Rainbow Wreath

What do you do when your to-do list is a mile long? Ignore it and punch out 100 daisies in 50 different colours, and attach them in rainbow order to an old wreath you have lying around, of course! Well, that's what I do, and this is the result!
Can you spot the new punch, and some new bling too?


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CCMC455 The first time I saw you

It's Thursday, and that means it's Challenge time again over at www.createwithconnieandmary.com.
This week is a sketch challenge, and this is the sketch we had to work with: 

I've been trying to make use of my retiring Occasions Catalogue sets, so for this sketch I pulled out the Nailed It stamp set (the clear mount set is sold out, and so are the framelits, but the wood mount set is still available - as I'm typing this, anyway!- don't delay!!).
It's all fairly self-explanatory, but here are a few tips about this card:

• I've used the Sending Love 6"x6" Designer Series Paper stack on this card. You wouldn't think to pair this with tools, but I think my tools are quite keen on eachother ;) This DSP is down to $12.25 - 30% off! (usually $17.50)
• The little faces are part of the stamp set. Don't they give the tools personality?
• The little screws are the Urban Underground embellishments ...sadly these are now sold out.
• I've used Watercolour Pencils and an aquapainter to colour this card, as well as some paper piecing, using the same DSP

I hope you like my card. Check out what the other talented stampers have come up with HERE. Don't forget you can play along over on the facebook page!


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Lift Me Up Stamp-a-Stack

This is the other design we are making in my Stamp-a-Stack classes this week. I was so happy when I found the Lift Me Up stamp set and dies in our new Catalogue. They are so versatile, and suit males or females of all ages. I just love all the sentiments too.

You can see all the Retiring Bundles on THIS page in the store. Some of the individual products will be in the new Catalogue, but none will have the 10% discounted bundle price. So, grab your favourites before May 31!

I've gone with a red, white and blue colour scheme for these cards - Dapper Denim, Cherry Cobbler, Soft Sky and Whisper White.


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Product List

Lift Me Up Clear-Mount Stamp Set [142896] $37.00	Lift Me Up Clear-Mount Bundle [144712] $78.25 Bundle Price RETIRING	Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies [145372] $50.00	Whisper White A4 Thick Cardstock [140490] $12.25
Polka Dot Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [133739] $13.00 $9.10	Boho Chic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [138286] $13.00 RETIRING	Elegant Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [138287] $13.00 RETIRING	Sparkle Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [141468] $13.00

Tasty Treats Stamp-a-Stack

I've enjoyed a lovely break over Easter, but it's always great to get back into classes. I feel so lucky to be doing a job that I love!
We're using Occasions Catalogue products in my Stamp-a-Stacks this week. When I designed these cards, I didn't know what would be retiring, so I just chose some of my favourites. As it turns out, most of these are retiring. Grab them while you can!
The Tasty Treats Designer Series Paper has such cute colours and patterns. Making panel cards like these ones is a great way to showcase (and use up!) your DSP. I've fussy cut the little ice-creams from one of the sheets of Specialty paper in the pack...they are pretty and shiny in real life!


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Product List

Tasty Treats Specialty Designer Series Paper [142770] $22.75 $13.65	Suite Sentiments Clear-Mount Stamp Set [142971] $35.00 $29.75	Duet Banner Punch [141483] $31.00	2" Circle Punch [133782] $31.00
1-3/4" Circle Punch [119850] $31.00	1-1/2" Circle Punch [138299] $28.00	Watermelon Wonder A4 Cardstock [138341] $14.00 RETIRING

CCMC454 Build a Birthday

It's Thursday, and that means Challenge time over at www.createwithconnieandmary.com.
This week is a colour challenge, and these are the colours we had to work with:

My first thought when I saw these colours? Well, it's called a challenge for a reason, right? I don't think I've ever put these three colours together, and I must confess that I rarely pull out Tempting Turquoise these days. In the end, I was pretty happy with it. I think it would make a cute card for a tween girl.
It's all pretty self-explanatory, but here are a few tips about this card:

• I've used the Build a Birthday stamp set on this card. This set is retiring, so grab it soon if it's on your wishlist.
• I've used markers to ink the flags at the top
• The cute polka dot paper is from the Brights Paper Stack (also on the Retiring List)

I hope you like my card. Check out what the other talented stampers have come up with HERE. Don't forget you can play along over on the facebook page!

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Upcoming Classes!

I'm a bit behind on everything at the moment (thanks school holidays!) but I've just updated my class dates for the next month or so. You can see them if you scroll down on the sidebar over there --->
And I will list the May Classes here too!

May Classes
Project Class
Come along and learn how to turn regular cardstock into succulent plants that look so realistic. You will be making a little potted succulent garden. This would make a lovely gift...or you might like to keep it for yourself!
Included in your class fee is a terracotta pot, 3 sponge daubers (for you to use and take home) and everything you need to complete this project
You will make one potted succulent garden - $20.
Tuesday 9th or Wednesday 10th 7pm for a 7:30 start
Wednesday 10th 9:30am for a 10am start

Stamp-a-Stack Class
Come along and stamp a stack of cards, so you'll always have a card ready when you need one. We'll be using some of my favourite Retiring Bundles from the Annual Catalogue. Ribbons, embellishments and envelopes are included in your class fee.
You'll make 8 cards for $20 (if you BYO Stampin' Up! adhesive and Dimensionals), or 8 cards for $25 (if you use my adhesive)
Tuesday 16th or Wednesday 17th 7pm for a 7:30 start
Wednesday 17th 9:30am for a 10am start

"Special Cards for Special People" Class
Come along and learn 2 fantastic techniques that will definitely wow the special people in your life! We'll be making a Double Z-fold card & a large square Pop-out Swing Card.
You will make 2 cards and matching envelopes - $20.
Tuesday 23rd or Wednesday 24th 7pm for a 7:30 start
Wednesday 24th 9:30am for a 10am start

As you can see, there are plenty to choose from! Let me know if you'd like to book in to any...I'd love to see you!

Oh, and if you like New Catalogues, prizes, retiring bargains, giveaways and yummy food, you might like to keep the afternoon of Sunday, June 4 free ...it's Launch Party time!


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Retiring List Top Fives

I know the Retiring List can be huge and overwhelming, so I thought I'd break it down into the products I am saddest to say goodbye to. I hope that helps you too!

Top 5 Retiring Punches

Builder Owl Punch [118074] $31.00

Blossom Bunch Punch [140612] $31.00 $21.70

Decorative Label Punch [120907] $31.00

Elegant Butterfly Punch [127526] $28.00

Petite Petals Punch [133322] $21.00 $16.80

These are in no particular order...it was hard enough narrowing it down to 5! I'm going to miss all of these! Punches are always a great investment. Some of these have co-ordinating stamps too (listed below).


Top 10 Retiring Stamps

Wetlands Wood Stamp Set [126695] $38.00	Gorgeous Grunge Clear Stamp Set [130517] $34.00	Traveler Clear-Mount Stamp Set [134513] $35.00	Papillon Potpourri Clear Stamp Set [123759] $26.00	Petite Petals Clear Stamp Set [133155] $22.00
Layered Letters Alphabet Photopolymer Stamp [138692] $47.00	Grateful Bunch Photopolymer Stamp Set [140691] $37.00 $29.60	Watercolor Wishes Card Kit [140406] $61.00	Embellished Ornaments Clear-Mount Stamp Set [139759] $35.00 $17.50	Balloon Adventures Photopolymer Stamp Set [142823] $45.00 $38.25

This was a tough one! There was no way I could narrow it down to 5! I've tried to include some great all-rounders, and sets that are very versatile. Some of these are close to selling out, with only the wood option available, so don't delay!


Top 5 Retiring Framelits

Curvy Keepsake Box Thinlits Dies [135853] $56.00

Balloon Pop-Up Thinlits Dies [142753] $56.00 $44.80

Basket Builder Framelits Dies [143228] $54.00 $27.00

Banners Framelits Die [132173] $45.00 $36.00

Stars Framelits Dies [133723] $45.00 $22.50

Another toughie! Some of these made the list because I've used them to death (goodbye Curvy Keepsake *sob*) and a couple of others because they are such bargains (half price!!)...and some are a bit of both!

Bargain Alert!

Ribbon Taffeta 1/8" (3.2 Mm) Emerald Envy [142742] $10.00 $5.00

Succulent Garden 3/8" Ribbon Combo Pack [142781] $16.00 $8.00

Very Vanilla 1/4" (6.4 Mm) Satin Ribbon [142794] $10.00 $5.00

Hearts & Stars Decorative Masks [133777] $5.00 $2.50

Big Shot Die Brush [140603] $19.00 $11.40

...Just a few bargains that I wanted to draw your attention to (yes, I'm such an enabler!). Don't forget in the Online Store you can choose a category and then sort by "Price" to list them in ascending order of price.

HOT TIP: Don't forget that all the bundles featured in our current Catalogues will no longer be available at 10% off in the new Catalogue, even if the actual products aren't retiring. So, now is the time to grab those at the bundled price. Check them out HERE
Note: in the case of the Balloon Pop-ups and Basket Builder, it is cheaper to buy the stamps and framelits separately, NOT as a bundle, as they are discounted at the moment!

Which products are you saddest to say goodbye to?


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