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!

February 20, 2023

Greens and Blues

Hello Stamplings!

I hope you've had a good week and you're feeling well! We've had some excellent springlike weather, but in a coupla days, that's going to fade out to allow winter to come rushing back in for an encore.

While they are here, the sunny days and warm temps brought this first design to mind.

Onefer
I can't look at this card without laughing, which makes it hard to type. What happened was, this NBUS Sissix "Thankful Bicycle" stamp and die set was on super sale somewhere and naturally I couldn't resist a deal. 

The background embossed cloud panel was in my stash. I added Washi tape shamrock grass and then die-cut the bicycle and flower wheels. I used my Ziggies for the first time in ages to watercolor the flowers, which Hammy winked. I die-cut once more to make the basket and I fussy-cut some of the shamrock flowers from the Washi tape to fill the basket.

That didn't take long, but then I sat hunched over for ages trying to make the flowers fit into the wheel hubs. The front was straight-forward, but the back fender is really curved too much for the flower to clear the hub. Rolling them this-way and that, I finally found the best spot and glued everything down.

It wasn't until I took the photo that Hammy and I fell over laffing because we hadn't realized that the flowers had a flat spot which I stupidly lined up in such a way that now it looks like this poor green bicycle has two flat flower tires! What's the rider to do with two flat flower tires? 

And from the hamster cage:

"Shirley you realize that the rider wasn't going to drive on those 'tires' no matter what the rotation?" 

Imagine a wee hamster, speaking sardonically, and using little tiny paws to make air quotes. 😂😂😂

Challenges
Twofer
Aaah, no drama-rama-ding-dong with this CASlicious design! A simple e/f, a strip of perfect Washi tape, and a bird and tag from my stash. Thassit. QACAS to the max usin' up my schtuffs! I love these colors, so I also have the fixings for a few macaw cards and a few flower stencil cards, but I didn't finish them in time for this publication.

Challenges
Threefer
And for my Christmas card, another QACASilicious and self-exploratory design. It's a design I used for this past Christmas, but didn't post. I decided I loved it so much, I made more. The stamp ("The Magic of Christmas" from Simon Says Stamp) was colored directly using markers and spritzed before stamping. The NBUS sediment is called, "Holiday Greetings Mix 1" and it is also from SSS.

Challenges
~~~

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55 comments:

Pat said...

Wow Darnell, not a Twofer but a Threefer this timne! I think the first is such fun with the flowers used for wheels, and a fun scenic background too, then that beautiful EF featuring the foliage and sweet little birds, and the green bird covered strip looks great across the card with another delightful bird perched on it, and to finish that fabulous inky look of the pinecone and branch in such brilliant colours, using markers and sprizting direct to stamp, such a fabulous really elegant CAS card. x

Cheryl W. said...

Oooooh, the bright blues and greens in all your cards just made me happy! When I looked at them I thought of green grass, blue skies and balmy weather. I've got a bit of spring fever, you see, and I'm dreading the winter storm that approaches as I type this. Thank you for taking my mind off of it, if only for a short while.

kiwimeskreations said...

I'm still giggling about the 'flat' flowers :) Hammy certainly is a clever wee fellow. That is a gorgeous card Darnell, and delightfully 'springy'.
Loving your birdy card - that is so CAS, and yet stunning
The Christmas card is a delight - love your colours on the branch.
Blessings
Maxine

brenda said...

Likewise with the weather Darnell, but it's nice to see the Snowdrops and signs of bulbs peeking through undeterred by all the frosts.

Three real beauties, the first so fresh and colourful and fun as well, the second a touch of cute and ideal for Allsorts following the wings option, thank you. And thirdly the sheer elegance of the pinecone, thanks for sharing that with us at We Love Stamping.

B x

Christine said...

Love that first card. I can just imagine hammy's little feet! lol
Great cards all round.
Stay warm and safe, make sure your larder has a few treats in it.
X

Aquarius said...

Fabulous cards as always and the blue and green works so well. The floral bicycle is great fun.

Carole said...

Well I hadn't noticed the 'flat tyres' till I read on a bit further in your post.... all I could think about was who fussy cuts washi tape?? Now that is dedication!..lol. I like your 2nd card with the simplicity of the design, you make me realise I overthink things too much, less is more type of thing, and of course, the Christmas card, a good old technique. Love it. "The oldies are the best"...Now does that apply to us too?? xx

Sandra H said...

Beautiful are all 3 of your cards Darnell, love the cycle and the gorgeous flowers on the wheels what a great idea, stunning background too! Your bird is just so cute loving the bird banner really sets it I’d white the background too! Your 3rd card l adore the image and white background simply gorgeous as always, mixed weather here the sun is trying it’s best to stay out still can be cold though roll on spring for some nicer days and lots of colour, enjoy your day xx

Diane said...

Wow, what gorgeous cards, I love ALL three. The bike is surely a unique one with those flower tires, I love it, the bird one is beautifully spring like and the Christmas one is breath taking beautiful! Thanks for joining us in our various challenges at Can You Handle The Pressure, Double D and Four Seasons!
Diane FS, DD CYHTP Co-Owner
{Nellies Nest}
{Four Seasons}
{Triple B} NEW March 3rd
{Stencil Fun}

Jeanne said...

You may no be able to ride that bike but you sure can enjoy a lovely scent while you're stuck! I do like the details of it. Your two other cards are quite lovely as well. I thank you for sharing! And I hope you have a terrific week!

Melanie Hungerford said...

Reading about your first card really made me laugh, it's so funny the things we come up with as we create! Love the simple embossed background card with the bird, why is it that everyone else can find such nice use of washi tape and I forget about my whole drawer full? Finally just love the CAS Christmas card, your technique on that turned out beautiful! Thanks so much for joining in at Can You Handle the Pressure and at Krafty Chicks.

Ellibelle said...

Such beautiful work, Darnel. Love each one and really enjoyed reading your story about the flat flower tires. So funny and I didn't notice the flat tires until reading your story. LOL.
So great to see you joining us at Allsorts challenge this week!
Ellie
Ellibelle's Corner

Linby said...

Love the bright blue and green of your CAS card. I never think to emboss coloured cardstock = doh! Thanks so much for taking the time to join us at Allsorts challenge this week.

I did wonder how those wheels were going to go around lol! It's a great make as is your Christmas card.

Vicki said...

Lovely CAS card. The embossed background is beautiful. Love the strip of washi and the sweet little bird. Thanks for sharing at the Double D Bird Challenge.

Marcia Hill said...

What a great post Darnell...I love all three cards! Your first card with the falt flower tires made me chuckle too, but also made me smile 'cause it's really such a Spring like feeling card!! LOVE the colors of your 2nd card...so CAS and just perfect! And your Christmas card...it's simply magical Darnell! So CAS and just perfect...love, love, LOVE it!! Enjoy your Spring like weather and take care. We had a little break but back to Winter here this week...yuck!! Hugs. :0)

Leslie Miller said...

Well, gosh, you had such a cute idea for the bicycle, I didn't notice the flat "tires". Maybe that's why it's parked. I super love your bird card with everything coordinating so nicely, not to mention those wonderful colors and that you shared it in our Double D Birds challenge. Thanks for that! Finally, your Christmas pine cone is so pretty in that outdoorsy kinda way that I love. You've really pulled it together with the blue in the pine needles, the sentiment, and the card base. All three cards look like a fun playtime and that's what it's all about. We've been enjoying that sunshine here, too, and Rich and I got a lot done outside in prep for springtime. A bit of rain today, so grocery shopping probably.

Di said...

I love all three of your cards Darnell - the snippets bicycle really made me chuckle. Imagine trying to pedal that with those flat tyres - I can see why it amused you no end. It's a really gorgeous card anyway - love the vibrant colours! Too right about Cotons and Havi's being little scamps who can wind you around their little paws. It's those adorable eyes - and the way they almost make their bottom lip tremble!

So lovely that you came to play with us in the Playground.

Love - and cuddles from Dudley to Nellie

Di xxx

Cat Craig said...

oh you tease...for me you saved the best for last...I am in awe of that card...it to me is perfection!

nancy littrell said...

TFS all 3 of your cards, Dolly. So much creativity for your 1st card..especially loved your flower wheels (of course the flowers are going to go flat!) and the fussy cut Washi tape flowers for the basket...so clever! I love any cards with a bird or birds. Clever ways to use pieces from your stash:-) Wonderful watercolored stamped Christmas card too. How great to get started on your Christmas stash so early:-) Love and Hugs...Nancy

HilaryJane said...

Three fabulous and very different cards. Thanks for all the inspiration and the laugh. Flat flower tyres, whatever next! xx

Sarn said...

Three very different cards here Darnell, all of which are lovely. The flat flower tyres are a hoot!

Thanks for coming to play in the SNIPPETS PLAYGROUND. Once you’ve finished playing on the swings, meet me and Di up in the Treehouse for a nice mug of hot chocolate! xxx

Loll said...

WOW! You've been busy, Dolly! LOVE that pretty flower-wheeled bike!! The colour perfect to welcome spring! Funny about the "flat spots" on the flowers ... made me laugh too. :) I love the embossed clouds and pretty grass filled with shamrocks. Your QCAS card is beautiful. I have this same EF and haven't used it for a while ... LOVE IT! Perfect with the fun washi tape and bird die-cut. Your Christmas pinecone and pine sprig are GORGEOUS! I really need to get on making more Christmas cards! Love, Lolly

Brenda in IN said...

The bike rider is in for a bumpy ride on those flower tires. I love it. The bird card is lovely and a beautiful Christmas card. A wonderful play day.

Fikreta said...

Wonderful cards!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Fabulous trio of cards, the bicycle with the flower wheels looks amazing and stunning!! Love the background with the embossed colours and the shramroks grass.
Lovely sweet CAS cards too!
Hugs

JD/ Jill said...

How pretty! And I love the colors!

Bonnie said...

LOL, Maybe the flower tires are not flat, just a bit soft and settled a bit! This can just be a decorative bicycle to sit in your front yard to celebrate spring. Got to love the QACAS card! Embossing folders and birds are two of my favorite things! That pine sprig makes my jaw drop! Such beautiful colors and the perfect amount of water to blend, but not drown those colors! A fantastic design, my friend!

Lisa Elton said...

HA HA, flat flower tires, how funny! You and hammy didn't have a little nip before making this one did you? All three are wonderful, my friend but number three is a knock out! WOWEE what a perfect CAS card!

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Gorgeous trio, Darnell - love the flat flower tires on card one, sweet birdie on card two! Showstopper for me is the Christmas card - oh my, stunning with the colored and spritz stamping!!

TK said...

Darnell, I do believe I can hear you chuckling from here, and Hammie and his full-bodied belly laugh! You two are quite the pair...
You've made 3 wonderful cards, nonetheless. Fun, festive and definitely CAS that speaks volumes.

Julie B said...

Not a one or a two but a threefor! Love the pine cone Christmas card and the simplicity of the birdie one, the flowery bike mad me smile! The weather has been mild here too, so I managed a bit of gardening as well but the weather has changed and the temps have dropped, it's mizzling as I type, hope that's the worst of it. Great to see you joining in at Color Hues too. :)

Stamps and Paper said...

Love love love your fabulous bike card and it did make me smile…your little birdie card is sweet and a beautiful Christmas card…

Anne

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Thanks for the much needed chuckle this morning, of course I absolutely love your cards too.
Faith x

Viv said...

DOLLY!!! 3 cards???
Before I say anything else I now have to find that lush Christmas stamp! Just love that card.
Poor pansies - to have gone through all that bother of being well and truly Zigged, then squashed through a die machine only to find themselves being manhandled into unnatural positions and ending up the wrong way up is a trial no self respecting flower should have to bear...... but then again being flat and deflated is probably better than having Hammy winking at you....
xxxx

Em Louise Fairley said...

They are all beautiful, Darnell xoxo

Maria said...

Wow!! All beautiful cards, Darnell! I especially love the first card with the flowers as the wheels! Very pretty and creative! A beautiful bird card with the matching paper and embossed background and your Christmas card is CAS perfection!

Leanne said...

Well, these all are wonderful and so pretty! Great cards. Thank you for playing our Clean and Simple Challenge this week at Krafty Chicks Challenge. Happy Crafting.

Leanne DT Member/KCC
Krafty Chicks Challenge

Donna said...

Great threefer, the bike card is awesome, like those flower wheels,your bird card is bright and cheery, and love the pine cone card-so striking!

Darlene said...

Oh Darnell these are all just BEAUTIFUL! There is something about each one that makes me smile! I have this embossing folder and I love how you've showcased it! Thanks for sharing it with us at Double D and Can You Handle the Pressure!

Now for that beautiful holiday card ... that's a technique I haven't used in YEARS and your card turned out SO BEAUTIFUL, I'll have to give it a go very soon. Thanks for sharing it with us over on our Four Seasons blog and don't forget about our Christmas (Peace on Earth) challenge blog.

Thanks again for sharing in our challenge fun and we look forward to see you again soon. Stay safe & healthy!

Darlene
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS

P.S. Did you hear the news? We have another new challenge blog we'd love to have you come check out and play along in. It all begins on March 3, 2023. It's called Triple B. Fun with Birds, Butterflies & Blooms. Would love to have you pop over! Appreciate your support!

Lynette said...

Three super-wonderful cards, Darnell! I especially love the Christmas card.

Tracey McNeely said...

Note one but three cards! That bicycle with the flowers for wheels is awesome--wouldn't that be fun. The birds are a fantastic CAS and the pine cone is so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing with us at the Color Hues!

Sarah said...

Wonderful cards Darnell. I LOVE the pretty flower wheels, such a fab idea!! xx

JulieP said...

Flat Flower Tires. ROFL! I never would have noticed. What I did notice was your creative way of stamping and die cutting the bicycle frame in a way so as to avoid coloring. I am going to totally embrace that! Beautiful card Darnell. Thanks so much for playing with us at the Color Hues!

Ros Crawford said...

My favourite colours and what lovely cards... I really love the pine cone one. Hugs Darnell

Lisa said...

What a fun bike with the flowers as the wheels. Love the colors on the second card. They really work well together.

The stamped pine branch and cone is amazing! I need to try that technique again. The one time I tried it the results were not nearly this good.

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

I'm here with both hats on Darrell. I absolutely love your cards, your wonderful floral bike, is just wonderful and fun, Your embossed card and bird, is so pretty and your entry to our challenge is fabulous and I love the inked look. Thank you so much for joining us in our challenge at We Love Stamping. Good Luck and looking forward to seeing you again in our next challenge.
Faith A DT

Linda said...

Ha,ha, Darnell. That is too funny. Your card is as cute as can be. Perfect for the colors in this Challenge. Thanks for joining Color Hues challenge, Linda, GD.



























































































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Jeanne H said...

Oh, I love the funny flower bicycle and love the birdie card especially. Sending smiles and hugs.

R's Rue said...

So beautiful. Love it.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

Julia Aston said...

Hey Sis! what lovely 3-fer designs! I wouldn't have noticed the flats if you hadn't pointed them out silly girl! but the flower tires did make me chuckle as well! Love the embossed birds on stems background for your totally loaded with birds card! Your pinecone branch is just gorgeous - so perfectly 'inked' with your spritzed markers - LOVE IT! Julia xx

Conniecrafter said...

Aren't you clever for using the flowers with your bike, sure to brighten someones day. Love your birdie card, I like the sentiment in his beak :)
Your Christmas card is just gorgeous!

TK said...

congrats on the win at All Seasons! Your winter scene definitely evoked the winter feels

Marlena M. said...

I miss your words Darnell, and your delightful creations! That is one gorgeous bike (whether it stays put or not), and the concept of flowers for wheels is fun! I would be stuck as to how to position them too; the struggle is real!

Kate said...

I am laughing so hard at the thought of a hamster doing air quotes - good thing I'd finished my morning coffee already! Great cards as always! It was actually the flower-powered bike I wanted to get a closer look at and I'm so glad I did - that Christmas one is a real gem!! Hugs, Kate

frommycraftroom said...

WOW great cards. love the flower wheels! and an awesome Christmas card.