The January-June Mini Catalog Last Chance List is now available!

The January–June 2022 Mini Catalog will be retiring soon! It’s always bittersweet to see a classic Stampin’ Up! catalog take a trip to retirement. But, we’re looking forward to all the new products on their way—and we hope you are, too!

Stock up on your favorite products before they’re gone for good! Save up to 50% on essential craft supplies. What are you waiting for? Start shopping! After all, this selection of Last Chance Products is only available while supplies last.

 

Get the Last Chance Product Lists

The Last Chance Product List is available in two formats - PDF and Excel Spreadsheet. The font size on both of the lists is pretty small. I recommend downloading the Excel Spreadsheet, enlarging the text size to a size that you are more comfortable reading, and then printing the list. Use the list to mark what is retiring in your 2022 January-June Mini Catalog.

• Click HERE to download the PDF version of the Last Chance Product List
• Click HERE to download the Excel Spreadsheet version of the Last Chance Product List

 

Get Your Wish List Ready

Download and print out your wish list with my Wish List Printable HERE. Make a list of your favorite retiring products. Then check out my online store to shop your wish list.

Check My Online Store

You can also view the Last Chance Products on my online store HERE. Checking my online store is the fastest way to see if you favorite retiring products are still available.

Last Chance Products Promotion Details

• Each Last Chance Products promotion typically includes a Retiring List (products that will no longer be available once the catalog retires) and a Carryover List (products that will still be available once the catalog retires). For this catalog’s Last Chance Products promotion, a Carryover List will not be provided; carryover products can be viewed in the 2022–2023 Annual Catalog.
• Discounts are not always available with the Retiring List. When they are, they will vary from one market to another depending on product performance.
• All products are available while supplies last, and there are no purchase limits.
• You can start creating your marketing plan right away! Share the list with your customers as soon as you’d like.
• Discounted items can be added to a Starter Kit and redeemed as a 50% off item or with Stampin’ Rewards.
• Only orders opened and closed during the promotion period apply
• Stamp Sets are not guaranteed during this promotion and are while supplies last
• Sales Period
• Starts: 1 June 2022 at 12:00 AM (MT)
• Ends: 30 June 2022 at 11:50 PM (MT)
• Order Deadlines
• Phone: 30 June 2022 at 6:50 PM (MT)
• Online: 30 June 2022 at 11:50 PM (MT)

Retiring products are available while supplies last, so don't delay. Make your wish list and shop today! If you have any questions about the 2022 January-June Mini Catalog Last Chance Product List, please leave a comment below or send me an email. I am happy to help with your stamping questions!

Happy shopping!

Beth

Kits Collection Buy One Get One 50% Off Promotion: Spread the News!

 
For the entire month of June 2022, the Kits Collection will be having a sale! Buy one kit and get the second kit 50% off—this is the perfect time to buy kits for yourself, your friends, and your family! Kits are all-inclusive projects and make great creative gifts.
 

 
This is perfect because a new kit the Love this Memory Notebook Kit (#160168) has just been added the to Kits Collection! Check out my blog post on the Love this Memory Notebook Kit HERE. 

Promotion Details and Ordering information:

• Sale runs through 1–30 June 2022.
• All kits in the Kits Collection by Stampin’ Up! qualify for this sale.
• Kit selection is based on availability.
• You will need at least two kits in your cart for the discount to automatically apply at checkout.
• There are no order limits on this promotion.
• The promotion functions differently on OEX than it does on the customer store. On OEX, the discount will be applied sequentially, i.e., the discount will be applied to every second kit added to your cart. On the customer store, the discount will automatically apply to the most expensive kit in your cart.
• For demonstrators ordering on OEX, kits need to be added to your cart one kit at a time. This will ensure the discount is applied correctly to your order.
• The Nourish & Flourish Kit does not qualify for the BOGO offer.
• Only orders opened and closed during the promotion period apply.

 

There are so many great kits to choose from! I really like the Birthday Candles Kit and the Thanks a Million Kit and the Love this Memory Notebook Kit! Which kits are your favorites? Check out the Kits Collection today in my online store HERE.

Happy Shopping!

Beth

The Winner of the Second Sunday Sketches is...

Pat Arnold! Congratulations, Pat! Pat is the winner of the 37th Second Sunday Sketches card sketch challenge! Your prize, a mystery embellishment pack and 3 handmade cards, will be in the mail on June 3rd, 2022.

What a beautiful friendship card Pat made! I love how she added a layer of Old Olive cardstock underneath the banner and the floral pattern from the Bird Ballad Designer Series Paper! It makes the designer series paper really stand out!

Check out the other entries for the 37th Second Sunday Sketch card challenge. Donna created a gorgeous Christmas card! She used the deer die from the Dashing Deer dies instead of flowers on her Christmas card and added embossing to her banner with the Hammered Metal embossing folder. Donna creates stunning cards! Toni made all three variations on this month's sketch with the Pierced Blooms dies. I love how Toni used three different color palettes for each of her three beautiful birthday cards and made clusters of flowers with jewels in their centers! The recipients of all of these cards will be very lucky to have cards made by such amazing card makers! Well done all! Thank you for participating in May's Second Sunday Sketches!

Want More Second Sunday Sketches? 

The next Second Sunday Sketches card challenge starts on June 12th. The prize will be a mystery embellishment package from my retired product cache and 3 handmade cards from me.

Share Second Sunday Sketches with a Friend

Be sure to join in on the fun and share with a friend! If you enter the Second Sunday Sketches challenge, you can get a bonus surprise prize by sharing this challenge with a friend (for US residents only)! Here's how to get a bonus surprise prize. Limit two bonus surprise prizes per person per month.

1. Enter into June's Second Sunday Sketches challenge
2. Share June's Second Sunday Sketches challenge with a friend
3. Have your friend submit their June's challenge card entry. Email me that your friend has submitted their card entry. Submit your complete mailing address and the name of the friend that you shared with. I will confirm their entry and then send you a bonus surprise prize 1-3 business days after I draw June's winner.

Happy Stamping!
Beth

P.S. Ever wonder how I draw for the Second Sunday Sketches winner? I use an app called Tiny Decisions. I input all of the names of the participants onto the wheel and spin it. The name that the wheel stops on is the winner.

In Remembrance...

Happy Memorial Day! Thank you for all that have served! While you may no longer be with us, your sacrifice is never forgotten. We are forever grateful to you! You live on in our hearts, thoughts, and actions!

 

I miss you, Dad!

Beth

A Little Hello from Me to You

Today's thinking of you card features the leaves image from the Uniquely Artistic stamp set (#158935) in the 2022-2023 Annual Catalog. I created vertical columns of the leaves in four shades of green - Garden Green, Shaded Spruce, Old Olive, and Pear Pizzazz and added a greeting from the Pansy Patch stamp set (#154999). I randomly picked a spot on the cardstock, stamped a leaf image in Old Olive ink, and added another old olive leaves images above and below the first image. Then I filled in the rest of the Basic White cardstock with the other colors of green ink, rotating the stamp as needed to form the vertical columns.

I received the Uniquely Artistic stamp set as a prize for attending OnTour in April. OnTour is a Stampin' Up! demonstrators' event where demonstrators get to preview the catalog before it goes live to customers. It is usually held around April and previews the next Annual Catalog. 

This year OnTour was held virtually on Zoom. Stampin' Up! Staff members and demonstrators shared different cards and projects showcasing the new stamps, papers, and embellishments from the annual catalog. We were also able to meet new demonstrators during our break out networking sessions. It was so much fun to see new stamping products and meet new friends! OnTour is one of our yearly events that I look forward to as a demonstrator!

Below are the measurements and supply list for today's Uniquely Artistic card.

Measurements

Card Base: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; scored at 4-1/4" (Garden Green Cardstock)
1st Mat: 4" x 5-1/4" (Basic White Cardstock)
Greeting: (Basic White Cardstock)
Greeting Mat: (Old Olive Cardstock)
Inside Mat: 4" x 5-1/4" (Basic White

Supplies

#158935 Uniquely Artistic Stamp Set
#154999 Pansy Patch Stamp Set
#159276 Basic White Cardstock
#102584 Garden Green Cardstock
#100702 Old Olive Cardstock
#147089 Garden Green Ink Pad
#147090 Old Olive Ink Pad
#147104 Pear Pizzazz Ink Pad
#147089 Shaded Spruce Ink Pad
#104430 Dimensionals
#110755 Multipurpose Liquid Glue
#102300 Bone Folder
#103579 Paper Snips
#130148 Grid Paper
#152392 Paper Trimmer
#118490 Clear Block H
#118488 Clear Block I
#154289 Opal Rounds
 

Does attending demonstrator stamping events like OnTour sound like fun? Have you ever thought about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator? Stampin' Up! is offering a fantastic joining special for new demonstrator who join from May 3rd, 2022 to May 31st, 2022.

 
Join as a new demonstrator from May 3-31, 2022 for $99 USD and receive $125 USD in products in your Starter Kit plus $66.50 USD in 2022-2024 InColor product - InColor Grid Paper, InColor Ink Pad Collection, InColor Cardstock Collection Sampler Pack, and InColor Designer Series Paper Pack free!
 

Promotion Details
In Color Starter Kit 

• New demonstrators can select any standard eligible Stampin’ Up! products up to the $125 USD │ $165 CAD value for just $99 USD │ $135 CAD. 

• The Starter Kit includes business resources like catalogues, brochures, order forms, and postcards.

• The Starter Kit also includes $66.50 USD │ $91.25 CAD of FREE 2022–2024 In Color products: In Color Grid Paper (more information on this item will be provided 3 May), In Color Ink PadCollection, In Color CardstockCollection, and In Color 6" x 6" (15.2 x 15.2 cm) Designer Series PaperAssortments. 

• New team members who join Stampin’ Up! get to be a part of our amazing community of crafters. Plus, they get to enjoy sharing simple and fun crafting experiences with others, early access to products, and exclusive access to training events.

• You’ll also get a free Paper Pumpkin kit! 

Additional Details

• New demonstrators who submit their Independent Demonstrator Agreement (IDA) before 3 May or after 31 May will not be eligible for this promotion.
• Refer to the Demonstrator Policies document for more information on new team member policies.
• New team members may not use their team leader’s shipping address to ship their kit.
  
• New team members may only pay for their kit using a credit card on which they are listed as an authorized user.
  
•  Team leaders should verify that new team members are using their own Social Security Number (US) or Social Insurance Number (CA).
• Failure to adhere to these rules will likely delay or invalidate your new team members’ sign-up process. 

 

• Download the InColor Starter Kit PDF Flyer HERE.

 

I hope you enjoyed today's Uniquely Artistic thinking of you card! If you want to recreate this card need some of the stamping supplies, please call me or shop my online store to place an order.
 

If you have any questions about today's card, stamping in general, or about the InColor Starter Kit promotion, please, email me! I would like to help you with your stamping questions and for you to join my demonstrator team!
 

Thanks for stopping by!
Beth

Sending Healing Thoughts with Nature's Harvest Bundle

Sympathy cards are one of the most challenging cards for me. The loss of a loved one is often one of the most heart breaking times in our lives. I do not want to make light of the situation or cause any further grief, but I want to show how much I care for and support the person who is grieving.

Card decorations and choosing a color palette is difficult for me when designing a card for the loss of a loved one. I feel it should be simple in decoration but tasteful and respectful.

I chose a simple color palette of blues and white to convey a feeling of peace and restfulness and was furthered by the Nature's Harvest greeting stamp.

Below are the measurements and supplies to recreate this Nature's Harvest sympathy card.

 

Measurements

• Card Base: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; scored at 4-1/4" (Balmy Blue Cardstock)
• 1st Mat: 3" x 3-3/4" (Night of Navy Cardstock)
• 2nd Mat: 2-3/4" x 3-1/2" (Basic White Cardstock)
• Greeting: 1" x 4-1/2" (Balmy Blue Cardstock)
• Inside Mat: 4" x 5-1/4" (Basic White Cardstock)

 

Supplies

• #156495 Nature's Harvest Stamp Set 
• #156813 Nature's Harvest Bundle
  
• #159276 Basic White Cardstock 
• #146982 Balmy Blue Cardstock
• #100867 Night of Navy Cardstock
• #147110 Night of Navy Ink Pad
  
• #104430 Dimensionals
• #144108 Mini Dimensionals
• #110755 Multipurpose Liquid Glue
• #102300 Bone Folder
• #103579 Paper Snips
• #130148 Grid Paper
• #152392 Paper Trimmer
• #149653 Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
• #156504 Harvest Dies
• #117147 Clear Block B
• #118484 Clear Block E
• #118490 Clear Block H
  

 

Are sympathy cards difficult for you to make as well? I would love to hear from you about how you make cards for sympathy and the loss of loved ones. Leave me a comment below with your sympathy and loss card ideas.

If you would like to purchase the supplies used for today's card, please call me to place an order or you can shop my online store (link opens in a new window). If you have any questions about today's card, please let me know. I am happy to assist you!

Thanks for stopping by!

Beth

Happy 3rd Anniversary! Second Sunday Sketches #37 Starts Today!

It is time for another Second Sunday Sketches challenge! If you are new to Second Sunday Sketches, please review the rules here or below. Each second Sunday of the month, I will post a card sketch. A sketch is graphic or drawing of how the elements of a card are arranged.

You will then use the sketch as a guide to create your own card. Your card must be a new creation and reflect the challenge guidelines. Your card must include the major elements of the card sketch, such as the number of layers and the general position of the embellishments and/or die cuts. You can rotate the sketch for a top-folding card or for a side-folding card.

You choose the occasion and the color palette as well as the stamp set(s) and the embellishments. I do ask that you use Stampin' Up! products (current or retired).

The measurements will also be included in the blog post for each Second Sunday Sketches sketch challenge. You can use the measurements as given or increase them or decrease them. For example, if a greeting is stamped on a 1" circle on the sketch, but the greeting you choose is 1-3/4", then increase the size of the circle to 1-3/4". You can also change the shape. Instead of a circle, you can use an oval, a square, a daisy punch, a monogram, etc.

The challenge will run from the second Sunday of the month until the last day of that month. 

 

Card Sketch

Happy 3rd Anniversary! May 2022 marks 3 years of Second Sunday Sketches. Thank you so much for being a part of our card sketch challenge! In celebration of Second Sunday Sketches' 3rd Anniversary, I created 3 variations of the same card sketch. Below is May's card sketch.

(click the graphic above to make the sketches larger)

Challenge Dates

May's challenge will run from May 8th, 2022 until May 31st, 2022 at 5pm EDT.

If you would like to participate in the 3rd Anniversary Second Sunday Sketches sketch challenge, please, create one, two, or three cards using one, two, or all three of the sketches above and email me a photo of your cards by May 31st, 2022 at 5pm EDT with the subject line Second Sunday Sketches Entry. 

 

For the month of May and our 3rd Anniversary, you can create up to 3 card entries. You can use any or all of the 3 card sketches for May when creating your card entries. Each card entry counts as 1 card entry. If you create 1 card, you receive 1 entry. If you create 2 cards, you receive 2 card entries. If you create 3 cards, you receive 3 entries.

Prize Drawing

The day after the last day of the month (June 1st), I will place all of the names of the participants in a proverbial hat and randomly draw a winner. The winner will receive a prize (US Residents only)! The prize each month will change and will be announced at the start of each challenge. May's Second Sunday Sketches sketch challenge prize is a surprise embellishment pack from my retired product cache and three hand-made cards from me.

 

 

Winner Announcement

If you are the winner, I will notify you by email. Please respond to my email with your complete mailing address, and I will mail you your prize! If the winner does not respond to my email within 7 days, I will draw another winner.

I will also post all of the entries on my blog (with your names attached to the photos) and the name of the winner.

Some Ideas on How to Make this Card Sketch Your Own

There are many ways to change this card to make it your own! You can rotate the card layout 90 degrees, change the flowers to another shape like jewels or bows, emboss the banner with an embossing folder or embossing powder, make the circle element into a shaker card or a window, and more!

Share Second Sunday Sketches with a Friend

Be sure to join in on the fun and share with a friend! If you enter the Second Sunday Sketches challenge, you can get a bonus surprise prize by sharing this challenge with a friend (for US residents only)! Here's how to get a bonus surprise prize. Limit two bonus surprise prizes per person per month.

1. Enter into this month's Second Sunday Sketches challenge
2. Share this month's Second Sunday Sketches challenge with a friend (that hasn't participated before)
3. Have your friend submit their this month's challenge card entry
4. Email me that your friend has submitted their card entry. Submit your complete mailing address and the name of the friend that you shared with. I will confirm their entry and then send you a bonus surprise prize.

I am looking forward to seeing your personal take on the 37th Second Sunday Sketches sketch challenge! If you have any questions about this card sketch challenge, please let me know! I am happy to assist!

Happy Stamping!
Beth

The Winner of the Second Sunday Sketches #36 is...

Donna Foreman! Congratulations, Donna! Donna is the winner of the 36th Second Sunday Sketches card sketch challenge! Your prize, a mystery embellishment pack from my retired product cache and 3 handmade cards, will be in the mail on May 3rd.

I love how Donna created a wreath with the Forever Fern stamps and foil die cuts! The color palette of greens and golds is stunning! What a beautiful birthday card, Donna!

Check out the other entries for the 36th Second Sunday Sketch card challenge. Toni create a gorgeous wreath with the stitched petal dies with a background of Misty Moonlight wood grain designer series paper. The jewels give the wreath extra sparkle! Well done everyone!

Want More Second Sunday Sketches? 

The next Second Sunday Sketches card challenge starts on May 8th, 2022 and will be an extra special challenge! Second Sunday Sketches is turning 3! You won't want to miss May's challenge! I can't wait to share May's card sketch with you! 

 

The prize will be a mystery embellishment package from my retired product cache and 3 handmade cards from me.

Share Second Sunday Sketches with a Friend

Be sure to join in on the fun and share with a friend! If you enter the Second Sunday Sketches challenge, you can get a bonus surprise prize by sharing this challenge with a friend (for US residents only)! Here's how to get a bonus surprise prize. Limit two bonus surprise prizes per person per month.

1. Enter into May's Second Sunday Sketches challenge
2. Share May's Second Sunday Sketches challenge with a friend
3. Have your friend submit their May's challenge card entry. Email me that your friend has submitted their card entry. Submit your complete mailing address and the name of the friend that you shared with. I will confirm their entry and then send you a bonus surprise prize 1-3 business days after I draw May's winner.

Happy Stamping!
Beth

P.S. Ever wonder how I draw for the Second Sunday Sketches winner? I use an app called Tiny Decisions. I input all of the names of the participants onto the wheel and spin it. The name that the wheel stops on is the winner.

Sneak Peek: Tea Boutique Tea Boxes

 

One of my favorite things that I look forward to in each new Annual Catalog are the new In Colors! It is fun to see what new and trendy colors Stampin' Up! will offer! The 2022-2024 are bold, vibrant, and beautiful! The five new colors are Parakeet Party, Tahitian Tide, Sweet Sorbet, Starry Sky, and Orchid Oasis.

Today's tea box project was inspired by the 2022-2024 In Colors and my love of tea. I love how they are featured in the Tea Boutique Designer Series Paper (#158659). Tea cups and tea pots are paired with flowers, leaves, and stems.

 

 

It is a sweet, well done designers series paper! The scale of each pattern is perfect and easy to use on a variety of smaller and larger projects without losing the detail of the overall pattern, which can be difficult with the smaller 6" x 6" designer series paper packs. I love the paper with the flowers inside of the envelopes!

 

 

The 3-1/8" Acetate Card Boxes can hold 4-5 tea bags, depending on their size and how much tea is in each bag. You can also add 3" x 3" cards and envelopes, chocolates, or small gifts instead of tea.

Measurements

• Treat Box Base - 3-1/8" x 3-1/8" Ace Card Boxes (#150428 - retiring)
• 1st Mat - 2-3/4" x 2-3/4" (Tea Boutique Designer Series Paper)
  
• 2nd Mat - 2-3/4" x 2-3/4" (Tea Boutique Designer Series Paper) - die cut with the 2-3/8" x 2-3/8" Stylish Shapes square die
• Greeting - 1/2" x 3" (Basic White cardstock)
  

 

Materials

• #155090 Garden Birdhouses Stamp Set
  
• #158659 Tea Boutique Designer Series Paper
• #159276 Basic White Cardstock
• #159216 Sweet Sorbet Ink Pad
• #159212 Starry Sky Ink Pad
• #154031 Tear and Tape Adhesive
• #104430 Dimensionals
  
• #159195 2022-2024 In Color Baker's Twine Pack
  
• #150428 3-1/8" x 3-1/8" Acetate Card Boxes (retiring)
  
• Teabags
  

I can imagine bringing a few of these tea boxes to a friend's house for an afternoon cuppa! I hope you enjoyed today's Tea Boutique Tea Boxes and create your own tea boxes! You can customize your tea boxes with any of the papers in the Tea Boutique Designer Series Paper pack or use your favorite designer series papers. 

 

If you would like to purchase the supplies used for today's project, please call me to place an order or you can shop my online store HERE.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Beth

Q & A: How I Make Large Amounts of Treat Holders

One of my favorite types of papercrafting projects is a treat holder. I enjoy making treat holders for different holidays and occasions. I try to make a variety of treat containers, including boxes, bags, and pockets, that fit specific types of treats. Most often the treat is candy! 

And, of course, you can't just make one treat holder. I make quite a large number of treat holders for each holiday and occasion and give them to family, friends, customers, and community members. 

I get a lot of questions from my family, friends, and customers about how I make my treat holders. One of the most frequent questions I get is "how do I make so many treat holders all at once?". The answer is organized batching. I make a prototype, break it down into basic components, and make a plan for each step. Let's look at my thought process further.

Make a Treat Holder Prototype

The first step is to design the treat holder itself. Determine what kind of shape you would like the treat holder to be. Use grid paper to make a to-scale drawing or sketch it on a piece of paper. Once you are happy with your design, make a treat holder prototype. The prototype should be the actual size of your treat holder designer.

Tip: Write down your measurements for each part of the treat holder. Keep those measurements handy to refer to when cutting cardstock and designer series paper.

Break Down the Steps to Make the Treat Holder

Next, think about the steps it took to create your treat holder. Did you cut cardstock? Did you score or die cut? Make a list of each step. It is ok to have simple steps, such as place the candy in the box or score at 2". 

Tip: Breaking down the steps makes your preparation and assembly more efficient and less overwhelming.

Prepare One Step at a Time

Once you have your list of steps to prepare and make your treat holder, it is time to cut your materials and gather your supplies. Cut one step at a time. For example, if you have 3 parts to your treat holder, cut all of part 1, then all of part 2, and finally all of part 3. Keep your measurements close by to refer to.

Tip: If the treat holder has both scoring and cutting, I will score all of the pieces and then cut all of the pieces instead of scoring and cutting one piece at a time. 

Assemble One Step at a Time

Clear your workspace or table before beginning the preparation. Be sure to have plenty of room for each step's pieces, punches, die cuts, etc. Complete one step for each of the treat holders. Then move on to the next step and so on.

Tip: Have a landing area ready to hold completed treat holders such as a tray, a large bowl, or a platter to keep the clutter down and to avoid knocking a treat holder on the floor.

Sometimes, I will put on music, a podcast, or the tv. I catch up the latest episodes of my favorite shows while I assemble treat holders.

I hope this post helps you to see how I make large numbers of treat holders. What stamping questions do you have? Email your stamping questions. I would love to help answer your stamping questions in a future blog post!

Thanks for stopping by!

Beth

How I Store Cardstock and Cardstock Scraps

I like to store my 8-1/2" x 11" cardstock in clear job ticket holders like Jennifer McGuire. I also like to keep my scraps with the full sheets of cardstock. 

 

 

I found my job ticket holders at my local office supply store, but you can also find them online. I have used the regular thickness and the heavy duty thickness over the last several years. I find both thicknesses to be well-suited to holding a full pack of solid cardstock (24 sheets) as well as a full pack of Basic White cardstock (40 sheets) plus scraps. 

 

Storing my scraps with my full sheets of cardstock helps me

• to remember what color that scraps are, 
• to use the scraps on a more regular basis, and
• to not feel as if I am wasting as much paper.

 

I save small and large scraps. I like to die cut and punch different shapes, especially for treat holders and for classes. So, it makes sense for me to save smaller pieces too. I allow myself a period of time to keep it to see if I use and then toss after that time period is up without judgment (but limited to only one job ticket holder per color of cardstock).

 

Once I have more scraps in the clear envelope than full sheets of cardstock, I re-evaluate what scraps I still have. 

 

I take all of the scraps out of the job ticket holder and sort them. If I haven't used it and it is a smaller scrap, I will toss it. 

 

Then I put a new pack of full sheets of cardstock into the job ticket holder, followed by the remaining scraps (if there are any, and sometimes there isn't).

Keeping scraps is a personal choice and even which scraps to keep can vary from crafter to crafter. What size(s) of scraps one keeps can range from teeny tiny to not having scraps smaller than 3" square. 

 

Your crafting style can help you determine which scraps you keep and which you toss. If you do a lot of small die cutting, it may be beneficial to keep smaller scraps. If you do a lot of larger sized cards and die cutting, it may be beneficial to keep more of the larger scraps. This can even change as your crafting style changes or the types of projects you are making changes. 

 

How do you store your cardstock? How do you feel about scraps? Do you keep scraps? If so, do you store them with your full sheets of cardstock or in a separate storage system? I would love to hear how you store your cardstock and scraps! Leave me a comment below!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Beth

Second Sunday Sketches #36 Starts Today!

 

It is time for another Second Sunday Sketches challenge! If you are new to Second Sunday Sketches, please review the rules here or below. Each second Sunday of the month, I will post a card sketch. A sketch is graphic or drawing of how the elements of a card are arranged.

You will then use the sketch as a guide to create your own card. Your card must be a new creation and reflect the challenge guidelines. Your card must include the major elements of the card sketch, such as the number of layers and the general position of the embellishments and/or die cuts. You can rotate the sketch for a top-folding card or for a side-folding card.

You choose the occasion and the color palette as well as the stamp set(s) and the embellishments. I do ask that you use Stampin' Up! products (current or retired).

The measurements will also be included in the blog post for each Second Sunday Sketches sketch challenge. You can use the measurements as given or increase them or decrease them. For example, if a greeting is stamped on a 1" circle on the sketch, but the greeting you choose is 1-3/4", then increase the size of the circle to 1-3/4". You can also change the shape. Instead of a circle, you can use an oval, a square, a daisy punch, a monogram, etc.

The challenge will run from the second Sunday of the month until the last day of that month.

Below is April's card sketch.

Challenge Dates

April's challenge will run from April 10th, 2022 until April 30th, 2022 at 5pm EDT.

If you would like to participate in the Second Sunday Sketches sketch challenge, please create a card using the sketch above and email me a photo of your card by April 30th, 2022 at 5pm EDT with the subject line Second Sunday Sketches Entry.

Prize Drawing

The day after the last day of the month (May 1st), I will place all of the names of the participants in a proverbial hat and randomly draw a winner. The winner will receive a prize (US Residents only)! The prize each month will change and will be announced at the start of each challenge. April's Second Sunday Sketches sketch challenge prize is a surprise embellishment pack from my retired product cache and three hand-made cards from me.

Winner Announcement

If you are the winner, I will notify you by email. Please respond to my email with your complete mailing address, and I will mail you your prize! If the winner does not respond to my email within 7 days, I will draw another winner.

I will also post all of the entries on my blog (with your names attached to the photos) and the name of the winner.

Some Ideas on How to Make this Card Sketch Your Own

There are many ways to change this card to make it your own! You can rotate the card layout 90 degrees,make the banner longer or shorter, use a circle die to make the wreath shape, add a mat layer beneath the wreath, use embossing folders to add more texture to a mat layer, and more!

Share Second Sunday Sketches with a Friend

Be sure to join in on the fun and share with a friend! If you enter the Second Sunday Sketches challenge, you can get a bonus surprise prize by sharing this challenge with a friend (for US residents only)! Here's how to get a bonus surprise prize. Limit two bonus surprise prizes per person per month.

1. Enter into this month's Second Sunday Sketches challenge
2. Share this month's Second Sunday Sketches challenge with a friend (that hasn't participated before)
3. Have your friend submit their this month's challenge card entry
4. Email me that your friend has submitted their card entry. Submit your complete mailing address and the name of the friend that you shared with. I will confirm their entry and then send you a bonus surprise prize.

I am looking forward to seeing your personal take on the 36th Second Sunday Sketches sketch challenge! If you have any questions about this card sketch challenge, please let me know! I am happy to assist!

Happy Stamping!
Beth

The Winner of the Second Sunday Sketches #35 is...

Toni Shaw! Congratulations, Toni! Toni is the winner of the 35th Second Sunday Sketches card sketch challenge! Your prize, a mystery embellishment pack from my retired cache and 3 handmade cards, will be in the mail on Monday, April 4th, 2022.

The Easter greeting stamp is so cute, especially with the grass stamp and the bunny die cut! The marble designer series paper is perfect for springtime and sunny days!

Check out the other entries for the 35th Second Sunday Sketch card challenge. I love Donna's motorcycle card, especially the iconic orange, white, and black color palette! The embossing folder is a fantastic textural element! Turning the card sketch sideways was a great idea too! Well done everyone!

Want more Second Sunday Sketches? 

The next Second Sunday Sketches card challenge starts on April 10th, 2022. The prize will be a mystery embellishment package from my retired product cache and 3 handmade cards from me.

Share Second Sunday Sketches with a Friend

Be sure to join in on the fun and share with a friend! If you enter the Second Sunday Sketches challenge, you can get a bonus surprise prize by sharing this challenge with a friend (for US residents only)! Here's how to get a bonus surprise prize. Limit two bonus surprise prizes per person per month.

1. Enter into April's Second Sunday Sketches challenge
2. Share April's Second Sunday Sketches challenge with a friend
3. Have your friend submit their April's challenge card entry. Email me that your friend has submitted their card entry. Submit your complete mailing address and the name of the friend that you shared with. I will confirm their entry and then send you a bonus surprise prize 1-3 business days after I draw April's winner.

Happy Stamping!
Beth

P.S. Ever wonder how I draw for the Second Sunday Sketches winner? I use an app called Tiny Decisions. I input all of the names of the participants onto the wheel and spin it. The name that the wheel stops on is the winner.

Rainbow of Happiness Pop-Up Card

Today's card is a simple pop-up card featuring the Rainbow of Happiness stamp set and die bundle. This is a card that I created for my demonstrator team's April meeting. Each month between our demonstrator team meetings, I like to send demonstrator team members an envelope with the project pieces, basic instructions, and a photograph. 

 

 

Team members can assemble the card and embellish it using their favorite stamps, ribbons, and gems. Then we share what we have created at our next team meeting. Everyone's cards use the same card base but are decorated differently. It is super fun to see everyone's unique interpretation, design choices, and embellishments. It never ceases to amaze me how creative they are!

 

The pop-up mechanism is a piece of #155426 Pattern Party Designer Series Paper folded in half and cut to create a small platform for your die cuts and embellishments to sit on. Pattern Party Designer Series Paper is a beautiful, colorful gigantic pack of Designer Series Paper that you can earn as a host or by placing a qualifying customer or demonstrator order. There are 48 total sheets of 12 double-sided patterns! One side is black and white with floral or geometric patterns, and the other side has bolder, more vibrant patterns.

 

 

I used fellow demonstrator Mary Deatherage's pop-up mechanism cutting dimensions for today's card. However, you can customize the pop-up platform to be wider or narrower depending on the size of the die cut you are using. The remaining measurements and design are my own.

The pop-up platform is a rectangle cut and scored from the center of the designer series paper. The die cut sits on the front of the pop-up platform. The designer series paper is attached to the top and the bottom of the inside of the card base, creating the mechanism and causing the die cut to pop-up when the card is opened.

 

This pop-up fun fold looks more difficult than it really is and is such an unexpected surprise! I am really looking forward to seeing how the demonstrator team decorates their pop-up cards!

Pop-Up Card Measurements

• Card Base: 4-1/4" x 11"; scored at 5-1/2"
• Pop-Up Mechanism: 4-1/8" x 10-3/4"; scored at 5-3/8". Folded in half and cut according to the diagram below.

Pop-Up Card Supplies

Stamps

• #157721 Rainbow of Happiness Stamp Set
• #157727 Rainbow of Happiness Bundle (stamp set and die bundle)

Paper

• #159276 Basic White Cardstock
• #122924 Pool Party Cardstock
• #105118 So Saffron Cardstock
• #155426 Pattern Party Designer Series Paper

Ink

• #132708 Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad
• #147050 Poppy Parade Ink Pad
• #174086 Pumpkin Pie Ink Pad
• #147109 So Saffron Ink Pad
• #147052 Flirty Flamingo Ink Pad

Embellishments

• #104199 Linen Thread
• #104430 Dimensionals

Tools

• #110755 Liquid Glue
• #103579 Paper Snips
• #102300 Bone Folder
• #152392 Paper Trimmer
• #149653 Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
• #157726 Brilliant Rainbow Dies
• #144668 Everyday Label Punch
  

 

I hope you enjoyed today's card! If you would like to recreate this card and need any of the supplies, please, visit my online store. If you have any stamping questions, please, don't hesitate to ask!

Thanks for stopping by!

Beth

Last Chance Retiring Product Lists Are Now Available

The 2021–2022 Annual Catalog will be retiring soon! It’s always bittersweet to see a classic Stampin’ Up! catalog take a trip to retirement. But, we’re looking forward to all the new products on their way—and we hope you are, too!

Stock up on your favorite products before they’re gone for good! Save up to 50% on essential craft supplies. What are you waiting for? Start shopping! After all, this selection of Last Chance Products is only available while supplies last.

For all the details about this steal of a deal, keep scrolling! (All links open in a new window)

Promotion Details

Details

• Each Last Chance Products promotion typically includes a Retiring List (products that will no longer be available once the catalog retires) and a Carryover List (products that will still be available once the catalog retires). For this catalog’s Last Chance Products promotion, a Carryover List will not be provided.
• Discounts are not always available with the Retiring List. When they are, they will vary from one market to another.
• All products are available while supplies last, and there are no purchase limits.
• Discounted items can be added to a Starter Kit and redeemed as a 50% off item or with Stampin’ Rewards.
• Only orders opened and closed during the promotion period apply.
• Stamp Sets are not guaranteed during this promotion and are while supplies last.

 

Order Deadlines

• Phone: 2 May 2022 at 6:50 PM (MT)
• Online: 2 May 2022 at 11:50 PM (MT)

 

Retiring Product List

See which products will be on their way out once the 2021–2022 Annual Catalog retires.

• Download the US PDF file HERE.
• Download the US Excel spreadsheet HERE.
  

 

Retiring Product List Tips

• The best way for me to keep track of which products are retiring and which are not retiring is to go through the Retiring Product List line by line and mark it in my 2021-2022 Annual Catalog. I mark an "R" for retiring and a "CO" for carrying over by each product.
  
• Take your time reading each product line. There is a lot of information jammed packed into one tiny chart!
• Print an enlarged copy of the Retiring Product List. The font is super teeny tiny. I printed my list from Adobe Reader and enlarged it to 110% on my print options menu before pressing print.

Let's Shop

The quickest way to see if your favorite retiring products are still in stock is to check my online store HERE. 

I created a To Order List to help you keep track of your must have retiring products and any products that you would like to order. You can check it out on my Resources Page or directly download the To Order List PDF HERE.

 

 

I am surprised that quite a few of my favorite products made it to the retiring list! The tag topper punches, the metallic pearls, the Sweet Strawberry stamp set and punch, and the bark 3D embossing folder are what come to the top of my list right away. 

I am currently working on a few Easter projects for my family and need more metallic pearls to complete them. I am definitely putting #146282 Metallic Pearls on my To Order List right now! 

What are you putting on your To Order List?

Thanks for stopping by!

Beth