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!

December 19, 2015

Mums and Metallica

Greetings!

Are you becited?! We are down to less than one week from Christmas! It's Crazy Town everywhere as people scramble to, well, wrap things up!

I'm here today with something other than a Christmas card, but close. It's a thank you card for a Christmas gift, in shiny Christmas colors.
 
I actually wanted to use this NBUS die for a Christmas card, but I never got around to it, so I'm glad to use it now. The die is called "Delicate Mum" and it's from Poppystamps. The "thanks" is from Winnie and Walter. It was really fiddly taking out the red bits and replacing them with the gold bits. Now I sorta know what it feels like to be a dentist.

Challenges for the above card:

SIP Challenge 27 - Thanks 800
Simon Wednesday Challenge Blog

The above thank you card is going to my nonbloggie friend Donna who is a quilter. We had lunch recently and she gave me this beautiful ornament which she made. The sheen of this fabric shot with gold is magnificent in real life and her hand-stitching is fantastic!
~~~

Of course, I had to do little some thin some thin with the positive mum, but I had reached the end of my fiddly patience. Since the smallest hamster, Harvard, who adores fiddling, was actually busy with his violin lessons, I put this little minimumly fiddly card together for a December 28 birthday:
While it is mum-like in real life, but up here it looks like an albino spider laying on his back wearing his Christmas slippers and waiting for his belly to be rubbed. Out. 

Sparkly Washi tape and a heat embossed PTI sediment and that's that. I tried to use my Versamark pen and first white-emboss the celebrate and then red-emboss the rest, but I kept biffing it, so I finally operated on the stamp and now I sorta know what it feels like to be a surgeon.

Challenges for the above card:
Take it, it's yours
Today's Twinfer Card / Mister News

Tomorrow is the eleventeenth birthday of our twin grandsons, Henry and Adam! I thought the boys might like a little metallica this year:
We are heading over to have lunch with them and then we'll see them often over the long Christmas weekend. Yay!

Speaking of family, I hate to tell you that my poor Mister is down again. Even though he still cannot sit for long without pain, he had recovered from the hamstring injury to the point where he was able to return to hiking and he went back to the gym last week. Happy whistling had recommenced in the Big House.

But then on Wednesday's hike, on the flat part, he tore the meniscas in his right knee. You guys, that would be the OTHER leg! Yes, I hear you gasp.
I'm not even kidding. Back we went to the doctor who determined that rest and ice are all that will be needed. That's a huge relief, but it does add more time to the other end of a very long time-consuming hamstring recovery.

That's the update, but we know it could be so much worse and if all he needs is the healing passage of time, we have much to be grateful for.

Still, I am gonna need another refill on that chocolate drawer!

~~~

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 join as a follower! Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor! (Linda S., I have no contact information for you, so please email me at darnell dot knauss at gmail dot com. Thank you!)

*Life is too short!

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78 comments:

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh Darnell your poor Mister (and poor you)!! Just you make sure Hammy and Harvard and the rest of the family help you and the Mister out!! Don't try to do it all yourself ;-).
Love your cards, the use of both the positive and negative parts of the 'mum are fabulous, and great for the budget to use both bits!! AS for the metallica cards - they are perfect!! If all metallica was like that I wouldn't mind it :-)
Blessings
Maxine

TK said...

While your cards are wonderful, and I'm sure the twins will love them... POOR MISTER! Hope his recovery is much faster this time!

Sue said...

The boys will love their cards. Your cards are fab, even the one with the spider;) LOL

Hope your hubby heals up quickly.

Take care. Sue

Lizzy Hill said...

Oh dear. NOT a good time to do his other leg, but as you say. Coulda been worse!!! And I think you may be practising those medical skills with your Other Half in mind!!! OR not..... :)

Sandra H said...

So beautiful as always is your card ....sending lots of Christmas Wishes take care xx

Marilyn said...

Darnell you always make beautiful cards!! Sorry to hear about your Mister. Hope he feels better soon

Julie B said...

Oh no, poor Mister. Hopefully RICE will help the recovery.
Fab cards, love that metallic look.
Just returned from town without what I went for as I remember why I do not venture out the last Saturday before Christmas!!!!
Merry Christmas to you all, can't wait 'til July! xx

adele holcomb said...

So sorry to hear your sweetheart had a setback! Hopefully it's just a minor mishap and he will be good as new soon.

Wishing you a very happy Christmas with your favorite people, and lots of good things in the coming year!

Stamps and Paper said...

Lovely cards Darnell the boys I am sue will love their cards....hope your Mister recovers soon...
Wishing you both a Very Happy Christmas

Anne

Jeanne said...

Awww man...that is such a bummer about the Mister! I'm sure you are both so frustrated (yet thankful it isn't worse). Positive thoughts being sent your way that he may have a speedy recovery! Your cards are positively delightful. I absolutely adore that ornament your friend made you. It's gorgeous! In the back of my mind, I'd love to learn to quilt, but I fear I would be disowned at home and sent to live in a fabric factory! Happy Birthday to the twins, I'm sure that will be the biggest delight in your holiday plans. :)

Happy Dance said...

Just about to get ready and head out for the big four hour Sunday School rehearsal for the Christmas Eve service, but wanted to pop in. Your mumsie cards are beyoutiful. Lots of work definitely, but well worth your efforts. And a big double HB to the young gentlemen! Sweet card for them grandma. You just rock. And what's up with those legs of the Mister???? Soooo sorry about his new boo-boo. Dang. Hope this doesn't hamper his other recovery too much. More importantly, I hope it gets better fast, fast, fast. Sending Christmas blessings your way, and I'll be much more normal soon. Well....as normal as I can be. What I mean is, I'll be back to blogland soon. Miss you. xo Bev

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Poor hubby!! Hope he feels better soon!!! ... LOVING the cards!! They are gorgeous ... but the spider stomach rubbing comment has me laughing so hard! LOL!! LOVE that .. of course, spiders near me only see the underside of my shoe ... but you know ;)

Pat said...

Oh Darnell how frustrating to have the Mister laid up again, but hopefully only temporarily, and you will be pleased to see the back of this year and look forward to the start of hopefully a less problematic new year! Your cards are all beautiful and that Mum die is very pretty and the embossed metallic birthday cards are fabulous and Happy Birthday to Henry and Adam. You are so clever at covering lots of challenges and you are obviously more focused than me and my brain is feeling quite scrambled at present..lol. x

SD pooja said...

Loved the cards ,So shiny !

Brenda in IN said...

The cards are just beautiful. What patience you have to do those. The only belly I rub is Molly's. I'm sending happy birthday wishes times two for the twins. The years just fly by. I think they will love those cards, they are great ones for boys. I believe it is time for you to let your hair start growing so when you start tearing it out you will have some left. I'm sending good thoughts to hubby for a quick recovery from his new injury. Thank goodness it only requires rest and ice. That is an easy fix but time consuming. I hope it doesn't set him back in his regular schedule for his other leg.

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Fabulous, fabulous cards Darnell my friend! Your Grandsons will love their contemporary cards! Poor Mister ... and at this time of year too, see, exercise is not always good for you! Here's hoping for a speedy recovery! Thanks for the inspiration during 2015 and I can't wait to see what you come up with in 2016! Have a wonderful, wonderful Christmas my friend and every good thing in the upcoming New Year! Hazel xx
My Card Attic

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

So sorry for Mister's news.... I wish you a fast recovering for him!
Your cards are gorgous as always and I'm so impressed by the shining Mum's flower... it's stunning and so elegant!
I'm sure that your two boys will love them metallic cards!
Hugs and Merry Christmas!

Cindy H. said...

Beautiful shiny cards! I'm sure the twins will love theirs. So sorry for the Mister's setback in his healing process. It must be very painful and depressing. Good thoughts to the both of you.

This reminds me of why I don't like to exercise. I wore out my knees walking on our treadmill and now that treadmill is in the cellar collecting dust! I have near constant back pain from snow-blowing but mostly shoveling snow last year - it was a record year for snow (110"). Who said exercise was good for you???? Now the only exercise I do is on the right side of my brain :) Well, maybe I park a little further away from the stores these days to get in a few extra steps, but that's it!

Gerrina said...

Four beautiful cards! You really are bussy! Think the boys will love their cards! Congrats already and enjoy the day! And the thankyou and BD-cards are beautiful and great so different! Enjoy the weekend!

Leslie Hanna said...

I love all the shiny. I really need to fire up my laminator and get busy now that the holiday is over. ;/

Sorry to hear about the Mr's relapse. Thankfully sitting still, though boring, is a pretty easy thing to do.

Linda said...

Such a gorgeous Mum with all that shiny paper. Your friend will love it.
Hope the Mister's right knee is starting to feel better. Thanks for the lovely card and you have a very Merry Christmas.

Cheryl W. said...

Fab cards. I know the fiddliness of putting those tiny pieces back into the die-cut. I have to take my glasses off, put my nose nearly on the paper and use my tweezers as best I can. You definitely wouldn't want me operating on you! I'm always losing pieces, or they fly off to parts unknown. You wouldn't want that happening with body parts. he he

Hope your hubby heals quickly. My hubs had a torn meniscus, too, and actually had to have his surgically trimmed. But he did heal and can hike to his heart's content now.

Gingin said...

Darnell your Mum card is gorgeous!! Sorry to hear about Mister and sending well wishes for a quick recovery! Thank you so much for joining us this week at Stamp Ink Paper :)

KandA said...

So sorry to hear the Mister is suffering again and hope he will make a full and speedy recovery.

Gorgous cards Darnell. I had my eye on that super 'delicate mum' die when it first came out then forgot all about it. After seeing your cards I reckon it'll be going back on my wish list xx

conil said...

Holy moley, another injury...perhaps the Mister could slow it down a bit...you know..to keeep from hurting himself. Just a thought. Poor baby, wishing him recovery energy. Your new skills in surgery and dental work may help...ya think?
Anyway, your cards are just being knocked out with great results. Speedy Gonzales is what I'm going to start calling you.
If I don't hear from you before the holidays, I sincerely hope they are the best ever and that your new year is HEALTHY, prosperous and joyous. Sending Happy Birthday thoughts to the twins.

Linda said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell .... I'm sure the boys will love theirs. Wish them a happy birthday from me too!
Poor Mister!!! He needs to take things a little easier ..... hope he feels better soon.
Speaking of cards ... thank you so much for the Christmas card .... I love the non traditional colours.
Just in case I don't get chance to visit again this week .... have a wonderful Christmas, enjoy the family time, and lots of love and best wishes for 2016 xx

JoAnn said...

Sorry to hear about the Mister. I had a torn meniscus before and had surgery as no shots helped it. I pray that it heals for the Mister.
Love your Metallica cards for the twins. Enjoy your weekend and have a very Merry Christmas.
Thanks for your lovely Christmas card.

Bobby said...

You're a dentist, surgeon, zoo keeper, nursemaid and card maker all in one fell swoop, Darnell. I think you need more than chocolate. ;) The spider reference made me laugh but it and it's predecessor are both beautiful cards.

Donna said...

Ha!!! Does this make you a dental surgeon then???
Have a good one my friend. Glad to see Hammy's have been named and sorry to hear about your hubby.
Hugs to you. X

Jen Mitchell said...

All your fiddly-ness paid off because these are two gorgeous cards! It is a pain to do all that hard work with those teeny, tiny pieces but the end result is always so beautiful that it's worth it. And before you know it you have forgotten about what a pain it was and you go back and do it again!

OH Babs said...

Oh all the cards are so lovely. I like the spider card. Glad all the hamsters are still in town to help you CREATE. Good Kevin's news only requires rest and ice. Take care of you. :) B

Chriss Blagrave said...

So sorry to hear about Mister Kevin...frustrating for him and you, but glad that another operation is not involved!
I love your beautiful spider mum, all elegant with the gold and shiny red! Well worth the fiddling :)
Happy birthday to the twins! Smashing cards for your grands :)
Merry Christmas to you and the family ❤️❤️❤️

Carol said...

What a bummer for Mister...and you Darnell, hope it doesn't take too long to heal. Love your cards...the twins will love their Metallica. Carol x
PS I use masking tape to cover up sentiment parts if I want to stamp them separately...you can generally push it between the words, ink up remove tape and stamp...clean stamp and repeat!

Carol L said...

OH my gosh, what fun cards, and your perception of the albino spider wearing slippers made me snort through the nose! LOL Thank goodness I wasn't drinking anything.......OMG! Have fun with the twins and I sure do hope the Mister gets back on both feet again soon! Goodness, whoever is sticking that pin into the doll on his behalf needs to STOP!!

Canonbury creations said...

Fabulous cards Darnell and great design for the twins! So sorry to hear about Mister damaging his other leg, hopefully the rest will improve things. Wishing you both a wonderful Christmas and a HEALTHY New Year!!!
Val x

Kathleen said...

We have a saying here in England... it never rains but it pours, this so apt for the poor Mister, just when things were looking good, another set back, best wishes to him for a very speedy recovery and best wished to you for patience and understanding.

Fabulous cards, I do really, really love this die and I love the way you have used it but a little tip, how dare I give the Queen of card making a tip, well I am risking a great deal, I know you will probably have had this idea too BUT Justin Case, here goes.

I have used it with different size card, with one image, with two images and with three images.
Whatever the size of card is, I have cut a tad smaller piece of white card and die cut the image out of that, in white. then I have place coloured card or glitter paper behind the cut out image, the place the cut out on top of the coloured card or glitter paper. This a lot easier than trying to fit the cut out bits into the cut out die.

Well I hope you follow that as I am now totally lost.
Thanks so much for your mail and I am looking forward to it too.

Kath x

Anonymous said...

Firstly all fabulous cards - Wishing the boys a very happy birthday.
Secondly hopefully the Misters recovery wont take long

Verna Angerhofer said...

All are so gorgeous and love the papers you chose for those beauties!

Virginia L. said...

Your die cut flower is gorgeous with that sentiment, Darnell! Lucky for us to be a card maker and not a dentist, right? Hope your Mister improves with his right knee! Thanks so much for playing Simon Says Stamp Wednesday “Die Crazy” Challenge!

Mrs A. said...

Fabby dabby cards the lot of em. Do like the octopus waving his arms around.
Not so good news about hubby. Do they never learn. Hope it will be a quick recovery for him this time. I'd keep your choklit supply under lock and key if I were you. Just sayin!!! Hugs Mrs A.

Linda Callahan said...

Talk about wow factor! That flower die is fabulous......you are very good at fillings! 😄

JD/ Jill said...

Hope your Mister is doing much better!

All your cards are lovely! (what else would I expect? smile)
I'm sure your grandsons loved theirs.

I'm still working on my Christmas cards, and I feel like I'm not going to
make it...(I wish I wasn't so slow at making them!)

Jean said...

BEautiful cards! Hoping for a quick recovery for the mister!

Tenia Nelson said...

Awesome creations!!!

Donna Nuce said...

Hi Darnell! I am so behind on visiting friends blogs. This Christmas rush is getting to me! So sorry to hear the Mister is trying to heal up again! Love the spider Mum Card! Hope your Holiday is a merry one and Happy Birthday to your Grandsons.

Lisa Elton said...

Beautiful cards Darnell, the gold on the first is stunning!! SO SO SORRY to her about the Mister's mishap. You might need to send the poor guy out in bubble wrap when he leaves the house :)

Sarah G said...

Gorgeous cards! The delicate in laid red and gold flower is fantastic and, I am sure, much nicer to receive than dentistry :) Happy birthday to the twins - my 12 year old would love the metallic design - very cool! If I don't get the chance to stop by again before Christmas, best festive wishes for a fabulous Christmas and new year! I hope that Mister makes a good recovery :)

Donna said...

All four cards are fabulous, like the metallic, they really shine in many ways, the twins will be quite happy! Hope mister heals quickly. Wishing you both a Merry Christmas and a healthier New Year!

Krisha said...

Oh, I do feel for your Mr., having one really bad knee and one working it's way to join the other. Now YOU have my sympathy for having him down and out again.....LOL

Gorgeous cards. I do like the shinny, sparkly cards!!
Speaking of cards I received yours.....thank you so much, I really do love it. This head and chest thing (now Dr. is saying I have asthma)sent me to the recliner and all creativity came to a halt for almost a month now. So all my grandiose visions of making cards for all my blog friends got coughed right out the window! I'm just getting both feet back into the world of the living. Thank goodness I had most of my Christmas shopping done before this happened.

Merry Christmas my friend hope your holidays are full of love and cheer!!

Greta said...

I did gasp! Just not fair, but thank goodness no surgery! Your fiddling was totally worth it, but the BD card is gorgeous, too! Great BD cards for the twinks--love the color personalization which if I recall is each boy's favorite color! Happy Holidays, my friend!

Cat Craig said...

Sending healing prayers for the mister and lots of hugs to you! The cards are all lovely. Have a wonderful holiday !❤️

Nora Noll said...

Oh no Darnell!! Poor Mister!! Sending healing thoughts. That totally STINKS!!! I am in LOVE with your cards. Totally, totally STUNNING in the fun, metallic colors. I have not had time to do anything as of late and I am so jealous that you have. Have a fabulous Christmas!!

Marie Bingaman said...

Oh no! Poor Mister! I know he's in great hands tho! LOVE your cards Darnell...I have to admit, your post title had me greatly intrigued, as I was wondering what you were going to say about the metal band Metallica! ;)

Sue said...

Oh dear Kevin! I'm sorry to hear he is down again. Many blessing to both of you and your family. Sarah flies home on Tuesday. I can't wait!!! Merry Christmas!!!

Kim Heggins said...

Fabulous cards Darnell but you really fooled me with your title, I was thinking maybe you went to see Metallica and I missed them! Sending prayer to Mister and wishing him a speedy recovery. See you in the morning.

alexandra s.m. said...

Oh my! I'm so sorry to hear about your poor Mister!
Your cards are gorgeous dear Darnell.
Best wishes to the both of you and prompt recovery for your Mister

DIANA L. said...

Love it!!

Carolyn Lindenmayer said...

Hi Darnell, love your card. Its so elegant. Thanks for joining us this week at Stamp Ink Paper. Carolyn xx

Ros Crawford said...

He did what!!! Oh my, poor Hubby and poor you!! On the other hand I love your sparkly, shiny cards ... I'm laughing at your description of the spider with slippers!

Bonnie said...

I'm so sorry that Kevin has injured himself again. Hopefully he was doing something he liked at the time. (Hiking doesn't sound like fun to me, but some love it.) May his Christmas gift (and New Year's) be free of pain or some good booze! Love those golden mums!

Tina's Crop Shop said...

What an absolutely stunning Thank You card! Thanks so much for joining us at Stamp, Ink, Paper for our Thank you card challenge!

Julia Aston said...

What an interesting flower die! love how you have it colored and curled up! I feel your pain with the Mister haveing injury after injury - my husband had a knee replace in May and a hip replaced (same leg!) in October - I feel so badly for him - but enough is enough right??!!

Dana M said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell! I hope Henry and Adam and a wonderful birthday and the Mister is healing well.

Laurie Unger said...

Love the sparkly washi tape and the mum die is pretty cool too!

Merry Christmas to your and yours! Hugs!

maria f. said...

Always a joy here, it is. From the violin lessons to the albino spider (you're right, BTW). Glad to hear Mister's recovery should be an "easy" one. Take it easy and enjoy Christmas with the family.

Denise Price said...

Happy Birthday to your grandsons! I'm sure they'll love their metallica cards.

Sorry to hear about your husband's knee injury. Yes, you should definitely refill your chocolate drawer! Hope that your husband will feel better soon.

The fabric ornament that your friend made for you is gorgeous. She is very talented.

I like how you used Christmas-y items to make non-Christmas cards. Great ideas there.

Have a Merry Christmas!!!

stampwithsandy said...

Oh Darnell I am so sorry to hear about your Mister, that really stinks. Thank goodness he has you to take care of him. All of your metallic creations are gorgeous, but I especially love the delicate golden mum! So glad you joined us this week at Stamp, Ink, Paper!

sandie said...

So sorry to hear about hubby, he must be so frustrated, hope the rest sorts it out soon. Love this shiny card and boy what patience you had to do this. I love the CAS drama.of it. Thanks for joining Ink x

Carole said...

Oh my Mr. in Pain...yes keep chocolate on hand. I love the spider story, it proves artists see things differently and we get to giggle at our childlike imagination...and you credit Hammy. Birthday magic wishes for the boys and Merry Christmas. Hugs Carole

Diane said...

Lovely designs Darnell, gosh your hubby is sure having the problems. This is wishing next year brings less problems.

Hugs Diane

Helen F. said...

Oh My, Darnell, I am sending good thoughts and prayers for your husband's quick recovery~AND, for you as well! Hope you have some help, it's not an easy time, doing it ALL.
On an upbeat note, your cards are really beautiful and I'm sure the twins will love their very cool B-Day cards.

Patti J said...

Oh no...so sorry to read about your poor Mr! Hope he's feeling better soon, and that you found oodles of chocolate for that drawer! Beautiful creations, as always! Thanks for sharing them! Merry Christmas, dear friend!

Barb said...

Just scrolled down to find you as I'd not seen a post from you for a while. Somehow I'd missed this one Darnell. So sorry to hear about your dear Mister's setback. I do hope he'll soon be fully well again.

Sending you and your family Christmas Wishes. Barbxx

Karenladd said...

Good grief Darnell! At the rate your Mister is injuring his legs, he'll need to request that you buy him a Hover-round scooter soon! I do hope this recuperative period is shorter and easier than the last one.
I am still chuckling over your comment on the "spider" mum with his red slippers on...you are so right! Now all I can see is the spider!!
Happy New Year and best wishes to you!

Shona Chambers said...

How is your dear Mister??? I really hope he is on the mend, he must be sick of sitting around and being waited on hand and foot.....and bet your getting past that yourself...Although I have a feeling he would be a lovely patient!! Just popping in to tell you how much I love these cards (yes, even the albino spider with his fabulous slippers) and being a person who loves a good fiddle (no, don't go there.....) I think you did a brilliant job!!!!

Cindy Hall said...

These are all so pretty, Darnell. I like how you used the inlaid technique on the flowers and I love your comment about the albino spider! Happy New Year, and thanks for sharing with us at Freshly Made Sketches!

Pat said...

I'm going through the exact same CPR here. Have already unloaded a lot with still much to be reviewed and disposed of in some way. There are 3 younger stampers in my immediate family who enjoy getting the schtuff I don't seem to use. Their day will come when they do the same thing we're doing but until that happens they can enjoy our largesse. The best to you and Mr. in 2016 and beyond!

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christmas wishes , jingle bells