A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

December 9, 2015

Christmas is Shakin'!

Hello Holiday Lovers!

On tap for you today is a shaker theme. You saw the first card in the series in my last post.

What happened was I purchased the Photo Sleeve Fuse Tool an embarrassing cougheen months ago and have only just gotten around to trying it out. Holy cow feathers, is it ever cool for making shaker sleeves, trousers, and even shapes! It's a heated stylus that fuses seams into acrylic craft envelopes, so your finished shaker is not bulky like it is when using foam tape. A bonus for mailing!

You can buy it from various vendors and there are great videos on You Tube. No one's paying me to say so, but I love it. So do Hammy and the Hamettes, which is fine with me as it keeps them from under my feet!

And away we go. To save us both time, I'm just posting the photo graphs. If you'd like any details, pop me an email. FYI, I used a very fine flaky glitter for some of the shakers which left a beautiful film of flakes on the acrylic.

Challenge: City Crafter: It's All About Winter:
Challenge: Merry Monday Christmas Challenge: Candy Canes:
 
  

 and the inside:
Challenge: Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: Holly Jolly Christmas:
Challenge: HLS CAS Challenge: Favorite technique. My new fave is shakers:
 
I hope you've been inspired! It's not too early to begin working on next year's cards!

~~~

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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 join as a follower! Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor!
darnell dot knauss at gmail dot com

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99 comments:

Ксения Phedra Ли said...

So many festive cards! Your day was very busy)

kiwimeskreations said...

Ohhhhh what beauties Darnell - are we ever going to see a card without a shaker element now?? ;-). Of all of them, the white with red trim and a tag is my favourite.
So glad to hear Hammy has the Hamettes well into their training to help.
Blessings
Maxine

Sue said...

WOW! You have been busy. Still it keeps you out of mischief:)

I love them all, but the one before last would have to be my favourite.

Hope you have a good day. Sue

TK said...

Wow, wow, wow!!! What a load of gorgeous cards -- I'm lovin' that they are ALL shakers... Love it!

Lizzy Hill said...

Methinks you've had fun with your fuse tool! I've got one and used it, but not for shaker cards. Go figure!!! MUST get it out again though, as I've been saving up sequins and beads to use with it:) LOOOOOVE all these cards. I must say, the ones with a pop of red are very attractive to me:):)

Aileen said...

So how cough long was that??? All these shaker cars love them. Have honestly been contenplating getting this tool but need to contenplate a bit longer. I cant believe all these beautiful cards, love your reindeer with the balloon, also the last with the white tag and the glitter one, red flitter, lots of glitter.

Daga said...

Thank you, Darnell. Card with a snowman I published only now. I am very pleased that you were my newest follower. Picture taken by my husband, I love it and him too ;)
Your card is great. I love cards with shakers . xxx Daga

Carole said...

Hi there, so glad we bumped into each other the other day and had a little chat! My oh my how I love all these shaker cards, how I wish i could morph into a fly (perhaps the butter type) and come flit to your shoulder to observe your day! You create so wonderfully and fit so much in to your time....can you tell I am a tad jealous. There is a years work here for me! Your little gadget sounds very clever too! One question ...is the sweet in the card real? Can't choose a favourite as I love them all. xx

Ruth said...

I got one for my birthday and have used it once - oh I love it, but need to practice more with it!! These are all fabulous examples of why it is so great. My husband, the railway modeller, calls it the low heat soldering iron......... I just call it FUN! You've inspired me, and yes, I think I'll be making Christmas cards for next year as soon as I've got this year's lot out of the way :) xx

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

These are all amazing! I loveeeeeeeeee them!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheryl W. said...

Those shakers make your Christmas cards extra special. Bet the recipients will pull them out and look at them often during the holidays.

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

So funny cards
love all
hugs Tamara

Pat said...

Wow Darnell!! These are all gorgeous and the designs are so varied and what a great idea the tool is to fuse and trap whatever you put inside. I think my favourite is Rudolph because he made me smile. x

Leslie Hanna said...

Whoa, what a production! And I'm still not buying a Fuse. Nope, not gonna.

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Wow very beautiful shaker cards. Enjoy the season, Hugs, Shirleyxx

Jeanne said...

Your shakers are fantastic, Darnell! You have been one busy little elf, but look at all you have accomplished. You've even made me desire one of these fancy little tools! Thanks so much for sharing your fun and creativity!!

Happy Dance said...

A plethora of pretty. A festival of fun! Girl these are amazing!!!!! How long did they take to make?! Looks like they'd go together pretty fast with that little gem of a tool. Wow! From first to last, they are all my favorite. If I buy one of these tools, will you come and give me an in-person tutorial session? Pretty please?!! Fantastic cards. I really and truly do love them all. Classy, sparkly, fun, beautiful, whimsical, and all perfectly gorgeous Christmas cards. Shakers. LOVE them!!! Miss you!!!! Bev

Susanne Vargas said...

Do you know that I have never made a shaker card? This fuse tool looks intriguing... Your cards are all fabulous! My favorite might be the the fourth, all glittery with the star! And the moose has me chuckling!

Canonbury creations said...

Not heard of that tool Darnell, sounds good! Love your shaker cards, such fun, my favourite is the last one!
Val x

!neke said...

Oeps great shaker cards !!!!
I stil find them difficult to create !
May be some tips ????

Ineke X

Olga Fink said...

Well all of these cards are my favourite! I love shaker cards! and now I know where to come to find inspiration!! Gorgeous!!

stampwithsandy said...

Wow, you have been a busy beaver, Darnell! LOVE every one of your shaker cards. The fuse tool is on my wish list, and now that I see how productive you can be with it you have just bumped it to the top of my list!

maria f. said...

Look at you - so many fabulous shakers! I totally love that classy "Be jolly" one and the gingerbread one is adorbs too!

OH Babs said...

OMG! You continue to create more beautiful cards. I am mailing mine today and I am tired of looking at C stamps which will be put away for a few months. Today off to SD and hopefully buy a couple of gifts. I better not say, "bah humbug." Hugs

KT Fit Kitty said...

OMGoodness, Darnell, your shaker cards are amazing! I love them! I've asked Santa for the fuse tool and I hope he saw my list!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Wow wow wow!!! Such a fabulous compilation of shaker cards!!! This tool must be very useful and your mojo rocks!!! Stunning makes, soooo beautiful and fun!:D

Maura said...

These are all gorgeous cards, Darnell! Love the one you chose for our challenge - that little moose holding the shaker balloon is adorable!! Beautifully done with the use of white space. So glad you joined us for the Holly Jolly stamping challenge at Simon Says Stamp this week! May your days be merry and bright!

cuilliesocks said...

OMgosh Darnell you have been very busy making all these gorgeous cards, I love each and very one of them. Never made a shaker card, so you've inspired me, Kate x

Marcia Hill said...

WOW...you really must love that tool to make SO many shaker cards Darnell! But hey, you can never have too many shaker cards as everyone loves them! Including me!! I think I just may have to check out this tool though, because I haven't made any shaker cards in a looooooong time because no matter how hard I try, the sequins always stick to the foam adhesive (or glue). Thanks for the reminder about the tool and for all the inspiration...love every one of them!! :0)

Lisa said...

Oh my goodness, all of your shaker cards are amazing!! I love the designs of each one!! You've inspired me to use my Fuse tool...something I had to have and have used exactly once!! Love all of these beauties!! Have a great day :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Linda said...

Darnell, such a great bunch of Shaker cards. I purchased mine but have only used it a couple of times. Such lovely cards. And thanks for joining us at Merry Monday.

Melissa L. said...

Wow! Shake it up, Baby! :) Love these Darnell. Shakers are a favorite of mine too. I don't have a tool though, just use the foam tape. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Marcia Hill said...

Dang it Darnell...I was just going to LOOK at the Fusion tool over at SSS, and then next thing I knew it was in my cart, and now it's on it's way to my house! How did that happen?!! You enabler you!! Oh well, I'll just have Chris wrap it up and then I get something I want for Christmas! :0)

Sue - said...

Wow Darnell you have been busy! What a super collection of shaker cards.

Rubeena I. said...

Oh my gosh!! These cards are AMAZING!! The colors, the designs, THE CANDY!!!

Janis said...

SCRUMPTIOUSLY gorgeous!!! Wow. Wonderful array of shakers. Love the glitter inside.
<3 J

jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

Milka Gubo said...

WOW!!!! Darnell, these are GORGEOUS!!!! Love love love them all! You are so creative. :-D hugs & xx

Migdalia said...

They are all Gorgeous!!! WOW!! Amazing job!
Have a blessed day,
Migdalia
Crafting With Creative M

Unknown said...

Wow, wow, wow Dippy.......I'm literally shakin in my boots girl!!! Fabulous set of cards.......love them all. I've seen this gadget on the web but as it's not available over here disregarded it. Maybe if someone starts stocking it over here I'll look at it.

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

jimlynn said...

You're shakin' up a storm and they're all so pretty and fun! I love that Fuse tool too!!! Sure does makes things easier for a shaker card.
LYnn

Kristie Goulet said...

These are awesome shakers, Darnell. I have had my eye on that fuse tool but not sure I would use it a ton. Hmmmm.....
Thank you so much for joining us at Merry Monday!

Redanne said...

What an amazing tool that is and what fabulous cards you have created - I just love the reindeer one, it is a real hoot! They are all wonderful! Hugs, Anne xx

Kathleen said...

Good grief Woman, have you had a rush of blood to the head? some fine specimens here and gorgeous images and colours, well done you or was it Hammy.

Kath x

Lori Kobular said...

Wow! So many great shaker cards! Love them all!

Carol said...

Wow Darnell...was that an octet!! Wonderful shaker cards. Carol x

conil said...

Holy Fuse Tool, Batman. Now that you've discovered it's magic, you and Hammie clearly are having a ball. These are fantastic. Impressed with the amount of fusing and filling you've been doing...I smell winners.

oldpunca said...

Your shaker cards are awesome, dear Darnell. I like them all, but the super sweet deer is my favourite. :-)
Hugs, Sonja

Craftychris said...

I love all your shaker cards! A wonderful shaker feast! That tool may have to go on my wish list! xxx

Jean said...

These are gorgeous!!

Birgit said...

I love these cards because they are all different. I love the sparkley card and the reindeer one holding the balloon is so cute. The star card is great-they all are. Are they real candies inside? I have never done a shaker card-they look so great

Vijaylaxmi Siyal said...

Wow very beautiful shaker cards. Enjoy the season...!!

Dana M said...

Look at you go you busy Lady! So many wonderful and fun cards. Each and everyone has something that caught my eye, but I love the peppermint candies!

Janice said...

Great selection of shaker cards, I love them all!
Janice x

Linda said...

Wow!! Someone's been busy. What a gorgeous collection of shaker cards .... hard to choose a favourite, love them all. xx

Marty F said...

Your cards are beautiful! I'm sure the recipients will love them!

Carole said...

Oh my gosh...such a plethora of gorgeous fun shaker cards...each one fantastic. Now that I've mastered shaker cards....you're telling me there is an easier, slimmer way...my stars I'll have to check it out. Be well my friend and keep inspiring us with your brilliant talents. Hugs C

OH Babs said...

What can I say other than, "shake, shake, shake, shake your mojo." My mojo left town and I am pooped. Have a good weekend.

Sue said...

Well what a surprise in the mail today!!! Oh my goodness Darnell thank you soooooooooooo much it was a wonderful surprise and yes it made me smile. Thank you so so much for your kind thoughts lots of hugglessssssssss Sue xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx oh and fab cards too xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Oh my goodness, you are on a roll here! Such wonderful shaker cards. You are finally getting good use out of that fuse tool! I think I need one, too.....certainly like the possibility of making slimmer shakers! Thanks for all the inspiration!

Barb said...

What a wonderful selection of beautiful shakers. You certainly were on a roll. Barbxx

Julia Aston said...

what a shakin' bunch of shaker cards! each so cute and fun!

Bonnie said...

What a wonderful collection of shakers! I think you and Hammy have mastered that technique very well! Thanks for sharing with Merry Monday and Happy Little Stampers!

Susan said...

What a beautiful collection of cards! You really outdid yourself with these. Merry Christmas!!!

Ros Crawford said...

What an array of fabulous cards!! I love them all! Thanks so much for playing along at CCCB too ... Always lovely to see you there!

Stamps and Paper said...

Lovely festive shaker cards Darnell...

Anne

Geri said...

OK...you have taken "SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL" to the highest level ever! Seriously, I'm talking top of Mount Everest high! I'm picking a fav...and it is card #2 - the candy and the sentiment ROCK!!!

Will be MIA for the next couple of weeks. We are hosting Christmas this year so will be busy with that (it's a fabulous kind of busy). Company staying over too so that means a good hard 'company's coming' cleaning! Sorry if I already told you this. Will blame it on the spiked egg nog we drank last night!

Wishing you and your sweet family and very, very Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year! MWAH

Loll said...

AWESOME! Love your bevy of shaker cards Dolly! Darn you ... I wasn't going to buy the fuse tool, but now I may just HAVE to. :) Thanks for sharing at Happy Little Stampers. Lolly xx

Diane said...

What fun shaker card designs Darnell, I have never heard of the Photo Sleeve Fuse, sounds like it would be the perfect tool to have.

Hugs Diane

Anonymous said...

What a fabulous collection of shaker cards. You really gave your nbus toy a workout. :)

Unknown said...

Wow, you have been a busy beaver! That is a LOT of shaker cards. Excellent, productive day, Darnell.

Viv said...

Oh my so many stylish cards here Dee ! However do you find the time ? I am still in full panic mode for Xmas lol.Glad you liked Colin's makes,yes I think it's safe to say he is a keeper ☺hugs Vee xx

Hettie said...

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!
Stop it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are forcing me to buy one of them fusey fings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!
I do love your cards too!
Hugs
xxx

Gerrina said...

Oh wow: you really did try it out so good! Beautiful cards! (And blush here; mine is laying here a few months on tuched...) Have a good weekend!

Carol L said...

Ok, I'm booking a flight to Cali and coming to your house to learn how to make a decent shaker card! I just LOVE all of these - especially the ones with the tiny beads! They're all spot on fun and festive! Nice job!

Joyce said...

Wow, Darnell. Your blog is filled with amazing shaking goodies. You have been busy, and everything looks amazing and so very festive.

AJ Bodine said...

Love all these shakey cards and tags Darnell, you've given me some great ideas!

Cris G. said...

You've been very busy, Darnell. Your cards are ALL so adorable... shakers are really fun!

Jane Willis said...

Oh my, oh my, oh my, all this glorious gorgeousness I've missed while I've been off gallivanting. This looks like a gadget I need!
Jane

Marybeth said...

OMGosh look at all these professional ( Hallmark looking) shaker cards! I love that you made pockets and framed them ! I think you used your fuse tool perfectly! I love mine and you have inspired me !

Bobby said...

Oh no! Something else I'm going to have to get. You probably made all seven cards in the time it took me to make my one snow globe angel shaker. They are all lovely and the fact that they are flatter for mailing is a bonus. Question about the mints. They look real but they can't be, right?

Chris Dring said...

Wow Darnell, this is a whole whopping lot of shaker card deliciousness! Fantabulous cards!

Kim Heggins said...

Oh my...so many wonderful cards and so many fabulous shakers too, you are simply fabulous!

Marika said...

Wow!! Love your shakers and seeing the amount you made, it surely has to be a lot fun and quick too.

Anita in France said...

Well, that's what you call an extensive test, Darnell ... you definitely put that Fuse through it's paces ... to simply splendid effect! All your shakers are so delicious ... a couple sang to me just a smidgy bit louder than the others ... that sparkly, shimmery, glittery star ... and the adorable reindeer, he's so glisteny cute! Hugs & bisous, mon amie, Anita :)

Inkyfingers said...

What a great collection of card Darnell and I'm sure the fuse tool with forgive your neglect after coming up with so many beauties! Love the glittery star one in particular.
Thanks for sharing with us at Happy Little Stampers.
Hugs
Carol x

Debbie Henderson Debbie's Designs said...

WOWZA! Look at all of the beautiful shaker cards and all of the comments! You really have been a busy girl. Fabulous cards! Thanks for joining us at Merry Monday this week!

Pia S said...

Wow, I'm speechless! Lots of fun shaker cards, I love those. Impossible not to get inspired seeing all these creations....

Donna said...

Hi Darnell :)
I think you may have just sold me on buying a fuse tool next year!!!
LOVE your shaker cards. X

Cat Craig said...

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️Love all these bright wonderful shakers!

Notes by Nina said...

Wow, these are all fantastic Darnell. Love all this inspiration.!! Thank you for joining us for Merry Monday.

Donna said...

Oh my gosh, these are beyond amazing!

Greta said...

Wowzer, Darnell! You've been on a roll! I love all the glitter & next time I visit you'll have to show me the fuse. I really love the creative gingerbread man shaped opening, but the red glitter front card steals the show for me! Happy, happy holidays, my friend!

cm said...

Stunning...every. single. one! I think the Fuse people should hire you as the Fuse Ambassador (FUSE-adore) ...or at least give you a commission for what appears will be a ramp up in sales after we've seen the magic you've created. I think my supplier in my home city may carry these...and we are heading north for Christmas...You are such an inspiration (and an enabler *grin*)
Hugs~c

Elizabeth S. said...

Oh my goodness! In love with all of these shakers, designs, and colors. I also bought the fuse, but yet have had no time to try it out, but you just gave me inspiration to try it out.

Susan said...

Wonderful shakers!! Especially the star one you entered over at Happy Little Stampers. Great technique with the Fuse thingy! I love the colours, especially the rich sparkly red. Thanks for joining us at Happy Little Stampers.

Sharon Underwood said...

Very nice shaker cards! You must love that new tool. I've seen it posted but never thought about buying one. You've done a great job with it!

JD/ Jill said...

I was debating about purchasing a fuse tool. So now You may have convinced me to get one. My crafting buddy has one, but she hasn't used it yet. Maybe I can convince her to bring to craft night sometime and show me how it used! That would definitely help me in deciding if I want to get one or not. (Of course, she hasn't even used it herself yet) (Maybe this would give her a little nudge to use it...smile)

I'm a big fan of shaker cards, and I especially like the gingerbread one that you made...because it showed up in my mailbox! Another treasure from you. (I keep them all, and show them to every person who comes to my home! Thank you, so much. Hope you have a very special Christmas!!! Blessings, JIll

Helen F. said...

Oh Darnell, these shaker Christmas cards are awesome! Definitely must try these little cuties!

ionabunny said...

Impressive. Love the deer. Hugz