Angelic Impressions

Prayer Journal

2012-01-28T15:46:00.000-05:00

I covered a comp book for a prayer journal after studying prayer with my Sunday School class. I am so happy with it ..... I have invited others in my church if they would like to make one too. The stamps on the outside are from Our Daily Bread and the paper, called 'Faith', is from Hobby Lobby.

I antiqued the images and the outside edges of the book (look closely at the bottom picture) with Walnut Satin Distress inks .....

and randomly added scripture verses on the inside pages.

I put slides on the inside front and back covers to hold extra papers and added an eyelet with a ribbon tied onto it for a bookmark on the back cover. I forgot to take a picture of that. I really am liking how it turned out.

So I will be having a group of woman at church make these with me in February. If anyone else is interested in making one let me know and we can have a class.

I had a great time with my friend Pat, from Chicago, the last two days. She brought two friends, Robin and Connie. It was a lot of laughing and having fun and we did do a little stamping, too. I am so glad they came and got home OK. I am not feeling very well today so I am doing some resting.

Calorie Free Cupcakes!

2012-01-23T13:29:00.000-05:00

Yes ... that is true!! These are calorie free so you can have as many as you want!! I am so loving how these turned out ... they are actually the size of a cupcake or maybe even larger and are made with paper and a bath scrunchie. These would make a great gift for a friend, especially if she is dieting! They come with a little note card to write your greeting and you can add a gift card, check or money in the side to make it a larger gift if you want. I will be taking a dozen of them to Jennifer and Co this week to sell for Valentine's day (some have hearts on the top others have cherries like this ....

I will be teaching these at my class called Cricut Creations on Sunday from 2-4 at the stamping convention Adventures in Stamping the last weekend in April. And hopefully at my May 18-20 Angelic Impressions Gathering which I will be announcing the details on Feb 1. I hope to be selling them at my spring and summer shows also since they are really fun to make! So sign up for a class or meet me at a show if you want one.

I have been doing a lot of design work for convention and my gathering the last week and am pretty pleased so far. I have been blessed to have such a fun job!

Valentine's Day 6

2012-01-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

I just love this silloughet from the cartridge A child's first year .... cut from my Cricut Expression. I added glitter pen to both of the hearts ... itn't the turtle out front just the cutest! I started cutting borders on my Cricut also and that is where I got the scalloped one here.

Valentine's Day 5

2012-01-20T15:25:00.000-05:00

So I guess I need to give credit to Joan for this card ... she gave me the idea of a lollipop! But doesn't it look cute! I could not resist putting some doodles on to the embossed background either.

Tonight I get to go to another stamping friend's house to create ... it is great to get together and stamp. We will have fun I am sure and lots of laughs!

Valentine's Day 4

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Lot's of doodles on this one!!! The tic tac toe board at the top is a retired TAC stamp too! I colored the heart with a Spica red glitter pen. These were all scrapes and leftovers from my kits .... but they sure do make up nice into cards!

Going visiting to Red Maple Inn in Burton this week to make plans for our May gathering. The information for the gathering will be released on Feb first. First come first served for the rooms at the Inn ... they have 17 total.

Valentine's Day 3

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

These is another CAS card .... die cuts are from my Cricut Expression, retired TAC stamps and ribbon. Oh ... it has glitz too from a Spica clear glitter pen .... I love those!

Today I will be stamping with my local group of stampers .... it will be a fun day and productive I hope!

Valentine's Day 2

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

These two cards were made from the negatives from cutting out small black hearts with my Cricut Expression for another project I have been working on. They looked cool so I made them into cards .... see most would think of these as scrapes! I added pink glitter paper under one heart on each card, added some doodles with a white gel pen and stitching with a Spica glitter pen (don't you just love those Joan!!), some ribbon and words and that was it. CAS cards with scrapes.

Saturday I volunteered to keep the clock and score board at the Upwards Basketball leagues at my church. What fun it was to watch the kindergarteners and first graders play basketball! The get the ball and you can just see their minds ticking ....'now what do I do?' I will be doing more of this for sure.

Valentines

2012-01-16T14:56:00.000-05:00

This will be the week I share some of the Valentine Cards I made for the store. I had a few pieces left over from my Valentine Kits (see Kits above to purchase one) and all the red and pink papers scattered on my table so I used these to make cards. That truly is my favorite way to design ..... and probably my best designs come out this way. I love the way the Sakura white gel pen pops the die cut hearts on this card. The hearts are cut from my Expression. All of the stamps are retired TAC stamps. The pink heart at the top is outlines with a red glitter pen.

We had a great time at the Mojo Classes this month .... I think everyone enjoyed making the cards and learned a few things. I will not be making Valentines in my Feb. Mojo Class since it is so close to Valentine's day but if you need cards I will be selling the ones you see this week at Jenniffer & Co. in Mentor or I have kits to sell (see the tab above for details).

I am almost done designing for my classes at the convention in April, Adventures in Stamping. I am really liking the Cricut projects! I just sent in the photo so not sure when it will be posted.

Masculine Gift card holders

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Gift card holders are a staple for my markets and I was running low on masuline looking ones. I am hoping these all will fit that need. I made three of each design and will probably make more soon. They are quick and easy to make using my Cricut and Gypsy. They are all slotted inside to slip a gift card. Here I show you a few of them at a time so you can see them better.

This is what the inside looks like ... sorry I could not get the slots to show up but they are on the bottom side.

These are really fun and easy to make since I have the base already on my G and cut three at a time. By the time the first are put together the second set is done cutting. Mass production at it's best!

Pocket full of gift tags

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's time to celebrate!!! This is one of the new items I will be selling at my shows and for markets this year. It is a pocket with 8 gift tags for all different occasions. I am so loving the bright and happy feel it has. Each of the tags has a string added so you and quickly apply to your gift bag or present. The backs are open for you to write a message.

Here you can see all eight tags. I tried to put greetings on them so they could be used for many different occasions. For example: the duck could be for a baby shower, new born gift or a small child, the love you for weddings, Valentine's Day, anniversary etc..

In these photos I pulled them apart so you can see the detail better.

I will be putting these in my Etsy store if you are interested and not local. Hope you have been enjoying all of my posts. As you can see I was busy working in Dec.

Make it Yourself - Vintage Floral

2012-01-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Here is the last kit I will be revealing this week ... it is called Vintage Floral. This is probably one of the easiest kits to make and the quickest if that is what you are needing. They are all packed up and ready to go if you are interested in starting making your own cards the quick and easy way!

These are the interchangeable words that you can put on the inside of the cards. They all include a matching mat for the inside and envelopes.

You can go to the top of my blog under Kits to see all of the selections.

Make it Yourself - Snow Bunny Kit

2012-01-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

I really think this is my favorite kit of all!! It is called Snow Bunnies and all of the colored images are approved by the artist to use in this kit. I tried a new technique for these cards and love the look. It is something anyone can do and all of the supplies to do it are included with the kit. I hope you like it too. All you need to make these card would be adhesives and scissors.

I now have a page at the top of my blog for all of my kits. Check it out and let me know if you are interested in any of them.

Make it Yourself Kit - Critter's Birthday Carads

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

This is a second kit I designed for kids, called Critter's Birthday. All of the critters have wiggle eyes so you would have to supervise with younger kids. I tired to use all bold primary colors for a fun and festive look. This kit is ready to go and is $10 for four cards, directions and all the supplies you need except adhesives and scissors. I strongly suggest using a Zig Glue Pen for the die cut shapes. Email me if you are interested in purchasing one.

January Mojo Class

2012-01-05T15:00:00.000-05:00

I thought I would share with you the two Valentinve or love cards that will be in the Jan Mojo class. I am so in love with all of the cards for this class. This one the picture does not do it justice .... it very 3-D and has a little sparkle on the flowers but the rest of the card is very rustic. It is cool.

And this would be the other one .... it would be the simple card in the class .... I always put in one card that is really easy to get everyone warmed up into crafting. So what is stopping you .... email me and get into one of the classes today!

Make it Yourself Kit - Cute Valentines

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

So here is my second 'Make it Yourself' Kit. This one is called Valentine Cuties and I had kids in mind while I designed for it. It would be a great kit for kids to start off with or for you to make and give the cards to kids. I have these ready to go at $10 each for four cards. I have complete directions, papers cut, die cut and embossed and all the words in this set are printed with a shadow feature. All you need is your adhesives and scissors! Let me know via email if you want one. More to come!

January Mojo Class

2012-01-04T10:12:00.001-05:00

So now it is January and I hope you are ready to start a new year of Mojo Classes with me ... mojo means your creative juices so I hope to get them moving once a month in my class. We make 5 cards for all different occasions. This month we will be doing 2 floral, 2 valentine and one snow card. I am so in love with this one .... check out the top layer ... that was a solid paper to start with but this tech makes it really pop! I hope to show some of you a new technique or two in my class too. My calendar has the dates .... they start next week .... so let me know when you are coming. If those times do not work, let me know and I may be able to change a few.

Make it Yourself Kits!

2012-01-03T10:30:00.000-05:00

I am excited to share with you today a new feature I will be adding to my blog ... 'Make it Yourself ' Kits! I have been working on these for about a month now and have done a lot of research and planning. This is the first of 5 I will be introducing today .... this one is called Valentine Treasures. It features four cards with interchangeable words for the front and the inside of the cards. I tried to get a different look for each, traditional, modern, and contemporary. They can be used for Valentine's Day, anniversary or just to remind people you love them.

Each of the kits have all of the items cut, die cut, organized and ready to make one of each of the four cards shown above. For this kit all you need is your adhesives, scissors, a clear glitter pen and a ruler. They are designed for any age and ability .... no you do not have to be a rubber stamper to be successful with these kits! I have written directions with pictures and a list of general directions with each kit also. This one is ready to go now and is $10.

Why am I offering these kits ...

To help non-stampers learn and see how easy it is to create their own cards.
For parents to use as a fun activity with their children (a kid's card set will be shown soon!)
For stampers to take with them when they travel so they do not have to haul a lot of supplies.
To help beginner stampers learn more basic skills ... some kits will feature a new technique.
For those who love to create cards but can not attend classes.

So if you are interested in getting a 'Make it Yourself' Kit, let me know via email and you can pay me via check, cash or pay-pal. If you are not local I will be charging actual shipping. This set is ready to go today so let me know so you get one from the first batch! More to come .....

Shower

2012-01-02T01:31:00.003-05:00

I went to a baby shower last Thurs, for a friend from high school's daughter and really liked the way the gift came out. I wrapped it with a duck theme to match the card. We (another HS friend and I got the gift together) found these little yellow ducks and through they would look really cute. Here are a few more pictures.

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's weekend! I spent most of my weekend in the studio developing ideas for the coming year. I will share a few with you this week. Blessings

Green House at Christmas

2011-12-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

These are a few pictures from the Cleveland Green House ... it is a free garden for everyone .... everyday!! It is always decorated so nicely for Christmas. I hope you have enjoyed some of my photos. Blessings

Merry Christmas

2011-12-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Every year I go with friends to the Botanical Gardens in Cleveland to view the trees, gingerbread houses and Christmas decor. The top three pictures are for the highest awarded. They have to be made with all edible items. This year I saw lasagna noodles, bird food, cereals of all kinds, crackers, marshmallows, and all kinds of candy! These are some of my favorites ....

..... notice the hot tub!!!

And here is the tree in the lobby ...

I have been having problems with blogger loading my pictures so if it is still working I will put some more beautiful pictures up for tomorrow!

Christmas presents

2011-12-26T15:10:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas! Here are the samples of the gifts I made for my nieces this year .... they each had their last name's initial on them. I had gotten Root candles (my favorite kind!) and made removal girdles for them. These can be slipped off and tied around any candle for a different fit. Here are more pictures of them.

Dec Mojo Class ...

2011-12-09T20:55:00.001-05:00

... is all about gift card/money/check holders and gift tags. It is next week and I am needing to know how many will be attending. Check the calendar for times.

This is one of the gift card holders we will be making.

Inside it has a place for chocolate and money etc. I will be selling these at my show this Saturday in Timmons Elementary in Chagrin Falls from 8:30-3. I hope to have these and card candy at Jenniffer & Co. next week to sell also.

Also, let me know if you will be attending my Open House on Dec 17 to get last minute paper crafted items for gifts and/or stamping supplies for your friends or yourself (I will not tell)!!

Make it Card Kit

2011-12-05T13:01:00.001-05:00

I am excited to announce today that I am going to start making greeting card kits for you to make your own cards. These are greet to take with you while you travel, when you do not want to pull out lots of supplies, to introduce friends to card making, for children to make with their parents and for those raining days to help get you creating.

My first kit is now in my Esty store if you are not local, if you are local email if you want one or stop by my next craft show this Saturday at Silver Bells Craft Show, Kenston Timmons Elementary School, 9595 Washington St, Chagrin Falls from 9-4. I will be having an Open House to purchase my hand craft items for the holidays or your stamping supplies on Dec 17 from 10-5. Please RSVP. The cost is $8 without shipping.

'Make It Card Kit'

Christmas Inside Pocket Cards

This ‘Make It Card Kit’ makes four rustic holiday/winter inside pocket cards to send your gift cards, money, small gift item or checks in the mail to your loved ones.

Kit Includes:

Full directions to make one of each of these cards
All cut and scored papers ready to use
Images and words are already stamped
Embellishments included
Stamped envelopes
Photos of cards with directions sheets

You will need:

Adhesive (double sided tape, tape runner, glue, or glue stick
Scissors

All of the papers are cut, stamped, and organized for you to quickly put these cards together. Easy enough for a child to do! It is great to give a hand made (by you) card for the holidays!

Pocket Christmas card

2011-12-03T11:55:00.001-05:00

I have this paper that has the cutest 3" squares of designs on it and I wanted to use it for something special .... yesterday this idea came to me. It is a pocket card on the inside with the square design on the front. I love how they turned out with the rustic look. Here is a close up of the front ....

which I used a Tim Holtz border die on for the snowflakes. And here is the inside .....

which has the bottom pocket to hold money, gift card or check. I added an inside panel to write your message on. The finished size of the card is 4 1/4 x 5 1/2". I have a few different variations of these in my Etsy store if you would like one and will have them for sale at my craft show on Dec 10th in Chagrin Falls and my Open House on Dec 17th here in my home. Please RSVP if you are coming to the Open House so I know how many to expect.

Oh .... this (or one of the variations) will be in my Dec Mojo Class which features ways to present money, gift cards and check and gift tags. These classes are on my calendar so let me know if you are interested in attending.

Popcorn is a Gift

2011-12-02T13:44:00.001-05:00

Maybe some of you remember last year I shared with you my snowman popcorn holders that sold so well at my craft shows ..... well here are the new ones I have been selling this year! These have a microwave popcorn inside for a little gift and a place on the back to put a gift card, money, check or a move ticket would be nice too.

These are cut from my Cricut Expressions and on this one I used glittered paper.

Here is a picture from the back. I include a little note card for you to sign and leave your greeting also. If you are liking these I have them on sale in my Etsy store and will show more in the next few days.

My Stamp-a-Class Christmas classes have been going on this week and I still have one more on Sunday. If you missed them and would still like to attend one let me know and I will see what we can do.

Christmas Stamp-a-Stack

2011-11-29T09:58:00.001-05:00

Sometimes the easiest and simplest cards are everyone's favorite .... as was this one yesterday at my first day Stamp-a-Stack. You probably can not see it in the photo but there is a dusting of fine clear glitter on the main tree which adds so much to the card. The image is by Heartfelt Creations called Magnificent Spruce Trees and the words are retired TAC.

Reminder that I do have a larger number of Heartfelt Creations in stock right now and my price for the pre-cut stamps is $12.50. Let me know what you are wanting.

It was a fun class yesterday girls.... glad to see all of you. Today my day will be filled with errands and all those things that need to get done. Have a good one!

Christmas Stamp-a-Stack

2011-11-28T11:50:00.001-05:00

..... it this week!!! If you have not contacted me yet and want to attend please let me know ASAP. I will only take 4 per class and you will be making 20 cards, 4 of each of 5 designs. Of those 5 designs, I have two of which are using similar ingredients and stamps but are a little different .... like the one above and below. You will be making two of the top and two of the bottom cards.

I have two openings on Wed from 1-4, Tues and Thurs night I can take four each night and Sunday I can take one more. The cost is $20. Cards are easy to make and made to put in the mail without extra postage. I will not be supplying directions this time due to the size of the classes and the easiest of the cards.

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with my family ... everything tasted great and we all enjoyed the time together. I Have been blessed to have them all here at my home this year. Some of us used the hot tub later in the evening too! Hope your weekend was fantastic also!

November Mojo Class 3

2011-11-13T13:15:00.001-05:00

This card turned out really great! To me it really looks like you are looking out of a window on a beautiful winter scene. I used Heartfelt Creation's Snowy Winter Scenes for the stamp set. In fact the fourth card we will be doing in this class uses the other postbox image as it's center focus. The word stamp is a retired TAC stamp. It is colored with Copic markers and I used the Goosebumps for the window which gives it a realistic look.

Please be sure you let me know today or tomorrow if you are interested in this class we will be making three Christmas cards, one Thanksgiving and one Snow card.

Gotta go out and stack wood now for fires this winter. Hope you are having a great weekend! Blessings!

November Mojo 2

2011-11-11T16:16:00.001-05:00

I really love the way this card turned out! It is the second card that will be in my Mojo class next week. Here is a close up so you can see the texture ...

I used Goosebumps spray on it ... come see the neat technique I used for this card. Email me if you are coming.

Boy was the weather strange last night .... first I was out in the hot tub ... nice starry night and not too cold ..... then hard white hail/snow ..... then lightening that snaped and crackled like it was an electric outlet ...... then thunder that shook the house .... and all of this while it was snowing! Didn't stick much though but a lot came down.

Off to make one more card that I have in my mind today .....

November Mojo Class

2011-11-10T09:18:00.000-05:00

It is time again for a Mojo class! Here is one of the cards we will be making using Heartfelt Creation's Oak leaf background stamp. I used the trio of new fall colors of Tim Holtz's Distress Inks for the background on white paper ... yes it is white not kraft! I love the way it turned out. I did not put words on the front but the inside has a Thanksgiving greeting. Here is a close up look at the card.

Check out the calendar at the top for the dates and time for this class. Please let me know by Sunday if you will be attending. We will be making 5 cards for $15. I will post one more of them tomorrow.

I will be at Lake Catholic this Saturday and St Pasquals the following for their craft shows. I had a great time and did very well at my last one at St Gabs. It was nice to see so many of you at it.

I am trying to see if there is enough interest for a Christmas Stamp-a-stack for the week after Thanksgiving. Please let me know if you are interested by Nov 20 so I can decide if it is a go or not. I just sent out a newsletter with possible dates on it. If you did not receive one and would like to get my newsletters please email me at ritasangels@gmail.com. Thanks and have a wonderful day.

More Christmas

2011-10-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

I so love the way these cards came out ... so quick and easy but so elegant looking. Hope everyone is having a great weekend! Come to the Green House in Chardon to support domestic violence today from noon till four for Tickeled Pink. A $1 donation at the door with help the cause. Hope to see you all today!

Old fashion Christmas

2011-10-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

Doesn't that pictured warm your heart? The holidays are a coming ... hey stampers ... are you interested in doing a Stamp-a-Stack the last week in November? Let me know if you are.

Santa is a coming ....

2011-10-21T07:30:00.000-04:00

Here is another of the cards I made with the printed paper .... do you want to see all of them????

Craft season begins

2011-10-20T12:48:00.001-04:00

I had these pieces of beautiful craft colored paper with pictures on them that I just could not cut into until I go the idea to cut it into pieces and use the pictures on cards. I got 36 beautiful Christmas cards form one peice of the printed paper. I am so loving them. And to make it better I made them with scrapes that were laying on my table at the time, ribbon and laces. So simple and beautiful.

I officially start my fall shows this weekend. Saturday at Eastlake North High School and then on Sunday in Chardon at the Tickled in Pick Extravaganza. I am so looking forward to all of the fun of these shows. I have my list for this fall at the top of this page under 'Where to find me' with all of the details for the show.

I am on my third roll of ATG tape since Sunday so those of you who are crafters know that is a lot of tape and crafting I have been doing this week. I hope to get some pictures soon of some of the new items I will be selling but for the next few days how about some pretty Christmas cards?

Mojo Class again

2011-10-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

I could not wait to get this pocket stamp from Heartfelt Creations!! I have so many different plans for it and the jar that comes with it. This is another of the five cards that will be in the Oct Mojo Class next week. I used Jean Pocket and Ball Jar stamp set and Posy Patch Clusters for the stamp in the card. The pocket is attach so you can slip money, gift card or a check into it. I colored with my Copic markers.

Oct Mojo Class

2011-10-07T13:41:00.000-04:00

Mojo classes start next Monday so please let me know if you will be attending. If you are interested in the class but can not make it at the times I have it planned let me know. This is one of the five cards we will be making in the class. All of the cards have papers cut, an envelope, complete directions including a photo and all the supplies you will need. The cost is $15.

This card was made using Heartfelt Creation's Open Falling Leaves
and matching die cut and Elegant Autumn Swirl. I also used Spellbinders New Edgeabilites ..... they are so easy and practical to use!

I am finishing up my outdoor markets this week and will be starting my fall shows next weekend. Check out the list of where I will be at the top of my blog.

Christmas Wreath

2011-10-05T08:29:00.000-04:00

For this Christmas card I used two Heartfelt Creations sets. The wreath is from Small Christmas Wreath and the background stamp is from Holiday Poinsettia Candle set. The words are from a retired TAC set.

Holly Christmas

2011-10-04T08:22:00.000-04:00

This card was made with Heartfelt Creation's a few of their sets. Holly Swirl for the main image, Holiday Poinsettia Candle for the background stamp and the words are from a retired TAC set. I love this ribbon ... I got 30 yards on sale at Hobby Lobby for $1.50!! It really sets off this card. I guess I am not real happy with the way I colored the leaves .... I will do better next time. But all in all is is a nice card.

Making Christmas Cards

2011-10-03T11:13:00.002-04:00

Yes ... Christmas is a coming ..... so I have been making my Christmas cards to sell. This first one is an easy one using Heartfelt Creation's new Poinsettia Ornament 2 Precut set and Spellbinders Heirloom Ornament die cuts that match the stamp set. I colored with Copic markers added ribbon and background paper and I was finished. Oh I did add a little greenery with a Martha Steward punch.

I hope to have a Christmas card a day this month to help everyone get ready for the season. I sell all the stamps, dies, and markers to make this card. Email me privately if interested.

Cards for a Cause

2011-09-29T09:55:00.001-04:00

October's Cards for a Cause for September was yesterday and wow it was a full day. I had 6 plus myself in the afternoon and in the evening I had four more stampers get into making cards. This month I selected Hospice of NE Ohio since they are an organization close to my heart. When I called to ask about making cards for them they were so excited .... that was fun. Well me made 160 cards for them yesterday. I try to keep the designs simple but stylish. We make multiples of the same designs sometimes changing the main image stamp and/or the orientation and mixing up the words on each care to get a large variety to donate.

Here are some of the cards we made. All of the cards with the little kids on them were colored and brought in to use by Arden. Thanks for your help in advance to help us save time. She did an awesome job!!

Daisy stamps from Stacy's Stamps, all words and fall leaves are Heartfelt Creations.

All kid stamps and words are retired TAC stamps.

Both images are Heartfelt Creations and words are retired TAC stamps.

Bird is a Stacy Stamp and all other stamps are retired TAC images.

Left card are Heartfelt Creation images and right is a retired TAC stamps

Deer is a Stacy's Stamp image and all others are retired TAC images.

I will take them to Hospice early next week. I hope they like them and will give a blessing to everyone who receives one. I also would like to thank the evening gals for their donations to help cover my costs of supplies and postage (when needed) for our Cards for a Cause donations. I appreciate it so much. Thanks gals!!!! You all did a terrific job!!!!

Mojo class & fall are a coming ....

2011-09-27T09:38:00.000-04:00

It is really feeling like fall here ..... I guess I am not ready for it this year since I feel like we did not have a real summer. It was either too hot to do anything or raining here so I feel deprived of summer .... but nothing we can do now ... fall is a coming.

This card will be one of the cards in my Oct Mojo classes so check out the dates on my calender at the top and email me if you are interested in attending. I used Heartfelt Creation's background stamp called Oak Leaf Background stamp with two different colors of ink applied. Don't it look great! I then cut out of craft cardstock and Sizzix Leaf die the leaf to stamp the words onto. If you are interested in purchasing any of these let me know.

I went on a little vacation last week with my friend Debbie to Washington DC. It is a great city to visit .... I could never live there. I guess I was not expecting to like it as much as I did since I thought I would enjoy NY and Chicago better ... but no ... Washington DC is on the top. It is so clean and beautiful with trees all over and I really loved seeing all of the land marks and historic sites. We even spent time in the botanical gardens which was great but Cleveland's is better expect for the unusual and historic plants. I appreciate living where I do more since transportation is so expensive and time consuming there. We mostly traveled the Metro and I enjoyed it but would not enjoy it daily going to work ... I like my car and my freedom to do eaily where I want to go without walking. But then again that is way you are not overweight if you live in a large city ..... I walked more than I have my whole like (at least it felt like it) in Washington. Let me know if you are interested in seeing any of my photos .... my second passion from paper crafting.

Daisies

2011-09-21T08:07:00.000-04:00

I saved my favorite card for last ..... this card is made with the Stacy's Daisies stamp. I just love the way it turned out. The top is printed craft paper and the bottom is stamped on the base of the card with black ink. Remember you can purchase any of these cards or the stamp through me ... just send me a private email.

Wonder what will be on my posts next????

Black Capped Chickadee

2011-09-20T08:01:00.000-04:00

Yes ... I still have more of the cards in this series. This one using the Black Capped Chickadee from Stacy's Stamps. I liked putting the music behind the bird image.

As you can see from the first and second cards, I cut the bird out on the first cards. I am almost done with this series .... I hoping you are enjoying the cards.

Deer cards

2011-09-19T08:00:00.001-04:00

This cards was one of the last cards I made and I only had smaller scraps of the craft paper on the table .... I decided I wanted to stamp the deer but the paper was not big enough. So I taped two pieces together, stamped the image, cut it the size I wanted it, took it apart and mounted it onto the black card stock. I like the way it came out. Do You? It again is a Stacy's Stamp and is continuing with the series of cards the last few days.

This one was done in the same manner but I do not like were the the cut fell as well .... but I think it is OK. What do you think?

Goldfinch cards

2011-09-18T07:49:00.001-04:00

Continuing the series from the last two days .... these two cards are made from Stacy's Stamp image called Goldfinch.

If you are interested in purchasing either the cards or the stamp please email me privately.

Sunday I will be having my Copic 101 cards and can take one more if you are interested let me know.

Bear cards

2011-09-17T07:42:00.002-04:00

These two cards are in a continuing series of cards I made with Stacy's stamps and a Craft Paper pack from Hobby Lobby (see yesterdays post).

The side diagonal stripe was cut off one of my other cards I was making .... it already had tape on it so I stuck it on the table and then designed a card using it next. This is how I love to create and stamp .... scraps and peices ready to go. I do sell Stacy's stamps, email me if you are interested in any of them

The rain is kept me away for my markets last week and it did yesterday also. I hope to be able to attend on Saturday.

Squirrel Cards

2011-09-16T08:27:00.003-04:00

If you remember the series of cat cards I shared last week you will remember this paper pack I got at Hobby Lobby of craft paper with black designs on it. I am so loving this paper pack!!! For the next few days I will be sharing cards I made with is paper and Stacy's Stamps. These two today are using the 'Squirrel' stamp. Stacy's images are so real looking aren't they. These are all quick and easy cards using craft card stock for the base and highlighted with black card stock, ribbon, jute, black Viva Paint Pen and ink.

The words on these cards are both retired TAC stamps. I do sell Stacy's stamps so let me know if you are interested in getting any of her deeply etched red rubber unmounted stamps .... that is all I will stamp with any more since you get the best impressions. You can download her cattie here. I also sell my cards so if you are interested in these let me know ... they are $2.50 each and have a stamp envelope to match.

Card packs to sell

2011-09-15T12:27:00.000-04:00

Many of you have asked me about the cards I sell in packs .... so here are the facts. I try to keep the designs quick, easy and appealing to the eye. The top picture is a few of the sets I made for thank you cards. Notice I try to get some more masculine and some more feminine to appeal to all. I sell them in packs of four with envelopes for $7 which is $1.75 a card or 3 packs for $18 which is $1.50 a card.

Here are a few of the sympathy cards. I try to focus on thank you, sympathy, celebrate (which can be used for promotion, engagement, new member in family, birthday, etc), thinking of you, birthday and Christmas.

Here are a few of the designs for celebrate and birthday and etc.

These are a few of the Christmas cards which are the only ones I put a greeting on the inside and am sure to stamp the envelope. I usually make 3-4 packs of the same design for the Christmas cards.

Here is how I store them .... you can probably not see in the photo but I do have a piece of blue paper between each type as a divider so I can quickly put them on the card rack or find what I need. So far I have 51 packs made which is a total of 204 cards. If they do not sell them all I can always add more detail to each of the cards with ribbons, scoring, and embellishments and sell then individually. Christmas cards become the ones I send out ..... with a few more embellishment. And I can also give them to a charity too if they do not sell. So this time of year I try to make up quite of few packs.

If you are interested in joining us for the Cards for a Cause on Sept. 28 either at one or six for about 2 -3 hours, let me know. We will be making cards for Hospice of the Western Reserve and can use all kinds of help. Please let me know if you are planning on attending and the time. We have a good time!

Aztec Gold Sunflowers

2011-09-14T08:35:00.000-04:00

'Aztec Gold Sunflowers 1' and 'Aztec Gold Sunflowers 2' are both limited edition sets from Heartfelt Creations and will only be available until Dec of 2011 .... that coming up soon. These were some of the first HC stamps I purchased last spring. What I like about them is that they go with the Blossoms 2 Nestabilities so you can cut them easily and quickly. But what is also nice is that they have other sets that also go with the same Nestabilities!! So you can get variety with your flowers but use the same nesties to cut them out. I do sell both Spellbinders and Heartfelt Creations products if you want to get them.

The green feathery like leaf is from one of the matching sets to the Blossoms 2 Nestie called 'Innoscents Flowers 2'. The outside words are from the set 'Classic Messages' and the inside words are from the set called 'Belated Birthday Wishes.'

When I cut them out, I put the largest flower die down and then the next smaller one inside of the largest die and then ran it through my Big Kick. I continued this with the next two flower dies until I had just the smallest flower left, which I cut out whole. That way I could layer them on the card but not have as much weight or layers for the flower. I inked up the edges and after I taped them down went around the flower and pinched the pedals so they would stand up a little for more depth in the card. I could have made it with a lot more depth and height it I wanted too ..... but I wanted it to be able to be mailed easily. I used a Copic Multi-liner and did some stiching around the edges of the card and the words.

Today I will be stamping with my TAC-ee ladies, a group of stampers I have been stamping with once a month for 10 or so years now. We always have a good day .... hope you do too!

Shoes solve all problems!

2011-09-13T08:31:00.001-04:00

This card was made using all retired TAC stamps .... yes I will still be using them since they are great stamps and I have so many. I am loving the background paper I got and you will be seeing more using this pack from Hobby Lobby .... it is a heavy printed craft paper.

Lillies return

2011-09-12T08:24:00.001-04:00

I am loving coloring these lilies from Heartfelt Creations 'Easter Lily set' . This time I colored them with oranges. The words are from the set 'Classic Messages'. This is going to a special person in my life.

Today off to the dentist, classes and laundry. It really is looking like it will be a pretty day. I will be placing another order with Heartfelt today since I got to see the new Christmas stamps last night. They are over the top gorgeous!!! So if you have seen anything you would like me to order let me know. Sorry but they will not be released for you to see until Wed. Have a good day!

Basket of flowers

2011-09-12T08:15:00.007-04:00

I enjoyed making this card so much I made more than one of them. I thought it could be used for so many different occasions ... birthday, wedding, shower, promotion, engagement, etc. It is fun when a card is so versatile! Here is a close up of the basket with the punched flowers.

I used Heartfelt Creations set called 'Flower Basket' and the words are from the set 'Classic Message'. Their stamps are made of nicely etched red rubber with cling on the back and come pre-cut. They are so easy to use and store.

I punched out flowers and used Viva Pearls in a tube for the centers. The papers are a DCWV paper stack which I am loving the look of for more elegant cards. I use a Martha Stewart punch for the greens with the flowers. The basket is colored with my Copic markers .... it was easy. And I used a retired TAC stamp for the accent inside, under the words on the front, and on the envelope. Hope you like it.

In honor ....

2011-09-11T08:00:00.002-04:00

.... of all of the people who have lost their lives in terrorists attaches. You are all someone special and are missed. Blessings to all of your loved ones and family.

This card was made with the set 'Easter Lillies' and the words are from the set 'Classic Message'. Both are from Heartfelt Creations and make up beautiful cards .... you will be seeing more using both of these. I had fun with them the other day. Here is the complete card. Let me know if you are interested in purchasing them.

I really got a lot of stamping done today .... 102 cards!!! But most of them were real simple so I could sell them in packs of four at my craft shows. I even started doing Christmas cards! I did some more involved cards this morning since it was raining too hard for me to go the the market and set up today. I think I have enough cards made to show you a new one everyday for the next month or so .... I think I will!

Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend.

Mini brag books

2011-09-10T08:40:00.000-04:00

Here they are .... I have been asked by my customers to make mini brag books to carry photo with them in their purse .... well here they are. I got the idea form Vickie H a former angel with TAC. She had received my trades at seminar this year and sent me her trades. I changed the dimensions a little to make it more practical and easier to make but the idea is basically the same. No stamping on them ... no these ... I decided to leave them plane so people could use them for what ever occasions they wanted. Notice how they fold out and then have three panels that open to hold more photos .... hey .... I think we made these a few years ago at a winter leadership in TX out of felt .... yea we did. Here is a close up ...

I think they came out real cute. How about you?

These and a few other ideas are what I am getting prepared for my fall craft shows which will be here real soon!

September Mojo Class 3

2011-09-09T12:32:00.000-04:00

I am loving working with the Heartfelt Creation's stamps! Look at this easy sympathy card I did with an Easter set!! Yes .... this set is call 'Easter Lillies' by Heartfelt Creation and the words are from the set 'Sympathy Sentiments'. Click on the sets name to see the complete set and then scroll down to see some more beautiful samples made with this set. It was a quick card to color and make. And you can make it too with me at the September Mojo classes and/or purchase the stamps I use.

Also, next week Heartfelt Creations will be releasing their new stamps for the Holidays!

For the Kitties

2011-09-08T16:05:00.000-04:00

I had a lot of fun the other day making kitty cards. I had purchased a new pad of printed paper from Hobby Lobby which is a heavy craft paper and black. I love the prints and decided that these kitty stamps would really look good with the papers. I think I ended up making 10-12 different cards with theses kitty images from Stamping Sensations and craft papers. I do have a few of these kitty sets in stock here if you would like them. Email me privately for the information to purchase them.

Most of the words are retired TAC stamps. Are they just the cutest cards!! I will not bore you with all of them but here is a sampling of them I made to sell.

I learned something too ... you know how sometimes there is one print in a pack of paper you really do not like or does not fit your style of stamping. Well ... I looked on the back of one for the animal prints (I am not a leopard kinda girl) and notices the back was a great darker craft color .... so I decided to stamp some of the kitties on the back of the printed paper! It was a good contrast with the lighter craft color for my base of the cards and matched the printed paper so well. You can see it on the above card with the kitty sitting up.

These were all so quick and easy to make and so much fun. Hope you like them.

September Mojo Class 3

2011-09-08T11:56:00.000-04:00

I got my first shipment from Heartfelt Creations yesterday ... it only took one day to ship! Wow!!! They are really beautiful stamps! This is one I have had for a while .... but after my classes yesterday I did start to stamp with some of the new ones and they are gorgeous! This card will be another in the Mojo Class for Sept .... I need to know who is coming so please sign up as soon as possible.

I used the new Spellbinders Edgeabilites on this card ... they are really cool since in each set you get a die to cut the edge and two others that you can interchange or put together to do decorative edges. This one I used one decorative edge and one cut ... plus there are six different sets and they are all interchangeable!! The combinations are endless. So if you do not like to use edge punches or get tired of the same ones you have these are your answer. I sell them so let me know if you want any of them or any of the other Spellbinder's dies for that matter. Email me for pricing please.

I had two great classes yesterday with the Scor-pal ... I haven't done that class in a while and it was fun.

September Mojo Class 2

2011-09-07T09:36:00.002-04:00

Here is another of the cards we will making in the Mojo Class for Sept. It again uses a Stacey's Stamps image called 'East Bank Lighthouse'. I so love this one!!! She also has 'Marblehead Lighthouse', 'Vermillion Lighthouse', and 'Lorain Lighthouse'. I will be teaching how I colored this image with my Copics also in this class. Remember also if you would like any of her stamps I am now a retailer for them ... email for the price list.

Here is the finished card which could go either masculine or feminine.

Let me know if you are interested in attending.

I got a lot of new items designed today for my fall shows .... I am really excited to share them but need to finish the finial details up first.

Went to the doctor today and was so thrilled .... all of those medical numbers we have that keep going up when we older .... you know all of those numbers ... well ALL of mine went DOWN!!!! It was great to heard that! I personally think it all has to do with getting my hot tub ... I am more relaxed and take more time for myself. YEAH ME!!!

September Mojo Class

2011-09-06T12:16:00.001-04:00

Mojo classes are back!! I am changing my Card Club class back to Mojo classes since everyone is more comfortable with that name. We will make five cards with envelopes and it will include a direction sheet for each card. They start this Friday and will continue next week for Sept so be sure to check the calendar, find the best time for you and send me a message you want to attend. If you are not local I do sell my classes in a PDF format via for $5. Let me know which month you want.

This card will be in the class and is make with 'Daisies' from Stacy's Stamps, click here to get the catalog. I was inspired by a card Stacy sent me with my order of stamps. This set includes a triangle stamp of daisies and a single daisy. Email me if you are interested in this or any other of her stamps and I will get them for you. Email me for prices.

And here is the inside of the card with the envelope ....

The words are a retired TAC stamp and the paper is from Hobby Lobby. I will share a few more of the cards this week.

Cards for a Cause

2011-09-04T19:58:00.000-04:00

Last Wed was our first Cards with a Cause day and girl did our ladies produce cards!! I am so proud of all of them .... Arden P, Sandy A, Sharon B, Joan K, Kappy M, Andrea B, Nancy K, Fran B, Mary Jo T, Angela K and myself. We made 200 cards for Operation Write Home!!!! It was fun, relaxing and was for a great cause. If you do not know them it is an organization which collects hand-made cards and sends them to the troops overseas to send home. Here are a few of the designs we made ...

Lighthouse is a Stacy's Stamp and words are retired TAC stamps.

All retired TAC stamps.

Deer and pine stamps are Stacy's Stamps, words are retired TAC stamps.

All retired TAC stamps

Snapdragons are Stacy's stamps and words are retired TAC stamps

Shells are Stacy's Stamps and words are retired TAC stamps.

And here is what they looked like ready to be mailed out!!!

We will be doing it again next month if you want to join us let me know. I plan on contacting two local organizations to see if they could use some cards next week. I encourage every stamper to get involved with a group and make cards for local or national organizations every once it a while ..... your cards will be blessing to so many people!

I am so excited that I really think I have found a church that I am enjoying. I have gone twice and really love going. The minister/people have been so great to me and they have lots of things I feel I would like to get involved with. With the loss of TAC in my life I knew I had to get involved with another social community and what better way than to get involved with a local church that I enjoy attending. I have been blessed again!

Today I designed four of the five cards for my Mojo classes for Sept. It was hard for me to get started since all of my classes, for the last 12 years, have used all TAC stamps .... I wasn't sure if I could design cards using stamps from other companies for classes. But I did! And I am pretty pleased with them if I can say so myself! They will be posted in the next couple of days.

Remember if you are local and want to attend my classes, check out my calendar (at the top tab) and let me know when you want to attend. If you are not local, I do sell my classes via PDF files, let me know what you are interested in getting!

Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend .... it is raining here today and suppose to on Monday also so I will get lots of stamping done.

My new road .....

2011-08-31T11:09:00.000-04:00

I want to thank everyone who has left comments with such nice words about the closing of The Angel Company. Yes, it did surprise me and is a great loss in my life, like so many others. I also did not get access to my downline information and customer lists, since they were all on the TAC site, so please accept my apologies for not contacting you personally about the closing. I am doing the best I can.

Now like others, I need to move forward. I have been thinking and have finally decided my next road ..... I will continue to make and sell my hand stamped items in the area which I enjoy so much and will still be teaching classes. I have decided to sell retail for some of my other favorite stamp companies. too. The image in the top card is by Stacy's Stamps, which is a local company which I have been loving the natural look of her unmounted red rubber on cling. If you click on stamps and templates at the top of her site you can download her catalog. Let me know which stamps you are interested in and I will send you prices. Here is another of her images .... this one looks like our local lighthouse.

I will also be working with these companies and will start posting images and more information as soon as I can.

Just for Fun
DRS Stamps
Heartfelt Creations
Stamping Sensations
There is one more I am hoping to pick up but will wait to announce if they accept me.

Today I will be meeting with 14 other stampers to make cards for Operation Write Home. I have four cards designed and started to cut. I will set them up in stations for mass production. It should be a fun day! I will post our work later this week. Blessings to all!!

Paper Wings Blog Hop - TAC Final Farwell

2011-08-28T21:00:00.002-04:00

As most of you know The Angel Company closed it's doors last week, but some of us die hard angels wanted to use our stamps one last time in tribute for TAC. (Check out all of the angels' blogs at the end of my post.) I have been an angel for 12 years (joined 1/99) and TAC has been such a BIG part of my life. It is hard to take in all of the losses I will be facing in the next months or so. I am still in shock, I think. Today I went and pulled out some of my oldest stamps and made cards with them .... it was fun and therapeutic and the same time! This first card is for ME ..... Mischelle taught me to meet my needs first before I tried to help others so I made this to help me remember to have hope, to believe, to image, and to dream for the next path I will be taking.

I used the set that TAC made from MY words and a phrase that I use all of the time .... 'Dance with Your Spirit' ..... and that is what my time with TAC was like .... dancing with MY Spirit. The big word on that card for me is HOPE .... I am hoping the right opportunities open for me in the stamping world ...... I am looking at all of my options right now. I also used a set that I think may have been one of TAC's first sets called 'Rose Sentiments' which I have always loved. I pulled out my watercolor crayons to color instead of my Copics to remember my past and where I came from.

Here is an old stamp, 'Fern' and not sure which the set the words were from but I did save them and still use them. This card is for everyone in the Smith family, TAC staff past and present, angels/downline past and present and all my customers who loved TAC. We have all been blessed to have TAC in our lives. I lift you all up in prayer in your future paths.

This card used one of my all time favorite sets with TAC called 'Charcoal Flowers' and my watercolor crayons ..... this was my most used stamp and most frequently demoed technique (watercolor crayons direct to rubber) I did for my workshops. Here's to all of my customers from the past .... which I hope will continue to be with me on MY new path .... which I will be announcing soon hopefully. Do some of you remember 'Background Stamps'?? I used them here ..... yes .... it is a shadow stamp ... remember those and how much we used them. Tell me again why we stopped using them? And the words are from 'Contemporary Sayings' which was a well loved and used set too.

This is for all of the angels who have already started with their new companies ..... I wish you well! The set is called 'Sophisticated Sentiments' ..... do you remember it??? Every angel I have meant has been a sophisticated woman ..... they all knew how to stamp, create and have a good time ..... so keep it up angels! Let see all the crowns you will have next year at this time with your new companies!

This card it is in honor of Mischelle Smith. The stamp set 'Stars and Stamps' has always reminded me of you ... you did a lot of paper clay with it, did a demo on The Carol Duval TV show with it and it was one of the sets we used at our first seminar! Mischelle you have changed me, my life, my career and my beliefs in so many positive ways. I will forever be thankful for all of the time we shared together, all of the laughs, all the sharing of ideas, all of the times you listened so intently to me and all of our creative times together. Oh ... by the way I still owe you for leaving me at the restaurant in WI .... I had to find my way back and walk back to the hotel! LOL Those are memories I will keep forever .... and I do hope we can stay in touch. Thanks Mischelle!!!

And here is my last card using a very old set ... mine does not even have cling on the back, it has Tack it Over on the back .... oh those were the days. I think the set was called 'Flower Doodles'. I even pulled out the Stickles and used them ..... it looks better in person really! My set was used a lot on cards, T-shirts, on wooden boxes and baskets and on tote bags. I am not sure if I will be selling all of my stamps yet, it is too soon for me. I also have all of the catties TAC has ever published and I know I will always keep them .... some of them are signed and some have been colored in by angels ..... remember that angels??? They will always be a way to bring back all of the good times we all shared.

TAC was not just a stamping company for it's angels ..... it was a family, a creative community, a way to earn a living, a way to challenge yourself, a way to express yourself, a place where you felt like you belonged, a place you felt loved and supported by angels all over the US and a way to share our talents with so many other people. These are the things I will miss ... I can sell stamp and create with other companies stamps but there will never be a company like TAC again. These truly have been the best years of my life .... thanks TAC, Mischelle and Kevin, and all of the angels who I have been blessed to have meant in my life. You have given me some wonderful memories!!

Dance with Your Spirit .....

Blessings, Angel #0078 Rita (ritasangels) Kegg (Reder in KS)

...... signing off as an Independent Demonstrator with The Angel Company and hoping to spread my wings in new and exciting ways!

Be sure to hop over to all of the other angels blogs to see what they have been creating too!

Julie: http://juliesstamppad.blogspot.com/
Seleise: http://www.amethystcat.blogspot.com/
Rita W.: http://handmadebits4u.blogspot.com/
Donna: http://lakesidestamper.blogspot.com/
Chan: http://purpledfly.blogspot.com/
Mary: http://www.marysangelinspirations.blogspot.com/
Angela K. http://www.angelakelley.blogspot.com/
Laura: http://www.thecraftysister.com/
Barbara: http://www.stampingwiththekamperstampr.blogspot.com/
Trudy: http://www.trudystreasures.blogspot.com/
Shirley: http://glitteredpaws.blogspot.com
Wendy: http://wendyswhimsyandwit.blogspot.com/
Carol: http://stampincarol.blogspot.com/
Rita K. http://ritasangels.blogspot.com/
Chelsea: http://inkystamps.blogspot.com/
Kim: http://angelatmydoor.blogspot.com/
PaulaKay http://www.angelstampingwithpk.blogspot.com/
Ginger: http://rubberstamped.blogspot.com/
Teresa: http://mamapickle.blogspot.com/
Maria: http://www.meastamper.blogspot.com/
Angie: http://www.creativeinkspirations.com/
Deb Miller: http://www.creamcityangels.blogspot.com/
Diana: http://memorycrafter.blogspot.com/
Betty G.: http://www.stampinteacher.com/
Christine: http://christines-creativetherapy.blogspot.com/
Sandy A. http://inkingofyou.blogspot.com/
Char: http://pawsn2stamp.blogspot.com/
Diane H. http://www.thesmilinstamper.blogspot.com/
Chris F. http://allamericanstampers.blogspot.com/
Stacy http://www.stacysangelcreations.blogspot.com/
Rita H. http://www.ritaholmes.blogspot.com/

Thanks for the memories ....

2011-08-25T10:53:00.000-04:00

The Angel Company announced this week they are hanging up their wings. I have been so blessed to have been a part of this company for the last 12 years. I joined in Jan of 1999 and was the first angel in Ohio. I was fortunate to have two of my downline with me these past 5 days, during the announcement, from AK and ID, to help me through the shock and sadness of it all. Here are just a few things that The Angel Comapany has taught me through the years .....

that dreams do come true ... I was able to retire and keep my life style with my paper crafting business
that crowns make you feel different about yourself so wear a crown often!
that desserts are better before the meal ..... especially no flour chocolate cake
that a group of TAC-eee ladies (my stamp group for the last 11 years) can be best gift anyone would want ...... we will continue to meet monthly to stamp, share, listen, laugh, nurture, create, and rejoice with each other
that a 'little old lady from Cleveland' could know someone from almost every state in the US and even visit them for vacations
that being creative is the best form of therapy and so much cheaper .... or is it???
that taking risks is worth the fear ... I went to the first seminar without knowing one person and have never regretted it ... I meant so many wonderful woman
that teaching/selling is all about sharing your passion for what you love to do
that getting together with other stampers to stamp rejuvenates your body, mind and spirit ..... yes I will still be teaching my classes and putting on gatherings gals!
that setting smaller goals helps you to reach your bigger goals in life
that I can do whatever I dream and lift up in prayer
that laughing soooooo hard that your gut hurts and you can not breath is good for you
that you can and should pamper yourself with pretty things and do nice things for yourself and not feel guilty
that creativity is everywhere ..... all we have to do it tap into it
that strangers you meet and see only once a year can truly be great friends forever or is that family forever!
that family is NOT only biological ..... families are the people in your life that help you to grow, that make you stretch yourself and that nurture you .... that is what TAC has done for me

Mischelle Smith, the owner of TAC, has been a dear friend for these past 12 years and I know she has done what is best for her and the company. But yes it is a loss for everyone. Knowing her she will find another way to share her great gifts of nurturing and leading people to find their true purpose in life. She did not just create a company with TAC .... she created an extended family with all of the joys and challenges that goes along with a loving family. All of the angels (demonstrators) will now have to find their own place in the stamping world but they all have very special gifts that Mischelle has nurtured into each of us to take with them along their/our journeys.

So to Mischelle, her family, the staff at TAC (past and present) and to all of my dear angel friends and downline ......

Thanks for the memories!

Finally Friday - Post-e Cards & Tea Cards

2011-08-19T17:30:00.000-04:00

It is 'Finally Friday' on The Angel Company's Savvy Blog .... I decided to share with you a few of the items I have been making and selling at Farmer's Markets this summer. I test my items out at these smaller events before I make lots of them for my craft shows in the fall. Both of these have been good sellers .... so they are a go! They will both make great little gift items for friends and co-workers for the holidays. I will have Christmas ideas for them later in the fall.

The first one is a 'Post-e Card' meaning it is a Post-it note holder and a card. I use a full size 3M Post-it note pad for these, be sure to get this brand since they really work better since they have more stick! These Post-e Cards are also refillable. The image for this one is from the stamp set 'Dotted Dalia' and the words are from one of the Gift with Purchase "FREE" stamps with a $30 purchase called 'Blessings'. I used my Copic markers to color all of my images.

They come folded flat but are easily flipped into a standing Post-it note holder for your desk. I start with a 3 1/2 x 9 1/4" piece of heavy black card stock and with the long side at the top fence of my Scor-pal, I score at 2 1/4, 4 1/2, and 4 3/4". On the inside I put a message and punch a 1/2" circle hole to slide a pen or pencil into. You can sign a greeting on the first post-it note! They open like a card but when you put the front behind the post-it note to make it stand up.

Here are a few more of the Post-e Cards I have made in their package ready to sell. All of them have a message inside. I stamped the same message again on a piece of computer paper and slip it in the back of the cello envelope so customers can see the hidden message when your purchase them without having to open it up. Other stamp sets you see in this photo are 'Beautiful Lace' and 'Lovely Butterfly'.

This cute little frog is bringing you tea!! I carry tea bags with me since most restaurant do not have good teas and I like a cup with my meal sometimes. So I came up with the idea of a 'Tea Card'. It has three Republic of Tea tea bags inside in a refillable cello bag and a message inside with a place to sign your own greeting. I have been selling these as fast as I can make them! For this one I used the stamp sets 'Cup of Love', 'Pocket Peepers', and on the inside 'Cup of Tea'.
I like to use a heavy card stock for the base so it will hold up in your purse. I cut it to 3 1/2 x 8 1/2" and with the long side at the top fence of your Scor-Buddy, score at 3/8" and 7/8", then I turn it 180 degrees and score the other end at 3 1/2 and 3 3/4". It is a typical matchbook style holder.

As you can see in this picture I put a square cello bag under the staple to hold the three tea bags. I decided to put the closing of the cello bag in the front to make it easier to take out and put in tea. Yes .... it is refillable! I have a message stamped on the inside too with a place for you to add your own greeting. The images are all colored with Copic markers. I do not add a lot of embellishments to them so they will hold up well in your purse but you could really add a lot more if you like.

This picture shows you how I package them for craft shows. I have them in an A2 cello bag with the type of tea printed off my computer and taped to the inside top of the cello bag. I slide another paper inside the back to show the customer what is stamped on the inside of the Tea Card. Another set you see in this photo is 'Tea for Two'.

You can add a gift card to both of them to make it a bigger gift. The Tea Card can be added to a tea mug/cup, travel mug or tea pot also!

I will be featuring more crafty ideas I sell at my shows throughout the fall. You can purchase the stamps and supplies from me if you want to make them too. TAC has lots of great tea stamp sets for the Tea Cards to select from with lots of little peepers to stamp coming out of your cups too!

Have a stop of tea and and write your list of stamps to purchase on your Post-it note after you have tired both of my projects! Have a great weekend!

Dotted Dalia

2011-08-17T09:04:00.000-04:00

Hi .... I have been a little detained with life here and have not been blogging as much ... sorry. I have been finishing up a move of my antique hutch out of my stamping room and in it's place have made a die cut area with a table. I am loving it! I have been doing some more reorganizing in my studio especaillay where I sit and stamp and am liking the changes. Also, I had a four legged friend in the house that was NOT invited ..... and that I am horribly afraid of ...... I that I had to catch and get out of here. DONE!!! Now I can stop being so nervous!

OK ... back to the card .... I used 'Dotted Dalia' for the image and 'Happy Leaf' for the words. It is a simple and easy card with no coloring! I added a corner punch at the bottom corners, layered the words and added a ribbon.

This Friday I will be the guest on Savvy Projects and I plan on sharing a few of the new ideas I will be making for my craft shows this fall. Also, on Friday I will be picking up two great friends from the airport to come stamp and play with me. We are going to have so much fun!!! I can not wait to see them ... we did not get to see each other this year at seminar so we are still going to be able to have your yearly time together. It will be so much fun Jen and Lori!

Let's Interact 2 Class

2011-08-11T10:16:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I taught my Let's Interact 2 class. Here is another of the cards we made. For this card I used 'Hey Life' and 'Background Soup' stamp sets. I also used a Sizzix embossing folder, Spellbinder die, a Spica clear glitter pen and a black mini brad.

It twists open on the brad to get to the inside. Here are links to two of the other cards in the class, Sweets and Vintage Rides. If you are still interested in attending a class check my calendar at the top of the page for times and days. We make four interactive cards for $15.

So Thankful

2011-08-03T10:37:00.000-04:00

Here is a quick and easy fun card made with the set 'Sew Thankful'. The image is paper pieced with Rustic Chic paper with the top and bottom colored with my Copic Markers. It is on two different Spellbinders dies, Labels 5 and 20 in two different sizes .... for the image and the words. I scored the left side five times, 1/8th inch apart using my Scor-buddy, for texture. This is an example of how design leads to new ideas ..... it needed something else so I stamped the thread at the bottom and colored it but forgot that with Copics it shows on the other side. So ......

the inside became a pocket for a giftcard, money or check! I added more of the Rustic Chic paper with a border of the blue CS with buttons stamped on it. Mistakes lead to creative creations!

Yesterday I was able to do a lot of cleaning out in my studio getting ready to have movers come and move my hutch. When it is out of my stamping room I will be able to put in a die cut area!! I am really looking forward to that. Hopefully it will be started the end of next week. Hope you all have a great day!

Happy Birthday

2011-08-01T16:16:00.000-04:00

To my beautiful and sweet daughter today!! I hope your birthday is wonderful .....

This card is designed like a graduation card I kept making and selling out before I could get a photo of it. I hope to make more this week and I will try again to get it posted here. This is one of the four cards in my new 'Let's Interact 2' class which starts this week. Check out my calendar for times and date.

I used the set 'Sweet Day Cupcake' and 'Sweet Sayings'.

Paper Wings Blog Hop - Christmas in July

2011-07-31T21:00:00.001-04:00

Over on Paper Wings they are having a Christmas in July Blog Hop and I thought I would play along! Get an early start on your Christmas, Holiday, Winter, and/or New Year Cards, Gift Cards, or other papercrafting projects with all of the creative ideas you will see. Just go to the end of this post and check out all of the other angel's blogs.

For my card I used the snowman from the TAC set 'Jingle Jolly', the frame from 'Fancy Frames' and the snowflakes and words from the 'Vintage Santa' set. I stamped the frame in Memento Black, cut it out (you can use the Spellbinders die but I wanted to show you it does not have to be used) and then colored it with two shades of gray. I stamped the snowman in the center and colored it. Here are the Copic markers I used.

I colored the background with BG0000. I love to do that for a more finished look. I then used some Copic Spica glitter pens to accent the snowman. I am hoping you can see that more in this photo.

To finished, I edged the card base with a 1/8th inch scored frame with my Scor-pal and cut a piece of teal white core card stock to fit inside. I then tore more paper for the layers of snow in the front. To get the white core to show, tear going toward you with the right side up. After layering that I stamped the top with snowflakes with gray ink. I wanted paper to match the marker I used but didn't have any so I stamped the words on white cardstock with Momento ink and then shaded it with the two colors of pink I had used for the snowman. I like the way it came out and will be sure to used that idea again! In the picture below you will be able to see it better.

The snowman is mounted over the background and I added ribbon at the bottom with a button and a bow at the side of the frame.

Now go check out all of the other great creations by my fellow TAC angel friends! They are all so creative!!!

Rita W - http://handmadebits4u.blogspot.com
Michelle M - http://michellescreativejourney.blogspot.com
Seleise - http://www.amethystcat.blogspot.com/
Laura - http://www.thecraftysister.com/
Wendy - http://wendyswhimsyandwit.blogspot.com/
Laurie U - http://laurieunger.blogspot.com
Chelsea C - www.inkystamps.blogspot.com
Shirley H - http://glitteredpaws.blogspot.com
Kim S - http://angelatmydoor.blogspot.com/
Mary - http://marysangelinspirations.blogspot.com/
Angela K - www.angelakelley.blogspot.com
Carol N - http://stampincarol.blogspot.com/
Betty - http://www.stampinteacher.com
Rita K - http://ritasangels.blogspot.com (mine)
Julie - http://juliesstamppad.blogspot.com
Donna - http://lakesidestamper.blogspot.com/

Darling

2011-07-31T08:10:00.000-04:00

Here is a quick and easy card using the new 'Darling' set. I love the look of black and white but do not use it very often .... I will have to work with it more. Here I stamped the shoes across the front of the card and then used my Scor-pal and Scor-bug to frame them. I added a black polka dot ribbon and the words. It was that easy!

Here are the inside words and the envelope to match. Great words .... right!

Next week my Card Club Class will be starting so be sure to sign up now to get your place held! Check my calendar at the top for the times and dates.

Beautiful Lace

2011-07-30T07:52:00.001-04:00

This is such a beautiful set!! I used 'Beautiful Lace' for this card with a scored background. The large doily was stamped for the background and then the smaller one I used to frame the image from 'Sew Thankful'. I used two different sizes of scalloped circle punches for the main image and colored it with my Copic markers. The flower was made with the new McGill punch called Florlano. It is so easy to use and makes a great 3D flower quickly .... punch two or three, pinch the petals, layer it, and add a center! I added a button with a bow on the top for the center on this card.

I used the words from the set 'Darling' for the front and inside and repeated the button theme with stamped buttons on the inside and on the envelope. Hope you are having a great day!!

Card Club - Happy Leaf

2011-07-29T11:06:00.000-04:00

The Angel Company is sponsoring Card Clubs each month and for any of my customers who attend the Card Club Class that month and orders $30 from TAC can purchase this hostess set for $4.50. Plus, I will send you a PDF file with lots of cards that other angels have designed using that set. I so love the words in this months set .... they can be used in so many different cards!

If you want to see some other wonderful cards made with this set Click here! They are all so different and gorgeous .... please go take a look. And if you want to see the beautiful cards Mischelle Smith made using this set Click here.

My Card Club Class is offered the second Friday night, second Sunday afternoon, second Monday afternoon and evening and second Tues morning and evening of each month. If you would like to attend, check my calendar at the top and let me know. You do not have to attend each month or the same time each month. We will make 5 cards for $15 and you will get written directions and an envelope to stamp for each card. These will be all occasion cards.

Sorry this is so late getting out ... I have been having trouble staying connected to the Internet but I am hoping it is fixed now. The last few days it has been raining off and on so I have got a LOT of stamping done. I was getting ready for the Friday night shows at Garfield's Lawnfield but it is raining again today so I am thinking I will be at it next week instead. I so enjoy those shows since they are on grass and they have wonderful music, food and all kinds of things going on. I hope to be there next Friday night and the following but I will not be there on Aug 19 since I have some great friends coming for a visit!! I am so looking forward to Jen and Lori coming to town!! We are going to have so much fun ..... and a whole lot of stamping done!

Darling

2011-07-26T08:44:00.000-04:00

I used the shoes from the 'Darling' (T-3494) set for this card. The background is stamped with an image from 'Victorian Elements' (T-3029) and one of the frames from Nina B's set "fancy Frames' (RN-18) is stamped in red ink. This time I die cut it with Spellbinders Labels 18 die and then cut a larger die for the black layer. I also added black dotted ribbon. The words are also from the 'Darling' set.

Here you can see the envelope to match and the words that I stamped inside.

One layer card!!

2011-07-25T08:31:00.000-04:00

Yes ... this really is a one layer card!! It does not look like it even close .... up but it is. I stamped the largest frame from the set 'Fancy Labels' by Nina B, RN-18, on the white paper. Then I masked it off and stamped the background with last years GWP stamp that matches the 'Damask Background' set, T-3276. Then I removed the mask and stamped the hat on the inside from the set 'Beautiful Lace', RN-13, and colored it with my colored pencils so it would not show through to the inside. I then added the large purple bow on the side. I hope to include this card in one of my future Card Club Classes.

Here you can see the words I stamped on the inside from the set ' Great Greetings' T-3341, and the envelope. Yes ... really and truly it is a one layer card!!

Darling

2011-07-24T08:15:00.000-04:00

Here is another Retro card, but this time I used the Tim Holtx Sizzix Textured Folder called 'Notebook' on white core paper and then sanded it to make the white show. I added some lace which I ran my ink pads over to make it look older. The die cut is Spellbinders Labels 18 Die which goes with many of the new stamp sets designed by Nina B!! This frame set I used is called 'Fancy Labels', RN-18. The woman inside the frame is a set I loved at first glance called 'Darling', T-3494, and so are the words. The tag on the bottom is from the paper collection Reece SWIC.

In this picture you can see more of the words in this set which I stamped inside this card. I love these words and can not wait till October to send this to my elementary school friend who I still see everyone month, who is older than me by 4 months!!! I am always teasing her about that. I carried out the button theme on the front with stamped buttons on the envelope and on the inside of the card too. I am really like this card ....

I have been in a very creative mood the last few days with the high heat ... I hope it continues.

Hey Life

2011-07-23T08:46:00.002-04:00

This is such a great multi-generational stamp set!! In this set, 'Hey Life' T3461, there are images for little girl, teens (especially boys), men, and seniors! It is a fun set. For this card I used the Tim Holtz Sizzix folder called 'Retro Circles' with scraps of Emma SWIC paper, buttons and the words are from a set called 'Age is a Number'. I love the words in this set and they can be used with many different image for birthday messages. I sanded the white core paper to make the white pop out on the circles and added a black Spica glitter pen to the swirls on the woman. Buttons were added for added texture.

In the picture above you can see the envelope I stamped to match and the words that I stamped inside. I do it this way and then put them all in a cello bag to sell and put the works on the inside on the envelope side of the cello so people can read the word inside without opening up the bag.

Sit Quietly

2011-07-22T11:46:00.000-04:00

In these hot summer days that is just what we all need to do! I used the new set 'Sit Quietly', T-3506, for this card. It has some wonderful words to go with the wicker chairs too. I thought this card would be great for a birthday, retirement or thinking of you card. I added a scrap of Willoughby SWIC, lace from my sewing days, a flower and a pearl. It went together very quickly and easily.

I got my shipment of new stamps late yesterday and was able to make up more new samples .... but I have to make time to take the photos yet. Today I need to do come baking for the Open House and cleaning. I do not think I will be going to my market today either. There are really some fun and easy to work with new images in the new TAC Inspiration Book!

Yesterday one of my nieces called and we got together over here. She picked up some salads and we raided my refrigerator for dinner and talked and sat in the hot tub (set low!). It was a great evening. I have been so blessed to have my two wonderful nieces!!

Sunflower Gift with Purchase

2011-07-21T10:38:00.000-04:00

This card can be made by everyone who attends my Open House this weekend which will be inside, unless you would like to sit on the deck. It will be Sunday from 2-7 and then again on Monday from 4-8. I have lots of samples, new classes, and products for you to see and purchase. There will be three specials for those attending the Open House on TAC products so come check it out. Please let me know so I know how many papers to cut. You can come any time and leave at any time .... you do not have to stay all day.

This card uses the new Gift with Purchase stamps called 'Sunflower' which could be yours FREE with an order of $30. I colored it simply with only three Copic markers, added the Scor-bug dots and sanding for detail and the words are from another FREE set called 'Happy Leaf'. This set is a Level A set with a $100 purchase OR you can purchase it in Aug with a $30 order and attending one of my card classes for only $4.50.

I had fun yesterday inside stamping and making all kinds of samples! I will not be at the market in Painesville today due to the heat .... and maybe not tomorrow either. It is too hot for me to set up/tear down and sit out there for 4-6 hours.

Open House

2011-07-19T14:25:00.000-04:00

Don't forget I will be hosting my Open House this weekend July 24 from 2-7 and Monday from 4-8 here at my home. I was hoping to have it on my new deck but I am afraid it is going to be too hot. Please let me know if you are coming, if you have not told me yet, so I can be sure to plan accordingly.

I will be introducing my new classes then too. The card above will be in my new class called Let's Interact 2 and will have four more involved cards with different cuts, fold, twist and/or turns in them. This is a center step card that stands up on it's own and used the new set 'Vintage Rides', which I have been using a lot lately.

I will be announcing my Card Clubs and my new Cards for a Cause dates if you are interested in stamping with others.

Christmas in July!!

2011-07-13T19:45:00.000-04:00

Merry Christmas everyone!!!! It is 87 degrees outside and here I am making holiday cards ..... what is wrong with this picture. But with everything we do during the holiday season NOW is the time to start thinking about making your cards so they are ready to mail out in Dec. My goal was to use some of the new non-holiday TAC sets for this post. This really forced me to think out of the box. I used everyday sets for these holiday cards with a few holiday sets thrown in. It was really fun!!

For the first one I used the set 'Brandi and Emma' now I am sure you do not think "Christmas" when you see this great set, but I think it worked. I colored the images with my Copic markers and used my Scor-pal on the edge to make a 1/8th inch border. Then I went in between the scored lines and made dots with the NEW Signo Gold Gel Pen. It is so cool!! I even used it for the buttons on her jeans and the dots on the present. It makes a really great gold look on the paper, is easy to use, and dries quickly. I am loving these pens!! I used the set 'Jingle Jolly' for the words and the present. The words are stamped on half of Sellbinders Labels 9 die. Yes ... you can cut dies in half and use only half of the die if you want. I really think her eyes are saying 'no peeking' ... what do you think? I wonder what Emma got Brandi for Christmas???

I so love the 'Vintage Rides' set so I decided it was the next one to put in the holiday spirit! I stamped the background with the holly stamp from 'Jingle Jolly' with Memento Cottage Ivy ink. Then colored the berries with a red Spica glitter pen by Copic. These are really great glitter pens and really add a lot of shine and shimmer. I colored the main image with my Copic makers and added the Silver Signo Gel Pen for the trim of the plane. When I added the banner I noticed that the words from 'Jingle Jolly' fit right inside of it .... now how lucky is that. This plane was meant to carry the holiday banner for sure! I added a punched border at the bottom. The plane and banner are all raised with pop dots.

For my last card I kept thinking how cool it would be to get a red shiny vintage car as a gift for Christmas .... or even be given a ride in one ...... so this card was then born.

I really think this is my favorite one! I stamped the background with the script stamp from 'Vintage Santa' and then added the snow flacks over top from the same set. The distressed edge is from the set 'Background Soup'. These where all stamped with Memento London Fog ink. I added some antique lace and red plaid ribbon to finish the background. The vintage car was stamped on a Spellbinders Labels 18 die in white with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. Then I colored it with my Copics and added the Signo Silver Gel Pen for the trim. I used the distress stamp for the background of the die from 'Background Soup' and edge it with the Memento London Fog ink. It is then raised with pop dots. The greeting is from 'Vintage Santa' and is stamped in black ink.

My goal was to design cards using non-holiday stamp set so how did I do??? Think Christmas everytime you use a stamp set and I bet you will come up with some great designs for the holiday too.

Merry Christmas ....... a little early!!

Technique Blog Hop - Spotlighting

2011-07-10T10:56:00.000-04:00

Wow!! Go take a look at Savvy Projects Blog!! Mischelle and other angels have done a great job showing you different ways to use the technique Spotlighting. This tech is to highlight one part of the image by coloring it. I decided to do it with the reverse .... the colored part of the image is on the underside of the main image. I used the Level C Hostess set called 'Love this Day' for the image and the words are from 'Vintage Rides'.

I punched out part of the balloon with a flower punch and then layered a colored image with that part colored below. I raised the main image with mounting cushion. I used the Scor-pal and Scor-bug for my background and layered the image on matching papers. Now you go try it and add your link so we can see your creation too! Check out some that are already posted. WOW!!!

Furry Friends

2011-07-08T08:56:00.000-04:00

This card was another submission for the TAC Inspiration book. I used my Scor-pal for the background of the card and Spellbinders Labels 4 for the die. It was colored with my Copic markers and I added a sheer ribbon.

Furry Friends

2011-07-07T08:45:00.000-04:00

The 'Furry Friends' set was used for this card I had submitted to TAC for the cattie. I used by Scor-pal for the background and three different die cuts using Spellbinders Labels 9 and Labels 4. I colored the image with my Copic markers. I used the smaller flower punch for the flower and then stamped with the open dots from the set 'Background Soup'. It has a jeweled brad for the center of the flower and I added some sheer ribbon. I then colored the open dots with same Copic marker I used for the heart in the image.

Be sure to let me know if you are coming to my Open House for the new 2012 TAC Inspiration book on July 24 from 2-7 and then again on July 15 from 4-8. Please RSVP by July 20. I also added a few classes for July and more will be coming in August.

Trio of Gift Cards

2011-07-06T08:31:00.000-04:00

I love the look of these three gift cards I made with Spellbinders Labels 9 die cuts. I made them with a set called 'Simple Starters' which is not in the new TAC Inspiration Book but is still available to get through TAC. It has three great images for backgrounds this bamboo, flowers and large polka dots.

This one was made by folding the paper in half and then placing it on the die so the fold is on the inside of the die so it will NOT cut that side. I then embossed it, stamped and added a bow. It was that easy. The words on this one is from the set 'Love you'.

For this one I cut out a green up and a smaller white one. I folded the green one in half and cut the white one in half and glued it to the front of the green one. The words are from the set 'Savy Sayings'.

The last one I cut the white out with folded paper inside of the die and one larger green die. I then glued the folded white one to the front of the green. The words are from the set 'Love you'.

These I made for cattie submission for TAC. All are quick and easy and make a nice little gift for a friend.

Sassy Stationery Set

2011-07-05T12:03:00.000-04:00

Here is the finished product you will go home with in my class Sassy Stationery Set. You get to select the SWIC (not double sided) and you get to take the rest home to make another one! It includes a double pocketed standing holder, four cards and matching envelopes, a postage stamp holder, pocket full of tags, and fold out address book. The class is $18, which included the paper pack! For mine I used the Angelee SWIC and the stamps I used are 'Savy Sayings' and 'Branches in Bloom'. You can select any of the sets I have for your stationery set!

I have it scheduled for Monday July 18 from 1-3:30 and then again from 6-8:30. Email me if you would like to take the class! If you are interested and can not come on that day or times let me know. I also sell the directions for this class with all of the supplies listed for $8.

Bring to class - adhesive(s) including Scor-tape, bone folder, Scor-pal & scissors

Here is one of the cards from the set. I used mostly tags for the cards and the construction of the projects and all of the scrapes from cutting the larger items!

Branches in bloom

2011-07-05T08:27:00.001-04:00

Another card make with the tags from the paper collection Maggie SWIC. The stamps are 'Branches in Bloom' and the words are from a set 'Savy Sayings'. Another card I had submitted to TAC. It is a quick and easy card again to make with left over tags.

Branches in bloom

2011-07-04T08:22:00.001-04:00

This card is made with the set 'Branches in bloom' and the words are from 'The ones we love'. It is made with all tags (three of them) from the Maggie SWIC. I had submitted this card for possible consideration. It is simple and quick card to make with all of your extra tags!

Open House

2011-07-03T11:22:00.000-04:00

Here is another of the cards I sent to TAC for possible cattie but unfortunately this set was retired. I was so sad since it was a great set to add to other sets as background or extra imagaes for inside or the envelopes. This is red cardstock with white circles punched out, stamped, colored and then added on top. I love the fresh sharp look of this card.

I will be hosting my annual TAC Open House on July 25 from 2-7 and then again July 24 from 4-8. If you are local and able to attend let me know by July 20 which day you will be coming so I can have supplies ready. I am hoping to have it outside on my back deck weather permitting. It is so nice back there!

Happy July 4th to everyone!

America I love you

2011-07-01T08:48:00.000-04:00

This is one of the beautiful Level A sets in the new TAC Inspriation Book which I now have and am ready to share with YOU!! It has some amazing new images .... so many that I can not wait to try and create with!! This one is free with a qualifying $100 Card Class or wait until May 2012 and get it as a Card Class Reward.

Some of the Dream Team with TAC all used this stamp for today's Finally Friday for the Savvy Projects Blog. Go check out all of the gorgeous work they did!!! Each has it's own unique look and features ..... I love all of them!!

2012 Inspiration book!!!

2011-06-29T18:06:00.000-04:00

The NEW 2011-2012 catalog from The Angel Company is now available online. I got my shipment in late today and I am ready to get them to you! Some are in the mail already. You can see it at this link!

http://www.theangelcompany.net/page/20112012-inspiration-book

If you would like to get a catalog, contact me so I can save one for you. The cost is just $6.95 if you are local or I can ship it for $10. Either way you you will get a $5 credit on your first $3o order from it from now until Sept 1.

Here are some of the highlights:

New amazing images for all types of styles and uses!! I love so many of them!!!

8 NEW sets from Mabelle!!!

3 new illustrators - Soft Pencil Studios, Nina B and Phyllis Harris (I love Nina B's work!!!)

60 Smoothies Bazill cardstock colors

Individual Sketch Copic markers and refills

Sew Easy fancy floss and bakers twine

New Mementos line - ink pads, dew drops, markers, I-Zing glitter glue and opaque with a smoothie coordinating cardstock.

Big Kick die cut machine, Tim Holtz embossing folders and dies

New Nestabilities Dies (some match our new designs from Nina B)

Spica pen sets (I love these!!!!)

New Marvy flower punches (gorgeous ones!!)

8 New Level A Hostess Sets, 4 New Level B Hostess Sets, and 1 New Level C Hostess Set

12 New GWP stamps (FREE with $30 purchase)

WITH amazing samples!!! And I am blessed to have one of my cards in it too!!!

I will be hosting my annual Open House here at my home on July 24 (from 2-7) and July 25 (from 4-8). RSVP by July 20 please so I know how many to expect. Weather permitting it will be outside on my deck (bring a suit & towel if you want).

Another card with only words

2011-06-27T08:01:00.000-04:00

Here is another of the samples I sent in for consideration for cattie this year. I made all of these samples with words only since I was assigned two sets with images. I used the set 'Background Soup' for the open dots in the background and one of the nestie dies to embossing only the center of the card. The words are from the set called 'Thoughts and Prayers'. I punched the flower and then scrunched it to get the texture and added a knotted ribbon for the center.

Cards with only words

2011-06-26T18:55:00.001-04:00

Here is another of the cards I send in for submissions for the new TAC 2012 Inspiration Book. I was given two sets to design with so then I decided to designed with only word sets. I will show you some of these next. This one is make with a 3/4" circle punch. I punched white circles out and attached them to the background and then with the yellow circles I made a flower with a black circle as the center (no that is NOT a flower punch! I used green ribbon for the leaf of the flower and black and white gingham for accent.

I meant my good friend Velda half way between our houses today for lunch and then some time in the local state park. I had a wonderful day and it was just want I needed! Thanks Velda and thanks to God for the sunshine, beautiful forest, waterlilies, frogs, turtles, dragonflies, squirrels of all kinds, the waterfalls and so much more. He did a great job today! I so appreciated all of Your talents!

Cattie submissions

2011-06-26T09:04:00.000-04:00

Today I will start sharing with you samples I send in to TAC for consideration for the new Inspiration Book. I have been told this is the one they selected!!! Yeah!!!! I am in the new Inspiration Book .... but I have not seen it yet since mine has not come in the mail yet ... so sad. I used the set 'Simple Starter', which I have been told is not in the cattie but will be on line, for this dress card. You can not seen in this photo but each of the centers of the flowers have yellow Stickles in them. I also used the set 'Running Stitches' and 'Sophisticated Sentiments' for the sentiment, Crop-a-dile (for the holes) and decorative scissors.. I will show you other versions of this card later today. I am so excited one of mine cards made the cattie .... I will show you all of them in the next few days. Have a great Sunday and I hope you enjoyed my mass postings the last few days.

Still another version ...

2011-06-26T02:08:00.000-04:00

of the same card ... but this time I used the border punch on the edges and added ribbon to the waist and bottom and added yellow behind it to accent the yellow centers of the flowers.

Another versions ....

2011-06-26T00:04:00.001-04:00

of the same card as earlier but this time I made it into a wedding card. I used an embossing folder for the print in the dress and a border punch for the edging. Added a jewel at the next, ribbon at the waist and colored a little of the top to look like flesh. I love this version too.

Vintage rides

2011-06-25T20:52:00.000-04:00

I was asked to make some masculine thank you cards for one of my customers so this is the set I selected. It is one of the sets that is on sale right now till the end of this month. Let me know by Monday if you are interested in getting it by Sunday. The red on the card is all done with glitter pen and it is colored with Copic markers.

Lovely Butterfly

2011-06-25T18:50:00.001-04:00

Here is another card made with the new set 'Lovely Butterfly'. I used a Sizzix embossing folder for the background. She is so elegant!

Be Youself

2011-06-25T16:27:00.001-04:00

This beautiful images is from a set called 'Be Yourself' and includes one of the large flowers and some beautiful words. I used Emma SWIC papers with it in this cards. We have so many beautiful collage type images! These are sparkles on it too but you can not see them here! More coming ....

New Creation

2011-06-25T13:47:00.000-04:00

'New Creations' is another of the new stamp sets that will be available in the new 2012 TAC Inspiration book going live on Monday June 27!

Vintage rides

2011-06-25T10:28:00.001-04:00

This is a quick and easy card using the new set called 'Vintage Rides'. This is one of the sets that is being discounted until the end of June so if you are interested in getting it be sure to let me know by Sunday since I will be putting in an order on Monday early. I do have red glitter on the plane but you can not really see it in the picture.