Thursday, April 25, 2013

Retired Lists are Here!!


Going, Going, Almost Gone!  Hundreds of stamps and accessories from the 2012-2013 catalogs are retiring, and this is your chance to get them before they're gone. Many products are only available while supplies last, so be sure to get your orders in early! (And remember some items having amazing discounts!).

Here are links to the retiring products:



Contact me today to place an order, or you can shop at my online store: SHOP NOW!

If you prefer to see the retired list in print, just click on the links below:


Happy Stamping!




Wednesday, April 17, 2013

NEW! Dolled-Up Kit

NEW! Dolled-Up Birthday Kit.  Everything you need to create six lovely birthday cards.

We're excited to introduce our second Submit a Project kit--the Dolled-Up Birthday Kit--voted on by you via our Facebook page. This gorgeous birthday card was created by Chris Gilmore, a manager from Coshocton, Ohio. Congratulations, Chris!


The Dolled-Up Birthday kit includes the following:

  • Dolled-Up Birthday Photopolymer Stamp (1)
  • 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Crumb Cake Cardstock (6 pieces)
  • 2" x 4-1/4" Very Vanilla Cardstock (6 pieces)
  • Very Vanilla Medium Envelopes (6)
  • Tea Lace Paper Doilies (6)
  • Dress Up die-cuts (6)
  • Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spot (1)
  • Vanilla 5/8" Flower Trim (6 pieces)
  • Sponge Dauber (1)
Get everything you need to make six cards for only $15.95 (item 133913)!*


To assemble one card, follow the instructions below:
  1. Place the stamp on clear-mount block D or H rubber side up and ink with the Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spot.
  2. Stamp "Happy Birthday" at the bottom of the card front.
  3. Ink the Sponge Dauber with Soft Suede ink and gently antique the doily and the edges of the dress form.
  4. Adhere the pieces to the card front in this order:
    • Doily
    • Very Vanilla Cardstock
    • Dress form
    • Flower

*Adhesive not included

So cute and easy - order at my online store or contact me today!


Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Improved Stampin' Up! Basic Black Ink, New Photopolymer Stamps & More!

Basic Black Ink Improvements!
Some of you may have noticed some issues with the Basic Black Classic ink pads smearing on whisper white card stock. After months of working with their vendor, Stampin' Up! has been able to release an improved basic black formula.



What's changed?
Stampin' Up! has accepted a formula with their supplier that shows improvement. The new formula has a reduced dye concentration that will allow it to better absorb into the cardstock. Reducing the concentration didn't change the rich black color we all know and love; it only affects how the cardstock takes the ink.

What about drying time?
Because the ink absorbs better into the cardstock, it will dry in under a minute in some cases. It can take longer depending on the run of your cardstock and the age of your ink pad. If you are using an old ink pad, one of the refills with the improved formula will rejuvenate your pad. Also keep in mind that larger stamps or a more solid image may require a longer drying time.

What's the deal with Whisper White Cardstock?
Stampin' Up! initially discovered that our specification tolerance is too broad, meaning that there is a broad variance in ink absorption and drying time. Our Whisper White Cardstock is not a custom cardstock for Stampin' Up! like our other cardstock colors, so we don't have control over its tolerance. We have since requested that our supplier provide us with cardstock within a tighter range of tolerance. Still, our tests proved that the new ink formula works better on most, not all, of our Whisper White Cardstock. The performance of the ink depends on the run of the cardstock. It is not possible to tell when a packet of Whisper White Cardstock was produced. If you are concerned with the quality of your cardstock, we recommend using StazOn ink, instead of Basic Black.

What if I need to exchange or return my Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad?
If you have experienced problems with your Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad AND purchased it through me, please email me (mpikscher@gmail.com) with the lot# on the back of the pad (lower left), your name, address and original order number for replacement.

The Improved Basic Black Ink is NOW Available!
The improved Basic Black ink pad (#126980) and refill (#102512) are currently being sold. However, depending on the Whisper White Cardstock you are using, you may still experience smearing and high drying times. Stampin' Up! recommends that you use StazOn instead of the Basic Black Classic ink pad.

Stampin' Up! is pleased with the results so far. Not only has our Basic Black ink formula improved, but the testing process has also shown how to make improvements to the quality of our Whisper White Cardstock.



JUST RELEASED TODAY! Bombs Away NEW Photopolymer (Transparent) Stamp Set (#133411). Recommended Stampin' Up! Clear Blocks "C" (#118486)and "H" (#118490). Get the "clear" details on our new Photopolymer stamps! Here's the Bombs Away Flyer.




Stampin' Up! Color Refresh. It's time to spruce up the Stampin' Up! Color line up and stay in step with the hottest fashion and home décor trends. Remember, discontinued colors only available while supplies last (and I think some are sold out already!). Learn All About Stampin' Up! Color Refresh.



Happy Stamping!

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Stampin' Up! Free Shipping Weekend!

WOW - Stampin' Up! just announced a FREE SHIPPING Weekend. Starting Saturday, April 6th to Monday, April 8th.



You can simply order online by clicking HERE for my store. All items will ship directly to your door! Or, you can email or call me with your orders.

Here are some helpful links for you to consider while shopping:

-- Retiring Colors - Order them NOW! They will be available while supplies last.
-- Single Stamps are still available for purchase.
-- Photopolymer Stamps - new totally clear, flexible stamps!
-- Spring Surprise - A Round Array Stamp Set Bundle
-- Petite Curly Label Punch - punch that was offered during Sale-a-Bration
-- Best of... Stamp Sets - special stamp sets to celebrate our 25th year!
-- This and That Bundle - Designed to help you capture memories on the go.
-- Paper Pumpkin - try it free!
-- Spring Catalog - Items available until May 31st.
-- Clearance Rack Specials

Happy Shopping!

Stampin' Up! News - Color Refresh!



Announcing Stampin' Up!'s upcoming Color Refresh!
We love color and we know that you do too. Color is fundamental to who we are and what we offer. We are thrilled to share our updated line of colors, and hope you will be as excited as we are by the new possibilities!

The upcoming 2013-2014 annual catalog will include 10 new colors (most of which are returning In Colors from previous years)!
Q: What are the new core collection colors, and what are the In Colors that are returning as core colors?
A: There are a total of 10 "new colors". Most are returning In Colors...yay!

- NEW Smoky Slate
- FOUR returning current In Colors include: Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Island Indigo, Wisteria Wonder
- FIVE returning old In Colors include: Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, Soft Sky

Check out these colors displayed in their new collections!



Colors Retiring/Discontinuing:
• Regal Rose
• Pretty in Pink
• Bashful Blue
• Certainly Celery
• Baja Breeze
• Riding Hood Red
• Bravo Burgundy
• Not Quite Navy
• More Mustard
• River Rock
• Lucky Limeade (2011/2013 In-Color)

IMPORTANT: Starting NOW
• All retiring/discontinued color products (i.e. ink, paper, ribbon, accessories, etc.) will be available only while supplies last.
• Some products may not be available to the end of the current catalog period (ending May 31st).
• You'll want to stock up on your favorite out-going color products this weekend and take advantage of FREE SHIPPING going on April 6-8, 2013.

Returning to Blogging

Well, I have decided to get back to blogging again. Stampin' Up! has tons of news and specials going on right now, so this seemed like a good time to dust off my blog. This blog will serve as a quick reference to my personal info, online store, any specials, catalogs, ideas, etc. I hope you find the information here useful and please let me know if there is something you would like to see or hear about from me.