Sunday Greetings!
Frazzled enough for ya? Or are you sitting smug because you are done with your cards, decorating, baking, house-cleaning, shopping, wrapping, lunches, parties, and visiting? I belong in the former group, but I think if you're done, then you have every right to be smug! We'll resist being haters considering we're supposed to be filled with the spirit of Christmas. Cough.
Today's card features white embossing for the current Take It, Make It: December challenge at Craft Stamper.
The large background stamp is Hero Arts (S1523) "Flower Lace Pattern," which I heat embossed in Hero Arts Detail White embossing powder. Because to me the little flowers look like poinsettias and holly leaves, I colored them Christmas red and green using my SU markers. The centers were colored with a gold At You Spica pen.
The banner was created using a NBUS scalloped die by Papertrey Ink. I cut it down to shorten it and scalloped it across the top using a very old pair of decorative scissors. (Remember those?!) The sediment itself is a sticker. The kraft paper is by Papertrey Ink and the red is real red is by SU.
The current Take It, Make It: December challenge at Craft Stamper will run until December 27, 2014.
I'm also entering the current challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More, where the challenge is a photo inspiration. I was inspired by the Christmas colors.
The current Take It, Make It: December challenge at Craft Stamper will run until December 27, 2014.
And the current Fusion Card Challenge, where the sketch was inspirational.
Please click on the links for more information on sponsors, prizes, and rules. I hope you can join in the fun!
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New Friends Corner
I'm so happy to have new friends at the Playhouse to introduce to you! Please help me welcome:
I'm so happy to have new friends at the Playhouse to introduce to you! Please help me welcome:
Donna Hitz of Frozen Stamper. Donna has been blogging since February 2010, so there is a ton of inspiration on her beautiful blog for you. Her banner name comes from the fact that she and her husband live in Alaska. She is an award-winner, instructor, and designer whose designs have been printed on coffee mugs and pajamas!
Vanessa B. of Vanessa's Paper Creations. Vanessa has been blogging since January 2012, so she's coming up on her third blogaversary! Vanessa is an award-winner and current and past member of design teams. Her cards are clean and crisp and happy and I know you'll be glad you visited her!
Tina of Tina's Handmade Creations. Tina has been blogging since 2009! Another wonderful card artist with years of inspiration for you, Tina is also an award winner and a designer. Her cards are impeccably made and totally fun!
AJ Bodine of Rutabaga Pie Designs. A resident of North Carolina, AJ has only been blogging since October of this year! Please take a few minutes of your very busy day to stop in and give AJ a warm welcome to our crafting community! She is uplifting and enthusiastic and I know you'll enjoy your visit!Thank you for joining, ladies, and welcome to the Playhouse!
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NBUS Challenge #3!
Speaking of followers, a few of you have asked if there will be another NBUS Challenge in January. Even though I may not reach my next follower milestone by the first of the year, I'm pretty close, so I will go ahead and host another challenge!If you've been good little crafters, I'm sure Santa will bring you NBUS goodies that you'll want to show off! Or, if you're like me, you'll still have NBUS from prior Christmases that you'll want to show off! I look forward to seeing your creations!
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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 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!
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Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post.
Click Page Down to reach the end of the post.
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If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave
me your email address so I can respond. Thank you!
Good Morning Darnell from a very windy Scotland. Like you I still have things to do as well, only a few presents have been wrapped and they are all away to the recipients. I do love the last minute things to do though. I love your card, it really looks so Christmassy too. Have a Good Day. Hugs Rita xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm not doing toooo badly Darnell. Foodie bits left to get really, that's all. Love this card that background stamp is gorgeous and looks fab in white. Have a good one!! xx
ReplyDeleteFabulous banner card and super background embossing & colouring too.
ReplyDeleteHave yourself a very Merry Christmas.
Hugs, Sarn xxx
Your card is gorgeous, Darnell! Love the colored-in white embossing on your background!
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous Darnell, the embossed background is stunning and I love the festive colours.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely part of the frazzled group this year, never mind I'll get there in the end!
Sending hugs
Sue xx
What a gorgeous creation, Darnell. Red and green look marvellous against a kraft-coloured base.
ReplyDeleteDarnell I love that beautiful background on your pretty card. You hsve inspired me to remember how lovely white embossing looks on kraft card. I'm still chasing my tail!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Carol x
Lovely card Darnell! Definitely getting frazzled now! Cakes still to decorate and presents to wrap - not as easy to do with my two new fur babies helping!
ReplyDeleteFAB make Darnell, love that you colored your background images - very stylish
ReplyDeleteMerry Sunday to you too - I'm just waiting for two crafting buddies to show at mine ..... long wait, they're not due for 5 hours!!!!
Kathyk
WOW! that background looks amazing Darnell!
ReplyDeleteStunning!
Just gorgeous that background is so pretty a brilliant card today love and hugs Carole x
ReplyDeleteI love your card the background is so pretty. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas full of love and blessings.
ReplyDeleteLovely card.
ReplyDeleteHope your preparations go to plan.
Hope you are having a nice weekend. Sue
I love such combinations - recycled paper and white embossing. Beautiful holly theme you used to decorate the background. Beautiful card.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Bozena
This is really lovely, Darnell! I love that HA background stamp. It does look like poinsettias and holly leaves doesn't it? Well, I am not one of those smug people all ready for Christmas, that's for sure! My son is all bought for but I've gotten nothing for my husband yet. I haven't done any baking yet either. I only just got my tree up yesterday! Oh well, it'll all be fine. :-). Hugs!
ReplyDeleteKim
Beautiful card, Darnell! I'm completely unprepared for Christmas and feeling the pressure. I have another week of work and then I'm right into the Christmas visiting, and I don't have the presents and food organised yet, eek! Since you are going to have another NBUS challenge, I'd better save some of my recent NBUS, since I'm pretty sure Santa isn't bringing me any, lol!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely!! And I'm definitely not sitting smugly ... Why do the days go so fast when there is so much to do??
ReplyDeleteThe list is still very long for Christmas...but we're making progress! Love your beautiful card...the coloring is fabulous Darnell.
ReplyDeleteLove the coloring, it does totally look like a holiday background!
ReplyDeleteWonderful card, Darnell. It's so very festive. I remember those fancy scissors and still have some. Although if I tried to use them, my hands might cramp. :) Have a happy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful, Darnell! Love that beautiful white embossing against the kraft card stock, and I love how you colored in the little flowers and leaves. So pretty!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful Darnell and that white embossed Hero Arts stamp works so well with that pretty red scalloped banner. x
ReplyDeleteHand up for the 'frazzled' category! Cards for my family and my husband's, gifts for the kiddos, figuring out our travel schedule (my family next weekend - I hope - home for a day, then off to my husband's). Yes, frazzled AND frantic; I won't even discuss the craziness of work. Anyway, your card has cheered my mood immensely...festive and fabulous!
ReplyDeleteHugs~c
Gorgeous card, Darnell! Love the background and beautiful banner!
ReplyDeleteThis is an absolutely stunner of a card Darnell, I love your colouring! I did have a little giggle - I too, have many things from many Christmases which have yet to see the light of day.... I feel a resolution coming on! Hugs, Annie xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm kinda on the frazzled end, without being caring. lol I figure it will get done and what doesn't...it just doesn't. Heck I don't even have the tree decorated yet, should be today but I live with scrooges and it's hard getting them motivated to get the stuff down for me! But it was gotten down yesterday and the tree is up, so it should get decorated today. Swags are in the windows and wreaths are on the garage and door. Presents, well they are half bought. lol The important gifts are bought and that is the grands gifts. I love, love, love this card! The background is just beautiful and to me it looks like poinsettia's and holy leaves too. Love the simple but elegant sentiment, it goes so well with the background! Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Auntie! Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDeleteI am here to report that for the FIRST time in 20+ years I am finished with the shopping, and the decorating. Gifts are wrapped and under the tree, stockings are hung, and the lights are all up (unless I decide to add more......;))
ReplyDeleteI really haven't done much baking, just some cookies for the GDs to decorate. Maybe I'll do a little next week.
Your card is a stunner!!! I really, really like the color combo and the background stamp is perfect!
Er. I, too, am of the former group and sneeringly envious of those that aren't. Still cleaning out the sugar, flour, butter mess in the kitchen... though, still making some modicum of progress. In any case. LOVE the way you've colored that background stamp...gorgeousness and a real winner. My man & I don't exchange gifts and the offspring haven't figured out that I love NBUS, so I'll be rifling through the items I've obtained throughout the year (& some new arrivals) in 2015. Hope you & your's are having a stellar holiday.
ReplyDeleteFab design Darnell and I've just finished wrapping all the presents but still have a few things left to do! Thank you so much for the lovely birthday card and your kind words, much appreciated :)
ReplyDeleteVal x
Oh heck, you mean I should be getting my shopping done? I haven't recovered from my card making yet...lol.
ReplyDeleteYour card is so sweetly colored, and sets off your sentiment beautifully. Have a wonderful Christmas.
1 out of 9...that's it for me! Smug is a looooong way off! Nothing that a few 3:00am's won't fix though!
ReplyDeleteThe scissors....OMG - I'd forgotten all about the 7,000 pairs that are in a box in the far corner of the closet!
Your card...absolutely gorgeous! Awesome job embossing that big-a__ stamp! Great coloring and great sentiment (sure wish that it was a stamp cuz it is sooooo cool!)
I am curious if you were able to stamp only once the background stamp cause it is mighty large. Love the card white embossing, did cuts and Kraft paper all faves . Have a holly jolly!
ReplyDeleteYour card is just beautiful and festive! Just love Kraft and white embossing!
ReplyDeleteOooo! I am loving that background. It's so scandinavianey (hey - if you can make up words so can I) :)
ReplyDeleteAnd WAHOOOOO! Another NBUS challenge.
STUNNING as ever Darnell! Hazel x
ReplyDeleteLove that card - and I definitely agree the background looks like holly and poinsettias! It works so well embossed in white on kraft.
ReplyDeleteVery glad to hear there will be another NBUS challenge - I have a lot of NBUS!!!
What a way with words! "Cough" got me this time, ended up laughing heartily. Thanks for the cheer-up - needed it because here I sit making sure I don't miss any of your entries and my cards aren't done, the tree's not up. Thank God I won't have company so there is no baking to do!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card, Darnell! I'm doing pretty good as far as Christmas details go. I've sent my 2 boys their gifts, so that's HUGE! Thanks for the link to Addicted To Stamping. I joined in!
ReplyDeleteDear Darnell, I'm admiring your exact stamping of background on your card. It is amazing work!
ReplyDeleteI'm finishing with preparation for holidays. Cards are almost done, the house is shining. There is only the snow missing for the complete christmas feeling. :-)
Hugs, Sonja
HI Darnell, I'm feeling very frazzled at the moment..still got craft pressies to finish, oh my! Your card is fab, great background stamping! hugs Carole Z X
ReplyDeleteGorgeous card! Love the way you have coloured the background - it does look really festive. I have another week of work left and am woefully behind with Christmas preparations but the tree is up and we have lots of chocolate so that will have to do :)
ReplyDeleteI love your background. Embossed in white and colored with the Christmas colors sure does make it look like poinsettias and holly. Fantastic design!
ReplyDeleteI love those little colored in flowers, Darnell. I never get frazzled but I'm not quite done either. Cards, done. No tree up yet. Presents ordered, Wrapping to do. Christmas will be different this year with my parents in the care facility.
ReplyDeleteThe white embossing on kraft is beautiful - the traditional Christmas colors look terrific. I think NBUS each and every first time I use something I've had forever. I'll see what I can use for your new challenge :)
ReplyDeletePretty, Pretty, Pretty!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous background & I love how you used that sentiment sticker, Darnell! Great card!
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous! Love that background, it looks so cool on the Kraft card. I am looking forward to the January NBUS challenge! xxx
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading your posts. I'm sort of there with regards to Christmas! I think your card is stunning. I love the background stamp and the pretty tag - great work. Thanks so much for playing along with ASM this week!
ReplyDeleteThese flowers look like Christmas poinsettias to me also. Like what you did with this big background stamp. It's really pretty with that nifty banner treatment. I still use my decorative scissors occasionally too. Will definitely check out the new follower from NC. She's in my neck of the woods! Merry Christmas, TFS & BIg, Big hugs coming your way. Now I'm dropping to the older post to see these trees, cause I have that die (?NBUS? I can't remember) LOL.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful card you created! I always forget how pretty white embossing looks on a card.
ReplyDeleteAdd me to the Frazzles group!
Even when you think you're done with Christmas prep, each day someone needs one more this or that. On the first day of Christmas my husband said to me, "I need cookies for the office party!" On the second day of Christmas my daughter said to me, "2 school gift exchanges, and cookies for the office party..." Your card is a beauty! That beautiful background stamp is perfect for holly and Christmas flowers - Sweet!
ReplyDeleteNope I'm not done, but I'm close!! Your card is so very pretty Darnell and gave me a smile!!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful take on the photo inspiration, Darnell! I've never seen this b/g stamp colored in, and it's really perfect in traditional Christmas colors! Love your PTI banner, too...yes, I still have a few pairs of those scissors, too :)
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I'm not even close to being ready, but somehow it always comes together, right?
Thanks so much for playing along with us again at ATSM...we always love to see your creations in the gallery!
Really cute, Darnell! That background rocks
ReplyDeleteThat is some pretty fabulous embossing, so crisp and makes for a great background. Have a fun week x
ReplyDeleteYour card is beautiful! Thank you for entering it to the Take It, Make It challenge, where I've got the privilege of being the sponsor this month! It's fun to look at all the entries and "meet" new people :-) Good luck!
ReplyDeletePS: LOVE your playhouse!!
Frazzled!!!?? I'm getting there ..... still got presents to buy never mind wrap, and the cooking, well I'm dreading starting that!!
ReplyDeleteYour card is gorgeous .... I love the white embossed background, so pretty! Thanks for joining in with the Craft Stamper TIMI challenge .... good luck! Hugs Linda xx
Gorgeous card.
ReplyDeleteUm I think I'm going ok - certainly not finished but working at a consistantly fast pace :)
Hello Darnell,
ReplyDeleteThe embossing on the craft is beautiful !
Great Christmas feeling on your card !
greetings from The Netherlands
Ineke
Wishing you and your family a great Christmas time and a creative 2015.
Gorgeous card! I love it!
ReplyDeleteLove that large stamp Darnell and I think they look like holly leaves and poinsettias too!
ReplyDeleteNot quite in the smugzone but all 3 trees are now up and a smattering of cards up also. Still got to wrap up the parcels, make mince pies, finish table runner etc etc!!!!
Thanks for finding the time to join us at ATSM. :)
LOVE your heat embossed and colored background! What a great stamp and love how you've used it!
ReplyDeleteWell, to be totally honest, I am NOT in the Christmas spirit ...yet...Even with that sweet GB of mine...I'm still waiting lol! I LOVE that BG stamp and your embossing, great card!
ReplyDeleteOh this is yummy! Your white embossing and the bright red and green look lovely and crisp against the kraft. Love how classy your card is. Thanks for sharing with us at ATSM, Anita x
ReplyDeleteGorgeous card! I love the white embossing. It really makes the red flowers stand out. xx
ReplyDeleteSuper fun card Darnell! I love the white embossing with the colouring, it always has such a lovely effect. Wishing you and your family a Very Merry Christmas!! xo
ReplyDeleteHave just come home from late night shopping with my Mum. Still so much more to do but slowly ticking things off my list. I totally see the Xmas theme with that background stamp and those colours with the white outline look sensational. I hope your gradually making your way thru your to-do list. First on my list for tomorrow is more sunblock as I'm looking a lot like Rudolph right now after swimming with the kids after school. The joys of Summer!! Sorry, didn't mean to rub that in......
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous card! Those flowers indeed look like poinsettas! Forgot to say in the comment on the next post (can you follow? Congrats on being Guest Designer! Hugs, Gerrina
ReplyDeleteLove this background stamp and how you've colored it! I hadn't seen the scalloped banner before and I love that too! A very merry, merry card! We received your beautiful Christmas card yesterday and are enjoying it. Thank you. It's so fun to get happy mail!
ReplyDeleteWow! This is gorgeous and you colored in the flowers,I thought it was patterned paper ,u til I read. Beautiful CAS beauty. Darnell!
ReplyDeleteThis is sooooo beautiful Darnell, I really love everything about it. Especially the banners, I need to get me some banner dies, they're so useful. I really hope to pop in again before Christmas but if I don't I hope you and your lovely family have a wonderful Christmas.
ReplyDeleteLove and Hugs
Brenda
Lovely white stamping on such a festive card! Thanks for joining us at the Take It Make It Challenge.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!! I really love this color combo Darnell! : )
ReplyDeleteYour cards are always a bright inspiration!!
Hope you are staying at rest in your heart : )
Patti
Gorgeous bright cheery card, just like Christmas, bright and cheery!
ReplyDeleteSO pretty Darnell! Beautiful coloring on your white embossed background! thank you so much for taking the time to join in the Fusion Challenge! I look forward to your next NBUS challenge too!
ReplyDeletesuch a very pretty card!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE!!! Thanks for playing at ATSM!!
ReplyDeleteFABULOUS FUSION Darnell - so glad you joined in the fun!!!
ReplyDeleteFrazzled? Yup! The card is fabulous, beautiful white stamping and very pretty design Darnell.
ReplyDeleteWarm hugs
Maarit
Beautiful card Darnell...I love that pretty stamp and you used scissors??? so fun to pull out those older goodies that we all have.
ReplyDeleteSo excited to hear you are doing another NBUS challenge, I have plenty to use for your challenge without making another purchase. Can't wait.
So deliciously merry, Darnell ... the red and green over the kraft looks as though it's twinkling is anticipation of Santa's arrival! Another NBUS ... wonderful, I have just the stamp!! Anita :)
ReplyDeleteThe embossed BG and colors on the kraft, ur card is such a beauty! Thank you for sharing with Fusion!
ReplyDeleteJust saw your comment on my blog about the HM on Fusion so popped over there to check it out and see that you got an HM too! Well done! This is such a beautiful card - and I can't imagine the work in coloring all those little flowers and leaves. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your HM at Fusion!
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty card, thank you for joining us in the TIMI challenge this month at Craft Stamper. xx
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful card Darnell, thanks for joining us at the take It Make It Challenge, Elizabeth x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card, love the cool crisp feel!
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining us at Craft Stamper magazine, hope you and the family had a lovely christmas
Just catching up with myself, with commenting, and with life in general! I've got that stamp and never really thought of it as holly/poinsettia/Christmassy, but seeing it coloured like that, well, it's obvious! Fab job, Darnell, and I love that sediment. Thanks for playing along at TIMI, and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteSo stylish and stunning! Fabulous card! Thank you for joining the Take It Make It challenge!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous background Darnell. .Thank you for joining the TIMI Challenge xxx
ReplyDelete