Pet Sitter Thank You Card - FMS#728

Personally I'm not a big fan of circles on a card.  When I looked at the recent sketch from Freshly Made Sketches I made the proverbial big sigh, and then began thinking about the sketch objectively in terms of what I could do to make the sketch satisfying for me. 

I needed something that worked for my brain and that's the really fun part of participating in a sketch challenge.  It doesn't have to be about copying the sketch  in every single nuance or detail, but rather exploring what works and what doesn't in terms of your own creativity.  Here is the sketch: 

Freshly Made Sketch #728 

Here's My Card: 

I'm an animal lover and so are most of my friends, so I'm often called upon to create or send a card featuring dogs or cats. Stampin' Up! released two stamp bundles called Pet Love and Cutest Crew recently, and they were my inspiration for this card design.  Pet Love includes pet accessories, paw prints and heartfelt sentiments.  Cutest crew has playful pups, curious kittens and chirpy little birds. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get the coordinating dies for Cutest Crew because this bundle sold out almost immediately, but the images are easy to fussy cut. 

Supplies and Instructions: 

Stamps and Dies: 

• Pet Love #166032 stamps and dies
• Cutest Crew #167146 stamps
• Stitched Shapes Dies #159183

Cardstock and DSP: 

• Basic White cardbase 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4"
  
• Basic White matte 3 3/4" x 5" for inside matte, scrap for stamping dog images and die cutting circle
  
• Lost Lagoon matte card front 4" x 5 1/4"" 
• Flirty Flamingo matte card front 3 7/8" x 5 1/8"
• Painted Illusions DSP (Product of the Month February 2026) 3 3/4" x 5"

Ink:

• Lost Lagoon
• Secret Sea 
• Stampin' Blends:  Mango Melody, Smoky Slate, Pecan Pie, Pretty in Pink, Lost Lagoon, Granny Apple Green, Timid Tiger

Accessories:  

• Dimensionals
• Adhesive Sheets 

Well what do you think.  Is this a card you would send to a dog loving friend?  Were you still able to capture the feel of the original sketch in my card.  I'm hoping you were.  If you liked my rendition, or if you want more information about how it came together, don't hesitate to drop me a comment.  I love your feedback.  

Before I go, here are a few more cards made with the Cutest Crew and Pet Love stamp sets:

Until next time..................

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006 

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop 

Masculine Sailing Birthday Card

Hi and welcome to my blog.  Although this has been a busy week, I've managed to have two fun get togethers with my stamping besties, which really gave my creativity and fun threshold a boost!  

Today Sheri joined me for a few hours of creativity and we both worked on this week's Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #673.

Here's My Card:

There are two wave dies in the Sunrise Sailing Die set.  I cut a strip measuring 1" x 6" of Summer Splash cardstock and cut a strip to use on the inside of the card. 

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies:

• Sunrise Sailing stamps and dies
• SU Stylish Shape Dies for sentiment layer #165491

Cardstock and Designer Series Paper:

• 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" Basic White for card base, scored at 4 1/4"
• 3 7/8" x 5" Basic White for inside matte
• 2/38" x 2 3/8" for square matte for card front 
• Scraps Basic white for Sailboat and sentiment layer
• 5 3/8" x 4 1/8" in Summer Splash for matte on card front 
• 5 1/4" x 4" Summer Splash for matte on inside of card
• 2 1/4" x 2 1/4" Summer Splash for square matte on card front 
• 1" x 6" strip of Summer Splash for wave on inside of card. 
• 2 1/2" x 5 1/4" piece of cloud design dsp from Beach Boardwalk DSP #166820 for top matte on card front.
• 2 1/2" x 5 1/4" piece of dsp that looked like waves from Beach Boardwalk DSP from bottom portion of the card front. Emboss this piece with the bottom portion of Sunrise Sailing Embossing Folder to give wave texture. 

Ink:

• Secret Sea for sailboat outline, seagulls, and sentiments
• Summer Splash for the sails on the boat
• Pecan Pie for the sailboat base

Accessories: 

• Dimensionals
• Sunrise Sailing Hybrid Embossing Folder 

The papers in the Beach Boardwalk DSP collection were perfect for creating both the sunrise effect as well as the waves. The soft pastel colour mix works so well when combining the sky and ocean papers.  

I realized when I took the picture of my  card that I hadn't handled the white space on the sails to make it look like the background.  There are two ways to do this.  The first would be to use either fine-tipped scissors or an exacto knife (my choice) to cut out the white space between the mast and the sail.  The second way to deal with it would be to stamp the sailboat on a scrap of the coloured background paper and cut out the portion of the sail and glue this piece over top of the corresponding space on the original stamped sail.  Either way works. 

Thanks again for for dropping by and checking out the latest challenge card on my blog.  Please let me know your thoughts on this card, I'd love to hear from you. 

HAPPY STAMPING!
PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop 

St. Patty's Day Masculine thday Card

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!  

Recently, I was asked to create a birthday card for someone whose birthday is on March 17th, St. Patrick's Day. I was happy to help, but I wasn't sure what to make, as I have limited stamps and images for this special day.

I searched Pinterest for ideas and came across one that I knew I could make since I had the Handsomely Suited die set and other materials on hand. I'd like to give credit to Heejung Hunsberger of H Made Boutique for her wonderful card.  Here is her card:

Here's My Card:

Supplies and Instructions: 

Stamps and Dies: 

• Handsomely Suited Stamps and Dies Dies (R) 
• Button Die from Sizzix (R) 
• Smallest Stitched Heart for Shamrocks Cut 4 
• Leaf with stem for Shamrock stalk die cut in golf foil
• Note - I stamped birthday sentiments in the card I made for the birthday but for my card sample I have left it blank in hopes of finding a St. Paddy's Day stamp. 

Cardstock and Designer Series Paper:

• Basic White cardbase 4 1/4 x 11 Scored at 5 1/2" for base and 2 3/4" on short side for easel card prop.
• Basic White 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" for  shirt layer and additional pieces for collar, buttons and button placket
• Suit front layer 4 1/2" x 5 1/2" piece of Call me Clover (R).  I die cut the V from this piece. Small scraps for two pockets and stitched layer for pockets. 
• Lapels were cut from a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" piece of Shaded Spruce.  The tie was stamped and die cut from Shaded Spruce along with 3 small and one larger button for inside vest and suit jacket closure, and stitched layer on pockets.
• 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" piece of white and green designer paper for vest
  
• Scraps  of Gold Foil for 4 shamrocks and gold coins 
• 3/4" circle of Window Sheet for shamrock backing. 

Ink:

• Shaded Spruce 

Accessories: 

• Lacy Embossing folder for gold coins (I layed each of the six circles I cut out over an embossed flower center and then embossed them.  I cut the circles in half so I had more coins to stuff in each pocket. 
• Dimensionals 
• 3/4" circle punch for gold coins 

Never give up when you're making a card or doing a scrapbook page.  If you don't have the perfect stamps or dies think about what  you do have and try to improvise. Look for other ideas and see if there is a different way to complete your project, and have fun doing it!

Thanks you for visiting my blog and I hope this card makes you smile or inspires you to create one of your own. Let me know if you celebrate St. Patty's Day and if so how.   Any suggestions for some irish sentiments that could be used with my easel card.   

Happy Stamping!
Penny Token's Stampin' Spot 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop 

Happy New Home Card using FMS#727

 Freshly Made Sketch

This week's Freshly Made Sketch is a little different and gave me pause for thought.  I was really bothered by all the blank space until I came up with an idea for a housewarming card I was planning to make.  

The half arch reminded me of a baseboard mouse hole for some reason and since I'd just purchased the Pet Love stamp set that has the cutest little mouse die in it, I was inspired to put together a monochromatic happy new home card using the mouse house concept  I hope you like it. 

Here's My Card:

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies:

• Pet Love #166031 - mouse die cut 2, small heart
• Everyday Arches dies #164629 2 smallest dies 
• Handsomely Suited #154444 stitched placket die for the baseboard trim
• Family and Friends stamp set #148598 for sentiment "A Warm Welcome"

Cardstock and DSP:

• Card Base in basic white - 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4"
• Basic White for card matte inside 3 7/8" x 5" 
• Basic white scraps for larger of two arches, baseboard and heart
• Soft Succulent (R) for matte on front 4 1/8" x 5 3/8", cut a second matte for inside of card 4" x 5 1/4", scraps for two mice and small arched door 
• Soft Skye Designer Series Paper (R) - 3 7/8" x 5" for front matte and strip for inside 3/4" x 5" 

Ink:

• Soft Succulent 

Accessories: 

• Dimensionals 

I hope you enjoyed today's card.  It's a little different but a fun way to blend old and new products. I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006 

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop 

Special Delivery Paper Pumpkin Kit Alternative using AHSC672

Feminine Birthday Card Using AHSC #672 

In March and  October each year I have so many friends and family celebrating birthdays, that I'm always in production making different cards and getting them ready for mailout.  This past week was no different and I found the sketch at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge helpful in creating a feminine birthday card for a wonderful stamping friend.  Here's the sketch: 

Here's My Card:

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies: 

• Special Delivery stamp set Paper Pumpkin kit January 2026
• Unbounded Love circle  and 2 piece framelit die #163378
• Impressions Abloom #165605 small florals 

Cardstock and DSP: 

• Special Delivery Paper Pumpkin Kit January 2026 for card base * 1/2 x 5 1/2 scored at 4 1/4",  and ephemera pictures.
• Balmy Blue - 4 1/8 x 5 3/8 matte and 4" x 5 1/4" for inside 
• Basic White 4" x 5 1/4" matte for card front and 3 3/4" x 5" for inside matte

Ink: 

• Mossy Meadow - Sending Love stamp on front 
• Poppy Parade for circle on inside 

Accessories: 

• Dimensionals
• Basic Rhinestones x 6 for flower centers
• Floral Ephemera Paper Pumpkin kit 
• Embossing Folder 
• All in a Row Embossing Folder #166989

It was fun using the elements from the January Paper Pumpkin in this card.  I've been procrastinating about creating with that kit, and now I'm ready to do more. Sometimes you just need a gentle nudge to get the creative juices flowing and to pick up and try new things.  

I hope you like this card and will drop me a comment before you go.  I always like to hear your views on what works and what you liked most about the card.  Don't forget to drop by the Atlantic Hearts Sketch challenge blog.  Both the design team and participants have posted beautiful examples of how to create with this sketch.  Until next time............

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS' STAMPIN SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop 

Woolly Sheep Birthday Wishes AHSC #671

Here's this week's sketch challenge from Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #671  

Here's My Card:

For today's cards I'm using some new products that were released the first of March by Stampin' Up!.  The Designer Series Paper I used on the top portion of this card is  called "Painted Illusions" and it was the Product of the Month release for February 2026. Trust me when I say I really didn't need another package of 12 x 12 paper, however as a $5.00 purchase it was a really good investment.  

The moment I saw the stamp bundle called Woolly Friends I wanted it, however I couldn't get it as a bundle because the punch that coordinates with the stamp set was sold out.  I decided to order it anyway, and I'm thrilled.  It's really not that difficult to fussy cut the cute images and since I'm a sucker for little farm animals  this set just rang all my bells. 

Supplies and Instructions: 

Stamps and Dies:

• Woolly Friends #166881 stamp set 
• Impressions Abloom die cut flowers #165610
• Framed Florets sentiment "Wishes for a Beautiful Birthday"
• Celebration Tag Dies (R)
• Label Dies (R) 

Cardstock and Designer Series Paper:

• Basic White 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" for card based scored at 4 1/4"; 3" x 3" for Celebration Tag (only need one side), Scraps for sheep, 5" x 3 3/4" for inside matte. 
  
• Flirty Flamingo Mat 5 /3/8" x 4 1/8" and scraps for flowers and frame for sentiment
• Petal Pink 2" x 5 14" Embossed with Petal Pairings 1/2 size EF
• Painted Illusions DSP 2" x 5 1/4" for front matte and 5 1/4" x 4" for inside matte #167971

Ink:

• Flirty Flamingo
• Light Smokey Gray Blends
• Light and Dark So Saffron blends 

Accessories: 

• Petal Pairings Embossing Folder 
• Flirty flamingo self-adhesive dots 
• Dimensionals

Thanks you for visiting my blog and checking out my creations.  It means a lot to me to see old and new visitors and I do appreciate comments letting me know your thoughts on my rendition.  If you have time check out the design team and participants entries at the FMS blog site.  There are so many beautiful creations. 

Happy Stamping!
Penny Token's Stampin' Spot
Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click Here to Visit my 24/7 Online Shop 

You've Got This - Sympathy Card using FMS #725 Sketch

Welcome March!  You arrived with beautiful warm breezes and a sunny day.  My bestie Sheri, brought some extra joy to the day by presenting me with this beautiful bouquet.  Such a special gesture, by a dear friend.  Made me smile everytime I went into my kitchen this weekend.  Thanks Sheri!  

I haven't had much time for stamping this week but I did manage to make a sympathy card using the Freshly Made Sketch #725 outline hosted by Cecile.  

I hope you'll visit their blog and check out all the lovely samples from the Design Team and other participants. There are so many good ideas using this sketch: 

Here's My Card: 

This layout was perfect for a sympathy card I needed to make.  I used a couple of old stamp sets for the background and floral images 

Sorry these pictures are so dark, because the card is actually beautiful and bright.  I did sponge around the bottom corner on the inside of the card with Highland Heather ink but this photo doesn't show it that well. 

I used the large splotch stamp from an old retired set called You've Got This and once I inked the stamp up with Highland Heather ink, I stamped off to the next generation to get a softer effect. This is another of my go-to stamps that I keep in mind when I'm doing backgrounds or focals.  

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies:

• Friendly Hello #158075 stamp set for florals 
• You've Got This #139575 - background splotch stamp
• Flourishing Phrases for inside verse #141534 
• First Frost #148420 dies for flower spray 
• Three Leaf punch for black leaves 

Cardstock and Designer Series Paper (DSP):

• Card Base Basic White 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" scored at 4 1/4"
• Mattes cut two from Basic White for front and inside 5" x 3 3/4"
• Scraps to stamp floral images on
• Basic Black 4" x 5 1/4" for matte on front and for black leaves 
• Highland Heather matte for card front 4 1/8" x 5 3/8" and 5 1/4: x 4" for inside matte.  Scraps for floral sprigs 

Ink and Blends:

• Momento Black ink pad
• Highland Heather ink pad
• Highland Heather blends light and dark 

Accessories:  

• Greetings for All Mix and Match Ephemera Pack for "Thinking of you" sentiment on front  of card 
• Dimensionals
• Sequins 
• Blending brush

Thanks for stopping by.  Come again ...............

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006 

Click here to visit my 24/7 online shop