Sale-A-Bration - Just Ten More Days - Join the Fun!!!

Sale-A-Bration is coming!!!  This is Stampin' Up!s biggest sales event of the year and runs from January 25th to March 31st, 2011.  That's right in  ten more days,you'll have three great ways to earn FREE products.  Here's how:

SPEND:  Place an order for $60* and you'll earn one free Sale-a-Bration product of your choice.

HOST:  Host a workshop of at least $300* and earn one free Sale-A-Bration product in addition to the generous hostess benefits.

JOIN:  Join my Stampin' Up! team by becoming a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration and get 15 percent off your Starter Kit, plus a special Bonus Bundle of products valued up to $60! That’s right an additional $60.00 bundle.  If you join up to be part of my team the following items will be included in your Starter Kit (whether it's the standard kit or the Digital+ Starter Kit):

• 121620 Color Coach (or multiple languages Color Coach), page 165 IB&C
• 120806 Something Special Simply Sent (or any Simply Sent kit), page 183
• 117114 Live, Laugh, Love Stamp Set (or any Simply Sent Stamp Set valued at $14.95 or less) page 183
• 119883 Heart to Heart Punch (or any punch valued at $23.95 or less), page 202

*NET SALES before shipping and handling and tax

Quick and Simple Treat Holders

Today I thought I'd share my directions for these cute little Valentine Treat Holders made with some of the gorgeous "Love Patterns" Designer Series Paper.  These treat holders are quick and easy to make and are suitable for any occasion simply by changing the DSP and the embellishment on the front of the holder.

Directions:

• Cut one 3 1/2" x 10 1/2" piece of  Pretty In Pink DSP from Love Patterns paper pack*.
• Score at  3 1/2 and 7" (see diagram).  Once scored fold piece C over B and A over C to form a little package.     

A

B

C


Measure down 1 1/2" on the outside of the C panel and cut on an angle to the center line.  Once you've removed the cut piece add sticky strip to the inside bottom and middle of this panel and adhere to B panel.   You now have a little pocket for enclosing a treat (Ghirardelli squares or Dove chocolate pieces).

Decorate the outside of the treat holder by gluing a 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" strip of coordinating DSP about 1" from the bottom of the holder. I ran a 1" by 3" strip of Real Red card stock through the Big Shot Vintage Wallpaper textured embossing folder, and glued this to the center of the DSP strip. For the embellishment, I stamped the heart from the Punch Potpourri stamp set onto a piece of Pretty in Pink DSP, and punched out the heart using the Heart Punch.  To give a bit of depth and stability, I glued this heart onto a piece of real red cardstock and then cut round the outside of the card stock to create a border for the heart. Dimensionals were used to mount the heart to the card stock strip. The "for you" sentiment from the Elements of Style, stamp set was stamped on Pretty in Pink DSP and then punched out with a 1 1/4" circle punch.  This circle was glued onto red cardstock and punched out with the 1 3/8" circle punch and then mounted with dimensionals to the center of the heart.  Three basic rhinestones were added to the bottom right corner for a touch of bling.  Voila all done!  Told you it was quick and easy. 

Note:  The exclusive Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack is only available during the "Filled With Love" Promotion which ends on January 24th, 2010. 

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.