Yesterday Stampin’ Up! revealed the list of products that will be retiring on June 2nd. Actually there are two lists, one for the 2019/2020 Annual Catalogue and Beginners Brochure, and a separate list for the January to June Mini Catalogue. I always receive these lists with mixed feelings. I’m sad to see lovely products go, but at the same time I’m excited for all the new products I know will be taking their place.

Over the coming weeks I plan to revisit some older projects created using some of my favourite products that are retiring. So for my first Thursday throwback I have this uplifting card project created using the Artfully Aware Stamp Set.

BOOKMARK OPTION

This project uses a favourite technique of first masking a stamped image and then sponging the background. Once that is done I remove the mask and colour the image, in this case with Stampin’ Blends.

Although I used the panel as the basis for a card, I could quite easily have turned it into a bookmark.

At the time I created a video showing exactly how to create the panel so you can follow along. Just be aware that the Berry Burst ink mentioned actually retired last year. Right now you could get a similar effect using Lovely Lipstick ink, but just be aware that it, and the Blueberry Bushel ink pads are on the Retiring List now. Similarly the 3-4″ Circle Punch shown is retired, but you could use a 1″ Circle Punch as an alternate. Sadly though, the 1″ Circle Punch is retiring and now also only available while stocks last.

Rather than rewrite everything again, if you want details of how I turned the panel into the finished card visit my original blog post, Artfully Aware for #WWYS213.

WHAT’S RETIRING AND WHAT’S NOT!

The Retiring List might be a little confusing this year for a couple of reasons, so I wanted to take a few minutes to explain.

First, all the 2018/2020 In Colors are retiring as expected. That’s the ink pads, refills, ribbon, card and markers etc. No surprises there and easy to remember – order while stocks last.

All stamp sets listed are also retiring, however Stampin’ Up! guarantees availability for all orders placed up to May 22nd. Then they too will be ‘while stocks last’. Unlike other retiring items Stampin’ Up! rarely puts stamp sets on the Clearance Rack, so please don’t assume you’ll be able to get them at a later date.

Next , dies and embossing folders… for the most part those listed on the Retiring List are retiring, but with a few exceptions…

• Layering Circles Dies
• Layering Ovals Dies
• Layering Squares Dies
• In The Woods Dies
• Natures Roots Dies
• Be Mine Stitched Dies
• Well Written Dies
• Woodland Embossing Folder

These items WILL be in the new 2020/2021 Annual Catalogue but with a new item number as they are from a different manufacturer.

STAMPIN’ BLENDS

You’ll see all the Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers in the Last Chance section of my online store. However don’t panic (well don’t panic much), Stampin’ Up! is not retiring the Stampin’ Blends. What they are doing however is reconfiguring the range. In the new catalogue you will only be able to buy Stampin’ Blends in the light and dark combo packs. So if you know you want to order single Stampin’ Blends markers. Do it now before stocks run out.

The current combo items numbers are also going which is why you’ll see these in the Last Chance section. Rest assured though these colours are in the new catalogue, just with new items numbers. The only Stampin’ Blends that are going completely are Call Me Clover, Lovely Lipstick and Pineapple Punch as these are retiring InColors.

ADHESIVES

Stampin’ Up! is retiring its SNAIL Adhesive and replacing it with something new. So if you love SNAIL and want to stock up on the complete dispenser or refills make sure you do that now, before they run out. I don’t know if the replacement adhesive will fit in the SNAIL dispenser so it’s probably best not to chance it.

There is also another new adhesive being added to the Stampin’ Up! range, but that won’t be available until June. I’ll tell you more about that nearer to the new catalogue launch.

It’s a lot to take in I know, but for now why not simply grab a cup of something and browse through the Last Chance section. I’d hate for you to miss out on something you really wanted. If something catches your eye, add it to your shopping basket. Then you can look through the items in your shopping basket and make your final decision. Just remember that with the exception of stamp sets, everything else is “while stocks last”, and that might not be very long.

ARTFULLY AWARE…

And the Artfully Aware Stamp Set used on today’s project? That’s retiring AND it’s now available at 25% off!