What a blessing!!!!

Oh my gosh, when I posted about Barbie on my blog, I really had no idea how many people would help. It's been such a blessing to me to see this outpouring of love. And, of course, it will be a huge blessing to Barbie and she needs a few of those right now. :-)

I always knew the TAC "Angels" and other stampers would help but they have blown me away!!!

I wanted to let you know that I normally talk with Barbie, daily, either on the phone or via e-mail and she is doing fine, under the circumstances. She misses her Cheba, the cat who saved her life. They thought that neighbors had seen her but now they aren't sure as there is another cat that could be her twin sister that lives in the area. We are praying it was Cheba that they saw and she will be returned to her quickly.

She wanted me to let everyone, I talk to, know that what started the fire was a power strip that they had their computers plugged into. It just got hot and caught on fire. The other thing is that she had had her cell phone in her bedroom and a good thing, as the telephone wires were destroyed and she would have been left without any way to call for help.

This truly was a miracle....having a cat save your life! Now, let's keep praying for the cat to be found and returned!!

Thanks so much, everyone!!!!

I'll get back to stamping in the next day or so and have something to share!

Hugs,

Char

Long time no blog

Wow...I cannot believe it's been 10 days since I last blogged. Well, a LOT has gone on these past two weeks.

I have had company and my granddaughter is visiting...fun, fun, fun... but you don't get much blogging done. :-)

Also a very, very good friend of mine and one of my TAC downline....lost her home and everything she owns in a fire. She barely escaped with her life. I am so thankful to God for allowing her cat, Cheba, to save her. Barbie is truly a treasure in my life and there would have been a huge vacant spot left in my heart.

Read the article:

http://www.katu.com/news/8518852.html

Listen to the 911 call:

http://www.katu.com/news/content/8520592.html?video=pop&t=a

I am in the process of organizing stampers to send her stamping items. If you would like to help, please contact me at Pawsnstamp@crestviewcable.com

Also, I am in the middle of preparing for our 4th annual WAG (Western Angel Gathering). It will be a lot of fun!!!! Any Northwest Angels out there.....you still have time to register. Actually, you don't even have to be in the Northwest!!

We had the chance to go to a Draft Horse Show this past weekend. What gorgeous animals!!! Here is just one team that was there.

Well, better get to playing so I have something to share next time.
Hugs,
Char

TAC OPEN HOUSE

What a fun day!!!!
Both of my granddaughters and my Sister help me with my TAC open house. The girls looked forward to it all week. They helped welcome the guests and hand out little gifts.

These were little holders to keep my business card handy and also a wish list. I left them blank so that each person could color them to their own liking.

This is the inside.

Then, we made little 'trash bags' and emery board holders. They were a hit. It's fun to make things that are useful. None of the gals wanted to use their trash bags for their 'trash' tho...LOL

Just some of the hundreds or so cards I received at Seminar.

New Catalog 07

Well, it's finally arrived!!! The new TAC catalog. Oh what fun to get to see the catalog at Seminar and then look at it page by page on the plane trip home. I have to admit, there are a LOT of new stamps that I just have to have and of course ALL the new Soar With It papers.

What I am excited most about is that we now have the cardstock, hardware and ribbon to match our Soar With It designer papers. And, they have listed, for our convenience, the inks that match.

• It is now biannual so it is half the size and not as overwhelming ...
• Over 370 stamp sets with 200 of them under $12!!
• We are now selling the Crop-a-dile for hole punching and attaching eyelets and snaps ... (Makes a great hostess half price item!) :-)
• Memory purse and new organizers to carry to scraps and other events
• New alphabets in all sizes and styles .... some open for paper piecing
• Chipboards books in all different sizes and shapes
  
  New Gift with Purchase stamps (Free with a $30 purchase) and Hostess sets (starting with a $100 FUNshop!) that are all great!!

So how do you get one???

Come to my Open House this Friday-Saturday July 13th-14th (e-mail me for directions), do a fun make n take, check out the swaps I received at Seminar .... spend $30 on stamping supplies from the catalog and get one FREE!!

Or host a FUNshop to get one FREE!!

Or purchase one for $4.95 and just add shipping.

Another new addition to the catalog is that the compatible acrylic mounts are listed with each stamp set. No more guessing which ones you need.

The catalog is smaller, 128 pages....but the price is also less, too. Now, you get a catalog cram packed with ideas for just $4.95. Please e-mail me, if you are interested so that I can get one out to you. I am mailing them priority for $4.60. The Post Office is being sort of grumbly about mailing them media mail as they are 'advertisement'. But...I'll see what I can do. My e-mail is Tacstamper109@yahoo.com

As a demonstrator, I love this new catalog, not only for all the wonderful ideas, the simplicity (not so overwhelming for a new stamper) but also carrying 10-20 catalogs to FUNshops won't break my back!!! WHOOOHOOOO!

Another cool thing is that there will be a brand new catalog in 6 mo. AND, with it, new GWP's and Hostess sets!! So, now you will have even more to choose from.

In the next days, weeks and months, I am going to share different items from the catalog with you and ways to use them. So check back often!!

Have a FantasTACal day!!!

Back from Seminar

WOWWWWW.......I haven't posted since the end of May. I have been so busy preparing for Seminar that I totally dropped the ball on my blog.

BUT, the good news is that I have so many fun things to share! I have company this week but I will be uploading some of the trades I received from Seminar. TONS and TONS of them.

For those of you coming to my Open House, at my home, this Saturday, July 14th, I will have them ALL available to view!

Here are the trading cards, on the right, that I made for Seminar using the Ooopsie Daisy set on page 44.

Then I did this trading card using the Flourishes set on page 21 for the background. I stamped it in Versas Mark and then embossed it using our Transendence embossing powder. I made sheets of background paper using Palette reinkers and alcohol on glossy cardstock and then cut out the hearts!

This was my card front. I decided to keep it simple this year and did cards in pink, blue and purple using our Matchmaker cardstock. I used the Background Bonanza set on page 82, and the Oopsie Daisy set on page 44.

We also did Club Med trades and this year, I used a Coaster and made little Angel On Board signs to hang in their cars. What fun!!!! I sponged the coasters with our Versamagic Dew Drops and then stamped them with a stamp from Curls and Swirls, Page 82, around the border. Then using the Classical Alphabet stamp set on page 80, I stamped Angel on Board.

There are just a lot of fun ideas using coasters. I plan on doing more things at Stamp Camps using them.

Finally, I made a few Special Trades for my roomies and Team Members. These are little acrylic photo frames that you can get at Wal Mart. I just stamped....yep....the Ooopsie Daisy set, layered it onto cardstock and then onto Yellow MM cardstock and slid it inside...and attached the calendar to the front of the frame.

I'll be adding more and more each day.....so please come back to see some of the fun trades I received!!

Remember, if you don't have the new TAC catalog yet....it's just $4.95 plus shipping!! Please e-mail me at Pawsnstamp@crestviewcable.com to reserve yours.

Rebuilding Greensburg...block by block

I have taken up the challenge of knitting and sending 8" afghan squares to Laura Spradlin in El Dorado, KS to help with the Rebuilding of Greensburg afghan project.

Do you knit/crochet? Would you like to help in some small way? You can view Laura's blog and find out all the details and a daily update of the squares she has received to date. Even if you only have time to make one or two......they are so appreciated!

If you need to e-mail her, this is her e-mail: sugarbunnyblvd@aol.com I am sure she would be glad to answer any and all of your questions concerning the Greensburg project.

Hey, we are stampers but a lot of us also knit and crochet!

Thanks for your help in advance.

Hugs,
Char

Last Tuesday of May

Gee...where did May go?

It was a busy weekend. We basically stayed home and worked around the house/yard. It was one of the nicest Memorial Weekends, as far as weather goes, that we have seen in years.

I had a stamp camp on Saturday and we made paperbag scrapbooks. What fun!!! I used the Oopsie Daisy set from TAC and the Tutti Frutti background papers

Then, I baked 3 Rhubarb pies and a Rhubarb cobbler. As you can see, I had help from Flat Sheryl. She is part of a Flat Stamper swap I am in.
This is a card that I received as a RAK from a gal on a stamping list, Denise Vachhani. I love it!!!!

I just love the Oopsie Daisy set and the pink colors.

I have also been working on an afghan for my Granddaughter, Nicki. She chose the colors! It's bright!!!I am only about 1/5th of the way finished with it.

Have a great Tuesday!!!!

Stamping again

It seems like awhile since I have shared any new ideas. The first is a card I sent to a friend. This was easy because I mostly used background paper using TAC Bella Flor paper and "Fanciful Flowers" stamp set .

The second is a card that I for a friend's Mom who had been in an accident. Using TAC DCWV cardstock and Mulberry Meadow background paper and a doily, I came up with this idea and finally a card I made for a Cuttlebug swap.

Thanks Vicki!!!

Thanks to Vicki Hook on A Shade of Blue....I now have a new photo at the top of my blog! She generously shared how to add your own special photo to your blog. I couldn't figure out how to stretch it to take up the entire width but hey.....it's better than what WAS there!!

Isn't it fun to learn new things? And, I think it keeps the old mind busy and active. Of course it helps to have the 'younger' generation give you HELP....LOL

I love Daisies and so I went to Google and Goggled images of Daisies. I just think they were a happy flower. How can you NOT smile when you see a field of Daisies?

White/purple....it doesn't make any difference....they all make me smile!

Altered Book

I was challenged to do an altered book swap. This was my very first! So, I took the challenge. Here is my first attempt at altering books!
My theme is Lavender and Lace! I still have more I want to do to the inside...but it's a start. Then, it's to be mailed off to the next participant. How fun!!!!

Blog, Blog, Blog

HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP, I am blogging and can't quit!!!! It's like a vicious cycle. You decide to have a cup of coffee and look thru a blog or two for inspiration and then, of course, each blog has a list of their favorite blogs (which I have yet to get done on mine) and then those have a list of their favorites....and so on and so forth.....and then.....half the morning in shot and you haven't gotten your OWN blog updated! LOL

I am just truly awed by the talent out there in Blog-ville! Where oh where do I start with my favorites? I know I have to ponder that a day or two and then get my blog list going.

Mother's Day!!!! I enjoyed the day immensely! My hubby gave me a gift of love! He washed all the windows on the outside of the house.
I got a call from my 'daughter', Channie.

Then, our Son, Jim, came over to fix a fabulous lunch of Garlic Shrimp, brussel sprouts and Tossed Salad. Besides lunch, he brought me a beautiful hanging Fuschia!
And the day was topped off when my older Son, Gene, called to wish me a Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Monday!

Today is supposed to be another beautiful day in Central Oregon. It is almost 4am and it's already 39º :-) They say 76º today. Time to get the A/C put back in the window of my stamping room. I don't do well over 60º as my roomies at Seminar can attest to. :-) Not quite that bad......but I like a cool room! ;-)

So, what have I been up to? Let's see. We are starting to put in on our back and side yards this spring. We have one side yard planned out and a little triangle shaped vegetable garden site in one corner already planted with some green onions, swiss chard....and later pole beans along the fence. There will also be tomatoes, cukes and a few other things but for now...that's it.

The progress on the back yard will be slow as time allows. It feels so good to have a garden again. We haven't been able to grow a garden since 1992 when we moved to Fort Rock. But, here, things GROW...besides alfalfa LOL And, FLOWERS.....I can have flowers again, too. Oh you could grow them out in the desert....but you have to have a green thumb and I like things to just grow without having to baby them.

Also, I have gotten out my crochet hooks and knitting needles again. I have been knitting dish cloths and I just finished a pet blanket for my cat, Shadow, who will be 17 next Sunday, Mother's Day. He's looking his age but I am so glad to still have him in my life. Happy Birthday, Shadow!!


I am also working on a crocheted afghan for my youngest Granddaughter. I did one 3 or 4 years ago for my oldest Granddaughter.

Saturday, I spent the entire day down at the church, with a friend, attending a crop to celebrate National Scrapbook day. Now, mind you....I really don't scrapbook....I went mostly for the social side of it, but have I do have a few albums, paper and photos galore. So, it's about time, right? I think so. I got about 12 scrapbook pages done for Seminar trades....just need to add embellishments as Peg says :-) Oh and I won the first prize which was some fun fabric tape.

I am going to be doing an altered book for a swap with some of my Team members. I have NEVER tried this before but loved the challenge by one of my downline.....so I said, Why NOT?? No photos yet but my theme is Lavendar and Lace. I love purple and lace just seemed to fit with an old fashioned theme.

Guess it's time to clean the stamp room and make some room on my desk to stamp.
Have a great day!

I've been TAGGED

Wow, the things that happen when you don't check your message boards or other blogs for a few days!!! An Angel friend of mine, Angie, tagged me. I didn't even KNOW what being tagged meant till today. But, I am to list 7 things about myself and then tag 7 others! So here goes:

1. I used to have a 165 average in bowling...years ago!
2. I am a practical joker (they say there is no cure).
3. I tend to act a few years younger than my age...LOL
4. I have been with The Angel Company for nearly 8 years.
5. I played the clarinet and violin....quit both...bummer.
6. Daisies are my favorite flower.
7. I have been to every state in the US except a few in the north eastern states, AK and HI.

Whew, that is hard.

Can I just say that if you tagged me, that means I have probably been to your blog.....and if you know me and have a blog......then consider yourself tagged.

Please understand, I honestly do not want to take the fun out of tagging and being tagged......It looks like a lot of fun....and it's fun to see who has been tagged....and by now I'll bet a lot have been. I know that I really appreciated finding out that people actually DO come and view my blog.

I tend to read a LOT of blogs and so many of you inspire me....not just my stamper buddies but knitters, crafters, and others. I honestly wouldn't know where to start....and would hate to hurt anyone's feelings by them not being included in just the 7. I am still making my way thru all the ones on ASAB and SCS not to mention any I see on e-mails....I think I am becoming a blogger addict!!! LOL

So, hopefully everyone understands....and you can tag me as much as you like....I'll keep adding my 7 things....but I just can't choose between all of you!!!

Love ya,
Char

Seminar Seminar Seminar

Oh gosh, the excitement surrounding Seminar starts way before the actual event! I am so looking foward to it this year....as it's TAC's 10th year!!! I can barely believe I have been with the company for almost 8 years (in August). What a fantastic company to be associated with. I have never regretted signing up with them.

But, let's get back to Seminar...LOL The pre seminar activity is a blast. Everyone is so excited, planning their trades and sharing advice. I think that is part of the entire package. Of course once you GET to Seminar the real fun begins. It's just such an amazing time. There is a lot of learning going on, a lot of stamping anad a ton of hugging!
I can't wait to see all my 'old' friends....and meet my new friends that I have only met online.

I have been working on trades a little....but can't show them here till later! I think I'll probably do at least 100 card fronts and 100 trading cards. I am going to attempt my hand at doing 6x6 scrapbook pages this year and am already working on my 'special' trade. Everyone expects a gag trade from me.....so am working on it.

Then, there are special trades. Mine are very simple this year....but fun. And, then, there is ClubMed....where Managers, Executives and Directors meet for a luncheon and also do different trades and even a gift swap.

Yes....Seminar is the event of my year!!!! Then, following that...WAG!

Ok, but what have I been up to the last few days? Well....I have been walking!!! But...I injured myself...and won't comment on it here....ROTFL....but suffice it to say, IF it could be done....I would be the one to do it! So, I am on REST for 5 days....(time to do trades, right?) and then I can get back to my exercising.

Here are some of cards I made over the past few days. I did a lot of backgrounds (I get a little carried away at times, lol) and so have been using them up.

Some of them need 'something'...I'll figure it out as I go along.

Next on the agenda is to clean the stamp room, once again!!! YIKES!!! I can't think when it's messy. So, that is what will be going on this weekend. While I am at it, I will go thru my cardstock and papers and try to come up with an idea for more trades. And, OH yes....have to get on those 'special trades'.

Have a wonderful day!!!

Blog, Blog, Blog

Wow....I came on to post something new and realized the last post that I 'thought" I had saved wasn't saved after all.

I have been busy with a 'Spring Cleaning craft Sale' the last few days. It was fun!!! And, I had a little part of the table reserved just for me to sit and 'play' all three days. I made backgrounds, cards and just played. (funny, cause I ended up taking back some of the stuff I had up for sale) LOL

The money I made will go into my Seminar fund which is held in June. I can't wait! I think I even figured out my trades!

Here is a card I sent to one of my friends' Mom....who was struck by a car last week and in the hospital. She is out now, and doing as well as can be expected. But still a scary thing to have happen.
I used Purple DCWV cardstock, TAC Mulberry background paper and tea stained doilies!

I have also been having fun making backgrounds on glossy cardstock using TAC reinkers and alcohol. Here are a few:

I received a few Flat Travelers this week. It's a swap I am doing on several lists. Two of them are from one list and the other is from another list. I have just had so much fun doing this ....as it's fun to take your 'flat friend' to see the sights and to also spend some time with them....as a lot of them I will probably never see in person.

Of course, some people look at me like I am NUTS when I ask them to take our photo.....but what the heck, you only live once, I say.

And, yesterday, I received a 'gift' in the mail from one of my downline's husband......it was a JOKE......and I got a huge kick out of it. I am always saying "Put your big girl panties on and DEAL with it" and he thought that was funny.....so he thought he would have his wife get me a pair. I have them hanging in my stamp room!! They have to be the BIGGEST size out there. They took up almost the entire width of my door!

What a fun last few days!!!

What a difference a memory card makes

Well, long time no post!!!

I messed up the memory card in my digital camera and had to wait till I could get another one. I learned a valuable lesson, never delete photos when you are using your PhotoSmart. Always delete off the camera itself! Lesson learned! Yes, I could have posted without photos...but BORING!!!

I have been busy getting a few swaps finished, preparing from my Spring Cleaning craft sale, which is next week, April 17th-19th from 9am - 4pm. And I am trying to decide which stamp sets to use for my trades for Seminar, coming up the last of June. WHOOOHOOO!!!!

I had a Big Shot demo on Tuesday April 3rd and we had a lot of fun. I showed the gals that you can use your Big Shot for Sizzix dies, Ellison dies, Cuttlebug embossing folders.....and I also even crush peppermint candy canes LOL NOT that you would want to do this a lot....but hey, it did work!!!

I am having so much fun with the Cuttlebug embossing folders. I wish that TAC carried them....but we do carry the Big Shot and you can use them in that. It is soooooo easy....just place your cardstock in the embossing folder and then in between two clear plastic cutting mats....and lay it on top of the white spacer board....and run it thru the Big Shot. SIMPLE.....and the results are awesome!!!

Here are some of the designs we did. I only have three.....but plan on getting more. I have sent off several cards this week using the Cuttlebug embossing folder....and didn't think to get a photo first...grrrrr!!!







They are so much fun. And, if you use them with our DCWV (Matchmaker) cardstock and use a sanding block, like I did on the middle one....it highlights the images. You can also use them with white cardstock and then chalk them!!! And, I have used vellum with the embossing folders and then colored with markers/dye ink from the back and the results are very pretty.

I am so excited about Spring Fling that is starting April 18th. With a $30 order you can order one or all four of the stamp sets for a special price. Contact me at Tacstamper109@yahoo.com if you are interested.







Well, need to boogie....and get my stamp supplies set up for my sale next week.....but I will try to get a few cards done and share them in the next day or two.

Have a wonderful day!!!

Back to Stamping

This past week has been taken up with getting an estimate for the damage to my car and getting ready for FUNshops and Stamp Camp and a little get together on April 3rd at my house. Then, the card in my digital camera decided to go belly up....so I was without a camera for a few days till DH remembered we had a small card that came with the camera. I looked in the bag and sure enough...so I am back in business again ;-)

Two things I have been working on, but haven't quite put the finishing touches on, are a little basket that I 'cased' from my SU friend, Paula, who had it on her blog. I didn't have the directions for making it so I just 'guessed', but they are sure fun to do.

I used TAC's 8x8 background papers to make the little baskets. I just love these background papers for adding just a little extra touch to cards etc. As you can tell, I am not done fiddling with it...but found the daisies and LARGE paper clips a fun added touch!

Then, I have been playing with paper bags.....you can do so much with paper bags...YES...plain ol lunch bags. Here is one idea:

Again....needs 'something'....but you get the idea. This is a little invitation pocket card. The invite is actually on the inside.

My next project will be a Scrapbook made from these paper bags. I just love 'projects'. I need to get back to making cards, but for now....the 'crafty projects' are capturing my attention.

If you try one of these fun projects, please let me know....I always love to see other people's art....and how they have taken it to the next level!!!