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!

January 30, 2022

Hearts and Alcohol

Hello Stamplings!

I hope you are doing well. I know a lot of you have been impacted by the Nor'Easter and hurricane-force winds over the weekend. I hope power and mobility are restored soon and you don't have damage from fallen trees. 

We have sunny skies here. Again. Sadly we didn't get rain in January and there is none on the horizon, so we are again in a severe drought. It's so sad to see the local lake half-full. Yesterday we had our own day-long power outage because someone ran off the road and mowed down a utility pole nearby. Hammy and I got a lot done in the Playhouse without the computer, phone, or TV to squirrel us!

Onefer
You might be familiar with the Penny Black "Masterpieces Made Simple" watercolor panels and today I am featuring two of them. They are really beautiful, done on a linen texture paper, so they are great for making cards by just slapping the panels on a card base. It's even more fun to give them a little Jenny Saquaw by adding your own touches. 

Challenges

Twofer
Under this card you can see various Yupo backgrounds I made for a recent Zoom session. It's a technique called Floating Alcoholic Inks. (There is a video here.) My results weren't spectacular, but I want to try it again using non-Yupo paper. We concluded that a tall container and a dunk-in /dunk-out maneuver might work better than a shallow container with a slide-in/slide-out maneuver.

These backgrounds were on my desk when I was using my PB panels to make cards and Hammy noticed that one of them worked beautifully as a mat behind the birdhouse panel. I wish now I'd left more of it showing, but the card base is a lovely linen texture, so I wanted that to show, too. (Apparently Di Lemma shows up even in the world of card-making!)

Challenges

Now we know ...

Longtime readers of this blog know that I enjoy a tumbler wee sip of wodka from time to time. I have noticed that there seemed to be a bit of "evaporation" in the spirits bottle, but I never once suspected Hammy was in my hooch! Hey ho, as you know, he continues to excel at helping me left and right, especially with his winky schparkling skills, so 🙈🙉🙊.  Hic.

~~~ 

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! 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!

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61 comments:

Carol L said...

Pretty backgrounds and thanks for the tutorial too! Love those birdhouses and the wintry color and feel of the card. It's like lookin' out my window! As for the info, I might want to be a hamster in my 2nd life? LOL Have a great week ahead!

Donna said...

Fabulous cards, I was not familiar with Penny Black "masterpieces Made Simple" I checked that out already. Your second card is lovely also. Can I ask where you got the lovely linen card stock, I've been trying to find some?

Cat Craig said...

Beautiful cards Darnell those panels are fab. Bad Hammy…lol.

cuilliesocks said...

Loving your two card Darnell, both beautifully created.
Who would have thought that Hammys' a secret drinker, take care, Kate x

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Just LOVE the blue and white card with that big moon and the cute bears!!! Also the birdhouses under the snow looks great! Lovely Yupo backgrounds too.
Hugs!

Linda said...

Those background sheets are so pretty and your cards so adorable. Hope you are doing well, my friend.

Sue said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell hugs Sue x

Liz said...

Two lovely cards, Darnell. As for Hammy, who knew that he was a secret drinker! xx

Bonnie said...

I've been eyeing these masterpieces by Penny Black and you've put me over the edge, my friend! Both have make gorgeous cards and your floating alcohol ink frame is so perfect that I thought it was part of the original design until I looked closer. You better lock up your vodka. Maybe get Hammy some of the cheap stuff...Cheers!

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Those PB panels are fabulous and I love all your extra touches, Darnell!

Lisa Elton said...

Marvelous backgrounds, Darnell! Those bears are extra cute smooching under the moon and I'm in love with the birdhouse scene, it's beautiful! Tipsy hamsters, who knew!

Cheryl W. said...

Your cards today are scrumptious! I love the pretty scenes. They're colored so beautifully.

I also enjoy a bit of alcohol (mostly wine) from time to time to time to time... But who would have thought I could be drunk under the table by a hamster!! I'll definitely watch out for them next time I'm out partying.

Robyn Oliver said...

Two beautiful cards Darnell, the PB scenes are wonderful... and... that sure is some interesting facts about hamsters... now we know what you're both getting up to in the Playhouse!!🐹😋 Hugs Robyn

Aquarius said...

Great cards and those background pieces look interesting and I guess they were fun to make. Fascinating bit of hamster knowledge 😀

Julie B said...

Two sweet, quick and simple cards Darnell. Love to see the results of your crafty zoom meetings, I miss the camaraderie of creating with someone else since Covid struck.
I think you'll have more success with normal cardstock and alcohol ink and it's so much cheaper too. The water does the mixing of the inks for you so the non absorbent qualities of the Yupo aren't needed. Have a go, I don't think you need a deep container either, I tend to use a wide shallow container such as a kids school drawer, but then I was at school when I did it! Or I have pinched the OH's circuit board transport trays a time or two!!!
Who knew that hamsters loved Vodka, I thought our Russian ones were just mad but perhaps they were out of it! :)

Sarn said...

Two gorgeous Rudolph Day cards!
Didn't know about the PB backgrounds . . . but they look wonderful.

As you know, we are not averse to a little hooch being had up in the Playground Treehouse . . . especially with it's newly extended bar! Please feel free to smuggle in some Wodka via your satchel. Your secret is safe with us! What goes on at The Treehouse, STAYS at the Treehouse! LOL! Hic

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Sandra H said...

Well l for one would never of thought a Hamster 🐹 Would be the one to take in the most water that’s an absolutely amazed by that will definitely dink me under the table too!! Two stunning cards Darnell beautiful background and l love them both enjoy your day xx

Kath said...

Lovely cards Darnell - beautiful images and the backgrounds too.
Kath x

Gerrina said...

Both cards look beautiful! Love the sky and moon that you made on your first cardl they look great! But the 2nd is my favorite; beautiful winterfeel and love the colouring! Hugs, Gerrina

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two gorgeous cards Darnell, how lucky you were to be able to craft while you had no power, I hope everything is up and running again now. Thanks for joining in the fun at Rudolph Days this month.

Sue xx

Linby said...

Two beautiful cards and loving the AI backgrounds.
Who knew Hamsters could take their drink lol!

L x

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Fab cards.

Glad your power wasn't off any longer.

Hope you get some rain.

Sure hope you can get help for Hammy. Is there an AA for hamsters?:) LOL

Hope you have a good week. Sue

Diane said...

BOTH cards are totally awesome!! Thank for joining our challenge at Double D and for the 'hammy' drinking lesson, who knew right?
Diane DD DT {Nellies Nest}
{Double D}

Darlene said...

Both cards are just BEAUTIFUL! LOVE the backgrounds and you've certainly brought them to life! Thanks so much for joining in the fun at our Double D ‘Blue & White’ challenge! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back often.
Darlene
DOUBLE D Challenge Blog
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS

Jeanne said...

I had no idea about the watercolor panels. They are beautiful. And so are the lovely touches you added! I had no idea about hamsters and hooch. That's fascinating! I hope you get some rain soon and the power stays on! Crafty hugs!

I Card Everyone said...

Love what you've done to make those pretty panels your own, D! These two love-bears could be me and me mister in the back yard!
Good to know you have a designated driver in the playhouse!
=]

Vicky Hayes said...

Loving the way you have showcased the 'masterpieces made simple' Darnell and turned them into even greater masterpieces with those stunning backgrounds. Lol at the boozy hamsters! I have noticed that if you refill tiny glasses of wine enough times you can get a good couple of pints in of an evening!* Mwah! Vicky x

*In case anyone's worried about me, this is not something I do on a regular basis I promise!!

BożenA said...

WOW! I completely agree with you that this fine art paper is wonderful. This is a great way to make quick and beautiful cards.
Does your Hammy like alcohol too?
hugs,
BożenA

Brenda in IN said...

I love the "Masterpieces" and use them for quick and easy cards when I'm in a hurry or need something simple to make. Yours are beautiful and all dressed up so pretty. I did not realize when you said it was Happy Hour you were spending it with Hammy AND hubby.

Bonnie Lynn said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell! I think I'm going to have to try Hammy's idea of more hooch from time to time. Might help me feel better. Thanks for sharing your inspiration with all of us - and the giggles.

Anke said...

Fabulous cards, Darnell. I love them both, fantastic art.

Greetings from Germany
Anke

Jean said...

Beautiful cards. I did not know about those panels from Penny Black. I do love their stamps.

HilaryJane said...

Di Lemma, shows up all the time here and she takes up a lot of it too. You should just let people think you made those watercolour backgrounds, they are fabulous. Love both cards and am thinking I should give that AI technique a go. Your little bears are really cute too xx

conil said...

Glad to see your indomitable wit is good and truly thriving. Who knew hamsters were sots. Not I. Education is a wonderful thing. Just wondering how I can use my new found knowledge in a social situation.
Anyway, Love what you've done with both these cards. Those adorable polar bears are, well, adorable and your alcohol dipping mat matches the birdhouse panel perfectly. Isn't it lovely when things work out so well?

Brenda said...

It's crazy weather no matter where one lives Auntie! I pray y'all get some rain soon. Being in a drought is no more fun than being in a blizzard. I also pray that whomever mowed off the utility pole was not seriously hurt! Your cards and the backgrounds you made are gorgeous! The first one is so cute, I just love that one and I love how your background looks. Your second card is so soft and dreamy looking, your background really matches the bird house panel. Beautiful indeed! Oh gosh, I never knew that about Hamsters! Very interesting! Now you definitely know why the spirit bottle is going down. lol Hugs, Brenda

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
Happy Rudolf Days.
These cards are such wonderful stunning scenes and the bacgrounds look fantastic especially the
floating alcholic one on the second card.
Such a very cute couple of Polar Bears on your first and that moon is perfect.
Such a chilly but beautiful scene on your Bird House one those branches look amazingly real.
Thank you for joining the Rudolf Challenge.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L. DT

Bobby said...

I bet Hammy knew you kept a bottle nearby when he applied to be your sidekick and winking pal, Darnell. I'm glad it doesn't affect his skills with the WOS pen.
Both of your cards are wonderful. I'm definitely trying that alcohol technique when I get home. Thanks for the container tip.

Pat said...

Two fabulous PB backgrounds to go with your cute bears and also the sweet birds and birdhouses and I love the additional home grown AI background which goes beautifully as a further layer on the second Darnell. Sorry you are experiencing drought again, and hope that you will get some rain soon. We moan about the amount of rain we get here but the reverse is no fun either. Congratulations on being in the Top 3 over at CAS Christmas too. x

Lynette said...

Those are beautiful, Darnell!!

nancy littrell said...

Two beautiful Penny Black backgrounds for your sweet and beautiful cards, Dolly. TFS the link to the Alcohol Ink dunking technique too. I did that once several years ago using Yupo, but never quite liked the results. It is always fun trying new techniques though. Keep an eye out for Hammy...very interesting article..do you think it is true or bogus? Doing a rain dance for you...we had a very wet and needed January:-) Love and Hugs..Nancy

Craftychris said...

Ooh both these cards are beautiful! I love your alcohol ink dipped background, I have not tried that technique. I am smiling at the thought of lots of tipsy hamsters, especially Hammy slurping your vodka on the sly! Big hugs my friend. Take care. xxxxxxx

Mac Mable said...

Such a darling of a first card and super cute Darnell x.
What a pretty second card with the most beautiful gentle colours. So atmospheric and what a great matting layer from the floating alcohol ink technique play day x.
Thank you for the smile about Hammy and the research into 'hooch'...I noted that Hammy seems to drink not for pleasure but for calories......I seem to 'drink' for both!!!....lol x.

Em Louise Fairley said...

They are both so purdy!

Di said...

Fabulous cards Darnell - and I found a UK stockist so rushed right off to buy a little selection. Super for quick and easy Christmas cards with a very professional look to them. I do so love how you 'dollied' your panels up. You can use that expression in future if you like to remind you of me! I owe you an email - I've been doing acrobatics myself and will tell you all. And hey, go easy on the 'wodka' that Sarn is offering - she had Dudley stood standing on his hind legs behind the bike shed the other day - stirring what looked very much like cauldron of potato peelings.

Hugs

Di xx

Sarah said...

What fabulous cards and these panels looks wonderful for quick cards. Well, who knew that hamsters were such little drinkers!! You brought a smile to my face once more!! xx

TK said...

Wow, the panels are beautiful and you've made them even more so! Love your little touches, and your colorful ones too -- including your colorful story! Glad your had your electricity restored somewhat quickly, but no distractions in my craft makes for a more productive session too (tho I don't follow my own wisdom)

Sue from Oregon said...

Oh you knocked these cards out of the ballpark! I esp love the polar bear card with the pretty moon shadow. (reminds me of a Cat Stevens song lol) Beautiful creations...thanks for sharing with us at Penny Black Saturday Challenge. Your creations really are lovely! ♥ Sue Kment

Susan said...

Two beautiful cards, Darnell. Great use of the PB panels! Glad to see some of your Floating AI backgrounds. I only ended up with two backgrounds that were worth turning into cards.

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell, beautiful backgrounds and images. As for the Scientific results on Hamsters, who would know? Apart from you with the vodka as 100% proof! I mean evidence. :)
Faith x

SmilynStef said...

Love those cards ... so pretty ... thanks so much for joining our True Love prompt at Jingle Belles.

kiwimeskreations said...

Love how you have made these background panels 'yours' with the added touches and layers.... and despite the wodka levels dropping when you turned your back, Hammy is still doing a stirling job in inspiring and assisting you!! I trust he not only passes the wobble test flying colours, but that he does not get hangovers which would force him to abandon you...
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine

Sandma's Handmade Cards said...

Wow, what beautiful cards Darnell. The first one is so incredibly cute and your second card has a great sense of peace about it, I love them both. I just wanted to stop by and say thank you so much for your kind words on my last blog post, I really appreciate it. Crafty hugs, Sandra x

Leslie Miller said...

These PB panels are so beautiful! I would love to color like that. You enhanced them just enough on your lovely cards. Can't say I mind too much when the power is off, but not for too long. It bothers Rich more because he likes TV or solitaire on the computer. Interesting about hamsters and alcohol. After reading the whole story it makes sense. Hope their livers can take it!

Helen said...

Beautiful cards Darnell - I love your colouring on those gorgeous birdhouses!
Thanks so much for playing at the Penny Black Saturday Challenge!
Helen x

Celeste Goff said...

Darnell, both of these cards are gorgeous!

frommycraftroom said...

These cards are gorgeous! Love the wintery feel.

Gotta love hammy for helping you out! who knew they liked a wee drop.

lauren bergold said...

it's hard to imagine a betterimage for one's "true love"... and impossible to conceive a more beautiful and skillful job of coloring. WOW! so amazing! thanks very much for joining our JINGLE BELLES fun!

Lorraine said...

Two beautiful cards. I love your little bear scene loving under the moon. And the little birds are just darling.

JD/ Jill said...

Beautiful cards. I really like that background on your second card. You know I now have to give that a try...

My Paper Epiphany said...

I must have missed this masterpiece at PBSC last month! It'so magical and breathtakingly coloured!!!

My Paper Epiphany said...

I must have missed these masterpieces at PBSC last month! So magical and breathtakingly coloured!!!