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!

October 26, 2019

Sunglasses, please, folks!

Hello Stamplings!

When I woke up last Sunday morning, there was a whole new week laid out in front of me, like my outfit on the first day of the new year of school. Then I turned my back to go find my shoes and when I turned around again, my clothes had been worn, laundered, and put back in the drawer before I knew what happened. 

That's my metaphor for how fast this week went by. And now, since Christmas will be here before we turn around again, let's get after it.

Onefer
I painted this card with metallic watercolors while at Brenda's retreat in Indiana. I think I borrowed them from Kara? The stamp is Mondo Holly by Julie Ebersole (Ellen Hutson), which I also borrowed from someone. You can't really appreciate the awesome glimmery glimmerness of the paints unless you tilt the card towards the light and then it looks like a magnificent stained glass design:
Back home at the Playhouse, I added a platinum-embossed sediment from GKW. I attached the art to a glittery pale green panel, which glitter you maaay be able to see if you click to enlarge. And that's it. I could have made it an OLC, but I have all this beautiful glittery and glimmery paper that is crying out to be used this year.

Hammy? Remember he was busy with Cassie Kitty at the retreat so no hard labor from him for today's cards!

Challenges

The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge
Twofer
This card was also made at the retreat. Colleen taught us this technique of scribbling color onto a snippets panel in an ombre' fashion. Once dry, you swipe Nuvo Glimmer Paste (or some other brand) over the colors with your spatula. 

Once that is completely dry, you can die cut it, or use a negative die-cut overlay ~ as I did here with this mondo snowflake die. The snowflake die was also borrowed, along with the sediment. (We were one big happy family using each other's things and I wasn't good about making notes.) I added the bling and glittery matching aqua panel at home. Thank you, Colleen! That was fun!

Challenges
Our blog badgeCrafty CardmakersGrab our badge
The Guys
While looking at photos of Miss Nellie in my camera, I came across this handsome photo of the Mister and the grandtwins taken in September on the Mister's birthday. They and their big dogs are here entertaining us again this weekend. I'm going to try and get a photo of the big dogs with the little dog.

~~~

You may have heard that once again we are dealing with devastating fires in our area and in other parts of California. It's heart-wrenching to watch the news and it's unpleasant to smell and breathe in the smoke, but thankfully, we are safe where we are. Please keep those who have been impacted by the fires in your thoughts and prayers. ❤

~~~

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!)

78 comments:

Jane Willis said...

Two stunning cards - you've given me several ideas too.
Stay safe in the fires xxx

Lynda said...

You've managed to catch that glimmer well, Darnell - it certainly does shine, doesn't it? Thank you for joining us at The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge. :) Lynda DT

Lynda said...

Love the snowflake and the glimmer paste underneath. That is a great technique. Thank you for joining us at Cardz 4 Galz :) Lynda DT

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh what fun you must have had at camp - I don't blame Hammy for hanging with Miss kitty if you were using metallic paints and glimmer pastes- he would have felt rather put out :(.
Your grandtwins are handsome young men, and I suspect if the Mister had smiled the likeness would have been very noticeable.
Glad to hear that you are safe, but it's still a difficult time for you and your state
Blessings and prayers
Maxine

Redanne said...

Both cards are gorgeous, I love all the berries on the holly one and you really have managed to capture the sparkle in your photo. The colours are the second card are beautiful, wonderfully crispy and frosty looking.

At first when I saw the photo of Mister and the Grandies I thought Mister was standing and that the boys had grown to great heights!!! Whew! Hope you have a good weekend and get your photo of the dogs.

Our news is full of Brexit and also the unimaginable horror of the 39 bodies found in a refrigerated truck.... but there are glimpses too of the devastation of the fires in California. I am SO glad that you are safe where you are.... you are in my thoughts constantly and I pray that you stay safe my dear friend. Biggest hugs, Annie xxx

Stamps and Paper said...

Love the Metalic paint on your beautiful holly images and your snowflake card is gorgeous love the colours...what a great photo of the 'guys'....my heart goes out to all those who are suffering from the dreadful fires....keep safe

Anne x

Julie B said...

Two fab cards Darnell, you certainly had a productive retreat.
Glad to hear you are safe, I did wonder when I heard the news this morning. :)

Sandra H said...

Aww Darnell, totally stunning are both your cards the paintings of the holly and ivy is beautifully done also the snowflake die and the photo is so lovely hope you enjoy your weekend take care xx

ionabunny said...

Fab cards. Thanks for the rudolf days reminder. I am in full halloween mode but must remember to do a little christmas. Very handsome trio of menfolk you have there. Hugz

Marilyn said...

Beautiful cards! Been seeing on the news about the fires out there! Glad to hear you all are ok
Have a great day!
Marilyn ❤️

Maria Rodriguez. said...

Oh Darnell, I hear you my dear!!! sometimes I feel like I fell asleep a week ago and missed 7 days when I woke up this morning, sheeesh!!
My heart goes to all of those families who are in the path of these fires, I can't imagine looking out my backyard or my front yard and seeing the flames approaching our home. All I can offer is prayers for this to end and for no more lives to be lost.
Now, your cards are amazing my friend, I'm lucky I have a good batch of Holiday cards ready to go out.
And what a beautiful picture of your hubby and your grandsons, it's so much fun to have the grandkiddos visit.
Hugs.
Maria.

Jeanne said...

Whew, I'm so happy to hear you are safe. I hope things will start to improve soon. I honestly don't remember hearing about so many fires in residential areas while growing up. Could be the sprawl has made a huge impact. I will be praying for you all to get much needed relief and safety. Your cards are wonderful. I think it's fabulous you get together and just play with each other's goodies. You've created two beauties here. The poinsettia is lovely with the shimmer and shine and the ombre snowflake is glorious! Your grandsons are mighty handsome and might be catching up to your hubby in the looks dept. :) Thanks so much for sharing!!

Hilda Burton said...

I love these beautiful cards. Love the pic of handsome Mister and grandtwins. They are getting so tall. The fires are so horrific, but I'm so glad to hear you are safe. Keeping all in my prayers. Enjoy your weekend with the twins.

Jean said...

Gorgeous cards! Look at those handsome guys! Praying that you continue to be safe. I cannot even imagine the fires. So scary.

Craftychris said...

Two beautiful cards! I particularly adore the snowflake one, I love a sparkly snowflake! Lovely photo of your three gorgeous guys. I am soooooo glad you are safe from the fires and I am sending love to those caught in them, so awful! Have a fab weekend. Hugs my friend xxxxxxxx

I Card Everyone said...

Two gorgeous cards, and three handsome guys in one post?? you are too good to us, D! LOVE your holly the mostest!!! xx
=]

JoAnn said...

Two beautiful cards. Love all the glimmery goodness on both cards.
Three handsome fellows in your photo. The twins have really grown. Thanks for sharing the photo.
Glad the fire is not near you and pray it stays away. Also many prayers for those affected by the fires. It is terrible.

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

I love your Christmas cards. The way you added the sentiment to the holly is just perfect. I actually thought it might have been part of the stamp. Lovely!

Lynette said...

Your cards are both very awesome and sparkly, Darnell. Well done! :) Isn't it fun to get together and to have even more items to choose from? (Like we don't have enough of our own!!) Thanks for sharing the photo of the boys and the mister. I'm glad you are safe from the fires.

Brenda in IN said...

The metallic painted Christmas card is beautiful. I don't even remember seeing that! I do remember Colleen teaching the ombre look with glitter paste and your card is beautiful too. I'm so glad you are safe from the fires but they are in our news every day and my prayers go out to those in the path. I can't imagine the smoke and how bad it is for everyone. I am starting to be able to tell the boys apart and they are so good looking. Does hubby have teeth? I've never seen a picture of him smiling. Of course, I'm a fine one to ask that question! Nevermind.

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
Happy Rudolf Days.
Oh your twofer cards are so lovely and gorgeous as always.
Love them both and your work as laways is excellently created.
Beautiful photo of the Mister and Grand Twins.
My heart goes out to everyone affected by this terrible weather and it's devisation.
So glad all is ok with you and yours.
Lots of crafty love and hugs from my house to yours.Jenny L.

Carole said...

Two wonderful cards Darnell...what a wonderful shimmer on that holly with those paints ad I love the sparkle you have added to your snowflake too. Ironic how you are surrounded by people fighting fires...and we have the water...rain, rain, and even more rain leading to flooding in some areas! xx

Cat Craig said...

Two fabulous cards...I especially love the snowflake. I might have to case a bit. So good to see the twins and the mister. My they are growing up fast!

Verna Angerhofer said...

Beautiful cards you created. And, yes, it is time to get down to business on making the Christmas cards. I love the photo of three handsome men in your life too. Stay safe from those fires. I saw them on the news and they look scary. Try to stay out of that smoke as much as possible too. I had planned to do your Twofer but I may not get to working with it as I don't have many sweet images handy. Maybe later today.

Verna Angerhofer said...

Just realized the Twofer is over already. My time flew by. Sorry about that.

Susan said...

I know what you mean about the weeks flying by - gasp, my card sale is less than a month away and I definitely don't have enough Christmas cards ready for it. Love your two cards - gorgeous watercolouring on the first one, and beautiful sparkly ombre background on the second - I'm going to try that technique with adding glimmer paste over the coloured background.

And I have to say, those two boys get more and more handsome with each passing year!!

HilaryJane said...

Love the shimmer on the first card and that sparkle peaking through on the second.
So sorry to be hearing about the fires on the news again xx

conil said...

This time around, the smoke from the fires hasn't reached us yet but it is my understanding the winds will pick up soon and, once again, we'll be house bound. My biggest heartache are for those battling the flames, losing their homes or having to evacuate. Also, the one's losing power.
So it was a pleasure seeing something happy and colorful. Love the glimmer on the holly and that snowflake. Very festive...plus you have two more Christmas cards finishe. Yay!

Glenda Atkins said...

Beautiful card, wonderfully crafted and certainly meets our 'Just add Sparkle' challenge. Thanks for sharing with us at Crafty Cardmakers. Have a great day!
hugs
Glenda

Happy Dance said...

I'm going to pray for a whole West-coast long, gentle soaking rain. I can't even begin to imagine what those folks are going through!! You just be careful....(finger wagging). And I know, right?!! The whole year has slipped by faster than a two year old with a sharpie pen! I always think I have more time for stuff than I actually do. *sigh* Good looking trio of fellas you got there. How did those boys manage to grow so fast? Much like my grands are doing.... As to your cards... Stunners both. That Mondo Holly looks amazing, and you've got a wonderful shimmer and shine on it. Love that! And that snowflake...wowzers! Sooo gorgeous all dressed in blues. Perfect colors. Perfect sparkles. Fabby cards, girlfriend. Sending hugs. xoxo Bev

Kathleen said...

What a fabulous phoot, not of your cards but he Mister and his boys.

Two really super card, great images, colours and designs, tip top.

Kath x

Jeanne H said...

Gorgeous cards, dear Darnell. I can see your grandsons got their good looks from your hubby. Right? Right! Smiles from you, though.

Loll said...

First ... what lovely cards you brought home from the retreat! I'm looking forward to you sharing more of these wonderful techniques! Gorgeous Christmas greenery and berries with amazing shimmer. So pretty! And your snowflake is awesome! I will have to try colouring ombre and adding clear paste over top. Your snowflake is absolutely gorgeous, Dolly!

What a great picture of the Mister, Adam and Henry! Happy Belated to Mister!

I saw on the news last night the devastation. 40,000 people evacuated from their properties and even more properties at risk. It's just terrible. I pray that no one gets hurt, including the firefighters and helicopter pilots. Love, Lolly

Bonnie said...

First of all, I'm glad you are safe from those terrible fires! Secondly, your guys are as handsome as always. Third, I CAN"T BELIEVE HOW FAST THE TIE IS GOING! Finally, your holly is beautifully colored! Love the embossing and the schparkle! I can see just a glimmer of it on the background. I want to try that technique with the glimmer paste. It sure makes a gorgeous snowflake! It's fun to get to play with someone else's toys.

Maria said...

Oh, my prayers out to those all affected from the fires! And, I’m very happy to hear that you are safe! Your Christmas cards are lovely as can be! Beautiful holly that is perfect in color! Your snowflake card is very pretty, too! I love that technique that Colleen showed us! Last, but certainly not least, I must mention what a fab photo of your handsome hubby and grandsons!!:))

Celeste Goff said...

Two gorgeous holiday cards! And yes, you're right...the week just seems to zip right on by!

Donna said...

Fabulous holiday cards Darnell, you are off to a good start. Nice picture of your guys!

Carol H. said...

Time certainly does fly! How is is already that time?! Time that I should’ve already started my Christmas cards at least a month ago! Gah! I LOVE both of your cards! No sunglasses for me as I always love as much sparkle as I can add and it’s beautiful on the holly card. And you ombré panel behind the snowflake is just gorgeous! So glad to hear you are safe from the fires. Praying it continues to be so and for all the firefighters too. Many hugs!

Cheryl W. said...

I love the sparkle and glimmer of your cards. They remind me of the sparkle and glimmer of a Christmas tree. These two are wonderful additions to your stash of cards. I was horrified by the video I saw of the fires. I am definitely keeping those affected in my prayers. It's all just so heartbreaking.

nancy littrell said...

Two gorgeous Christmas cards made at your retreat, Dolly. I loved the glittery sparkle on the 2nd card and I can just imagine how gorgeous your holly card is IRL!!! TFS the cute photo of the twins and Grandpa Mister:-) The twins are really growing up. Love their haircuts, but now I can't tell them apart. Before I could tell the difference, but not remember, which had long hair and which had short..lol! My twin..Margie has a mole above her rt eyebrow, so our friends would raise our bangs to look...Margie Mole, Nancy None..lol!

We were at a funeral service a couple of years ago and an old boy friend did just that...good grief!

I have been loving all your retreat cards. TFS my dear friend...see you in June at our BC Retreat:-) Love and Hugs...Nancy

P.S. I sure have been thinking of you with the fires..so happy to hear you are ok. Such a scary and tragic time for thousands. Wishing rain comes soon...Hugs..

scrappymo! said...

Glad to hear that you are safe from those fires!
Your guys look great. It has been so fun to see those young fellows get older. They look like young men now!

Your cards are fabulous. The metallic water colour card is so beautiful. I can just imagine the beautiful sparkle and shimmer of the water colour paints.

The second card is fab! Love the diecut with the blended ombre coloured swatch behind it. I want to try that now!

Thanks for taking part in the October Rudolph Days Challenge.

Karen Brown said...

Your holly Christmas card just glows...so pretty! We are so pleased that you joined us at Watercooler Wednesday.

Pat said...

Firstly I'm so glad that the devastating fires are not affecting you Darnell, but obviously feel greatly for those poor people that have lost their homes, and what a wonderful photo of your three handsome chaps and wishing the Mister a belated Happy Birthday, and those boys get bigger by the minute. I love both those gorgeous makes with beautifully coloured metallic sparkle on the holly and berries, and also the sparkly paste over the ombre blue with the pretty negative shape of the snowflake over the top, a really super technique. x

Carol L said...

What beautiful cards, and TFS the schparkly technique for making the snowflake card. It's SO much nicer than regular glitter, and probably much easier to work with as well. Great photos of the Mister and young twins - they are growing into such handsome young men! Hope all is well with you and hopefully you continue being safe from those ravaging fires in CA. The devastation is so hard to watch :(

Sarah said...

So pleased to read that you are in a position of safety from those dreadful fires Darnell. I love these glimmery and glittery Christmas cards xx

Sue said...

Two gorgeous cards Darnell and a lovely photo too!!! You will all be in our prayers I've seen the news it's devastating please take care my friend huggles Sue x

Maikreations said...

I just love your ombre snowflakes card! It is so elegant yet playful ;o) And thank you for sharing how you have created it - I will definately try to create one of these backgrounds myself! Keep safe and happy crafting, your crafty friend Maike

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Two adorable cards Darnell, so sweet and festive!! Love so much the sparkling and especially the ombre' snowflake!!!
Your beautiful grands are growing sooooo fast!!! Fab photo with your hubby!
So so sad for all the devastations :( but glad to hear that you are safe
Hugs

OH Babs said...

Now the twins really look alike and oh so handsome. My grandson just turned 13 and is about as tall as his mom and fast approaching his dad. He even has growing pains in his feet. Ouch!
Thanks for sharing this technique. Both cards are lovely. We were suppose to head your way (Mt. View) this weekend but I cancelled because I did not want to skirt around fires and get caught in traffic. STAY SAFE. Hugs, Barb

cuilliesocks said...

Oh how awful for you Darnell. I have seen the devastating fires on our news programmes. So much for there's no Global Warming!. Keep yourselves safe.
Wonderful photo of the three men in your life, three handsome guys.
Gorgeous cards I especially love the one with the gold embossing powder, but love them all really, Kate x

Fikreta said...

Very beautiful cards!
wonderful photo!

Mac Mable said...

I know exactly what you mean about time Darnell. I have had some workmen in this week doing routine maintenance and of course things don't go to plan but where the week has gone, I really don't know.
What fabulous shimmer on your first card and I tilted the computer saw I saw it! x So glad Hammy had a rest x. Stunning technique and effect on the second Christmas card and a real Wow card x.
Thank you for sharing the photo of three handsome dudes x Hope you've made wonderful memories of their visit this weekend and looking forward to the photo of the three dogs x. Sending positive thoughts and love about the fires Darnell x

Christine Alexander said...

I have to say the boys (all 3) are a handsome bunch :)
Love your all your schparkly on the two cards. I can't decide which I like best.

Lisa Elton said...

Pretty holiday cards Darnell! That holly is fabulous and how cute are your guys!

Judy McKay said...

Lovely sparkly Christmas card. Nicely designed. Thank you for joining us at Crafty Cardmakers this week. Hope you will join us again soon. Judy DT

Patti said...

Amazing cards!! handsome boys!! and as always so much fun to spend some time with you in the Playhouse! Sending clean air prayers your way!!

Patti

Gerrina said...

Good to read that you are save! Hope theyu get the idea that it is better to lay the electric cables in the ground, just as we have here....
The guys look great; a picture that is a great reminder on how they were; the twins grow up fast!
And two beautidul christmascards...I am slowly getting to the number of cards I have to make... Hugs and keep save, Gerrina

Em Louise Fairley said...

The cards and guys are gorgeous! xoxo

Brenda said...

Boy, you summed up how the weeks fly by perfectly Auntie! I have lost Oct and my mind is still stuck in Sept. lol Not a good thing! I love your beautiful holly card, it is stunning! The image is just beautiful but I love how you colored it in with the sparkly paints-I can only imagine how beautiful it is in real life. I love the twofer card as well! So beautiful and sparkly. Did you use inks to swipe the color on or alcohol markers? I just love the effect your got and I love that beautiful snowflake die. Sounds like you all had a blast at the retreat as you should have! A big happy family sums it up perfectly I think. Oh my gosh, look at the twins with their grandfather! They get more handsome with every picture you post. They are growing so big too. Where does time go?!!! I do love this photo of the guys and hope you get the dogs as well. Hugs, Brenda

Bobby said...

It looks like you have some right handsome men on your hands, Darnell, not to mention a lot of lovely glimmery paper and one tired out hamster. Great cards!!

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Was thinking about you when I heard about the latest batch of fires - how horrible for everyone out there! Glad you're safe!! Darling cards and darling photo of mister with twins!!

Leslie Miller said...

Wow, two gorgeous cards beautifully crafted! The shimmery paint on the first is splendiferous, and I'm enchanted by the background peeking through your snowflake. The card base matches so well it appears to be part of the background. I love the pic of The Mister and The Boys. Handsome guys! It's fun when the dog family comes to visit. Wally & LuLu love having their friends over.

Robyn Oliver said...

You had me hook line and sinker with your intro Darnell, but the time sure is flying...two wonderful cards and love the pic of your dear men, Robyn

Lou said...

2 fab cards Darnell. I really love the scribbled and glittered background behind your snowflake. That is such a cool technique and one I really must try! So effective. I am glad to read that you are safe from the bush fires and I hope you continue to be. Thanks for joining us at Just Add Ink this week.Cheers from Australia, Lou x PS U totally hear you about weeks slipping by in the wink of an eye!

KT Fit Kitty said...

I'm with you, Darnell, the time goes by so quickly and the weeks just fly by. Where did October go? Your cards are absolutely gorgeous! The large holly stamp is stunning and I love your metallic watercolour! I can see the shimmer! Really loving that large snowflake die too! Sounds like you had a blast at the retreat! Your grandsons are growing up way too fast and they are so handsome, going to be popular with the ladies, I think, probably already are!

Lindsey said...

Ooh, two sparkly Christmas cards! Love the Mondo Holly in sparkly watercolour. And to think I bought Nuvo glimmer paste and haven't broken the seal yet! Looks perfect here, and I may just *borrow* the idea for some upcoming projects.
I've seen coverage of the fires, yikes.

frommycraftroom said...

What a great technique on the second card. Another on the list to try!
Two gorgeous cards.
Stay safe!

TK said...

Awesome cards, Darnell, and I do spy the glimmerness! How fun that you made your own glimmery paper too!

Great pic of the "guys", they sure do look happy with their grandpa!

Prayers being sent up from this house!

Jan said...

Both of your cards are gorgeous Darnell! Your new technique sounds like so much fun and does give such a pretty result! Your die cut snowflake shows off your background beautifully! Thanks for sharing with us at Just Add Ink this week.

Ros Crawford said...

Beautiful beautiful cards Darnell! And those boys have really inherited your good looks!! I been seeing the awful fires in California and I hope you stay safe... thinking of you

Helen F. said...

Gorgeous cards, Darnell! AND look at those gorgeous men!! So happy to hear you are safe from the devastating fires~my heart aches for all those affected. Sending prayers to you all.

Pia S said...

Your cfirst card is beautifully simple, I can see the shimmer in the colors and the glitter panel is perfect for Christmas, I love glitter on Christmas cards. As for your second card you’ve given me an idea for a future card, I’d love to try this technique.

KandA said...

Hi Darnell, well I'm back but in panic mode as I keep seeing christmas cards everywhere and I've not started mine. Love both of your beautiful cards..... the wonderful glimmer on the leaves and berries on your first and the gorgeous chill of the snowflake on the twofer xx

Anonymous said...

No sunglasses needed here, Darnell, these christmas cards are gorgeous! I love the different shades of green on the holly and that it takes up so much of the card space. I like the second card for the same reason - the snowflake size is great and allows for the ombré technique to show up nicely. Thank you so much for playing along with the October Rudolph Days Challenge.
Linda, DT
Rudolph Days Challenge

Greta said...

I've been thinking of you--so glad you're safe, Darnell! Hard to believe the videos of the fires--heartbreaking & so scary! I remember the painted holly (my stamp) & need to use it! The snowflake card you made was one of my favorites from the retreat--love seeing it again! What a great picture from Kevin's BD & I know you're having a ball with the kids & dogs--can't wait to see pictures!

BożenA said...

I have this stamp and he was waiting for his discovery. Thanks to you, I took it out of the drawer and made a few cards. Thank you for the inspiration. Your card is so bright and joyful. My cards are more dark ...
The second card is also very inspiring. I love the blue streaked background and small gold spots. It's perfect for this snowflake
You have great men in your life :-)

Nora Noll said...

Love, love, love those holly cards. The metallic watercolor is beautiful. I also LOVE the snowflake. Gorgeous!!

Cazro said...

A fabulous snowflake card. Beautiful work. Thanks for joining in with us at Cardz 4 Galz. Caz. DT.