Some of these deals are on the Retired List – be prepared! Shop ONLINE.
Weekly Deals April 29 to May 5
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When a card is really a hug
Sometimes a friend is hurting and it’s not possible to deliver a hug in person. What is it about the touch of another person that brings such comfort? I called a friend today and she said “I was just thinking of you. I need an Anne hug.” It was a reminder to me that a small gesture can have the great impact – and I may never know that it did.
There’s a woman in our church – and she’s a saint, she really is – who has taken on the unseen task of sending cards to people in our community who are hurting. It’s a big job, and I’m happy to help by keeping her supplied with cards. Sometimes I have trouble coming up with a design that is generic enough to suit whatever need arises, but still has that hand-made touch. They also have to be 100% easy to mail:
- Stamps:Â Simply Soft (Retired 13-14 Hostess) and Trust God stamp sets
- Color Palette:Â Very Vanilla, Pool Party and Wild Wasabi
- Accessories:Â Etcetera DSP, 3″ Circle Bigz, 3 1/2″ Circle Bigz, Big Shot, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Aqua Painter
Simply Soft is one of those retired stamp sets that I can’t bring myself to sell. I used it for my daughter’s engagement party invitations. I am so fond of those Dandelion-like flowers – or maybe they’re Alliums, or perhaps Agapanthus.  It doesn’t matter. I like them.
I have to admit that I’m a little anti-OCD when it comes to this sort of two-step stamping. I kind of LIKE that it’s not lined up perfectly.   On the other hand, I would have really liked to put a little ribbon on this card…but it needs to be flat.
This copycat uses Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Crisp Cantaloupe and Calypso Coral. The Polka Dots TIEF (it survives another year!!!!!) adds a little texture, and the Sweet Sorbet DSP from Sale-a-bration adds a bit more with its tone-on-tone colors. The flowers from Too Kind (another survivor!) are a lighter version of the Dandelion/Agapanthus/Allium flower, and the contrasting mat distracted my eye, so I let the Very Vanilla circle to stand on its own. The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes….BIG SIGH OF RELIEF…my right-hand-stamp will also be around for at least another year.
Here’s a little more “rock the boat” two step stamping. Now you’re seeing my rebellious side.
The Etcetera DSP, the 3″ Bigz and the 3 1/2″ Bigz are all retiring. If you have circles framelits, you really don’t need the Bigz – unless you make multiples. I’ve gotten my money’s worth many times over cutting 6 or more circles at one time with these dies.
If you’re anything like me, you have a small stash of cards that have been collecting dust for a while. Each one of those cards has the potential to make someone’s day…you just need to write a line or two, sign your name, and attach a stamp. Shoots, you don’t even have to lick the stamp any more. Go send a card. You’ll be glad you did.
Last day to save 10%!
Today’s the last day for free shipping – anything your heart desires!Â
Give yourself an automatic 10% discount! Shop HERE.
Falling in love with Blushing Bride
My daughter’s wedding invitations were in Blushing Bride and Pear Pizazz, and I’ve needed a little time to fall back in love with those colors…
- Stamps:Â Thoughts and Prayers, Petite Petals and Teeny Tiny Wishes
- Color Palette:Â Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake
- Punches:Â Bird, Elegant Butterfly, Petite Petals
- Accessories:Â Big Shot and Honeycomb TIEF, Naturals Trim, Blushing Bride Stitched Grosgrain, Vellum, Linen Thread, Candy Dots Subtles, Pearl Jewels, Stampin’ Dimensionals
I’m sorry to see both of these ribbons retire – especially the Naturals Trim – but I know that there are new ribbons waiting in the wings that are going to rock my socks! That’s the nature of change – you have to let go of the things you know and love in order to make room for things you don’t know. I’m OK with that.
There’s a vellum layer over the butterfly, and if you look REALLY closely you might be able to see that I used Glue Dots to keep the layers together. When you go to tie that Linen Thread around the butterfly, don’t scrimp – you’ll need a nice long piece to be able to tie a knot without saying Bad Words.
The Petite Petals Punch is STILL on the backorder list. I know it’s shipping out, because a couple of my customers got theirs this week – but it looks as though the supplier just isn’t able to keep up with demand. Boo. I guess you just have to get in line.
Don’t forget that there’s free shipping until April 25th. That means you can order just one thing and not have to worry about the minimum. I’m doing my best to update the Sticky post at the top of the blog page with Retiring product that is sold out. Great new stamping goodies are on the way!
Weekly Deals April 22 to 28
This week’s deals include a couple of items that are already sold out, and other that are on the retiring list. Shipping is free until April 25th – if there is something you like, order it today!
Large Pearl Basic Jewels and Rich Razzleberry Ribbon are both reported to be sold out. Afternoon Picnic, the Crochet Trim, Naturals Designer Buttons, Pacific Point Ribbon and In Color Core’dinations are also on the retired list.
Shop ONLINE!
2014 Stampin’ Up! Retirees Announced!
It’s official! Here are links to the lists:
Both stamps and accessories are available WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! Please view the lists – Stampin’ Up! provides daily updates regarding the availability of retiring product.
Standard Shipping is FREE from April 21 to April 25th. Order now at the Online Store!
Are you ready to rumble?
This week promises to be an exciting one in the Stampin’ Up! world.
 FREE Standard SHIPPING April 21 to 25! This applies to the entire product line including Personalized Stamps, those gorgeous, circular photopolymer wonders! Go to my Online Store and enter product #132852 to start playing.
The Retired List publishes Monday, April 21st. This year both stamps and accessories will be sold only while supplies last. Products can and will sell out. If there’s something you love, don’t hesitate to order it asap, especially if it is a 2012-2014 In Color – Gumball Green, Midnight Muse, Primrose Petal, Raspberry Ripple and Summer Starfruit.
On Friday, we got word that the Raspberry Ripple Ink Refill is SOLD OUT. Expect the other colors to disappear quickly! I’ll be updating this post with links to the list and information about availability, but my advice to you is to shop early and shop often 🙂 With free shipping, you have an automatic 10% discount.
Want a 20% discount every time you shop? Well then, we should talk…
She sells sea shells…
Well, she sells Sea Shell Stamps!!
I’m a little chagrined to admit that I bought this set just recently. I’m not sure why I was reluctant to invest in it; maybe it just seemed too obvious. I have my fingers (and toes!) crossed that it will NOT be on the Retiring Stamps list on Monday!
- Stamps:Â By the Seashore, A Dozen Thoughts
- Color Palette:Â Very Vanilla, Poor Party, Soft Suede
- Accessories:Â Linen Thread
The simplicity of the repeated images and the sand-and-sea color combination of Pool Party and Soft Suede are soothing to me. Masculine, feminine, birthday, thanks…this is a design that works for nearly every occasion.
There is PLENTY of Linen Thread on this card – I wrapped it around the panel 3 times – to create enough weight to balance the stamped images along the bottom of the card. The shells are masked and stamped randomly to add depth to what amounts to a single layer card.
I love them all, but I think the Starfish are my favorites.
Weekly Deals April 15 to 21, 2014
Today is a Big Day at Stampin’ Up!
FIRST: Weekly Deals available April 15 to 21: Ribbon! Glue Sticks! Edgelits and Embossing Folders!
SECOND:Â New MDS Downloads:
Funny, ‘cuz just last week Crystal was saying to me “We need Gorgeous Grunge in MDS!” From your lips to Shelli’s ear, girlfriend!
THIRD:Â PROJECT LIFE by Becky HIggins is coming to Stampin’ Up!
This is scrapbooking – or more accurately, memory-keeping – at its best. Quick and easy, but still so visually appealing. A selection of Stampin’ Up! elements for Project Life will be available on May 1st, with the full line making a debut with the new catalog on June 1st.
(OK, did you stomach just get all tight and funny-feeling when you read that? New catalog time is almost here? That means the retiring list is coming out soon, right? RIGHT. On April 21st. Mark your calendars, because retiring list items are first come, first served, my friends – and this year Stampin’ Up! says that’s going to apply to STAMPS too. Meaning stamp sets could very well be SOLD OUT.)
Silly Rabbit…Part 2
I’ve seen these little bunny treat holders all over the place, but that didn’t stop me from making some of my own:
These are cute and easy – the hardest part is putting the M&M’s into the bunnies and NOT into the Maui Stamper.
This is punch art at its simplest. You’ll need the 1 3/4″ circle, 2 1/2″ circle, large oval, and Bitty Punch Pack (currently available as a Weekly Deal – hurry, just til Monday April 14th!) You’ll also need the Circle Treat Holders and a bag of pom poms – the ones I had were kinda big but they give my Bunnies character.
Punch the 1 3/4″ circle FIRST. Place the 2 1/2″ circle over the 1 3/4″ circle opening and cut a ring that is 2 1/2″ wide with a 1 3/4″ circle opening centered in the middle. Then cut two large ovals and snip off about 1/2″ from one end of each oval, creating a flat spot. Cut one more 2 1/2″ circle that is “whole” – no “hole” in the middle.
Put a little Tombo (the Wonder Adhesive) on the TOP of the treat cup rim. Place the two ovals, flat side to the inside, together on the rim. Add a dot of Tombo to the top of each oval and slide the ring (2 1/2″ wide with a 1 3/4″ opening) over the top.
Flip the cup over and fill it up with treats. (A treat for bunny, a treat for me…a treat for bunny, a treat for me…) Remove the liner from the self-stick adhesive on the treat holder and put the “whole” 2 1/2″ circle over the back. Yes, they are going to have to destroy the treat holder to get to the candies. It’s ok. It’s only paper.
Punch a flower with the Bitty Punch pack and adhere it between the ears with Tombo (the Wonder Adhesive) or a Glue Dot (my new BFF). Add a rhinestone or a pearl. Adhere the pom pom to the top of the treat cup – my poms were so big I used Sticky strip, but if you found smaller ones I’m sure a Glue Dot would hold.
Repeat and repeat!! They’re bunnies, aren’t they? They’re supposed to multiply 🙂
The Maui Stamper 