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!

July 27, 2020

Christmas Critters

Hello Stamplings,

Welcome to the 27th day of July, 2020, more than halfway to Christmas. No one knows what the world will be like 21 weeks from now, but if nothing else, we can exchange or donate Christmas cards!

I hope so, anyway, because my creativity wagon wheels have traveled steadfastly down Christmas Road for several days now. This time my yuletide makes feature my faves: critters!
You know I do love froggies. I never tire of this old Purple Onion frog. He's been given googly eyes by Hammy and a pretty red bow in celebration of Christmas in July. The banner is from Concord & 9th, the sediment is from GKW, and the card base is linen. I mean, what can I say, another QACAS shazambam card.

Challenges
Twofer
Same design, different critter! The thing is, this is such an easy sketch and I have no end of critters, so once I started going through my critter drawers (excuse me?), I couldn't stop making them! This one is a dog from a stamp set by Paper Smooches called "Santa Paws." I do chuckle at how it turned out because the dog looks like he is walking a gangplank! Or a diving board!

On the off chance that you aren't familiar with this Christmas character, this dachshund is the star of a children's book called, "Dixon Destroys Christmas." It's really charming and carries you through the escapades of a miniature dachshund named Dixon who has an overbite, an overactive bladder, and an overachiever personality disorder. You can just tell by that goofy smile that a lot of ornaments are destroyed as you follow his journey through the book!

Sorry, wait. Before you go googling it for your grandchild, I just made that up. But it could be a book. If you want something easy and addictive that works for all your bird and critter stamps/dies, give this fun sketch a go!

Challenges


Nellie's Notes

Speaking of dogs, you haven't seen Miss Nellie in a minute:
You know how she likes to guard the table when I'm outside taking photos of my cards Justin Case any squirrels show up to startle me. Yesterday I dropped down on the other side and took this shot of her from underneath the table. Did someone say, "cookie?"

Tomorrow the poor thing is going under to have a complete dental checkup and clean. She just turned nine and the records from the previous owner show dental disease, so we need to have our vet take a look at what's going on in that sweet stinky mouth of hers. 🤞

~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!* Keep well!

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77 comments:

Stamps and Paper said...

Two cute Cards Darnell I love animal and critter Christmas cards ...I haven’t even thought about Christmas yet... but can’t believe were almost in August. Nellie is so adorable and dogs are such faithful companions.
Stay safe my friend

Anne

Aquarius said...

Two brilliant critters - certainly both raised a smile. All the best for Nellie's trip to the vet.

Sandra H said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell so adorable are those images just so cute! hope Nellie’s treatment goes well as l am sure it will do hope your having better weather than me it’s really ☔️ hard take care and enjoy your day xx

kiwimeskreations said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell, and I am glad the Hammy enjoyed them too and helped in the creation of them :)
Nellie certainly looks a beautiful wee lady - hope her teeth are all good... I am going to the dentist tomorrow, and know that there is work to be done :(.
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine

Loraine Long said...

You really should write this book Darnell it would be a hit!

Marilyn said...

Cute crads! Love the frog card!
Have a great day!
Marilyn ❤️

Lisa Babitz said...

Two cute cards and another great story idea! Good luck with Nellie's dental appointment tomorrow.

Vicky Hayes said...

I can get into Christmas cards today because it's pouring with rain, but I feel we Brits have to make the most of the summer in case it chooses to disappear, forget about autumn and usher in winter!!

Love your Christmas cards Darnell and that is a fab sketch. What a gorgeous frog with his googly eyes and little Dixon is a cutie too. I'm not sure what message he is sending walking the plank like that but no doubt you have a recipient in mind ;)

I hope you are making the most of your shielding to get on with writing these fabulous books!

Look at Mistress Nellie. She has that 'what are you up to' look that dogs get when you take a photo from behind a sofa or round a corner! I do hope her dental work goes well tomorrow.

Sending hugs, Vicky x

I Card Everyone said...

You know I toadily love frogs, D. But, the way you've colored Dixon is so splendid he gets the prize today! No walking the plank for this handsome guy!
I'm so tickled you've had a play at CTS! xx
=]

Birgit said...

Your Christmas critters are adorable! Love the googlie-eyed frog. On a side note, my dogs name is Dixon and I was just about to run to Borders to find myself a copy of that book. I think maybe you should get writing....

Mac Mable said...

Quirky and fun Christmas cards, which would bring a smile to anyone's faces...They sure did to mine x. Why not have a frog for Christmas and one as adorable as this....x. The dog seems quite happy that he is walking the plank!....x.
Thinking of Miss Nellie and her impending dentist/vet visit x.

Jeanne said...

Those Christmas cards are so jolly, Darnell! Great job. Love it when a sketch lends itself to many multiple cards and you don't get tired of it. Win, win, win, win....;) Nellie is so cute! Good luck to her tomorrow. I hope everything goes really well. Hugs!

Pat said...

I love your two fun Christmas characters Darnell, the cute froggie with the fun googly eyes and pretty bow, and the doggie with his sweet santa hat, and also the lovely Nellie looking suitably primped. I hope her dental check goes well. x

Bunny said...

Two sweet cards. I love the google eyes on the frisky froggy card. It looks like he's fixing to jump.

Tell Nellie that the dentist is fun. [Bunny]

Sharon Underwood said...

Darnell, I love your critter cards, & you're so right - I was about to Google that "book" so I could buy it for my grandson, Cory! Lol He loves books, so I am always on the lookout. YOU should write that book! Please?!?!? Thank you for the inspiration for some cute Christmas cards. And thank you for the wonderful birthday card! Very thoughtful of you.

oldpunca said...

This is perfect take on the sketch. I like both, frog with googly eyes and dog with santa cap. So sweet and so different as an usual christmas card. :-)
Miss Nellie is as sweet as dog can be. She looks very happy. I hope it will not be to much painful for her tomorrow.
Have a great week and take care!
Hugs, Sonja

Brenda in IN said...

Froggie makes real frogs pale in comparison. He is adorable with his googly eyes and big wide smile. The doxie is cute as can be with his festive Santa hat. I think he is trying to get up higher so he can see the Christmas tree better. That is a great up close picture of Nellie. I wish she and Daisy could have a play date. Hope all checks out fine with her dental visit. Hugs and love you.

Em Louise Fairley said...

3 cute critters xoxo

Hilda Burton said...

I love your fun critter cards. And Miss Nellie is adorable! Enjoy your day!

Ros Crawford said...

Oh I love your cards!! That frog is fabulous!! Miss Nellie is so adorable! I had no idea she was that old... What a cutie. Stay well...

ionabunny said...

Very cute cards Darnell. I have that dog stamp and he is quite adorbs. Good luck at the doggy dentist. Nelly is a real cutie. Lost Coast Designs are also celebrating Christmas in July if you'd like to join the fun. Hugz

designbydonna said...

Both critters are cute. I too am partial to frogs, especially with googly eyes. Poor Nellie, I wish her well.

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Darling Merriment cards with your critters, Darnell - just love them both!! LOL - you know us too well, was about to google that children's story featuring Dixon... Nellie looks like she's enjoying her summer - good luck at the dental vet!!

conil said...

Hello to all Christmas critters, especially fun ones like your froggy and dachsie. It's like the sketch was made for them and they look so festive. Nellie is looking adorable, as usual. How can you resist not cuddling her all day long. Hope her dental appointment goes well, it is a bit of a trauma for our darling pets.

cuilliesocks said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell, love the critters, especially froggy, he's brilliant, super simple but effective designs.
Love your wee story, and you're right it could be a book. Gorgeous photo of Miss Nellie, hope she get's on okay at the dentist, Kate x

Verna Angerhofer said...

Both are so cute!

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

OH! These cards suit your humour beautifully, love them. As for the book, yep! I was going to Google it, now you will HAVE to write it, so we can all read more of the the super escapades of the dachshund. You are an awful tease. Good to see Miss Nellie is guarding you :).
Take care
Faith x

HilaryJane said...

Two perfectly CAS Christmas cards, what more could you want? xx

Chris Dring said...

Two fun and fabulously cute cards, Darnell! I sure hope that the pool that doggie is about to do the triple twist into isn't frozen. LOL!
Thanks for joining the fun at the Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers!

Best of luck to sweet Nellie! Please give her a hug from me. :)

Cat Craig said...

Darnell, what a useful sketch for sure. Quick and interesting. Your frog give and pup look great on their perches. Sure to bring a smile to the recipient.

Kathleen said...

Two super CAS cards Darnell, and great fun images. I have spent the last two weeks making Christmas cards so glad I am not the only one getting ahead.

Kath x

Cris G. said...

Hi Darnell!
How fun and unusual your cards are... lovely critters for Christmas, they are adorable!
Hope everything will be fine for Miss Nellie!

Bonnie said...

Gotta love that frog, Dolly! He always makes me smile! How nice that Dixon is making an appearance! It's certainly hot enough for a dive into the pool! I hope Nellie doesn't mind her dental visit. That's never fun.

Lisa Elton said...

Lots of cute happening here Darnell! You seriously had me ready to look that book up for Sweet P! After all daddy does own a vet clinic so a good dog story is always a win!

Lynette said...

So cute - both the cards and Miss Nellie! You almost always fool me with your stories. You'd think I'd know better by now! LOL!

Cheryl W. said...

Cute cards, for sure, and cute story, too. If it only exists in your head, I think you should write it down and send it to a few publishers. They might just take a shine to it and make you famous as a children's author. Let me know when that happens. I'll hop on Amazon to get my copy!

Christine Alexander said...

two adorable cards Darnell, both little doggies are the sweetest and froggie's a keeper. I hope you don't make poor Nellie walk the plank :)

nancy littrell said...

Awesome and Fun QCAS Critter Christmas Card designs, Dolly! Thank you Hammy for sharing your treasured google eyes embellisments with the cute froggie. Hope the wiener dog can get safely off the plank...scary!

Nellie thinks you are silly and hopes your back does not go out, but would serve you right for interrupting her squirrel watch..lol! No matter what Nellie is doing, she is so darn cute:-) I hope she gets a special treat after her trip to the dentist...Stay Safe and Creative, my dear friend. Love and Hugs..Nancy

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the cards.

Nellie is so cute. Hope all goes ok for her dental. Greyhounds are notorious for having bad teeth, so mine have to have dentals during their lifetime.

Have a nice day. Sue

scrappymo! said...

Two lovely, quirky and very fun Christmas cards. I think the dog one has caught my heart. There are a couple of dachshunds in my neighbourhood and they are always walked by my house. So cute!

Thanks for taking part in the July Rudolph Days Challenge.

Linda said...

What a fun festive twofer ..... love those little characters. You keep reminding me I need to make a start on Christmas cards.
Nellie is just soooo cute! Hope everything goes well at the vets for her. Sending hugs xx

TK said...

Fantastic sketch for fun cards, especially critters! Don't we all love them? And yes, we mean Nellie too!!!

Maria said...

Wonderful Christmas cards, so cute!! Love the frog for I think of my MIL who collects frogs! Darling dog card, too! And, I must say little Nellie just gets more darling every day! Our pets are certainly of great comfort during this corona virus restriction time! Sending out warm hugs to you and Nellie! Take care, hugs!!

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
Happy Rudolf Days.
As always your cards are so much fun to view and I especially love the dog one he defintiely has attitude that's for sure.
I agree he looks like he is walking the plank but with his head held high to say I don't care.
Now you could definitley write a story about that faux book you had us all thinking that was real.
Sounds like it could be a winner too.
Love your sweetie little dog.
Thank you for joining the Rudolf Challenge. Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Carol L said...

You do have some fun critters for your cards, and this duo proves it! Love that fun frog with his little red bow and googlers! Loving the doxie card too and they both look great on those wavy sentiments! Sweet Nellie, I do hope all goes well tomorrow with her dental cleaning. Hugz

Lindsey said...

That frog! He is awesome, and so festive here. Your twofer with the Santa-hatted pup is all kinds of adorable, and love how you coloured him. And he came to visit two challenges I hang out on, ABC Christmas Challenge and the Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers, so thanks for that!

Helen said...

Oh my gosh... just adorable!!! Thanks for joining us at Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers! ((HUGS)) Helen

Anonymous said...

These critter characters are so adorable and sweet! Thanks for taking the time to browse and leave such lovely comments! Thank you so much for sharing your lovely Christmas creation with us at the Rudolph Days Challenge.
Linda, DT

JD/ Jill said...

Cute Christmas cards! Last year at this time I had at least half of my Christmas cards done. This year I have NONE! Maybe you have inspired me to start making some Christmas cards!

frommycraftroom said...

Two fabulous cards! I've always liked that frog.

Thanks for visiting the other day. My mojo has been sparked a little the other day by a little brown parcel ;)

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two fantastically cute Christmas cards Darnell and a super cute doggie under the table too.

Sue xx

Barbara Godden said...

A twofer!! super cute CAS cards, love both of them, Thanks for joining us for D is for Dogs at the Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers.

Lisa T said...

You'll have your Christmas cards done in no time if you use that perfect little sketch! Super cute cards Darnell, I've only made about 2 I think so far!!! And thank you also for the happy mail, very appreciated and the loveliest surprise to await me at the mailbox yesterday! Lots of love to you my friend xx

Donna said...

Awwwwwwwww hello Miss Nellie!!
Fab projects! Thanks for going to the dogs with Edna and the sisterhood of snarky stampers!!

Redanne said...

So sorry to be late, I completely missed this one, so I am glad to be here now. Both cards are just adorable, love the critters and please.... you need to write that book... seriously, it would be wonderful!

Nellie looks so sweet in that photo and I really hope that her visit for a check up and clean went well. Sending Nellie hugs.

Big hugs, Annie xxx

OH Babs said...

The cards of course are cute but not as cute as Miss Nellie. I think I am sick of making cards but certainly not in the mood to make Christmas. Hoping my charities soon will be taking card donations.
My best, Barb

Sarah said...

What brilliantly fun festive cards Darnell!! Love the frog but the pooch is the star here...You must write that book!! xx

Laurie said...

This little frog is adorable and giving him a red bow tie makes him perfect for Christmas. Such a cute and clean and simple card. Thanks for joining the Lost Coast Design Challenge!

Loll said...

Such fun Christmas cards Dolly! You have the BEST Christmas critters! LOVE that frog ... made me smile. And so did the dog ... he does look like he's going to walk right off that banner. :)

Happy to hear that all is well with Nellie and she is feeling good after her dental appointment. She is so cute! I bet her fur feels like cotton balls. :) Love, Lolly

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Enjoy your day, ("carpe diem"...) only God could know about our own life and world's life.
Your Christmas CAS cards are soooo cute!
Hugs

Fikreta said...

these cards are super adorable!
Nellie is so cute!
have a great day!

Craftychris said...

Ooh such gorgeous fun critter cards, simplicity at its absolute best! Nellie is soooo cute, ihope her tooth check went well! Take care and stay safe my friend! Hugs xxx

JulieP said...

Your Miss Nellie looks like my Miss Jasmine. Love the CAS look to these fabulous cards. Thanks so much for playing along with us at the Sisterhood this week!

Di said...

Lovely cards Darnell! Hope Nellie is fine - such a sweet photo of her!

Hugs

Di xx

Glittered Paws said...

Oh what fun funny Christmas cards - love them both - but I tell you the frog was the winner for me. And then there is Nellie, what a beautiful girl, she appears to be so well behaved.

Marybeth said...

Love the adorable CAS Christmas cards, Darnell and of course Miss Nellie! Oh she is a sweet little dog and I am sure she brings so much joy and laughter to your home. Hope you are all doing well. We are so blessed to have this craft and so much more.

Anita in France said...

It's me again, Darnell ... not quite as late for these cuties as the last ones! Dixon the Dachshund looks rather dashing in his Santa hat ... and oh my, frog is adorable, especially with those googly eyes. Love that sentiment ... that's exactly what these critters bring with them ... merriment indeed! LYAMYEDMCA! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Leslie Miller said...

You had me with the story. I was totally believing it! You have to know I love these cards. I'm all about the critters and these two are darling! Love the simplicity, too. Really a cute sketch. Nellie is a darn purdy 9 year old. I hope her dental check up went well. Wally and LuLu are 11 and soon to be 9 (in September). They're playful as puppies, and after their baths Friday they're all fluffy and sweet smelling. I can't stop hugging them!

Pia S said...

Eeeek! How cute are these?! Love them both. Fantastic use of the sketch.

Celeste Goff said...

Such fun, whimsical cards Darnell!

ionabunny said...

Froggy Christmas. Oh what fun. Thanks for joining the fun at the Lost Coast Portal to Creativity. Hugz

Chelle (PhotoArt/MaybeCreative) said...

Cute christmas card. Thanks for being a part of the Sisterhoods dog pound.

Lady Joyful said...

Your cards are so cute! As is Nellie - I hope her dental check went well. And if you ever decide to write Dixon Destroys Christmas I'd buy a copy ;) Thank you for joining us at Christmas Craft Creations - Charlotte/Lady Joyful, DT

Chrissie said...

These are such cuties Darnell, I had to pay a visit!
Your colouring is terrific!
Thanks so much for sharing with us at Christmas Craft Creations!
Chrissie

Cindy said...

Cute cards. Love the googly eyes on the frog :-) Thanks for sharing with us at Christmas Craft Creations.

Greta said...

Cute critter cards & great to mail! Oh that Miss Nellie--what a cutie pie! Hope all goes well with her dental appt. Fritz has that in his future, too!

BożenA said...

Lovely, fun cards. I love animals on cards, they are always so cute and lovable. I especially love your frog, it looks very realistic, perfect coloring, Darnell
xx