The wait is over - it's June 1st and the new 2018-19 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue is here! I have updated my links on the right hand side of my blog and you will find a permanent link to the new catalogue there, but for today you need look no further than the picture below which will take you straight to the new catalogue:

The catalogue is fantastic, with so many great new products to choose from. The new catalogue is posted above and will be permanently linked via my blog on the right hand side if you don’t have a paper copy and wish to browse. If you have your paper copy and just want to go straight to the shop to place your order, click here - ordering systems have now fully transitioned from the old stock items to the new so you are good to go! Also, remember to add the current hostess code for June QCW2Y7SW if your order is less than £150 and ensure your preferences are set to 'contactable' to receive a thank you in the post from me.

There are a few items that due to unexpected shipping delays will not be immediately available - they are as follows:

• BIG PLANS PLANNER KIT (146859)
• BIG PLANS PLANNER KIT REFILL (146861)
• METALLIC PEARLS (146282)
• LEAF RIBBON (146905)
• PETAL PINK RHINESTONE GEMS (146914)
• METALLIC BRADS (146929)
• BASIC BRADS (146930)
• 2018-2020 IN COLOR MINI BINDER CLIPS (146932)

New Stampin' Up! Blends colours are also unavailable at this time, but rest assured I will post more information on this as they come online. There is plenty that is available though, so you can always add these items to your 'next time' list!

I'll be sharing my favourite items from the new catalogue in a blog post soon, but in the meantime if you would like to get hands on with new products then save the following dates: 

I will be holding two Annual Catalogue Open House Drop-in Sessions next week on Wednesday 6th June from 10am-12 noon and then again on Thursday 7th June from 6-8pm. If you live in or around Northampton this is a great opportunity for you to see some of the products up close, take advantage of my BOGOF sale of retired stamp sets, do a make and take and more! If you would like to put your name down for these exclusive events then do get in touch!

I also have a number of classes lined up in coming months featuring products from the new catalogue - here's a quick summary for you below:

• 18th June - Share What You Love Suite
• 5th July -Lilypad Lake Bundle
• 16th July - Serene Garden Bundle
• 2nd August - Abstract Impressions
• 13th August - Darling Label Punch Box
• 10th September - Pop of Petals Home Decor Frame

Full details for these classes can be found on my Facebook Events Page  or alternatively under the 'Events/classes' tab on my website.

That's a lot of information for one post; if I were you I would put the kettle on, put your feet up and get comfy and settle down with your new catalogue for a browse and start creating that all-important wish list!

Back tomorrow with a new project; until then, happy shopping!

Today is the last day for lots of things - you can read all about those in my earlier post here - but for today's creative post I'm sharing a piece of framed home decor that I made recently for a recent event and my upcoming new catalogue launch to illustrate to my customers the new Stampin' Up! colour collections following the colour revamp, whilst also highlighting both current sets of in-colours. 

I wanted something that would serve as a conversation-starter for questions and enable comparison of the new colour families so decided to take the opportunity to highlight one of my favourite bundles from the new catalogue, the Lined Alphabet bundle, to create a colour-themed piece of home decor - take a look:

This is a rather large framed piece, measuring a whopping 17 1/2" x 17 1/2" square (or 45cm x 45cm), so I've photographed it quite tightly so that you can see the detail. You might recognise the quotation - it is attributed to the Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky, famed for painting the first works of modern abstract art in the 20th century. In defining life, painting and the psychological impact of colour, he is quoted as saying:

"Colour is a power which directly influences the soul. Colour is the keyboard, the eyes are the hammer, the soul is the strings. The artist is the hand that plays, touching one key or another, to cause vibrations in the soul" (V. The psychological working of Colour: Quoted in: Hajo Düchting (2000) Wassily Kandinsky, 1866-1944: A Revolution in Painting. p. 17). 

This seemed perfectly suitable for my interpretation of the Stampin' Up! colours. All 53 colours feature: the new 2018-20 In-colours feature first (I repeated the Lovely Lipstick and Grapefruit Grove colours as I needed 6 colours for this word and a seventh panel to give me the symmetry for my overall design, but otherwise all colours feature just once). You can see each of the families in sequence, highlighted below - a little messy to label to be fair, as two of the colour families span more than one horizontal line, but hopefully you can make them all out:

This is then complimented by the three basics of Whisper White, Very Vanilla and Basic Black to make up the background.

What do you think of the new Lined Alphabet and the co-ordinating Layering Alphabet Edgelit Dies? I love them! Rest assured, these are an investment item and I will be getting my money's worth out of them so you will see lots more projects using them in the coming months for sure. They are really easy to use - I actually cut the letters first then stamped afterwards, but you could do the other way around which is the more conventional approach I guess. I like the subtle line detail that stamping the diecut letter adds for just that little bit of extra definition and the marker lines on the dies make it easy to get the words lined up. This is just one of the ways that I will be sharing the new colours with my customers - along with colour swatches, guides and the new in-color bookmarks that I sent out with my catalogues too.

I will be having a couple of new catalogue drop-in sessions next week for anyone who is local to me and would like to have a look at my new product displays including this frame in more detail, pick up their new catalogue, shop my 'buy one, get one free' stash of retired stock and more. These drop-ins will be on Wednesday 6th June 10am-12 noon and then again on Thursday evening 7th June from 6-8pm - please get in touch and let me know if you would like to attend either via email or my Facebook page.

Enjoy your day and I'll be back tomorrow with news of the new catalogue. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used: 

Lined Alphabet Photopolymer Bundle (£133.00)	In Color 2018–2020 A4 Cardstock (£8.00)	2017-2019 In Color A4 Cardstock (£7.25)	Neutrals A4 Cardstock (£8.00)	Brights A4 Cardstock (£8.00)
Subtles A4 Cardstock (£8.00)	Regals A4 Cardstock (£8.00)	Classic Stampin' Pad Assortment In Color 2018-2020 (£31.50)

It's here - the list of products that will be retiring from this year's annual and Spring-Summer seasonal catalogues has been announced!

You can see and download the full list of items retiring from the current Spring-Summer catalogue by CLICKING HERE.

You can see and download the full list of items retiring from the current Annual catalogue by CLICKING HERE.

Retiring products are only available WHILE STOCKS LAST, so if you've still items on your wish list from this year's annual or spring-summer seasonal catalogues, you need to check the retiring lists and if they're on it put an order in pronto! Don't forget to add this month's online hostess code: YDNWGUGS

Some of the things I will miss most that feature on this list include:

Number Of Years Photopolymer Stamp Set (£24.00)	Large Numbers Framelits Dies (£28.00)	Brick Wall Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (£7.75)	Fluttering Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (£7.75)	Bow Builder Punch (£16.00)
Pansy Punch (£14.50)	Brights Enamel Shapes (£8.25)	Glitter Enamel Dots (£6.25)	Color Theory Card Pack (£9.00)	Fresh Florals Designer Series Paper Stack (£20.00)
Santa's Sleigh Photopolymer Stamp Set (£19.00)	Oh, What Fun Photopolymer Stamp Set (£19.00)	No Bones About It Photopolymer Stamp Set (£23.00)	Moon Baby Clear-Mount Stamp Set (£18.00)	Magical Day Clear-Mount Bundle (£41.25)

I will do a further review tomorrow, however if you want to stock up on any of the retiring in-colour items and you haven't already done so, especially re-inkers, I would urge you to do that sooner rather than later as they are always the first things to sell out.

Click on the links below to take you directly to my online shop to purchase any of the 2016-18 in-colour items that are retiring:

Dapper Denim A4 Cardstock (£7.25)	Dapper Denim Classic Stampin' Pad (£6.00)	Dapper Denim Classic Stampin' Ink Refill (£3.50)	Dapper Denim 3/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (£6.25)
Emerald Envy A4 Cardstock (£7.25)	Emerald Envy Classic Stampin' Pad (£6.00)	Emerald Envy Classic Stampin' Ink Refill (£3.50)	Emerald Envy 3/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (£6.25)
Flirty Flamingo A4 Cardstock (£7.25)	Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad (£6.00)	Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Ink Refill (£3.50)	Flirty Flamingo 3/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (£6.25)
Peekaboo Peach A4 Cardstock (£7.25)	Peekaboo Peach Classic Stampin' Pad (£6.00)	Peekaboo Peach Classic Stampin' Ink Refill (£3.50)	Peekaboo Peach 3/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (£6.25)
Sweet Sugarplum A4 Cardstock (£7.25)	Sweet Sugarplum Classic Stampin' Pad (£6.00)	Sweet Sugarplum Classic Stampin' Ink Refill (£3.50)	Sweet Sugarplum 3/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (£6.25)
2016-2018 In Color 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Cardstock (£10.00)	2016-2018 In Color A4 Cardstock (£7.25)	2016-2018 In Color Classic Stampin' Pads (£25.50)	2016-2018 In Color Stampin' Write Markers (£13.50)
2016-2018 In Color Glitter Acrylic Shapes (£7.75)

You will notice there are also a number of colour products from other colour families that are included on the list; this is because Stampin' Up! has announced a colour revamp that will involve a complete overhaul of our colours, that includes movement between colour families, additional retiring colours and also some old favourites that will be returning - yay! - along with a redesign of the ink pad casing itself. I will have more news on that for you in the next few days.

I'll be back tomorrow with a creative post and an update on the retiring list; until then, happy shopping!

Hello lovely readers! I hope you have all enjoyed wonderful Christmases. We have had a busy time here in the James household, with one poorly James Junior and a house full of guests, however I'm pleased to say we are currently enjoying a post-Christmas lull with some much needed peace, quiet and rest and relaxation before the new year begins.

The festivities have necessitated something of a blog break - my regular readers know this happens every year as I am yet prepared enough to have time to write all my posts in advance - and whilst my usual frequent blogging won't resume until the new year properly, I do have some projects to share, along with some news and reminders of offers that will end within the next few days. 

First things first - you have until the 31st December to reserve your Stamparatus, the amazing new one-of-a-kind stamp positioning tool by Stampin' Up! You can read more about this fantastic tool in my earlier blog post here however following the overwhelming popularity of the tool during the first reservation window (the entire allocated stock was reserve in under 15 minutes!) the ongoing reservation process was changed to allow an unlimited number of reservations (subject to one per customer) in a single period, scheduled to end at the end of December. The reservation window will close at 6.50am GMT on Sunday 31st December - you don't have to pay for your Stamparatus until you are notified that it is ready to ship (likely to be sometime from March onwards). This will be your last chance to order the best stamp positioning tool on the market until this tool launches fully in this year's new annual catalogue in June. 

You still have time to snap up a bargain in the year-end sales event: click here to see the stamps and accessories that are still available online and don't forget to add the current hostess code KRXDZQXE to your online order to receive an extra thank you in the post from me. There are also a whole range of other items that are not discounted that will also be leaving us when the current seasonal catalogue ends - you can find those in the online store here. 

Lastly, copies of the new Spring-Summer seasonal catalogue and the forthcoming Sale-A-Bration brochure will be in the post to those of my customers still to receive them within the next couple of days; if you haven't purchased from me in the last 12 months and don't already have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and you would like to receive one, please get in touch with your details and I will happily pop one in the post to you.

Back with more news soon; meanwhile, happy stampin'!

My week has been whizzing by as usual, but I've had a few snatched opportunities to create with my pre-order goodies and managed to whip up a quick card using this week's CAS(E) This Sketch using some new products:

I used a new stamp set called Christmas Quilt and some new co-ordinating designer series paper called Quilted Christmas for my border for my clean and simple Christmas card:

Such a versatile set with a wonderful homespun feel that will be useful for Christmas and beyond and is sure to appeal to the seamstresses out there. A lovely sentiment for the inside too:

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

The items used on today's card will be available to purchase when the new seasonal catalogue goes live on 1st September; if you're not already on my mailing list and don't already have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator of your own and would like me to send you a catalogue, please get in touch with your details and I will pop one in the post to you when mine go out within the next week or so. 

Enjoy your day and I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Quilted Christmas 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper	Christmas Quilt Photopolymer Stamp Set	Quilt Builder Framelits Dies	Whisper White A4 Thick Cardstock	Real Red A4 Cardstock
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad	Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad	Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad

Today I'm sharing a set of cards I made a while back to showcase the new in-colours at my Annual Catalogue launch event but just haven't got around to blogging. I also used this design as the basis for the cards that I sent out to my customers and anyone who had requested a catalogue from me with their copy of the new catalogue. Here's the first one:

 Here's the low-down on today's card:

Label Me Pretty - Label Me Pretty is one of the new bundles in the annual catalogue featured on page 27, comprising the 'Label Me Pretty' stamp set and the Pretty Label Punch. Just like the new daisy punch, the introduction of this punch to the Stampin' Up! punch collection has proved incredibly popular with demonstrators and customers alike, and it's easy to see why: this versatile label is great to use on cards or packaging alike, and the layering options that the stamp set and addition of a few circle punches gives allows for lots of creative possibilities.

In-Colour Quintet - As I mentioned above, I created the same card using each of the new in-colours. Having worked with them for some months now, my favourites are still Berry Burst and Lemon Lime Twist, the latter especially when combined with other colours such as Night of Navy - I just love it! Here's a shot showing glimpses of each of the cards in the collection:

Background Tip - The construction of my card is simple and the photograph fairly self-expanatory - well, it needs to be an easy make when mass-production is called for! I did just want to point out how I stamped the background flowers on the card base. If you look closely, you will see that they are the flowers from the 'Happy Birthday' stamp in the Label Me Pretty set, yet the wording isn't visible. I actually stamped the image, then turned it through 180 degrees so that the bottom of each image overlapped (you can't see this as it's covered by the label) to provide some extra florals to frame my label. This was a tip I picked up at Onstage in Amsterdam earlier this year from Donna Morgan at the Home Office I think, if my memory serves me correctly - so thank you Donna!

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

So which of the in-colours is your favourite, or is there any one you find a real challenge to work with? Do leave me a comment below - I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Enjoy your day and I'll be back soon with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Label Me Pretty Clear-Mount Bundle	Whisper White A4 Thick Cardstock	2017-2019 In Color A4 Cardstock	2017-2019 In Color Classic Stampin' Pads	1-3/4" (4.4 Cm) Circle Punch
Whisper White Solid Baker's Twine

The wait is over - it's June 1st and the new 2016-17 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue is here! I have updated my links on the right hand side of my blog and you will find a permanent link to the new catalogue there, but for today you need look no further than the picture below which will take you straight to the new catalogue:

The catalogue is fantastic, with so many great new products to choose from. The new catalogue is posted above and will be permanently linked via my blog on the right hand side if you don’t have a paper copy and wish to browse. If you have your paper copy and just want to go straight to the shop to place your order, click here. Don't forget to add the hostess code for June B3C3DUB6 if your order is less than £150 and ensure your preferences are set to 'contactable' to receive a thank you in the post from me.

I'll be sharing my favourite items in a blog post later this week, but for now I have news of another very important promotion to share with you:

• Earn Additional Stampin' Rewards with a single order or qualifying party sales  You can earn an additional £30 in Stampin' Rewards when you place an individual order for or reach qualifying party sales of £300 or more during the month of June. Here is a reminder of the rewards you can earn when you host a party, along with the details of the promotion:

Don't forget these Stampin' Rewards can also be used towards a starter kit if you choose to join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator - making the starter kit even better value! I still have some calendar dates free in June so if you would like to host your own Stampin' Up! party and take full advantage of the extra rewards, then please do get in touch! 

• Want To Get Hands On With New Products? Save The Date - I will be holding my Annual Catalogue Open House Launch next week on Thursday 8th June - if you live in or around Northampton this is a great opportunity for you to see some of the products up close, take advantage of my BOGOF sale of retired stamp sets, do a make and take and more! If you would like to put your name down for this exclusive event then do get in touch!

That's a lot of information for one post; if I were you I would put the kettle on, put your feet up and get comfy and settle down with your new catalogue for a browse and start creating that all-important wish list!

Back tomorrow with a new project; until then, happy shopping!

Public service announcements first today - bear with me, there will be a creative post below for those that are here for the pretty stuff!

Counting down now - only 1 day to go until the new 2017-18 Annual Stampin' Up! catalogue launches!

I have sent out copies to everyone on my catalogue mailing list who has purchased from me in the last 6 months - if you're not on this list but would like to receive one, then do give me a call on 07773 421446 or drop me an email and I will pop one in the post to you today.

This also means the following: 

Today is the last day that you can order from the 2016-17 Stampin' Up! catalogue - this includes any of the 'Bundle and Save 10%' bundles. Even though many of the products they contain are being carried over to the new annual catalogue, they will not be available as a discounted bundle.

Today is the last day that you can order from the 2017 Spring-Summer Seasonal Stampin' Up! catalogue - a number of the products in this brochure are being carried over to the new annual catalogue, however we willbe saying goodbye to many items. There are still a number of stamp sets and accessories available at a discount on the Retiring List here - today is your last chance to grab a bargain!  they will not be available as a discounted bundle.

Today is also the final day to purchase either of the special Eastern Palace Suite bundles. You can read more about these fabulous bundles in my blog post here which also contains the link to the store should you wish to purchase either bundle. Whilst all of the items contained in each bundle will be available to purchase individually once the new annual catalogue launches, the bundles along with the free gifts won't. So if you have been swept up in the Eastern Palace craze, get yours today!

If you are placing an order online today, don't forget to use this month's online hostess code DXFJQZPN to receive a little thank you from me. This code will close this afternoon at 2pm, so be sure to have placed your orders online before this to benefit. If you are local to me and wish to save on postage, please ensure you have your order to me by midday to be included on this order.

That's the announcements and reminders done - now for the pretty! Today I'm sharing a card for this week's challenge over at Less Is More:

I haven't managed to play along with the lovely ladies over at LIM for a little while but having been perusing my depleted collection of stamp sets I came across another uninked one that I thought would be perfect for this week's challenge - take a look:

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Fluttering Fairies - As with yesterday's card, I'm rediscovering sets that have been sitting unused on my shelf as we transition from one catalogue to another. The 'Fairy Celebration' stamp set is new to me - I love the little whimsical fairies that are perfect for colouring and as someone who often creates with and for children, I knew this set would have lots of appeal. I also love how for the fairy that I featured on my card today you can punch out the wings with the retiring Bitty Butterfly punch for a 3D effect. 

Shimmer, Shimmer - When I thought about the word 'shimmer', I immediately thought Shimmery White cardstock, clear Wink of Stella and Dazzling Diamonds glitter - and fairy wings of course! I used all of the above products on my fairy card, heat embossing the stardust trail and glittery fairy wings and adding additional Wink of Stella to the vellum wings to add further iridescence. Along with the Shimmery White card base, I must confess this is one of those cards where it is difficult to capture how very pretty and shimmery this card is in real life - you will just have to take my word for it!

No Line Watercolouring - I stamped the fairy in Powder Pink and watercoloured her using the no-line watercolouring technique as I wanted her to be rather undefined and allow the shimmer to take centre stage. 

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

We are off for a picnic in the park today with friends; the weather hasn't been as warm this last few days, but if it stays dry I'm sure plenty of fun will be had by all. Enjoy your day and I'll be back tomorrow with the official launch of the new 2017-18 Stampin' up! Annual Catalogue - how exciting! Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Fairy Celebration Clear-Mount Stamp Set	Shimmery White A4 Cardstock	Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter	Versamark Pad	Embossing Buddy
Berry Burst A4 Cardstock	Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad	Powder Pink Classic Stampin' Pad	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad	Aqua Painters
Vellum A4 Cardstock	Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush

Today I've a quick post to share some sneak peeks with you for some lovely new products that are appearing in the new Stampin' Up! annual catalogue that is due out on the 1st June - 6 in fact! Take a look:

Today's card features some great new products from the Delightful Daisy Suite, featuring some delicate and elegant florals, including:

• A pretty new stamp set, Daisy Delight
• A co-ordinating Daisy Punch
• Delightful Daisy Designer Series Paper
• 1/4" Daffodil Delight Double-Stitched Ribbon
• Faceted Gems

It also features one of the new in-colours - the sentiment, also from the Daisy Delight stamp set, is stamped in Tranquil Tide.

This is such a pretty set - I'm really looking forward to creating more with it. I can't wait to share the new catalogue with you; if you are a customer of mine that has purchased from me within the last 6 months you will automatically receive an annual catalogue from me. If you haven't purchased from me within the last six months but would like to receive a copy of the new catalogue and don't already have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, then please get in touch with me here to reserve your copy.

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

I have a card to share today but first things first - the list of products that will be retiring from this year's annual and Spring-Summer seasonal catalogues has been announced! You can read the full list by clicking here; there are some tremendous bargains to be had - I will have a review of the things I am going to miss most tomorrow, however if you want to stock up on any of the retiring in-colour items, especially re-inkers, I would urge you to do that sooner rather than later as they are always the first things to sell out. Click on the links below to take you directly to my online shop to purchase any of the in-colour items that are still in stock at time of posting:

Cucumber Crush A4 Cardstock	Tip Top Taupe A4 Cardstock	Mint Macaron A4 Cardstock	Delightful Dijon A4 Cardstock	2015-2017 In Color A4 Cardstock
Cucumber Crush Classic Stampin' Ink Refill	Delightful Dijon Classic Stampin' Ink Refill	Mint Macaron Classic Stampin' Ink Refill	Tip Top Taupe Classic Stampin' Ink Refill

Today I'm sharing a card that uses these departing in-colours - take a look:

I used Stampin' Up!'s Whisper White notelets and a bold sentiment from the 'Thankful Thoughts' stamp set, cut out using my square Stitched Shape Framelits to create an elongated rectangular panel, along with a variety of combinations of the in-colour designer series paper stacks, along with some white ribbon for a finishing touch. I made a whole collection of them in each of the retiring colours and decorated the envelope flaps to co-ordinate too. Here's a glimpse of one in each colour:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Enjoy your day and I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

• Thankful Thoughts stamp set
• Whisper White Notelets and Envelopes