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 10, 2018

Making Cards With Wreaths

Hello Stamplings!

I know that was a lot of leaves to rake up, but you did it and now you deserve that hot toddy and some time online to relax! If you are one of the lucky ones who got snow which made it impossible to rake up the leaves, you can have a hot toddy, too, because, you know, snow!

It's the tenth of the month and time for another Twofer Card Challenge. The prompt this month is WREATH!

I just realized that the title of this post makes it sound like I made my cards from deconstructed wreaths, lol! Nope, I didn't. I just used normal papers and crafty schtuff for these inspirations for you:
The stamp I have chosen is from Stacy Stamps.

Onefer
For my first design, I went UBERQACAS and made a Christmas card. A simple square layout with the wreath stamp white heat-embossed in the center and bedecked with red Nuvo berries. The sediment is from GKW. It took longer drying the drops then it did to make the card! And I had to put Hammy in his cage because he kept walking over to try and eat the berries!

Twofer
The really challenging part of the challenge this month is thinking of a non-holiday occasion for the second wreath design! For my second design, I made a front door on a new home card to congratulate a friend who is retiring and moving.

Besides that gorgeous wreath, the star of the show is that warm and rustic wood-grain pp that I've had since there were bushes in the White House. I heat-embossed the wreath in copper and found a use for some of the hundreds of little pearls I have in my Embellie Cupboard. The sweet little String Ribbon Bow, a gift from my friend Jeanne, is from Poppystamps. The sediment is from Paper Smooches.

Challenges
Blog Badge
~~~

I hope you are inspired! If you're like me, you have lots of wreath stamps ~ and not just in your Christmas supplies. I can't wait to see which of your wreath stamps or dies you use to create two different designs for two different occasions! 
Over at the Twofer Card Challenge blog, you will find lots more incredible inspiration from our very talented Design Team and our two Guest Designers, Carol (Our Little Inspirations) and Sybrina (Chapter Three)!  Mwah!

~~~

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!

Thank you to everyone who has emailed with concern for us because of the latest rash of fires in California. We are fine except for the very thick smoke, smell, and ash from the closest fire, but many people are not. Please remember them in your prayers and donate to the Red Cross if you are able. Thank you!

*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!)

62 comments:

Stamps and Paper said...

Two very different cards but equally lovely Darnell

Anne

Redanne said...

The first card is so elegant, I just love those pops of red (I can totally understand why Hammy would want to eat them!). The second card is eye catching too, the 'wood' paper gives the card such a rustic look - really beautiful. The pearls are the perfect finishing touch.

No snow here, but we are having the most beautiful Autumn I can remember, glorious colours - but yes, tons of leaves too.... Hugs, Annie xxx

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Love both cards.

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Marilyn said...

Love your cards! Definitely no snow here but finally getting some cool weather. Not sure how long it will last though.
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤

Pat said...

Two gorgeous wreaths Darnell and I adore the red Nuvo drop berries for a great Christmas look, and then a fabulous New Home card with the wonderful woodgrain for the front door. Sad to hear of the new wave of fires but pleased that apart from the smoke they are not affecting you adversely. x

Bunny said...

Love the wreaths and the fact that we don't have to make the card out of wreaths. For those of us that live in Florida can you make an exception to the hot toddy rule? Like say maybe when it rains? Because, well........it's Florida. The last time we saw snow was 1988 I think. It shut all 3 bridges down in our city. People couldn't drive or walk. Our heater thought it was being punished. [Bunny]``

Jeanne said...

Beautiful work, Darnell. Love the wreaths and berries. That wood grain paper is so pretty! Thanks so much for sharing.

Brenda in IN said...

Both wreaths are so pretty. I love the festive white one with bright red berries. I see why Hammy wants them. The second card is a great way to greet a new neighbor and make them feel welcome. I just posted about the fires too. How awful with the loss of life and property. We haven't gotten the snow here yet but it is cold and windy.

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Great use of your wreath stamp, both your CAS cards are beautiful, lovely designs!
Have a fabulous weekend!

Happy Dance said...

I don't rake leaves any more. I have a lawn care guy who does that for me - Thank Goodness!!! And our snow should be gone by the end of the day, so for folks around here, there won't be any excuses. But I think I'll hot toddy anyway! That Stacy Stamps wreath is so pretty. I love the simplicity of it, and how versatile it is! Those red berries really 'make' that Christmas card. And I love the pearly wreath all done in copper. Sooooo pretty against that woodgrain paper. That's Twofer gorgeousness!! Missing you. xo Bev

Darnell said...

Checking the box again ...

Sarah said...

These are wonderful Darnell, love the simplicity of the Christmas card and love the door idea for your new home card. I seem to have many, many NBUS wreath stamps in my stash so fully intend to get them out and join you this time!! xx

Susan said...

Love wreaths as a theme for cards so must put my thinking cap on since I usually only use them for Christmas cards. That naughty Hammy trying to eat the berries - he and Tessa can compete in the naughty challenge as she stole a little plastic baggie of sequins from my craft room and as she ran down the stairs with them, the bag tore and there were sequins on each and every one of the stairs. Needless to say it took a while to pick them up and now they have dog hair mixed in with them.

Anyway, on to the reason for commenting - I love both your cards, especially the new home one with that fabulous dp, the copper embossing, and the pearls. The Christmas one has a bit of CAS retro look to it - wonderful!

Heather said...

Such a gorgeous and elegant card for our colors - just beautiful. The pearls over the woodgrain look amazing! Thanks so much for playing at Sunday Stamps!

Leslie Miller said...

I commented on the challenge blog that I love wreaths and I'm going to play along this time, so now you have to hold me to it, right? Twig wreaths are my favorite and just look how simple these are, yet so beautiful. I've been watching the fires on the news and am so heartbroken for the families who have lost everything, and some didn't manage to escape. You were first on my mind, but I'd just heard from you so I figured you were okay. Please stay safe, Darnell!

Patti said...

Great cards!! I was not surprised when I came rushing over to see how you made a card using a wreath!! giggles but now I get it and wowza you did this challenge proud! Thank you for the inspiration.

jimlynn said...

Both are so pretty Darnell! Love that gorgeous wreath.
Lynn

Sandra H said...

Both cards are so lovely Darnell great use of the wood grain back ground papers l am really liking the effect they create xx

Nora Noll said...

WOWZA!! You totally ROCKED this challenge!! I Love the Christmas card with the sentiment inside of the wreath. I like that the Nuvo mimics the colors red. I also like how delicate the wreath looks in white. Your second card is my favorite, though. I love the wood background and the wreath against it. Looks like it is hanging on an old wood door or the side of a barn. The blue accents just pull it all together. Totally beautiful cards!!

Terri's Cards N More said...

Two gorgeous cards. Lovely colors on the first card and love the background and technique on the second card. Thanks for joining the Stinkin' Inkers challenge.

Mrs A. said...

Now how the heck did you know that I spent all day yesterday picking up them there leaves !!! I will be out again tomorrow doing exactly the same again just as soon as it stops raining. Oh for heaven sakes now someone is letting off fire works . Don't they know what day it is!!!
Hope Hammy didn't have a tummy ache eating those Berrries. Some of them are poisonous. Think it's white ones though but don't try that at home. Hugs Mrs A.

conil said...

Well, this is a poser...don't usually think of wreaths for different occasions other than Santa's visit. I can see that your fertile mind came up with a terrific solution to that problem. I'll have to see what my dunderhead can do. Love both of your wreaths of course...you've made them look totally different from eachother. Brilliant.

Lisa said...

They are both so beautiful!! I love how you've used the wreath on both cards!! Have a great weekend!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Carole said...

Two very different but lovely cards Darnell! Glad you are OK in these terrible fires. xx

Sue Rose said...

Love both cards...beautiful! I love this month’s twofer challenge. The ideas are milling around in my head. Now to get them on paper! I hope you aren’t near the fires. ❤️

designbydonna said...

Great use of the wreath stamp. At first I thought it was 2 entirely different. Love that copper embossed one. And always love used wood paper.

Carol L said...

What a lovely, creative pair of cards using a wreath! I just love all those tiny gemstones on the new home card and the woodgrain background looks fantastic! Love the CAS Christmas card too! Beautiful job on both and thanks for having me guest design this month! It's been my pleasure to join you :)

Nancy said...

Hi Darnell! Your wreath cards are just lovely! Google Help has been working on this problem with me. It seems some sights work and others don't. I will give it a try!

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Just love both wreath cards, Darnell, but especially the one on the door! So pretty with the blue accents!! The CAS Christmas wreath looks gorgeous with all the red berries too!

Bonnie said...

The white wreath is so pretty with all those red berries! I'm glad Hammy didn't eat any. They may be toxic to Hammy's! The copper wreath on the barn board really steals the show though! Now which wreath shall I use? Hmmm.....xoxo

Christine Alexander said...

Both cards are amazing, I'm loving the uber cas wreath :)
perhpas Hammy should get his own bag of red berries while you work :)

Sybrina K said...

Darnell, I just love your two pretty wreath cards! The first is so modern and the second is so rustic. Thank you for the chance to guest this month at Twofers. :)

Cat Craig said...

Wonderful wreath cards Darnell. Yes a second type will be abit of a brain tease this month. Yours was inspired.

Mac Mable said...

Creative ways to use the wreath and yes not to use them both for Christmas cards.......very clever ideas. CAS perfection on your first card and such a beautiful second one. Fabulous inspiration, thank you.......go on let Hammy have a berry X

Jacquie Southas said...

My wreath loving soul is so inspired by the Design Team this month, Darnell! I love your delicate wreath, especially with the mix of rustic and refined elements on the welcome card!

Cheryl W said...

Well, now that I'm home from the 6-week RV trip, I can join in on the twofer fun. Can't wait to get started. Your cards are beautiful and inspiring...so I know what I'll be working on tomorrow!

Greta said...

Oh I think you got me with this challenge as I adore wreaths & really want to join in! I'm totally taken with the new home card--brilliant idea, Darnell! So hoping some rain will make it to Calif & help with the horrible drought conditions. Hard to believe what's happening is real & not a horror movie--so, so sad. Feeling so very blessed where I am.

Ros Crawford said...

Leaves... Oh my we have tons of them dumped on our garden... Something to do with the high winds we've had... Your cards are lovely and I really like that woodgrain with the wreath... I've been reading about the fires out in CA... Hope you are safe.

Anita in France said...

Thank you for the hot toddy, Darnell ... our leaves are mostly still on the trees, but I'll partake anyway ... there's nothing like a hot dotty (hic) for strenghtening one's resolve to tackle the raking when it arrives. That delicate wreath image is a gorgeous choice ... crisp and fresh embossed in white ... and beautifully adorned with those bright red berries. The pp front door is the perfect spot for your coppery welcome ... the little pearls add a lovely bright pizazz to it ... love how the fine bow and sentiment banner pick up the colours from some of them. Stay safe, my friend ... thinking of you. LYAMYMA! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Linda said...

Two beautiful cards, I love the simplicity of the Christmas design, and the patterned paper on the second one is lovely. Goes so well with the embossed wreath.
No snow in the Isle of Man just lots of rain, strong winds and more rain. I'm in the UK at the moment though and it's pretty much the same here xx

Lisa Babitz said...

Love both your wreath cards. I especially love the rustic card with that gorgeous wood grained patterned paper, the copper embossing, and the perfect amount of bling. (I am a big fan of rustic!)

Di said...

Gosh Darnell - these are amazing! Two totally different cards - especially love the New Home one! I can't promise to join in - I can make more than one card exactly the same but two for different occasions generally floors me.

I really popped over to check things are OK with you. So many of us are worried about those fires - scary and our thoughts are with you and of course those directly affected by such a ghastly thing.

Hugs

Di xx

crafty-stamper said...

Beautiful cards love the embossed wreath and wood grain B.paper.Thank you for joining us at Stinkin Inkers.
Carol x

Glittered Paws said...

We had a light snow on Friday and more forecast for tomorrow. As long as I don't have to drive I love snow. Anyway to the twofer cards. The first one with the white wreath is my favorite - I think because of the red berries. But then to come up with a non holiday card I loved your idea and it looks so pretty embossed in cooper. Great job.

Sharyn Polesel said...

So happy to hear that you are safe. I had been wondering if you were in the path of the fires. Hope it will all be over soon. I love wreath cards and have several wreath stamps in my stash. Wish I had time to play along but have been busy with other things. Both of your cards are lovely. Stay safe, Sharyn.

Susanne Vargas said...

Your twiggy wreath is so beautiful, be it in white with the festive red berries or copper embossed on that gorgeous wood PP! The pearls and that darling bow finish it off perfectly! Wonderful cards!

Linda Callahan said...

Oh your wreaths are delightful! Such pretty cards! Glad you shared them at FMS!

Vicki said...

Such lovely cards.

It's 30 today here not sure I can justify a hot toddy! Thanks for your visit the other day and your query - all good just running silly like everyone else!

Em Louise Fairley said...

These are gorgeous, Darnell! I can't play this month, again, but hope to soon xoxo

Kara Lynne said...

Your two wreaths look completely different and completely gorgeous! I love the clean look of the white and red on your CAS Christmas card. That could easily be in my backyard this week because it is still snowing - snowed all through the Packer game too, but at least I brought a seat cushion. I depress - I mean digress... Your copper twigs and darling pearls make the most welcoming wreath! You really brought out those blue tones in the wood with your gorgeous bow and banner!

Trina P. said...

Another wonderful set of twofers, Darnell! The colours of your Christmas card is unique and unexpected... love non-traditional colour Christmas cards. Your second card with that gorgeous rustic woodgrain paper looks ah-mazing! I know you had to do a non-Christmas card for it, but that would make a fantastic Christmas card... a masculine Christmas card for sure! Great job! xx

Melissa Grant said...

I love everything about this card! The colors are perfect for our challenge! Thanks for joining us at Sunday Stamps :)

Amy O said...

These are both beautiful cards with lovely wreaths. Thanks for joining us at Freshly Made Sketches this week!

Loll said...

Fantastic wreath cards Dolly! Love the white wreath with those bright red berries that just pop! And your rustic wreath is fantastic with the woodgrain background and grapevine wreath. Another awesome challenge. Sorry I'm missing this time! xx

Gerrina said...

Both beautiful weaths, but at the moment I keep looking at living wood; trees, branches, outside, on photo's, in table pieces at the show on wich I stood sunday... So your 2nd card is my favorite ...:) Hope you enbjoy the fall! Hugs, Gerrina

Lisa Elton said...

A pair of loveliness Darnell! The first is fresh and CAS and the second has a wonderful country feel to it. So happy to know you are safe from the fires...it's just so sad.

Izzy Scrap said...

WOW ! Two pure beauties ! I LOVE the simplicity of this wreath and you totally rocked with your two gorgeous CAS cards. Love the white heat embossing together with the red berries. What a clever idea to use a wood pattern paper on your second card. Really they are just awesome ! Thanks so much for inspiring. Hugs

Celeste Goff said...

You do beautiful cards Darnell! These wreaths are just gorgeous!

Linby said...

Two fab cards, but the one with the wood - oh my goodness I love it.

Fikreta said...

gorgeous cards!
hugs

Monika Reeck said...

I really love the woodgrain on your second Card and great using the Color Combo on our challenge at Sunday Stamps.Miss you miss Lady and hope all are well with you and your Family...and many thanks for joining with us at Sunday Stamps this time ..biig hugs
Monika

Bobby said...

I'm so sad I didn't get a chance to make cards for this month's challenge. I was away for a couple of weeks and had so much to catch up on when I got back. For instance, commenting which I'm just now getting around to. I love the twiggyness of your wreaths and the pearls and berries look fantastic on them.