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 31, 2017

Happy New Year!!

Hello, Stamplings!

As we close out the last day of 2017, I'd like to wish you all a Happy New Year! May you reap the blessings in 2018 that you so richly deserve!

My little friend Opal the Optometrist Optimist is here to help me ring in the new year in style!
Ms. Opal is colored with Ziggies. The sediment is from Happy Little Stampers and the NBUS Balloon Bouquet die is from Simon Says Stamp. I cut it out of fun foam and didn't notice until I saw it on the monitor that one of the balloons is missing a string. That's gonna be airborne soon.

You see it, right? Or have I already had too much schtipply for a tart my age? Speaking of schtipply, look how schparkly Opal is when you walk right up to her and say hello!
My apologies to the artist. I had to give Opal a nose and a mouth. I'm sorry, but how else was she going to enjoy that expensive champagne?!

Challenges
~~~

Wait. I nearly forgot! Someone else wants to wish you a Happy New Year!
Thanks to my friend Ruth for taking this photo and making it into a poster for the door to the Playhouse! Hammy apologizes for the holiday weight gain, but, you know, it's rude to turn down Christmas chocs!

I must dash as we are fortunate to have the grandtwins for the weekend and I'm sure you're busy with your own traditions for sweeping out the old and ringing in the new! Don't forget to sweep out all those old grievances, grudges, and pettinesses and start the new year with a blank slate lined with love!

MWAH!!








74 comments:

Jane Willis said...

Happy new year Darnell. I expect you are busy griddling your lions for the new challenge - I'm sure we're all looking forward to it
Jane

Unknown said...

Fab card Darnell, she definitely looks ready to party :)
Happy New Year to You and your family,
Hugs Kaz xx

Aileen said...

Hi Darnell I hope you have a wonderful New Year and I love your ohhh so sparkly card. How could anyone complain when you look at the beautiful face you drew, what an artist you are and all that spickle sparkle. As for Hammy, he is soooo in need of a diet or is it just a case of Ruth catching him at the wrong angle/angel. Brilliant sign.

Heres hoping 2018 is a brilliant year full of love and happiness. Hugs Aileen

Liz said...

Brilliant card, Darnell, love your new poster too. Happy New Year! x

Sue said...

Happy New Year. Hope 2018 sees your dreams come true.

Loving the card.

Did chuckle at Beware of the Hamster:) Sue

Hannelie said...

Love this festive card !
Happy new year to you Darnell!


Redanne said...

Ms Opal is a real beauty, I love her gorgeous hair and dress, beautifully coloured! Hammy is adorable and I know exactly how he feels - lol!

Have a wonderful weekend with the boys! Wishing you much happiness and good health for the New Year. Thank you for a wonderful year of friendship, you really are the best!! Big hugs, Annie xxx

KandA said...

... and a very happy and healthy new year to you, Darnell. Love your schparkly Opal and I do agree that she definitely needed a mouth. Super poster of Hammy and who can blame him for a little overeating at christmas time xx

Mrs A. said...

Happy New Year and wishing you a crafty one at that. Hugs Mrs A.

Kathyk said...

FABULOUS make and poster, wishing you and yours the Happiest of New Years and a peaceful and healthy 2018

Kathyk

Dotty Jo said...

Such a sweet card! I love her little face, Jo x

!neke said...

Great card and wishing you and yours a happy New Year !!!!

Marilyn said...

Adorable card!! Happy New Year to you and your family too!

Jeanne said...

Happy New Year to you, Darnell! Thank you for all the love, humor and generosity you share! It means so much. Adorable card. Even if she lost a string to a balloon and is a bit sparkly! She looks wonderful. Enjoy the time with your grandtwins ringing in the new year. I like your suggestion for the new year! :) Hugs!

Donna said...

Happy New Year! Enjoy celebrating with Mister, grandkids and Hammy. Beautiful New Year card!

Gerrina said...

Super festive card!
Here I have only one thing to do before diner will be cooked by my DH and some friends will come to step in the new year together... Have fun and see you in 2018! Hugs, Gerrins

Brenda in IN said...

Opal is so cute and she is having a great time bringing in the new year. I'm sure Hammy will be joining Oprah and WW after the first of the year, as I should be! Happy New Year to you and your family. I look forward to your new challenge and it will sure be keeping you busy. You bring so much fun and joy to us with your blogging and I'm wishing you much love and health in 2018. Enjoy the weekend with the twins. Hugs to you, my friend.

Lynn said...

Happy happy new year to you and your family Darnell! Love your fun card!

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Lovely post Darnell! The poster made me smile a lot 😊😊😊
Hope 2018 is a wonderful year for you and the family,
Hugs LLJ xxxx

Carole said...

Happy New Year to you too Darnell. Wishing you all you wish yourself and more!
Love your sparkly card and the poster of Hammy too!xx

cuilliesocks said...

Lovely card Darnell and what a brilliant poster of Hammy.
Thank you for your visits and would like to wish you and your family a New Year filled with Health, Happiness and Kindness, Kate x

Marcia Hill said...

Happy New Year Darnell and have a wonderful weekend with the grandtwins!! Looking forward to your new challenge coming up...see you soon!! :0)

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Happy, Healthy and Crafty New Year to you and family, Darnell!!
Such delicious card! Love the sweetness of Opal and all the sparkling! Great coloring and the stamped sentiment is just perfect on that textured cardstock, you are magical! I have hadn't notice of that flying balloon before you said! :)
I always see a lot of mishaps and blobs looking at my cards on the monitor (too late!), I think it's time to change my glasses LOL :)
Hammy's poster made me laugh, how fun! :D Happy New Year also to him ;D
Hugs

Pat said...

Oh, Darnell, I never fail to smile when I read your blog, and Hammie certainly looks a little more roly poly than normal..lol. I love pretty Ms Opal and her champagne and bunch of balloons, and she certainly has a lot of pizzazz and sparkle, perfect for a new year card. Enjoy having the grandtwins and I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year, and heres to a wonderful healthy and creative one too! x

laurie said...

Sooooo cute! What a sweet image. Happy New Year to you and your family!

oldpunca said...

Happy New Year, Darnell! Fantastic card and superb poster. Enjoy the company of your twins. :-)
Hugs, Sonja

Linda said...

What a fun New years card. So cute. Great coloring. Have fun with the grandtwins and Happy New Year to you and the Mister....

Leslie Miller said...

She's so pretty and festive with all the sparkle and I'm glad you gave her a nose and mouth so those bubbles can tickle her nose and she can drink the champagne rather than just stand there and hold it. Hammy and I, both, have a few holiday pounds to take off. It goes on far too easily. Happy new year, Darnell!

conil said...

Yep, that's how I'd like to celebrate...quiet, sedate, safe and half in the bag. She's a charming little thing, isn't she. Wish you all (including Hammy, of course) a Happy New Year celebration and everything you hope for in 2018.

Carol H. said...

Opal looks great with your pretty coloring and bright colors! I'm so glad you gave her a nose and mouth (those faces lacking the features make me kinda sad!) and I'm sure she is happy to be able to enjoy the champagne!! LOL!

May you have the best year ever with much health and happiness! Happy New Year, Darnell!! HUGS!!!!

Jean said...

Happy New Year! have fun with those grands!

Christine said...

Happy New Year to you and yours Darnell.
May it be full of good health and laughter.
Xx

Christine said...

Happy New Year to you and yours Darnell.
May it be full of good health and laughter.
Xx

Ruth said...

Have an absolutely fabulous New Year as schparkly as your bubbly and your balloons. So fab to see Hammy resplendent in your window. Makes me laugh even more! Love to you all! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Darlene said...

Happy New Year Darnell! May 2018 be FABULOUS for you!!!!

nancy littrell said...

Thank you for the New Years wishes, my friend. Your card is so fun and I did not even notice the missing string:-) Loved your hammy poster too.

Have a wonderful time ringing in the New Year with the twins and Mister. Wishing you a very Merry Healthy Happy and Creative New Year, Darnell. Hugs...

Carol L said...

Thanks for a year of blogging fun Darnell! Wishing you and your family (and Hammy) a wonderful new year full of promise, hope, and love! Great card today, even if a balloon string is missing, but that poster of hammy is too much fun! Happy New Year!!

Susan said...

Happy New Year to you too, Darnell (and to Hammy as well). 2018 will be a great year as I will get to meet you!! Really looking forward to it! Hugs, Susan

p.s. great sparkly champagny card!

Bonnie said...

What a wonderful New Year's wish, my friend! I love the schparkly! Got some going on myself! May 2018 be full of wonderful adventures and creativity!

Verna Angerhofer said...

What a fun card design and the coloring is awesome. I wish you a happy new year too. No doubt, I will sleep it in as I am still hosting a super huge head cold and it seems to not bother me so much if I am sleeping. Or if I can sleep. We had company for the weekend and the little grandchild got sick so that interrupted my sleep as well. But all the guests have gone to their homes now so we can rest up a bit more. It is always good to have them though.

Greta said...

Oh what a super cute card, Darnell! Have a wonderful weekend with the kiddos & a fabulous 2018! Big hugs, Greta





OH Babs said...

Happy New Year! Cute card. Yes I noticed the balloon without a string I just figured you or Hammy cut it and set it free. Congrats on your new venture I will do my utmost to participate. Hugs, Barb

Cat Craig said...

Happy New Year Darnell, sending along wishes for Health, Happiness, Prosperity and New Adventures during the coming year and beyond.

Craftychris said...

Well I am just loving Opal! Such a lovely card! Happy New Year! Have a wonderful time with the boys! Hugs my friend xxxxx

Jeanne H said...

Wishing you and all your family the best in 2018! Hope you are enjoying your weekend with the grands. My dog Digger and I are trying to keep warm, snuggling up on the couch with me in cozy pj's. I look forward to your cards next year, Darnell and to your new challenge.
Hugs from MN and Happy New Year!!

Birgit said...

A great card and love that you put a nose and mouth on her as she needs to enjoy her drink. I love the balloons even if one is ready to fly away. Happy New Year!!

Cheryl W. said...

Awesome card! I have a hard time with partial faces. I always want to add a nose and mouth, too. Glad you did. Happy New Year to you and yours, Darnell!

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh Darnell what a gorgeous card - I just hope Opal didn't have to drive home after giving in to the tempation of that champers... I had to turn down a drink last night 'cos I am the driver now, and have to be responsible - sort of, but it's too expensive to get caught, and I would rather spend my $ on creative supplies, you know what I mean :-)...
Love your first card, and yes that balloon will soon be airborne for sure - it wouldn't be if Hammy was the anchor though, by the looks of him!!
Blessings of Joy and Peace to you for 2018
Maxine

Jane said...

Super Card, she’s fabulous! Happy New Year and thanks for playing at AAA Cards.

BożenA said...

Happy New year, Darnell! Many ideas and good luck in their implementation.
Your card is very funny.
Hugs,
BożenA

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Fantastic card Darnell. Happy New Year to you and all the best for 2018.

Sue xx

nwilliams6 said...

Darnell, your posts are always the BEST! I was laughing the whole time I read this one! I especially loved that you added a face to the image. YOur advice for sweeting out pettinesses and such is brilliant as well. So glad I stopped by to visit. Happy New Year to you and your sweet family (oh, and Hammy as well).

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Happy New Year 2018 Darnell to you and your love ones
big hug Tamara

Sue - said...

Happy New Year to you, the Mister, Hammy and all your family. So glad you added a face to Opal, I can’t bring myself to like faces with no features!

Colleen said...

Happiest of New Years Darnell! Fabulous card, love that sweet thin young lady * wink...and I feel like Hammy right now, couldn't turn down all that choc either! I am looking forward to your challenge, so see you soon! Heart Hugs!

Christine Alexander said...

Darnell, Happy New Year to you, your family and Hammy of course . Great card, so perfect for ringing in the New year. Happy Crafting for 2018. Christine

Monika Reeck said...

you have colored her STUNNING
and love this image always
great coloring and color combo and love that balloon too
graet card Darnell
thanks for the email...and the beautiful Christmas card too
Happy New Year 2018 stay healthy my friend
miss you
hugs
Monika

Melissa L. said...

Sweet and sparkly, Darnell. Thanks for playing along with your CAS curly-haired cutie card at AAA Cards.

Lindsey said...

Happy New Year, Darnell! Your card is the cutest! And an excellent-sized bottle for the year just past, I'd say... :o

Lisa Elton said...

She looks like a sassy one, my kind of gal!! Super cute card Darnell and I LOVE the new sign for the playhouse. It gave me a big smile! Wishing you and your family the happiest of Happy New Years filled to the brim with blessings!

Sharron said...

MIss Opal looks quite festive! Hope you've also had fun issuing in the New Year. Glad you were able to enjoy the grandtwins too. We had our 6 year old granddaughter here on Saturday. They live in Mexico so don't get to visit often. She's bilingual and is such a joy to hear. Wish all children would have a chance to learn more languages at that age. Wishing you a happy, healthy 2018!!

Linda said...

Happy New Year Darnell .... looking forward to a year full of crafty fun.
Opal looks like she's enjoying the party .... love her! As for Hammy well .... I know exactly how he feels!!
All the best for 2018 my friend xx

Anita in France said...

Well, isn't she just shimmeringly splendid, Darnell ... and is so enjoying that champagne ... wonder just who she is modelled on! Great warning for the Playhouse ... good for Hammy enjoying all those Christmas chocs ... you brung him up so proper like!! Wishing you every grace and blessing the new year can bring, my dear friend! LYAMYMA ... CWTSYT! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous card, Darnell. Happy New Year xoxo

Cara said...

A gorgeous sparkly card and how remiss of the artist not to give her a mouth to drink all that fizz!

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Such a sweet image and all the delicious sparkle! Unfortunately I must confess - Hammy steals the show :) That is cuteness overload! Happy New Year to you and Mister!

Fikreta said...

so very nice card!
love that beware of hamster!
Happy New Year

Mac Mable said...

Still struggling to get over this virus so still playing catch up x Here's to a healthy, peaceful and crafty 2018 x

Bobby said...

Happy New Year to you, Darnell. Your coloring of Miss Opal is fantastic.

Lynette said...

Happy New Year, Darnell! I hope you have a super wonderful 2018.

Helen F. said...

What an adorable card! Happy New Year to you and your family, Darnell! I'm so happy you found someone sparkly to drink some schtipply with ... hate to think of you sitting in the playhouse drinking alone ;-)

Cheryl said...

Happy New Year :) Your card is so cute. Love all the sparkle on Opal. Thanks for playing at AAA Cards challenges.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year!
I'm a little late i've been away with no computer/wifi.
Opal is gorgeous.

Neets B said...

Sorry for the late visit, I feel like New Year completely passed me by whilst trying to shift this flu! What a fabulous card, love the way you've coloured her with the additional sparkle too.
Thanks so much for playing along at HLS CAS Challenge, Anita xx