Hello Stamplings!
How are you? Did your weather cooperate so you could enjoy that Harvest Moon? It was spooktacular here. I say that because when I headed for the Big House to go to bed Saturday night, I walked around the corner of the Playhouse to get out from under the trees for a clear view of the moon. That's when I experienced what many of us have nightmares about: I walked smack dab into a spider web!
Turns out this plump old woman can jump pretty high when the spirit moves her. In fact, my spirit moved right out of my body there for a second and I'm sure the neighbors wondered what kind of wild animal made that ear-piercing yelp in the night!
~~~
Speaking of wild animals, we are halfway through the CRITTERS Twofer Card Challenge, so I have my reminder cards for you.
Hammy chose to be used as the critter on the reminder cards rather than as the opening act on the 10th. But is this Hammy? Or Hammy's friends? Or is it a gerbil masquerading as a hamster? We aren't sure, but he is part of a delightful stamp set I received from my friend Jane, called "Precious Pets 2" by The Card Hut.
For this simple CAS design, I used a circular loopy e/f and a hamster wheel from the "Wheelie Like You" set by Lawn Fawn. This guy is having a moment and things aren't going shackityzam right now. He's overturned the hamster wheel and gotten himself stuck in the middle! But that's all right. The NBUS sediment from "Positive Thoughts" by Precious Remembrance reminds him that challenges make us stronger!
Challenges
Challenges
- Crafty Animals: Anything goes.
- Inkspirational: Crop. You can only see the head of the little critter through the wheel opening.
- Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Bling it on.
Twofer
For my second design I masked and stacked my CRITTERS and repeated my sediment so Jane knows just how much how much how much how much how much how much I love her gift! I don't have the packaging for the sediment. Hammy carefully picked out and assigned all the pairs of googly eyes to match each personality.
Challenges
- Lost Coast Portal to Creativity: Make It Funny.
- Rainbow Card Challenge: Brown.
- Simon Says Stamp Monday: Monochrome.
~~~
Here are the design layouts of my two cards so you can see how they differ when stripped of all their bits and pieces.
I love all the amazing and fun CRITTERS that are already in the Twofer Card Challenge gallery this month and I can't wait to see what you add!! You have until the end of the day on September 24th to play along!
Surprise ~ Meet Nellie!
One day you don't have a Bichon Coton de Tulear and the next day you do!
Not only do we sorta share the same name, but don't you think we fit the saying that "all dogs and their owners look alike?" I mean, just look at that shaggy hair, beautiful face, and amazing fun-loving smile! And the dog is darling, too!
What happened was my sister-in-law Nina made a promise to a dear friend a year ago that she would find Nellie a good home and she did just that. But then life intervened and that home didn't work out after all. I'm pickled tink that we could come to the rescue because Nellie is the sweetest dog ever! Even though she is eight years old, she immediately settled in like she's been with us since she was a puppy!
And not to worry, Hammy's delighted with her, too, especially after I reassured him that Nellie will never take over his duties as my faithful assistant!
~~~
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!)
Two brilliant cards featuring the critters - whatever they are called, they are so cute!! As of course is your latest companion.
ReplyDeleteAnd i have your wonderful thank you card sitting here on my desk googling all those cute eyes at me right now! Thank you for thanking me!
ReplyDeleteFabulous cards and Nellie is such a sweetie - I bet she will keep you on your toes!
ReplyDeleteKath x
these are fabulous cards Darnell and what a gorgeous picture
ReplyDeletegr karin
Super cute critters, great design.
ReplyDeleteAnd Nellie is so beautiful, I love it that you rescued her. You both look so happy.
And thank you so much for your rainbow card which arrived exactly on my brithday, excellent planning. I love rainbows as you know.
Crafty hugs xx
That is definitely Hammy on the cards - who else could it be?? - so glad to see he is starring this time around!!
ReplyDeleteYou will have to put him on a diet though if he gets stuck in that wheel again! (don't tell him I said that!), and as for the googly eyes, are you sure he was not remembering his nights on the town????
Fabulous cards Darnell, and young Nellie looks right at home there in your arms!
Blessings
Maxine
Fantabulous use of those lovely hammy like images in two super makes - I'm always impressed with your ingenuity, Darnell.
ReplyDeleteWelcome too, to Nellie - I'm sure she feels like she's fallen on her paws!
Kathyk
Oh golly, those two cards are just so fun! I like the crazy loopy feel of the embossed one and the second one reminds me of when my kids would repeat mom, mom, mom over and over again to try to get my attention. So fun. I'm very relieved that your gymnastic antics with the spider web didn't result in some bodily injury! And finally, huge congratulations on your newest addition. What a cutie who has the same bright and happy smile that you do! Fantastic! PS...someone posted on her blog recently...whistling softly as she walks away....
ReplyDeleteCute cards! That incident with the spider web! Well that would have been me also! My whole neighborhood would have heard me! Cute picture of you and your new dog!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Marilyn ❤️
Oh my gosh! Nellie is a darling. Does Dudley know he has a playmate now!
ReplyDelete,I wouldn’t like to meet even just one of those critters on a dark night. The Doc is banned from looking at the moon for very obvious reasons. Hugs Mrs A.
Hammy and you did a wonderful job on both cards Darnell! I'm cracking up over the facial expression on that stamp and totally LOVE the sediment on the first card! Fun, FUN cards! And how cute is Nellie?!! She really does look like she's smiling and I'm guessing that's because she just loves the home she's ended up in! You make a beautiful pair!! (don't tell Hammy I said that!!) Hugs. :0)
ReplyDeleteIsn't Nellie a sweetie. Good thing you reassured Hammy he still had his assistant job. I'm not sure if Nellie could add schparkle like he does.
ReplyDeleteTwo cute cards. Love the Hammy look alikes.
Woo-wee, I can feel that spider web all the way over here on the east coast. Zoiks! Now you'll have to have a stick to switch in front of you. [Bunny]``
Both you and Nellie are adorable... as are the cards! xoxo
ReplyDeletehmmm I'm not quite sure WHAT he is, but I sure do love him - Otter know I would! Darling twofer, my friend!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet new friend you have, D... welcome to the family, Nellie!
=]
Love the smiling faces, Darnell. Welcome to the playhouse, Nellie. The cards are a riot. Those hamsters look like they've been through a lot with their wild eyes. The swirling background works well to tell the story.
ReplyDeleteThe cards are cute but certainly not as cute as Nellie. So happy for you she will bring you much pleasure and I hope you show her off often. Sailing today - Barb
ReplyDeleteLove the hamsters, they look a little demented! Maybe they.ve all had a traumatic experience with that wheel! Fabulous cards Darnell.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your cute new pet, hoping I don't look too much like my dog...a flobbery grey Great Dane, although I do get stopped all the time by people telling me how beautiful she is....
xx
Nellie is adorable Darnell, and what a happy photo of the two of you, Nellie is certainly smiling for the camera. I wish much joy with her and I'm sure she will have a long and happy life in her new forever home.
ReplyDeleteNow your two cards are fabulous, love the critters, such a fun image and two super designs, Kate x
Hi Darnell, Love the cards.
ReplyDeleteI seem to be the right height that cobwebs and those whispy bits catch me right over my eyes. I don't mind the cobweb as such, but hate the thought of loads of bits of bugs in them...yuck!
Nellie is adorable. So glad she has found her forever home with you.
I have emailed you thanking you for the sympathy card. Very much appreciated and very kind of you.
Take care.
Sue
So glad you named her Nellie or is that the name she came with? Either way, easy to remember and you look so adorable together...must be the hairdos and smiles. Also happy that Hammy isn't miffed. Would have liked seeing you fight off that cobweb, though. I'm going with hamsters for your cards. Seem right and they're both so cute...of course, I love googly eyes.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the safe arrival of your new fur baby!! Her name could not be more perfect and she has fallen on her fluffy paws to have staff as lovely as you two!! Just look at you both smiling there!! Lovely cards too but Nellie steals the show today!! xx
ReplyDeleteHammy in your cards has a scared to death look from running into a giant spider web..lol!!! Sweet photo of you and your new critter, Nellie...you have the same cute smile:-) TFS your fun cards and sweet photo, Dolly. Love and Hugs..Nancy
ReplyDeleteOMG ... cute, cute,cute!! Jane knows you so well and has sent you the BEST stamp set. Love that adorable little guy with his head stuck in the hamster wheel ... so fun, and so clever a design, my friend! Stacking your critters is another fun design. Love that you repeated the sentiment along side.
ReplyDeleteNellie is ADORABLE! A little bundle of softness for you to cuddle! I'm so happy for you both! Love, Lolly
I'm with you on spider webs Darnell, I hate the feeling of it and also the thought that some arachnid might be crawling all over you..aargh! I must also say first what an absolutely adorable little dog and Nellie is such a lovely name too. I'm sure you will have lots of fun with this little sweetie. Now, whether that be a hamster or not, it certainly has the look of a hamster and I adore both versions with this cute little image, and with the googly eyes and the bits of hair sticking out as though full of static, it does look as though it has had a bit of a shock. Hopefully Hammy will not be chewing through any wires and winding up looking a bit like that...lol. Seriously, two great fun cards Darnell, and I am still chewing over what I might do for the challenge. x
ReplyDeleteYour hamster cards are both adorable. I think I am going to sit this challenge out as I am still busy here.
ReplyDeleteBy the way I forgot to say that Nellie is almost as cute as you! What a darling little dog.
ReplyDeleteI know I should probably comment on your cute cards first.....however, Nellie stole the show. What a cutie!!! She's so pretty and I know she's going to bring y'all so much joy. Rambo sends a "paw up" to say hi and welcome!
ReplyDeleteNow, the hamster cards are both adorable and so much fun!
Lynn
You've created a super cute critters twofer. I like the way you started the project - with the lay out designs. :-) It has to fix into my head too!
ReplyDeleteDo you think, spider was happy, as you ruined his work? Perhaps he has also yelled. :-) ... I don't like spider webs in the autumn...
What a cute dog is Nellie! I'm sure you both will have a lot of wonderful time together.
I've missed a few of your posts. :-( Sory, but there is so much happening...
Have a nice day! Hugs, Sonja
Congrats on the new family addition. Nellie's smile is as wonderful as yours. Love the cards, too. Hammy did an expert job picking out those googly eyes.
ReplyDeleteI'll say that this is Hammy and his cousins just making sure they are not forgotten with pretty Nellie around. You look so happy together!
ReplyDeleteAdorable cards and that DOG! I am jealous - she is just adorable. So fun to see you two together. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteSo glad Hammy got to star in a twofer challenge. The spider web yikes that is my nughtmare! eeeew. YOur pup is darling and you two definitely have the same delightful smile!
ReplyDeleteTwo adorable card Darnell and your puppy is just a sweet looking as can be!
ReplyDeleteHe is an interesting little fella...whatever he is!! Two CUTE cards Darnell. I'm curious about the sentiment on the first one. It looks exactly like an image from Precious Remembrance Shop's Positive Thoughts set. I hope someone didn't lift Dyane's work. It seems to be happening more and more to several companies. I don't know who looks happier, you or your new best friend Nellie!! What a sweetheart!!
ReplyDeleteDarling cards, darling dog, and yes you're darling too! Love your cute critters and I'm really hoping I can play before it's too late!
ReplyDeleteBoth cards Darnell are amazing as always l love the embossed background not seen that before and the images used on both cards along with the sentiments too!... ooh my nightmare walking into spiders webs cringing now just thinking about it and it's that time of the year when they want to come indoors not one but two spiders ... and what a sweetie Nellies is she will be good company for the family and yourself hard to believe she is 8yrs old and Hammy's delighted to the new addition too! take care xx
ReplyDeleteTwo fabulous cards Darnell and I can see why Hammy picked that stamp for you to use. Welcome to the new addition to your family.
ReplyDeleteSue xx
They must be Hammy's rowdy relatives, but they sure are cute! Nellie, I just want to cuddle.... what a precious love!
ReplyDeleteTwo amazing cards Dee and what cute critters they are too. But oh my I am in love with Nellie already, give her a stroke from me...what a beauty!!!!;) hugs Vee xx
ReplyDeleteI am completely in love with that stamp, it is adorable. He must have been running fast to turn that wheel over! The great eyes on the stacked group are the cutest. Nellie is so adorable and a sweet picture of you both. I'm loving all these great new blog dogs.
ReplyDeleteAck! So much to love here! Cards first: Adorable!! The stamp has so much character, the designs are great. Love the embossing on the first card. It looks so much like hamster wheels. Perfect! And those googly eyes on the second! Hammy did a great job with those! Okay... #1 love here is Nellie!!! I'm so happy for both of you. Look at that face! She's adorable!! If I was going to have a small dog it would be a Bichon, I think. I adore them. You're in for some heart-melting sweet times. Congratulations on your new family member!
ReplyDeleteALL your critters on this post are so dang cute, Darnell. I love how you used that image on both your cards, and your new dog is adorable. Fun stuff. Hugz
ReplyDeleteIt never ceases to amaze me that we live on opposite sides of the world Darnell, but the same sorts of things are happening - the moon, the spiders, the leaping about yelling! What fab hamster/gerbil-ish makes you have come up with! On your very CAS card, I love the way you've embossed your card front with a circular embossing folder that echoes the hamster wheel, and what a great sediment (both fun card challenges and the less fun kind of challenges make you stronger I think.) Your pile of beautifully coloured hamsters/gerbils are brilliant, along with the pile of thanks - what a fun card that will make the recipient smile. Thanks for such a fun challenge x
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I forgot to mention Nellie! You are like twins with those glorious smiles! How lovely that she has found the right home. Enjoy each other's company :)
ReplyDeleteHammy's 'Friends' are adorable, Darnell, and perfect for your reminder post! I love the circular embossing on your first card and how you colored these darling critters on both designs :)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness...your little Nellie is so CUTE!!! She even looks as though she's smiling for the camera, too! Congrats to you on a great choice for a new fur baby!!! Barb xx
Adorable cards!! Good thing hamsters are quick reproducers so you had enough for card #2! And lucky you--Nellie is such a cutie. Love her smile!
ReplyDeletethese are great cards!
ReplyDeletelovely photo
hugs
Hi Darnell!!! I absolutely love your hamster cards!!! The repeating sentiment to go with the stack of hammies is totally adorable! And googlie eyes--LOL--makes me smile! The embossed background for the first card is perfect for the lonely hamster (I guess I just assumed he's lonely-Haha!).
ReplyDeleteOh my how exciting for Nellie!! I'm sure she could not be in a better home! I wish we lived close to each other because I'd bring my Baxter (a Maltese) over to play--he would LOVE it! She's a beautiful pup!! Have fun with her! Many hugs!!!!
Thanks for sharing your lovely cards with us at Crafty Animals. Lisa DT
ReplyDeleteGreat cards and what a fun stamp! I have never seen a gerbil/guinnea pig stamp before but have had both as pets when my kids were younger. So these brought a smile to my face. The circular embossing was a great touch as well. Thanks for joining the Lost Coast Design Challenge.
ReplyDeleteVery well done Darnell!!! :D You rock! :D
ReplyDeleteNot only for the two stunning critters cards, so fun and striking, but especially to have opened your home to that sweet furry friend that was in need! You both are so happy and lovely, and have the same smile LOL :D
Big hugs to you and a lot of cuddles to Nellie!
What fun cards and I so enjoyed reading your post. What a kind gift too. I think it looks like a mad Hammy x Yes the photo of you and the adorable Nellie do look rather similar....LOL x Hammy of course will always be top assistant x
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, these are super cute cards Auntie! The hamster wheel is perfect for your critter to be looking through. Love that embossing folder too. The sentiment is perfect and so true. Your twofer cracks me up! I love this critter stacked up like that and Hammy did a great job of giving each critter personality with the google eyes. Love how you repeated the sentiment too. OMGosh!!!! Your little girl is adorable!!!! Wouldn't she and Di's little guy have fun together?! How sweet of you to take little Nellie in, she sure looks like she has been with you from pup on. Loving both of your smiles-Nellie certainly looks very happy in her new home! Bless your heart of gold for taking this precious girl in and giving her a loving home Auntie!! Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDeleteLife is short and sometimes things in life are just meant... welcoming Nellie into your home just wonderful Darnell...yep looks like a delightful being just like her mum..Enjoy. Great Twofer cards by the way, a hamster collection you just have the most fantastic story telling streak, love them both....hugs Robyn
ReplyDeleteLove the smiles! Nellie is gorgeous what beautiful girls.
ReplyDeleteThe cards are fab too :)
What a cute little dog!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you didn’t
have to go through the puppy
stage. Both cards are so fun
and creative.
Love your hamster twofers. That hairy hamster is so funny. Love the dog too. So cute. Thanks for joining the fun at the Lost Coast Portal to Creativity Challenge. Hugz
ReplyDeleteI see you have an invasion of the Hammy's family at home. It must be fun :-) Great two cards, in the first card the background seems to reflect the dizziness of your hamster ... Great inspirations
ReplyDeleteYes, Hammy could feel threatened. The flash in your eyes reveals that you fell in love with Nellie
hugs,
BożenA
Hello, hello...your critter cards are fabulous, but the photo of you and Nellie completely steals the show! So thrilled that this little pooch has found a warm, welcoming, wonderful home with you! She is sooooo adorable and her smile reveals just how happy she is! Cuteness galore!
ReplyDeleteYes...I've been MIA for a long time...cards, cycling duties (Andy's, not mine) and Lily who, we've learned through a very, very, very long process, has IBD (as well as separation anxiety, which means no leaving her home alone. Working with a trainer...or rather, have been. All the desensitizing on hiatus until we get tummy sorted). I'm home cooking for her and we're still a long way from getting her to a 'full' diet that her ultra sensitive tummy can handle. She is super sweet, affectionate, energetic and spunky...even when she has icky flare-ups. Thank heavens we have a fabulous resource in our vet and her staff!
Sending hugs galore~c
Dolly, OMG I'm so excited to see your new addition to the family. I'm sure she will be besties with Hammy, just make sure Hammy's toys are kept safely out of the way, we don't want a repeat of Tika's antics:)
ReplyDeleteLove your cards those Hamsters are adorable.
Oh wow--you're a doggy momma!! Big congrats to Nellie on finding you guys! She is so cute & how wonderful she's settled in quickly. Has she met the granddogs yet? I love your adorable cards!
ReplyDeleteFour stars of the show, Darnell ... Hammy on the twofers (those google eyes are a riot!) that are so cute ... you ... and the adorable Nellie! You already know how great I think that photo is ... she looks as though she's going to be such fun! LYAMYMCA ... HDW! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)
ReplyDeleteOh yuk to the cobweb incident, I would have reacted in the very same way!!
ReplyDeleteThe critter cards are fabulous, I especially love the embossed one, it is beautiful.
Now I understand about the photo you sent! Nellie is just the most adorable little dog, her face is beautiful and she has such a happy 'smile' too. What a lucky dog she is to have found such a wonderful forever home, she must be counting her blessings!
Hugs, Annie xxx
Adorable cards, Darnell! Hammy must be relieved for having so many helpers, since you are both "overachievers" in what concerns to making and sending happy mail :)!
ReplyDeleteNellie is the cutest thing! I don't know about all dogs and their owners looking alike, but I'm sure she is in the right place to have a wonderful life.
Wonderful cards Darnell - and Nellie is totally adorable! She's landed on all four paws with you and Kevin as her new hoomans!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Di xx
OMG!!! You have a new baby!! How adorable is she!! Yeah you do look pretty darn gorgeous too!
ReplyDeleteLove your cards Darnell and I'm so jealous of your new addition but very happy for you all. xxx
First I must say; what an adorable dog! And jah; you fit beautiful together! So good that youcould come to the reacue!
ReplyDeleteGlad that Hannie isnit feeling left out; has posted so good for the stamp that you used so different, but both beautiful! Hugs, Gerrina
Love both the cards. The critters are just too cute! And Nellie is such a beauty! Great to see you in our gallery and hope you will join us again soon! Please do visit my blog Paint Paper Scissors for more inspiration.
ReplyDeleteNandini – Design Team member, Rainbow Card Challenges!
I finally made time to visit this older post and see how Nellie came to be part of your family! What a great smile you both have, it's an adorable picture and I couldn't be happier for you and Nellie for finding the perfect home! She's happy - it clearly shows :) Oh, the twofer cards are cute too, so sorry I'm running so far behind in my commenting. It seems the hurrier I go the further behind I get?!
ReplyDeleteNot sure how I missed this post , but I’m here now! What a lovely photo of you and Nellie, love how she’s smiling too! The cards are great too with the fun critters. xx
ReplyDeleteI saw Di's mention of your new pup on her blog and had to come over to scroll through the posts until I found this one. Oh my goodness...you got a DOG?!!! Now you're not only a dog-auntie, but a dog owner now too. What a sweetie Nellie is..and that photo of the two of you is darn adorable!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that she's settled right in, after having several homes in the past two years. She must be a really resilient dog, and is lucky to have found you and the Mister.
My dog, Toby, is a maltese-poodle mix so he looks very much like Nellie. So you know I have a thing for fluffy, small white dogs. Congrats on your new addition.