Holiday Mini Now Available

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!"  The new mini catalogue has arrived and it is gorgeous.  Have fun looking at all the wonderful new products and then let me know what you think.  I'm excited to know what is your favourite new product.  Enjoy!

Greenhouse Gala Craft Tote Promotion Sept 1 - Oct 18, 2010

Have you heard the news?  There's never been a better time to join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator than now.  During the promotion period from September 1-October 18, 2010, or while supplies last, any one signing up as a new demo will receive a FREE craft tote (valued at $49.95) with the purchase of their Starter Kit.  Just look at how fabulous this craft tote is:

This Greenhouse Gala Craft Tote includes:

• 100% twill nylon exterior
•  100% nylon interior
• Dimensions: 15-3/4' x 7-5/8' x 8-7/8'
• Includes attachable shoulder strap for easy transport
• Center section fits 12' x 12' card stock, Craft Keepers, and Paper Cutter
• Outside pockets fit extra-large punches perfectly
• Outside flap pockets offer secure spot for accessories
• Back zipper pocket holds up to seven Stampin' Pads"

So, if you love to meet new people, enjoy spending time with friends, and enjoy sharing what you love to do, then Stampin' Up could be just right for you.  As a Stampin' Up Demonstrator you will have an opportunity to enjoy old and new friends, have fun and flexibility in your hours; earn between 20-40% with every order you place; and help others to develop their talents and skills in the world of stamping.  By joining Stampin' Up now, you will receive a starter kit complete with all the craft products and business supplies to start your business as well as this beautiful carryall tote.  You'll have access to training provided for Stampin' Up demonstrators on an exclusive website.  There are training videos on the products that Stampin' Up sells as well as business assistance.  The website also lets you connect with other demonstrators around the globe, so you can share tips, exchange product ideas and learn from other demonstrators.  Every month you'll receive a free copy of the Stampin' Up exclusive monthly magazine that is just jam packed with ideas to grow your business.  And, you'll also have the expertise of a Demonstrator Up-line and other local demonstrators in your community that can help you along on your way to being successful too!

If you want to know more about being a demonstrator on my team and how to earn this beautiful craft tote absolutely free, simply contact me at pennyhanuszak@telus.net and I'll be happy to answer your questions.  You can also check out my Stampin' Up Web page for more information on becoming a Stampin'Up Demo, just click here.

Starter Kit Just $215.00 if You Sign Up Now

Clearance Rack Has Been Updated!!!!

While this is going to be a big week for Stampin' Up shoppers with the unveiling of the fantastic Holiday Mini catalogue on September 1st, I thought I better bring the newly restocked Clearance Rack to your attention too.  I wouldn't want you to miss out on any awesome deals there, and believe me there are quite a few!  I was in the process of finalizing my latest order when I decided to check it out, and was just about bowled over by all the new items that have been added since last weekend.  Remember they'll go fast, so if you're looking for some bargains on ribbons, cardstock, designer paper and other accessories check it out soon before all the good stuff is gone!  Click here to check it out. 

Punch Caddy's - A Stampin' Up Update

I've just received a bulletin advising that Stampin' Up regrets to inform its customer's that the Punch Caddy offered on page 200 of the 2010/11 Idea Book and Catalogue will not be available. Serious quality issues were discovered with the design of this product that could not be resolved. Rather than deliver a defective product to demonstrators and customers, Stampin' Up has chosen to halt production. 

Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge #153

I really liked Mary Fish's Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge Mojo153 this week.  Those little boxes really appealed to my sense of order.  But, being a chronic procrastinator the challenge for me once I decided to try this out was to find a stamp set that fit the bill, and then decide on colours and of course background.  Usually that's not hard with Stampin' Up, but for some reason, whether my MOJO just wasn't working or what, it took me all week to come up with my version. 

Hope you enjoy it.

Cardstock and Accessories:
Whisper White for Base 100730 pg 169
Basic Black 121045 pg 169
Baja Breeze 111352 pg 167
Cherry Cobbler 119685 pg 168
Greenhouse Gala DSP 11767 pg 173
5/8" Basic Black Satin Ribbon 117285 pg 191

1 1/4" Large Square Punch 119865 pg 202
1 3/8" Extra Large Square Punch 119877 pg 202
1 3/4" Large Oval Punch 119855 pg 202
1 3/8" Large Oval Punch 119863 pg 202
3 Black Eyelets non stampin up
Sticky strip 104294 pg 197
Stampin' Dimensionals 104430 pg 197
Of The Earth Hostess Set 2009/2010 IB&C now retired.

Inside View of Card

Summer Mini ................Only One More Week

Where has the summer gone!  Leaves are starting to turn and the air has a hint of autumn breezes and gentle sunshine, and sadly August is coming to an end.  That also means that it's almost time for the 2010 Summer Mini catalogue to come to an end. How could four months go by so quickly?  So, this is just a gentle reminder that if you've had your heart set on one of the fabulous stamp sets or any of the accessories and tools that are shown in this little mini, time is running out to order. 

After midnight on August 21st, we'll be off to a new season with the fall/winterHoliday Mini catalogue, and the Summer Mini will be "no more".  If you don't have a summer mini of your own you can click on the image below to see a PDF version.  Visit my shop on line site and save with your preferred order status.   While you're there check out the clearance rack, as there are still some super specials on ribbons, buttons and accessories! 

May 1 to August 31, 2010
http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/SummerMini2010/SummerMini_CA_Final_small.pdf

1st UStamp Live Event - Palm Springs 2010

If you've always dreamed about holidaying in Palm Springs you can combine a holiday with all the fun of a stamping project packed weekend at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort and Spa in Indian Wells, California.  That's right!  UStamp With Dawn and Friends is going live to Palm Springs October 1 and 2nd, 2010 and you can join in all the fun and excitement of this event for just $129.00.  Dawn and Friends have scheduled an absolutely amazing weekend featuring 16 great projects focussing on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Winter themes?  Just check out UStamp With Dawn and Friends website for all the details. 

Another Little Sun Dress

 Just thought I'd share another little Sun Dress that I made.  I chose the polka dot embossing folder for the Whisper White background onthis one.  I think it looks really cute with the Night of Navy polka dot DSP.  The belt on this one is similar to one that Gretchen Barron and others on SCS have done.

All in all I think it's pretty darn cute!  Have a great day. 

What Do Cirque de Soleil and Sun Dresses have in Common???

This past Sunday was a real scorcher with temperatures soaring into the 34 Celcius range (94.3 F.) and higher.  Now usually I don't venture out in the heat, preferring to stay in my air conditioned digs, but I'd been invited by one of my very bestest girlfriends to join her and her sister on a trip into Vancouver to see KOOZA, one of Cirque de Soliel's fantastic new circus shows.  What fun we had!  We parked our cars in Surrey and hopped on our rapid transit line and before we knew it we were in Vancouver, where we quickly joined the rest of the crowd strolling along the sidewalks.  The show was held "Under the Grand Chapiteau" at Concord Place.  Here's a view of the city skyline and the Grand Chapiteau.  The 2 1/2 hour show had us rolling in our seats with the antics of the clowns and oooohing and awwwing at the magnificent feats of the high wire acrobatics acts.  

During the intermission we went outside and one of the things that caught my eye, were the number of girls and women who were wearing sundresses.  Wow it was amazing!  It was so retro I thought I'd taken a trip back into the 60's.  And, they all looked stunning!  So after seeing this amazing array of fashion finery, the wheels started turning and all the way home I kept thinking about those sun dresses.  You guessed it!  I pulled out the sun dress template  and made some more birthday cards.  Hope you enjoy them.. 

I can't seem to get enough of these cards.  They are so fast and easy to make. The best way to do it is to cut out a template using the Big Shot Scallop Circle on a piece of scrap cardstock.  Mark off 4 scallops for the top of the dress and 9 scallops for the bottom of the dress, then just taper off the sides to give you shape on either side of the dress.  If you want a fuller skirt just adjust the number of scallops on the bottom to 11.  To add the petticoats on the bottom of the dress just cut additional scallops out of contrasting cardstock or DSP and glue in degrees below the original dress scallop.  Add a matching bag, some ribbon, and you're done!  For more information and samples see Gretchen Barron's site where she has a great write up and some nice samples on her blog.

Cherry Cobbler, Peach Parfait, Regal Rose cardstock.

Inside view of cards  

Bashful Blue, Real Red and Old Olive Cardstock.  Retired DSP. 

And The Winners of A Free Pass To UStamp With Dawn and Friends Early Fall Event 2010 Are????

Well it's 8:00pm Sunday night and as promised, I have drawn the names of the lucky winners of a free pass to the next UStamp with Dawn and Friends Event which starts on August 20th.  Before I announce I'd just like to thank each and everyone of you for entering such fabulous comments on my blog.  I wish I could give all of you a free pass, maybe as time goes on.  So I numbered the comments from the oldest to the newest and ran them through the random number generator and the winners are:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random integers, generated with replacement:

12  and  4

Timestamp: 2010-08-16 03:16:44 UTC

So Tara MacFarlane (4) and Janis Meyn are our lucky winners tonight!  Congratulations ladies.  I need to submit your personal information to UStamp by tomorrow noon, so please contact me with an email acknowledging your win.  I need your mailing address and email address. 

2 Free Passes to be Drawn - August 15th, 2010 to UStamp With Dawn and Friends Early Fall Event 2010

You have an opportunity to win a free pass to the Ustamp with Dawn and Friends Early Fall 2010 Edition which will run from August 20th to September 10th, 2010.   All you have to do is leave me a comment by 7:30pm on August 15th and your name will be entered into a random draw for a free pass.  That's a $25.00 US prize........whoo hoo!!!  So don't be shy check out my blog while you're here and leave me a comment.  I'd love to have you join me on this next event.  I'm hosting a live chat on August 22nd at 10pm EST (7:00pm Pacific) and I'm once again a Guest Designer.  To give you a little enticement here's a bit of a sneak peak at my design.  Hope to see you there as this is going to be one of the best events yet!!!! 160 cards in all different designs and colours................ you heard that right, cards only and 160 of them!!! Great value for your money.  If you've already signed up and paid your money for this event you can still enter my draw and if you're the lucky winner your money will be refunded.  How's that for a deal!  Here's the sneak peak.............. hope I catch your interest.

For more information on this event check out:  http://ustampwithdawnandfriends.com/

160 Cards..............Every Kind of Card You Can Imagine!!!!

Another UStamp with Dawn and Friends is starting on August 20th, and it sounds so exciting!  The theme is A Fall Festival of Cards. Has that title got you salivating yet............. it means cards, cards and more cards!! Lots of cards!! All kinds of cards!! There'll be fancy cards, simple cards, pop-up cards, cards that move, technique cards, cards, cards and more cards!! How many you ask?? How about a whopping 160 cards!! That's alotta cards, right??!! Each Guest Designer will be creating 4 cards and the Dream Team and Creative Crew Girls will each be creating 8 cards.

The really fun twist is that the Designers will each pick a stamp set and colors and will create 4 cards using that same stamp set, and same colors. Although a few Designers may choose the same stamp set, the color schemes and layouts will be completely different!! Just think how cool it will be to have 160 layouts, 40 different color combo's and at least 4 new card ideas for each stamp set the Design Team uses. Whew!! It's going to be AWESOME!! Oh and here is another really cool thing about the cards...all PDF instructions will be in 8 steps or less!! Easy Peasy!!

Here is what you can expect when you join up...


* 160 Cards with 8 Steps or less PDF Tutorials with photo's for you to download!! Each PDF is translated in French, German and Spanish.

* Designer hosted chats with prizes

* Open Chat Room 24x7

* Gallery to share your re-creations

* A cool blinkie for your website/blog COMING SOON

* Prizes, Prizes and MORE Prizes!!

Want to be part of all the excitement?  Well you can be, just sign up now for just $25 US.  Click here  for Pay Pal or check Dawn's website for all the details.

Extra, Extra Hostess Promotion

Extra, Extra Hostess Promotion


From July 27 to August 31, Stampin' Up! hostesses can earn an EXTRA $35 to use toward Stampin' Up! products of their choice when they host a workshop totaling $450 or more!
This extra benefit is included along with the standard hostess benefits they receive when they host a workshop. The standard hostess benefits include
•A free 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue worth $11.95!
•Free stamp sets only available to hostesses (with qualifying orders; select from the products on pages 10-16 of the Idea Book & Catalogue)!
•Free Stampin' Up! products of your choice!

Check out the link for all the details on how you can earn extra hostess $$$$.  Remember, this extra hostess benefit is only being offered for a limited time, so contact me TODAY to schedule a workshop!

Color Challenge # 3 - UStamp with Dawn and Friends - Early Summer Edition 2010

Today I decided to work on the 3rd UStamp Color Challenge for the Early Summer Event by making another vintage card using two of my favourite new Stampin' Up! products.  The first product which I love is the Square Lattice Embossing Folder #119976 on page 214 of the 2010/11 Idea Book and Catalogue.  I can't seem to get enough of using this folder.  I'm enjoying the strong textured image and I find it perfect for layering.  My second product choice is the Elements of Style Stamp Set # 118611[W] or 120045 [C] featured on page 133 of the catalogue.  I am so happy with my clear mount version of this set.  I plan to use it a lot over the coming months and have lots of ideas swirling around in my head, so be prepared to see it a lot in my sample cards. 

This color challenge featured Bravo Burgundy, Night of Navy and Always Artichoke.  Even though I love all of these colours I thought they were too dark to work on their own, so after looking at the challenge card again I was inspired to add Crumb Cake as a neutral.  I've stamped the large flower image on the front of the card in Night of Navy and added a 1/4" gross grain ribbon in Bravo Burgundy for some contrast. 

Hope you enjoy this sample.  If you'd like more information about this session of UStamp With Dawn and Friends click here.  It's never too late to join in any of the sessions and there are so many lovely things you can make and great challenges you can enter.  Hope to see you on the boards!

Although a terrible picture, this is the inside of the card.  It looks much better in real life. 

My Stampin Place

I can't believe how lucky I am to have such a really great place for holding my card and scrapbooking sessions. 

I actually have two adjoining rooms one that I use just for crafting which seats six comfortably and a smaller adjoining room which is fully shelved that I use for storage of my supplies and class prep.

My classroom is in need of some paint and shelving, but apart from that it's comfortable and a great place to be creative.   In the winter it's a great place to be because it has it's own cute little fireplace to keep everyone warm and cozy, and in the summer it stays cool and comfortable while the outside temperatures sore.  My hubby's promised me some better lighting, a must for us night owl crafters, and after our other projects are completed, I know he'll come through - he always does!  

Before we moved to this house I tried to sell my old pine china cabinet and table and chairs, but there were no takers. Same with my old Sears Kenmore sewing machine table.   At first I was really disappointed and was on the brink of giving them away but lucky for me when we found this place all that furniture could be put to good use in my craft room.  The hutch has become a display cabinet and storage area, the table and chairs take care of seating and work space and my old sewing cabinet has become my Big Shot Work Station.  Here are some views of the large space. 

This view shows the seating for six.

Here's my cozy little fireplace which also is used for display boards.

One of my many projects planned for this year

is to paint this room and I've got my Color

Caddy out trying to choose the perfect match.  Hmmm, will it be Old Olive with Very Vanilla trim?  Cajun Craze?  I know one thing is for sure I will be using a couple of the Definitely Decorative Wall applications, as I absolutely love them.  If u haven't had a chance to take a look at the new cattie check it out here, it's really inspiring.

The smaller room which I call my prep room, holds all my supplies and has a small table that acts as my prep station.  I can cut my cardstock, use my scorepal, emboss and clean my stamps in this area, which keeps my classroom area neat and tidy.  I love all the shelving as I can find everything at a glance.  On my Wish List for this room are a large bulletin board above the prep table so I can put all my bits and pieces that inspire me; a new paint job; and a better filing cabinet.  What do you think, isn't this a great little room?

Here's a peek through the doorway from the main room.  Three of the walls have shelving units on them and you can just catch a glimpse of my prep table (see the handle on my cutter) when you walk into the room.  The floor is lino so no worries about spilling my dazzling diamonds or my ink pads (which I've been known to do on occasion). 

I still have lots of organizing to do in this room to get the best fit and at some point will put in a nice two drawer lateral file cabinet to hold my card stock, but for now it works for me.

Time is Running Out - Special Rejoin Starter Kit Offer ends July 31st, 2010

Dates: July 1-31, 2010


During the month of July if you were a former Stampin' Up! demonstrator who left Stampin' Up! over the past three years you should have received a special postcard from Stampin' Up! inviting you to rejoin for only $45?  If you've received that postcard and you've been considering the offer, please be aware that time is running out - there are only 5 more days left to take advantage of this great "come back" offer.

"To rejoin Stampin' Up!, former demonstrators only need to purchase the Rejoin Starter Kit and sign and complete a new Independent Demonstrator Application and Agreement.

The Rejoin Starter Kit Contains:
2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog (8)
2010 Summer Mini Catalog (8)
Guest invitation postcards (100)
Customer order forms (50)
2010-2011 Definitely Decorative catalog (1)
Two months free Demonstrator Business Web Services (DBWS) subscription

Chances are if you were a former demonstrator you already have the stamping supplies you need, so, in order to keep the price so low, the Rejoin Starter Kit contains just the bare essentials to help you get your businesses back up and running.  There's never been a better time to be a Stampin' Up Demonstrator, so call me in you need any further information or a copy of the Independent Demonstrator Application and Agreement form. 

Color Challenge #1 - UStamp with Dawn and Friends

I love Color Challenges and especially ones that I can use my beautiful Stampin'Up! colors on.  This is the first challenged from UStamp with Dawn Early Summer Edition 2010. 
If you are interested in viewing the 40 other projects and challenges there is still time to join up. Just click on this link for more information. http://www.ustampwithdawn.blogspot.com/.


I love Gretchen Barron's Inspiration in Action blog.  She always has wonderful creations and helpful hints.  So, it wasnt' a stretch when I looked at these colors to make my decision to case a card Gretchen made back in May of this year.  So here's my version.

Inside view of Birthday Sentiment and setup.

Dress and Matching Purse Happy Birthday card in Real Red, Tempting Turquoise and Old Olive.  Happy Moments Stamp set used for sentiments on inside and outside. Circle Scallop Die from Big Shot for Dress. 

Let me know what you think.  This was a very easy and fun filled project.  I personally love the "purse".  LOL!

Scallop Circle Card

I had a little time on my hands today, so I thought I would play with one of my new stamp sets from Stampin' Up! called "Sense of Time" (pg. 127 IB&C #113804.)  This beautiful set of 4 stamps (2 sentiment an 2 image) is perfect for vintage style retirement cards and that was what I had on my mind today when I sat down to create.

Once again I've used the scallop circle template that Jenn Picard designed for UStamp's Early Edition Summer 2010 session. 

View of the inside of the card.  I repeated the circle layering.

This is such a fun and easy card to make that "time just flew by".  My version uses one of the new InColors, Concord Crush, combined with Basic Black, Basic Gray and Whisper White.  I've embossed with clear embossing powder and used basic grey taffeta ribbon and some clear rhinestones for embellishments.

Here's a view of the outside of the card.  It almost looks blue in this picture, but trust me it is Basic Grey with Concord Crush.  I used the Square Lattice textured impressions folder to give it some added appeal.  I really love that texture plate and my Big Shot.  How can you tell! 

I used clear rhinestones on the cog design to give it some pizazz and mounted it on dimensionals.

If you are interested in viewing the 40 other projects and challenges on UStamp Early Summer Edition 2010 or getting a PDF copy of the tutorial used for the Scallop Circle card,  there is still time to join up. Just click on this link for more information. http://www.ustampwithdawn.blogspot.com/.

Share What You Love - Stampin' Up Convention 2010 - Some Highlights

Each year, Stampin' Up! demonstrators from across the US and Canada gather for three days of education, celebration, and motivation. Convention always includes time to swap cards, attend business classes and new-product demonstrations, participate in Make & Takes, and enjoy time with the best stampers in the world!   This year the convention is being held at the Salt Lake Convention Palace in Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake Convention Palace in Salt Lake City.

I couldn't find a picture of the convention crowd for this year's event but as you can see from this 2008 Opening Day picture, thousands of demonstrators sign up for this absolutely fabulous fun filled 4-day event. I sure wish I was one of them and could have attended this year, but it wasn't in the cards (no pun intended).  But next year I'm going to make it one of my goals to attend. If you're interested in becoming a demonstrator or returning as a previous demo maybe we can plan to go together! Wouldn't that be fun?

In the meantime I must be satisfied with surfing the net for photos and dreaming about attending! Disappointingly there really hasn't been much news from our local gals who're attending (Colourful Impressions) or from UStamp With Friends (Dawn Raspas) about the Convention Highlights so I decided to do some sleuthing on my own and discovered some blogs with pictures of the event and sample walls.  Everything looks so cool!!  Thanks ladies.  

So, if you're like me and would like to see what's going on,  and get a sneak peak of convention highlights too, pop on over to Sandi MacIver's Blog. What a great gal!  She's been taking away from her time at convention to post pictures on her blog, and has organized a blog hop with her friends Carole Ann Sluchinski (Stamping Stress Away) and Lee Conrey (Stampingleeyours). They're all hanging together, but have agreed to post different pictures on their sites to highlight the events they saw.  Oh, and if you leave a comment on their blogs you could win a collapsible trash container for the table top.  I just loved their pictures and stories of the event.  Happy surfing! 

Shelli Gardner on stage Opening Day at Stampin'Up 2010 Convention Salt Lake City.