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 14, 2022

Christmas All The Way

Hello Stamplings!

I'm here. Remember when I used to say the week had whooshed by ~ back when I was younger and posting every day or every other day? I can't believe I ever did that. Now, at this age, whole weekS are whooshing by and I just sit here, stunned.πŸŒ€ 

Especially this time of year and especially since I'm having a flare up of Arthur Itis in my thumb/wrist. It's hard to make cards and type with only one hand, as many of you know.

But enough about me. How are you doing? I hope you are well and if not, I hope you (and your mojo) feel better soon.

Before Arthur came to roost, I had a bit of fun in the Playhouse!

Onefer
This sweet bunny is NBUS from the "Silent Night" stamp and die set from Honey Bee Stamps. He is stamped in black ink, clear-embossed, and given a silver fur coat with my Ziggies. 

The background is an embossed birch forest using a Darice embossing folder. It was embossed on glossy paper, made light blue with a prayer and CP stone blue ink. Oh, haha, I also used a brayer! I made a snowy hill so Bunny could sit and play with his big feet and tickle his toes while listening to the blue bird sing* Christmas carols.

*In this photo, the bird is singing the seldom-heard "Be Merry" song by the Christmas Minstrels, not to be confused with The New Christy Minstrels. It goes something like this: "Be Merry, Be Merry, Be Merry, Be Merry, Be Merry, Be Merry, Be Merry, Be Merry, Be Merry," and it's often accompanied by a cocktail with a cherry.

Challenges

Twofer
I made several embossed birch trees on glossy white paper, so for once I made a second card right then and there. Go, me! This time I used the Birch Trees die from Cottage Cutz over top of the embossed birch trees. I cut one layer in white gloss and one layer in black for a shadow and glued them together. Because I like b/w and red together and because I had used glossy white paper, I die-cut the sediment in red glossy paper. I used the same red for the outer borders, as well as for the little bird.

Actually, that little red glossy bird is part of another birch tree die I have. (No one needs this many, said no one ever.) This one is from Mama Elephant. I actually die-cut several of them and then spent prolly an hour placing them in different branches, here and there, always in odd numbers, as one does. 

One, three, five, seven? Okay, no more than that, Shirley? In the end, I climbed up out of the rabbit hole I was in and as you see (with invaluable assistance from Hammy), I settled on one solitary bird. We think one is more impactful somehow, because, you know, Art.

Challenges


____________________________________________________

~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*

©Rachel Wilhelm
I may not be back for a while, what with my thumb limitations, a long-weekend destination wedding to attend, company coming, Thanksgiving, and a load of Christmas cards yet to make ... ~ πŸŒ€!

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhousebeing a follower, and leaving me some love! Happy Thanksgiving! I am blessed by ~ and I appreciate ~ the gift of your friendship and support!

Mwah!
*Life is too short!


54 comments:

kiwimeskreations said...

Loving these beautiful cards Darnell - sorry to hear about Arthur visiting - I have had some issues also, and mojo has long gone walk about. So glad you have Hammy to help you out of holes and guide you :)
Blessings
Maxine

LesleyG said...

Sorry to hear Arthur is giving you trouble, and doesn’t sound like you’ll be able to rest up either! Fabulous tree cards, great ideas with the embossing, shadowing die cuts etc, the glossy red is very glam. Happy Thanksgiving xxx

Sue - said...

Another two lovely Christmas cards! Sorry Arthur is visiting, he’s outstayed his welcome, time for him to leave! Roy commiserates with you as he has Arthur in both hands😱. Love and hugs Sue xx

Aquarius said...

Two brilliant Christmas cards with birch trees and a really amusing read, all despite the visit of 'Arthur'. I do hope he wanders off again quickly so that you can get back to doing what you love doing without his hindrance 😁. Take care. Love the chocolate quote!!

Julie B said...

Sorry to hear about Arthur's visit, it sucks! You have my total sympathy, suffering with my thumbs but thankfully hasn't stopped me making... yet!!!
You've just reminded me I was bought the birch die last year and I haven't used it yet, so your fab card has inspired me to dig it out from wherever I put it away safely ;).

Sandra H said...

Morning Darnell l can relate to Arthur l am of the same both thumbs and wrists can be so painful too! your cards are fabulous the embossed folder is gorgeous l think l will check out the site it’s made a fabulous card as is your 1st card the image is so adorable and l like the touch of the robin too, lovevto hear Hammy was there to help lol enjoy your day xx

Carole said...

Two fabulous cards with all your birch trees. oving the one with the pop of red especially. I do hope Arthur does a bunk quite soon. You quote really made me laugh//Alan always shared his chocolate with me...maybe he thought it was the lesser of the two evils..lol! NowI have to buy my own...no point hiding it, I always find it! Seems it that buy time of year again when we all wish we had started Christmas in January and thought we had bags of time! I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving in advance and I hope you enjoy all your family and friend get togethers. Hugs xxx

Em Louise Fairley said...

They are both absolutely gorgeous, Darnell. Hope you feel better soon xoxo

Karen said...

Your cards are lovely! That bunny is so cute--haven't seen him before. Also sorry about Arthur. My MIL has always said that her arthritis is much worse in the cold, and I have to admit it does seem to be true. Have a wonderful time at the wedding!

Jeanne said...

Beautiful cards, Darnell. Birch trees and cardinals seem to go together! I'm so sorry you are having a painful flare up and hope it settles down soon. Enjoy your holiday season. Gentle hugs.

Vicki Dutcher said...

Sorry to read about Arthur over staying his welcome! He is not a friendly type of guy at all πŸ˜”. Pretty cards. I do love the red one!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

How sweet is the first card with that happy bunny hearing his bird friend! Love the scene you have created and the big sentiment on the snow bank!
The second card has a fab dimensional look, love the shadows and the shining greetings!
Hugs

designbydonna said...

Lovely cards. Love that adorable bunny. Your winter scenes are so peaceful and calm. I hope you send Arthur packing soon. No fun to have limitations on your creativity. I always enjoy your blog. Have a wonderful Holiday Season!

Angelnorth said...

Two great cards Darnell. Love that soft blue behind the birch trees and the cute bunny. Hope Arthur’s visit is short-lived, some house guests are definitely not welcome and I think he sure qualifies.

Pat said...

Two beauties Darnell, and I love the birch trees embossing folder and dies, and the cute bunny and bird on the first and then the sweet little bird singing in the tree on the second, and the red and white is a great combination. Sorry to hear about the appearance of Arthur and hope he soon goes back to wherever he came from. I do have a little joint pain but only mild at present and long may it stay so. In the meantime enjoy those fun things on the calendar and I hope the pain passes soon. x

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Well, that Arfur gets around, doing his mischief and stopping people do things. I hope his visit is a short one. Yep! I'm that kind of wife too!
Your cards are a delight Darnell, who would know you could do so much with birch trees, both so very special with their little bird and the rabbit.
Keep well
Faith x

brandco2450@gmail.com said...

I love both cards, Darnell! They are gorgeous!
Enjoy all your activities over the next little
while! Maybe your hand will revive itself!

Leslie Miller said...

Arthur and I are well acquainted unfortunately. I'm sorry he's making himself at home in your thumb/wrist at present. Gosh, I was just thinking about how I used to post at least 3 days a week with ease, and that was when I was working full time. Now maybe once a week. Twice tops. Seems like I still craft as much as ever. Well, nevermind. You have certainly made some beautiful cards to share today and I'm smiling about that. The first is so adorable with the bunny and bird and the second just downright gorgeous! Yes, the one tiny bird is a very artistic touch. It's simply stunning. Darnell, I hope Arthur eases up soon and you are able to enjoy all your activities, including Thanksgiving. Hugs!

cuilliesocks said...

Love the sweet bunny on your first card Darnell, and those embossed trees in the background are brilliant. Second card is fabulous, O love the colours.
I hope your arthritis pain eases soon.
Enjoy your upcoming festivities, Kate x

Jeanne H said...

Love your cards, especially the birch tree one. Sending a healing hug for you to help you feel better soon.

Marilyn said...

Beautiful cards!
Have a great day!
Marilyn ❤️

oldpunca said...

I've missed 3 of your posts. But I did my homework and looked back and saw all your beautiful cards. :-) I like birch trees backgrounds. Both cards are awesome.
Have a nice day! Hugs, Sonja

Donna said...

Fabulous cards, like both of them but especially the second with the red glossy. Oh, that sounds like me with chocolate.

Bonnie Lynn said...

Awesome cards Darnell! I'm so sorry Arthur has come to visit but at least it's not 116 degrees anymore. I keep telling myself that since Arthurs friend Mai Graine has been visiting my house lately. Hope you're pain free soon and I LOVE that graphic about the chocolate especially since that's me "to a tee". LOL

Cheryl W. said...

Getting old sucks in lots of ways - especially when Arthur Itis moves in and says he's not goin' anywhere any time soon! I really despise that guy. Hope you can at least get him to lay low for an extended period.

I love, love, love the cards you shared today. I know I have a birch tree die somewhere, and I may even have that Darice EF. You've inspired me to search for them and maybe make a few forest-themed cards of my own. I am SO behind on getting the Chrissie cards done. Feel free to come kick me in the bum to get going on them.

Colleen said...

Such fun Christmas cards! I am making up for lost time and making a bunch too...haven't posted anything yet though. I am so sorry about Arthur...he can make life miserable and you sure don't need any more of that! On a high note, have a fun wedding trip and a wonderful Thanksgiving! Heart Hugs, col

Bonnie said...

Awh! This little bunny is adorable and so is your Christmas caroling birdie! And two beautiful birch forests! Love the layered look of the second card with the shiny red bird! Sounds like a busy time! Have fun!

Lisa Elton said...

Pretty cards. I can't remember if I thanked you for the cute one you sent me... you're a sweetheart! Don't let Arthur get the best of you, rest that hand! TRUST ME!!

Gerrina said...

The first one is sweet and the 2nd one looks classic and modern at the same time; both beautiful! Hugs, Gerrina

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two beautiful cards Darnell, especially the second one with the layered birch trees. Hope Arthur does not stay too long.

Sue xx

Stamps and Paper said...

Hi Darnell...sorry to hear you still have problems with 'Arthur'...hope you feel better soon.... Two lovely Christmas card...

Anne

Diane said...

Fabulously awesome cards and glad you found some time to create!! Thanks so much for joining our challenge at Can You Handle The Pressure and Happy Thanksgiving!!
Diane CYHTP Co-Owner
{Nellies Nest}
{Can You Handle The Pressure}

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Hi dear Darnelle.
Oh dear I'm so agreed on time its was 10 weeks since I last blogged in kast post. I too been rather unwell.
Even this last week again. Old age is nit for whimps my dad would say and A kiwi friend said it last night. I'll pray for your hand, thumb,trip and card making, just as well our Heavenly Father understands.
Thanks for sharing, and may God bless you and keep you and all whom you love safe and well.
Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz. X

{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

PS LOVED the chocolate quote πŸ˜πŸ˜‚πŸ€£πŸ€£πŸ€£

Sarah said...

Oh yes, the time thief is certainly at it again. Most days I have very good intentions of doing a spot of blogging and then zoom, the day is gone. But I am here now catching up with you gorgeous cards. I do hope that Arthur doesn't bother you for too long Darnell xx

jimlynn said...

Loving this pretty cards for the holidays! Tell Arthur to take a hike!!! Hope you feel better soon.
Lynn

HilaryJane said...

Your poor hand, so sorry to hear about the flare up. I do hope it settles soon. Thanks for making me laugh while reading this, that always brightens things up. Love the idea of using glossy paper to emboss, don't think I have done that before so I must try it. What a brilliant shadow effect on your second card. I think I need to add some silver birches to my stash. Great inspiration thank you xx

Cat Craig said...

We need to get a hit out on Arthur...such a pest. LOL. Your cards are lovely and those birch trees are fabulous. Hope your thumb calms down, I find neoprene fingerless gloves help keep the joint warm. Enjoy your wedding...travel safely and all the upcoming holiday festivities. Hugs.

Ann Schach said...

Two beautiful cards, Darnell! The second one is absolutely striking, but I must say that the first one, with its sweet little bunny, has stolen my heart! Thank you for sharing with The Paper Players this week!

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Two beautiful cards with birch trees, Darnell - especially love the bunny and bluebird on card one and the extra die cut trees on card two! Hope your hand feels better soon - have you tried those copper infused gloves? I love mine!

Brenda in IN said...

These birds on both cards are so sweet. The bunny playing with his toes is so funny. I'll take the cocktail and cherry but that song would be the thing that brought me to drink! Have a wonderful time at the wedding and leave Arthur at home. Maybe he'll move out while you're gone.

JD/ Jill said...

Wonderful cards! I could relate to almost everything you said. My hand likes to lock up when I'm typing and crafting. And everything does seem to take so much longer than it used to...

Hope you have a great Thanksgiving day!

TK said...

Sweet and sentimental to Bright and shiny -- both cards are terrific, and make quite an impact in my swooning mind!
Have fun with your upcoming events, and take care of that thumb or you'll end up like sweet Lisa E!

Cindy Beach said...

Hi Darnell, Hope your travels go well and that your painful Arthur feels better soon. Thanks fo sharing the beautiful cards at The Paper Players! The sweet scene that you've created is lovely!

KT Fit Kitty said...

I can totally relate to that as well! It's hard to believe that time flies as quickly as it does! Your cards are gorgeous, Darnell! I especially love the bunny! I saw your card at Let's Squash It and came over to get a closer look! Have a great weekend!

frommycraftroom said...

Beautiful cards.

That Arthur must know he is not welcome - hope he has left and things are better.

My weeks whoosh by too! I seriously don't know where they go sometimes.

Julia Aston said...

So sorry your hands are hurting Sis! I have some in my thumbs but not enough (yet) to make me stop doing somethings - shouldn't have said that, I'll jinx myself - I just love your two birch cards here today - that bunny is adorable sitting on the slope and the shiny red cardinal is really enjoying sitting there amongst them! Happy Thanksgiving! xxx

Dotty Jo said...

Hi Darnell, I do hope you're feeling better very soon. Love your cards - so lovely. Thanks for playing at Christmas Kickstart, I'm sorry I'm a little behind with my visiting! Jo x

BoΕΌenA said...

This hare is so funny, Darnell. A great forest scene for your first Christmas card. But the second card is just as beautiful, this birch grove looks stunning and the red sentiment gives a strong contrast
hugs,
BoΕΌenA

Vickie Y said...

Your tree card is beautiful! Thank you for sharing with us at CYHTP Christmas Challenge.

Carol L said...

Two great cards with two different kinds of trees and they're both very pretty! I'm kind of drawn to that single bird lost in the snowy forest!
Wishing you better days ahead with your hurting hands, but also wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving too!

My Paper Epiphany said...

Beautiful Twofer! I love the bunny/hare? Sorry to hear about Arthur! He's been causing havoc with my knee, but I don't need that to make cardπŸ˜‰ I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Hugs x

Kara Lynne said...

Lovely birch tree masterpieces, Darnell! You showed great artistic restraint with your one bird choice. I hope you are also restraining from straining your thumb any further. Happy Thanksgiving, my dear friend!

Jean said...

I just realized I have not been receiving your blog updates! I signed up again.