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Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set Part II

April 30, 2020

Use And Care Of Your Share Sunshine Digital Stamps

As a rubberstamper, you are aware of the use and care of your physical stamps, red rubber or photopolymer. You know what inks and techniques work best for flawless images. You understand which cleaner to use for a specific application. And Storage 101: please keep those photopolymers out of the direct sunlight!

If you are new to digital stamps, as I am, then you may be wondering where to start and what to do. How will I put my printer to best use? How will I store all the bits and pieces of my digital stamps? I have answers!

Your Share Sunshine Digital Stamps

Purchase Share Sunshine Digital Stamp PDF Download

In Part I of this series, I provided a link to purchase the Share Sunshine Digital Stamp Set, part of the Making A Difference program thru Stampin’ Up!. This digital stamp set is a charity fundraiser for COVID-19. After purchase, you may instantly download the digital file and print out your stamp collection.

Print Tips For Share Sunshine PDF Download

This collection is 15 pages of stamps with images and sentiments both funny and thoughtful for social distancing. Pages 1 and 2 are instructional and list coordinating products for use with the digital stamps. I recommend printing these first 2 pages on regular copy/printer paper (don’t waste good cardstock on them!).

You will want a printer with color ink in addition to black. All of the images come in black options as well as pre-determined color options. This provides a great mix of both.

I printed out 2 copies immediately. If you have the cardstock and ink, this could be a future time-saver. With so many images on hand, I won’t need to start my computer, search my files, start my printer, etc to use one sentiment on a card.

As with any printer, you can choose a specific page to print instead of the entire document. If you fall in love with a particular digital stamp this is a great option. And you will save printer ink too!

Keep in mind, if you use a different brand of cardstock for printing (perhaps a cheaper one, like I do) and intend to use this digital stamp with your premium cardstock (like I did), the colors may be off. You will need to print on the good paper, or use the cheap paper (as needed) on your card. Lesson learned by me!

Binder Storage Solution For Share Sunshine Digital Stamps

I am a keeper of binders. Storage at my fingertips. I have a vast collection of white binders on hand, and lots of sheet protectors. The continuity of white in my craft room keeps things beautifully in order.

I placed pages 1 and 2, the instructional sheets, back to back as the first page in my 3-ring binder, using 1 sheet protector. Next, I placed the fully intact digital stamp pages 3-17 in their own sheet protectors individually. The Share Sunshine Digital Stamps have page numbers on the bottom that coordinate with specific products per pages 1-2.

As the images and sentiments are cut apart, I place the unused stamps in the page protector on the backside of the full coordinating page. As your full page of digital stamps dwindles, you may want to add a slip of paper with the page number into the protector. Or, you could add a sticker to the front of each page with the corresponding number as well. And lastly, there is always the option to print more pages from your digital stamp file!

My binder will need a gorgeous index label and colorful front cover insert. This will be on my list of things to do, and soon! Meanwhile, I have been busy creating cards with the Share Sunshine Digital Stamp Set, and here are my latest efforts:

So…I Finished Netflix

This card represents what many of us have been doing to pass the time of social distancing. Couch potatoes, happily entertained by Netflix and the like.

I thought this important announcement should be broadcast in cinema style. So, I reached for the retired stamp set, Marquee Messages. I used the Night Of Navy sentiments, and that made my card base choice easy. Bright and bold colors, Poppy Parade, Call Me Clover and Daffodil Delight round out the team.

Designer Elements in gold give this card a red carpet, award winning style. In fact, the circular pieces used here evoke movie reels of old. And I took advantage of the new Black Dimensionals when lifting my sentiment outlined in Night Of Navy to the card front. White Dimensionals would have stood out, in a bad review kind of way.

Wish This Were A Real In Person Hug!

This adorable pink dinosaur wants to share hugs. In fact, many of us want to share hugs. We can’t wait for the opportunity to do so. Let’s not make hugging extinct!

The Dino Days Stamp Set and coordinating Dino Dies are current Stampin’ Up! products. Often times, we see use of these dinosaurs in blues and greens. In my card, I fancied a pink dino. Blushing Bride and Flirty Flamingo met with Old Olive and Soft Seafoam.

I punched out the Share Sunshine Digital Stamp sentiment using the Everyday Label Punch. To create the green layer behind it, I punched again in Old Olive CS and cut it in half. I then adhered each section, top and bottom to the back of the sentiment, letting the color peek around.

The sweet checkered pattern paper is from the Subtles 6×6″ DSP Collection. I added the Woven Threads Sequins using glue dots left over from a Paper Pumpkin Kit. Those particular glue dots are smaller than the typical ones, and work so well with sequin application.

I Can’t Wait To Social UN-Distance With You

Perfect sentiment for those ready to end social distancing. I searched my stamp stacks to look for cute critters who are enjoying each other’s company. Runners-up in selection but not used were groups of assorted animals gathered in the stamp sets: From The Herd and We Must Celebrate.

But, retired stamp set, Bella & Friends, won the So Cute It Had To Be Used On This Card award. When I chose the sentiment from the Share Sunshine Digital Stamp Set in color, Mint Macaron and Pretty Peacock were natural go-withs.

I liked the embossing folder, Mosaic 3D, as it brought to mind the turtle’s shell. The checkered pattern DSP from the Subtles 6×6″ Collection was die cut using the Nested Stitched Labels Dies. White Perfect Accents and White Bakers Twine round out the embellishments.

Everything Will Be Okay

Everything Will Be Ok card with Share Sunshine Digital Stamp Set

Not all of the stamps in the Share Sunshine Digital Stamp Set are funny. Some are poignant and thoughtful. This sentiment is a perfect example of one (of several) that can be used at any time.

I wanted to mimic nature in neutral colors for this card. I pulled out the stamp set, Peaceful Place, and stamped the trees and leaves from it. Crumb Cake, Early Espresso and Highland Heather combine to keep this card calm.

As I choose embossing folders for my cards, I like to add to my card’s story. Pinewood Planks 3D with its wood grain was the perfect choice. I punched the sentiment out using the Story Label Punch. A hint of Linen Thread and retired Enamel Dots do not distract on this reassuring card.

The Digital Fun Continues

It is always exciting as a papercrafter to try something new. I am enjoying my experimentation with the Share Sunshine Digital Stamp Set, and I hope that you are able to learn with me as well.

If you are inspired by any of my projects and need Stampin’ Up! supplies, please stop by my online shop, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net, at any time. And be sure to follow up with me as I continue to share tips, techniques and samples in this ongoing 3 part blog series. I would love to know which card is your personal favorite!

Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set Part I

April 29, 2020

Making A Difference: COVID-19 Giveback

The World Of Digital Stamps

Have you ever heard of a digital stamp set? As a papercrafter who loves to stamp, the idea of printing off “stamped” images and using them instead of mounting a physical stamp onto a physical block and putting physical ink on it seems like an odd idea. I am a do-it-myself kind of girl.

Or, are digital stamps normal? After all, digital stamps are not new to Stampin’ Up!. As late as June 2, 2015, Stampin’ Up! offered My Digital Studio (MDS), digital designing software, artwork and print services. I never tried MDS, so I can not say whether or not it is similar to the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set. But I have purchased this new digital product, and have insight on it to share!

Making A Difference Stamp Set

On April 28, Stampin’ Up! announced its Making A Difference Stamp Set. Every year with the Annual Catalog Release, we wait to see what stamp set is ear-marked for fund raising toward a worthy cause. Stampin’ Up! takes a percentage of sales proceeds from a specific stamp set and donates the raised money to an honored named charity.

For many years (up until May 31, 2018) we supported Ronald McDonald House Charities. Then, with the past 2 annual catalogs, Stampin’ Up! simply encouraged customers to give back and make a difference by creating and sharing or donating cards to hospitals, churches, retirement communities or organizations.

With the 2019 Holiday Catalog, we saw the return of a fund raising stamp set, Nature’s Beauty. With this stamp set, $3 of every sale continues to go toward Mental Health Organizations.

Nature's Beauty Stamp Set — Nature’s Beauty Stamp Set, item #150528

With the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set, you get to choose between 2 charities. One is The World Health Organization’s COVID-Solidarity Response Fund. The other is United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund. For the first time as well, you can split the difference between both charities. And, most importantly, 100% of the proceeds are going to these specific organizations.

Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set

Enter COVID-19 and the world-wide pandemic. Stampin’ Up! is encouraging card makers to “share sunshine” by sending paper hugs (cards) to others, in an attempt to brighten the days of social distancing.

Along with social distancing, is the disruption of the production of goods and their delivery, as the world stays safe and practices new measures. This means back-orders and delays, items out of stock or not available. How can we share sunshine without products to use to do so?

This is the beauty of the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set. After you purchase it, you have instant access to the “stamps” in the set. No back-orders, no shipping fees, no 10-14 day wait. Instant. Print and go.

Digital Stamps Print And Go

So, I jumped right on board first thing, and ordered the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set, which costs $12 plus tax. It is not available on any demonstrator website, as it does not count toward sales and is non-commissionable. To order yours, click here.

After purchase, you have the ability to immediately download the digital stamp set file. You will receive an email confirmation with your order details. You also get a separate email with your download link, which I recommend you keep as back-up. Please don’t share your file, as that would take away from charity support in a time of need.

Unlike traditional stamp sets, you do not get to “pre-view” everything you are getting in the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set file. I will tell you that there are 15 full pages to print (as many times as you like). Each “stamp” image or saying is offered in black, as well as color versions. You will be printing @2- 4 of each image, so this gives you a lot to work with!

And talk about fun! These stamp sayings are relevant to social distancing, and while many poke at sarcasm or light-hearted attempts to be cheerful in a world of crazy, there are also poignant and thoughtful phrases. I find that several are perfect for ordinary times (remember those?) and will continue to be valued when “normal” returns.

Let’s Just Roll With It

This was the first Sharing Sunshine Digital “stamp” that I was compelled to work with. I chose the color version instead of the black image, which per the included direction and indexing pages, has coordinating colors Bermuda Bay, Calypso Coral, and Granny Apple Green.

This is an expensive and valuable card, as there is real toilet paper involved! But just one square, to be fair. You might even consider this card for a survival kit. Maybe stuff more tp inside, in lieu of cash, and mail it off.

I used a Bermuda Bay card base and some Granny Apple Green checkered DSP from the 6×6″ Brights Collection. The Calypso Coral CS was embossed with the Coastal Weave 3D Embossing Folder. Embellishments include Glitter Enamel Dots and toilet paper. I die cut my digital stamp with the Stitched Rectangles Dies, coordinating product per the included index.

Night To Day Pajamas

Party Pandas Night To Day Pj's using Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set

I really got a kick out of the play on “night and day pajamas”. So, I wanted some cute critters to be fashion models for me. I chose the retired stamp set, Party Pandas, and my stand-up panda came complete with card ready to mail!

Both the night and day pajamas were crafted in the same way. I stamped my panda image using Memento Black Ink on Sampler 6×6″ DSP (small DSP images will work better for this instance), and fussy cut the “tummy” pj’s out. I glued each pair of jammies on to two more stamped pandas, then colored the heart postage stamp with my Dark Poppy Parade Stampin’ Blend.

Again, I chose the color version of my Sharing Sunshine Digital stamp. This time, the card base is Balmy Blue, with Granny Apple Green stripes DSP. I embossed Pacific Point CS with the Scripty 3D Folder, with a play on “writing” to coordinate with my mailing-a-card theme. To add bright pops of color and blend the orange verbage on my sentiment, I also added Pumpkin Pie CS.

Additional retired products that would work well with this saying include Postcard Pals, with a playful platypus holding a card next to an open rural style post mailbox; or For The Birds, with an image of a small bird atop a classic rounded official mail collection unit, the blue metal variety, seen outside post offices. Consider either of them if you have these stamp sets on hand.

Quarantine And Chill

What is more chill than a bubble bath? Or to add on to luxury, a bubble bath with a bubbly beverage?? For this specific stamped quote from the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set, I pulled out the retired set, Bubbles and Bubbly.

To make this card as girly as possible, I chose Flirty Flamingo as my card base. Not to be outdone in pink, this water featured card needed some Pool Party. I embossed that in the Swirls and Curls Embossing Folder.

A bit of coloring from my Stampin’ Blends was completed in no time. And as an embellishment, Frosted Epoxy Droplets, give the illusion of bubbles popping out of the bath. This card implies chill in a great way!

Let’s (Digitally) Party!

Cheerful Critters Digital B-day Party using Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set

Birthday celebrations (like all celebrations) are so difficult right now. A fun card can help lighten the mood. Laughing is better than crying, right?

This stamp from the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set screamed signage to me. For this card, I called on the retired Cheerful Critters Stamp Set, as any of the 3 images (bunny, bear and chick) are holding up ready to fill in signs.

As seems to be my nature with this set of cards on display today, I picked the color version of words, in Mango Melody. Because I wanted this card to be bright as well as cheery, I chose Poppy Parade to coordinate. I used this color as the card base, as well as some DSP from the 6×6″ Brights Collection. Bermuda Bay tones it down. It is used as a CS layer, in retired enamel dots, and a Stampin’ Blend color on Bear’s shirt.

After stamping Bear and his sign in Memento Black Ink, I die cut the Whisper White CS he was stamped on, using the Stitched So Sweetly Dies. Because the digital stamp saying was slightly bigger than my sign, I trimmed it as small as possible. Next, I added some black CS behind it, and adhered it to the sign’s stamped outline. Bear holds all of this up very nicely.

Digital Fun At It’s Finest

I hope you enjoy my versions of cards using the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set as much as I am enjoying trying out this new product from Stampin’ Up!.

While I have been using a lot of retired product, I find value in all my craft supplies. The hunt thru my on-hand stash is always fun in an effort to pick out the perfect go-togethers.

Don’t forget to pick up items that are on the current retiring list, by shopping my online store, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net. My blog post, Retirement List: You Will Be Missed, showcases my top picks in handy tools and products that will be gone before we know it!

And please, come back to see more cards made with the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set. I will continue to share additional tips and techniques on printing, using and storing this new style “stamp” collection in this 3 part blog series. Feel free to drop a comment and let me know which of these cards you like best!

Retirement List: You Will Be Missed!

April 24, 2020

Stampin’ Up!’s Retirement List

The Retirement List, sounds lovely doesn’t it? The words evoke desirable activities you would like to do when you retire. You know, like sleep in, play with the grandkids, craft more…

On To Adventure Stamp Set, Retiring List 2019-2020 — The On To Adventure Stamp Set, item #149334, is retiring after one season.

Except this Retirement List by Stampin’ Up! is not usually lovely. This is a parting of ways that many lament sadly. A long winded documentation of products that will no longer be offered for sale, with an urgency to purchase before they are sold out!

When someone retires from their job or career, there is usually a grand celebration to mark all of the wonderful deeds that person has accomplished. It is a great opportunity for a walk down memory lane, to express wistful emotions of “you will be missed”.

So in honor of the current Stampin’ Up!’ Retirement List, I am hosting a party to celebrate my Top 10 You Will Be Missed items. Afterward, I need to stock up before they are gone…

Top 10 You Will Be Missed

1. Glimmer Paper

Glimmer Paper, retirement list 2019-2020 — Gold Glimmer Paper, item # 146958. Not pictured, Rose, item # 146959, Silver, item #146960 and Sparkle, item #146957. Soon the glimmer will be gone.

Along with the Gold Glimmer Paper, Silver, Rose and Sparkle (white) are also on the retirement list! This paper provides glitz and glam, even when used in tiny increments on cards and projects. If you are a fan of shiny and flashy, you will want to stock up on any or all of this glimmer fabulousness! We will not see its like in the next catalog.

2. Metallic Brads

Metallic Brads, retirement list 2019-2020 — Metallic Brads, item # 146929, are retiring and leaving us brad-less with sad-ness.

I have been a fan of brads for a very long time. An original style of embellishment, they were once available in lots of colors, shapes and sizes. With a quick piercing of paper, these things are held fast by the pliable arms. No adhesive backing that can come unglued!

For a short time, Stampin’ Up! removed brads from their lineup. When brads came back to the catalog, brad lovers rejoiced. Now, it seems like the party is over. No more brads…so if you want any, this is your last chance opportunity!

3. Whisper White Solid Baker’s Twine

Whisper White Solid Baker's Twine, retirement list 2019-2020 — Whisper White Solid Baker’s Twine, item #124262 will not be featured in the new Annual Catalog.

This is a craft room staple: solid white twine. The description in the catalog reads “perfect for tags, trimming and tying”. Baker’s twine is a simple and easy to use addition on cards and projects. The color white goes with everything. Sure, there are always lots of colors, widths and material makes of ribbon in the Stampin’ Up! catalog, but nothing like baker’s twine. It’s hard to believe this one made the retirement list, I can’t imagine my card making world without this handy item.

4. Black Embossing Powder And More

Black Embossing Powder, retirement list 2019-2020 — Black Embossing Powder, item # 146956, as well as Copper, item #141636 and Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter, item #133751 will be embossed no more.

Heat embossing turns stamped images into glossy raised images. Homemade cards are all about layers, textures, embellishments and the like. This is not the first time Black Embossing powder made the retirement list, but it made a much needed come-back.

I am sad to see it leave again, as this powder brings a great boldness to cards. I am also not ready to stop using Copper, the earthy metallic, or give up use of the incredible shimmer of Dazzling Diamonds. Add more to your stash while you still can!

5. Embossing Buddy

Embossing Buddy, retirement list 2019-2020 — The Embossing Buddy, item #103083 is a physical product, not your stamping friend, Jane.

Hand in hand with heat embossing is the use of the Embossing Buddy. I always reach for this simple tool before I add Versamark Ink to my paper and sprinkle with my favorite embossing powder. A quick swipe of this puffy powdery pillow keeps the embossing powder from sticking in the wrong places and creating splotchy heat embossed images.

In fact, I have 2 of these marvelous products, and would not give up either. This inexpensive, useful item is a must have if you are heat embossing. I see a lot of unhappy future embossers once this product is sold out.

6. Stampin’ Pierce Mat

Stampin' Pierce Mat, retirement list 2019-2020 — The Stampin’ Pierce Mat, item #126199 is among the retiring.

This foamy, springy mat is useful in a variety of ways. As the name indicates, it can be used for piercing. Pop your cardstock on top, pierce a hole and add a brad. This is also great to protect your surface when using a piercing template to create a pattern of tiny holes on your project.

If you are having a hard time getting a stamp to leave a perfect image, place your paper on this mat and stamp away. The soft surface provides even pressure for ink coverage. Perhaps the loss of this product is justified with the expensive Stamparatus tool, but if you are just starting out or looking for a quick helper, this one is key!

7. Stampin’ Blends Singles

Stampin' Blends Singles, Retirement List 2019-2020 — Stampin” Blends are available in Light, Dark or Combo Packs. In the new catalog, they will only be sold as a Combo Pack, not individually.

I love my Stampin’ Blends! These artist-quality, color blending markers are fantastic to use. When Stampin’ Up! first released them, it was wonderful to have the ability to buy just a light or a dark single Blend. This also makes it easy to purchase replacements without having to buy a combo pack.

Fast forward…Stampin’ Up! reviews how the Blends have been purchased over the past couple of years. They see that most people purchase the Combo Pack. They decide that this is how they should sell them. Unfortunately for us, we haven’t gotten to the point where we need to replace just one yet. Now, going forward, we will not have that option.

8. Washi Tape

Washi Tape, retirement list 2019-2020 — Follow Your Art Washi Tape, item #149490 and Pressed Petals Specialty Washi Tape (not pictured) item #149585 are being washed from the catalog.

Washi Tape, love it or hate it? This is another one of those quick to add embellishments, just rip and stick. It is easily re-positioned too. Washi was once available in a multitude of colors and patterns. I would know, I have them all, and they make a fabulous display in my craft room. Decorative and functional.

Not to mention, washi tape is so useful to hold your metal dies over a stamped image while sending it thru the die cutting machine. There are techniques for washi tape projects galore, making washi very versatile. And soon, no longer offered by Stampin’ Up!.

9. Half Wide Stamp Cases

Half Wide Stamp Cases, retirement list 2019-2020 — Half Wide Stamp Cases, item #127552 will no longer be available.

Perhaps not the most glamorous of product offerings, but a workhorse indeed, is the Half Wide Stamp Case. Let us review why this product originated: Once upon a time, Stampin’ Up! offered wood mount stamp sets in plastic clam-shell casing. Some of these wood block sets were smaller or singular stamps and their housing reflected this size.

As crafters were moving away from clam-shell cases to the newer upright and stackable cases, wooden stamp sets were shifted into happier homes. Stampers also realized that 5 ink refills fit into a single Half Wide Case perfectly (this is how I store mine), as well as this case’s use in securely containing other crafty goodies.

The larger Full Wide Stamp Case, item #127551, and the Standard (DVD size) Stamp Case, item #119105 will remain available.

10. Circle Punches

1" Circle Punch, retirement list 2019-2020 — The 1″ Circle Punch, item #119868, and the 1/2″ Circle Punch (not pictured), item #119869 will be punched away.

Can you cut a perfect circle using your scissors? Do you need a small circle, but don’t want to get out your dies and run the paper thru your die cutting machine? This job calls for a punch, and I love my punches!

I am sad to see punches retire. It is understandable that builder punches with elaborate and specific shapes would retire with a coordinating stamp set. But seriously, basic shapes and sizes, like the circle punches and scallop circle punches, should never leave. They are always useful. And they will be missed.

Sorry, Not Sorry!

One Thing I Will NOT Miss

Snail Adhesive is double sided, permanent tape. It is easy to apply and refill. — Snail Adhesive, item #104332 and the Refill, item #104331 will be leaving its (not so) sticky residue behind.

If you have been following me or watching my card making videos, you may have noticed that I am a “green glue girl”. I always use Tombow Multi Purpose Liquid Glue, in the white and green bottle. The glue is not green, by the way, it’s nickname ‘green glue” comes from the color of the bottle endcaps.

I find that Snail Adhesive, whether it is Stampin’ Up! product or a tape runner from any other store, does not permanently hold paper together (as the fine print falsely claims). Maybe a year or two, or more, but not forever. I have older projects in a shamble of pieces that prove that theory, and friends who say the same of theirs.

Now, the ease of use of a tape runner is glorious. And you aren’t as likely to have sticky fingers using a tape runner. But when you want all the hard work you put into your project to stay connected, liquid glue is the answer.

In the upcoming Annual 2020-2021 Catalog, we will have the ability to try a new kind of tape runner, one that hasn’t been seen before. I am anxious to try it, and will be happy to report on my experimentation. Until then, this green glue girl is very happy that the Tombow Glue is sticking around. Now, if it only came in larger bottles…

Before It’s Too Late!

Make sure you check out the complete list of retiring products, as can be seen in pdf format via my April Calendar Page. Or for visual as well as up to date availability, head to my online store, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net. From the homepage, choose “Shop Now” in the upper right, then “Last Chance Products” on the left of the next screen.

Keep in mind that retiring products may sell out before the expiration date of June 2, 2020. Inks, papers and embellishments, as consumable products, as well as tools, including punches and dies, will go quickly. Stamp sets are made to order, and are guaranteed until May 22 2020.

As a bonus, many of the retiring items are on sale, between 20-85% off. With this kind of savings, it is easy to get those items you not only need, but really want. Happy (Retirement) Shopping!

2018-2020 Retiring In Color, Blueberry Bushel

April 18, 2020

Retirement Time For Blueberry Bushel

Stampin’ Up! offers trendy In Color collections that are only available for two years. After two short years of use, the In Colors, like Blueberry Bushel, are retired to make way for new colors. This gives us a fresh palette of popular hues to work with.

In April, the retired list comes out. This list includes all the products that will not be available in the new Annual Catalog, which is released in June. “Get them before they’re gone” and “while supplies last” is often heard during April and May.

And every year, we have to say goodbye to five In Colors. Whether we are ready to, or not. Some of the colors are so fabulous, we hope to see them in Stampin’ Up!’s color line-up in the future, if we are so lucky, during an infrequent color refresh.

This year, we are bidding a fond farewell to the following 2018-2020 In Colors: Lovely Lipstick, Grapefruit Grove, Pineapple Punch, Call Me Clover and Blueberry Bushel.

Bushels Of Blueberries

Pacific Point (left), Blueberry Bushel (center), Night Of Navy (right)

Blueberry Bushel is another one of those bright, happy colors. Blueberry is a great blue, Americana in nature, or dark blue jeans that have faded just right. I think this color fills the void between too light and too dark. And due to its retirement status, soon Blueberry Bushel will be too missed.

Blue is a popular color for any gender, so it blends beautifully on any card or project. Blueberry Bushel compliments pastels, mimics fellow bright tones, and seamlessly coordinates with neutral colors. Perhaps all of these great features should make Blueberry Bushel #1 in its class!

Fanciful Fragrance

Blueberry Bushel abounds in this card, with Very Vanilla as the only other color along with it. Blueberry is perfect for the Delft China look. And the antique or Victorian selection of the stamps in the Fanciful Fragrance Stamp Set were an obvious choice for this card.

I put my Big Shot to use with two different embossing folders, Scripty 3D and Parisian Flourish 3D, both on Blueberry Bushel Cardstock. After stamping my images in Blueberry Bushel Ink onto Very Vanilla Cardstock, I die cut the perfume bottles and sentiment with the Stitched Nested Labels Dies.

You may notice that two of the die cuts on this card are custom made. The perfume bottles needed a wider stitched cut, but not necessarily longer. I lined up the bottom “point” exactly where I wanted it and ran it thru my machine. Next, I did the same, this time working from the top “point” down. Custom size! The sentiment was also worked in a backwards manner, and trimmed to perfection with my Paper Snips.

Pop Of Petals

And pop of color! This cheery card has happiness all over it, from the exuberant flowers to the polka-dot designer series paper. Blueberry Bushel is really great friends with this color selection.

I stamped the flower images with coordinating ink and cardstock in Daffodil Delight, Granny Apple Green and Melon Mambo. Punching each image out with the Four-Petal Flower Punch can be a little tricky though. It helps to stamp the flower on longer, narrower paper to discover the best orientation to line it up with the punch. Once you know which “way” is up, it becomes a breeze.

This card is all about layers, too. Each one plays a part in the overall appearance of the card. I chose not to add a sentiment to the front, but there is room for a very small one toward the bottom if needed. And because this card is not embellished with bumpy, lumpy things, it is easy to pop in the mail to brighten someone’s day!

Sea Of Textures

Blueberry Bushel is the perfect blue for nautical themed cards too. For this card, I chose the neutral colors of Early Espresso, Sahara Sand and Old Olive to create an organic look.

The High Seas 3D Embossing Folder was a natural choice for my ocean adventure card, and using it with Blueberry Bushel Cardstock followed suit. The jaunty DSP in blue and white stripes is from a retired 2018-2020 In Color paper collection.

I took advantage of the many stamps in this particular set. Besides the octopus and sentiment, I chose 3 different ‘background’ stamps to create unique patterns and designs on my cardstock. My embellishments include the free one, tearing corners and sponging, as well as Burlap Ribbon and Designer Elements.

Bye-Bye Blueberry Bushel

Blueberry Bushel is most certainly going to be missed, and of all the retiring In Colors in this class, it is the one I have the highest-of-hopes will return some day in a color refresh. It would be a perfect add in to the Brights Collection!

Stampin' Up! products in Blueberry Bushel

It is not too late to get some of the wonderful products still available in Blueberry Bushel, but time is running out fast. If you pick up an ink pad, please purchase the ink refill too. You will stamp far into the future without the ink pad going dry.

While you are in my online store, https://www.juliemakson.stampinup.net, make sure you consider the Noble Peacock Specialty Designer Series Paper, as well as cardstock and the 2018-2020 In Color Stampin’ Write Markers. Don’t get the “blues” and be disappointed by missing out on this fabulous color for your craft room cards and projects. Instead, stock up today!

2018-2020 Retiring In Color, Call Me Clover

April 17, 2020

Retirement Time For Call Me Clover

Stampin’ Up! offers trendy In Color collections that are only available for two years. After two short years of use, the In Colors, like Call Me Clover, are retired to make way for new colors. This gives us a fresh palette of popular hues to work with.

This year, we are bidding a fond farewell to the following 2018-2020 In Colors: Lovely Lipstick, Grapefruit Grove, Pineapple Punch, Call Me Clover and Blueberry Bushel.

Give Me A Call, Clover!

Garden Green (left), Call Me Clover (center), Shaded Spruce (right)

Green is my very favorite color. It really doesn’t matter the tone: light, dark, medium… I love green (see my blog post Ever Elegant Green Cards for more on green). So, of course I am sad to see any green color retiring!

Call Me Clover is the perfect green for clovers at St. Patrick’s Day, Easter grass in a basket, Christmas trees and more. It is a green green. Not yellow, not brown. Clover reminds me of summer, with the grass growing lush and thick and a cooling canopy of tree leaves overhead.

Garden Shed

With thoughts of summer fresh in mind, and Call Me Clover right at hand, this card came together quickly. I chose neutral accent colors, Gray Granite, Basic Black and Whisper White, to keep the focus on Clover.

I stamped the Garden Shed image using Gray Granite Ink on Whisper White Cardstock. Next, I used the Garden Green Watercolor Pencil to add some color. Afterward, I splashed on some water from my Aquapainter to blend the pencil lines. Lastly, I used the Artisan Textures stamps and Gray Granite ink to ‘faux’ color the garden shed.

From the Colorful Seasons Stamp Set, I stamped leaves in Call Me Clover on Whisper White and die cut them with the Seasonal Layers Dies. With the same dies, I cut the branch and chair in Gray Granite Cardstock. As a final step, I sponged Gray Granite Ink onto the chair with a heavy hand, and then lightly onto the white cardstock, using my Sponge Roller.

Floral Essence

Call Me Clover makes wonderful leaves and stems for any flower card. And this particular shade of green goes beautifully with purples. For this card, I called on Rich Razzleberry to lend a hand. This can be seen in the cardbase, and the stamped and punched flower, using the Perennial Flower Punch.

This elegant card gets its wow factor from the Perennial Essence Designer Series Paper, which is framed in Call Me Clover. The Purple Posy Vellum layer came from a free Sale-A-Bration offering from 2020. And with such delicate composition, I chose more vellum for my sentiment. In order to keep the ink from smearing, I stamped the words in Black Staz-On, then wrapped the entire piece around my DSP to avoid unsightly glue or tape lines.

Some may consider Call Me Clover to be a secondary player in this card, taking a backseat to Rich Razzleberry. I believe they share the stage here, as Clover is very present on this card, both in layering and in the leafy coverage, thanks in part to the Leaf Punch.

Dino Days

Bring out the dinosaurs, and give them some Clovers! This fun and simple card uses the stamp sets, Dino Days and Praiseworthy Prose, as well as the Dino Dies.

I stamped my friendly dinosaur using Call Me Clover Ink on Whisper White Cardstock, adding his spots in Blueberry Bushel. Then I gave him a die cut. The sentiment and dino tracks from Dino Days were stamped on Whisper White using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink, then layered on Pool Party Cardstock. Additionally, I stamped the friendship sentiment in a background pattern on Whisper White using Call Me Clover Ink.

Fun DSP from the Dinoroar Collection gives this card a lighthearted nature. I added some (retired) black cording and Call Me Clover Happiness Blooms Enamel Dots as embellishments. This card is ready to send to a special friend-a-saurus!

Used To Call Me Clover

As you can see from the diverse themes of the above cards, Call Me Clover is a great color to add to any type of project. When choosing color combinations for these cards, there were not many that clashed with Call Me Clover. This lends to its extreme value as a supporting color.

It is not too late to get some of the wonderful products still available in Call Me Clover, but time is running out fast. If you pick up an ink pad, please purchase the ink refill too. You will stamp far into the future without the ink pad going dry.

While you are in my online store, https://www.juliemakson.stampinup.net, make sure you consider the Stampin’ Blends in Call Me Clover, as well as cardstock and embellishments. You will find it hard to stop adding this amazing green color onto all of your upcoming projects!