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 6, 2016

The Hush of a Snowy Landscape

Greetings, Stamplings!

Once again the quiet hush of your holiday preparations won't be marred by a long-winded post from me. 

Haha, as if there was a quiet hush enveloping us in our preparations! No, dearie, a passer-by would hear the tearing sound of the tape gun, the pound-pound-pound of the stamp meeting the ink pad, the whoosh of the paper cutter slicing its way through paper, perhaps an unladylike word, the slamming of a drawer . . . 

Why some of us, if we weren't using them for other porpoises, would literally be wringing our hands!

So, no, our craft rooms are not hushed. And if, by chance, you are sitting in your room and it is hushly quiet, then snap out of it, girl! Those holiday cards are NOT going to make themselves!

~~~

Today, Hammy and I have prepared for you some landscapes that do exudulate a quiet hush:
Some of these cards were part of my marathon card-making at the Lake House with the BABES. The beautiful background vellum papers are all from SU. The hillside die was borrowed. I believe it was a Memory Box die. The sediment is from Skipping Stones Design.

Challenges.
Snippets Playground BadgeGrab It
~~~

New Lodgings.

I forgot to show you this the other day. So what do two almost-12-year-old boys do on Thanksgiving Day when the turkey is taking forever and all the grownups are just standing around talking? They escape to the garage and find their father's old "Carpentry for Kids" box high up on a shelf and make this:
Won't it be fun if a Bird Family moves into this chic apartment in the springtime?

~~~

Okay, scoot! But enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*

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69 comments:

Craft-E-Place said...

Fabulous group of cards - I love them!
Elaine

Loll said...

LOVE these peaceful winter scene Dolly. Such a great way to use those pattern vellum pieces. Great job! Lolly xx

kiwimeskreations said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell - I particularly love the one with the pairs if trees - that really appeals. So glad Hammy is helping you again - he can't keep using travel fatigue as an EXCUSE!!
Blessings
Maxine

Karren said...

These gorgeous cards evoke such a lovely peaceful feeling - just what is needed this time of year! And can I say, there is generally more than just one unladylike word coming out of my craft room :)

Stamps and Paper said...

Lovely cards Darnell....the boys made a lovely job of the luxury bird accommodation

Anne

Sharon Traynor Designs said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sharon Traynor Designs said...

These are all so beautiful and classy Darnell. Really evocative of that peaceful seasonal quiet hush, Just a shame that we are all too busy to appreciate it and our actual non-quiet hush is so eloquently described by you. Must admit that my absolute fave of the trio has to be the first one - it is soooo elegant xx

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the cards. My favourite would be the middle one with the snowflakes paper.

Really hope a bird does take up residence, after your grandsons efforts.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Marilyn said...

Gorgeous cards!! Nice bird house

Ros Crawford said...

Haha! A perfect description of my craft room without referring to the mess and the occasional scream!
Gorgeous cards Darnell and definitely peaceful ... I especially love the vellum on the last card... Pat will be coming today - she's been in NY and boy I've missed her! Much more mess will ensue! Have a lovely day and Wow! Those boys have done a splendid job! There will be a queue for occupancy! Mwah!

Craftychris said...

I love your peaceful snowy scenes, they are so gorgeous! How did you guess what is going on in my craft room! I am getting there in between resting! Darren home now. Will email you with an update later! xxxxx

!neke said...

Great landscapes you created !!!!

Jeanne said...

Beautiful cards, Darnell. Very on point description of the lack of hush in the creative process. The twins efforts produced a very chic bird house! Can't wait to see the photo of the family that moves in! Happy Tuesday!! :) Hugs!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Gorgeous elegant cards, I love the white on white (I should try it, but it would feel like I'm not being myself or something.. but really do love it). The birdhouse is wonderful. Take good care, Shirleyxx

Brenda in IN said...

I love your landscapes and assortment of backgrounds. Very peaceful and quiet. Wow, the boys did a great job on the birdhouse. I'm sure it will be occupied in the spring. Won't the boys be thrilled.

designbydonna said...

Beautiful and calm cards. Sigh! Just what I need to start the day.

Di said...

Super cards Darnell - am sure the die is either Memory Box or Poppy Stamps. It woks beautifully with the backgrounds you chose!

Hugs

Di xx

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

What beautiful "peaceful" cards, love them all. Thank you for joining us at The Male Room challenge. Faith DT

PS It's you I can here banging all the time! I wondered what it was LOL.

Redanne said...

Oh how peaceful! Three beautiful cards - I love the die (I am sure it is Memory Box too) and the vellum with the trees is a real stunner! I hesitate to say it but I think I am nearly finished all of my cards for this year..... just have to write them out now, which can take me nearly as long as making them!! Big hugs, Annie xxx

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Lovely all the three cards, the white on white is stunning!
Very chic birdhouse, hope that they will love it the same :D

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

A great design! Those vellum papers are so pretty and add just the right touch to the cards! Lovely! Sometimes my crafting is quiet and sometimes not. You never know what you are going to get around here!

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

A fantastic collection of card Darnell and a gorgeous bird box too.

Sue xx

Pat said...

I really love your snowy slopes with the three different vellums in the background, and what a wonderful bird house and hopefull some birds will decide to move in come Springtime. Your grandsons are obviously very clever to do this. I still have a way to go with Christmas cards. This month is so busy with lots going on that making cards is rather spasmodic. x

Sarah said...

Love the gorgeous design of these Darnell and also love the new "des res" that your talented chaps made xx (des res is estate agent speak for desirable residence over Here!!)

Verna Angerhofer said...

Those are so gorgeous! My favorite is the one with the trees in the background.

Jean said...

Simply beautiful!

Cat Craig said...

Those vellums are gorgeous and I love your card design... there just might be a case in the making...just sayin!

Kathleen said...

Believe you me, Darnell, it is not the making of the cards, it is the writing of the cards that gets me, when I am writing, my brain goes faster than my pen and the stupid mistakes I make is ridiculous.
Great set of cards, lovely die and papers.
Great birdhouse made by your lovely boys, I also hope that some little bird makes it their home.

Kath x

cuilliesocks said...

Your cards are gorgeous Darnell, beautifully designed and look so different even though the die is the same on all three, love them, Kate x

Ruth said...

So clearly being craft and clever runs in the family! Love the cards too. I need to get my dies out and try this - such a clever and effective idea. Xx

Mrs A. said...

Peace, calm and tranquility is what I need by the bucket load if not I will be drowning my sorrows in said bucket or 2 pesky elves! That is a super little bird house that the boys knocked up. Hells bells just realised that my little boys junior wood working cupboard with all the tools in it is hanging up in the garage for all and sundry to see!!! Help. Hugs Mrs A.

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Ooh! I really like that last one. It exudes peace and tranquility in a peaceful and tranquil way.

And yes, we make all sorts of noises when we are in our craftroom. In fact it is the sudden silence that always makes Joe wander down the hall to check on me. I never, ever, ever get to go pee by myself. Ever. If it's not him, it's a cat or 4.

oldpunca said...

Could you borrow me Hammy for day or two? :-) I need someone to help me creating holiday cards. :-)) Wonderful cards in white. Just love them.
Hugs, Sonja

Brenda said...

What nice and peaceful scenes you have crated on these card Auntie! I do so love the "hushed quiet" they give us when looking at them. I also love the bird house the boys made on Thanksgiving Day! It's nice that they found something fun to do!! And you got a nice little house out of the deal too. lol I hope the you get a sweet little bird family moved into it! Hugs, Brenda

Carol L said...

I'm really enjoying the easy, simple design of these great cards today! It won't be long before that white stuff really does start falling in my neck of the woods! Have a great week ahead!

nancy littrell said...

CAS Calming Perfection my friend. I have that paper and a different die cut scene. TFS and for the reminder. Hugs, nancy

Lisa Elton said...

A trio of loveliness Darnell!! I LOVE the last one with the pretty pine tree vellum!! The twins made a fabulous birdhouse, lil' stinkers!!

Cheryl W. said...

Gorgeous cards. Love the sentiment font - it's perfect for your quiet scenes. I have been making cards like a mad woman, bending over my work bench for hours at every day. And I'm still NOT DONE! Seems I'm always a frantic mess in December. :)

Chrissie said...

These really really pop with CAStastic beauty Darnell. I could do with a marathon session of Christmas creativeness but I seem to be rushing hither and yon instead.
Love the birdhouse, congrats to the chaps!
Chrissie ❤️

sandie said...

I love the different designs using this die, my fav being the white on white version, it exudes stillness....must get those envelopes addressed. Cards done, just envelopes to do xx

Aileen said...

Bootifull cards all. Lub them Darnell. Home again home again giggitty gig.

Andreja said...

Beautiful card you made :-))
Thanks for playing with The Male Room.
Hugs, Andreja

Linda said...

Beautiful cards Darnell .... I love your peaceful winter scenes. It's getting a little crazy over here ..... doing everything at 100mph and still got cards to make, gifts to wrap and a workshop at the weekend! But hey! it's Christmas, it's always like this. Things will calm down ..... eventually. Have a lovely day xx
PS Love the little bird house by the way ..... great job!

Bobby said...

Marathon stamping can be a great thing when you have friends and their supplies to share, Darnell. Your cards due exude a feeling of peace and calm. I'm loving that tree background. Vellum you say?

Krisha said...

At the moment our house is very quiet, cards have gone out, DH is off working and my coffee mug is refusing to speak this morning. I haven't hit the play button for my Christmas music yet, and there is my daily journal waiting in the wings to be attend to.

So the quiet "hush" of your beautiful cards is fitting right into this morning at my house.

The boys did a fantastic job on the bird house....more kids need to be doing this kind of creativity......or just being creative!

Janis Lewis said...

Beautiful cards. Thanks for linking up at The Merry Christmas Challenge!

Teresa Kline said...

hello! these are adorable cards, luv the design! I am so glad you played along with us at simon says stamp wednesday challenge!

blog-paperie blooms
ig-2klines

sparkle & shine, kindness *~*

Gerrina said...

Three beautiful cards, but the white on white is so stunning; that's my favorite!
So glad I made the last cards tuesday! Today is deoratingday here! Tha windows look festive, the tree is up (but not decorated jet) and the guirlandes look like they come down the stairs with a light flow...
I will be glad to sit in front of the teli tonight! Hugs, Gerrina

KandA said...

Three beautiful snowy landscape cards Darnell, love cas and very elegant designs.
Well done to the boys... their bird box is super but shame on you for not adding the tinsel and fairy lights to welcome the birdies! xx

Anne said...

Hi Darnell. Thanks for last two messages. I didn't realise you get to my blog before. I have left you a couple of comments - I think - but then again :-) Thanks for latest comment. I am ashamed that I still haven't sent you the goodies I had for your visit to UK. Honest I did have them all that time. I seem to have been overwhelmed by everything of late :-( Hugs Anne x ( Copper beech crafts)

Sybrina K said...

Darnell, Laughed out loud reading your description of the sounds coming from your playhouse. So true!!! Love how you used the designer vellums on these cards.

Deborah Frings said...

Wearing both 52CCT and TMR hats - I think all these cards are just fantastic. Perfectly CAS and so cool looking. Love the trees on the last card. Thanks so much for playing along with both 52CCT and The Male Room. Deborah, DT.

Claire said...

CAS perfection Darnell! Love the black and white and the white on white of the first one. So elegant!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful cards Darnell. They are so calm and peaceful I feel totally chilled out!! x

Joyce said...

I love all of your peaceful landscape scenes here.

Paper Lily Leaf said...

Lovely serene scenes! Thanks for joining us at 52CCT, April x

Sue - said...

Lovely peaceful set of cards Darnell. Now all that can be heard in my craft room is the scratching of the pen writing the cards! Much prefer making them. In fact a thought occurred to me that maybe next year I should write them as I finish making them!

Anita in France said...

Hushed and serene indeed, Darnell ... that's your oh so beautiful scenes ... and as you were when you were beavering away (or should I say hamstering?!) on your Christmas card marathon at the LH ... happy and fun times! Finished the last lap of my marathon yesterday ... I'm now as serene as your cards!! LYAMYBLMASC! Hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

Very peaceful Christmas cards indeed Darnell, the vellum is simply amazing, enjoy the weekend.

Love and hugs
Maarit

dnisme@blogspot.com said...

Hi Darnell. It's been awhile since I came for a visit. I missed you, so here I am. Love your peaceful cards. I'm constantly reigning myself in from going wild and crazy on my Christmas cards. There's only so much time to do them, right? Every year I say I'm going to start right after Christmas. But, you know how it goes. Maybe this year. LOL! Thanks for being an inspiration and a bright light to all in 2016.

Carol said...

Hi Darnell...love your cards, a super design to mass produce. I need a rocket up my butt to get me motivated atm...DD has a birthday tomorrow and I've not yet started a card for her (guess who's going to be busy tonight!!!). Carol x

cm said...

Not only do your cards exude a beautiful quiet hush, but your use of the word sparks memories of one of my long-ago all-time favourite songs: "There's A Kind of Hush" (all over the world, tonight; all over the world, we can hear the sound of....), by Herman's Hermits. Anyway, all this hushing has me feeling very joyful; all the rushing around I still need to do, not so much! The twins' apartment is certainly stylish; I suspect it will sporting a "sold" sign very soon (as I'm hoping *someone else's* place will be...but the for sale sign still needs to be placed first. On the DO list...).
Hugs~c

Helen F. said...

Ooohhh, love the snowy landscape cards, Darnell. So peaceful!

Rocky said...

Elegant collection of cards with such beautiful scenes, I love them all. Thank you for sharing them with us at TMR. Have a great Christmas.

Donna said...

Fabulous scenes, I like seeing your differences in the design, they are very peaceful.

Geri said...

Wow...the twinks sure did make a fabulous bird house...and would likely be over-the-moon excited if a wee feathered friend decided to call it home!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these cards! Clean, simple, 'peaceful' and so beautiful! The SU vellum really is gorgeous!

Have only just begun my holiday preparations...so the hush will soon be broken by a whole lot of cussing and fussing and thinking out loud with words like..."why didn't I do this sooner" or OMG, I forgot to buy a gift for Danny's mom, or where in the blazes did I hide Eric's t-shirt....

Zelda said...

Gorgeous peaceful and elegant cards Darnell. I think I can hear the hush..... x

TK said...

Pretty and fun cards -- love the scenery! And you're right, Christmas is got me almost in panic mode! I have troubles making Christmas cards in November so it's no wonder...
Love the boys' birdhouse, I love birds and squirrels!

Donna said...

... and the good thing about the bird house is you can take it with you if and when you move. The question is, if a bird family do move in will they come along, too?!
I batch made twenty of the same design Christmas card this year... and decided that I didn't like batch making one bit. But it serves its purpose for a quicker card make - so there we go.
Your three cards with different backgrounds are very pretty.
Happy Christmas. X