Take a Deep Breath!

Stampin' Up! just released the retiring accessories list today.  Before you freak out, take a deep breath and peruse the list slowly.  If you are a die hard SU! gal, this list might make you upset, angry or just sad.  You will have lots of questions about things.  I wanted to share this email I got from one of my sweet friends who was very concerned about the list and wanted to understand.

"I called Stampin Up! I'm devastated! Literally! The 12x12 cardstock on the retiring list will not be returning! They will only offer 8.5x11 in those colors now! 

He said the markers will be returning but not individually. They will be offered in family color packs only. The reconfigured ink pads will be slightly different from the ones now as far as shade goes! So, the markers and refills will be reconfigured with the pads."

This is a normal reaction, but I have been with this company for 8 years and they are not stupid and don't do anything w/o serious research and deliberation among lots of different people including demonstrators.  Every change that has been made over the last 8 years has bettered this company and what they strive for.  If there is a product that isn't the absolute best out there, SU! will fix it!  That's why they are such an amazing company.

So, get a cup of coffee (so, if you get mad, you know you won't want to burn yourself) and really focus on the things that are important to you.

If you are a demo, thinking about embracing this change, gather up your accessories and have a big garage sale making room for what I am sure will be an incredible new list of accessories.  It is our job to provide the most current product to our customers.  So, hold on to those products you can't live w/o and say good bye to the others.

If you are a customer, don't worry, like I said, the upcoming products will become our new favorites.  That's just what happens.  So, buy a bunch of refills for your favorite colors and paper and then get excited about what is to come!

I will be losing a lot of "friends" this year and I am honestly surprised how many.  I lose 2-6 stamp sets a year, but this is a lot!!

I hope this helps those of you who are honestly worried.  It will be ok :)

PS...the occasions mini ends next Monday so get a big order together of retired stuff and mini stuff and then enjoy them over May.  Then, gear up for an incredible 2012-2013 catalog launch June 1st!