cutting it apart like that. I think I'd have to cut the panels first then tape them down and stamp on them. lol I love Elaine's card too and you did a great CASE of it. Your twofer is so fun and so pretty! I love the border die and those flowers as well as that bold birthday sentiment. Isn't it funny how lighting can change colors?!

Eeek, I hope it isn't to hot in your neck of CA or else I hope the AC repair person got there lickety split and fix the AC! We have had beautiful, perfect weather since the weekend, but all that ends on Friday, then we go back into the 90's with the three H's. Hot, humid, hazy. Stay cool Auntie! Hugs, Brenda

HilaryJane said...

I completely get how you spent so long placing your elements, I am the same! Both these cards are wonderful but the first is my fav. I agree about that lovely lattice die. I can think of loads of uses for it. Hope your AC is easily fixed xx

Redanne said...

Two gorgeous cards my friend. I love the design on the first one, you CASE'd it well. You are so right about the grid on the second card, it is really lovely. Sadly, I don't know any of the 'higher ups' at SSS to ask if they will bring the dies back, they do seem to have a huge turnover of products though, so I suspect not...

The cartoon is just hilarious, thanks for sharing it! Hugs, Annie xxx

Pia S said...

It’s such a fabulous card to CASE and you did a terrific job choosing the leaves and those colors. It’s a brilliant card case. As for your second card, I envy you that grid border, and the card looks fantastic.

Lisa T said...

Oh I know what you mean Darnell - I did one of those split card designs for a card I have coming up in a few weeks! Making sure that I chopped the right amount off the right edge, so that the image would appear correct even with bits chopped out, took a wee while! Didn't help that the panel I started off with wasn't an exact 4". And the resulting gaps within the image panel aren't quite even haha! Handmade not hallmark I always say!

R's Rue said...

Beautiful cards. I hope your AC gets fixed.

perfectly4med said...

Love your CASe card - your colouring is marvellous and you've got it perfectly wonky! I had to look up poycienality and the only Google reference is your post... a completely new word? Thanks for playing along with us at Less is More.

Neil

Loll said...

LOVE your CASE of Elaine's card. I'm with you ... I would have trouble "unlining" up the pieces. :) So very cool and artsy, you did a great job with your leaf canopy. The colours are so you! :) Your twofer is so sweet. LOVE the pink and yellow. The grid is just perfect for your sweet flowers. Hope you are running cool again. Love, Lolly

Cindy Beach said...

Both cards are great, Darnell! So happy to see your pretty pink and yellow blooms in our gallery at Color Hues! I really do love that grid, it's a perfect backdrop for the flowers. Hope you AC is fixed by now. Happy crafting!

My Paper Epiphany said...

Hi there Darnell! I saw your card at LIM and had to tell you I love it! Hope you are well x

Kara Lynne said...

I can imagine the agony of "unlining" them up, but in the end, it looks so artistic and makes a great tribute to Elaine's card. Your second card is a beauty as well! So sorry to hear about the AC!

Neets B said...

Oh you do make me laugh, we do love things aligned don't we! :D I love that you've added the veins to the leaves, it changes up this stamp set wonderfully. Loving your second card too, the pinks with that pop of sunshine looks fabulous. Thanks so much for playing along with Elaine's CASE challenge at Less is More, Anita x

Kathyk said...

Loving both of your cards - hope you and yours are all well

Happy Friday

Kathyk

frommycraftroom said...

Two fabulous cards. I can imagine the time to "unline"! - I always struggle with that sort of thing too. Do you a ruler to measure something is centred? or is that just me?

Feel for you with no cooler, must be the week for appliance mishaps. Our dishwasher died - no big deal we can hand wash. With 6 often expanding to 9 that is a real pain and now we are back in hard lockdown #6

Zoechaos said...

Just quickly stopping by to say I LOVE your LIM entry above it is fabulous.xx

Carole said...

Two great cards Darnell, love them both and they are both so unique. August ? how dare that creep in? Take care xx

Nora Noll said...

You never inked up that Leaf Canopy? Oh my!! That is one of my favorite stamp sets EVER. Love the soft color scheme and your take on the Less is More challenge. I had this in my box to do but never got around to it.

I also love your second card with the die cutting and the pretty pink and yellow-one of my favorite color combos!!

I hope you were able to get your air fixed!! Stay cool!

Greta said...

Wowzer! 2 fabulous cards, my friend! The coloring & design of the first card made my jaw drop! Gotta try & case you! Love the 2nd card, too!

Hannelie said...

Hi Darnell !
Nothing wrong with that pretty pink! I love your card and am delighted to see you in the Color Hues gallery !
Thanks for playing along ♥

Nananas said...

Beautiful cards! I love the lattice background and the glossy effect. Thanks for joining our AAA Birthday challenge!

Beverley said...

Beautiful cards Darnell. Lovely to see you in the Uniko gallery. I hope all is well. Hugs Bev x

ValΓ©rie said...

Both cards are stunning. Thank you for sharing your beautiful creations at AAA Birthday Challenge with our photo inspiration. Good luck! ValΓ©rie DT

JD/ Jill said...

Very nicely done cards!