STRIPPED FLOWERS

Usually I like to intersperse my blog posts with tutorials here and there. I realize that my last post included a tutorial. And, now this post will have one too. I hope you don't mind. But, you see, there is a reason for this madness.

Yesterday, April 9, was a big day in the lives of Stampin' Up! demonstrators. Yes, the Retiring Lists were released. Yesterday, also, I had a Stamp-In Workshop. And, at 2:00 -- smack dab in the middle of my workshop -- was the moment of release. So, I ran up to my computer and printed off the lists so my customers could see what was retiring in case that had an effect on what they wanted to order.

 I quickly scanned the list, but then concentrated on finishing up the workshop. Then and only then would I allow myself to sit down and seriously scrutinize the Retiring List.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear -- oh wait, wrong season! -- anyway, I quickly realized that two of the products we'd used on a card at that day's workshop would be RETIRING!

The two retiring items are the stamp set from which my main flower derives, Flower Shop (page 28) and the lovely punch that coordinates with it, PANSY PUNCH! (page 207). Oh boo hoo. I am heartbroken. I have loved both of these products. 

Also, the strips that form the background of the card can all be made from retiring cardstock! 

Thus, I decided on the spot that I would post the tutorial for this card today in case you'd like it and want to grab the stamp set and punch before they are gone forever!!

THIS is the link for the PDF of the Retiring List for the Occasions catalog. And HERE you will find the retiring List for the big annual catalog. Both of these catalogs will retire on May 31. The products on these lists are only available as long as supplies last, with the exception of the stamp sets, which will continue to be manufactured until May 25.

When ordering, please remember to name me as your demonstrator -- if you don't already have one.

Even though customers cannot start ordering from the new catalog until after June 1, when the catalog goes live, Stampin' Up! has released a special promotion in which customers can get their hands on a selection of brand new products during the month of May. CLICK HERE to find the brochure detailing this offering. So exciting that you to get the chance for a sneak peek and own some of the new goodies a month ahead of schedule!

Anyway, now that you've got a lot to think about -- two Retiring Lists and the chance to order new product during May! -- you will find next on the agenda the Supplies List and Instructions on how to make this cute -- farewell -- card.

SUPPLIES:

Whisper White cardstock

Basic Black cardstock

Assorted cardstock colors cut into strips

Southern Serenade (page 49 of the Occasions Catalog, but it will be in the new big catalog!)

Beautiful Day (page 26 of the Occasions Catalog, but also in the new big catalog!)

Flower Shop (page 28, but RETIRING!)

VersaMark Ink

Black Ink

Pansy Punch (page 207, but RETIRING!)

Clear Embossing Powder

Embossing Buddy

Heat Tool

5/8" Satin Ribbon

Basic Rhinestones

Paper Trimmer

Glue Dots

Stampin' Dimensionals

Big Shot

Stitched Shapes Framelits (page 214, but will also be in the upcoming catalog)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Fold a 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" piece of Whisper White cardstock in half, creasing it well with a bone folder.

You will be building this next layer onto a 3 3/4" x 5" piece of scrap cardstock. From a variety of  colors of scrap cardstock, choose colors that you want your stripes to be. It can be just a few colors, or each stripe can be a different color, as in my sample. The strips can be cut in a variety of widths, or all wider widths, or all 1/2", as in mine. Starting at one end of the scrap base, adhere these strips to the cardstock, butting each of the edges tightly against the previous one to make a reasonably flat surface for stamping. 

Run the Embossing Buddy over this finished piece. Then stamp the large flower from Beautiful Day several times onto the glued-on strips without overlapping in VersaMark ink. At the Heat Station, cover the stamped flowers with Clear Embossing Powder, and heat to emboss with the Heat Tool.

Adhere this finished piece to a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of black cardstock. Choose a 5/8" satin ribbon that will coordinate well with the stripes you have made. Wrap a piece of it around, securing the ends on the back of the black with tape. Adhere this piece to the card base.

On a scrap of Whisper White, stamp the sentiment from Southern Serenade in black ink. Cut it out with one of the ovals from the Stitched Shapes Framelits. Add two Basic Rhinestones to the left side of the sentiment piece.

Choose a coordinating piece of the colored cardstock large enough to accommodate the stamped flower from Flower Shop. After rubbing it with the Embossing Buddy, stamp the flower in VersaMark. Sprinkle it with Clear Embossing Powder and heat to emboss. Punch out the flower with the Pansy Punch. Add a Basic Rhinestone to the center of the flower.

Take a 4" piece of the matching ribbon. Fold it in half. Snip the ends so they make points. Adhere this neatly to the back of the sentiment piece. With Stampin' Dimensionals, add this over the ribbon that is already there. With a Stampin' Dimensional, pop the flower onto the card so it overlaps the sentiment.

Mourning

Smiles.