Thursday, July 31, 2008

Arizona Greenery

I don't have any projects to post right now but had to show some of the greenery that is growing wild in our yard. With the monsoon season we've had quite a bit of rain and the flowers, weeds, and grass are really blooming.

These are near our front gate. They're just prolific! Above is a close up and if you know what they are I'd love to hear from you!

The moss roses are everywhere! We are mowing them near the house to discourage any snakes from visiting close.


We also have a huge plant called Devils Claw. It looks a lot like okra but when it dries it will split open and looks pretty cool. I'll take a picture when the time gets closer.

Today I'm supposed to have a couple guys come and replace our dining room window. It doesn't work properly and the bottom is warped. If the bottom plate that the window sits on is warped (and we think it is) then they'll have their work cut out for them! Thank goodness the house is under warranty and will be for a couple more months. I'll have to get the house re-leveled soon, too. Well, I better go make some brownies for the guys and for movie night at church tomorrow. Saturday we'll be heading for Ramah, NM, southeast of Gallop, to see my folks. Will be home late Monday and it's supposed to rain the whole time!! Dang! And I'm seriously thinking of dropping my regular website when my domain name comes due since it's getting virtually no hits any more. I checked the numbers today and had under 10 hits since the first of the month. Not hardly worth it anymore. I will have to figure out how to sell my rugs and stuff but maybe an Etsy store could be the answer. I'll have to do some checking.
Anyway, happy stamping and hope you have a great weekend! Stay cool!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Water Bottle Charms

One of my roommates at Seminar this year, Becky Johns, had made these for trades. I thought they were just too cute and here, in southern AZ, you see people with water bottles everywhere! So, I hope to get a whole bunch of these made to sell.

Here you can see a couple on the bottle. I used small black hair binders, jump rings, and shrink plastic for the basic materials. I punched out the shrink plastic using my Giga Scallop Circle Punch then stamped with Sprigs using Noir Palette Hybrid ink. I let the ink dry for at least 1/2 hour. I colored the flowers/leaves/buds with Sharpie markers and let dry again. Then I sponged White Cloud VersaMagic ink down the middle over the top of the sprig then sponged different colors of P.H. ink on the sides. After drying I punched a 1/8" hole for the jump ring then shrunk. I then attached the hair binder to the charm with the jump ring.

Now, aren't these just cute!! I did make some more using the Fore! set and my Scallop Oval punch.

Now, what are you creating??

Friday, July 25, 2008

Who's There??

I seen one of these cute little books made by a fellow "angel" and thought this would be great for our granddaughter, Rylie! It's full of Knock, Knock jokes!


The owl on the cover is from some clip art that came with my PhotoShop program. I just don't have any owl stamps at all. The text is one of our great alphabet sets, Simple Bet, stamped with Noir Palette Hybrid ink. I found the jokes after doing a Google searh and I adjusted the margins and stuff when I printed and you can see how they came out. The paper is some scrap I had and I used my Bind-It-All and 5/8" black wires to assemble. The covers are just thin chipboard from packing our Inspiration Books so I did recycle! I plan on giving it to her for her birthday in September. I sure hope she likes it!!

Just a teaser here, wait until you see what else I made! It'll make your water bottle happy!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Bandana Technique

This technique was posted to an "angel" webgroup called TAC-niques a couple months ago and it just came out in the newest Technique Junkies newsletter! My friend and downline, Jan, in Fairview, MT, wanted me to post it so I finally got around to it.

I used a nice red cardstock and stamped with Noir Palette Hybrid ink the Salsa Flowers on the bottom 1/2 of the card. I took the white pen from the Souffle Gelly Pens and colored, dotted, and marked as shown. I think this is pretty cool! I used the word from our Hostess Set A called Laugh (you must have a $100 net order to get it and it will retire end of January 2009), stamped with VersaMark ink and used white embossing powder to really make it pop. I had some red gingham ribbon that I thought went well with the technique. I layered with black cardstock to really set off the designs. There are many images in our catalog that would work well with this technique, such as Fantasy Flourishes, Ornate Swirls, Bold Flourishes, Cute Curliques, and Paisley Rockz, just to name a few! (If you find a broken link please let me know! Thanks!) Now, how about you give it a try!!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Gift Card Holder and Mini Clips

I haven't felt very productive again but I did get a couple of items made. I didn't have my camera on the correct setting when taking the pictures so a couple do not have nice, sharp images. This first is a gift card holder. I used Running Stitches and Joy of Christmas along with Merry Wishes SWIC (retired) to create my Christmas "Wallet". If you want directions please email me.

On the inside I also used Sweet Goodies and All Occasion Swirls (a Hostess set). I have a Pop Dot under the gift package to make it stand out. I used Palette Hybrid inks, Noir and Claret, for all the stamping.
This little rascals are small! You can tell by the quarter in the middle. I used scraps, bits and pieces of ribbons, Paper Posies, and sequins for decorations. The "Just a Note" is from the Tag Tidbits set which is wonderful for its small size. These have magnets on the back and I purchased them in a package for about $3.15 at Target. I was looking for clips at least 3 times bigger but these looked cute.
It's been thundering most all day but no showers or lightening yet. I guess I better start thinking of supper! Happy stamping!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!!

No, I'm not trying to sound like Gomer Pyle. And if you don't watch the Andy Griffith show (a big sitcom hit from the '60's) you have no idea who that is! This is another special but this one only lasts from Aug. 1 - Aug. 15, 2008 or while supplies last!! Very limited but a great deal! When I got one of these 2 years ago I got paper, stamps, embellishments, and more! For $75.00 (not including tax/shipping) you get a box of products with a retail value of at least $150!!!

So, mark your calendars and remember to email or call me for your surprise!!

Great August Special!! Woodrowe is here!

Are you ready for some great specials!!! How about this? From August 1 - September 2, 2008 you can purchase the wonderful Woodrowe™ Keepsake Album Kit, Antique Copper Hardware, Willoughby/Woodrowe Ribbon Collection, From A-Z Limited Edition Stamp Set, and A-Z Alphabet Limited Edition Stamp Set for an amazing price of $49.95 (not including tax/shipping)!! What a deal! I know I'll be ordering!
























Now, if I could only figure out how to get these flyers lined up on my blog!

Friday, July 18, 2008

Crumpled Paper Technique

One of my cards posted yesterday showed this technique. I've had a friend ask how I did this as it looks like a "giraffe"! Yep, it does! I call it my "pinto" technique when used with the Hieroglyph Horses.

The sample on the right is a very crumpled piece of scrap cardstock that is flattened out by hand. I inked my stamp then stamped on the crumpled paper then, without reinking, stamped on my chosen piece of cardstock. Voila! A pinto horse! This is one of the techniques I taught last winter in my Technique Classes. I love the effect. I want to thank Rita Holmes, an angel with TAC™ for this idea.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Cool Card Purse and Cards

I finally felt a bit creative and decided to make this "purse" and card set. My purse base is made from Bazzill Yellow/Oranges cardstock as it doesn't tear at the creases.

The card bases are from the Natural Cardstock Assortment, the solid cardstock from the same Bazzill as the purse base, and the pattern paper is Hemingway SWIC. I used Hemingway Ribbon and some sheer 1" ribbon to make the purse handles. The Hieroglyph Horses just worked so well with this paper! I also used Just Because, Inspirational Sayings, and Just For You Hostess Set A (only available with orders of $100 or more net) for my texts. The inks I used are Jumbo Java VersaMagic and Cognac Palette Hybrid. Oh, and on the tag in the purse pocket I used on the background Fancy Curls and Oasis Green VM ink. This may end up being a hostess gift for a FUNshop I'm to have this fall.

So, are you creating anything? Stamping? Scrapping? Come on, take some time out for yourself and play a little!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

New Angel Info and Catalog corrections/updates

The Angel Company™ will be offering a New Angel Starter Kit Special at our upcoming Convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and we are excited to extend this special promotion to ALL New Angels across the field. So, whether or not you are attending the Grand Rapids Convention, new Angels can still benefit from this special.

If you are interested please email me! We have great benefits, super low minimums, and lots of fun!


Please note that the catalogue description for the Pastel Princess Brads, Item #F-930 on page 90 of the Fall/Winter Inspiration Book is incorrect.
The correct description is that the brad package contains approximately 24 pieces in 6 colors. The information has been listed in the catalogue corrections page.

Please note that the following item is temporarily unavailable from the manufacturer is not able to be ordered at this time.
F-507 1/2" Silver Wire page 114

Please continue to watch Company Updates for updated product information. Or check out our corrections page for more items temporarily unavailable along with other information you should know. Thank You.

I got in an order yesterday so it's off to play! Happy stamping!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Hot, muggy, and uncreative.

We've had quite a bit of rain this past week and boy, is it muggy along with the heat! I've had trouble being creative along with all this. We had a real gully-washer Friday and the arroyo that we have to drive through to get to our home was running 6 - 12" of water. Dean had to leave the car and wade across when he came home from work about 9 pm. We went out at 11 pm. and the arroyo was empty. He then drove the car home. The arroyo is still quite damp and not real firm yet. Saturday we did some yard work and Sunday after church we went into Tucson to visit my cousin's hubby who had a mild heart attack. He's doing well and is scheduled for triple bypass surgery either today or tomorrow. We'll go back to visit him next Sunday. We had fun finding the hospital but we're slowing figuring our way around the city.

Anyway, I had a sketch challenge to meet today and here is my card. I used a Hostess set called All Season Swirls which is only available if you have a "party" and have at least $500 in net sales. Those of us who went to Seminar last month got it free. It may be in the next catalog but no guarantees.

I used Amberly Grace SWIC and matching cardstock. I also used Oasis Green VersaMagic ink for the dragonfly. The 3 little dots are the dots at the bottom of the pattern papers that helps one match colors. I added a dot of Crystal Lacquer on dots. Turned out rather elegant, I think.

I found a couple gals to ride to Curves with on Mondays and Wednesdays, Esther and her daughter, Dawn. So, now I can go 3 times a week (Friday I also purchase my groceries) again. And Dean called a little while ago. Seems like everyone at the mine will be getting a $500 bonus in the form of a gift card and and extra $200 in their next paycheck to help with taxes on the $500 or whatever. We will probably purchase fencing stuff to finish the fence on the north side of our land. We have 300' and a gate then we can keep out the stray dogs. We're thinking of going to NM weekend after this to see my folks and my aunt and her hubby. Dean hasn't seen Rosemary and Ray for almost 10 years. Be nice to get away for 3 days. And I had a surprise yesterday as a classmate from Riverton, WY called. He and his family moved to Queen Creek (suburb of Phoenix, southeast side) recently. We visited for about 10 minutes and hope to get together someday for dinner between here and there. Well, back to the "grind"!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Photo Cube

I had to try this project I seen on Paper Jewels blogspot. Click here for her tutorial page. I used Miss Moxie SWIC and Cardstock. I also used the This Boy set and Essential Elements (the arrow on a back panel). It was a real challenge to get the CD cases assembled properly, almost like a 5000 piece jigsaw puzzle! But, if you watch Jewels video closely you will get it. You should not have any "gaps" in the cases when it's assembled.

I colored the arrow with my Orangerie PH ink by directly rubbing the ink pad on the arrow then I took a black Sharpie marked the colored the edges. I used the Kinder-Bet for the large words on the right panel shown below.

Now, I bet when my folks get back this fall from New Mexico and my mom sees this, she'll want it! But, it may become a gift for Matt since it is pics of him and his Blazer that he rebuilt. I may do some extra gluing to make sure the CD cases stay closed. Well, back to the worktable for more projects! Happy stamping!

Wild ponies in the sun

I have been trying to learn techniques from Michelle Zindorf as she is amazing with her brayer and sponge work. Click here to see the original card of hers that I tried to make. I used to have a nice Arabian gelding for 22 years that I trained myself. He was a real beauty and did well at horse shows in the halter competition. He was very intelligent and loveable. I had to put him down about 8 years ago due to crippling of his legs and back. I rode him a lot and the freedom I felt while aboard was wonderful and I did do a lot of dreaming, too. This card is a tribute to El Coreb (Corey for short).

I will not even try to explain how I did this card other than to say I used the Happy Trails set and a retired set called Dance With Your Spirit since I couldn't find a current stamp I wanted to use with the horses. The eyelets came from my stash and the papers are white premium & black cardstock and orange from the Neutrals Cardstock Stack. The Dream is stamped with Versamark ink and embossed with white embossing powder.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

3 Christmas Cards (in July even!)

I've been playing with some challenges from a web group and decided to use them to get some more of my Christmas cards made.

This first card uses Penelope SWIC and cardstock, new exclusive papers we carry. It is absolutely gorgeous with jewel tones! This scan doesn't do it justice at all! I also used the Giga Scalloped Circle punch. The stamps are from the Joy of Christmas set and I used Landscape and Noir Palette Hybrid inks. I just got the papers yesterday and couldn't wait to play with them!

This second card uses the same stamp set but I used Miss Moxie SWIC and cardstock. The JOY is stamped with Versamark ink and then I used Red embossing powder and my heat tool. I found some paper brads that worked great with the colors in the card.

For this third card I used Winchester SWIC and cardstock. Very non-traditional but elegant to me. I used the Sweet Goodies set and Noir ink then a touch of Prismacolor pencils on the leaves and berries of the holly, very subtle. The 1/4" ribbons are from my stash and I attached the 2 colors with a stapler.

Well, I hope I've given you some inspiration for some relatively easy cards! And a glimpse of 3 of our great paper collections. Happy stamping!!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Brilliant Weblog Award

One of my Angelhood sisters nominated my blog for the following award!

I am so honored! Christina nominated me and I will play along with the rules. What fun!!

Now according to the rules of this award:

1. The winner can put the logo/award on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls you’ve nominated.

These are the others in my "Angelhood sisterhood" and my friend, Barb, who got me started blogging. Yep, it's all Barb's fault I'm here! LOL! And thanks, Christina, for the award! You're a real sweetie!

Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy Independence Day!

I know many of you won't get notice of this until the 5th but here's a simple "patriotic"-type card to celebrate. It was also a challenge on Paper Wings to use just 4 colors: yellow, red, blue, and white. I seen this stamp set, Linear Sentiments, used by a friend and fellow angel, Tracy Turner, on her blog and loved the idea! I stamped the celebrate phrase in L'Amore P.H. ink and the stars in Starry Night P.H. ink. The rest is easy to figure out but I did use Pop Dots to raise 3 of the stars.


I was honored to be showcased on a Canadian blog on the 1st. Click here to see it. They chose the cards to show of which one has a retired set and the other is very "different" as I was playing way out of my box! LOL! But it was a great honor and I appreciate the way they have different stampers/scrappers every day. I have even subscribed to their blog and get wonderful ideas.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

A couple more projects

I really like this new Angelee SWIC paper! Just adorable and so feminine! This is an 8 x 8" page we made a TAC™ Seminar in June. This page also uses Angelee Cardstock and Ribbon, VersaMagic Niagra Mist ink, and staples.

This cute, colorful coaster book was great fun to make. We used so many items and it just really came together! Can you guess what all we used??

Ok, now I'll list the "ingredients". There is Miss Moxie SWIC, Cardstock, and hardware, Black & White Ribbon Collection, Scrapper's Floss of 3 colors, Round & Square Coasters, the Crop-a-Dile, Coluzzle Swivel Knife, Cutting Mat and Nested Circle, Essential Elements, Pop Dots, a stapler and stamples, Noir Palette Hybrid ink, a black journaling pen, Corner Rounder, and a split book ring. WOW!

Stay tuned for more projects!

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

The Angel Company™ Limited Edition and drawing!

This cute "mini-version" of our Seminar set is available for $7.95 with a qualifying order of $30 net. And you can also get the SOTM (shown in the left side menu) with that same $30! It is called Just Dreamy and danged if I can find the item number! For more info click here. It is available through August 15th.



TAC has a drawing for our customers! Click here for the link and see if you become a winner!
Here is a photo of what you can win! You must sign up by 11:59 pm on July 31, 2008 (central time??). You may only enter once!


Also, if you do the "click here" on the home page photo you will go to the Learning Center and get instructions on making that cute little album. Great idea for a Christmas gift that the recipient will love! All the supplies needed are listed at the bottom of that page.

Company Update

TAC™ has had to change their Hostess Awards policy due to increased fuel and vendor prices.

Here's what they had to say:

Yesterday we reluctantly released an update to our Hostess Half Price Program as a result of being bombarded with continuous price increases and fuel surcharges due to current economic conditions and other factors. We know that our prices will continue to rise from vendors, some quite extensively, over these next few months and we are faced with finding solutions for what will be a problem.

After releasing our updated Hostess Half Price Program in which you could only redeem Hostess Half Price Items and Hostess Booking Items on rubber stamps and TAC™ papers or kits, we received some incredible feedback from our field along with some incredible solutions that quite honestly ~ we hadn’t thought of. So many solutions were pure genius, however, implementing some of these solutions would require massive re-programming of our computer systems which would end up costing the company just as much, if not more, to implement.

After sorting through enormous amounts of email we have found a solution, suggested by many of our Angels, which we believe will solve the issues we currently face and it’s a solution that works!


This new Hostess Half Price Program supersedes the Half Price Item update we posted yesterday.

Effective July 15, 2008, the Hostess Half Price Program will operate as follows:

For FUNshop Net Sales between:
• $100-249.99 hostesses may select 1 half price item from any item in our current catalogue.

• $250-499.99 hostesses may select 2 half price items from any items in our current catalogue.

• $500-749.99 hostesses may select 3 half price items from any items in our current catalogue.

•$750 and above hostesses may select 4 half price items from any items in our current catalogue.


The Booking Bonus Half Price Item is being eliminated and will no longer be available on any order beginning July 15, 2008.

While this is an unexpected hiccup we are thrilled with this solution and we continue to believe that “where there’s a will ~ there’s a way!” By working together with our Angels we continue to move in the right direction! These times that we have all faced lately have been difficult but together we can find solutions that work for everyone and share the economic hardships and meet our customers half-way!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us and presenting solutions that we hadn’t even considered. While we strive to make great decisions all the time it is true that sometimes the really great solutions come from those who aren’t here in our Corporate Offices. Those with an entirely different perspective. We love being a part of a company where everyone’s thoughts, ideas, suggestions and solutions are greatly valued. This is what makes The Angel Company™ unique and a company we can all be proud to be a part of!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Cool wall hanging

Our son sent us a picture of him and his girlfriend by phone (aren't these camera phones great!) the other day and I used it to finish this project from Seminar.

I can't believe I didn't do any stamping but, I didn't!!! WOW!! This little wall hanging utilizes our new Sydney Circle Album Kit which has great double sided 100 lb. cardstock. Boy, do you get a lot with this kit! I layered a circle on a Sheer Scallop Coaster and used my Crop-a-dile to set an eyelet from the Pewter Hardware Collection. I used ribbon from the Amelia Ribbon Collection and Orange Scrapper's Floss for embellishing. The orange mat behind the photo is from the Penelope Cardstock Collection.

I think this turned out really cool and was easy to assemble. I already have it hanging on a wall in our home. I think I'll see just how long it takes Dean to notice it without my telling him.