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 17, 2020

Spring Blossom PP Parade

Hello Stamplings,

Happy Friday! YAY, we made it to the weekend! Wait. What? Oh, that's right. We don't have weekends anymore as we come up on the start of our sixth week in isolation. Oh, well! Happy Friday anyway in a world where everyday can be Friday if we want!

That's true of everybody except our essential workers. God bless them for all they are doing! Every one of them should receive a Medal of Freedom or some other honor when this is over. We are all so grateful and 🙏 for you.

I've some uber QACAS cards to share. I hope they will brighten your day!


When I was visiting Brenda last fall, we stopped at a craft store. It was a real treat for me because we haven't had any brick n' mortar craft stores in my area for years. Among my purchases were a few breathtaking designer papers by Alexendra Renke. With the addition of a stamped sediment (or even none), I turned them into spring birthday cards, which I'll share at Crafty Hazelnut's PP Challenge. Sometimes pp needs to be the star of the show, and in posts to come, I'll have more pp-focused cards to share.

Reminder Zone
  1. Over at the Twofer Card Challenge, Designer Bev has prepared another Twofer for you to inspire you to make cards using the Rain/Umbrella prompt. Please check it out. You have until the end of day on the 24th to play;
  2. This month's NBUS Challenge is open until the end of day on the 30th for you to share; and
  3. Over at the Day of the Month Card Club, where I'm this month's GD, you have until the 30th to play.
Grab our badge to display on your blog.Our take away logo!  / Our logo to take away!

~~~

I'll leave you with a few photos to ketchup on a bit of family life:
  1. Neighborhood fence art to keep our spirits up!
  2. I mentioned I'm doing a clean, purge, and reorg of the Playhouse. I pushed all my bookshelf schtuff to the side to wipe off the top, left to get some paper towels and came back to catch Freckles getting frisky with Hammy! 😲
  3. The Mister went out to the garage to put the new registration card in one of the motorcycles. He nearly jumped a foot when he reached up to open the tank bag and saw this lizard. Inside the garage on top of the motorcycle and he wouldn't budge! (The lizard, not the Mister.) This was a few nights ago when it was cold, so we think he was in a torpor. He just stayed there for a picture and he didn't move until the whole bag was unbuckled and carried outside, where he was unceremoniously dumped into the flower bed!
  4. This is the way Nellie sleeps in her bed at the foot of the big bed, all snuggled in a comforter. She looks like a stuffed animal when she's sleeping. Well, also when she's awake.
  5. This is the way Nellie looks when the Mister insists on putting her next to the irises for a photo. (I told you he was besotted with her!) The sun was in her poor eyes so she couldn't look up without looking grumpy and miserable, but I had to share this photo of her with the awesome shadow of the iris on her head!
And finally:
This is my little family. The Mister looking debonaire. (He's smiling, honest.) Can you see Nellie white-on-white in the second chair? And did you notice one of our little hummers managed to get in the photo, too! We are making the most of sheltering in place ~ or SIP as my sister Diana calls it. She loves aaaackronyms, too! I think I'll go join the Mister for a different kind of sip!🍷

~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!* Take care, stay in, and be safe!

*Life is too short!

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64 comments:

papierelle said...

With some designer papers you don't need much more to create effective cards. Great if you want to go fast and you want to produce many.

Kath said...

Fabulous cards and beautiful DPs. Lovely photos too.
Kath x

Stamps and Paper said...

Your cards are beautiful love the designer papers what a brilliant find...
Love your photos but I think seeing the lizard could give me a heart attack to me they are very much snake like of which I have a huge fear...Pictures of your Mister relazing and your little pooch are delightful and of course that humming bird.
Keep safe

Anne

scrappymo! said...

Wonmderful card from that pretty paper.

I loved all the photos... Especially of the chalked fence panel!

oldpunca said...

It is so clever to stamp a sentiment on so beautiful painted paper! Your spring birthday blooming cards are very elegant and very nice.
Thank you for sharing moments of your isolation life. Quite the same at us too. Motorbike in the garage, biker at yard with a beer. :-)
Stay safe my friend! Hugs, Sonja

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, I'd rather come across a lizard than a snake. What we wasnt to know if did your hubby give out a manly scream, or a girly one?:) LOL

Beautiful cards.

We are coming to the end of our fourth week of isolation. We were told yesterday that we have at least another three weeks. Of course those that are classed as Extremely Vulnerable may well have to isolate until a vaccine is found, which even though a very promising one is being trialled now, it couldn't be made in any amounts until next year.

Nellie is so cute. I didn't notice her on the white chair until you said:)

You take care and stay safe. Sue

kiwimeskreations said...

Wow - who needs stamps when you have paper like this Darnell - only down side, they would put Hammy out of work ... although he clearly had other things on his mind when your back was turned!!
Your wee family looks rather satisfied about being confined to barracks, and the weather is looking lovely too!
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine

Linby said...

They certainly have brightened my day - so pretty and beautiful papers which you've used so well.

Chris said...

That paper was a real find Darnell and your cards are gorgeous! It is a treat to find a bricks and mortar craft shop these days!
Thanks for sharing your photos too- that fence is a brilliant idea!
xx

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

I love your blossom cards Darnell, they are so beautiful. Hubby and I have just got back from our daily walk and it was lovely to see that the trees are all truning green now and the few blossom trees that are about here look gorgeous. I love the photos too.

Sue xx

Jeanne said...

The pattern paper you found is stunning, Darnell. (I have no brick and mortar craft stores locally as well) You created some gorgeous cards with it! Wow! Thanks for sharing the pictures of life around your neighborhood. So fun! You definitely are making the most of SIP(ing). :) Stay well! And virtual hugs!

Julia Dunnit said...

Seriously beautiful paper, absolutely the star of the show. And a sight for sore eyes, we’ve had loads of days filed with blossom and sunshine, and now it’s wet and chilly today! I think a lizard in torpor trumps any surprise I’ve had this week!! stay SIping!

Darlene said...

Your cards are just BEAUTIFUL and yes, the certainly did brighten my day ... thanks!!! Also, thanks for sharing a little piece of your life/world ... always nice to see how my crafting friends live. Beautiful flowers and Nellie is adorable! Stay safe & healthy!

Donna said...

Always enjoy reading your posts Farnell. Your cards are stunning, I was sure the flowers were stamped. Enjoyed your pictures and commentary. Enjoy your weekend and your sips.

Marilyn said...

Beautiful card Darnell! OK, as for the lizard, The whole neighborhood would have heard me screaming!!
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

OH! Gosh, this is the most beautiful paper, what gorgeous cards you have made with them a lucky find to be sure.
Love your piccies, as for the lizard, just as well he wasn't the quick moving kind? LOL. You have a beautiful "SIP", we have had some beautiful weather enabling us to sit outside for a couple of days, too cold otherwise :) Love your Nellie, she's so clean against the white chair.
Keep safe and well
Faith x

Diane said...

These cards are beautiful!! I have lots of pretty~pretty papers and need to follow your lead, I actually thought you stamped them until I read the post, which by the way is great!! Loved seeing all your fabulous pictures and am jealous of the hubs getting to sit in the sun in shorts (with his beer)...it's snowing here today, about 3" so far...but to be gone tomorrow...only Michigan!! Thanks for sharing all your pictorial life!!

jimlynn said...

(The Misters beer looks good too!) Love cute little Nellie.
And speaking of loving - WOW on that patterned paper! So beautiful!
Lynn

HilaryJane said...

I just love that blossom paper. The cherry trees are in blossom here and I have amended my usual morning walking route to go past as many as I can. I just love them, and yet their beauty is so fleeting so thanks for reminding me xx

Bobby said...

I love all the photos you shared, Darnell. It makes me feel more connected. I love that paper too. So soft and pretty and makes gorgeous QACAS cards.

Carole said...

So pretty Darnell...and a great way to use up those papers too! xx

designbydonna said...

The PP is beautiful. Love the spring blossoms. Looking forward to being able to get out to visit craft stores again. Internet ordering is fine but love being able to set my eyes on all the beautiful things at once.

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards, Darnell. And thanks for the reminder about the NBUS challenge... I'll schedule a post for next Wednesday now! xoxo

OH Babs said...

Delightful paper and you only needed some sentiment.
So glad you have had sun it is finally coming our way and I have gone for a couple of strolls up/down our street. Today will be the first day I have gone "out" other than to the car for a quick jaunt to get take-out. Finally after five weeks we are very low on food so I am going to Winco (Cal went once without me). Our son was adamant that we did not go together (shhhhh don't tell him) but we will place our clothes in the washing machine and then shower. Continue making beautiful cards and hopefully we can resume aspects of our life. Hugs dear, Barb

Vicky Hayes said...

Wow Darnell, I'm not surprised you couldn't resist those papers and you've made gorgeous spring cards out of them. Imagine going shopping in a craft store *drifts off into a delightful daydream* I know what you mean about Fridays... some of my household aren't too sure what day it is! It's lovely to see your photos. Kids have been chalking in our neighbourhood too and it really does raise the spirits. Freckles and Hammy! Good gracious - moving swiftly on! Maybe the lizard thought he was a chameleon and was sitting there thinking 'Lalala, he can't see me!' I hope he enjoys his new home in the flower bed. Nellie is the sweetest little one and I love that she sleeps at the foot of the big bed. I bet she is living her best life :) SIP is a great acronym. I love how in the US you have Sheltering In Place, which sounds like living in a little cottage in the woods, whereas in Britain we have a rather more brutal sounding Lockdown, which sounds like some kind of wrestling move! Happy SIP-ing. There might be some actual sipping here this evening too - just so that we know it's Friday! Mwahs from a safe distance, Vicky x

Whisper said...

Oooo simply stunning hun and thanks for taking me back to the wonderful times my family and I had last April in Japan, we went for 'Cherry Blossom Season', oh I so wish I were there now.

Gorgeous photos and how lucky were you to capture the humming bird too,

Stay safe, luv Sam x

Brenda in IN said...

Alexandra Renke has some of the most beautiful papers I've ever seen and you picked a great one. These cards are stunning. I love the SIP, it sure says what we are doing. Mister looks happy SIP and Sip ping while Nellie is so relaxed whether in bed, the grass or her pillow on the chair. Great pictures! Maybe the lizard just wants to ride for a change and is waiting on Mister. Miss you and hope you can come back when you run out of AR paper!

cuilliesocks said...

Hi Darnell, your card is stunning, I love the cherry blossom and such a lovely design.

Your photos are amazing, I'd have jumped a foot too if I had come across a lizard....especially as we don't get them here. Having said that my son had a couple as he loves reptiles, don't know where he got that from lol. nellie just looks darling all cosied up and what a handsome man the Mister is, quite right I hope you did go and join him for a sip. Have a good weekend and stay safe, Kate x

Verna Angerhofer said...

I certainly can see why you loved that designer paper. It is gorgeous! And, the cards made with it are gorgeous as well. Thanks for sharing a part of your life too with the photos. Take care now.

Sarah said...

How bold of you to cut into that gorgeous paper to make these two beauties!! Therein lies my problem, I am just too weak to make that first cut and why my paper pad collection is now greeting me on the landing when I go into my work room!! Such gorgeous photos, little Nellie is so pretty and it is good to see the Mister looking so well too xx

Jeanne H said...

I too love your cards with that beautiful paper. It occurred to me that I enjoy reading the comments on your blog and often find new places to visit. Thanks for sharing...love your pictures and cannot wait to see you if I ever can get to CA! Hugs.

Pat said...

What fabulous AR paper with that oh so pretty cherry blossom, and three wonderful cards made with it Darnell. I love your photos and the Mister looks as though he is recovering well now after his operation, and Nellie is also looking in fine fettle...hope you are too! Take care. x

conil said...

Personally, I love Renke prints...think she's a design genius, especially with florals. Those cards are proof of her (and your) brilliance. Love seeing your SIP life photos...looks to me like you all are doing just fine. The Mister's beer looks pretty good, too.

Carol L said...

I love your springtime cards - those papers are just beautiful and make the prettiest cards! Love those photos too, and great pic with the hummingbird! They don't sit too long in one spot if they sit at all! Great pics, thanks for sharing while you're SIP! Stay well :)

Lisa Elton said...

Oh my, what pretty paper and I love the way you've used it! Cute photos today too. Looks like the Mister and Nellie have a nice place to SIP... in more ways than one!

Hilda Burton said...

I love these beautiful cards with the stunning PP and perfect sentiments. Thanks for the pictures to brighten my day...every SIP day needs a little brightening, right? Nellie is such a little sweetheart. I definitely see how she stole Mister's heart. Enjoy your weekend.

Jean said...

Super cute cards! Wonderful photos! So nice to see your world!

Kathleen said...

Really beautiful images and super colours.

Kath x

Loll said...

Those papers are GORGEOUS and make the most beautiful, spring-inspired cards, Dolly! What a great way to make multiple cards! Thanks for the photos, all awesome, especially the last one with your sweet, relaxing place in the garden. Nellie looked very comfortable in your chair! :) Love, Lolly

Cathy said...

Beautiful cards Darnell, those papers are so pretty! Loved the pics too, you've brightened my day as always, Cathy xx

Liz said...

Fabulous papers, Darnell. You've made beautiful cards with them. TFS the photos - love the story behind the lizard. xx

Leslie Miller said...

That's some gorgeous designer paper and very fitting at this time! My cherry tree is in bloom and I colored some cherry blossoms this week. Spring is in the air! I love seeing your photos from around the homestead. I can see the Mister's smile and Nellie all white on white, and I can see the hummer taking a break at the feeder. What a beautiful day! Every little thing is gonna be alright!

Cheryl W. said...

Your cards are just gorgeous. That is some amazing DSP! Thanks for sharing some photos. When stuck inside our own homes, it feels like a real visit when we can peek inside someone else's.

frommycraftroom said...

That pp is just gorgeous! Love the cards you made.

Thanks for sharing the pics. I came home from work the other day and my hubby had been to the specialist pet store for work and purchased a snake (a baby python)! My reaction to the so called gift was hillarious to my young adult children and they were so disappointe they hadn't filmed me!! It was only at our house overnight til he could get into his workplace but I must admit I didn't sleep to well that night!

nancy littrell said...

Gorgeous PP with the flowering cherry trees blossoms, Dolly. I need to take some photos of our blooming trees and more. We have several alligator lizards, but one in particular is gorgeous..never has lost its tail. So sleek and beautiful. You have me inspired..I must take some photos. I will work on it:-) TFS and Stay safe and enjoy your creating and Spring Cleaning in your playhouse:-) We are gardening, gardening, gardening:-) Love and Hugs, my dear friend. Nancy

Ros Crawford said...

Beautiful cards!! I do love Alexandra Renke goods, they are so pretty. Thanks for sharing your photos, I love seeing them! Be well

Linda said...

You're so right, those beautiful papers make stunning cards, with or without sentiments.
Lovely photos too. Love and hugs to you and the Mister xx

Glittered Paws said...

Beautiful cards - who needs stamps? So bright and springy - surely this will be out last freeze/frost. Covered up the tomato plants we have planted. Loved seeing your pictures of just everyday life.

Bonnie said...

I have some AR papers and I love them! They make gorgeous cards! How fun to get into an actual store! I'd love to get into an actual store right now. Just about any store, actually! But on an upbeat note, there's only been one Saturday this week. That's an improvement! Thanks for the fun photo album of Life at the Knauss household!

Maria said...

Oh, your spring card is super lovely, Darnell! So bright and full of spring! Love the pretty pink color! Wonderful photos, too! I think I would have freaked big time if I saw a lizard in the garage! Sweet photos of Nellie, too! Take good card and stay safe, hugs!!

Nora Noll said...

What STUNNING cards you created with just a little designer paper!! At first I thought it was Washi!!! You totally rocked the color of ink to coordinate with it for your sentiments. So delicate!!! Thank you for your photos. Love your little pets!!!

I just received the stamp yesterday and thank you!! I will make some impressions and get it back to you. Have a FABULOUS day!!

Cat Craig said...

That paper is stunning, Darnell. I probably would have had a hard time cutting into it...but wow what fabulous cards. Loving the pictures...what a trick getting that hummer in the photo. Cameras are amazing what they capture in that milisecond. Hugs. Stay Safe. 6 weeks already...yikes...

GerJanne said...

Hi Darnell,
so lovely to read your comment on my blog. I like the twofer challenge very much and I 'm a follower for months, but there was no good idea to join you. I hope the next time I will play again!
Nice to invite me to be a follower of your blog and I will. Of course!
Your cards are beautiful!
And the pictures are nice for me, so I can see and read who you are.
Stay safe! Next tuesday we will hear from the government what's next...some more weeks in lockdown or...

Susan said...

That is the most beautiful dp! I no longer allow myself to buy any as I already have way too much but if I'd seen that, I'd have had to break down and buy it! You made the loveliest cards with it - they just sing of spring to me.

Bonnie Lynn said...

Darnell, that designer paper is to die for!! Love the CAS cards you made with it too.

Sandra H said...

Stunning designer papers what a find absolutely gorgeous CAS cards and loved that you shared your photos and your right Fridays don’t really exist in my days everyday is a weekend but l do feel for our workers bless them sending virtual 🤗 stay safe x

Pia S said...

Gorgeous papers turned into even more gorgeous cards. I’m a DP addict, I’ve got loads of après, but not these, but maybe I should rummage through my stash tomorrow and see what I can find...

Redanne said...

I recognised the design paper straight away, I have a lot of them and cannot bear to cut into them! I don't have the blossom one though, it is beautiful and so are your cards - in fact they are stunning!

I love all the photos too, the lizard is fabulous and so is the teeny little hummer, but with apologies to the Mister, my favourites are the ones of Nellie, she really is so adorable. Take care and keep safe my friend. Hugs, Annie xxx

Celeste Goff said...

What a great set of cards Darnell and the mister and fluff ball look very comfy in the sun!

Fikreta said...

gorgeous cards!
lovely photos!
hugs

Lisa Babitz said...

That paper is gorgeous, and you made beautiful cards with it! Love all your photos as well!

Anita in France said...

You chose the most beautiful sections of that gorgeous pp, Darnell ... these are all stunners! Fabulous photo's too ... you captured so much lovely detail in each one! Yep, Kevin is looking particularly dishy! LYAMYLALMA ... WTCOM! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Greta said...

Gorgeous papers that certainly deserve to be the star--love the cards! Fun seeing your pictures, Darnell! I did almost miss that Nellie was in the chair & how neat the hummer posed, too! Sending big virtual hugs!

BożenA said...

Yes, I also love Alexandra Renke's papers. Unfortunately, they are not available in Poland. It's a pity ... because maybe once I could make a card as beautiful as your cards presented in this post. I love them all and the sentiments you chose are perfect.
hugs,
BożenA