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!

November 13, 2018

2018 Twelve Tags of Christmas With Loll and Friends!

Hello Stamplings!

I hope this finds you enjoying the week! Yesterday was Veteran's Day: a wonderful day to reflect and thank all the men and women who have served the country during times of war and peace and to thank their families for all the sacrifices they have made. Thank you!

Today is my day to appear as a Guest Designer for my friend Lolly's inspiring annual Christmas tag event: Twelve Tags of Christmas With Loll and Friends. This will be the final year and I want to thank Lolly for putting this event together every year for five years! I have found lots of beautiful tag inspiration in the galleries over the years!

Here is my tag for Day Nine:
I actually made the tag background in May at our Vancouver retreat. Christine is lucky enough to live near a paper factory and we all reaped the benefits of that! There were a lot of tags for us to play with and we decided to slap them around in some spritzed Lindy Magicals. We were very pleased at how beautifully the non-watercolor paper tags soaked up the powdered ink!

To make my tag, I added two whimsical die-cut Christmas trees made from a "Small Snow Covered Tree" die by Dee's Distinctively Dies. I had to buy this die as soon as I saw it last summer on Bonnie's blog. I cut the trees from a schparkly snowy paper, but you'll have to take my word for that. Hammy inserted a foam dot between the layers to give them some dementia. The white heat-embossed Christmas sediment is from PTI and the shimmery fluffy bow is from a roll I've had since the twins were babies.

~~~

Thank you, Lolly, for having me as one of your Guest Designers. It's been fun!
I hope you'll be able to join in the Twelve Tags of Christmas With Loll and Friends! There are prizes! Below is a recap of all the information you need!
 Challenges Dates:
  • Inspiration Tags posted Nov. 5 - 16.
  • Linky open for entries Nov. 5 - 23.
  • Top Tags posted Nov. 30.
Rules: 
  • Make a Mixed Media or CAS Mixed Media Christmas tag. (Include stamping plus two mixed media elements.)
  • Include a link to Twelve Tags challenge in your write-up.
  • Add your entry with the linky tool on Loll's blog.
  • Enter as many times as you'd like, new entries only please.
Prizes:
  • Winning Tag - $50 Gift Certificate for Simon Says Stamp.
  • Random Draw + Top Three Tags: $25 Gift Certificate each 
    for Simon Says Stamp.
~~~

Fires

It was a pleasure bringing you a cold and icy tag today to take my mind off the fact that so much of California is burning again. All these years of drought are really being felt as over 117,000 acres have burned in this latest fire which is only 30% contained. Over 7,000 structures have gone up in flames, most of them homes. An entire town of 26,000 people is in ashes. To date, 42 people have died, and over 200 are still missing. It's beyond sad, but it's also a miracle more people didn't die as the fire was traveling the length of a football field every three seconds! Horrifying!

Thank you to all the brave firefighters who are putting their lives on the line to save as many homes and as much property as they can. We pray for their safety as they work 24-hour shifts. Many of them have lost their own homes, but they work on, trying to save the homes of others.

We are five days into it and the smoke is still at an unhealthy level throughout the Bay Area (where we are), which is 180 miles away from the center of the inferno! And there are two other deadly fires currently raging near Los Angeles. It is all very scary and it reminds us once again how life can change in an instant. It reminds me to tell you how much I appreciate you! Mwah!

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


*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!)

56 comments:

Darnell said...

Thank you for the love!

conil said...

Darn, girl, your tag is gorgeous...wish I could see all the sparkle but technology hasn't yet caught up to us crafters. I know you must be suffering through this lousy air just as we are but our suffering in no way compares to the losses these fire victims have felt. It brings tears to my eyes all the time when I think of them and our brave, diligent firefighters.

Loll said...

Beautiful tag with the shimmery and soft colours of the magical background, Dolly. Christine's huge supply of tags such came in handy! Love the sparkle of your glitter trees. Thanks again for being a Guest Designer at TTOC!!

I have seen the news with the devastating filming of the first north of you. Horrific is the word I think of. Too many lives lost, too much devastation and heart ache for those who have lost everything. And too much stress on the fire services. These men and women have sacrificed so much!! They are heros! Stay safe my friend and hope the air quality gets better soon. Love, Lolly

Sandra H said...

It’s so sad to see these properties burning l really feel for the people in the areas that have been affected y thoughts also are for the families that have lost loved ones It’s so tragic on a happier note Darnell your tag is simply gorgeous l just love it sending lots of love xx

Carole said...

Oh Darnell I have got goosebumps just reading about those terrible fires...the destruction of 'nature'...a force that is so hard to comprehend. I hope you continue to be safe...it is so sad to think of those who have sacrificed life and / homes. On a brighter note I love your icy tag. there is something about blue and snowy trees...gorgeous. Take care ..hugs xx

Mac Mable said...

Such a beautiful and pretty background and those trees look fabulous. Well done you on using up that pretty ribbon, which you've been hoarding. Wonderful tag Darnell and absolutely gorgeous X.
X so sorry to hear about the horrendous fires X

Nstiz said...

Your tag is gorgeous, Darnell. Love those trees and the wonderful background you created with those tags. The colors you chose are just beautiful. Praying for your safety.

Bunny said...

The fires are scary indeed. I have family in Los Angeles. I've been praying.

Beautiful tag. Love that die. I can see why you were enabled by Bonnie.

[Bunny]```

cuilliesocks said...

Hi Darnell, yes the fires are horrifying, so much devastation and loss of life, so sorry for the people concerned.

Your tag is absolutely gorgeous, I love the colour and the tree dies, Kate x

Linda said...

Such a pretty wintry tag Darnell. The background looks fab and I love the die cut tree. Hats off to Hammy for adding the dimension.
Stay safe my friend xx

Redanne said...

Your frosty tag is gorgeous, I love the background and the aparkly trees are so pretty! I love the ribbon at the top too!

We have been watching the progress of those horrendous fires, it is such a tragedy that so many people have lost their lives. I hope that all those missing folk are found to be safe.... and that the fires subside. Take care my friend <3

Hugs, Annie xxx

Kathleen said...

A really fabulous tag Darnell, gorgeous background and lovely trees.
Dreadful isn't it, those poor people and the firefighters must be exhausted.

Kath x

oldpunca said...

Dear Darnell, I was thinking so much on you in past days when I heard about fires in California. I was fascinated about your country since I visited some parts of it. It hurts to see photos and videos and read about the suffering of firemen and people who are living there. I am sorry about the dead of so many people. My thougts are with all of people in California. I wish that inferno ends.
I like your tag and exspecialy I like the backgroud. Great challenge, I hope I could join it. :-)
Hugs,
Sonja

Barb Ghig said...

Oh, I just LOVE this pretty tag, Darnell! Your background is beautiful and totally 'Magical' with all those lovely colors! I can see why you had to buy those whimsical trees, too...they're so cute, and Hammy did a great job adding dementia with his layering...what a clever guy he is :)

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

I didn't know you are in California, but now I'm so glad you are 180 miles away by the centre of inferno. So so sad for the the devastations and all the lives destroyed. People, animals, plants... Nobody and nothing is happy there. I seen some scene at TV... just horrible! Hope that all ends very soon!!! Rain would be a God hand
Stay safe and take care!
Your tag is just delicious, that background is awesome behind the sweet snowy trees!
Hugs!!

Anita in France said...

I see the shimmer on those luscious, snow covered trees, Darnell ... and can imagine all the glimmer from the magicals (as I have a page here to play with!) ... and they're gorgeous together! The ribbon is like a layer of delicate frost about to descend on the trees ... a perfect addition to this dimensional delight!

Such tragedy with the wild fires ... and such heroism ... my heart goes out to all those touched by the horror. Stay safe, my friend. LYAMYMA ... big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Pat said...

This tag is so so pretty Darnell, and love the pretty background using the Lindy's Magicals together with the beautiful die cut trees, and finished perfectly with the white embossed sentiment and the lovely shiny ribbon. It is difficult for us to realise just how far reaching and devastating these fires are and hope that they manage to get them under control, and that the awful air quality improves soon too. x

Bonnie said...

I'm glad you are still safe. The fires move so fast that it's terrifying! Love your sweet little tree and I'm glad I enabled you to buy it! Your Magical background shows it off beautifully! xoxo

Birgit said...

Your tag is so pretty Darnell! The slapped and spattered background is truly magical. The tree die is pretty darn cute too! I'm so glad you're safe from the wildfires. Our son and D-i-l are in central CA, and hopefully far enough away. These fires break my heart for all those affected and I've certainly been saying my share of prayers for everyone. We're headed in their direction soon to spend Thanksgiving with them. I hope you stay safe and have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

Lisa said...

I'm glad you are safe from the horrific fires, Darnell. I am praying for everyone effected and the brave fire fighters. Your tag is gorgeous!! The background looks amazing!! I love the trees!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Julia Aston said...

I have this lovely tree die as well sis! I just love it and always forget to get it out! What a lovely background you created for them! Julia xx

Cheryl W said...

Your tag is beautiful. That inky background is just perfect! This whole tag business sounds like fun. Not sure I can work it in, but maybe...

Christine Alexander said...

Darnell I'm so glad you got to use one of the tags:)
Wow those lindy's magicals certainly give a lot of shimmer floating around the surface. The blues with your icy tree are a perfect match.

Such horrible fires, We are all thinking about you and hope you keep safe and well.
Christine

Denise Bryant said...

Beautiful tag! I love the trees with their dimension! So pretty!
I am in northern CA not too far from the Paradise, and my daughter is in Chico. A couple of my relatives who lived in Paradise have lost their homes. Thankfully, they managed to evacuate and are doing OK.

Jane Willis said...

I'm so glad you are safe but heartbroken for the many thousands who aren't. We're hearing some incredible tales of heroism though. And then there's the politics of it *cough* - thank goodness we are crafters and not here to talk politics!
Your tag is utterly gorgeous, all it needs is a bit of schparkle and maybe one day somebody will invent a screen that actually lets us see it!
Jane

Patti said...

Wonderful post Darnell and a delightful tag!

I didn't know this was Loll's last tag challenge : ( I missed it again! sigh but I surely have been enjoying all the tags in blogland of late.

Breathe safe and stay safe friend. (((Hugs)))

Gerrina said...

Congrats on being Guestdesigner on Loll's challenge! Your tag is beautiful; love the blue spickled background! Hugs, Gerrina

Inkyfingers said...

I have been watching the horrific pictures of the fires on the news Darnell and thinking of you and your family. The loss of life and homes is so tragic and to think that you are being affected by the smoke 180 miles away with no sign of the end of it yet is just awful. Stay safe my friend.
On a lighter note, you tag is just gorgeous and I love that lovely ribbon which finishes it off beautifully.
Hugs
Carol x

Sue - said...

Lovely tag Darnell! I do hope the fires abate soon and they don’t affect you.

Jeanne said...

Oh golly, Darnell, your tag is just so lovely. Sounds like you had a marvelous time creating that beautiful background. My heart is breaking over those fires. The ones in southern California are hitting a little too close to home as I grew up in the San Fernando Valley. The Santa Ana wind conditions are absolutely terrifying. I'm so sad for those who have lost so much and for those firefighters who are risking their lives. I hope they can get good control of the fires soon and that the air quality can improve for you all. Hugs!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Your tag is gorgeous, Darnell. Continued prayers for all affected by the tragedy xoxo

Marcia Hill said...

Your tag is absolutely BEAUTIFUL Darnell and I can just imagine how shimmery it is from the Magicals on your background and then the spharkly paper you used for that delightful little tree! LOVE the font of your sentiment too!! Lovely, lovely tag my friend! The fires just make me want to cry when I watch the news...so much devastation for your state these past few years! Take care of yourself and we will all continue to lift your state up in prayer for ALL the loss you've endured!

Happy Dance said...

Congrats on being Loll's GD for her 12 Tags! I'm hoping to join in the fun, but it's been a bit crazy around here! Love the effect that the Magicals has on plain paper! The blues are so pretty, and the bits and pops of their colors is amazing. Great idea to use glitter paper, and tell Hammy that I like his idea to pop the trees up a bit, too! You're in my thoughts as the fires rage around California. I pray for the firefighters, and hope that all people are kept safe from the ravages of these fires. Sending hugs. xoxo Bev

I Card Everyone said...

I would love to live next to a Paper Mill... though they do get pretty stinky, if they had an outlet, I'd get beyond that!
A beautiful tag, my friend - congrats on that GD spot!
=]

Linby said...

A gorgeous tag - just love the soft background reminds me of snow falling.

I'm so sorry to hear about the fires in CA and am so glad that you are safe. all those poor people it's just heartbreaking.

nancy littrell said...

Beautiful Magicals background, Dolly...way more beautiful and shimmery IRL. So fun playing at our retreat with Christine's huge stack of tags:-)

Your die cut trees are so pretty too with your pretty ribbon. TFS my friend.

All the devastating fires are beyond imaginable and so tragic with the loss of lives and homes. I hope your air quality improves soon and thankful you are safe. Prayers to all those effected by the fires and to the hero fire fighters and 1st responders.

Love and Hugs to all, Nancy

Leslie Miller said...

Your slapped and magical background is gorgeous on this, Darnell! I've loved those tree dies since they were released, but were out of stock so often I gave up. They look very fun! Tags are a good chance to use some of that oldie ribbon that's loitering around your stamp room. It's altogether a beautiful result! Those fires... I can't remember the last time I actually cried when watching the news, but this is doing it. I know the smoke must be awful for you. We even had a little of it here yesterday, but only a very little bit.

Susan said...

So glad you found a great use for one of the tags from our retreat! Love the two little trees and the shimmery fluffy bow!

I've been watching the news on the horrific fires in California - so heart-breaking for so many people. Take care of yourself as you cope with the unhealthy levels of smoke. I know what that's like as we've had it in Vancouver the last two summers from the forest fires in the interior of the province.

nancy littrell said...

Beautiful and vibrant alcohol ink background for your die cut geometric design Guest Designer tag, Dolly. Love your sweet 2nd deer tag too. TFS my friend. Hugs..Nancy

Fikreta said...

gorgeous tag!

Greta said...

Gorgeous background for those wonderful trees, Darnell! Love the sentiment done in white!

Lisa Elton said...

What a beautifully elegant shimmery tag, love it Darnell!

Carol H. said...

My goodness your tag is gorgeous!! Love the background and the sparkly trees!! Can’t imagine being sonnear fires of that magnitude. Sending many prayers for all the first responders and all the residents. Hugs!

Ros Crawford said...

Congrats on your GD spot Darnell! Your tag is wonderful! Lovely BG for those trees.
I am so very sorry about the fires raging out there... I see it in the news and think of you and my friends over there and people I don't even know... The firefighters and ordinary folk suffering the unimaginable. God bless you all and may he keep you safe...

ShazInOzCardsCalligraphy said...

Congrats on GDT.... very worthy choice.l
... and oh I love it!!! Esp love the joy to world stamp might need to check that out... sigh maybe not.. want not need! The shimmery shades and simple design enhance it wonderfully.
Shock horror I joined it too. I hardly ever have done a tag!
Hugs dear friend, you hold a special place in my thoughts. May God bless you
Shaz in Oz.x

ShazInOzCardsCalligraphy said...

PS meant to say also as fires are so horrid at times here in Oz and some Californian firefighters have come to help here in past years I’ve prayed for mercy. We haven’t heard a lot but then maybe because I’m on a tv ban to try to catch .. praying for comfort mercy and help. It goes on for so long afterwards too.
My friend I stayed with in Sept in Nth Florida is still with her roof not sound just tarps on it from Hurricane Michael and wont be done for three more weeks she’s been told. But glad to be back home again, was with her son for weeks while it was made habitable.

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Gorgeous background for those sparkly trees, Darnell! Thinking of you & all the Californians who are suffering with the fires!!

Craftychris said...

Beautiful tag - I love those gorgeous Christmas trees on the wonderful background! I echo your sentiments about the fires - such a dreadful thing! Hugs xxxxxxxxx

Carol L said...

Your tag is so pretty with that little tree and I love the blue color. As for the fires, it's good to know you're relatively safe for now, but as you said - that can change in an instant. Watching so many homes and dreams go up in smoke is just heartbreaking to watch and the sadness is overwhelming. Please take care and stay safe and hopefully this will soon be over and people can start rebuilding their lives once again. Sending hugs your way.

Papercraft Boutique said...

Your soft Magical background is so pretty, Darnell! It highlights the sparkly snowy trees. Hammy did a great job inserting a foam dot between the layers! :-)
Hideko

p.s. I didn't know that you live in CA. I'm a Californian (LA) too. I'm sorry for the unhealthy smoke up there. Stay inside and be safe.

Tee said...

Your tag is gorgeous with the wonderful textured trees! Take care. T.

Susanne Vargas said...

Stunning winter scene on your tag! Love the background and your snow covered trees! I can see why you had to get this die... We had our first snow storm today and the trees outside look like the ones on your tag!
The fires in California are horrendous and it's hard to imagine how these people have suddenly lost everything!
Hugs,
Susanne

Ruth said...

Fabulous tag! Love the result of all the spritzing even if I'm still to scared to use those powdery things.

Stay safe. Thinking of everyone affected. The death toll is rising horribly xxxx

Robyn Oliver said...

A magical tag Darnell, lovely soft background for your gorgeous trees and sentiment. Hope by now those horror fires are under control, very scary.

BożenA said...

Wow! I love how pigments soaked in paper giving such a different effect than on watercolor paper. I love your beautiful Christmas trees, they are so cute. A great tag, Darnell, beautiful inspiration!
Hugs,
BożenA xoxo

Bobby said...

That Magical background is lovely, Darnell, and the dimension on the trees is fabulous. Gee, I think I need to find new words to describe the cards and tags I see. LOL