Don't be Afraid to Sparkle! NC SU Demos August Blog Hop

Welcome to the August North Carolina Stampin' Up! Demos Blog Hop. This month we are going sparkly. A little sparkle can really make a project pop, so don't be afraid to add a little Wink of Stella, use some Glimmer Paper, or add some rhinestones. I've used all three on this card. I'm sorry the photo doesn't show off the sparkle the way it looks in person because it really does add a lot.

Stamps: Fairy Celebration

Cardstock: Petal Pink, Soft Sea Foam, Whisper White

Other Paper: Silver Glimmer Paper, Twinkle Twinkle Designer Series Paper (DSP)

Ink: Night of Navy

Embellishments: Basic Rhinestones, Wink of Stella

Here's a close-up of the wings so you can see the sparkle that the Wink of Stella adds.

 Just a reminder that there are still a few days left to take advantage of Bonus Days. For every $50 you spend in August, you'll get a $5 coupon to spend in September. You can shop through my online store here. Use the current hostess code (XAA22TYU) and get a thank you gift from me. I appreciate your support.

Thanks for joining us on our blog hop. Next up is Sue Stapp. Hop on over to her  blog to see her sparkly project.

Toni Campana
Jo Anne Hewins
Tracie Evans Langley
Sue Root - You are here.
Sue Stapp
Frances Wagner

Celebrating Summer! NC SU Demos July Blog Hop

Welcome to the July North Carolina Stampin' Up! Demos Blog Hop. This month we are celebrating all things summer -- and there sure is a lot to celebrate.

Going to the beach is a very summery thing to do and so my card today features an octopus. Unless you SCUBA, or sadly, see one washed up on the shore, you'll probably never see an octopus on your beach trip, but it's there hiding in the ocean depths.

I've used several products from the Tranquil Textures Suite - Sea of Textures stamp set, Under the Sea framelits, Tranquil Textures 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock Pack, and Tranquil Textures Designer Series Paper (DSP). I also used Tranquil Tide, Fresh Fig, and Whisper White Cardstock; Basic Rhinestones; and Night of Navy and Fresh Fig ink.

I like to put a little something on the inside of my cards, even when I don't have a sentiment. For this card, I put the octopus. It's stamped off, so basically, after I stamped the image for the front of the card, I just stamped it again on the inside without re-inking. This would also be great to do on the envelope.

Selected packs of Designer Series Paper (DSP) are on sale in July - Buy 3, Get 1 Free. The Tranquil Textures DSP used on today's card is one of the ones on sale. See details and get yours here.

Thanks for joining us on our blog hop. Next up is Sue Stapp. Hop on over to her  blog to see what creativity she has in store for you.
 

Full list of blog hop participants:

Toni Campana
Tamra Davis
Jo Anne Hewins
Tracie Evans Langley
Laurie Meier
Sue Root - you are hear
Sue Stapp
Frances Wagner

NC SU Demos June Blog Hop - What's New With You?

Welcome to the June NC Stampin' Up! Demos Blog Hop. Our blog hop is featuring items from the awesome new annual catalog. It's been a couple months since I've been able to participate, so I'm glad to be back. For my project, I am featuring the Rooted In Nature bundle. I love this bundle and not just because of it's great name - ROOTed In Nature (says Sue Root). I know -- *groan*  (or ha ha depending on your sense of humor).

Anyhow, the framelits in this bundle have embossing dies and cutting dies. You can emboss directly on the cardstock, emboss and then cut out the embossed image, or stamp and then cut out the embossed image. I've done all three on this card.

The mat behind the wording was made by distressing the edges with my scissors and then wadding up the cardstock over and over until it got this great texture. I love this sentiment - Be strong, Be happy, Be you! There are lots of other great sentiments as well. Between the framelits and the stamps, this is a wonderful bundle you will definitely want to own.

 

 Hope you've enjoyed today's post. Next on the hop is  Sue Stapp. I'm sure she'll have something creative for you.

 

Click on each name for blog hop!

Toni Campana

Jo Anne Hewins

Tracie Evans Langley

Laurie Meier

Sue Root - You are here

Sue Stapp 

Frances Wagner

This is the card I made for the 50th birthday of a very special person.

The 50 is from Number of Years (which retired and is no longer available). You could use the Large Numbers framelits (but they are retiring, so get them quick).  The other stamps are from Happy Birthday Gorgeous. I cannot remember the DSP name (if you do, please leave it in a comment so my readers and I will know). The washi tape is a Sale-a-Bration item from last year but you could use a strip of Silver Glimmer Paper. Also be aware that some of these colors are retiring and will not be available after tomorrow - Island Indigo and Tangerine Tango.

I think this style of card is cool.  Little extra things like this - fancy folds, fancy cuts, etc. - add a lot to a card. And some of them, like this one, are pretty simple to do. These pictures give you an idea of how the card goes together and let you see the inside.

This card was CASEd from a shoebox swap I did at an NC SU Demos event.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Don't forget, if you haven't gotten them yet, get last chance (retiring) items by tomorrow and the new catalog starts on June 1st!

May Stamp Club Cards

Here are the cards we made at this month's stamp club. Some of the items are retiring, so will only be available through 5/31/18.

Supplies:

Stamps: Garden in Bloom (retiring)

Ink: Rose Red (retiring), Powder Pink, So Saffron

Cardstock:  Rose Red (retiring), Whisper White

Supplies:

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree

Ink: Chocolate Chip (retiring), Garden Green

Cardstock:  Chocolate Chip (retiring), Garden Green,Whisper White

Designer Series Paper (DSP): Coffee Break (retiring)

Ribbon:  Gold 1/8" (retiring, discounted)

We used Stampin' Write markers directly on the stamp to get the two colors on one image.

Some people in class put a little knot in the center of the ribbon, which I really liked. Try it both ways and see what you think.

Supplies:

Stamps: Coffee Cafe, Lovely Inside & Out (inside of card, retiring)

Ink: Garden Green, Pool Party

Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Garden Green,Whisper White

Designer Series Paper (DSP): Coffee Break (retiring)

Big Shot: Coffee Cup Framelits (not retiring, but this will no longer be available as a bundle with Coffee Cafe stamps in the new catalog); Lovely Words (retiring)

Bakers' Twine: Old Olive (retiring)

Here's the inside of the card:

Two ways to get these great items before they are gone. 1) I am placing a group order on 5/30. Contact me to be a part of it. 2) order online using hostess code FXRC9Y7Z. Thank you!

FLASH SALE: from now until 5:00pm on 5/30/18, I will pay the shipping* and tax on select items (including colored, Whisper White, Very Vanilla, shimmery, vellum, and glossy cardstock; DSP; envelopes; ink pads; grid paper; and Many Marvelous Markers).

*I will pay the standard 10% shipping on the select items. You're responsible for any shipping above that, for example to meet the minimum shipping for an online order or if you expedite shipping.

If you are part of the group order, I will take the tax and shipping off what you owe. If you do an online order, I will reimburse you for the shipping* and tax for the items including in the sale. Contact me for full details or if you have any questions.

Retiring Items Discounted and Share What You Love

Hi Stampers! I know it's been a while since I posted. I'm sorry. I've just been very busy. This is just a quick post to let you know that some items on the Last Chance list have been discounted -- some up to 50%!

Here's where you can see the discounted items:

https://su-media.s3.amazonaws.com/media/Promotions/NA/2018/Retiring%20List/AC-OCC%20Retired%20Disc-US.pdf

Have you seen the special pre-order bundle? Get items from the new catalog in May. There are free gifts included. Check them out here.

 I am putting in a group order tonight if you are a local customer and would like to take part. Or, you can order online. Please use hostess code: NJRTQHQR to get a free gift from me.

Thanks for being my customer! I'll be back soon with some more inspiration.

Coffee Café Card

This Coffee Café card was part of a shoebox swap I did with some other members of the NC Stampin' Up! Demos group. It's a fancy fold card.

 Here's what it looks like open:

Supplies:

Stamps: Coffee Café

Ink: Early Espresso

Cardstock: Garden Green, Soft Suede, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper (DSP): Coffee Break (RETIRING)

Big Shot: Coffee Cup Framelits, Layering Oval Framelits

2018 Color Revamp

In my last post I shared information about the Last Chance (AKA Retirement) list. Remember, most of the retiring items are already in the "while supplies last" mode and some are already gone. You can see that post here. Order soon so you don't miss the chance to get what you want.

As you may have noticed, there are several retiring colors on the Last Chance list. When colors go, new colors need to replace them. I am super excited about this Color Revamp! You will be, too, once you see all the beautiful new and returning colors

Before I show you the colors, I want to share some information from Stampin' Up! Those of you who are impatient can skip to the color charts 😉

The spice of life is variety, and that’s especially true in the world of color. Stampin’ Up! makes a point to keep an eye on color trends across different markets and industries. When we see changes happening, we review our color spectrum to ensure that we remain consistently on top of the trends.

This brings us to the 2018 Color Revamp! In order to keep bringing you the most current and on trend colors, we decided it was time to give our color collections a makeover.

There are still four color collections, each with ten colors. There is also a new color group called Basics. In order to keep our color collections to exclusive Stampin’ Up! colors, we moved Basic Black, Very Vanilla, and Whisper White out of the Neutrals collection. We’ve also moved a few colors into the Neutrals collection, making it more exciting and colorful!

Some additional colors have changed collections as well—you’ll notice this as you look through the new collections below. You can refer to the old and new color charts in the 2018-2019 catalog when it's released June 1st. These changes were based on needing to maintain color balance in our updated collections. For example, Poppy Parade is now the brightest red so it is part of the Brights collection

Here’s some key information to keep in mind about our color offering:

• Keeping 27 of the existing core colors
• 13 core colors are going away
• Adding 10 new core colors
• Adding 6 returning In Colors that will now be core colors (colors offered in the past that will now be available again)

• Mossy Meadow
• Poppy Parade
• Flirty Flamingo
• Coastal Cabana
• Mint Macaron
• Blackberry Bliss

There are no changes to the In Color program. Every two years we will continue to introduce five new In Colors that will be available for the ensuing two years. 

And now, the unveiling!

IN COLORS

NEW COLORS

COLOR FAMILIES

FREE COLOR TOOLS: Stampin' Up! has provided some resources which you may find helpful.

Online Color Coach: The online color coach shows great color combinations featuring all of our new and returning colors. There is also a blank color coach that serves as a template where you can create your own color combinations.

Online Color Coach

Blank Color Coach (so you can record favorite color combinations you discover)

2017-19 In Color Online Color Coach

2017-19 In Color Blank Coach

Hex Codes Values(these will make sure that any digital materials you create will show the colors correctly)

Color labels 

Brights Paper, Pad & Marker chart 

Neutral Paper, Pad & Marker chart 

Regals Paper, Pad & Marker chart 

Subtles Paper, Pad & Marker chart 

In Color Paper, Pad & Marker chart

Stampin Up! is also changing the ink pad style, but that will be a post for another day.

Last Chance Items (AKA the Retirement List)

The Retirement List has posted. It's always so bittersweet - sad to see some favorites go but excited for all the new stuff that will come in the new catalog to replace it. The big news, in my opinion, is the color re-vamp. I'm going to miss several of these colors go, but there are some great new ones on the way (and some in-colors on the way back).

Here are the pdf links. If you'd like an excel copy, let me know and I'll send you one.

Annual Catalog

Occasions Catalog

You also can go to the Online Store. If you do it that way, you can see pictures of the items. I find this the easiest way to see what's retiring.

Don't freak out when you see all the ink pads on the list. The case has been redesigned and the ink improved. Therefore, the old style case is retiring, not all those colors.

These are the colors that are retiring:
Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Elegant Eggplant, Island Indigo, Marina Mist, Perfect Plum, Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, Soft Sky, Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise, Wild Wasabi, and Wisteria Wonder. 2016-18 in colors are also retiring.

Some items are while supplies last, beginning today. Others are guaranteed to be available for a while and then become while supplies last. This chart will help you as you plan what to buy when.

Product	Retiring Color(s)
Classic Stampin’ Pads	Guaranteed stock of old ink pad design through May 7, 2018; then, available while supplies last May 7–31, 2018
Classic Stampin’ Pad Collections	While supplies last—through May 31, 2018
Classic Stampin’ Ink Refills	Guaranteed stock through May 7, 2018; then, available while supplies last May 7–31, 2018
Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill Collections	While supplies last—through May 31, 2018
Single Color Cardstock (All sizes and colors)	While supplies last—through May 31, 2018
Cardstock Packs, Collections, etc. (all sizes and colors)	While supplies last—through May 31, 2018
Stampin’ Write Markers (2-pack, Collections, and Many Marvelous Markers)	While supplies last—through May 31, 2018
Color Caddy	While supplies last—through May 31, 2018
Color Embellishments	While supplies last—through May 31, 2018

Due to high demand for retiring stamp sets, retiring stamp sets will be guaranteed available until May 25; all other products (except as noted above) are not guaranteed and are only available while supplies last.

I will place a group order tomorrow if you'd like to order some retiring items. You can also order online. Current hostess code:  64MPV3ZU. Free gift from me when you use the hostess code or with the group order.

Hugs!

Here's a quick card I made using the Lovely Inside & Out stamp set and
Lovely Words thinlits. 

Supplies:

Stamps:  Lovely Inside & Out 

Cardstock:  Basic Black and Whisper White

Designer Series Paper (DSP):  Fresh Florals DSP stack. 

Baker's Twine:  Solid Whisper White Solid 

Big Shot:  Lovely Words Thinlits and Layering Circle Framelits

Riding Off Into The Sunset

This card makes me think of the motorcycle rider riding off into the sunset for a great adventure. The name of the stamp set, One Wild Ride, fits right into that idea.

In my recent class, I taught how to make watercolor backgrounds with the Stampin' Spritzer. This card uses Whisper White cardstock. We also did one on watercolor paper so the stampers could see the difference in how the same technique looks different on different types of paper. You can see that card here.

For this background, we applied ink directly to a size E acrylic block, spritzed it with water, and then put the block down on the cardstock. I used the stamp pads to apply the ink directly to the block. I just rubbed each color in a somewhat straight line across the block in layers. Colors from bottom to top are Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, Rose Red, and Tempting Turquoise. When doing a technique like this, always apply your colors from lightest to darkest. The amount of water you spritz will determine how your colors blend together. Keep in mind when trying this technique that every time you do it, the background will turn out different

 Here's the inside of the card:

While you're at it, you can decorate your envelope with some of these elements, too. I don't have any pictures, but the stampers in class came up with some great envelopes. Stamping your envelopes is just one of those extra touches that steps your card up a notch.

Happy Birthday

In my recent class, I taught how to make watercolor backgrounds with the Stampin' Spritzer. This card uses watercolor paper. We also did one on Whisper White cardstock so the stampers could see the difference in how the same technique looks different on different types of paper. You can see that card in an upcoming post (Edit: see it here Wednesday evening).

For this background, we applied ink directly to a size E acrylic block, spritzed it with water, and then put the block down on the watercolor paper. I used sponge daubers to apply the ink to the block. Colors are Elegant Eggplant, Daffodil Delight, and Tangerine Tango. When doing a technique like this, always apply your colors from lightest to darkest. The amount of water you spritz will determine how your colors blend together. Keep in mind when trying this technique that every time you do it, the background will turn out different.

I used the Happy Birthday Thinlits for the main image over the watercolor background. The heart is from the Brights Enamel Shapes. The Designer Series Paper (DSP) is from Springtime Foils, which was a Sale-a-Bration (SAB) set this year. Unfortunately SAB ended a couple of days ago. Hopefully you got this beautiful DSP while it was available. If not, let me know and I can get you some (limited supplies). Or, check out the Bundle Of Love Specialty DSP. I think there's a design in there that would work.

Have you tried this technique before? Leave a comment below to tell me what you thought of it.

Hello Easter

Today I am wishing you Happy Easter with the Hello Easter stamp set by Stampin' Up!

 

This first card uses an idea I have done several times in the past. I used an Oval Framelit for the Easter egg. In this case, I cut it in half with a zig zag pattern. Then I put the halves together like the egg was opening and put a little chick inside. The chick is actually the top of a bird from the Birds & Blooms Thinlits. The Designer Series Paper (DSP) is Delightful Daisy .

Again I used the Hello Easter set, but this time I used the egg from the stamp set. I used several of the other stamps, too. Each bigger Pool Party  image inside the white circles has a Basic Pearl on it. The DSP is the Fresh Florals DSP Stack.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I hope you and your families all have a very Happy Easter.

Celebrate You SAB Style

Today's card features the Amazing You stamp set, which you can get for free with a $50 purchase and the Celebrate You Thinlit Dies, which you can get for free with a $100 purchase through March 31, the end of Sale-a-Bration (SAB).

This clean and simple card is quick and easy to make, but really makes an impact. Colors: Always Artichoke, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, and Whisper White. The flower is colored using Stmpin' Write markers.

Hurry! Only a few more days left of SAB an your chance to get these great items free with purchase.

Blossoming Bask SAB Set

As we near the end of Sale-a-Bration (SAB), I'll be blitzing you with projects featuring SAB items. Through March 31, you can choose 1 free SAB item with each $50 purchase. There are also some SAB items that you get for free with a $100 purchase. Today's card features several of these free items.

You can get the Blossoming Basket bundle for free with a $100 purchase. It includes the Blossoming Basket stamp set and Basket Weave Dynamic Textured Impressions™ Embossing Folder. Also featured on this card is the Springtime Foils Specialty Designer Series Paper (DSP) and the Gold 1/8" Ribbon, both of which are $50 SAB choices.

Ink Colors: Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, Old Olive, and Elegant Eggplant.

We made this Saturday in my spritzer class and will make it again tomorrow in the second session. We used the spritzer in less obvious ways on this card. First, we lightly spritzed the card stock before running it through the Big Shot with the Basket Weave folder. This helps avoid any cracks around some of the deep edges and also gives a deeper impression. Second, we lightly spritzed the stamped image before starting to watercolor with our Aqua Pens. This helped the water and color flow more smoothly.

If you are local to the Raleigh or Garner, NC area and would like to come for free monthly classes, consider joining my stamp club. A new round is forming, so let me know if you'd like to be a part of it or if you'd like more information.

If you don't already have a demonstrator and are planning to order online, please use hostess code UVGRJHMT and get a free thank you gift from me. Or ask me about joining my Stampin' Up! team. During SAB, get 2 free sets when you sign up to be a demo.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Check back tomorrow for another great project featuring at least one SAB item.

NC SU Demos March Blog Hop Using 2016-18 In Colors

Welcome to the March NC Stampin' Up! Demos Blog Hop. If you are following through the hop, you just got here from Laurie Meier's blog. A complete list is at the bottom of this post. If you get lost, you can always come back here to find the next blog you haven't seen.

The retirement list will be here before we know it and one thing we know for sure is that the 2016-18 in colors will be on it. We are highlighting these beautiful colors before they are gone.




Today I have the same card in 3 different colors. It's a quick, simple card but I just really like it. This image of the lady dancing from the set  Beautiful You just shouts joy and freedom.

Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 card base, 4 x 5.25 in color layer, and 3.5 x 4.75 base color layer for stamping.
Top card: Whisper white and Flirty Flamingo.
Middle card: Very Vanilla and Peekaboo Peach.

Bottom card: Whisper White and Sweet Sugarplum.

This is the card I'll be making at my April parties. Hostesses get to choose the color they'd like. It's great for parties because it's easy enough for new stampers but experienced stampers will like it, too. If you are local to the Raleigh or Garner, NC area and would like to have a party with a group of your friends, let me know. I'd love to come stamp with you!

Don't delay if you want any of these in color items. We know they are going away. Be sure to get them before they are gone. If you order online from my site, please use hostess code UVGRJHMT and get a free thank you gift from me. After Tuesday there will be a new hostess code posted in the right side bar. Thank you!

Order these items before the end of the month and get a FREE Sale-a-Bration (SAB) item with each $50 purchase. Check back tomorrow and through the week when I'll be posting cards made with items you can get for free during SAB. With so many great choices, I've been stocking up on basics and got a 12 month Paper Pumpkin subscription in addition to the other items I wanted so I could get lots of the SAB freebies.

 Click on the picture to go on to the next blog and see Karel Standish's wonderful project.

March Blog Hoppers

Toni Campana

Jo Anne Hewins

Tracie Evans Langley

Laurie Meier

Sue Root - you are here

Karel Standish

Kathy Svedberg

Frances Wagner

Christina Walker

Heartfelt Blooms Thinking of You

If you haven't gotten this beautiful Sale-a-Bration set, there's still time. When I first saw it, I knew I had to have it and it was the first of this year's SAB items that I chose. I love the look of it with the lighter and darker colors, which I got by stamping off (stamp once on scrap paper so when you stamp the second time, without reinking, it comes out lighter). I used Calypso Coral on this card.

 

The ribbon is also an item you can get for free during SAB. It's kind of hard to see in the picture, but it is shimmery. The ribbon pack comes with three different colors. This one is Basic Gray. The Thinking of You stamp is part of the Heartfelt Blooms set. Isn't that font lovely?

Check out this video by Stampin' Up! for even more great ideas. Brandi Barnard shows 6 projects using this set. I particularly love how she gets the green leaves with the Peekaboo Peach flowers.

These exclusive items are only available through March 31, 2018. You can't buy them, but you can get them for free. One free item with each $50 purchase. You can order online using hostess code UVGRJHMT or contact me to be part of a group order.

New SAB items

On March 15th, Stampin' Up! added even more Sale-a-Bration (SAB) options. I'm going to highlight some of these items. While the previously released SAB items are exclusive to SAB and not available for purchase, this release includes current items. In order to get one of these items free with your $50 purchase, you must use the special SAB item number.

Here are the items from the newest release with their SAB item number.

One of the new items is the Birthday Memories DSP. There are so many cute things you can do -- from cards to birthday decorations.

Or how about a pair of Stampin' Write Markers? The set includes Chocolate Chip & Tranquil Tide. Maybe the Cable Knit Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder is more your speed. And for those who love embossing folders, there are several more to choose from. Another option is the Pick A Pattern 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock Pack. This pack includes Emerald Envy cardstock, which is what I used on the St. Patrick's Day card I recently posted, as well as Flirty Flamingo and Sahara Sand.

Or check out everything that comes with the Color Me Happy Project Kit. You can get the stamps to complete the cards as part of your $50 order to get the card kit for free. Stampin' Up! does note that this kit is only available while supplies last, but this close to the end of SAB, I think all of the exclusive items are that way, too.

Can you believe the Myths and Magic Glimmer Paper is an option? Who doesn't love sparkly stuff? Get 24 6" x 6" glittered sheets: 8 each of 3 colors (Iridescent, light green, turquoise) .  

A couple of framelit sets have also been added at the $100 level. Check out all of the options, new and previously released, here. If you place an order using hostess code UVGRJHMT I'll send you a free thank you gift. Or if you're local, you can be part of my upcoming group order. Thank you!

Leprechaun Card

My St. Patrick's Day card this year features a cute, little leprechaun who is made with the Cookie Cutter Builder Punch and the Santa stamp from Cookie Cutter Christmas. I found several versions on Pinterest but as far as I can tell, I think the original idea came from Kirsteen Gill.

The shamrock was made with the stamp set Heart Happiness, except the stem which is from the hostess set Tranquil Tulips. I stamped off before stamping each heart on the card so that it coordinated with the leprechaun but was lighter to look like a background.

Colors are Emerald Envy, Whisper White, Basic Black (the belt and hatband), Smoky Slate (the buckles), Soft Suede (mittens and boots), and Cajun Craze (the beard). The dark part of the outfit is colored with Stampin' Write Markers and the lighter part is colored with ink and Aqua Painters. I stamped him on Very Vanilla so the face wasn't quite so bright as it would be with Whisper White.

To make the hat, which besides the colors is the biggest part of turning Santa into a leprechaun, stamp a second belt on scrap cardstock. Color it and cut it out to be your hat band. Trim off some of the outside edge of Santa's hat so it doesn't stick out, but be sure to leave some of it to attach a small piece of Emerald Envy cardstock. Mine is 1/2" by 3/4"  Put the hat band over the edge of the cardstock to cover where it joins.

The greeting came from the set that covers just about every occasion - Teeny Tiny Wishes. If you don't have it, think about getting it. It's helped me out many a time when I haven't had a message I needed.

Hope you get a chance to make some of these cute little leprechauns and have a Happy St. Patrick's Day in a couple days.