I have a card to show you made with a new set called: Baby Bundle. Too cute! There are 11 images and 5 greeting/sentiments in this set which sells for 19.95 clear mount and $27.95 wood mount. I combined 3 images from the set to create my card: teddy bear, pram/carriage, hanging booties. Isn't it adorable?????
The ribbon is also new this year and can be ordered NOW through the SUMMER MINI catalog. It is 5/8" satin ribbon and will be available in the new catalog in 13 different colors. CHOCOLATE CHIP ribbon is no longer available in the new catty - so if you are a fan you better order it before the end of June.
The WILD WASABI border and WHISPER WHITE border were created using the SCALLOP TRIM corner and border punches. I will be posting a "how to" create square and rectangular borders using these punches soon. It will have the dimensions for cutting so that everything comes out even (with a little practice of course).
NOW - for the catalog. (STOP READING IF YOU WANT TO BE SURPRISED!)
I've looked through the catalog 2.5 times so far. The first time was a quick glance to garner my first impressions. The second was to make my wish list (I found 20 "must have" stamp sets) and the third (which I haven't finished yet) is to look closely at the samples and projects to see if there are any new ideas/techniques (there are!)
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Cover: if you are into shabby chic in blues/greens and kraft (now CRUMB CAKE) you are going to love it!
Layout: set up with the same categories as before but a couple of noteworthy changes that I think are wonderful. First: any image in a stamp set that has a corresponding punch has a colored outline around it. That is such a great idea and will definitely take the guess work away. Second - the ink/paper/marker chart is set up differently. There are now 4 charts. One for each color family. Along the top of each chart are the names of each color in the family as well as a color spot. Along the left side are miniature photos of each available item followed by item description and price. Directly below each families color chart are the ASSORTMENT packs - show by photo and description. I LOVE this feature. I have several times ordered the wrong item for myself because my eyes bumped up a line or over a column. The photos are definitely a PLUS.
The COLOR COACH has been redesigned. LOVE it. I'm actually going to order this one!
STAMP SETS:
Hostess Sets: I will be holding my own workshop the first of July! There are so many nice hostess sets in the catalog - I have to have a workshop of my own to get them all!
Ala Carte Sets: There are several new ALA CARTE stamps: elephants, golfer, toothfairy, victorian style word frame, etc.
Holiday Sets: Okay - this is where I'm the most disappointed in the catalog - and actually it's only because of my personal taste in stamp styles. There are just not enough new sets in this category that aren't too cutesy or trendy. HOLIDAY GREETINGS: 1 set. HALLOWEEN: one new set and 2 wheels. CHRISTMAS: 4 or 5 never before seen sets - one of which is a religious based stamp. There is a new set that corresponds with the ornament punch called CONTEMPO CHRISTMAS. I probably won't purchase this one myself - but I do actually like 3 of 4 of the stamps in the set. VALENTINES: 3 new sets. EASTER: only 1 new set for a total of 2. I don't really consider the new set an Easter set - it is just trendy looking flowers (think PETAL PIZZAZZ only not filled in). It is an Easter set because it has one Easter greeting stamp in it. The MOM stamp from the Occasions mini made it in.
Occasions Sets: Sweet Treats sets are back, there is a really cute "GOT TREATS" set that coordinates with the BIG SHOT MILK CARTON as well as several other cute, new sets. No new sympathy sets (we're down to one now) and one or two "fun to color" sets.
Growing Up Sets: The set I used for the card above is one of 13 new sets.
All Natural Sets: (My personal favorite) has a several beautifully drawn florals, wildlife and scenic sets as well as 10 or 11 other newbies.
Elements: Some very NICE sets here - the word "vintage" comes to mind.One set has a writing grid surrounded by an ornate frame, another has an antique key, crown and eiffel tower. There is a wheel that is a musical staff - BEAUTIFUL! A western set, a victorian style "treasure" set, Elements of Style from the current mini is in here. There are also a couple of new BACKGROUND stamps.
Greetings: 7 or 8 new sets in this category - but in my opinion the best one is a LEVEL III hostess set. One new alphabet set.
ACCESSORIES & MORE:
THIS is where the REAL fun begins. Can you say COLOR???? I wasn't sure about the color renovation when it was first announced - but after seeing it and working with it - all I can say is "KUDOS" Stampin' Up! I was sad to see Really Rust go - it was a staple for me in the fall - but comparing it side by side with the new CAJUN CRAZE - there are absolutely no tears left for me. The new colors are deeper and richer than their previous counterparts. That said, I do miss the softest of the SUBTLES. There is nothing comparable to Mellow Moss, Blush Blossom, Sage Shadow.
There is no more PRETTIES kit - but don't despair - the flowers from the set are sold seperately as are adhesive backed clear rhinestones and half pearls.
Ribbons styles are limited - as are the colors - but I was happy to see the 5/8" satin and 1/4" grosgrain remaining. A little disappointed that there was nothing as "fun" as our current polka dot in-color ribbon but there are a couple of crocheted trims that are very pretty.
The DESIGNER BUTTONS are more reasonably priced in this catalog. You now get more than double the quantity for $1 more. They also come in 24 colors instead of 12.
In addition to new DESIGNER PAPERS they have a section of BASE MATERIALS. These are sheets of materials such as cork, magnets, wood, etc. that can be used with the BIG SHOT and dies (as well as scissors etc.) on your projects.
They kept the BLUSH BLOSSOM marker for skin tones - NOT in my lifetime!!!! MUCH too dark for that.
There are the most wonderful ANTIQUE BRADS and VINTAGE TRINKETS (safety pins & metal buttons).
Storage Solutions: WONDERFUL!!!!! There is a new carrying case that holds all the new acrylic blocks. There are new storage boxes for the SIZZIX DIES as well as stackable hard plastic storage cases for the new punch styles. They have a collapsible handle that allows stacking and a cover that closes and locks into place for portability. VERY NICE.
I realize this was an extremely looooooong post today - but I just wanted to share the excitement. It's been several years since I've been excited about the new catalog - but THIS one - it's a GOOD one!
Until Next Time -
Happy Stamping!
Jill
1 comment:
Jill, looking forward to seeing the new catalog which you described very nicely. 20 sets for yourself? Wow.
The card is just as sweet as can be. Just so dainty and beautiful!
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