Hello, my dear Stamplings!
I hope that you are having (or had) (or are about to have) a great day whatever you do (or did). Can you imagine how irritating it would be if I did my whole post that way? I won't. But I'm tempted.
The reason I'm tempted is because I'm really, really punchy right now. The Mister and I have been kept up every night for four nights by a rotten critter under our house. It's a small house so every scratch and movement of a pebble sounds like a monster is about to burst through the floorboards and devour us in our sleep. (Gee, sorry if you are reading this at bedtime!) The soonest exterminator we could find isn't available until Monday.😫
Always something! But, never mind. A card will take your mind off that.
I used one of my many Nestability label dies for the aperture on this cute card done up in black on a pink card base. Gosh and golly, I think I have every size of those labels and I never think to use them. (Slap!) I heat-embossed the sediment (from PTI) using SU's blushing bride e/p. The little dog is an ancient button I've had in my stash for years. Hammy added the little bone from Doodle Bug . . .
Challenges
- AAA Birthday: For a child.
- Seize the Birthday: No toppings.
- Watercooler Wednesday: Helen's all about occasions.
. . . There is a story behind this card. One of my nieces recently lost her beloved Chesapeake Bay Retriever and to help fill the loss, she got this darling little dog:
She's a Havanese and her name is Mimi. She only weighs four pounds now, but she'll get to seven or eight pounds. Quite a change from an 80 pound dog, eh? Can you believe those eyebrows? They karack me up!
Here's a closeup of the button:
You'll see that I colored the tan button with my black marker, except for the snout, eyebrows, and paws to make the button look as much like Mims as I could make it, if you ignore the ears. I had a lot of fun creating this card to make it personal for Katherine.
So now we have three Bichons in the family: our Nellie, my niece's Mimi, and her mom's dog, Cisco. We safely got together with them last week for a quick visit and photo op!
Stop it! How cute is that? They are bred to dance on their back feet, even as puppies! You're entirely welcome! You can come back and look at it anytime you get out of shorts.
Twofer
This very QACAS Christmas card was created using Altenew's Vibrant Spray Die Cut Tape! It's a Washi tape in sticker form. I ordered it after seeing my friend Di make a beautiful batch of cards using it. It comes in a wide large roll. I laid a strip of it down the center of a heavy 8.5 by 11 white card and then I cut that down the middle of the tape to get two front panels. I was able to make 64 Christmas cards with one roll of tape!
I know there are roses on the design, but I thought it would work just fine for a Christmas design because the colors are Christmassy. The sediment is from Happy Little Stampers. And you know who 🐹 has spent the last several weeks carefully placing three little sequints on each card, bless his crafty little heart!
Challenges
- Altenew Washi Challenge: Wild with Washi contest.
- Just Add Ink: Inspiration photo. I thought the colors were perfect.
- Krafty Chicks: Christmas.
~~~
Enjoy your day and have a great weekend! No, seriously, enjoy, but be safe! LITS!*
Can someone please tell me when the Medicare commercials will STOP???!
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!)
Mimi is so sweet! Even with those 'old man brows'. :) The shot of the three of them together ... ADORABLE!!! I will definitely be back when I need a dose of sweetness.
ReplyDeleteTwo awesome cards. That doggie button is so cute and he looks great inside the die-cut shape label. And beautiful Christmas cards, my friend. I can see why you had to buy this washi tape, it's so gorgeous. 64 cards --- way to go!! Love, Lolly
Hi Darnell,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read that you have a critter (or critters) under your home and I hope the exterminator is able to restore your peace of mind at his visit on Monday.
FAB card with your little doggy on and a glorious Christmas card too.
The pix of doggies are (of course) terrific and I hope your nieces Havanese pup will soon be doing zoomies like the only other Havanese I know (the lovely Dudley) - gotta love those eyebrows too - my last three dogs have all had those little tan brows too, so sweet!
Happy Saturday
Kathyk
Sorry to hear about the unwanted critter under your house. Gorgeous pooch pics though and the card you made is brilliant. That die cut tape looks like a handy addition to the stash
ReplyDeleteI am about to go to sleep Darnell and I read that!!! Thankfully my house is well off the ground, and my cat keeps unwelcome (four footed) guests away. Pity he can't quell the local parties as efficiently!!
ReplyDeleteLoving your wee dog card - that is fabulous, and Hammy chose well with the bone! How busy he has been with all those sequints - great job Hammy!
I am not a dog person, but those three wee ones look gorgeous
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine
What a cute button, perfect sat in the center of the frame, bet the real life one wont sit that still! The washi tape looks beautiful and 64 cards, way to go!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your critter problem, as we live in the country surrounded by fields, we get the odd unwelcomed visitor in the garden but we have a solid floor and no roof space, so no probs there for us. We are inundated by pesky spiders indoors this year though, perhaps they are isolating too. I dusted yesterday morning, yes don't fall over, and when I went to turn the lamp on last night I got entangled in webs!
Keep safe and sane. :)
I love your gorgeous card for your niece using that beautiful button and the wonderful Christmas card too. Hope that you manage to get rid of your visitor soon.
ReplyDeleteSue xx
Two great cards and 3 great doggies! Love the eyebrows on Mimi, I agree! LOL Great washi tape on the Christmas card and good on you for making 64 cards from one roll of tape! Hope your critter is gone soon so you can get back to peaceful sleep again! Take care!
ReplyDeleteOh goodness! Wonderful cards and darling puppies? How did we ever get so lucky! I'm so sorry for the loss of the beloved pup. I'm sure this sweetie will help ease the sorry. Cannot get over that sweet face. Awww. You are so sweet to make a card in her honor. The washi tape card is lovely! You got a lot of cards from that roll! Wow. Golly, I'm so sorry to hear of the critter keeping you up all night. That's terrible. I hope you get lots of rest after its evicted! As for Medicare commercials...that's so we don't notice the end of the political ads. Something new to be annoyed with. I believe the deadline is December 7th or some such. Got a few more weeks! Ugh. Always something...Please take care, my friend. Maybe you can squeeze onto the Playhouse floor for sleeping til next week?
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful when you get to use something you have had in your stash for a long time. I am referring to the button but it i also good that you used those nesting dies too. I really love the pink and black, the recipient will absolutely love this card. As for your twofer, what an amazingly clever way to make 64 cards, a brilliant idea, bet you are glad you had Hammy's help when you decided to add sequins!I have tried to make simple Christmas cards but about 10 the same is the most I can manage. Well done you xx
ReplyDeleteI love these cards, Darnell. The washi tape is so beautiful and the dog pin card is perfect for your niece. The sweet little dogs are just the cutest. I hope you are rid of the critter soon. Enjoy the weekend by napping during the day, if that works.
ReplyDeleteLove your cards Darnell, glad you showed a close up of the sweet puppy card and I am so impressed with the Christmas card - gorgeous and fast, I will have to consider that for next year. Sorry to hear about your critter, I always say you can handle anything if you get your sleep, hope you can get some naps before Monday my friend.
ReplyDeleteMimi is absolutely adorable and what a thoughtful and special card you made for Katherine x.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me about the stash of nestabilities....Trends sure do come and go x.
Sorry about the visitor under your home. Lack of sleep can sure make us less patient, shall we say?
Thank you too for sharing the super cute photo of the adorable three bichons...Nellie is looking like she is showing the two puppies how to do it x.
What a showstopper of a Christmas card and well done you and hammy for making 64 with the one roll of beautiful tape x.
Keep safe and well and sending hugs x
Hi Darnell, What a littl cutie.
ReplyDeleteCards are fab.
Hope you have a lovely day. Sue
Fun cards and such a cute pup! I have been eyeing that washi tape. Might need to swing by there and look at it again.
ReplyDeleteHi Darnell,
ReplyDeleteoh my word that is so horrible for you no sleep and having to wait for the exterminator.
No wonder you feelcranky.
It's like a tail from a horror movie and I living alone would be mortified.
Loving your wonderful cards especially the dog one it looks like Radley Bag one, and your Christmas one is really pretty and what gorgeous washi tape.
Little Mimi is such a very sweet addition to your Niece's household and already she looks a character too.
Fab photos of the other sweet dogs as well.
Hopefully all will be sorted out quickly with what ever critter is keeping you awake.
Lots of crafty love and hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.
Nothing worse than not getting sleep...hope they find the critter soon...
ReplyDeleteMimi is so adorable you could just scoop her up in your arms....
Your little dog card is so cute love the pink against the black it really pops out... the washi tape looks interesting...lovely Christmas card... Stay safe
Anne
I guess Bichons aren't good for rousting unwanted critters. You need to get yourself a good huntress cat! Your card is darling. Dare I say, cute as a button even! Stay safe (if you want), stay healthy (again, if you want and why wouldn't you want to?) and be happy (cuz I said so!)
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous cards Darnell, see, there was a reason you kept that darling button for so long!! Such a lovely snap of the cute dancing trio...adorable and baby Mimi is just so cute. Hope the pest chap gets rid of that little varment for you xx
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your niece on her new havenese, Mimi. We just got our Tito 5 weeks ago. Our first havenese and he is such a joy. So much fun and loves to dance.
ReplyDeleteWell the doggies have stolen the show Darnell, they are all so sweet, and the puppy is totally adorable. How wonderful they all get along together, great photos.
ReplyDeleteYour card are fabulous, beautifully designed and coloured, take care, Kate x
Not sure why I am having deja vu with this card., but it is beautiful...oh wait I just remembered. This getting older sucks. In anycase it is flat out beautiful. Love the design and what a smart way of getting a whole bunch of cards.
ReplyDeleteLove both cards, Pups and Roses -- what's not to love here! I also love that you COLORED a button - what a feat.
ReplyDeleteAs for the pups, they're wonderful and keep us sane in these times -- I know I hug all those available to me :o)
Give your niece a hug from me :( Mimi must have been a wonderful friend and family member. The perfect card to remember her with.
ReplyDeleteYour Washi tape card is a perfect QCAS cards for Christmas. Love that stuff :)
Gorgeous card Darnell! Thank you so much for joining us at Krafty Chicks Challenge this week!!
ReplyDeleteA Havanese...I had a friend who got a puppy and since then I've wanted one. They're so sweet...love their little faces. Of course, love all those soft, fluffy, cuddly canines. Sweet of you to make a darling card welcoming her to the family. Also, 64 cards!!!! I thought I was doing well but now I feel like a lazy bum. I do love that vibrant tape, though. It's so festive and pretty.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are just so beautiful, but I'm afraid they are outdone with the dog and her eyebrows, sooooo adorable. The Bichons are so cute. I hope you get some sleep tonight?
ReplyDeleteFaith x
Two wonderful card designs. And those puppies are so cute. Hope your critter under the house is soon gone.
ReplyDeleteLOL, the Medicare commercials will stop when open enrollment ends. At least the political ads have stopped. They were just short of driving me nuts!
ReplyDeleteMimi is adorable and so is your card! Love that button and how you personalized it to look like Mimi! What fun to get all three of the pooches together!
Gorgeous Washi tape and awesome Christmas cards done with it! It puts me in mind of our Washi experience last year. Fond memories that make me chuckle!
How is Nellie handling the critter??!! Your cards are as delightful as ever, but I think little Mimi steals the show today! Oh my word, the memories of our little Max as a puppy came flooding back. She sure looks an awful lot like a miniature schnauzer puppy. She has the same white markings that he did... those eyebrows! Her tail is longer, but wowza! Thanks for the memories today ~XO
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable new member of the family!
ReplyDeleteLove the personalised card too.
Two super cards, Darnell. What a fabulous doggie button on your first card! The washi tape is perfect for a Christmas card on your second card.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the photo of those three bundles of joy. Hope you get rid of the little critter under your house soon. I've no idea what sort of critter it is, but it sounds scary!! xx
A very smiley post Darnell, adorable doggie family and your niece's card is brilliant. That is some fabulous washi tape and yes quick and easy for 64 cards wow... time to write mine up this week especially OS ones... enjoy your weekend hugs Robyn
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute little dog! I like the photo of three of them dancing on their back feet. :-) Your card with the dog button is just awesome. It will be a great memory for your niece when she got Mimi. I have to admire your idea of using this lovely washi tape on Christmas cards. 64? Seriously? You are the best! :-)
ReplyDeleteStay safe! Hugs, Sonja
Ack!!!! How cute is Mims!!?? I will definitely be back for puppy pics on my bad day. 64 Christmas cards with that washi tape? Score!! What a great idea Darnell. Thanks for the inspiration - and the puppy pic.
ReplyDeleteCute puppy card and the puppies too. I love the washi tape, way cool.
ReplyDeleteCritters. Yikes! We had creepy noises above our bedroom ceiling. After much investigation and me sleeping in front bedroom we finally had the gardener trim the tree. The branches were touching our roof tiles and the creepy RATS were doing something up there. Of course Cal never heard them. Good luck. :) Barb
I want to know what kind of critter is under the house. I really do.
ReplyDeleteThat new puppy has eyebrows just like C. Aubrey Smith who is one of my favorite actors in the movie Little Women.
Lovely cards, I think. I'm sure they were. I got so busy reading about the puppy and the critter that I already forgot. And the picture of the new puppy and all of the dogs was great. [Bunny]
Oh no about the critter! I hope it gets all taken care of on Monday! Your card is so cute, as are the puppies. Love the Christmas card, too. The sentiment font is awesome!
ReplyDeleteFab pair of cards and darling trio of doggies, Darnell - really made me smile!! Oh no - any critter sightings or is it an unknown breed? A Mickey or Minnie (that's what a friend always calls them) visited my house when I had two cats. They didn't stand for that, I tell you!! Anyway, happy hunting!!
ReplyDeleteOh my! Mimi is just so cute and the pictures of all three together are adorable.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous twofer as always. Love the doggy button, looks great in the pink and black. And the washi tape design looks so pretty.
Hope you get your critter problem sorted soon xx
OMG!! Those little dogs are so adorable!!! And I just LOVE your doggie card! It's amazing and the black with the cut out... Just fabulous! The lovely die cut tape on your twofer is so pretty and works perfectly for a Christmas card. I sincerely hope you get your critter problem sorted and get some sleep! Be safe be well... sending hugs
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your adorable card with us at Watercooler Wednesday! Those real dogs are adorable too! Bummer about that nasty thing keeping you awake at night, I hope that gets sorted real soon!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous and alternate Christmas card Darnell...love your take on our Just Add Ink inspiration. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou and Hammy sure know how to charm us all with that cute pup card, Darnell ... and the photo's of the real cuties ... just adorable! Brilliant idea using the washi for Christmas cards ... it might not be what it was originally intended for, but it works beautifully ... 64 stunners! Hope tomorrow's exterminator will get rid of the beast(s) quickly so you can both get some restful sleep! LYAMYEDMA ... HYHAHDWTF! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)
ReplyDeleteOh Dee how annoying about having that critter under your house roaming around. Hope you can get it gone soon. Reminds me when we had a nest of bees next in our wall right next our bedroom...yikes what a noise and they don't sleep ever I find either! protected too so we had to wait until they decided to leave...worst weeks ever! Now onto your cards, both fabulous as always. The cute doggies look so adoreable too, can I pinch one (bats eyelashes) ;) hugs Vee xx
ReplyDeleteThat button is almost as adorable as the real deal! Those Mimi eyebrows, tee hee -- LOVE! The three of them together are almost too much cuteness in one place! That washi tape is gorgeous and it's fantastic that you made 62 cards from a roll, but what a great idea you had and so wonderfully easy! Hammy had the most tedious and time consuming job of all with the sequins. I've made many a card with Christmas roses using the old Flourishes and now Power Poppy stamps. This card looks very Christmas-y! Good luck with your critter. We are on an every other month schedule with an exterminator because of itty bitty ants. On each visit they'll do anything we ask in regard to critters of any kind, and a couple of nights I've heard something when I go into my bathroom. In the ceiling, maybe? It's a horrible thought!
ReplyDeleteYour card is the cutest! And that puppy button...swoon! I would have a hard time parting with that button. Have a great week and thanks for joining us at Watercooler Wednesday. Karen
ReplyDeleteSorry for your bad sleep. Are you sure that the critter isn't a gracious hedgehog, a cute squirrel or a sweet dormhouse?
ReplyDeleteTwo fabulous cards and three lovely doggies! Mimi is too much adorable!!
Hugs
Sorry to hear that a local creature's nocturnal parambulations are keeping you awake at night Darnell and hope that the exterminator can catch it or maybe it will choose to go and annoy someone else instead..lol. Seriously, it must be driving you mad! What a wonderful card and love the little button, it does have the look of a scottie dog, and the pink background and surrounding black card really make it pop, and some lovely coordinating EP for the sentiment too. The Altenew reels of washi tape are just gorgeous and great that you managed to make 64 cards with it. This border does have a Christmas look in those beautiful bright colours and love the large sentiment and some pretty sequins, thoughtfully place by the lovely 'H'. x
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you for the puppydog pictures! They do make me feel joyful looking at them! The card for your niece is a treasure--so special! I'm totally in love with the Washi card! It is gorgeous tape & perfect for Christmas in my book! We've got a break from the rain--wish it was down your way now.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are amazing!! I LOVE the little dog!! I am envious of all your pups. We lost Zack this fall and miss him terribly. I am trying to find TWO dogs to replace him-a puppy and a dog a little older than him. We need some snuggles and love in our house!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your inspiration!!
Sorry you've been kept awake but it's clearly not hampered your crafting - this car is adorable just like your niece's little pup. Thanks for joining us at the Watercooler Wednesday Challenge this week. Tristan DT.
ReplyDeleteYour sweet dogie card and beautiful Christmas card are so nicely done.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing the pictures of your cute "doggies"
The puppers are so cute! Bet they got lots of treats at your get-together. Who could refuse those sweet faces. Your little doggy card in black and pink is sure to please. The buttom is a sweet focal point. I've not seen the wide patterned washi tape, so I may have to go on a little web-side hunt. Stay healthy, stay safe!
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute dog card! And your real dogs are adorable as well! Thanks for joining our AAA Birthday challenge!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards and pooches, Darnell xoxo
ReplyDeleteYou might possibly have come up with an idea for making the quickest Christmas cards ever - and it's a gorgeous design too! Brilliant! And cute dog card.
ReplyDeleteA critter under your house doesn't sound like fun! Maybe by Monday or sooner he or she will sense it's pending doom and scurry away. I love your gorgeous card for your niece using that cute button and the wonderful Christmas card washi tape too. The puppy though....OMG is just what I needed today! Those eyebrows!!! All the pups seem as cute as can be. Thanks for sharing something happy with us and for linking up at Seize the Birthday! Stay safe! On a side note...My son moved to Santa Cruz...did he just go farther from you or closer?
ReplyDeleteThe cutest ever little puppy and your card matches it too. Thanks for playing at AAA Birthday, hope to see you join in with future challenges too. Stay safe and keep crafting!
ReplyDeleteLove the black. Love how you decorated the button. Love your cute dancing dogs. Hugz
ReplyDeleteWow, beautiful card. I love the vibrancy and the white space makes it pop all the more. What a sweet puppy party and so nice they were able to bring their moms along for a visit. Sending hugs from the mid-west.
ReplyDeleteOMG, I wouldn’t be able to sleep with something scurrying round under the house! I hope the pest person managed to capture it for you.
ReplyDeleteI love your thoughtful, personalised card for your niece, and well done with those eyebrows. Well done, too, on creating 64 Christmas cards from washi stickers. And well done Hammy for blinging them up 🐹
Oh, and thanks for playing along with us at Seize The Birthday 🥳
What wonderful cards Darnell - and you're right - the vibrant Altenew tape is so perfect for Christmas. Thank goodness I lost the plot and bought a second one a while back - set up for next Christmas now! And those sweet dancing doggies, what joy - if Dudley wasn't asleep (on OUR bed) I'd pick him up to peer at the screen and say hello). See my Sunday Snippets post for more about why they dance - and you will want to hold your beloved pooches even closer than ever. Such a happy post - and I hope your critter under the house isn't a skunk! Tell Kevin to stop crawling round like that as well! It won't be good for his back.
ReplyDeleteLove, Di xx
With all three dogs dancing for treats, who do you reward first?! I vote for Mimi first, because well....one look at those eyebrows and it's all over.
ReplyDeleteLove that CAS card with the fancy washi tape. I have to say that I would have walked right on by the die cut washi business, and never known how to use it. Now that I saw your version (inspired by Di), I think I need some too.
I’m over from Dis Darnell she’s mentioned your puppies and now I know why. How cute are they?. Love your three you just had to get together for that photo shoot well done
ReplyDeleteYou’d laugh! . I dreamt the night before I’d been given a pup and I kept forgetting to feed him! Ha! think that would not happen, I’d be reminded!
I laughed at the thought of you writing that post in several tenses all the way through. But trust by now the critter has been exterminated..
I do not like them. Had mice in kitchen and the worst thing was my mousetrap didn’t work properly, so at 2am I had to finish the job with a hammer on a squeaking mouse half caught in trap. Talk about feeling so mean, a murderer ... not conducive to a good nights sleep I so agree.
Love your QACAS as well as the wee button card.
Thanks for sharing, and God bless, Shaz in Oz.x
{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}
Awesome scotty dog card - adorable.
ReplyDelete