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!

June 17, 2018

Seeing Double

Hello Stamplings!

I hope you are enjoying the weekend and for those of you where Father's Day is celebrated today, I wish you a wonderful day with your father or with happy memories of your father! Hammy has gone off for the day to be with his offspring and their families, while my little family will be celebrating next Sunday.

So that means I get to share a coupla cards with you!

Onfer
Oh, boy, this one was fun and super QACAS. I got these cool emboss resist toppers a while back from Taylored Expressions and this was the first outing for one of them. Using my Clarity brushes I swept on a base of Oxies in fossilized amber and peeled paint. I added a die cut tree which was a gift from my friend Donna during my trip to England two years ago. I can't believe it was two years ago next month!

Before I added the tree, I sprayed the base with gold and silver shimmer spray. (Hammy is going to be upset with me when he finds out I shimmered without him cuz he loves to run through the mist and get all schparkly. Ssshhh.)
Twofer

Donna gave me two of these sensational trees, so I made this design with the second one:
I used one of either Nancy's or Lolly's Magicals rejects from the ESCR retreat for the sky background and painted the grass with Twinkling H2Os. The tire swing is from "Set of Swings" by Memory Box. The whole card is schparkly with the shimmer of the silver matting finishing it off. Here is a closeup of the Magicals twinkle, although I'm not sure a closeup really does it justice either.
You have one more week to make your double TREE designs for the Twofer Card Challenge and I'd love to see your creations! This time we are seeing more unconventional designs, but remember you can just use your TREES as trees like I did here. 

Another Twofer

Otherwise known as our grandtwins Adam and Henry!
The boys are embarking on a camping adventure soon so they've been hiking locally to break in their new boots. A few days ago their Mom took the photo in the upper left while she was hiking behind them.

And then their Papa (the Mister) took them hiking on his own a couple of days after that and as he was walking behind them on the trail, he was struck by how often the brothers casually put their arms around each other so he took some photos, too. And then, of course, he had to get one posed photo in front of the sign!

I got all heart-warmed and teary-eyed when I saw the photo Rachel had taken because it reminded me of a favorite photo we took of Henry and Adam as wee toddlers holding hands on the way to the park. It took a while to find it on the computer, but I couldn't resist making this collage.
Henry on the left, Adam on the right.
 Isn't it spooky that the clothes colors are nearly the same?!

Don't get me wrong, as brothers they fight like cats and dogs some of the time, which makes the photos even more endearing!

~~~

Life is good. Hug your sibling if you can and 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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48 comments:

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Fab cards. I love the tree.

Those boys are going to break some hearts. That photo of them much younger and then the recent one are meant to be shown off together.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Linda said...

Tree-mendous cards Darnell, what a pretty die cut.
LOVE the photos of your grandsons .... they are growing into two very handsome young men xx

Carole Pollard said...

Gorgeous designs I especially love the colours on these cards Fabulous photos you nave shared Love and hugs Carole x

Aquarius said...

Loving both takes on the tree cards - clever use of the dies. Thanks for sharing the family photos and story.

Fikreta said...

your cards are so beautiful!
hugs

Marilyn said...

Pretty cards!! Love the photos of your grandsons. They grow up so fast!
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤

Ros Crawford said...

Oh what a lovely post Darnell... @ beautiful cards and 2 beautiful boys..Or should I say handsome young men? I can't believe it almost 2 years ago either but then again so much has happened in that time... Have a beautiful day my friend

JoAnn said...

Love your two-fer cards Darnell. They look great.
Thanks for sharing the photos of the twins, so cute. Special memories are being made.

Jeanne said...

Terrific two-fer tree cards, Darnell. I like all the shimmer and shine on the second. Great use of the fun tree die cuts. What a special bond those grandtwins of yours have. How sweet that they are so drawn to each other. How lovely that you've captured it in pictures. Glad they are typical kids, too. :) Have a happy Sunday! Hugs!

Bonnie said...

I love both of your trees, Dolly! I'll be Nancy is wishing she hadn't cast off that magical background! My favorite picture of our boys is of them holding hands. It doesn't happen very often for them so it's extra special! Your photos of the boys reminded me of that. Thanks for the memory, my friend!

Bananastamper said...

These are fantastic Darnell! I love trees and I love how you've designed your cards. The first is so striking. Great photos of your grandkids. I have boys also and love witnessing the love they express with their casual gestures. It warms my heart. Have a wonderful day!

Verna Angerhofer said...

Two great tree cards and a great die too. I enjoyed the pics of the boys as well.

Brenda in IN said...

I love both of the tree cards. I won't tell Hammy if you don't about the spray. Mail or hide the card! Those young men are so very special. My first thought when I saw the pictures was how much they are connected, then read your comments. They may fight like all brothers do, but you can tell they have a wonderful bond that will continue throughout their lives.

Brenda said...

Both of your tree cards are just beautiful Auntie! I am loving that tree too, such a unique one. Oh boy, you'd better hide the evidence from Hammy, mums the word! Love the photo's of the boys, it warms my heart to see them so close-twins share a closeness anyway! The first thing I notice about the two photo's was the closeness in their clothing and then I read what you had wrote, yes, that is spooky. lol Not really, just goes to show that they are definitely connected in ways that we will never get. I pray they will always stay connected to each other as they grow up. I can't wait to see them in their dating-teen years, so I hope someone gets photo's and you share them Auntie! lol Hugs, Brenda

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Fab use of that wonderful tree, such beautiful cards!!
Your grandson's shots with those arms gestures are amazing, it's so sweet looking how they are (and were) friends!! I think that those photos warm your heart! Happy school holidays to them! :D

Kristi said...

I love those cards! My favorite is the one with the tire swing. That background makes me want to go get inky for sure.

In the pictures of your grandsons, not only is it spooky the way their clothes are still so similar but look at their feet and Adam's right hand. They are nearly in the same positions!

Carol L said...

I just love both of your cards with that pretty tree, and I CANNOT believe 2 years have gone by already since your trip to England!?!? WOW, how time flies!!! Love the pics of the boys, especially the comparison "then" and "now." It's great that these twins still wrap their arms around one another too! They know how to love and that's such a good thing :) You are truly blessed! Happy Father's day to the Mister today!

Darnell said...

Thank you for your lovely comments! Hugs, Darnell

Leslie Miller said...

Darnell, these photos touched my heart dearly this morning. Twins, brothers... I imagine and at least hope they'll always have this close bond. Absolutely precious! Really loved the photos. Of course, your cards are double inspiration, too, with those shimmery backgrounds and cool tree dies. Just got my trees up today and we're heading out to high desert country first thing in the morning. See you when we return!

Nan G said...

Fab cards Darnell. But the pics of the Twinnies are pricelesss! I just did my last post using blogger. Too much has changed and I had a very difficult time posting. I’m on instagram now, Nan Gustafson. Hope,to,see you there.

conil said...

Your tree twofer is fantastic, Darnell but those photos of your grandkids are magical. It is so good to see that they touch eachother so often, especially since that's been a social taboo attributed to the male of the species. And the similarities in dress between those two photos is nothing short of eerie. You're very blessed to have these two souls decorating your's and the Mister's life. By the way, tell Kevin Happy Father's Day for me. Thanks.

Christine Alexander said...

Darnell, that's a super sweet tree. Your magical's background is certainly magical. Just the right amount of pigment to allow your tree to take centre stage :)
the Grand boys are adorable, so nice to see them as best buds. Great Pics.

Sarah said...

What amazing trees and I love the addition of the tyre swing on the second. Thank you for sharing your photographs they are handsome chaps for sure xx

Cat Craig said...

Darnell,
you put together some fab tree cards. The half tree looks great on that sparkly backdrop with the big sentiment. Your second tree looks like it was made to handle that swing.

Kathleen said...

Two bright and beautiful cards Darnell, just like you.

Kath x

nancy littrell said...

Beautiful and creative tree designs, Dolly. TFS and especially thank you for sharing the twins photos. Brings back memories of Margie and I. It is special being a twin. Happy Father's Day to all the fathers in your family. Hugs...

Pat said...

Great Twofer trees Darnell and also great photos of the grandtwins and how great to see the little and the bigger version side by side, also heart warming to see how close they are and that they are definitely very individual. x

Cheryl W. said...

Wonderfully creative cards and fantastic photos! I love pics of my twins with their arms around each other, too. They've always been besties, even now when they are both 40 years old!

Barb Ghig said...

I love how you played with your trees, Darnell! On your first card, the over-sized scripty sentiment works beautifully and I love the color palette and sparkle on your background! I also love the simple addition of the tire swing on your 2nd card...it's so charming, especially with your shimmery sky and 'twinkling' grass :) This is such a fun challenge, and I must say...you surely know how to inspire us every time!

Thanks so much for sharing these great pics of your grandtwins! I think it's wonderful that they are so affectionate toward each other...even when they were little tikes :)

oldpunca said...

What a lovely memories! Wonderful photos of your grandtwins. And wonderful tree twofer.
Have a great week!
Hugs,
Sonja

Tracey McNeely said...

Lovely cards that you posted but I really enjoyed seeing the parts of your post about Adam and Henry! I can't believe how much hey have grown up? As for their closeness I can completely understand it. My husband's older brothers are twins and are two peas in a pod and connected in a way that non-twins wouldn't understand. Fabulous photos!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards, and boys! xoxo

Susan said...

Love the photos of your grandsons - so nice that they are such good friends! Two great cards, especially the one where you used one of Loll or Nancy's rejects from our retreat - glad to see it turned into something great and not just discarded!

Sharon Underwood said...

What awesome trees! Love your cards, and those pictures of the twins with their arms around each other beside the one of them holding hands brought tears to my eyes!!! Having two boys of my own (19 mos apart), I know how special these boys (& pictures) are. Cherish every moment you have together!

Loose Stitches said...

Beautiful cards and photos Darnell!
Hugs, Sherry x
Loose Stitches and Unraveled Threads

Mac Mable said...

I can see how very proud you are of those wonderful and handsome boys. Interesting to see the closeness of them and even wearing similar clothes as they did way back! Wonderful inspiration from your two fabulous cards, great bling and shimmer and sorry Hammy missed the spraying too x

Lisa Elton said...

While your tree cards are wonderful the twins steal the show here today! Love seeing the photos Darnell, thanks for sharing them with us!

kiwimeskreations said...

What wonderful photos of the boys, and how close they are.
Love your tree cards with all the schmarkle and shine. Wot, you sprayed schmarkly stuff with Hammy away - how naughty of you!!
Blessings
Maxine

Anita in France said...

The sparkle and shine on these delicious cards is fantastic, Darnell ... even when Hammy hasn't benefitted from the spritzing ... a wonderful twofer! The warm sparkle and shine coming from your two young men takes the podium today, though ... how special are those photo's ... and how lovely that Adam and Henry are so happy and comfortable being naturally affectionate with one another! No wonder you got all warm hearted and teary eyed! LYAMYMA ... HYWIGAW! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Colleen said...

Darnell...I just LOVE the pictures of the boys and getting pictures from behind is one of my favorite shots of people...and with their arms around each other? Well that is definitely a tug on your heart kind of picture! As always you are so clever with your two'fers! Heart Hugs friend!

Redanne said...

I can see why you like the tree so much, it is beautifully intricate and your first card is so striking, I love your colour combo.

The photos of Adam and Henry are very touching indeed and it really is amazing how their clothes colours are so similar years later. They are such lovely young men! Big hugs, Annie xxx

Loll said...

Both cards are so beautiful Dolly. Love that tree die. It's so elegant and pretty with the intricate design. Looks amazing as a silhouette in black with your light brushed background. The shimmer spray adds lots of sparkle.

And LOVE how you've used the magical background. Don't think it was mine ... maybe Nancy's. :) She'll realize that she should have rejected after seeing the beautiful card you made!

Love the pictures of the boys. How sweet is it to look back and see them being the same as when they were toddlers. So wonderful! Love, Lolly

Craftychris said...

Two really gorgeous cards! I love the tree - you have reminded me that I have that die - I must use it more often. I adore the photos of the twins - fab collage of the two ages - I can see why you got misty eyed. Hugs xxxxxx

MaryH said...

Ah, a breather from working on 2 desktops and a laptop, trying to get things to work right (some are, some ain't!). Looked to see if I was getting any comments from this last post, after doing the 'my own comment, checkbox' thing-y. I got the techie to add the Hotmail addy into my outlook stuff, so I don't have to check 3 or 4 places, and ?maybe? something on the bog comment problem "might" be working a little bit. Howsomever, I wanted to say how much I liked your filigree tree design. It was a clever design on each of the cards, love the gold spray (shh to Hamms) and I really liked the extra special detail of adding the tire swing to the tree on #2. Amazing what you did with reject backgrounds too. I guess I have a problem truncating a design like you did on #1, but it's so effective....Great looks on both cards. Ditto enjoyed seeing the dejavu of the twinks. Oh they are becoming young men way too fast. It's so good that their parents are taking lots of photos, and I expect you did get a teary eye. I almost did too, remembering the cute pics you shared when they were so much younger! Guess they still like the same clothes colors too! TFS & Big hugs.

Ruth said...

Oh goodness! How sweet are the boys. My girls fight too, but when they play together it is very endearing and makes you realise it was all worth it. You can never have enough shimmer on your cards and I love how different both of them are, despite the similarities with the tree and the shimmer. xx

frommycraftroom said...

Such lovely cards. Not Father's day here until September however I have absolutely fabulous memories of my Dad.
Gorgeous pics of the grandtwins too! Cheers Vicki

Bobby said...

You just schparkle away, Darnell, and I won't tell Hammy. Those trees are so intricate and love and I adore the tire swing. Great photos of the boys. I know what you mean about finding them on the computer. I need to get mine more organized.

Greta said...

Oh wow--what a post, Darnell! The pics of the kids are so sweet! Love both your tree cards--such a great die! Just ordered some cards like that from C&9 & now I'll have to check into TE, too! Totally cannot believe your England trip was that long ago!