My anchor ...

It has been a snowy day, so after shoveling this morning, I stayed inside and made some cards for a few challenges.  This card is for two challenges.  I'm entering it into the Pals Paper Arts for the layout and Simon Says Stamps for Anything Goes featuring Lawn Fawn products.

Stamps:  Float My Boat (Lawn Fawn); Itty Bitty Backgrounds (SU)

Paper:  Crumb Cake, White (SU)

DP:  Bold Basics (Recollections)

Ink:  Mermaid, Cranberry (Lawn Fawn); Crumb Cake (SU); Versamark

Accessories:  clear embossing powder; eyelet; twine; edge distresser; oval die (Spellbinders)

To emboss my sentiment, I inked the saying in Versamark first and then into the mermaid ink.  I was pleased with the way this card turned out.  Always need some masculine cards on hand.

Here are some pics of the snow at my house.  It is so pretty!

Thanks for stopping by and as always ...

Have a great day!

Pam~

Birthday challenge ...

The folks over at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps are hosting a new challenge on Friday's.  This week it is to use the word Birthday on your card.  I found the perfect sketch over at Pals Paper Arts.

Stamps:  Cocoa's Gift, Love From Cocoa (Sweet 'n Sassy)

Paper:  Perfect Plum, White, Sage Shadow (SU)

DP:  Bold Basics (Recollections)

Ink:  Memento Black, Perfect Plum (SU)

Accessories:  rectangle dies (Spellbinders), Copics, blender pen, rhinestones (SU)

Here is the sketch ...

I used the blender pen to color the box.  I wanted something that wasn't smooth looking.  I guess I got the effect I was looking for.  Hmm, been using that sponge dauber a lot lately.  This card will be going to my purple loving neice for her 20th birthday.  

Thanks for stopping by and as always ...

Have a great day,

Pam~

Playing with the Pals ...

I have not played with the Pals Paper Arts in a while so thought I would participate this week.  They had a fun sketch to get you motivated ...

 

I wanted to use some cardstock that I don't use often.  I looked through my stash and decided on Pool Party.   A pretty color but it is not one I use much.  Here is my finished card ... very simple ...

 

Stamps:  Flower Fancy (SU)

Paper:  White, Pool Party, Not Quite Navy (SU)

DP: Pool Party

Ink:  Always Artichoke, Pool Party (SU markers), Tea Dye (Ranger)

Accessories:  sponge dauber, blender pen, pop dots, baker's twine , scallop border punch, polka dot embossing folder (SU), oval and scallop dies (Spellbinders), Stickles

 

One of my flower petals has a white spot on it.  That would be because of operator error ... I stuck my finger in the Stickles before it was dry ...not once, not twice but three times.  I even heat set it but kept sticking my finger in it to see if it was dry.  Guess I would be one of those that has to touch the paint to see if it is dry even though there is a sign that says Wet Paint...

 

Thanks for stopping by and as always ...

 

Have a great day!

Pam~

 





Pals Color Challenge and FMS sketch ....

I have two cards to share today ... one is mine and the other one is Bethany's.  We spent yesterday afternoon stamping and had a wonderful time together.  I will post our other cards on a later post.  Today's cards are for the Pals Paper Arts color challenge and Freshly Made Sketches.  These are the colors to get the creative juices flowing ... 

This is what I came up with ... a very simple card for my college box ...

Stamps:  Need for Speed, Vintage Labels

Paper:  Marina Mist, White, Red (non SU)

Ink:  Memento Black, Marina Mist, Summer Starfruit

Accessories:  blender pen, sponge dauber, CB stars embossing folder, SU Strips embossing folder, Nestabilities label six die, Bitty Banner Framelits, pop dots

All supplies are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

Here is Bethany's card for the two challenges ...

Stamps:  butterfly (unknown), So Happy For You

Paper:  Marina Mist, Real Red, Summer Starfruit, White

Ink:  Memento Black, Real Red

Accessories:  Summer Starfruit marker, Prismacolor markers, Nestabilities oval scallop dies, CB sticks embossing folder, Martha Stewart border punch, ribbon (non SU)

All supplies are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

I think Bethany's card came out absolutely adorable!  I love the little bow she added to her butterfly.  The funny thing about her card is that she got it all put together and then realized the base (Marina Mist) was upside down so the card opens up backwards.  Of course, she says it is my fault because I used it to see if I wanted the same color as my base and put it back wrong.  Gotta love stamping with someone!  :)  We both had a good laugh!

Thanks for stopping by and as always ...

Have a great day,

Pam~

Pumpkin patch ...

I've been on a stamping roll again.  Today I'm posting a card for the Pals Paper Arts challenge.  This is a favorite of mine, especially since I was lucky enough to be on the design team last year with a fabulous group of stampers! The inspiration over at the Pals is a sketch this week ...

Here is how I interpreted the sketch ...

Stamps:  Heartfelt - GKD

Paper:  Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango, Always Artichoke, White

Ink:  Soft Suede, Always Artichoke

Accessories:  Copics, CB Victoria embossing folder, Nestabilities circle dies, ribbon, sponge dauber, dimensionals

All supplies are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

I did change the corners where the circles are located from the original sketch.  When I tied my bow, it looked funny because the tails were on the top, but when I took it off and switched directions it was perfect ... except for my trimming boo boo on the tail.  Just some added character and emphasizes handmade. :)

Thanks for stopping by and as always ...

Have a great day!

Pam~

Christmas in July ....

Making a Christmas card in July sure takes your mind off the heat wave that we are having.  I'm enjoying time in my craft room and getting to play along in some challenges.  This card is for The Paper Players Christmas in July challenge...

The sketch is from last weeks Pals Paper Arts challenge...

From those challenges I created this...

Stamps:  Snow Much Fun (GKD)

Paper:  White, Black, Wild Wasabi, Raspberry Ripple

DSP:  Paper Packs (H.L.)

Ink:  Memento Black, Bashful Blue

Accessories:  Nestabilities circle and scallop dies, ribbon (non SU), Prismacolor and SU markers

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

Thanks for stopping by and as always...

Have a great day,

Pam~

PPA135 ... Grad card

I wanted to do a quick post before heading out for my morning walk with the whippets.  This card is for the Pals Paper Arts sketch challenge.  I needed another graduation card and this layout worked perfectly!


Here is my inspiration ...

This is the final card ...

Stamps: Sprinkled Expressions, The Graduate by House Mouse

Paper:  River Rock, Early Espresso, White

DSP:  Well Worn

Ink:  Early Espresso, Memento Black, Crumb Cake

Accessories:  Early Espresso twine, spritzer, Copics, pop dots

All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

As always, thanks for stopping by and ...

Have a great day!

Pam~

Man's best friend ...

 

Today's card is for my brother who just had to put down his yellow lab, Bailey, last week.  My heart just aches for him and his family.  Our dogs are truly the best friend we will have.  They are always happy when they see you ... no matter if you're gone 5 minutes, 5 hours or 5 days.  


I used the Pals Paper Arts sketch this week for my starting point.  

I stayed pretty true to the sketch, except for the banner at the bottom.  I could not get it to look right on my card.  I fell back on 'ole faithful ... punches!  Here is my finished product ...

Stamps:  Fabulous Phrases, Will & Way (from H.L.)

Paper:  More Mustard, Black, Vanilla, Cajun Craze

DSP:  Cajun Craze

Ink:  Memento Black, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue

Accessories:  Copics, Bic marker, Spellbinders rectangle dies, word window and modern label punch, sponge daubers, dimensionals

All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

• The vanilla panel was sponged with Certainly Celery and Bashful Blue to make a sky and grass.
• I added rhinestones, which I colored black, on the modern label before I sent it off.  Added a nice touch.

I spent last week having a great time with Michael while he was home for his Spring Break.  No stamping for me and I didn't even miss it.  Though, I totally enjoyed my craft room today! :)

Thanks for stopping by and as always ...

Have a great day,

Pam~

Freshly Made Sketch with the Pals color

It has been a day full of tornado warnings here in North Alabama.  Thankfully, nothing happened right around me.  Unfortunately, there was a lot of destruction just north of where I live.  The worst part about this damage, it is the same area that got hit badly last April with tornado's.

To break up the day and to take my mind off the weather, I headed upstairs to my craft room.  I used the sketch from Freshly Made Sketches and the color challenge over at the Pals Paper Arts for my inspiration. 

From the above challenges, I created this ...

Stamps:  Need for Speed

Paper:  White, Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, Lucky Limeade

DSP:  Always Artichoke

Ink:  Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake

Accessories:   Non SU - crop-a-dile, eyelets, CB sticks embossing folder, Nestabilities rectangle dies, edge distresser; SU - sponge dauber

All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

• The edges were distressed and then sponged with Crumb Cake and Always Artichoke.
• Two corners were rolled upwards and the DSP was sponged with Always Artichoke.  Wanted to give a worn and rough look to the card. 

This will go to Michael for his birthday next month. 

Thanks for stopping by and as always,

Have a great day,

Pam~

 

Sketchy with pinks ...

Today's card is for the sketch challenge at the Pals Paper Arts and color challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers.  I have not participated in either one of these great challenges in a while and it felt great to play along again.  Terry has been out-of-town this week so I've been stamping in the evenings.  I spent my days with my wonderful friends going out to lunch and shopping.  Can't beat that!


Here is the sketch that I started out with ...

The color challenge was to use ... 

Basic Gray

Pretty In Pink 

Pink Pirouette

So I put these elements together and came up with this ...

Stamps:  Posy Punch

Paper:  Basic Gray, Pretty In Pink, Pink Pirouette

DSP:   Pretty In Pink, Pink Pirouette

Ink:  Pink Pirouette, Versa Mark

Accessories:  Pewter embossing powder, Pretty In Pink ribbon, polka dot and houndstooth embossing folder, Spellbinders border die, CuttleBug flower die, brads, corner rounder, itty bitty button and punch, flower punch, baker's twine, dimensionals

All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

The card size is 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 so that it will still fit into an A2 envelope.


These colors just screamed Bethany to me.  So you know where this card will be heading to.

Thanks for stopping by and as always ...

Have a great day,

Pam~

A New Year ...

Happy New Year to all!  It's been a while since I've posted on my blog.  I spent the last month with my family and loved every minute of it.  It was wonderful to have everyone home again.  We played golf, disc golf, tennis and took walks during the holidays.


Today I took a few minutes for myself and headed to my craft room.  I wanted to play with the Pals Paper Arts since I have not done that in a while.  This week they are featuring a coloring challenge ...

I also looked over at Splitcoast Stampers to see which challenge I wanted to play with.  I decided on Clean and Simple using die cuts.  For Christmas Bethany gave me some Cricut cartridges and I thought that would be perfect for this card.  Here is what I came up with ...

Stamps:  You've Got Style by Gina K.

Paper:  Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze

Ink:  Not Quite Navy, Riding Hood Red

Accessories:  Cricut Damask cartridge, Nestabilities scallop and oval dies, glitter pen (non SU), polka dot embossing folder, word window and modern label punch, rhinestones, blender pen, dimensionals

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

I cut out the design on my Cricut in Baja Breeze and then glued it onto a piece of Not Quite Navy.  I then ran it through my Cuttlebug using the polka dot embossing folder.  Next I trimmed it down to the border of the polka dots.  Now I have a cool looking background!

The image was colored with my blender pen and Not Quite Navy ink pad.  I added a few sparkles to the belt on the dress and the heart on the coat hanger.  

Thanks for stopping by and as always ...

Have a great day,

Pam~

Getting sketchy with the Pals

Here I am again, a day late and a dollar short ...


I had this post just about ready when my daughter, her boyfriend and my son all decided to play games and asked me to join.  I had so much fun and completely forgot about my blog.  No regrets though ... nothing beats family fun!

The Pals Paper Arts had a great sketch this week.  I liked it so much, that I think this will be used for a batch of Christmas cards.  Here is what the talented Margaret Moody designed ...

I pulled out some Christmas stamps, DSP, ink and cardstock and went to work ... let me rephrase that ... went to playing.

Stamps:  Holiday Happiness

Paper:  Vanilla, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler

DSP:  Jolly Holiday (retired)

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive

Accessories:  stamp-a-ma-jig, rhinestone, glitter pen (non SU), Marvy snowflake punch and star punch

All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

Once again we have had a rainy day, hence the dark picture.  I find sometimes when I use the photo editor that the colors get really distorted.  I tried to keep this true to the colors used.

Thanks for stopping by and ...

Have a great day!

Pam~

PPA color challenge

This is my first card to upload at Pals Paper Arts since leaving the design team.  I will miss being a part of this awesome group but it was the right time for me step down.  I would like to thank the talented Pals on the PPA design team for the wonderful experience I had.  These are the best of the best stampers and it was such an honor to have my cards along side theirs!  


I found a sketch challenge over at Create with Connie and Mary that caught my eye.  So with these colors from PPA ...

and this sketch from CCMC ...

I came up with this ...

Stamps:  Card Games, Game Night

Paper: Early Expresso, Soft Suede, Vanilla

DSP:  Early Expresso, Soft Suede, River Rock

Ink:  Early Expresso, Soft Suede, River Rock

Accessories:  twine, demensionals, corner rounder

All products are Stampin' Up!

This is for my son or nephew since they both make laugh.

Thanks for stopping and ...

Have a great weekend!

Pam~

Use some ribbon ...

This week the Design Team at Pals Paper Arts are asking you to break out some ribbon and adorn your card or project with it.  There are so many different kinds of ribbon and the colors are endless. Here is an inspiration photo to get you started ...

I always love a little embellishment on my cards.  Here is this week's PPA card ...

  Stamps:  Always Thankful

Paper:  White, Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait

DSP:  Peach Parfait

Ink:  Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz

Accessories:  Pear Pizzazz seam binding ribbon, ticket punch, pearl, Bic Marker, hole punch, sponge dauber, scallop border punch

All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

• I stamped the main image twice.  Once in Crumb Cake on the card and then again in Pear Pizzazz on scrap paper.  I cut out just the container and attached it to the first image.  
• The pearl was colored first in Peach Parfait with my SU marker.  I then went over it with a similar color Bic Marker to make the ink permanent.
• The edges were sponged to create a "softer" scene and take away from all the white space.

I hope you will find some time to join in the fun with the rest of the talented Pals.

Thanks for stopping by and ...

Have a great day,

Pam~

In Full Bloom

I've been stamping a bit but have not posted any of my cards.  Bethany was home last week for her fall break so I let the blogging take a rest.  We stamped together and I actually got a picture of one card this time.  I'll post that one later.


Today's card was actually for two challenges, PPA and Freshly Made Sketches.  I didn't get either one posted to the challenge but I'm still going to upload it on my blog.  

Stamps:  In Full Bloom

Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie, Lucky Limeade, White

DSP:  Rich Razzleberry

Ink:  Memento Black, SU markers -- Pumpkin Pie, Lucky Limeade, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories:  Nestabilities lacy square, pearls, Rich Razzleberry button, white baker's twine, glitter pen (non SU), Bic marker

All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

• I colored some pearls with my Bic marker and added them to the center of the flower.
• A glitter pen was used over all the stamped images to give it some sparkle.

As always, thanks for stopping by and ...

Have a great day,

Pam~

PPA Fall Challenge

It's Thursday ... time for another Pals Paper Arts challenge.  This week we are featuring fall/Thanksgiving cards.  I hope you will join us in this colorful themed challenge.


I pulled out my Day of Gratitude set and went to playing ...

Stamps:  Day of Gratitude, Fabulous Phrases

Paper:  Always Artichoke, Pumpkin Pie, Early Expresso, White

Ink:  Always Artichoke, Pumpkin Pie, Early Expresso, Versamark

Accessories:  Pumpkin Pie button, twine, edge distresser tool, rhinestones, Bic marker, clear embossing powder, circle cutter, stamp-a-ma-jig

All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

I have really enjoyed embossing lately.  Here is a close up of the medallion ...

I got some new goodies yesterday ... whoo hoo!  I'm looking forward to using some new rubbah and paper soon!

Thanks for stopping by and as always ...

Have a great day,

Pam~

Embossing challenge

This week the Pals Paper Arts is focusing on embossing.  A fun technique to do. I hope you will find some time to play with the rest of the talented Pals this week.  


Since I do not have the pretty embossing powders that Stampin' Up offers, I always use my clear embossing powder.  I stamp my images in the color I want and then using my stamp-a-ma-jig, I stamp over that image in Versamark.  Just sprinkle it with embossing powder and heat it up.  Great results.  This week I thought I would emboss some bright flowers.  

Stamps:  Fabulous Florets, Vintage Vogue

Paper:  Black, Tempting Turquoise, Wild Wasabi, White

Ink:  Tempting Turquoise, Wild Wasabi, Versamark

Accessories:  oval punches, pearls, sponge dauber, clear embossing powder, heat gun

All products are Stampin'  Up.

Here is a close-up of the flowers.

I love that shine!  I will have to admit, I am not one to do a lot of cutting out ... I stink at it.  I was a Barbie kind of girl and never did the paper doll thing.

Thanks for stopping by and as always ...

Have a great day,

Pam~

It starts with a sketch ....

This week the Pals Paper Arts has another great sketch from Margaret Moody for you to work with.  Let this get your creative side flowing ...

I knew I wanted to make a card for Bethany and this sketch was a good starting point for what I was thinking.  Bethany starts her clinical training today at the VA hospital and I thought this sentiment was perfect for her.  From that sketch I ended up with this ...

Stamps:  Baroque Motifs, Flight of the Butterfly Itty Bitty Bits

Paper:  Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, White

DSP:  Pretty in Pink

Ink:  Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade

Accessories:  polka dot embossing folder, itty bitty punch, rhinestones, Sharpie marker, sponge, dimensionals, ribbon (non SU) 

All products are SU unless otherwise noted.

Of course, I had to use her favorite colors ... pink and lime green.  She will know this was made specifically for her.  :)

Have a great day,

Pam~

Debut of Freshly Made Sketches

One of my favorite bloggers, Lesley at Always Playing with Paper, is debuting a new blog this week, Freshly Made Sketches.  It is an awesome place, so be sure to click on over and check it out.  


The first sketch looks like this ...

This card is also for the Pals Paper Arts Halloween challenge.  I let my inky fingers, and inky they were, go to work.  The end result is this ...

Stamps:  Wicked Cool

Paper: Black, Elegant Eggplant, White

DSP:  Black

Ink:  Memento Black, Basic Gray, Versamark

Accessories:  Stampin' Pastels, clear embossing powder, circle and oval punches, Elegant Eggplant brads, sponge dauber, houndstooth embossing folder, ribbon (non-SU)

All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

You can't see it in the picture, but the bats are embossed and then sponged with Basic Gray.

I'm off to lunch with two great friends from soccer.

Have a great day,

Pam~

PPA 109

Oops, I forgot to type up the post for this week's Pals Paper Arts card.  The story of my life lately ... a day late and a dollar short.  


This week we are hosting a color challenge ...

I made a very clean and simple card ...

Stamps:  Just Believe

Paper:  Calypso Coral, Basic Gray, Riding Hood Red, Vanilla

Ink:  (SU markers) Calypso Coral, Riding Hood Red, Old Olive

Accessories:  polka dot and plenty a petal embossing folders, sponge dauber, in-color brad, dimensionals, vanilla ribbon (non-SU)

All products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

This is a quick post since I'm late uploading it.  I'm headed out the door for my morning walk with Banjee and Sadie.  I appreciate you stopping by and hope you have a great day!

Pam~