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 1, 2014

Shriveled Baubles ~ CCC #9; FFC #24; MM #93; NBUS #100; SSS

Hey, how's it going? Don't look now, but one whole month just whooshed by!

Yesterday, the hamster's sister-in-law got married so I gave him the day off. What a mistake! Trust me, don't ever let your hamster have a day off!

Lemme just show you my card.
The baubles are purple IRL, not black and blue.
Since the title of my post gives it a way, I won't make you guess what's wrong with the perspective on my card.  Those are either pine cones on steroids or shriveled balls! We call Christmas ornaments balls in America, but maybe when we are adjectivizing them with the word shriveled, we should use the British word baubles. Thank you, yes.

Needles to say, I didn't notice it until after I uploaded the photos. I was originally going to replace the pine cones with baubles, but I couldn't agree with myself on the ornament shapes and embossing, and then I remembered I had these cute little sequint baubles and with no hamster there to stop me ... well, there you have it.

It took me three and a half hours of fussy work to make my card, so I'm linking it anyway to the challenges below, but my hamster is not getting another day off! (Sam, please don't report me to the Hampster's Union!)

Challenge link-ups:

Christmas Challenges has an "anything goes" theme.
Christmas Card Challenges
Festive Friday has a photo inspiration of pinecones and ornaments.
Merry Monday's challenge is ornaments.
Simon Says Stamp Work-It Wednesday. This is a brand-new challenge and for the first challenge we are to share something new. The die I used today is new.
workitwedbanner

For all the challenges, just click on the links for all the details on rules, sponsors, and prizes. The Design Teams work hard to bring you these challenges and they love it when you play along!!

~~~

In my New Friends Corner, it is a pleasure to introduce you to:

Casandra Bennett of Scrappin Bliss. Casandra is a mother of two and a CTMH consultant who has been scrapping since 2007 and stamping and blogging since 2011. She is proficient in both layouts and card art! You'll be inspired and delighted when you visit her!

Welcome Casandra and thank you for joining!!

~~~

Back-slapping!

The Memory Box pine cone die on my card is NBUS (never-before-used schtuff), which makes this the 100th post where I used NBUS since I started my crusade last June! It's indecent how much NBUS I have (both old and new) and with companies continuing to make great schtuff, I see this as never-ending! Thank you for joining the crusade and using your NBUS, too!

~~~

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 leave a comment and/or join as a follower!  Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor! 
  
 
*Life Is Too Short!

Project Details
PaperPTI white, dark chocolate
SU baked brown sugar, old olive
Stamps    Hero Arts A1556
 InkSU perfect plum
AccessoriesMemory Box "Pinecone Corner"
Darice sequin ornaments

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57 comments:

shirley-bee said...

So glad you clarified things for us Brits. Otherwise, that's a whole new, erm, ball game. And I hope you docked the hamster's wodka ration for the day off. Love the NBUS logo!

Sammy said...

Hey, they do make really tiny... baubles... too you know! ;-)

And congrats (or is that supposed to be "slap on the wrist") on the 100th NBUS post! If I'm fair I should say I use NBUS on most of my projects too, but then, I'm still building up my stash as I've not been doing this that long! (my excuse, and I reckon it'll serve for at least the next 5 years or so...) x

Irish Cherokee said...

Congrats. Nice ummm... card. Cherokee left in a hurry. Didn't give him time off. Maw squaw sent him an instagram smoke signal (don't ask) and reminded him of a string of scalps she had. He was out of here so fast his moccasins were left behind. I think she was married before. Kinda quiet around here.

Blessings

Meg said...

Thank you Darnell for spreading your joy and humour - I needed a giggle today and visiting your blog always cheers me up.

Anita in France said...

Darnell, I just finished wiping the laughter away (tears that is!) ... thanks for sharing your fun card and congratulations on your 100th NBUS card ... looking forward to the next 100! Anita :)

Keep It Sweet and Simple said...

Well, you're way too hard on yourself - there's nothing wrong small balls!
Caroline xxx

Ros Crawford said...

Hahaha!! Yes baubles does sound a little more polite to this Brit ... but not as funny! To be honest I thought they were little jingle bells ... Wouldn't have know they were disproportionate balls if you hadn't have said ...

Marie Bingaman said...

Bwahahahaaaaaa! You're just too funny! Cute card anyway, even if the "balls" have shrunken a bit in the cold....lol!

Hettie said...

I got tiny baubles so they would be suitable. Glad you did use that word too! Now go and be nice to your hamster and make him a cuppa!
Hugs
xx
PS, have you been to the Playground today?

Laurie Unger said...

Oh my goodness - you're so funny! Going off to check out that new SSS challenge. I agree with you on the NBUS!

Bobby said...

Ornaments come in all shapes and sizes so you're okay. (see my post about "okay") lol You have more NBUS than I have in my entire stash I think, even when you count every little stamp in a set. I may be catching up though.

Di said...

Super card Darnell! And, thanks for the lovely comment and also for being my encourager to do the grab button - for encourager read 'KITAer' :) Joking!! :)

Hugs and have a super weekend!

Di
xxx

Happy Dance said...

You am so darn funny! Had a good chuckle with your post. I'm guessing you put your "balls" in the dryer and they shrunk to Hobbit size! It's a great design though, so the hamster must have let his cousin the gerbil in to turn that wheel for a while. Love those pine branches. Hope the ka nee is feeling a bit better today. Have a great weekend. Bev

Rebecca Luminarias said...

This was certainly an entertaining post, to say the least! I love the pretty green branches against the bright white of your card and the off-center placement of all the details--it's so creative! Thanks for playing along with Festive Friday this week, Darnell!

Maria said...

Very pretty! Love all the pinecones and pretty bulbs!

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I would never, never, never, NEVER count my NBUS. In fact, I'm starting to cringe that I mention it on my blog. Not that I care what you and my fellow crafters think, but hubby reads my blog!!!

I love the pine tree and cone die. I see lots of potential for that. As for the shriveled "baubles" (so that's what they are calling them these days?) I think you can see a doctor for that.

Karren said...

Another fabulous card, Darnell, along with an entertaining post. Your shrivelled baubles look perfectly fine with your pine cones! Thanks so much for joining us at Merry Monday.

Ardyth said...

Oh Darnell, leave it to you to figure out a 'shrivelled baubles' card! I now see it completely differently! I love the shape and shine of the ornaments and the way you've hung them ('well hung'?!) on the needles. See what you've done? My mind is in the gutter! lol! Needles to say, I also love the clean feel of this. thanks for joining us at Festive Friday! And for the giggle!

Dana said...

Lol I didt even notice the small ornaments until you pointed it out! It's a cute card anyway!!

Kathleen said...

I think it is time I got my act together too and started using NBSU stuff. In fact I think it is time I got my act together full stop.
Great card

Kath x

Anonymous said...

hehe shriveled balls sounds a tad painful - I'll assume the pine cones are drugged up!!! (although my favourite baubles for my actual christmas tree are always the diddy ones!).

Shannon J said...

Shrivelled baubles!!! Best card EVER!!!!!!!!! 'Nuff said!! Actually I have much more to say. But I can't. I will get myself into WAY too much trouble! I say give that hamster more days off!!! :)

Pia S said...

I think this is a beautiful combination of elements from nature, and the little balls are the great details that give this design the Christmas feel. I really like it!

Kim Heggins said...

So fun...and what a fabulous little card! I love those pine needles. Congrats on your 100th NBUS post too, who know such a fun thing would catch on like it did. I love it!

LeAnne said...

Oh, Darnell, you're too funny. I have lots of little "baubles" on my Christmas tree and they look just like this! So I think it's a fine card, especially with the pretty blue you've used. We are so glad you played with the Merry Monday challenge this week!

Tracey McNeely said...

You always make me laugh Darnell! Fantastic card today, I love the scene you created with your balls! ROFLMAO!!

jimlynn said...

Shriveled or not.......it's gorgeous!!!! Gotta love those balls!
LOL!
Lynn

Bonnie said...

Oh, Darnell, you and your hamster! Those pine cones don't look shriveled! Love the little ornaments hanging on the pine boughs. Glad to know they're purple and not black and blue! I'm so glad you brought this by to share with us at Merry Monday!

Melissa said...

Sweet….love your focal point agains the stark, crisp, white. Really a striking card!
Melissa

Lindsey said...

Oh, Darnell, you are a hoot! I am glad you posted this (you are too hard on yourself), especially considering the time you put into it.

Diane said...

Oh Darnell, you are too funny, I would of said the baubles were blue and green but that's just me. Sometimes when you use a new die you just have to go with it, I think the card design really made the pinecones pop.

Hugs Diane

Karen Davis said...

I would not have noticed a thing out of place Darnell! I love the clean fresh feel of the card, and the blue deco's are such a wonderful addition. Thank you so much for joining us once again at Merry Monday. :-)

Rema DeLeeuw said...

Great job on your cards Darnell...

Sazzle Dazzle said...

Couldn't resist popping by with that title! Super card and what a funny tale too. Xx

Unknown said...

Well Dippy, I thought they were little jingle bells as well.......strangely although they look a little small on the close up they actually look okay on the longer shot.....so shrivelled or not they look fine! Gotta feel sorry for that hamster...:-) Congrats on your 100th NBUS post.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Jessi Fogan said...

oh em gee, I snorted hard enough that I have to change my shirt. Shriveled baubles indeed!
Also, my hamster thinks your hamster shouldn't have gone to the wedding. He just took advantage of the open bar (and TWO of the bridesmaids!)

Carol L said...

Who doesn't love tiny baubles? Cute card, funny story, and thanks for the early morning laughs once again. I always leave here in a better mood than the one I arrived with ;)
Have a wonderful day!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Darnell, you are too funny :) The teeny baubles look great, I wouldn't have noticed they were small against the pine cones if you hadn't said they were shriveled. The pine branch die cut is great. Wow you've reached 100 NBUS designs. I wonder how many I could create using my NBUS, lots I'm sure. I hope you are having a great weekend, Shirleyx

Chris Dring said...

You fussy cutting QUEEN! As Wayne and Garth would say: "I'm not worthy!" LMBO at your musings! But of course you're gonna have shrunken balls - it's the middle of winter! LOL!

Kay Miller said...

Shriveled balls!!!!! OMGOODNESS!! I almost fell out of my chair laughing so hard!! And black and blue at that! hahaha! Oh heavens! Whenever I need a pick me up, I just need to stop by your blog Darnell! Anyway, I love your card, even with the pinecones on steroids and the shriveled baubles! hahaha!! So happy you joined us at Festive Friday!! :D

Linda said...

Darnell you're sooo funny, again your post made me giggle. fabulous card as always .... thanks for sharing. Linda xx

Mrs.B said...

Hi Darnell, Thanks for visiting, and your lovely comments.
Love how your refered to your baubles as 'pinecones on steroids' - I hadn't noticed anything wrong!
Avril xx

Pat said...

I don't think it matters whether the pine cones are to big or the baubles too small, it is still a lovely seasonal card, and a real Darnell card, and I love the very attractive font that the Hero Arts stamp has, which finishes it beautifully. I think it's great that you are using your NBUS, and I'm sure we should all take a leaf out of your book. I love looking at your blog as you always manage to make me smile. Hope you are having a good weekend. x

Redanne said...

Shriveled!! You really made me giggle with this post Darnell. Love it and love, love this gorgeous card. Hugs, Annie xx

alexandra s.m. said...

Great Card Darnell and Congrats on your 100TH!

mjbest said...

Love the card. I have teeny baubles that I hang near the top of my tree. The ornaments get progessively larger towards the bottom of the tree.

cm said...

Ouch...laughing so hard over the shriveled blue balls has been the best ab workout I've done recently. Of course, my husband thinks I've completely lost my mind (I was, at one point, draped over my laptop, tears streaming, unable to speak anything "Darnell... her fault..." This is a classic, epic, brilliant post, and the card certainly deserves to be showcased. Oh gee...another bout of giggles has begun. You've made my day, my friend. Made. my. day. Hugs~c

JD/ Jill said...

You always manage to bring a smile to my face every time I visit your blog. Congrats on your 100th NBUS...and you have inspired me...I've been trying very hard to use my NBUS too. And Congrats on you Dynamic Duos win. Your card was great!

Barb Ghig said...

OMGosh, your 100th NBUS post? Good heaven's girl...that's a LOT of new schtuff!

I don't care what you say, I think your 'baubles' are beautiful! You couldn't make a bad card if you tried...not even this one! So go ahead...get that hamster back into your craft room, even if it's just for company, because heaven knows you don't need him!

Thanks for another great (and FUNNY) post, Darnell!

Geri said...

... and here I thought that only ice cold lake water could shrivel 'baubles'...

Honestly, I think that your card looks great! I love that you varied the color of the pine cones and the pretty little sequin 'decorations'. Fabulously clean & simple!

WHOOO HOOOO on your 100th NBUS card!!! Looking forward to the next 100 ...

Greta said...

Those baubles are really neat looking & if you didn't see a problem until you looked at the picture, then the picture just gives a different look & in person it's great! Remember that, my friend! Amazing to use NBUS so consistently--good for you!

Lesley said...

Cute baubles and love the clean designer, Darnell!

Sue said...

Your baubles look fine from where I'm sitting Darnell! I love your design and fabulous use of NBUS - WOW congrats on making it to 100!
hugs Sue xx

Gerrina said...

I have to say that my NBUS´stash is slowly schrinking! When I buy something new, it goes in a basket and stays there till I´ve just it and put it on the right spot... At this moment this works great! So I dom´t have 100 of them and am so lucky that I can play with so many thimgs in different ways every time... Hope you´ll have a good week, inky greetings, Gerrina

Dianne said...

Thanks for starting my day with a huge smile your so funny, even without the hamster I think your card is brilliant, I love it, and your right Casandra does do beautiful layout and cards, thanks for sharing and hope you have a wonderful day, ((( BIG HUGS)))..

Nora Noll said...

You are hilarious!! I love your card regardless of what you call them!! Fabulous!!

Anonymous said...

Great job using up your schtuff !!
You are an inspiration !!!

Your baubles look fine to me.. Every lady should have a nice pair, I do believe!!
;))