Sometimes letting go is hard to do.  And letting go of this particular stamp set (Flower Fancy) is gonna be a perfect example of that, I fear.  I've always found it such a cheerful set to work with – always perfect in just about any color combo, and for all kinds of occasions.  And stamped in 2-step – or not:  either way looks great.

But now it's time to say good-bye. 

So this was the combo I showed at a workshop last weekend: a coordinating card & Fancy Favor bag.  Colors are Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder and Lucky Limeade.  Some of you who've been attending my Card Classes for a long time may recognize the card design from long ago….. but now done up in updated colors.  But with my 16th anniversary with Stampin' Up! just around the corner (good grief…… REALLY?!?), coupled with the retiring products so fresh on my mind, it seemed appropriate to give a little nod to nostalgia.  So this pair was the result.

Flower Fancy was introduced so long ago that it has only been available in wood-mount, so it was helpful to use the Stamp-a-ma-jig stamp positioner to get the detail image aligned with the solid image underneath.  But a modern-day stamp set of similar style, offered in clear-mount option would be a piece of cake to align, don'tcha think?  Let's hope there's a suitable substitute in the upcoming catalog.

And wouldn't you know that just as I showed how to use the Crop-a-dile to punch those holes in the Fancy Favor bag (die cut on the Big Shot), only days later would we receive a list targeting the Crop-a-Dile as a "to be retired" product, too!  Not really sure how I'm gonna get along with THAT fact; I still use my Crop-a-Dile usually several times a week.  (As evidenced by how the gears and springs were grinding and squeaking that day….. before I hit it with some spray grease and it magically became years younger again.)

Anyhoo, if you're a fan of bright, bold & versatile flower stamps, this one definitely belongs in your collection.  See all its images and check out its details here.  

And watch for more Blast from the Past ideas this upcoming month or so, too….. in both my classes and my workshops! That "16-years" thing is really making me feel old, lol!  (Sign up for May's Card Class at the link just under the banner at the top of this page.)