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 10, 2021

Gnome at Last, etc.

Hello Stamplings!

How are you on this bright and shiny new day? Now that dark winter is approaching, I'm going to try and be less down in the dumps about everything going on in the world. I like being a bit contrary. Some might call it delusional. Join me?

Some challenges are close to ending, so this is a long post. I thought I would start by finally using one of my NBUS gnomes before the trend hits the road. Although, who knows? Maybe this trend will stick around because how can you not smile when you see one of these fun ganomes (as I like to call them)?

I've had this gal for a while and she is as tickled to finally be painted as I was to paint her!
This image and sediment are from a set of the same name from Trinity Stamps. I'm sorry you can't see the shading of my coloring because, you know, I work hard on that, but then I go to upload my photo and the white card looks like dirty gray and so then I brighten the white and it does away with all that nuanced shading. Dratafrat. Good thing we all have imaginariums.

I'm giving this ganome the name Galoria. She was heat-embossed in platinum, so I also used platinum for the sediment and a gold pen to make the eLipsis. Hammy happily winked every bit and biscuit.

I don't usually decorate the insides of my card except with my handwritten notes, but if you have an opening eLipsis, then you must close it ...
I didn't realize until after I'd uploaded the photo that Galoria's brother Garant had swooped in for a photo bomb! I'm telling you, these little guys are ganaughty!

Challenges
Twofer
Speaking of hard to photograph, this WOW (white-on-white) number was a devil in its own right because the front card panel was embossed using white glossy paper! This NBUS e/f was borrowed from a friend and I didn't make a note of who makes it. The sediment is from Cottage Cutz. QACAS!

Challenges
  • ABC Christmas: W and X. (W is for Whimsical.)
  • Less Is More: Lucky Dip Week: Winter White. LIM is looking for a new administrator for this wonderful challenge. Please let them know if you are interested so they don't have to close down.
Threefer

Speaking of QACAS:
You take a piece of metallic gold paper and you run it through your die-cutting machine using a 3D e/f from Sizzix (665254). Attach that to a card base and add a die-cut sediment of your choosing. I chose Be Merry from GKW, cut from red metallic paper. You can make a lot of beautiful Christmas cards in no time using the recipe for this card and the one above!

Challenges
Fourfer
I thought maybe I should post a few of my Thanksgiving cards at some point before I mail them off. Today I'll just add this one. These leaves are from the Seasonal Borders set by Concord & 9th. 

I tried doing a direct-to-paper inking. Honestly, it was very blah, so I put it in the recycle basket. Then - no surprise - Hammy to the rescue! He pulled it out, put on his little roller skates with the black ink cartridges, and skated around the leaves and down the veins. What a difference that made! I added a scoreline, a fall plaid mat, and a bit of bling before stamping the sediment with my Kaleidoscope ink pad.

Challenges

~~~


Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy, and be 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!

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75 comments:

TK said...

Your cards are fun, pretty and amazing -- good job on pumping out four wonders for us to feast on.
Chin up, Buttercup! Remember, we all love you!

Robyn Oliver said...

Hi Darnell, you have been a very busy lady... 4 cards to share and all wonderful... gnomes are pretty cute, love your Galoria. Great EF for the white on white and all that shine for the next - whoopie. And lastly a beautiful Fall card... super cool effort drawing in the outlines and veins..I love it. You're a very special lady who inspires us with your cards and wit - love reading your post and it's ok to have off days and feel 'dumpy', I do and then walk out into the garden and take a big breath, love and hugs Robyn

LesleyG said...

You bring us such joy and laughter as well as loads of inspiration. Thank you for making my day start with a big smile. I think it pays to be delusional these days. Take care xxx

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving all the cards.

Always better to put your energy into thinking positive thoughts than negative. Not always easy, but worth a try.

Hugs
Sue

Aquarius said...

Some great cards and the usual interesting and amusing words to pass on some of your 'up-beatness'. Is that even a word?? It is now 😀

Christine said...

Super set of cards, trust good old Hammy to save the day!!
Love the idea about the ef and diecut words ..

Viv said...

Fab makes Dolly - I have a Christmas 3D EF unopened - if only I knew which box the metallic card was in {sighs}
Ger-no-meee (which is what I call the little blighters) is quite the green fingered one isn't he/she as his/her poinsetthingy is very pretty! (are they he's or she's? Who knows).
Trying to be positive but sheesh it's hard! Living in disarray is becoming a little tiresome! x

Nan G said...

What a treat to have an email from you in my inbox this morn. Galoria is delightful and that sneaky bro…well! Love the blinged out QACAS Christmas cards. Yea, Hammy to the rescue. I need me a Hammy or maybe his sister? Today is going to be a good day…I’m getting a haircut! Happy dance. It’s been 3 mos so I’m looking rather shaggy. When one does not drive it’s rather difficult, lately, to find a ride so I found a stylist that will come to my home. Happy me! Hope your day is wonderful, Darnell. Chin up it’ll be Spring before we know it. �� Warm hugs, Nan and the Girls

sandie said...

Wow lots of lovely cards. Loving the white on white but can imagine how hard it was to photo. And what a sweet little gnome and good for you to decorate the inside, I never do this! Sending hugs xx

Diane said...

Wow, you have been busy, all your cards are fabulous and I loved reading your post! Hammy sure came to the rescue on your pretty Fall leaf card, I need a 'hammy' here! Thank you for joining our challenge at Four Seasons!
Diane FS DT {Nellies Nest}

sandie said...

super set of cards. Love the white on white and can imagine how hard it was to photo! Adore the sweet gnome card and you are so good to do the inside-I never do! Sending Hugs x

Jean said...

Such lovely cards! The white on white is a wow! Loving those leaves!

Bunny said...

A fourfer? Wow, you and Hammy are on a roll. These are some really lovely cards. Great white on white and and a gareat ganome.

Jeanne said...

Wonderful cards, Darnell. So happy to see your creativity and imagination shine bright. Ganomes for the win this holiday season. We sure could use the smiles. Thanks so much for sharing and delighting.

Hilda Burton said...

Wow! Your mojo has been working this week, Darnell. I love the variety of your cards today. I have finished 110 cards for this Christmas, but I'm ready to find new ideas and you hit the spot. Enjoy your day!

Jane said...

She's gorgeous! And so is your card. Thanks for playing at AAA Cards, hope to see you join in with future challenges too. Stay safe and keep crafting!

designbydonna said...

You have been busy. I have been hesitant to jump on the gnome craze but I think it might be here to stay. They really are darn cute. I'm trying to remember to do some photo bombing on the inside of my cards. It adda a lot of interest. White on white is always stunnig. All your cards are beautiful. I've stopped watching the news an have been way less down in the dumps. Definitely joining you in being delusional or mayabe just burying out heads in the sand.

Nancy said...

Such a great variety of cards you have here for us, Darnell! The little girl gnome needs to trim her locks before she trips. LOL. Such a sweet and well-done card. Your CAS white on white is always so eye-pleasing. What great die-cuts those are. Your shiny Be Merry card looks so cheerful and that EF sure gives a lot of dimension. And last but not least, Your Thanksgiving card is just as perfect too. Love the way you did the greeting. As for the state of this crazy world...I have unplugged a bit and that is helping. And know you are not alone in your thoughts! HUGS and Thanks for joining us at Just Us Girls for Word Week! Take care!

conil said...

You and Hammy have been busy. I can see some of the shading on your Galoria just fine...anyway, you know it's there. And I love both QACAS cards...great inspiration for we, who are behind. Hammy really did a great rescue on your Thanksgiving card...it is beautiful. Hope you have a wonderful one, by the way.

JulieP said...

Your posts always bring a smile to my face. Love your ganomes! Wonderful mix of cards Darnell!

Darlene said...

All are just FABULOUS my friend! I'm always so happy after visiting your blog!! Love that cute little 'ganome' peeking in the inside corner of your first card! So cute ... brought an instant smile!
With the change in time and it getting dark so early, I too find it difficult to not get 'down in the dumps' but as long as I have fun friends like you to 'lift me up', winter won't be quite so bad!

Thanks so much for joining in the fun at our Four Seasons Challenge! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back again soon.

Darlene
FOUR SEASONS CHALLENGE
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS
Please stop in for a visit!

Sandra H said...

Hi Darnell, as always l think too to having positive thoughts than negative ones works for me and not always easy either but the way things have been this last 2 years we really do need to be positive l hate the dark nights but something we can't get away with but we can remain positive, l love your cards your so creative in all that you do take care xx

Bobby said...

I don't know what made me smile more, Darnell. The darling gnomes or your witty banter. I hope they don't go out of style, the gnomes I mean, ;) because I have a number of them. White on white or red on gold. Both embossing folder cards are wonderful and I'm glad you sent the gold one to us at Just Us Girls.

Pat said...

Well I'm with you on the winter Darnell, it is grey and gloomy here and has been all day...but your fun post never fails to cheer and bring a smile or two or three. Four gorgeous creations, you've been a very busy lady and I love your sweets gnomes and the WOW seasonal one is a joy, also the 3D gold embossed with the red sentiment is very striking, and lastly the beautiful leaves, such a great idea to outline them and add the veins, and the plaid paper looks so pretty. x

Debbie Crowley said...

Lovely leaves and a beautiful plaid background make this a perfect way to be "thankful". Thank you for joining us at the Paper Players this week.

Carole said...

The fabulous four...but not the beatles...lol...love all your card darnell, you have been busy..favourite?...the gold one anad i do like your save of the Thanksgiving one. xx

Jeanne H said...

Gosh, what a wonderful bunch of cards, Darnell. Love them all but especially the white on white one. Beautiful. I too love seeing you in my email. Hugs to you.

Susan said...

Wow, a Fourfer - you've been busy! A great batch of cards, especially that glorious gold foil one! And you educated me about gnomes with the first one - for some reason, I thought all gnomes were male, but clearly I was wrong - Galoria with her long braids is clearly female (I tried to grow my hair that long when I was at university but it seemed to stop when it reached my bum - just as well as I can see Galoria needs to take care not to trip over hers).

Em Louise Fairley said...

They are all fabulous, Darnell xoxo

Cat Craig said...

Darnell, you have been a busy gal. Loving that gnome, so cute and love the photo bomb too. Your embossed cards are fab as is that difficult to photograph white on white. Hugs.

HilaryJane said...

What a special collection of cards, you have been busy. My favourite has to be those gold embossed Christmas trees with the lovely red sentiment. Funny how the easy ones can often be the best. Oh and your gnomes are pretty special too. I love the inside xx

cuilliesocks said...

What wonderful cards Darnell, I love your Gloria, she is fabulous in her red and platinum. Each card is so differently designed , love them all, Kate x

Redanne said...

I am definitely joining you, it is time to be positive!!

All of your cards are just simply gorgeous but it will probably not be a surprise when I say that Galoria is my favourite, she is absolutely adorable and made me smile and we all need a smile these days, so thank you!!

Hugs, Annie xxx

Fikreta said...

Gorgeous card!

Lynette said...

Those are four very, very awesome cards, Darnell!! Each very different and very pretty. Know what - I don't even own a 3D embossing folder yet! Amazing. Some day ...

oldpunca said...

Each card is awesome. Thank you for the idea how to make a quick card for Christmas. Two little gnomes have stolen my heart. Galoria and Garant are so sweet that you have to love them.
Have a ice day and take care! Hugs, Sonja

Sue said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell hugs x

Carol L said...

Glad to see the gnome bug found you at last! Cute card inside and out. Love your foursome, especially the gold and red beauty! I hope you're feeling well and looking forward to a pleasant weekend. Take care.

Cécile RIBON said...

What a great collection of cards! Thanks so much for joining us at Just Us Girls this week.

Claire Broadwater said...

Wow Darnell, you have been busy! So many gorgeous cards! I love your thankful card. Those leaves are so pretty and the plaid background shouts FALL! So happy you joined my challenge at The Paper Players this week!

Lindsey said...

I am highly in favour of your contrary attitude. And you have to be in a good mood to create such beautiful cards, I think! Love them all, but I'm going to single out your WOW card - both because I think I'll CASE it ;) and to thank you for joining ABC Christmas Challenge with it!

Lisa Elton said...

There is a whole lot of fabulous happening here today, Darnell! The gnomes, brother and sister... love them!

Cheryl W. said...

Loved this post! The ganomes were the stars, but the other cards definitely held their own. So much creativity--is your mind always on full power?? The "Be Merry" card just about took my breath away. The richness of the gold and the little pop of red look amazing together. As for Hammy and his skating abilities, I have but one question--does he hire out? I often have images that could use a few artistic skate lines. Tell him I'm paying $20+/hr.

kiwimeskreations said...

Glad to see that hammy is still in the business of inspiring you and rescuing cards - that skating outline is fabulous - give him a high five from me!!
Loving your ganomes and their card.
The two embossed cards are real beauties - especially the gold one!!
I so enjoy seeing your fabulous cards Darnell, and reading your posts :)
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine

Kathyk said...

OH MY GOSH! What a fab smorgasbord of cards, so fabulous, so fun. Those gnomes are a delight. I popped across to admire your white on white card but they are all just lovely, Darnell

Happy Friday, stay well

Kathyk

Michelle W said...

Beautiful cards Darnell! Thanks for joining us at Less is More and thanks for the giggle!

Bonnie said...

You have outdone yourself, my friend! Galoria & Garant need to appear often. They look like they enjoy the spotlight! Your white on white is so elegant and difficult to photograph. Looks great though! Your embossed foil is so elegant and your outlined Fall leaves are a beautiful way to say Happy Thankgiving! Love that kaleidoscope stamped sentiment!

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Such GORGEOUS work on all 4. Love your work Darnell.
Faith x

Mac Mable said...

Spoiling me with the four fabulous cards Darnell. So creative, so unique and I love them x.

Tracey McNeely said...

Four really fabulous and yet different cards. The gnome is so cute and fun to watercolour, love the white on white and the gold embossing--stunning. Ooops I forgot that you still haven't had Thanksgiving in the U.S. yet, very fun leaves! Thanks so much for the lovely birthday card, it made my day!

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, no, I hope ganomes don't hit the road because I still have at least 3 NBUS super cute ganomes to color! Your little Christmas gardener is adorable. I feel your pain about the photo. I'm in that situation all the time, grrrr. Your coloring that shows is absolutely delightful! Loving the simple cards a lot, especially the folder with the Santa and house scene, but the trees are way cool and gorgeous, too! Finally, your colorful and very pretty Thanksgiving card underwent an amazing transformation after Hammy pulled it from the recycle basket. I sure never suspected it didn't initially look exactly like that. It's fabulous! Thank you for sharing this lovely variety here and for sharing your Thanksgiving card at the Four Seasons Challenge!

Karen Letchworth said...

Hello Darnell:
Thank you for sharing your Autumn card in our challenge at The Four Seasons Challenge Blog. We enjoy seeing everyone's creativity and we're glad that you stopped by to share your art with us. Please visit and play along again soon, and have a blessed week.
Karen L, DT Member
The Four Seasons Challenge Blog

Brenda said...

I am really not liking the time change, but I know it will pass and we will be back in spring before I can shake a leg. lol I have tuned the world out since the beginning of Covid, it just has gotten to crazy for me as I like to be happy and upbeat. The news and such just brings me down. I keep inform to a point and let go the rest. Yes, I've been delusional for quite some time!

OMGosh, what an array of fun cards! I love your Ganome, she is way to cute. You have colored her perfectly Auntie. How fun her brother photo bomb the inside of the card. Way to cute and such a fun Christmas card. Your white on white card is so pretty and fun. I've always loved white on white cards as much as I love kraft, red and white Christmas cards. The embossed card is stunning, love how easy it is and love that tree embossing folder. Very elegant looking. I'm in love with the Thanksgiving card, the colors are so beautiful and that plaid paper is awesome. Love the sentiment done the Kaleidoscope ink pad-great colors. Glad Hammy rescued this one as I think it is my favorite! Hugs, Brenda

Ros Crawford said...

Well done to Hammy for saving the day with that lovely leaf card... I love leaves! And well done to you on all those pretties... Oh those dark nights... I could get so much more done if it was light... Then again living in a little cottage with my cats I could do what I wanted when I wanted dark nights or not Haha! Enjoy your weekend and thanks for your email... glad that chair is working for you.

Donna said...

What fun, a fourfer, I just kept scrolling, one fabulous card after another!

Celeste Goff said...

Love that sweet little gnome card and that all gold with the pop of red on the embossed backgroudn is amazing!

Loll said...

A fabulous gapost with lots of eye gacandy! This could be addictive!! :) Love that fun gnome in the bright, fun colours. Fabulous white-on-white card which is always so fresh and elegant. And agree with you about the embossed foil cards ... they are quick, but oh-so beautiful (love the gold and red!). And a gorgeous fall card before winter takes over. Beautiful line of leaves that are all such pretty colours. You've been busy as a hamster! xx

Loll said...

A fabulous gapost with lots of eye gacandy! This could be addictive!! :) Love that fun gnome in the bright, fun colours. Fabulous white-on-white card which is always so fresh and elegant. And agree with you about the embossed foil cards ... they are quick, but oh-so beautiful (love the gold and red!). And a gorgeous fall card before winter takes over. Beautiful line of leaves that are all such pretty colours. You've been busy as a hamster! xx

JD/ Jill said...

Wow! You were on a roll! 4 great cards there...that Fourth card is fabulous... Jill might case that one!
Hope you are having a good week, and feeling just fine! Take care!

Quillish said...

Gorgeous.. gorgeous cards. I am always so excited to see your card on my numbers to comment, Darnell. I wish I'd come here more and also wish you come on Instagram so we could have some chuckles with every card of yours. The Gnomes are sooo cute and the lady peeping from inside, is such a fun addition to it. Thank you for joining us at AAA Cards with this CAS beauty. Hugs ~ Ishani.

My Paper Epiphany said...

Gosh, you have been busy! A wonderful and diverse collection showcasing your talents! Hugs x

Stamps and Paper said...

four totally different but fabulous cards Darnell...

Anne

Sue - said...

What a great collection of cards! You are so lucky to have Hammy to rescue your “mistakes” . xx

Craftychris said...

Ooh I love all these galorious cards! The Ganomes are fab and I adore the gold embossed card - might have to borrow (ok steal!) that idea if you don't mind? It will be for next year though, don't think I will be making any this year. Have bought some instead. So not good! Take care my friend. Hugs xxxxxxxx

KT Fit Kitty said...

Hi, Darnell! You've made a lot of pretty cards! The gnome is so fun - I made my first gnome card the other day and I have another one to share this week. The white-on-white card really caught my eye, and the embossed gold card is spectacular! Your Thanksgiving card is lovely too. Beautiful job with all of them, and thank you for stopping by my blog and for your kind words. Wishing you a joyful day!

Joy Dsouza said...

Fabulous cards. Thank you for joining the AAA Cards Challenge.
- Joy Dsouza

frommycraftroom said...

Oh wow. These are all beautiful cards. Just love the quick and easy gold foil! You have inspired me to dig out my unloved Christmas embossing folders.

Di said...

Fabulous cards Darnell! Gnomes are everywhere right now, it's a takeover of the world by stealth I reckon! I can see the shading by expanding the image, she cute a cutie! And your Christmas EF is Fabulous. You sent me its twin a while ago and said to keep whatever I wanted from the package. Let me confess right now, that glorious folder could find it's way into my own stash. I had no idea how marvellous it is! I may do a CASE please, with full credit to you of course. The gold with red is so perfect, great combination and really opulent. Brilliant for super fast cards!

Hugs

Di
Xx

Greta said...

Especially love the gold embossed card with the red sentiment!

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

I'm here with my DT hat on to repeat, I love your Gnome Darnell, sorry to be late with this comment! Thank you so much for joining us in our Gnomes challenge at The Male Room Good Luck and I hope you will join us in our next challenge.
Faith DT

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Hi Darnell - sorry I haven't visited lately (long story). Just love all four cards but especially the sweet gnome; I'm sure the shading looks amazing!!

BożenA said...

Happy Thanksgiving, Darnell.
It is difficult to express all the admiration for all your cards presented in this post in a short comment. But I guess what I love the most is the first card with this lovely gnome wife! Recently I have a gnome phase and everything that resembles a gnome is grabbing my heart :-)
xx

Linby said...

Fabulous cards, but the star of the show for me is the gold EF with the trees - might even need that!

Linby said...

ok - so that 3d ef is arriving Friday!

Helen said...

Wow - what a lovely lot of fabulous cards!
Love the elegance of the white on white card!
Thanks for playing at the ABC Christmas Challenge!
Helen x