Stamping—not to be confused with stamp collecting—is awell-occupied niche in the crafting world, frequently practiced by those who excel in giving creative, personalized gifts. Stampers, along with their allies in the scrapbooking trade, are always on the hunt for unique materials to make their keepsakes stand out, whether it be special paper, dyes, or an exemplary rubber stamp. They’ll find it all in Mesquite, where the Stamp Scrap Art Tour is held Jan.13-14. “Rubber stamping and scrapbooking are great ways to express creativity,” says Rhonda Potts, one of the show’s organizers. “You can make something beautiful without having to learn to draw, and they’re great ways to preserve memories.”
The event, held in theDallas-Fort Worth area for almost 20 years, hosts hordes of vendors offering stickers, ribbons, baubles, and just about every other conceivable product for those with a mind for paper crafts and decorative gifts. Event organizers expect about 500 attendees to converge on thisone-stop shop for crafting. “You can use a stamp over and over, and make a different creation each time,” Potts says. “That’s the best thing about the craft.” Early birds to the event have a chance to win a key that unlocks $100 ofin-show currency.
Stamp Scrap Art Tour, Jan. 13-14
200 W. Boyd Drive, Suite B, Allen. 972-351-8717;
GULF COAST
BAYTOWN
Sculpture Trail
Through March 1
A free, yearlong display of large sculptures on pedestals are located along several blocks in the city’s downtown arts district. Visitors can vote for the People’s Choice winner and enjoy the exhibit along with murals in the area. Sculptures are also for sale or lease. Downtown Arts District, 213 W. Texas Ave. 281-810-2990; sculpturetrailbaytown.artcall.org
BAYTOWN
Steve and Karen Knight Art Exhibit
Through Feb. 16
See this exhibit by photographer Steve Knight and his wife, artist Karen Knight, whose work incorporates drawing, photography, gourds, and encaustics. An opening night reception takes place in the foyer and gallery. Lee College Performing Arts Center, 805 W. Texas Ave. 281-425-6255; lee.edu/pac
CLUTE
Planetarium Show
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27
At this show, visitors get a closeup view of comets, exploding stars, and black holes. There’s a variety of high-tech equipment, including a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that produces the night sky as it appears to the naked eye. Center for the Arts & Sciences, 400 College Blvd. 979-265-7661; brazosportcenter.com
CORPUS CHRISTI
Winter Lecture Series
Through March 9
Winter visitors and South Texans learn valuable and often unique lessons on South Texas horticulture and the environment from experts while meeting new friends over a cup of coffee. South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St. 361-852-2100; stxbot.org
FULTON
Winter Texan Appreciation
Jan. 24
Every mid-January, the Rockport Fulton Chamber of Commerce hosts an appreciation day for winter guests in the area. Winter Texans are encouraged to stop by for refreshments, door prizes, entertainment, and a meet-and-greet with other visitors. Fulton Convention Center, 402 N. Fulton Beach Road. 361-729-6445; rockport-fulton.org
FREEPORT
History Day
Jan. 6
View exhibits and hear firsthand accounts of many significant events that occurred in the city’s past Freeport Historical Museum, 311 Park Ave. 979-233-0066; freeport.tx.us
GALVESTON
Holiday in the Gardens
Through Jan. 6
The gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland with a Festival of Lights trail, Ice Land, a holiday attraction in the rainforest
