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!

December 15, 2022

Christmas Joy

Hello Stamplings!

I've got a quick post, but a long ending, so if you can spare five minutes, grab a bev and relax with me from the Hustle and Bustle of this festive season. 

Onefer
This was a fun design to put together. The "Children Skating" are NBUS from Impression Obsession. They are so cute by themselves, but then I thought it might be even cuter to have them holding on to a sediment and the Joy die from Hero Arts worked great. 

Then I set the card across the room, as I always do, and Hammy and I conduct the internationally known Head-Cocker Test. You know, where you slowly cock your head to the right, back to the center, and then to the left. For this card, we liked the skaters holding up the JOY, but we agreed that they looked like they were floating in space. It was Hammy who suggested I cut the thinnest strip of the same shiny ivory paper to make a horizon line. Once I connected the j and y, that seemed to do the trick in a unique way.

Challenges
Twofer
This card looks intentional, but twasn't. I used a panel of copper to emboss the NBUS folder from SSS called "Pine Bouquet." Actually, I took a day where I simply embossed a bunch of NBUS folders and set them aside for cards. 

On a different day, I inked the NBUS deer from Honey Bee's "Silent Night" set and heat-embossed her in clear. Then I painted her and her sweet birdie friend with my Ziggies. Hammy winked the wee bird, but he left it at that because he had just gotten into my chocolate almond toffee and could barely lift a paw, let alone a winker.

Both elements of the design sat in their respective places until the day the universal craft axis tilted on its score pad and they ended up on my desk at the same time where, by some miracle, I was able to put two and two together, as it were. Mwah! Love it when that happens!

Challenges


That's it for cards, but I wanted to share this story I originally saw on Facebook. 

But, Madam!

A woman decided to give herself a big treat for her 70th birthday by staying overnight in a really nice hotel. When she checked out the next morning, the desk clerk handed her a bill for $250. She demanded to know why the charge was so high.

"I agree it's a nice hotel," she said, "but the rooms aren't worth $250 and I didn't even have breakfast!" The clerk told her that $250 was the 'standard rate,' and breakfast had been included had she wanted it.
The woman insisted on speaking to the Manager.
The Manager appeared and, forewarned by the desk clerk, announced: "This hotel has an Olympic-sized pool and a huge conference center which are available for use." "But I didn't use them," the woman declared.

"Well, they are here," replied the Manager, "and you could have used them."

The Manager went on to explain that she could also have seen one of the in-hotel shows for which they were so famous, reminding her that "we have the best entertainers from around the world performing here."

Frustrated, the woman cried, "But I didn't go to any of those shows!"

"Well," he said, unmoved, "We have them, and you could have." 

No matter what amenity the Manager mentioned, she replied, "But I didn't use it!" and the Manager countered with his standard response. 

After several minutes going back and forth, the woman took out her checkbook, wrote a check and handed it to the Manager. The Manager was surprised when he looked at the check. "But, Madam," he said, "this check is for only $50!"

"That's correct," she said, looking him straight in the eye, "I charged you $200 for sleeping with me." 
"But I didn't!" he exclaimed. "Well, too bad," she said, "I was here, and you could have."
~~~

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

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhousebeing a follower, and leaving me some love!

*Life is too short!

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53 comments:

Cheryl W. said...

Your skater/joy card is genius. Of course, you have the ultimate card-making advisor in Hammy . Lucky you! I love the fawn card, as well. Just this morning, before I went off to my volunteer gig at the thrift store, I found four items on my desk that all went together to make a Christmas card. I didn't have time at that moment to glue them all down, but I will! The story you shared is fabulous. If only I were that quick-witted.

Glennis F said...

Hilarious!!!!

LesleyG said...

Two fabulous cards, and a great story, lovely start to my day thank you xxx

Tina Z. said...

Such a good story :)))). And the cards are amazing, I like them both, especially their colours.

Aquarius said...

Two adorable Christmas cards and as for the story at the end - hilarious. Have a wonderful Christmas

Julie B said...

Your tall tale reminds me of a Ronnie Corbett sketch from years ago, made me smile. What would you do without Hammy? He's such an influencer, its a wonder he hasn't got his own TikTok account, or perhaps he has and I haven't seen it yet? Tour skater's look fab bookending the joy sentiment. So pleased you joined us at Color Hues too. :)

frommycraftroom said...

Oh your cards are gorgeous.

I love the embossed foil and deer - awesome how they came together - love that when that happens too!

Oh you made me laugh - fabulous tale!! - thank you

Kath said...

Lovely cards and the line between the letters on your first card is perfect! Love your fabulous story too!

Kath x

Lynette said...

Beautiful cards, Darnell!! What a great idea to connect the j and the y of the joy. Super coloring on the fawn, too. And what a funny story!

Karen said...

You've provided the first laugh of the day! Love the way you and Hammy problem solve together. The skaters (as well as the deer) are a wonderful card!

designbydonna said...

Your cards are beautiful. Genius idea to have the skaters holding on to joy. Your story is hilarious. Goes to show--don't mess with those 70 year old ladies!

Jeanne said...

Fantastic cards and a immensely enjoyable funny! Thanks for sharing Darnell. Happy holidays to you!

Gerrina said...

I love the first one! What a great find to join them! And perfectly CAS! Hugs, Gerrina

Bonnie said...

Hee, hee, love that kind of thinking, Dolly! And I love your skating pair with their joy for all to see! And that embossed copper is stunning and the sweet deer & birdie so perfect on it! I love it when serendipity happens in the craft room!

brandco2450@gmail.com said...

Super post, Darnell, and two gorgeous cards!
Love your tale!
Merry Christmas to you and the Mister, and
mustn't forget Hammy!
Sharon Brand


Carole said...

Two wonderful festive cards Darnell...and your story made my day, it cracked me up! Clever idea to ground your skaters and lovey embossing for yourdeer to sit on. xxxx

Carol L said...

I love your card duo today - especially the first one! They're both so pretty and just perfect! I love that little story too with that sassy woman's reply LOL

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Amazing skaters card, so clever!!! The thin line added is the perfection!Well done Hammy! :D Love so much the second one too, it's amazing when spare pieces on the desk goes together so well! My desk is always full of pieces and pre-made parts of cards, but they almost never match! LOL :D
The story is fun!
Hugs

Bonnie Lynn said...

Love, love, love both of your cards Darnell. Your story, however, was totally hilarious!! I needed the giggle too. Thank you for that.

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, my gosh! Last things first... I was thinking the lady should have looked at the cost of the room first and if she didn't want to pay that much she should have chosen a different hotel. But then at the end I laughed out loud, tee hee! Okay, back to the beginning -- I love your skater card and think it's quite clever! Funny how that skinny little line made all the difference. It's absolutely perfect! Your second card is so right up my alley with the evergreens and the fawn. It's good to emboss a bunch and set aside because cards are bound to happen. This is a delightful pairing!

Jeanne H said...

I too love your cards and so admire your creativity. I wish I had Hammy for a few days to help me out when I get stuck. Hugs from a snowy and cold MN, but my grandkids are both home safe and sound from their colleges. So happy!!

JD/ Jill said...

Two Fabulous cards...and as always.. You brought a smile to my face today.

Karen said...

Back again to thank you for sharing your fabulous skaters with the Color Hues Challenge! We're always glad to find you in the gallery!

Bunny said...

What a fabulous deer and bird on that beautiful paper. The embossing is grand. Thanks for the story too and for sharing your card at The Four Seasons challenge.
Hey, Hammy! I've missed you, my friend. Bunny - designer for The Four Seasons Challenge

Lisa Elton said...

Two fabulous cards and a good chuckle! Thanks!

Loll said...

Two amazing cards, my friend. LOVE the skaters pushing the JOY across the ice. Agree ... that thin strip of ivory card to connect the joy at the bottom is perfect!! LOVE that gorgeous copper embossed background with the sweetest deer image I've ever seen. So beautiful and even more special with the adorable perched bird. They are a perfect match ... love when that happens! I laughed out loud reading your story. So funny!! :) We can all use a laught right now, so thank you!! Love, Lolly

Darlene said...

Oh Darnell, both cards are just fabulous! LOVE that embossing folder and your sweet little deer is precious ... just perfect! Thanks for the fun story ... it happens to be 3 AM (couldn't sleep so thought I'd do some commenting) and I had to be careful not to LOL and wake up the hubster lol. You crack me up (as always). Thanks so much for joining in the fun at our Can You Handle the Pressure challenge! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back often. We appreciate your support!

Darlene
Can You Handle the Pressure
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS

PS ... thanks for also sharing with us over on our Four Seasons Challenge ... good luck & happy holidays!

Stamps and Paper said...

Two lovely cards Darnell and you never fail to make us smile..

Anne

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Both are very lovely and beautiful cards, with a smile in each one Darnell. As for the story at the end? What I wouldn't give to be that brave to answer and write a cheque like that so brave lady! Yeah! I know it's a joke, but I would still like to do it.
Faith x

Brenda in IN said...

Great story and I do love a good joke. She is pretty sharp for a 70 year old. Two great cards too. The skaters pop against that gorgeous blue paper. Copper always steals my heart and this is no exception. I love it and when things come together like the panel and deer it is meant to be a match. Head cocking really works as you have to step away to see sometimes. Wish I gotten to the chocolate almond toffee first, lucky Hammy.

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell, but most of all thank you for making laugh this afternoon with your lovely tale.

Sue xx

cuilliesocks said...

Oh that's given me such a laugh Darnell, so funny.
Your cards are gorgeous, especially the second one with the lovely Bambie.
Received your card and it's gorgeous, thank you so much, take care and keep well, Kate x

HilaryJane said...

That line on your skaters card was a stroke of pure genius, well done. I am also very impressed with how your deer card came together, so satisfying. Thanks for the laugh too xx

Colleen said...

LOL! I really did, sitting here by myself, let out a big chuckle...I hope to remember this! Your cards as always are fabulous. Oh my, I might have to do what you did and emboss away a day and save them for later...ooohh, so pretty. Love your deer too...And the skaters...awesome, great thinking with that little white strip, amazing how it pulls it all together, isn't it! Heart Hugs, Col

Julia Aston said...

I'm so glad that the axis tipped and you got these two wonderful cards put together Sis! Great design with the skaters - love the cream and blue and that embossing folder is gorgeous with the sweet deer! xx

TK said...

Your joy card is adorable, and such a brilliant use of the thin line to ground them! And your two pieces? They look like they were made for each other, and the colors chosen for the deer are perfect on the copper.
THEN -- an ending with a quick giggle - lol, cute story

Lia said...

Wow, this card is amazing with the great embossed background.
Lia DT CYHTP

Marilyn said...

Your cards are adorable! I love, love, love your second card with the adorable deer and embossed background. I saw that story on facebook also. So funny!
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤️

sandie said...

Oh this story made me giggle! And what beautiful cards. I love the copper card, so much texture and hammy had the right idea to add the thin strip. Hoping you had a fun party weekend and that you have a very Merry Christmas xx

Nancy said...

Love these cards, Darnell. The skaters and Joy look perfect together. I totally enjoyed reading this post while I sit with my dad this morning. Thanks for putting a smile on my face and for linking up with us at Color Hues. Merry Christmas.

jimlynn said...

VERY pretty cards and I do love the way the skaters are holding up the sentiment!
Cute joke too of course!
Lynn

Pat said...

What a sweet and pretty card Darnell, and I love the ornate blue mat with the silhouette skaters, so cleverly holding the sentiment, and a great idea to ground them with the line across the word. The second is so bright and beautiful with the copper 3D embossed panel with that cute little deer and bird, a real 'aaaah' card, and I love the story. x

Liz said...

Two wonderful cards, Darnell. I especially love the first one, so striking in blue and white.
Thanks for sharing the story, I’ve seen it before but it makes me smile every time I read it. xx

Hannelie said...

So happy to find this lovely clean and sweet design in the Color Hues gallery Darnell !
Thanks for playing along ♥

Donna said...

I got quite a chuckle from your story! Your cards are both gorgeous Darnell!

Sandra H said...

Two fabulous cards Darnell, What an amazing story l just love your posts they are always interesting reads, sending lots of Christmas wishes and all the very best for 2023 take care stay safe xx

R's Rue said...

Merry Christmas.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

Linby said...

The skaters look meant to be on the sentiment, it's a wonderful design. Love that embossing folder, but I have a lot and may take a leaf out of your book and go just emboss.
Funny joke too.

Pia S said...

I love how you connected the skaters together with that word die. Beautiful clean design. As for the second card, that copper background looks amazing and goes so perfectly with the well colored reindeer. Really pretty cards.

Cindy Beach said...

Laughing out loud is just what I needed this morning, Darnell! Kudos to Hammy for thinking of that thin strip - it does a great job providing a grounding to those sweet skaters. I really love this card! Thanks for joining us to play at Color Hues!

Granmargaret said...

Lovely work. Thank you for joining the Critter Crazy challenge. Hope to see you again.
(and thank you for the laugh)

The Dream Pages said...

Lovely card..
Thank you for joining us at HLS die cut challenge for this month, Stay safe and stay crafty.. Hope to see you inour next month challenge
DT Swapna

Vikki H said...

Still laughing, what a line to end on! The card info and tips for the skaters was terrific too but that story...