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