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 28, 2018

My Pretty New Truck!

Hello, Stamplings!

Thank you for all your good wishes and Queries about my second cataract surgery. Everything went well! My vision will be a bit blurry for the next few weeks until I can get my new glasses so be prepared for a few new typos Darnellphemisms. Also, I've been warned that when I do get my new glasses, I will see even MORE "laugh lines" on my face and dust in my foyer!

Doesn't that sound posh? I always wanted a foyer. And it doesn't seem right to have a foyer and not have a butler, right? Golly, as far as that goes, being a butler is lonely business, so it would be heartless not to have a maid and a housekeeper. You know, so he has a choice. But, hold on, it's 2018, so my imaginary butler is a woman and the housekeeper and maid are men. Don't tell the Mister.

I can feel a whole novel starting, so I'd better get to my cards!
Here we have a cute OLC featuring my pretty new truck colored with my Ziggies. This NBUS stamp is from Taylored Expressions (artist Doug Applegate). Isn't it fine?! It comes with hearts, a rising sun, and a cupcake. Oh, and it comes with dies, but for this one-layer card the truck is stamped. The potholes in the road are heart-shaped from a heart embossing folder (debossed). I added the tree of friendship stamp from Hero Arts set "Hello Tree and Friends," so I can use this card for a number of occasions.

Here's a closeup of the usual schparkle:
Challenges

Twofer.
In keeping with my efforts to make at least two cards every time I make one, and to build my Christmas card stash all year long, I made this second card. To start, a snowy e/f ran over a linen card base. City workers came by and added a snippet of blue and green plaid pavement for my pretty pickup to park on. This time I used the die that came with the set. Everything is, of course, winked and glossed.

The little reindeer is also NBUS. I saw this set used a lot by you folks over the holidays and I finally crossed it off my wish list. It's from Mama Elephant's "Christmas Reindeer" set. This little guy was colored with my Ziggies. (Mind you, Hammy thinks that's a hamster wearing an antler headband!) I think the sediment is PTI. 

Challenges

Snippets Playground Badge 

~~~

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93 comments:

Marina said...

These are inspirational 'twofers' Darnell - I love seeing the same stamp used in different ways. And the embossing folder! I love your clear, bright colours. Glad your op went well.

Cathy said...

2 sweet cards Darnell, you're so creative with your twofers! Glad to hear you op went well and I was just settling in for the novel lol! Have a great week, Cathy x

Lia said...

Lovely cards and realy 'twofers'!
Get well soon!!
Lia xx

Nonni said...

Two fanatics cards with this truck stamp! Very cute! I love your OLC scene with that "sentiment tree" -what a cool stamp and perfect for CAS! I love the one focal point-layout in your card and that you left the top part all white and perfectly CAS.Thanks for joining us at Less Is More!

Julie B said...

Glad your surgery went well and you are on the mend.
A super twofer with the cute truck.
I have often thought about having someone in to 'do' as they say but as I would have to clean the house before hand, it sort of defeats the issue! :)

Redanne said...

I too, am glad to hear that you are on the mend but please don't strain your eyes while you wait for those new glasses, the dust won't be going anywhere - lol!

You always impress with your Twofers and how clever to make the second one a Christmas card, I really should take a leaf out of your book and get started on mine too! I love both cards! Big hugs, Annie xxx

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving both cards.

So glad your second op went ok.

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

I love both of these twofers Darnell, glad the eye surgery went well and you are recovering. Don't know as I would want someone to come into my home and tidy and clean, I have enough trouble remembering where I've put my stash without someone else touching it too.

sue xx

Carole Pollard said...

Firstly so pleased your op went well I hope the blurred vision goes quickly. Love your two great cards loving that tree sentiment Take Care Love and hugs Carole x

KandA said...

Two super cards Darnell, love your shiny new truck and that tree is fabulous. Glad to hear the eye surgery went well and maybe now you'll be able to see that you had a valet all along and he's been hiding in the corner fast asleep! xx

Linby said...

Thanks for the close up - would have missed that amazing sparkle otherwise. Two fab cards so fresh and modern.

ionabunny said...

These are both cute. Love that tree. I agree with Hammy, definitely a hamster in disguise. A candy cane knapper if ever I saw one. Obviously a candy cane is a tricky item to pack into a cheek pouch so he's hi-jacked a truck to get his booty home. Cut off those antlers and add some teeth and he would be unrecognisable in a line up. Hugz

Marilyn said...

Cute cards!!

Jeanne said...

Delightful duo of cards, Darnell. That truck looks fun to color and sparkle up. I really like the tree on the first card and the reindeer on the second. Love how Hammy thinks it's a hamster with a headband. LOL You are doing a great job for having just had the procedure. Oooh would love a butler, maid and housekeeper! Oh and how about a driver? Dang, I already have all that...me! LOL So glad you are doing well and hopefully the blurriness will be gone before you know it! Hugs!

Pat said...

Glad all OK with the second eye op Darnell and hope normal, or should I say improved vision, returns ASAP. I adore your two fabulous makes and love the use of the lorry on both, and the first with all the hearts and cute sentiment tree would be great for any occasion and lots of winkin too, and the Christmas version with the cute reindeer in the back instead of the hearts, and I adore the pretty plaid roadway and falling snow. There is definitely a touch of the twofers here..lol. x

jimlynn said...

Cute, cute, cute cards!!!! Love that little truck.
So glad the eyes are good now. Been thinking about you.
( computer bit the dust here and I'm not good at one finger typing but will be back)
Lynn

Brenda in IN said...

I'm so glad that other than the blurries you are doing well. Just be sure you don't have dust in the laugh lines! Then you will need a housekeeper and maid. Cute little truck and I remember when they used to look like that! The tree is so cute. I wish our city workers would put down plaid. We only get potholes filled.

Gerrina said...

Your new truck looks good! And what can you all take with you! Great cards!
Glad that all went well and boy will you (maybe) in shock when you see all a lot better...
Daydreaming over personel is a fun thing, but you have to have a house big enough to let them stay in aswell... so my daydream end is always that I do all the work myself and enjoy our home... Hugs, Gerrina

Bunny said...

Oh, I love the sparkle on this truck. Cute cards.

When you get all that help make sure to get a driver, too. A must have. My favorite would be the cook and the maid though. Heaven. [Bunny]

Unknown said...

Glad your op went well, I try hard not to look at dust with or without glasses as it detracts me from crafting. Fabulous cards, love the cute reindeer. X

Sandy said...

I am loving your two-fers and the inspiration to stretch stamps.
Gotta side with Hammy on that "reindeer". It's a hamster wearing antlers from Party City.

Anita in France said...

That is a fine truck, Darnell ... especially all winked up and sparkly, navigating round those sweet heart shaped potholes in the road! I have that tree of friendship stamp and don't recall seeing it anywhere else before ... great minds??! Little Rudolph is very merry in the back of his truck, good to seeing he has his candy cane to nibble on during the journey! Sorry I'm so behind that I've just rushed through to here to say hello ... enjoyed your last few posts too (especially the Clarice Cliff style ones), just didn't stop to chat! LYAMYMAHYRARTW! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Notes by Nina said...

Both cards are fantastic Darnell, so glad you joined us for Merry Monday.

Nancy said...

Two lovely cards! I recently had cataract surgery too and will need a second one later. Glad to know you are doing well!

Di said...

Oh Darnell - what fun these cards are! I love both of them - but the snippets one really stole my heart (snigger, geddit). That tree stamp is wonderful!

Hugs

Di xx

conil said...

Good to know your second cataract surgery has come and gone and went well. Let the healing begin, she shouted. You'll be seeing clearly in no time...which reminds me, I've never seen a typo in any of your posts. I'm sure you won't be having any in the future.
If you get the male butler, maid and housekeeper, let me know. I may want to borrow them...around here it may look more like a Chippendale's review, or maybe Magic Mike. I can dream, can't I.
LOVE your new truck and all of it's contents. Both the cards are such fun. Also love the clever pavement on both of them especially the debossed hearts. I'm such a sucker for dry deboss and emboss.
Anyway, pleased as punch that your recover seems to be going so well. Stay strong, gir.

conil said...

Er...that would be girl NOT gir.

Linda said...

These are too adorable Darnell. Your coloring is fabulous. I must have missed that you had cataract surgery. Glad it went well. Have a great day.

Sharon Underwood said...

Love your suggestion of male hired help! Wouldn't that be FANTASTIC? Just what the doctor ordered! So glad you're on the mend from cataract surgery. Hope your new glasses help, too. You're just getting ALL fixed up! Love your cards. I have a truck with hearts stamp set, but I think it might be a different brand. Anyway, you've given me a lot of inspiration, as always. Now, to find some mojo...

Dr Sonia S V said...

your tree of friendship is so cool and you have such a fabulous sense of humour!!
Thank you so much for joining us at the Rudolph Days Challenge!
Rudolph Days Challenge DT
Dr Sonia

Leslie Miller said...

Twofer cute for words! I love your OCD...er... I mean OLC card with the hearts for potholes. May all your potholes be heart shaped and your pavement be plaid! Awesome sparkle. Really love the tree, too. Fits perfectly with your truck. Totally adorable reindeer hitchin' a ride. Lots of fun today, Darnell!

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
Happy Rudolf Days.
as always your twofer cards are so brilliantly created.
Love that ruck stamp oops truck it's so versatile and the tree of hugs! and Hello's! is a fanstatic stamp.
Love the glitz also.
Your second one is such a lovely Christmas card and another really super design too.
So glad all is well with your eyes.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! a butler that would be wonderful especially if he was a hunky American Actor.
Now wait a min what am I talking about I have one already the Mr. LOL.
Lots of love and crafty hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.

JD/ Jill said...

Two really great and creative cards!
So happy to hear that your surgery went well...
It my book...It was one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
It improved my eyesight so much. It did take me almost a month for my eyes to heal.

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Delighted your eye is healing, Darnell! Just love both truck cards - the heart filled one is darling and what a sweet reindeer in the second!!

Bonnie said...

I'm lovin' that Friendship tree, Dolly! I need to get a seedling from you so I can plant one! The truck is such a festive color and I love that it schparkles! The antlered hamster is adorable. I think she's offering that candy cane to Hammy! Love that plaid paper!

JanetB said...

I think your two blue truck cards are super! I guess I better get my (same) stamp set out, dust it off, and get busy. I do love that friendship tree, too.
Long ago, when my mother had her cataract surgery done, I asked her how she was doing, and she said it had aged her. She hadn't seen her "laugh lines" for a long time:)

cotnob said...

Super cards Darnell, great trucks and I love the sentiment tree - fabulous designs.
Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
x

Shelly said...

Two sweet cards, Darnell! Loving that sparkle!
Glad to hear you're doing well! Enjoy your Sunday...Hugs

Carol H. said...

Two awesome cards you've made!! Love that Tree of Friendship stamp! So glad to hear that your cataract surgery went well and that you're on the mend! Don't worry about seeing that dust--you can just draw happy faces in it! LOL!

Shelly Schmidt said...

I just love your cards- and that Tree of Friendship- I NEED that one! LOL Oh I love the sparkle on the truck. Two cute cards. I love the idea of the female butler- would she wear a suit- wouldn't she be a butleress? And, the male maid- what will you have him wear.....young, old? Thanks for putting a smile on my face today!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Adorable cards so creative!!! I'm just in love with the truck one, such great idea!! Love the tree of friendship, amazing!!
Sorry if I don't enter in your challenge, I'm sooooo busy... too much for having time for craft! :(((
Hugs!

Kathleen said...

OMG just realised that you will be able to see us better too, oops not a pretty sight.
Glad all went well and you are feeling great.

Super cards, love the tree with the fab words and all the glitter on the truck. Really sweet second card, cute image and fab design.

Kath x

Mac Mable said...

So glad the operation went well. Had fun reading your post...except that you had an operation ...of course x Such a cute first card and love the hearts piled up in the back of the truck x Fun second card x

Bobby said...

I love your pretty blue truck, Darnell, although if it was mine I'd want it red. Whether holding hearts or that darling reindeer it's a winner for sure. I'm glad the surgery went well. I knew it would

Liz said...

Pleased that both your ops went well. Had to smile when you mentioned about a butler. I thought you were going to go on to say you'd employed a 'butler in the buff'! LOL! Two super cards, I especially love the tree stamp on the first card. xx

Cat Craig said...

So glad to hear your second operation went well.

You look to be having a blast with your new truck. I love all that it can hold and its definitely a year round kinda stamp. Both your reindeer and your load of hearts look perfectly comfortable.

nancy littrell said...

So pleased to hear your 2nd surgery went as well as your 1st. Love both your truck cards for very different occasions, my friend. Very versatile set:-) TFS and do rest your eyes whenever you can. Take care, Dolly! Hugs..

Brenda said...

I am so sorry Auntie for being out of the loop for so long that I didn't even know you had one surgery must less 2!!! I am so glad you are doing well! I love, love, love both of your cards. That truck is awesome and I love the sparkle you have going on. I'm also so in love with that tree stamp, it's so unusual. The reindeer is so cute in the back of the truck too. So cute Hammy thinks he's a hamster with an antler headband. lol Hammy is just too much! Hugs, Brenda

Marcia Hill said...

Two cute, CUTE cards Darnell and I LOVE that truck!! Had to laugh about your heart shaped potholes as we in Michigan are right smack dab in the middle of pothole season...might as well get some laughter out of them, right?!! And I love your snowy little scene with the truck too...that reindeer (or hamster with headband??) is just too cute!! Glad also to hear that both surgeries for your eyes went well and that you're healing...YAY!! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Merry Monday!! :0)

Verna Angerhofer said...

Your cards are so fun and fantastic. I love them both. Such cute images. And so glad the second surgery went well too.

Christine Alexander said...

Great Twofer, love the truck by your wonderful friendship tree. BTW the sparkle almost blinded me. I can't imaging what that would be like in real life, make sure you hand out some eclipse glasses with the card. Absolutely stunning :)

Lisa Elton said...

Good news about your peepers, not such good news about the laugh lines and dust!! This little truck is too darn cute Darnell. Love it filled with the hearts. It's just as cute on a Christmas card too!

Carol L said...

These are such cute cards, and I love that embossing folder with the tiny hearts! It reminded me that I have one and forget to use it! LOL So glad your eye surgery went well and it should be wonderful getting great vision back again eh? Have a great week ahead!

Susan Joyce said...

Love the truck image Darnell, two fabulous cards. Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday this week.

Susan said...

I can certainly see why Hammy thinks the reindeer is a hamster in antlers - I might have to agree with him. Either way it's a great card. I like your Christmas card goal!! And this one is a great Twofer!

Anonymous said...

Two great cards.
Good news about your eyes - don't tell the mister you can see the dust just go on pretending it's not there. I got away with not cleaning our shower recess for a number of years cause it was behind a door and I never wore glasses in there so never saw when cleaning was needed - don't judge I got out of cleaning for a while. As for the lines they show you have lived.

Cheryl W. said...

Awww--both are sweet cards! I couldn't pick a favorite, even if you insisted. Which, I know, you won't. Hope your weekend was wonderful and your week ahead looks bright.

scrappymo! said...

Two fabulous cards. I can not pick a fave. They are both equally great!

The first is so sparkly and sweet with the heart potholes and that fantastic sentiment tree.
The second is such a fun and cute Christmas card.
The reindeer in the truck bos is the perfect finishing touch here.

Thanks for taking part in the January Rudolph Days Challenge.

Linda said...

What a fabulous 'twofer' .... love the cute reindeer but, I want a sparkly truck!! xx

Lisa T said...

I am loving your twofer's Darnell - you are going well so far with building your Christmas stash! Two super duper cards, even more amazing given that you aren't able to see as well. I may have put something on upside down if that was me :). Love that friendship tree sentiment and the truck is indeed cute. The hamster with reindeers is adorable - I always loved this ME set - never bought it but never tire of seeing those cute little deer on a card. Hope you are feeling less blearly soon, hugs, Lisa xx

Ros Crawford said...

So wonderful to hear that you are doing ok after your eye ops... Ian had them too and funnily enough he still sees me as beautiful... Aw well I'm not complaining. Fabulous cards, I love stamps that can be used in different ways like that truck ... Both look super!

Mrs A. said...

I thought it was a rumble strip,under the first truck to slow you down but no you went on and made another one. I notice they are both blue trucks.!! hugs Mrs A.
P.s. The Butler knows an awful lot of a families secrets. Just saying.

Inkyfingers said...

I love your twofers Darnell and these are gorgeous. I'm so glad the second op went well and don't worry a fig about the laughter lines and dust. If they bother you, you can just take off the glasses for a while lol!

Em Louise Fairley said...

So cute, Darnell! I'll be getting new glasses next week and will likely be the same when it comes to dust. Eeek! xoxo

Cara said...

Great to hear that the cataract was evicted! Two fabulous cards, I love that tree stamp, I think we all need a tree full of hugs in our lives x

Jane said...

The tree of friendship is an amazing stamp and I love that you’ve combined it with that bright and awesome truck. Thanks so much for linking up with the HLS CAS Challenge.

JoAnn said...

Glad your cataract surgery went well. Reading your posts is a great highlight to my day. :)
Love your sparkly new truck card and the design of each one. Thanks for sharing.

Julia Dunnit said...

Aw, love the truck. I have a similar SU! Truck but I think it’s smaller. Love all the schparkly stuff. But most of all, I adore the tree! Just love that. Great cards, and really like the if I can make one card I can make two philosophy! Xx

Fikreta said...

super nice cards!
love them!
lots of hugs
have a lovely day

Marianne said...

Fun cards, Darnell. Love your sentiment tree on the first one!
Happy to hear your surgery went ok. Over here, we're also celbrating, since the oncologist declared DH cancer-free today. Doing cartwheels right now (imaginary ones of course).
Marianne x

Craftychris said...

Both these cards with the fabulous truck are truly fabulous! I am absolutely in love with the tree stamp in the first card, it's awesome! I am so glad your second eye op went well - such good news my friend! I owe you an email - have just got back from Sarah's and am feeling pretty wiped out so will hopefully be able to email in the next day or so. Take care, hugs xxxxxx

Glittered Paws said...

Awww. Love your NBUS truck. Reminds me of my hubbys last pick up truck. Love that you are doing two-fers.. you will be ready for Christmas 2018. Glad your surgeries are doing well. I bet there is dust NOT.....

Helen F. said...

Oh my, that truck is just the cahutest! Love that you added the Friendship tree with the load of hearts on the first card and your plan to start a Christmas card stash is inspiring me to get to gettin' on mine :-)
PS: Excellent news about your eye surgeries!!

wienerhoneymooners said...

Love your mix of companies!!!!! Super sweet effect!!! Thanks for joining the Merry Makers this week Darnell, best wishes on speedy recovery!!!

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Have you started a novel yet, Darnell, truly I think we’d all be laughing our heads off if you wrote one.. you do make me chuckle ...;D
Love the truck, it’s a little ripper! Multi purposes too in true twofer fashion, brilliant share, love the use of tartan?..!! Note to self, must use mine more often!!
Hugs and prayers for full vision restoration, I love my two new lens... glasses of course make worked of,difference too.
Shaz.x

oldpunca said...

I also have to use your twofer idea often. :-) Great cards with the truck. I love them both.
Take care of your eyes!
Hugs,
Sonja

Ne-Ja said...

Darnell, what amazeing twofer card you make :). I'm so glad that you come around my place and became my follower - I return your visit too :). And yes, as you said, I'm a friend of your friend Sonja "old punca". By the way - I like your "home" blog and the cards you make :).

Greetings from Slovenia
Jerneja

Kathyk said...

Fabbylicious makes and colouring - who doesn't love a sparkly card too

Kathyk

Loll said...

LOVE your shiny, new truck Dolly! It's so pretty and schparkly! Great what to make two cards by changing up the cargo. :) Lolly xx

MaryH said...

Oh Dear, I had missed when you had the eyes fixed. (I remember we talked about it!) So happy it's done, over with, and just ignore any lines that you might think are there. Those are called "Experience marks". Love your shiny new truck in both its uses. Perfect for a load of sweet hearts (for your sweetheart, cause I'm sure he likes a truck!) I especially loved #2 - think it was the plaid 'road' that did it. Cute design, love the coloring (of course) and the little reindeer was just way too cute. I'm admiresome of your goal of making more than one card at a session. This set is very versa-tile in your capable hands. TFS & hugs. Happy new vision too!

Susanne Vargas said...

Your Christmas card is very cute but the first card stole my heart (it's the deep red one on the truck, lol)! The sparkly heartbearing truck on the heart covered road, and especially THAT tree are super, super fantastic! Would you mind telling me who makes that awesome word tree???

Sharron said...

Oh, I adore your cute cards. What a fun truck! And your blog was such a joy to read--endless chuckles as I read along! Glad your surgeries are over and you can look forward to seeing even better. Or maybe not, who wants to see all those dust bunnies living around the house--might see something scary! Have a great week!

kiwimeskreations said...

Just had to pop in and see you Darnell - oh and the fabulous cards too. Good to hear Hammy is 'seeing' himelf as a world famous hamster riding in a truck!!
Blessings
Maxine

Tracy Freeman said...

So glad your surgery went well. Your post about the butlet etc did make me chuckle.
Great twofer cards, love the truck.
Thank you for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge x

Izzy Scrap said...

Two absolutely cute cards, Darnell ! This new truck is great and I love all its loads ! Love your beautiful OL card and how you gave it dimension with the embossing folder for the road. This tree full of sentiments is just amazing and perfect for this little scene. Hope you're recovering well and that you can see better and better. Thanks so much for sharing and for playing along at Less is More. Hugs xx

Kara Lynne said...

My daughter tried on her new glasses at the eye doctor's counter, looked over at me, and the first thing she said was, "Wow, Mom, I didn't know you had so many wrinkles!" What?! Out of the mouth of babes. I love how you put texture as the base on your OLC. Love can be a bumpy ride. Your new truck is a great way to carry around those hearts AND a reindeer! Great job meeting your twofer goal! Don't forget to hire a chef while you're interviewing your new house staff.

Tina Z. said...

I am so happy your surgery went well!
and wow, two amazing cards, so different and so special!
hugs xx

Greta said...

So glad the surgeries went well, Darnell! Hoping everything looks bright, colorful & clear very soon! That truck is so cute & I love how versatile it is shown by your 2 different cards! These both are great!

Shylaashree said...

Hope you feel better now. both the cards are pretty cute.Thanks for playing along with us at Addicted to Stamps & More. Hope to see you again
Shylaa DT@ATSM
Adhiraacreations

Robyn Oliver said...

Morning Darnell and a huge happy hug...you make my day when I read your posts...love your humour as much and your lovely cards, you're one special lady. Glad your op went well and you'll be seeing clearer into the future. Yep it's Feb already where did the month go - I do like your twofer idea and plan to give it a go myself...enjoy your day

Sheila H said...

So glad the second surgery went well, Darnell! I only made a twofer for your challenge. Now I know I should do it more often. Thanks for the inspiration.

Bobby said...

Your little blue truck took first prize, Darnell. Congrats on winning the HLS January CAS Challenge. Don't forget to claim your prize. ;)

conil said...

You did it again. Your pretty little truck drove right into the winners circle at HLS. Congrats and Happy Valentine's Day.