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!

January 7, 2017

Wintry Cards

Hello there!

How are you? I hope you are recovered from the holidays and looking forward with anticipation to a brand new year stretching out before you, uncharted, unknown, and capable of so much contentment and satisfaction!

Yes, that's right, I could possibly have had some wodka. 

Sorry I've been away longer than I intended and thank you for your notes of concern. Between Hammy taking his semi-annual holiday to visit his offspring (who now have offspring of their own!), the Mister retiring, and some home improvements, I've been away from the computer and time has already been whooshing bye-bye faster than I can keep up.

But, thank goodness, Hammy has returned! He arrived the day before yesterday and slept for 43 hours. When he finally woke up, he was raring to go and so we got busy. Since there are still wintry challenges going on and it's never too early to get a head start on that 2017 Christmas card stash, we went thataway.

Onefer
Isn't that the sweetest stamp? Like a lot of you, I'm starting the new year with fresh resolve. For me, that always means attacking NBUS Mountain with renewed verfer, oops, I mean fervor. For this card I used a NBUS stamp that I had to have a year ago (possibly two years ago?!) after seeing it on a friend's blog. It's from Stampendous. The sediment is NBUS from Sunny Studio. The schparkly Washi tape is from my stash. I colored the angels with my watercolor pencils and liberally applied both a Clear Star gel pen and some Stella.

Challenges
~~~

Twofer
This card gave me a way to use one of the leftover die-cut snowflakes from the Lake House, which die I believe I borrowed (with thanks) from Anita. The embossing folder is by Sissix for SU and the sweet sediment is by PTI. I watercolored the bottom panel using my Zig KGT paints and I topped that panel with a band of icy blue organza ribbon. Squeezy-peezy!

Challenges
Snippets Playground BadgeGrab Our Badge!
~~~

Speaking of Hammy, I have to show you this adorable 2017 calendar my friend Ruth sent me all the way from England. (Ruth's blog is Crafting While the Baby Naps!) 
Hammy and I are going to have such fun looking up on the wall all year long and seeing the whiskered furballs of each new month! Some of you may remember that Hammy has done some modeling himself in the past and as I type this, he is calling his agent about doing a 2018 calendar. Hamster see, hamster do!

~~~

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110 comments:

Cathy said...

Way to go using your "new" goodies Darnell, that angel stamp is perfect with the sentiment and such pretty colours. Have a great week, Cathy x

scrappymo! said...

Good for you for attacking the NBUS mountain! i like this angel card. The sentiment is perfect for this image.
I have that same glitter washi tape and need to use it more often!

Your second card is so pretty...loving that inky bottom panel.

I am on a mission to attack my own NBUS mountain. I am going to try to use a new stamp or image on every card for as long as I can. Sometimes I may have to break with that promise as I am in a Xmas Card Club that calls for themes....but hopefully I will have a new stamp for most themes!

Loll said...

Great job getting started on next year's Christmas cards, and using some NBUS as well. Love that sweet image of the two hugging angels. The washi tape adds lots of pretty sparkle. :)

And your snowflake card is GORGEOUS! Love the large dry embossed snowflake paired with the beautiful die-cut one. And that watercoloured panel is beautiful done in the icy blues and purples. Thanks so much for sharing with us at CAS Watercolour! Lolly xx

nancy littrell said...

So pretty with your icy looking blue watercolour background and snowflakes. TFS Darnell and joining us at CAS Mix Up. Hugs..

Marina said...

Hi Darnell- I love your angels card - such a perfect colour choice and the glitter strips are just right. Lovely classic snowflakes design too.

brenda said...

Well impressed seeing you crack into 23017 Christmas cards Darnell, I should take a leaf out of your book. Both cards are a delight but it's the first with that adorable image and pretty pastel colours that really does it for me today.

Belated Happy New Year.

B x

Jane Willis said...

Two absolutely gorgeous cards! And congrats to Hammy on his grandparenthood.

Jane

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the cards, especially the snowflake one.

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Gerrina said...

I really go for the first card...that sentiment and how you used the shiny tape; just beautiful! Enjoy the weekend!

Carole Pollard said...

Stunning cards and what a great hamster calendar perfect. Happy New year to you and all your family love and hugs Carole x

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two beautiful cards Darnell and good for you using NBUS stamps too (something that I plan to do myself this year). I love the stamp on the first card and the duo effect on the second.

Sue xx

Stamps and Paper said...

Two lovely cards Darnell and well done for using NBUS stamps too...

ANNE

Jeanne said...

Always good to see you, Darnell! Two terrific cards to start the new year just right. Adore that image on the first card. It's no wonder you needed it! Beautiful Christmas card. I love me a good snowflake and this one has several. That bottom panel is gorgeous! Not sure what Zig KGT paints are, but they sure are pretty! What a fun calendar and what a sweet friend to send it to you! Hee, hee. Happy New Year and best of success climbing Mt. NBUS! If anyone can do you it, it's you! Big hugs!

Marilyn said...

Happy New Year!! Two beautiful cards! Love those angels. Love the Calendar

Viv said...

I used a NBUS too this week!!! I shall be 110 by the time I get round to using up all the schtuff that I bought and never used....
Love these two creations Darnell..... x

Donna said...

What a charming narrative, as always! Gorgeous cards Darnell, your angel card is spectacular!

Pia S said...

I've been on the lookout for these angels, it seems they're out of production. If you ever grow out of love for them I'm ready to buy it from you:) they're gorgeous and your sparkle CAS design is lovely.

Susan Joyce said...

Both cards are gorgeous Darnell, but I love the Angel image and all the design elements you used to create your Christmas card. Thanks for joining us at Merry Monday this week. Happy New Year!

Theresa's Studio said...

Love both your cards. Great angel stamp and gorgeous colors with the beautiful Washi tape. Happy New Year and Happy Card Making.

Lynn said...

Two beauties Darnell! I love all the shimmer and shine on the angel card and gorgeous detail on the second.

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Two gorgeous cards, Darnell - just love the angel duo with sparkly washi and your snowflakes look great with the blue zig panel. I should follow your resolve on the NBUS!!

Tina Z. said...

wow, both cards are stunning - great angel image and a clever idea with the snowflakes, I love it.
hugs xx

Brenda in IN said...

The angel card is my favorite ever. I love the sparkle tape, the colors and mostly the angels hugging. That is the sweetest image. I love the watercolor on the snowflake card. Congratulations to hubby on his retirement. I know you are looking forward to lots of "us" time now. It's hard to think of Hammy as a grandpa since we have watched him grow up. That calendar is so fun and that was so nice of Ruth to think of you.

Sheila H said...

Your cards are so beautiful. The soft colors of the Angels are perfect. The snowflake card really pops. How cool!

Anne said...

Super cards Darnell. Glad Hammy is back!! We used to have a Hammy - when our sons were little. So cute, went on to have two more, name of one was Crispin - don't ask and the other name escapes me at the moment!!! I have two Grand guinea pigs now :-0 xxx

KandA said...

Hi Darnell, hope you're having a great start to 2017 and ready to conquer Mt NBUS. Two fabulous cards, especially the first with the great colours and wonderful stamp xx

Dotty Jo said...

Gorgeous cards, Darnell! Happy New Year to you, hun, Jo x

Lisa said...

I love reading your posts, Darnell - you always make me laugh!! Your cards are gorgeous!! I love the sweet image on the first one!! The colors are fabulous on the second!! I hope Hammy and his agent are able to hammer out a deal for a 2018 calendar...if so, I want one ;) Happy new year!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

conil said...

Well, you've come back with a bang...both of these cards are sure winners. Love the colors, of course but especially love the designs (those angels are stupendous). Hope your wodka doesn't run out during the current deluge.

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Both cards are superb and would qualify for entry into Moving Along With The Times current challenge, if you're game. I particularly like the snowflake one as I'm a sucker for a pretty snowflake.
I hope Hammy doesn't turn to the nude modelling again. There are still copies of the Hammy Does Livermore DVD circulating on the interweb! 🐹🙈
Ang x

Fikreta said...

pretty cards!
hugs, Ŧĭƙĭ
≽ܫ≼

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Happy New year! Wow! Your cards are both amazing!! Love expecially the first one with those cute angels and the lovely sentiment!

Donna Nuce said...

Hi Darnell! Welcome back to blogland! Thank you for the reminder that my NBUS pile is growing daily! Love that angel Christmas Card - so pretty! Happy New Year!

Bobby said...

It may be the thin air atop Mt NBUS and not the wodka, Darnell. I can see why you wanted the darling angel stamp. I'm glad I don't have THAT many friends that inspire me to buy things. ;) I am thinking about the KGT paints though so you may be pushing me in that direction with your watercolored panel. Glad Hammy is home safe and sound. I'm looking forward to hearing about your adventures. Oh, and seeing your cards, of course.

Maria Rodriguez. said...

Hello Darnell: Well, indeed the frenzy of the Holidays is past us and now, we are all looking forward to a brand new year, is up to us to fill it with positive and beautiful things.
I too, was away during the Holidays coming to my craft room only to check emails from family and friends. But now, I'm happy to be creating again and my first card was for the Merry Monday challenge.
Yours are gorgeous as always, beautiful Angels on your first one, love the shimmer of the tape and on their dresses.
On your second card, I love that SU embossing folder, I used it a lot for my Holiday cards, love the water color wash on the bottom, that is something I've never been able to do.
Hope 2017 bring Peace, Health, Love, Joy and Prosperity to you and your family, of course, that includes sweet little Hammy. Let him know I'm happy he came back from his vacation, I'm sure he had a lot of fun.
Big Hugs, my dear.
Maria Rodriguez.

Susan said...

Two beautiful cards! Love the way the strips of glitter tape match the two angels! And the snowflake is gorgeous against its watery mauve and blue background! Poor Hammy must really suffer from jetlag if he had to sleep for 43 hours! So glad he had a good visit with the offspring and will enjoy your beautiful new calendar with you - but modelling at his age? Is he sure grandfather hamsters are what they want? I'd hate to see his ego bruised.

OH Babs said...

Well cute angel card and coool snowflake, like the two techniques.
Kevin retired? Well I can top that - my husband broke his foot Christmas Day.
Stay dry and don't float away. Sun today in "America's Favorite City." :) B

Donna said...

I believe Marybeth would probably call the first card 'darling'... and she would be right. It's so sweet :)
Great way to use your leftovers in card two.
Happy New Year. X

Verna Angerhofer said...

Both your cards are so wonderful! Good idea to start on Christmas cards right off in the new year. I should do the same but for now I am in need of birthday ones so am working on a few of them too. I have lots of NBUS to work with as well, so that should be another priority for me. Have a great new year.

Sarah said...

These are lovely Darnell, the little angels are gorgeous and twinkly and the snowflakes sit so beautifully with the gorgeous inky border. Looking forward to seeing Hammy's calender next year (if his agent approves!!)!!!! xx

Ruth said...

I can totally see why you had to have that stamp set in your first card. It's adorable! It can be left simple or dressed up. Glad it has seen an outing now. And always a joy to see two from you and a nice snowflake - we are expecting some next week and hopefully it won't be too bad!

Glad you are enjoying the calendar! Makes me smile to see it there :) A very very Happy New Year to you and yours! xx

Pat said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell. I love the cute angels all shiny and glittery and the pink and silver glittery washi tape tones in beautifully. The snowflake embossing looks great in the background with that delightful large die cut one over the top, and I adore the watercoloured background and the complementary ribbon and sentiment. How cute is that Hammy look alike on the calendar that Ruth sent you too. A great find. x

Trina P. said...

Happy New Year, Darnell! Beautiful cards. Lovely colours on the angel card. And I love the challenge colours from The Heart Desires. Just finishing my card for that one.

Trina xo

brandco2450@gmail.com said...

So glad to hear from you again. Love reading your blog and I love these cards. They are STUNNING!

Kathleen said...

Two fabulous creations.
Super image and lovely colours and I love that sparkly washi-tape.
The blue and purple background is fabulous and like the idea of the embossed snowflake with the die cut one.
Looks like Hammy's visit to the Family really tired him out, they should have come to visit him.

Kath x

Marcia Hill said...

Beautiful cards Darnell, but of course I'm drawn to the Angel card, and can totally see why you HAD to have it and also understand why it took awhile to use...I seem to have that same problem myself! At least you have Hammy to keep you moving forward to tackle that mountain of NBUS! My dog Brinkley just stares at me with that blank look that dogs seem to have down to perfection!! But anyway, lovely, lovely card and thanks so much for sharing with us at Merry Monday this week!! :0)

Carol L said...

Congrats on digging into the new schtuff you've been safely hoarding :) The friendship card is adorable and so is the watercolored background on the snowflake card! I'm loving that hammie calendar too - how fun!!

oldpunca said...

Great cards as always, dear Darnell. I like the stamp of the angels. Thank you for make me smile about Hammy calling his agent. :-))
Hugs, Sonja

Joyce said...

Happy New Year, Darnell. Your cards are just lovely, and I particularly love your snowflakes on your card for CASology. Thanks so much for playing along at CASology this week.

Pam said...

Happy New Year! I've been absent for so long myself. I love both of your beautiful cards. You always do wonderful work!

Happy Dance said...

Your angels look like you and me hugging....or maybe it's just wishful thinking! BEAUTIFUL images and beautiful coloring and sparkle. Love that sentiment and its font, too. And while I'd love to take credit for the snowflake, I think it was Anita's that I borrowed, then had to order when I got home! But your card...That bottom panel is so pretty, and has a real wintery feel to it. And I love how you've contrasted an embossed snowflake to the die cut one. Fabulous cards, my friend, simply fabulous!! Missing you every day. Bev

Cat Craig said...

welcome back! I love those angels so sweet!

Bonnie said...

Oh, my, that angel stamp is weakening my resolve not to buy new schtuff until I get through all the Mt. NBUS crowding out my work space. I keep telling myself "enough"!!!

Your snowflakes are so pretty with the gorgeous watercolor piece! Just lovely colors! I'm glad Hammy has returned! Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Watercolour!

Nora Noll said...

I LOVE that first card with that stunning image. You colored it in so beautifully!! The second card is so cool with that blue. You ROCKED these challenges!!!

Lisa Elton said...

Two pretty cards Darnell!! The pair of angels is very sweet and I like the fancy snowflakes. Happy Hammy made it home safe and sound. Being a grandpa now he needs to take things a little easier ;)

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

Happy New Year! I hope your 2017 is wonderful! I have been MIA for a few months, but I am back and digging into my stash too! Love that stamp, it is so sweet! Carri~Abusybee
Skittles!

Nonni said...

Two fab cards and I do recognize the angels! Glad you finally found use for them, I think it's such a cute stamp and the way you used it all glittery looks amazing! The artsy snowflake card is amazing as well, great layout and such pretty details. Thanks for taking TIME OUT and joining our challenge!

Cheryl W. said...

Oh, my, these are both beautiful cards - what a great start to the 2017 Christmas Card Stash! I've actually gotten started on my own 2017 stash, too. Haven't blogged them yet, though.

sandie said...

Love the glitter strips on the first card and that water colouring on the second gives a lovely Wintrr feel x

sandie said...

And thanks for joining Time Out Challenges and leaving is a lovely comment on our blog x

Jenny L said...

Hi Farnell,
love this gorgeous card amd your wonderful stamped image.
So glad Hammy got back safely, and your improvements went well.
I also love your 2nd card too that embossed snowflake is super and looks gorgeous with the lovely blue at the bottom.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

kiwimeskreations said...

Wonderful to see you back in blogland Darnell - and producing your usual classy cards!! Glad to hear Hammy is back and revved up and ready to go!! Hope he doesn't get jealous of DH being around a lot more now he is retired....
Blessings
Maxine

Wendy L said...

Wonderful card, so beautiful, thanks for joining us at MAWTT, xxx

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

No wonder you just HAD to have that sweet stamp Darnell, it's just the lovliest! I too, have started on my 2017 cards (as I don't want to get caught out this year, it was a push to get them done in time this/last year). I bet it sparkles like crazy IRL! Have a wonderful week my friend! Hazel xx

Sandra H said...

Ooooh wow what fabulous cards Darnell l really like your Angel stamp so beautifully coloured and with the glitter its perfect take care xx

Em Louise Fairley said...

Two gorgeous cards, Darnell.
Hugs,
Em xxx

Mrs A. said...

Just make sure that Hammy doesn't decide to take his kit off to do the calendar spread! Bathrooms refurbishment is under way. The tiles flew of the walls at breakneck speed and the bathtub,toilet and basin are now resigned to the skip bag out on the front path. Adds a new term to airing ones washing in public. The Doc has been relegated to the dinning room by the fitters and as they have said they don't want any drinks or stop for lunch he has no excuse to go up and project manage the job. He is twitching and getting the shakes from non involvement.!! I'd have a drink but the water is switched off!! That's a gorgeous card you and Hammy have concocted BTW? Hugs Mrs A.

Jen W. said...

Happy New Year, Darnell! Two beauties today. Those angels are so very sweet and I love all the sparkle on that card. Also loving the watercolor panel on the second card - so pretty! Thanks for playing along with CASology this week!

Geri said...

Wowzers! You are a woman on a 2017 Christmas Card mission!!! Wish I could be even a schmick as organized and you!

Gorgeous friend card! I love the image and the sentiment! Adding the two strips of matching 'shparkle' along the side of the card looks GREAT!

The snowflake card is STUNNING!!! Especially loving the inked colors at the bottom and the mix of diecut and embossed images!

SWEET calendar and fabulous post!

Ros Crawford said...

Welcome back and with two beauties to show... Love those adorable angels and the colours you chose for them And what about your watercolour ... oh my it's bold bright and beautiful! Nice to know Hammy is home safe and what a fun calendar! Enjoy your week!

Di said...

Wonderful cards Darnell! And it's fabulous to have you and the little fella back in the Playground! We missed you my friend.

Hugs

Di xx

Krisha said...

Well, it looks as though I'm not the only one who took a little holiday break, although I did not run onto Hammy or his kin.
Love the cards, can't choose a fav
Happy New Year!

Sherrie M. said...

Happy New Year Darnell! Love the dimension you created in your snowflake card - so varied and so pretty! Thanks for joining us at CASology this week.

cotnob said...

Fabulous cards Darnell, they are both pretty but I particularly like the snowflake one - lovely colours.
Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year.
Pauline
x

Petra Swart said...

Hi, Darnell, hope you're well, my friend!!!
Oh, boy, I've had some fun for what might have been close to an hour now, visiting your blog and looking at all your posts since I've been around the last time!!!!! (and that was a lot of posts, going way back to NBUS challenge#7!!!! Yep, this time I've be MIA for a VERY long time, but I'm slowly but surely getting to everyone!!!!!) In the past I tried to comment on all the posts I've missed out on, but unfortunately this time it's just impossible to do that - would have taken me the whole night into the late morning hours to do so!!!!! But by now you know that I enjoy every single post of yours and I wish you could hear me giggle and LOL at times!!!! You have such a unique way with words and I enjoy your sense of humour sooooooooo much!!!! If I had to choose a favorite card from the bunch I've seen, I would say the new years one is my fave - oh, boy, she nearly had me fall off my chair with laughter!!!!! I also enjoy the photo's of family and friends you share and your lovely photo's of what nature offers you to enjoy!!!!! You are one of a kind, Darnell and you bring such fun to Blogland with your wonderful posts!!!!! All the best for 2017 - may this be a great year for you!!!!!! I hope to be a better online friend in the new year and visit on a regular basis!!!! Watch me, hey, I'm going to try my best to do that!!!!!
Have a great afternoon/evening Darnell - you surely made my evening a fun one - nearly bedtime here!!!!
Hugz

Linda said...

Happy New Year Darnell. Two beautiful cards. I came by to comment on your beautiful snowflake card and the sweet Angel card is so cute. Have a great week, my friend.

Monika Reeck said...

Darnell I miss your visit..I know you have many Fans and I am one of them hehe LOL
1. I want to say many thanks to the card you sent me you did not foget me oh I am so happy and I have sent you new years card I am sorry if it is come late..
2. I love that big SU Snowflakes so beautiful on your card and the blue color is clever choice
3. the first card...clever used the Color combo on the Sunday Stamps challenge love the image that NBUS is and love the sentiment too

so happy that you joining with us at Sunday Stamps this time
hugs from frosty cold Germany
Monika (DT Member)

Sharron said...

Those angels are just precious, beautifully colored! And I love the glittery strips as accents. The large sized snowflakes really make a statement, fabulous design with one embossed and the other as a die cut! Tell Hammy "best of luck" with his interviews. We'd all love to see him as a star for 2018!!

Brenda said...

Well now, you are hitting the vodka and I have been hitting the fireball bottle putting some in my hot spiced cider! Keeps me warm!!!I must definitely be related to you Auntie! lol Lost heat to many times last week, but thankfully the repair man got my furnace up and running smoothly now. Still...the fireball in the spiced cider is to good to pass up! lol You have a lot going on Auntie! Life changers too! Good for hubby for retiring. Fun for you??? Yes? No? I'm sure it will be a wonderful journey for you both! I am revamping, cleaning out and reorganizing my crafty room. Might take me until 2018!!!! I am in love with that sweet angel image, it makes for the sweetest card! Love the glittery washi, so sparkly and pretty! I also love the shimmer and shine on the angels too! Sentiment is so true too! You snowflake card is so frosty, just like here! Love that water colored bottom, and that beautiful snowflake! Just don't be saying that "let it snow" to loud!!!! lol I'm so glad Hammy got away and then returned to sleep and get going. He will look awful cute on his own calendar! Love the one your friend sent to you-any of Hammy's relatives in it?! Hugs, Brenda

Helen F. said...

Well LOOK at you, Darnell! Starting on your 2017 Christmas cards ~ I am soooo impressed!
And I just love these two you have started with. The two angels stamp is darling and that snowflake die is gahgeeous!

JD/ Jill said...

Very pretty card! I'm trying to follow the good examples you give to all of us...I just used a NBUS die on the card I just made. (I purchased it last March!)

Trina P. said...

CONGRATULATIONS 🎉👏🎉, Darnell, for HM at Merry Monday for your angel card! It's definitely a beauty.

Trina
xo

Rose said...

Two very lovely cards Darnell! Your gorgeous sparkly angel card is just so sweet! Such a lovely sentiment & the glitter washi just finishes it perfectly! Beautiful colours for your watercolour snowflake card too. Good luck attacking the NBUS mountain! You're off to a good start!

wienerhoneymooners said...

Divine Snowflakes!!!! Loooove this cold wintry card!!! Thanks for joining us at Heart Desires!!!!

Rachel Bergfeld said...

Beautiful cards! I especially love the watercolored portion on the second one. Makes me feel COLD! Lol! Thanks for joining us at CASology this week!

Karren said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous cards, Darnell and such beautiful colors!

AO Creations said...

Super cute!!! Thank you for joining us at MAWTT, good luck!!! Amy DT

Tracy Freeman said...

So sweet and I love the glitter strips they work so well with that sweet image.
Thank you for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge X

Redanne said...

And I apologies for being missing too, we have been down with a horrible virus since New Year, it is so hard to get back into blogging, I have missed so much!! I love both cards, especially the snowflake one, both snowflakes look gorgeous!

The hamster calendar is fabulous!! Hugs, Annie xxx

Craftychris said...

Absolutely love the Angel stamp, and your card is gorgeous! So is the inky panel on your second wonderful card. Love the calender, what a fabulous pressie! xxxxxxxx

maria f. said...

Better be careful or your next home improvement project will be a playhouse for Mr Studmuffin Hammy! Had to come praise your gorgeous snowflakes. Oh that watercolored extra! I bet you didn't see any snowflakes like that for reals today, but I did. What a surprise. What a joy!

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Glad you guys are up and well and crafting! Your second card made me come over form FB - also needed some enjoyment and I always get that reading your posts! cute calendar - no wonder Hammy wants to star in one as well!

Linda said...

It's never too early to start on Christmas cards in my book and these are gorgeous. Love the cute little angels and the snowflake card is beautiful. Well done you for starting on the NBUS stash too ..... I really should do the same xx

Linda said...

It's never too early to start on Christmas cards in my book and these are gorgeous. Love the cute little angels and the snowflake card is beautiful. Well done you for starting on the NBUS stash too ..... I really should do the same xx

Liz said...

Two gorgeous cards to start off 2017. I love the stamp on the first one, just beautiful. Beautiful colours on the second card and I love how the embossing mirrors the die cut. xx

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

The angels are so sweet, great matching sparkly tape too. The snowflake card is gorgeous with the lovely water coloured panel.

Enjoy the Calendar Darnell, it's a brilliant pressie!

Love and hugs
Maarit

Sindhu said...

Happy New Year, Darnall! Love both your cards! The image on the first one is so sweet and I absolutely LOVE the watercolored panel on the second one! Love that big snowflake die cut! I hope you have a great year ahead...

The calendar is SO cute!

Greta said...

Hubby retired?!--good for him! I'm still technically on the books, but not sure how it will go when I do my scheduled shift in February--so many cobwebs in my brain by then--haha! Beautiful wintry cards & congrats on the well-deserved HM at MM, Darnell!

nwilliams6 said...

Beautiful image on the first card - heartwarming and colored up sweetly. Love the watercoloring on the second - my favorite medium and you mixed it up great. Your cards are always a delight as are your posts. Hugz

Lisa T said...

I cannot believe you have started on your Christmas cards already! Way to go Darnell! I thought starting in March was super organised, but I like your approach. I was following someone on IG who last year aimed to create one a week to avoid that last minute panic, I am not sure she managed every week, but she still got a whole load completed ahead of time! Anyway, enough of that, two beautiful cards, love the frosty colours in the first card and I adore the watercolour panel in the second - so beautiful. And that calendar from Ruth... haha! Great gift :), Lisa xx

Barb Ghig said...

Good for you for attacking the NBUS mountain! You've inspired me to do the same :) I love how you sparkled up those sweet angels, and how you used your snowflakes! Gorgeous watercoloring on the 2nd card, too...WOW!
Congrats to your hubby on his retirement...Enjoy!!!

Anita in France said...

Those sweet hugging angels are adorable, Darnell ... all the shimmer really makes them shine! Your snowflakes are gorgeous (you're welcome!) ... love the depth you created with the background embossing and the die cut over it ... and that soft watercolouring is just delicious! Delighted to have you playing along with us at Time Out my friend! LYAMYSFALMA! Hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Oh ... almost forgot ... go Hammy!

Jane said...

Hi Darnell, 2 real beauties here and I know what you mean about not buying more stamps...it's a terrible admission that we all have stamps which have never seen ink! Keep snug xx

Shona Chambers said...

I had no idea that Hammy had been a 'supermodel' in the past. Although with his good looks I should have known!! Sounds like you've had a busy start of the year but all happy busyness. Glad Hammy had a good trip and Ruth certainly sent you the perfect calendar for the two of you!! Absolutely love the sentiment on your first card, as its so true. And never too late to get started on Christmas cards. I ran out AGAIN this year so must make more and more as the year goes on. Your second card is stunning and in my favourite colour combo. Always good to use leftovers and they were perfect for this card. Give Hammy a squeeze from me and so glad you had time to join us at TIME OUT!!

Sue - said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell, love the angels and quite understand why you just had to have it. Love the snowflake die as well. I've just spent all afternoon trying to make a card for the watercolour challenge, but so far all my attempts have gone in the bin!

~amy~ said...

I always love visiting your blog...
beautiful wintery cards! love the glitz and inky goodness!
Thanks for joining us at The Heart Desires Challenge!

Elizabeth said...

Two lovely wintry cards, Darnell. The stamps you've used are lovely and I do like the snowflake design. I just loved the story of Hammy. I do hope his modelling days are not over :) I'm one of the many who aims to use all my NBUS this year. Hugs, Elizabeth xx

SHartl said...

Your sparkly washi tape border is such fun!! My 6 year old got a whole collection of glittery washi tape for Christmas and I think I may have to sneak away and borrow some after seeing this pretty card. Happy 2017 to you and your family Darnell!

Toni said...

wonderful take on the inspiration board--the watercolor panel with your snowflakes is spot on! Hope you join in at The Heart Desires again!

Juhi said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell!! Thanks so much for joining us at THD this month. We hope to see you again next month!