BIG Changes

The winds of change have swept me up today. Since before I was a demonstrator (over 10 years) Stampin' Up!'s color families have been the cornerstone of my crafting. Today, SU announced that the color families are being replaced with new Color Collections. 40 colors total, including the neutrals. WOW is all I can say. I am one who likes to embrace change in general, but this one leaves me a little stunned. I love the new colors, I just wish there were MORE :) The theory is that less colors will be less overwhelming to new customers and demonstrators. OK, I get that....but not all of us are "new". Oh well. I am happy to report that many of the past favorite In Colors are coming back as part of the new color offerings.

The In Color program is also getting a makeover. Starting with the 2010-2011 catalog, there will 5 In Colors offered each year. The In Colors will be available for 2 years rather than 1. So after this next catalog there will always be 10 in the book. i.e. the 2011-2012 catalog will have the 5 new In Colors from this July plus 5 more.

Stampin' Up! will be watching color trends and sales of the different colors. Every 3-5 years they may update the core color list. Nothing as drastic as this year, but a few here and there.

The 2010-2011 catalog will include many transition packages for those of us who have the full collections already. This will include things like assorted marker boxes with that include only new colors, a package of pastels that includes the new colors, box and insert etc.

The current colors are still available until June 30th. If something you love dearly is retiring I recommend stocking up. Once the retired list hits things will only be available while supplies last. I believe the retired list will be out in a month or so.

I know that's a lot to chew on. I hope I explained it clearly. If not, give me a call or email me. I am happy to answer questions.

I am fairly visual, so I am going to try and post a list of the new colors, as well as, a list of the 29 retiring colors.

Like I said- Big Changes. Thinking to myself- "change is good, change is good, change is good...."

2nd January Club Meeting Samples

Here is the last set of January Club Samples. We used primarily items from the Occasions Mini and Sale-a-Bration Brochures.
This first project is a mini milk carton box. The best part is that the box is cut and scored from a new die in the Occasions Mini. The box is small enough that you can get two boxes from a single piece of cardstock.
This card is 99% copied from my up upline Julie P. It is simple and sweet. I only added the epoxy brad on the ribbon and used the new pink satin ribbon.
I wanted to use all the cute new valentine stuff, without making an actual valentine. I used the heartfelt thanks stamp to achieve this. I am so pleased that the embosslit heart layers perfectly with the full heart punch. I love the dots texture folder, it makes super deep impressions. The edge punch is adorable. It even has a matching corner punch, though I didn't use it in this project. Of course I used my favorite new Sending Love Designer paper. Time was short this month, so other than the greeting I fully cased this card from the Stampin' Connection.
This last card I also copied from the Stampin' Connection. I LOVED the colors and layout of this card. I also loved the use of the new Sweet Pea Designer Paper used in the background. The "F" is embossed on Rose Red cardstock and cut out.

January Stamp Club Samples

All three of my clubs met in January. The groups that were supposed to meet in December pushed their meetings back to January. I will post the samples for the groups today and tomorrow. My next club starts in February. We have enough to start but can add if anyone is interested. Let me know if you need more information.

This first card is done with all new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog including the Scalloped Heart Embosslit, New Border Punch (from SAB) Red Satin Ribbon and Sending Love Paper Designer Paper and Small Heart Punch. I love how the embosslit cuts and textures the cardstock at the same time.

This next project was a fun Coaster Box made with the Sending Love Designer paper, chipboard heart, corduroy button, epoxy brad inks and paper. The ribbon was laced between the coasters to hold them together. A simple, yet fun project. We glued the bottom piece on.
This last card is a card I copied from SCS- thank you original artist email me if it's you. We used the new neighborhood set from the SAB brochure. I loved the layout and the colors used.

Build-a-Bear Special Coupon Offer

Dates: January 5-April 30, 2010

Promotion Details: For every $20 spent on products from the Build-A-Bear Workshop Collection, receive a coupon for $5 off a $25 purchase at any Build-A-Bear Workshop store.

Coupon includes:

• $5 off a $25 purchase (expires December 31, 2010).

• Free 1,000 Bear Bills web code.

Coupon Restrictions:

• Not valid on prior purchases, a Build-A-Party celebration, Bear Buck$ cards, in Build-A-Bear Workshop within Rainforest Café or in Build-A-Dino within T-REX Café. Not valid with any other offer.
• Photocopied coupons are not valid.
• Valid in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada only.
• Limit one coupon per person, per visit.
• Void where prohibited or restricted.
• Where required, cash value is 1/100 of 1 cent.
• Not valid at www.buildabear.com or www.buildadino.com.

Country Living Stationery Kit

Customer Order Dates: Now thru April 30, 2010, or while supplies las

Promotion Details:

We are pleased to announce that Stampin' Up! has partnered with Country Living magazine to bring you the Cards à la Carte stationery kit.

This exclusive kit (item 119113) includes the following products:

• Dinner Party stamp set (set of 3)
• Ballet Blue Classic Stampin' Spot
• Preprinted stationery (24 sheets: 4 each of 6 designs)

Haitian Disaster Relief

As you all know Haiti suffered a terrible earthquake in January. In true Stampin' Up! fashion, SU has stepped up and plans to donate $2 for every "I {heart} Hearts" stamp set sold between now and February 28th. Now is a great time to purchase this adorable stamp set and help out at the same time. To order call/email me or visit my web-site.

Heart Sweet Treat Cups Plus Matching Stamp Set

There are lots of specials going on right now. Here are two special items that were left out of the Occasions Mini Catalog, but are super cute. You don't want to miss them. Order via my web-site or call/email me. The stamp set is available both with or without the woodblocks.
The stamp set and heart cups are perfect for Valentines Day. I know I will be using them for my daughters Valentines this year.