Pam's Pearls

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Celebrating the Differences

When I saw that today is International Women's Day, I was a bit stumped as to which card I could share that would support this.

I decided to share two birthday cards that I made for sisters. Both girls are loved dearly by their parents (who ordered the cards), yet like most sisters, they have very different taste.

To me this is what International Women's day is all about - celebrating our achievements and differences, no matter where we are from.

For the first card, I've used Stamping Bella's Brittany the Birthday Girl, from the Uptown Girl Collection.

The pink color scheme and dainty design gives us just a little insight to her character and desires. I love coloring with the deep magenta Copic shading. Adding the lighter pink tint around the image softens the card. Mixing stripes and polka dots adds a bit of fun and flair yet she's grounded well with the larger gray shadow at the bottom.

The request for the second birthday card for the other sister, was completely opposite. This gal is a huge Clemson University Tiger fan! Here's what I came up with for her.

We all know there is nothing wrong with being a sports fan and with Clemson University being one of the rivals here in South Carolina, they are heavily supported throughout our state. I used the sentiment that I saw on a T-shirt to make the design more for a girl's celebration. I wrapped the text around the helmet and football images and colored also with my Copic markers. The hearts in the background paper are silver metallic, which didn't photo very well. I used Jillian Vance's Stitched Dot Emerald dies for the edges. Once the designed was secured, then I added purple twine at the fold and a 'paw' charm to complete my card front design.

To ensure it also had a birthday reference, I added another message inside the card.

Happy International Women's Day to all of my readers all over the world! Take time to celebrate your achievements and differences today!

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:

AAA Birthday Challenge ~ Game 47 ~ Stripes or Dots

We Love Stamping, UK ~ March Challenge

Sweet Stamping ~ Special Women

The Unicorn Challenge ~ Challenge 85 ~ Dots or Stripes

Atlantic Heart Sketch Challenge ~ Sketch #515

Stamping Bella Sisterhood ~ March ~ Spring is on the Way

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Stamping Bella card ~ Hair: E21, E23, E35, Dress & Cake: RV52, RV55, RV66, Shadow: N1, N3

Clemson card ~ Football: E15, E17, Helmet: BV000, BV13, BV08, YR04, YR14, YR16, YR18

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

So Lucky To Have a Friend Like You

Today I'm sharing a St. Patrick's Day card I made this weekend for a sketch challenge.

For this challenge I selected Sweet 'n Sassy's Lucky Bear digital package. Here's my completed card and then a little about creating it.

Here's the sketch we were given for the challenge.

I started by printing the bear about 2 1/2" tall, the sentiment, and several random digital clover leaves to use as the circle embellishments. I used my Copic markers for all the coloring and the selections are listed below for your reference.

The completed bear is hand cut leaving a little white space so he would not fade into the background. I used a miscellaneous stitched circle die to cut the clover.

Next I selected a light yellow 5 1/2" card base and added the green patterned paper background. Then I secured the dark green banner tag and spaced the clover circles down the right edge. After trimming the sentiment, I added it in the bottom right corner. Lastly, time for the lucky bear. Before securing him to the card base, I added 3 foam squares under his hat, head and raised arm. Then I added the glue adhesive to his body and legs and placed him on the banner.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Crafting Happiness ~ Challenge 140 ~ St Patrick's Day or Green

Double Trouble ~ Challenge 133 ~ Green

Festive Friday ~ FF0129 ~ Using Green/Gold, clover, Leprechaun Bear, Punny sentiment

Colorful Options ~ March ~ Green

Creatalicious ~ Challenge 254 ~ Anything Goes Option Green

Four Seasons ~ March ~ Spring

Inspiration Station ~ March

Sweet 'N Sassy ~ Springtime

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Bear: E37, E35, E34, E33, E30, N7, R20, Hat, Jacket and Clover: G09, G07, G05

Products

Sweet 'n Sassy, Lucky Bear

Monday, March 6, 2023

Some People Feel the Rain...

...others just get wet!

That's a pretty deep thought isn't it. This cute little fellow all dressed for the rain is from Jan's Digi Stamp Shop. It's a new design and is on sale for the month of March. You can view and purchase the 'Rain Dance' package by clicking HERE.

Jan's monthly Challenge Blog is also open for March. Be sure to visit there so you can see all the Design Team inspirational cards.

This was another fun image to color with my Copic markers. It was fun to match up the solid blue paper with the multi-colored polka dotted paper and then to mount everything on the green card base. Sometimes it's okay to have lots of colors so don't be afraid to try it.

Jan's Digi Stamp Shop also has several packages on sale for March. Be sure to add these to your digital collection!

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 or order special ones.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Crafty Catz Weekly ~ Challenge 627

Creative Fingers ~ Challenge 249

2 Sisters on the Blog ~ Challenge 72

Ally's Angels ~ Challenge 671

Four Seasons ~ Spring/March

Pam's Pearls

Copics:

Umbrella: G85, G27, G21, YG63, Hat: R27, R35, R39, Jacket: B91, B93, B95, Belt: E23, Pants: W3, W5, W6, Water: B01, BG32,BG02, BG49

Products:

Jan's Digital Stamps, Rain Dance

Pink & Main, Stitched Rounded Rectangle Dies

Friday, March 3, 2023

Have a Magical Day!

For a couple of months now, I've been 'collecting' small silhouette stamps of fairies, vines, and other forest creatures. I do have a few of the Lavania Stamps along with bits and pieces from other manufactures.

Like a lot of 'organizing efforts' I found that I kept collecting and never got around to trying to make the cards. At my last retreat in January, I made my leap into the forest full of fairies and magical creations.

Today I'm sharing the first card I made, a generic birthday or other special event card.

I started with my distressed oxides in the center of my 8" square of media paper. I added the bright moon reflection and then worked upward for the nighttime sky in shades of purple. Then I switched to the bottom of the paper and worked upward with the shades of green and of course mixed everything through the center.

For all my images, I used Versa Clare Nocturne ink and just played around with different stamps until I had the design I was pleased with. I cut the paper down to about 5 3/4" square and added the dark green card base.

I did find it was easier to make several backgrounds then start adding the images. Everyone does things differently so that may not be the case with your fairy card creations.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Ally's Angels ~ Challenge 67

Arty Divas ~ February Challenge

Crafts Encore ~ Challenge 109 ~ March

QKR Stampede ~ Challenge 462 (Top 5)

Pam's Pearls

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Dance in the Sun...

...and wear Wild Flowers in our Hair!

I'm posting today with the Design Team from Morgan's ArtWorld as we open the March Challenge Blog.

I've selected Morgan's Ballerina Fairy for today's card with a quote from Susan Schutz.

I used Copic markers for coloring the image trying to capture the softness of the ballerina's gown. I also added Wink of Stella clear to the flowing gown part to add a little glittery effect. After die cutting and selecting the background paper, I felt like I had too much white space at the bottom left. I really wanted more of the background paper to show. So I carefully took the same die and spaced it to take off the corner and still keep the flow of the edging. To give it separation, I then took Copic marker BV25 and carefully inked all the edges of the colored image. Much better!

Sometimes it's like coloring out of the lines... just because a die is rectangle or square does not mean that's the only way it can be used.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Worldwide Crafters & Colorist Challenge ~ February Challenge

Paper Minutes ~ Challenge 784 ~ Favorite Color (purple)

Passion for Markers ~ Challenge 679 ~ Things with Wings

Simon Says Stamps ~ Monday Challenge ~ Things with Wings

CD Sunday Challenge ~ Challenge 104

Corrosive Challenge ~ February

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Hair: B41, N5, N3, Leaves: YG61, YG63, Flower: RV00, RV02, Clothes: B60, B63, B69, Wings: RV00, BG11, BV00, B63, Leggins: BV23, BV25

Products

Morgan's, Ballerina Fairy

You're a Good Catch

Today I'm joining my Design Team ladies on the Critter Crazy Challenge Blog as we open the March challenge.

For my card, I've selected The Rabbit Hole, Rubber Ducky Fishing.

After stamping the image on Neenah #110 card stock, I stamped the sentiment on a separate piece and used Versa Clair Nocturne ink.

The image is colored using my Copic markers and I drew in the grassy embankment and water. I used a generic cloud stencil and Quick Quotes Chunky Monkey (yellow) Chalking ink for the clouds in the background.

For the die cut edge I used Carnation Crafts, Pretty Shabby Square Labels. The selected card base is A2 sized Kraft and I added the polka-dotted matting first. The sentiment is backed with a coordinating brown background and cut with a fish tail on one end. I secured the image and the tag on the card front and then tied the brown twine at the fold. For the final touch I added a 'fish hook' charm at the knotted bow.

I hope you will visit the Critter Crazy Challenge to see the other Design Team cards and to upload your card as well.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Passion for Markers ~ Week 679 ~ things with wings

Simon Says Stamps ~ Monday Challenge ~ Things with Wings

Cardz4Guyz ~ Challenge 316 ~ Sporting Chance

Pam's Pearls

Products

The Rabbit Hole, Rubber Ducky Fishing

Carnation Crafts, Pretty Shabby Square Labels

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

She Is Clothed in Strength and Dignity

This afternoon I'm posting with the Classic Design Team as the April edition of the Classic Design Challenge is now open.

Our wonderful sponsor for the month is Sheepski Designs and I've selected 'Blossom-Image 214' for today project card.

To make this card, I started by enlarging the image to just under 4" and placed it to the right edge of my card front template. Then I added the scripture from Proverbs 31:25, centered to the left behind the girl's image and under the branch of flowers.

After printing on Neenah 110# cardstock, I used my Copic markers for coloring and then trimmed the edges close to the completed image. I selected an aqua A2 card base, an olive mat that coordinated with her dress and a brown mat for extra contrast. I used a scalloped edge rectangle border die to cut the olive piece. Then simply secured the layers to the card base to complete this design.

Be sure to check out all the Design Team projects on the Classic Design Challenge Blog and enter yours also!

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Sheepski Designs ~ Challenge 81 (Winner - 3 images)

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends, Challenge 200

The Corrosive Challenge ~ February

Allsorts ~ Week 717

Creative Fingers ~ Challenge 249

Pam's Pearls

Copics

Hair: E21, E23, E55, E57, Dress: G46, G43, Leaves: G40, G43, G46, Stems: Sepia Multi-liner, Blossoms: V05, V06, Eyes: Blue Spectrum Noir Art Liner, Around: B000

Products

Sheepski Designs, Blossom Image 214

Monday, February 27, 2023

Big and Bold Birthday Wishes

No matter how harsh your winter is in the north or how gentle it is in the south, don't we all just love to see the first sign of spring when the daffodils start popping up!

Today's card is a special birthday card I made for one of my church ladies. I've selected Sweet n' Sassy's Spring Blossoms set, and used the single daffodil and the sentiment.

I stamped the large flower across my card front paper and then added the 'Happy Birthday' under it. I used Momento, Tuxedo Black for the image and Versa Clair ,Nocturne for the sentiment.

I used Copic markers for the coloring and then die cut the edge of the completed image and the stripped matting with Tattered Lace, Pearl Circles die set.

I wanted the card base to continue the bright yellow warm spring color, so I made the 6" square base using half of a 12" x 12" coordinating cardstock piece.

I secured the matting and the colored image in the center of the card. I really like the wider mat for this one, both to break up the continues yellow and to allow the image to be grounded. Since this one was going in the mail the same day as I made it, I elected to skip the bow ~ but could have easily added one.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

AAA Cards ~ Challenge 240 ~ Circles

Just Us Girls ~ Challenge 668 ~ CAS + Coloring

Time Out Challenge ~ Challenge 232 ~ Happy 9th Birthday

Pam's Pearls

Products

Sweet n' Sassy, Spring Blossoms

Tattered Lace, Pearl Circles

https://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/spring-blossoms-clear-stamp-set/

Saturday, February 25, 2023

Happy Mother's Day ~

Happy Saturday from the Polkadoodles Design Team. Today on the Polkadoodles Challenge Blog, we are sharing Mother's Day cards for your inspiration. I hope you'll check out that link and enter your cards also.

But first I'll share my DT card and a few details.

I selected Polkadoodles, Blossoming Winnie because I loved her sweet face and the full bouquet. Any Mom would like this image.

I started by sizing Winnie to about 3" tall and printed her on 110# Neenah card stock. I've used Copic markers for my coloring and listed the pens I used in the 'Products' section.

When I went to the die cutting area in my craft room, I realized that I wasn't going to be able to use the oval shape I'd decided on ~ I had the image too close to the edge of the paper. So I went with an altered design and was able to still use Gina Marie Designs, Pleated Oval. I positioned the plates to start cutting just below her feet, then I trimmed after that to get the straight edge. Next I secured the colored piece to a piece of red cardstock and trimmed around the edge to give it a little contrast.

I selected the floral patterned paper from Polkadoodles, Serenity Spring Surprise Craft Papers (PD8125). As you can see in the design, I added a strip of the red cardstock and an additional smaller strip of the floral pattern. Then I secured the image and the sentiment to this and secured the layered piece on to a 6" card base. For the final touch I added the lavender organza bow at the top fold.

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

Alphabet Challenge ~ XOXO

Krafty Chicks ~ Challenge 652 ~ Love/Valentine

Elliebelle's Corner ~ February ~ Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamps ~ Wednesday Challenge ~ #103

Cutie Pie ~ Challenge 179 ~ Hearts/Flowers ~ Valentine/Mother's Day

World Wide Crafters and Colorist Challenge ~ February

Pam's Pearls

Copics:

Hair: E41, E42, E43, Flowers: BV02/BV13, Y15/Y06, R46/R24/R21, Leaves: G43, G82, G46, Ribbon: BV21, BV34, Dress: R46, R24, R21, Shoes, R21

Products:

Polkadoodles, Blossoming - Winnie DLPD8403

Polkadoodles, Serenity, Spring Surprise paper pack

Gina Marie Designs, Pleated Oval Dies

Friday, February 24, 2023

Owl Always Be Here for You

On Thursdays, I try to send out a Thinking of You card to someone I know needs a little cheering up or a get well wish. Today I'm sharing one of those 'Thinking of You' cards. I used Power Poppy Stamps, Forest Fellas, Odell Owl.

After sizing the image to fit an A2 card front, I added the sentiment on the next layer, placed close to the owl.

I used my Copic markers for coloring which are referenced below. The coordinating paper I selected had images on the back that resembled small lace circles. I hand cut one of them out and securted it to the top right of the image. Then used Gina Marie Designs Nested Scalloped Stitched Rectangle and cut the decorative edge and also on the coordinating patterned paper.

After securing the patterned paper to the card front, I added the deep green solid mat behind the image, then secured this layer in the center of the card. For the final touch I added the deep aqua flat back to the center of the embellishment.

As a card maker I enjoy sharing my cards, especially with those who are dear to me. How about you?

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:

DL Art ~ Thankful Thursday ~ Challenge 318

Krafty Chicks ~ Challenge 662

Through the Purple Haze ~ Challenge 201

Word Art Wednesday ~ Week 583 - 584

Double Dare ~ February ~ Birds

Make Mine Monday ~ Challenge 194 ~ All Creatures Great and Small (Top Pick)

Pam's Pearls

Copics:

Owl: E57, E55, E53, E51, E50, YR23, YR27, E74, Branch: E74, G28, YG45, Scarf: BG49, BG57, BG000

Products:

Power Poppy, Forrest Fellas, Odell Owl Digital Stamp Set

Gina Marie Designs, Nested Scalloped Stitched Rectangle