A Few of my Favorite Retiring Stampin' Up! Products - Week 1 (Designer Series Papers)

 

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for stopping in. Today is the first post dedicated to my favorite retiring products. Why am I sharing these? Well I want to help crafters know how to have great products as well as getting the products that will be the best for the bucks and have lots of uses. I plan to focus on one category each week. 

The Last Chance Sale begins on April 9th. Many products have discounted prices, so be sure to go online to see what they are. I will also mention in my blog posts if the products I'm sharing are discounted or not. 

This brings me to my first topic. Designer Series and Specialty Papers. I know if you are a crafter, you love patterned papers. Stampin' Up! has gorgeous Designer and Specialty Papers. In my recent video, I mention how Stampin' Up! DSP stands well above the rest. 

• Beautiful and artistically designed
• Perfect color coordination
• Product Coordination

This card has two of the three things I mentioned above. It is beautiful and artistically designed and has perfect color coordination. This paper is called Forever Love. It is a 12" x 12" Specialty paper. This means that one side of the designer series paper has metallic features. In this case the metallic features are beautiful flowers and designs. 

When it comes to color coodination, Stampin' Up! is the best! It's an amazing process to the creation of the designer series papers. Artists sketch, paint, color the patterns and images. Then the art pieces are scanned into a computer and color matched to Stampin' Up! color offerings. It's amazing! This card features Pretty Peacock cardstock and ink. The Forever Love DSP is also in Pretty Peacock and it's a perfect match! I love this feature. The projects you create look so rich and just wonderful. 

Another reason to love Stampin' Up! designer series paper is how it coordinates with other products. This Bee Mine Valentine Bundle is so cute and using the Bee Mine 12" x 12" Designer Series paper creates great projects. 

This designer series paper is so cute! Pairing in with the Bee Mine Valentine Bundle for cards, memory pages, or treat bags is so much fun. The Stamp set and bee punch are carrying over, but this DSP is retiring. If you have the Bee Mine Valentine Bundle, you might want to stock up on this fabulous DSP. I know that I am for sure!

Another specialty paper I am going to suggest is Vellum. Vellum is a type of transulent cardstock. In this card, I used the Vellum Basics Specialty paper. This is Vellum that has some designs. There are diagonal stripes, dots, and leaves. You can die-cut and punch out Vellum. There are many ways to use Vellum too. The Vellum Basics will be 40% off beginning April 9th. 

There is one more type of paper products that I want to call out and tell you the couple that you need to put on your list. These are Specialty papers that do not have designs for the most part. 

• Soft Shimmer 12" x 12" Specialty Paper (not overly shimmery, just perfect)
• White Center 12" x 12" Specialty paper (great for techniques) Also going to be 50% off beginning April 9th.

I hope you take some time to check out the Designer Series and Specialty papers available. Take note of all the retiring papers. All the DSP retires each year with the exception of two. You can also check out my video for more details.

Thanks again for stopping in and Happy Stampin'

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

Ring in the New Year with Light the Sky Bundle by Stampin' Up!

Hi Everyone,

I'm am so excited for 2023 to be over! I'm ready for 2024 where I can begin to work on organization, self care, and of couse more creativity! Today I'm sharing the wonderful Light The Sky Bundle by Stampin' Up! This bundle is not retiring, but won't be available for a 10% discount after January 3rd. This very versitile bundle is something you need to treat yourself with. 

If you look at the 2 layouts that are above, my friend, Susan made the beautiful navy and gold one. I was inpired and decided to create mine using a different color idea. 

For my version, I decided to use a pop of color with Berry Burst. The designer paper I used was from the retired Celebrate Everything 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper. I love the black and white fireworks and the colorful black drop design. 

One of the great things about these dies is the different ways they die-cut pieces. Many don't die-cut out full pieces, but cut designs into the paper. I think you can use some of them for snowflakes as well. 

If you like this layout, you can create your own. There are so many designer papers to choose from too, so your creations can go on for so many occasions. Here are the measurements for my card.

• 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" Thick Basic White scored at 4 1/4"
• Berry Burst- 1 piece cut at 5 3/8" x 4 1/8"
• Berry Burst- 1 piece cut at 5 1/4"  4" (inside of card)
• Basic White 3 3/4" x 5" (Inside of card)
• 2 coordinating pieces of DSP (I used Celebrate Everything, but it's retired)
• One pattern each has 2 pieces. I will say DSP "A" and DSP "B"
• DSP "A" - 3" x 7/8" and 4" x 7/8" (top and bottom)
• DSP "B" - 4 1/4" x 7/8" and 3 1/4" x 7/8" (sides)
• Sentiment piece - 3 1/4" x 2" Center piece
• Scrap white for main firework to stamp and die-cut. 

Well there is just one more thing to remind you of. If you want to order this with a 10% discount, but sure to order by January 3rd. After that date, the 10% discount goes away and you have to order the products with their ouwn order numbers. 

I hope you like my project today. I wonder, are you more of a gold and navy person or a pop of color person. I'd love to hear from you. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

 

A Stunning Christmas Card Inspired by an Ornament

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for stopping in today. One of my favorite things during the lead up to the holidays is to shop for some vintage or antique ornaments. I just love the quality and beauty of them. When I found the two Nativity ornaments recently, I just had to get home and create. I was so inspired because Stampin' Up! has the Night Divine suite or products that can create just stunning cards and gifts. 

The Night Divine stamp set and dies are both retiring. The dies are currentlyy 10% off as well. You can still purchase as a bundle and get 10% off. The Oh Holy Night DSP is also retiring, but has no discount. I think the DSP is just beautiful and so fitting with the dies. 

What I really like about my card is the focal point of the scene of the manger against that beautiful starry night! The adhesive-backed sparkle gems add the perfect touch. 

I mentioned that the Night Divine products are part of the Last Chance Products happening now. All are available while supplies last. Not every retiring product is at a discount, but be sure to shop before they are gone! 

Did you know that when you order through me (using the hostess code), you will be in for a chance to win MYSTERY HOSTESS Rewords. For every $25 you spend (before shipping and tax), you will be entered in the drawing. Mystery Hostess will only be awarded if a minimum $150 in orders are attached to the Hostess Code. This is also for United States ordrs only. Shop with my link or attach the Host Code #YYN2SUW4 at checkout. 

I hope you enjoyed my card today. I was wondering, what kinds of ornaments do you put on your tree? Have any collections? I'd love to hear from you. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

Jauary-April 2023 Designer Series Paper Share!

 

Designer Series Paper Share

*All papers will come wrapped and labeled with coordining colors

Here are the details: (#) indicates how many sheets you will get of each DSP)

(6) 6×6 Sheets Of:

• Country Floral Lane

• Country Gingham

• Delicate Desert

• Enjoy the Journey

• Like an Animal

• Rain or Shine

• Ready to Ride

(12) 6×6 Sheets of:

• By the Bay

• Fancy Flora

• Regency Park

Specialty Papers:

• (4) 6×6 Dry Brushed Metallic

• (3) 6×6 Fine Shimmer Paper

• (3) 6×6 Textured Shimmer Paper

If you were to purchase each of the Designer Series papers and Specialty papers yourself, it would cost approxiamately $193. WOW! With a paper share, you can get samplings of all the offerings for a fraction of the cost.

Country Floral Lane 12" x 12" DSP

Special Gift for shopping with me:

 

Each paper share will also include a FREE assortment of the 12” x 12” Vellum Basics sheets

Fancy Floral 6" x 6" DSP (12 double sided designs)

TOTAL for a Single Designer Series Paper Share: $40+ $10.50 for Priority Shipping

TOTAL for a Double Designer Series Paper Share (all 12 x 12 paper will be cut 6 x 12): $80 + $10.50 for Priority Shipping

Rain or Shine 12" x 12" DSP - So Cute!

Well I was able to share a few of the wonderful papers coming in the January-April 2023 Mini catalog. I hope you like what you are seeing and would like to reserve your paper share order. Simply fill out the reservation form to get your order started. You need to reserve and pay for the paper share by January 2nd, so I can prepare my order as soon as January 5th arrives. Once you fill out the form, I will email you and let you know that process for your payment choice.

More Fancy Floral 12" x 12" DSP (12 double sided designs)

When will you receive your paper share?

My plan is to order right away on January 5th. If no backorders happen, I should be able to cut, sort, and package and mail shares by Tuesday, January 18th. Those local can pick up or have me drop off on Monday, January 17th or during that week.

Special Gift for shopping with me:

 

Each paper share will also include a FREE assortment of the 12” x 12” Vellum Basics sheets

Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you have.

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

Create a New Year's Tea or Chocolate Pouch with Symbols of Fortune Suite

 

Hi Everyone,

Happy New Year's Eve! Today is the perfect time to wish your friends and family much luck and good fortune. I've created a wonderful little tea gift to wish my friends and family just that.

The pouches I've created use the Symbols of Fortune Suite products that become available on January 4th. I've focused mostly on the beautiful Symbols of Fortune 12" x 12" Specialty Designer Series Paper.

Other projecrs in the suite include the Mother of Pearl Paper (just stunning) and the Soft Succulent Satin Ribbon (just beautiful)!

To make this pouch, you simply need:

• A piece of 4" x 9 1/2" designer series paper or cardstock
• Score at 3 1/4" and 6 1/2"
• With the shortest panel, cut from the top corner of the fold to the opposite bottom corner. Be sure to have the inside of your paper facing up. Be sure to watch my video if you are unsure.

• Use a bit of Tear & Tape at the corner to secure the flap down
• Cut the ribbon to 18" or so
• Secure the ribbon to the back of the panels
• Tie a bow to close the pouch

My video shows the steps for this tea pouch if you need help.

I hope you enjoyed my project today. Remember that the January-June 2022 Mini Catalog comes live on January 4th for customers. Sale-A-Bration also begins, so get ready to earn FREE products. 

If you don't have a demonstrator and would like a copy of the upcoming January-June mini catalog and a Sale-A-Bration Brochure, simply fill out the mailing form and I'll get them right out to you. 

Check out my January-June 2022 Mini Catalog Paper Share: https://forms.gle/u2vsd3eiREsUNfWD7

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

Stamping Sunday with Snow Wonder Stamp Set with The Paper Players

 

Hi Everyone,

Today is such a wonderful time to sip some coffee and create a stunning card for the Paper Players weekly card challenge (PP570). This week is a theme challenge called "Winter Wonderland". Well the Snow Wonder Stamp set and Snow Time Dies are perfect for this challenge.

The snowman in the Snow Wonder Stamp set is such a wonderfully traditional one. I just love the way it was drawn as well as shading already done. This stamp set, dies, DSP, and embellishments are all part of the Last Chance promotion by Stampin' Up! These are all retiring and are available while supplies last.

One of the ways to create a simple and stunning card is to use the specialty designer series papers. I used the Peaceful Cabin 12" x 12" Specialty DSP. This glimmering DSP is stunning already, so you don't need much more. For the snowman, I stamped and die-cut out 4 of them. Then I glued them together to add dimension and stability. You can see how much the snowman stands out on this card. I didn't use dimensionals either. 

Soft colors of Stampin' Blends keep this card with a wintery feel. Add a little bling with the Snowflake Sequins and you have a fabulous card!

The Paper Players pp570 theme challenge just began, but there are already lots of great projects to see. You can even create your own winter wonderland and upload it as well. 

The Last Chance Sale has begun and continues through January 3rd. Many of the products I used today are on the Last Chance list and are available while supplies last. Don't miss out on that wonderful Peaceful Place Specialty DSP or the Snow Wonder Stamp set and Snow Time Dies. The dies are 20% off too. 

Remember when you place your order at my online store, you receive Loyalty Bucks (A minimum $25 order, before shipping and tax, gives you 1 loyalty buck. Collect 20 loyalty bucks and you choose $30 Free of any current products). With the new January-June catalog and Sale-A-Bration right around the corner, you will have lots on your wish list, so start getting your Loyalty Bucks now!

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

Stamp Up "Z" Fold Card with Last Chance Welcoming Woods & Heartfelt Wishes

Hi Everyone,

I just finished my 3rd week of the 8 Weeks of Monday of Holiday Cards and Giveaways. I love creating cards that can be enjoyed after they have been given out. The "Z" Fold Stand Up card is perfect!

With this stand up card, you can create for any occasion or holiday. I have created them with mini calendars, post it notes and simply for a holiday occasion to add to your holiday decorations. The two cards are the same dimensions. It's just that the calendar one stands up and back more.

It's really easy to make the "Z" Fold Stand Up card. 

• Cut a base at 4 1/4" x 11"
• Score at 2 3/4" and 5 1/2"
• Cut a piece same as base color 5 1/2 x 4 1/4"
• Then you create any layers you wish
• You then need something on the inside that will stop the card from closing so it stands. I like to do a strip of cardstock with ribbon. You can also put a strip for your sentiment. It doesn't need to be much, just a little dimmension. 

The Welcoming Woods and Heartfelt Wishes are part of the Last Chance promotion. The July-December 2021 mini catalog will be retiring soon. I think the Welcoming Woods is such a wonderful all season set. There are many sentiments for occasions and you can do lots of techniques with this set. There are many items that will carry over, but the majority of items are retiring. some are discounted. All these items are whild supplies last, so don't delay. You can see all the retiring items at my online store. It's so fun to gift yourself with Stampin' Up! products!

To see how I assembled my "Z" Fold Stand Up! card, you can watch my Live YouTube Monday replay.

Thanks again for stopping in today. I've been away for a bit and am so happy to be back. Comment and let me know what you think of my card today. Also, create your own and share.

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

Simple yet Stunning Sunday with Two Wonderful Set Combinations

 Hi Everyone,

Welcome to my Simple yet Stunning Sunday post. Today I'm happy to share two wonderful note card sized cards with two of the stamp sets I really like that are on the Last Chance sale by Stampin' Up!

Two sets that I really like include the Comfort & Hope Stamp set and Loyal Leaves Stamp set. The Comfort & Hope Stamp set is perfect to combine with other stamp sets. It is very versatile. 

I used the White Note Cards with Envelopes for the cards I created today. It's so simple to have these for easy stamping. Just the note cards, ink, and stamps. This first note card was created using Crumb Cake ink. I love the neutral color. You can get different tones of the color by inking the stamp, and then stamping on a mat before stamping on the cardstock (also known as stamp off). 

To add that "stunning" look to your cards, be sure to add that touch of "bling" using the Champagne Rhinestones or the Basic Jewel Rhinestones. Depending on your ink choices, it's great to have more than one choice of Rhinestones.

One thing about simple stamping, is that you can create so many wonderful cards by just changing your color of ink. I created almost the same card using Seaside Spray ink. It really gives a whole new look. I cut the stem off the gingko leave by accident, but I think it works.  

You can check out my video and create along with me. I'd love to have you subscribe to my channel. 

Thanks again for stopping in. Be sure to check out the annual retiring products. Now through April 15th, you can earn double Loyalty Bucks on any purchases using the Hostess Code: CA9YKG2F at checkout. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Card Cafe

Beautiful Color Combinations with Pretty Perennials Bundle

Hi Everyone,

It's an exciting day today. I am sharing several cards using the Pretty Perennials Bundle. I had a recent blog post using this bundle and then asked stampers to let me know what other color combinations they would like to see. So here they are (one combo is missing. I missed a comment by Christi, so I will create her color choices on my  Facebook Live on Wednesday, 4/7).

Marie's color choices were Poppy Parade and blues. I chose Seaside Spray. This is a retiring 2019-2021 In-Color. 

Nichelle chose Mint Macaron and Blushing Bride. I created this card similar in design to my original, but added a die-cut flower too.

Kathy B suggested Just Jade and Calypso Coral. This is such a nice combination. The DSP is from Flowers for Every Season 6" x 6" stack. This is also on the last chance sale while supplies last.

This is such a fun springtime creation! Bea suggested purple, pink, with green and yellow accents. Highland Heather, Blushing Bride, Daffodil Delight and Pear Pizazz are all fabulous,

Kathleen wanted me to use Rich Razzleberry and Gorgeous Grape. I was pleasantly surprised at how well these colors work together. This is such a beautifully rich card. I'm not sure if this picture captures the color blended on the Scripty embossed white piece. The Scripty Embossing folder is retiring and available while supplies last.

Well I can't tell you how pleased I am with all the color choices that were suggested. Let me know which combination really speaks to you. I will also do another post to share Christi color choice that I haven't created yet. 

Have you seen all the wonderful products that are retiring? Many of them are also discounted. 

Thanks again for stopping in. Be sure to check out the annual retiring products. Now through April 15th, you can earn double Loyalty Bucks on any purchases using the Hostess Code: CA9YKG2F at checkout. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Card Cafe