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!

November 9, 2014

Candles Galore!

Hello! I hope you are having a fun day Sunday!

I was able to see well enough yesterday to make a couple three Christmas cards. I broke out my NBUS candle centerpiece die from Memory Box that I treated myself to after the holidays last year.
(I'm not sure why the browns look reddish in the photo.) Here is a close-up of the shimmering gold inlays:
This is a bit outside the box for me! There are three different papers used in the image inlay and three in the layering! And there's sponging and distressing of edges! I chose not to apply a sediment with all the patterns and glimmer and shimmer.

And then I made this very QACAS card:
I had some NBUS cork sheets from PTI which made a super earthy backdrop for the MB candles and the "Merry" sediment cut from textured cream paper from my scraps. The plain NBUS twill tape from SU tied it up nicely.

And then I switched gears and made another card with lots and lots of color:
The pretty striped paper is from PTI and the NBUS sediment is from My Sentiments Exactly.
I've got quite a few more cutouts of this pretty candle centerpiece strewn about my desk. Hammy kept tossing out different papers and I ran them off as quickly as I could. Now he's fast asleep and I'm left with the remnants of Cyclone Candle Cutting!

~~~

My challenges for today's cards:
Pixies Crafty Workshop
STAMPlorations™
~~~

I've been meaning to ask you: There is a new slang abbreviation being used for the word "definitely" which is "defo." Now I know I'm the last one to talk about anyone's Grammarma or spelling, but, um, have I been spelling "definitely" wrong my whole life? I defo don't recall ever seeing an "o."

~~~

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101 comments:

Lesley said...

So much holiday splendor! Love those beautiful candles, Darnell!

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Fantastic festive cards
hugs and blessed Sunday
Tamara :)

Desire Fourie said...

Absolutely stunning Christmas cards with the beautiful candle image.
Hugs Desíre {Doing Life}

Redanne said...

So good to hear that you could see well enough to craft Darnell, hope each day brings an improvement and that are feeling OK too.

You really did have a marathon cutting session! Your cards are all so beautiful, it is amazing how one die can look so different, but each is beautiful.

I am steering clear of 'defo'.... Big hugs, Annie xxx

Sian Ridley said...

These are fabulous! I'm glad your new die got some use - it's certainly the time of year for it :)

I love how you've used so many different papers on the first card, yet it doesn't feel overwhelming in the slightest - genius!

I have to admit, the cork card is my favourite - super CAS and super cool :)

Thank you so much for stopping by the other day to leave me some love, it was lovely to hear from you and due to the time difference I didn't get it until the morning and it set me up for my day at work ;)

Jenny Marples said...

Great to hear things are improving and from the look of these beautiful cards your eye for colour and detail is not diminished in any way. As for slang, sometimes I need an interpreter for my youngest son!!! Jenny x

Sarn said...

Hi Darnell . . . loving your pretty die cut festive makes here. All absolutely lovely.

Personally, I think "defo" should be "deffo" - but that's just me!

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Kathyk said...

Awesome makes, Darnell, I'm crazy about the cork sheet QACAS card

Kathyk

hellerlittle said...

Amazing Cards ...my top Favorite is #02
Looks such great to me in that rustic way
CU hellerlittle

Sarn said...

Me again . . . I just went back a few posts to find out what happened to your eyes.

Another of my blog pals had this done and was pleased with the results, so I hope you will be equally delighted.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Milka Gubo said...

Oh WOW! Beautiful cards Darnell.
Have a lovely Sunday :-D
Milka

Sue said...

A stunning collection of cards Darnell. The Memory Box die is beautiful and your designs are wonderful, I love the colours and textures.
I am pleased that you are making a good recovery from your surgery.
hugs Sue xx

Sue said...

Lovely cards.

Hope you have a good day. Sue

Linda said...

WOW! Someone's been busy ..... love those candles, very festive.
So glad to hear you're getting better ....take each day as it comes and let the mister take good care of you. Big hugs ....Linda xx

sandie said...

this die is stunning-I love all these versions and so pleased you entered TIME OUT-you know we love to see you xx

Lynn said...

Maybe defo is better than defi? Don't won't to "defy" you..."defo" with you on this :)

Love the intricate detail on these candles Darnell. Stunning! And I have a gorgeous Darnell original sitting on my mantle right now. You are simply the best! Thank you for my gorgeous birthday wishes! xoxo

Dora B. said...

I guess "defi" was already taken.
I love the idea of using dies for inlays, your first card is elegant, defo!

Ardyth said...

Lovely - they're all warm and cozy- perfect for the crummy cold and wet weather we're having up here right now!

Brenda said...

Oh my word, these are beautiful Auntie Darnell! First off I'm really happy that you were able to make some cards, I'm sure that felt good to get back in the playhouse to play a little. Secondly even though I can see, I couldn't make cards that look like this! lol I love that first card with the in-lay, so beautiful and shinny. I really love the cork in the other one, never have I used cork before, but now I'm interested in giving it a try, so will have to get me some. And thirdly I love all the color in your last card, so pretty again with the shine! Now I've never hear of this slang, but like you I must have been spelling definitely wrong all these years too, because I don't recall an "o" in it either! lol Hugs, Brenda

Inkyfingers said...

What a great collection of cards Darnell and how great that they each look so different when it is the same die! Glad to see you are on the mend.
Hugs
Carol x

shirley-bee said...

Fabulous cards, Darnell! The first one defo didn't need a sediment - obvs!

Notes by Nina said...

Fabulous set of card Darnell, the candles are lovely. Thank you for joining us for Merry Monday this week.

Ros Crawford said...

Ok... So in Liverpool they often say "Defo" not sure when it started but I'm in my 60's and it's been around as long as me ... We actually have books on learn 'yerself Scouse ... Lol!
Great cards there Darnell ... Have a lovely day!

Carole Z said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell, such different results with the die! I've known 'demo' for some years now...first came across it on Twitter, hugs Carole Z X

Rita said...

Good Afternoon Darnell. Gorgeous cards, I love those candles too, one of my favourite dies. I'm with you on the Defo thing. I have to write full words as it never looks right to me. URGr8, it took me a long long time to work this one out. Hugs from Scotland. Rita xxxxx

conil said...

You done good, girl...especially considering your swollen eyes. That die is fantastic. I'll need it for my NBUS, I think. Gorgeous cards. I'm really drooling over the first one with all the different patterned papers. WOW!

Tenia Nelson said...

Awesome creations!!

Laurie Unger said...

Yummy Holiday cards. I didn't realize that the candle die from MB was that big. Wow! Defo like - Grin! HaHa, not sure I like the abbreviation on that either!

Kristie Goulet said...

Such gorgeous cards, Darnell! Love those candles! So pretty! So happy you joined us at Merry Monday!

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

Such pretty candles! Great cards! Carri~Abusybee
Skittles!

Susanne Vargas said...

What a bright and dazzling post with all these candles glowing! Can't pick a favorite - they are all beautiful in their own way.
Hadn't heard or read "defo" yet... Is my neck of the woods really that far behind? What I want to know is, where this "booyah" comes from that I hear all over the place! Anyone knows?

Pat said...

Three wonderful cards Darnell and all so different but love them all. The golds and browns are wonderfully shiny on the first, the the rustic look for second, and then the pretty candy stripes with the pink and shiny gold, which goes really well, for the third. x

Jacee said...

Such stunning cards Darnell, those candles on the first are so gorgeous, what a lovely card to drop on someones doorstep, lucky people!!
Glad you are back crafting.
hugs Jacee
Simply Paper Card Design

Bonnie said...

You and Hammy came up with some really great and varied candle centerpiece cards! I definitely love them all!

Sue said...

Such beautiful candles from Memory Box. I love all the variations you made using the same stamp! They are all beautiful.

Petra Swart said...

Oh, I love your beautiful candles with all the shimmer, Darnell!!! Such beautiful cards!! Lovely selection of dp you've used!!

Have a great week!!!

Manuela said...

Super cards Darnell, i love especially the style of the 1. and 2. one!

Sharon Underwood said...

The candles are beautiful, Darnell! Hope your eyes are healing by now.

Becca Cruger said...

Oh Darnell, The number of smiles that cross my face when I wander over to your blog... I'm going to need to employ a professional face masseuse - that's a thing, right?

Your cards are lovely and the glitz of the gold just shines, in my book. I like the distressed one a ton!

I would be MORE than honored if you djkased me. That would defo be totes fab. <---after writing this sentence I now have given away the last brain cell I owned.

Hettie said...

These are bootiful Dahling! I do lurve those candles. Love what you done.
Hugs
xx
PS Keep my bulky legs outta fings!!

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
what super Christmas cards.
That die is so versatile as you have shown to perfection.
Lots of crafty love. jenny L.

Peggy in Mentone said...

Hi!

SO many wonderful renditions of the wonderful Memory Box die! Each beautiful in its own way with its own personality (hmmm not saying you have several different personalities, like say, Syble) and beauty! LOVE them all, but think I like the one with the cork the best....

Glad you are mending and back to creating wonderful inspiration for your fans.

Hugs,
Peggy

Verna Angerhofer said...

Wow! All of these are awesome using that wonderful candle die. I can see why you treated yourself to it. It is just perfect and every way you used it is so gorgeous!

Happy Dance said...

I'm out of the loop - hadn't even heard of 'defo' until you mentioned it. I can see I need to start hanging out with 16yo granddaughter more... Now. Your cards are brilliant - literally. LOVE those candles, and how you've changed their look with each of these designs. You have outdone yourself dearheart. You are the candle bomb. Well done, honeygirl. Bev

Ann said...

Love that die, and especially your first card made with so many inlaid die pieces - it is stunning! Hugs, Ann

Geri said...

I'm thinking that the 'defo' part originates from someone saying the word with a whole lot of attitude! Picture someone posing with one hand on their hip and wagging a finger in your face saying "defo-nite-leeee" yes or "defo-nite-lee" no (okay, that's the best that I could come up with!)

Great to "see" you out and about to share these pretty cards with us. That die just got added to my list cuz you've showcased its versatility so well! Beautiful, rustic/earthy feel to your first card, gorgeous texture on the cork and fun colors on the third (my favorite!).


Anita in France said...

Yay ... the Misterstrations are working ... you're back, Darnell ... and with the most shimmery, shiny, splendidly festive candles! All the glimmer is wonderful ... and the white on cork ... crisp, texturey and so delicious! So delighted you played along with us at Time Out!

Maybe defo originated in Australia ... these guys are aces at shortening words ... afternoon is arvo, so definitely may just be defo! I stand to be corrected! Hugs, Anita :)

Gerrina said...

You are in the right flow! Love the metalics and CAS ones! Enjoy your creative time!

Kathleen said...

What a fabulous set of cards using the same fabulous image, all stunning in different ways.

Kath x

Donna Nuce said...

Love these cards Darnell! Especially like the one on cork. Very trendy! Have a great day!

Kathy Schweinfurth said...

Gorgeous all!! What a fabulous candle die and you used it beautifully! Thanks so much for joining us at Merry Monday!!

3treescreations@gmail.com said...

Always nice to see what you are up to - LOVING these candle cards!!!!!!

Deanne :)

Loll said...

Gorgeous cards Dolly. I love that you have gone from elegant to rustic with this beautiful candle die .. they are all so pretty. Lolly xx

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Darnell, beautiful designs using the MB die (I have that one too, it's been used once). The top one is gorgeous, I can't figure out how you've layered it. Glad you are doing well, Shirleyxx

Kim Heggins said...

Fabulous collection of Christmas cards Darnell...I love those beautiful candles, they really make for stunning and traditional looking cards. I love it. And since I had the pleasure of seeing you face to face today, I have to say you looked just beautiful as well. Thank you again for all your amazing help!

Sheri said...

Gosh they are all beautiful! Can't even pick a favorite.

Patti said...

Oh yeah!! a whole lotta sparkling going on!

Loving the candle die all your cards are so unique and festive! : )

Glad to see you up to your sweet crafting self! : )

Patti

Carol L said...

Great cards with that magnificent die! I love them all!
I've been spelling definitely the same way too, but perhaps "defo" is short for "Deaf?? OH!!!" These AACK-ronyms keep coming atcha whether you want them or not! LOL

MaryH said...

Girl, you are AH-mazing! Here you are recovering from eye surgery, and still made 3 gorgeous creations. On the inlay, that had to be tricky - even with optimum eyes! It's stunning, beautiful and gosh, I can't think of any other pretty words. I LOVE this die, it's one of my fab MB dies. Each card you have it on, it's plumb wonderful. The cork paper was brilliant to use as a background...the rough with the delicate candles. Very creative & artistic. Hope each day is getting better & you don't push it. Take care of those peepers. Big Hugs! TFS

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

I love your gorgeous shimmery creations!
And...I defo don't like defo!

Patti J said...

Darnell, all three cards are amazing...love the dies y ou used! Beautifully done, one and all! Hope your weekend was wonderful!

Cat Craig said...

Beautifully designed cards making the most of that die,Darnell. So glad your recovery is coming along. Hope you feel your best again soon.

Bobby said...

I can see why you had to buy this die. You can make such beautiful cards with it. They all are so beautiful, Darnell.

Krisha said...

All are stunning cards.
What a great Christmas die to have in the stash. I can see why you bought it. I think my fav is the cork one, just something about it and normally I'm a glittery, sparkly gal, who can be distracted by anything shinny ....LOL

Lisa Elton said...

Those candle are wonderful, what pretty cards Darnell!! So happy you were up to getting in a litle crafting time. Thank you so much for your visit and sweet comments today. I do MISS my sweet Max, but I know he's happy and feeling GOOD once again!

Virginia L. said...

Your candles are quite the masterpiece, Darnell! I really love the inking of the background and choice of pattern paper, too! Gosh, you really play up the challenge BEAUTIFULLY! So glad that you join the fun over Virginia’s View “All About Metallic” Challenge!

Aileen said...

Beautiful cards. Love that die cut especially in gold. Really eye catching defo kido. The problemo these days is our kiddo's can't spell so there's a totally new lingo on the way hey.

Di said...

Wow Darnell - what fabulous candle cards! Love them all equally :)

Deffo is slang and has been around for a long time in the UK - since the 1990's if not earlier - with two F's in.

Glad the eyes are recovering - certainly you managed these cards beautifully!

Hugs

Di xx

Shelly said...

These are awesome!!! Lovin' those candles!

OH Babs said...

My goodness, can I say prolific. Are you competing with Joyce M? She makes oodles of cards. Great die and nice gift to yourself. Do I have to choose? Maybe the last one, it is stunning.

Chriss Blagrave said...

Hi Darnell!
I am so glad that your healing is progressing and what a fab assortment of cards you have created. I love all of the different textures and finishes that you used in creating this bevy of beauties!
As for the defo abbreviation...I have not heard this, BUT you are talking to the last person on earth to find out what MWAH means. I looked it up today and I see that it means sending and air kiss, like this perhaps 😘. I do you this in the form of Emojis. But honestly, at the risk of being laughed at...I thought that MWAH meant Mailed With A Hug 😌. Oh dear...haha

Pia S said...

I love posts like this, seeing how the same person use the same image or die in different ways. Very inspirational! I must say the candles look fantastic with your use of different paper on your first. But the simplicity of your second is also very striking...

Marisa said...

Gorgeous die and love how you used it in various ways. Adore the first one!

Mau xx said...

Hi Darnell, hope you are well xx sorry have had little time to blog lately. love the cards, the first one is stunning but love the different use of that candle die.
Hope I get around more often when this new plaything settles in :o)
Huge Hugs Mau xx

Jean said...

Hi Darnell, I'm so glad your eyes are recovered enough to do some crafting. You have made some gorgeous cards here. That MB die is lovely and you have used it brilliantly. All your cards all look so different but each stunning in it's own way, the first two are the ones I like best.
Jean x

Shona Chambers said...

I haven't come across 'defo' yet but definitely is a word I always struggle with because I never know whether to spell it 'definitely' or 'definately'. Boggles my mind!! So many gorgeous candles, who knew there were so many different ones. Just love the card you made for the TIME OUT challenge and so happy you had the chance to join us. I've never used cork card before, is it very thick??

Vicki Dutcher said...

LOVE that inlaid die card -- fabulous creations! Thanks for joining in at STAMPlorations~

My Paper Epiphany said...

Oh I love that die and all 3 cards - beautiful! Definitely defo doesn't have an 'o'!

Anonymous said...

These are fab. They look good sparkly and also the white on cork. TFS.

Greta said...

That is a gorgeous die--I can see why you had to have it, Darnell! Your cards are great & I certainly wouldn't know the first one was outside the box for you--looks fabulous!

Kim M said...

Wonderful cards, Darnell! That is an awesome die. Love the foil paper you used. Happy to see you playing along with us over at Inkspirational! :-)

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

My Darnell, you have been a busy lady, with all of these beautiful creations. The ways you have used the candle die, are just dreamy! I have been scarce because I am still part of the working world, and we are down multiple employees. It is also the busiest season for us. Soooo, that being said, it gets harder and harder to find creative time. Did you know I work for Goodwill? I am working on my 18th year. Have a great week!

Gerrina said...

I forgot to thank you for joining in at the TIME OUT Challengeblog! Hugs, Gerrina

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Those candles are just gorgeous Darnell! Thanks for all your help today with my blog! Hazel x

scrappymo! said...

After reading this wonderful post, I now I feel lazy! lol

Great cards...they are all wonderful but i think my fave is the first. Mostly because i would not have thought to do it that way...and I love the finished result! Has a very modern, upscale look to it!!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful card Darnell!!!

Sid said...

Beautiful and shiny !!

maria f. said...

You defo rockin' the layers on that first one, Hammy's Helper! What a cool conglomeration of papers, but it totally works. Thanks for joining us at STAMPlorations this month, you two.

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Sorry I'm late but Blogger keeps eating my reading list. Glad you're on the mend. And, what superdoopah projects to restart your crafty adventures. My fave is the first one. Stunning!
Hope you are back to normal (ahem!) Soon.
Ang x

Leslee said...

Beautiful festive cards. Glad your eyes are doing OK.

Brenda in IN said...

What a wonderful way to showcase this candle die. Your cards are all stunning. I love the shine of the gold candles, it makes them really glow. Then there is the cork. Oh my, it is an outstanding card. I love the see dies used in several different ways and you perfected this one.

Anonymous said...

Oh my !!! What wonderful creations I love them all and its amazing how different they look considering its the same die. The first is my favourite its simply glorious.

Marie

1CardCreator said...

Love these, the candles are gorgeous too! ~Diane

Karen M said...

Love all these gorgeous cards and that die is really beautiful - hugs xx

Kelly Latevola said...

These are all beautiful but that inlay candle card is nothing short of amazing! Incredible design Darnell!!

Leigh Penner said...

These are beautiful!

cm said...

How wonderful that Mister's attentiveness to your healing has you up and about already, creating cards that are supremely, splendidly and amazingly GORGEOUS! The shimmery, glimmers, shiny candles...swoon-inducing! These are marvelous...defo marvelous! Thank you so much for sharing these gems at ATSM (and for sharing them in general. Gorgeous!).
Hugs~c

Deepti said...

Oh my these are gorgeous! Love all the variation with Candles diecut!

Nonni said...

3 stunning cards, what a beautiful die! I love the drama in your first card and the elegant simplicity of the second. Great job! By the way I was admiring some photos from the BABES week. I bet you had so much fun. Hugs! And thanks for taking TIME OUT and joining our challenge!

Kristie Goulet said...

Congratulations on YOUR HM at Virginia's View too! xo

maria f. said...

Well you (two) totally rocked that die cut - congrats on your shout out at Virginia's. Go metallic! And Happy Turkey Day.