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!

January 5, 2022

Krafty Chicks ~ Stamp Act

Hello Stamplings!

How are you? Thank you for taking a break to click open my bloggeroo today! You deserve a break and a favorite beverage. And sure, I support having a little sweet, too, while you're at it.

Just as I was looking for some renewed schpark to light up my get-up-and-go in the new year, I was asked by the Krafty Chicks to be their Guest Designer for January. What an honor and what perfick timing!

The Krafty Chicks post challenges once a week on Thursdays and for Week 1, the prompt is "Stamp Act." Here is my card to inspire you:
Zany the zebra is part of a NBUS stamp set called "Savanne1" from Craft Emotions, simply stamped in black and white. The sediment is from Dylusions. The double-stitched die is from MFT. And, of course, Hammy brought the zebra to life by adding googly eyes.

Don't you wonder what mischief lies unseen in front of Zany? I'm sure there is a group of her zebra friends gathering in the distance, but what are they up to? Oh, the imagination stirs ~ or maybe the memories! Why, it reminds me of that time back in 1973 when a group of us girls drove into Los Angeles from the sub-Urbs and Cheryl suggested that we ...

Thank you, Krafty Chicks for asking me to guest design this month! You can find all the details and the linky tool on their blog and I look forward to seeing your stamped creations! 
I'm also playing in these challenges:
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Twofer
Another QACAS and NBUS design for you. I've had Tim's Mini Blueprints booze-themed stamp set for (cough) years and I finally broke the seal on that puppy. All of the blueprint images are fantastic! The sediment is from Tim's Big Talk collection. (Hammy scampered up my pant leg just as I was taking a sip, so pardon the spillage.)

Those of you who are eagle-eyed and sober will note that that wine opener would crush that bottle of wine if it was used. Well, you might find, as I did, that if you drink a little wine and then look at it again, the perspective problem goes away! Hic!

Challenges
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Kudos to the Postal Service

While I had a few cards returned unnecessarily and packages that took forever, I just had to share this positive PO experience. Below is a photo of a card I received from my bloggie friend Aileen in Australia:
Notice anything remarkable? There is NO postage stamp! I've been know to send cards off like that a few times myself, but they've always come back to me. Somehow the post office managed to get this beautiful Christmas card to my mailbox in America and that makes me smile!

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Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! 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! And thank you for your positive feedback on my last post regarding Verna and sending cards to seniors.

*Life is too short!

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60 comments:

Aquarius said...

Two brilliant cards and thanks so much for starting off the year with ones which made me smile. All the very best for 2022 which hopefully will come good for us all.

kiwimeskreations said...

Thank you for sharing these fun and beautifully made cards Darnell - Hammy has outdone himself this time with the fabulous eyes... and the beverage spill - perfectly placed ;). I have my cup of herbal (night time) tea beside me, as if I have anything else too close to bedtime I don't sleep well... but I will dream of joining you for a sip of something else, and hope Hammy does not cause me to slop my dripper...
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine

Jeanne said...

Happy New Year, Darnell! Congrats on the guest designer spot. You created some fun and zany cards for today's post but the topper indeed is that Aileen's card made it to you without postage or any postage due! That's amazing! I'm sure you enjoyed it a little bit extra as a result. Thanks so much for sharing! Hope you have a fantastic week. :)

Lynette said...

Your sediment stamps are the best, Darnell!! Your cards are terrific, too. :-) Love the googly eyes - great idea, Hammy. I'm so happy you got the card from Australia. I sent a card to a friend in Canada last year, and it was returned to me four months later marked "MISSENT TO KOREA"!!! What upset me the most is - why didn't they then send it to the recipient instead of sending it back to me??

Mac Mable said...

Thank you for the smile Darnell on your first fantastic card...love the sentiment and those google eyes. Many congratulations on guesting x.
Sat here with a glass of wine and something 'sweet'....And yes the perspective of your second card is perfect....lol x. Fun card, love the spillages and trying to think of an excuse, my end, because it's not my birthday and it's a weekday!!!!
Yay to the postal service too Darnell x. Sending hugs x.

Nancy said...

Happy New Year, Darnell! Fabulous wine card and don't give a second thought to perspective. As for your zebra card...that sentiment is a riot! Love it! I was so happy to see you creating with us at Just Us Girls! Also, I am as shocked as you that you managed to receive Aileen's card! Been thinking about you and hope you are getting around okay! Hugs!

Greta said...

I've forgotten the stamp, too, but it's always been returned. It's totally amazing they delivered it to you & so great to hear something positive! Your cards are wonderful & you made me laugh! Congrats on being the GD, Darnell!

Pat said...

The zebra and sentiment is such fun with his googly eyes and perfect in black and white, especially with the black outer frame Darnell, and the TH wine themed blueprint stamp looks great with that touch of red, though could be rose, and I love the bits added to the fun sentiment, and how great that the PO still delivered the card from Aileen. I think mine may still be circling the globe..Stewart in Australia still hasn't received his ..I think he's given up checking his box..lol. x

conil said...

Thanks for the girl trip memories...the trouble we got into was truly epic. Lucky we didn't end up in hoosegow. I even think we were wearing black and white. Too funny. How did you know?
Got a giggle out of your CAS card, as well. If you do it again, maybe find a bigger bottle.

Leanne said...

Super happy to have you with us this month, an awesome card, makes me smile. Have a great day! Cheers, L:)

Carol said...

Darnell, this is a great card!!! I love the TH blueprint series stamps so much and your layout using this one is great! Love your sentiment and colors, too...everything!!! Thanks for playing along at Just Us Girls this week!!!

cuilliesocks said...

Two brilliant cards Darnell, I especially love Zany the zebra, so cute, designs and colours are super, Kate x

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Two fabulous CAS cards Darnell, and that zebra makes me giggle... especially seeing her googly eyes!! How fun!
Hugs

oldpunca said...

I have to laugh about both your cards and everything you wrote. Thank you to make my day! Fantastic zebra and the sentiment. Googly eyes are just a cherry on the cake. Perspective of the bottle and the cork opener on the second card is at so late hour no problem at all. :-) About the sentiment...another cherry on the cake.
The card from Australia reminds me that my husband 40 years ago has send a love letter to me from the USA to Slovenia. Without a postage stamp as well. And I also got it. :-) There is still some trust to the postal office.
Have a nice day! Hugs, Sonja

Mrs A. said...

I luv your zany Zebra. Hugs Mrs A.

Susan said...

Two great cards - both made me smile! The zebra definitely has the look of mischief in his eyes - I've seen horses look at each other like that when they're out in the paddock playing (as long as they don't look at me like that when I'm riding them!). And the wine with its humungous opener is great - love the bit of spilled wine on the sentiment!

Lisa Elton said...

Your posts always make me smile, Darnell! The zebra and his commentary are too much fun! And those eyes!! Love the wine spillage that Hammy created. Probably on purpose so he could have himself a little nip!

Nan G said...

Thank you Darnell for starting the New Year off with ROFL moment x 2! For me it was 1971 outside Amarillo…… ssshhh. Here’s hoping that 2022 treats you well and your surgery gets scheduled sooner rather than later. Big hugs, Nan and the Girls

Bonnie Lynn said...

Happy New Year Darnell! Your zany zebra made me laugh out loud. No Really!!! Also sounds like something I would say after opening mouth and inserting foot. Congrats on the guest DT spot. I'm going to have to go check out the challenge now.

nancy littrell said...

OMG..Thank you so much Dolly for all the laughs in just One Post:-) BTW..your 2nd card works for CAS Mix Ups Loose Watercoloring Challenge too! Christmas turned out wonderful, especially with all the Gorgeous homemade cards bringing so much love and inspiration. Wishing 2022 improves in so many ways even just a little:-) BTW...I think your cute googly eyed zee bra had a nip from the bottle that he/she received with the really cute loosely watercolored card:-) I think you had a nip to..must explain the loose WC:-) Love and Big Hugs, dear friend. So happy you are back on blogland after a little break:-)......

Cheryl W. said...

I swear...I was not a good girl gone bad back in 1973. I was only looking for a little fun in L.A. with my free-spirited friends. he he

Your cards are fab. I love the zebra and his gorgeous googly eyes. And I wonder if Tim was drinking any wine when he drew that wine bottle/opener blueprint. Maybe that's why the opener is a bit on the large size. And I know (from experience, I dare say) that the more wine you drink, the smaller the bottle looks!

Jane Willis said...

I've often admired Hammy's sparks of inspiration but he has really outdone himself this time. Those googly eyes are absolutely perfect and really lift the card into the "Extra special" category. He must have a very good teacher....
Jane

Sarn said...

Two fun cards on your blog today Darnell. Love the googly eyed zebra & the perfect sentiment to go with him!

Happy New Year to you - apologies for being late to the party.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Sandra H said...

Happy new year Darnell to you and your families, wow again your cards are just so adorable loving your fun Zebra 🦓 eyes 👀 are just perfect for this card and your 2nd equally as inspiring 😆 your a great story teller too keep it up xx

Ros Crawford said...

Great cards Darnell but that Zebra has me smiling! And what a great story about the Aussie card - Wow!
I have a consult next week with the doctor who did my back... I'm really suffering with nerve pain in my hand and sitting is not good either. Fingers crossed I don't have to have more surgery but I'm staying positive and enjoying my sewing right now. Stay well yourself... I know you too are being brave. Hugs..

Ros Crawford said...

Great cards Darnell but that Zebra has me smiling! And what a great story about the Aussie card - Wow!
I have a consult next week with the doctor who did my back... I'm really suffering with nerve pain in my hand and sitting is not good either. Fingers crossed I don't have to have more surgery but I'm staying positive and enjoying my sewing right now. Stay well yourself... I know you too are being brave. Hugs..

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Dear Darnell,
Hulllooo! every blessing for 2022!!!
Well, a very first tap of comment on a blog with the new keyboard on the new laptop. Yipppeee!
I love the laptop hate windows 11, which is every software engineer's torture chamber, I've decided .. though my nephew who is one might disagree.
Simple wish, I would like auto capitalization at the start of anew sentence.

And no, after trying yest. and today, it's seems impossible to find! Might give to said nephew as this week's homework! along with my very looong list.

Lovely to see your NBUS used, so satisfying that cracking out a new stamp, isn't it?
Hammy has made a cracker of funny zebra card with googly eyes, and your great use of Twofer neglected Tim stamps remind me of mine. Praying for you each day and Mister too.


Thanks for Sharing, God bless and keep you safe, and all those you love, hugs Shaz in Oz.x


{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}

{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

Colleen Dietrich said...

Your humor is refreshing, Darnell. :-) Your cards are cute, and how about that card from a friend in Australia making it to you with no postage stamp! Amazing! Have a great weekend!

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Absolutely LOVE the zebra Darnell, his eyes tell all methinks? As for the bottle and the opener, hic! I see nuffin rong hic! Fabulous work as always.
Happy New Year
Faith x

Marcia Hill said...

Great cards Darnell and glad you're finding some mojo to start off this new year! I've made a few cards this year, but mostly being a lazy slug and just doing a lot of reading and watching the snow fly! (16 inches in the last 2 days!! YUCK!!) Take care and hope 2022 is a healthier year for you and the Mr.! (How ARE the backs doing??) Hugs. :0)

Nancy Penir said...

Oh my good golly, I've missed your witty wits! Both cards are so sweet, and put a smile where I needed it. Saw the one in the lineup at the Card Concept and had to come for a much needed visit. Thank you for playing along and thank you for brightening my day!

HilaryJane said...

Great cards, the Zebra made me smile. I always love it when you use googly eyes. I have fallen fowl of the new posting rules to the EU recently so it is really nice to hear a positive story about the post. thanks for sharing it xx

Jean said...

Cute cards. Congratulations on the guest designer gig. Love that the letter made its way to you.

Carol L said...

These cards just carack me up, especially the sentiment on the first one! LOL I'd say you hit the lottery in getting that letter all the way here from AU without postage! See that, miracles do happen afterall :) Happy New Year!

Donna said...

Hi Darnell! Great cards, the zebra is so fun-congrats on guest designing, and the wine card is fabulous! A card without postage from Australia-wow! Have a good day!

Bonnie said...

I wonder what's ahead of that zebra that's bugging her eyes out like that! Oh, my, but I'll bet it's something naughty and fun! Personally, I think they should put bigger handles on those corkscrews! They would work SO much better! Or if you buy the wine by the box, you don't need a fancy tool! Hic! Congratulations on your Guest Spot with this fun group!

Bobby said...

I think that what lies ahead for Zany is what's on card #2, Darnell. ;) You must have had fun making these. They gave me a giggle.
I can't believe you got a card without a stamp. I didn't get one that had a stamp and was addressed correctly and still got returned to sender.

My Paper Epiphany said...

Happy New Year Darnell! That googly eyed Zebra and hilarious sentiment really made me laugh! Your wine themed card is so perfect for the Loose Watercolour challenge! Love it😍 Australia Post staff must have been partaking in a nip or 2 of red wine when they let that letter go! Thanks for joining us at CAS Mix Up:)

Notes by Nina said...

Happy New Year Darnell - I have not crafty blog surfed in forever and your comment on my post reminded me of what I was missing by not stopping by to see all of your fabulous creations. Love your cards and your wonderful way with words. Thank you for making me smile.

Donna said...

Fab projects as always!
Thanks for celebrating all things snarky with Edna and the sisterhood of snarky stampers!

Dotty Jo said...

Terrific cards, Darnell! Thanks for playing with The Sisterhood, hope all is well with you, Jo x

Sarah said...

Fabulous cards Darnell and that zany zebra certainly brought a smile to my face!! xx

AarthiS said...

Aww great card! Love the googly eyes on the zebra, so fun! Thank you so much for playing with us at TimeOut 💕

Ink Outside The Box With Diane said...

Welcome to the Hen House Darnell. Happy to craft with you this month. You’ve create a cute funny card for our Stamp Act Challenge on the Krafty Chicks Challenge blog.
Diane - DT

Rita said...

I missed your lovely posts Darnell. Lost a bit of the last year through illness and my only brothers death. I think your cards bring joy to lots of people through these difficult times we are living in. Keep Safe Hugs Rita xx

Vicky Hayes said...

Two brilliant cards Darnell! I love the googly eyes on the zebra and that PERFECT sentiment! My new years resolution is to get some proper snarky/funny sentiments (all recommendations welcome!) Love the Blueprints image too which makes me laugh and laugh when I see it. Just love that all parts of the image are labelled as if you may have had so many glasses of that wine that you have ceased to recognise them!! I feel that every home needs an extra large cork screw for really serious wine opening (although I believe it's best NOT to use them on these new-fangled screw top bottles lol!) Mwah! Vicky x

Sue said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell I hope you received your Christmas card although I was a bit late posting them ...hugs SUe x

Melanie Hungerford said...

Love reading your posts, your sense of humor makes me smile! So happy to have you as our guest designer at Krafty Chicks this month.

Em Louise Fairley said...

Great cards to kick the year off with, Darnell xoxo

BożenA said...

I love both cards, but the first is my favorite !! I love that zebra and the fact that you have kept the colors in check. This card is brilliant.
Shipment without a stamp ?? In Poland, I also got such a card, but I had to pay the cost of the stamp at the post office. Well, unless I gave up collecting the card. So I took the risk and paid, hahaha :-)
My dear Darnell, best wishes to you and your family for the entire New Year!
hugs,
BożenA

Loll said...

I can just imagine the trouble Zany is going to get into ... especially if you are asked for suggestions! :) I love the black and white. Congrats on being GD at Krafty Chicks.

LOVE the wine bottle and corkscrew. The loose watercolouring is PERFECT for your subject matter; even better if you uncorked it before watercolouring! :)
Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Mix Up!

The post office must have been in the Christmas spirit to let that go through. Gotta love it! Love, Lolly

Doris Klein said...

Funny work - clever idea with the eyes!

Thanks for playing along with our Challenge at Critter Crazy and good luck!

Hugs and please come back soon!
Doris
Kleido’s BastelStüble
*Owner* Do-Al(l) Kreatives
*Owner*Critter Crazy Challenges
*List Manager* Challenges for Days
*DT* Sweet Sketch Wednesday 2
*GDT* stamps & fun = CREATIVITY

Stephanie Lanzalotto said...

I loved reading your post, Darnell, as always. I love both of your creations with your NBUS. I laughed right out loud when I got to the part about your 1973 road trip! Oh, those were the days! The googly eyes are so perfect on that mischievous zebra. Thanks for sparking my imagination, making me smile and for sharing with us at Time Out!

Lori Turner said...

Welcome to the hen house, Darnell! So happy you can join us for the month. Super cute card - love the sentiment LOL...

Hugs,

Lori

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Any excuse to have a drink is good to me!!! LOL!
Your card is darling! Thanks for sharing it with us at the Card Concept!
Hugs to you!

Leslie Miller said...

Your zebra card is such a fun character and sentiment, and same goes for the wine card sentiment. That is one huge corkscrew, truly. It needs a much bigger bottle of wine and that would be fine with me sometimes. Thanks for sharing good Post Office news. That card traveled a long way with no postage stamp!

Linby said...

Great zebra card but I was drawn here by the gin! I used to worry about real life on cards but I'm trying not to these days - large cork screw or not it looks great.
BTW that card would have got to England too, but they wouldn't have released it until you'd paid an arm and a leg for it!!!

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Two fun cards with the snarky sentiments, Darnell - just love the zebra, really made me smile. And who doesn't love a big bottle of wine any day!!

Linda said...

Two fun cards Darnell ...... love the zebra!!
Love the sentiment on the wine card too ...... wine is good on any day of the week. Thank you for sharing at CAS Mix Up!

Cat Craig said...

This fab silly zebra is happily residing in my card display. I giggle everytime I look at him. Thanks for sending him along.