Hello Stamplings!
How are my fellow Covid Shut-ins today? Weary? I don't even have any uplifting advice to make that go away except to suggest you turn on your favorite kind of music and enjoy! Try not to get a black eye like I did.
I'm all about QACAS Christmas today. You might think, oh, thank goodness, I'll forget that it's 96 and humid outside. Or you may think, oh, no, no, no, forget about it, I am not looking at Christmas cards in July. You go on then with your bad self and I'll see you next time. No worries.
Onefer
This is a one-layer card made with a NBUS stamp and die set from Simon Says Stamp called "Winter Scene." It was the most fun Hammy and I have had since the time that Greyhound bus filled with members of a British football team took a wrong turn and ended up in our driveway. (That was back when they still allowed drinking on the bus.)
This set has the frame and hills as one stamp and then separate stamps of mountains, reindeer, trees, a house, stars, moon, and four sediments. After I colored, Hammy handled the winking. There are many possibilities for laying out scenes and we told each other stories as we created.
In this scene, we are looking out one of the windows of Santa's house and we see Wilbur and Walter, two of the reindeer out for a nighttime stroll. The problem is they have no sense of direction, as you can plainly tell, and they can't agree on which way to go. Because of that, Santa doesn't use them to pull the sleigh. Well, you ask, why then are they there? Many people don't know this, but Santa has a whole stable full of shelter reindeer that nobody wants. They live long and happy lives because of him. 🥰
This set has the frame and hills as one stamp and then separate stamps of mountains, reindeer, trees, a house, stars, moon, and four sediments. After I colored, Hammy handled the winking. There are many possibilities for laying out scenes and we told each other stories as we created.
In this scene, we are looking out one of the windows of Santa's house and we see Wilbur and Walter, two of the reindeer out for a nighttime stroll. The problem is they have no sense of direction, as you can plainly tell, and they can't agree on which way to go. Because of that, Santa doesn't use them to pull the sleigh. Well, you ask, why then are they there? Many people don't know this, but Santa has a whole stable full of shelter reindeer that nobody wants. They live long and happy lives because of him. 🥰
Challenges
- Jingle Belles: Colorful Christmas Inspiration. (The banner and the reindeer.)
- Less Is More: OLC Christmas in July.
- The Paper Players: Events you celebrate. Congratulations on the amazing 500th challenge!!!
This QACAS Christmas card features a NBUS nativity scene called "Heavenly" by Penny Black. I die cut it from gold paper and then used MFT stitched dies for the popped-up oval and the rectangle panel. The sediment was heat-embossed in gold.
Challenges
- CAS Christmas: Nativity, hosted by Marcia.
- Krafty Chicks: Clean and simple (CAS).
- Sweet Stampers: Christmas in July.
~~~
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 scrolling: Click 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!)
77 comments:
Two very classy CAS cards which I alway# admire as it’s something I really struggle with Lockdown is so boring thank goodness for crafting to alleviate it my husband is in his fifth month as he is shielding allowed out at the end of the month so really looking forward to seeing our family them Take care and stay safe Love and hugs Carole x
Two lovely Christmas cards Darnell...but I'm afraid I can't think about Christmas yet and very anxious of the coming winter month.
Its nice to be able to see out grandchildren again but still missing my friends.. Stay safe
Anne
Two cracking cards, Darnell.
Yes, beginning to get a little stir crazy here ... I'm considering going shopping ... not because I need anything but because it's been such an age since I've been out!
Happy Wednesday - stay well
Kathyk
Pretty cards Darnell! Love the gold in your second card!
Have a great day!
Marilyn ❤️
Delightfully joyful holiday cards, Darnell. I don't make them in July, even though I should. It's fun to see them! Love your stories and that mask photo is spot on! Hope you are doing okay. Hugs!
Great QACAS cards. It's so nice that Santa keeps the unwanted reindeer. [Bunny]
Both cards are fabulous from fun to elegant! I am so glad Santa keeps all those reindeer!! Christmas cards in July is a great idea, in fact making them all year round is the way to go!! Have a wonderful week!!
Hi Darnell, two super cards, I especially love the reindeer one and your little story, just lovely.
I do think that's a really useful little collection of pictures showing how positive the wearing of masks are. Thanks for showing that.
Keep yourself safe, Kate x
Two stunning cards, Darnell xoxo
You never fail to bring a smile to my face Darnell even though there isn't all that much to smile about at present. I love your two reindeer both unsure of where they are going but so cute nevertheless, and then the gold nativity scene and sentiment looks great against the light card. I have made one or two Christmas cards but must keep it going to swell the numbers in good time. We are lucky here in the south west that there are places we can go to where we can have a walk with a nice view away from too many people and we have been out in the afternoons this last few days taking advantage of the lovely sunshine and getting a bit fitter too. x
Lovely cards! CHristmas seems a long ways off and who knows if it will be cancelled:):) Such crazy days!
Is Walter on lookout and Wilbur looks like he's about to sneak up on something! LOL, you woke up my imagining! Great job on lining the pair up on the snowbanks so their feet are touching the ground! Love that beautiful Nativity scene cut in gold and mounted on the stitched oval! Classy and elegant, my friend!
Hi Darnell, Great cards.
You stay safe. Sue
Thank you once again for my morning chuckle Darnell...I really needed it this morning!! Yes, I am getting weary of Covid life, but it is what it is, so I guess I'll go turn on some music and play with my stamps some more!! But anyway, your 1st card was beautiful until I read your story...now that I know about Wilbur and Walter and all the other directionally challenged reindeer, it is FABULOUS! That Santa is one swell guy!! And your twofer is GORGEOUS! The Nativity die cut is soooo pretty in gold and the die cut oval frames it just beautifully! CAS perfection my friend! Thanks so much for playing along with us at CAS Christmas...we love seeing you in the gallery!! Hugs. :0)
Never to early to start projects for Christmas. I start shopping the day after Christmas sales for gifts and craft items. I do try and wrap the gifts, but, I lost the list of what was in each numbered gift. Then there was the year I forgot where I hid the smaller gifts. Oh well, Live and learn.
Love easy Christmas cards!
Thanks Darnell!
Your reindeer card is cute but the story with it is hilarious. Always love gold on Christmas cards. It is very pretty in the silhouette.
Two lovely CAS Christmas cards. Love the nativity scene and the design of your card. TFS
Two fabulous CAS cards Darnell- and it warms my heart to think of Santa giving those directionally challenged reindeer a home- what a lovely man!
xx
I love those cards you made. Both are wonderful! And, I am so glad that Santa takes care of all those reindeer too.
I know Santa is benevolent but now to find he is sheltering reindeer no one wants is so touching. I'm so happy for Wilbur and Walter. No wonder they are so confused, they never had good leadership. The card introducing them is so cute. The gold nativity scene is beautiful, Darnell and the I love the sentiment.
Sweet little reindeer duo, Darnell, and I love the Nativity too - looks like you & Hammy have been busy!! Have to laugh that some people don't want Christmas in July - I do Christmas cards all year long to keep up! Be carefully listening to that music, and doing crafts too - the other day I dropped a metal shim and the edge cut the top of my foot! Dangerous occupation - card making!!
Two lovely Christmas cards Dolly! The reindeer do look confused, but they are adorable and the bright lights are helping them find their way. :) Great story you and Hammy created. Your nativity scene is beautiful and elegant. Love gold and white cards! Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Christmas! Love, Lolly
Love your reindeer card and I'm so glad Santa is taking in reindeers, they have to be looked after. A Beautiful nativity scene card with the elegant white and gold. Yep! that mask trio is quite right.
Take care
Faith x
I so appreciate you reminding us to use masks to protect others and hopefully ourselves. I can see you are in a Christmas frame of mind from your cute directionally challenged, rescued reindeer. And that lovely Nativity card. I must have missed that particular die...it's going to be a winner, though. Love the stitching around the oval and the square.
Very beautiful cards!
I love that set by SSS, such fun to make scenes with it. Love your card and your coloring is fab. Your nativity is very elegant in gold.
Your reindeer scene (and story) are so cute, and your nativity card is gorgeous! Love them both.
A really brilliant creation and post, I just love this super CAS card. Super traditional card too.
Kath x
It is so much fun to read your blog, plus educational as well. I didn't know Santa had shelter reindeer, and not every reindeer is meant to guide sleighs with a jolly fat man. Anyway love both of the cards, so different both very simple but so striking. I send nativity type cards to some of my friends and then more whimsy cards to the other half of my friends. TFS your humor with us and brightening my day.
Your Christmas cards are just perfect to cool after a very hot day. :-) Awesome scene with reindeers. And super fun story. I have to laugh about your explanation of disoriented reindeers. The second card is very elegant Christmas classics.
Stay safe!
Hugs, Sonja
Wilbur and Walter may have no sense of direction but they sure are adorable, I hope Santa thinks that too! The Nativity card is stunning in its simplicity. Two beautiful cards my friend.
Another beautiful card arrived at my house today, thank you so much, I love it and it was so lovely to talk you too, you really did make my day!
The mask illustrations are brilliant too, wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone in the world took note of such a simple form of protection... Big hugs, Annie xxx
I'm kind of on a CAS Christmas card binge right now so these cards are just the inspiration I need. Wilber and Walter are just too cute for words and are probably my favorite reindeer yet. Unlike their human counterparts however, I'm sure they're smart enough to ask for directions back to Santa's reindeer garage.
I'm all for Christmas in July and I really should get busy with more. It's so fun to see your NBUS. It's neverending, isn't it? Always adding more to it. Well, when you're shut in, you have to get your kicks somehow. Thank goodness for stamping and blogging and all this online stuff. Glad we've been able to get out, but in a very safe and protected way. Thanks for sharing your cute cards and helping to keep our spirits up. Hugs!
Poor little misdirected fellas, good thing Santa took them in! This is adorable Darnell and your Nativity card is as pretty as it can be. I so wish people would take mask wearing and social distancing more seriously. One day, soon I pray, this virus goes away. XO
Nicely done, love the gold on this card. It sure does have WOW factor. Thanks for playing our challenge at Krafty Chicks.
Leanne DT/KC
Darnell, these clean and simple Christmas cards are amazing! I love them both!
I think Wilbur is sniffing for yummy roses and Walter is on look out for those pesky humans!!! Sweet CAS OLC , my friend. Love your Gold Nativity scene too. I hope to do some playing tonight. BTW...we have had Elvis on Sirius this evening...even during our yoga:-) What a talent...Beautiful here with a nice cool breeze..67 degrees. Only got up to 76 today, much better than 80's...Stay cool and enjoy creating. Love and Hugs..Nancy
Two great cards Darnell, Those reindeer look like they are following their noses :)
Your nativity scene is so pretty love the gold and white. thanks for joining us at CAS Christmas.
Your "cool" Christmas cards almost made me feel chilly...but not quite. I did enjoy seeing them, though, and they reminded me that I need to make a few more for my stash. Just wish I had my own Hammy around to do the winking--what's a holiday card without a little sparkle? Thanks for always being of such good cheer and adding a smile to our isolated days.
Two great cards, and a win-win for your stash! I'm also quite pleased that the reindeer are happy and healthy -- you stay that way too!
Gorgeous cards Darnell love them both but the gold one just popped out at me!though your wee story about the reindeer made me smile ...reminds me of myself no sense of direction!we had hoped to go for a picnic at the weekend with friends but typical summer in Scotland means rain and we will be 30degrees cooler than you so maybe not a picnic then nothing worse than a soggy sandwich !!:)
It's never too early to make a start on Christmas cards although I haven't even given the festive season a thought yet!
You've made a great start here ..... love the little reindeer scene, and the nativity die cut looks beautiful.
We are so lucky to have no restrictions here on the island, I just hope we keep it that way. It's all very strange. We're still keeping ourselves pretty much in our own little family bubble, with the odd trip out here and there in the motorhome.
Hang in there hun ...... we will all get through this!
Stay safe xx
Great job with Christmas cards, Darnell. I love the winter scene which is CAS. These deer are so cute and happy not having to haul a sled with a fat Saint.
The second card is an excellent CAS card. Perfect and elegant, the combination of lolor perfect. I also love how you picked up the sacred scene on the oval.
I wonder why are they forbidden to drink on the bus now ??? After all, alcohol is one of the best disinfectants and in the era of coronavirus it should be recommended at every step :-)
Hugs,
BożenA
Oh Darnell I cannot imagine how long you have been in isolation..I know four weeks total lock-down was bad enough!!! We have life pretty much 'as normal' now, thanks to stringent boarder controls.
Glad to hear you and Hammy are keeping each other entertained, and your minds stimulated and edified with stories and card making, and I am loving your results.
Santa is such a generous soul, not only with his gift giving (to those who behave), but also sheltering the reindeer like that....
Your nativity card is simply stunning - love it - the Christmas story told so eloquently, and the gorgeous, perfectly embossed sediment.
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine
Two fab CAS cards, love especially the first one!
Your first card is beautiful and like the sentiment, and the second is very striking and elegant! Take care!
Two lovely cards as usual! :) In the depth of these funky bunk weird days you still are uplifting and I appreciate that effort. :) This year I really should have no excuse as to why my cards aren't finished before Dec 20. We'll see!
Wonderful holiday cards! And I am so glad to hear that Santa runs an SPCA for reindeer!
Both great cards, Darnell but I am so in love with your little deer in their snowy scene. What a perfect CAS card! So glad you were able to join us and help us celebrate our 500th Paper Players challenge.
Jaydee
It is always a delight to visit your blog, Darnell! Your stories and pretty cards always bring such a smile and often a chuckle my way. Love the lost little reindeer AND their names! Both cards are sweet.
Awesome set of CAS cards Darnell! Cute as can be.Thanks for celebrating with us this week at The Paper Players 500th challenge!
I am so glad that you and hammy had so much fun with your one layer Christmas card and so glad to hear that Santa looks after all those reindeers that have no sense of direction! x. Such an elegant second Christmas card and perfectly CAS x.
Hi Darnell
I had tried to get my head around Christmas, when presented with Christmas dies to make samples with but ended up making half of them non Christmas in theme lol!!!
A delightful duo for the festive season.
Did that really happen with the footballers?
Take care.
Ang x
Two great cards. One quite modern and fun and the other a classic. You are really getting a jump on Christmas cards. Usually one of my New Years resolution that never happens.
I am glad Santas takes the adoption of reindeers seriously. They are not just for Christmas they are for life.
2 lovely Christmas cards Darnell, sweet little reindeer and a gorgeous nativity scene, love the stitched details on this one and the shiimer of course. Thankyou for playing along at CAS Christmas too, Cathy x
Two lovely cards Darnell.
Um my mojo has taken a long walk tried playing with some new toys hoping that might spur some creativity! Helped a little but not as much as I would like!
Christmas in July! July is almost over isn't it! Both really fab Christmas cards. Love he cute reindeer and the gold nativity!!
Your one layer card is fantastic, Darnell...such a cute scene and I love the simplicity of your design! I really, really LOVE your Nativity scene! Great idea to use gold foil and a stitched oval aperture for this CAS card! Thank you so much for playing along with us at Fusion...we always enjoy seeing your creations in the gallery ~ Barb xx
Oh my gosh, did I say 'Fusion'? I'm so sorry...I meant to type CAS Christmas...don't tell Loll :)
I'm a good self and am happy to look at Christmas cards all year long! Love the inspiration I get for making my own!
Two fabulous cards, especially the first one that just appeals to me so much - love the sweet little reindeer on their snowy hills. The one on the right looks a bit bemused by the Christmas lights hanging in the sky as well as pondering which way to go! Wish I could have been there both when the British footballers arrived and to hear all the other stories you and Hammy were telling each other! It warms my heart to know Santa takes in unwanted reindeer even if they aren't useful for pulling the sleigh.
Great CAS nativity scene too. Gold and white is always so elegant.
Wilbur and Walter are adorable 😉... Santa has a heart of gold! And speaking of gold... your nativity card is gorgeous in gold. Two fabulous Christmas cars.
Lol, I DID say 'Oh no, no, no!' to myself but then I backed down. Christmas is probably going to happen this year so we might as well get on with it! I love your cards - the elegant golden nativity and the Lost Reindeer. I like the sound of a stamp that is a frame with hills - the possibilities are endless! I like the idea that Santa runs a reindeer shelter. Of course he does! Take care Darnell, Vicky x
What a lovely reindeer card, Darnell! The Wilbur and Walter's strategy worked well so that they got to hang out on the snow hills instead of working hard and pulling a heavy sleigh. ;-P
The gold and white Nativity scene card is so classy and elegant. The die-cut stitched lines are a nice touch. Thank you so much for sharing this beauty with us at CAS Christmas!
Hideko xx
As always, two amazing cards, super CAS and spot on! I love the picture in the one layer card such a fun scene. Thanks for joining in with the challenge at “Less is More”.
It is difficult to know what to do or say about the current situation across the world ... I guess we all have to try and do the best we can to deal with the situation. It is not easy for anyone I know there are days when I struggle but we all keep going and doing our bit to protect friends and family.
Take care
Elaine
What a great duo of CAS Christmas cards! Love the wayward reindeer theme and added story for a good chuckle, and the manger scene looks beautiful in gold! How in the world did you get a black eye? Hope it heals soon! Take good care and have a good weekend.
It's always such a joy to visit your blog Darnell! Note to oneself to do it more often! Two beautiful cards, those reindeer are adorable. Your Christmas in July is like our Australian Christmas! Oh and thanks for sharing with us at Less is More.
Your reindeer card is adorable!
Fantastic christmas card.
Thank you for joining us at the Sweet Stampers and i hope to see you again.
Hugs
love that sweet little reindeer pair ... so glad you were inspired by our color Christmas at Jingle Belles.
Great Christmas cards! Very nicely done!
such a beautiful CAS card and i love the way you incorporated elements from the photo inspiration! so pleased you could join our fun at JINGLE BELLES!
Fabulous Christmas cards, Darnell...gosh the gold one is so elegant and beautiful and the other is pure whimsy and so fun! thank you for sharing the card at CAS Christmas Challenge! We love seeing your inspiration in the gallery! Heart Hugs, col
Two wonderful Christmas designs Darnell! The deer look so happy in their snowy hills with the red lights above them - I'm so glad they found a safe place to live with Santa (!) and your gold and white nativity is lovely with the appropriate sentiment for the season! Lots of gold and white in the CAS Christmas gallery this month - all of them beautiful! xx
Wilbur and Walter roaming free ... thank goodness for Santa and his shelter, Darnell! They should be so pleased to be appearing on your sweet scene ... it's so deliciously minimalist ... and really makes them the stars of the show! Gorgeous nativity in gold ... you know I'm going to love this perfect depiction of the real meaning of Christmas ... it's just beautiful! Apologies (said apolojies with the emphasis on the ap) for being so late ... ya know ... stuff! LYAMYHAHMA! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)
I love Christmas in July, I can see good progress in my Christmas card collection, finally! The first card is beautifully CAS, the stamp set sounds like one I “need”. And the nativity scene is classic. Great job!
Oh ba; this is the reason I don't like to make christmascards! It is summer and I want it to go slow so I can enjoy this fine time of the year so much longer... So glad I am already finished with all my cards for those 2 days in the cold and dark days at the end of the year...
I do like the first one; so super CAS! Hugs, Gerrina
Such a cute scene with the deer, but I love the classy, CAS nativity card! LITS & getting shorter as people still resist wearing masks. Big pool party at the house behind us today. I know it's almost 100 degrees, but just wanting to forget the pandemic doesn't make it go away! So frustrating!
Post a Comment