Hot off the Presses!

Stampin’ Up! released the list of retiring accessories and supplies yesterday.  It’s pretty massive…12 pages…and very fluid.  When an item is sold out, it’s gone forever. You can see the complete list at my website, and if you see some things you need (or want) be sure to order them right then and there.

If you take a look at the list, you’ll see all the classic and craft pads are retiring.  Don’t panic. Starting on June 1 with the new catalog, Stampin’ Up! pads will have a “firm foam” pad rather than the fabric ones we currently have.  They hold the ink better, ink the stamps better, and have better results all around. If you have the current stamp pads, you don’t need to replace them.  Refills will work on either type of pad.

Craft ink pads will only be available in Basic Black and Whisper White.  Most markers will only be available in sets, so if you need individual ones, get them now. As expected, almost all the Designer Series Papers are retiring, and anything involving the 2010-2012 In Colors:  Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzazz, Concord Crush, Blushing Bride, and Peach Parfait.  That’s inks, papers, ribbons, embellishments, whatever.

12x12 Textured Cardstock is retiring, as well as many colors of 12x12 Smooth Cardstock. So please take a few (or many) minutes to look over the list.  So many things are retiring as Stampin’ Up! redesigns the catalog.  I can’t wait to see the new, amazing products!

The cards I want to show you today actually do not involve many retiring products, at least not in the essential design.

Supplies:  Hello Friend Stamp Set

Pink Pirouette and Very Vanilla Cardstock; First Edition Specialty DSP

Chantilly Trim (retiring); Vintage Trinkets; Corner Rounder punch

Concord Crush (retiring), Soft Suede, and Melon Mambo Classic Ink

To make the background piece, I stamped the flower image using Concord Crush, then crinkled it and flattened it a bunch.  Finally, I lightly rubbed over it with the Soft Suede ink pad. 

Supplies:  Happy Greetings stamp set (way retired)

Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, and Very Vanilla cardstock; First Edition Specialty DSP

Baja Breeze and Soft Suede Markers; Baja Breeze Seam Binding; 

Spiral Border (way retired), Large Oval, Scalloped Oval, and Scallop Circle punches

Elegant Lines Embossing Folder and Big Shot; Antique Brads

I love the way the Elegant Lines Embossing Folder pumps up the interest on the newsprint. To make the flower, I cut 5 scallop circles, folded four of them twice, and attached them to the last one.  To finish the flower, I put an antique brad in the center and spinged the edges with Baja Breeze.

I really miss the spiral border punch that retired last year.  Or maybe the year before.  You can still buy them at craft stores, though, made by EK Success.

I’m so glad the First Edition DSP isn’t retiring.  It’s great for vintage or grunge projects, as well as adding interesting pattern to contemporary cards. Really.  I’m not making that up to sound all creative.