Lemonade anyone?

I was messing around, the other day, trying to make a card using the "An Udder Birthday" set from The Angel Company. I have used this set so many times, it's hard to think of new ideas.

Then, I was at WalMart the other night and they had their own brand of 'Kool Aid" packets for just .10¢ each. I grabbed a bunch of them and decided I would come up with something using those.

I used Green, red and yellow card stock from the Neutrals Card Stock Stack and white card stock. I stamped an image from "An Udder Birthday" on the white and colored it in using Prisma Color H2O pencils.

I punched out a circle, using the Mega scalloped circle punch, from the red and cut it in half and attached it to the bottom of the flap. Taking a dime, I cut a half circle flap with my Retractable Knife.

Afterwards, I decided I could have used Velcro and might just have to try that next time.

Have a Fantas-TAC-al weekend!!!

Christmas in JUNE?

Ok, since I won't be here this weekend, I have two posts I am going to go ahead and send.

I didn't realize that Blogger doesn't allow you to schedule posts, (my other Blog on Word Press, does). That is what I had planned on doing.

YES...it IS time to think about those Christmas cards, believe it or not. If you are anything like me, it takes me weeks to come up with just the idea and then I need to start during the summer because if I wait till the actual holidays, it's just too dang busy and I don't get them done in time or at all.

So, with that in mind, I decided to try and come up with one idea a month. Then, have a Christmas class each month to get them done. That's the only way I will make myself sit down and work on them and have them ready by the first of December.
I made this card using TAC's new Christmas set called "Joy of Christmas". It is a set of 7 and three of the stamps in the set coordinate with a couple of our Clever Lever punches so that makes it even more fun. I stamped the JOY with Palette L'Amore Red.

I used one of the stamps from the Butterfly Swirls set as a background on the green DCWV card stock and stamped in Versa Mark then used my sander to bring out the image.

I also made one stamping Joy with Palette Jardin Moss.
And, I did one stamping it with Gold Brilliance pad and embossing it with Gold embossing powder.
Not sure I like the embossed one. I think another layer in between the red and green would have helped and a different stamp sanded on the green. Oh well, I still have plenty of time before Christmas ;-)

Everyday Events

How is your day going??? It's beautiful here in Central Oregon. Clear blue skies and we just did get home from a BBQ that was put on by my Hubby's place of work. Unfortunately, he had to drive, today, so wasn't able to attend. But, while I was there, it looked like a good part of the town came out to enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, fresh fruit, chips, pop, strawberry shortcake and snow cones. They put on a customer appreciation BBQ every summer and of course, their employees and families are invited, too. There were even prizes you could sign up for and I would have loved to have won the squirt guns.....altho it was in the kid's section, but seeing as how my hubby is employed there, I didn't feel that I should sign up either Zoey or I. They even had face painting. Fun time!!
This set is not a new stamp set... but such a versatile one, that I use it a LOT! There are 9 stamps in this set and for $19.95 that is a bargain at a little over $2.25 a stamp. I have uploaded cards where I have used these stamps, before but never did show the actual stamp set.
Until my order arrives, I am playing with the stamps that I already have on hand.

I made a card using the Enjoy stamp from the set.



I love using the Scor Pal to make the diagonal lines and then using the sanding block to bring out the white core of the DCWV cardstock.
Easy peasy!
The Scor Pal is becoming one of my favorite tools next to the CuttleBug Embossing folders and my Bind It All.

I'll be away for a few days and will not have access to a computer so see you next week.









Char

Finally, the muse is coming back

Ever get so caught up in everything else that's going on in your life that you just don't find or 'make' the time to stamp??? Oh gosh, I know some of you have really busy lives, but somehow you plug along and still get things posted on your blogs each day. At times, I tend to go days, weeks before I get something, stamping related, posted...and I feel really bad about that.

BUT, I think I just figured out HOW I can post something every day even tho I don't always stamp every day. I just won't upload the whole kitten kaboodle each time ;-) Instead of posting 6 or 7 cards at a time, when I am creative, I'll just post one! Then, I'll always have something to post each day.

After a dry spell, the creative muse is coming back again. There for awhile, except for preparing for FUNshops, I just couldn't seem to find time to stamp just for the sake of stamping!
With the new catalog just released, there are new ideas I want to try and new stamps to purchase. I need to delegate an hour a day to just stamping.

Yesterday, I set the timer and sat down and told myself....I have ONE hour....now make something....anything!!! It worked!!! So, I will try and do that each day that I am home.

I came up with the above card, using theseTAC supplies:

Soar With It Collection designer paper, "Juliette"
Red 1 card stock
Stardust card stock
Gold Brilliance pad
Cognac Palette pad
Gold EP
Mega scalloped circle punch
Giga scalloped circle punch
Super Jumbo circle punch.
Butterfly Bits T2965 stamp set
I added some white organza ribbon


Are you feeling the "no creativity" blahs? Try it! Just set the timer for 1 hour and make at least one card in that time. Bet you just can't stop at one. :-)

Let me know how it works for ya!!

Hugs,
Char

Beer Butt Chicken

I KNOW I am behind the times, but even tho I have heard people talk about this, I have never had it! My Son invited us to a BBQ at his house, last night, and when he told us what he was making, I couldn't wait!!

We got there a little before he did so I took some photos of his fountain area, that is in progress, by his patio and some of his gorgeous bushes around his yard.

Then, it was time to get the chicken on the "Q". I took photos every time he opened the lid, I think....LOL We don't own a BBQ as hubby doesn't really like to do it and I haven't ever tried. So, we let our youngest Son cook on the BBQ for us. He does an awesome job. Haven't tried anything that he's cooked so far, that I haven't liked. He has cooked Steaks, chicken, shrimp and other stuff. I may have to learn one of these days but then that would mean I would have to cook and it's fun to get out of the house and let someone else do it. YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!! It was a great meal....and I think I am going to have to try and make Beer Butt Chicken as it was SO moist!!! We also had baked potatoes, on the grill, and green beans.

Ok, now I think I have almost seen it all!!! He's talking about trying to do a turkey this way. I told him to be sure and invite us!

TAC will be at Grand Rapids, MI

This is exciting news!! I just wish I lived closer to be able to attend, but maybe some of you do?? If you do happen to attend, tell the TAC girls hi from Char Wilson and come back here and leave me a comment about your experience.

TAC will be at the Great American Scrapbook Convention in Grand Rapids, July 25-26, 2008 and here are the classes that will be taught.

Grand Rapids, MI - four classes

Memories meet Simplicity by Mischelle Smith

Pocket Full of Pretty by Shayla Boyer

Everything:Woodrow Keepsake Album by Mischelle Smith

Life Thoughts Mini Album by Debbie Rivers

Also, if you haven't been to Mischelle's blog yet, you have to check it out. Scroll down for lots of cool projects!

TAC Catalog is out!!

I haven't received mine, yet, nor the shipment of catalogs but thought you might like to see what the new catalog looks like. Someone at Seminar uploaded the photo for us demos that couldn't attend this year. I can't wait to get mine in the mail.

I plan on having a Catalog premiere party soon, so stayed tuned.

Sorry I haven't had much of a chance to stamp. I have my granddaughter visiting and have been spending time with her. We do plan on having a stamping day on Sunday. Unless we get to it sooner ;-)

It's finally warming up here, too.

Have a great day....

Happy Camper

I am a happy camper!!! Literally!! We just got home from a 3 night/4 day camping trip to Silver Creek Marsh, in Oregon, with some online camping friends. This was our first camping get together with this group. Actually, we have never gone camping with a group before, so this was a new experience for us.

We had a BLAST!!!!! I even met another stamper, Cindy, and we shared ideas and she showed me some of her cool creations. What fun to meet a stamper in the middle of a marsh ;-)

The above photos are of the sky with a heart over a tree, our camping spot and the view from our camping spot.

Anyway, when we got home.....I found a Swiss Dots embossing folder in the mail. I had an online friend, Linda G, get it for me at her Michael's as I just can't seem to locate one anywhere. I am so excited....I can't wait to use it. NOT today, I am too tired from all that fresh air.
Thanks Linda!!!!

Tagged again

I came home from camping and found I had been tagged, by Sheila, my SBS 16 Sister...so here goes:

The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.

1. Ten Years Ago

Ten years ago this month, June 25th, 1998, my Mother passed away. She had lung cancer and was given 3 months to live and I moved her in with us and took care of here until her death. I had lost my Dad in 1987. I still can't believe it's been that long. I still miss them.

2. Five Things on todays 'To Do List'
1) Update stamping blog (am doing now)

2) Update reading blog

3) Start a new blog for our camping adventures

4) Get caught up on e-mail, after being away all weekend.

5) Return some phone calls

3. Snacks I enjoy
a) Popcorn
b) Peanut Butter Cups
c) Cashews


4. Things I would do If I was a Millionaire
a) Pay off our house
b) Pay off kids' bills
c) Take my granddaughters to Disney World
d) Do a MEGA Costco run!!!! ;-)
e) Travel

5. Places I have lived

Maryland: Baltimore
Washington: Vancouver, Orchards, Woodland
Oregon: Milton-Freewater, Pendleton, Echo, Fort Rock, Culver

Now, I am tagging: Kazza, Karen, Hilma Rose, Dawn and Fifi

What a surprise to get online and find a note from Tina that she had given me a Kreative Blogger award. That was so sweet! And, such a boost to my day!

Thanks so much, Tina!!!

Now I must choose three....oh my gosh!!! It's so hard to choose....but these three always inspire me!



1. Rita Holmes
2. Vicki Hook
3. Sonja Gonzales

Hugs,
Char

TAC's Retiring Stamp Sets

I am excitedly awaiting the new catalog due out the first part of July. TAC just announced the list of the sets that will not be included in the next catalog. If you have your wish list handy, you might want to check to see if any of the stamps you have been wanting are on this list as once the new catalog comes out, you won't be able to order them.

PG 26 A GOD THING
PG 36 ABUNDANCE IS
PG 53 ALL SEASON SKINNIES
PG 75 ANIMAL BLOCKS
PG 92 AUTUMN SMILES
PG 80 BE
PG 86 BE AUTHENTIC
PG 55 BEACH FUN
PG 31 BEAUTIFUL PLACE
PG 67 BIRTHDAY BUGGIES
PG 21 BLOSSOM BUILDERS
PG 99 BUGGIE CHRISTMAS
PG 69 CALENDAR
PG 87 CHICKEN SCRATCH
PG 37 DISTRESSED DESIGNS
PG 81 DIVA DRESSES
PG 56 DONT BUG ME
PG 19 F IS FOR FAMILY
PG 95 FAITH HOPE LOVE
PG 27 FANCIFUL FLOWERS
PG 91 FANGTASTIC
PG 34 FORGET NOT
PG 90 FRIENDLY GOBLINS
PG 76 FRIENDLY NOTES
PG 92 GIGGLY GOBLINS
PG 54 HANG LOOSE
PG 69 HAPPY CELEBRATION
PG 101 HAPPY HOLIDAY SQUARES
PG 87 HE SAID SHE SAID
PG 38 HEART-ITUDE
PG 37 HIP HARDWARE
PG 40 HIS ANGELS
PG 92 JOLLY JACK O LANTERNS
PG 102 LICENSE TO CHILL
PG 56 LILLY PAD POND
PG 41 LITTLE INSPIRATIONS
PG 40 LIVE INSPIRED
PG 100 MAY YOUR MERRY
PG 69 MINI SAMPLER
PG 53 MORE SEASON SKINNIES
PG 81 MY FAVORITES
PG 41 MY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
PG 88 MY STORY
PG 45 NEEDED NUMBERS
PG 43 NURTURE YOUR SOUL
PG 43 OLD FRIEND
PG 51 PALS
PG 68 PARTY NOTES
PG 69 PARTY TIME
PG 75 PLAYFUL PAISLEY
PG 76 PRETTY POSIES
PG 85 RAGDOLLS
PG 18 REMEMBRANCE
PG 100 RETRO CHRISTMAS
PG 90 RETRO HALLOWEEN
PG 100 RETRO REINDEER
PG 90 RETRO TREATERS
PG 81 RUB A DUB
PG 51 SASSY CATS
PG 75 SENTIMENTAL BOXES
PG 61 SO GIRLY SWIRLY
PG 45 SO SILLY
PG 32 STIPPLE BET
PG 87 SWEET SAYINGS
PG 88 SWIRLY SEASONS
PG 50 THE BUZZ
PG 92 THE FIRST THANKSGIVING
PG 95 THE ONLY THING
PG 33 TIP TOE
PG 92 TOO SPOOKY
PG 27 TRULY BLESSED
PG14 WEDDING WISHES
PG 69 WISHING YOU
PG 33 WRITE IT
PG 38 YOU ARE MINE
PG 17 YOURE A HOOT
PG 69 YOURE INVITED

Just click on each set to be taken to my website to view the stamp set or to order. If this is your first order, with me, please make sure you create your. You can also contact me at Pawsnstamp@crestviewcable.com to place your order. Please put ORDER in the subject line.

Thanks!!!
Have a great day!!

Char

What great RAKS

I am very blessed to be the recipient of RAKS from time to time. Here are two of the latest RAKS that I have received both using TAC stamps and card stock

The first one is from my lil buddy, Rita H. She is going through chemotherapy right now as I type. My mind has been with her all morning.

Anyway, she sent this card a few weeks ago to show me what she had made with the "Scor Pal". I love that tool. The layer she added is punched with another tool. I forgot what she told me she used....eeeek.

She used the "butterbeesandmore" and "Trendy Greetings" stamp sets and Cobalt blue and Robin's Egg Blue card stock. It's just so cute!

This second one is from one of my down line and 'daughter', Channie D. It was a May Day card. What a surprise and to think some people still remember May Day!! I have to say that she remembers me every holiday. She was a 'daughter' to me before she signed up as a demonstrator. Long story how she and I became "Mom" and "Daughter" but it's cool to have a daughter like her!!

She used white, brown and Green 3 card stock, plus a strip of Wine Red 2 card stock. The stamp sets she used were "Treasure it" and "Just Because". She ran the brown card stock through the Big Shot using a Cuttlebug embossing folder. I just love those embossing folders!
I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life! A lot of my friends have come from the 'internet' believe it or not....and often times we have met in person and sometimes not....but we still have a great friendship. I am blessed with friends that I have had for over 30+ years and others that have become friends in the past year or so. There is always room for more!

Flat Char Returns home

(update)  This post no longer has photos as I installed Picassa....and when I decided to delete Picassa....it removed ALL my photos from my Blog...even ones I had uploaded even before Picassa!  So, if I still had the photos, I tried to upload them again in all the posts but some years, I didn't still have the photos.
Char


I don't know how many of you were here about a year ago when Flat Char was 'born' and took off on her journey around the U.S.A. So, I will explain a little just in case you are thinking I am absolutely bonkers.

Last year, in March, a group of stampers from my Yahoo group took part in an unusual swap. We all made dolls from card stock with arms and legs that were movable. We added a photo of our face to the dolls face. We dressed them up, made a passport and then the 'flat stampers", as we called them, began their journey to the next person on the list. No one ever expected this journey to last over a year but that doesn't matter now.

Flat Char visited:
Burgettstown, PA
Plattsburgh, N.Y
Contoocook,N.H
Langhorne, PA
Hurley, NY
Aberdeen, WA
Salem, VA
Williston, VT
Pittsburgh, PA
Savannah, GA
Olympia, WA
and finally Knoxville, TN before heading back home.

I am thoroughly enjoying reading and re reading all the entries in my passport. Some gals even added photos and postcards.

I would dearly LOVE to be able to visit each one of these gals in person. It was a fun experience and we loved reading all the mishaps (my foot got nibbled off by a bunny LOL but my hostess was able to mend it) and adventures of each other's visits.


I have more plans in store for Flat Char but that is for another time.
I have a couple of RAKs to share but will do so in another post.

Forgot to Mention!

I forgot to mention that the bag has strong magnetic closures on each outside pocket. There is also a pocket on the outside at each end. I decided to put my hand cream in one and something else on the other end.

I couldn't wait to add my stuff, so I decided to take some photos to show how much room there is. Usually, after I put my 'wallet' inside a purse, there is never enough room for anything else. I have all the stuff I normally carry with me and STILL lots of room left!


These two inside pockets are just perfect for my cell phone and MP3 player...plus room for a pen and calendar.

The key clip keeps my keys from getting lost in my purse. The other zippered compartment is where you slide your photo/card/art work inside so that it shows through the window on the outside of the tote.

If you like this bag and want to order one, you can access the Daily Window website by clicking on their banner to the right. Enjoy!!! I know you'll absolutely love these bags!!

Hugs,
Char

New Bag from Daily Window

I received a wonderful surprise today. Imagine my shock when Fed Ex showed up with a package and in it was a gorgeous bag from Daily Window. I was so excited, I am still shaking.

It was the bag that I have been wanting to purchase but just hadn't gotten around to it.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It's even better than I had thought.

I am going to use this bag as my purse! I have been looking for something bigger than my regular purse, which is usually stuffed to the brim and stuff is constantly falling out of it. The front of the bag has a 'window' where you can showcase a card/photo/album...whatever suits your fancy. I chose to put a card in that was sent to my by a good friend of mine. The green in the card matches the green background fabric.

This bag has a deep inside zippered compartment, on one side, that will hold my wallet and on the other side are two compartments that will hold my cell phone and a date book. I love the green fabric on the inside and it is also viewable on the outside window.
I just want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH, you know who you are!!! It was a wonderful surprise!!!

Still no stamping but,

It's supposed to cool off here in a couple more days! I sure hope so.....today wasn't quite as hot as yesterday. We worked in the yard over the weekend getting it all up to snuff. Boy, the weeds can grow so fast. We bought some new bark dust and pulled weeds till we were exhausted. Now, I just need to decide what plants/flowers I want to plant.

Then, we worked out in our small garden area and also picked some rhubarb for pies.
This is our small strawberry bed!! Can't wait for those!!! May not get any this year...but that's ok!
All in all, it was a very constructive weekend, even if I didn't get any stamping done.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a little cooler. And, by Tuesday it should be back down to the 60's...70's....so better stamping weather...for me, at least.

Hubby did put the A/C unit in the office/ stamp room window this weekend, so won't have any excuses any more. Sheesh ;-)
Happy Stamping,

Char

Welcome AngelHood blogging Sisters #2

Oh this is just too dang exciting!!!

Today, I joined the Angel Hood Blogging Sisters group #2. This is for Angel demonstrators and it will be fun sharing and getting to know these other 9 ladies and visiting their blogs, as well, on a regular basis.

Some of them I already am acquainted with and some I know really well....and some I am anxious to get to know better.

So, welcome to my Angel Hood Blogging Sisters!!!

Hugs,
Char

Blog Candy

Surfing blogs today, I came across Elf Creations and some great blog candy. Go check out Emma's blog over at Elf Creations

While you are there...look at those adorable cats!
I have to quit surfing and get busy and DO ;-)

Hugs,
Char

Wonderful Weekend

David and I had a chance to go to the coast for a few days over Mother's Day weekend. We left on Friday May 9th and drove to Newport (Yaquina Bay Bridge above, in Newport) and then on down to Waldport, OR.

This is a photo of the Alsea Bay Bridge in Waldport, taken from the KOA campground we stayed at.

We had a wonderful Friday with beautiful clear blue skies. Walked on the beach, played with our dog, Annie (her first time to the coast) and just had a relaxing day.

The next day, Saturday, it was typical coast weather, rainy and misty and overcast. We got up early, had breakfast and then ventured out to go to some garage sales. They had a city wide garage sale going on. We made it to about 7 before lunch.

We ate at the Chowder Bowl in Nye Beach. OH YUM, they had absolutely wonderful clam chowder.

Then, I visited the "Taylor Made Scrapbook store" and Craft Warehouse and of course had to buy paper at both places.

Then back to Governor Patterson Wayside for more walks on the beach.

(of course, this photo was taken on Friday....so it's a better one than the one we took on Saturday)




Sunday, we took off for Florence, Oregon and the views from the road were spectacular.










The photo below is probably my favorite photo that I took all weekend. The view is of Heceta Head Lighthouse from Hwy 101 on the way to Sea Lion Caves. You can see our truck and trailer on the side of the road.






With a short stop at Eugene, OR to visit our Son....we then traveled to a RV park on the McKenzie Pass.

And, found a nice spot to camp for the night.
We got home on Monday afternoon, all rested up and raring to go.
Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!!