Sweet Friend Card - AHSC #588

Well here we are the last day of July.  Where did the month go?  Before it ends I decided to play along with this sketch from Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #588. 

HERE'S MY CARD: 

This was a difficult challenge for me, as I'm not a fan of cards with leaves.  I have extreme difficulty for some reason, attaching them so they look like they were meant to be in the focal.  As I'm trying to use up supplies on hand,  I decided to use some of the products from the Life is Sweet - June 2024 Paper Pumpkin kit.  I knew it had some leaves in the ephemera packs, and there was lots of paper left to work with.  

Supplies:

Stamp Set:

• Life is Sweet Artwork Photopolymer stamp from Paper Pumpkin kit

Cardstock:

• Pretty in Pink for the card base - 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4"
• Basic Black for the mat on front 5 1/4" x 4" 
• Whisper White scrap for the sentiment label 
• Designer Paper from Paper Pumpkin - Pink  3 3/4" x 5" 

The original cherry from the kit was rather dull looking so I used a blending brush to enhance the green leaves and the cherries.  I also coloured the vellum leaves with garden green ink and a blending brush.  Once I was satisfied with the leaves, I added them with glue dots to the back of the cherries to get the spacing right and then added dimensionals to pop the cherries up on the focal point.

I stamped the sweet friend sentiment onto one of the Whisper White pre-cut labels from the Paper Pumpkin kit and again popped this strip up with dimensionals across the base of the focal point.    The last thing I did with this was scatter some pink iridescent sequins and Nuvo Drops to the cherries to make them shine.   

Ink:

• Momento Black for sentiment "sweet friend" 
• Real Red to touch up the cherries 
• Garden Green and Mossy Meadow to touch up Vellum leaves
• Soft Suede blends for the cherry stems

Accessories:

• Dimensionals
• Tom Bow Glue and Adhesive Glue Dots 
• Painted Texture Embossing Folder for Pink DSP layer 
• Stitched 2 1/2 and 2 1/4" circle dies
• Pastel Adhesive Backed Sequins Pink Iridescent x 5 #160387
• Pink Envelope

I won't lie, although the sketch challenge itself was simple, this card was a real challenge for me.  But, in the end I was satisfied with how it turned out.  What about you, do you struggle with adding ephemera to your cards?  I'd love to hear from you.

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

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Peace on Earth Christmas Challenge #68

Our run of extreme hot weather finally broke today and we had some cool winds and a drop of four or five degrees in temperature which is so welcome.   Since our home doesn't have air conditioning it's been a constant battle to keep the interior of the house below 80 degrees and that sure does cramp your stamping style.  

Thank goodness for the Peace On Earth Christmas Sketch Challenge's bi-monthly anything goes challenge.  Just the thought of making another Christmas card  literally kept me cool in my craft room.  Here is their wonderful mood board:

Click here to see Design Team Cards and Enter Challenge

Here is My Card: 

I was inspired by both the candles and the red plaid designs in the mood board when I created this card.

Supplies:

Stamp Set:

• Window Wishes by Stampin' Up! #159751

Dies:

• Window Dies #159756  

Card Stock:

• Whisper White - 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" for base scored at 4 1/4"
• Whisper White 5" x 3" mats x 2 for outside and inside\
• Scraps to stamp candles and wreath
• Shaded Spruce mat 5 1/4" x 4" for inside
• Scraps:  Basic Black and Crumb Cake for Window Frame, Real Red for bow, Vellum for Window backing

Designer Paper:

• Wrapped in Plaid 5 1/4" x 4" for front mat 
• Wrapped in Plaid 3/4" x 4" for strip on inside mat

Ink:

• Shaded Spruce for Wreath and sentiment
• Real Red for candle base
• Daffodil Delight for candle flames

Accessories:

• Red Starform Stickers for berries on wreath
• Dimensionals 
• Blender Brush to apply a light coat of Daffodil Ink onto the back of the Vellum window backing
• Tombow Adhesive

I hope you enjoyed this week's Christmas card challenge.  My little pile of cards is starting to grow, and while I'm not going to make my goal for July, it's inspiring me to make more.  

Happy Stamping!

Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot
Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin Up! Demo since 2006 

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Berry Delightful Cards - Love Those Pretty Papers Card Challenge

EDIT:  Winner Love Those Pretty Papers Challenge! 

Just a note to say that I was chosen "Winner" for the challenge at Love Those Pretty Papers July Winners!  What an honour as this was their first challenge!  Thanks to Darlene Pavlick and Diane Hover, the hosts of this challenge.  Much appreciated!  Three Cheers for the Top Three Winners:  Imke, Annie and Liz Cavell.    Thanks so much! 

Penny 

Christmas In July - TSOT #161

WINNER UPDATE:  NEWS JUST IN!   

 TOP FOUR WINNER!

Click here to see the "Four" Winners for this Challenge! 

I was totally excited to see my card was chosen as part of the Top Four Winners in the Double Trouble Challenge #171.  I just had to share this awesome news!  I'll be posting my banner and making a few more of these cards, that's for sure! 

CHRISTMAS IN JULY TSOT #161 CHALLENGE: 

Click here to see the Design Team samples and challenge rules 

Here is the latest sketch challenge over at Try Stamping on Tuesday's blog - TSOT #651.    I love this sketch outline and will have lots of time to work on it as the challenge runs from July 16th to August 4th

I decided to pair the TSOT #651 with the Double Trouble #171 challenge that runs from July 19th to 31st.  

There are three parts to this challenge:   Things 1: add a window or apertures to your card, Thing 2: include snow, snowflakes, Frosty or any other snowpeople, and Thing 3: Christmas in July theme.  Whew that's a lot to try and cram into a card.  

HERE'S MY CARD: 

This card challenge was right up my alley as I had "Christmas in July" cards to make, so it qualifies for the Thing 3 Twisted Sister challenge.  The stitched circle window (aperture) qualifies for the Thing 1 Trouble-maker "What's Your Drive Thru Window", and last but not least the Thing 2 Double Dare, for the Jingle Bells "Dashing Through the Snow Challenge".  

I started with a Whisper White Card base and added a layer of Misty Moonlight card stock followed by a piece of winter scene designer paper from the Feels Like Frost Specialty Design 6 x 6 pack (#150444 R). 

I used some Sizzix nested stitched circles dies to cut the aperture window.   I found it was easier to start by adhering the top two mats together and lining up the 2" circle die on top of the designer paper mat.  I ran these layers  through the big shot twice to make sure I'd cut through both layers.  

Once I removed the circle of DSP I adhered the double mat to the card base.   To cut the circle through the card base I simply put the die back in the space where the circle was die cut from and then ran this stack through the big shot again, removing the white circle from the card front.  

I secured the two nesting circle dies on a scrap piece of Misty Moonlight cardstock with some washi tape and then ran this through the big shot.  I adhered the Misty Moonlight circle around the window to give it a more finished look.  

The cute little snowman is from an old Stampin' Up! set called "Snowman Season" #150458(R).   I used dimensionals to mount this 1 1/2" stitched circle to the circle left over from cutting out the window from the designer series paper. 

For my sentiment I stamped "Tis the Season to be Freezin" in Misty Moonlight ink on a scrap of Whisper White cardstock.  I cut this piece down and mounted it to a piece of Misty Moonlight and then adhered it to the card front with dimensionals.  A few silver flat sequins added some sparkle to the finished card. 

Well that's it for this "Christmas in July" card.  I hope you liked it.  This card design is a great way to show off some of those winter scene designer papers and is super quick and easy to make.   

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT! 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up Demo Since 2006

Winter Fun FMS #6455

Here's this week's sketch from Jen at Freshly Made Sketches:

Click here to see the Design Team's Creations

Here's My Card: 

As a demonstrator we often get access to products that will be coming out in catalogues or part of the online exclusives ahead of customers, and so I was able to purchase the first of my Christmas stamp and die sets for the upcoming holiday season.  This over the top stamp set is called "Sophisticated Sled" and it has coordinating dies by the same name.  

This was my first time using both and I'm extremely pleased with how this card turned out. 

I stamped the skates in Misty Moonlight on the front corner of the envelope and then stamped it off again on a scrap of paper before applying it to the inside mat. I love the faded look and it was easy to stamp the wonderful sentiment overtop in the corresponding ink.  

Supplies: 

Stamps: 

• Sophisticated Sled #164340 - Online Exclusive  Christmas 2024 
• Skates - on envelope, tag and inside
• Inside Verse - I Hope Your Days Are Filled With Fun and Laughter
• Encircled in Warmth - #156449 (R)
• Let It Snow

Cardstock:

• Base Whisper White - 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4"
• Inside mat - 3 3/4" x 5" 
• Outside and Inside Mats cut two - Misty Moonlight 4" x 5 1/4" 

Designer Paper and Ephemera:

• Paper Pumpkin May 2024 - Striped Mat 3 3/4" x 5" 
• Pool Party Sprigs of leaves - 1 element 

Dies:

• Something Fancy - Layering tags - Large one in Misty Moonlight and smaller one in Whisper White 
• Sophisticated Sled Dies to cut out skates

Accessories:

• Pastel Adhesive Sequins - Pool Party Blues
• Dimensionals under small label
• Glue Dots from Paper Pumpkin Kit - under skates and leaves

Thank you for taking the time to drop by today.  I'd love to hear your comments on this card.  It is another of my Christmas must do cards and I'm very happy with how quick it was to make and how clean and simple the design is.  Thanks Freshly Made Sketches for the wonderful sketch this week which influenced my card design. 

Happy Stamping!

Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

FREE SHIPPING - ONE DAY ONLY - JULY 23, 2024

 

Surprise! It’s time for FREE SHIPPING! On 23 July, you can shop and save on all qualifying orders of $100 or more. What a great way to stock up on all your favorite products from the catalog, Online Exclusives, kits, and more!   Free shipping is for one day only, and here's what you need to know:

When: Tuesday July 23rd, 2024 - one day only
Ordering Deadlines    Phone: 23 July 2024 at 6:59 p.m. (MT)
                                  Online: 23 July 2024 at 11:59 p.m. (MT)

What are the Rules? 

• All order types qualify for this promotion.
  
• Free shipping is for 24 hours only. Orders must be opened and closed on 23 July 2024.
  
• Free shipping automatically applies to your cart after the qualifying amount has been met, which is $100 CAD (before tax).
  
• IMPORTANT: Coupon codes and product credits are non-commissionable and will lower your order’s retail amount. Orders must meet the qualifying amount to be eligible for free shipping.
  
• The additional cost for expedited shipping is not covered by this promotion.
  
• Prepaid 3-, 6-, or 12-month Paper Pumpkin subscriptions can contribute to the qualifying amount for free shipping (Month-to-month subscriptions do not qualify). Subscriptions billed and shipped this month will be charged for the normal amount ($25.00 USD | $34.75 CAD shipping included) + tax.
  

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HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNYTOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up Demo since 2006

Click hear for information on how to apply my Hostess Code: 

Happy Stamping! 

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak

CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Farewell Ruby - FMS#644

A few weeks ago we were visiting my sister and brother-in-law in Williams Lake, and their beautiful little kitty named Ruby was very sick.  She'd lost a lot of weight and wasn't her playful cheerful self.  Unfortunately this week they had to seek out the services of Angela a wonderful lady who makes home visits and helps animals to cross the rainbow bridge.  So this card is to Ruby the sweetest little girl cat ever.  We're going to miss you darlin'.  

I decided to use this week's Freshly Made Sketch to design this card. Here's the sketch by Kim: 

Click here to see the link and FMS Design Team Cards 

Here's My Card: 

The picture on the inside looks far more like Ruby than the one on the cover, but that's okay.  I'd forgotten I had this Nine Lives stamp set until the card was almost finished. 

I love the way this little cat lies on the shelf.  Ruby was a climber, so she would have related to this.

Supplies:

Cardstock:

• Whisper White card base measures 8 1/2 x 5 1/2" and scored at 4 1/4".
• Whisper White layer for inside measures 5" x 3 3/4" and a piece for the sentiment on the front that measures 2" x 3 1/4" for sentiment and some scraps for the sentiment.
• Basic Black layer measures 5 3/8" x 4 1/8". Cut a strip that measures 1 1/2" x 5" and emboss with 3D Basic Embossing Folder and adhere to the front of the red layer lining it up with the strips of DSP. 
• Real Red layers measures 4" 5 1/4" cut one for card front and one for inside
• Real Red strip measures 3 1/2" x 1 1/8" mounted to card front with dimensionals.  

Designer Series Paper:

• Playful Pets #152489 cut 2 strips of coordinating papers that measure 1" x 5 and a second one that measures 1 x 1/4" x 5 for the second piece.  Glue to red layer. 

Stamp Sets:

• Nine Lives for cat image inside the card 
• Love Cats #160410 for the black cat on the front of the card.
• Happy Tails #448682 (R) for sentiment "so sorry for your loss"  stamped on to a scrap of whisper white and then the words were cut down so they could be spread across the space. 
• Pampered Pets #152520 for sentiment "Always in your heart, so sorry for your loss"  For inside the card.  
• Pawfelt Cat - Kaisercraft CS284 Clear Stamp for small red heart.

Ink: 

• Momento Tuxedo Black Ink for sentiments and cats 
• Real Red ink for heart 

Accessories:

• Dimensionals for the cat shelf on card front\
• Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels #146924

It's very sad when we lose pets and sometimes folks feel all alone in their grief.  Being able to send some one a card when they are going through a loss is one way to connect, and let them know you're there for them.  See you next time.  

Happy Stamping!

Penny Tokens Stampin Spot 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Independent Stampin' Up Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my Online 24/7 Shop 

 Click here to see instructions for applying the Hostess Code to Your Online Order 

Beary Christmas Red, White, and Blue Card

It's time for a Christmas in July card, and I'm using the inspiration board #67 from Peace On Earth Christmas blog as my incentive and have created a fun red, white and blue card.  Here is the mood board inspiration:   

Click here to visit the Peace on Earth Christmas Blog for details: 

Here's My Card: 

Today's card is very special because it's the first Christmas card I've made towards my personal "Christmas in July Challenge".  Since I need to have 120 Christmas greeting cards finished for my end of October mailout, I've set a goal to make at least 30 cards each month from July through October. Whew, that's a lot of cards!  Will I make it?  I don't know but with challenge sites like the Peace on Earth Christmas blog, and their great mood boards to inspire me I'm pretty sure I will! 

One of my favourite winter stamp sets and designer papers in Stampin' Ups! 2023 Holiday Minu catalogue is called Beary Christmas.  I loved the paper so much I purchased two full packs as well as the coordinating Memories and More card pack and envelopes.   I'm using a combination of snowy scene papers from the Beary Christmas designer paper for this card.  

The color combination of White, Balmy Blue, Misty Moonlight and Night of Navy provides the perfect backdrop for this gift giving polar bear as he treks across the card front.  The bear and the "warm wishes" sentiment are stickers from the Memories and More pack.  

Supplies:

Card Stock:

• Night of Navy for card base measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4"
• Front layer - Basic White 4" x 5 1/4"
• Inside layer - Basic White 4" x 5 1/4" 

Designer Paper and Accessories:

• Three 1 1/2" x 3 3/4" strips of contrasting designer paper from the Beary Christmas 12 x 12 DSP #162015 - Christmas Mini 2023
• Stickers (polar bear and sentiment) from the Beary Christmas Memories and More package #162028
• Envelope from Beary Christmas Cards and More Envelopes 

Thanks for dropping by and seeing my first Christmas card of the season.  Let me know if you've set any goals for your own Christmas cards this year.  I'd love to hear what you're aiming for.  

Happy Stamping!

Penny Tokens Stampin Spot 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006  

Click here to shop in my 24/7 online store

Click here for details on using this month's hostess code: 

Life Is Sweet - TSOT#650

 Here is the semimonthly sketch challenge from Try a Sketch on Tuesday (TSOT #650) that happens the third Tuesday of the month. This challenge runs from July 2nd to 14th so there's plenty of opportunity for you to share your creativity and join me in this challenge.

Click here to see how to Participate 

Here's My Card: 

For this card I chose products from the June 2024 Paper Pumpkin Kit called "Life is Sweet" which has been sitting on my desk for a bit.  

Supplies:

Stamp Set:  

• Life is Sweet - Paper Pumpkin June 2024 Kit 

Cardstock and Paper:

• Whisper White for card Base 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 14" 
• Peach Pie 2024-2026 Incolor - 4" x 51/4" for front layer  and 1 1/2" x 4" strip for card front
• Peach Pie card base from  Paper Pumpkin kit, 3 3/4" x 5" for top layer.  Dry embossed with Cane Weave Embossing Folder 
• Shy Shamrock 1 1/4" x 3 3/4" for front strip.  Dry embossed with Basic 3D embossing folder (R). 
• Four Peach Ephemera shapes from Life is Sweet kit 

Blends and Ink: 

• Momento Black Ink 
• Peach Pie ink
• Peach Pie and Shy Shamrock Light and Dark Stampin' Blends 

Accessories:

• Basic 3D Embossing Folder (R)
• Cane Weave Embossing Folder 
• Four Square Decorative Mask (Stencil) for inside card panel 
• Dimensionals
• Adhesive Backed Shiny Sequins (5) 

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Store 

Click here For Info on How To Apply the Hostess Code