Out on the Board Walk - AHSC#681

Another sunny week has flown by with only brief moments for doing things outdoors and for cardmaking, which is sad.  I'm currently wrapping up loose ends before I step down as President of our Strata Council, so it's been a busy time.  

I did have a great time early in the week when one of my downline and stamping buddies came for a few hours. We had a lot of laughs and great conversation while we managed to create a couple of masculine cards using the April Paper Pumpkin Lakeside Resort kit. Getting together with like minded friends and card makers is such a fun time.  I can't wait until the next time.   

Here is this week's Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #681. 

The happy colours in this sketch inspired me to use the Boardwalk Fun stamp and die set to create a summer themed birthday card.

Here Is My Card: 

I really liked the variety of papers in the Beach Boardwalk paper pack.  The pastel mix is easy on the eyes and for layering coordination. I used self-sticking Starform dots that have a silver outline and holographic clear circle to bring out details in the Ferris Wheel.  They look like shiny rivets and really catch the light.  

Along with the finishing details I thought the Ferris wheel looked to flat on the square and could use some additional height. Since there wasn't a lot of room to use dimensionals I opted to cut out two more Ferris wheels and adhere them to the first one. The layered Ferris wheel worked perfectly and it was so quick and easy to do.   

I really liked the designer paper with ticket designs that I used on the card's front, so I chose to include a full matte of the same paper inside the card. First, I added a Secret Sea matte measuring 5 1/4" x 4",   followed by a 5 1/8" x 3 7/8" piece of dsp.  My intention was to add a basic white matte, however, it covered up too much of the patterned paper. After some heavy thinking, I opted to use a die cut for the inside sentiment and writing area, but I couldn't decide between an oval or a circular die cut, so for the time being, I've left that matte off.

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies:

• Boardwalk Fun SU#166822 stamps
• Boardwalk Fun SU#166828 dies 

Cardstock and Designer Series Paper:

• Basic White card base 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4"
• scraps for sentiment base and star on Ferris Wheel 
• Secret Sea
• 5 3/8" x 4 1/8" matte - front
• 2 1/8" x 5" matte - front
• 3 3/8" x 3 3/8" matte - front 
• 5 1/4" x 4" matte for inside layer
• 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" scrap piece to die cut out Ferris wheel 
• Scrap of Pretty in Pink for Ferris wheel seats and star 
• Beach Boardwalk Designer Series Paper
• 5 1/4" x 4" sunshine matte
• 2" x 4 7/8" matte 

Ink:

• Secret Sea

Accessories:  

• Dimensionals
• Starform Silver Stickers 

Well that's a wrap!  The Ferris wheel is a fond memory from my youth when I hung around at the Pacific National Exhibition Grounds in Vancouver during the summer.  One of the highlights was going on the Ferris wheel and seeing if you could rock the bench.  

Thanks for dropping by and checking out this week's sketch challenge card.  

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 

Gone Fishing Birthday Card

This week’s card is another masculine birthday design, using stamps and papers from Stampin’ Up!’s retired "Let’s Go Fishing Suite". This set of stamps, dies, and papers remains one of my favourite choices for making masculine cards. I’m drawing layout inspiration from this week’s excellent sketch, hosted by Michelle L. at Freshly Made Sketches.  

Here's My Card: 

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies:

• Gone Fishing #161535 - fishing gear 
• Gone Fishing Dies #161541 
• Best Catch Ever #148598- It's Your Day stamp
• Darling Dinos #164734 - Happy Birthday Sentiment
• All About Birthdays - inside sentiment

Cardstock and Designer Series Paper: 

• Basic Beige cardstock 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 scored at 4 1/4" for card base 
• Basic Beige 5" x 3 3/4"  for inside matte  and a scrap for Happy Birthday sentiment on card front and 1 5/8" square 
• Misty Moonlight cut two mattes 5 1/4" x 4 1/4" and scrap for sentiment 
• Let's Go Fishing DSP #161534 strip for front in Wild Wheat 1 3/4" x 5 1/4"

I looked through my leftover pieces from the Let's Go Fishing set and found the strip featuring fishing reels, which I thought was ideal. It just needed a small trim. I matched it with a matte made from Misty Moonlight cardstock, which I embossed with a water pattern to add some movement to the card front.

I already had a focal point created earlier with this set, and it fit perfectly, substituting the circles on the sketch with the block and tackle elements. For the front sentiment, I wanted something very narrow, so after searching through some of my stamp sets, I selected the "happy birthday" sentiment from the Darling Dinos stamp set.

Initially I didn't want to add sequins or other gems to this card, but it appeared somewhat flat in the photos. So, afterwards, I used a silver Wink of Stella pen to add some sparkly accents to the fish lure and bobbins. That was exactly the touch it needed.  

Inks and Blends: 

• Real Red
• Misty Moonlight
• Pecan Pie 
• Wink of Stella 

Accessories: 

• Seaside Textured  Embossing Folder for Misty Moonlight matte on card front
• Dimensionals 

Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment on this week’s challenge card. I truly enjoy creating masculine cards and hope you find them inspiring and enjoyable. I really appreciate your support and encouragement.

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop 

Dog Sitting - AHSC #677

Another wet week is expected for those residing in the Lower Mainland. There's even, heaven forbid, mention of additional snow in the nearby mountain passes. I'm really relieved I didn't register for golf this week. The positive side of rainy days is that I can spend more time in my happy place doing what I enjoy. 

So, I've been reflecting on this week's Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #677 which seems to have a lot going on with all those squares and the focal.  After some thought I think I've come up with a good rendition of this sketch that I can share.   

Here's My Card: 

I was a bit intimidated by this sketch looking at all those squares and thinking what on earth am I going to put on them.  I thought about the designer papers and the stamps and dies I have in my stash, and then like a flash, I could  visualize the card I wanted to make.

This card was actually inspired by an event last Friday where I was babysitting a neighbor's dog on the phone.  That's right!  In this modern age of ring monitoring systems I was able to watch this cute doodle's moves by phone while checking in with his mama and papa and reassuring all was well on the homefront.  So here is my pet sitting inspired card:

Supplies and Instructions: 

Stamps and Dies:

• Pet Love #166025
• Cutest Crew #167146
• Stylish Design Dies for 1" squares

Cardstock and Designer Paper:

• Basic White Cardbase 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4"
• Basic White Matte 5" x 3 3/4" for inside and scraps for stamping dogs, stitched heart, ribbons for scarf and circle behind ball. 
• Misty Moonlight 2 Mattes - 5 3/8" x 4 1/8" for front and 5 1/4" x 4" for inside, scraps for foot prints, ball, and dots on scarf
• Real Red 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"  piece for stitched circle.  (Note cut left edge with trimmer before mounting. 
• Real Red scraps cut twelve 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" squares for design, foot prints, stars and hearts

Ink and Blends:

• Real Red
• Momento Black
• Smokey Slate Blends for shadowing on dogs

Accessories: 

• Basic Rhinestones
• Dimensionals 

One last look: 

By combining elements from two wonderful pet themed stamp sets Pet Love (now on sale in the Last Chance section on Stampin' Up!), and Cutest Crew, I was able to fill the squares with cuteness.  The focal point contains a polkadot scarf, love you dog tag and a favourite toy ball.  What fun! 

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my rendition of this week's card sketch.  I love receiving your comments and feedback so if you like this one, please let me know.  Hope you'll drop by again.  

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT!

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006 

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop

Holy Guacamole - FMS 731

Donna Mikasa is the host for the Clean Team at Freshly Made Sketches this week.  It's her first time hosting, and she's come up with a fun clean and simple sketch for us to try out.  

Here's My Card:

The rectangles in the sketch were just calling out for some fun characters to liven them up.  After careful consideration, I hauled out my retired Taco Fiesta stamp set which has lots of lively images.  This card certainly isn't "clean and simple" with so much going on, but it was really fun to make!  Here's what i came up with.  

Here's the inside of the card.  I love all the images in the Taco Fiesta stamp set.  They make me smile.  Instead of using a cardstock matte for the inside I chose to add a layer of the designer paper.  There are two reasons for this.  One, the card is lighter when you use DSP for the matte so mails cheaper and two you use your designer paper instead of having it on the shelf.  

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies:

• Taco Fiesta #160732
• Stitched so Sweetly dies #159690 for rectangles (6)

Cardstock and Designer Series Paper:

• Basic White Cardstock 
• 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 for the card base
• 3 3/4" x 5" for the inside matte
• 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 piece to cut out the rectangles - cut six 
• Variety of small scraps to stamp the images on.  All images were fussy cut because I don't own the dies for this set.  Cutting and colouring is very relaxing. 
• Misty Moonlight 5 3/8" x 4 1/8" for matte layer on card front 
• Painted Illusions Designer Series Paper #167977
• Cut two mattes 5 1/4" x 4" - front and inside.  This 12 x 12   paper pack was the February Product of the Month and I've found it works as a background for so many of my projects.   

Ink and Blends:

• Basic Black Hybrid ink (NEW)
• Blends:  Granny Apple Green, Old Olive, Parakeet Party, Daffodil Delight, Timid Tiger, Crumb Cake, Smokey Slate, Poppy Parade, Summer Splash, SU500 brown

Accessories: 

• Adhesive Backed Shiny Sequins in Yellow
• Dimensionals 

I had a lot of fun stamping and colouring all these little characters.  I can't wait to see the reaction when my friend opens this fun birthday card.  What about you, do you like it?  If so drop me a comment.  I'd love to hear what your favourite taco character is.  

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop 

UPDATE APRIL 14, 2026: 

I'm very excited t o say that the Queen and her Princesses have been chosen at Freshly Made Sketches for this sketch #731.  Su Mohr's card was chosen as Queen (well deserved), and my card was chosen by Michelle as one of the Princesses.  See all the winners here.  Thanks Michelle and the FMS Design Team for providing such wonderful  weekly challenges, and to Donna Mikasa for this great sketch............always a pleasure and fun to participate!