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April 28, 2018

A May and December Revue

Hello Stamplings,

Here we are at the end of April! I mean, APRIL! Oh, sorry if your name is April. I didn't mean to yell at you.

 You know how some people name their children after books of the Bible? In our part of town there was a family of twelve who named their seven sons after books of the Bible, but named their three daughters after the calendar months April, May, and June. I always thought they were the prettiest names.

 Since May is literally right around the corner, I thought I'd make a MOM card which I'll give to my friend Verna. (It sounded for a second there like May and I grew up to be neighbors!)
When I was looking through my mulberry bushes paper the other day I also found my considerable stash of handmade designer paper. Yes, it's true, I do hoard it. When I come across it, I spend an embarrassing amount of time caressing it. But, hey, I'm older and wiser practical and it's not doing anyone any good in the drawer, so I used a pretty piece for my card.

Other than the tulip stamp you see which was inked directly and applied to the paper, everything else you see is embedded in the paper by the maker, including those sweet blue and beige flowers. It's hard to capture in a photo just how fragile and beautiful the paper is IRL. The sediment frame is from Impression Obsession.

Challenges
RRCB 85Please grab our logo

 Twofer
I couldn't resist the fun Merry Monday photo this week chosen by my friend Colleen. I made this Christmas village using a NBUS stamp from PTI's "Winter Hills" set and I tried to capture the whimsy by using some older PTI pp for the background border and roofs. Hammy added snowflakes in the background using gold Brilliance ink and I die-cut snowflakes from gold shiny paper.

Challenges
The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge
~~~

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

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to join as a follower! Please let me know you came by so I can be sure and return the flavor!

*Life is too short!

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70 comments:

  1. Cat CraigApril 28, 2018 at 10:54 AM

    Hey there! That handmade paper is gorgeous with your added tulips. Love the blue shade or is it periwinkle? Your house tags are very festive and made me smile. Have a fab weekend Darnell.

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  2. PattiApril 28, 2018 at 11:04 AM

    Awesome cards Darnell!! I also really love handmade paper (but never want to use it!). Verna is going to LOVE the card you made for her.

    I am really crushing on your Christmas card too! I think you are brilliant to interpret the Merry Monday inspiration photo this way! so clever!!

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  3. VivApril 28, 2018 at 11:23 AM

    Such sweet cards Vee! I love all the purple prettiness of the first one and the second one looks such a fun card with your super Xmas village. Thanks for your good wishes also...still waiting for a scan date! ;) hugs Viv xx

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  4. Linda W. (ScrappinBari)April 28, 2018 at 11:37 AM

    Lovely Mom's Day card with the handmade paper, Darnell - just love how you stamped on it! I'm with you - tend to hoard that paper! Adore your trio of tags on a card for the MM challenge! Thanks for playing along with us!!

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  5. SarahApril 28, 2018 at 11:50 AM

    Being a bit of a paper hoarder myself (!!) I can completely understand your reluctance to use that fabulous piece, but I am glad that you did as the end result is fabulous. Such a lovely rich purple/cobalt colour. Love the little row of terraced houses too, a really sweet Christmas card xx

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  6. Nora NollApril 28, 2018 at 11:52 AM

    What a gorgeous mom card!! I LOVE the mulberry paper. I should dig mine out!!! Your second card is totally fun. Love how you made the images into HOUSES!! This is GENIUS!!! Great cards!!

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  7. Alice (scrAPpamondo)April 28, 2018 at 11:57 AM

    Wow!!! Two very impressive cards, Darnell! Love so much that blue on the first one, so simple but so striking! And the second one is very different, such brilliant card is it! You are always so creative!! And congrats to Hammy for his helpful work :D
    Pinned! https://it.pinterest.com/pin/534802524496690592/
    Hugs

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  8. RedanneApril 28, 2018 at 12:07 PM

    My Mother's name was May... I love that first card, the blue is gorgeous, so very striking, like the periwinkles we had in our garden last year. The Christmas card is beautiful, I would love to live in one of those!!

    I hope Verna is doing OK. Much love, Annie xxx

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  9. conilApril 28, 2018 at 12:11 PM

    Dayang. girl. Specialty paper AND older stamps. You're really amazing working through that stash of yours. And doing it in the classiest way possible. Love the tulip against that paper and the perfectly shaped sentiment frame.
    Your choice for the Merry Monday challenge is dead on. Those PTI framed scenes have long been a favorite of mine. Tripling it just made it 3 times better.

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  10. JoAnnApril 28, 2018 at 12:27 PM

    Great cards Darnell. I love them both. Those cute house images with the gold snowflakes are perfect for our challenge. Thanks for sharing with us at Merry Monday.

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  11. BonnieApril 28, 2018 at 12:45 PM

    Love these patterned roofs that so perfectly mimic the inspiration photo, Dolly! Both your and Hammy's snowflakes are pretty in gold! Love that mulberry paper! I love the soft embedded flowers and your stamped tulips go beautifully! Verna will love this! How is she doing these days?

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  12. cuilliesocksApril 28, 2018 at 1:01 PM

    Hi there Darnell, time is passing all too quickly for my liking, anyway I love your two card, beautifully desined and coloured first card, love the simplicity of it.
    Your second card is amazingly designed, very contemporary card, Kate x x

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  13. ionabunnyApril 28, 2018 at 1:04 PM

    Love the xmas card. Very modern and bold. Thanks for the reminder about rudolf days. I have a bunny hop going on if you are crafting with bunnies. Hugz

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  14. KathleenApril 28, 2018 at 1:06 PM

    Two really gorgeous cards. Great image and colours of the tulips and a lovely clean design.
    Fabulous use of the house images and another super design.
    Have a good week.

    Kath x

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  15. Carol LApril 28, 2018 at 1:13 PM

    I guess the mulberry paper came out before I got into cardmaking, because I have NONE in my stash, but yours makes for such a gorgeous mother's day card! I love your whimsical little Christmas village too - what a great pair of cards for today! Enjoy your weekend :)

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  16. Glittered PawsApril 28, 2018 at 1:29 PM

    Oh lovin the handmade paper you used - just a bit of stamping and you have a beautiful card. And the Christmas card -well too cute - hard to think about Christmas at the end of April - even though we are supposed to get frost tonight.

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  17. Marcia HillApril 28, 2018 at 1:35 PM

    Two BEAUTIFUL cards Darnell!! You reminded me that I have mulberry paper...somewhere! And it looks just lovely on your card! Your MM card is FABULOUS! I can't believe you've never used Winter Hills before...I love that stamp set! I really like how you made house tags using the main image...sooooo clever!! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Merry Monday!! 😊

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  18. Dana MApril 28, 2018 at 1:43 PM

    Beautiful cards Darnell! You just may have inspired me to do two things that are long overdue - give my stash some love and get moving on Christmas cards.

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  19. Trina P.April 28, 2018 at 1:44 PM

    There’s that mulberry paper I’ve never tried before, but you’ve made it look current on your lovely mom card. Your Christmas homes are adorable. Two wonderful makes!
    Enjoy your weekend! xx

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  20. BobbyApril 28, 2018 at 2:15 PM

    I think I have some faux handmade paper in my stash, Darnell. Yours looks wonderful with your own little flowers mixed among the ones on the paper. That triple village was a great way to mimic the look of the MM photo.

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  21. ColleenApril 28, 2018 at 3:23 PM

    Darnell, thank you for playing along with the Merry Monday challenge this week! I love how you used that stamp set for this challenge, you and hammy are so clever! Have a fabulous weekend, right now I am in Reno watching granddaughter play volleyball... we will leave tomorrow for home, but we are driving a Uhaul truck with furniture from our AZ house, it SOLD!! Heart hugs, Col

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  22. Christine AlexanderApril 28, 2018 at 3:29 PM

    Hand made paper is so beautiful who can resist :)
    both cards are wonderful, the little tulips are so sweet and those houses are awesome :)

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  23. LisaApril 28, 2018 at 3:51 PM

    Both are so gorgeous, Darnell!! I love the handmade paper!! It's beautiful!! And the Christmas card is fabulous!! Love them both!! Have a great weekend!! Big hugs :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  24. Verna AngerhoferApril 28, 2018 at 3:56 PM

    That is a beautiful card you made with the handmade paper. I never bought much as it was so spendy and at that time of my life money was a lot shorter in supply and I never got into the making of it either even though at that time it was all the rage. But I can see why you hoarded it. I also love the pretty Christmas village card you created. I love the green and red colors on it. Thanks for sharing your pretty designs.

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  25. PatApril 28, 2018 at 4:27 PM

    The handmade paper looks so good with the additional stamping in those pretty colours Darnell, and love the sentiment label on top, and then the Christmas houses using the scenic stamp which work well with the added snowflakes and dp and in such pretty colours too. x

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  26. OH BabsApril 28, 2018 at 4:42 PM

    Lovely handmade paper and gorgeous shade of blue.

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  27. ShellyApril 28, 2018 at 5:48 PM

    Two beautiful cards, Darnell! And you're not the only one who hoards paper! lol ;)
    Enjoy your weekend! Hugs

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  28. Lisa EltonApril 28, 2018 at 7:54 PM

    Oh I remember using mulberry paper, this is fun Darnell! And those little houses made into house tags are too cute!

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  29. BirgitApril 28, 2018 at 8:32 PM

    I just bought some mulberry paper in a sale from my old stamp store...I love the paper and your card is so sweet with the gentle colours. Your friend will love this card for her mom

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  30. Cheryl W.April 28, 2018 at 8:39 PM

    Awesome cards, Darnell! I love that gorgeous handmade paper, made even prettier with your tulip stamp. The Christmas card is truly fun with your whimsical village. I have to admit, it made me shudder a bit at the thought of more snow. We've nearly made it through the snowiest April on record, and I am so over the white stuff!!

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  31. InkyfingersApril 28, 2018 at 11:38 PM

    Oooh Darnell, what a soft and pretty look that mulberry paper gives, and your pretty tulips look perfect on it. Such a contrast to your fun, festive card with all the pretty snowflakes. Mind you, I want my snowflakes to remain on cards these days as winter doesn't seem to know it's time to go to bed until December. Crikey - the end of April and we have had a total of only three warm and sunny days this spring.
    I hope things are well with you and the family,
    Hugs
    Carol x

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  32. brendaApril 29, 2018 at 12:34 AM

    A beautifully feminine floral creation for our 'For the Girls' theme at Stamping Sensations Darnell, love the intensity of those colours, many thanks for joining in.

    B x

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  33. SueApril 29, 2018 at 2:25 AM

    Hi Darnell, Love the cards, especially the Tulip one.

    Hope you have a nice day. Sue

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  34. Jenny LApril 29, 2018 at 3:57 AM

    Hi Darnell,
    Happy Rudolf Days.
    Here with my DT hat on to make a comment.
    As laways your cards a excellently created and stamped.
    The first is gorgeous and so pretty.
    Your Rudolf one is also excellent and I love the Christmas villiages they look so brilliant almost makes you want to live in them.
    Thank you for joining the Rudolf Challenge.
    Lots of crafty love. Jenny L. DT

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  35. JeanneApril 29, 2018 at 4:10 AM

    Lovely work, Darnell. The first card is very lovely and wonderful for a Mother's Day card. Such pretty colors and I can imagine all the bits in the paper. The second card is whimsical and fun for the holidays. I really like the repetition. Terrific work! :) Hugs!

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  36. MarilynApril 29, 2018 at 4:31 AM

    Two beautiful cards Darnell!!
    Have a great day!
    Marilyn❤

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  37. Brenda in INApril 29, 2018 at 5:03 AM

    The tulip card is awesome. It does hurt me to cut up beautiful handmade paper but that is what I bought it for! The village is so pretty and you and hammy did a great job with roofs and snowflakes.

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  38. Carole PollardApril 29, 2018 at 6:03 AM

    Great post and two fab cards love them both especially the Christmas card that's a brilliant design Love and hugs Carole x

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  39. WhisperApril 29, 2018 at 9:09 AM

    WOW what a gorgeous stamp and I like that you have used different papers for the roofs, Luv Sam x

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  40. LindaApril 29, 2018 at 9:29 AM

    Darnell, this is just as cute as can be. Great take on the challenge. Thanks for joining us this week at Merry Monday.

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  41. Meihsia LiuApril 29, 2018 at 12:21 PM

    Love your beautiful card! Simple and elegant. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. :)

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  42. Jan ClothierApril 29, 2018 at 1:23 PM

    That handmade paper is a-MAY-zing! Thanks for joining us in our Vintage theme challenge at Retro Rubber, Darnell. (But I think it's Less is More that has the bring something back challenge)

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  43. LindseyApril 29, 2018 at 1:54 PM

    Such pretty paper for the first card! And yep, I hoard my handmade papers that are like that, too. Great design for the Christmas card!

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  44. MarianneApril 29, 2018 at 1:56 PM

    I do love the whimsy of your MM make, Darnell. And you did great on your first card, not only by enhancing the prettiness of the paper but also by letting go of the paper and sending it forth for someone else to enjoy.
    Marianne x

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  45. Ros CrawfordApril 30, 2018 at 2:51 AM

    I too have some of that paper... I think every crafter bought it! Yours is so pretty and I love the colours! Fabulous Christmas card with the little houses! Have a wonderful week my friend!

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  46. MarybethApril 30, 2018 at 5:11 AM

    Oh....I love the stamp set you chose to use for Merry Mondays Challenge and the way you used it three times! Darling cards , Darnell!

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  47. Em Louise FairleyApril 30, 2018 at 5:42 AM

    Gorgeous cards, Darnell xoxo

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  48. LeAnneApril 30, 2018 at 7:38 AM

    Beautiful mulberry paper and floral stamp, Darnell! The simplicity of your design really allows that paper to SHINE! Thanks for playing with our Retro Rubber challenge this week!

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  49. conilApril 30, 2018 at 7:43 AM

    It appears everyone else loved your framed winter scene card as much as I did. Congratulations on your Merry Monday win. It must be exhausting to be so talent AND clever.

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  50. SusanApril 30, 2018 at 7:59 AM

    Love your interpretation of the Merry Monday inspiration photo!! Great colour scheme, lovely dps, perfect embellishment with the gold snowflakes! Congratulations on winning!

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  51. OH BabsApril 30, 2018 at 9:10 AM

    Fun cards Darnell, but I love the WILD card. It is so fun to find and use once again old stamps. Hope all is well in your neck of the state. How is the gas $$$$$$? A Standard station near our house, which just remodeled, had a price of $3.95. Give me Costco.

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  52. Pam CarterApril 30, 2018 at 10:40 AM

    Just looked at Merry Monday and I see that you won with your card. Congrats to you. As always I enjoy reading your blog, hearing about your family and most of all see your fabulous cards.

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  53. Leslie MillerApril 30, 2018 at 10:52 AM

    You make me wish I hadn't given away all my handmade paper, but it was such a big box in a very small room. First it was the mulberry paper and now this, sigh... It's so hard to choose what to keep and what to give away. Okay, no regrets... let's move on. Beautiful card with the additional stamping in perfectly matched colors and that sweet, single "Mom" stamped in the frame. Your Christmas card is the most creative imaginable, fantastic, awesome, fun use of the village stamp! Love how you made the image panels into little houses and added the snowflakes. My, oh, my! This is one for the record books!

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  54. JD/ JillApril 30, 2018 at 7:09 PM

    Both cards are just beautiful!

    I'm sorry that I am so late in thanking you for your beautiful card. Going to send you an email when I have a chance. (I just posted your card today on my blog) I had a fabulous day and you certainly helped to make it even more special.

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  55. LollApril 30, 2018 at 10:46 PM

    Beautiful card for Verna, Dolly! Love the handmade paper ... it's so beautiful. I'm ashamed to say I have some sitting in a box not getting used either. I really need to pull it out because it should be shared! Hopefully I'll follow your lead!

    Gorgeous Christmas card. Love your sweet row of houses all decorated for the special season! Great take on the photo. Lolly xx

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  56. scrappymo!May 1, 2018 at 6:46 AM

    Man oh man...I totally forgot about mulberry paper. I think I have some red ones stuffed away in a card kit box! Must dig that out and put it to use!

    And now with my official hat on...Love this great Christmas card. The image is wonderful but I just love the way you added a roof to each! Brilliant designing, my dear!

    Thanks for taking part in the April Rudolph Days Challenge.

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  57. scrappymo!May 1, 2018 at 7:00 AM

    I like this arty little house...skinny and proud! I live in a house just like this. Land is a fortune here and a skinny house like this with a garage out in the back lane, on a 33 foot lot is well over a million dollars! And we are 45 minutes from Vancouver itself...shere everything is much much more!

    Your card is lovely. I am going to google Dazzling details as i love your snow!
    Thanks for taking part in the April Rudolph Days Challenge.

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  58. Becca YahrlingMay 1, 2018 at 10:39 AM

    Hammie did such an awesome job on this card! Ok, ok, so did you. lol

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  59. RuthMay 1, 2018 at 1:12 PM

    I totally get your hoarding issues with handmade paper. You can just sit and look at it all day and see different things in it. I love when you can see seeds and flowers in it. BUT it is meant to be used and what more fitting than a card for a beautiful mother. Perfection. xx

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  60. Mrs DuckMay 1, 2018 at 1:24 PM

    Hi Darnell
    I think that to qualify as a bonehead fidelity crafter, you have to be a paper stroker and sniffer.
    I have nearly 40 First Edition pads that I gaze at adoringly on my shelf.
    Your paper looks delightfully delicate.
    Your Christmas scene is very un CAS for you but jolly and bright.......a bit like your good self!!!
    Ang x

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  61. Lynne KMay 1, 2018 at 5:06 PM

    What gorgeous paper! I love the colours and elegant design of your card. Thank you for sharing it with us at Stamping Sensations.

    Lynne

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  62. IreneMay 1, 2018 at 10:30 PM

    Thanks for your sweet comment and becoming a follower Darnell, and no...no translation button on my blog..sorry!
    Love your CAS-style and am following you too!

    XxIrene

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  63. kiwimeskreationsMay 2, 2018 at 1:46 AM

    Gorgeous cards Darnell - and I can see why you hoarded, sorry, kept for a special card, that beautiful paper. Love your wee village, and Hammy did well with his stamping! Tell him from me he is very clever!
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  64. Mac MableMay 2, 2018 at 1:58 AM

    Yes where did April go?...The month, that is and not your neighbours daughter!!!! Your May card is so delicate and pretty and yes good to use the mulberry paper as it is absolutely beautiful. I can understand though why you would want to keep it and periodically take it out and caress it x Striking Christmas card, contemporary and so much fun and of course all topped off with Hammy's snowflakes x

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  65. LiaMay 2, 2018 at 2:32 AM

    Wow Darnell, what a great post you made today. I like everything you are showing!
    Lia xx

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  66. Mrs A.May 2, 2018 at 9:42 AM

    Fluff was going to be called April when she was due but came six weeks early in March instead do we didn't. Can't bear to use my handmade papers so they all get put back in the draw. Hugs Mrs A.

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  67. Claire GranthamMay 2, 2018 at 9:46 AM

    So elegant Darnell. I love the pop of purple on your card, great use of that paper for our Vintage challenge. Thanks for playing along with us at Retro Rubber this time. Claire DT

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  68. GretaMay 2, 2018 at 4:50 PM

    The mom card is gorgeous & I know I have those old papers around here somewhere! Absolutely love the Christmas card--so fun & festive, Darnell!

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  69. Anita in FranceMay 3, 2018 at 8:29 AM

    Gosh, what lovely florals on that delicate DP, Darnell ... the extra tulips add just the right pizazz to it! Fun Christmas villages, all magical and festive ... I could be transported! LYAMYMA ... SISB ... ICU! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

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  70. Helen F.May 16, 2018 at 1:54 PM

    Darnell, I really like your pretty handmade paper, bet Verna loved this sweet card :-)
    Your Christmas card is a very clever interpretation of the Merry Monday photo too.

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Thank you for commenting on my blog post! I read and appreciate every one! Mwah! (Sorry I've had to set comments to moderate because of excessive spam.) Darnell