Merriest Wishes/The Coolest

Buy the stamp set, get the class for free! Next Friday, December18th at 6:30pm. You choose the stamp set you want to buy and use in the class. Just email me with your RSVP and set preference.

..............The Coolest: .................................. Merriest Wishes: .............

Christmas Joy

I LOVE TAC's Joyful Ornaments. I think it is my current favorite set for Christmas. Here, I used TAC's Joy of Christmas, Joyful Ornaments, Toodle Loo Paper, and Coordinating Cardstock. Never thought that Toodle Loo could look so Christmas-y. The inks I used to coordinate with the Toodle Loo Soar With It Collection are Versa Magic Tea Leaves, Pink Petunia, and Purple Hydrangea. It is hard to see in the photo, but there is lots of PrismaGlitter and a crystal rhinestone embellishing the ornaments. I love the Victorian feel the pastels have. What do you think?

Another Card for Tomorrow:

Here is another card for tomorrow's class.
It features TAC's Gingerbread Fun and Fairy Tales stamp sets and the Reece Soar With It Collection Paper, Cardstock and Ribbon.
I colored the image with Copic Markers. TAC has a rockin' deal on the Copic Marker Collections until the end of the year.
If you are interested in coming to class tomorrow or want more info about the great price on Copic Markers just email me.

Masterpiece this Friday

Just a quick update:
I am going to have a Masterpiece class on Friday, December 4th. I have two seats open. If you are interested in joining us, just call or email me. This is one of the cards we will be making. It features TAC's Hanging Out and Willoughby Soar With It Collection Paper, Cardstock and Ribbon.

I will also have lots of cards and stamped gift items and class samples for sale at The Creative Hands Boutique. Because it was such and interesting year for me, I was not able to do a lot of new stuff for the craft fair, but there will be things that you might have seen before all marked down to sell. The boutique is at The Church of the Incarnation, 330 West Golf Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005. The hours and dates are as follows:
Thursday, December 3 from 10 AM to 8PM
Friday, December 4 from 9AM to 7PM
Saturday, December 5 from 9AM to 1PM

Gall bladders, yo-yos and Gideon

OK, I admit it. I am crazy for yo-yos! Today, I have a quick card and a new picture of Gideon to share. I had been feeling pretty bad, tired and extremely itchy. Then I had a huge attack of pain. I didn't think too much of it, I thought it was something I ate. When I had the pain again, I decided to go to the doctor. It turned out that my gall bladder needed to be removed asap! My liver functions were off the charts high, that is what caused the itchy! I just had the surgery on Friday night. I am feeling better now but I tell ya, I have had enough of hospitals for this year!

I made this little cutie yo-yo pumpkin card before but I had been feeling so lousy it was hard to get all my work done and still blog! I am feeling better each day so I hope to share more with you in the coming weeks. The card base is some blue match makers cardstock. TAC has it in 8x8, 12x12 and scallop edge pads. The fence is brown cardstock and I used the Scor -Pal and Kai 4 inch scissors to make the pickets. The stamps are TAC's hinges (Level A-Serendipity) and Tag Tidbits. Ribbon is from TAC's Mimi Ribbon collection. I tied the tag on with brown scrappers floss. I don't know what I would do without scrappers floss!

I thought I would also show you G at four months. Isn't he getting big? I am so blessed! Blessings to you too!

Fall Trio - October 30th

Here is a preview of my Fall Trio Class for you. I will need to order things for class so if you are planning on coming email me this weekend. I am going to place my order early next week. I have room for just 5 in this class.

Again, I have to say that Inspiration Avenue has been my favorite TAC publication to date. All three of my Fall Trio projects are heavily inspired by the samples in the magazine.

The first of the three projects in the Trio is an 8x8 wall hanging. First we will create a 7 1/2 x 7 1/2 scrapbook page using Penelope SWIC papers, cardstock and embellishments. Then we will mount it on a fun flat 8x8 artist canvas. This home decor would make an excellent hostess gift for you to take to Thanksgiving dinner.

We will also be making this cute nut cup and card. These would also make fantastic teacher, coworker, or hostess gifts. All projects feature 'Nuts About You' (those adorable chipmunks), Penelope papers and ribbons, scrappers floss and lots of flowers, buttons and felt from our embellishment boxes.

Last photo is just a fun fall picture taken by my daughter Desi. My kids just love fall leaves! They like to rake them up and jump in them. They build up the pile as big as they can, even including leaves from my neighbors yard. This year Desi got the idea to shape the pile into a heart. I thought it was a very happy fall picture and wanted to share with you. At the Alvarez house, WE {heart} FALL!


Happy Fall Y'all!

A Card to Share

Where have I been you ask? Well see, I can explain. I know these two Funny GIRLS that taught me all about couponing! Now I can not resist a 'deal'. It's an addiction, but one that is good for my family budget. Here is a picture after a wild night spent at Kmart. I had more stuff that didn't make it into the picture and there are somethings that you can not see at all cause other things are blocking. I spent $133.64 and saved $212.00 in coupons. I got all these groceries and essentials as well as 7 Christmas gifts! The picture doesn't do the deal justice.

Anyway, that is most likely not what you are here to read about so...on to the card I have to share! I made this one for a Masterpiece Card Class so you will see it in class eventually. It features Rose Collage, a TAC level A hostess set, and TAC's Angelee Soar With It Collection Cardstock, Ribbon and Papers. I used my handy dandy Dove Blender Pen and fancy dancey Jewel Tone Shimmer Chalks to color the Rose Collage. It has a beautiful shimmer in real life. I stamped a second Rose Collage and colored just the blue banner portion. Then I popped out the banner as a second layer. It is a nice detail that you could miss looking at the photo. I hope you like my Rose Collage! I think it is such a beautiful stamp, it make elegant cards EASY.

TAC is offering double hostess benefits now through the end of the year! Want Rose Collage FREE? Email or call me and we can arrange for you and your stamping friends to have a girls night out hostess split. You host, I'll bring a fun project, Your friends bring a $50 order and EVERYONE is a hostess!

More Buffet Cards

Some of the ladies at church are having a baby shower for Gideon and me. I am in a hurry cuz I have to be there before 7 and Max wants to take a quick walk with me. I thought I would post these cards and then blog more details later...maybe. Depends on if I feel up to it after the shower.

These two cards will be two more projects you can make on my buffet Friday. I still have a couple of spaces. If you are thinking about coming, let me know.
.
Hugs

October News and Notes

I love fall! I love stamping for the holidays. Crisp cool weather is the best for staying in and stamping! In this packed issue of News and Notes you will find:

• Our fun Stamp Stimulus
• October Stamp of the Month - Sketched Scrolls
• October Vintage Stamp Set - Fall and Winter Whimsy
• Our AMAZING Fall Into Fabulous Promotion
• CLASSES THROUGH THE END OF 2009 - Sign Up Today!
• No better time to GET YOUR WINGS!

Stamp Stimulus

These popular promotion sets, which were available only as hostess add-ons, are now available to ALL! From September 17 - December 30, 2009, with each $30 purchase you may order one each of the stimulus stamp sets at a special price!

Stamp of the Month

Sketched Scrolls: From October 1st - October 31st When you purchase $30.00 in merchandise, Sketched Scrolls (Retail Value $12.95) can be yours for just $9.75! These super simple yet useful stamps can do double duty as background or focal point element. I imagine them embossed or cut up and layered paper tole style! I can not wait to get mine!

Vintage Stamp Set

Fall & Winter Whimsy: From October 1st - October 31st you can purchase the following ©Mabelle R.O.™ vintage stamp set released from the TAC™ archives for a limited time only! These sweet, adorable stamps are perfect for holiday cards, homemade tags, and so much more.

Fall Into Fabulous

When you host a TAC™ FUNshop™ from October 1 - December 31, 2009, you can take advantage of our Fall into Fabulous promotion! Qualify parties will receive DOUBLE the hostess benefits PLUS AWESOME seasonal bonus features! There are also some great deals for customers and new Angels! Customers can buy any of the bonus feature sets for a $15.95 (a Retail Value of $21.95) with a qualifying $30 purchase. New Angels get bonus feature stamp sets free with their starter kits! I will have more about joining my team below.

2009 Classes

October 1st and October 15th - 7pm - 10pm - DROP IN CRAFT NIGHT

Drop in and work on any craft you want! Each meeting with feature a make and take or craft along. Participate if you want too! Meet me at the Community Center in the Senior Card/Activity Room from 7pm - 10pm. It is free the first drop in and either $5 each time or $25 for the whole year. If you pay the $25 then you are a craft club member with discounts on park district classes and crafty field trips. Rolling Meadows Community Center 3705 Pheasant Dr Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 phone 847 818-3200

October 2nd - 6:30 pm - Fall and Winter Buffet

This is a HOT class. It will fill fast. I am offering lots of great cards and gifts. All items will be under $10 to make. Come when you can, make what you want, leave when you are done. This class is al a carte. You choose what you make and only pay for what you do. Each project with a sample to follow and all it's supplies are in a box or tote. Work at your pace on your project and move to the next one when you are ready.

October 22nd - 6:30 pm - TAC Bunco

Come and play BUNCO! No stamping at this event, however there will be FABULOUS stamping prizes! $12 to play, bring an appetizer to share.

October 30th - 6:30 - Fall Trio

Come make three fun projects inspired by The Angel Company's newest publication Inspiration Avenue. We will be making a hanging wall decor gift, a cute card and fun nut cup gift. All items would make excellent hostess gifts. Class is $18. Space is limited.

November 5th and 19th - 7pm - 10pm - DROP IN CRAFT NIGHT

Drop in and work on any craft you want! Each meeting with feature a make and take or craft along. Participate if you want too! Meet me at the Community Center in the Senior Card/Activity Room from 7pm - 10pm. It is free the first drop in and either $5 each time or $25 for the whole year. If you pay the $25 then you are a craft club member with discounts on park district classes and crafty field trips. Rolling Meadows Community Center 3705 Pheasant Dr Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 phone 847 818-3200

November 10th - 6:30pm - Christmas Trio

Come make three fun projects inspired by The Angel Company's newest publication Inspiration Avenue. We will be making a lipbalm gift, a cookie mix jar and just add milk cookie gift. All items would make excellent holiday gifts. Class is $18. Space is limited.

November 20th - 6:30pm - Fast and Fabulous

Five Cards, $15. This class focuses on getting more cards done faster using fast and fabulous ideas.

December 3rd and 17th - 7pm - 10pm - DROP IN CRAFT NIGHT

Drop in and work on any craft you want! Each meeting with feature a make and take or craft along. Participate if you want too! Meet me at the Community Center in the Senior Card/Activity Room from 7pm - 10pm. It is free the first drop in and either $5 each time or $25 for the whole year. If you pay the $25 then you are a craft club member with discounts on park district classes and crafty field trips. Rolling Meadows Community Center 3705 Pheasant Dr Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 phone 847 818-3200

December 4th - 6:30pm - Masterpiece Cards

Three cards, $15. These cards are not hard to make they are just a little more detailed. They are meant to be given someone truly special.

December 18th - 6:30pm - Merriest Wishes/The Coolest Stamp Camp

Purchase Merriest Wishes OR The Coolest and make three simple and fun projects free! Merry Christmas to my appreciated customers.

Get Your Wings

2009 is a fantastic time to join my team and get your wings! For Angels on my team already, now is a great time to grow your team! I can not believe the starter kit TAC has put together for a limited time only! From October 1st - December 31st New Angels can get their wings for just $50! Our paperwork only kit features all you need to start your TAC business, but that is not all. Angels that sign up with the paperwork only kit also get to choose TWO of the Fall into Fabulous bonus feature stamp sets (a retail value of $21.95 each) for FREE! The stamp sets alone in the 'paperwork only' kit are a retail value of almost $66! What a deal! New Angels that sign up with the standard starter kit will receive ALL FOUR bonus feature stamp set from Fall into Fabulous (a retail value of almost $88) FREE! AMAZING BONUSES! Just email or call me if you might be interested in more information.

October 2 - Fall and Holiday Buffet

My google calendar is all updated! Classes are listed through the end of the year and I am taking registration right now!

I have lots of great projects planned for my buffet on October 2nd. Here are a few of the things that you can come and make. All three of these projects are inspired by TAC's newest publication Inspiration Avenue. I was so inspired by our fall magazine I couldn't help but put my own twist on some of the great projects. If you need your own copy of Inspiration Avenue just email
or call me!

The first of the projects I would like to share is
my 2009 Christmas planner. I have included a

front cover view as well as an inside view. This planner features Joyful Ornaments, Joy of Christmas, Just a Note, Mini-Bet, and Woodrow Keepsake Album Kit.

I just love how mine turned out. Best of all it is keeping me organized for Christmas.

The next project is a Christmas card made for gift card giving. This card is also made with our Woodrow Keepsake Album Kit. The album kit can make bunches of these little cuties just in time for holiday giving.

The stamp sets featured in the project are Hostess Level D set Label Lingo, Joy of Christmas, Curls and Swirls, and Ornamental Snowflakes.

Lastly, I want to share my 2010 desk calendar. This calendar features This Boy, TAC's Penelope Soar With It collection papers and ribbons as well as the Mini Deco Album, Bitty Blooms, Velvet Brads, In Bloom Paper Flowers, Ava Buttons and felt flowers from our Sophia Buttons and Blooms collection.

If you want a spot on my Buffet, let me know. Space is limited.

Hinges and Yo Yos!

I made this card for a friend. I learned how to make yo yos at my last Craft Night drop in and couldn't wait to use my new skill on a card. I used the Scor pal to make the 'fence' panel. I just scored every 1/2 inch then cut the pickets by hand. The hinges (Level A hostess set) are stamped on black card stock with VersaMagic and embossed with clear embossing powder. I can not wait to use the hinges in my scrapbooking. I glued the hinges to the fence panel and embellished with silver mini brads. The fence panel is popped up on foam adhesive. I really love how my first yo yo card attempt turned out. I hope you do too!

Fast and Fab Five Tonight

This is a super quick but, in my opinion, CUTE card. We will be making it tonight in my Fast and Fabulous Five class. The idea came from several things I have seen recently. I wish I could remember where. I just love the simplicity. I cut a 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 inch card with the fold at the top from Ultra Smooth White Cardstock. Then I cut a 5 1/4 x 4 inch Ultra Smooth White panel. The sentiment is from Thinking of You, a current Level C hostess set, stamped with Palette Noir on the white panel. I added 5 mini brads from our tropical assortment and then attached the panel to the card with foam adhesive tape. The white on white is simple and classic, but most important it hides the brads so you are not putting them directly in the card front. I don't like to see eyelets or brads or staples on the inside when I open a card. This was the perfect solution with out making the card complicated or fussy.
Well better get cuttin'. Class starts in a little over an hour.

FUNshop here tonight!

We'll be making this cute birthday card tonight. It is a short cut card so the happy birthday sentiment is really stamped inside the card. The sentiment shows when the card is closed because the card front is cut 2 inches short.

It's hard to tell but the cake candle is totally bling'd up with lots of Prisma Glitter. I used these supplies to complete my card:
TAC's Tutti Frutti Classic Soar With It Collection Pattern Papers, Aquacolor Crayons, Niji Water Brush, Prisma Glitter, Crystal Lacquer, Giga Scallop Punch, TAC's Squiggle Ladybugs and Little Cupcake.

Uncle Steve the Chocoholic

Today is Uncle Steve's Birthday. He LOVES Hershey Milk Chocolate. So I made him this, it is a stack of Hershey Bars wrapped in TAC's Just Like Dad Fly With It collection paper. I just tied them all together with some sheer ribbon and attached the tag. The tag is made completely from scraps. I love TAC's Birthday Wishes stamp set. It is a great graphic set that takes well to being stamped on several colors then cut apart just to then be reassembled all mixed up. Other products featured on this project are TAC's Cars stamp set, Jumbo Java Ink, Clear Embossing Powder, and Brown Scrappers Floss.

Fairy Tales

Where does the time go?? I can not believe it has been a week since I last blogged. I am so sorry. This week was crazy busy. Both girls are back in school now. Violet is in Kindergarten now. Desi is in 8th grade. I can not wait until my life feels like a routine again, right now it is chaos!

Today I am going to share a couple of cards that I made. I don't know if they will be in future classes or if they are just for fun. I made them for Karen. She wanted more whimsical cards made from the Fairy Tails set in the Serendipity Magazine.

The Cat card features TAC's Tutti Frutti Classic Soar With It Collection Pattern Papers as well as the Jumbo Flower Punch, Cloud Scissors, Crop-a-dile, Tropical Mini Brads, and Palette Noir. The cutie-patootie cat image is colored with PrismaColor Pencils and OMS.

The Crow card features TAC's Toodle Loo Soar With It Collection Paper, Ribbon and Cardstock as well as Pewter Hardware. The crow image is also colored with PrismaColor Pencils and OMS.

Thanks for stopping by.

Some Cards I Sent This Week

I did Build a Bear for Violet's 5th birthday today and BOY am I tired!

I want to quickly share a couple of cards that I sent this week. I got some great new toys and I just had to play. Don't you just love the Nestability Label 1 die. My monthly stamp club meets at Craft Fancy the second Thursday of the month. I wanted to support the store since they are so welcoming to us so I bought this great set of dies. I also got my hands on some AWESOME Level B hostess sets from The Angel Company. All images except the back ground on the bird card are from Level B hostess sets!

Being an Angel is just more FUN!

Being a TAC hostess is just more FUN too!
Now through September 30th if you host a party with me and TAC you can earn double hostess benefits. Host a party of $250 or more and you can have the stamps I used in these cards FREE! Email me today to schedule your party.

Like the cherry image on this card? Wanna see how I got it multi-colored like that? Check out this YOUTUBE TUTORIAL by Mischelle Smith.

Inspiration Avenue

I am so excited! Inspiration Avenue will be here today. I just tracked it on ups.com and it is out for delivery. I am stalking the UPS guy!

Our newest magazine features 42 new stamp sets! That is more new rubber than we introduced in the 2009-2010 Catalog and Inspiration Book! I can not wait to relax and enjoy my copy of this awesome publication!

So I bet you want to know how you can get your very own Inspiration Avenue. There are a couple of easy ways for you to get a copy FREE from me. The first way to earn your Inspiration Avenue is to order a Surprise Box from me. You can read more about the SUPER surprise boxes here. The SUPER surprise boxes are going fast so email me today if you want to get your hands on one. I am doing a drawing for a Level D Label Lingo if I can collect an order for 10 boxes. TAC is randomly placing gift certificates in the Surprise Boxes, you could end up with $50 or $100 in T-coded rubber stamps.

Second option for earning a FREE copy of Inspiration Avenue is to come to my Hostess Split Ice Cream Social where everyone is a hostess. More info about my Hostess Split can be found here. If you attend or place a remote hostess order you will get a FREE copy of the magazine in addition to some great hostess benefits.

The last way to earn your copy of Inspiration Avenue for FREE is to host a party with me this fall. Invite a few friends and family. You plus two is a party. I will provide a fun card for us to make. I can come to your house or you can come to mine. There are great hostess benefits and until 9-30 TAC is offering Double The FUN! double hostess benefits. To schedule your party email me today. Double the FUN! dates are filling up fast. I would be happy to do a party in a bag, catalog show or remote hostess for you if you are distant or too busy for a traditional funshop party.

A Card I Sent Last Week

Earlier this month my Aunt treated us to the park admission at Pirates Cove and to lunch after. It was so much fun. I made this card to thank her for her kindness.

I used Linear Sentiments and Build-a-Flower as well as Pewter Hardware, Giga Flower Punch, Cloud Edge Scissors, VersaMagic Cloud White, Palette Landscape Ink, and White Embossing Powder. Both the Cardstock and Ribbon are misc. scraps.

SUPER Surprise Boxes - While They Last!

I just love these boxes! Each box costs $75 and is guaranteed to contain AT LEAST $150 of awesome stamping and scrapping product. To make a SUPER surprise even better, TAC is randomly placing FULL STAMP SETS AND $50 and $100 GIFT CERTIFICATES for T-Coded stamps in some of the boxes!

If I can get enough orders for these, I need 10, before they are all gone I will do a drawing a Label Lingo Level D Hostess stamp set. This Level D stamp set is SCREAMIN' HOT. Everyone wants it. This could be a way for you to get your hands on your very own Level D, Label Lingo!

Just email or call me with your SUPER surprise box order as soon as possible so we can get the order in before they are all gone!

Still not sure you NEED one of these one-of-a-kind boxes? Then check out these photos I found when I googled. Here is a post on Diane's blog showing all the surprise goodness in her box. Here you can see two photos on Julie's blog. Julie got so much goodness she couldn't fit it all in one photo!

Everyone's a Hostess Split Ice Cream Social

You're Invited!
Please join me for a Hostess Split Ice Cream Social where everyone is the HOSTESS!
Bring your order of $50 or more and you will receive a Level A Hostess Set, A Gift With Purchase Set from my basket, and any item in the TAC catalog for ½ price. As a special bonus I will be giving all my hostesses the BRAND NEW TAC Fall Magazine "Inspiration Avenue" FREE! The party starts 6:30PM at my house, Tuesday September 15th. Banana Splits will be served!
Please RSVP by phone or email.

So you say you can't make it...Maybe your too far away? No problem. Just call or email me with your order of $50 or more and I will make you a hostess too.

Products used for these cards include:

Spring Dream

Running Stitches

Spunky Sprite Boys

You're Invited - Retired

Artful Objects - Retired SOTM

Tutti Frutti Classic Soar With It Collection

Palette Burnt Umber Ink

Crystal Lacquer

Prisma Glitter

Giga Scallop Square Punch

PrismaColor Pencils and OMS

Misc. Cardstock and Ribbon

Buttons From Elizabeth Embellishment Cube

A Contest Winner and Special

A contest winner! WaHoo! I just love the way TAC is so generous. Every month they have a contest for Angels. The prize is $100 in TAC stamps, papers, and/or SWIC embellishments for each of FIVE categories! I won 'Wedding Wonderful'. You can see the other AWESOME winners here.

Being an Angel is just more FUN!

Do you want to try some of TAC's rewarding contests? Do you want to make a little money doing what you love? Maybe making new friends is what you need. Now is a great time to give TAC a try. Through September 30th you can get your wings for just $50 (plus s&h and tax). Wanna give it a try? Have questions about being an Angel? Call or email me, we can talk about if TAC is right for you. Come on and join my team. If its for fun, friends, finances or the great rewards you will fit right in with TAC and me!

Loads of Love Class Samples

My Loads of Love class included four 3x3 cards and a cute little wagon to hold them all. As soon as I saw the Funny Farm stamp set I knew I had to work them into a class as soon as possible. Aren't those animals CUTE? I think that they look like they are up to no good. I used Funny Farm, Tag Tidbits, Basic Gift Tags and Bookoo Blessings on this project. The background dots are made with a fresh pencil eraser and VersaMagic ink. The cards and wagon are embellished with awesome felt flowers and buttons from our Ava and Audrey embellishment jars. These cards would make fantastic bag toppers. Fill a bag with your favorite candy or snack and just staple the card to the top of the bag. Thanks for stopping by! For more information about my classes and events email me, I will add you to my mailing list.

Cards I Sent This Week

So many of my friends and family have been so good to Gideon. He has been showered with lots of wonderful gifts. I made a bunch of these little notes to send out as thank you cards. It's hard to see, but I used my Scor-Pal to make a lattice pattern on the white card. It gave this simple card some extra special detail. Stamps are from Ordinary Greetings and All Season Swirls. Isn't that sail boat cute! All Season Swirls is a retired Level C hostess set. Being a hostess has great benefits, but right now TAC has double benefits with bonus features! If you are interested in finding out more about how you can earn DOUBLE HOSTESS BENEFITS with BONUS FEATURES email or call me.




The next card I made was a simple thinking of you for a friend. I used Basic Gift Tags, Tag Tidbits and Simply Divine to make this easy but cute card. I think this card looks just like my living room, but I will let the recipient judge for herself. I did the polka dots with a fresh pencil eraser inked in VersaMagic Jumbo Java Ink.

Time for me to fly. The baby is crying, seems that Barfmaster 6000 spit up in bed and has it in his nose and ear and all over his face. Lovely. I have so much to share and so little time...I will try to be back tomorrow with pictures of my Loads of Love class samples.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,
Marisa