Fond Farewell to Flower Fest

I'm still in shock that the Flower Fest stamp set is retiring!  This is one of my favorites and I'm sad to see it going away.  This project was one that we did at my Paper Flower class last summer.  We made 12 different projects (mostly cards) using 12 different flower techniques. I called it a "paper" flower class, but in reality 2 of the 12 flower techniques used ribbon...oh well!

 

The card base Daffodil Delight card stock layered with Whisper White card stock and a piece of Flirtatious Specialty Designer Series Paper.  The Flirtatious paper is currently available at a 25% DISCOUNT.  The original retail price was $12.95, but now you can purchase it for $9.71!  The Melon Mambo doily is also from the Flirtatious Specialty DSP.  Just a reminder that all retiring accessories are available only while supplies last! 

The background was created by randomly stamping images from the Flower Fest stamp set in VersaMark ink and then heat embossing with Tangerine Tango, Melon Mambo, and Wild Wasabi Stampin' Emboss Powders.  A couple of rhinestones were placed in the centers for just a little bling.  I added a piece of Wild Wasabi that was punched using the Lace Ribbon Border Punch...also retiring and currently available at a 25% DISCOUNT!  The original retail price was $19.95, but now you can purchase it for $14.96!  The sentiment is from the Tiny Tags stamp set and was stamped in Wild Wasabi Classic Ink and also embellished with a couple of rhinestones.  Sorry... the oval punch used for the sentiment is longer available.

Here's a close up of the Melon Mambo doily from the Flirtatious Specialty DSP.  The ribbon flower is made from Daffodil Delight 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon.  All of the 1 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon is also retiring.  I used a Whisper White brad from the 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo Brads assortment for the center.  These brads are also retiring and are currently available at a 40% DISCOUNT!  The original retail price was $7.95, but now you can purchase them for $4.77!  I punched one of the little flowers out of the Flirtatious Specialty DSP, adhered it to the brad, and topped it off with a Basic Rhinestone.  This flower is really fun and easy to make.  Would you like to learn how?  Contact me to schedule your own private class or workshop and I'll teach you!  

You can visit my Online Store to order these items before they are gone for good!  Here are the links to the items from this card that are retiring:

• Flower Fest stamp set
• Flirtatious Specialty Designer Series Paper  (25% discount)
• Lace Ribbon Border Punch (25% discount)
• Daffodil Delight 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon 
• Neutrals 5/8" Jumbo Brads  (40% discount)

    

   

    

Thanks for stopping by,

Michelle

New $99 Starter Kit and Occassion Mini Catalog Carry Over List

Your starter kit, your way!

With a price of just $99, the new, completely customizable Starter Kit can be as unique as your own creativity! It’s the perfect way to get your business off to a great start—your way. The new Starter Kit comes with:

Each kit contains a business supplies pack (valued at $65)—everything you'll need to get started with your business right away.

After that, you select ANY of our high-quality products to create the perfect Starter Kit for you. You can choose $125 worth of any traditional or digital supplies to create a kit valued at over $190 that still ships for free!

The photo is just a sample of what you could select to get started, but it's really all up to you!  If you're having trouble deciding what to choose, Stampin' Up! has even provided a few suggestions based on whether you enjoy cardmaking, using the Big Shot, or digital designing.  HERE is the PDF of suggested Starter Kit items.


Q & A

What if I don't want to do workshops or sell the products?

No problem!  You're encouraged to do your business Your Way!  If you simply want to enjoy the 20% demonstrator discount without selling or having events, you can!  (That's what I did for many years!).  But, if you do want to earn a flexible income, we'll be there to support you with lots of resources to help you build your business.

Is there a minimum sales requirement needed to stay active?

Yes. To remain an active demonstrator, you would need to have $300 in sales every quarter.  You can reach this sales goal with any combination of customer orders or personal orders.

What if I can't meet the minimum requirements to stay active?

No problem.  There is NO penalty for dropping if you do not meet the requirements.  You simply become inactive and lose your demonstrator discount and benefits.

If I know I won't meet my minimums, would it still make sense to sign up?

YES!  Whenever you sign up, the requirement will go into effect during your first full quarter.  So, if you signed up today, for example, your first full quarter would be July - September.  That means that you will have until September 30 to meet the $300 requirement.  So, during all of those months, you can enjoy the discounts and benefits of being a demo!
If you do not meet the minimum by September 30, you will have one month of pending (until October 31), to correct any shortfall you had the previous quarter.  So, essentially, you'll have a discount during all those months, including during the release of the new Annual Catalog and Holiday Seasonal Catalog!  Even if you drop after that, it's still worthwhile to take advantage of the opportunity while you can!

Are you ready to join my team?  Please don't hesitate to contact me with addition questions you have and to discuss this incredible opportunity.  I'd love to help you get your business started today!  You can find more information HERE and click on the Join the Fun button in the upper right corner.


In addition to the new Starter Kit, Stampin' Up! also has announced the items from the recent Occasions Mini Catalog that are still available and will be in the new catalog coming out on June 1st.  I'm not quite sure why this information came out in 2 separate announcements and consequently 2 different formats.  The first list came out in a PDF document and you can view it HERE.  The second announcement included additional items in this table...

Stamp Set Name	Item Number
	Wood-Mount	Clear-Mount
Baby Prints	125470	125472
Love & Laughter	125475	125477
Bordering on Romance	125480	125482
Apothecary Art	125525	125527
Mixed Bunch	125535	125537
Tea Shoppe	125545	125547
Mouthwatering	125675	125677
Loving Thoughts	125843	125845
Salon de thé	125934	125936
Etiquetas florales	--	125941
Art floral	125964	125966

I'm so excited that Apothecary Art, Mixed Bunch, and Loving Thoughts are still available and going to be in the new catalog!  Speaking of the new catalog, another benefit of being a demonstrator is that you get to see new products before everyone else!  I've had the opportunity to get a "sneak peek" at some of the new stuff coming in the new catalog.  I've seen some really cool new stamp sets, framelits, the new In Colors, and some new Designer Series Paper.  I think you're going to like it.  Plus, I'll get to see the entire new catalog on Monday...I can't wait!  Do you want to see it too?  Take advantage of the new Starter Kit and you can!

In the meantime, don't forget to place your order for all of the retiring items before they are gone!  Here are the links for stamp sets and accessories.  Remember that all of the accessories are only available while supplies last!

• Retired Stamp Sets
• Retired Accessories

You can place your order NOW in my Online Store!

Thanks for stopping by,
Michelle

Items Already Sold Out and a Couple of My Favorites

First, let's talk about the retiring accessories...

The long list of retiring accessories has already started to dwindle.  There were several items already sold-out Thursday morning when I checked the list.  As of this morning, the list of sold-out items is even longer.  As of about 8:00 AM (EST) here is what is already gone:

• Blushing Bride Card Stock
• Peach Parfait Classic Ink Refill
• Concord Crush Classic Ink Refill
• Pear Pizzazz Classic Ink Refill
• Poppy Parade Classic Ink Refill
• Craft Ink Refills:
• Brights Craft Spots
• Regals Craft Spots
• Old Olive
• Pumpkin Pie
• Real Red
• Tempting Turquoise
• Certainly Celery
• So Saffron
• Cherry Cobbler
• Always Artichoke
• Bravo Burgundy
• Elegant Eggplant
• Garden Green
• Night of Navy
• Not Quite Navy
• Chocolate Chip
• Very Vanilla

•  Rose Red Marker
• 12x12 Post Page Protectors
• 3/16" Gold Brads
• 3/16" Silver Brads
• Standard Stampin' Around Wheel Storage
• Dotto
• Stampin' Scrub Refill Pads
• Circle Scissors Plus Replacement Blades
• Pillow Box Bigz Die

Whew...that's a long list already!  If there are retiring accessories that you want, hurry before they are gone!

While I've been cleaning out my crafting room I've come across several cards that I have not posted that contain retiring stamp sets and/or other retiring product.  Here a couple of my favorites.

This was one of my favorite Christmas Cards!  I used the Dasher stamp set, Basic Black card stock. Brushed Gold card stock, the Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Real Red card stock, Black 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, an Antique Brad, VersaMark ink, Black, Silver and Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, and the sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set. 

I just love the effect of this rainbow embossing technique!  You stamp your image in VersaMark and then sprinkle different colors of embossing powder on different sections of your image.  I love the black, gold, and silver on the Brushed Gold card stock!

This a la carte Dasher stamp is going to be missed! I'm also going to miss the 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon...what an elegant touch to this card with the Antique Brad.  I'm very happy that the Antique Brads are not retiring!





I guess since I started with Christmas I'll show you another Christmas card.  This one is a little older and has Designer Series Paper from the 2010 Holiday Mini Catalog.

 Isn't it adorable?  This stamp set is Jolliest Time of Year.  It was one of the first Christmas sets I purchased when becoming a demonstrator and I've used it every Christmas!  The snowman image is so whimsical, animated, and just fun!


 

Here's a close up of him.  I used Stampin' Write Markers to color the image.  Just a reminder that most of the markers will no longer be available individually.  The new catalog will have all of the current markers, but most will have to be purchased in sets.  If you only need specific colors place your order soon before they are gone!

I used the 2-Way Glue Pen to add some Dazzling Diamonds glitter to make the "snow" sparkle and shine.



Be sure to visit my Online Store to place your order before items are gone!  Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Thanks for stopping by,
Michelle

Retiring Accessories List

Well, the retired accessories list is out.  OMG...it's 12 pages long and full of surprises and change!  BEFORE you start going through the list, I'd like to tell you about some of the changes.  If you read this first, it will help in not totally freaking out...LOL!  The link to list is below, just above the Product Q&A information.  With that said, I'm sure there will still be some disappointments.  So here are some of the noteworthy changes/facts:

1. All items on the accessories list are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.  That means that when they sell out they are gone forever!  All retiring stamp sets will be available through May 31st.  Since Stampin' Up! manufactures their stamps they will not sell out.
2. Anything with a * beside it is being reconfigured/changed in some way.  It is NOT going away for good it will just be different somehow.
3. All of the classic ink pads are being reconfigured.  They will be changing from a felt pad to a firm foam pad.  You will see an * beside these on the list, which means they are not going away, just changing.  From everything I've read, these pads should be much better and help to stamp a more crisp image.  At the end of this post you will see a Q&A section.  I copied this directly from our demonstrator site and it explains this change as well as several others.  I know this is quite the change, but I think in the long run we are all going to like to new pads much better!
4. Most of the markers will no longer be available individually.  They will be now be sold in sets.  There are a few individual ones left, but not very many.  I'm really disappointed in this.  Many times I have a tip that gets damaged and I have to replace it.  This might be a problem going forward.  I highly recommend that if you want/need markers you order them from My Online Store quickly!  I know these will probably sell out fast!
5. Most of the 12x12 card stock will no longer be available in individual colors.  You will still be able to purchase the assortments and some of the colors will still be available in individual packages.  I highly recommend that if you want/need 12x12 card stock you order it from My Online Store quickly!  I know these will probably sell out fast!
6. Several punches and big shot dies are retiring.  These, too, will sell out fast!
7. All of the Decor Elements are retiring.  They are on pages 227-234 in the catalog.  HERE is the list of all of them.

Obviously there is a lot more on this list, but I think I covered the most "shocking" items.  Call or email me with any questions you might have.  With everything that is retiring I can't wait to see what's in store for us in the new catalog!

HERE is the list.

Product Changes Q&A

Q: Why are so many stamp sets being retired? 
A: During this transition to the new annual catalog, there are a higher number of stamps being refreshed and replaced than usual. While many stamps are going away, most are being replaced so that the breadth of our stamp lines is every bit as broad as ever! And because the seasonal catalogs will be so much larger than before, there will be more seasonal stamp sets to choose from in those catalogs. On the bright side, nearly all of our stamps, with the exception of a la carte stamps and a handful of background stamps) will now be available in clear-mount as well as wood-mount! Also, our most beloved and long-lived stamp set, Lovely as a Tree, is not being retired. :) 

Q: Why the changes to 12" x 12" card stock?
A: Not all 12" x 12" cardstock colors will be available in individual packs anymore. While low sales do not justify stocking individual packs in all colors, color assortment packs will be available, and some colors from each color collection will be available in individual packs.

Q: Are individual Stampin’ Write Markers going away? 
A: Stampin’ Write Markers in more popular colors will still be available individually. However, low sales do not justify making all Stampin’ Write Markers available for individual purchase. Color assortments packs will still be available.

Q: Why are all the Classic Stampin’ Pads being retired?
A: We are introducing a new Firm Foam pad in our Classic Stampin’ Pads with the 2012-2013 annual catalog. The Firm Foam pads offer better ink coverage and, in turn, better stamped images.  As a demonstrator, you are not required to replace all of your old stamp pads with the new firm foam pads. However, we do recommend you have at least one on hand to demonstrate for your customers.

Q: Are all Craft Stampin’ Spots going away?
A: Yes. Consistently low sales could not justify keeping them. 

Q: Are all Classic Stampin’ Spots going away?
A: Stampin’ Spots are a fantastic tool for helping new demonstrators get started, so we will keep Classic Stampin’ Spots for the Getting Started color palette only. Consistently low sales could not justify keeping the other collections in general inventory.    

Q: Why are you keeping Designer Fabric when you eliminated things like Décor Elements?
A: Two reasons: 1) Demonstrators and customers use Designer Fabric accessorize and embellish their papercrafting projects--which is Stampin’ Up!’s core focus, and 2) Designer Fabric is a good seller.

Q: Why are the Simply Adorned and Décor Elements lines going away?
A: During the analysis of our product lines it became clear that while some customers enjoyed these products, they were not good sellers, and they did not truly support Stampin’ Up!’s core papercrafting focus. However, you may see them offered from time to time not as product lines but as embellishments or project-type kits.

Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle

Retirement Sale!!

It's that time of year...time for Stampin' Up! to announce which products will no longer be available after May 31st.  The retired list for stamp sets is already out and the accessories list will be out tomorrow (4/25/12).  If you missed my post on the retired stamp sets, you can find it HERE.  Make sure to check back tomorrow for the accessories list!

I've decided to have a little party to say goodbye to all of the products that are being discontinued.  I used My Digital Studio to create a flyer with all of the details.

I know I already said this in the flyer, but you really won't want to miss out on this!  You'll have the opportunity to purchase items at a discount PLUS earn FREE money towards items in the new catalog.  Credit towards the new catalog must be used on an order placed in June.  I'll have some other surprises for you at this event, too!  You must RSVP for this event so contact me ASAP to reserve your spot!

I hope to see you at the party and don't forget to check back tomorrow for the retired accessories list!

Michelle

Cards for Bethany's Workshop

I'm posting a little workshop "sneak peek" today.  I have a workshop Friday and want to share the cards we will be making.  Bethany, the hostess, asked to do a Mother's Day card and something "springy."  So, here's what I came up with.

This card is actually a CASE (Copy And Share Everything) of a card that fellow demonstrator Angie Leach made.  You can check out her Too Cool Stamping blog HERE.  I made a couple of minor changes, but really loved it and knew I had to make it myself.  Thanks for the inspiration Angie!    

This card also incorporates several items that will be retiring and will not be available after the end of May.  See my previous post with the retiring stamp set list.  Be prepared...it's a LONG list!  The list of retiring accessories will be available April 25th.  Be sure to come back to what's on the list! 

I started with a Concord Crush card stock base and layered a piece of Pear Pizzazz on top.  These are two of the colors that will be retiring on May 31st.  I'm really going to miss these two!  Next is a layer of Cheerful Treat Designer Series Paper.  This paper is also retiring.  You can earn this paper for FREE by hosting your own workshop and it's available only while supplies last through May.

Here's a close up of the focal point of the card.  The scallop circle in the background is made from Concord Crush using the Scallop Circle #2 die with the Big Shot.  The Whisper White on top also uses the Big Shot with the 3" Circle die.  The sentiment is from the Delightful Dozens stamp set and is stamped in Melon Mambo Classic Ink.  I just love how all of these colors coordinate!

The flowers are made using the Flower Fest stamp set.  This, too, is retiring.  I LOVE this set and am going to have a really hard time seeing it go!  The flowers are stamped using Versamark ink onto Blushing Bride, Melon Mambo, and Bashful Blue card stock.  The leaves were also stamped in Versamark on Pear Pizzazz.  They were all embossed with white embossing powder and cut out.

Don't you just love the pearls?  These made a great little accent for the flowers and below the sentiment.  The flowers are all popped up using a few Stampin' Dimensionals.  Then the card is finished off with some Pear Pizzazz Stitched-Poly ribbon.  Again, another item that is retiring!  I'm starting to sound like a broken record with retiring items...LOL!



Here's the second card we will be making...

This card features items available in the Mini Occasions Catalog.  This catalog runs through the end of April.  So again, these items might be gone for good at the end of this month!  The card base is Baja Breeze card stock layered with a piece of Blushing Bride.  Next is one of the patterns from the Twitterpated Designer Series Paper and a small piece of Whisper White.  I have to admit that I usually don't care for pastel colors.  However, I really like this paper and the color combinations.  I also love that there is an entire Twitterpated suite of products that all coordinate!  Stampin' Up! really does make my job easy when it comes to putting things together.

The flower is made using the Mixed Bunch stamp set and coordinating Blossom Punch.  I stamped the image in Island Indigo and punched it out.  I punched a second flower out of Island Indigo card stock to put behind it so it stood out a little better.  The leaves are punched out of the Blossom Petals Builder punch and ran through the Crimper for some added texture.  This is such a quick easy way to give your leaves a more realistic look and some dimension, too.

The ribbon is Baja Breeze 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon.  The sentiment is from the Loving Thoughts stamp set and is stamped in Island Indigo Classic Ink.

 The card is finished off with three little Twitterpated Designer Buttons.  I used Mini Glue Dots to adhere them to the paper.  Aren't they adorable?  What a great finishing touch!  Again, I love all of the coordinating product!  We'll have to wait until May to see if any of the products from the Mini Occasions Catalog make it to the new annual catalog coming out in June.


Don't forget that I will have the retired accessories list posted on April 25th.  I hope you enjoyed these cards!

Thanks for stopping by,
Michelle

The Retired List is Here!

 

Yes, believe it or not it's that time of year.  Stampin' Up! has published the list of retiring stamp sets.  For those of you familiar with Stampin' Up! you might have noticed that this is a month early this year.  This is all part of the catalog changes that we will see this year.  The new 2012 - 2013 catalog will be available a month earlier this year on June 1, 2012.  Also, you will notice that the retiring list is longer this year.  While I'm sad to see some of my favorite sets go, this means more room for new products!

Click HERE to see a PDF of the list.  Keep in mind that this is only the retired stamp set list.  On April 25th Stampin' Up! will release the retiring accessories list.  The accessories list also includes retiring wheels.  So, I'm expecting the accessories list to be a long one, too.  Retiring stamp sets will be available through May 31, 2012.  However, once the retiring accessories are announced they will only be available while supplies last.

Start making your wish lists before the stamps and accessories are gone for good!  Be sure to check back on April 25th for the accessories list.  You can place your order from my Online Store or by contacting me.

Thanks for stopping by,
Michelle