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!

March 2, 2017

Babies and Friends

Greetings, Stamplings!

I see you have all cleaned up the fallen dominoes of February and the march of March has begun! Whoosh! At this rate, I'm buying myself a neck brace!

I can't remember the last time I needed a new baby card. I suspect that's because in my age group all of our eggs have fossilized. Of course, there are grandchildren in the picture for some, but a lot of my friends have children who have not yet married, let alone had children. It's a new time. 

So when a very young friend of mine had her second child recently (a boy), I had to pry open the rusty hinges on my baby-making stamps and dies. Wait. What? My stamps and dies don't make babies, silly, that's not what I meant. 

I was not surprised to find a few NBUS goodies in the lot, some of which I had forgotten I even had. Cough. Hammy and I had lots of fun playing with them.

Onefer
Recipe

NBUS circle die from MFT: "Stitched Circle Frames."
NBUS baby elephant die from Poppstamps: "Small Elephant."
NBUS "welcome" "boy" and "baby" (from fun foam) from PTI: "Wonderful Words: Baby."
Tiny safety pin from my stash.

~~~

Twofer

As long as I had my baby schtuff out, I decided to make another baby card for a girl baby who has yet to come along.
No need for a long supply list for this simple design. I used a banner of melon mambo ribbon from SU and a sediment from "Love You to Bits" (ancient). The NBUS "Baby Carriage" in matching melon mambo is from Memory Box and the NBUS teeny-tiny baby head is from PTI's "Polka Dot Parade No. 4." 

Is that not the cutest little baby head?! The set comes with its own little carriage, but I wanted to use this MB carriage die. As a result, the baby looks like a preemie, but just look at how strong her neck is!

Challenges
Please display our bannerMemory Box challenge badge
~~~

Visiting Friends

Yesterday my long-time British bloggie friend Liz (of Crafty Sunflower) and her husband Alan came to visit the Playhouse! I had the pleasure of meeting Liz last July on my trip to the UK and I was delighted to see her again when they included a stop in San Francisco on their way back home from New Zealand. 

Here we are in front of the Playhouse door.
Bonus: when I was cropping the photo I noticed the Mister had captured himself in the window reflection!
And here are Alan (on the left) and the Mister (Kevin).
Both Liz and I were taking photos with our own cameras. Isn't it interesting how each of the husbands is looking at the other man's wife? No they weren't! Stop that. 😊

Thank you for stopping, Liz and Alan. We enjoyed lunch and wish you safe travels home ~ and hi back to Di and Ruth!

~~~

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 to return the flavor!







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94 comments:

Liz said...

Hi Darnell
Thanks for making us so welcome and for the delicious lunch. It was great to catch up again and to meet your lovely hubby, Kevin. Thanks too for my private tour around your beautiful Playhouse, something I can now cross off my bucket list, along with seeing a real live hummingbird. 😊

Two gorgeous CAS baby cards. I love how you've added the little pin on the first one and the baby face popping up on the second one is so cute.

Liz xx

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh Darnell how lovely to see you again - I think I may have missed some of your posts in my crazy life at the moment. What lovely photos :-) and how wonderful to see friends from over-the-seas again, albeit briefly.

Love your cards, and your commentary :-)
Blessings
Maxine

Marianne said...

Baby-making stamps and dies, eh? You had better not let Hammy near your supplies unattended or he may get himself into trouble again! Great use of your NBUS supplies to create these sweet cards. I, too, love the addition of the safety pin and the tiny head for a bit of extra fun.
Happy March or, in the Greek way: Kalo mina! (have a good month)
Marianne x

Redanne said...

Aww, both cards are delightful Darnell, I really love how you added the little safety pin to the boy card and the little baby head on the second is just adorable (yes she does have a strong neck!).

How lovely to meet up with Liz and her hubby, it must have been a real treat for Liz to get to see your beautiful Playhouse too, lucky lady! Hugs, Annie xxx

Jane Willis said...

Two gorgeous cards - and do stamps REALLY not make babies? I dug out some long-unused stamps the other day and two of them were firmly stuck together, it could well have been what they were up to.

I bet that was a really fun meeting between you and Liz!

Jane

Stamps and Paper said...

Two beautiful baby cards Darnell like you I can't remember when I last made one
I expect Liz really enjoyed her tour your around your Playhouse and spending time with you and Mister..

Anne

Michelle said...

Haha! Those naughty misters keeping an eye on the other's wife! I love your cards, Darnell, very cute!

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two stunning baby cards Darnell, I love them both. it's great to catch up with friends however brief the visit.

Sue xx

Lia said...

Darnell, these cards are sogorgeous! Simple, and that's why I love them!!
It's so nice meeting crafting friends, isn't it?
Lia xx

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

Awww these baby cards are just darling :) I adore them!! Your posts are always so entertaining, I always end up smiling or chuckling :)
Xxx
preeti

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Fab baby cards.

So glad your friend Liz and her hubby managed a visit. Always nice to meet up with friends.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Julie B said...

Aww sweet! Love the saftey pin dangling from the die cut and that cut elephant with the water spout! :)

Unknown said...

Hi Darnell,
Once more you made me laugh with your post and I thank you for that ! You baby cards are fabulous ! This little blue elephant is just adorable and I love your clever idea of adding the tiny safety pin to the word ! And what a great take to the LIM challenge with your second card ! And this funny face is just the final touch ! You're an amazing woman ! If by chance you come to France, I will be delighted to meet you, our door is wide open to welcome you !
Have a great day.
Hugs
Izzy Scrap

Ros Crawford said...

Oh what fabulous cards! Not something I get to make much either... Baby cards I mean ... Lovely photos! How terrific that you got to meet again and this time at your playhouse! Enjoy your day ... I see you have sunshine ...Humph!

baileyrosy.com said...

How fabulous it is to meet blogging friends in the flesh and I have to say Darnell you are looking very well considering all you have been through this year. Two fabulous card beautifully CAS, crisp clean and gorgeous.

Marie

Di said...

Wonderful baby cards Darnell - you always add a little quirkiness (eg. the little safety pin). And what super photos of Liz's visit - I had an email from her just this morning saying how lovely it had been seeing you and also she sent your 'Hello'. Plus, as I would have expected, your Playhouse is apparently so tidy and beautifully organised!

I wonder if that ornament hanging beside the Playhouse door to the right of Liz is a little bell? To be rung when your time playing is up? :)

Hugs

Di xx

Skye said...

Two darling cards. I am joining the chorus - I love the added safety pin and the baby head peeping over the side of the pram.

Marilyn said...

Two beautiful cards!!

Kathyk said...

Two fantabulous makes Darnell, NBUS AND ribbon? YAY!

How splendid to catch up with U.K. playmates again too - super pix, thanks for sharing

Hope all well with you following your surgery

Happy Thursday

Kathyk

Karen said...

I recently had need to make two baby cards as well, and there's third on the list! Like you, it is a rare occurrence these days. Love yours, especially that little boy one!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

How cute baby boy card!! Love the little safety pin hanging on the "y"!! Clever touch!! Also the baby girl card looks adorable!
It seems that you and Liz have had a lovely day togheter!

Brenda in IN said...

How cute are these baby cards. I love the diaper pin on the blue one! Such a cute touch. The baby is just adorable on the pink card. I haven't made a baby card in ages, but I would love to have some new babies around. How wonderful to get to meet Liz. She is a great cardmaker, I am lucky to visit her blog.

Carol L said...

I just love these cards, especially the dangling safety pin on the boy card. Love that hot pink baby carriage too. Cute baby poking her head out :) How wonderful of Liz to stop by and lucky you to meet up with her not once but twice! Tell kevin that's a great selfie of himself in the window! He's my kinda photographer :)

Susanne Vargas said...

Your cards are adorable! My baby related supplies are collecting dust as I don't need a lot of baby cards either, which is sad. Maybe once my nieces and nephews start getting married...
How fun that you met Liz again, this time in California!

Lisa said...

Both of your cards are so gorgeous!! I love the sweet elephant on the first one!! The carriage is fabulous on the second!! How fun you got to meet with Liz and her hubby again!! Wonderful pictures of all of you!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

Oh baby, oh baby! This is an awesome duo, Darnell! My next project is for 30 baby boy favors for work. Thanks for the inspiration.

Carole said...

Love both your cards Darnell...the boy one best i think,,,like the addition of the pin...but they don't use nappy pins anymore do they!! A bit of sticky tape just wouldn't look the same would it!...lol Now as for that bay girl....nosy!!she has a strong neck...could even be stood up but her face is pretty cute. Nice for you to meet up with your friend.......and your weather looks great! hugs xxx

Tracey McNeely said...

Super Cute baby card Darnell and it looks like you had fun with your visitors and is looks that it was a lovely day too!

Sandra H said...

Awww Darnell both cards are absolutely gorgeous love the photos too! take care sending lots of love x

conil said...

For someone who doesn't often make baby cards it seems your creative muscle memory kicked in because these two are perfect. Love the details like the tiny safety pin and where you chose to place it. And, your right, that baby's head is adorable.

Susan said...

Nothing looks rusty here to me! Beautiful baby cards! Isn't nice to have visitors!

Cobnut Crafter said...

Lovely baby cards Darnell - I can't remember when I last needed to make one! I really enjoy your CAS style. Anne x

jimlynn said...

Wonderful cards Darnell! Love the way you pinned the diaper pen to the die on that first one. Oh my......do they still use those pins and the cloth diapers anymore!!!
So nice that you got to visit with Liz and her husband. How fun!
Lynn

Mrs A. said...

Awww shucks.These are both so cute and like everyone else I love the little nappy pin. Just made a double card for the twins across the road that are already a month old today. Because I couldn't find out their names from the proud parents before the event The Doc took to referring to them as Twin and Twinetta (A boy and a girl) and it has kind of stuck even though we do now know their proper names. hugs Mrs A.

Barb said...

Two very sweet baby cards Darnall and I like the little safety pin dangling on the boy card. Lovely photos of the four of you spending time together. Barbxx

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, my gosh, after I got to the preemie baby head I laughed myself silly all the rest of the way. My hubby, who is in the kitchen cooking a late breakfast, probably wonders what could possibly be so funny about a stamping blog. Well... he hasn't met you yet. Your baby cards are adorable with a capital ADORABLE! All that NBUS was just waiting so patiently for its time. Love the foam ear on the elephant, too. What fun to meet one of your stamping buddies! Oh, and your frogs are pretty darn cute.

Sandy said...

What sweet cards and what lovely touches you added - I love the safety pin idea!
You lucky lady - getting to meet up with British friends - loved your pictures.
Sandy xx

Donna said...

Two very cute cards, my Biscuit friend.
Love that cute little face and the safety pin is inspired.
Job well done. X
PS. The birds and mice in our garden love Biscuits, too. You are popular. X

Macimbalo said...

Love both cards! I love it when your emails arrive, they always make me smile! Actually sometimes I laugh out loud - you are such a funny and cheerful person! Keep em coming, you make lots of people's day brighter!

Fikreta said...

lovely cards!

Geri said...

I LOVE visiting you cuz I ALWAYS smile....and laugh out loud!

Great observation on the hubby photo and how each man is looking at "the other man's wife"! Ha ha ... that was a good one! Girl...you are always so darn funny!

Warms my heart when I read about bloggie pals visiting each other from different parts of our world!

Oh wait...I almost forgot to comment on the cards which are both beyond adorable! The baby blue one with the pin hanging from the "y" is awesome! I love the vibrant pink pram and that sweet little face peeking over the edge - sweet idea!!!

Andrea said...

fab cards Darnell those baby dies are so cute and isn't that baby stamp just so sweet. What great photos to share, I'm sure you were a wonderful host and to have a tour of the playhouse.. it would have been the icing on the cake.weather looks glorious also, I am so envious ... but spring is on the way.. hoorah... crafty hugs Andrea x

BoΕΌenA said...

Great design! My friend ordered me last card welcome baby, but my mind was a complete blank. Thank you for the wonderful inspiration.
Hugs,
BoΕΌenA

JoAnn said...

Love these sweet baby cards. They are so cute.
Enjoyed reading your post on your friends' visit and seeing the photos. Thanks for sharing.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs

Jean said...

Hi Darnell, your post raised a smile or two here today as well. Great to have had a lovely visit from Liz and her hubby, so amazing to meet our virtual friends for real.
Your baby cards are gorgeous, I love both of them. My family is growing apace and I will be needing a baby card soon as great granddaughter number five is due in a couple of months time. Boys are a bit thin on the ground round here though so I'm glad someone is producing them.
Jean x

oldpunca said...

You have created a two sweet and lovely baby cards. Sometimes there are a treasures in the forgotten boxes. :-) Thank you for sharing photos.
Hugs, Sonja

Kathleen said...

I always comment on an evening because my eyes are more awake then, as this morning when I looked at your post I thought the word baby, spelt lealey, and I thought, eh! as we do in Yorkshir, thought Hammy had been on the hard stuff.
Beautiful card and love the image.
Fab photo's too.

Kath x

Sharon Underwood said...

Love your cards! They're both so sweet. It's been a long time since I've needed any baby stamps for cards, too. Glad you had such a good visit with your friends from UK. It would be great to meet you one day!

OH Babs said...

Oh such cute baby cards Miss Darnell. No more in my future, grandkids that is. How nice when you can have company and from across the pond no less. Meeting blog friends is special indeed. Glad you are having some sun, we are too. What I have noticed is worms, yuk. Obviously it must be the rain as we had them in Oregon where it always rains. The photo tells me you are feeling/looking well - great. BBB

Sazzle Dazzle said...

Oh MY! 2 super duper stunning, CAS cards and love both equally Darnell. The one following the LIM sketch is super cute with that teeny little head popping our from behind the pram hood. Great idea and take on the sketch and as always thanks fro making me smile with your post and for playing with us at Less is More. x

ionabunny said...

These are both great. Wish I'd been here before I blogged my baby tag I would have so stolen your safety pin idea LOL. Hugz

Bonnie said...

Oh, baby! Both sweet cards! I don't have need for many baby cards either, but isn't it nice that they're still coming along! How nice that Liz could come to see you!

Verna Angerhofer said...

Your baby cards are both so delightful and lovely. Wonderful card designs. And, so glad you had a great visit with your friends.

Lisa Elton said...

Darling baby cards Darnell!! Love that teeny face peeking out of the carriage!! Oh, by the way...your fossilized egg statement is a HOOT!!!

Sharron said...

Adorable cards, Darnell! Love the CAS look. The safety pin (does anyone still use those!) and the ribbon were great additions. The star though is that tiny head peeking out of the carriage, so cute! Carriages are another thing you never see. Gosh, I'm old! I have photos of me in a carriage and I actually used safety pins on my kids' diapers!

Sheila H said...

Your cards are perfect to welcome a new baby, Darnell. You are so funny in your remarks! I have nieces and nephews who are in the baby making stage, so occasionally I make a baby card. We also have a couple of young neighbors for whom I have made baby cards. How nice that you and your overseas friend met up again.

nancy littrell said...

I am in the same predicament Darnell. I almost break out into a sweat when I have to make a baby card, but still have a few favorites from my working years, when I made many more baby cards. TFS your 2 adorable boy and girl baby cards and sharing photos with your friends and Mister. Happy spring. Hugs..

Cheryl W. said...

Awww, such sweet baby cards (especially that tiny safety pin - however did you think of adding it?). I miss needing to make baby cards. I've got 10 grandkids and there will be no more. Guess I'll just have to wait for those great grands to come along.

Greta said...

Darling baby cards--absolutely love all the sweet elements on the first one, Darnell! How neat to have Liz & her hubby come to your place after seeing her in England!

ike said...

Super cool cards - I did chuckle about your 'baby-making' equipment hahahaha :-D How lovely to have visitors - I wish I could visit the Playhouse :-) xxx

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
2 wonderful card, and their designs are so awesome.
Love them both and your wonderful work and designs.
Fab photos of Liz, yourself, and the misters.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Jen Nelson said...

fabulous cards as always Darnell and i love readying your posts

thanks for joining us at less is more this week, jen xx

Janeen said...

Such fun cards. Reading your description of the preemue made me laugh right out loud. The stamping world opens us up to so many new friends.how exciting.

Penny Ward said...

Great use of the wide ribbon on your baby card. You are such a hoot!!! Thanks for playing along with us at Memory Box! Hugs, :)

Mac Mable said...

Sorry I always seem to take awhile to comment...but I like to sit with a coffee/wine and read your post thoroughly and enjoy it! Another great post, had a chuckle and love your stories. Great to meet up with Liz again x I don't recall when I last made a baby card either. The both of yours are gorgeous and boy did I laugh about the peanut head with the strong neck!!!! Thanks for sharing x

Viv said...

Aww I have a soft spot for baby cards Dee...well a soft spot for babies in general if truth be told lol. Anyway these are both adorable in the blue and pink versions.Great pic of your Mister too,and your friends, looks like a good time was had by all. Enjoy your weekend my lovely friend and I hope you are in good health now too ;) hugs Vee xx

Esther said...

Your visit together looks so much fun Darnell! I'm really jealous! Glad you had a good time :) Your cards are lovely! So cute... the safety pin is a super touch! Loving the pink card for our sketch challenge. Thanks so much for playing along with us at Less is More :)

Canonbury creations said...

Two gorgeous baby cards Darnell love the safety pin hanging down and that cute little baby! What a lucky friend to see your playhouse, hope you are fighting fit now xx

Kara Lynne said...

How fun to have visitors to the playhouse! Those photos just make me smile! I am ooing and ahhing over your baby cards! That little ellie with his splash of water is adorable and I love the safety pin! Do these new moms even know what those are for? That little baby popping her head out of the buggy is so cute, but even funnier after reading your comments!

Evelyn S. said...

I made my first baby card in "forever" last week...for the shower celebrating the upcoming birth of my first grandchild! I do love the CAS cards you have created!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Such sweet cards, and pix.
Hugs,
Em xoxox

Sybrina K said...

Talk about great minds... I, too, needed a baby card for a friend with a daughter with un-fossilized eggs. Cute card and great pics! How nice you were able to visit again with a friend from across the pond.

Petra Swart said...

Oh, my, Darnell ...baby making stamps and dies ...LOL!!!! Love your very sweet little ellie and the safety pin is such a great idea!!!! (thank goodness in my days of having babies we already had disposable nappies!!!!) The girly card is just as sweet and I couldn't help but LOL at that baby with the strong neck!!!!!
And I enjoyed your photo's of your friends' visit!!! Now that is something special ...having the person taking the photo in the photo, too, without using the camera's timer!!!!! Lovely photo of the Mister and Alan admiring each others' wife!!!!
As always, enjoyed my visit, Darnell!!!!
Have a great weekend!!!
Hugz

Carol said...

Two gorgeous baby cards Darnell...both too cute! Hope this finds you well on the way to recovery after your op. Carol x

Craftychris said...

Both of these baby cards are absolutely adorable! I am loving the photos - how fabulous that you had such a nice visit! Cool reflection photo of the Mister too! Hugs Chris xxx

Anonymous said...

Beautiful cards.
Bet you all had fun with your recent visitors.
Are you sure stamps don't reproduce - Surely I didn't buy all the stamps I have but they must have gotten here some how!

Pat said...

Two gorgeous baby cards Darnell and I love that safety pin hanging over the 'y' and the cute little elephant on the boy baby card, and then the baby girl version with that lovely wide ribbon and the cute little baby peering out of that bright pink pram, such fun, your comment made me chuckle. How great that Liz and her husband dropped in for a visit and love the photos, especially that little extra of the mister taking one of himself. You look in great form and hope that you are well recovered now. x

Neets B said...

Oh I do love your posts, Darnell. You never fail to make me chuckle :D
Loving your two baby cards, the little pin hanging off the word die is a fabulous idea, and I love that you've used the bright pink instead of baby pink for your girlie version too. How great that you had Liz to visit too, your Playhouse is become an international landmark for tourists :)
Thanks so much for sharing with us at Less is More, Anita x

PS - I saw the 'Random Crap' bag in a shop here the other day and immediately thought of you :D :D xxx

Anita in France said...

Sweetie pie cards, Darnell ... with perfect detailing ... that little safety pin hanging off the y is a brilliant touch ... and that little head (with the strong neck!) is adorable. Bet we were both like that!! Fab photo's ... so fun to have a visit ... you're looking good, my lovely friend! LYAMYAYSSF! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Lovely baby cards. I just love the little safety pin on the boy card!

I am so sure you enjoyed your visit with your friends!! Have a great day.

Inkyfingers said...

What fabulous baby cards Darnell, and adding the pin to the first one was a genius idea!!! How nice to have overseas bloggy visitors and I'm glad you all had a good time.
Hugs
Carol x

Gerrina said...

Great that you saw Liz and her DH again! Makes this world a special place that you can become blogfriends and than meet eachother and exspierience the same joy by meeting eachother in IRL...
Your cards look sweet and modern! The blue one is my favo, just because it is blue... :) Enjoy your weekend! Hugs, Gerrina

Berina RGA said...

I needed this laugh today! Thank you Darnell! Glad to hear you met a blogland friend again! It's always so much more nicer to meet people in person! Your baby cards are absolutely adorable!

Sue said...

So glad to hear Liz and her hubby had time to stop by and see you and Kevin. What a great craft we share with so many and how friendship develop over this love of stamps and blogging. Beautiful cards, too! I had to make one just a month ago, which was a first for at least 3 years or more.

Aileen said...

I so enjoy reading your posts. What a stirrer, looking at each others wives. You are evil Darnell putting doubt there. Love your premie baby in the pram and the first card with the elephant and water spray. So clever

Sue - said...

Two sweet baby cards Darnell! Lucky Liz to get a tour of the Playhouse! Hugs xx

Zelda said...

Adorable cards Darnell. You outdid yourself (again)! Enjoyed the pics and the update of the goings on at the Playhouse - thanks for sharing x

Lisa T said...

Oh I always have a good old chuckle at your posts Darnell, you are a joy to read. Fossilized eggs almost had me spitting my cup of tea all over the ipad! I am in the same boat, havent needed to make a baby card in a long time, but since joining IG I have some much younger friends now, so maybe my baby NBUS will come out to play! Both your cards are adorable, as always, and it's not easy to mix brands because styles vary, but you do it so well! I loved that little safety pin, genius! Hugs, Lisa xx

Angela Walters said...

I love your baby cards- especially the boy one. That's probably because I really like elephants! I haven't forgotten you. I am finally feeling a little bit better and plan to get stamping today! This time, I'll put the card out for our mail person myself!

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Both cards are gorgeous and cute in equal measure. Funky foam is soooo useful.
Don't know about fossilized, I think mine are scrambled lol!
Ang x

shirley-bee said...

Your baby cards are so sweet, Darnell! I love the safety pin hanging off the fun foam. How great that you're getting return bloggy-friend visits to the US. We might all make it over there one day (hopefully for you not on the same day!).

Donna said...

Darling cards and pictures, like how you hung the baby pin!

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Such cute baby cards! Looks like you had a lot of fun together!

Cat Craig said...

I too rarely have use for the baby card. I love what you did here, both cards are adorable.