Success on the Path of Positivity

My card today represents the lifetime of hard work and practice it took these holiday penguins to successfully perform their pyramid. But you know what they say, "fall seven times, get up eight". I get it. I have plenty of colored images that were failures, canvases and water colors that went into the trash.
But I haven't stopped crafting and creating art. I'm learning from these failures so that I can build that knowledge and experience into Successes. Note the background paper. It's upside down, which, after looking at it, I decided to keep my mistake because they kind of look like multi-colored trees, thereby turning it into another Success. The image is  from Scribbles Designs and is called  #244 Penguin Pyramid.
So I guess you have figured out by now that the optional theme this month at the Path of Positivity Challenge blog is SUCCESS. Here are the details of the challenge:

• 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 Ike's 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.

Shades of Purple Dominate the Path of Positivity

The challenge at the Path of Positivity is midway through its theme on SHADES OF PURPLE. This optional theme asks that most of the overall color scheme is some form of  purple. If you do follow this theme, you will have a chance to win the prize for the Most Inspirational Creation, a $12 gift certificate from A Day for Daisies, one of the guest sponsors this month.
I got to play with a lovely digi image from A Day for Daisies called Hepburn Dress.I adore this image. It whispered to me, "Keep it simple. Let me speak for myself."
So I did my best to make this card as "CAS" as possible. I have a problem with CAS cards. I tend to keep adding more and more onto the cards. But this one stayed my hand, and I love what I created. All supplies are from my leftovers stash

You don't need to follow the optional theme if you simply want to have a chance at the Random Draw prize of a $10 gift certificate from Limited Runs. However, all projects must be positive or affirming in some way. In this crazy world we live in, we need all the support and encouragement we can get, and the Path of Positivity is "a unique challenge blog designed to inspire, nurture and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow, one project or post at a time!"

I can't wait to see what you create!

Challenges I am Entering

Make It Masculine at Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog

Last month at Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog, crafters were asked to "favor the feminine." This month the challenge theme is to "make it Masculine." I've been creating Thank You cards recently, and I am still a few short for an event I held recently. I got creative with a Scribbles digi image called #F 117 Life Preserver. I used Photoshop to create a scene from a photo of myself and a digi paper from Decosse's Dynamite Doodles. After printing it, I colored my life preserver with Copics and added a few coastal bird 3D figures embellishments. The border is a digital element from Pixel Scrapper Melo Vrijhof's That Teenage Life Kit. 

 The scenic paper from Decosse's Dynamite Doodles is from her Chasing Rainbows Paper Kit.

My three photos are of my card folded, standing open and flattened open. And yes, I didn't have a more appropriate photo of myself, so that is a bottle of wine in my hand as I "flounder in the sea." Anyway, I know just who to send this card to...

There are two weeks left to link up your card or project, whether you create with the optional theme or not. Hope to see you at Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog!!

Choose Your Own Colors at the Path of Positivity

Can you believe that May is almost over? This year is especially flying by so fast! That's why it's so important to wake up from your daily grind and take a moment to live in it. Look around you and enjoy the colors, breathe in the smells of new growth and blooming flowers,  and listen to the birds sing to each other.
When I go walking with my dog Wilson, I sometimes pretend I'm on a scavenger hunt, only the list is empty until I fill it. Will I find a black squirrel today, hear a woodpecker, watch a busy bee drink from a flower? Can I identify the flowers in bloom (most times no, I'm not a flower gardener)? At these times, I am not worrying about what to cook for dinner, where I put the checkbook or whose turn it is to clean the bathroom. I am in the moment, and it is my zen time (except for diligently picking up whatever Wilson leaves behind).
What does all this have to do with this month's challenge at the Path of Positivity? Nothing, I just wanted to share with you the secret to my sanity, and my positivity. Along these mindful walks, I also drink in a multitude of colors, which (here it is) segues into the theme at the Path of Positivity's Challenge: Choose Your Own Color(s).
I have a secret I want to share with you - I don't have one true favorite color. I am an eclectic lover of color. I never met a color I didn't like (well, I don't consider greige a color, what is that anyway?).  So when it comes to such an open-ended challenge like the one offered at the Path, I took the word "choose" to heart. I guess if I had to pinpoint the colors in this card, it would have to be shades of yellow, orange and purple - good solid summer colors.
I got to play with a digital image from one of two guest sponsors this month, Sheepski Designs. Andrea's store has grown so much in the last year or two and her designs are awesome. I chose one called Butterfly Curls. I am STILL trying to get my printer to behave, so my card today is 100% digital.
I started with a personal photograph of my daughter's summer garden, where she planted flowers especially pleasing to butterflies. I toned down the opaqueness and placed it onto a paper I made using Photoshop's Magic Paintbrush, which makes the background look like it's against a wood fence. I added the pre-colored image of my butterflies (damn printer) and then wrote out my sentiment in a font called Leathery Soft. To finish off my card, I framed it with Pixel Scrapper Sunny Faith Rush's Mellow Yellow Frame 1.
I CAN'T WAIT TO PRINT THIS OUT!!

Meanwhile, let me tell you about the challenge at the Path of Positivity:

You get to Choose Your Favourite Colour(s). Whether a single color or a small selection, it is up to you. You can also use some different colors if you'd like but if you would like a chance to win the prize for the Most Inspirational Creation, over half of the colours in your project must be based on your your Favourite Colour(s)! You can choose to color your image(s) and/or use your choice of colored papers and embellishments. Just make sure that the majority of your project focuses on the color(s) that you love the most. 

If you do follow the optional theme, be sure to add FT after your name so that we include you in the draw for the prize for Most Inspirational.
You will also need to let us know somewhere in your post exactly what your Favourite Colour(s) are.  Without this information, you won't be eligible to qualify for the MI prize. 

Additionally, though completely optional, we'd also love to find out how your Favourite Colour(s) make you feel, if you'd like to share that with us. What kinds of feelings do these colours evoke in you? You can write a sentence or two in the body of your post, write a sentence at the bottom of your post next to the link up for this challenge, or simply leave a comment on this post if you'd like.

Remember, in order to be considered eligible for this month's prizes, ALL creations must be positive, inspirational, motivational or encouraging in some nature. You don't need to follow the optional theme if you simply want to have a chance at the Random Draw prize of THREE digital images of your choice from SheepSki Designs,

one of our guest sponsors this month. You only need to follow the theme if you want a chance to win an additional sponsored prize of a $15 gift certificate from Lunagirl,

the second of our guest sponsors this month, for the project chosen as Most Inspiring.

That's it in a nutshell! Create with color, share with us at the Path of Positivity, and have FUN with your favorite colors!!

Make It Masculine at Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog

I don't know why, but I don't have a lot of cards I can give to the men in my life. Honestly, I have more girlfriends and family members than guys, so that may be the reason, but I should still keep a few cards on hand. Sine I'm still building my stash of Thank You cards, I thought this Scribbles Designs image, called Hammer, would be perfect for the sentiment I am using.
Usually I embellish with flowers and flourishes and bows, so I had to scrounge around and came up with a few brads. I tore the paper  to give it rough edges, and  also doodled my own patterns on it to break up all that empty space (I can't call it white now,can I?).
Besides this gem of an image from the Scribbles Store, I printed Sharon Dewi Stolp's Bricks Paint Spray onto the sentiment (you can just barely see it). The fonts I used are Big Book & Due Date.
The challenge theme over at Scribbles Designs is MAKE IT MASCULINE, so you need  to feature a guy or gear your card toward guys if you want a chance to win free digis from the Scribbles Store.
Happy Crafting, and good luck!

Scribbles Designs 5th Birthday Party Blowout

Our current challenge theme continues with a Birthday Party Blowout. There is an extra prize package worth $39 USD available during this challenge for one lucky participant so be sure to check it out HERE for all the details!

For my card today, Carl (my favorite character at the Scribbles Designs Store) is serenading us with birthday wishes. My card is a hybrid,as I colored Carl with my trusty Copics, then plucked him off of the photo I took of him and digitally placed him in front of those birthday presents, also digi images from the Scribbles Store.

If you happened to miss any of the days from our New Release Party,

you can find the posts at the following links:

DAY 1, click HERE
DAY 2, click HERE 
DAY 3, click HERE

There are lots of images to be won and
you have until Feb. 14th to complete all tasks!

My hybrid card uses:

Scribbles Images:

#307 Carl Fretted

#8116 Carl Party Presents

#8117 Carl Party Present

#0157 Carl Party HBDay

Papers:

Decosse's Dynamite Doodles Celebrate patterned paper,Gold paper from 

Glitterati 1 Paper Kit & Green paper from A Grungy Christmas Paper Kit

Digital Elements:

Pixel  Scrappers: Rose Thorn's Red Musical Quaver symbol & Double Crochet Symbol; 

Sheila Reed's Musical Stamp Template; Melo Vrijhof's Gold Sequin Ribbon 

from her Good Day Mini Kit

CHALLENGES I AM ENTERING:
Crafting with an Attitude - Always anything goes
Seize the Birthday - Optional topping: Candles

Cardz 4 Guys- Music
City Crafter - Musical Instrument

Let the Festivities begin at the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog

 

The hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season is most decidedly here! Whether you celebrate Chanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Festivus or to say goodbye to the past year, the feeling of festivity is definitely in the air. And it's that feeling of FESTIVITY that the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog would like you to capture on your creations this month. With the joy and wonder of the holiday season surrounding us, it is the perfect time to apply that to your designs.

I got to create with a digital image from Bugaboo, one of two sponsors this month. The digi is called Snowman Couple. I believe that life is a series of celebrations, and you should take every opportunity to enjoy the festivities while you can. Whether you celebrate with just that one special someone, or a room full of strangers, make it a time to remember.

Of course, the challenge theme is always optional, but if you would like a chance to win the prize for the Most Inspirational, you must follow the theme of FESTIVITIES. Please be sure to add FT after your name so that we include you in the draw for the prize. Also, you are asked to leave a comment on how your creation relates to the theme of festivity if it isn't clearly written somewhere else in your post. 

In order to be considered eligible for any prizes, ALL creations must be positive, inspirational, motivational or encouraging in some nature. You don't need to follow the optional theme if you simply want to have a chance at the Random Draw prize of a $20 gift certificate from NS Designs, one of our guest sponsors this month. You only need to follow the theme if you want a chance to win an additional sponsored prize of a $12 gift certificate from Bugaboo Stamps, the second of our guest sponsors this month, for the project chosen as Most Inspiring. One digital image from Creative Bug Digital SnapShots for each person chosen as a DT Delight.

Whatever you choose to create, don't forget to link up to the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog for your chance to win these great prizes. Happy crafting!

Surround Yourself with Music at the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog

Today I have TWO projects to showcase for my DT make for the Path of Positivity. When the optional challenge has to do with MUSIC, I can get easily inspired. For the first:

Pat here with scrapbook layout for this month's Surround Yourself with Music challenge theme over at the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog. I've been on a leave of absence, but managed to create one of several pages for my 25th Anniversary layout (better late than never).
I was inspired to (finally) create my layout because of the beautiful music I fell in love with while vacationing in the Islands. It's funny how just one song can bring back a thousand memories. That's why music is so important in my life, especially now. I recently lost my hubby, so when a "slack key guitar song" pops up on my iPod, I am flooded with memories of our dream vacation together. I can almost feel the ocean breezes caressing my cheeks and hear the waves lapping at the shore, while Bill and I walked hand in hand along the beaches.
So, of course I played my Hawaiian music while creating the first of several scrapbook pages using digi images from one of this month's sponsors, Imagine That! Digis by Kris. The images include Hula Girl and the Aloha sentient from the Hula Girl set and Peacock Spread from the Pretty Peacocks set.

Challenges I am entering:

Love to Scrap - ANything Goes

On to the SECOND:

I love this digi image from POP's second guest sponsor, Limited Runs. It's called Juggling Snowman. As for me, I can't juggle to save my life, but I've always dreamed I could. My snowman here is a pro, and is showing off on my card. I colored him with Copics, and popped him onto a beautiful background paper from Decosse's Dynamite Doodles from her Snowfest Paper Kit. The sentiment is also from DDD.

All the challenges at the Path of Positivity are Anything Goes, but we also offer an optional theme. This month we want to know, "How does MUSIC influence your life or inspire your art?"

If you would like a chance to win the prize for the Most Inspirational Creation, Choose a song that inspires positivity in you and share the song (or music genre) and the inspired project with us! We can't wait to feel the upbeat vibes you have to share with us!

If you do follow the optional theme, be sure to add FT after your name so that we include you in the draw for the prize. We also ask that you please leave a comment letting us know how your creation relates to the concept of music and what you learned about yourself along the way, if it isn't clearly written somewhere else in your post. 

In order to be considered eligible for this month's prizes, ALL creations must be positive, inspirational, motivational or encouraging in some nature. You don't need to follow the optional theme if you simply want to have a chance at the Random Draw prize of a $10 gift certificate from Imagine That Digistamp, one of our sponsors this month. You only need to follow the theme if you want a chance to win this month's sponsored prize of a $10 gift certificate from Limited Runs, provided by the second of our guest sponsors this month.

Challenges I am Entering:

Crafting with Dragonflies - Non-traditional Christmas colors

Dragonfly Dreams - Winter

Fabrika Fantasy - Winter

Surround Yourself with Literature at the Path of Positivity

I have a secret I’ve kept since I was a young girl. I read books more than once. That’s right. I have favorites that I’ve read ten times already, and still have not got tired of reading them. I’m sure there are lots of people who also have their own favorites. Cuddling up with one of these books is like greeting an old friend. There is a joy in re-discovering the story that unfolds, the way it is told. There is comfort in the secret treasures the author hides in her words, and adventure in a character’s actions.

This sense of friendship inspired me to create a card to give to one of my friends. I just lost one of my best friends, so now I am vigilant in making sure my relationships stay active and up-to-date. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us, so I’m not waiting to call up Janie or Joan or anyone else to say Hi, how’s it going? I treasure them like I treasure those very special books I keep reading.

My card is a DT make for the Path of Positivity’s October Challenge. The optional challenge is part of a three part series of Inspiration from the Arts. This month crafters are asked to Surround themselves with Literature and create something that shows how literature inspires them in their lives. It could be a form of poetry, or a series of self-help books, or even a magazine that has affected your lifestyle.

Since I have a few books I think of as old friends, I created a card using images from Sparkle n Sprinkle called Autumn Friends. As Autumn's chill winds start to blow, and night comes earlier, it's the perfect time to curl up with a good book. And since some of my books are old friends, what better way to express that relationship than to use my favorite characters from SNS?

Challenge Details:

• Add your inspirational project or post using the link up below. You will be able to submit your entry until 11:59 p.m. on November 5th.
• If you have chosen to follow the optional theme, you will need to let us know what it is about your project or post that you feel is inspirational  / positive / motivational and how it fits into the theme. Please include this information somewhere within your post. You can simply add a sentence or two at the bottom of your post right next to the link for this challenge if you want. Or, if this isn't possible, come over and leave us a comment on the start post. You must also add 'FT' after you name so we know which creations to add to the draw for the sponsor's prize for Most Inspirational.
• You can link up a total of three (3) creations.
• For this challenge, prizes will be the following:
• $15.00 worth of digital images from Sparkle N Sprinkle for the post or project that the DT deems most inspiring of the bunch (based on those projects who have followed the theme).
• $15.00 worth of  digital images from Sparkle N Sprinkle for a person chosen in a random draw based on all entrants.
• One digital image from Creative Bug Digital SnapShots for each person chosen as a DT Delight.

Surround Yourself with ART on the Path of Positivity

SURROUND YOURSELF...with ART

This is the optional theme offered at the Path of Positivity challenge blog this month. ART has the power to pull you into its colors, its patterns and its moods. It can certainly make you cry or smile. It moves you emotionally.

One of the best things about having computers is the access to works of artistic masters and modern day artists at your fingertips! From acrylics to water colors, ceramics to wood, glass work to quilting, the world of art comes to your home.

I am an eclectic art lover. I like so many different styles of art that it's hard to pin me down when asked what my favorite is. My house is filled with a jumble of styles, colors and themes, almost like I imagine the basement of a small art museum would have collected over the years (without the dust and cobwebs).

Since I can't (won't) make up my mind and choose just one style, I chose to create a set of note cards in different styles. Of course, I had to put a Pat Martin-21st century spin on them, so be sure to read each sentiment on the cards.

I created my cards using images from Luna Girl. They are part of the collage sheet called Day Dream and can be found at their store HERE.

This month's challenge is to be inspired in a positive way by the art in which you surround yourself. Look around your house. What's hanging on your walls? What style does each room have? Often what we choose to hang on our walls or place on our shelves not only makes us feel happy and positive, it tells us something about our artistic tastes.

Use your own artistic preferences to create something for your chance to win the prize for the Most Inspirational Creation. We can’t wait to see what you create and learn about yourself on this journey!
Keep in mind, you are thinking about how different kinds of art affect us as individuals.  It’s not really about doing something “visually" art-related. For example, any positive image that reminds us of any piece of art work or use the style of a famous artist on any image.

If you do follow the optional theme, be sure to add FT after your name so that we include you in the draw for the prize for Most Inspirational. Also. please leave a comment letting us know how your creation relates to the concept of art and what you learned about yourself along the way, if it isn't clearly written somewhere else in your post. 

You don't need to follow this optional theme; if you simply want to have a chance at the Random Draw prize of a $12 gift certificate from Bugaboo Stamps, one of our guest sponsors this month, make sure to create something positive, inspirational, motivational or encouraging in some nature. 

You only need to follow the theme if you want a chance to win this month's Most Inspirational sponsored prize of a $15 gift certificate from Lunagirl, provided by the second of our guest sponsors this month.

Whatever you choose to create, have fun!

Finding Faith, Hope & Love at the Path of Positivity Challenge blog

Welcome back, crafters! My girlfriend and her hubby are celebrating their 26th wedding anniversary this month. She loves vintage, so I thought this digital image from Luna Girl would be perfect for the digital papers and elements I chose from Decosse's Dynamite Doodles, one of two sponsors this month at the Path of Positivity challenge blog. The optional theme is Faith, Hope and Love, and you certainly need all these to maintain a marriage!

My card uses the following:

 Luna Girl Vintage Romance 2 Image 1 

Decosse's Dynamite Doodles' Hearts & Swirls pp,

As Time Goes By Cranberry Plaid pp,

Glitterati Gold Glitter Paper,

Mommie Dearest Textured Paper #5,

and Pixel Scrapper A Janner Designs' Cluster Freebie

The challenge theme asks to see wedding, anniversary or engagement cards. Of course, the challenge theme is optional, but in order to have a chance to win this month's sponsored prize of a scrapbooking kit from Décosse's Dynamite Doodles, you must incorporate some faith, hope and/or love in your card. Please remember to type in the letters FT after your name when you link your card up so we know you followed the theme. You don't need to follow the optional theme if you simply want to have a chance at the Random Draw prize of three images from Pattie's Creations, another of our guest sponsors this month. 

I have FAITH in your creativity. I would LOVE to see what you make, and HOPE to see you link it up for your chance to win this month's prizes. And as always, have fun!

Spring Has Sprung at Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog

Happy May Day! Here in the US, while not the most popular holiday, we celebrate May Day and the true blossoming of Spring. And at Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog, the challenge continues to be Shades of Spring.
I created a step-card using two cute digi images from the Scribbles store, #408 B Bunny Joy and #648 Heart Tulips. I wanted to show Spring exploding, so I printed Heart Tulips several times before fussy-cutting the images and adding them to the first two "steps" of my card. Between the bees and my Bunny Joy, the card looks like the bunny is jumping for joy over the Spring blooms. Of course, I had to use a sentiment to go with my theme. The sentiment in the back reads: "Ka-Bloom!"

I get so inspired by the digi images at Scribbles Designs. Check out the store and then add your own creation to the challenge for your chance to win free digis!

Challenges I am Entering:

Always Fun Challenges - Flowers

Crafting with Friends - Anything Goes

Creative Fingers - Anything Goes

Birds of a Feather Stick Together at Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog

I'm feeling Spring today, which is a little dangerous in Chicago. You never know when Mother Nature might throw another curve ball and stick up with a foot of snow on top of our tulips and daffodils!
But at least my Spring card won't get snowed upon. I created my double Z-fold card for this month's Birds of a Feather challenge over at Scribbles Designs. We're at the midway point of the challenge, so you have another two weeks to create and link up your projects for your chance to win free digis from the store. While you're there, check out the FREEBIES, as well as FAB FRIENDS QUOTE and SPRING BIRD FREEBIE, which are the two Scribbles digis I used on my card.
Here's another look at the card I created-

Happy crafting!

Challenges I am Entering:

Just Add Ink - Just Add Critters

Moving Along with the Times - Into the Woods

Through the Craft Room Door - Always Anything Goes

It's Still Cold at Scribbles Challenge Blog

Today is the MIDPOINT of the BABY IT'S COLD OUT THERE challenge at Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog. I created a card using Scribbles' Snow Kisses. I love the snowmen and penguin characters that Sandy has created for her store. 
I also love the color teal, which is featured on my card by the light teal glitter paper, ric rac paper and my Copic coloring. The patterned paper is from a new paper kit from Decosse's Dynamite Doodles. The set is called Angelic Nature.
I finished off my card with some glittery alphas to spell out Brrr (which happens to be the penguin's trade name if you go to Scribbles Designs). A spray of silver and a snowflake bow dipped in glitter and my card looks, well, like winter! ...which Chicago has returned to, after enjoying an unseasonable week of T-shirt weather.
This challenge runs through the 14th of March, so pull out your winter embellishments and come join the fun at Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog.

Challenges I am Entering:

A Bit of Luck at the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog

Lucky you! You still have time to create a project with the theme of LUCK for the Path of Positivity challenge blog! This month there are two generous sponsors, Imagine That! Digi Stamps

and Limited Runs

Today, I created a card with an image from Imagine That! called Hitchin' a Ride. Autumn is right around the corner, so I pulled out my Fall-themed papers and embellishments. I like to remind my friends how much I appreciate them with handmade cards, and this one will work just fine.

Do you want to show someone how lucky you feel that they are in your life? Or do you want to wish someone you know good luck in a future venture? Take whatever inspiration comes your way and link up your project with the Path of Positivity challenge blog today!

SPONSOR & PRIZE INFORMATION:

• A $10.00 gift certificate from Imagine That! Digi Stamp, one of our guest sponsors this month, for the post or project that the team deems most inspiring of the bunch.
• A $10.00 gift certificate from Limited Runs, one of our guest sponsors this month, for a person chosen in a random draw based on all entrants.


Challenges I am Entering:
Cards in Envy - Fall/Fall Colors
Crafty Cardmakers - Fall
Make My Monday - Autumn/Fall