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!

January 10, 2018

Here We Go! Twofer!

Hello, Stamplings!

I'm all atwitter and becited to launch my Twofer Card Challenge today! All of you have been so encouraging and supportive here and over on the Twofer challenge blog where we already have over a hunnert followers! I appreciate you all so much! 

Here we go!
I made a sympathy card
and a Christmas card
using the same feather stamp.
Onefer.
My feather choice is a NBUS (Never-Before-Used-Schtuff) stamp from the "Fancy Feathers" set by Lil Inkers. I stamped and heat-embossed the feather in both white e/p and plantinum e/p. Then using just the Watermark inkpad, I off-set stamped the image to create a shadow. The drops are from PTI and the white heat-embossed sediment is from "Oh Happy Day" by Avery Elle.

Here is a closeup of the feather, but the photo doesn't really do justice to the metallic shimmer from the embossing powders and drops.
I love taking photos of leaves and feathers covered in morning dew drops or rain drops. Here are two photos I took last summer on our trip to the lake with the boys. You can see how they inspired my card.
Challenges
Grab our button
Twofer.
Do you recognize that I used the same feather stamp for my Christmas wreath? I got such a kick out of stretching my stamp to make my second occasion card! 

In addition to the feather, I used evergreen stamps from SU, a snowfall e/f, a little bow from Paper Smooches cut from red schparkly fun foam, and a teeny tiny tag from My Creative Time.

Challenges
Come and Play!

I can't wait to see what two different designs you create for two different occasions using the same feather stamp or die! Remember, don't be afraid to use your stamp or die in an unexpected way for one of your cards!

And if you have questions about using other stamps along with your feather, or about using positive/negative dies, etc., please click the FAQ tab at the top of the Twofer Card Challenge blog. Please also use the Contact form on the side bar if you have questions that are not already answered.
Have FUN with this!! 

I certainly did and so did my talented friends on the Design Team!
I am so thankful for them and really WOWED by their Twofer creations!
Bonus: double the inspiration and double the stash!
~~~

Enjoy your day!  No, seriously, enjoy!  LITS!*

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and a 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 favor!








*Life is too short!

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89 comments:

Loll said...

Wooo Hoooo!! We are off and running, Dolly!! So excited at the launch of your fun Twofer Card Challenge. You've started it off with a bang!! LOVE the double embossed feather with shadow. Simple, beautiful and elegant ... perfect for a sympathy card. And so clever and creative to use the feather stamp as part of your Christmas wreath!! Congrats on your new baby!! I'm so happy to be a part of the team! Lolly xx

Kath said...

Fabulous cards Darnell, especially the Christmas card with the feather stamp.
Kath x

Happy Dance said...

Delighted beyond belief to be a part of this amazing challenge! My brain has been working overtime, and with each stamp set I peruse, whether online/in cart/in my collection, I think about the different ways I could use it. Your challenge stretches my creativity in new directions!! Thanks for that! And your cards.... That sympathy card is lovely, and will surely offer comfort to its recipient. I would never have thought to use a feather for a wreath...dang that's brilliant!! This is going to be so much fun!! xo Bev

Shelly said...

Both cards are beautiful! Just love the feathers, especially the one with the dew drops! Can't wait to play along! :)

Kara Lynne said...

I love that embossed single feather and it's shadow. It's perfect on the grey background. The droplets are also so fitting for the mood of a sympathy card. It's amazing how you can change a feather into a Christmas wreath! What a glorious wreath it is! That sparkly bow and the snow almost make me wish it was Christmas time again!

You've developed a fun and truly creative challenge, Darnell! I'm so honored to be a part of it!

Linda said...

Two wonderful inspiration cards, Darnell. Can hardly wait to play in your new challenge. Hope I don't struggle too much....LOL

Sheila H said...

Your sympathy card is so elegant. I love the shadow and the embossing. Using the feather to create a wreath is pure genius. I would never have thought of that. I will have to CASE that - LOL!! Your new challenge blog is a wonderful idea.

Liz said...

Your new challenge is here at last! Will certainly get the brain cells working. Two fabulous cards for inspiration, Darnell. xx

Bonnie said...

This such a sweet feather and so versatile! Love the simple sympathy card with the embossing and dew drops! So very clever to use the stamp to make a Christmas wreath! This is an exciting new challenge!

Anne said...

Hello Darnell. Both cards are stunning , you are so clever.
Thank you so much for popping by, lovely to see you. I feel so bad that I have not been in touch, thanked you for my card and not sent anything - yet!!! I really have not forgotten you, life just seems difficult at times. Not looking for sympathy :-) it is, what it is and I hope to get to everyone eventually. Take care. Anne x ( Copper Beech Crafts)

nancy littrell said...

I am so excited to see that you chose "Feathers" as your theme for your 1st "Twofer" Challenge:-) I have the perfect NBUS Feather stamp set to use! I can't wait to play!

I LOVE both your beautiful Feather cards, Darnell. So different and beautiful ways to use your feather stamp. Each CAS design is so creative and pretty.

Thank you my friend for a fun challenge that will be a challenge and the results...Two cards for our stash.

Hugs and Congratulations for an awesome New Challenging Blog Challenge:-)

Glittered Paws said...

Love the sympathy card so clean love the sparkle dots. What comfort to receive this card. And well the wreath is thinking outside the box for sure. I just found out I need to go to your blog vs just the email I get as a follower. So sorry I have missed all the opportunities to comment.

Patti said...

Two great cards Darnell! I especially love your sympathy card! That gray with the metallic shimmery feather is beautiful!

Thank you for such a fun challenge friend!

(((Hugs)))
Patti

MagsB said...

Oh wow, Darnell! You are so imaginative and creative, I'd never have thought of making a wreath from a feather stamp! I'm really looking forward to this fun Challenge, I know I'll learn a lot!

(And I'm so pleased you've entered our Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge, too!)

Happy New Crafting Year!

love Mags B x

Dena J said...

What a stunning creation is that sympathy card!! I always look forward to your fun and inspiration, and am very excited that you have created a new challenge blog!! Hurray for us all :)

Carole said...

Oh Darnell what a fab twofer...love that Sympathy card...the feather is AMAZING!!....and a very ingenious wreath too...all ready for next Christmas! xx

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Great idea your challenge, and congrats for it's start!!
Your Twofer are always so inspiring, and these ones arem't an exception!
Brilliant use of your stash and love so much the first one wih all the sparkling!!!

Lucy E. said...

Darnell, your cards are be-youtiful!!!
I am hoping that I can dig out a feather stamp from somewhere and play on your new
challenge :-)

Pat said...

How exciting to be up and running Darnell and I can see this is going to be a great challenge. I love the feathers theme this time and your two cards are such great designs with the pretty wreath with its lovely red bow, and your wonderful embossed feather with the watermark shadow works beautifully on the dark card and love the stitched edge which is so elegant too and makes the perfect sympathy card. I must get my thinking cap on as I haven't a clue yet what I am going to do. x

Kathleen said...

Two really brilliant designs Darnell, love all the glittery items on the first card and the gorgeous greens with the sparkly red on the second.
Must have been asleep when you announced this new challenge, don't remember it at all, an age thing. I can't enter as I have nothing with feathers at all.

Kath x

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Darnell, Congratulations on developing the challenge site and setting up the design team etc., it looks very professional. I'm sure you will have fun with it. Hugs, Shirleyx

Susanne Vargas said...

Woohoo, the day is here! Sorry to be late in commenting but I only got home... Love to see the enthusiasm for this new challenge!
Your cards are fantastic - the single feather with the dew drops and the shadow (brilliant)so perfect for a sympathy card. And I wouldn't have thought to use a feather for Christmas but this is what this challenge is all about, right? To make us think outside the box!
I am so excited and honored that you asked me to be part of this amazing team! Mwah!!!!

Claire said...

Oh wow, I had to look twice to see if it really was the same stamp. The sympathy card is so perfect in every way and very poignant. I love the wreath, such a clever idea. I wish you oodles of good luck for your new challenge blog and hope to try and get to play (time willing) as it sounds fun and I like thinking outside of the box so to speak. Best of luck x

Heather North said...

Both cards are beautiful, but using a feather as a petal is BRILLIANT! What a fun challenge. I have difficulty thinking outside the box, so I'm excited to be inspired by your design team!

Anita in France said...

Yay ... we got there, Darnell ... hope the freezer isn't too depleted! Stunning sympathy card with all the beautiful detailing concentrated in that one single feather ... the imagery is perfect! Brilliant creativity using the same feather for a Christmas wreath ... it's crisp, fresh and deliciously shimmery with that sweet red bow ... and wonderfully festive! Thanks so much for having me on your DT ... thrilled to be part of the adventure ... and so happy to be designing alongside you! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Linda said...

Whoo hoo!!! Happy launch day, and what a way to start. I love your feather cards and both so different. The CAS one is just stunning and what a clever way of using the feather to create a Christmas card. I need to get my thinking cap on now xx

Di said...

Fabulous cards my friend! May I please use a bird upright for a Birthday and then lying upside down sending sympathy as it's been at the Grey Goose just waiting for this fabuloud launch party!

I always have a wry smile thinking about Southampton and the inept cocktail bar staff there! But they DID include you some lemon pips I seem to recall :)

Hugs

Di xx

Stamps and Paper said...

Two stunning cards Darnell

Anne

Verna Angerhofer said...

What wonderful cards you have made with that same stamp image. I am not sure if I can play along or not but will try to do something if time permits. It sure looks like a fun thing to do and a great challenge.

Bunny said...

For someone who is always on time I'm always late to the party. Congratulations on the new launch.

Very nice cards. Love the pictures of the feathers. Nature can be very beautiful at times. [Bunny]

Jean said...

Such gorgeous cards! Love this idea!

Lisa Elton said...

What a BEAUTIFUL pair of cards Darnell!! That sympathy card is one of the prettiest I've seen. The simplicity of it speaks volumes. That soft feather and it's little shadow are just divine. I'm so happy for you and your new challenge!!

Cat Craig said...

Congratulations on your Launch Darnell. Your two feather cards are a fabulous inspiration. I hope to join this one if I have get back to Maryland in time. No feathers flew with me to CA.

Susan said...

I love the feather as an image on a sympathy card - and what a perfect CAS sympathy card it is, which is just what I like for sympathy. And so clever to create a wreath using the feather stamp - I would never have thought to do that! Congrats on the start of your challenge!

Lindsey said...

GREAT theme for a challenge! I'd play... except I've kinda purposely avoided owning feather stamps. :D

Ina G said...

Wow Darnell you are up and running and what a way to blow our minds with those twofer cards of yours. Your sympathy card is so perfect and simple and then you go and completely change things with that stunning Christmas card. Love 'em both. Congratulations on your new inspirational challenge for all of us get more from just one little ol' stamp.

Christine Alexander said...

Darnell, this looks like so much fun. Now you have us all thinking with your amazing cards. I love the way you used the feather for the Christmas card and the stunning simplicity of the sympathy card.

Greta said...

Congrats on your new challenge, my friend! Your cards are both amazing! The sympathy card is simple elegance--perfect to express condolences. LOVE your creative flower made with the feather--would never have thought of that!

Birgit said...

First...congratulations on your new challenge blog which I will join:) it looks like it will be a fun blog for sure. I love what you did with the feathers and it is quite inventive how you used the feather stamp for your Christmas card.

My Paper Epiphany said...

Wow! Both your cards are so stunning! I'm not sure which one I like best! Congrats on the new challenge. I look forward to playing and having twice as many cards, thanks to you!

Cheryl W. said...

What a fun challenge--and I love your two inspirational cards! I've got an idea for a couple of feather cards, so I hope I can squeeze in some time in my craft room yet this week. I'm a new follower over at Twofer, so I'm looking forward to joining in the challenges from time to time.

Paru Mahtani said...

WoW!! This is fab Darnell! Congratualtions!
You inspired me to create challenge blog and you continue to inspire me everyday with your creations!
Thanks so much for stopping by to play my NEW challenge! I will surely make some thing right away to play your TWOFER challenge!

ike said...

WoW - how amazing these cards are. I really love the sympathy card. I'm off to look at that Challenge xxxx

Chrissie said...

What a clever cookie you are!
Fab cards Darnell!
Your challenge will be a terrific success!

Anonymous said...

Fab cards. Love the sparkly fun foam. Hope you aren't in need of the sympathy card for a while.

Gerrina said...

What a great featherstamp! So delicate and as you show so diversatile! Great how you used it to make a background! Hugs, Gerrina

Redanne said...

HUGE congratulations on a wonderful launch Darnell, you really have started off beautifully with your gorgeous feather cards, the sympathy one is a real stunner and I love how you used the feather to make a wreath - clever lady! I don't think I need to wish you much success with this new venture because I just know it is going to be a huge hit - have lots of fun my lovely friend!! Hugs, Annie xxx

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Lovely cards. I particularly like the Sympathy card.

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

cuilliesocks said...

Oh my goodness Darnell what two stunning cards, I especially love the sympathy card, the image of the feather is so lovely and understated, just perfect for the occasion. Beautifully designed Christmas card too, Kate x

maria f. said...

Wunnerful, wunnerful, wunnerful. Your concept, your cards, stretching everyone's creativity!

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

What a great idea for a challenge!! Congratulations on the new venture Darnell! And many congratulations to all the lovely ladies who have been chosen for the design team!! All wonderful and inspiring makes for this first challenge! I hope I get chance to participate! Good luck with this fun challenge! Love & Hugs. Hazel xx
My Card Attic

Birgit said...

Both cards are fabulous! The gold shimmer of the first card is perfectly stunning and I love how you created a wreath using the feather in the second card. Genius and so pretty! Hooray for an exciting first challenge!

Jeanne said...

Fabulous Twofer Darnell. Oh golly the colors in the first card are to elegant and beautiful. I love the creativity in using the feather as part of the wreath on the second. Both are wonderful. I wish you huge success with the challenge. :) Hugs!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards, Darnell. I'm hoping to get time to play later today or if not at the weekend xoxo

Lynette said...

Two truly amazing cards, Darnell - how fun! I love them both.

Marcia Hill said...

Two FABULOUS cards Darnell!! Love the CAS simplicity of your sympathy card and the genius-ness (is that a word??) of using the feather stamp to create that BEAUTIFUL Christmas wreath...LOVE it!! Can't wait to play along and have all kinds of ideas floating around in my head...just need to find some time!! Totally looking forward to what you and your dream team will create each month!! :0)

Sandy said...

Wow Darnell, this is such a great premise for a challenge. You will have us all looking at our supplies in new and different ways, and that's a good thing. Your samples are so different, and a great inspiration.

Mac Mable said...

Glorious fist card, love the two colours of embossing powders and the slight silhouette stamping underneath. Clever and creative second card. Congratulations on the start of a fun and clever challenge x

conil said...

You pulled out all the stops for this first challenge, obviously. The sympathy card is so perfectly appropriate with its addition of a touch of sparkle and dew. Gorgeous. But the second one really shows off how clever and talented you are. Can I just say, WOW! WOW! WOW!. That's a vavavoom if I ever saw one. Especially, since, at first glance, one doesn't immediately recognize the feather...does one?

Dotty Jo said...

Wow, Darnell! Two fabulous cards. I love them both, but your creation of a shadow on the sympathy card is unbelievable! Good luck with the new challenge, I'm planning to play along over the weekend, Jo x

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, my goodness, your white and platinum embossed feather is so beautiful! It has dew drops and everything! It almost looks real. The simplicity is stunning. I also love how you used feathers in your Christmas arrangement. The cutest bow, too. I made two cards yesterday for your challenge, but have yet to photograph them. Maybe today. Thanks for all the fun!

Marina said...

Two great cards but the embossed feather with the dew drops is just the most gorgeousest ever! Thank you for joining us at Inkspirational Challenges.

Penny Hanuszak said...

Congrats on the launch of your Twofer Challenge. This is sure to become one of the most popular challenges. The concept is brilliant. Your cards definitely have a different flavour and charisma all of their own. I love the Christmas Wreath. How clever and beautiful. Your sympathy singleton feather takes my breath away. The simplicity is outstanding and the embossing brings that little jewel to life. Thanks so much for inspiring and sharing!

MaryH said...

#1 is just dazzling with the duo of EP's that you used..really shows off that delicate feather image...and of course the dewdrops are perfect. Like the shadowing too. Brilliant idea to frame the pine wreath with the image as you've done on #2. You are so clever! (well, I know Hammy consulted with this!) Congratulations on the launch and the enthusiastic participation. Hope I can get on my thinking cap and join in! TFS & Hugs too.

TK said...

Wowzer am I excited! This is awesome, Darnell! Your cards are beautiful and I dEfInItElY LOVE the way you used your feather on the second card -- way to go on that "outside the box" thinking!

sandie said...

Sorry so late in commenting. I am running Time Out on my own now so seem to be caught up in that all the time!! This is such a good idea and I just adore his tiny used the feather to make a wreath, what a genius idea. I am not a feather person so not so sure I will enter this time...but you never know if inspiration hits me. Congrats on this super new challenge x

sandie said...

Oops forgot to say, thanks for joining Ink....adore the grey base x

Lisa T said...

So clever - such different looks for both cards! What a great challenge Darnell, your cards are both beautiful. Hugs, Lisa

Kathyk said...

BEST OF LUCK with your new TWOFER challenge and your two makes are both fabulous. I've uploaded my own entry this very morning - I suspect it will become a regular "MUST DO" too

Kathyk

Jenny said...

What a great idea for a challenge, I'm sure it will be very popular and I hope i can get time to play along too :) Loving the feather stamp on the Christmas card... genius :) x

KandA said...

Two wonderful cards Darnell and I love your imaginative way of using the feather stamp to make your xmas wreath xx

Julia Aston said...

Two very creative designs using that lovely feather stamp, Sis! How fun to have this new challenge - and SO challenging!!!

Petra Swart said...

I just had to come over to congratulate you on your new challenge, Darnell!!!!! What a brilliant idea to have a Twofer challenge!!!! And you have started it off with two brilliant cards, my friend!!!!!! I absolutely love the feather's shadow on the sympathy card and the card is really special with the cleverly embossed feather using two different Embossing Powders!!!!! And WOW, how clever to use the feather stamp for a wreath - no one else but you would have come up with such a brilliant idea!!!! That wreath surely looks great!!!!! I'm off to visit the Twofer Blog and for sure will start following it!!!!
Hugz

Viv said...

Loving your twofer cards Dee, amazing the shine on the first one and love how you used it so subtly on the second card too. Great challenge ;) hugs Vee xx

Fikreta said...

so very nice cards

Craftychris said...

Yay! You are off and running with your awesome new challenge and your two cards are awesome! Love the shine on the beautiful sympathy card and using the same stamp for your wreath on the second is an inspired idea and so pretty! I must get my thinking cap on! xxx

AlisonC said...

I love this Christmas Card, it's so elegant, and the simplicity of the other one is perfect for a sad occasion.

Nora Noll said...

WOW!! What stunning cards!! I LOVE the simplicity of the sympathy card you made but that Christmas one? FABULOUS!!! I would never thought of using that feather like that!! AMAZING design!!

Christine said...

Gorgeous CAS cards...such a hard thing for me...but I am so very excited about the new challenge and how it will inspire me to think outside the box and to get more mileage from my stamp collection!

Cara said...

Fabulous cards and what a great challenge!

oldpunca said...

Dear Darnell, I really like your idea for this challenge. We all need to training our brains more and more. :-) Both of your cards are awesome. The shadow by the sympathy card is fantastic! Thank you for inspiration.
Hugs,
Sonja

Sharron said...

Fabulous designs, Darnell! I love your feather on the sympathy card--such a lovely, single beauty! And your Christmas card is wonderful and creative. What a great way to use the feather for your wreath. Looks like your challenge is a huge success. Congrats on your great idea!!

Tracey McNeely said...

Congrats Darnell of your new challenge! Love both of your card but I much say the second wreath is really really pretty and creative!

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Two beautiful cards, thanks for all the fun Darnell, and congrats on the new challenge blog! I sure can see myself playing along!

Christi Conley said...

Darnell, I have scoured the PTI sets and I cannot find that sentiment anywhere :( Can you tell me which set it is from?? HUGS ~ Christi

Trina P. said...

Sorry for the late visit, but it’s official... your Twofer challenge is a HIT! Love your cards... very creative using the feather in your Christmas wreath. I just saw Di with a her gorgeous feather wreath card too. Awesome idea for a challenge.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Trina xx

Karen Dunbrook said...

such a fun challenge...I really enjoyed thinking outside the box.
Great cards, so creative.
xx Karen

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Just love both cards, Darnell, and thanks for thinking up the Twofer challenge! Just entered over there, finally!

BożenA said...

Two great cards, Darnell. I love the delicacy of the first and amazing creative approach to the second card. Very creative use of stamp feathers to create a wonderful winter wreath. WOW! Thank you for this wonderful fun.
Thank you for joining the fun in HLS XmasHugs,
BożenA