Words of Comfort FMS Challenge 634

Sometimes you just need some comforting words and to know that someone's thinking of you.  I felt that this week's Freshly Made Sketch challenge with the sentiment on a diagonal would work well for this card. 

Here is Kim's sketch: 

Click here to see details and design team submissions 

Here is my Card: 

I fell in love with the Thoughtful Journey 6 x 6 Designer Series Paper featured in the new Annual Catalogue and decided on a piece that would work perfectly for a background for this card. Each of the 48 double sided papers have wonderful patterns that you can mix and match. They coordinate with Blackberry Bliss, Cajun Craze, Calypso Coral, Lost Lagoon, Misty Moonlight, Peach Pie, Petunia Pop, Pool Party, Pretty Peacock and Wild Wheat cardstocks.

I chose this piece which features some trees and has such a peaceful design.  

Supplies:

Cardstock:  

• 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" piece of Moody Mauve scored at 4 1/4"
• 5 3/8 x 4 1/8 piece of Wild Wheat cardstock for mat
• 6" x 3/4" piece of Whisper White for center strip
• 5 1/4" x 4" piece of Whisper White for inside mat

Designer Series Paper:

• Thoughtful Journey 5 1/4 x 4 cut on an angle 

Accessories: 

• Starform Glitter strips and dots, Blackberry Bliss Ink and a sentiment stamp from the April Paper Pumpkin Delicate Wings stamp set. 

This card came together very quickly.  I hope you enjoyed this post.

Happy Stamping
Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

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2024-2025 Annual Stampin' Up! Catalogue has launched!

 HAPPY MAY 1ST|

Today I'm celebrating and  sharing the launch of the much awaited Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue which will run from today through April 30th, 2025.  Here it is:  

Click here to see PDF Version On Line 

What a change from previous catalogue layouts. The 2024-2025 catalogue is a mishmash of inspiration, techniques and products, and was designed for every type of stamper:

• Beginner/new to stamping:  These folks usually like pre-made kits (Step-by-step projects pgs. 4-11), 
• Stamper who likes to make projects but wants step above kits, so they don't have to invest in a lot of materials and tools (Quick and Easy Options pgs. 13-29)
•  Avid Seasoned stampers who "want it all" (Create Your Way pgs. 30-91).  

You may love it or hate it but one thing you need to do before you pass judgement on this new release is to pick it up and study it or look through the online PDF version page by page.  There is a lot of information such as:

• Mix and Match pgs. 18-19 - card samples are on pages 20-21
• start with cards and envelopes - two selections that include 5 card bases and envelopes 
• add an ephemera pack - selection of four different packages 
• and if you want coordinating sentiments see "Simply Said" stamp set.
• card design templates offer inspiration see page 22 and 25
• color combos  see page 23
•  

As you'll see when you study this book there is useful information on each and every page.  The Index on pages 140-141, will help you navigate to the pages you want.  Check out the icons on page 3 for additional help in locating products online  (QR codes, language and samples).  Failing all else go online and put in the product code in the search bar and all the information you need will be there.  

Please remember as a Stampin' Up! Demo I can help you with any questions you have or any difficulties navigating this new catalogue.  Cheers!  

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

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MAY 2024 HOSTESS CODE

Welcome to my site

and Happy May everyone!   

Here is my new Hostess Code for the month: 

Every papercrafter needs stuff, but not everyone can afford to place orders over $200 or host workshops to accumulate sales, so offering my monthly hostess code for smaller orders, is my way of saying "thanks for supporting my business".  

If you're planning on placing an order valued from $60 to $199.00 (before shipping and tax) during the month of May just add my May Hostess Code #JKSC9AEM at the end of your order to receive a small token of my appreciation and a thank you card. 

The benefits of shopping at my online store and adding my monthly Hostess Code are:

• You never have to go to a workshop or party. 
• If you need help with your product choices I'm always here to help. 
• You get to decide when to place your order and my online store is available 24/7.
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After you've  placed your order and applied the current hostess code you'll receive a free surprise gift from me and thank you card  generally within 2-3 weeks.  

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My monthly Hostess Code/free gift offer is only available for orders placed on-line and you must add the hostess code before the order is finalized.  If you don't already have an online account with me, you'll need to set up an account. It's fast and easy.

Once you've got your account set up you simply type in the monthly hostess code at checkout to any qualifying order valued from $60 to $199.00 (before shipping, tax and handling). 

Before you finalize your order at checkout you must add my hostess code for the month to the circled area in the above snapshot. Check and make sure that it's the right code, because I can't add the code for you, once the order is placed. If the code isn't on your order it won't  qualify for my free gift although you'll still receive a thank you card from me.   

If your order totals more than $200, no worries, you'll automatically receive Stampin' Rewards at the checkout based on your order total and will be prompted to enter products adding up to the qualifying amount before you proceed to checkout.

NOTE:  My May Hostess Code promo closes at noon on May 31, 2024.  Your free gift and thank you card will be sent to you by the 3rd week in June.

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up Demo since 2006

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In Color Starter Kit - Join in the Month of May

 

I'm super excited to share this Starter Kit Special offer that's happening from May 1st to 31st, 2024.  When the new Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue launches today you'll see lots of new products including these five brand new Incolors:  Peach Pie, Petunia Pop, Pretty in Pink, Shy Shamrock and Summer Splash.  This Starter Kit Special will get you started with this new color collection which includes stamp pads, cardstock, 6 x 6 Designer Paper, and markers.  

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE

TO HAVE IT ALL?

Join my team May 1st to 31st 2024 and you'll receive FOUR brand new In Color products in your Starter Kit at no additional cost as a hobby or business demo. You'll receive at no extra charge: 

• 2024–2026 In Color Classic Stampin’ Pad Bundle

• 2024–2026 In Color 8-1/2" x 11" (21.6 x 27.9 cm) Cardstock

• 2024–2026 In Color 6" x 6" (15.2 x 15.2 cm) Designer Series Paper

• 2024–2026 In Color Stampin’ Write Markers

If you love to craft and thrive on being part of a creative community, then becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator whether as a hobby or business demo, may be the perfect opportunity for you.

Sign up today and you’ll receive your pick of $165 worth of products for only $135! plus the four InColor 2024-2026 products above which will automatically be added to your Starter Kit order.  You'll also receive a FREE Paper Pumpkin kit, business supplies and free shipping.  Such a deal!   

DEMONSTRATOR BENEFITS

• Get 20%–25% off all Stampin' Up! Products on every order.
• Plus, exclusive early access to new products (pre-orders)
• Have the opportunity to earn a modest supplemental income based on your sales.
• Get support through online training resources, events, and a demonstrator-only online community with thousands of project ideas.
• Access to regular promotions, giving you an opportunity to contact customers.
• Learn creative tips and techniques, share ideas, and come into contact with new friends and teammates who love paper crafting as much as you do!

As a Stampin' Up! demo since 2006, I can tell you this is one of the best join offers I've ever seen.  

When you join my team I'll also be here to help you throughout the joining process and beyond. If you're a hobbyist looking for a way to get a discount on your regular orders, or wanting to have a small business please think about all the benefits of joining this month.  I will be delighted to answer all your questions and help get you started on your creative journey. 

Click here to Contact Me and Let's Get Started:  

Happy Month of May Stamping!
Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo 

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Masculine Birthday - Adventurous Sky FMS#

Welcome back and thanks for visiting my blog.  Today I have another masculine birthday card to share with you that features a soon to be released designer series paper from the 2024/25 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue.  

I found Linda's Freshly Made Sketch challenge very helpful in designing my card and organizing my elements.  Here is this week's Freshly Made Sketch #633 sketch:

HERE'S MY CARD: 

This birthday card started out with an 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" piece of Boho Blue cardstock which I scored at 4 1/4".  I added a 4" x 5 1/4" Copper Clay mat.  Before adhering this layer I used my Rectangle Stitched dies to cut out a mat for the dsp.  

The next mat is a piece of Whisper White card stock measuring 3 7/8" x 5".  I embossed this piece with a retired embossing folder called "Into the Clouds".  This was the perfect addition to the white layer adding so much texture to this plain card. 

The 2 3/4 x 3 3/4 piece of designer paper fits neatly onto the stitched rectangle layer and really sets the focus for this card.  The designer paper is aptly called "Take to the Sky" and it's part of the "Take To The Sky Suite". The two plaid pieces are from another piece of dsp from this pack. 

For the inside of the card I used my favourite masculine "happy birthday" sentiment which is from the retired Perennial Birthdays stamp set.  I stamped the sentiment and airplane image in Copper Clay ink.  The biplane image is from the soon to be released "Adventurous Sky" stamp set.  The sentiment "Flying By to Say Hi" is also from that stamp set, and is stamped in Momento Black ink. 

I hope you enjoyed this masculine birthday card.  I'm really pleased with the sketch and how the card turned out and know that I'll be doing more with this suite in the near future.  It's such a quick and easy card to create and a great way to put your dsp to work.  Check out the FMS Challenge too as there are so many great samples this week for inspiration.  

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

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Paper Pumpkin Alternative April 2024 Delicate Wings and TSOT Challenge:

I'm quite liking this sketch challenge by the gals at Try Stamping on Tuesday (TSOT), so have decided to give it a go.  This is a three week challenge and doesn't end until May 5th so, why not play along with me.  

Here is the sketch:

Click here for details

Here's My First Sketch Attempt:

I thought this sketch would work perfectly for another of my Paper Pumpkin April 2024 card alternatives and I was not disappointed.  I'd never worked with this type of sketch before, so when I compared the layout of my card to the sketch, I could see that my positioning of the half circle skewed the placement of the other elements on the card, so back to the drawing board. 

Here's My Second Attempt at this Sketch: 

The card base for this card is Night of Navy and the vibrant Honey Bee yellow star DSP, real red banner and Night of Navy masks and chest padding all came together quite nicely with this sketch.

One of my male cousins loves baseball and since I was making a baseball themed birthday card, I decided this sketch would be perfect.  I used a retired designer paper from Stampin' Up called Hey Sports Fan for the front of the card.  I used the same dsp for a mat on the inside of the card and added some retired baseball and birthday sentiments to finish it off.  

Well that's it for this week's challenge.  I hope you enjoyed both cards, but I'd be happy to hear which one is your favorite.  Drop me a comment, would love to hear from you.  

HAPPY STAMPING!
PENNY TOKEN'S STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Independent Stampin' Up Demo 

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Note:  I received some wonderful comments from Kat on this TSOT challenge suggesting I enter these cards on her Kats Scrapiness Blog Challenges so I did.  What an easy challenge.  Thanks Kat! 

Butterfly Sympathy Card - AHSC#574

It's been raining cats and dogs for the past week, so the good news is I didn't have to go out a lot, however I've been stuck at my computer most days trying to finish up Council business and my own paperwork.

So today it was a nice change getting together with my stamping bestie, Sheri, and tackle some card challenges.  Even though it was wet, dark and gloomy outside we had such a good time in my craft room.  Just being able to sit for a few hours, having a laugh and giggle at the week's silly stuff and being creative together was just the best medicine to help me forget about all the work still on my desk.   

We decided to tackle some challenges that are coming to an end this weekend, so began with a simple sketch challenge from the Atlantic Hearts. Challenge. 

HERE'S MY CARD: 

Unfortunately I need another sympathy card, and decided to use the Atlantic Hearts sketch and paper supplies from Stampin' Ups@ April Paper Pumpkin Kit called Delicate Wings.  This kit really keeps on giving as this is the 18th card I've made with it so far and I know I still have enough supplies to make at least ten more. 

Apologies for the poor quality of the photos.  The very shiny basic gray and gold metallic design on the top layer of the card really casts a reflection.  

In this closeup you can   see the beautiful two layer butterfly and the gold threads that are behind the hexagon.  You can also see the lovely butterflies that are embossed on the hexagon focal point. 

The inside of the card is very plain with the sentiment and lovely butterflies stamped in Moody Mauve ink directly to the card base.  

• This card began with an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of Sahara Sand cardstock scored at 4 1/4".
• For the foil layer I cut one of the basic gray cards in the kit in half and then cut one piece into a 4" x 5 1/4" mat.
• For my focal point I replaced the banner with a Moody Mauve hexagon that was embossed with the now retired Fluttering Textures Embossing folder. The hexagon was easy to cut out with the Delicate Wings dies which were an add-on to the April Paper Pumpkin kit.
• Before adhering the hexagon to the card face I made a figure eight with some gold thread and attached it to the back of the hexagon with glue dots.
• The sentiment banner is from the kit and was added with dimensionals.
• To finish the card I added three 2023-2025 In Color Dots in Moody Mauve and a 2-layer butterfly that I stamped in Moody Mauve ink onto Sahara Sand cardstock and layered the dies in the kit to cut out with the butterfly.

I hope you like this week's challenge card and will drop by to leave me a comment.  Thanks again for stopping by.  

Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Independent Stampin' Up! Demo

Click here for my Web Store:    

NOTE:  I've also added this card to to Kats Scrapiness Blog Challenge following a comment by Buffy Kramer on my card.  Thanks so much! 

Gold Foiled Wedding Cards for FMS #631

This weeks Freshly Made Sketch #  is by Jen Timko and it  features a square card design.  

Freshly Made Sketches #631

Here's My Card: 

I have a niece and a nephew from a different family both getting married on the same weekend in May.  I thought this sketch would be perfect for their wedding cards, and when the cards were finished, I wasn't disappointed. There's just something so special about square cards and this one looks so elegant.  

I began with a 10" x 5" square card base cut from Very Vanilla cardstock and scored it at 5".  A 4 7/8" x 4 7/8" layer of black cardstock followed by a 4 3/4" x 4 3/4" piece of cardstock from the Gold Foiled Flowers card kit (162589).  The final and most delightful layer is a 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" Very Vanilla mat that I embossed with the Layering Flowers 3D embossing folder.  

I cut a gold foil heart and a Very Vanilla heart with a lacy edge and layered them together for the top focal point.  Before adhering the heart to the front of the card I added a Very Vanilla taffeta bow and some black and gold leaf sprigs.  The finishing touch were three brass butterflies.

Although I didn't get this card posted in time for the sketch challenge, I'm still happy I used the sketch, as it was the perfect layout for these cards.  

Happy Stamping!

Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Independent Stampin' Up Demo since 2006

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Paper Pumpkin Alternatives April 2024 and Sketch Challenges

The past week was so busy that time literally flew by.  I have a number of projects on the go, including working on my April 2024 Paper Pumpkin kit alternatives so I decided to use some sketch challenges for inspiration.  For this card I was excited to try another sketch challenge with sketch #573 from the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge (AHSC) but unfortunately I missed the deadline.    

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #573

Why waste a good post?  Even though this card isn't entered in that challenge, it's still post worthy.  Let me know if this has ever happened to you when you've been doing challenges?  The turnaround times sometimes are just not in my reality.  Oh well.....

Here's My Card: 

In this photo the lighting has captured the Lost Lagoon in all it's glory.  I used pieces from a white card base in the April Paper Pumpkin kit for the top and bottom panels of this card. Before cutting these panels I used blending brushes and Lost Lagoon ink to change the look of the design and add some colour.  I also ran the top panel through my big shot and embossed it with the hatch design from the Basic 3D embossing folders which are available in the On Line Exclusive products list. 

I love the dies that coordinate with the Delicate Wing Paper Pumpkin kit.  They give a three D effect.  Before cutting the butterflies out with these dies I stamped them on the reverse side of one of the white panels with the butterfly stamp from the kit.  I used gold gems to highlight the centers of the butterflies and for design elements. 

I had some left over Lost Lagoon taffeta ribbon which I used to divide the bottom and middle panel.  I stamped the "Sending Love and Best Wishes" sentiment from the Perennial Postage stamp set in Lost Lagoon ink on a scrap of white paper and then die cut it with the smallest of the Stitched Rectangle stamps.  This was mounted on a scrap of Lost Lagoon that was also cut with those dies. 

Supplies Used:

The April 2024 Paper Pumpkin kit called Delicate Wings card stock, stamps and dies were used to create this card.  

Stamp Sets:  Perennial Postage, Perennial Birthday, and Delicate Wings

Cardstock:  Basic White (card base 8 1/2 x 11 scored at 4 1/4", Inside Mat 3 3/4" x 5" and scraps for butterflies), Lost Lagoon (4 1/8" x 5 3/8" Mat)

DSP:  Paper Pumpkin April 2024 Delicate Wings Kit

Accessories:  Lost Lagoon Taffeta Ribbon, Gold gems, Basics 3D Embossing Folder, Stitched Rectangles Dies, glue dots, tombow glue. 

HAPPY STAMPING!

Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Independent Stampin Up Demo since 2006

Click here to see my 24/7 Webstore Page: 

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #572:

April has sure been living up to its reputation for rain showers but it's been really on the cold side which isn't normal for this time of year.  

Our townhouse complex is being re-roofed and our unit is one of the first to be done so there is a lot of pounding, things dropping and general chaos as the work progresses.  I am however thoroughly "over the roof" that it's finally getting done!  Unfortunately with the lack of sunshine its a slower go than one would expect. Today I'm excited to share a "new to me" sketch challenge called Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge.  It was recommended to me by my stampin' bestie Sheri, who often participates in their weekly challenges.  Her comment was this is a great challenge site because the design team give lots of feedback and there are always fun challenges.  Well that was enough to get me looking.  

Here's the Sketch Challenge Atlantic Hearts #572: 

Here's My Card:  

I'm continuing to make Anniversary cards and this one is quite elegant.  It began with an 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" Crumb Cake card base that was scored at 4 1/4".  A layer of Gorgeous Grape measuring 4" x 5 1/4" was added next and followed by a beautiful sheet of Perennial Lavender designer series paper.  I love the artistry of these papers.  

For the oval on the card sketch I chose a floral oval wreath from the retired Eden dies.  I debated about using a purple toned cardstock for the oval, however decided to use basic white to tie it in to the beautiful flowers in the dsp.  I'm glad I did as it lent a folksy whimsical look to the card.

At the top of the wreath oval I added some Gorgeous Grape and Lost Lagoon lavender sprigs and a Lost Lagoon taffeta ribbon.  I also randomly placed fine Purple Shimmer Gems to add some sparkle.  The Happy Anniversary sentiment was stamped with Versamark and Lost Lagoon inks and heat set with Clear Embossing Powder.  

This was a fun and easy card to make because the oval die and the designer paper made it come together quickly.  Please let me know if you liked this card, I love to get feedback.  Be sure to pop over to the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge blog and take a look at the beautiful card entries for this week's challenge.

HAPPY STAMPING!
PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up Demo since 2006

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