News Flash! Stampin’ Up! Die Cutting & Embossing Changes

I wanted to bring you some news from Stampin’ Up! so that you’ll be on the cutting edge of “in-the-know!”  As you’re aware, we’re headed into the transition time between catalogs.  So…we’re anticipating the arrival of the 2019-2020 Retiring List – watch for it on 15 April (that’s next Monday!)

We’re also going to see some changes to our product lines!  Though change is hard, I know these are going to be for the better!  Woo-hoo!

Big News!!  Stampin’ Up! has just announced that they’ll be transitioning to a new manufacturer for their dies and embossing folders moving forward!

Stampin’ Up! is moving to a direct-to-manufacturer relationship. This means that they will work directly with the factories who manufacture their dies and folders instead of working with another company who then works with different factories. This gives them greater control and potential in the manufacturing process. Yay!

TRANSITION TO NEW DIE-CUTTING AND EMBOSSING LINE

Here’s a look at how this transition will unfold:

Through June 3, 2019 Die and Folder Supply: While Supplies Last and Interruptions·  Inventory on some retiring dies may be depleted before the end of the 2019 occasions and 2018–2019 annual catalog sales period; Stampin’ Up! will not replenish inventory on any retiring dies and folders that sell out.

·  Inventory on some dies and folders carrying over into the 2019–2020 catalog may be depleted; if this happens, they may go on backorder or may not be available to order until they have replenished the inventory.

April 15–June 3, 2019 Retiring List·  The old-style die-cutting & embossing machine will be on the retiring list while supplies last. This also includes related products such as plates and platforms.

·  Dies and embossing folders included on the retiring list will not be offered in the new catalog in any format.

·  Dies and standard embossing folders NOT included on the retiring list will be carried over into the 2019–2020 annual catalog. Stampin’ Up! will use up their current inventory before starting to ship new-style dies, so even if you place an order in 2020, you might receive an old-style die or folder.

Beginning June 4, 2019 2019–2020 Annual Catalog·  All new dies and embossing folders (denoted with a “New” icon in the catalog) will be produced by their new supplier and made in the new style with a different and high-quality product design.

·  For carryover dies and non-3D embossing folders, Stampin’ Up! will use up their current inventory before starting to ship new-style dies, so even if you place an order in 2020, you might receive an old-style die or folder.

·  All new and carryover 3D embossing folders will be produced by their new supplier and made in the new style with a different and high-quality product design.

·  Carryover 3D embossing folders (previously named Dynamic) will not be available to order beginning with the catalog launch but they are in process on getting these ready to go and they’ll be available as soon as possible. Stampin’ Up! will let you know when they are ready.

·  No die-cutting & embossing machine will be available for purchase from Stampin’ Up! in the 2019–2020 annual catalog.

HIGHLIGHTS: NEW-STYLE DIES AND EMBOSSING FOLDERS

Since Stampin’ Up! is using a new supplier for their dies and embossing folders, they’ll be manufactured differently, which means the way you use them will be a little different. A few of the changes between the old-style and new-style products are listed below. In the future, Stampin’ Up! will also provide videos to show how to craft with the new-style dies and embossing folders and better showcase the features described below.

Here are some of the changes you’ll notice with our new-style dies and embossing folders:

  • The new-style open dies (those that coordinate with stamps) use a high-quality metal that’s thinner than before but still as strong and durable.
  • The new-style dies have an added lip to the inside of the blades.
  • On old-style dies, when you place an open die (dies that coordinate with stamps) over a stamped image, a small border of cardstock is visible around the stamped image. With new-style dies, the die hugs the edge of the stamped image. Instead of aligning the die to the space around the stamped image, you will align it to the edges of the stamped image. When the image is cut, there will still be a cardstock border around the image.

OLD STYLE ALIGNMENT

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2019_DIE_COMPARISON__3

NEW STYLE ALIGNMENT

2019_DIE_COMPARISON__2
2019_DIE_COMPARISON__4
  • They’ve improved the adhesive that secures the dies to the insert sheet in the package so that it’s not too sticky. It’s easier to remove dies from the insert sheet, and the adhesive won’t cling to the dies.  (1,000 Yay’s for this update!!)
  • They’ve standardized the size of the die inserts for easier storage. There are now only two insert sizes: 5″ x 7″ (12.7 x 17.8 cm), which coordinate in size with the stamp cases, and 6″ x 6″ (15.2 x 15.2 cm). The standard sizes will allow uniform storage in whatever system you use. The envelopes that the dies come in will be slightly larger.
  • With old-style Dynamic folders, they recommended that you spritz cardstock before embossing to soften the fibers so you got a better impression. Now, that extra step will not be necessary because the new-style folders usually create a crisp impression without spritzing. The way the new folders are manufactured also gives options for more detailed and intricate designs in the future.
  • 3D folders are thinner than the old-style Dynamic folders. Because they are thinner, you will need to use a shim, depending on the die-cutting & embossing machine you use.

YAY!!!  I’m really excited about the new product line and can’t wait to get my hands on them this weekend!  I’ll be sharing photos and details just as soon as I can!


Stampin’ Trimmer Discontinuation

Stampin’ Up! will be retiring the Stampin’ Trimmer as of June 3, 2019, including all accessories—replacement cutting blades, scoring blades, and cutting mats. As most of you know, they’ve experienced challenges with their supplier and are taking the opportunity to research and explore a replacement option for this product, which will not be the same as the current Stampin’ Trimmer. There will be a gap in time between when the current Stampin’ Trimmer retires and when a new product becomes available, but they do not currently have an estimated timeframe.

While the replacement cutting blades will also retire with the trimmer and will not be featured in the annual catalog, Stampin’ Up! has ordered what would normally be six months of inventory based on recent historical patterns to help customers during this transition away from their current trimmer. But please know that this news could cause faster inventory depletion.

  • When the retiring list goes live on April 15, the order limit for the blades will increase from three to six (and the limit will remain at six until they’re no longer available).
  • From now until September, intermittent shipments of blades will be received from the supplier. Throughout these months, Stampin’ Up! anticipates times when the blades will not be orderable (and not offered as a backorder). During those down times, you will have the option to enter an email address to receive notification when the blades are available again.

Click the images below to head right over to my online store to start shopping for the Stampin’ Trimmer and the replacement pieces:


Price Increases in the 2019-2020 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog

Stampin’ Up! will also be doing so pricing changes in the 2019-2020 Annual Catalog. Here is the note that they’ve posted and you can find a link to the new price list below:

We regularly review our pricing, taking into account the cost of doing business, global exchange rates, increased supplier costs, and market comparisons. When it comes to making changes, we are conservative and put off price increases for as long as we can because we know they impact demonstrators and their customers.

Click here for a complete list of individual product price increases in the 2019–2020 annual catalog.

Lots of updates today!!  Let me know if you have questions.  I’m thrilled that we’re going to have some new products coming our way soon!!

Two More Days to Dial Up Your “Distinktive!”

You may wonder what in the world am I talking about? Well, if you’re not a subscribed customer yet, you have until the 10th of April at midnight to order this month’s Paper Pumpkin kit that promises to be unique and beautiful!  Look at the beautiful images and colors in this month’s flyer!

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Here at Paper Pumpkin, we love providing easy, fast, and fun creative experiences for our subscribers. We do this in a cost-saving and time-efficient way: by delivering a cute package filled with fun papercrafting goodies . . . right to your door.

In April’s Paper Pumpkin kit, we’re pleased to announce that we’ll be treating you to something extra-special: Stampin’ Up!’s brand new Distinktive® stamp images.

Check out this video!

Be sure to subscribe by April 10 to experience this AWESOME kit!  Remember, with each kit, you get everything you need to create awesome projects — ink, a stamp set, embellishments, adhesives, everything!  WHAT the projects ARE is a surprise each month — could be cards, gift packaging, or a home decor project.  I can’t wait to see it!

In addition to providing everything you need to make a pre-designed, all-inclusive project, we also have another goal in mind: to help you unlock and explore your creativity by introducing you to exciting and innovative products from Stampin’ Up!

What is a Paper Pumpkin?  Paper Pumpkin is an affordable, monthly, everything-you-need-is-in-the-box kit, and allows you the flexibility of purchasing just a month (just $20 including s&h!) or a subscription.

We’ve received a few hints:  This kit will make 9 cards plus an adorable gift box!  The colors you see in this image are the coordinating colors in this kit, too:  Basic Black, Calypso Coral, Flirty Flamingo, Gray Granite, Mint Macaron, and So Saffron) Click HERE to SIGN UP!

NO RISK involved!  Just suspend or cancel Paper Pumpkin kits aren’t for you!  OH and the price?  Only $19.95 a month, which INCLUDES SHIPPING!!  Such a bargain.  Go HERE to enter your card and get started.

 

April Paper Pumpkin: Discover “DISTINKTIVE!”

 

55869313_10102089534907429_1424965351610777600_nHere at Paper Pumpkin, we love providing easy, fast, and fun creative experiences for our subscribers. We do this in a cost-saving and time-efficient way: by delivering a cute package filled with fun papercrafting goodies . . . right to your door.

In April’s Paper Pumpkin kit, we’re pleased to announce that we’ll be treating you to something extra-special: Stampin’ Up!’s brand new Distinktive® stamp images.

Be sure to subscribe by April 10 to experience this AWESOME kit!  Remember, with each kit, you get everything you need to create awesome projects — ink, a stamp set, embellishments, adhesives, everything!  WHAT the projects ARE is a surprise each month — could be cards, gift packaging, or a home decor project.  I can’t wait to see it!

In addition to providing everything you need to make a pre-designed, all-inclusive project, we also have another goal in mind: to help you unlock and explore your creativity by introducing you to exciting and innovative products from Stampin’ Up!

What is a Paper Pumpkin?  Paper Pumpkin is an affordable, monthly, everything-you-need-is-in-the-box kit, and allows you the flexibility of purchasing just a month (just $20 including s&h!) or a subscription.

We’ve received a few hints:  This kit will make 9 cards plus an adorable gift box!  The colors you see in this image are the coordinating colors in this kit, too:  Basic Black, Calypso Coral, Flirty Flamingo, Gray Granite, Mint Macaron, and So Saffron) Click HERE to SIGN UP!

NO RISK involved!  Just suspend or cancel Paper Pumpkin kits aren’t for you!  OH and the price?  Only $19.95 a month, which INCLUDES SHIPPING!!  Such a bargain.  Go HERE to enter your card and get started.

Two Days Left For The Ultimate Stampin’ Up! Bundle — the Best Deal All Year!

Hi Stamping Friends,

Incredible Like You - Tranquil Tide - Mary Hanson - Up North Stampin'

Sometimes, it’s fun to just STAMP!! 

That’s what I did with this card — I used some beautiful rich Stampin’ Up! colors to stamp a pretty bouquet on a base of Tranquil Tide card stock, an In Color that is just about to retire in a short time.  I used the “Incredible Like You” photopolymer stamp set to create my floral background.  See below for the colors and supplies.  Click on any supply to order with me!

Only 2 Days Left to Sale-a-Brate! 

  • Have you earned all of the FREE Sale-a-Bration goodies that you wanted?
  • Have you considered getting that amazing $99 Starter Kit Deal with $175 in your choice of products with FREE shipping?
  • Did you want to get that cool Craft & Carry Tote along with your Starter Kit deal?

Don’t Miss Your Final Chance! THE ULTIMATE STAMPIN’ UP! BUNDLE IS EVEN BETTER!  These TWO 2019 Sale-A-Bration $99 Starter Kit offers are hard to resist!  The kits are the best bundles and value of Stampin’ Up! products you can get!  AVAILABLE ONLY UNTIL March 31, there are two ways to purchase the Starter Kit and join Stampin’ Up!

Option A:  Pay $99, receive your choice of $175 in products (that’s $76 in FREE products) and it ships FREE for another 10% savings.

Option B:  Pay $129, receive your choice of $225 in products and it ships FREE for another 10% savings.  This kit includes a beautiful Craft & Carry Tote Bag valued at $50.  You save $20 on the tote as part of the kit and get $76 in FREE products.

You’ll love it for crafting on the go!  Get a close up look at the Craft & Carry Tote Bag HERE!

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AND THERE’S MORE . . . DISCOUNTS AND BENEFITS OF JOINING:

  • Create your own kit!  Choose ANY Stampin’ Up! products (including bundles) to fill your kit.  Host sets and Sale-A-Bration gifts are excluded.
  • Happy shopping & SAVINGS!  Purchase the starter kit in January and receive a 20% discount (up to 25%) on additional demonstrator purchases thru a minimum of July 31, 2019.  This window of time includes enjoying your discount on the 2019-2020 annual catalog pre-order products (May) and launch (June)!
  • Perfect timing!  You will have the same amount of time (through July 31, 2019) to reach your first $300 sales minimum and renew for the Stampin’ Up! July – September quarter.  Renew with $300 in sales and/or personal purchases for each additional quarter.
  • Test drive demonstrator discounts and benefits with no risk and no penalty to drop.
  • Be first!  View new catalogs and pre-order products a month (or more) before their release (and at a discount) – one of my favorite benefits.
  • A good fit!  I welcome hobby stampers to my Up North Stampin’ Team!
  • Be a part of a national stamping Facebook group — Get ideas, inspiration, sell and buy stamp sets, get door prizes, post your work…..It’s the BEST, believe me!
  • Do it just for YOU!  There’s no obligation to host workshops or parties, sell products to others or personally purchase anything beyond the kit!

Let me know if you want to pull the trigger on the Ultimate Stampin’ Up! Bundle!  I’d LOVE to have you on my team!  HERE is the link to get started on a GREAT stamping adventure!

Product List

Did Someone Say Stampin’ Storage?

Yep, they did, and here it is, available to all starting April 1!!

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Storage by Stampin’ Up! is designed to store and showcase your Stampin’ Pads, Stampin’ Ink Refills, Stampin’ Blends, Stampin’ Write Markers, Watercolor Pencils, and other accessories. Here are some other features and benefits of Storage by Stampin’ Up!:

  • Keeps products organized, tidy, visible, and trackable at all times.
  • Ensures that your Stampin’ Pads, Stampin’ Write Markers, and Stampin’ Blends are all stored horizontally, as recommended.
  • Designed to be stylish, durable, compact, stackable, and modular.
  • Blends in naturally with most home decor with its white neutral color.
  • Stacks vertically and can be arranged to fit practically any flat workspace.
  • Easily assembled and disassembled for rearrangement and/or cleaning.

Here’s a PDF to give you a better idea of the many ways to configure this storage!  So many options!

Click here to see the PDF!

Come back on April 1 to get started on organizing your Stampin’ Space!!

The Best Bundle of the Year is Back!

I’m back from a wonderful trip to Mexico!  The skies were blue, the water was blue, and the sun was soooo warm! Let me know if you want a recommendation for a wonderful resort on the Riviera Maya of Cancun!

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I wanted to share some GREAT news about one of the most popular products this year. Because of its popularity, the Butterfly Duet Punch sold out quickly. Well, the punch is back in stock now – don’t miss this opportunity to order yours today!


Butterfly Gala Bundle and Butterfly Duet Punch

There are two products affected by the recent backorder of the Butterfly Duet Punch – the punch (obviously) and the bundle to which the punch belongs. Here’s a look at both of these amazing products that are now back in stock:

butterfly gala bundle

If you don’t want to miss them, PLEASE pick them up now. Click on the photo above or right HERE to add them to your online cart.  The best part:  Order before March 31, and you can put the $35 bundle cost toward FREE Sale-A-Bration products!   Remember for every $50 your order, you receive a free SAB gift! Click Here to see them!  Sale-A-Bration ENDS in three days!

Here are some projects I created with the bundle earlier on during Sale-A-Bration!

Balmy Blue - Botanical Butterfly - Circle Punch - Gingham Gala Designer Series Paper - Fable Friends - Mary Hanson - Up North Stampin'

happiness blooms - botanical butterfly designer series paper - kindness and compassion - creative fold - mary hanson - up north stampin'

Botanical Butterflies Designer Series Paper - Country Floral Textured Impressions Embossing Folder - Butterfly Gala stamp set - Mango Melody - Mary Hanson - Up North Stampin' - Stampin' Up!

Stampin' Success - Butterfly Gala - Botanical Butterfly - Mary Hanson - Up North Stampin' - Stampin' Up!

Botanical Butterfly - Butterfly Gala - Gingham Gala - Mary Hanson - Up North Stampin'

 

Have You Seen the Kraft Pillow Boxes?

I’m back, dreaming of somewhere tropical!  Sometimes products in our catalog go unnoticed! These sweet polka-dot Kraft Pillow Boxes are great for packaging gifts!  Click below to shop with me for any of these products.  Underneath the Product List, enjoy more projects using the Tropical Chic Bundle.

Product List

Big Shot

$110.00
Heat Tool

$30.00

 

2018_AC_P121

March Pals Blog Hop: Spring Has Sprung!

Blog Hopecircle frameWelcome to the Pals’ March Blog Hop. We’re so glad you’re here because ”Spring has Sprung” – at least on our blog hop if not outside! Our Design Team created beautiful projects to inspire you. You may be starting the hop here or coming from a previous Pal’s blog. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll find the full line-up below to help you move, or “hop” along from Pal to Pal.

“SPRING” is just a figment of our imaginations here in Northern Minnesota.  We’ve had a near-record snowfall this winter, with many storms and blizzards.  So I had an extra good time creating a springy-looking card, focusing mostly on products from the 2019 Stampin’ Up! Occasions Catalog. Take a look:

Balmy Blue - Botanical Butterfly - Circle Punch - Gingham Gala Designer Series Paper - Fable Friends - Mary Hanson - Up North Stampin'

I started with a card base of Whisper White Thick card stock, and covered the front with a panel of the Balmy Blue Gingham Gala Designer Series paper of 4 1/4 x 5 1/2″.  I then cut a panel of Balmy Blue cardstock at 4″ x 5 1/4″ and ran it through the Big Shot using the new Country Floral Textured Impressions Embossing Folder — Love, love the gorgeous deep floral pattern it creates.  I punched a circle out of the corner of the panel using the 2 1/2″ Circle Punch, wrapped a few rounds of white baker’s twine around the top and tied a bow. I then popped it onto the gingham layer using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

I punched out two butterflies from the Botanical Butterfly Designer Series Papers with the yellow and blue shades already watercolored in by the SU! artists — so easy!  Then I stamped a sentiment from the Fable Friends stamp set onto a scrap of Pineapple Punch cardstock and used one of the Rectangle Stitched Framelits dies to cut out the sentiment with my Big Shot.  I used Stampin’ Dimensionals again to pop the sentiment up across the bottom of the circle cutout.

Balmy Blue - Country Floral Embossing Folder - Mary Hanson - Up North Stampin'Finally, I ‘colored’ in the raised flowers on the embossed Balmy Blue panel with Wink of Stella.  Though hard to photograph, it is a beautiful effect, and I love the little bit of bling it gives to the flowers!  I then placed my two butterflies and a few sparkly sequins around the card, and….DONE!!  So fun and easy.  Can you see it?

Close Up - Balmy Blue - Botanical Butterflies - Wink of Stella - Mary Hanson - Up North Stampin'DO NOT miss out on the Country Floral Embossing Folder as it is a FREE GIFT through Sale-A-Bration when you purchase $50 in SU! product.  Sale-A-Bration will end on March 31, and the embossing folder is going fast, so get it while you can — it will be a spring papercrafting staple for you!  Click on ANY of the supplies at the bottom of this post to go SHOPPING with me!

More inspiration awaits! Use the Blog Hop Line-up below to visit the rest of this month’s Design Team. My fellow Pals are excited to show you what they’ve created! Don’t forget to show us some love by commenting on our creations. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 10, 2019 when our Hoppin’ Pals share their “Families First” projects. Don’t miss the fun!

March Pals Blog Hop

 

 

Product List

2-1/2" Circle Punch

2-1/2″ Circle Punch
[120906]
$18.00

Whisper White Thick Baker's Twine

Whisper White Thick Baker’s Twine
[141688]
$3.50

April Pumpkin: A “DISTINKTIVE” Treat!

 

04-01-19_header_pp_distinktiveHere at Paper Pumpkin, we love providing easy, fast, and fun creative experiences for our subscribers. We do this in a cost-saving and time-efficient way: by delivering a cute package filled with fun papercrafting goodies . . . right to your door.

In addition to providing everything you need to make a pre-designed, all-inclusive project, we also have another goal in mind: to help you unlock and explore your creativity by introducing you to exciting and innovative products from Stampin’ Up!

In April’s Paper Pumpkin kit, we’re pleased to announce that we’ll be treating you to something extra-special: Stampin’ Up!’s brand new Distinktive® stamp images.

Be sure to subscribe by April 10 to experience this AWESOME kit!  Remember, with each kit, you get everything you need to create awesome projects — ink, a stamp set, embellishments, adhesives, everything!  WHAT the projects ARE is a surprise each month — could be cards, gift packaging, or a home decor project.  I love getting I can’t wait to see it!

NO RISK involved!  Just suspend or cancel Paper Pumpkin kits aren’t for you!  OH and the price?  Only $19.95 a month, which INCLUDES SHIPPING!!  Such a bargain.  Go HERE to enter your card and get started.

#3 in Country Florals Series: Pretty in Pastels

Yes, folks…more snow, wind, and freezing rain is on the way here in Northern Minnesota.  It’s hard to know where we’re going to PUT any more, honestly!  We’ll keep thinking SPRING!  Today I am featuring the third project using a free product you can earn with a $50 purchase during the entire month.

Stampin' Blends - Butterfly Gala - Country Floral Textured Impressions Embossing Floral - Mary Hanson - Up North Stampin'

For this card,  I used a Petal Pink card base.  Using an additional panel of Whisper White, cut to 3 3/4″ by 5,” I ran the panel through my Big Shot using the gorgeous Country Floral Dynamic Textured Embossing folder.

I then used some Stampin’ Blends to color right on the raised portions of the embossed panel, just gently coloring the flowers and leaves.  See below for the colors I used.  It was so fun!

Close Up - Stampin' Blends - Butterfly Gala - Country Floral Textured Impressions Embossing Floral - Mary Hanson - Up North Stampin'

And you could do that with ANY colors!  I just LOVE the look!   The sentiment is from the Butterfly Gala stamp set on a scrap of Petal Pink, and run through the Big Shot using the Stitched Rectangle Framelits.  So easy, and such a pretty soft effect.

STAY TUNED, because I have one more project using the Country Floral Embossing Folder that I’m saving for a special blog hop on Thursday morning!

country embossing

Country Floral Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder  #149696  Price: $0.00