Sending a Little Sunshine

We're already a week into March and so far we've had an arctic front, snow, heavy frost,hail, wind, rain and more rain. After a weekend of gray skies, heavy rain and winds I'm trying to stay optimistic and hoping for some sunshine and dryer weather in the days to come. 

With the weather focus on mind I decided to use this week's Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #FMS626 for my inspiration. Here's the sketch:

FMS#626

HERE'S MY CARD:

I chose to design a positive card with a "rain and sun theme" that could be used for a variety of occasions.  

Remembering that the sketch challenge rules say it's okay to replace the circles with another image, I went ahead and changed the half circles with clouds. My basic white stitched clouds were die cut using the medium cloud die in the Stampin' Up! Bright Skies bundle featured on page 51 of the Annual Catalogue.  

There's also a cheerful little sun that's part of the coordinating stamp set and it has dies that make it easy to cut out and add dimension.  I stamped the sun in Daffodil Delight and used the small stitched circle die to cut a center for the sun from Daffodil Delight card stock.

I chose the "Sunshine to Brighten Your Day" sentiment from the "Sending Smiles" (#158701) stamp set on page 26 of the Annual Catalogue, and embossed it on a strip of basic black cardstock with Versamark ink and White Embossing Powder. I cut out the sentiment strip with the larger of the two label dies in the coordinating "Sending" (#159271) die set. What fun!  I love all nine of the sentiments in this stamp set, and any one of them would have worked perfectly with this theme. 

The Smokey Slate card base for this card measures 4 1/4" x 11" and is scored at the 5 1/2"  center line. I added a layer of Basic White 5 3/8" x 4 1/8", a layer of Balmy Blue 5 1/4" x 4" and a layer of Rain or Shine designer series paper that measured 3 7/8" x 51/8".  This piece of DSP has a myriad of glossing raised raindrops that capture the light when the card is turned. 

For the inside of the card I cut a 5 1/4" X 4" basic white panel and adhered another die cut sun to the bottom right hand corner.  I left the rest blank for a personal message. 

So that's my card for today.  I appreciate your dropping by to visit, and hope if my card inspired you in any way that you'll leave me a comment.  I super enjoy doing card challenges as it's a way of stimulating my creativeness and this weeks FMS#626 was perfect for that.  

Why not try out this challenge yourself, there's still a bit of time to do it.  Cheers and have a good week!

HAPPY STAMPING
PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin Up Demo since 2006
Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Webstore

THREE GREAT REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE TO PAPER PUMPKIN IN FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY 2023  PAPER PUMPKIN KIT

The Sunshine & Smiles Paper Pumpkin Kit is going to be awesome, and yes, it's definitely gonna make you smile! 

This kit includes:

• Everything you need to create 9 radiant cards—3 each of 3 designs—and 9 coordinating envelopes.
• A sweet springtime photopolymer stamp set.
• A Mango Melody Stampin’ Spot
• A fun peek-through window scene on each card!
• Cute precut critters and labels, fun raindrop embellishments, and more! 
• Finished card size: 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" (14 x 10.8 cm)

This kit will provide the perfect solution when you have a friend or family member weathering a storm, and in need of a smile.  It'll definitely brighten their day!

There are three super great things about subscribing to the February Sunshine and Smiles Paper Pumpkin kit that I know you're going to LOVE!!!  

1.  SUITE COORDINATION: 

If you've checked out Stampin' Ups! new Mini Catalogue released on January 5th, you've probably already fallen in love with the Rain or Shine Suite Collection shown on pages 50 and 51.  If not check it out because it's going to capture your heart.  This suite has it all - a cute stamp set called Playing in The Rain with coordinating dies , a coordinating embossing folder called Raindrops, and the most awesome designer series paper called Rain or Shine.  There's even some sweet little flower embellishments called Loose Daisy.  

So here's the exciting news the February Paper Pumpkin kit will have stamps and precut paper critters that coordinate beautifully with Rain or Shine Collection as well as another surprise.

2.  ADD ON:

For the first time EVER, Stampin' Up! will be featuring an Add On of two coordinating dies.  I can tell you they're a cute frog and a flower and they'll go perfectly with the Rain or Shine Suite Collection to add even more enjoyment to your crafting experience.  So whether you're a beginner stamper or experienced this Add on which is sold separately, will be something you won't want to miss out on Sunshine & Smiles Dies (Available for purchase starting 11 January, while supplies last).

Item number: 162486    Cost $8.25 CAD

This Add On includes:

• One coordinating frog-shaped die: 1-1/8" x 7/8" (2.9 x 2.2 cm)
• One coordinating flower bouquet die: 1-1/8" x 7/8" (2.9 x 2.2 cm)

Note: Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine sold separately..    

3.  PAPER PUMPKIN SUBSCRIPTIONS AND SALE-A-BRATION: 

• Subscription Period for the Sunshine and Smiles February  Paper Pumpkin kit is January 11 –  February 10 |
• Many Paper Pumpkin subscribers purchase their 12 month pre-paid subscription during Sale-A-Bration each year so they get the best deal on 12 months of Paper Pumpkin including their choice of 4 FREE Sale-A-Bration products and Stampin’ Rewards. 
• Click here to subscribe with me me .  Starting with the February kit I will be offering a monthly Paper Pumpkin Club.  Stay tuned for sign up information. 

HAPPY  STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Independent Stampin' Up Demo 

Sale-A-Bration Flyer: 

Click here to see PDF version