Bellingham ....... Places To Explore

We were in Bellingham this past weekend and I had a few hours to myself and so of course I headed off on a shopping trip. Now no trip to Bellingham would be complete for me without dropping by "Stampadoodle" and "Paper Zone" two of my absolute favourite papercrafting stores in the North West. They both just rock! Since it's been awhile since I've visited them, I was shocked to drive up to the previously co-joined stores located at 915 Iowa Street to discover that Stampadoodle has relocated to a larger new location. They are now located at 1825 Grant Street (corner of State and Grant) about five minutes down the road. Their bright green building is easy to find and has ample parking. The new store is spacious and airy with a large class area and lot of room to move around between the stamp displays and other merchandise. They have such an awesome selection of ribbons and papers you just have to check them out. My favourite part of going to Stampadoodle has always been checking out all the beautiful stamping samples. They have one of the largest on site stamp supplies I've ever seen. I remember the first time I visited the old location I wound up with a crick in my neck from looking at all the samples on the walls....... just couldn't get enough of them. I also love their Stamp on the Month displays and usually can't resist buying 3 or 4 of these fabulous Great Impression stamps. The featured stamp for June is Seaweed. Another great thing abut Stampadoodle is their staff......... talk about awesome. They will stop what they are doing and show you how to use a product. How neat is that!

Paper Zone has expanded in the old location. Being a "paper lover" I am just bowled over by their marvellous card and envelope stocks. I generally buy all my cellophane clear envelopes here as they are economical and always have everything I want. They also carry rubber stamps, paper crafting tools and supplies, embellishments and have great classes and samples. This weekend I was able to pick up free templates for a BBQ apron card front, seed packet template and Packing Tape Transfer instruction sheets. I can't wait to try these out. Each month they offer an Art Technique Demo class which focusses on different techniques to create cards. I'm hoping to attend one on Sunday July 13th at 1:30 on Artist Trading Cards. It's followed by an opportunity to meet with local ATC traders from 2:00 to 4:00pm. This should be fun!

Hope you enjoyed hearing about these stores! Next time I'm in Bellingham I'm also going to visit Joanne's and Treasury of Memories

HAPPY CANADA DAY...........EH!

On July 1, 1867, Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain and a federation of four provinces: Nova Scotia; New Brunswick; Ontario; and Quebec. The anniversary of this date was called Dominion Day until 1982. Since 1983, July 1 has been officially known as Canada Day. July 1st is a very special day indeed.

Canada Day in Canada

Quick Facts ~ Canada Day is a federal holiday on July 1 to mark the anniversary of the date that Canada became a self-governing country. For English speaking provinces it is known as "Canada Day" in French speaking province(s) it is known as la Fête du Canada.

On July 1, 1867, Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain and a federation of four provinces: Nova Scotia; New Brunswick; Ontario; and Quebec. The anniversary of this date was called Dominion Day until 1982. Since 1983, July 1 has been officially known as Canada Day. Canadians of all ages can be proud of their heritage on Canada Day, an event widely celebrated throughout the country.

How Do Canadians Celebrate?
In many towns and cities, municipal governments organize a range of events, often outdoors. These include pancake breakfasts, parades, concerts, carnivals, festivals, firework displays and citizenship ceremonies for new Canadian citizens. The celebrations often have a patriotic mood. Canada's national flag is widely displayed and a lot of people paint their faces red and white, which are Canada's national colors. The celebrations in Ottawa, which is Canada’s capital city, are particularly exuberant.

In the province of Quebec, many home leases start on July 1 and last for exactly one year. Hence, many people in Quebec spend Canada Day moving their possessions from one house to another. In this province, Canada Day is also known as Moving Day.

In the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, July 1 is also Memorial Day. This commemorates the heavy loss of life in the Newfoundland Regiment on the first day of the Battle of the Somme during World War I. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the morning of July 1 is usually somber. Flags are flown at half-mast and memorial services are held at cenotaphs (war memorials). In the afternoon, Canada Day celebrations in the province are similar to those in the rest of the country.

For all you Canadians Get Out There and Celebrate Your Heritage ................ Happy Canada Day!

Save 10% Ordering OnLine

Did you know that as an OnLine Customer you can save 10% off of every order? By ordering through my "Shop Now" site, you can also earn stamping rewards and discounts on shipping and handling. Signing up as a new online customer takes very little time, and once you sign up you can shop 24/7. Here's a little video clip with more information:

http://www.stampinup.com/Images/EC/DemoPresentationENC.html

How's Your Mom?

Here's a picture of my mom just before she left hospital on Tuesday. She was exhausted from doing her exercises, but happy that she is again starting to move and be able to flex her legs.

I want to thank everyone for your kind and good wishes for my mom's speedy recovery from her broken hip. I am happy to tell you that she is now at home and although still recuperating she is doing so well. Must have been all those prayers you sent! The doctors were amazed at her progress and couldn't believe she was moving around so quickly after her surgery. She sure is a tough old bird and so very determined. I spend about two hours a day with her and I'm travelling back and forth to Langley every day so I haven't had an opportunity to work on my cards as planned, but there will be time for that when she's better. Thanks again for your support everyone.

Love That Petal Pizzazz

I needed some "birthday" and "thinking of you" cards today so decided to use up some of my old supplies. While I was going through my stash and looking for stamps to use I came across the Petal Pizzazz stamp set and decided to try it with some of the outgoing "In Colours" Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss and Riding Hood Red. Here's what I came up.

A view of the inside and outside of one of the cards............ I made a set of six cards - two of each design. And here is the final view. I loved using the new eyelet border punch with the DSP.

Deets:

Stamps: Petal Pizzazz, Non Stampin' Up Sentiment Stamps

Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip

Designer Paper: Unknown from my stash

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Kiwi and Riding Hood Red (although you can't see the details clearly from my pictures, I stamped randomly on the DSP with the smaller flower and petal stamps).
Accessories: Green Tafetta Ribbon not Stampin Up, Eyelet Border Punch, Bright Delight Rub-Ons Stampin Up.

Free Stamp of the Month ~ Tart and Tangy

Strawberry Season is in full bloom and it won't be long until those Okanagan cherries and apples hit our fruit stands too. So, with that in mind I've decided to offer a chance to win a Free Stamp Set of the Month called Tart & Tangy #111514. I just love those strawberries, oranges, cherries and apples. There are so many great projects you can make with this set - the skies the limit. I can show you how.

For every $25 you spend your name will be put into a draw to win this stamp set. You can order online over at my website, email or give me a call to place an order and I'll put your name into the draw. My email address is: pennyhanuszak@telus.net

LAST CHANCE BIG SHOT AT TERRIFIC PRICE

The end of June is fast approaching and along with that comes the end of a very good promotion for the Sizzix Big Shot. This fantastic Big Shot Starter Kit and dies (Item No. 116314 page 193 of the Spring summer 2009 catalogue) from Stampin' Up! allows you to create die-cut shapes, envelopes, and tags with ease! Cutting card stock, Designer Series paper, fabric, chipboard, plastic and more has never been easier.

This great KIT includes the following for only $232.95........ what a deal!

• Big Shot Die Cutting Machine• Multipurpose Platform

• Standard Cutting Pads

• Stampin’ Up! Exclusive Scallop Envelope Bigz Die

• Stampin’ Up! Exclusive Top Note Bigz Die

• Stampin’ Up! Exclusive Sizzix Birds & Blooms Four Pack

• Stampin’ Up! Exclusive Decorative Strip Billboard

• Decorative Strip Cutting Pads

• Decorative Strip Extended Spacer Platform

So if you haven't gotten your Big Shot yet now is the time because starting July 1st to purchase everything listed above will cost you over $277!

Click on my Order on Line button or contact me for more details (Canadians Orders Only).

Sneak Peak............ New In Colours 2009-2010

July 1st will mark the beginning of a new season for Stampin' Up with the release of the Idea Book and Catalogue for 2009-2010. Let me tell you I've received my copy and I just can't wait to share it with you. This catty is filled to capacity with exciting projects and informational tips, and in my opinion this is the best catalogue yet!

So although I'm sad to see the old In Colours go into retirement I can tell you that the six replacement In Colours are absolutely awesome and I know you're going to love them too! With yummy names like Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Rich Razzelberry, Bermuda Bay, Soft Suede and Dusty Durango it looks like another fun season is about to begin! Here's a sneak peak ...... enjoy!

Stay tuned for some neat cards and projects using these new colours and a sneak peak at the awesome ribbon that will be available soon. If you're interested in hosting a workshop/party in your home or mine to view the new catty and products just give me a call at 778-880-1206.

Card Swap Colourful Impressions Meeting June 8th

This post has been hanging around for awhile since my mom's accident as I haven't had much time to spend on it. I thought I'd share some samples of the card I made for the June 8th Colourful Impressions Meeting Swap. It was tough trying to come up with a swap for this meeting as I had limited supplies on hand. I decided I wanted a colourful, friendly card and chose the "Friendly Words and Oval All stamp sets as they seemed to fit the bill. Here are the details and samples:

Stamps: Friendly Words Jumbo Roller (Item No. 114696), Oval All (Item No. 113790)
Inks: Regal Rose, Kiwi Kiss
Cardstock: Regal Rose, Kiwi Kiss, Red Riding Hood and Raspberry Tart DSP
Tools: Eyelet Border Punch
Accessories: Regal Rose 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Dimensionals

And the finished card

Hope you enjoyed this.

Cupcake Time

Mudmaven has some very delightful blog candy offerings on her blog and some gorgeous cards to look at as well, so hop on over and check it out.

Dem Bones........

On Tuesday my 87 year old mother, Marjorie, fell off a step ladder and broke her hip. She was taken to her local hospital and has undergone hip surgery. When I received the phone call from her building security I was so distressed, thinking "on no this will be the end of her". The staff at the hospital and her surgeon have been just fantastic and are treating her so well. Marjorie is a real fighter and said this fall wasn't going to be a set back for her, and she's going to get back on her feet again. Well today it happened. She had her first physio session this morning and actually stood and walked about 12 feet with the assistance of a walker. Isn't that just too fantastic? I phoned my family this evening to let them know what progress she's made and everyone was amazed. Thanks Heather for the fantastic flowers they helped to brighten mom's day and I'm sure gave her the incentive to get up off the bed. Thanks everyone for your prayers, as I believe these helped too! Will keep you posted as to mom's progress.

Summer Fun Hostess Bonus Promotion

It's time to have some fun and earn more hostess dollars! From June 1-30, 2009 Stampin' Up! is offering a new Hostess Promotion. There are two ways to benefit from this offering:

1. Hostesses who hold a $330-$524.99 workshop will receive an additional $25 in hostess free merchandise dollars and,

2. Hostesses who hold a $525 or more workshop will receive an additional $50 in hostess free merchandise dollars.

Contact me to learn more about any of these promotions, or visit my Online Store by clicking SHOP NOW above!

LAST CHANCE STAMP SETS AND ACCESSORIES

June 1st has arrived and with it all the excitement (and sadness) of Stampin' Ups "Last Chance" announcement of retiring stamp sets and accessories from the Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book and Catalogue. Now's your time to save as some of those accessories are on sale for up to 50% off! But remember, you have to act fast as the accessories on this list are available only while supplies last and sell out DAILY (last chance stamp sets are available the entire month).

If there's something you want, your best chance of getting it is to visit my "Shop Now" online shopping service and order direct - this will ensure your order is processed immediately. Shopping on line also gives you an opportunity to see pictures of all of the items in this special promotion.

The downloadable lists of the Last Chance items in pdf format are here:

CLICK HERE for the list in Alphabetical order

CLICK HERE for the list by Page Number

CLICK HERE for the Decor Elements “Last Chance” List

Good Luck and Happy Shopping!