Path of Positivity Goes Peaceful

It is the final PoP challenge for this year, where has the time gone? This month the optional theme is Peace. This time of year is not exactly the most peaceful! With the crowded shops and the endless Christmas music blaring over the shop speakers from October (slight exaggeration!) It is easy to get caught up in the world's clamour. That is why I love Advent as a time just to stand back from it all and reflect on what Christmas is all about. That tiny baby in a cattle feed trough is the maker of the Universe. That tiny baby being held and cherished by it's mother is Lord of us all. That tiny baby smiling at the humble shepherds is the Prince of Peace. That tiny baby being worshipped by the kings is one day coming back, not as a baby but as King of Israel and ruler of the earth. Looking at the state of the world now I hope that day will not be too long in coming!

So while it may be a bit early to wish you a Happy Christmas I will instead pray for you a peaceful Advent and time to discover again the real meaning of Christmas. God bless you.

Materials used:

Pattie's Creations - Mother and Child #1

rectangle faux stitched die

5" x 7" card blank

X-Press It card

printer card

Copic pens:

mum's skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20

baby's skin - E50, E51, E53

mum's hair - Y21, Y26, YR24, E26

baby's hair - E50, E42, E43

background - Y00, Y11, Y13

The verse from Silent Night is printed on printer card then cut with the die. I used the same yellow combination to go around the edge of the card blank to tie it in with the main image.

The challenge will run until the 5th of January and the theme Peace is optional. This month our sponsors are Pattie's Creations and Scribbles Designs. Details and the link up can be found at the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog. I do hope you will join in with us this month.

Thank you for dropping in and take care.

Pippa

Entering the following challenges:

Crafty Cardmakers #246 - No Patterned Paper 

PIP Challenge #1948 - Anything Goes 

Outlawz Challenges Festive Fridays - Christmas 

A Place To Start December - Holidays 

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends #119 - Anything Goes 

Addicted To Stamps #179 - Anything Goes 

A Bit More Time To Craft #108 - Anything Goes 

Your Scrapbook Place December - Anything Goes 

Crafts Galore Encore #70 - Anything Goes 

Pattie's Creations #164 - Anything Goes 

Thankfulness and Controversial Thinking

Can you believe we are halfway through the November challenge and hurtling ever faster towards Christmas. At this time of year there is so much to be thankful for and yet so easily we get caught up in the consumerism of the season.

Before I share my thoughts with you I just want to say that these are my own thoughts and I am open to helpful critique. Also, I in no way want to upset my American friends so if you have different opinions on this please let me know.

On the third Thursday of November the Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day, this year it falls on the 28th November. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated by the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Indians when they shared a meal marking the first harvest. Settlers and Indians sharing the earth's bounty in peace. But as is the way in the history of mankind that harmony did not last. The sharing of bounty in a spirit of thankfulness was replaced by avarice and the hunger for acquiring more; more land, more money, more everything.

When we want to justify our position of taking from others we invariably reduce our victims to less than human. So the Indians lost their tribal names and became 'savages', as such they were fair game. European settlers have followed the same pattern wherever they have landed on the earth. The Spanish did the same to the Aztecs and Incas, the Australian colonists to the Aborigines, the British in India, the Dutch in Africa.. The idea of superiority over others was taken to it's pinnacle by Nazi Germany and the Final Solution, wiping out all that was considered inferior, Jews, Gypsies, Coloureds, Gays, the mentally ill, the physically handicapped. It was easy, just spread falsehoods about them and incite hatred towards them so that people don't question what is happening. With the rise of xenophobia and Antisemitism the danger is increasing that it will happen again.

The great sadness in all this is that we forget to be thankful for what we have and start wanting what others have. How different the world would look if the spirit of the first Thanksgiving Celebration had remained the dominant spirit of the the land.

Thanks for sticking with it and I do hope I have not offended anyone, that is the last thing I want to do. And so onto my card, I have used another cornucopia image this time from our on going sponsor Scribbles Designs. I have a thing about the beauty of nature at harvest, all the different colours and textures. I made this one for my friend Melanie, those who have been with me for a while will know that Melanie introduced me to rubber stamping all those years ago. Well she now splits her time between the USA and England having remarried an American. So this is for her and Russ even though they will be in the UK for Thanksgiving Day.

Materials used:

Scribbles Designs - Cornucopia 

X-Press It card

designer card

rectangle die set

5" x 7" card blank

orange sequins (from stash)

Copic pens:

orange pumpkin - Y35, Y38, YR14, YR18, E15, E18  stalk - E43, E44, E47

yellow/green pumpkin -  W0, Y00, Y11, YG67, G28, G29, G99  stalk - W1, W3, W5

aubergine - V06, V09, V99  stalk - YG01, YG67

pepper - YG03, YG17, YG67, G29   stalk - YG21, YG23, YG25

maize - Y21, Y26, Y28  husk - YG61, YG63, YG67

wheat - YR21, Y26, YR24, Y28

apples - R24, R27, R29, R39, R59, R89  stalk - E19, E09

pear - Y02, R32, YG01, YR02, Y15, Y17, Y06   stalk - E29, E18

maple leaves - YG00, YG23, YG17, YR02, YR04, YR7

leaves - YG03, YG17, YG67, G29

cornucopia basket - E31, E33, E35, E39

background - Y00, Y11

I'm not a great embellisher finding it tricky knowing where to place them but I had a box of sequins for my birthday back in August and felt I really should have a go at using them! The designer layer has been lying in a drawer for some time now waiting it's turn to be useful.

Our two sponsors for this month are A Day For Daisies (on a break but honouring sponsorship) and Scribbles Designs.  For details of prizes and how to qualify, the link up and all other information visit the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog. As I write this we have only had three entries though with Thanksgiving coming soon I am sure there must be more of you making cards. So do please join us you have until the end of the month to link up. You never know one of the prizes may already have your name on it. Now wouldn't that be something to be thankful for!

Thanks for dropping in. Take care.

Pippa

Entering the following challenges:

Crafty Cardmakers #245 - Thankful 

PIP Challenge #1946 - Anything Goes 

Outlawz Challenges Festive Fridays - Anything Goes 

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends #118 - Anything Goes 

613 Avenue Create #227 - Anything Goes/Scrap Your Stash 

Addicted To Stamps #179 - Anything Goes 

A Bit More Time To Craft #104 - Anything Goes 

Creative Fingers #175 - Anything Goes 

Colour My Heart Colour Dare #368 - Horn of Plenty Colours 

Scrapper's Delights Progressive Challenge for November

Time for a new progressive challenge on the Scrapper's Delights Facebook page. If you entered last month you should be getting the image sent to you for this month. If you need the image then you can request it via the Facebook page.

Materials used:

Scrapper's Delights - Chibi Skater

X-Press It card

printer card

black card

silver texture paint

dotty stencil

snowflake stickers

circle dies

blue/silver designer card

5" x 7" card blank

Copic pens:

skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E04  R20

eyes - E11, E33, E35

hair - E43, E44, E47, E49

trousers - B91, B93, B95, B97, B99

jumper - YG11, G12, G14, YG06, G05

scarf - R81, R83, R85

boots - C0, C1, C3, C9  Blender

blades - C5

The black and silver background card is made using silver texture paint. I have had it in my stash for some time but never really got around to doing much with it. My idea was that it might just work to give a hint of snow! Perhaps white paste might have been a better option but you have to go with what you have got.

The background for the skater is from a royalty free picture from the internet. If we had some hard winters I would have used a photo of my own but alas it is some time since it has been cold enough for fully frozen skateable ponds in our part of the world. My pond has frozen a few times but at only 4 feet it would be hard going standing on it yet alone skating!!

The progressive challenge runs for a month so there is plenty of time to get an entry in. You can also enter the Scrapper's Delight's Challenge at the same time on the blog here. Look out for all the amazing bundles and deals coming up for November too.

Thanks for dropping in.

Pippa

Entering the following challenges:

A Bit More Time To Craft #103 - Anything Goes 

Your Scrapbook Place November - Anything Goes 

Creative Fingers #174 - Anything Goes 

The Outlawz Challenges Festive Friday - Anything Goes 

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge #455 - Anything Goes 

Crafting With An Attitude #57 - Anything Goes 

Creative Moments #180 - Anything Goes/Baby It's Cold Outside 

Addicted To Stamps And More #336 - Anything Goes 

Creative Inspirations November Challenge - Winter Blues 

Get Creative Challenges #86 - Anything Goes/Holidays 

Unicorn Challenge #49 - Christmas/Winter 

Feeling Thankful Despite It All!

The theme for this month's challenge at Path of Positivity is Thankfulness. Now I have to say that this year is not one I feel particularly thankful for on first thoughts, it has been horrible. Not a case of 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' more like 'Five Funerals and a Wedding'. I admit there are times when I have been tempted to sink into a wallow of self pity, however so far I have managed to keep away from that particular path to nowhere. Despite all the sadness that has predominated this year and some ongoing issues that could potentially lead to more heartache, there has been much to be thankful for as well.

I am enormously thankful to our NHS all over the country who have made loved ones leaving a pain free and peaceful affair and shown such sympathy, no more than that empathy towards those left behind to grieve.

I am thankful that my niece had such a fantastic day for her wedding and that family and friends were able to gather to celebrate and share the day with the happy couple.

I am thankful that my hesitant and belated decision to let my gorgeous girls organise a 60th birthday party amidst all that has been happening made for a joyful day to recharge and regroup ready to face life's not so enjoyable events.

I am thankful that even the dark days can be shared with a loving husband and family and that mutual support can overcome.

The problem is with thankfulness is that once you start thinking about it there are just so many things to be thankful for. You only have to read a paper or watch the news to find plenty more reasons to give thanks.

And who to I give thanks to the most? The verse on my page says it all. So I do 'Give thanks with a joyful heart' as the hymn says.

Materials used:

A Day For Daisies - Butterfly Harvest (sadly A Day For Daisies is taking a rest from trading but will be back)

Imagine That Digistamps - Subtle Harvest Kit (I cannot find this in the shop so it may have been a fan freebie at some point)

Ex-Press It card

printer paper

gold glitter paper strip

book page die set

A5 sketch book

Copic pens:

orange pumpkin - Y35, Y38, YR14, YR18, E15, E 18  stem - E43, E44, E47

green pumpkin - YG61, G21, YG63, G85, E43, E47  stem - E11, E13, E15

red apples - YG00, R11, R35, R37, R59

pear - Y02, R32, YG01, RY02, Y15, Y17, Y06

green apples - YG21, YG03, YG25, YG17

purple berries - RB66, R56, R59

corn cob - Y15, Y18, YR16, YR18, E08, E19, E49

corn husks - E42, E43, E44

red berries - R14, R17, R27

blue flowers - B21, B23

purple flower - V05, RV66, RV69, V09, V99, YR12, YR15

butterflies - V0000, V000, V01, V12

cornucopia shell - E11, E33, E35, E39

grass - G21, G94, BG96, B99

After colouring the design I cut it with a book page die and edged it with brown ink. The background paper is made using Paper Leafy from the Subtle Harvest kit, reducing the size, copying, pasting and repeating the process a couple of times to get the leaves very small.

The different and sometimes unusual themes that the Path of Positivity Challenge have are great fun but not always ones that lend themselves to a card, at least not to a card I can use. I had this idea for next year that I would make a book of helpful, positive quotes and sayings with the themes that did not fall easily into the card category. However I decided to start my book early and what better way than with being thankful. I made my design to fit an A5 card so that it fits into an A5 sketch book. I am looking forward to seeing what other challenging themes end up in the book over the coming months!

The Path of Positivity challenge runs until the 1st December and the theme is optional, although with Thanksgiving coming up in America I expect there will be many of you running with Thankfulness!

Since offering to sponsor us A Day For Daisies is taking a rest from trading, however they are fulfilling their sponsorship commitments for rest of the year. Our ongoing sponsor Scribbles Designs is also offering a prize, details will be on the Path of Positivity Blog along with the rules and how to enter. I hope you will join in with us.

Thank you for dropping in.

Take care.

Pippa

Entering the following challenges:

PIP Challenge #1944 - Anything Goes 

Simon Says Stamp - Thanks/Thanksgiving 

Outlawz Challenges Paper A La Mode - Autumn Colours 

Addicted to Stamps #178 - Add A Pumpkin 

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends #117 - Anything Goes 

Crafty Friends #122 - Anything Goes 

Sweet Stamping - Guy Fawkes and Other Celebrations (Harvest) 

Creative Fingers #174 - Anything Goes 

Your Scrapbook Place November - Anything Goes 

A Bit More Time To Craft #103 - Anything Goes 

If You Give A Crafter A Cookie #129 - 

Time for some new Chibis at Scrapper's Delights

This month's new releases from Scrapper's Delights features three Chibi images that can be used for any occasion where presents are involved! So even although thoughts are turning to Christmas at this time of the year I have made a birthday card with the image I was allocated.

Materials used:

Scrapper's Delights - Chibi Open Gift 

Scribbles Design - Presents 

Presscut Step 6 die set

white card

green mirri card

orange, purple card

X-Press It card

gold sentiment sticker

green satin ribbon

Copic pens:

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

hair - YR20, YR24, YR27, E39, E59

t-shirt - V05, RV66, RV69, V09

eyes - C0, C3, YG03

trousers and hair ribbon - G02, G17, G29, G99

present ribbon - Y02, Y15, Y19, E39, E59

present - V15, V17, BV08

socks - C0, C1, C3, V05, RV66, RV69 

stacked parcels - V15, V17, BV08, C1, C3, C5

                            YG00, YG21, YG03, YG06, BV20, BV23, BV25, YR31, Y38, YR68

Do visit the Scrapper's Delights store and have a look at the other images available from today. While you are there why not have a look at what else is available, you may find just the right image for a project you have in mind!

Thanks for dropping in. Take care.

Pippa

Entering the following challenges:

A Bit More Time To Craft #103 - Anything Goes 

Love To Craft #40 - November Anything Goes 

Not Just Cards October - Anything Goes 

Outlawz Challenges - Festive Fridays 

Creative Moments #179 - Anything Goes/For the Girls 

Crafts Galore Encore #69 - Anything Goes 

Midway Through Courage

We are at the half way point of our challenge at Path of Positivity and thinking about Courage. Last time I shared with you a bit about my own battle with chronic shyness and the effects it can have on life. I hope those of you who lack the confidence and or courage to share your art have thought about entering our challenge and taking the first steps to building up your own courage.

This time I have another great quote I found online. Everyone, if they are being truly honest, has some area where they lack courage and the knocks of life can sap even the most courageous spirit. And I am sure even those we consider courageous have moments of self doubt.

I have a niece and nephew who are both ambulance drivers. Years ago you would probably not think that you have to be particularly courageous to drive ambulances but these days you need it in bucket loads. The increasing violence they have to deal with directed at them as they try to do their job is unbelievable. Attacks on ambulance staff, paramedics, police and firemen as they try to help people are increasing all the time, they all deserve medals for what they do.

So this card is for every one no matter how courageous they feel. 

Materials used:

Beccy's Place - Old Boots (freebie on blog) 

Distress Oxcide background paper from stash

faux stitch rectangle die

7" x 5" card blank

X-Press It card

Copic pens:

BG90, BG93, BG96, BG99   

E21. E23, E25, E29

W3, W5, W7, W9

C3, C5, C7, C9 100

I love the green and brown combination for these boots so much I am looking out for a pair for myself! The background paper was a great find in my stash, unfortunately I can't remember the colours I used. I did not like the paper straight on the front of the card so edged the card blank with a brown pen to define the paper more. 

This is not the first time I have used this image, it made it's first appearance back in 2018. Now I did not go and look at it again because I wanted to make a different card but there must be something about that colour combination because, although I did not note the Copics used, they sure look like the same colours!

https://viewsfrommycraftroom.blogspot.com/2018/02/old-boots_23.html  

I hope you will join us for the challenge, you still have a couple of weeks left to enter. Remember the theme of Courage is optional. All the details of the challenge and the link can be found on the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog.  We have two sponsors this month, Beccy's Place and Scribbles Designs both offering prizes.

Looking forward to seeing your shared works of art. Thank you for popping in. Take care.

Pippa

Entering the following challenges:

Creative Moments #179 - Anything Goes 

PIP Challenge 1942 - Anything Goes 

Beccy's Place October - Must Use Beccy's Image 

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends #116 - Anything Goes 

A Bit More Time To Craft #102 - Anything Goes