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