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!

May 29, 2017

Polar Memorial Day!

Hello there, Stamplings!

I hope you are enjoying the long Memorial Day weekend here in America! We will always remember and be forever grateful to all the men and women who have bravely given their lives in service to our country.

As we enjoy barbecues and baseball and iconic car races and pool parties under (hopefully) sunny skies, I've come bearing a Christmas card!
Wait. What? I know, I'm preverse that way. The thing is, I wanted to participate in my friend Maureen's Rudolph Days Challenge, which I've missed a month or three, and the deadline is fast approaching for May. I'm also playing in these challenges:
For this card, I used a NBUS Lawn Fawn plaid pad, a NBUS stamp from Die-Namics "Cool Day," and (one-NBUS, one-not) dies from Die-Namics "Stitched Basic Edges." I daubered pool party ink for the background and colored the scarf and bonnet with my Ziggies.

PB looks like he's being sarcastic with that "joy to the world" sediment, doesn't he? From the look on his face, I should have made a sediment on the computer that said, "Have you seen my coat?" 

~~~

Whenever possible, I'm going through my "To CASE" folder and actually CASEing some of my card idols. Today's card was inspired by this card from Helen's Craft Haven:
Thank you, Helen, for the adorable inspiration. I'm making a few more of these before I put all the goodies away. I may even make a few non-Christmas cards to use up other pp and some of my pretty new Washi tape for the straight border side.

~~~

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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97 comments:

Marina said...

Love these colours and the curvy bit is a great design detail.

Greta said...

I love your card, Darnell! Gotta use my LF plaid papers--really makes this card special!

wienerhoneymooners said...

loooooove THIS ONE!!!!!

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the card. Maybe the Polar Bear is fed up with his world shrinking due to global warming.

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Ruth said...

Some of my favourite papers ever those plaid ones from Lawn Fawn. Such a cute image. This reminds me I have to get my rear in gear and actually go make some Christmas cards! Xx

Redanne said...

The backing paper is beautiful and matches his scarf so well! I just love the expression on the face of the Polar Bear, you could add so many fun sentiments..... Well done for getting another Christmas card made, my resolve to do so has gone out of the window!

We have a long weekend here too, it is just called Spring Bank holiday but I love the way you celebrate those who served your country. Sadly after a week of glorious sunshine and heat, the weekend is a bit of a wash out - literally! Hope your weather is kinder at your end! Big hugs, Annie xxx

Gerrina said...

How you go from sunny warm days to a christmascard is not a way I would take soon, but I understand warm-ice-christmas...:)
Your card is a beautiful one! Hugs, Gerrina

Jane Willis said...

Here in the UK it's the late spring Bank Holiday, or Whit Monday as it used to be called, and the weather is classic bank holiday weather - wet and windy. A perfect day to stay at home and make cute snowman cards!
Jane

Julie B said...

Love your polar bear and the fab plaid DP.
Hope you've had a good weekend, here it is a Bank Holiday so it's raining! :)

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...
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kiwimeskreations said...

He's a cutie Darnell - and I do love your CASE!! Fabulous card - and no mention of Hammy helping, he will be feeling left out :-(
Blessings
Maxine

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
Happy Rudolf Days.
oh these are very super and wonderful creations.
I love the wonderful idea of turning that die that way about it looks so effective with the images and the super paper used.
Thank you for joining the Rudolf Challenge.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L. GD

Marybeth said...

Good morning to you ! Loving that polar bear on ice,what a fun card ! Hope you are enjoying the long weekend we are blessed !

Marilyn said...

Cute card!! Love the plaid paper!!

Lynn said...

Love how you cased this card. So adorable Darnell!

Cara said...

Fab card, love your colouring of the ice he's stood on. I know it's the small things that make me happy! Have a great Memorial Day x

Sarah said...

Another fab card Darnell, love those Bears, in fact just this week the very same stamp set plopped onto my doormat...can't wait to play!! A lovely CASEd design xx

designbydonna said...

Cute cards. Love that stitched curvy edge. You are way ahead of me on Christmas card stash.

conil said...

Actually, every time I see a polar bear I think he's saying, "why is my habitat shrinking". I know...I'm perverse that way. Anywho, this little guy looks terrific with this patterned paper...you've matched it beautifully with his scarf and stocking cap. I'm postitive that was the plan. Hope you have a restful and happy weekend.

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Amazing design!!! Love how this stitched diecut shape matches with the cute stamps and the lovely dp!! Great works!
Happy Memorial Day!

Pat said...

I love your cute polar bear Darnell and the plaid background is gorgeous. The curved shape looks great too and this is a wonderful CASEing of Helen's pretty card. x

Pat said...

Sorry Darnell, with my GD hat on I should have said thank you for joining in with the May Rudolph Days Challenge. x

Anita in France said...

Well, isn't Monsieur PB dapper, Darnell, in his natty scarf and matching hat ... and not satisfied with such sartorial elegance, he's also all set to co-ordinate with that fabulous background too ... a festive fashion icon! Oh, and so cute too ... a brilliant CASE! LYAMYMAHYHAHMDM! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Lisa said...

This is so gorgeous!! I love the adorable polar bear!! The curved border is fabulous and I love the paper!! Beautiful card, Darnell!! I love it!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Linda said...

So adorable Darnell. Hope you have had a great weekend. My Bff is coming today for the week. Can hardly wait.

JD/ Jill said...

Lovely, sweet, Christmas card! Hope you are having a wonderful, Memorial day weekend!

Cat Craig said...

What a fabulous design - definitely case worthy!

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Very cute card! I love the icy sponging behind the bear, the perfect finishing touch!

Rainey's Craft Room said...

The colours in the check paper are very bright and cheery and I love the expression on the face of the polar bear.
Lorraine

Fiona said...

Great card I love the colours you've used. Thanks for joining us st Watercooler Wednesday

Monika Reeck said...

your coloring on second card is stunning love that stripes paper and the cuuutee Image
the first card for ATSM yay
Love that you used non traditional DP on this winter card
lovely Image and the coloring always Super B Darnell
I wish I am your neighbour and can visiting you and learn from you how to coloring so beautiful
this is my winner card
Many thanks to joining with us at ATSM this week
hugs
Monika

Sheri said...

Way too funny. I have this same stamp set sitting on my craft table right now. I have used the ice many times, but never the bear. I also have that paper pack and some curvy dies. We will see what I come up with! Love your card!!!

Carol L said...

I'm loving the plaid with the wavy stitched cut in white! Beautiful and fun design and I hope you're having a sunny Memorial day. It's gloomy in PA with rain off/on all day, so there went the BBQ! LOL Ah well, it's not the end of the world - I have Shepherd's pie in the oven :)

Bonnie said...

I love this layout, the plaid paper and that sweet polar bear, Darnell! He does look a little chilly or worried that the block of ice he's standing on is melting too fast! Hope to see more cards using this schtuff!

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

That is just about right for the weather we are having here in NJ....Such a cutie, that polar bear! Looks quite dapper with his scarf and the matching plaid paper is fabulous!

Kathleen said...

Love those papers and design of the card, a really great image and a wonderful design can you tell I think this is a fabulous card?

Kath x

BożenA said...

Great card I love the rippling edge, you have combined your image with this elegant grille. The unique design.
Hugs,
BożenA

sally said...

What a cute snowman card! I'm enjoying the warmer weather so no thoughts of snow at the moment thanks very much....

Sally

Sally H said...

Happy Rudolf days, Darnell! LOVE your gorgeous polar bear and that paper pad is the perfect match for your perfect colouring! Love it!

Anonymous said...

He is gorgeous but agree he might be looking for a coat. A lovely card.

Verna Angerhofer said...

I love this card with the great polar bear image. And your card layout is awesome too.

Fikreta said...

those are so pretty cards!

Cris G. said...

Hmm... I agree Darnell, the not so little guy looks like he's beary worried for not having a coat :). He is adorable anyway, really cute card!
Hugs,
Cris

Judy Markowitz said...

I adore this polar bear Christmas card! So Cute!!!!! Thanks so much for joining us this week at Watercooler Wednesday!

Gail said...

Very cute Christmas Polar bear! Love the shape of the die cut and stitching. Thanks for joining us at Watercooler Wednesday.

Marsha Reed said...

Darnell, this is such a wonderful card! I love that polar bear. Thanks for joining us this week at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges.

cm said...

Oh my! How dapper your polar bear is, sporting his marvelous, cozy scarf and toque! The plaid paper and curvy panel: only fantastic! Your snowman is mighty fantastic, too! I tried *really hard* to make a Christmas-themed DT card but alas, I couldn't find the specific products I wanted to use! Apparently, 'all things' from the move have not found their way out of boxes, as yet! More unpacking required; wonder what else I'll find *grin*
Hugs and love coming your way!
~c

Lisa Elton said...

Love the plaid with this furry frosty fella!! CUTE card Darnell!

Nan G said...

Cool Christmas cards! Don't 'cha just love the plaid pp from lawn Fawn....swoon! Have a great week! Hugs

Maura said...

Love this layout, Darnell, and love the soft touch you used in coloring the sweet snow bear- fabulous card!

JoAnn said...

Adorable card. Love the layout and papers. TFS.

Loll said...

So adorable, Dolly! Love the plaid designer paper and how you've used the curved design. That polar bear is sweet ... but also looks a little confused. :) I can see what you cased Helen's beautifl card. Lolly xx

Mrs A. said...

Wot u mean that I'm gonna have lots of baby mistletoe plants in pots? My window sill isn't that long !!
How about " how the heck do I get off this thing". No seriously though I love your check card and the glacier mint bear is fabby dabby. Hugs Mrs A.

Karenladd said...

Wow, I love that stitched curve edge...and the plaid-with-polar-bear design. Yes, that bear does have a somewhat confused look on his face, but I'm thinking it's more in the line of "where are my pants?", than his coat..ha! Festive and fun in every way!

Linda said...

Love this ..... the polar bear looks so cool! (sorry) Love the patterned paper too.
We've had a long weekend in the UK ..... and typically the weather was not very nice. Well .... it was the start of this years Isle of Man TT. Hopefully it will get better as the week goes on xx

LesleyG said...

That is one cute polar bear, who could be saying so many things, like oooo I may have to swim for it......you could run a competition teehee. Lovey card, lurve the curve and pretty colours xxx

Andrea said...

Cool polar bear Darnell and did he find his coat??.. LOL. love the paper and "cool" design. big crafty hugs Andrea x

Barb said...

I love your fun Christmas card Darnell. The paper is so pretty and the polar bear has such a great expression on his face. What a lovely design by Helen. I was lucky enough to win a set of the edges dies from one of your NBUS challenges so time ago and use them all the time but have never thought of using them in this way. Thanks for the inspiration. I shall be casing this idea too! Barbxx

Em Louise Fairley said...

Stunning card, Darnell.
Hugs,
Em xoxox

Marilyn said...

What a great card and so striking with the pretty plaid paper. Matching the colours in his scarf really makes the image pop. I also like the layout... must remember this one because it's such a great design.

Sharon Underwood said...

What an adorable card! Love that plaid paper, and the bear is so cute! Perfect sentiment, btw.

Leslie Miller said...

Just floating away while we look on... Good thing he can swim. Must be about time for a nice long nap. Yay for getting another Christmas card done, and it's a cutie! Super card design with the two stitched edges. Love the plaid, too. Helen's snowman is adorable and I can sure see why you chose to CASE her card!

Brenda said...

OMGosh, I am in love with your card Auntie!!!! And the CASED card as well!! This must go into my files for a card to be CASED. lol I love your polar bear and the way you have colored him up. He is just too cute!!! Hugs, Brenda

Birgit said...

Super cut Christmas card Darnell! Love the colors, love the plaid, love the stitches and that wonderful polar bear!!

cotnob said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
cotnob said...

A fabulous CASEd card Darnell, a super image and lovely plaid papers.
Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
x

Wendy Nicola Jackson said...

What a brilliant CASE Darnell! I love the fabulous design and that plaid paper is yummy! Gorgeous creation. Love the image, so sweet. Hugs, Wends xoxo

scrappymo! said...

Great CASE of Helen's card. I love your polar bear. This is a very adorable stamp!
Thanks for taking part in the May Rudolph Days Challenge.

scrappymo! said...

Me again. Forgot to say that the pale, pale aqua around the image gives a nice icy feeling!

Anonymous said...

this is SO CUTE!! i love how your colouring of that adorable bear. i also love the plaid paper and the die cuts are fabulous!
hugs, linda

Cheryl W. said...

I LOVE your CASE'd card, Darnell, so I find I must now CASE your card! I love this simple, but fabulous design, but I plan to put my own twist on it, of course. Thanks, as always, for your free-for-the-taking inspiration. :)

Karren said...

Oh this is just adorable, Darnell! This polar bear image is so cute and he looks wonderful with a plaid background.

Izzy Scrap said...

So sweet this Polar Bear ! And what a gorgeous design with this fabulous plaid paper in the background ! Love the icy shadow colour you made around the bear, looks even more freezing ! Beautiful take on Elaine's card ! thanks so much for sharing and for inspiring ! Hugs x

Craftychris said...

Gorgeous card! I love the polar bear and the plaid paper - wonderful! Hugs xxx

Mandy said...

Gorgeous card Darnell! The image is so cute & the design is wonderful.
Thanks for joining us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge
Mandy xx

Ros Crawford said...

Super card Darnell! And I see you've had some awards with your watercolouring too... Well done and well deserved!

Karen Dunbrook said...

love this!! so adorable...
happy stamping mf.
Karen

G Peplow said...

2 fabulous cards again Darnell, I particularly love that polar bear :D Hope your hols were good fun, our friendship isn't tested by any pauses in communication LOL Hugs to you :D xx

Linby said...

Aren't these just two adorable cards and so brilliantly designed too.

Anonymous said...

Darnell, thank you so much for leaving your kind comments and even following my blog! I've been a fan since quite some time, but you might not know, since I follow through RSS - I've just subscribed by email today.. :) Love your beautiful cards and your cheerful attitude and how you include fun in everything!
Lots of hugs and cheers!
Ashwini

Bobby said...

Silly girl. Polar bears don't need coats. ;) But he could be wondering why he was put adrift. I have the other bear set and wish it included that ice floe to set them on. I saw this in the ATSM gallery (not my number to comment on) and it drew my attention right away with it's wonderful color. It's such a fun card, Darnell.

Jenni's Jems said...

Love this cool dude and it will keep you cool looking at it as the sun blazes down lol x

Nancy Penir said...

A 'to case' file, ummm, sounds case-able. Love your precious polar bear, and love the cased design! What a great file you must have!

Sharron said...

Fabulous case! Love the sweet bear and that wonderful plaid! One can never have too much plaid and these colors are so wonderful!

Janice said...

A fabulous Christmas card Darnell! I really love the curved shape of the white card, something I may have to CASE too. I love how you've picked out the plaid colours to colour your cheeky polar bear's hat and scarf!
Janice x

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Yes, what every Summer day needs is a Christmas card lol!
Your sullen polar bear is still cute and I love the plaid paper.
I really should make a start on my Christmas cards...maybe in a couple of months.......
Ang x

Whisper said...

OMG how cute & adorable, you have also prompted me to use my stitched dies more, thanks for joining in Mays Rudolph Days Challenge, luv Sam x

Geri said...

The plaid paper is gorgeous! i love the contrast of the straight lines on the DP and the curved edge of the 'snow bank'! Great color matching job on the scarf too :)

Milka Gubo said...

Love you card, Darnell. It's so pretty. :o) xx

Greta said...

Congrats on the win at ATSM, Darnell! You've sure been on a roll!

Trina P. said...

Awesome card, Darnell, and that is why you took top honours at ATSM, Congrats and so well deserved! Doing the happy dance for you. 👏🎉😘

Pat said...

Hi Darnell, I just wanted to say congratulations for your win over at ATS & M and for the honourable mention at Watercooler Wednesday, both so well deserved with this beautiful card. x

Sue - said...

Hi Darnell, I really like that curvy panel on top of the plaid paper. I just might have to case it as well.

Nora Noll said...

Oh how CUTE!! I love that bear!! I also have that but have never used it before. I like it with the plaid and that wonky die cut white panel. Fabulous design or CASE as it may be!! :)

Bobby said...

You're on a roll, Darnell. Second win in a week - or so.

Lisa T said...

Have you seen my coat?!! That's too funny! What a lovely design the card is, I don't blame you for caseing that, and it's a great way to use patterned paper.I may have to case this too! And it's never to early to make Christmas cards in my opinion (I did one in January or February haha!) Hugs, Lisa xx