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!

January 13, 2019

A Winter Birthday Bokeh

Hello Stamplings!

Happy winter time birthday to all of you born this month! Well, I don't mean literally this month, but you know what I mean, in January. I hope you don't get the short end of the stick because people are either partied out after the holidays or they're on diets! That wouldn't be fair! Call me and I'll help you celebrate!

To start with, I made you a card.
I just love the seasonal Hills set from Papertrey Ink. The above image and sediment are from the Winter Hills set, stamped onto a watercolored panel. After I laid down my colors, I quickly dabbed the paint with a tissue to give me soft pastel hues. Hammy added a few water schplatters.

For even more fun, I added teeny tiny glass beads, which I recently found, to the snowman and rooftops. We had a bit of an incident with them. I had placed a few in a lid to pick up and apply and Hammy accidentally stepped on the rim of the lid, which sent the little teeny balls rolling all over my desk, which sent him flying into my lap!

Wasn't that great fun?! Well, yes, for sure, but a hamster mama has to draw the line or next thing you know, she'll slip on the ones that hit the floor, break a hip, and then where will we be?! Once I splained all that, Hammy smiled and went quietly into my shirt pocket while I spent an hour chasing down all the little schpheres.

Challenges
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For this card, I die cut a PTI fishtail scalloped banner out of a Brusho watercolor panel and following videos on the technique, I added circles to give the banner a bokeh effect. It was very hard to photograph because some of the circles are light and shimmery which affected the exposure of the whole card. To get that shine, I put a little shimmer spray onto my craft mat and applied it with a dauber. The sediment stamp is also from PTI. I wanted the bokeh to be the star of the show, so I left the rest of the card very simples.

If you haven't tried vodkeh bokeh, I recommend you watch the videos listed on the CAS Mix Up site and give it a go!!

Challenges
~~~

Follow Up on Front Panel Cards

The other day I asked what you thought about receiving cards that were card fronts only with the greeting written on the back and sent in an envelope to protect the artwork. You know, like they did in the olden days with greeting cards. I should have noted that this idea was mainly for those of us who send out dozens or hundreds of cards in a year. When I make one or two cards, I instinctively reach for a card base from a small stack I've made up in advance. It's at the holidays or when I need to make 43 birthday cards in one month, not to mention all the other occasions in that month, that all those card bases seem like a lot of paper! 

Here are the results:
      123rf.com

    • Several of you were concerned because you like to display the cards you receive, so that was a deal breaker. Although others readily allowed that backless cards could be either clipped for display or leaned against something, so that wasn't a deal-breaker for them. 
    • I did find out from two friends that there is a die out there for a stand that can be attached to the back of a card front for display, similar to the brace on a picture frame. Unfortunately, I think it would take me just as long to make and attach the brace as it would to slap the card front on a base ~ and the brace would prevent me from being able to write on the back, which is important to me.
    • A couple of you like to have more room to write messages than on one side, so the idea wouldn't work for those situations.
    • For some of you backless cards don't appeal because you enjoy taking the time to decorate the inside of the card as well as the front.
    • Some of you noted that an extra layer would have to be attached to the back of the card fronts when Copics bleed or desktops are messy and stain the back of the front panel.
    • Another noted that we wouldn't be able to use our "handmade by" stamps and it would be more difficult to send checks or cash.
    • Another mentioned that backless cards should only be sent to fellow card artists because non-card-making friends and family wouldn't understand. I think we all agree with that.

    The consensus was that most of you would be fine with it and even thought it was a brilliant idea. The overall feeling was that it would definitely save time, postage, and trees, and it's lovely to receive happy mail in whatever form it comes! We are always delighted to know someone is thinking of us!

    Thank you all for your thoughts and helpful insight!
    ~~~

    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!

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    76 comments:

    Cat Craig said...

    Darnell, just because I read my way through your post...thank you for the update on all the opinions. I liked reading that. Nice to see what folks think.

    Your first card is darling, I love that winter birthday sentiment which technically can go through mid March although as an ex Californian I still think spring begins February 1st. LOL.

    Your bokeh card is fabulous. I like that you used different shades for your circles to give that bokeh effect.

    Have a great week.

    Marcia Hill said...

    Two lovely, lovely cards Darnell!! Of course I'm a little partial to the CAS Watercolour card (lol) and like you, I am in love with all the seasonal Hill sets from PTI...they really are some of my absolute favorite go to sets! Love the soft water coloring you used in your background...most of us that live in actual "Winter" areas appreciate colors other than gray and white that last for a good 6 months in our necks of the woods!! Your Bokeh card is just lovely too! You almost hate to cover it up with anything after you've made it...at least I did with mine! Thanks for all the "results" too...interesting to hear every one's thoughts! Thanks too for sharing your beautiful card with us at CAS Watercolour...we always love to see your work in the gallery!! :0)

    Bunny said...

    First, I love both cards. Especially the Bokeh. The colors are beautiful.

    Sorry to hear that Hammy had the accident. It was kinda your fault though. Just sayin....... !!!

    It was interesting to hear everyone's comments on the flat cards. You know you could stamp the backside with a postcard rubber/acrylic stamp. Just a thought. [Bunny]

    Pat said...

    Two beautiful cards and I love your winter birthday and the soft pastel shades applied with tissue was something a bit different which I must try sometime. I love your bokeh scalloped fishtail banner and it is very pretty with several different colour circles in the white and yellow hues against that bright green, and the white on black banner sentiment looks great over the top. Thank you for letting us know the result of your flat back versus card debate and I am with you with the idea of cutting down on card and time when you have a lot of cards to make. x

    JD/ Jill said...

    As always, I love your cards... Like how you did that technique.

    Thank you for giving the results...
    What when through my mind was..."You can't please all the people all the time!" I'm sure that you have heard that quote before...smile.
    That's because we're all different for sure.
    but I definitely give my vote to saving, time, money, and trees.
    so count me in for a flat card...

    Aileen said...

    Hi sweetie, I love both cards very muchly especially the first which I was drawn to with that relaxed soft colouring
    I love the discussion over the backless cards and peoples feelings, I can so go with the idea of the card front and no back idea as I make so many fronts then have to put them all together then the inside strip for writing on if the card base is dark then stamping the with love stuff on the back of the card then find an envelope then a bag to keep them in and prevent damage. I like the idea suggested of a postcard image stamp that would be cool. (nearly forgot that there is also the process of having to fold the cardbase perfectly so edges marry up makes more work too.) xx good discussion indeed xx Aileen

    Papercraft Boutique said...

    Both cards are lovely, Darnell! The way watercolor paints blended is so pretty and the glass beaded snowman and rooftops must be shinier in real life. Love the Bokeh effect of your second card! The banner is very beautiful and shimmery! It IS the star of the show.
    Thanks so much for summarizing everyone's comment on Front Panel Cards! It was very interesting to read it.
    Thank you for joining us at CAS Mix Up! My husbands says he wants to learn your "vodkeh" technique! ;-P
    Hideko xx

    Laurie said...

    wonderful winter birthday card. your background is so soft and subtle - perfect! thanks for joining the lost coast design challenge!

    Birgit said...

    Hammy looks happy in the side pocket and safe:). So sorry to hear about some of your friends...I totally understand and send them my well wishes. I love both cards and it shows how nice brushes work and make a card just spring to life. Love the winter scene in pastels

    Cheryl W. said...

    I am loving the fresh colors you used on your cards today. They remind me that spring is on the way, and it won't be that long before we're enjoying crocuses, hyacinths, tulips, lilacs and all manner of lovely plants and flowers. It was fun to read the responses to your question about postcard-type cards. I think you are right--we love getting happy mail, no matter the shape or form it takes.

    Lisa Elton said...

    Poor little Hammy, must have startled him. I'm happy to see you retrieved enough beads to add them to your card, they look awesome! I've always liked the PTI seasonal hills set. Your bokeh turned out beautifully, the shimmer is wonderful!

    Lindsey said...

    Beautiful cards! And I share your pain with the microbeads going everywhere, although for me it's sequins and STATIC from the cold weather outside and the dry air inside... they are showing up everywhere (except where I want them to be, they won't stay still...) The beads are perfect on the card, though! Second card... genius to add bokah to a brusho panel. Oh, and thank you for linking the first card up to ABC Christmas Challenge!

    Christine Alexander said...

    I'm glad you found enough beads for the card and Hammy hasn't eaten any. I wouldn't want to be on the look out for those :)
    Two beautiful cards, those glass beads look so schparkly on the snowman and the roof tops. Your bokeh OMG it's gorgeous.

    TK said...

    Beautiful Bokeh! Love both them of them, and the different uses for each!

    A late note for the "backless" cards - I display all of the cards I receive around my craft room. I string jute between command hooks and use mini clothes pins to hang them, then I can enjoy them all, all the time.... this would work fabulously for backless cards, and again this would be for the "crafters" who get the 432 cards per season, and the time savings!

    Krisha said...

    Hello there! LOVE your cards, and even tore myself away from your riveting blog, errrump, to watch the video. Thanks for sharing that, I'm sure I'll be able to use this technique sometime.

    Backless card front.....catchy little title eh? What is the difference between this idea and a post card.....except for the size and an envelope? I still think it's a super idea.....JMHO! You can put me on your list :)

    Maria - Ivyleaf Crafts said...

    Two great cards. My birthday is next week so thank you for doing this post. I like to receive and make an actual card, but it was nice to read people's thoughts on it xx

    Sue said...

    Hi Darnell, Loving both cards.

    My birthday was Christmas Eve and yet again this year I had people not sending a card, as they were busy, they put Happy Birthday into a Christmas card, or just plain forgot.

    Hope you have a good start to the week. Sue

    Sue's Crafty Corner said...

    Two fabulous cards Darnell, I love the gorgeous stamp you've used on the first card and the lovely Bokeh effect on the second. I was interested to read people opinions on card fronts. I must have missed the original post.

    Sue xx

    Diane said...

    Both cards are beautiful and loving the color mixes!! I think the card idea is great, but I probably would never do it because I am 'old school' lol..however one year my Christmas cards cost me $2.34 a piece to mail..YIKES...boy did I learn a lesson there!! So now you have me thinking about my next year's Christmas cards...I just might do it!!

    sandie said...

    thank you for your comment on our blog and yes we are kept busy this month-I like to look at all the cards and comment on as many as I can but this month I sadly have not been able to comment on all.
    Your bokeh turned out wonderful. I love the fresh look and adding the sentiment in the black strip gives a lovely contrast. Thank you for joining Time Out

    KandA said...

    Two super cards Darnell, fabulous colours and bokeh.
    Missed your post about the backless cards but it sounds like a great idea to me. Most of mine ended up without inserts this year (due to me being in a rush and faffing around before the jollies)!

    As for falling over.... managed to do that a couple of days into the hols - no broken bones but I did smash the snowglobe I'd just bought for my little miss..... ended up going back down the shops for another one, which I let Hubby carry home! xx

    cuilliesocks said...

    I love your cards Darnell, the designs are fabulous, colours too.
    I'm an inside card decorater, so a backless card wouldn't be for me, but some interesting comments, Kate x x

    Linda said...

    Fabulous cards hun ..... love the little winter scene.
    Interesting results too. It's great to hear all the different opinions. Me I just love to receive 'cards' in any shape of form. Have a lovely week xx

    Carol L said...

    What a wonderful pair of cards, and as luck would have it, I recently uncovered a bottle of gold beads and flowersoft as I was cleaning my stash! Love the beads on the snowman and rooftops - a great idea! The bokeh panel is gorgeous too, but hammy looks very cute and innocent (cough cough) in your pocket after the chaos he created! LOL Thanks for the feedback about backless cards, it's good to know what folks are thinking.

    Jeanne said...

    Both your cards are beautiful, Darnell. I really like the soft colors on each. The scene with the bitty beads is so pretty. I can well imagine how challenging it could be to find them all. No slipping now! The bokeh is beautiful. You've captured it quite nicely. Love those colors together, too. Thank you for sharing the results of your poll. It's interesting to hear others' thoughts. Some of the comments I hadn't even thought of. Well, my final thought is you do what is best for you! You are the creator of the card, so it's really up to you on how it's presented. :) I hope you have a happy week, Darnell. Hugs!

    Marilyn said...

    Love both of your cards! Love how you did the background on your first card!
    Have a great day!
    Marilyn❤️

    Viv said...

    Two yummy cards my friend! The second one is obviously meant for me as the sentiment describes me perfick..............
    But as I am here doing my little role as the Guest DT at CAS Mix Up I now have my serious commenting head on......

    The colours you've used to create your Bokeh are simply lovely and the pennant shape sits really well with the sentiment a wonderful stark contrast.
    Thanks for joining at at Cas Mix Up this month!
    Viv
    (Guest DT January).

    ionabunny said...

    Lovely cards Darnell. The bokeh effect is cool. Lovely summery of thoughts on postcards. Thanks for joining the fun at the Lost Coast Portal to Creativity. Hugz

    Em Louise Fairley said...

    Gorgeous cards, Darnell. And it's always great to see Hammy! xoxo

    Bobby said...

    I have two granddaughters with January birthdays and a great-grandson to be born any day so I have plenty of winter birthdays (not counting three step-grandkids and a brother with birthdays in February). That winter sentiment would be a good one to have.
    I just found a jar of those beads too, Darnell. How did you attach them to such a small area? I have some of that redline tape that I used with them originally for decorating pens.
    Your bokeh dotted flag is lovely with the different colors and shimmer.
    I'm glad you posted about the poll results. Did you see Jennifer McGuire's video where she had the sentiment in a hinged image on the front. That would be perfect for your baseless cards.

    Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

    Two so sweet and impressive cards, Darnell, love both them! Especially love that scallop fishtail banner with the Boho technique!
    Hugs and cuddles to Hammy :D

    JoAnn said...

    Two beautiful cards. Love the soft colors on the background of the first card (hope you got all those teeny tiny beads up). Love the bokeh banner on your 2nd card, great job with that technique.
    Thanks for sharing everyone's thoughts on the front panel cards.

    Aquarius said...

    Love the somewhat unpredictable bokeh technique which of course is part of its charm. Interesting debate regarding backless cards.

    Brenda in IN said...

    That is a great PTI stamp. I know Hammy is okay now that you explained what could happen. The bokeh card is really pretty. That is a very cool scalloped banner for the bokeh.

    Card fronts it is. I love that sentiment "aren't you a ray of black". I could type that up. It is a hoot.

    Loll said...

    Two beautiful cards, Dolly. Love your sweet winter birthday card. Adorable image and I bet it really sparkles with those glass beads. Hopefully Hammy didn't eat any of those! Your bokeh card is fantastic. Great work with this technique. Love the colour combination you've used and that some of the cirlces are coloured. Thanks for sharing your cards with us at CAS Watercolour and CAS Mix Up!

    Interesting results from your discussion on base-less cards. I did just think of another reason to include a base, and that is to join card challenges. You'd think with having the CAS challenges, I would have thought of that before. Slow on the uptake these days. :) Love, Lolly

    Jean said...

    Love yoru cards! There is an elegance to both of them!

    Mac Mable said...

    So enjoyed reading the results of the one layer ish card survey. I hadn't realised you sent out so many cards so you go with whatever makes it easier for you and like us all to receive a hNdcrafted card in any form would be fantastic X
    Such a pretty first card, love the soft colours and that wonderful stamp. Hope you've managed to pick up all the little beads?....and didn't fall!
    Gorgeous colour combination with your second card and a fabulous bokeh effect. Especially love the shine on it too. Great addition to the CAS mix up gallery...thank you X

    Marybeth said...

    So nice to come for a visit to your blog today, I have missed you, all my fault. I love that we both used the same Papertrey Ink set and I love your card with the beautiful bokeh background .The second card with the banner it beautiful with green and silver bokeh!
    I am guessing you asked about what we thought of backless cards..... never even though about no back.🤔 Hope you have a good day !💕

    nancy littrell said...

    Beautiful Winter Birthday card, Dolly. I love how you added the glass beads and your watercolored background. I am thinking Hammy accidently on purpose spilled the beads so he could have a ride in your nice warm pocket. He looks so comfy and cute:-)

    LOVED your gorgeous Bokeh banner, my friend. The glitter and colored circles are stunning. TFS and joining us at CAS Mix Up.

    TFS the results of your card base survey too. How did you like my reply about putting a backless card on a palette...I meant of course, an easel. I would love to get a backless card from you anyday:-)

    P.S. Be careful...you never will find ALL those beads! Hugs, Nancy

    Leslie Miller said...

    Oooh, watercolor... my first love! Making note of how you turned your colors to pastel on your first card. Both are a treat to behold! Those beads... I have a drawer full of different sizes, but mostly microbeads, stocked up when they were all the rage. Been meaning to do something with them, so interesting that you come along with this to inspire me. I love all things bokeh and then you went and added shimmer -- brilliant! Thanks for sharing a summary of your survey. There are times you may need a folded card, but backless can work just fine most of the time.

    Sarah said...

    Two beauts Darnell, love the winter Birthday, the background is so pretty and I have a feeling that Hammy purposely sent those little raindrops flying just for a snuggle in your pocket!! The pretty citrus bokeh is fantastic and sure to cheer the saddest soul xx

    Glittered Paws said...

    Oh loving the winter Happy Birthday card - perfect for the winter birthdays. And the CAS watercoloring is perfect. Hammy looks nice and cozy in the pocket - was wondering how he faired the holidays. Doesn't look like he ate too many Christmas cookies.

    OH Babs said...

    Hi and happy winter. Nice cards but I really like the scalloped fish tail card. Love your soft choice in colors.

    oldpunca said...

    It is always a pleasure to visit your blog and read your post. :-) You have created two wonderful cards. Nice winter motif and beautiful colors on first one and amazing bokeh effect on the second one.
    You did a great job with analyzing all answers about flat cards. :-)
    Hugs,
    Sonja

    conil said...

    Thank you for your warm birthday wishes, even if Hammy made a mess. Love the clean look of your cards.
    Actually, enjoyed what others thought of the single sheet cards...most of the issues were ones I never thought of, but now can't get out of my brain.

    Bonnie said...

    I love this winter scene and your mini beads on the rooftops and snowman! I hope you were able to find all those little schpheres so you don't rock and roll on them! Hammy looks adorable peeking out of your pocket. A nice warm, safe place for him.

    Your Bokeh banner is gorgeous and the dark sentiment strip gives a wonderful contrast without covering up any of the pretty background! Thanks so much for sharing with us at CAS Watercolour and CAS Mix Up!

    Shelly said...

    Two beautiful cards, Darnell!
    Love reading the feedback you got from everyone. I didn't even think about some of the things mentioned, which were all valid points. ;) But yes, in the end, we all love happy mail! :) Thanks for sharing!
    Have a great week! Hugs
    Oh, and glad Hammy is okay! ;)

    abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

    Hello Darnell! It has been far too long since I have dropped off the face of blogland, I am happy to be finding my way back! Hope you are well, as always your project shares are amazing! Missed you! Carri ~ https://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com/

    Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

    Fabulous cards - especially the Bokeh one. Those glass spheres - no good for Hammy - glad you got him out of harms way!

    Lisa Babitz said...

    Both of your background techniques are awesome! Great idea to use a tissue to add the paint to your panel. And I've not done the bokeh technique yet but love how yours came out and am thinking I should give it a try!

    Sandra H said...

    Both your cards Darnell are so pretty l just love how you create your own backgrounds so effective they are too! sending lots of love xx

    Gerrina said...

    Thanks for your birthdaywishes! By the time I have mine everybody has gone back to work (3 january) and doesn't need any cake... But that isn't bad; I love all savery things, so just try to give a few things a new "spin" and let them be the ones to try :)
    Loved to read this post and both of the cards! Hugs, Gerrina

    Karen Dunbrook said...

    Great cards Darnell...the bokeh banner is lovely. Great scene card, the hint of colour in the bottom corner just helps pull the whole card together perfectly.
    Thanks for joining us at the CAS Watercolour Challenge.
    :) Karen

    Jo said...

    Beautiful cards Darnell, I bet that Bokeh banner shines. Lovely how you added the sentiment over that background.
    Love the first card too. Great harmony and great design.
    Thanks for joining us at CAS Mix Up! xx

    Stephanie Lanzalotto said...

    Oh my goodness, Darnell. Both cards are beautiful, and of course I love the stories that go along with them. The Bokeh card is super special. What a wonderful mix of colors, and you rocked the technique too. It will be a real pick me up for a friend who is going through a rough time... Thanks for sharing this beauty with us at Less Is More.

    Redanne said...

    Both cards look so fresh and pretty in those beautiful colours and your designs, as always are wonderful! Oh dear to Hammie, I suspect he had a nice sleep whilst you were scrounging around looking for those teeny things...

    It was certainly very interesting to read through the results of the card survey! I am happy to receive cards from you in whatever form they come! Hugs, Annie xxx

    Tracey McNeely said...

    Lots of lovely watercolour Darnell, totally interesting concept about the card fronts! I love postcard, cards. I guess you just have to keep what you are saying on the flipside...clean! ;)

    Celeste Goff said...

    Two beautiful cards Darnell! I especially love the fishtail banner card...so pretty!

    Ros Crawford said...

    Beautiful cards and a mention for us January babies too! I can't believe that you stuck all those tiny beads on... Go you! It's has a lovely effact too! And I love that bokeh card! What a clever design!
    Always nice to read the pros and cons of your ideas... I still love the idea of 'postcards' even if backed for copic colouring etc...

    Have a super day!

    Tina Z. said...

    Your bokeh card are amazing, I love this technique and I love your soft colours.
    hugs xx

    Anita in France said...

    What an interesting collection of responses to your single layer card question, Darnell ... thanks for coming back to us with everyone's views! Those delicate pastel colours are gorgeous on your winter scene ... don't those roofs looks all magical with the tiny bead frosting ... so worth the escapees! Dreamy, shimmery bokeh on the brusho banner ... love how the scalloped edges mimic those soft bubbles of colour. Always happy to have you playing along with us at Time Out! LYAMYHMA ... big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

    Birgit said...

    Your bokeh turned out fabulous and I adore your sweet card! So glad Hammy didn't break a hip!

    Donna said...

    Fabulous cards Darnell. Fabulous backgrounds on both, like the winter birthday saying!

    frommycraftroom said...

    Fab cards.

    My son has a January birthday and so does one of my daughter's boyfriends (multiple daughters not boyfriends!) and the good thing is I can buy gifts at post Christmas sales v's the 4 December birthdays (3 daughters & a girlfriend not mine my sons!) where I can't and have to second guess what they will get for Christmas. As for stuffed we must have hugh appetites in Australia as they still stuff themselves. Have a 21st coming this Saturday and I have just picked up 5 legs of lamb (about 11kg) & 10kg of chicken thighs to cook on a spit - expecting about 80 people.

    Pia S said...

    Beautiful winter image, I like how it is the background that adds color to it. I’m. I appreciate seeing design ideas for altertives to coloring an image, I’m not always in mood for coloring and this is a great alternative for a quicker process too.

    Brenda said...

    Oh Auntie, I am so loving both of these cards! The winter scene is just gorgeous, love your watercoloring on this one! So glad Hammy got in your shirt pocket while you cleaned up all those balls, don't want you slipping and on the floor like I was this morning! The second card is amazing as well. I love the the banner and the way you did it. You bokeh looks great on the Brusho panel! Love the shimmy look to some of them as well. Yep, this is a beautiful one too! Love and hugs, Brenda

    Greta said...

    Just love the winter BD card, Darnell! Great Brusho panel for the second one! I agree--happy mail in any form is welcome!

    Kuni said...

    Wonderful card.
    Thank you for joining us at the Sweet Stampers and i hope to see you again.
    Hugs
    Kuni

    Nora Noll said...

    What a great way to use that stamp set that you used on the first card!! I always tend to see these as stamps you color in but LOVE how you used it on that lovely paper. Your bokeh on the second card is AMAZING!! I wanted to do that challenge but was just having a hard time figuring out what I would do with it. I LOVE your interpretation. GREAT take on all the challenges.

    Linby said...

    Oh my goodness I just adore that first card - it's just perfection! Wonderful Bokeh on your second card.
    Thanks for summarising the results of the backless card - as most of mine go to non crafting friends I think I will be sticking with the card bases.

    L x

    cm said...

    Echoing the others in crushing over your lovely cards! Beautiful scene on the first; pretty bokeh on the second!
    As for your 'single panel' card idea: YES PLEASE! I've often considered doing that - not only to save paper but because getting straight card bases appears beyond my skills...and that of the three trimmers I have! Just sending 'fronts' makes sense to me; after all, isn't that what postcards are? Awesome idea and one I'll certainly be considering in the future!
    hugs and love,
    ~c
    PS. the room in the photo of the kids & Lily = their 'bonus' room (we have one as well) that is above the garage. It is one toy-filled, joy-filled space!
    hugs...

    Bastelkueken`s Kreative Welt aus Alsdorf said...

    Your card is wonderful
    Thanks for joining us at Sweet Stampers
    Hugs Anja

    Deanne Saunders said...

    Beautiful!! Thanks so much for participating in our CHRISTMAS CRAFTS ALL YEAR ‘ROUND challenge. Hope you participate in our next challenge!! Have a happy crafty day!!!
    Deanne at A Little Bit O’ Paper

    Julie said...

    Very Cute card.
    Thanks for joining us at ABC Challenge
    Julie T

    Stempelfrosch said...

    Wonderful wintercard, love the bokeh technique. Thank you for joining us at sweet stampers,
    hugs Anke

    Sharon said...

    Beautiful winter birthday card. Thanks for joining us over at the ABC Christmas Challenge.