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!

May 27, 2020

Paper Hugs and Poinsettias

Hello Stamplins!

I guess I'm feeling very southern today. How y'all doin'? A lot of Americans went hog wild over Memorial Day weekend and time will tell if that was a dumb idea. I can't take any chances, so it was just three more days in paradise for us. Not really, because we are having unseasonably boiling hot temps up to a hunnert and five degrees this week.😳Thankfully, it's spose to cool off by the weekend.

So my non-crafty item I'm grateful for is not a little one today: it's air conditioning! And my crafty item I'm grateful for is glitter paper!
My friend Trina sent me a thank you card recently which I blatantly copied CASEd for this card. The beautiful NBUS glitter paper, which I had to immediately purchase, is from Memory Box and the NBUS paper hug sediment is from The Stamp Market. I'm not sure where the sweet stem is from because I borrowed a die at the last Lake House retreat.

Challenges
SPREAD THE MIXED UP LOVE - grab a badgeThe House That Stamps Built Inspiration Palette Challenge M2020

Twofer
This is a study in smooching with broken china. Ouch! The wreath is from PTI, the fussy-cut poinsettias are from Waltzingmouse. The border frame is Pointed Rectangle from Poppystamps. You can't see it, but Hammy winked the poinsettias and a schparkly gem was placed in the centers. The sediment is from GKW. It was stamped in black and clear-embossed.

Challenges 
Image may contain: textRRCB 135
~~~

Nellie

I promised you more photos:
Here she is all unkempt, but still lovable. Nellie looks pretty cute, too! (We were having a pensive moment. If you look close, you can see my gray hair starting to show!)
And here she is bright white and shorn and looking alternately like a lamb or a puppy. Not bad considering she will be nine in July!
Dancing for a treat! (I need a Pull-It Surprise for taking that photo while dangling a treat!) According to the AKC regarding the Coton de Tulear breed: "... Amusing traits of these long-lived jesters include unique vocalizations and a knack for walking on their hind legs." We are so blessed to have rescued her. I have about eleventeen more photos and a recording the Mister made of her "talking" to him, but I'll spare you!

~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!* Please continue to stay in if possible and take care when you have to be out and about.

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!)

76 comments:

Aquarius said...

Two super-duper cards - can see why you needed the lovely pastel glittery 'schtuff'. Thanks for sharing the pics of Nellie she is gorgeous and wonderful that you rescued her. There are certainly lots of unkempt dogs (and people) around who are unable to visit their groomers but I suppose in the big scheme of things that is just a minor irritation. Stay safe

Craftychris said...

Two beautiful cards! Love all the yummy sparkle on the first and the sentiment is awesome! Your inky Christmas card is wonderful too, I can imagine Hammy's brilliant winking and I can see the gorgeous sparkly stones when I enlarge the image. Nellie is soooooo cute and I love the photo of the two of you. I hope you are ok and staying safe. Hugs my friend. xxxxxxx

Kath said...

Fabulous cards, especially your Paper Hugs!
Kath x

oldpunca said...

Thank you for sharing photos of Nellie. She is so sweet! I'm happy for both of you that you found each other. :-)
Thank you for a hudge dose of inspiration I saw in your post. Paper hugs are fabulous. Super nice done with pastell colored glitter paper. Christmas card in blue is very nice designed. Poinsetias looks like to be cut with the die and not with scissors. Perfectly done!
Take care and stay safe! Hugs, Sonja

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two gorgeous cards Darnell, I love the top card with the glitter paper. I have a small draw full of glitter paper the is unused. Great photos too and I would not have noticed the gray hair if you had not mentioneed it.

Sue xx

kiwimeskreations said...

Awwww Darnell, you and nellie are both gorgeous and lovable - and Hammy of course!
I have never dyed my hair, so I did not have that problem...I am just growing old disgracefully and undisguised! We are gradually coming out of lockdown, and today we have had no new cases - the fifth day in a row! Whoppeeeee... in our population of 5 million, we have only had 1,504 confirmed and probable cases! So thankful that our government was decisive and acted quickly.
Loving your wonderful cards, and give my congratulations to Hammy for his wonderful winking.
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
Happy Rudolf Days.
Your Twofer deigns are so super gorgeous.
Love them both but especially love the Paper Hugs one as I sure am a glizy gal.
What a fab idea the different colour glitter panels is.
Love that sentiment it's perfect for what we are experiencing at the mo.
You second card is very pretty also and the colours are so pretty.
What a very cute puppy such a little sweetie that's for sure.
Thank you for joining the Rudolf Challenge.
Lots of crafty love and virtual hugs form my house to yours.Jenny L. DT

Jenny L said...

Forgot to say I think the Mistoe is one of Lolls dies as she has a Rudolf Design with one on it.

Marilyn said...

Beautiful cards! Love the colors on you first card! Cute pictures of you pooch!
have a great day!
Marilyn❤

Glittered Paws said...

Love the paper hugs card - very pretty colors and love the CAS. Then moving aong with the blue poinsettia and you had me wowing. I am so glad you have a helper in your crafting playhouse. Love the beautiful fuzzy cute white ball of fluff.

Stamps and Paper said...

Two lovely cards Darnell love the colours especially the glitter one...
Your little bundle of fluffiness is so sweet....
For years I coloured my hair but then decided to just 'let it go' after getting home from a holiday in Europe and my hair was so dry....I've never looked back..think of the money you'll be saving on colouring..

Anne

Chris said...

I'd be very thankful for the air conditioning too at those temperatures!!! Phew!!! Beautiful cards, lovely designs and perfectly crafted.
Lovely photos of your cute little dog, she looks so pretty after her haircut...wish I could get one! (haircut that is, I already have a cute large dog :)
xx

cuilliesocks said...

Well Darnell, Nellie steals the show here, what a little beauty she is, shorn or otherwise. It's so marvellous that she has a forever home now with people who love her. And as for you....well it's not grey shining through, rather it's silver....
As for your cards, both are so beautiful, such lovely designs too.
It sure sounds awfully hot down your way, but that may help to kill off the virus, I believe it doesn't thrive in hot weather, but keep yourself well and safe, Kate x

Carole said...

Two absolutely fantastic cards Darnell...love the soft colours of that glitter paper and the fab sentiment and the clean , sharpness of the Chistmas card made with your broken tea cup!.lol Fluffy bundle looks very cuddly...bet she is hot in that coat. Very warm here in the UK too...no rain for ages for the flowers but makes hunkering down a more pleasant experience. Take care...BTW...you hair looks better than mine!..lol xxx

Lisa Babitz said...

That color blocking card is gorgeous! I love your choice of white die cuts against the colored glitter papers. So pretty! Your holiday card also looks great with the beautiful broken china and black on the white. Nellie is looking adorable, as always!

BożenA said...

Two beautiful cards, Darnell. And the first one arouses true admiration with all this splendor that it spreads. Real sparkling WOW!
Nellie ... I was convinced he was a puppy and I can't believe he's already a grown up dog. Nia I remember the story of her saving, but every good gesture brings a blessing. This little white lady is certainly a blessing now, especially during isolation. Be safe, healthy and happy, my dear Darnell
hugs,
BożenA xx

Jean said...

Simply gorgeous cards! Nellie is such a cutie!

Lynette said...

What a great idea to use glitter paper stripes! I'll have to try to remember that. (Actually, I wrote a note, but we'll see if that works. :) Love the second card, too - pretty color. Oh my - that is WAY too hot!! Such cute photos of the "puppies."

Sandra H said...

Aww how adorable is Nellie she looks so cute and your cards Darnell are so lovely love the panel card with all the different colours of glittered cards 2nd card equally as pretty love the colours on that one - it’s a bit cloudy here today we had a lovely hot day yesterday l think London is having the sunny day today stay safe x

conil said...

Love that "Paper Hug" die...I use it a lot. I'm grateful to The Stamp Market and you (you know why). That card must shine so much, you need sunglasses. And the Christmas card is beautiful, as well. Your certainly ahead of me in that Yule cardmaking.
LOVE Nellie and your photo...I think, under the circumstances, you both look rather "kempt". Hadn't even seen the hair issue until you mentioned it.

jimlynn said...

Your cards are gorgeous as always - but I'm going straight for Nellie! It just doesn't get any cuter than that. She's a doll!!!
Oh and AC really is something to be thankful for!
Lynn

Bonnie said...

You know I love the Paper Hug with all that glittery goodness, Dolly! The soft pastel colors of the glitter paper is so serene! The blue poinsettias are beautiful and unexpected! Nellie looks so pretty after her beauty treatment. Your gray is blending in quite well. It's really a good time to see how au naturale looks!

Bonnie said...

You know I love the Paper Hug with all that glittery goodness, Dolly! The soft pastel colors of the glitter paper is so serene! The blue poinsettias are beautiful and unexpected! Nellie looks so pretty after her beauty treatment. Your gray is blending in quite well. It's really a good time to see how au naturale looks!

Donna said...

Two outstanding card, both of them are stunning Darnell and so glad you shared at The House That Stamps Built! Like the picture of you and Nellie and all the pictures of Nellie - such cuties!

Verna Angerhofer said...

Beautiful cards and wonderful photos. You can just tell people you have frosted your hair a bit....so still in style. Hubby and I cut each other's hair but we have always gone with our natural color. True though that cutting sometimes rids some of the gray. LOL

Nora Noll said...

This is gorgeous!! I LOVE the glitter paper you used. The colors are so light and make me happy. I love your second card too with the pretty blue of the poinsettias. Such a simple elegant Christmas card.

The weather is getting hotter here too and I don't like it. I prefer my seventies and sunny, not 90 and humid!!

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Hope your temps ease up soon.Here it is 68 degrees right now ( 4.50 in the afternoon). Had to ask Google to tell me what 20 Celsius was in degrees, as I go in Celsius. the hottest so far this year was 82.4 (28 Celsius).

Love the cards.

Nellie is so cute. Never would have guessed she's almost 9. My Honey is 9.

Well you take care. Sue

HilaryJane said...

Love the colours and the wonderful sparkle from this deceptively simple card, great paper hug die too. Love the white space on your Christmas card xx

Carol L said...

What a purty pair of cards, all sparkly and oh so pretty! Love that glitter paper too! As for Nellie, you are so blessed to have her and she sure is a cutie and obviously as lovable as they come! It hasn't hit 100 here yet, but I am very grateful for my central air too! Stay cool, stay safe, and happy crafting!

Em Louise Fairley said...

So much fabulousness in one post! xoxo

ionabunny said...

Love that glittery card. Simply, yet stunning. I would definitely be interested in the talking to the Mister dog video. Hugz

Jeanne H said...

Love the Broken China card...great color that I'll have to dig out. tfs AND your pup is adorable. So nice to see pics of him and you too. Stay well. Hugs.

Julia Dunnit said...

That Trina, what a fab friend, she’s a doll to send you such fab cards. That glitter paper really is something else. But the sediment die? Is wonderful and I am off to look for it properly. Lovely pics of Nellie and her new do, I must admit to being a little jealous - so looking forward to visiting a hairdresser!

scrappymo! said...

What a brilliant idea for that first card. I may just have to CASE it too! Also love the pretty pastel colours of the glitter paper.

Your Christmas card is so pretty too. The inked paper for the image is a great idea. The shades of the blues are so soothing!

Puppy is a sweeite pie. We do not have a dog any longer and while I would have another, DH does not...sigh...

Thanks for taking part in the May Rudolph Days Challenge.

Vicky Hayes said...

I always think of your name in a deep southern accent Darnell and why not be a southern belle, even if it's just for an afternoon?! I love love love that paper hugs die cut and it looks amazing on the strips of schparkly paper, with that gorgeous little sprig. I'm glad no-one was hurt while smooching with broken china ;) I love the texture it's given your wreath and that pierced frame is a beautiful finishing touch with the gems. I think I speak for the rest of Blogland when I say we are all happy to see billions of photos of your adorable dancing queen! Lol about the grey beginnning to show - apparently grey hair is all the rage right now and I suppose this is the perfect time to grow it out! Sending hugs, Vicky x

OH Babs said...

Glad you are keeping busy making cards. Of course both are lovely but I love the hug card and will probably case, minus glittery paper.
Nellie is such a sweetheart and so glad you have something to care for during this stay at home situation. I heard beauty shops are opening and I am three months overdue. Coloring is no longer an issue but I need a good cut.
Our weather has been good and no complaints. Stay safe. Barb

Cat Craig said...

Love your glittery thanks, and the blue poinsettias are fabulous. Glad you are keeping sane with the card making. Much the sameness going on here. Hubs did do some cooking on the grill Saturday...we've been eating hotdogs and burgers ever since...lol. Love seeing Nellie, can never have too many adorable pup pics. Stay safe. Stay Cool. Grateful...video chats and dilly bars.

Redanne said...

Two beautiful cards, as always, I just love the Christmas one, it is so elegant and I love blue and white for Christmas.

Nellie looks so adorable with her hair and so sweet after her haircut. I envy her slightly, I could do with having my mop trimmed but I think it will be a few more weeks yet. I feel quite lucky that I no longer colour my hair so that's a bonus.

Take care my friend and stay safe and well. Hugs, Annie xxx

Pat said...

Lots of pretty pastel glitter paper strips on the first card Darnell, and love the leaves and berries and a huge sentiment to finish, and then the wonderful wreath and poinsettias in the gorgeous aqua blue tones. Nellie is so cute and even more pretty when primped and with a newly sculpted fur coat. I hope your temperatures become more acceptable soon. We are warming up here but more like low 70s at the moment which is very pleasant. x

Bobby said...

That paper comes in such dreamy colors, Darnell, and you showed them off well. You were kissing broken china. I guess that is an 'ouch'. lol The flowers look lovely on the wreath.

Elena C said...

Hello Darnell. I just had to tell you that it is really fun to see your little Nellie's photos. We have a Coton also and she is just the best dog!!! She's very obedient and a great pet. Ours will be 10 yrs old in August, but she still plays and runs around like she was 2!!!

Thank you for sharing.
Elena @ ibgranny.c3@gmail.com

Lisa Elton said...

We've been hot here too Darnell, 90 yesterday. It's too early for that nonsense!! Your sparkly card is lovely, wonderful colors and a fabulous CAS holiday card to boot. Cute photos of Nellie... you too!!

Cheryl W. said...

Lovely cards today (I adore the glittery one), but "smooching with broken china?" You know the rules--6 feet apart! Absolutely no smooching allowed, unless its with your DH. he he

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Two beauties, Darnell - just love the glittery strips on card one and the yummy wreath on card two! Darling doggy photos too, plus you of course. No, I didn't look closely for the greying strip on your head - would force me to acknowledge the one on my own head!! Luckily, our salons can reopen on 6/1 and I have an appt already booked from pre-pandemic which my stylist can honor now - whew!!

nancy littrell said...

Two very different and very beautiful cards for different occasions, my dear friend. Thank you for sharing them both. Thank you also for sharing the adorable photo of you and Nellie. I Love how Nellie lets you cuddle her:-) Was the sheared Nellie photo before all our isolating? She is so cute in both photos. Can't wait to see more and hear her talk too! You get so much entertainment and love from your little bundle of fur:-) Stay Safe and Creative, Dolly. Love and Hugs...Nancy

Loll said...

LOVE your panels of softly coloured glitter paper for your first card, Dolly! Thatn that die-cut paper hugs is AWESOME. It's always fun to be inspired by a friend!

Your blue poinsettias are so pretty adorning the wreath. A beautiful CAS design, my friend.

I have to say that Nellie stole the show. What a cutie, patutie! I love her dancing for her treat! Love, Lolly

TK said...

Terrific cards, Darnell! Love the sparkles and beautiful sentiment of the first, but the second is terrific too with those fancy die cuts! And pensive or shorn, you both look fabulous! Please don't spare us the "talking" video because talking animals are awesome :o)

eva said...

Thanks for joining us at Christmas24. Your card with poinsettias is pretty.
It`s beautiful CAS design.

eva said...

Thanks for joining us at Christmas24. Your card with poinsettias is pretty.
It`s beautiful CAS design.

papierelle said...

Your card with the pastel colored stripes looks stunning. I am very thrilled!!
At first glance, your second card doesn't look like a Christmas card. Very cleverly done !!

Trina P. said...

OMGee! Had a rough day yesterday and should have known to check your blog because it would have given me an instant boost! You didn’t just CASE my card (very honoured btw), you improved it! The paper hug die-cut is awesome!... mine is still sitting in my NBUS box. 🙈 And blue is my favourite colour so you know I LOVE your blue poinsettia wreath card.... so beautiful. Then you end with Nellie!... so so cute and looking fresh as a daisy.
Glad you’re keeping well. Have a wonderful day. Hugs.

Maura said...

Love the glittery panels, Darnell!!! I love a card that sparkles and yours certainly fits the bill! And Nellie is adorable whether shaggy or trimmed - what a honey!!!!

Glad you are well (albeit hot), take care, my friend!!

Brenda in IN said...

This glitter card is just stunning. The soft colors and beautiful sentiment along with the pretty stem made a wonderful card. I love the blue poinsettias and the circle wreath. Great Christmas card too. AND then, Nellie. Oh my gosh, how cute is she! I love her fluffy look but I know she is cooler after being trimmed especially in that heat you are having. Both of you stay cool.

Mrs A. said...

So when do we get to see a before and after piccy of Hammy! Hugs Mrs A.

Heather said...

Two fabulous cards!! I love the first one with all that gorgeous glitter paper!! And the die cut sentiment is perfect for these times! Thanks for playing with The House That Stamps Built.

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, my word, that sparkly paper! Even if it wasn't sparkly I'd love that card, but ohhhhhhh, how those sparkles sparkle! Beautiful Christmas card, too, with fabulous smooshing. You mixed and matched your die and poinsettias and made it look like they belong together. Now, for my favorite... you and Nellie. Those are quite the comparison photos of Nellie. She's sweet and adorable in the first and looks much bigger with all the fluff, but, wow, what a beauty after her salon visit. You look great, gray roots and all. Glad I let mine go a few years ago. I actually like it, but I have to be careful about the colors I wear.

Anita in France said...

There's a lovely crisp frostiness about those blue hued poinsettia in the die cut frame, Darnell ... Hammy did a great job with the glimmering up! LOVE the soft shimmery blocks of delicious delicate colour ... sooooo gorgeous with the white die cuts! The dainty leafy sprig is from Simply Graphic ... a French company ... guess who brought those to the Lake House! Nellie's so sweet in her newly coiffed loveliness (as is her human!) ... see she's happy dancing at her trimmed look (that's how I was!). LYAMYMLALMCA! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Ros Crawford said...

What gorgeous cards and those photos are adorable!! You look really good and that little girl is a darling. I wish we had A/C... It's so hot but Ian doesn't feel it like me... Not much I can do about it now till everything is back to normal. Stay well my friend!

Cat Craig said...

Rereading my first comment...I'm blaming the thanks on auto correct...lol think that'll fly? IT is a fabulous shimmery and all things perfect hug that brings a big smile. And, maybe the thanks should come from me. Love n hugs.

Jan Clothier said...

Both cards are gorgeous! I love the coolness of the blues against white for an elegant Christmas card. Clever combination of a variety of products - it must come from having such an amazing stash of goodies! Thanks for playing along with us again at Retro Rubber Challenge.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful CAS card with such a pretty blue! Nellie dancing for a treat is so cute; who could resist that sweet face! Thank you so much for sharing your lovely christmas card with the Rudolph Days Challenge.
Linda, DT

Susan said...

I'm in love with Nellie - she is so adorable! Thanks for posting the photos!

And great cards! Love the pastel glitter papers on the first. And of course I really love the second as it is blue and white - what a great study in smooching with just one colour - you got great shading.

Deborah Frings said...

Oh my gosh! I do so enjoy reading your blog posts, they always bring a smile to my face. Hope the temperatures have come down a bit,it's wonderful here in North Wales too - so enjoying all the warmth and sunshine.

Anyway, I'm wearing my C24C hat here - your blue poinsettia card is stunning! I love the way the ink has smooshed about and the simplicity of the design. Great work. Thanks so much for playing along with C24C, Deborah, DT. Hope to see you again soon.

BTW - sparkly is always good xx

Viv said...

Wow two amazing cards here Dee! love all the sparkle on the first one and that soft colouring and sweet flowers on the second one too! Aww and the sweet pics of you and Nellie too, isn't she just adorable!! hugs Vee xx

My Paper Epiphany said...

Your glitter card is so, so pretty! A beautiful and elegant design! The water-coloured Christmas card is very special - I love it. As for Nellie, she is adorable:)

Mac Mable said...

Nellie will feel so blessed with you rescuing her too.....Both of you are adorable! x.
What a beautiful and glittery first card and a stunner of a Christmas card x.

Claire Grantham said...

Trying to focus on your gorgeous card for Retro Rubber.. but got all distracted by Nellie, who is a STUNNER! Love the soft broken china palette. Thanks for joining us this time at Retro Rubber. Claire DT

Ann Chuang Crafts said...

This is such a beautiful card! Thanks for sharing your card at Mix It Up Challenge Blog! Hope to see you again soon!! HUGS!
Ann DT

Esther Asbury said...

I love the glitter papers you used on the card you linked up to The House That Stamps Built --- thanks for playing along!

Greta said...

Oh my goodness--what a sweetheart! Clearly Nellie was meant to be part of your family, Darnell! The glitter cardstock is beautiful & so is the card! Can't go wrong with wreaths & poinsettias & I love how you combined them!

Linda said...

Beautiful twofer .... I love all the sparkle on the first design, pretty colours too. And your Christmas card is so pretty ..... I really should make a start on mine!!
Nellie is such a sweetheart, and how cute does she look after her trim xx

Pia S said...

We’ve had high temperatures here as well, I envy you your air condition. I only have a small fan and our housing up here in the north is kind of designed to keep the heat, not to dispose of it. So I’m melting away here. The striped design with glitter paper is a striking one. I might borrow this idea too. The paper hugs sentiment is more fitting than ever these days. Your Christmas card also looks amazing, loving the colors and the original and beautiful wreath design.

Glittered Paws said...

What a pretty twofer - especially the poinsettias. But then kept scrolling down and saw Nellie - and what a real cutie. She is holding her age beautifully. We have one that is 14 (has some arthritis) and one that is 12 - showing lots of gray - but still show a passion for life. TFS your twofer.

Marybeth said...

Nellie is the sweetest little girl ....oh my goodness she is adorable! I think she is one lucky girl to be with you and Kevin. So white and fluffy!
Oh back to the cards LOVE the beautiful paper hugs card sooo pretty! T Christmas card is so pretty and the sentiment Perfect!!!!
Thank you for the happy mail and love! Take care and stay well!

Helen said...

Both your cards are stunning, Darnell! Your second card has such simply elegance with the soft coloured glitter paper and white die cuts! Beautiful! Glad to hear you're keeping safe! Thanks so much for joining us at HLS Anything Goes with Dies!

frommycraftroom said...

Fab cards - that glitter paper is gorgeous!

Absolutely lovely pics of Nellie! thanks for sharing :)