Category Archives: All Occassion

ONE LAST PICK OF THE PATCH

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I’m sad to see Pick of the Patch retire, although I expected it would. There are still a lot of ideas floating around in my head but they are competing with a lot of other stuff that you don’t want to hear about! Enjoy this autumn card instead:

  • Stamps: Pick of the Patch
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Cajun Craze, Copper Clay
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Gorgeous Garden dies, Joy of Christmas Designer Series paper, Pick of the Patch Builder Punch, Adhesive Back Speckled dots, Blending Brushes, Pebble Path and Wild Wheat Jute Trim, Glue, Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I wanted stems on the squash, but I didn’t want to fussy cut those curly bits. I separated the strands of the Jute Trim and used glue dots to shape them. I like the way they’re kind of unraveled (there are times you could say the same thing about me).

I fussy cut the sentiment from Pick of the Patch – it’s an easy one to do. And the Gorgeous Garden dies make another appearance with pick of the patch because I love them so much! Blending Brushes make a simple, soft background for the die cuts.

If you have a holiday weekend, I hope you’re cozy and warm. We’re in beautiful Sedona, Arizona this week with my family. It’s one of my favorite places to hike.

As always, if you need any of these products, shop the Online Store.

The Last Chance list has dropped and there are some great deals. To see items Carrying Over, click HERE. To see Last Chance items from the September-December mini, click HERE. Prefer to go straight to shopping? Visit the Online Store.

A collage of paper crafting supplies on a light blue background with the text "NEW Online Exclusives"

Check out the brand new release of Online Exclusives. These limited edition products are sure to delight and inspire you! Shop HERE.

A red banner with the words “Paper Pumpkin”, images of card making supplies, and the phrase “All The Best"

The December kit contains supplies for 9 beautiful cards and includes an acetate box for gifting. Keep it for yourself or share with your bestie – they’ll be grateful to have a card stash all year long! Subscribe HERE by December 10th.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Visit the Online Store to see what’s available.

2 cards featuring evergreen images and the text "September-December 2023 Mini Catalog"

Our September – December Mini Catalog is nearing it’s last days – let me know if you need a copy, or shop online HERE!

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HAPPY WORLD CARD MAKING DAY!

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If it’s not yet 2pm Mountain Time when you’re reading this, hop over to www.StampinUp.com and check out the free World Card Making day event! (If it’s after 5pm MT, the event is over, carry on.)

Are you ready for one more Pick of the Patch card? I switched up my favorite layout from landscape to portrait and played with some new colors. Honestly, this is the most fun I’ve had with a card sketch in ages!

A handmade card with pumpkins designs and the sentiment “you're the pick of the patch”
  • Stamps: Pick of the Patch
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Old Olive, Pretty Peacock, Garden Green, Pebbled Path, Boho Blue
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Timeworn Type Embossing Folder, Pick of the Patch Builder Punch, Joy of Christmas DSP, Classic Matte Dots, Pebble Path Jute Trim, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Here’s a link to the landscape version. The change in DSP is pretty significant. The Joy of Christmas DSP is much bolder than Earthen Elegance, but the colors are also deeper and more vibrant. I was pleased to see how versatile that “Christmas” paper could be – I love all the layers!

A handmade card with pumpkins designs and the sentiment “you're the pick of the patch”

I decided against fussy cutting of those swirls (again). I did it once and that was enough. They stamp directly on the card quite nicely. I don’t mind fussy cutting, but the inside curves on those made me cranky. Not worth it.

A handmade card with pumpkins designs and the sentiment “you're the pick of the patch”

I love to add a little “what’s inside” hint on the outside of the envelope. I repeated the same image on the inside of the card – because it’s handmade and I can do that!

A handmade card with pumpkins designs and the sentiment “you're the pick of the patch”

Are you sold on Pick of the Patch yet? I certainly am. If you need your own, shop the Online Store.

An invitation to the World Card Making Day showing balloons and markers

WORLD CARD MAKING DAY IS COMING! You’re invited to craft along – register for this FREE event on October 7. Download the project sheets HERE and HERE.

Patterned paper hexagons and the text "Designer Series Paper Special Release" and "shop AnneMatasci.stampinup.net"

Beautiful new papers are available while supplies last! Find them under Online Exclusives.

2 cards featuring evergreen images and the text "September-December 2023 Mini Catalog"

Our September – December Mini Catalog is available to everyone! Let me know if you need a copy!

A red banner with the words “Paper Pumpkin”, images of card making supplies, and the phrase “Home for the Holidays"

Create dazzling traditional Christmas cards with the Home for the Holidays Paper Pumpkin Kit. This kit includes eight beautiful cards—four each of two designs. But wait, there’s more! For all the sparkly crafters, this kit includes glitter glue to give your cards extra shine. Even better, it will coordinate with the November kit. Are you ready? Subscribe HERE by October 10th.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Visit the Online Store to see what’s available.

SEASON OF CHIC: PINK ALOHA

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I’ve wanted to make a lei-style card for a while. After I used this flower from Season of Chic for a couple of other cards, I decided to try stringing it into a lei. I’m not perfectly satisfied, but I think it’s a decent start:

A long pink watercolor wash card with a flower lei and the text "aloha"
  • Stamps: Season of Chic, Alphabest
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Moody Mauve, Petal Pink, Lost Lagoon, Shaded Spruce
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Chic dies, Stampin’ Blends, Irridescent Rhinestone gems, Daubers, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Watercolor Paper

I’m not sure what this blossom is, but it doesn’t look like any lei flowers I’m familiar with! Let’s call it Artistic License. The outline is inked in Moody Mauve, and the fill stamp is inked in Petal Pink. I added a light wash of Moody Mauve applied with a dauber and then lightly misted before stamping on watercolor paper. Let’s have a cheer for two-step stampin’!

A long pink watercolor wash card with a flower lei and the text "aloha"

I am so envious of those artists who are able to create beautiful watercolor washes. I’ve tried more times than I care to acknowledge, and it never comes out the way I see it in my mind. For this card, I used the lightest Petal Pink Stampin’ Blend on Basic White card stock.

A long pink watercolor wash card with a flower lei and the text "aloha"

This card needs a custom envelope, and I found just the thing in my stash of retired papers. I’m quite pleased to found something that coordinated so well! (I’m also pleased to have one less sheet of DSP in my retired stash – it’s a bit overwhelming.)

We have so many beautiful flowers in our stamp offering, and you probably have one that would be perfect for this technique. On the off chance you don’t, you’re welcome to shop the Online Store.

An invitation to the World Card Making Day showing balloons and markers

WORLD CARD MAKING DAY IS COMING! You’re invited to craft along – register for this FREE event on October 7. Download the project sheets HERE and HERE.

Patterned paper hexagons and the text "Designer Series Paper Special Release" and "shop AnneMatasci.stampinup.net"

Beautiful new papers are available while supplies last! Find them under Online Exclusives.

2 cards featuring evergreen images and the text "September-December 2023 Mini Catalog"

Our September – December Mini Catalog is available to everyone! Let me know if you need a copy!

A red banner with the words “Paper Pumpkin”, images of card making supplies, and the phrase “Home for the Holidays"

Create dazzling traditional Christmas cards with the Home for the Holidays Paper Pumpkin Kit. This kit includes eight beautiful cards—four each of two designs. But wait, there’s more! For all the sparkly crafters, this kit includes glitter glue to give your cards extra shine. Even better, it will coordinate with the November kit. Are you ready? Subscribe HERE by October 10th.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Visit the Online Store to see what’s available.

STAMPS ON SALE and the BIGGEST WISH

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I love the Biggest Wish stamp set. And it’s on sale today, along with all Annual Catalog stamp sets (does not include host, bundle or online exclusive.) I put “HELLO friend” together with a punched textural background for a quick card with a Big Wish:

White card with circle offset center and words "HELLO friend"
  • Stamps: Biggest Wish, Country Bouquet
  • Color Palette: Basic White, BubbleBath, Lost Lagoon
  • Accessories: Big Boss, Stylish Shapes dies, 2 3/8″ Circle punch, Inked & Tiled “X” punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I have some very old Lost Lagoon ribbon, but I chose to keep this card current. I cut some Lost Lagoon paper into narrow strips and adhered them behind the circle focal point for a simple embellishment.

A white card with a circle containing the words "HELLO friend"

These punched elements are really easy to align for this technique! Punch a dozen and you’re ready to go – these were easy to do by eye. Biggest Wish has all the words you need in fonts that work together.

A Handmade card with a white textured background, and a circular element with the phrase “Hello Friend”

Biggest Wish is on sale TODAY July 19th for 15% off – along with all the Annual Catalog stamp sets (this sale excludes Host, Bundle and Online Exclusive stamps). Spend $50 and you’ll qualify for a Bonus Days coupon and save twice! Shop the Online Store now.

orange banner with text "24 hour stamp sale 19 July"

Bonus Days are here in time for your Online Exclusives order! Through July 31st, with every $50 merchandise order you’ll earn a $5 coupon to spend in August. NO LIMITS!!

Online Exclusives are HERE. These Limited Edition products are fresh, seasonal, and sure to sell quickly – don’t wait to SHOP!

Be sure to subscribe by August 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! This kit includes 8 cards, 4 each of 2 designs, and 8 coordinating envelopes. The kit is special because of the way it uses the meaning of flowers. On each card, you’ll find a small inscription of what the flowers represent.

And don’t wait, because anyone who subscribes to this month’s kit will get a FREE stamp set! This Distinktive stamp set is perfect for a variety of occasions! 

"Paper Pumpkin" on red banner, "Meaningful Flowers" in blue on a pale blue background with images of stamped flowers

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Visit the Online Store to see what’s available.

INKED & TILED with a simple DSP LAYOUT

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The Inked Botanicals Designer Series Papers are primarily soft, tone-on-tone designs that are ideal for spotlighting a stamped focal point. They’re on sale this month too!

handmade card with two flowers and a printed paper background on a white card base with the sentiment "hello friend"
  • Stamps: Inked & Tiled
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Flirty Flamingo, Calypso Coral, Granny Apple Green
  • Accessories: Inked Botanicals Designer Series paper, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Irridescent Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin’ Blends, daubers, Stampin’ Shammy

I used daubers to apply the ink to the flower stamp as it’s a single image. The daubers are easy to control so your ink goes just where you want it. I learned a new trick, too: they clean up quickly and completely if you stamp them on the Stampin’ Shammy!

handmade card with two flowers and a printed paper background on a white card base with the sentiment "hello friend"

I used my Flirty Flamingo Stampin’ Blend to add a hint of color to the Irridescent Jewels. Use the brush tip, but use a very light touch as too much pressure will cause the tip to fray.

The Inked Botanical pieced panels used as a background are 1.5″ x 5.125″, 2.25″ x 1.75″, and 2.25″ x 3.125″. (.125 = 1/8, but the fractions get confusing in text.)

handmade card with two flowers and a printed paper background on a white card base with the sentiment "hello friend"

This is a simple card, but the Designer Series Paper (did I mention it’s on SALE???) makes a big difference. You could turn out a set of these with different papers in the blink of an eye! Shop the Online Store for the papers and inks you need.

The text Designer Series paper Sale Stock up and save 15% and images of Designer Series papers

There’s a Designer Series Paper sale in June! 15% off select papers – shop early to avoid any disappointment.

It’s a great time to become a demonstrator! Join my team and create the opportunity you want. Select your choice of product valued at $155 for just $99 and you can be a happy shopper, enjoy early access to upcoming products, and save on every Stampin’ Up! purchase you make! If you choose, you can build a business, but that’s not a requirement. Try it out risk free – JOIN TODAY.

banner paper pumpkin welcome inn

Today is the last day to subscribe  for Welcome Inn, your Craft Escape in a box! The June kit features 9 elegant, detailed cards. This is a card kit with an option to purchase coordinating dies while supplies last.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Visit the Online Store to see what’s available.

CIRCLE SAYINGS in GOLD

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Heat embossing gives any project a pop, and when you emboss with metallics, you get shimmer and shine too! I’ve paired the shells in Circle Sayings with a just-retired Designer Series paper – I hope you like it as well as I do.

white card with gold school of fish and congratulations message
  • Stamps: Circle Sayings
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Night of Navy, Gold
  • Accessories: Gold Embossing Powder/Metallics Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool, Embossing additions Kit, Gold foil, Big Boss, Stylish Shapes dies, 2 3/8″ circle punch, Stampin’ Dimensional, By the Bay DSP (retired)

The largest circle from the Stylish Shapes dies is just big enough to layer behind the circle punch in the Circle Sayings bundle. When I saw how well those shells embossed in gold, I had to pull out the retired DSP for that gorgeous shine! There are a number of gold papers in the Online Store if you don’t have that fishy paper in your stash.

card detail shells and congratulations message

My craft room was a little decimated by all the papers and stamps that retired from the 22-23 Annual Catalog, and I’m still building up my stash. It takes time, and I’m ok with that, but it means I might pull out a retired bit or two.

white card with gold school of fish and congratulations message

This card is really versatile and could carry a variety of sentiments. It’s pretty gender neutral, and relatively ageless as well. You could switch out the Night of Navy for another color to tailor it to your purpose, but I know some blue-and-gold graduates this year! Shop Circle Sayings today!

Our beautiful new 23-24 Annual Catalog is available to EVERYONE!

text 2023-2024 Annual Catalog with craft images

Be sure to subscribe by May 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The May kit features outdoor landscapes and the new 23-25 In Colors. This is a card kit with an option to purchase additional patterned card bases and coordinating envelopes.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Here’s an example:

3 cheery cards and words confetti birthday kit

If you prefer choosing your kits without a subscription, we’ve just released a new one: the Confetti Birthday Card kit. This kit has all the supplies for shaker cards – no measuring or fussing! See all our kits in the Online Store.

happy new catalog day!

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Are you ready?

Our beautiful new 23-24 Annual Catalog is available to EVERYONE!

text 2023-2024 Annual Catalog with craft images

And on top of that, we’re introducing another Kits Collection choice: Confetti Birthday Kit!

3 cheery cards and words confetti birthday kit

Make these fun shaker cards – everything you need is in the package.

Paper Pumpkin box with plant and rocks

Be sure to subscribe by May 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The May kit features outdoor landscapes and the new 23-25 In Colors. This is a card kit with an option to purchase additional cards and envelopes on May 2nd.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Visit the Online Store to see what’s available.

MAY 2023 DIY: CIRCLE Sayings

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Tomorrow is the Big Day: the 23-24 Annual Catalog is available to EVERYONE! Demonstrators have had the opportunity to shop a limited selection, but tomorrow it’s All The Things for All The Crafters!!

In celebration, I’m using a brand new stamp set from the new catalog for my May 2023 DIY Easel calendar. These images and sentiments are great starters for a new crafter, but have plenty of room for creativity for someone who has crafted a little longer.

square calendar with sun and ocean
  • Stamps: Circle Sayings
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Basic Black Gray Granite, Daffodil Delight, Pool Party, Boho Blue, Pretty Peacock, Lost Lagoon
  • Accessories: Wink of Stella, Stampin’ Blends

The original image is a circle, but I wanted to expand it to fill my space. Here’s the original:

I used a simple masking technique to repeat the image on either side. The paper I used to mask came off the back of our self-adhesive strips, so it was opaque enough for me to see through. I stamped the image twice, and trimmed the left, then the right side of the image. Then I covered the right, aligning the mask carefully by using the ability to see through:

This stamp is photopolymer, so I could see just where I wanted it!

Repeat with the right side!

small calendar with ocean and

And here you have it! The alignment isn’t exact, but this is the real world and things aren’t always perfect. Now to color:

I used a LOT of blues. There’s some Boho Blue, although I would have preferred Lost Lagoon. Alas, I don’t have those Blends (yet!!) I used Pool Party for brightness and Pretty Peacock to tone down the Boho Blue. The birds are defined with my Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker.

There you have it! Be sure to see what Cheryl and Crystal have done for their May DIY Calendar.

There’s still a few hours to save on the Last Chance sale – use Host Code 3YYCMTDH.

Be sure to subscribe by May 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The May kit features outdoor landscapes and the new 23-25 In Colors. This is a card kit with an option to purchase additional cards and envelopes on May 2nd.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Visit the Online Store to see what’s available.

Paper Pumpkin box with plant and rocks

The FASTEST CARDS YOU’LL EVER MAKE

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When a new pack of DSP comes out with borders that face each other across the top and bottom, I do a happy dance. Those papers are the foundations of the fastest cards I make!

  • Stamps: Dainty Delight (sentiment)
  • Color Palette: Basic White (inside panel) and either Starry Sky, Orchid Oasis or Blackberry Bliss
  • Accessories: Paper, ink, and a stamp! Well, and Stampin’ Dimensionals and of course the Dainty Flowers Designer Series Paper from Sale-a-bration.

This paper is perfect for quick cards. I’ll cut 6 front panels that measure 4″ x 5 1/4″ from one sheet. Most often, I just measure 5 1/4″ from the bottom of the sheet, then rotate it 180° and repeat. Cut those 12″ strips into 3 panels, each 4″ wide and you have 6!

I made all of these up as Thank You notes, but here’s my little secret: I put them in my card box without a sentiment. It just takes a moment to cut a panel and a mat and stamp a sentiment. I’ll have just the card I need in 2 minutes flat.

The Dainty Flowers DSP is my favorite Sale-a-bration reward, and this paper is a big part of the reason why. If you don’t have this paper, try Awash in Beauty from the Annual Catalog – it has the same style of paper. Do yourself a favor and build a little card stash.

Dainty Flowers is sadly no longer available in North America but there are lots of other choices! Earn product for FREE with a qualifying purchase. See the choices HERE.

Be sure to subscribe by March 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The March kit is fresh and botanical, and includes a bonus stamp set to celebrate 10 years of Paper Pumpkin. It makes 9 cards and includes coordinating envelopes, and this month’s Stampin’ Spot is Polished Pink.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Don’t miss this kit!

New products in the January-April Mini Catalog are flying off the shelves! Even better, when you place a qualifying order you will choose FREE Sale-a-bration products. Sale-a-bration ends February 28th and as always, those products are while supplies last.

ADORABLE OWLS in GINGHAM

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Gingham!! It’s timeless, it comes in limitless colors, and it’s a versatile design pattern. Today I’ve paired our Country Gingham 6×6 inch Designer Series paper (you need this!!) with some gingham ribbon and our Adorable Owls. I’ve love how it looks – what do you think??

Fun fact: the Gingham pattern was invented in the 1600’s with roots in Asia, possibly Malasia. After over 400 years of enduring popularity, I’d say it’s a pretty solid tradition!

  • Stamps: Adorable Owls (SAB 23), Rays of Light
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Smoky Slate, Crushed Curry, Balmy Blue
  • Accessories: Big Boss, Stylish Shapes dies, Versamark Ink, Stampin’ Blends, Paper Snips, Black & White Gingham ribbon, Fine Sparkle Gems (retired, sorry!) Stampin’ Dimensionals

These are square cards measuring 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″. You can create an envelope to fit them precisely, but you’ll need to pay extra postage in the US for a non-machinable card. Or you can just grab our medium envelope and mail them in that – they don’t need to fill the whole thing!

Each of these owls has been fussy cut with Paper Snips. I know that’s a deal breaker for some crafters, but it’s not for me. Do what you love and be happy about it. If you don’t like to fussy cut, die cut that circle from Basic White card stock and add some stamping around the edge. Don’t stress, this is FUN.

The “Hoot hoot” owl has a sassy “come hither” backwards glance that cracks me up. And don’t let the prospect of coloring all these owls hold you back. They’re simple, and you can leave lots of white space as I did to simplify the task. Remember, we’re having FUN. (Says the Drill Sergeant Stamper.) The background stamp for this card is Spiral Dye, stamped again in Versamark. That’s one of my favorite ways to add texture – Versamark ink!

This owl was almost a tragedy. I colored the eyes with the Sweet Sorbet Stampin’ Blend marker, since that’s the color of the Gingham DSP. I IMMEDIATELY regretted my choice, as they had that creepy demon-in-the-night sort of look! I toned them down with a couple of the Natural Blends (sorry, don’t remember which ones as I was in a panic!!)

Do you see what I mean? Kinda spooky. But now you know, and you won’t make this mistake. (You’re welcome.)

There’s another mistake you don’t want to make: you don’t want to miss Sale-a-bration 2023! These owls are available as a free selection with a qualifying order, but only until February 28th. They’re not the only option, but I think they’re one of the best! And if you’ve already added them to your stampin’ ensemble, there are 10 new options available as SAB rewards. Whoooo’s ready to SHOP?

Be sure to subscribe by February 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The February kit has a sunny theme and includes everything you need to make 9 cards and envelopes. These cards are sure to brighten the day and for the first time ever, there are coordinating dies available as an add-on!

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Don’t miss this kit!

New products in the January-April Mini Catalog are flying off the shelves! Even better, when you place a qualifying order you will choose FREE Sale-a-bration products. Sale-a-bration ends February 28th and as always, those products are while supplies last.