Anyone else excited by retirement? Today’s the day that we find out which Stampin’ Up! products are being discontinued. However we must wait just a little longer as the Retiring List won’t be revealed until 4pm Atlantic (1pm MT). At the same time, Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators will get their first look at the new 2022/2023 Annual Catalogue. Something that definitely won’t be in the new catalogue are the 2020/22 In Colors. So before they’re completely sold out here’s one final card project using all five. I’m going to miss them.

PAPER PIECES

When I thought about a retirement card I immediately reached for the Senior Years Stamp Set. I love the little characters in this set but I have a horrible feeling this will be one of the stamp sets being retired this year.

I began by pulling out my card scrap tin and the five In Colors… Bumblebee, Cinnamon Cider, Just Jade, Magenta Madness and Misty Moonlight, plus some Very Vanilla. Then using Early Espresso ink I stamped the images onto the scraps to create colourful clothes. Finally I cut out the various pieces using Paper Snips and carefully set them aside.

For the background I decided to keep it really simple and cut a 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Basic White Card. On the left side I stamped the lady, with the man over to the right. Then I began to colour using Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers. The image didn’t need much, just light and dark Smoky Slate for their hair and Ivory for the skin. Then to create the ground I added some scribbled lines with the Bronze Stampin’ Blends.

With that done I was ready to layer on the coloured card pieces using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow).

After all the little pieces were in place I decided to add a bit more detail using the writing tips of the 2020/2022 In Color Stampin’ Write Markers. The Bumblebee marker added depth to the lines on his trousers, while Cinnamon Cider accentuated the pockets and buttons on his waistcoat (vest) and his belt. Just Jade was used to add colour to the frames of her glasses and the creases on her skirt. Next the Magenta Madness added a shadow on the front of her sweater. Finally the Misty Moonlight marker coordinated her earrings and beads with her paper-pieced shoes.

HAPPY RETIREMENT

Turning back to the Senior Years Stamp Set it was time for the “Happy retirement” sentiment. Using Early Espresso ink I stamped it onto a 1/2″ strip of Basic White Card. Then I glued that to a 3/4″ strip of Misty Moonlight Card. Just to be different I decided to angle the sentiment. To do this I attached the sentiment to the main layer using liquid glue. Then I simply trimmed off the ends of the sentiment using the edge of the layer as a guide.

For the card base I cut and scored some Misty Moonlight Card. After folding it along the scored line I sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder. Then I glued the assembled layers to the front of the card base.

To coordinate the rest of the project I started with a 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Basic White Card. Using Early Espresso ink I stamped the lady image in the bottom left corner and scribbled a few Bronze lines beneath her feet. Then I glued the layer inside the card base. Finally I stamped the man on the right-hand side of a Basic White Medium Envelope. Once I’d added few more scribbled Bronze lines my project was complete.

I have to say that paper piecing is a lot of fun. Sometimes I don’t use all the pieces I cut (her earrings for instance), but I love the effect of this technique. What do you think?

PRODUCT LIST

MAILING LISTS – Shortly after 4pm Atlantic Time I’ll send a link for the Retiring List and the Last Chance section of my Online Store to everyone on my e-mail list I’ll also add a link to the Last Chance section on my website. Some products will sell out quickly so if there’s something you want be sure to order right away. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good!