Pam's Pearls

Monday, January 16, 2023

Together Forever

My Design Teams that post twice a month, like today for Jan's Digital Stamp Shop, make me feel like the month is going way too fast! It seems like I just posted on the first Monday and here we are at the third Monday!

But I'm back with an adorable Valentine card using Jan's 'Sweethearts' that was released earlier this month. I'm loving the 50's feeling of this image and my card.

Aren't they the cutest!

After sizing to about 3 1/2" tall and adding the sentiment, I printed the image on 110# Neenah cardstock and used my Copic markers for coloring.

The edging was done using Gina Marie's Venetian Labels die. This die set has lots of layers, so I was able to cut the black liner mat with the next die up in the set.

The white card base is a standard A2 size with the red polka dot cover mat added. Then I added the image with the liner to the center of the card. I also added 3 random hearts die cut out of the same red polka dotted paper. Lastly, I added Diamond Stickles to the foamy tops of their drinks to complete the card design.

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:

Color Throwdown ~ Challenge 725

Crafting Happiness ~ Challenge 138 ~ Celebrations

Avenue 613 ~ January ~ Anything Goes

CD Sunday ~ Challenge 101 (2nd place)

Pam's Pearls

Jan's Digital Stamps, Sweethearts

Gina Marie Designs, Venetian Label Dies

Saturday, January 14, 2023

Best Wishes For Your Birthday!

There's a new week's challenge on Polkadoodles Challenge Blog and the Design Team has been working on Birthday cards to share.

For my project card, I selected 'Gift of Love, Sparkle Unicorn'.

In addition to being a birthday card, we were required to only use these four colors.

I selected Copics N1-N5, RV17, RV66, and Y26/Y28.

After completing the coloring and die cutting the edge, I selected two papers from the Polkadoodles Birthday Fun Craft Papers for my layout.

This is a fun layout that really shows off the colored image. I used a 6" square card base. The two 6" squares of paper are cut diagonally corner to corner then turned so the point is in the center of the card. Excess is then trimmed off the outside edges and the image is added to the center. I added the gray liner mat to mine, then secured her in the center.

Next I added a little touch of Gold Stickles in the center of the flowers and the two hearts.

For the final touch I added the sparkly magenta bow at the top fold.

Be sure to check out all the Design Team cards on the Challenge Blog and enter your cards too!

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Double D Challenges ~ Happy Birthday Challenge

The Paper Shelter ~ Christmas Break Challenge

Cardz4guyz ~ Challenge 313 ~ Birthday for a Child

Di's Designs ~ Celebrate Challenge

AAA Birthday Challenge ~ Game 45

Pam's Pearls

Products

Polkadoodles, Gifts of Love, Sparkle Unicorn

Polkadoodles, Birthday Fun Craft Papers

Friday, January 13, 2023

Have Faith in How Far You Will Go ~ Growing in Unity 2023 Day Five

With this being my last day of sharing for the 2023 Growing in Unity, I wanted to thank everyone who has joined me this week. I've enjoyed all the comments and hope that my cards have brought you joy and positive thoughts going forward.

For this posting I've selected Unity's 'Take Pride in Your Journey' by Tierra Jackson and 'A Walk in the Woods' background by Angie Blom. It's been great to use mostly new stamps both today and every day this week!

The sentiment, also from 'Take Pride in Your Journey' is perfect to end my week of postings. We all have come a long way, through many struggles and peaks of happiness. Never be embarrassed about your journey, life's events are what form us and make us strive to be a better person. Again we are reminded to 'Have Faith' for without it we have no hope. Each day is a blessing, be grateful and find the good in every situation. Be amazed and over joyed as you continue to grow into the person you are meant to be. At the end of each day, take time to be thankful.

To make this card I stamped the background on a 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" piece of Neenah 110# cardstock and the Volkswagen on a separate piece. The sentiment was stamped using Versa Clair ink and I hand cut close to the words, to allow for as much of the image to show as possible. I used my Copic markers for coloring both images. I extended the grass and pathway down past the stamped design about 3/4".

After cutting a black liner mat I secured the background to the liner and then both to the deep green card base.

Carefully I fussy cut out the car and luggage and attached them to the pathway using a wobbler. With our ups and downs in life, I thought the wobbler was a good fit.

After securing the sentiment near the top left of the image I added glossy accents to the windshield and the headlights. I put the card aside to let it dry over night.

Don't forget to comment on today's posting for your chance to win one of the two $20 gift certifications from Unity. Be sure to leave your name as many comments are coming in as 'Anonymous'.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

The Paper Shelter ~ Christmas Break Challenge

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge ~ Too Cute

Crafty Calendar ~ January ~ Add a Sentiment

Sweet Stampin - New

Get Creative ~ Challenge 117 ~ Something New

Dream Valley ~ Challenge 284 ~ New Beginnings

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Car: V12, B15, V17, Y15, Y17, C2, N8, W2, Boxes: W2/W4, BG49/BG57, BG72/BG75, Rope: Sepia Multiliner

Background: Trees: E71, E72, E74, E30, E31, E33, E35, E37, Leaves & Grass: G46, YG61,YG63, Sky: B000, B0000, Flowers: R46, Mushrooms: BG72, BG75, R46

Products

Unity, Take Pride in Your Journey - Tierra Jackson

Unity, A Walk in the Woods - Angie Blom

Thursday, January 12, 2023

God is Within Her ~ Growing in Unity 2023 Day Four

For my posting on day four in Growing in Unity I've selected Angie Girl ~ Cecelia Girl. I've added the cross image from Unity's Kit of the Month 03/20, Spring & Things, as well as the sentiment.

Having faith and believing in the power of prayer is huge in our daily lives and self esteem. Keeping God in the center of your life and the center of your family gives you purpose, guidance and confidence as you grow. This sentiment verse from the book of Psalms is one of my favorites.

I have a couple of techniques to share with you also today. I hope they will be new to you and useful in your card making.

I started with a 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" piece of Neenah 110# cardstock. Everyone has their favorite paper for Copic coloring and this one is mine. Using my Misti I placed Cecelia at the bottom with the 'line of grass' close to the left edge. Then I added the cross to the right and at the top edge of the paper. Using Momenta ink, I stamped the images like normal. However I LEFT THE SHEET of IMAGES in the Misti and left the stamps on the top plate. It was a little awkward, but I colored the stamped images while they were there, in the Misti. When I completed the coloring, then I reinked the stamps using VERSA CLAIR Nocturne ink and stamped over the colored images. Wow! Look at the difference adding the top layer of ink defines the image.

If you're going to try this technique, just be sure you are through coloring if using Copics as adding the Versa Clair and then coloring will smear.

The second technique I want to share is useful for adding your sentiments. Using Unity stamps or any rubber stamp, it's hard to know if you have it exactly in the right place. How many times have you stamped it straight in the Misti but wished it had been a little higher, lower or to the side? A few I'm sure.

For this you would use your Misti or other stamping platform and have your image securely held down. Then take a small piece of acetate being sure it's larger than the sentiment stamp, and placing over the area where you want the sentiment to go. Be sure to put a magnet on this piece also. Next line up your sentiment stamp, just as you would normally, ink it up and stamp ON THE ACETATE.

Ta-Da - now you can see exactly where your image is going to be. You can wipe the ink off the acetate and shift your stamp, reink and check it again. Once you have it 'right', just remove the acetate and stamp 'for real'. Isn't this a great stress reliever!

Now that my image is complete, I selected a rose patterned paper for the matting and then used the Tattered Lace Hemstitch Square die for the edges of the colored image and the matting. Then I secured the colored image in the center of the matting cardstock.

I wanted to make Cecelia into an Easel card, so I cut the sky blue cardstock 6" x 12". The fold lines are at 6" and 9", folding inward at the 9" and again at 6". The matted image is secured to the end flap (3" x 6") on the outside of the paper. This puts half the image secured and the top half open.

For the bottom flap, I cut a piece of green cardstock 3" x 6" and die cut it also with the same set. After securing this to the bottom inside of the card base. I added the green mini washi tape along with the enameled 'Faith' tag about 1" from the top of the green piece. The tag will act as the card stop for the easel.

Don't forget to comment on today's card for your chance at winning one of the two $20 Gift Certificates from Unity Stamps. Be sure to leave your name as many comments are coming in as 'Anonymous'.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Hand Stamped Sentiments ~ Challenge 405

Crafty Calendar ~ Add a Sentiment

Use Your Stuff ~ Faux or Real Stitching

Secret Stamper ~ Challenge 48 ~ Fun Fold

Word Art Wednesday ~ Week 577-578

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Cecelia Girl: Hair: YR21, YR24, YR27, E39, Dress: BG02, BG05, BG0000, Grass: YG61, YG63

Cross: Roses: Y11, Y15, Y17, Leaves, YG61, YG63, YG93, YG95, Shadow, W3

Products

Unity Stamps, Cecelia Girl ~ Angie Girl

Unity Stamps, Kit of Month 03/20, Spring & Things

Tattered Lace, Hemstitch Square

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

It Takes Courage ~ Growing in Unity 2023 Day Three

For Day 3 of Growing in Unity, I've selected Angie Girl, BraeLynn Girl along with the background stamp from Unity's Kit of the Month, 06/20, Change the World. The sentiment is a quote from E. E. Cummings.

My thoughts for today take me to how hard it is for us to take the first step towards change. Our comfort zone, even though it may be uncomfortable, is where we want to be. The unknown is scary in many ways. Yet if you look back on life, the times you have taken the step out in faith have resulted in a better life for yourself. It definitely takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.

After stamping these images separately, I used my Copic markers for coloring. I fussy cut BraeLynn out and set her to the side. I had stamped the background at the top of a 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" cardstock, knowing I wanted to place the girl in front. This allowed me plenty of space to bring the grassy area down past the stamped design. I placed the girl in the grassy area, just left of center, securing her at the base and adding several foam squares at the top to add dimension to the design.

Next I added the sentiment to the top and then cut a black mat about 1/4" larger than the colored set. I selected a deep burgundy cardstock and cut the card base 4" x 7". I can see some of you saying 4x7? Don't let standard card sizes rule what you make. Release that and make your card the size the design calls for. This is especially important when you are using two stamp sets. Cramming it all together just to stay in a standard size will be out of proportion. You work too hard to do that. (smile)

Don't forget to comment on today's posting for a chance to be one of the two $20 winners for Unity Stamps. Be sure to leave your name as many comments are coming in as 'Anonymous'.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

A Place to Start ~ January (Rising Star)

Dream Valley ~ Challenge 284 ~ New Beginnings

Beyond the Blues ~ Challenge 77 ~ Something New

C.R.A.F.T ~ Challenge 663 ~ New

Word Art Wednesday ~ Week 577-578

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Brick Wall: R56, R59, E04, Door: E37, Steps: C3, C2, Hanging Baskets: BG34, YG93, R83, R55, Y15, Cactus: YG91, YG93, BG34, YR23, YR27, Pots: YR23, YR24, YR27, Flowers: BG02, BG05, V12, V17, Y15, R83, YG91, YG93

Products

Unity Stamps, BraeLynn ~ Angie Girl

Unity Stamps, Kit of the Month, 06/20, Change the World

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Happiness is the New Rich ~ Growing in Unity 2023 Day Two

For Day Two, I've selected Begin Anew from the Unity Kit of the Month, March 2020. For the sentiment, I'm using Graciellie Designs, Start Anew.

I started this card by selecting the sentiment first. A little backwards you might think, but sometimes the message you are sending is where your card should start.

As you look at today's card, pause to really focus on the beautiful sentiment that Gracie has provided. Your 'Happiness' is very important and makes you rich. Having true 'Inner Peace' makes you more successful than any job or amount of money. Your 'Health' should not be ignored, it is a true gift from God. Take care of SELF. Wouldn't our current world be so much better if 'Kindness' was in abundance? Being kind will always work it's way back to you.

All of those thoughts led me to wanting to make a card with one of the Unity girls looking out the window and reflecting on something beautiful.

I made this card mostly white with multiple layers to represent pureness. As we start the new year, look for ways to make your life happy and healthy. Learn to say no and to focus on the positives that will give you inner peace. Always toss in a little kindness, it's good for your soul and enriches the other person.

Don't forget to comment on today's blog to be in the drawing for two $20 Unity Gift Certificates. Be sure to leave your name as many comments are coming in as 'Anonymous'.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Allsorts ~ Week 710 ~ Something New

Crafty Calendar ~ January ~ Add a Sentiment (Top 3)

Sweet Stampin ~ January ~ New

Dream Valley ~ Challenge 284 New Beginnings

Make Mine Monday ~ Challenge 191 ~ Something New

Use Your Stuff ~ Challenge 474 ~ Stitching

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Shirt: V12, Belt: E37, Jeans: B91, B93, B95, B97, Hair: E41, E42, E43, Flowers: V15/V17, RV63/RV66, Y13/Y17, YG63, G43, G46, Border Inside: Flowers: V15/V17, Y13/Y17, R01/R12, B01/B04, RV63/RV66, YG63, G43, G46

Products

Unity KOM 03/20 Spring & Things (or Begin Anew)

Unity Stamps - Gracielle Designs, Start Anew

Simply Stampin, Square Scalloped Frame

Tattered Lace, Hemstitch Square

Tattered Lace, Beaded Chain Square

Monday, January 9, 2023

It's Time to Start Something New ~ Growing in Unity 2023 Day 1

This morning I'd like to welcome the new friends from Unity Stamps who will be following my Growing in Unity posts this week. I am very honored to have been selected for 2023! I have to admit, when the list came out on 12/12/22, my excitement of seeing my name quickly turned to 'What? Second week in January! Oh my!' My husband had just had shoulder surgery five days before and I certainly wasn't even ready for Christmas! Amazingly everything has fallen into place as he's doing great post surgery, Santa did arrive, and my cards were completed before the new year began.

I think we all reflect a lot in January... about what we could've, would've, should've done last year... or all the goals for things we'd like to do for 2023. This week I'll be focusing on two things that brought me to Unity Stamps many years ago. I've always been a fan and collector of 'Angie Girls' and the positive sentiments that encourage girls and women to believe in themselves. I hope you'll stop in each day to enjoy what I've made for this week. Don't forget to comment for your chance to be one of my two winners of the Unity $20 gift certificates.

For Day 1 I've selected 'Start Something New' by Angie Blom. She's the perfect encouragement to many of us to push us past that first step of doing something different in our lives. If it's time, you will know it and you will be amazed how much happier you will be!

I've used the girl image and the sentiment from this package. After stamping them on Neenah 110# cardstock, I used Copic markers for coloring. For the background, I used a bookshelf image from a coloring book. I scanned it, sized it to fit my stamped images and also colored it with Copic markers after printing.

I used the Gina Marie Designs Label Six to die cut the completed girl image and also the sentiment. On the bookcase, I trimmed the image leaving about 1/8" on the sides and top and about 3/4" on the bottom.

For the card base, I cut the dark blue cardstock

in half at 4 1/4" on the short side, making the base 4 1/4" x 11". I secured the girl image close to the edge on the right end. Then I fussy cut around the right half of the image. Next I added the sentiment on the left side of the image. Then I was able to make my fold line about 1/2" to the left of the sentiment. This fold allows for the back to be longer so the inside image can be seen with the card folded. It's easy then to place the bookshelf inside at whatever point 'looks right' behind the girl, and then secure it. If you have excess to the right of the inside image, trim it away leaving about 1/4" to 1/2" border.

Lastly I added the organza ribbon at the fold with a Heart charm tied in at the knot. I also added a strip of white cardstock on the inside left (behind the girl) for writing.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Beyond the Blue ~ Challenge BB77 ~ Something New

Craft Rocket ~ Challenge 99 ~ Not a Square

Little Red Wagon ~ New Beginnings 2023

Word Art Wednesday ~ Week 57-578

Crafty Friends ~ Challenge 163

Unity Stamp Growing in Unity

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Inside: Books W3, Y02, YR23, YR27, N7, N4, E70, E73, Shelf: E25

Front: Jeans: B93, B95, B97, Shirt: BG45, BG49, YR02, Shoes: BG45, N3, Hair: B41, N3, N4, N6, N7, N0

Products

Unity Stamps, Start Something New

Gina Marie Designs, Label Six

Coloring Page, Bookshelf

Thursday, January 5, 2023

What To Do With Little Phill

After following 'Beccy's Place' this past November/December and having so much fun in her 30 Days of Christmas Cards challenge, I am determined to follow a little more closely for 2023. I really enjoy her coloring skills and her blogs are so well written.

You know I've been told that I like a challenge. I hadn't really thought about that but with all the design team work I do, I guess I'm somewhat use to a challenge. We'd all agree that some images just look weird to us, right? Being on the design team comes with the responsibility to make your card sell the image.

Beccy's January Challenge came with a Freebie - Little Phill image and a sheet of digi paper. While you can enter any of Beccy's designs in her monthly challenge, she is giving us Phill to use also and post. Like all 'good' challenges - there's a twist.

For January, I want you to "keep it local". Include something in your project that reminds you of your home or your neighbourhood. Feel free to interpret the extra challenge however you wish, and remember that it's just an optional extra.

Doesn't sound bad, until you see Little Phill and you realize he's holding a game controller. Hmm.... great for young mothers but not much here locally that has anything to do with a game controller. I live on the lake, my kids are adults and I'm just thinking okay - color him, forget the twist she added, and move on.

But as I happened to walk past our large picture window I see a heron fishing from a small patch of tall grass. (See photo at the end of this posting.) My brain started turning as I looked through all the packages of digis that I own from Beccy's Place. It took a while to design, but here's the finished product.

I've incorporated parts from Beccy's Wetlands package, placing Little Phill on the floating log, right outside my door in 'my lake'. Don't you love the turtle on the log with him! I couldn't find a sailboat in her images so I placed a small silhouette of a sailboat between Phill and the land.

After sizing down to 5" square and printing, I colored the image with my Copic markers. I used a 6" square royal blue cardstock for the top fold card base and added the red/orange paper to cover all but 1/4" all the way around. I printed a small strip of the free digital paper and secured it through the middle of the card base, then added the colored image in the center.

I printed the computer generated sentiment 'You Float My Boat' and die cut it out using Gina Marie Designs Drop Pendant die set. After securing it at the top right, I added the blue string/twine around the top fold and place a helm charm in the knot.

How's that for making Little Phill fit locally here at the shores of Lake Murray?

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Beccy's Place, January Challenge ~Twist, make it local

Sweet Stampers ~ Challenge 75

QKR Stampede ~ Challenge 458

Love to Craft - Challenge 72

Crafter's Cafe ~ Challenge 292

A Perfect Time to Craft ~ January

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Sky: YR65, E93, Y32, Hair: E41, E42, E43, Shirt: R27, R29, R37, B95, Jeans: B91, B93, B95,B97, Shoes: R27, R29, R36, N3, Sand: E30, E31, Water: B91, B93, B97, B63, B14, BG01, BG02

Products

January Newsletter ~ Little Phill Freebie

Beccy's Place, Wetlands (2021)

Gina Marie Designs, Drop Pendant

My Inspiration!