Floral Frames Sympathy Card

Sadly, I've just learned my friend Bev's mom passed away over the weekend.  I knew from talking with Bev recently that her mom's health had been failing for some time and she had been slipping away little by little.

I'm so grateful my husband and I had an opportunity to meet Norma and her sweet husband Mel, some years ago and have fond memories of those get-togethers.  

We first met this great couple from Winnipeg on one of their visits to Black Mountain Ranch, in Washington state. Our memories of Norma's friendliness, warmth and great cooking skills during those visits remain. She was one of those women you instantly took a liking to, with her great smile, strong hug and wonderful sense of humour.

Our sympathy goes out to Mel, his children and grandchildren in the loss of their wife, mom, grandma, and an all around great woman.   

Here's a card I made to express our sympathy:

Supply  List:
Stamp Sets:	Gorgeous Grunge, You’ve Got This
Inks:	Rich Razzleberry, Crumb Cake
Card Stock:	Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight, Crumb Cake
Accessories:	Floral Framelits, Basic Rhinestones, Detailing Scissors, Tom Bow Glue, Dimensionals
Tools:	Big Shot, Paper Trimmer

This is the inside of the card.  I added the additional cut flowers to cover the back of the ones on the front of the card. 

 

Happy Stamping! 
Penny Tokens

New 2012-2014 In-Colours Are Here!

What's New?

With the arrival of the new catalogue we also herald the departure of the 2010-2011 In Colours (Concord Grape, Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Blushing Bride and Poppy Parade).  I'm going to really miss them.  I absolutely loved Concord Grape and Poppy Parade.  Sigh........

While those wonderful colours are no longer available, Stampin' Up! has replaced them with some trendy and fresh ones that I know you're going to love.  The new 2012-2014 In Colours are: Gumball Green, Midnight Muse, Primrose Petals, Raspberry Ripple and Summer Starfruit.

Card Stock & Classic Ink Kit

Check out page 150 of the 2012-2013 Idea Book to see the Four Core Colour Collections and the Two In Colour groups.  The graphics really show them off and there's definitely a Colour for Every Idea, Every Mood and Every Inspiration!

Don't forget to add cards to your Color Coach for the 2012-2014 season.  See page 151 for details.

New Firm Foam Ink Pads!

They'll  change your stamping experience for the better. You're going to love
these new Stampin' Pads--just look at all the exciting benefits listed below:

• Provide better ink coverage for your stamps!
• Light-tap stamping produces flawless images!  
• Will create wonderful solid images because the Firm Foam releases more ink onto your rubber stamp than the felt pads. When using the Firm Foam pad, your stamp will get an even, solid covering of ink that you may not have been able to achieve with the felt pads. Please note: if you are using the ink pad frequently you may need to re-ink your Firm Foam pad more often.
• The new pads have a crisply printed, glossy label on the top of the pad that's easier to read and won't fade or chip off!
• As a bonus, the new pads come with colour name labels in all four languages (English, Spanish, French, and German).  Just choose your language, peel it off the back of the pad, and add it to the side of the pad for easy identification!
• These pads use the same patented flip-top case design that stores the inking surface upside down, so the pad surface stays moist!
• The new pads are available in all colours, including our exclusive In Colours.

Please note: Five of the Collections ink colours have undergone formula changes to improve functionality and colour stability with the new firm foam pads. These colours are: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Marina Mist, Perfect Plum and Tempting Turquoise.

All five colours of these reformulated inks have been fully tested and approved. While using the new ink formula in the old Stampin' Pads is fine, Stampin' Up! doesn't recommend using the old ink formula in the new firm foam pads. Any refills purchased after April 30, 2012, will contain the new formulated ink*.

Happy Valentines Day!!!



Happy Valentines Day Everyone!  Hope you had a wonderful day filled with Love!


I spent some wonderful creative time with my friend Margo this week and introduced her to my world of card making and Stampin' Up!  Margo was on a mission to make her man Harvey a beautiful "something", for Valentine's Day, and I want to share her accomplishment. 


Margo had written a very special poem for her husband that reflected not only on her Valentine's Day wishes, but also was a celebration of their recent wedding anniversary and some of her husband's personal and work related milestones. 

Let me tell you, working with Margo on this project was fantastic.  The creative process involved in first deciding what to make and then running with her concept and ideas was a real rush and something I truly enjoyed.  Margo is one of those self-assured, dynamic, "think on your feet women" who came in knowing where she wanted to go with this project but wanting me to show her the way to make it a super "WOW!  I think we both accomplished those goals.

The hardest part of the creative process for me, is deciding what you want to make, and let me tell you, this project was certainly no exception.  

Once I'd shown Margo samples of various card styles she decided to create a Top Note Flip Album.  This was an ideal style for her project because the accordian pages would better show-case her four paragraph poem and love messages. She wanted a very clean masculine look so we chose to use Riding Hood Red, Basic Black and Very Vanilla cardstocks.  To accent the pages and compliment the cardstock we added Stampin' Up!s beautiful Love Letter designer series paper (page 173 of the Idea Book and Catalogue).  Most of the sentiments and the poem were computer generated.

Here is the cover of the Top Note Flip Album.  The Heart is from the Hostess Set Punch Potpourri (page 10 IB&C).  Basic Rhinestones were used to add bling to the heart. 



This is the interior view of her Top Note album showcasing personal messages and her poem.



Here is a view of the back of her album.  The XO symbols were generated on the computer.

This is a view of the back of the album when it's closed.  Riding Hood Red Seam binding was used instead of ribbon  to close the album. 

Okay, so I hope you enjoyed looking at this project.  As a side note Margo's husband was "WOWED" and very appreciative of the work she had put into making their celebration so special. 

Today Is My Birthday!!!!

Just a note to say a big, big thank you to all of you wonderful cardmaking and scrapbooking women who have taken the time to send me cards and warm wishes over the net. What a wonderful day it's been.  The sun is shining, it's 70+ degrees and I don't have to do anything today, except what I want.  My husband gave me some beautiful earings and is taking me to dinner (what a sweetie).  My dog gave me wet kisses when I woke up this morning and told me with big tail wags how much he loves me too!  Life is grand and I thank you all once again for sharing with me!!!

Oh, in case you've been wondering, I haven't been posting over the past couple of weeks mainly because we've had company staying with us. Unfortunately our tiny tin palace just isn't big enough for guests and stamping stuff too!  Besides, in our multipurpose "less is more world", the guest room also makes do as my little stamping haven. And, since I'm a late night stamper (after everyone's bedded down for the night), I don't think my company would have appreciated me barging in!  Oh well, all that's changed................... it's a new week, the company is gone, the laundry is done, the floors are swept and the dust has been sent flying.  So watch out girls cause I'm revving up the MOJO again!!!!  Have a great day!

ABC's of the Perfect Handmade Holiday

Starting today Stampin' Up! is offering a Special Promotion called the "ABC's of the Perfect Handmade Holiday Bundles" What do the ABC's stand for and how will you benefit from getting in on this promotion?       

A is for Amazing cards

B is for Beautiful packaging

C is for Cherished gifts

These special Holiday product bundles are awesome, and the best part is they are being offered to you at a full 20% discount! How cool is that! This special promotion runs from October 19th to December 16th, so if you haven't started those special cards or Holiday Gifts, now is the perfect time. Please click on the attached flier to enlarge it and check out all the bundles, or click here to visit my web page.

Please note:  There is no minimum purchase required to participate in this promotion, but make sure when you're placing your order that you use only the bundle item codes provided on the flyer, otherwise the 20 percent discount will not be applied.

Thanks for dropping by and happy shopping!!! 

Win a Free Pass to Get a Jump on Your Jingle......Holiday Papercrafting 2010

Don't miss your oppotunity to WIN A FREE PASS to Ustamp with Dawn and Friends!!! Get A Jump On Your Jingle.   So far I only have 9 participants who've left their comments so don't be left out!!!

This time around I have only "One Free Pass" to give away, and to be entered in my draw all you have to do is:    Add a comment telling me what your favourite holiday tradition is, and include your name and email address so I can contact you.
 
Final draw is tomorrow October 8th at 8:00pm EST, so don't delay! Comment today by following this link:  
http://pennytokensstampinspot.blogspot.com/2010/10/win-free-pass-to-get-jump-on-your.html

Dasher Gift Card Holder

Dasher is one of my all time favourite Christmas Stamps manufactured by Stampin' Up!  Its simple, versatile and for me epitomizes Christmas mystery and spirit.   So it was only natural when I decided to make a gift card holder that I would choose my favourite stamp.

This gift card holder is made using Kraft cardstock, and a beautiful scripted designer paper from the Deck the Halls DSP featured on page 18 of the Holiday Mini (#120810).  I laid the card stock and the DSP together and then cut them out using the Big Shot Top Note Die cut (#113463 pg. 207 IB&C).  I didn't have any Always Artichoke ribbon, which would have been the perfect shade of green to go with this paper, so chose to use Old Olive #117292 5/8" Satin Ribbon featured on pg. 191 of the IB&C 2010/11. I love the antique brads on page 187 of the cattie and this little silver snowflake brad is the perfect embellisment, allowing the card to swing open and reveal the surprise gift inside.  

This photo shows another angle of the card when it is opened.

This shows the backside of the card with the little easel stand I made.  In retrospect I should have covered this side with the DSP too as I really hate seeing hardward on the reverse or inside of a card............it's like it's unfinished or unprofessional.  Okay back to the drawing board.

Here's a last look at the front of the Dasher Gift Card Holder.  I kind of like it, how about you?  I'd appreciate your comments.

Halloween Luminary Treat Can

Halloween is one of my favourite times of the year!  It can be SPOOKY or it can be just plain fun.  That was the idea behind this cute Luminary Treat Can I designed...............it's so fun and the kids faces light up when they see it.  The treat can can be used to collect goodies and after the event can light up the table or outside porch as a luminary. 

I designed this Luminary Treat Can for the UStamp With Dawn and Friends Early Summer Edition 2010.  If you are interested in making this project and 30 other fabulous projects, you can still register to get these tutorials. All you have to do is check out Dawn's website at:  http://ustampwithdawnandfriends.com/.  The Early Summer Edition 2010 along with  all of Dawn's other sessions are listed in her side bar.  Just click on the Summer Edition link for the details. 

Although this photo is a little blurry you can see how the luminary lights up in the dark.............SPOOKY!!!

Sparking Hills, Beauty in the Hills of Vernon

On my recent visit to my fabulous sister's place in Vernon BC, I was thrilled to accept her invitation for lunch at the Sparkling Hills Hotel and Spa.  She had visited there recently and was so excited to share this gorgeous European styled spa that is nestled in the backdrop of Predator Ridge and the hills above Okanagan Lake.  To begin with, the setting is just breathtaking.......especially the golf course at Predator Ridge. I'm sure my husband would be thrilled to golf there!  The contrast between the greens and browns of the landscape just take your breath away.  And, as you approach the gates to Sparkling Hills the first thing you notice are the crystals in the Hotel's signage.  This place is aptly named, with it's "Pillars of Light" glass panels lining the driveway up to the spa. 



Pillars of Glass line the driveway, each embedded with thousands

 of precisely cut Swarovski crystals.  This picture just doesn't

do them justice...........they are stunning!!! 



These beautiful panels of Swarovski crystals just dance in the sunlight.........it's really amazing. 

The hotel/spa has such unusual architechture as you can see in the picture, but it show cases the views of the surrounding hills and valleys so well, that it would make it just a perfect "couple's getaway" place.  I could imagine having a spa treatment while my husband golfed, doing nature walks together and sitting back and relaxing at sunset in this fabulous place. Dreaming...................ah! The $10 million dollars worth of Swarovski crystals make this place quite simply radiant beyond measure, and they are everywhere from the magnificent ceiling feature in the entrance, backdrop to the registration desk and even in the inlays in the washroom mirrors. Whereever they've used them they seem to optimize the synergy of light, water and the effects of the illumination.   Like they say, "you have to see it to believe it".  

View of Lake Okanagan from one of the patio areas facing the lake.

Approach to the Sparkling Hills Hotel and Spa

A big thank you to my fabulous sister for my very yummy Tomato Tart with Tossed Greens Salad, and the opportunity to see this equally fabulous Hotel and Spa.  What a great day..........one of many I shared with her on this trip!!!!



My sister outside the entry way to the restaurant.  She is surrounded by Swarovski Crystal drops



A "Walk" for the Cure - Breast Cancer

We all know someone touched by breast cancer, whether it's your mother, sister, friend or work colleague.  Although it hasn't been in my immediate family, I've lost friends to this dreadful disease, and I also have valliant friends that are Breast Cancer survivors.

My good stamping buddy Sheri works for CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Canada), and has been an active participant in fund raising for their annual "CIBC - Run for the Cure" held on October 3rd.  CIBC is just one of the many great corporate sponsors who fund raises in tandem with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in BC.  To show her support this year, Sheri held a card class and set up an on-line donation site for her portion of the fundraiser. Sheri also participates in the "run", and because I'm a fan and supporter too, I was fortunate enough to join her yesterday along, with thousands of others at Rotary Stadium in Abbotsford for this annual event.

Putting on the Corporate Team Shirt

Okay a little big in the shoulders but it really looks good!

  Now you have to know that Sheri and I aren't runners..........let's face it, our love in life is "stamping" what else.  But, occasionally we do get out and enjoy the fresh air and the joy of "walking".  So that's what we did.  We accomplished the 5k walk in under an hour, yakking about "stamping" the whole way!  What fun!!!   I was fascinated by all the "in the pink" participants, sporting pink wigs, t-shirts, runners and you name it in terms of costumes and props.  Also along for the walk were hundreds of willing children and pooches dressed in tutus, t-shirts, pink collars and shades!    It was hard to say who was cuter the dogs or the kids!  It was a great way to spend a Sunday morning and it felt terrific getting out for such a worthwhile cause .  My pledge is to get in shape for next year so I can actually run the 5k, raise some donation funds of my own, and make sure I get my annual mamogram. It's important!

Here's the starting gate - and we're on our way to5K!!!

World Card Making Day - Fall Birthday Cards

Birthday Cards made with Autumn Spice Designer Series Paper - Holiday Mini Catalogue Pg. 13 #120808

Inside view of Gatefold Birthday Card

Detail for the front of the Gatefold Card

Inside View of Acorn Birthday Card.

The acorns are embossed wih Gold EP and add a bright touch to this plain card.

Hope you enjoy these two cards. Leave a comment and come back to visit again.

Win a Free Pass to Get a Jump on Your Jingle......Holiday Papercrafting 2010

Dawn Raspas of UStamp Dawn & Friends!! has just announced her next big event…it's called Get a Jump on Your Jingle…Holiday Papercrafting 2010!!   This fabulous event will run from November 12th to December 1st and Early Bird Pricing of $19.95 US is now open…until October 15th when the price will go to $24.95 US.  So don’t delay and don't miss out!! Register today!

Did you see my cool blinky?  You can click on it to see more details of this great event.  In the meantime I'm busy creating another project that I hope you will love.  This event will feature all your favourite designers from around the world and some brand new designers who're also busy creating a total of *40 Projects with Color Combos * 40 co-ordinating cards with co-ordinating envelopes *All Projects include downloadable PDF with Photo’s * Designer hosted chats with even MORE prizes * Open Chat Room 24/7 * Gallery to share your re-creations * A totally cool blinkie for your website/blog.  One of the really great things about participating in these UStamp with Dawn and Friends events is that you have plenty of time to go and work on your projects and visit this site as it stays open for months after it finishes in December. 

WIN A FREE PASS!!!!!

Okay, so this time around I have only "One Free Pass" to give away.  To be entered in my draw all you have to do is: Add a comment telling me what your favourite holiday tradition is, and include your name and email address so I can contact you.  I'll be drawing the winner's name by 8pm on October 8th.  So don't delay!  Comment today!

Stampin' Up! - Important Product Information

Just wanted to share some important product information I've received from Stampin'Up! today.  Please note the following product updates:

Available:

• The Candy Cane Rub-Ons (item 120990) on page 36 of the HolidayMini are now available to order.

Not Available:

• The following items are experiencing quality issues and are currently unavailable to order:
• 118073: Fancy Flower Punch
• 120906: 2-1/2' Circle Punch

Well that's it for the update today, but I'll give you more information when it becomes available.

UStamp With Dawn and Friends!!! Cards With Cool Moves Opened Today

UStamp With Dawn and Friends!!! Cards with Cool Moves opened this morning and is off to a wonderful start!  Every twelve hours a new designer's project will be posted.  These posts contain one Movement Card and one Regular card.  What a great way to increase your template library.  These are really "cool" cards.........guaranteed to be WOWs!  Once you join, you'll receive all the directions on a PDF tutorial and you can visit the gallery 24/7 to check out additional pictures posted by the designers and re-creations by other members........that's the part I truly love!  In all  there will be 40 posts! You can also join in on the chat lines, ask questions of the designers and win prizes!  You can't beat the value at just $24.95 US.  These are exceptional cards folks, so if you want to join us you still can.  Just go to Dawn's site at:  http://www.ustampwithdawnandfriends.com/ to register.

Free Pass Winners - UStamp With Dawn and Friends!!! Cards With Cool Moves

Apologies, apologies, apologies!!!! To all those great ladies who entered my draw for free passes to the Ustamp with Dawn and Friends, Cards With Cool Moves Event........... which started today!  I'm sorry, I didn't forget about you........ unfortunately, I've been away since last weekend and was unable to access my site to do the draw and make the announcement. Yikes!!!! What super bad planning on my part. So, when I arrived home last night I did the draw right away and submitted my winners names to UStamp. 

Before I announce the winners names, I'd like to thank all of you for participating and sending me your great comments.  I loved hearing about your favourite new products from the Holiday Mini and receiving your great reviews and awesome comments regarding my blog and being a UStamp Designer again.  Much appreciated!!!   Now my two winners names were drawn using the Random Number Picker ( 2 numbers from 13 comments (I had to disqualify one because it was entered twice) and the winners names are:  #2 Jessica Cruz and #12 Debi Hadley.  They're comments were:

#2:  Jessica Cruz:  Hi Penny!! Tx for visiting my blog. Im now your follower too!! Many blessings.
Jessica U  http://www.rememberj.blogspot.com/

#12:  Debi said...I've seen lots of advertisements for this, but didn't really know what it was. It would be awesome to have a free pass just to get acquainted with it before I take the plunge.  Thanks, too, for your sweet comment on my blog.

So thank you ladies, and congratulations for being my winners!  I'll be in touch with you and I've submitted your contact information to Dawn Raspas and she'll email your free passes/invites to join today!  See you on the boards!

Greenhouse Gala Craft Tote Promotion Sept 1 - Oct 18, 2010

Have you heard the news?  There's never been a better time to join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator than now.  During the promotion period from September 1-October 18, 2010, or while supplies last, any one signing up as a new demo will receive a FREE craft tote (valued at $49.95) with the purchase of their Starter Kit.  Just look at how fabulous this craft tote is:

This Greenhouse Gala Craft Tote includes:

• 100% twill nylon exterior
•  100% nylon interior
• Dimensions: 15-3/4' x 7-5/8' x 8-7/8'
• Includes attachable shoulder strap for easy transport
• Center section fits 12' x 12' card stock, Craft Keepers, and Paper Cutter
• Outside pockets fit extra-large punches perfectly
• Outside flap pockets offer secure spot for accessories
• Back zipper pocket holds up to seven Stampin' Pads"

So, if you love to meet new people, enjoy spending time with friends, and enjoy sharing what you love to do, then Stampin' Up could be just right for you.  As a Stampin' Up Demonstrator you will have an opportunity to enjoy old and new friends, have fun and flexibility in your hours; earn between 20-40% with every order you place; and help others to develop their talents and skills in the world of stamping.  By joining Stampin' Up now, you will receive a starter kit complete with all the craft products and business supplies to start your business as well as this beautiful carryall tote.  You'll have access to training provided for Stampin' Up demonstrators on an exclusive website.  There are training videos on the products that Stampin' Up sells as well as business assistance.  The website also lets you connect with other demonstrators around the globe, so you can share tips, exchange product ideas and learn from other demonstrators.  Every month you'll receive a free copy of the Stampin' Up exclusive monthly magazine that is just jam packed with ideas to grow your business.  And, you'll also have the expertise of a Demonstrator Up-line and other local demonstrators in your community that can help you along on your way to being successful too!

If you want to know more about being a demonstrator on my team and how to earn this beautiful craft tote absolutely free, simply contact me at pennyhanuszak@telus.net and I'll be happy to answer your questions.  You can also check out my Stampin' Up Web page for more information on becoming a Stampin'Up Demo, just click here.

Starter Kit Just $215.00 if You Sign Up Now

Clearance Rack Has Been Updated!!!!

While this is going to be a big week for Stampin' Up shoppers with the unveiling of the fantastic Holiday Mini catalogue on September 1st, I thought I better bring the newly restocked Clearance Rack to your attention too.  I wouldn't want you to miss out on any awesome deals there, and believe me there are quite a few!  I was in the process of finalizing my latest order when I decided to check it out, and was just about bowled over by all the new items that have been added since last weekend.  Remember they'll go fast, so if you're looking for some bargains on ribbons, cardstock, designer paper and other accessories check it out soon before all the good stuff is gone!  Click here to check it out.