C.A.R.E. Group  

Cards Are a Real Encouragement

I am starting a group of ladies within our Stamp & Scrappers that meet once a month to create some quick cards of encouragement to 

those we know (and maybe don't really know) and send them out.  I have been praying about this for some time now and it seems to be the time to put it into motion.

Any prayer requests shared will be simple. We only need to know that someone needs a smile and a hug on paper.  Come with 3-4 people in mind you would like to encourage.  Bring addresses if you have them handy.

Anyone interested can come.  There is no charge for this meet like a workshop.  Cards will be simple and bringing your own to complete is fine too.  No new techniques or products promoted.

This is a time for us to use our hobby to help someone.  God will bless us as we bless others.  Isn't that what cards are all about?

I would be open to starting something like this for a ladies group in your church or in your home.  We will discuss this at our April 1st Workshop.  Come with questions and ideas.

Happy Stamping,

DixieSue

Isn't this just the Cutest?

I love making cards.  But it wasn't cards that got me interested in stamping and creating. 

 It was tags.

I think you can dress up any small gift (in this case it is a cookie), and just make it look like the cutest thing ever.  I couldn't pass this up if it was offered as a favor or a small gift.  Even if someone has had a bad morning at work, finding this on their desk after lunch  would totally lift their spirits--even if it didn't fix all the problems.  

Isn't that the magic of stamping?

It's that personal touch. It's a smile on paper that transfers to someone else when given.

This little Stampin Up Stamp Set is called Perfect Mix (#142933).  You can find it on page 35 of the Occasions Catalog.  I have promoted it several times because it is a cute set to use for Mother's Day, or for your friend that loves her kitchen.

And of course it makes adorable tags!

It will be available through May 31st.

www.DixieSue.stampinup.net

Happy Stamping! 

We are busy, but are we productive?

HAPPY MAIL OR A QUICK TEXT

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so----

There are two pieces of mail in this stack that makes me want to stop what I am doing and open them.  If you guessed the bills you are wrong. 

Something about a note or card in the mail is special.  A text or message on line is important too and has it's place in our lives.  Everybody is busy, and our time gets away from us,  You have to make time to encourage others, but the rewards are so great for both the sender and the receiver.  A birthday card, sympathy card, get well, or just thinking of you card can make those bills a little easier to handle.  Some notes are more difficult to write. Just a line or two to express you thought of their situation is all that is needed to send comfort.  

I would like to think that my Stamp & Scrappers out there didn't make cards to just make themselves happy (even though that is always a byproduct), but rather to make someone else have a happier day.

If you have never made cards and would like to learn, I do offer a beginning stamping class.  The rewards are many--.  Making great friends is one of the benefits of stamping groups.  Message or contact me for information on my classes and workshops.  I would love to have you as another member of the Stamp & Scrappers.

Happy Stamping,

DixieSue

Don't forget your Valentine

Hallmark isn't the only one who can make cards.  Bet you can too--

This set shown is from Stampin Up's Occasion catalog.  It is called "Sealed with Love". 

See how just a wrap of paper around a piece of chocolate makes it so much more.  

And don't forget that just a touch of color, glimmer and ribbon finishes the gift.

To all my stamping friends---Have a Happy Valentine's Day! 

  Always tell the ones you love that you love them.  

There are just Some People----

that we need to send a special card to.  Even people that always seem to be on top of the world have days that they need encouragement.  Life gets to everyone.  Think of someone that you would never think needs encouragement and send them a card.  You just might make their day!  

Happy Stamping!

Dixie Sue

Hey Chicks, February Workshop is Coming!

In our next workshop we are going to get a jump on Easter.  I know, it's not Valentines Day yet, but by our February 18th workshop that will be history and we will be looking for spring!  I am already.  We already have many ladies booked to attend the morning or afternoon session.  I have one more opening in the afternoon, and a couple in the morning.  Let me know if you are interested.  The cost is $10.00. 

SPOILER ALERT:     We are each making one of these adorable egg cartons to fill with surprises for someone special.  Message me for details.

I hope you are all having a great week.  Stay well in this flu season, and remember those who are under the weather with a card.  Keep some on hand to send.

Happy Stamping,

Dixie Sue 

Somedays You Just Have To Play!

When I started pulling out dies, embossing folders, and card stock today I had no idea what I was going to come up with.  It's nice what you have a couple of hours to just play with tools you have on hand and create at will.  There is actually more work involved in these than it seems.  Each tea cup is backed with a piece of die cut card stock to give then more stability, then stacked and mounted.  I just found it tons of fun to mix and match paper to give a whimsical look to these cards.  I listed a set on my Etsy store (I will link the listing below).

The die I used to cut these cups is called Cups & Kettle from Stampin Up.  It is a retired set.  So---

The tip of the day is---if you see something in a seasonal catalog that you love.  Don't wait to see if it will be appearing in the annual catalog.  Many of their sets and accessories retire with each catalog.  Some items sell out.  I love owning this set.  I have been asked to make several custom orders with it for events and teas.

The other tip for the day--take time occasionally to just play with your stamps and dies.  Inspiration can come in those quite times.

Happy Stamping!

Dixie Sue

https://www.etsy.com/listing/494933196/thank-you-cards-tea-cups-set-of-6

Be Yourself

Let your cards, scrapbook, or whatever you are making reflect who YOU are.  It is great to be inspired by someones work, or even case someones work when it does appeal to you , but you will not stay inspired to continue your craft if you try to become just like someone else.  We can always learn techniques, new ways of doing things, improve our layouts and grow---just don't loose yourself in the process.  When I open a card from Anne and can say  "So pretty, this just looks like something Anne would do."  Or  "So funny, sound just like Anne".  That's when I truly enjoy the card.  Its a hug or a smile in the mail from that person.

The cards, page layouts, whatever you are creating does not have to be ornate.  In fact, sometimes simple is better.  This card is made with the Hey Chick stamp set from Stampin Up's Sale-a-Bration catalog.  I used one of the simplest layouts ever.  It is going to a friend.  I'm hoping she opens it and says "Yep, that looks just like something Sue would send!"

Enjoy your craft.  Let it be an expression of you.  

Happy Stamping!

Dixie Sue   

Encourage someone today.

Why do you make cards?
Outside of the fact that it is TONS of fun, and you can see yourself creating something pretty cool with the tools available.  There is another reason for cards.  The reason that Hallmark has become so successful in their field.  Touching somebody's emotions.  Making them laugh, feel proud, encourage or give hope.  Just simple saying "I care about you".  How else can you send a hug across the miles to anyone.  They don't have to have a cell phone, navigate Facebook, or know the latest tunes.  Just open a hand made card from the mail.  The card itself says "I care"  no matter what it reads.
So I challenge you to create a card and send it--don't just file it away.
Use your talent to encourage someone else.

The card I made today uses the stamp set High Tide from the Occasions catalog.  There are several sentiments in this set that can be used to lift someone up.  I added a little white sand to the bottom over the stamped image of sand just to give a little interest.
Here is the link to this set (I hope I did this right).
Happy Stamping!
Dixie Sue
https://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=143006

I'm finally taking the plunge!

Everyone else looks so successful at this.  It all LOOKS so easy.  So, here I go, into the world of blogging.. Now don't get me wrong, I can talk about my passion of crafting and creating.  I have taught classes and workshops and met so many people who share my same interests.  I love the work I do.  I love sharing it just as much, so here I am.  I hope you enjoy my posts.  I am looking forward to meeting many more friends, and learning from you as well.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     I have been creating greeting cards as a hobby for 8 years or so--maybe longer.  Several years ago I decided to take that to the next level and signed up as a Stampin Up Demonstrator.  I have enjoyed every minute of that, and am now concentrating on growing my team and expanding my classes and workshops. I have an Etsy store that has expanded my network of contacts and friends around the world.  That has been a extraordinary experience.  I have met people and created friendships that are bound by the internet.  Some of these friendships have moved right on over to our emails so we can chat about our families.  I will never meet these people in this life, but seeing their email pop in to my inbox brings a smile to my face.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 That is one of the joys my job has brought me.  Maybe this blog, or other outlets will create a new network of "craft friends".  I will share some of the things I am working on with you.  Some pictures of my events may appear.  This may all be crazy at first, but hang with me, I will try to learn and make this as successful as it looks everywhere else.  

Happy Stamping!

Dixie Sue