Last Chance Refresh, New POM, New Kits

Last Chance List

Stampin’ Up! has refreshed the Last Chance List! They have updated the Last Chance Products category with additional products and discounts. Visit the Last Chance list and check out the savings – up to 60% off some of your favorite items. Shop select retiring and past-season favorites while supplies last.

Click HERE to Shop ALL the LAST CHANCE Products

You can find this category in our online store. But hurry … products are only available only while supplies last!

JUNE Product Of The Month

June POM

Send smiles with the Wild Bunch Stamp Set! With hand-drawn animals like a koala, penguin, snail, and highland cow, plus versatile sentiments for birthdays, thank-yous, or just because, this set can help brighten anyone’s day. Add hearts, party hats, presents, or scribbled patterns to make each card or scrapbook page even more fun.

The Wild Bunch Stamp Set is the exclusive Product of the Month for June 2026! Only available until stocks run out—don’t wait to get yours!

You can purchase the Product of the Month item for only $5 when you spend $75 or more in a single order. Your cart total MUST be $75 or more at checkout to qualify. If you use Stampin’ Rewards on your order and your cart amount falls below $75, you’ll need to add items in your cart to get the total at or above the qualifying amount again.

New Kits Available

Item 167821

Want your floral projects to look effortlessly hand-painted? The Shaded Petals Kit is ready to work its magic! Layer precut petals, add soft shaded color with Sponge Daubers, and finish with coordinating sentiments that pull everything together. From cards to tags to sweet giftables, it turns simple ink blending into petals that look beautifully handcrafted. Each kit makes 9 cards, 3 each of 3 designs.

Item 167823

Craft thoughtful thank-you cards featuring gorgeous watercolor designs with the Washes of Gratitude Kit. Heartfelt sentiments of gratitude help you express your appreciation, while precut floral and greenery pieces add delicate dimension. The envelopes include a coordinating printed inner flap for a beautifully finished look. Each kit makes 10 cards, 5 each of 2 designs.

Check Out All Of The Online Exclusives And Kits

online exclusives

Click HERE to View the Online Exclusives

kits

Click HERE to View Our Kits Collection

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Looking for an oldie but goodie? Check out my retired stamps which I have for sale.  New sets will be added periodically. Please check often to see what has been added and what prices have been reduced.

Retired Sets for Sale

***********

As always, if you have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away! And please, be sure to SHOP WITH ME! Until next time…

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Goodbye, Sweet Kia

This past Sunday, our son and daughter-in-law said goodbye to the last of the Mini-Muffins, Kia. If you are a longtime follower of my blog, you might remember the Mini-Muffins, Muffy the Boxer’s only litter of puppies. As is tradition, I always create a card when a member of our pack passes. Sweet Kia, every day with you was a perfect day…

Goodbye sweet Kia

It’s Sunday and time to play with The Paper Players! It’s the fifth Sunday of the month, which means it’s time for a Tic- Tac-Toe challenge. The talented Joanne is our host, and what a fun grid she has prepared for us. I used several options off the grid: the Top Row, the Bottom Row, and both diagonals. I can’t wait to see what YOU create.  But before you head off to gather your stamps, papers and inks, please stop by and leave my incredible Design Teammates, who work so hard to inspire you weekly, some “Comment Love”. It brightens our day! 

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Colors Of The Day

PP788 Colors

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips

Today’s card features the Whimsy Stamps Rainbow Angel stamp set and the Whimsy Stamps Rainbow Bridge die set. All other products used are from Stampin’ Up! Kia was always a girly girl, much like her niece, Sixx. Her “mom”, Korin, would dress her in pinks and purples. That is why I selected Fresh Freesia polka-dot paper for the background and colored the angel with Bubble Bath pink ink and a blender pen. To add a lovely shimmer to the wings, I used a Barely Blush Shimmer Brush and clear Wink of Stella. In case you are wondering about the symbolism of the Fresh Freesia and Bubble Bath pink flowers on the cloud, two days before Kia’s passing, my son, Brady, bought her a beautiful bouquet so she could smell the flowers one more time before she had to leave. When she passed, she was sent off with a lavender and a pink colored blossom. Because she was a sparkly girl, rhinestones were added to their centers. Since Kia blessed Brady’s and Korin’s lives with perfect days, I could think of no better sentiment than “It was a perfect day because of you” from the retired Butterfly Wishes stamp set. To learn more about this brave girl, be sure to check out “Kia’s Story” below.

PP788

Need more inspiration? Be sure to check out our talented Design Team:

Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Claire Broadwater

Joanne James

Anne Marie Hile – On Leave

Ann Schach

Jan Clothier

Stef Perry

Christy Stanford

Kia’s Story

The arrival of the mini-Muffins was not the smooth journey Kim and I anticipated.  After 24 hours of Stage 1 Labor and a call to the emergency vet, Muffy’s water broke at 4:32 AM Saturday morning, April 4, 2015. It was Easter Eve.  However, 30 minutes of active pushing did not produce a puppy.  The vet was called, and we met her at her office for a shot of oxytocin.  We thought everything was going to be fine when Muffy’s first puppy, a little fawn girl (Bunny) was born at 7:30 AM. She was followed by a boy at 8:17 (Cash), a boy at 9:18 (Chunkers) and another boy at 9:48 (Jackie). However, when no other pup had presented by noon, a call was put into the vet again.  We went back for a second oxytocin shot.  By 4:00, she had not gone into labor.  But wait…out of the blue she started contractions.  And she pushed and she pushed and she pushed, with no luck.  Muffy was exhausted.  Again, a call was placed to the vet and we rushed over to her office. I’ll never forget that day. Dr. Rita was grocery shopping at Hy-Vee, picking up some last-minute items for Sunday’s Easter lunch. She left her cart behind and raced away to the office. The puppies were in a box in the front seat with Kim, while I sat in the back with Muffy.  As we were pulling into the vet’s parking lot, Muffy gave one final push. Little Kia had made her entrance into the world, taking her own sweet time. 

Kia

Although she was stressed at birth, it didn’t take Kia long to catch up to the rest of the Mini-Muffins. She was born with the heart of a warrior princess. Muffy’s Milk Bar was one of her favorite places to be.

Muffy and the Mini-Muffins

Kia knew she was special from the start, stealing the hearts of everyone she met. Two of those hearts she stole were those of my son, Brady, and his future wife, Korin. I agreed to keep Kia with me until Brady and Korin finished their Masters degrees. After all, what is one more Boxer when you already have a houseful? The three years she lived with us were filled with love and joy. Kia and her brother, Jackie, were the best of friends. The picture below is the last picture of them together. I will admit that when Brady and Korin moved to Washington state, it broke my heart to watch her go.

Kia and Jackie's last day together

But letting her go was the best decision I ever made. Brady and Korin were able to give her the active life I would have never been able to give her. They took her everywhere. From hikes in the mountains to romps on the beach; from pumpkin patches to Pike’s Market; from dog friendly restaurants to dog friendly stores, she was always by their sides. When cancer reared its ugly head, they were able to seek out the best canine oncologists. Cancer didn’t stand a chance against the courageous Kia.

kia and Brady on the beach

She was the flower girl at their wedding and had a place of honor at the reception. She was their best friend, privy to all of their hopes and dreams.

Kia and Korin Wedding Day

Sadly, their idyllic life took a turn. Kia was positive for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), an inherited neurological disease similar to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). It is the same disease that her mother, Muffy, had. It typically affects older dogs and is not physically painful, however there is no cure. Nerves misfire and muscles atrophy in the hind limbs. Gradually their hind limbs become paralyzed and they are unable to walk. Kia was able to use a doggy wheelchair during this stage. In later stages, DM spreads to the forelimbs. Brady and Korin took her to physical therapy weekly to help slow the progression. However, Kia was in the later stages. She could no longer use her wheels, but she was still happy and had a good quality of life. Korin and Brady did not stop their “adventures” or her physical therapy. A wagon became a substitute for her wheels. As she weakened, however, she began losing her ability to sit upright. Brady and Korin knew they had to make the difficult decision to let her go.

Kia’s last days were filled with love. After saying goodbye to her physical therapy and oncology teams, she visited Puget Sound, smelling the sea air one final time.

at Puget SOund.

She had one final “puppucinno”, filled to the brim with extra treats and bacon, thanks to the barista who became teary eyed upon hearing her story.

puppucinno

That night, all three cuddled in bed to watch a movie. She was thrilled to have her own bowl of popcorn. She got her first taste of cod that night, too.

Kia win popcorn

The next day she went to her favorite park, where she had a party in her honor with the “park friends” she had met over the years.

Kia in the park

Later, she got to see a baby. Boxers love babies. Brady held him close to her nose so she could nuzzle him.

Kia and baby

That afternoon she feasted on a cheeseburger and spent time in her yard, listening to the birds, smelling the smells, and enjoying the feel of the breeze. I am sure she remembered the days when she could run and chase balls. Later Kim and I, as well as Nueve, Sixx, and GQ had a video call. For an hour and a half, we talked with her and reminisced about the old days. We told her what a beautiful girl she was and how proud of her we were. Although our hearts were breaking, we kept it light and cheery, until the screen went dark.

Kia in her yard

Kia left this world at 1:01 on May 24th. She was surrounded by love, with the blanket I had given her years ago at her head and the smell of flowers her Dad had bought her in the air.

Kia's last picture

I am so proud of Brady and Korin for the incredible strength they showed. The loving decision they made is also the most difficult one to make.

Although their hearts are breaking, life continues, as it does. As they learn to cope in a Kia-less world, they look for signs that she is near. The purple flower they have named “Kia’s Flower” is flourishing.

purple flower

Kia loved birds and they, in return, loved her gentle soul. They would often come to visit her during yard time. In her memory, Brady and Korin hung three birdhouses. Just a few days ago he found a beautiful feather, which he believes is a sign that Kia approves.

Kia's feather

Kia’s wheelchair and lifter have been donated to the Canine Physical Therapy department and were delivered along with lots of baked goodies and fruit for her team to enjoy. Dog treats have been delivered to one of the stores which Kia frequented. The owners always gave her treats when she would visit. It is Kia’s way of paying it forward.

Several years ago, I posted the following on Facebook. In light of Kia’s passing, it still feels relevant today: “I write this for all of my friends who have lost their beloved dogs. With each post I have read, tears have been shed. Tears for you, and tears for me as I thought about the dogs of my past. Sitting at my computer this morning, I found solace in writing. Hopefully my thoughts will provide us all with some comfort: It is better to have known the love of a dog, than to never have known that love at all. Love which is unconditional. Love that brings with it the wag of a tail, the prick of an ear, the tilt of a head. Love that feels your sorrow, feels your pain, feels your loneliness, and with one touch of a wet nose, makes all that disappear. Love that feels your joy and your happiness, and with one touch of a playful paw, magnifies those feelings tenfold. And even though it saddens us, grieves us to the point of despair when God decides it is time for them to leave our side and move onto another plain, in His wisdom He leaves us with memories that in time will warm our hearts and bring smiles back to our faces until we meet up with them again…memories of how much richer our lives are because we loved…and were loved by…a dog.

And so I await that time, when I can think of Kia and smile. I await that time when the tears that flow so freely now become tears of joy because I was blessed to have her in my life. And I await that time when she greets me again with all of her sassiness. Run free sweet angel! Because of you, it was a perfect day…

Kia baby collage

Last Chance Products

Last Chance Products

Visit the Last Chance list and check out the savings – up to 60% off some of your favorite items. Shop select retiring and past-season favorites while supplies last. With prices like these, items will sell quickly. Be sure to snag those favorites you have been wanting before they disappear. And don’t forget to stock up on embellishments and designer paper at these prices!

Click HERE to Shop ALL the LAST CHANCE Products

Check Out All Of The Online Exclusives And Kits

online exclusives

Click HERE to View the Online Exclusives

kits

Click HERE to View Our Kits Collection

***********

Looking for an oldie but goodie? Check out my retired stamps which I have for sale.  New sets will be added periodically. Please check often to see what has been added and what prices have been reduced.

Retired Sets for Sale

***********

As always, if you have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away! And please, be sure to SHOP WITH ME! Until next time…

siggy-1

Lazy Ann Strikes Again

When paper is as pretty as Moonlit Flora, I just have to let the paper do the work. Yep, Lazy Ann strikes again. It’s Sunday and time to play with The Paper Players!

Lazy Ann Strikes Again

This week the lovely LeAnne is hosting our Sketch Challenge, and what a wonderful sketch it is. It is perfect for showcasing one of Stampin’ Up!’s gorgeous designer series papers. I can’t wait to see what YOU create with LeAnne’s amazing sketch. But before you head off to gather your stamps, papers and inks, please stop by and leave my incredible Design Teammates, who work so hard to inspire you weekly, some “Comment Love”. It brightens our day! 

PP787 badge

Colors Of The Day

Colors PP787

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips

LeAnne’s sketch was right up my alley. With its layers, it was perfect for showing off the beautiful Moonlit Flora paper. I love the organic vibe of this paper, with its dark, moody backgrounds and “pops” of bright colors. To add even more interest, I die cut small white flowers using the Fern & Flora dies. Of course, I had to add a healthy dose of rhinestones for sparkle. Spotlight on Nature dies and a 1-3/4″ circle punch were used to create the decorative sentiment circle. The sentiment is from the Phrases & Frames set. It was hand snipped and popped up onto the Secret Sea circle. Once again, rhinestones were used for sparkle. Yep! This was yet another card where the paper did the work. Lazy Ann strikes again! I can’t wait to send this one winging through the mail!

lazy ann strikes again

Need more inspiration? Be sure to check out the rest of our talented Design Team:

Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Claire Broadwater

Joanne James

Anne Marie Hile – On Leave

Ann Schach

Jan Clothier

Stef Perry

Christy Stanford

May Product Of The Month

May Product of the Month 2026

Berry Botanical Vellum 12″ x 12″ (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper

May Product of the month

Add a fresh, artful touch to cards and paper crafts with Berry Botanical Vellum 12″ x 12″ (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper. Hand-drawn patterns featuring polka dots, plaids, and berries make it easy to create custom designs with a playful, coordinated look.

You can purchase the Product of the Month item for only $5 when you spend $75 or more in a single order. Your cart total MUST be $75 or more at checkout to qualify. If you use Stampin’ Rewards on your order and your cart amount falls below $75, you’ll need to add items in your cart to get the total at or above the qualifying amount again.

Two NEW Starter Kit Offers

JOIN BETWEEN MAY 5TH – 31ST AND CHOOSE BETWEEN TWO AMAZING OFFERS

Starter Kit Special

Choose between these two starter kit offers:

  • OPTION 1! Free NEW 2026–2028 In Color Stampin’ Pads with Starter Kit + $125 in your choice of Product for just $99! That’s 5 fresh, new Stampin’ Up! colors in the redesigned (easy to use) ink pad style. This is an extra value of
  • OPTION 2! Purchase the Starter Kit for just $99 and choose $160 in your choice of Product! An extra $35 value!

And remember: The kit ships free for additional 11% savings!

Why Become A Demonstrator?

Here are just a few of the perks of being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator:

  • SAVE at least 20% ON EVERYTHING YOU PURCHASE! Once you join, you’ll enjoy a discount on your favorite Stampin’ Up!® items.
  • NO PRESSURE OR OBLIGATION TO SELL TO OTHERS! There’s never an obligation to host parties, sell products, or purchase anything else after the kit.
  • THERE’S NO RISK! NO PENALTY TO DROP! If you reach $300 in sales by the end of the first full Stampin’ Up!® quarter after you sign-up, you automatically renew your demonstrator discounts and benefits for another quarter. To continue, you will need to reach $300+ in sales (includes personal purchases) to renew from quarter to quarter. If you don’t reach $300 in sales, you can “drop” with no penalty.
  • CONTINUE the BENEFITS and DISCOUNTS! From the time you join through the end of the first full Stampin’ Up!® quarter, you will be able to take advantage of demonstrator discounts and benefits. The Quarters are January – March, April – June, July – September, October – Dec. You will have the balance of the quarter in which you join PLUS the first full quarter to reach your first $300 in sales (includes personal purchases) and renew for another quarter.
  • Questions about joining? Email me at [email protected]If you are ready to join CLICK HERE! 

Last Chance Products

Last Chance Products

Visit the Last Chance list and check out the savings – up to 60% off some of your favorite items. Shop select retiring and past-season favorites while supplies last. With prices like these, items will sell quickly. Be sure to snag those favorites you have been wanting before they disappear. And don’t forget to stock up on embellishments and designer paper at these prices!

Click HERE to Shop ALL the LAST CHANCE Products

Check Out All Of The Online Exclusives And Kits

online exclusives

Click HERE to View the Online Exclusives

kits

Click HERE to View Our Kits Collection

***********

Looking for an oldie but goodie? Check out my retired stamps which I have for sale.  New sets will be added periodically. Please check often to see what has been added and what prices have been reduced.

Retired Sets for Sale

***********

As always, if you have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away! And please, be sure to SHOP WITH ME! Until next time…

siggy-1