Baskets and Blooms Projects

I was completely surprised by the number of Big Shot items that are being retired.  One of the dies that will no longer be available after 6/30 is Baskets and Blooms.  The good news is that now you can get it for 25% off (now $29.96).

Today I have several projects to share with you. These are just some of the things you can do with this great die, but it's a start...

*I know some of you like to sew:  this is the die I used to make the cute little felt basket I had.  I'll try to add a picture if I can find it.  Can't believe I haven't already posted it.  Anyhow, I basically just ran felt through the Big Shot and then sewed up the pieces.  You could use the flowers on the die to embellish or add your own touch.

This is the traditional use for this die -- a basket.  These are shown from the front and the top (you can tell by the kisses about how big the basket is).  The flowers, stripe and tag are all on the die, too.

I left out the bottom panel and re-scored a couple lines to get this cute tote.  If this die wasn't retiring I would have been demo-ing a fancier version at my July workshops.  Showed the tote from the front and the side so you can get an idea of how it goes together.

I used just one basket side to make this card.  I left the basket open so that you can insert something in it.  The sample on the right shows a gift card, but you could put a check, a note, anything small and somewhat flat.

This card was made with some of the scraps I had left over.  You can cut your card stock to size so you only cut out the pieces you need, but I cut these before I realized that.  So, I made a couple of flowers and ran it through the Big Shot using the square lattice embossing folder.  I used a stamp from Hodgepodge Happiness for the sentiment.  I think the flower that is on the die would coordinate nicely with the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (haven't tried it, but it looks like it).

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.  Be sure to check out all of the retiring items and get the ones you want before they are gone!

Fun and Fast Notes Birthday and Congratulations

Here are a few cards made with that great set Fun and Fast Notes:

This top card uses the Fast Flower wheel which is also retiring.

The next two cards use the So Many Stars Builder Wheel.  They also are examples of how you can mix and match the images and words in this set.  Both use the star, but one is a birthday card and the other congratulations.

This card shows how you can use an image from Fun and Fast Notes with a sentiment from another set -- in this case Congrats.



Engraved Greetings Purple

This is a quick, easy thank you card using Engraved Greetings and Punch Potpourri.

The two images (Thank You and Happy Birthday) in Engraved Greetings are big enough to build around as the focal point of the card.  They also are elegant looking, so you could make some very fancy cards with these stamps.

Don't miss out on this great stamp set.  Order it before it's gone for good!



Fun and Fast Notes Concord Crush flowers

 Fun and Fast Notes is a super versatile set.  It has stamps for a variety of occasions.  In includes a sentiment and a matching image that you can color so you can coordinate with whatever ink and card stock you have on hand.  You can also mix and match the images.  Or you can do like I did with this card and just use the image.  I stamped a separate sentiment inside.

I used the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder on the Concord Crush background.  The flowers, which were colored with Stampin' Write markers, were punched out with the 1 3/4" circle punch and then layered on a scallop of Blushing Bride which was punched with the largest size scallop circle punch.

This set retires June 30th.  Be sure to get it before it's gone!

Here's another great use for Fun and Fast Notes:  it's perfectly sized for 3 x 3 cards.

Sense of Time

This card uses the retiring set Sense of Time (Item # 113804, $22.95).  I'm still surprised that this one is being retired.  It's my favorite card for milestone events (like the card I posted recently for a 50th birthday).  I can see using it with silver for a 25th wedding anniversary (or gold for a 50th).

This card also uses the Texturz Plates Kit #4 (Item # 114531, $9.95 for 3 plates/6 designs) that are retiring.  I've mentioned I like to use this plate to simulate a wood background.  This time I was going for leather.  The eyelet was set with my Crop-o-dile.

The eyelets have retired and are no longer available.  Retiring stamp sets are available until June 30, but accessories are only available while supplies last (but not past 6/30).  Order today (click the Order Online button in the upper right corner or contact me directly) so you don't miss out!  You can also click on the Say Goodbye button in the upper left corner of the page to check out the items that are retiring.

Sunny Fun Watercolor

I'm taking a break from projects using items on the last chance list to share this card made with Sunny Fun.

I used my aqua painter and Classic ink to watercolor the kids since they are playing in water.  I used Stampin' Write markers to color the frozen treats because I always think they get a little darker and brighter on a sunny day right before they start melting away.

The frozen treats are layered on the Postage Stamp punch and adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I used the Scallop Edge Border punch to create the waves.  The Designer Series Paper behind the kids is from Brights Paper Stack.

EDIT 6/23/11:  I belong to this great group called Late Night Stampers.  It's a community of stampers who share what they love.  Every week they have a challenge.  I've entered a few times and have found it's kind of fun to challenge yourself to follow the theme of the challenge (guess that's why it's called a challenge -- hey, nothing gets past me, lol).  Last week's theme was Water, Water Everywhere and this card was my entry.  Guess what:  MY CARD WAS SELECTED AS THE WINNER!!  I am very excited (just in case the red capital letters didn't give it away)!  There are lots of talented stampers in that group, so I consider it a real honor.  Anyhow, I just wanted to share my good news with you.

Late Night Stampers (LNS) is open to all stampers who want to share their talents with others.  There's another group called LNS Demos, which as the name implies, is only open to demonstrators.  But, if you've ever thought about becoming a demo (or even if you haven't before now), I'd love to be your upline.  I have thoroughly enjoyed being a demo and I love all of the extra opportunities available to me.  Stampin' Up has set up an entire online network (don't know if that is the correct terminology) where demos can share ideas.  It's an awesome resource.  Plus SU sends us a magazine every month (that demos get for free) full of great information.  There's more, but this is already pretty long.  If you'd like info about becoming a demo or about LNS please contact me.

Hope you have a great day!



Define Your Life (plus Eastern Blooms and other sets)

Each of the three cards today uses the gratitude stamp from the retiring set Define Your Life.  I will put a nice thank you verse inside and then use them for Project Give Thanks.

You could use any definition.  It just depends what you plan to use the card for.  Sending a card for no particular reason?  Use because.  Anniversary?  Use together.  Job well done?  Use quality.  There are 26 definitions in this set so you're likely to find a definition to fit your need.

This card also uses Eastern Blooms, which is another retiring set.

The following card uses the stamp set Fifth Avenue Florals.  Colors are Cherry Cobbler and Daffodil Delight.



This card uses Sprinkles, which retired last year.  But if you want it, I have a brand new set I'd be happy to sell to you.



Don't forget, buy Define Your Life before it's gone and get your choice of either a free pack of cardstock ($6.95) or a free stamp set (you choose from a selection I have on hand - value up to $17.95). Order Define Your Life and an alphabet set ($43.95) and receive 2 free packs of cardstock (one for each stamp set ordered) PLUS a free stamp set (OR two free stamp sets and a pack of cardstock). You must contact me directly to take advantage of this special.

Simple Flower Embosslit and Cute by the Inch

This card uses two retiring products:  the hostess set Cute by the Inch and the Simple Flower embosslit.  Both the Simple Flower embosslit and the Flower Burst embosslit are great because they cut and emboss the flower in one pass through the Big Shot.  It's quick, it's easy and it looks great!  Can't beat that.

The colors are Night of Navy and Crushed Curry.  The Crushed Curry flowers were made with the Simple Flower embosslit.  The Night of Navy flower was made with the scallop punch.  I just cut in towards the center at each scallop.  Just be careful not to go too far or your petal will come off.  The center was made with the circle from the Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack. 

The stamped image was punched out using the Postage Stamp punch from the Summer Mini catalog.  It fits perfectly.  If you aren't going to qualify for this hostess set by the end of the month (contact me if you want to try), the stamp set Pretty Postage (also from the Summer Mini) was designed to coordinate with the punch.  The layer under the stamped image is the smaller scallop square from the Scallop Squares Duo die.

The background is Whisper White, which means in real life it's as bright (or brighter) as my watermark.  I had a hard time getting a good photo, but you get the idea.

Fresh Cuts with Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch

This set, Fresh Cuts, will be retiring at the end of the month.

I made the card base with the Scallop Square Bigz Die.  Just fold the cardstock in half and make sure the fold is below the outside edge when you run it through the Big Shot.  That way the fold doesn't get cut, leaving you a scallop square card base.

I stamped the image from Fresh Cuts and then used Stampin' Dimensionals to add a flower made with the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch.  There is a So Saffron flower brad in the center of the flower.

This is what the card looks like without the flower brad.  It's cute, but I think the brad adds that nice little extra pop.   I attached the flower with SNAIL rather than Stampin' Dimensionals so it is flat against the card.

Animal Stories

I love the little animals in Animal Stories.  They are all so cute.  There is an owl (click the link to see a card made with it), a whale (cards below), an elephant (the top card) and a giraffe (great for baby cards).  I'm going to miss this set.

The sentiment comes from the stamp set Smarty Pants, which is full of humorous sayings.

I used the scallop square punch to create the waves and scallop oval punch for the clouds. 

The background is from Circle Circus.



Simply Said

I used Simply Said on the very first card I did in a class as a Stampin' Up demonstrator.  This isn't that card, but it is that stamp set.  I even made the background with one of the stamps from Simply Said.  It's a cute set.  If you don't have it you might want to get it before it's gone.



June Card Kit of the Month

I'm taking a break from presenting projects made with retiring products to present the June Card Kit of the Month.  Card Kits are the Stamping Classes that come right to your door!

Order yours today!

The Card Kit of the Month Program – June 2011

Featured Set: “Fabulous Florets”

Featured Accessory: Basic Rhinestone Jewels

You’ll receive the supplies to create SIX of EACH design shown here – that means all of the consumable supplies that you need to create 12 cards total. You will also receive 2 additional full color photographs of “alternative” cards that you can make with the combined contents of the kit! In addition, you’ll receive detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to complete each of the 4 designs. This month’s card kit items are listed below, and the price of the Card Kit is just $20 – that’s less than $1.70 per card!!

Card Kit Order Deadline is June 20th. You will receive your kits near the end of the month.

Special Offer for June! Purchase the Card Kit and receive the, featured stamp sets “Fabulous Florets” and “Teeny Tiny Wishes” and the Featured Accessory, “Basic Rhinestone Jewels” at 20% off!

The Card Kit ($20) Includes:

 Cut Cardstock & Designer Series Paper Pieces (DSP will vary in print)

 Cut Ribbon and Baker’s Twine Pieces
 12 – Die Cut Large Scallop Squares
 12 – Whisper White Medium Envelopes
 Step by Step Instructions to complete 4 different card designs using the kit pieces

Add-On Products:

 Daffodil Delight Classic Ink ($5.95)
 Wild Wasabi Classic Ink ($5.95)
 Tangerine Tango Classic Ink ($5.95)
 Pacific Point Classic Ink ($5.95)
 1 ¾” Circle Punch ($16.95)
 2 3/8” Circle Punch ($16.95)
 1 ¾” x 7/8” Oval Punch ($15.95)
 1 3/8” x 5/8” Oval Punch ($15.95)
 ½” Circle Punch ($5.95)
 Fabulous Florets Stamp Set: Wood - ($23.95) $19.16, Clear - ($17.95) $14.36 with the purchase of the Card Kit.
 Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set: Wood - ($36.95) $29.56, with the purchase of the Card Kit.
 Basic Rhinestone Jewels ($4.95) $3.96 with the purchase of the Card Kit.

Other Optional Purchases:

 Stampin’ Dimensionals ($3.95)
 SNAIL Adhesive ($6.95)
 Bone Folder ($6.95)
 Paper Snips ($9.95)

Contact me to order your Card Kit today!

Define Your Life (w/ butterfly)

I love the set Define Your Life.  It has so many great definitions to use on scrapbook pages, on cards or on other paper crafts.  Instead of retiring this set, I think they need to come out with a Define Your Life 2.  Unfortunately, that choice is not up to me :(

Here's a card I actually did a while ago.  I've made it in several different colors -- sponged and not sponged.  Sometimes, I've changed the definition.  I liked them all.  We did this card in Ruby Red in a class.

Flowers from Elegant Bouquet embossing folder sponged:

Flowers not sponged:

Though they are a little hard to see in this picture, the flowers look really nice in person.

Seeing this card again has inspired me to go make some.  And I know just who I'm going to give them to.

Cupcake Card

The retiring product on this card is the Big Bold Cupcakes die set.  I texturized the top with a polka dotted texturz plate (not from the retiring pack) and the bottom with my crimper.  You can use this die set with the cupcake punch to have different size cupcakes on your project.  The variety really opens up the possibilities.

I used the Birthday builder wheel along the bottom of the card.  Did you know they could be used alone?  That's part of what makes them so fun -- you can mix and match them in so many ways.

Wellness Wishes

Here's a card I made using Wellness Wishes, another set that is retiring.  This set is pretty versatile for a set with only three stamps.  There is a cute little band-aid that says get well soon and a Praying for you... stamp that I just love.  You can see a couple of cards using that stamp here. 



Big On Christmas and Texturz Plates

Another great stamp set that is retiring is Big on Christmas.  It has three large images that are the perfect size for the center panel of a trifold shutter card.  The size is large enough so you can use it as the focal point for a regular card as well.

Here are two trifold shutter cards.  I've made more, but these are the only ones I can find pictures of.  If I run across more later I'll add them.  Like I said, the image fits perfectly on the center panel.  I also used the Texturz plates that are retiring on the tree and the tree trunk.

 Happy Holidays Open:

Happy Holidays Closed:

Noel Open:

Noel Closed:

There were a few non-SU stamps on the Noel card but that's because this was made before I got Jolly Bingo Bits which has lots of images that would fit nicely on this card.

The card I made using Let It Snow had a large Big Shot die cut snowflake on the front and smaller ones inside.  I can't remember much else about it right now, but if you get Big On Christmas and want more details, I'll do my best to help.

Cheers To You

Many of my favorite sets are retiring at the end of the month.  I will be sad to see them go.  Here are a few cards I made using Cheers to You.  Not only is the stamp set retiring, so it the matching wheel.  There are no cards using the wheel in today's post, but there are some posted elsewhere on my blog.

I made this card for my husband on our last anniversary.

I meant to post this one on March 17 and wish you all a Happy St. Patrick's Day.  Guess I forgot :)

Last Chance List is here!

Stampin' Up has released this year's last chance list.  I have to say, I'm surprised by some of the stamp sets, Big Shot dies and punches that are being retired.  Some of my favorites are on that list!  But on the bright side, that means lots of new, exciting products in the new catalog, which goes live July 1st.  As a demonstrator I'm able to get a sneak peek at some of the new items and I'm pretty sure you'll like what you see!  As a demonstrator I also get to pre-order from all new catalogs before they are released.  Join my team and you can, too.  Contact me for info.

Click here to check out the last chance items.

You can also click on the Say Goodbye icon on the upper lefthand side of my blog (good to know if you want to check it out again another day and don't want to have to find this post).

Some of the accessories are discounted, but they do not show the sale price until you click on the item.  You can go straight to the discounted items by choosing that option (under Last Chance) in the online Store.  That way you know which ones are discounted.  You'll still have to click on the item to see the sale price.  Don't spend all your time on the discounted items though, because there are lots of great products in the other categories, too.

As much as I love many of the sets that are going away, I have not posted as much of them as I'd like.  Some I love and have never posted anything using them even though they've seen lots of ink.  Here are links to my posts that contain stamp sets and other items that are retiring.

A Flower for All Seasons

A Good Egg

Animal Stories

Cheers to You

Define Your Life

Eastern Blooms

Engraved Greetings

fast flower wheel

Forest Friends

Fresh Cuts

Fun and Fast Notes

Hodgepodge Hardware

Hope Happens

love you much

On the Green

Razzle Dazzle

Sense of Time

Simple Flower Embosslit

Simply Said

Things I Love

Wellness Wishes

Of course the Hostess sets will retire.  You can get those for free by having a qualifying party (by the end of June).  Or, you can go in together with some of your friends.  If your total order is $150 or over it will qualify for free hostess merchandise.  Or, if you want a whole bunch off the list yourself, place an order of $150 or more and you'll earn free hostess merchandise.  Also, I will give away hostess sets from all qualifying group orders placed in June.  Everyone who participates in the group order will be in the drawing.  Larger orders will get more entries.  So, there are lots of ways to try to get the retiring hostess sets.

Because I Care

Punch Potpourri

See pages 10-16 in the catalog to see all of the hostess sets.

Also, one pack of Texturz plates is retiring.  I use both packs a lot.  Here's a link to see them in use (I didn't differentiate between packs, so not all of the Tuxturz plates shown are retiring).  I particulary like using the one plate to give a wood grain look (you can kind of see the plate I'm talking about in the sample with the wreath -- it's supposed to look like the door behind it -- but the picture is very blurry; it's also the one I used for the top of the acorn).  I've used it with Cheers to You to look like the bar under the drink and behind the clock in Sense of Time.  The design on the backside of that plate (example in the Father's Day card) is great for masculine cards.  I have used every one of the retiring plates, but (no surprise) have only posted a couple of projects using them.

Texturz Plates

Thanks for reading this far.  I know it's a lot of information.  I'll post more samples soon using retiring items.  If you attend my events, you may recognize some of them (and some will be new).

You also can go to the Stampin' Up galleries at SplitCoastStampers to see the retiring sets in use.  This is an awesome resource!

If you have any questions or comments about the Last Chance list, add a comment to this post (because I'm sure others will be interested) and I'll get back to you.

Disclaimer:  There may be other posts that contain retiring items.  I went through the labels and pulled out what I saw.  Also, these samples are just a drop in the bucket compared to everything that is retiring.  But, I hope they'll help you when deciding what to get off the Last Chance List.