Popup Soccer Surprise - Masculine Birthdays

I like surprises and so when I saw the Valentines Pop Up card layout by Meg Loven of Lovenstamps, I was inspired to try out her design.  This is a very quick and easy card to make and a great way to use up designer series paper.  

Here is My Version of the Pop Up Card:

I decided to make a couple of male sport themed birthday cards.  This card would be great for either a boy or man who are interested in sports. Here's the first card I made using products from a soon to be released suite called A Wonderful Match.  

Here is the second version:

For the second card I added a little grass using the die cut from the Match Day dies on a scrap of garden green cardstock.  What a difference grounding the balls with grass makes.  Love it!  I also changed up the puffy stars to black and attached them on the front of the card to balance out the soccer shoes. 

Supplies and Instructions: 

Stamps and Dies:

• Match Day Dies - soccer ball
• Sizzix Circle Dies 1 1/4" or punch 
• Perennial Birthday #145760
• "Enjoy Your Special Day" - this is a Stampin' Up! sentiment stamp, but I can't remember what set it came from.  It'll be sitting on my desk until I run across the stamp set that's missing one.  Hopefully someone can point out what set it came from.....hint, hint! 

Cardstock and Designer Series Paper (DSP):

• Basic Black cardstock - card base 4 1/4" x 11 Scored at 5 1/2". Turn on longside and trim off 1 1/4" from edge. 

• Basic White cardstock:
• Cut two 4 x 4 pieces.  Adhere one piece to the inside of the card for the message.  The second 4 x 4 piece is adhered to the front of the card, leaving an 1/8" margin around it. 
  
• Cut 1" x 4" for the DSP strip to layer on 

• Pop Up Mechanism: Can be any color.  I chose Basic White so it blends in well with the inside message panel. Cut a strip 1 1/4" x 6" and score it at 1 1/2", 3" and 4 1/2".  Burnish the score lines.  Fold the two cut ends together and put adhesive on both sides.  Line this piece up with the score line for the center of the card, making sure you have even spacing to the bottom of the card.  Holding the pop up mechanism in place close the front of the card over top of it and hold for a few minutes to allow your glue to dry.  Decorate. 

• Designer Series Paper: A Wonderful Match 12 x 12 

• Cut two pieces 4 x 4 for the front and inside panel 
• Before adhering the front piece of DSP line it up with the white 4x4 matte on the card front and roll back the bottom edge towards the middle.  Before adhering the dsp matte, make sure there is enough room to add an image or sentiment in the part of the basic white piece that is now exposed.  The fold back can be adhered with a couple of dimensionals and the balance of the matte lined up and adhered to the 4 x 4 basic white matte. 
• Cut a strip 1" by 3 3/4" for the inside and adhere it to the basic white strip.  Note this DSP strip doesn't have to match the front or inside panel but should coordinator with the front when the card is closed.  
• Note:  One of the paper sheets in the Match Day paper pack has all kinds of images of soccer shoes, whistles, scarfs, etc.  I chose to fussy cut out a pair of soccer shoes to use on the front flap and a trophy for the back of the card from this paper. I could have also used one of the die cuts from the Match Day Dies as there is a nice trophy, a whistle and flag die cuts that would have added a nice finishing touch to the dark cardstock.   

Match Day Dies 

Ink: 

• Momento Black Ink

Accessories:  

• Dimensionals
• Wonderful Stars Puffy Stickers in Black and White

I loved making this card and can imagine it in all kinds of themes, and designs.  Once all the mattes and mechanisms are cut out it comes together really quickly.  I hope you enjoyed it to.  If you're interested in watching Meg's video click here

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop 

Don't miss out - cash in your Bonus Day Coupons before Feb 28, 2026

There's still time to JOIN NOW and receive this Exclusive Offer !  Join Now before February 28th, and get the new Stampin' Positioner for FREE with your signup.

 

Paper Pumpkin Kits 2026 -

 A New Year is Coming for Paper Pumpkin - GET READY TO SUBSCRIBE!

Subscribe to Paper Pumpkin for a monthly, all-inclusive crafting kit that’s a fun surprise! Each kit includes a photopolymer stamp set, Classic Stampin’ Spot™, and step-by-step instructions to complete exclusive paper craft projects, including cards, tags, and gift packaging.   Kits arrive in a nice box.

Here's a sneak peek of Stampin' Up!'s upcoming Paper Pumpkin kits beginning in January 2026. There's also a special add-on die kit that coordinates with all three months! It's called Beautiful Blooms Dies Add-On #168666 available only while supplies last. (NOTE: Add-on's are ordered through the Paper Pumpkin menu in my online shop and are sold separately from Paper Pumpkin Subscriptions! Click here for the link.

JANUARY: Special Delivery 

Subscribe December 11–January 10
Send heartfelt valentines featuring sweet postage stamp designs and sentiments for love and friendship.

• Makes 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs
• 3 different coordinating envelope designs
• Precut paper pieces with gold foil accents
• Coordinating colours: Blueberry Bushel, Bubble Bath, Darling Duckling,
Garden Green, Mossy Meadow, Poppy Parade (Classic Stampin’ Spot)

Coordinates with the Easter Joy Suite Collection (item 166954 January catalog)!  For more information scan the QR code.  

FEBRUARY: Celebrate Spring

Subscribe January 11–February 10
Craft whimsical handmade cards that celebrate Easter and sweet spring days.

• Makes 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs with 9 coordinating envelopes
• Pre-cut paper pieces and pink baker’s twine
• Iridescent pink and yellow sequins
• Coordinating colours: Balmy Blue, Crumb Cake, Lemon Lolly, Peach Pie, Pretty in Pink, Shy Shamrock (Classic Stampin’ Spot)
Free additional stamp set included!

MARCH: Fluttering Garden

Subscribe February 11–March 10
Create charming cards with a hummingbird motif for Mother’s Day and more!

• Makes 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs with 9 coordinating envelopes
• Textured white card bases
• Pre-cut paper pieces and sentiments
• Coordinating colours: Basic Gray (Classic Stampin’ Spot), Coastal Cabana,
Early Espresso, Gorgeous Grape, Old Olive, Peach Pie, Pretty Peacock.
Free additional stamp set is included with this purchase!

Daisy Daydream Alternate Cards - Paper Pumpkin March 2025 Kit Part 1

Welcome to my blog.  Thanks for dropping by to check out what's new.  Today I'm sharing some of the cards that I made using the Daisydream March 2025 Paper Pumpkin kit.   

The Daisy Daydream kit was probably one of the nicest Paper Pumpkin kits I've worked on this year. All the cards and elements are beautiful and easy to work with and they coordinate with other Stampin Up products. 

This kit will make a total of nine cards if you don't make any changes and just follow the outline.  But, I'm a rebel at heart and I like to stretch these kits to the maximum and choose my own path of creativity.  I do that by using basic white card bases and coordinating cardstock for mattes.

So far I've created twenty-two cards by adding my own card bases, mattes and layers and have still got enough leftovers to go for thirty.  

Here are some of the cards I've made:

Card No. 1 

One of the first cards I made with this kit was a standard gatefold flap card.  

For this card I used Smokey Slate for my matte and sentiment pieces.  The embossing on the white matte was done with a Hexagon Embossing Folder that's been longer retired but still in my go-too stash.  

Card No. 2

I absolutely love how this card turned out.  I've doubled matted using an old retired dsp called Always Artichoke and the blue layer is actually one of the cards I cut in half and then embossed with Stampin' Ups! Cute Crochet (R) embossing folder.  Love it!  The Happy Birthday sentiment layer and stamp is from the December 2024 Paper Pumpkin kit called Notes From the Heart. 

Card No. 3

I had some very old ribbon in my stash so I cut a 6" strip and stretched it across the front of the card to divide the floral dsp from the embossed Always Artichoke panel.  It really brought the card to a new level.  The focal below the ribbon is dressed up with some daisies and stamped images from the kit.  on the white circle.  The Three gems are from the Iridescent Foil Gems pack. 

Card No. 4 

I love to dress up the insides of my cards too, and for this one I used stencils and stamps from the kit.  I like the way this inside matte turned out, and think it's so much nicer than a plain white card insert.  

This is one of my favourite card layouts and styles and I've made it many many times.  For the front flap, I embossed a piece of Basic White cardstock with the Basic D embossing folder (cross hatch) after stamping some of the honeycombs in crushed curry ink.  

Card No. 5

One of the panels in the kit has the honeycomb images pre stamped and they have a glossy finish that changes in the light.  I used this panel which already had a circle cut in it, and one of the circle elements (green) that's also included with the kit.  This was one of the easiest of the cards to come together.  The hardest decision is what elements to put on it.  

Card No. 6

For my next card I once again embossed the front card panel with the  Basic D (R) embossing folder and used this single mat to create the focal for the card.  

Card No. 7

For this next card I used one of the beautiful blue envelopes to create the panels and flap cover.  The arch die cut was a fun element to add to this card and the paper cut like butter.  

Card No. 8

If you're interested in getting a subscription to Paper Pumpkin you can check out the join options available on the Stampin' Up! website.  It's easier than every to get started.  

Click here to visit PAPER PUMPKIN SHOP 

Well that's it for this selection of alternate cards made with the March 2025 Daisy Daydream Pumpkin Kit. I'll be sharing some more cards in the weeks to come.  Hope you enjoyed this selection.  I'd love to hear from you, so let me know if which of these cards is your favourite.  

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin up Demo since 2006 

Click here to visit my 24/7 online shop 

Sending Smiles Note of Thanks

This week I am pairing up two challenges.  The first is a sketch challenge from Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge  created by Michelle and digitalized by Brandi.

The second challenge is from "The Paper Players" challenge blog, and the premise is to combine something old with something new.  

Across Canada there is the possibility of strike action by Canada Post employees sometime in mid-May, so I'm busy trying to get all my  birthday cards completed and mailed before that occurs.  I also wanted to make some note cards for folks I haven't been in touch with for a while so both of these challenges will work perfectly for my themes.  I'm starting with the note cards.  

Here's My Card:

Quite a while ago I purchased a beautiful stamp set from Stampin' Up! called Sending Smiles. It's retired now, but it's still a favourite on my list because of all the wonderful sentiments, the florals and the coordinating dies. 

I'm pairing the Sending Smiles floral design and sentiment with a brand new background stamp set called Elements of Text, one of Stampin' Ups! current while supplies last Online Exclusives.   

I wanted these cards to be easy mailers and clean and simple so I didn't die cut and add an overlay of daisies for the note cards.  

Supplies:

Stamps and Dies:

• Sending Smiles #158701 (R)
• Elements of Text #164774 (Online Exclusive)

Cardstock:

• Basic White card base - 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4"
• Basic White Matte - 3 1/2" x 3 3/4" 
• Pecan Pie Matte - 3 7/8" x 5 1/8" 
• Granny Apple Green Matte 3 3/4" x 5"

Ink: 

• Crushed Curry
• Granny Apple Green
• Pecan Pie 

Accessories:

• Adhesive Backed Shiny Sequins #16348

Thanks for dropping by today and I hope you'll come back again.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on this card.  

HAPPY STAMPING

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

MAY PAPER PUMPKIN CARD KIT - ORDER NOW

Paper Pumpkin May 2023 - Exploring In Color

Say hello to mountain landscapes and new Stampin' Up!In Colors! The May kit features nine outdoors-themed cards in the new 2023–2025 In Colors plus exclusive FREE stickers. 

Want more? On May 2nd (while supplies last) you can order the additional Exploring In Color Add-On cards and envelopes and continue your creative adventure! See below for details of what's included in the ADD-ON KIT. If the card designs look anything like the box with its outdoors-theme we're in for a fun time!

When you purchase this kit here's what is included:

• All the supplies you need to create 9 cards, 3 each of 3 designs, plus 9 coordinating envelopes.
• A 7-piece all-occasion stamp set that celebrates good friends and great adventures!
• 1 Copper Clay (new In Color!) Classic Stampin’ Spot.
• Twine and die-cut accents
• FREE stickers to put on your projects or anything you want—water bottles, laptops, coolers, and more!

Finished card size: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" (10.8 x 14 cm).

Coordinating Stampin’ Up! colors: Boho Blue, Copper Clay, Daffodil Delight, Moody Mauve, Mossy Meadow, Pebbled Path, Wild Wheat

Subscription Cost:

Subscribe to the April Paper Pumpkin Kit between 11 April 2023 and 10 May 2023 by clicking here!   Note: Supplies may be limited toward the end of the subscription period.

Exploring In Color - Add-On Kits:

Exploring In Color Cards & Envelopes Available starting: 

This promotion begins 2 May, 2023 and is available while supplies last.

Price: $13.75 CAD

This add-on includes:

• 18 cards, 6 each of 3 designs
• 18 coordinating envelopes
• Finished card size: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" (10.8 x 14 cm)

Coordinating Stampin’ Up! colors: Boho Blue, Copper Clay, Daffodil Delight, Moody Mauve, Mossy Meadow, Pebbled Path, Wild Wheat

Win A Prize - In Color Giveaway: 
If you're a Stampin' Up Demonstrator or planning to join Stampin' Up! you could also win a $34 CAD voucher good for In Color products in our Stampin' Up!s In Color giveaway. Check out the exclusive Paper Pumpkin Demonstrator Connection Facebook group for details. 

And, if you're not already a member join now to see and share Paper Pumpkin business-building tips, event planning, project ideas, and more from other demonstrators. It's simply a fun way to stamp and be creative!

HAPPY STAMPING!

Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot 

Penny Hanuszak, Stampin' Up Independent CDN Demo

https://pennyhanuszak.stampinup.net