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 12, 2014

Blue Christmas Pines

Hello, Happy Friday!

I've really whooshed in here today, carried by gale force winds and washed down by buckets of rain. You know we desperately need it, but now, sadly, lots of folks are dealing with flooding, power outrages, and downed trees. When it rains, it pours. Both US coasts are being dumped on and I'm hoping you are all weathering okay where you are.

I've made a couple of clean and very, very simple turkoise cards for your visual pleasure. First up:
I adore these tree dies from Memory Box. For this card, I cut out the trees using the Pine Border Background die, planning to use the sparkly blue die cut on a white card base. Then, out of the corner of my eye (which, yippie, I can now out of see!), I saw a black scrap of card on my desk so I handed them both to Hammy to play with. He, being a small-brained hamster, after all, simply off-set the die cut on top of the scrap to create a shadow. I liked it so much I replaced the scrap with a black card base and wallah! EZPZ. QACAS.

I was pleased with it, pure as it was with all that sparkly blue white space, but then Hammy handed me a silver glimmery star to see what that would look like hanging from the northwest corner of the pine forest:
They're both pwetty. Pweference?

~~~

Next, I made this:
Remember the other day I showed you a card I made with a flourish die cut over a rainbow of Gelato watercolors? For this similar card (also using some of that lush paper from Anita), I used the Memory Box Pine Border Outline die and inlaid a blue wash of colors using the color inspiration from this week's Less Is More challenge.
They look like ballerinas on their tippy toes, wearing white gloves and holding hands.

I don't care what the hamster says, I really love this card just as it is without any additional stars, bling, or sediment. Don't you wish you could run your finger over that picture? Or am I the only one who actually reaches for the monitor when something touchable appears? You know, like Ryan on my last post. Settle down.

Challenges
  • AAA Cards, where the theme is "Blue, Blue, Blue Christmas Challenge." 
  • Less Is More Color Week. (I'd like to thank Chrissie and the lovely ladies of the Design Team for the honor of being Showcased last week!)
  • Pals Paper Arts (PPA231), which is also a color challenge this week.
We'd love you to display our banner12-11

Please click on the challenge links for details on rules, sponsors, and prizes.

~~~


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81 comments:

Veerle said...

Love your CAS cards Darnell? I prefer the shimmery one.
Hugs, Veerle

Milka Gubo said...

WOW! Your cards are GORGEOUS!!! All are very pretty and elegant, but I like the most the last one (it makes me ahhhhhhh) :-D Love that paper you used on the last card.
I hope weather will be better soon at yours place. Here in Cavtat is finally sunny. :-D
Thank you Darnell for another great cards, enjoy your weekend :-D
hugs
Milka

Sarah said...

Nope, I can't choose...they are all lovely!! We've had a stormy night here in the UK too :0(

Hannelie said...

I was reading about the storms in the news and was hoping you're ok!
Love your cards today. That die is to die for! You used it in a beautiful way!

Margaret said...

Congrats on being showCASed lat week at LIM. I love the white card and the turquoise trees - great CAS card.

Inkyfingers said...

Love that die Darnell and both your Cas cards are lovely. Hope you stay dry.
Hugs
Carol x

Sue - said...

Two lovely cards Darnell. Can't choose between them though 'cos I like them both! Sorry I've not been commenting as much as usual - its that busy time of the year!

Stamps and Paper said...

HI Darnell.....oh boy I cant really decide which I like best as they are both so eyecatching...but for me it is the white with turquoise trees...

Anne

Sue said...

Lovely cards. I prefer the white with blue as it really stands out.

Hope you have a fab Friday. Sue

Carole Pollard said...

Great cards today that a fab die so lovely Hope your weather improves its not much better in the UK. Winter Ugh hate it Love and hugs Carole x

Sheila H said...

Great use of that marvelous die. Your CAS designs are awesome.

Nan G said...

Wow! Awesome makes, Dar, both of them....well all three of em. :) I'm in love with the first and last ones. I'm also envying your CAS-ability. I'll send you my storm shutters whilst I shiver in my sweaters. Hugs

Lisa Elton said...

Lovin all of the pine trees today Darnell! Pretty CAS designs!

Lorraine A said...

Gorgeous cards darnell :-) both of them are so pretty, I love the trees and will have to get the die ! :-)

luv
Lols x x x

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Oh My Darnell! So totally, cards to CASE . . . gorgeous, both, but if I was forced to choose, I think maybe the blue & white one . . . maybe the sparkling monochrome one . . . maybe . . . oh, you choose! ;) Hazel x

Ros Crawford said...

I love both cards! That's certainly a great die!
We've had crazy weather too ... Then again we are used to it

Sazzle Dazzle said...

Simply 100% jummy Darnell.
Love how you've used the color palette on both cards but particularly the second one.
CAS perfection.
Thanks as always for taking part.
Sarah
Less is more

Sazzle Dazzle said...

Edit...meant yummy not jummy!!!!

Leslee said...

Beautiful cards! I am going to have to try these dies out since I have them, but not used them as yet!
Hope you're not floating away yet and stay warm and dry!

stampwithsandy said...

Love them both, Darnell. Clean, elegant, very sophisticated.

Deepti said...

Pretty cards! I am loving the second one more :)

Kara Lynne said...

Gorgeous color and texture! I love the black behind the trees. Without the star is my preference, but I would've put the star on it b/c white space scares me. Those ballerinas should take a bow, they are beautiful!

Brenda in IN said...

I'm so happy to see your post this morning since I heard about all the storms and flooding out your way. Both of these cards are gorgeous. I think I like the shiny first one. But I also like the blue background in the second one. Also love the picture of Elvis. My grandmother was the first to call me and tell me when Elwin died. She always called him Elwin!

Krisha said...

Happy to see your post this morning, let's me know you weren't blown out of state, or washed out to sea.....LOL
Leave it to the little ones to create so simple. Absolutely love what he did, and then mounting it back onto the same glittery paper.........perfect!!

Pat said...

These trees are very geometric and both cards are beautiful, but I think my favourite is the second one with that very pretty paper you have used. x

Anonymous said...

Very COOL cards!!!!

Marisa said...

Love these trees. Great mix of cards using them :)

Victoria Lavender said...

Simply FABulous! Like them both, quite fond of number two. Thanks for dropping off your cute stuff with us. I think I'll go explore a few more of your posts. Merry Christmas, Victoria- AAA Cards

Donna Nuce said...

Wow! Gorgeous cards both of them! Love that touchable texture on card #2. Have a great day Darnell.

jimlynn said...

ALL are great! Love the colors on these and that wonderful die.
Lynn

Redanne said...

Oh yes, I would definitely love to run my finger over that gorgeous card and you are so right, it does look like ballerinas!! Your first card is exquisite too, I think I prefer it without the star but it looks pretty with the star too.... Both cards are gorgeous... Hugs, Annie xxx

Harriet Skelly said...

I love both cards - CAS perfection here! Hugs!

Verna Angerhofer said...

A wonderful modern card design and love all the shimmer and shine on it. Awesome design inside too! I love your Blue Christmas rendition!

Cathy said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell, love the blue shading in the 2nd one and the subtle texture. Yep would love to see how it feels! Cathy x

Jean said...

Wow Darnell, I love your beautiful CAS cards. The first one is my favourite, the blue sparkle card is gorgeous and I love how the offset black mat really looks like a shadow.
Jean x

Bonnie said...

Wow, that's some turkoise amazability! Love the addition of the silver star! The second card is jaw dropping gawgeous! Oh, my! Love the texture and pretty inset trees!

Carole Z said...

Love the cards Darnell! Gorgeous! Hugs Carole Z xx

Lindsey said...

I think Hammy was right to hand you the star for the first bit of gorgeousness, but if he tries to glue one on to the second bit of gorgeousness, slap his paw away. It's perfect as it is. :D

Vicki Dutcher said...

Nice use of ALL papers - negative and positive :) Thanks for joining in with AAA Too!

Anonymous said...

Two wonderful cards. Thanks.

Mrs A. said...

Bootiful. I love the all blue one the bestest of the best. Hugs Mrs A.

Kathleen said...

Just gorgeous and I do prefer without the star but a tiny sentiment in top left would just be spot on for me, great die.

Kath x

Annette Allen said...

wow I love how you used this die.. very pretty

Leslie Hanna said...

LOVE these trees. I own these trees. Why don't I USE these trees? I especially want to fondle that second one.

Angela said...

Darnell, I L-O-V-E this wintry scene! Thanks for showing us your blue at AAA Cards!

joy said...

Love these pretty cards, Darnell! The possibilities are endless with all of the dies that are out now and I enjoyed seeing your variations using these trees. Thanks for the inspiration.

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I like the first one better without the star--it is elegance at its finest. The color wash on your next card is fabulous! Gives off a neat look.

Carol L said...

That's a great variety of cards you've made using that tree die! I love the one with the silver star the best!

Di said...

Fabulous dahling - both of them, with or without the star!

Hugs

Di xx

Gerrina said...

Wow, three beautiful cards! I prefere the one without the star, but my favo is the inlayed card; what a stunning way to use the colours!
It is raining, windy and gray here for a few days in a row now. Looks like autumn and not like winter...Hope you're okay? Enjoy the weekend, Gerrina

Cat Craig said...

Hey Darnell, I really love all three cards, and if I had to choose two it would be the first and the last. Gorgeous shades of blue/turquoise used in both...just mouth watering. L O V E !

Bobby said...

Yum, I love that turquoise paper and offsetting the trees really makes them stand out. I like the one without the star better. That second card is delicious. It does make me want to reach out and touch it.

Susanne Vargas said...

Even though I love stars very much I cannot pick a favorite of the two first ones! Both are lovely. The third card is also gorgeous with your expert shading and Anita's fantastic card. Wish we could get that here...

OH Babs said...

My preference is the border card and your Anita paper.

Karren said...

Gorgeous! Love the graphic look to these cards.

Janeen said...

oh my gosh, Darnell these cards are GREAT. i love the top one plain, w/o the star, it's so beautiful as is. --you have now convinced me to purchase this die as part of my on-going order i am doing at Simon Says. i was looking at it but....... okay, just do it!

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell...I love each and everyone of your cards. Your blue trees are amazing and so clever too. I am glad to hear you still making cards even with all the rain...we had the day off, I called it a snow day...this is the closet we will ever get to one of those. Take care and stay dry.

Shona Chambers said...

Kids are looking at me strangely as I'm sitting here giggling to myself. Just read the comment at the end of your post about touching the screen and then you mention 'Ryan'. So funny!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE these cards, I think they are magnificient. Tone on tone looks so modern and I also love the different blues created on the second card. I can't choose a favourite...pls don't make me!!!

sandie said...

Darnell these are a joy, perfectly CAS, my fav is the first minus the star...sorry I know it is there now but hammy was wrong! Have a fun weekend x

Linda said...

Beautiful cards Darnell .... I love them all but my favourite is the turquoise trees ....... gorgeous!! Have a great weekend hun ...... Linda xx

Pia S said...

CAS perfection! I would leave out the silver star to keep it monochromatic and ultra CAS. The textured look of your second card is fab!!!

Sharon Underwood said...

Gorgeous cards, Darnell! Love that tree die.

Geri said...

The dramatic simplicity of your designs using this die is stunning! Gorgeous colors!

Nothing else is needed! Great call to 'step away from the card!!!"

... and play with Ryan instead!

Geri said...

ooops...forgot to add that the effect of the shadow is AMAZING!

BożenA said...

Hello Darnell, has long been my pleasure to watch your blog. It is very beautiful and very inspiring. And I'm especially pleased that you want to watch my blog. Cards that are done a beautiful. Especially I like the turquoise Christmas tree. Beautiful color and texture of the paper.
hugs,
Bozena

JD/ Jill said...

They're both so nicely done. So happy that you are seeing better these day. So am I! I feel so blessed, especially when I have surprised two eye doctors with the progress that I have made...(which was better than they both expected! I told them that it was my Christmas present!) Hope you're having a very blessed week!

Laurie Unger said...

Really liking the blue inlaid wash of colors card! Beautiful. We survived the wind and rain here in WA and only lost power for about 6 hours which happened when we were sleeping, so no big deal! Hope you weathered things well!

Julia said...

I always love your posts! Both styles are just lovely. Thanks so much for joining in with AAA this challenge.

Michelle said...

Those trees DO look like ballerinas! And yes, I do want to reach out and touch your card. :-) Gorgeous texture!

cm said...

Touching Ryan..oh, the thought...Oops, just dreaming outloud...settling down now. Your cards are delights; Hammy's recommendations to add the black background and shimmery star to the first: brilliant. He's a handy hamster, indeed. The 'ballerinas, in white gloves, standing on tiptoes and holding hands' card: LOVE it! Beauties all around...
Hugs~c

Brenda said...

Oh my, I am loving both of these beautiful cards! The colors in both are amazing. Hammy did a fabulous job with his card and yes, I do like the silver star. Your card is simply stunning and I just love that paper that Anita uses and that you have used here. Just beautiful! Hugs, Brenda

Loll said...

Two beautiful cards using that wonderful die-cut Dolly. I need to get it! Thanks for enabling me :) Love it done in the blues ... both the sparkly one with the black shadow (fabulous design!) ... and the blue wash with the white background (amazing texture!). Looks like you and Hammy were having fun! Lolly xx

Greta said...

I like the addition of the silver star on the first card & I adore the second one! I agree, Darnell, it didn't need anything to be added--looks perfect as is!

MaryH said...

Love 'em all. I think #1 (apologies to Hammy, and could I please borry him for card design help?). I loved them each one...the big shining star just sparkled so prettily. Loved #3 with the gelato & the inlay. Perfection - all 3. Good for you on using that corner vision. Hugs

Ann Schach said...

Clean and lovely, Darnell! This is the coolest die ever! I LOVE it! Thanks for playing with the Pals at Pals Paper Arts this week!

Barb Ghig said...

Yes, I do want to reach out and touch your card! All of them are so pretty, Darnell...I love the first one with and without the star and the beautiful blue papers you chose for the last one!
It's always fun to stop by your blog...Thank you for that! Have a great week ahead ~ Barb

Claire Broadwater said...

LOVE both of the elegant, CAS cards! Beautiful! XX

Marybeth said...

Wow both are perfection! Love the very clean and elegant look of both!

Patti said...

oooh oooh I like them all!! great line up of trees : )

Patti

Anita in France said...

Hope you're not still being lashed with storms, Darnell ... wishing you rain of the soft, gentle type! Stunning cards ... beautiful tone on tone turquoise shimmer (my fave is the unadorned one ... it's so elegant) ... gorgeous ombré over the linen card ... I agree, ballet dancers (although I would never have thought of that if you hadn't!) Hugs, Anita :)

Chrissie said...

Can't believe I didn't get around to visiting last week!
This is a fabulous bunch of creations Darnell!
Tree-mendous!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"