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 13, 2018

Happy Snail Mail!

Hello, Stamplings!

How are you this fine Saturday? I hope you have a lovely weekend ahead of you and that part of it includes settling down in your comfy clothes and getting all crafty!

I have to say it is nice to be pulling out some of my non-Christmas goodies, although I'm not quite ready to tackle Valentine's yet. I should be, cuz it'll be roaring in here soon, but I'm heading towards it at a snail's pace!
For today's card I embossed the base with a woodgrain e/f and then bordered it on one side with a piece of woodgrain pp. Next I added a stitched aquamarine circle from MFT and a matching stitched smidget over top of the border to bring out the blue-green of the pp pattern. 

The star of the show is a NBUS "Forest Snail" from Memory Box, cut from a piece of the same pp. I am unclear on how one determines a "forest" snail from a "city" snail or a "backyard" snail or a ... well, they're just everywhere, aren't they? And notice I didn't say "edible" snail and I won't say it. You can't make me.

Whatever his neighborhood living conditions, I can tell you that this snail is VERY talented. Look here at this closeup:
Can you see that this guy comes genuflected (or is it spiralated), with the ability to coil his shell and carry messages!! Taking advantage of this special skill, I attached a matchy-matchy piece of twine and a happy mail banner! Of course, he needed a googly eye to see his way out of the circle launch pad and on his way to the recipient!

The inspiration for my card is the Fusion Card Challenge. Happy 4th Anniversary to Fusion! To celebrate the Design Team have asked special guest designers to help them inspire us. Several of these talented ladies are friends of mine so I wanted to make sure and join in! Here is the challenge graphic:
I fused both the sketch and the photo, concentrating on the elements of the wood grain home command center, the colors, and the mail slot!

I'm also playing at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge where the challenge is "Use Patterned Paper," and at Die-Cut Divas, where they want us to do or use something new. My snail and stitched line border are new dies.
I'm a Diecut Diva Too
And more happy mail!

This is actually a design I  made before Christmas and didn't post. Sorry for the wonky photo! The 4-square silhouette stamp set is one I've had since ... oh, my, it says it was made in 2012 and it's never been inked! It's from Technique Tuesday and it's called "Woodland Inspirations." The sediment is from WPlus9.
Grab Our Badge!
I'm playing at: Little Red Wagon for their Boy Oh Boy challenge (men like happy mail, too!); and at Shopping Our Stash: Out with the old and in with the new! My silhouette stamps are both old and new.

~~~

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

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and a 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 favor!

Don't forget that a really cute woodland critter challenge is still going on over at Inspired By All the Little Things!

p.s. I want to let you know that I am having cataract surgery, one eye next week and the other eye the week after. I understand I might get blurry vision for a day or two, so please forgive me if I don't get around to 'see' you some days. Hammy will be here to read your posts to me, but sadly, he still hasn't learned how to type!








*Life is too short!

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65 comments:

Jane Willis said...

Two gorgeous cards - we get snails JUST like that in our garden. And I *have* actually eaten snail, Heston Blumenthal's famous snail porridge at the Fat Duck. It wasn't unpleasant, the dish was a bit like a green risotto with chewy bits in.
Jane

Lorraine A said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell :-) the snail is super adorable, love his googly eye, and the colours and embossed background are fabulous! Love your 2nd card too, the images are lovely and I love the simple blue/white combo and layout, beautiful :-)

thanks for joining us on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge
Luv
Lols x x x

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the cards.

Good luck with your ops. My mum said having hers done was a doddle. Sue

Lia said...

Both cards are gorgeous! I like the blue/white card very much!
Lia xx

Gerrina said...

Love the 2nd card! Looks so appealing and still so clear in its graphic design!
I am glad Valentine is not that big here; I can enjoy stamping with the stamps I got for christmas and b-day and bought last 1/2 year!
Great to not be limmited :)
Hope you have a fun weekend planned! Hugs, Gerrina

Stamps and Paper said...

Two great cards Darnell love the googly eye on your snail

Anne

Bunny said...

Happy Snails to you................Okay, that's Roy and Dale singing. Cute cards. Love the wood grain E/F. Prayers for your surgery. [Bunny]

Carole Pollard said...

Happy New Year as this is my first visit this year Just love both these designs and the lovely dies you used Enjoy the weekend love and hugs Carole x

Marilyn said...

Cute cards!! Good Luck on your surgery! Sending prayers!

Jeanne said...

Good luck on your cataract surgery. I've heard wonderful things about it after you are done! No worries from me about comments and such. You are always so generous! Your cards here are terrific. That snail one is really nice. Gotta admit though, the googly eye made me think he was working really hard to pull that message around. LOL Your TT stamps are lovely on the second card. Happy weekend, Darnell!

Pat said...

I adore the cute snail which looks great with the woodgrain Darnell, and then the pretty silhouette squares which are perfect in the darker tones for a masculine card. I hope the cataract surgery goes well and that your vision will clear nice and quickly, and make sure Hammy keeps you properly updated. x

Donna said...

Fabulous cards Darnell, your snail card is darling, like how you coordinated your lovely background with the snail and like the second card and the saying on it. Cataract surgery is a breeze and you will be thrilled with the results, I had it done 2 years ago. Sending prayers.

Brenda in IN said...

What a cute card and design this snail card is. Since he has on the wood grain outfit, I would say he is the "forest" snail. A bright plaid would indicate "city" and crocks would be "backyard". Hope this helps! I love the four scenes on the happy mail and in my favorite color too. Sending prayers for your surgery.

KandA said...

Two super cards Darnell. Love that snail on the first and all the texture xx

Carole said...

Two fab cards Darnell....love your snail, and so apt, it is nice to get snail mail these days that are not bills!...and the blue card is very striking and of course happy mail...we like that too. hope all goes well with the surgery. Hugs xx

Michelle N. said...

Your snail mail is too cute, and you rocked the sketch and photo inspiration! Thanks for joining us at Die Cut Diva's!

Valerija said...

Beautiful card. Love the snail.
Valerija xx

Bobby said...

Since we card makers are all about snail mail your first card is a perfect representative of that, Darnell. How fun is he with his googly eye. The second card looks all denim-y stamped in blue like that.
Cataract surgery is a breeze. At least it was for me. I had both done some time ago. I understand I talked too much through the first one so the doctor knocked me out the second time.

Mac Mable said...

Fun post and enjoyed reading it.....Love the first card and that cute snail, edible or not!!!! Classy second card and love the navy colour theme. Sending love and hugs for the eye operation x

Redanne said...

First up, I hope the cataract surgery goes well and that you are not blurry for too long. I will be thinking of you.

Love both cards, the snail is super cute (our eat the plants during the day and sleep in the tree at night), love the googly eye. Love the colour and design of the second card too! Hugs, Annie xxx

shirley-bee said...

Fab cards, Darnell! I love the woodgrain snail - they’re the only type I like. My friend had a giant African snail as a pet. I just wanted to get the salt out. She said he was a bit slimy and gooey when he popped his clogs (wasn’t me, honest!). Hope all goes well with the surgery xx

Susan said...

Two great cards, Darnell! Love that cute snail...and no, I don't eat them...yuck! Looks like you've started off the new year with a bang...and I've only made one card! LOL! Keep up the beautiful work!

Arlene said...

The snail card is so cute and your second card is elegant. SO glad you could join us at Die Cut Divas for our something new challenge.

Nora Noll said...

What lovely cards Darnell!! That snail is adorable and I love the little wiggly eye!!! The second card is elegant in the blue and the white. Beautiful design!

Carol L said...

I am in LOVE with that clever snail card and the way you added the sentiment. Brilliance comes to mind :) Liking the masculine make too - what a wonderful pair of cards. Good luck with the surgery next week - I hope your vision is greatly improved when it's all behind you! Take good care!

Carol L said...

I am in LOVE with that clever snail card and the way you added the sentiment. Brilliance comes to mind :) Liking the masculine make too - what a wonderful pair of cards. Good luck with the surgery next week - I hope your vision is greatly improved when it's all behind you! Take good care!

conil said...

What's Hammy been doing with his time if he doesn't type yet. Hope that surgery goes as well as mine did decades ago. First thing I noticed afterwards were how vibrant and beautiful the world is. I'll pray for a sunny day for you so you can enjoy it. Best of luck for your quick recovery.
On to the snail...clever, clever, clever having him tow the sentiment along instead of just his trail...and the use of the pp is outstanding. Smell a winner here.

nancy littrell said...

Love your sweet snail..did I say, sweet..lol! But then who knows, maybe they are sweet, never tried eating one myself! Still...a really cute card.

Your 2nd card is a beautiful nature themed card design..my favorite. Always fun to use NBUS products too. TFS my friend.

I will be sending you positive healing thoughts for both your cataract surgeries, Dolly! Take care and Hugs..

Verna Angerhofer said...

Both are such wonderful card designs. I really love the snail one and the way you added the spiral to it so that you could attach the banner that way. And, I love the four square designed one and especially in those masculine blue colors. Great job on both of them.

brandco2450@gmail.com said...

Two great cards! Good luck with the surgery!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Hi Darnell, your snail mail card make me smile so much!!! Such cute and fun snail with her happy mail banner and the googling eye!!!! And such fab background!! LOVE it! Adorable also the second one card!
Hope that your surgery will be quick and well done!! And wishing you a perfect seeing after it!!!
Hugs

JanR said...

Such wonderful cards! I just love that sweet snail and the design of the second one is lovely. Thanks for joining us at Little Red Wagon.

OH Babs said...

What a cute, and talented, snail. Great cards.

OH Babs said...

What a cute, and talented, snail. Great cards.

Kathleen said...

Two fabulous cards, super colours and designs, unfortunately Mr Snail is not a welcome visitor to my garden, but more welcome than his brother the slug.
Also I do not have comfy clothes, I have slobbing clothes, which are for my craft room and housework, well the housework the Hubby doesn't do!!!

Love the white on the dark blue, great design.

Kath x

Craftychris said...

Ooh I love your cute snail! A lovely card with the fab embossing too - I would not want to even think about eating snail! I adore the silhouette card - it's beautiful! I hope your cataract surgery goes well - my brother had both his done recently and he is sooooo happy with the result! Big hugs xxxxxxx

Greta said...

Will be thinking of you & wishing you successful surgeries with quick recoveries, my friend! Fun cards--especially love the 4 squares! I have some old stamps like that as they always appeal to me--just need to use them!

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
2 very wonderful cards and such super designs also.
They are both brillantly created and so perfect as usual.
My fave is the first and your super little sanil is so sweet.
Love and big rafty hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.

Sheila H said...

The wood grain background is perfect for your snail, although I have to admit that particular creature bothers me a bit in real life. I really love me your 4 square card. I wish you a speedy recovery on your surgery. Take it slow.

Glittered Paws said...

Love both cards but .....the snail is an eye catcher especially with the added google eye. You are going to fly through your cataract surgery and you will be so happy with the results. I just wear cute over the counter specs now. Good luck.

BożenA said...

The snail is beautiful and the card is fun. I also can not mobilize for Valentine's cards. And probably I will not mobilize.
I have two cards for your challenge, I just have to write a post and I can not wait for that moment.
Big hugs,
BozenA

Bonnie said...

Love that little wiggly eyed snail, Dolly! He's much nicer than the slugs we have around here! And your woodland squares are delightful! Love the dark blue backgrounds with the sweet images! Good luck on your surgery!

Lisa Elton said...

First off, prayers for a successful eye surgery and an easy speedy recovery! Your cards are delightful. As card makers, the snail mail is a special one!

Cheryl W. said...

Super cards! I especially like the silhouette one. It's crazy how we purchase supplies, only to let them languish for years before we use them. :P Best wishes for a successful cataract surgery and a very quick recovery!

Ros Crawford said...

Goo dmorning lovely lady! Firstly.. THANK YOU! for the gorgeous winter birthday card... I loved it when I saw it on your blog and then here it was! Whoo Hoo!! Your cute snail card is perfect for that challenge and what a fabulous design on your twofer... I hope you are well and that the terrible landslides have not affected you or your loved ones... Sending hugs

Birgit said...

A great tribute to keeping snail mail alive, one card at a time. Hope your surgeries go smoothly and you'll be seeing like new again soon. Hugs to you my friend!

Anita in France said...

The cool, crisp four squares are really rather elegant is that delicious navy, Darnell ... and your little escargot with the googly eye is adorable ... and so useful in that he's able to carry messages to and from here, there and everywhere. He's probably a pioneering carrier snail! Will be thinking of you and your eyes, my friend! LYAMYMA ... HYHAWS! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Cara said...

Two fabulous cards, like vet the snail! I hope the cataract surgery goes well and that Hammy behaves himself whilst you're out of action x

Fikreta said...

wonderful cards!
hugs

Leslie Miller said...

You keep me in stitches, Darnell! Now I wonder what to call the snails that are all over my garden. Residential snails? Anyway, it's good to see that your Forest Snail is making himself useful delivering mail. I love that you combined the embossed wood grain with the PP wood grain and cut the snail from the PP wood grain, plus added the blue to bring it all together. Very effective! Beautiful silhouette stamps which you made into a lovely card, too. Cute with the "happy mail" sentiment and the little envelopes. So, you have a Forest Snail and Woodland Inspirations. Love both! Good luck with your cataract surgery. You'll be good as new in no time!

Carol H. said...

Love your little snail card! He's quite cute on a card, but I'm not fond of them in my garden. In spite of their innocent look, they are quite destructive!! Haha! Love the blue silhouette card!! It's so pretty!

Boo to cataract surgery, but I know it will help your vision! Thank goodness now a-days it's a very easy surgery! Will have you and your kind eyeballs in my prayers!! Hugs!!

JD/ Jill said...

Your cards are wonderful! Hope all goes well with your surgery. Someone mentioned about the colors after surgery. One of the first thing I noticed...(after surgery) How much prettier everything looked

Sharron said...

Fabulous duo, Darnell! Your sweet little snail is adorable, especially with his google eye! And the navy and white is very striking. Best of luck with your surgery. Everyone I know who has had the surgery says it's a breeze and so helpful.

Mrs Harry said...

Wishing all the best next week and the week after Darnell. xx

oldpunca said...

A couple of super cute cards. I know "snail mail" between two continents. Sometimes it seems as it is really delivered by snails... I'm sending best wishes for your eyes! Get well soon!
Hugs,
Sonja

KandA said...

Just popped back to say I hope all goes well with the cataract surgery. My aunt had both her eyes done with great success, but unfortunately when she looked in the mirror afterwards she could clearly see all her 'laughter' lines! xx

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards, as always, Darnell xoxo

Susanne Vargas said...

What a happy post with two happy mail cards! Absolutely adore your googly-eyed snail card and also very pretty and will surely make someone's day!
Good luck with your surgeries! I'll be thinking of you!

Anonymous said...

Two fabulous cards.
Love that you had a set uninked for 5+ years - I don't feel so bad for my 1year+ sets!
All the best for the sugery I have heard things are fabulous after with colours so much more rich and vibrant.

Happy Dance said...

You've nailed the Fusion Challenge with this little cutie of a card! LOVE the woodgrain embossing, and that darling little snail!! He must be the cutest little thing is all of snaildom! Great colors, too. Love this card!!!! And don't worry darling...We've all got 'those' stamps in our stash that we had to have, but have gone uninked for eons! I do like this one, and the masculine feel of it especially in that blue. Great cards, my friend. Praying for you my sweet baboo!! xo Bev

Donna said...

Fab projects Darnell!
I love love love that wee snail!
Thanks so much for going out with the old and in with the new with the crew from SHOPPING OUR STASH this week!

Mrs A. said...

Don't be forgetting the snails in the pond!! I found me a feather amongst my stamps whilst having my mahoosive craft room clear out. Now I just need to sharpen it and find what I did with the pot of ink. Hugs Mrs A.

Karren said...

Fabulous cards, Darnell! That little snail is just too cute and you've fused the photo and sketch perfectly! Thanks so much for joining us at Fusion.

Cat Craig said...

That lil snail is fabulous Darnell. Your quatre card is very eye-catching in blue.

Karenladd said...

Hmmm, I can't seem to stop giggling at that snail with his googly eye. I keep wondering if he has a googly eye on the other side of his head as well, and if he has double-vision when he tries to see through his eye-stalks AND his googlies at the same time.

Not looking forward to the arrival of snails in my garden this spring but this little snail mail guy is welcome anytime!