Retiring Big Shot Dies: Tyepset Alphabet

June will be here before we know it.  And that means Father's Day will too.  Here is the card I made for my recent class:

Colors: Baked Brown Sugar, Cajun Craze, Island Indigo, Early Espresso, and Naturals Ivory.  Stamps: Hardwood.  Big Shot: Typeset Alphabet Bigz Dies (r), Banner Framelits, Itty Bitty Banner Framelits (r), and Square Lattice Textured Impression Embossing Folder.  Punch: Banner.

I am sad to see the Typeset Alphabet Dies retiring.  I use these all the time.  But they are making way for a new set of alphabet dies that I'm sure I will love too.  I think I am even more sad about the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder retiring.  I love this folder for the inlaid embossing technique.  Just a reminder that the retiring products are only available through June 2.  So get your orders in now!

Retiring In Colors

Today is the day that my preorder for the new catalog is suppose to arrive.  So I sit here twiddling my thumbs, waiting, waiting, waiting.  Come on Mr. Brown!!!  I hope to have something brand new to show you on Wednesday.  But for today, I'm featuring another card with retiring colors on it:

Colors: Gumball Green (r), Midnight Muse (r), Pumpkin Pie, Soft Sky, Whisper White.  Stamps: Tape It, and Really Good Greetings.  Big Shot: Chalk Talk Framelits.  Accessories: Mini Brads.

Gumball Green will be the retiring In Color I miss the most.  I do love Midnight Muse, but Night of Navy is close enough for me that I won't miss it too much.  Gumball Green is just such a fresh, fun shade of Green.  Richer than Wild Wasabi and not as drab as Garden Green.  And I love them together in a fun masculine card like this.

This is just one of the cards you can make at my Spring Fling Stampin' Buffet this Friday night.  Last day to RSVP is Wednesday, May 7.  This card would be perfect for a birthday, graduation or even Father's Day.  I hope to see you there!

Retiring Stamps: Field Flower, Delightful Dozen and En Francais

One of the new things about the retirement list this year is that stamps are only available while supplies last.  That means I didn't even get to show you this card before Field Flowers was sold out.  Fortunately, last time I checked, En Francais and Delightful Dozen are still available.  But if you want either of them, I wouldn't wait around to order it.  Get them NOW!  Also, this card features the retiring In Colors, most of which are already sold out too. (Sorry!) 

Colors: Crumb Cake, Primrose Petal (r), Raspberry Ripple (r), Summer Starfruit (r), Old Olive and Whisper White.  Stamps: Field Flowers (r), Delightful Dozen (r) and En Francais (r).  Big Shot: Oval Framelits.  Punch: Decorative Label.  Accessories: Pearl Jewels, Occasions Paper Piercing Pack, Raspberry Ripple Stitched Satin Ribbon (r).

This is a card that you can come make at my Spring Fling Stampin' Buffet.  I added one more class on Friday, May 9 (just in time for Mother's Day).  However, this card doesn't have to just be for Mother's Day.  Plenty of other greetings fit just fine inside that oval making this a great card for any one who loves flowers.  Just let me know by Wednesday if you'd like to come make one yourself.

Stampin' Addicts Retirement Blog Hop: Happy Day

Welcome to the Stampin' Addicts Retirement Blog Hop.  Believe it or not, this is the sixth time the Stampin' Addicts have had a blog hop to feature retiring products.  This is a great group of demonstrators and it's always a pleasure to hop with them.  If you are hopping in order, than you got to see Yapha Mason's take on another of my favorite retiring sets: Gently Falling.  Love what she did with that set.

However, when I saw the retirement list, I knew right away that I wanted to feature Happy Day.  I fell in love with this set at convention last year and I am sad that we only got it for one catalog cycle.  Today I'm sharing three new projects and one old favorite featuring this set.  The projects also feature other retiring products and I have marked them with an (r) on the product list under the picture.

Colors: Whisper White, Smoky Slate and Perfect Plum.  Stamps: Happy Day (r).  Big Shot: Circle Framelits and Circle #2 (r).  Punches: 1"circle.  Accessories: Eastern Elegance Designer Series Paper (r), Jumbo Rhinestone Jewels (r), Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Smoky Slate Chevron Ribbon.

Colors: Very Vanilla and Night of Navy.  Stamps: Happy Day (r).  Big Shot: Itty Bitty Banners and Banner Framelits.  Accessories: Vintage Lace Trim (r), Jumbo Pearl Jewels (r), Essentials Paper Piercing Template, Etcetera Designer Series Paper (r).

Colors: Whisper White, Basic Gray and Coastal Cabana.  Stamps: Beautifully Baroque (r) and Happy Day (r).   Punch: Scallop Tag Topper &  3/16" Corner Rounder (r).  Accessories: Basic Gray Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (r), Coastal Cabana Ruffle Stretch Trim (r), Silver Glimmer Paper (r).

Previously featured on my blog.  Inspired by Amy O'Neil. Colors: Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Night of Navy, Whisper White.  Stamps: Happy Day (r) and Flower Shop.  Punches: Pansy Punch and Itty Bitty Punch Pack (r).  Accessories: Gingham Garden Washi Tape (r), Rhinestone Jewels, and Essential Paper Piercing Template Pack. 

Thanks for stopping by today. Please feel free to share a little blog love by leaving a comment and letting me know which project was your favorite.  Now you can continue through the blog hop and check out Twila's take on Hello, Lovely.  I have also included a list of hop participants at the bottom of this post.

Remember, today (April 25) is the last day to take advantage of FREE SHIPPING so don't miss out!

 

1) Adriana (escape2stamp) -- Blast Off
2) Yapha -- Gently Falling
3) Paula (scrapshappen) -- Happy Day
4) Twila (tjdstampsalot) -- Hello Lovely 
5) Holly (catrules) -- Horse Frontier
6) MaryR -- Off the Grid -- {scrap and stamp with mary}
7) Heidi (hlw966) -- Peek a Boo Frames
8) Betty (kittystamp) -- Road to Happiness
9) RhondaG -- Secret Garden
10) Tanya (tanya27) -- Simply Stars

Farewell to the Lattice Die

When the retirement lists came out on Monday, one of the areas of the catalog hardest hit was the Big Shot.  We are losing a lot of Bigz, Bigz XL, Sizzlits, and even a few embossing folders.  One of those items is the Lattice Bigz die.  This die cuts a very beautiful shape and I have been guilty of not using it nearly enough over the years it has been current. 

I must have had a little ESP when I was creating cards for my Spring Fling Stampin' Buffet because I made a card with this die.  It was inspired by a card I saw on Pinterest and that person credited Dawn Olchefske with the original idea.

Colors: Pool Party, Very Vanilla.  Stamps: Express Yourself.  Big Shot: Window Frame Collection Framelits, Lattice Bigz Die.  Accessories: Pearl Jewels, Vanilla Seam Binding, Vellum Card stock.

Isn't it perfect how well the Lattice Die fits inside that Window Frame Framelits?  It's a beautiful card for almost any occasion. 

Yesterday, I had another idea for a similar card to show this fun layer to my club gals.  This is what I came up with:

Colors: Whisper White and Marina Mist.  Stamps: Perfectly Penned.  Big Shot: Windows Frame Collection Framelits, Lattice Bigz Die and Polka Dot Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  Punch: Itty Bitty Punch Pack.  Accessories: Pearl Jewels, Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper. 

This card features a lot more retiring product: Perfectly Penned Stamp Set, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Lattice Bigz Die and the Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper.  I will miss all of these, but quite possibly, I will miss the Itty Bitty Punch Pack the most.  I use that set all the time to make cute little flowers.  If you don't have it in your collection, now is the time to get it before it sells out!

All retiring items, including stamps, are only available while supplies last so hurry and place your order today.  You can also take advantage of FREE SHIPPING through April 25.  You can see all the items on the retirement lists here:

RETIRING STAMPS

RETIRING ACCESSORIES

You can also just head on over to my ONLINE STORE and click "Shop" button under my name on the top right.  Once you get to the store, there is a separate category for retiring products on the left menu.  Remember, all items are included in the FREE SHIPPING offer on the site so take advantage of the savings store wide.

Come back on Friday for a Stampin' Addicts Blog Hop featuring several retiring products.  I will be showcasing my favorite set from the retirement list: Happy Day.  Hope to see you then!

Farewell Baby Bundle

One last fond farewell to a retiring stamp set: Baby Bundle.  I bought this stamp set when it first came out because I didn't have a current baby set.  Now that it is retiring, I will be back to not having a current baby set.  That will have to be fixed soon.

Colors: Coral Calypso, Pool Party, So Saffron and Whisper White.  Stamps: Baby Bundle.  Big Shot: Labels and Ovals Framelit Collections.  Punches: Scallop Border, Word Window and Modern Label. Accessories: 2011-2013 In Color Prints Pack, Occasions and Essentials Paper Piercing Templates.

I discovered this color combo for a baby card when I was making one for a neighbor that recently had twins: a boy and a girl.  I wanted the colors to be fresh and fun and more gender neutral.  Then we made this card for my express card class last month.

The new catalog starts this Friday, May 31 at noon and I will be showing a project from the new catalog here on Friday.  Come back and see what you'll have to put on your first order too.

Open Seas Father's Day

My favorite masculine set is The Open Seas.  I'm pretty sure I use it every year to make Father's Day cards.  My father and my father in law are probably sick of it, but it is perfect.  Thankfully it is in the new catalog so I get to use it for at least one more year.   Here's this year's version:

Colors: Not Quite Navy, River Rock and Whisper White.  Stamps: The Open Seas and Teeny Tiny Wishes.  Punches: Modern Label and Word Window.  Accessories: 1/8" Brads.

While the stamps are not retiring, Not Quite Navy and River Rock are.  I have already mentioned here how much I will miss Not Quite Navy, but River Rock is one that I am OK with it going.  I like it when it was an in color, but I haven't used it much since it returned.  It also features the simple, yet fabulous "Triple Stamp" technique.  I showed this technique and explained how to do it last fall on this card: Happy Fall.

We're down to the last week before the new catalog begins.  If you have not already received a copy of it and would like one, let me know.  I have a case of them arriving today.

Happy Father's Day

I'm trying to find the balance between showing you retiring product and new product.  But with time running out on retiring product, I will probably be showing you more of that then new.  At least this week anyway. 

With May winding down, that means that Father's Day is creeping up on us too.   While it's still a few weeks away, it will be here before we know it. At my recent Card Buffet, I offered a couple of different Father's Day Cards.  This is one features the retiring Comfort Cafe Designer Series Paper:

Colors: Soft Suede, Baja Breeze and Very Vanilla.  Stamps: Delightful Dozen.  Punches: Decorative Label, XL Oval and Scallop Border.  Accessories: Soft Suede 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, clear embossing powder.

Before this card, I had not even used the Comfort Cafe Designer Series Paper.  It is beautiful but the colors in it are more fall colors and I didn't get the paper until this spring. One side of the paper is pretty feminine but several of paper feature prints on the other side that would be good for masculine cards too.  That makes the paper very versatile and perfect for a variety of crafting needs. 

Delightful Dozen did make it into the new catalog.  Here I used clear embossing powder over the stamped image so add a little texture to the card and then colored in the "Father's" using the Baja Breeze Marker.  Most of the Baja Breeze items are sold out but I am trying to use up my stash of some of these retiring colors still.

I have one more Father's Day card to share with you on Friday with my favorite masculine set: The Open Seas.  We'll see you then!

Two Tags Box and Matching Card

The project from the Blog Hop that had the most comments was the Two Tags Box and today I am sharing the details of it with you.

Colors: Certainly Celery, Marina Mist, So So Saffron and Whisper White. Stamps: Just Believe.  Big  Shot: Two Tags Die.  Punches: Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch.  Accessories: So Saffron Taffeta Ribbon, Many Marvelous Markers.

I know I said it during the hop, but I am really sad that this die is going away.  It was one of the first ones I bought that I use all the time.  If you don't have it, get it before it's gone!

I also mentioned on the hop that I used markers to color directly on the stamp to make the frame then cut the image out and stamped a greeting inside.  The So Saffron Taffeta ribbon is also retiring.  I picked up a couple extra rolls of this already because I love So Saffron and I will miss this beautiful ribbon.

This box is made the same way as the Valentines Two Tag Basket I shared back in February.  I linked to a tutorial in that post, but basically you need 2 of the wider tags from the Two Tags Die (for the front and back of the box) and a piece of card stock that is 2-3/4" x 6-3/4" for the sidewalls and "frame" of the box.

• Place the card stock on your score board horizontally and score at 2" and 4-3/4"
• Flip the card stock vertically on your board and score at 1/2" and 2-1/4" 
• Snip along the shorter score lines into the 1/2" score line in all four places and fold along the score lines
• Place Sticky Strip along the tabs and adhere the frame together
• Fold the tags along their score line and place Sticky Strip on the lower portion (this is the time to stamp them now if that is what you want to do)
• Place the back tag on first with the bottom portion adhered to the bottom of the frame then repeat with the front tag
• Decorate your box as desired

There aren't a lot of details to share on the matching card, but in case you wanted the recipe, I've included it:

Colors: Certainly Celery, Marina Mist, Whisper White and Early Espresso.  Stamps: Just Believe.  Punches Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch. 

One of the things I will miss about this set is how easy it is to make quick cards with it.  The images are detailed enough add interest on their own without a lot of help. 

On Friday, I hope to have another sneak peek to share with you so come back then!

Punch Art Santa

Wasn't this weekend's blog hop fabulous?  It has me reconsidering some stamps sets I've overlooked before, even if I won't be able to use them in my business.  If you missed the hop, it is not too late.  The blogs are all deep linked together so you can still follow along, just start here on my blog: Just Believe.

I promised the details on my Punch Art Santa card.  I feel a little silly sharing a Christmas card in May, but this greeting won't be around later in the year when it is time to start sharing Christmas Cards again:

Colors: Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green, Basic Black, and Very Vanilla.  Stamps: Just believe. Big Shot: Fancy Fan Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  Punches:  XL Oval (hat), Circle from Itty Bitty Punch Pack (pom pom on hat), Scallop Oval, Large Oval, Cupcake Builder (Eyes), Owl Builder (nose),  Elegant Butterfly (mustache), Ornament (beard), Decorative, Curly and Modern Label. Accessories: Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper, Metallic Brads, White Gel Pen.

As you can see from the supply list, I used a plethora of punches to make this card between the Santa and the greeting.  Did you notice the mustache made with the butterfly punch?  I just cut the top of it off to make it. From this list of punches, the only one that isn't carrying over to the next catalog is the ornament punch so if you like the look of the beard on this, get that punch before it's too late.  The Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper is also retiring.  I have really enjoyed this paper and will miss it.  I'm already crossing my fingers for an equally awesome holiday Designer Series Paper in the Holiday Catalog.

I personally believe in the magic of Christmas so I love how well this greeting works for a Christmas card.  So don't miss out on this set before it's gone for good.  On Wednesday, I'll be sharing the details of the the box and 3x3 card. I'll see you then!

Stampin' Addicts Blog Hop: Good Bye Just Believe

 

It's Stampin' Addicts Blog Hop time once again!  I love hopping with this group of talented stampers.  This time we are all featuring stamp sets from the retirement list.  If you are hoping in order, than you've arrived here from Tanya's Tinkering in Ink and her fabulous tribute to Dig It. I know I will be missing that stamp set for little boy cards.  If you are starting here, all the blogs are linked together in a circle so you won't miss anything. If you get lost along the way, you can head over to Stampin' Addicts for a complete list of hop stops or just to chat it up.

With such a large retirement list, I had several stamp sets from which to pick.  But I went with Just Believe because it is an old favorite that is simple to use and really quite versatile.  

For my first project, I actually CASEd a card I made a couple of years back with this set.  I switched up the colors to feature (read "use up") retiring Baja Breeze card stock and ribbon and the First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper.  This is my favorite image from this stamp set because it is so pretty just stamped as a silhouette but could also be colored for a beautiful floral scene. 

For my second project, I wanted to show how easy it is to use this stamp set for some clean and simple cards.  This is a little 3x3 card with a matching envelope featuring another retiring color: Certainly Celery.  I made this card to match the next project:

Another thing on the retirement list that has me heartbroken is the Two Tags Die.  Here I used it to make a little treat box filled with chocolate squares.  I used one of the label stamps from Just Believe and colored it directly with my markers to put a little tag on the front of it.  I added some So Saffron taffeta ribbon to the top (also on the retirement list) of the Certainly Celery and Marina Mist box. I'll be sharing more details on the box and the matching card here on my blog on Wednesday.

My last project is a little more out of the box, although not my original idea.  When this stamp set first came out, this greeting kind of puzzled me: "Some things have to be believed to be seen."  I wasn't sure when I could give a card to a friend that said that.  Then another friend paired it with a Santa stamp and I thought it was just perfect.  Instead of a Santa stamp, (which I don't even own) I've paired it with a punch art Santa and some retiring Designer Series Paper.  Come back on Monday to see all the details of this creation.

Have I convinced you yet that you really should own this stamp set if you don't already?  Then I have done my job. Don't forget to check back her next week to see more details about these projects. Next stop on the hop is Katherine's My Magical Inkery Tour and her tribute to another great stamp set: Kindness Matters.  Happy Hopping.

Farewell to A Lot of Favorites

The retirement lists are out and now is a great time to check your wish lists and make sure you aren't going to miss out on one of your favorite stamp sets before it's gone.  It's also a great time to stock up some of your favorite embellishments and other accessories and save 25-60%.  But don't forget, retiring accessories are only available while supplies last, so don't wait too long to take advantage of the savings.  Retiring Stamps are available until June 3.

And if you place an order through my online store before Saturday at 5 p.m. MDT, and use Hostess Code ADTNXHXQ you will be entered to win one of the retiring stamp sets: Button Buddies and an assortment of buttons from all the retiring color families.  (Orders over $150 should not use the hostess code as they are eligible for their own hostess benefits).

To shop the retired lists, visit my Demonstrator Web Site and click shop now.  Don't forget to check out the Clearance Rack and other limited times offers in the promotions section while you are there.

To see the lists, click one of the links below:

RETIRED STAMP SETS

RETIRED ACCESSORIES

Goodbye Regal Rose and Pretty in Pink

Pink always makes me think of the movie Steel Magnolias.  Shelby's signature color is pink and I always hear her and her mom arguing about her wedding colors.

M'Lynn: "Her colors are pink and pink."
Shelby: "My colors are Blush and Bashful."
M'Lynn: "Her colors are pink and pink.  That sanctuary looks like it's been hosed down with Pepto-Bismol."


Shelby would be sad that Pretty in Pink and Regal Rose are  retiring.  But pink is not my signature color. I don't use it very much except at Valentine's day.  But I did break it out this week to make a baby girl card:

Colors: Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White.  Stamps: Sweet Essentials.  Big Shot: Polka Dot Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  Punches: Elegant Butterfly and 1" Square.  Accessories: Regal Rose Taffeta Ribbon, Essentials Paper Piercing Pack.

If you are a regular here on my blog, you might think this card looks familiar.  It is the exact same layout I used for the baby boy card I showed last Friday on my blog. But the inspiration for the butterfly, like so many of my other projects, came from Pinterest and a card I saw there from Jessica Taylor at Ink it Up with Jessica. 

This card will be offered at my Spring Fling Stampin' Buffet, April 26 and 27.  If you don't need a baby girl card, you could easily change the sentiment to one of the other fabulous greetings from the Sweet Essentials Stamp Set:


Well, you might not want christmas cheer for a pink butterfly card, but you get the point. Watch for more details on my class early next week.

One More Not Quite Navy Card

During the Stampin' Addicts Retiring Color Blog Hop this weekend, I said I had one more Not Quite Navy card to show you.  I really went outside my comfort zone to put these colors together but here it is:

Colors: Not Quite Navy, Bravo Burgundy and River Rock.  Stamps: Amazing Family.  Big Shot: Wood Grain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Bitty Banners Framelits.  Accessories: Distress Tool, Neutrals and Regals Designer Series Paper Stack, Neutrals Brads.

When River Rock was first introduced as an In Color many years ago, I did like it.  To me, it looks like a pair of Khaki pants.  But when it came back a few years ago, I had lost my passion for it.  I rarely use it and mostly forget it's even available to us.  And Bravo Burgundy?  Let's just say I am on the first package of card stock I ever purchased of it and it's been nearly six years since I started collecting these things.  I have used it at Christmas once or twice, but I don't think I've used it for anything else, ever: until this card.

The flags off the bottom of the main image were inspired by a card I received from one of my Stampin' Addicts friends, Adriana Benitez at Escape2Stamp.  Since this was a masculine card, I wanted to keep it simple, but still add interest and the flags added just the right touch.

I have been busy this week creating projects for my Spring Fling Stampin' Buffet.  I will have all the projects posted by next Monday, so be sure to check back.

Stampin' Addicts Blog Hop: Farewell to Not Quite Navy

Welcome to stop #8 on the Stampin' Addicts Retiring Color Blog Hop.  I love how twelve of us addicts threw this hop together in just three days. That shows how seriously we are addicted.  If you are hopping in order, than you've come from Debbi's Come Stamp with Me.  I rarely used Bravo Burgundy but Debbi has me rethinking it with her fabulous creations showing off this often over looked color.  If you are starting here, all the blogs are linked together in a circle so you won't miss anything.  If you get lost along the way, you can head over to Stampin' Addicts for a complete list of hop stops or just to chat it up.

I get to share Not Quite Navy with you today. Blues have always been my favorite colors and I think this is the perfect blue so I was disappointed to see it on the list. It just pairs so well with so many different colors. For the hop, I have paired it with some of the other departing colors.

I have always thought Not Quite Navy and Riding Hood Red paired with Very Vanilla were the perfect colors for an Americana feeling.  And that is what I was going for in this patriotic salute to the USA:

Next to Not Quite Navy, More Mustard is the other color I will miss the most.  I love this color for fall, but it also pairs well with Lucky Limeade and Not Quite Navy for a masculine Thank You card:

Last, but not least, I used the same colors as my last card and added some Baja Breeze and Cajun Craze (which is not retiring) to make this scrapbook page in My Digital Studio:

This weekend's free shipping promotion is a great time to stock up on Not Quite Navy and all the other retiring colors. If you come back on Wednesday, I will have one more Not Quite Navy project to share with you.  Now you can hope on over to Holly's Rubber Redneck blog to see some More Mustard projects.  Happy Hopping!