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.
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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!!  :-)

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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! 

What happens when the Wilson's go on vacation...:-)

We had an absolutely fabulous 3 days vacation!  What a fun filled time!!

We left around 7am Monday morning.....and got to Spokane, WA around 2 pm or so.  We checked into our motel and then went to visit my friend/pen pal, Gwen, from Australia who was visiting the US.  We had a good 2 hour visit and then went back to the motel and got something to eat.

Around 8:30 am, the next morning, we picked up Gwen and headed downtown Spokane to Riverfront Park.  What a beautiful park!!!  We took Annie, our dog, with us.  The park is animal friendly for the most part except for the inside attractions and a few other things.  

We were so fortunate to find a parking lot right across from Riverfront Park.  We walked across the road and saw a HUGE Red Radio Flyer Wagon.  The tongue of the wagon is a slide.  Of course, we all, with the exception of David and Gwen, had to go down the slide.

Then we walked to guest services and got our day passes....for myself and the girls.  David and Gwen didn't want to ride the rides and the one or two things they did want to do, they just paid admission.

Our first ride was a Gondola ride across the Spokane Falls.  How beautiful!!!  First Gwen, Zoey and I rode and then Nicki, David and I rode...as I wanted to see her reaction to the ride.  :-)   This photo shows it as right up next to the falls....and it really isn't that close.  But, you get the idea.  The ride was included in our day pass.

 

Next we went on the Looff Carousel!  David opted to sit with Annie with the four of us girls rode the Carousel.  Again, the ride is included in the Day Pass.   Zoey and Nicki loved the Carousel horses.   I have to admit, it's been a long time since I have ridden the carousel and I enjoyed it thoroughly.  We had planned on coming back by and riding it again but time just got away from us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The girls fed the Garbage Goat and rested a little bit before heading over to the Pavilion. 

 

We arrived at the Pavilion and rode some of the rides. (all included in the day pass) David, Gwen and Annie watched from the arena surrounding the rides....it was in the shade under a canopy.

 

We rode the Tilt a Whirl, Scrambler/Sizzler,Octopus/Spider and Strawberry Go Round.....the girls had a blast!!  I guess they didn't know Grandma LOVED those rides as a kid.  These rides are not the super scary ones.....and that's OK for the three of us chickens :-)  There were some we didn't get to ride as time was running out and there was just so much to see and do.  

 

Then, we went to the IMAX Theater and saw Wild Ocean.  We wanted to see another one...but we missed it by 15 minutes so went to this one.  

 

 

 

I have to admit....I felt sorry for the dang sardines in this cinema.  But, the theater was cool.....and it was nice to sit down for awhile.  Besides.....it was free with our day pass :-)

 

Afterwards, we met David back by the Clock Tower and we all had some snacks that I had brought along.  

 

Then, we all decided that we had enough 'fun' for the day and we decided to head back to Gwen's Cousin's house.

 

BUT...before we did that, we took a drive out Newport Hwy to see where Cat Tales was located, as we were going there the next day.  Then, we went to a small strip mall and went to Fashion Bug....they were having a big sale.

 

The next morning, we went to Cat Tales.  What a fantastic place.  It's not huge....but you can spend several hours there, easily!  We just enjoyed our time viewing the large 'cats' that they have.  There are picnic facilities so that a family could take a lunch, if they wanted to...but we didn't plan on staying that long.  As it was, we actually did spend 2 1/2 hours there....and could have had lunch...but we opted not to.

 

 While we were there, the local news station was doing a piece on a baby tiger.  We were standing right next to them while they were filming.

 

KHQ

 

Read the story!  And, click on the Video Gallery to see the dog and tiger interact.  We were watching them as they filmed this story. 

 

If you want to view more video or see more updates, you can click on the following link:

 

http://www.khq.com/Global/searchresults.asp?vendor=ez&qu=Cat+Tales 

 

 

Afterward, we took Gwen back to her Cousin's house and said our goodbyes.  We were leaving Spokane and heading towards home.

 

We had snacks in the car until we got to Colfax, WA where we stopped for an early dinner at Arby's.

 

Then it was off towards Walla Walla, WA.....we took a different route towards home just to see some different scenery.  The rolling Palouse Hills were so pretty.  The scenery got even better as we headed around the lake on Hwy 730 where the Snake, Columbia meet a huge lake.  AWESOME!

 

We missed our turn off to take us through College Place and Milton Freewater...where I used to live YEARS ago...and I wanted to show the girls....but we didn't realize we were on the wrong road till we were half way to UmatillaBiggs Junction, we'd be about 2 1/2 - 3 hours from home.   While we were still on I-84....a state policeman flew by us going really FAST....we guessed at least 80-100 mph.  We figured there was a wreck ahead.  But....when we got to Biggs Jct, about 9pm.....we hadn't encountered anything so we figured it was on up 84 somewhere.

 

WRONG!!!!!

 

About 1/2 hour onto Hwy 97, all traffic was stopped!!  We were about 3rd or 4th in the line of traffic.  We were told nothing except that there was an 'incident' about 7 miles up the road and all traffic was stopped in both directions.

 

We sat for awhile trying to decide if we should turn around and head back to I-84 and take an alternate route...that would have added several hours to our trip, but then someone came by and told us it would be another 2-3 hours and traffic would be flowing again....so we decided that we'd just catch some sleep and head home on the same route we were on.  We were only about 2 hours from home.  

 

So, that is what we tried to do.  BUT....it was definitely uncomfortable with four people and a 65# dog in a Kia Optima.  We counted over 26 cop cars (local, state and county) blowing by us during the night........and I am sure there were more that had gone up that way before we ever got on that road. 

 

I finally got in the back with the girls...and let the dog have my seat up front with David.  The girls and I put a large quilt over us and thankfully I had had them bring pillows along.  We slept in between cop cars blowing by us.   Zoey got a case of the giggles....not sure why....probably part from being tired and part from the weird sleeping arrangements....LOL  but we all ended up giggling and laughing because of it.  Her laugh is contagious!!

 

About 3am....( 5 1/2 hours after we had stopped) we were awakened by blowing horns.   The police vehicles were all coming back down and some were honking their horns to wake the long line of trucks/cars....as they were going by.

 

At that time, we still had NO CLUE what had happened.  But, we were just happy to be able to head for home.  We got home about 4:45 am...just as it was getting daylight.  We unloaded the car and all headed to bed!!!   AHHHHH our own bed!

 

When I got up at 11 am....I jumped online to see if there was any news of what had happened...as we still hadn't seen or heard anything about the incident.

 

This is what I read in an e-mail that I get from Alerts.  It was posted around 2:40 am:

 

News Release from: Oregon State Police
ARMED WOMAN SURRENDERS TO OSP SWAT TEAM FOLLOWING NEAR 6-HOUR STANDOFF ON HIGHWAY 97 IN GRASS VALLEY
Posted: July 1st, 2010 2:40 AM

A female armed with a firearm surrendered and was taken into custody by Oregon State Police (OSP) SWAT team troopers early Thursday morning following a near 6-hour standoff on Highway 97 at the south end of Grass Valley. Additional information and names will be released later Thursday in an updated news release.

Preliminary information indicates on June 30, 2010 at approximately 8:28 p.m. OSP was asked to respond to assist Sherman County Sheriff's Office at the scene of a traffic stop on Highway 97 near milepost 28 during which a woman was armed with a firearm and shots were reportedly fired. Highway 97 and Highway 216 were closed to all traffic. OSP SWAT team members were requested to respond to help. The woman surrendered July 1st at approximately 2:00 a.m. No injuries were reported.

Highway 97 and Highway 26 will be re-opened by 3:00 a.m.

 

 

 

Wow....what a night!!!

 

The good news is that this morning, we are all rested and ready to go again :-)  The girls both thanked us for a FUN 3 days.

 

David went and got the mail and my TAC CATALOGS are in!!!!  WHOOOOOHOOOOO!!!  I am so excited!

 

Now, to get a shower and get ready for the rest of our day!!

 

We are all looking forward to the 4th of July....we have a ton of activities going on that weekend.

 

I'll upload some personal photos, we took, as soon as I get them uploaded to my computer.

 

Have a great day, everyone!!!

 

Hugs,

Char 

2010-2011 TAC CATALOG

The catalog for 2010-2011 is LIVE!
 
TAC is having their Seminar this weekend and we were just sent a sneak peek for those of us that were unable to attend this year.

Some of the items in the catalog include 87 new stamp sets, an ATG gun & the new Cinch binding machine.

I can't WAIT to get that catalog in my hands!!!
Here is a sneak preview of the catalog cover..
http://theangelcompany.typepad.com/tac_savvy_projects_for_de/
I'll be posting more as more news is sent out.
MORE later!!

New Specials for May

I just uploaded the May specials on my blog be sure to check them out.  I love this month's Stamp of the Month! 

 I think this set will be super fun for summer time cards, not to mention birthdays etc.

With a $30 order, you can add this cute stamp set for just $14.95!!

That makes each stamp just $1.50.  WOW....a great bargain!!

Also, don't forget to sign up for the giveaway this month.

Have a wonderful day!!
Char 

Still using my scraps

I am still using up my scraps!!!  Wow....how does one accumulate so many scraps???  I am determined to get these used up before I cut into newer card stock.   Ok, some times you have to cut into new card stock but often times, you would be surprised at how much you can find in your pile of scraps.

I am planning a yard sale for June to help me get rid of some 'excess' stamping supplies.  I have come to realize that I don't actually NEED tons of things to be able to sit down and play. Actually, having a little less is more freeing somehow!!  

Oh yes....it's fun to have the latest gadget or newest punch or what ever....but some how...I am finding that it doesn't make me any less happier if I don't have these things.  

It's a challenge to sit down with a box of scraps and a few stamps and see what I can create!

Here are a couple more cards I have made using my scraps or previous started cards.  I had previously put a card together...but never did get around to adding any stamping to it.  I just added a scalloped circle in black...stamped "Just a Note" to a white circle...and called it good.

 Then, I finished this card off by just adding some jewels to the center of the hearts.  

More Cards

I have made more cards AND got out some cards that I had started some time ago and hadn't finished....and finished them.  Do you ever just sit and put layers together....but then can't figure out what else to do with the card...so put it away till a later date?  I do...and then I get them all out and try and finish them.  Some times it works....some times it doesn't as I am not able to find the same colors of card stock that I had used or something else. But, it's a fun challenge. I am trying hard to use up all my scraps that I have been saving for years.  I have my Granddaughter and anyone else that comes over...use the card stock, embellishments and scraps of decorative paper that I have thrown in a box.  It's slowly but surely going down.  Then, I can bring in the tote full I have out in the garage.  

The first one, I took a trading card that I had received awhile back...and adhered it to a card base.
The second one...same idea.

None of them were anything super special....but just the fun of completing some cards that had been in various stages of completion.

 This is one I had done quite awhile ago

but it needed SOMETHING.  So, I added a thin strip of green card stock across the card on top of a strip of glossy card stock...and then added jewels.

And, finally, a small note card using left over scraps of designer paper and card stock. 

 

 Hopefully, I'll get a few more done today and can add them.

Saturday is Stamp Club and one of the newer members is hosting the club at my house.  She is coming up with the card for that day.  I am excited to see what she has up her sleeve!!

Have a great day!!!

Hugs,
Char 

Our Final Farewells

The Angel Company just released their 'Final Farewells' that will be discontinued from the main catalog.   

Each of these stamps are discounted 25% off their regular retail prices.  No other special offers or discounts apply to these stamps. 

This offer is good April 23 through June 25, 2010.

Now is the time to get those stamps that you have been wanting.  

If you don't have a catalog and would like to see a certain stamp set...let me know.

Have a FANTASTAC Weekend!!!

Hugs,

Char

I don't like to Stamp, Grandma

That is what my 15 year old Granddaughter told me.......but then she was 'bored' last Saturday and decided to sit in on a flip flop book class and make cards while we did our books.  

She decided she LOVES to paper craft!  

These are just a few of the cards she made.....and her FIRST attempts at card making. 

I have to say that she did a LOT better than I did when I first started out stamping. She already has some Mother's Day, Father's Day, 4th of July, Fall, Christmas and a St Patty's day card made.

YEAH for me, to finally have a stamping buddy right here in my own house!!!

Have a fabulous day!!

Hugs,
Char