Hello Stamplings!
How are you? I hope you are all doing well. It was a sad and moving weekend for this country as we marked the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
I'm still rootling around and uncovering things I wish I had finished and never did and starting new things, without finishing them, so years from now I will discover them and oh, man, it really is a mess up in here.
I'm trying to filter and come up with a plan and there will be more on that in time, but once again, I stopped to enjoy the pleasant distraction of a coupla challenges. I'm hoping to make a few more fall cards, but because I make a lot of Christmas cards, I'm putting my emphasis there ~ seeing as how this year is rocketing by like a firecracker shot from a cannon.
Onefer
For my cards I used a NBUS "From the Vault Poinsettia" wooden stamp from Hero Arts. I'm sorry that I seem to be in a rut with my direct-to-stamp inking lately, but I love how simple, easy, and effective it is. I attached the watercolor paper panel to a plaid background and then added a narrow strip of the plaid pp to delineate the image from the sediment. The sediment is also from Hero Arts, stamped in CP ink and then clear heat-embossed. I added metallic gold to the flower center with a pen.
Challenges
- CAS Christmas Card: Plaid, chosen by Colleen.
- Holly and Ivy Christmas: A/G. Congratulations on their 100th Challenge!
- Krafty Chicks: Christmas.
Twofer
Hammy wanted to wink the first image, but I wasn't sure how much the ink would schmear when winked, so I stamped a second image and let him have a play with his winker. It gives it a lovely watercolored look, as well as being schparkly. Good job, Hammy, as always! I added more schparkle to the center with a gold metallic pen. I used my MFT stitch dies to cut the panels and I gold heat-embossed the sediment.
Allsorts Challenge ~ Tribute to Kath.
Kath had a wicked sense of humor, so you can imagine our emails back and forth! She was a talented card artist and beloved DT member and she will be greatly missed. Over at the Allsorts Challenge, Brenda is dedicating this week to Kath's memory and I am entering my card. This would have been Kath's week to host and she had chosen favorite stamp with the option of paper-pieced flowers.
~~~
And here at home, it was a sad weekend for our family as we said goodbye to our beloved granddog, Duke. Many of you have watched Duke grow up via photos I've shared over the years.
RIP Duke
May 9, 2010-September 10, 2021
Duke became the owner of the grandtwinks when they were five years old. They are devastated.
We are all going to miss him very much.
Losing a beloved pet is heart-breaking, but we were so blessed to have Duke in our lives.
~~~
Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*
*Life is too short!
63 comments:
Hi Darnell, So sorry to hear about your friend.
Your cards as always are lovely.
Also sorry to hear about Duke. It is one of the worst things for a fur baby parent to have to do.
Sending hugs
Sue
Morning matey,
Yes, so hard to picture that it's ben twenty years since 9/11, so much has changed in the world and not all for the better. I'm also sad to read of Kath's death, and of Duke's and wish you and your family well
On a brighter note, your two cards are a delight, as always, Darnell
Happy Sunday
Kathyk
Two fabulous Christas cards Darnell, and such lovely tribute to Kath!!
So so sorry for your loss of Duke, pets life it's too short...
Hugs
Hi Darnell, how heartbreaking for you all at Dukes' passing, he looks a wonderful family pet and I know he will be sorely missed, well our pets are so much part of the family, and yes a very emotional time for your country. I remember it well and the shock I felt back here in Scotland watching the second tower being attacked. Alistair phoned just after that to say that his plane had been grounded so he didn't know when he would be home, he and friends had been climbing out in the Pyrenees and were en route home. At that time he didn't know that the reason was the throughout the world all flying had ceased. Just astounding that something like that could happen. It was one of those time when everyone remembers what they were doing, I've had three of those times, the assassination if President Kennedy, although I was only a child, Princess Diana's car crash and the 9/11 attacks. The first one I didn't understand at all, the second one I felt such a sadness, but with no surprise, and the third, utter shock.
Your poinsettias' cards are absolutely beautiful, lovely designs and colours.
I hope you are well, hugs Kate x
Thank you for sharing the beautiful poinsettia cards, Darnell. I hope they bring you joy as you create them. Goodness knows we need to seek out joy wherever we can this year. I'm so very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. It sure sounds like she was a tremendous friend and will be sorely missed. What a lovely tribute to her. I'm also so sorry to hear of the loss of Duke. Losing a beloved pet and family member is so very hard. My thoughts go out to your grandtwins and their family as the mourn the loss of their beloved pet. And the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of 9/11 brings up so many emotions as well. We'll get through it all, one day at a time and with the help of our friends and family. Big hugs to you!
Pretty cards! Love both of them. Sorry to hear about you granddog.
Have a great day!
Marilyn💖
Two beautiful cards, I can't decide on a favourite they are both so lovely. It's so nice to see you on the photo with Kath and thanks so much for taking part in our Allsorts challenge in her memory.
So sorry to read about Duke, some wonderful photos and memories of him that you've shared.
Golly, I'm not sure where to start. Watching some new documentaries on 9/11 was eye opening and brought more sadness.
Your poor grandtwins and the rest of the family. I'm sorry for y'all's loss.
Your card is so pretty. As far as the UFO goes, start mailing them to people and have them finish them. A collaborative effort. That would be fun to see how someone finishes off a card.
My condolences to the family of Kath. I'm sure it is devastating for her family. Lucky you to have gotten to meet her and be able to e=mail back and forth.
Oh that must be so sad for all of you... We all know they probebly will pass away before we do, but it stil is a shock and leaves a gap in our lives...
Both your cards look so beautiful; great to see 2 ways with one stamp!
And finishing all that I have started is my mission for the last two years...and I think I'll be bussy with that for at least five more years or allways... :) Hugs, Gerrina
I love your cards, Darnell, using this beautiful old stamp. I have one that is similar and now you have inspired me to use it this Christmas. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, Kath, and of your dog. Have a blessed day!
Beautiful plaid Poinsettia cards Darnell, and YAY for 2 more for the Christmas stash!! I had not heard about Kath and am sorry to read your news about her passing...damn cancer! And SOOOOO very sorry to hear about Duke's passing too! Our pets sure do take hold of our hearts, don't they?! I will definitely be sending hugs and prayers your family's way! Take care my friend!! Hugs. :0)
It sounds like a sad and moving weekend for your
family too! So sorry for your loss. Pets really are
family members.
Sharon xoxoxo
Two beauties with that HA poinsettia, Darnell - the lines in the image give it a plaid feel that works perfectly with your plaid papers!! Awww, sad to hear about Duke - so hard to lose a furry family members; they bring such job to our lives!! Condolences to the family. Sad to hear about your crafting friend too.
Two great cards, love the plaid background, I think my fav would be the sparkly one even though the picture doesn't show it. What a sad time all round. I was only just getting to know Kath when she became ill, so I am a bit sad about that, but very happy to take part in Allsorts challenge in her memory. How wonderful that you got to meet her. So sorry to hear about Dukes departure too, losing a beloved pet is always a challenging time. 9/11 is one of those dates that you will always remember what you were doing, for me it was my eldest daughters graduation ceremony that day. I first heard the news as I was driving to meet her. Sad times xx
It's amazing how Hammy's winking changed the poinsettia. Both cards are wonderful and I like how you separated the sentiment from the images. I'm so sorry about Duke, Darnell. It is indeed difficult to lose someone who has been a vital part of your family. My prayers for comfort to the twins, their parents and you and Mister.
Plain stamping? I Love your cards Darnell, simple, elegant and beautiful.
You have shared some sad news today. I was sorry to hear about Kath, I also appreciate the photo as I now know who everyone is talking about. Then your personal loss of your Duke. So sad for everyone concerned.
Keep safe
Faith x
Two beautiful cards Darnell. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I have a friend who just got placed in hospice this week with pancreatic cancer. It's a horrible disease. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friend's family.
Great cards Darnell! Love the plaid dp. Lots of sad news in your post. Warm hugs on your losses. Nan and the Girls
Two gorgeous cards Darnell and especially the one to Kath..she was a great blogging friend and your right she did have a wicked sense of humour and you're so lucky to have met her. I'm sorry to hear about Duke they truly are part of the family and leave a huge hole in our lives when they are gone. Stay safe and lots of huggles Sue xxxxxx
So very sorry to hear of Duke's passing...clearly he spent a good life surrounded by all who loved him. He must have been a delight to know. I'm sure he will be sorely missed.
Losing a friend is equally hard to deal with...it was wonderful that you could finally meet Kath. Even more precious are the memories of fun emails and hilarious correspondence. Things to be treasured in the future.
That poinsettia stamp is a real keeper. You can do so much with it, as you've shown here.
Hope all is well despite the sadness of this weekend.
Loved both your poinsettia Christmas cards, Dolly. So sorry for the loss of your dear creative friend, Kath. I wish I had known her too, she sounded like such a fun, creative very special friend. I have read other tributes to Kath too. Losing Duke was heartbreaking for all the family too. A very difficult time for all, but you will treasure your wonderful photos and memories. Love and Hugs, dear friend. Nancy
This truly is a lovely tribute for Kath who very sadly passed away she was an absolutely lovely blogging friend to me and many more of us l am seeing lots of cards and your two cards with the poinsettias are as adorable too, She will most certainly be missed my thoughts are with her family, your photos Darnell are so lovely too and of course how can we not forget about 9/11 so very sad take care stay safe xx
What a sad time - losing Duke must be devastating for the grandkids - he'd have been a constant fixture in almost their whole lives. Losing a beloved dog is so hard. Also very sad to hear about Kath.
On a happier note, your cards are beautiful - love the poinsettia both crisply stamped and winked to make it look watercoloured. Great use of the plaid paper for the background.
With or without the winking, your poinsettia cards are lovely. It's an interesting twist to spread the ink with a Wink! You've shared a sweet tribute to your friend, Kath. I've been reading many stories and I feel sorrow for the people who loved her. Sad times, indeed. Our 9/11 tragedy still touches us all so much, and then I think of other countries who suffer almost daily. What is wrong with humans? I'm so, so sorry about your family's personal loss, too. The boys grew up with Duke, so I'm sure they feel his loss acutely. This is something that twists my heart painfully. When you love a dog and know their innocence and devotion, you understand.
Your poinsettia cards are just beautiful and such a great tribute in Kath's honor. This has been a week of heartbreaking losses for so many, and I'm so sad to learn of Duke's passing. There is nothing like the love of a devoted dog, and I know what you're all experiencing. Sending heartfelt hugs your way.
Beautiful card using plaid paper. It is a great backdrop for this beautiful poinsettia.
I am so sorry you have lost your friend and beloved Duk. It was definitely not a good week. May the next and the next and each subsequent one be much better.
hugs,
BożenA
9/11 is always so emotional, it is hard to believe it has been 20 years as it still feels like just yesterday it happened. We will never forget for sure.
Oh man, I have plenty of projects I started and never finished. I have them in a bin and really need to finish them as well. Thought I was the only one who did that. Agreed, this year is flying by!
Love both of your twofers with the plaid. You can never got wrong with your first card and image. It is beautiful. Equally beautiful if the second card that Hammy winked, it really does look like it was watercolored and I can bet it shimmers and shines in real life!
So hard when a lovely person suddenly passes away. So happy that you got to met this lovely woman in person Auntie. I love tribute that has been in blogland for her. I am also sorry to hear of Duke's passing, I can only imagine how devastated the twins are. So hard to lose a beloved family pet, especially one that has grown with the kiddos, but anytime it is hard. Duke was such a sweet dog from what we have seen on your blog. Just look at that sweet face and those eyes!! I'm sure Jack is lost too with his "dad". Death is never easy whether it is human or pet. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, hugs and prayers, Brenda
two great plaid cards Darnell and that's such a beautiful poinsettia - thanks for joining us at CAS Christmas.
So sorry for the loss of blogland friend, you were so lucky to have met her in person, many of us get to know each other just online as we build wonderful long lasting friendships ♥
Losing a fury friend is always difficult, they have such short lives but give so much love XX
So sorry to hear about Duke. Pets are family too.
Sad times for sure, my friend! It's so hard to lose those we love both two legged and four legged. Love both of your poinsettias! That's a great stamp that looks great just stamped and colored and winked! Pretty plaid too.
And thanks for sharing with Krafty Chicks!
Your poinsettias are lovely surrounded in plaid! Two terrific cards. I'm so sorry to hear of your friend Kath's passing, Darnell and the loss of sweet Duke. My heart is breaking for the twins. Prayers for all of you sweet friend.
Nicely done Christmas cards. I need to start mine...but too many people that I know are having birthdays...smile
Sorry for th loss of your friend and the loss of Duke (they are so like family members...
First, I am so sorry to read about the loss of your crafty friend and your granddog, Duke. So much sadmess in such a short time. I hope you can hold close and enjoy the memories you have of them. Hugs to you, Darnell.
Your holiday cards are lovely. Poinsettias are one of my favorite images to use at Christmas time. I really love the plaid paper you used on both cards. It's the perfect background!
Beautiful Twofer Christmas cards, Dolly. LOVE that gorgeous poinsettia image! So pretty paired with the beautiful plaid backgrounds. Have to say the winked one is my favourite (yay Hammy!). :) Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Christmas!
So sorry to hear of your friend's passing, Dolly. Terrible disease that has taken so many wonderful people. And so sorry to hear about Duke's passing too. He was a beautiful boy and a loved member of the family. Sending big squishy hugs to you, my friend. Love, Lolly
What sad news. Sorry to hear.
I do love your poinsettia cards.
What a sad weekend for you Darnell. You've made two gorgeous cards and I love the stamp that you've used.
Sue xx
Gorgeous cards! So sorry to hear about your friend. I am sure she enjoyed the time you spent together. I am also sorry about Duke. Losing a pet is never easy.
Two lovely cards overshadowed by the loss of your friend and Duke. How sad for Kath's family and for Duke's. I'm sure the boys are devastated after having him for so long. They are such a treasured part of the family.
Your poinsettia cards are beautiful, Darnell - way to go Hammy! :-) So sorry to hear about your friend's death, and also so sad for you on the death of Duke. That must be very, very hard for you.
Beautiful cards. So sorry about your losses xoxo
I didn't know Kath myself, but it think it's a lovely thing that those who knew her pay her tribute in blogland.
This stamp looks great stamped with colored ink, it doesn't need coloring at all. How handy! I love poinsettias, and for me they represent Christmas as much as Santa do:) And the gingham paper adds to the festive feel.
So sorry to hear of the passings of Kath and Duke. Sending hugs and love to you and your family as you all take comfort in the wonderful memories of Duke. Your Christmas cards are festive and lovely.
Both cards are gorgeous! So very sorry about both Duke and Kath. I know how devastating it is to lose both a loved one and a pet! It seems this year and last have pushed us to the limits, I know it has me and hoping for better years to come!!
Hi Darnell...so sad to hear of your friends passing and also loosing Duke... can't believe its 20 years since 9/11....we visited the site of the the towers when we were in NY...such an emotional place and should never be forgotten...
Your poinsettia cards are beautiful....I can't seem to get my head around the Christmas will soon be upon us....I've resisted making Christmas cards until now!
Sending you a big HUG my friend
Anne x
Both Christmas cards are beautiful and yes time just flies past x. Great winking by Hammy, as always x.
So very sorry to hear the sad news about Kath and what a privilege it was for you to meet her Darnell x.
What heart-breaking news too about the much loved Duke and thank you for sharing the photo memories x. Sending love and hugs x.
So sorry for your loss. Beautiful cards.
Lovely plaid cards Darnell. That poinsettia is so pretty. So sorry to hear about Duke. I'll bet you're all heart broken. So tough to lose family members regardless of number of feet.
Two fabulous cards Darnell. Lovely photo with our dear Kath.
Thank you so much for your entry over at Allsorts;-))m
First I want to thank you for playing with our CAS Christmas Challenge and using "Plaid" on your beautiful Christmas cards! I love the water color look you get using that technique also Darnell! Fabulous cards and 2 down...glad you agreed with Hammy to sparkle it up, it looks FAB! Now I knew Duke was not well and was sad to read what your family was going through knowing it was close to his last days on earth. And now seeing all those GREAT pictures of him over the years with your twins it really does bring tears to my eyes...I know they bring a lot of love and joy and happy times to our lives, but boy when it is time for them to go to heaven it sure leaves a HUGE void in our hearts and lives, doesn't it? I am grieving with you all, I know about that kind of loss. Glad they have "Jack" to ease the pain! Heart Hugs to you all. Col
Well first off your twofers are beautiful, love this stamp, very versatile. And then second so sorry to hear your stamping friend passed as well as your grand dog. Sending hugs your way.
Beautiful cards, Darnell! I love the flower and the plaid background.
So sorry about Duke.
Hugs Monica
What a wonderful twinking job Hammy did Darnell - give him a 'high five' from me - maybe a 'high one' from your side, or you may do some damage, and we can't have that!!
Love your cards - a great image and beautifully stamped and mounted on both cards.
So sorry to hear of Duke's passing - it's always hard to loose a beloved pet.
{{{{{cyber hugs}}}}}
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine
Oh dear sis - much sad news here losing a stamping friend and a loving pet - but as we all know - they will stay alive in our hearts through our wonderful memories of the, but it is such an aching loss. Your poinsettia is lovely framed in the red plaid stamped in the red and green with the added sparkle! Thanks for joining us at CAS Christmas and loving hugs sent to you and your grands. xx
I do have a soft spot for poinsettias for Christmas and with that pretty plaid even better Darnell. I love them both but the second with the colour spread over with some super sparkle has taken the top spot. So sorry to hear about Kath and a beautiful card to make for the challenge in her memory. So sad to hear about Duke too, a beautiful boy and loved to bits by you all, so no wonder you are all very sad at the moment. Sending hugs. x
Oh Darnell such sad news today... I am so very sorry to hear of your friend and your beautiful Duke. Life hurts at times... Sending you a big hugs.
Your cards are gorgeous BTW, such a pretty stamp. Stay well and take care
Gorgeous creation, Kath would have really loved it, thanks for joining Allsorts challenge, good luck.
Happy crafting
Tracy x
Hi Darnell,
a sad post indeed no words help to ease the pain of loosing a dear blog friend I am totally shocked as I havn't been about blogland recently my thoughts are with her family at this very sad time.
Also loosing a beloved pet, my thoughts are with your family at this sad time.
Yes last weekend was a very sad occasion for you all such tragic loss of life will not be forgotton for many years to come.
Love your wonderful Christmas caards they are such a lovely technique and that poinsettia stamp is a very beautiful one.
Love the plaid paper used too.
Didn't Hammy do well with his version.
Lots of crafty love and hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.
Two fab cards as always Darnell. I’m sure Kath would have loved them, and I’m sorry I was unable to take part in the challenge. Duke will be sadly missed by his family, it’s always hard to lose a pet as they are so much more than an animal. xx
That plaid Christmas card looks so warm and cozy, and I love the poinsettia.
So sad to hear about Duke, and I imagine that he will be greatly missed. Our sweet pets never live long enough do they.
You certainly have had a sad week, Darnell...my sincere condolences to you for the loss of your friend Kath, and grand-dog Duke...big hugs to you!
Two beautiful Christmas cards, my friend! I love your plaid background and how you created the watercolor look on the 2nd card...both are so festive and perfect for our challenge ~ Thanks so much for playing along with us at CAS Christmas! xx
Gorgeous cards!
Not spending much time reading blogs these days, but was just browsing yours to catch up & came upon this sad post. I always love seeing the pictures of Duke. My heart aches for all of you. I wondered if Kath was someone you met in England. So many deaths the past couple years. Beautiful poinsettia cards, my friend.
Post a Comment