Hello, Stamplings!
Did you think I got kidnapped by the Grinch Who Stole Christmas?! Well, yes, I did! I apologize for my appalling lack of visits, but that should change soonish.
I'll be popping in quickly between baking, shopping, and lunches in the next couple of weeks to share some inspiration from my Christmas card-making marathon. Like these:
Did you think I got kidnapped by the Grinch Who Stole Christmas?! Well, yes, I did! I apologize for my appalling lack of visits, but that should change soonish.
I'll be popping in quickly between baking, shopping, and lunches in the next couple of weeks to share some inspiration from my Christmas card-making marathon. Like these:
If you share my love of Penny Black Stickeroos, you'll recognize the images above. I've been collecting them since Time Began and this year I was resolute in using them ALL. It was fun coming up with different designs!
Then I found this pad of SU paper tags from a couple three years ago, so I gussied them up and turned them into cards:
And for the cards below, I used even more of the pp you've seen before and that sweet little deer from Simon Says Stamp:
~~~
Finally, here's Hammy showing off the 253 Christmas cards we prepared to help keep the Unites States Post Office in business and spread joy throughout the world! We are so blessed to have so many friends!
Phew!
~~~
I wanted to let you know that we are not near the fires raging in Southern California, but I have several friends and family in the area. My heart goes out to all the families who have lost their homes and I pray the firemen are able to get the upper hand soon.
I wanted to let you know that we are not near the fires raging in Southern California, but I have several friends and family in the area. My heart goes out to all the families who have lost their homes and I pray the firemen are able to get the upper hand soon.
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!
*Life is too short!
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. Click page down to reach the end of the post. Click Comments and the pop-up box opens. Click "Jump to Comment Form" and wallah, no more car pool tunnel! P.S. If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave me your email address so I can respond. Mwah!
253!!!! that is amazing. Love all the styles you have done and good on you for using up schtuff!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWow! So many beautiful cards :) (sorry deleted my last comment with typos)
ReplyDeleteWish u a blessed holiday season
Hugs
Preeti
My you have been a busy little bee, they are sure to spread goodwill and bring a smile to all the recipients. Happy holidays! :)
ReplyDeletePS the snow is falling heavily here, there is the possibility of up to 8 inches to add to the 4 from yesterday and Friday! Festive and fun if you don't need to venture out!
Oh my goodness, I don't know what postage in the USA is like but over here we'd need to take out a second mortgage to cover the cost of posting so many cards. They all look amazing too
ReplyDeleteJane
Hi Darnell, WOW!!! What a beautiful variety of cards.
ReplyDeleteGlad you aren't near the awful fires, but hope everyone in that area keeps safe.
Hope you have a nice day. Sue
what a wonderful selection of cards they are all fabulous That's a lot of Christmas cards to send but what joy the recipients will get when they arrive
ReplyDeleteSo pleased you are away from the fires and hope they control them very soon Love and hugs Carole x
WOW WOW WOW, and I thought 60 was a lot! you are amazing!! And you did a most fabulous job of making all those cards! Even if some were stickers, you still had to cut paper and make the designs. They look beautiful! A job well done my friend!! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteGOOD GRIEF, you HAVE been busy - no wonder you've been AWOL matey. What a fabulous array of makes it is too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update, I had been wondering how far those dreadful fires were from you, glad to hear you are safe and hope you remain so.
Happy Sunday
Kathyk
WOW!! OMG you have been busy! What gorgeous card Darnell and all so personalised too.. I do hope your friends and family are safe...The photos we are seeing are heartbreaking... Sending hugs your way
ReplyDeleteFantastic cards Darnell, especially love the Penny Black ones. 253 cards WOW that's a lot and it's going to cost a fortune to post them too. I can see that Hammy has passed out from all the hard work.
ReplyDeleteSue xx
Wow Darnell so many gorgeous cards that’s an amazing amount of cards to make....please to hear you are safe from the fires but my geRt goes out to those who aren’t so lucky
ReplyDeleteAnne x
An amazing marathon crafting session - fabulous cards too!
ReplyDeleteKath x
OMG 253 cards! I would never leave my craft cave if I tried to make that many, you are amazing. And the cards are stunningly gorgeous ! I also love PB images, I don't have many but what I have are keepers :) Take good care and enjoy the season. Hugs, Shirleyxx
ReplyDeleteAll I can think of to say is WOW! You are awesome, Darnell. I can only hope to aspire to need that many cards and to be able to create that many is a Herculean feat. What a relief that you aren't near those fires. Such a scary thing. Big hugs!
ReplyDeleteWOW!! 253 beautiful cards!! You have been busy!
ReplyDeleteYou'll be awarded an Honour by the mailservice after posting all that lot!! You've made a lovely variety of cards...I've done virtually no Christmas crafting whatsoever but am very busy playing carols all around South Wales 😁
ReplyDeleteHugs LLJ xxx
Hooray for Stickeroos! I recognised most of these. And your other cards are totally fabulous as well. I needed to lie down after reading just how many cards you send - I thought we sent loads but you win!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're not affected by the fires - those firemen look totally exhausted when our TV shows news reports.
Hugs
Di xx
That's a lot of cards and a lot of man/hammy hours. You just gotta love a stickeroo or two, or three, or four , or more.
ReplyDeleteGreat designs. Hugs Mrs A.
253! I don't even know that many people! You are awesome, that's for sure. Those PB stickers are beautiful. All the designs are so pretty and the sweet little deer is adorable with his bright bow. You have been a busy, busy lady.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness what a helper Hammy was. I'm sure he made Santa's "Nice" list. I had no idea those first set of cards were stickers. OMG........now I want some. I didn't even know they made them. Those cards are fabulous. All of the cards are fabulous. What fun it is looking at the table full of cards. You'll have a lot of people smiling. [Bunny]
ReplyDeleteGreat production !!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOooohhhh.... 253 Christmas cards??? You are really STUNNING!! How many work and such wonderful makes!! ...Hammy surely is exhaust :D
ReplyDeleteHugs, now relax and chilling :)
Well now, that was quite a marathon of card making!! Well done, they are all beautifully made.
ReplyDeleteMake sure Hammy gets a special treat for his too ;)
Oh my gosh!!! I am totally impressed. Both with sheer volume and also quality! I am in awe that you used up all of your stickers. And more patterned paper. And tags. Way to go! Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE those beautiful stickers and have used some, too. But nothing like this amazing array of cards. Wow, you must be totally exhausted and it's not over yet. Great job, though. You have officially won the card mailing medal of honor.
ReplyDeleteWow! No wonder we haven't seen you around. Your cards are amazing, both in quality and quantify. And Hammy looks exhausted!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a lot of gorgeous cards! I'm only 8 behind now, I've been making cards all day!
ReplyDeleteI have to be honest, I did check on a map to see if you were near the fires - but sorry to hear that you have family and friends who are... my heart breaks for all those who have lost so much....
ReplyDeleteI thought I had a lot with 60 cards to make - wow, you have done an AMAZING job to get all those fabulous cards created (with Hammy's help of course). I have the Penny Black poinsettia stamp - it is a devil to do but when it works it is beautiful - I didn't realise they did stickeroos as beautiful as that!! Your cards are truly gorgeous! Hugs, Annie xxx
WOW! That's a lot of cards! You are on a serious roll and poor hammy - he's just pooped out completely! LOL They're all fantastic and I agree - friendships truly are a blessing! Now take a well-deserved bow - you've earned it :)
ReplyDeleteAll your cards are wonderful! I'm amazed that you can accomplish that. WOW! I'm struggling to get 50 cards finished!
ReplyDeleteOh Darnell, your presentation of this post is priceless! I'm scrolling down enjoying ALL the beautiful cards and then get to the pic of Hammy after the photo of the 253 cards...I'm still laughing!! Too funny girlfriend!! But anyway, lovely, lovely cards and yay to you for sending out so many and single handedly keeping the post office in business!! Have a great week!! :0)
ReplyDeleteThat many???? And I thought I was doing well to make 100. But all of the cards you made are just so very beautiful and amazingly created. I applaud you and Hammy for a fabulous job!
ReplyDeleteWow! Wow and WOW! What an amazing collection of cards. So gad you shared them. Merry Christmas to you and Hammy!
ReplyDeleteGolly gosh you have been industrious!! Gorgeous cards as always xx
ReplyDeleteWow! Totally impressed. I shall hide behind the Christmas tree in shame at my lack of organisation. Oh hang on, I'll hide behind the box containing the Christmas tree.... Hugs x
ReplyDeleteOh my word! You and Hammy rock! I feel accomplished having made maybe 20 cards 😂😂😂😂 Good on you. One should be winging its way to you this week, when I get into gear and start writing.. xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat frenzy there was to make those 253 cards and then prep them for mailing! Kudos to you.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend in Ventura CA and so far so good for her. But I know she has many friends who have lost their homes. Breaks my heart to no end. Auntie, I can't believe those are stickers on the first sets of cards! They are stunning! And you have dressed them all up perfectly. I am loving the second set using the SU paper tags, who knew these even existed?! Well, you of course, but not me. lol Love how you and Hammy made these as well. Your use of pattern paper is amazing as well, that little deer is just to sweet. I'm in awe at how many cards you and Hammy got done!!! I thought I did well with my 50/60 but now I know I have not done well at all. lol Yes, we are blessed to have so many friends. Now if some of my friends could bottle their energy and share it with me I would be forever grateful! lol Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDeleteI love them all but you did an especially awesome job on the Penny Black! I love their stamps but I never do them justice.
ReplyDeleteWOW what an effort! Amazing amount of cards. All gorgeous too. You and hammy have been super busy.
ReplyDeleteThink the fires are mostly north of my brother, but so scary & sad. Makes me cry every time they show the burned out homes--cannot even imagine dealing with that. You are one amazing cardmaker, my friend! How do you even sign them all?! I still don't have my few all mailed--shame, shame! I love the Stickeroos & almost never come up with a way to use them--you've inspired me!
ReplyDeleteNow are you really sure that you have made all these and not just photographed all the ones you got last year.Lol.
ReplyDeleteWell I thought I did well but you have taken the biscuit, or maybe Hammy has. Some real stunners here Darnell and no wonder poor Hammy has collapsed.
Brilliant work.
Kath x
That is a lot of cards!! You have been busy and inspiring!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a gallery of cards! Go you! Can't wait to hear some details about them. I think Hammy needs a spa day now!
ReplyDeleteAre you telling me that those PB cards are stickers and not hand painted by you? I have a couple of the stamps and love them. You did a good job of all of your creations and I had to laugh at the picture of Hammy passed out from all that envelope licking. I thought I had a lot of cards at 88 but 253? That's a village.
ReplyDeleteI knew you were north of the fires so I wasn't worried for you but my cousin had to evacuate and when they returned the house 3 doors down was burned down to the ground. It sounds horrible and I pray for those brave firefighters all the time.
Wow! I don't even know 253 people. These are truly wonderful. Congrats, Darnell, on a job well done.
ReplyDelete253 cards!! WOW, that's a LOT of cards, you HAVE been busy! I thought I'd done well making just over 140, but 253???!!! Such great designs too.
ReplyDeleteWe get some news reports on the fires in California here in the UK. Devastating for so many people - hopefully the firefighters can get everything under control soon. xx
You are a wonder Darnell, all those cards to be sent, it puts my measly few to shame. I only send, about forty or so in total and not all of those will get a hand made one. I seem to have been slower than ever getting them done this year as life has got in the way even more than it usually does at this time of year. I love the stickeroo cards with such a variety of designs and the sweet deer quartet with the pretty designer papers, and the tags turned into cards look wonderful too. I should think you must be laying in a heap now and Hammy certainly looks as though he could do with a pick me up...lol. x
ReplyDeleteWOW! That's a lot of cards in the mail! The USPS can stay in business for another year! Both you and Hammy deserve a long winter's nap! Or a tall drink! The fires are horrendous! So many people effected! Prayers go out to all of them. I hope your family and friends will be safe.
ReplyDeleteHoly smoked sausage! And I can't even get 20 cards made. So yea, the Grinch is residing in FL this year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to you and yours, Darnell. And that includes Hammy. Hugs
ReplyDeleteOMG Darnell...LOVE all your Christmas cards and how creative you were so you could make literally hundreds for your family, friends and fans:-) TFS all and a Great Big Hug and Happy Holiday Wishes.
ReplyDeleteWoW! I am in awe of you and Hammy! I LOVE all of your beautiful creations, Darnell. You have inspired me to 'carry on' and continue making more Christmas cards to mail out this year! :-)
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear you are not affected by those horrendous fires and send prayers daily to those who are.
Well, you have blown us all away with the number of beautiful cards you have made! I feel a little sheepish now about my mere 90 cards. I love Penny Black, too. PB Christmas sentiment stamps are the ones I turn to the most at this time of year. I think I need to invest in a few more sets. Oh, but wait...it's Christmastime! Maybe Santa will come through with some PB crafting items. I'm going to write him a letter right now...
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the blessings of the season Darnell - and wow! what a bounty of cards you have there! Well done - an enormous effort, and they all look gorgeous! Even without sending out all your cards, you help to bring joy to all parts of the world (well, all those parts where stampers live) with your lively blog, your caring heart and your participation in so many challenges. I love to see your name pop up as I know I'm in for some entertainment when I check out your blog. Have a wonderful 2018 and let us all hope for peace, calm and common sense to reign all over the world!
ReplyDeleteWOW! 253 Christmas cards ...... you have been busy, and each one is a beautiful work of art. I think its time for you to enjoy the festive season now. Have fun ..... love and best wishes to you and yours xx
ReplyDeleteWowser! Amazing cards, astonishing number of cards. Well done, you! 😊 You must be feeling better to accomplish all of that. Merry Christmas to you and yours. HUGS.
ReplyDeleteWhat a feast for the eyes! Congrats on a job well done....and done in love! Be good to Hammy.
ReplyDeleteWOW! So many gorgeous cards, Darnell!! Love them all - Great job!!!
ReplyDeleteOMG! They are all stunning! xoxo
ReplyDelete253? I have cleaned my glasses and checked the number for several times. :-) You did amazing creation with various design. I like them all. Well done!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Hugs, Sonja
Well, it's official: rendered speechless by both the beauty and number of cards you've created! In AWE! Penny Black stickers? I'll be on the hunt for those in my neck of the woods immediately! You and Hammy definitely deserve a drink (or twelve) after all that work! The fires...heavy heart in seeing/reading what people are experiencing. Sending many prayers to those affected and hoping beyond hope that whatever it takes to change the situation will happen soon...
ReplyDeleteHugs and love~c
Gosh, you sure DID get 'er done -- in plenty of time and they're all fantastic! I made a quarter of that and am getting the last of them in the mail today. Was feeling so accomplished, but sheesh! I need a Hammy. But, seriously, you're amazing! I've been watching the news about the fires. I can't even imagine the sorrow and suffering.
ReplyDeleteWow, Darnell! That's an absolutely dynamic set of cards you've got (and hopefully that's not the wrong word to use with Christmas cards!) I absolutely loved the sets you showed in the first, second, third and the last one... yes, well, just felt that mentioning 'all' wouldn't be enough! ;) Lucky people who get these cards! God bless them.. and you too! :)
ReplyDeletehugs, Ashwini
Wow 253 cards , that really is a marathon! And they all looks wonderful too! So glad you’re not affected by the fires but hope your friends and family stay safe! xx
ReplyDeleteWow! 253! THAT is a major collection of eye candy for sure!
ReplyDeleteOh my!!!!! And I thought I kept the post office in business but I guess I should have known that cannot compete with you! Well, I'm glad I am not alone trying to keep them afloat! All the different designs made my jaw drop! Amazing!
ReplyDeleteHope your friends and family in Southern CA will stay safe! It's absolutely awful...
SHAZAM!! There is so much prettiness to be had here tonight!! Thanks for sharing all of these Darnell, they're fantastic!
ReplyDeleteOMG I can't believe you did that many. Such a feast for the eyes Darnelle, my hero :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful collection of cards, Darnell! I think I have some of those PB stickers around here somewhere from back in the day! And you are a legend for creating 253 Christmas cards. If postage costs over there are anything like here, you'd have needed to take out a mortgage just to mail them :)
ReplyDeleteI can understand with so many cards to make that you were out of blogland a while! Tjee you nust start in january just to get them done and keep some fun by making them! Well done and now enjoy all the little things untill those two days... So mad that we do so much for 2 days...if you think about it... Hugs, Gerrina
ReplyDeleteGoodness me! So many cards! Hammy looks proud and exhausted! I thought I had done well making just over 50! I haven't written mine yet either except the international ones - yours is on the way! The ones you show today are gorgeous and such a variety! I am so glad you are away from the terrible fires.its so nasty for all those involved. The fire service are wonderful! Hugs xxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteO-M-G, bet you are as exhausted as Hammy! I cannot even imagine making that many cards! I'm still working on mine and hope to have a productive day today. TFS a peek!!!
ReplyDeleteYour cards are amazing. I cannot imagine creating literally hundreds of cards. All are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteDarnell, what a fantastic array of Christmas cards. So lovely. I'm so glad I don't have to make that many. Lol....Glad to hear you are not near the fires. So sad. Hope you have a great week, friend.
ReplyDeleteCan I just say OMG after picking myself up off the floor (with great difficulty)You and Hammy have been sooooooooooooooooooooooooo busy.
ReplyDeleteBetter say that I love 'em. Well done Darnell & Hammy..
Oh Darnell - did you rouse Hammy or are you letting him sleep through Christmas after that marathon??!! Well done on 253 cards 0 that's amazing!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Maxine
Wow, what an amazing collection of cards! Those Penny Black images are beautiful and I think I need that SSS deer for next year... I really love the design you created with the deer, great way to use designer paper in a CAS way. Thanks for the inspiration! Amazing amount of Christmas cards... I sent out 48 and was already quite impressed with myself! lol! Have a good rest of the week!
ReplyDeleteYay, Darnell ... well done you (and Hammy) ... hope you don't look as pooped as he does! What a gorgeous collection ... so many people are going to be over the moon to receive one of these beauties! I made and mailed 75 and thought that was a marathon ... clearly not, that was just a little sprint in comparison to 253!! Now, enjoy the 'quiet' time of baking, shopping and lunches ... and just breathe. LYAMYMAIWSGTCOS! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)
ReplyDeletewoooow!
ReplyDeletethose all are so gorgeous!
happy holidays!🎄🎅⛄
hugs , Fiki
How are you and Hammy getting any sleep? You sure made a TON of cards!! Love your use of stickers and all your NBUS stuff. Great way to use up your supplies!!
ReplyDeleteSomeone get Hammy a glass of cold water...or an organic smoothie!!! I am now thoroughly impressed by your productivity...and I see the card that you sent to me, woo hoo! A huge pat on the back to you for using up all of those goodies. Now I have my inspiration for next year's card as I believe I also have a pack of those Stampin Up labels (or at least something like them). Merry Christmas Darnell!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a spectacular array of cards, and wow 253. That's a lot of postage...I see those overseas stamps. Each and every one of your recipients is a lucky on to get one of your lovely creations.
ReplyDelete