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!

March 6, 2018

Hollies and a Rainbow

Hello, Stamplings!

We had an unexpected but very pleasurable weekend with the grandsons. There's never a dull moment when they are around and even the Dukester joined the party this time; photo follows. I hope you enjoyed your weekend, too, whomsoever you had under your feets!

We are leaving this morning for a few days of are and are and a belated celebration of our anniversary in January. After not being crafty all weekend and, going forward, not being crafty this week, yesterday I sat down to make a coupla cards for a new Christmas challenge in Blogland started by my friends Loll and Bonnie. (CAS Christmas)

[I know a lot of you purse your lips when you see Christmas cards this early in the year. I understand it's not for everyone, so you can scroll quickly down to a non-Christmas card I added just for you!]

Onefer
The holly (from a vo wooden Stampin' Up stamp) was heat-embossed in platinum and colored with markers. The cross-stitch die border is from Memory Box and the sediment is from Technique Tuesday. Here is a closeup of the platinum schparkle.
Challenges
RRCB 81Use Your Stuff
Twofer

Fancy cards are all fine and dandy, but Hammy loves it when fun and critters are featured!
This positively giggle-inducing snowman from Purple Onion is super becited to stand under an archway of holly from Avery Elle! He was heat-embossed in black before being painted with Ziggies and fussy-cut. The holly was heat-embossed in green and die cut. The photo below shows the gloshiness a teeny bit better. 
Challenges
Our blog badge
Threefer
And just for fun, a rainbow of paint drips and a rainbow washi tape border surround a bold sediment from Simon. I made this card a while back and was happy to find it in my unposted photos. Everyone enjoys seeing a rainbow when skies are gray, literally or figuratively, and bonus, these drippy colors are also glossified. The NBUS paint drip stamp is from Darkroom Door.

Challenges

 Blog Badge
Gratuitous Duke Awwww Moment
In his dotage, Duke is now allowed on the couch at the grandparent's house, but only on top of whatever handy tablecloth or blanket are around. This is how Papa found him when he got up Sunday morning. Awww!

~~~

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76 comments:

Colleen said...

Oh truly amazing cards...LOVE the purple onion snowman and he is just adorable below the holly leaves, I bet he wishes it was mistletoe, but then you couldn't enter it in the CAS Christmas challenge!! Glad you had a good time with grandsons and with the grand dog...those four legged family members have a way of stealing our hearts! Praying for you and your family! Heart Hugs, Darnell!

Carole said...

Lovely crads Darnell...especially the holly one! The olds are sometimes the best (me included ..lol). Have a nice R & R and belated celebration. Hugs xx

cuilliesocks said...

Darnell I adore Christmas cards at any time of the year, and your two are wonderful, first is so elegant and second a heap of fun, love snowmen to.
Love Duke, he looks so comfy lying there.
Have a good trip away, Kate x

ionabunny said...

Lovely christmas cards. Love that snowman with the big carrot bwahahahaaahaahhaaa. Hugz

Viv said...

Great cards Darnell. Love the cute snowman and the embossed holly is nice and schparkly!
Yummy rainbow card too.
Hugs. x

Jeanne H said...

Your cards are great, but I especially love the photo of Duke! LOL Smiling now!

jimlynn said...

Cute and pretty ways to use that holly for cards! Love the one with the little snowman looking up that way.
Duke's a dude!!! They do tend to run the house whether they live there or not. Glad you had a good weekend with the boys and have a fun belated anniversary.
Lynn

Cat Craig said...

Loving your holly and snowmen...I had to laugh at the hair arms. Your rainbow card is very festive and no doubt will cheer the recipient. The sentiment is from SSS, I have it and double checked.

Happy Belated Anniversary, enjoy your time away and together.

Hugs!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Tree fabulous cards! The platinum embossing for the holly looks stunning,and the clean design you made for it is very elegant!! The third card have a wonderful happy feel with those big glossy drops, and I just LOVE the second card, so cute with that cute snowman and the diecut holly!!!
Duke made me smile, he surely glads so much that "bed" on grandparent's home! :D

brandco2450@gmail.com said...

Love the holly card, and the snowman, too. I'm still in Easter mode!!!
Do like the paint drips, very creative!

Kathleen said...

Three gorgeous creations, my favourite though is the last one, love the dripping paint idea, looks stunning.

Kath x

Kara Lynne said...

I did let out an audible aww when I saw Duke. Very sensible to have him on a cover, but I notice he was a teensie bit pushing it with that pillow! Three fantastic cards, Darnell. Your holly is beautiful in platinum and that PO snowman is one of my favorites that I must admit I have, but haven't used yet (hangs head in shame). I love the bright glossy drips, and yes, the sky is grey here, so I love them even more!

Suzanne H said...

Such cute cards! The Christmas Card Challenge link is just what I need to push me to get those cards done.

Debbie Mageed said...

I can't blame anyone for starting their holiday cards in March - at least it's still on the cool side! I absolutely can't make one when it's 80 degrees outside. LOL All of your creations are great and the one that you submitted to us at Retro Rubber is outta the box, Darnell! :) Love it!! Thanks for playing with us and hope you will be back in the gallery with your wonderful cards very soon.

Linda said...

Three beautiful cards, Darnell. I hadn't seen that the CAS Christmas challenge was up yet, will have to check it out. Glad you got some fun time with the boys. Have fun on your little anniversary trip. Hugs to you all.

shirley-bee said...

Ooh, you can never start Christmas cards too soon in the year - and still not have enough ;) Love the delicate platinum embossed holly sprig, and the fun PO snowman. Your glossy drippy rainbow card is the perfect antidote for this time of year. Have a lovely anniversary break x

Claire Grantham said...

OMG I love all of these cards. Your RR entry is stunning, why does my heat embossing never look this perfect. And the gratuitous photo of Duke totally made my day. Hope you are well my friend, enjoy the are and are ;). And thank you for joining us at Retro Rubber. Claire DT

Pat said...

Two great holly cards Darnell, and such a cute snowman on the second one. I love the platinum heat embossing and the stitched mat, and white and red is so elegant, and the textured card on the second to my mind has the roughness of a snow background, and the pretty red gems for berries look great with the green embossed holly. Perhaps the snowman is wearing a very hairy mohair sweater. I love those bright and beautiful paint drips and washi tape down each side of the last card too. Glad you are having a few days away to celebrate your anniversary, you need a little R and R, and love your photo of Duke who looks extremely comfortable on the settee, he hasn't left much room for anyone else though. x

Verna Angerhofer said...

I always love to see beautiful Christmas cards any time of the year and these two you made certainly are that. I also love the wonderful card with all the rainbow colors. Have a great break my friend. Happy belated anniversary!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

HI Darnell, Your cards are beautiful, the top one with the holly is gorgeous. I love to work on Christmas cards early but normally not until the summer but it's wonderful to see them :) Your granddog looks adorable. Have a wonderful trip, hugs xx

Marilyn said...

Beautiful cards!!

Loll said...

Three awesome cards, my friend! Glad you had some time to get crafty ... these must have been so much fun to make. LOVE the elegance of the first heat embossed holly ... laughed out loud when I saw the snowman looking up at the holly --- ADORABLE! ... and gasped when I as the paint drips --- AMAZING!

Glad you had a good weekend with the boys. Looks like Duke makes himself at home no matter where he is. :) Love the pillow that is just the right size for him. :) Love, Lolly

Loll said...

Oops ... meant to thank you so much for sharing your Christmas cards with us at CAS Christmas!! xx

Cheryl W. said...

Super cards today! I love that you're giving us Christmas card ideas already. I've made about 10 so far and need to keep at it. Your paint drips are beautiful. Love the rainbow of colors.

Lisa Elton said...

Three perfectly fabulous cards Darnell! I do love that PO snowman to bits an bits, I might have to buy that little fella after all. But I must say that Duke steals the spotlight for me tonight!!

Christine Alexander said...

Darnell, 3 great cards. Your holly cards are fabulous, especially that adorable little snowman and his holly skipping rope. Thanks for joining us at CAS Christmas
p.s. love that bright happy drippy rainbow card so amazing :)

Susan said...

Three fabulous cards and one fabulous dog - he looks so comfy!! I especially love the first holly card (my CAS Christmas DT reminder card coming out on the CAS Christmas blog March 18 uses platinum embossing powder!! - so way to go!). And your hairy armed snowman is pretty funny! Thanks so much for joining us at CAS Christmas!

Susanne Vargas said...

I have to say I admire all of you who are able (and enjoy) making Christmas cards all year long. I need a looong break from them... But your cute snowman made me smile and your bold rainbow drip card made my smile even wider! Enjoy your R&R!
Hugs, Susanne

Greta said...

Laying on the couch with a pillow, no less! What an adorable picture! Glad you & the kiddos had a good weekend & I hope you & Kevin enjoy your celebration--happy belated anniversary! 3 wonderful cards, Darnell! The first one is my favorite--so elegant & beautiful! Love the BD card, too--super fun & festive! Sending hugs, Greta

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh Darnell I do love your cards - and even more I love your humorous commentary and where you have the spunk to link them to as well - hairy arms on a snowman!! Whoever heard of such a thing :-) . I do hope you have a wonderful time away RnR-ing and vacationing etc etc. I hope Hammy does not feel left out if you don't take him.... I got home yesterday (after convalescing (post surgery) at my brother's home) and my purry furry has kept a close watch in me in case I disappear again!
Blessings
Maxine

Kathyk said...

FAB-u-LOUS makes in your post today, hard to pic a fave but I am drawn to your first holly make.

Good to hear you enjoyed your weekend with the grands and I hope you will HUGELY enjoy your belated anniversary trip too

Kathyk

Craftychris said...

Love both the Christmas cards - the snowman is adorable! The paint drip card is absolutely awesome! The design is amazing and I love the sentiment - the coolest card ever! Such a cute photo of the snuggly boy - I am glad you had a fab weekend with the twins. Have a wonderful belated anniversary break too - incase I haven't already said it - happy anniversary! Hugs xxxxx

sandie said...

Wonderfully elegant Xmas cards. And your rainbow card makes me smile...love the design...this would be good for the 'Abstract' challenge at CASology too. And so glad you joined Time Out x

Sandra H said...

Stunning array of cards Darnell l could look at christmas cards all year round and it keeps your list shorter by the time christmas arrives hope you enjoy your time away take care xx

oldpunca said...

Amazing cards! I especially like your threefer, the rainbow card. The winner in this post is Duke. :-)))
Enjoy your anniversary week!
Hugs,
Sonja

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Fab cards.

Duke is adorable.

Hope you have a lovely time away. Sue

Maria Rodriguez. said...

Oh Darnell, these cards are beautiful, the card you shared with us at RETRO RUBBER is amazing, love how you interpreted the sketch!!!
I'm very happy you shared your card with us at RETRO RUBBER, and of course, that over the top sweet picture of Duke, love the look on his beautiful face, so peaceful and relaxed.
We hope you come and play with us again.
Big hugs, my dear.

Maria Rodriguez.

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

What lovely Christmas cards! I very much doubt those people would be upset in November when they already have a stack of cards and no pressure for the holiday! Lol.

I especially love that Purple Onion snowman! The rainbow card is so bright and cheery!

Have a wonderful trip!

Marcia Hill said...

FABULOUS cards Darnell, and in case you wondered, I can look at Christmas cards ALL year long, so bring them on!! Your 1st card with the holly is just beautiful...CAS perfection! And your snowman card definitely brought a smile to my face...he is just too cute with that smile on his face and great way to include the holly above!! And of course who doesn't love a rainbow card...love it!! Enjoy your time away with the Mister and a happy belated anniversary to you both!! Hugs! :0)

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards and doggy, Darnell. And belated anniversary wishes for a wonderful couple who I treasure. Yep, I'm talking about you two! Grrin.
Hugs,
Em xoxo

Brenda in IN said...

Love those holly cards and the hairy snowman is adorable. He looks so happy! The birthday card really captured me with the bright colors and design. I'm glad you had a nice weekend with the boys and Duke. I love that picture of Duke. Molly has her own pillow too so I'm glad to see Duke has one too. Have a great time on your getaway.

Donna said...

Duke is adorable, fabulous cards too! Two great Christmas cards, and like drippy paint on your birthday card!

Bobby said...

I hadn't been crafty for a while either, Darnell, but it looks like you've recovered beautifully. The holly is gorgeous embossed in platinum and I love the embossing folder you used behind that adorable snowman. Are those drips a stamp? They look ooey gooey and bold enough for the challenge.

Di said...

Wonderful cards Darnell - every single one of them. But I do so love the dripping paint - appropriate seeing as we have decorators just finished. Ha - I went to buy the wall colour before they came and arrived home with a clutch of those sample paint chips - single colours and about the size of an ATC. Len took one look and almost fainted - I had, red, orange, yellow, green blue, indigo and of course violet! He thought I'd lost the plot and was planning on possibly using the colours on the walls! Not so my friend said I - they're to create a veritable rainbow on a card! :)

Oh your lovely Duke looks so at home - but I hope you know that you aren't his grand-parents? The proper name is grand-pawrents! And I hope you enjoy your break away.

Love and hugs

Di xx

Leslie Miller said...

Three fabulous CAS cards! You know my heart belongs to the cute snowman, even with his hairy arms, but, ohhhh, the color in your paint drips is too wonderful for words! Love that bold sentiment, too. Oh, and the platinum embossing on #1, and the textured white card base on #2. As for the weather challenge... well, rainbows are kind of weather, aren't they? Duke looks very comfortable and sweet. He even has a little pillow. Ahhh, he loves going to Grandma's house, too. Enjoy your belated anniversary week!

Redanne said...

Awww, Duke certainly looks comfortable on the couch, I love his little pillow!

All three cards are gorgeous, I never tire of seeing beautiful Christmas cards, especially your Christmas cards! The first one is stunning and the second one is just the cutest ever hairy snowman. The colours on the birthday card are so beautiful! So glad that you had a wonderful weekend with the boys too.... Huge hugs, Annie xxx

Pia S said...

I usually have plenty of Christmas card made by this time of year, but this year mojo and time have been coming and going and I just haven’t got started. Planning to do so this weekend (hopefully). These are all such great cards, I love both stylish and fun Christmas cards, both are awesome in their categories and I wouldn’t be able to pick a favorite.

Bonnie said...

Elegant, fun and bright and happy! What a wonderful trip through your blog today, Dolly! The elegant holly is be-a-u-tiful, but I've got to say that snowman makes me happy! And so do those drips!

Patti said...

What could be better than time with the kids!! I envy you my friend : )

I am loving your sweet cards. That first one is jaw dropping pretty! and after resisting taking a bite out of that delicious looking carrot I giggled at your merry little snowman!

Thanks for the link I can't wait to check out Loll's new challenge!!

Patti

Fikreta said...

wish you safe travel!
wonderful cards!
hugs

KT Fit Kitty said...

Hello, Darnell! Well I love seeing Christmas cards any time of year! I like to make them all year long myself - otherwise, I'd be in a panic when November rolls around! Love all 3 of your cards! The embossed holly is beautiful, but I love the whimsical snowman. I guess I'm just like Hammie! Gorgeous vibrant colours on the birthday paint drips! Hope you are having (or had) a wonderful anniversary celebration getaway!

wienerhoneymooners said...

GOSH you are killin it my dear!!!!!! Love the snowman card with the BG detail and the UBER RAINBOW, Yowza WOWZA!!! BaMMMMMMM love the color POW!
HUGS !

Anita in France said...

A trio of gorgeous cards, Darnell ... the shimmer on the first with the delicate colouring is beautiful ... that little snowman is simply adorable ... and fun ... and the drippy rainbow is spectacular! I'm sure those runs of colour are continuing to fall towards that fabulous crisp sentiment as I watch!! Seems Duke has made himself comfortable ... he's clearly as chilled and relaxed as can be! Hope you had the most wonderful trip! Thanks so much for playing along with us at Time Out! LYAMYMA ... TOAPFYA! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

OH Babs said...

What a fun rainbow card Darnell. Our dog sleeps on our new couch but he has a matching sheet. He is part of the family. Have a grand time with Kevin, hope you can relax and unwind. BBB

Glittered Paws said...

Love love the paint drips card - you made the drips look perfect. You always do such fun twofers cards. Duke looks quite comfortable on the couch, such a pretty boy and I bet he is a charmer. How do he and Hammy get along???

Tracey McNeely said...

All three are fabulous. I love the elegance of your first card, the playfulness of the snowman and wow the abstract of the third! Fun!

Sheila H said...

That little snowman makes me laugh, Darnell. He's so cute! I like the embossing and water coloring on the holly card. I need to try that. The paint drips are real attention grabbers. Love that card!

Papercraft Boutique said...

All three cards are fabulous and totally look different from each other, Darnell! I especially LOVE the adorable snowman card. Pretty coloring and a great choice for the card base (textured). There's no doubt that the card makes the receiver be merry! Thank you so much for sharing the cards at CAS Christmas! Hideko xx

Mimi said...

All three of these are terrific! I love your ancient holly stamp, and the way you "belted" the panel with the red + rhinestones was the perfect touch (of course!) Yes, the snowman is adorbs. Love the rainbow card-- rainbows fall in the weather category, don't they??? Yes!

Mrs A. said...

I just love your happy snowman Hairy arms and all. Trust you to point that out to us!!. One day left to go and my eyeballs are out on stilts
awaiting the outcome of#3. Hugs Mrs A.

Ruth said...

What a welcome was the rainbow card after quite a stinky week, it has to be said. I also don't mind Christmas cards this early, it reminds me I probably should get round to it..... just love that funky Purple Onion snowman!!! xx

Wendy L said...

Super designed card,thanks for joining us at MAWTT, xxx

nancy littrell said...

Thank you for sharing all 3 of your cards and sharing your 2 holly Christmas cards with us at CAS Watercolour. Your heat embossed and watercolour holly sprig was so gorgeous and sparkly. Loved your sweet and fun holly wreath and cute snowman beautifully watercoloured. TFS my friend.

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
what very wonderful cards and such super designs.
the Christmas ones are so lovely and wonderfully created as always.
That snowman is such super image and the holly on both is brilliant.
Love the sedement on both the stamped font is so wonderful.

Now to my comment on your lovely rainbow colour card.
What a super fab design and Oh I that wonderful idea of the colours dripping down the top.
Looks so perfect, and very vibrant.
Thank you for joining the MAWTT Challenge.
Lots of crafty love and hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L DT

Anonymous said...

All wonderful creations. Love the bright colours. Am very impressed with your Christmas card makes -you are keeping up the pace!

Katy McGloin said...

Darnell, with so many wonderful comments on your cards, I almost decided not to leave one. However, the holly card is too lovely to ignore. My favorite emboss powder is pewter which appears very close to your platinum gleam. All the cards are great. My favorite image, however, is that of your beloved fur baby... he certainly looks comfortable!! Thanks for playing with Retro Rubber and hope to see you often.

Andrea Ockey Parr said...

What a beautiful collection of cards! I'm so impressed at the versatility and originality of what you've done here. The embossed work on the first card is gorgeous and I love the traditional elements of the second one. The third was a delight to see with all of those bold bright colors. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us for this week's Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge!

Lisa Mensing said...

Beautiful cards! Love the rainbow card and sentiment. I also checked out your craft shed and it is absolutely adorable, so organized. Thanks for playing along at Casual Fridays Beautiful Rainbows Challenge. DTM Lisa

Marcia said...

Enjoyed viewing all your cards. Gorgeous Christmas cards and love the rainbow card. Thanks for playing along at CAS-ual Fridays Challenge.

Cards by Beckie said...

A lovely rainbow card. Thank you for sharing with us at MAWTT. Beckie x

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Three wonderful card, but the snowman wins - he is simply delightful! Although the rainbow drops are a close second!

Terri's Cards N More said...

Very pretty card. Love the paint drop stamp and the washi tape is a perfect match. Thanks for joining the Stinkin' Inkers challenge.

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
A terrific trio. I don't mind looking at festive cards this early, just can't get my head around making them lol!!!
Duke is a sweetie, bless him.
Ang x

Marianne said...

Congrats on the shout-out at CAS Christmas, Darnell. Love that sweet snowman under the holly. Your rainbow card reminds me that I really should use that awesome SSS birthday sentiment soon! That paint drip stamp is pretty amazing too. Spent most of the day at the hospital. DH is doing fine and should be coming home tomorrow. I, however, am wasted after getting up way too early and getting far too little sleep (I thrive on 9 hours) and then hanging around at the hospital. Looking forward to go to bed early tonight. All the cats are already in, thanks to the rain we had tonight.
Marianne x

Julia Aston said...

Thanks for letting me know about the CAS Christmas Shout out for my card Sis! and congrats for your supper fun snowman being chosen as well! Dogs really know how to relax don't they! Looks like he loves visiting gram and grampy!! Have a lovely Easter! Julia xx

Greta said...

Congrats on the shout out at CAS Christmas, Darnell!