Greetings!
We've whooshed through another week to another Friday! In fact, it's the last Friday of another month down the drain! Slurp!
But never mind about that. It is my pleasure to help you halt time for a few minutes while you are here enjoying this reminder: we are halfway through the current challenge at Uniko. It is an honor for me to be co-chairing the podium as Guest Designer with the sensational Wiebke!
Are you playing along yet? The challenge is "SUMMER" and, as a twist, you have the option of using this fun photo inspiration:
Last week a lot of you wondered what the story was on this charming house. Do fairies live here? Ganomes? Ginger cookies dressed up as human boys and girls?
No, none of those things. This sweet home^ is in the town of Valentine, Cherry County, Nebraska. The home was originally built in 1922 by the mayor, Rutherford Harvey, for his bride. Rutherford was lucky enough to marry one of the daughters of Edward Valentine, the town's founding father. Her name was Lacey.
The Harvey-Valentines were well-loved by the citizens of Valentine. Together they had five children: Lavender, Lilac, Persimmon, Rose, and Pepperoni. All of the adult children and their children currently live in other fairy tale houses on the 750-acre homestead. This main home is the residence of Lavender and Lilac, both widowed. Once a year, the entire family opens their hearts and homes (and homes with hearts) to the public to celebrate "SUMMER" from August 21-September 4! Here at Uniko, and we hope in all of Blogland, we are celebrating right along with them!
My cousin Eunice happens to be the Foyer Florist for Rose (who, if you can believe it, married Stephen Bush!). I made this card as an inspiration for Eunice and to inspire you to play in the challenge.
I used a white base and a green marbled mat from an ancient set of blank cards that I've had forever. The flower box was made with a Poppystamps die "Grand Window Box." The pretty posies are from the Uniko set "Beautiful Blooms II" and the white heat-embossed kite-tail leaves are from the Uniko set "Natures Treasures I."
I do hope you will join in the fun at Uniko! I know there are tons of details in the photo that you can draw inspiration from. Or just make a card with flip-flops or sunshine or anything that makes you think of summer!
We've whooshed through another week to another Friday! In fact, it's the last Friday of another month down the drain! Slurp!
But never mind about that. It is my pleasure to help you halt time for a few minutes while you are here enjoying this reminder: we are halfway through the current challenge at Uniko. It is an honor for me to be co-chairing the podium as Guest Designer with the sensational Wiebke!
No, none of those things. This sweet home^ is in the town of Valentine, Cherry County, Nebraska. The home was originally built in 1922 by the mayor, Rutherford Harvey, for his bride. Rutherford was lucky enough to marry one of the daughters of Edward Valentine, the town's founding father. Her name was Lacey.
The Harvey-Valentines were well-loved by the citizens of Valentine. Together they had five children: Lavender, Lilac, Persimmon, Rose, and Pepperoni. All of the adult children and their children currently live in other fairy tale houses on the 750-acre homestead. This main home is the residence of Lavender and Lilac, both widowed. Once a year, the entire family opens their hearts and homes (and homes with hearts) to the public to celebrate "SUMMER" from August 21-September 4! Here at Uniko, and we hope in all of Blogland, we are celebrating right along with them!
My cousin Eunice happens to be the Foyer Florist for Rose (who, if you can believe it, married Stephen Bush!). I made this card as an inspiration for Eunice and to inspire you to play in the challenge.
I do hope you will join in the fun at Uniko! I know there are tons of details in the photo that you can draw inspiration from. Or just make a card with flip-flops or sunshine or anything that makes you think of summer!
Today's Twofer
I've made a QACAS Christmas Card.
Challenges
- Addicted to Stamps and More: CAS (clean and simple).
- CASology: Cue Card: Plaid.
- Merry Monday Christmas Card Challenge: Light green, dark green, and red.
- Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Anything Goes.
~~~
Hark!
Time is running out for linking sponsors, so if you are on a DT for a company that you think might want to sponsor this next NBUS Challenge, have them contact me at darnell dot knauss at gmail dot com. Thank you!
~~~
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 join as a follower! Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor!
*Life is too short!
^Everything regarding the home is a total lie. I'd love to hear what you think the story is!
^Everything regarding the home is a total lie. I'd love to hear what you think the story is!
PS to Sandi. I couldn't respond to your no-reply email. It's from Technique Tuesday. Thank you for the head's up so I could edit my post!
To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrolling:
Click CTL + Home.
Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets 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!
Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post.
Click Page Down to reach the end of the post.
Click Comments and the pop-up box opens.
Click Jump to Comment Form; no more car pool tunnel! Mwah!
If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave
me your email address so I can respond. Thank you!
Two fab makes - LOVING your second plaid card
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday
Kathyk
beautiful cards Darnell, I simply adore the second one!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards both, and I NEEEEEEED a house like that. As a craft studio! :-D x
ReplyDeleteTwo lovely cards Darnell. I particularly like the window box with those lovely big flowers. Barbxx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards Darnell, and thanks for the back story to the house. That Christmas card is a stunner, and the floral on puts me in mind of my (late) mother, who loved floral art.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Maxine
I picked the right day to pop in and see you Darnell. What a lovely story, they sound like a wonderful family. I'm guessing Pepperoni is also a flower and not, you know!? My middle name is Violet, I've never liked it but it's after my aunt, so I guess it has special meaning. Have a lovely weekend. Xx
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you told us the history behind the house, it is such a lovely story (although I am not sure about calling a child Pepperoni...). I love your first card, the background really sets the flowers off beautifully.
ReplyDeleteThe second card is a stunner, I may have to 'borrow' your idea for some Christmas cards this year, I just love how the plaid looks when it has been die cut. Hope you have a great weekend. Hugs, Annie xxx
Fabulous cards, both simply delightful.
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love reading your blog! You never cease to make me smile and inform me - a great read to start the day.
Take super care and have a great weekend!
Elaine
PS. Can't wait for your new challenge to start!!
two pretty cards, the background looks like green marble, cool effect! What a cute house, a dream of many little girls :-)
ReplyDeleteBeeeutiful cards, must give the uniko challenge a gooooo. You had me till you gave the final name 'Pepperoni'. Then doubts flooded in lol. As usual a very enjoyable read. My eldest was visiting for a couple of weeks so I got her to read your posts, she thinks your wonderful, your wit, your writing skills, your spelling skills and the fact that you got me motivated to start a blog. She is amazed that I talk about all these wonderful people I know through blog land as though they are long time friends. Names, shared moments etc
ReplyDeleteOh Darnell...seems like you are on the tease today! but I love your cards and that QACAS 2nd one is a real winner! You are always full of ideas and inspiration!
ReplyDeleteLovely card.
ReplyDeleteThat's so interesting about the house. I feel for the kid called Pepperoni and had to smile at Rose Bush:)
Hope you have a fab Friday. Sue
I always love a little history! Great cards and a super fun post, thanks, Darnell, Jo x
ReplyDeleteGreat history of the fancy house !
ReplyDeleteLove your Christmas card !
And of course the lovely flowers !
Ineke x
LIES! ALL LIES! It's a cool house, though, especially if you want to make a statement.
ReplyDeleteLOVE that marbled background you your flower card. Now I feel compelled to replicate it somehow. Hmmm ....
What a great story about that house!!! Except, trying to figure out how poor Pepperoni got his/her name! LOL!! Love love love your cards!! Gorgeous colors!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTwo great cards, Darnell! The flowers are lovely and colorful and I adore the font on the second card. I was wondering about your house story. Definitely suspicious when I saw the name Pepperoni. Liked how you snuck in your fess up. ;) Love your humor and creativity! Hope you have a fantastic weekend!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post to read this morning! What an interesting history for that wonderful fantasy playhouse! Love poth of your cards - the plaid die cut sentiment is super!! have a great weekend Darnell! Julia xx
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell, both cards are fantastic, the first is quite beautiful with the pretty flowers that compliment the inspiration photo so well. (That looks like a Disney house, someone lives there?) Love the CAS style of your Christmas design. Have a wonderful weekend, Hugs, Shirleyxx
ReplyDeleteHi Pookie. Have returned to blogland after my family's visit. Will have to tell you all about it!! Anyhoo.... What a sweet flower box card. Love how those blossoms pop against the marble background. Must make the card heavy though, haha. Great whimsical leaves too. And your plaid card is wonderful! Love the plaid sentiment; that was a brilliant idea! You're so darn clever. Off to see what else I've missed in blogland. hugs n smooches. Bev
ReplyDeleteThanks Darnell for the story on this so lovely house!! Before, I thought that was a cartoon hose :D I just adore it!!
ReplyDeleteAnd the names of the childs Valentine are stunning! This is all so romantic! :)
Both your cards are beautiful, love the Beautiful Blooms II on the green marbled mat, and the second one is really elegant, so festive!
You know, D... I just don't know if I believe this story ... Pepperoni? Pahleez! But I do love your cards - totally unbelievable!
ReplyDelete=]M
Lacey gave you away, Darnell, but you are quite the story teller. ;) Your window box of blooms is lovely and they really pop on that marbled background. That holiday day is fabulous and out of piaid? Even more so.
ReplyDeleteGreat story......LOL
ReplyDeleteIf I could have a stand alone creative space I would want it to look like the picture....*grin*
Both of your cards are spectacular.
Hope you have a great weekend.
Wonderful story, Darnell. Sure love that house and your two cards are awesome as usual!!
ReplyDeleteThese two cards are beautiful Darnell and the flowers are so pretty against the green marbled background in those wonderful colours, and the large die cut sentiment in that wonderful plaid paper is gorgeous, and the holly and berries that comes with it would work on lots of cards. x
ReplyDeleteTwo FABULOUS cards, Darnell! I REALLY love that Season's Greetings card...if I wasn't on a spending freeze, I'd order that sentiment in a heartbeat! Sometimes it stinks to be on a tight budget!! :)
ReplyDeleteBoth of your cards are gorgeous!! I love how the flowers pop against the green marbled background on the first!! The plaid season's greetings is beautiful on the second!! You did a fabulous job with both! Have a great weekend :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
Darnell - love your beautiful flowers and that marble background really makes the stand out beautifully! Thanks so much for the story about the house - so romantic.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks so much for being our Guest Designer - you're an inspiration! xx
Two super cards Darnell and a fabulous story. I do love the thought of the name Rose Bush xx
ReplyDeleteLove it when you share stories, i.e., the Valentine clan. Also delighted that you have a cousin named Eunice, which was my Mother's name (a bit unusual). As for the cards...that first one is really lovely. The Malachite-y (new word) background makes your window box sing. And I smell a winner with your christmas card. Bet you have a nice supply of them, by now.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure I would want to be name Pepperoni:) I have to say thank you for telling us where this house is. This is great and I wonder what the inside looks like. I love your inspiration card-it is perfect for Rose Bush(really??) I also love the Christmas one-it is effective and great with that lettering
ReplyDeleteWonderful cards Sugar!
ReplyDeleteI would really like to visit that house - thanks for the story behind it. Very interesting!! I could have sworn Minnie Mouse lived there!!
Sandy xx
Two fabulous cards Dolly! And I love the history of the Valentine house and family. Those family names are so fun. Have a great weekend. Lolly xx
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful posies card but what really caught my eye was the use of the plaid to make the sentiment on that card. I love that look!
ReplyDelete... you are better for the soul than Chicken Soup dear friend! Pepperoni!!! OMG - I totally lost it at that point. GREAT story! So, I really need to know...do you laugh out loud as you are writing your posts?
ReplyDeleteTwo fab cards pal! I love the marble mat - perfect backdrop for the gorgeous, beautifully blended flowers.
Totally swooning over the plaid greetings! I love the holly leaves and bedazzled berries! Love the small-ish size of the die.
Both cards are gorgeous Darnell. Your designs are wonderful and I love the colours.
ReplyDeleteSorry I have missed commenting on so many of your fabulous cards. I hope all is well with you.
Sending hugs Sue xx
Two fabulous makes and I really love the colourful Seasons Greeting.
ReplyDeleteMega excited today as I have finally found the way to put challenge banners on my blog, only taken me 8 months lol.
Have a great weekend.
Kath x
Both fabulous cards Darnell, I love the pretty colours of the flowers against the dark green background in the first one, and the CAS design of the second one is wonderful. That die cut greeting looks great cut from the plaid paper.
ReplyDeleteJean x
That sounds like a fun challenge, and what a sweet card!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous plaid design. Love the colour scheme :)
ReplyDeleteLovely story behind that pretty house. I assume Pepperoni is a boy. Hugz
ReplyDeleteTwo fabulous cards. I especially love the CAS second one - very clever to use die cut the sentiment using plaid patterned paper, looks great against the cream background. xx
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly the type of house I wanted to live in when I was a little girl! Great card inspired by it! Love the Christmas one too.
ReplyDeleteI love the marble background on your first card. The Christmas card is really eye catching. That is a fairy princess house for sure.
ReplyDeletePepperoni, now that's a name for ya!! Your card is terrific, so lush with those deep with colors! I like your plaid season's greetings too, very cute!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards today, Darnell! Those blooms are lush and lovely. QACAS cards, like your Season's Greetings creation, are perfect to have in mind when Christmas suddenly knocks at the door. So fun to read the details about the Valentine house, too. Thanks for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteLove this blog post what a delightful story and so wonderful you have a family connection with your cousin. The card is just perfect love those beautiful flowers also a great traditional christmas card as well perfect Love and hugs Caorle x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards Darnell ..... love the die cut idea on the Christmas one, looks so festive!
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous weekend! Big hugs ....... Linda xx
Fabulous Darnell
ReplyDeletehugs Tamara
Fabulous cards.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the details on the Valentine house - amazing story and sound like wonderful happy people.
Wonderful cards once again my friend ... Have a beautiful weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell,
ReplyDeleteI must admit I struggle to believe that someone really would call their child Pepperoni, I just might have been heard to utter, .."only in America".. I guess it takes all kinds and Pepperoni is really a nice person,.. And the house well that is something else.too.
Now love both your cards, the first is certainly lovely, bright and cheery, but the QACAS is also great, love the tartan on it...
Have sent you an email, to your gmail addy I thought. But maybe I have the wrong address. Would you please email me by hitting on this comment reply as I have my email on blogger,, if you haven't had the other one.
Many thanks,
Shaz in Oz.x
Hello Darnell, two gorgeous cards, lovely colours and designs, hugs Kate x
ReplyDeleteWhat a house, what a story, what wonderful names, do fairytale like!
ReplyDeleteYour first card is a beautiful version of the photo, really like the color combo and elements.
Your second card is wonderfully Christmasy and ultra CAS, a lovely combo.
The house is really cute but I don't think I want it across the street from me. Both cards are lovely BUT I really like your Christmas card and the plaid paper and the textured background paper.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, that house looks like a little girl's dream doll house, so beautiful and charming, Fairies could live there, I wonder how it looks inside.
ReplyDeleteNow Darnell, your cards are gorgeous, both so different from one another but lovely non the less.
Love the colors on the first card, so rich and vibrant, the background is gorgeous.
The Christmas card truly is a beauty, very elegant, CAS. (my new favorite style)
Thank you for sharing.
What a FUN post and lovely cards! When I first saw the photo, I thought maybe you had a new design studio!!
ReplyDeleteOoh loved hearing about the house! Thank you! Both cards are fabulous! The first one is so pretty! The second one is so classy in its simplicity. I am really looking forward to the NBUS challenge- I had better get cracking and make something! xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks for including the history for that adorable little house. Your cards are great too!
ReplyDeleteWell never mind the cards Darnell what a brilliant little history lesson there and how fabulous to know it's a 'real' house that belonged to a family ... I thought it was just a gimmick from a fairground! Anyway 2 awesome cards as always and I love your BG on the Uniko one - such deep and rich colour with the gorgeous window box full of blooms in front. Thanks again for joining us at Uniko this month. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteThat little house is just the place for a marble topped table in the hallway, Darnell ... and your gorgeous blooms are perfect set atop it in their yummy box! I can just imagine your festive plaid delight sitting on the mantlepiece too as that creatively named family (Pepperoni?) celebrate Christmas!! Brilliant story ... love that you based it on a real town (I checked!!) and then embellished it just a smidgey little bit! Now recovering from a severe case of Sunday morning giggles ... thanks, mon amie! Miss you! Hugs & bisous, bisous, Anita :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a striking card with that marbled looking green background. Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story about the house. I would love to have a look inside all of the houses and I bet Phoebe and Max would too. I can imagine its just as magical on the inside as it is outside! Your cards are lovely, those flowers go with the challenge photo perfectly and your plaid Xmas card is perfection. Your 'two-fer' is a 'win-ner'!
ReplyDeleteTwo fab cards Darnell...loving your use of the plaid on the Christmas one. Carol x
ReplyDeleteYour flower box looks so lush and well watered! And I love the Christmas card! It's perfect in it's simplicity and so nice that it can go through the mail easily! I'm glad you shared it at Merry Monday too!
ReplyDeleteSuch a neat story behind the house!! Your take is so colorful and bright! The Christmas card - ah, you just can't go wrong with plaid. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh Darnell....I so enjoyed reading the story of that adorable home. How perfect are the girls names. On my next visit to your country I think I need to take a detour to "Valentine"! Your card is perfect....so bright and colorful! Love the Christmas card too! Is it that time of the year already? The weeks are just whooshing by. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteTwo lovely cards Darnell and loved the story of that adorable house!I'm so sorry to have been 'missing' lately,I've decided to write one post today and then I am taking a month off from blogging, I need to recharge my batteries, so apologies in advance for not commenting much for the next month, I will be back, hugs Carole Z X
ReplyDeleteVery pretty and unique card! I really like the white leaves. Thanks so much for being a guest designer with Uniko this month!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful summer card, but I really love the Christmas card, Darnell! Wonderful design!
ReplyDeleteHey Darnell! WOW, the history of the house is amazing, thank you for sharing it and what a FABulous card you have created inspired by it. I also LOVE your plaid Christmas card, such a fun technique. THANK YOU so much for being our Guest Designer this month at Uniko :) it has been an honour to have you. Hugs Bev x
ReplyDeletePepperoni and Rose Bush..bwahahahahahahhaa! Yet again, another brilliant post! And your cards: only fantastical and magical! Flowers and plaid: love them both!
ReplyDeletehugs~c
Such a blast to see you over at Uniko as a GD - you did a super job and I loved your cards for over there!! Great take on the photo and the colors!! I loved that picture!! So fun! Your cards are delightful, as are you!! Good job on your post today - you are awesome and I hope life is finding you SMILING!!!
ReplyDeleteCould you maybe manage to find a photo of the sweet Pepporoni, Darnell and while you're at it, maybe Rose Bush, too!!!! (would love to see what they look like!!!)
ReplyDeleteYour cards are lovely!!! That green bg is simply stunning and the flowers are beautiful!!!!! And the Christmas card with the plaid sentiment - perfect!!!!