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!

September 10, 2018

Twofer Card Challenge #9 ~ Leaves

Hello Stamplings!

I hope you had a fantabulous weekend and you're ready to face the week with relish. Mustard and ketchup are included on the side bar!

And here we go with the new challenge for September at Twofer Card Challenge!
Before the deciduous trees get naked in the Northern hemisphere and as new leaves are budding in the Southern hemisphere, we want to celebrate LEAVES this month!
Onefer
This OLC design was very easy to make. First I die cut several NBUS Garland Greenery leaves from Memory Box from some leafy pp and Hammy sprayed them with gold shimmer. The base is made from a hammered pale blue fold card I've had since back in the day. I heat-embossed the sediment from PTI in platinum and then simply laid on the die-cut leaves. You might get a glimpse of the glimmer and texture of the card if you click on the photo to enlarge. Or you can just stay where you are and put your nose up to the screen and cock your head just a tad to the left. Now try the right.

Twofer
If you don't mind me crowing a bit, this card is unbelievably gorgeous IRL! I have several sheets of stunning handmade paper with real leaves and stems that I have a hard time using. But I'm at that age of "use it or lose it," so you'll be seeing handmade papers more often. It's hard to stop looking at them. I'm surprised I haven't caressed those leaves right off the paper and, of course, Hammy wants to eat them! I used more of the die-cut gold-sprayed leaves tucked under the sediment panel which was in my stash. This card is intended to encourage a friend who is having a hard time.

Threefer. Wait. What?
Don't worry, I promise it won't become the Threefer challenge! What happened was this particular handmade leafy paper comes in three forms: a vellum, a mulberry, and a heavier mulberry. I know, right! Ooooooh. A while back Cas(e) This Sketch had this layout which I liked it, but I wasn't able to play that week. I saved the sketch and used it for this card. The base panel is from a paper pad from Mike. The little tag and sediment are from My Creative Time and again, more of the same glimmery die-cut leaves were used as embellishments.

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The three cards I showed here today are all conventional uses of my leaf die to show you that you don't need to be designing "unconventional" uses for your leaves in order to play in the challenge!

I hope you are sinpired, I mean, inspired! Break out one of your leaf/leaves stamps or dies and come up with two different designs for two different occasions to build your stash! And remember, "design" is just a fancy way to say "layout," so we want you to make your layouts different for each card to stretch your design skills!
Over at the Twofer Card Challenge, you will find lots more incredible inspiration from our very talented Design Team and Guest Designers, Linda and Susan! I look forward to seeing what you make!! Mwah!

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Card Onefer Challenges
Card Twofer Challenges
Card Threefer Challenges
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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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71 comments:

Sue - said...

OMG I’m first to comment! Fabulous trio of cards Darnell and I promise I’m going to try really really hard to enter this month! xx

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Three fabulous cards Darnell, like Sue above I'm going to try hard to enter this month.

Sue xx

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving all three.

Hope you have a good start to the week. Sue

Linda said...

Oooooh .... that handmade paper is GORGEOUS!!! Great designs too, love the delicate die cut. Have a fabulous week hun xx

kiwimeskreations said...

What fabulous cards Darnell, and I am so glad Hammy had a chance to help you make them - his spraying skills are amazing, the little guy sure likes the glitter and glam!!
Blessings
Maxine

Sandra H said...

Totally stunning are all of your cards Darnell l just love the thought of Autumn as long as it's not too wet! take care sending lots of love x

Marilyn said...

Beautiful cards!
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤️

Carole said...

Wow Darnell you are in top gear! Three wonderful cards...the script on the first one is beautiful and I bet it shimmers well in platinum! the handmade papers take me back...I know just what you mean about use or lose...though i find it hard to lose!...lol perhaps we can just re-invent the old stuff...bit like fashion really! Hope you are doing OK...hugs xx

Jeanne said...

A trio of delight, Darnell. Wonderful cards from a thoughtful and generous gal. Thank you so much for sharing!

oldpunca said...

Great use of the same die cut for two (ups! three) different occasions. I hope I will find enough time to participate on your challenge this month.
Have a great week!
Hugs,
Sonja

Em Louise Fairley said...

They are gorgeous, Darnell! xoxo

Pat said...

Three really pretty makes Darnell and love your Twofer gold shimmery leaves and the beautiful handmade paper with the leaves within it you have used on one, and then the large sentiment and more shimmery leaves on the other. The third using up some bits of that leafy paper and leaves looks great with that embossed paper in the background too. I am hoping to get an entry in the challenge but Stewart is over from Australia staying with us for a couple of weeks or so from next week, so there won't be a lot of crafting going on. I am really looking forward to seeing him as it has been 15 months, so will be great to have his company. x

cuilliesocks said...

What gorgeous cards Darnell, I love leaves and your handmade paper is so beautiful. Lovely designs in all three cards, Kate x

Susanne Vargas said...

Three phenomenal cards! Those shimmery die cut leaves look spectacular on all of them paired with the lovely handmade paper! I can understand why you have a hard time using it! Love the different layouts, too!

Redanne said...

Hammy did a brilliant job! I love the simplicity of the first card, it is so pretty and the second one - wow! I love how you used the gorgeous handmade paper. I am with you, I would have great difficulty (and do!) in using that paper!

Your third card is just an extra bonus for us, the papers look beautiful again! Three beautiful cards, I love them all! Hugs, Annie xxx

Jean said...

Such wonderful cards! Love your creativity!

Brenda in IN said...

Oh my, those beautiful gold leaves are stunning. The handmade paper is simply lovely. It would be hard for me to cut it up too. I have to make myself use pattern paper! Can't wait to play in this challenge because fall is my favorite time of year and I have leaf stuff - lots of leaf stuff. Stamps, dies, stencils and ephemera. Not to mention the ones on the tree in the front yard.

Anita in France said...

Ooooh, what a treat, Darnell ... a trio! The first is a delicate delight ... the softly shimmering leaves draping down over the texture-y, pastel-y blue are just dreamy! That hand made paper is just beautiful ... the snippets against the basket weave-ish background are fabulous enough ... and even more gorgeous is that full card of leafy loveliness ... it's positively gossamery and swoony! LYAMYMA! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Vicki Dutcher said...

Lovely 3fer cards 😆 I had paper similar to your's and made gorgeous bookmarks! That way I got to "keep" (hoard) the paper ☺

Kara Lynne said...

You must have a hidden addition added on to the back of your playhouse to hold all these treasures from "back in the day". You always seem to pull out some amazing something-or-other that I've never seen before! Beautiful threefer, Darnell! Those whispy, shimmery leaves are beautiful both on the pale blue and with the leaf paper!

Brenda said...

Wow, a threefer! Look at you go Auntie! I love them so much. That handmade paper is stunning! I'd be petting it too. lol Your first card is just beautiful, I love the card base but it is those delicate leaves that you die cut out-so pretty! Then Hammy sprayed them with that gold shimmer spray taking them over the top, so gorgeous. I love the embossed sentiment as well. Yes, this is a beautiful card. Then we go to the twofer, wow! That paper is just so amazing as the background to those delicate leaves and a beautiful sentiment as well. Your friend will get so much enjoyment from this card and hopefully it will make her feel better about things. Your threefer-well I love the layout of this one using those beautiful papers, gosh how cool that this paper came in so many different ones! The embossing looks so beautiful and then there are those delicate leaves and that fabulous sentiment tag. I love all of these! Hugs, Brenda

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Great use of your leaves die and - WOW!!! - such amazing handmade paper with real leaves and stems!!! Your twofer and threefer are so precious!!! Love them so much and please, take Hammy away from them :D :D
Big hugs!

Vikki H said...

Three delights for today, Darnell! Your inspiration of spraying leaf die cuts with handmade leaf papers is genius! Thanks for a good Monday start to crafting.

conil said...

Hammies really good with that glimmery stuff. Sure made these leaves extra special. Hope this challenge doesn't tax my brain to severly...I need all the cells I can get. Anyway, love each one of these and ADORE that specialty paper. I will be a real joy to see more of it in the future.

Dana M said...

Gorgeous cards! Good for you for using those beautiful handmade papers.

Leslie Miller said...

'Tis the season for leaves! What a great challenge, and maybe it will help me get my last two birthday cards for this month made. I've fallen behind. Love that gorgeous handmade paper. Yes, use it or lose it -- my mantra. Oh, and I like relish and I always click for a close up so I can savor the beauty.

Marcia Hill said...

A trio of beautiful leafy cards Darnell! That handmade paper is SO pretty and so glad you decided to finally use it! I tend to hoard things too and don't have a clue why...I better hurry up cause I'm getting older here too!! But anyway, three GORGEOUS cards and I'm looking forward to playing along this month!! Have a great day!! :0)

Barb Ghig said...

Your shimmery gold leaves are so pretty, Darnell...Hammy is such a great helper :) I also love how you paired this die with your beautiful handmade paper! You and your DT have set the bar really high, and I can't wait to pull out all my leaf/leaves stamps and dies and start playing! Another fabulous challenge...Thank you!

nancy littrell said...

OMG..Gorgeous 3 leafy cards, Dolly. I have to admit, the 2nd card is my favorite, but really do love all 3. TFS and for the chuckle and Inspiration, my friend. Love and Hugs...Nancy

Verna Angerhofer said...

Beautiful leafy cards and to make three is awesome. All are fantastic. I guess I better get my leaves back out and see what I can do with them as well.

Heidi Weaver said...

Wow, Darnell! Three cards and all beautiful showcases for the leaves. Love the gold on the garland greenery and the contrast to the platinum of the sentiment. I imagine the sparkle in real life is a showstopper. Thanks so much for joining our Watercooler Wednesday Challenge this week.

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Stunning threefer, Darnell - just love all three cards! Those leafy mulberry papers are so special - I know just how you feel about parting with them! Especially love the texture on card three; fun sketch too!!

Linby said...

Three beautiful cards and that handmade paper is just so lovely.

Kathleen said...

Three lovely creation but the first card is my favourites. Such a classy card.

Kath x

Linda said...

Darnell, two or I mean 3 lovely cards and that handmade paper is so beautiful. Beautiful cards my friend. And guess what I have already posted my twofers...Have a great day.

Donna said...

Gorgeous and elegant threefer!

Bonnie said...

Ooh, I love leaves! Now to decide which leaves to love the most this month! Love your pretty branches all goldened up! I have some handmade paper too. Hmmm. Maybe I can bring myself to cut into them. Maybe...All three of your cards are lovely and good for guys or gals!

Loll said...

Those leaves are so beautiful and delicate. Perfect with some gold shimmer! Love all three designs Dolly! And that hand made leaf paper is GORGEOUS! I have some mulberry paper that I've had for YEARS! Maybe need to pull it out and use it up! Thanks for the inspiration. This is such a fun challenge! Love, Lolly

Created by Kath said...

The handmade leaf paper is a wonderful element on all your cards. Thank You for joining us at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges!

Bunny said...

A triple decker. It leaves me (get it?) breathless. They really are lovely. [Bunny]

Lisa Elton said...

These are fabulous Darnell! I like the wispiness of the first two and the texture on the last one is so cool. Hope your week is off to a good start!

Ellibelle said...

Such creative cards, beautifully done!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Ellie

Cheryl W. said...

Well, you are on a roll! Next thing you know, you'll be sharing a fourfer. These are three fabulous cards. I love the handmade leaf paper. I have some myself that I've been hoarding for ages. I wish I had the time to break it out and use it for this challenge, but we're leaving in just a few short days for a 6-week trip. I'll not be crafting again until we get back at the end of October. I'll be checking in from the road, though, and enjoying everyone else's creations.

Birgit said...

Love these cards! The look but also the feel. I can just imagine how the second card feels because I know that paper which is very lush. The third card too with the background...I love the colours and the look of all 3

Gerrina said...

Love the soft colours and how you show the difference from CAS, Texture and "normal" with just the same colours and leaves! Clever makings! Hugs, Gerrina

frommycraftroom said...

Those handmade papers are stunning! I would just like to sit and stare for a while. Gorgeous cards too :)

Carol L said...

Your threefer twofer is fabulous this time around! Oh how I love that hand-made paper and how purty it looks made into a card! I need to go lookin' through my stash to create something now. Have a great week ahead and thanks for another fun challenge :)

Terri's Cards N More said...

Lovely colors and layouts for all three cards. Thanks for joining the Stinkin' Inkers challenge.

Loose Stitches said...

Beautiful creations Darnell! Thank you for sharing with us over at Mix It Up Challenge Blog. We hope to see you again.
~ DT Sherry x

KandA said...

Three wonderful cards Darnell. I love the first with the embossing and Hammy did a fabulous job with the gold shimmer spraying and the leaf paper on the others is beautiful xx

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

My I want to play along so badly but we just moved and my stuff are still in boxes : (
Thanks for sharing yours though, I really love them!!!

Mac Mable said...

Always fun to read your posts x Great new challenge and fabulous cards, all three of them. You are spoiling us.
The die cut leaves are really delicate and cocking my head left and right sure did work!
The layout on the first one and the platinum heat embossing on the sentiment look terrific.
Wow... to that mulberry paper on the second and those skeleton leaves are so delicate.
Another great layout on card number three and in particular love the vellum square and the texture on the base card.
Glad you broke out those fabulous 'special' papers x

Fikreta said...

very nice cards!
I love leaves.
when there is pile of leaves in park I just jump in it!
hugs

Sarah said...

Another great post Darnell :0) Love these leafy cards xx

BożenA said...

Two beautiful cards, Darnell. A well-used die. I must say, however, that this second card is more than stunning !! I love these leaves immersed in handmade paper, amazing and beautiful! And surprise ... the third card! You know how to please a man. I love them all
Hugs,
BożenA

Izzy Scrap said...

Three beautiful cards Darnell! Love your cards and especially the ones with the handmade paper with leaves, so gorgeous! If I search carefully in my stash I’m sure I also have this kind of paper. They make such a delicate background for your beautiful leaves die cuts. Fabulous!xx

Celeste Goff said...

Such beautiful cards Darnell! I love all of the dimension and texture you added to them!

Trina P. said...

A bonus card, Darnell!? You spoiled us with just the two and THEN you blow our minds with a third fantastic card! The shimmery leaves are gorgeous. So elegant.paired with this fabulous handmade papers. Sorry to read your friend is going through a rough time, but that card will definitely brighten her day. Wonderful inspirations. xx

Cat Craig said...

Wonderful set of cards Darnell...I'm with you on the hand made paper so gorgeous! It makes for the most fabulous card.

Mandy said...

Wonderful cards Darnell! The colours and textures are beautiful.
Thanks for joining us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge
Mandy xx

Birgit said...

Your cards are all so festive and beautiful for fall. I can see why you'd want to hoard that beautiful handmade leaf paper.... it's stunning!!

JoAnn said...

Wow, love your "three-fer" leaf cards. They are all so pretty and shimmery.

Greta said...

Absolutely love those MB leaves & your cards, Darnell! I especially love the first one--just my style!

Sharron said...

Beautiful, love your leaves! And how cool is that paper. Love the look of handmade paper and yours with the leaves is especially stunning!

Ruth said...

Your use it or lose it attitude is exactly what I'm trying to do and it is such wonderful paper that someone else will appreciate it made into such a beautiful card. I remember years ago when my parents moved and we all helped them we finally got to go through the linen trunk and found all this linen my parents got for their wedding that my mum had been keeping 'good'. Age had yellowed it, some moths had tasted it, and some horrid old staples had rusted some too. What a waste! Never again! Use it or get rid of it is my new motto. xx

Di said...

Such great cards Darnell - I love mulberry paper. Must have a dig around to see if I can find mine. It's so tactile and very pretty on your cards!

Hugs

Di xx

Bobby said...

I can see why you'd want to save that paper, Darnell. It is gorgeous but who sees it if you leaf it in a drawer. ;) The cards are all fantastic. Who doesn't love glimmer leaves.

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
well what very super creations you have created.
These are so gorgeous and such brilliant designs too, and not only 2 but 3.
I too have some of that paper hiding away in a draw somewhere in my craft room.
You have encouraged me to look for it now and use it with your super designs.
Love and big crafty hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.

Rahmat said...

Not 2 but 3 awesome inspirations Darnell, love them all, but its the texture of the last one which is wonderful.
Visiting you after a very long time. Blogging has taken a back seat, with me being away to settle my son in his University, and now same repeat cycle with daughter, another busy year. Sorry that I am not able to comment as much as before!

OH Babs said...

Great cards but I really like the paper with leaves in it. B

AlisonC said...

That't a very pretty and delicate die which suits the autumn treatment. Gorgeous handmade paper. Good to share the joy of it, if you can bring yourself to post that card of course. :)