I just got back from a fabulous girls' weekend at the beach.  We left Friday afternoon and came home just before dinner tonight.  Despite the gloom and doom weather forecast along the entire North Carolina Crystal Coast, it was the best weekend I've had in a long time.  And, except for a heavy, but brief downpour on Friday night, there was absolutely NO rain!  So much for 100% chance all weekend long!

 It's been a rough few months for my friend and I, and we started planning this weekend back in March, right after my Stamping at the Beach Retreat.  There's something healing about the ocean.  We both said, as we soon as we saw the water, smelled the ocean, and heart the crashing of the waves, that we both felt better.  Something inside us released and we both remembered to breathe!  Inhale...exhale...deeply...repeatedly.   

This month's Creative Inking Blog Hop focused on a Sneak Peek of the New 2018-2019 Stampin' Up! catalog.  And while I can't show you what's inside the catalog yet, I can show you what my absolute new favorites are in the catalog.  You may already have noticed that I used Swirly Bird and Colorful Seasons Stamp Sets.  Those are carrying over and certainly not new.  So...what is new?  Why, it's all the new Stampin' Up colors!!!  

Have you seen all the new colors yet?  Let's take a look!

Do you have a new favorite yet?  My is hands down Soft Seafoam.  I thought nothing  could replace Mint Macraron in my heart but wow!  This is a brand new favorite.  And I'm just thrilled Coastal Cabana has made a come back!  These colors, plus Mango Melody were all featured on today's card.  

All the new colors, along with the entire 2019-2019 Stampin' Up! catalog will be available starting June 2nd.  

Are you ready for more Sneak Peeks?  Hop on over to Renee Kohnke's blog to see what her favorites are!

Or hop back to see Linda Bauwin's blog. 

1. Susan Melanie Rysted Lehrer 
2. Susan Campfield 
3. Bj Peters
4. Colleen Vassos 
5. Lynn Streifert 
6. Sandy Mott
7. Lori Mueller
8. Dena Plummer Rekow
9. ​Linda Bauwin 
10. Michelle Irinyi - That's me!
11. Renee Kohnke 

Or click on the image below to visit Linda Bauwin's blog.

Sometimes, it takes a village!  Getting new catalogs out is a serious undertaking.  Saturday, we had an assembly line going, making these In Color swatch cards that went inside every catalog I mailed.  We all had specific jobs to do, based on our talents.  My friend and fellow demonstrator, Julia Fair, glued all the strips onto the card base since  she's very good at making sure things are straight! (Not my strong point at all!)  Her soon-to-be-adopted teen daughter used my Stamparatus (available June 2) to do all the stamping.  She likes the security in knowing that all her images will be exactly the same when she uses the Stampartus.   And I was responsible for gluing the circles together and adding the ribbon.  Like quilting bees of old, we gathered around my craft table, talking and laughing together as we created a lovely stack of cards.

Catalogs are being mailed out today.  All customers who have ordered from me since the beginning of the year will receive a new 2018-2019 Stampin' Up! Catalog.   Do you need a catalog?  Email me your name and address and I'll be happy to send you one!  (If you have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I ask you to please contact them first as a general courtesy. )

Don't miss Super Saturday - my BIGGEST BOGO sale of the year.  This year, for added fun, there will be 3 complete card classes to choose from.  All classes are available in person, or as to go kits.  Registration closes Sunday, 5/20.   (Click here for more information)

Base:  Whisper White Notecard, 5" x 3 1/2"
Layer 1:  Strips of 5 New In Colors:  Lovely Lipstick, Grapefruit Grove, Pineapple Punch, Call me Clover, Blueberry Bushel, 3 1/4" x 7/8"
Layer 2:  Basic Black, 2" Circle Punch
Layer 3: Whisper White, 1 3/4" Circle Punch​

• Stamp sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink onto Layer 3.  Adhere to Layer 2 and add a Metallic Enamel Heart (These are retiring AND on sale!)
• Adhere all Layer 1 strips.  Begin with the two outer strips first, and work your way in to the center.  We used Liquid Glue, which gives you a little "wiggle room" in case something gets off-center. 
• Wrap Whisper White Organza Ribbon around and tie a knot.  (This is retiring!)
• Add circle with dimensionals. 

Important Dates:
May 20: Registration for Super Saturday Classes due.  (3 to choose from!)

​May 2018 - Do you need a new catalog?  Contact me to get yours in May!

• May 16 - to June 2:  Registration opens for Annual Product Shares.   Email me to reserve your Paper and Ribbon shares! Michelle@MakingMemorieswithMichelle.com
• May 25 – Card Club at my Studio (Last Friday of the month at 7 pm/ Last Saturday of the month at 10 am)  (Must subscribe the 15th of the month).   OR...have it delivered right to your door and #craftwhenyouwant.  Registration is closed, but you can register for June's club now!

June 2018 - Get ready for annual product shares!!

• June 2nd - SUPER SATURDAY.  10 am - 2 pm @ the Dan Pollit Center in Pittsboro.  3 Classes  and BOGO in one day!  Choose just one or choose all three and receive a Free Bonus Gift!​ (Super Saturday Kit in a Box option will be available)  Registration closes Sunday, 5/20.  
• June 10  Stamping Bee Team Meeting 5 pm RSVP by 6/7
• June 23 - 16-Card Annual Catalog Extravaganza.  12:30 - 4:30 pm Bond Park Community Center.  Cary, NC.

Yes...that's my BRAND NEW Pineapple Punch ink pad.  And no, no I didn't clean my watercolor wash stamp from the Love What You Do stamp set before I put it away the other night.  I thought I did.  I really and truly thought I had.  It looked clean when I went to use it...on Facebook Live...this morning...right after I had give that oh so helpful tip about starting with your lightest color ink first to reduce your chances of cross-contamination.  And then....

And in the back of my head, I heard my father's voice saying, "Do as I say; not as I do."  That's right folks, I'm just keeping it real for you on Crafty Saturday's.  Making mistakes, live, on camera for you to learn from my mistakes.  LOL  You really do just have to laugh because there just isn't another option.

All is not lost however.  The ink pad can be fixed once i get my re-inkers in my pre-order next week.  Maybe I'll do a Facebook live on how to fix it.  After all, what could possibly go wrong with that, right?  

When you use my monthly host code and spend $50 or more, you are part of my monthly VIP group!  At the end of the month, you'll receive an exclusive, free 4-card tutorial.  These cards are not featured anywhere on my blogs or in any of my classes.  They are exclusive just for you! A PDF document will be emailed to all VIP members, as well as all of myStamping Bee Team. 

As with any Crafty Saturday, I post measurements along with  link to the video.  The 5 In Color Ink Pads and Love what you Do stamp set are available to purchase now!  The In Color cardstock and Detailed Trio Punch are available June 1.  Can't wait for June?  Join my team of Stamping Bees and you can include NEW products now!  Contact me today to learn more!

Base:  Whisper White Note Card, 5" x 3 1/2"
Layer 1:  2018-2020 In Color Cardstock (Lovely Lipstick, Call me Clover, Blueberry Bushel, Grapefruit Grove, and - not shown for obvious reasons - Pineapple Punch), 4 3/4" x 3 1/4"
Layer 2:  Whisper White, 4 1/2" x 3" (corners punch with new Detailed Trio Punch)
​

May 2018 - Do you need a new catalog?  Contact me to get yours in May!

• May 6th - 2nd Sunday Sweet & Simple Cards 2 pm   RSVP by 5/3 | Stamping Bee Team Meeting 5 pm RSVP by 5/3
• May 25 – Card Club at my Studio (Last Friday of the month at 7 pm/ Last Saturday of the month at 10 am)  (Must subscribe the 15th of the month).   OR...have it delivered right to your door and #craftwhenyouwant.

June 2018 - Get ready for annual product shares!!

• June 2nd - SUPER SATURDAY.  10 am - 2 pm @ the Dan Pollit Center in Pittsboro.  3 Classes  and BOGO in one day!  Choose just one or choose all three and receive a Free Bonus Gift!​ (Super Saturday Kit in a Box option will be available)
• June 10 - 2nd Sunday Sweet & Simple Cards 2 pm   RSVP by 6/7 | Stamping Bee Team Meeting 5 pm RSVP by 6/7
• June 23 - 16-Card Annual Catalog Extravaganza.  12:30 - 4:30 pm Bond Park Community Center.  Cary, NC.

Happy Friday!  Oh it has been a long week, hasn't it?  I spent a very late night in my craft studio last night, designing and getting ready for my June 2nd New Catalog Super Saturday event!  When I finally went to bed, I was surprised to find out it was already 1 am!

I'm so excited for this new catalog, I just can't wait to share it with you. In addition to my usual big BOGO sale, Super Saturday will offer 3 great card classes all under one roof.  Come see awesome display boards, play with new In Colors,  see pretty paper, use new stamp sets, and create projects and cards to share with family and friends.  Choose one or choose them all!  (Choose them all and receive a special thank you gift from me!)  You must email me to register to attend by 5/20 to insure I have enough card kits made. 
​

Today's card was inspired by New Zealand demonstrator, Angela Meiritz-Reid.   I'd just finished designing my In Color Note Cards for Super Saturday, When I came across her card using the Love What You Love stamp set in Powder Pink.  Stamps in hand, I decided to make a whole set dedicated to the new 2018-2020 In Colors.  

Have you seen the new In Colors yet?  There's:

• Blueberry Bushel
• Lovely Lipstick
• Pineapple Punch
• Call me Clover
• Grapefruit Grove

I have to say, I love them all, but my favorite this week, is Grapefruit Grove.  

Now, the you have to wait until June 1 to get the In Color paper, ribbons, and embellishments.  BUT...you can get the new In Color Ink Pads NOW!  They're all part of the Share What You Love early release.  Add them to your order and start creating your summer projects now. 

Remember...during the month of June, any online or in person order placed using host code ASYJTX9S will receive a special VIP 4-card tutorial  at the end of the month, absolutely free!  This tutorial is not part of any other class, club, or blog, and is valued at over $15. 

I hope you have wonderful weekend plans ahead.  Please join me tomorrow at 9 am EST for my weekly Crafty Saturday Facebook Live event.  

Happy Stamping!
​Michelle

Base:  Whisper White Thick Cardstock, 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Layer 1:  Basic Black, 5 1/8" x 3 7/8"
Layer 2:  Whisper White, 5" 3 3/4"

1. In this order, stamp the following on Layer 2:
   1. Background in Blueberry Bushel, stamped off first onto scrap paper. 
   2. Floral outline in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink. 
   3. Darker floral centers in Blueberry Bushel.
   4. Sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink. 
2. Adhere all layers to base and finish with three Basic Pearl Jewels. 

Upcoming EventsUpcoming EventsMay 2018 - Do you need a new catalog?  Contact me to get yours in May!

• May 6th - 2nd Sunday Sweet & Simple Cards 2 pm   RSVP by 5/3 | Stamping Bee Team Meeting 5 pm RSVP by 5/3
• May 25 – Card Club at my Studio (Last Friday of the month at 7 pm/ Last Saturday of the month at 10 am)  (Must subscribe the 15th of the month).   OR...have it delivered right to your door and #craftwhenyouwant.

June 2018 - Get ready for annual product shares!!

• June 2nd - SUPER SATURDAY.  10 am - 2 pm @ the Dan Pollit Center in Pittsboro.  3 Classes  and BOGO in one day!  Choose just one or choose all three and receive a Free Bonus Gift!​ (Super Saturday Kit in a Box option will be available)
• June 10 - 2nd Sunday Sweet & Simple Cards 2 pm   RSVP by 6/7 | Stamping Bee Team Meeting 5 pm RSVP by 6/7
• June 23 - 16-Card Annual Catalog Extravaganza.  12:30 - 4:30 pm Bond Park Community Center.  Cary, NC.

If you are a hobbyist or demonstrator with Stampin' Up!  Today is the day!  Starting today, we're able to place our2018 annual catalog pre-order.  There are eleven pages of products to order - stamp sets, bundles, new accessories, ribbons, embellishments, cardstock, designer series papers, and yes, the new In Colors and new additions to the Color Palette.

Did you know that you can order the new 2018-2020 In Color Ink Pads now?   Click here or on the image below to order yours today!   

I've already printed my eleven page document so I can plan my June & July classes, clubs, and events.  I've got a feeling, that this summer's going to be Ahhhh-mazing!  

What?  What's that?  You can't wait until June to order?  I hear that!  If I were you, I'd be going just a little bit crazy right now, wanting to get my hands on all this exciting brand new and beautiful new paper, ink, and stamp sets.  Did I mention how beautiful the paper is???

I've got you covered.  There a few things we can do to help you out.  First of all, you can join my amazing Stamping Bee Team.   Anyone who joins between May 2 and May 31 may choose any annual catalog pre-order products in the Starter Kit.   So, for only $99, you get to choose $125 worth of brand new products AND get FREE SHIPPING!!!  That's saving you almost $40 right there!!  

Stamping Bee members also get free monthly tutorials,  $5 stamping meeting events, special team pricing on my 16-card new catalog extravaganza, weekly, bi-monthly, and quarterly creative challenges, plus prizes, incentives, and rewards.  There's also an exclusive Stamping Bee Leadership Council for my team leaders.  Visit my Stamping Bee team page for more information on how you can join this exiting and dynamic team of hobbyists and business builders. 

The second way to get a jump on the fun is to take advantage of the early release of the Share What you Love Suite.  

• 3 exclusive bundles available only May 1-May 31
• Save big with exclusive bundle prices that end May 31
• FREE products featured in every bundle.
• FREE exclusive tutorials for all my customers who order.  You choose your bundle and your tutorial:
  • Just getting started bundle - 4 card tutorial
  • A little Bit More, Please bundle - 8 card tutorial
  • Gotta Have it ALL bundle - 12 card tutorial!!!

Shop early and avoid potential backorders! 

Base:  Very Vanilla Thick Cardstock, 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Layer 1:  Basic Black, 5 1/8" x 3 7/8"
Layer 2:  Share What you Love Specialty Designer Series Paper
Layer 3:  Basic Black, 4" x 3" 
Layer 4:  Very Vanilla Cardstock, 3 7/8" x 2 7/8"

• Using the Love What You Do stamp set on Layer 4:
  
  • Stamp background image with Sahara Sand, stamped off on scratch paper first, before adding it to Layer 4. 
    
  • Stamp stems in Garden Green. 
    
  • Stamp color onto flowers using Grapefruit Grove. 
    
  • Finally, stamp the sentiment in Early Espresso. 
• Adhere Layers 1 & 2.  Wrap Very Vanilla Lace around and tie a bow to the very right hand side. Add to base. 
• Adhere Layers 3 & 4 and add to card with dimensionals.