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 19, 2016

Leaping Towards Christmas!

Happy Holiday Hello!

No more lollygagging and sauntering towards Christmas, people! Now we are full leap ahead!

To that end, I've got a coupla more cards to share with you. Some of you might have found that this little number leapt right into your Happy Mailbox!

Onefer:
I used a navy card which I splattered with white Stella to create a starry background. I cut the "Curved Merry Christmas" die from Memory Box using an Avery sticker label, which made it easy to peel and stick it to the card. The leaping stag is from W Plus 9, which I cut from SU adhesive cork. An eyeball gem and a dab of white on the tail added personality to the deer and that was that!

Challenges

Snippets Playground Badge
~~~

Twofer:

I love copper embossing powder. Actually any of the metallics. So when SU came out with copper e/p, PLUS some stunning copper paper, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Here is my first make with my NBUS goodies. (Haha, I just realized I could have named this movement Never Before Used Goodies and if I had, the aackronym would have been NBUG! 😂)

Anyway, here's my card:
The wreath is from Stacy Stamps. The "Believe" is from Simon Says Stamp.

It's hard to see in the above photo that there is a strip of copper on each side of the white linen card panel:
Simple, but very effective with all that sheeniness!

~~~

Winner:

As promised in this post, today I have a winner for this die from Memory Box:
Image result for holly leaf border from memory box
The winner is Maxine Diffy of Kiwime's Kreations! Congratulations, Maxine. I will send off your die immediately!

~~~

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

I'm sending warm hugs and best wishes to all those dealing with record-breaking frigid temperatures, ice storms, and snow throughout most of the country. And Happy Birthday love and hugs to Adam and Henry who turn 12 tomorrow!! WDTTG?!

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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81 comments:

Karren said...

Beautiful Christmas cards, Darnell! Both of them so striking! And Happy Birthday to the twins!

brenda said...

Two great shares today Darnell and yes it's almost upon us !

B x

!neke said...

Great cards Darnell !

Liz said...

Two beautiful CAS cards. What a great idea to die cut a white sticker.......I'm having one of those "why didn't I think of that" moments! LOL! I love the elegance of the second card, so classy. Merry Christmas and have a great 2017. xx

Stamps and Paper said...

Two lovely Christmas card Darnell...I've now finished all my cards what a lovely feeling thankfully they are 'local' cards which is a good job as our post office services have decided to stike....


Anne

cuilliesocks said...

Hi Darnell, two beautifully designed cards, simple designs but so effective, love them both, Kate x

Marianne said...

Two wonderful cards, Darnell. What a clever way to use a sticker sheet for your die cuts. NBUG would not have been such a bad idea, would it? Something's been bugging me lately: it's my NBUG. I simply have too much of it (and I'm still adding to my pile). Having said that, 2016 has been my most creative year yet and I have a receord number of blog posts to prove it. And I still have a few more Christmas cards to share...
Merry Christmas to you and yours and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2017!
Marianne x

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell, I love the stag on the first and the beautiful embossing on the second. Happy Birthday to the twins, that's a gorgeous looking cake.

Sue xx

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving both the cards.

Hope you have a good start to the week. Sue

Lynn said...

Happy happy birthday to the twins! Time sure does fly! Love the beautiful cards...the copper...swoon!!!

Whisper said...

Both cards are absolutely stunning and beautifully CAS too, Luv Sam x

Marilyn said...

Two pretty cards!! I love the copper on your second card!

Fikreta said...

very pretty cards!
Happy Holidays!
hugs

Kath said...

Fabulous cards Darnell!
Kath x

Pat said...

Two more gorgeous cards Darnell, and I love your curved sentiment and cute deer, and what a great idea to cut it from cork, and then that pretty copper embossed wreath and lovely sentiment, also Happy Birthday to Adam and Henry. x

Pat said...

Sorry, I also meant to say congratulations to Maxine for winning the pretty holly border die. x

Chriss Blagrave said...

Happy birthday to the grandtwins!
I LOVE your handsome and lively deer and his white tail really does add that much more to his lovely message!
Your copper wreath card is just stunning!
Merry Christmas, Darnell! XOX 😘

Nan G said...

Love the cork deer! So glad he jumped into my mailbox too. ;) Ooh that copper wreath is gorgeous! I've had a look back they your Christmas card postings...wow! Fab cards Darnell!!! Merry Christmas to all and have a wonder n healthy New Year! Hugs

Brenda in IN said...

I don't know where the time goes but it does fly by. Sending birthday wishes to the twins for a wonderful, fun filled day. Thanks for the warm hug as the deep freeze continues here and all across the nation. Your cards are lovely and I really love that Believe card. It is just beautiful. Congratulations to Maxine on her win.

Lisa said...

They are both so elegant and gorgeous!! I love the sparkle and designs of both!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Wendy L said...

Lovely cards, great one for our challenge, thanks for joining us at MAWTT, xxx

Marybeth said...

Beautiful cards Darnell love the elegance the gold brings to your cards! I don’t even know what to do next and with the big winds I have a whole new list of things to do..... The pool had to be first on my list today 7am :( Hope you are ready to go!

Colleen said...

Love your cards Darnell..WOW the gold with gold is stunning! And it just speaks Christmas doesn't it? Countdown is here, and now I am thinking of all the food prep I have to do...I think playing in the studio is more fun, but hey we gotta eat, right? Better make my list and check it twice cause for sure I will be making daily runs to the store! Happy Birthday to the twins...double the fun, eh? Merry Christmas Darnell!!

Nancy said...

Beautiful cards! Simple and elegant! Hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

So beautiful both! Love the curved sentiment in the firts one and the starry background for the reindeer! Lovely card also the second one, it's so classy!

Jean said...

Such pretty cards! You always inspire me!

Vicki Dutcher said...

Fun couple of cards! Love the gold believe -- Have a very Merry

cotnob said...

Two beautiful cards Darnell, very elegant designs.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Pauline
x

Verna Angerhofer said...

All are so beautiful and perfect for Christmas and holiday designs.

Carole said...

Dashing and delightful...beautiful cards.

Thanks Darnell for the lovely card and the kind words. I'm well, thanks for asking. I've created a list of things I'll never do again,(like painting a room)we can pay someone to do all those things, so life is good. I've followed your blog and read about your travels and I must say you are quite adventurous along with being a great story teller. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year too!
Hugs Carole

Carol H. said...

Love both of your cards, especially the metallic wreath card. It's so elegant!! Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!! Hugs!

Brenda said...

Oh my, what beautiful cards Auntie! I do love the leaping stage and that Merry Christmas die! The copper card is stunning, I know I love and of the metallic's but haven't gotten my hands on any of this copper from SU. Loving the wreath die too! I do love that you coined a new a new aackronym in NBUG! Of course I will probably forget what it stands! I need to make a list of these aackronym's from everyone. lol Happy birthday to those handsome twins!!!!! Hugs, Brenda

Donna said...

What fabulous cards Darnell, they are both beautiful! If I am not back before Sunday Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to you and the Mister!

Kathleen said...

Two wonderful cards.
A totally fabulous cake, hand made by you I presume!
Happy Birthday to the Boys.

Kath x

Loll said...

Two beautiful cards Dolly. Love that sweet leaping reindeer. And love the elegance of your copper card. I've been behind on things and haven't had a chance to buy any SU! supplies this year. I know HAVE TO HAVE the copper paper and that fantastic snowy embossing folder I've seen around blogland. Yep, more supplies ... the hard part is finding a place for them in my very crowded studio! Lolly xx

Loll said...

Oops ... happy birthday to Adam & Henry!!

Mrs A. said...

Happy birthday to the twins. Did Hammy make and bake the cake. It's awesome.
Love the leeping deer card. Hugs Mrs A.

oldpunca said...

You have a lot of wonderful ideas. :-) I like both of today's cards. Gold is so festive and blue very elegant. Thank you for the lovely card in my happy mail. :-)
Hugs, Sonja

Greta said...

BE-U-Ti-Ful copper card, Darnell! I need to use my copper stuff. Indeed, that leaping deer made my mailbox & me super merry! Merry, Merry Christmas, my friend!

Geri said...

So glad I sneaked in some 'puter time cuz these two cards are FABULOUS! I love the sparkly leapin' deer and your GREAT idea to use a sticker label!!! Never would have thunk of that in a kazillion years!

Sooooo going to order the SU bronze ep...gorgeous color - love the ' sheeniness' and love the CAS design, which totally allows the ep be the star of the show!

Warmed up a bit here - Yay! Sure am enjoying having Brady home :)

Geri said...

Ooops....hit the post button too quickly!

Wish the sweet twinks a happy birthday from me! 12 already? Yeeesh...time sure does fly!

Zelda said...

Happy Holiday Hello to you too Darnell! Sorry I've been so scarce here - the loss is all mine! Glad to be back to see what you've been up to. Two great cards - love the cork deer.... and of course the metallic believe is gorgeous and so elegant on the linen card. Congrats to Adam and Henry .... 12, wow, what a great age to be! Have a wonderful week!

Lisa Elton said...

Festive and fabulous Darnell, love these! The twins are tuning 12, say it isn't so!!! Wishing them both the happiest of birthdays!!

Carol L said...

What a wonderful pair of cards! I do believe one of those gorgeous golden deer broke free and landed right in my mailbox and he's much prettier in person too! Love the copper card with it's awesomeness, and congrats to Maxine on her die win! Woot woot!

kiwimeskreations said...

Whopee dooo - thank you for drawing my name for the die Darnell!! The start of next years cards I suspect :-).
Love you deer card - it is fabulous, and the twefer is awesome too.
That lego cake is amazing - don't tell me you made it??? Noooooo??? I was sure your had.
Blessings
Maxine

Cheryl W. said...

Both your cards today are awesome! Love the cork deer with his little white tail and the coppery EP on your second card. I love those metallic colors, too! Have a merry week with sugar plums dancing in your head (and not just during sleeping hours!!).

LesleyG said...

Love your leaping stag, and how you splattered the starry background, and that copper card is lush and so rich, love it ! Happy holidays xxx

sandie said...

Navy and gold, not a colour combo I have thought of before but it looks amazing. I really love copper embossing and this design it made by the strip of gold at the side x

Kathyk said...

Two beeeoootiful makes, Darnell. S'funny but I can't stop making Christmas cards either!!!

Since bloggers latest "update" I no longer see that you have posted so, my apologies if I have missed any of your posts matey

Seasons Greetings to you and the Mister

Kathyk

Redanne said...

Apologies, still playing catch up... I think both cards are beautiful, although the copper 'Believe' and copper edging have really stolen my heart - so very elegant! Congratulations to Maxine on her win and HUGE Happy Birthday (belated) wishes to Adam and Henry on their 12th birthday!! Hasn't time flown??

If you made that Lego cake, hats off to you my friend, it is stunning! If not, it is still pretty impressive! Big hugs, Annie xxx

Di said...

Wonderful cards Darnell - lovely to see you back in the Playground :)

Hugs

Di xx

Craftychris said...

Both these are gorgeous! Love the details you added to the lovely leaping deer! The copper embossing powder on the second one is fabulous! You have reminded me I have some in that colour and have not used it. Must rectify that! Happy Belated Birthday to Adam and Henry! Wow, 12! xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Linda said...

Two gorgeous cards Darnell .... love the copper embossing.
Happy birthday to the twins ..... they're growing up FAST!!! Did you make the cake? I'm impressed if you did my friend .... if not, well it still looks pretty amazing.
Just in case I don't get chance to visit again before the big day .... I hope you and yours have the best Christmas ever, and I wish you all a very Happy and Healthy 2017 (Glad the Christmas card arrived in time!)
Big festive hugs xx

Gerrina said...

What an unbelieveble bunch of christmascards must that be every year! Glad to see you have enough creativity to make so many different ones! Great ones here again! Hugs, Gerrina

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell. The reindeer did indeed leap into my mailbox yesterday and I can atest to how stunning he is! Thank you sweetie!
Hugs,
Em x

Bobby said...

What a great idea to use cork for your deer, Darnell. Both of your cards are clean and simple with a lot of impact. That copper is gorgeous.

Sarn said...

Sensational festive cards Darnell.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Sharon Underwood said...

I loved receiving this beautiful card in the mail, Darnell! Thank you! It's even more beautiful in person. Love your special touches, like the white tail and the black dot for the eye. Love the wreath, too. Beautiful! Guess it's Happy Birthday to the twins? WooHoo!

Sarah said...

Two wonderful cards Darnell, love the gold on each. I cannot believe that Christmas is almost here, in my head it's still October!! Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a peaceful New Year xx

TK said...

Stunning, Darnell! I too am in love with your linen and metallic creation!

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
what very lovely cards as usual.
They are both wonderful and I love the starry night you have created onn the first.
The colours and the wreath are gorgeous on the second.
Thank you for joining the MAWTT Challenge with these.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.DT

Barb said...

Two lovely cards Darnell. The leaping deer looks great cut out in cork. Congratulations to Maxine on her win. Barbxx

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Love the copper card. Let's say I was intrigued by the copper EP, copper thread, and copper foil paper this year but managed to keep my wallet intact. I decided I can enjoy what y'all make. Your leaping deer card is cool too!

Maria said...

Oh, such gorgeous Christmas cards, Darnell!! Love the deer and awesome die on first card! And, second card is just perfect beauty with the wreath and all the gold! Thank you for your sweet comments on my blog! Merry Christmas to you and family!!

Kara Lynne said...

Merry Christmas, Darnell! Wonderful cards! Great texture with your cork reindeer, and I love all of that coppery goodness! Happy birthday to your grandtwins!

OH Babs said...

Gorgeous cards. Believe is breathtaking. Copper EP and paper, who knew.
Happy candle-blowing to Adam and Henry.
Third, and last, I checked out your happy mail. OMG! I knew you were "the most popular," and you deserve it. Later gator

Bonnie said...

That was pretty clever to die cut from a label, Darnell, and I love the texture of the cork for the deer! The copper is so elegant! Time does fly! In case I don't get back, Merry, Merry Christmas! Enjoy! (I know you will.) xoxo

Leigh Penner said...

Wonderful cards, Darnell! Merry Christmas!

glitterandglue said...

Hello Darnell.

You've been busy! Thank you so much for the lovely card you sent to me here in what is, today, a VERY wet afternoon. Thanks for the comment you left on my blog.
May your Christmas be very special as you celebrate the birth of our Saviour.
Take care. God bless.
Margaret

G Peplow said...

Totally fab cards Darnell, particularly taken with the copper believe!! Yum! Your card arrived today, it's brilliant, thank you so much :D Enjoy the holidays, hugs Gay xxx

Shelly said...

Two beautiful cards, Darnell!
Have a Merry Christmas! Hugs

Carol said...

Lovely cards Darnell and what a great idea to use the label for diecutting...must remember to pinch that one!
12 years old...that's positively grown up!!
Have a lovely Christmas. Carol x

Marina said...

I like how you're using big words (if you know what I mean) on these lovely cards.

Susanne Vargas said...

Love both of your cards and I am happy that one of them is gracing my wall! Thank you so much!
Hope the twins had a fun birthday! Before you know it they will be in College!
Enjoy the Holidays!

Anita in France said...

I recall that cork leaping deer, Darnell ... and seeing you make it so perfect against the navy and white with the tiny pearl eye and that white 'fluffy' tail ... he's so handsome here! Your copper delight ... oh my goodness, that's one gorgeous, shimmery, elegant, stylish card ... love, love, love! Hope the twins had a fabulous day! Just six hours to go here till His Big Day ... is everything done ... nope ... am I ready ... yep! Christmas Blessings to you and all of yours, sweet friend! LYAMYLALMA! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

MaryH said...

Just zipped in to say Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas!!! Loved both these sparkling cards, and #1 - I must say this - even more prettier IRL! Wishing you & the family a happy time spent together, and a wonderful 2017. Was delighted to see Maxine had won, it will be a big uplift to Miss M. just now. Big hugs, TFS & thank you also for your wonderful friendship! Hope Santa is good to you!

Preeti D. (aka Dutt Preety) said...

lovely cards :)
happy holidays !!
cheers
preety (visiting from pixie's crafty workshop)

Cat Craig said...

Wonderful cards Darnell! Merry Christmas.

Helen F. said...

TWO beautiful Christmas cards, Darnell! Thanks for the info, I'll pass it along to my friend :-)
Merry Merry and all the best wished for you and your family in 2017!

JD/ Jill said...

Great cards and like Carol (In a comment said above mine) "That deer leaped right into my mailbox and really made my day! Thank you so much!

scrappymo! said...

This copper look is wonderful. Loving that Believe die!

Fabulous card, Darnell!