The Retiring List is out!!

Each year, Stampin' Up is forced to retire many favorite products, both stamps and accessories, to make room for new ones with the next new catalog on June 1st.  Here is a list of the Retiring Products, some of which are discounted up to 50% but all will removed from the active catalog after May 31.  The list is updated daily to show the availability of all retiring products while supplies last.
Be sure to check it out while the selection is best, some of my favorite stamps and pretties will soon be gone!
New SU policy: if a "bundle" price has been offered during a first release in a catalog, it will not be offered again at a discounted bundle price in the next, even if it is still available to order. So get those discounted bundles when they come out to save $$! (Ask me if you have questions.)
But to ease your "sadness", you can apply your order amount towards the $45 minimum needed to get a free stamp class for May!  Just be sure to use the Hostess Code CECFJBWH when you order.  If you can't make it to class, I'd be happy to send you a hand-stamped gift instead!  (Just be sure you don't use "No Contact" or I won't know where and whom to send it.)

Okay, check it out now, the best ones go quick!

Weekly Deals will be ending April 18!

If you're looking for some Stampin' Up bargains, be sure to check out the Weekly Deals by Monday, April 18, as that will be the last day they will be offered!  There are some Big Shot dies, punches, Baker's Twine, and more so be sure to take a look pronto!
Weekly Deals will be replaced by a less frequent but better promotion called Special Offers, which will occur every few months as inventory allows.  These will have more products and discount tiers than previously offered, so stay tuned!

April Stamp Class Reminder and Flattening warped Big Shot plates

Just a quick note that the Deadline for this month's Techniques Stamp Class is Tuesday, April 5th.  These three cards are so special and downright cool, I hope you can come and make them!  Contact me to save your spot, and new stamping buddies are welcome!

Flattening warped plates: 
With so many people using the Big Shot in stamp classes, my acrylic cutting plates get warped very quickly.  On my own, I try to rotate the position of where I do the die cuts as well as flip the top plate each time, but in class with many users, this is harder to manage. Warped plates are more difficult to use since the dies tend to move around on the paper and it's also harder to crank through. I've tried to flatten them with hot water, but haven't had any success.  Doing them in the oven has worked, here is what I tried so you can see if you want to also.

• Preheat your oven to 325 degrees, with the rack positioned in the middle of your oven. 
• Wrap each plate individually in foil and place on a cookie sheet or in a Pyrex baking dish.  
• Place another baking dish (or two or three) on top for weight. 
• Place everything in the oven and heat for 20-30 minutes, (see note below).  I tried 20 minutes and there was still some warpage, so continued to 30 minutes.
• Remove entire assembly from oven and set aside to cool without separating anything.  
• When cool to touch, unwrap foil and brush off any paper scraps that have now been released from the plate -- a bonus!  

Hooray, clean and flat!  The score lines are still there of course, but the plates are much flatter and easier to use.  At last, a simple, effective solution! 

Note:  on the plates that I left in for 30 minutes, there is some white opacity into the plastic, perhaps getting too hot around the edges. Still usable, but doesn't look so good. When I completed the process on different plates for 25 minutes, this didn't happen, so check out what works for your oven, adjusting time and temperature for best results.

April Techniques and Fancy Folds Class

It's been awhile since we've done a Techniques Class, so I'm tickled that this one has turned out to be so much fun!  Each card is so special in its own way, which one is your favorite?

I always love making baby cards, with their cute images and sweet thoughts that will be for a precious new little one. The wardrobe-style card is especially perfect for this, with many options possible for its contents, boy or girl.  It would also be fun for a "girl" of any age, including an outfit or other accessories that could be personalized to style, age, interests, or hobbies .

But the purse card is definitely a girl thing, and you'll learn how make faux suede and alligator skin in this "designer" version!  (I also have a new tip for gluing on tiny punched items, come and find out what it is!) You'll have a choice of the leopard or zebra print from the "Go Wild" Designer Paper stack for the front. With the bling, textures, animal pattern, and washi tape, this one is a winner on all counts!

The watercolor card features a new technique that uses a surprising application tool--an acrylic block.  I'll show you how to get beautiful color blending and shades with just a few easy steps, and each one will be unique!  The dimensional dandelion and soft images complete the gentle look that is so appropriate for the "sending wishes" sentiment... I have to make more of these!

As with all of my Techniques classes, complete instructions and measurements are printed for you.  Be sure to invite a friend and join us for this very special class!

Class Dates:
Friday, Apr. 8; 7:00 - 9:30 pm
Sunday, Apr. 10; 2:00 - 4:30pm (minimum 2)
     Note: Specify leopard or zebra print for the purse.

DEADLINE to save your spot: Tuesday, Apr. 5

Class Fee = $15 (includes envelopes and printed instructions) or FREE with any $45 order.
Completed Card Set = $18 (if you miss class or want an extra set.)

Host Code = YVS2KZUJ (ships directly to you, counts towards a FREE class; see top tab.)

April Accessory Kit:

(Counts towards a FREE class, see top tab for info.)

6" x6" sheets of Go Wild Designer Series Paper - 2 ea of 12 double-sided sheets

5 - 8 1/2" x 11" sheets Shimmery White card stock

60 White Perfect Accents -  3/16", 1/4", 5/16" (20 each size)

24 Iced Rhinestone Embellishments - 5/16", 7/16" (12 each size)

Cost = $12.50 (plus shipping and tax)

Optional items:

• 2 yds of 3/8" Black Stitched Satin ribbon = $1.80
• 2 yds of Bermuda Bay 1/8" stitched ribbon = $1.20
• 2 yds of 1/8" Gold  Ribbon = $1.00
• 48 It's My Party Enamel Dots - 16 each of 3 colors, 2 sizes:1/8",13/16"= $2.00

Hope you can come and stamp with us!

March Stamp Class Reminder

A quick note that the Deadline to save your spot for the this month's Class is Tuesday, Mar 7.  Don't miss out on this last chance to get a FREE Class and a FREE SAB item of your choice until next year!!
Both Friday and Sunday classes have open spots but are filling up quick, contact me ASAP!  We'd love to have you join us,and yes put your Party Pants On!