Bloomin' Bouquet Kit

It's so much fun to check the Stampin' Up! website every day - I often get a pleasant surprise!

This morning, I went to the website and saw that Stampin' Up! has introduced a sweet new kit that is available starting today!!!  It's so fresh and Spring-y - I love it!

Click here to watch the great video of how to put these flowers together. 

Here is the information from the website:

Mother's Day. Teacher appreciation. Just because. Say thank you with this no-maintenance bouquet. There's no watering, no weeding-just enjoying. This easy-to-assemble kit comes complete with the petals, stems, and buttons to create the flowers, as well as four different tags to make this the perfect gift for any occasion. All you need is some paper, ribbon or a vase to add the finishing touches to the bouquet.

As if that weren't enough, the kit contains a "baker's dozen"! This means you can create and give (or keep) a dozen flowers, and have a bonus flower left over to pass along to someone new! Give it to someone you wouldn't normally think of: a teller at the bank, a grocery store clerk, or the librarian at your local library. Anyone you encounter on your way that you'd like to give a little "thank you" to-and introduce them to Stampin' Up!

Ordering information:

Item 134542 $15.95

Available starting April 29, while supplies last.

Kit contents:

• 2 sheets of preprinted and precut flowers on 12" X 12" cardstock; makes 13 flowers using Pool Party, Gumball Green, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, and Rich Razzleberry
• 13 Vintage Faceted Buttons
• 13 green floral wire stems

Adhesive not included. (Glue gun recommended.)

Remember that I'm ordering tomorrow (April 30).  If people are wanting this kit for a Mother's Day gift, let me know because I could expedite the order and get it here in just a few days!  :)

Happy Monday!
Andra

ps - See yesterday's post for more reminders about this last order date in April.

April 30 order date

Hi my friends,

I am placing my next order at 6:00 on Tuesday, April 30.

Please check over the retiring lists so you can get the items you want before they are gone.  The retiring accessories are selling out quickly.  Please click here to see the retiring items online.  I will be sending an updated list to my customer mailing list also.

It will also be the LAST order date for you to buy any of the This and That product line (and save 15% by buying the complete line now!!)  I love this product line!  Click here to view the products online.

It will be the LAST order date for you to buy the Sent With Love stamp set, DSP or the bundle, which will save you 20% and give you the Calypso Coral baker's twine.  Did you know the DSP has CANADIAN maps on it?  So fun!!!  Click here to view the products online.

Don't forget that you can also get the "Best of..." stamp sets, the Dude, You're Welcome kit, the Paper Pumpkin Try It kit, the new Photopolymer stamp sets and of course, all the regular merchandise!!!  :)

So much to remember, I know!!

Have a wonderful week,
Andra

ps - please feel free to contact me with any questions you have!

Retiring Lists are here!!!

Well here they are and WOWZA - these are big lists!  Lots of my favourite stamp sets are on this list (I will miss Curly Cute, Just Believe, Made for You, Nature Walk and many more!!)

Lots of my favourite accessories are retiring too!  I love all those embossing folders and I can't believe they're retiring my favourite die: the Fancy Favour box!!  Oh, and I must admit that I'm a bit sad that the Shimmer Paint is going!  I always keep a spray bottle of rubbing alcohol and the shimmer paint on my desk so I can add some quick pizazz to my cards!

Anyway, I am placing my first order tonight at 7:00 pm and then a second order tomorrow (Thursday) at noon.  Please try to contact me by tonight to ensure that you are able to get whatever retiring accessories you want.  They often sell out very quickly.  

Stamp sets will be available until the end of May BUT remember that if you order at least $50, you'll get at least $5.00 towards my retired items sale (which will get you a stamp set, punch or more and will be coming soon) AND a surprise gift you will love!

I will edit this blog post every time the retiring accessory list is updated so you will know what items have sold out.  I imagine many will sell out in the first 24-48 hours.

Have fun checking the list!!

Andra

Retiring Accessories:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THEM THROUGH MY ONLINE STORE FOR NOW.  The PDF file from Stampin' Up! is not working correctly at this time.


Retiring Stamp Sets:
You can CLICK HERE to view them online through my business website, and here are screen shots of the PDF file.  I can't seem to attach true PDF files to this blog.  I have emailed the PDF file out to those of you on my customer email list.

Enjoy your day!
Andra

Get ready for Wednesday!

No, I have not seen the list, but I have heard from several people who have had a sneak peek of the new catalogue that we can expect a big retiring list!

As usual, many items will be on sale also, which makes the retiring list shopping nicer!!

For those of you who might be contemplating the Starter Kit after the 24th, remember that those sale prices will also help you get even MORE in your Starter Kit!!

I have heard that a lot of punches, Big Shot Embossing Folders and dies will retire.  Lots of accessories, ribbon and more will retire.  ACK!!  Some of them - gasp! - are my favourites!!!  :(  That happens every year but it always causes me some pain...

This is not even getting into the retiring stamp set list!

I am a bit anxious about things selling out VERY QUICKLY, especially because some Demonstrators earned a sneak peek at the new catalogue and will have their retiring wish lists ready to go that morning.  I'm thinking that I would like to move my first order date from noon on Thursday, to 7:00 pm on Wed night.  If you DO NOT get me your order by then, I will place another order on Thursday at noon.

The same gifts from me apply: once you hit $50 in your order, I will give you $5 towards shopping in my big sale I will have in the coming month or so - (10% of order amount after that) AND a special surprise gift I know you will love!!!)

So get ready - I'll send the list out in an email and post it here on Wednesday morning!  Many things will sell out in the first few days so try to have a look at the list and email me with your must have items asap!!

** My first order will be submitted on Wednesday night at 7:00 pm. **
** My second order will be submitted on Thursday at 12:00 noon. **
** My third order will be submitted on Tuesday at 6:00 pm. **

Have a great day!!!

Happy Earth Day!!
Andra

FUN things and MORE gifts!

Hi stamping friends,

I just came up with something fun: I am going to ADD a second, special gift to the gift I posted yesterday if you place an order of at least $50 for either the April 25 or April 30 order date.

It is a special SECRET gift that I know you will LOVE!  :)  I'll tell you what it is when you send me your order!!!

This was what I posted yesterday:
"Just for fun, I am throwing in a gift for everyone who places an order of at least $50 for either of the April order dates: you will receive $5 towards any items in my retired items sale (which will not be held until later).  Over $50, you'll receive 10% towards the retiring items (so if you spend $65, you'll get to apply $6.50 towards retiring stuff, etc).  If you order over $100, you'll get 20% of that amount to apply towards sale stuff (ie: spend $120, get $24.)  I know you'll have to wait over a month for that sale, but I'll keep a list so that we don't forget!"

So, TWO different gifts for you if you order at least $50.  Remember that the retiring lists come out on April 24, so that will help you decide what you want/need.


Also, I just want to tell you that I received my April Paper Pumpkin Kit in the mail today and I'm so excited to make some fun, unique cards in the next few days!  The stamp set is "Seriously" fun and I love the fact that this little kit is ready to go with everything I need to make 4 fun cards!  Yay!  

If you have any questions about how Paper Pumpkin works (monthly card kit program from Stampin' Up!) then feel free to ask!  This is the second month and I loved last months' kit too!  You can also buy the Paper Pumpkin "Try It" kit through a regular order from me.  I did and I love them!

Paper Pumpkin Try It Kit - 132600 - $20.95
You get exclusive clear mount stamps, an Island Indigo stampin' spot,  two sweet little journals, 12 adhesive-backed butterflies with which to decorate your journals, yellow baker's twine and the "D" size acrylic block (worth 11.50 on it's OWN!)  The finished projects are adorable!!!

Have a lovely day,
Andra

A new kit and plans for the next order dates...

Stampin' Up! just released a brand new card kit that I know you'll love!

If you need some pretty cards to make for friends, these are perfect!  I like card kits (Just like Paper Pumpkin!) because it takes the brain work out of a project.  There are times I want to fiddle and create my own designs, but other times I just want to sit and make a bunch of cards while watching a movie and not have to think too much.

The cards work out to be about $3.00 each, so it's about the same price as going to one of my card classes.  (Which, by the way, I'm working on some dates for, finally!!!!)

Here is the information:

DOLLED-UP BIRTHDAY KIT

We're excited to introduce our second Submit a Project kit--the Dolled-Up Birthday Kit--voted on by you via our Facebook page. This gorgeous birthday card was created by Chris Gilmore, a manager from Coshocton, Ohio. Congratulations, Chris!

The Dolled-Up Birthday kit includes the following:

• Dolled-Up Birthday Photopolymer Stamp (1)
• 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Crumb Cake Cardstock (6 pieces)
• 2" x 4-1/4" Very Vanilla Cardstock (6 pieces)
• Very Vanilla Medium Envelopes (6)
• Tea Lace Paper Doilies (6)
• Dress Up die-cuts (6)
• Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spot (1)
• Vanilla 5/8" Flower Trim (6 pieces)
• Sponge Dauber (1)

Get everything you need to make six cards for only $17.95 (item 133913)!*

To assemble one card, follow the instructions below:

1. Place the stamp on clear-mount block D o H rubber side up and ink with the Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spot.
2. Stamp "Happy Birthday" at the bottom of the card front.
3. Ink the Sponge Dauber with Soft Suede ink and gently antique the doily and the edges of the dress form.
4. Adhere the pieces to the card front in this order:
   
   • Doily
   • Very Vanilla Cardstock
   • Dress form
   • Flower

*Adhesive and acrylic block not included

Ok, now on to some planning stuff.  On Wednesday, April 24, the Retiring Stamp Set List will be  released.  I will send out an email with that list AND post it here on my blog.  

The Retiring Accessories often sell out very quickly, because of this I would like to place an order soon after it is released.  SO, I have decided my first order deadline will be on Wednesday, April 24 at 7:00 pm.  My second order deadline will be Thursday, April 25 at 12:00 NOON.  

If you miss those dates, I will place another order on Tuesday, April 30 at 6:00 pm.  I encourage you to get me your order for the Wednesday night though - just in case your items sell out before this order date.  

After that, my next order will be on Sunday, May 5 at 6:00 pm.  

Just for fun, I am throwing in a gift for everyone who places an order of at least $50 for either of the April order dates: you will receive $5 towards any items in my retired items sale (which will not be held until later).  Over $50, you'll receive 10% towards the retiring items (so if you spend $65, you'll get to apply $6.50 towards retiring stuff, etc).  If you order over $100, you'll get 20% of that amount to apply towards sale stuff (ie: spend $120, get $24.)  I know you'll have to wait over a month for that sale, but I'll keep a list so that we don't forget!   

Well, that's it for this morning, I think!

Have a great day!!

Andra

More about the Spring Starter Kit deal

Hi,
I have been thinking about the announcement that came out yesterday (scroll down to previous blog entry) about the Spring Starter Kit deal.

The deal began yesterday, but I STRONGLY recommend you wait until at least April 24 to take advantage of it.  WHY???  I'll tell you:

1) On April 24 the retiring stamp set list comes out.  That means you'll either be able to GET or AVOID retiring stamp sets (depending on what you want to do!) as part of your Starter Kit!

2)  On April 24, Demonstrators get a chance to purchase SNEAK PEEK items from the upcoming catalogue!  That means you can get some UPCOMING items as part of your Starter Kit!  That even includes some new colour products!  YAY!

3)  On your first order within the first 60 days of purchasing the Starter Kit, you get an extra 10% discount (30% total) SO that means that you'll be able to use that extra with a NEW catalogue order as of June 1!  That'll be an extra nice discount once the new catalogue begins!

Anyway, that also gives you more time to consider this amazing deal!  There is no pressure to do it, but there really is no downside, so feel free to ask me any questions you have!

Enjoy your evening,
Andra

Spring Starter Kit bonus!

Well, this is nice news!  From today until May 30, the Starter Kit includes $40 MORE product for FREE!  The Starter Kit is only $125 and you'll get $195 worth of Stampin' Up! products!  YAY!

It is a great deal ALWAYS, but this makes it extra good!  Please contact me if you have any questions or want to sign up for the Starter Kit!  It's quick and easy with no catch - I promise!!!  :)

Have a delightful day,
Andra

Basic Black ink update

Hi,

For the past eight months or so, there have been some issues with our Basic Black ink quality and it was recommended that we use the Black Staz-on, especially on our Whisper White and Very Vanilla cardstock.

However, the quality issues have been resolved and you can depend on it again!

Here is the information from Stampin' Up!:

After months of testing and working with our vendor, Stampin' Up! has been able to make some important changes!

What's changed?
Stampin' Up! has accepted a formula with their supplier that shows improvement. The new formula has a reduced dye concentration that will allow it to better absorb into the cardstock. Reducing the concentration didn't change the rich black color we all know and love; it only affects how the cardstock takes the ink.

What about drying time?Because the ink absorbs better into the cardstock, it will dry in under a minute in some cases. It can take longer depending on the run of your cardstock and the age of your ink pad. If you are using an old ink pad, one of the refills with the improved formula will rejuvenate your pad. Also keep in mind that larger stamps or a more solid image may require a longer drying time.

What's the deal with Whisper White Cardstock? Stampin' Up! initially discovered that our specification tolerance is too broad, meaning that there is a broad variance in ink absorption and drying time. Our Whisper White Cardstock is not a custom cardstock for Stampin' Up! like our other cardstock colors, so we don't have control over its tolerance. We have since requested that our supplier provide us with cardstock within a tighter range of tolerance. Still, our tests proved that the new ink formula works better on most, not all, of our Whisper White Cardstock. The performance of the ink depends on the run of the cardstock. It is not possible to tell when a packet of Whisper White Cardstock was produced. If you are concerned with the quality of your cardstock, we recommend using StazOn ink, instead of Basic Black.

The Improved Basic Black Ink is NOW Available!The improved Basic Black ink pad (#126980) and refill (#102512) are currently being sold. However,  depending on the Whisper White Cardstock you are using, you may still experience smearing and high drying times. Stampin' Up! recommends that you use StazOn instead of the Basic Black Classic ink pad.

Stampin' Up! is pleased with the results so far. Not only has our Basic Black ink formula improved, but the testing process has also shown how to make improvements to the quality of our Whisper White Cardstock.

My next order date is Saturday, April 24, so please contact me by then if you'd like to place an order.  Remember that the Retiring colour products (ink refills, markers, ink pads, cardstock, etc) will only be sold out while supplies last!  In fact, the 8 1/2 x 11 Not Quite Navy cardstock has already sold out.  

Have a great day!

Andra

Bombs Away!!

Stampin' Up! really is full of surprises this year!  They've obviously been gearing up for this 25th Anniversary year for a while!

There is a new Photopolymer Stamp Set available for purchase and it's a lot of fun!

Bombs Away Birthday - 133411 - $16.95

Check out all the fun inspiration here, on Stampin' Up!'s blog!

Have a wonderful day!
Andra

Big news for wood-mount lovers (like me)!!!!

Yep, it's what we've been wishing for:

Click here for the big news!!!  

Have a perfectly organized day!  :)
Andra

FREE shipping!

Oh yes, it's big news!

April 6-8, Stampin' Up! is giving us all FREE shipping, which is a savings of 10%!  I placed an order last night and it was WONDERFUL to save that extra 10% on the cardstock and other items I purchased.

You can purchase items online (and that way you can also purchase items from the Clearance Rack!!!) and have it shipped right to you with NO SHIPPING COST!  An order under $100 is a flat 9.95 of shipping, so that's a GREAT savings if you just want a few things from the Clearance Rack or regular catalogues.

I encourage you to consider taking advantage of this deal in the next 2 days.  If you would rather I order for you, I will place an order tomorrow night (Monday, April 8) at 6:00 pm.  You will still save the 10% shipping cost and your order will come to my house.

Have a wonderful day!
Andra

ps - I have been "tinkering" in my craft room this week.  I made over 14 cards using the elements of the Pop-Up Posies Kit (Spring Catalogue) and I love them!  I also made 6 cards using elements of the Artisan Embellishments Kit and have left over "bits" for more creations.  I had to use my own card stock, but the embellishments and ideas all came from the kits!  Loved playing with them!!!

I also made a BIG SHOT, EMBOSSING station and I'm really excited about it.  I'll try to take pictures of all of my creations and re-vamped space soon!

Colour Refresh coming soon (and FREE shipping!!!)

Hi everyone,

Well, I have big news for you!  Stampin' Up! has just announced their upcoming Colour Refresh.

Take a few minutes to watch this video of Carrie Cudney showing us the new Colour Collections.  It helped me see the refreshed colour collections laid out together.

Beginning today, the retiring colour products are only available while supplies last, so I would suggest you take a look at your stock of cardstock and other products so you can get what you want before it's too late.

Here is a chart to show how our Colour Collections will look as of June 1.  It shows the returning colours, new colour (yay!) and the retiring colours.

If you'd like to place an order for these or other items, I am ordering on Saturday, APRIL 6.  Please contact me by 6:00 that night.

Stampin' Up! is giving us free shipping for all orders placed between April 6-8.  That is a savings of 10% for us so I'm going to use this offer to stock up on some of the cardstock colours that are retiring.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have or if you'd like to place an order.

Have a wonderful day!
Andra

Petite Curly Label Punch available to purchase!

Remember the Petite Curly Label Punch that was a free Sale-a-Bration option this year?  Well, it's now available to purchase!  I LOVE punches and this one is no exception.  The item number is 129405 and it is $15.95.  It will be in the next annual catalogue but it is available early.

I am placing an order on Friday, April 5.  If you'd like to purchase this punch or anything else, please contact me by 6:00 pm.  Here is the flyer:

Have a lovely day!  

Andra 

April "Best of 25 Years" Stamp Set

Best of...Butterflies!

I am placing an order on April 5, so keep this set in mind if you're in a Springy mood!

You can order these "Best of 25 Years" stamp sets anytime during the year.  Stampin' Up! is releasing one every month.

Have a great day!
Andra