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 20, 2017

Christmas Collage and New Challenge News!

Hello, Stamplings!

Counting down now! Did all the packages you ordered arrive? Have you got extra batteries? Please do be careful on the icy sidewalk when you run out to the store for something you forgot!! It turns out I need more nuts, but I've got family coming over so that'll take care of that. Stop it.

This is a special non-Christmas celebration day here as the grandtwins become teenagers! You'll pardon Papa and I as we shed a tear remembering how we held their little hands just "yesterday!" Hug any kids you see today because they just grow up too darn fast! Well, okay, maybe don't hug kids you don't know.

But that's not why you called. Tis the Season for making cards and save one, these are the final designs I have to share with you this year:
~~~

New Year News!!

You'll never guess! Hammy and I thought it would be fun to start a new challenge in Blogland!!!
Coming January 10, 2018

You can read all the details by clicking here: Twofer Card Challenge.

I hope you'll be intrigued, join us on this adventure, and play along!! I can't wait to see your Twofer creations next month!!

~~~

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 scrollingClick 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 wallah, 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!

67 comments:

Loll said...

Beautiful array of colourful Christmas cards Dolly!! Love your designs! I'm so excited about the Twofer Challenge!! Lolly xx

Jane Willis said...

Wonderful cards as always - and what exciting news about the new challenge! Is it OK if I add it to the listings at Challenges For Days, as I'm on the team there?
Jane

Anita in France said...

What an exciting day, Darnell ... the arrival of the twins' teenage-hood (Happy Birthday to them!) ... more gorgeous Christmas designs ... and the Twofer announcement (thrilled to be part of the fun!) ... a fabulous start to the day! LYAMYMA (shortened Christmas version)! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Ruth said...

Oh such fabulous designs - you’ve been so good this year in getting so many done. Loving the idea of a new challenge too - especially one that will make me make more cards in one session than I currently do. Wishing you a fabulous Christmas and a very exciting New Year! Festive cheer! Xxx

Aquarius said...

Great cards as ever. The twofer challenge sounds like fun

Kath said...

Fabulous cards Darnell - I've spotted mine too! It arrived yesterday and is beautiful - thank you. Love the idea of your new challenge and the fabulous blog you've set up. Looking forward to 10 January.
Kath x

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Fab cards as always.

Happy Birthday to your grandsons.

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Redanne said...

Another gorgeous line up of cards my friend!! Huge congratulations - it sounds like such an exciting challenge, I don't think there is anything like it 'out there' - your creative mind knows no bounds!! I wish you much success, I just know it will be a big hit!

Big birthday wishes to the twins! Hugs, Annie xxx

Mac Mable said...

Looking forward to the fun and unique challenge, many congratulations x Happy Birthday to the boys too x

Lynn said...

Ahh...what a great idea for a challenge and I love that it runs for a month! Following and looking forward to playing along in January! Happy birthday to your grandsons...man does time fly! Love the wonderful relationship you have with them. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Fantastic cards Darnell and a great idea for the new challenge too. I've added the challenge to my sidebar so I don't forget and also so other people can see it too.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Sue xx

Jeanne said...

The cards you have shared are all lovely, Darnell. Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on the grandtwins becoming teenagers. Very exciting times. Yes they grow so quickly. Enjoy every minute. Hope you have a beautiful holiday. Congrats on the new challenge!!

ionabunny said...

Gorgeous cards. I am so stealing some of those ideas. Oh Darnell, I am so joining your twofer challenge. Thanks for your lovely self, your fun blog and your new challenge. Wishing you a very merry christmas. Cheers. Hugz

Carol L said...

What a wonderful array of pretty Christmas cards! I don't know how you find time to create as often as you do! Whew! Congrats on the twins special birthdays! I remember them as small boys when they went by another fun name that sounds like inks :) Congrats on the new challenge - I'm following and looking forward to the twofer fun!! Have a warm and wonderful Christmas season and a very happy new year too! There is so much to be grateful for :)

Pat said...

The twins teenagers, wow, it doesn't seem possible does it, time flies too fast but I hope they have a lovely birthday. These cards are all beauties Darnell and all so different, and you are certainly a prolific producer of gorgeous cards. I am looking forward to your new challenge which will certainly give the new creative year a kick start. x

Cat Craig said...

Lovely designs Darnell, and yes kids do grow up fast...my Godson was just a baby...but in June is graduating from College. Yikes!

What an intriguing idea for a challenge blog. I love it. Heading over now to check it out.

Brenda in IN said...

Teenagers, oh my gosh. Where do the years go so fast. Happy birthday wishes to them. Your array of cards is so pretty. I especially love the second one with the great rainbow of colors. Your challenge is going to make us really think and get creative. I look forward to it and seeing all the great cards made for it. This will be so much fun. Have a wonderful time celebrating birthdays and the holidays with your family. Big hugs to you.

Kara Lynne said...

Oh, I can't believe they are going to be teenagers! I don't know why not, they are growing at the same rate as my kids - way too fast! Fantastic designs on your wonderful cards, Darnell! I'm so excited for the new challenge and all the fun we'll have! Merriest of Christmases to you and your family!

conil said...

That's quite a lovely array of cards you're showing. It always amazes me that you & Hammy keep coming up with these terrific designs and can execute them so flawlessly.
Your teenage grands (that's what I call my grandchildren) will always appreciate their talented Grandma. But you're right they do shoot up so fast you can't even blink and they're adults. Funny how that happens. Too quick, too soon.
Well this challenge idea is intriguing and sounds like fun...from the, ever clever, mind of Darnell. Yay!

nancy littrell said...

Your last Christmas cards are fabulous..just like you my friend.

What exciting news...a new Twofer Challenge. I am headed over to check it out:-) With your following, I am sure it will be a Huge Success!

Happy Birthday to the twins and Merry Christmas to all the family. Hugs...

Valerija said...

Fantastic cards. Love them all!
Valerija xx

Jane said...

Fab cards Darnell. Congrats to your grandkids..yes they grow up far too quickly. The new challenge sounds fun. Merry Christmas to you and yours xxx

Leslie Miller said...

What, you saved the best for last? Maybe it's because I'm seeing them through bright eyes because I'm happy to finally have only the grocery shopping left to do, but I absolutely love all these cards! The "joy" with all the colors and the cute kitty and the first with the trees and deer... oh, and the candy cane and, well, jeez, all of them! I'm excited for your new challenge, too. Love that you give us a whole month. Weekly challenges are too much of a challenge for me. Merry Christmas and happy new year!

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Your cards are all lovely! Looking forward to what your new challenge will be like! Merry Christmas!

Happy Dance said...

Happy birthday to the young teens! They sure do grow fast... SometimesI wish the little ones would stay little for just a little longer! What an array of fabulous Christmas cards! Love the diversity of them! You are one incredible card maker, my friend!! And I'm so very, very excited to be a part of your "Twofer" DT. Honored, humbled, and thrilled beyond measure. It's going to be a huge success! You so rock! xoxoxoxo Bev

Unknown said...

Brilliant news on the new challenge. Have a wonderful Christmas Darnell with your lovely family x

MaryH said...

Such a wonderful assortment of lovely & uniquely designed cards. I really think the little bow-bedecked deer standing the forest _might_ be my fav, but not totally sure. Yes, I can understand that you felt a little moistness in the eyes at the Twinks growing into the teenage years. That always feels a bit like they are 'going away' from you, as they start wanting to be more with their own friends. Still they have had all the love and grounding you all were able to impart, so it will just be another adventure on the journey as they grow to manhood. How you have time to host another challenge, just amazes me. You & Hammy are so very organized! TFS & Merry Christmas. Best wishes for a wonderful 2018.

Nan G said...

Fab cards Darnell! Happy birthday to the twin teens! Off to check out this new adventure of yours....Two-fer Challenge! Hugs

Trina P. said...

More beautiful Christmas cards... simply amazing, Darnell. Just checked out the new challenge. Can’t wait... it will be fun and challenging. Fabulous idea for a challenge.
Happy birthday wishes for the twins, too.
Happy holidays! Trina xx

Verna Angerhofer said...

Thanks for sharing all of the wonderful cards you made. All are great designs. And, I am happy you will have enough nuts. I still have a couple but we will get more when our kids arrive too! LOL I will look forward to the new challenge then in the new year. Have a most wonderful Christmas my friend and a happy 2018.

Kathleen said...

Fabulous set of cards Darnell, love the mistletoe one.
Thanks so much for your lovely cute card.
My eldest Grandson becomes a teenager next April and while he is still full of hugs and kisses, he is too busy with homework, his friends and the dreaded X-box.
New challenge sounds very interesting and different.

Kath x

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Intriguing challenge, such a great idea! :D
Congrats for your twins, it's terrible thinking how much fast babies grow!! My niece too!! :) Your last cards are all wonderful, great array! I'm on a big delay with greetings cards! :O
Hugs

Bonnie said...

More pretty Christmas cards and happy news, Dolly! Congratulations on your new challenge! I love the card you sent us! Thanks so much and have a wonderful Christmas! xoxo

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Darnell, Yes time flies and swoosh.. the grandbabies are no longer babies but full grown teenagers, we can relate. I love your cards, especially the on on the bottom RH side :) Cheers and hugs xx

Bobby said...

What a wonderful diverse selection of cards, Darnell. Happy Birthday to the boys. Time does go by fast. My youngest grandchild will be 15 next month.

Helen F. said...

Beautiful cards, Darnell! Your designs are amazing.
Happy Birthday to the twins! Time sure does go by too fast

Kathy Schweinfurth said...

Your cards are fabulous, Darnell! Also very excited about the new challenge!! Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas :)

Lisa Elton said...

The happiest of birthday wishes to your handsome grandsons!! Teenagers...say it isn't so!! What a fun idea for your new challenge, can't wait to get my double crafty on!!

Susanne Vargas said...

Can't believe how many different designs for you Christmas cards you came up with! Can't believe either that the twins are teenagers now, happy birthday to them!
Still have a hard time believing that I am part of this exciting new Twofer adventure that you dreamed up!

Sharron said...

Fabulous cards, Darnell! And a big congrats to the twins for starting a fun new stage of life. Gosh, they do grow fast! Our oldest is a junior in college. We are lucky that he is going to school where we live so we can have some lunches together--with him and his girlfriend! Love your new challenge. Looks like lots of fun!

Cheryl W. said...

Once again, your cards are fantastic. I am indeed intrigued by the twofer challenge. I definitely hope to join in. It sounds like fun and a good way to stretch our creativity.

Sandra H said...

Simply gorgeous array of cards Darnell as always your so talented in all that you do sending lots of christmas wishas and thank you for your wonderful card xx

Linda said...

What a stunning collection of cards Darnell, and I can't wait for the new challenge. Sounds like fun!
Happy Birthday to those gorgeous boys ..... you're not wrong about them growing up fast!
Have a fabulous Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Big hugs ..... Linda xx

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards, as always! I hope those young men had a great day... and that you're continuing to enjoy stroking your card. Grin. So glad it arrived safely!
Hugs,
Em xoxo

oldpunca said...

All your Christmas designs are wonderfull. As I already said on Twofer blog: you and Hammy have great ideas! :-)
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Hugs,
Sonja

Craftychris said...

Happy Birthday to the Grandtwins for yesterday! How quickly they have grown. Beautiful cards! I am looking forward to the new challenge and am following the new blog off course! Hugs xxxxxxxxxxxx

Sheila H said...

I do love these cards, too, Darnell. I know what you mean about the grands. Our grandson turned 15 this year. He's a fine young man who makes us vey proud. Time does fly...

Patti said...

Sniff sniff! aint it the truth Darnell these kids grow up so fast! my little "toe head" will turn FORTY in 2018! gasp! how'd that happen? Have a blast celebrating! : )

I can't wait to try your new challenge!! It sounds like a winner!!

I scheduled a special post for December 25th that I would especially like for you to see : ) Don't worry I know it is a busy time of year if you don't get to it... but it might give you a smile.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my friend! : )

Patti

shirley-bee said...

Another gorgeous display of cards, Darnell! You and Hammy have been so busy. Ah, teenage boys, I remember that stage well ;)
Looking forward to your new challenge in the New Year.
Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year
Mwah!

OH Babs said...

Congrats on the cards. Congrats on teenage grandsons. Congrats on your new baby. I was going to only do your NBUS challenges but guess I'm going to switch hats. Merry Christmas

Cara said...

A wonde ful set of cards. I've no idea where the time goes, it seems like yesterday that I was a teenager! Thank you so much for the beautiful Christmas card, it brightened up my day.
What a cool idea for a new challenge, looking forward to its launch.
Have a wonderful Christmas and fabulous year to come, thank you for your friendship.
Cara x

Viv said...

Gorgeous set of cards as always Dee! looking forward to the new challenge also. Can't believe those sweet grandsons of yours are now teenagers arghh they grow up too quickly I agree.Anyway Happy Christmas Dee ;) hugs Vee xx

Greta said...

Wow--great variety of beautiful cards, Darnell! Well, you really surprised me with the Challenge Blog--good for you! I know it will be a huge success!

Anonymous said...

Such gorgeous cards.
Unfortunately not all my parcels have arrived. One book missing somewhere which has been resent. Thankfully it is only one little book!.

Enjoy the holidays wishing you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful start to 2018. I am interested in your new challenge - need to keep the creativity alight.

Susan said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Darnell! Thank you for the beautiful Christmas card! I didn't get many cards sent this year, but I did want to say thank you! Looking forward to playing along with your new challenge in January...if I can just get organized enough! Hugs! Susan

TK said...

What a superb group of cards! Some great cards to CASE in there....
CAN'T WAIT for your new challenge! Sounds fun!! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Ros Crawford said...

It's seems that only yesterday my son was a little one! Fabulous cards and Have a beautiful Christmas!XXX

Gerrina said...

Great cards; they all are beautiful and great to see the different designs!
Congrats on the twins...it all goes so quick...
Hopping to the challenge details now...hugs...

Jerrie said...

What wonderful end of the year cards! The joy one is so colorful and cheerful. I like the deer card too...well really, I like them all! Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and see you in 2018!

Carol H. said...

Oooh, that sounds like a super fun challenge!! Can't wait!! Happy birthday to your grand-twins! Darnell, I hope you and yours have a wonderful, fun-filled and blessed Christmas! Hugs!!!

KandA said...

Sending happy belated birthday wishes to the grandtwins, hope they had a super day...... and sending lots of christmas wishes to you and all your nuts! Hope you have a wonderful festive holiday and I'm looking forward to being thoroughly 'challenged' in the new year xx

Fikreta said...

so very nice cards!
Merry Christmas!🎄🎅⛄
hugs , Fiki

Nora Noll said...

What a STUNNING array of cards!!! You and Hammy sure were busy!! I am SO EXCITED for your new challenge blog!!! Cannot wait to play!!

Barb said...

A beautiful selection of cards Darnel. I wish you and your family a very Happy Christmas and look forward to visiting you again in the new year. Barbxx

Vickie Z said...

Wonderful cards....AND... You always make me smile! I needed that!

Nancy Penir said...

You're preaching to my choir with the grandkids growing so fast. And your cards are always great pieces of art or so funny I end up buying the stamps you use! You're a terrible enabler, or great inspiration. Probably both! So excited about the new challenge, definitely in! Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!

Lisa T said...

Darnell, I don't know how you make so many cards, to make six would take me about 3 weeks lol. And they are always so lovely! And I know you mentioned your new challenge at some point I can't remember where or when, I but I shall hop over to read all about it now! How very exciting and hopefully I will get to play along. Hugs, Lisa xx