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!

June 27, 2018

Santa's Belt Buckle and Joyful Rusticity!

Hello Stamplings!

I've fallen down on being committed to making my Christmas cards. Thank goodness I didn't break a hip! But seriously, I know that if I don't get back on the scheduled train to the post office by the end of November, I'll be committed to the loony bin instead! You can avert your eyes if the sunshine around you prevents you from enjoying the sight of C cards, but you'll miss a coupla cute designs. 

Onefer
When I was at the Impress stamp store in Seattle I bought a few rolls of Washi tape and this one of Santa's belt was irresistible! A sediment from MFT and shazambam! I believe in the magic of making QACAS Christmas cards! The sunshine makes Santa's belt look tarnished, but PAH-leez! Bite your tongue if you think for one minute Mrs. Claus would allow her husband out of the house with a tarnished belt buckle! Trust me, it is pure gold and schparkly.

This even CASier design captures the gold a little better:
Challenges
and card two:
Please feel free to copy to your sidebar Photobucket

Twofer
This card was made specifically to participate in the last challenge of Merry Monday which calls for rustic Christmas cards. I sometimes confuse rustic with vintage, but I think rustic means lots of texture with an outdoorsy country feel. The corduroy texture paper makes a unique card background. The birch trees and cardinals are from a NBUS Mama Elephant die. The JOY is from Hero Arts.

You might wonder how I made those birch trees. About (cough) years ago my friend Gail sent me a few goodies and among them were a coupla sheets of soft fabric-like black and white paper with a raised pattern of flocked flowers and flourishes. Hammy, who has a great memory of the specialty papers I have, pointed me to these. It not only adds a texture you can feel, but it makes an interesting pattern on the trees.
I want to thank Lesley and Lori and the entire Merry Monday Design Team, past and present, for all their hard work bringing us Merry Monday Christmas challenges to kick us into gear all these years. You will be missed!

Challenges
Snippets Playground BadgeGrab It

~~~

Rachel

Several of you have inquired about how our lovely DIL Rachel is doing. With her permission, I can share that she is doing very well. She had a double mastectomy last month and will not need either chemo or radiation. She is still healing and will have her final surgery in September. She wants me to thank you all very much for your care and concern, and for your cards and prayers. We all feel incredibly blessed with the outcome and your friendship!

~~~

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 and return the flavor!

*Life is too short!

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76 comments:

Debbie said...

Loving your clean and simple card. Fab idea. Hope you manage to keep up making your Christmas cards. I promise myself every year....Thanks for entering our challenge over at Sparkles Christmas. Good luck. Hope to see you again soon. Hugs Debs DT x

Kath said...

Fabulous cards - I love Santa's belt and the fabric looks great for your trees. Glad to hear Rachel is doing well.
Kath x

Stamps and Paper said...

Love your Santa cards Darnell and your tree card is so adorable love the little birdies

Anne

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Fab cards.

So glad your dil is doing well. Sending her heaps of positive healing thoughts.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

SD pooja said...

IIam convinced when one needs a smile all you have done is drop by Darnell's blog!
I am still racking my brain over that CAS(E) sketch and here you come up with second Superb card ! Loved it :)

Julie B said...

I can't believe that you did that with washi tape, brilliant!
Love your textured birch trees too. :)

Jane Willis said...

Such good news about Rachel, I hope her recovery continues smoothly and speedily.
Love those cards and I am totally swooning over that washi tape!

kiwimeskreations said...

So glad to hear Rachel is doing so well - God is good!
What stunning cards those first two are - good ones to fall back on at the last minute - not that you would EVER revert to making cards at the last minute with Hammy to keep you in line!!
Those trees are amazing - what an innovative use of the paper - that was a stroke of genius on Hammy's part - give him a pat from me ;-).
Blessings
Maxine

Carol L said...

What a great find on that fun washi tape and I just love how you created those trees! Love that rustic look! I'm sorry your DIL had to go through such a difficult surgery, but the good news is she won't need the chemo or radiation. Hopefully her life will be long, happy and full from this day forward. Hugs to you all :)

Pat said...

That washi tape is perfect Darnell, and anyone receiving either of these cards would have a smile on their face and that buckle is beautifully shiny. So pleased to hear that Rachel is recovering well too. x

Pat said...

Sorry, in my excitement I forgot anout the rustic tree card which is so bright and pretty and love thar gorgeous flock card for the trees and the bright red birds look great dotted around them, and more wonderful texture with the great corduroy paper. x

ionabunny said...

Good news for your DIL. Extra HUGZ. Love those santa cards. And there I thought you had got busy with the eyelets!! I so want a roll of that washi tape. What fun. You know, when I saw those trees I thought the paper looks familiar and I am super impressed that hammy remembers the source, and humbled that hammy remembers the source. Glad it came in handy and off to dig some out and cut me some birch trees. Hugz

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

I'm amazed by your Santa's CAS, such fabulous washi tape, just perfect for moving your ingenious mind!! LOVE this CAS!!
The rustic one looks so pretty and textured, love how you created the trees!
Hugs

Marilyn said...

Awesome cards! Glad to hear your DIL is doing well!
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤️

Jeanne said...

Delightful and festive cards, Darnell! That washi tape looks wonderful. The joy card looks neat with the specialty paper for the trees. And so happy to hear you DIL is doing so well. May the rest of her recovery go well. Hugs!

oldpunca said...

First of all, I'm happy about good news of Rachel's health. <3
Nice idea to make Christmas cards all year long. Your cards are super nice. I like the idea of using so cute washi tape. I'm impress about birch trees. Wonderfull patterned and textured paper.
Hugs,
Sonja

frommycraftroom said...

Now that's some washi tape I might actually use! Love it. Very quick and cas.

Brenda in IN said...

What fun that washi tape is and makes wonderful quick cards. They are so cute and fast. Your birch trees are just elegant with the birds perched on them. That Hammy, he is so useful as a stamping helper! I'm so happy for Rachel and glad she didn't have to have any more treatment.

Carole said...

What fantastic use of your washi tape find Darnell..what foresight you have! Also clever use of your back and white paper too. You must be organised to remember what you have in your stash. My organising is going nowhere due to a lovely hot and sunny spell that calls for me to make the most of it. thank you so much for the lovely comment you left me and I am so very very pleased that your DIL is doing well...it's a rough road but I am sure she will come out the other end smiling....hugs xx

Leigh Penner said...

Oh, these are fabulous, Darnell!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards and fab news about Rachel xoxo

JoAnn said...

Cute Santa belt cards. I love the look of the paper with the tree die cuts on your rustic Christmas card. Thanks for sharing with us at Merry Monday.

Vicki Dutcher said...

Cute "belt" cards I love the red Joy card those colors look fabulous together.

Janis Lewis said...

These are so pretty! Thanks for sharing with us at The Merry Christmas Challenge.
Janis
Pause Dream Enjoy

Marcia Hill said...

Three FABULOUS cards my friend, and I can't believe the first 2 are using washi tape!! I want some!! And your rustic card is just perfect Darnell!! I love the combination of the trees and your corrugated cardboard paper in the background...they were meant to be!! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Merry Monday!! :0)

OH Babs said...

A quick comment - "so clever."

Lisa said...

I'm so glad Rachel is doing well and won't need chemo or radiation. Prayers for her and your family. Your cards are so fabulous!! I love the Santa belt designs!! So clever!! The rustic tree card is gorgeous!! I love the pops of red!! They are all beautiful!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Mac Mable said...

The two versions of the first card are wonderfully CAS and love the bling of the buckle and that fun washi tape x. What an eye catching last card and that fuzzy paper you cut the birch trees from is stunning. The pop of red is wonderful and so is your card.....Unique and gorgeous x Thank you for the update on your incredibly brave SIL Rachel...sending hugs x

Sandy said...

You hit the jackpot with that Santa's belt washi tape -- perfect for those awesome QACAS cards.

Cat Craig said...

Wonderful cards Darnell. I too am behind on my C cards--about 15 down from my plan. HOpe to rectify that in July.

Verna Angerhofer said...

Wonderful Christmas cards and I especially like the Santa's belt ones. Those are perfect for CAS designs.

Donna Nuce said...

Hi Darnell
Love the Santa Washi Tape cards. I feel a CASE of those coming on! Have a great day.
Donna

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Super cute santa belt cards! You are doing so much better on your Christmas cards than me. The rudolph days come to fast every month! Lol.

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, wow, your Washi tape just gave me a great idea which I'll probably forget as soon as I click off. So easy with the tape. Love those cards! And clever in the extreme to use the flocked paper for the birch trees! Who'da thought? Well, you, of course. I have to get back on track with Christmas cards, too. Was making good progress, but I missed the CAS C-card challenge due to vacation. Darn sunshiny summer. Discipline, discipline.

Jean said...

Those Santa cards are too darn cute!!!

conil said...

First off, I'm pleased to hear Rachel is doing well and won't have to go through chemo or radiation. Bet she is feeling rather sore but blessed at the moment...bet you all are.
As for the washi...SHAZZAM! that look awesome on your cards. Those trees look terrific and textural, as well. What I really love is the corrugated paper, the epitome of rustic.

Brenda said...

That is washi tape Auntie?!!!! You got to be kidding! Shut the front door, that washi is amazing and I am totally smitten with it, but even more smitten I am with these two cards using said washi! I'm still amazed and awed that it is washi! lol Love both of the sentiments as well. They are so whimsical looking and perfect for this washi. I am loving the rustic birch trees card! It is rustic looking to me and I love how you did the trees. That Hammy is so smart! I need me a Cammy who is as smart-does Hammy have a Cammy in his family?! Flocked paper is so fun to play with and this worked perfect for these die cut birch trees. Love all the sweet cardinals too. The pop of red with the sentiment and birds just puts this card over the top!!! So happy to hear an update on Rachel. I'm so sorry she had to have a double mastectomy, but it saved her life and that is way more important. So much can be done now in reconstruction, so I'm happy that she is cancer free now and doesn't have to do any treatments. Thank the Lord Jesus!!! Hugs, Brenda

Bonnie said...

Who woulda thought they'd make Santa's belt into Washi tape? What a fun idea and I love how you've used it! Mailable and so much fun!

Merry Monday will be missed! Your textured birch trees on the "corduroy" background and perfectly rustic! A great use for that patterned paper! Good thing Hammy keeps track of them!

Bonnie said...

Meant to say too. I'm so glad that Rachel is in recovery stage and she won't need any chemo or radiation. Let's pray she is cancer free from now until forever!

Redanne said...

First of all, thank you so much for the update on Rachel, I hope her healing continues well and that the surgery in September goes well....

I think the Santa belt washi might just be the best design of washi I have ever seen, it is fabulous, what a great card!

How clever of Hammy, that paper is just perfect for the trees, it gives them a realistic look - another amazing card Darnell! Hugs, Annie xx

Jeanne H said...

Blessings on Rachel and all of your family, Darnell. Love the card too - what a fun washi tape!

Liz said...

I'm so behind with my Christmas cards this year too, Darnell, I'm glad I'm not the only one. Love these three you've made to add to your pile for 2018. The CAS design of the first two is so effective, I think I may be CASEing this design. The patterned paper is perfect for the birch trees on your last card. xx

Kathleen said...

Two fantastic CC's especially love the Santa's belt cards, brilliant.

Kath x

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Glad to hear your DIL's good news, Darnell - what a relief! Just love the darling cards you shared - fun Santa's belt and I love the patterned trees!!

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

I always love your projects! Very pretty cards!!!

Christine Alexander said...

Darnell, I love your Santa's jacket with the belt and buckle card, so simple and fun. your tree card is cool with the patterned paper:)
I'm so glad your DIL is doing so well
Hugs Christine

Lisa Elton said...

Your Santa belt cards are super cute! If push comes to shove, you could mass produce these babies to ward off the looney bin!! And might I say, I'm swooning over your twofer card!!

Linda said...

Darnell, such an awesome rustic card. And I get rustic and vintage mixed up too, but you've got it right. Glad to hear that your DIL is doing well. Thanks for joining us on our last challenge at Merry Monday. Boo Hoo...

MaryH said...

Wow, I was thinking you did some intricate work to create Santa's fab buckle, and here it is waashi! Boy that was a cool find, and it certainly made your QACAS card schparkle, as you say. This is a very bold design, and I've never seen that kind of waashi around my area. It's delightful. Also loving the birches - and interesting reading about the specialty paper that you used. It really defines those trees quite realistically, and again, a DP I've not seen. (well you visit & live in all those exotic places where they still have Stamp stores!) The #2 card looks rustic indeed, and those trees are great with the corrugated background. So glad to hear that DIL is doing good. Prayers that all continues along this line for her and your family! TFS & Hugs.

Mary said...

Hi Darnell, I do like clean and simple cards. They always look so classy. Your Santa card is lovely. I do like the birch trees and I thank you for sharing the story about the papers. Thank you for sharing with Sparkles Christmas Challenge.

Colleen said...

I just knew you would do that Washi tape justice and you sure proved me correct!! Your cards are as always AMAZING!! Thank for joining us in the last Merry Monday Challenge! And so happy to read about Rachel, another little miracle in this life...love hearing good news for a change! Heart Hugs to you and blessings to your whole family!

Sarah said...

First of all Darnell, I am pleased to hear that your DIL is doing well and wish her a speedy recovery. Your cards are amazing...that washi tape is incredible, I have never seen the like!! The rustic "joy" card base is all the better for the brilliant texture xx

Lynne said...

A fabulous CAS card of Santa's belt. Thank you for joining in our Santa challenge at Sparkles Christmas, even though it is only his middle bit :) x

Notes by Nina said...

Both cards are wonderful Darnell, Thank you for joining us for Merry Monday.

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Hi Darnell, I love the birch tree card it's a great idea for a Christmas card. So many people are making Christmas cards at the moment that I'm beginning to think I had better get started too. Have a great weekend, Angela xXx

Viv said...

Glorious Xmas cards here Dee! I always leave making mine until the last minute. I am glad your DIL is healing well too. What a terrible thing for her to go through but she has a lovely family around her 😀 hugs Vee xx

Lynette said...

Your cards are all awesome, Darnell! Glad to hear that Rachel is doing so well.

Cheryl W. said...

CAS Christmas cards are the best. Yours are definitely awesome! Love the birch tree card, too. It's definitely rustic. So glad to hear your DIL is doing well.

desperatehousewifecraft said...

2 great CAS cards Darnell & you're right, we should start making Xmas cards soon as time flies so quickly! Wanted to also thank you for your kinds comments you leave on my blog, i really look forward to them as they mean alot to me.Thanks for taking the time. Hace a great weekend! Hugs, Gwendolyn

Ruth said...

I absolutely love a QACACSCC! I used some washi tape last year on some super simple cards and it was perfect for sending long distance - cheaper to post! And as for your flock paper. Ah flock wall paper. Preserve of the 1970s Indian Restaurant. Why? Who knows. I suppose it does look elegant in some settings, like here on your trees for extra texture. xx

Mrs A. said...

Most joyous cards and that's at least three under yer belt now! Hugs Mrs A.

Fikreta said...

those are so nice cards!
hugs

Greta said...

Brilliant idea to use that paper for the trees, Darnell! The Washi is just too cute--great cards!

Dana M said...

Fantastic cards! Good for you getting ahead of the game with your Christmas cards.

Billie A said...

your cards are so cute. I love both of them. So creative and fun ideas. Thanks for sharing over at The Merry Christmas challenge.
Billie A
The Merry Christmas Challenge
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scrappymo! said...

A trio of great cards! Those washi tape cards are amazing. Love that washi belt buckle tape.

The R Days card is a beautiful rustic card. I really like the way you used a DP for cutting the trees. It looks so good!

The corduroy paper looks great too! Amazing how the die just pops off the card!
Thanks for taking part in the June Rudolph Days Challenge.

Linda said...

Fabulous, fun card designs Darnell. Great use of the washi tape and I love those textured trees.
Good to hear that Rachel is doing well too .... sending hugs xx

Anita in France said...

Those Santa belt cards are PAQACAS, Darnell ... that's Perfect And QACAS ... the shimmery buckles don't look a bit tarnished to my eyes ... just schparkley ... as he, Mrs Claus and all of us would expect! I'm reaching out to touch all that fabulous texture on your Joy card ... it's so stylish in an elegant, rustic sort of a way ... delicious! Such great news for Rachel ... and you all ... what a blessing that the outcome is as good as it is. LYAMYMA ... WYABD! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Di said...

Love all these cards, the belt is genius for quick and east cards. Love the Snippets make so much, very clever use of that patterned paper.

Most of all, what great news about Rachel. Happy dance here!

Hugs

Di xx

Loll said...

That Santa belt washi tape was an awesome find, Dolly! Makes for very fun and QCAS Christmas cards. The flocked paper was a great choice for die-cutting the birch trees. Fantastic rustic cards! Lolly

foleysfriend said...

The corduroy texture paper is just perfect as are your fab birch trees. I love how one cardinal is placed as the "dot" above the "j". Thanks for joining us at The Merry Christmas challenge.

sue

Craftychris said...

Love the santa's belt cards - so original and so cool! Fab texture on the second card and the birch trees look amazing. So glad to hear Rachel is recovering well! Hugs xxxxxxx

Whisper said...

Oooo what a gorgeous pair of Xmas cards and so different too, thanks for joining us at June's Rudolph Days Challenge, Luv Sam x

Bobby said...

The Santa belt is such a cute way to make a QACAS card, Darnell. I may fall behind on my Christmas cards now that Merry Monday is no more. I may have to check out the other Christmas challenges you have entered to find a new place to play.
I adore birch trees and making them from flocked paper was a genius idea that I'll give you credit for, but don't tell Hammy. ;)

maria f. said...

Those birch trees are beautiful and brilliant! What a knock out card. As for the Santa washi, I would have bought it too. So sorry to hear about Rachel - what a trial for the family - but happy to hear she is doing well. Hope it's uphill from here.

Pia S said...

My favorite cards to make are the Christmas ones. And good is that as i need so many each year and i always have last minute stress. But this is a new year with new possibilities:) i thought you’d cut the belt using paper strips and dies, and it’s a Washi! Wow, the best washi I’ve ever spotted, what a great buy!
Also, thank you so much for the birthday card, it brightened my day. It was a tough one this year, a whole day in a car to get to my hubby’s father’s funeral in time. Thanks for remembering my birthday.