From My Home to Yours ~ Cheers!

 Like many around the world, we are happily booting 2020 out and welcoming 2021 in from the comfort of our homes.  Here in South Carolina our Governor mandated 11 pm closures so our New Year's Eve dance was cancelled completely.  While it is a disappointing time in our daily lives, we all know it is for our protection and pray that this too shall pass.  

I do have a beautiful card to share with you today - - - CHEERS! ...  as we raise our glasses to welcome the first day of 2021!

I've selected Jan's Digi Stamp Shop's Happy New Year set to make this card.  I've laid out and grouped the three elements from the package then sized to about 4" x 3".  I used Copic markers for coloring and then used Gina Marie Designs Label One Die for the image and the blue glitter paper matting. I cut a navy blue A2 sized card base with a side fold and mounted these two pieces.  Then I added the yellow gold organza double bow on the folded side of the card.  Lastly I added a white 5" x 3 1/2" liner inside for writing.

Be sure to check out this image and many others that are currently on sale at Jan's Digi Stamp Shop. Click here.  

Thank you for stopping by today.  I enjoy sharing my work with you and invite you to “Follow” my blog and to visit my site ~ “Not Just Scraps” on Facebook ~ where you can purchase my cards.

 

I’ll be entering this card in the following challenges:

Simon Says Monday Challenge ~ Celebrate 

Mod Squad - Anything Goes 

Watercooler Wednesday WW302 - Anything Goes

 

 

Serving a Risen Savior,

Pam

Copics Used:

Glasses: Y28, Y26, Y23, Y24, B60, B63, Bucket: B60, B63, B66, B69, Cork & ribbon: YR23, YR24, Y26, Y28, Ice: B0000, BG000, B60, Bottle: RV11, R83, R85, RV34,  Ribbon: BV000, B60, YR23, Neck: YR21, YR23, YR24, YR27, Shadow  & Handle: C1

Products Used:

Jan's Digi Stamp Shop, Happy New Year

Gina Marie Designs, Nested Labels #1

Top Favorites for 2020

 As I write the posting for today's blog, I'm looking back at the numbers over the last five years... over 950!  

Some would ask why, while others would shake their heads and think what a waste of time.  But there are those that understand why. For me, it's that personal satisfaction to share what I love, to try to teach by example, and to spread the love of this craft that motivates me to blog.  I sincerely appreciate those that follow my blog and also those that follow my work on Social Media.  You are each a blessing to me.

Picking my top 12 cards for the year is always a struggle as there are so many I enjoyed for different reasons.  Here's a grouping of the ones that made my cut and then why and a link to each of them.

All Dressed Up was a new company to me this year and I'm excited to say I've loved everything I've gotten from them from their curly hair down to their pointy toes!  Details on this dainty lady @ https://pamspearls4u.blogspot.com/2020/07/lets-celebrate.html

Sometimes the requests I get for cards make me shake my head.  I'm not an artist by any means.  This was a request for a special anniversary card - to match the couple's horses....down to the color and kind.  From a coloring sheet with no spots on the horse, and many hours, I eventually got there.  Details @ https://pamspearls4u.blogspot.com/2020/04/sshhh-its-secret.html

I was blessed this year with meeting Artist Jo Ann Stapleton and allowed to color several of her drawings.  This was the first one I did from her sketch ~ the beginning of a great friendship! Details @ https://pamspearls4u.blogspot.com/2020/08/from-sketch-to-card.html

This image is an original by Donna Ellis of 2 Crafty Critter Crazies Design Team. What an honor to create with it.  I loved both coloring the owl and how the background turned out on this card. Details @ https://pamspearls4u.blogspot.com/2020/03/wisely-believe-in-yourself.html

This cutie is from C. C. Designs and although I used her to celebrate National Thrift Store Day, she is the sassy gal we all want to be!  We are in charge of today and we can chose to be Happy!  Details @ https://pamspearls4u.blogspot.com/2020/08/national-thrift-store-day.html

I picked this card to be in the top 12 for two reasons.  One was the Unity image is stunning and the sentiment reminds us daily Don't be Afraid - just Believe.  Faith over Fear has gotten us through 2020.  The second reason was I made this card for a sketch challenge with my crafting BFF.  We are both talented card makers and strive not to compete with each other, our friendship is much more important. It's nice to be able to relax and enjoy a challenge without competition.  Details @ https://pamspearls4u.blogspot.com/2020/04/just-believe.html

This Polka Dot Orchard vintage truck reminds us of the classic American heritage and you wonder how many guys have one in their back yard!   I love coloring any vintage truck image and have learned that I get almost as many request for them from the girls as for the guys.  Details @ https://pamspearls4u.blogspot.com/2020/08/a-classic-birthday.html

This is the simplest of all the top 12 cards - however this is me.  The stamp was a gift from a very special friend which makes it very dear to me.  It's from Dreamerland Crafts, named Photographer and of course she is focused on the Hummingbird, my Logo. Details @ https://pamspearls4u.blogspot.com/2020/03/i-see-you.html

This is one of many Cards of Encouragement that I sent out this year.  Didn't we all need those to survive 2020!  Lili of the Valley images touch my heart and are my go to images for many occasions.  Details @ https://pamspearls4u.blogspot.com/2020/04/little-nurse-is-here-to-help.html

  

I adore this Polka Dot Orchard rose and selected it for the Retirement card for my best friend of 58+ years.  What a Godsend she has been and a positive impact in my life.  Details @ https://pamspearls4u.blogspot.com/2020/07/your-friend.html

Oh this Little Red Riding Hood - she is almost a scary little image before coloring. No offense to the artist, but I selected her as a challenge to see how my Copic skills could be put to the test.  I found the little pin in my stash quite by accident, which really completed this card ~ and it sold before the ink was barely dry!  Details on this unique card @ https://pamspearls4u.blogspot.com/2020/08/this-is-how-story-goes.html

As the year closes, we are anything but 'All is Calm'.  However I believe that God has us and these troubled times are in His plan.  I know that He will not leave me or you and will be with us through all of our circumstances.  

Details on this card @ https://pamspearls4u.blogspot.com/2020/12/all-is-calm.html

Thank you for stopping by today.  I enjoy sharing my work with you and invite you to “Follow” my blog and to visit my site ~ “Not Just Scraps” on Facebook ~ where you can purchase my cards.

See ya next year!

 

Serving a Risen Savior,

Pam

 

 

Warm Winter Wishes

Today I'd like to share another image from the Bugaboo Snowman Set 2.  I should have called this a 'Puzzle Piece Card' as the cute little snowman and penguin were about the only part that were together.  

Here's the completed card showing the snow covered, glittery hills and sparkly trees with the cool snowflake sky.

Now looking closely it's easy to see the line beside the Copic colored image and the stamped words.  The card is made in several layers attached to an A2 card base.  

Starting from the back/grey sky patterned paper...  It's cut to fit the card base then die cut with the tree line at the bottom edge.  

White layer is die cut with trees and hills at the top, then measured and cut to fit the trees at the top into the negative space in the top of the patterned paper, and trimmed to fit the card base on the bottom. 

Colored image is die cut around the top edge then trimmed to the left side to match the card base side and bottom. 

Sentiment 'warm winter wishes' is stamped in the remaining space to the right.  Then the diamond Stickles is added to all the tree edges and mountain edges. 

Thank you for stopping by today.  I enjoy sharing my work with you and invite you to “Follow” my blog and to visit my site ~ “Not Just Scraps” on Facebook ~ where you can purchase my cards.

 

I’ll be entering this card in the following challenges: 

Crafty Hazelnut Patterned Paper ~ December 

Papercraft Challenge  ~ Snowflakes 

Scribbles Challenge #95 ~ Sparkles & Shine 

Sheepski Designs ~ #45 Creature 

Cutie Pie Challenge #154 ~ White Christmas 

Catch the Bug ~ Day 4, Bingo (Paper/image/die cut)

 

Serving a Risen Savior,

Pam

 Products Used:

 

Bugaboo, Snowman Set 02

Memory Box, Evergreen Hillside #1450 (discontinued)

 

Keepsake Ornament

 One of the special family traditions for the holidays that I truly love is making a keepsake ornament each year.  This tradition,  which started with my Grandmother, has been carried through my mother and has grown while in my era, continues into my daughters hands during these years.  

Today I'd like to share with you the ornament I made for 2020.

I had seen a Vintage Sled die by Memory Box that caught my eye.  The die is available in two sizes - since I wanted it for an ornament, I ordered the smaller size.  When it arrived, although exactly as described,  I was a bit taken back by just how small it was!  This was going to need a few additional pieces to be added to make it work. 

As with all of us - a pinch of this and a little of that - I shopped through my stash of odds and ends until I found the combination of tiny treasures that made up the vintage ornament I was looking for.

I found the little stockings at Hobby Lobby and added the gold or silver Stampin Up Doily, then the two part vintage sled, and  the miniature die cut green Christmas tree.  Inside I added a tag with a Christmas greeting and my name.  I made 38 of these.

I did make a second ornament this year, mostly for my grandchildren.  It's one I'm sure you probably saw on Facebook as the Angel to protect you from Covid. They really turned out cute also. 

I wanted to add a scripture verse to mine - I selected Deuteronomy 31:6

Everyone that I gave one of these angels to truly enjoyed them.

Thank you for stopping by today.  I enjoy sharing my work with you and invite you to “Follow” my blog and to visit my site ~ “Not Just Scraps” on Facebook ~ where you can purchase my cards.

 

I’ll be entering this card in the following challenges: 

613 Ave Create ~ Anything Goes - Vintage 

Crafty Creations Challenge ~ December #416 

Creative Moments ~ Challenge #205

 

Serving a Risen Savior,

Pam

Products Used:

Frantic Stamper, Memory Box Vintage Sled

 

 

Special Delivery

 Not everyone has the privilege of knowing their mail carrier.  That may sound a little weird to you - but it is a privilege.  I consider mine to be a friend now, having known her for just over five years since I moved to Leesville.  For the last four years, I have given her one of my handmade Christmas cards, each with some sort of 'mail carrier' design.   It thrills me greatly to know that she looks forward to adding to her collection each year.

This year, I selected Whimsy Stamps, Penguin Happy Mail by Artist Crissy Armstrong. 

I used the digital version but this image is also available in Red Rubber.  I sized it to fit a 5" square card base and printed the image on Neenah 110# card stock.  After Copic coloring I used the Penny Black Elegant Stitching die for the edges.  I used that same die for the patterned background matting and cut a solid black liner mat approximately 1/8" larger than the colored image.   

I covered a black 5" card base with the blue 'snowy' paper and then added the vertical 'Special Delivery' fishtail banner and mat that I had made.  I carefully tucked the glossy large snowflake under the top of the banner and on top of the image for added dimension. 

Don't wait until Christmas to remember those that offer their service to you on a regular basis.  Let them know you appreciate them, just like you like to be appreciated.  It sure makes life in today's world a little better. 

Thank you for stopping by today.  I enjoy sharing my work with you and invite you to “Follow” my blog and to visit my site ~ “Not Just Scraps” on Facebook ~ where you can purchase my cards.

 

I’ll be entering this card in the following challenges:

Cute Card Thursday ~ #666 Anything Goes 

Alphabet Challenge ~ S is for Snow Scene 

Simon Says ~ Wednesday Challenge ~ Sparkle & Shine

 

Serving a Risen Savior,

Pam

Products Used:

Whimsy Stamps, Penguin Happy Mail

Penny Black, Elegant Stitching

 

  

Unto Us a Child Is Born...

 his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)

Thank you God for loving us more than we could ever deserve.

Wishing each of you the Blessings of the Season,  safety and health for the New Year.

Continuing to Serve a Risen Savior, 

Pam 

Product Used:

Stamp Happens, Artist Heidi Satterberg

Challenges:

Word Art Wednesday Blog Hop ~ 470-472

Always Fun Challenge #194 - Christmas

Merry Little Christmas Challenge #29

Get Your Santa On ~ Be Merry!

It's time to 'Get Your Santa On' and ...  BE MERRY!!!

Today's Christmas card was created using Polkadoodles, North Pole, Santa's Suit.  

After completing the coloring with Copic markers, I used Gina Marie Designs Pierced Nested Labels Die (discontinued) for the edging.  I really liked using the black plaid background paper on this card and the vertical envelope layout design.  Next I added the die cut 'Be Merry' above the colored image.  After everything was secured on the card base, I added the diamond Stickles on all the fur areas. This little Santa is ready to sparkle and shine!

Thank you for stopping by today.  I enjoy sharing my work with you and invite you to “Follow” my blog and to visit my site ~ “Not Just Scraps” on Facebook ~ where you can purchase my cards.

 

I’ll be entering this card in the following challenges: 

Crafty Gals Corner ~ Challenge #214 'Tis the Season 

Fezziwigs Festive Frolics~Last Minute Makes 

Simon Says Wednesday ~ Sparkle & Shine 

The Male Room ~ #145 Tartan & Plaid 

Let's Create Challenge #165 ~ Santa's Coming to Town 

Polkadoodles Week 51 

 Digi Choosday ~ Week #51

 

 

Serving a Risen Savior,

Pam

Products:

Polkadoodles, Winnie, North Pole, Santa's Suit 

 

Sweet Snowman Hugs

As we continue to count down the days til Christmas, today I'd like to share another Bugaboo digital image I used for this Christmas card.  The image is part of a set from Bugaboo Stamps named Snowman Set 02 which comes with three snowmen images and three sentiments.

I also created this card for Bugaboo's Day six photo challenge, which spoke 'love & hugs' to me. 

To make this card, I positioned and stamped the image to the left of the center of the card front. Then I added the sentiment to the right of image and printed the card front on Neenah 110# cardstock.  I used my Copic markers for coloring and used the Whimsy Stamp Company Zig Zag Stitched Rectangle die for the edges.  I used a double matting of light blue near the image, then a solid darker blue mat, then the white A2 standard cart base.  I added a tiny dot of silver sparkle on each of the snowflakes to complete my card. 

Thank you for stopping by today.  I enjoy sharing my work with you and invite you to “Follow” my blog and to visit my site ~ “Not Just Scraps” on Facebook ~ where you can purchase my cards.

 

I’ll be entering this card in the following challenges:

Catch the Bug ~ Bugaboo Day 6 Photo Challenge 

Christmas with the Cuties ~ Challenge #45 

Cutie Pie Challenge #154 ~ White Christmas 

Alphabet Challenge ~ S is for Snow 

 

Serving a Risen Savior,

Pam

Products Used:

Bugaboo Stamps, Snowmen Set 2

Whimsy Stamps, Zig Zag Stitched Rectangle Die

 

 

North Pole Winnie's Yummy Gingerbread

For today's Christmas card, I thought we'd 'cook up' a little Christmas spirit with this little Winnie and her Gingerbread men. This image is from Polkadoodles North Pole Bundle, Winnie North Pole, Gingerbread Basket.  I'm sure most of you have completed your Christmas baking by now, but some (like me) are waiting till the last second.

Here's my finished card using this image followed by a few directions.

I started by sizing the image to about 2 3/4" wide and 3 1/2" tall. I used my Copic markers for coloring and intentionally left the 'white' fur areas blank. I used the Memory Box Matinee Die for the completed image and then went back to add the diamond stickles to the 'white' fur spots.  

I covered the kraft A2 sized base with the patterned paper layout and added the colored image in the center.  Lastly I added the red 1/8" red ribbon bow to the card. 

Thank you for stopping by today.  I enjoy sharing my work with you and invite you to “Follow” my blog and to visit my site ~ “Not Just Scraps” on Facebook ~ where you can purchase my cards.

 

I’ll be entering this card in the following challenges: 

Christmas 24 ~ Food or Drink

Crafty Hazelnut Patterned Paper ~ December 

Merry Little Christmas ~ Challenge #29 

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends # Challenge #148 

Di's Digi Challenge - Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas 

Polkadoodles Week 51

 

Serving a Risen Savior,

Pam

Products Used:

Winnie North Pole, Gingerbread Basket

Memory Box Matinee Rectangle Layers Die

 

 

Gnome Peeking ~ It's Almost Here!

 Today I'd like to share a super cute little Gnome Christmas card using Whimsy Stamp Company's Gnome for the Holidays, by Artist Crissy Armstrong.

For this card, I stamped the image on Neenah 110# card stock and used my Copic markers for coloring.  I used Gina Marie Designs X-Stitched Rectangle dies for the multi-layering of white and red plaid papers, alternating each layer.  This type layout is especially good when you have a single small image for your card.  You don't want it to get lost with lots of white space showing.  By adding the layered mats, the eye is drawn in and focused to the center image in a positive way. 

This is a great package of three gnomes, each one of them would work great in this layout or together in a different grouped layout.  Definitely a stamp set worth adding to your collection.

Thank you for stopping by today.  I enjoy sharing my work with you and invite you to “Follow” my blog and to visit my site ~ “Not Just Scraps” on Facebook ~ where you can purchase my cards.

 

I’ll be entering this card in the following challenges:

 Crafter's Cafe ~ Holidays 

Creatalicious Challenge ~ 201 Anything Goes 

Creative Crafting Uncles ~ Christmas 

Day of the Month Club ~ #22 Santa List Day 

Let's Craft & Create ~ #166 Santa's Coming to Town

Whimsy Stamps & Inspiration

 

Serving a Risen Savior,

Pam

Products Used:

 

Whimsy Stamps, Gnome for the Holidays

Gina Marie Designs, X-Stitched Rectangle

 

 

WOW ~ Reindeer Gift Card Tags

We're down to the last days before Christmas 2020 ~ Oh My! I'm here today to share a few ideas to whip up gift card tags using two different packages from Polka Dot Orchard. 

The first set are from Calling All Reindeer and are 'print and go' - no coloring required!  Each of these are 2 3/4" wide and 4" long.  The first (with black mat) has a photo corner inside to hold the gift card.  The other two have a paper envelope/bag on the back for the gift card.

The second set that I'd like to share I made from Polka Dot Orchard's Greetings Deer Friends.  For these I printed the reindeer and colored all of them the same with my Copic markers.  I used Polka Dot Orchard's Dolly Doily Stencil with various Distressed Oxide Inks on each one. Love this stencil!  There is a variety of styles shown, from book style, tag with a pocket on the back to trifold with the reindeer tag and the sealed bottom pocket for the gift card.    

 I'm sure you 'get the idea'.  The possibilities are ENDLESS.  And these don't take long to do, thanks to the great artistic talent and packages at Polka Dot Orchard.  Your gift card recipients will really be impressed with your packaging. 

Thank you for stopping by today.  I enjoy sharing my work with you and invite you to “Follow” my blog and to visit my site ~ “Not Just Scraps” on Facebook ~ where you can purchase my cards.

 

I’ll be entering this card in the following challenges:

 Winter Wonderland Challenge ~ Anything Goes 

Creative Knockouts ~ #381 Anything Goes 

Fezziwigs Festive Frolics ~ Santa Says Last Minute Makes 

Simon Says ~ Wednesday Challenge - Christmas Critters 

Creations in Pink ~ Challenge #29 

Daring Cardmakers ~ Tags, Toppers, & Labels 

Gem of a Challenge ~ Week 26

 

Serving a Risen Savior,

Pam

Products Used:

Polka Dot Orchard, Calling All Reindeer

Polka Dot Orchard, Seasons Greetings Deer Friend

Polka Dot Orchard, Dolly Doily Square Stencil