Each year around the 1st March Stampin' Up! release their list of stamps and accessories which won't make it into the new catalogue which commences 1st April. This year they released it early. Once these stamps are sold out, they are gone for good, so if you have had your eye on anything on the list, it's probably wise to get in quick. I'm a bit sad to see some of my favourites on the list. I have created a page here with the complete list of stamps and accessories, and will be updating it as new versions are posted on the demonstrators website. That way you will be getting the very latest version of the list. Some items have already sold out and these are listed in red, while items getting very very low are in yellow.
So tonight, I've decided to repost some of my cards from the last year which highlight some of my favourite retiring sets. I can't see myself letting go of these sets! For starters, there's Friendship Flowers, a great quote set I have used so much. These are so versatile and such lovely quotes. Its on page 113 and is only $45.95.

Then there's Terrific Tulips, a happy bright set with stems and many different flower stamps of tulips in different stages of opening. This set is great for spritzing, two step stamping and colouring with markers. This one is on page 76 and is $49.95. This card also features one of the 6 retiring 'In-Colour' cardstock colours (page 127), Cool Caribbean (used to mat the white). If you need to stock up on this cardstock, or have ink-pads and need re-inkers, you need to buy these now as they will no longer be available after March 31st. Instead I anticipate we will be getting 6 new 'In-Colours'. The 48 standard colours will remain unchanged.

Next I have Kanji which is on page 93 and only $23.95. I love the oriental look of this set and it goes wonderfully with kraft, basic black and real or ruby red cardstock colours. In this card I have embossed the symbols, and used embossing on patterned paper (the swirl stamp is not included in the set) as a background. This is a great way to use up your patterned paper scraps (but be careful you don't emboss too close or you may burn the paper).
Next we have Simple Sketches (used in the main image - the background and greeting stamps are not being retired) which is on page 42. This is a set of 12 stamps including 3 greetings and costs $59.95. Oh how I love this set! It's perfect for me as I love everything floral and old and traditional. This card also features two of the retiring 'In'Colours', True Thyme and Cranberry Crisp. The olive organdy ribbon (and all the other colours of organdy ribbon) are also retiring.
Quite a few of the wheels are also going, including this cute 'Washday Wheel' jumbo wheel which is on page 151 and $15.95. I'll miss that as well! The scallops on this card were done using the Small Corner Rounder (page 140, $13.50), which is also retiring. It also features the Riveting set (the circle greeting) which is retiring as this was a hostess set and these are changed over each year.
A lot of you will recognize this gorgeous set Mixed Bouquet (page 74, $57.95) as I have used it a lot in workshops to demonstrate the technique I have used here, crayon resist. I actually have a free downloadable tutorial here showing you how you can use this set to make a set of matching cards.
Finally, we have this card. This set isn't actually retiring (it's Petal Prints), but it does show two more of the In-colours which are going, Marigold Morning and Vintage Violet. How will I ever manage without Vintage Violet? I have already stocked up on cardstock and re-inkers!
Have you seen something you like? Email me today and I can put your order straight through so you don't miss out. The good thing about releasing the list early is that you also get to take advantage of the Saleabration sets when you order! If your order of retired product totals $100 or more before postage, you can choose a free set from the Saleabration brochure. Just email me in time for me to get the order in this Friday 29th February.
This Friday is also the end date for the two great Saleabration specials for anyone considering on joining Stampin Up as a demonstrator. Exciting things are happening in my team in 2008, and you could be apart of it! My team is also the team that coordinates Paperific each October, so that can be a great boost to your business if you choose to participate. We still have time to express post your demonstrator application to Stampin' Up! so you get to take advantage of the offers for an extra free stamp set and 10% discount if you have Scrapbook Creations Issue 49. Email me today if you would like further information and I can call you back.
Phew, I think that's all for tonight! Have a great Tuesday,
Claire xx