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!

May 16, 2022

NBUS Flowers V-VII

Hello Stamplings!

I hope you are doing well. I wasn't planning on being gone for over a week, but I got squirreled by a sideline project and when I wasn't paying attention, the days of the week fell away and drifted to the floor like a Victorian lady with the vapors. One after the other. Woop, there goes another one!

Plus, the little fence lizards are out in force sunning themselves on the garden wall and the last few days the little tiny baby lizards are venturing out. I mean, not by the hundreds mind you, or even the dozens, but a coupla families live in the wall and I find them so entertaining. And the butterfly bush is blooming. I'll have to get some new photos soon.

But, hey, in spite of my squirreliness, I made a card.

V.
The schpark for this card was the beautiful embossed flower panel which my friend Greta included in her get well card to me not too long ago. I went through my NBUS baskets and found a flower that looked very similar. It is from the Rose Peonies set by Gina K. 

I stamped, clear-embossed, and die-cut the flowers and then I used my watercolor pencils to color them. Although you can't see itπŸ˜•, Hammy winked the flower petals and glossified the centers. Before attaching the flowers and sediment, I added some interest to the background panel by blending matching CP inks at an angel. I mean angle. Thank you again, Greta!

Challenges
VI.-VII.

Some time ago I made the two QACAS designs shown below, but they've never been post-toasted. I used two of the NBUS flower die cuts from the Cutout Blossoms set 664161 by Tim Holtz Sizzix. It is a fun way to use alcoholic backgrounds.
~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*

Perhaps because so many of us are near the same age, I know there are a lot of you dealing with health issues right now, either your own or someone you care about. I may not be in touch as often as I'd like, but I do care and I pray things will get better for you ~ and, for that matter, the world! We have to try and enjoy a bit of every day. Mwah!

*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!)

53 comments:

kiwimeskreations said...

Darnell I love your cards - that first one is gorgeous - love the ink blending on the background that really highlights it beautifully. Good on Hammy adding his signature schparkle!
The second two are wonderful enough to make me turn to the al-hic-col inks and have a play.
Blessings
Maxine

Aquarius said...

Three more lovely floral cards and how thoughtful of your friend to include the embossed piece of card when wishing you well. Hugs appreciated and sending one to you as well πŸ€—

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

A sweet and delicate card, love how the delicious floral embossing is partially blended with pastel colours and matches so well the stamped blooms!
The two next CAS cards looks great with the alcohol inked background!
Hugs

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Such a beautiful card with the gorgeous embossed flowers as a backdrop, and I love the two cut out card as well.

Sue xx

Gerrina said...

Ah three times flowers; what a beauties! Love how you used the embossed background and those dies are indeed great with the beautiful alcohol backgrounds! It is really good to see you use so many of your dlower NBUS-sis! Hugs, Gerrina

Marilyn said...

Your cards are so prett!
Have a great day!
Marilyn ❤️

Diane said...

Beautiful cards, love how you added some color to your EB folder too! Yep, I will be 70 this year and let's just say my body parts 'ain't what they used to be'...hah!! Thank you for joining our challenge at Can You handle The Pressure!
Diane CYHTP DT {Nellies Nest}
{Can You Handle The Pressure}

Jeanne said...

The featured card is lovely, Darnell. So soft and elegant. I also like the brightness of the other two you shared. Thank you for always being there to encourage your readers! Hope you have a happy week!

Sue said...

Stunning cards Darnell hugs Sue x

designbydonna said...

Beautiful flower cards. You are making real progress on your NBUS flower bouquet. I like the shading on the embossed background. I wish I could send you some water to make your flowers grow. We had 2.5 inches yesterday.

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Three gorgeous cards, Darnell - just love your embossed floral background with the ombre and the gorgeous AIs peeking through the flower windows!!

Pat said...

This card with the wonderful 3D embossed and prettily coloured background is perfect with the added Gink K peonies over the top Darnell, and the TH/Sizzix die cut cut out designs show off these two alcohol ink backgrounds brilliantly..I particularly love the bright one on the right but they are both beautiful. You must take some photos of the lizards and they do sound as though they are fun to watch. x

Em Louise Fairley said...

They are all so pretty, Darnell xoxo

Brenda in IN said...

I know how fast those weeks go by! I love how you made use of the panel Greta sent and the flower is a great match. The die cuts are so pretty over the AI
backgrounds. I agree with your thoughts and feel the same.

Jeanne H said...

Oh, I love the pastel colored embossed background. Lucky you having that gift. 'Course you deserve it. I too thank you and Hammy for the hug. Many hugs back to you.

Kara Lynne said...

Your flower card stash is really blooming, Darnell! These three are a beautiful edition. I love the subtle ink blending on the embossed background that really highlights the stamped flowers. Your QACAS design brings out the vibrancy of those alcohol inks!

Nan G said...

Gorgeous inked embossed b/g and such pretty Lil flowers. What a cool way to use alcoholic papers.
Hope you are doing well. We’re struggling with new issues. Hugs, Nan and the Girls

HilaryJane said...

I know exactly what you mean about the days falling away, I don't know where they go. I have every intention of posting loads of things that just never happen, but never mind, we mustn't stress about it because as you say, the older we get the more important it is to just enjoy life, even though it can seem hard at times. Love your card, well done for using that gifted panel and an NBUS stamp. Always a good feeling. Love the added ink blending on the embossing too xx

BoΕΌenA said...

The first card just amazed me, embossed background, duplicate staining and those stunning flowers! This card is really memorable. I also love the next two cards. You are absolutely right that alcohol backgrounds are perfect for die cutters.
I hope you fully recover as soon as possible, my dear Darnell
xx

Jean said...

BEautiful cards! I love the cut out ones with the pretty backgrounds!

Darlene said...

BEAUTIFUL creations Darnell! What a beautiful embossing folder! Thanks so much for playing in our challenge at Can You Handle The Pressure … we appreciate your support and hope to see you again next challenge!
Darlene
CAN YOU HANDLE THE PRESSURE
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS

Inkyfingers said...

Glad you enjoyed your whiz by week off, Darnell - watching nature is a surefire way to boost the spirits. I'm so impressed that you are keeping your NBUS flowers resolution and the collection you show today is gorgeous. I love the deep embossing on the main card and the vibrant alcohol ink peeping through the flowers is beautiful.
Take care,
Hugs
Carol x

Julia Dunnit said...

You totally rock the alcoholic florals. They are quite quite lovely. And I drew in a breath at the background blending on that embossed panel, love it. Happy to hear about the baby lizards, you must have some lovely sunshine. I’m sure it helps your long term recovery, so glad it’s going well. The days do drop off the edge of the table so fast, I understand! also, with you in mind and heart, I used a NBUS yesterday, a big beautiful floral! I feel like I’m in the footsteps of the giant.

brandco2450@gmail.com said...

Great cards, Darnell, especially the first one!
Amazing how time flies when you're having fun!

Bonnie said...

You had the perfect stamp in your NBUS box to go with Greta's embossing, Dolly! Wow! A perfect match! I hadn't seen these TH dies. They are so pretty with the alcoholic backgrounds! Three pretty flower cards! Is your NBUS box getting lighter?

Lisa Elton said...

Lots of pretty here today, Darnell! Isn't that Greta the sweetest. I love the panels she includes with her cards!

Susan said...

Beautiful trio of cards, Darnell. Especially the first one - I love the embossing folder and the way you blended some ink over it. Enjoy the lizards!

frommycraftroom said...

Such beautiful cards!
Love the embossing and agree great way to used coloured backgrounds.

Isn't it rather scary how the weeks can just zoom by!

Cheryl W. said...

A big hug back at you, Darnell! Your cards today are so lovely. The soft colors of the first one remind of sunshine and soft breezes on a gentle spring day. The other two show off the vibrant colors of mid-summer when our flowers have reached their peak. I'm not so good at growing flowers, but I sure do love to look at them. Enjoy each day and find a reason laugh and play.

Karen said...

Love your description of how the days just "fall away!" It seems to happen more and more frequently to me. Love your beautiful trio of florals. I do need to get out my alcohol inks again; these are such a lovely, CAS designs for using them.

nancy littrell said...

Thank you so much Dolly for sharing your beautiful CAS flower cards. I LOVE all 3 and you have me inspired to CASE you. I seem to need more and more thinking of you type of card designs...even more than birthday cards...LOL! I was so happy to read your post and enjoy your beautiful cards. Enjoy your lizards..we enjoy our lizard that lives in our little green house:-) We had a sunny warm day so I spent time playing in our rock garden..Such a beautiful time of year with many of the shrubs and plants blooming. Take care, my friend. Love and Hugs...Nancy

Liz said...

Beautiful card, Darnell. I love the delicate ink blending on the lovely embossed background. Your other cards are so pretty too. xx

sandie said...

beautiful cards and love that detailed EF. And yes it is a shame we all don't get to visit as much and nice when we do-hugs xx

Donna said...

Such an amazing collection of flowers, oh I mean cards! Have a wonderful day Darnell!

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Such wonderful inspiration Darnell, I love the flowery cards, all three of them, so beautiful. Lizards playing? Birds will do for me, they lizards move to quickly. hahaha. I agree about the days, I was some long time friends today all in their 80's and they were saying the same thing. Love the idea the days swoon away.
Keep safe and well.
Faith x

Sarah said...

Great cards Darnell and that stamp is bang on for the pretty EF. I also love the alcoholic backgrounds, I often have a gin or two as an alcoholic background when the mojo goes missing!! xx

Donna said...

Beautiful cards! I love how you used the flower die cuts with the inky background. Perfect!

LeAnne said...

Gorgeous, Darnell! Those flowers look like they were meant to go with that embossed background. Love the shading as well! So pretty! Thanks for sharing this with us at The Card Challenge!

Vickie Y said...

Beautifully designed cards! Thank you for sharing with us at CYHTP Embossing Challenge.

Cat Craig said...

I think thats sweet of Greta to add the embossed panel to both protect her card and give something possibly new to someone else. Loving all three for different reasons, the first for the soft inking mimicking the bloom colors; the second for the shape of the cut out bloom and the third for those fab and vibrant colors behind the die cut. Hope you are doing well, and enjoying the antics of the reptiles. Sending hugs.

foleysfriend said...

Beautiful card. I love the embossed background and how you've added color to a part of the panel. The flowers and leaves are gorgeous in that corner. Thanks for joining us at Addicted to CAS.

sue n.

Bobby said...

The days are definitely passing too quickly, Darnell. Tomorrow we leave for the lake for the summer and I have packed what supplies I think I'll need to make cards while I'm gone. I'm going to concentrate on Christmas but hope to enter a few challenges too. Life is different at the lake so I know I'll get distracted by one thing or another but having something to do on rainy days is a plus.
I'm so glad you're making your way through all your fabulous flower stamps and dies. I love the flowers added to the embossed background that you've inked so beautifully. I hate covering up gorgeous alcohol inks but your die cuts gave us a peek of what they were like.

Carole said...

This is a really pretty card Darnell. I love your flowers and the pretty embossed panel with the tonal colouring. The other cards are pretty too with the alcohol ink backgrounds peeping through the flowers. I hope you are progressing well and I am impressed you find the time to craft! Keep it up my friend. xx

Loll said...

Three beautiful flower cards Dolly. You are on a roll, my friend! Love the first card with the gorgeous flowery embossed background. Adding the soft colours of sponging to the top really highlights your pretty coloured and fussy-cut flowers. Love it! Your two CAS design cards are so pretty with the AI backgrounds. What a great way to use AI panels! Always inspiring! Love, Lolly

Mac Mable said...

The dry embossing with the blending on your first card looks so pretty Darnell and how lovely of Greta to send you the panel. Love both of the second two cards and of course extra loving the 'Happy Birthday' card, which is looking pretty on my shelf in my study x. Sending a big hug back to you too Darnell x.

Bonnie Lynn said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell!! Babies of any kind are entertaining. I'm having trouble with the days passing by too quickly too. Maybe I've got the vapors, hmmmmm? LOL Have a great weekend Darnell.

Leslie Miller said...

I hope absence makes the heart grow fonder because I've been absent from all things blog related, too. Nevertheless, I'm here now because I've been enjoying your NBUS flower project a lot and when I spotted this post in Feedly I just had to stop by. Beautiful stuff, including VI and VII which you made some time ago. Enjoy your lizards and garden. It will be a while before our butterfly bush is in bloom. Quite the difference in our climates. Sending love and hugs!

Carol L said...

Your cards are all beautiful and I especially like that ef because I have it and ruined my Big Shot plates trying to emboss it! LOL I like the subtle colors you added to it. The special day and birthday cards are equally pretty with those pretty colors! Enjoy your weekend!

TK said...

Fun flowers, and a beautifully embossed panel too! Of course, those AIs are pretty stunning, a grouping of wonderful flowers, Darnell

As for the lizards, maybe fun to watch but as soon as they move faster than I'm ready for, you better get ME off your fence!

Stamps and Paper said...

Pretty floral cards Darnell

Anne

Karen Letchworth said...

Cute little embossed card, Darnel. Thanks so much for sharing with us at The Card Concept and please join us again soon.
Blessings,
Karen L, DT
The Card Concept

Helen said...

Beautifully put together - very pretty embossing.

Thanks for joining us at Addicted to CAS.

Helen x
DT

Brenda said...

Time gets away from me too Auntie, what I think is only a few days ends up being over a week and what feels like a week has gone by has actually been a month....how that happens I have no idea! I love you first flower card, that embossing folder is just gorgeous! Your peonies are beautifully watercolored and I love the leaves. The soft ink blending just makes them pop. The next two flower cards are so fun and pretty! I love how the flower's cut out and you can use those gorgeous backgrounds behind them! So fun! Yes, Auntie, so many struggling right now, but I think we all pray for each other as well as for the world in general. As the saying goes, live life to the fullest as you are not promised tomorrow. Hugs, Brenda