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!

February 16, 2013

ATCAS #6; CAS(E) this Sketch #15 ~ Candy

Happy Saturday!
 
First, thank you for your condolences to my sister and our family yesterday.
 
I'm always telling my crafty friends that their cards are CASilicious and today I have to say, with a dimple and an eyelash flutter, that my card qualifies for the hyper bowlie.  I've got some non-card photos to share in this post, too, so let's get right to the card.
 
The current cue word challenge at Addicted to CAS (ATCAS) (#6) is candy.  Num-num.

And the current sketch at CAS(E) this Sketch (#15) is,


say it with me, a door able!  I LOVE these two fun challenges.  I hope you check them out if you haven't already!

And here is my make and take:

 
Chocolate-covered cherries are candy to some people, right?  I don't care for them myself, but they sure make a sweet card using SU!'s set, which I think is aptly called "Sweet Treats."  I colored directly onto the stamp using various markers and then I added Glossy Accents to make them look all plump and satiny and CASlicious.  I used the SU! mat pack thingie to poke the holes.
 
~~~
 
I'm excited to welcome two more new friends!  First, allow me to introduce Sharon (fatmonica) of Chasing Art.  I feel it's important to clarify, in this day of dating websites, that Sharon's blog is a delightful romp about chasing art, the crafty kind, not Art, the dude.  I am also delighted to introduce you to Skye of Big Blue Sky.  Thank you so much, ladies, and welcome to the Playhouse!
 
~~~
 
We are having some sensational weather here.  While I was letting out the granddog, Duke, I saw that the kites are back in the neighbor's trees!  Two very large hawks this time, squealing and squawking and looking to get busy and make a nest.  Sadly, my camera is ill-equipped to capture how stunning they are, but you get the idea:
 
 
 
And then, luck of lucks, as I had the camera all zoomed for the kites, right at my right shoulder came zooming in a hummingbird to the feeder.
 
First, tho here is a horribly blurry picture of our resident hummer, Hitler, with his scarlet red throat, the signature marking of an Anna's Hummingbird.
 
 
We call him Hitler because he has never allowed any other hummer near the feeder in the, oh, ten years since we've had the feeder.  That is, until this year.  This year, Hitler sits nearby at the tippy top of the Japanese maple and allows this little hummer to drink.  Because it is such a close-up, this little guy looks the same size as Hitler, but it's a lot smaller IRL.
 
 
Are you looking at me?
 
Me, ever the romantic, thought maybe it was a little girlfriend.  But now that I've gotten these awesome close-ups, I think maybe it is Hitler, Jr.  The little girl hummers, as with most birds, are not as colorful as the boys, so that's why I thought this little guy was a girl.  Until today when I noticed this tiny patch of bright red blooming under his throat!
 
 
So, since hummers can live a decade or more, I think that maybe Hitler knows he's getting up there and he is letting this particular son be the literal heir to the feeder.  Or not.  Maybe even girl hummers have a smaller spot of red.  I hope any hummingbird experts will feel free to correct all my mispokings and conjesturing. 

In the meanwhile, up in my head, it is all quite fascinating.  Also, I take Copious and Sundry medications, available online at Space Cadet.com.  Also, I could check with Mr. Google, but I prefer Mrs. Madeup.
 
~~~
 
Finally, coz you know you want it, here's the Grand Duke keeping me company next to the computer:
 
Outside?
~~~
 
Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy your day. LITS!

Thank you so much for stopping by the Playhouse. Special thanks to you if you take the time to leave a comment or join as a follower!
 
Paper:  SU! poppy red, PTI white
Stamps:  SU!
Ink:  SU! early espresso; Marvy
  and SU! markers
Glossy Accents
Corner Chomper

53 comments:

Kathyk said...

Fab pics Darnell and love your cherrylicious card

Kathyk

Happy Dance said...

Great choco covered cherries. My grandma loved them, so they hold a special place in my heart. Yours look mighty tasty too! Hum dinger of a bird story. And darlin' granddog. Have a great weekend. Bev

Di said...

LOVE your card Darnell - you truly are the Queen of CAS, did you know that?

Gorgeous little hummers there - and I hoped one was a female :( You could have called her Eva, to go with Hitler.

And as for The Duke, I don't think I'd seen a photo of him before but he is EXACTERLEY as I imagined. Do you take him for walkies - or does he take you? On roller blades maybe?

Hugs, Di xx

Beanie said...

lovely card and great, great photos of the birds... nothing so exotic over here in the UK!

Tracey McNeely said...

Sweet card today Darnelle! I love the Glossy Accents on those chocolate cherries! Beautiful pictures.

Unknown said...

Many condolences to you and your sister.

Beautiful photos and sweet card.

Joyce said...

Stunningly simple card. Love how you did those cherries.

Jenny said...

Gorgeous card Darnell, those chocolate covered cherries are dripping with yumminess :0)
Great pictures of the Kites, they have amazing white plumage!! The little hummingbirds are so cute, would love to have them visit our garden :0)
Jenny x

Kristie Goulet said...

YUMMO! Those chocolate covered cherries look delicious! Great card and pictures! Thanks for sharing them!

Sue said...

Yummy card Darnell. I love the glossy accents added to make the cherries all plump.
Wonderful photos, the hummingbirds are very beautiful.
As for the Grand Duke - what a handsome chap he is.
Sue xx

Carole said...

Oh so sweet choc cherries...yum. Great card. Thanks for sharing the pictures and the information about hummingbirds. Very interesting. I have a Grand...dogger. That's a female
Grand dog and I hope I never have to dog sit. She's too frisky for me.

Kim Heggins said...

Fabulous photos Darnell! Those birds are just the sweetest. Your card is too. I do like the cherries but not a fan of chocolate but they look mighty yummy on your card. Good enough to eat!

Anonymous said...

Yummylicious (to paraphrase a certain someone!) cherry card, Darnell, perfectly CAS! Those photographs truly are something ... what a joy to have these little visitors around! Anita :)

lostinpaper said...

Super sweet card (pun intended) Darnell. And such wonderful photos TFS!
Thanks so much for sharing with us at CAS(E) this Sketch this week!

Geri said...

Sa-weet card! The Glossy Accents did the trick here - love the rounded corners! Now I want a chocolate bar!

Your pics are amazing! Hitler's protegee is so cute! Duke though rocks this post...seriously....that face....

Carol L said...

You're always thinking one step ahead by re-posting your card at the bottom, knowing full well we've all been distracted with your great photos! Love the card with those yummy looking cherries and those birds are so much fun to see so close! TFS!

Redanne said...

Gorgeous card Darnell, it qualifies as candy in my eyes! Love the hummer photos, so glad Hitler has returned with his (maybe) son, how sweet. Thanks for the photo of the big boy Duke too, he looks as lovely as ever. Big Hugs, Annie xx

Suze Bain said...

Super sweet card Darnell but you can keep the cherries - just give me the chocolate! You're so lucky having those wonderful hummingbirds visit you - it's far too cold in my part of the world! Xx

Ardyth said...

Phew - I didn't want to hurt your feelings, but chocolate covered fruit is still fruit, not candy (that's my story and I'm stickin with it! lol!) but that's not my problem, since I'm here from CTS land, and not ATCAS land! Thanks so much for playing along with us at CAS(E) This Sketch this week!

Kylie said...

ooooooo, Darnell. It's only 9am here and now I want SOMETHING covered in chocolate. I'm not sure I will have cherries but I reckon I will be able to find something!! Perhaps just chocolate will have to do ;)

Whoops, I digress....

Love your glossy, chocolate covered cherries! They DO look good enough to eat... Now! Off to my pantry...

Thanks so much for playing along at ATCAS! xx

Deborah Frings said...

Chocolate dipped cherries work for me!! Yum! Fabulous card.

Loll said...

Hi Dolly. Great photos!! Those are some amazing birds in your trees ... and the hummers are beautiful!

On to the card ... love it!! Perfect CAS card. Love the glossy accents and the piercing - great embellishments. Thanks for joining us at Addicted to CAS! Lolly xx

Bobby said...

Your cherries might be fruit covered with chocolate but there are chocolate covered cherries that ARE candy and I say that qualifies. ;) I'm so envious of your hummingbirds. I plan to put feeders up this summer and hope they find them.

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Darnell, Love your chocolate cover cherries and elegant/fun CAS style. Your photos of the Hummers are amazing! Especially when he(she?) was looking right at the camera. Happy Weekend, Shirleyx

Lisa Arana said...

Oh my goodness, I love those little cherries. Amazing job with the sketch. thanks for joining us at CAS(E) this Sketch!

JD/ Jill said...

Sweet card...I love chocolate and chocolate covered Cherries, but they don't like me...
Great pics of the birds...we used to have hummers come to our yard all the time...loved to see them, but the last two years we haven't seen them...wish they would come back...

Unknown said...

Haha...I so appreciate your post...got me lol! Those cherries look so delicious...very cute card!

xiumaiyuki said...

What a sweet CAS!

I really enjoyed your humming birds pix.... we don't have them here in HI so I've only seen them in photos or on TV. Thanks for sharing them and your doggie is adorable!

Anonymous said...

Another doozy of a card from you my dear and although I share your dislike for those cherries they do look scrumptious ! The glaze makes the look so life like ! fab nature pictures and your big Duke is one hell of a gorgeous dawg .

Marie

Anonymous said...

Oops forgot to say thank you for another fabulous card for ATCAS.

Marie

Brandi said...

Adorable card. I love chocolate covered cherries! Love the extra pictures you provided. The weather seems so beautiful where you are.

Also, that is one gorgeous dog! The hubby and I have two little westies.

Unknown said...

num num indeed!!! Deliciously perfect CAS card! love the chocolatey cherries... and the photos are amazing, I kept "awwwing" and "owwwing" with each picture I would look at.

Thank you for playing along with us at Addicted to CAS!

stressfreestamping said...

I am in love with your card! I have to agree, I don't care for chocolate-covered cherries either, but yours look better than the ones I have ever seen! lol Those look so delicious! I love the glossiness you have added. Thanks for playing in our candy challenge at ATCAS this week. :)

Chris Dring said...

It's hard to say what I enjoyed most about your post: your card, the commentary about the birds, or your ad libs under the pictures! TFS!

Jules said...

Hi Darnell

A fabulous card and brilliant photographs. What beautiful birds you have visiting.

Sorry to read about your Sister and the loss of her husband. My condolences to everyone. It is always sad when a life comes to an end.

Love Jules xx

Aileen said...

Your cherries look delish! So shiny. x

Aileen said...

Your cherries look delish! So shiny. x

Kelly Griglione said...

Hi Darnell! What delicious-looking treats you have on your card today! Those glossy accents sure show them off well. And your rounded corners!

Love your hummingbird story ... how sweet that it's probably Junior. I didn't know they were so territorial. It's great you have such a diverse community in your backyard (so awesome for the grandkids!) Reminds me of my mother-in-law's place. The kids LOVE it there, esp. in the summer.

Allisa said...

Fabulous card, those cherries look good enough to eat! The glossy accents was the perfect touch!

Sue from Oregon said...

A wonderful CAS card(from the lady that works with cherries every day! LOL)

Kim S said...

I am so sorry for the sadness in your family although perhaps with the long illness it was also a blessing for him?

Hummingbirds are fascinating to watch, aren't they? I must have a little Hitler too! When I started paying close attention, I was quite surprised at how tough they were - those little things will chase away anything that gets near their feeders!!

Those cherries are fabulous - and even though it's the wee hours of the morning here, I am going to have to dig out the few remaining chocolate cherries that I have from Valentines....mmmm!!

Craftychris said...

Love the simplicity of the card, its gorgeous! Love the photo's too xx

Mrs A. said...

Those darn cherries look good enough to eat except I can't cos you have glued em down so hard!!!
Your humming birds look delightful. I didn't know that they would settle to drink thought they did everything on the wing.
Off to have a read up on them on the World Wide Web. How would we manage without it now!!! Hugs Mrs A.

Sian Ridley said...

This card is an absolute stunner!!!! I am struggling for ideas for this one I'll be honest, but your card is definitely an inspiration :)

Bonnie said...

From chocolate covered cherries to that handsome Granddog to the beautiful birds, I have so enjoyed this post. When I was working in the library, I wish I'd thought to cite Mrs. Madeup as a reference source!

Jen W. said...

Those cherries look amazing, Darnell! Every time I try inking a stamp with markers the image is all anaemic looking. The gloss is an especially fabulous touch. :) Thanks for playing along with CAS(E) This Sketch this week!

Your bird pictures are gorgeous! Whenever I was in Vermont as a kid I was always on the lookout for hawks and eagles. I thought they were so cool. Yesterday a Kiskadee landed on the fence post outside my window. I was admiring his yellow chest when he turned, looked me in the eye, crapped on the post and flew off. A real charmer!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous CAS card Dippy - just love those chocolate covered cherries....making my mouth water just thinking about them!!! lol Love your wildlife photos - great. Thanks for joining in the fun at A2CAS.

Karen x

Jean said...

Love your card - I have to agree with you on the chocolate covered cherries. Love chocolate and cherries - just not together. Thanks for the pictures.

Hannelie said...

A worthy top 3 at Addicted to CAS!
Well done Darnell!

Unknown said...

Great chocolate covered cherries Darnell!!! Congrats on your Top 3 at ATCAS *Ü*

Sian Ridley said...

Congratulations on your top 3 at ATCAS! I wanted to be the one to inform you about it as you always do for, but I've been beaten by two other commenters! Doh!

This is a well deserved win, I love this card! :)

wienerhoneymooners said...

Love this card! Makes me want ice cream for some reason!

Have a cherrio day Darnell!

Anonymous said...

Just spotted that this yummy creation got a Top 3 Spot at ATCAS ... congratulations, Darnell, a great choice! Anita :)