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