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!

September 10, 2019

Pandalicious!

Hello Stamplings!

Good day! Everything seems a bit calm around the world today. You know how you don't even realize you're holding your breath until things calm down. My thoughts and prayers are with all those suffering the impact of Dorian. There are lots of reputable places to make donations and some of the stamp companies are even donating part of their sales to the relief efforts in the Bahamas. Every little bit helps when entire communities have been decimated.

How about something that will make you smile?
It's the 10th of the month so it's time for a new Twofer Card Challenge and this time the prompt word is CRITTERS! The roly-poly panda critter my twofer cards have in common is from Fiskars "Day at the Zoo" set. My two occasions are Thinking of You and Get Well. Thoughtfulness was on my mind when I made these Twofers because a lot of my friends are going through tough times right now. 
Onefer
The sediment is from Concord & 9ths "You're My Person" set. The scalloped frame is from Impression Obsession. I made a few more OLC QACAS versions of this design while I was at it. It's very simple design, but it will definitely make the recipients feel thought about and loved.

Challenges
Twofer
Hmm, now that I see this design on my monitor, I'm a bit worried my friend will feel like I'm screaming at her. GET WELL!! NOW!! Can you imagine anyone yelling at a sick person?! Okay, maybe I would. But if I did, it would come from a place of love. 

The truth is, I love the font of this NBUS sediment set from Ranger (Letter It). The background was made with a NBUS Mini Bamboo stencil from Crafter's Workshop. The NBUS little baby panda who's feeling sniffly is from "Panda Can't Even" by The Ton. 

And that's it. Pandalicious!

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Just FYI, I did a coupla quick sketches if you'd like to see the underlying very different designs of my Twofer makes:
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Join Us!

The dictionary defines "critter" as any "living creature!"

Detailed information can be found at the Twofer Card Challenge, as well as fantastic inspiration from our very talented Guest Designer Nora and the entire Design Team who work very hard to enthusiate you! 

With limitless choices from ants to zebras, I anticipate a huge turnout in the gallery and I can't wait to see what you create! Here are a few critter ideas:
πŸΉπŸ­πŸΊπŸ»πŸΌπŸ·πŸ˜ΊπŸ¨πŸ—πŸ‚πŸƒπŸ„πŸ…πŸ†πŸ€
πŸ‡πŸˆπŸ‰πŸŠπŸ‹πŸŒπŸπŸŽπŸπŸπŸ‘πŸ’πŸ“πŸ”πŸ•πŸ–
πŸ˜πŸ™πŸ›πŸœπŸπŸžπŸŸπŸ’πŸ¦πŸ§πŸ©πŸͺ🐫🐬🐹
You'll notice somebody was at the head of the line and ran around to the back so he could be featured twice!

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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!

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!)

70 comments:

Cheryl W. said...

Your critter cards are awesome. I don't think the second sentiment looks at all like you're screaming at the recipient. Wish I could play along, but am making my way from Germany to the Czech Republic at the moment, so crafting is a bit difficult. I'll check in on the challenge when I can to see the critter makes when I can.

Kath said...

Fabulous cards Darnell - love your pandas. I have some NBUS panda stamps and dies - maybe they will get inked soon!!
Kath x

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh, was Hammy feeling left out 'cos he didn't feature on your cards Darnell? Poor boy, give him an extra cuddle from Down Under please....
Loving your roly-poly Panda's Darnell... and the subtle stencilling on the second on is fabulous.
Blessings
Maxine

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two wonderful cards Darnell, I'm sure your friend will love the get well card.

Sue xx

Sandra H said...

Hi Darnell so pretty are both your cards and the layouts so pretty too! I just adore these little images super cute they are and sending hugs to Hammy take care xx

Lisa said...

They're both so sweet and beautiful!! I love the adorable pandas!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Marilyn said...

Cute cards! Love the adorable pandas!
Have a great day!
Marilyn ❤️

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Love the pandas and the sentiment is wonderful in your first one, love the get well, yeah! maybe some people need shouting at to get well LOL. Hammy gets everywhere doesn't he? Thanks for the sketches too.
Faith x

Craftychris said...

I love these panda cards, both are absolutely gorgeous and would make anyone feel better/happier! I am smiling a lot seeing them here on your blog! Hugs xxxxxxxxxxxx

Bunny said...

If I was sick and someone could "Yell" me into getting better I'd be happy. You'll know if the other party has been offended if they send you a card back saying "THANKS". ........lol.

Love your Pandas and the line up of critters is amazing. No excuses, no excuses. I'm on it. [Bunny]

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

Maybe this month I can do a two-fer and get to enter it... LOL. I am so drawn to that soft bamboo stenciled background on your one card.. it is gorgeous! Of course, both are just wonderful.

Loll said...

Your Pandas are adorable, Dolly. Love the sweet little bouquet of flowers. :) Both cards are sure to make the recipients feel loved! Lolly xx

Em Louise Fairley said...

They are so cute! I love the theme, and I might get time to play, but I've often said that and not done so, so I'm not holding my breath this time! xoxo

Bonnie said...

The larger panda looks just like Emmy's Mr. Crackers! What a cutie that is perfect for a thoughtful card. He sure makes me smile!

Jean said...

Simply darling!

Brenda in IN said...

These are so sweet. I love the bamboo and the baby, that is a cute scene. The flower sentiment for him holding the flowers is very kind and uplifting. It's really hard to see the pictures from the Bahama's. Such devastation and so many people homeless. It does break your heart for them. Our stamp companies are always so wonderful about helping out when something like this happens. What a great industry filled with such kind people.

jimlynn said...

What's better than one bear.....two! CUTE cards and I love the designs.
Lynn

Mischelle Smith said...

Love the Panda card. A bit of fyi on pandas. The Pandas at the San Diego Zoo, are being returned to China. All pandas at zoos, etc belong to China. China loans them out around the world. This is so others can enjoy. Also to help study pandas and maybe increase the numbers of pandas. Pandas that are born to loaned panda, belong to China. I read this info in National Geographic. Love the magazine since I was in Grade School!

Lisa T said...

These two are guaranteed to brighten up anyone's day whatever they need, hugs or get well soon wishes. It still amazes me how many NBUS you have in your stock! But then I guess we all do....! xx

Sarah said...

These are wonderful Darnell, what lovely pandas and the flowers sediment is brilliant. I have a NBUS stamp set that will suit the Critters theme perfectly xx

nancy littrell said...

Two adorable and very different Panda cards, Dolly. Both will be very appreciated. That stinker Hammie..getting into the line up Twice! Have a wonderful quiet uneventful day, my friend. Hugs..Nancy

Verna Angerhofer said...

Those cards are both awesome and that is such a cute panda image. And, I think that big large GET WELL makes her know that you are really sincere in letting you know how much you care. I may have to sit this one out as it seems another busy month again. End of the garden things to tend to and besides that more mile stone anniversaries to attend so I may need another anniversary card. It seems I am running short lately. I used at least 4 in the last couple weeks. And one I had to revamp to be more like an anniversary card...just not enough time to start fresh.

Redanne said...

Both cards are wonderful Darnell, the pandas are just adorable and so perfect for get well cards. The background scene on the second card is beautiful. I don't think it looks like you are shouting, it just looks like you care - a lot!! Hugs, Annie xxx

KarinsArtScrap said...

very sweet and beautiful cards Darnell
Gr Karin

HilaryJane said...

2 wonderful cards, that panda lends itself very well to those 2 occasions and n,o I don't think the recipient of the get well card will think you are shouting. It didn't occur to me until you said it. They will just be thrilled to receive one of your amazing cards xx

conil said...

Hammy's such a little scamp (hmmm...wonder if that's where the word scamper came from). Any waaaays...I own that Fiskars set and always loved that panda. I sure I can find some other critter to use on a card. Prolly won't look as good as your critters do, though. Both cards are very different and such fun to look at.

Leslie Miller said...

Waiting to exhale... Several of my friends are going through rough times right now, too. I don't know what has happened all at once, but it seems the whole world needs a hug. Your pandas are pure sweetness with such an endearing look to them. I appreciate your very helpful sketches photo. At the end you made me laugh again because of Hammy the Ham!

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the cards.

Hope you are having a nice day. Sue

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Two lovely cards Darnell, love the designs and that panda with the flower is so cute!
All can see that Hammy want being counted twice! :D How mischievous :D LOL
Hugs

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Such sweet pandas, great for many occasions as you have shown! Love them!

Dotty Jo said...

Love your Panda cards, Darnell, Jo x

cuilliesocks said...

Hello Darnell, two wonderfully cute cards, I love the panda images and your layouts, Kate x

Kathleen said...

Two fabulous makes, great images and designs, pretty layering on the first card and love the bamboo shoots on the second card.
Not heard about Dorian, sounds bad.

Kath x

Nora Noll said...

Your Pandas are sensational. I LOVE the clean and simple look of the first card. The shadow you created is fantastic and I LOVE THAT SENTIMENT!! Might have to get that stamp set now and I am supposed to be on a no buy challenge starting today. That is going out the window I think. Your second card is so cute with the two pandas and the wonderful bamboo stencil. Looks gorgeous!!! Fabulous take on the challenge!!

OH Babs said...

Oh the Pandas are the cutest. Believe it or not I do not have any Panda stamps, but lots of polar bears. Hope fall is fast approaching for you. Off to Alaska where the weather will be like Oregon rain and in the 50's, not ideal but better than heat and humidity. You Tube Alaska and you will want to go. Hugs, Barb

Marcia Hill said...

Yep, I noticed Hammy had to get in the line up twice...tell him I'm so sorry that I don't own any hamster stamps, but I still love him! And as for your pandaliscious cards, they are both adorable! Cute, CUTE cards and I don't think I own any panda stamps either, but no worries...I have lots and LOTS of other critter stamps! Hugs. :0)

Pat said...

Two fabulous cards using the cute panda being very thoughtful on the first, and what a great sentiment, and then with that sweet baby panda offering get well wishes. I love the bamboo stencilling in the background and the large die cut sentiment goes perfectly, and great colour choices on both. x

Lisa Elton said...

I knew that baby panda wasn't feeling well with the way he's plopped himself on the ground! These are darling Darnell!

Cat Craig said...

Ohhhh I love your sweet flower holding panda...hugable is he? Or She? And your two very different designs are clear in your cards, and its so nice to see the sketches of your designs too!

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Hmmmm - bet Hammy is feeling depressed that he wasn't featured on a card (hint, hint). Just love your darling panda cards - fun frame with the flowers behind on card one and yummy bamboo on card two (what I can see behind that HUGE sediment - LOL - love it, really!!).

TK said...

Two very sweet cards, and no I don't think you'd be yelling at anyone! Your sweetness abounds through your awesome cards!

frommycraftroom said...

What gorgeous cards. Love the bamboo stencil.
I may have raised my voice once at a sick person 😰 perhaps cause it was self inflicted does that count?
I need to use some new stuff. I realised in a very very short time I attended 3 craft events so you can imagine!!! I have fabric, yarn & paper goodies everywhere!!! And that’s without the online temptations 😳

I love how hammy ran around again - makes me think my kiddos would do that when we were handing out treats so everyone got an even share.

cotnob said...

Two super cards Darnell, they are both fabulous - cute Pandas and I love the sentiment on the first one.
I'm playing catch up at the moment, I have been on holiday for a week and have been having a major sort out in my craft room.
Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
x

Vicky Hayes said...

What lovely caring cards Darnell. Pandas are not my first thought when thinking of ways to show people I care but you have shown me otherwise! The sediment on the first card is just gorgeous (will look out for that set) and I love how there's a hint of pattern in your frame. I adore the second card too with that beautiful bamboo background and the brilliant sediment. You did make me chuckle about shouting at the recipient in a loving way and it's certain there will be no doubts about what the card is about! How cute is that poorly baby panda?! And mummy panda being all "I'm here for you. Can you try and eat a little of these flowers?" Thanks for inspiring us with the Twofer Challenge - I'm hooked! x

Jeanne said...

Great cards, Darnell. Love the font in the "screaming" get well card. A place of love, awesome!

Linda said...

I love your little panda twosome they look so cute! Love the font on the large sentiment too xx

sandie said...

Super cards, I especially love that first one, and what a fab sentiment. Congrats on your 10 month. I find this challenge so hard, I always seem to have a creative block!

I Card Everyone said...

Oh, D... anyone would be happy to be yelled at by you! Two very sweet little Panda-licious cards!
=]

Bobby said...

How funny! My brother was just telling the story of how my Dad did the exact same thing as Hammy, running behind the rest of the people being photographed in a panorama so he would be on both ends. Love your roly poly pandas and the sentiment on the first one is great. You can use that on a any number of floral cards.

Linby said...

I do love Pandas and these are such sweet cards. Love the delicate colours on the first one and the vibrant background on the second one. (maybe you could add a little "soon" to soften the yell lol!)

Kara Lynne said...

Maybe flowers can't solve all problems, but flowers and a panda together just might solve quite a few! That is one adorable panda, Darnell, and she looks so sweet all framed in pink! I never thought you were yelling on your get well card, you were being thoughtful that your friend wasn't up for putting on her reading glasses. Seriously, it's a beautiful font, and balances out those pandas perfectly! Poor, sick, panda - I hope it's not a pandamic!

Mac Mable said...

Your cards sure did bring a smile to my face x What adorable Panda's. The font is fabulous too x Glad Hammy was front and last in the line up x

Gerrina said...

It is almost a pitty tha I don't make that much cards anymore...most go into one of my Art Journals or in my card-book... Because the panda is my daughters favorite animal. Love how you used it on both cards! Hugs, Gerrina

Happy Dance said...

Here's me..a day late and a dollar short. *sigh* But I made it, so that counts for something, doesn't it?! haha. These pandas are cuties. First, I wanna know how you made your shadow on your first card. Stamp? Marker? You'll have to let me know if you think about it. And I love that you've used those pretty pinks for it. It frames Prunella perfectly. GREAT IO frame, and I'm smitten with that pp! Perfect sentiment for Pru, too. I don't think it looks like you're screaming 'get well.' To me, it compliments the black in the pandas, and puts that pretty bamboo in the background just right. Poor baby though...Someone will cheer up immediately upon finding this in their mailbox! Love your critter cards, dear friend. xoxo Sending hugs. Bev

Jacquie Southas said...

How sweet is this pair of cards!? Love the sentiment of the first one.

Tracey McNeely said...

My heart is heavy with those impacted by Dorian. :( Both very sweet cards!

Sharron said...

Love the adorable pandas and they work wonderfully for your sweet cards! The stenciled bamboo looks great and I adore the sentiment you chose for the panda and flowers.

Sharon Underwood said...

Love, love, love your Panda cards! No, I don't think you are yelling in the 2nd card, you just really mean you want the recipient to get well, real bad! Thanks for your comments about Dorian. I was very blessed that nothing was damaged & I was safe. I'll be having elbow surgery Monday, so you won't hear from me for a while, but I'll still be enjoying your posts!

Donna said...

Your panda cards are so adorable, the first is so soft and soothing and sweet scene in the second card! Have a wonderful weekend!

Ros Crawford said...

I just love these cards Darnell... Those pandas are adorable and the sentiment on your first card with that sweet guy really touches my heart.

Celeste Goff said...

Two beautiful cards Darnell! I love the bamboo patterned paper on the get well card...it's the perfect touch!

Barb Ghig said...

Oh my gosh, Darnell...your cards have totally made me smile today, and I am sure the recipients of your love will feel the same way ~ Your roly-poly Pandas are so cute! I love your CAS design on your first card so much...the scalloped frame is very sweet and your sentiment is just perfect! I also really love your color palette on your 2nd card! Pairing these 2 Pandas in their environment is a clever way to send your message! By the way, I don't think your friend will think you're screaming at her :)
Off to dig through my stash for some critters ~ Barb xx

Fikreta said...

these panda cards are so very nice!

Carol L said...

oh my goodness, what a cute pair of critter cards! I love the get well card with one panda clearly not feeling well at all! It's almost funny, but makes a point and I love the split panels with their native bamboo! Great layering and framing work on the first card and I'm a sucker for the chalkboard sentiment panels like that - it looks wonderful! I always glue mine on crooked LOL

Nancy said...

Darnell, Those pandas are super adorable and I love the sentiment on your first card. The recipient will love both of these I am certain. I sure hope to play along this month, but now that I am back to work it's cutting into my fun. I will sure try though!

Anita in France said...

Here at last, Darnell ... to enjoy your cards, post and Hammy's fun antics! Your panda is just the cutest ... solo, surrounded by that lacy edged mat and dreamy floral pp, he looks positively huggable ... and set in the subtle bamboo forest, visiting with his sweet little sniffler, he's adorable! I'm thinking the Get Well is encouraging rather than instructional ... especially with that little posy of delicate blooms! LYAMYLALMA ... LFTCF! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

nwilliams6 said...

These are so sweet, Darnell. Great panda cards and great sketches too. Fun! Love Hammy's trick too. Sweet post. Hugz

Robyn Oliver said...

Hammy was making sure you made the Reminder card featuring him.... great Panda cards, Darnell and thanks so much for hosting Twofer Cards, had me thinking hard this month..hugs Robyn

BoΕΌenA said...

Great cards, great intentions to make them. Thank you for so much inspiration, Darnell.
Hugs,
BoΕΌenA

Greta said...

These will both make your friends feel better, Darnell! Darling cards & I really love the look of the bamboo stencil!