Pam's Pearls: November 2023

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Tropical Flowers Even In November

If you aren't a 'seasoned' crafter who likes to travel a bit, you would probably feel a bit uncomfortable attending a 5 day event with a dozen ladies you'd never met ~ and that includes rooming with several of them too. But crafty ladies are the fun, loving ladies who share this hobby all in somewhat different ways but in general are ready to share their knowledge and learn from yours.

This was my situation this past July when I attended Stamp Camp with 11 ladies I only knew through a photo on Facebook, and several not even that. I left 5 days later with 11 new wonderful friends and have kept in touch with almost all of them since then, nurturing new friendships and continuing to learn from them.

Today is Ms Barbara's birthday - our Oklahoma traveler. While she was our roommate she did sleep on the sofa most of the time and had a few run in with the owner's dog Po, who thought she was there to sleep with him!

For her card I wanted to send her something bright and cheerful knowing by the end of November she could easily have snow or bad weather there. I don't get to order many Polkadoodles 'real' stamps with their location being in the UK, so I decided this new set 'Tropical Flowers 1' would be perfect for her with the bright flowers and of course a hummingbird.

I stamped the images and used my Copic markers for coloring. Then I used Gina Marie Designs, Scalloped Stitched Rectangle Frames for the edge. I added the sentiment 'Happy Birthday' with Versa Clair Warm Breeze.

I selected a Kraft card base and added a mauve background mat, then secured the completed image to the center. Next I added three randomly placed mini enamel dots and the aqua ribbon and bow at the fold to complete the card.

Happy Birthday Ms Barbara!

Thank you for stopping by today to view my blog. 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 will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Dream Valley ~ November Challenge ~ Challenge 306

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends ~ November Challenge ~ Challenge 218

Sweet Stamping ~ November ~ It's Our Birthday

Seize the Birthday ~ Challenge 274 ~ Fall

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Flower: RV55, RV63, RV66, Leaves: YG93, YG95, Hummingbird: BV04, BG05, R37, YG01

Products

Polkadoodles, Tropical Flowers 1

Gina Marie Designs, Scalloped Stitched Rectangle Frames

The Work of His Hands

For the last day of Beccy's Place November Challenge, we are to make a card to show what we LOVE to do! I often say my coloring of my cards is my daily joy, what I love to do, as I feel God's presence with me, guiding me when I am quiet and coloring.

Another thing that I love to do, is looking out my window or sitting on our porch and enjoying the view of Lake Murray from our little cove. If you are my Facebook friend, you've seen photo postings from time to time during different seasons from one of the view points. I never tire of this image, it's always different, as God paints His masterpiece across our sky each and every day.

To capture that in a card, I took one of the recent afternoon photos, which had lots of pinks, purples and blues in the sky, and opened it in Photoshop Elements. I changed it to a black & white photo and then used a couple of adjustment filters to lighten it further without distorting the image.

I printed the image and colored it back in with my Copic markers, double matted it and made into a 5 x 6" greeting card.

I considered several sentiments and scriptures to go on the card front or if I should just leave it blank on the front.

I decided this scripture fit best for me personally, from Psalm 19.1 ~ "The Heavens declare the Glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."

I will always be in awe of God's amazing creations, the majesty of the skies and the blessings He continues to give us daily. I think you can see why I named our home 'Grateful Reflections'.

Thank you Beccy for a wonderful month of Holiday cards. I look forward to 2024 with your monthly newsletters/challenges and another November month long challenge next fall.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Beccy's Place ~ November Challenge ~ Month of Holiday Cards

Shopping our Stash ~ Challenge 510 ~ Splish Splash

Path of Positivity ~ Challenge 117 ~ Texture

Creative Inspiration Challenge ~ Challenge 8

Word Art Wednesday ~ Week 623-624

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Pinks: R00, R01, R81, Purples: B60 BV20, Greys: B91, B93, Blues: B21, B32, Light Blue: B000, Shadow: N4, N5

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Always End on a Sweet Note

Well today is the last Alphabet day of Beccy's Place November Challenge, Month of Holiday Cards. Just one more tomorrow to finish us up!

During the month I have entered 41 cards, won one comment prize and won two race prizes. But better than that, here at the start of her next to last day, the challenge has over 980 entries for the month! I'd say LOTS of card makers have had fun playing along with Beccy this month!

I was excited to find this Inky Antics, Zebra (Holiday BaZooples) in my stamp collection AND that he was decked out in Christmas attire!

After stamping him and the 'sweet' sentiment, I used my Copic markers for coloring and then used Gina Marie Designs Drop Pendant die for the shaped cut.

I covered the A2 card base with the horizontal lined paper and added the red metallic 1" strip across the middle. Then I secured the colored image panel in the center and the two candy pieces on each end. Lastly I tied the red organza ribbon at the top fold and added the bow to complete the card design.

It's been a great month of sharing my Christmas cards and entering them in Beccy's Place and many other sites as well. I hope you've enjoyed viewing them and seeing how they were made as well.

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 will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Beccy's Place - November Challenge ~ Month of Holiday Cards

Cards4Guyz ~ Challenge 335 ~ Festive Creatures

Here's a Place to Start - November Challenge

Make Mine Monday ~ Challenge 214 ~ Wreath

Stamping Sensation ~ November Challenge

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Zebra: E41, E42, Candy Cane: Red Multi-liner Pen, Scarf: R35, R37, Berries: R24, Leaves: YG67, Grass: YG63, YG67, Shadow: W3

Products

Inky Antics, Holiday BaZooples

Gina Marie Designs, Drop Pendant

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Lighting the Yule Log

While the lighting of the Yule Log was typically a Nordic celebration, we're all somewhat exposed to the idea in general that it is used to symbolize the birth of Jesus or to symbolize Jesus's triumph over sin.

I think we are more familiar with seeing the Advent wreath with the weekly countdown of colored candles until Christmas Eve.

However, for my "Y" entry in Beccy's Place November Challenge, I elected to color a Yule Log Candle.

The image shows how the wooden logs were beautifully decorated with three Yellow candles surrounded by holly leaves and berries, other foliage and a bright red bow.

I used Copic markers for the coloring and then the edging was done with Gina Marie Designs Stitched Scalloped Rectangle die. I used the same die package for the gold patterned matting cardstock. Both layers were secured on an A2 card base. Then I added the sentiment strip to a black strip and then secured it to the bottom of the card base directly under the image to complete my design.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Beccy's Place ~ November Challenge ~ Month of Holiday Cards

Dream Valley ~ Challenge 306

Inkspirational ~ Challenge 303 ~ Seasonal

Creative Inspiration ~ Challenge 8

Word Art Wednesday ~ Week 623/624

Pam's Pearls

Copics

YULE word: Y28, Stars: Y19, Y26, Candles: Y19, R27, Y15, Holly: YG67, YG63, R27, Other Leaves: BG18, BG72, Bow: R35, R37, R39, Lob: E70, E74, Holder: Y28

Monday, November 27, 2023

Have an X-tra Sweet Christmas

Today's card is another one that I had no idea where it was going but love the end result. We're up to alpha 'X' in the November challenge with Beccy's Place - not a super easy letter but several options. I had decided on candy canes and being blessed with knowing how to use photoshop elements really helps when you want to turn or alter images.

But not all images can be altered without a lot of extra work, then you spend time either fixing them or seeking others that will work. I love the design part of digital stamping, building scenes with several stamps, etc. but sometimes I end up loosing all my coloring time working on just the designs.

Today's Candy Canes came from Jan's Digital Stamp Shop, where I've been on the Design Team for several years. This image was one that I could flip over and I could alter the 'excess' to merge them into this image. This is always done in a copy, never altering the original image and never doing any thing she wouldn't approve of. I always respect the artist greatly and wish I had the ability to draw like they do!

I flipped the bottom candy cane over and then 'erased' the extra pieces of bow and leaves that weren't needed. Once completed I sized to about 3" and printed on Neenah 110# cardstock. The image is colored with Copic markers and the decorative edge was done using Craft Essentials Deco Squares die.

I love the coordinating Christmas paper with fruit on it! What fun is that with the candy canes! This turned out to be a 5" square card, I cut the card base myself since it's not a standard size. I secured the patterned background paper, then added the candy canes just above the center point. Randomly I added the small enamel dots that coordinated with the image, The sentiment is from the Taylored Expressions, Simple Strips Christmas Sentiments and I added a foam strip behind it before securing across the bottom of the colored image. Lastly, I added the mint colored 'Merry Christmas' wax seal at the top left that I made for an additional handmade touch.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Beccy's Place ~ November Challenge ~ Month of Holiday Cards

World Wide Crafters and Colourist ~ November

Just Add Ink ~ Challenge 680 ~ Alcohol

CD Sunday Plus ~ Challenge 124

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Candy Canes: R21, R22, BG09, BG15, Bow: R24, R27, Berries, R24,

Leaves: BG72, BG18

Products

Jan's Digital Stamp Shop, Candy Canes

Craft Essentials, Deco Squares

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Follow Me Little One

For my second entry in the November Challenge on Beccy's Place for the alpha 'W', I'm using another Stamping Bella Bundle Girl stamp. This one is Bundle Girl and Puppy Candle Bearers.

I think this image could be used for several things. I've used it for a Christmas card here but it could be for a sympathy card for the passing of a treasured pet, or even for a young parent struggling with raising a child. We hold the light for our children to follow throughout their lives, not just in childhood. Sometimes I think we as adults forget they are still watching!

But today we're focused on these adorable characters with ANGEL WINGS in our challenge and they are bringing seasons greetings in this colorful card.

After stamping the images, I colored them with Copic markers, and then stamped the sentiment with Versa Clair ink.

I used Gina Marie Designs, Scalloped Stitched Rectangle dies for the patterned matting piece and the completed colored piece. I secured each layer to a standard A2 card base. Lastly I randomly placed 3 small black enamel dots to complete the card design.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Beccy's Place ~ November Challenge ~ Month of Holiday Cards

Stamping Bella Sisterhood - Facebook December Challenge

C.R.A.F,T. ~ Challenge 699 ~ Christmas Present

Tic Tac Toe ~ Challenge 236 ~ Family/Critters, Coloring, Stamping

Mix It Up ~ Challenge 68

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Puppy: N6, E31, E33, E35, Wings: RV00, RV02, Girl Coat & Hat: BG07, BG45, BG49, Candle: R20, R21, R22, R24, Flame, Star & Halo: Y15

Products

Stamping Bella, Bundle Girl and Puppy Candle Bearers

Gina Marie Designs, Scalloped Stitched Rectangles

Saturday, November 25, 2023

White Christmas

For one of my Alpha 'W' entries for Beccy's Place, November Challenge, I wanted to make an all WHITE Christmas card. For a crafter who LOVES color and doesn't particularly like a lot of white space on my cards, this was actually a challenge!

Here's my completed card.

I think I spent the most time looking for the single sheet of white glitter paper as it seemed my box had every color except white! I die cut both trees from the Sizzix, Tim Holtz Woodlands Tree die set using the white glitter cardstock.

For the background I used Nellie Snellin's 6" square Snow Falling Embossing Folder. Then I cut it down to fit the A2 card base I was using. I staggered the trees slightly and secured them to the card front.

Next I stamped 'Peace' on a tag that was gifted to me, it's from Stampin' Up Stitched Labels Framelits Dies. I added a foam strip behind the die before securing to the bottom left of the card front to complete my card.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Beccy's Place ~ November Challenge ~ Month of Holiday Cards

Cardz4Galz ~ Challenge 212 ~ Embossing

Craft Rocket ~ Challenge 109 ~ Wintertime

Crafty Gals ~ Challenge 249 ~ Dots/Stripes

Give a Crafter a Cookie - Challenge 186 - November - White

Pam's Pearls

Products

Sizzix, Tim Holtz, Woodlands

Nellie Snellin, Snow Falling

SU, Stitched Labels Framelits

Vintage Christmas Shopper

For my 'Vintage' card for the November Challenge on Beccy's Place, I remembered this 'Vintage Shopper' from Sweet November Stamps that I'd gotten last year after the season. She certainly needed to have her turn at being seen this Christmas season.

I sized her to just under 5" for a mini slimline card and layered the sentiment to her right using a vintage font.

I used my Copic markers for coloring and stayed within the 'Violet' shades to continue the challenge theme.

I used Craft Essentials Pointed Ovals for the image and the purple mat. I secured the image about 1/2" from the right edge of the die then trimmed both pieces to fit the front of my mini slimline card base. Before adding to the base, I covered the front with the small berry print paper, then added the matting, and the completed image. Next I randomly placed three green enamel dots and finished the card by adding the red organza ribbon and bow.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Beccy's Place, November Challenge ~ Month of Holiday Cards

Sweet November ~ Facebook November Challenge

Creative Knockouts ~ Challenge 508 ~ Lots of Layers

Time Out Challenge ~ Challenge 252 ~ Winter / Holiday

Sisterhood of Crafters ~ November ~ Sweater Weather

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Hat and Coat: BV02, BV04, B60, Boots, E23, E25, Boxes: BV02, BG72, Gloves, BV04, Lips: R29, Hair: N5, Shadow: W3

Products

Sweet November Stamps, Vintage Shopper

Friday, November 24, 2023

From U to V - What Shall I Be?

Somewhere about mid way through Beccy's Place's November Challenge, I sorted through my recent Christmas cards from my last retreat putting them in order to see what I needed to make for the rest of the month. These Teddy Bear cards from CC Designs were placed in the 'T' place holder and rested there until earlier this week when I realized I had several Thanksgiving Cards, plus other 't' cards to post on the challenge. So I saved these two.... and then when I looked at them together I chuckled!

Right in front of me ... one card cut in the perfect "U" shaped flap and

one card cut in the perfect 'V' shaped flap.

Like the poor fellow couldn't decide what he wanted to be!

Both of the scalloped edgers are part of the My Favorite Things, Stitched Scallop Basic Edgers. The sentiments are from Taylored Expressions, Simple Strips, Christmas set and the image is CC Designs, Berry Sweet.

It does show how different the paper and die cut with the same image can really change the look of the completed card.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Beccy's Place ~ November Challenge ~ Month of Holiday Cards

Christmas Craft Creations ~ November ~ Add A Hat

Crafty Gals ~ Challenge 249 ~ Dots/Stripes

Mix it Up ~ Challenge 68

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Hat: R37, R39, Bear: E40, E41, E42, R43

Products

CC Designs, Berry Sweet (discontinued)

My Favorite Things, Stitched Scallop Basic Edger Dies

Wear You Best!

You about can't have Christmas without having an 'UGLY' sweater show up somewhere! I decided that would be my entry for Beccy's Place November Challenge for the Alpha 'U' day today.

With all the mix-matched colors and paper that doesn't match, I think I did a pretty good job making it truly an ugly sweater. Now the only question is 'Who gets this card?' LOL

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Beccy's Place ~ November Challenge ~ Month of Holiday Cards

Sisterhood of Crafters ~ November ~ Sweater Weather

Cards Galore ~ November Challenge

Daisy Chain ~ Challenge 80 ~ Christmas / Winter

Try it on Tuesday ~ November ~ Baby it's Cold Outside

Pam's Pearls

Products

Gina Marie Designs, Flower Chain Rectangle

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Happy Turkey Day!

Some images are just too cute not to show off a little bit.

I made this card for one of my customer's little girl and loved it so that I made a second one for our great granddaughter too.

This is from Stamping Bella, and it's Bundle Girl on a Turkey.

After stamping her on Ivory card stock, I used Copic markers for coloring. I stamped the sentiment using brown Versa Clair ink once I had completed all of the coloring.

Next I used Pink and Main's Rounded Stitched Rectangle die for the edge of the colored image. I used a corner rounder for the edges of the background paper. Then I secured both pieces on the A2 card base and randomly added the enamel dots to complete the design.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Word Art Wednesday ~ Week 623/624

Crafting Happiness ~ Challenge 149 ~ Turkeys

Crafty Animals ~ Challenge 78

Critter Crazy ~ Challenge 80

Farm Quest ~ Challenge 40 ~ Turkeys

Beccy's Place ~ November Challenge ~ Month of Holiday Cards

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Shoes: YG61, YG63, Clothes: G82, Feathers: Y19, YR16, R37, R39, E23, E25, E27, Head: E42, E43, Bonnet: E42, E43

Products

Stamping Bella, Bundle Girl on Turkey