Babies on the Brain

It suddenly seems as though I need baby cards for about a million people.  Granted, some of these babies are several months old and I still haven’t sent a card, but they’re still babies, so I think I’m okay. Don’t burst my bubble of denial, please.

Here’s a cute baby card that uses the current pennant and bakers’ twine craze (OK, it may be a highly localized craze, as in only in my craft room).

Supplies:  Baby Tees jumbo roller; Short and Sweet stamp set

Baja Breeze and Pocketful of Posies DSP; Whisper White Cardstock; Simply Scored

Heat to Heart and Modern Label punches; Chocolate Chip Bakers’ Twine

Jet Black Stazon Ink; Baja Breeze classic ink; Vintage Trinkets button brads

One of my favorite things about this card doesn’t show up in the photo.  The popped-out white mat is actually scored in lines that look like wainscoting.  I scored at 1/2”, 5/8”, then 1-1/8” and 1-1/4” and so on.  Super cute. But not visible.  Oh, well. To make the onesie, I rolled the Baby Tees roller stamp on Baja Breeze patterned DSP, then cut it out. Don’t groan…it wasn’t that much cutting.  The hearts are punched out of the DSP, as well.  I used Dimensionals to pop out the onesie and the label.

I was happy with the result, and I'll be sad to see Short and Sweet stamp set retire...how's that for a segue?


The 2012 Retiring Stamps list was released on Sunday.  It’s the biggest list yet, as Stampin’ Up! is launching a new catalog plan.  The catalogs will begin June 1 rather than in July, so the retired list is also a month early.  It’s a slightly smaller catalog, for a couple of reasons.

First, the Idea Book and Catalog is an amazing resource, as you already know if you’re a stamper.  However, as a demonstrator I’m overwhelmed each year trying to remember everything about every item in it.  I can only imagine (and remember) how intimidating it can be to new stampers (or those who don’t want to devote hours to pouring over the catalog!).  Don't think you'll have a shorter wish list, though.  The minicatalog will now be six months long, and much larger.  So there's always something to fill your lists!

In this card, Short and Sweet is one of my favorite sets, and it’s retiring as of May 31.  I’m sure there will be new sets I love as much, but it’s been a favorite for several years.  I had 58 sets on the list, and that’s not counting rollers.  I’ll keep a few that I love stamping with, but the majority will be for sale after the new catalog comes out.  I’m not allowed to post that list or sell them until after June 1.

You can see the list of retiring stamps by going to my website and clicking on it.  The link for my website is in the right margin of my blog, if you’re looking for it.

The list of accessories that is being retired won’t be available for a week or so, but the 2010-2012 In Colors will be saying good-bye.  They include Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizazz, Blushing Bride, and Concord Crush.  That means if you want cardstock, ink, markers, or ribbons in these colors, you need to order them before the end of May, preferable the sooner the better, as once they’re gone, they’re gone.  As a little hint, the Designer Series Papers with those colors will also retire.

Stampin’ Up! makes its own stamp sets, so they never will sell out of those, but the accessories and In Colors will sell out, so if you see something on those lists you want, order it immediately.  I’m not trying to incite a buying frenzy, I just don’t want you to be disappointed if, say, you designed your baby book using those colors. (Hint, hint, to a certain Washington friend)

So when you have a few moments, check out the retiring lists, just to make sure there's nothing you NEED on there. Don't say I didn't warn you.

You can shop 24/7, 365 right on my website...I'm so considerate that way.

Also just let me know if you'd like a copy of the 2012-13 catalog.  They'll be available in mid-May and I'm sure they'll be filled with wonderful new stamps and accessories!  

Now I've got to go make another gazillion baby cards...have a creative day!