A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

December 12, 2016

Day 10 - Twelve Days of Christmas Cards Challenge

Greetings from the Handmade Holiday Card Factory!

I'm as delighted as a polar bear with a large eggnog to be here today designing a card for Kylie's Twelve Days of Christmas Cards Challenge! Thank you, Kylie, for asking me to be a part of your challenge!

Do you need some last-minute inspiration? Do you have cards you haven't yet posted? Do you want an opportunity to win a prize? Do you just like to see what other card artists are doing? Well, awrighty then. Click the lick, er, link for all that and more!

But before you do, please let me show you what I've made to inspire you:
Everything on this card is NBUS which made Hammy and I high-five each other, forgetting that Hammy's little paw is a lot smaller than my hand. Well, of course, he went asp over tea-kettle and somersaulted his way across the desk, rolling up and over stamp pads of red, green, gold, blue, black, and melon mambo. I took a photo to show you before giving him a bath, but our computer is crashing several times a day (we think due to the latest update) so I lost it. I mean literally I lost the photo from the computer (and it had auto-erased from the camera), and figuratively I lost my cool because this endless crashing is getting so frustruating.

Sorry, I digest.

My card was made with a die* called "Holly Leaf Border" from Memory Box, number stamps from Kylie's Happy Little Stampers set called "Big Bold Numbers," a pretty green shimmery paper from PTI which shows through the die negative, and a tiny circle stamp from GKW which was used to add the festive berries in melon mambo. The big bold 25 was heat-embossed with Ranger "Gold Tinsel" embossing powder.
*I won the Memory Box die from a Rudolph Days Challenge. 🙌[Is that applause or shouting?] The fabulous Maureen who runs the challenge sent me two of the dies so I could pass on the love to you. Thank you, Mo! I am going to offer the second one as a prize today! On December 19th, I will choose a random winner from the comments on this post. Please say in your comment if you are NOT interested in the drawing.
Here is a closer look at the schparkly sheen:
I hope you have some time to check out all the fabulous cards made by Kylie and friends and all the pretty gallery entries. It would be really wonderful if you also linked up one of your brilliant cards!


There are three sponsors making this challenge even more fun. Each of these sponsors is giving away a $20 gift certificate to their company. 

Kylie's Linky tool will remain open on her blog until 12 PM (AEST) December 17, 2016.

~~~

I'm also entering:


Always use Rubber - Stamp and Ink ChallengeMetallics

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Obviously, with my computer crashing all the time, I haven't been able to visit many of you. Grrr! As it happens I was away from my computer most of the last three days anyway because I discovered 54 names I had unintentionally omitted from my label lists! So after finishing, signing, and mailing over 200 cards, I was back at it for another round. Hopefully today will be better, this post will publish correctly, and I'll visit you soon. Ginfers crossed!

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!

*Life is too short!

To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrolling:
Click CTL + Home. 
Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post.
Click Page Down to reach the end of the post.
Click Comments and a pop-up box opens.
Click "Jump to Comment Form" and walla, no more car pool tunnel!
Mwah!
If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave me
your email address so I can respond. Thank you! 

60 comments:

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

A beautiful card Darnell, lovely dies used too. Hope your computer settles down soon, it must be so frustrating for you.

Sue xx

cm said...

Oh my stars! Look at me! I'm not the 877th commenter for a change AND I'm on time (we won't discuss how far behind I am on your previous posts! And I empathize with the crashing computers! Our internet has been fickle of late, likely due to the frosty, freezing days!)! Crushing all over the schparkly sheen of your numbers and holly (not in the running for the die, but thank you!). Festive fabulous...as I suspect Hammy must have been after his inky episode! Off to leave 'word' love on your recent posts....
Hugs~c

Sandra H said...

Ooooh it's so annoying when your computer crashes or the internet is down it shows though how much we depend on it what did we do without them!.....Your card is gorgeous l like the die you won from Mo l have one very much like it so please don't include me and good luck to whoever wins it .........it's a lovely die sending lots of Christmas Wishes xx

designbydonna said...

I love the sparkliness of your numbers. And the holly is so very pretty. I would love to win. I empathize with your computer problems. Mine did that last month--would not even boot up. Geek Squad couldn't even get into it so I lost all my data and had to buy a new computer. Maybe Santa can bring you a new one.

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Amazing CAS with a lot of gorgous sparkling! Love very much the holly leaf border!!!
Sorry for your pc... Perhaps Santa will gift you with a new one? :D

Kathleen said...

Superb CAS card and a great use of your prize, love the sparkly numbers.

Kath x

Carole said...

Ooooo what a lovely shiny, glittery , sparkly card Darnell. Fab post...pictures in mind of a multi coloured hammy. So naughty of the computer to misbehave.....so frustrating for you. Hope it mends it's ways soon. take care. Hugs xx

Redanne said...

I just love the wonderful design of your card - and the sparkles too - a wonderfully inspiring card! Such a shame about your computer, they are a pain when they down - I hope it gets over it's problem soon! 200 cards - yikes!! You must have writers cramp! Big hugs, Annie xxx

Sandy said...

Wow, an entire card full of NBUS -- well done. Sorry about poor Hammy tho, when the celebration got out of hand. That glittery 25 is certainly festive.

Pat said...

This is very pretty Darnell and the glittery gold letters look fabulous either side of it. Sorry to hear you are having computer problems, they are so frustrating I know and hope they will soon be fixed. Thank you also to Maureen for providing an extra holly border for you to give away. x

Brenda in IN said...

Whar a gorgeous, sparkly card! That shade of green paper is just beautiful and the Holly Leaf Border is so pretty. Congratulations on your win from Memory Box. Their dies are fantastic. Poor rainbow Hammy. From now on he will be following you around closing the lids on the stamp pads! I'm sorry to hear about your computer crashing. That is so aggravating. I am at a complete loss when that happens and feel cut off from the world.

Barb Ghig said...

Such a beautiful sparkly card, Darnell! I love that you chose pink for the berries, and gold tinsel EP for those fabulous numbers is the perfect touch!
I sure hope Hammy is ok after that tumble...and, please don't worry about visiting ~ You are always so loyal and thoughtful!
Thank you so much for the lovely and sparkly card I received in the mail today...I love it!!!

Birgit said...

Your card is simple yet so very, very pretty with just the right amount of sparkle. That must be infuriating regarding your computer. I hate upgrades.

Lisa Elton said...

I like the elegant CAS look of your card Darnell, pretty sparkle too!

Jane Willis said...

Computer problems are sooooooo frustrating, but they do make you realise how much we value our online friends - when I can't get on line I miss everybody like crazy!
Your card is gorgeous and you've managed to really capture the sparkle in the photo, something I always struggle dreadfully with.
And whipping my Always Use Rubber hat on, thank you for sharing with us
Jane

Helen F. said...

Your card is FABULOUS, Darnell! Yes, I am one of those crafters who is still making Christmas cards and need all the inspiration I can get...so, here I am :-)

Greta said...

HATE computer issues--hope yours is soon fixed! Beautifully, sparkly card--creative design, too! Will have to check out the challenge--thanks for the inspiration!

Chrissie said...

I can empathise with you on the computer problems Darnell, I've been there, got the T shirt... the whole nine yards.
Love those sparkly numbers, I wish I had a little more time to spend in my craft room at the mo but things are conspiring against me and time is running away!
Have a lovely Christmas!
Chrissie xxx

sandie said...

This is such a fab design, love the use of the negative die and the sparkle naturally we love. Thanks for joining Ink

Linda said...

Gorgeous CAS design ..... pretty die too. Love the touches of sparkle showing through xx

Tina Z. said...

great design, I love your CAS with perfect colours.
200 cards - wow, you are incredible ...
hugs xx

Kylie said...

Well.... they say great minds think alike. We both used Gold Tinsel embossing powder for our cards!!! It was the first time I had used mine and I really had a shocking time (including knocking most of off the desk and onto... well everything...)using it but practice makes perfect. So I had better practice... A LOT lol. Your photo has captured that gold sparkle - it is amazing! Thanks so much for joining me for my 12 Days of Christmas Cards. I adore your card, my friend xx

Ros Crawford said...

It's got to be fun living with you ... You really know how to bring on a smile! Fabulous card Darnell and I have quite a lot I haven't posted so I'll certainly join in! Enjoy your day!

Marilyn said...

WOW! Gorgeous card!! Love the gold numbers!

Donna said...

Lobely card Darnell like the shimmer! Brigjt and cheery like you!

Jeanne said...

So sorry to hear of your computer issues! I hope they correct themselves or get corrected soon. So frustrating! Loved the image of Hammy rolling over stamp pads! He might not have liked it, but it made me giggle. Your card is lovely. Lots of shimmery sparkle. How lovely that you won the die! Hope you have a great day, now that you are caught up again on your cards. :) Hugs!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Oh Darnell, you're a little ray of sparkly sunshine on a gray day! I love the card. So sorry you're having so many pc issues, I know how frustrating they can be.
Hugs,
Em

Lisa said...

Oh, what a gorgeous card, Darnell!! I absolutely love the amazing sparkle!! The sprig of holly is so beautiful!! Love this!! I hope you get your computer issues fixed soon!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the card. Definitely less ism ore in this instance.

Hope you have had a nice day. Sue

cuilliesocks said...

Beautifully designed card Darnell, lovely colours too, Kate x

Carol L said...

OH darn, that picture of Hammy all inked up was probably one for the history books too! Darn computers - I have such a love/hate relationship with them.......sigh. Great card too - bold and beautiful! Have a great week ahead!

Jean said...

So pretty!

slang said...

Great card. Don't we just love all the sparkly cards these days!
The tinsel gold embossing powder looks amazing, I may have to try that. Thanks for the chance to win.

Linda said...

So very pretty and sparkly Darnell. I'm sure you have been busy as all of us are. Thank you for the lovely reindeer card. Love that die and the Merry Christmas die. I'll be glad when I can get back into my craft room and make cards again. Have a Merry Christmas my friend. Hugs, Linda

Verna Angerhofer said...

Lucky you. That is awesome and I love your card. And, of course, I am interested in being in the drawing. That is a gorgeous die. I love the simplicity of your beautiful card too! So elegant looking.

Kathleen said...

Thanks you for your lovely card, it arrived today. Glad you liked mine too.

Kath xxxx

Pat said...

Love the delicacy of your holly, Darnell. Wish I could have seen Hammy in all his colorific splendor.Computers-both the bane & salvation of daily life!

Theresa's Studio said...

Love your card! Such beautiful shine and sparkle. And love the die.
Merry Christmas!

Bobby said...

You have just lived my worst nightmare, Darnell. Finding more names for the list when you thought you'd made your last card. Second worst nightmare - computer problems when there's so much to do. You managed to make a great card and entertain us with your Hammy story through it all. I just wish you had the picture. ;) You don't need to include me in the drawing.

Sharon Underwood said...

Beautiful card, Darnell! Love the colors! I received your card AND your comments on my blog. Thank you! Your card was taken to the Post Office today!

Nan G said...

Fab card! (Don't count me in the drawing) I'm ROFLing just thinking of Hammy doing somersaults thru the ink. Too bad he didn't roll over some card stock. Wa-la you'd have a hammy background ready to go. ;) ;)

Geri said...

I feel your pain dear friend! Don't you just wish you could pitch the 'puter out the window and find some magic computer fairy that will bring you a new machine fully loaded with everything that was on the misbehaving beast! Been there, bought the t-shirt, don't want to go back for another t-shirt!

Fabulous post, fabulous card, fabulous photo that captures the glimmer and shine! No surprise that I'm totally loving all the white space!

If Hammy is sporting some of this glitz and glam, he is gonna knock the socks off the lady rodents for sure!

Stinkin' cold here....-41C with the windchill last night! Quite a shock cuz up until this past week the temps have been very mild! Yay Canadian winters!

Renee's ramblings said...

This is such a great CAS card!Love the Snazzy sparkles! Dontca HATE when these computers that are supposed to make our lives easier actually make life so messed up? My computer keeps telling me I'm not connected to the internet, while I'm online! GRRRRRRR!I calm down by playing in my stamp room.

Anita in France said...

Lusciously shimmery and rich, Darnell ... and such a lovely, delicate holly sprig! Please count me out of your generous giveaway ... but thank you. As if you and somersaulting Hammy haven't enough to keep you occupied without a renegade computer making a song and dance about everything ... put it on the naughty step to cool off, it'll soon be back to beeping and whirring as it should! LYAMYIBLMA! Hugs & bisous, Anita :)

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh Darnell - I am impressed with your tenacity to keep using the computer and blogging when it keeps throwing hissy fits like that - I would have loved to have seen Hammy all multicolorified...
Love your card, and yes, I am interested in the die :-)
Blessings
Maxine

Fikreta said...

Gorgeous card !

OH Babs said...

Sparkly and gorgeous. Love the die cut - you used it well. When is it time for Valentine's? :) B

MaryH said...

Oh BIG YAY for you, on both the Rudy Day win of this fab MB die, and also at being a Guest Designer at HLS. Love the way you've showcased the Big Bold Nos. on this card - look very impressive with the pretty die. Hope the pc crashing will quit, and hope Hammy is all nice & tidy once more for the holidays. Thank you for the beautiful card, which is now shared on the blog and placed upon the mantel for all to enjoy with us! Big hugs, Merry Christmas to you, Mr & Hammy, and hope that 2017 will be just as grand as it can be for all of you! TFS

Kara Lynne said...

So sorry to hear about the computer troubles. It's cyber-paralysis! Beautiful card, Darnell! I love the shimmer of the golden 25. So crazy that it'll be here before you know it!

Lilian said...

Love the shine! Gorgeous!
Lilian
The Leaf Studio

Cat Craig said...

Fantastic Darnell!

Lisa T said...

Oh what a beautiful card! I love that gorgeous die, but then I love most of Memory Box dies, they are always stunning. But I love how you designed the card with all that sparkle, bold numbers and pretty colours. It's a beauty! Sorry about your computer - crashing computers are unhappy and they pass that onto their owners in bucket loads! I had a week of it this week, and there were tears before bedtime let me tell you! I now have a brand spanking new computer so all is well in my world for now :). Hope you get the problems sorted so you don't lose too much of your beautiful work! Hugs, Lisa xx

Pia Larsen said...

Beautiful & simple, Darnell :)
Thank you so much for playing along with us at Inkspirational Challenges. We would love for you to join us again soon :)
Pia xx

Cheryl W. said...

Pretty, pretty, pretty! Love the sparkle. This is a wonderfully CAS card for last minute card-making.

Laura said...

Love the card - and the die! I will not be commenting that I don't want the chance to win the die! To clarify, yes, I want the chance to win the die! [Maybe if I say "win the die" enough times , it will happen?!]
Laura Holt
[Google will name me "unknown]

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Heaven's to murgatroyd, over 200 cards made and posted? Have you got shares in US Post lol!
Loving the sparkle ........ I'm all for that at this time of year.
Great card and love the holly die too.
Best wishes.
Ang x

Zelda said...

Sorry to be flooding your inbox.... wonderful to see you Kylies' 12 Days of Christmas Cards Challenge. I had hoped to play along but it just didn't work out.... lots of wonderful inspiration and I love your schparkly sheen. Schuper work ;)

TK said...

Sweet card! Love the plethora of colors, including those on Hammy! How fortunate of you to win, and how generous of you to pass on the blessings! You're kinda sweet like that...

Donna said...

Such a pretty card. Love the colours. X

nhuthuy said...
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