The big news of this year's catalog is the Color Refresh.  Every 5-7 years, Stampin’ Up! takes a look at and evaluates which colors are strong, work well with others, should stay, should go, should return from the past and which new colors should be introduced.  This year, there are 4 brand new colors, 7 returning from the past colors and 5 new In Colors.  The brand new colors are: Azure Afternoon (blue), Pecan Pie (brown), Lemon Lolly (yellow) and Bubble Bath (light pink/purple).  The returning colors are: Lemon Lime Twist, Berry Burst, Misty Moonlight, Pretty Peacock, Blueberry Bushel, Lost Lagoon and Fresh Freesia.  You will notice that some colors have switched from one Color Collection to another, as a result of the color refresh.  

Watch this quick video to see how and where the new & returning colors fit into the Color Collections;

Page 122 of the catalog shows where you can purchase all of the colors individually and their coordinating products (just like last year’s catalog).  Page 125 shows where you can purchase all of the assorted card stock packs, ink pad bundles, re-inker bundles and Stampin’ Write Markers.   Bundled inks & re-inkers are at a savings of 10%.   You will notice that there is a “New Core” section on this page.  The “New Core” comprises of the 4 new and 7 returning colors.  You can either purchase these 12 core colors as a group, or individually.  This page also showcases all of the bundled In Color choices too.

So Many Different Color Combinations!

If you follow my Facebook page, you may have noticed I have been posting lots of photos of the new colors being found in "the real world" (paints, clothing, dishes, etc).  I encourage you to be on the lookout in magazines, advertisements and stores for the new & returning colors.  You won't have to look far because they are everywhere.  I use a lot of these resources for my own color combination inspiration. 

Throughout my discovery, I am finding that the returning Misty Moonlight and new In Colors Wild Wheat & Boho Blue are everywhere!  If you look at the coordinating colors for the 12 new Designer Series Papers, Misty Moonlight is in six of them.  Misty Moonlight is a color that matches/coordinates with almost every color of the Stampin' Up! palette.  It's one you will definitely want to have in your color collection.  I will be exploring and recommending different color combinations in future emails and posts, be on the lookout.  I love playing with color.  Here's my first one: Misty Moonlight, Boho Blue & Wild Wheat.

This card showcases the new Beauty of the Deep bundle, #161233 and the above color combination.

Whenever you are given a color combination suggestion, keep in mind that you can alter it: add in more colors or not sure all the suggested ones.  Use it as a starting point.

For this underwater scene card, I decided to add in more colors.  I googled "colors of seaweed" and discovered seaweed is mostly "red, green, brown and black".  So that is what I used: early espresso, old olive, shaded spruce and wild wheat.  I decided to stamp my two fish on the same Boho Blue color I used for the water.  I thought stamping them on white would be too much of a contrast.  Unlike the anchor, I wanted it to be the focal point and stand out.

I didn't have any underwater-like Embossing Folders, so I took some artistic liberty and used the Timber 3D folder.  It gives the feel of moving water.  

I also added more colors to the Misty Moonlight, Boho Blue & Wild Wheat color combination with this card.  The two other colors, in addition to white, are Night of Navy and Pebbled Path (two of my favorites).

Stripes go hand in hand with anchors, so that is what I decided to do here.  Each stripe is 1".  I will be making swaps for my Stampin' Up! incentive trip (the first one I have earned - yippeee), which is later this month, and I think I may use this card as a starting point.  Stay tuned to see a different version of this card.

I used Stampin' Write Markers to do all of the stamping, the colors on the anchor and greeting (which comes from the He's All That stamp set).

Beauty of the Deep Bundle, #161233, $52

This week's FB Live!

This week I will make an easel card using my new Cheerful Daisies bundle.  I can't wait to share it with you!

You can watch live at 2pm EST on Wednesday, or watch the replay anytime.  You can also watch the replay on YouTube (after I get it uploaded).

https://www.facebook.com/mailsomethingpretty/

Put the happy in happy birthday with handmade shaker cards you create with the all-inclusive Confetti Birthday Kit! This DIY card making kit walks you through a simplified shaker technique, so you can easily create fun, festive cards to celebrate someone special. The kit comes with everything you need to create 9 birthday cards featuring bright, bold colors, confetti shakers, and holographic accents. It's the perfect way send happy birthday wishes in exceptional style!

Confetti Birthday Shaker Card Kit

View ALL Card & Crafting Kits here.

MONTH'S Paper Pumpkin

Say hello to mountain landscapes and new In Colors! This month’s kit features nine outdoors-themed cards in our new 2023–2025 In Colors plus exclusive FREE stickers. Want more? Get the cards & envelopes add-on (#163113, available May 2nd while supplies last) and continue your creative adventure!

You could also win a $25 voucher good for In Color products in our In Color giveaway. 

> You must sign up for Paper Pumpkin by May 10th to receive this kit.

www.mailsomethingpretty.com/monthlycraftingkitsignup

This kit includes:

• All the supplies you need to create 9 card, 3 each of 3 designs, plus 9 coordinating envelopes.
• A 7-piece all-occasion stamp set that celebrates good friends and great adventures!
• 1 Copper Clay (new In Color!) Classic Stampin’ Spot.
• Twine and die-cut accents
• FREE stickers to put on your projects or anything you want—water bottles, laptops, coolers, and more!
• Finished card size: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" 
• Coordinating Stampin’ Up! colors: Boho Blue, Copper Clay, Daffodil Delight, Moody Mauve, Mossy Meadow, Pebbled Path, Wild Wheat