Today's project just uses products that are on the Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog Last Chance list.  In fact the Designer Series Paper I used, Whole Lot of Lovely has already sold out.   This is my way of saying, don't wait too long to order off the Last Chance list.

This little purse is pretty small and holds about 5 little candies, perfect size for a little table favor.  I filled it with orange Mentos candies to coordinate with the paper.  

The other items I used are still available(at least the last time I checked) on the Last Chance List.  I will miss that sweet little flower from the Tree Builder punch.   In addition to the sweet little flower there is also an apple, raindrop,  little bird, and of course a tree.  A very useful punch indeed!   

All of the Enamel Shapes are being retired.  These little shapes are available by color collections, so you can get them in Brights, Regals and Subtles. There are 5 shapes on each sheet: hearts, stars, and 2 sizes of circles.  These make great little accents and though they be little they add a lot.

The Crushed Curry and Old Olive Mini Chevron ribbon are both being retired.  This ribbon is a great width (3/8"), soft and perfect if you are ribbon challenged.  I like this width a lot, works well for both cards and 3-D items.

Have a great Sunday!  I am going to spend some time with members of my team so it will be a fun day for me!  

This week the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge is a color challenge.  Ready to see the colors?

I am sorry to say, Island Indigo is one of the colors that will be retiring.   I will miss this lovely color and if you will miss it too, then be sure to stock up on ink refills and card stock.  

I used the Best Birds stamp set and the Birds & Blooms thinlits.  Are you wondering where that adorable little bird is from?  It is a die in the Birds & Blooms thinlits and there isn't a corresponding stamp.  When I saw that little bird I knew I had to order the stamp set and the thinlits.  She is so darn cute. 

I embossed the branch with White Stampin' Embossing powder and used an Aqua Painter and ink refills to color in the branch and leaves.  I also embossed the flowers and colored them in.  

I wanted to add a sentiment to the card but nothing seemed just right.  I remembered a quote by Emily Dickinson,  "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul - and sings the tunes without the words - and never stops at all".   I used the Sunshine Wishes Thinlits to cut out "hope" in Crumb Cake card stock, which was just what was needed  to finish the card.
Be sure to check what the other members of the design team created for this color challenge.  Be sure to join in the fun and challenge yourself to use these colors!  

At long last I have a tutorial for the pocket/envelope card I shared on this post.  Let me first show you the card we will be making together.

1. Cut a piece of Marina Mist cs 4-1/4" x 11" and score it at 5-1/2". Cut on the diagonal from the top of the score line to the bottom corner.
2. Cut a piece of Sweet Soiree Specialty DSP 4-5/8" x 6".  Cut on the diagonal and score along one side at 1/2".   
   Fold on the score line and snip off the piece of DSP that extends over the edge of the diagonal. 
3. Apply Tear and Tape to the edge of the DSP and secure it to the edge of the Marina Mist cs.  Place a strip of Tear and Tape along the bottom edge of the Marina Mist cs.                                                                                           
4. Fold the Marina Mist cs over the Tear and Tape.  Place a strip of Tear and Tape along the bottom edge of the  inside of the Sweet Soiree DSP.                                                                                                             Secure the DSP down over the Marina Mist cs.  You now have the pocket for your card.
5.  Cut a 3-7/8" x 5-3/8" Marina Mist cs piece and a 3-3/4" x 5-1/4" Whisper White piece for the inside card. 
6. Decorate the front of the pocket.   If you are wondering, I cut out the cake from one of the papers in the Sweet Soiree DSP.                                                    

Product List

Happy Birthday Gorgeous Photopolymer Stamp Set [143662] $21.00	Marina Mist Classic Stampin' Pad [126962] $6.50	Marina Mist 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119682] $8.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Powder Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144244] $8.00
Sweet Soirée Specialty Designer Series Paper [145564] $13.00	Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies [145372] $30.00	Layering Circle Framelits Dies [141705] $35.00	Powder Pink 1/2" Finely Woven Ribbon [144134] $7.00

If you have any questions please feel free to leave me a comment.  This is a fun card to make and to show off some of the beautiful Designer Series Paper that Stampin' Up! has to offer.  

Time for the Create with Connie and Mary Thursday challenge!  

Here's what I made using the sketch.

I used the soon to be retiring Flower Shop stamp set and the coordinating Pansy punch (sorry to say that the punch is already sold out).  I embossed the image with silver embossing powder on vellum.  Use the Embossing Buddy everytime you emboss, ESPECIALLY on vellum.   I added a little more sparkle by adding Silver Glimmer paper to the center of each vellum flower.

I love all the silver shine options that Stampin Up! has to offer from the silver foil on the  Sweet Soiree Specialty paper to the beautiful silver edging on the ribbon.   

Product List

Flower Shop Clear Stamp Set [130942] $18.00	Versamark Pad [102283] $8.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.00	Sweet Soirée Specialty Designer Series Paper [145564] $13.00
Vellum 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101856] $8.00	Silver Glimmer Paper [135314] $5.00	Pansy Punch [130698] $16.00	1" Circle Punch [119868] $13.00
Leaf Punch [144667] $16.00	Layering Circle Framelits Dies [141705] $35.00	Silver 3/8" Metallic-Edge Ribbon [144213] $7.00

I hope you will join in the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge #CCMC506.  Be sure to check the blog to see what the other designers created for even more inspiration!

The Last Chance list(aka the Retiring products list) has been released and one of the stamp sets on the list is Birthday Blooms.  This set is one I have always loved to color.  Over the next few weeks I will share with you some of my favorite products that are on the Last-Chance list.  One thing you need to know is that the stamp sets on the Last-Chance lists will be available until May 25 and after that date they will be available while supplies last.  The accessories, DSP, tools, etc are available while supplies last and in fact there are a few things that are already unavailable.  Anyway, on to what I made using the Birthday Blooms stamp set.

If the layout looks familiar it is because I used the same sketch as yesterday's cards.  

Product List

Birthday Blooms Clear-Mount Stamp Set [140658] $19.00	Versamark Pad [102283] $8.50	Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [122934] $3.75	Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [131160] $3.75	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.00
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Shimmery White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101910] $8.00	Powder Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144244] $8.00	Silver Foil Sheets [132178] $4.00	Sweet Soirée Specialty Designer Series Paper [145564] $13.00
Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder [109131] $5.00	White Stampin' Emboss Powder [109132] $5.00	Aqua Painters [103954] $17.00

If you like to color, you might want to consider getting the Birthday Blooms stamp set before it is no longer available.  

Need more ideas on ways to use this stamp set?  Go here,  here, here, here,  and here.  It really is a beautiful stamp set.  Thanks for stopping by .

Time for the Try Stampin' on Tuesday Challenge.  If you like a clean and simple sketch then this just might be the perfect sketch for you.  

I am going to miss the adorable Flying Home stamp set.   The images in this set are so fun to color and can be used for lots of different occasions.  This set is being retired and is guaranteed to be available until May 25, after that there is a possibility it could be sold out.  I also used the Petal Passion DSP which you know is a big favorite of mine and is also retiring.  Here are some links to projects that use the paper or the set, go here, here, here, here, here, here and  here.  

Product List

Flying Home Clear-Mount Stamp Set [145929] $18.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Pool Party Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144605] $9.00	Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144603] $9.00	Pink Pirouette Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144604] $9.00
Old Olive Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144597] $9.00	Crumb Cake Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144601] $9.00	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Powder Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144244] $8.00
Petal Passion Designer Series Paper [145589] $11.00	Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies [145372] $30.00	Layering Circle Framelits Dies [141705] $35.00	Subtles Enamel Shapes [141679] $9.00	Powder Pink 1/2" Finely Woven Ribbon [144134] $7.00

I was so inspired by the sketch I made another card.  This time I used the super fun Pieces & Patterns stamp set and the Pick a Pattern DSP.  Both of these products are also retiring.  

Flirty Flamingo is being retired as an In Color but it is joining the Brights Collection in the upcoming 2018-19 Annual catalog.  YAY!  The bright and cheerful Flirty Flamingo striped grosgrain ribbon is retiring so if you like it be sure to order it.  The little flower on the sentiment is from the Tree Builder punch and yes it is also on the retiring list. 

Product List

Pieces & Patterns Clear-Mount Stamp Set [143843] $19.00	Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad [141397] $6.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.00	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.00	Pick A Pattern Designer Series Paper [144163] $11.00
Layering Circle Framelits Dies [141705] $35.00	Tree Builder Punch [138295] $18.00	Flirty Flamingo 3/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon [144227] $7.00	Rhinestone Basic Jewels [144220] $5.00

Here are the links to the Annual Catalog and Occasions Catalog Last Chance lists.  The stamp sets are available until May 25 and after that date they are available only while supplies last.  The other products are available while supplies last, in fact there are already a few products that are no longer available so don't delay.  The Clearance Rack has been updated and there are some GREAT buys there so be sure to check out that out as well!

Hope you will join in and play along with the Try Stampin on Tuesday challenge.  Be sure to check out what the other members of the design team created for this challenge.

It is Thursday and time for the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge #505.  This week we have a color challenge.

I used the Tranquil Tulips hostess set., which is one of my all time favorite hostess sets.  It is very easy to use and creates beautiful tulips.  

After I stamped the flowers and leaves I applied VersaMark over the entire image and then covered it with a mix of clear embossing powder and Dazzling Diamonds glitter.  Heat emboss the image and you have a beautiful glittery panel.  I use this technique often and always marvel at how glittery and pretty the results are.

I want to remind you that Peekaboo Peach is one of the In Colors that will be retiring, along with Emerald Envy, Dapper Denim, and Sweet Sugarplum.  Flirty Flamingo will be joining the new SU! color line up.  Be sure to order your ink refills, card stock and embellishments soon!  Here is the list of the retiring products from the Annual catalog  and  here is the list from the Occasions catalog.   If you have any questions please contact me.

I hope you will join in this color challenge. You can enter on the Create with Connie and Mary blog and be sure to check out the beautiful cards the other members of the Design team created,

Remember I told you how much I liked the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge #504?  I decided that I needed to make another card using the sketch.

This time I used the Sweet Soiree Specialty DSP which is SO pretty with beautiful designs and silver foil.  I also used the Sweet Soiree Embellishment kit.  I have used this kit for lots of projects and still have lots of die cuts left to use.   Here are a few of the other ways I used this kit here,  here, and   here.   

In case you were wondering above is the original sketch.

Product List

Charming Café Clear-Mount Stamp Set [146361] $20.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.00	Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100702] $8.00	Sweet Soirée Specialty Designer Series Paper [145564] $13.00
Sweet Soirée Embellishment Kit [145578] $11.00	Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies [145372] $30.00	Layering Squares Framelits Dies [141708] $35.00	Silver 3/8" Metallic-Edge Ribbon [144213] $7.00

I received a card featuring this fun fold from Megan at the November OnStage event.  I changed it just a little bit to make it a gift card holder and also added a belly band.  The basic fold is the same.  Thanks Megan!

I used my favorite Petal Passion paper.  I fussy cut around one of the flowers and colored it using Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive Stampin' Blends.  The sentiment is from the Picture Perfect Birthday stamp set and can I put my request in for a whole sentiment set using this font combination?  

I used the dies from the Lots to Love Box Framelits to cut the slits that hold the gift card.  These little dies makes it so easy to make gift card holders.

Product List

Picture Perfect Birthday Photopolymer Stamp Set [145519] $17.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144602] $9.00	Old Olive Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144597] $9.00
Daffodil Delight Light Stampin' Blends Marker [144586] $4.50	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Petal Passion Designer Series Paper [145589] $11.00
Rich Razzleberry 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [115316] $8.00	Lots To Love Box Framelits Dies [145653] $33.00	Layering Ovals Framelits Dies [141706] $35.00

Do you still need some convincing that you need to get a package of the Petal Passion DSP?  Here are some other samples that you can check out here,  here, and here.

I am trying to overcome my tendencies to hoard my patterned paper.  I keep waiting for the perfect project to use it and in the meantime the stash of paper continues to grow.  I am getting over it and using my pretty paper!

The Myths and Magic Specialty DSP is so sparkly and fun and really needs to be used.  It is hard to tell from my picture but the unicorns are glittery.  So cute!  Every sheet of DSP in this pack has one side that has a glittery design.  

This is the basic pocket.  I colored the unicorn with Stampin' Write Markers (Bermuda Bay and Old Olive) and with a blender pen and Smoky Slate ink.  I used the coordinating Magical Mates framelits to cut out the unicorn.  The whole suite is just so fun and well, magical.

I stamped the sentiment in Basic Gray Archival ink and again in Bermuda Bay ink and cut out the banner.  This pocket card also fits in a medium envelope for easy mailing.

Check back soon or better yet subscribe to my blog feed so you won't miss all the projects coming up!