The most wonderful time...

Most people think that the end to that phrase is Christmas, but when you love Stampin' Up! like I do, the upcoming release of a new catalogue is right up there as well. 

The new 2022-2023 Annual Catalog was released to demonstrators this week, and because I signed up for the OnTour event, I got an advanced paper copy as well as a stamp set that will debut when it goes live on May 3. 

I have to say that my favourite part of the new catalog each year is the new set of 5 In Colors that are released.  I will be sad to see the 2020-2022 In Colors retire, but the new ones? WOW!  They are truly wonderful this year. Last year, I was underwhelmed at first with the new ones, but they have grown on me. I like their soft, relaxed and natural tones. 

This year? Excitement, vibrant and fresh are the words that come to mind. 

As a demonstrator, I get the chance to have a sneak peek of the colors, the catalogue, and even to get the products through pre orders. The In Colors are first on my list. I can't wait to try them out together and with other colour combinations too. 

These colours are also featured in several of the new Designer Series Papers in the catalog. I know that theu will be high on my list to order too. 

I mentioned earlier that I got an early look at a new stamp set. The one that I received, one of 4 that were available and sent out randomly with registration to our event, is called Bottled Happiness. At first I was not sure what to think. It is not necessarily a set I would have jumped on. The thing is, when I sat down and tried it out today, I decided I do really like it. 

I tried a technique I haven't used in a long while. I used my Stampin' Write markers and coloured the individual parts of the flower stamps. This allows you to apply different colours to one stamped image all at the same time. It really is very easy as far as techniques go, and looks so amazing when you are done. 

The flowers are actually two stamps that overlay one another. It took a couple of tries to get it right, but the clear photo polymer with the acrylic blocks made it easy- once I figured out how to line them up that is!

OnTour is coming soon, and I am really looking forward to being able to see and hear about all the new things. I will be super excited to share when I am able to as well. I hope you are excited too!