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 23, 2014

More Pine Border Cards and a Horn Tootle

Hello, my friends!

I wanted to show you more cards I made this year for family and friends using the Memory Box Pine Tree Border dies. I think because I've always loved jigsaw puzzles, I became quite addicted to these dies.

I also wanted to tootle my little horn and share that Laurie Davenport is featuring me today as part of her Trend Watch article at Paper Crafter's Library. She is showcasing the Pine Tree Border cards I posted here on December 12th. I'm very chuffed and thank you very much, Laurie!!

So without further achoo, here are several more examples. Some are quite obviously for Christmas, but others are generic enough to be used for birthdays or any other occasion. As you scroll down, you will see that I used a sediment in the upper left-hand corner on a couple of the cards. If you like how that looks, you could use a Happy Birthday sediment, or any other. I just love Versa Tilaty. 

Enjoy! I apologize for the poor photo quality.

Using patterned paper:
Subtle differences in the patterned paper (Bo Bunny) placement and an angled corner to mimic the angles of the trees:
And in pinks:
 
For the following, I used the same patterned paper (PTI) for both the trees and the mat and added a  pop of ribbon:
 
  
Here we have lots of layers:
  
Using a sediment and this time the trees are solid and the outline is patterned:
 
I made two cards using two Pine Border die cut outs which were sent to me by my friend Maria F. in gorgeous coppery and gold glittery paper. (Thank you, again, Maria! You enabler!)
Challenges

I'm entering this last card in:


icy-moodboard-sssSimon Wednesday Challenge Blog

GRAB OUR BADGE!For your blog
The challenge links will provide you with details about rules, sponsors, and prizes.

~~~

I had a delicious holiday lunch yesterday with my bloggie friends Kim and Harriet!
Yes, that's right, I have a holiday sweater and I'll bet you're not the least bit surprised. I'd love to see your holiday sweater or sweatshirt! Kim is modeling an adorable shy snowman and Harriet is representin' for team Hanukkah!

For those of you traveling on the highways, bivalves, and jetways, be safe! God speed and may the sun shine on your arrival. Relatively speaking when you're speaking to your relatives, be nice!

~~~

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!
  
 
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92 comments:

Julie B said...

I love that border die and was sorely tempted when I saw it on offer in our craft shop last week. If its still there when I go back in the new year I might well indulge after seeing these fab cards!
Happy Holidays x

Ardyth said...

I laughed so hard to see that you have the same holiday sweater as my mom! How fun to meet up with Harriet and Kim again! Great job showing all the many uses of this tree die - love the copper/gold one! Merry Christmas, my friend!

Anne said...

Those are lubbly bubbly cards DJ!!! Thank you dear lady for the lovely card you sent me. I'm afraid I am somewhat behind with my posting. Never fear though one day happy mail will wing it's way from little ole England to you !!! Have a wonderful Christmas! Anne x

Anne said...

PS should say 'lubbly jubbly ' :-) not bubbly ! X

Liz said...

Love these cards. I especially like the one with patterned paper. What a fab die! Love the holiday sweater too!! xx

Sue said...

Love the cards. It's great to see the variations.

Hope you have a lovely Christmas. Sue

Geri said...

Wowzers! These cards are all sooooo amazing! It's so cool to see how the different colors, patterns, etc. change the effect of the card! The two versions of Peace, Love & Joy are stunning!

AND...A HUGE congrats on the shout out at Paper Crafter's Library! This card was, without a doubt, destined for greatness (the wee black shadow was brilliant!!!)

Lynn said...

Oh I am a lucky, lucky girl as I have one of these beautiful cards at my house. My hubby was having a giggle about how I was studying your gorgeous card. Thinking I'm not often patient enough for the inlaid dies! Love it! How fun to have lunch out! Looking forward to lots of family time for Christmas. Merry Christmas to you and your family Darnell. xoxo

Sandy said...

Love the variety of looks you got out of this die. It's it fun to see how different papers change everything?

Verna Angerhofer said...

Congratulations! That is awesome as are your pine border cards. I really like how you can make so many variations of the border design.

Carole Z said...

Love what you have done with this die .super cards! Hugs Carole Z X

Cheryl W. said...

Thank you, Darnell, for your kind comment on my blog. As soon as I post this note, I am going to join your blog as a follower, too. I loved your creativity in using the same die to make such a variety of cards. I can see there is a lot I can learn from you! Have a wonderful holiday, Cheryl

Lisa Elton said...

Well congrats to you sweet friend!! I love love all of these cards but my fave is the 4th with the pretty patterned paper. Cute photo of you crafty ladies!! Have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas :)

Kay Miller said...

I just had to come see what the horn tootle was all about! haha! Congratulations!! Your pine tree border cards are wonderful! So CAS and pretty!! Love the picture of you girls in your festive sweaters!! So cute and funny! You're so lucky to be able to meet blog friends in real life. No one lives even remotely close to me :( Hope you have a very Merry and wonderful Christmas my friend! ((Hugs))

Kim Heggins said...

Amazing cards Darnell...and even though you used the same over the top fabulous tree die, they are so beautiful and so different too. You are amazing my sweet friend and it was so much fun to meet up with you and Harriet for lunch, always a wonderful treat. Merry Christmas!

Happy Dance said...

Okay...these dies are now officially on my list. What you've done with each of these cards is stunning. Each one is as pretty as the last/next! Wowie! LOVE these! I have a sweater, but it won't fit again until next Christmas... Hope your holidays are fully blessed and your wishes come true. So nice that you got together with Kim and Harriet. What a nice Christmas present. Miss you, my friend. xo Bev

Kathleen said...

These are fabulous Darnell, love all the different styles and colours, classy makes from a simple die.

Kath x

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

These are all fabulous as usual Darnell! I especially LOVE that last one . . . a sure winner in my book! Hazel xx

Mrs A. said...

A whole pine forest all to yourself. I have loved wending my way through it.
Well done on being show cased too. hugs Mrs A. Happy Christmas.

oldpunca said...

O, what a wonderful playing with the same motif. Amazing cards in each combination, dear Darnell. :-)
Hugs, Sonja

Canonbury creations said...

Fabulous array of cards Darnell, can't believe how many different looks you achieved with one die! I think that has to go on my wish list:)
Val x

Marianne said...

I'm loving the entire pine forest. It's great to see so many variations on the same theme, but I think the last two are my favourites. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Darnell.

Carol Cel said...

Great cards, Darnell! You were busy! I'm not sure I'd have the patience for all those pieces -- you obviously do!
Have a merry Christmas. Hope it's all good!

Carole said...

super sonic special spectacular series of sensational series of a trendy crafter....Merry Christmas my friend...be well Hugs Carole

Pat said...

I love this tree die Darnell with it's jigsaw feel, and all the cards are gorgeous but I particularly like the 4th and 5th ones. Congrats on your shout out over at PCL, and that card was beautiful too. x

Aileen said...

First let me say congrats on the shout out. Next I love these cards. I have pondered getting this die, makes the card so simple but eye catching. Love your christmas jumper but as you know its summer over here and so hot I'm lucky to haveany clothes on at all (well actually everyone else is lucky I have clothes on cause it could really scare a few people seeing me in the nuddles). Its Christmas Eve here and we are off to see some of my grandkids soon and Elysha is so exciting about Santa coming (I love that she will always anticipate christmas with such abandon). She may be 22 but with her disability she will always be around 6 years old (mind you she has an adult sense of humor).
Enough yabber, enjoy your Christmas and I look forward to lots of cas in the NewYear. Love to you and your family from Oz.

Jean said...

Wow Darnell! What a fabulous set of cards from one die, all so colourful and different. This die is definitely near the top of my wish list now.
With Happy christmas wishes to you and yours,
Jean x

Inkyfingers said...

I loved the first card you showed with this die Darnell, and this selection makes me think it should go on my ever expanding wish list. Glad you had a lovely lunch with the girls and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Festive hugs
Carol x

Susanne Vargas said...

If you keep on posting more fabulous cards using those pine border dies I will definitely have to put them on my wish list... I have been close already and your post is about to push me over the edge... You enabler! Couldn't even pick a favorite, they are all so different and beautiful!
Congrats on being featured over at the Papercrafterslibrary!
Merry Christmas!

Alanna said...

Amazing cards Darnell. You've showcased that die perfectly. You look fabulous in your sweater and so much fun that you ladies could do lunch. Have a blessed Christmas.

Patti said...

Great cards!! You little enabler you!! You are making me need to SHOP!! giggles

Have a wonderful and happy celebration!

(((Hugs)))
Patti

p.s. loving your sweater!

Sheri said...

I absolutely love all of the pine tree cards and I even have some of that paper. Me thinks an order to Memory Box is in order. I am jealous of your lunch with Miss Harriet. Is she a hoot or what? Such a sweetie! Merry Christmas Darnell

Carol L said...

I just love all the variations of that adorable little tree die! Each card is special - including the one I received which is very special :)
Merry Christmas my friend - have a wonderful family time!

Karen Petitt said...

They are gorgeous Missy Darnell!
I just wanted to pop around to wish you and the Mistah a very Merry and Happy Christmas.
I also wanted to thank you as I feel very blessed to have so many wonderful crafty friends who understand my obsession! I am also very grateful for the inspiration you give and for your wonderful challenges too! Karen xx

Bobby said...

I love these cards and am proud that I have been the honored recipient of one from the earlier post. It's good you like jigsaw puzzles, Darnell, because those are tiny pieces in that die. So glad you got a chance to lunch with Kim and Harriet.

Lynn Holland said...

Dearest Darnell what a wonderful surprise I had this morning when the postman gave me a lovely envelope from across the sea. When I opened it there was one of your delightful cards. Thank you so much from both of us.
May we wish you and your family a happy Christmas and a peaceful 2015.
Love from Lynn and Philip xx

Jen Mitchell said...

What a wonderful bunch of cards showing the versatility of that die (that I now need to add to my wish list)! Merry Christmas to you!!

Bonnie said...

Woot! That beautiful card is so deserving of the shout out! And they get better and better! You're making me think seriously about getting this die now. The list just grows and grows! Thanks for the inspiration and have a wonderful Christmas!

Sue from Oregon said...

Congrats Darnell...how wonderful to be the featured artist! Love your cards so no wonder they caught their eye! Merry Christmas to you girl!!! ♥ Sue Kment

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Merry, Merry Christmas my friend!!! And I can't wait to see what you come up with for 2015!! Hoot! Hoot!

Congrats being featured! These cards are just fabulous!!!

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Looks like you entered a Chinese sweat shop ;) - great cards! One day I want tojoin you little stamping get toghter and lunch group....such lovely Ladies! Merry Christmas to you, your family and of course Hammy!

Melissa Bove said...

Wow! All of your cards are just beautiful!! Such wonderful designs!!

Happy Holidays!

Thank you very much for joining us this week at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog!

hugs...
Melissa

Harriet Skelly said...

I love what you've done with that tree die Darnell - every card is awesome - or in your words "a winner"!
Lunch was so fun with you and Kim and I'm looking forward to our next date! Merry Christmas!! Hugs, Harriet

Jasleen Kaur said...

Amazing line-up of cards. I loved the use if patterned papers. And congrats on being featured at paper crafter's library. This horn deserves to be tootled loud, my friend ! And you look beautiful in the pic. Merry Christmas to you and your family ! :)

Maura said...

Great set of cards, Darnell! My favorites are the last 3 - I like the lovely "sediment: in the corner and the dsp in the layered one.

Congrats on being featured!! It's good to toot your horn sometimes!

Christmas blessings to you and your family!

Nan G said...

Love the cards, Dar! Had to drop in to see what a "horn tootle" was..... :) Sending warm Christmas wishes and hugs to you and yours!

Barb Ghig said...

Gorgeous cards, Darnell! I love how you showcased this die in so many beautiful ways....and of course your lovely CAS design is perfect! And...CONGRATS on your well deserved feature at PCL! Way to go!
Thanks for sharing a photo of you with Kim and Harriet...you girls look so festive!

Merry Christmas to you and the Mister!

LesleyG said...

Love all the cards and the different ways you used the die. Thanks for all you share and making us smile. Merry Christmas xxx

Willeke said...

Hi Darnell,
thanks for becoming follower of my blog. I love your blog too and became a follower (unfortunately I can't upload a photo so I'm at the back of the followers list with no photo)
Greetings from Willeke

Redanne said...

Well, what a feast for the eyes Darnell, your cards are all stunning and well done on being featured too! Woohoo! Not surprised though because your cards are always so beautiful.

Love your holiday cardigan too, very festive indeed. I know I have said it before but thank you for your inspirational blog, it is always a pleasure to visit, but most of all, thank you for your friendship over the past 12 months, it means such a lot. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and all the very best for the New Year. Much love and hugs, Annie xxxx

Suze Bain said...

Oh I LOVE these cards Darnell, what a fabulous design. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Health and Happiness in 2015. Xx

Sarah G said...

These cards are fab, Darnell! Love that die but I am ashamed to say that I haven't made a Christmas card with it this year...I have been too preoccupied with snowflakes and reindeer. Love the different looks you have got with different papers, colours etc. Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas :)

Shona Chambers said...

I just read on Ardyths comment that you have the same sweater as her Mum, how funny is that??!!! You've made me fall in love with this die and I must have it!! I love all the different colours and papers you used and it looks so different every time. Glad to see you had a lovely lunch with 'the girls' and how nice that you dressed for the Xmas occasion! Its nearly midnight here. I'm waiting for the kids to finally go into a deep sleep so I can start laying out the lolly trail to the tree (which is hard with the dog watching.....) and bring the presents in. Very hot here still so they are finding it hard to sleep. Hope I won't be up too late as it will be an early start in the morning..... Merry Christmas my dear friend. I hope you have a wonderful day with your family and here's to a safe and happy 2015!

I Card Everyone said...

Just tree-rific, D... happy, happy, joy, joy to you and the world!
=] M

Jeanne said...

Wonderful cards, Darnell. How wonderful that you can get so many beauties from one die. Well done! How fun for you ladies that you were able to get together and enjoy lunch. Great holiday looks you are sporting. Merry, merry Christmas and many blessings to you and your family in the new year. :)

Sheila H said...

I love how you used that fabulous die. Your cards are really cool - each has it's own flavor. Your sweater is cute. I have a Christmas vest and a Christmas sweatshirt...

Marybeth said...

Love your Cristmas picture with the girls! Your eyes look great!
Love,love,love the tree Cristmas cards! I like theme lay dies as well. Merry Christmas Darnell!

Sheila H said...

Sorry, I forgot to say congratulations on being spotlighted at Paper Crafter's Library!

Sarn said...

Absolutely wonderful selection of cards using that great die.

Sending you Happy Christmas wishes across the miles Darnell. May 2015 bring you everything you wish for.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

stampwithsandy said...

I am happy to be the owner of one of these beautiful creations! Love those intricate die cut trees, so gorgeous. Coincidentally I've shared some cards from friends on my post today and your card is on it. A very Merry Christmas to you, Darnell! Hugs!

Tracey McNeely said...

Darnell all of these are so incredible--LOVE LOVE LOVE! I am so glad you enjoyed lunch with Kim and Harriet, I heard it was lovely!! Merry Christmas to you and Kevin and the rest of your family! xoxo

Shelly said...

Ooooh, these are all awesome and so pretty!!! Thanks for joining us at CAS on Sunday! ;) Have a Merry Christmas!

Gerrina said...

Looks like you had really a lot of fun making these not that easy-cards! They look great!
So great to get together with crafting friends; look like you had a good time! Merry Christmas and enjoy the days! Hugs, Gerrina

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

These are wonderful! Love those trees! Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful Safe New Year! Carri

Jenny Marples said...

You sure know how to sell a die to us Darnell! Fabulous cards one and all. Thank you so much for my beautiful Christmas card. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a creative New Year. Jenny x

Viv said...

Fabulous cards Darnell. have a wonderful Christmas. xx

Keep It Sweet and Simple said...

Your cards are just terrific. I love how the same design can look so very different just by changing the papers.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.
Caroline xxx

Colleen Dietrich said...

Love these inlaid/letterpress trees, Darnell, in every color and design!!

Merriest Christmas to you, and wishing you a 2015 filled with rich blessings! xoxoxo

Vicki Dutcher said...

Gorgeous eye candy!

I wanted to pop over and wish you and your's a very Merry Christmas! Thanks for giving me smiles in 2014 and I look forward to what you will bring in 2015!

ps - so fun the get togethers you have with fellow stampers!

Merry!!

Tenia Nelson said...

Awesome cards and looks like y'all had a blast!! Merry Christmas!!

Kara Lynne said...

Merry Christmas, Darnell! My, but those trees were worth repeating. Each one is gorgeous, and so are you, Harriet, and Kim in your festive finest!

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
A veritable smoorgasbord of trees. So many different looks and all fab.
Love the cardigan. They tried to make me wear a festive hat at work today but I was having none of it.
Hope you and the family have a wonderful Christmas Mrs K.
Ang x

Joyce said...

Holy cow, Darnell. You must have read my mind when I was thinking of pulling this die out for a card. What a boatload of inspiration, I don't know where to start. The merriest of Christmases to you and yours! XOXO from Southern California.

Brenda said...

Wow, I love all your cards using that tree die Auntie! I love that die anyway and you have made it look so fabulous on cards. They are all amazing. I also love the picture of you ladies all dressed up in your holiday finest! You all look great!!! Merry Christmas!!!! Hugs, Brenda

Anita in France said...

Congratulations on being featured at PCL, Darnell ... quite right too, it was a fabulous card! These are too ... every single one of them. I love them so much I'm going to get that die so I can CASE you! What a happy bunch of buddies in their festive sweaters ... great photo of you lovely people! Hugs, Anita :)

Brenda in IN said...

All of these tree cards are great. I love all the different looks you can get with one die. The copper and gold paper is my fav. It's so elegant. Great picture of the three of you and how fun that you get together. Nothing wrong with a good Christmas sweater.

Greta said...

Ok, so now I "have" to have that die--LOL! These are just wonderful, Darnell--love every version! As I told Kim, wish I was a bit closer & could invite myself to your lunches with blogging friends!

Pia S said...

Small variations sure can make big differences as you've shown us here. Very inspirational!

Donna said...

Those are all fabulous, I like seeing one die or stamp used a few ways, you really amazed me here, they are all so beautiful!

Holly AKA KopyKat said...

Wow, these are so beautiful

Jean said...

Every one of those is fantastic! Hope you and yours had a wonderful holiday!

Olga Direktorenko said...

All the cards are wonderful, but the second one with an angled corner just drives me crazy! It's just a pure perfection!

Monika/Buzsy said...

Wonderful cards Darnell. Love the different colors with the pretty tree die-set. Enjoy the rest of your holiday.

Monika/Buzsy said...

Wonderful cards Darnell. Love the different colors with the pretty tree die-set. Enjoy the rest of your holiday.

Cat Craig said...

Love them all Darnell, especilly those with the same pp on the border as in the trees, a very nice look!

Janis said...

LOVE the tree cards!!! Such a variety and all so pretty. I esp love the shimmery glittery gold one. It calls to my inner crow! CAW CAW CAW!!! (translation: I LOVE shiny things!!)
Nice job on them all and congrats for being featured!!!! So coool!!
<3 J

jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

Nonni said...

Very inspiring use of just one die! Thanks!

Milka Gubo said...

WOW! These are soooooo pretty! Love them all :-D
hugs
Milka

scrappymo! said...

Thanks for sharing these...I have this die and you have given me some great ideas here.
Love that coppery one!

Di said...

Having made six of those cards I know how fiddly they are! Some wonderful ideas here Darnell!

Hugs

Di xx

VanessaB said...

Fantastic cards. Love that die! I'm too boring to have a holiday sweater, but I have holiday nails this year! ;)

Wendy Nicola Jackson said...

Very cool cards Darnell, so many different looks with the one die. Love it! Hugs, Wends x