Just Kidding.....

I've been absent so long, I've forgotten how to blog! Not really, but it sure seems like it. We just got home from visiting family in Tennessee and searching for a place to retire to, and we found it! Needless to say, sorting through forty years' worth of accumulated things and packing what we absolutely must keep is going to be a huge task over the next few months (my craft room alone is going to be a Herculean task), so I may continue to post sporadically. Please bear with me! Once the dust settles after our move, I'm sure I'll be back to posting on a regular basis.....unless I get too distracted by this gorgeous view out my window!

Speaking of retirment, the Stampin' Up! Retirement List is out and, as usual, I am distraught over some of the things going away forever, and then giddy with anticipation over the new things that will be coming soon in the annual catalog. I'm so conflicted! This tidbit is straight from the home office:

*Note: Due to high demand for retiring stamps, we'll keep producing retiring stamps until May 26 (not accessories - accessories are only while supplies last)
 
So, if there is an embellishment or tool you've been wanting, better get it NOW before the supplies are exhausted!  BTW, Stampin' Addicts will be be having a blog hop featuring the retiring stamp sets, so be sure to check back here Friday, May 1st!

This card was made with the new Just Kidding photopolymer stamp set, which is ridiculously cute and funny! I did use some retired DSP From the Fresh Prints DSP Stack, and retired Real Red Satin Woven Ribbon ribbon which, as of today, is still on the Clearance Rack for only $2.79 for 10 yds! Here's the rest of the stamp set:

*Practicing my Southern accent*
Hope y'all are having a nice Spring, those of you who aren't still getting snowed on!

SUOC71 and a Fond Farewell

This week's theme at SUO Challenges is Favorite Retiring Stamp Sets. It's that roller-coaster time of year......sad to see so many favorite stamp sets retiring, and thrilled to see the new ones coming!  This Fond Farewell also marks my last post as a design team member at SUO Challenges. I have been so honored to have been a part of such a talented team, but I think it's time for me to move on and let some new members with fresh ideas take over.

There are so many sets that I could call my "favorite", but right at the top would be Countryside (with that fabulous old pickup truck), and this one - Up, Up & Away.  Since it's graduation time, I thought this card was appropriate.  It also uses another retiring set, Word Play.

Stamps: Up, Up & Away, Word Play
Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red, Midnight Muse
Ink: Real Red, Midnight Muse, Smoky Slate
Accessories: Big Shot, Cloudy Day embossing folder, Real Red Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

That Cloudy Day embossing folder is only available until for another 10 days, so better get yours while you can! The stamp sets will be available through June 3rd, then they'll be gone, too.

Retiring Accessories (through May 31, while supplies last)
Retiring Stamps (through June 3)

SUOC44 - MOTHER'S DAY!

What better excuse does one need to get out the stamps and ink, than to create a card that Mother is sure to treasure? That's the challenge this week at SUO Challenges - create a card (or gift) for dear ol' Mom!

My momma's favorite color is red, so I grabbed Cherry Cobbler, since it most closely resembles the rubies she adores. Since the card needs to be mailable, the gorgeous 3D flower originally created as an embellishment had to be left off.  But that's okay - it can be used for another project that doesn't have to be mailed. :-)  I'm sure you'll see it in the not-too-distant future!

This technique of coloring the stamp with markers and then stamping on the First Edition DSP was demonstrated at the SU Retirement Party last Friday. Since the Inspired by Nature set is another one getting the old heave-ho to make room for new stamps, we used this for one of the make & takes, bidding it a fond adieu.

Now, let's see your beautiful tribute to Mom! If you want to share it at SUO Challenges, please be sure that ONLY Stampin' Up! products are used. That includes punches and dies, as well as stamps and cardstock. If SU didn't make it, please don't use it on your submission!

And, if you need inspiration to participate, SUO Challenges is going to start periodically inviting contributors to a special edition Guest Designer Challenge!!! Every so often, a select group from our regular contributors will be invited to be Guest Designers. Even if you've never been chosen as one of the top three in any of the challenges, you can still be invited if you participate fairly regularly!

Note: Retiring items are in red.

Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Broadsheet Alphabet, Just Perfect Alphabet, Fabulous Phrases
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Basic Black, First Edition DSP, White Vellum Cardstock
Ink: Cherry Cobbler Classic, and Cherry Cobbler, Regal Rose, and Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Elegant Lines embossing folder, Pearls Basic Jewels, Chantilly Crochet Trim, Stampin' Dimensionals

I {Heart} My Stamping Friends!

I would have to say that THE BEST part of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is the friends that I have made. Wonderful, funny, creative people, that I would never have encountered otherwise, have come into my life and greatly enriched it, and for that I am truly grateful! Of course, the tangible perks (like the discount, sneak previews, etc.) are nice, too, but I like the "people" aspect the best.

This is one of the cards we made at the SU Retirement Party on Friday. The inspiration came from Vicki Burdick's card.....I just love her style!

While the focus was mainly on things that won't be available after May 31st (I am SO going miss Pear Pizzazz!), there are a few things on there that will be staying.  And I really, really like this stamp set, so it just may end up on my 'retired keepers' shelf.

Note: Retiring items are listed in red

Stamps: Growing Green, Bring on the Cake
Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight, Pretty in Pink, Pear Pizzazz DSP, Daffodil Delight DSP, Watercolor Paper
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, plus Pear Pizzazz, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, and Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Daffodil Delight 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, 2011-2013 In Colors Brad Pack, Blender Pens

Retiring SU Accessories

The other shoe has dropped, and now the list of retiring accessories is out. (*THUD*..........Can someone please give me a hand up off the floor?)

As we were warned, it is also a long list. Some things, like the Classic ink pads, Heat Tool, and Stampin' Scrub, are being reconfigured and will be all shiny and new in the new catalog. Others are going to be gone forever, like the Craft ink, Stampin' Pastels, 12 x 12 textured cardstock, mini library clips, and colored rhinestone brads.

Please remember that, while the retiring stamps will be available to order through May 31st, the accessories are only available while they last.  So, if there's something on the list that you need, it is best to order it a.s.a.p.!

Now, I know there will be groans, and whining, and gnashing of teeth, but don't let my prostrations bring you down.

Very, very soon there will be a shiny new catalog with lovely new things to make us fall in love all over again, and forget all about our old loves!

A Little of This and That

It's been an interesting few days, and by interesting, I mean good stuff happenin'. First, I was tickled to be notified that my April Showers card was chosen by Tiffany Bauer this week as one of the cards featured on My Crafty Picks #62 - woohoo! Thanks, Tiffany, you made my day!

Then, I finally got the iPhone I've been waiting for. Had to wait for the contract with one carrier to end so I could switch carriers. I even sent my very first text message yesterday. (Yeah, I've finally joined the 21st Century, lol.) And let me tell you, the learning curve is impressive. :-)

DH got a new phone, too, but all he wanted was a phone, with "no fancy stuff." He just uses it as a phone while at work and shuts it off when he gets home. Luddite.

This week is all about prepping for a class Thursday afternoon, then a team meeting Thursday evening with my downline, and then the big Mystery Hostess Retirement Party* on Friday evening. This is the invitation that was sent out. It needed to be something quick and easy to make in multiples, and yet be eye-catching.

The "Bring a Friend" circle is mounted on a U-shaped strip of acetate, so it bobbles when the card is opened. It was stamped on the leftover circles punched from the front of the card.

* The theme of the party is focusing on items that will be retiring the end of May. We'll be making three projects, enjoying scrumptious snackies, giving away prizes AND having a drawing at the end from the people who qualified to see who the hostess will be. The winner gets all the Hostess Benefits, just as if she held the party herself! But everyone will go home with a prize of some sort. There's room for a few more, if you want to come. Contact me for details before Thursday night!


Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes, Workshop Words (given out at Leadership)
Cardstock: Whisper White, Daffodil Delight
Ink: Basic Black and Pumpkin Pie Classic, Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write Marker
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka-Dots embossing folder, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, clear acetate

Retirement List is Here!

Stampin' Up has just released the stamp retirement list, and it is extensive! I figured it would be, with the catalog changes coming.  You can see the list HERE, or click the image above or on the left. 

Keep in mind, this is just the list of stamps that are retiring the end of May.....the accessory retirement list will be available April 25th. If you've been thinking about buying any of the sets on the list, I recommend you do it sooner rather than later, as supplies may be limited.

Let me help fill in your stamp collection!