Christmas Rejoicing

This is my last post for A Path of Positivity Challenge for some time as a DT Member. I have really enjoyed my long association with the challenge firstly as a contestant and for the last few years as a designer. But life has got in the way and I need to take a bit of a breather from the teams I am on. I hope to pop in with the odd entry to support the challenge from time to time.

Meanwhile despite everything that is going on we will be rejoicing this Christmas as we remember the coming of Jesus into the world to save us and looking forward to the time when he returns as King of Israel and ruler of the world. What rejoicing will happen then, I believe even more so than at His first coming.

However you celebrate this year and whether you have a Christian faith, a member of another faith tradition or no faith at all I pray that the Christ of Christmas will reveal himself to you afresh and surround you with his love and that peace that passes all understanding at Christmas and into the unknown paths of the new year. 

God bless.

Materials used:

Scribbles Designs - Silent Night Quote 

PSX Nativity Silhouette rubber stamp

rectangle dies

white printer card

embossing ink pad

silver embossing powder

chalks in blues and yellow

silver star card

silver pen

5" x 7" card blank

The image has been embossed onto the printed panel and coloured with chalks using a small foam makeup applicator.

I hope you will join us in this last challenge of 2020. Here are all the details and links for you:

Our optional twist is REJOICE. For many, this time of year is an occasion for happiness. While the pandemic makes this year harder to get together with those you may normally spend time with during the holiday season, there are still many reasons we have to rejoice. Thus, we want you to create a project that reflects the JOY of the holiday season.

In order to be considered eligible for this month's prizes, remember that general types of  projects/posts will not qualify for the prizes unless they are also positive, inspirational, motivational or encouraging in some nature. Additionally, even if a project may qualify as positive, if your post promotes negativity, hatred or anything of an abhorrent nature, your project will be disqualified. Prizes this month include:

• A $10 gift certificate from Limited Runs, our guest sponsor for this month, for a person chosen in a random draw based on all qualifying entrants.
• ONE image (value of $5 or less) from Scribbles Designs, for the post or project that the team deems most inspiring of the bunch based on all qualifying entrants.
• One digital image from Creative Bug Digital SnapShots for each person chosen as a DT

You can find more inspiration  and the link up on the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog here.

Thanks for dropping in. Take care.

Pippa

Rejoicing Along the Path of Positivity

 Who could have predicted at the end of 2019 what 2020 would have in store for us. But a we reach the end of a difficult year which for many has been one of immense sadness with so many loved ones no longer with us we can look back and remember the positive times too. Many of our themes this year have encouraged us to do that. Last month, for example, we looked at the things that make us grateful. This month we finish the year off by looking at the theme of Rejoicing.

Of course Christmas is a major Christian festival celebrating the first coming of Jesus into our fallen world and looking forward to his return as king. Without Christ there would be no Christmas. This year with Covid still a huge threat many have been worried about not being able to meet up with friends and family over Christmas. However, much as I love getting together with the rest of our scattered clan, Christmas is so much more than the partying and presents. I admit I am sad at the thought that we might not be able to get together this year, especially as it is our Grandson's first Christmas and a baby is at the heart of the story, but I would rather celebrate alone than risk the health of loved ones. So our Christmas plans are on hold for a while, waiting to see what happens. Very apt as we embark on Advent, that wonderful time of anticipation and waiting. 

However you celebrate this year I hope that you are able to join in with the angels and rejoice that God's plan of salvation started with that first Christmas over 2000 years ago.

Philipians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Materials used:

Limited Runs - Santa Head Shot 

X-Press It card

Christmas designer card from stash

tag die

ribbon

fine white sparkle glitter

white flocking

Copic pens:

skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04     R20

hat - R29, R39, R59, R89

holly leaves - GO7, G28, G29

holly berries - R24, R29, R39

beard shadows: C0, C1, Blender

I have added glitter to his hat trim and flocking to the beard.

Here are the details for this month's challenge:

Our optional twist is REJOICE. For many, this time of year is an occasion for happiness. While the pandemic makes this year harder to get together with those you may normally spend time with during the holiday season, there are still many reasons we have to rejoice. Thus, we want you to create a project that reflects the JOY of the holiday season.

In order to be considered eligible for this month's prizes, remember that general types of  projects/posts will not qualify for the prizes unless they are also positive, inspirational, motivational or encouraging in some nature. Additionally, even if a project may qualify as positive, if your post promotes negativity, hatred or anything of an abhorrent nature, your project will be disqualified. Prizes this month include:

• A $10 gift certificate from Limited Runs, our guest sponsor for this month, for a person chosen in a random draw based on all qualifying entrants.
• ONE image (value of $5 or less) from Scribbles Designs, for the post or project that the team deems most inspiring of the bunch based on all qualifying entrants.
• One digital image from Creative Bug Digital SnapShots for each person chosen as a DT

You can find more inspiration  and the link up on the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog here.

I hope you will come and join in the fun. 

Thanks for dropping in. Take care.

Pippa

Entering the following challenges:

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends #146 - Anything Goes 

Your Scrapbook Place #December - Anything Goes 

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge #485 - Anything Goes 

The Library Challenge #73 - The Night Before Christmas 

Girl Power

Back on the Path of Positivity again and what a good theme to come in to! My beautiful eldest daughter has certainly been showing off her girl power having given us our first Grandchild in April. It's been a long and continuing road to her recovery from a botched delivery but she has taken it all in her stride. Hopefully by this time next year all the further repair surgery will have been completed and successful, Covid 19 will be no longer a threat and we can enjoy being a relaxed family again.

While thinking about how to approach my sample for this the news of the death of Helen Reddy came through and I thought of her iconic song 'I am woman' so I have used that to make another page for my Inspirations Book.

However my favourite Helen Reddy song 'Candle on the Water' comes from the film 'Pete's Dragon'. If you do not know it here is a link to a video clip from the film: 

Materials used:

Scribbles Designs: Carrie Shopping Diva 

X-Press It! card

Derwent watercolour pencils

Copic pens:

skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04     R20

hair - E42. E43. E47. E49

bag and dress - R29, R39, R59

coat, shoes and necklace - G02, G17, G29, G99

coat trim - C1, C3, C5

tights - RV63, RV66, RV69, RV99

ground - W1, W3, W5

There are still two weeks left to join in with us so why not give it a go. 

This challenge, our optional twist is GIRL POWER. We're a powerful force out in the world that needs to be celebrated! Create a project that encourages and celebrates women's empowerment, independence, confidence and strength. 

 

In order to be considered eligible for this month's prizes, remember that general types of projects/posts will not qualify for the prizes UNLESS they are also positive, inspirational, motivational or encouraging in some nature. Additionally, even if a project may qualify as positive, if your post promotes negativity, hatred or anything of an abhorrent nature, your project will be disqualified. Prizes this month include:

• TWO images from All Dressed Up Stamps, our guest sponsor for this month, for a person chosen in a random draw based on all qualifying entrants.
• ONE image (value of $5 or less) from Scribbles Designs, for the post or project that the team deems most inspiring of the bunch based on all qualifying entrants.
• One digital image from Creative Bug Digital SnapShots for each person chosen as a DT Delight.

For more inspiration and for the link up go to the Path of Positivity Blog here.

Thank you for dropping in. Take care.

Pippa

Entering the following challenges:

PIP Challenge #2042 - Anything Goes 

613 Avenue Create #October - Anything Goes 

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends #144 - Anything Goes 

Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Girly But No Pink 

Colour Crazy Craft Challenge #41 - Anything Goes 

Creative Fingers #195 - Anything Goes 

A Bit More Time To Craft #126 - Anything Goes 

A Bit More Time To Craft Extra #October - Anything Goes 

Furry or Feathery Friends on the Path of Positivity

The start of a new month and the start of a new challenge at Path of Positivity. This month the optional theme is Fury or Feathery Friends. With Spring in the air there is a lot of activity among the birds and animals as nests, dens, drays and setts are spruced up ready for a new set of babies.

I expect, like me, many of you are in strict lockdown as the world struggles to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. I could not imagine living with social distancing measures in a built up, urban area. We are so fortunate in having countryside all around us. We can walk out of our front door and be up on the hill in the wood and across the fields well away from anyone else in minutes. Our wood on the top of Herne Hill is full of bird song and if you look hard squirrels, mice and voles are busy gathering food and nesting material. In the evening if you are really patient you might see the badgers and foxes out and about. In the fields the ewes and their lambs are grazing on the fresh spring grass. 

The sheep always make me smile after they have been shorn, the babies look so much bigger than their mums!

Today I have a shaped and tactile card to share with you.

Materials used:

Oddball Art - Curly Sue Sheep 

stamping card

cotton wool

buttons

Copic pens:

sheep: W1, W3, W5, W7

I have used the pens to colour the sheep's face, ears and legs using cotton wool for her fur. The image has buttons for eyes so I found buttons the same size and just stuck them over the top. 

I coloured and cut out the image first then attached to a tent fold card overlapping the top and cut around again. Finally I stuck on the cotton wool and the buttons.

We have two great sponsors this month, and 

This challenge, our optional twist is a focus on Furry or Feathery Friends. Animals can be such a comfort in our lives especially during this time when so many of us are isolated from our extended family and friends. This month create a project that honours the furry or feathery friends that surround you, whether in your home or in nature.

In order to be considered eligible for this month's prizes, remember that general types of  projects/posts will not qualify for the prizes unless they are also positive, inspirational, motivational or encouraging in some nature. Prizes this month include:

• A $10 gift certificate from  Oddball Art , our guest sponsor for this month, for a person chosen in a random draw based on all qualifying entrants.
• ONE image (value of $5 or less) from Scribbles Designs for the post or project that the team deems most inspiring of the bunch based on all qualifying entrants.
• One digital image from Creative Bug Digital SnapShots for each person chosen as a DT Delight.

With such a huge range of bird and animal images around why  not give it a go and join in with our challenge. You can find all the details, the link for entries and more inspiration on the Path of Positivity Blog. Hope to see you there.

Thanks for dropping in. Take care and stay safe.

Pippa

Stampers Delights Anime New Release

Continuing this month's sea theme the new Anime images also feature mermaids and sea creatures. I have used a selection of images to make a pop-up box card.

Materials used:

Stampers Delights - Let's Make Waves

Stampers Delights - Best of Fishes

Scribbles Designs - A Taste of Summer Patterned Papers 

printer card

X-Press It card

Spellbinders Pop-Up Box die set

Copic pens:

skin - E50, E51, E53, E55

hair - V05, RV66, V69     YG21, YG03, YG17

mermaid - BG13, BG15, BG49     Y17, Y38, YR68

crown - G17

stones - E31, E33, E35, E39

seahorses - YG11, YG06, G06, Y13     Y00, Y11, Y15, YR23

sea weed - G02, G17, G29, G99

The box was cut from white card and then covered with papers from the Taste of Summer kit. All the elements are coloured then fussy cut. Having decided on positioning they are stuck onto the bars that go across the inside of the box. The box will fold flat for posting.

The mermaid, seahorses and weed come from the Let's Make Waves set and the sentiment from the Best of Fishes Set.

This is the final new release for the month and what a lot of images there are covering the three main styles that Stampers Delights focus on. So if you like all things watery do go and take a look . Here are all the links you need to find the images and further inspiration from the Design Teams.

Stampers Delights Store

Stampers Delights FB Group

Stampers Delights Inspiration Blog

Stampers Delights Challenge Blog 

Don't forget the Progressive Challenge:

Thanks for dropping in. Take care and stay safe.

Pippa

Beauty of Botanicals Part 2

Here we are midway through the Path of Positivity challenge with the optional theme Beauty of Botanicals. Last time I talked about the first spring flowers and this time I am moving into summer. As the year progresses the pastel colours are replaced as the showy summer flowers take hold. Now the colours get brighter and bolder. I have used bright colours in my flowers and they remind me of Mesembryanthemums or Miserable Anthenomes as we used to call them. The variety we had in our garden is Celertum Bellidiforme or Livingstone Daisy. They come out when the sun is out but close up when it gets dark. I love the vibrant colours and the way they enjoy being in the spotlight of the sun.



So this is my card inspired by the colours of the Livingstone Daisy.

Materials used:

Scribbles Designs - Flower Pot #2 

Imagine That Digistamp - Freda's Flower Basket

flower embossing folder

Express It! card

yellow card

purple card

scalloped edge rectangle die set

A6 card blank 

Copic pens:

pot - E97, E99, E39     R89, R39

flowers - RV02, RV04, RV09     V15, V17, V09     Y13, Y15, Y18

leaves - G05, G07, G28

I only use one image for the card but cut out the two layers using the dies. I wanted to highlight the flowers so cut the top layer off centre. The embossing folder was quite small, a freebie with a magazine I think, so I had to emboss the yellow mat twice. To cover the join I embossed a strip of purple card and wrapped it around the yellow card.

I hope you will join us this month and show us your projects, remember that the theme is optional but   this time of year lends itself to plenty of occasions for using flowers. All the details of how to enter and the prizes on offer from our two sponsors, SheepSki Designs and Scribbles Designs can be found on the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog here. 

Thanks for dropping in. 

Pippa

Entering the following challenges:

Always Fun Challenges #154 - Flowers 

PIP Challenge #2011- Anything Goes 

A Bit More Time To Craft #112 - Anything Goes 

A Bit More Time To Craft Extra March - Anything Goes 

Little Patch of Crafty Friends #128 - Anything Goes 

Scribbles Designs #87 - In Bloom 

March Stamper's Delights Anime New Release

Today is release day for Stamper's Delights new Anime images and the fairy line continues.

Materials used:

Stampers Delights - Anime Fairy

DDDoodles - A Taste Of  Summer Glitter Papers

nesting die set

X-Press It card

Pink Frog Crafts - Ice Crystal Paper 

matt gold card from stash

5" x 7" card blank

Copic pens:

skin - E50, E51, E21, E11     R20

hair - Y23, Y21, Y38, YR24

eyes - G05, G17

rose - V0000, V000, V01, V12     G24, G94, G99

small flowers - Y02, Y15, Y19     E37, E35, E33

blackberries - BV20, BV23, BV25, BV29     YG61, G21, YG63, G94

dress - B21, B23, B45

wings - YR21, YR12, YR04     C0, C1D

tiny flowers - RV10, RV02 

background - W00, W0

The orange glitter paper from DDDoodles has been printed onto Ice Crystal paper so it has a very subtle matt sheen to it.

I hope that you have been enjoying the new range of fair images from Stampers Delights, do go over to the Stampers Delights store and see what other wonderful images there are. Also there are plenty of places to visit for more inspiration. I have put some useful links below.

Stampers Delights Store

Stampers Delights FB Group

Stampers Delights Inspiration Blog

Stampers Delights Challenge Blog 

Thank you for visiting. Take care.

Pippa

Entering the following challenges:
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends #107 - Anything Goes 
The Fairy and the Unicorn - Anything Fantasy Goes 
Creative Moments #186 - Anything Goes 
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge #466 - Anything Goes 
A Bit More Time To Craft #111 - Anything Goes 
A Bit More Time To Craft Extra Challenge March - Anything Goes 

Path of Positivity March Challenge: Beauty of Botanicals

March at the Path of Positivity and with the optional theme of Beauty of Botanicals a chance to get Mothering Sunday and Easter themes in along with everything else that flowers can be used for.

There is always something wonderful about the seasonal changes especially from Winter into Spring. I remember it was not so long ago that the snowdrops would be out first, so delicate looking and yet hardy enough to withstand any sting in the tale of winter. Snowdrops in the snow will always be a favourite image. After the pure white snowdrops would come the brash bright colours of the crocus mixed in with the pastel yellow shades of the primrose as spring revealed more of her colours. Then towards the end of lent the daffodils standing proud and tall, their trumpet heads reaching out to herald the sun.

One of the effects of global warming is that now the flowers bloom together and often the snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils are out at the same time. I must admit I miss the slow progression of the blooming of the different spring flowers as winter released the earth into the hands of spring.

On Sunday our vicar was inspired by a quote from a book that described lent as being between the snowdrop and the daffodil to write a poem. She has given me permission to share it with you.

Between the Snowdrop and the Daffodil

Lenten silence whispers alleluia,

gentle snowdrops wait and wonder.

Ssh.

Hear it coming.

The shoots of spring straining

in their darkened winter soil,

Knowing that bold golden trumpets

will proclaim,

loudly.

A glory of daffodils

will hold their heads high to the sky,

and praise the risen Son.

But first - pause.

And in this sooty, ashen, mysterious love,

be born again.

Between the snowdrop and the daffodil,

is Lent.

Joanna Stobart

Now after all that you would think that I would be using an image of snowdrops or daffodils but no I have chosen a primrose with a view of making a card for mum be it for Mothering Sunday or birthday or just because.

 

Materials used:
SheepSki Designs: For Mum/Mom/Mam 
X-Press It card
purple card
white A6 card blank
white candle
tissue paper
yellow heart gem
circle die set
Polychromo pencils:
flowers - 104 zinc yellow, 105 lemon cadmium, 107 lemon
               171 light green, 166 grass green, 167 sap green
letters - 119 light magenta, 125 dark magenta, 134 magenta, 194 purple

For the candle I printed out the image to the size I needed to fit the candle then covered it with tissue paper, shiny side up, and printed it again. Having coloured it in I carefully tore around the edge leaving a white border then holding the image in place on the candle with a length of baking paper I gently heated it with a heat gun. The trick is to heat it just enough to melt the surface wax so that the tissue is embedded in it and covered with a thin wax layer. If the candle starts dripping you have heated it too much. I am sure there are plenty of videos on this technique you can search for.

In comparison the card was much more straight forward. I have used the same colours for both makes and have no idea why they look so different in the photos. I guess it must be something to do with the lighting.

I hope you will join us this month and show us your projects, remember that the theme is optional but as I said this time of year lends itself to plenty of occasions for using flowers. All the details of how to enter and the prizes on offer from our two sponsors, SheepSki Designs and Scribbles Designs can be found on the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog here. 

Thanks for dropping in. Take care.

Pippa

Entering the following challenges:
PIP Challenge 2009 - Anything Goes 
613 Avenue Create #231 - Anything Goes/ Optional Twist Use Coloured Pencils 
Stamping Sensations #March - Spring Florals 
A Bit More Time To Craft #111 - Anything Goes 
A Bit More Time To Craft Extra Challenge #March - Anything Goes 

A Bit More Adoration

We have reached the half way point of our challenge at Path of Positivity with the optional theme of Adoration.

Those of you who know me quite well will be aware that I have a bit of an obsession with penguins which goes beyond love and I think slides into adoration! At one stage I had almost 100 penguins in various guises around the house. Sadly when we moved from our largish vicarage into a small house I had to be brave and rehome a lot of them. 

Even so I now have penguins in every room in the house except the conservatory which also acts as my husbands study and has to be penguin free. Although Christmas is a different matter when the tree goes up! There are even a couple of penguins sitting by my pond in the garden.

Just for interest I went round the house and counted up how many there are and here are the results of my survey. 

My study - 4
Bedroom - 11
Spare bedroom - 1
Bathroom - 2
Lounge/diner - 7
Kitchen - 4
Total: 29

Then there are the 2 in the garden and all the penguin socks and jumpers! At Christmas the number shoots up again for a while.

So even after an extensive re-homing programme and friends and family under instruction from my husband not to give me anymore penguins (ha like that will work!) there are still a goodly number around the place.

Materials used:

Beccy's Place - Penguin (Free Printable #58) 

X-Press It card

blue card cut to ATC size

white printer card

Copic pens:

penguin - W3, W5, W7,W9     E40, E41, E43     RV000

beak and feet - Y11, Y15, Y17, YR14, E15 

scarf - B12, B24, B28, B29     V04, V06, V09     Y11, Y15, Y17     C0, C1, C3, C5

The banner down the side has been made up on the computer, printed out on white card and trimmed to size. The little penguin is coloured in then cut out leaving a small white edge and attached to the blue ATC card.

The challenge runs until March 1st so there is plenty of time to come and join in the fun. Remember the twist is optional focusing on Adoration. 

In order to be considered eligible for this month's prizes, remember that general types of  projects/posts will not qualify for the prizes unless they are also positive, inspirational, motivational or encouraging in some nature. 

Prizes this month include:
A $10.00AU gift voucher that can be redeemed for digital stamps from Beccy's Place, our guest sponsor for this month, for a person chosen in a random draw based on all qualifying entrants.
ONE image (value of $5 or less) from Scribbles Designs, for the post or project that the team deems most inspiring of the bunch based on all qualifying entrants.
One digital image from Creative Bug Digital SnapShots for each person chosen as a DT Delight.

I do hope that you will join in the fun at Path of Positivity. You can find further inspiration and the link to enter at the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog.

Thanks for dropping in. Take care.

Pippa

Entering the following challenges:
Always Fun Challenges #150 - Animals 
PIP Challenge #2007 - Anything Goes 
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends #126 - Anything Goes 
A Bit More Time To Craft #110 - Anything Goes 
Love To Craft February - Anything Goes 
Your Scrapbook Place February - Anything Goes 
Beccy's Place February Challenge - Anything Using Beccy's Images 

Another Character Trait To Share

Can you believe that it is already half way through January! So it is the mid way point of our challenge at Path of Positivity with the optional theme of Character Traits. 

Last time I shared my plans to be organised with you, this time I decided to focus on one of the reasons I need help with being organised! I have a butterfly brain, you know one of those that cannot stay focused for too long on one thing. It's a great asset for day dreaming and getting ideas but when it comes to the follow through and actually putting the ideas into practice then it is a nightmare! 

The biggest drawback is actually trying to remember amongst all the disconnected thoughts which the important ones are that needed action. Then you have to stay focused for long enough to get the job done. Not easy for the butterfly brain.

I wonder if there are any other butterfly brainers out there who have experienced the same frustrations?

For my project I found a great image by Scribbles Designs and used it to add another page to me 'Great Quotes' book.

Materials used:

Scribbles Designs - Butterfly Mason Jar 

X-Press It card

faux stitched edge rectangle die

Brushos - yellow, orange, red, purple, black

Copic pens:

butterfly wings - Y00, Y11, Y15, YR23     V0000, V000, V01

butterfly body - E31, E33, E35

grass - G12, G21, G94, G99   Blender

jar - B0000, B000, B00   Blender

I used the brushos to make the background, working directly onto my sketchbook page. I just sprinkled the powders then spritzed them with water and blotted until I go the effect I wanted then left it to dry before attaching the coloured image.  

Here are the details for the challenge:

This challenge, our optional twist is a focus on Character Traits. We are all made up of different kinds of qualities that come together to make up our overall character. If you would like to challenge yourself, create a project that helps to portray one or more of your own unique character traits. Examples include: kindness, humour, charity, generosity, integrity, devotion, etc. At the start of a new year, let's learn a little bit more about who you are as an individual.

In order to be considered eligible for this month's prizes, remember that general types of  projects/posts will not qualify for the prizes UNLESS they are also positive, inspirational, motivational or encouraging in some nature. Prizes this month include:

$12 gift certificate from Bugaboo Stamps, our guest sponsor for this month, for a person chosen in a random draw based on all qualifying entrants.

ONE image (value of $5 or less) from Scribbles Designs, for the post or project that the team deems most inspiring of the bunch based on all qualifying entrants.

One digital image from Creative Bug Digital SnapShots for each person chosen as a DT Delight.

I hope you will be able to join us at Path of Positivity and share your creativity with us. Thank you for dropping in. Take care.

Pippa

Entering the following challenges:
PIP Challenge #2003 - Anything Goes 
Crafty Cardmakers #248 - Anything Goes 
613 Avenue Create #229 - Anything Goes/Make It Shiny 
Dragonfly Dreams January - Anything Goes 
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends #123 - Anything Goes 
Crafty Friends #127 - Anything Goes 
My Time To Craft #413 - New Stash! (used my new mixed media glass mat when creating the Brushos background - Christmas present from my husband!)
Allsorts Challenge #555 - More Than A Single Word Sentiment 
Creative Fingers #177 - Anything Goes