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 5, 2017

Cocktails and Christmas Apertures

Hello, Stamplings!

I've got a fourfer forya and a photo to share, so without further a dew, please pour a Cranberry Appletini and grab an aperture. Hammy will be around later with refills. I'm sorry they will be tiny refills, but you know, tiny paws.

Onefer.
I used my NBUS Memory Box "Stitched Snowflake Circle Frame" and more of my ancient pp. I have several of these metal Christmas verses from (I think) Tim Holtz and I have found them difficult to add to my CAS cards because of the weight. But with this circle design and a pretty ribbon, wallah, it's a perfect way to use them.

Linking to: Jingle Belles: Heavy Metal Holiday; Memory Box Challenge: Holiday Greetings.
Challenge icons
Twofer.
Using the circle that was cut out from the pp for the first card, I made this double vanilla textured cone with snowflake toppings. This time I used one of my favorite word Christmas dies from Winnie & Walter.

Linking to: SSS Wed. Challenge: AG; SSS Mon. Challenge: Icy Inspiration.
Threefer.
Next I tried out my NBUS Christmas tree aperture die called "Sloping Hillside" from poppystamps. I added snow-embossed acetate behind the window, but before adhering it, I slipped one of the trees behind the window and placed the other on the card front. The trees are NBUS dies from Taylored Expressions. 

Linking to: Die-Cut Divas: Winter Time; Less Is More: Red and Green.
I'm a Diecut Diva Too
Fourfer.
Here's another rendition using the same die. The red panel is embossed with a dotted die from Avery Elle. The background is another Brusho snippet. I'm not sure it is the right choice now that I see it on the screen. It looks too much like a forest fire, but if you can tear that visual off your retinas and replace it with one of the northern lights around the North Pole, it looks a lot better.

Linking to: Uniko: Christmas; CAS Watercolour December Challenge: AG.
~~~

We were delighted to have the twins back for another visit over the weekend. They are as tall as me now, so they "get" to decorate the tree, haha! I think they do a fine job of it!
I have to tell you that we enjoyed a hysterical car ride with the boys trying to explain the origin of many of the common idioms and phrases that Papa and I grew up with. It started with Papa exclaiming that someone was living the "life of Riley." Henry asked, "Who's Riley?" After we explained, they wanted to hear more such phrases, even though each one was declared to be "cheesy!" 

~~~

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!








*Life is too short!

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81 comments:

Loll said...

Beautiful array of cards, Dolly!! I have some of the ancient snowflake paper ... I laughed when I saw it. Good for you for using it ... looks fantastic with that gorgeous snowflake circle die. Sigh - need to get that die! :)

And great cards with your new sloped hill die. Both cards are so creative. Great idea to use acetate and add a tree behind. LOVE the colour of your brushos background with the bright red frame. You are really in high gear getting all these Christmas cards made. Lolly xx

Loll said...

Oops ... meant to also say that Henry and Adam did an amazing job decorating the tree. They are getting so big! xx

Stamps and Paper said...

Lovely selection of Christmas cards Darnell your brusho background is beautiful and the boys have done an amazing job of your Christmas tree, hopefully ours goes up this weekend

Hugs Anne x

Glennis F said...

Fabulous cards Darnell, you and Hammy have been very busy!

Julie B said...

Four fab cards Darnell and the twins made a great job of decorating the tree.
However, even though I'm vertically challenge, I have to do the honours myself. An untidy tree makes me twitch! The kids know not to try, except the youngest who has the twitch himself! :)

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Four fantastic cards Darnell, they are all so great but I love the brusho leftover at the bottom, the colours are so striking.

Sue xx

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Yup think we live the life of Riley Downunder, pretty wonderfully blessed indeed ... chuckle! snort!
Okay sensible moi now, great creations alllll of them Darnell, think I lost count as I scrolled down through them, I’m so far behind I’m batch baking now and it does weary one, can’t wait till last eight are done then it’s back to individual ones like yours..
Thanks for sharing your inspiration!
Shaz in Oz.x

{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

Sandra H said...

Awww grandchildren they bring so much joy to us all l have 4 little ones and they are always asking so many questions some are so funny!! Darnell wow your array of cards are stunning so beautifully put together take care sending lots of love xx

Cardsbymaaike said...

that's a gorgeous die from poppy stamps and great use of the red and green theme

Redanne said...

Oh, what beautiful cards Darnell! They are all beautiful, I particularly like the threefer one!

Your tree looks fabulous, they did a wonderful job on it. Sounds like you had a fun time with the boys, cannot get over how much they have grown!! Hugs, Annie xxxx

Bunny said...

These are so pretty. Love the backgrounds and dies. That patterned paper is great. How fun to explain the phrases to your grandsons. So glad they could decorate the tree for you. They must have had fun. [Bunny]

Marilyn said...

Pretty cards!! OK, I have to ask How to you make a cranberry appletini? My friend and I are always trying to fine a new martini to make

Pat said...

Wow what gorgeous and cleverly designed cards Darnell, and I adore all the apertures, and am thinking there may well be a CASE or two with a bit of improvising as I don't have a snowflake aperture, but the idea is percolating right now...lol. I love the trees, like Loll sigh, I need that die, and love the acetate with the snow on it, and the Brusho background is gorgeous and so bright and pretty with the red. The boys dressed the tree to the nth degree, in other words fabulously. x

Carole said...

Your cards are FANTASTIC Darnell! It is so good when you find away to use that stash...makes you remember why you kept it! Clever use of those fabulous dies and i immediately thought Northern lights when seeing the forfer. The tree looks lovely...how nice the twins can decorate it for you.

ionabunny said...

I may have to case all these, especially the forest fire. I can't help but wonder if the third one shouldn't have been a treefer. Or even a treefir. Your rhetoric is as gripping as your art. Hugz

cm said...

Festive feast of creativity with your four-fer, my friend (feeling semi-alliterative today!). Snowflakes, trees, pretty backgrounds, a 'perfect' use of your TH metal verse...happy sighs in seeing all the joy happening on your blog! And speaking of joy: how wonderful to have more visits with your handsome twins! Excellent job in tree decorating! Where the grand-dogs around to help as well? The car-ride conversation sounds like fun! Now, I want to know the origin of 'Liar, liar pants on fire' (which is so silly, but one of my favourites...).
Hugs and love~c

conil said...

the good newa is that your cards aren't as "cheesy" as the old idioms which also creep inexorably into my speech, as well. Yes, my grandkids roll their eyes and look at me askance. I love that you're still plowing through your stash and able to come up with these amazing creations. Incidentally, it doesn't look like a forest fire to me...just looks festive, as it should.
Those boys are getting so tall and handsome their Mom & Dad are going to be beating the girls off with a stick.

Leslie Miller said...

This was fun, Darnell! Your ancient PP looks PP (as in "perfectly pretty"). I absolutely love the Brusho background on your Fourfer. You probably have forest fires on your mind, but the first thing I thought of was northern lights. Really gorgeous! The boys did a fantastic job on the tree. Will they undecorate it for you, too? That's not nearly as fun. Ah, those expressions... they're a quick way of saying exactly what you mean, and very interesting to learn their origins. My speech is peppered with them.

designbydonna said...

All beautiful cards. I really like the circle snowflake die. It accents that snowflake paper really well. Even before I read your explanation, I thought, oh, northern lights behind the trees. Colors are really pretty.

Dotty Jo said...

Great cards, Darnell - love each and every one! The boys are so handsome, Jo x

Verna Angerhofer said...

You are sure on a roll with all the gorgeous cards you are making. I love all of them. I have been trying to use up some older card stock and such as well in crafting. And, the guys look so cool in front of your pretty tree. I love that pic!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous cards. Love all those sayings but I wonder how much longer they will continue with each generation - hopefully the boys will remember them for the future. x

Pia S said...

It's inspiring to see how you use the same materials to create different designs and incorporate non traditional elements to CAs designs. Love your cards!

Marcia Hill said...

Four FABULOUS cards Darnell...I especially like the forest fire one...errr, I mean the northern lights one!! It's definitely eye catching and I just really like it!! The twins sure are growing up fast, aren't they?! That's my fear that my 3 year old and 6 month old grandkids will be the same age as the twins next week...sigh!! Hope you're having a wonderful week! :0)

BożenA said...

WOW! It's a real treat! Four amazing cards in one post are so many! I do not know which card I love the most ... The first two cards are in my favorite winter colors. Great design, I love the patterned paper you have used and the pressing of the white panel of the card. In the third card, I love the window in which you placed trees and green trees added for balance outside the window. And the fourth card ... it's amazing how you created the background! As if you capture a small fragment of the northern sky with the northern lights. Incredible play of light and color.
Twins will soon overcome the Christmas tree :-) To dress her up, they will have to bend down :-)
Hugs,
BożenA

JoAnn said...

Great set of cards. The "Peace" one is my favorite.
The twins are growing and they did a great job decorating your tree.

Kathleen said...

Four fabulous cards.
The first two with really lovely snowflake papers and a super die and like the way you have used up the paper circle.
A great design for that lovely die, two super cards.
The last photo is my favourite, they have your smile.

Kath x

Bobby said...

Your four-fers are terrific, Darnell. The blue pp works well with that circle snowflake die. The Brusho background does remind me of the aurora borealis. It would be red if it were fire, which I was just watching on TV. My cousin posted on FB that he an his partner had to evacuate from Sunland. I can imagine the stories you had to tell the boys. You're good at explaining such things. ;)

Lynette said...

Love your beautiful cards, Darnell! Great picture of the boys, too. We've been doing a lot of thinking about origins of common phrases, too.

Gramma Sarah said...

Darnell...I'm coming right over for the mini-cranberry....I'm sure Hammy makes the best!!! It is quite amazing all the common phrases we use and those which we used as children no longer in use! I'm the fuddy-duddy who is in cahoots with Hammy to keep us all happy!!! Great cards and use of your NBUS!!!!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Oh, it's so lucky having Hammy as helper with tiny elements :D
Your array of cards is stunning, they are all so elegant! Fab designs and love especially the last one, it remembers me the Aurora Borealis with that amazing background!! Simply fabulous!!
Your Grandsons have made a perfect work with the Christmas tree!!
Hugs

JD/ Jill said...

All great cards! Tree (and the boys) look fabulous! They did a great job decorating. (Maybe I can get my granddaughter to come a decorate for me? I can try anyway) Life of Riley...Yes, I know that one... That's a really OLD one...(Not that I'm OLD! HA!

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Beautiful cards. I did think Northern Lights when I saw the last one so Mums the word.......there's one you you can explain to the twins lol!
Ang x

Ps.......love the tree!

Carol L said...

Oh dear heavens, I still have some of that snowflake paper here too! LOL It is ancient isn't it but always looks so pretty done up in a card! Love the tree cards too and I just LOVE your tree the boys decorated! What a wonderful job they've done! The life of Riley - I remember watching that show with my grand pop when I was little - he enjoyed it so much..........along with Hopalong Cassidy and the Cisco Kid with Pancho. Ah yes, those were the good old days :)

Bonnie said...

I see the Northern lights, Dolly! It' such a pretty background with the snowy trees! Love those snowflake apertures too! Looks like the boys did a great job of decorating the tree and learning about those gems of wisdom from our youth. They sure are handsome boys with those big smiles! xoxo

Lisa Elton said...

Holy guacamole Darnell, you were one busy bee!! I love them all, but the second with the bright blue snowy sky is extra pretty! I would LOVE to have been on that car ride with you!! We still laugh at some of the things my grandmother would say. One of our favorites is "El I'll swan"...what the heck does that mean LOL!!

Linda S. said...

Darnell, I never once thought, "forest fire". I think you have been in CA too long. That card is beautiful!

SmilynStef said...

What fantastic holiday cards ... so glad you shared your marvelous metal creation with us at jingle belles.

Jeanne H said...

I too love your cards especially the one with a lot of the beautiful blue n white paper. Wish I had some; I should look at my stash, right? My comment about those handsome boys is that I wish I were wearing shorts now. Lots of snow and ice on my car this morning. Sigh.

Cheryl W. said...

I love all your cards, Darnell, even the one that could be mistaken for a forest fire. I'm sure it won't be. Northern lights are the first thing that came to my mind. Of course, I'm from Minnesota, so maybe my first impression doesn't really count, given my state's northerly position.

The twins did a great job on the tree. Do they hire out? Mine still needs decorating!

shirley-bee said...

Cranberry appletini... we're gettin' there. Loving your cards, especially Threefer and Fourfer - I’m calling it Northern Lights, much more pleasant than forest fires 😱.
Speaking of Fourfers, my favourite football score (that never actually happened, but coined by Eric Morecambe) was East Fife 4 - Forfar 5.

Gayatri said...

Gorgeous set of Christmas cards. Love them all. Thanks so much for joining in at Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes Challenge. Gayatri xx

Lisa T said...

Four gorgeous cards Darnell - love the brusho one and I don't think it looks like a wildfire! What always amazes me is how much NBUS you actually have! I am in awe of how you pull things together using different companies and different styles but somehow they all seem to work! And I thank Hammy very much for the aperitif, it didn't last long, I needed many refills to satisfy me :)

Ros Crawford said...

My those boys are getting tall, and so handsome! Love all you cards Darnell..The brusho effect is amazing! Hubby's surgery has finally been schedued for next week... I'm awaiting spine surgery - we're going to be a fine pair! My son is going to be kept busy caring for us Lol!
Have a great day, sending hugs.

Sarah said...

Gosh, how your handsome grandsons are growing!! Lovely cards Darnell, must dig out my snowflake frame, it's not seen the light of day this year xx

oldpunca said...

Amazing christmas creations. Nice idea for not to throw away wonderful blue patterned circle. Twins are growing up very quick. :-)
Hugs,
Sonja

Jane said...

Gorgeous brusho snippet and I love that tree window die. Thanks for playing at Uniko.

Sharon Traynor Designs said...

Wowzers! Each and every one of these creations is a real stunner Darnell. Your creativity is exploding and you're cruising on overdrive! I certainly can't pick out a favourite amongst these as each one is full of joy and festive cheer. Thanks so much for sharing your threefer with us at Less is More xx

Brenda in IN said...

I hope Hammy gets here soon with my tiny refill! Great cards with the Snowflake die and a good way to use the metal from TH. The peace card is really lovely and I love the two tree cards. Those boys did a fantastic job decorating the tree. I don't know which is which but the twin on the right in blue shorts looks just like you in this picture. Both are so handsome and those smiles melt my heart

lauren bergold said...

so many gorgeous holiday cards, but of course i'm bound to say the one with the metallic tag sentiment is my fave, right?! (& truly what a brilliant way to use that!)so pleased you could join our "heavy metal" holiday fun at JINGLE BELLES ♥

Inkyfingers said...

What a fabulous collection of cards Darnell and you've given me some ideas for using up some of my papers. I love the Brusho background best - that is just stunning my friend! Don't the boys look all grown up - they'll be patting you on the head before too long lol!
I'm enjoying Grandma cuddles with Alice and it scary to think that she will be as big as your boys in the wink of an eye.
Hope you are well
Hugs
Carol x

Cara said...

Fabulous cards and I totally saw northern lights rather than forest fires! Maybe you don't send that one to someone in the states affected by the fires though. Your Grandtwins look so handsome and they did a grand job with the tree. Shall wait for Hammy to come back with a top up now x

Cat Craig said...

Wow the twins are definitely growing up and getting taller. Love that you "let" them decorate the tree!

Four fantastic cards Darnell, each with your wonderful design eye.

nancy littrell said...

Love each one of your beautiful Christmas card designs my friend. TFS your last card with the gorgeous Brushos background and die cut slope and sharing it with us at CAS Watercolour. How fun to have the twins decorate your gorgeous tree. Happy Holidays and Hugs..

Izzy Scrap said...

OMG, Darnell ! You rocked with all these gorgeous cards ! Love them all ! Love your onefer and twofer cards with their peaceful and serene designs ! Love so much blue and white ! And suddenly appears the Threefer and it is another WOW ! So beautiful with all this white, this falling snow and only a touch of colours with green firs and a red sentiment ! Stunning design ! And last but not least, this splendid Fourfer with its boreal background ! Absolutely breathtaking ! And to finish a amazing picture of your grand children, hum....I've already seen this large and beautiful smile on someone else....Thanks so much for sharing all these beauties and for playing along at Less is More ! Hugs xx

Izzy Scrap said...

Ooops ! ....Thanks so much for sharing and for playing at Uniko too ! xx

Shelly said...

These are all beautiful, Darnell!
Such a great picture and your tree is so pretty! And sounds like a fun car ride! ;)

Linda said...

Great collection of cards Darnell and each one so different. Love the tree.... the boys did a great job xx

Papercraft Boutique said...

Wow, these are all fabulous, Darnell! Such a great collection of cards! I especially love the Brushos background of Fourfer - it's dreamy and it looks like aurora. The boys did a fantastic job decorating the tree and they're so handsome! Hideko xx

Kathyk said...

Well, my goodness, how those lads have grown?!?! I popped across from the LIM blog to admire your entry only to find a splendid array of fabulousness - you are on a creative ROLL, Darnell, who wouldn't love to receive one of these great makes

Happy Thursday

Kathyk

sandie said...

I really like the brusho background and think it suits the card perfectly. Love those dies-will have to add then to my wish list!

Craftychris said...

Ooh Darnell an awesome array of beautiful cards! Each one a masterpiece! I hadn't seen forest fire in your Brusho background, just gorgeousness! It's perfect! Love the photo of the gorgeous twins and they did a fine job of decorating the tree! The car journey sounds great fun! Where is Hammy with my top up? Hee hee! Hugs xxx

Trina P. said...

What a feast for the eyes, Darnell! You’ve been very productive. Love your positive/negative snowflakes cards. Now I need to add that W&W peace die to my cart the next time I shop there. Your next two cards are so festive in their traditional red/green colours. The Brusho background is beautiful and I can picture the Northern Lights. And I need to know where that believe sentiment is from. I’m looking for a smaller believe stamp. Any excuse to shop 😂 Fantastic cards and thank you for entering one of them at Less is More.
ps. your grandboys did great decorating... must have been a lot of fun.

Happy holidays. xx

Mona Pendleton said...

Wow Darnell! What a fantastic collection of cards! All so fun and festive! Love all the snowflakes and trees! Thanks for the inspiration!

Helen F. said...

WOW, love each of your beautiful cards, Darnell. Those dies cut frames are awesome focal points.
The grands sound like such fun kiddos! I can totally understand how much you and Mister must love having them visit. Handsome twosome also :-)

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards... and boys! xoxo

Kara Lynne said...

Your twin elves are getting so big!! They did a wonderful job with the tree. Four fantastic cards, Darnell! Each a wintry wonderland (I'll choose to see Northern Lights).

Anita in France said...

Definitely aurora borealis happening behind those trees, Darnell ... and it's glorious ... however did you capture that with brusho's?! Actually, all four are gorgeous (of course) ... if the cranberry appletini going to help me make lots of fourfers as delicious as these today and tomorrow, I'd like lots of tiny top ups please ... send Hammy!! Oh, and the twins too if hey're available ... no Christmas decorating going on at all here yet! LYAMYMASLFTCWYL! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Sheila H said...

Your cards are awesome, Darnell. I love the variety. Your grandsons are so handsome. Isn't explaining old school things to youngsters fun?

Greta said...

Those boys are so cute & you're right--great job on the tree! Can just image what a fun car trip that was--haha! Love all your cards, Darnell, & you're making me add more dies to my wishlist! Love that snowflake circle & the sloping hillside which I almost got & didn't! The peace card is my favorite--absolutely love everything about it!

Susanne Vargas said...

Ha, so I didn't know either who Riley was or what the phrase meant... Thankfully Mr. Google came to the rescue! All four cards are wonderful! My favorite is the last one with that gorgeous background (well, until you mentioned forest fires...) Love both of the aperture dies!

Nonni said...

Stunning use of dies here, Darnell! I absolutely love that circle die with the snowflakes... I think this visit to your blog has just become very expensive to me! I'd better get back to eating my soup! Thanks for the entertainment as always, I love your posts and cards! Sorry for not visiting properly for ages!

Zoey | Scrapsaurus said...

wow these card are all amazing!!
Thank you for playing along with us over Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge, we all hope to see you again! x zoey

Susan said...

Fabulous batch of cards, Darnell. I never thought "forest fire" when I saw the CAS Watercolour one - I love it! Also love the patterned paper with the white embossing on the second card. But my favourite is the third card - a great design! Thanks for joining us at CAS Watercolour!

Arlene said...

The cards are all wonderful. You have been busy!

It's so nice that you have such wonderful company and you all enjoy laughing together.

So glad you joined us at Die Cut Divas.

Nora Noll said...

What beautiful cards!! The snowflake cards are fabulous with the blue. I like your third card the best, though with the addition of the green trees with the white. I could get lost in that card!!

So fun that you got to enjoy the boys like that. I use expressions at work all the time and the kids look at me like I have three heads. Then I explain them and they think I am even weirder!!

Karenladd said...

Each card is beautiful but that forest fire reference did kind of get stuck in my brain, oh my! As for the tiny cranberry appletini refills from Hammy...that's about my speed so I'm a-okay!

Deborah Frings said...

Not so much a forest fire, more a wonderful aurora boralis!! Simply gorgeous. Mind they all are. Thank you so much for playing along with our challenge at Uniko. Deborah, DT.

Lindsey said...

Lovely showcase of festive cards. Your "northern lights" effect is truly magnificent! X

cohenna said...

Beautiful! Thanks so much for participating in the Die Cut Divas Challenge this time and good luck :)

Beverley said...

Beautiful festive cards and thank you SO much for the lovely card that you sent us for Christmas. A delight and a reminder for me to treat myself to a drink ;) WOW! Haven't your twin grandson's grown?! I bet you had a wonderful time with them. Thanks so much for joining in on the Uniko Challenge, apologies for my LATE commenting :( & Happy 2018! Hugs Bev x