Just like all the 2018 graduates, saying goodbye is bitter sweet.  Accomplishments have been made, new goals set, and new things to come.  Moving forward is the progression of life and it is no different in the Stampin' Up! world. 

Although I am sad to see the Large Numbers Framelits retire Today, I know good things (great things!) are coming with the 2018-2019 Annual Catalog launch tomorrow.

I am so excited to share all the fun, new products and projects that are to come over the next 12 months.   Here's to another great year.  You guys are awesome! 

With just two weeks left until the launch of the 2018-2019 Annual Catalog, I am busy going through my stamps and other supplies to see what of my favorites are carrying over.  I am happy to know the the Petal Palette Stamp Set and Petal & More Thinlits Dies are both going to be in the new annual catalog; just not as a bundle.

If you want to take advantage of the 10% Bundle discount, you have until May 31, 2018 to order.  Wood-mount Bundle # 145973 is $72.75 or Clear-mount Bundle # 145974 is $62.00

Here are samples using the Petal Palette bundle a group made in one of my specialty classes.  I hope you enjoy:

Card Sample 1:  Label Thank You featuring Sweet Sugarplum

 I love the inside just as much as the outside.  Sweet Sugarplum is retiring at the end of May but can easily be replaced by just about any color.  Same for the Whisper White Organza Ribbon (#145590) from the 2018 Occasions catalog.  It is retiring too but can be replaced with another option.  The flower embossing was done with 1 or 2 Embossing Folders called Petal Pair (#145656) and these are carrying over to the new annual catalog. 

Card Sample 2:  Label From the Heart

 Flower image was heated embossed with White Embossing Powder (#109132) on Watercolor Paper (#122959).  I used Aqua Painters (#103954) to apply color.  The white & silver bakers twine (#145569) will be carried over the the 2018-2019 annual catalog with two other color options.  

Card Sample 3:  Yellow Thank You

 Daffodil Delight is such a happy color.  The Double-Stitched Ribbon (#144116) will be carrying over to the new catalog (in Real Red too) and even though those awesome Glimmer Enamel Dots will not, there will be some fun options to use in their place.  The black background paper is from the Petal Passions Designer Series Paper (already out of stock & retiring)... so here is what you can do instead:

   Black Background Alternative:  using the flower and/or leaf stamp(s) from Petal Palette, heat emboss with white embossing powder on black card stock.  What a fun idea to create your own background.

Card Sample 4:  Life Is So Much Better

 Did you know Flirty Flamingo color is carrying over?  It is now going to be a core color.  Super excited as it is a different kind of pink.  To me, it has substance.  This super quick and easy card can also be created in any color of your liking.  Just update the organza ribbon (#145590) if you do not purchase by May 31, 2018, with another ribbon choice from your stash or new ribbon coming June 1, 2018.

Card Sample 5:  Silver Sprigs Melody (You like the names of my cards?)

Be sure to check back as Stampin' Up! will be releasing the retirement list on Monday.  Don't miss out on the retiring 2016-2018 In -Colors.  Paper, Ink pads, reinkers, coordinating ribbon will be SOLD OUT fast!  Place an order using HOSTESS CODE:  GUB4SGC2 (if over $150 in product do not use this code).  

So I have been asked by several of customers for a reference chart.  A chart showing what inks tools (Blender pens, watercolor pencils, Stampin' Blends alcohol markers, Brusho crystal colour, and Aqua Painters) can be used with what ink and papers.  

Download INK & COLOR GUIDE CHART  It is a chart I designed and hopefully you find useful. 

 Keep in mind, the above chart is from my experiences and what I have done.  It is my recommendations and not that of Stampin' Up!

Read the chart from left to right.  For example, Watercolor Pencils... I recommend using Stampin' Up! Archival Black or Gray ink pads and using with an Aqua Painter to spread the color.  I do not recommend using the Memento ink pad as it will smear and smudge as it is a water-based ink.  You can use Stampin' Up! Classic Ink Pads but with ease as the water will pull color from the ink pad color.  I think this adds to the design (but only if you are not looking for a hard outlined image).  The last column are my paper recommendations.  

I hope you find this information helpful in choosing your coloring tools, inks and paper. 

Any questions, just ask!

Hi Y'all... (in my country twang), Lisa here.  I am a huge DIY'r and love to see all the cool projects and ideas on home improvement shows.  There is so much inspiration out there.  Sometimes I find myself dreaming and wishing a lot, if only I had the time to create.  My current favorite show, along with many others out there, is Chip and Joanna Gaines and their company Magnolia Farms.  They are all about farm living, family, and living life.  Have you ever watched an episode of Fixer Upper?  Every once in a while they will show Joanna's "barn" that stores all the extra furniture and accessories she collects.  WOW!  It is a dream.

One of Joanna's favorite things is shiplap walls.  Shiplap is reclaimed wood that she puts on the inside to draw interest.  For those who like rustic, country feel would love this style.  

My card today features the Barn Door Bundle (clear mount # 145990... $42.25) and it reminds me of that shiplap.  This bundle is a great deal with 8 rubber stamps and 15 framelit dies.  Check is out in my online store.  

The card base is Soft Suede card stock.  Then a piece of Crumb Cake ran through the Pinewood Planks (#143708) dynamic textures embossing folder.  But before running through the Big Shot, I applied Soft Suede ink to the raised details of the embossing folder.  This accentuates the details and gives it a more realistic look.

Doesn't all the little black details look neat?  Those are all die cuts from the Sliding Door Framelits.  I laid all the pieces out on my Big Shot cutting mat with scrap Basic Black card stock and with one pass...BAM!  I had all the pieces I needed to complete the details.  Oh, one of the framelits cuts your slots for the slider.  On the back of my door, through the slits, I adhered mini-dimensionals to #6 washers from any home improvement store.

For other images and verses, I imaged that I have my own barn on an open field.  And when I open the barn doors, I see nothing but clear skies but puffs of clouds.  The hot air balloon, sentiments, and cloud stamps all come from the Lift Me Up stamp set (clear mount # 142896).  Another great deal of $21.00 for 16 stamps.  This stamp set coordinates with the Up & Away Thinlits dies (#142748... $30.00).  Purchase these together and you qualify for a FREE Sale-a-Bration item!