Daydream Medallion Wishes

I really love the fun layered flowers you can create with the Daydream Medallions stamp set and it's coordinating Floral Framelits. I am sad to see the stamp set go, yet excited to see what possible new stamp set will be in the new catalog to coordinate with the framelits since they are not retiring.

I used the retiring 2013-15 In Colors here as well as the Blooming With Kindness set for the sentiment. That's another great set...I will especially miss the pretty sentiments in that one. Don't you just love the pretty silver embellishment on the center of the flower? It is one of the Something Borrowed Embellishements available in the Occasions Catalog.

I've used the Daydream Medallions set quite often for scrapbooking...it makes such pretty embellishments for any page. Here are a couple favorites...

I used the Dots Decorative Mask to create the polka dot background. See the entire layout here.

The Sycamore Street DSP from 2013 SAB had a floral design that cut out perfectly with the smallest floral framelit...loved that! See the entire layout here.

Here's a card made using the same colors along with the die cut center from Sycamore Street DSP.

Itty Bitty Banners and the coordinating Bitty Banner Framelits are also retiring. More here.

This pretty set of flip cards fit inside the coordinating box with belly band. I just love how these layer to create beautiful accents or focal points. More on this project here.

I think this is the first creation I made back when I first got this set...see more here.

What are you sad to see retiring?

I'll Miss You Mixed Bunch!

I will really miss Mixed Bunch set and the coordinating Blossom Punch! I have used them both quite a bit. When I got this fun set out to stamp I knew I wanted to combine it with some of my favorite retiring accessories. So I used the Beautifully Baroque Embossing Folder to create a cool background, check it out...

If you want to try this stamped background technique with your embossing folder just ink up your folder in the desired color(s) and then spritz it with some water so the colors can start to blend a bit. Then, place a piece of watercolor paper inside the folder and close. Press and rub with your hand and allow the watercolor paper to absorb the ink and water. When you open your folder you should have a beautiful print. Experiment with different color combos. I used Bermuda Bay, Pear Pizzazz & Crushed Curry.

Depending on which side of the folder that you apply the ink to, your design will vary as shown in the photo above. I also used the Itty Bitty Banner stamp set and the Bitty Banner Framelits with some Black Chevron Ribbon on my card  ...all of will be retiring.

Now for some "Flashback Friday".... here are a few favorite projects I've shared here in the past using the fun and versatile Mixed Bunch.

This flower pot and pocket card set was made for Craft Project Central. Read more on that here.

This easel card uses lots of soon to be retired items including the Hearts Collection of framelits, the Four Frames stamp set and Boho Blossoms Punch. More about this card in this post

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For this card I trimmed away two of the petals to create a fancy butterfly. Read more here.

The same image is used here to create a delicate snowflake. More on this card here.

I like the color combo on this one...but a few of these colors have since retired. As you can see, the little circle pieces in this set are great for creating a backgound. See more on this card here.

After looking at these cards I think you'll agree that this set is more than just another flower set...it's actually pretty versatile. If you don't already have it...I'd highly recommend adding it to your collection!

Have a great weekend!

Farewell Apothecary Art

I'm back again today to share more of my favorite items that will be retiring. Apothecary Art is such an elegant set and my very first Stampin' Up! set that had a coordinating set of framelits. I think it may actually be the first set they offered with the coordinating dies?

I haven't used the stamp set too often recently but I have gotten a lot of use out of the coordinating Label Framelits....which sadly are also retiring. Another favorite that I use a lot is the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder, that is retiring as well...along with so many other embossing folders and dies.

Here are a few more creations that I've shared in the past using the Apothecary Art stamp set.

Find out more about this set in this post.

I like the layering on this one...it uses several different framelit sets including the Apothecary Accent Framelits which is another retiring favorite of mine. Find out more about this card here.

Do you think I like the color purple? After looking back at some of my favorites using this set, purple was for sure the dominate color choice! I'm looking forward to seeing what the new In Colors are! I hope there is a new shade of purple...that would make me happy! If you want to see more on the above card, check out this post.

So...now you've seen a few of my retiring favorites, what items will you miss the most? What are you hoping to see in the new catalog?

So Long Stippled Blossoms

The list of Stampin' Up! retiring items is out! Each year I have favorite items on the list that I had hoped wouldn't be there. This year I am so sad to see one of my all time favorite stamp sets...Stippled Blossoms on the list. I made a few cards with it just the other day and I had a feeling it might be retiring. Here's my creation using Stippled Blossoms along with the retiring In Colors.

I have really enjoyed this set of pretty pastel colors...especially for spring time creations. Of course we already knew that the In Colors from 2013-15 would be retiring. Each year the card stock and re-inkers for the In Colors are usually the first thing to sell out from the list. So, if you have not purchased them yet, I would highly recommend doing so as soon as possible so you are not disappointed.

This week I will be sharing some of my favorite projects that I've created using items that will soon be retiring, so make sure to visit again soon. It's almost impossible to make a card that isn't pretty using this stamp set...here are a few of my favorites I've created with the beautiful Stippled Blossoms...

This one uses the 2014-16 In Colors and the retiring Fancy Fan Embossing Folder. You can see more on this card in this post.

I created my own DSP for this card. You can read more about it here.

The blossoms looked beautiful in Baja Breeze...still one of my all time favorite SU! colors. I was so sad when they retired that color...and I'm still hoarding some in my stash. Read more about this card here.

This card uses several soon to be retired items...the Window Frames Framelits and Beautifully Baroque EF are favorites of mine. Read more about this card in this post.

A lot of the framelits and punches are going to be retiring...including the Labels Collection & Modern Label Punch used above. I hope that means there are going to be a whole bunch of great new punches & framelits to take the place of what will be retiring! If you want more info on this pretty purple creation, click here.

Check out the Retiring List and make sure to get your favorites before they are gone!

Butterfly Basic Wishes

Good news for those who have been waiting to order the Butterfly Bundle from SU!...

After a (very) long migration, the Butterflies Thinlits Dies have landed in the warehouse and are now available for purchase! Remember, you can take advantage of two special offers through April 30th:

Get the Butterflies Thinlits at a 15 percent discount--just $21.20! 

OR

Buy any of the Butterflies Thinlits Bundles at a 15 percent discount and choose one of three FREE Sale-A-Bration items (only available while supplies last)!

• Best Year Ever Designer Series Paper (item 138633)
• Best Year Ever Accessory Pack (item 138634)
• Irresistibly Yours Specialty Designer Series Paper (item 138635)

I absolutely LOVE this set! My card today uses the Irresistibly Yours DSP, which you can select for free when purchasing the bundle. I have colored it easily by sponging on Lost Lagoon ink. I watercolored the pretty flower image in BlackBerry Bliss and Mossy Meadow inks using my Aqua Painter.

If you love the watercolored look but struggle with the technique, you may want to check out my Butterfly Basics Watercolor Tutorial. I share step by step instructions and some helpful tips on how to watercolor using SU! Classic Inks and the Aqua Painter.

If you haven't added this beautiful bundle to your collection yet, please visit my SU! Store to purchase this today...with the added savings and extra FREE product, there's no better time to buy!

Cheerful Critters Happy Day

This set is so darn cute...especially the bear! He's fun to water color too!

I used the Balloon Framelits to cut out the cute little banner using scraps of Best Year Ever DSP. The festive little scene fits perfectly inside a frame cut using the On Film Framelits.

I used some of the soon to be retiring In Colors: Coastal Cabana, Pistachio Pudding and Crisp Cantaloupe. The Cheerful Critter set is available in the Occasion Catalog.

Painted Petals Trio

Today I have a set of cards to share with you using the same products... the Painted Petals stamp set, Painted Blooms DSP and the Spring Flowers Embossing Folder. I used the same layout for all three of the cards, but changed up each one just a little.

The first card in the set, is the Pacific Point card. It was part of my recent All Occasions Card Class so it was the most basic since the stampers were creating several of each card.

The second card was stepped up a bit more using some Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon (retired) and I embossed a frame around the image using my Simply Scored Tool. It's not real visible in my photo, but it's there and adds some subtle detail to the finished card.

The third card has the most detail. Not only did I add a bow with Wild Wasabi Seam Binding Ribbon, but I added more stamping using the line and splatter images from Gorgeous Grunge over the top of the flower image and some sponging on the edges as well.

Three Basic Rhinestones add some bling under the sentiment for another stepped up touch. So there you have it...from simple to stepped up, all three cards are similar yet so different using the same basic supplies. If you don't already have this stamp set and papers I'd recommend purchasing them during the FREE SHIPPING special! It ends on April 10th.

Thanks for stopping by today!

FREE Shipping Is Coming!

Get FREE shipping on any orders placed April 6-April 10, no minimum purchase required!

This is great news! Time to stock up on supplies and not have to worry about the added cost of shipping! Keeping fingers crossed that the Butterfly Thinlits will be back in stock to order during this timeframe as well.

Watercolor Butterfly Basics

My Aunt had a birthday recently and when I needed to make her a card I grabbed my new go-to set...Butterfly Basics.

I created a soft watercolor background simply by brushing on some color using Classic Ink Refills- Soft Sky, Crisp Cantaloupe & Pistachio Pudding, to a dampened piece of Watercolor Paper and let the colors bleed and blend together. I used my Heat Tool to dry the paper instead of waiting and then stamped away, creating the collage look that this set is great for.

I layered Venetian Crochet Trim over the Soft Sky Seam Binding and finished it off with a pretty bow.

Cheerful Critters Best Year Ever

I cannot believe that today is the last day of Sale-a-Bration already! I think if I had to chose just one item as a favorite it would be the Best Year Ever DSP. I love the cheerful colors and fun prints. Here is a set of cards we made at my All Occasions Card class yesterday using theses papers along with the adorable Cheerful Critters set.

I used the 2013-15 set of In Colors for the set. I will be sad to see these colors go in just two months. Here's a closer look at each card...

I used a different embossing folder for each card. The bunny card used the Spring Flowers EF, which is available in the Occasions Catalog.

Not sure why, but the color on this bear card changed after uploading here to my blog? To see true colors of Pistachio Pudding, Crisp Cantaloupe and Coastal Cabana, look above at first photo to see the set of 3 cards. This one used the Lucky Stars Embossing Folder.

The little chicks sign was stamped onto DSP, cut out and popped up for some extra detail. The embossing folder used here is the Lovely Lace Embossing Folder. All cards were watercolored using the Aqua Painter and Classic Inks.

If you were planning to place an order during Sale-a-Bration...hurry, you have until the end of the day! If you love the soon to be retiring In Colors, now is a good time to stock up on ink refills and card stock before the retiring list is announced and they possibly run out.

If you need further enabling...how about a good sale? There are some great items listed in this weeks Weekly Deals and the Clearance Rack has been updated recently as well.

The Garden Isle of Kauai

As some of you may already know, I've been gone for a little while on vacation. Thank you for your patience and understanding with the few delays I had getting some of the tutorials out to you. There was a 6 hour time difference from home and sometimes internet service just wasn't there. Now I am home, and playing catch up around the house. I'm sure not complaining though!

I feel so fortunate and very blessed to have spent three amazing weeks with my husband visiting Hawaii to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. (Our real anniversary is actually not until August...but figured we would appreciate getting away more during our cold Michigan winter) The Hawaiian people are so friendly...we learned so much about Hawaiian culture, great spots to eat and beautiful places to visit while we were there. I must say, there is certainly no shortage of gorgeous places to see on all three of the islands we visited!

The first week of our vacation was spent on the island of Kauai, in the town of Princeville. My husbands brother and his wife joined us for this week. We enjoyed many mornings walking on the beach at sunrise with our coffee...and of course my camera was always with me to capture memories in the making!

I took over 4000 photos during the three weeks we were there! I couldn't help it! In each direction I looked there was a beautiful postcard view! Don't worry, I won't be sharing them all here, but I thought you may enjoy seeing a select few from each island. So today's posting are some favorite photos from the island of Kauai. Here's another gorgeous sunrise at Hanalei Bay.

Rising before sunrise is no problem on Kauai, we didn't even need an alarm clock thanks to these guys, jokingly refered to as the state bird. After a hurricane in '92 destroyed many chicken coops these guys were set free to roam where they choose with no real predators on the island.

We visited so many different beaches while we were there, and one of my favorites had to be Polihale Beach.

This is the last beach on the west side of the Napali Coast. The road getting there was memorable...an unmarked sugarcane road which was dirt & rock and really bumpy, but so glad we found it because this beach with miles of gorgeous sandy beach was simply breathtaking. It was recently just voted the world's best secluded beach by Travel & Leisure...and I can see why! If you continue on east along the shore line you would encounter the unbelievable beauty of the Napali Coast...

The red rock mountain sides covered in moss and trees, with many waterfalls, sea caves and crystal clear turquoise water is simply magnificent! The only way to see the Napali Coast is by boat, air or hiking the often treacherous 11 mile Kalalau Trail.

We opted to see it by boat! We went out with Captain Andy for their Sunset Dinner Cruise. It was one of the highlights of the trip for me. Here we are (L to R) BIL, SIL, me & hubby.

December thru May is the best time to see Humpback Whales in Hawaii. It is this time of year that they make their way from Alaska to the warmer waters of Hawaii to give birth,. We were lucky to see many whales throughout the duration of our trip. We saw quite a few that evening while out on the boat. It sure is an amazing sight to witness these 40+ ton creatures propel themselves out of the water...they make quite a splash! Here is one that we saw that night.

In the center of the island, backing up to the Napali Coast is the breathtaking Waimea Canyon, also known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". We got there mid day and the clouds had already made for a hazy view...but still just incredible! 

Another memorable day was spent kayaking down the Wailua River. Calm waters with beautiful scenery. We parked our canoes and hiked some trails in to have a picnic lunch and swim at Uluwehi Falls or "Secret Falls".

It was very beautiful but very cold!

We ate so much delicious pineapple and tried some other exotic fruits while we were there. Cannot remember now what the red fruit was called but after peeling away the soft, spiny skin it had the texture and taste of a large, kind of sour grape.

Everywhere there were so many gorgeous flowers...even garnishing our food and drinks...what a treat! The hibiscus is one of my favorite. Isn't this color lovely? 

The Kilauea Lighthouse offered another spectacular view. That morning we saw a female whale and her calf frollicking in the bay right there.

We did a lot of hiking down rocky trails and carefully climbing up and down large rocks to get out onto cliffs near the sea to enjoy views like this one near the Queen's Bath.

and these petrified cliffs and sand dunes along the Mahaulepu Trails. We never knew what we were going to see, but always knew we would be rewarded with an amazing view for our efforts.  

One of the best surprises we came along one day was this guy (or gal?)...isn't he/she cute!?

Sadly, the Hawaiian Monk Seal is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world. They come ashore after a long night of fishing to rest and bask in the sun.

I was so glad we got to see one again during this trip. We spent some time in Kauai only five years ago and saw several on that trip. I hope that doesn't mean that their numbers have diminished that rapidly since our last visit.

Aloha until next post! Check back if you would like to see some scenes captured on Maui. 

In stamping news...I do have a few more of my Butterfly Basics Watercolor Kits available that I can send out beginning of next week. Check this post for more info and contact me to receive a paypal invoice for this kit.