Hello Stamplings!
How's it going? We're fine here. We're having some beautiful weather as October comes to a close and it's wonderful to have the windows open during the day and an extra blanket on the bed at night. I haven't seen the lizards for a few days and always miss their antics when they burrow in and take their long winter's nap.
I have a coupla cards to share that I made for challenges that have closed.😒We've all done it. Are we just reading the dates wrong? Are we having blackouts? So flusterating! But never mind, I didn't miss all of them, so wheel Sally Forth.
Onefer
I admit I didn't know where I was going with this one. I made a card last week for the Squash It challenge and I didn't pay close enough attention to the brief (slap!), so I wanted to try again. Hence the silver panel of little triangles representing both geometric and metallic. The e/f is "Linear" from Lifestyle Crafts.
I turned the panel this way and that on each side vertically and horizontally and settled on the top horizontal choice. I was going to add a sketchy circle and nestle some stems in it for another challenge, but when I was looking for that circle, I ran across this circle with banner (MFT) and it starting shouting, "Pick me! Pick me!" You know, like they do.
I found a sediment from Fiskars that I could wiggle a little to fit the scroll and I heat-embossed it in silver. At that point, the hamster noted we hadn't used a critter on a card in a while so we turned down that path. We finally agreed on this cute leaping reindeer from "Jingle All the Way" by Mama Elephant because it looked perfect jumping through the stacked circle. Hammy finished him off with some winking and a little glossification on the cute nose and jingle bell and I added a shadow.
Challenges
- ABC Christmas: U or V. I used V for vixen (deer).
- Jingle Belles: Not a creature was stirring.
- Rudolph Days: A/G Christmas.
- Squash It!: Geometric and Metallic. Gail and Jo have started this fun new challenge to encourage us to use those embossing folders we often ignore. I love their badge! I hope you add it to your list of challenges and join in!
Twofer
I used The Paper Players sketch as the starting point for this card. The coffee cup is from "Hot Concoctions" by Paper Smooches, the female figure is from GKW, and the sediment is from PTI.
To make easy frames for the triple images, I used my matching SU markers and a ruler to draw on the frames in sort of straight lines. Getting narrow paper mats to line up can be quite fiddly, so I avoided all that bit by drawing them on. With the chaos in this country over the election, I'm on my last nerve. Hammy, on the other hand, is doing his best impression of a cool cucumber and he glossified the three hearts without shaking a bit. Ah, youth!
Challenges
- Day of the Month Card Club: Coffee.
- Paper Players: Sketch below.
- Shopping Our Stash: Hot drinks for cold nights.
Humor
Happy Halloween to those who celebrate! Our town is strongly discouraging Trick or Treating because of Covid, so this will be the first time in 44 years that we haven't handed out candy. The upcoming holidays aren't looking good either, so we just have to think of this as The Lost Year of 2020 and find ways to lift our spirits. [I don't having any trouble lifting mine🍹!] I found this on FB.
~~~
Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy, and keep safe! 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!
*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!)
I’m playing catch-up with my blog visiting and just scrolled through your blog looking at all your recent wonderful creations. I’ve missed some challenge deadlines too lately, probably due to the fact that I often forget what month it is, so no chance of remembering the date! Autumn is well and truly here, we seem to have non-stop rain for the last few day. Yesterday a crack lightening was so loud, I nearly jumped out of my skin! Looking out at the rain this morning, it looks like it’s going to be another crafty day inside.... every cloud has a silver lining. 😊 xx
ReplyDeleteLove your joyful little reindeer, Darnell! So happy to see you here at Let's Squash It again. Love you other make too. Coffee with friends would be lovely, Jo x
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell, Fab cards.
ReplyDeleteWe have wet and cold weather at the moment. Our summer just wasn't long enough. Everyone seems to think winter will be dreadful.
I don't do Halloween and only once did I have anyone trick or treating. Christmas will be difficult for those who usually have a housefull, as that won't be allowed. I'd normally go to my friend for Christmas Day, but I won't this year. I'm ok with being here with my girls, watching rubbish on the TV and eating things I really shouldn't:) LOL
Hope you have a nice day. Sue
Such a cute reindeer and love the unique design!! Great second card, too! Coffee with friends is always a great treat!! And, I had to giggle with the Halloween funny...sums it up right...no need for Halloween after wearing a mask this long and eating treats, lol!! Thanks for sharing it!! Take care, hugs!!
ReplyDeleteI keep missing Twofer! Didn't this month but that was more by luck than management.
ReplyDeleteThese are two great makes.. I'd like to squash something but it ain't an EF! Viruses please line up. My EF's though could be used for Halloween decorations as they're covered in cobwebs so maybe I might dust them off - likely will miss this month's deadline but you never know I may make the January one!!!
I look on the impending Christmas this way - miss this one to ensure you are here for the next!
Stay safe in the Playhouse Dolly! xxx
Lovely cards, Darnell. That reindeer is cute and the challenge is a good idea for the e/f we all had to have, right? Good luck! The second card is wonderful, such a sweet sentiment. This year is definitely one for living creatively isn't it? Hang in there, sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteFun cards Darnell and thanks for pointing me to the Squash it girls, do love an EF.
ReplyDeleteGlad the weather is more to your liking, sadly here we are in for another deluge curtesy of Hurricane Zena and her playing with the jet stream! The grass is so long and wet poor little Max is getting wet from below more than from above! High pressure and frosty days are forecast for sometime next week but that also brings the fog, but I'll take that over the long, grey, miserable ones we have had lately.
We never get trick or treaters, they would have to be v brave or foolhardy to tackle our 1/4mile drive in the dark, never mind that we are a mile from town and at least 1/2mile from our nearest neighbours! Keep safe. :)
Hi Darnell,
ReplyDeleteyour cards are stunning! The first one is classy and the second is very pretty and I get a warm feeling (coffee and friendship...) to look at it.
In The Netherlands it's not an habit to 'celebrate' Halloween. But I've got a message, now Halloween is canceled bij Covid, to make Hallowine instead af Halloween
(humor also)
Gorgeous cards, Darnell... and that last sentiment is soo true! xoxo
ReplyDeleteLOL, I'm still chuckling about the Halloween witticism! It's still a good excuse to get more candy. Just in case :-) Love your squashed diamonds and the circle with the banner! That cute reindeer adds a smile! I admire your steady hand on drawing those frames. I can't cut straight but straight lines are even more of a challenge! Wish we could have a cup of coffee together.
ReplyDeleteWe are practically twins on the missing challenge deadlines front Darnell! I've given up worrying about it now! Your reindeer jumping through the hoop made me smile and I love your coffee card with those impressively drawn frames. The halloween comment is so true it's funny! I don't think dentists will be going out of business any time soon though! Hugs, Vicky x
ReplyDeleteVery cute cards. Tell Hammy that at first glance I thought you had dressed him in reindeer antlers and he was running around the wheel. Your coffee with friends is great, even if it has to be virtual these days. So glad your weather has cleared of smoke and you can breath fresh air again,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great card for the Squash It challenge. Perfect geometric embossing folder and that cute reindeer having fun. I can't get over those perfectly straight lines drawn with a ruler. That is so impressive and something I could never do. Fun design to go along with the sentiment. I agree I don't need another day to celebrate eating candy. I was pretty good this year only because I am ordering my groceries and I don't want them to think bad of me.
ReplyDeleteI don't know where I'm going either...I could use a good 'slap,' too. I like the direction you went with your fun and festive Christmas card. The metallic top half looks amazing! And you and Hammy did a bang up job with little Rudy. Very sweet! Your coffee card is stunning. Seriously stunning. I love that you went with a rich, deep blue as your accents and sentiment. I'm calling winner-winner-chicken-dinner! CAS and simply gorgeous!!! My city, as well as hosts of others in the state, have called off trick-or-treating, and I feel bad for all those little kids. And the parents who raid the treat bags once the little ones are snug in their beds! As always, great post and fabby cards dear friend. Missing you and wishing we were neighbors. xo Bev
ReplyDeleteI’ve missed some challenges as well and especially lately. But once I feel more energized I hope to join in more. I love both the cards you made too. That reindeer is darling. And like you I will be happy when the political agenda cools down.
ReplyDeleteGlad y'all are having great weather and can open the windows once again. Although plenty of fires still going on out west, it is just so sad. And hurricanes in the deep south. Breaks my heart that some have been hit by 4 of them. There is no mercy this year it seems. Procrastination and memory issues are my problems with challenges. The mind....it really going it feels like and I think it is because we are all staying home and not able to get out and socialize like we used to. Your little reindeer card is adorable! I love the embossing and I love that circle banner die. But that little reindeer just steals the whole show. Your twofer is so fun, don't we wish we could gather with friends for a cuppa cuppa?! I will get together with two friends as they stay home like I do for the most part. We are all high risks, so it is a no brainer for us, plus if we do go out, we wear our mask and keep our hand sanitized. Even though I hate the sanitizers. The rectangles around each image really draws the eyes in and I really like it. You did a great job with them. Hammy also did a great job with his winking on the first card and glossification on both cards. I'm so ready for politics to be over. The ads are driving me nuts on tv, so I have turned it off and just listen to music. Music makes me happy so better off with that! Halloween is on here which surprised me. Again, common sense goes a long way in this pandemic. I don't get any trick or treaters, so that won't change with me. Love that sign at the end, so funny but so dang true! 😘💖 Brenda
ReplyDeleteOne cute and fabulous Happy holidays card Darnell....loving the dry metallic embossing and what a super cute little deer x. Well done you with drawing the frames on your coffee and friends card x. Great design layout and a great sentiment too x. Thank you for the funny at the end....so very true x.
ReplyDeleteI Love your little reindeer, he seems (to me) like he is swirling around the circle, it's such a happy card with lots of shine. Your coffee card is really lovely, I admire your straight drawn lines, that's patience and a great result methinks. As for the challenges, I enter then forget to check the results, not that it matters, BUT, one day I may win LOL. Love your Halloween sign. We have been told no Halloween or Guy Fawkes night, when we light bonfires and let of fireworks. We are in complete lockdown.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your candy LOL.
Faith x
Definitely, no need to have an excuse to drink, eat and wear the masks. My daughter has been making and sending the happy ones to me regularly...therefore, meeting her Christmas present requirements early. Anyway, lovin' the way Vixen is jumping through hoops. Also, think you're pretty amazing drawing your own frames. See, I could never do that. I am impressed with your measuring skills.
ReplyDeleteI love the Halloween funny. I had to send it to some friends. Your card is adorable. Love your creativity. Good luck with the challenges. Enjoy your day.
ReplyDeleteI can always guarantee a giggle when I visit here and today is no different .... love the halloween ditty. I'm considering decorating the Christmas tree instead of celebrating all things spooky, although hubby does say October is a little bit too early ..... bah humbug!!
ReplyDeleteTwo super cute cards by the way .... love the little reindeer, and you can't beat coffee with friends.
Stay safe and well ..... and don't eat too much candy!! xx
Love both of your cards but especially the friend and coffee one. I don't drink coffee, but sure would with you, if only... Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are wonderful Darnell and I enjoy your description of your creative process, it always gives me a good chuckle! The card for the Players challenge is fabulous, a perfect CAS card with a wonderful sentiment, and of course your impressive hand drawn rectangles! Thanks so much for joining us this week!
ReplyDeleteDarling cards, Like the die cut, cute image and the metallic embossing on the first, and the second one is oh so true and like the hearts you added!
ReplyDeleteGreat take on the sketch and the perfect sentiment and image for our challenge! Thanks so much for a great submission to Shopping Our Stash!
ReplyDeleteHugz,
Chana Malkah, DT
Gorgeous cards Darnell. Love that triangle pattern and cute little deer. Thanks for joining the fun at Let's Squash It! Hugz
ReplyDeleteIt happens often to me too, that I miss challenges. I wonder if the time is running to fast or challenges are to short to enter. :-) You did a great job with embossing folder. I like the card with funny little deer. And the coffee card is perect too. Cute story matches with the sentiment. Thank you for the huor. We all need it in this stupid times.
ReplyDeleteTake care and enjoy perfect weather!
Hugs, Sonja
Can't tell you how many times I've missed a challenge! What's really bad, is there have been times I've had the post drafted up but never hit the publish button. lol Both of your cards are so fun and cute!! :)
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with this wonderful sentiment on your coffee card! You even socially distanced those little toilet women with this humongo coffee cup! Lets just hope they don't both drink from it, LOL!
ReplyDeleteThat crazy little deer seems to having the fun of his life - he probably thinks he is in an amusement park....
Thanks Darnell for joining us at DotMCC - hopefully we will see you again next month, too! Big hugs, Cornelia
Hi Darnell, two fantastic cards, as always you have a way with words - had to ask hubby what day it was today, even though I knew the bins had to go out.. wish the days would slow down to catch up with the slow brain.. never mind- they tell us about raising kids and they don't tell us about aging... so yes LITS.. do what makes you happy and keep on card making, hugs Robyn
ReplyDeleteI love your cute deer leaping over the frame and the sentiment banner attached to it looks great Darnell, and such pretty geometric silver embossing too, then you lovely coffe with friends and clever frames around your two figures and the coffee cup, and lots of pretty winking, and love that funny..really made me smile. x
ReplyDeleteTerrific cards today Darnell! Your FB find is a hoot! Our city is having trick or treat but we've decided not to pass out candy this year...it's just too risky. So are the holidays. We're safe and healthy, that's a blessing. Hopefully 2021 will bring better things for all of us.
ReplyDeleteJust love both your cards, Darnell - the little vixen in the circle looks so cute with the shimmery metallic panel on card one! And I love the dueling coffee cups with the gal between them, clearly torn between which beverage to try :) I'm with you and Halloween - my mask and candy bucket have been with me for too long for Halloween to be special!! Enjoy the day anyway!!
ReplyDeletelove that tiny little reindeer ... so very glad you joined our Creature Feature at Jingle Belles.
ReplyDeleteYour little reindeer jumping through a hoop is so cute. All Santa's reindeer will have to jump through hoops this year in order to get the gifts delivered and not catch that nasty virus. I also liked your coffee card. I miss being able to have coffee with friends. I think I have "lockdown malaise."
ReplyDeleteYour first card is a cutie! Look at that leaping vixen, he's so happy. Your second cup is all too appropriate, wouldn't we all LOVE to blend with our friends and cup of joe?! Great sentiment too.
ReplyDeleteHumor -- SO appropriate! Here here to chocolate (and the large thighs that come with it)!
Thanks for the heads up on a new challenge, love the idea of pulling out my EF's :) Frustrating when you miss the deadline for a challenge.
ReplyDeleteGreat cards, that little deer is adorable, he looks like he's wearing a onesie :)
Adorable cards, Darnell! So clean and fun! And speaking of fun, I LOVED the Halloween quote you shared. Unfortunately...the eating candy part is so true for me! Thank you for playing with The Paper Players this week!
ReplyDeleteYour happy little reindeer us so sweet Darnell..love your coffee card..there’s nothing nicer than a cup of coffee with friends
ReplyDeleteAnne
Love the metallic look of your first card and then the cute image. Adore the sweet friends social distanced and love the glossy hearts!-sending hugs x
ReplyDeleteWonderful cards.
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell,
ReplyDeleteHappy Rudolf Days.
Your cards as always are so wonderfully crafted.
Great designs on both your twofers.
I can realte to your blackout problem time seems to moving so fast at the mo.
I know it's just me getting old and slower but one week seems to invade the next.
Love the Halloween saying it fits me perfectly. lol.
Lots of crafty love and hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.
I'm impressed that you have any gumption at all to craft. I've been struggling with it since June. I am hoping cooler weather and will help along with the need to get Christmas cards done. I've missed quite a few birthdays this year because of this covid apathy; and sadly this might be the one year they'd be appreciated most!
ReplyDeleteYour smashed card is fabulous, the sliver and tringles make a great base for that reindeer. Your coffee card had such great colors and looks perfectly stamped.
Take a breath, hold on, stay safe. Hugs and love.
Glad you’re doing well and able to enjoy the weather again. Wonderful set of cards. Your first one is adorable and the metallic embossed triangles is a standout. A fabulous take on the sketch for your second.
ReplyDeleteI hear ya about those pesky deadlines and I’ve been there many times. 😂
Happy Halloween Eve! Fun FB quote.
Darnell, great job combining the female silhouette images with the perfect sentiment and stamped image. Such a fabulous take on the sketch. So glad you joined us at the Paper Players this week
ReplyDeleteJaydee
Lovely cards Darnell and Hammy excelled himself with the glossing and winking. The silver embossed panel is really striking. We are looking at a nasty wet weekend here. Hope yours is a good one xx
ReplyDeleteGreat use of the metallic embossed background. I would never have thought to put it on the top half of the card, it actually works really well. I am so glad to see the new squash it challenge getting so many entries xx
ReplyDeleteI always feel cheered up when I visit you. I am so pleased that you can open your windows again, it must be a wonderful feeling after all that smoke!
ReplyDeleteThe little reindeer is such a cutey and I really love your friend and coffee card, it is a lovely card to send to a friend for sure.
The Halloween funny is just hilarious - it would be quite sad if it were not actually true! Take care and keep safe and well my friend. Hugs, Annie xxxx
The first card is too danged cute with that metallic embossing and the coffee card is a good one too! Well done on both. I can definitely relate to that little quote at the bottom of today's post too dang it! LOL Happy Treat Day!
ReplyDeleteSuch gorgeous cards.
ReplyDeleteLove the little ME image - they are always so so cute!
I love the tip on drawing the mount! slap on forehead moment here! Great result.
Two fantastic cards Darnell, I love the reindeer on the first. Thank you for joining the Rudolph Days Challenge this month.
ReplyDeleteSue xx
Oh that is so funny!! F/B has some really amusing stuff. We won't be having trick or treat either, we've had a lot of youths causing trouble and there is a police presence in many areas. Fireworks are a nightmare - Kids are throwing them at people, cars and properties. I hate them and wish they were banned, if only for the poor animals. What ever happened to parenting??
ReplyDeleteAll that aside. I love your cards - sorry you missed the metallic challenge. Two fabulous designs, how I wish I could have coffee with friends... Be safe, be well and be happy.
Coffee and friends truly are the perfect blend! Love that cool metallic textured panel on your Christmas card...so cool!
ReplyDeleteTwo fun cards Dolly! Love your adorable reindeer leaping through the circle banner frame. And how cool is that silver metal with the embossing folder. Perfect match! Your coffee and friends card is awesome. Drawing in your thin frames??!! They are perfect! Looks like you and Hammy both had steady hands. Four more days ... it's almost over. Love, Lolly
ReplyDeleteAlways a joy and cheer-up to visit your blog and read of Hammy's antics. The triangles in that embossing folder are fabulous. Keep your witches hat close today~
ReplyDeleteOhhh, at the end I LMAO! That's me in a nutshell, and speaking of nutshells, I'm ready for one due to this election. My stamp room is sanctuary from all things crazy. Fun stuff here today! I miss a lot of challenges. I always want to play in them, but I need a month! You did great with your geometric metallic embossing and bitty reindeer leaping into the circle. That's a cute die with the banner. Your coffee stamps worked out perfectly with the sketch. I remember having coffee with friends. We even managed it on the deck during the summer. Not sure now. It might be a long winter. Perfect job on drawing the rectangles. I like how you alternated the colors. Okay, I'm off (my rocker). Lots to do today. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteFab cards as always!
ReplyDeleteThanks for having a hot beverage with the crew from SHOPPING OUR STASH!
One of those nights where I couldn't sleep - so thought I would catch up on some blog comments. Always love your twofers - especially when Hammy helps with the glittering and accessorizing.
ReplyDeleteNo trick or treaters at our house - our subdivision has no street lights and our house sits at the bottom of a long driveway, so darn I guess hubby and I will just have to eat the candy I bought.
The embossed metallic panel on your first card looks great, as well as the circle with the scroll detail. Even though you didn’t have a clear idea from the start, it turned out well. As for your second card, so cool. Wouldn’t have known you drew those panels if I hadn’t read the post:)
ReplyDeleteMissed challenges - I know them too! In this case, I keep the cards in the hope that there will be another opportunity. LOL
ReplyDeleteCoffee - my stomach doesn't like it, but I love the smell! Luckily, I have a husband who drinks liters of coffee - so I'm always up to my nose in it! Beautiful card Darnell - I love the clean lines!
I also love the little reindeer, it's so cute! ...and the embossed panel, I interpret it as a snowy and frosty fir forest!
Halloween is not one of the big events in France, although it is celebrated! - Bad luck this year, we just went into lockdown last Friday! Love the Halloween sentiment - it's important to keep our spirits up!! ...and it's even more so this year!
Thank you so very much for playing along with us at DotMCC, Darnell!
Keep safe! Big hugs, Rosi
Tow fabulous cards Darnell. That is such a darling little reindeer leaping through the hoop on the first, and Hammy has done an amazing job with his glossificated hearts on the second.
ReplyDeleteAs for missing challenges, that's a regular thing for me! Mojo doesn't seem to want to play anymore. Hope all is well with you xx
Oooo what a great Xmas card design, such an adorable little reindeer and thanks for joining us at October's Rudolph Days Challenge, Luv Sam x
ReplyDeleteCheers, thanks for lifting my spirits 🥃 Darnell!!! I saw that quote a few mornings ago and had to clean the coffee off my screen afterwards - it even came out my nose! We bought candy for Halloween just in case but didn't get any callers so no doubt I'll be dipping into that stash over the next few days while watching your election results unfold.
ReplyDeleteI love your onefer - it's not everyday you see such a cute reindeer jumping through a hoop! And your twofer (are these women queueing up for the lav after drinking too much coffee?)!!
I love the description of your random process in the first - sounds like me:) The first card is super cute and the second so true and stylish!
ReplyDeleteOh where h where is the time going to. Not like I am going out all the time and enjoying myself.stuck indoors and
ReplyDeleteI still catch a bug. I reckon the pigeons are dropping them as they fly over the garden in retaliation for The Doc not allowing them to land. Anyways I digress you have an helection to worry over. Hope Hammy cast his electrol vote. Your squash it card is great using that ef folder. I reckon we have all been guilty of having them stuffed away in a box. Hugs Mrs A.
Hi Darnell, Two lovely cards here. Hope you get the result you want for the election xxx
ReplyDeleteCute creations Darnell! I'm not a coffee drinker, but I adore that coffee card..it is so clean and crisp! Your little Reindeer is cute too! A Kristie update for you-she got to go home last week! Still some issues but things are looking up! ♥ Sue Kment
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh, such lovely cards as always, love that sweet reindeer especially! thanks for joining our Creature Feature at Jingle Belles!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cutie that little reindeer is, Darnell ... looks as those he's dancing on a snazzy stage ... so fun! Cool, graphic look on your coffee card ... with a nice touch of warmth in the kraft ... and didn't Hammy do well with the glossifying ... he's a handy guy to have about! LYAMYEDMA ... LFITF! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)
ReplyDeleteI love your essays on creating your cards. I always have a lot of fun :-) The first card is well designed, I love the metal geometric panel. And the second card is a substitute for meeting the friends we miss so much now. We are left to drink coffee alone, but we can arrange a joint hour :-) You have at least Hammy and Nellie. My cats aren't that social
ReplyDeletexx
Love your cards, Darnell! The metallic embossed triangles look really neat! And yes, I just recently missed a deadline even though I had the card done in time. Writing posts is the problem for me. May have to just post pictures & forget all the blabbering--haha! LOVE the Halloween quote! It was a nice break for me since Halloween is no fun for Fritz when the doorbell keeps ringing. Did miss the little ones, though.
ReplyDelete