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!

November 5, 2015

CASEing with Acorns and Penguins

Greetings Stamplings!

How are you this fine November day? I love the coziness of cardigans that autumn brings out of the closets and drawers and under-the-bed containers. Besides being cozy, they cover up the candy rolls of October. Don't they? Just let me believe that.

Did you know that the word cardigan originated during the Crimean War? The leader of the Charge of the Light Brigade was James Thomas Brudenel, the 7th Earl of Cardigan (1797-1868). His troops wore such garments to keep them warm, which cut down on the endless murmuring about how bloody cold it was. Thence and forsooth thereafter, we've called them cardigans. 

Cardigans also became handy places to put one's pipe when not puffing, especially for the middle and lower classes. The upper classes, of course, wore smoking jackets. This is why the upper classes rarely died of lung cancer, seeing as how their jackets did the smoking for them.

But that's not why you called. Let's henceforth off to Cardland, shall we?

Well, actually, let's go first to Tagland:
I cut my tag using the Memory Box "Stitched Main Street Tags" die and embossed it using my Cuttlebug "Distressed Branches" e/f. The acorn is NBUS from the "Thankful" stamp set by Avery Elle. It was a gift to me from my friend Taunya Butler of Daisies Girl. Thank you, Taunya! 

I stamped and paper-pieced the bottom of the acorn using PP in a pretty aqua, caramel, and brown woodgrain. The acorn was then embossed using an antique blue moire e/p. I cut the top half of the acorn with my skizzors and pieced it over the woodgrain paper. The leaf is a metal embellie from Vintage Trinkets. The thank you sediment is from Your Next Stamp.

This little guy is going to be appearing across town at these various venues:
  • CASEing Genius Challenge: In honor of the one-year blog'versary of her "CASEing Genius" series, Kelly is having her own challenge with prizes. To participate, you simply CASE one of the genius ladies Kelly has listed in her challenge post. With this tag, I am CASEing (or as I like to say when I do it, DJKASEing) my friend and Genius Kara Lynne of Kara Lynne's Card Designs. To the right is Kara's beautiful aqua, copper, and gold autumn thank you tag.
      My Photo
    • Kelly also wants us to chose one crafter that we want her to CASE for a future {CASEing Genius} post. That's like asking me to choose a favorite child. I say that metaphysically because I do have a favorite child, having only had the one. Still, it is part of the challenge, so I had Hammy write the names of all my followers on slips of paper and then sleep on the pile for two days. He then ran through the pile of names scattering them about like leaves on a blustery autumn day. The last name remaining in his cage was my talented friend Jacquie Southas of What Did I Do Today?, so I happily nominate her!
YNScolor-26
~~~

Today's Twofer

Moving forward to Christmas and penguins:
A silver metallic card mat overlayed with white provides the Christmassy background for my penguin Rockettes. I stamped the penguins (from Stamps of Life) in gray to provide a shadow and then applied the stamped and die-cut little dancers off-set over the shadows. The sediment, which I think is NBUS, is from PTI. My "balloon" is overlapping red star sequints.

This card was made as a CASE of this week's Muse, who is another friend, Ardyth Percy-Robb of MASKerade. Here is Ardyth's adorable card:
Ha ha, I just noticed when I went over to MUSE to grab the link and image that half the entries feature penguins! Great minds! I think it was the black and white of the pandas and this time of year that made us think of penguins. 

I followed Arydth's line design, her white on silver/gray matting, the tall element held by one critter, and, of course, the black/white/red. However it inspires you, I hope you'll CASE Ardyth's pandas and play along this week!

I'm also playing at City Crafter Challenge Blog where the theme is "Getting Ready for Christmas!" and where my friend Marcia Hill is the Guest Designer!

~~~

New Friends Corner

Please join me in welcoming these five new friends to the Playhouse today!

Vikki Hein of Vikki's Paper Crafting. Vikki has been blogging since 2011. She lives in Southern Oregon and she only manages to blog about once a month, but that's okay. Even once a month is enough for her to keep in touch with us and allows us to be inspired by the beautiful and innovative designs she posts when she does get creative!

Birgitanita of Birgit's Hobby Blog. Birgit lives near the sea with her cat Gilbert. She is the mother of two grown sons and she started her blog in 2012. Birgit makes excellent cards ranging from very clean and simple to elegant layered works of art.

Tanja Kewel-Neet of My Happy Place. Tanja has been blogging since September of 2009. She has been on design teams over the years and is currently on the TAWS design team. If I am reading the Google translation correctly, Tanja started her blog in order to become a Stampin Up demonstrator. I'm glad she did so that we could meet her and enjoy her bright and cheerful card art!

Andrea of Arty Andrea. Andrea lives in the UK and started blogging in 2012. She's had a few setbacks this year, including a recent broken wrist, so she hasn't been blogging much. But she did blog quite a lot prior to this year and she will be back to it once she is able. Her layered and embellished cards are really divine and her coloring is superb!

Shruti Goel of Crafts Devine: Shruti Goel's Creations. Shruti started blogging a few years ago, but she only started posting consistently as of this year, so I consider her to be new to blogging. She makes beautiful CAS designs and enjoys sharing them with her readers and entering them in challenges!


Thank you for joining, ladies, and welcome to the Playhouse!

~~~


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 join as a follower! Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor!

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79 comments:

kiwimeskreations said...

Love that tag Darnell - it's a real stunner!! Your card is super cute - and not the first penguin case I have seen :-) Glad Hammy is helping you still.
Blessings
Maxine

Unknown said...

I firmly believe that cardigans help cover the candy rolls too. Love your cards - I have that cute penguin in my stamping stash too - he's adorable. Have a wonderful week of crafting.

Karen M said...

Two gorgeous and cute cards Darnell & I just adore your sweet penguins! Hugs xx

Julie B said...

Cardigans are great, really useful for ladies of a certain age as you can whip them off should the temp dictate!
Two fab cards, love your take on Ardyth's MUSE card! :)

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Fantastic cards and tags
love love love all
hugs Tamara

Sue said...

Loving the cards and tag.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Suchi said...

Lovely tag and an adorable penguin card...a great take on Muse! :)
Suchi xx

Sarah said...

Terrific twofers today Darnell. LOVE the tag and what a cute posse of penguins xx

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

Love that huge acorn, but I can not get an image of a tiny squirrel trying to hoist it, out of my brain! Those clean little penguins side stepping across the second card are too cute. Forgive my long lapses between comments.

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Just gorgeous! LOVING the acorn and the penguins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Dance said...

Just hung up my cardi, as it's too warm yet to really 'wear' it. But I'm with you on what it covers nicely! Best part about winter in the Midwest!! You are so funny... I adore your CASE of Kara Lynn's tag. That blue is just about the prettiest color ever! And the little metal leaf embellie is perfect for your tag!! You've done KL proud with your sweet, sweet tag! Love it!! And penguin Rockettes... You're kicking it girlfriend! These little gals are darling all in their little dance line. LOVE that "balloon," too. Great cards. And I agree with you and Hammie; Jacquie is a great nomination. Have a great day. MISS you tons. Bev

Ardyth said...

Love your Christmas take on my Muse card - that 'star' balloon is fabulous! Great to see you playing along with us this week!

Kim M said...

I LOVE your acorn tag! Love the embossing and the woodgrain and, and, well everything! Your penguin card is adorable too. Love the red shimmery star. Fantastic cards Darnell! :-)

Jeanne said...

Thanks so much for sharing that really interesting bit of history and your two terrific cards! Looks like you are having a lot of creating. Hugs!

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

LOVE that gorgeous tag Darnell and your take on the Muse card is fabulous1 I love that red 'star balloon' the sweet penguin is holding on to! Have a lovely day my friend! Hazel xx

Lisa's Creative Niche said...

wow these are all so awesome! I have to say thank you for your very kind words on my blog. Somedays/weeks you start to question whether you are any good or if your crafts are "good enough", and your comment really lifted my spirits more than you know. So thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Pat said...

I love that sparkly acorn tag using Kara's pretty tag to DJKase, with gorgeous colour and texture Darnell, and then that row of cute penguins which is a wonderful Muse version of Ardyth's pretty card. x

Susanne Vargas said...

That's a gorgeous acorn tag and the sparkly penguin card is fantastic!
Your history lesson had me chuckle, as always!
Have a great day!

Casandra Bennett said...

It's been a while since I stopped by to say hello. Your cards are very cute. I'm wishing I was in my craft room today instead of at work. Have a happy weekend!

Nan G said...

Penguinettes! Not much high kick tho. :) :) Love both the card and the tag, Darnell.

Kristie Goulet said...

Gorgeous tag and fun take on Ardyth's card. :)

Lisa said...

Both of your cards are so beautiful!! I love the pretty acorn!! The penguins are adorable!! I love the sparkly red star!! They are both fabulous!! Have a great day :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

conil said...

You and Hammie are definitely on a roll. That acorn tag is AWESome...LOVE the colors. And those penguins...anything with penguis & pandas catch my eeye. Has th be the black/white contrast, don't you think? Oh yeah, the Christmas-y thing, too. Either way, you nailed the challenges. Thumbs waaaaay up!

Deborah Frings said...

Morning Darnell! As always, it's a joy to read your posts! Love the penguins for Muse. And your acorn tag is just superb. Love the texture on the tag, the paper and the embossing. And that metal leaf is just perfect! Thanks so much for playing along with our Hardware Stash Challenge at The Male Room this week!

Tina Z. said...

stunning tag with acorn and metal leaf, wow ... and these lovely penguins :)

Marybeth said...

What a nice gift from your friend and I love that tag...wow that is a stunner! Loving the blue acorn! Your second card is adorable and great take on Ardyth's darling card!
I am so happy to be able to wear a sweater and be cold for a change.... enjoy the cooler weather! I think I got Bev's cold though :(

Rubeena I. said...

I adore the tag!Loooove the colors and texture.

Verna Angerhofer said...

Two fantastic and gorgeous cards you created. I love the festively decorated acorn and those penguins are so cute. Great work indeed!

Maria Rodriguez. said...

Darnell, the tag is gorgeous, I love that beautiful leaf brad, perfect card for a guy.
Now, those penguins.....Oh my gosh!! they are just adorable, love double sequence balloon, super fabulous idea.
Hugs.
Maria.

Hettie said...

Yep!! Sitting here on the settee with my cwtchie sweatshirtie cardie with a hoodie too!! Lovely and toastie!! You know I don't live very far from Cardigan on the Welsh coast too?? Well about 2 hours or so which for you US friends is a walk in the park!!
Lovely tag and I love your penguins!!
Hugs
xx

oldpunca said...

Amazing cards, dear Darnell. My heart was stolen by those cute penguins. :-))
Hugs, Sonja

Kathleen said...

Brilliant makes.

Kath x

Jean said...

Fabulous acorn tag Darnell, that blue embossing is gorgeous. The row of penguins is just the cutest, I love the pop of sparkly red with the balloon.
Jean x

rachel said...

gorgeous makes darnell - i love those pandas! brilliant makes. hugs rachel x

Redanne said...

The acorn itself is beautiful but the embossing folder you used in the background reminds of twigs, which is the perfect accompaniment for the acorn - very clever you! The penguins are delightful, for some reason penguins always make me smile and your card certainly did that - thank you!

Thank you also for your lovely comment on my little church, you are always so very kind to me. We are away at the moment, doing lots of crafty things and meeting lots of crafty people! Hugs, Annie xxx

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Your CAS CASEs (can it be said?)are both wonderful! Love so much the paper pieced acorn on the tag with it's gold leaf!! And the card with the cute penguins has a very clean and fun look!

ionabunny said...

Love your sparkly nut. Hugz

TK said...

Love your tag and your card! I love the artsy top to the acorn and that leaf, but then I just love the easy layout of the cute little penguins!

Pam said...

Oh, my. I did not know I would be getting a little lesson in historical trivia. Thanks so much. I've always wondered these things. Many congrats on your win at the Snippets Playground. Well deserved, I so loved that card! As I do today's tag & card. Your penguins are adorable! xo

Vikki H said...

thanks for sharing my "blog" on your spot today! I truly only blog when I have time to enter a challenge. When I make cards they get their picture taken and sometimes make it to a blog if the right challenge comes along. I know everyone else probably looks at the challenges and then creates but I'm not that organized! Always enjoy your newsie stuff!

Bonnie said...

What a nice, big acorn! Hammy will have some squirrel friends coming to check that out! Fun penguins too! Love the star balloon!

Lisa Elton said...

Thanks for the history of the cardigan, you are just full of fun knowledge!! Love your big acorn and those cutie patootie penguins!!

Kim Heggins said...

Two wonderful cards....I love your sweet penguins all standing so still, so fun!

Bobby said...

Woodgrain for an acorn. What a great idea, Darnell. Those high-kicking penguins are so cute and perfect for the challenge.

Pawsitively Creative said...

Now I know about where cardigans got their name! Lol! Thanks for the knowledge and I agree about them hiding stuff. Your tag and card are awesome sauce! I can see why the pandas provoked penguins! Such cute designs! Hugz! ~Niki

Greta said...

Great work, Darnell! The tag is so striking--love the embossing folder you used! Super fun card with the penguins! Hugs, Greta

sandie said...

Loving all that texture on your tag and those adorable cuties penguins. I realised when I saw this Muse card that I don't own any cute images...I am not a cutie!! I just have to accept it!! Have a fun day xx

Petra Swart said...

Love your stunning tag, Darnell!!!! The acorn and the metal leaf are really beautiful and I love the EF you used!!! And your penguins are so darling - love the little star!!!
Have a wonderful Friday!!!
Hugz

Unknown said...

What a great twofer this morning Dippy - love the tag and the dimension you've achieved with the embossing folder; and as for those gorgeous penguins, stunning!!! Have a great weekend and hugs for Kevin - hope he's getting more mobile by the day.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

OH Babs said...

Two beauties! First you cased Ardyth's card perfectly and I like b/w cards with a touch of red. The fall card is refreshing, just like the nip in the air. I am tired of sunny cards, give me fall leaves and brisk air. We were in mountains Wednesday and it was 32 - OMG, give me the beach. :) BBB

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!! Love the beautiful acorn Darnell and the penguins are so darn adorable!!

Marilyn said...

Darnell, your penguins are too cute and your card is a great take on Ardyth's. The red star balloon is perfect.

Jenni's Jems said...

These are so darn cute ! (thought since you are liked a Scottish word I would repay the compliment hee he)x

505whimsygirl said...

Hi Darnell,

Love the tags! I was at Hobby Lobby and had to resist buying one of Tim Holtz die and stamp sets (Christmas themed). I wonder if I'll get some Christmas cards made this year?!?

Your penguins are very cute, by the way!

Have a great weekend!

Hugs,
Kay

Brenda in IN said...

The acorn tag is so cute. I love the shine and that beautiful leaf. The penquins are adorable and I love the red sequin stars.

Canonbury creations said...

Love your acorn tag Darnell, the embossed background is fab and your penguins are so cute!
Val x

Cat Craig said...

Darnell, that tag is some gorgeous stuff. All the colors come together so beautifully. Your Muse case is fabulous and seasonal as well. Love that pop of red. Thanks for the history lesson, a visit to your blog is never time wasted.

Michelle said...

Your tag is awesome. Your card is super cute. And I second your nomination of Jacquie! :-)

Ros Crawford said...

Fabulous tag! And your card has me smiling from ear to ear!

Pia S said...

Your acorn looks beautiful in this unusual color scheme and what a great shape that tag die has!
And love your Muse case, a winning entry if you ask me, fab layout and colors!

Geri said...

Another fabulous post! I love coming to your place for a visit! Cardigans...had no idea about the history of cardigans(or honestly never thought to check it out)! I assumed that they were invented to cover the undone top button on a pair of jeans... because if the button was done up, we would't be able to breath!

Two amazing cards! The acorn is incredible! That is some mighty, mighty fine skizzor work! I love how you blended the ink on thhe bottom half of the acorn! Awesome sparkle!

2nd card...seriously got me humming "Hi-ho, Hi-ho, it's off to work we go" ...guess the line of cute penguins reminded me of the seven dwarfs! Love the addition of the silver star that ties in perfectly with the red star.

wienerhoneymooners said...

ADORABLE!! Love your CASEing..MUSE is so FUN, lvoe the texture!!!

Jacquie Southas said...

I came to check out your fun penguins and discover I'm the last name sitting in the cage with Hammy!! You are too sweet and I am going to give Hammy credit for my creativity over the last few days!

Gerrina said...

Both striking makes, but the pinguincard is my favo; it is such a clever take on the musecard! And I love the simple white-black-red! Enjoy the sunday, hugs, Gerrina

Joan B said...

wow, these are both awesome. those penguins are cracking me up!

Kara Lynne said...

Your acorn is drop-dead gorgeous! I love your wood grain and that fancy acorn cap. The metal leaf just enhances the sophistication! Thanks so much for DJKASEing my tag! I am truly honored! Your penguin Rockettes look ready for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with their red star balloon! That certainly gets me in the mood for Christmas!

Anita said...

Your tag is beautiful! Thank you for joining our challenge at Your Next Stamp!

Anita in France said...

What a stunning tag, Darnell ... so deliciously texture-y, shimmery and gorgeous! BTW anything acorn-y and squirrel-y puts me in mind of Snowflake and the Lake House ... see, wasn't that was a nice smile to have?!! LOVE your parade of penguins ... all dapper in their tuxedo's ... and lit beautifully by that wonderful red star ... yum!

Anita in France said...

Oh no, the cursor moved so I inadvertantly hit publish ... and I hadn't finished ... sending big hugs and bisous, bisous, mon amie! Anita :)

cm said...

Your shimmery acorn is gorgeous; a brilliant twist on Kara Lynne's leafy tag. Your parade of penguins with the shimmery star: in love! I made a little gang of snowmen and promptly missed the deadline *palm smack on forehead* Your history of the cardigan: brilliant! I've reviewed my collection and have determined my selection is limited. The older I get, the more layers I need. Darn...shopping trip required *grin*
Hugs~c

Sue said...

Wow! You are a busy Girl! Love the card and all the techniques you used!
Thank you for playing along with us at Your Next Stamp!

Unknown said...

Hi Darnell, both are positively gorgeous! I have to admit that I love that glittery acorn and the gorgeous metal leaf, which fits in perfectly with our challenge. Thanks for playing along with us at The Male Room.
Chris

Anonymous said...

Hey Darnell!! Your tag is fantastic!! I love your acorn!! The squirrels by my house would love it,LOL!! You did an amazing job on this tag!! Thank you so much for playing along with YNS Sketch and Color Challenge.

Kelly Latevola said...

First, I love that I learn things when I come visit you. Cardigans? Who knew?! Second your tag is gorgeous. That acorn is such a fun project for the season! Third, I completely adore the way you picked who to nominate. Maybe I'll let my Molly sleep on the entries tonight and pick in the morning hahaha! Sending you much love my friend xoxo

Maureen said...

Really pretty tag! Thanks for playing along with us at YNS!

scrapsnsuch@gmail.com said...

What great CASEs! The acorn card is full of so much texture and interest. Thanks for joining in the fun at YNS and sharing your take on the colors from challenge #27.

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Hi Darnell, I just saw your acorn beauty being showcased at the Male Room! Just gorgeous! And your penguin card is too cute!

Susan Raihala said...

Darnell, both cards are fabulous! The Thanksgiving Crusade card is so striking with the blue embossing powder...BEAUTIFUL!!!! The penguins are a hoot and made me smile...as did the bling on that card.

Unknown said...


Thank you so much.
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