Ok – if you read nothing more than this one sentence, then look at the pictures, PLEASE KNOW THAT SOME OF THESE PRODUCTS I USED ARE NOT AVAILABLE! As a Stampin’ Up demonstrator I try very hard to only use current products (except for ribbon and gems which I deem fair game as long as the colors are current) for one reason only. What if something takes your eye on my post that’s retired, that would be frustrating, right???. Using current products makes it easier for you to duplicate my card or project. ‘
BUT there are times when I believe seeing retired products working with current products shows versatility and a way to use what you have. And sometimes, even demos have favorite items that we refuse to retire from our craft rooms! So today’s post is simply that – how to pull some retired products out to enhance a current product that available!

So here we go! Light The Sky stamp set and dies are current!!! It first came out during the holiday season to celebrate New Year’s but everyone saw the possibilities for 4th of July cards as well!!! Other current products include the deckled rectangle dies, and the Real Red card stock.
What is NOT AVAILABLE (but it could show up on a Clearance Rack Refresh!!!) is the holographic silver specialty paper, and the starry sky mat that came from the Astronaut suite last year. The silver ribbon also was in a duo pack with a spool of gold and is retired, but it also could show again! The red embossing powder is easily 10 years old, but it still worked!

Could you recreate this card with current products?? Yes! Substitute in silver foil, heat emboss gold and silver fireworks, and look at your tiny stamps in your stamp set library for small floral images to stamp on the label. Use a mat of Night Of Navy, spatter with Wink of Stella, and sub in a white ribbon with silver edging.

Wha is positively NOT AVAILABLE is the stamp set It’s A Celebration. This stamp set has been retired for years and was one I purchased when I first started stamping, but because of the firework stamps, I will NOT retire it from my supplies. I can not tell you how many times I have pulled this stamp set for our Independence Day cards!
Final Thoughts….
I try to use current products as much as possible (except you know the ribbon/gem thing – I’m a rebel about that!) but I think it is also a good think for me to show you how to work with what you have!!!!
Next time there is a Clearance Refresh, watch for the Holographic foil and the Astronaut/Planet DSP that I can’t remember the name of!!!! I would bet money it will show up one day. And as for the old stamp set I refuse to let go of, it’s not alone!!! My shamrock punch as well as my scottie dog punch WILL NOT leave my crafting arsenal!
Even Stampin’ Up demonstrators have some favorites! Until next time, have a wonderful weekend, find some time to craft, create, and do whatever makes you happy, and God Bless!!!1

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