One Shell of a Good Time

Today, I would like to share with you a card made using Whimsy Stamps, Digital Stamp, 'Curly'.  He's a great little summer image both for cards and scrapbook pages as he certainly looks like many of our sons or grandsons with their innocent beach 'finds'!

I used a 6x6 card base to show all of Curly's many activities.   I sized and printed him holding the baby octopus on 110# Neenah card stock.  After coloring with Copic markers, I hand cut the image and laid it aside.  I used a 'Window to the Ocean' die on the light blue matted piece over a bubble stamped image on navy paper. The outside edge is die cut with my Tattered Lacey Squares die.  I re-cut the window die on a piece of green to have extra sea weed to add around the edge of the sea window frame.

I typed the sentiment out so it was one continuous line, and die cut a couple of misc shells to add for additional dimension.  After I assembled the parts onto the card base, then I added the tiny google eyes to Curly and the organza ribbon with the fish charm for the finishing touches.

I hope you enjoyed this card and that you will follow me if you aren't already.  Your comments are always welcomed. 

Serving a Risen Savior, 
Pam

And They Lived Happily Ever After

Today I would like to share the commissioned card I just completed for a special 50th Wedding Celebration.

For the card I selected Art Impressions, Love Birds (AICS27).

After coloring the stamped image with Copic markers, I took   several circle dies and laid them over the image to find the 

size to make a perfect moon. With the right die and the stamped image I made a separate mask of the couple and the moon, and then used several shades of blue oxides to make the dark sky. 

For the colored image, I used Pink & Main's Stitched Rounded Rectangle Die and mounted it on a navy blue card base.  I made the sentiment on the computer because I wanted the sentiment to span the bench. The stitched clouds are from the Gina Marie Designs Sky Items die set, completing the card. 

Thank you for stopping by today.  Your comments are always welcomed. 

Serving a Risen Savior, 

Pam

Copics Used: Umbrella & Her Hat: B21, B41, Her hair: E23, E25, Her Coat: R01, R20, R21, Her boots, E21, Skin E50, His Hat & Pants: W1, W2, His Skin: E50, His Coat: E21, E23, E45, His Shoes: E23, E25, Bench: E70, E71, E74, Grass: YG63

Products Used:

Forever Fabulous!

I've held off on blogging this birthday card, waiting on my sister in law to return home, however it appears returning home just means repacking and heading out again!  You go girl every chance you get!  At least I know she GOT her Happy Mail and a chuckle too!

Everyone at the Whimsy Stamp Retreat was thrilled when we returned from our break to find Crissy Armstrong's new release, Stretchy Ostrich! I saved her to use for my sister-in-law's birthday card. 

I used Copic Markers for coloring and also used a lightly chalked stencil background after coloring.  I loved the one that Whimsy designer Bev Rochester posted on June 3rd, and wanted to give that technique a try.  I modified a My Favorite Things Edge die to get a larger flap design and used the MFT Stitched Scalloped Rectangle die for the background matting. 

Thanks for stopping by today!

Serving a Risen Savior, 

Pam 

Copic Used; Skin: R01, R11, R12, Feathers, N0-N4, Eyes  Glass, B09, Shadows, W00, W01, W02

The Beauty of the Apple

For one of the weekend card challenges, our word prompt was 'juicy'.  I remembered I have the DoveArt Apple Branch stamp... those big red apples sure looked juicy to me!

Here's my finished card, and then a few details about it. 

I stamped the image on Neenah 110# card stock and used Copic Markers for coloring (referenced below).  I used the Memory Box Wonky Stitched Scalloped Rectangle Die set for both the image and the matting onto the A2 size card base.  

The sentiment stamp that I used is a very old red rubber stamp with no identification of the manufacture of Robert Schuller's famous quote.   However,  it's perfect with the Apple Branch and to finish off my card for this challenge. 

Thanks for stopping by today. Your comments are always welcomed.

Serving a Risen Savior,

Pam

Copics Used: Leaves, BG90, BG93, BG96, Apple R17, R24, R14, R27, R29, YR24

Products Used:

My Artistic Journey ~

Last week when I went to order a few more Copic Refills, the site was having a Customer Appreciation Event.   As you can image, many things were on sale and even a few extra coupons... but as we all have come to expect, our beloved Copic Markers and Refills were exempt from the sale and the coupons.  

However there was a huge banner for Giveaways and you could share a piece of your artwork along with your story to inspire others.  Well that is right up my alley as I have been so very blessed and love to share my story!

This is the card that I posted.

It's a Stamping Bella Mermaid image and I used several Copic techniques that I learned from Whimsy's instructor Crissy Armstrong during the Spring Retreat this past May.  She is such an amazing instructor!

  

What I didn't realize is that the postings are meant to be voted on. So if you are inclined to pop over and hit the Vote Now button, I would appreciate it.  

Here is the link:  Click here

Thank you!

The world of Copic Markers is amazing and I'm sure glad to be right in the middle of it!  I'm also glad you stopped by today!

Serving a Risen Savior, 

Pam 

Christmas in July at Polka Dot Orchard

My friend Crystal Minkler has me learning all kinds of new things on the design team at Polka Dot Orchard.  It's always 'easy' when you know how to do something, but a stretch when you don't, right?  Posting to Instagram - easy peasy? Hmmm... took me months to get my account password sorted out!  So when Crystal wanted us to do an Instagram HOP, I'm thinking I can just sit this one out.  But I fell for the super cute Christmas digi's and made three cards.  How could I not try to figure this out?

Then the next road block... Several of the Design Team had conflicts with making our postings all live at the same time.  Well you know the saying...."there's an app for that".  Turns out there are several, but all have their quirks and limitations.  It was wonderful watching each team member work together to find the best solution for each device.  Did it all work?  Well... You will have to HOP through to see!  So I invite you to Instagram to SEE all the great cards created for Christmas in July! 

Here's our hop order:
Polka Dot Orchard Jessica ~ @polkadotorchard
Kim Van Zant Klinkovsky ~ @mykraftkloset
Lisa Reynolds Bzibziak ~ @bzscrapper
Narelle Fasulo ~ @stampedadventures
Larissa Collins Pittman ~ @muffinsandlace
Kristina Debord Hein ~ @ruok72
Esther Asbury ~ @estherasbury
Meghan Kennihan ~ @madebymeghank
Pamela J. Duncan ~ @handmadebypamspearls
Debra Davison ~ @djdavison814
Donna K Baes ~ @donnak.at.studio307
Alina Andreea Tanner ~ @alina_tanner
Jeanie Hays ~ @washihorsedesigns
Alina Florea ~ @alliellacraft
Judy Markowitz ~ @judymarkowitz
Crystal O. Minkler ~ @crystalominkler

Have FUN!

Serving a Risen Savior,

Pam 

If You Close Your Eyes While Eating Ice Cream....

The Calories Never Count!

Sending out a very special Happy Birthday to one of my special girlfriends, Cheryl, today!  This was a fun image to color and perfect for a hot July birthday in the sunny south!  

The image is stamped on Neenah 110# and colored with Copic markers .  I used the My Favorite Things Scalloped Stitched die for the image.  I stamped the sentiment on a yellow patterned paper and used the same die, cutting it down to the size I needed to make the A2 sized card.

Thank you for stopping by today. Your comments are always welcomed.

Serving a Risen Savior, 

Pam

Copics Used: Butterfly: BV11, BV13, Ice Cream Cone: E23, Ice Cream: E53 & E55/RV00 & R10, Hair: Y06, Y21, Y42, E13, Dress: YG25, YG23, YG03, Ruffle: BG53, Chair: G05, RV66

Products Used: Stamping Bella Uptown girl Isabelle Loves Ice Cream eb228, My Favorite Things Scalloped Stitched Rectangle Die

Perfect Paper Challenge

When I read the Perfect Paper Challenge on the Unity {Show&Tell} site, it didn't take me but about 30 seconds to know exactly which stamp and paper I wanted to use.  In my case, I had several 12  x 12 sheets of Red and Black  CHECKER BOARD cardstock left over from when I owned a scrapbook store many years ago.  Earlier this month, I was lucky enough to purchase part of the 12/18 KOM, Best Friend til the End, through the Unity Stamp Swap site.  I purchased the King, Queen and Knight Chess pieces along with two coordinating sentiments.  Perfect!

I stamped these on Ivory card stock and colored them with Copic markers. After playing around with the placement on the checkerboard ,  I decided to cut them apart.  I then coated each piece with Glossy Accents and left them overnight to dry.  

Here's the completed card and my entry into the challenge. 

Masculine cards are always hard, so I'm always thrilled when one turns out to be a good one.  I believe this one will be a repeat. 

Thanks for stopping by today. Your comments are always welcomed.

Serving a Risen Savior.
Pam

Christmas In July ~ Warm Wishes ~ Sketch Challenge

With all the Christmas In July Sales going on now, it is no surprise that several of the card making sites are also having Christmas in July challenges.   I have combined my Christmas card with a sketch layout to come up with today's featured card.

My image is from Gracielle Designs Winter Wishes Digital package, printed on 110# Neenah and Copic colored.  Marker colors are referenced below.  I completed the card with Penny Black Elegant Stitching Dies.

The sketch given on CCM was vertical with a doily.  I didn't want to cut out this image to layer with a doily, or to add the doily prior to printing, so I die cut one of my doily's and used it as a stencil with peach chalking ink to achieve a light doily  image in the background. 

I have to say I have grown tremendously as a card maker when it comes to a 'sketch' challenge.  My friend Ginny spent many weekends pulling me off the ceiling ~ my fear of a sketch challenge was so very real!  Until one day I finally got it!  It doesn't have to be EXACT!  Yes, close, have the elements or ideas but it's your interpretation!  

So what's on your desk this as we start the week?

Thanks for stopping today.  I hope your week is blessed and filled with many hours of crafting fun!

Serving a Risen Savior, 

Pam

Copics Used: Flowers:, R22, R32, R14,63, G94, Center: Y18, Y19, Wreath: E42 E43, E44, Pinecones: E23, E25, E31, 

Products Used: Quick Quotes Peach Chalking Ink, 

Graciellie, Winter Wishes, Penny Black Elegant Stitching Dies

 

Petals for the Pittman ~ Day 8

Today will complete the week long postings of the cards I made for the Petals for the Pittman's fundraiser.  These special 18 cards are for sale and all the proceeds will go straight to the Pittman's.   The fundraiser and campaign are far from over; I will be popping back in with a few other promotional postings to keep you updated.  If you haven't purchased your digital package ~ now IS the time!  Both of the digital packages are PACKED with images AND sentiments.

My last two cards come from two different companies.  The first image was donated by  Stamplorations ~ it is a lovely floral arrangement with a coffee mug.

The second image was donated  by Mo Manning of  Mo 's Digital Pencil.  Aren't these poppies beautiful!

   

I have had a lot of fun making these cards during my recovery from recent back surgery.   Offering them for sale with all the proceeds going to the Pittman's is just a small way of adding a few extra dollars that might help them.  Click HERE to see the entire album and pick up one card for $3.75 or 3 for $10, plus shipping.

Click HERE to go to the Polka Dot Orchard Etsy Page and purchase set ONE or TWO of the digital Petals for Pittmans.

Click HERE to make a donation straight to the GoFundMe page for the Pittmans. 

Thank you so much for your support at any level.

Serving a Risen Savior,

Pam

Petals for the Pittmans ~ Day 7

One of the really neat things about Jessica, the owner of Polka Dot Orchard Digital Stamps, is she believes in giving others a chance to excel and a chance to try new things.

Recently, she proudly announced TWO of her Design Team members had designed digital packages and she had those packages listed for purchase in her Etsy Shop!  We are all very happy and proud of the work that Crystal Minkler and Jeanie Hays are doing for Polka Dot Orchard.  But they didn't stop there - they both donated an image for the Petals for Pittman fundraiser project!

Here are the cards that I made using their images. 

Crystal's Sunflower is in Set One and is completed using the Gina Marie In and Out Wonky Oval Stitched dies both on the image and the matting paper.

Jeanie's Morning Glory is in Set Two and is finished using the Gina Marie Rounded Loopy Rectangle Die. 

On both cards I used the sentiment, Hello Friend, by Angie Blom, which is in Set One.

These cards are available for purchase with the proceeds going to the Pittman family during this special fundraiser.  

Also you can purchase either or both of the digital packages found on the Polka Dot Orchard Etsy Store, click here.

You can make a larger donation, straight to the Pittman's GoFundMe page, click here. 

Thank you so much for any thing you decide to do to help the Pittman family. It is very much appreciated.

Serving a Risen Savior, 

Pam

Petals for the Pittman's ~ Day 6

Today's featured card from the Petals for the Pittman's Fundraiser was donated by Graciellie Designs.

The amazing deal with this design is her 'Peony Bouquet in a Mug' is available in Set Two.... however the pieces of this design are available in Set One!  So YOU win either way!

Here's the card I made using her beautiful image ~ 

For this card I used Copic markers  and the Gina Marie Design's Loopy Square Die.

There are several ways you can help the Pittman's during this time of need.  

You can purchase one or more of the 18 cards that I have made for this event.  All proceeds will be going straight to them. 

You can purchase one or both of the Digital stamp packages loaded with beautiful flowers and sentiments ~ Available on Polka Dot Orchard's Etsy Shop, click HERE.

Or you can go straight to the Pittman's GoFundMe account and make your larger donation there.  Click Here.  

I sincerely thank you for helping us help this family.

Serving a Risen Savior, 
Pam 

Petals for the Pitman's ~ Day 5

Sales are picking up as word is spreading fast about this awesome effort of love for the Pittman Family.  What a win win to make a $20 purchase that goes 100% to this family AND you get such an awesome digital stamp package!

For today's posting, we're going to two more of the Unity Stamp Company artist - Tierra Jackson and Phyllis Harris. 

And if you haven't seen the prize list on the Linky Party - Unity Stamps donated TWO $80 prizes!

Tierra's Lillies are in Set One.

I used Tattered Lace for die cutting on this card.

Tierra's Crocus are in Set Two. 

I used Tattered Lace Lacey XX die for this card. 

Phyllis Harris donated the Sunflower used in this card.  It is found in Set Two also.  For this one, I used the Gina Marie Designs Slashed Stitched Square Die.

The 'Hello Friend' sentiment  is also part of Set One. 

While I elected to keep all three of these images rather small, it is so very easy to click and drag this or other images and make them large enough to fill the page. Endless possibilities are just waiting for your imagination!

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit and see today's cards - which of course are for sale with all the proceeds being donated to the Pittman family.

Serving a Risen Savior, 

Pam 

Petals for the Pittman's ~ Day 4

Today I'm excited to share  FOUR cards made with the donated images for the Petals For the Pittman's from BUGABOO Digital stamps!

From Set Two

  

and from Set One

Now the hard part for you ~ how do you pick just ONE package?  Well with 40 images and sentiments in each package for only $20, AND all of the proceeds going to the Petals for the Pittman's... I do hope you can grab BOTH of them!

Click here for purchasing Set One

Click here for purchasing Set Two

Thank you for helping the Pittman's!

Serving a Risen Savior, 

Pam 

Petals for the Pittman's ~ Day 3

Let's Spread the News!

 Polka Dot Orchard has collaborated with an Amazing group of artist to bring TWO digital sets full of flowers and sentiments!

Check out these options...

Set ONE

Set TWO

Have you ever seen so many beautiful images?  Each of these have been drawn and donated just for the Petals for the Pittman's fundraiser.  Can you just imagine all the beautiful cards and other projects you can do with ALL these!

But Don't Wait ~ these are only available for a very short time!

Now I'd like to show you the image from A2Z Scrapbooking ~ available in Set TWO.  

These cards will be added to my album for the Pittman's Fundraiser also.  I invite you to pop over and see the cards I've created.  I'd love for you to purchase one or more ~ all the sales go to the Pittman fundraiser also! 

You can also make your donation straight to the Pittman's GoFundMe.

Thanks for caring about our fellow crafting buddy too!

Serving a Risen Savior, 

Pam 

Petals for Pittman ~ Day 2

In case you missed yesterday's posting - 

I am supporting (along with many others) the sale of a huge digital stamp set being offered through Polka Dot Orchard's Etsy store. All of the proceeds will be donated to the GoFundMe for the Pittman family.  

Each of the 18 cards that I will be displaying are being offered for sale for $3.75 each or three for $10 (plus shipping).  All of the sales from these cards will also be donated to the Pittman's. 

Today I'm bringing you TWO cards ~ both drawn and donated by Artist Angie Blom!  

Such a talented artist! 

Close up of each of the cards. Both are colored with Copic markers and Gina Marie Designs dies are used for image cutting. 

This image is in Set Two.

This image is in Set One. 

  Message me through Facebook please to place your card order. 

And if you are wondering about the Pittman's story - here's a little more info. 

We are here to help one of our own. Larissa Collins Pittman is a cherished part of our crafty family. Her bio is inspiring when you look and see how many amazing companies she has worked with, sharing her time, energy, and love of this incredible crafty journey. And whether you realize it or not you have been enjoying her work for years, seeing her projects for so many of the companies we all love! She needs our help and as one of the most caring communities we know, we are reaching out to all of you to help us help her. 

Larissa has been facing her own health issues. Gary, her husband, has been a police officer for over twenty years. He was in the process of trying to find work closer to home so that he could take care of her, when his own medical needs began to surface. He has had many hospital stays, lots of ups and downs, astronomical medical bills, and is still battling, every day, to just be able to be at home and try to regain his health. They are out of money, yet the medical bills continue to mount. Please help us to help them!

Serving a Risen Savior, 
Pam

Please Join Me for Petals for Pittman

While I've been recovering from my surgery, I have had the honor of helping prepare for a very special project!

Polka Dot Orchard has collaborated with several different artists and companies  to put together a digital stamp set.  It will only be available for a limited time in the Polka Dot Orchard Etsy shop. ALL of the PROCEEDS from the special set will go directly to  the Pittman family for their medical needs.  

You can read more about the Pittman's HERE.  

There is also a crafty link up with sponsored prizes  ~ visit Polka Dot Orchard's Blog to find all the details.

There are TWO digital sets for listed for purchase when you get to the Polka Dot Orchard Etsy shop.  BOTH have OVER 40 images! WHAT?  Yep, at least 20 different flower images by so many amazing artist PLUS additional sentiments in a variety of beautiful fonts!  These are only available until July 27th.
Petals for Pittman Set One
Petals for Pittman Set Two

As for my part, I will be featuring the cards that I've made using several of the images from the Petals for Pittman digital sets.  These cards will be available for purchase at a special price of $3.75 each or three for $10 plus shipping.   There will be 18 cards available for you to select from, first come/first served.  Message me through Facebook please to place your card order. 

The first card is a beautiful rose image donated by Jillian Vance Designs and is in Petals for Pittman Set One.

I used Copic markers for coloring and the sentiment is also from the same package.  Gina Marie Designs Pleated Oval and Rectangle dies were used to complete the card design.

We are all excited about helping the Pittman's through this difficult time.  And if you aren't a crafter, thank you for considering a donation straight to their GoFundMe page. 

Serving a Risen Savior, 

Pam