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!

June 27, 2021

Life's a beach and then it's Christmas

Hello Stamplings!

I'm sorry I'm so late. I've been down to Police Headquarters filing a Missing Week Report. It did make me feel better seeing the long lines of people doing the same thing. I'm pretty sure I saw you, but you were in the line by the green door and it was too far to yell without seeming uncouth. That's one of those funny words that you rarely hear the other part of. Hmm, if I were couth, I wouldn't end a sentence with a dangly partisouple.

Onefer
This Beach Baby from Penny Black has been around awhile and she recently crawled into my shopping cart. You just can't help but smile at her and when I saw the little baby on the Double D "Signs of Summer" mood board, I had a blast painting this image to match with my Ziggies. I painted the red stripes on her swimsuit top and put white gel drops on her hat and Hammy painted her toenails! The image and sediment (from the same set) are heat-embossed in liquid platinum. I was going to paint on some waves, but I decided to leave well enough alone.😱

Challenges
Twofer
This QACAS design was so easy, it was ridiculous. I used a panel of gold and vellum card from a paper pad to cover the front of my card and then simply die-cut and attached the tree and star from MFT called Christmas Tree Win. It really looks quite mod without a sediment considering it pretty much screams Christmas, but then when I cock my head, I think, no, it needs a sediment, so I'm sure I'll add one. Or not.

Challenges

Family Time

We had a wonderful Dad's Day celebration and I did remember to get a photo:
Adam, Dan, Henry, The Mister (aka Papa, aka Kevin)

And then we spent a busy week dog-sitting little Cisco. He has appeared here before, so you may remember he owns my sister-in-law. It was a hoot!
~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy, and keep safe! 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!)

84 comments:

Aquarius said...

Two super contrasting cards for two seasons - great. Love them both but the simplicity of the Tree gets it for me. Lovely family photos

Sue - said...

The beach baby reminds me of illustrations by Lucie Attwell that I had on handkerchiefs when I was a little girl! It certainly makes a lovely card. The Christmas one is very elegant. So glad you had a lovely Fathers Day, great photos! Hugs xx

Sue - said...

The beach baby reminds me of illustrations by Lucie Attwell that I had on handkerchiefs when I was a little girl! It certainly makes a lovely card. The Christmas one is very elegant. So glad you had a lovely Fathers Day, great photos! Hugs xx

Kathyk said...

Fab makes and pix, you have a lovely family, Darnell. I think we all have weeks that just get away from us!!!

Have a great Sunday

Kathyk

kiwimeskreations said...

Ohh Darnell that bathing beauty is exquisite - and I love how you have coloured here, and well done Hammy on painting (and schparkling?) her toenails.
Your card certainly screams Christmas... it's a stunner
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine

Marilyn said...

OMG!! Your first card is so adorable and I love your second card also
Have a great day!
Marilyn💖

Gerrina said...

What a contrast these 2 cards! Both beautiful; the first you can almost feel the warm day and coo; water and the 2nd is so festive and clean and beautifully graphic! Hope your weekend is a good one... Hugs, Gerrina

Karen said...

Love that beach cutie--the details you added are just perfect! Loved seeing your guys as well!

Bunny said...

Love the family pictures. The cards are great. Especially the little girl on the beach. She is so sweet. It's funny, I have this image but it came from Mo's as a digital image. Do these companies sell to each other? Let me know if the PD finds your missing week. We are all kinda looking for those. Some people are missing months. [Bunny]

Jeanne said...

The year is gearing up for it's usual mad dash to Christmas, isn't it, Darnell. That first card is just adorable. What a sweet image. Your Christmas card has a definite gold graphic feel. Pretty slick and stylin'. Thanks for sharing the pics. The twins are definitely growing up! Wow. Handsome group of guys you got hanging out there. You look to be in your element with your little friends. Thanks so much for sharing. Hope you enjoy your summer!

Jen W. said...

Always love seeing your gorgeous family, Darnell, but man do those twins grow fast! Also that pic of you with the pooches is my new fave. :)

Donna said...

Great pictures Darnell!!! Like your cards, nice coloring on your cute beach scene and such an elegant Christmas card!

Pia S said...

I’m sorry I haven’t been able to visit regularly lately, I’ve had too little time to do the things I love, some things had to be put on pause.
The little beach miss is totally adorable. You did the coloring so well, love how the sandy beach turned out, and it’s so nice and clean.
I also have the taste of Christmas modern. As for a sentiment or not, I’m not sure either. I like how it looks now but not sure if a sentiment means a facelift or a ruin. I’m often finding myself in the situation and tell myself I should make two so I xN explore both options.

Brenda in IN said...

That was me over by the green door doing the same thing. Wish we could have gotten together! That beach baby is adorable in her cute swimsuit and hat. A beautiful Christmas card with lots of shine. Four very handsome men you have there. Dan's shirt could easily be a card. The dogs are so cute and being well taken care of.

Susan said...

Hmmm - beach vs Christmas, which do I like the best in life and in your cards? Love that sweet baby in the striped top and spotted hat - glad you didn't add any waves or I'd be worried she'd get washed out to sea. And that Christmas card is the height of elegance!

Hilda Burton said...

Both cards are lovely for different seasons. Thanks for the inspiration!! The men in your family are very handsome. It's hard to believe how fast the twins have grown. Enjoy your day!

nancy littrell said...

Lots to love on this fun post, Dolly:-) LOVE your adorable beach girl, especially her dotted hat, striped shirt, painted toenails, beach towel, sunglasses and the perfect fun sentiment. TFS...Love your simply beautiful Christmas card that would be perfect with a sentiment inside.
Adorable photo of you and the sweet so darn cute pups...yes, you are cute in your jamies too. Four cute boys too:-) TFS and making me smile and chuckle out loud...you made my day. Now need to head outside to water before it gets way too hot on the Oregon coast...we may reach 90 today...ugh...I don't know how you can handle all your HOT weather!!! Take care....Love and Hugs, Nancy

conil said...

Two very fun cards. Love this PB image, always have, always will. She's a classic and your's (and Hammy's) painting does her proud. Also, love the sleekness of this Christmas card. Personally, I'd leave it just as you showed it. No one will miss that it's for Christmas.
How can you stand being surrounded by all that handsome testosterone...what a great photo. Maybe you could create a scrapbook page for it (kidding).
Then there is all that canine gorgeousness...these two together are simply cuteness overload. Looks like they own you, too.

designbydonna said...

Awww. That beach baby is so adorable, all dressed up waiting for the 4th of July in her red/white/blue. Your Christmas tree card is very elegant. To sentiment or not to sentiment, that is the question. Do a die cut one and you can decide before gluing it on.

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two gorgeous cards Darnell. I love the top one the image is so cute and gorgeous this stamp is now on my wish list. I also love the second QACAS csrd and it fits right in over at Rudolph Days this month. Thanks you for taking part in the Rudolph Days challenge this month.

Sue xx

Lisa Elton said...

Those painted toenails are too cute on your super sweet card! Your shimmery Christmas card is helping cool me down just a bit on this insanely hot day. But then you know all about that in your neck of the woods! Can't believe how the twins have grown! Great photo ;)

Verna Angerhofer said...

So cute is that beach baby and I love how the suit matches so well with your little additions. And, that is a great Christmas design too. I loved the family photos as well.

Sarah said...

I haven't heard or used uncouth for years Darnell, it made me smile to see you had used it in your post. In our early "courting" days I used to say to Martin " you are so uncouth!!", can't really remember why now!! Anyway...your cards, fabulous as always, that sweet little maid on the beach is darling and I love that MFT tree, I managed to locate a pre-loved one that I have yet to use. Lovely picture of the men in your life xx

Jeanne H said...

I do so love your Christmas card and that little tyke is adorable. AND your pictures of your handsome family and you with the doggies melt my heart. The young men sure look like Kevin. Hugs to you.

brandco2450@gmail.com said...

That was a super post and fun!
Love the cards and the photo was
fabulous with all the men!

Ann D said...

Your Beach Baby is adorable, love your coloring!

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

What a beach cutie in her red/white/blue! Love the gold stripes with the gold die cut tree too! Fab Father's Day photo of the 3 generations, Darnell - so glad you shared!!

cuilliesocks said...

Hi Darnell, what handsome guys in your family, a super Father's Day photo, and what about those little fluffy cuties, they are gorgeous.Lovely cards, I love the Beach babe, fab colours and design and your Christmas card is so stylish, Kate x

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Brilliant cards Darnell and I may even case your Christmas one, that is clever and quick. Love your little beach bum, not yours, but you know what I mean ;D
Love the photos of your men, you and hubby must have been chuffed to have them there for his special day. Love the pooches too.
Faith x

Carol L said...

I love that you took time to report a missing week! LOL I'm missing the first half of this year to be honest! Love the little beach babe and elegant Christmas card too, but the family photos are da bomb! The men in your life are all looking happy and handsome, and those 2 pooches keeping you entertained look well-loved too! Take care and enjoy the weekend!

Celeste Goff said...

Love both of your sweet cards and I especially love that one is summer and the other is winter. Glad to see that the Mister had a nice Father's day surrounded by family!

Bobby said...

That little bathing beauty brought back memories, Darnell. My daughter had a suit almost like that when she was about 5. So cute. Both your card and Lisa. ;) Elegant is the word I'd use to describe your Christmas card. And handsome is the word I'd use to describe the male side of your family. Adam looks a lot like The Mister.

oldpunca said...

Two seasons, two cards. :-) I like the little girl on the beach. Wonderful colors of summer. And great motive. I can understand why you have to have it. :-) This Christmas card is just great in gold. I thing than even without the sentiment everyone will know what the occasion is. :-) Thank you for sharing the photo of your boys and the cute dogs with us.
Have a great week! And don't miss it again. :-)
Hugs, Sonja

Bonnie said...

That little bathing beauty is adorable in her patriotic swim attire! A perfect take on that mood board! You've done a classy Christmas card with all that gold! Sentiment or no, it's still gorgeous!

Cheryl W. said...

OH, those pudgy little thighs! Love the tiny beach babe. So cute. Your mod Christmas card is a winner, too. I like the clean look of it. Not sure it needs a sentiment, but if the spirit moves you to add one, I think it will look great.

TK said...

Your sweet beach-goer is adorable! Love her, Darnell, and Mr Christmas is perfectly CAS yet flashy. Your Father's Day sounds wonderful, great pic

LesleyG said...

I was in that same line! That is one cute beach baby, beautifully coloured espeshly with the white dots, and love your classy gold tree, forget the sentiment, life’s too short :) xxx

Lia said...

Christmas in july: this card says it all. The image is soooo cute!!
Lia xx

Craftychris said...

Really cute beach card and a super classy Christmas card which I think is cool without a sentiment but will be equally cool with one. Love the Dad's day photo - what a handsome bunch! I can also see the fun you had with two cute dogs to play with instead of one! Fab pics. Take care. Hugs my friend xxxxxxx

Conny said...

Both cards are so wonderful! Love them!
Thanks for sharing your family photos!

Hugs,
Conny

Sandra H said...

Wow Darnell both your cards a fabulous lovely images used for your summer card hope our summer looks as bright as your card and l just adore the design and that Christmas tree die that l have used many a time thanks to miss Di on you Christmas card totally stunning they both are as are your family just love seeing family photos you all are so handsome enjoy your day xx

Helen said...

Super cute beach baby! LOVE the colors you worked with!! Thanks for joining us at Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers!
Helen
http://neverenoughtime2-helen.blogspot.com/

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

That baby at beach makes me smile, such a cutie!! Great colouring and the platinum powder looks great! The Christmas one is stunning, and in my opinion is just perfect without sentiment!
Lovely photos of your enlarged family (Cisco e Nellie are the enlarging part :) LOL )
Have a lovely week

Brenda said...

I thought I saw you in line way over there! I was there filing a missing months reports. lol My gosh, isn't this year just flying by Auntie?! Your card is darling, that image is just darling and makes me smile from ear to ear! Your colored her perfectly and now waves needed. We can "hear" and "see" them as well as feel that hot sun and ocean breeze. I'm so in love with this cutie! Love the twofer as well, simple or not, it is effective! No sentient needed in my own humble opinion. OMGosh, love the photo of all the guys! I can't believe how mature looking the twins are...well they are 16 huh?! They are definitely getting that "man" look to them. Such a great photo and I hope you frame it. Love the photo of you and the dogs, so cute!!! Hugs, Brenda

Pat said...

What a fabulous piece of watercolouring using that cute litttle beach baby Darnell and love that bright and beautiful gold striped vellum with the gold die cut tree on your twofer. Great photos of your four handsome males, and then the two cuties Cisco and Nellie happily seated with you..very couth! x

Sue said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell and those photo's are really gorgeous..so are the doggies too! hugs Sue x

JulieP said...

Love Beach Bum Baby! So sweet. Card 2 is gorgeous and the recipient will never know how easy it was. Thanks so much for playing along with us at the Sisterhood!!! -- Julie

Linda said...

Your little beach baby is just adorable ..... love the hat! And your Christmas card looks fab ..... so simple but very stylish.
Great family photos too ..... what a handsome bunch you have there! xx

Glittered Paws said...

Decisions decisions - I have to go with the beach baby. She is just too sweet sitting in the sand- (getting all hot and sweaty). Hammy did such a good job on her toe nails. Tell him I'm in need of a new polish. Then the Christmas tree is such a CAS card - I really do like it - just too hot to think about Christmas. The picture of the "guys in your life" are great. Handsome guys - but then loo at the genes.

Em Louise Fairley said...

The cards are both so sweet, Darnell, as are the pups and you xoxo

Linda said...

Darnell, that is so darn cute and you colored her beautifully with your Ziggies. Oh my gosh, it is 11:15 am and it is already 104 degrees. High is supposed to get 115. Ugh, We are melting here. You need to keep your hot temps down there. Lol... Hope all is well with you. Hugs, Lin

HilaryJane said...

What a perfect beach baby card, I just love it and your colouring is perfect. Your Christmas card is very simple but also very clever 9might pinch your idea!). Thanks too for sharing a photo of your wonderful boys xx

Leslie Miller said...

I'm smiling all over! How adorable your first card is and how thoroughly modern your second card. I love seeing the family pics. You know the fur babies have my heart. LuLu has taken a wrong turn with her leg. She's fine, but her leg is not. We're working on that, but everything takes forever. As a dog mom I'm not happy with the system. 'Nuff said about that.

Jean said...

Both cards are just wonderful!

Carole said...

Wow...a long way down to the comment box! :) these are two lovely cards Darnell. Love the beach Baby and your colouring and the classy Christmas card with that solitary tree...super modern....both fabulous and so different. great pics of the family...ones to treasure that's for sure. xx

Darlene said...

LOL Oh my friend, you are too much! This summertime card is ADORABLE and such a great take on our mood board! Your coloring is AWESOME ... well done! Thanks so much for joining in the fun at our Double D ‘Signs of Summer’ challenge! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back often.
Darlene
DOUBLE D Challenge Blog
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS
Please stop in for a visit!

P.S. Oh yes, that was me in the 'other line' ... the one for filing a Missing Month Report! LOL Where is the time going??? BIG HUGS! Thanks for the smiles!

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, The frist card made me smile and the second is so elegant.

I am surprised there hasn't been a world wide alert about the missing days. Maybe it is the aliens afterall;)

Lovely photo of the males. Looks like the two dogs get on well.

Hope you have a nice day. Sue, Honey & Twigs

Linby said...

You've really pulled it out of the bag here with two amazing cards. CAS designs but they are soooo effective.
thanks for the grammar lesson too 😜
The dogs looks like they got on well together and that's such a sweet photo of you with them.

Redanne said...

The image of the little girl is just so darn adorable and I must congratulate Hammy on painting those teeny toes!

I love the Christmas card just as it is, it is so elegant and there is not much doubt that it is for Christmas.

The dogs look adorable too (as do the men in the family), they are looking up so expectantly. I love that beautiful dressing gown you are wearing too!

Love and hugs, Annie xxx

lauren bergold said...

beautiful cards and some fine looking humans and doggies too lol. of course i'm bound to say that your elegant CAS gold and white holiday masterpiece is my favorite, right? especially since it looks so amazing in our JINGLE BELLES neutral noel gallery! ♥

Donna said...

Fab creations as always!
Thanks for watercolouring with Edna and the sisterhood of snarky stampers!!

Crafting Queen said...

Very elegant Christmas card. Thank you for joining Christmas 24 challenge. ANesha

Loll said...

Your beach baby is pretty darn cute, Dolly! I love the red and blue, ready to celebrate July 4th. Perfect the way it is with just the sand. Your twofer is beautiful and elegant. I don't think it needs a sentiment. I love the modern design. Love, Lolly

Kate said...

Since I'm wondering where the last 6 months have gone, I imagine it WILL be Christmas before I know it! Your Beach Baby (I'm going to be singing that song now) is delightful! I love her spotted hat! And congrats to Hammie on toenails well done! Hugs, Kate

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
Happy Rudolf Days.
As usual your way with words makes me smile I too think I have been in that line up for quite a few weeks now.
Oh I love the your cards and that first one is so gorgeous with that sweet beach baby it reminds me of the waterbabies from years ago.
Beautiful colouring as well.
Your Rudolf Card is very luxurious looking with those lovely gold panels and that beautiful tree.
My what a hansome group of males definitely a chip off the Grandfather that's for sure, but I can see a likness of the younger brother to you.
Lots of crafty love and hugs from my house to yours.Jenny L.

Esther Asbury said...

What a fun take on The Card Concept challenge! Thanks for playing along this week!

sandie said...

I wish I was on that beach with the sweet little girl-so fun coloured and wow to the cossy and toenails! And to me....no, no sentiment needed to for Xmas card-kinda might ruin it...be brave, leave as is! crafty hugs xx

Sue - said...

And thank you for joining us at Happy Little Stampers Watercolor Challenge 😁

Shell Shearer Swinscoe said...

Love your PB stamp, she is so cute

Thank you for sharing with us at 'Happy Little Stampers Watercolour' this month
Hugs Shell xx

scrappymo! said...

Hi Darnell
Such a great post! I enjoyed the family photos and also the 4 legged family members.
Your cards are great! That Christmas one is so lovely and modern...I do not think it needs a sentiment...it would take away from that modern look!

Hope you are keeping well. The temperature dropped 20 degrees in the last 30 hours or so and it is finally cool in my house. Hope to craft later tonight!

Thanks for taking part in the June Rudolph Days Challenge.

Cat Craig said...

Now I want to go to the beach...what a little sweetie. Your CHristmas card is elegant.

SmilynStef said...

love those bold stripes ... so modern and fun ... so very glad you joined our Neutral Noel at Jingle Belles.

Diane said...

Adorably cute cute beach card and colored so prettily! Thank you for joining our challenge at Double D!
Diane DD DT {Nellies Nest}

BożenA said...

WOW! What an amazing card, Darnell! I love this cute Penny Black stamp. This girl looks cute and your coloring made her really come to life on your card. Such a beautiful holiday card !!
I also love the second card, a very elegant version of the Christmas card.
You have a bunch of hunks at home :-)
hugs,
BozenA

Karen Ksenzakovic said...

Simply adorable :) Gorgeous coloring. Thank you for joining us at The Card Concept

frommycraftroom said...

UM yes did you find my missing weeks while you were there? I don't seem to be visiting or posting very frequently myself these days.

Love your cards. She is super cute and who doesn't love a QAS card!

Gorgeous pics of the family and fur babies :)

Birgit said...

Your sweet card is a sure sign of summer Darnell, and you've colored this adorable image up perfectly. I'm so glad you linked up with the DD challenge. Best of luck to you! Your "twofer" card is so sweet too!

R's Rue said...

Beautiful card and family. What a blessing.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

Stamps and Paper said...

Just catching up after a week way..how sweet is your little beach cutie Darnell...and I love the photo of all the 'boys'...

Anne

Janja said...

That's so cute!

Ros Crawford said...

I was definitely in the queue! I'm finally making time to visit and I'm glad I did... Love that cute beach card... How I would like to be her. Very elegant Christmas card with or without a sentiment. Fabulous photos - I can't believe how those twins have grown!! Have a lovely day

Claire said...

I remember when my two were that cute - where did all that cuteness grow? Beautifully coloured Darnell and your second card looks like it's been embossed. I'd never have guessed you'd used DP!

Nancy Penir said...

Happy Summer, Darnell! So glad to see your sweet little beach girl in our lineup at the Card Concept. All dressed for the 4th of July! Beautiful and striking Christmas card too. Those are 4 handsome dudes in the family. Papa looks so proud! and it's always fun to have a playmate for your pooch. Our sweet Ella loves sharing space with her cousin Jazzy. Stay cool my friend!

Greta said...

What a wonderful picture of your boys--all 4 of them! Love seeing you with the puppydogs! Oh my goodness--it's a good thing you got that sweet PB stamp! Totally love your sweet card with the beautiful coloring! I have that Christmas die & you've inspired me to use it!