The 2021 annual catalogue launched last week, and the consensus seems to be that this is the best catalogue EVER! It was extremely hard to narrow down this list, because there are just so many amazing products packed into these 180 pages. Let me know what you think of my choices!
Best Item for Beginners – upcoming Kit Collection
My top pick for beginners this year is something that’s technically not in the catalogue at all – but bear with me, I promise you’ll like this! If you’re brand new to stamping, that enormous catalogue can be really overwhelming: Where do I start? What kind of stamps do I need? Now ink? What about paper? And wait, how do I put this all together? It can be stressful, and crafting is NOT supposed to be stressful! So if you’re a beginner, I recommend you start with an all-inclusive kit. Just like the name says, the kit will include EVERYTHING you need to create a pre-designed set of cards: a stamp set, an inkspot, pre-cut elements, embellishments, adhesive, and easy-to-follow instructions. Make your first stamping experience a stress-free and successful one, and once you’ve built up your confidence, wade on into the rest of the catalogue with us! 😉
The fun thing about these kits is that there will be a range of them available all throughout the year. Starting June 1st, you’ll be able to order from a selection of ten different kits: choose the one(s) that appeal to you, get your craft on, and then go back for more. When a kit sells out, it’s gone … but don’t worry, there will be other ones coming along to replace it, so there will always be lots of terrific options for you to choose from!
Best Sentiment Stamp Set – Inspired Thoughts
Whether it’s a sympathy card, a retirement, an illness, gratitude, a birthday, or even Christmas – this stamp set has you covered! It includes a wide range of sentiments in a classic, easy-to-read font, making it truly “inspired”. You’ll be reaching for this set again and again throughout the year!
Runner Up: Create with Friends
I’m wild about the mix-and-match sentiments in this stamp set, and the beautiful scripted font! My mind is spinning with how many amazing combinations you could create with this set. For only $23, this stamp set is a must-have!
Best Graphic Stamp Set – Beauty of Friendship
This is the very first bundle I bought out of the new catalogue, and I stamped with it as soon as I opened it – as you can see on my live unboxing video! (stamping starts at about 25:30.) These richly textured stamps are so well-crafted that they create a two-tone effect … even if you aren’t using the two-step stamping! You can build your tree in whatever style and colours you like; add the co-ordinating dies for even more options. A good range of sentiments rounds out this stamp set – not only is it good for a variety of occasions throughout the year, it’s also suitable for all genders (because who doesn’t like trees?!)
Best Embellishment – Bumblebee Trinkets
There’s nothing else I need to say … just LOOK at how adorable these are!! 🤩
Runner Up: Baker’s Twine Essentials Pack
Baker’s Twine comes in SO handy when embellishing projects and packages! It’s fantastic to have it in a range of neutral colours that will go with any colour scheme. Like the name says, this pack of twine really is essential!
Best Designer Series Paper – Beauty of the Earth
I’m completely in love with the range of colours and scenes on this terrific Designer Series Paper. You can see all seasons represented in the gorgeous imagery! This is one of those packs that will be hard to choose which side to use, because every page is so appealing. Great for all genders and all occasions!
Artistic Expressions is technically a Specialty Designer Series Paper, so it can have its own category, right? 😁 Because…. I mean, LOOK AT THIS STUFF! Beautiful colours, stunning pattern, and with gold foil running throughout … this paper is going to make *every* project look elegant and elevated. I can’t wait to play with it!
Best Punch Bundle – Flowers of Friendship Bundle
With a price tag of under $50, this bundle is outstanding -but it looks so unassuming that you might not even notice what a powerhouse it is. You’d never expect that it could be used to create stunning cards like this one by my team member Arvon:
The flowers are gorgeous, versatile, and easy to create; the sentiments are stylish and useful; and the pricetag is affordable. All around, a great bundle!
Best Die Bundle – Color & Contour
Like the bundle above, this one also provides versatility and easy of use. I love the splasy watercolour style of the stamp set … similar to A Touch of Ink from our recent Sale-a-Bration, don’t you think? …. and these basic die shapes are going to be handy for all kinds of projects. With many of our former nested dies (e.g. Stitched Nested Layers, Layering Squares) having retired this past year, these dies are ready to take up the reins – and they layer beautifully. And of course, a terrific collection of sentiments to finish it off! This is a fabulous bundle that you’ll be reaching for again and again!
Best New Tool – Blends Combo packs in ALL the new In Colors
This year’s new In Colors are the best I’ve seen in years. Oh, I always love the In Colors … but there are always one or two that I am not totally excited about (last year, it was Terracotta Tile). Not this year – this year, I adore every single one of these colours, and particularly the way they play so well together! This is the first year that Stampin’ Up! has offered us a Blends combo pack in every single one of our new In Colors, so I can only conclude that whoever makes these decisions loves them just as much as I do 😁
If you also love the new In Colors, check out my In Color Club! We’ll focus on one colour a month, and by the end you will have the full collection. Each month you’ll receive:
- An In Color inkpad
- An In Color ink refill
- A pack of cardstock (8.5 x 11″)
- A pair of Blends
- 4 sheets of 6×6″ In Color Designer Series Paper
- 2 card tutorials to create with your new products.
There will also be an extra gift from me at the end! 😉 Get more info here!
Best Deal in the Catalogue – The Starter Kit on page 169
The Starter Kit is always the best deal in the catalogue, and this month it’s even BETTER! Choose up to $206 in product for only $135, AND free shipping, AND free business supplies, AND access to amazing online resources to help you succeed and build your business your way. You can learn more about becoming a demonstrator by reading my Starter Kit FAQ, and if you still have questions, please email me! I’m excited to help you learn about this opportunity!
In Case You Missed It – Give it a Whirl Dies – perfect for creating interactive spinner cards!
Watercolor Shapes stamp set – easily add amazing, Distinktive colour blocks to your project!
Amazing Array of Packaging Options! Here are just a few of the items from page 137 – I recommend you take a look at the full page!
And finally, there is a terrific array of exclusive hostess products that you can earn FREE with your qualifying party! There are three stamp sets and a mega-pack (48 sheets) of 12×12″ Designer Series Paper. Check them out below, and then contact me to book your party! Remember, the Connect-Craft-Collect Special runs till June 14th and gets you an additional $30 free product with a $300 party!
Did I leave your favourite product off my list? Comment and let me know!
Want more catalogue fun? Check out my Catalogue Scavenger Hunt! Send me your answers by May 31st for a chance at a prize!
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– card I received
– my CASE’d version
