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!

October 17, 2020

A Harvest Basket and a Party of Ghosts

Hello Stamplings!

And another week has whooshed bye-bye while you were petting the dog/cat!

This has been a bit of a downer week for me because if it weren't for Covid, I'd have been in a rental house on Lake Michigan crafting with dear friends. Four of us have gotten together every two years since 2014. I know the important thing is that we all survive this, and I do try to keep my chins up, but sometimes you just have to take a moment, pretend your pillow is Covid, and give it a good pummeling.

After wards, I relaxed and forgot my disappointment by getting all crafty with the hamster.

Onefer
Sorry about the lack of definition in my watercoloring, but honestly everything is multi-toned in real life. The apples don't really look like tahmahtoes, but in order to keep the pumpkin pp from being completely washed out by the sun, I had to over-expose my harvest. I apologize, but this is an adult blog. 

The basket is from "Autumn Falling" by ARTplorations and the sediment is from SU. As you can tell, Hammy had a whiskery great time winking and glossifying.

Challenges
Twofer
If you're going to party with a few ghosts, these look like absolute party animals, don't they? For this QACAS design, I blended wilted violets and applied them to the background through a NBUS Birch Tree Landscape stencil from Memory Box. Truth be told, Hammy ate most of them. Not the birch trees, the violets. Violets are quite delish and taste a bit like aqua. 

The silhouette ghost from Hero Arts likes to sneak up on old people, but he is so darn happy that you don't mind. The twin ghosts with the demented grins are from GKW and they've been lurking around the Playhouse since before there was a Playhouse.

Challenges
~~~

Speaking of silhouettes, we are half-way into the Twofer Card Challenge which closes at the end of day on October 24.

The very talented Marcia from the Twofer Design Team has made you another set of Twofer silhouette designs to inspire you. You can see them at the Twofer Card Challenge blog, but for the wonderful details, please check out Marcia's blog: Marcia's Stampin' Pad. I'm excited to see you add your silhouettes to the gallery!

~~~

Even in the toughest of times, we mustn't forget to laugh!
  • Who’s idea was it to sing “Happy Birthday” while washing your hands? Now every time I go to the bathroom, my kids expect me to walk out with a cake.
  • After years of wanting to thoroughly clean my house but lacking the time, this week I discovered that wasn’t the reason.
  • What’s the best way to avoid touching your face? A glass of wine in each hand.
  • My husband purchased a world map and then gave me a dart and said, “Throw this and wherever it land, that’s where I’m taking you when this pandemic ends.” Turns out, we’re spending two weeks behind the fridge.
~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy, but be safe out there! LITS!*

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to join as a follower! Please let me know you came by so I can be sure and return the flavor!

*Life is too short!

To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrollingClick CTL + Home. Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post. Click Page Down to reach the end of the post. Click Comments and a pop-up box opens. Click "Jump to Comment Form" and wallah, no more car pool tunnel! Mwah! (p.s. If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave me your email address so I can respond. Thank you!)

61 comments:

Aquarius said...

Two more terrific cards from you, very seasonal too. Thanks for the funnies at the end - it is good to laugh now and then

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Great cards.

A real shame about your crafting retreat. Hope you can do it next year.

I love your funny quotes, especially the last one:) LOL

You take care.

Hugs
Sue

kiwimeskreations said...

Loving your harvest card - maybe it's because Hammy had such a great time helping you with it ;). The wee ghosts are a bit scary for poor Hammy, especially the demented ones!
I enjoyed your funnies :)
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine

Glittered Paws said...

Love your harvest basket - especially with the gloss you applied, really makes the apples and pumpkin pop. Hammy did a good job. The ghosts in the forest is cute as can be, love the violet blending.
Covid has wrecked many plans, so sorry you didn't get to have your crafting weekend. We have a group of 6 that usually gets together at my house for "girls" weekend of crafting - but not this year. Hubby was so disappointed as he does all the cooking for us. Yes he even carries in their bags.
Stay well and stay safe.

Carole Pollard said...

Oh Darnell so sad about your craft retreat we are in the same situation should be at a holiday home on the 26th with our family but not looking good at present because of new COVID restrictions in the UK Both your cards are gorgeous as always and I have just read those jokes to my husband and we have both had a good chuckle so thanks for brightening our day Stay safe sending love and hugs Carole x.

Gerrina said...

I haven't been on a bloground for a while and am happy that I could see what you made the last weeks! Beautiful colours and great techniques wich make me think; I have to try that again... You always inspire me!
Tmes are strange and new and I too have my moments in 'dealing' with it; one of it was that I didn't found joy in put too much time in my hobby and so the blogrounds just didn't happen. That positive is, that I have done a lot where we as a family will benefit from for a long time... Hope you enjoy ths weekend, even if it is with a bit bittersweet thoughts. Hugs, Gerrina

Jeanne said...

Oh man! That is tough. I'm sorry that you aren't with your friends in person. But I KNOW you are with them in spirit. Keeping your chins up made me chuckle. Yup, I'm trying to keep MY chins up (but am squinting really hard to see yours). Your cards are lovely and fun. Beautiful pumpkins and apples and your demented ghosts made me grin. Thanks for keeping it real and for always sharing a positive perspective so live doesn't get us down. You take care, Darnell and know that I really appreciate you! Hugs!

Bunny said...

I'm sorry you're missing your fun year. I do miss the stories and antics like blueberries going wild, etc.

Love the glossification Hammy did on the fall card and the ghosties are kinda cute. Love them. [Bunny]

Donna said...

Beautiful cards Darnell, like the ghosting and watercoloring on the first and the second is great with those ghosts! Sorry you are missing your get together.

Lisa Elton said...

Such a bummer Darnell. But you DO have Hammy who's, been with you through thick and thin and probably loving every minute of your attention! Terrific cards today. Those puffy white ghosts remind me of peeps!

Stamps and Paper said...

Hi Darnell...what a shame you weren't able to meet up with your crafty friends Covid has really put the brakes on an awful lot of things.
Two lovely cards and I did enjoy your 'funnies'...at least you keep us smiling..thank tou

Anne

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Two fab cards, Darnell - just love your harvest basket and the stenciled birch trees with the cute ghosties!!Too bad about your craft retreat - that's more than one fun adventure east that you missed this year - dang covid!!! I would've been competing at a singing convention, in person canceled, of course. Instead I'm online watching a virtual convention celebrating 75 yrs of Sweet Adelines with videos & historical presentations. Better than nothing - hope you gals are Zooming at least!!

Lynette said...

Oooh, I love both of your cards, Darnell. Such a bummer about missing out on your stamping retreat. (It does sound like a good place to spend part of October - if you wanted to stay indoors and stamp!) I love your humor, too. That sounds like my throwing - we'd probably end up staying behind the fridge, too. LOL!

Marcia Hill said...

Wonderful cards my friend, but I have to thank you mostly for the chuckle from the last laugh about throwing the dart to choose where to vacation after the pandemic...bahahahaha!! That would be my luck too!! I still have the craft retreat marked all over my planner for this month and makes me sad too that we're not all together...however we'd be freezing our #!!** off as we had a HEAVY frost this morning and temps in the very low 30's!! And just a couple hours north of here all kinds of snow! YUCK!! Oh well, guess we would just have had to huddle close and craft and laugh our hearts out! One of these days... Until then, stay safe and have a great weekend my friend! Hugs. :0)

Darlene said...

What a fun & fabulous card Darnell! I was hoping you'd find time to share your creativity with us! Thanks so much for joining in the fun at our *NEW* Two Old Bats Halloween challenge! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back next month. Remember, you can play as many times as you’d like!! If we have 50+ entries, we will give a PRIZE.

Darlene
TWO OLD BATS HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS
Please stop in for a visit!

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Of course I love both cards, who wouldn't, love your "pale" harvest card, great design on that. The the ghosties, so great and frightening ahem! The violets you mention, I haven't had those Palma Violets sweets in years, I must see if they still make them, (just checked they do). As for your jokes, oh! so funny, thanks for the laughs.
Keep safe and well
Faith x

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

I should have said Parma Violets! sorry

Verna Angerhofer said...

So sorry to hear that you missed the crafting time with friends but by the looks of your wonderful cards your muse was still doing great. And thanks for the laughs. They sure made me giggle. Not so hard though that I broke some stitches. LO L

conil said...

I'm still laughing, especially after that last vacation quote. Your cards were a breath of fresh air, even if it wasn't on Lake Michigan. Hopefully, next year's trip will be extra special. Likely, it will, just to be in the open with friends.

Sarah said...

I am sure you will get to catch up with your crafty buddies some day soon Darnell, until then pease keep the funnies coming, you brighten the dullest of days!! Great cards to look at too as well as a giggle. Love those ghosts, too cute xx

Mac Mable said...

Wonderful autumnal card and a fun halloween one and so sorry you are missing crafty tiem with friends x.

Ida said...

Both of these are very nice cards. I think your Thanksgiving card is quite lovely and yes those Ghosts look like fun party ghosts.

Diane said...

Fabulous cards, and the stenciled background with the ghosts is spooktacular! I just purchased my first ghosts dies, can't believe I didn't have any, The first card is beautifully colored and I love what Hammy did, he is always so dang smart! Thank you for joining us Old Bats at the Two Old Bats Halloween challenge! Oh and loved the laughs at the end!!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Two stunning cards, so beautiful and unusual!

Redanne said...

I am so very sorry about your craft trip, this Covid has a lot to answer for but you are right, better to be alive. Our area has just gone back into a high level local lockdown....

You have, as always, created two fabulous cards, I love the ghost one, they certainly look like they are about to have a lot of fun!

Thanks so much for sharing the 'funnies', we do need a laugh at the moment my friend. Hugs, Annie xxx

oldpunca said...

I'm so sorry for you and your friends not to be together at Lake Michigan this year. e all have to have faith that this stupid virus will be history soon. And life will turn to normal. Untill that, we have our craft supplies. :-)
I like your harvest card. Hammy did a great job with glossifying the basket. :-) Little ghosts are not spooky. They are really simpatic and the card is beautiful.
Take care! Hugs, Sonja

JD/ Jill said...

Two more very nicely done cards.
So sorry that you can't get together with your friends to craft this year. I so miss my friends who used to come almost every week and craft with me in my dining room. (I didn't realize how spoiled I was till now) I enjoyed your humor at the end of your post. Keep smiling and keep safe.

Marilyn said...

Two awesome cards Darnell! Love the cute ghost
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤️

Loll said...

LOVE your harvest card with the shine on the crate fulled with large pumpkin and apples. The shading is fantastic. Your ghost card is awesome with the purple background. LOVE the dimension of your white ghosts! And thanks for the laugh ... definitely needed it! Love, Lolly

Bonnie said...

Love your shiny pumpkin and apples! They look ripe and delicious to me! I'm glad to see those ghosts have found a home and scared the third ghost into turning into a silhouette! They look like they're having a spooky ole time!

Pat said...

A adore your harvest basket full of goodies Darnell, so bright and beautiful that they cast a shadow on your background pumpkins..lol, and your funnily spooky ghosts over that wonderful violet treescape and love the sentiment too. So sorry that your crafting get together couldn't happen and keeping the spirits up becomes a bit of an uphill battle, but I suppose we have to just look beyond this time to when things are better. Thank you for making me smile with your funny anecdotes. Take care. x

Leslie Miller said...

You and Hammy did a fabulous job on your harvest basket. It looks CAS, but with all that pretty gloss and shimmer it's very special. I LOVE that you made a cute Halloween card and played along with us at Two Old Bats! Those ghosts look very friendly and fun! I know this year has been a downer. Today is rather special for me because a friend I haven't seen for a long time stopped by and visited in the driveway at a distance, and my son is here for the first time since Christmas!! Yay!!! He's still not working so he may stay for a while. His county is heading to lockdown again if they don't stop being so careless, sigh.

Linda Callahan said...

This pandemic is soooooo annoying but your post made me smile! Sorry about your retreat but here's hoping that all of our efforts make that crazy covid retreat! Your fall cards are delightful - love those plump ghosts - I can so identify!

Marina said...

Yes, how depressing it would be if we allowed ourselves to get depressed - thank goodness for our 'covid-secure' crafts hobby. Your two cards are great. I recognised the first as the case card - the apples are a great idea . The second one is cute and fun and fabulous.

Cat Craig said...

Sorry you missed out on the retreat... maybe a virtual get together or a conference call get together? In any case your shiny apples are darling and your ghosts are wonderful. Enjoy your weekend.

Sandra H said...

Both your cards Darnell are wonderful l just love them both, so sorry to read of your retreat not taking place this year you and your friends will make up for it once this pandemic has cleared as l am convinced it will especially if we stick to the rules and crafting is a fine art and somewhere to occupy our minds with where we can escape take care enjoy your day x

Linda said...

Two gorgeous cards ..... love the partying ghosts!
Thanks for the giggle at the end of the post ..... I'm with the glass of wine in each hand!
Stay safe and well my friend xx

Anita in France said...

Pummelling right there with you, Darnell ... hardly a pillow left in one piece here! What a rich, Hammy-fied, glossy harvest basket ... the dimension you created with your colouring is brilliant! I do see apples btw, rather than tahmahtoes! Your happy little black silhouette ghost is adorable in his violet forest ... how fun that he made friends with the pre-Playhouse puffy ghosts! We laughed out loud at the funnies ... a jolly way to brighten up an already sunny Sunday afternoon, thank you! LYAMYETWMA! Bon dimanche ... big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Brenda in IN said...

Your Thanksgiving basket just shines. Hammy is on it! I love the ghosts among the trees. I agree with them, let's party! It is a shame about having to cancel the retreat, but we are safe. Our family cancelled every birthday this year until this month. Now I'm rethinking Thanksgiving with the family. I love the funnies, especially behind the fridge. That might be the safest place!

ionabunny said...

Love the ghosts and the funnies. Take care. Hugz

cuilliesocks said...

Two gorgeous cards Darnell, beautifully designed and coloured.
Your funnies are so funny, you've got to keep laughing, cos things are so fecking awful. I have to keep reminding myself not to get so angry at things, but in all my years following politics, I believe there's never been a more corrupt and incompetent Tory government, and it's them who are wrecking the UK. Our two countries are pretty much on a par, keep laughing when you can, hugs Kate x x

Celeste Goff said...

I love this time of year for both the weather and the gorgeous fall themed cards everyone creates!

BożenA said...

Your first card is coded, I love the colors. And the second card so fun, also with a wonderful selection of colors. Great cards and great inspiration.
hugs,
BożenA

Di said...

Great post and wonderful cards Darnell! Love the funnies!

Hugs

Di xx

frommycraftroom said...

Fab cards.

Love the funnies - 2 weeks behind the fridge!! hehe

Sorry you can't have your crafty holiday. For us here in Melbourne we are now allowed to move 25km without a reason woohoo! we haven't been able to leave the house for more than 2 hours without one of 4 reasons and within 5km so this is a step forward and one I am keen to do. So many of my click and collect options are out of my 5km zone!

Dawn T said...

What fun cards Darnell. Thanks for joining us at Watercooler Wednesday this week.

Fikreta said...

So very eautiful cards.

Kathyk said...

Darnell, I popped across from the LIM blog, to admire your CASE'd card only to find your glorious purple ghostly card too - simply splendid

Sorry to hear your travel plans have been disrupted, so many have this year .. roll on 2021!

Happy Monday

Kathyk

Lynne said...

Ooh Darnell I adore your gorgeous thanksgiving card, all those lovely warm colours look fabulous and the gloss is a lovely touch. Thank you for sharing with us at Less is More, Lynne x

JD/ Jill said...

Hi Darnell, I am back again... I already left a comment but I just wanted to tell youhere in case you didn't get my email. I didn't link my card in the Twofer challenge because it wouldn't let me do it. (Even had Jim try to help me). I made many tries but it just wouldn't let me link it.

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards, Darnell xoxo

Kate said...

Hi Darnell, so sorry you couldn't have your biannual lakeside retreat. Hopefully won't be too long before you can catch up again - meanwhile keep pummeling that pillow! As always, your cards are as delightful as your prose! I saw a saying the other day and thought of you and your NBUS crusade -
"I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies"

Izzy Scrap said...

Two gorgeous cards, Darnell ! Your harvest bucket is so beautiful with these bright colours : a fabulous take on Sharon's card. Your second card is funny with those spooky ghosts over your gorgeous purple background. So sorry for you all that your crafty gathering could not take place this year. We all have to stay at home but hopefully we have NBUS products to play with :-)) Thanks so much for sharing and for playing along at Less is More and for the laughs too !

Maria Rodriguez. said...

Oh Darnell, what a fun trio of ghosts, I don't think I would be scared if they come and greet me. Love your colorful background too.
Thank you for sharing at TWO OLD BATS HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE.
Stay healthy and safe.
XO
Maria/DT

Carol L said...

Perfect cards for this time of year. Love the thanksgiving basket and swoosh of pumpkins, but those little ghosts in the trees are too much fun! Love the violet sky behind them all! Happy autumn!

Danni Reid said...

Darnell your cards are so fun! I would walk through your spooky forest if I knew I'd see one of those happy ghosts :) Thank you for inspiring us @ IB this week!

Laurie Unger said...

I agree with you on the pillow plummeting on Covid - so over it! Your purple ghost card is awesome. Thanks for playing over at The Fusion Card Challenge.

Chris Dring said...

I'm very familiar with pillow pummeling. LOL! Sorry that your getaway is postponed, but in the meantime, these are two fantabulous cards! Thanks for joining at Shopping Our Stash!

Greta said...

It is sad we haven't been able to get together with our crafty friends, but good memories do help. Beautiful Thanksgiving card & the ghosts are such fun! Love that background, too!

kramer_buffy said...

You can't stop a smile from coming into your face when you look at that darn happy ghost! So CUTE!

Thanks for joining us at TWO OLD BATS Halloween Challenge!

-- Dalis
http://www.stamprgrl.wordpress.com

BożenA said...

I must add that I read your post to the end and laughed to tears at the end! Two weeks behind the refrigerator? It is your husband who is extremely cunning, since he ordered to throw the dart to the target :-))
Hugs,
BożenA