Occasions Mini Catalog Farewell

Stampin' Up! has just released the Occasions Mini Carry Over List.  Be sure to check it out and see if there is something that is NOT on there that you "need" to have because it will be gone forever as of midnight tonight. (Mountain time, so it's 2:00 AM our time, Eastern). The items on this list will be available at least through the end of May. Then we will need to wait for June 1st to see if they made it to the new catalog.

I know for sure the pleated ribbon is NOT on the carry over list so if you love this ribbon as much as I do you will want to place your order for it tonight.  If you email me by 11:00 PM, I can place the order for you but if you decide later than that that's okay but you will just need to visit my online store and place the order yourself.
Occasions Mini Carry Over List

This card we made at Leadership back in January. It uses several great items that are in the Occasions Mini Catalog.

PRODUCTS USED:
Stamps: Mixed Bunch
Ink: Lucky Limeade, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight
Other: Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit, Blossom Punch, Brights Buttons, 1"  circle punch, Dimensionals

Sometimes It's Hard to Say Goodbye

Don't you feel that way sometimes?  Some things are easier to let go of than others and when it comes to my Stampin' Up! supplies it's no different.  When I saw the retiring stamp list a few weeks ago, I was happy to see some sets go and then very sad to see some other sets go.  Guess it's the human nature way, although it doesn't make it any easier to deal with.

This week at Sisters in Stamping we are focusing on retiring stamp sets.  I picked a card that I made for my Stamp a Stash class last night (everyone in attendance got to make four of these cards and changed the greetings to their needs).

I used the You're my Type set from the Occasions Mini as my primary focus for this card.  But just behind my typewrite is a stamp called A to Z, which is a great mini background stamp and it's also retiring. It's so fun for so many different things.  Great for kids cards and it was just screaming to be used on this card too. (Or I thought it was screaming to me, lol)

This was a pretty easy card to make multiples of.  There's a lot of layers, yes, but nothing on this card is difficult to duplicate over and over. 

In my humble little opinion, I like how the stamped alphabet background and the First Edition (typed paper) look like it was paper that came out of the typewriter and it's being thrown in the background.  (I know, I really amuse myself).

Don't forget to check out the retiring stamp list and the retiring accessory list.  Remember the accessories are on a first come, first serve, once they're gone, they're gone basis.  So you won't want to wait if you just NEED to have something that is on there.

Want to see more great ideas using retiring stamp sets?  Be sure to head on over to Sisters in Stamping for more ideas.

SUPPLIES USED:
Stamps: You're My Type and A to Z
Cardstock: Basic Gray and Very Vanilla
Ink: Classic Basic Gray
Other: Big Shot, Stripes Embossing folder, First Edition Designer Series paper, adhesive and dimensionals

Have a wonderful day and come back soon for more inspiration!

Retiring Accessories List & a Card

Wow, woke up this morning to check out the retiring accessories list and all I have to say is I can't wait to see the new book.  There are some really great things retiring come May 31st but with that I know there are even better things coming our way on June 1st and I simply can't wait to see the new catalog.

 Today the retiring accessories list have been released. There are many great items on the list that you won't want to miss out on adding to your stamping supplies.  Remember all items on these lists are first come first served. Once they are gone, they are gone forever. So if there are any items on them that you "NEED" to have call, email or place your order through my website right away.  This is a classic case of the early bird gets the worm.

 RETIRING ACCESSORIES LIST
Click Here

Oh, and before you get too excited, yes all of our stamping pads are on the list, that's because there is a new design (the pad will now be foam for better stamped images) and no, not all the colors are going away. Just getting a new designed pad so you don't need to replace all the pads you already own.


However, the craft pads will be gone except for black and white, so if you want some craft pads you should order the craft stampin' spots soon.

RETIRING DECOR ELEMENTS LIST
Click Here

Didn't want to leave you with no "eye candy" for today so here is another cute little card made using the Ronald McDonald House set, Turtle & Co.  Isn't that little snail darling?  The saying goes along perfectly because we can all understand why the birthday wishes are late if a little snail is delivering them.

The presents were all stamped along the bottom of the card in versamark ink. I love how he's pulling the presents behind him.  All by drawing a little line between the two. 

Remember this set is retiring so you will want to order yours today.

CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, & Certainly Celery
INK: Basick Black and Versamark
ACCESSORIES: Snail Adhesive, Stampin' Write Markers: Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, Daffodil Delight and Real Red

Hello Mickey!

Today at Sisters in Stamping we are turning our focus onto Scrapbook pages.  So get ready to be inspired by some great pages. Of course, you will only see my page here so head over to Sisters in Stamping to see what Jacque, Debbie, and Karla are ready to share with you.

This page was one that I had to whip together 8 of in less than a half hour.  Yes, the ultimate procrastinator that I am waited until the absolute last minute to do a swap for my team meeting this month. Go figure. I really do work well under pressure but really, I think I need to stop doing that. I'm sure it's not the best thing for my blood pressure, lol.

So for this page, I need something that was quick, fun, and super easy to complete.  I had the idea in my head for a while (since I saw the Summer Smooches paper) so now I just needed to get it all worked out onto paper.  It was such a great page to make with those requirements.  I started with a 6x6 piece of whisper white cardstock and then layerd some textured real red on top of that.  Mickey himself was a snap to put together. Two punches and that was it.  I used the 1 3/4" circle punch for his head and the 1" circle punch for his ears. Easy peasy, right?

Isn't this little Mickey head adorable. You can easily add a little bow to the one ear and make Mickey into Minnie. Also, it would be very easy to make this page bigger to fit more pictures (8 1/2x 11 or 12x12 depending on your needs).  Now I just need to dig through the old pictures and find one from Disney to complete this work of art. 

So you want to know, How easy is it really?  I made all 8 pages in about 20 minutes. So it really is easy.  And who doesn't love Mickey and have a perfect picture to attach to this cute page?

Don't forget to head over to Sisters in Stamping for more scrapbook inspiration.

SUPPLIES USED:

Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black

Punches: 1 3/4" circle, 1" circle

Other: Snail Adhesive and Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper (available only through April 30 and then it will be back June 1st)

Turtle & Co. Stacked High

Hello Stamping Friends,

So have you gotten a chance to check out that retiring list.  I of course have some absolute favorites going as well as some that I'm glad to pass on to other stampers.  But most importantly with all of it is the one simple fact that I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE NEW CATALOG!!!!!!!!!!

It's so exciting I can hardly contain myself.  I always enjoying seeing the new Ronald McDonald set because I think it is such a great cause but before I can see that I need to show you some more ideas using the current Ronald McDonald set, Turtle & Co.  I think the animals in this set are just so fun.

Adding some wiggle eyes make them even more fun, doesn't it?  Today's project is a gum holder.  I measured the gum packet I had and worked my pattern from that. It's pretty easy to do  because you even know exactly what measurement your score lines should be.

See how the ribbon is what pulls the gum out of the packet? Fun, fun, fun! Who wouldn't love to receive this as a little gift or party favor?  Heck, I think even having one in your own purse would be great.  The back of the treat holder has the same stripes and colors of cardstock as the front just to finish it off perfectly.

Gotta run and get some things done for Noah's party this weekend.  Can't believe my first born is going to be 15 years old.  Yikes!  Where in the world did the time go?

Stamps: Turtle & Co.

Cardstock: Tempting Turquise, Certainly Celery, Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black & Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Stampin' Write Markers (tempting turquoise, certainly celery, real red, & daffodil delight), Simply Scored tool, mini glue dots

Non SU: google eyes

Retiring Stamp List is Here!

I can hardly believe that it's here already, but it's true the retiring stamp list has debuted itself today.  It's always a bittersweet time of year for me.  I (like almost everyone else) look forward to new stamps but in order to do that Stampin' Up! must retire stamps that have been around awhile or just didn't sell too well. And that's when I get a little sad.  We all have our favorites and it's hard to say Goodbye to them. But the nice thing is that Stampin' Up! gives us the list well in advance of the final retirement that way we can get the stamps we want before they are gone.

There are so many great sets on the list so if you don't already have them you will want to get them by May 31, 2012 or they will be gone forever. Maybe you even want to hold a fun Girl's Night Out and we can use some of these sets and you can earn some of your favorite ones for free.

This set, Turtle & Co. is retiring.  It has been this year's Ronald McDonald House Charity stamp set.  For every one of these stamp sets purchased Stampin' Up! is donating $2.00 to the Ronald McDonald House Charity.  The RMHC stamp set is always available for one year and then it's gone.  I love how Stampin' Up! is donating to such a worthy cause and helping families to be near their children when they are sick and in the hospital.  I have more cards made with this set that I will share with you in the coming day.

So for now, print out the retired stamp list, grab a highlighter, and your favorite refreshing drink (coffee, tea or whatever else it may be) and sit down to start marking your catalog with the sets that you must have before they are gone forever.

Have a wonderful day and come back soon!

Stamps: Turtle & Co.

Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Real Red, & Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Stampin' Write Markers (tempting turquoise, certainly celery, real red, & daffodil delight), mini glue dots

Non SU: google eyes

More Blossom Builders

I'm so excited!  Today I have a workshop with about 10 brand new stampers.  I can't wait to show them some great cards that they can make themselves.  It's actually proving a little more difficult to get ready for this than I thought because I don't want to make any cards or projects that are too difficult and overwhelming. I want them to love stamping the way I do.

Yesterday I shared a great card for Mother's Day using the Blossom Builders to make a quick card if you have little time to spare.  Well today, I wanted to share another card I made using the Blossom Builder. it's pretty similar to yesterday (well maybe reversed layout) but the finished look is different.

I used the stripes embossing folder instead of the polka dots.  I also used the 1 1/4" striped Baja Breeze grosgrain ribbon and it's ruffled to the left instead of the right like yesterdays cards.  I also used the basic rhinestones instead of the pink ones that come in the Blossom Builders kit.  And of course, the flowers are layered using dimensionald as well as attached to the card with them. Isn't this kit so much fun?  You really don't need too much more to make some great cards in a snap.

Okay, I know this was a quick post but I'm off to get ready for today's workshop.  Thanks for stopping by. Come back real soon.

Don't forget you will need to get your own Blossom Builders kit this month because come May 1st the Occasions mini will be gone and so will the kit.

Let's Get Ahead of the Game with Mother's Day

Before you know it Mother's Day will be here. I know it's only April 13 but we all know how fast time flies by these days, so today at Sisters in Stamping we are getting a jump start on creating Mother's Day projects.

I know most everyone, myself included, are limited on free time. (You know, the time to do whatever you want, when you want.) So I created a really quick card for Mother's day using the awesome Blossom Builders from the Occasions mini catalog. 

(My post is even late today because I didn't have time to get that done due to being called to sub 1/2 day today)  So, yes, even my time is limited.

What do you think?  Isn't it a gorgeous card?  Seriously, it only took me about 10  minutes from start to finish to make this beauty.  It's so fun to layer these flowers, you can seriously come up with dozens of different flower combinations.  The kit is awesome for new card makers and a God send for card makers that have been doing it for years but ran out of time and they really need a quick card before they run out the door.

I used the Summer Smooches designer Series paper for the layer between the two white layers. The top white layer is ran through the big shot and embossed with the perfect polka dots embossing folders (my absolute favorite, gotta love my polka dots)

Then I used the pear pizzazz seam binding (I know the flowers in the kit are Lucky Limeade but I felt the pear was a good match) to do a little ruffling   (made me think of the song, Everyday I'm Sufflin', lol  instead for me it's everyday I'm rufflin'. Yes I know my brain is crazy, lol)

Guess what I did to put my flowers together?  You got it, I used a dimensional between EVERY layer. That's right, EVERY SINGLE LAYER.  The flowers look so great when they are popped up.  See those pink rhinestones?  They even come in the Blossom Builders kit. A-W-E-S-O-M-E, right?????  And get this, so does that cute little banner with the Happy Mother's Day (from Teeny Tiny Wishes) greeting.  Yes, it is cut with the little "v" too.  Come on, tell me you don't want this kit now. I knew it, you simply can't do that. : )
Hope you absolutely love this card for all of it's gorgeousness as well as it's simplicity.  Don't foget to head over to the Sisters in Stamping blog for more great Mother's Day projects.

I crossing my fingers that this card inspired you enough to go and create one or two or three of your own beauties.

The Bunny is Here

I know you thought I was losing my  mind and a day early with Easter. But no, really, see the bunnies are here on my blog today.  I'm just in Easter mode. We need to color our eggs, finish our Easter tree (that I've been meaning to do for over a week now), fill the plastic eggs for our hunt tomorrow and of course I need to start some of the dinner preparations for tomorrow so I'm not crazy busy and a maniac tomorrow. But I digress, instead of worrying about all that (for now) I wanted to share a little Easter cheer with all of you.

This adorable card was created by a member of my team, Mary Lee. Isn't it just the sweetest card?

The bunnies on this card just look like they are having some fun playing and collecting eggs. Mary Lee colored the bunnies and everything else using the Stampin' Write Markers. I didn't get this set because in my crazy little mind it was too much coloring. Well, Mary Lee showed me that you can still get a great card with not coloring much on these bunnies afterall.  I love it.

She also embossed the pool party layer of cardstock with the Petals a Plenty folder.  This folder is great because you can use it as Poinsettas at Christmas time (not that we are even close to thinking about that yet) and then you can use it in the Spring for great Spring cards.  I love when products are versatile and I can use it more than for just one season.

I also love how she used the Modern label punch twice to give the greating more texture and depth.  She just punched it twice and cut the Pretty in Pink one in half and added it to each side.

Hope you have been inspired by this card to go and create.  Have a wonderful day!

Let's All Fly a Kite

Hello Stamping Friends,

Welcome to another Fabulous Friday at Sisters in Stamping.  This week we are sharing projects with a Spring theme with all of you.  I decided on a card using kites. Why kites, you ask?  Well I know that I often would buy my kids kites for their Easter Baskets, so in my head they are definitely a Spring thing.  Didn't buy any this year because we have some goods ones we bought a couple of years ago so no need to get them more.  However, Noah bought one for his girlfriend last week because she never had one growing up. So I guess the Yurkanin tradition of buying kites in the Spring continues.

This card was made for a birthday class I held.  This was the card for a little boy's birthday.  The stamp set is from the Occasions Mini Catalog (Send Me Soaring, p37).  I think the kites in the set would also be great just to make a card with an argyle type look.

The clouds also come in that set. It isn't designer series paper like you might have been thinking.  I love the little clouds.  I also used the Big Top Birthday designer series paper for the bottom of the card.

The card base is tempting turquoise with a daffodil delight layer before the top layer of whisper white and the designer series paper. Even the greeting comes in the set, so I didn't need to go look anywhere else.

Don't forget to check out the Sisters in Stamping blog for more Spring themed ideas. Thanks for stopping by today, hope you have been inspired to go and create your own Spring projects.

Here are Petite Purses that I Promised

I know I promised you these adorable petite little purses so here there are.  These purses are so quick and easy to put together. I think I may just have to throw a little party so I can make these for some awesome party favors.  Not so sure if Noah would "accept" these as the party favors for his birthday in a few weeks, what do you think?

The first purse is using very vanilla cardstock and it was embossed with the perfect polka dots die.  You know I love polka dots, right?  I then just used a little flower from the blossoms die for an accent and an antique brad through the center.  The handle is finished off with some vanilla brads.  This purse is so cool because it uses very little adhesive.  You can use a piece of sticky strip or a couple of mini glue dots on each side and that's it.  Seriously, it can't get much easier.

This second purse is made using the great designer series paper from the Summer Smooches product suite.  The decorative accent on this piece is one of the fabric covered brads that are available ONLY this month. Come May 1st they are gone forever.  I've had several people tell that this purse looks like a little Vera Bradley purse.  This one came together even faster than the first one I shared. Just used one piece of paper, some adhesive and a brad.  These would be great for a little girls party.

The purse hold a handful of hershey kisses or several nuggets.  It would be great to hold some jewelry or little nail polish and lipstick.

Hope you like these little purses.  Have more questions, contact me.

Rachel's April Stamping Classes & Important Dates

IMPORTANT DATES

Sunday, April 15, 2012 - Retiring Stamp List Released

Tuesday, April 25, 2013 - Retiring Accessories List Released

(all accessories are on a first come, first served basis, once they run out they are gone for ever)

Monday, April 30, 2012 - Last Day to order from the Occasions Mini Catalog

Thursday, May 31, 2012 - Last Day to order from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog

Friday, June 1, 2012 - NEW CATALOG IS RELEASED

**Stampin’ Classes**

by Rachel Yurkanin – Stampin Up! Demonstrator

570-689-5371 Email: dryurkanin@comcast.net

Website: www.rachelyurkanin.stampinup.net

Gather your friends for a night of fun while you earn free stamps and supplies. These would include ideas for cards, invites, favors, decorations, etc.

April 2012 Classes

Classes are held at my home unless otherwise noted.

Let’s Get Punchy Class: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 6:30 PM

• Make 2 different 6x6 pages and 2 cards of characters/things using Stampin’ Up! Punches. The pages and cards will use the same characters/things.
• This class will be offered on the second Tuesday of every month.
• Cost: $25.00 for the first month (this includes a 6x6 album to place your pages in for future reference). Every other month after the first will be $10.00. This fee includes all supplies to complete the pages and the cards. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: Monday, April 9, 2012

Scrapbook in an Evening Class: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 6:30 PM

· During this class you will complete a 6x6 scrapbook that will have you ready for Spring. All you will need to do is add some Spring, Easter, or Mother's Day pictures to the completed book after class.
· As part of the class you will receive a half pack of the Spring Fever Simply Scrappin' Kit (p 21 Occasions Mini Catalog) and a Natural 6x6 ring linen album (#104509).
· You will make 20 6x6 pages at the class to put in your album.
· Cost: $35.00 per person
· Includes all supplies to complete the album. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
· Registration Deadline is: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 (I need to be firm on this date because I need to order the supplies so you will have it at class.)

Bags & Tags Class: Sunday, April 22, 2012 2:00 PM

• Make 5 different gift bags and tags to coordinate with them. You will be able to give your gifts in one of a kind gift bags. The recipient is sure to think the bag is better than the gift inside. As part of this class you will also receive the Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit (p18 Occasions Mini Catalog). We will be using some of the pieces on the bags but you will have plenty of pieces left over that you can create more bags, tags, cards, scrapbook pages or whatever you would like once you go home.
• Cost: $25.00. This fee includes all supplies to complete the bags and the tags. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 19, 2012

Stamp-A-Stash: Thursday, April 26, 2012 – 6:30 PM

• Make 12 cards: 3 designs, 4 of each design. Great way to build your card collection so you won’t be caught without a card for the next special occasion.
• Cost: $20.00 – Includes all supplies to complete the cards and envelopes. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
1/2 Price Class fee with a $25.00 order
FREE class with a $50 order (plus you can select one Sale-a-bration item as well)
• Registration Deadline: Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Big Shot Club, Sunday, April 29, 2012 2:00 PM

Do you love the big shot but can’t justify the expense all at once? Well, I have the perfect club for you. Read on for all the details.

• This club will run for 4 months and be $46 a month.
• At the end of the club you will have your own big shot machine, one die (p 222, $21.95), one textured impressions folder (p 218-219, $7.95), one Bigz L Die (p 221, $32.95), one embosslit die (p 216, $11.95), and one sizzlit die (p 224, $5.50).
• This is plenty of supplies to have a lot of fun playing with your new big shot at the end of the club.
• Each month we will meet and I will share 3 projects with you (that you will make as well) using the big shot. By the end of the club you will know how to work all the great tools that are available for the Big Shot. We won’t be using just paper either. I will show you several different materials that work wonderfully with the Big Shot.
• If you are unable to attend the make n take session, you can still join this club. I will make the projects for you and get them to you. So this is a club for everyone.
• Plus as a club member you will also receive $25 in hostess credit that you can use towards exclusive hostess sets and other catalog merchandise. Isn’t this a sweet deal?
• If you already own the Big Shot you are welcome to attend the class for $10 per month.
• Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 26, 2012

Hope to see you at a class or two this month for some fun times and great crafting.

Summer Smooches Sneak Peek

Ready for a Sneak Peek?  Stampin' Up! is giving all of us (not just demonstrators) a sneak peek into the 2012-2013 Catalog this month.  Now through April 30, 2012 you can order items from the Summer Smooches Product Suite.  If you don't order in April you will have to wait for the new catalog to make it's big debut. 

I must say, I have many of the sneak peek items already (we, demonstrators, were able to purchase them in March) and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them.  The colors are so fun and bright, definitely screams Summer.  Of course, my favorite is the purse die for the big shot. Come back tomorrow and I will show you what I made with it.

  

Item                       Description                                                              Price           

125495                Bright Blossoms Wood-Mount Set                            $16.95

125497                Bright Blossoms Clear-Mount Set                              $12.95

125409                Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper                  $10.95

125583               Daffodil Delight 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon                  $10.95

125411               Summer Smooches Designer Fabric                            $9.95

125589               Summer Smooches Fabric Designer Brads*                $6.95

125626               Summer Smooches Décor Stencil*                              $7.95

125606               Petite Purse Bigz L Die                                                $32.95

129919               Summer Smooches Photobook Template                     $17.95

129601               Summer Smooches Digital Kit                                      $9.95

*Exclusive to the Summer Smooches Special Offer; will not be available in the 2012-2013 catalog

Product Details:
Designer Series Paper coordinating colors: Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Tangerine Tango, Rich Razzleberry.

Designer Fabric coordinating colors: Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Tangerine Tango.

Fabric Designer Brads: 24 pieces, 8 ea. of 3 designs.

Summer Smooches Photobook Template and Digital Kit are My Digital Studio downloads

Remember come back tomorrow and I will show you a couple of adorable little purses using the new purse die and one will even use the Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper.