Two weeks from today we’ll find out which Stampin’ Up! products will be retiring from the 2022-2023 Annual and January to April 2023 Mini Catalogues. Every year at this time I’m sad at the thought of seeing favourite items go, but at the same time excited for all the new products that will replace them. I've a horrible feeling that the Bamboo Beauty Stamp Set won’t make the cut as it’s coming up on two years old. So that was the set I chose for today’s simple caring card project. EASY ... VIEW POST
New on my Blog

Ink Refill Reminder
Whenever I buy a new ink pad from Stampin’ Up! I always add the corresponding ink refill to my order. They’re really inexpensive and it’s easier to buy the two things at the same time. As well as allowing me to reink the pad before it gets too dry these little bottles have other uses. I add 10-20 drops to a Stampin’ Spritzer with 70% alcohol, creating a solution that I can spray onto my projects. Or I simply mix some ink with water and paint like I did here. WATERPROOF INK I began ... VIEW POST

Delicate Inspiration
As we quickly approach the announcement of which products will be retiring I’m keeping a close eye on items showing ‘low inventory’. That’s because there’s a real chance once the current stock has gone there will be no more. One pack of Designer Series Paper (DSP) that’s not at risk (yet) is the Delicate Desert 12” x 12” paper. I bought it even though the Desert Details Stamp Set and coordinating dies didn’t appeal to me. I haven’t been disappointed by this paper which inspired me to create ... VIEW POST

Highlighting Thanks
Once upon a time I was a card maker who couldn’t use anything but the card and ink that I’d acquired. Back then my designs were very simple and rarely included layers, But as my skills developed I realised that often what gives interest is texture and dimension. Sometimes that might be through the use of patterned papers, or lifting elements off the main surface. But right now my favourite method is to use fun techniques with embossing folders like this one from the Thanks & Hello Embossing ... VIEW POST

Simple Shapes
So it happened. Overnight someone stole an hour and I’m now playing catch-up. Thankfully my #simplestamping project was already made but I still had the blog post to write. I shouldn’t complain as I much prefer the lighter evenings we’ll now have in Nova Scotia. However it would have been nice if ‘summer time’ brought with it summer weather, but I suppose that will come eventually. For now though I’ll stay in and continue to create one last project using stamp sets I think may retire soon, like ... VIEW POST

Celebrating Early
Did you know that Mother’s Day is not held on the same date around the world? In the UK Mother’s Day is next Sunday (March 19th) and I’m always reminded of stores filled with bunches of bright yellow daffodils. However here in Nova Scotia it’s still way too cold for daffs, or pretty much any kind of flower. So perhaps that’s why Canadians celebrate Mother’s Day in May. Nevertheless for today’s project I decided to create this little favour box using the Celebrating You Stamp Set and Pretty ... VIEW POST