The retiring lists are now out and you can find them here http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/CategoryPage.aspx?categoryid=737

Stamps will be available to order until May 31st.  Accessories, however, are limited and available only on a first-come first-served basis.

There sure are some amazing deals on retiring accessories!  And big changes are happening with the stamp pads, Card Stock, and Stampin' Write Markers . 

The Craft Stampin' Pads will now only be available in black and white.  And the Classic Stampn' Pads will have a new Firm Foam pads int he 2012-2013 annual catalogue. The Firm Foam pads offer better ink coverage and, in turn, better stamped images.

12" x 12" Textured Card Stock will no longer be offered and 12" x 12" Smooth Card Stock will only be available in select individual colours and colour collections.

Lastly, only select Stampin' Write Markers will be available individually (Stampin' Write Markers in colour collections will continue to be offered). 

It is sweet and sour seeing the retiring lists and having to say goodbye to old favourites, but the anticipation of what will be coming out in the new catalogue is almost too much to handle. 

I am excited to to share with everyone the Mom & Me for Tea projects that Moms are invited to make with their children at the end of the month (check out my Events Calendar). 
Everyone is sure to have fun stamping, using the paper punches, and trying the Big Shot. Aren't these just darling??

The gorgeous Stampin' Up fabric has been calling my name. I answered by creating a fabulous reversible tote.  I have used the tote for EVERYTHING! For a grocery bag, a purse, for a toy and snack bag for the car, and (of course) for bringing my Stampin' supplies with me wherever I go. Check it out:

Did I mention that it is reversible?! This is the same bag - so versatile and so irresistable. 

This tote I made with the Flirtatious designer series fabric. I will tell you that the hardest part of making the tote was deciding which of the ten designer series fabric collections to choose.

I plan to make many more of the totes  (Actually, I'm thinking one of each of the different fabric collections). They are just so darn handy and will make great gifts.

I am happy to share my pattern and show others how easy these are to make too.  Go to my calendar pageto see
when my next class is.  Or gather together a few friends and I will do a class just for you.

I truly enjoyed my first Stampin' Up! get-together last evening. I was thrilled that so many friends and family members were able to come and check out all my new goodies.  We had quite a diverse crowd, from forever scrapbookers to dedicated card-makers, to digital designers, to absolute newbies.  It was great! 

Everyone had a chance to make a card and then chose whether to make an additional card or a 6x6 scrapbook page.  We used lots of bright spring colours in our projects in order to bring in that warm weather feeling. We had so much fun trying all the new tools and techniques like punching, heat embossing, blender pens, the Big Shot, and of course lots of stamps and inks! We even made spring cookies with the cookie press - gotta keep those crafters well-nourished you know.

Fun was had by all, myself definitely included.  It was such a relief doing my first party with good friends and family, who were interested, engaged, and helpful.  A big shout out to all who came - THANK YOU!  

Here is one of the springy cards we made: