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!

August 1, 2014

Hammy's Card

Happy August!

Thank you for stopping in, fresh from whooshing through your week, in fact through another month!

Poor August is such a bipolar month. It is the saddest month for children because it means summer is almost over and school will start again. At the same time, it is the happiest month for parents because it means summer is almost over and school will start again!

I knew a little boy named August, which is a sturdy name to be giving to a child. The name has stayed with me my whole life whenever I hear the peculiar names some people give their children (like Darnell!), especially names like John Johnson, Andy Anderson, Will Williams, and go forth. I think, surely, they must have had a stutter. Please don't be mad if that's your name, I'm sure it must be a tradition; it's just good-nurtured teasing. Listen, if my foster parents had adopted me, my name would have been Darnell Carnell. That's the truth. What are the odds?! But I digest. You're still wondering about what this has to do with that poor boy, August. Was his full name August August, you ask? No, worse. His last name was Harvest.

~~~

Today's card HAD to be made. There was no amberguity about it. It's for the challenge at the City Crafter challenge blog where one of my bestie bloggie friends has a gig as Guest Designer: the adorable and talented Bev of Happy Dance!

And why the pressure to make this card? Ah, hello, here's the inspiration photo:
Remind you of anyone? You can imagine that a certain little hamster could not contain himself when he caught sight of this picture over my shoulder! At first he thought it was himself, then he thought it might be his girlfriend, Miss Thang, but after I calmed him down with a rub of cocoa butter, we both weren't quite sure ... but we still had to play!

Here is Hammy's card: 
I'm going to count on your disception not to tell Penny that I have tried to turn her hedgehog into a hamster! It was an effort trying to turn that spikey hedgehog hair into soft fluffy hamster hair and I tried to give up several times, but Hammy was adamant about finishing it up. It's a whole bit fussier than I usually create when left to my own devices. 

We used the sketch portion from the current FUSION challenge. I had to flip the focus pocus so that Hammy wasn't looking off the left edge of the card at something off stage.
The patterned paper and butterfly brad are ancient and from GKW. The sediment is from the Paper Smooches stamp set "Metropolis." The Penny Black stamp is "Ladybug 'n Hedgehog." The daisy was first colored with colored pencils and then glazed using NBUS Enamel Accents white. (That schtuff is fun!) The stitches circle is from Lil' Inker.
I'm also playing in:

  • Time Out Challenges where the theme is celebrations, with the optional twist of butterflies. Check and double-check!
    Grab Our Badge!
  • Butterfly Challenge where the them is Summertime Butterfly. We are to use summertime colors and a summertime theme. Check and double-check!
    Grab My Button.
Please click on the challenge links to find all the details on rules, sponsors, and prizes and to be inspired by all the Design Team projects!

~~~

Winner! I drew a name for the Darice embossing folder "Brick Pattern" mentioned in my post on July 24, 2014. The winner is Sue Rose of Sue's Stamping Station! Congratulations, Sue! Please email me.

~~~

I thought I would leave you with a couple photos looking out my Playhouse window yesterday:


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!
  
 
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91 comments:

alexandra s.m. said...

What an adorable card Darnell and I love that soft shimmer ;)
Thank You for sharing these amazing photos as well!!

LauraJane:) said...

That IS the happiest inspiration photo ever! Way to stretch you stamp:)
Poor August Harvest!

Irene said...

Hello Darnell

Waht a brilliant, fabulous card. Love the shimmer and inspiration photo.

luv
irene
xxxx

sandie said...

And I end my blogging day with a giggle...oops not at your card at your amusing post! I do love that DSP and the glossy accents is the perfect shiny touch. I checked and double checked and spied that butterfly-so pleased you twisted (id that a word??) along with us at TIME OUT x

Suze Bain said...

Your post has really struck a cord with me today Darnell, my daughter got a pet hamster this morning and speaking of names, she wants to call it " an old granny" name, so she's going to be either Ethel or Mabel! Love your sweet little hedgehog. Have a good day! Xx

JD/ Jill said...

Cute card, Darnell. Great one for the challenge. And Darnell, I didn't know you knew my cousin! Smile...yes, he has one of the names you mentioned...

Happy Dance said...

I have an uncle Doug (Dug) Graves. You are too funny. Remind me to tell you sometime about the name "Jack." Well worth the wait...But I digest. Your's and Hammy's card is perfect! Sometimes we have to go with our inner voices/hamsters. I love everything, yep, everything about this bright and happy card. From the colored in letters, to the hamster hair, to the dps...yep, everything. It's beyond awesome!!! And I'm so glad you played along with the challenge dear friend!! You're the bomb!! Big ol' hugs. Bev

Lisa Elton said...

What a cute card Darnell, love the gloss you added too! Is that not THE HAPPIEST inspiration photo...thought of Hammie when I saw it!

Shelly said...

Another sweet card and post! Love! Happy Friday and Happy August!

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Another fun post, Darnell!
Thank you so much for my birthday card...that was really lovely of you to send it! I had two books about the etymology and usage of words...I thought of you :-)
Hugs, LLJ xxxx

Alanna said...

A fun post for sure and I can wee why you and Hammy had to play along. Your card is super cute.

jimlynn said...

Hammy does great work! Love the card and of course the hedgie is adorable.
Great photos too.
Lynn

Pia S said...

That must be the world's happiest hamster! I think your ancient DPs looks great, you sure got some hidden treasures in your stash! Cute card and fun post:)

Anonymous said...

This is just so cute! Cx

Susanne Vargas said...

Well, of course, you and Hammie had to play in this challenge given that übercute inspiration picture! And the two of you made the most adorable card for it! Love everything about it!

Sharron said...

So adorable, Darnell--both the inspiration photo and your fun, shiny card! Hedgie is a wonderful fill-in for Hammy! Love that great background paper too. I'm hoping it looks wavy IRL rather than something with my eyes!!

Sue said...

Gorgeous card Darnell. I love the image, fabulous papers and pretty butterfly.
Thanks for sharing you photos and for making me chuckle!
I hope you have a good weekend.
hugs Sue xx

Bonnie said...

I'm surprised Hammie didn't make you print a picture of this delightful inspiration photo! How could he not fall in love! And your hedgie does a good job of posing in the flowers. Hope you have a good weekend!

Unknown said...

I'm so glad your foster parents were kind enough not to adopt you Dippy! Can you imagine how you would have been teased 😥 I just adore the inspiration for your card......no wonder Hammy pricked up his ears! Your card I gorgeous (although my eyes went a little squiffy.....). Love the image and that enamel "stuff" is really effective. Have a fab weekend.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

conil said...

Glorious garden you have there. If I could look out on that scene, I'd never accomplish anything(...wait...I HAVEN'T accomplished anything for almost 2 weeks). But just look at what you made...no matter the critters specie,that card is just dang cute. August in this neck of the woods is chaos, birthdays, anniversaries...the list goes on & on. Thanks for making me smile today. Bye.

Redanne said...

I just had to copy that inspiration photo, it is just the sweetest photo ever! We used to have a cute little doormouse in our garden - until the cat next door got him.....sigh.

Love your card, the little hedgie is so cute sitting on that flower.

Poor August....... Hugs, Annie xx

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

High 5 for hammy and your cute card - as usual - a quite entertaining and uplifting blg opost!

Lynn said...

I am sitting on my phone looking at your blog as I get a pedicure and the ladies around me are wondering why I am laughing. I always love coming by your blog and of course love your card for Fusion and Time Out.

Deepti said...

LOL I like your reasoning behind calling August a bipolar month :) so true :) I adore your card too, thank you for sharing with Fusion.

By the way I have a question :)
Which is the favorite month for girls???????
it's Awwwwwwwgust ;)
we use Awwww for everything LOL !!

Mrs A. said...

Not so much smelling the roses as smelling the butterfly. Hammy looks really at home . This is certainly a cute summery card and a wonderful inspiration photo. The Doc used to work with a chap called Al Burt the third. His dad and grandad being numbers one and two. Thankyou for fluttering by with this little cutie . Hugs Mrs A. (Butterfly challenge).

Verna Angerhofer said...

Hammy's card is so cute. Awesome job on the design.

Cathy said...

What a cute card Darnell, the enamel looks fantastic. The inspiration pic is just gorgeous, Cathy x

Anonymous said...

You always crack me up!! Isn't that picture the cutest? Your card is perfect for our challenge Darnell, love it!!

Bobby said...

The photo inspiration is so cute and you did it justice with your little hamhog. Love the background paper and the enameled daisy. I have a hard time with those enamel accents but yours turned out great.

Nan G said...

The minute I saw that inspiration pic I knew Hammy was a whirling and a burning at Darnell's! It's was meant for you. ;) Love your card! Well done Hammy! (and Darnell)! Hugs

Chriss Blagrave said...

Speaking of names, my niece had a baby last March and she named her Augustine. They are French speaking, so it sounds a little more fancy :)
Love your adorable Hammy/Hedgie card. The colouring and thewhite enamel accents are beautiful! I wish that I was more of an artist and I would carve you a Hammy stamp. Have a great weekend!

Gramma Sarah said...

Just had to stop by and say I always love your "stories" and reasons for your cards. The Hammie card is adorable!

Carol L said...

oh CA-UTE!!I love those alternating wonky squares in the background and your ham-edgie is ridiculously cute! Love those purple blooms behind the card too! Gorgeous!

Sue said...

So cute! Love hammy! I might have to look into getting some of that Enamel Accents White. That looks cool on your card. What a surprise you gave me as I was reading through your blog to think I won! Thank you! You'll be getting an email from me very soon!

Benzi said...

Oh my gosh, no way you couldn't make this card. And, how adorable it is! Your hammy would have made your life miserable if you hadn't completed it. LOL Love those enamel accents.
That paper you call ancient is awesome...caught my eye immediately and I was loving it.

Thanks for sharing those wonderful photos. I love the bird on the adirondack chair. I'm such a bird lover. Both are wonderful.

Shannon J said...

Well if that isn't the sweetest little card ever, Darnell Carnell!! OH MY have I missed you!!! That definitely is not Miss Thing in the inspiration photo - I know because her and I have been so buried in work that we haven't even had time to blog hop, never mind nestle ourselves in beautiful foliage soaking up the sun...grrrrr!! I hope you (and Hammy!) are well - think about you lots and lots!!! Oh, and here's another name for you - a girl I used to work with - Crystal Boal! Yup, for real!!!

Michelle said...

Darnell Carnell? What ARE the odds? What a cute card! Over here in Australia, August is just the middle of the school year. Our equivalent would be January, although I am always sad when the holidays end. I enjoy the break from making lunches and crazy schedules that the holidays bring, along with the big smiles of my kids. :-)

ike said...

OMGoodness - that would have been a name and a half wouldn't it ?!!!!!
I love your little HammyHedgie card - just superb. I bet Hammy really likes that one :-)

Thanks for the laugh this morning :-D

Hugz
IKE xx

My Challenge Blog
My Shop
My Blog

Greta said...

Cute card, Darnell! I've never heard of Enamel Accents, but sure like the look--guess I'll have to add it to my wishlist!

Anita in France said...

Yep, this is a card that just had to be made, Darnell ... you and Hammy have captured the essence of that oh-so-cute inspiration so completely with this sweet hedgehog perched atop his dimensional daisy! Poor August ... better Harvest as a surname than Ovwind (works if you say it quickly!). Wonder what his brothers and sisters were called! Hugs, Anita :)

Gerrina said...

Loved reading your post again! Hammies card is abeauty! Love the background and the glossy part makes your eye go straight to it! So clever! Hope you have a fun weekend planned! Hugs, Gerrina

Sue said...

Loving the card.

Hope you have a good day.

Carole Pollard said...

Loved reading this post the story about names was such fun and those poor people stuck with those names !!. I went to school with a girl called Penny Chew the name of a popular candy in the UK she got a lot of teasing. Your card today is fabulous love the cute design Love and Happy Crafting Hugs Carole x

Sheila H said...

Your little Hammy Hedgehog is darling. And I love the flower - you have it wonderful shine and depth. Such a fun card!

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
really lovely pics of the flowers, and little Hammy.
Love your super card, and your fab background creation.
Now I used to Foster children, and once we had a girl named Sunshine, and we took her on holiday with her best friend who was called Storm.
Now on one evening out they got up on stage together, but I can't remember why, but the man who interviewed them on stage thought they had made up their names.
My hubby has a sister in law who called her Son Steven, now that sounds fine, but his surname was Meller, and you know what he was called don't you.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Ros Crawford said...

I LOVE your card ... and I was wondering if that NBUS enamel would work on my teeth? Thanks so much for playing along at CCCB!! Have a great weekend

Diane said...

What a cute card you and Hammy created.....and great pics outside the playhouse window ...I knew someone with the name of Bare and first name was Theodore....the shortened name... Teddy Bare...oh my!!

Keren Baker said...

Totally gorgeous card- I LOVE the little creature. The photo made me smile- but not as much as your blogging. I love your 'voice' and glad I popped over to say thankyou for your comment on my blog x

Chris Dring said...

Absolutely adorable card, Darnell! Your post reminds me of one of the Simpsons shows, where Bart prank calls the bar and asks for a lady named Hugginkis, first name Amanda. So the bartender shouts out to everyone, "I'm looking for Amanda Hugginkis!" Buahahahaha!

Brenda said...

August Harvest?!! The poor boy, I hope he has a great sense of humor. lol I love, love your cute card that you and Hammy made Darnell! The image is just to dang cute and I love shimmer shine on the flower. Love your beautiful nature pictures too. It must be nice to be able to have that to look out at while crafting. How do you get any crafting done looking out at such beautiful sights?!! Hugs, Brenda

I Card Everyone said...

Too cute, Darnell. The photo, the card, the story... and little August Harvest - awesome name!!

=]Michele

stampwithsandy said...

Oh my gosh, Darnell! That inspiration photo is the cutest and so is your card! Love those shiny daisy petals!

Jeanne said...

Darnell, you have the most wonderful personality! Thank you so much for providing so much happiness in one post. You are clever and engaging and I'm enjoying getting to "know" you a little bit via your posts. I about died when I saw that inspiration photo and corralled my family to come and look at it. My younger daughter loves hamsters and that has to be about the most precious photo I've seen with a hamster in it. Thank you for sharing it. I also really enjoyed seeing the other amazing photos you included on your post.

Oh and your card? It's terrific! Hee! :)

Petra Swart said...

Oh my, what a darling card you and Hammy have created, Darnell!!
Your little hedgie is just sooo cute!!! Love the shine on the flower!! Very cute!!
Have a super weekend!!!

Sharon Underwood said...

Cute card, wonderful flowers, and amusing comments. What more could I want? I love reading your blog!

Stamping With Bibiana said...

wonderful and so funny story with the names...you made me laugh about the poor august! lovely photos of your yard and the card is so cute great inspiration from the photo...TFS my friend
hugs bibiana, just came back from CHA catching up with all the blogs to visit

Krisha said...

So far all are "thumbs up" for this adorable card, and I would give you the same, 'cept I need them to comment....he he!

I know ALL about weird names and the nick names that come with them.....but I will digest also.

Pat said...

This is such a cute image Darnell and what a pretty little blue butterfly too. The patterned paper works brilliantly and I love the way you have coloured in the 'ees' in the sentiment to match. x

shirley-bee said...

Fab card, Darnell! If you scroll up and down the wavy lines on the card go funny. I think I need another G&T.

Mu uncle was christened Thomas Thomas. Fortunately for him, he was known by his middle name of Eddie.

Lindsey said...

Fabulous card (love the glossy details), darling inspiration, and beautiful photos. And I thoroughly enjoyed your comments on August...a bipolar month...I don't think I'll ever forget that one.

Diane said...

What an adorable card Darnell with all the fun details.

Hugs Diane

Taunya Butler said...

Marvelous card with such great attention to all those fab details that make this card super special!! I love the fun background, the small butterfly and WOWEE that little critter is sure cute!! You are fun, love this card!!

Julia Aston said...

what a lovely hammy card Darnell!! you did a good job fluffing him up!!

Vicki Dutcher said...

I am always so impressed when I see the amount of comments you get! Dang I aspire :) -- Perfect inspiration photo for you and your friend - cute inspired card too!

ps - thanks for the win heads up you gave me - its appreciated!

Carol Cel said...

such a cute card!! great job

Geri said...

This fella has got to be the cutest `Ham-Hog`ever! AWESOME glazed daisy!

Thanks for sharing your Playhouse window view wildlife pics! Your posts always make me smile!

Joyce said...

Such a cute card, and does Hammy proud.

Tracey McNeely said...

Darnell how lucky are you to be able to see the birds looking out the Playhouse window! Love your hedgehamster she is delightful! The background is fantastic! hope you are having a great weekend!

Kathyk said...

Darnell, your posts always make me chuckle

Love today's make too .... and, your secret is safe with me!

Kathyk

Karen M said...

Love this adorable card Darnell - little hedgie/hammy is so cute sitting on his flower:) Hugs xx

Indy's Designs said...

I always joke with my hubby that I would have named our boy Owen Owens! Fortunately, no kiddos for us, so no child was subjected to my humor! Speaking of names how about Diesel Eighteen Wheeler or Corporate! Now onto your cute card! Hedgehog or hamster...it's a darling image and super fun card! Happy Sunday!
Hugs,
Debbie

Patti said...

I have seen that inspiration picture around blogland recently and each time I think..."Hammy sure gets around"!

Love it and love your darling "hamster" an the daisy you know how to create a card that makes me smile!

Patti

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

So creative! Thanks for sharing with us at CCCB!

Cazzy said...

Poor kids, I have heard some awful name combinations when waiting in waiting rooms! I can't recall them now but I felt for the kids after a mental giggle!
Fancy turning a hedgie into a hammie! Now I have heard it all, well done you!

Carol x

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

Fantastic card, Darnell. Sorry my comments are sporadic, but it depends on my fingers bending to type. I do hope to be more consistent by the end of the month, post surgery!

Happy Dance said...

P.S. When I was baptized, the other little girl who was baptized the same day was....wait for it....Bunny Rabbit. Her brother's name was Peter. Some parents are not funny. Oh, and I lived across the street from a girl named, Bambi Hyde... real name.... What were they thinking???? Bev

Greta said...

PS--Don't be holding your breath on my being clamored for--LOL!, but your sweet comment did make my day, Darnell!

Nora Noll said...

Aww!! How cute is that card!! I love how you converted the hedgehog into a hamster. Great job!!! So clever too. Have a great night!!

Miriam Prantner said...

You are so funny! I chuckled at your name musings...I have a similar response to repeated first/last names as well as people who give themselves two last names or people who give boys girls names...I could go on. But I do love the card, love the texture on the flower!

Neet said...

Lovely card, lovely post but the inspiration picture of the hamster is so darned cute. I just fell in love with it.
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs, Neet xx

Shona Chambers said...

I can't look at that gorgeous inspiration photo without laughing, its hilarious!! No wonder Hammy insisted you join the challenge. Such a sweet wee hedgehog, love his teeny tiny feet. He's coloured perfectly and love the enamel schtuff, never seen that before. As for funny names have just been reading a book to my 9yr daughter Phoebe where there is a character called 'Verity S. Melly'. Her nickname is 'Very' so you can imagine the rest. I hope this name was made up!!!

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Fabulous card. Love the enamel on the petals.
You always make me smile.
Can think of worse names, like Ivor Biggun or Ben Dover lol!
Enjoy your day.
Ang x

1CardCreator said...

What a sweet card, just made me smile! ~Diane

Kim Heggins said...

Stunning photos of the view from your fabulous playhouse. And your inspiration photo is as cute as they come too. I love your card so sweet and just too darn cute!

Beverley said...

Love reading your snippets & so funny you talk about names, something we've struggled with for our expectant twin boys! Love your card & thank you for taking the TIME OUT and joining in on the challenge. Hugs Bev x

Beverley said...

Love reading your snippets & so funny you talk about names, something we've struggled with for our expectant twin boys! Love your card & thank you for taking the TIME OUT and joining in on the challenge. Hugs Bev x

Jenny Marples said...

Loving Hammy's card and that adorable picture! I can see why someone got rather excited at seeing it... :) Jenny x

Cara said...

too cute - great attempt trying to make the little dude look fluffy! At the single butterfly element is perfect. Thank you for sharing this with us on Mrs. A's butterfly Challenge! (Hugs) Cara

cm said...

Darnell Carnell - okay, that's funny! What is not funny is the set of twins I taught years ago: Carol and Caroline. Seriously! A kazillion names out there and their parents choose those? Another colleague shared a story of a boy she knew in school: Robert Loblaw. They called him Bob, for short...and I'll leave you to figure out the rest. Hilarious! Love your hedgehog...er, hamster, card! Absolutely fluffy adorableness! And the ladybug and the butterfly...whole card is a delight!
Hugs~c

wienerhoneymooners said...

So cute, and so very sweet!! I LOVE the hedgehog!! All the dimension elements that you have added really make it pop!

Thanks so much for joining us at FUSION, sure hope that you are inspired to join us again!!!

Kim S said...

I'm not going to get much done today. I am reading your blog in reverse and after my husband enjoyed a later post with the his/her diaries, he's now sitting next to me having me read your blog aloud (at least the non-cardmaking parts!) Darnell Carnell...wow!