Papillion Potpourri Mother's Day Card

Wow, am I late in getting a card posted today!  Since this coming Sunday is Mother's Day, I thought it would be appropriate to show this card this week.  And yes, there are lots of retired products used on this, but if you have these stamps sitting on your shelf, it's a good way to use them.  And you should use them!  Sometimes we let some really great sets just sit there, all forlorn and forgotten, when they should be seeing some ink and contributing to pretty cards! 

This card was really simple to make.  I just stamped the grass using the Inspired by Nature set, then stamped, punched, and added the butterflies from Papillion Potpourri.  And while I was certain that the Deco Labels Framelits would be on the retiring list, they weren't!  I am SO excited about this.  And guess what...there's a new set to use with them that's coming out in the new catalog!

Supplies

Stamps:  Inspired by Nature (retired), Papillion Potpourri, All Year Cheer II (retired)
Ink:  Pear Pizzazz, Raspberry Ripple, Pretty in Pink (retired)
Paper:  Raspberry Ripple, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Sahara Sand card stock
Accessories:  Elegant Butterfly Punch, Bitty Butterfly Punch, Big Shot, Deco Labels Framelits, Raspberry Ripple Stitched Satin Ribbon

Hey, speaking of the new catalog, let me know if I can set aside a copy for you!

Retro Fresh Happy Card {Retiring Products}

Oh, how I love the Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper!  I'm so sad that it's going away at the end of this month.  The good news, however, is that the Retro Fresh Designer Washi Tape isn't!  That's right, it's in the new catalog that comes out in June!  I got a sneak peek at it yesterday and was SO happy to see it in the new catalog.  So while I won't be able to get the DSP, I can still enjoy this color combination with the Washi tape.  And since I'm so happy about that, what better card to show off today, right?

I've decided that I have too much ribbon.  Actually, I already knew that, but finally came to terms with the fact that it's completely out of control and I have to use it up.  So those little orange banners you see peeking out?  Yup, old, long-retired ribbon.  And using those little pieces didn't even make a dent in my stash.  I'd better get to work using that ribbon.  I'm told myself that I can't buy any new ribbon until the old is gone (or at least mostly gone), and that's going to be hard.  I'll have to be creative and find some interesting ways to use my ribbon!

Supplies

Stamps:  Yippee-Skippee
Ink:  Coastal Cabana, Baked Brown Sugar, and Tangerine Tango Stampin' Write Markers
Paper:   Very Vanilla, Coastal Cabana, Baked Brown Sugar, and So Saffron card stock, Retro Fresh DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Arrows Embossing Folder, Chalk Talk Framelits, Coastal Cabana Stretch Ruffle Trim, Tangerine Tango ribbon, Sticky Strip, Paper Snips

Thanks So Much

I don't know about you, but I was shocked to see the Square Lattice embossing folder on the retiring list!  I love that folder, and use it all the time.  I just love the unique texture it gives, but hopefully there will be something similar in the new catalog.

Because I love this folder so much, I thought I'd show it off with this card.  I really like to layer it on a same colored card base, as it gives a subtle bit of texture and interest without drawing attention away from the main image. 

I'm also linking this card to the Fab Friday challenge.  This one was a color challenge and was really tough for me!  These are NOT colors I would normally use together, but I was pleasantly surprised to see them work as well together as they do.  That's why I like to do challenges...they push me outside my comfort zone.  Considering the creative block I've had going for the last few weeks, this was just the push I needed!

Supplies

Stamps:  Just Believe (retired), Tiny Tags (retired), Papillion Potpourri
Ink:  Early Espresso, Summer Starfruit, Crisp Cantaloupe, Smokey Slate
Paper:  Early Espresso, Summer Starfruit, Crisp Cantaloupe, Smokey Slate, and Naturals White card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Chalk Talk Framelits, Jewelry Tag Punch, Bitty Butterfly Punch, Sweet Sorbet Accessories Pack, Basic Jewels Pearls

So Sorry Circle Flip Card

I wasn't going to show this card for a while, but since it's loaded with retiring products, I thought that sooner was better than later!  Unfortunately, Summer Starfruit card stock is no longer available.  Trust me, I'm as sad about that as you are! I may try to post this same card in different colors later this week.  Other retiring items include the So Sorry stamp set and the ribbon.

Tips & Tricks

• Did you know you can make a really cool linen look with the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set?  How great is that?  I love that set, for so many reasons, and now I have one more!  Just randomly stamp in two directions until you're satisfied with the look.  I used Summer Starfruit ink and card stock for a tone on tone look, and it's just perfect.

• Someone recently asked me how I know when to punch first and when to stamp first.  A lot of it is just kind of learned behavior that comes with lots of practice.  But a good rule of thumb is that if something needs to be centered, stamp then punch.  So in the case of the circle in the middle, I stamped the "So Sorry" then punched, and then stamped the flowers.  I could have stamped those before punching, but doing it after allowed me to better see the placement of the image, and I was much happier with it that way.

Supplies

Stamps:  So Sorry, Just Believe (retired), Gorgeous Grunge
Ink:  Summer Starfruit, Smokey Slate, Night of Navy
Paper:  Summer Starfruit and Very Vanilla card stock, Comfort Cafe Designer Series Paper (retired)
Accessories:  Big Shot, Circle Card Thinlits, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Midnight Muse Stitched Satin Ribbon

Friendship Preserves Label {Retiring Products}

I'm sad that Friendship Preserves is retiring, but honestly, I'm not surprised.  I was shocked when it carried over last year, so I guess I got a bonus year out of it.

I thought it would be fun to make a tag with this stamp set...one that could be added to a jar of jam and given as a gift.  I do a lot of canning, and really should give more of it at Christmastime.  I'll have to keep that in mind.

Tips & Tricks

• Did you know that the 2 1/2" Circle punch is the perfect size to fit the lid of a regular mouth canning jar?  I just chose a gingham print from the Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper and punched it out.  So simple!

• I used Island Indigo Baker's Twine to tie the tag on, because it perfectly matches the Island Indigo gingham paper.  If you love Island Indigo, be sure to grab the Baker's Twine, as it's retiring.

Supplies

Stamps:  Friendship Preserves
Ink:  Versamark
Paper:  Pear Pizzazz and Naturals White card stock, Gingham Garden DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Window Frames Framelits, Paper Piercing Tool and Mat, Festive Paper Piercing Pack, Heat Tool, Clear Embossing Powder

Betsy's Blossoms Birthday Card {Retiring Products}

On Monday Stampin' Up! released the Retiring Products Lists, and wow, were there some surprising things on that list!  I can't even believe how many Big Shot dies and embossing folders are retiring.  That's a hard one for me to take.  But I'm glad I have many of them, and can just keep on using them.

I'm also sad about Betsy's Blossoms being on the list.  I've always liked this set, and it was one of the first ones I bought the year it came out.  I love the big flower in the set, and don't use the little ones enough.  But I think they work perfectly  with the Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper (also retiring), and was really pleased with how this card turned out. 

Tips & Tricks

• If I wanted to take this card up a notch, I would put some buttons in the center of the flowers.  I happen to have some old retired buttons in coordinating colors, but if I didn't, I could make them using the Simply Pressed Clay and Button Mold.  That's something that's NOT retiring!

Supplies

Stamps:  Betsy's Blossoms, Sincere Salutations
Ink:  Island Indigo, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, and Pear Pizzazz
Paper: Island Indigo, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, and Pear Pizzazz card stock, Gingham Garden DSP
Accessories:  Melon Mambo ribbon (retired), Decorative Label Punch

FREE SHIPPING!!! (and Retired Lists, too!)

Can you believe this?  Stampin' Up! is offering FREE SHIPPING all week.  This almost never happens, and the fact that it coincides with the release of the Retiring Products Lists is amazing!  The free shipping is good on any order, consisting of any items.  It does not, however, apply to expedited shipping.  But I don't think you'll mind waiting if you aren't paying shipping costs! 

The Retiring Lists have also been released.  Click here for the Retiring Stamps, and here for Retiring Accessories.  Two things that have jumped out at me (I haven't even had a chance to study these lists yet, just take a quick glance!):  a LOT of ribbon is retiring.  Also, the wheels are retiring.  I love wheels, so this makes me really sad.  If there is one you've had your eye on, grab it now, and stock up on empty cartridges while you're at it.

If you'd like to place an order, contact me, or better yet, visit my online store to place the order yourself (use hostess code 9WKB7ZYE).  I think this will be the best option, as you will immediately know if an item has sold out.  If you have me place it, something could sell out before the order is placed.  And with free shipping, you can order once now, and once later on when you realize you forgot something. :)