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!

September 19, 2016

Hammy's Birthday!

Hello and welcome to Monday!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and you are becited to see what this fresh new week has in store for you! I have special company arriving tomorrow so this will be another awesome week in the Playhouse!

It started on Sunday when we celebrated Hammy's birthday! I thought you might enjoy this photo of the happy event:
Joining the celebration is Hammy's old girlfriend ... oh, sorry, that word gets people in trouble! I should say Hammy's former girlfriend/baby mama. You all remember Ms. Thing! Well, some of you won't remember her, but you can go back and meet her if you have time. The whole shebang is liberally awash with Stella, but natchrally, it doesn't show.

[Both stamps are NBUS: "Birthday Hamster" from Stampingbella and "Hamster" from Deep Red (thank you again, Sam!). The sediment is a sticker from SRM.]

Here is another photo of Hammy, this time with Freckles and Sofia.
Wait. What? Who is Sofia?

Well, Sofia is a lady mouse my friend Ros sent to me following my trip to England. It was lovingly and meticulously made and hand-stitched by Ros's 89-year-young Aunt! Thank you again, Ros!

So with the addition of little Cisco, The Real-Life Dog, we had a festivas time celebrating Hammy's birthday! In his famous words, "May all your cupcakes be crumby!"

Challenges
Simon Wednesday Challenge Blog
New Badge!
~~~

New Friends Corner

Please join me in welcoming these lovely new friends to the Playhouse!

Desperatehousewife CraftGwendolyn of Desperate Housewife Craft. Gwendolyn is another blogger brand new to our community! She only started her blog in February of this year, but you may have already seen her exceptional work recognized in some of the challenges you enjoy. Originally from Singapore, Gwendolyn has lived in New Zealand, France, and now Germany. Retired from the corporate world, Gwendolyn is enjoying being at home with her children and exploring her creative side. In addition to her love of paper craft, she also loves to paint, crochet, and make soy candles. I know you will enjoy sharing Gwendolyn's journey!

Brenda SBrenda of Floral Fantasies. Brenda started her blog in 2009! She really needs no introduction as she is a well-known and well-loved lady in Blogland! Even though Brenda suffers from MS, she creates the most extraordinary card art imaginable and she is a source of great inspiration to those of us with health challenges! (And I love her doggie profile photo which reminds me of our Salty who was with us for 16 years.)

Isabelle SiryIsabelle Siry of Izzy Scrap. Izzy is from France and she just started her blog in May of this year at the encouragement of her supportive husband and children. She has been scrapping since 2010, but she bought her very first stamping supplies about 20 years ago in order to make her own Christmas cards. I think a lot of card artists did that! In addition to paper craft, Izzy enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. I know when you pop in to welcome Izzy to our fantastic community, you will be enchanted and inspired by her beautiful work!

Cathy CatesCathy Cates of Cathy's Creative Corner. Cathy is from Adelaide, Australia and she also started blogging in 2009! In addition to paper craft, Cathy loves photography, quilting, beading, knitting, crocheting, and cross-stitch. She is one busy lady, so she hasn't been blogging as much this past year, but there is still plenty of beautiful card art and inspiration for you to enjoy on her blog!

Isabelle SirySam of Whispers Cards. Sam is from the UK and she has been blogging since 2010. Sam is a huge Penny Black devotee and you will see that represented throughout her blog as you scroll through and see how she makes those images sing. Adorable, colorful, cheerful, and expertly made are words that best describe Sam's delightful card art and I know you'll agree once you've seen them for yourself!

Thank you for joining, ladies, and welcome to the Playhouse! It's nice to have three bloggie experts and two bloggie newbies!

~~~

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!

*Life is too short!

To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrolling:
Click CTL + Home. 
Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post.
Click Page Down to reach the end of the post.
Click Comments and a pop-up box opens.
Click "Jump to Comment Form" and walla, no more car pool tunnel!
Mwah!
If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave me
your email address so I can respond. Thank you!

72 comments:

Gerrina said...

A fun birthdaycard! Congrats! And the animals at your place keep on outnumber the people! Hugs, Gerrina

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

If that card doesn't make you smile, I don't know what would! CUTE!

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, I love the card:)

Hope everyone enjoyed cake for the birthday:) Sue

Linda said...

Darnell this is so adorable. And a belated Happy Birthday to Hammy.

Krisha said...

Belated birthday wishes to Hammy, had I known a little earlier I could have made him a B-day card! Welcome Miss Sofia!

Fun Monday post Darnell!!!

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

A gorgeous birthday card for Hammy, I love the image those bulging cheeks say it all.

Sue xx

Unknown said...

Happy birthday Hammy hope you had a wonderful day mwah.

Rita said...

Hi Darnell. Happy Birthday to Hammy. Love the pictures with Sofia. Hugs from Scotland. Rita xxxx

Julie B said...

I'm pleased to see that Hammy made the journey across the pond safe and sound, not a scratch on him!
You really had to enter at Pin though!!
Belated birthday wishes to Hammy. :)

Lisa said...

Happy belated birthday to Hammy!! The card is so adorable! It totally makes me smile!! Freckles and Sofia are beautiful, too!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

conil said...

Happy birthday to Hammy. Can't believe you've found two hamster stamps for your adorable card. Hope he got lots of presents, cake and miscellaneous treats.

jimlynn said...

Happy Birthday to Hammy! Oh, and also kudos to the "former girlfriend" for helping him enjoy that yummy looking cupcake! They're cuties and so is your card.
Lynn

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
and a very Happy Birthday to Hammy.
Your card is excellent and very lovely and that cake looks good enough to eat.
I bet Hammy was pleased with it, and enjoyed his Birthday cake and the sharing it with his wonderful friends.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Kathyk said...

Wishing him a very HAMMY Birthday!!! Fab make from you too!

Happy Monday

Kathyk

Sue - said...

Cute card Darnell and a very happy belated birthday to Hammy!

Shelly said...

What a fun and sweet birthday card! Happy birthday, Hammy!

Geri said...

Hey pal. I've been MIA for a bit - DH had knee surgery so we were out of town for a few days. He's doing well and is back to work already! Personally, I would have milked it for at least 2 - 3 weeks!

Thanks for making me LOL again! Fabulous post, love your sweet card. I had no idea there were so many hamster images available! Awesome coloring - love their eyes!

Cute photo of Hammy and his pals! So impressed with the hand stitched rodent! 89 years young and still sewing! WOW!!!

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Umm.... I think Hammy and his baby mama need to cut back on the sugar a wee bit. I'm just sayin'.... cute card for a wonderful occasion, should be a national holiday if you ask me. Love the stuffed menagerie!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Ha ha ha!! Happy birthday to Hammy! Fun card!

Ruth said...

Have a fabulous birthday, Hammy!! A super cute card - I can imagine him eating that entire cake without flinching. And the mouse your friend's Aunt did for you is so fabulous! I hope I'm still creating at that age! xx

Maria Rodriguez. said...

Oh Hammy, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!!! How old are you? I promise I wont tell. ;)
I will mark in the calendar this very important date!!!!!
Big hugs for you and your sweet mama.
Maria Rodriguez.

Redanne said...

Happy Birthday Hammy, hope you had a lovely day! Love your birthday card! And you new friend Sofia is beautiful, a very thoughtful gift from Ros. Enjoy the rest of your week. Hugs, Annie xx

Verna Angerhofer said...

Such a cute and fun card and hope Hammy had a wonderful birthday too!

Robin said...

Hi Darnell! So glad to come visit today. Your post had me cracking up! Hammy's card and picture were great! and the "baby's mama" was too funny! Thank you for bringing lot of laughter to my Monday! Have a great week, Rasz

Jean said...

A perfect card!

Craftychris said...

Gorgeous, cute card for Hammy! And a big smile for me! Love the photo! xxx

JoAnn said...

Cute card Darnell. Happy birthday to Hammy.

Birgit said...

This is a sweet card and I love Hammy. He must have loved his card. So cute

Sharon Underwood said...

What a fun birthday card! Love all the hamsters!

Karenladd said...

Squeal!!! Of course you had to enter the Pin-spirational challenge, it was absolute custom designed for you and Hammy! Before I get too distracted by that yummy cupcake, I need to stop and admire your new addition to the menagerie, Miss Sofia. How special that she was hand-stitched and prettied up just for her trip across the pond. A bonus is that I checked out Ros' blog and oh my goodness! Her cards are beyond gorgeous and I can see that I'll be browsing her blog on a regular basis now.
Thanks for letting us share in Hammy's celebration, although you could have saved some cake for me!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Hammy! Good to see him with his friends.

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh Darnell - What a lovely image of Hammy's birthday party!! - I do hope he and Sophia and Freckles did not overeat and keep you up ....
Blessings
Maxine

Pat said...

Hi Darnell. Well, Happy Birthday to Hammy. I love your card with Hammy and Ms. Thing celebrating and Hammy's new playmate Sofia is extremely pretty. That cupcake is making me hungry! x

Carol L said...

EEK! This is so YOU with those chubby little hamsters! I love it!!

Carole J said...

Fabulous, fun card, Darnell! Love your cute, little hamsters and cupcake - it's just perfect for our challenge. Thanks for sharing your work with us at {PIN}spirational Challenges #173.
Carole x

Tracey McNeely said...

Wow Darnell you made it over the 100 followers! You are definitely one popular lady--well done! Adorable card today, great colouring!

Lindsey said...

Happy birthday to Hammy! Enjoy that delicious cupcake and super-cute card in your honour!

Lisa Elton said...

Well happy belated birthday to Hammy!! I like the yummy card you made for him Darnell. Sweet photo of Hammy, Freckles and their new lady love, Sofia!!

Cat Craig said...

Happy Birthday Hammy! Sweet lil card Darnell.

ike said...

Eeee !!!! Fabulous card... the hammies are sooo cute :-)
Happy Birthday Hammy

Hugz
IKE in Greece xxxxx

shirley-bee said...

Happy birthday Hammy! I bet he and the ex were doing somersaults after finishing off the rest of that blue icing :). Miss Sofia is so glamorous - the needle skills of Ros's aunt are unbelievable! Enjoy your week x

Linda said...

What a cute birthday card ..... I'm sure Hammy loved it. Belated Birthday hugs xx

Anonymous said...

Great colouring Darnell and looking at Hammy's googly eyes, I think he celebrated his burfday with a swig or two of alcohol! Hugs x

sandie said...

A belated Happy Birthday to Hammy! Superb colouring and adore the googly eyes x

Lisa T said...

Happy Birthday Hammy! Enjoy that crumbly cake - I am sure you will. As I am a newbie to your blog I had no idea Hammy had an "old"...errr.... former flame. And now he has a new girl in town! 89 years old and still making schtuff - impressive. Have a lovely week in your Playhouse Darnell xx

Ros Crawford said...

Happy Birthday to Hammy!! Oh that card had me laughing off my chair! And I love the name you picked for the mouse! Yep, they all look so happy there in the playhouse! Have a fun week my friend!

Barb said...

A lovely birthday card for Hammy. It's great fun. Lovely to see a photo of Hammy enjoying himself with friends but where has Sofia gone! Barbxx

Marilyn said...

Happy Birthday Hammy!! Adorable card!!

Jeanne said...

Happy Birthday to Hammie. Wow, great card to celebrate! Looks like you have quite the menagerie these days. A good looking group, to be sure. Have so much fun reading your entertaining posts. Thanks for the great card and the giggles!!

Marybeth said...

Happy Birthday to Hammy! Did I just say that:) oh that card couldn't be any cuter or more perfect!

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Well Darnell, its really quite strange, twice today on my desktop I tried to log ontp your blog and an error msg was all I could get. Now tonight on my mobile the same link works perfectly fine. I was concerned.
Glad Hammy had a great birthday, and "crumbly cupcakes". Try saying that with a mouthful og cake crumbs :)
Welcomed you today pn my blog. Realised today this yeat eill be my sixth anniversary or blogaversary. Rather startling!
Hugs, Shaz in Oz.x

KT Fit Kitty said...

Hello, Darnell! Happy Birthday to Hammy! What a fun party you had! It appears a good time was had by all! What a lovely group of characters you have now - Sofia fits in perfectly! Hammy looks very pleased with himself!

Brenda in IN said...

I love Hammy's card and I'm sending belated birthday wishes to him. Looks like he had a fun party with Sofia and Freckles. Enjoy your day in the playhouse and be sure to show us what you all made.

Unknown said...

First of all Happy birthday to Hammy ! I'm sure he was very happy with his mummy's card ! It is so cute ! I love his cheeks full of cake ! And his bubbly face saying "Who ? Me ?"
I can see on the picture that you have a nice and sweat company while crafting in your playhouse !
I also thank you so much for your so sweet introduction about me ! You're an angel !
Hugs !
Izzy Scrap

Donna Nuce said...

Happy Birthday Hammy! I was thrilled to read the story about your former girlfriend! Somehow I had missed that blog post. I hope your birthday was a rocking good time! Cute card Darnell! Have a great day!

TK said...

Adorable card, Darnell! Love that Hammy got his face on a stamp, and that he had quite the array of visitors! Congrats to him, and can't wait to see what comes next from you and your "visitors"!

Sheila H said...

Love this cute and fun card, Darnell!

Celeste Goff said...

How adorable!

Celeste Goff said...

How adorable!

Di said...

Happy Birthday Hammy,mwah! 😊

Hugs

Di xx

Diane said...

Well happy birthday to Hammy and his group of 'friends'!! Funny, as soon as I saw the Pin-spirational challenge I thought of you!!!

stampingbowd said...

OH my goodness, this is so cute!!!! The cheeks are so very full!!! Hysterical quote on crumby cupcakes! Love the fun photo of Hammy, Freckles and Sofia. Have a wonderful day!

oldpunca said...

I like this super funny and sweet motif of Hammy's birthday party. :-) Beautiful card.
Hugs, Sonja

Lisa Elton said...

It's me again!! I forgot to thank you for joining us at ColourQ!

Jen W. said...

Those big cheeks and googly eyes totally cracked me up! Such a fun card. Happy belated, Hammy!

Shona Chambers said...

So sorry I missed your birthday Hammy! I bet you ate enough cupcakes for the both of us and was lavished with gifts. Sending you lots of squeezes!!!!

Anita in France said...

Big hugs and hamster kisses to Hammy for his birthday, Darnell ... he must've been delighted with his card ... such a great likeness, though I suspect those eyes came out on stalks at the thought of eating through that yummy cake!! LYAMYJFAFMDMASYVS! Hugs & bisous, Anita :)

desperatehousewifecraft said...

Thanks for the introduction Darnell, its really so nice of you to do that!

Mrs A. said...

Hammy, I am so sorry I missed your Birthday. How terribly rude of me.
I hope you had lots of cake and got to come off the treadmill (wot I know you is want to be on at all times other than when your making up card ideas that is) long enough to get stuffled . hugs Mrs A.
Norm sends his love. He gets to have his plaster cast off soon!!
xx

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
A belated Happy Birthday to Master Hammy. I hope he had lots of presents.
Certainly, his birthday card is fabulous and has probably been framed for his abode.
Hope you are well and being good.
Ang x

Unknown said...

Congratulations Darnell for being in the top 3 in the (pin)aspirational challenge with this card !
Hammy is a lucky one !
Izzy Scrap

Deanne Saunders said...

Such a sweet card!!! Thanks so much for participating in our {PIN}SPIRATIONAL challenge. Hope you participate in our next challenge!! Have a happy crafty day!!! *Sorry this comment is so late! I am struggling to keep up with commenting and have trouble with the "proving I'm not a robot" stuff :O(
Deanne at A Little Bit O’ Paper