by Susan Itell | Nov 20, 2015 | Uncategorized |
I bet you perked up with the title of this post! Well John and I are not retried but it will be great when we are able to do so but it is true….being retired is great – you can still have fun….you get to more things than you were able to do when you worked…we need to think of this darn retired list of Stampin' Up! goodies in a way of being o.k. because there are 2 facts that simply cannot be changed.
- It is what it is and there is not a darn thing we can do about it
- Change is ok…just because it is being retired doesn't mean that you aren't going to use it over and over again!
Please read on and I will shed some light into some of my all time favorites!
![A few of my favorites...[1]](https://i0.wp.com/simplestampin.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/6a017ee666297a970d01b8d1787974970c-800wi.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1 "A few of my favorites...[1]")
Since the retired list came out, I have had many emails with questions of why???, I m frustrated???, why would they do that???, oh no, what am I going to do!!!???
I must say, you make me laugh and smile as I can remember when I 1st saw a retired list when I first "got the Stampin' Up! bug" I felt the same way…but here is my thoughts –
If you loved a stamp set enough to buy it than continue to find that joy and creativity in it –
guess what ~ you have now a collectors item – now how special is that!!!
For me, I will definitely keep ones that "touch my heart" and ones that are "classic in my eyes"…it's ok as we know that there will always be more goodies that make you smile!
One thing that is for sure, if there is something on this retired list that you were on the fence with….my advice – buy it NOW…why??? – easy, it is while supplies last and when they are gone, they are gone…Again, here is the list of retiring products…
Stampin' Up! will update them as products are sold out. I would either, print the list out or go thru your catalog and make what is being retired….
Many of you have asked me, so here are some of my favorites that I would definitely make sure that I had….(I guess you could say some of my favorites!
Accessories:
- Real Red Pompom Trim (page 9) – this just brings an instant smile each and every time I use it. I like it in small pieces…(like 5 or 7 pompoms and then tired on a bow) – a super fun accent
- Home for Christmas Enamel Dots (page 9) – I ADORE THESE and they are perfect for Valentines as well as Christmas. I think that it is hard to find a Very Vanilla little accent so I will make sure that I have a couple extra packs of these fun dots!
- Snowflake Elements (page 23) – A simple yet playful way to dress up a card/project that will go over for many months…
- Cording Trim (page 24) – LOVE IT IN BOTH, gold and silver – "this is one that I do not get" as this is super easy to work with….
- Real Red Envelope Paper – (page 26)This is a dream! Perfect to make or line envelopes and also perfect for Valentines ~ and the best part….it is super affordable!
- Merry Moments Designer Series Pack – (page 27) I know that there will always be new paper stacks, but I adore the prints in this one and even if you just use it for lining envelopes….it is a huge help as you get soooo many of each print, all for just $8.00
- Reindeer Paper Clips – (page 27) beyond cute….an added touch that will always make someone smile~ just too darn cute!
- Woodland Embossing Folder – (page 39) another one that I do not get as it has been sooooooo popular and true they have been on back order, they are expecting a bunch so HOP on this one to get yours…a super fun folder!
- Square Pillow Box Thinlits Die - (page 41) a super fun and useful die that I was surprised to go on the bye-bye list….this is a fun way to make a gift shine! Love it and will use it for years to come!
- Black Glimmer Paper (page 47) – I am not one that likes a lot of sparkle and bling but this is stunning in small doses – this is a product that is great to have "just in case" you need a little pick me special up!
Stamp Sets (or bundles is applicable) :
- To You and Yours Shaker Card Kit (page 4) – I will be blogging about this next week -it is FANTASTIC and one that you just need to see in person to appreciate the quality and fun of it!
- Jingle All the Way Bundle (page 12) – I think that we can all agree…"I don't get this one" as this is a specular and fun Bundle – wait to you see more card swaps using this – WOWZERS!!!
- Peaceful Wreaths (page 21) – Elegant and I know that many of you have the framelits that are in the Annual Catalog (pg 172) – this is simply a timeless classic that I will use for many, many years!
- Wonderland (page 23) – This stamp set is super fun and creates cards of WOW….I used it for my Stamp of the Month Kits and had rave reviews on it – you will be surprised with the simplicity of if that makes such a clean and classic card! (not a fan of the antlers…but I just overlooked them)
- Versatile Christmas - (page 26) One of the BEST sentiment sets I think we have had for the holidays!
- Lighthearted Leaves - (page 44) I have had a BLAST with this set and I love the fact that we have matching framelits in the catalog (page 172) – a simply beautiful stamp set that produces WOW cards and projects…
- Howl-o-ween Treat Bundle – (page 49) I know that there will be another great Halloween Stamp Set next year but this one is truly fabulous and I adore the framelits! I used this for a Stamp of the Month Kit and it was just adorable! BOO! never goes out of style and cut out with the black glimmer paper – WOW!
WHEW…I know that this was a lot to read – but I hope that you liked it!I am sure that I have missed some but I think that you get the idea – there are lots of great goodies!
Remember, I have a Paw Prints Rewards program and guess what….there is something brewing with Stampin' Up! starting next Monday! I will be sure to keep you posted!
BIG SALE COMING NOV. 23 – 30!
SAVE UP to 50% on select products during the Stampin’ Up! On-Line Extravaganza.
Sale begins Monday, Nov. 23, to kick off Black Friday week!
by Susan Itell | Nov 19, 2015 | Uncategorized |
It is Thursday and you all know what that means….it's the day for a PPA Challenge and today it is a sketch challenge! Here is the sketch and then I have a "funny" for you later on in the post! It will clearly show you how there are times that you just need to make Lemonade out of Lemons sometimes!
Here is the sketch for this week! Pop on over to the Pals Paper Art Website and see the other fun cards that the design team came up with and then give it a whirl…we all know that you have talent!
By now you all know that I adore polka dots, plaids and stripes! This paper is a fabulous paper and it is from the Merry Moments DSP Collection which is in the annual catalog so this will be with us for a while. I think that we tend to forget about the Holiday paper in the annual catalog once the Holiday one comes out!
This is a super clean layout that you can use for so many different cards! This is perfect to stick in a gift card for a favorites coffee shop but I hope that you pop back next Tuesday and see what I am going to do with it…..trust me, you'll be running to the grocery store (heck, you'll probably be there anyways for Thanksgiving) but you will like the twist that I am going to share with you with this stamp!
I added this super sweet (3) buttons to hold true to the sketch this week! I love the look of the bakers twine and here is a tip~ thread your twine thru so you can make the bow but go ahead and place a glue dot on the back and stick it to your work surface or silicone mat. This was it will hold tight while you make the bow and you will not have to deal with the button flying across the room!
The fun sentiment speaks fro itself and I added simple circles behind it to add depth and interest – you can see how simple this is but it still gives you a great illusion of dimension. Keep things easy….you'll be happy!
Here is another tip for you~ I know that many of you are fearful to use stripes because if you do not cut them straight, you get frustrated….trust me – "I get that" I use the paper trimmer and cut a 1/4" piece of a solid piece of cardstock to place over the stripe that is not even and then you can take a deep breath and smile!
You know me, I need to take it up a bit and use the white get pen….it is fun and adds interest!
Now here is one product that I am sad about that is leaving us, the real red Envelope Paper. I adore this and I will be stocking up on it as it is the best to work with in making a festive envelope and it is SUPER affordable! I love to use it this way but I use it a bunch for lining our white envelopes! This would be perfect for Valentines Day as well…
Now to a "funny" for you…..I need to submit my PPA Card in advance and I am away right now and brought materials to make a card….well it was almost to a tee to the amazing card that Michelle Gleeson made (a bit different but the same stamp etc…) – now I know that we are friends and both share a similar style, but it was too darn funny when I went to post mine.
With being away, PLAN B needed to kick in as I have (or had) every post ready for you while I was away so to make my Lemonade I took Saturdays card and pulled off a bow and added the 3 buttons….MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions and I hope to see you back tomorrow as I have had many emails about the retired products and my thoughts….and what would I recommend to purchase etc….well you already heard me say the Real Red Envelope Paper….see my other picks and thoughts – please do not worry about a list like this….it happens every year and there are absolutely nothing wrong with having a stamp set or product that you already love going on the bye-bye list !
by Susan Itell | Nov 18, 2015 | Uncategorized |
Welcome to the 1st day of the showcasing of the Holiday Swap Cards that many of you sent! There are some real keepers and I am sooo darn tootin' proud of each and everyone of you….YOU give me inspiration each day.
Please do not worry if you do not see your card today, I have many cards so I am spacing them out for your enjoyment!
Have fun, please leave them comments of love as this is an incredible treat for all of us…..seeing and learning from others is the best way to jump start our Mojo…
What a fabulous use of the DSP….and I adore the embossing folder…the enamel dots make me smile but the icing on the cake is this amazing envelope! Super fun card!
Robyn is a part of what I call, "The 3 stamp-a-teers"….3 very special ladies that always make me in awe of their work and friendship!
I had to share with you 2 pictures of this card as I want you to see how spectacular and easy these framelits are to create a WOW card. I adore the navy, it is so rich and classic!
You can see how Susan cut from the (1) piece of white paper to get the fun image to the front and the inside of the envelope! Super job!
WOOT-WOOT….this is from our dear friend "Chris R. from Iowa"….What a super fun and clean card ~ I love this paper and I know that it is hard to see in the picture but she added some "bling " to the centers of the snowflakes! Beautiful….just beautiful ! The gold foil is super-de-duper!
You always bring the blog so much joy….I truly wish that we did not live so far a part!
I wish that the pictures came out better but I snapped (2) for you to get the feel of this fun swing card! This is a fun card and I love how you can still stamp a sentiment. Whenever a card is "interactive" and instant smile is next! Great job with this super fun plaid paper, I am adoring these paper stack!
Adorable…..simply adorable and I am sure that our friend Caleb helped you! You are soooo darn clever with the igloo – I am sure that this will be cased away. I know that my mailman smiled when he saw this super sweet envelope!
Great use of the vellum….I need to use that more!
This is a "Susan Card" – Again, we are seeing this great paper! I think that many of us are on the same page….great paper….great prints…great value! Many thanks for reminding me to use the embossing folders and then sponging over top.
I admit, I forget about that and it does make a HUGE difference….instant warmth!
This is another super example of using and embossing folder – look at the difference it makes! Again, the camera did not do this beauty justice as there is silver in the area under the trees….it is just beautiful!
These wooden snowflakes have been a huge hit – loved how you used this for a perfect balance!
Aren't these amazing….doesn't it bring joy to your heart to see others talents! Trust me, there is more on the way – I do love to showcase your work as I am sure that it brings a smile to you but it makes my heart pitter-patter!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Nov 17, 2015 | Uncategorized |
Good Morning! This is exciting to be able to share with you some of the "fun make-n-takes" that we made on Saturday at the unveiling of the New Occasions catalog with Stampin' Up's On Stage event!
Darn, I wish that I could share with you the catalog and also the Sale-a-bration goodies…you will smile, trust me!
Below are 3 photos that will tantalize you with products from the catalog that goes live January 5th….YIKES – when I hear the word January I think of it being far…far away but look at that darn calendar….
This is a fabulous collection….one that is super versatile. I love the framelits (plus it comes as a bundle) there are many dies and they cut out great basics that will "fill" here and there….I just love fillers!
Another super fun ting…there is a flower in this stamp set that you can also double stamp on the DSP if you wish to give the flowers on the DSP more details!
I can clearly see this as a great set for a traveler….super masculine cards….a set that will allow you to think out of the box! LOVE the embossing folder!
This picture does not do this offering justice – this is one that you all are going to go BONKERS over! You know how I love the itty bitty punches…..well I say, MOVE OVER as you now have some cousins!
There are 3 mini punches that cut out the balloon, candle and cupcake….I say THANK YOU – I adore punches – a total time saver!
It was a super fun day and I was thrilled to make the above make-n-takes but even happier to come home with (3) free stamp sets and the amazing catalogs to drool over while I make my "shopping list" (I actually was able to pre-order some things)
Speaking of shopping lists….don't forget to check out the retiring list from the current Holiday Catalog….click here to see the list and remember, it is while supplies last so please do not be disappointed!
Now this will not disappoint you…..here is the current list of offerings for the Weekly Deals.…remember, they are only good for a week….shop away!
Tomorrow starts the parade….the parade of Christmas Swap Cards…..pop back as you will be WOWED!
by Susan Itell | Nov 16, 2015 | 3-D Projects |
Good Monday and here is to a GREAT week!I am coming back and adding to this post as Stampin' UP! just revelled the retiring list of products for the current Holiday Catalog. This is a fantastic time to get this Santa….
Remember, it is only while supplies last for the retiring goodies so if there is something that you have been looking at and on the fence about…..DO IT!!!
Click here to see the list….
and then pull out your catalog and have fun!
I want to give you all a HUGE shout out for the wonderful comments that you have left on my blog the past 2 days.We have another lucky winner!
To me, it is a wonderful way to "hear where you are" with what you like and would like to see with Stampin' UP! but then yesterday was a fabulous glimpse of how you became "hooked" with this fabulous and healthy "obsession" we have in creating cards!
I will share with you my thoughts about the past 2 days posts after we chat a bit about this "hands down" adorable Santa!
If you click here you will see the post that I did at the beginning of the month with the curvy keepsake box that was a Thanksgiving Theme…..because of that darn calendar rolling forward so fast, the Santa is replacing the Thanksgiving for any orders that I receive from today until the end of the month!
This adorable Santa was totally cased from the super talented Mikaela Titeridge and you can click here to see the tutorial that she graciously has on the Internet (thank you Pinterest)!!!
I am sure that you would love to receive this adorable guy and I would love to pack him up and send him to you!Yes, he does have a "window" on the back side that you can take a peek inside to see what goodie you have. (Yep, I did M & M's again)!
These would also be SUPER CUTE to have as name settings for your Holiday Table. You could write the persons name on the little tag….I am going to do this and also for my sons class (I know that his kids will love them)
Again, click here to see the post with all of the specific on how you can get this adorable Santa plus an opportunity for you to get the Silicone Craft Mat from me absolutely free!
Please remember to use the
Hostess Code of 4JUNK3R7
to take advantage of both of these FREEBIES from ME!
Way to go and I am soooo happy for you! Please shoot me an email and I will make a trek to the good old Post Office and send them to you! I think that it is wonderful that you remember your 1st stamp set and that it still makes you happy!
Now to some fun thoughts from me! I want you all to know how much I enjoyed and appreciated your comments and as I said yesterday, we have similar thoughts…if I had a "magic ball" some of my very first thoughts of what I really, really would like to see are….
- stitched framelits
- more sentiment dies
- Thick Card Stock in Very Vanilla
- Notecards and Envelopes in Very Vanilla
- adhesive strips for shaker cards (like the ones that are in the Holiday Shaker Cards, I will be blogging about them next week)
I "hear you loud and clear" about more sentiments for the insides of cards and I know that I need to do a better job sharing and helping you with ideas – thanks for sharing your wishes…
Shipping….I hear you and I feel your pain! I will say that I HOP on the train when I hear FREE SHIPPING (with a favorite store/website).…and yep – it would be a great if SU offered that….(I will say, since I have been a demonstrator they did have it once….who knows – maybe they will do it again) I think that there were some FABULOUS ideas for shipping price suggestions and trust me, I will pass them on!
I know that I want to share with you my introduction with Stampin' Up! but we will do that another day, (This post is already long) and guess what, I am not going anywhere as I LOVE what I do and I ADORE helping YOU! Please have fun shopping away and I will be happy to "pack up a Santa and silicone mat"
Guess what tomorrow will be….a small but hopefully exciting "sneak peek" of the new goodies…..I am very happy with the new catalog and Sale-A-Bration….wowzers – get ready to be doing the happy dance!
You all are the best and I soooooo appreciate you….(so does Eddie and all of his friends)! Until tomorrow!
![A few of my favorites...[1]](https://i0.wp.com/simplestampin.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/6a017ee666297a970d01b8d1787974970c.jpg?ssl=1 "A few of my favorites...[1]")
