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!

December 10, 2013

One Tree Hill ~ CASOS #23; KIS #28; LIM #149; WOYWW #236

How's it going?

Don't look now, but we are already at mid-whoosh this week!
 
I am joining the fun at What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday (WOYWW).  My desk takes the cake as far as my desks go, the reason being that there is just one more Wednesday in between now and Christmas Wednesday.  Medic!
I love how this time of year I get to call my stunning mess, "Santa's workshop!"
It's crunch time and so I'm thinking that even the neatest of card makers has a messy desk at the mo!  I haven't even finished my overseas cards yet, so it's a pretty safe bet that the darn (cough) postal service might not deliver all the cards (cough) on time. 
 
My feature card today came about because I just happened to have the perfect little metal embellishment to use on this week's Less Is More challenge.  Chrissie and Jen want us to use some metallic element, plus one other color, on our cards.  Using silver and white, I went to work and made this:
I took my photos, stopped and fixed dinner, and started my post.  The hamster was happily grooming his whiskers, having worked himself into a frenzy of silver embellishment and silver sparkle.  Suddenly, he sat up with such a start that he very nearly fell off his wheel.  He even let out a sharp squeak. 
 
"Uh, oh," I thought, "that's never good."  I stared at him and he glanced back, sidelong.  I'm not sure what that means, but I've always wanted to use it in a sentence.  In turn, I glanced sidelong at my card.
 
White is not a color.
My tree is a sort of silver metallic.
My snowy hills are silver metallic glitter.
My sediment is silver metallic embossing powder.
So if silver is my metallic, then we've got metallic all covered in silver.
 
What then is the "one other color?"
 
Oops.
 
Red liquid pearls to the rescue, I turned my card into this:
Pffwhewie.

~~~

My card is also playing with these challenges:
I'm hoping you can join in.  The linkies will take you to the challenge headquarters where generous and talented hostesses (and sometimes hosts) are there to answer your questions about rules, sponsors, and prizes.

~~~

Thaz it.  I'm heading back to card making and signing and addressing ... when I'm not distracted by challenges! 

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 leave a comment and/or join as a follower!  Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor! 
 
  
 
*Life Is Too Short!


Project Details
PaperPTI white; SU! silver shimmer
Stamps    SU! unknown set
 InkStampa Rosa Silver EP
AccessoriesMaking Memories "tree" charmed plaque

85 comments:

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

That's a beautiful card. Love that your hamster was there to help you with your challenge. And I just got my international cards posted today, so I'm worried, too. Have a great WOYWW from #1.

Carol L said...

Santa's workshop - hmmmm, I'm officially renaming my craft area likewise! LOL Mine looks very much like yours actually :)
Gosh, I just love this card! I like those red accents as much as without them! Gorgeous!

Unknown said...

I'm loving that card. Wow. Don't feel bad about your space, we all need to do some cleaning. I know I do. #12

Unknown said...

Gorgeous card, simple but beautiful..Love the space, I'm pea green jealous... Thanks for visiting me earlier and for your lovely comments...I'll absolutely follow you, rest assured I'm not a stalker...lol. Happy crafting and have a fab week... DeDe #5

Shannon J said...

Good thing that hamster is keeping you on your toes!! Beautiful, shiny, pretty and festive! And the addition of the little red ornaments on the tree brings it home!! Fist pump for the hamster!!

Aileen said...

Darnel, i love your sense of humor and witty comments. Makes me think of someone mmmm think its me. Nothing better than humor to get one thru the day. New follower thru Feedly. Love love your card with a dot or two of red, perfect.

sara j said...

Yep, that's what it looks like...stuff strewn all over the floor as well. There just isn't enough space on the desk, no matter how big the desk is....
I think your addition of the ornaments on the tree is just perfect...you know, not too much, just enough. I sometimes do a whole piece for Hels Sheridan's Sunday stamping challenge, without any stamping. Oh well, good thing we like what we do!
Thanks for visiting the Fun Room - hope your week is a good one.
Sara j #20

Unknown said...

What an elegant card! Your hamster certainly knows what he's talking about! I have one card to go to America and I really will do it today! Have a great week
Lynda B #36

Claire Grantham said...

Love your card Darnell..also love the creative Christmas chaos in the playhouse. I had to laugh at your postal dilemma as I am trying to figure out, just how my Christmas gifts are going to get to the UK in time...Cx #35

Claire Grantham said...

Love your card Darnell..also love the creative Christmas chaos in the playhouse. I had to laugh at your postal dilemma as I am trying to figure out, just how my Christmas gifts are going to get to the UK in time...Cx #35

Karren said...

I saw your photo of your desk at the same time as I saw your blog post title and thought I read CHAOS. Well, I thought that was a little harsh until I re-read it LOL. Your card, Darnell, is a stunner - so rich-looking while still being beautifully CAS.

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Oh so gorgeous card, love all the sparcle and little tree
fantastic work room-looks like mine
Someone was there :) working :)
hugs Tamara

Lesley said...

Love this gorgeous card...and my desk looks WORSE! LOL! Tis the season...
Signed the creative genius humanlike robot... ;)
xx

Helen said...

Fab post, it makes me smile to think of you and your hamster together! Love the card, it's gorgeous... good luck with getting them finished! Helen 24

Heather North said...

You're supposed to have your overseas cards done by now? Who knew? ;) I still have a few more to finish and send myself.
I am in love, serious head over heels in LOVE with your sparkly card. That is not a normal thing for me to say about a CAS card, but it's true. Do you know how long I have had metal embellishments like yours and not known what to do with them? I'm so inspired right now!

P.S. Yes, my table and floors look like that. At least you are brave enough to take pictures and post them on the world wide web.

Sue said...

Stunning card Darnell, I love the design and wonderful silver sparkle.
Glad you shared your picture of your work space, makes me feel much better!
hugs Sue xx

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Wonderful card, Darnell, in brief not able to use pooter, Happy WOYWW, Shaz in Oz.x30

Jessi Fogan said...

bahahahahaha! I call mine the hamster too - as in, when I'm obsessing over something it's on the hamster wheel. You made me laugh right out loud with him grooming his little whiskers :) Excellent save with the red LP - and a totally gorgeous card. I can imagine you're starting to get a bit of an eye twitch over the state of the playhouse :)

Sammy said...

*polishes halo* My oversees cards are sent, and I am just finishing off the last 2 UK cards. All the others are made, written and enveloped, complete with address. I'm *that* good! ;-)
Of course, my house is a mess and my family has forgotten what I look like, but hey... lol.

Your card is gorgeous, and I love what you did with the liquid pearls! x

Kathyk said...

FABBYICIOUS card, love that sparkle!

Happy WOYWW

Kathyk

Julie Lee said...

I love the description of you and the hamster's exchange: it reminded me of Henry James!!! Have you ever thought of becoming a novelist, Darnell! That card is gorgeous. It's not the sort of look that I could ever pull off, but you have made it just zing! Love the simplicity, love the sparkle! Have a lovely day! Julie Ann xx #45

Gerrina said...

A perfect card it has become! Loved reading your post again! With a smile on my face typing... Inky greetings, Gerrina

Anonymous said...

I love the simple elegance of that card. I had a siberian dwarf hamster as a pet once. He was so sweet and tiny and did not smell AT ALL. Your chat with your hamster did make me smile....

Happy WOYWW!
Mary Anne (15)

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

Well done, that hamster. He had just the right idea and that is a stunning card, with just the right amount of colour. I have a wedding card to do for the weekend, no room in which to work and no time to get to it. Help! I think we are all under the pump at the moment. I have no stamps to send the cards I have managed to complete. Thank you for your visit today and have a very good week. xx Maggie #23

Neet said...

A delectably delicious card (can you say that?)
So glad the hamster alerted you to put some colour on - whilst I love white on white (or silver in your case) I do think the red makes it pop!
Hugs, and thanks for visiting me earlier. Neet xx 14 who is just starting her cards (and coughing) her overseas ones are included in that.

Mrs Harry said...

Good save Darnell. And what a beautiful card, both before and after.

Pat said...

I do envy those that have their Christmas cards already done but like you Darnell I am still crafting away and will be for a while. I love your cas cards, they are so cleverly designed and this is no exception. Great little touches of red on the tree. xx

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Watch out for the hamster...he might be part of a plot to take over the world. First, it's art appreciation, the next it's complete dominance of the wheel manufacturing industries.
Be warned..... ;-)
Hugs, LLJ 43 xx

Hettie said...

Happy Wednesday from one Santa's Lickle Helper to another! Your desk looks about the same as mine. Will share next week when no doubt it will be worse.
The same postal service may be late with some of mine too! Cough!
So? Silver is not a colour ey? That means my recent WOW IS WOW! Hurrah!
Hugs
xx

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Very beautiful and elegant card. I love the glitter snow and the metal piece with the tree.

Your desk yes is quite busy, looks like you are working :) Is it possible to work 'neat'? I'm a neat person normally but when I'm messing around in my craft room it looks like a bomb when off. I also have trouble finding things that I've just put down. One day, I'll take photos. I hope you are enjoying the Season. Hugs, Shirleyx

Chris Dring said...

Kudos to the hamster for catching the need for some color, and kudos to you for using a little splash of LP on your card. It's just the right amount and really makes an already fabulous card that much more spectacular! TFS!

P.S. Glad I'm not the only one who's craft room looks like a bomb went off in it! LOL!

jimlynn said...

Your craft room looks like mine right now.....but there's always time to clean it up after Christmas!

This is a simply, totally, GORGEOUS card!!! The red dots on the embellishment are just fantastic and gave it the right amount of color. So very pretty!

Lynn

Eliza said...

Excellent card and I am with you, not sure if the o/s cards will make it on time, but hey I still have to write in them too. Chin up we all get in a mess.

Happy WOYWW
Hugs Eliza & Yoda 66

Unknown said...

Hello dearest! Can I just say that card is prettier than jewelry? Oh my goodness...love, love, love it. You know we had hamsters for several years, and just the other day my daughter, now in college, was saying she wanted a hamster again! Those were happy times with the little furry things. Ours had the long hair and looked like little golden teddy bears. Hugs! Happy WOYWW! Sandy Leigh #10

Robyn said...

thanks for the kind words.
Lovely "mess" and card- GLITTER!
Thanks for visiting and the snoop around your place.
Robyn 18

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Thanks for stopping by and also for being a follower. Love your card, and I know the delema of sending overseas. My son is a career Army so he's been all over the world.
And your desk area !! take it x3 and that was my area last Monday..how I can be so messy lately is beyond me. I think it is all the interruptions
Have some fun crunch time!

Redanne said...

Not joining in (again!) but just called to say hello. That hampster sure comes in handy at times......the addition of the red on the tree is wonderful, really perks it up - clever hampster! A truly beautiful card. Big hugs, Annie xx

Kelly Griglione said...

Isn't it funny how your cards come to be when working on challenges? I absolutely adore the tiny red ornaments you added to the tree! The rest of your silver/glitter is so magical!

Susanne Vargas said...

Nice save with those red ornaments, Darnell! Love your sparkly card with and without red ornaments! Good for you for taking time to enter challenges amidst preparations for the holidays! My blog has been dormant because I was so busy writing and mailing my overseas Christmas cards! I really should take the time to post something...

Pia S said...

Your card is so simple and yet so stunning and beautifully glittery!

Unknown said...

Such a pretty card!!! My craft room always seems to be the messy around the holiday season ;)

Stempelomi said...

stunning! I love it!
Hugs,Beate

Happy Dance said...

Loved the first version until I saw the second one! Those little dabs of red are the perfect plus-one color, and perfectly placed too. LOVE this card. Am desperately trying to catch up commenting, and wanted to make sure you knew I have been thinking of you. This card is the BOMB. Yep, really do like this one. A lot. A real lot. A really, really lot. Bev

Nan G said...

Good thing you've got the hamster.... :)) Nicely done with the red ornaments! Santa's workshop, cute. My Santa is on vacation. WOYWW hugs! Nan G #69

walchowDesign said...

Simply gorgeous, Darnell! Love the metallic look with the touch of red!

Vicki Dutcher said...

Oh I love the use of the metal with the tee tiny pops of red -- awesome card! The playhouse looks really played in today :)

Julia Dunnit said...

Your card is fab, love the additional colour, talk about less is more! You can't have the medic. I've got him. I need constant defibrillatorisationism this week, by Jove I do.

shirley-bee said...

That is one smart hamster. The red baubles really add punch to the card! Keep supplying him with wodka and he'll be fine.

Carole said...

giggles and chuckles here...just adore that metallic glittery simple card...fab.Thanks for sharing. Be well Carole #66

Anonymous said...

Your friend the hamster certainly has an eye for colour, Darnell ... I loved the first silvery glittery gorgeousness ... and then I got to gasp at how your yummy ornaments took the gorgeousness to another level ... wow! Anita :)

Jackie said...

How clever of you to think to add the red liquid pearls !!!
Nice to see a little 'mess' on your flour!
Jackie40

Sharon Underwood said...

I think you're hamster is there with you just like my cat is here with me, sitting at the table as I create and watching every move. Love your beautiful card--that silver is gorgeous, and I love the scene!

Unknown said...

Oh Dippy my friend - you are such a star! That's it.....end of message. Mwah x 10

Hugs.

Karendipity

Barb Ghig said...

Your posts are ALWAYS so fun to read, Darnell! Is it any wonder I'm #55 leaving a comment? I think not!
It's so nice to know I'm not the only one dealing with a mess right now...yikes!

I love how you used your metal charm on this card! And, those darling red ornaments are the perfect touch, especially against your gorgeous glittery snow banks!

Loly Borda said...

Lovely card! The added touch of red is perfect! TFS

Marybeth said...

First I want to say : Now thats more like it with the mess. You are getting there!
Love your card with the metal tree.. how elegant is that! Beautiful snow drift and card.

Bobby said...

That glitter hill is wonderful with it's little tree embellishment on top. And with red balls, to boot.

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Stunning card - my card room look messier than yours most of the time.....

Whimcees said...

Hello!

A very busy workdesk - a sign of a creations being made! Love your card! Wishing you a happy holiday season!

Hugs,

Barbara Diane

Ginny Maxam said...

Hi Darnell! I really enjoyed reading your post and I love your card!! I am going to check of the KIS blog too! and as you recommended to me Pixie's crafty Workshop! and you are right your desk is a mess, a happy creative one that just says Dive In!!! Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier.ave a great week, TFS Ginny #16

Jacquie Southas said...

The touches of red are perfect! I'm thinking I might be sending New Years cards overseas instead of late Christmas cards - or maybe just blame the darn postal service.

alexandra s.m. said...

Gorgeous card Darnell!
I had to laugh at the contrast between the state of your desk and the zen-like Xmas card ;)

505whimsygirl said...

Hello Darnell,

I love the card with just the touch of red. Well done and what a great eye for detail!

I wrote my post but never got around to taking photos. Sometimes after I get home from work I just don't feel like it..... tee hee.

Hmmm, I'm mailing cards abroad too and hadn't thought that the deadline for them getting there on time is close. Thanks for the wake up call!

Hugs,
Kay

CraftygasheadZo said...

Beautiful card! It's mad isn't it this time of year, trying to get everything sorted. Take care Zo xx 82

Geri said...

Sure is nice to see that your craft room resembles mine! Definitely a sign of major productivity and creativity!

One Tree Hill....forgot all about this show until I saw your card!

Love the glitter and LOVE the game changing bling! Beautiful embossed sentiment!

Good thing Mr. Hamster let out a warning squeak, because it would have been a shame to have this beauty punted from the race for top honors just because the red bling was missing!

Anonymous said...

Hello Mrs "I'm not joining in with WOYWW this week!" Funny things hamsters, I had two growing up and they never helped me with anything I have to say, not even my homework! Can't silver be a metallic and a colour at the same time? Although I do really like the pop of red. I don't really like your desk though, or the whole playhouse if truth be told. Methinks you'll be in there over Christmas cleaning it up, lol!!

Hugs
Brenda

Angi Barrs said...

Love the gorgeous card design! My work space is a mess too!

Craft-E-Place said...

Brilliant, beautiful, elegant, stylish .... I could go on suffice to say I love your card! I so enjoy reading your blog it is so full of life and energy - it just sounds like you are having a conversation with each and every one of your readers. Thank you.
Elaine

cotnob said...

This is a stunning card Darnell, I love your snowy hills and your liquid pearls are the perfect finishing touch.
Pauline
x

April said...

Welcome to my world. LOL
April #84

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell...fabulous card and great use of your the metal. I have an entire drawer of those and think I may just have to pull them out to play with.

Greta said...

Oh how I love this card, Darnell! So glad the challenge required 2 colors since the final version is fabulous!

Joni Andaya said...

Goodness!!! That is beautiful! The simplicity is WOW!

Chrissie said...

This is gorgeous Darnell, I haven't even started addressing my cards yet, I am so behind...I blame it all on my grandson's chicken pox!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
Less is More

vic said...

Hi Darnell oh wow your card is a stunner love the metal charm :) love your craft room I was just drooling over it! Thank you for your lovely message you have a new follower too :)

Hugs

Vic x

Janelle said...

Stunning card, gorgeous! (That's you) The glitter is glamorous and the design simply divine. (Enough superlatives??? Let me know! :)

MaryH said...

As always, enjoyed the pretty card and laughed at the post. (maybe I should say 'smiled', might sound better, but ya know what I meant!). It's always delightful to visit here, and I'm with you on the expressions you read, never have a chance to use appropriately. You scored big this time. Loved this glitzy card. What a perfect embellie for your challenge, and I liked them bright red ornaments! (Yes, this is being Southern speak!)Great layout with the curvy silver hill, and I loved seeing your messy desk. Mine is worse, has been that way, & I'm beginning to doubt I will ever get it cleaned again. I'm so happy to have been able to enjoy so much fun and so many artful & creatively gaw-jus cards at your blog this past year. How do you keep up with the challenges, your posts, and visits...is jest beyond Moi. But you do. You're becoming Worldwide Famous for NBUS...I'm seeing it all over the place. A new word for the dic-shun-ary. Merry Christmas, TFS & Hugs.

Bonnie said...

It's a good thing you have that hamster to keep you right! Love the red bling on the tree!

scrappymo! said...

Well Darnell...another wonderful card. You have reminded me that I have some similar brads and should add those tot he VOS pile to be used next!!!
Looking forward to many more posts from you that make me smile and even have a giggle sometimes!!!

Laurie Unger said...

Love the last minute addition of the red! LOL.

Kim M said...

What a simply gorgeous card, Darnell!! Love it and just had to pin it! :-)

Cathy said...

Love the pop of red Darnell, it made your card even more fantastic :) Cathy x

Daniella said...

You are so funny!! I love visiting your desk and your little craft house!
Beautiful card!
So sorry I'm late!
xxDaniella#8

cm said...

85 comments (make that 86..) is beyond IMPRESSIVE! More evidence of how much your posts and cards, and YOU are loved! Wow! I've admired it straight on, and sidelong, and the results are conclusive: beautiful! Wild applause for the hamster; perhaps an extra treat today! Another wonderful visit to your Playhouse...Hugs~c

dnisme@blogspot.com said...

I took a quick glance at your latest card for New Years and I love it. I also love your sense of humour. I will definitely become a follower and I covet your craft area. Thanks for visiting my site. I'm still learning how to control it. Sigh!
I'll be back.