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 19, 2022

The C Word

Hello Stamplings!

I hope you are chugging along well! Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there and the moms who play the role of both mom and dad! And special hugs to all of you who miss your dads.

The C word in my title is not Cancer or Covid, it's Christmas! Yes, I know, some of you are backing away in horror. Not me. I learned my lesson the hard way, which is, if I don't have a good start by now (😱July 1st is just around the corner), then it's an uphill climb to get them finished. 

And, guess what, I don't have a good start by now, so I made two. They are both QACAS, so why didn't I make more of them? She asks with a slap.

Onefer
CAS Christmas is back (pause for applause) and Linda has chosen Wreath for the prompt. I wanted to also use my entry as a reminder about CAS Mix Up Challenge where I am this month's guest designer. Lolly wants us to use pastes or gels, but I don't have any wreath stencils. Hmmm.

So ... what I did was, I covered over parts of a NBUS Gina K. "Fizzy" stencil (which was a gift from a friend😙) with two solid circle shapes, so that I could apply Cosmic Shimmer Sparkle Texture Paste (which was a gift from a different friend😙) in the uncovered holes so in the form of a wreath. I'll wait a minute while you go over that again and create a video in your head. It's for your own good. If I made you a video, you wouldn't get this brain exercise.

I didn't capture the schparkle very well in the photo, but it's very shiny and glittery irl. I used glossy red c/s for the mat, the PTI bow, and the sediment.

It's different, but it's kinda growing on me. I debated with Hammy about drawing circles around the wreath or shading it to add more definition, but he liked it free and breezy. Well, sure. Free and breezy is a natural state for him.

Other Challenges

Twofer
I thought maybe this sunburst stencil could work as a wreath, but maybe that's taking artsy too far. So, okay, I will just use it as another reminder to you that the June CAS Mix Up Challenge is still going on and we'd love to see your clean and simple cards using pastes or gels!

I will add this to the Blue and Green color challenge over at Color Hues and the Add a Sentiment challenge at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday.
RIP Verna
Verna 1924 - 2022

It is with a mixture of sadness and relief that I let you know my friend Verna passed away. Thank you to all of you who so kindly sent her cards these last few years. She always told me when she got a new one and she'd always say, "How talented your friends are!" She loved each and every card. Mwah!
And she loved seeing Nellie through the porch window when we would visit. I wanted to share this photo with you before I forget. I couldn't believe I caught the shot ~ it looks like she is smelling the flowers!

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!* I hope you get a chance to smell the flowers and, as always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse! 

*Life is too short!

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56 comments:

Celeste Goff said...

Love that red and white wreath with the big shiny bow Darnell! Just fabulous!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

You have always so clever ideas for your CAS cards Darnell, love how you realized the wreath with the circles shapes and the stencil, it's so effective! That big glossy bow finishes the wreath perfectly! Also the second CAS looks so beautiful.
Your photo of Nellie is delightful!
Sorry for your friend Verna, could she rests in peace.
Hugs

Colleen said...

I love your Two-fers and that they are both Christmas is fantastic! You are on your way now! Make duplicates of every Christmas card...or better yet three or four, you will have your stash in no time!! Very clever using the Gina Stencil Fizzy for your wreath, you and hammy make a great team! Heart Hugs, Col

Christine Alexander said...

love all that shparkly embossing paste the red really pops off the card xx

Bonnie said...

Awh, I'm sorry that Verna has passed but glad for her to be at peace. You were a dear and treasured friend to the end. Mwah. Love your red wreath and no shading is needed. Perfect as is! Love the sparkly burst with the blue and green shiny sentiment! Wonderful schparkle and shine, my friend! Thanks for adding to our gallery at CAS Mix Up and being our awesome Guest Designer!

Pat said...

Two very sparkly and beautiful cards Darnell and the stencil masked and made into a wreath works brilliantly and such a wonderful red glittery paste you have used, and then the fabulous green large heat embossed sentiment looks great with the sunburst around it using that pretty white glittery paste. Sorry to hear about your friend Verna, may she rest in peace, and what a well captured photo of Nellie, and it does look as though she is smelling the flower..lol. x

Lisa Elton said...

The red shiny bow is the bomb! Terrific cards, Darnell. I'm so sorry your friend Verna has passed away. Sending hugs.

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Oh no, so sorry to hear of Verna's passing, Darnell - my condolences to you; always hard to lose a friend! I enjoyed sending cards to her and was sorry to fall behind lately... Gorgeous Christmas cards & yes, it's an uphill battle to get them done!! You're doing well though!

Karen said...

So sorry to hear about Verna's passing; it's never easy to lose a friend. I was doing really well with Christmas cards and then lost my mojo---but I do have one for CAS Christmas & CAS Mix-up that will go up this week. Yours are lovely, and I give you extra stars for the creative way you created your wreath stencil!

Vicki Dutcher said...

Two awesome “getum started” cards. Of course, I am partial to the dots! Thanks for joining in at ATCAS

LesleyG said...

May Verna rest in peace, sorry for your loss of a dear friend.. Love your sparkly cards, clever how you made a wreath, (thanks for the brain exercise), shame the second one didn’t qualify but I like that one too xxx

Loll said...

Two beautiful and artistic pasted wreath cards Dolly! Great way to improvise to create your own wreath with masking and then adding those gorgeous glittery dots. So creative and fun. The shiny red bow is the perfect finishing touch. Love your sunburst wreath as well with the pretty foil Merry Christmas across. Again, such a great way to stretch the use of your stencils, my friend. Thanks for sharing your cards at both CAS Mix Up and CAS Christmas!

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's always hard to say goodbye to a dear friend. Sending you love and hugs. BTW, Nellie is the sweetest as she is smelling the flowers. Perfect photo of her. Love, Lolly

Stamps and Paper said...

Two lovely Christmas cards Darnell….can’t think about Christmas yet…so sorry to hear of Verona’s passing …you captured Nellie just at the right moment

Anne

Aquarius said...

You've made a grand start on your 'C' cards

Gerrina said...

Love the CAS-feel of both your cards! Not in the mood for that; just too hot the last few days...
Sorry to read about your friend; treasure all the beautiful little memories of her... Hugs, Gerrina

Marilyn said...

Sorry to hear about your friends passing. Beautiful cards!
Have a great day!
Marilyn ❤️

Craftychris said...

Two awesome Christmas cards with lots of sparkle! Very imaginative too. So sorry about your friend Verna, it's good she is at peace now. Gorgeous photo of Nellie, really does look like she is smelling those lovely flowers! Big hugs my friend and its never too early to start Christmas! Take care. xxxxxxx

Jeanne said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about Verna! I wish you comfort as you mourn the loss of your friend. Thank you for letting us know. I'm so happy to hear how much she enjoyed the cards she received (and really enjoyed sending them to her) and that she got to enjoy the happiness of Nellie. What a fun picture. Your schparkly cards are fabulous. Enjoyed the brain tingle and the result of your fun experimenting! Big hugs to you!

Sue said...

Two gorgeous cards Darnell and may Verna RIP hugs Sue x

Sandra H said...

Aww Nellie is just adorable and your right she does look like she is smelling the flower, l hope Verma RIP must of been so sad to lose a dear friend and how nice is the photo of Nellie as are both your cards l just think they are both wonderful cards and yes the C WORD not long now nearly being 6months into this year gosh l better get moving l have many to make and seeing yours will inspire me take care xx

Cheryl W. said...

First of all, sincere sympathies on the passing of your friend Verna. It is sad to see our friends and relatives go before us, but I think they would all want us to continue enjoying life as long as we can. Your Christmas cards are wonderful--and the perfect kick in the butt I needed to make some more of my own. Thank you!

Brenda in IN said...

I love how brilliant you were to create your two wreaths. The sparkle and shine are gorgeous. Sending sympathy for your friend Verna's passing. In her picture she looks like she was a fun person. Nellie does look like she is enjoying the flowers.

Carol L said...

You've created a beautiful pair of cards for Christmas, both loaded with sparkle and shine! I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend Verna, may she RIP. Nellie takes a great photo too doesn't she? How cute!!

ionabunny said...

OK, I gotta admit I saw wreath at CAS XMAS and scooted on down the road, cos I don't have suitible supplies and it just never look wreathy enough to my brain, but I love your sparkly circlet, and your second card is beautifully dynamic whilst maintaining it's awesome simplicity, with a side order of fireworks and wow. Hammy being free and breezy draws pictures even knowing it's his natural state. I always have images of him in a tiny red tea shirt and blue shorts!! Thanks for the art and the smiles. HUgz

Tracey McNeely said...

Darnell you have two more cards done this year than I do--ha ha ha! Love seeing you playing with paste. The green foil Be Merry looks are over it! Thank you so much for sharing with us at the Color Hues!

Donna said...

Sorry for the loss of your friend Verna. Your cards are lovely, as always Darnell and the picture of Nellie is fabulous!

Melanie Hungerford said...

The red sparkly dots make for such a pretty wreath, very creative use of the stencil and glitter paste! Thank you for joining us at Krafty Chicks!

Linda said...

Darnell, you made a great wreath out of the Fizzy stencil. That is certainly being creative. Good for you. Love the red sparkle and pretty red bow. Thanks for joining us at CAS Christmas.

Linda said...

So sorry about your loss of Verna. What a great picture of Nellie.

kiwimeskreations said...

Two beautiful cards Darnell- I agree with Hammy that the wreath is better without an 'edge' :) Tell him he has great taste. All the sparkle on them both!
So sorry to hear of your friends passing - it's always sad to loose a close friend.
Hugs and blessings
Maxine

Inkyfingers said...

Lovely cards, Darnell and I endorse your 'get started on Christmas cards' push. Your wreath idea is genius and you have such a creative eye to think of using your stencil for this. The bold colour and CAS design gest a big tick from me!
Sorry to hear about Verna - it's never easy to lose someone.
Take care,
Hugs
Carol x

JulieP said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Verna. I'm sure you enriched her life in many, many ways.

Great holiday cards! And I do think Hammy guided you correctly. I like the no outline wreath!

Bobby said...

Neccessity is the mother of invention and you've used your inventiveness in a great way with that sparkly wreath, Darnell. I understood every word of your description.

Jean said...

Love that wreath card! How dare you use the C word so early😂. I am sorry about your friend.

Cindy Beach said...

Hi Darnell, I Love your creative and shiny Christmas cards! Love that big bow and the sunburst around that sentiment. You are so clever. But the C that fits you best is CARING. It comes through in every post and makes me love to visit. Sorry about the loss of your friend.

I Card Everyone said...

D, I'm so sorry to hear that Verna passed. Hope she had a quiet, pain-free passing through those Pearly Gates. It was a pleasure to send her cards - and you were a dear to recommend it!
I love dots: BIG, small, and schparkly is good, too! You and Hammy have once again shown what a great team you make.

That happens to be the very paste that I found dried up in my stash! It made for a very merry Christmas card, indeed!
=]

cuilliesocks said...

I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your friend Darnell, she looks a lovely lady. I'm sure you have some wonderful memories to see you through the sad time. I just love the photo of Nellie, how sweet.
Your cards are beautifully created, I love the sparkle and colours, take care, Kate x

Nancy said...

First and foremost, sorry for your loss! The pic of Nellie is darling! As for your Christmas cards...CAS Christmas cards are always my favorite kind! Thanks for taking the time to join us at Color Hues! Stay well and hugs too!

Susan said...

What a wonderful way to create a wreath! Love the sparkly red paste and that vibrant red bow. And thanks for the mental exercise of creating a video in my head of how you did it! Great Twofer as well - very artsy! Sorry to hear about your friend Verna passing away - losing friends happens far to often to us now that we're older.

frommycraftroom said...

Sorry to hear of your friends passing.

Love the pic of Nellie! How clever you are to capture this.

As for the cards - they are awesome.

TK said...

Fun cards$! Free & breezy, QACAS -- any way you look at it, they're great cards and you've made TWO more - yay.
Sorry to hear about your friend, I hope she lived a good life and her family has comfort.
And Nellie? Well I think she IS smelling the flowers! My beloved boxer used to go around and smell the flowers that were blooming about once a week

nancy littrell said...

Love your QCAS Christmas cards...so clever and beautiful, Dolly. TFS Verna's passing..you both have been such sweet friends. I know you will miss her, but will treasure your memories:-) Precious photo of Nellie smelling the flowers too. TFS your always...upbeat post, my friend. Love and Hugs...
It was 85 degrees today..up the river and 70 in town...Summer has finally arrived and...Denny is getting our veggies garden in and I am keeping after the weeds and watering the flower gardens, etc..keeps us busy and happy:-) Love and hugs..

Em Louise Fairley said...

So sorry for your loss. The cards are both beautiful and the sunburst is definitely wreath worthy xoxo

Donna said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. It looks like Nellie enjoyed visiting her too. The first wreath card is so clever and so cute! You're a genius! Well done on both cards!

Karen said...

Back again to thank you for your beautiful Christmas card entry in the Color Hues gallery! I need to mass produce a few Christmas cards this week, and this design is very inspiring!

Surekha Galagoda said...

Dear Darnell
Love the simple but elegant card. May Verna rest in peace with God. You are right it seems like Nellie is smelling the flowers. Thanks for the inspiration my friend. Tc stay safe

HilaryJane said...

Well done on getting going with Christmas cards. I can never do them early, I just hate it, but I admire those that do. I hope you made a batch of these gorgeous shiny and sparkly QACAS cards. I really like the wreath one, what a great idea. So sorry to hear about Verna and she was so close to making her century too xx

Leslie Miller said...

You're too clever for your own britches, Darnell! Both cards look fabulous and fit the challenges beautifully. The second card might be artsy, but it's very cool. I'm sorry to hear about Verna. I know how her passing must hurt your heart. As for artsy, the pic of Nellie has a very artistic quality to it. She's a little super model!

Julia Aston said...

Well, look at you being just so creative in your wreath making Sis! They both work perfectly well and are so pretty to boot! Love the sparkly red on wreath and bow on the first - and the embossed white ray burst has so much action in it with it's lovely green message! So sorry for the loss of your friend Verna, she was lucky to have you as a friend - and Nellie looks like she was just bleached! How white and fluffy she is!! xx

Kathy said...

I took a few moments to browse through your work, you are versatile in style...and these wreaths are lovely. But your kindness to your friend is why I'm connecting here...how wonderful that you used your influence in the cardmaking world to keep her showered with cards. I have looked at your playhouse, how awesome and though once I might have been envious I'm glad the Lord has given you such a wonderful place to play and shine...and thank you also using your time to host the NBUS challenge and for leaving encouraging and kind comments to other cardmakers like you did for me! Your Little furry assistant is adorable and it thrills me to see how well you love Nellie, and I am sure seeing her was one of Verna's great joys! Like Nellie you are taking time to smell the roses that are a part of your circle of friends that include online cardmaker world. It's about how we use this hobby whatever our skill level to brighten the lives of others that truly counts! This is a great hobby that can make a difference to many on so many levels. I have with few exceptions been mostly shut in for the last couple of years because I have multiple myeloma (I thank Jesus I am doing so well with it and am in remission) but it is still wise to limit my "out and about" time...so I'm so thankful for so many of you that I feel I'm getting to know online. Just a great group of women and some guys as well and really it's like visiting a friend when I click on someone's Card or Scrap Blog. Give Nellie a big hug for me and I'm sending you a virtual one! "May the Lord bless and keep you and cause His face to shine upon you."

Brenda said...

Look at you thinking out of the box and coming up with a wreath stencil Auntie! I love it! I'm with Hammy on this one and love the free flowing looking. Must be something to the free and flowing thing. Your twofer is fun too, I need me some different pastes me thinks. lol Love the stencil and it looks like it would have worked for a wreath as well, I mean it is circular and isn't that what a wreath is a circular form?? Your sweet Verna lived a long life and looks like she enjoyed life. She has such a beautiful smile! I'm sure she is happy to be with Jesus now, living in his Heavenly Kingdom! Love, love, love the photo of Nellie, she really does look like she is smelling the flowers, too cute! We all need to take time to smell the flowers! Hugs, Brenda

Karenladd said...

ooh, aren't you clever with turning a dotty stencil into a wreath! I'll bet there are a lot of different stencils that would make great looking wreaths with this technique. The most fun though, is all the shiny sparkle! That bow and the shimmer paste make this card twinkle like a Christmas tree all lit up for the holidays. The CAS design of both your cards really make the shine stand out even more and I love it!
Thank you also for sharing that adorable photo of Nellie with us. Now that we don't have Toby, I grab my pet fix where I can, and Nellie is just the best.

Greta said...

Dear Verna--glad her suffering is over, but I know she left a hole in your heart. Beautifully festive Christmas cards & such a great Nellie picture!

BożenA said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. It's so sad when people we love pass away.
Your cards are truly amazing and your choice of wreaths is simply amazing. Only an outstanding mind can see such things!
xx

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

I just got this through email, it's 19th July, where has your post been?
I love your cards with their sparkle and shine, clever ideas too. Sympathy on the passing of your friend Verna.
Faith x

Bonnie Lynn said...

Love, love, love your CAS Christmas cards!! I am so sorry to hear of Verna's passing. Sending hugs your way. I do ask, however, please..do...not scare me like that again, especially when I can't sleep. You just about gave me a heart attack girl!! Good to see you've started your Christmas cards. I'm all for Christmas and SO DONE with this disgusting heat! Hang in there.