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!

July 10, 2018

My Boozy Twofer Cards

Hello Stamplings,

Happy day to you!

You came whooshing in here thinking maybe July would slow down, being summery and hot and steamy for a lot of us, but, no, uh huh, not happening. Hang on to the strap if you get nauseous due to speed!

I'm so relieved and thankful that those boys and their coach have been rescued from the cave in Thailand! It's really been nerve-wracking and fascinating watching the hundreds of people who have worked diligently around the clock to make this happen, buoyed by the prayers of millions. I hope they are all able to make a full recovery from the trauma. As well, my heart goes out to the family of the diver who died while trying to help.

In celebration of the recovery, let's raise a toast ~ or a twofer of them!
You know how at the very top of my blog I've been telling you for over six years to grab a beverage and enjoy? Well, this month I chose BEVERAGE as the prompt word at Twofer! Natch, I went with a martini as my beverage of choice!

Onefer
Thanks to Lura, I found out the Ice Fishing Martini stamp is made by Impression Obsession (E2295). Thank you, Lura! This time I used it to make a retirement card for a friend who loves to fish. The vo wooden stamp of the fishing dock says "Ann-ticipations" on the side. The background is a piece of watercolored pp. I brushed a little ink here and there to intensify some of the bits and pieces.

Challenges

Twofer
For my second card, Hammy suggested I change up the design by turning the fishes in the drinkie-poo into a sugar cube in the form of a birthday present! (What would I do without him?!) The little sugar cube present was made with a tiny square stamp from Rubber Stamp Tapestry. I colored it red and then drew on the bow.

I added the Cheers die which I outlined in red and then I added the perfect sediment from Technique Tuesday. The preprinted front panel with the whimsical border is from Taylored Expressions. I colored every other square to make it all adhesive. I thought the card still needed a little s'n's' over there in the left corner, so I used the same Tapestry square to stamp and draw a few more sugar cube presents at the base of the glass.

Of course, one doesn't put sugar cubes in martinis, so this drinkie-poo is called, "Death in the Afternoon," and it was reported to have been Ernest Hemingway's favorite drink: pour one jigger of colorless absinthe into a glass and fill it with iced champagne. I'm not making this up. Happy Smirthday to him on the 21st of July. He would have been 119.

Challenges
Play Badge
~~~

How will you interpret BEVERAGE on your Twofer cards this month? (Haha, I almost typed veberage!) 
I look forward to seeing what you create! Will you choose something alcoholic or something more refined like coffee or tea, milk or juice, water or soda pop? For design ideas, please click over to the Twofer challenge to see the awesome designs made for you by our TWO incredible Guest Designers, Bonnie and Marianne, and our very talented Design Team!! Thank you, everyone!

~~~

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!

To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrollingClick CTL + Home. Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post. Click Page Down to reach the end of the post. Click Comments and a pop-up box opens. Click "Jump to Comment Form" and wallah, no more car pool tunnel! Mwah! (p.s. If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave me your email address so I can respond. Thank you!)

85 comments:

kiwimeskreations said...

What a stunning pair of cards Darnell, and so glad to see that Hammy has contributed to one of them and earned his keep!
Now don't you get too addicted to that Death in the Afternoon - we want you around for a while longer, y'know!
Blessings
Maxine

Ros Crawford said...

What super cards! I love that retirement one... The fishing dock looks amazing with your very clever fishing glass and I love the idea of fishing for gifts! The heat hasn't affected your creativity my friend. Ian thanks you for the hug and I thank you just for being you... Have a great day!

Viv said...

Fabby cards Darnell. I am still rushing about here there and everywhere - don't know where I am - hoping that come end of September when the outdoor season finishes I will have a wee bit of time and be able to play. In the meantime - in celebration of these yummy cards
.
.
.
CHEERS!! xx

Degoodsbystephanie said...

Very cool! Great job! I like the idea.

Anita in France said...

What a dreamy retirement your friend is going to have, Darnell ... certainly if it's anything like this chilled out, relaxing scene! Sipping martini's on the dock while dipping toes in the water and watching fish play around underneath (they are only visiting in that glass aren't they?) ... sigh! I thought at first you'd wrapped up ice cubes for your Twofer 'Death in the Afternoon' martini ... but of course sugar cubes don't go soggy in the heat, so that was a much better idea ... trust Hammy! Whatever it tastes like, it looks delicious, especially after you planted the idea of chilled champagne in my brain! LYAMYMA ... HASST! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Diane said...

Fabulous idea with this awesome stamp...how fun this will be...you just keep coming up with more and more creative ideas...send some of that mojo my way would ya (you can send a martini too, chocolate one though)..hah!

Marilyn said...

OMG!! your boozy cards are so adorable!
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤️

Birgit said...

What fun cards to celebrate such occasions! I love the fishing pole in the martini. So clever of you Darnell!

Jean said...

Such creative cards! Love the retirement one!!

Jeanne said...

You are so good at twofers, Darnell. The retirement one is wonderful with the fishes. Love how you worked it to create the presents. So creative. You and Hammy make a good team! :) Hugs!

Brenda in IN said...

Two more great cards for Twofer! I am loving that dock and the fishes. Perfect for a retirement card. Cheers to Hammy for his birthday idea. That's really thinking inside the glass! Really, these are both so clever and fun. And a fun word to have this month. I'd better get busy and drink er - think.

Cat Craig said...

Fabulous inspiration for the twofer Darnell. Your retirement card is all it should be -relaxed and serene. Your gifty card is fantastic as well - that sentiment is perfection.

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Oh, beverage... :D I choose twofer of them, please! Hummy can eat the toast, if he want LOL :D
How fun are these cards? A lot!!! Great creations, both the versions of Martini glasses cards are fabulous and really fun!!! You are the Queen of stretching stash!

Big hugs, have a fabulous week!

Linby said...

Loving the new twofer theme - I will be sure to join in. I love that martini glass - and how you've used it (with Hammy's help of course!). I'll join you in a toast to those now safe in Thailand.

Em Louise Fairley said...

Love them, Darnell. Hoping I'll get some time to play this weekend xoxo

Lisa said...

These are both so fabulous!! I love how you turned the fishes into a package - great suggestion by Hammy!! They are beautiful!! And I'll toast to the safe recovery of the boys and coach!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Redanne said...

Both cards are wonderful, I just love the fishing one, I can think of a few people that would suit, the second one is just so clever!

I agree, it was such a relief that those boys have all be rescued, it must have been a terrifying experience for all of them. My heart too, goes out to the family of the diver who lost his life, his family have much to feel proud about though.... Hugs, Anne xx

Verna Angerhofer said...

What fun and fabulous cards you made and now I have to figure out what sort of beverage I will work with. Yours certainly have set the bar high with those designs.

Yes, praise God the boys are rescued and I hope that the family of the diver can find comfort in knowing their loved one was so heroic. I pray that the boys will have full recovery too.

jimlynn said...

Bottoms up and three cheers for some precious cards! SOOOOO creative and fun.
Lynn

Wendy L said...

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

conil said...

I might have know you go to the "tini" image. I'm hoping it's vodka because I can't do gin. That V/O stamp is delight on both cards. Perfect for retirement...I mean who doesn't dream of spending all day on a beautiful lake getting plastered. I can tell you, it's occurred to me. The way you altered for the second card is nothing short of genius especially for a birthday card. Kind of reminds me of those vending machines that have toys and such that you grab with a davot's jaws. Perfect is how I describe both cards.

Unknown said...

Fabulous cards. It's wonderful that the rescue attempts are being successful everyone has been amazing but of course it's sad that one of the divers lost his life.

Barb Ghig said...

Another really fun challenge, Darnell! Your 'Boozy Twofer' cards are fabulous! I love how you created depth on the retirement card with the fishing dock and your background is stunning! I also love how you added the birthday presents inside the drink on your 2nd card...Hammy is such a clever boy :) I'm looking forward to playing along again!

Loll said...

Those martinis look delicious! Although I'm not sure I would drink the one with fish in it. :) What a creative and fun retirement card. Your "sugar cubes" make the perfect little birthday presents, Dolly. Hammy must be so pleased to see his ideas come to life! Love, Lolly

Liz said...

We've just been watching the last of the Thai children and their coach on the news, emerging from the cave. So relieved for everyone that they all got out safely, but tinged with sadness at the news that a diver lost his life.

Love your Boozy cards, perfect for your new Twofer challenge. Very clever idea with the little 'cube' presents. xx

Sarah said...

These are wonderful, particularly the retirement card and the little presents in the Birthday card make lovely replacements for cherries!! xx

Lisa Elton said...

That fishing pool make this glass!! These are fabulous Darnell. What a perfect way to wish a happy retirement!

nancy littrell said...

Such fun creative martini glass designs, Dolly. Beverages..what a fun and cool Twofer challenge, my friend. TFS and hosting your awesome challenge. Hugs..

Linda said...

Wow, Darnell, two great cards. They are fabulous. Hope all is going well with you. Miss you my friend.

Brenda said...

Well now, I don't know how the 10th got here so fast, cause wasn't it just the 4th of July? Yep, the months are flying by and it will be Christmas before we know it. I know, shut my mouth! Love this challenge prompt, beverage is a good choice. Love your two cards, the martini glass is fabulous and I love the fishing rode in it! So fun and unexpected. Makes a great masculine card. Also love the little presents in the twofer card, what a clever idea that Hammy had! That frame is fabulous too. Now I've got to go off and see what beverage stamps or dies I have. I am so happy that all the boys and the coach are out of that cave too!!! I just couldn't believe it when they showed what it looked like on the "drawing" and how far they had to go to get them out. I have to give those boys and rescuers a lot of credit because I don't know if I could have went through all that water and through those narrow passages! I'm so claustrophobic! I pray there is no linger effects on any of them and that they all make a full recovery. My prayers also go out to the Navy Seal diver's family who lost his life. So sad to say the least. Hugs, Brenda

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

A very clever idea for that martini stamp, I especially like the fishing one.

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Great cards. Love how you have changed the contents of the glasses.

Hope you are having a good week. Sue

Jan Clothier said...

Oh Darnell! I love your twofer card with it's load of presents but I think I love the Hemingway story even more! You have such an eclectic stamp collection, I'm always amazed at what comes out of your stash, then amazed again with what you do with it. Thank you so much for joining in with our 400th challenge celebration at The Paper Players.

Kathleen said...

It was really amazing and heartbreak at the same time, I hope those boys and the coach never forget the poor guy.

Pretty relevant in a way as you could be toasting the bravery and the life of that lovely Guy.

Love both cards.

Kath x

Carol L said...

As Di would say - you clever sausage you! LOL Love these 2 cards with 2 very different ideas and themes! Fishing in a martini glass is a hoot, and so is fishing for mini gifts if you think about it, but what a pair of unique one-of-a-kind cards! My thoughts on those Thai boys and coach mirror yours zactly! What a relief to know they are safely out of that prison/cave! That's got to be the story of the year if not the decade!

Susan said...

Wonderful boozy cards! I love the retirement one - what a perfect idea for a retirement card - it evokes days of lazy (boozy) contemplation and relaxation. And a perfect birthday card for a martini lover!

I too am so thankful those boys and their coach have been rescued. I've been constantly checking the news online and was so happy when I got up this morning to see that all of them and all of the rescue team were safely out. Made me think if we can have such wonderful international co-operation for a crisis like that, why can't the world just co-operate and get along all the time?

OH Babs said...

Once again clever cards Miss Darnell. The printed border is neat. Stay cool. bbb

Donna said...

What fabulous cards, totally different yet equally stunning, great scene on the retirement card and like the plaid on the second!

Bonnie said...

Fun, fun, fun! I'm not sure about a martini with fish in it, but I know those fishermen will love this! And the sugar cubes dressed as presents are a brilliant idea! Hammy sure does come in handy! Thanks so much for the opportunity to be a Guest Designer on your fun challenge!

Susanne Vargas said...

Your retirement card is so much fun and sounds perfect for your fisherman friend! And those tiny presents could also be ice cubes... Love the sentiment and how that frame pulls it all together! Fabulous cards!

MaryH said...

Awesome 2fers this month. Really like the idea of #1 as a retirement, clever to pair the glass with the fishing dock too. #2 is delightful with the fun elements and those pops of color. Adding the prezzies in the drink was another cute and Hammy is pretty good in the idea department! The checkered frame really draws the eye right into the picture and looks nice & cool too. TFS & Big hugs

Celeste Goff said...

Two fabulous boozy cards Darnell! Love the scene you created on the retirement one especially!

Christine Alexander said...

great twofer cards, I love the idea of a martini anytime :)

Carol H. said...

I love both of your card!! That martini glass with a fishing pole is just too fun! Love the retirement ca with with calm relaxing colors! Sugar cube presents are so cute! You are so creative! Two awesome cards for sure! Hugs!

JD/ Jill said...

AS always your cards are so cute and clever! Very nicely done!

Lori Turner said...

Awesome cards, Darnell! Thanks for joining us at 4 Crafty Chicks! xoxoxo

Cheryl W. said...

Fun cards and fun challenge! I'll have to give this one some thought. As for the rescued soccer team, it was nice to have some positive news for once, wasn't it? So glad they're all ok.

Kathyk said...

LOVING your super elegant (and boozy) cards for your twofer challenge today

Happy Wednesday, Darnell

Kathyk

Sandra said...

Wonderful cards, the magarita cocktail glasses are fabulous. Thank you so much for joining us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. Hugs, Sandra

Gerrina said...

I do think I fell in love with your retirementcard'what a great scene you made! And a card that you can sent to a man and still it is a peaceful and 'soft'card; so clever! And with presents this way anyone would be pleased... Bussy days here; schoolholidays started so it's a bit chaotic :) Hugs, Gerrina

Linda said...

What a fun challenge theme and fabulous inspiration too. Love the martini glass .... I would love to be sat on that pier with a martini in my hand right now! Well, maybe not right now .... it is only 9.30 am here, a bit early even for me! Cheers hun! xx

oldpunca said...

I like both of your cards. It is a very nice glass stamp you've used. And very creative idea for two different cards. I'm making inventory check in my head about what cups and glasses do I own for to join the challenge. :-)
Hugs,
Sonja

Sandra H said...

I agree so pleased the boys are rescued that was some task and thankfully all are well and hopefully back with their families asap such a wonderful team too! your cards are fabulous l am not one for cocktails but looking at these l think l might enjoy them....lol take care sending lots of love x

cuilliesocks said...

Hi Darnell, two fabulous cards, I love the cocktail glasses and your super designs and colours.
It was a wonderful rescue mission and all around the world we were waiting with baited breath for the outcome, tragic that a diver died, but he was doing his job and I hope his family may take comfort in that.
Certainly the Best football team in the world, Kate x

Bunny said...

Cute cards, Darnell. I love the colors of the retirement card. Love the Birthday Smirthday. (spell check didn't like that word)

It was nerve wracking waiting and watching to make sure that all of the soccer team and their coach would make it out alive. My prayers also went out to the medical doctor who came out of the cave to find out that his father had passed while he was helping with the boys.

The beverage twofer idea is great. [Bunny]

Carole said...

Brilliant twofer Darnell! xx

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
I too am so glad all went well with the rescue of those poor boys, but what was that man thinking of in the first place taking them there in the rainy season the mind boggles, and of course it cost a a precious life of a diver.
As you say my heart goes out to his family.

Well I love your twofer cards this month and the glasses of Martini would please 007 himslf. LOL, and I'm sure they are shaken not stirred too.
Seriously the fishing one is such a superb idea for a retirement card.
Must remember that next year for hubbies Birthday card but using a glass of whisky as that's his fave tipple.
Will try and join in this month, but I have 3 wedding cards and boxes to make soon.
Lots of crafty love and hugs from my house to yours.Jenny L.

Nancy said...

Hello Darnell!
Always so nice to hear from you on my blog. You are so sweet to think of me! I have been a bit under the weather, and this ghastly heat wave we have doesn't' help. I always enjoy your informative posts too. Your cards are so FUN! Love those fish in the martini. Cheers to you!

Leslie Miller said...

Gosh, you could put all kinds of things in that drink glass. Clever, and I love it either way. Those little presents are too cute! Love how it all goes so perfectly with the frame. The retirement card says it all. So simple and perfect!

Wei said...

Oh! How fun it is to put a fish in a glass of cocktail! Love your creative idea, Darnell! Thanks for playing along with us at The Male Room. Please come back with us again.

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Two whimsical martinis, Darnell - just love your twofer beverage cards! And thanks for a fun challenge this month - just love to play along with you!!

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

SUPER matching up of the images and the "2fers" both Brilliant ideas and cards. Thank you so much for joining us in our Fish/Fishing challenge at The Male Room this week. Looking forward to see you again next challenge.

Faith The Male Room DT
Daffodil Cards {My Blog}

The Male Room
themaleroomchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk

Kara Lynne said...

Ah, boy could I go for a martini right now! Sans the fish, please, although they look like they are having a lot of fun in there, *hic!* Those gifts are a great switch, and I love the black and white and read all over color scheme! Another great Twofer, Darnell!

Greta said...

So clever--love them both! I couldn't agree more--such a relief that the ordeal is over. What a lesson for the world--all those people working together to help someone else.

jheuser69 said...

Thank you for joining our challenge at Moving Along with the Times. Your project is wonderful, and I just wanted to wish you the best of luck! – DT Jodie

Pat said...

What great cards Darnell, and such clever use of the martini glasses with the fishing rod and sweet little fishes, and then the little sugar cube parcels in the other. I love the pier dock and the pretty washs of colour, and a great doodled edge on the other too. So pleased they managed to get everyone out of the caves, that must have been a terrible ordeal for all involved and losing a diver too. It just shows what can be done when everyone pulls together! x

Pia S said...

This martini glass stamp is so fun! I don’t think I’ve seen it before. The watercolored paper makes a beautiful sunny scene for the retirement card and the birthday card is fun. Why not make a Christmas card to while you’re at it.. I love that you can make different themes from whatever you choose to add to the hook.

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Well, I am here in an official capacity for MAWTT but hoping to catch up on my comments anyhoo.
Any excuse for a bit of alcohol Mrs K......shaken or stirred?
Excellent watercolouring as usual and great for the challenge.
Thank you for entering.
Will catch up with what you have been up to but will drop you an e-mail tomorrow.......ablation postponed.
Take care.
Ang x

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

What fabulous and fun read Darnell, i'm so glad Mac Mable directed me over here. Such a relief to see that the boys and their coach have now been rescued, we were all sleeping with fingers and toes crossed, what a blessing.
Your drinkie cards are superb, just the cocktail for the weekend with more expected sunshine..
Hope you have a good one and here's to a little *Cheers* for Ernest on his upcoming Smirthday.. Long may his memory remain!!
Creative wishes Tracey xx

Glittered Paws said...

Oh what fun and great cards. I especially like the retirement card. Love this stamp so useful for lots of occasions.

Mac Mable said...

So creative and fun both of them. Hammy sure has come up with a fabulous idea for the second one...good on Hammy x. Martini glasses is good for me and off to do more research on Death in The Afternoon...The drinking part that is x. Thank you Darnell for the fabulous inspiration and the fun challenge x

Fikreta said...

beautiful cards!

Craftychris said...

These are both wonderful cards! How clever of Hammy to come up with the pressie idea for the 2nd card - what would you do with out him! Cheers my friend! Hugs xxxxxx

frommycraftroom said...

Love your cards. So creative.
Cheers to you - Vicki

Karenladd said...

Oh my goodness, these martini/fishing cards are just so fun! I don't know which I like more..the beautiful fishing scene at the pier, or that hilarious "fishing for presents" version. Not a martini fan but I can still enjoy a nice boozy greeting card!

Bobby said...

When you're the 76th person to comment everything has pretty much been said. Who knew those glasses could be so versatile. You, that's who. So creative and fun, Darnell.

Ruth said...

This challenge cracks me up with some of the cards I've seen created for it - everyone gets so inventive! Sugar cube presents. Who'd have thought it. xx

Jacquie Southas said...

Fun & clever cards, Darnell! I especially like the fishing martini for a retirement card!

Monika Skinner said...

Only you could create a cocktails like this, Darnell! Love the little fish in the cocktail, wondering what you called it. Thanks so much for playing along at The Male Room Craft Challenge. Good Luck!😊

Rocky said...

I love them both, but the idea of fish in my Martini makes me smile, let's just hope they don't drink it all before I do! Thank you for sharing both cards with us at The male room.

Deborah Frings said...

Love the martini glass, fish and rod! Such a fun and clever design - mind they're both super. Thanks so much for playing along with the Fish/Fishing theme at The Male Room. Deborah, DT xx

Always great to have you join in with us. xx

Sharron said...

I'm a tad late but couldn't miss leaving you a comment on these absolutely fabby creations! Both are so creative and fun! The retirement design is so cool as is fishing for presents!

Stef H said...

THESE ARE ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!!! FAB-U-LOUS

Paru Mahtani said...

Love it!! Love those little gifts in the glass and the fishing rod!! Superb! Thanks so much for playing Paru’s Card Making challenges

Lura said...

Late to the party but so glad I caught your wonderful post. That fishing martini stamp caught my imagination and I had to locate it - took awhile but I did come up with the stamp and how to get it. Impression Obsession made a bunch of these wonderful martini glasses with various themes. The fishing one is #E2295 ice fishing martini and available on the OI website for those who want to indulge...