Happy Fresh-Faced Monday! Take a deep breath of that sucker and let's get this week started!
Before I forget, I want to let you know that we were not impacted by the earthquake that struck in Napa, about an hour north of us. In fact, we all slept right through it, although it was definitely felt in this region. My thoughts and prayers are with all the families that have been devastated by the quake damage. Once again, life changing in the blink of an eye. Thank you to all of you who emailed with concern.
We had the twins this weekend while their mom and dad went off to a wedding in Chicago. I didn't have a whole lot of crafting time, but I did whip up a couple of QACAS Christmas cards, working a little each night after the boys went to bed. First up is this card:
Before I forget, I want to let you know that we were not impacted by the earthquake that struck in Napa, about an hour north of us. In fact, we all slept right through it, although it was definitely felt in this region. My thoughts and prayers are with all the families that have been devastated by the quake damage. Once again, life changing in the blink of an eye. Thank you to all of you who emailed with concern.
We had the twins this weekend while their mom and dad went off to a wedding in Chicago. I didn't have a whole lot of crafting time, but I did whip up a couple of QACAS Christmas cards, working a little each night after the boys went to bed. First up is this card:
This card started with a PTI white card base onto which I laid strips of black glittery Washi tape from American Crafts. The tree is a die from PTI which I cut from kraft card and then inlaid back into the opening and outlined with a dark brown SU marker. The sediment is also from PTI.
Here's a close-up of the thick and glossy "icing."
I doodled it on freehand straight from a small bottle of Inkssentials white enamel accents. Then, once the enamel accents was dry, I went to town with the enamel dots for ormanents. Other than waiting for the enamel to dry, this was a really quick card.
The color scheme is not one I would have thought up on my own and, no, even Hammy is not that inovating. The black and white stripes and the tree icing and the colors of kraft, black, and white were inspired from this fun Festive Friday photo:
And, I wanted to enter the August Rudolph Day challenge. The Rudolph Day challenge takes place from the 25th day of each month to the last day of each month and only Christmas cards can be entered. This year our delightful hosteeto, Sarn, has asked that we enter TWO cards each month at the same time.
That meant I needed to make another Christmas card this weekend. To inspire me, I used the current sketch from the fabulishious Less Is More challenge.
I turned to my dwindling stash o' stickers for this quick Christmas card and found two that would work. I'm really silly happy at how striking this looks.
You can't beat the beautiful Penny Black Stickeroos for their pure art, nor can you beat how quickly you can make an elegant card with them. (And Penny isn't even paying me to say that.) In addition to this card being my second card for the Rudolph challenge, I am also entering it in the Penny Black and More August challenge of "Anything Goes."
Here are my two cards together. Sorry about the lighting ~ I forgot about that requirement for Rudolph until the sun was low and setting.
I hope to see you in the galleries! For details regarding rules, sponsors, and prizes, please click on any of the challenge links.
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I will leave you with a photo collage of the weekend. We had a grand time, from a peaceful tour of a California Mission to demolishing Bama and Papa's backyard for bases from which to play War! They tried on several pots to wear as helmets, but once they determined that being able to see was a criteria, they decided on wire planter helmets held on with some of Bama's ribbons. It's such a joy to just sit back and observe imagination in its purest form. And the simple pleasure of a fudgesicle ceasefire.
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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:
You nailed that Festive Friday challenge Darnell - very stylish. Looks like you had an amazing weekend with the boys. Thank goodness you caught some of those precious moments on camera - now you just have to scrap them.
Firstly glad to hear you are safe. Two great cards, love the glitter washi background on the first, very contemporary!! Looks like a lovely weekend was had by all, and it looks like the pooch was exhausted by all the activity!! xx
Hi Darnell
Love both cards especially the iced tree.
Hope the dog wasn't a war casualty lol!
Have a great week.
Ang x
Fab cards.
Obviously a lot of fun happening in your garden:)
So glad you didn't suffer any effects of the earthquake.
Phewwwwwwwwww! Mightily relieved to hear you've not been impacted by the earthquake, Darnell.
LOVE your doooooet of makes today - I have your PB stickers in wood mounted stamp form!!
Happy Rudolph Day matey
Kathyk
Those are stickers! Fabulous cards Darnell, i also love how you've edged the tree die so that it 'pops' out. I've got some of that enamel stuff and have never known what to do with it! Great pics of the kiddies, you are creating wonderful memories for them. Mabel the hamster is very good natured but she's a real live wire, it's only a matter of time before she escapes! Xx
I am glad you are all safe and well!
Your cards are gorgeous, such fabulous stylish designs. I especially love the snow covered tree.
I love your fabulous collage of the weekend with your gorgeous Grandson. It looks like they had a wonderful time!
hugs Sue xx
Pleased to hear you weren't affected by the quake Darnell...two lovely cards but especially like you iced tree...sounds like you had fun with your grandchildren
Anne
Beautiful cards Darnell. The overlooked as if they had great fun too. These are the memories they'll treasure forever.
So glad you are safe, as you say my heart goes out to the families of Napa.
One of my hubby's cousin's live in the bay area and his Aunt lives in SLO.
Those stickeroos look fab and really quick to use, fab cards.
Oh I love the pictures of the twins...they would fit right in at our house! Super fun! Your cards are fabulous too...love the bold black and white stripes on your FF card! So glad you could play along.
What fun and festive Christmas cards! I just love that inlaid tree all fancied up with the enamel accents! It looks like a cookie with frosting! Great use of those pretty stickers on the 2nd too! TFS the fun pics of the youngsters :)
Super fun festive cards Darnell and lovely photos..so glad you managed to just sleep through the tremors, am feeling for anyone affected. Some of my family live in San Francisco, I guess they would be fine and they are...I love to visit the Missions, when we were over last year we drove from SF to San Diego and re-visited quite a few, hugs Carole Z X
I just want to lick that Kraft card, cause that sure looks like some yummy icing! All I can say about the sticker card is "Wowzer". Happy Monday!
So glad you missed that quake and are safe. Your cards today are both so lovely I love them both perfect. Loved the photos of your grandchildren looks like they enjoyed a great weekend doing the things boys just love to do Love and Happy Crafting Hugs Carole x
Nice cards Darnell love the enamel on your tree. Glad to see you were safe from the quake. Today's my TCBH post.
Greetings from Veerle x
I love the color combo of that 1st card...
I love black and white for Christmas...
and add the enamel...
perfect!
Sounds like you had a great weekend and glad you're safe!
Happy to hear all is well in your neck of the woods, Darnell. Sounds like you could have had an earthquake of an entirely different sort if that "war" had escalated! :) Imagination is a grand thing. Your cards are fabulous, too! I like what you did with the enamel schtuff. Have a great week.
Great ideas on these cards! Wonderfully done and both are very striking. I even love your pictures! Especially love the single Christmas tree in front of the purple flowers - tells us all that even though it is still warm, we better start getting more Christmas cards done as it is just around the corner! Beautiful work my friend. Hugz!
Love them both! :)
Hugs,
Em x
Creative Em
Ooooh, FUN cards!!! Love! And how fun are those photos?!!...Looks like a great time! ;)
I love the color combo on your first card Darnell and I love the look of the tree its like a ginger cake...the second one also look amazing two greats christmas card and the kids looks like they are so happy on your picture....how are you Darnell..it was long time ago see your nice smile again on my Blog...hope you will have 1-2 minuntes time to visiting me again sweety...big hugs...Monika
wonderful tree cards Darnell! the kraft one looks just like an iced cookie - Yum!! Looks like your grands had a really fun time staying with you!
Oooh, love both of your Chistmasy creations, Darnell! I especially love that frosted tree, it looks good enough to eat! Your card works perfectly with the inspiration photo, too!
Fantastic photos, as always! Love the 'icing' on your tree and the sparkly black stripes! So glad you joined us at Festive Friday!
Fabulous cards Darnell... both of them and the pics of your weekend look brill. Your LIM card is really striking... I'm so pleased you liked the sketch!
Glad you weren't affected by the quake!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"
Fabulous cards Darnell... both of them and the pics of your weekend look brill. Your LIM card is really striking... I'm so pleased you liked the sketch!
Glad you weren't affected by the quake!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"
Both cards are beautiful, especially the PB sticker Christmas one, you are right it is very striking! Had not heard about the quake, hoping there are no more.... Hugs Annie xxx
Love how the background stripes on the first and the treads on the piece from the LIM card set the feel of the cards! Both so original and festive! Hugs, Gerrina
Two lovely cards Darnell, and the first looks really yummy as it reminds me of a beautiful cookie, and the black and white striped background goes with it perfectly. The PB stickeroos are wonderfully arty and I love the sentiment which looks vaguely oriental. Looks like the twins have had a lovely time with you. I love the photos and the statue they are standing in front of looks a bit oriental too. Sorry to hear about the quake on the news yesterday, but just glad it didn't affect you. x
Fabulous cards for the holidays. I love the "icing" on that first card and it reminds me of a cookie! Cute and yummy enough to eat for sure.
Glad y'all had a great time this weekend too. Fun times.
Also thankful you weren't involved in the area of the earthquake. So sad things can be destructive like that.
lynn
We slept through the trembler too. Just sad about those folks affected by it. So...just how long did you stay up to finish these two masterpieces after the boys went to bed. Golly girl, you're kinda amazing. The neutral tree is AAAH-some. Love the "icing" and oranaments. But you had me at those glittery stripes. OOOOH MAMA! The you just go and throw together that PB sticker card. You should be pleased about how it turned out because it's gorjuss. By the way, you must have done something really good in your life to produce such handsome boys. How old are they? I have grandgirls.
Two great Christmas cards, Darnell. It looks like the twins had a fun time this weekend.
Wonderful cards ... The iced tree look good enough to eat!! And what handsome boys!! Oh imagination is the best game ever!
Your first card looks god enough to eat!!
LOVE the Fencing gear the boys came up with...looks like you had a great weekend!
two wonderful cards, Darnell! That first one definitely looks edible!!! So pleased to hear you are safe and the earthquake didn't do damage in your region. Prayers for those not so lucky xxx
These are fabulous! Love the designs and great choice of colors.
Thanks so much for sharing with us this month at Penny Black and More. Hope you'll play along again next month!
The 1st person I thought of was you when I heard about the EQ, I'm so glad all is well! I love your Christmas cards, so arsty ! Sounds like you and I had some awesome grandma time this weekend!
LOVE the gingerbread look of the tree! Fab idea! Love how it looks with the striped b&w background, a very successful combo of traditional and modern style.
As for your second, let's just say I'm VERY interested in looking up Stickeroos, I'm sure that's something I need, lol.
Your Christmas cards are swell...a couple of unique crazy cute cards, and I love the collage of the boys, your talents are many. I hope to get back to playing and visiting soon. Hugs Carole
Fantastic cards today Darnell!! your tree on the first one looks like a frosted Christmas cookie ~ YUM!! CUTE pics of the twins, love the wire hats!!!
Wow! I love both of your wonderful Christmas card designs.
Happy to read you're all safe, Darnell ... and have enjoyed a wonderful weekend with the boys (great photo's). Your cards are brilliant ... I was thinking how deliciously edible the kraft one was when I scrolled down and saw the inspiration ... cookies ... hahaha, yummy! The trio of trees ... just lovely, elegant, striking and so very festive! Hugs, Anita :)
It must be so much fun to have you as a 'Bama', Darnell!!! Looks like the boys had a BLAST! My favorite? How you used your crafting ribbon to hold the wire planter helmets on their heads...too FUNNY!!!
Don't know how you found the time, but once again, you've managed to turn out two fabulous cards! On the first one, your tree looks like a yummy Christmas cookie...Love the details! And, the trees on your 2nd card are so artistic and lovely!
Thanks so much for my Monday smile :-) Have a great week!
The Christmas cookie tree took me back 60 years - mom always made frosted sugar cookies of all shapes for the holiday. As we kids got older we 'helped' with the decorating of them. Great memories! What a difference a few-second earthquake can make and how slow those few seconds pass by...So glad the tremors didn't reach you. Your grandsons will probably gag if you tell them they're good-looking, but they are!
Two great cards. I love Stickeroos too! I thought I was already following you but apparently I wasn't, so hopefully I am now! I am getting used to your play on words! I love words too, but I tend to tear my hair out when they are used or spelled incorrectly, but you have a clever way of twisting them. Kate x
Brilliant makes and love the icing on the tree and would never have guessed that you had used a PB stickeroo.
Kath x
Love both your cards! That "icing" on the tree looks awesome! You did an excellent job. I like the one with the stickers, too. You're giving me some good ideas!
Two stunning cards. The icing looks so realistic too. So glad to hear you weren't affected by the quake.
The pictures of the Twinks were delightful. Oh how big they are growing. I bet it delighted your hearts to see them having such simple fun with you. I'm envious of that kraft card tree. Loved the glittery striping, but what really sent me over the moon was your enamel icing. Every time I've tried to use that stuff, I've made an utter mess. Yours is terrific and it really did look like icing. Loving the inlay too...so kool. Your sticker card was uber cute as well. A wonderful use of the stickers and it made a CAS card look like an art piece. TFS &Hugs. Also very thankful no repercussions from the shaking. Scary.
LOVED your two cards....How cool is it that you can make such an outstanding card with stickers? Your Christmas tree brought to mind ginger cookies with icing for some reason...but then my sweet tooth RULES.....so maybe that is why!
About those twins! I chuckled at the picture of the dog...looks like they plumb wore him out! They (the boys) are just as cute as they can be, and you are both so lucky to be able to spend time with one another. My relationship with my gramma was a major influence on who I became. Unfortunately both of our boys are married and have chosen not to have children. SO I have 4 legged grandchildren instead! I am sad at times but both are in marriages that children might have a tough time in so it probably worked out for the best. I really enjoyed your recap of the weekend. Very special!
Hugs and have a GREAT week!
The "iced" tree is a sure winner for FF! You couldn't have nailed that inspiration any better! And congrats on letting the "frosting" dry without incident! And I need to hunt for some of those PB stickers! That card is awesome too! Those sweet boys let loose a lot of creativity! So glad you weren't impacted by the earthquake. Those poor folks that were....
Love your Christmas card duo and am amazed at what a fun grandparent you are!! What a sweetie you are!! My favorite card is the sticker one because I love seeing things using up stickers in a stash (I have so many) - great job and the card was striking!! Might have to try icing a Christmas tree soon!! :)
For QACAS, these cards are fabulous. I love the icing on the tree - it does looks like real icing - and the striped background. Those green trees are wonderful and I love the font of the sentiment They look so good togther.
So happy to hear you and family are all safe and sound! Looks like your weekend was great. Fabulous Christmas designs. Love the black & white and the tree that reminds me of a cookie! Great trees on card two too!
Your first card is delicious - love the kraft and icing! I wouldn't usually think of this colour combo for Christmas but it really works. I couldn't believe your second card was made with stickers - they are fab! Good job keeping the boys entertained over the weekend....I will have to borrow your idea of using wire planters for helmets :)
That tree looks yummy, I so want to eat it! And the glitter stripes are just full of Christmas joy! Looks like a fun weekend x
Fabulous cards Darnell
winter time is comming
hugs Tamara
Visiting from Simply Less is More, but you are obviously very popular and with good reason! Great use of the sketch.
Thanks for sharing
Hi Darnell,
so good to hear all is okay with you.
2 super Rudolf day card.
My I would have just collapsed after the boys had gone to bed, if it were me.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.
Darnell, your take on Festive Friday is excellent. Love your use of PTI die and enamel accents and dots looking like frosting on a cookie!
So glad you're safe! I have niece in Napa that had lots of damage done, but the family is okay :) Your cards are fabulous!! I agree that was a strange color combo for the FF one, but your card works and it's absolutely lovely! The second one with the stickers is very striking! Great work my friend! Big hugs and a happy week! :)
Super cards Darnell. Pleased the quake didn`t affect you.
Lynne xxx
Super cards Darnell. Pleased the quake didn`t affect you.
Lynne xxx
Two wonderful card...my favourite is the second one...something about those PB stickeroos always calls to me!
The boys are growing. So fun to see them at play!
Glad to hear you are safe and well and still managing time to be making two really lovely cards Darnell even when you have the boys staying! Oh what fun they had, brilliant photos too!! Hugs Gay x
Glad to hear all is well with you and you are still crafting away. Love your cards. Getting a bit edgy though with all these Christmas makes and I've hasn't started.
Thanks for joining the challenge
Sarah
Less is more
Two great cards for RD, I especially like the embedded tree one. You did a great job with the enamel accents.
Jean x
Love both your cards, Darnell! I really need to use my PB stickers--thanks for the inspiration! Fun pictures--you guys are such great grandparents!
Hi Darnell,lovely Christmas cards especially the Arty one, the font of the sentiment goes so well. Each time I see you post a Christmas card I think I must start on mine, and here I am still not a one made tsk.
Hugs Lottie x
I am catching up on missed blog posts when I went away for vacation. I am so glad that I saw this. I LOVE what you did with that PTI tree. I might have to CASE it, if you don't mind.
I also cannot believe your second card is made using stickers. When I read you used two stickers, I couldn't believe the trees were one of them. It looks like you painted them!!
Fabulous cards!!
Really? You consider that first card QACAS? I so wouldn't have been able to create that in anything remotely considered quick. ;) Both cards are awesome. Thanks for joining the fun at the Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers! (You always make it fun!)
Glad to hear you are all safe and well, Darnell. You nailed that Festive Friday challenge! LOVE that tree!!!
Before I saw your inspiration piece for the kraft card, I thought, "It looks like a cookie!" But you have made me wanted frosted Christmas cookies so now I am mad at you because I have to diet before I go to a wedding in October. I will have to wait until Christmas to get that cookie. ;) Thanks for playing with us again at the Snarky Sisterhood!
First so glad you are all safe. We who live in California know the fear of earthquakes and fires. My son in Mountain View slept through it.
Both cards are great. Hooray for Penny Black stickers.
Two really different but equally lovely cards. Especially liked the Penny Black card xxx
Both are such fun Christmas cards and so different from each other. I like you hand frosted inlaid tree but the other card is indeed very striking as well. Fun times. Glad to hear you weren't a shake rattle and roll victim. I felt an earthquake a couple of months ago. That was kind of different. I was already in bed so I have no idea what sort of ruckus it set up in the cats but I'm sure they were ruckus-ing.
First off I'm so glad that the earthquake didn't do any damage in your area Darnell. My heart goes out to all those effected by the quake too. Life can change in an instant and there are no guarantees of a tomorrow. I love, love both of your Christmas cards, but it is that black, white and kraft tree card that I'm in love with. I love watching children use their imaginations!! I sit back and watch my own grandchildren and I love it. Your grandsons are just too cute and I love their wire planter pots as their helmets-perfect for seeing! lol Hugs, Brenda
Well, I'm on a mission to add PB stamps and dies to my collection; looks like stickers need to be added to the list as well, based on how super artsy awesome your second card is! The first one...I'm going to dig out a gingerbread cookie recipe; you've whetted my appetite for 'iced' cookies. My husband would extra love me if I made a batch. Your twins...so. much. love.!!
Hugs~c
I love these Darnell! BOTH of them! Love the yummy looking icing and sprinkles on your Festive Friday tree! It was kinda fun to try something different, eh? I've really enjoyed seeing what everyone came up with…So very glad you joined us!!!
Gorgeous cards Darnell .... love the LIM one. You can't beat a stickeroo ..... and this one is stunning! xx
Fab cards Darnell! Thanks for joining the sisterhood of snarky stampers for the "K is for Kraft" challenge!!
Phew . . . glad you weren't affected by the earthquake Darnell.
I'm playing catch up after returning from holiday - hence the late comment!
Love BOTH these cards. You were brave doodling with the enamels and I just love how striking the sticker card is.
Thanks for joining in with Rudolph Day.
Hugs, Sarn xxx
Hi Darnell, so glad the earthquake didn't affect you ... would hate for your playhouse to be brought done by it all. Well done on finding the time to make two fabulous cards for Rudolph Day ... looking after twins sounds busy enough for me. Elizabeth xx
Oh my goodness I am sooo glad you are safe and sound after that horrid earthquake.Sorry I did visit earlier (just to check) but forgot leave a message!Love those beautiful cards too...WOW! and the fab photographs too...such happy twins :) hugs Viv xx
Darnell these are gorgeous, love that icing, such a fab look
Thanks for letting me know about being a Snarky Queen, somehow the comments ended up needing moderation and were hiding...
Super take on the sketch
Thanks for joining in with Less is More this week
Anne
LIM Designer
Two great cards and nice to see a Penny Black Stickeroo being used.
Thanks for sharing with us this month at Penny Black & More.
Lynn x
DT
Great cards and pictures!
Terrific cards, especially the luscious iced creation, totally delicious.
So glad to hear that you are all ok, and slept through what could have been a bad sitchy-ation. Now, on to your cards: Your frosting laced tree card is absolutely incredible and I want to CASE it! (of course, I'll need the tree die, and the frosting). Your second card is QACAS at it's finest! Thanks for joining us at the Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers for the Kraft challenge!
I did it again. I look at your wonderful cards...(and these two are, as always) check out all your links...and then forget to come back and comment. I think I have to remember to comment before I go off on other adventures...so I don't have to look through 90 comments to see if I did comment...smile...
PS. so happy this this did not impact you. Jim and I will never, ever forget our trip to Napa Valley...it was definitely one of our favorite places to visit...so beautiful.
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