AAAAChoooo!

Today I want to share with you one of the cards I recently made for a swap challenge.  It was called a 'Color Challenge', but not like "Coloring" ~ you had to follow a given 'Color Palette'.  The shades happen to be the Sea Foam greens to gray, some of my favorite Copic colors.  Here's the shades that were supplied.

Aren't those beautiful!  

I quickly found myself stumped however on what kind of image to use, that basically required only these shades.  As I was flipping through my newer stamps, I came across Whimsy Stamps set, Get Well by designer Dustin Pike.  I love the humor he adds to his cute animal images!  

Here's what I came up with for the challenge: 

To make this card, I stamped the image on Neenah 110# card stock and used Copic markers, BG09, BG23, BG10, N01 and N05.  I did add just a touch of R30 for his checks ~ after all he is under the weather!

I used the Sizzix Dotted Square Framelits for the image and then I stamped the AAAAChoooo on the image using VersaFine ink.  I also used the VersaFine ink for the 'Feel Better Soon' banner tag.  I used a matching polka-dotted card base and completed the card with a few enamel dots.

Thank you for stopping by today to see what I've been working on.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

A Perfect Time to Craft
2 Crafty Critters Crazies-January

Serving a Risen Savior,

Pam 

Products Used:

Whimsy Stamps, Get Well Clear Stamp

Sizzix, Dotted Square Dies

The Best Love Story

What better way to start off the new year than with a Wedding card.  I made this one for my nephew and his bride using Stamping Bella's Love Story Squidgies.

To make this card, I stamped the image on Neenah 110# card stock and colored with Copic markers.  I die cut the completed image with Gina Marie Design's Pleated Lace Circle die.  The card base is 6" square with a black mat, then a striped vellum mat that were cut using Tattered Lace Square Nested Pearl Beading dies.  I mounted the two cut dies first, then added the white organza bow and tied on the left side.  Then I added the image and the sentiment on top of the ribbon to complete the card. 

Thanks for stopping by today and helping me wish this sweet couple the very best life together!

I'll be entering this card in the following challenge(s) also: 

Lemon Shortbread Challenge #109

Jan's Digi Stamps #5 Anything Goes

Serving a Risen Savior ~ 

Pam 

Copics Used:

Skin: E000, YR0000,  RV0000, E50, E51, Her Hair: Y21, E41, Y06, Gown, B000, Headband: R37, B02,  His hair: E23, E25, Suit: N0-N7, Bow Tie & Hat Bank, R27, R37. 

Products Used: 

Stamping Bella, Love Story Squidges

Tattered Lace Nesting Beaded Chain

Gina Marie Designs, Pleated Lace Circle

Berrying Gifts

There seems to be an endless supply of new and different images from Stampendous of the House Mouse images.  I wonder how many of us are still clinging to those few wooden original stamps of these cute little creatures.  I know I have the top of a huge bookcase lined with them.

But today's card was made with one of the newer Rubber cling type stamps, using the Berrying Gifts image and could easily be one of the images I repeat.

Today's card is stamped on Neenah 110# card stock and I used my Copic markers for coloring.  Afterwards, I used a stencil and a light blue chalking ink to add the fluffy clouds.  The sentiment is from Altenew, Fancy Greetings. Adding a simple navy blue mat gave the image a great contrast.   The card base has the fold on the left since I wanted to add the string bow in that direction.  

Thanks for stopping by today to see what's on my desk.  I'll be adding this card to the following challenges also. 

House Mouse Challenge #307 - Option Food

Word Art Wednesday #420-421

Serving a Risen Savior, 

Pam 

Copics Used:

Berries, R37, R37 R39; Mouse: E21, E31, E41, E23, Ears: R30, Tail & Nose: E50, R01, Bird: E21, R30, R01, E40, N1,Branch W2, W3, W5, Needles: YG93, YG95, YG97 

Products Used: 

Stampendous, Berrying Gifts (HMCR03)

Altenew Fancy Greetings

https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/product/Altenew-FANCY-GREETINGS-Clear-Stamps-ALT3264-alt3264?gclid=CjwKCAiA0svwBRBhEiwAHqKjFjDQMWTUwlQxzKT518YDCPb41LslBWLbO4vdCxZb7_VrvbhfnapIlRoCcOUQAvD_BwE

Stretch Out the Celebration!

Today's card is my favorite animal ~ the giraffe.  

The image is from Pink Ink Designs, and is appropriately named Giraffe.  

She was just screaming for some pastel pinks and purples, along with peachy nose and horns.  I love this sentiment for birthday cards, but it certainly is perfect to go with this image.  I'm sure my family isn't the only one that tries to stretch out their birthday for the entire month.  

For the die cutting, I used the My Favorite Things Elegant Rectangle Stax Die,  and for the sentiment the Spellbinder Deckled Rectangle die set. 

Challenges entered:

Allsorts ~ Week 553 Soft Pastels

Thanks for stopping by today ~ see you tomorrow. 

Serving a Risen Savior, 

Pam 

Copics Used:

 Horns, Nose, Mouth: YR000, R01, Face & Ears: RV00, RV10, Above Nose: B000, Neck:BV00, Leaves: G12, the YG61 & YG63.

Products Used:

Pink Ink Designs, Giraffe

MFT, Elegant Rectangle Stax

Spellbinders, Mega Deckled Rectangles

You Make My Heart Sing!

It's "Book It Friday" on Polka Dot Orchard 's Website and I'm here to show you a cute little book marker that I made using the Caroling Gnomes Digital set by artist Malaine Colver and a sentiment from the digital set Lifetime of Happiness by artist Kimberly Wiener.

I pulled this adorable gnome single image from the package and sized him to about 2" x 4", including the music.  On my print page I left an additional 2" blank space on all sides of the image for die cutting.  I used Copic markers for coloring (referenced below). 

Next, I used the largest die from the Sizzix Stacked Archway (#662692) set and cut the colored image. There is actually an extra side edge on the die, I elected to trim off at this point.

I used Whimsy Stamps' Mountain Majesty die set to cut the black silhouette mountains with white snow caps and the green trees and rolling hills.  With my X-acto blade, I carefully cut beside the Gnome's beard on both sides; then tucked and glued the mountain and trees behind  the gnome. I added the final stitched piece in front of him and trimmed the excess.  

Next, I used Blue Jean chalking ink and a cloud stencil to make a few light clouds in the background.  I also inked around the fishtail cut sentiment then glued it to the top of the tag before adding the red organza ribbon.

If you are an avid reader, you will want to check back every Friday on Polka Dot Orchard's blog for more Book Marker ideas.  Be sure to check out the great digital stamps and many other products.  So many things to shop for there! 

Challenges entered:

Magnolia Forever Challenge #85 - Book marker

Country View - January Love

Thanks for stopping by today to see what's on my desk.  

Serving a Risen Savior,

Pam

Copics Used:

Hat, Pants, and Gloves: R27 & R39, Beard: N0-N4, Book: W3, Shoes: W6, Skin: E50-E53, Cheeks: R30, Mouth, R30

Products Used:

Polka Dot Orchard, Caroling Gnomes

Polka Dot Orchard, Lifetime of Happiness

Sizzix, Stacked Archway

Whimsy Stamps, Mountain Majesty

Thank You For Making Time for Me

What better way to start the first day of the new year, than to craft the entire day with my card making buddy!  Together we made almost two dozen awesome cards ~ some very serious for friends that are ill, some funny, and all filled with both our love of our craft and greetings of joy to the receivers.

My last one of the day, is the one I'd like to show you for today.  I've posted it in a challenge on the Unity {Show & Tell} page for the current Thank You Challenge. 

Pretty weird and funny too don't you think?

For this card I used the Sofa and Rug from the Unity stamp kit, Warmth of Home by Beth Duff  and the Toad is from their set Salutation Toad.  I also used the sentiment from the KOM 11/11, Take Your Time.  

I started by stamping the sofa on a separate paper and cut it out for a mask.   Then I stamped the sofa on Neenah 110# card stock, mask over it and stamped about half of the rug in front of the sofa.  Note: I did mask over the Christmas images that were on the sofa pillows also, if you didn't already catch that!  

Separately, I colored and cut out the Toad.  I used Copic markers for coloring all of the images.  I used Pink & Main's Stitched Rounded Rectangle die for the image and then stamped the sentiment with Versafine ink under the sofa.  I added the toad by gluing him at his feet but adding foam squares behind his head and hat to give the dimensional look of him standing in front of the sofa.  Then I added the brown plaid mat and attached each piece to the standard A2 card base.  For the final touch I added clear glossy accents to the Toad's eyes! 

Thanks for stopping by to see my silly toad who is grateful for Sofa Time with Friends over the Holidays! 

Additional Challenges Entered:

2 Crafty Critter Crazies

Crafty Animals ~ Challenge #34

Serving a Risen Savior,

Pam 

Products Used:

Unity Stamp, Salutation Toad

Unity Stamp, Warmth of Home

Pink & Main, Stitched Rounded Rectangle

Fishes Here ~ Fishes There

Just about every day when I open the blinds to the new day, I am greeted by fishermen.  Kinda a neat thought, but I promise, it took a lot of getting use to.

Today's card is from Pink & Main, Best Fishes, and reminds me of my daily view.

I stamped the image on Neenah 110# card stock and used Copic markers for coloring.  I used Gina Marie Designs Nested Labels #2 for the image and the red mat.    I added these to a polka dotted card base and topped it with a fish tail sentiment tag.

Challenges entered: 

A Perfect Time to Craft ~ January
The Creative Crafters #23
Love to Craft #42

Thank you for stopping by today. 

Serving a Risen Savior, 

Pam 

Products Used:

Pink & Main, Best Fishes

Gina Marie Nesting Labels #2

A Time to Celebrate

Today's card and blog will be the last one for 2019.  I've saved it till last so we can celebrate several things together.  This year I've posted more cards than any previous year!  I've had so much fun with my crafting friend Jennie this year traveling to Florida to the Whimsy Retreat, to Arizona to the Copic Boot Camp and several  other great adventures.  

If I had colored this Stamping Bella image this time last year,  it would not have the rolling hills behind her (thank you Faye Winn-Jones), it wouldn't have the texture grass or the tiny trees on the hill top (thank you Jennifer Dove) and the graduation gown would be two or three shades of gray to black, not the five to seven shades that are in this image (thank you Crissy Armstrong).  So many have influenced my love of Copic coloring. I have met and become friends with more wonderful Copic Colorist.  Additionally in 2019, so many of you prayed me through my major back surgery and through the long recovery.  I am so very blessed!!!

As we move into 2020, I want to thank you for following my blog and my other social media postings.  I appreciate your encouragement and want you to know 

YOU Are  Awesome! 

Serving a Risen Savior, 

Pam 

Products Used:

Stamping Bella, Grace the Graduate

Penny Black, Elegant Stitching

The Ornaments of 2019

Lots of crafters have been putting vinyl on ornaments by using the Cricut machines or the Cameo Silhouette machines for some time now.   My machine has been covered for several years, within arms reach, with me thinking I would be ready to make any project I wanted to by simply uncovering the machine and Wa-La ~ cutting out any thing I wanted.

However, I quickly found out there is a bit of a learning curve and so many tips and short cuts that one must certainly keep a journal of your notes, cheat sheets and spare parts!

After making several charger plates, decorative Christmas plates and other miscellaneous items for a craft show back in November, I turned my efforts toward making my 2019 traditional Christmas ornaments using my new found craft of adding "Vinyl" to anything that didn't move.

Since I usually make about 35-40 ornaments, I knew I needed something fairly generic and something easy enough for me as a beginner.  I ended up making a couple of groups of ornaments and then several singles this year; so I'll quickly show you a peek at all of them.

I picked up a sticker sheet of reindeer with a tiny red pom-pom nose from Hobby Lobby as my inspiration for the largest grouping of ornaments.  I made the 'JOY' ornament, which had red crinkled paper shreds inside the clear bulbs and the "O" was replaced with the tiny reindeer sticker. 

My nephew's last name is Noel (pronounced No-l), which made their family ornament an easy choice to make. 

The other batch of ornaments went for my 'guys' and was a Silhouette Design Store purchase.  It seems most are wood workers, so the 'Sawdust Is Man Glitter' fit them well.  Also I was blessed with a large bag of cedar shavings to fill these ornaments!

Everyone got a good chuckle at our family celebration when I handed out several of these special ones!

Then different special friends were gifted special personalized ornaments.

Thanks for stopping by today to see what I've been working on.  I enjoyed the change from my cards to working on the vinyl... but not enough to switch for sure.  My Copics are my comfort.  I believe I'll stick with them for quite a while. 

Serving a Risen Savior, 

Pam 

Adding Colored Images to Composition Journals

Back in the fall I shared with you a group project that was taught during the Fall For Keeps Sake Retreat by Stacey.  She showed us how to Modge Podge over Composition Books and add embellishments to the front to make nice journals for our personal use or gifts.  

Today I'd like to share with you the four that I made for Christmas gifts for my nieces and nephews (ages 7-17).  For each one I purchased the standard composition notebooks and then selected one Stamping Bella image that I felt was appropriate for their personality or stage in their life.  

Here's the four completed books, and then the steps on how to make them, as I would love for you to try them out.  

I stamped and Copic colored each image, then die cut and glued the images to a card stock mat.  Following the directions (below for your reference), I cut out the two outside pieces to cover the book and the two smaller inside pieces to cover the raw edges and give a more finished look to the journal book.  I used a foam brush to apply the Modge Podge to the outside cover, front and back, and put the pieces on, folding the corners as directed.  Once those pieces had dried, then I followed the directions and added the smaller cut inside pieces (again using Modge Podge), being sure I covered the edges from the front pieces. Be sure to leave the covers open to dry before closing the journals to avoid the pages sticking together.  Once it

dried completely, then I added Modge Podge to the back of the color/matted images and added one to the front of each of the covered journals.  I applied two coats of Modge Podge to the front of the books to seal the images, allowing drying time in between. 

Thanks for stopping by today to see what's on my desk.

Serving a Risen Savior, 

Pam

Products Used

Stamping Bella, Tiny Towne Tire Swing

Stamping Bella, Coffee Girl Loves Coffee

Stamping Bella, Tiny Towne Annie the Angel

Stamping Bella, Football Squidgy