Highlights of Vernon Trip

Last week my husband and I went on a road trip to Vernon BC to visit with my dear SIL Mary Ann.  You wouldn't know it from the big smile on her face, but Mary Ann has terminal lung cancer.  She's at peace with her diagnosis and has chosen not to receive any further treatment, so every moment with her now is precious. 

Although our time there was short we had a really good visit and enjoyed taking Mary Ann for lunch, sightseeing and a trip to the casino where she won some cash. 

One of the things Mary Ann has taken great pleasure in over the past few weeks are the "Thinking of You" and "Sunshine" cards (anything in yellows and bright colors like the Summer Smooches) I've been sending her on a weekly basis.  She's set up a special box in her room so she can look at the cards when she's feeling down and/or lonely.

Since receiving the cards seems to give Mary Ann a lift and such great pleasure, I sent out a request on Late Night Stampers and Stampin' Connection this week for a "Shower of Cheery Cards" for her.  If you'd like to participate and send her a card just drop me an email at pennyhanuszak@telus.net and I'll forward you her address.   Only thing I ask is for no "sympathy" or "get well" cards as they're not appropriate for her.  Thanks for the understanding.

What Else Happened While We Were There?

While out for dinner at the Blue Heron restaurant our first evening, we experienced some real excitement as we watched a forest fire burning on the hillside across the lake from where we dined. Water bombers were coming and going and fire retardants were being dropped on the blaze.   It was very frightening to watch how close the flames came to two homes on this ridge.  Luckily the firefighters were able to contain this blaze and the homes were out of danger.


In this picture you can actually see the flames and the homes were just to the right of all this action.

What a busy time we had while in Vernon.  We were only there for two days, but between the excitement of the fire, visiting my SIL and staying at my own sister's home, there was a lot going on and we packed in so much! 

The day after we arrived my sister was hosting a Crown Jewels luncheon in her back yard so we helped her get her fabulous buffet together.  I showed her how to use Paula Dean's Panko Chicken recipe to liven up her baked chicken dish.  It was appreciated by all. 

My sister and friend Linda setting up luncheon before guests arrived.  She has a lovely backyard, just perfect for this type of soiree. 

Before leaving to come home I held a Vernon Girls Card night with my sister and Phyllis in attendance. The other gals were unable to come because of prior commitments so it was just the three of us, but we had a wonderful time sitting outside on the patio making our projects.  I should say it was lovely until dusk arrived and the mosquitos came out in full-force. Here are some of the projects we made.

I cased this card from one by Vicki Kiyohara I received at the LNS swap at Convention.   The cute little snowmen are from the Button Buddies stamp set and are coloured individually with Baja Breeze, Wisteria Wonder and Wild Wasabi markers.  The striped DSP is from the "Be of Good Cheer" designer paper on pg. 164 of the IB&C.  The card base and layers are made with Sahara Sand, Wild Wasabi and Whisper White  cardstocks.  This was a thoroughly delightful card to make..... thanks Vicki for the inspiration.   

Another project we made was a small ornament using the Ornament Keepsakes Bundle from the page 3 of the Holiday catalogue.  The ornaments were a lot of fun to make and a really big hit with the gals.  Although it may be hard to see them from this poor photograph, basic rhinestones were used to highlight the patterns on each side of the ornament.  Clear beads and pearls were used on the hanging portions of this ornament. 

Another case, this Glimmer Window Ornament card was made based on a video tutorial by Stampintoshare.com. This card was made with a basic black cardstock base.  The first layer and ornament layer are made with glossy white cardstock.  The ornament image is punched out with the Ornament punch #119847 on page 184.  Red and silver glimmer paper were used for the ornament base and design. 

This card was made with one of the tags from the Snow Festival Designer Printed Tags.  I simply mounted the tag on a  Cherry Cobbler cardstock base.  Clean and simple but what a cute card. 

It was a lot of fun making these projects and I will be repeating this class on Sunday August 26th from 10:30 to 2:00pm.  If you're interested in attending please contact me for details and to confirm your attendance.

Happy Stamping! 

Penny

Ornament Punch Flower Tutorial

I recently saw a sample of a paper rose on Stampin' Ups!  Stampin' Connection, SU's very cool website just for SU Demonstrators.   This free website is a wonderful place for demonstrators  to share their Stampin' Up! tips and creations, have discussions about their businesses and what's new.  It's just one of the great perks of being a Stampin' Up Demonstrator.

When I saw the sample, I was instantly smitten and had to find out how to make these beautiful flowers.  Fortunately there was a very easy to follow video on You Tube posted by Scrappin Mama entitled Magnolia Flowers.  Once I watched the video I thought okay that was easy now to create my own and share with you. 

Supplies I used:

8 1/2 x 11 Glossy White Card Stock ( you can substitute other cardstocks if you wish)

Ornament Punch

1 3/8" Circle Punch

Ink of Your Choice (I used Primrose Petals one of the new In-Colours for 2013)

Sponge Dauber

Punch out 20 ornament shapes using the Ornament Punch and one 1 3/8" Circle shape.

Using the sponge dauber sponge the edges of the circle and ornament shapes.

Use a dowel or paper piercer to add some definition to the petals by rolling them gently towards the center of the petal.

I rolled all my petals before I began but you may want to roll them as needed so they aren't so tight.

Apply Tom Bow Blue or other adhesive to the back of the ornament tab.  Don't use too much. 

Glue the first layer of petals down to the circle in a four-leaf clover type shape. 

The first layer of flower will look like this.  It's easy to line up the tab on the ornament shape with the circle. 

Add your next layer, gluing the tabs down in between the first layer tabs.

As you add layers you'll need to use the end of your paper piercer or tool to push the tabs down into place.  Keept adding the layers until 19 of the  petals are adhered.  Roll the last petal fairly tightly add glue to its tab and the insert into the center of the flower, pushing down until you're satisfied with the placement.  I cupped the finished flower in my hand until I liked the shape.   

Here's the finished flower.  I might add dew drops with Crystal Effects to give it some added life. 

 Hope you enjoyed this little tutorial today.  I know I'm going to be making more of these flowers as they were so quick to make and look fabulous.  Have fun!

Penny