Retiring and New Stampin' Up! Products {The Planets Are Aligning!}

Hello, Studio Visitors!  As I was double-checking my dates and times for deadlines and release dates for the old and new catalogs, I discovered something exciting...

Beginning at noon (Mountain Daylight Time) on Friday, May 31, we can order from any of three (3!) catalogs:  2012-13 Annual Catalog, Spring 2013 and the *new* 2013-14 Annual Catalog!  

That means that if you're like me and have some old favorites to scoop up as well as some new Must Haves, you can earn Hostess Benefits on *ALL* of them by placing them on the 31st!  It's like an eclipse, though; the moment will pass.   

On top of that happy news, I had some time to enjoy some stamping and this is a peek at what I came up with this week:

I love the crown, this circle flourish and Eiffel Tower in Artistic Etchings, which will retire.

Both Bashful Blue and the stamp set used here, Circle Circus, will retire.  The TIEF and punch (when I show you this project in full size) are in the new Annual Catalog.

This sweet image is part of the Happy You Hostess set (I masked the sentiment) and the sentiment I stamped on the Tangerine Tango is Curly Cute.  Both retire with this catalog (as does the fantastic Floral District DSP, which is used in the bottom portion of this photo).

More Floral District DSP and the Button Buddies were used in this Case Study Challenge entry, both set to retire with this catalog.

So prepare your list now and be ready at noon (MDT) to fire up your computer and input your order.  Check back this week for looks back at some of my favorite retiring stamp sets (I'll be "losing" a few real favorites)!

Want the new catalog?  Shoot me an email and I'll put you on my mailing list!

P.S.  The stamp set in the top picture is Printed Petal.  The set used in the second picture is Elements of Style.  Both are retiring with the 2012-13 Annual Catalog (sniff, sniff).

{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...

Paris: Artistic Etchings {à la français}

 Here's a French twist on a Mojo Monday entry...  I also entered it in the 365 Cards Color Combo challenge last week (Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler and Not Quite Navy).

The Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon is so simple to work with; it's very compliant ribbon! 

The 1-3/4" Circle and 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punches work well together...   

I *love* my Modern Label Punch...  I simply punched a scrap of Chocolate Chip with it and adhered it behind the stamped Sahara Sand.  Attaching the two just left of the edge of Not Quite Navy makes the tag stand out a bit more.

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps:  Artistic Etchings (W118517, C120573), Fabulous Phrases (W117002, C120501)

Papers:  Sahara Sand (121043), Chocolate Chip (102128), Cherry Cobbler (119685), Not Quite Navy (101722)

Inks:  Chocolate Chip (102128), Cherry Cobbler (126966), Not Quite Navy (126971)

Accessories:  2-3/8" Scallop Circle (118874), 1-3/4" Circle (119850), Modern Label (119849) and Scallop Edge Border (119882) Punches, Cherry Cobbler 1/2-inch Seam Binding Ribbon (120992), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430) and Paper Snips (103579)

{Sneak Peek}: Projects from the New Stampin' Up! 2012-13 Annual Catalog

I've got the line, "Getting to know you..." floating through my head this weekend.  The new 2012-2013 Annual Catalog is "live" now and I've worked on a few projects between pulling retired items from and organizing my new ones in the Studio.  I hope to bring you a number of posts this week with details for each project.

This color palette (courtesy of my Color Coach) combines the new In Color Midnight Muse with More Mustard, and Rich Razzleberry.

A card for an upcoming baby shower features another new In Color, Primrose Petals: 

Make a Cake is the cute set I used here (along with my Stamp-a-Ma-Jig to line up the cake with the pennant flags).  The Designer Series Paper, Patio Party, highlights Summer Starfruit, another new In Color.

I used Gumball Green Stitched Satin Ribbon in this card, which features Mixed Bunch. 

I'm so glad Tea Shoppe returned from the Occasions Mini Catalog this spring! 

Another Occasions hold-over is Apothecary Art, which pairs beautifully with the Labels Framelits. 

Finally, Raspberry Ripple is the color paired with the Perfect Plum and Crumb Cake in this project:

Hope your June has gotten off to a good start!  I look forward to your next visit, when I delve deeper into these projects...