Gretchen Barron

Our First Snow!

It's snowing outside! I can't believe it! I always get so excited for the first snow ... more excited than my daughter even! It's so beautiful with the pristine, white snow covering everything. Once traffic begins troppling it down that will change, but right now as I type this and look out my window, the world is a beautiful place! I knew that I wanted to use Taylor VanBruggen's Sketch challenge for my card today, so of course, with fresh snow on the ground, I NEEDED to do a snowflake card! I began with a base of Real Red, cut 5 x 10" and folded in half for a 5" square card. I added a strip of Baja Breeze cardstock to the bottom of the card, layered with Chocolate Chip and added a strip of Chocolate Chip Taffeta ribbon across that, tying in a bow. The sentiment, from Many Merry Messages, is stamped with Chocolate Chip Ink. The center square is a 3" piece of Chocolate Chip and four squares of Ski Slope Designer Series Paper, punched with the 1 3/8" Square Punch (easy, so easy). The center red circle is punched with the new 1 3/4" Circle Punch and the glittered up Felt Flurry is attached with a Square Red Rhinestone Brad. The felt snowflake was glittered with 2-way glue and Dazzling Diamonds glitter. The circle was attached to the card using Stampin' Dimensionals.

Well, gotta get ready for church! We're Hanging the Greens today and I'm actually thinking about putting up our tree this afternoon (after we build a snowman, of course!). I'm so excited!

Don't forget the Holiday Extravaganza sale is also going on for one more day! Don't miss out on these incredible values on select bundled stamp sets and supplies! And, when you place a minimum $50 order (before S&H and tax) with me during the sale, I will send you a FREE set of Rub-ons -- your choice!

Happy frosty day, everyone! Blessings, Gretchen

Tags, Tags and More Tags!

Okay, you're making progress on your shopping but now you've got all those gifts to wrap! Yikes! I can help you make quick, easy and adorable Tags using Stampin' Up! Rub-ons! Rub-ons are a perfect solution for quick little projects like this! Look what I came up for you today! All these tags (yes, all 3) were made in about 20 minutes using Holiday Treasures Designer Series Paper and Season of Cheer and Word Flurries Rub-ons. Remember, they are on sale this week for 20% off! I cut the colored cardstock base of each tag at 5.5 x 2.75". The Whisper White second layer is 5.25 x 2.5". The upper corners of each layer are punched with the Tag Corner Punch and I used the Horizontal Slot Punch for the ribbon opening.

You can see close-up photos of each individual tag by clicking on the photos! Other punches used include the Small and Large Oval Punches, the Scallop Edge Punch and the 1 3/8" Circle and Scallop Circle Punches. Ribbons are Riding Hood Red 3/8" Taffeta and Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon. 

Don't forget the Holiday Extravaganza sale is also going on through Sunday night! Don't miss out on these incredible values on select bundled stamp sets and supplies! And, when you place a minimum $50 order (before S&H and tax) with me by Sunday night, November 30th, I will send you a FREE set of Rub-ons -- your choice!

Well, I'm going to sign off for today! I hope that you've had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday and weekend, filled with the people and things that you really love and are grateful for!

Stop by again soon and visit! I promise to bring you more ideas, information and inspiration!

Blessings, Gretchen

Don't Forget The Gift Cards!

As you're out (or online) shopping today, don't forget to pick up those handy gifts cards -- the perfect gift for everyone! And for the perfect gift you will need the perfect gift card holder! Well, these may not be perfect but they are pretty and so quick and easy to make using Stampin' Up! Rub-ons! Remember, the Rub-ons are on sale for 20% off until Sunday night, November 30th! Check out the flyer here!

Both these Gift Card Holders  use the Word Flurries Rub-ons (pg. 178 in the catalog) and Ski Slope Designer Series Paper, along with Baja Breeze and Chocolate Chip cardstock.

Isn't this first one cute? My upline, Judi Carpenter, shared this idea at our last gathering. It looks like a big ornament and indeed, would be cute as a package topper or hung on the tree! The back, scallop circle is cut with the Big Shot and the #4 Scallop Circle Die. The front consists of two circles cut with the Coluzzle Shape Cutting System. I applied the Rub-on and then put Dazzling Diamonds glitter on the little star bursts, using 2-way glue (click the photo to enlarge it and see the shimmer). The "hanger" is cut using the Round Tab Punch. I punched a hole with the Crop-a-Dile and tied on 3/8" Whisper White Satin ribbon, 1/4" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon and a little Silver Metallic cord for an extra bit of bling. Inside the card, punch 3 slits with the Slit Punch to hold your gift card and there you have it! Quick and easy!

The second Gift Card holder is equally as quick and easy to do. You begin with a base that is 4.75 x 3.75". The folded part is 3.5 x 11 inches and you score it at 4.5 and 9" and fold on the score lines. You cut the 1/2 using a Circle punch and secure the smaller flap using two brads (see the smaller inside detail photo). Then you just decorate the front as you like. Your gift card slips inside easily!

There you go! Two more quick and easy projects for the Holidays using the versatile Stampin' Up! Rub-ons! Have I convinced you yet that you really need to order these while they're on sale! Let me know if I can help you with that!

Don't forget the Holiday Extravaganza sale is also going on through Sunday night! Don't miss out on these incredible values on select bundled stamp sets and supplies!

Happy Shopping and Gift-Giving, everyone!

Blessings, Gretchen

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

You may have seen this card before but I wanted to post it again today as my personal Thanksgiving Card to each and every one of you, my faithful Blog readers. I am so very grateful for the encouragement, support and inspiration that you give to me through your visits and comments here and by the e-mails you send! Thank you, each and every one. Please accept my wishes and prayers for a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Blessings, Gretchen

Supplies: This card uses the Harvest Home and Best Yet stamp sets and the Autumn Vine DSP  from the Holiday Mini Catalog. I colored in the main image with the following inks: More Mustard, Real Rust, Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red and Old Olive, all applied with a Blender Pen. The edges of everything are inked in Chocolate Chip. The tiny leaves are cut out from the three leaf stamp (see the small photo for the inside of the card) and popped them up on Stampin' Dimensionals. I also used a tiny bit of 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon in Chocolate Chip and the Curly Label and Scallop Edge Punches.

The Holiday Extravaganza Sale is NOW!

All I can say is, Oh My Goodness!!! You are not going to believe the specials that Stampin' Up! is offering beginning NOW through Sunday night, November 30th! 50% off on stamp sets like All in the Family and Accessories (in a bundle)  and select sport sets (The Manly Man's Bundle). 40% off on Autumn Harvest, Snow Burst, A Good Egg and Something New to Love (Seasonal Stamper's Bundle). 30% off select chipboard, embellishments, the Curly Label Punch Bundle, Glitter and Embossing Supplies (all in bundles). I could go on and on but why don't you check out the attached PDF which lists all the bundled specials and their sale prices!

In addition to the sale items, we have something for everyone on your shopping list. Before you head out to shop Pre-Thanksgiving or on Black Friday, check here first. I can save you gas, time and frustration! What about our Stack and Store Turnabouts (page 195) which are perfect for small nails, washers, etc on your husband's work bench. Or Tattoo Kits (page 194) for all the nieces and nephews (and great for stocking stuffers).  Don't forget personalized stamps for Grandma with an ink pad in her favorite color, or a ink pad that says "FOR DEPOSIT only"  for your favorite booster organization or business owner (page 159).  What about blank journals for a traveler or young adult on your list (page 181, decorated and personalized by you, of course) or how about a pair of our scissors for you favorite scrapper or crafter (page 192). For More gift ideas, check out this Holiday Gift-Giving Guide and Gift Suggestions Under $50!

Shopping in one place is a win-win situation for you and there is not a store out there that will give you the following for spending $150 or more 
   1. ME - your personal demonstrator to provide gift tags and bags for your purchases, as well as follow up on ideas for use, and answers and support. That's right, if you place an order for $150 or more, I will send you a set of hand-made, beautifully embellished gift tags!
   2. FREE LEVEL I hostess set
   3. $15 to spend anyway you want - you are not limited to door busters, stock on hand and you don't need a coupon!
   4. FREE '09 catalog - valued at $10
   5. Increased FREE gifts the more you spend
   6. The convenience of shopping online in your pj's with no crowds at any time, day or night
   7. The savings of time and gas
   8. Exactly what you want 
   9. AND DON'T FORGET THE FABULOUS DISCOUNTS OFFERED ON THE BUNDLED ITEMS (only until Sunday) and a FREE set of Rub-ons (my gift to you) on any order of $50 placed before Sunday evening (if you order online, I will send these to you separately -- just let me know your choice of Rub-ons).

When you order, it is to your advantage to use our Online order system to make sure your order is placed and finalized before the limited bundles and sale items are gone. I will do my best to help you, if you need help, but by far, the best option is to place the order yourself, online, and check it off your list!

Here's how to order online:

- Enter my Stampin' Up! website at www.stampinwithgretchen.stampinup.net

-  On the top right corner of this site, click on the little gold button with red writing saying 'SHOP NOW". It is right under my contact information.

- takes you right into Stampin Up.  For your first time, click on NEW CUSTOMER - SET UP ACCOUNT (right side).

- enter your mailing address (does not accept post office box numbers), it also requires your telephone number (UPS needs that).  You also need a password.

- You can shop anything from any current catalog. To find the Bundled Holiday Specials, click on "specials" (on the left side-bar) and then click on "Holiday Extravaganza".

There, now you are ready to shop.  I would advise doing this ahead of time as I get the feeling this web site is going to be very busy on Thursday.  Stampin Up has never had a sale like this and there are limited quantities of some bundles, so you want to be prepared.

Remember, if you spend $150. you receive hostess rewards, so watch for the prompts that come up.  If you spend more than $20. you will also get a prompt for the Rub-On sale this month (20% off) and at the end of the transaction it will ask you to choose your hostess set.  The pictures are very tiny - click on them, they get bigger.

If you spend at least $50, I will send you (as a personal gift from me) your choice of any set of Rub-ons. After your order is placed, e-mail me with your choice of sets (page 178-179 in the catalog or any of the sets from the Holiday mini catalog), and I will order these and send them to you separately. Also, if you spend $150 or more, I will send you a set of beautiful, hand-made gift tags!

If you do not enter this site through a demonstrator's website, you will not get Hostess Sets or cash rewards and prices for product are higher - just so you know.  Also, remember, I will always be there as your personal assistant to help you with problems and give you ideas and inspiration with your new toys!

E-mail if you have questions and Happy Shopping, everyone!

Blessings, Gretchen

Glitter on Rub-ons? Yes!

Good Morning! As promised, each day this week I will focus on Rub-on's and things you can do with them. Did you ever think about embellishing Rub-ons with glitter? Well, you can ... and it's easy! Can you see the sparkle on this card? (click on it for a larger, more detailed view). All I did was apply 2-way Glue to the parts of the design that I wanted to highlight with glitter, and then sprinkled on Dazzling Diamonds! That's it. Rub-ons make it possible to make such quick and easy cards and scrapbook pages and now, if you want to add a little bling, that's easy and quick as well. Give it a try!

Card base is Chocolate Chip with a layer of Ski Slope Designer Series Paper. The scallop circle was cut with the Big Shot and the #4 Scallop Circle Die. The White Circle was cut with the Coluzzle Shape Cutting System. The Rub-on set is Word Flurries (pg. 178 in the catalog and ON SALE this week!). Little Felt Flurries in White and Baja Breeze also have glitter applied to them (pounce the glue pen on the felt to saturate with glue and then dip in or sprinkle on Dazzling Diamonds. Let dry before you apply to your project). I also used Clear Rhinestone Brads (from the Pretties Kit) and 3/8" White Taffeta Ribbon.

This entire week is dedicated to Stampin' Up! Rub-ons. They are on sale, you know for 20% off! Click here for more information. And what's even better than a sale? How about FREE product! Yes, you can receive a pack of Stampin' Up! Rub-ons absolutely FREE with a minimum $50 order placed through me by November 30th! If you order online (click here and then click on "shop now" at the top of the page), simply e-mail me with your choice of Rub-on sets and I will send them to you separately. If you order directly through me by e-mail, the Rub-ons will be included with your order when it arrives at your home. Either way, you are a WINNER!

Remember to check out my New Online Store Window by clicking here or on the left-side bar for cards, kits and samplers available from me at Inspiration in Action. More items will be added this week!

Stop by again soon! And don't forget the Holiday Extravaganza sale, beginning tomorrow! It's so secret that not even demonstrators know what is going to be on sale but the promised discounts are great! From 20-50% off selected bundled items ... great for gift-giving! Stop by tomorrow morning to find out what all the buzz is about and check out more information on my Stampin' Up! website.

I can't wait to find out what Stampin' Up! has up it's sleeve!

Blessings, Gretchen

Shhhhhhhhh! THE HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA SALE IS A SECRET!

Stampin' Up! is being very hush-hush about this sale which begins tomorrow morning, November 26th! They're not even telling the demonstrators what will be on sale. But they are promising deep discounts -- from 20-50% off selected bundled items! WOW! I hope you're as excited about this as I am! Be sure and visit here on my blog or on my Stampin' Up! Website in the morning to find out what all the buzz is about. And oh yes, quantities will be limited on all items so if you see something you want, place your order early! You can order directly from my website by clicking on "shop now" at the top of the page or you can e-mail me and I'll take care of putting the order in for you. The quickest and best way, however, will be to place the order online yourself!

Oh, I can't wait!

See you tomorrow! Blessings, Gretchen

Rub-ons Aren't Just for Paper!

You heard me right! Rub-ons aren't just for paper! They can be used in all sorts of ways -- on glass and mirrors, on wood and plastic, on ribbon and acrylic, and of course on paper and cardstock! Look at these darling candles that I decorated quickly and easily using nothing but Stampin' Up! Rub-ons and the gorgeous Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla Striped Grosgrain ribbon from the Holiday Mini Catalog! Can't you think of a few people on your gift-giving list who would love to receive one of these? Co-workers, teachers, beautician, neighbor, friend ...

This entire week is dedicated to Stampin' Up! Rub-ons. They are on sale, you know for 20% off! Click here for more information. And what's even better than a sale? How about FREE product! Yes, you can receive a pack of Stampin' Up! Rub-ons absolutely FREE with a minimum $50 order placed through me by November 30th! If you order online (click here and then click on "shop now" at the top of the page), simply e-mail me with your choice of Rub-on sets and I will send them to you separately. If you order directly through me by e-mail, the Rub-ons will be included with your order when it arrives at your home. Either way, you are a WINNER!

Remember to check out my New Online Store Window by clicking here or on the left-side bar for cards, kits and samplers available from me at Inspiration in Action. More items will be added this week!

Stop by again tomorrow for more Rub-on Inspiration! I hope to see you then!

Blessings, Gretchen

Elegant Embossed Christmas

The inspiration I have to share with you today is simple and elegant! My Club ladies did this card as one of their projects this month and love the simplicity of it. In this hectic and crazy time of year, we want to do it all but the reality is, we can't. This simple, yet elegant Christmas card will allow you to send beautiful hand-made greetings without spending hours working on them. I began with a card base of Kraft Cardstock. The second layer of Whisper White has the large flourish from Baroque Motifs stamped in Versamark and embossed with Gold Embossing Powder. Next is a layer of Brushed Gold Cardstock (I so love that paper) and another layer of Whisper White with the simple message from the Christ is Born stamp set, again embossed in Gold. I used the Ticket Corner Punch on all four corners. That's it -- simple, elegant, quick and affordable! Sounds like a perfect combination for this Holiday season for me!

Remember to check out my New Online Store Window by clicking here or on the left-side bar for cards, kits and samplers available from me at Inspiration in Action. More items will be added soon!

  Don't forget that our wonderful Rub-ons are all on sale right now for 20% off when you place an order of $20 in regular priced merchandise. Click herefor more information. Rub-ons and all the great Stampin' Up! supplies and sets can be ordered online or directly through me. For online ordering, click here and then click on "shop now" at the stop of the page.

Well, it's time to get moving for another busy day! Please stop by soon! I promise more inspiration is to come!

Blessings, Gretchen

The Rainbow Tree!

This card was inspired by my daughter who wanted me to make her a tree with pink leaves. I did ... and I liked it so much I began thinking what this little tree might look like with multi-colored rainbow leaves. So think no more. Here it is! I think it's adorable! What a cute little notecard to lift someone's spirits on a cold winter day! The base is Regal Rose with a second layer of Whisper White. The tree, from Season of Friendship, was stamped with Elegant Eggplant Ink and the leaves are Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise, Green Galore and Lovely Lilac. The Grosgrain ribbons are 5/8" Regal Rose and 1/4" Tempting Turquoise. I rounded the corners on all layers and stamped the sentiment from Best Wishes & More in Elegant Eggplant Ink. Just delightful ... don't you think?

Remember to check out my New Online Store Window by clicking here or on the left-side bar for cards, kits and samplers available from me at Inspiration in Action. More items will be added soon!

  Don't forget that our wonderful Rub-ons are all on sale right now for 20% off when you place an order of $20 in regular priced merchandise. Click here for more information. Rub-ons and all the great Stampin' Up! supplies and sets can be ordered online or directly through me. For online ordering, click here and then click on "shop now" at the stop of the page.

That will do it for today. I've got a thousand last minute things to finish before we pack up for the Dynamite Gymnastics Holiday Craft Fair later this morning. Wish me luck! And please stop by again soon for inpsiration and more!

Until then ... blessings, Gretchen