Caroling Mice - FMS #752

Are you ready for another challenge over at the Freshly Made Sketches blog?  If so check out this wonderful sketch hosted by Narelle FMS752:

Here's My Card:

I'm making Christmas cards again today and this sketch was really easy to use with the "A Little Christmas" designer series paper.  The paper has such a warm and inviting colour pallette and variety of mice images and designs that minimal stamping is required on this card.   

The fun designs are easy to cut out with dies or by hand. I didn't feel the need to do any stamping except for the inside sentiment and the Mouse image. which was coloured with blends.    

I stamped the little mouse from the "Christmas Mice" stamp set and die cut it before colouring it with blends.  There are little cuts below its hands that you can raise up and put various items like the candy cane in.  Super cute! 

I always like to  add an image to the back of my cards along with my name tag.  The Christmas Mice has several really cute ones including this  little wreath.  

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies:

• Christmas Mice SU#168422 Bundle
• Stylish Shapes Dies - circle and small sentiment matte 

These are all the die cuts in the "Christmas Mice" bundle.  Super fun to work with.

Tip:  I like to make a sheet for each bundle I purchase that has the stamps on one side and the die cuts on the reverse.  I keep them in a binder for reference.  These sheets help me to remember what I have and how the die cuts actually look and which ones have stamped images that correspond.  

Cardstock and Designer Paper:

• Basic White - "8 1/2 x 5 1/2" card base scored at 4 1/4" 
• 5" x 3 3/4" matte for inside card 
• Peaceful Pine 
• Cut two mattes for front and inside at 5 1/4" x 4" 
• Cut 3" x 3 3/4" matte for front and emboss with Holly Embossing folder
• Cherry Cobbler 
• Cut 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" piece with Stylish Shapes Dies 
• Golden Glow - small scrap for die cut banner 
• Pool Party scrap for banner on card front 
• "A Little Christmas" Designer Series Paper
• 5" x 3 34" piece for front matte 
• 1 1/4" x 3 3/4" strip for inside the card 
• 2" x 2" piece with Mouse Carollers die cut with stylish shapes circle die

Ink and Blends:

• Cherry Cobbler ink for sentiment inside 
• Blends:  Crumb Cake light and dark, Petal Pink light and dark, Neutrals for shading mouse in browns.

Accessories:  

• Gold Adhesive Backed Dots for Golden Glow banner
• Dimensionals
• Wink of Stella - touch up lights on Christmas tree and in background on stitched circle
• Holly Embossing folder SU (R) 

Thanks for dropping by and checking out this week's FMS challenge card and leaving me some words of encouragement.  

If you're new to card making why not play along.  Creating with sketch challenges is a really fun way to build your skills and to participate in a group outside your craft space.  That's how I got my start, playing along with challenges like this one and I can't thank the design teams that expanded my horizons and challenged me to participate in their sketch challenges enough.  

Until next time......

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006 

Sunset Sailing #AHSC696

What a week!  As a small woman who has gained some weight over the last six months, I’m surprised at how difficult shopping for clothes has become. I’m looking for dress casual outfits suitable for both day and evening, but there are very few choices available in my size. I’m not sure if it’s due to my age or my body shape causing the problem. Everything seems to be either too tight or too loose, with no options in between. Is anyone else experiencing this?  

Aside from clothes shopping this week one thing I did manage to complete without any trouble was this week's Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #696. Here is the sketch:

Here's My Card: 

I've been wanting to try out the sunburst die from the Sunset Coast Dies for some time now, but hadn't found the perfect layout until I saw this sketch.  I didn't have to think twice, as I was so inspired by this clean and simple sketch.  Without overthinking the design I was able to assemble this card very quickly.  The only thing that took time was embossing the sentiment. 

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies: 

• Sunset Coast Dies #167780 SU
• Birthday Wishes for You #145742 SU(R)

Scenic Coastal Suite includes the dies, stamps, and the beautiful
Sunset Coastal DSP

Cardstock and DSP:

• Highland Heather 8 1/2" x 11" piece for card base scored at 4 1/4" 
• scraps for sailboat shadow and strip on inside of card
• Gorgeous Grape - before cutting two 4" x 5 1/4" mattes from this cardstock for the front and inside card mattes, I die cut the ship circle die and seagull die from the matte centers to use for the focal points.
• 3 1/4" x 1/2" a scrap piece for sentiment
• Golden Glow Incolour - a scrap piece for sunburst
• Strawberry Slush Incolour  - a scrap piece for sunburst shadow 

I layered the two Strawberry Slush and Golden Glow sunbursts and offset them just a wee bit to provide a shadow.  I used my precision tip glue to adhere them.

I layered the Highland Heather and Gorgeous Grape sailboats together too, with the Highland Heather as the bottom layer to provide a shadow look.  I only wanted the sailboat portion of the die cut so I cut the sail boat in each colour,  away from the larger image before layering them on the sunburst. Adding a shadow and double layering the die cuts is a subtle addition adding stability to the frail parts of the die cut and a effect lending a more finished look.  

Designer Series Paper: 

• Sunset Coast 6 x 6 DSP
• cut 4" x 5 1/4" piece and then cut this into 2 strips each measuring      2 1/4" x 4" for the front mattes.  Adhere to card from matte leaving a  5/8" x 4" gap in the center of the matte. 
• 3 3/4" x 1/4" strip for inside card 

Ink:

• Versa Mark ink for sentiment and White Embossing Powder 

Accessories:

• Dimensionals
• Sunset self-adhesive sequins x 3

I left the inside of the card empty except for the layered designer paper strips and sailboat because I wasn't sure what occasion the card would be for. When the right moment comes, I can add a sentiment.

Thank you for stopping by today to look at my sketch challenge card. There are many fantastic entries on the AHSC site for this sketch from both participants and the design team, so visit their site for some inspiration. Until next time...

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Shop

Paper Pumpkin Hooray for Birthdays More Alternatives - AHSC#693

Here's this week's sketch at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #693 designed by Brandi and digitalized by Michelle.  A little bit more complex design to look at however super easy to create a special card.  

Here Are My Cards: 

The July 2026 Paper Pumpkin kit titled "Hooray for Birthdays" is the highlight of my card for this challenge. Initially, I wasn't very enthusiastic about this kit, so I was pleasantly surprised by the way these challenge cards turned out.

Since the designer paper for this card is cut to make two cards, I took this opportunity to display both a light and a dark version using the same designer paper from the kit. The difference lies in the use of Hydrangea Hue as the matte colour on the first card with more pastel hues for the florals and Melon Mambo on the second with brighter more robust flower details.  Let me know your preference card one or two. 

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies:

• Perennial Birthday #145757 (R)- Large Happy Birthday sentiment 
• Best Catch #148598(R) - It's Your Day!
• Birthday Wishes -
• Hooray for Birthdays - Paper Pumpkin July 2026
• Stylish Shape Dies #159183

Cardstock and Designer Papers (DSP):

• Basic White 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4" cut two
• Basic White Inside mattes - cut 2 at 5" x 3 7/8"
• Coloured mattes on front and inside - Choose cardstock that coordinates with the Designer Paper. 
• Cut two mattes 5"1/4 x 4" Hooray for Birthdays Paper Pumpkin kit design
• Cutting instructions for Designer Paper:  
• Cut two coordinating pieces of DSP to measure 3 5/8" x 4 7/8". 
• On the long side place in scoring channel on trimmer and cut across on an angle from corner to corner. This will give you two pieces of cardstock that need to be cut again on the angle, corner to corner. Hint: put a post it note or some sticky strip across the cut lines on the back of the sheet to hold it together while you make the second cut. 
• Fit the pieces together into rectangle and adhere to the front matte. 
• Repeat for second card. reversing cutting order for rectangles.
• Cut a piece of cardstock in any shape for the center focal on the front of the card. Decorate with pieces of ephemera/or dye cuts on hand.
• Scrap pieces of Old Olive, Calypso Coral, Hydrangea Hue, Melon Mambo for flowers and leaves that were die cut.  

Ink:

• Hydrangea Hue for touching up flowers and stamping sentiments
• Melon Mambo for touching up flowers and stamping sentiments 

Accessories: 

• Flowers and Ephemera from July 2026 Hooray for Birthdays Paper Pumpkin kit.  Sequins self adhesive Mauve tones, 

Thanks for visiting my blog this week and checking out my latest challenge card creation. I really encourage you to start participating in card challenges, as it not only challenges you to increase your card making skills, but it is an enjoyable way to create and keep your mojo going.  

Before you go, here are some additional cards I made using supplies from the July Hooray for Birthdays Paper Pumpkin kit.  There are enough supplies left to make at  least ten more cards.  

I had a lot of fun with this card and thought it deserved some recognition, so I've posted it on the AAA birthday challenge #88 flowers for the current challenge .  

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 

Available September 4, 2026 

Paper Pumpkin June 2026 - Hooray for Birthdays! AHSC #692 challenge

Here is the latest Atlantic Hearts weekly sketch challenge.  It's AHSC #692.  There are some wonderful samples from entrants and the Design Team on the AHSC blog, so I hope you'll check them out using the link.  And, if you're up for a challenge yourself please enter, it's fun and easy to participate.  

Here's My Card:  

I stayed pretty close to the sketch design and theme of this week's challenge, mainly because I wanted to make some cards using the July 2026 Hooray for Birthdays Paper Pumpkin kit.  Here's my rendition.....

This spring, Stampin' Up! launched five new incolours, and one of them, Hydrangea Hue, has quickly become one of my favourites. Although it is primarily blue, it carries subtle mauve-purple undertones. 

I used some blue cardstock from the kit and layered it with a white hexagon featuring a silver border. Finding the hexagon a bit too plain, I embossed it with a floral embossing folder called Cute Crochet, which added a lovely touch to the otherwise dull white background.

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies:

• Hooray for Birthdays -Paper Pumpkin July 2026
• Birthday Wishes for You #145742 (R)

Cardstock and Designer Series Paper (DSP):

• Basic White card base 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4" 
• White Hexagon from Paper Pumpkin kit embossed with Cute Crochet 3D EF
• Paper Pumpkin July 2026 - Hurray for Birthdays 
• 3 3/4" x 5" for front matte and 5 1/4" x 4"
• Hydrangea Hue matte for card front 3 7/8" x 5 1/4"

The phrase "With Many Wishes Just for You" originates from a retired Stampin' Up! collection called Birthday Wishes for You. I really like how the words flow and the frame around them. It’s stamped in Pear Pizzazz, though looking back, I might have chosen Garden Green instead. Oh well.

Ink and Blends:

• Hydrangea Hue sponged around flowers 
• Pear Pizzazz

Accessories:  

• Cute Crochet 3D Embossing Folder
• Brushed Brass Butterflies small and medium 
• Sponge Dauber
• Dimensionals
• Glue Dots 

I hope you found this week's challenge card interesting. Let me know, your feedback encourages me to continue taking part in sketch challenges. It would make my day if you I would would leave a comment or ask for information on how to participate in card challenges. 

Concerning feedback, my entry for AHSC #691 was chosen as one of the top three, along with Joanne James, The Crafty Owl, and Christy Stanford. I received some wonderful remarks from the Design Team about this card, which I sincerely appreciated.

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop

Woolly Sheep and Paper Pumpkin Hooray for Birthdays!

Happy August! Another summer month has passed, and now we’re marking August 1st, a statutory holiday established in 1974 to honour the province’s pioneers. Many families take advantage of the long weekend to go camping or visit national parks for some outdoor fun. 

Unfortunately, this year there are more than 100 active forest fires, and WestJet, one of the major airlines, is facing a nationwide strike by its flight attendants. 

It's supposed to rain heavily today, so I'm choosing to travel to my craft room and enjoy the weekend making some cards.  Happy BC Day!   

This week I'm entering my card challenge in both the Freshly Made Sketches #747 and the AAA Card Challenge #320. I hope you'll play along with me.

I usually don’t participate in more than one challenge, but this week I chose to try something different. I had already started creating my card for the FMS challenge when I came across  a new site to me, called the AAA Card Challenge blog.  Their challenge was to create a card with design that started with the letter "S". Since I was already using the Woolly "Sheep" set and sheep was on the suggestion list, so it was an easy decision to play along.  And that’s how we ended up here.

Here Is My Card:

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Die Sets:

• July 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit - Hooray for Birthdays! 
• Woolly Friends #16688 (R) 
• All About Birthdays (R) - inside sentiment 
• Stylish Shape Dies #159183

Cardstock and Designer Paper:

• Card base and Inside Matte - 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4" for base and 5" x 3 3/4" for inside matte.
• Scraps were used to punch out the 1 1/4" circles and for stamping the sheep heads.  They were stamped twice, once on the circle and then a second head was stamped for each of the five circles, fussy cut and adhered with dimensionals to give some depth.  Leftover scraps were used for the bows and sheep bells that were added adhered to the first image, before the dimensional raised heads were added.  
• Hydrangea Hue (new incolour) mattes were cut for the front and inside that measured 5 1/4" x 4".
• Designer Paper for final front matte is from the Paper Pumpkin Kit.  I cut a piece of the blue plaid cardstock down to 5"  x 3 3/4" 

Inks and Blends:

• Momento Black ink was used to stamp the sheep 
• Hydrangea Hue ink was used for the "birthday wishes" and "wishing you the HAPPIEST birthday yet" sentiments on the front and inside design.
• Old Olive ink was used for the grass on inside design 
• Pretty in Pink, Daffodil Delight light and dark stamping blends were used to highlight the sheep ears, cheeks and Copic soft gray was used to outline the sheep. 

Accessories: 

• Dimensionals were used to pop up the flowers and sheep heads on the card front.
• Die cut self-adhesive black plastic "happy" sentiment is from the Paper Pumpkin kit, along with the floral images and leaves.

Thanks for dropping by to check out this sketch and my interpretation. Let me know if you played along with the challenge or how you like my card. I'm always appreciative and interested to know what you think.

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 - Fishing AHSC#691

 

My morning started off wonderfully when I saw that my entry for last week's challenge was selected as one of the Top 3. That truly made me happy. Congratulations also go to Birgit for her amazing baby card that I would love to CASE, and to Patti from PS Paper Crafts for her impressive masculine card. I really admired both of their creations.

Now, the AHSC challenge is underway from today until Sunday, July 26th. If you want to join in or simply want to view the Design Team and participants' cards for AHSC #691, click on the link. Exciting!

Here's My Card:

Supplies and Instructions:

Stamps and Dies:

• Gone Fishing #161535(R) Stamps - Lures and water
• Perennial Postage #161607 - white postage stamp pieces - cut four
• Rolling Waves - sentiments "Happy Birthday"and "Hoping your Day is Perfect"
• Best Catch #148598 - Fisherman and Hat
• Delightful Wishes Die #164707 - sentiment layer 

Cardstock and Designer Series Paper:

• Basic White 
• 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 Basic White cardbase scored at 4 1/4"
• 5 x 3 3/4" matte for inside card 
• Postage stamp pieces cut 4 from scrap
• Misty Moonlight 
• 5 3/8" x 4 1/8" matte for front layer
• 5 1/4" x 4" matte for inside layer 
• 1 1/2" x 2 3/8" rectangles to matte postage stamp layers cut four 
• Designer Papers: 
• Let's Go Fishing DSP # 161534 4 x 5 1/4" waves for front matte, ephemera
• Waterside Retreat DSP #167920 - fish ephemera 

Ink:

• Misty Moonlight
• Real Red
• Pecan Pie blend
• Cajun Craze
• Wink of Stella for fish

Accessories:

• Brass Dragonflies - Stampin' Up!
• Dimensionals 

Thanks for dropping by my blog today and checking out my sketch submission.  I hope you found it inspiring and that you want to try out this sketch yourself.  Let me know if you're starting to play along with these sketch challenges,  I'd love to know.  

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop