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!

May 4, 2015

Bliss, Peace, Love, Joy

Hello and Happy Monday!

What an optimistic post title, eh? It's just what transfolded on my designs today.

I'm rushing in with little time left for the Color Throwdown challenge! This tweet card I made for friends who moved their nests recently:
(Sorry about the cloudy day.) I used a cloud embossing folder by Darice in the backwards way I like to do. The stamped nests are from a v.o. stamp called "Tweet" by Hooks, Lines, & Inkers. I watercolored them with markers and then painted them with WOS.
I'm also entering this card in the Addicted to Stamps and More challenge which is "Make Your Mark."
GRAB OUR BADGE!

~~~

For my second card, I am entering a QACAS card in the Merry Monday Christmas Challenge, which is "Embossing."
I made a couple of cards like this as I was wrapping up last Christmas and I still had some of the pretty store-bought poinsettias left, so I made two more this morning after seeing Bonnie's similar (but, honestly, more stunning) card. The sediment is from Papertrey Ink.

I'm also entering this card in the Less Is More Challenge: Colour ~ use colors from opposite sides of the color wheel. Mine are red and green.

And I'm entering both cards in the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Anything Goes.

We'd love you to display our bannerSimon Wednesday Challenge Blog
The challenge links will provide you with inspiration, rules, sponsors, and prizes.

~~~

Hidden Pictures

I thought you might enjoy my purple statice which is bursting forth:
Isn't it beautiful? Did you see the hummer enjoying the nector?

Here, let me help you:
~~~

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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116 comments:

Donna Hanley said...

Oh your friends who just moved will totally enjoy receiving this card and placed somewhere in the living area will be a wonderful piece of art for them to share with others. I love the elegant look of your Christmas card. Those are very nice store bought poinsettias. Have a wonderful week.

Desire Fourie said...

Darnell these are wonderful cas designs. Loving the wording on the first and vibrant poinsettia on the second. Gorgeous flower photos too.
Hugs Desíre {Doing Life}

Ardyth said...

Great use of embossing on both of these! Love the classic feel of the Christmas card!

Margreet said...

Gorgeous cards, especially the one with the birdhouses....just visited your playhouse and I enjoyed it...great organisation!
xxx Margreet

Seraphinas Phantasie said...

HI Darnell,
wonderful cards again and a beautiful garden too. That´s Springtime !
Best regards, Synnöve

Tanja said...

I love those little birdhouses and the pretty clouds are the perfect background

Helen F. said...

Oh how cute are the little Bird houses?!? The poinsettia card is really lovely, Darnell with your post title so apropos!
Wow, your Hummingbird hiding among the Purple Statice is amazing :-)

Lynne said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell. Love the bird houses, so pretty in their pastel colours and your Poinsettia is beautiful too.
Lynne xxx

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Lovely
hugs Tamara

cuilliesocks said...

Hello Darnell, beautiful cards,I love the colours and images of the bird houses and your poinsettias card is stunning.
Beautiful photos of your plant and litter humming bird, hugs Kate x

Christine said...

Beautiful cards and great pictures Darnell!
Christine

Sarah said...

Two beauts Darnell. Love the debossed clouds on the new home card, great idea. Love the QACAS Christmas card too...perfect. Lovely shot of the happy little hummer enjoying himself too xx

Nessa's Crafty Place said...

Perfect Poinsettia Darnell-lovely clean and simple layout.
Love the little houses-just too cute!
Hugs,Nessa xxx

Cazzy said...

Very Tweet card Darnell! Wow, I wish we had Hummers, I have never seen a live one - unless I saw them in a zoo but I can't remember!

Carol said...

Such a cute card for a new home Darnell and your Christmas card is so elegant. Lovely photos too. Carol x

Julie B said...

Fab cards Darnell, I'm sure the two birds will love their card for the new nest and the second is just gorgeous.
Thanks for making your mark at ATSM this week. :)

Verna Angerhofer said...

Oh, my goodness girl! You certainly have created some beautiful works of art. I love them both but have always been partial to poinsettias for Christmas giving. So that was a great design in my book!

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Two terrific cards Darnell! I do love those pictures of all the little birds visiting your garden! Being in a town, we only get pigeons, magpies and seagulls (being a coastal town) and I would love to see pretty little birds in my garden . . . oh, well! Have a great week! Hazel xx

Jane Willis said...

Love the cards, and love the humming bird! Wish we got them here in England
Jane

Inkyfingers said...

Lovely cards Darnell and great use of embossing on both of them. That is a really pretty poinsettia!
Hope you had a good weekend.
Hugs
Carol x

Redanne said...

I think your friends will love their new home card and I love the embossing in the background! Your Christmas card is a delight, I just love the poinsettia.

Love, love the photos of the beautiful flowers and the sweet little hummer - so cute! Thanks so much for sharing such lovely photos. Hugs, Annie xx

pinky said...

Two stunning card Darnell. Love that cloud effect! Your garden is delighful!

Craftychris said...

Both cards are gorgeous! I love the cloud embossing folder behind those cute birdhouse and your Christmas card is fabulous too! Thank you so much for all your lovely positive comments. Especially the one on my canvas- you always boost my confidence! xxx

Jean said...

Fabulous cards Darnell, I really like the embossing on both of them, especially the clouds. The poinsettia on the christmas card is beautiful.
Jean x

Alanna said...

What fun cards. I was surprised to see that you used an embossing folder for the clouds on your first one. It looks like the clouds were pierced into the card stock and I was thinking what a cool effect that was. I'm thinking I need to pick up that embossing folder now.

Loll said...

Two fab cards Dolly!! :) Don't mind a cloudy day if it involves that adorable cloud embossing folder :) Love seeing your hummers! Lolly xx

Čarovnije z male kmetije said...

Both cards are great, but those with cute little birdhouses is sooo lovely. So is hummer. I never saw this cute bird in reality.

Kathleen said...

Two wonderful cards and great embossing folders on both cards, cute image and a lovely poinsettia.

Kath x

oldpunca said...

Both cards are fabulous. The simple Christmas card is my favourite this time. I like the sweet poinsettia and the festive words. Amazing card and amazing fotos of your garden. :-)
Have a nice week, Sonja

Mrs A. said...

So tweet. Love the poinisettias. My favorite flower for christmas cards.
Hugs Mrs A.

BożenA said...

Hallo Darnell,
Your card is as beautiful as Bonnie card. I love embossing with polka dots. This makes the card is truly unique.
Regards,
Bozen

Lizzy Hill said...

They're both lovely cards in such different ways... Must say I'm liking the dry embossing you used... Those bird houses too :) LOOOVE the garden & bird snaps - glad you pointed out the little fella or I would not have noticed!!!!!

Cathy said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell, love the cloud ef behind the little bird houses, Cathy x

Anonymous said...

Beautiful card designs :-) I love having my hummingbirds near the eves so I can sit and watch them! I put out a bird feeder and within 2 days it was half way gone and now I have a bird out there that wakes me up every morning with his chirping lol!!

Monica Maier said...

Love the cards Darnell, the embossing adds such great little details!

Birgit said...

Oh love how you incorporated the colours in this card and very spring like. I love the poinsettia card and that white linen paper. I see the Hummingbird! Does that beautiful flowering bush smell? I think it must have a wonderful "perfume".

Dana M said...

Another round of beautiful cards Darnell! I also have the Tweet stamp, alas it has been a while since it has seen ink. I think you may have inspired me to pull it out again. Love the hummingbirds :)

Joyce said...

Two fabulous cards, Darnell. Those bird houses are especially sweet, and I like the elegance and simplicity of your poinsettia card.

Carol L said...

There's just something about a vivid red poinsettia with green leaves against an embossed background that I love! Gorgeous Christmas card, and I love all the clouds on the birdhouses card too!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Love both cards, Darnell and the hummers are just beautiful xxx

Bonnie said...

Love the bird houses that are colored like rainbow row! I'd like a row of them in my yard! And I love the texture of the cardstock you used for your poinsettia card! And the embossing. And the sentiment! Thanks for sharing with us at Merry Monday!

designbydonna said...

I love your cloud impressions and the bird houses are really cute. The embossing on the Christmas card is spectacular.

Monika/Buzsy said...

Beautiful cards Darnell. Love the touch of shimmer on both. The little bird houses are so sweet. Beautiful poinsettia on the Christmas card. Thank you for playing along with us at The color Throwdown.

JoAnn said...

Great cards. Love the cute bird houses card and the lovely poinsettia card.

Patti J said...

Both cards are outstanding, Darnell! The use of two textures in the second creation is fabulous! Great cards, love them both! Thanks for sharing your beautiful flowers and birds too! Hugs...

Pam said...

Beautiful cards, my friend. I love that poinsettia with all the texture and those bird houses are too sweet, errr, I mean tweet! lol

Ann said...

Such pretty cards. Love the touch of WOS you added to the bird houses on the first one. Lovely pictures of your flowers and hummingbirds.

Tenia Nelson said...

Awesome cards!!

Lisa Elton said...

I love the simplicity of both cards Darnell, But they both pack a punch, just terrific!!

Virginia L. said...

That birdhouse card is absolutely delightful, Darnell! Love the use of bright colors and the embossed background is fabulous! Thanks so much for playing Simon Says Stamp Wednesday “Anything Goes” Challenge! It's always a joy to see your yard photos! :)

Rubeena I. said...

I Love these cards...those flowers are so pretty!!

Sharron said...

Fabulous cards, Darnell! I love those adorable birdhouses and the cloud background looks so cool! And your lawn pictures are wonderful! Love the statice--just wish it grew here. It's always a treat when you share your hummer photos!

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

These little bird houses are adorable! Great Christmas card too!

Anonymous said...

Two fabulous cards.
Love the double embossing.
Thanks for circling for me - I would have spent hours looking :)

kiwimeskreations said...

What stunning cards Darnell - love the new home one.
Your hummers are amazing - wish we had them here :-)
Blessings
Maxine

sandie said...

Have to say I adore those purple flowers and how wonderful to see a hummer IRL. Liking all the sparkle in your cards today. Love the crisp, clean XMas card with the pop of red, have a good day xx

Neets B said...

You are so lucky to live where you do and see hummingbirds in your garden, how lovely. Sparrows and blackbirds just aren't the same! lol

I love your little birdhouse card, and sometimes those EFs just have to be used in reverse don't they?! and I love your embossed dots on your textured Christmas card, with the lovely pops of red and green.

Thanks so much for sharing at ATSM and Less is More this week xx

Granmargaret said...

Lovely cards. I saw the poinsettia one on Merry Monday.

Sue said...

Lovely cards.

How lucky you are to have Hummingbirds visit your garden. We don't have them here.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Wendy said...

OH, what a beautiful card, Darnell!! Love the embossed panel and your pretty poinsettia flower! Thanks for playing along with us this week over at Merry Monday! :)

Ros Crawford said...

I certainly would not have seen that hummer had you not pointed it out! That's a lovely flowering plant!
Great cards once again ... The birdhouses are so cute!

Lisa said...

Both of your cards are so gorgeous!! I so wish I could do CAS as beautifully as you do!! The hummingbird pictures are awesome!! What a beautiful flower!! Have a great day :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Jeanne said...

Your cards are delightful, Darnell. That first one is very sweet and you have a very glittery WOS pen! Lucky! Your second card is also lovely, but my eye is definitely drawn to the first card. Thank you for sharing the photos of your pretty plant. What a delight to see the hummer getting some nectar. How lucky are you! Thanks for sharing Darnell and have a wonderful day.

Leslie Hanna said...

Love the reverse embossing, and YOU USED THE PAPER! Love the texture!

*Vicki* said...

Both of these creations are wonderful!! Really love the birdhouse and the embossed clouds too!! Thanks for sharing your creation with us at Addicted to Stamps & More! Hugs & Smiles - *Vicki*-DT member

I Card Everyone said...

In my next life, when I am a bird? I will visit those purple Statice, D... beautiful cards, too!!
=] Michele

Sazzle Dazzle said...

2 fantastic cards Darnell and I'm thrilled you've linked the super pretty 'cloudy' one at ATSM and the WOW of a Christmas card at Less is More. Superb design and classy embossing.
Thanks as always for a fun post and playing along at LIM
Sarah x

Canonbury creations said...

2 fab cards Farnell, love that cloud ef such a lovely quilted effect. I so envy you those humming birds, I love them!
Val x

Brenda in IN said...

What a cute "Tweet" set that is. Love the clouds and teeny little bird. Gorgeous Christmas card too. Your garden is such a peaceful, beautiful place to relax and bird watch.

Sue said...

Fabulous creations Darnell and gorgeous photo's !! lots of huggles Sue xxx

Unknown said...

Two gorgeous cards Dippy. Love your dinky bird houses which look lovely on the about face embossed clouds. Super CAS Christmas card as well - really pretty poinsettias. I definitely think you should go in for wildlife photography hun, those photos of the statice with the hummers are fantastic.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Both cards are a delight but the poinsettia one is CAS-tastic (I know that's not a real word but you know what I mean)
Beautiful Hummingbird too.
Best wishes.
Ang x

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Wow you sure have a lot of visitors! I love the quote on the top card and the sweet colourful birdhouses. Both cards are beautiful. Happy Tuesday! Hugs, Shirleyxx

Linda said...

Lovely cards. Love seeing your pretty flowers.

Leslee said...

Your friens that are moving will love your card. Loved seeing your bush with the hummer. Have a fab week!

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

You never fail to amazed me with your beautiful creation Darnell!

Donna said...

Both cards are great and the embossed backgrounds are perfect with your designs. The hummer and your flowers are beautiful! So glad you posted those pictures too! Happy day to you.

Karen said...

Darnell, your cards are beautiful! I love the embossing on each... such gorgeous designs! Nature's beauty abounds on each and I adore every sweet (tweet!) element. Stunning work as always, my friend! Have a blessed day. :o)

Hugs and blessings,
Karen

Happy Dance said...

Two really pretties, dear friend! Adore, simply adore the cloud bg on your first card, and those little birdhouses...well, perfect for someone's brand new address! And am loving the beautiful simplicity of your poinsettia card. *sigh* Sweet delicate embossing on that "Anita" paper too! Haven't seen the hummers around here yet, so it's nice to see yours! Aren't they just precious?! Thanks for sharing them! xoxo Bev

Kim M said...

Your cards are awesome, Darnell! You're poinsettia card is beautiful. Love the linen pattern cardstock you used. :-)

Barbara (C) said...

What a great difference embossing makes. I have just invested in a few more.....BTW Darnell have just visited your Playhouse and had a good nose around....it is fabulous and TIDY or what!! I daren't show my other half as he is mega tidy and me? Well I always have a lot of WIP's ( work in progress) going on. Oh forgot - your cards are beautiful...Barbara x

MaryH said...

I think I like this debossing side better than the embossing side! It made stunning background clouds for your sweet birdhouses. This card just feels 'calming', so your title was most apt. Loved the poinsettia card as well. I had a glimpse of your inspiration card too, but no time to sit & enjoy. D-Day and counting! Big hugs & TFS the pictures of your lovely blossoms and the little flutterby buddy.

ionabunny said...

Love the cloud embossed bg. So sweet. Great cards Darnell. Hugz

Liz said...

Two gorgeous cards. I especially love the first one - such a cute image and a lovely embossed background. xx

Hettie said...

Gosh Darnell both of these cards are gorgeous. Loving that purple statis ...I have only ever seen that in a flower bouquet.
Nice to hear you have feathered friends back in your garden.
Hugs
xx

shirley-bee said...

Fab cards, Darnell, especially the cute little birdhouses :)

Shona Chambers said...

So glad you circled the 'hummer', was going to have to get out my magnifying glass. How beautiful they are!! Loving your birdhouse card and the clouds look so cool with their tiny dots. Love the poinsettia too, its such a classic part of christmas and must make sure I buy one for this year!

Aileen said...

Beautiful cards Darnell but what was it you used to finish off your colouring of the little bird homes. Cant remeber the initials now W... But thought here we go more acron.... cant even get that word today. Was telling mum and dad about your humming birds, I will have to collect your photos and save them to show them when I go back next week. Mum has never seen one as I think I told you before we dont have them here but I got her fascinated and hopefully she will remember. :)

Shelly said...

Such pretty cards, Darnell! And sounds like we're a little alike with those embossing folders!...Sometimes I don't even know up from down! lol And sometimes I do, but prefer the other side. ;)
And oooh, look at that little hummingbird! Great pics! :)

Lori said...

What great designs! I love the embossed cloud background with the birdhouse image. Thanks for joining us at the Color Throwdown!

JD/ Jill said...

Your birdhouse card is Tweet! and the Christmas card very Elegant! Very nicely done!

Greta said...

Gorgeous classic Christmas card & I love the birdhouse card! Wonderful work, Darnell! Love your beautiful flowers & how fun to catch the hummer!

nancy littrell said...

TFS your beautiful cards, flowers and hummingbird :-) Hugs, Nancy

Kelly Latevola said...

I love your shimmery birdhouse and beautiful poinsettia but I really adore the shots of those sweet hummingbirds! Gorgeous!!

Linda said...

Beautiful cards as always Darnell ... love the Christmas one, so elegant. The new home card is simply adorable .... ours is sat on the mantelpiece as we speak .... thank you so much! Big hugs ... Linda xx

Gerrina said...

Love your pics of the hummers and such effective and beautiful embossing on both your cards! So clever how you combine embossing and stamping! Hugs, Gerrina

Janeen said...

thanks for stopping by my blog w/ birthday greetings. Eeps, i love love love the cloud BG and bird houses. soooo cute. Thanks for all you do and all you are. Much appreciated. --I am so far behind on my Merry Monday cards.

Lynette said...

Your cards are both SO fabulous!!! Thanks for the pictures of flowers and hummers, too. Amazing.

Chrissie said...

Greetings from Vienna!
Superb Christmas card Darnell
Thanks so much ...as ever
Chrissie
Less is More

Geri said...

Hey there Miss D! Sweet wee water colored bird houses! I love the color of the embossed paper background. The poinsettia card is gorgeously CAS - love the shimmer on the poinsettia!

Amazing pics of the Herman & Hildegard Hummer!

Bobby said...

I noticed your poinsettia card when I was checking out the Merry Monday challenge. It's lovely, Darnell. And the little birdhouses are really sweet. (I resisted the urge to say "tweet".)
I so envy you the hummers. I finally hung my feeders and are anxiously awaiting their discovery.

Pat said...

These are both really pretty Darnell and I love the pretty birdhouses with the clouds ef in the background which works perfectly and the second looks so elegant with the red and green of the poinsettia against the white, and I love the way you have half embossed with the dots on that lovely linen look card. Thanks for the great photos of that pretty statice bush and how small is that Hummer. Without your circling it, it would be very difficult to see. x

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell....two amazing and beautiful cards! I love them both and your "matching" embossing is so perfect. Love your beautiful photos from your yard...just so pretty.

Claire said...

Gorgeous embossing Darnell - such a clever way to use those folders on the second one. And how 'tweet' is the first!

Becca Cruger said...

Oh boy, it's hummer season again! He's the perfect finisher for your birdhouse card post. :) You always know just how to use texture in your backgrounds. I really love that texture in the card stock of your second beauty. It looks super cool with the polka dot embossing.

Jenelle said...

Such a cute card with the bird houses and that sentiment is perfect! I love the poinsettia on your Christmas card. So pretty! Your pictures reminded me that we still need to hang up our feeder at our new house. Thank you so much for your wonderful comment on my blog! It totally made my day! :)

Kathyk said...

WOW! You have so many comments on this post, Darnell!!

Two lush makes particularly loving your poinsettia LIM entry.

Gr8 pix, nice to see your hummingbirds back in your yard

Kathyk

Sharon Underwood said...

What awesome cards! I love the one for Christmas, and of course I always adore anything with birdhouses. Your flowers are gorgeous, and that hummingbird! Awesome!

nwilliams6 said...

Love your colors in the first card and how great you are doing some Christmas cards during the first half of the year (great ef and super flower). Super flower pictures too. Always fun to come by and see what you are up to my friend. Hugz

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

I spotted your lovely flower card on Merry Monday - just love the two textures on your background; great card! Plus I love your other card and the gorgeous flower photos!!

Anita in France said...

Thoroughly delightful, Darnell ... such pretty little bird houses ... and elegant poinsettia against all that polka dotty white space ... yum! Sweet hummer ... what lovely piccies to share, dear friend! Miss you! Hugs & Bisous, Anita :)

Maura said...

Love both these cards, Darnell -especially the second one! I just adore the embossing you used - so classy and elegant! Congrats on your win at Time -out also - and your kind words on my cards. You are a gem!

Kath said...

Fabulous cards, especially your poinsettia card - very stylish.
Kath x

Katie Melhus said...

I love your gorgeous texture Darnell, so so pretty! Thanks for joining us this week at Merry Monday!

Jenni's Jems said...

Two truly gorgeous cards Darnell ! x

Petra Swart said...

Two lovely cards, Darnell!!! Love your cute bird houses with the lovely embossed cloud bg!!!! So cute!!
The X-mas card is so stylish and elegant!!!
I spotted the hummer on the first pic, but missed it on the second one!!! The weather seems to be lovely on your side and the flowers are beautiful - enjoy!!!