Unexpected Gifts

Today I had something totally unexpected happen that I wanted to share with you. This event absolutely turned my day from a mad hectic rush to a "savor the moment" time. Here's what happened.

Susan Hoare from our Colourful Impressions Group in Langley was looking for some 12 x 12 Textured In Colour from the old cattie. Since I had an unopened package that I wasn't sure I would use, I contacted her and we made arrangements to do a trade. Susan agreed to order me a package of Neutrals cardstock to replace my In Colours one.

Simple right. Well a lot has gone on for both of us in the past few weeks so it wasn't until last night that we were able to connect and arrange the switch. So this morning while I was on business in Langley I drove to Susan's home to pick up the paper but when I arrived, there was no one home and no paper to be found.

A quick call to Susan confirmed that her hubby must have forgotten to leave the package on the front step for me this morning. We talked a bit about alternatives as I wouldn't be able to come in to town again for a while, but Susan who was on her way home from work across the river suggested she come home pick up the Neutrals paper and meet me in Walnut Grove where I was heading for another appointment. How's that for going the extra mile............. man was I impressed.

Susan met me at the appointed time and this bright cheerful gal handed me a Stampin Up' bag with my paper and casually mentioned she had put some "extra's" in the bag for my "inconvenience". We chatted briefly about blogs and stamping and then said our farewells.

As I was dashing off for another appointment I never looked in the bag. So, imagine my surprise and pleasure when I opened the bag tonight and found these two beautiful cards and a fresh package of Delicate Dots 12 x 12 DSP.

I just had to phone her right away and thank her for this beautiful gift and for being there for me. What a thoughtful gal! So Susan here is another thank you as I show off your beautiful handiwork.

Now if I could only figure out how to rotate this card you might be able to see it correctly. It is beautiful

Final Deal of the Week July 27th to Aug 1st, 2009

Well here it is the final week of July................ where has the summer gone? And with that announcement here is the final Stampin' Up Deal of the Week the Heart to Heart Punch.

This is a really great opportunity to add to your punch collection with the Heart to Heart punch. You can purchase this terrific deal for only $15.99....... that's 30% off the regular price of $22.95.

This punch will really come in handy for making quick and simple birthday, anniversary and of course Valentines cards.

If you're interested in purchasing this final Deal of the Week, please go to my online shopping service on my website, and select deal of the week. Happy Punching!

Origami Box and Gift Card - UStamp with Dawn & Friends

Jenny Moors, the United Kingdon Dream Team Member for UStamp with Dawn and Friends designed a fabulous Origami Gift Box and Matching Gift Card for her second project. Her design used Washington Apple DSP and Ruby Red, Bashful Blue, and Pumpkin Pie ink and Card Stock. Petal Pizzazz and Stem Sayings stamps were used for the flower and sentiment. It was gorgeous!

Since I'm still in between orders and didn't have the DSP Jenny used, I decided to use some more of my retired designer paper (DSP). I made mine using Haiku DSP, and Old Olive cardstock for the base of the box and a combination of Tangerine Tango and Old Olive cardstock for the matching gift card.

Now I absolutely love the Petal Pizzazz stamp set, so you can imagine just how thrilled I was when I could use it for this sample. What I love about Petal Pizzazz is that there are so many ink colour combinations and mounting configurations that can be used with this set.

I have made up several sheets (I'll post a sample later) of stamped flower images in various inks and I cut out these images when I've some downtime watching tv or sitting in my garden. That way I have them on hand to make a quick card or embellish a scrapbook page as needed. These are great for making card candy samplers too for door prizes and gifts.

Here is a side view of the origami box I made. Although you can't see it in these pictures I lined the inside squares of the lids with Tangerine Tango DSP paper for contrast (same as the one on the card band). The flower is mounted with dimensionals and a yellow Circle of Fire brad was used for the center of the flower.

The sentiment "Just for You" is from the Oval All stamp set (got to love that one too).

I hope you enjoyed this fun project ........ I know I did. In fact, my friend's granddaughter's eighth birthday is coming up next week and I think I'll make her one of these sets and put a little set of earings in the gift box for her .........shhhhhhhhh don't tell!

Stationary Card Purse - UStamp With Dawn and Friends

Tracey Old, the New Zealand Dream Team member for UStamp with Dawn and Friends demonstrated a Stationary Purse with four gift cards for her second round. She chose Urban Oasis and Urban Garden for her Designer Series Paper and her card stocks were in Basic Gray and Baja breeze. What a fabulous combinaton. Tracey used the One of a Kind and Short and Sweet stamp sets for her sentiments.

I've discovered through the chat forums on UStamp with Dawn that New Zealand is a season behind Canada and the United States with their SU Idea Book and Catalogue so they are currently using last year's (for us) In Colours, DSP and stamps.

Another of the wonderful benefits I've found in participating in the UStamp with Dawn and Friends session has been the opportunity to chat with many of the marvellous demos from around the globe, and in particular from New Zealand and Austrailia. These gals just rock! They are funny, sweet and nice and willing to share ideas. Because of them I think I'm going to move my "Trip to Down Under" higher on my bucket list ......... have to talk to hubby about that. LOL!
For my sample, I recreated Tracey's project using the "To the Nines Specialty Designer Series Paper" from last years IB&C. This paper is very thick - almost like cardstock and very wonderful to work with.

Since I love, love, love (did I say love?) Sage Shadow and Chocolate Chip together, card stock choice and DSP choice was a no brainer. Because the pattern on the medallion stamp wouldn't show up on Chocolate Chip unless it was embossed, I used Close to Cocoa card stock.

Even though there is a lot of cutting and scoring in this project it was well worth the time, as it came together quickly and easily and would make a great class. The finished project would make a great incentive gift for a workshop hostess (think wow!) or a special gift for a bridal shower or how about for a secret swap sister!

This is an inside view of the stationary purse. The two pockets which are raised hold 2 cards and 2 envelopes on either side. In this example I have pulled the cards out of the pockets so you can see the design, however to close the purse you need to push the cards right into the pockets. I used two pearl brads on the lid and front of the card and a strip of 1/8" ribbon for the closure. A piece of Chocolate Chip 5/8" ribbon was tied onto the handle to give it some extra Pizzazz. When the stationary purse is fastened closed, it stands up nicely on its base.



Here you can see the four gift cards - 2 of each design. I swapped up the DSP on tops and bottoms and changed the embellisments on the flowers to give some variety.

I used the medallions from the SU True Friends Stamp Set (retired). I made three layers and cut the medallions out by hand. Recollections pearl brads and Making Memories bronze brads were used for the flower center pieces and Chocolate Chip 5/8" grosgrain ribbon and Sage Shadow satin 1/8" ribbon (non SU) were used for added embellishments.

Hope you've enjoyed this project........ I know I did! Happy Stamping.

Double Treat Gift Basket - UStamp with Dawn and Friends Project

Makeesha Byl, Dream Team Member from Austrailia for UStamp with Dawn and Friends created a simple basket called "Triple Treat Gift Basket". Her design used the new Rich Razzleberry card stock and Dotted Swiss Ribbon, and Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper (DSP).

I made mine into a "Two Treat Gift Basket" ...... I only had two candles so what the heck. LOL! I used the Raspberry Tart DSP from last year and Rose Regal Card Stock for my base. This was a very quick and easy project and would be perfect for one of those last minute gifts. Enjoy.

Top Note Mini Album

Here's a beautiful little project created by Irene Wendlandt, a design team member from German for the UStamp with Dawn and Friends stamp group.

How quick and how cute this little album is. Irene's version used the Simply Scrapbook Kit called "Pretty Petals".

Pages and Chipboard are cut out using the Top Note Die Cut, and held together with a binder ring.

I improvised again and used paper and accents from the Sunshine Garden Simply Scrappin' Kit ( retired) and I'm very pleased with the way it turned out. These color coordinated Scrappin Kits are such an inexpensive way to make cards and small albums and 3D items. Great value for the money.

The die cuts are all self-adhesive, and you get patterned paper and matching cardstock in the kit. These kits are ideal for making cards or full 12" x 12" scrapbook pages. You can also trim the double-sided designe paper and card stock to create 6" x 6" or 8 1/2" x 11". All materials are lignin free pages, and are safe for your photos and other mementos.

Check out the kits on pages 164 to 167 in the new SU Idea Book and Catalogue for 2009/10, there is a nice variety to choose from. I especially like the Happy B-Day (115695), Guest Book (115697) and Christmas Jingle (115696. All 3 of these would make perfect mini albums.

The theme for my album is "Memories". When I decided to make this album I remembered I had pictures sitting around from a trip my mom and I made to my sister's place in Vernon a few years ago. I knew they would be perfect for this project.

This was such a fun trip and my mom was like totally relaxed and enjoying herself in Heather's fabulous garden and back yard. They always say "good times are meant to be cherished". Isn't that true and what a simple and nice way to do it.

Card Stock is Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Barely Banana.

Hope you've enjoyed this little Album.

July 20 -26 Stampin Up Deal of the Week

Wow this is a sensational Deal of the Week! I know I am going to be ordering one. The Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware is on page 178 of the Idea Book and Catalogue (09/10). This 200 piece set will add beauty and grace to your projects, and give them that real "wow" factor. To order this item please visit my website.

Birthday Box - Another UStamp With Dawn and Friends Project

Here is another UStamp with Dawn and Friends project I completed yesterday. This time the Design Team Member was the fabulous Tracey Olds from new Zealand. Tracy's original project was made using the Friends 24/7 Stamp Set and Brocade Blue, Night of Navy and Bella Blue designer papers. Once again I'm improvising as I didn't have any of those supplies (although I sure intend to get that stamp set...LOL).

How many of you rely on writing down your friends and family's birthdays or anniversarys on the calendar and then have to rewrite them again for the new year. Well this project simplifies all that in such a fun way. This would make a great gift for the new bride, or even an old one for that matter......LOL!

For my project I used a retired Simply Scrappin Kit that I just loved. It's called Sunshine Garden. You can do so much with these kits - the possibilities are endless. The cardstock is textured Certainly Celery for the outside of the box, and the individual month cards. Ribbon was 1/4" Barely Banana Grosgrain Ribbon.

What do you think? Another great project! Hmm anyone interested in buying one of this year's great Simply Scrappin' Kits (see pages 166-167 of the IB&C) and coming to a class in August? Let me know and I'll send the details. Class Fee $10.00 plus cost of kit and S&H.

Note: Payment for kit and class fee is due prior to scheduled event.

Slider Gift Box and Card Set - UStamp With Dawn & Friends

Well it's day nine of the UStamp with Dawn and Friends group and I am having so much fun. I completed this project which was submitted by Jenny Moors the Dream Team member from the United Kingdom. Jenny is an absolutely fabulous demo and I have totally fallen in love with her creations.

This is a slider box and set of 4 cards. The original sample by Jenny used the Rose Is A Rose stamp set (#111560 pg. 99 IBC), but since I wanted to make this right away I improvised and used a retired SU set called Roses In Winter. I think it worked well, but I'm definitely buying the Rose Is A Rose set as I think it offers much more style and variety to the cards. Card Stock (CS) and Ink: Old Olive, Always Artichoke, So Saffron, and More Mustard. Designer Papers in More Mustard and Always Artichoke. Ribbon: 1/4" So Saffron and Mellow Moss Grosgrain. Enjoy!

Pocket and Accordian Folder

Linda Hansen another fabulous "Crew Girl" from the UStamp with Dawn and Friends group, shared a project with us the other day, utilizing the new In Colours and Circle Circus stamp set. She called it the Circle Circus Pocket and Accordian Folder. I really liked her sample but didn't have that stamp set, so improvised by using some other stamps on hand. This pocket card is a really fun and easy project to put together and it can be used for endless gift possibilities. It can be a photo journal, or a combination photo journal and gift card holder, or it could be a place card holder announcing different meal courses......just to name a few.

For my sample I used Orchid Oppulence cardstock (CS) for the envelope, Whisper White for the belly-band and 1 3/8" circle. Rich Razzleberry(RR) CS was used for the 1 1/4" and scallop circles. One of the images from Stem Silhouettes was stamped in white craft ink and embossed with white EP on RR CS. An image from the Fresh cuts stamp set was stamped in white craft ink and embossed in white EP on RR and then punched out with the scallop circle. The beautiful polka dot ribbon is in Razzleberry. An SU retired rub-on was used for the "celebrate" sentiment. Finally the bottom of the envelope was crimped to give it some additional detail.




The accordian fold insert was folded and then cut from RR using the top note die cut. Whisper White card stock was adhered to the front of the folded sections with Snail Adhesive. For my sample, which I will be using as a "hostess incentive" I've incorporated some Stampin Up images from a past year's postcard series (how lucky the colours were perfect). I stamped a "Wish List" from my Taking Care of Business stamp set and included my business card.




Of course the lucky hostess who books a party from me will receive this accordian card folder and a gift certificate for free merchandise. How cool is that?

Hope you enjoyed this sample. If you are interested in learning how to make this folder please give me a call to book a class or workshop.

Mileage Log Booklet

Diane Gibbs an Artisan Award Winner with Stampin Up and and one of the Crew Girls from the US for UStamp with Dawn and Friends, provided us with a sample of a cute little mileage log she designed.

Following her lead, I purchased a plain book from the Dollar Store and gussied it all up with the Loads of Love "truck" and trees from the "Lovely as a Tree" stamp sets. I decided to layer my truck and used designer cardstock and big eyelets for the tires. I sponged the sky with Bashful Blue and stamped the trees in Old Olive and Always Artichoke.

Here's a closeup of the truck wheels. I used the cropadile to attach these.

Because I forget everthing if I don't write it down right away I decided to make a template on Excel for inside the book to make it easy to record my travel details. Although I haven't done it for this sample, I'm thinking it would also handy to add tabs for the months and an envelope for each month to hold receipts plus some extra pages for Hostess Notes.

This would make a nice gift for the start of the new year. Possibilities are endless........... don't drive, make it into a place to record your exercise and walking routines......... hmmmmmmm, I'm sure someone does that! LOL.

Let me know if you like it.

U Stamp With Dawn Tag Book Project

This past week I have been participating in "U Stamp with Dawn and Friends", and let me tell you I'm having a ball meeting new friends from around the world and some local ones too!

There are 10 Design Team Members and Crew Girls who are contributing to the projects - and so far they are absolutely fabulous.

Every day a new project is posted along with the PDF or video instructions. All projects are Stampin Up product based. If you're interested in joining there is still time, just follow the link on my sidebar.

Here are some pictures of my first completed project ~ a tag book ~ following the fabulous instructions and sample provided by BC's very own "UStamp Crew Girl" Jenn Picard.

I chose to do my album in Old Olive, Dusty Durango and Creamy Caramel. I used a retired DSP from last seasons DSPs called Haiku. Stamp sets used were Sincere Salutations and Stem Silouettes, two of my favorites.

I cut out flowers from the DSP with my circle punches and used them throughout the tag pages to add some interest. And on the front cover I used the eyelet punch on Old Olive CS to add some interest. Hope you enjoy these pictures.

SQUARE FIRE RHINESTONE BRADS

Deal of the Week: Square Fire Rhinestone Brads
Add sparkle to your projects with our Square Fire Rhinestone brads. From July 13–19, they're just $10.99—over 30% off the regular price of $15.95! Throughout July, be sure to check my web site every Monday at 10 AM (MT) for the week's new deal.

Stampin' Up Is Looking for Customer Feedback

Stampin' Up is always looking for ways to improve their practices, products, and programs. As they research ways to improve their customer's experiences with the company, they are looking for feedback regarding "in-home workshops". Because they value your opinions and would love to hear what is most important to you, they are asking for your help by taking the time to click on the following link and complete the survey regarding your experience with the in-home workshop.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=K_2bUFZhVKNzAWE39qxHVVMQ_3d_3d

Mojo Monday Week 94 Sketch

Trying to get my creative juices going today but feel so tired. I did however feel inspired by the Mojo Makers to try my hand at their 1st Sketch challenge for July. Hope you like my card. Go on over to check out the Mojo Makers projects beautiful projects and you'll see why I was inspired. mojomonday.blogspot.com.

I used Stampin' Up Products unless otherwise noted:
CS: Suede, Rich Razzelberry, Orchid Opulence and a no-name dsp for the background in similar same colours

Ink: Rich Razzelberry
Stamps: Sincere Salutations and Petal Pizzazz
Accessories: Kaizercraft Rhinestones, Ribbon Craft 7/8" Tan Satin Ribbon

July 6 - 12 - Stampin' Up Deal of the Week

Deal of the Week: Big Shot Doctor's Bag

You'll feel like a big shot carrying around the Big Shot Doctor's bag! From July 6-12, you can purchase the Big Shot Doctor's Bag for $72.99. That's over 25% off the regular price of $103.95! You can order on line or call me to put through the order for you. What could be simpler?

Throughout July, be sure to check my web site every Monday at 10 AM (MT) for the week's new deal. All Deals of the Week are from the current Idea Book and Catalogue and are only available at their discounted price during the specified time. At any other time during the month, the item will sell at the regular price.

Oval Alls Thank You

A good friend of mine, Sandi who lives on the Island is a fabulous cook, entertainer extraordinare, decorator, painter - you get the picture - she's just one of those great all-around women. I've often complimented her on what a great cook she is ~ always bringing the best appies to parties, preparing the best dinners, lunches and snacks. She genuinely loves to cook! So imagine my surprise when I opened my mail recently to find one of her "secrets", a cookbook just for me with a lot of those recipes I had complimented her on. I found it incredibly funny that this cookbook is titled "The Best of the Best and More" as that's often how I've thought of and described Sandi - "The Best of the Best"!

This cookbook for those of you Canadian ladies old enough to remember the Best of Bridge cookbook series, is a compilation of recipes from their library of books plus 70 new ones. This cookbook is so popular it's in its 17th printing (2008). Anyway I'm looking forward to making Mediterranean Pie, "Land of Nod" Cinnamon Buns, Weekend Spouse Saver and the many fabulous salads featured in this book.

I thought I'd share a picture and the deets for the Thank You card I sent to Sandi for this wonderful gift (apologies for the poor photography it really doesn't do the card justice). I chose to do a femine card with clean crisp lines and colours as they remind me of Sandi.

I used Bashful Blue cardstock for my base. I used the Big Shot Texturz Plate with the small swiss dot design on my whisper white cardstock layer and punched the corners with the retired Stampin Up Wrought Iron Corner Slot punch. For the next layer I used the Top Note Die Cut on Bashful Blue designer series paper. To finish it off I punched a Wide Oval from whisper white cs and stamped with the "thank you" sentiment from the Oval Alls stamp set. I attached this layer to the center of the Top Note with dimensionals to give it some height, then restamped the Oval Alls stamp on Bashful Blue designer paper with Bordering Blue ink added some Dazzling Diamonds glitter and a small bow from Bashful Blue grosgrain ribbon. Hope you enjoyed this design.

In Colour Summer Inspiration Colors

Stampin' Up! - Colour Inspiration:

Have you had a chance to check out the new In Colours for 2009-2010? I think they are just awesome. Think of all the cool summer cards and projects you can make with them. But if you're like me and a little colour challenged you might find this difficult. If you're not too sure what combinations will work use these fun, summer-inspired colour combinations. Stampin' Up has taken away some of the guesswork, and these are sure to be hot!

July Stamp of the Month

For the July Stamp Set of the Month give away, I have chosen the stamp set Oval Alls, # 113790. Price $22.95 . With this 4 stamp set you can create layered oval images to use as tags or card accents. It can be used with the Scallop Oval punch, and Large Oval punch. You'll love the way the sweet scallops are accented by the delicate details of the images.

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"

Country Living Summer Cookout Kit

The Country Living Summer Cookout Kit gives you everything you need to hold a fantastic summer party, including: Creative invitations , fun food wrappers (see picture), customizable coasters, and more! For the low price of $32.95, the Country Living Summer Cookout kit will ensure your summer party is a hit. Contact me to learn more about any of these promotions, or visit my Online Store by clicking Shop Now.

There are so many options with the Country Living Summer Cookout Kit—like this adorable flatware wrap, complete

with toothpick and moist towelette!

2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalogue and Definitely Decorative Brochures are Here!

Spend the Summer with New Products ~ Stampin' Up!'s 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalogue and Definitely Decorative brochures are here, and they're filled with all-new stamps, accessories, and home décor products. Contact me to schedule your new catalogue workshop or find out how to get your own copy for free.

You can browse both the Idea Book and Catalogue and the Definitely Decorative brochures by going to the shop now button on my website

Mini Starter Kit - July 15- August 31 Promotion

Have Fun Doing What You Love

From July 15 — August 31, you can join the Stampin' Up! family for as little as $105 with the Mini Starter Kit. Have fun helping friends and family create exciting projects, while earning free products and even a little extra cash!" Contact me for more details or go on-line to check out this promotion!

Scallop Edge Punch - Deal of the Week

Scallop Edge Punch ~ Deal of the Week! Everything's prettier in scallops! July 1–5, get the Scallop Edge punch for just $15.99—over 30% off the regular price of $22.95!Throughout July, be sure to check my web site every Monday at 10 AM (MT) for the week's new deal.