DogGone Delightful Stampin'

Terrific Tuesdays ~~ Everything You Need to Know!!

 Hello Fellow Stampers ~~

 

Goodness Gracious!!!  Well, it's been an exciting, and also overwhelming 24 hours for the Demonstrators of Stampin' Up!  Both a Retiring List - AND a brand new 2019-2020 Catalog!!

So much to talk about . . . . so let's get started!!

 

 

THERE'S A NEW CATALOG COMING!!!

Yes indeed!!  There is a new catalog coming your way in mid-May!  Are you ready?  It's gorgeous!  And you're going to love it!

But you can only get a catalog through your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator!

And you can only get a catalog thru me, if you're a Current Customer; OR, if you notify me today that you'd like a copy of the 2019-2020 Annual Catalog!

Contact me today - and let me know :-)

 

THE ANNUAL RETIRING PRODUCTS LIST IS HERE!!

It's that time of the year -- when we get a little teary-eyed as we start to say goodbye to some of our favorite and beautiful products.

And we get excited at the same time for the new things that are glimmering on the horizon!

Let's get the teary-eyed out of the way first, and talk about the Retiring Products List that was Released yesterday afternoon!

 

Some Demos rushed out the list on their blogs yesterday before sitting down and taking a good look at what SU! had provided us.  I will never do that to You ~  my best customers!  I have now had time to review the list(s), and discuss some problems with our demo group.  And I have revised and cleaned up the lists so that you can better view and review for your use.  Let's chat about things for a few minutes . . .

2019_Occasions Catalog_Retiring_Products_List

Click on the link above to download the "cleaned up" version of the 2019 Occasions Catalog Retiring Products List!

Then take note of a few of the following comments:

-  Remember that if a bundled stamp set and die set are carrying forward into the new Annual Catalog - the bundle itself is ALWAYS discontinued!

So if you see the word "bundle" but no other indication that the stamp set or dies is retiring - that is a good sign that those are carrying forward into the Annual Catalog!!  Suggestion!!  Get the "bundled" price NOW!!  You won't be able to get that bundled price in the new catalog!!

-  If you DON'T see it on the list, it's carrying forward to the new catalog!  Yeah!

If you DO see it on the list - Yikes!!  Buy it today!!  It's only available "while supplies last" or until June 2nd - whichever comes first!!  ;-)

2018-2019 Annual Catalog Retiring Products List

Click on the link above to download the "cleaned up" version of the 2018-2019 Annual Catalog Retiring Products List!

The Annual Catalog retiring products list was somewhat more of an issue this year.  It was very muddled, confusing and unclear.  So this revised version has been created to give ease and clarity.  If you picked up a list from someone else's website - I apologize in advance!!  Use This List!!

Several Items of Note!

As of the new Annual Catalog - ALL Wood Mount and Clear Mount stamp sets will be a thing of the past!

That means . . . the original Retiring List makes it look like EVERYTHING in the catalog is retiring!!  This is NOT true!

Rather, stamp sets that are being carried forward are being re-issued in the New Cling Mount format ONLY!

The list above will tell you if the stamp set is "returning in cling mount" - if it does not say anything, the stamp set is retiring totally.

 

The list also notes when just a "bundle" is retiring - but the stamp set and die set are being carried forward.

If you see the words "will no longer be bundled" - this means you can still get the stamp set and the die set in the next catalog - just not at the discounted bundled price!!

If you've been wanting it - buy it NOW at the bundled price and save 10%!!

Again, if an item is retiring, buy it today!!  It's only available "while supplies last" or until June 2nd - whichever comes first!!

 

EVERYTHING'S COMING UP ROSY!!!

I am SOOOOO excited about this brand new product offering coming our way!!

You will NOT want to miss this one!

And it's for a Limited Time Only!!

So get ready!!

Here's more about this wonderful "Product Medley"

 

 

EXCLUSIVE Products - that you can ONLY get in this Product Medley Collection during the month of May!!

 

Click to See the Details About Everything Is Rosy HERE

 

 

HUGS FROM SHELLI!!

Oh My Goodness!!

I am just so darn excited!!

For those who do not know or are not familiar - Shelli Gardner is the co-Founder and current Board Chair of Stampin' Up!

Her aesthetic and romantic touch are so lovely - and I am so excited that the May kit is a collaboration with Shelli!!

If you have discontinued your Paper Pumpkin subscription recently, or have never tried this wonderful "kit in a box" - NOW is the time!!!

You Do Not Want to Miss This One!!!

Renew or Subscribe by May 10th!!

You can Subscribe HERE - or place a 3-month, 6-month of 12-month subscription order with your next regular Stampin' Up! Order!!

 

NEW STORAGE SOLUTIONS BY STAMPIN' UP!

Learn More about the fabulous New Storage Solutions for your desk, craft, or work area HERE -

And then snag a wonderful set up - crafted just your way - today!!

 

BE PART OF STAMPIN’ UP! & MY PAPER PUPS STAMPING COMMUNITY!

• This is the BEST time to join Stampin' Up! - because you get to snag all the Brand New Goodies FIRST!!  My Favorite Thing!!
• Purchasing the $99 starter kit and joining Stampin’ Up! includes access to exclusive Stampin’ Up! ideas and resources and discounts.  Get the starter kit details (the ultimate bundle) and learn about the benefits of joining here.  No risk and no penalty to drop!
• Purchasing the starter kit and joining through me includes access to private Facebook groups and our community at large.  Immerse yourself at any level you like in daily stamping discussion, ideas and inspiration, recognition, friendship and fun!  There are so many benefits to joining Stampin' Up! AND being a part of our larger Stampin' Pretty Pals Community - We're calling YOU!! :-)
  

 

Hugs, . . .

Mix-It Up Mondays . . . Oh Dear! Oh Dear! What Will We Do!?!

Hello Fellow Stampers ~

 

Well my goodness!  I've taken more of a break this past week than I had planned.  It is quite busy around here now, as we are gearing up more and more for the remodel at Mike's house and trying to consolidate 2 households of goods -- and we both have 2 VERY full households of "stuff!"  I think I may need to pass my "stuff" on to the "understuffed!"  LOL   I will be sharing as we begin the demolition of the basement and the rebuild of the brand new DDS Studios home!!  I'm very excited about this -- and am looking forward to this part of the move for sure!!

 

 

I've been putting off a little bit making the BIG announcements and news that came out last week for demonstrators.  I was a little bit taken aback by how many demonstrators made the decision to make these announcements public before they really should have been.  And with the release of the official "Retiring List" this afternoon; along with the fact that the Demonstrators now have the brand new 2019-2010 Annual Catalog in their hands, it's going to be a BIG week of many announcements - so please bear with me, and stay right here as I try to bring it all to you . . . the next several days we will talk about all that is "going" and all that is "coming."

 

Let's start first with some . . . Bad News . . .

 

You have indeed heard correctly!!  Stampin' Up! is discontinuing the Stampin' Trimmer - and it will no longer be available for purchase (along with ALL the accessories) once supplies have been depleted.  Here's is what Stampin' Up! shared with us:

We have decided to retire the Stampin’ Trimmer as of June 3, 2019, including all accessories—replacement cutting blades, scoring blades, and cutting mats. We’ve experienced challenges with our supplier and are taking the opportunity to research and explore a replacement option for this product, which will not be the same as the current Stampin’ Trimmer. There will be a gap in time between when the current Stampin’ Trimmer retires and when a new product becomes available, but we do not currently have an estimated timeframe. Once we feel confident in the new offering, we will communicate more details with you about the new product.

While the replacement cutting blades will also retire with the trimmer and will not be featured in the annual catalog, we have ordered what would normally be six months of inventory based on recent historical patterns to help demonstrators and customers during this transition away from our current trimmer. But please know that this news could cause faster inventory depletion. When the retiring list goes live on April 15, the order limit for the blades will increase from three to six (and the limit will remain at six until they’re no longer available). And from now until September, we will receive intermittent shipments from the supplier. Throughout these months, we anticipate times when the blades will not be orderable (and not offered as a backorder). During those downtimes, you will have the option to enter an email address to receive notification when the blades are available again.

Please take careful note of the wording I've highlighted in purple.  Cutting blades for our Trimmer's will be available off-and-on until September (or when supplies are simply no longer available); and you can begin stocking up today by ordering SIX sets at a time.  (Limit 6).  I've already stocked my supplies for my Trimmer.  I encourage you to do the same.  It could be some time until we see what new Stampin' Trimmer will look like or be available. 

 

And the Bad News Keeps Comin!! . . .

Yes!!  You are seeing that correctly!!  The relationship between Stampin' Up! and Sissix has been severed and the Big Shot will no longer be available once current supplies are gone!  This has MANY impacts to those of us who have a Big Shot; AND to those who have been on the fence about getting one!!

First, let me again share what Stampin'Up! shared with us last week . . .

 

We are making some big changes to our die-cutting and embossing product line that will give us a better opportunity to support the long-term vision we have for the line. While we’ve worked with our current supplier for many years, we’ve had the opportunity to reassess this relationship. After extensive research, demonstrator feedback, and evaluation, we’ve decided to move in a new direction and we’re optimistic about this new course.

Innovation requires risk, and in our pursuit of a better overall die-cutting and embossing product line, we’re experiencing more significant challenges than we originally planned for, including some transition issues like the die inventory problems we experienced beginning in March .

The challenges we are facing moving forward are not insurmountable, but they are taking time to resolve. Because of these setbacks, we will not offer a die-cutting & embossing machine in the 2019–2020 annual catalog.

However, we will offer new dies and embossing folders in the 2019–2020 annual catalog. Since we’re using a new supplier, the dies and folders will be manufactured differently; this means the way you use the new style of dies and folders will be a little different than how you used the old style. Both the new-style and old-style dies and embossing folders can work with any die-cutting & embossing machine (in some cases, adaptations like shims may be required because the gap between rollers on machines may vary slightly between manufacturers). You may have noticed we’re not referring to these products using names you’re familiar with. Another change required in this transition is to the terminology we use to refer to die-cutting and embossing products.

One of the significant factors in this decision is that instead of working with a supplier who works with a manufacturer, we are moving to a direct-to-manufacturer relationship. This means that we will work directly with the factories who manufacture our dies and folders instead of working with another company who then works with different factories. This gives us greater control and potential in the manufacturing process. Here’s one example of how that will work: having a direct-to-manufacturer relationship will better allow us to implement die and folder ideas we gather from you, our power users. When we gather feedback and ideas from you, we will now be able to work directly with the factories making the products to implement those innovative ideas.

 

Now let me clear about several things that I have learned from other sources over this past week, including Demonstrator Support.  First, there is no question that Stampin' Up! wanted certain capabilities with their dies, embossing folders, etc., and Sissix was not willing to support those desires/needs.  Secondly, I have come to understand from another source who is quite tapped into the industry that there are currently multiple lawsuits from Sissix against numerous stamping companies regarding patent infringement issues, and counter-lawsuits by those same companies.  None were named to me, but I'm sure if one wanted to do their Google research, they could find plenty on this current issue. 

What this means . . . this means several things.  1)  SU! could find itself ensnared in this debacle as it attempts to move forward with a "direct to manufacturer" relationship on creating and manufacturing dies and embossing folders for its product line; 2) it will most certainly be quite some time until we see any kind of SU! die cutting/embossing machine.

Unlike some Demonstrators out there who are trying to put a "positive" spin on these activities, I want to be as honest with you as I possibly can. I do not perceive anything new being available to us before late 2020 (or longer), depending on what SU! is trying to design, and what patent issues they run up against in that process.

Next, Sissix created the Big Shot exclusively for Stampin' Up!, with the Stampin' Up! logo on it.  Any "Big Shot" on the open market is slightly different and does not have the SU! Logo on it.  The "sister" to the Big Shot, is called the Big Kick! (also created and designed by Sissix) and is available in local craft stores (Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Jo-Ann Fabrics, etc.).  They are very similar, but not identical.

Because both machines are created by Sissix, the accessories are also similar.  The cutting plates, magnetic platform, Big Shot Die Brush, etc., are all available on the open market, just under different names.  For example . . .  you will need to know that the Cutting Plates are already gone and sold out at Stampin' Up!  There are not going to be any more (even for backorders that had occurred).  However, you can find the "standard cutting pads" very easily on the internet [just search for Sissix Big Kick cutting pads]: 

 

Here is a set on Amazon for $9 and you can see them HERE.  One fun note, regular Sissix cutting pads also come in colors!

 

So, this means you should be able to find any and all accessories out on the open market to support your Big Shot in these coming months and years.  We will cross our fingers and hope that SU! comes up with something fantastic to replace the Big Shot.  In the meantime, if you have been wanting a Big Shot, NOW is the time to make your purchase - along with ALL your supporting accessories - Magnetic Platform, Precision Base Plate, Big Shot Die Brush and the new Embossing Mats.  Do it BEFORE supplies are gone (like they already are on the cutting plates).

 

 

The Good News!

There is always a silver lining - and so don't despair.  Get your Big Shot today if you haven't yet!!  And know that you can get the accessories for it out in the general crafting world.

Secondly, embossing folders and dies are NOT going away for Stampin' Up!  we have lots of exciting new things coming in the new catalog - and all will be well with our crafting world!!  Die cutting and embossing are here to stay!  You will be able to continue using your Big Shot (or whatever you currently own) with all the new dies and folders that Stampin' Up! releases in the future.

A direct relationship with a manufacturer is always a plus!  Taking out the middle man means better communication, more innovation, and better supplier/customer relationships and inventory.  So I look forward to this new chapter for Stampin' Up! being extremely successful.

 

Look over all your Die Cutting options beginning on page 214 of your current Annual Catalog!!  And please do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions.

 

We'll be back later with the 2019 Retiring Product List!!  So much to come!!

 

Hugs, . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terrific Tuesdays . . . Christmas Around the Town

 

Good Morning Fellow Stampers ~~

Goodness!  We sailed right into December, and the craziness of the holiday season at full speed!!  Whew!  We've already attended a Christmas Concert, the Broadway presentation of White Christmas at our Denver Center for the Performing Arts, I've been out with my sister-in-law on a special girl's night, one of my company holiday dinners - and we have the big company party this week, and another concert outing with my mother!  Whew!  So much going on!  Who has time to play in the Studio??  LOL

But it is December, and at Stampin' Up! that means we're retiring the beautiful Holiday Occasions Catalog and all those gorgeous products.  A number of items are already sold out!  So don't wait . . .  I know several of you have mentioned a couple of items you'd still like to snag - so get those orders in today before they're gone!!

 

 

LAST CHANCE FOR 2018 PRODUCTS!!

The Year-End Closeout is SU!'s chance to do a little inventory cleaning—and your opportunity to take advantage of special year-end deals on retiring and surplus items.  Our Retiring 2018 Holiday Occasions Catalog products will soon be gone, and some are even discounted!

 

The Year-End Closeout and Sale is your opportunity to take advantage of special year-end deals on retiring and surplus items.

• Download a complete list of retiring products and discounted items HERE.
• Click to shop and view ALL retiring holiday products
• Click to shop and view ALL discounted products
• Retiring items from the 2018 holiday catalog are available while supplies last.
• Surplus items from 2018 annual catalog are available in limited quantities at the promotional price.
• Discounted items may be added to the $99 Starter Kit.  JOIN NOW

 

SOMETHING ADORABLE YOUR WAY COMES!!

The January 2019 Paper Pumpkin kit is geared to get your all ready for Valentine's Day!!  Even cuter . . . it coordinates directly with the Animal Outing bundle on page 27 of your Annual Catalog.  All decked out for Valentine's what better way to "step it up" with this adorable kit and the bundle!  I don't want you to miss out on this one!!  It's going to be too cute!!

If you've cancelled in recent months, re-activate your subscription Today!!  If you've been wanting to try the wonderful subscription that comes right to your front door every month, . . .  Now is the Time!!!  Don't wait.  Supplies are limited, and Paper Pumpkin has become VERY popular!

Get your Paper Pumpkin subscription today.  You MUST be signed up by midnight on January 10th!   Sign up HERE!!

 

 

THE STYLISH WAY TO CARRY YOUR . . . STAMPARATUS!

The NEW Stamparatus Tote! It’s perfect for carrying your Stamparatus and tools!  Check out the details HERE!

The Craft & Carry Stamparatus Bag as the perfect holiday gift - the timing is perfect for the holidays! It is something you could buy for a fellow stamping friend, suggest to a family member as something from Santa for under the tree, or even a little “treat yourself” gift for the holidays!  You are going to LOVE this beautiful heavy can canvas bag and all it's wonderful pockets!!  Mine is already here, and I have my stamparatus and all the accessories already tucked inside.  PERFECT for carrying anywhere!

• Stamparatus Bag Only.  #149695.  $29.
• Stamparatus Bag & Stamparatus Stamp Positioning Tool.  #151961.  $78.

 

 

 

THE 2019 SPRING OCCASIONS CATALOG IS COMING!!!

I am so excited about the wonderful new catalog that is on its way to a mailbox near you!!

If you are a regular customer, your catalog will be in your mailbox by Christmas!  If you do not have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, and would like to receive a 2019 Spring Occasions Catalog, please contact me today, and I will be sure to add you to my mailing list!! 

And with a new catalog, comes a new Product Share -- so stay tuned, those will be posted up soon!!!

 

 

 

HOLIDAY SHOPPING MADE EASY!!!

If you're flying into the holiday shopping season with no idea what to get that favorite crafter of yours that seems to have everything, than a Stampin' Up! Gift Certificate with me is the perfect solution!!!  You can find options to purchase HERE, or if you would like a specialized amount, contact me today and we can make arrangements.  Hurry!!  Christmas is right around the corner ;-)

 

Until Next Time . . .

 

Fabulous Friday Fun - A Special Mother's Day Gift

Good Morning Fabulous Fellow Stampers ~

Whew! TGIF!!  What a week !!  It's not quite over yet!  And I have a busy weekend ahead!  Tomorrow I am spending all day with my Mother - a special day set aside for her.  We'll go to brunch, do a little shopping, and then we have planned to spend the afternoon in the Studio working on the Heritage Album she and I have been very slowly working our way through.  It's a tedious task when you're dealing with such old photos.  But it's something she wants to do - and I think it's important.  The album is really turning out beautifully, what little we've done -- LOL

 

I've planned some pretty gifts for her; but it really was this impromptu one that I'm sharing with you today that I think is extra special.  I'll give the back story here in just a second.

 

 

 

This is a 12" x 12" frame that I picked up at Michael's specifically for this project

The background paper is from my most favorite collection in the current Annual Catalog - about to retire (actually I believe it's sold out now) - Delightful Daisy DSP.

So I'll give you the back story to this project . . .

 

A couple of weeks ago, my mother and I attended the year end chorale concert for Colorado Christian College here in Denver.  Having sung in choirs since I was in junior high school, being vocally trained, and an extensive musical background - but one which I've let go of in recent years - it was much more nostalgic than I was anticipating and I spent a fair amount of the concert being teary-eyed.  I remember my college days and how wonderful it was to be part of a group like that and traveling for tour, and competitions and all of it!!  It was a wonderful afternoon spent with my mom.

 

The chorale ended their concert with a song I had never heard before called "Anticipation."  I'm sure it was moving for everyone in the room; I can only speak for myself and how the words of this song and the beautiful sound moved me so deeply.

Later after I was home, I found a recording of the song by the Messiah College Choir online (I'm sharing it here for you so you can hear it if you'd like), and I called mom later to tell her what I had found and that I had all the words to the song (I've since bought the sheet music as well).

She asked me to write the words down for her.  I thought to myself, what can I do that would be more than just "writing down the words" for her on a piece of paper.

I know that she was very moved as well by this song.  We are commemorating the 9th anniversary of the passing of my father next week after his battle with cancer; it seemed the perfect timing for this song, and this special project.

 

 

So I typed up the words in PowerPoint where I could manipulate a "large oval" shape that I was envisioning.

Then after printing I cut it out!!  This simply could not have turned out more perfect really!

From there it was a matter of just creating the look I was trying to achieve.

The background paper is bright and sunshiny which I really wanted; and then I pulled out the Daisy Delight stamp set and the Daisy Punch.  I used Daffodil Delight, So Saffron, and Old Olive inks to match the background; and everything is done on Shimmery White paper.

 

Not only are there retiring items in this project -- but I have snuck in some brand new products as well - the new Springtime Impressions Thinlits die set - absolutely gorgeous!!  You're gonna love it!!

This butterfly is part of that set . . . and was cut from the Myths & Magic Glimmer Paper.

 

 

And on the upper left and lower right corners is a brand new floral cutout -- don't you just love this?!?  You're going to be over the moon for these new products!!

 

 

A slightly closer look so you can see the additional little flowers I cut from the Dazzling Diamonds glimmer paper and overlaid.

Yes, they have little pearls in their centers.

 

 

I topped this off with a bow tied around the upper right corner of the picture frame, and let the tails trail down.\

This ribbon is also brand new -- and you're going to drool, I promise you!!

Whisper White Polka-Dot Tulle Ribbon !!

Don't you just love it!!

And yes, everything is finished off with pearls (some of our extra large ones that retired several years ago), and Gold Faceted Gems in the centers of the Daisies themselves.

 

I have to say, I might have to make a second one for me -- LOL  It is so pretty I can hardly stand to give it away.  It's sitting on my dining room table right now, and is so lovely!  I couldn't be happier with how it turned out !!  I hope she will like it!  What do you think?  

I wish each and every one of you a blessed and beautiful Mother's Day weekend!!  May we live each day in "anticipation" of the day we enter the presence of our Lord and see all our loved ones who have gone on before.

 

Can't Wait to See Him

Look Upon His Face

Bow Down Before Him

Thank Him for His Grace

 

Shake Hands with the Elders

The Twenty and the Four

Say Hello to My Loved Ones

Who've Gone on Before

 

Jesus is Preparing

A Place Just for Me

If You Want to See Me

In Heaven I Will Be

 

 Time Will Be My Friend

Day Will Never End

Summer, Winter, Spring or Fall

Won't Have to Come at All

 

 Hope to See You There

Where All the Saints Will Be

 Come and Go with Me!

  

Until Next Time . . .  Puppy Hugs!

  

Fabulous Friday Fun - Waterfront in the Moonlight

Good Morning Fabulous Fellow Stampers ~

 

I hope everyone has been having a fan-ta-bulous week!!  I for one, am glad we have reached Friday.  I'm looking forward to the weekend for sure!!

 

Today I want to bring you a project card design that I just LOVE!  We did this card as the "bonus card" in my "Barn Doors and Waterfront" card class this past weekend.  And it was the hit card of the entire afternoon!!  And for good reason!  So I hope you all will enjoy seeing this as well.

Be sure to pop over to the new private Facebook Group -- DDS Distinctive Dabblers - and ask to join!!  Those in that group will get to pick which card design from the past week to feature in the next Class With Wendy video tutorial.

 

 

There are so many wonderful ways to use the Waterfront stamp set and this is one of the features that I've been wanting to showcase for a long time now!!  I adore how easy this stamp set is to use and get a wonderful and successful effect every single time.

 

What makes this card especially dramatic is that it is done on Shimmery White cardstock - which can't be caught in the photography, but the effect once all the sponging and stamping is done is quite wonderful!!

This card is all about the sponging and layering of color and the proper masking of the moon.

Additionally, the stamping of the images is done in an offset manner, with additional "drawing" to create the proper shadowing effect.

It's not difficult - once you know how to do it.

The final finishing touch uses a white gel pen that adds the effect of white caps to the ocean water - perfection!!

What I love is the Bermuda Bay colored rhinestones that add some extra sparkle across the water and moonbeam.

 

I love that this card does not have a sentiment on the front, allowing you to use it for any occasion that you feel appropriate!  And this design works for so many - including masculine style cards.

One thing I would note is that there are several colors I have used in today's project (and I use quite often when I do water) that are retiring at the end of May and won't be available anymore.  For example, Tempting Turquoise is a "go to" for me whenever I do sponging for water and sky.  Another color used in today's project is Always Artichoke - a wonderful green that got lost in the mix over the years.  After May, this color will be gone!  So be sure to get your inventory stocked up today before everything is gone!

 

I am thrilled that Stampin' Up! is carrying this stamp set forward into the new 2018-2019 Annual Catalog.  It is a "must have" so don't wait!!  Get your set today!  You can order all your supplies in my Online Store, or by clicking on the products in the carousel below.  Want a "supply list" to easily refer to?  Click on the link immediately below the Product Carousel to download and print one out for your reference.

 

Until Next Time . . .