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!

July 8, 2022

Bursts of Color

Hello Stamplings!

How are you doing? It looks like I took a long break, or I got ran over by a bus, or I'm just getting too old to keep this up? I say that to rat myself out because the truth is, I wrote a post on July 1st and then I forgot to hit publish and I went on my merry way. Do you ever "think" of doing a thing, but not actually do the thing, yet your brain checks it off your mental list as a "done" thing? Yup. 

Also, in my defense, I turned 37 on the 2nd and America turned 246 on the 4th. One of those maths is incorrect. The first celebration was quiet because Dan and the grandtwins got Covid (they are fine now) and the second celebration was beciting because of Jennifer McGuire. She kindly let me know about dozens of amazing sales. Ahem. Did she let you know, too?

If so, then you know how many hours a person can spend visiting company after company, tab after tab ... especially when one has been good and not bought anything new in a long time? It was a lot. A lot of fun. Now I can't wait until the packages arrive and I can be surprised by what arrives because by the time I got through them all, I had forgotten what I ordered. (See sentence 2, part 3, above.) I don't judge myself too harshly because, you know, I have an obligation to lead the way when it comes to NBUS!

In spite of all that and numerous routine medical appointments, a spate of migraines, a bit of company, and a purge of the Playhouse, I made some cards! The ones on display today were schparked by the current CAS Mix Up Challenge, where Linda wants us to use "Things With Wings" on our watercolor designs for July.

My first thought was to play with a stamp I haven't had out in a long time. It's a cool sort-of shattered glass image of a dragonfly called "Libellule Origami" by Art Stamp. I spritzed the stamp liberally with water and then sprinkled on several bits of Lindy Magicals. Then I spritzed the stamp again and stamped it onto watercolor paper:
You can see that the bottom right of the large sheet was my first impression, next to it on the left, my second. Then I respritzed and resprinkled the image a little bit more and then stamped it again in the upper left and then onto two regular cardstock panels. (Only one shows up to the far right.)

Here are three of them made into cards:
My first impression was weak, so I piled on more powdered ink, spritzed, and stamped again (off-kilter). Sadly, you cannot see the beautiful shimmer on these images which is what sets the Lindy Magicals apart from some of the other watercolor powdered inks.

The following were made from the regular cardstock panels:
For this image Hammy and I thought the dragonfly should have an explosion of color coming out from behind😲, but alas, we got a bit too exuberant to be CAS for the challenge!
So we left this one QACAS by only adding a few teeny spits of color, the simple silver-embossed sediment, and a narrow mat, making it the best choice to link to the CAS Mix Up Challenge.

Also linking to:

I had another one to share, but this is long enough. I'll leave you with this funny from The New Yorker:
πŸ˜€πŸ˜€πŸ˜€ You gotta love 'em!

~~~

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

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse, being a follower, and leaving some love!

*Life is too short!

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56 comments:

Bonnie said...

I was just wondering what was going on with you since you've been uncharacteristically quiet. Glad all is well. Those birthdays have a way of sidelining us! Love, love, love this colorful dragonfly, my friend! All those bits of color are such fun. I'd love to see some dragonflies like these! I was pretty good during the sales. I tried to ignore those great buys. Not entirely though....

Bonnie said...

Oops. Forgot to say how happy I am to see this in the NBUS gallery!

Kathyk said...

Another fabulous post, Darnell, great makes and yes ... we've all THOUGHT we've done something when we really haven't ... we just MEANT to!

Sorry to hear about the migraines and the like but delighted you had a fab birthday and that you are up to date with all your visits and craft shopping too! I've not been myself for a week or so, thanks to the dreaded Covid too, so your family have my sympathies - along with anyone else wrestling with it now, recently or in the future

Kathyk

cuilliesocks said...

Hello Darnell, I know what you mean about forgetfulness, I seem to be going through a phase of that just now, I've to keep writing notes to myself.
Your cards are beautiful, lovely images and designs, take care, Kate x

Loll said...

Forgot to publish ... join the club! :) I have done that more than a few times. :) Maybe because I'm getting older, I AM 46 ... no that's can't be right. :) LOVE your set of cards all using that amazing dragonfly image and lovely Magicals. I can see some of the shimmer but know there's lots more, so hard to capture in a photo. Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Mix Up! Love, Lolly

Lisa Elton said...

These are heaps of fun, Darnell! Glad all is well on the home front. Life does happen! Happy belated Birthday wishes to you XO

Gerrina said...

I think you had a fun play! Love the oh so different outcomes!
I didn't post from last Friday-wednesday, just because I was busy with a lot of live's things...And since I didn't had any DT work to post, I just didn't think of writing and putting up a post... In that time I tasted a bit of freedom and didn't miss it, but by my first bloground I wanted to share all the things that I got made in these days... so I now am not only writng them again, but putting them on my blog aswell... I do have the idea that it would be a good idea to throw in a blog-break once or twice a year... Hugs, Gerrina

Vicki Dutcher said...

Way to get 3 cards from 3 images! All are stunning too. Thanks for joining in at STB

Jean said...

Simply gorgeous cards!!

Vikki H said...

Can't wait to see more NBUS cards in the future! I demolished the magnetic platform on my old Big Shot since our retreat (too many layers with a 3-D EF). Since it cost almost the same to replace it as a new on sale Plat. 6 I ordered that. Can't wait for it to arrive which tempered all the JMcG sales events last weekend.

Liz said...

Beautiful collection of dragonfly cards, Darnell.

I need to join the club of 'forgetting to click Publish button'. 🀣 I often forget where I put things too, spend ages looking for them only to find them in the obvious place. Enjoy all your new crafty goodies when they arrive. Looking forward to seeing what you make with them. xx

brandco2450@gmail.com said...

What a super post, Darnell, cards and narrative!πŸ₯°πŸ₯°πŸ₯°

Nan G said...

Oh my I forgot all the time. Even in the middle of an IM conversation with a friend. She has to ping me on the phone to get me to hit send. πŸ˜‚ I love the dragonflies! Was just looking at my Nuvo shimmer powders and wondering how to play with them. Happily or sadly depending on how you look at it…I unsubbed from Jennifer McG. Spend way to much when her sale emails come through.
I am slowly plugging away in the studio. I stop every 20 mins to rest myself. Hope my email didn’t worry or scare you.
Take care my friend, Hugs Nan

nancy littrell said...

So happy all is well...just normal with you dear friend and the family, etc. Glad the twins and dad are doing well..whew! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all 3 of your Magicals dragonflies, Dolly. So pleased you shared (my fav) dragonfly with us at CAS Mix Up...Things with Wings watercolor challenge. I have been quiet online too, but so much to do at home (Outside) at our place this time of year. Watering and deadheading and a bit of weeding for me. BTW...I know all about the forgetfulness trick!!! TFS your fun blog post and look forward to more:-) Love and Hugs dear friend...Nancy

Susan said...

Love that beautiful dragonfly - it lends itself perfectly to Magicals! Three gorgeous cards and a good chuckle from the cartoon.

LesleyG said...

I can relate to everything you said! One good thing about memory fatigue is you get lots of surprises πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚
Fabulous dragonfly cards, lovely explosions of colours.
I nearly always forget to enter the NBUS, despite having new playthings, but I know you’ll understand xxx

Bonnie Lynn said...

Beautiful dragonfly cards Darnell. I was wondering what happened to you. I was hoping you had just forgot to post having too much fun stamping, but health issues are not fun. Ask me how I know. *rolls painful eyes* Can't wait to see all your NBUS when it arrives. I knew about the sales but sadly couldn't go shopping. Too many doctor bills.

Karenladd said...

Sheesh, forgetting that you hadn't posted your blog post is kindergarten stuff and nothing to worry about. When I read your post I actually thought that July was LAST month, and then when I read that your birthday was the 2nd, I couldn't remember if I sent you a birthday card or not. Oh yeah, AND I forgot to post two blog posts of my own. So yeah...
As for these cards, I love the "hint of a dragonfly" design that lets you enjoy the beautiful wings without all the buggy bits, like the thorax and abdomen (shudder). I've never even heard of Lindy Magicals so now I have to google them and probably get lost in video tutorials. Isn't life grand?

kiwimeskreations said...

I so enjoy your posts Darnell - and good to know you and Hammy are working together on these amazing cards - that is one fascinating image, and I love how you have used the Lindy's powders.
Blessings
Maxine

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

What a beautiful trio of cards Darnell. Happy belated birthday and happy 4th July.

Sue xx

Marilyn said...

Beautiful cards Darnell! Love that technique. I haven't posted on my blog in a while also. Just did one the other day. Not sue if anyone else is having trouble with bloglovin but a lot of times I can't even get on the site.
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤️

Barbara said...

I am happy that you are feeling better and certainly having a chance to shop proves that. Soon you will be able to open packages and see what you bought. For these cards, I love the ethereal look and the perfect way to get several cards. Thanks for playing along with us at Double D Challenge.

ShazInOzCardsCalligraphy said...

Dear Darnell, had a chuckle as usual through your post.
Oh and many happy 37th birthday greetings for the second! Must be lovely to have a summery birthday .. mine is too just our southern summer and mine isn’t 37 either. Mm, I love Lindys magical mist dig them out.

I’m trying new techniques.. would you believe toilet paper on a Christmas large PSX NOEL stamp dampened and dried coloured and carded?
In some weeks I will share again. A whole lot. Me not time to blog either nothing to do with getting slower

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}

Jeanne said...

Fabulous cards, Darnell! Those magicals are indeed magical. Thanks for sharing. I hope you have a terrific celebration with your family and enjoy your new goodies when they arrive. :)

HilaryJane said...

Ha ha, that's so true. I remember my ex husband saying to me once that I think so much about things that I think I have done them! It still applies now many many years later. I also understand the sales thing too. I have been doing the same but haven't actually ordered anything yet. I am sure that will change soon. I love all your cards, such a fabulous effect. Maybe I will have to add some Lindy Magicals to my stash! xx

Brenda in IN said...

According to your math I am much younger than I thought and I'm thrilled for both of us youngsters. I'm glad the family is okay after Covid but how sad they couldn't be there for your birthday. Thanks for sharing these wonderful cards and the technique. They are stunning and I just got my first Magicals and can't wait to try this.

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

LOVE those cards, made me want to try! Such pretty colour mixes and end result. Great joke too.
Have a great weekend.
Faith x

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Beautiful, colourful and so different CAS cards!
I too sometimes forget what I ordered, because I fill the carts with all sorts of things that I like, jumping by a shop to another for hours... but then I’m forced to remove, remove, remove... because I wouldn’t have enough money to buy all those goodies I put in the carts. So sometimes I think I bought something and then I don’t... Sigh ... Or ordered twice the same items in two different shops! Grrr
Hugs

Bobby said...

With all the NBUS you have I can't believe you bought more, Darnell. ;) I did put a few things in my cart but ended up removing them. I'm getting pickier in my old age.
Those Magicals sure are magical. I love all the little bits of color throughout the dragonfly image and I can imagine the shine. Beautiful cards, especially the comfort one. I love that font.

Donna said...

Beautiful cards and fun uplifting post Darnell! I did not know you had migraines too, my sympathies.

Pat said...

What fabulous dragonfly images Darnell, and the Lindys Magicals are wonderfully sparkly which you can see, but I know that in real life they will be even more eye catching. Sorry to hear that Dan and the boys had Covid but glad they are OK now. Isn't it frustrating when one's brain plays tricks..it is happening to me more and more these days..ergh!! x

Brenda said...

Time definitely fly's by me Auntie. I've also forgotten to hit the "publish" button too. You name it and I've probably did it...all wrong. lol I'm sorry to hear that your son and the twins got Covid, but so happy they are all fine now! I stay away from sales or non sales because of cash flow, so I end up deleting usually. But I do love looking sometimes and yes, can spend a long time looking. lol Or maybe I should say dreaming. I am loving this dragon fly stamp you used! The Lindy Magicals are so pretty! The first card looks great, love seeing all the colors so well in it. The second card is pretty cool with all the color combing out from behind, if is a bit exuberant...I love it. Your last card is perfect though and I really love the print you got with that one. It's just beautiful! Love the funny too. Hugs, Brenda

Cathy said...

Your cards look so magical Darnell! :) The stamp is awesome, so artsy and cool in the magical blends, My family has just succumbed to Covid this last few days and I have succumbed to the online shopping distraction too lol! Hubby & I will be fine, my son has a kidney transplant though so hoping he will be too. Take care, Cathy x

Cheryl W. said...

So happy to see your post. I'm glad the family members who had COVID are now ok. My daughter-in-law and a son-in-law also had it, but seem to have recovered fine, as well. We are doing our best to stay healthy. Your cards look like pieces of modern art. The dragonflies have a modernistic bent to them, and I'm liking it a lot! Just wish those darn cameras could capture the sparkle! Here's wishing you good health and happiness (and no more migraines!!).

Pia S said...

Happy belated birthday! I just finished my holiday, first trip abroad with plane since the start of the pandemic, it was lovely. It was very hectic also before I could take my 3 week holiday, so I haven’t been able visiting as regularly as I would like and try to do, but I see you’ve been on a hiatus too. Thank you so much for the surprise waiting in my mailbox when I got home, much appreciated:)
I have a similar stamp as butterfly, maybe it should get dusted off to try to be become something like your cards here. I love them! So artsy and colorful.

Sandra H said...

Oh wow your cards Darnell are stunning l like the stamp and the colours are magical .....l think at sometime Darnell we have all been there l for one have lol loving your funnies too take care and enjoy your day xx

Karen said...

LOVE that first dragonfly especially! I've never played Lindy Magicals--but the name certainly fits the outcome! Magical, indeed! I love that you feel a need to stay ahead of us with NBUS! I have such a pile, and like you, have had limited time to play in the craft room. That's not likely to change anytime soon. But I'm not complaining, lots of family time and travel this month and next! Glad to hear you're feeling better and hope those migraines stay away!

Marcia Hill said...

Looks like we were on the same wavelength with our Lindy's Magicals and Dragonflies Darnell...mine will post tomorrow! What a perfect stamp you had to use with the Magicals though, and I just know the shine and shimmer in person is FABULOUS!! All 3 cards are really pretty my friend!! Sorry to hear that Covid struck right around your birthday...I mean the nerve!! Glad to hear Dan and the boys are both doing well now and hopefully you've had fun celebrating this weekend instead! And don't worry about too much shopping...it's our duty as stampers to support all the companies out there! RIGHT??!!! Hugs. :0)

R's Rue said...

I hope you’re doing well my friend. Think of you often. Regine
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

Em Louise Fairley said...

Yep, I did that with a blog post a couple weeks back, too. Luckily it was one I'd scheduled, just not hit publish, so it was ok! The cards are all beautiful xoxo

Greta said...

I didn't even place that many orders & I still forgot what I decided on after looking at so much stuff! That is such a beautiful dragonfly image & perfect with Lindy's Magicals! I haven't used mine on a stamp, but now I'm going to give that a try!

Colleen said...

Do I really need Lindy's? I have brushos, but they certainly do not add any shine! Hmm. Anywho, your dragonfly cards are very artsy and fun and magical! Love all three of them! Heart Hugs!!

My Paper Epiphany said...

Hi there Darnell! I'm so sorry I missed your birthday. I have been very sick and couldn't get myself out of bed to send a card, but was thinking of you. Your dragonfly cards are fun and magical! I love all versions. Thanks for playing with us at CAS Mix Up:)

baileyrosy.com said...

Hi Darnell so glad to see you back posting and yes we have all been there.I'm always ticking off things that I have thought I have done and go along merrily without a care in the world. Love your card beautiful colours and each one is so different. The silver sentiment is a beautiful contrast and the gorgeous green on the first is fabulous.

Marie

BoΕΌenA said...

These dragonflies look very artsy! I love both this stamp and the effect you got with the watercolor. These are truly unusual cards, and each one is unique.
hugs,
BoΕΌenA

Leslie Miller said...

Um, yes, I have a spotty connection with my mental checklist and if I'm lucky I'll remember in the middle of the night to write something on my actual paper checklist and then remember to check it. It all works out in the end, even if it takes a while. Darnell, your dragonflies are utterly gorgeous! I'm familiar with this stamp and it's beautiful to begin with, but you've taken it to a whole new level. WOW! The middle card with the splattery trail is fabulously artistic and it looks plenty CAS to me. How did you even think to do this? I will have to try my Lindy's Magicals again. I gave them one try and back in the drawer they went. Oh, the shopping... I love when those packages arrive in the mail! I was good for a while, too, but then something exploded and now I have a bunch of new things.

Lori Turner said...

Oh, Darnell - these are so beautiful! Thanks for joining us at Krafty Chicks Challenge this week xooxo

Ros Crawford said...

Ah it's been awile, but it's always good to visit and see what you've been up to plus you make me smile. Love the cards, that a cool stamp! Hope you are enjoying summer and staying well

Linda said...

So glad you had a nice birthday, hope the family are all well again. Enjoy it when all your packages start to arrive ....... its hard to resist a bargain!
Love your pretty dragonfly cards, so many gorgeous colours. Thank you for playing along at CAS Mix Up xx

Barb Ghig said...

Hi Darnell ~ I love the effects of your 'Magicals' with your fabulous dragonfly...so bright and sparkly! So sorry to hear that Covid got in the way of your birthday, but I'm glad the boys are better now and that you had a lovely birthday.
I'm looking forward to seeing your NBUS projects with your latest goodies...sounds like you had quite a shopping spree :) xx

Jo said...

This artsy trio is beautifully executed, truly an abstract style which I adore. These could be framed, ...you could sell copies and pay for your new goodies LOL. Brilliant & Gorgeous xx

Nora Noll said...

I hope you are doing well. I LOVE these dragon flies. That technique is amazing. I am glad you are still crafting and I hope you enjoy all your purchases.

Sue - said...

Your cards are stunning! Sorry to hear the family succumbed to the dreaded Covid! Hope they’re feeling much better now and maybe you can have a belated birthday celebration! I’m constantly thinking I’ve done something when I haven’t - this ageing business has a lot to answer for. Enjoy all your packages when they arrive! I’m on a self imposed buying ban! Not sure how long it will last though! Hugs xxx

frommycraftroom said...

3 Great cards.

Sorry to hear your family has been ill hope all the migranes are gone now.

And Happy belated birthday! How cool to have a special sale day just after your birthday to help buy pressies for yourself.

JD/ Jill said...

You certainly had a lot of fun with these cards and they all turned out great.
Thanks for sharing. (and for hitting the button!) smile!

Nandini said...

Awesome cards! Hope to see you soon in our gallery! Nandini, ATSM DT