Saturday, April 27, 2013

Stampin' Up! Retiring Accessories List -- Have You Seen the Updates?

Hello, Stampers!  Just a reminder that with the publication of this year's Retiring Accessories List, items are already beginning to sell out (especially those retiring colors from the the Color Refresh).


Every afternoon, Stampin' Up! updates the Retiring Accessories List to give you a more up-to-date look at what's still available.  Since Stampin' Up! manufactures its own stamps, those can be expected to last through June 3, which is the final date to order from the 2012-13 Catalog.  Accessories, on the other hand, are manufactured elsewhere and the stock isn't guaranteed.

Contact me if you need something that is retiring and/or if you'd like to get on my list for receiving the *NEW* 2013-14 Catalog.  Those will be in your hands by May 31!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Stampin' Up! Retiring Products Lists are *Here*!


Every year at this time, Stampin' Up! releases the lists of stamp sets and other products that will not be available when the new catalog debuts.  Those lists are here today and are available by clicking on the correlating links.

  • The Retiring Accessories are only available while supplies last.  Each day, Stampin' Up! will update us about what has sold out.  Especially with the latest Color Refresh, if you've got a favorite color making its final curtain call, I'd suggest ordering it now.  

Want the new catalog?  If you've placed a qualifying order through me in the last year, you've already got one set aside for you (and due to arrive no later than May 31).  If you'd like one sent directly to you, please notify me by clicking on the "Email Sara" button on the left.  There are special perks and gifts for those who order through Studio Sara (in addition to Hostess Benefits and free Catalogs), so contact me now to learn more...

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

{Studio Spotlight}: Latest Stampin' Up!dates and What I've Been Working On



Here's an update on the latest Basic Black Classic Ink. Stampin' Up! has been hard at work improving its formula to make it better compatible with the Whisper White card stock:
What's changed?
As mentioned in our last current update, we have accepted a formula with our supplier that shows improvement. The new formula has a reduced dye concentration that will allow it to better absorb into the cardstock. Reducing the concentration didn't change the rich black color we all know and love; it only affects how the cardstock takes the ink.
What about drying time?Because the ink absorbs better into the cardstock, it will dry in under a minute in some cases. It can take longer depending on the run of your cardstock and the age of your ink pad. If you are using an old ink pad, one of the refills with the improved formula will rejuvenate your pad. Also keep in mind that larger stamps or a more solid image may require a longer drying time.
What's the deal with Whisper White Cardstock? We initially discovered that our specification tolerance is too broad, meaning that there is a broad variance in ink absorption and drying time. Our Whisper White Cardstock is not a custom cardstock for Stampin' Up! like our other cardstock colors, so we don't have control over its tolerance. We have since requested that our supplier provide us with cardstock within a tighter range of tolerance. Still, our tests proved that the new ink formula works better on most, not all, of our Whisper White Cardstock. The performance of the ink depends on the run of the cardstock. It is not possible to tell when a packet of Whisper White Cardstock was produced. If you are concerned with the quality of your cardstock, we recommend using StazOn ink, instead of Basic Black.
What if I need to exchange or return my Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad?If you have experienced problems with your Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, contact Demonstrator Support. Please have your pad in hand-it will help the agent know how to best help you.
When can I get my hands on the improved Basic Black ink?The improved Basic Black ink pad and refill are currently being sold. Surprise! Remember, depending on the Whisper White Cardstock you are using, you may still experience smearing and high drying times. We recommend that you use StazOn instead of the Basic Black Classic ink pad.
We are pleased with these results so far. Not only has our Basic Black ink formula improved, but the testing process has also shown us how to make improvements to the quality of our Whisper White Cardstock. We will continue to see improvement in the future.


There are new Photopolymer Stamps (stay tuned for a post on that tomorrow, including a video!) and My Digital Studio Downloads available...

Monday, April 8, 2013

Time Is Running out on Free Shipping with Stampin' Up!


It's time to finish those wish lists and finalize your orders, Dear Studio Visitors, as the time for ordering from Stampin' Up! with *free shipping* is running out!  

The deadline is tonight, *Monday, April 8 at 11:50 PM MDT* if you're placing an online order.  

Want me to help you place your order?  Email or call me by *8:00 PM PDT*!  I'll email you back to let you know I've received your message -- we're "Early to Bed, Early to Rise" kinda people here...

No order too small!  The free shipping applies to everything except expediting the order!  Hooray!

P.S.  Check your supply of discontinued colors (see my {Color Refresh} post -- they're already selling out!


Saturday, April 6, 2013

It's a Stampin' Up! Free Shipping Weekend!


Get out your Wish Lists, Dear Stampers, because from now until Monday night (11:50 MDT), you can place any size of order (no minimum, no maximum) and Stampin' Up! will deliver it for free!  This just doesn't apply to expedited orders.  Place your order from either Catalog, the Clearance Rack or from any bundled special Stampin' Up! is currently offering!  Hooray!

Stocking up on discontinued favorite colors (see my {Color Refresh} post)?  With free shipping now available, those colors are gonna fly...

Order directly {online} or feel free to contact me {via email} for a direct order.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

It's a Stampin' Up! Color Refresh! Colors Discontinued, Old Favorites Out of Retirement!


It's that time again...  Stampin' Up! has reintroduced old favorites, such as Soft Sky and Blushing Bride, while retiring colors like Pretty in Pink, Baja Breeze and More Mustard.  See the chart below for the new colors in the 2013 Color Refresh:

Just in the Color Renovation a few years ago, the Discontinue Colors (at the bottom of the above chart) will only be available as supplies last...  This applies to card stock, ribbon, reinkers, ink pads, etc.

Here's a {video} from the lovely Carrie Cudney telling us all about it...  Hooray!


Monday, April 1, 2013

Spring Stampin' in the Studio...

Here are a few of the projects I was able to squeeze in between teaching and prepping for hosting and celebrating Easter.  Happy April!






From the Spring Catalog: