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

Michelle Zindorf Workshop coming soon!!!

Less than two months and I'll be attending a Michelle Zindorf workshop in Salem, OR.   I have been waiting for over a year now and it's just around the corner!

If you haven't heard of her, (that seems almost impossible,) you can visit her blog to see her brayering techniques and the awesome cards she makes.

If you missed reading about the Salem  Zindorf workshop, earlier on my blog, you can visit this link and find out all the information on the upcoming workshop to be held May 14 and 15th, 2010.

It's not too late to sign up, but there are only a few spots left so I would advise doing it soon!

Come and learn a new technique, get some fabulous stamps and have a great day stamping and enjoying the company of other stampers.

I plan on going for the entire weekend and not only enjoying my time with Michelle, but shopping too and just having some girl time with other friends!!

You can spend the weekend or just come for the day.  We do have a block of rooms set aside for those that come in for the night or weekend...so be sure to mention the Zindorf Workshop when you book your room.

It's going to be so much fun!!!  Hope to see you there!!

Hugs,

Char

A couple of Easter Cards

I haven't been quite as busy making cards as I would like to be but I did get a few made this past couple of weeks.

I am headed to Stamp Club in about 15 minutes so thought I would share a couple of these cards before I leave.

This first one is a Waterfall card.  I used the set "I Love Easter" from TAC.  

The second card is a card I made using the Floppsy Bunny set that is a Vintage set for March.   I found some cute bunny paper (Non TAC) and used that along with some pink cardstock.  

Now....onto some Spring cards...and hopefully, I'll get some ideas at Stamp Club today.

Have a fantastic Weekend!!

Hugs,

Char

Oh what a fantastic trip to Pennsylvania

Last month, I had the privilege of flying back to Pennsylvania to attend my Cousin's 75th birthday party. 

My Sister and I left on Wednesday February 17th and returned on the 24th.  What a wonderful, fun filled week.

Our Cousins, Dorothy and Kathy picked us up at BWI in Baltimore, MD (Photo is us flying into Baltimore) and swept us away to Chincoteague Island for a couple of days.  WOW....if you have ever read or seen the movie "Misty of Chincoteague" that is where we stayed.  What a gorgeous spot on the earth.

We had so much fun walking the beach on Assateague and gathering SHELLS!!!  

I mean these shells were WHOLE....not like on the northern Pacific coast where they are broken.  You could walk and pick up shells for hours and hours and hours.  Which we did!!  We even ran out into the surf to get a few conch shells.

Here is one of the Conch shells I got. I think I must have gotten 10 conch shells in different shades of colors.  They were beautiful.

Here is another type shell...can't' remember the name of this one.

And, these black shells

Oh and these shiny shells.   What fun we had picking up all these different shells.

 

 

I have tons more photos of shells, but you get the picture.  :-)

After our two day stay at Chincoteague and Assateague, we headed back up to York, PA where we stayed the rest of our week.

Saturday was the party and oh what fun!!!  My Cousin's daughter knows how to plan a party! The food was excellent and the grand finale' was her giving her Mom a cruise to the Bahamas.  Here is a photo of my Cousin, her daughter, Kathy and Kathy's three kids.

On Sunday, they took us to Gettysburg!!  OH MY GOSH....even with the snow....it was awesome! I definitely HAVE to go back there so I can walk it next time.  We did the driving tour and got out a few times for photo ops.....and the weather that day was excellent!!!   In fact, we had great weather the entire time we were there....but heard they got another storm that came in the day we left.  Whew...perfect timing.  We even found a cool scrapbook store in Gettysburg.  It was worth the trip, believe me.

This is the view from a tower, 8 flights up, of the countryside.  Isn't it beautiful!

Monday we went to Lancaster and had a blast!!!  I have been there before when they were starting to farm and it was so neat to see.....and I hope to go back again at another season.  We had a great time there.  Did a little shopping and had lunch.

Tuesday, I visited a stamp store in York with a friend from Mechanicsburg, PA.  We had a great time and enjoyed ourselves.  Then, it was back to my Cousin's to leave to visit our family for the afternoon.

They took us to a steak house that two of the younger cousins work at.  The Roadhouse Steakhouse.  YUMMMMMMMMM!!!!!  Then we went to the Christmas Tree Store and shopped.  Then, back to my Cousin's house to visit and watch a movie.  When we finally got back to my older Cousin's house...it was after 11pm and I still had to pack and get all those shells in my luggage.

I got to bed at 12am and was up at 3am to get ready for our flight back home.

We flew home that morning, exhausted, with tons of memories, shells and a resolution not to wait 14 years to return.

And, one last shell to share

Have a great weekend!!!

Hugs,

Char

Spring is HERE

YEAAAAAHHHHH!!!!   Tomorrow is the first day of SPRING!!!!  It's been gorgeous weather here the last few days albeit very cold in the mornings.

Wow....it's been a little over a month since I last posted.  A LOT has gone on this past month!  

If you remember my last post was about One World, One Heart.  I had drawn a winner and then left for my week in Pennsylvania.  She hadn't replied by the time I returned, so I sent her another e-mail when I got home and we made contact.  I am working on her flip flop book!

And, I won four drawings.  

One was a fantastic hanging Calendar by Candy Barnett.

Here is the Calendar.  Isn't it awesome??? Hmmm, wonder if she will refill it when next year rolls around?? LOL

Another is the beautiful tissue wall hanging from Lori at Raspberries and Rose Petals The Tissue hanging is absolutely gorgeous!!  The post office didn't treat it too well, so I copied the photo from her blog.  You have to check out her blog...it's great!!!

Another was a gorgeous pendant from Susie Kline at Kline Art Studio, (the link seems to be an old one so I can't include it).  

And, lastly a tatted lip balm holder from Aileen at Wickedtats.  I haven't received the lip balm holder, yet, but I know that is being made and will be sent when finished.  I'll have to take a photo of it when it gets here. 

I feel very blessed to have won such awesome drawings!!

The best thing about One World One Heart, tho, is getting to visit over 1,000 blogs and meeting new bloggers.  There is definitely a LOT going on out there in the crafting/art world.

Stay tuned....I'll bring you up to speed on my vacation.

Have a great day,

Char

OWOH Winner!!!

Today is the day!!!!! The Magical Ride is over....but what a ride it was!!!  How fun to get to meet so many people from all over the world!!  So much talent...and so many creative blogs.

My hubby drew the winner, this morning, from the 226 entries!!!  The winner is:

*************************************************************************

Sharon MLS said....

Thanks for stopping by and introducing yourself! I'd love to enter you giveaway. :-)

**************************************************************************

She was #101 on the list.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my blog and entered my OWOH drawing!  This was such a fun event and I hope we get to do it again, next year.

I have contacted Sharon and will wait till tomorrow night....if I don't hear back from her, I will draw another name.

Hugs,

Char

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!!!  

Hope you have a wonderful day doing whatever it is that makes you happy!!!

We are going to church and then will come home and watch the Winter Olympics!  

It was awesome to see Apollo Ono come in second, last night, in the finals for speed skating!!!  Way to go Apollo!!!!

My heart and prayers go out to the family, friends and fellow Olympians of Nodar Kumaritashvili, the Georgian Olympian Luge Slider who died yesterday during a training run. He was just 21 years old.

My prayers are with all the athletes!!!  

Char

Busy, Busy, Busy

 

 

I have been busy riding the Magic Carpet visiting over 1,000 blogs and it's been fun, interesting and very informative!   Wow, there are so many talented people in this world!

I have also been busy getting ready to go to Pennsylvania in a couple of weeks to visit my Cousin who will be 75 the end of this month.  Her daughter booked a flight so that I could attend.  I am just so excited.

Now, I am working on a Flip Flop album to give to my Cousin.  Do you have any idea how hard it is to find VIOLETS in the scrap booking world?  Well, at least for me, it is.  

Thanks to some fabulous stamping friends, I have acquired the use of a Violet rubber stamp, some artificial Violets, some stamped images and some violet colored flowers with pearls in the center. They are turning out to be JUST what I needed.   If I could have found some designer paper with Violets, I would have been ecstatic...but time is running out.

So, here is the start of my album...and hopefully, when I get it finished.....I can post the results.  I keep changing my mind....first it was blue...then I decided on lavender.  I am working on some hearts that I will attach on the pages inside.  IF I decide I like them.  Hopefully, I'll have this finished in a couple of weeks.  :-)

Have a fun Super Bowl Sunday.....I'll probably watch while I am working on my album!

Char

One World One Heart 2010 Magic Carpet Ride

The One World One Heart blogging event is off and running again. The is my second year to participate and it's so much fun!

This year's theme is a magical Carpet Ride and I hope you come along for the fun!!

This event is open to everyone but in order to leave a comment, you must have a blog and you must leave an e-mail or have a link to your e-mail on your blog so that I can reach you in the event that you win.

This year's event ends February 15th. I will announce the winner on that day.

My contribution is one of my Flip Flop books. It is a small scrapbook that you can add photos of a special event to either keep for yourself or give as a gift.

Here is a photo of one I did last year.

This year's book will be the same except with different designer papers and card stock. The winner will get to choose her favorite colors and I will try hard to use the colors that are chosen but will be limited to stock on hand.

So, who is ready to jump on the magic carpet and go for a fun filled ride??

I know I am!!!

Have a great day and good luck everyone! I am so excited to get to meet each and every one of you and will be visiting your blogs in return.


Hugs,
Char

Come on Spring

Hi,

I don't know about you but I am just about tired of Winter and all of it's weather. We sure haven't had it as bad as some but I am so ready for some blue skies.

I said I would share the card my Sister made for her Christmas cards when I got a photo taken. Here it is.

I thought she did a great job and even added Stickles to give it a little more Pizazz!! A lot of work went into these cards.



Now, we are onto Valentine's Day cards. I have made a few and here are some I did with some friends last week.

I did this one using TAC's More Mimi Designer paper, Scarlet card stock and a couple of Valentine dollar stamps from Michael's.










This was the card that Richard came up with. The inside is just as good! He's just having way too much fun with the Cuttlebug and folders :-)






Judy's Creation is this orange and black themed card. I love the black gingham!


I made a very simple card using some one's heart stamp, white card stock, and Scarlet card stock. Of course, I had to add Stickles.

I like that we came up with some cards that aren't the normal Valentine's colors. It was fun!

Merry Christmas

Just wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!!!

I have a CAMERA

I am so excited!!!! I went to a stamp club luncheon, yesterday and while we were visiting, I happened to mention that I had dropped and broke my digital camera. One of the gals asked if I needed a camera and I said yes, I'd probably get one in a few months.

She said, "NO...do you NEED one?". I said, "Yes, I do, I use one all the time". She got up...went home and got a camera and gave it to me. She said she had two and had been trying to give this one away and no one needed it.

I am so excited....oh I said that....well, I AM!!!

It's a Sony Cyber-shot. It's about two years old....but it's AWESOME! I don't have a manual or anything with it...so will have to go online and read up on it to find out how to use it.

Now, I can take photos and post them!! I just need to get a USB cable so I can connect with my computer and I am off and running.

WHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Thank you Lord!!!!

Hugs,
Char

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

How's that for an opening??

Well, still no camera and my friend forgot his camera the other day when we got together so can't post photos. But, I got to thinking......I can still 'Communicate'. I am not really good at describing cards but I can talk about other things until a camera magically appears.

One of the things I have been wondering about is HOW much does paper crafting/stamping play a part of your Christmas holidays? Or, whatever holiday your family celebrates.

Do you make all your cards? How about decorations, place setting cards, gift wrap, tags, gift bags? What are some other ideas you have come up with?

I would love to hear what you do in the way of rubber stamping and or paper crafting.....for the holidays.

This year, I made some adorable Santa Pants to give to friends and family. I filled them with candies and a little gift. As soon as I can, I'll post a photo and the directions. I got the idea from my little buddy, Rita Holmes, who got it from someone else.....and so on and so forth....you get the idea.

Another yearly favorite things to do is to give Snowman Soup to those that you want to give a little gift to such as the mail lady, beautician etc.

I just find cute snowman mugs at the Dollar Tree, Wal Mart....for $1 or so.....fill it with one pkg of Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate (which is on sale almost everywhere right now), a few Hershey Kisses, a little packet of mini marshmallows and a candy cane as a stirrer stick. I wrap it with cellophane and tie it with ribbon. You can make a little gift card to go with it explaining about Snowman Soup. You can find some poems here.

So, now it's YOUR turn!!

Hugs,
Char

18 Days till Christmas

But, who's counting??

The tree is up and decorated, the house is decorated and now all that is left to do are the cards and gift wrapping....which will be easy since most everyone is getting either money or GC's.

Actually, I already started my cards but then got side tracked by getting ready for a 5K walk on Saturday. Now that is over, I can concentrate on my cards and a few Christmas parties that I have to attend. Well, I don't HAVE to....but you know.....

I am also still collecting fun ideas to do with my Granddaughter while she is here over Christmas vacation.

My Sister came on Friday and I helped her get her cards started. She is doing a version of a card I had sent her last year.

She is doing hers on Purple card stock with different colored trees. They are going to be really elegant! If I have a camera when she finishes them, I'll take a photo of one of them.

These are super easy to do....just take a lot of folding!

Wednesday is another stamping get together and then Saturday is a Christmas stamping get together....oh the fun continues!!!!

Have a great day, everyone!!

Hugs,
Char