UStamp Get a Jump On Your Jingle Holiday Papercrafting Edition 2010

Photo Cube Frame/Box and matchng card and envie. 

UStamp Get A Jump On Your Jingle Holiday Papercrafting Edition 2010 got off to a fantastic start on November 12th. 

Imagine my excitement when I logged in and the first featured project was my own Jolly Jingles Photo Frame Box project.  I was jumping up and down!!!

Although I can't share any of the details of how I created this set, and the versatility of it,  there's still time to sign up for this round of UStamp, and see it for yourself.  Once you've joined you'll be able to download a PDF version of my tutorial, along with 40 other awesome projects from many talented guest and Ustamp designers!  You'll get great value for just $24.95.  If you're interested click here to visit Dawn Raspas' blog to sign up:

Cherry On Top Award!

Hi Everyone! Today when I opened my email I received a note from CherylAnn Robinson, a fellow Canadian stamper (check out her awesome blog) letting me know she had bestowed this wonderful blog award on me.  What a fabulous and exciting surprise!  I met CherylAnn on Ustamp several sessions ago and always enjoy her fabulous creations and talent, so it was so thoughtful of her to think of me. 

The rules for receiving this award are simple:

1. Thank the person who gave it to you. Thank you so much, CherylAnn, you are so sweet!   (http://www.stampandscrapwithcherylann.com/)

2. Copy and paste the award on to your blog.........whew, that was easy!

3. Share three things about yourself that you enjoy. My three things - I can laugh at my own mistakes; I love to sing in the car; and I can stamp all night when the mood hits!

4. Pass the award to five others:  Okay I thought about this and the following five Stampers have such awesome blogs I just have to share them with you:

1. Laurie Gibson http://www.lauriesrubberroom.blogspot.com/
2. Rebecca Ingalls-Fleet http://scrappywonder.blogspot.com/
3. Andrea Gideon http://stampinlab.blogspot.com/
4. Jennifer Blomquist http://www.nwstamper.com/
5. Dianne Sisneros http://stamperdianne.wordpress.com/

Stampin' Up! - Simply Amazing Recruiting Promotion

I need to share the most amazing promotion that Stampin' Up! has offered this year and certainly in previous years.   From November 15 through November 30, 2010 you can purchase the Demonstrator Starter Kit for 50 percent off! That's right......................you can purchase the Standard or Digital+ Starter Kits for only $107.50--that is 50 percent off the regular price of $215 for over $375 worth of paper or digital crafting and business supplies!" Please contact me if you would like to know how to sign up as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and take advantage of this bargain basement pricing!

So, if paper crafting a big part of your life why not take advantage of this limited time offer.  Wouldn't you love to earn money while doing something you enjoy? How about the convenience of setting your own hours? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then Stampin' Up! is the perfect opportunity for you.   Doing what I love, and sharing what I love with others are just a few of the benefits that made me decide to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I love sharing my passion for stamping with family and friends, meeting new people, and having the chance to build a great business doing so. And being able to set my own schedule is a definite plus!

If you're interested in becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, follow these easy steps:
1.Contact me to get a password.
2.Read, print, and sign the Independent Demonstrator Agreement.
3.Purchase your Starter Kit from November 15th to 30th at this great savings!

•The $107.50  promotional Starter Kit contains over $375 worth of stamping and business supplies!
•The 107.50  Digital+ Starter Kit contains over $385 worth of stamping and business supplies, including the all-new My Digital Studio™ software.

Stampin’ Up!’s demonstrator starter kits are full of products that you’ll use immediately as you share Stampin’ Up! with your friends. Check out some of the techniques you’ll be able to showcase with your new Starter Kit.  Once you've completed the above steps, Stampin' Up! will send you a password so you can log in to the Demonstrator Web Site where you'll find an abundance of tips, ideas, and training to help you.

ABC's of the Perfect Handmade Holiday

Starting today Stampin' Up! is offering a Special Promotion called the "ABC's of the Perfect Handmade Holiday Bundles" What do the ABC's stand for and how will you benefit from getting in on this promotion?       

A is for Amazing cards

B is for Beautiful packaging

C is for Cherished gifts

These special Holiday product bundles are awesome, and the best part is they are being offered to you at a full 20% discount! How cool is that! This special promotion runs from October 19th to December 16th, so if you haven't started those special cards or Holiday Gifts, now is the perfect time. Please click on the attached flier to enlarge it and check out all the bundles, or click here to visit my web page.

Please note:  There is no minimum purchase required to participate in this promotion, but make sure when you're placing your order that you use only the bundle item codes provided on the flyer, otherwise the 20 percent discount will not be applied.

Thanks for dropping by and happy shopping!!! 

Happy Thanksgiving to All My Canadian Friends, SU Demos and Customers

Hi to my fellow Canadians who are celebrating Thanksgiving  this weekend!  I hope your household and family are blessed with all the goodness of the season, and you take time to reflect on all the things that make your life wonderful and happy!  I'm thankful for the roof over my head, plentiful food on the table, a fabulous husband who makes my day, every day, a family that has been blessed with good health and many other good things.  So enjoy today!

May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey be plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have never a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

And The Winner Is........................

Hi everyone.  Thanks so much for entering my draw for a free pass to UStamp With Dawn and Friends!!! Get a Jump on Your Jingle!  I've received 12 fabulous comments (one was disqualified because it came in twice), letting me know what your favourite Christmas traditions were.  Wow sounds like you folks have some really great traditions and love Christmas time as much a I do.  Everything from shopping on Black Friday (actually people watching) to going to the woods to chop down the Christmas tree.  How wonderful! 

So without further ado, I ran my 12 numbers through the random number picker and #9, Dale is my lucky winner!!!!  Congratulations Dale Morin..................I'm so happy for you.
Dale Morin said...

"We have a family tradition of baking dozens of cookies in December to give away. It's loads of fun and tastes really good!"

Oh Yummy Dale that sounds like so much fun and good too!  I'll be in touch with you by email.  Once again congratulations!
Random Number Picker Enter a number:
I want a number between 1 and… 12
Result:
9
Random number code based on JavaScript documentation on the Mozilla Developer Center.

Delightful Decorations Flag and Joy Cards

Here's a sneak peak at my latest design for the UStamp With Dawn and Friends!!! Cards With Cool Moves" Fall Edition 2010. There is still time to sign up for this fabulous session and get the tutorial for this "Flag Card" technique as well as 39 other awesome tutorials by other designers featuring every kind of movement card you can imagine. Believe me when I say this has been an awesome event, and very worthwhile. To find out more information regarding signing up for CardsWith Cool Moves, check out Dawn's website at: http://ustampwithdawnandfriends.com/.





Win a Free Pass to Get a Jump on Your Jingle......Holiday Papercrafting 2010

Don't miss your oppotunity to WIN A FREE PASS to Ustamp with Dawn and Friends!!! Get A Jump On Your Jingle.   So far I only have 9 participants who've left their comments so don't be left out!!!

This time around I have only "One Free Pass" to give away, and to be entered in my draw all you have to do is:    Add a comment telling me what your favourite holiday tradition is, and include your name and email address so I can contact you.
 
Final draw is tomorrow October 8th at 8:00pm EST, so don't delay! Comment today by following this link:  
http://pennytokensstampinspot.blogspot.com/2010/10/win-free-pass-to-get-jump-on-your.html

Dasher Gift Card Holder

Dasher is one of my all time favourite Christmas Stamps manufactured by Stampin' Up!  Its simple, versatile and for me epitomizes Christmas mystery and spirit.   So it was only natural when I decided to make a gift card holder that I would choose my favourite stamp.

This gift card holder is made using Kraft cardstock, and a beautiful scripted designer paper from the Deck the Halls DSP featured on page 18 of the Holiday Mini (#120810).  I laid the card stock and the DSP together and then cut them out using the Big Shot Top Note Die cut (#113463 pg. 207 IB&C).  I didn't have any Always Artichoke ribbon, which would have been the perfect shade of green to go with this paper, so chose to use Old Olive #117292 5/8" Satin Ribbon featured on pg. 191 of the IB&C 2010/11. I love the antique brads on page 187 of the cattie and this little silver snowflake brad is the perfect embellisment, allowing the card to swing open and reveal the surprise gift inside.  

This photo shows another angle of the card when it is opened.

This shows the backside of the card with the little easel stand I made.  In retrospect I should have covered this side with the DSP too as I really hate seeing hardward on the reverse or inside of a card............it's like it's unfinished or unprofessional.  Okay back to the drawing board.

Here's a last look at the front of the Dasher Gift Card Holder.  I kind of like it, how about you?  I'd appreciate your comments.

Stampin' Up! - Clearance Rack Blitz

I have some exciting news that you're going to want to get in on!!!! Stampin' Up! needs to make room in the Distribution Center for new products, so they are offering some great deals on inks, buttons, die cuts and much, much more starting today through October 18th.  In fact, Stampin' Up! is adding over two hundred more discontinued items to the Clearance Rack and some of these will be at up to 80 percent off!!!

While the Blitz lasts from October 5-18, all discontinued items are available only while supplies last and all sales of discontinued items are final. These specials are only available in the Online Store! 

So don't miss out you can order today by going to my website at http://pennyhanuszak.stampinup.net and click on Shop Now tab, then on the next screen click on the Clearance Rack.  The Clearance Rack is a great place to discover discontinued Stampin’ Up Merchandise at fantastic prices. 

Halloween Luminary Treat Can

Halloween is one of my favourite times of the year!  It can be SPOOKY or it can be just plain fun.  That was the idea behind this cute Luminary Treat Can I designed...............it's so fun and the kids faces light up when they see it.  The treat can can be used to collect goodies and after the event can light up the table or outside porch as a luminary. 

I designed this Luminary Treat Can for the UStamp With Dawn and Friends Early Summer Edition 2010.  If you are interested in making this project and 30 other fabulous projects, you can still register to get these tutorials. All you have to do is check out Dawn's website at:  http://ustampwithdawnandfriends.com/.  The Early Summer Edition 2010 along with  all of Dawn's other sessions are listed in her side bar.  Just click on the Summer Edition link for the details. 

Although this photo is a little blurry you can see how the luminary lights up in the dark.............SPOOKY!!!

Sparking Hills, Beauty in the Hills of Vernon

On my recent visit to my fabulous sister's place in Vernon BC, I was thrilled to accept her invitation for lunch at the Sparkling Hills Hotel and Spa.  She had visited there recently and was so excited to share this gorgeous European styled spa that is nestled in the backdrop of Predator Ridge and the hills above Okanagan Lake.  To begin with, the setting is just breathtaking.......especially the golf course at Predator Ridge. I'm sure my husband would be thrilled to golf there!  The contrast between the greens and browns of the landscape just take your breath away.  And, as you approach the gates to Sparkling Hills the first thing you notice are the crystals in the Hotel's signage.  This place is aptly named, with it's "Pillars of Light" glass panels lining the driveway up to the spa. 



Pillars of Glass line the driveway, each embedded with thousands

 of precisely cut Swarovski crystals.  This picture just doesn't

do them justice...........they are stunning!!! 



These beautiful panels of Swarovski crystals just dance in the sunlight.........it's really amazing. 

The hotel/spa has such unusual architechture as you can see in the picture, but it show cases the views of the surrounding hills and valleys so well, that it would make it just a perfect "couple's getaway" place.  I could imagine having a spa treatment while my husband golfed, doing nature walks together and sitting back and relaxing at sunset in this fabulous place. Dreaming...................ah! The $10 million dollars worth of Swarovski crystals make this place quite simply radiant beyond measure, and they are everywhere from the magnificent ceiling feature in the entrance, backdrop to the registration desk and even in the inlays in the washroom mirrors. Whereever they've used them they seem to optimize the synergy of light, water and the effects of the illumination.   Like they say, "you have to see it to believe it".  

View of Lake Okanagan from one of the patio areas facing the lake.

Approach to the Sparkling Hills Hotel and Spa

A big thank you to my fabulous sister for my very yummy Tomato Tart with Tossed Greens Salad, and the opportunity to see this equally fabulous Hotel and Spa.  What a great day..........one of many I shared with her on this trip!!!!



My sister outside the entry way to the restaurant.  She is surrounded by Swarovski Crystal drops



A "Walk" for the Cure - Breast Cancer

We all know someone touched by breast cancer, whether it's your mother, sister, friend or work colleague.  Although it hasn't been in my immediate family, I've lost friends to this dreadful disease, and I also have valliant friends that are Breast Cancer survivors.

My good stamping buddy Sheri works for CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Canada), and has been an active participant in fund raising for their annual "CIBC - Run for the Cure" held on October 3rd.  CIBC is just one of the many great corporate sponsors who fund raises in tandem with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in BC.  To show her support this year, Sheri held a card class and set up an on-line donation site for her portion of the fundraiser. Sheri also participates in the "run", and because I'm a fan and supporter too, I was fortunate enough to join her yesterday along, with thousands of others at Rotary Stadium in Abbotsford for this annual event.

Putting on the Corporate Team Shirt

Okay a little big in the shoulders but it really looks good!

  Now you have to know that Sheri and I aren't runners..........let's face it, our love in life is "stamping" what else.  But, occasionally we do get out and enjoy the fresh air and the joy of "walking".  So that's what we did.  We accomplished the 5k walk in under an hour, yakking about "stamping" the whole way!  What fun!!!   I was fascinated by all the "in the pink" participants, sporting pink wigs, t-shirts, runners and you name it in terms of costumes and props.  Also along for the walk were hundreds of willing children and pooches dressed in tutus, t-shirts, pink collars and shades!    It was hard to say who was cuter the dogs or the kids!  It was a great way to spend a Sunday morning and it felt terrific getting out for such a worthwhile cause .  My pledge is to get in shape for next year so I can actually run the 5k, raise some donation funds of my own, and make sure I get my annual mamogram. It's important!

Here's the starting gate - and we're on our way to5K!!!

World Card Making Day - Fall Birthday Cards

Birthday Cards made with Autumn Spice Designer Series Paper - Holiday Mini Catalogue Pg. 13 #120808

Inside view of Gatefold Birthday Card

Detail for the front of the Gatefold Card

Inside View of Acorn Birthday Card.

The acorns are embossed wih Gold EP and add a bright touch to this plain card.

Hope you enjoy these two cards. Leave a comment and come back to visit again.

Win a Free Pass to Get a Jump on Your Jingle......Holiday Papercrafting 2010

Dawn Raspas of UStamp Dawn & Friends!! has just announced her next big event…it's called Get a Jump on Your Jingle…Holiday Papercrafting 2010!!   This fabulous event will run from November 12th to December 1st and Early Bird Pricing of $19.95 US is now open…until October 15th when the price will go to $24.95 US.  So don’t delay and don't miss out!! Register today!

Did you see my cool blinky?  You can click on it to see more details of this great event.  In the meantime I'm busy creating another project that I hope you will love.  This event will feature all your favourite designers from around the world and some brand new designers who're also busy creating a total of *40 Projects with Color Combos * 40 co-ordinating cards with co-ordinating envelopes *All Projects include downloadable PDF with Photo’s * Designer hosted chats with even MORE prizes * Open Chat Room 24/7 * Gallery to share your re-creations * A totally cool blinkie for your website/blog.  One of the really great things about participating in these UStamp with Dawn and Friends events is that you have plenty of time to go and work on your projects and visit this site as it stays open for months after it finishes in December. 

WIN A FREE PASS!!!!!

Okay, so this time around I have only "One Free Pass" to give away.  To be entered in my draw all you have to do is: Add a comment telling me what your favourite holiday tradition is, and include your name and email address so I can contact you.  I'll be drawing the winner's name by 8pm on October 8th.  So don't delay!  Comment today!

Stampin' Up! - Important Product Information

Just wanted to share some important product information I've received from Stampin'Up! today.  Please note the following product updates:

Available:

• The Candy Cane Rub-Ons (item 120990) on page 36 of the HolidayMini are now available to order.

Not Available:

• The following items are experiencing quality issues and are currently unavailable to order:
• 118073: Fancy Flower Punch
• 120906: 2-1/2' Circle Punch

Well that's it for the update today, but I'll give you more information when it becomes available.

Stampin' Up! - Update on Watercolor Wonder Crayons

Stampin' Up! has just advised that Watercolor Wonder Crayons are still currently unavailable for purchase at this time.  This applies to all Watercolor Wonder Crayons listed on page 194 of the 2010/11 Idea Book and Catalogue:  
◦119802 - Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Subtles
◦119803 - Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Regals
◦119804 - Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Brights
◦119805 - Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Neutrals
◦120949 - Watercolor Wonder Crayons, New Color Kit
 
As mentioned in a previous Stampin' Up Bulletin, the previous supplier of the Watercolor Wonder Crayons was purchased by another company, resulting in their relocation to a new manufacturing facility in a different country with new staff.  Because of these extraordinary circumstances, Stampin' Up! is experiencing more difficulties than they initially anticipated, and they still don't know when the Watercolor Wonder Crayons will be available for purchase. Stampin' Up! is currently working with the CEO of the new company to resolve this problem as quickly as possible. I will keep you updated as information becomes available.

UStamp With Dawn and Friends!!! Cards With Cool Moves Opened Today

UStamp With Dawn and Friends!!! Cards with Cool Moves opened this morning and is off to a wonderful start!  Every twelve hours a new designer's project will be posted.  These posts contain one Movement Card and one Regular card.  What a great way to increase your template library.  These are really "cool" cards.........guaranteed to be WOWs!  Once you join, you'll receive all the directions on a PDF tutorial and you can visit the gallery 24/7 to check out additional pictures posted by the designers and re-creations by other members........that's the part I truly love!  In all  there will be 40 posts! You can also join in on the chat lines, ask questions of the designers and win prizes!  You can't beat the value at just $24.95 US.  These are exceptional cards folks, so if you want to join us you still can.  Just go to Dawn's site at:  http://www.ustampwithdawnandfriends.com/ to register.

Free Pass Winners - UStamp With Dawn and Friends!!! Cards With Cool Moves

Apologies, apologies, apologies!!!! To all those great ladies who entered my draw for free passes to the Ustamp with Dawn and Friends, Cards With Cool Moves Event........... which started today!  I'm sorry, I didn't forget about you........ unfortunately, I've been away since last weekend and was unable to access my site to do the draw and make the announcement. Yikes!!!! What super bad planning on my part. So, when I arrived home last night I did the draw right away and submitted my winners names to UStamp. 

Before I announce the winners names, I'd like to thank all of you for participating and sending me your great comments.  I loved hearing about your favourite new products from the Holiday Mini and receiving your great reviews and awesome comments regarding my blog and being a UStamp Designer again.  Much appreciated!!!   Now my two winners names were drawn using the Random Number Picker ( 2 numbers from 13 comments (I had to disqualify one because it was entered twice) and the winners names are:  #2 Jessica Cruz and #12 Debi Hadley.  They're comments were:

#2:  Jessica Cruz:  Hi Penny!! Tx for visiting my blog. Im now your follower too!! Many blessings.
Jessica U  http://www.rememberj.blogspot.com/

#12:  Debi said...I've seen lots of advertisements for this, but didn't really know what it was. It would be awesome to have a free pass just to get acquainted with it before I take the plunge.  Thanks, too, for your sweet comment on my blog.

So thank you ladies, and congratulations for being my winners!  I'll be in touch with you and I've submitted your contact information to Dawn Raspas and she'll email your free passes/invites to join today!  See you on the boards!

Early Bird Pricing Ends at Midnight Tonight!!!!! Don't Miss Out!!!

Just a quick reminder that the Early Bird Pricing of $19.99US ends TODAY, Sept 13th at midnight.   Don't miss out!! Regular pricing will be $24.99 as of Midnight (EST) tonight. So what are you waiting for you better hurry!! You can still join at the UStamp With Dawn and Friends website (it's been updated in case you had trouble with previous links). Also, hook up your friends with our fun event and spread the word!! Anyone can join and get the Early Bird rate by registering at http://www.ustampwithdawnandfriends.com/.

The Cards With Cool Moves Event begins September 24th and runs through until October 15th, 2010.  Here's what you can expect when you join "UStamp With Dawn and Friends!!! Cards With Cool Moves:

* 40 Color Combos with NO REPEATS, showcasing EVERY Stampin’ Up! Color
* 40 Movement Cards with co-ordinating envelope
* 40 Regular cards with co-ordinating envelope
* All Projects include downloadable PDF with Photo’s
* Designer hosted chats with prizes
* Open Chat Room 24×7
* Gallery to share your re-creations
* Prizes, Prizes and MORE Prizes!!
* A totally cool blinkie for your website/blog



Thanks for visiting my blog
Penny

Round 2: Late Night Stamper Scavenger Hunt - WIN FREE Stampin Up Merchandise

Today I'd like to share a card with you and give you some exciting new contest information.  If you played along on Late Night Stamper's last $400 Stampin' Up Shopping Spree "clue" search, you're going to love the next round. That's right Sherrill Graff is doing it again! Round 2 is a scavenger hunt game, and it's another opportunity to play along and have your name submitted for a draw to win more free merchandise! This time around Sherill has changed the rules.............. so pay attention!!! For Blogs Scavenger Hunt Round 2 you need to find 20 blogs with clues for the scavenger hunt and then send me your list at pennyhanuszak@telus.net with the subject Scavenger Hunt. On September 15th, I will forward all the entries I've received to Sherrill Graff for inclusion in her drawing.  As there's not much time left, only 3 days, you better get busy right now preparing your list. I can't wait to see your entries!!! And remember,  at the end of the day you get to visit some fabulous blogs, see whats new and have fun.  I hope you're the winner!

So let's get started: My clue is: Sense of Time

I created this card for UStamp With Dawn and Friends Fall Event 2010.  Although this round of UStamp has come to an end, you can still join and take advantage of over 40 fabulous tutorials and color combos, and you can see the instructions for this card and the other "3" cards I made that go with it! http://ustampwithdawnandfriends.com/

Search These Blogs for Clues:
 For all the hunt rules or how to add your own blog to the hunt go here: http://yourhiredscrapbooksupplies.blogspot.com/2010/09/late-night-stamper-scavenger-hunt-round.html

http://www.maddiebugdesigns.blogspot.com/
http://monikastamp.wordpress.com/
http://www.mimitojett.blogspot.com/
http://www.scrapcrazydiva.blogspot.com/
http://www.raychells-stampin-treasures.blogspot.com/
http://www.mmontague.blogspot.com/
http://wendiethestampingqueen.blogspot.com/ 


As more blogs add clues, I will add them to the bottom of this post so check back often for more places to hunt! 

Mojo Monday 155

Here's a look at my entry for Mojo Monday #155.  I used a retired Stampin' Up! stamp set called City of David, which I still really like.  I used Cajun Craze along with Early Espresso and Sage Shadow cardstock.  the DSP is also retired (have to use up some of my older things............. but I don't mind it's like seeing old friends again). 

A little difficult to see, but I smooched around the circle, the star,  and the Cajun Craze and Early Espresso panels with the gold smooch spray to give the card more of an exotic feel.  I used the square lattic embossing folder on the 3 panels to give them more of a screenlike texture.  Because I wanted to have the bow attached at the side of the card I decided to  build upon the original city in the City of David stamp by adding additional buildings.  I simply stamped the city stamp 3 times on Whisper White card stock and painted all three pictures in More Mustard, Sage Shadow and Cajun Craze stamping ink.  Once the ink dried I cut out parts of the city from two of the images and then added them on top of the original stamped image with dimensionals to give it a 3-D effect.

A little closer look at the detail.  I've layered the small and large tag punchimages and attached them with a brass brad.  I used the small star punch for the star. 

I wanted the inside of the card to be fairly simple so I only added a bit of colour by gluing a plain DSP border that was distressed with Cajun Craze ink on the bottom of Confetti cardstock.  I stamped the verse in the middle of the page and then I used my Cajun Craze markers to color up only the stars on the City of David stamp and then stamped them over the verse.  To make sure I was centered I used my Thinga.ma.jig and it worked well in getting the proper alignment.

Thanks for coming and visiting my site.  I hope you enjoyed this latest entry.  Let me know what you think.

Win A Free Pass to UStamp With Friends!!! Cards With Cool Moves 2010 Event

I'm really looking forward to UStamp's next international event called UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! “Cards with COOL Moves…2010″!! which opens September 24th (EST) and  runs through Oct 15th. I'm really excited that I've been invited back again as a designer and giventhe cool task of designing a one of a kind movement card.  Isn't that COOL? And, because I'm a designer (see my blinkie) I have TWO FREE PASS to give away. If you liked the Fall Event 2010, you're going to love this one too!!  This next round is all about cards with 'Cool' moves. So get ready to have some fun because this round is all about cards with pop ups, sliders, spinners, waterfalls and MANY MANY more.  You'll also be blown away by all the fabulous colour combo ideas that are presented too!  So, are you ready for your chance at winning a FREE PASS......... just send me a comment on this post telling me what your favourite new product is in the new Holiday Mini (please include your email address in your comment).  Contest ends at noon on September 18th.  I'll be posting the name of the lucky winner by 7:30pm on the 18th, so be sure to drop by and see if it's you.  Good luck everyone and thanks for stopping by!"

Note: Register today for Early Bird Pricing of only $19.99 Early Bird pricing ends Sept 13th and regular pricing of $24.99 goes into effect.
If you want information on previous UStamp With Dawn and Friends!!! Events, please check out her website at:  http://ustampwithdawnandfriends.com/

How To Win A $400 Stampin' Up! Shopping Spree!!!!

Another group that I've recently joined is the fabulous Late Night Stampers. Today, the founder, Sherrill Graff  started an interactive and fun game of  "Find the Clues". Members of the Late Night Stampers group, have posted a clue on their blog sites (see list below). To enter for the prize draw all you have to do is visit the blogsites (check them out while you're there - they're fabulous) and collect 20 clues. Email your list of clues to Sherill and your name will be entered into a drawing for a $400 Stampin' Up Shopping Spree.

My clue is: The new Distressing Essentials Kit on page 195 of the new Idea Book and Catalog!  You can also find a list on  Sherrill Graff's blog, as well as her clue. (More sites listed below). 
Sherrill will pick a winner soon, so hurry and enter today!  Remember to include your email address and contact information in your note to Sherill.  Thanks for visiting my blog and for playing the exciting LateNightStamper game!

Here are some of the blogs to get you started:

http://createnstamp.blogspot.com/
http://www.itsastampthing-vicki.blogspot.com/http://sherrystampinbella.com/
http://www.itsastampthing-vicki.blogspot.com/
http://www.learntostampandscrap.com/
http://latenightstamper-stampandscrap.blogspot.com/

http://parttimepapercraft.blogspot.com/
http://yourhiredscrapbooksupplies.blogspot.com/
http://creatingthehive.com/blog-post/7091/sherril-graff-my-story
http://cecygarcia.blogspot.com/

http://www.stampinsiblings.blogspot.com/
http://stampinartbarbaravogt.blogspot.com/
http://livelovelaugh-angela.blogspot.com/
htw.amysstampinplace.blogspot.com/
http://inkabelladesigns.blogspot.com/http://creativecardinspirationsbytamara.blogspot.com/
http://artfeltimpressions.blogspot.com/

hhttp://samiesentiments.blogspot.com/
http://stampingfunn.com/
http://myinkrediblespot.blogspot.com/
http://www.cynthiascreativecuts.blogspot.com/
http://tanaconley.blogspot.com/
http://www.ink2inspire.blogspot.com/
http://www.denisefoor.blogspot.com/
http://kraftingjems.blogspot.com/
http://tanaconley.blogspot.com/
http://www.stampingleeyours.blogspot.com/
http://www.ilinacrouse.blogspot.com/

Stampin Addicts 2010 Holiday Mini Blog Hop

On August 29th, I discovered a link to the Stampin’ Addicts Mini Holiday Cattie Blog Hop that had started two days earlier. Naturally I clicked on this link so I could follow the blog hop through from the beginning. To my absolute delight, I discovered that not only were there terrific ideas for using the products in the new Holiday Mini, but there were 22 absolutely fabulous blog sites that I’ve bookmarked and know I’ll be going back to visit. Thanks Stampin’ Addicts you were marvellous. I’ve got to say what a fabulous blog hop, one of the best I’ve been on, and I know I’ll be checking in on the “Stampin Addicts Web Page too as they have some great forums and links too. All in all a great experience!
Even though this Blog Hop is now over, I thought you might be interested in checking out some or all of these sites to get a peak at their fabulous projects so here’s the link and have fun.

MOJO Monday Sketch 154 - August 30, 2010

It took me a while to decide whether I wanted to do a round or a square card for this week's challenge, and I may actually do both as it was such a fun sketch. The round sketch was just screaming for the "Scallop Circle" treatment, and so I set about making this Sympathy card using that format.

I used Cherry Cobbler, Basic Gray, Basic Black and Whisper White cardstocks, and my ribbons were 5/8" Basic Black Satin and 1/2" White Taffeta. I embossed the Basic Gray circle cut with the Finial Press (115963 pg 214) Embossing Folder. The Sentiment was embossed on Whisper White card stock by stamping the image from Friends Never Fade (118750 pg 99) in Versa Mark Ink and then embossing with Basic Black embossing powder. I then cut the embossed stamped image so that just the sentiment part was used. I stamped the flower from the Friends Never Fade stamp set twice in Cherry Cobbler and mounted the first image to Basic Black, Basic Grey, and Cherry Cobbler circle cuts then layered it with just the center portion of the stamped image mounted on dimensionals to the center of the flower. I removed the prongs from a Clear Rhinestone brad (113144 pg 187) and glued it with Tom Bow glue to the center of the flower.

Inside View - Sincere Salutations sentiment "Thinking of You".  Flower motiff from Elements of Style Set stamped in Cherry Cobbler on Whisper White Card Stock.

I used the Extra Large Scallop Square Punch 119884 pg. 200 to make the background white and black scallop pieces.  See tip below.  The corner piece was punched in Cherry Cobbler using the Extra Large Photo Corner punch 119878 pg. 202, but I used the smallest corner frame and embellished it with non SU rhinestones for some bling. 

Tip on Creating Scallop Border Outlines Without a Scallop Edge Border:

I have no idea whether this is my original idea or I ran across it somewhere, but I've used it several times to help me out in a pinch, so I'm going to claim ownership (correct me if I'm wrong).  Anyway if you don't have a scallop edge border punch you can punch out a few of the Extra Large Scallop Squares, as many as you need for width and depth and you can weave them together.  See these images:

Using the Punch cut out as many scallop squares as you need to make the width and depth of the framework.  Here I've cut 2 white squares that will be mounted on the 3 black squares.  Since the bottom will be hidden by ribbon I did not need to punch more squares.  If the bottom is to show you would need to punch 6 black squares.  Hope that's clear.

To join simple weave the sides of the scallops together and put a small piece of tape across the join to hold them in place.   Heres a sample of two different scallop squares that I've put together.  Just make sure everything is in alignment before you add the layer with the sentiment and glue down the joined scallops so they are flat.  I see mine is sticking up in this photo (go figure?).

Anyways I hope this helps somebody out at some stage in their stamping life.  It worked for me, and no one has ever mentioned anything about my cards being piece work.  LOL!  Enjoy.