McKay family all at home!

Well, this has been my most trying four days yet as a parent! I had mentioned earlier that we had to gone to Washington to see my little brother in a trail race. What I didn't mention was that while we were down there my oldest son, Joe, had hurt his leg. When you're four you do that a lot so we didn't really think that much of it at the time. The problem was that happened on Saturday and on Monday he was unable to put any weight on the leg at all. Monday morning I trucked off to Women's and Children's hospital to have it checked in the emergency department as my family doctor is out of town until the middle of August. The doctors were very puzzled about the leg and were unable to make much of a diagnosis other than he had injured it and it was possibly, "reactive arthritis" We were discharged around noon and made it merely 12 blocks away when Joe started to have seizures... yes, you read that correctly! Between noon and 4pm he proceeded to have a total of 17 seizures! Sean and I were basket cases. Although I have epilepsy, my children have never shown any signs of it. I felt like they had every specialist in the hospital with my little boy. The staff there were more than amazing! Anyway, we have spent the past 72 hours at Women's and Children's. Joe was a trooper through x-rays, blood tests, lumbar punctures, EEG's, MRI's, and eye exams! We were finally sent home tonight with a little boy who is finally able to walk again. Unfortunately I have passed on my genes and my little angel has been diagnosed with epilepsy at this point. Sean and I could not have been more proud of how he handled it all! We are so relieved to be home together with Lucas tonight and are just counting our blessings that we went away with the diagnosis we did and not something more serious.

Going but not gone!

I've really grown to love this set, Best Kind of Friend. I love the softness of the flowers on the main stamp, and I love how well this set works with stamping with markers. Now, this set is not being discontinued, but it is being put on the dormant list. This means that we'll still be able to order it but it won't be shown in the catalogue being released on August 11th.

Once again I used my favourite colour combination of Really Rust, Apricot Appeal, and Groovy Guava! Make sure that you are scrolling down to the discontinued list if there is something you are thinking of getting from the current catalogue. Many of the In Colour products are already sold out. I'll be placing an order again on Thursday if there's anything you're dying to have!

Christmas in July?!?!

Now I'm not trying to scare anyone by posting Christmas cards, and although I am a bit of an organizational freak, I am not insane! I am not truly starting my Christmas cards right now! There was a challenge on Splitcoast to create Christmas in July. I was making use of a techinique in one of my magazines where you stamp the image with versamark then emboss the image and sponge your colour over top of the white embossing powder; I really like the effect!

Now, after the weekend I just had it didn't feel far from Christmas! We spent the weekend in Enumclaw, Washington watching my little brother in a 50 Mile trail running race; yes, you read that correctly, 50 miles! Both he and his girlfriend were running in a race called the Whiteriver 50. They did absolutely amazing! Nicola completed the run in just over 8 and a half hours and my brother was just over 9 and a quarter hours! Okay, here's where Christmas comes in... we were camping! Now you're probably asking yourself what that has to do with Christmas. Well, you see, when my husband and I tell people we're going camping what we really mean is we are taking our 33 foot travel trailer with heat or AC, depending on what we need. However, we decided that with the cost of gas now days we would be good sports and take our tent with us on this excursion as the rest of my family was tenting! Let's put it this way, on the way home today my two year old says, "me not like tent, me like our trailer!" How sad is that? I am corrupting my children already! It was freezing, and we were definitely not prepared! Anyway, when I saw the challenge was Christmas in July I was definitely feeling the snowflakes:)

Selling Out!

Hodgepodge Hardware is officially gone! I just checked the website and they have sold out all three colours! Make sure to scroll down to the Discontinued List as I am updating it daily. If there are any of the In Colour items that you want make sure to let me know quickly. Everytime I update the page something new is gone!

Mojo Madness Sketch Challenge

As promised I am trying to complete some more challenges and to complete them ON TIME! I regularly visit the Poetic Artistry blog! She has amazing Sketch Challenges every Monday! This was my first go at it. I decided to use my Always stamp set and the current In Colours which disappear in only 19 days! I used my Blue Bayou and my River Rock, as well as the Ginger Blossoms DSP. Now all I have to do is make sure that I submit it on time!

Embracing Vellum!

I have wanted to work with vellum cardstock forever, but I've never had the courage! I read some blogs last night that suggested stamping with an ink like my SU Basic Gray and then sponging with whatever colour ink you like. I highlighted with my Signo Pen and then cut out the flowers. I love the way that they turned out! It is such a soft image in comparison to stamping on regular cardstock. Now, I must admit that there was an ulterior motive behind this... I wanted to show off my new scallop punch that I got last week! This will be a must for all when the new catty comes out (3 weeks today:) Looking at this card now, I'm a little sad. The Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware on it already sold out and my Ginger Blossoms DSP that I used is on the retired list. I love this one, especially with the Embrace Life Set as they have done the images to compliment the stamp set.

Discontinued List and Limited Time Promotion!

Here is the special promotion Stampin' Up is offering, 25% off select discontinued items! Check out the tin at the bottom of the flyer! Let me know ASAP if anything here interests you as I'll put in orders regularly over the next few days. Discontinued items sell out in a matter of days as there are no more available once SU sells their initial stock. http://www.stampinup.com/ca/documents/CA_discount_accessories.pdf

Discontinued Accessory List for the Spring/ Summer 2008 Catalogue
* I will update this daily as items become unavailable!

Item Number Page # Product Description Availability

109200 177 Accents & Elements Build A Flower Not Available

110718 177 Accents & Elements Lucky Star

110719 177 Accents & Elements Messenger

103158 184 Acrylic Graph & Grid

108638 163 Card Stock 12 X 12 In Color

108642 163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Blue Bayou

108643 163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Groovy Guava

108637 163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 In Color

108640 163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 River Rock

108639 163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Soft Sky

108641 163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Wild Wasabi Not Available

108644 163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Purely Pomegranate Not Available

103975 166 Card Stock Brushed Copper Not Available

108694 163 Card Stock Textured 12 X 12 In Color

107312 167 Cards & Envelopes Gift Whisper White

107292 167 Cards & Envelopes Greeting Whisper White

109116 167 Notes & Envelopes Long Notes

109118 167 Notes & Envelopes Love Notes

109117 167 Notes & Envelopes Pocket Notes* Not Available

110729 167 Notes & Envelopes Scallop Notes

109119 167 Notes & Envelopes Gift Notes

109018 163 Classic Stampin' Ink Blue Bayou Not Available

109019 163 Stampin' Ink Groovy Guava

109017 163 Classic Stampin' Ink Purely Pomegranate Not Available

109016 163 Classic Stampin' Ink River Rock Not Available

109015 163 Classic Stampin' Ink Soft Sky

109020 163 Classic Stampin' Ink Wild Wasabi Not Available

109013 163 Classic Stampin' Pad Blue Bayou

109012 163 Classic Stampin' Pad Groovy Guava

109011 163 Classic Stampin' Pad Purely Pomegranate

109010 163 Classic Stampin' Pad River Rock

109009 163 Classic Stampin' Pad Soft Sky

109014 163 Classic Stampin' Pad Wild Wasabi

110751 171 Designer Series Paper Azure*

110696 169 Designer Series Paper Bali Breeze

110749 169 Designer Series Paper Berry Bliss

109154 169 Designer Series Paper Cutie Pie

110699 168 Designer Series Paper East Coast Prep* Not Available

109160 170 Designer Series Paper Fall Flowers Not Available

109159 169 Designer Series Paper Flowers For You*

110697 169 Designer Series Paper Ginger Blossom Not Available

110479 168 Designer Series Paper Jersey Shore*

109151 170 Designer Series Paper Le Jardin

110748 170 Designer Series Paper Notebook*

110750 171 Designer Series Paper Olive Press

109153 170 Designer Series Paper Porcelain Prints* Not Available

109175 171 Designer Series Paper Prints Almost Amethyst* Not Available

109177 171 Designer Series Paper Prints Always Artichoke

109173 171 Designer Series Paper Prints Blue Bayou Not Available

109174 171 Designer Series Paper Prints Brilliant Blue

109178 171 Designer Series Paper Prints Certainly Celery

109169 171 Designer Series Paper Prints Close to Cocoa* Not Available

109168 171 Designer Series Paper Prints Groovy Guava* Not Available

109171 171 Designer Series Paper Prints Lovely Lilac

109172 171 Designer Series Paper Prints More Mustard Not Available

109176 171 Designer Series Paper Prints Old Olive

109170 171 Designer Series Paper Prints Pumpkin Pie Not Available

109164 171 Designer Series Paper Prints River Rock*

109167 171 Designer Series Paper Prints Rose Red

109166 171 Designer Series Paper Prints So Saffron

109165 171 Designer Series Paper Prints Soft Sky Not Available

109163 171 Designer Series Paper Prints Tempting Turquoise Not Available

110698 168 Designer Series Paper Spring Break

110273 169 Designer Series Paper Spring Fling* Not Available

110271 170 Designer Series Paper Spring Silhouettes

110272 170 Designer Series Paper Western Sky Not Available

107299 167 Envelope Confetti Cream Medium

105320 189 Eyelets Basic Not Available

100375 189 Eyelets Bold Brights Not Available

100381 189 Eyelets Earth Elements Not Available

107233 189 Eyelets Fresh Favorites I

107234 189 Eyelets Fresh Favorites II

105316 189 Eyelets Rich Regals

100378 189 Eyelets Soft Subtles Not Available

105515 188 Hodgepodge Hardware Pewter Not Available

105531 188 Hodgepodge Hardware Antique Brass Not Available

105532 188 Hodgepodge Hardware Aged Copper Not Available

101120 183 Metallic Art Pencils

107307 179 On Board Accents

109181 178 On Board Blossoms & Basic

109179 178 On Board Ginormous Pieces

107306 179 On Board Simon Lower

102678 166 Mulberry Paper White Not Available

109227 181 Punch Box Three For You Not Available

102686 180 Punch Handheld Rectangle

100271 183 Pure Color Pencils

109060 191 Ribbon Double-Stitched Blue Bayou Not Available

109063 191 Ribbon Double-Stitched Groovy Guava Not Available

109061 191 Ribbon Double-Stitched Purely Pomegranate Not Available

109062 191 Ribbon Double-Stitched River Rock*

109059 191 Ribbon Double-Stitched Soft Sky Not Available

109058 191 Ribbon Double-Stitched Wild Wasabi Not Available

109189 190 Ribbon Originals Beachfront*

109187 190 Ribbon Originals District*

109188 190 Ribbon Originals Fairy Tale

109185 190 Ribbon Originals Jersey*

109184 190 Ribbon Originals Sherbert

109186 190 Ribbon Originals Theater

110716 191 Ribbon Striped Grosgrain Wild Wasabi*

110281 182 Rub-Ons Cherished Memories* Not Available

110284 182 Rub-Ons Eastern Elegance*

110285 182 Rub-Ons Urban West*

110557 174 Simply Scrappin' Boho Blend

109610 174 Simply Scrappin' Confetti Not Available

110572 172 Simply Scrappin' Crew Kids Boy

110567 173 Simply Scrappin' Crew Kids Girl

109597 175 Simply Scrappin' Home Again

110562 174 Simply Scrappin' Rose Cottage

109648 173 Simply Scrappin' Special Delivery Boy

109627 173 Simply Scrappin' Special Delivery Girl Not Available

110587 175 Simply Scrappin' Summer Days

110577 175 Simply Scrappin' Tie The Knot

111184 15 Simply Sent Friendly Notes

109228 16 Simply Sent Simple Delights Not Available

109229 16 Simply Sent Three Thoughts Not Available

106662 197 Stampin'Around Wheel Daisy Field

107561 197 Stampin'Around Wheel Garden Annuals

109681 197 Stampin'Around Wheel Good Dog

109678 197 Stampin'Around Wheel Kisses

107482 197 Stampin'Around Wheel Lily Pad Not Available

109680 197 Stampin'Around Wheel Meow

109677 197 Stampin'Around Wheel Mistletoe Not Available

106610 196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Basics Outline

107467 196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Birthday

109571 196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Dilly Dally Baby

109570 196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Dilly Dally Friends

109569 196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Dilly Dally Party

108423 196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Leaves A La Carte Not Available

107468 196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Nature Hike

108980 196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Petals

107464 196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Rough Texture Not Available

111261 196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Spunky Spots

109554 193 Stampin' Color Index Labels Not Available

109553 193 Stampin' Color Index Labels (French)

106694 194 Stampin' Kids Markers

102673 183 Zig Painty Not Available
*Items are 25% off and part of our discounted retiring accessories promotion.

My First Colour Challenge!

I was so excited to play tonight as I had decided to participate in my first Colour Challenge! This is much like a Sketch Challenge, the obvious difference meaning they supply the colour choices and you provide the card! Now here is the funny part of the story! Me being the computer whiz that I am, I saved the link for the Verve Colour Challenge the other day, not realizing that it wasn't refreshing each time I went to it! I completed last week's colour challenge! YEAH ANGELA!!!!!!!!! Anyway, I like how the card turned out. I got to use my Best Kind of Friend stamp set, and in case you're wondering where that FABULOUS sentiment stamp at the bottom came from, it is the NEW set, Heard from the Heart! I absolutely love this set!

Similar Sketch!

This was another card I completed last week using my Loads of Love Set! I now realize where the idea for the Bella Rose Card came from; I must have had the sketch stuck in my brain! I saw this colours for this card posted somewhere and can't remember for the life of me where.

I love this set and definitely need to make more use of it! Between the original set and the accessories, the possibilites are endless. The Bashful Blue DSP in this card is from the Level 1 Hostess Sets in the current catalogue! In case I haven't reminded you enough, your time is running out on these. If you have a bunch of things from the Spring/ Summer 2008 catalogue that you are in need of and you want to put in a large order ($200 minimum for workshops), let me know. I'll let you "host" your own party! (This is a great way to earn some of those hostess sets and some free stuff for yourself!)

New Toys Arrived!

Well, my box of new toys arrived on Monday, and get this, we had to leave on Tuesday morning for four days! It was the first time I was disapoointed to be getting away from home. I had intended to pack a small box of stamping stuff Monday night, but time got away from me. I was in Hope before I remembered and boy was I disappointed! Anyway, I did have time to play briefly on Monday night (while I should have been packing). I made this very simple card using the new Bella Rose Designer Series Paper. It uses a bunch of the new In Colours (Pink Pirouette, Red Riding Hood, Kiwi Kiss) along with Chocolate Chip. If you click on the photo you'll see that even the Chocolate Chip Square has a pattern on it. I was so sad to see Afternoon Tea Party go, but let's just say it has quickly been forgotten! The new In Colours are amazing and so rich! I am so excited for "playtime" tomorrow! I have a strange feeling the laundry from the trip may take a few extra days to get done!

Clubs Available Beginning in September '08

Join the Club! Sign up for clubs starting in September!

*September Series Club Special*

• Sign up for a club before August 30th and receive:
  Gift Certificate for a Free Class (up to $25 value, choose from any class I offer during the period of the club)
• A Free Classic Stamp Pad of your choice
  

Technique Clubs (8 Months - Sept-April)

What you get:
• 8 months of FREE monthly club meetings with your fellow club members, where you learn techniques, do make n’ takes, and use my tools, punches, stampsets
• One month where YOU get to be the ‘hostess’ and receive the first level of hostess benefits ($20 free merchandise and a free stampset)
• Time to work on your own projects. Plan a project around my tools/stampsets, and work on it during club night while chatting with your clubmates!
• A choice between a card-making/technique club and a marker club (see below for marker club structure)



What you do:
• Sign up for 8 months in the club (Sep-May)
• Each month, contribute at least $25 in orders (which will go towards the benefits of that month’s ‘hostess’) – Marker club is slightly different – see below.
• Pick a month where you are ‘hostess’
• Come to the optional club night at my house in North Vancouver where we learn techniques/create make n’ take projects.
• Optionally increase your benefits in your hostess month by hosting a workshop with me and your friends. All orders placed at the event will be added to the club month, to increase your hostess dollars dramatically! Or, just sit back with your automatic first level benefits if you choose.




Marker Club (9 months - Sep-May)

You will receive Products (total value: $202.07):
*the FULL Stampin' Write Markers box of 48 (value $152. 47)
*one box of 4 NEUTRAL Stampin' Write Markers (value $12.97)
*the Colour Spritzer Tool to use with the markers (value $15.76)
*one box of Blender Pens (value $12.04)
*one Versamarker Pen (value $3.95)
*one Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen (white) (value $4.88)
More Free Stuff (total value: $175+): *a series of 9, monthly Classes using ALL the above materials, where we will work on techniques using the S/W Markers. Each class will complete at least one project, and a technique sheet. (value: $135)
*Level 1 hostess benefits for one of the months ($20 free merchandise of your choice from the catalog, one level 1 hostess set of your choice) - (total estimated value: $40)

You provide 9 post-dated cheques for $30 each. That's it - tax included, shipping included - you just show up, and get a total value of over $375!!

Bag that looks like a cantalope?????!!!!!!!

Okay, I'm starting this off with a very embarrassing little story. I had seen instructions for a "bagalope" on the internet and I kept thinking how on earth can one make a bag look like a cantalope????? (never crossed my mind that the word meant a bag made out of an envelope!) Anybody worried that I am teaching children now?!?! I had seen a purse much like this on Splitcoast so I set off in search of a tutorial! I loved the idea, the only thing I was disappointed in was the fact that the carousel notes were no longer available. I did find a way around this however; I used my Pick a Petal Brass Stencil. You get the exact shape of the carousel notes and you can use whatever colour of cardstock that you want! If you still have some leftover carousel notes this is a great little project. The purse is the perfect size to fill with some chocolates or dish clothes for a quick hostess gift. Again I was using up my Afternoon Tea Party on this practice project, but it turned out fabulous! The only thing that I would recommend is using sticky tape wherever the tutorial says using scotch tape. The scotch tape has no holding power at all! I used my sticky tape and this purse is never coming apart! I have included the link for the tutorial in case this is something you would like to try yourself! I know not everyone has access to all the tools needed to make something like this so I thought I would offer a class on August 6th from 8-10pm for $10. I will supply all the materials needed for this great little project! Let me know if you're in!

http://cambriaturnbow.blogspot.com/2008/04/carousel-note-tote-tutorial.html

Box in a Bag prototype

I decided to give this one a go based on a link Dannie Graves had on her blog, http://inkingaddict.blogspot.com/2008/06/would-you-like-to-made-box-in-bag.html. I decided to use the leftovers from my Afternoon Tea Party DSP to try it, but I really want is my new paper and In Colours that are arriving tomorrow! (YYYYYYYYYYIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEE!) The prototype didn't turn out too bad so I thought I'd let you have a look! My scalloped border at the bottom will also be 100X more amazing with the new Scalloped Border punch that SU is releasing in August. I get my in my demo order tomorrow! There are definitely perks ladies!

Picked the Petal but forget to check the creator!

I will admit I committed the ultimate stamping mistake... I cased a card but forgot to write down the creator and then realized I didn't have the name after the computer was already shut down. This was on Splitcoast yesterday but I haven't been able to find it again yet:( I loved the combo of Close to Cocoa and Groovy Guava! I also made use of the Crystal Effects on the center of the card. I had never used them for this purpose before, but I'll sure be doing it again! It creates a glossy hard surface over the center of the flower! I think I'll try this card again using the kissing technique on the petals! If this was your card I apologize for the lack of recognition, please let me know!

Fabulous Colours!

I came across an amazing stamper by the name of Teneale Williams. She is also an SU demo. I've cased a card of her's that caught my eye particularly because of the colour combo that she used! I know that it is one that I will be getting a lot of use of in the next month. I'd never really taken to Purely Pomegrante as I couldn't find another colour that it "popped" with. She definitely found it. I love it with More Mustard. My only regret on this card is not stamping the "love you" in chocolate chip to compliment the ribbon. I made use of the Hodgepodge Hardware on this card and I really like how it finished the card.

Watch out... here it comes!

I know it looks like I have not been producing much lately from the lack of entries on my blog, but to the contrary I have been getting a ton done! The problem is that by the time that I finish making something at night I'm ready for bed and forget to make the trip to the computer. I'll try and post a bunch of them tonight! Look forward to three new 3-D projects too! Here's the oldest card that I'd done using the Fabulous Flowers Stamp Set! Sorry about the cello envelope; they're just a must when you have two little boys who absolutely have to touch everything that I make:)

What a day!

This is a picture of the inside of my left knee! "How did she ever manage to do that?" you ask yourself; well let me tell you! We were away for the past four days so when I got up this morning there was a list a mile long of things to do! Sean was at work today so number one was to get the lawn mowed before our green recycling truck arrived for pick up. I did the usual grid pattern over the lawn to look for dog surprises and kids toys before I started. All was clear so off I went. What I didn't notice was that in the time after I checked the back yard and moved to check the front, our puppy, Rooney, had carried a knobby red bone onto the back grass. He left it in the seven day growth grass. I can hear you moaning now! Anyway, I didn't see it in the lawn and the lawnmower kicked it up at me as I went over it. My knee was the initial hit and then as I doubled over in pain it rebounded and hit me in the stomach! It knocked the wind completely out of me. My two and four year old boys watched from the patio in horror! (thank goodness we have a rule; no one on the lawn while mommy and daddy are mowing) This is what the bruise looks like after only 10 hours; I can't wait to see it tomorrow morning! I think this will be my excuse to sit quietly in my scrapbooking room tonight:)

Coming Up on Seven Years!

I can't believe that I am rapidly approaching my seventh anniversary! Don't gag, but I can still remember what Sean was wearing the first time I met him... I even remember thinking, "I am going to marry that man!" Seven years later, I have an amazing family and I am happier than I ever imagined being. Okay, before I put you all to sleep, the purpose behind me telling you this was the card that I made the other night. I wanted to make something a bit more masculine, use the In Colours, and make use of my Text and Texture stamp set. I have been eyeing this set for some time now. I love the results and I know that Sean will like it as well.

If you click on the image you can see the details more clearly. I stamped the wild wasabi and the bayou blue with the Canvas background stamp and then sponged the edges. On the River Rock panel in the middle I stamped the small print text behind the You & Me in River Rock and then stamped the You & Me in Chocolate Chip over top. I used the Circle of Friendship set for the sentiment on the Scallop Punch. I love this set for adding embellishments to cards, unfortunately it is retiring August 10th! I pierced the paper on the scallop and then I used Vintage Brads to add to my middle panel. What do you think?

Time for a Deal!

Okay ladies, and gentlemen if you're out there:) , I've decided that from now until the release of the new catalogue that I will be giving ten percent off of all items on the retirement list! This will include both the stamp sets and any other items that are released on the accessory list on July 21st. Taking the lead from my amazing upline (yes Kari, you are AMAZING!) I will take ten percent off your entire order if you place an order of $75 or more. Hope this puts a smile on your face! Enjoy the sun!

Going, going...

Not gone yet! On top of the retired list Stampin' Up also releases a Dormant list to demos. These sets will not be in the new catalogue in August but will still be available to order for a limited time. I love the Pretty Amazing set which is now on this list. I recently decided to add the Craft Stampin Spots to my collection as I loved the fact that you could add embossing powder like irridescent ice right over top and heat set it to give any colour an amazing shimmer. Using the combination of these three items, this was the card I came up with. I must admit that I was really quite pleased with the results, but I don't love the photo as you can't see the true effects of the embossing powder... wait a minute... try clicking on the image to get a better view; it seems to work on my computer. I embossed every image that you see stamped on this card and it takes minimal time with the Craft Stampin Spots.

Speaking of Retiring...

Being a demo I have placed many orders to get myself set up. One of the perks is that I have also been able to acquire most of the hostess sets. One that I had not broken in yet was the Infinite Goodness set. I decided to try it out awhile ago and was quite pleased with the finished product. Seeing as I am "colour challenged" and tend to stick to the whole monochromatic thing just to be safe, I decided to order the colourwheel. This is like Stampin' Up's version of colour coordination for dummies! It is fantastic! Anyway, the wheel came up with the colour combo and I came up with the design... sounds good to me:) This set is only available as a level two hostess benefit until August 10th so if it is one you've had your eye on let me know and we'll come up with a plan for a workshop that could help you achieve this!

Retired List is Here

Stampin' Up has released its retired list for the Spring/ Summer 2008 catalogue. You can check it out at this fabulous link that includes images of the sets that are disappearing http://www.craftyperson.com/suretire/. I must admit that I was extremely disappointed to see a few stamps on that list, particularly a couple of my favourite background stamps like Prints Pattern, Polka Dots, and Weathered; all of which are great for making a more masculine card. I've been working on a few new cards with these sets, many of which I included in my notes card sets for the boys teachers and my sister.