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 10, 2019

Twofer Card Challenge #15 - Zoo Animals

Hello Stamplings!

How's the world treating you? I'm not going to talk about the beautiful spring weather today because someone told me they are having snow this week after several days of gorgeous weather. We'll just talk about something else.

This month over on the Twofer Card Challenge, our prompt is Z🐒🐘 ANIMALS!
I chose an adorable zebra from Paper Smooches for my zoo critter.

Onefer
In addition to the baby zebra, for my encouragement card I also used an ancient unmarked grown-up zebra foam stamp. I stamped him onto a dream cloud die from Simon Says Stamp and popped the cloud on the upper panel. The sweet NBUS sediment is from Elizabeth Craft Designs.

Challenges
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Twofer
For my second design, I made a Christmas card by giving the little zebra a Santa hat from Memory Box, cut from fun foam. The NBUS stitched half circle die is from MFT, the sediment is from The Ton, and the borders are tape from Washi. QACAS! He looks like the grandtwins looked a few years ago when we made them wear Santa hats on Christmas eve!

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PURPLE HOP WINNERS!

As promised in my Purple Hop for Epilepsy Awareness post, I also want to announce the winner of the $25 gift certificate to Catherine Pooler:
The winner is Lisa Babitz of I Played With Paper Today. Congratulations, Lisa! Happy shopping! (You see Hammy is wearing his Easter bonnet already!)

In that same post I offered my "boo-boo" card to anyone left-handed because I put the front on the back. What I should have done is said that I've made that mistake eleventeen hunnert times before in 17 years of making cards. I feel very blessed to have friends like you who think I'm perfect and it's never happened to me before now! Mwah! The winner is Mia of Craftartista! Congratulations, Mia! I'll be in touch to get your address.

Finally, there were 40 of you who asked to be included in the draw, so as promised, I have personally donated $80 to the Epilepsy Foundation. Just click on the link if you would like information about making a donation yourself. Thank you to everyone who commented on that special post!

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I look forward to seeing what you make for us this month! Zoos have exhibits with just about every non-domesticritter in the world, so you have a wide range of stamps and dies to choose from! Please visit the Twofer blog to read the rules and info and to see what our fabulous Guest Designer Susan and the very talented Design Team have made to inspire you!

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

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

*Life is too short!

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68 comments:

Margreet said...

Gorgeous cards. Love the zebra with Santa's hat!
xxx Margreet

Mia said...

Hi Darnell. I love your beautiful zebra cards. Great designs.
And I am excited to be the winner of your lovely left-handed card. Thank you so much, my dear friend. My email is craftartista@gmail.com
Please send me an email and I will give you my home address.
Hugs, sweetie. Have a wonderful day.

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two gorgeous cards Darnell, I love the zebra with the Santa hat on.

Sue xx

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the cards.

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Jo said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell, hoping to join in your challenge this time
Jo x

Sandra H said...

Morning Darnell as always you have made two amazing cards and the Zebra images are so adorable especially love the one you made as a Christmas card using the Santa hat and congrats to your winner hope your having a good week xx

Sandra H said...

Forgot to mention the donation your so generous a well deserved course x

Sarah said...

Love those zebras, well they are part of the horse family!! The cheeky chap with his santa hat is fab xx

ionabunny said...

Hammy doing a sterling job there. Congrats to the lucky winners. Love your zebra cards. At the other end of the alphabet Stamping Belle just released an Aardvark stamp that I have my eye on. If it finds it's way to my stash in time I might join the fun. Hugz

Viv said...

These cards just made me smile Darnell!
Hammy is having to work for his Easter egg this year I see....!
xx

Lisa said...

Both of your cards are so adorable!! I love the baby zebra!! The first one is so creative and makes me smile!! The second is so cute with his puffy Santa hat!! Love them both!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Marilyn said...

Adorable zebra cards! Congrats to the winner!
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤

Jeanne said...

Congratulations to the winner! Have fun with your new goodies(once they arrive).Darnell, these cards are fabulous. I adore the young zebra image from Paper Smooches. So cute! The dreamer card is adorable. Yep...we were near 80 yesterday and have a blizzard warning today. Temps dropping to the 30s...which is slightly better than the 20s they had been predicting. Cyclone bomb round 2!

Chris said...

Love the cards Darnell, the little zebra is so cute and both designs are very striking! I like the use of the 'real' giraffe on the first one ... and the little zebra looks so fetchin in his Santa hat on the second!
Have a happy day!
Chris
x

Bunny said...

Love your cute cards. The baby zebra is great. I love the washi tape, too. So much so that I bought 3 rolls. Mainly because I'm having to mark my Copics with it. But oh how cute it looks on your card with the zebra. [Bunny]`

Pat said...

What a sweet little zebra Darnell and love him in the grown up form in the bubble cloud, and then with his Santa hat for the Christmas card and what great colour combinations with the touches of pretty blue on the first, and lovely bright red on the second. Two fabulous cards! x

oldpunca said...

Dear Darnell, I love your funny little zebras on both cards. But this little dreamer with a matched sentiment stole my heart. Amazing idea. :-)
Congratulation to happy winners and a big compliment to your donation.
Have a great day!
Hugs, Sonja

Bobby said...

I love how your mind works, Darnell. That dreaming baby zebra is so cute. On the other had I'm not sure the other one like his hat. Either that or he's thinking "You'd better watch out. . ."

Gerrina said...

Oh one of my favorite animals! And a sweet one twice and a realistic one! Great take again Darnell!They both look great!
And you are good to donate so much!(Sometimes I feel so blessed with just a "knack" in my shoulder, jeh a real one that you can hear :)...)
Keep healthy and positve! Hugs, Gerrina

Leslie Miller said...

Look what you came up with! These are fabulous! Someday I'll learn to make QACAS cards. The zebra is so cute! I love how he's dreaming of being a beautiful grown up zebra on the first card, and he makes the most darling Christmas card with his Santa hat. The paper is perfect! I love both!

nancy littrell said...

Two sweet and creative zebra cards, Dolly. I love how your cute little guy is dreaming of being a beautiful grownup zebra and then switches to be dressed in a Santa hat. Congratulations to the Epilepsy Foundation winners too. Love and Hugs..Nancy

Jacquie Southas said...

What a pair of fun cards, Darnell! I love your dreaming zebra. Now on to a pressing question - do you say "ZEE-bra" or "ZEB-ra"? I'm firmly in the "zee" camp despite my very British father's determination to try make his kids pronounce things the right way, peer influence was way too strong. ;)

conil said...

I think the zebra dream is brilliant. Reminds me how it felt to dream about fame and fortune when I was a kid. Since the black and white is so classic, those touched of vibrant color on both cards really stand out.

HilaryJane said...

Great cards, I particularly like the daydreaming zebra, very clever xx

Verna Angerhofer said...

Wonderful Twofers. Those zebras are so darling. Love the Santa hat on the one. I hope I get a chance to play after Easter. Not sure I can find time before then.

Julia Aston said...

What a fun twofer Sis! love your cute zebra - dreaming of being a superstar zebra and then as Santa! Great aspirations for the little guy! xx

Donna said...

Such cute cards, like how you made the zebra into a Christmas card!

Patti said...

Twice the giggles today Darnell! I love both of your cards! I'm still smiling : ) I hope to be able to play along with your challenge this month! You have inspired me friend!

cuilliesocks said...

Loving your two sweet cards. The image is just so cute and love the Santa hat, super designs,Kate x x

Kathleen said...

Very well done Darnell on your donation.
Two fabulous fun cards, super images and great designs, especially love the Santa hat.

Kath x

Jeanne H said...

Adorable cards, Darnell. I'll try to enter this time - you are inspiring. Thanks! Sending a hug too from me on a snowy day.

Lisa Babitz said...

First of all, THANK YOU SO MUCH for the prize gift certificate. What an awesome surprise this morning!! I really appreciate it. (And your donation is so generous.)

I love both of your zebra cards. The young zebra dreaming of being grown up is adorable and so clever. And I love the zebra in the Santa hat. The chevron border matches his stripes perfectly! Great pop of red, too!

Finally, I love Hammy's Easter "bonnet" and that he is actually holding the winning name slip in his little paws - you always make me smile!! :)

Barb Ghig said...

Oh my gosh, Darnell...your giraffe's are absolutely adorable! I love how you added the cloud speech bubble on your encouragement card and the Santa hat on your Christmas card...so clever and fun! Can't wait to play along, as always!
Your generosity for the Epilepsy Awareness Foundation is so kind...Congrats to the winners of the Purple Hop :) Also, I must say, Hammy looks so dapper in his Easter Bonnet...what a guy!!! Hugs, Barb xx

Bonnie said...

What a wonderful donation to a worthy cause, Dolly!

I love this little zebra with his big eyes! The Santa hat is a perfect fit and so is the Washi tape!

jimlynn said...

Two cards and too stinking cute. LOVE the Santa hat on that one. FUN!
Lynn

Lisa Elton said...

Your dreamer card is awesome!!! What a cute idea Darnell. And the little fella in the Santa hat is adorable too!

Christine Alexander said...

great twofer Darnell, that little sketch zebra is so adorable, and the red santa's hat really suits him and adds the perfect amount of colour to the black and white. Your more realistic zebra is so majestic :)

Loll said...

Fabulous cards Dolly! I LOVE the first one where the little guy is dreaming of being a big strong, grown-up zebra. Awesome! And how cute is that guy in a Santa hat??!! ADORBS ... love the black & white card with just a touch of red - classic colours. It's a fun Twofer and looking forward to seeing the gallery come alive with zoo animals! xx

Happy Dance said...

As per usual, I'm behinder... So sorry it has taken this long to get to the commenting. I love this little zebra image! He's a dolly. I hope he doesn't grow up too fast though...life isn't as easy as he thinks it might be. He looks great paired with that perfect blue, too. Speaking of perfection, what a great Christmas card! That little pop of red, both in the hat and sentiment, is awesome! That's a very cool die, and one I've had my eye on. If I'm good the rest of the week, I may place an order before heading off to the dentist next week!! (Before I find out how much $$ I need, lol!!) And chevrons are right up there in my book, too. I like this one! I'd make more if I were you...Missing you tons. xoxo Bev

Cheryl W. said...

That is, hands down, the cutest little zebra I've ever seen. Very clever to give him a thought bubble where he's all mature-like and a Santa hat. I'll have to think about this challenge, and see what I can come up with. And BTW, thanks for not waxing eloquent on your beautiful weather. We've got at least 6" of the white stuff--so far. It's still coming down.

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Two fun cards, especially your Christmas one!! That baby zebra looks very cute! Your creativity is always so brilliant!!:D
Big congrats to Mia for her won!! Enjoy!!
Big hugs, have a lovely day!

papierelle said...

Two really funny card. I want to say to your baby zebra: dreams come true !!!

nwilliams6 said...

The Christmas hat is genius - makes the image pop and look super Christmas-y. Very fun cards, Darnell! Hammy looks fab too!!! Hugz

Kara Lynne said...

It can't get more adorable than that baby zebra with her big eye lashes batting at the camera! That sentiment matches so perfectly with her thoughts, and I love the color of the sentiment too and the strip of aqua cardstock - such an impact! Same impact on your Christmas card with the pops of red. I love how that chevron washi reflects the little star of the show! Hello to Hammy there in that bowl of name slips. I do hope he doesn't confuse them with other shreddings used for other hamster purposes.

Em Louise Fairley said...

They are so cute, Darnell. Hopefully I'll be able to play in this one xoxo

Carol L said...

as Di would say "you clever sausage!" LOL The dreamer card is too funny and that zebra just makes me smile wearing the bright red Santa hat! Two great cards for the twofer- and thanks for another fun challenge this month! Have a great week ahead!

laurie said...

Such FUN cards Darnell!I just love that santa hat....what a QT!

Cat Craig said...

Darnell, your zebra is just darling whether dreaming of greatness or wearing a sweet santa hat. Love both cards.

frommycraftroom said...

Fab cards. Love the santa hat on the second one. Great to make almost any image a "christmas" themed card!

Marcia Hill said...

Two wonderful cards Darnell! That baby zebra is so darn CUTE and I love him in the 1st card dreaming about being a grown up zebra, and I love him in the 2nd card with the Santa hat too! And perfect way to use washi tape on that 2nd card too! And I'm glad you didn't talk too much about the beautiful Spring weather you're having as we woke up to snow this morning...grrrrrr!! But anyway, great cards and a FUN challenge...think I can dig up an animal stamp somewhere amongst my small collection of stamps. Bahahahaha!! :0)

kiwimeskreations said...

Your creativity in these challenges never ceases to amaze me Darnell - two fabulous cards!! Please tell Hammy he looks wonderful in his Easter Bonnet!
Blessings
Maxine

KandA said...

Two fabulous cards with that super cute little zebra. Hammy looks fabulous with his easter bonnet, next thing you know he'll be nibbling on that choccie egg you've got hidden away! Congrats to Mia and Lisa and what a super donation xx

sandie said...

Firstly thank you so much for helping spread the word about Epilepsy and you very own kind contribution to this amazing charity that helps so many of us. Secondly-what a fab idea for a Xmas card-adore his Santa hat! And I just love the graphic look of the first card and fab colours. Fun to use foam zebra and Thanks for joining us at Ink

KathyA. said...

Darnell, I adore your cards, especially love the one with the Little Dreamer. My agency is just starting an after-school program for middle schoolers, and this sentiment makes me think of these amazing pre-teens. They have such BIG ideas, hopes and dreams. I love their passion and curiosity. I'll bet your cute little "Zeeb" is passionate and curious. And, because you created him, I know that he also has a generous spirit.

Di said...

Oh Darnell - wonderful cards as always! I do so love the little zebra and how you made two very different card using him. And wonderful matching with the washi borders! AND, I do so love that half circle die you used - as always, a lovely post and wonderful cards!

Hugs

Di xx

Linda said...

These are just too cute. Another great challenge ...... Thanks for the nudge too xx

Brenda said...

Your Twofers are so adorable and very clever Auntie! I love the Christmas one, his little Santa had is so cute and give a nice pop of red to the black and white card along with the title. Your twofer is equally adorable! I love the sentiment and color combo. The caption bubble is so cute and the sentiment is perfect. Clever, clever, clever! I've got to see what I have in the way of zoo animals and put my thinking cap on! Hugs, Brenda

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Thanks for another fun Twofer challenge, Darnell. Just love your darling zebra cards - really smiled to see that little zebra hoping to be a big stud. And the Santa hat added the perfect touch to the Christmas zebra!! Thanks for not bragging about your weather because, yes, I was caught in another blizzard. Luckily it didn't last long although to have snow, rain, hail, thunder and lightening on the same day was quite weird!!

Sharron said...

These are so clever and fun! Love the adorable little dreamer zebra! What a wonderful idea for a card!

Anita in France said...

Well isn't he a stylish little cutie, Darnell in his oh so James Bond black and white! That first card is so clever ... this tiny chap has great dreams to turn into that handsome zebra stallion! As he is, he'll be turning the fillies' heads ... he'll be fighting off the zebra mares when he's all grown up! Doesn't he make an adorable little Santa supporter, with his furry edged, texture-y festive hat ... such a fun QACAS design! Rudolph, eat your heart out! LYAMYHMA! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Celeste Goff said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell! I love the sentiment on the first card...too cute!

Mac Mable said...

Now I know I read this....But what I obviously didn't do was comment...so sorry for late commenting Darnell x
Your cards are such fun and the first one sure did bring a smile to my face and how clever are you to come up with this idea?.....One very creative lady x The first thing I thought when I saw the second card was exactly what you had written as the little chappie does not look at all happy with that Santa hat on....But one happy card it is and I love it! x

Mandy said...

Wonderful cards Darnell! They are super cute.
Thanks for joining us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge
Mandy xx

Pia S said...

What a charming little card you’ve shared with us at Inkspirational. So fun and I love them both! Will definitely try and find mojo during Easter and hopefully will find something suiting in my stash for the Twofer challenge.

TK said...

Fabulous cards, and your critter is ADORBS! What a sweetie! Great cards, fun challenge...

Ann Chuang Crafts said...

such a simple and a striking card.Thank you for joining at Mix It Up Challenge.
Ann

Kate said...

I love the pop of blue in the first card but is there any colour combo that beats black and white with a pop of red? I need to get that Santa hat die! I love how it looks in the funky foam!

Susan said...

I am dreadfully behind in my commenting - have a ton of windows open on my computer that need comments!! Life's been hectic getting my garden in and getting ready for the retreat! I love your two zebra cards, especially the first one where he dreams of being a grown up. And your little Christmas zebra really doesn't look too happy having to wear a Santa hat - reminded me of how I always felt as a child when we had to wear the silly paper hats out of the Christmas crackers while we ate our turkey dinner! Thanks so much for having me be the guest designer for Twofer!