Happy New Year Wishes and Christmas Card Review

Well that long anticipated "most special day of the year" has come and gone and New Year's is just a few days away. Before it arrives, I just want to express my thanks to all of you who've followed my blog throughout this past rocky year,  and to all of my loyal customers and friends around the world that share their love of stamping.. 

I feel truly blessed to have stampers in my life and it gives me incentive to create different projects to share with you when I read your comments and know there are guys and gals out there who're anticipating "the next post".  

To each and everyone of you thank you so much and wishing you and yours a safe and wonderful new year ahead and the hope that our friendships continue in 2021.  I also hope we can get back to some kind of new normal where we can visit and share our lives again.  

We were blessed to have a snow fall just a few days before Christmas and it managed to stay around although it rained Christmas day.  Regardless, it was still beautiful and reaffirmed my love for Canadian Winters; something I've been missing over the past few years.  

We had fun Christmas morning opening presents and enjoying the warmth of our home and thinking about loved ones that we weren't able to visit in person.  

During the day there was a lot of chatter on the phone and because they were in our bubble, we were able to invite my sister and her hubby in to share our Christmas meal. It was both peaceful and wonderful and a Christmas I'll remember for a long time. 

During this year of COVID19 restrictions and social distancing I felt I really needed to reach out and let friends, family and associates know we cared about them.  I made and mailed over 100 cards between late October and the end of November. and had several trips to the Post office.  I hope you enjoy this sample of my efforts.

Although my craft room is normally my happy happy place. the old oak table in my kitchen became my second most favourite place to be.  I sat at that table, drinking hot chocolate, writing special notes, and addressing and labeling my cards before sending them off on their merry way.  My hours spent here were like a trip down memory lane, were very meaningful and were filled with peace, serenity.  I also got to enjoy my Christmas tree while I was there.

The Snowman Season stamp set which was a returning favourite from the year before, was a big favourite of mine. I was thrilled when it was featured in the Annual Catalogue. Last year I made over 100 mailable two layer cards with just this one stamp set and my stamperatus. And, this year I used almost every image and sentiment from the set to create more fun cards. This stamp set is available through the Spring, or while supplies last in the Annual Catalogue. If you love cutsie snowmen this is really the set to get.

 

Gift Wrapped was probably one of my most wanted stamp and punch bundles from the Holiday Mini Catalogue this year.  But, when I finally ordered it I was so into my other stamp sets that it was hardly used. I made three cards like this one, using the Trimming the Tree DSP.  I'm not feeling like I wasted money, though as this is a great stamp and punch set.  I plan to use this set for birthday and gift cards throughout the year, so stay tuned for more projects featuring the Gift Wrapped Bundle.  

This melting snowman is the whole reason why I bought the Don't Stop Believin' red cling stamp set. The sentiment "Sadly Frosty's first hot cocoa turned out to be his last" caught my eye when I first thumbed through the new holiday mini and it totally cracked me up. Needless to say, it was one of my most used images on my cards this year.

 

Warm and Toasty Fun Fold Card featuring the stamp set and Snowflake Splendor DSP.  The card base is made with Misty Moonlight card stock, one of the new Incolours for 2020-2022.  A perfect colour for the winter season. 

Doesn't this little polar bear bring a smile to your face.  He's another of the wonderful images in the Warm and Toasty stamp set.  This image is not just for Christmas though.  Click here to see how I used it for a baby welcome card.  

The Shaded Spruce paper from the Classic Christmas DSP pack is simply stunning with Whisper White card stock.  I have used the Curvy Creations dies to cut the swirl and paired up some ornaments using the Gleaming Ornaments Punch Pack and Christmas Gleaming stamp set.  Click here for details.

Don't Stop Believin' and Christmas Gleaming.  Click here for details. 

Along with making Christmas cards I always make Thank You cards to send out after Christmas.  This layout is again from my "Using Up Your Scraps" series.  The beautiful silver and blue designer papers are from the Feels Like Frost DSP which was a returning fave this season.  Love it! It was paired with Seaside Spray Card Stock.  

At the end of the season I always go through the stack of Christmas cards I've received and rescue a few to be recycled. This was one from last year that captured my heart.  I simply cut out the design on the face of the store bought card and relayered it with Stampin' Up! card stock to make a whole new card.  

Don't you just adore Elves?  I do and this is a particularly cute one from the Don't Stop Believin' stamp set.   Click here for card information.  

Freezin' Fun Fun Fold Card 

Warm and Toasty stamp set combined with the Winter Snow Embossing Folder for a fun card.  Click here for card directions.  

I made 30 cards using the Don't Stop Believin' stamp set the Santa image and my trustee Stamperatus Stamp Positioning platform.  These cards were great for mailing and turned out so sparkly and fun in their variety of colours and layers.  Click here for details.   

This friendly polar bear is from the Warm and Toasty Christmas stamp set.  I've paired him with Snowflake Splendor DSP and a background of snowflakes from the Winter Snow Embossing Folder.  Such a fun card to make and colour with Stampin' Blends Alcohol markers  Click here for directions.

This card features a new to me technique called Layering Circles to make a fun design.  I've used the Christmas Gleaming stamp set and the Textured Textile 3D Embossing Folder on this card along with scraps from the Classic Christmas DSP pack.  Click here for card instructions.  

Curvy Creations Using Up Scraps.

The characters from the Warm and Toasty stamp set are just so much fun.  I loved this prancing reindeer and enjoyed making this card with the Sahara Sand Classic Christmas dsp.  This is another great layout for Using Up Your Scraps!    

One of my favourite card layouts this  year.  Using up scraps and combining it with the Curvy Creations dies and Classic Christmas DSP.   The Curvy Christmas and Classic Christmas paper are only available until January 4th and then will be retired.   What fun!  Click here for details. 

I made this card for a Five in a Row Challenge at Freshly Made Sketches using paper, stamps and embossing folders from previous  years.  Click here for details.  

Merry Moose which coordinates with the Moose Punch, was another returning fave this season.  I combined it with the beautiful paper from the Curvy Christmas Bundle and the Evergreen Forest 3D Embossing Folder for this Gatefold card.   

This card features the retired Painted Harvest stamp set, Stitched Shapes Dies  and the Brightly Gleaming Designer Series PaperBrightly Gleaming Designer Series Paper  from Stampin' Up! This paper is part of the current sale and is on for $10 (50% off reg price).  

This card features the bubble blowing technique for the background and the Freezin' Fun stamp set and dies.  Click here for instructions on the bubble technique.

There were many many more cards that I made during the season, and I loved each and every one of them and all the wonderful Stampin' Up! products I used.  I made good use of each and every stamp set I own with a Christmas or Winter theme that's for sure.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot

Penny Hanuszak, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator 

December Blog Candy Winner.....

and the Winner is 

During the month of December I held a draw for a Stamperatus Platform from Stampin' Up!  To qualify all you had to do was place an On-line order through my shop for $50.00 or more and apply my December Hostess Code SRMEMX7U.

  

The draw was held on Christmas Day from the six eligible entries received. Each entry was assigned a number from 1 to 6 and when I ran the random number generator the lucky winner was #1, Sharon B of Vancouver, BC.

Congratulations Sharon! I'm so excited for you. I can guarantee this Stamperatus will change the way you stamp. It's a must-have tool for all stampers. Now you'll be able to get those perfectly aligned stamp images you've always wanted. The Stamperatus is great for stamping multiples of the same image quickly and precisely. And, this platform makes it easy to get complete ink coverage on all your images.

Here's what you've won: 

A Stamperatus stamp positioning tool or platform, that's compatible with both red rubber cling and photopolymer stamps.  Your new Stamperatus is equipped with:

• 2 magnets to hold the paper in place
• Rulers on 2 sides for quick measuring
• 2 open sides so you can use larger paper
• Multiple hinges for more placement options
• 2 reversible plates for 4 sides to work with
• 1 foam mat for use with photopolymer stamps
• * 1 base with grid
• * Magnet storage areas built in underneath the base
• * 5 sheets of grid paper to get you started

Sharon I'll be in touch with you to set up arrangements for getting your prize.  Once again congratulations!  And, thank you to everyone else who submitted a December order, I so appreciate your support.  

Happy Stamping!

Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot 

Penny Hanuszak, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator 

Hand Sanitizers for Stocking Stuffers

I've been busy getting last minute cards and projects finished for stocking stuffers and haven't been participating in any challenges while I try to stay focused on the work at hand, but in the new year will resume my weekly challenge posts.  I also plan to post an array of cards I've made this past year. What fun it is to look back on projects!    

But right now, here's a look at some of the hand sanitizers I've been making and packaging for stocking stuffers this year.  I used a variety of winter and Christmas themed papers and stamp sets to decorate these hand sanitizer holders. My motto when doing these kind of projects is to just let your imagination go wild and see what you come up with.  It usually works quite well.  

This is the fun little bunny on skis from the Freezin' Fun (#153341) stamp set by Stampin' Up! This stamp set coordinates with the Freezin' Fun dies. This bundle will be retiring on January 4, 2021.  What a shame it's such a fun combination of dies and stamps.  I love the snowbank die in this die set.  Takes the guess work out of making snow drifts.

For this hand sanitizer cover, I used Snowflake Splendor DSP for the backdrop and have featured one of the cute little gnomes from Gnome for the Holiday (#153322) stamp set from Stampin' Up!  This cute little set will be retiring on January 4, 2021.  

Both of the covers on these hand sanitizers have cut little images from retired stamp sets and Christmas DSP. The dog is a Hero Arts stamp called Winter Pup (D4840) that I came across at a garage sale years ago, fell in love with it.  Since the arrival of Stampin' Blends I've had a lot of fun colouring this image and using it for all kinds of projects.  The elf is cut from the retired Santa's Workshop DSP.

Mrs. Claus is also a fussy cut image from the Santa's Workshop DSP.  

For this cover I used paper scraps from the retired Let It Snow DSP that was out last year.    

The "Hand Sanitizer" bottles I purchased from Costco are approximately 4 inches tall and hold 2 fl. oz of sanitizer.  Most of the templates I found for Hand Sanitizer Covers on Pinterest are designed for smaller bottles or different shaped bottles.  Since nothing worked for my bottles, I grabbed my ruler and created my own.  I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out.  I'm sorry my template picture is so dark, it's winter in Canada and the days are longer and darker.  I'm hoping Santa gets my "wish list" and brings me some better lighting for my stamp cave.  

Here's my template:

Click on the pictures to enlarge it so you can see the measurements clearly.

Instructions:

1. Cut a strip of card stock 2 1/4" x 11" for the base. 
2. Score at 1/2", 1 3/4", 5 1/4", and 6 1/4" crease all score lines with bone folder so they are flexible.  
3. Center a 1" circle punch in space between 1/2"  and 1 3/4" score lines and punch.  This is where the bottle neck /cap goes through.
4. Cut coordinating DSP 
• 2 1/8" x 3 3/8" for front panel (cut 1)
• Cut 2 pieces 4 5/8" x 2 1/8" for the back and inside back panels
• Glue all the panels in place

5.  Stand sanitizer bottle in space between 5 1/4" and 6 1/4" score lines and fit top through the punched out hole.

6.  Bend half inch piece so it faces toward back panel and attach with score tape or liquid adhesive, to back panel making sure it sits level over bottle. 

To finish your hand sanitizer decorate with labels and embellishments of your choice. I always have a supply on hand so I can mix and match embellishments for my projects. I store them in the plastic sleeves that die cuts come in and keep them close to my work station.

Happy Stamping!

Pennytokens Stampin' Spot

Penny Hanuszak Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

DECEMBER HOSTESS CODE:  SRMEMX7U

If you're placing an order this month please apply the Hostess Code at the end of your order if it's less than $200.00 before S&H and sales tax. You will receive a gift and a thank you card from me.  If you are placing an order of more than $200 your Stampin' Up! rewards will automatically be given to you based on your order total, and a thank you card from me.   Thanks so much for choosing me as your Stampin' Up Demonstrator.  

Click here to go to my 24/7 Online Shopping site 

Win a Stamperatus in December:

As a Christmas bonus, anyone placing an order of $50 or more during the month of December with me, will have their name entered into my "Win a Stamperatus" draw to be held on December 25th.  Hope you'll play along!

We're Late! We're Late! We're Late!

It's just three days before Christmas and if your Stampin' Up! order hasn't been shipped or arrived yet, I just want to bring you an update and reassure you it will come.

Stampin' Ups! North American distribution center is currently shipping several days behind their normal time frames. With the Christmas and New Year holidays approaching, Stampin' Up! is expecting that delays may continue and/or even increase. Rest assured they are doing all they can to get orders out as close as possible to the order date, including exceeding their own records for the number of products picked and shipped in one day. Get this, they've been picking and sending out over 90,000 products each day for multiple days in a row now and they still haven't been able to catch up and get back to normal shipping time frames possibly until the end of the month.

Why is this happening? Whether you blame the time of year or COVID restrictions, this is not unique to Stampin' Up! So many people are ordering on line this season that the delays are everywhere. To top it off, UPS have placed daily limits on how much can be picked up from businesses.

Now, and for the rest of December, Stampin' Up! can only have one trailer picked up each day. They may be restricted but they're making maximum use of that one trailer and packing it as full as possible and so far haven't left anything behind.

However, as the month continues, there's a possibility they may not be able to include all packages on the trailer every day. To be fair, delays are also caused by packages having to spend more time in transit than normal as UPS deals with their increased workload from other suppliers. So, if you're planning on placing an order, please account for more delays than normal this month.

Other factors adding to delays is the increased congestion at each of the ports that Stampin' Up! ships to around the world. There are at least one to two-week delays in receiving items at ports, leading to delays in receiving products at Stampin' Ups! distribution centers. 

If you have an order pending and aren't seeing tracking information from USPS, Stampin' Up! suggests you visit their website and explore the Service Impacts section for more information. On last check, UPS has suspended all shipping guarantees and FedEx has extended their shipping times. This means you may not receive your packages on the days you expect. Even expedited shipments are seeing a one- to two-day delay.

The good news for Canadian deliveries is that Stampin' Up! because of the longer transit times for Canadian shipping has been up to now prioritizing Canadian orders. All orders may experience shipping delays based on the COVID-19 situation, however, they are doing everything we can to get shipments out in a timely manner. With the increased volume of packages being shipped around the world (especially this month), there are delays in getting packages through Canadian customs and from there to their intended destination. Ask me, my last order sat at customs an additional three days before it was cleared to Richmond.

Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot
Penny Hanuszak, Independent Stampin' Up Demonstrator