One of the new stamps from TAC, in their Fall Supplement,  is Joy and Peace.  I wanted a simple Christmas card and this stamp lends itself to that quite nicely.  I basically colored the Dove with a Tombow gray marker and added some color to the branch.....put a little Stickles at the bottom and I was done.  I used a Cuttlebug folder on DCWV card stock and then sanded it to bring out the white core.

Same stamp only using some light blue cardstock I have had around for YEARS!!! (my goal is to get all this type of paper used up before I buy new)  I added some Happy Hannukkah paper at the bottom and a little bit of Stickles on the border punch.   LOVE my Stickles! Plain and simple..

I haven't stamped in months and it felt good to put ink to paper once again.

I hear so many people, lately, say that they just haven't been feeling up to stamping.  I hear ya, believe me.  I had to force myself to sit down and get all the supplies out and fiddle around and wait till an idea popped in my head.  BUT.....it CAN be done!!

Just pick one stamp set.  Stamp the images, color them.....and the rest seems to follow.  But, you have to stamp that first image.....and let it speak to you.  If at first you don't succeed....let it sit there on your stamp table....and every time you walk by it, you WILL start think about how to color it....how to design the card....what colors to use, what embellishments to us........just try it!

Hugs,
Char

One World One Heart

Can't wait!!!!  This will be the 5th "One World One Heart" event.  It will also be the last :-(

If you have never participated before.....now's the time.  You must have a blog to participate!  But, you don't need a blog just to go surfing the different blogs that are taking part.

It is just so much fun!!    I will be participating this year.   So, watch for my post on January 30th, 2011.

Click on the picture to go to One World...One Heart,  to find out more about it.....or to sign up to take part in this event.

Have a great day!!!!

Char

Wow, Wow and Wow!!!! Awesome TAC Specials

The Angel Company is having a STAMP • PA • PALOOZA SPECTACULAR.  Why is this so Spectaculor??  Well, they are TRIPLING hostess reward sets.  Click the link to find out  more!

Buy one/Get One
Palette™ & VersaMagic™ Refill BOGO
NOW - Until Supplies Last

Buy a Palette™ ink pad, and receive it’s corresponding Palette™ ink refill FREE. Buy a VersaMagic™ ink pad, and get it’s corresponding VersaMagic™ ink refill FREE. You MUST use the special codes listed in the link provided above to receive a FREE ink refill of whatever ink pad you purchase.


So Big Special
NOW - Until Supplies Last

December Stamp of the Month 
Joyful Notes
TAC-3334 • $14.95 • set of 16

When you purchase $30.00* in merchandise, Joyful Notes (Retail Value $19.95) can be yours for the special price!

• Net total before shipping and handling and applicable tax.

Great way to treat yourself for the holidays!!!

Contact me if you have any questions!

Char

Bring on Christmas

Well....since the first of November I have been cleaning, organizing, decorating and baking.  I can now say that I am done with the cleaning, organizing and decorating....and most of the baking.   Now to just relax and enjoy the season!

The only bad thing is that now that I am done, I keep thinking of more things I can DO!  I have to fight that urge....or I will be in the same boat I am usually in this time of year....exhausted and stressed out.

I thought I would share with you some of my decorations.

 The above are the two trees in our living room.

 The arrangement above is our advent wreath.

An OLD Avon tree from years ago is in the main bath.  I didn't mean to get the reflection.

A snowman candle I made several years ago and one of my favorite clocks, that plays music every hour.

Our little fiber optic tree sitting on top of my cookbook stand in the kitchen.

Sadly, no card creations just yet....but hopefully that will come.  :-)

Hope you are enjoying this time of year!!

Here are photos of Mt Jefferson and Mt Hood on my drive to see the dentist.  I NEVER get tired of taking pictures of the mountains that surround us.

Have a God blessed day!!!

Char

This and That

Well...it's pretty obvious, this post, that was scheduled to be sent out Nov 12th... didn't get sent when it was supposed to...not sure what I am doing wrong and I didn't catch that it didn't post, till just now.  So, I am sending it anyway.  Then, I will comment at the end :-)


Just curious....how many of you have your Christmas cards done for this year?  How many are still working on them and last but not least.....how many of you have decided to fore go sending homemade cards or any cards this year?


With all that is going on around our home the next couple of months, I am not sure I'll get my Christmas cards....homemade or otherwise...finished in time to send to everyone.  So, I have decided that I will just send to those that I will not be seeing or hearing from before Christmas.  The rest will get a phone call or a visit.

Every month, I turn the calendar and it's fairly empty and then day by day....things get added to it and I don't get done all I had planned on getting done....no matter how early I get up or how late I stay up and then I start to get stressed out.

Having a teenage girl that is active in so many activities...and no driver's license...means I need to reshuffle what is on my list of things to do...to be available to chauffeur her around.   It's ok, she can't help that she isn't old enough to drive yet.  I just need to be able to find a happy medium for myself so that I don't burn out.

I made a decision, last year, to get my home cleaned and organized before Thanksgiving so that I could thoroughly enjoy the holiday season. I loved it!!!  I had time to actually watch the holiday programs, take part in holiday activities and just BE.

Well, I am doing that again this year and a couple of weeks ago, I made another decision..and that is that I need to take care of myself...first and foremost...so that I am able to take care of my hubby's and Granddaughter's needs and stay on top of all there is to do around home.

If my house is clean and organized and my family's needs are met, then I feel a great sense of  mental 'freedom'. I didn't realize until I let my stamp room get such a mess.....that there definitely IS a link between how we 'feel' depending on how messy our house is and how much STUFF we cling to...that we really don't need.

So, in order to have that sense of  'mental freedom' I need to constantly make decisions on what things I can take part in and what things I have to say 'no' to in order to stay focused and find a balance.

I subscribe to CannyWoman and they believe in doing instead of buying and shop at home first and I have been trying to follow that theory.  It actually works!!  I have started to look before I buy.  So many times, I actually HAVE the item I thought I needed to buy....but because my house was so disorganized, I didn't remember I had it.  NO....I am not a hoarder, just was getting very disorganized.

My hubby is a 'collector/saver' and he hates to throw ANYTHING away, especially if he thinks he can fix it or use it for making something else.  Now, I do have to admit that occasionally something he has saved has come in handy.  Most times, it just builds up and takes up room!

I have been also reading some minimalist blogs.  I know that I will NEVER get to where I live out of a suitcase and only have 100 things to my name, but they do have a lot of good advice about paring our 'things' down. We don't need 2-3 of everything...I have been going through all the drawers and closets in our home....getting rid of 'extras'.  Some times it's extremely hard to get rid of something that is perfectly good, but how many coats do you really need?  How many DVD's or VHS do you need when all you have to do is rent them from Netflix.  That being said, I do hang onto favorites that we like to watch over and over and over....especially our Christmas favorites.

Ok....enough for today.  I am going to schedule this post to go out in a few days.  We shall see if I get it right this time.  Thanks for hanging in there while I figure it out again!

UPDATE: NOPE!!  I don't know what I am doing wrong....but I'll figure it out eventually.  :-)

Anyway, I have completed my Fall cleaning, organizing and have followed Countdown to Christmas and have to say it has helped me tremendously to get a handle on all the stuff that goes on this time of year.  I have to admit...it takes a lot of planning and staying focused but I LOVE having everything done on time and being ahead of a few things!  That's two years in a row....I guess this plan is a 'keeper'.

If you would like to take part in Organized Christmas next year, you can get a head start here:  Organized Christmas

I just took what worked for my family.....and went with it!  I loved the daily reminders of things to do.  It helped me to stay focused!

Hope you have a great day!!!!

Hugs,
Char

After

As promised, here are the AFTER photos!!!  It is absolutely WONDERFUL to finally have my 'space' completely clean?  I actually FEEL like stamping now....duh....go figure!!

As you enter our office/stamp room 

My desk is on the left and my hubby's is on the right.  My Stamp desk is center. 

On the top rack above my desk are plastic totes that hold finished cards according to theme; Fall/Winter, Thinking of You, etc. The bottom rack holds 12x12 designer paper and my TAC 12 x 12 cardstock/ 

The 8 CD racks directly above my desk hold CD's with my unmounted stamps in them.

In the bottom drawer on the left is my 8 1/2 x 11" cardstock.  The top drawer on the right holds my templates and instructions for different cards/projects.

A closer view of my stamp desk 

My office area.  Hubby installed another shelf unit directly above my desk to hold my binders and other things that were taking up room on my desk.

My small storage units hold all my embellishments, ink pads and most everything else needed to make a card/project. 

We had to remove the closet doors to get the unfinished dresser inside that holds my office supplies, ribbons, shipping materials and 12x12 card stock.  See the red boxes and tote on top?  Those are full of 'scraps' that I intend to work out of for the next few months....to finally get rid of them.

The top shelves hold my envelopes, clear envelopes, empty CD's (for unmounted stamps), and other supplies.

Plus a Iris cart to hold other supplies.  You can barely make it out, but on the left of the closet is another Iris cart that holds more embellishments and supplies.  

 To the left of the closet area, under a window, is a roll around wire file drawers system...which holds some paper scraps organized by color.  Directly to the left of that...which you can barely make out is another Iris cart which houses Big Shot and Sizzix dies, non TAC dye ink pads, Kaleidacolor ink pads, stickers, micro beads and other stuff.  On top of the Iris cart is my copier and two boxes of scraps which will be used first.

NOW....to keep it this way!!!

Ok, well that worked GREAT

I have scheduled posts to post days later, before,  but for some reason it didn't work this time.  So...what is up with that?

Oh well....something went wonky just as I was saving it...so maybe that's what happened.  I think I'll try again to schedule a post.  IF it doesn't work and it comes through, anyway.....forgive me ;-)

Hugs,
Char

Before

Hi,

I have been in my cozy down mode for the past few weeks.   Summer is OVER, Fall is in full swing and Winter is upon us .  It's Cozy Down time!!

What that means, for me,  is getting my house in order so that I can fully enjoy the holidays, baking, spending time with family and enjoying a hibernation period, so to speak.  Well...not really hibernating, but as much hibernating as one can do with a 15 year old living with you.

I have to admit, I haven't done much stamping since mid September.  Except for an occasional card to my other Granddaughter.

But, I plan to change that now that winter is upon us.
I turned the page on my calendar and heaved a big sigh.....it was fairly empty.....so now was the time to do some Fall cleaning and reorganize and clean my stamp room/office and other rooms in my home.
.
Here are some before photos!  It normally isn't THIS much of a disaster....but I came home from WAG (Western Angel Gathering) mid September and just tossed everything in my stamp room....not putting things away like I normally would within a reasonable time limit.

And, things just kept piling up in the stamp room when we didn't want to take time to put them where they belonged.
So, I took the plunge and spent 3 days cleaning, organizing and going through EVERY drawer and small organizing unit, shelf in the entire room.  EVERYTHING is now clean and organized.

But....you have to wait till tomorrow to see the transformation!  :-)
How does YOUR stamp room look?  If you can't get to your stamp table, there isn't much chance of getting any stamping done, not to mention your creativity being stifled IF you could.

See you tomorrow!!!
Char

Fall Supplement

I am so excited!!!  I placed my order for TAC's Fall Supplement and it should be arriving here sometime this week!  I cannot WAIT to get it in my hands and then place an order.  I have seen a few previews of what is going to be included in the Fall Supplement and I am sure that several of these will make it on my order :-)

Some of them will be these images!

More of my favorites are these:

Fall Supplements will be in soon....so order yours today for just $1.75 plus postage.  Contact me at Pawsnstamp@crestviewcable.com

Have a wonderful day!!

Now I can share

Is he just too cute or what?? This is one of The Angel Company's newest images coming out in October in the Fall Supplement.  His name is Ruffles!!!    I made this Easel Card for our Western Angel Gathering this past weekend.    I'll be sharing some other images with you in the next few days....

The sentiment is just one that comes with the set.  "Never underestimate the warmth of a cold nose"

So far, he is my absolute favorite new stamp........but I have some close seconds :-)

Have a great weekend!!!! 

September Recruit special

WOWZA!!!!!  

If you have EVER thought of signing up with The Angel Company, NOW is the time to do it!!

Through the 30th of this month (I know...I am so bad about getting this posted...too much going on) if you sign up with The Angel Company......you can become an Angel and receive your recruit packet for just $75.

AugSeptSpecialStarterKit

If you are interested.....just give me a shout!!  My e-mail is Pawsnstamp@crestviewcable.com. Just e-mail me with your phone number, I'd love to talk to you about one of the best companies out there!!!

Hugs,
Char 

Discounted/Discontinued

Good Morning!!!!

Take a peek and see if there is anything you have been wanting....before the  Fall/Winter 2009 Inspiration Avenue catalog is no more!

Contact me to place your order  Pawsnstamp@crestviewcable.com

Hugs,
Char

Discounted Discontinued
NOW - October 17, 2010

All stamps discontinued from our Fall/Winter 2009 Inspiration Avenue can NOW be purchased at a very special 30% OFF price. From NOW until October 17, 2010, you can purchase any of the following discontinued stamp sets at 30% off the regular retail price.

• Sales of discontinued stamp sets related to this promotion are commissionable.
• Standard Shipping/Handling rates and applicable Taxes apply.
• Sales do count toward Hostess Orders and Career Reward Points.
• Orders must be received at the Corporate Office by midnight CST on Sunday, October 17, 2010.
• No other special offers or discounts apply.
• There is no quantity limit on the number of discontinued stamps that may be purchased.

SUPER SURPRISE BOXES

Super Surprise Boxes
NOW - Until Supplies Last

Everyone loves a great surprise! We have gathered a wonderful array of our favorite stamps for our Super Surprise Boxes! These fun bundles have a retail value of over $100. Available only while supplies last, don't miss the opportunity to surprise yourself or your customers with great rubber stamping goodies found in these one-of-a-kind special boxes.

This special Surprise Box promotion is available NOW until supplies are exhausted. Don't miss your chance to own some great products at a fantastic price.
SB10 Surprise Box Assortment $50

Retail value over $100

 • Supply Box Assortments are ONLY available while supplies last.
• Surprise Box will contain rubber stamps without Creative Cling™.
• Surprise Box Assortments are commissionable, count toward FUNshop™ totals, and count toward Career Reward Points.
• No other discounts or special offers apply.
• The promotion will run while supplies last. TAC™ reserves the right to end the promotion once supplies are exhausted.

Customer Appreciation Preview Pack

W  O  W  Z  A  !!!!!!!!!!
 

This is the first time, in over 10 years(that I can remember) that TAC is giving customers a chance to get some stamps before  the new Fall Supplement debuts.

The Fall Supplement will not go live till October.  So, here is your chance to get your hands on some of the new stamps and one of the Level C hostess sets. 

To earn a Level C stamp...you would normally hostess a $750 workshop....so this is exciting!

Remember, this is only good through Sept 30th.  And, you get a little discount to boot!!  :-)

.

Customer Preview Pack

Click on the link to read all about it....but here is just a little sample :-)

 Let me know if you would like to place an order this month for this preview package!!

Hugs,
Char 

Spokane continued

Now that the 4th of July festivities are over, I finished uploading my photos and can share a few more of our Spokane trip.  I took about 150 photos....so it was hard just choosing a few.

 First Day.....

Here are my two Granddaughters posing for a picture at a rest area we stopped at for lunch on our first day.

 

Meeting Gwen for the first time in over 20 years of pen paling.

Second Day!

River Front Park, Spokane, WA 

Sliding down the slide from the HUGE wagon at River Front Park in Spokane.

Our family posing at a City of Spokane sculpture.

The beautiful clock tower.  A good friend of mine, Channie, told me that her great grandfather helped in constructing this tower.

My granddaughter, Zoey, and my friend from Australia, Gwen, riding in the Gondola over Spokane Falls.

The Spokane Falls, aren't they absolutely beautiful?  This is a view from the Gondola ride.

Another view from the Gondola!  It's amazing!

  

Granddaughter, Nicole, and hubby riding the Gondola over the Falls.

  

This is a sculpture on a sidewalk next to the park.

(20) The Joy of Running Together

by David Govedare. 1984. This corten steel sculpture depicts runners of all kinds. It celebrates the Spokane tradition of Bloomsday, the largest timed road running race in the world.

   

They were supposed to look like they were running WITH the runners.....NOT even close girls...LOL

 

Nicole,  Riding the Carousel.

 

  

Zoey riding the Carousel.....she absolutely LOVED it.

  

The Looff Carousel. 

 

 These are the horses we rode!  

  

Zoey and Nicole feeding the "Garbage Goat"

The Garbage Goat in Riverfront Park was designed by Sister Paula Turnbull, a Catholic nun for Expo ‘74 as a recycling/environment statement.

This corten steel sculpture of a goat will eat small pieces of trash with the aid of its vacuum digestive system. Don’t throw your garbage on the ground, feed it to the Garbage Goat.

   

A photo shot of myself and Gwen upon leaving the park!  Of course, my hair was a mess after riding the rides, but oh well...it was FUN!!!  I just wish someone had gotten some shots of the girls and I on the rides.

Third  Day!!

Cat Tales Zoological Park 

(This was the blurb from the news station that was there that day) 

SPOKANE, Wash. - Today was a great day at Cat Tales, their baby tiger was introduced to her new playmate, Sage. Sage is a four month old Pyrenees and was delivered to Cat Tales!
Spokane Humane Society Director Dave Richardson has been on the hunt for a playmate for a couple of weeks, Mike at Cat tales received the call yesterday and went over to see Sage, they fell in love with her.
Today's meeting went well. This is truly a great match. Amura and Sage, in harmony together.

 This is Apollo.  He turned nine years old the day we were visiting.  I got some great shots of him.  He got a tad irritated at so many people standing around taking pictures and ROARED....to be left alone. I just happened to be standing the closest...and it scared the  bajeezes out of me.  So, we gave him his space and moved on.  :-)

 

Another beautiful animal.  His name is Zamba!  I finally got a photo of him as we were getting ready to leave.  He had been in his 'den' all morning.

  Just your average "kitty cat" taking a snooze.

 Good byes to Gwen!    They had a wonderful time getting to meet my friend/pen pal from Australia and enjoyed her so much! 

  Time to head for home!!  

What a fantastic three days!!!  Can't wait to go back again some day!  If you are ever in the Spokane area, take a few hours out of your day and visit Riverfront Park.  You will be glad you did.  I just wish we had had more time to see everything there was to see.  But, we didn't....so guess we'll have to visit again, sometime.

Have a great day!