I’m going to confess that my daughter is right when she calls me a “Stampin’ Up Snob”. I rarely buy anything from other craft companies and big box craft stores unless I need something that Stampin’ Up doesn’t offer, such as multiple sheets of 12×12 card stock in a specific color. I love creating large home decor pieces but since Stampin’ Up doesn’t sell 12×12 in larger quantities per color it’s kind of hard to stay that “Stampin’ Up Snob” thing, isn’t it?!?!
I also have a large surplus of retired DSP that I need to move out of my craft room, and I’m always looking for ways to use this stuff up! So, today’s focus is how can we use retired products and products from other craft companies versus simply throwing away.
A Box Of Retired DSP Ready For Use!
What did we possibly do without plastic totes and containers???? Some of my retired DSP is cut down to 4×6 pieces which I store in small plastic boxes to use for our church’s Blessings Card Ministry. We design two cards and make 35-40 of each of them that we package and make available to our church congregation. How do I design these cards??? Simply look at what DSP is available in my box! We try to do this on a monthly basis, and I have everything precut and prestamped, ready to assemble. Assembly day usually falls on the day of Ladies’ Bible study, so lots of hands make fast work.
Last night I grabbed my box and pulled out multiple pieces of old DSP to create these cards for distribution. There is most definitely a mix of current, reitred, AND craft contraband!!! Current products include the solid card mats of Misty Blue, Blueberry Bushel, and Basic White, along with one of the ribbons and the baker’s twine. Retired product includes the Just Jade cardstock, the Misty Moonlight ribbon, and the floral DSP. Recognized the tiny blue gingham in the middle???? Maybe not since it came from Hobby Lobby along with the Footprints stamp I used. These cards will be used to send greetings of cheer and comfort to others – and nobody is going to care that some of the materials are retired or from another company!!!
A List Of Ways To Use Retired Products For Good!
There are many ways you can share your talents and materials with others and not let products go to waste. Here are several of my favorites as well as ideas from my stamping friends!!
- Start A card ministry at your church and supply cards monthly!
- Package premade cards for your local nursing home or hospital staff as a thank you
- Take excess cardstock and DSP to your art teachers at the elementary! I supply a couple of large boxes each year for my granddaughters’ school – Stampin’ Up materials were visible all over during the end of year Art Show!!
- High School clubs are looking for service projects – get them involved making cards for Veterans!
- Create cards with Sunday School kids to share with those unable to attend regularly due to health and mobility.
- Create little treats and take to the local Senior Center!
Johnna shared this picture of thank you cards she created for a friend’s baby shower gift! A GREAT gift for sure! Ok, the DSP is current, but it could just as easily have been one from a previous year – baby and mom is not going to care!
Linda creates cards and takes them to out local hospital gift shop where she sells them, AND then donates the sales to the Hospital Auxillary. These are full sized cards, but I took the picture off her FB post which alters the size. Notice the tiny blue gingham print there?????
I could go on and on – RoseMary creates holiday treats for the Veteran’s Home, Chris makes gifts with her crafting supplies for our church to share during Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and next up will be Grandparent’s Day. Patricia uses her supplies to make treats for her children’s classrooms. These are just a few of the ideas that come to mind while I am typing.
Final Thoughts…..
Don’t let your retired or excess products gather dust and go to waste! Put them to use by sharing your talents with others!!!! It’s a great feeling to use up products, but a better feeling to bring someone else joy!!!
Until tomorrow, have a great day and whatever you do, be happy doing it! Until next time, God Bless!
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