Happy Day, Stamplings!
I hope you're doing fine! Summertime finds us all doing a little bit less blogging and visiting as we enjoy the sunny days, gardening, vacations, and visitors, so I appreciate that you stopped by!
We've continued to have far more boiling hot days than normal throughout a large portion of the country, so I'm here to cool you off with a big fat snowflake!
This is a QACAS card and don't we love getting ideas for those as the months whoosh by and Christmas sneaks up closer and closer in the rear-view mirror! The NBUS "Stitched Frame" die cutout is from Memory Box. I backed it with a piece of pretty store-bought snowflake-embossed blue paper from Mamie. The little white embossed snowflakes in the blue are very dimensional and schparkly in person.
Challenges
~~~
Usually when I use die-cuts Hammy stops whatever he is doing to scoot up my arm and sit on my right shoulder. First of all, he likes riding the up and down motion of my shoulder as I turn the handle on the BS and, secondly, I usually give him the die-cut cast-offs to come up with ideas for using them. Otherwise they get tossed in the Unfinished Card Bits box.
We are trying not to add things to the UCB box, so the little fella gets high marks for using this cast-off immediately, simply, thusly:
Another QACAS OLCc for the stash that is ETM! Seriously? My non-card-making friends who read my blog say that we all talk in code! I know. When I first starting reading card blogs, it made me nuts, but now I'm a Class A Offender! It's like being in a secret club, heh heh!
That's all for today. You need to check and see if the sun tea is ready and I need an ice-cube bath and a nappy noodle. Some of you may remember that's what we called naps when the twins were toddlers. Seems like when they stopped taking naps, I started!
~~~
Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*
I hope you're doing fine! Summertime finds us all doing a little bit less blogging and visiting as we enjoy the sunny days, gardening, vacations, and visitors, so I appreciate that you stopped by!
We've continued to have far more boiling hot days than normal throughout a large portion of the country, so I'm here to cool you off with a big fat snowflake!
I die cut the large snowflake from the blue paper and replaced it with one cut out of foam. I popped the center back in the middle for a bit of snazzimatazz.
It wasn't that many years ago when I only had skizzers and punches. I wouldn't have believed I could make pretty cards with only die-cuts and now I do it quite often. It's been so interesting to experience all the dramatic evolutions that have happened in this hobby in a relatively short amount of time.
It wasn't that many years ago when I only had skizzers and punches. I wouldn't have believed I could make pretty cards with only die-cuts and now I do it quite often. It's been so interesting to experience all the dramatic evolutions that have happened in this hobby in a relatively short amount of time.
Challenges
- CAS(E) This Sketch!
- Happy Little Stampers July Christmas Challenge: Anything goes. Optional twist: die cuts.
- Less Is More: Anything but stamps.
- Merry Monday Christmas Card Challenge: Christmas in July Summer Linkup. I've chosen January 5, 2015: Snowflakes.
- Pixie's Snippets Playground: Use your snippets!
- Rudolph Days: Anything Christmas Goes.
Usually when I use die-cuts Hammy stops whatever he is doing to scoot up my arm and sit on my right shoulder. First of all, he likes riding the up and down motion of my shoulder as I turn the handle on the BS and, secondly, I usually give him the die-cut cast-offs to come up with ideas for using them. Otherwise they get tossed in the Unfinished Card Bits box.
We are trying not to add things to the UCB box, so the little fella gets high marks for using this cast-off immediately, simply, thusly:
That's all for today. You need to check and see if the sun tea is ready and I need an ice-cube bath and a nappy noodle. Some of you may remember that's what we called naps when the twins were toddlers. Seems like when they stopped taking naps, I started!
~~~
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 to return the flavor!
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82 comments:
Gorgeous cards Darnell - absolute CAS perfection and a great lesson in how much die cutting technology has changed over the years. Time was, you could only cut large, simple shapes, and they used to look so BLEAK, they needed to be stamped, inked, distressed and generally snazzed up. I rarely used to use my old red Sizzix machine except for cutting basic tag shapes to use on other projects. I wouldn't have believed then the wonderful range of eye-pleasing, intricate shapes that we have now.
Jane
Great snowflake ideas - I'm all for the evolution which has, and is still, occurring in the crafty world - secret society - I like that!!
Darnell, Cards are fab.
Hope you have a good day. Sue
Two fab cards! Who would have thought how much card making has changed and how much stuff we'd collect! We have nearly as many acronyms as work used to have but ours are so much better!
Happy Rudolph Day, Darnell, I see your thoughts have turned to Christmas cards too! They are, as always, both simply splendid
Happy Tuesday too
Kathyk
Fantastic cards Darnell, I love what you've done with the snowflake die.
Sue xx
Two beautiful snowflake cards Darnell and love both designs...hoping you're managing to keep cool..you can always send some of your sunshine over to us in the UK
Anne
Even if I think both are beautiful CAS, I am so enjoying the warmth of Summer! :) Hugs, Gerrina
Darnell you have done it again - well you and Hammy - CAS perfection twice over.
Yup - these Nana Naps are essential by the time you get to the 'snapdragon' stage of life. (What hasn't snapped, is draggin')
Blessings
Maxine
Love this, Darnell! The snowflake looks great with the paper behind and the fab stitched border around (loving the "loopy" corners!). Your second card with the embossing is awesome! Thanks so much for playing along with us at Less is More :)
Gorgeous cards Darnell. It's warm here but very muggy and heavy rain is forecast for tomorrow morning. Can't believe it's almost a year since Swindon! :)
Hi Darnell...Anything to do with snow l love! and your cards are gorgeous love the layout and the stiched border with the loops so effective they are too! your so right the sunny days keep us away from blogging l'm on catch up at the moment sending lots of love xx
Wonderful cards and takes on the sketch, Darnell!
Two gorgeous cards. Love that the die cuts speak for themselves. So elegant!
Always look forward to reading your great blog posts always bring a smile . These are fab cards I love the CAS designs which I personally find hard to do.and a great snowflake as well Love and hugs Carole x
Cute cards!!
I think making CAS cards is so difficult, but you are showing a gorgeous one.
Lia xx
Lovely cards. I could use some of the snowflake cooling off right now. I saved one of the first cards I ever made. I look at it occasionally. It was so basic and blah. I have learned so much from different blogs in the last few years. And sure love all the new toys that come out.
We needed that cooling off in our state. The heat has finally broken but I love the snowflake cards. Hammy always surprises me with his insight, maybe because he sees from a higher perch. As for the tea, it was so cloudy here Saturday, I had to make overcast tea instead. Turns out that works just as well as sun.
Ooh, we could have done with a few snowflakes the last couple of weeks - being in temps of 118F one day! - but back to rain, wind and grey skies again now! Great cards Darnell! Have a lovely week my friend! Love & Hugs. Hazel xx
My Card Attic
Two beautiful snowflake creations Darnell. I adore the stitched snowflake with tbe blue background and love the way you have added the blue snowflake surplus to requirements on the first card, on to the second with all that pretty embossing. I went to look for the Rudolph Days Challenge and it doesn't seem to be up yet so not sure what the problem is. Hope you are managing to keep cool, we don't have that difficulty here. x
Both of your cards are fabulous, Darnell, but I really, really love that first one. The Memory Box die with the stitched corners is so awesome! Stay cool.
Beautiful cards, Darnell! Simple is so effective! Love!
Perfect CAS snowflake creations, Darnell, not that we need cooling down here! A couple of days ago I was tempted to turn the heating back on! 😨 xx
Beautiful snowflake cards, Darnell! I was thinking of asking about the unusual stitched border when I read it is a MB die... it's different and very elegant. Thank you so much for stopping by and leave me with a smile!
2 splendid Christmas cards Darnell the simplicity makes them stand apart!
Val x
This is the perfect way to cool off though, up here, it doesn't seem to be as successful. But you got two more Christmas cards made. I bow to the master...my stack is non-existent. In any case, love that stitched die, it's amazing and the embossing on the second card is gorgeous.
Adorable QACAS cards Dolly! LOVE that sweet blue polka-dot background with the white snowflake. Popping up the center with more polka-dots is perfect. And great job by you and Hammy to use up the reverse right away. :) Lolly xx
Clean, simple and beautifully designed, both the cards are brilliant.
Have a great day! :)
It is indeed like being in a secret club, a wonderful one at that! I, too, am constantly amazed at how much the crafting world has marched on over the last few years - it is a struggle to keep up most of the time!!
Both cards are beautiful, I just loves blues for that touch of 'cool' on Christmas cards! Hugs, Annie xxx
Well I'm totalling diggin' your big fat snowflake, it's very refreshing as today was a hot one in the UK. I love the simplicity of both of these CAS beauties and blue and white is 'winner winner chicken dinner' for those frosty Christmas cards. Now for the tough bit....how do I tell this lovely lady Darnell that she's linked up to one too many challenges to qualify for LIM? Noooo....I just won't tell her!
Thanks so much for sharing with us at Less is More, Anita xx
These are both so gorgeous!! I love the snowflake designs of both!! Beautiful cards, Darnell!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)
Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
Two lovely Christmas cards Darnell, lovely frosty designs, hopefully you can find cooler spots. take care, Kate x
I'm not ready for Christmas but I love your Christmas cards. I think my favorite part is the Memory Box stitched die - too sweet.
April
Nothing like some pretty snowflakes to make one cool off on a hot July day! It is sizzlin' here too. I might have to join in again on the Christmas cards but I sort of got side tracked the last few days. Thanks for getting me motivated again!
Two lovely cards and both of then so beautifully clean and simple. Crafty hugs, Sandra x
What a blessing to visit here as our temps continue to rise! Thanks for sharing the lovely snowflakes. You and Hammy did great!
Both these are beautiful! I love the frame and the gorgeous snowflake in the first one and the embossing is gorgeous on the second - a perfect setting for the pretty blue snowflake! Frillie are bringing their Mum and Dad to visit tomorrow! Will catch up with you by email as soon as I can after that, I am really behind, sorry! xxx
Beautiful cards, Darnell. Love the cutout window and that snowy blue paper behind. The foam mounted diecut snowflake adds great dimension. Love it! Thank you for joining us this week at Less is More.
Trina xx
Two brilliant creations, great frame and a brill idea to use foam for the snowflake, lovely blue background too.
Well done Hammy for the idea for the use of the cast offs.
Punches - some were really good but other nearly broke your wrist trying to get a good image.
My Daughter, SIL and two Grandsons are flying out tomorrow to Orlando for just over two weeks, then New York for 5 days, hope it cools a tad, because they are not used to the heat that you are coping with. I am going to miss them so much.
Hope all is well with you and yours.
Kath x
Great QOCAS card, Darnel. But I must ask you, what does that acronym mean!
I like that snowflake die cut against that pretty blue snow dotted sky and can imagine the glittery snowdrops!
Glad you were able to us another NBUS! I am still following my resolution to use NBUS on every card and I find quite often I manage to use more that one NBUS item!
Thanks for playing along in the July Rudolph Days Challenge
Two gorgeous cards Darnell ! I also love blue and white for winter/Christmas cards ! This stitched cutout window is great and your blue paper background highlights so well this fab snowflake ! Love also your second card ! Thanks so much for sharing and for playing along at Less is More! xx
LOL at you starting naps when the twins stopped taking them! LOL Ain't that the truuuuuth!!!! My goodness these 2 cards are wonderful and they do indeed make me feel a wee bit cooler just thinking of snow. Of course when the snow comes, we'll be hollering for the hot air back again fer sure!! LOL I do like that foam snowflake and might have to give foam a try soon, because it looks awesome!! Stay cool and enjoy that sun tea:)
How refreshing to see not one but two beautiful snowflake cards! Like your new stitched die.
wonderful cards!
hugs
I feel cooler already! Oops, the snowflakes melted that fast! LOL, you and Hammy are a superb pair! Love these QACAS cards!
These are both so wonderful Darnell! I especially love that stitching die you used to highlight your snowflake on the first card.
Hope this finds you well and happy in your heart!
((Hugs)))
Patti
I could use some cold weather now!! The AC is running non-stop this entire month. Your cards are beautiful!
What a lovely pair of frostiness Darnell! I never thought I would EVER want or buy a die cut machine or dies. Now I don't think I could live without them LOL!!
Forgot to say how fun that you & Conil got to meet & have lunch! Great idea to celebrate all month! Beautiful cards--never tire of snowflakes! Sure could use some right about now--haha!
This made me giggle as when I first starting blogging I had no idea what people meant and had to keep asking. DH took me ages to work out!! I adore the tiny detail that stitched die gives and so perfect to match it with the DSP, super cards Darnell and have a fun day x
What a couple of beautiful zchristmas cards for your stash!! I can't say I like to think about snowflakes right now since I am pretty sure we still had a few a couple weeks ago--ha ha ha ha!! Stay cool making Christmas cards!! xo
Two very beautiful cards Darnell! as always you are so inspiring!
xoxo olga
Beautiful Christmas cards my friend. I love snowflakes and these are so pretty. Great use of all those die cut pieces. Nice to see you playing along with the HLS Christmas challenge too ..... thank you! xx
Two wonderful wintry cards to cool off with today! It felt like fall here the other day and I'm not ready for that, so bring on the sun! So glad you're finding a way to stay cool Darnell!
Hi Darnell,
Happy Rudolf Days.
Your cards are so beautiful and wonderfully created as usual.
The first has that beautiful Nbus stitched cut out and the wonderful paper and snowflake too.
Love the faux embossing on the second one, and that is the second one I have seen today so I must have a go at that.
I presume it's faux embossing if not maybe it's my old age playing tricks.
I have always been a napper from a young age, and it is a family micky take in my family, as I would fall asleep at the drop of a hat once I sat down and relaxed.
Love and big crafty hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.
Brilliant getting two cards from one snowflake die cut! I love both cards, although you ought to guess I really love the snippets entry. It's just my favourite style at the moment!
Hugs
Di xx
Two beautiful CAS cards Darnell, and I agree dies have come on so much over the years, we can make such pretty cards with only a few supplies. And it's always satisfying to get two cards out of one die cut! I need to do more of this. Kristina Werner does well at getting two cards out of one beautiful panel. I always forget and bin the left over bits 😂😂. I need a Hammy to remind me!! Hugs, Lisa xx
Wow!! These are gorgeous cards!
Hmmm... I like that MB stitched cut out. Very cute bit of design for a CAS card, which is what I should be making for Christmas if I want to ever get them done. But I can't stop coloring, tsk tsk. Love that you used the UCB right away so it's not actually a UCB, or at least it wasn't for long. I feel very cool and refreshed after seeing your cards!
Blue and white - my favourite colour combination! Good for you and Hammy for coming up with two beautiful cards and for not adding to the UCB box! I have that same snowy dp - love it but haven't used it for ages.
I told Tessa, my puppy, about Hammy liking to ride on your shoulder while you use the BS - she'd like to try it but 22 pounds might be too much for my shoulder. She told me to join a gym and lift weights to get stronger just for her.
so beautiful ... I always love your CAS!
hugs xx
Personally, I like being in the same secret club as you. There are millions of us, I'm sure, but still, we've managed to keep this part of the crafting world a well kept secret. Madly in love with your QACAS snowflake card. That MB die is amazing, and the snowflake fits inside perfectly. This looks like a good one to mass produce! LOVE that blue paper. LOVE that MB die. Love this card. And Hammy didn't do too badly either! All those lovely embossed snowflakes, then a pretty blue one smooshed down on top; brilliant!! You're a wizard. Playing a little catch up right now, but hope to get in some crafty time in a bit. Missing you terribly. Sending hugs and smooches!! xo Bev
These are both so deliciously crisp and fresh, Darnell ... one all schparkly and yummy, the other scrumptiously texture-y ... quality, quintessential QACAS!! Now, talking of secret codes ... LYAMYLMAHYSCITS! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)
Two fabulous cards, Hammie definitely deserves a gentle pat on the back for coming up with the second one! Hope you enjoyed the nap!
A nappy noodle???
I did wonder if it was a very unappealing Chinese delicacy.
Well Mrs K, love your snowy flakes. I like using funky foam to die cut. It's brill. Adds a lovely bit of dimension.
I haven't a clue about some of your abbreviations but that's half the fun lol!
Ang x
Beautiful cards Darnell, love those snowflakes!
Hugs, Sherry x
Loose Stitches and Unraveled Threads
I love that stitched frame. Your background for the snowflake os gorgeous, and the die cut flake fits perfectly in the aperture. Thanks so much Darnell, for joing us for the Happy Little Stampers July Christmas Challenge!
Please send some of those snowflakes to Florida.
Lovely cards. [Bunny]
Great cards! I sure do know what you mean about this being a HOT summer! It's been a little bit hard to take...(especially, since we had to cut our shade trees down!
Simply beautiful snowflake Christmas card designs my friend. Stay cool! Hugs..
Wonderful cards to be gazing at in the heat of summer! Do you happen to know the name and mfg of the die for the lil window on the first card...I am crushing on those looped corners.
Just love the simplicity of this and the sentiment goes so well with the whole feel of the card.
I'm lovin' these snowflake cards. They're so cool (pun intended). We've had some sizzler days in my neck of the woods, too. It has cooled down at last, however, so I'm enjoying the breezes and the lower temps.
Love the snowflakes cards, Hammy is so clever, and I love all the new stuff for us to play with! Keep cool xxx
Oooo what a stunning pair of CAS cards and both so different too, thanks for joining us at July's Rudolph Days Challenge, luv Sam x
Love your CAS snowflake card. Great idea to make a second super card using the left over die cut.
Jean x
Even though it is winter in Australia I love to see snowflakes - maybe because they are usually in a cool colour. Both are gorgeous cas cards and just what we need come Christmas time. Thanks for sharing with us at Happy Little Stampers Christmas Challenge.
Clever and wonderful die cut designs. So stylish!
Two beautiful snowflake cards, Darnell - each special in its own way! Love the foam flake in card 1 & the pretty blue one over the embossed background on card 2. You know you've been crafting a good while if you actually understand all the acronyms!! Hope you're having a great summer!
I love the combination of white and blue. Such a snow card! Enchanted me inlaid star in the center of the snowflake. Exceptional card. And the second card is also beautiful.
Hugs,
BozenA
Yah for the HLS shout out! I adore this snowflake card, Darnell!
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