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New Stampin' Up! Catalog is Here!

 

The new 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! Catalog is out early this year!  I don't sell Stampin' Up! products myself, so I get my catalogs from my good friend Amy who is a SU demonstrator (http://amyvittori.stampinup.net).  I've been stamping a very long time (over 16 years) and I always look forward to the new catalog full of stamps, accessories and ideas! 

I give this new catalog a B+.  I really like a lot about it and there are many SU products that I love.  The only reason that I can't give it an A is that I didn't find many stamp sets that I am really excited about.  However, I feel that part of the reason for this is that as a long time stamp collector, I already have so many stamps and accessories, that it is hard to find stamps that I have to have.  However, I still have a wish list, which I'll share later.  You can view the new catalog online at http://www.stampinup.com/us/enu/22124.asp.

Clean and Simple Samples

I really like a lot of the samples in this catalog better than in the past couple of years.  They just seem simpler and cleaner designs with more white or open space.  I marked about eight different samples to try later.

Great New In Colors

The new In Color set are bright, pretty and juicy!  I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the papers and inks, and playing with them.

Clear Mount Stamp Sets

Most of the sets are now available as Clear Mount Sets in addition to the traditional Wood Mount Sets (see page 5 for an explanation).  I love the clear mount sets since they cost less, require less storage space and are better for the environment since they don't come with wood mounts!

Other Notes

• While I wasn't impressed with the new hostess sets (stamp sets you can only earn by hosting a workshop) like last year, you have the option of using your earned Hostess Dollars towards products instead of hostess sets.
•  The SU ink pads have been redesigned.  Instead of the former felt-like surface, it's a different smoother surface that I hear works well with bold stamp images.
• I really like that many of the stamp images coordinate with SU punches and dies.  Just look for images with a colored outline and a note on the page as to which punch or die coordinates.

My Order

As I mentioned above, since I already have so many stamps that I need to use, I'm mostly just planning to order the new paper and ink In Colors.

In Color Assorted 8.5x11" card stock p. 152

Midnight Muse card stock

Primrose Pink card stock

In Color Markers

Maybe Teeny Tiny Wishes p. 133 since they would fit perfectly in the Modern Label punch (p.183) that I bought recently!

Zoo Review p.92 - I love this set. Such beautiful animal artwork.  I may consider it for later.

My Recommendations

Here's a list of my favorite Stampin' Up! products that I highly recommend.

Modern Label punch p.183 - great for adding small text to a card

Scallop Trim Border punch p.183 - pretty border punch

Bird Builder punch p.185 - versatile punch for making birds from all different paper colors and designs

Elegant Lines Folder p.189 - I love embossing folders and these are some of my favorite designs!

Manhattan Flower Folder p.189

Elegant Bouquet Folder p.189

Square Lattice Folder p.189

Perfect Polka Dots Folder p.189 (very similar the the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder which I love.)

Top Note Bigz die p.193 - great, large die with many uses

Naturals Ivory card stock p.160

Naturals White card stock p.160

Shimmery White card stock p.160

Coordinating card stock, ink pads and markers! p.152-156

If I were a newer stamper, these would be my top choices for sets.  I use floral sets a lot and find them to be great for most occasions.  Most of the cards I send are for birthdays, so a birthday set is also a good idea starting out.

Just Believe set p. 77 or

Serene Silhouettes p.75

Fabulous Florets p.83

Create a Cupcake p.49 or

Up, Up & Away p.37

Color Starters p.151 or

Choose one of more color collections starting on p.152

I recommend card stock, and markers to start out since markers can be used to color images and ink stamps (search on huffing technique).

What I Don't Like

In case SU is listening, here is what I don't like about this catalog.

• Color samples on pages 152-156 are way too small!
•  By the Seashore (p.93) has really pretty seashell designs, but I don't like the text background on all the images which limits it's uses.
• No linen texture folder!  I keep hoping that someone will create an embossing folder that makes a subtle linen or burlap textured card stock like the textured card stock that can be bought.  I just want to be able to make my own from any color card stock I choose.

I hope that you've found my review of the new catalog helpful!

Happy Stamping!

Stacy

About TealDragonStamper

I started rubber stamping 1995 when my then fiance's sister invited me to a introduction to stamping class at MJDesigns.  I have been stamping and enthusiastically collecting stamps and accessories ever since.

I enjoy a variety of paper crafts, but in particular, I like making my own greeting cards.  I especially like elegant, floral, cute, and clean and simple card making styles.  In addition to stamping , I love my Cuttlebug, embossing folders and dies!  I don't find as much time as I'd like to craft lately as I'm a mother of three, ages 11 through 5 (as of 2012).  I'm hoping that once they are all in school, I'll have more time to dedicate to stamping and blogging about it.

Shortly after my first child was born, I co-founded a local stamp club which is still going strong.  It's a wonderful and talented group of special ladies who have become my very good friends.  In addition to fueling my creativity and teaching me many new techniques, these women have helped me survive the early years of motherhood with our monthly evenings out!

Happy Stamping!

StacyI