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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, 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

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

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

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!