It is always a mix bag at this time of year, so many of our favorite stamp sets and many products start to retire, but then as demonstrators we start to get a sneak peek at the new catalog and new products. I was able to preorder a few items that will be new in the catalog that starts June 1! It is always a tough choice, and extrememly difficult not to buy EVERYTHING! I learned a few years ago that I don't need everything right away, the catalog runs for a year, so I can spread out my excitement with new items. I ordered the new IN Colors in ink, cardstock, markers, and a new type of ribbon. So, for today I will leave it at that, and focus on saying good bye to the retiring sets that mean the most to me! 

I want to start with the Swallowtail stamp set. 

This background stamp can be used as the focal point of the project, like this Blackberry Bliss card. Using almost all the stamp on the card front gives a bold feature that needs very little embellishment. It is paired with a retired ribbon and matching cardstock. I added a Basic Rhinestone that I colored with a Blackberry Bliss marker, it is not permanant color, but for now matches beautifully!

The Swallowtail stamp can also be used as a background like it is on this sample:

I received this card idea in a swap from my dear friend and fellow demonstrator Lynn Dunn a few years ago. This card design was the most popular card I have ever demonstrated so you can imagine how much I am going to miss it! The Swallowtail was stamped in Versamark and then heat embossed with white embossing powder. After allowing to cool down, Wisteria Wonder ink is sponged over the Swallowtail to bring out some of the detail. Focal point details are added with the Papillon Potpourri stamp set (not retiring!) stamped or punched in Elegant Eggplant and punched out with both butterfly punches - Bitty and Elegant which are not retiring either (YAY!). Final details added with Basic Rhinestones to make this card extra special. If you don't have the items shown here, I suggest you get them right away before they are gone forever!