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!

April 23, 2019

Pasted Butterflies and a Happy Little Elf

Hello Stamplings!

Another holiday under our belts ... literally! 🐷 Listen, here's my thinking. The world needs some of us round people for all the slim people to hide behind when the bad guys show up. You're welcome. I'm here to help.

Seriously, tho, we had a wonderful time ... a beautiful sunny day, a fun Easter egg hunt, and family and friends who gathered to enjoy a delicious meal and conversation. I hope you enjoyed your weekend, too, however you spent it!

Yesterday, I relaxed and got crafty in the Playhouse with Hammy.

Onefer
And look I pasted through a stencil! I haven't done that since last May when I was at Loll's craft retreat in Vancouver and I was instantly reminded how fun it is! I mixed Dreamweaver Pearlescent Embossing Paste with a bit of peachy Art Alchemy Sparks Butterfly Spells and passed it through a Stampendous butterfly stencil. The large schparkly butterfly was fussy-cut from a pretty piece of pp. The gold glitter-embossed sediment is from Concord & 9th.

Here is a photo taken at an angle so you can better see the shimmer and schparkle:
Even at that, the photo doesn't do justice to the raised dimension of the butterflies. Embossing paste is super fun and the results are hugely satisfying!

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Twofer
Sorry, I should have warned you to switch over to your darker sunglasses for this bright pink Christmas card! We begin with a textured card base embossed with Swiss dots*. The two pink frames are from Impression Obsession. The banner and sediment and striped pp are from PTI.

The elf from Hero Arts was cut once from white card and stamped and then cut again from the striped paper. Then the tunic and hat were paper-pieced from the striped paper. All the other areas of the elf were then colored with Ziggies and the elf was set back into the die cut. As a final touch, Hammy glittered the hat brim and puff ball with snow.

*Paper style mimics fabric of the same name. The design is said to have originated around 1750 in St. Gallen, Switzerland, which emerged as a textile center in the 15th century.

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~~~

Papa and the grandtwins and Duke went on one of their local hikes. As is traditional, Papa stopped at the local Donut Wheel to get everyone donuts before driving to the trailhead. After they hiked to the trail summit, they enjoyed their donuts and Papa made them smile for a photo.
You can see the remnants of their sugar donuts around their mouths ~ especially Henry's. (Can you imagine a teenage girl sitting there for a photo oblivious to sugar crumbs on her face?! 🤣) And speaking of oblivious, what really karacks me up is Duke. If you look closely, his nose is practically touching that chocolate donut left laying on the bench between the boys. Did he get it?

~~~

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

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to join as a follower! Please let me know you came by so I can be sure and return the flavor!

*Life is too short!

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

76 comments:

Loll said...

I'm so excited to see you playing with embossing pastes and stencils, Dolly!! Your strip of butterflies is to pretty. They really gleam in the sun! And your large butterfly is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Stencil!

I definitely needed my sunglasses for your elf card. :) BRIGHT and oh-so adorable! Love everything ... the swiss dots, the bright pink frames and banner, the adorable elf with his striped outfit and background. Sweet! Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Christmas! Love, Lolly

Jane Willis said...

Two gorgeous boys and two gorgeous grandsons - being a grandparent is the best thing in the world, isn't it? The second best thing could well be that butterfly stencil and it looks wonderful with that sheeny shiny sparkly paste.

Gerrina said...

I like the psted butterflies; they have a nice glimmer! And your christmascard is so sunny...that is why I don't make them when the weather is so good here...not in the mood; I'm only having sunshine on my mind :) Here we had a relaxing weekend; got my energy-level back up high after a week of running and now the schools have holidays 2 weeks, so lots of friends coming in and going out the house at all sorts of time... I plan to enjoy lots of time with our daughter! Hugs, Gerrina

Stamps and Paper said...

Love your pasted butterflies Darnell so effective and so pretty...two very handsome grandsons they are growing up so fast

Anne

Zvonka said...

A wonderful butterfly greeting card. It's very bright in the sun.
A little dwarf is very cute.

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two gorgeous cards Darnell, so very different too. I love the butterfly card at the top especially. Great photo of the twins, beautiful weather as well.

Sue xx

oldpunca said...

Dear Darnell, I totally agree about your thinking. I'm with you to support your theory why the world needs round people. :-)
Your relaxing in Playhouse achives wonderful results. Butterfly border is fabulous. I like subtile color choice. And I like happy colors on your Christmas card. Elf is fantastic with paper pieced details.
Thank you for sharing photo. Boys are growing up very fast. :-)
Have a great week!
Hugs, Sonja

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Wow, two fabulous card, love the fabulous effect of the butterfly one, I think I need to buy embossing paste for my stash! :D LOL
The bright pink design of the Elf card looks so happy and fun, and love the frame on the Swiss dots embossing, how pretty it looks!!
Seems that all have enjoyed the donuts...!!! Also Duke! :D LOL
Big hugs!

Linda said...

WOW! Two very handsome boys ..... and two amazing cards. Love the little elf, he's so cute, and your butterfly design is just gorgeous. The stenciled panel looks so pretty with the shimmer from the paste. It's always a pleasure seeing you on the CAS Stencil challenge xx

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

Playing with sparkle and paste is great fun an you make it look easy breezy! You did forget the warning for the pink, but I do so love non-traditional colors for Christmas. Looks like your gathering was a great success, right down to the dog sniffing donuts!

Lisa said...

They're both so gorgeous!! The stenciling looks so amazing!! I love the sweet little elf!! The picture of the boys and Duke is so cute!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Jeanne said...

The butterflies are so lovely, Darnell! I really like the strip of embossed beauties! So much sparkle and loveliness. I also really like the bright and cheery Christmas elf. SO fun! And that last photo. Fantastic. I think your big puppy is too close NOT to have gotten that donut! Thank you so much for sharing.

Marilyn said...

Two beautiful cards Darnell! Love. That butterfly one! Love the pictures of your grandsons and their dog!
Have a great day,
Marilyn❤️

Vikki H said...

All right, you've got me on a hunt to find my one tub of paste and darn it, where are those stencils that barely ever leave their box? What a sparkly, elegant card!! Thank goodness for my one cataract, cuz it prevented complete blindness with your glowing elf card. Wow, that is cute! The real star of your post is the last photo though with double-cute boys, donuts and dog, a winner!

Mia said...

Two beautiful boys!!!!!!!!!
And how lovely this butterfly!!!!!!!!
Have a great day, Darnelle!!!

Bunny said...

I think Duke at least licked that donut. The powdered sugar around one brother's mouth cracks me up. Heck as we get older we just wear it on our shirt. It also made me laugh that grandpa had to MAKE them smile. I like the background in the picture. It looks like a nice place to walk. [Bunny]

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Beautiful cards, I love the butterfly :) Oh my gosh the twins have grown into handsome young men ! I hope all is well, hugs xx

Pat said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell and I love your sparkly textural butterflies and some serious fussy cutting for the butterfly which flutters beautifully over the top, and your cute elf with his bright pink spotty frame and coordinating banner sentiment looks great and love the the way you have paper pieced his outfit and matched the stripes with the background exactly. Glad you had a great weekend too, and the grandtwins are looking extremely handsome even with the sugary crumbs...lol, and did Duke snaffle that donut? x

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving these cards.

Hope you are having a lovely day. Sue.

JoAnn said...

Such a pretty butterfly card. Love the way it glistens. Your elf card is so cute with his striped suite.
The grandtwins are sure growing up. Great photo.

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards and boys, including Duke! xoxo

Jean said...

Lovely cards! THat pink is bright:) SUch a cute photo!

Brenda said...

Oh Auntie, your butterfly card is stunning!!! I love your stencil embossing along the side and that big beautiful butterfly is stunning. I would have never though he came from a paper background! You have fussy cut him perfectly!! I can't cut that well, but there is a lot I don't do well. I know my limits. lol Then there is that cute, bright Elf twofer. OMGoodness, how cute it is!!! I like bright, I love pink, I think elves are adorable, so I'm totally in love with this card!!! That sentiment banner is pretty darn cool too! Love, love, love! Hugs, Brenda

Brenda said...

Oops, I hit the post button before I was ready! I love photo of the grandtwins. Can't get over how tall they look! I had to laugh about the donut mess on their faces (especially Henry's) and of course of Duke and the chocolate donut. I'm thinking he got it by how close he is to it! lol Hugs, Brenda

Viv said...

Now that was a nice post to read when I am in need of cheering up! So tell - did the doggie get the donut or not???
Loving the stencil attempt you clever girlie.... and Elfie looks a happy chappie despite him being dressed in winter elf like clothes when we are in our binnikkies.......
Oh - and I am trying to sparkle every day!! Ha ha!

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Two fab cards, Darnell - the textured butterflies look amazing but to me the natural looking one is the star! And what a darling elf in his stripey outfit! Yes, I'm blinded by pink since I forgot my sunglasses but I enjoyed it!! Lucky you to get a photo of the twins out hiking and I'm thinking doggy at least got a lick in :) Have a wonderful day - your cards & photo really made me smile!

HilaryJane said...

Love those sparkly butterflies, I am easily swayed by anything that sparkles. I am afraid I try to ignore Christmas cards until at least September but that elf is quite special xx

Donna said...

Darling Christmas card and like your embossing through the stencil/butterfly card. The grandkids are really growing up into handsome young men.

Redanne said...

I don't play with pastes often enough, seeing your sparkly butterflies makes me want to play now though! Your card is really beautiful.

The Christmas card is certainly jolly and the elf is adorable!

I love the picture of Adam, Henry and Duke - the innocence of youth, not caring about a sugary mouth and Duke - I hope he got at least a little part of one of the donuts!

I am half way through an email to you, hope to send it off soon! Big hugs, Annie xxx

Jeanne H said...

Two great cards, Darnell. Thanks for the reminder to use paste. Just recently I was able to reconstitute two of mine with water and a lot of stirring. Sure are a couple of handsome grandtwins. You are so lucky they are nearby. Hugs to you!!

conil said...

I mean, who doesn't love shimmery butterflies...such a sparkly, pretty card. I'm a bit obsessed with paste, myself.
I was going through my stash looking for an elf. Sadly, I couldn't find one so haven't played. Think I'll make my own. Anyway, yours is fun and eye-poppingly well done.
The twins look like they've grown a foot. Glad to see Duke knows what's really important in this world.

Heather said...

That butterfly card is gorgeous!! I can see bits of the dimension on the stenciled butterflies; bet it looks fabulous in real life! And that large butterfly is stunning!! Love the sparkle! Thanks for playing with The House That Stamps Built.

Sue said...

Two gorgeous boys Darnell and the cards are really beautiful huggles Sue xx

cuilliesocks said...

Hi Darnell, pleased to hear you enjoyed the Easter holiday, and what a great photo of the twins and Duke, love donuts myself, but they are a real treat for a diabetic person, a girl can dream though.
Your butterfly cards are stunning, beautifully designed and sparkled, and the little elf is adorable, love the card design and colours, Kate x

Verna Angerhofer said...

Beautiful butterfly card done with the pastes and stencil. I love the shimmer and shine. And, that elf Christmas design is so very cute and fun! You outdid yourself with these card designs. I love both of them.

Sarah said...

I actually saw a fridge magnet that read something like...Curvy girls are more difficult to kidnap, so eat more cake!! Sounds good to me!! Lovely cards, beautiful butterflies and the pink elf is adorable xx

nancy littrell said...

Sounded like a fun hike with plenty of sweetness to keep the boys and dog filled with energy....Sounded like a fun Easter celebration too, Dolly.

Your stencil embossing turned out beautifully. Loved your DSP fussy cut butterfly too. Both beauties. So pleased you joined us at CAS Stencil Card Challenge.

Very textured and fun elf Christmas card too. TFS your Twofer, my friend. Hugs..Nancy

Bonnie said...

Beautiful shimmery and schparkly butterflies, Dolly! And I love that BIG one that flew by to check out the little beauties! I love that bubble gum pink on the elf card! Totally unexpected and so much fun! Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Christmas! Those boys are growing too fast! I love seeing the differences in their personalities and how individual they are. That donut was probably gone before any of them noticed how close he was. I know my granddogs would have grabbed it lickety split!

Celeste Goff said...

I love both cards Darnell but that butterfly card is simply stunning! And your grandsons are very handsome. I'm hoping Duke got to eat that donut after he had his tongue and snout all over it. LOL!

Christine Alexander said...

wonderful shimmer on those butterflies Darnell and that little elfin is adorable, pink is definitely the right colour :) That is certainly hot pink. Sounds like you had the perfect Easter

Mac Mable said...

Go you playing with embossing pastes and what a fabulous job you've done with it. The shimmer is stunning and also love the paper large butterfly. Striking card and so very beautiful x
Such a fun and vibrant Elf Christmas card and what fun to do it in the shocking pink and well done Hammy x
Your Easter with the family sounded wonderful and you sure made memories. Yay to Duke and yes I am sure he got the donut and nope a teenage girl would not have a photo with sugar around her lips x
Isn't it great Darnell we can protect the skinny ones from the bad ones ?? x

jimlynn said...

I do hope Duke got that donut and somehow I think he probably did. Cute picture.
Both of your cards are outstanding. The first is so pretty and the second so bright and cheerful! Love them both.
Lynn

Cris G. said...

Hi Darnell! Wonderful to know that you had a great Easter time! I won't comment about belts, round and slim.
Love your stenciled butterflies with impeccable shimmery results! Cute Christmas card too. So fun to use the same striped pattern on the background frame and elf. Though Christmas remind me of more protection... I mean the round kind of protection :).
I'm crossing my fingers for Duke!

Leslie Miller said...

First of all, the boys and Duke -- I noticed right off that someone had been eating powdered donuts. Too funny! Well, when you're having a guys' day you can let your hair down. Really, the first thing I noticed, though, was Duke and the donut on the bench. That's exactly what Wally and LuLu do - lay their chins down like that and try to look all woebegone. They would never touch it without permission, even if we aren't in the room. So cute! Okay... your cards... that is one gleaming, textured, subtle-colored butterfly card! Really gorgeous and beautifully clean in design. I love it! Of course, your elf is as cute as a Christmas elf should be, and all perky in pink and Switzerland dots. Love the banner and the stripedy outfit. You do a good job keeping track of the challenges!

Lisa Elton said...

Your butterfly card is simply marvelous Darnell! High five to you for giving the paste another go. I have yet to dive into that crafty adventure. And that elf is looking mighty dapper in his stripes. But those handsome boys steal the spotlight again. And I would venture to say that yes, Duke enjoyed his donut immensely!!

Tammy said...

Gorgeous cards, I love that sweet little elf and the bright pink you used! Thanks so much for joining us about at Cardz for Galz.
Tammy x

Sharron said...

Gorgeous butterfly design! Great effect with the paste and love the wonderful sparkle! Your little elf is adorable, so festive and fun in pink! Glad you enjoyed a wonderful family Easter. Gosh, the boys are really grown up and quite handsome!

Happy Dance said...

First, those boys are so handsome! They must be the nicest children in California, especially since I know they take after their grandma! That said, I have to tell you that I'm blown away by your butterfly card. How beautiful is this?! The color is just gorgeous, and the shimmer and shine is incredible. And let's talk about that elf card...Now this is just about the cutest elf all dressed in cammo stripes that ever was. And ever since I was a bit of a thing, I've loved dotted swiss. So this card speaks right to my heart. You need to make more of these!! Way cute. Later gator. xoxoxo miss you. Bev

Cheryl W. said...

Your butterfly card is beautiful! I have a small container of white embossing paste (which I can color, of course). I had totally forgotten about it until I saw your card. I need to get it out and give it a go! I love your non-traditionally colored Christmas card, too. It's fun to see holiday cards in unexpected colors. And that stripey little elf is so darn cute, from his stripey little hat down to his stripey little socks. Your handsome grandsons sure have donut-happy smiles on their faces. What a great papa to provide for them in their hour of need!

Barb Ghig said...

First things first...your grandtwins are SO HANDSOME! How nice that they're still hiking with their Papa...these will be some great memories for all of them! I hope Duke enjoyed his piece of the chocolate donut....it looks like he is very patient :)

Two stunning cards, Darnell! I love how you added texture to the stenciled butterflies and sparkle to the larger one...WOW! Love how you included sparkle on your sentiment, too! Your Christmas card is fantastic! Your elf is darling and I love the pink frames and banner! LOVE your dotted swiss background, too!

Thank you so much for joining us at the CAS Stencil challenge...we always enjoy seeing your creations in the gallery! Crafty hugs, Barb xx

Susan said...

Now if that was Tessa with her nose almost on a donut, that donut would be gone for sure! Maybe Duke is better behaved! LOVE that butterfly card - gorgeous colours and embossed butterflies down the side, and the butterfly is beyond beautiful! Your elfish Twofer is very cute (and very pink!!) - thanks for making a card for CAS Christmas!

TK said...

Gorgeous shimmer and burtterfly beauty, plus that adorable elf! Great cards, Darnell! Cute pic of the grandboys too -- sugar and all! And by all, I mean, the dog's sugar too :o)

EmmaT said...

Gorgeous butterfly card and fabulous fun Elf. EmmaT

Sandra H said...

Sounds like you all had an amazing time and the twins look so handsome such a lovely photo and Duke is adorable just love both butterfly cards and nice and bright 3rd card equally beautiful, enjoy your day xx

Kylie said...

You can count me in to be on the team for 'round' people. I'm here to help too :) All that sparkle from those butterflies is amazing. Good on you for getting the paste out! Great card :) Thanks so much for playing along at Less Is More xx

Brenda in IN said...

Oh my, that sparkly card is gorgeous. I didn't know there was pearlescent e/p. What an impact that makes. Your elf is just adorable in his striped tunic and hat. Love that bright pink! The heartbreakers look so grown up. What a difference a hairstyle makes. At first quick glance you don't realize they are twins but looking at their faces you know instantly. I'm sure Duke got that donut, he isn't interested at all in looking toward the camera.

Ann Schach said...

Oh my gosh! What great cards! I absolutely love your elf card. The pink is perfect. Thank you for sharing with The Paper Players this week!

Julia Aston said...

Happy Easter sis! Love the photo of the boys - the donut remnants and Duke taking advantage of no one looking at him but the camera!! Your paste butterfly stenciled panel is so pretty and shiny!! and that die cut butterfly is gorgeous! so light and airy! Your little elf card is bright snd fun! thanks for playing along with CAS Stencil! xx

Kara Lynne said...

Your preadolescent (that's what spell-check decided for pearlescent) peach butterflies are gorgeous, and perfect with your glittery pp butterfly! You couldn't find a better sentiment anywhere! How clever was that elf to stand directly in front of the bg stripes that matched his outfit! I love the merry hot pink and your Swiss dots! I can't get over how much those boys have grown! My bet is that Duke got the prize.

Carol L said...

Thanks for the reminder that I have embossing paste to play with! Hopefully mine isn't all dried up by now! Love those gorgeous butterflies and the darling little framed elf, but the photo of those boys (and Duke) is priceless! I'm betting he drooled all over that donut so nobody else would want to eat it - except him of course! Dogs are brilliant :)

Marlena M. said...

Darnell, you're hilarious! I'm always entertained by your words, seriously! ha! Gorgeous work with both cards (elegant first and bright,fun second). I haven't tried paste before and I'm curious...one of these days I think I'll take the plunge. ;)

Cazro said...

Beautiful cards. Thanks for sharing with us at Cardz 4 Galz. Caz. DT.

Lynda said...

That paper-pieced stripey elf is a winner, and perfect for our challenge. Thank you for joining us at Cardz 4 Galz Lynda :) DT
ps - I loved the tour around your Playhouse :)

Linda said...

One gorgeous butterfly card and one fun, little elf card. Both are awesome in there own way. Love your picture of the boys and story about hiking and donuts. Lol. Glad you had a wonderful Easter. Thanks for joining us at CAS Christmas.

kiwimeskreations said...

Wow Darnell, these are gorgeous - especially the butterfly one - Did you let Hammy puddle with all the gorgeous texture paste?? I can imagine that his coat would be very glittery after a roll in that! ;-)
Blessings
Maxine

Irwin Andriyanto said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Bobby said...

Since the boys were paying attention to the photographer, I bet Duke now has chocolate on his face. :D I agree about how much fun the texture paste can be, Darnell. I'm so glad CAS Stencil had us use that technique to remind us. Your little elf is darling with his striped shirt as he tries to blend into the background.

Robyn Oliver said...

A wonderful stenciled butterfly card Darnell, I bet it does look stunning in real life - thanks so much for joining in CAS Stencil this month. Very cute elf card too

Cat Craig said...

Darling cards. The butterflies are so pretty and shiney. Your elf is darling in its bright pink frame. So nice to see the grands too...they are growing up.

Anita in France said...

Gosh, the shimmer and shine on that texture-y, schparkly butterfly card is just gorgeous, Darnell ... your joy at creating it permeates your post ... such a beauty! Sweet elf ... should have read on because I've just spent five minutes wondering how you did the matchy matchy stripey stripey thing ... so clever ... and absorbing for the observer! Handsome boys (of course!), even with sugar round their mouths ... and yes, my bet is Duke definitely got the chocolate ... though his rich colouring would keep any evidence from showing on his face! LYAMYLALMA! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Ros Crawford said...

Wonderful cards once again and the stenciling is fabulous... I love the photo of the boys... How quickly they grow! I haven't even had my Easter egg yet... Ian forgot to give it me and can't remember where he put it! BTW it was cold and wet in Spain, rather like it is here now... Still I got a break from cooking and housework!

JD/ Jill said...

Beautiful cards. I especially like all that PINK!
You're are making me go and check out my embossing paste to see if it hasn't all dried up.

Ruth said...

What fun cards - I have been reminding myself how much card making is for an upcoming blog post. Got to give myself more time to do the things I used to love! Oh and the more cake you eat, the harder you are to kidnap.... so I've heard. Loved your photo of the grandones, amazing to see them growing up via your blog xx

Greta said...

Embossing paste is fun & magical, but I rarely get perfect results like your butterflies, Darnell! I never think to fussy cut from printed paper--great idea! The elf card is just too cute! Glad you had a good day & such a fun picture of the boys & Duke!

ÅsaJ said...

Such a wonderful butterfly card! Love it! Thanks for joining CAS on Friday! Hugs Åsa

Di said...

Oh my goodness Darnell! I love your butterfly card - and totally adore your 'smack you in the face with pink' Christmas card. What a contrast. How did you line up the diagonal stripes as you did? Or did Hammie have a hand in it? Photos of family are always lovely to see - so funny about Duke with his nose millimeters away from the donut! Glad to see you still have time to come and play - when did you last walk Dudley? Isn't it your turn? BTW - Parsnip now has a little saddle and he likes to rise on Dudley's back. And 'the band played believe it if you like'!!

Hugs

Di xx