Cheers and best wishes to all! And a hope (perpetual and delusionary) that 2016 won't whoosh by as fast as 2015 did!
Are you enjoying this week between Christmas and New Year's? Are you ready for the little scamps to go back to school?
Me and the Mister had a fairly quiet week and I got as domestic and homespun as I get any more. Gone are the days of actual needlework, which I enjoyed very much in my youth. Now that I'm in my dotage, I very much enjoy faux stitching on paper instead.
Less is More is having a homespun challenge so I took that spark and ran with it ...
Inside it says "Happy New Year!"
Stamp is "Spooling Around" by Penny Black.
Sediment is from "R&R" by Technique Tuesday.
Challenge: Less Is More: Homespun.
I liked it so much, I made this one:
This sediment is NBUS from Rubber Dance Stamps.
Challenge: Freshly Made Sketches
We need to talk for a second about that cute little critter portrayed in this Penny Black stamp. I am pretty schur the artist Margaret Sherry meant for it to be a mouse, judging by that tail. But if you look at the furry body and cute ears and that adorable face, it looks just like Hammy and his offsprung!
Which, of course, he insists is the case. He has been spinning a yarn for three days about how that critter looks just like a branch of his family from way back over on his mother's father's cousin's mother's sister's side that had an impediment of longer-than-normal-for-a-hamster-almost-mouselike tails. I said, "Mm-hmm. That's some tale, all right."
So, anyways, if you could just avoid using the M word in your comment, you would save me from dramatical hamsterics. Thank you!~~~
Then I took out other old sewing-related stamps and made a few more, thus:
Sewing basket stamp by PSX.
Thank you sediment by PTI.
Challenge: Less Is More: Homespun.
Button Trio stamp by Rubber Stampede.
NBUS sediment by Hero Arts.
Challenge: Less Is More: Homespun.
Hanging quilt stamp is unmarked.
NBUS sediment is by Hero Arts.
Challenge: Less Is More: Homespun.
I have to say, it's quite easy making batches when your designs are QACAS OLCs! And although it doesn't show in my photo graphs, most of the images were Modpodged so they are plump and glossy IRL.
~~~
Finally, I'm sorry this is so long, but since New Year's Day is practically or already here for some of you, here is my simple New Year's OLC!
NBUS sediment from Happy Little Stampers.
Chevron e/f from Cuttlebug.
Old die-cut glass, Washi, and stars from my stash.
Challenges: Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Party.
My bit of sparkle are the sequins.
My bit of sparkle are the sequins.
Enjoy your New Year's eve / day / weekend / year!! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*
As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and making it to the end of my waffling posts. 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! In fact, I may be taking a few days off to do just that. I have a lot of catching up to do!
My thoughts and prayers go out to all those whose lives have been impacted by the terrible storms and flooding in Missouri and in the northern UK and by the tragic fires in Australia.
*Life is too short!
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117 comments:
Oh my gosh Darnell! Each one of these cards is stunning - you really were on a roll there.
Happy 2016 to you and The Mister! And of course to your little whisker twitching friend - whatever his lineage may be :)
Hugs
Di xx
What a great showcase of cards Darnell! First card is my fave and wish you a very Happy New year! :)
Suchi xx
WELL all I can say is that you're starting the new year with a THWUMP of magnificent cards! LOVE the mousemousemousemouse cards [just wanted to see what Hammy did at the mention of that word, teeheee!!!!].....& the quilt one. ADORE. of course they are all fabulous.....& yes, some peeps will NOT be celebrating with those awful floods & here, the fires that burnt houses on Christmas Day, too.....I hope 2016 is a GREAT year for you both. Especially your man, health wise:):)
Great cards stil made this year!
Wishing you and yours a great creatieve year!
Ineke X
What a gorgeous collection of cards! I just love what you've done with the ham-mouse-ters!
Jane
What a fab set of OLCs, that little mo..oops sorry, hamster is so cute! Has hammy had tail extensions, if so they suit him, all the better for extracating him from tight situations.
Have a great 2016, can't wait 'til July! xx
WOW! You have been busy. Love them all.
Hope you have a lovely day. Sue
They are all fabulous! I love the little hamster on the spool. It's been pretty wet here in the UK. We missed the worst of it last week where we live, but couldn't get to certain places - like my sister's new house. Scotland has been hit worst recently. Sorry to hear bits of Missouri have been affected too. I heard Australia had bad fires - if only the two would go together eh? Thank you for all your wonderful inspiration and kindness this year - it has been lovely. Xx
Lovely selection of cards Darnell.... Happy New Year to you and your family...
Anne
Fabulous cards, Darnell. I especially love the ones with a little furry creature.
Wishing you a great 2016. xx
Hi Darnell, sorry not been around much, to be honest struggling with blogging of late, hoping I'll get my act together in 2016.
As your card says another year older but wiser mm, that's another thing.
All wonderful cards, I wonder what would happen if I made that many cards in one hit :-) you excell in all!!
As we are three hours and less from 2016 Downunder I pray Gods blessings for a healthy 2016 for you and Mister ( and Hammy).
Hugs Shaz in Oz.x
How many fabulous CAS, darnell!! You has been very busy and made so much beauties!
I'm really in love with your first two cards with the cute little critter!!! I don't know if he's a M...(I avoid using his name...)or a Hammouse :D LOL, but surely he is TOO CUTE AND FUN!!!!
...And with the sentiments you have choosen, these are both perfect cards for the beginning of a new year!!Love, love them!
I wish you, your family and Hammer :D a very very Happy New Year!!
My oh my Darnell you HAVE been busy! A terrific selection of fab cards!
Thanks for not abandoning me during 2015 whilst my blog visits have been all over the place and Happy New Year. x
FAB makes, all of them - I really struggled with the homespun challenge but then ... that's WHY it's called a CHALLENGE, I guess!
Love your backstory re: hamster vs critter we don't mention too!
Wishing you, your family and your readers a very HAPPY NEW YEAR ... it'll soon be time to pack for our retreat!!! See you there and ... don't be late!
Kathyk
These are gorgeous!!!! LOVING the little mouse (or hamster!) :)
My goodness. You have been seriously busy. I love, love, love all the one layer beauties you have created. Happy new year to you and your family Darnell! xx
Hi Darnell!!! Long time no see as I haven't popped over here in ages (and had to clean out my Feedly of thousands of unread entries). Your cards are fabulous (as always) and I love the little critter (whatever his dubious heritage may be) balancing on the thread spool as it has been so artfully colored. My best wishes to you and the Mister for a happy, healthy and productive 2016!!
Such fun and cute uh...hamster cards Darnell! Wishing you and the Mister a very happy and healthy New Year, and looking forward to seeing what you create for 2016! And thanks so much for the beautiful Christmas card...I loved it!! :0)
Beautiful cards!!
Hello Darnell: This set of cards are gorgeous, I specially love the one with the little mouse spinning the spool, how adorable!!!
I just posted a card to the FMS and it landed next to yours, woo hoo!!
I'm wishing you a Joyful and Healthy 2016 for you and your family.
MAY LOVE PREVAIL AND PEACE REIGN ON THIS WONDERFUL AND BEAUTIFUL PLANET EARTH.
Warm hugs.
Maria Rodriguez.
Hi Darnell
Wow! that is an array of fabulous cards - I love each and every one!
(I really do struggle with clean and simple cards :-( )
Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy new year - hope its a good one!
Love Eve xx
Thank you, Darnell for a year full of good cheer, fun reading and lovely cards. Your humorous and generous heart are a balm for a weary soul traversing this earth! I absolutely adore each and every homespun card you shared here today. Happy New Year to you and your family and may 2016 bring you even more love and laughter, but maybe no more hamsterlets!
Happy New Year Darnell. One of the highlights of my blogging year was discovering your entertaining blog. I thought right away when I saw your first card how excited Hammy must be that you fond a stamp of him--didn't even think about the tail. Cute cards.
Wonderful array of cards and the mouse card the cutest ! Wishing you too a very Happy new Year !
Beautiful collection of cards, I especially like the elegant New Year's design. Happy 2016! Hugs, Shirleyxx
Awesomeness, as usual! However, Hammy's third cousins thrice removed have never looked as darling, D... Hammy New Year, my friend! xx
=]
Fab cards! Looking forward to seeing your creations this next year! Your critter cards are the best! A Very Happy New Year to you!
Your homespun cards are awesome. I can't decide which one is my favourite. :-)))
Dear Darnell, I wish you and your Mister a Very Happy New Year!
Hugs,
Sonja
What a fabulous rodent like creature on your Penny Black cards! I squealed at the sentiment "one year older, none the wiser." Oh, that is so fabulous--and so true! Love your sewing cards and the non-sewing NY one too. Um... that's New Year not New York. Is it really the last day of 2015??? Oh, thank heavens!!!!
Darnell, you are a marvel, what a wonderful selection of cards, they are absolutely gorgeous and I am very taken with the mousey ones!
Wishing you a wonderful 2016
Sue...xxx
Fabulous selection of cards Darnell, you have been on a roll for sure!
Wishing you a very Happy 2016.
Janice X
I love to visit here! You make the best cards! That little"mouseter" is adorable! Can't wait to see see what you create in 2016! Happy New Year!
Well, here's to an other year that has wooooooshed by at the speed of light.
Fantastic line up of CAS cards Darnell, I do love your techniques.
Hope you have a New Year full of love, happiness and crafting... Hammy too...*grin*
Thanks for always sharing a good tale (pun intended) of you and Hammy, and let's not forget the Mr. too.
Happy New Year!!
Wow, how busy have you been... these are all fabulous. Wishing you a very happy new year xx
Look at you go! I love the portrait of Hammy even with the tail:) I also love the sayings-made me smile. They are all so great and perfect with all the white. I wish I could leave all white:) I am still thinking of the lady who passed away on Christmas Day. She had just posted 2 days before. It shows how precious life is. May you have a beautiful day today and New year even if you go to bed before midnight. have a great weekend and may we all be healthy and happy for 2016
LOVE the HAMMY exercising on the spool:)) Have a Blessed 2016!
Such a brilliant array of cards Darnell, loving the homespun look. Wishing you and yours good health and happiness in 2016 xx
Dear Darnell. This is a great parade greeting cards. I wish you good healt and a lot of inspiration for your work. Happy New Year. by
LOVE your cards! That little mouse is toooo CUTE!!! Just started to follow your blog :-)
https://thepaperbaker.wordpress.com/
That is a great array of cards you displayed on your blog today. I love all of them. Also have a happy new year too!
Fab batch of cards! Especially love the cute mouse spinning the cotton spools! Happy New Year!
Oh my, love all your awesome creations! What a blessing to have these lovely homespun cards to scroll through on a cold New Year's Eve. Hubby and I are home for the day and currently watching the local college basketball team on TV. I adore your sweet mouse--so adorable! Thank you so much for the lovely comments you left on my blog. Wishing you and your family a very happy and blessed 2016!
A wonderful selection of cards today! Everyone a winner! I especially love the little M..... Oops! Hammy(offence averted!) on the cotton reel, those cards are sooooooo cute! Happy New Year to you, the Mister and your whole family! Let's hope 2016 is happy and healthy - yay! Luv Chris xxxxxxxxxxx
Sending love and hugs, thanks, and best wishes to you and your family for a Happy and Healthy New Year. Your cards and blog are a great inspiration and so fun to see. Thanks to Hammy too...am looking just now at a card you sent ages ago with him on his wheel. Delightful. Always.
Happy New Year my dear sweet friend. These are all simply adorable. I love your sweet sewing theme, so wonderful!
What a wonderful bunch of cards! Making them must have been very satisfying.
I love your take on the homespun challenge, they are such cute cards. If Hammy insists that is a long lost relative I guess I will go along. The cards are cute no matter who is on the spool. I'm sending you Blessings for a wonderful, HEALTHY 2016. I hope you are both in the Pretty in Pink bloom of health the entire new year.
Look at you going all awesome with your coloring! Fun cards -- Happy New Year! Looking forward to your posts in 2016~
Funnily enough, I thought he had a look of Hammy too, but even if they are not related they are both adorable and your line-up of cards is incredible, each one a beauty! Happy New Year dear lady! Hugs, Annie xxx
Adorable wee 'rodent' cards (a.k.a. little critter with a long tail). Swell splattered background and REALLY awesome coloring! Delightfully clean and simple home-spun creations - nice bright colors too!
The "Happy new Year" card....beyond FABULOUS! Texture, chevrons and booze...can't possible get any better than that!!!
This is such a wonderful collection of CAS cards, Darnell! I really adore that cute little mouse on the spool, some days that's what my life feels like lol! Thank you so much for the sweet comment you left on my blog today, I'm so happy you wanted to hug my card, hee hee :)
Wow, you have sent 2015 out with a creative bang, Darnell! All the homespun cards are really delightful - love the way you framed the button image with a real button in the corner. Hoping you are sipping champagne at midnight :)
Lovely selection of cards. I especially like the Let the Adventure Begin sentiment for a new year's card.
And a happy 2016 to you.
What a fantastic collection, such a fabulous creative mind you have, I must admit that I totally laughed, agreed with and loved the 'one year older and none the wiser' card.
Talking of which, my Birthday card arrived the other day, well I have heard of "post early for Christmas" but tomorrow there will be 22 days to go to my Birthday, but it certainly doesn't matter and a huge THANK YOU for the lovely card, of course I will have it on show from now, may just remind a certain someone who lives with me.
Happy New Year to you and all your Family.
Kath x
Impressive array of cards...and they're all awesome. Love the critter that resembles Hammie and the troupe. Don't know how I missed that one...have to check out my lists. Homespun really got a good work out from your creativity. Everything looks so fresh and new. Good thing, too. Since 2015 zoomed by and we're starting a new year. The black and white kind of goes along with the theme. Happy New Year, Darnell. So glad we met up in the blogosphere.
Oh my goodness, your creative juices were just flowing like crazy!!!! All of these cards are just fabulous! You make the prettiest one layer cards!!! Happy 2016!!!!!
I have never failed to experience a smile or an outright guffaw while reading your blog. LOVE this place!! What a treasure your gift of card making is for all of us who keep up with your blog AND the lucky recipients of said cards. YOU are the Bomb, lady. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent.
Lu C
All of these are blooming awesome Darnell and I have to admit that I thought it was a hamster and not a mouse until you said so: it's far too chunky to be a mouse lol! Apologies to Hammy but it is!
The weather everywhere is being a naughty so and so and I hope all our friends come out of it okay.
So sorry that I didn't get to visit over the Christmas festivities: life was busy for a bit, but hope to be up to visiting more in the coming year.
Having said that I wish you and your Mistah an awesome 2016 to come, lots of good health and lots of happiness too Karen xx
Darnell I love your long and waffling posts when the cards are as fabulous as these, especially the ones with the wee critter (?a ham-ouse ?). Hugs to Hammy, poor confuddled wee critter, and best wishes to you for a wonderful 2016 with loads of kreative time.
Blessings
Maxine
Darnell, you outdid your self here. What a gorgeous collection of cards. Each one got an oh or ah out of me. No surprise there. Have a wonderful New Year's Eve, and a fabulous year to follow. Looking forward to keeping up with your antics.
Excellent!!!! Wonderful Darnell. Hope your Christmas was special and 2016 has wonderful surprises and happy memories.
Happy New Year to you and yours.
Love, Hugs and Blessings
Jim
That sure is some tail you tell. Gorgeous arrangements of cards. Looking forward to hearing what Hammy and Co manage get up to in 2016. Wishing you a Happy New Year with brakes on hugs Mrs A.
What a fun collection of cards you've created! I love that mini quilt and especially the New Year's card! Wishing you and yours a healthy, happy, and peaceful new year in 2016!
Oh, you sure know how to spin a tail...er tale..Darnell! You are really quite amazing and so talented, I totally believe your pictures show offspring of your hammy, that was my very first thought!! And I love all your homespun cards...truly eye catching! I hope the Mister is healing again with the latest incident...from the looks of it, I would say he can manage without you for a period of time, since you made all these awesome cards! I wish you a VERY Happy New Year...!!! Hey it has to be better than this last one, right??? Peace and Heart Hugs! colleen
Wow, you have been busy creating Darnell. All lovely cards. Adorable little Hammy cards. Happy New Year, to you and your family.
Such a wonderful selection of cards, Darnell, and your coloring is amazing! Happy New Year to you!
All your cards are so wonderful, and I gotta say those little mice really do make me smile! ps Happy New Year to you and yours and may 2016 be extra special!
Very pretty designed creations here. Hugs to you for New Year....xx {aNNie}
Oooh, you've been busy, Darnell ... such gorgeous creations ... I'm especially taken with the tiny quilted wall hanging ... glorious, delicious, perfect! That relative of Hammy's must've come from China ... that would be the Tscherskia Triton branch of the family then! Happy New Year, my lovely friend ... may each day be chock full of more blessings than you can imagine! Miss you heaps! Hugs & bisous, Anita :)
Happy New Year Darnell and may it be a good one. All these homespun cards are too adorable and what a busy bee you have been x
Sweet little HAMSTER cards! Love how you've changed up the backgrounds and sentiments for these two. You've got some serious pinging going on here! Now the images on the next two are sweet, but you've created one heckova focal point with those boxed in sentiments too. Love that idea. And the quilt is warm and cozy just like your sentiment. Excellent!! You've hit 'homespun' perfectly! Great New Year's card too. And speaking of 'new year,' this IS the year! Won't say what here, but you know....!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll calm down now. I'm practically jumping here. So. Happy New Year dear, sweet friend. I'd meant to call you this past week, but came down with a cycle of YKWs. Will make a better effort this coming week, I promise. Miss you. Bev xoxo
An over-load of talent, cuteness, amazing homespun work Darnell.
Thanks so much for sharing them in our challenge at Less is More.
Best wishes of the season and can't wait to meet you in the summer! Whoopie!
Sarah, Less is More
As soon as I saw it I thought of Hammy doing a happy new year dance! So cute. Your creativity is gushing so many cards so well done. Way to go girl.
Happy New Year! How's Mr.? Hugs C
Darnell, these are awesome! I would have been totally in love with just the first card, but then the live just kept growing seeing all the additional cards you made. PS I totally did not know that you were going to guest design or the Tic-Tic-Toe Challenge and I am so excited I can hardly stand it. Really, it doesn't get any better than to have not just a favorite crafter but a favorite person of mine joining me on a crafty endeavor. I just think you are the best!
What an amazing array of beautiful cards Dippy. I agree.......as soon as I saw that "faux" mouse I immediately thought of Hammy. You really have been a busy bee producing all these cards. Happy New Year to you and Kevin and the rest of the family.
Hugs.
Karendipity xxx
Gorgeous set of One-layered cards. Very, very difficult to decide which one I like more, but then, I don't know why I'm even trying ...I love each one of those. Hope you and your family have a great year ahead. :)
Love them all! Happy New Year! I hope your 2016 is wonderful! Carri~Abusybee
Skittles!
What a great collection of cards Darnell and the dancing Hamouse is gorgeous.
Happy New Year to you and the Mister, and I hope it brings everything your heart desires.
Hugs
Carol x
Wow, you're on a roll! Love all the cards with the thread, Hammy, quilts and more! You're got a great batch of stamps. I had no doubt that was Hammy all along. Hope you had a good Christmas and enjoyed the New Year's celebration. I had a good time visiting with my sister and my two sons. Awesome times!
2015 whooshed by indeed and so I want to wish you a prosperous, peace filled and happy new year, Darnell. Your cards are just darling and I agree with Hammy (no offense to the designer) that the critter looks like him. I love the sentiments you picked to accompany them. I wish I was better at OLC because yours are so beautiful and "quick".
OH my goodness, Darnell, all your cards are just so sweet. If I had to select a favorite (or favorites), I would select the: 1st (because it made me smile), 4th (because I love buttons & the pretty colors), and 5th (because I love hearts, & quilts always remind me of my Sweet Mom). Beautifully done!
Happy New Year!
Hello My Lovely and Hammy!! Happy New Year to you!!
Love Love LOVE all of these cards. They appeal to the sewing goddess in me!! Need those stamps now.
Love that little critter on the reel!!
Hugs
xx
Happy, Happy New Year, my friend! Your quiet week resulted in amazing cards--really love the last one!
These are all beautiful cards! I love how they are clean and simple, but have such beautiful details. Thanks for joining us at Freshly Made Sketches!
Happy New Year my lovely friend and I wish you good things for 2016:) All your cards are wonderful and I love them all - hugs xx
Wonderful collection of super sweet homespun cards Darnell! Love the black and white New Year card too. Wishing you a fabulous 2016!
What an amazing selection of Homespun cards, Darnell. You have some fabulous cards and I love what you've done with them all, loving that little mouse! Thanks so much for entering and so looking forward to meeting you at the retreat!
Anita x
Less is More
Happy New Year! You have such a tender heart, being so mindful of others world-wide.
And on top of that making such awesome cards for us to admire and enjoy!
Amazing array of cards Darnell, love the furry one on the spool! Happy new year!
Val x
Your QACAS cards are QWAZY QUTE! I love them all - especially the {ahem} hamster ones.
You always have such a stunning array of creative and happy designs for your postings!! :) I love those sweet mice!! Your New Year card is absolutely smashing as well!! Wishing you lots of blessings for this New Year in 2016 my friend!! HUGS
Another great set of cards Darnell and I love that first one with the pretty faux stitching, and then the beautiful homespun cards especially the hanging quilt, and I adore the Cuttlebug ef with the dotted chevrons on your gorgeous New Year card. x
What a cool batch of cards... especially with the m... critter! Thanks for the gigglz, too! : )
Don't you know I love these PB cards!!!
Happy new year to you and the mister! And what cute hamster cards!! ;) Love the modge podge touch for the other cards!
Happy New Year, Darnell. You have been so busy and creative--what a gorgeous post full of amazing cards.
All so adorable! You have really been on a roll!
Happy New Year to You, Hope this is the best year yet!!!!!!!!
Darnell you have been on such an artistic splurge. Love these cards with all the sewing references and that adorable little moooo.....hamster is just too cute. Have to try and get that......no nonononono more buying till I use up the box I managed to fill in the last month, soooo naughty its such a huge pile.
If you have time I need you to explain why you used mod podge and where, this has me intr..... No cant spell that so has me wondering. Love all the cards and look forward to keeping up with you this year. Xxx Aileen
Love the Hammy cards! The M word never crosse my mind - just a little hamster having some fun! Thanks for all the inspiring cards this year and all the fun times and laughs at reading your blog. You always make me smile! Here's to a great 2016!
Oh my, you really have started the new year with a magnificent array of cards!! They are so inspirational ... Have a wonderful year!
What a great bunch of sewing themed cards. Love the sentiments on the first couple with the "hamster" :)
Love the "Spooling Around" stamp - it is the cutest critter (no M word). Is sewing the it thing for 2016? You have some cute images, and might I say, well colored. Happy New Year good buddy, and hope Kevin is on the mend (again).
Oh my gosh, they are all amazing!! I love the designs of each one!! And the "spooling around" image - adorable!! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!! Happy New Year!! I hope 2016 is filled with much love and happiness!! Big hugs :)
Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
I'm sorry that I'm so late in commenting but having various visitors over the holiday period made me rather behind!
This is an amazing array of cards Darnell and I love them all, the little mouse is such a cutie but I love that quilting panel totally!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is more"
Oh wow Darnell, you have really rocked the homespun theme. I adore the long tailed hamster cards and such perfect sentiments. As a lapsed quilter that has to be my favourite :)
Thank you for joining our last challenge of the year and wishing you a very happy new year.
Anne
"Less is More"
WOW!! You were on a roll!! I LOVE the little hamster cards. Totally FUN!! I also love the New Years card you created with the black and white. Awesome design!! Happy New Year!!
Wonderful array of cards, Darnell! You've started 2016 with a bang. I love the cards featuring Hammy's long-tailed rellies, and your homespun cards are as neat as a pin. The black and white theme of your HNY card is very stylish. Happy New Year! :)
My how you've been a busy little beaver! Those cards are just great! ...and I avoided the M word!
As always, a lovely collection of cards!! I love your little hamster cards!! So glad to see you at FMS and Happy New Year!
You are not alone in the wanting to keep cleaning after taking down the Christmas decorations. Usually I sit down and wait for the feeling to pass. Seriously though, I ran into a neighbor the other day and she commented "Have you seen the dumpster lately?! Everyone is spring cleaning!" She wasn't kidding. I felt kind of guilty, but everyone is going at it. The Mister was home, purging makes him nervous, so that was part of my motivation to not do the whole house recently. Besides, there were cards to be made!
As for your kraftroom kleanout, you'll be so happy after you do! Even as you do it! I went nuts last year on my purging and it just felt so freeing! I can find things now and I tend to create more. I recently started feeling I needed more purging so I'll be gearing up again soon. I have a friend who adores punch art/small die cuts and she is always asking for scraps. I don't keep the majority of my scraps now. I put them in a bag and once a month when I see her I hand them over. She is excited. I'm excited, I don't have all those scraps to sort through, sort, and then find I don't have the right piece anyway. Yeah, you end up cutting up lot more bigger pieces but gosh knows I can spare the paper. I put unfinished cards in a tray to the side of my desk. They get a month tops, usually only 2 weeks. If they get used great, if not, out they go. Some of the things end up in the scrap bag to my friend, other bits I tuck in when I send cards (die cuts, stamped images and the like) and some into the trash bin. It is so great to not have that hanging over me anymore!
As for the not buying stuff, hubby and I went on a strict budget last March. The goal was to save $10K. We hit that in October (just in time to pay $2K for the cat's surgery, but we paid for it, it didn't go on a credit card). When Joe's car was totalled in November we could pull out a downpayment for a new one right away and not have to wait for the insurance check. SOooo worth it. And SOooo worth it to not have more junk brought into the house! We both learned that we appreciated what we had all the more. When we do buy ourselves something fun it has more meaning. It's not just one more thing in a pile of things. We are both far more choosy about what we do buy. Joe cherry picks the best movies that he knows he will enjoy over and over again and often decides to not get anything. I deeply ponder a stamp set and how much I will really use it. Often I decide I have things at home that will do just fine. It's really nice. You'll enjoy it! Or sure sometimes you might get in a huff but ultimately you'll be happier.
Less really is more.
As for giving your stuff away by mailing it to people keep in mind that means you are paying to get rid of it. That might be worth it for you, you know help cement the lesson that you don't need so much, but maybe you don't want to do that. You can decide. Just a cautionary tale. I had to pay $80 to get rid of a sofa I hated once. It frosted my butt, buttered my biscuit, and got my panties in a wad that I had to PAY to get rid of that thing. I eventually got over it and realized it was worth it! I'm not so willing to pay to get rid of crafting stuff. I did mail a couple of boxes to friends. I have local stamping pals who got the rest of the stuff. Some for free, some for token prices.
Babbled enough!
Oh my gosh your cards are all simple stunning!!!! So CAS and I love each one and your photos are just as beautiful! The hamster card is just way too cute and so for you!!
Haha, I was thinking the same thing about that fluffy little McCreature. Not quite a mouse, not quite a hamster...but all too cute. That older-none the wiser sentiment is so clever and sadly true at the same time. Love these cards!
OH I definitely think that's a stamp of Hammy too - and gosh he just makes me happy to see dancing on your card Darnell!
These are fabulous cards! Those first two are SO stinking CUTE! I love them! Thanks so much for playing along with us over on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge blog!
GREAT card!!!! LOVE them! Especially those first two - too cute!
WowZa, Darnell! This group of cards is sew fabulous! ;-)
That "Spooling Around" stamp by Penny Black is just the cahutest!
Your hamster *ahem* cards have me smiling alll over my face, as do all the other gems you've created! Fantastic in every way! Your sewing theme reminds me that I have a Noah's Ark cross-stitch birth sampler to finish for my nephew, which I started two months before he was born...and it's now two months before he turns 4! Someone needs to 'try' to pull herself away from 'stitched' dies and get after some 'stitched' x's! As always, your post fills me with joy (and giggles!)
Hugs~c
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