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!

November 2, 2019

Guesting with Penny!

Hello Stamplings!

Welcome to the charming month of November. Who doesn't love November? You can have some warm Indian Summer days to enjoy the remaining colors of fall (or cool spring days before the heat of summer). Here in America we have a rustic and robust holiday of gratitude and food that we look forward to all year long! And for card artists, it's the month of full-on holiday card and tag making! 

I was fortunate to win a fun Penny Black Saturday Challenge recently, so I have the privilege of being their Guest Designer for November! This wonderful challenge is always "Anything Goes" (as long as Penny Black products feature prominently, of course), with an optional theme if you need extra inspiration. November's optional theme is "Tags."

Here is my tag to inspire you!
I used "Stitched Main Street Tags" by Poppystamps for the tag layers. I cut a solid tag from aqua paper for the base of the tag and over that I adhered an aqua vellum layer and over that I adhered a beautiful platinum patterned paper layer and over that I adhered another aqua vellum layer with a platinum-embossed sentiment from Penny Black. After that I adhered a blanket over me and took a nap.

When I got up, I propped the tag in the window sill for a coupla days while Hammy and I considered whether to add anything more. In the end, adding the critters won out, as it always seems to do in the Playhouse! These delightful critters are from Penny Black's "Jolly Friends" set. I was not particularly pleased with myself for stamping the critters in harsh black on my soft platinum and vellum creation, but I got over that by adding gold and black organza ribbon to, well, tie everything together!
Guest Designer Badge

Thank you, Helen, for inviting me to be your November Guest Designer!

I'd love to see your tags in the November challenge at PBSC! The talented Design Team have created stunning tags to further inspire you, so go check them out! 

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Challenges

Snippets Playground Badge
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Nellie Notes

Continuing from my post last week, this was the best photo I could get of the three dogs together. Sorry about the dappled lighting.
Henry with Duke / Nellie / Adam with Jack
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I also wanted to share these photos. Nellie wasn't freshly groomed when we got her so by the time I came home from Indiana she was so dirty finding a groomer went to the top of my To-Do list! Here she is before and after!
She's dang cute either way and let me tell you, that pure white does not last long, lol! She gets dipped in the sink after our walk every morning to wash her feet and then she gets brushed and combed.
Thankfully, she came with this pretty argyle sweater from her prior owner which helps keep her belly clean now that the temperatures are chilly in the morning. She adores going on walks! You can see in her face that she's imploring me to stop taking photos so we can GO!!

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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!)

62 comments:

Julie B said...

Aww, love your cute little Nellie, so proud in her Argyle coat. We couldn't get a coat on Max if we tried, which I did years ago, good job he's not nesh!
Congrats on your GD too, super tag. :)

Marilyn said...

Cute tag! Love the added birdie and mouse!
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤

Jeanne said...

Sweet tag, but super sweet pups! Your Nellie is just adorable!

Becca Sadler said...

Adorable tag! Great photos that you've included in the post, too! Thanks for sharing!

BożenA said...

Congratulations on winning the Penny Black blog. Thanks to this, we can admire your next beautiful work. This tag is unique. Cooperation with Hammy gives amazing results. I love cute little animals, they beautifully decorate your tag. Coloring them is also very interesting. The picture is great, patches of light add expression. I wonder if Nellie prefers to be in pure white or maybe after a walk ...?
Hugs,
BozenA

Birgit said...

What an adorable tag! Your grandsons and little pooches are so cute too. What a big difference between the before and after photos. haha! Nellie must feel like a million bucks!

Bonnie said...

Congratulations on your Guest Designer spot, my friend! Your tag is adorable and very inspiring! I love the aqua with matching vellum and these little critters always make me smile! It looks like the boys have their hands full with those big dogs. Nellie reminds me of a kitty with her back to the camera. She likes being the only one in the picture. She's so pretty!

Bobby said...

Congrats on your win, Darnell. Your layered tag is wonderful with that colorful vellum accenting the patterned paper. Nellie is downright adorable and she's lucky to have you doting on her.

Sarah said...

Well done on your GD spot Darnell and what a fantastic layered tag. Just look at her in that sweet argyle vest...so cute...and that adorable face!! xx

Happy Dance said...

I think the critters in black just add another layer of interest to your tag, Darnie. In black, they pull your eyes right to the center of your tag and wend their way all around your pretty creation. Love the added bow, and that blue! It's crisp and centerful (another new word of mine...lol)! It works perfectly against that patterned paper, too. Sweet tag, and congrats on being GD at PB! Busy week here, but will see what time allows. Sending hugs. Oh! Those boys! How handsome are they??!! And the pups are pretty sweet too. Hugs to Nellie, too. xoxo Bev

Donna said...

Congrats on your GD spor, darling tag, like how your image is stamped on the two layers and the bow is a good finishing touch! Your grandsons are growing fast, and like the before and after pictures of Nellie!

Helen said...

Thanks so much for guest designing for us this month Darnell! I love those cute little critters...so glad you went back and added more!
Helen x

Hilda Burton said...

Love your tag, the pics of dogs and grands. I hope the fires near you are out by now. Enjoy the weekend!

Carol H. said...

Yay! Congrats on the win! Your tag for the GD spot is so pretty! I LOVE the critters!!! Your sweet Nellie is just so precious! Our Baxter looks so much like her! Many hugs!

Pat said...

Congratulations on your win over at Penny Black Darnell and love this bright and pretty tag, and your two cute critters and super coordinating ribbons finish it perfectly. What a lovely photo of the boys and dogs, and Nellie looking gorgeous after her grooming session, doesn't she brush up well, so so cute! x

jimlynn said...

Love your card and a big congrats on the guest spot too! Lovin' those little mice!
ALL the dogs are so cute and handsome but somehow, Nellie steals the spotlight. You're right - dirty or clean, she's adorable! CUTE! Rambo sends all three a hug.
Lynn

Verna Angerhofer said...

Congratulations and I must say your tag is so fun and adorable.

Trina P. said...

Congrats on guesting! 🎉🎉🎉 Your tag is adorable... and so is Nellie!

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Your puppy is so cute! I have a sheet of stamps from that same set all colored and ready to be made into cards. I hope I have a chance to do it soon. Thanks for the inspiration!

Liz said...

Congratulations on your GD spot and what a lovely tag you've created. Nellie is so cute, just adorable! xx

Cat Craig said...

Congrats on the GD! And your tag is fab. Love that blue with the black ribbon. Great contrast. Your grands are growing up fast so fun to see the pics. Nellie looks sweet either way.

conil said...

Love the non-traditional color combo on this tag. I'm especially fond of Penny Black critters so they seem to fit right in, for me. And I like the way you stamped them on vellum as well at the tag base...they look right at home. Of course, you idea of adding the ribbon was just plain brilliant.
Nellie seem to have no problem with the twins' big dogs. Eventually, she'd end up being their boss while at you house. Snowy white or not, she is so adorable.

Dotty Jo said...

Great card, Darnell, and great pics of the boys and the pups. You are funny saying that you adhered blanket over yourself and took a nap! Hugs, Jo x

HilaryJane said...

Love this tag. I am glad you decided to add the critters. In my very humble opinion I think it is good that you chose a clear black as they now stand out nicely. The black ribbon was a brilliant finishing touch. Thanks for sharing pictures of the boys and their dogs xx

Jeanne H said...

Love the dogs! Oh wait...love your tag too. The critters are so cute and festive.

Celeste Goff said...

Love this sweet little tag Darnell! And congrats on the guest spot!

Kathleen said...

Super tag, great design and images. Great photo's too, looks like Dudley with have competion.

Kath x

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Congrats on your GD, lovely tag!!
Your photo of grands and dogs is adorable and Nellie is the cutest! How sweet face!

Bunny said...

Congratulations on your win and guest design spot. Love the tag. It's so cute.

I gotta say, Nellie cleans up real good. However, she rocks the scruffy look. I rather like it. [Bunny]`

Redanne said...

Huge congratulations on your win and also on your GDT spot, your tag is so cute with those lovely little critters, they were a good addition.

Nellie looks adorable scruffy and clean and I just love her little sweater, it makes her look even more adorable, if that is possible. I think the picture with the boys and dogs is hilarious with Nellie's bottom taking front and centre!

Hope you are having a good weekend. Hugs, Annie xxx

Sharron said...

Love your sweet tag! And I adore the dog pictures--what fun photos! Nellie is such a cutie. And she sure has the best mom. I wipe Spirit's feet (she is also white) but don't pamper her with a dip. White is a definite challenge though. It doesn't take long before our little one looks more gray than fluffy white!

Loll said...

Your tag is awesome, Dolly! Love all those layers ... so fun with the cute PB critters and pretty with that gorgeous ribbon. Congrats on your Guest Designer spot!

Great picture of the boys and three dogs. Not an easy feat to get everyone int the photo! Nellie is so dainty beside Duke and Jack. And look how bright white her fur is ... such a pretty girl. Love her sweater! I'm not allowed to buy clothes for Jessie. Love Lolly

Leslie Miller said...

Congrats on your guest spot! Pretty tag. I like the critters on it. I also like the real life critters pictured with your handsome grandsons. Nellie is so adorable and such a snowy white since her grooming. I'm sure she does love her walks, just as Wally and LuLu love theirs. We don't dare break the routine!

nancy littrell said...

Congratulations on being chosen PB Guest Designer, Dolly. I Love your pretty DSP and vellum layered Christmas tag. I think you and hammy chose the sweetest tiny critters for your tags.

BTW...your little white (now) critter is so adorable. I bet she got a lot of compliments on your walk. TFS photo of the twins and 3 doggies too. Hugs..Nancy

Sue from Oregon said...

Awww Darnell...your grands and doggies are so cute. I had a little doggie like Nellie-he lived to 17.5 years old. Boy I sure miss him.

Your tag is wonderful and I like the addition of the critters(but I happen to be a critter girl!). Glad to have you on board for November! ♥ Sue Kment

My Paper Epiphany said...

What a fun way to stamp the critters and I love the layered tags! The ribbon is extra special! So glad you're guesting with us this month:) Your fur-babies are very cute!

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Love the tag.

Nellie is so adorable. Wonder what shampoo the groomer uses to get her so bright white:)

Hope you have a nice day. Sue

Karen Brown said...

What a precious tag! And I am so glad you added the cute critters as they make me smile (especially that darling Christmas bird!). We are so pleased that you joined us this week at Watercooler Wednesday.

Craftychris said...

Gorgeous tag with those super cute images! Fabulous photo of the twins and the three dogs and Nellie is adorable! She looks soooooo sweet in her lovely coat. Hugs my friend xxxxxxx

Mac Mable said...

Many congratulations on guesting and what a fun and fabulous tag you've made. So glad you managed a lay down with your blanket in between making it x. Thank you for the photo of the handsome boys and the three adorable dags x Talking of adorable....Nellie is that and more x.

sandie said...

Congrats on GD and I love the way you stamped this cute image and what lovely layers-I find it hard enough to do all cards so tags are never fancy...if you get a tag in the first place...most come with name on marker!! Nellie looks cutie and what an adorable photo x

Papercraft Boutique said...

Congratulations on your Guest Designer spot at Penny Black, Darnell! Your tag is so sweet! I love the way you stamped the little critters you and hammy chose, and the aqua vellum is so pretty! The gold and black organza ribbon is perfect to bring the card together.
Your grandsons are handsome and the dogs are adorable!
Thanks for sharing the happy pictures.
Hideko xx

Lorraine said...

A gorgeous tag, love the PB stamp and fab design.
It's fabulous to see you as Guest Designer at PBSC
Lorraine x

Lisa Elton said...

Congrats on guesting Darnell!! That little mouse is just so dang cute, what a darling card!! Speaking of dang cute, those boys and all of those pups just make me smile!

Cheryl W. said...

Your tag is a beauty. I like the vellum layers a lot. There's just something special about vellum. It dresses up anything you put it on. The dogs are beauties, too, especially Nellie after her grooming. She has such a sweet face.

TK said...

Darn tootin' cute critters!... the two on the tag, and the other three, oh and those grandsons too!

Dawn T said...

A delightful tag Darnell. Thanks for joining us this week at Watercooler Wednesday. Dawn ~ DT

Linda said...

Nellie is just too cute ..... love her little jacket too.
Congratulations on your GD spot, your tag looks fab ..... love those little critters.
Have a great week xx

Sandra H said...

So beautiful Darnell and congratulations on your win ..aww so cute are the dogs and Nellie before and after photos are so adorable thank you for sharing them enjoy your day xx

Gerrina said...

Congrats on being guest designer! And beautiful how the images keep on going over the vellum!
Nice pic of the guys and the dogs! What a difference a cleaning gives :)! Hugs, Gerrina

Brenda in IN said...

I love the addition of the little critters. They look happy to be included on this fun tag. The aqua is such a pretty color. The boys and the dogs, so cute. Nellie seems to be happy to be right in the middle. I see your leaves are starting to fall too. We finally got the gorgeous colors from them, then came the rain. What a difference a trim and a bath make. I do like that fluffy look of before too.

Maria said...

Very cute tag with the bird and mouse! Beautiful color and pretty ribbon, too! Wonderful photos of your grandsons and the dogs! And, Nellie is just the cutest! I just want to reach in and give her a big hug! Take care and have a great week!

Kara Lynne said...

Congratulations on your guest designing gig! I love the aqua vellum and platinum together. So glad the critters won out, and that ribbon is the perfect balance. Nellie is beautiful! I've always thought a white dog is like having white carpeting. So pretty, but not for long. I went against my better judgement and got white couches for the living room - same thing, but I love the look anyway. Funny how no one ever spilled anything on the couch until I got these! Your grandsons are as handsome as ever! Glad to see they are not squishing the dogs' noses in this photo!

Nora Noll said...

Congratulations on your GDT gig at Penny Black. Your tag is adorable and I LOVE the little critters. That blue just POPS too!! I am loving your photos of your new pup. She is beautiful!! I can just imagine how hard it is to keep her clean.

Cris G. said...

Congratulations for winning Penny Black challenge and for being November GD, Darnell! I like the blue piece of vellum and little critters on your lovely tag. Cool days are coming... along with my very favorite Holiday!!!
Nelly looks like a white fluffy star, she really is a cutie patootie.

oldpunca said...

Congratulation for to be guest designer. You've created fantastic tag with all this layers. Little critters are like a cherry on the cake. :-)
I like foto with boys and dogs. Nellie seems to be the boss. She has everything under controll. :-) She is fotogenic like a movie starr. It seems as she would lough on the foto. :-)
Have a wonderful day!
Hugs, Sonja

Babs said...

Love your Tag a really fab creation beautiful colour and your cute little stamped Image is so sweet, congratulations on your GD , and loving the photos of your Pub there adorable.
Babs x

Greta said...

Oh my goodness--that Nellie is just too cute! So fun seeing the before & after photos! Adorable shot of the boys & dogs--bet things were exciting & fun at your house, Darnell! Congrats on the win--sweet tag!

Di said...

What an adorable tag Darnell - LOVE the colours and design! Penny Black is always the way to my heart.

And Nellie - dear me, I do think she and Dudley are so very alike. She's delightful!

Hugs

Di xx

frommycraftroom said...

The dogs are adorable! Love the last pic of Nellie waiting to go for a walk.

Congrats on being at Penny's

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous tag, and of course young men, and pooches! xoxo

Neet said...

Love your tags but sorry,Nellie is stealing the show here - especially in her morning coat.
Hugs, Neet xx