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 25, 2015

November 25th 2015 Hop Day

Greetings, My Friends!

We've whooshed around to the 11th #25 of this year. (The NEXT one will be Christmas Day! Eek!)

And on this 25th we have the Papertrey Ink November 25 Blog Hop Challenge, which is a one-day challenge, and Rudolph Days which runs from the 25th of the month to the end of the month.

Here's the card I made:
The Christmas Cover Plate Text Block is by PTI, cut from PTI "Sea Shimmer" paper. The tiny tags were cut using the Poppystamps, "Stitched Main Street Tags." The wee Christmas tree is from PTI's stamp set, "Friendship Jar Holiday Fillers."

ETA: A few of you mentioned that you didn't know PTI made that cover plate. I hadn't marked the manufacturer and assumed it was one of my PTI ones, so I went off to find out for sure. And sure enough, you were right, it isn't PTI. It's from Lil' Inker! My apologies!

I was inspired by the beautiful colors and all that white and the little tiny spruce. I hope you feel the wonder of the holidays and join in!
It's redundant, but I forgot to include this card in my last post giving you leftover mojovation:
Cards have feelings, too, and I didn't want this schparkly beauty to feel left out.

~~~

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I want to wish my American friends a very Happy Thanksgiving! As you can see from the photo above, Hammy takes after me with the stress-eating, now that the little hamsterettes are under paw. It has befuzzled him so much that his normal dainty nibbling has turned into face-stuffing entire cranberries. (That's Henrietta next to him. She's a real daddy's girl.)

I have many blessings to count this year and I count you among them! I send you my thanks for your friendship and your consistent support and encouragement. Thank you for following me and leaving your love. And thank you to all of you faithful readers behind the scenes who don't have blogs, but who support me through comments or emails ~ or even silently! You ALL keep me going! MWAH!

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*

*Life is too short!

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124 comments:

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

Love the background! Happy holidays!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Very stylish card with this intricate design, and love the colours!
The second one looks great with its metallic look, great use of snippets!
I think Hammy will have need of a digestive, after this lunch... :D

Julie B said...

Love that coverplate die. Happy Thanksgiving for tomorrow. :)

Pat said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell and I adore your little tags on the first and the bauble negative pieces have made yet another beautiful card. Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving! x

DIANA L. said...

Beautiful Darnell

Julia Aston said...

What a beautiful coverall sentiment die Darnell - two lovely festive holiday cards - and Hammy just cracked me up chowing down!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family! Julia xx

Jenelle said...

Beautiful! I love the background and the big silver bow is perfect with the tags! I love the silver and green of the second card as well!

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Love those beautiful colours Darnell! That big, beautiful silver ribbon and bow are just fah-bU-lous Dahling and those sweet little tags are awesome! Have a lovely day! Hazel xx
My Card Attic

Barb said...

A gorgeous card Dranell. Love the coverplate die and the colours you've used. The sparkly green baubles die card is really pretty. Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving. Barbxx

Rema DeLeeuw said...

Lovely card Darnell! I'm not familiar with that cover plate. Will have to check it out.

Marybeth said...

I have never seen that cover plate look better than on your card today! Gorgeous! I love the Poppystamps card too in Christmas green foil! I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving, Darnell!

Sarah said...

Happy Thanksgiving ! And wow - I love that cover plate and it's used beautifully to produce a stunning card.x

Virginia L. said...

Oh how fun and festive!! Love your designs and details, Darnell! The color combos are so pleasing to the eyes! So glad that you join the fun over Simon Says Stamp Wednesday “Anything Goes” Challenge! And Happy Thanksgiving!

Marlena M. said...

Hahaha, I agree Darnell, cards DO have feelings! :) I'm so glad you let her show up for the party...I love the shimmer and pizzazz of both of your cards~ Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

PatQ's Cards said...

Love your background and that silver bow--it's all perfection. I checked out your playhouse this morning and am completely jealous! Looks like a place you can really enjoy!

Unknown said...

I don't know why it seems like I've never seen that PTI cover plate before? Anyway, it's fabulous, and looks gorgeous in that shimmer paper.

conil said...

You know, of course, we blog readers are the ones to be thankful to you. Your humor, heart and happiness shines through on each post plus we get the added benefit of your lovely art. Enough schmaltz! These two cards are stunning. Love the first one, you really did nail the challenge. Crushing on those non-traditional shimmery colors. And the second card...WOW!, that'd be a tough one to forget...it just plain sings with festivity.
Hammie and his offspring...we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. Oh yeah, and for you and the Mister, Darnell.

Jo Herbert said...

Wow what a beautiful card. I love the use of the trio of tags adding such fun element of green colour pop. Love your creations. From your newest follower. Jo

Marcia Hill said...

LOVE your card Darnell...didn't even know PTI had that cover plate...now I have to add another item to my growing wish list! But anyway, it's beautiful and I love how you did the tags too...very creative! My favorite though is Hammy stuffing his face...too, too cute! Hope you and the Mister have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! :0)

Leslie Hanna said...

Did you hear me exclaim: THAT'S A CRANBERRY?! Stinkin' cute!

Love both of these cards, especially the blue & silver color combination.

Anonymous said...

Love this, Darnell! I did not know that PTI had this cover plate, either. Just beautiful in that color!

Manuela said...

beautiful card, sweet with the little tags on the bow

ionabunny said...

Two lovely cards Darnell. Happy Thanksgiving to you too. Hugz

Birgit said...

Ok Darnell, so your cards are gorgeous as ever but you've got me rolling on the floor laughing at that sweet, sweet photo and hammy and baby! That's about how I go at the Thanksgiving table. haha! Love it!!

Sue said...

Fab cards.

Hope you have had a good day. Sue

Sarah said...

excellent cards Darnell!! Lovely to see you at CCAYR with your brilliant Christmas tree xx

Cat Craig said...

Both cards are fabulous. There is something so appealing and pretty about a full card die cut or die cut negative...looks like so much work maybe. Have a wonderful thanksgiving holiday! Hugs.

adele holcomb said...

Love your beautiful take on the PTI challenge. The silver ribbon wraps it up perfectly!

!neke said...

Love this card !
You used the cover up die just beautiful !
Ineke X

Linda said...

Funny, I was thinking, Hmm missed this coverplate from PTI, but then saw that it was actually Lil Inkers. Your card is absolutely gorgeous. Love it and again Happy Thanksgiving if I haven't said so yet.

Kristie Goulet said...

Beautiful cards, Darnell! Have a blessed Thanksgiving! xoxo

Darnell said...

This is a test. I'm doing a couple of hops today and all of a sudden I had to complete the stupid "robot" thing before it would publish my comment on several blogs! I'm curious if that has happened to my blog also ...

Liz said...

What a super text die cut! It looks fabulous in the shimmery paper you used. A stunning card. I love your twofer too, with the lovely rich green and silver. Beautiful! xx

Unknown said...

Beautiful background....LOVE the layered tags!

Vikki H said...

Your coverplate sure got us wagging our heads today! It's lovely with the sweet tags and your special bow to package up the deal! happy thanksliving to you, too!

BożenA said...

Oh, so sweet card. I love those little tags!
Hugs,
BozenA

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Sorry I've been missing but now I'm catching up on your wonderful creations.
Both of these are terrific.......you have made green mirror card look fabulous.
Best wishes.
Ang x

Lynn said...

Happy Thanksgiving Darnell! Love your card. The cover plate is gorgeous!

Donna said...

I like the way you showcased your tags on the first card... and I LOVE your second card. I am VERY fond of that yummy green colour :)
PS. How are my 'squishy faces' doing? Growing up fast and keeping daddy busy by the looks of things!!!

Nancy Penir said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you, too! Gorgeous shiny cards, love them both. Love that you had to make a correction in listing the manufacturer of that amazing cp. Love Hammy and Henrietta, and what is Rudolph Days, I will check it out. Meanwhile I do need immense help with an ailing blog. Thinking of hiring a designer. Any suggestions?

Carol said...

Ooh I love that cover plate Darnell...I may be tempted to have a spend ready for next year's cards! Fab twofer! Thanks for brightening up blogland with you and hammy's antics, you're a real tonic. Carol x

Verna Angerhofer said...

Both cards are so very beautiful and love the shimmer on each one. Great colors as well!

Geri said...

Stunning and elegant...both the Main Course and the Leftovers! Gotta love the shine and that awesome cover plate! I really, REALLY like how you added the sentiment on the the Christmas bauble card!

Jacquie Southas said...

I always forget about the PTI shimmer paper - it is gorgeous with this cover plate, Darnell!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and the whole family (hamsters included)!

Silke Ledlow said...

Very pretty cards!

Susanne Vargas said...

Your shimmery card for the PTI hop is really stunning! And no, we definitely wouldn't want to hurt the shiny green cards feelings!
Have a very happy Turkey Day!

Melissa L. said...

Lovely, cards, Darnell. It is always a pleasure to visit your blog. Happy Thanksgiving from across the pond.

cm said...

Class and elegance x two, my friend! Love the coverplate on the first, and the shimmer of the second! Hammy's stress eating...poor guy...but he is eating a cranberry, so at least he's healthy chomping! Little Henrietta...toooo cute. Wishing you a most Happy Thanksgiving, my friend. Blessed beyond blessed that YOU are in my life! MWAH!
Hugs~c

Chriss Blagrave said...

Love this, Darnell! This is a gorgeous take with the PTI hop colours! Love the sheen!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Many blessing to you and many thanks for all that you do for this wonderful community!
XOXOX

Jeanne H said...

A Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family too. I am blessed to "know" you and follow you! Hugs,

Kim Heggins said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell...love them both! I love your sweet little hamsters too...LOL

Kathleen said...

Totally love the first card and a great use of left overs for the second card. Looks to me like Hammy is nervous as most Fathers are with Daughters.
Hope you have loads of Blessing for the next year too Darnell.

Kath x

Rose said...

Two beautiful cards! Such lovely colours in your first card & love what you did with that gorgeous ornament die!

Redanne said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you too! Even though they don't celebrate here, I have bought a turkey anyway so that we can have our own little celebration - I will remember to toast you - you are a blessing that I always count twice!

Love, love the first card, it is gorgeous in those beautiful colours and the sparkly green one is beautiful too - great use of the leftovers!

I cannot say too much about Hammy's eating habits, since cranberries are my guilty pleasure... Big hugs, Annie xx

Lisa said...

Both of your cards are beautiful, Darnell!! I love the backgrounds on both of them!! You did an amazing job with them!! I hope you and your family have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

foleysfriend said...

Loving your card for PTI's blog hop. I really enjoy the shimmer and shine - I mean, who doesn't?

Kay Miller said...

Oh this is so pretty Darnell! I love the silvery bow with the little tag cluster! I even love the non PTI background die! heheh! Hope you, the hamsters and the whole family have a wonderful Thanksgiving! ((Hugs))

Carole said...

Happy Thanksgiving Darnell,Thanks for the inspiration.

oldpunca said...

Beautiful cards, dear Darnell! Super sweet inscription on the first one and amazing green on the second one. :-)
Hugs, Sonja

Carol L said...

I really like both cards, especially that dangling trio of tags on the 1st one! The mirror green color on the 2nd is gorgeous too!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and thanks for your online friendship! You rock the blogworld my friend :)

Craftychris said...

Your first card is a stunner! Love the die - it makes such a beautiful card base. Your second card is fabulous too! I love green. Happy thanksgiving to you and your family! Have an awesome time. Much love. Chris xxx

Lisa Elton said...

A pair of fabulousness Darnell!! HAPPY Thanksgiving wishes to you, the mister and your family. I'm truly blessed to have you in my life ~ HUGS!!!

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

These are just gorgeous! Happy Thanksgiving!!

Leslee said...

That cover plate die may have to sneak into my house! Beautiful card. Hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving.

TK said...

Love your cards - they are both beautiful! The shimmer and shine are heart-warming in this season of giving. Happy Thanksgiving to you and the Mister...

Susan said...

Happy Thanksgiving! Sure wish I was about to eat a delicious turkey dinner but up here in Canada we've already had ours and now have to wait till Christmas.

Two gorgeous cards today, but I'm even more smitten by Henrietta - what a sweetie!

Rahmat said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you also Darnell, I love the cards, specially the second one, the green and silver shimmer gives a grand and festive feel to it. The first one is super with the block die, gorgeous colors.

Laurie Unger said...

Wonderful cover plate - might have to invest in it. Love the shimmer paper.

Mrs A. said...

Most gorgeous. Love the pile of tags in the middle. Hugs Mrs A.

Joyce said...

Love both of your pretty cards, Darnell. (Even if that cover plate is not from PTI!!) Happy Thanksgiving!

A Crafty Person said...

Two wonderful cards! I like the background cover plate.

tonyamaries said...

Both of your cards are beautiful!

Karen C. said...

Beautiful cards Darnell. The tags are such a sweet addition to the background cover plate.

Brinda said...

Beautiful card! Love the coverplate background. Happy Thanksgiving from down under here in Australia!

Cecilia Hsieh said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell!

Cris G. said...

Hi Darnell! PTI or not, that cover plate is a beauty and the perfect addition to your gorgeous card. However, my heart goes to the tiny tags... so cute!
I see that Hammy has now great company. I don't know if you had that experience before, I mean more than one hamster sharing the same territory, but I had a bad experience... one of my hamsters killed the other one. I was really sad, and mad with the Kill Bill. Mine were Siberian hamsters, maybe it is just in that species. I just thought this might help.
Happy Thanksgiving with your beloved ones!

Annette Allen said...

both of your cards are gorgeous.. awesome designing.

Dana M said...

Wonderful cards Darnell. I love the shimmer and the shine - perfect.

kiwimeskreations said...

Darnell my jaw has dropped onto the keyboard again!! These are fabulous cards - but then, when do you not make fabulous cards???
Poor Hammy - I just hope he does not get indigestion (or worse) from all that stress eating....
Blessings
Maxine

Imke said...

Both Cards are great, Darnell. I totally love the cover plate die cut on the first and of course the Colors. Great Card for the PTI Blog Hop.

sandie said...

Love those 3 little tags and then the top one with the tree plus the ribbon....I admire both of these things and zoomed straight in on them as I am so, so, so bad anything to do with ribbons and don't get me started on tags! Have a good Thanks giving x

Linda said...

Happy Thanksgiving Darnell ....... enjoy the holiday.
Gorgeous cards hun ...... beautifully shimmery and shiny. Love that cover plate die too. xx

Sofie V said...

Your card looks beautiful!

Greetings, Sofie # 37
http://sofies-succulent-beads.blogspot.be

Sarn said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you Darnell.

LOVING That die cut beauty of a card at the top of your page, as well as the one below it.

HAPPY RUDOLPH DAY.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Unknown said...

Gorgeous card Dippy. Love the sentiment full page die cut - so effective. Also love your green mirri card and am sure it's pleased you showcased him. Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Love.

Karendipity xxx

Gina said...

Oooh, you had me at Sea Shimmer. I love that shimmer cardstock! Your card is fantastic. The little tags hanging from the ribbon are such a great touch.

Marilyn said...

Beautiful cards and I love the die on the first one... gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Gosh these are stunning xx

OH Babs said...

This is a beautiful card Darnell. The cover plate and the blue paper are a great combination. I like the mini tags too.
Wishing you and the family a great holiday. You have much to be grateful for amongst them Kevin's health, the family and the love of many, many people (me included). :) Babs

Janice said...

Both lovely cards Darnell, I especially love the bauble one. What a clever way to use the bauble dies.
Happy Thanksgiving to you from the UK :-))
Janice x

Kathy Mc said...

Both cards are gorgeous, Darnell. However, I don't think I've ever seen a card of yours I didn't like. You are so sweet leaving comments, especially when I see how many followers you have. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Sure is a lovely cover plate and you have made it even more beautiful, love the second card too!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Jacee said...

Lovely work Darnell
Hugs Jacee
Simply Paper Card Design

Petra Swart said...

You'll have to get Herietta on a diet, Darnell - way too big for her age - poor Hammy looks like the baby!!!!
Love both your cards!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!!
Hugz

Jean said...

A great Rudolph Day card Darnell, I love the die cut Christmas words background, and the silver bow looks lovely with those cute little tags hanging from it.
Jean x

Bonnie said...

Two more beauties, Darnell! Happy, happy Thanksgiving, my dear friend. You are certainly among the blessings I count.

Jen Mitchell said...

What a gorgeous card. I love the coverplate and the subtle shimmer on that paper. I hope you and your family enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving!

Gerrina said...

Great bg-diecut! Love the colours that you used on both cards and the tiny tags looks so sweet! Enjoy the special weekend! Hugs, Gerrina

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

Hammy is sooo cute, even when face-stuffing! The cards have fabby textures and shimmer, Darnell, they do give that special festive feeling. Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving day!

Love and hugs
Maarit

Donna said...

Both gorgeous cards but especially love the shimmery green!

Claire said...

Your cards are shimmery perfection Darnell! You know you have way too much stuff in your stash when you can't remember where it comes from...hope you had a happy thanksgiving!

scrappymo! said...

Gorgeous! i am drooling over that die...it is wonderful. The colours you chose are perfect...love the splash of colour with the tags.

I did receive your very appreciated happy mail...just getting something ready to send off to you now. Still struggling here so it is taking me longer than I thought it would. Will get it sent when I go out to send off the Rudy prizes.

Thanks so much for the shout out on my challenge. I really appreciate it. And a big thank you for taking part in the November Rudolph Days Challenge. Good luck in the prize draws...

LesleyG said...

Beautiful cards and glad you can rely on friends to correct info! Xxx

Ros Crawford said...

I count you and your wonderful posts as a blessing to! No matter who makes that coverplate ... your card is stunning and I loved seeing Hammy with his little 'un ... He's like me with chocolate! Have a great day!

KandA said...

Hi Darnell, love this gorgous card and the text block looks fabulous in the shimmery paper.
I do hope Hammy is getting well prepared for his hamsterettes first christmas. He looks so cute with his little girl xx

Maura said...

Great cards, Darnell. I especially love the one with the coverplate. I am such a sucker for cover plates, but alas they are quite pricey, so I don't have many. (Gotta spread that craft money around, you know!)

I, too, am so thankful for so many things and people in my life - you included! Hope you had a great day with family.

Diane said...

What lovely card deigns Darnell, I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving day with friends and family.

Hugs Diane

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Both of these cards are gorgeous and I especially love the first one.

Sue xx

Sue - said...

Hi Darnell! That is a fab cover plate which has made such a pretty card! Love the green one too!

Jerrie said...

That shimmery green with the ornaments cut out is so pretty! You can not get much more elegant than this card!!

JD/ Jill said...

Very pretty cards, but I especially like the second one. So elegant.
Hope you had a very special Thanksgiving.

Greta said...

Beautiful Blog Hop card, Darnell! That paper is beautiful & I love the grouping of little tags--need to use that cover plate which I happen to have. The sparkly card might be my favorite of the group--so festive & beautiful! Hope you enjoyed the holiday with your family.

Inkyfingers said...

Love this stylish card Darnell and that shimmer paper is gorgeous! Hope you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.
Hugs
Carol x

Brenda in IN said...

The cover plate made a beautiful card and I love the assortment of little tags with the sweet little tree. I think I must have looked like Hammy eating over the holidays! I'm sending those blessings right back to you. You have supported and encouraged me not only helping with computer issues but in my journey with hubby. We all have "something" going on in our lives and the caring sent by all my internet friends like you have helped so very much. I hope you and your family (and all Hammy's new additions) had a wonderful day together.

Cheryl W. said...

Your cards are fabulous, and Hammy's face-stuffing made me feel better about my own T-Day overeating. Nice to know it's a common condition for more than just we humans.

Hazel said...

Thanks for sharing your lovely crafting for CCAYR November challenge - hope to see you again soon, Hazel, CCAYR design team - and thanks for entering this for my CHNC challenge extra for November x

Mac Mable said...

How kind of you to stop by my blog and offer your congratulations on my top three at Loll's tag extravaganza! It was very much appreciated x Love both of your cards but in particular the first one as the colours you've chosen are just gorgeous x Thanks again x

I Card Everyone said...

Whooshed by indeed! Darnell your first card is so gorgeous .. that shimmering aqua cardstock is beautiful! LOve me some leftover card making!
=] Michele

Jenni's Jems said...

Love the colour combo of your first card and the addition of those wee tags just finishes it perfectly!!xx

Linby said...

Two super cards, just love that background on the first one and your clever stringing of the tags.

MaryH said...

A bit late in my surfing, but finally here! Love #1, but being an easily distracted one, I am bowled over by #2's gleaming glitter. I like this coverplate and it does look like a PTI designed one, so tfs the update info. It looks really pretty in the shimmery paper too, and love the idea of the trio of tiny tags. #2 need not feel left out because it really steals the show with the shine & lovely die cuts with all the rich silver behind it. Enjoyed seeing Hammy & infant...definitely looks like her Sire! TFS & Hugs. Merry, Merry...and you're a big blessing to us as well.

Sharon Underwood said...

Hey Darnell, Sorry I'm so late in posting this. I've been to Boston to see my brother for Thanksgiving. Your cards are beautiful! Love the front of that first one. I've never seen that before! It's gorgeous. Glad you had a good Thanksgiving!

Bobby said...

That coverplate cut in shimmer is so gorgeous, Darnell, and adding those little tags is the perfect compliment. It's unbelievable what fabulous cards leftovers can make and you planned the die cutting to a tee. I've seen more hamster pictures on FB and elsewhere that I have resisted sending you. I guess once people know you by your companions, they think of you every time they see one. ;)

Helen F. said...

Love the glimmer and sparkle of this twofer, Darnell. That cover plate is gorgeous!