We Create Blog Hop--Retirement Party!

Hey everyone! I recently was able to attend my first "On Stage" gathering for Stampin' Up!  While we used to call it convention, our global company requires adaptations and changes to allow the company to include as many demonstrators as possible, hence On Stage!  On Stage Live took place in Salt Lake City, Utah this time (the last one was in Brussels, Belgium!) and On Stage Local events take place in cities across the globe.  It was great meeting with my good friends and of course stamping!!  I did get to walk on the stage for my 20 years in Stampin' Up! YAY!!!! (I'm a couple months early, but I may not get a chance next time). I love this company!!

We always have a great time at our Stampin' Up! events, and even with the changes, it was a total blast!  The next On Stage Live will be in Australia, so most likely I will not be attending that one, but maybe I will be able to make it to one of the local ones in the US.  

Since we just received the brand new catalog at On Stage and also the retired list, I thought I'd use some of the items that will be retiring soon, namely Cherry On Top DSP and Silhouettes and Script (host only) stamp set, as well as the 2 1/2 in. Circle Punch and Decorative Dots embossing folder. These items are only available while supplies last, so don't wait!

On my basic card, I cut the paper on a little bit of a slant to give it some interest and stamped the hat with Crushed Curry. Easy card to make for a last minute party or if you need to do several at a time. Great to put on a gift or as an invitation!

The stepped up card I turned the other direction and stamped the hat in Crushed Curry and Watermelon Wonder and fussy cut around the hat and top and mounted with Dimensionals. I ran a piece of Pool Party through the Big Shot in the embossing folder for texture and added some beautiful Whisper White 5/8 in. Satin Ribbon (which happens to be on sale right now!!)

I am always a bit sad when they announce the retired items! Some of them I have loved and used regularly, but I know that to make room for the new, some of the 'oldies but goodies' need to say goodbye.  I have seen the new catalog, (okay, it's sitting next to my bed so I can peruse it every night!!) so I am excited for it to be released to the customers--I'm pretty sure you are going to LOVE it!  Please contact me if you want your own copy of the 2016-2017 Stampin' Up! catalog!

Time to head over to see the rest of my crafty friends and their creations!

We've had some lovely days here with the occasional rain storm, but I think we've finally said "so long" to the snow in the valley...finally!!  Hope you are enjoying some beautiful, sunny weather!

Julie