Hello Stamplings!
I'm in a rush. Yesterday I was in a tizzy. I'm sure tomorrow I'll be in volved. You feel me, right?
I'm popping in to share a coupla cards while my sugar cookies are baking in someone else's oven, she says hopefully.
I'm popping in to share a coupla cards while my sugar cookies are baking in someone else's oven, she says hopefully.
Challenges
- Back to Basics: Resist technique.
- CAS Mix Up Card: Emboss resist, plus stamping, plus watercoloring.
- CAS Watercolour Card: Thank you.
Twofer.
And here we have Joy. Joy prefers to lie horizontal along a card for photos. She's a rather large-boned die and unlike the other girls in her family, she can't quite fit in the vertical position. I can relate. But, goodness, isn't she a beauty with her O turned into a filigreed fresh-fallen snowflake? Her full name is Seed Snowflake Joy and she came to me from Poppystamps. I dressed her in a cream bolero over a gold-infused coral* watercolor paper.
Challenges
- Poppystamps: Merry & Bright.
- SSS Wednesday: Christmas.
- Watercooler Wednesday: All about occasions. Congrats on your 200th challenge!!!
*Coral is the color of the new year declared Pantone. I'm not sure who Pantone is, but it's their job to tell us. I decorated my home in corals and blues back in the late 70s. The new color makes sense because have you noticed that lately you're seeing your old clothes (or your mom's) everywhere on the telly? Suddenly actresses aren't wearing the form-fitting gorgeous sheath dresses. Instead, they're wearing dresses with elastic waists (like old Simplicity patterns I used to make!) or long halter dresses that I used to love. Pants are high-waisted and flowery blouses have flowing sleeves. 
At first I thought I was having flashbacks that no one else could see (don't judge, I'm on a lot of meds), but then my friend told me at lunch yesterday she noticed the same thing. I mean, even wallpaper is making a comeback. What can be next? Pant suits, blue eye shadow, and headbands?I love the memories it all brings back and the fact that I've lived long enough to see it cycle back! For proof, yes, that's little ol' me in a grainy photo taken August 1970. I'm looking adoringly at the Mister from atop the ferris wheel at Asbury Park, NJ. Aaaah.
~~~
Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*
As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to join as a follower! Please let me know you came by so I can be sure and return the flavor!
As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to join as a follower! Please let me know you came by so I can be sure and return the flavor!
*Life is too short!
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 a pop-up box opens. Click "Jump to Comment Form" and wallah, no more car pool tunnel! Mwah! (p.s. If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave me your email address so I can respond. Thank you!)
What great cards, Darnell! I love the introduction to each one. Talk about bringing your cards to life. Joy has such joyful background colours. The additional gold splatters add a touch of elegance and playfulness echoed by that lovely snowflake design which is actually the "O". I love the playfulness of your post. Thanks so much for joining our Watercooler Wednesday Challenge this week.
ReplyDeleteOh it is always a joy to visit you here and see the wonderful creations you make and to read your stories! I love you! Heart Hugs, Col
ReplyDeleteLove this post Darnell - love your cards, and I am so glad you let Hammy wink Holly, and Joy lives up to her name!
ReplyDeleteYes, there is nothing new under the sun... now why did I throw my (mustard yellow) bell bottoms out... oh I know, they shrank!
Blessings
Maxine
What a great post Darnell accompanied by two fabulous cards, Holly really is a perfect posting card where as Joy's O really makes us go Oooooo..
ReplyDeleteHave I missed the reason behind the shared neighbours oven or are you making a batch for the whole neighbourhood, they sound delicious never the less.
Yes I am wondering what fashion will be revolving around again, there have been many favs but I have to say neon of the 80's plus was not very complimentary to my lily white skin hee hee!!
Wishing you a blessed Friday Hugs Tracey x
Simply splendid makes from you and loving the old pic you shared - fashio? MEH!
ReplyDeleteKathyk
You do make me smile Darnell, but you are right about the fashion wheel of fortune. I remember my niece rifling through my Mum's wardrobe for 50's items when they were back in fashion some years ago. It's the same with music, all your old faves are 'reinvented' and the young 'uns rave over them and look gobsmacked when you say it's not as good as the original, wait, I heard my Mum's voice say exactly the same!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards as ever and I love the pic, why do all those 70's era photos have that yellow tinge?
what an amazing story today has been. Two wonderful cards described to perfection and full of admiration then low and behold if it isnt you in 1970. You cool dude you. Yes at the moment I am seeing my grandchildren being dressed in shirts that need ironing, little bowties and little neat shorts, and ahh it brings back memories of my brothers in photo sessions when we were all little. So funny especially as they think they are the first coming up with these fashions.
ReplyDeleteFabulous introduction to your two gorgeous gals Darnell. Love the soft inking behind holly, and that gorgeous coral behind Joy is fabulous as well. YOur photo is priceless...when I saw the headband it really took me back to 7th grade craft class where I stamped out a leather headband for myself.
ReplyDeleteTwo fantastic cards Darnell, especially the holly card I love that stamp. Happy Christmas.
ReplyDeleteSue xx
Both cards are so gorgeous!! The holy looks amazing on the first one!! So elegant!! The Joy is fabulous on the second one and the background color is so pretty!! What a beautiful picture of you, too!! Have a great weekend!! Big hugs :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
Holly and grace make a gorgeous CAS pair and a very beautiful card. Stunning Joy and she wears the bolero so well and the coral is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteSo enjoyed reading your fun post and love the grainy photo and what are beauty you are. I can relate to much of what you wrote X
Both of your cards are beautiful Darnell! Love the story behind them. You are so adorable in the 70's picture.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Marilyn❤
Oh wow! You just gotta love that head band. Talk about bringing back memories - I bet you had on your bell bottoms too! Those are coming back or have already been back and are gone again. I can't remember which.
ReplyDeleteI do love your cards though. Holly and Joy are looking almost as spiffy as your picture!
And by the way........those sugar cookies don't go into the oven here until this weekend. I'll eat a couple for you though.
Lynn
First of all, thank you SO much for the delightful Christmas card, Darnell. I love it! And your cards here, wonderful! I adore the holly and the Christmas red accents. So pretty The joy card is so fun with the lovely background and the intricate o in joy! Love the snapshot of you. So fun. Oh my gosh, I remember the 70s style and am not sure I am ready for a repeat! But it is funny how it all cycles. Thank you again for these delightful cards and your fun storytelling to go along with them. Makes me smile!!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog commentary... and the holly card is delightful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us at Back to Basics and Beyond.
Happy crafting!
Catherine x DT
Hi Darnell, Both cards are great, but I love the first one.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a fab Friday. Sue
Blue eyeshadow..............Yikes. I'm sorry to say I do remember.
ReplyDeleteLove the cards. I just got the JOY die in from Poppy Stamps last week. I seem to purchase goods that are meant for this Christmas to use for next Christmas. Who knows? Maybe I'll save it for NBUS.
If you do get those cookies please save some for my husband. Our oven is not seeing cookies this year. [Bunny]
Oh Darnell you do manage to make me laugh...what a fabulous post. I love both your cards and the tales that accompany them.Holly is beautiful..very trim ad Joy...well you bring that to us all each post and everyone else around you! I hope both Joy and holly visit you this season...and if your cookies are baking in someone elses oven...I sure hope mine are with them! Have a super time...thanks for the card it arrived safely. Hugs xxxx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards Auntie! I love the way you introduced them, at first I was thinking I missed something and kept going back to look and reread, then I finished reading and that's when the light came on. lol Yes, the light was slow to come on, it's foggy and dreary and my brain is about the same way. lol Love these cards, love the way Hammy has schparkled them up! Hope those cookies are baking someone! Mine haven't made it to an over or even been mixed up yet! Oh gosh, I so remember hiphuggers pants in the 70's. I was in middle school and for the first time I got to wear something in style and not homemade! I was a little late to the game with the headbands and wore on in the early 80's sometimes. lol Love the photo of you looking every bit in love and on top of the world in NJ!!!! Such a cutie you are then and now! Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDeleteThank you for the beautiful Christmas card! The background on mine was actually an brayered background from my stash, which I cleared out this year. Lovely cards and entertaining post! Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards and wonderful stories xoxo
ReplyDeleteI don't care how old Holly is, she is beautiful and shiny. Joy is gorgeous too and they both belong on the red or rather coral carpet. I love the headband and what memories you've brought back. I loved bell bottoms and those tops that tied above the waist. I was so thin (those were the days) and the bell bottoms added some width to me. Plus I had a nice flat stomach. Ship - sailed. You look great and I love your longer hair. You still have that lovely smile. Love you!
ReplyDeleteI love the simplistic elegance of your first card Darnell. But the photo, OMG I have a similar one of me with then long brown hair and a headband (mine was suede). Oh the good old days.
ReplyDeleteKeep on truckin'. Barb
beautiful cards!
ReplyDeletehugs
Look at you putting a big o’ smile on my face! Love the stories and your flashback Friday photo! You haven’t changed a bit. 😉❤️
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are beautiful. Your joy card I thought for the joyful challenge at Time Out, but I didn’t see it listed.
btw... loved my Christmas card from you! May Retreat 2019 or bust!
Wishing you a merry Christmas! Hugs Trina 💙
Your cards are beautiful. And, I love your running commentary for them. Why didn't we keep all those old fashions? Like they would fit now anyway. I feel old when fashions recycle--often more than once, I am seeing a lot of tye-dye again. wonder if I could get that effect on a card?
ReplyDeleteHolly and Joy are both beautiful, I particularly love the snowflake 'O' in Joy and of course red and white are my favourite colour combo...
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely photo of you! I keep seeing flared trousers, not sure I would want to wear them again, they are pretty good at tripping yourself up with! Hope you have a lovely weekend. Hugs, Annie xxx
Two beauties, Darnell - just love the holiday thank you & the joy die with snowflake O looks amazing!! I chuckled when leggings made a come-back; they only looked good on me for a year, back in the day!
ReplyDeleteYour commentary and cards bring me such joy, Darnell. Love your cards today and your photo too. Don't you look so happy. Happy Christmas to you...your card is on the way. Hugz to you!
ReplyDeleteFirst, Both card personify (get it) Christmas, both literally and figuratively. Secondly, wallpaper will never adorn my house again. Me and my mate spent too much time scraping it off the walls in postage stamp sized pieces. Yuck! Also, my body doesn't, most definitely, look good in 70's style clothing except maybe the headbands, but only to keep my hair out of my eyes.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and the Mister a fabulous Christmas and New Year.
LOVE that adorable orange picture of you... I mean coral?! heeheehee Groovy headband. I think we must be twin sisters because I have a picture of myself that looks almost identical!
ReplyDeleteYour cards are both really stunning Darnell. I think your coloring and soft background in your first card is a show stopper! and the second card! wowie beautiful die on such an amazing background!!
Gorgeous cards and you were quite a cutie!
ReplyDeleteTwo fantastic cards Darnell, the holly stamp looks fabulous and the background on the second card looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteHolly sounds like Betty White was in her 80's and 90's.
I had that hair style in the middle 60's - 70's but I did not have a bandana, I had a fringe. Got married in 69 and my lounge I decorated in green, red and orange, I loved it, elders were not too impressed.
Kath x
Holly and Joy never looked so good! I think Holly is a beautiful way to say thanks. And Joy doesn't look at all like she's laying down on the job! I love the color coral. I'm wearing it right now. It's my new Christmas color! Love the photo! I remember 1970 well!
ReplyDeleteOops! Thanks so much for sharing with us at CAS Mix Up and CAS Watercolour!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, Love (did I say I love??!!) that delicate holly stamp - and your beautiful embossing and coloring of it Sis! I have several pictures of me that look awfully like you in the 70's!! Wasn't it a grand time!!??! Thanks for joining us in CAS Mix Up! xx
ReplyDeleteBoth Holly and Joy are beautiful ladies Darnell, and the simplicity of the platinum embossed outline beautifully coloured and with that soft blue in the background, and then the large Joy with the pretty snowflake 'O' on the wonderful coral background. The saying is perfectly true 'what goes around comes around' and you can see some of the styles and ideas returning from the 70's. I love the hippy chick look you had and I can remember wearing hot pants, very short skirts as well as maxi dresses, and wigs were all the rage and I had several which I used to don, and even wore to work on occasions when my hair was a mess...lol. The ladies I worked with used to laugh and wonder what persona I would be adopting as each day could bring a surprise change of look..lol. x
ReplyDeleteOh what a kick to see that picture, Darnell! Gotta say--I love the beautiful holly card & one of these days I'm going to get the Joy die as it made a fabulous card!
ReplyDeleteTwo awesome cards, Darnell! Love the 70's flashback photo too!
ReplyDeleteWait! What? Pant suits, blue eye shadow, and headbands are NOT in style? :-o
I'm not sure what made me laugh more the card descriptions or the photo. I have a couple of those old photos :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful cards, that JOY is a big one, I'd be making bigger cards hee hee.
I can see why the mister was smitten with you and taking photos on a Ferris Wheel. He wanted that winsome smile with him always, even when you were not in his presence. I had long hair, too, in 1970, and parted it down the middle, often gathering it up in two pony tails that were banded just below my ears. And I had these awesome moccasins that I wore all the time. Oh, right, we're supposed to be talking cards. Well yours are wonderful. That is a gorgeous sprig of holly. I'll confess that I keep holly up in my house year round to remind my mister to kiss me!!! he he
ReplyDeletePretty cards - ooh, lots of fun details but the blog post stole the show! Laughed and laughed at "holly & joy"!!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic cards Dolly! I LOVE Holly! She is so elegant and sophisticated with her gold, red and green. People say she's a bit prickly, but I think she looks very nice! :) Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Mix Up and CAS Watercolour!
ReplyDeleteJoy is one of those people that stands out in a crowd. I think it's the gorgeous coral that adorns her. The filigree snowflake is a beautiful piece of jewelry.
Am loving the picture of you in 1970. Gord wore a headband when we were first going out. It was made of braided leather. I couldn't wait for it to go ... but now I'm kinda' missing it! :) You look fabulous. I bet the Mister was looking adoringly at you as well. Lolly xx
Love the photo of you in 1970! I used to wear headbands too. Such a long time ago!
ReplyDeleteTwo great cards! I especially love the holly one - a perfect Christmas thank you card. Such a soft bit of blue around the platinum embossing.
Beautiful cards hun. Thanks for joining us at Back to Basics and Beyond. Love Dawn x
ReplyDeleteYour CAS Watercolour card is just BEAUTIFUL Darnell!! Love the embossing and your reds and greens with the Zigs and then the light blue wash around the holly leaves...SOOOO pretty! And your JOY card with the snowflake center is wonderful too! But honestly, the best photo is of you my friend...totally made me smile!! Thanks so much for sharing with us at CAS Watercolour Darnell!! :0)
ReplyDeleteHolly's beauty has endured through the ages and so has yours. Oh, how I love seeing these old pics! You looked like such a kid! Your Joy is absolutely beautiful, too. Funny how everything old is eventually new again. I decorated in coral and blue in the 80s. Made curtains, throw pillows and even a toaster cover all from the same blue calico print fabric. Coral mini blinds on the windows. It was all so very coordinated. I do still love coral. I sure hope gabardine leisure suits don't make a comeback. They can keep those!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful all: Holly, Joy... and You! :D I understand why Mr fallen in love! ;)
ReplyDeleteBig hugs, I'm running...!! :D
Hi Darnell
ReplyDeleteYes, it is me. I have been a terrible bloggy chum but you are in good company. I am a serial neglector.
As always, your cards have been a complete delight to see on my reading list.
This one is no exception and the holly stamp is super.
I promise to do better at commenting from here on in.
Best wishes.
Ang x
Love your sweet and pretty Heat EB holly image with soft blue EB resist background. TFS Dolly and joining us at CAS Mix Up.
ReplyDeleteLoved your beautiful 2nd card too and especially LOVED your sweet 1970 photo on the ferris wheel..smiling dreamily at Mister:-) Thank so much for sharing, my friend and..Merry Christmas. Hugs..Nancy
Both your cards are gorgeous Darnell, you brighten everyone's day with your wonderful humour... Holly and Joy, and Grace to assist, you need the biggest hug for your beautiful words.. here's wishing you Hope, Harmony and Patience over the next week, and good health, peace and happiness for Christmas and 2019 - You make my heart smile
ReplyDeleteHolly and Joy sure put their glad rags on for this card party! Beautiful cards and what a great photo of you!
ReplyDeleteI love the way you introduced Holly and Joy as much as the cards themselves, Darnell! Holly is so elegant and gorgeous. The floodlights makes her platinum really shine. Fantastic emboss resist effect! The CASness of the card makes her look even more beautiful.
ReplyDeleteJOY has her own beauty - the fresh snowflake pops against the gorgeous gold-infused coral background. She knows that she doesn't have to squeeze herself into the vertical space and she makes people happy who look at her.
You look fantastic in the photo. Your smile hasn't changed at all!
Thanks for sharing all the wonderful goodies with us (including Holly at CAS Mix Up)!
Hideko xx
You do make me laugh!! Fab cards, they sound like fun characters to share a Christmas drinkypoo with!! Great photo too xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful girl in 1970, not changed much, still beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove your cards especially the first one, a beautiful simple design, Kate x
Pretty cards Darnell, love the softness of the first one. And just look at you!!! What a great picture!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell, just popping by for a quick visit. Two fabulous cards and a great photo..... definitely remember those headbands! xx
ReplyDeleteOh what a fabulous photo!! I guess we had the same simplicity patterns too! Funny how things go full circle yet the young ones think they've invented everything...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards Darnell - I love how that blue brings out the gorgeous holly and I love the colour coral! Have a beautiful week!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I'm always enjoying reading your stories.
I like your card with holly. It is very elegant and perfectly made. Your "twofer" in color coral with the snowflake as letter O is fabulous.
Thank you for sharing lovely photo from you with us.
As like the fashion returns it would be nice if I can still wear the clothes from the past. :-)
Happy Holiday!
Hugs,
Sonja
Two wonderful card Darnell, love the beautiful design and what a great read.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining us over on Poppystamps Challenge blog.
Pam x
Oh, my gosh you made me giggle! Love your humourous writing. BTW I can relate to Joy as well. Great card! Love your '70s photo. I never did the headband thing (had - and still have - the same hairdo!), but - remember love beads?
ReplyDeleteWell, got so carried away the reminiscing and forgot to say thanks for joining us at Watercooler Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteThe first card is stunning! love it.
ReplyDeleteAs for the memories um yes! my girls are wearing things I would have worn! they have even searched my wardrobe and taken pieces which is great as it justifies me holding onto them for so long!
Darnell, two beautiful cards. I like how you took us back to the 70's. Great picture. Hope to get back to the craft room after the holidays. Merry Christmas my friend!
ReplyDeleteLOl...fun post and gorgeous cards! Have a VERY Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year Darnell!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us at Watercooler Wednesday Challenges! Your card introductions were so fun!
ReplyDeleteGreat Christmas cards and great story to go with them. I especially like you pic...
ReplyDeleteGreat cards as always and what a fabulous picture .... love the headband.
ReplyDeleteIn case I don't get the chance to say it later .... have a wonderful Christmas and lots of love and best wishes for the New Year xx
It's always so much fun to visit your blog, Darnell! Your holly card is gorgeous...I love all the dimension you created with your CAS design! I also love how your beautiful watercoloring peeks through your lovely snowflake...of course, your description of each card takes this post to a whole new level!!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE seeing your retro 70's photo...thank you for taking me back to a really fun time in life...Asbury Park, NJ? Gosh, that's right around the corner from me :)
Have a great week getting ready for St. Nick...and have a really wonderful Christmas day with your family!
CONGRATS on your well-deserved win at CAS Watercolor, Darnell! This is such a gorgeous card...I'm not one bit surprised you received top honors!!!
ReplyDeleteDarnell, that flashback photo is fabulous...still as gorgeous today as you were back in the day lady! And I absolutely adore both of your beautiful cards!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell. I was knocked out by your gorgeous cards (especially Joy). But what really impressed me was your flower girl photo from the 1970s! I was always jealous of straight hair but in 1970 afro frizz came into its own and I adopted that hairstyle with glee since my naturally curly hair took right too it. Fun to see how we were back then! Have a very Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteGreat card, Darnell - really pretty and very well cone. But your post was so fun to read that I almost forgot them. You have such a wonderful writing style and imagination and way of thinking and expressing yourself. Such a delight to visit you. I can so relate to all your comments about colors and styles coming back again - I just can't get into them though - I remember the dread I felt when I saw pictures a few years after them and though to myself "what was I thinking wearing that or doing my house that color." Many hugz and Merry Christmas!!!!
ReplyDeleteSaw that Holly won several prices in blogland! No wonder, cause she is a sparkling beauty! Coral looks phenomenal on Joy! She might be large boned but her snowflake center is so delicate! Your fun descriptions put a smile on my face!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards as always and a fun post to go with them. Shift dresses have made a come back here! Always liked them as they hid the lumps and bumps! xx
ReplyDeleteGosh, I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date! Your two little girls from school are gorgeous, Darnell ... such delicate, schparkly, shimmery, winked holly ... and yes, that filigree snowflake set amid my favourite word is just delicious against the coral gold flecked background! Lovely photo btw ... you've not changed a bit, my friend! Can't say I care for the 70's style too much (though you look fabulous in it dahrlink) ... simple lines and a CAS look is more my thing! LYAMYHMA ... WYAMAMC! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)
ReplyDeleteLate but hopefully not too much. ☺ Love the cards and your reminiscing. I was still a child in the 70s, and "died" every time I had to wear the jeans that my mum sewed for us. I would have signed up with the devil to have store bought jeans. I now cherish the memories of my mum's love for us and her talent. You were a saucy little minx, weren't you?
ReplyDeleteWell look at you pretty lady! Your picture stole the show Darnell! Loving your gold embossing and clean Joy card.
ReplyDelete