Happiest of Birthdays

This week's sketch at  Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #686 calls for a large sentiment as the focal.  This was a bit of a challenge for me since I don't have a lot of large sentiments, however I decided on a retired Stampin' Up! set called "Happiest of Birthdays" that was perfect. 

HERE'S MY CARD: 

I likely haven't used the Happiest of Birthdays stamp set for five or six years, but I recall purchasing it because of the big birthday messages and the font styles. I really liked it back then, and I believe I've come to appreciate it once more. Thanks to AHSC for this challenge!

I used Secret Sea ink from Stampin' Up! to stamp the sentiments; it’s a very dark blue shade that falls between Night of Navy and Black. I was quite pleased with the richness it added to the sentiments both inside and outside the card.

I came across a 3 1/2" x 5" piece of ephemera cardstock featuring beautiful flowers that matched the first matte on the card front. Initially, I planned to cut out and matte the sentiment on a square or another shape for the focal point, but I managed to stamp the sentiment between the two floral designs instead. Since it appeared a bit flat, I searched the ephemera pack for coordinating flowers and attached them with dimensionals at each corner. I completed this layer by adding some soft pink sequins.

For the inside of the card I chose an image of a cake slice and a strip of pink gingham DSP from the Wildflower Birthday paper pack to glam up the inside of the card.  I used the sentiment "It's Your Day! Enjoy" from the Happiest of Birthdays" stamp set.  

SUPPLIES AND INSTRUCTIONS:

Stamps and Dies:

• Happiest of Birthdays #152539 SU (R)

Cardstock and Designer Papers:

• Basic White cardbase 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4"
• Basic White matte for inside 3 3/4" x 5"
• Pretty in Pink matte 5 1/4" x 3 3/4" for front
• 5 1/4" x 4" matte for inside of card
• Brocade Blue matte 3 5/8" x 5 1/8" for front 
• Wildflower Birthday Designer Paper (DSP) 
• 5 3/8" x 4 1/8" for card front 
• 5" x 3 1/2" Ephemera Matte for front
• 3/8" x 5" strip for inside card 
• Ephemera Birthday Cake and flowers 

Inks:

• Secret Sea ink

Accessories:

• Dimensionals 
• Soft Pink Iridescent Sequins

Once I selected the large sentiment and the designer paper I wanted to use, this card came together quite quickly. The mattes' dimensions aren't standard due to the ephemera piece I picked as the focal point. When that happens, you just need to adjust your sizing.

Thank you for stopping by to view my entry for this week's sketch challenge at Atlantic Hearts. I hope you liked my interpretation. I’m sure I’ll be using these sentiments again and was glad to rediscover them in my collection. Until next time..........

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006 

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop

FREE SHIPPING - THREE DAYS ONLY

 

Need a reason to shop?  It's here!  Starting today June 11th through June 13th get free shipping on all orders over $100.00 CDN (after coupons and discounts and before shipping and handling).  I'm using this promo to stalk up on cardstock for my winter projects.  What about you?  

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop 

Happy Birthday Wishes Sail Boat Card - AHSC#684

This week's sketch challenge #684 at Atlantic Hearts has been posted.  Here's the sketch:

Here's My Card:

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies:

• Sailing Home #149457 stamps
• Smooth Sailing Dies #149576
• Stylish Shape Circle Dies 
• Gone Fishing  (water stamp) #161535

Cardstock and DSP:

• Start with a 8 1/2 x 5 1/2" basic white card based scored at 4 1/4
• Cut inside  panel from basic white measuring 5" x 3 3/4" 
• Cut a 3" x 3" piece of basic white to die cut focal circle and a scrap to stamp the sailing ship and sentiment on.
• Cut a piece of Misty Moonlight 5 1/4" x 4" and a 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" scrap for the focal mat.  Die cut with 3" stitched circle die.

• Let's Go Fishing DSP #161534 Cut two pieces that measure 5 1/4" x 4".  Use one piece for the inside panel.  Cut the second piece into three 1 1/2"panels

Inks and Blends:

• Misty Moolight
• Secret Sea

Accessories:  

• Dimensionals 

Thanks for dropping by to see my rendition of this week's Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge.  Leave me a note to let me know if this card inspires you to do more crafting.  Until next time......

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006 

Beautiful Florals #683 AHSC

Sorry I've been missing in action over the past two weeks.  I've been working on divesting myself of the strata council business and it's been a bit overwhelming to say the least.  We held our AGM last week and it took a lot out of me saying good bye to everyone. I am however proud of all I accomplished over the years, and have lots of good memories to cherish.     

What a lovely send off.  The thank you speeches, were wonderful and so appreciated, and I received this lovely bouquet of flowers which I've enjoyed immensely.  

Peonies have always been one of my favourite flowers.  When this wonderful bouquet was dropped off by a close neighbor/friend, I was stunned and so appreciative.  Nessa's timing and intuitiveness is always spot on, as I was at a real low energy point and these beauties brought me out of my funk. Thanks as always Nessa..... you're simply the best! 

With both of these beautiful bouquets in mind, I found the  Atlantic Hearts Challenges #683 designed by Michelle and digitalized by Brandi to be perfect.  Here is the sketch:

Here's My Card:

Supplies and Instructions: 

Stamps and Dies:

• Basic Border Die SU #155558 - Scallop Stitched Die 

Card Stock:

• Soft Sea Foam for base 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4" 
• Basic White Mattes - 5 3/8" x 4 1/8" for front and 5 1/4" x 4 for inside and a 2 /2" x 3" piece for sentiment 
• Pretty in Pink Matte - 5 1/4" x 4" embossed with Cute Crochet embossing folder. 
• Designer Series Paper - Wildflower Birthday

Ink:

• Peaceful Pine (new SU In Colour) 

Accessories: 

• Dimensionals
• Adhesive Backed Shiny Sequins in Green
• Wildflower Ephemera pack for flowers
• Cute Crochet 3D Embossing Folder SU#163792 

Thanks for dropping by and checking out my challenge card this week.  Let  me know if you like this floral arranged card.  I love the soft pastels and girly feel this card has.  I can't wait to give it away for a friend's birthday in June.   

Until next time.............

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop

Soccer Match FMS#735 Challenge

Kim's card sketch this week on Freshly Made Sketches #735 may leave your knees clacking together, but don't be afraid it's actually a great sketch to play with.  

Here's My Card:

As much as I don't like working with square cards, I enjoyed making this one.  

Before cutting my designer paper, I used photocopy paper to cut out a template to make sure my measurements worked.  Here's my take on the sketch:

Supplies and Instructions 

Stamps and Dies:

• Best Catch SU#148598 - "Its Your Day"
• Match Day Dies and Stamps

Cardstock and Designer Paper (DSP):

• Basic White 5 1/2" x 9 1/2" scored at 5" for card base 
•  Scrap Basic White for sentiment and circle for soccer ball
• Basic Black 4 3/8" x 5 1/8" for matte  and scrap for soccer ball
• Basic Black  Cut four 1" squares for card design cut one square in half
• A Wonderful Match DSP #167515 - cut 3 granny green 1" squares and 3 and a half squares with soccer ball design
• Silver scrap for trophy

When you look at my measurements you will note that I didn't make a square card.  It didn't look right and so I cut down the white margin on the right hand side.  The finished card actually measures 4 5/8" x 5 1/2".  It will require a custom made envelope but that's easy to do with my envelope maker.  

Ink and Blends:

• Momento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: 

• Dimensionals 
• Basic D hatch marked embossing folder for the White last matte on the card front.  It helped to tie it all together. 

Thanks for visiting my blog today, and if you left a comment on my submission to Freshly Made Sketches sketch challenge thanks so much!  Getting validation from fellow card makers and paper crafters is like adding jet fuel to an airplane...........it keeps you soaring!  Cheers until next time..........

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit  my On-line Shop 

For the Man Who Loves Fishing..... AHSC630

I really enjoy this time of year and strolling through our complex to admire all the lovely flowers. Right now there are a lot of Azaleas and Rhododendrons in full bloom, in a wonderful array of pinks, reds, whites and yellows.  They are simply stunning.  I took a photo of the walkway down to the pond to share with you.  The Wisteria is in full bloom and so fragrant.

 

Here is the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #680 for this week. If you’ve never tried a sketch challenge and want an enjoyable way to use your craft supplies, joining a sketch challenge is a wonderful way to pass the time. Even if you don’t share your work on a blog or Instagram and simply create for your own enjoyment, you’ll be happy you took part.

Here's My Card:

I love the florals in the sketch, however because you can interpret a sketch in your own way, I chose to do another masculine birthday card featuring a mixture of stamps, dies and designer papers.  Here is my interpretation of this week's sketch.

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies:

• Cheers & Sips #SU165588 - "It's Your Day" and "Let's Celebrate"
• He's All That #SU159071- "To the Man who does Everything" and die cut for "It's Your Day" and "Let's Celebrate"
• Stylish Shapes Oval Dies #SU159183

Cardstock and Designer Paper:

• Basic Beige 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4" for card base 
• Pecan Pie - cut two mattes 5 1/4" x 4" for front and inside
• Pecan Pie strips - cut three  - 1 and 1/8" x 3 3/4
• Pecan Pie cut one - 1 5/8" x 5" for center matte on card front 
• Pecan Pie 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" for stitched oval matte 
• Very Vanilla mattes  Cut two - 5" x 3 3/4" 
• scraps for sentiments 
• Let's Go Fishing designer paper #SU161534 (R)
• 1 1/2" x 5" for center matted panel on front
• 1" x 3 3/4" for strips on either side of the center panel
• 3" x 2 1/2" for oval die cut 

Ink:

• Misty Moonlight 

Accessories:

• Dimensionals
• Pecan Pie gems - small 
• Hatched Basic D - embossing folder for the Very Vanilla matte. 

Thank you for stopping by my blog; I hope you enjoyed my interpretation of the sketch. The card consists of many layers, but as you add each layer of mattes, strips, and focal points, it comes together quite fast. Please let me know if this type of card interests you or if you found the instructions helpful. I always appreciate hearing from readers and am happy to help however I can. Until next time...

HAPPY STAMPING! 

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop 

Time to Celebrate Birthday #AHSC679

What a busy week it’s been! I didn’t have a chance to make any cards until this past weekend, so I missed last week’s Atlantic Hearts Challenge. However, the good thing about their sketch challenges is that they happen every week. With that in mind, please take a look at this week’s sketch: Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #679

Here's my card:

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies: 

• Perennial Birthday - "Happy Birthday" sentiment SU#145757 R
• Round We Go  - "Time to Celebrate" sentiment SU#163724 R
• Tags to Go Dies SU#165576 R

Every now and then, you come across true treasures on the clearance rack. I had overlooked this set several times because I wasn’t fond of the stamp set included with it, but when it dropped below $20, I couldn’t pass it up. At first, I purchased it for the key dies, which I plan to use on Christmas and housewarming cards, but then I grew fond of the stitched triangle tag.

Cardstock and Designer Papers:

• Basic White 10 1/2" x 5 1/4" scored at 5 1/4" for base
• Inside matte - 4 3/4" x 4 34" 
• 2 3/4" x 1 12" for stitched tag
• Blueberry Bushell cut two mattes - 4 3/4" x 4 3/4" 
• Wildflower Birthday - SU#164591 R

The papers in the Wildflower Birthday DSP feature gold foil on the leaves, dots, and other background elements, which truly highlight the lovely patterns on the paper. The Ephemera pack for this collection is filled with images of cakes, cupcakes, and flowers. The small gold foil banner was trimmed from a larger banner in this set and is attached to the front of the card using dimensionals.  I love this paper and I'm happy every time I use it.  Click here to check out another card I made in December featuring this paper. 

Ink:

• Blueberry Bushell

Accessories: 

• Dimensionals
• Genial Gems - green SU #155500 R
• Ephemera and cut fussy cut images from Wildflower Birthday DSP
• flower on tag, cupcake image on dsp square, gold foil banner, flowers on inside of card and small cupcake on back of the card. 

Thanks again for visiting my site and for your comments on my cards.  It simple makes my day when I get a notification someone's looking.  Make sure to check out the design team and participants samples on the AHSC blog as there are some really cute cards for this challenge.  

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online shop

Masculine Birthday - Going Fishing FMS #733

Some thrilling news for everyone eagerly awaiting the new Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue; it’s coming soon! If you’re on my mailing list, you should be getting yours this week. Stampin’ Up!, always evolving and updating, has revamped their catalogue format, so don’t be surprised when you get the latest edition. It contains only 87 pages, unlike their usual 180+.  The new catalogue goes live on May 5th, 2026.

For this weeks Freshly Made Sketch hosted by Jen T.

HERE'S MY CARD:   

Today's masculine birthday card uses products from the April Paper Pumpkin kit called Lakeside Retreat, and a coordinating suite in the new catalogue called Waterside Retreat.  I've also used one of the exciting new incolours called Peaceful Pine.  Enjoy! 

I wasn’t satisfied with the simple Misty Moonlight matting on both sides of the DSP—it seemed too plain. So, after attaching the striped designer paper to the matte, I used my ball stylus to draw lines every 1/4" across the surface of the cardstock and paper. It was a small change, but I felt it brought more texture and vibrancy to the card front. I also made an error when measuring the designer paper and cut it half an inch too short. Fixing it was straightforward: I cut a matching strip measuring 1/2" by 4 1/4" and glued it underneath the paper matte, making sure the stripes lined up perfectly. I think it’s a convincing fix and not very noticeable. Let me know if you like this effect or would consider using it on your own card.

While applying a touch of Wink of Stella to the two fish on this card, I accidentally sprayed it over the front of the card. Oops! I cleaned up the mess a bit and then allowed it to dry. Everything turned out fine; there’s just a slight sparkle on the striped paper, but it still suits a guy card.

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies:

• Lakeside Retreat Stamp set
• Perennial Birthday - inside sentiment

Cardstock and DSP:

• Basic White 8 1/2 x 5 1/2" for the card base, scored at 4 1/4"
• Basic White 5" x 3 3/4" for inside matte
• Misty Moonlight 5 1/4" x 4" for matte on card front 
• 3 1/8" x 1 7/8" matte for picture
• DSP from Lakeside Retreat Paper Pumpkin kit
• 4 3/8" x 4" matte for card front
• Ephemera from Lakeside Retreat and Waterside Retreat DSP

Ink:

• Peaceful Pine (new 2026/27 Incolor Stampin' Up!)
• Wink of Stella for the fish

Thanks for visiting my blog and for taking a look at my rendering of the  FMS #738.  Please let me know your thoughts on this card, I'd love to hear from you. 

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006 

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop 

Storybook Easter Card using FMS#729

Oh wow, next Friday is Good Friday and the beginning of the Easter long weekend. I’m surprised how quickly this holiday arrived. So, I’m shifting focus and will spend some time crafting Easter cards for my family and friends. I’m starting by using this Freshly Made  Sketch #729 as the template for the cards I intend to make. 

Here's My Card: 

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies:

• Storybook Friends #164668
• Storybook Garden Patch #164663
• Storybook Dies #164666
• Easter stamp sentiment unknown brand 

Cardstock and DSP: 

• Cajon Craze matte 5 1/4" x 4"
• Scrap for oval 
• Basic White 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4" for cardbase 
• Basic White  4" x 5" for white oval
• Basic White 3 3/4" x 5" for inside matte
• DSP Storybook Friends Ephemera - bunny and wheelbarrow
• DSP Timeless Plaid front matte 5 1/4" x 4" x 2 front and inside and 1" x 5 1/4" strip for the front matte

Ink:

• Momento Black ink 
• Secret Sea
• Blends for picture - Light and Dark - Smokey Slate, Timid Tiger, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Granny Apple Green, Crumb Cake, SU500 

Accessories:  

• Dimensionals
• Adhesive Backed Shiny sequins #163484 - yellow (5) 

Well what do you think?  Thanks for dropping by and visiting my card blog.  

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006 

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Stampin' Up Shop