Time for More Presents - Really!

What?

More presents?!

Time to start plan a jump-start on birthday cards for the coming year!   

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Ready for something really fun 'n fresh?
How about adding pop-up cards to your stash, courtesy of Stampin' Up!'s Party Pop-Up Thinlits die, available for ordering on January 5 from the new Occasions Catalog!

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Birthday cards take on a brand new dimension packed with fun!  Just open the card to reveal a pop-up greeting that has never been easier to create.  I promise ... super-easy! 

Tex's Tip:  Just score the midline of your inside card stock or DSP (designer series paper), then lay the die on top.  No specific measurements are required as long as your die fits with visually-pleasing margins on all sides. The die actually includes arrow markings to be lined up atop the midline score.  Use your Magnetic Platform for this ... the Precision plate is not necessary for a great cut on this one.  

Notice the glitz?  After die cutting the Happy Birthday, I used the Confetti Textured Impressions folder to create dimension.  Then I brushed on Gold Wink of Stella for an easy dazzle!  (Look for Wink of Stella in the new Occasions Catalog!)  Gold, black, + white sequins are in Stampin' Up!'s Metallic Sequins Assortment.  

Since the inside practically shouts out 'Happy Birthday', I chose this fun sentiment from the Party Wishes stamp set, and added some little splatter dots with Gorgeous Grunge, just to coordinate with the It's My Party designer series paper stack.  Wait until you see this set!  It also includes 'Happy Birthday', 'Make a Wish', and a cute sentiment, "A Party without Cake is Just a Meeting"  .... with additional images that have cute bitty punches to coordinate!

Happy new stamping season to you!  Please let me know if I can help you in any way!

Inky (((hugs))),

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

When Creating Seems Difficult

It's good to be back!  I hope each of you had beautiful memories and times shared with loved ones over the celebration days of Christmas!   

Today I'm sharing a non-celebratory card.  It's actually my first creation featuring the upcoming Rose Wonder stamp set and coordinating Rose Garden Thinlits dies. 

I had just received this beautiful stamp set and coordinating dies when the need arose for sympathy cards.  

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I hoped to keep the entire creation clean and subtle.  The same rose outline die was used to create a subtle indentation on the inside by using a rubber embossing mat beneath the die instead of placing the die and card stock directly upon the cutting plate.  

I adore using the Misti placement tool for exact placement of stamps, especially in precise situations such as I needed on this card, both front and inside.  

Here's to a sweet last week of 2015 to you!  May your creative endeavors be fruitful!  Please contact me at any time for your paper crafting needs or questions.  I truly enjoy being your Stampin' Up! demonstrator and hopefully a creative inspiration for you as well.

Inky (((hugs))),

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

No Ribbons - No Rhinestones!

Here's a clean + simple card for last-minute stamping ... just made a couple of these up this morning and I'm happy to announce that they have been stamped and are now officially in the hands of the USPS.   

No ribbons ... no rhinestones.  Simple design.

Now that might sound bland or uninteresting ... but hopefully you'll agree that bland + uninteresting are also in the 'no' category here.  

Sentiments on the card front and inside are both from the Reason for the Season stamp set.  I've used the set's poinsettia elements time and time again this season, but no images were included this time.  Elegant shine is courtesy of heat embossing in gold, Red Foil paper sheets, and the beautiful Holidays Fancy Foil Designer Series paper collection.   It's all set atop the wonderful Whisper White Thick card stock .. perfect for card bases.

Thank you so much for your Stampin' Up! patronage everyone!  Whether you shop solely online, or you also attend classes here, I thank you.  I'm here whenever you have questions or paper crafting needs.  Just click to reach out via email.

Inky (((hugs))),

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Snow Flurries with Pockets!

Back in Texas ... just in time for the final Christmas "countdown" after a trip back to my childhood home turf in Oklahoma.  Much to my surprise, I found myself driving in a true "flurry" of snow!  On my second day there, I needed to drive to a memorial service ... and the heavy clouds opened to drop a true flurry of blowing snow throughout the hour's drive.  Wow!  My shiny, clean car followed truck after truck .... and quickly took on the appearance of an off-road 4-wheeling adventure vehicle.  Gah!

Thus, I've come to share a little something featuring the beautiful Flurry of Wishes stamp set, paired with Season of Cheer designer series papers from the Holiday Catalog.  It's one of the Christmas projects I taught at our Unwind Mini Retreat in October.  

This snowflake coordinates with the Flower Medallion punch from  page 167 in the Annual Catalog.   I've placed an Iced Rhinestone in the center and looped some Silver Metallic Thread behind for some subtle sparkle.

Tags, anyone?  

The Ornate Tag Topper punch was used for this sample ... I love the distinctive architectural look! For a different look, try the Scalloped Tag Topper punch ... both are found on page 165 of the Annual Catalog.  

Did you notice the pair of snowflakes on the bottom of the 2nd tag?  The coordinating Snow Flurry punch cuts both of those snowflakes to perfection!  

Anyone out there have Christmas all ready, set, finished?  Well, I'm still going to be finishing some Christmas cards today and wrapping gifts.  My Oklahoma dash has put my schedule in a bit of a 'flurry' around here ... but at least "this" flurry isn't slippery, blowing sideways, or bone-chilling ... so bring it!

Please let me know if you have questions or needs.  I'm happy to help in any way.  

Inky (((hugs))),

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Ice, Ice, Baby!

'Tis the 2nd week of December:   Time to bring you the latest Challenge Chicks Challenge!

Lydia .... keep in mind that she stays tucked in warmly, farther down in Central Texas ... and of all people, she has come up with "Ice, Ice, Baby!"  as our challenge!  Now she is not a fan of any temps below the 60's at all ... so this challenge really gave me a bit of a chuckle upon first read.   

The Challenge Chicks are a group of stampy chicks who have stamped together through the years on various design teams and/or Splitcoaststampers.  

Some of us get the pleasure of each other's company from time to time at different events, but we've joined together to continue stamping online monthly just for the joy of sharing!  We invite you to stamp along in the challenge, upload your card to our Challenge Chicks page on Facebook, and to your online gallery, Pinterest, etc.  This month's keyword for your gallery upload is CHXDEC15.  Use a clear element on your creation to represent the Ice, Ice, Baby! challenge, such as clear embossing, acetate, clear liquid adhesive, etc.  Then c'mon and play with us!

To create the illusion of an icy Winter's day out in the pasturelands, I stamped images from the Sheltering Tree stamp set with Pool Party and Smoky Slate inks.  Thanks to my Misti, I was then able to stamp directly over the colored inks with VersaMark ink, then dust with Clear Embossing Powder and heat emboss all trees to a clear shine as though fully coated with a layer of ice.  

The effect really came into being when I used my Whisper White Craft ink pad to smudge white ink directly across the image layer in streaks.  Once I was pleased with the smudgy ink application, I heat embossed the inked areas with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder.   

The Basic Gray image layer was dry embossed with the Softly Falling Textured Impressions folder, then dabbed with VersaMark.  I heat embossed this layer with Iridescent Ice EP as well, so the icy effect extended beyond the white image layer.    

I need to send some very special Thank You's to some teachers who took exceptional care when a child I love deeply was bullied harshly last week.  Not knowing any of them personally, perhaps this card will fit the need in at least one case.  Tex's Soap-box Moment:  We Must Listen!  When anyone is bullying, it's up to each of us to take a stand.  Each of us must be willing to make a difference with immediate assistance and be sure that teaching follows for all involved.

Ready for more Ice, Ice, Baby inspiration?!  Slide on along to see what the rest of the Chicks are sharing!

• anna wight
• bev gerard
• dawn lusk
• deb felts
• diane zechman 
• holly mcmillen
• jeanne streiff
• kelli hull
• kelly schirmer
• kittie caracciolo
• lydia fiedler
• vicki garrett

#HC2015,  #stampinup,  #ublue

Thanks for your stampy patronage, m'friends!  I'm right here to help, to share, and hopefully to spread a bit of inspiration your way.  Please email me with any needs or requests!  I have room for you on my delightful team, whether you'd like your very own discount on the remarkable Stampin' Up! products or if you wish to share the joys of paper crafting with others.   

Inky (((hugs))),

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Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Calypso Bliss Thanks!

I have a new card and a fun color combo too ... Calypso Coral + Blackberry Bliss!  

Ooooh!  This features the upcoming Sunburst Sayings stamp set, and Wildflower Fields designer series paper, all available on January 5 in the Occasions Catalog.  

 

And, take a look at the close-up pic!  Do you see the shimmer I've added to the strip of dsp?   Some of you might recognize that fabulous shimmery glitz ... Coming up in the Occasions 2016 Catalog will be the delicious shimmery Wink of Stella pens!  I've used the clear on these little dandelion images.  You're going to adore the easy brush-on application from the pen, and the super-fast dry time.  I think I squealed out loud when I heard the Wink of Stella announcement at the recent Stampin' Up! OnStage event here in Dallas ... but I know for sure that I wasn't the only one letting out my happy emotion! 

Just in case you've wondered about 'how to get new ideas' when you join Stampin' Up! ... this card design was featured in the weekly email I receive from Stampin' Up!  I changed a couple of things ... punched the strip of dsp with the Washi Label Punch, omitted some cutting, snipping, and ribbon and here's my really quick version of an idea shared to all demonstrators by Stampin' Up!  There's no cause for concern over where to get inspiration when you're a part of my team.  Email to chat about it any time.  

My December Host Code for your online orders is:  4CGPNPJ.   Did you know that you can use the host code even when you're ordering only from the Clearance Rack or the latest Weekly Deals? Yep .... no matter what catalog, no matter what combination.  

It was an absolutely Wow-Worthy day here in North Texas today ...  for sure!  Hope you're having something wonderful in your day!

Inky (((hugs))),

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Box Opening & Happy Dancin'!

Today's regularly scheduled studio plans came to a screeching halt!
Why???

Look what arrived one whole day earlier than expected!

My pre-order from the upcoming Occasions 2016 Catalog!

And in box on top?  Yeah ... I was so tickled when I opened that one that I gathered up stuff right then to play with my newest favorite tool!   

Here's my "grand opening" .... 

The new Stampin' Up! Big Shot Brush will be available in January from the upcoming Occasions 2016 Catalog, along with the Bloomin'  Hearts Thinlits that I featured in my video above.  For now, my store still contains the goodies from the Holiday 2015 Catalog and the big Share, Create, Inspire catalogs.   

Oooohhhhh ... I have a new favorite toy today!!   Thanks for sharing in the fun with me!  I'm ready for any questions you might have, so email me at your convenience!  I would love to be your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and am happy to be of help in any way.

Inky (((hugs))),

Glitz, Texture, Merry!

Fact:  I have thoroughly enjoyed using the Christmas Greetings Thinlits this season.   These sentiment dies are a perfect way to add make a statement atop textured settings!   See what I mean?

Initially, I did consider adding a ribbon or thread to this card.   But in the end, I opted to leave the fabby upcoming Blushing Bride Glimmer Paper as the embellishment itself.  I so adore this new addition to the glimmer papers.  Glitzy, girly, pinkness, available in January from the Occasions Catalog!  Not to worry right now though, because this card looks great featuring Red or Gold Glimmer papers ....  I promise!

The entire idea started while using the Perfect Pines Framelits to create this uniquely textured tree featuring Corrugated Paper in white.  (Packages include 2 sheets white + 2 sheets kraft.)  Out comes my Softly Falling Textured Impressions embossing folder yet again!  Sponge Daubers are an excellent tool for adding White Craft Stampin' Pad ink to the raised dots for the feeling of drifting snow on the hillside.  The Crumb Cake trees are from the Peaceful Pines stamp set ... I think this particular tree image is my favorite just because it looks so natural.  

I'm always close by to answer your questions about this project or other stampy queries you might have.  Please feel welcome to contact me at your convenience.  

If your stampy wish list is longer than you thought, give some consideration to joining my team to take advantage of your own discount on Stampin' Up!'s wonderful products.  Just contact me to learn more and discover the benefits I offer to my team members!

Inky (((hugs))),

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Theatre? Ballet? Musical?

'Nutcracker', anyone?
Hoping for a special night at the theatre?
Orchestra evening?

Today, I'm sharing a tuxedo-style way to package those tickets!

Sharing those special tickets in this classy gift bag will defiitely let the recipient know that a splendid event is in store!  I've used one of the beautiful glossy papers from the Winter Wonderland Specialty designer series collection to create the bag itself and another choice from the same paper collection was used for the the bow.  The belly-band is a simple strip cut from the luscious Gold Foil Paper.   Tex's Tip:  Just to help clarify for those of you who haven't been able to use the Gold Foil in a recent class ... The "paper" name might make you think it's a thin product, but it's actually much closer to a nice card stock ... not thin or flimsy and can certainly be used as a box or other 3-D item as well.

I couldn't resist a little "glitz", so the 'enjoy' sentiment is die cut from Gold Glimmer paper.  The 'enjoy' die itself is one of the fun pieces included in the Mini Treat Bag Thinlits, which was used to create the bag!  Just use your trusty Bow-Builder punch for the perfect little "bow-tie" bow.  These bags are an easy way to present tickets, Godiva chocolate bars, or change it up for Ice Rink tickets or whatever suits the recipient!

Thank you much for remembering to use the current Host Code { 4CGPNBPJ } on your December online orders!  You're appreciated for sure!   I truly adore being your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, and want you to feel completely welcome to email me with any questions you might have.   

Psssst!   Today I've just pre-ordered lots of goodies from the upcoming Occasions Catalog, which goes "live" in January.  (See Bev smile!!)  What's even cooler is .... anyone who joins Stampin' Up! during this pre-order period can use the Occasions Catalog for selecting the items in their $99 starter kit!  Select $125 product value from the current Share the Fun catalog, the Holiday Catalog, and/or the upcoming Occasions Catalog to create your $99 kit!  
Click here to get started or contact me first right here!

Inky (((hugs))),

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Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Bitty Little Boxes for Bitty Little Gifts

I'm so glad this next little item is so easy to make .... 

because I've made a plenty of them over the past month for sure!

It all starts with the Gift Bag Punch Board ... 

Whether you attended the Mini Retreat in Dallas last month, or you've attended studio classes here in recent weeks, perhaps you've  received one of these little gifties from me.  (Hmmmmm ... I wonder if they'll show up again during December stampy events?)

These boxes are the perfect "little" size ... the smallest sized box with cutting measurements listed right on the Gift Box Punch Board.  Starting with a 6" square cut of card stock, results in these 1 & 7/8" cubes.  You'll never lose the directions or cutting information since it's printed right on the punch board.  Yay!

These are the perfect little size for "little" things ... and my tag gives you a "little" hint about what has been found inside at recent events.   Chocolate hugs 'n kisses, of course!    I've had lots of glimmer paper fun creating the tags from Crumb Cake card stock, plus both Dazzling Diamonds and Red Glimmer Paper!  

To create the tags, I used the little "xoxo" die from the Circle Card Thinlits dies, the Tags 'n Labels Framelits, and the Snow Flurry Punch.  It would be just as easy to use a larger die from the Tags 'n Labels set to create a batch of cute tags for your upcoming Christmas gifts too.  

My first versions were left smooth, but I sampled adding texture this time, using the 6" square Brick Wall, Softly Falling, and Woodland Textured Impressions folders.  Since the boxes started with 6" square cuts of paper, it was a perfect fit for the new, larger embossing folders.

So "how" does the Gift Box Punch Board work?  Check it out right here:

That's it for today my stampy friends!  If I can help you in any way with your stamping questions or paper crafting needs, I'd love to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator.   If you're already shopping with me, I appreciate your patronage to the moon 'n back!  If you use this host code { 4CGPNBPJ  } on your December online orders, you can expect some snail mail from me to you for sure!  Or, if you have a little creative itch that beckons you to create with a discount and a wealth of team inspiration + endless sharing, I've saved an opening just for you within my team.  Grab a cup of something good and email me to chat.  I'm as close as your keyboard or phone.   

Inky (((hugs))),

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Everyone's Doing It! * Making Spirits Bright!

Well ... maybe not "everyone".  I'll adjust that to "many of us" have been busy 'making spirits bright' by getting out there busying ourselves with shopping for those we treasure!   

Today's card features a couple of cool things:

• Among the Branches stamp set  --  It's on the retiring list, so here's a sample + a "heads up"!
• Got little pieces/scraps of dsp (Designer Series Paper) that you hate to toss?  Here's an easy idea!  Just use 2 pieces, flip one over to the reverse side for instant coordination, and your card-sized "shopping bags" are practically ready!  I've used the retiring-but-delightful Season of Cheer dsp.

At first, the WWhite background layer was left just white.  Then I opted to use the sweet little snowflake stamp from Among the Branches for the hint of falling snow.  An alternative would be to run the WWhite layer through the Softly Falling Textured Impressions embossing folder.  (When I look at my classroom samples, I'm more than a little surprised that I haven't worn my folder out already!)

See the little "tags" hanging from the "bags"?   Know what I used?   

Okay ....

Check the Perfect Pines Framelits set ... you know ... the dies that coordinate perfectly with the Peaceful Pines stamp set.   ;)   

See it?

That bitty little die meant to cut out the little "gift" in the Peaceful Pines set is shaped exactly like a wee little hang-tag!  Poke a hole in the top with your Paper Piercing Tool, add an inch of White Baker's Twine, and you've got a bitty tag!   Those eency stars are cut from Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper with the Confetti Stars punch.   The "faux" tissue stuffing in the dsp bags is just a bit of fan-folded Vellum.  Trim a bitty 1/8" strip of card stock for matching handles for the bags ... or use a little snip of 1/8" ribbon.

*Weekly Deals note:  The Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper is on the Weekly Deals at special savings through Monday, Nov. 30!  

Thanks to each of you who visit!  

Thanks big bunches to those who leave a little comment!  And for many of us, let's all be thankful for our joyous privilege of living here in the United States of America.   It's a blessing that I feel deeply.   

I have a love of stamping, a love of sharing what I know, and I'd love to be your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, whether here in my studio classes, or where ever you may be.  I can come right to you via video chats, emails, real "snail mail" (I like making cards ...), whatever you happen to need or prefer.  Ask me!  I'm happy to help as best I can.   

Oh ... if you're interested in discount shopping as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, or even interested in sharing your own love of paper crafting and stamping, I have a spot saved for you here on my fabby team at Texas Rubber 'n Ink!  Email me ... I'm happy to talk with you any time.  

Inky (((hugs))),

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Challenged ... Snow Way!

Had to play in the latest Global Design Project challenge , GDP012, to 'case the designer'!  The designer to case?  The one + only Brian King!  We could use Brian's card to inspire color, theme, style, stamps ... however the card inspires each stamper.  

I was taken with Brian's sketch, then I pulled out the same stamp set, flipped the sketch and chose snowmen rather than penguins ... The darling "Snow Place" stamp set has been begging to play here, and this was the perfect way to let it loose on the stampin' table!  

I created a happy snow-people family coming out to play in their early, unexpected snow!

And since I can barely stamp without using Stampin' Dimensionals, the playday needed dimension!

Note:  I've looked 'n looked for a pic from July's convention to share here ... but currently, that flash drive is MIA.  If it peeks out from it's amazing hiding spot, I'll update.   LOL  Letting it go for now 'n moooooooving on ... there are Thanksgiving preparations to get started here!  

Thanks ever so much for your online orders!  Remember that if you use the current Host Code CATXACAJ with your $30+ order right now, you'll be entered into my drawing for a stamp set from the upcoming Occasions 2016 Catalog!  This includes orders from the Online Extravaganza (sale ends Nov. 30 ... so hurry)!

Inky hugs!

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Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog