Monday Monster Mash Halloween Count Down Blog Hop - Week Three

Today I'm joining in all the fun over at Shirley Pumpkin's blog "Look At My Cute Stuff" for week three of her twelve week Halloween Blog Hop!  What fun!  Shirley is picking a winner from all the entries submitted each week and then at the end of 12 weeks she'll draw a winner who'll receive $25.00 in prizes from the Holiday Mini.  It's not too late to join in.  All the details on how you play along are on Shirley's blog and it's so easy,  so come along and join in the fun too! 

Week Three

For my entry I decided to combine this Shirley's challenge with this week's Mojo Monday Sketch 206 challenge.  I really liked this sketch and chose to do the square one.  Here's what I came up with

I'd decided to use my "Wicked Cool" stamp set for this week's card but couldn't decide how to do the witch.  I had her hat and her legs but what to do with the body?  I thought about this for quite a while and then the "light came on" while I was doing another project using the "Aviary" set.  You guessed it!  I decided to convert one of those fancy bird cages into my witch.  And here's the result.

  I used Tangerine Tango, Old Olive, Concord Crush, Basic Black and Crumb Cake cardstocks.  Concord Crush ink was used for the bird carge and sentiment. The Tangerine Tango was embossed with the Spider Web Embossing folder. 

The witches shoes were stamped in versamark and basic black ink and then heat embossed with clear embossing powder.  The same technique was used on the hat but in Concord Crush and I repeated the embossing to give a little bit more shine to the hat.  I also embossed the sentiment using versamark and Concord Crush inks.  The "bird cage" dress was stamped on a small piece of "Cottage Wall" a retired DSP and a few green rhinestones were added at the neck and bottom of the dress.  The leggings were stamped on and old olive piece of the same DSP.  Dimensionals were used to give some elevation to the hat and the two squares and sentiment. 

  

Hope you enjoyed my "Wicked Cool Witch".  Have a great day!

A Beautiful Little Boy

Beautiful little boy in blue.  Love that Elephant!

When I was visiting a friend the other day she showed me her latest "grand baby" pictures, and I was just amazed at how fast this little guy had grown in the four months since he was born.  I offered to do some scrapbook pages for her using My Digital Studio.  The pictures speak for themselves. 

Tristan and his mom sharing a sunny moment

Isn't he just the sweetest little guy!

If you've into digital photography but haven't done any scrapbooking with it and are wondering how to start, you've got to check out My Digital Studio.

My Digital Studio is an easy-to-use digital design software package featuring Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive artwork, designs, and colors. The software comes with an extensive array of multimedia options for the creation of interactive digital scrapbooks and cards—which can then be saved to DVDs, emailed, or uploaded to the Internet. Designed to accommodate users with all levels of ability and experience, My Digital Studio gives you the option to use premade designer templates—or to create your own using a wide array of designer papers, punches, stamps, and embellishments. The software also includes an integrated, high quality, and competitively priced professional print service, allowing you to print photobooks, calendars, greeting cards, and more.

Stampin' Up has even created a web site for My Digital Studio.  Just go to  http://mydigitalstudio.net to see this great site. Stampin' Up! has provided discussion forums for customers and demonstrators as a source of support, motivation, and inspiration when using My Digital Studio.  You can share your success stories, find useful solutions to problems, get creative ideas, and offer suggestions. They have an awesome gallery full of samples  that demos and customers have made and so many helpful videos showing how to use this product.  Stampin' Up! welcomes comments and participation by My Digital Studio users and digital design enthusiasts at all levels of ability and experience! 

If you have any questions please call me or drop me an email I'd be happy to help you out. 

Stampin' Queen's Sketch Challenge 1 - My Version

Today I'm excited to share with you my take on the Stampin' Queen's first ever Sketch Challenge.

I decided to use my The Open Sea stamp set and I will be sending this card along to Stampin' Up Headquarters in Salt Lake City in the hopes of encouraging them to keep this fabulous set and the Nautical Expedition papers on the "still available list".  See my SOS button on the side-bar for more details. 

My card base is Cherry Cobbler and I've used 3 strips of Nautical Expedition paper mounted on Night of Navy cardstock for the background.  Each of the strips of DSP were sponged with Night of Navy.  A strip of Cherry Cobbler Ribbon was rauched for the ribbon detail and I omitted doing a bow from this sketch.  I also love the Word Play Stamp Set and I chose the sentiment "You Mean The World 2 Me" feeling this was significant in my quest to save the On the Open Sea Set.  Hope that makes sense.  The globe on the sentiment is stamped in Night of Navy and adhered with dimensionals. 

I kept the inside simple by just adding a piece of matching Nautical Expedition DSP.  In hind sight I might stamp and emboss  the Sail Away stamp in the bottom right hand side in Cherry Cobbler..............yeah I think that might do it!  Enjoy.

Hope you like this simple card and will check out all the rest of the beautiful design team and participants cards on the Stampin' Queen's site.  They are simply awesome! 

More Snowflakes: Northern Flurry Stacked Snowman

Did you know that you can also add snowflakes to your cards and scrapbook pages by using one of Stampin' Up!s fabulous embossing folders?  If not check out the background of this card where you will see the sharp details of the snowflake behind the chubby little stacked snowman. 

If you've never used an embossing folder in the Big Shot machine and would like to try before you buy give me a call I'd be happy to show you how easy it is to create wonderful background images. 

In this card two embossing folders were used to create the background for the snowman.  For the beautiful snowflake background the first image was embossed on Pool Party cardstock using the Northern Flurry Textured Embossing Folder.  The second image is the snow bank, which was done on Whisper White with the Finial Press Textured Embossing Folder.  The little Shimmery White Snowflake is from the Sizzlet Snowflakes #2 die cuts.    

Northern Flurry Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die	120902
Price: $9.95
Create the wonderful tumult of snow storms on your winter projects with our Northern Flurry Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. These impressions coordinate perfectly with the images in our Northern Hearts stamp set for an abundance of sensational snowflakes to blanket a card or scrapbook page. ■ Textured Impressions Embossing Folder ■ Folder measures 4-1/2" x 5-3/4" ■ Coordinates with Northern Hearts set ■ Use with standard cutting pads and multipurpose platform Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die 115963 Price: $9.95 Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder creates a deeply embossed image on card stock and paper. The die embosses one side of the paper and debosses the other side, so you can use either side, depending on the look you want to achieve. You can emboss an entire card front edge-to-edge or create a large embossed image. ■ Designed to cut through one sheet of paper or card stock at a time ■ Use with Sizzix Big Shot machine, standard cutting pads, and multipurpose platform ■ Die size: 4-1/2" x 5-3/4"

Halloween Hoot ........... Monkey 70: Halloween + Sketch

Have you checked out the Halloween Challenge at A La Card Monkey this week?  What a great sketch. I don't have a lot of Halloween stamps but I liked this sketch so much I thought I'd join in the fun.  I resurrected a retired Stampin' Up! set called "Halloween Hoot".

Frogs are stamped in Basic Black on Old Olive cardstock.  I restamped the frog's head  3 more times in Pumpkin Pie, Concord Crush and Old Olive so each frog would have a different colour hat.  The hats were glued on and the frogs were mounted with dimensionals to the Old Olive "lily pads".  The larger circle images and the bands across the card are in the same colours.  The black band was embossed with the Web Embossing folder.  A bit of green glitter was added for some bling. 

Inside layer of the card. 

If you're looking for some more Halloween ideas, challenges and fun  check out Shirley's blog where she's counting down the 12 weeks to Halloween.  Here's her blog address: Monday Monster Mash Halloween Blog Hop. 

 

Snowflakes The Easy Way

Do you love Snowflakes?  When you were a kid in school did your teacher show you how to fold up paper and by making several cuts design a snowflake that would be as individual as you?  Did you know there's a simple way.  Stampin' Up! offers a variety of tools and stamps for making those perfect and unique snowflakes in it's Idea Book and Catalogue for 2011-2012.  It's so much easier!   

Snowflake #2 Original Dies Pg. 220 IB&C.  Price $19.95.  Original die is 4 3/4" x 5 1/2".  Creates a large snowflake with lots of detail and can be used along with the Sizzlits Snowflakes set to create a winter wonderland full of multo-sized flakes of fun.

Snowflake Set #2 Sizzlits Die Pack(4) #113449 Price $24.95 Page 224 IB&C.  Each design in the 4-pack measures 2 1/4" x 2 1/2".  Cut single layers of cardstock and designer papers.  Perfect for creating a variety of tag and snowflake shapes.

Here's a sample of a card I made recently using both dies to cut both cardstock and Red Glimmer Paper (pg 181 #121790). 

Card base is Real Red cardstock layered with Crumb Cake and Whisper White.  The Finial Press Embossing folder was  used to add a festive textured background.  The large snowflakes are die cut from Crumb Cake and Red Glimmer paper.  The smaller snowflake is die cut from Shimmery White  cardstock (page 181). 

WHAT'S NEW, WHAT'S ENDING AND WHAT'S ABOUT TO START

It's been a while since I've posted, but if you're like me I find summer a challenging time to do indoor activities during the day, such as card making and scrapbooking and by evening time, I'm just too tired to do anything constructive.  I'm hoping to recharge my energies though as we move into the fall season.  So I thought I'd start by sharing a couple of updates with you as we move in that direction.

WHAT'S NEW:
It's always nice to be involved on "Opening Day".  Makes you feel real special.  To that end,  I was reviewing a post called Stampin Queens Holiday Sneak Peak on the ever-so talented Sharon Field's blog "Created by You". 

Sharon's excited to share her first card and her news that she's part of a very exciting new design team called the "Stampin' Queen's".  This new design team led by Christena Bagne a Stampin' Up Demonstrator, started off with their first sketch challenge today. The blog site called Stampin' Queen's Sketch Challenge ,  will publish new sketches every Wednesday, with winners being drawn on Tuesdays.  So if you're interested in participating in the fun of a new sketch challenge site hop on over and check it out.  I'm so optimistic about these sketch challenges I've added their button to my left side panel so you can easily access them.  I know I'm going to be trying out this sketch myself today, so stay tuned for my creation.   

WHAT'S ENDING:

Just a reminder that August is fast coming to an end and along with it two Stampin' Up promotional items are also winding down:   

1. The Summer Mini Catalogue ends on August 31st so if you're still in the market for some great stamps, punches, and paper products, don't delay, visit my on-line shop to place your order.  Once the 31st comes these items will be gone forever. 
2. Your opportunity to get in on the Buy 3 Get One Free Designer Series Paper promotion also comes to an end on August 31st.  This has been a great sale and I know those of you who have participated have been so happy with your products.  Don't forget that one of  the best selling masculine style designer papers this summer called "Nautical Expedition" (page 8 Summer Mini) is also available for this promotion.  All other papers are featured on pages 184-186 of the Idea Book and Catalogue (2011-2012).

Note:  You may have noticed a new button on my left side bar.  I am supporting a campaign of Stampin' Up! Demos who would like to see The Open Sea and Sail Away stamp sets re-instated in next year's Idea Book and Catalogue as well as the Nautical Expedition Designer Series Paper.  Click on the button if you support the preservation of these sets and DSP too!  Sign the guest book and give us your support!  Some things are just too good to end. 

WHAT'S ABOUT TO START:

If you use my on-line ordering "shop now" button or attend any of my workshops and classes and purchase at least one $25.00 order per year you are on my automatic mini mailer list and are about to receive the Winter "Holiday Mini" which runs September 1st through January 4th, 2012.  So keep an eye on your mailboxes and let the excitement begin.  There are all kinds of new and exciting stamps and products featured. 

Customer Appreciation Cards

Love the "Cute by the Inch" Stamp set and it works well with these layered repeat images

In appreciation of  the wonderful orders placed by my customers at the end of July and the beginning of this August, I am sending out customer appreciation "Thank You" cards.

 I'm truly blessed to have such great customers and I want to make sure they know how much I value their friendship and their business support.  I thought you might like to see what my customers are receiving.  This quick to make card looks awesome in any color combination, but I've chosen to use 2011-2013 In Colours. 

The base is Whisper White layered with Pear Pizzazz, Concord Crush and Pear Pizzazz DSP.  For a strong image I have stamped in the new Lucky Limeade In Color.  It goes well with the Pear Pizzazz and Concord Crush.

The base is Whisper White layered with Concord Crush, Pear Pizzazz and Concord Crush DSP.  The Ribbon is Pear Pizzazz.

The sentiment and ribbon are from a retired Stampin' Up! set called "Of the Earth".  I really loved this set and can't part with it.  

The card front, inside and envelopes are stamped in coordinating ink to match the ribbons. Basic Rhinestones and silver eyelets have been added for some extra bling.

  In colours 2010-2012:  Concord Crush, Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, Peach Parfait.  Incolours 2011-2013: Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade and Wisteria Wonder. 

Greenhouse Garden Birthday Wishes

One of my recruits, Janis Meyn, is such a talented stamper.  She makes some very beautiful creations.  Recently I saw a birthday card she made using the Greenhouse Garden 2-step stamping set.  Unfortunately I don't have a copy of Janis' original card but it was stunning, in Poppy Parade and Very Vanilla.  Here's my version of her great card.

The front has a little pocket that you could tuck a note or gift card into.

Here's a view of the inside of the card.  Plain and simple. Thanks for dropping by.

Buy Three Get One Free DSP - During the Month of August

Are you one of those "I have to have all the Designer Series Paper" Stampin' Up! puts out each season?  Well, if you are, then I have the perfect deal for you.  During the month of August Stampin' Up! is offering one free package of Designer Series Pack for free, when you buy 3 packages.  That's a savings of  $13.50!!! 

Stock up on all your favorites, including brand-new designs from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.   And while you're there check out how Stampin' Up has taken the guess work out of matching up cardstock to Designer Series Paper............beside each DSP Order # is a sampling of the colour swatches and for those of us who can't remember what they look like (joking), a listing of the cardstocks that match up.  How easy and handy is that? 

Please note:

• There ares NO LIMITS to the number of FREE packages of Designer Series Paper you can earn.
• Sorry but Specialty Designer Series Paper and Hostess Designer Series Papers are not part of this promotion and cannot be redeemed through this offer.
• You can shop on-line up until 11:50pm Mountain Time August 31st for this special promo.......... after that you're out of luck!

This is such a great time to stock up on all the beautiful Stampin' UP! papers! Don't miss this promo.  Just give me a call or email pennyhanuszak@telus.net if you have any questions!!

Click here to find out more about this fantastic promotion!

Five Years and Counting - Milestones I've reached!

Milestones...................
One of the things that I have always liked about being a demonstrator with Stampin' Up! is the recognition you receive for doing something you love.  I reached two significant milestones with Stampin' Up!  - one in May and another in June of which I am very proud and thought I'd share these successes with you and some of the recognition I received, as you're so much a part of it.

Okay the first milestone was in attaining a promotion to Consultant from Senior Associate status for meeting my consistency in rolling sales this past year. To all my customers and my two new recruits, I wish to thank you so much as I couldn't have achieved this promotion without you. Take a bow!

Last week in the business portion of our Colourful Impressions Meeting Kristina Koch announced my promotion along with all the other gals promos and sales milestones, and I was so thrilled!  I thought how wonderful to get recognition from your peers, but yesterday when I got picked up my mail there was also this gorgeous card from Kristina on behalf of our group.  WOW!!! Thanks Kristina and Colourful Impressions for recognizing my achievement. 

As if that wasn't enough this week, I also received this beautiful diploma from Stampin' Ups! head office and my name was noted in the May Promotions for Canada in the August copy of Stampin' Success Demonstrator's monthly magazine.  What wonderful recognition!  Stampin' Up! really knows how to treat it's demonstrators well, and they walk the talk with their motto about "Inspire, Create, and Share". 

My diploma is now proudly displayed in my studio for all to see!   All this recognition has now given me lots of incentive to go to that next level in my business and I'll be working hard this year to build my business and achieve the next level.   If you are interested in learning how you can be a Stampin' Up! Demo give me a call or email me and I'd be happy to go over our start up package with you and have you join my team!

 

My second milestone was attaining my Fifth Year as a Stampin Up! Demonstrator in June of this year.    Even though I've mostly been a hobby demo, this was a great personal achievement for me.  I wished I could have attended convention this year and walked across the stage to get my pin but you know what, the thrill was still there when I opened this letter!  Again thank you dear customers for your ongoing support as I might not have made it without your continuing purchases and encouragement to do classes and workshops.  You are the best! 

A Girly Girl Birthday Card and Matching Gift Bag

My friend Linda's birthday was coming up the beginning of August and I knew I had to get busy and make her a card and gift bag suited to her personality. Because she's a real "girly-girl" I wanted to design a card that was femine and sweet, had a touch of bling and something to do with clothes or shoes.  I remembered seeing a ballerina card on Tammy Q. Howell's blog Tarheel Stamper so I went through my "samples I love file" and had a look at her design.  She used a clever combination of the Round Tab (119864 pg. 209)) and Blossom Petals Builder (121808 pg. 213) punches to make a ballerina dress.  You can check out her post here to see what she came up with.  I really liked the Round Tab for the top of the dress but decided to change mine up a bit with a smaller skirt cut from the Two Tags (115954 pg. 222) Bigz Die.  Here's what U came up with:

I'm in love with the new Wisteria Wonder (122926) cardstock and decided to use that along with some Concord Crush DSP from the 2010-2012 Paterrns Designer Series Paper Stack (117158) and one of  the small floral designer papers from the Cheerful Treat Designer Series [(DSP) #122381 - Hostess Idea Book and Catalogue (IB&C) pg. 11] and layer it on Whisper White cardstock that had been texturized with the Elegant Lines (119277) Embossing folder.  I used the Eyelet Border punch to create a ruffled edge along the Wisteria Wonder layer. 

For the inside of the card I decided to stamp the little girl silhouette from the Easter Blossoms stamp set  and the Happy Birthday sentiment from the Perfect Punches set, in Wisteria Wonder Classic ink.

I needed a little gift bag to go along with the card so decided to use the same designer papers and cardstocks and the part of the Two tags that was left over from the dress.  Here's a close up:

I repeated the sentiment on the tag to compliment the inside of the card and tied some melon mambo, green and purple (non SU) ribbons on the handle. 

Linda loved her birthday gift - some beautiful white chandelier earings that suit her oh so much!  She also loved the birthday card and matching gift bag.   I'd love to hear your comments too!