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!

April 24, 2022

Let's Make a New Plan, Clan!

Hello Stamplings,

How're you doing? How is the change of seasons treating you, whatever part of the world you're living in? Mother Nature can be a force, but I do love that we have four seasons to keep things interesting and fresh.

Speaking of keeping things interesting, I've decided I need to change up how I create because I'm in a rut. I wish I knew how to make and upload videos for this post, but even if I did, I'd talk too much and the video would be too long and I'd take the train off onto sidings and around curves and we'd get lost and ain't nobody got time for that.

So here's the thing, which I think I've told you before. I love flower card designs that other artists make. I love flower stamps and dies. Over the years, I have amassed more flower stamps and dies than any other type. In my row of cabinets, one whole cabinet is dedicated to flowers:
Here's the second thing. Considering the above display of outrageous commercialism, you'd think I would mostly make flower designs, wouldn't you? In fact, I rarely do. I'm such a goose. I have had this goal to change the situation for at least four years now, but I've successfully ignored it. 

Now, because I've had to take a break for health reasons, I'm finding it hard to jump back into my former routine, so I thought this would be a good time to change things up. And, if I make my plans public, maybe I will hold myself accountable and stick to it. I'm also making it public because some of you might be in a Rudderless Rut, too, and maybe you would like to join me with your own twist and tackle that creative thing you never get around to or you've been putting off. We can be support systems for each other!

To begin, I went through all the drawers in the Flower Cabinet and pulled out every stamp set and die that is NBUS. I mean, to me, it just makes sense to first use those things that I've purchased, or been given, and never used. I'm a bit embarrassed to show you how much schtuff there is:
Yes, this is going to take awhile. There are over 50 items in those baskets 😯 and that's after I pulled out things to give away. (Hoard much?) I hope to make my designs different enough and interesting enough that you won't get sick of the focus pocus always being flowers. 

My plan is to use challenges as inspiration (because I appreciate them and don't want them to close) and/or to finally CASE (copy and share everything) some of the wonderful flower designs I have saved over the years.

One.
For this card, I started with a design that I wanted to CASE. I have literally hundreds of saved cards in my To-CASE folder so even picking one to start with was a process. I chose this beauty made by Marika Rahtu:
Marika is SO talented, but she is no longer blogging or on IG. I do hope she is okay and that she comes back at some point to share her enormous talent in Blogland. To CASE Marika's card, I chose my NBUS Penny Black cling stamp called, "Full of Glee." For my coloring, I chose my inspiration from the current Color Hues challenge of purple and green. I am also entering the TIME OUT challenge (spring) and the Penny Black Saturday Challenge (A/G with option of Easter).

Two.

Okay, so that felt really good, but I felt like I wasn't really giving the beautiful PB stamp the full exposure it deserves, so I made another card. This time I CASEd Lolly. She has done many wonderful designs using this stamp and I chose this one:
For my color inspiration, I chose yellow from Colorful Options challenge for April. I am also entering Seize the Birthday (with the option of spring) and the Alphabet Challenge (B is for Blooms). Here is my card:
This reminds me of how freckled I used to get in the summertime. I want to make it clear that the over-exuberance of schplatters is not Hammy's fault. Everything was fine until I suggested he do one more high-jump off the paint brush and there you have it. Oh, well, you can never have too much gold, right? Or is that diamonds?

ETA: Thanks to my friend Cat, I'm also entering Challenge Up Your Life where the prompt is splatters! 

I have to say, today was fun and I'm off to pull another item out of the basket! Wish me luck. I'd love to hear if you join me or if you are working on your own way to recharge your batteries ~ both in terms of creating and in sharing on your blog.

~~~

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!

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!)

69 comments:

Vicki Dutcher said...

Too fun! I did an actual CASE on my blog today too and entered into challenges also. Great minds 😀. I’m looking forward to seeing more florals from you. Meanwhile, thanks for joining in at STB

Robyn Oliver said...

Firstly two gorgeous cards Darnell, CASed beautifully from Marika and Loll... two such talented ladies... Secondly I've been deep in the Rudderless Rut too, not so bad these last couple of months, where I'm dabbling and adding to the UFO pile and then the last 10 days or so of the month I'm finally getting to put some cards together... I like to join in challenges too, and to be inspired by wonderful artists, so having a theme helps me get started. If I'm really in a downer... I tidy and rearrange my desk and craft area.. last week actually dusted and wiped shelves and rearranged stamps - it helps me and lastly I walk around the garden, blow out the cobwebs so to speak... so this afternoon maybe I should attack that UFO pile, keep up with the florals Darnell..I love them, hugs Robyn

Cathy said...

Sounds like an awesome plan Darnell and you've made progress too! I have so much unused stuff and goodies for techniques I want to try that I get railroaded (by myself) into doing nothing! I'll try and CASE your plan :) Cathy x

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the cards. Flower cards are so versatile.

Maybe you can do flower cards, with once a month have a crafting session doing something completely different.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Aquarius said...

What a wonderful plan and you've made an excellent start with these two lovely cards. Keep up the good work and I'll be looking out for more flowers. I think that a CASE is a good thing and it certainly kick-starts the Mojo when it drops into the doldrums 😉😉.

Christine said...

I am also shopping my stuff, I may get round to blogging about it but don't hold your breath, and found some great 'things' I'd forgotten about. I love that yellow card, so bright and cheerful

Julie B said...

Two fab cards to start you off on your flowery journey Darnell.
When I'm at an impasse, I trawl through my saved ideas and then my stash to see if one or the other sparks an idea and if I can join in at a challenge well all the better. If I can bounce off more than one challenge then that's always the best feeling!
Thanks for linking up at Colour Hues too, by the way. :)

Gerrina said...

They both look so good! Great that you tool all the NBUS ones out and are making things!
I have a box in wich I store all my new stash and that is sitting on my table so that I first go trough those and make 1 or more things with it before they go in the right place in my cabinets... (maps and boxes). And sometime I know I want to use a certain stamp or stencil and I just have to go to the right map or box... Works for me!
I just have to watch not to buy too much, so I really use everything.
Lately my friend Josje and I are using a lot of the older "stuff" in our stash and I get so happy by using them! It is good to see how many beautiful things we got in our stash and how happy we get from using them! Hugs, Gerrina

Stamps and Paper said...

Hi Darnell.... I think we are all guilty of the same thing, I have lots of stuff not used from years gone by...some of which I proably woulnd't even remember why I bought it but it obviosuly I 'needed' it at the time. But I great idea to pull things out and use them...perhaps you have inspired us all to do the same...

Yes I agree flowers are something we all love and l certainly have lots of flower stamps...
I love the two cards you've made and look forward to seeing what else your 'produce' from your stash..

Anne x

Carole said...

These are two beautiful cards Darnell. I look forward to seeing more. I have a lot of NBUS too and every year i say I am going to make cards for fun but fall back into the rut of only making those I require for friends and family! I dont have the original packaging for a lot of mine and I store them on sheets in A4 binders in themes. Great till you want to part with them! Glad you are motivated and keep it up. I am sure your positivity will inspire lots of us. hugs xx

Jeanne said...

Oh wow! These cards sure are beautiful, Darnell. I think I'm going to like seeing where this takes you! I have so many goals that I am neglecting when it comes to my hobby. This might give me the nudge to tip off the fence and actually start working on a few of them. Thank you! I hope you have loads of fun! You are off to an excellent start!

Mac Mable said...

I too have tons of flower stamps/dies and not often do flower cards, although I love them x. Great idea to get those NBUS goodies out and 'use' them Darnell x. Your first card is so pretty and a great CASE of Marika's beautiful card. Love the vibrancy of the second and all those splats...well done Hammy x. Last year I was splattering with yellow/lime and couldn't see it so merrily added more and then I popped it nearer the window and I had loads! I love the inspiration entering challenges as it pushes me to be creative and I love that x.

Em Louise Fairley said...

They are beautiful, Darnell. I'm recharging my batteries by catching up with some technique lessons I missed last summer instead of making cards. I'll then incorporate them when I get back to creating xoxo

designbydonna said...

Two gorgeous flower cards. Yellow flowers are my favorite. Good for you for purging, cleaning, and then using your NBUS. Maybe, just maybe :) you have motivated me to do a little of the same. It is rainy and cool again today so that would be a good project. Looking forward to see the new flower cards.

Brenda in IN said...

Your CAS of Marika's card is beautiful. Your idea to use all your flower stamps is a good one and one I should aspire to. Your use of the PB stamps has also produced great cards and makes you wonder why it's taken so long to use those stamps. I'm trying to work through my NBUS but as I go through them I wonder why I bought some of those stamps and dies!

Nancy said...

I totally enjoyed this post, Darnell, and not just the eye candy, either. What a terrific idea to get out of the creative rut you have founds yourself in. I too have a basket of at least 40 things in it that are waiting to be used and I think seeing that there glaring at me fights my creativity and the guilt sets in. At least I think that is what is happening. Anyways, I LOVE MARIKU'S work too and hope she is alright and the card you CASED is in my folder as well. You did an excellent job and tickled to have you using the Color Hues colors too. As for Loll's lovely creation, I love her and her work so I can see why you totally CASED her card as well. I love yours in yellow and the more freckles the better...IMO. Thanks for making me laugh this morning over coffee and for joining us at Color Hues! I hope your recovery is going well as I think of you often! HUGS!

HilaryJane said...

Both these cards are so good, what an excellent idea and I love all those splatters. That's what happens to me when I use them, all or nothing never ever just right! I shall look forward to seeing what else you produce as I too have lots of flower stamps that don't get used much and have been trying to re charge myself. Without that much success, yet! xx

Glittered Paws said...

So nice to see your beautiful floral cards. I too have a basket of NBUS - so you are an inspiration. Now to quit buying new stuff. LOL I need to set up a file of cards to case, instead I print them off and I have a huge stack of paper. Not good. Happy that Hammy is still able to do a high dive. Keep up the excellent work.

Sandra H said...

Oh wow Darnell both cards as always are so pretty and creative love the floral dies and the background really does make your cards just that extra special, Gosh that's a lot of stamps/Dies how wonderful though lots to choose take care xx

Pat said...

Two fabulous cards by Marika and Loll and beautifully CASEd by you Darnell and love the colours you have used. Great to have a goal of using those stamps which have been waiting for love, and getting them out concentrates the mind. Like you I am sad that Marika no longer blogs but hope that she will return as I always thought her work was exceptional. I too have lots of things waiting to be used and I do tell myself not to succumb to any more until these have been out to play but there are always some wonderful new things which drop into my basket..lol. x

conil said...

Well done, girl. Both of these turned out so beautifully, I'm sure your next NBUS installment will be equally lovely. I really need to get busy on cleaning out years of schtuff and follow your lead.

Carol L said...

Your cards are beautiful and I too am in a rut of sorts, but I continue trying. I don't have too many NBUS items, as I'm digging into my stash and using older items one last time or two before passing them on. I hope you're mending well and getting around much better these days. I think the world has changed so much it's hard to find myself most of the time anymore, but I will keep trying and hopefully you will continue on as well. Hugs!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

It seems that you have hoarded really a lot of NBUS!! I have some NBUS, but not too much :) But have a lot of techniques to try. I'm pretty "young" in crafting (but young ONLY in crafting... LOL)so I have a lot to learn and CASE :)
Both your CASEing are amazing, and absolutely LOVE especially the first one!!
Waiting to see your next cards with NBUS flowers!
Hugs

Karen said...

Well, I can totally relate to your stash of NBUS. I have a good stack of stamps and dies. (I haven't counted them. I think I'm afraid to.) But, like you, I'm determined to get to each and every one in the near future. I keep them out so I can't possibly forget them. Then to your beautiful cards (both!), but especially that gorgeous purple and green one for the Color Hues Gallery. I love the way you've adapted the design of the card you are CASing, and we're always delighted to see you at the Color Hues Challenge!

Lisa Elton said...

I look forward to each and every card you share that have been created from those baskets! Just look at the lovelies you're sharing today ~ fabulous!

Leslie Miller said...

I love to hear a person's thoughts on one of my favorite subjects, which is card making. You go girl! I'm behind you all the way. I've always got something like this going on. Currently it is to use all my NBUS per company (with other things sprinkled in between). It's all kinds of fun! You made two beautiful cards and I can't wait to see more. The stamp looks entirely different on your cards. Good stuff! Thank you for always inspiring. Good luck to you and I hope you are feeling great!

Cheryl W. said...

I love flower cards, so I'm really looking forward to seeing all your floral creations. I make a lot of flower cards, too, and butterfly cards. I'd like to use more animals and human images on my cards, but I can't seem to get many of them done. I think it's because they are a bit more time-consuming (for me, anyway). I have been making LOTS of cards lately--18 already just this week! I have found that pushing myself to make that many cards has made me faster and more efficient in the process. I'm grateful for that, because I used to agonize over every single one, trying to make it perfect (sort of) for the receiver. I appreciate you sharing your crafting struggles and successes. You always inspire me!

Christine Alexander said...

your posts always bring a smile to my face, and this one was no exception. Love the cards and I'm too frightened to look at the stamps I've bought and never used :)

nancy littrell said...

Oh My...Dolly, I enjoyed every minute of your story on why, how and when you began your new plan...to use all your beautiful NBUS flower stamps and dies:-) I am feeling inspired, my friend! I have my stamps and stencils organized by companies and do not have my NBUS sets separate. I think the time has come...Thanks for the boost sweety. I am so happy that you are getting so much better...I can tell by your happy energetic post and beautiful PB floral cards:-) TFS and inspiring all of your friends, dear sweet friend. Love and Hugs...Nancy

Bonnie Lynn said...

Darnell, your cards are gorgeous as always! I have been wanting to organize all my schtuff and just haven't gotten to it yet (my own health issues). The tortoise would definitely win the race with that catagory. What I have done is taken a lot of my NBUS (bought, traded, won, gifts, etc) and have put it into a recycled cat litter tub next to my desk although there's more that doesn't fit into that one tub. Can you tell I've got too much schtuff?? I'm trying to use my NBUS as much as possible, hence all of my NBUS challenge entries. LOL I'm also trying to show some love to my older stamps that have not seen the light in 10+ years - although that's a slower work in progress.

Shelly Schmidt said...

Wow- that's good to ONLY have a few unused items! LOL I would be really embarrassed to pull out all of my unused stamps and dies! Close your eyes! Anyway, your cards are beautiful, CASE or no CASE! Love them! Hope you are feeling OK!

frommycraftroom said...

Darnell I love the way you are thinking!

I too can confess to having way to many floral images for the number of floral cards I make. My long term goal has been to use/reuse some of my older sets and all the images in the set! How many sets I have that have only used one or two images used - the whole thought is mind boggling - now I'm going down a rabbit hole. I must admit my most recent project is to reduce the fabric and yarn stash - as that will actually make a difference space wise in my craft space. It is a real juggle to support business and not over crowd my space!

Love the Cards you have made from the CASEd ones.

Craftychris said...

Ooh such beautiful cards! A floral delight of colour - I love them all! I have a box of new stuff I have accumulated over the years to be used before I put it away and yes, you guessed it, I still pull out stuff from my put away stash that I also haven't used! Hang my head in shame! I must blog more, I have made more than I blog but energy is limited so don't get everything I need/want to done. I have pretty flowers in my mind now so my next make will be flowers - thank you my friend! Take care and big hugs xxxxxxx

Jean said...

Whata fun idea! Love this!!

Your cards are gorgeous!

Mother nature is giving us whiplash. 80 here on Saturday and 40 today:)

Bonnie said...

Wow! If looking at your NBUS kickstarts your creativity, I need to bring mine out of hiding! The way you've partially colored the first, makes me want to CASE you. BTW, Marika sometimes posts on Facebook and is still creating. Your bright yellow flowers are happy and uplifting! Splatters have a way of either being too scarce or too plentiful, regardless of Hammy's help! Looks like you had fun, my friend!

I Card Everyone said...

D, someone wise once said it doesn't matter how many times you start, just don't ever stop! I'll go on to quote MJ and say don't stop 'til you get enough! wooo hooo hoo!
What a gorgeous start to a fabulous plan! I'll be waiting for the next bouquet! BTW we'd be so happy if you'd share your florals cards at The Flower Challenge!
xo

JoAnn said...

I like your plan and like you, most of my stamps and dies are flowers - I love making flower cards. :)
Yours cards are beautiful. I like how each one is different with the same flower. TFS

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Absolutely LOVE your cased cards from these lovely ladies. As for the idea of pulling NBUS stuff out? I am on a don't buy anything phase, I have way to much the same as everyone I guess. Although I do get stuff, from DT work and magazine subscription, so I don't feel too guilty of not buying. Good luck and lots of enjoyment in store for you (your own store!)
Faith x

Darlene said...

Oh Darnell I'm right there with ya! I need to do this exact same thing but think I have to wait a little bit longer to begin but THANKS for inspiration and I'll continue to follow your progress and hopefully get my own started. I have an entire basket full of stamps/dies I have yet to put away (which means I haven't used them yet either ... so this would be a good start).
Your projects are AMAZING! LOVE that first card idea ... will have to keep that in my memory bank.
Thanks for always inspiring us ... HUGS and HAPPY DAY!

Bobby said...

We are comrades in the flower department, Darnell. I have a ton of them which is why I'm on The Flower Challenge team and that's a good challenge for you to enter with all your NBUS.
I challenged myself to use my older stamps this year and hold back on the buying. Not that I haven't gotten anything. I did splurge on a Glimmer machine and I'm still looking for the right foil plate images, but until then I'll try new techniques that I've been wanting to do. You have the right attitude to just have fun with it. Trying to follow and enter challenges can sometime seem like work to me.
You did a great job with CASEing and that's a good way to rev up those juices. Keep on keeping on.

Darlene said...

LOL ... Me again ... like I didn't have enough to say earlier! LOL
Thanks so much for playing in our challenge at Colorful Options!
Darlene
COLORFUL OPTIONS CHALLENGE
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS

Cat Craig said...

Beautiful cards Darnell, and I for one will enjoy seeing your parade of blooms as you go through that NBUS. YOur second card would work for CHallenge Up YOur Life - spatters, It closes soon and the limit is 5 other blogs so it should work if you want to link up. http://challengeupyourlife.blogspot.com/2022/04/hallo-und-einen-wunderschonen-1.html

Nan G said...

Hi Darnell, oh my my…love your cards! You can never have too many splatters especially gold ones. It’s a shower of gold sprinkles. :) So glad to hear you’re working in the playhouse. I need a playhouse or at least those cabinets. My shelf units will have to do. So I’m re-organizing and clearing out. Also needed to know what I have. Finding all sorts of goodies. Have a great week my friend. Hugs Nan and the Girls

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

If that's all your floral NBUS, you're doing good Darnell - I'm scared to count mine! Just love your floral beauties with that PB stamp!! Good luck with your NBUS-using goals!!

Pia S said...

Reading your posts always puts me in a good mood. I think you have a great plan for getting into routine again, finding mojo AND use your wonderful stash. Fantatsic flower designs, you're on a roll!

Lisa T said...

Both of your cards are gorgeous Darnell, and I can't wait to see all your other floral beauties! I remember that card from Marika and I too was thinking of her only a month or so ago, wondering whether she would ever return. You've got me thinking about using stuff. This is tricky for me. I have a lot of monthly commitments to teams, so rarely create a card from my own stash and I have little free time. I'm going to ponder this one though. I may make a small commitment to make one card from my own stash per month, maybe even a NBUS item. I love reading your blog posts, you always make me smile. Thank you for everything,so grateful for having you in my life!

Lisa T said...

Both of your cards are gorgeous Darnell, and I can't wait to see all your other floral beauties! I remember that card from Marika and I too was thinking of her only a month or so ago, wondering whether she would ever return. You've got me thinking about using stuff. This is tricky for me. I have a lot of monthly commitments to teams, so rarely create a card from my own stash and I have little free time. I'm going to ponder this one though. I may make a small commitment to make one card from my own stash per month, maybe even a NBUS item. I love reading your blog posts, you always make me smile. Thank you for everything,so grateful for having you in my life!

ShazInOzCardsCalligraphy said...

What a brilliant idea Darnell and love your two cards, that’s really great idea.. I could do that with my NBUS flowers too!
No, not any like 50 but enough to turn red about too! 😆
I have one unmounted flower drawer, they’re big less than half your size drawers marked flowers, but quite sure there are number unused in there - my wooden ones mostly used many times over, do love my wooden ones.

Now I’m commenting here cos now I’m blocked on NBUS .

I blog on iPad and it’s now doing sane as embedded boxes with your new sign in thingy and I go round and round getting now where I hit blue glutton to sign in and it pops up again, trued on my three web browsers.

So live the one chosen this month. .. thanks for running said challenge and inspiring us these week too, well done indeedy. Like Hammy’s final High jump too it made it work nicely!
Thanks for Sharing, God bless and keep you safe, and all those you love, hugs Shaz in Oz.x

{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

Donna said...

Gorgeous flower cards Darnell, looking forward to seeing more!

Brenda said...

Ahhh, the weather. We are back to winter here or so it feels like it. lol Frost is still happening, wind making temps feel cold. One day the warmer temps will stick around. I do love having 4 seasons, just wish the spring season would be just that....spring, not winter.

I need to change things up myself, but in the craft room declutter! I have way to many NBUS stamp items too and need to take a cue from you Auntie and use them first. But they get put away and then I forget about them. So will be going through and really looking at all my stamps and ones I think I will never use, will be leaving to go to a home of someone who may love it. I need to get back into challenges and one day I may, but right now isn't the time for me. I am so loving your beautiful cards from your NBUS Penn Black "Full of Glee" stamp! I love the flowers going down the side of the card in the first one, so pretty and a beautiful CASE. But I also love the full on use of the whole stamp, gorgeous second card! I love all the schplatters in gold! Keep moving forward Auntie, you are doing great! Hugs, Brenda

Redanne said...

I do so admire you my oh so talented friend, I just wish I had the same resolve as you do! Your cards, as always are just gorgeous and well done for using NBUS products. Perhaps I could find inspiration if I CASEd some designs too, you have already got me thinking! Thank you!! Hugs, Annie xxx

Steffiehexe said...

Thank you for joining CUYL!
Greetings from Germany,
Steffie

Susan said...

I'm in exactly the same position - I love flowers, being the keen gardener that I am so can't resist buying flower stamps. But what do I mostly make - Christmas cards! So all those flower stamps languish most of the time. I should probably pass on a bunch of them. I love your two cards so much that you'd think they'd inspire to make a flower card, but no, I'm off to the craft room to make a Christmas card.

Ros Crawford said...

Well I love the result of your resolution and Look forward to seeing more. It's always hard to get back into things... I've found that too lately. Stay well and have a fun day!

Tracey McNeely said...

Seriously do you want to talk NBUS with me???? That is a usual month for me--ROFLMAO! No, I have gotten better. Your card that you cased is so lovely, just a touch of purple and a touch of green. Well done and I can't wait to see the other 49!! Thank you so much for playing with us at the Color Hues Darnell!

Liz said...

Great idea to get out all your NBUS stamps and make some cards….. and what beauties you’ve created here. I really need to do the same, thanks for the inspiration. One day I’ll finally get round to properly reorganising my craft room and giving away the things I don’t use anymore, without getting easily distracted and stopping to make another card😉. xx

Hannelie said...

Hi Darnell
Oh I remember that card of Marika, and sure miss seeing her beautiful creations too. Your case of her card looks wonderful in our challenge colors!
Thanks for playing at Color Hues!

Sarah said...

Totally wonderful CASEd cards Darnell and I applaud your honesty in sharing your unused goodies xx

Loll said...

Two lovely cards Dolly! It's great to see you concentrating on all those amazing flower stamps and dies you have!! :) I'm the opposite in a different way. I buy LOTS and LOTS of flowers stamps and dies (along with a few other things), but rather use the ... few other things. My go to is to start with a flower. :) I need to try to use the other things more often. Maybe that should be my new challenge. I'll give it a try. Thanks for inspiring. Love, Lolly

kiwimeskreations said...

Way to go Darnell, and I love these two cards, and the originals that you CASED were beautiful also.
Blessings
Maxine

Linby said...

It's a fabulous plan and one I keep trying to do from time to time but not with any luck lol! If these are your results then they are proof your plan is working and they are so beautiful.

Sue - said...

I thought I had a lot of stamps but I think you might have beaten me. It sounds like you have a good plan, looking forward to seeing more flower cards. Love the ones you have made as a start! xx

Karenladd said...

What better time to concentrate on floral designs than spring time! Now you can enjoy flowers through your playhouse window, as well as on your craft desk. I have found myself in a rut as well, in that I keep making the same card over and over again. The only things that change are the colors and the stamp. My focus right now is on using up left over die cuts and stamped images, and really old supplies. The challenge will be to make them look fresh and modern, and not like something my grandmother would have made. Wish me luck!

Linda said...

WOW! These look amazing. And what a fab idea to get those creative juices flowing again .... you go girl!! I
Cant wait to see more gorgeous floral designs from you ..... I could do with a little help on the inspiration front myself! xx

Stephanie Lanzalotto said...

I love this post, Darnell. And I am so impressed that you actually SHOWED your NBUS - I am not that brave. I tell myself every month that I have to stop buying new stamps. If it is a tool, that may be allowed. Well, last night I ordered from 3 different companies. For me, sea/ocean/beach stamps are my "flowers". Anyway, the cards you made are gorgeous. The CASE of Marika's card is fantastic. Great job! I love the purple color scheme and you have made Marika's card your own. I love it. Your Loll inspired card is also fantastic, and no, you can't have too many gold splatters. It's wonderful. Thank you so very much for coming clean with your schtuff collecting issues (which most card makers share - (I certainly do), for playing with us at Time Out, AND for inspiring me to try your idea of going through my lonely stash and giving those things I have bought and never used a chance! (All we are saying.... is give these a chance....)

My Paper Epiphany said...

Two fab 'CASE'-s and gorgeously coloured blooms! I'm with you about flower stamps/dies. I'm particularly attracted to the new trend of layered stencils which come with stamps/dies!
I've been in a bit of a rut too, so I've decided I need to get back to selling on ETSY, because I have boxes and boxes of cards. But it takes a lot of time to set it up/take pics and market in the right way. I get a bit despondent when I see the multitude of amazing art/cards on Etsy and wonder who would buy mine, but I have nothing to lose😉.

I hope to see lots of beautiful flower cards from you in the future!
Thanks also for sharing the wonderful PB card at PBSC:)

Cazro said...

Fabulous colouring of flowers and the background. We greatly appreciate you entering our challenge at Alphabet Challenges. Caz. DT.

BożenA said...

I love you Darnell. This post is 200% Darnell. Witty, self-irony and as always smart. And your cards are real pieces of art. Even the freckled splashing of the second card has its charm and, as you rightly noticed, there is never enough gold :-)
xx

TK said...

Terrific cards, and what a wonderful way to energize! You've done two wonderful, and many more to come.

Maybe I'll get some inspiration from your motivation?! I've been so absent that I'm finding it easier to comment than to create, at the moment