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

Hootiful Happiness! with a Side of Retiring Goodies!

Welcome to Thanksgiving week!

     A few days ago I shared a peek at "mass production" here in my stampin' zone.  Well, see if you can tell what else has been happening on my table ... ...

Hint:  These little vests are ready to get a bit of texture.

Parts check .. ..  Time to find adhesive!

     Did you figure it out?!  If you already have the popular Owl Builder punch, no doubt you already know what's coming.    

     As it happens, I was sending out special gifts this past week to my Texas Rubber 'n Ink! team members, and these little owls were just hoot-begging to come out to spread the smiles!

Hootiful Happiness!

If you're interested in creating your own little Hootenanny production, you'll need these items:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Psssst!  The "Into the Woods" designer series paper collection is on the Retiring List!  *Click here for the list of retiring Holiday Catalog items discussed in the previous blog post and get your favorite items while they're still available.   

Thanks for sharing some of your moments with me today!
Inky hugs,

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Scoop'em Up! * Retiring Holiday Catalog Items

It's time to say goodbye to many items featured in the 2015 Holiday Catalog, but right now you have the opportunity to order your favorites.   Here's the scoop:

• Retiring stamps will only be available until December 28 and then they will become “while supplies last” until January 4, 2016.
• Retiring accessories are “while supplies last” now...some will sell out right away.

**Click Here to see the Retiring List pdf

Please Note:  

• The retiring products are only available while supplies last. The lists of retiring products will be updated every business day.
• Remaining inventory for retiring products may appear later on the Clearance Rack.
• NA Note: Due to high demand for retiring stamps, we’ll keep producing retiring stamps until December 28 (not accessories-accessories are only while supplies last).

Check out these Q & A's from Stampin' Up!

Q: Will you order more retiring products if we run out before the end of the catalog sales period?

A: Our intent is always to have products for the entire sales period, though occasionally products perform better than anticipated. If seasonal products (except stamps) can be ordered and received in time for the holiday for which they were designed, we will order more. Otherwise, items on the retiring list will be sold only while supplies last. In the North American market, stamps are guaranteed to be available until one week before the catalog sales period ends. After that time, they will be available only while supplies last.
Q: Why doesn’t Stampin’ Up! just order more products when inventory is low?
A: Purchase order lead time (or the time it takes to get products from the point of ordering to the point of delivery) can take 60 days or more. Because of this, we don’t always have sufficient time to get products to our warehouse before the catalog sales period ends.
Q: When an item is listed on the Retiring List, does that automatically mean that we have low inventory of that item?
A: No.
Q: Why is the list called “Retiring List” and not “Retired List”?
A: “Retired List” suggests that the products are already retired. “Retiring List” correctly denotes that the products on the list are not yet (but are soon to be) retired and will not carry over to the next catalog.
Q: Why did Stampin’ Up! change the retiring product policy for seasonal catalogs?
A: During the past several months, Stampin’ Up! has been aligning programs and processes to provide as much consistency in our offerings as possible. As part of this effort, we are now providing a retiring list for all of our catalogs (not just the annual catalog).

Time to Take Time

It happens to all of us.   "Suddenly" happens, and everything changes.  Thus, just as suddenly as difficult life events come up, our creative responses must be adjusted.   This was created for someone who is still hurting deeply ...

Rather than using add-on embellishments, I chose to use dimension and simplicity to send a subtle sense of soothing ... if that's even possible during such sad times.  

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The journey of grief varies as much as we individuals.  We can alleviate one another's physical pain with medicines and other treatments.  Yet relieving one's profound grief is impossible for us to do for someone else.  For me, my Faith in God has brought me through the worst and best of times.  For others, however, that is not the case.  We can simply do what we can, and for those of us who do pray, we can keep one another lifted in prayer.   (Please excuse this brief "editorial" ... the words wanted to be shared, so I gave in.)
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The sentiment on the front of my card is from the beautiful 'Best Thoughts' hostess stamp set.  It's likely to remain a part of my stamp collection for a very long time, as I love the font and size of this stamp as well as the beautiful floral image in the set.  If you would like to have this beautiful set in your own collection, just contact me for details on setting up an order for $150+ from the current Stampin' Up! catalogs!  Or, I'm happy to arrange a workshop for you and your friends either in person or online.  Hostesses with a workshop value of $150 or more are entitled to purchase this set as part of their benefits!

For the inside, I've chosen a favorite stamp from the retired 'Close As a Memory' stamp set from Stampin' Up!  Typically, I share only current products ... but here's a perfect reason why I believe in keeping our own personal favorites.  This is from one of my "go-to" stamp sets for obvious reasons.  An alternative idea would be to print your favorite quote or scripture onto card stock, then die cutting it to coordinate with the rest of your creation.  I'm glad to be able to share a part of myself with others via card making.  Giving simply feels good.  

If you are looking for a demonstrator, a creative coach, or even class instruction, I would adore the opportunity to enable you!  And, I always welcome happy individuals to my delightful team here at Texas Rubber + Ink!  New demos start discount shopping immediately, and our team enjoys constant communications + sharing as a group for creative inspiration and more.   Please just let me know how I can help you!

Inky hugs,

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Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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Tag Time & a Mass Production Peek!

Back from the fabulous OnStage event in Dallas ... and my smile is still going strong across my face!  I have lots of things to share with you, but today I'll start with some tag inspiration. 

My tag was created for Laura Fernsler's 'Over the Top Tags' swap here at the Dallas OnStage event:

I don't often participate in swaps, but I knew that two of my favorite demo friends would be here from other states.  In fact, while at Convention last July, I think I told them that if they would attend OnStage in Texas ... I would join their swaps.   No further explanation required ... but for those who haven't savored the wonders of swaps yet ... ...

On the way to swapping, one must do the following:

• designing a project & determining sizes, colors, theme, elements, + products required
• getting down to the nitty gritty:  cutting
• more nitty gritty:  assembly
• details:  bag'em up, label as required for the swap guidelines

Largest die from the Oval Framelits Collection,
textured with Softly Falling embossing folder,
topped with Striped Scallops die cut

Oh how I adore the Festive Flower Builder punch with
petals stamped with the Reason for the Season stamp set!
L. O. V. E. this bundle ... yes I do.

Poinsettias are ready ... set to be affixed to tags!

Finally ready to swap!

How about you?  

Have you been up to something stampy & crafty?!  

I'd love to be considered as your Stampin' Up! demonstrator if you're looking for stamping supplies & inspiration.  Or if you'd like to share in the further joys of my Texas Rubber & Ink! team and your own everyday discount on fabulous Stampin' Up! stamps & products, I welcome your emails/contacts at any time.  

Thanks for the moments you've shared with me today!

Inky huggss,

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'Tis the Season for a Tag!

It's time for some inspiration from ...

This month Kelly Schirmer has challenged us to create a tag to coordinate with a gift wrap!  Well, that's definitely going to be on everyone's to-do list soon enough ... so the timing seems positively perfect to me!  Thanks, Kelly!

Poinsettia fans, I hope you like it!

I have a heartfelt connection to poinsettias via my beloved Aunt and Uncle with whom I spent many summers.  Because these precious family members were nursery owners, I was blessed to be somewhat infused with floral scents + visuals, grand colors of countless blooms, the sweet aromas of rich planting soils + gently watered seedlings. Later in years, I received the most beautiful hanging poinsettia plant "ever" from their own nursery during one of their visits to my own home when my children were still young.  Needless to say, the fabulous Festive Flower Builder Punch was right at the top of my first list from the Holiday Catalog.  This one features Cherry Cobbler + Old Olive card stocks. My tag coordinates with the Season of Cheer designer paper shown in the background ... which to me, seems much like a vintage designed wrapping paper.   My "Tis the Season" sentiment + accompanying motif are from the beautiful Peaceful Pines stamp set.  Oh .... I'm so smitten with the Gold Cording Trim from the Holiday Catty!  {Note to self ... I need more for hanging ornaments!}

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You're invited to visit my fabby + talented Challenge Chicks colleagues for even more inspiring ideas!  We love for you to join in the challenge with us, too.  Just link your creations back to our Facebook page, and use the challenge keyword, CHXNOV15, in your gallery uploads on your favorite sites for sharing.

Kelli Jo

Diane Zechman

Lydia Fiedler

Jeanne Streiff

Kelly Schirmer

Kittie Caracciolo

Vicki Garrett

Holly McMillen

I'd love to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator and am always happy to assist you in any way that I can in your stamping and paper crafting journey.  You're always welcome to contact me with questions & ideas.  If you're interested in joining the Stampin' Up! family, there's an empty spot here just waiting for "you"!

>>>> Psssssst! <<<<  What'cha doing on Friday the 13th?  (Nov. 13, 2015)    Check out this link if you'd like to stamp with some mighty fine friends in Dallas!  You're invited!

Inky (((hugs))),

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What to Do on Friday the 13th?!

>>>>>>   UPDATE:  Registration has now closed.  1:00 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10 <<<<<

Stamp with us in Dallas, Texas!

Dallas UNWIND Mini Retreat OnStage Live!

Stampers!  Paper crafters!  SU Demonstrators!  

Whether you live in the Dallas area, anywhere in Texas or surrounding states, visiting Dallas for shopping or sporting events, but you would love to come stamp with friends?  Sign up today and gather your basic stampy supplies for a delightful day of stamping on Friday, November 13 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join me and Lydia Fiedler of Understandblue at our Dallas UNWIND Mini Retreat on Friday, November 13th at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas.   And as a special new addition ... we're tickled to announce Ronda Wade as our Guest Presenter!

Bring your basic stamping kit with favorite adhesives, snips, bone folder, baby wipes, etc. as though you were sitting down to stamp the day away ... and your camera, of course!  We'll provide the materials kits, pre-cut card stock, papers, instruction, inks, stamps, etc.  Invite a stampy friend or two and make your reservations today for a fabby + fun day of creative joy!  Prizes??  Absolutely!

***Get Your Mini-Retreat Reservations Here!

Time is running out, so please don't wait & miss out.   Tickets are $50 and includes a full-day pass to the mini-retreat, a goodie bag and a chance at prizes.

Please note - no refunds can be given, because we are on the hook for the venue, so purchase with care! If you are unable to attend, your ticket is transferable - so just contact us for help with that process.



>>>>>>   UPDATE:  Registration has now closed.  1:00 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10 <<<<<

Inky (((hugs))) ... and a big helping of "Hope to see you next week!"