Yes. There are definitely some items that retire from the catalog that I keep in my stash. However, that does not mean I don't mourn them. When my focus is on current product most of the time, it's still very sad to not be using those items on a regular basis. Very sad. This year I feel like the sadness is heavy, and for me it's mostly for the tools that are saying good-bye. So let's recap my Top 10 tools that are disappearing from the catalogs. (Note that some of the items and links to my online store can be found at the bottom of this post, but others may not be available anymore.)
Well Written Dies - sold out
Talk about versatility! These dies contained cursive words, such as thanks, happy, wishes, birthday, love, friend, sympathy, and the list goes on. The dies coordinate with the Well Said stamp set, which allowed for us to put almost any sentiment you can think of on a card. Oh, how I'll miss being able to grab a sentiment that doesn't require a stamp, though! These were especially perfect for classes. Sad to see them go!
149638 Stitched Nested Labels Dies, $28 on sale!
The name tells you two of my favorite things about this die set. 1)The dies are stitched. I absolutely love all dies that are stitched. For some reason the detail of the stitching just adds so much! 2)The dies nest. This makes layering them so easy and eye-catching. I actually use these quite a bit and just featured them as nested labels in my One Card, Four Ways class. See the samples from that class below.
Happy Dies - sold out
I did NOT use these dies enough. They are so unique and versatile, and when paired with the So Much Happy stamp set is perfect, especially for birthday, anniversary, graduation, baby...anything that we can be happy about. I'm holding onto these dies - at least until I realize I don't use them enough to hold onto them.
141491 Classic Label Punch, $14.40 on sale!
This little label punch doesn't seem like much, but sometimes it's the perfect size for your little sentiments when nothing else will work. It's pretty fantastic. In addition to that, this is the go-to punch for some of the most fun, movable cards, such as a spinner card and a sliding lock card. I guess we'll have to get creative with another product if we want to make these types of cards!
138292 Triple Banner Punch, $18.40 on sale!
This punch may not seem like much, but when you consider that it's three punches in one and that I can never cut my own banners evenly, I sure am going to miss it. I love that this banner punch punches three sizes: 1", 1 1/2", and 2". Yes, I understand that the Banners Pick-a-Punch does cut banners in sizes 1/2", 3/4", and 1", but what about the larger sizes? The more I talk about, the more I want to cry.
152320 Pinewood Planks Embossing Folder, $10
This folder. I can't tell you how many times when I was working with trees and leaves I would bring out this folder. For me, it's one of those staples that might sit in the storage container for a few weeks without every coming out to play. But boy, it always seemed to make the perfect background for something.
Layering Ovals Dies - sold out
Layering Squares Dies - sold out
I'm grouping these together because they are both just so useful in so many similar ways. Between these two and the non-retiring Layering Circles Dies, you could pretty much grab one of them for nearly every image and/or sentiment that you can think of. They are two of the most versatile die sets I can think of, and now they're gone. Sure, the plain squares in the squares dies are easy to cut in my trimmer. But what about the scallop ones? And the ovals?? Don't get me started on those. I honestly don't know how I will live without them. I'm definitely holding onto those, even though they won't be in the catalogs anymore. Plus, you never know...they may come back someday!
Stitched Shapes Dies - sold out
I told you in number 9 above that I'm a sucker for stitching on a die. I just really enjoy the way it looks - so incredibly sweet. I also love that this set of dies has all three main shapes: Circles, Ovals, and Squares. They even layer with the other Layering Circles, Ovals, and Squares dies. Having all those dies makes layering so slick and smooth and seems to finish off projects very professionally. The Stitched shapes are another set of dies I do believe I'll need to hold onto.
2 1/4" Circle Punch - sold out
133782 2" Circle Punch - $18
138229 1 1/2" Circle Punch - sold out
Again, I chose to group these together because they all layer beautifully and work well together. Selfishly, as a demonstrator, I REALLY want those punches to not go away. What do I care? When I'm preparing for a class that requires circles, I'll choose punches, if I can, because it goes so much more quickly.
151775 Subtle 3D Embossing Folder
This folder. I don't even know what to say about it, except that it was the embossing folder I use the most. If you just need a little texture, it's the perfect fit. It is EXACTLY what many projects need, and now it's gone. What am I going to do without it? Well, I guess I'll have to use Tasteful Textile 3D embossing folder in its place. It's not perfect, but it'll do.
As I close out my 20th Stampiversary with Stampin' Up!®, I look back at all the tools I've lost in the past that I never thought I could live without. I have lived without certain things in the past, and I'll do so again for the items on this list that I am incredibly passionate about. I'll survive. You know why? Because there is always something better headed my way.
Stamping Blessings,
Amy