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!

November 28, 2020

Happy Holidays of Peace Love Joy ~ and Magic

Hello Stamplings!

How are you? I don't know about you, but my bottom is fitting more snugly into my chair today! We missed being with family and friends on Thanksgiving as we traditionally do, but we've been strong so far in 2020 and we don't want to falter now ~ especially with promising vaccines on the horizon. I'd rather be temporarily sad than dead forever! 💀

Fortunately, making cards helps me feel less sad and with so many Christmas cards to make, I'm positively giddy!
I saw this post by my friend Lisa Elton and her colorful Christmas trees schparked this design in my head. The tree and house die is CUTplorations Stitched Winter Landscape. The sediment is stamped in CP Black Jack. I thought it still needed a little sumpin sumpin so I masked and blended a ray of yellow shining on the house. A modern day take on the manger, if you will. Hammy winked the trees.

It turned out that the bottom stitched panel was a little wider than the card base. I could have cut another card base, but I thought it might be fun to add a little dementia, so I stuffed a piece of fun foam behind the hill like a padded bra. Here is another photo to better show you the curvation of the hill with the padding:
Challenges

Twofer
This OLC was made using a NBUS wreath stamp from Spellbinders. I needed another wreath stamp like a hole in the head, but I love red rubber stamps that have the shading etched in the rubber to make it easy for you to look like an expert no-line watercolorist. The sediment is from Fiskars. 

I used markers and the 'direct-to-stamp' technique which I love and which is so easy with this stamp. Of course, Hammy was ready with his winker. Even with the red and white accenting, the whole card only took 15 minutes to make.

Challenges

Threefer

Today is my friend Susan's 70th birthday and our mutual friend Lolly is acknowledging the happy occasion with a post and a linkup on her blog Stamping With Loll. Here is my card for Susan which I'm linking at Lolly's.
This nearly OLC card is the result of our last Zoom session where we did a technique of applying Versamark to a stamp, then gently pouncing powdered inks directly on the stamp, spritzing it lightly, and then stamping it onto paper. I used the Passionate stamp by Penny Black, Lindsey Magical powders (which leave wonderful glimmer and schparkle), and mixed media paper. 

At first I thought this would be a bit of a muddy mess because I couldn't really be precise with the powder, but I went along. After I stamped the first card panel, I was surprised and delighted to see how successful the technique was! 

As we all chatted away, I continued spritzing and stamping panel after panel, liking the results more and more each time. I ended up getting 14 gorgeous stampings. I finally stopped when the ladies implored me to "let it go!" 😆 Here they are laid out on the Playhouse floor:
I'm sorry you can't see the subtileties that showed up as the vibrancy of the ink faded. I can't wait to try this again with other solid stamps. Thanks again, Lolly, and Happy very-special-milestone Birthday, Susan!

Challenges

~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy, but keep safe! LITS!*

I am taking a break from posting for December, although I hope to do a bit of visiting, and I plan to post a December NBUS Challenge for you to share your accomplishments. I'm feeling like the Playhouse needs a reorg and I'll try once again to prioritize and tackle NBUS Mountain. It will also serve to simply remind me of what I have in my cupboards and drawers because, you know, forgetfulness is my super power now! I hope you all stay safe and make your holidays happy the best way you can!

*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!)

91 comments:

Kathyk said...

Totally fabulous makes (all of them and so different too), know what you mean about the social distancing and lack of interaction too but, agree that we've come too far to quit before we win, best of luck and .... stay well

Happy Sunday

Kathyk

Aquarius said...

Three more super cards each with their unique charm as always.

Stamps and Paper said...

Three fabulous cards Darnell...especially love the showdown look of your bright tree card,,,,enjoy your break from crafting...

Anne

Julie B said...

Three fabulous makes Darnell, do like the wreath especially.
I agree about not giving in after all these months when an answer is on the horizon. We have decided to postpone Christmas with family until safer times. My daughter has just come out of 14 days self isolation after a teaching colleague was tested positive, my was that a scary 14 days! She was in the attic room at home whilst her hubby looked after the kiddos, the 3 year olds face when he saw his Ma again must have been a picture.
Stay safe and sane. :)

Sue - said...

Absolutely fabulous makes Darnell. I particularly like the bright trees, so cheerful and we all need cheerful right now. Stay safe my friend xx

Gerrina said...

Wow; I thought to find 2 cards here...but so many! Love the bean on the house; makes it a special place... The wreath is my favorite; so beautifully coloured, looks a bit like a painting! And great to see how much fun you had with that beautiful stamp and the powders; always great to get into a flow...! Hope you have a good weekend! Stay safe, hugs, Gerrina

Celeste Goff said...

Beautiful cards and I love the vibrancy of color on the floral panels you created!

Viv said...

Loved this post today Dolly.
Love your makes too (and I am stealing one of them)
Yet to try the powder with the Versamark cos I don't have any of the Magical stuff from Lindylou (whoever she is)but I have Pixie Powders - (they make them at the bottom of my garden when they're bored)- I may or may not share the results................

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the cards.

Have fun organising your playhouse.

Hugs
Sue

Ros Crawford said...

Wonderful cards even the padded one ( made me laugh reading that). I'm glad you enjoyed Thanksgiving albeit a different one. We in the UK are relaxing the rules for 5 days over Christmas... I can see another wave about to hit, though we will just be doing the usual of staying home and enjoying everything I have right here. We had our second tests and all okay so far... Took some treats for the Army personnel who are doing such a wonderful job here... Hopefully next year will be better. Be safe, be well and enjoy your re-org. Big hugs and love XXX

HilaryJane said...

Three completely amazing cards and such wonderful sunshine to photograph them in, that black shadow on your tree card is amazing. We have what my husband calls tupperware box weather today. A uniform greyness that is likened to being shut inside a tupperware box. I am glad you are staying safe and happy in your playhouse xx

Carol Cel said...

Great cards! I'm intrigued by the card with the Iris flowers.

I also love your line, "I'd rather be temporarily sad, than dead forever." I will definitely. borrow this!

Stay well, enjoy your re-organizing / re-energizing.

Pia S said...

Great effect with the mounted snow hill as the shadows created by light looks decorative as well. Love the design concept of this one. Beautiful wreath, it does look like you’re a watercoloring expert:) and the 14 flower panels, each one a bit different from the other color wise, will make gorgeous quick cards in the future.

Marilyn said...

Pretty cards Darnell! Love the technique you used on the floral card. Haven't tried that one
Have a great day!
Marilyn💖

Carole said...

Lovely cards Darnell....I am especially drawn to the last one...the pretty blue watercolour that you got so many prints with...fabulous. Sorry Thanksgiving was not as it should have been for you...but as you say...a little bit sad now in order to be happy eventually! Stay safe, take care...and Good Luck with the inventory!!!! xx

Kath said...

Fabulous cards Darnell.
Kath x

Marcia Hill said...

Three fabulous cards Darnell! I had to keep looking at your 1st card because the 2nd photo (with the padding - haha) made it look like you added black shadows behind all the trees...even if the photo is an optical illusion, I really like the look of that 2nd photo!! Cool card my friend! Loving your wreath card too, and coloring directly with markers onto the stamp is one of my favorite techniques...turned out beautifully! And Susan's birthday card(s) is a stunner...all 14 of them!! Think I need to get my Lindy's Magicals out again and revisit this technique! Lovely, lovely cards my friend. The turkey is almost gone (amazing how many leftovers there are when there's only 3 at your table! Well, plus 2 dogs!!), and I've spent most of the weekend putting up and decorating the tree, so it's starting to look a bit like Christmas over here! Hope you have a wonderful December Darnell and enjoy that reorganizing too! I'm saving mine for January!! Take care and stay safe my friend!! Hugs. 😊

Vicky Hayes said...

A threefer no less! The first is SO clever - I've not previously come across The Padded Bra technique (well, not in cards anyway!) Love those bright trees and the curvy hill and the spotlight was a great idea. That wreath is beautiful and I'm not surprised you added it to your collection. It certainly does give a professional no-line colouring effect too and in 15 minutes? It gets my vote! *makes note to add wreath to stamp collection* And last but definitely not least is my favourite - what an amazing effect you got with the versamark and brushos! Enjoy your holiday season with The Mister and the adorable Nellie and thank you so much for all the fun and laughter through this crazy year. Mwah! Vicky xx

Lisa Elton said...

You've given me the warm fuzzies to know I inspired your bright and happy modern manger! All three cards are wonderful, but the first with those colorful trees is my favorite. Enjoy your reorganizing in the playhouse and have a safe, blessed holiday season. MWAH!!

Bonnie said...

This stamp had to go on my wish list, Dolly! You got such wonderful results and prolly could have gotten a lot more if we'd let you! So perfect for Susan as it has her favorite color and a fun memory attached to it. The best kind of card! Love your modern take on the Nativity! What a wonderful idea and curving the snowbank makes the die cuts stand out even more. I don't think we can have too many wreath stamps or dies, my friend! Another stamp for my wishlist! Good for you sticking out Thanksgiving without the family. We did too and found that it didn't taste as good without all the commotion. Hopefully next year we'll be back on track!

Pat said...

I love your prettily coloured houses and trees, and the yellow spotlight effect looks great, and of course some extra padding for dimension, and that fabulous direct to stamp technique has worked beautifully here on this wreath..I absolutely adore it. Lastly your versamark/magicals straight to stamp technique has worked fabulously and you've made a wonderful card for Susan's special birthday from one of your 14 stampings..wow!! Enjoy your posting break and hope you get your Playhouse and NBUS all sorted. In case I don't get the opportunity to, I want to send my best wishes to you for a Happy Christmas and look forward to a fun and crafty new year, hopefully a better year for us all than this has been. x

designbydonna said...

Gorgeous cards. I love the look of no line watercoloring although I need a lot more practice. I forget about the watercolor to stamp technique. I gues I share your super power!!. I'll miss your entertaining posts. Hope you and DH have a wonderful holiday season

cuilliesocks said...

A selection of gorgeous cards Darnell, lovely designs and colours, especially on the first card, Kate x

Carol H. said...

All three are beautiful cards, Darnell! I'm so glad you all are well. Was definitely a "sad" Thanksgiving, and I so agree, thank goodness for crafting! Definitely helps keep us sane! Have fun reorganizing your playroom! Many hugs!

Bunny said...

You'll simply have to post on Christmas day. Hammy would be very unhappy if you don't.

Lovely cards. Especially the wreath.

We spent Thanksgiving just the two of us. We figured we wanted to be around for next Thanksgiving.

Don't worry about your new Super Power. You'll forget about it. Ha Ha. Oh, I just couldn't help that one since forgetfulness is your new Super Power. You have to tell Hammy that one. [Bunny]

Brenda in IN said...

What a delightful tree line and bright house on your first card. I love that sentiment! I can see why you had to have that wreath, it is stunning. You were so prolific during zoom with that lovely grouping of cards. That phrase "dead forever" does not have a pleasant ring to it. I'll take the "temporarily sad" one anytime. Hopefully things will improve soon.

sandie said...

I am with you on staying strong this year although sad! You are on a roll with the Xmas cards. Mine are ready for abroad and written so just the UK ones to finish-no mojo so need to find it soon!! I just love the arty feel to your Time Out card-so stunning the subtle changes in colour. And I bet you knew I would love card one...you had me at Skyline! Thanks for joining Time Out x

OH Babs said...

A nice array of cards. I too love the direct-to-stamp technique and I think I will make one of two for Christmas.
Enjoy your "much needed rest" and I look forward to future posts.
Wishing you a good time with the family during the holidays and bless us all. :) Barb

TK said...

Splendid cards, Darnell! I too am really impressed by the last technique, and the varied intensities and likenesses of the stamp after so many attempts! Do tell how you got the magicals from bottle to stamp please

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

I love the dimension on your first card, such a clever idea to have the "starlight" on the "manger". Lovely colours too. Your beautiful wreath does look like watercolouring you are so clever. The blue watercolour flower is very elegant, lovely colours. Your mini series of stamping repeats are amazing, who would have thought it could go on that long!
Keep safe
Faith x

nancy littrell said...

Wow...3 Beauties, Dolly:-) I LOVE your unique modernistic geometric style colorful village and popped out snowbank. The black shadow effect adds so much dimension to your village and the sunburst was a Brilliant addition. Totally Stunning design, my friend.

Love your 15 minute wreath card and beautiful watercolored look...amazing!

Susan's Blue Flowers card was Perfect for her special birthday. TFS all 14 of your stamped images..Wow! I must try this technique. Susan is going to love her special card. Have a wonderful month playing and staying safe. That is our plan!!! Love and Hugs...Nancy

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Three fabulous cards, Darnell - just love all of them!! The hill of colorful houses is so cute and the wreath so elegant! My fave is Susan's bday card - wow, great job on that technique with the powdered inks!!

Cat Craig said...

Lovely cards Darnell. I especially love the support you provided your hill.lol. And I migh have to try that technique. It sounds intriguing. After this year I too am thinking of taking at least a few weeks in December off. Cookies need to be made, movies need to be watched, and sleeping in is a priority too. Hugs.

JD/ Jill said...

All are lovely cards!

Verna Angerhofer said...

I love all your beautiful cards. And so nice you have a lot of pretty panels done for future use too.

Leslie Miller said...

Your first card with all the color and the ray of light is one of my favorites of all Christmas cards this year. Brilliant! Beautiful wreath, as well. I have a weakness for wreaths and this one is super gorgeous. I feel the same about the shading etched into the red rubber stamp. After I've given myself a proper shopping rest (ahem) I'm going to look into those Lindsey Magicals so I can load up on Penny Black and try this technique among other things. Your results are amazing and it's a beautiful card for Susan.

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
Happy Rudolf Days.
Your cards as always rock and are so brilliantly created.
Love them all especially the wreath one.
That technique sound so super thank you for sharing I must try that at some point.
Enjoy your break and tidying up if you are anthing like me you will find lots of NBUS items.
Thank you for joining the Rudolf Challenge.
Lots of crafty love. and hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.

Michelle W said...

Thanks for the laugh today! Your cards are beautiful as always and I love those colourful trees. Thanks for sharing with us at Watercooler Wednesday.

Barb Ghig said...

Your colorful trees are so sweet and I LOVE your wreath, Darnell! I can see why you had to buy this stamp :) I really love how you created all those gorgeous watercolored bouquets, too...a great collection for any occasion :)
Enjoy your blog break! You will be missed, but sometimes we just have to get organized...Stay healthy, my friend! xx

Susan said...

Oh my goodness - where to start with this comment? First off with my birthday card - it is gorgeous, my favourite blues, flowers for the gardener in me, and wonderful sparkle - it is perfection for me!! I am so impressed with your 14 gorgeous stampings from our technique - I am going to have to do this technique again and see if I can beat 14!!!

As for the Christmas twofer - such fun happy colours in the first one (and I do like the idea of it being a padded bra card). And what a great contrast to the lovely traditional wreath card!

Thanks for joining in with Loll's linkup for my birthday!

Lynette said...

Your cards are so cool and so beautiful, Darnell! I've been thinking about taking a blogging break, too. Seems I have more to do than I have time for!!

Colleen said...

Wowza! you are ending this year with a bang...your three-fer are amazing. Love all the cards and Hammy's additions to the effects. Fabulous and marvelous my friend!

Karen Brown said...

Darnell, I love your card with all those bright beautiful trees! You created an idyllic and lovely scene. Have a great week and thanks for joining us at Watercooler Wednesday. Karen

Karen said...

Each and every one of these is a winner, and they showcase your versatility! The first one is so graphic, colorful, and I love the effect your padding created! Have fun organizing; it is one of my favorite hobbies.

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Wow! Such wonderful cards!! Really striking!

Mischelle Smith said...

Lovely Powder card. I enjoyed seeing all the panels. I have some of Lindy's sprays that I purchase from Joggles. I have Color Burst Sprays. Yet I never used them with stamps (red rubber or cling). Thanks for the idea. I even made a board on my Pinterest page, just for powders and sprays.

I own over 4,500 stamps. Mainly, wood and some cling. I have cataloged them, now I need a storage ideas. Any help?

Thanks again for another nifty idea!
Stay safe and healthy.
Mischelle

Cheryl W. said...

Your cards are beautiful, Darnell! I especially love the wreath one. It really does look like it has been watercolored by an artist. Have a wonderful December sans posting.

Christine Alexander said...

Beautiful cards Darnell, your Christmas card has wonderful dimentia, I was also looking for the space ship sending down the beam of light over the house :)
Susan's card is a stunner she will love the blues XXX

KathyA. said...

Wonderful cards, Darnell. I have to admit that the Nativity card both awed me (love that spotlight!) and made me smile (actually, the padded bra comment made me laugh out loud! So funny!) Kathy A at myasperations.blogspot.com

Loll said...

Rainbow cards are always fun to make ... Christmas rainbow cards even better! This is adorable! Love the bright colours and all the sparkle. Oh what fun you had! :) Your wreath card is GORGEOUS. What a lovely image and you've inked it perfectly. Always nice to get a quick card made that looks like you've taken hours! And finally, what can I say about your gorgeous blue flowers ... all fourteen of them are so beautiful. I somehow missed this PB stamp and need to go shopping. Thanks for enabling me, my friend! Love, Lolly!

kiwimeskreations said...

Amazing cards Darnell - love your modern manger scene - that is stunning, and the 'stuffed' hill is novel and very effective.
Well done Hammy with the winking on all three cards.
I will miss you as you take your blogging break Darnell, but I hear you!! I'm off line most of the time at the moment with the move - will be so glad when it's all done and dusted - the big day is this coming Saturday.
Stay safe
Blessings
MAxine

Sandra H said...

Absolutely fabulous cards Darnell so lovely to see the nativity scenes and the rainbow 🌈 on the white background totally love them all l think we all deserve to take a break from blogging to revitalise ourselves something l am thinking of doing too you will be so missed take care stay safe sending lots of virtual hugs 🤗 xx

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Three fantastic cards Darnell. I have to say that the first is my favourite, how could that fail to bring a smile and Christmas cheer to whoever receives it.

Sue xx

Chrissie said...

These are all fabalicious Darnell, I don't know which I like the most...the card for LIM is terrific and it looks like you took ages to do that one, despite it being just 15mins. Looks like a great stamp to put on the thinking about it list for me.
I love the look of that last technique, it's something I haven't tried but I think I'm going to have to! The zoom sessions sounded like a lot of fun!!!
ENjoy your time off in December!
Chrissie xxxxx

Em Louise Fairley said...

As always, they are all stunning! xoxo

ionabunny said...

Your witty remakes on your first two cards have filled my brain cell with wild and fabulous images. I love the shadow effects and the ray of sunshine, which I am sure always shines on your house. Fab technique and result with the flower panels and very thrifty of you to make 14. Hugz

Redanne said...

Absolutely gorgeous cards, I really, really love the dementia that you added to the hill, it makes such a difference! The wreath card is my favourite though, I do love a beautiful wreath and this one sure is - what a lovely stamp!

You really did love that technique and wow, what wonderful results you achieved with it. Well done for carrying on doing more, it was definitely worth it, they are all beautiful.

Sorry that you did not get to be with the family for Thanksgiving but you are so right, it is better than the alternative. As you know, we do not celebrate Thanksgiving as such here in the UK but our Christmas is going to be much the same. We can all enjoy time together next year once we get our vaccines. Happy days ahead! Keep safe and well my dear friend.

Hugs, Annie xxx

Created by Kath said...

Wonderful cards! Love the colorful trees! Thanks for joining us at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges! Kath-DT

Nancy Penir said...

Darnell, your wreath card is a winner, if I've ever seen one! Gorgeous effects with the new red rubber stamp. Love the blue too. Thank you for playing along at the Card Concept. Always LOVE visiting your blog!

Juhi said...

What gorgeous cards Darnell!!! The first is my favorite, perfect CAS, what an awesome design! Love the watercoloring on the other 2 too! So pretty! Gorgeous CAS Card! Thanks for joining us at the STAMPlorations CAS card challenge!

Cathy said...

Wonderful cards Darnell, the versamark and pigment technique sounds like fun! Thankyou for playing along at STB too, Cathy x

Vikki H said...

well, you sure know how to brighten the day! "Better sad temporarily than dead forever", a thought to remember. Your cards are fresh, fun and fabulous! I love that wreath and the shading in each leaf! Enjoy your December. Our trees are up and the lights fill our house with joy. Our first holiday in our new location even alone will begin new traditions. xoxo

Nonni said...

Wow Darnell, you have been super productive! Great job with all of your projects. I really love your CAS watercolor for our challenge, I'm blown away how detailed you've been able to keep the image -I love this stamping style as well but tend to end up with something a lot more messy! Thank you for joining us at Time Out!

oldpunca said...

I always enjoy reading your posts. And I always enjoy admiring your cards. :-) Colorful Christmas card is my favourite this time. The wreath is fantastic and super suitable for to make a lot of cards in no-time. The artistic look of direct stamping with powders and wather is the best! And the result simoly stunning.
Stay safe! I hope it will be better soon.
Hugs, Sonja

Mac Mable said...

Loved your opening comments Darnell and I couldn't agree more x.
What a contemporary and happy fist CAS Card with a wonderful modern design x.
Such a beautiful wreath card with wonderful no line water colouring and artsy looking x.
Susan's card is amazing, so unique and absolutely beautiful....she will love it x.....Great to get so many prints from the one technique x.
Thinking of you and sending holiday hugs x

foleysfriend said...

Love the ray of light shining down on the house. I love the multi-colored sparkly tree. Thanks for joining us at STAMPlorations CAS.

sue n.

Kate said...

Always enjoy a visit to the Playhouse Darnell! I love that forgetfulness is your super power now - mine too! The biggest lie I tell myself is "I don't need to write that down, I'll remember it" (well that and "I'll just have ONE more chocolate/piece of cake/anything else fattening)! Wishing you a lovely Christmas season and looking forward to your musings in 2021!

Kim Heggins said...

Beautiful wreath card....love the gorgeous pinecones and all the bright red holly berries. Thank you so much for playing along with us at Time Out!

Glenda J said...

Both of these are fantastic! Colours and layouts are perfect. Love love love those watercolour irises. Thanks so much for playing along with Seize the Birthday.

Lynne said...

A fabulous selection of cards as always Darnell. Love the colours on your first one and what an inspirational idea to use foam behind for dimension. Your Less is More design is super too. I love that wreath stamp and you've inked it up beautifully. Thank you for sharing with us at Less is More,
Lynne x

HilaryJane said...

Congrats on your honourable mention at Seize the Birthday for this one Darnell, very well deserved. Hope those paddling legs are making progress xx

frommycraftroom said...

WOW all gorgeous! Love how you used the cutplorations die umum I have that in my NBUS pile! maybe I'll CASe your card.

I am amazed at 14 stampings! :)

Shona Chambers said...

Darnell, this is simply amazing!! I saw your card and was immediately reminded of a manger when I saw the light coming down, so you captured that idea perfectly. And you know me and rainbow colours, I totally fell for your tree's against all that crisp white, stunning. You know I've never worn a padded bra, never needed it which is a blessing and a curse! So glad you had a good Thanksgiving, even if it was a quiet one and much better to do it that way than risk never having another one. I'm so very sorry the US is having such a horrible time with COVID, I see the news each day and can't believe 'The Orange One' has let this happen. Stay safe, have fun reorganising and lets hope Mr Biden can get COVID sorted in 2021. And you know we ALWAYS love seeing your cards at TIME OUT! XXXXX

shirley-bee said...

I love your modern manger card, Darnell, it’s inspired! Your wreath looks like a watercolouring, but my favourite is the powder technique with the iris stamp, and I can testify to its beauty in real life, because I was thrilled to receive one for my birthday! I was wondering how you’d done it, and I’ll definitely be having a go - I like the idea of getting 14 prints at a time 😆
I think your superpower is rubbing off on me. I ordered some dies last week, and decided his week that I would order the same dies... fortunately I had the good sense to check my account history. 🙄
Stay safe, and enjoy your downtime in December.

Papercraft Boutique said...

I enjoyed reading your blog as much as looking at your wonderful cards, Darnell! The rainbow color-ish trees and house with the yellow ray are so pretty. A modern day take on the manger is a wonderful idea. The Christmas wreath turned out so well with the direct-to-stamp technique. Love the no-line watercolor look! Hammy did a great job of helping you with the cards. :-)
Susan's birthday card is amazing! It's gorgeous and you used her favorite color! Thank you so much for sharing the picture of all 14 prints. You really inspired me to try this technique!
Hideko xx

Bobby said...

The colorful trees are so festive and cheery, Darnell. Great idea for dimension on the hill. I can see why you got carried away with that technique. It looks wonderful in all it's various shades. I only have a couple of stamps that might work with but I will be trying it. I too have a remember problem and so I'm writing this idea down right now.

Bobby said...

The colorful trees are so festive and cheery, Darnell. Great idea for dimension on the hill. I can see why you got carried away with that technique. It looks wonderful in all it's various shades. I only have a couple of stamps that might work with but I will be trying it. I too have a remember problem and so I'm writing this idea down right now.

Tina Z. said...

wow, so many ideas, great idea with the hill and all the colours ... and so many stunning techniques, I love them all!
crafty hugs xx

Greta said...

Oh wow--that wreath is gorgeous! You & I could open a wreath stamp/die store--haha! I can't stop buying them, either--and I don't have that one! The hilly scene card is brilliant! But I can't stop looking at the last one & all the other panels you made--LOVE it! The colors & look are so gorgeous! Now if only I could find my powders. They're here somewhere, but obviously when I did some so-called organizing I moved them to who knows where--agh!!!

sandie said...

Congrats for getting Honours at Time Out x

conil said...

Somehow I missed this entire post...stupid brain. Anyhow, you got two winners in one post. Someday you can explain how you do it. I'd be interested. Anyway, all the cards are gorgeous and, obviously, others appreciate them, too. Congratulations...you're a star.

TK said...

Congrats on your Stamplorations win!

nancy littrell said...

So pleased Dolly that you won the STAMPlorations CAS Card Challenge with your 1sr card..the die cut tree scene and won an extra prize because you used a die cut STAMPlortions product:-) Merry Christmas. Love and Hugs...Nancy

nancy littrell said...

Whoops...free $7 product was for the other 3 CAS winners...Hugs

HilaryJane said...

You are definitely on a winning streak, but very well deserved as both these cards are amazing, well done xx

maria f. said...

Hello lovely lady! Hope this finds you, wherever you are. Also hope you're enjoying the holiday season. Whatever that means ;) Had to come see your rainbow trees on the hill. So happy you were a winner at STAMPlorations. Hugs.

Carol L said...

Somehow I missed this post back in November, but all I can say is WOW! I love all the cards and backgrounds you made! The little town on the hill looks great both ways and the birthday card technique turned out fabulous! I hope you are enjoying your playhouse re-org and finding new things you forgot you ever had in the process! Happy December!

Mrs A. said...

Two stonking cards here. Thankyoooo for the lovely spanking brand new piece of cardboard that you sent me and the card that appeared to be stopping it from bending about!! it has pride of place on my desk. I dispair of the rising number of covid cases here in the UK even before we start the 5 day fiasco of everyone getting together with everyone else cos thats wot they always do and no one is going to stop christmas. Hang the consequences. I hope when they catch covid (or kill someone else by passing it onto them) that they stay at home and don't request medical help for themselves. !! Some hope.
Stay safe and well my friend. Hugs Mrs A.

Diane said...

WOW, all are fabulous cards and are so beautiful!! Where have you been? I hope all is okay, I wanted to pop in and say thank you for my beautiful Christmas card, I will treasure it! I sent mine out but it seems they are taking awhile to arrive, I certainly hope they all make it!!

Ros Crawford said...

Just to say thank you for your lovely card! Have a wonderful holiday!

KandA said...

Three amazing cards Darnell. I love the colours and dimension on the first.... will have to overcut and try that at some time as it's such a great effect. Your wreath on the twofer and flower on the threefer are really gorgeous. Hope you have a wonderful christmas xx