Hello, my wunnerful friends!
Thank you for whooshing through your week to arrive here today where we are celebrating Christmas in July! If we look over our shoulders, we'll see August crouched in a "GOTCHA!" pose, so we have got to get on it, people! I usually precipitate in the PTI blog hops that happen on the 25th of each month, but this month I am happily taking part in a Christmas in July blog hop brought to you by The Inspiration Crew.
Thank you for whooshing through your week to arrive here today where we are celebrating Christmas in July! If we look over our shoulders, we'll see August crouched in a "GOTCHA!" pose, so we have got to get on it, people! I usually precipitate in the PTI blog hops that happen on the 25th of each month, but this month I am happily taking part in a Christmas in July blog hop brought to you by The Inspiration Crew.
I made two cards for this fun event:
The Inspiration Crew is a group of online card artists who love being creative. The ladies taking part in today's hop are listed below. I hope you will click on the links and check out the inspiration which these talented card artists have in store for you today!
Jen Cuthbertson
Darnell Knauss - you are here
A number of the designers in today's hop are awarding prizes!! My prize today is the Darice embossing folder called "Brick Pattern." I will select a winner on Friday, August 1, 2014, from the comments on today's post.
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Here is a close-up of my cards which were inspired by a number of challenges.
The buttons on the garland are all from my huge button stash. I'm happy to be using some of them! The brick embossing folder is NBUS and so is that cute NOEL with a button in place of the "o!" It is part of a stamp set from My Favorite Things called "Stitched Stockings."
The stockings are buttons which have been shafted. They and the burlap are from my stash. The sediment is from the PTI set "Holiday Button Bits."
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Between the two cards, lots of challenges came together:
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| SOSS ~ B is for Brads or Buttons |
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Please feel free to click on any of the challenge links for details regarding rules, sponsors, and prizes. I hope you get a chance to join in the fun or at least stop in to see the wonderful works of art provided by the design teams and guest designers!
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New Friends Corner
It's been so wonderful to have carload after carload of new friends joining us this month! Here are five more introductions for you!
Helen Gullett of Creating Joyfully and Living My Given Life. Helen started scrapbooking in 2008 and then in 2010 her supportive husband gave her a Silhouette and she also started making beautiful cards and card embellishments. Helen is well-recognized and published and she is happy to share both her faith and her crafting talents with you!
Rachel of Inky Fingers Are Me. Rachel gets the prize as the newest blogger in our community, having just started her blog this month! PLEASE go visit Rachel to make her feel at home! Rachel, please feel free to ask me or any blogger any questions you may have. We all love helping out each other. I have a tab at the top of my blog with a list of challenges that are my favorites. Challenges are a great way to meet new friends and get your cards out there so they can inspire others!
Donna Ellis of Creative Smiles. On the other end of the blogging spectrum is Donna, who has been blogging since 2010 and working and playing the stamping life since 2004. You are going to need a full weekend and a picnic basket just to get an overview of all the tips, tutorials, recipes, and card art that Donna shares! Her enthusiasm and sheer talent will inspire and amaze you!
Tammy Whitley. Tammy, after searching on Google, I was able to find your Google+ profile, but I did not see a blog listed. I don't belong to Google+, so I couldn't find any further information. If you have a blog, please let me know so I can pass on the information to everyone and follow you, too. Thank you so much for joining me!
Elizabeth Harms of Queenartoypia. I met Eliza through WOYWW and always enjoy visiting her blog where she shares what's happening in her world of art and with her rescue cat Yoda. She brought Yoda back from the brink of death and it has been a marvelous journey of love and recovery which she continues to share with us. Now healthy, Yoda is often the star of her posts!
Thank you for joining, ladies, and welcome to the Playhouse!
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As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to leave a comment and/or join as a follower! Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor!
It's been so wonderful to have carload after carload of new friends joining us this month! Here are five more introductions for you!
Helen Gullett of Creating Joyfully and Living My Given Life. Helen started scrapbooking in 2008 and then in 2010 her supportive husband gave her a Silhouette and she also started making beautiful cards and card embellishments. Helen is well-recognized and published and she is happy to share both her faith and her crafting talents with you!Rachel of Inky Fingers Are Me. Rachel gets the prize as the newest blogger in our community, having just started her blog this month! PLEASE go visit Rachel to make her feel at home! Rachel, please feel free to ask me or any blogger any questions you may have. We all love helping out each other. I have a tab at the top of my blog with a list of challenges that are my favorites. Challenges are a great way to meet new friends and get your cards out there so they can inspire others!Donna Ellis of Creative Smiles. On the other end of the blogging spectrum is Donna, who has been blogging since 2010 and working and playing the stamping life since 2004. You are going to need a full weekend and a picnic basket just to get an overview of all the tips, tutorials, recipes, and card art that Donna shares! Her enthusiasm and sheer talent will inspire and amaze you!Tammy Whitley. Tammy, after searching on Google, I was able to find your Google+ profile, but I did not see a blog listed. I don't belong to Google+, so I couldn't find any further information. If you have a blog, please let me know so I can pass on the information to everyone and follow you, too. Thank you so much for joining me!Elizabeth Harms of Queenartoypia. I met Eliza through WOYWW and always enjoy visiting her blog where she shares what's happening in her world of art and with her rescue cat Yoda. She brought Yoda back from the brink of death and it has been a marvelous journey of love and recovery which she continues to share with us. Now healthy, Yoda is often the star of her posts!Thank you for joining, ladies, and welcome to the Playhouse!
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Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy. LITS!*
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| Happy Christmas in July |
*Life Is Too Short!
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117 comments:
Gorgeous Christmas creations Darnell - no doubt I will leave mine to the very last minute. I particularly love the button one - how could you have not used that brick emboss folder? It's fabulous!
These are fabulous Darnell and brilliant for batch making too, simple but with huge impact!! Great job xx
Totally fabulous cards Darnell. I love the brick effect embossing and cute button garland you have created. The stocking buttons are so cute too.
I hope you have a lovely weekend
hugs Sue xx
Fab Christmas cards.
Hope you have a lovely week.
Wauuu
great ideas
bouth cards are stunning
hugs Tamara
I love your your buttons Darnell but then again I am a buttonaholic as one of my craft drawers can testify! :)
Ok, I can't decide which I like best... The fab brick wall, or the lovely hessian/burlap (I have somewhat of an addiction to the stuff!). Either way, they are both fabulous cards, and a necessary reminder that I really ought to get cracking with those festive themed creations myself! x
Two lovely CHristmas card Darnell and two clever designs... its very hot here at the moment in the UK so dont want to think about making Christmas cards just yet.
Anne
All those buttons are just awesome! Love buttons and when they are on cool Christmas cards...I love them even more!
Two brilliant Christmas cards Darnell. I can't decide which one I like best - keep changing my mind. But I do like the fun use of buttons for the banner.
What fab cards Darnell! have a great weekend huggles Sue xx
Two fabulous cards Darnell. Love the crisp white with the pop of red and the fabulous burlap. Thanks so much for playing with us at Festive Friday!
What a wonderful pair of cards with such cute details! I love the button banner and burlap panel. Way to kick off the Christmas season!
No need to add my name to the draw...I'm already a very lucky winner :)
Your Christmas cards are beautiful! Love the embossed brick background on the first card and I really like the burlap on the second!
Love the banner of buttons and that embossed background. Both are darling. Yes,in a few minutes it will be August! Hope you enjoy your weekend!
Awesome cards!!
Great cards Darnell, the stockings on the burlap work so well, have to try that one, have a pile of it lurking here somewhere.....
hugs
Debs
Wow beautiful CAS style Christmas in July. I have the same theme on my current post :) I love the buttons on the first as a garland, so beautiful. The burlap is quite effective on the 2nd. I hope you are doing well, have a great weekend, Hugs, Shirleyx
Oooh! Look at these two gorgeous cards! Both are equally stunning, Darnell! Thanks for joining us at the Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers!
Both are such warm holiday cards, Darnell! I really love your sweet little button garland, though...what a wonderful idea! The brick embossing is perfect for it, too! Delighted to have you with us at Festive Friday! (Can't wait to see more!!!;)
Wow more fabulous creations again Dee, how do you keep doing it ? have a lovely weekend my friend :) hugs Vee xx
Great card designs! I love how you used the burlap and the embossing folder is neat!
Darnell!!!! ACK...these are super dooper adorable! I love both of these darling cards...thanks so much for playing along with my challenge at Merry Monday! xoxoxo
LOVE both these CAS and cute cards Darnell. Particularly like the brick wall embossing.
Hugs, Sarn xxx
Oops a daisy . . . forgot to thank you for joining in with Rudolph Day too! Mwah, mwah! xxx
Love your cards. I really like the brick embossing folder.
Darling cards, D....What??? I'd love to have this darling embossing folder!! I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed =]
Two great cards, Darnell! I especially love the stockings one - the burlap and buttons are great!
Happy Stockings and sweet Noel banner! Christmas IS coming!
Two fabulous cards Darnell, great ideas on both! Hugs Carole Z X
Beeeeeeeautiful cards Darnell!! I love the embossed brick texture in the first one and the burlap on the second one is fabulous! The little button banner is adorable too! Happy Weekend! ((Hugs))
Darnell, both of your cards are so darn cute.
I absolutely adore your embossed brick wall for the Christmas card! So fun and creative, Darnell! Thanks so much for playing Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge! Hope you are having a GREAT summer so far!
Two beautiful CAS-Christmascards! Love the clean bricks BG; looks like they are hanging in a room on the wall! And the second so warm and beautiful that linnen! Wish you a fun weekend, hugs, Gerrina
Lovely holiday cards! The buttons strung as a banner is adorable! Thanks for the inspiration!
These are great!! I love how you used the buttons for garland (is that what it's called) and I really love the burlap on the second card!!
Oh, wow, I LOVE your cards! I think I need to jump on the bandwagon and get started on Christmas cards! What a wonderful brick embossing folder! Thanks for a chance to win such an awesome gift! You're terrific, Darnell!
These are amazing Darnell love them all :) hope you have a fab weekend
Hugs
Vic x
These are fab Darnell!! Love the stocking one with the burlap which I shall shamelessly 'case' when I'm struggling on the 20th December as I haven't made any cards!!!
Cute spring of buttons on your card!
BOTH are wonderful - as always! I do love those cute little stockings on the burlap. Precious cards!
Lynn
What a couple of awesome cards. I just adore simple cards with the brick background. So minimalistic and so wonderful! That one with the burlap is no slouch either!
Cute Christmas cards. Love the button garland and the brick embossing folder.
isoscia at aol dot com
TWO awesome cards Darnell!!! LOVE the buttons!!! Have a great weekend!
Absolutely wonderful Christmas card designs. Yes, it is time for the holiday card making. I have a few made, but need a lot more.
These are absolutely adorable!!! Those stitched stockings are super-sweet and look so nice on that burlap ribbon!!!
Thanks for the chance to win the brick embossing folder!!
<3 J
jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com
Oh, these are beautiful!!! Love the embossed bricks on the first card and love the burlap/stockings on the second card! Both are simply, perfect!
Both of these cards are just as cute as they can be Darnell! I love the button garland, what a way to use up some of those buttons we all tend to collect. I also love those button stockings on your second card, who knew they were buttons?!! Love the burlap, burlap is so in right now. Great cards to add to your Christmas card stash. And please don't remind me that August is waiting to spring on us!!! lol I'm not really to send my baby off to college just yet. lol Hugs, Brenda
Hi Dolly. Two sweet Christmas cards ... love your use of buttons (I am button-challenge!) :) Especially love the burlap behind the stocking buttons --- perfect! Lolly xx
Hi Darnell! Thanks you for your lovely comment on my blog and I have had several people stop by and say hi from your post today. What a lovely friendly community I have found! I have a weekend of crafting ahead so more posts to come and definitely lots NBUS going on :) and you've inspired me to get cracking on my christmas cards. Have a lovely weekend xx
Arghhh - don't talk about Christmas! I am trying to enjoy summer! ;)
But I know, you are absolutely right, it's right around the corner and I should at least start thinking about it. Thank you for some fabulous inspiration!
Two super sweet cards Darnell, Thank you for joining us for Merry Monday.
You have embraced ribbon and buttons, Darnell! I especially love those shafted stockings! Wish I could have thought of that word when I posted mine.
Hi, Darnell.
Both cards are adorable, but I LOVE the three little stockings. :)
Both cards are beautiful Darnell, at first I loved the brick wall one and then I saw that beautiful burlap and love that one now..... I think you are the only person who has as much NBUS as I do!! Big hugs, Annie xx
These are so clever and cute Darnell. I love all the texture and the simplicity of the layout.
Might have to copy!
Heather T
I popped around and visited everyone Missy D! Thank you for the inspiration - both of your cards are beautiful and I have fallen in love with that brick wall embossing folder - will keep an eye out for that one!
Apologies for lack of visits and thank you for the inspirations and blog hop Karen xx
These are so cute Darnell, love the button garland!!
Love them both. Very nice. Thanks for joining us at SoSS
Two sweet Christmas designs Darnell! love the string of buttons against that great brick wall and the pretty little stockings on the burlap - great texture on both!
These are so fun,
I think I even have those little stocking button too,
Great cards Darnet!
And Happy Christmas to you, Darnell. You've created two darling cards.
Holy moly, these are fantastic! I can't even begin to choose a favorite. I just love them both. And your "beside the sea card"...super love it!
Both of these cards are delightful! And they remind me that I need to get with it! Even though it is 100 degrees today doesn't mean that before long the snow will fly and Christmas will be upon us. Thanks for the chance to win a very cool embossing folder! You are the bestest in the westest!
Two gorgeous Christmas cards Darnell. I especially love the first one with that string of buttons.
As usual...two great cards and joyful entertainment!! Sorry I missed your birthday....hope it was FAB!!!
Two beauties young lady. I'm inspired, now I need to get my back end in gear and get to creating.
Fun stocking buttons! Thanks for joining the fun at the Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers!
Such beautiful cards!!
Susie
Love the cards - the designs are beautifully CAS.
Great Christmas cards...I am up to 32 done now...(all different)
Fantastic cards today love your designs so clean and simple but very classy brilliant Love and Happy Crafting Hugs Carole x
I am so sorry I haven't been around lately. Everything's just been a bit too much! I am glad I popped in today though cause I love Christmas and your cards are both gorgeous! I will try and pop round the other hop blogs later to get a Christmas fix! That will definitely give me a boost! xxxxxxxxxxx
Two of the most charming Christmas cards ever, Darnell! I love the crisp, clean design on the first one with your pop of red...so sweet! And those darling little stockings are perfect with your panel of burlap! So clever and both are perfectly CAS!
I hope all is well with you! Hugs,
Barb
Two gorgeous Christmas cards Dippy. Love the stitched sentiment stamp.....works so perfectly with your buttons. Those stocking buttons on the second card look stunning on the burlap. Fabulous!
Hugs.
Karendipity xxx
Two lovely creations Darnell with beautiful buttons and great brick and burlap backgrounds. x
Both are cute cards today. I really like the burlap with the cute stocking buttons.
Yup, nearly Christmas Whaaat!!! Oh noo it comes quickly enough but we crafters have to be prepared, I too have been making Chrissy cards, big sigh!!!!
I am loving your two cards Darnell, the first is lovely and CAs with the buttons and the second with the stockings on burlap (or hessian as we Brits call it) is just wonderful. You captured the country feel with that one :D Thank you for your congrats, you are a sweetie Have a great week, hugs Gay x
Wow Darnell - two beautiful Christmas cards here. Fancy never having used that fabby brickwork folder - a perfect result though! And I do love your use of burlap on the other card with those darling little stockings!
Hugs, Di xx
The NOEL card is simply adorable. Thoose buttons made get this stupid grin on my face. I have buttons coming out of my ears and nose. Have to get on that. That burlap adds so much dimension and texture to the truncated stocking card...love it.
Hi Darnell,
2 great cards for this fab challenge.
Love your fab embossing on the one.
I do hope you are keeping well.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.
You've been so creative with the buttons on your first card. Looks brilliant!
I'm very fond of using burlap on my cards, and you've managed to keep it clean even with the use of this texture. Feels very cozy and Christmasy!
Oh, love both these CAS beauties, Darnell!! Such a great way to use all the buttons and even the sentiment has a button in it!!! Lovely cards!!!
Have a lovely Sunday!!
These cards are adorable!! I love the fun way you made the banner with the buttons on the first card and the fun texture of the burlap on the second. Great design!!
Darnell, these are both gorgeous cards! I love the brick embossing. Thank you so much for stopping by my place and for the wonderful comment you left.
Hugs,
Em x
Creative Em
Love both of these, Darnell! Creative & lovely!
Super - both of your cards - especially the white one! And that's quite a few challenges you raked up here - genius!
One question - who is Gary??? You need to educate me here. But if you want to write a book I happily illustrate it - sounds like a fun project!
really cute cards. good luck on the challenges and thanks for the hop I will visit your friends..as always so generous making us discover new people at your blog thanks darnell
hugs bibiana
Awesome cards! I love that embossing folder with the brick design!
I have some of those stocking buttons, now I know what I can do with them! Cute idea.
And that Noel is such a cute stamp...really pops in the red too!
Well, dagnabbit! I know I visited your blog. And I know I had to take a break and wipe the drool off my chin, but why oh why didn't I leave a comment???!!!! I especially love your brick embossed card. Full of buttons and just the festive red against all that beautiful white! Fantabulous! And what a sweet trio of little stockings! Nice burlappy panel too. Sweet little sentiment! As always, you've made some real lovelies here! Bev
I do admire you for making these cards, I just can wrap my mind around it at all :O), both cards are wonderful I especially like the burlap one, a blog hop and 6 challenges you go Woman you have to be Super Woman to do what you do, with a little help from Hammy, hope you have a wonderful weekend, ((( BIG HUGS )))...
Two awesome card, Darnell! I love the texture on both of these, the brick background is so perfect with the string of buttons, and I love the burlap behind those cute little stockings!
Fabulous cards, Darnell! It's so refreshing to see some Christmas beauties--maybe it's the 100+ degree temperature! The brick embossing is fantastic with the crisp red & white and I love the burlap.
Two fabulous cards, Darnell. I cannot believe that we are already needing to think about Christmas, but the year is rolling right around to that time.
Love both your gorgeous chrissy cards Darnell - such beautiful designs - hugs xx
Wonderful cards!! I LOVE that brick embossing! Thanks so much for playing along at CCCB!!
I may have left this comment already. Or I may be losing my mind! lol! Love how the similar layout feels so different due to the different materials used! Love the texture and pops of red on your FF card - so glad you joined us!
Two great cards. I am not good at 'simplicity' and am filled with admiration for those of you who are! I love the trio of little stockings. Kate x
One gaspably crisp and fresh and delicious, Darnell ... the other beautifully warm and cosy and equally delicious! Hugs, Anita :)
Glad you made it to play with us, Darnelle! Your mutilated buttons look great on the burlap. And I just saw Flat Susan! I may have to make a smaller Edna to bring along on my travels! Thanks for joining us for the B is for Brads or Button challenge at the Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers!
Farbulous cards there Sweetpea!
Hugs
xx
I love reading your blog - it always makes me smile!! Great cards - love especially the card with the brick background!! For the first 5 and a half years of our married life we lived in an apartment with brick walls - it was hard to hang decorations up so they were simple and sparse. This card completely takes me back to that time!! Lot of memories were made in those brick walls!! Thanks for your inspiration!!
Both of these are so fabulous. I love the brick texture on the Noel card and that fun burlap is the perfect backdrop for those stockings.
Hey SchweetThang long time no visit! I can't tell you how much I'm LOVING this yummy-nummy card you made for Merry Monday! That texture, that brilliant string of buttons - GORGEOUS! So glad you joined us this week at MM :)
Aw, both of these are cute as can be. Love the tiny red Noel against that fab white brick. I'm a button collector so of course I liked the button bits. But my heart was won by the tiny stockings against that burlap...now that is country style to a perfect "T". Great design, great cards. Love 'em - lots! TFS & Hugs
Love love love your card. Both the brick background and the button garland make this card.
Great CAS cards, Darnell! Love both of them!
Gorgeous cards Darnell! Thanks so much for joining the sisterhood of snarky stampers for the "L is for Layer" challenge!
Hey Darnell! Great cards...congrats on being a Merry Monday Honorable Mention! :)
Such beautiful Christmas cards -- and such fun reading your post! :) Thanks for joining the fun at the Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers!
Goodnes, I'm so late to cheering and applauding that everyone before me has used all the "good" words to proclaim their love and appreciation of your amazing cards and generous give-away! Pooh! Oh well, you know I love x love everything you do, my friend, so I'll echo the others (x 2): awesome cards!!
Hugs~c
Beautiful cards! Thanks for joining us at CCCB!
Hi Darnell! Just wanted to pop by to say congratulations to you! You have been crowned our next Queen of Snark at the Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers! WOOT! WOOT! As Queen, you are invited to be our next Guest Designer! Just check out the blog for details! Congrats again!
Holy moly, that's a lot of comments! I love the simplicity of both cards, Darnell, but my favorite is the white brick and garland! It's so darling and looks just like a fireplace at Christmastime. Timeless! Thanks for playing with us again at FF this week!
Hi Darnell, these are just delightful. The button detail on the white card is divine - love it - and those little stockings on burlap are just so cute. Elizabeth xx
Hi sweetie, congrats on the Snarky!
Victoria xx
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