FMS475 Sketch Challenge

I decided to start March off with a challenge, so chose sketch #475 from the Freshly Made Sketches challenge blog site.   

This fun sketch chosen by design team member Jackie Southas is a classic "threes" challenge.  That means that you can put anything you want on your design as long as it has three of something and the card is clean and simple.

Speaking of threes, I also really liked the three colour CAS Colours & Sketches Challenge #409.  I think these three colours are fun and really compliment each other. Let me know if you think so too or play along with the challenge which doesn't close until 6:00 pm EST  Monday March 8, 2021.

Here's My Card: 

This birthday card is way outside my comfort zone. The design is very "plain" and simple, not something I do well or often.  Usually my cards have more layers but I threw all that out the window when I decided to make this card. 

I chose to flip the sketch outline so that my three panels would be vertical on the layer rather than horizontal. Stampin' Ups! bubble caption die from the Special Day set has been niggling at me for some time now, and I thought what a perfect opportunity to use this probably somewhat overlooked die cut.  

The Special Day Die set coordinates with the Special Someone 23 piece Photopolymer Stamp set which I used for the inside of the card.  I've highlighted the caption die.  How cute is that? 

I pulled out some scraps of Calypso Coral, Granny Apple Green and Terracotta Tile and stamped each with a sentiment from the Special Someone stamp set.  They were stamped with Versa Mark ink and heat set with White Embossing Powder. The three captions were  lined up on the card layer and mounted with Dimensionals.   The top caption is Calypso Coral and the bottom one with the Happy Birthday sentiment is the Terracotta tile.  

The card base is a standard 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" Whisper White with a 5 1/8" x 3 7/8" layer of Calypso Coral card stock.  The second layer was cut from a 3 3/4" x 5" piece of Whisper White card stock.  I used the 2nd largest of the Stitched With Whimsey dies to add a whimsical stitched design around the edge of the card.

Stitched With Whimsy Dies

These dies create die-cut frames that are anything but square. The irregular edges look like they were cut freehand and have cute decorative stitching. They're perfect for framing sentiments on handmade cards, scrapbook pages, and other paper crafts.

For the inside of the card I stamped the super adorable raccoon and balloon from the Special Someone stamp set.  The first layer of the two-step raccoon was stamped with Early Espresso ink and the second layer with Crumb Cake.  The first layer of the balloon was stamped with Calypso Coral and the 2nd with Terracotta Tile inks.  I repeated the caption on Granny Apple Green card stock.  

The Special Day stamp set has 23 photopolymer images.  The 2-step stamps line up beautifully to create very detailed images.  One of my favourites this year for creating cute cards. 

I splattered the front and inside of the card with some Terracotta Tile ink, using a toothbrush.  It didn't quite give me the effect I was hoping for so I added some small stars in coordinating colours to add a little more interest.  

Note:  If you're a fan of Terracotta Tile like I am, don't forget that it will be retiring soon as it's one of the five Incolours from the 2019-2021 sales period. 

2019-2021 In Colours  Now's the time to stock up on the ink pads, cardstock, re-inkers and blends before the retiring list is released in a week or so, otherwise you might not be able to replenish your stock.

I hope you like today's card. Let me know if you like this design...... do you ever make cards that aren't within your comfort zone?  I'd love to hear from you because receiving your feedback really makes my day.  

HAPPY STAMPING! 

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, Independent Stampin' Up Demonstrator

My March Hostess Code BPWWMBT4: 

Receive FREE Stampin'Up! Products from me by simply adding this month's Hostess Code to the end of your On-line Order.   Apply the Hostess Code to any order under $199.99 (before s&h and tax) and you'll receive a FREE Stampin' Up! rewards gift and thank you card from me. 

For orders $200+ no worries you'll automatically receive Stampin' Up! Rewards based on the total of your order.  

Here's To You - March 2021 Paper Pumpkin

For all of you scenery lovers out there, get a load of the Here's to You March Paper Pumpkin kit. in Specials.

The Here’s to You Paper Pumpkin Kit contains enough elements and embellishments to create eight cards and coordinating envelopes. With fields of wildflowers, scenery of mountain majesty, and sentiments of celebration, you’ll let your loved ones know that the views from the hilltop are always worth the hike!   See what all is included in this video clip:

Here’s to You Stamp Set has a sentiment for every celebration! What fun, you can commemorate every milestone of any season in life with this versatile stamp set. This mountain-themed kit has four unique, reusable stencils—and a stamping sponge—included for free,

NOT FAMILIAR WITH PAPER PUMPKIN

Paper Pumpkin is the perfect way to jump into the world of papercrafting and get your creative “me-time” every month. Stampin' Up! delivers all the stamps, ink, and paper you need to create a fun project, without any stress. Everything is pre-cut and ready to go so you can skip to the fun part of crafting!

Your first kit includes a free gift —a clear stamping block. You’ll also build a collection of stamps and ink to use on other projects. There’s no pressure—you can cancel or suspend at any time. Subscribe by the 10th of the month to get started!

If you're interested in ordering the Here's To You March Paper Pumpkin kit, you must place your order before March 10th, 2021.

Subscribe here: 

HAPPY STAMPING
PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, Canadian Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

March Hostess Code:  

Click here to shop In My Online 24/7 Shop

Welcome March and the Launch of Butterfly Bouquet Promotion

 

Hi and welcome to a new month.  March arrived here in Abbotsford, British Columbia, with sunshine, mild winds and the promise of Spring in the air.   

March is one of those months in the year that represents change not only in the season but also a sense of excitement for what's to come.  After a winter of being cooped up in our home I'm ready for blue skies and warmer weather.  How about you?  I bet that's high on your priority list too.

Speaking of change, the end of Sale-a-bration came so quickly this year, but I'm looking forward to Sale-a-bration 2 in July.  I'm also excited that Stampin' Ups! new Annual Catalogue is coming a month earlier than in the past.  Yes, that's right.  It will be available on May 2nd this year.  Now that's a change!  

I'll let you know more about that and the retiring lists and other changes in another post, because right now I want to share this exciting news.  Today Stampin' Up! is launching the new Butterfly Bouquet Promotion!  

Everyone loves butterflies and this new butterfly collection is just what the doctor ordered for shaking off the winter and COVID blues!  The Butterfly Bouquet promotion starts today and will last until May 2nd, 2021.  

Here's What You Need to Know:

155092  BUTTERFLY BRILLIANCE CLING STAMP SET

Includes 1 cling stamp at $23.00 CAD suggested clear block "f" (sold separately)

Prepare yourself for a burst of butterflies with the Butterfly Brilliance Background Stamp. Use this stamp to create projects for Mother's Day, weddings, and more. Pair this stamp with greetings of your choice to customize it for the season or occasion. Stamp the line-art image and add color with your choice of coloring technique, or apply different colors of ink to the stamp before stamping to create a unique look. Whatever you do with it, the results will be glorious.  

155092  BUTTERFLY BRILLIANCE CLING STAMP SET

155523 BRILLIANT WINGS DIES  

This set includes 12 dies for $60.00 CDN.  The largest die is 5-7/8 x 4-5/8" (14.9 x 11.7 cm).  Use with a Stampin' Cut & Emboss machine

This early-release product from 2021 Annual Catalog will help you create beautifully detailed butterflies for all of your paper crafting projects. Once you've cut out a swarm of butterflies, you can create a background, make a focal point, or use them as accents. There's so much you can do.

155523 BRILLIANT WINGS DIES

155821  BUTTERFLY BRILLIANCE BUNDLE 

Save 10% on the bundled savings.  $74.50 CAD.  This bundle includes the Butterfly Brilliance cling stamp set and brilliant wings dies (see details above); early-release bundle from 2021 Annual Catalog available during the Butterfly Bouquet promotion.

Butterfly Brilliance Bundle

156824  BUTTERFLY BIJOU 6” X 6” (15.2 X 15.2 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER only available during the Butterfly Bouquet promotion and while supplies last.

Some people call a group of butterflies a kaleidoscope, and that's what you'll get with the Butterfly Bijou 6" x 6" (15.2 x 15.2 cm) Designer Series Paper. Choose from glorious butterfly patterns in shades of aqua, pink, and yellow or watercolored patterns that coordinate beautifully.  You get 48 sheets of 6" x 6" (15.2 x 15.2 cm) Acid free/Lignin free patterned paper.  You can't go wrong with these unforgettable patterns.  There are 8 each of 6 double-sided designs that coordinate beautifully with the following colours:  Basic Black, Bermuda Bay, Blushing Bride, Calypso Coral, Just Jade, Magenta Madness, Mango Melody, Mint Macaron, Misty Moonlight, Poppy Parade, So Saffron.

156824  BUTTERFLY BIJOU

156825 NATURAL TOUCH SPECIALTY PAPER is an exclusive Specialty Paper; available only during the Butterfly Bouquet promotion and while supplies last.  This Natural Touch specialty paper will add a lovely texture to your creations.  The pale woodgrain design is versatile enough for any project and any time of year. You can stamp on it, emboss it, and use it with dies as well as create background and accent pieces.  There are 2 sheets of 12" x 12" (30.5 x 30.5 cm) non-porous paper for $6.75 CAD.

156285 Natural Touch Special Designer Series Paper 

159408 BUTTERFLY BRILLIANCE COLLECTION  Instead of ordering each product individually, why not get the whole Butterfly Brilliance collection in pardon the pun "one fell swoop".

You can order the entire for just $97.00 CDN.  Such a deal!  You’ll get one of each product posted about at the best price.  This offer includes the Butterfly Brilliance Bundle (stamp and die set), the Butterfly Bijou Designer Series Paper and the Natural Touch Specialty Paper. 

159408 Butterfly Brilliance Collection 

Here's a little video showing two quick cards made with the Butterfly Brilliance bundle.  Because this was a pre-order opportunity for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators in February, there are lots more videos from other Stampin' Up Demonstrators on Pinterest and Youtube.  But this video is a Stampin' Up! release.  

May your month be filled with happiness and butterflies.  If you want more information on this promotion feel free to contact me by email and I'll be delighted to help you out.  

If you're a Canadian shopper it doesn't matter where you live, you can own this fantastic stamp, die and paper collection simply by shopping with me on my On-line store.  If you don't have an account with me, go ahead and set one up, it's easy. My on-line shop is available 24-7 and your order will be delivered to your home within 5-7 business days anywhere in Canada.  

Here is the flyer which you can download with all the purchase details.  
Just click here:

HAPPY STAMPING!
PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, Canadian Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

MARCH HOSTESS CODE: BPWWMBT4

CLICK HERE TO SHOP 24/7

 

That's Amore for Valentines

As some of you may know, my 98 year old mom passed away in a residential nursing home in June of 2020 and although she didn't die of COVID19 she did die because of COVID19.  

I know that sounds weird, however when older folks like my mom who are used to having visitors and going for walks and participating in activities are isolated in their rooms and kept apart from their friends and loved ones during a pandemic it breaks their spirit, causes depression and some just simply die as a result of it.  

My mom was such a person.  Her dream was to live to be 100 and I really believed she would do it.  Her goal was to be the oldest surviving member of her family.  She talked about it all the time.  And although she was classed as a frail elderly person, she was a strong fighter and a determined woman who usually could make her way back from the brink no matter what.  She was like the Ever Ready Bunny and because of that she was my hero in so many ways.  Unfortunately because of COVID she gave up.  

So mom this Valentine's day post is in your tribute and for all the love you shared with our family.  You had so much fun and enjoyment making cards for your grand and great grand kids for Valentines and other occasions, so I know you'd be delighted to hear Heather and I made some Valentines cards for the nursing home residents where you lived, and we dropped them off last weekend.  While  we were there, we waved and blew kisses at the window to three of your very special friends - Pat, Lucille and Doreen.  

Here's Some of the Cards I Made:

For my cards I used an old Stampin' Up designer series paper called "That's Amore" which I cut using the Love It Chop It formula. This dsp was pretty muted but I liked how the mix and match worked. My card stock was a mixture of retired and current stock (Cherry Cobbler, Pool Party, Beautiful Brocade and Sweet Sugarplum).  

Over a three day period I enjoyed creating 46 cards including the ten I gave to  the nursing home.  

I don't know how you like to make cards but when I have a lot to do I like doing  an assembly line instead of working on one-at-a-time. I gather all my supplies such as stamps, card stock, dsp, ink, dies, punches and whatever additional embellishments or accessories I'll be using, and then I get to work.  I also like to have an idea of how many I need to make and a design. 

This is what the top of my desk looked like as I started assembling my cards. 

I cut and scored my card stock first, then mixed and matched the 5 1/4" x 4 designer paper mats (Love It Chop It).  I used all my scraps for adding layers to the front and the insides of the cards as design elements.  

I brought out a variety of retired Stampin' Up! stamps such as Bloomin' Love, My Little Valentine, Hearts A Flutter and Lift Me Up and I chose the Valentine sentiments and images I wanted and mounted them on acrylic blocks. 

I stamped all the sentiments in Cherry Cobbler ink on Very Vanilla and Pool Party card stocks. I also die cut and stamped hearts using the retired Hearts A Flutter dies and stamp set and used a retired medium sized heart to punch hearts from the That's Amore DSP.   

The inside panels were also pre-cut from Very Vanilla card stock and were all  stamped in Cherry Cobbler ink with a sentiment from Bloomin' Hearts. I used left over 3/4" x 5 or 3/4" x 4 strips of DSP to decorate the bottom or sides of these panels. 

For my main images on most of the cards, I  used the Kangaroo & Company and Darling Donkeys  animal images as well as the tiny envelopes and sentiments for embellishments.  The heart from my Dog Builder punch came in handy for punching out the tiny red, pool party and dsp hearts. I used a 3/4" circle punch for the Feb 14th sentiment and the retired Gift Bow Builder Punch and one of the stamps from that bundle for the little sentiments from Kangaroo and Company.

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At the end of the day, almost every card was different because I was able to mix and match all the elements. Not only was it a fun experience making cards for the nursing home and friends and family, but it was a relaxing one. Time certainly flies when you're stamping and creating.  If  you're looking for something to occupy your time or a new hobby, keep stamping in mind it's fun and relaxing.  

The large red and pink hearts came from the "That's Amore" designer series paper pack (retired). There were two sheets with pink and red lacy heart images, that I cut out at the joints. These 3" hearts made a nice focal point for the cards and acted as a base for the rest of the design elements.

I used Stampin' Blends to colour the mama and baby kangaroos and the little heart clusters.  The Kangaroos, the heart envelope and the heart clusters are all components of the Kangaroo & Company stamp and die set which is currently in Stampin' Up!s  January to June Mini  Catalogue.

For the ten cards I made for the nursing home I used a sentiment from the retired stamp set Lift Me Up that says "Just a Note to Lift Your Spirits".  I thought that was very appropriate and meaningful for these elderly folks during COVID times.   

Kangaroo and Company is a 20 image stamp set and has a coordinating 11 piece die set.  It's certainly a versatility and fun set that can be used for almost any occasion.  I love that the die for the mama kangaroo cuts the pouch opening so you can insert a variety of the images like the flower or heart bundles.  Besides the kangaroos I stamped the envelope, some of the sentiments and the bundle of hearts for my Valentines Day cards.  Love it!  

Darling Donkeys is a Sale-A-Bration 21 stamp set and is available for FREE with a $60.00 purchase from any of Stampin' Ups Current Catalogues until the end of February or while supplies last.  I can't get enough of these cute little donkeys.  So much fun! 

Thanks for dropping by today and taking a look at my Valentine's Day cards.  I hope you liked them.  If you could leave a comment that would be wonderful.  

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, Independent Stampin Up Demonstrator 

HOSTESS CODE FOR FEBRUARY: 

Mini Desk Calendar Tutorial

I'm working on thank you gifts for my customers who recently placed on-line orders and used my Hostess Codes.  These gals will be receiving a Stampin' Up! Simply Shammy as a reward from me for using the code.  I'm also tucking in a Mini Desk Calendar and Post It Note holder in their thank you packages to show my appreciation.  

The calendar and Post-it Note covers are both made with the Berry Delightful Designer Series Paper featured in the Sale-A-Bration flyer. Isn't it beautiful?  I really like the colour and design on this paper and the coordinating stamp set called Berry Blessings.  

Berry Blessings is a Two-Step Stampin' set and comes with 13 photopolymer stamps.  The coordinating Berry Delightful Designer Series Paper is 12" x 12" and comes with 2 each of 6 double-sided designs. The paper coordinates with the following product colours: Balmy Blue, Blackberry Bliss, Calypso Coral, Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Flirty Flamingo, Garden Green, Granny Apple Green, Night of Navy, Pacific Point, Poppy Parade, Rich Razzleberry, and Shaded Spruce. This coordinated bundle is free with a qualifying purchase of at least $120.00 before tax and shipping charges and is only available until the end of February 2021 or while supplies last.

Here's an inside view of the mini easel calendar.  So pretty and only a few steps needed to create this great project.  The Post It Note Holder is also a simple project and really goes compliments the calendar when giving it as a gift.    

The thank you card also features the Berry Delightful DSP.  This card design is called a Circle Card, and showcases both sides of this paper. 

This has to be my most "used" sentiment in this age of COVID-19.  It's been the star attraction on so many of my cards and gift boxes.  The sentiment is from the So Sentimental  stamp set and is stamped in Rich Razzleberry.  I used the  Stitched So Sweetly Dies to cut out both labels.  

So Sentimental Stamp Set

Stitched So Sweetly Dies  that coordinate with the So Sentimental Stamp Set.

Here's Some Other Calendar and Note Pad Samples:

I usually make these mini desk calendars for Christmas stocking stuffers and last minute hostess gifts.  Because the calendar pads are sometimes hard to find and are gone as soon as they hit the shelves I generally buy mine in the early Fall.  They come ten to a pack and the price is very reasonable.  They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer Taylored Expressions, or at local craft stores.  

Here are some pictures of the calendars I've been working on. The Dog and Sunflower calendars were both made using the directions for the Small Easel Stand Desk Calendar (tutorial below).  The Blackberry Bliss sample is actually a combination Desk Calendar and Post It Note Holder and I've provided a link for this one. 

This is the cover of my Pampered Pets Calendar.  I've had a lot of fun designing both dog and cat calendars and Post-it Note covers using the Pampered Pets Designer Series Paper.  

The 2021 calendar pads are from Taylored Expressions.  They measure 2 3/4 x 3" and are the perfect size for these holders. 

When the calendar pad is open the top flap rests against the calendar pad so it stands upright.  

Small Easel Stand Desk Calendar

I don't know who created the first template for this calendar but I really thank them for providing a simple way to dress up a mini desk calendar. Here are the simple instructions.

Base:    Cut one 8 1/2" x 3 1/4" piece of cardstock for the base. Score this piece at 2 1/8" and 4 1/4" burnish the score lines 2 1/8" score line is a mountain fold and the 4 1/4" score line is a valley.  When you work with this piece these two folds need to be pushed back.  Adhesive goes on the front piece and then the front layer from the next step is attached to the base  like this.  

Calendar Front:  Cut a 4 14" x 3 1/4" piece to match base card stock.  Cut a 3 x 4" piece in a coordinating colour to the DSP for the 1st layer and adhere.  Cut a 2 3/4" x 3 3/4" piece of DSP for the final layer and adhere.   

Inside Base:  Cut a 3 x 4" piece of coordinating card stock for first layer followed by a 2 3/4" x 3 3/4" piece of DSP.  Adhere both layers.   Attach 2 1/4" x 3" calendar pad. 

Just add embellishments to the cover of the Easel Calendar and you're all done. 

Calendar, Post It Note and Pen:

If you want to create a larger easel card calendar holder there are many templates out there, but here's one I made that measures 4 14" x 5 1/2".  It has a calendar on the front a pen holder and covered post it note pad. on the base.

I followed this tutorial by Tracy Elsom to make my calender set.  I used paper from my Love It Chop It paper stash to make this sample.  I used Perfect Plumb (retired) and Blackberry Bliss cardstock along with Whisper White for the layers and base.   

This is the Post It Note cover in the contrasting paper 

  

This view shows the Post It Note cover lifted. What a great and simple way of dressing up the Post It Note pad. 

I hope you've enjoyed these projects and samples.  They make great gifts.   

Happy Stamping!

Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot

Penny Hanuszak, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

FEBRUARY HOSTESS CODE:

Berry Blessings and Berry Delightful DSP available during Sale-a-bration 
Click here for details.