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!

October 11, 2015

I've Gone Candy-Bar Batty!

Greetings, spooklings! Happy Sunday Funday!

I'll be honest with you, I'm just not into Halloween cards as much as I am Halloween candy. Halloween isn't the same now that I'm retired and no longer dressing up in costumes for the office entertainment. But the candy, ah, bleep, the candy. Turns out this nursing stint has proven that I'm a stress-eater. Bad timing in that it coincides with the release of 150-pound bags of delicious little chocolate bars at Costco. 

BTW, I looked up the definition of hallow. It means holy. Then I looked up the definition of een. It means diminutive. What?
The bats and sediment stamp are from a NBUS set called "Twisted Treats" from Avery Elle. The stitched circles are cut from shiny PTI onyx and pearl paper using Lil' Inker dies. That and some Washi tape and you have a QACAS holy tiny card.

Challenges

Simon Monday Challenge BlogClick To Play
Miss Elaine E. Yus

The medical update on the Mister is that things are pretty much status quo. Improvement continues at a snail's pace, but that's better than nothing, so we're not complaining! I'm sorry I'm not posting as often under the circumstances and I appreciate that you are still visiting me and leaving me love!

A lot of the spare time I have I've spent working on cards for the Caring Hearts Card Drive. Actually, the Mister has been a huge help to me in a way that makes him feel useful. As he walks up and down the hall on his crutches once an hour, he stops at the kitchen counter and cuts card stock for me a little at a time, followed by scoring, followed by folding! Hey, I know an opportunity when I see one! I'm not just another pretty face with a big Costco butt.

In other happy news, Rachel brought the twins to see us on Friday because the boys had the day off from school. It really brightened Kevin's spirits ~ and mine ~ to see them for a few hours! 

Sadly, I also have heartbreaking news for those of you who follow Brenda of Friends Crafting With Friends. Her beloved husband Dwayne passed away Saturday morning after fighting a valiant war against cancer for two years. He was only 52 years old. If you would like Brenda's address to send her a card, please email me.

~~~

New Friends Corner

I'm delighted to have five more new friends for you to meet!

Tania Wagoner of Tania's Paper Trails. Tania started blogging in 2013. She has not blogged often, but her cards are darling when she does post them and they often feature quilling. She also has a tab where she shares her love of baking and decorating sugar cookies!

Debbie Petersen of Deb's Card Buffet. Deb is one of those long-time bloggers I admire because she started blogging in 2007! She is a retired pharmacist living in Washington and she has been stamping since 2005. Debbie enjoys entering challenges and currently serves on The Card Concept Design Team. I think you'll agree that she makes impeccable CASlicious card art!

Mandy LaCroix of Scrappity-Doo-Da. (Love the name!) Mandy is a "reformed" accountant/financial assistant and she has been blogging since 2011. She is a published card artist and she has an impressive trophy cabinet down the length of her side bar showing all the challenge wins she has under her belt. Mandy's cards are like huge hammers ~ they nail any challenges she sees!

Tami French of Team Gingerbread. Tami has also been blogging a long time, since 2009! This in spite of working full-time in a doctor's office and being a full-time mom! I'm always so impressed by mothers who blog. Tami also enjoys entering challenges with her card art. She has a wide range of styles and her 3D shaped and folded cards are magnificent!

Daniela Dobson of Create Your Everyday Memories. Daniela is another published card artist who is no doubt already familiar to a lot of you from her design team inspiration throughout Blogland. After all, she has also been blogging since 2007! Even if you missed those early years, it's not too late to jump on the Daniela Band Wagon and be inspired by her tremendous talent with her exquisite layered card art!

Thank you for joining, ladies, and welcome to the Playhouse!

~~~


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80 comments:

sandie said...

Well I must be up early on a Sunday to be the first to comment! Love the shiny card and especially the bright chevron paper- great contrast to the black and white. Don't eat too many sweets today!!

Jane Willis said...

Love those bats, and very pleased to hear OH is making himself useful.
I think the word Halloween is of old English derivation. November 1st is All Saints Day, otherwise known as All Hallows because saints are hallowed, and the day before it was All Hallows Eventide, but eventide was shortened to e'en and eventually the whole phrase was shortened to Halloween
Jane

Pia S said...

Using washi was a clever way to add some color to your card. I always appreciate getting ideas and inspiration to use those gorgeous but hard to use things...

kiwimeskreations said...

So glad to hear the Mister is mobile and helping you in your endeavours :-). I can well imagine that even cutting and scoring card makes a change from nothing - or reading. Keep up the great nursing
Blessings
Maxine

Redanne said...

Jane (above) has the whole Halloween origin spot on but I like your 'definition' much better!.... your holy tiny card is wonderful, not too spooky (like mine would be) but just right!

So pleased that Mister is making some progress and helping you out will give him an encouraging boost I bet. It must have been good for you both to have the boys around for a while.

I did see the terribly sad news about Brenda's husband on Mary's blog, it makes me feel sad when someone so young is taken by that horrible disease.

Hope you are enjoying your 'holiday' weekend. Hugs, Annie xxx

Sue said...

Loving the card.

Glad hubby is still improving. How lovely for you and hubby to have the twins visiting.

If you want to know about Halloween, check this out:

http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_article/784/truth_about_halloween.html

I take it all with a pinch of salt as there are so many explanations out there.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Sammy said...

Love your Holy Tiny card (I agree, a much more fun interpretation, lol). That pop of colour is just perfect.

The past couple of years I have been smart about things (for once!) and bought sweet stuff for the trick-or-treaters that I'm not fond of myself. That way I'm not tempted to keep raiding.
Didn't stop me from raiding my kids' loot after they got home (of course there is a chocolate tax on Halloween loot!), but they're not going this year, as they're a bit old for it now.

And glad to hear Mister is improving, albeit slowly. And good thinking setting him to work. ;-) x

Michelle said...

For a moment there, I thought you were going to tell me that you used candy wrappers to make your card, haha! Your card is fun, Darnell. I don't make Halloween cards because they aren't a "thing" here in Australia, but I do love looking at them. :-)

Linda said...

What a fun Halloween card Darnell .... love those little bats! Big hugs to you and the Mister xxx

Ros Crawford said...

I can eat chocolate bars anytime! But I know what you mean about the halloween packs ... and then it will be Christmas packs ... Super card! Love those stitched circles ... Glad the Mister is slowly getting better and you are able to utilise his little walks. So sorry to hear about your friends husband ... how very sad.....

CraftygasheadZo said...

What a fabulous make! Glad to hear Mister improving too. Take care Zo xx

Julie B said...

Super card, and I agree with Jane about the derivation, All Hallows Eve. It's wasn't a big deal with us as kids as it is closely followed by Bonfire Night on Nov 5th. Apparently the night before in West Yorkshire is mischief night when the young and old get up to all sorts of jolly japes! Lard on handles, eggs and flour thrown, you know that sort of thing! Glad the mister is improving and making himself useful. :)

Happy Dance said...

Thanks for the update on the Mister. Even small steps in the right direction are the right steps in the right direction. And you've got a helper!! Before you know it, you're gonna have a whole ream of card bases waiting, and you'll need to put an addition on the playhouse to house them! SWEET card! Better than candy if you ask me!! Love the bright washi down the right edge. And those little bats...I thought they were die cuts they're so crisp and dark -- perfect stamping! Fun card!! Thanks, too, for sharing the news about Brenda's DH. I would love to have her addy so I can send her a card. You're the sweetest girl in blogland, Miss D. Really and truly. Missing you tons. Take care of yourself too. xo Bev

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Beautiful design, so colourful with the washi tape! And the bats look great!!! Love the circle stitched frame, it makes your card elegant!
Have a sweet Sunday

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Love the cheerful colours for Halloween Darnell! Glad Mister is getting better. Sorry my visits have been sparse, but I had a mammoth task that I was determined to get through! Hopefully, I am back now for a while and doing my rounds! Have a lovely Sunday! Hazel xx

Nan G said...

Fab card Darnell! Love the bats. And I'll bet Costco puts it all out right in front of the door so you have to snake your way through to get to the groceries! By then it's what groceries?! Slow and easy is the best way to heal, at least, you've given him a simple chore to make him feel useful. Hugs

Monica Maier said...

Love the card Darnell with all it's bats! The little chocolate bars are the devil, I can never just eat one! ;-)

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Your card is so fun! LOVING the bats!! Thanks for the hubby update ... glad he is able to help you with the drive! Sorry to hear about your friends husbands passing ... so sad and so young! :(

Jeanne said...

Thanks so much for the fun definition and the update on the mister. The chuckle is good for the soul. Happy the mister is continuing to improve bit by bit. Sounds like he got a nice dose of twins elixir as well. :) Your card is terrific. Nice and festive and fun for the holiday. Watch those candy bags, they like to attach themselves. I was saddened though to hear of the loss of your friend's husband. May he rest in peace after his long struggle.

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Beautiful card Darnell, the strip of colour pops on the right side. Enjoy those chocolates, you've deserved them :) Hugs, Shirleyxx

adele holcomb said...

So glad your Sweetheart is improving, albeit slowly. How nice of him to help you out making card bases!

Lesley said...

Good morning! I was so happy to see your card in the gallery. It's spooky and also fun with the bright rainbow colors down the side! Sorry to hear hubby has been unwell. Smart you to get him to work! Love the Costco butt comment, actually spit out my coffee on that one! Hahaha! Happy weekend. xo

Chriss Blagrave said...

Love these floating bats and that pearly black stitched circle layered over the colourful chevron tape!
I am happy to hear that Mister Kevin continues to improve, however the pace, and that you are able to have a team mate to help with the card making. The grandsons' visit must have been a delight!
Big hugs to you xox

I Card Everyone said...

Hi D ... I haven't seen your big Costco butt, but I'll raise you with my own from Sam's. Darling batty card. Sadness abounds for our friend Brenda. xx
=] Michele

Pat said...

I love those cute bats Darnell and the multi coloured chevron washi tape really pops and a great sentiment and gem and sequin embellishments to finish. Glad the Mister is improving if albeit slowly and I'm sure it lifts his spirits to be doing something to help you with your cards, and I think you deserve to treat yourself to a bit of chocolate. x

Vicki Dutcher said...

Fun added color with the neutrals. I like the way DH is helping too -- a menial job [that needs to be done] - by someone else would sure work for me! A win-win :)

Anita in France said...

That's stunning rainbow washi, Darnell ... no wonder those cute bats are flitting about it with becitement ... so fun and fabulous! Good to hear Kevin is on the road to recovery, albeit slowly ... so handy to have another helper ... hope Hammy doesn't get jealous! Want some of our strawberries instead of chocolate ... or maybe a grape or two?? Look after yourself as well as everyone else, mon amie ... miss you heaps! Hugs & bisous, bisous, Anita :)

Sandy said...

Love the bright pop of color from the washi take, and that mob of bats down the other side.
I imagine having something to do at the end of his hourly walk makes your husband's walk seem a little more purposeful.

Leslie Hanna said...

I'm considering making Halloween/Fall cards this year. Maybe. I also only buy candy I don't like, so I don't have to re-buy it for the kiddies. I've learned my lesson over the years. Plus, candy bars are too tiny these days to bother with.

FYI: The word Halloween is a direct derivation of All Saints’ Day. All Hallows in Old English means “the feast of the saints.” Halloween, first attested in the 18th century, is a Scottish variant of All-Hallows-Even. The Even meant evening. The spelling of the word was once Hallowe’en, in which the “v” was elided. The current spelling wasn’t widely adopted until the 20th century.

Sue said...

Cute card! I'm not much into Halloween either. We don't even buy candy anymore as we don't live in a neighborhood. Our closest neighbors kids don't believe in Halloween and have never trick or treated.

conil said...

I've been avoiding the candy aisle at our local Costco. Found that if it's in the house, no matter how much or little, I'll stuff it in my mouth. Surely, there must be a name for this disease. The Holy diminutive card is a good one, too bad you missed one of the challenges. Think it looks like a winner. If the Mister gets bored walking up and down your hallways, he can come to my house and cut, score and fold for me. I have a hallway too. Glad he's seen some recovery progress and that he antsy to do more. Consider that a good sign. If you have Brenda's address, I'd like to send her a card.

Alanna said...

What a fun card. I love the colorful side and all those bats. How fun that the mister can help in cutting and scoring. Way to put him to work.

Cat Craig said...

Glad things are moving along for the Mister. Love the bright card, a bit of fun color and black are always a good thing. Hugs.

Sharon Underwood said...

Happy to see the update on your husband! That must take a lot of patience to struggle so getting up, down and around. I've been there, done that, worn that tshirt! It's not fun, I know. Thanks for checking up on me after the storm--I greatly appreciate it! Your card is awesome! I love that strip of bright colors down the side. The bats look cool flying around on the other side! Now, go munch away. You've earned it!

BożenA said...

Very nice card. I love this border made of bats. Great idea.
hugs,
BozenA

Cris G. said...

Hi Darnell! Good to know that your husband is recovering, and helping you with the card drive initiative.
Your card is fun and colorful for a Halloween card, but a pretty one too... not boo! As for the temptation of candy, just one treat-a-week, that's what I say to my sister...

Liz said...

Fabulous card - I love the pop of colour down the edge.

Glad to hear the Mister is making progress, even if it's just one small step at a time. Good plan to give him a little crafty job when he has his hourly exercise. :-) xx

Kara Lynne said...

I blame Halloween for my butt too! My stomach and thighs are sponsored by Christmas cookies. Glad to hear the healing is continuing, albeit slow, and that you had twin time. Wonderful card, Darnell! The washi is a fun touch on your batty card!

rachel said...

I adore the rainbow edge to your halloween card - its fabulous and such a good idea. I'm looking forward to halloween - it becomes bigger year on year over here and my children really enjoy it! Big hugs! Rachel x

Sazzle Dazzle said...

Look at you Darnell ... straight in first with a superb, colourful and fun halloween card. Works brilliantly and yep I'm with you on the candy front!!!!
Thanks for playing at AAA Cards. Sarah x

Kathleen said...

Great post as always and well done on getting help from the Mister on his rounds, any improvement is a bonus even if it is slow but surely.
I am not a Halloween fan either, think I have only ever made one card and that was using a PB stamp with a hedgehog holding a balloon and I printed off a pumping and stuck it over the balloon.
Great card, as always.

Kath x

Carol L said...

I love your holy tiny card!! That daffy-nition is too funny!! Those black bats are perfect with that colorful washi tape too, and Costco now has 150 pound bags of chocolate?! Where do I sign up for membership??? Hah!! Just lay me down and roll me home, and pray it's downhill :)

Kim Heggins said...

Oh my....I would have loved working with you and dressing up for Halloween. I loved dressing up and making my own costumes. How funny that you like the candy, what is your favorite??? All of them? I love your sweet card, just batty I have to say. And how fun that you looked up the parts of the word, hmmmm, in my books it means, you must love orange and black and all things fun and spooky!

Carol said...

Fabulous card Darnell...and I'm with you on the candy front (just a pity it sticks to our backsides!!). Glad you've found a use for Mister whilst he recovers...I'm sure it will hasten the process. Carol x

Anonymous said...

Fabulous card and great new friends.
Glad Mister is making some positive progress and good for you to use his talents :)

Bonnie said...

This is good and batty! Love that Washi and all the stitched circles! Glad Kevin is feeling well enough to help cut and fold your cards. And a visit from the grands is always so welcome!

Jean said...

Super fun card!

Greta said...

How cute, Darnell! I absolutely love the Washi tape--great unexpected element!

Patti J said...

What a fun card, Darnell! How nice that you have your own personal assistant to cut card stock for you! So glad he is doing better, and I'm so sad to hear about your friends husband. I'll be thinking of them. Take care, dear friend!

Michelle said...

Love the card! The washi looks fabulous with the black and white in the background.
I hear ya with the candy....I always buy too much "just in case" and then end up eating it all.
Thank you for sharing your card with us for the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. And thanks to your new assistant, too! ~Michelle

Susanne Vargas said...

Judging from your fun and colorful card I wouldn't have known that you are not so into making Halloween cards!
So glad to hear that Mister is recovering even though not as fast as one would wish! At least there were no more set backs! It's great that he can help you! Between Hammy and Mister helping you, you will be cranking out cards like never before!

Verna Angerhofer said...

Beautiful card design and love the flying bats on it. And, like you no trick or treaters here and no dressing up anymore. But those bags of assorted candies always are so tempting to me too. LOL

Verna Angerhofer said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lisa Elton said...

The strip of bright stripes adds just the right piazza Darnell, this is fun!! Glad to hear the Mister is progressing, even if it is slowly. Good to hear he's being productive too!!

Birgit said...

I love your Halloween card with the bright Washi tape. It is a wonderful Halloween card. or Holy-ween. Your husband is doing a great job because cutting and scoring the card is sometimes a pain you know where. I have purposely not bought any candy yet since I might as well just plant that candy right on my butt and hips. I will buy the goods the day of Halloween and just give tons out. I dress up when i hand out the candy and maybe your grandkids will love it too:) It is very sad to hear someone so young passed away. Sometimes life is not fair at all.

Pawsitively Creative said...

What a colorful and wonderful color contrast you have on your card! I keep scootching my eyes back and forth. Awesome sauce! Glad your DH is useful, helpful and on the road toward recovery. So sorry to hear about Brenda's husband, Dwayne. My thought to her and her family during this very difficult time.

Unknown said...

What a fun, colourful, cute Halloween card! Love the black bats against the colourful strip...

Unknown said...

Great batty card Dippy.....just love the use of colour down the edge with your zigzaggy paper. So glad to hear Mister is on his feet, albeit hourly, and that he's being of great help to you to boot.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Karren said...

Fabulous card! The black and white are so striking and the bright colors add such a fun touch.

Suchi said...

Spooky and cool ... :) Love those bats..
Suchi xx

Mrs A. said...

Well I do hope your paying hubby the minimum wage for his very himportant work. Lol. Read right to the end of your descriptshun to find your zingy zags are washi tape. You might just need o kep some of that a the top of the pile. Nudge wink. Hugs Mrs A.

Kristie Goulet said...

Great card! Happy to hear Mister is improving, slowly but surely. :)

Krisha said...

Very cute card.

laurie said...

I have been on vacation, so am catching up on blog land news....glad your hubby is getting better!

Love that strip of washi...really catches the eye...cut card, Darnell!

Shelly said...

Super FUN card, Darnell!! And oh yes, the candy! lol ;) Glad to hear your husband is getting better!

ionabunny said...

Love your bats.. Glad Mister continues to improve. Sounds like you are getting a little pay back for your dedicated nursing. Hugz

*Vicki* said...

Wow!! What a really awesome card!! Love the rainbow strip along the edge of your design and the bats are super fun for Halloween! :) Wonderful take on the challenge photo!! So happy to your lovely creations always! Thanks for sharing your creation with us at Addicted to Stamps & More! Hugs & Smiles - *Vicki*-DT member

Anonymous said...

Hi Darnell! Yeah, stress eating, me too. Vacation eating got me this past 3 weeks. Ugh. Back to my healthy eating now. I really like your card. Cool chevrons, love the B&W, super design. Thanks for playing over at AAA cards. Melissa - DT

maria f. said...

Here's to Halloween candy and rainbow washi! What up with crutches? Ruh roh! Better go have a look...

Monika Reeck said...

Hallo Darnell
it was a long ago I did not visit you
and I miss your smile too on my Blog
but you and me must be so busy with the family and the real life
I visit you and want to say thanks for joining ATSM this time
and love the bat and the big sentiment on your card
the stripes there is a lovely touch
awesome design
hugs, Monika

Gerrina said...

Here we don't have Halloween, so no cards and no candy! That last bit is sad, but then again I decided that I want to loose 2 or more kilo's so not so sad at this moment...
I love the colourfull stripe and think it makes a great card wth all those batties!! Sending you some positive energy; think it is needed with all that is going on in your live... Hugs, Gerrina

Helen F. said...

I 'm impressed by how you made bats look good, Darnell! :-)
Love the stitched circles and chevrony stripes too.

Jill V said...

I love your take on a Halloween card Darnell - I never thought that bats could be so much fun! Great combination of design elements - from the stitched circle to that fun greeting stamp - love it! Thanks for linking up at AAA Cards! Jill

Stephanie Lanzalotto said...

Wonderful Halloween Card Darness. Love the Washi, your assortment of bats, and the bling. Thanks for linking up and playing with us at AAA Cards!

Taunya Butler said...

Wonderful and frightfully fun card!!! I love those mini candy bars too - I have eaten WAY TOO MANY Snickers mini's this past while!!! Sending hugs and get well wishes to you are the hubby - hang in there!!!

Tracey McNeely said...

Um me too, batty for candy.I also agree that it doesn't have the same impact impact now that the kiddies are grown and I no longer work and now that I like in the boonies--ha ha. Love your card regardless--the rainbow paper so fun. Thank you (a bit late) for sharing with us at the Curtain Call!

Shona Chambers said...

So glad to hear that The Mister is still heading towards recovery, even if it is a bit more slowly than you all expected. And how fabulous having him include card folding etc with his physio!! I know what you mean about bags of candy. Each year in NZ they try to get people interested in Halloween and bring out big bags of lollies and chocolates. Not good for someone who knows that swimming season is coming up very soon and wants to be able to fit most of my body into my bathing suit!! Love all those tiny bats on your card and that rainbow washi is such a perfect zing of colour. All this talk of candy has got me looking for my stash in my drawer now......

Petra Swart said...

Love all the fun bats and the brightly coloured chevron strip on your holy tiny card, Darnell!!!

Bobby said...

The different sizes of bats really adds dimension to your card, Darnell. I know what you mean about candy. I'm just glad I don't live near a Costco.

cm said...

Yep, we bought a big ol' Costco bag of Halloween treats in preparation for all the kids my husband predicted we'd have (we live in a townhouse complex inhabited primarily by adults, with a few kids)...and we got NONE! The pouring rain put a damper (sorry...) on the festivities, so guess who's the happy camper now! Good thing he chose what he likes...and that he rides his bike a kazillion miles a day! Your batty card: fabulous! Way to go with helping the Mister in his healing, by providing him upper body workouts! Though the progess is slow, it's great to know he's on the mend!
Hugs~c