Hello Stamplings!
And Merry Hallelujah! I've broken into the eggnog and thrum so you'll shear no more finings from me (hic) shtill after the blue beer! (Funny how just typing that made me feel giddy!)
I've got two cards today that show my range when it comes to cardmaking: sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't! I'll start with the elegant one before I have more eggnog!
This design features a NBUS "Delicate Poinsettias" die from poppystamps. These fine-lined dies are perfect for making QACAS cards using metallic paper. And I used another of the metal sediments from my stash. I'm trying harder to use my stash of all kinds. Some things are so ancient, I'm starting to get calls from the Smithsonian for donations.
I made this card primarily as a reminder card for you as Guest Designer over at The Flower Challenge #75 where the prompt is Christmas. This month's challenge is shortened and will close from December 15 through the month of January. We'd love to see your floral Christmas designs in the gallery to inspire others!
In addition, I'm playing at:
- Krafty Chicks: Christmas.
- Peace on Earth: Christmas.
- Snippets Playground: A/G using your snippets. I used snippets of green and red metallic paper to cut my poinsayschia.
Twofer
I mean, how could I resist this stamp and die set?
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This NBUS set from The Rabbit Hole Designs is called "Hoggy Holidays." Hoggy Helena was so fun to color! She has a friend in the set and I can't wait to use her, too. The sediment is from Cottage Cutz. Indeed, tis the season for being piggy and wearing "buffet pants!" I've given in to my full pig moment and I don't care. Jan Uary, with her raised eyebrows, pursed lips, and cracked whip, will get me back on track. For now, pass the thruffles and thips!
Hammy gave Helena schparkle from top to bottom with his winker. Below is a closeup of the winking and her beautiful eye shadow. Pigs, as you may know, never did let go of the eye-shadow trend, thanks to the Queen of All Hogs, Miss Piggy. Rumor has it green is the most popular eye shadow among the sows because they are all oinking for a frog of their own.
Look quickly please so Helena can let the ornament drop off her nose before she goes permanently croth-eyed!
Challenges
- Christmas Kickstart: If it's Christmassy, link it up!
- Simon Says Monday: Holiday cheer.
- Simon Says Wednesday: Add some schparkle!
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Tip: When they tell you on the videos that you should warm up your heat gun for a minute or two before using it, don't do that with it resting near your Gemini or other item made of meltable material!
Being old and schtoopid doesn't help teether. Especially during egg nog theason! (The machine is fine, just cosmetic damage, or as we artists like to say, "an enhancement!")
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As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse, being a follower, and leaving me us some love!
*Life is too short!
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ReplyDeleteHi Darnell!
Wiping my eyes here - you do crack me up! Wonderful cards - so different yet both perfection. LOVE Miss Piggy! Also love the narrative as always - and hope your Gemini is still at least working. Look on it as a little battle wound in the name of crafting! Slap a sticker on it - saying 'OUCH!'!
Just surfacing from finishing off writing the last of the UK Christmas cards the other day. All overseas, including yours, are already on the way but our postal workers are on strike.
With love and hugs - and cuddles (as instructed) from Dudley to Nellie (are they texting/messaging one another. they seem awful close to one another ........ across the pond!?).
Much love, as always, Di xxx
So sorry about the Gemini, Jr. In fact, my heat gun sits right next to mine, so it's a good warning! Your second card made me laugh out loud! Your wonderful coloring surely added to the wow factor on that one. The first has a WOW factor, too, but in the elegant category. I think I donated those metal sentiment strips years ago. Good for you to hold on to them despite the calls from the Smithsonian!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful poinsettia Darnell, and love the added metal tag on the pretty sheer ribbon, and then Miss Piggy is a fun and cute image and love her green eyeshadow and her painted toe nails. I'm amazed how the casing of your machine melted so much from the adjacent heat gun. Hopefully it is still working OK. x
ReplyDeleteA gorgeous metallic poinsettia, Dolly! It would make a beautiful brooch! And I've been enjoying Miss Piggy with the bauble balanced on her nose! those glasses are so cool! You can have the eggnog. I'll take the mulled wine.
ReplyDeleteLove this post! Too funny and quite entertaining! Eggnog sounds good in you. 😉 Great Christmas card! Love the shine! And your second, just awesome! So happy you played along with Krafty Chicks Challenge this week.
ReplyDeleteDiane - DT
its the season for both cards, so fun. Sorry about the heat gun snafu, glad it still works though. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteOh Dear - Hammy may be good at Winking, but he's slipping at keeping yoo on the schtrait and narrow....
ReplyDeleteLoving your two cards - what a contrast between the elegance of the poinshettea and the fun of Mrs Hic-og and her eye shadow...
Blessings
Maxine
Two TOTALLY different and yet TOTALLY FAB-u-LOUS makes, LOVING the humorous piggie
ReplyDeleteSeasons Greetings to you and your readers, Darnell
Kathyk
A very versatile show of card making - love the elegant and the humorous one certainly made me smile. Fab!! Sorry to see the damage to the machine - thank goodness it's only cosmetic.
ReplyDeleteOh dear what a nasty accident your Gemini has had. I love both of your gorgeous card especially the second one. Enjoy the egg nog.
ReplyDeleteSue xx
Two fab cards Darnell...love the poinsettia with the metal embellishment. i to am TRYING to use up old stuff....lets face it no one else wants it! Bit like clothes really..styles change! Miss Piggy made me smile too...love those eyes. As for your machine...drastic.....just call it personalisation! Hugs xx
ReplyDeleteFabulous cards Darnell. I love the poinsettia and metal sentiment on your first card and Miss Piggy is so cute too.
ReplyDeleteKath x
Ah ah ah!! :D Miss Helena Piggy is the most beautiful pig I have never seen! :D Such fabulous eyes and maquillage!! Waiting to admire her friend too! ;)
ReplyDeleteVery elegant poinsettia CAS, so shining!
Hugs
Tis the season to be merry in whatever flavor you like! Both cards are fabulous in their own right. Love the piggy though. LOL Green eyeshadow for the win. Thanks for sharing and keeping things lighthearted. Although I am sorry for the blemish on your Gemini! That's got to smart. But I guess you can consider it a war wound, too. Happy holidays my lovely friend. Crafty hugs!
ReplyDeleteTwo great cards to brighten my day, Darnell - just love the metallic poinsettia but the cracker upper is that divine piggy, complete with painted toenails. How fun!! Entire post made me smile, even the part about poor Junior --sounds like something I'd do! Maybe another melt-o-rama on the other side would provide symmetry?? Anyway - happy, safe crafting!!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh! Just look at that poor Gemini machine! Thank goodness is still operates fine! Stick a pretty flower over the problem area, or a plaster (Band Aid)!
ReplyDeleteLOVE your pretty poinsettia snippets card. Thanks for coming to play in the Snippets Playground. Have you got any eggnog left in your satchel? If so, I'm your gal!
Sweet hog card too.xxx
Love the elegance of the first card and fab way to use the sentiment with the ribbon. Oh and what a fun second card. Super colouring, very detailed and love the sparkle. About to email you! Hugs Sandie xx
ReplyDeleteYour first card is so stylish and elegant Darnell, beautiful poinsettia and your second card is fabulous, and great fun, Kate x
ReplyDeleteYou are so funny, two great cards but love Hoggy Helena! Accidents happen as they say, just glad the machine’s ok and no singed Hammy xxx
ReplyDeleteCertainly two contrasting makes Darnell, elegant poinsettia and that hog had me smiling as soon as I scrolled down!!
ReplyDeleteLuckily my heat gun is well away from my Big Shot but I have been known to leave it plugged in and next to loose paper, so far no accidents! :)
I don't know whether to laugh or cry, Darnell. I mean Helena is a hoot and you brought out her attitude with your coloring. So funny! Then there's the melted Gemini. So sad. I'm glad it's still usable. Enough eggnog for you, young lady. The metallic poinsettia is beautiful. Thanks for being our guest designer on The Flower Challenge and for promoting it again even though we didn't do a reminder.
ReplyDeleteFun through and through! 'Tis the season for sure. I'm feasting with friends and family all month long and loving it. You've run all the way from gorgeous to hilarious with these cards, Darnell! The piggy! I'll have to look up Rabbit Hole stamps. Those eyes... what the what? I made a chicken Christmas card this week. Sorry about your Gemini. We all gain more character as we get older... you just helped it along. I had fun today. Thanks. And thanks for the most beautiful happy mail with a lovely verse inside!
ReplyDeleteOh my word that Helena stamp is too freaking hilarious!!! Have some of that eggnog and spirits for me please.
ReplyDeleteFrom beauty to hilarious, you keep us entertained with all the things! Love the shimmer on the first beauty, the shimmer on the second card is pretty too -- well fabulous, of course! Love your piggie, and her awesome flair.
ReplyDeleteSO sorry about your Gemini though! - but delighted it's only enhanced, not hurt.
Now on to my eggnog!
I love that poinsetta! It is so delicate in the red metal! And yeah... the 2nd card let ne smile as soon as I saw it... Hugs, Gerrina
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to go from elegant to FUN! Love them both!
ReplyDeleteGo have another sip of eggnog now.
Oops on the Gemini though!
Lynn
Beautiful cards today. The poinsettia is gorgeous and Ms. Pig so trendy in her Christmas outfit. You are such an awesome cardcrafter--no matter the glasses of eggnog you've enjoyed. he he Thanks for such a fun post. It made me smile and lessened my own holiday anxiety about getting everything done on time.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post Darnell, a lovely cheery start to the day! It’s always good to have a chuckle first thing. Two great cards again, a beautiful poinsettia and what can I say about Miss Piggy - such fun! Cards are on their way to US but as Di says we have a postal strike so who knows how long they’ll take to arrive. A card sent to Roy’s niece for her birthday has taken a month to reach her - and she’s only in Wales! xx
ReplyDeleteI love the metallic poinsettia, it looks really classy. And in no way foreshadowed the nature of the second card. You've given me quite a handful of smiles. I love this extravagant guinea pig. Only an independent woman would use a green shade! Yes, you have a huge imagination, hahaha!
ReplyDeletexx
From gorgeous to downright funny your cards are fabulous!! Yikes on the Gemini, who would of thought a heat gun could do that!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining our challenge at Peace On Earth!
Diane POE Co-Owner
{Nellies Nest}
{Peace On Earth}
{Stencil Fun}
I love both of your wonderful cards, Darnell. That metallic poinsettia combined with the sentiment is gorgeous. Piggy is sooooo funny. I can't wait to see her friend. But my favorite thing about your post is this: "Some things are so ancient, I'm starting to get calls from the Smithsonian for donations." I fell right off my chair laughing. You are a gem, Darnell. It is so wonderful to have you in this crafting community to spread you talent and your wit. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, lots of truffles and eggnog. Thanks fo always making me smile. xx Stephanie
ReplyDeleteThanks for lightening the moos around here with your antics. Love the trick with the hot air gun! Great cards too. I am praying that you are right about Jan Uary and her cracked whip xx
ReplyDeleteI had so many ooos and ahhhhaas chuckling my way through this post, I nearly forgot to compliment you on your fabulous cards, especially Miss Helena and her green eyeshadow. I love the shine on your poinsettia and it's metal sentiment. An enhancement on your Gemini? Which ever way you look at it, at least it still works!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chuckle Darnell, hope all is well with you.
Faith x
I'm happy to see that you have started celebrating big time. :) Your posts are always funny, but even more so during egg nog season. :) LOVE the gorgeous metallic poinsettia. Beautiful and elegant. Helena is a hoot (LOVE the green eye shadow!). I just about peed my pants when you mentioned Hammy's winker ... rude! :) The cards are made and mailed, time for the partying to begin ... or in your case, carry on! :) Love, Lolly
ReplyDeleteTwo great cards and I'm impressed that you used that metal bar for the sentiment! I always loved them, but think I gave mine all away as it jammed in the postal machines! Great hog-wild Christmas card too with the piggy wearing glasses and sporting a big red nose! Too cute! Your Gemini can now be considered well loved after the mishap! Be grateful you didn't start a fire!! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteBoth your cards Darnell are amazing as always and so well put together, l love the poinsettia as well as your miss piggy, your posts are always a good read lol hurting my sides from laughing, Sorry to read about your Gemmini who would of though a heat gun could do that you learn something every day take care x
ReplyDeleteGoodness me Darnell trying to burn the place down, no less. Go easy on the crafty stuff you don't want to be buying replacements now.. they are both fabulous cards, if we weren't a flower challenge I'd be hoping to see that piggy card there.. love all the sparkle and shine of your entry, a wonderful card my friend.
ReplyDeleteHelena is a hoot and your poinsettia is extra festive! At least your Gemini survived the meltdown! Thanks for your kind comment today. Our Sweet P is something special, that's for sure. Thanks for the wonderful Christmas card too XO
ReplyDeleteOh my! I was just admiring the serenity of that elegant poinsettia when I heard a raucous squeal from further down the post. Hoggy Helena has GOT to be related to Miss Piggy hasn't she although - hang on - she bears more than a passing resemblance to the delightful Dame Edna Everage!! Thank you for your top tip (haven't done that yet) but have been busy snapping my cutting pads instead. Le Sigh. Cheers! *raises a glass of festive bubbles* Vicky x
ReplyDeleteLike your cards, the first is elegant and the second made me smile!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards, Darnell. I like metal shine of poinsettia. It is festive and elegant card. Hoggy Helena is the star of this post. :-) You've colored her wonderful. Eye makeup is great to. :-) Compliments for sparkled detailes. We all know, who did this. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe accident with heating gun and plastic "background" can happen everywhere on earth. :-)
Have a nice day! Hugs, Sonja
Oooh, the shine on your poinsettia is....brilliant! And your cute card is so much fun. Sorry about your Gemini but I'm glad it's still working! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteDarnell, you are too funny!!! I love the pig. I have that stamp sans red nose and glasses by another company. Obviously it's a popular stock image and I just love what you did with her. The poinsettia looks absolutely amazing. Mine always look like the goats have been in them. Hugz
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful poinsettia card and your your second card with the pig is too cute! Sorry to hear about the Gemini machine and the heat gun. Maybe a large sparkly sticker or a big bow over the area, lol?! Enjoy the holidays and Merry Christmas to you and yours! Take care, hugs!!
ReplyDeleteOh, I need to add that I received your lovely Christmas card, thank you! And, such a beautiful poem inside, so special! Take care, hugs!!
ReplyDeleteWhy was I not surprised to see Helena after the sublime poinsettia? Still laugh/crying!! Oops, the poor Gemini Jr needs a vacation after your meltdown. I once held my hairdryer under my arm while grabbing my phone and was rewarded with a (w)holy tee shirt!
ReplyDeleteLove the poinsettia in the metallic cs and great use of the metal sentiment from your ancient stash. Hoggy Helena is quite a contrast but certainly makes for a fun card. Thanks so much for joining us at Peace on Earth!
ReplyDeleteI've never had eggnog - not something we do here in Aus I guess because it is usually so hot! Although this past week we have had our winter woolies out again.
ReplyDeleteOnce again 2 fabulous cards. So love the attitude of Helena.
Oh no - glad your machine is working even if she doesn't look so good anymore - a few scars to show character???