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!

October 26, 2017

Autumn Birthday and Wine Labels as Card Art

Hello, Stamplings!

How are you? I hope that today was better than yesterday for you! Not that yesterday wasn't a good day, just that wouldn't it be awesome if every day was better than the day before? I mean, it's not like anyone ever got sick or died from contentment overload, right?

I've been rocking out my November, December, and January birthday cards so I can put on my Christmas helmet and headset and knuckle down making holiday cards only.

Here is the autumn card. (Don't look if you are a card pen pal of mine and you have an autumn birthday!)
Harriet came over last week and we had a fun time crafting and having lunch. She loaned me her PTI "Autumn Wishes" and "Winter Wishes" for my cards. The border is Washi tape. QACAS!

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Here is a photo of the cards I made all laid out across my desk. About a half-dozen were cards in my stash, so I only needed to make about 40 cards.
I could have sworn Hammy was on the desk when I took that photo. Bless, he was so pumped up and proud of all the ways he helped me get the job done, but I think he went into hiding because I told him that next I was going to teach him how to sign my name!
⏩Seeing all those cards reminds me ~ I was talking to Sheila the other day and we got on the subject of reading or hearing about crafters who have huge stashes of cards that they don't know what to do with. One woman talked about throwing her handmade cards away! Listen, if you have cards that you don't know what to do with, email me and I can give you several suggestions of groups that would be delighted to have your cards!! Or send them to me and I will reimburse you for the postage! Thank you! ⏪
~~~

A long time ago (cough), Maria sent me some gorgeous wine labels and I recently used them to make cards. I thought now would be a good time to post them, in honor of the 22 wineries that were damaged or destroyed in the recent wildfires in Napa and Sonoma:


The two "Cheers" cards were used for anniversary cards. Thank you, Maria! I think they made really cool cards!

~~~


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!

(source unknown)







*Life is too short!

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92 comments:

Majda said...

Great work Darnell :-)
Hugs, Majda

Sandma's Handmade Cards said...

A beautifully CAS Autumnal card Darnell and the Washi tape makes a great addition. I also really like the cards that you’ve made with the wine labels, what a great idea. It really does look like you’ve got yourself a great production line going there, so keep up the good work. Thank you for sharing your card with us at Stamping Sensations and good luck. Crafty hugs, Sandra x

Redanne said...

Your autumnal card is an absolute delight, the washi tape looks amazing - something I keep meaning to try with my some of my two tons of unused washi....

The wine labels are gorgeous and they make such special cards and I really love how you added the 'cheers'. How devastating that 22 wineries were destroyed, it is so tragic - I hope there was no loss of life...

Hugs, Annie xxx

Jane Willis said...

What an amazing idea to use wine label for those stunning cards. I presume they were unused labels that had never been attached to a bottle, soaking them off might leave them rather messy. Mind you, if they are removed from bottles I *cough* have access to a regular supply of materials....
Jane

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the cards.

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

A beautiful Autumnal card Darnell, and I love the wine label cards they are super.

Sue xx

Valerija said...

Beautiful projects! Great idea to use wine labels.
Have a great day.
Valerija xx

Stamps and Paper said...

Your wine label cards are brilliant Darnell and what super cards for those difficult men...

Anne

Lynn said...

Love that you send, send, send your cards! So awesome! Your cards are amazing! Love the wine labels...and the fall birthday - SWOON!

Sandra H said...

Ooh Darnell your cards are amazing l love the autumn colours so bright and cheerful all of your cards are amazing .....ooh another task for hammy to learn is he keen or is this why he's gone into hiding......lol take care sending lots of love xx

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

What an amazing way to use those wine labels Darnell! They look really classy and elegant and ideal for celebratory occasions! Have a wonderful day my friend! Love & Hugs. Hazel xx
My Card Attic

Loll said...

Your autumn birthday card is so pretty Dolly! Love the bright yellow card base. And that washi tape is awesome. I'm washi-tape-challenged so appreciate how you use it! :)

I also have some wine labels gifted by a friend. I made a card recently with them, but haven't post it yet. They are so cool, aren't they??!! xx

Marilyn said...

Cute autumn card!! Your wine label cards are gorgeous!!

Jeanne said...

Darnell, your cards are lovely. What neat idea to use wine labels for cards. Never would have thunk that. I was sad to read that there are people who throw away the cards they make. I'm sure the joy came in creating them, but how sad not to share them. I hear you are having another heat wave. Oh my gosh, can you (meaning CA) ever catch a break? Stay safe and cool and thanks for always entertaining. Hugs!

Kristi said...

I love the Autumn Birthday card! Right down to the little shadows of the pumpkins. The cards lying on your table look way bigger than my cards do. What size do you usually make?

sandie said...

I like the idea of using the wine labels to make cards. I think I have some Maria sent me a while ago, thanks for the idea. And I adore the texture on your Autumn card and especially like that you used a more yellow card colour instead of the more orangey one most people use. Great to see you at Ink and have a fun day...oh and thanks for your comment on our main blog x

Mrs A. said...

You did go into overload . Did you make envelopes to match too I wonder, Give the hamster a break . He must be fair frazzled out. Hugs ?Mrs A.

brenda said...

It's a really lovely card for our Autumnal theme at Stamping Sensations which a lovely clean CAS look, many thanks for joining in. Loving the idea of the wine labels for cards.

B x

Brenda in IN said...

I love that autumn card with the beautiful washi tape. I must start using mine. I use it to tape things down! I just heard on the news today that the cost of wine will be going up. How devastating to have that many destroyed. I am in awe of all the cards you made. Puts me to shame. Using those wine labels made fantastic cards.

Berina RGA said...

Beautiful cards Darnell!! Wow! That's a lot of cards!! The wine label cards are lovely!

Julie B said...

What a great idea to use those wine labels, they made great cards.
I have to say that I have a box of cards and although I send some to the local craft shop, they never get any less! :)

Marilyn said...

Wow, wow, wow... I love this card! That pretty washi tape is the perfect added touch to it.

Craftychris said...

Love your Autumn card, gorgeous colours and the washi tape is so cool! What a fab idea to use wine labels on your cards, they look absolutely fabulous. I can't believe the big pile of cards you have made - you have been so busy! Hugs to you and Hammy! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Linda said...

Love your CAS Autumn card and those cards with the wine labels are awesome. Have a great day my friend.

KandA said...

Wonderful autumn birthday card Darnell and I love the brilliant way you used those wine labels. You've been so busy that you and Hammy deserve to put your feet up and relax. Take care xx

cuilliesocks said...

Such beautiful cards Darnell, the wine label ones are wonderful. Kate x

conil said...

Your industry makes me feel like a piker. Good grief girl, can you get any more cards into your Playhouse. Honestly, I'm totally stunned. And you haven't really started to do Christmas yet?
As I sit here in my mess, slack-jawed and drooling, I wonder why I'm doing this hobby when all I crank out is a couple of cards a week. Still, it does make me happy to make anything at all.
Loved the wine label cards and the touching tribute to all those gorgeous vineyards and vines that were lost in the inferno. Makes me tear up to think about it. It goes without saying, that it is sad. I hope they can rebuild.

Andrea said...

Great cards Darnell you have been busy I had the same idea but so far only 1 birthday card made as keep sneaking back to Christmas cards I’ve done about a dozen now making good progress I also owe you a very very big public apology as I’ve just found your birthday card under the car seat not where it should have been I’m so sorry will make up fit it promise it’s been there months !!! Hub doesn’t clean car often!! Big hugs Andrea XX

MaryH said...

Love this wonderful Autumn card, and that is some great washi tape. I thought you'd stamped a border stamp and was ah-ing over the precise alignment. Looks great too. And am in awe of your card stash. YOu have been one busy little stamper (so glad Hammy is willing to lend some help too). Delighted to hear you had a fun crafty time with your friend too. Big hugs & TFS!

Lisa said...

These are all so gorgeous!! I especially love the wine label cards - so creative!! The look elegant and beautiful!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Love the autumn birthday wishes card, simple and wonderful. The wine label cards are quite classy. I whined recently about the cost of orange juice and the clerk said well you know that hurricane really hurt the orange crop. So I guess soon the winos will be whining along with me over the high cost of our go-go juice. Such a sad thing.

Daria Z. said...

Beautiful cards, Darnell! I really like the one with the circle cut out. Hope your today is even better than your yesterday.

Verna Angerhofer said...

I love the first card with the Washi border. That is such a beautiful Autumn card design. And great work using the wine labels too. Boy, you sure have a lot of cards on that table. It is surprising how fast they accumulate when we are having fun making them and everything just clicks perfectly. Thanks as always for sharing your cards and your humor with your writing too. It makes my day!

jasann said...

Hi Darnell, I love your cards, they are always inspirational!!! regarding peoples excess cards, I make up boxes of cards especially to give as gifts for when someone does me a good favour, also I make extra Christmas cards to donate to the Caring Hearts who distribute to Nursing Homes for the residents, and also donate to our local church opportunity shop and they sell the cards at a good price for the local community, so I hope all people who have excess cards will help out and donate the cards to some one who can use them for good. I love to make cards, and try to make at least one every day, and thanks so much for your cheery blog, good wishes to you and Hammy and your family, Jasann

Mac Mable said...

CAS perfection on your first Autumn birthday card x Yey to all those cards you've made...shame Hammy went into hiding for the photo x How kind of you about your comment about unwanted cards to be sent to you etc..You are a very kind soul x Wow to how you used the wine labels. What a fabulous idea which I will be filing away! Thank you for another great post x

Anne said...

My word you have been busy. Love the Autumn card. Thanks for visiting me. I am sorry that you are still waiting for a parcel from me. One day you will be surprised - it will arrive :-) Anne x ( copperbeechcrafts)

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

A big array of lovely cards, and those with the wine labels are just stunning! Very elegant and surely different!! :)

Melanie Ann MacKenzie said...

These are all terrific and what a brilliant way to use the wine labels. So tragic what has happened with the wildfires in California. We have been going through that this summer here in Canada as well. Ghastly. By the way...love the washi tape down the edge of that card. Cheers.

Kathleen said...

Stunning Autumnal Birthday card.
Might have to try removing the labels from the bottle of wines I manage to drink, every now and then, as I normally have a box! The cards are fabulous.

Kath x

Sally H said...

A wonderful creation for our Autumn themed challenge, Darnell! Thanks for sharing it with us at Stamping Sensations this month and good luck! I too love the label idea...can think of lots of gin puns too

oldpunca said...

Wonderful autumn birthday card! Such a warm colours! I like the washi border. And a super elegant cards with wine labels. Fantastic idea! :-)
Have a great day! Even better than the day before. :-)
Hugs,
Sonja

Christine said...

Hi Darnell,
I am so happy hat you had enough studio time to create that many cards...but I get to do that during summer vacation so my time is coming.........

I have an idea to add to your "bag of tricks" regarding what to do with all those "extra cards" that pile up due to our crafting passions, experiments, etc. Please think about donating them to a local elementary school. I often use my "excess cards" to write personal notes to students, and it is touching to see how much the kids treasure them. I have also shared with other teachers, and they are always grateful for the opportunity to encourage a student or coworker.
Blessings,
Christine

Fikreta said...

all cards are so pretty!
hugs

Anonymous said...

Amazing! So productive.
Love the wine label cards. Does this give me a reason to drink more wine so I can get the pretty labels? I've been cutting down on my alcohol as I have put on 10kg in the last 12 months - I'm sure it's not all alcohol it just seems the easiest thing to live without!
I'm sure today will be better than yesterday. Yesterday was a work day and today I have some friends coming over.

Marcia Hill said...

WOW...you have been BUSY Darnell! That's a whole lotta birthday cards! I think I could see just the tiny end of Hammy's tail in the photo...he's probably just like Brinkley and doesn't like the flash and was high tailing it outta there!! I LOVE your wine label cards...those are SOOOO cool!! I wonder if I was really careful soaking some of the labels off my wine bottles if they'd still be in good enough shape to use?? Hmmmm...maybe I should have a glass or two tonight?!! :0)

Carol L said...

I just love the textured cardstock you use on your cards - it really adds that extra oomph to every card you make, and this birthday quickie is lovely! Great washi tape border too! And how clever to use wine labels on your cards! They all look so pretty! Well done on all!

Pat said...

I am blown away by your table full of cards. And here I was in a swivet( have you ever been in one?) because yesterday I realized I hadn't made Halloween cards for my 4 young grands. Love the wine labels. What prompted you to use them for cards & why do I never have such uniquely clever ideas? Be sure the chin strap on your helmet is secure & enjoy the ride.

Bunny said...

You have been busy. Hammy, too. Love those wine labels. They made beautiful cards. Now, go knock out those Christmas cards. [Bunny]

Pat said...

This autumn card is so bright and pretty Darnell and I adore that washi tape and glad you had fun crafting with Harriet, also the wine labels have made super cards, and wow, 40 cards! I don't know how long you spent making them but that is a huge amount of creativity, and you and Hammy must be ready to put your feet up and have a veg out, or if it was me a G & T, or a nice glass of wine....lol. x

HJ said...

Love the autumn card and the wine label cards. So clever and classy!! Love the idea of giving unused cards to a charity. So glad the lady did not throw out her cards. Enjoy your weekend.

Unknown said...

Fabulous cards Darnell, particularly love the wine label ones very classy :)
Hugs Kaz xx

Bobby said...

Oh my goodness, 40 birthday cards? And I'm struggling to finish 8 Halloween and 2 Halloween birthday cards. How ever do you do it, Darnell. What a fantastic idea to use wine labels for cards, and elegant labels at that.

Kay Miller said...

Oooooh! Pretty pretty cards! I love the first one! That textured paper is so neat and the washi tape is pretty!! Your wine label cards are so unique and lovely! Very classy indeed!! Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving such a sweet comment! Means so much! I need to resign up for yours again, because I am not getting the notifications anymore. Darn! ((Hugs my friend!)

Marybeth said...

Darling card using that older Papertrey Ink set! The wine labels cards are so darn elegant , love those so much! What a great idea ! I have to admit I have too many cards sitting around and need to get busy.

kiwimeskreations said...

ummm - 40 cards - that's seriously a lot of cards!!! I would be pushed to make that many in 6 months, excluding a massed produced Christmas card.
Love the vibrantly coloured birthday card, and the wine label cards are stunning!!!!!!
Poor Hammy, sounds as though you are almost putting him into overload :-( Give him a hug from me, and tell him if he wants to emigrate he would be most welcome here.
Blessings
Maxine

TK said...

These are awesome, Darnell! GoRgEoUs Autumn Birthday card -- really LOVE that washi! And those wine labels? What an amazing idea...

Christine Alexander said...

beautiful autumn card, I'm sure your card friend will love it:)
I'm going to have to save some wine labels, awesome cards.

Cheryl W. said...

My goodness, you've been busy! That is a lot of autumn birthdays!!! I love the card, though, and also your wine label cards. They are really cool. I'm also trying to get my fall cards done so I can focus on holiday cards. I've got SO MANY yet to make! Have a great weekend.

Helen F. said...

WowZa ~ very impressive, Darnell.
Love the card design using the PTI sets and thank you for the Washi Tape idea...talk about a NBUS collection! Heck no, let's not :-(
Your wine labels cards are fabulous also.

Linda said...

You have been busy ..... love your Autumn design, the washi tape looks fab.
Gorgeous cards using the wine labels too xx

Lia said...

Wow, you have been soooo busy!
I love the idea of the winelable cards with 'real' lables onto them. They are looking great!
Lia xx

Em Louise Fairley said...

Stunning cards, Darnell. The fire damage has been devastating. But, in time, all those areas will come back stronger, I'm sure.
Hugs
Em xoxo

AlisonC said...

I salute your organisation and your recycling. Don't the labels look great? The tones on your autumn card are beautiful, rather like the trees here.
I'm not surprised Hammy is hiding. x

Viv said...

Such a great Autumnal card Dee and I love the cards you made with the wine labels too...how clever! enjoy your weekend mf ;) hugs Vee xx

Cara said...

Wow, you have been busy! What a shame Hammie was camera shy. Love the wine label cards, I hope she sent you the full bottles of wine to go along with them though x

Trina P. said...

Whoa Miss Organized! Way to get your birthday cards completed! Very inspiring... I need to start doing that. And that is one beautiful Autumn birthday card.
And those wine labels are so pretty. Great idea to turn them into cards. It’s a shame about the wineries.

Enjoy your weekend. Hugs. xx

Sybrina K said...

I, too, love the card with the washi border, Darnell! I never know how to use that stuff... and am always a tad envious of folks who do. LOL But, let's talk about all those birthday cards. Oh my, you must be a birthday card making machine. WOW! We're so glad you shared one of them with us at Words 2 Craft By. It's always a pleasure when you drop by. :)

Cat Craig said...

Wonderful cards Darnell...and so productive.

Lisa Elton said...

Oh I like that pretty little tree and those sweet pumpkins. this is a splendid card Darnell. And then you wowed us with the wine labels. Amazing work as always!

Greta said...

You are a cardmaking machine--wow!! I love the BD card--great Fall image & wonderful Washi tape! The wine label cards are beautiful, Darnell! I have some from a friend when I was just doing Flickr & still haven't used them, but now maybe I will if I come across them in my organizing--haha!

Ros Crawford said...

I can't believe all those cards on your tabel! Wow!! Stunning work and I love the wine label cards... Heck I have a bunch of them somewhere too! Enjoy your day my friend!

Bonnie said...

Love the sweet autumn card with the golden colors! And those wine labels make gorgeous, elegant cards! It's so sad that those vineyards burned. It takes years for the vines to mature so it's a long range loss.

laurie said...

Beautiful washi card Darnell...and such a creative use for the wine labels!

Nancy said...

Hello Darnell! Thank you for your sweet comments on my blog! It is always nice to hear from you. I love the wine label cards. So elegant!

Leslie Miller said...

We're on the same wavelength, trying to get ahead on the other cards before hunkering down with Christmas. You sure mail a lot of cards and I say "more power to you"! Make 'em and mail 'em, or give them away. I can barely keep up with all my card needs and I make a lot more than I post. But, hey, that's what they're for, aren't they? To mail and spread cheer? I sure do love that neon greeny-yellow on your first card. Or is that the sunshine that makes it so neon? Nevertheless, I love it! You and the wine labels made absolutely beautiful cards. It's incredibly sad that so many wineries were destroyed in the wildfires.

Karen said...

What an impressive array of cards! I try to work ahead as well, but I've never had that big an array of cards ready to go. I love the idea of using wine labels on cards. They turned out great!

Lisa T said...

I am in awe at how many cards you manage to make Darnell, about three a week is my limit! Don't have that problem of having to throw them away. How unique to use wine labels on the cards too, they look really good. You are so good at getting around to using your stuff! and I can rarely use washi tape successfully on mine, another thing you do very well, whta a pretty card. HUgs, Lisa x

cm said...

40 cards to cover November - January birthdays? WOW! Yet more evidence of how many people's lives you touch with your thoughtfulness and creativity! Your Autumn birthday card: Beautiful! The trio of pumpkins is the showstopper for me; love them! Wine labels for cards - brilliant and oh, how stunning they are! I think this is a double WOW post...and an extra, just because! My cards, for the most part, head to mom - who 'sells' them at the seniors residence where she volunteers - or to my sister-in-law, who creates card sets for teachers/friends. My SIL also hoards a few (she confessed *grin*).
Hugs and love~c

Inkyfingers said...

What a great collection of cards Darnell and I am in awe at the number of gorgeous cards you manage to produce! You really are the Queen of cardmaking and we shall miss you sitting at the top of the table wearing your crown when we meet up for the HLS retreat in a couple of weeks!
Hugs
Carol x

Susanne Vargas said...

Oh my, so many cards! Maybe, just maybe if I had a Hammy to help me I might be able to pull that off... But I probably would need like ten Hammies...
Love your tree card with the washi tape - a great reminder to use my big supply! And the wine label cards look so elegant - love them! Yes, it's sad about all the destroyed vineyards!

Robyn Oliver said...

A lovely autumn card Darnell, but must say that wine label cards are a fabulous idea... they look amazing. Have a big pile of cards here too, and I do give them away, my mum sells them on trading tables. Have a wonderful week hugs Robyn

Viv said...

Brilliant Autumn Birthday Card Darnell! Thanks for sharing with us at Stamping Sensations this month. x

shirley-bee said...

My, you and Hammy have been busy! Gorgeous autumn card, and those wine label cards are so classy! It's a good job I don't save my wine labels - there'd be another Mt NBUS ;)

Mona Pendleton said...

Fantastic cards Darnell! The little tree and pumpkins look awesome!

Loose Stitches said...

Beautiful cards Darnell, love the Fall one and what a wonderful way to use the wine labels!
Hugs, Sherry x
Loose Stitches and Unraveled Threads

Gayatri said...

Such a delicate card. Love it. Thank you very much for playing along Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes Challenge. Gayatri xx

Sheila H said...

Your autumn card has wonderful colors and a lovely CAS design, Darnell. And your wine label cards are just amazing. You are so clever! They are truly a great tribute to the fire stricken California wine country. We had neighbors visit Napa Valley two months ago. And they were kind enough to bring me a bottle of my favorite wine. What a tremendous amount of birthday cards! And I'd bet you have many more holiday cards than that to make. My card group has gotten a good start on our Christmas cards for the nursing home adopted by my church group. The ladies are all so generous and giving. I'm going to donate more regularly to the nursing home and maybe some women's shelters. I have more cards than I can use. Several of my card making friends donate to their churches and other groups to which they belong. Sharing is such a grand part of our hobby.

Anita in France said...

Gosh, those wine label cards are so elegant, Darnell ... rich and delicious as a good wine should be! Love that QACAS autumn birthday card ... yummy washi ... and the single tree with the perfectly coloured tiny leaves and pumpkins (did Hammy do those?!) is just so cute! 40 cards ... eek ... don't think I've made that many during the whole year! Bowing ... ever so low!! LYAMYMAHAHT! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Skye said...

A very cute Autumn card, lovely and Cas and great colours. A great idea using the wine labes for cards. So elegant and a good idea for male cards.

maria f. said...

So, Mister does the cooking in your house, right? Cuz there ain't no way you can rock out so many cards AND make dinner? Tell me it isn't so or I'd have to start calling you Wonder Woman! Love what you did with the wine labels. Pairing them with a gold "Cheers" just takes 'em up a notch. Perfect. And should you get any extra bottles of wine delivered with people's overload of card stash... I know where you can send them ;)

JD/ Jill said...

I recognized one of those beautiful cards (which is now hanging on our wall)
The Anniversary card was so perfect for us...because we so loved our trip to California. We visited so many wineries that I'm not sure if we visited any of the ones that were sadly destroyed by the fires. Those areas were so amazingly beautiful, it definitely brings tears to my eyes when I think about any of them being destroyed...and obviously my prayers to those who also lost their homes.

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Love the Autumn card. You feel the warmth in it and you are the washi tape queen.
The wine label cards look very stylish too.
Throw my cards away? Never! I have a big box that might come in handy lol!
Ang x