Hitting the Slopes with AHSC#697

September has arrived in a flash and we've already cleaned up all our potted plants to get ready for the change of seasons. I don't know whether to be excited or sad as it really feels like the end of summer passed us by.  The days are getting shorter and the leaves are already changing color, so overnight it seems we've shifted into Fall.  This is actually my favourite time of year so I'm looking forward to all things this month has to offer.

Here is this week's sketch challenge at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge

Here's My Card:

Since I've been talking about Fall and winter, I decided to shift gears away from flowers and make a masculine monochromatic birthday card for an extra special guy who loves all things winter and outdoor sports.  My card features a new online exclusive stamp set called "Hitting the Slopes" and will be perfect for his November birthday.  

The 11 piece Hitting the Slopes stamp set doesn't have matching dies however the images are extremely easy to fussy-cut and the sentiments can be die cut or punched using other products.  Here's what I came up with for this challenge : 

I used the new incolour Hydrangea Hue along with Basic White cardstock and ink to create this monochromatic card.  Although I had difficulty capturing the true colours in these photos the rich tones of the Hydrangea Hue help to balance out the additional colours.  I wanted a sense of movement on this card front, so along with the skiers sailing down the slopes, I cut all the mattes with the retired Stampin' Up! Deckled Rectangle dies for a fun effect. 

I didn't have a winter themed designer paper to go with this stamp set so I created my own by stamping the stamp from the set with the small skiers in Hydrangea Hue.  Such an easy way to liven up the matte. 

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For the inside I combined sentiment stamps from All About Birthdays and Penguin Place for my messaging and the small snowflake from the Penguin Place stamp set in the corner.  After this  photo was taken I actually did some blending over the snowflakes with light balmy blue.   

For the lower corner focal I punched two small circles in Secret Sea and Basic White cardstock for the base and then layered the helmet, boot and gloves from the Hitting the Slopes stamp set, creating raised layers with dimensionals.  

There's a little bit of shine in the focal created with sequins and by using Nuvo drops to make the mask look like glass and the detail on the boots stand out like shiny plastic.  

Supplies and Instructions:  

Stamps and Dies: 

• Hitting the Slopes #168341- Skiers, sentiment "Have an Epic Birthday", snowboard and focal images. 
• Penguin Place (R) - Sentiment "To the Coolest Friend Ever", Snowflakes
• All About Birthdays (R) - Sentiment "Wishing You the Happiest Birthday Ever"
• Deckled Rectangles (R) 
• Note to alter the sentiment "Have an Epic Birthday"  simply block the word or remove ink from "birthday" before stamping.  Then replace it with another sentiment such as  "Day", "Christmas", "Holiday" etc., so you can get a broader range of occasions.  

Cardstock:

• Basic White:
• 8 1/2 x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4" for card base
• 4 5/8" x 3 1/2" matte stamped with skiers from Hitting the Slopes stamp in Hydrangea Hue
• 5" x 3 3/4" matte for inside of card
• Scraps for stamping focal point and snowboard images  and punching out 1" circle 
• Hydrangea Hue 
• 5" x 3 3/4" and 3 7/8" x 2 5/8" mattes for front  and 5 1/4" x 4" matte for inside card 
• Secret Sea:
• 1 1/2" x  1 1/2" scrap for  focal 1 1/4' circle punch 

Ink and Blends: 

• Tuxedo Momento Black ink for all stamped images
• Secret Sea for sentiments front and inside 
• Blends:  Boho Blue, Secret Sea, Balmy Blue, Smokey Slate

Accessories: 

• Dimensionals
• Opalescent Sequins blue hue 
• Nuvo Drops for goggle mask and buckles on boots

Thanks for dropping by today and checking out my submission for this weeks Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge.  Appr4ciated.  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 

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #696 - Top Three

 

I was super excited this morning to see that my entry into the AHSC #696 was chosen as one of the top three this week.  Hats off to Crystal O. Minkler and Jaydee of Jaydeestamping.com whose cards were also chosen.  Here is the original post with all the details on how to make this card.  Click here: 

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006 

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop 

A Little Christmas card - FMS #751

Welcome to my blog. This summer in Canada has been quite intense. The heat remains widespread throughout the country, and although we're moving towards Fall and the temperatures have dropped to a more manageable level, wildfires continue to burn. The Interior of our province has suffered significant damage from these fires, with many losses occurring over the past six weeks and there are 200 fires still burning in BC this morning.  

A huge thank you to all the first responders and volunteers who are tirelessly working to protect and assist the region during this difficult time.  And, my deepest sympathies go out to the farmers, Indigenous communities, and other landowners not only in our province but also in other provinces across the country who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and treasured memories due to the recent fires.

I've missed out on the past few week's of sketch challenges on the Freshly Made Sketches challenge site because I've been busy making custom cards and haven't had time to participate. This week I'm all caught up and thought I'd try this one out. Sketch #751 is hosted by Michelle and digitalized by Brandi from the Freshly Made Sketches’ incredibly talented design team.

Here's My Card:

I've jumped right into Christmas with this card using one of the new sets featured in Stampin' Up!s soon to be released September to December 2026 catalogue.  This card basically features the beautiful papers from the "A Little Christmas" 12 x 12" papers.  I know I'm going to have fun playing with this suite. 

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies:

• Stylish Shapes Dies #159183 - squares 2 3/4" 2 5/8", 1 1/2" and 1"
• Christmas Mice Stamps #168415 (NEW) - Sentiment stamps - "Happy Holidays" and "Sending Little Moments of Joy"

Cardstock and Designer Series Papers (DSP):

• Very Vanilla
• 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 scored at 4 1/4" for base 
• 3 3/4" x 5" for inside matte
• 1" x 1" piece for sentiment square on front 
• Cherry Cobbler
• 5 3/8" x 4 1/8" matte for front
• 3" x 3" to cut out 2 5/8" x 2 5/8" matte for front of
• 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" scrap to cut out 1" square for sentiment on front 
• 5 1/4" x 4" matte for inside card 
• Peaceful Pine (New Incolour) 
• 2" x 2" scrap to cut out 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" matte for focal on front 
• Designer Series Paper
• 5 1/4" x 4" plaid matte for front of card and 3 3/4" x 1/2" strip for bottom of inside Vanilla matte.
• 2 3/4" x 2 3/4" piece of Very Vanilla and Cherry Cobbler Bow Dsp to cut out front matte for focal to 2 5/8" x 2 5/8"

In this photo you can see the beautiful stitched square die cuts from the Stylish Shapes Dies that layer so perfectly.  I can't live without these dies they are ultimately my favourite go to die cut collection.

Also you can see the sweet little Christmas Berries I've added for some additional Christmas cheer.  I know I'm going to have to order a couple of these embellishment packages before they are sold out.  

Ink and Blends:

• Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: 

• Dimensionals
• Adhesive Backed Christmas Berries #168549 (NEW)

Thanks for taking the time to check out this week's card entry for Freshly Made Sketches.  Make sure you take a look at all the beautiful cards from the design team and participants for this challenge on the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge blog.   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 

Pssst.......... Just a reminder: 
Today is the last day for this Product of the Month DSP as well as Last Chance Products promotions and the Cardstock and Designer Series Promotions.   

August Product of the Month (POM) - Yours for $7.00 with purchase of $100 CDN (not including promotions, coupons, tax and shipping) 

Last Chance Products Sale August 4 to 31st, 2026

August 4th to 31st Cardstock and Designer Paper Sale 

The September to  December Catalogue is available
for ordering on September 4th, 2026

Sunset Sailing #AHSC696

What a week!  As a small woman who has gained some weight over the last six months, I’m surprised at how difficult shopping for clothes has become. I’m looking for dress casual outfits suitable for both day and evening, but there are very few choices available in my size. I’m not sure if it’s due to my age or my body shape causing the problem. Everything seems to be either too tight or too loose, with no options in between. Is anyone else experiencing this?  

Aside from clothes shopping this week one thing I did manage to complete without any trouble was this week's Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #696. Here is the sketch:

Here's My Card: 

I've been wanting to try out the sunburst die from the Sunset Coast Dies for some time now, but hadn't found the perfect layout until I saw this sketch.  I didn't have to think twice, as I was so inspired by this clean and simple sketch.  Without overthinking the design I was able to assemble this card very quickly.  The only thing that took time was embossing the sentiment. 

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies: 

• Sunset Coast Dies #167780 SU
• Birthday Wishes for You #145742 SU(R)

Scenic Coastal Suite includes the dies, stamps, and the beautiful
Sunset Coastal DSP

Cardstock and DSP:

• Highland Heather 8 1/2" x 11" piece for card base scored at 4 1/4" 
• scraps for sailboat shadow and strip on inside of card
• Gorgeous Grape - before cutting two 4" x 5 1/4" mattes from this cardstock for the front and inside card mattes, I die cut the ship circle die and seagull die from the matte centers to use for the focal points.
• 3 1/4" x 1/2" a scrap piece for sentiment
• Golden Glow Incolour - a scrap piece for sunburst
• Strawberry Slush Incolour  - a scrap piece for sunburst shadow 

I layered the two Strawberry Slush and Golden Glow sunbursts and offset them just a wee bit to provide a shadow.  I used my precision tip glue to adhere them.

I layered the Highland Heather and Gorgeous Grape sailboats together too, with the Highland Heather as the bottom layer to provide a shadow look.  I only wanted the sailboat portion of the die cut so I cut the sail boat in each colour,  away from the larger image before layering them on the sunburst. Adding a shadow and double layering the die cuts is a subtle addition adding stability to the frail parts of the die cut and a effect lending a more finished look.  

Designer Series Paper: 

• Sunset Coast 6 x 6 DSP
• cut 4" x 5 1/4" piece and then cut this into 2 strips each measuring      2 1/4" x 4" for the front mattes.  Adhere to card from matte leaving a  5/8" x 4" gap in the center of the matte. 
• 3 3/4" x 1/4" strip for inside card 

Ink:

• Versa Mark ink for sentiment and White Embossing Powder 

Accessories:

• Dimensionals
• Sunset self-adhesive sequins x 3

I left the inside of the card empty except for the layered designer paper strips and sailboat because I wasn't sure what occasion the card would be for. When the right moment comes, I can add a sentiment.

Thank you for stopping by today to look at my sketch challenge card. There are many fantastic entries on the AHSC site for this sketch from both participants and the design team, so visit their site for some inspiration. Until next time...

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Shop

AHSC Top Three! Sketch #695

Thanks to the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge Design team for including my rendition of sketch #695 in the AHSC Top Three this week.  My card is included along with those of Crystal Minkler and Jan Clothier's wonderful designs.  I'm most appreciative of this recognition.  

HAPPY STAMPING!
PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT
Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Fall Is On Its Way - AHSC#695

This week's sketch at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #695 is available until Sunday August 23rd, 2026.  How about playing along and entering your card creation on this blog site.   The sketch was created by Michelle and digitalized by Brandi.  Awesome ladies! 

Here's my card: 

Earlier this week, the intense heat we experienced at the start of August started to ease, and today brought some cooler temperatures along with some much-needed rainfall as well as some thunder and lightning.  

This sudden change made me realize that Fall is approaching and time to start thinking about pumpkins, and falling leaves.  This was the perfect day to start  using my Glow of Harvest product of the month designer series paper from Stampin' Up! Here is my first Fall card created using the AHSC sketch and this beautiful paper.

Supplies Used:

Stamps and Dies:

• Fall for Toile Paper Pumpkin kit September 2025 (R)
• Bough Punch (R) #157711
• Circle of Seasons  Paper Pumpkin dies # 167277 (R)
• Detailed Flora Paper Pumpkin dies July 2026 for florals 

Cardstock and DSP:

• Basic White 8 1/2 x 5 1/2" cardstock base scored at 4 1/4" 
• Basic White matte 5" x 3 3/4" for inside 
• Copper Clay matte for front of card 5 3/8" x 4 1/8"
• 3" x 3" scrap for 2 3/8" circle cut out with Stylish Designs Circle Die
• Scraps of So Saffron, Copper Clay and Old Olive for die cut flowers and leaves and punched boughs
• Glow of Harvest DSP cut two 1 1/4" x 5" strips for card front
• Tartan Foil DSP (R) cut one strip 2 3/8" x 5 for card front, and a 5 1/4" x 4" matte for inside of card.  

I began putting together the focal point by adhering the white circle onto the copper clay one and attaching some leftover leaves from the retired Fall for Toile Paper Pumpkin kit. I included small Old Olive and Copper Clay leaves along with tiny So Saffron flowers to create a harvest vibe on the front of my card. The Copper Clay Tartan Plaid foil patterned paper really brings a nice reflection and contrast to the card’s front.

Ink and Blends:

• Copper Clay, Old Olive, and So Saffron for flowers and pumpkins
• Pecan Pie for sentiment

Accessories: 

• Sunset Sparkle Self-adhesive sequins 
• Ephemera leaves and pumpkins from Fall of Toile PP kit 
• Mini Glue Dots 

The Glow of Harvest designer paper is thicker than most DSP.  It only has a design on the front and the paper is shimmery.  I cut a pumpkin from one of the sheets for the inside of the card, but I haven't added a sentiment yet.  

Well that's it for this week's card.  I hope you'll leave me a comment and let me know if you're as excited about Fall coming as I am.  It's my favourite season.  

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKEN'S STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Independent Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006 

Paper Pumpkin Hooray for Birthdays More Alternatives - AHSC#693

Here's this week's sketch at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #693 designed by Brandi and digitalized by Michelle.  A little bit more complex design to look at however super easy to create a special card.  

Here Are My Cards: 

The July 2026 Paper Pumpkin kit titled "Hooray for Birthdays" is the highlight of my card for this challenge. Initially, I wasn't very enthusiastic about this kit, so I was pleasantly surprised by the way these challenge cards turned out.

Since the designer paper for this card is cut to make two cards, I took this opportunity to display both a light and a dark version using the same designer paper from the kit. The difference lies in the use of Hydrangea Hue as the matte colour on the first card with more pastel hues for the florals and Melon Mambo on the second with brighter more robust flower details.  Let me know your preference card one or two. 

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies:

• Perennial Birthday #145757 (R)- Large Happy Birthday sentiment 
• Best Catch #148598(R) - It's Your Day!
• Birthday Wishes -
• Hooray for Birthdays - Paper Pumpkin July 2026
• Stylish Shape Dies #159183

Cardstock and Designer Papers (DSP):

• Basic White 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4" cut two
• Basic White Inside mattes - cut 2 at 5" x 3 7/8"
• Coloured mattes on front and inside - Choose cardstock that coordinates with the Designer Paper. 
• Cut two mattes 5"1/4 x 4" Hooray for Birthdays Paper Pumpkin kit design
• Cutting instructions for Designer Paper:  
• Cut two coordinating pieces of DSP to measure 3 5/8" x 4 7/8". 
• On the long side place in scoring channel on trimmer and cut across on an angle from corner to corner. This will give you two pieces of cardstock that need to be cut again on the angle, corner to corner. Hint: put a post it note or some sticky strip across the cut lines on the back of the sheet to hold it together while you make the second cut. 
• Fit the pieces together into rectangle and adhere to the front matte. 
• Repeat for second card. reversing cutting order for rectangles.
• Cut a piece of cardstock in any shape for the center focal on the front of the card. Decorate with pieces of ephemera/or dye cuts on hand.
• Scrap pieces of Old Olive, Calypso Coral, Hydrangea Hue, Melon Mambo for flowers and leaves that were die cut.  

Ink:

• Hydrangea Hue for touching up flowers and stamping sentiments
• Melon Mambo for touching up flowers and stamping sentiments 

Accessories: 

• Flowers and Ephemera from July 2026 Hooray for Birthdays Paper Pumpkin kit.  Sequins self adhesive Mauve tones, 

Thanks for visiting my blog this week and checking out my latest challenge card creation. I really encourage you to start participating in card challenges, as it not only challenges you to increase your card making skills, but it is an enjoyable way to create and keep your mojo going.  

Before you go, here are some additional cards I made using supplies from the July Hooray for Birthdays Paper Pumpkin kit.  There are enough supplies left to make at  least ten more cards.  

I had a lot of fun with this card and thought it deserved some recognition, so I've posted it on the AAA birthday challenge #88 flowers for the current challenge .  

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 

Available September 4, 2026