Birthday Wishes for January

My friend Wendy celebrated her birthday on January 3rd, and I decided I'd make an easel birthday card for her.  I love the versatility of easel cards and they are one of my favourite "wow" card styles. 

In October I purchased some retired stamp sets from Holly Smith including the one I used for this card.   When Holley sent them to me she also included the cards she made to advertise the stamp sets on her blog.  Because Holly's card was so beautiful, I decided to case it and I'm so glad I did.  It tured out so pretty.  I'll be making a few more of these.  Think I'll add some bling to punch it up a bit, even though it doesn't really need it. 
Recipe:
Stamp Set:  Garden Collage (2005 Retired)
Card Stock:  Bravo Burgundy, Black,Vanilla
Ink:  Chocolate Chip
Markers:  Pretty in Pink, Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive
DSP:  Designer Series Paper Patterns Pack (In Color) - Blushing Bride
Ribbon: Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches and Dies: Big Shot Scallop Circle Die, Small and Large Oval Punches, Scallop Trim Border Punch

Here's the finished card:

Cards in the Mail

 Every year I receive a host of Christmas cards from friends and family and I enjoy them so much. Each card is special as the sender took the time to sit down and jot down a Christmas message just for my family.  Along with the funny, sophisticated, showy cards, there are those that have been handmade with care and love and when you pull them from the envelope, your heart skips a beat.  

I thought I'd share pictures of 3 of the gorgeous cards I received from good friends and family that did just that!  Each is different and unique and I loved them all.  Hope you enjoy them!

Betty Lee's beautiful Dasher.  So many great elements in this card and I loved the embossing.

Ethel's beautiful Poinsettia card is simply gorgeous.  The detail in this die cut is awesome!

My beautiful sister's awesome card made with Merry Crittermas!  That little bunny is just flying by with good wishes!

Stampin' Up! - 2010-2011 Mini Carryover Items

Stampin' Up! - 2010-2011 Mini Carryover Items:
If you were like me 2010 ended too quickly with so much to do, and a few deadlines that were  missed.  For example I loved a lot of the items in the fabulous Holiday Mini but when it came to a close on Jan 3, 2011, I felt like I had missed out on some great products, that would never come around again.  Well I don't have to worry about that now, because Stampin' Up has just announced they are offering a carryover of items from the 2010-2011 Holiday Mini.  Can you hear me cheering!!!!  So here's a breakdown of what's still available:. 

Item #DescriptionPrice

120890 Candy Wrapper Bigz L Die$43.95
120903 Scallop Squares Duo Bigz Die$29.95
120893Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die$57.95
120901Northern Frost Decorative Strip $29.95
120902Northern Flurry Textured Impressions Embossing Folder $10.95
120889Spider Web Textured Impressions Embossing Folder$10.95
120982Northern Trim Letterpress Plate $7.50
120980Trick or Treat Letterpress Plate $9.95
1209083/4' x 15/16' Oval Punch $15.95
120984Waffle Paper (Assortment 1) $12.25
1221248' x 8' Page Protectors (20) $9.95
120981Joyful Season Letterpress Plate $7.50
120910Vintage Frames Décor Stencils$18.95"

Click here to see the PDF version of the flyer and remember when you order using my Shop On Line button, you get preferred pricing!

Stampin' Up! 2011 Occasions Mini Is Now Available

The 2011 Occasions Mini Catalog (January 4-April 30, 2011) was released today, and it is just so exciting!  The Occasions Mini Catalog contains all-new stamp sets, accessories, Designer Fabric, dies, and more.

I think you're going to totally fall in love with all the new products.  A PDF copy of the catalogue is available in my sidebar until May 1st, so don't delay have a look at it today!

HAPPY NEW YEARS - HAPPY STAMPING

Hard to believe we're leaving 2010 behind us, but at the stroke of midnight tonight a new and exciting year will be unfolding.  Tomorrow will be a day to embark on those annual resolutions and thoughts of self-improvement and to reflect on the year just past.

When I look back at my stamping life in 2010 here are some of the things I've reflected on:

• I think of all my fantastic customers who have kept me a float doing what I love.  You're all so awesome and I hope you'll come back next year for more exciting times.
• I think of all the great stampers I've had the pleasure to meet and to correspond with. 
• I think of  all the great blogs I've had the pleasure of visiting and the awesome projects that I've seen displayed.  Thank you Chandra and Julie for expanding all our horizons.
• All the fun I had designing my many projects for UStamp and working with Dawn Raspas to create some wonderful stamping times.  Thanks Dawn you gave me some great opportunities to test my mettle and to participate in your wonderful series.  Also a big hug to all of my friends on UStamp and to all the awesome designers who work so hard to bring about a successful event...........you are my heros!  A particular thanks to Betty Traciuk who works so hard behind the scenes to make this event move along.  Betty was always there to answer my many questions and help me through when I was had doubts or was stuck............. you are the one girl!  Thank you.
• Being able to participate with all the great gals on the Inkspirations Blog Hop.  That was fun and I so enjoyed being a part of your wonderful tour.  Makeesha Byl thanks so much I love this group!
• Participating in the Royal Blog Hop tour and winning a great blog candy prize from Jennifer Blomquist! I loved hunting for clues and visiting all the fantastic sites.  This tour really rocked. Whoo Hoo that was fun!  Can't wait to sign up for the next one.
• Participating with Late Nite Stampers and in particular Sherill Graf who is so inspiring!
• Being a member of the Langley Colourful Impressions Group..........you ladies rock!  A big salute to Kristina Koch for all her wonderful events and helpfulness over the year.  You sure know how to have fun, teach us new stamping tricks and keep us informed.  Take a bow Kristina, you deserve it.
• Recruiting two great gals in the 10,000 Recruits Promotion on Stampin' Up.  Wow you ladies came through in the nick of time and I am so thrilled to have you as part of my "Penny Token's Stampin' Girls"..............Janis and Lorraine, you are both awesome and I hope I can be an inspiring leader too!  Good luck with your upcoming workshops!
• I think of how fantastic the feeling was to hit 10,000 visitors to my blog...........I cried that was so much fun and so exciting watching the visitor count rise through the help of Stampin' Connection and UStamp.
• I think of my wonderful friend Sheri Lee who inspires me and gives me such happiness in my stamping world.  Sheri you are just the best friend and I truly love all your phenomenal creations and talent, not to mention your friendship which I value immensely.  Thanks Sheri you made my year .....again!
• I think of all the changes that Stampin' Up has made over the past year, and just to name a few the color rennovations, punch modifications, catalogue changes, the addition of so many new and wonderful products, DBWs, MDS, Stampin Connection and more.  Thanks Shelly Gardiner.

Although there are so many more things I'd like to share I think I'll end this post with a New Years Poem by Joanne Fuchs.  I think it says it all!  Happy New Years Everyone!

Happy New Year Wish

My Happy New Year wish for you
Is for your best year yet,
A year where life is peaceful,
And what you want, you get.


A year in which you cherish
The past year’s memories,
And live your life each new day,
Full of bright expectancies.


I wish for you a holiday
With happiness galore;
And when it’s done, I wish you
Happy New Year, and many more.

Great Canadian Butter Tarts

I don't know a Canadian whose face doesn't light up when you mention Butter Tarts.  It's a tradition and one that fits right in with Christmas baking and goodies.  My family adores butter tarts and can't wait to sink their teeth into these holiday marvels. 

In the past I've purchased frozen tart shells which I bought either at Costco (80 frozen 3" shells) or Safeway (30 frozen 3" shells), not because I'm lazy, but because I found it more efficient to use frozen shells when I'm making huge batches of these holiday favourites.  So, imagine my surprise when I couldn't find any frozen tart shells in California! There just aren't any to be found.  I've been to Costco, Marie Calendars, VONs, Ralphs, Jensens, Trader Joes............ you name it.  No frozen tart shells.  In fact, when I asked if anyone had tart shells most of the store staff generally gave me a pretty puzzled look and some even pointed to filled "quiche" shells.  Sorry mates not the right thing!  My American friends just don't know what they are missing!

Well, I just have to make butter tarts for Christmas and I can't let this bump get in the way, so I had decided to pull out my favourite "from scratch" pastry recipe and make the tart shells that way. As I was about to get on with this job my friend Margo (who is my newest hero) suggested I try "Pillsbury Pie Crusts".  She uses them all the time, and swears they are just the best!  I have to admit I hadn't really thought about using a refrigerated pie crust, but I thought what the heck I'll give it a try.  Well let me tell you that other than the tart crusts turning out just a tad flakier than what we're used to, using the pie crust worked.  Thank You Pilsbury Dough Boy!  I should have known!  Anyway if you decide to make thebutter tarts this way, there are 2 crusts in a box and you'll get six 4" tart shells from each crust.  Thought I'd share my recipe and some pictures of my finished tarts.  My husband is happy and so am I.  If you decide to try them out let me know how you made out. 

Canadian Butter Tarts

Ingredients:
1 egg beaten
1/3 cup soft margarine (room temperature not microwave softened)
1 cup golden brown sugar
2 Tablespoons milk
½ cup raisins (I soak mine in hot water for 20 minutes to soften)
½ cup finely chopped walnuts (put ½ cup in Ziploc bag and crush with a mallet)
1 tsp vanilla
1 pastry recipe or frozen tart shells

Mix first 7 ingredients together and fill tart shells 2/3 full. Bake in a hot oven 400 degrees for 16 minutes or until tart shells are golden brown and butter tart mixture is browned.
Note if using frozen tart shells: Bake in a hot oven 450 degrees for 8 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350 F and bake 15 to 20 minutes.

Hot out of the oven.............Yumm and it smells so good!

These are so sweet and tasty.  This recipe will make 12-15 tarts.  Better make a second batch, they go fast!

I told you he was happy! 

Stampin' Up! - Filled with Love Promotion Dec 17 to Jan 24, 2011

I know Christmas isn't even over yet, but I don't want you to miss out on this great event called the "Filled with Love Promotion".  In case you didn't already know, Valentine's Day is considered the second biggest holiday for sending cards.  This Filled with Love Promotion which runs from December 17th to January 24th will help you complete all your card projects in plenty of time for the big day.  During this event you can get an exclusive package of Designer Series Paper perfect for creating cards for family, friends, classmates, and more! Also as part of this promotion you can get a FREE package of Bitty Buttons--a $6.50 value--when you purchase an exclusive "Filled with Love Bundle." To find out more about what is offered in this great promotion click here.  My on-line store is open 24/7 for your shopping convenience.  If you have any questions regarding this promotion just email me I'd be happy to help you out.