Textured Notes Top 3 Badge for AHSC #620

 Top 3 Badge Winner for Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #620:

AHSC #620

I was thrilled to find out that my Textured Notes card in last week's challenge was  one of the top three for sketch challenge #620.  Thank you to the Atlantic Heart Challenge Designers for not only a great sketch challenge, but for choosing my card as one of the three top  badge winners.  Appreciate it! 

Click here to see the original post

I had a good feeling about this sketch right from the start.  A shout out to the other two winners - PJs Projects and Jolanda Johnston.  Make sure you check out their gorgeous cards too.    

Stay tuned for some additional Textured Notes over the coming weeks.  The natural textures in the DSP make it such a wonderful  set to create and play with.  I'm also a big fan of the coordinating stamps which are perfect for layering on the texture and for creating wonderful focal points.  

Happy Stamping!

Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006 

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Shop 

Click her for "how to apply the hostess code" instructions.

Plaid Shirts Masculine Cards

Have you seen the Timeless Plaid 6x 6  designer series paper that's featured on page 25 of the January to April 2025 Mini Catalogue.  It's sold separately or as part of the Storybook Moments Suite.  

These plaid papers are perfect for masculine, seasonal, and all-occasion cards, gift tags, scrapbook pages, and more and there are 48 sheets of patterned paper (4 each of 12 double-sided designs).  The product colours are Basic Beige, Boho Blue, Cajun Craze, Calypso Coral, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Lost Lagoon, Misty Moonlight, Mossy Meadow, Old Olive, Pebbled Path, Pecan Pie, Wild Wheat.

During the month of March I have several guy birthday occasions, and as soon as I saw this plaid paper I wanted to make some shirt birthday cards.  I found a great template on Tonya Denton's So Inking blog that was exactly what I was looking for.  Here are some of the cards I made:

These shirt cards are so easy to make. Here are the supplies I used:

Supplies:

Card Stock:

• Card base 8 1.2x 11 scored at 4 1/4"  I used very old retired cardstock that matched the plaids for example:
• Blue card is Close to Cocoa, and Matte is Misty Moonlight, Buttons Close to Cocoa
• Orange and Wild Wheat Plaid with  Cajun Craze Matt and Groovy Guava base, Buttons Groovy Guava
• Flirty Flamingo and Crumb Cake Plaid with Early Espresso Matte and Flirty Flamingo base, Buttons Close to Cocoa
• Lost Lagoon and Old Olive Plaid, Matte is Lost Lagoon, Base and buttons are Old Olive 
• Basic White scraps for pocket inserts
• Basic White 4" x 5 1/4" for inside matte layer

Stamps: 

• Special Moments #158081 (best wishes sentiment)
Inside sentiment "wishing you the best birthday ever" retired Stampin Up!

Accessories: 

• Retired Button Die by Stampin Up
• Rectangle Stitched Framelit Dies (R) - largest one for Shirt  
• Stitched Nested Label Dies (R) for pocket and pocket insert 

I made this blue and green plaid shirt with the buttons and collar facing the 

opposite way from the other shirts, just for some variety.  It worked okay. 

Well, that's it for my Plaid Masculine Birthday cards.  I hope you liked them.  If you're interested in casing these cards the instructions are in  Tonya's post.  Hope you enjoyed these.  

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Store 

Friendly Seagulls FMS#677

I've been playing with the Friendly Seagulls stamp set I got for free during Sale-a-bration last month, and decided to use it for this week's Freshly Made Sketches challenge.   Click here to see my first effort with this set, which was a top three winner in the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge.  What fun!  Here's the sketch:

Click here for Freshly Made Sketches #677

Here's My Card:

I love the new Textured Notes dies that came in my last order so I used them to cut the blue and the white mattes. I added some texture to the Balmy Blue matte by embossing it with the So Swirly embossing folder.

Although the texture is great I don't like large embossing folders like this. They are a pain, taking up too much room in my storage area. I guess the only advantage for me would be getting two mattes with one swipe of the machine.

I always try and finish the insides of my cards even if it's just to add a little stamping.  How about you, do you add sentiments, stamping or other designs to the inside of your card? 

I see some folks just leave the inside blank for writing their message, but I like to add a matte or two.  How about you, do you leave it blank or add mattes? 

Supplies:

Stamps and Dies:

• Friendly Seagulls #164961 (r)

Cardstock:

• Basic White card base 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" Scored at 4 1/4"
• Basic White - three pieces 3" x 1 1/2" for mattes
• Basic White inside matte 3 3/4" x 5"
• Boho Blue 4 x 5 1/4" for outside and inside mattes

Ink:

• Memento Black 
• Boho Blue
• Crumb Cake 
• Blends - Mango Melody, L/D Gray Granite, Poppy Red, SU700

Accessories:

• Dimensionals
• So Swirly Embossing Folder for Waves on Boho Blue Matt
• Textured Notes Dies for mattes
• Scissors for fussy cutting 
• Shiny sequins

So that's my card for this week's FMS challenge. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out. The three rectangles were easy to work with in creating focal points and I know I'm going to enjoy making more cards using this sketch as well as the Friendly Seagull stamp set. Both are great ideas. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts.  Do you like the seagulls?  Would you send a card like this to a friend or family member?  Can you think of any cute sayings that would go with these images besides the ones I used?  I'm working on that one for my next card with this set.  Have a great week and......

HAPPY STAMPING!
PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Web Store 

 

Click here for how to apply Hostess Code

Textured Notes Thank You Card and AHSC#620

Stampin' Up introduced a new suite to the Online Exclusives this month called Botanical Textured Suite Collection. This beautiful suite definitely checked off a lot of boxes for me.  I fell in love at first glance with the Textured Notes 12 x 12 designer paper, then the Textured Notes dies made my heart race, so instead of buying the whole suite, I chose to purchase portions of it.  I got the Textured Notes Bundle, the DSP and Corrugated embossing folder. 

My order arrived this week, and I managed to get a few minutes together to play with the new bundle.  Believe me I wasn't disappointed.  The images are really crisp and clear and the neutral color palette in the papers really struck a chord.  The eight rectangular dies are going to enhance some of my upcoming projects, and I can't wait to use more of them.  For my card I was happy to use the long thin one to showcase the sentiment. 

I based my card design on this week's Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #620, which is open for participation until Sunday March 16th, 2025.  Have you given any thought to participating in a card or scrapbook challenge.  This is such a great sketch, why not play along and have some fun! 

Here's My Card: 

Supplies  Used:

Stamps and Dies:

• Textured Notes Stamp Set #165548
• Textured Notes Die for sentiment #165555

Card Stock and Designer Series Paper:

• Woven Textures 165560 Strip 1 1/4" x  4 1/2"
• Early Espresso for card base 8 1/2 x 5 1/4" scored at 4 1/4"
• Early Espresso Mat 1 1/2" x 4 3/4"
• Pecan Pie Mat 4" x 5 1/4"
• Basic Beige Mat 5 x 3 3/4" and a scrap strip for sentiment 

Ink:

• Early Espresso
• Pecan Pie

Accessories:

• Basic D Textured Embossing Folder for Basic Beige mat
• Dimensionals
• Gold Faceted Gems
• Scissors for fussy cutting leaves 

This card came together quite easily.  The natural design paper is absolutely stunning, and the designs are very realistic.  Although there wasn't a die for the leaves, they were easy to fussy cut.  

The Textured Notes stamp set has some awesome sentiments written in a wonderful script.  I love all of them, however need to do some critical trimming of the red rubber surrounding the writing as they are large and prone to picking up additional ink and causing halos.  After a few failed attempts while using a block, I switched over and stamped with my Mini Misti and the sentiment images were perfect.  At some point I'll have to trim back the rubber edges but for now I'll make them work.   

Hope you enjoyed my card.  I'd love to hear from you.  See you next time......

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Independent Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to shop in my 24/7 Online Web Store 

Seagull Anniversary Card - AHSC #619

 Here is this week's Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge:

Click here to visit the AHSC #619

Here's My Card: 

This sketch gave me a chance to use my Friendly Seagulls Stamp set that I got for free during Sale-A-Bration.  

What a fun stamp set.  This little beachy scene came together so quickly to create this fun anniversary card.  I love the sentiments and all the images! 

Stamps and Dies: 

• Friendly Seagulls #164961 SU
• Love Birds AIC S27 

Cardstock and DSP:

• Boho Blue 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" card base scored at 4 1/4
• Basic White Strip 2 3/8" x 5 1/2" and 5 1/4" x 4" for inside 
• Pecan Pie two strips 5 1/2" x 1/2" 

Ink:

• Momento Black 
• Pecan Pie for sentiments and shells
• Crumb Cake sand 
• Balmy Blue for sky
• Poppy Parade, Mango Melody, Gray Granite Light/Dark Stampin' Blends

Accessories: 

• Tom Bow Glue
• Dimensionals 

Thanks for visiting my blog and checking out my card design for this challenge.  I hope you were inspired and if so please leave me a note, I'd love to hear from you. 

March 13th Update:

Just a wee update on last week's card sketch for Atlantic Hearts sketch challenge.  I was thrilled when I found out this morning that the Design Team at Atlantic  Hearts Sketch Challenge site, chosen my card along with ones from Christy Stanford and Deborah Wheeler for the Top 3 at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #619.  A pleasure to join these ladies and to participate.  Awesome!  

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my 24/7 Online Store 

Click here to for instructions on using the Hostess Code 

Some Changes Are Coming!

It won't be long until the new Annual Stampin’ Up! catalogue launches in May, and they've just announced to demonstrators some of the upcoming price adjustments on select products, including cardstock and sizing changes in the new catalogue year.  While these changes won't take effect until the new annual catalogue launches in May 2025, now's the time to assess your stash.  Here's what's changing: 

Stampin' Up! Cardstock Changes:

Beginning May 1, 2025 the following price changes and amounts will go into effect for Stampin' Up! Cardstock:

Basic White   - price increase and amount!

• Currently: $18 for 40 sheets 
• New Price in May:  $20 for 24 sheets

 8-1/2" x 11" Cardstock:

• All single-colour packs will now include 24 sheets (including Basic White & Very Vanilla).
•  Assortments will contain 20 sheets.
• New price in May: $20 CAD per pack.

Thick Basic White 8-1/2" x 11" Cardstock:
Retiring and will be gone forever while supplies last! If you can't do without it order some while you still can!  

12" x 12" Cardstock:

• All single-colour packs will include 24 sheets - thats increased from 20 sheets
• Current Price - 20 Sheets for $21.00
• New price in May: $30 CAD for dyed cardstock, $36 CAD for Basic White Thick Cardstock.  
• New Two-Tone Cardstock will be available in single-colour packs to coordinate with DSP & sticker sheets!

Retiring In Colours:

If you love the 2023-2025 In Colours, now is the time to stock up! These beautiful shades will soon be retiring, and some of them are already in short supply.  Once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.

• Copper Clay
• Wild Wheat
• Boho Blue
• Moody Mauve
• Pebbled Path 

Remember that if an In Colour is included in any of the following products, those items will also be retiring:  Ribbon, Inks (refills, pads, blends, markers) Embellishments, Designer Series Paper.

NEW STAMPING REWARDS PROGRAM - FOR EVERYONE! 

A New Stampin’ Rewards Program is launching April 15th! And, I think you're going to love it!  

On April 15th at 8:00am Mountain Time, Stampin’ Up! will make it easier than ever to earn rewards for the products you order.  

I've already told you in this post, that the Hostess Code program will no longer be available, it's being replaced with Stampin' Rewards.  You'll no longer need to place a $200+ order, because you'll automatically earn 10% back on any order of $20.00 or more. For example: 

THINGS YOU NEED TO DO/KNOW:

More information will be shared with you as the program begins to launch but for now you need to:

• Have your own Stampin’ Up! online store account at stampinup.com to earn and redeem rewards.
• Make sure you can log into your account before April 15th so you’re ready to start earning rewards!
• A $50 order earns you a $5 reward to use on a future order!
• Rewards can be saved and used later—use them little by little or save them up for something special!
• The current 50% off option is ending - so if you have a pending workshop order that qualifies in sales you'll need to place your orders SOON to take advantage of this rewards offer. 
• Because of banking and privacy regulations, I'll no longer be able to manage customer accounts for you.

As your demo I'll still be here to answer your questions and help with placing an order. 

Tariffs:  

I know that all of you have concerns about how the recently announced tariffs will impact the overall cost of Stampin' Up! Products. This week I put in two orders for myself just in case.

Currently Stampin' Up! hasn't released any information on how tariffs will affect their business. So, while I can't answer your questions right at the moment, I will once I get accurate details.  For now just carry on.  

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006

Click here to visit my Online 24/7 Store 

Thinking of You card - Storybook Moments and #FMS675

Sketch challenges can sometimes be pretty intricate, but this one from Freshly Made Sketches couldn't get any easier.  The design is simplistic and the samples from both the design team and from participants in this sketch are truly inspiring.  Talk about plain and simple.  

Click here to visit Freshly Made Sketches 

Here is My Card: 

Stamps and Dies:

• Sending Smiles #158701
• Pansy Patch #154999

Cardstock and DSP:

• Mossy Meadow - card base 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
• Boho Blue Mat 5 3/8" x 4 1/8"
• Story Book Moments DSP 4" x 5 1/4" and 1/2" x 4" strip for inside, 
• Ephemera Duck for inside and images fussy cut from dsp
• Basic White 4" x 5 1/4" inside Mat  and scraps for sentiments

Ink: 

• Misty Moonlight

Accessories:

• Dimensionals
• Tom Bow glue

I hope you liked my clean and simple card today.  I really think this sketch is timeless, and one of those worth saving in the "make in a hurry" categories. In my opinion, no matter the occasion, this sketch is one of those "one size fits all" "go to" tools you want to keep on hand. 

Okay, that's enough nattering for now.  Thanks for dropping by and checking out my card.  Leave me a comment if you think this is a "worthy" card and/or sketch.    

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin' Up! Demo since 2006 

Click here to visit my online 24/7 store

Click here for instructions on applying the Hostess Code to Your Order