Sending a Little Sunshine

We're already a week into March and so far we've had an arctic front, snow, heavy frost,hail, wind, rain and more rain. After a weekend of gray skies, heavy rain and winds I'm trying to stay optimistic and hoping for some sunshine and dryer weather in the days to come. 

With the weather focus on mind I decided to use this week's Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #FMS626 for my inspiration. Here's the sketch:

FMS#626

HERE'S MY CARD:

I chose to design a positive card with a "rain and sun theme" that could be used for a variety of occasions.  

Remembering that the sketch challenge rules say it's okay to replace the circles with another image, I went ahead and changed the half circles with clouds. My basic white stitched clouds were die cut using the medium cloud die in the Stampin' Up! Bright Skies bundle featured on page 51 of the Annual Catalogue.  

There's also a cheerful little sun that's part of the coordinating stamp set and it has dies that make it easy to cut out and add dimension.  I stamped the sun in Daffodil Delight and used the small stitched circle die to cut a center for the sun from Daffodil Delight card stock.

I chose the "Sunshine to Brighten Your Day" sentiment from the "Sending Smiles" (#158701) stamp set on page 26 of the Annual Catalogue, and embossed it on a strip of basic black cardstock with Versamark ink and White Embossing Powder. I cut out the sentiment strip with the larger of the two label dies in the coordinating "Sending" (#159271) die set. What fun!  I love all nine of the sentiments in this stamp set, and any one of them would have worked perfectly with this theme. 

The Smokey Slate card base for this card measures 4 1/4" x 11" and is scored at the 5 1/2"  center line. I added a layer of Basic White 5 3/8" x 4 1/8", a layer of Balmy Blue 5 1/4" x 4" and a layer of Rain or Shine designer series paper that measured 3 7/8" x 51/8".  This piece of DSP has a myriad of glossing raised raindrops that capture the light when the card is turned. 

For the inside of the card I cut a 5 1/4" X 4" basic white panel and adhered another die cut sun to the bottom right hand corner.  I left the rest blank for a personal message. 

So that's my card for today.  I appreciate your dropping by to visit, and hope if my card inspired you in any way that you'll leave me a comment.  I super enjoy doing card challenges as it's a way of stimulating my creativeness and this weeks FMS#626 was perfect for that.  

Why not try out this challenge yourself, there's still a bit of time to do it.  Cheers and have a good week!

HAPPY STAMPING
PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Stampin Up Demo since 2006
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Sweet Thoughts Memories & More #FMS624

I have a new sketch challenge from Freshly Made Sketches  that I want to share with you today.  I'm not overly fond of the sketch, but others might find it appealing.  Here's the sketch by Kim:

Click here for the Challenge Information

Here's My Card: 

My card this week is made with the Sweet Thoughts Memories & More cards and envelopes (162931) and the Sweet Thoughts Memories and More Card pack (162930) ephemera which consists of sticker sheets, 4 x 6 cards and 50 double sided 3 x 4 cards.  

The Sweet Thoughts Memories & More Cards & Envelopes (162931) pack provides such an economical and fun way to make cards.  The kit comes with 20 cards and envelopes - 10 each of Calypso Coral and Pretty Peacock, that are a bit larger than your standard A2 card base.  And the coordinating envelopes have gorgeous floral flaps that blend Calypso Coral, Crushed Curry, Garden Green, Pecan Pie and Pretty Peacock.  

Having card bases and coordinating envelopes on hand, really cuts down on prep time when you want to craft.  With a little maneuvering you can actually double the amount of cards you can make from this kit by cutting the envelopes and the card bases down in size and using coordinating card bases from the colours offered.  What fun!  

And, mixing in the Sweet Thoughts and Memories & More Card Pack (162930) makes it even easier to create with.  This kit includes fifty 3 x 4 and 4 x 6 coordinating cards that you can use for layering, backgrounds or focal points, as well as 6 pages of stickers including some rose gold foil pieces.  

Both of these products are featured on page 44 of the January to April Mini catalogue.  

Well I hope you've enjoyed my post this week, and if you've never tried out a memories and more kit from any of Stampin' Ups! catalogues you may want to give them a try.  You can create so many great projects!  

Happy Stamping!

Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot 

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

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Lovely Lavender All Occasion Card #FMS623

Here is the latest sketch challenge FMS623 from Freshly Made Sketches designed  by Linda.

FMS623

Here is My Card: 

I've been meaning to create some all occasion cards or other projects with my January 2024 Paper Pumpkin (PP) kit but my mojo just wasn't working enough to actually get started.  So, when I came across this week's Freshly Made Sketch challenge that was all I needed to get inspired.  I loved the fact that I could use any shape I wanted to create the focal point, I wasn't limited to something oval. 

My card design evolved from both the sketch and the little postage square focal point that had been hanging around on my desk for a week or two.  It was perfect for tucking some of the leaves and flower images from the Paper Pumpkin kit behind.  

It started with a standard A2 size Whisper White cardstock base, followed by a 5 3/8" x 4 1/8" piece of Blackberry Bliss.

I cut one of the PP card bases in half for the dsp mat and then cut the 4" x 5 1/4" mat on an angle to form half of the card front layer. I used a second 4" x 5 1/4" Whisper White card stock piece for the bottom half of the front mat. Before layering the two pieces of the mat, I embossed the full white piece with the Layered Florals 3D embossing folder call. The dimension this embossing folder brings to the mat is so wonderful, I simply love the effect!

I added a 1/4 strip of Blackberry Bliss cardstock on an angle across the join line and snipped off the overlap.  

The focal point began with the Perennial Postage square die cut from a scrap of Blackberry Bliss cardstock.  The lavender flowers and leaf sprigs from the PP kit were glued to the back of this piece. The square of Whisper White, also a scrap was die cut with a retired Simple Shapes die cut, and the sentiment was stamped in Highland Heather ink. 

Once the focal point was adhered with dimensionals across the center of the card I added some of the beautiful Purple Fine Shimmer gems which I got with the Perennial Lavender Suite Collection on page 23 of the Mini Catalogue.  

Supplies:

Here is a list of all the supplies used to make this card. 

Stamp Sets:  Lovely Lavender January 2024 Paper Pumpkin 

Cardstock:  

• Whisper White 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" for base scored at 4 1/4"
• 2 Whisper White 4" x 5 1/4" mats for the front panel and inside and a 2" x 2" scrap for the sentiment square.
• 1 Blackberry Bliss mat 4 1/8" x 5 3/8" for card front and a 1/4" strip, and a 2 x 2" scrap for the focal mat.

Paper Pumpkin January 2024 Kit:

• One card base piece trimmed to 4" x 5 1/4" and then cut on an angle for the front mat.
• Three lavender floral pieces and one sprig of leaves in Lost Lagoon.

Accessories:

• Purple Fine Shimmer Gems
• Layered Florals 3D Embossing Folder

I hoped you enjoyed my submission to FMS623 and will check out the other submissions  Between the designers and the participants there is a bevy of card ideas.  Better yet, if you're following or thinking of following my blog why not share what you made with this sketch.  That would be fun!  

https://freshlymadesketches.blogspot.com/

Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens' Stampin' Spot

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Independent Stampin' Up! Demo

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Valentines 5x5 Card for TSOT #640 Sketch Challenge

 I came across this inspiration sketch challenge today and thought |I'd give it a try.  The challenge site is called Try a Sketch on Tuesday, and this is their current sketch which closes on February 18th, 2024.

Try A Sketch On Tuesday TSOT 640

Here is My Card:

Although the sketch shows a heart it could just as easily have been a square, or some other shape.  I used two different designs from the Most Adored Designer Series Paper (DSP) which is part of the Sale-a-bration Products you can get for FREE during the month of February. 

I also added Flirty Flamingo cardstock for the lst mat and the strip that goes across the card.  

The sketch did not include a sentiment but I chose to add "You Are Loved Beyond Measure" which is from the Perennial Postage (#162598) stamp set.  

For the inside of the card I simple used a layer of the plaid paper and added a
die cut heart from one of my old retired stamp sets.

I really like the Most Adored Paper and have made about ten Valentine's cards which I'll share with you tomorrow.  The one side of the paper has designs in traditional Valentine's colors while the reverse side is white with a variety of gold designs.  It's pretty versatile and the marbled and plaid designs could easily be used to create baby shower or wedding cards.   

I hope you liked today's card and will come back again to see the other cards I've made with this paper.  

HAPPY STAMPING! 

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Independent Stampin' Up! Demo

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Watercolor Melon

I liked this sketch challenge from Freshly Made Sketches so decided to make a card featuring the Sale-a-bration stamp set Watercolor Melon.  

Here's The Sketch: 

Freshly Made Sketches #619

Here's My Card:

Stamp Sets:     Watercolor Melon

Cardstock:        Whisper White, Sweet Sorbet

DSP:                 6 x 6 Designer Series Paper 2021-2023 Series (Sweet Sorbet,                            Lemon Lime)

Ink:                  Garden Green, Granny Apple Green, Momento Basic Black 

Hope you enjoyed this card 

HAPPY STAMPING!

PENNY TOKENS STAMPIN' SPOT

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Independent Stampin' Up! Demo

Glitzy Glam Birthday Wishes - FMS#560

Update November 9, 2022  Winners FMS #560

Wow, I'm doing the happy dance.  I just discovered that my Glitz & Glam card for Freshly Made Sketches #560 was picked by Amy from the Clean Team as one of the Princesses. Click on this link to see who the Queen of Clean and the other Princesses were.  So many awesome cards.   Thanks so much FMS and Amy.  You made my week! 

Freshly Made Sketches #560

Happy Monday, hope your week ahead is full of good times.  

FMS#560

Jen Mitchell's sketch design for the Freshly Made Sketches challenge this week was really timely as I'd been asked to design a "glitzy glam" black, white and gold milestone birthday card.

Here's My Card: 

I started with a Whisper White 5" x 10" card base scored at 5" and added a 4 7/8" x 4 7/8" layer of gold glimmer paper. Before adhering this glimmer paper I used the beautiful oval layering dies from the Fitting Florets collection to cut the large oval from the center. 

For the next layer I cut a 4 3/4 x 4 3/4 piece of paper from the Silver and Gold designer series papers (retired Sale-A-Bration paper).  Then I cut this into 2 pieces measuring 2" x 4 3/4" and 2 1/2" x 4 3/4".  These were adhered to the glimmer paper leaving a 1/4" gap between the two.  

I cut another oval frame from Whisper White card stock and used the center oval for my sentiment.  I stamped the "For a Special Person on a Special Day" sentiment from the Framed Florets stamp set, in Momento Black Ink.  This oval was attached to the center of the glimmer oval with dimensionals.  

I also stamped off five flowers using the small and larger floral stamp on a scrap of Whisper White.  these flowers were arranged around the left side of the oval and leaves and a floral sprig were die cut from Basic Black and added to the grouping.  To finish off the card front I added five of the Gold Adhesive Backed Swirls embellishments that came in the Framed Florets collection to the flower centers.  Love them!  

For the inside of the card I cut a 4 7/8" square of Whisper White and stamped it with one of the birthday sentiments from the Framed Florets stamp set. There was a 4 3/4" x 1 1/4" strip of the Silver and Gold dsp left over from the front cut, so I adhered that along the bottom of the mat.  Love it!  

For the first time ever Stampin' Up! has named the coordinating dies the same as the stamp set.  So, in this bundle you will get the Framed Florets stamp set and the Framed Florets Dies.  I'm super excited about that, as it makes finding your dies in your stash a whole lot easier.  Way to go Stampin' Up! 

 

I couldn't help editing this photo so I could see what the same card would look like in silver, white and black............... and yes it would be beautiful too! 

I hope you enjoyed this card.  It was simple, quick and easy to make.  

Happy Stamping!

Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot 

Penny Hanuszak, CDN Independent Stampin' Up Demonstrator 

24/7 Online Web Site: 

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

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