A Fond Farewell to The Angel Company

It is time to say a bittersweet and fond farewell to The Angel Company. After 14 years, Mischelle has announced that we will be hanging up our wings. It's been a wonderful adventure and I wouldn't have missed it for the world!














I usually have so much to say about everything, but today words escape me. I take comfort that God understands silence when the words wont come. To all my TAC friends, thank you for the memories. I will cherish them always. What a blessing you are to me. To Mischelle, thank you so much for giving The Angel Company so much of you. It has been a wonderful journey that would not have been possible without your dream realized in The Angel Company. I can not wait to see where your adventures will take you.



Please hop along and check out the other creations made to celebrate and remember The Angel Company:

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/
Sandy M. http://www.stacysangelcreations.blogspot.com/

Rita H www.ritaholmes.blogspot.com

More August Card Kit Cards

Sew, What's New? I just love that stamp sentiment! As promised, here is a peek at the other two cards you can make with the August Card Kit.

These two cards are made with Angelee Soar With It Collection papers. This month's kit is a little different because it features TWO TAC paper collections, Angelee and Willoughby. You get lots of variety in this kit.

In the first card you can see how I used two of my favorite new tools; Nestabilities Labels 18 Dies and Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Die. What do you think of that flower? Isn't it FAB!? Order the tools with your kit and save 10%!

My second card is a little washed out in the upper left and I couldn't seem to fix it. Sorry.

I love the pinking sheer and stitched detail on this more simple card. A nice feature of this kit is you could make 8 cards - 2 each of the four designs with left over supplies. OR you can make 10 of this more simple design and still have left over supplies to play with. If you vary the ribbons and pattern paper you can mix and match 10 of this design and have a bunch of fun cards made and ready to send. FAST.

The kit is $30, you can see the detail break down of what is included here. See that?! $30 /10 cards = $3 per card with the stamps to make as many more as you want! That is much more affordable than stopping at the grocery store or card shop when you need a card! Have you seen how much those cards at the store go for?! Save some money. Enjoy the process. Stamp your cards!

Thanks for stopping by today! Just email me if you are interested in the August Card Kit.

August Card Kit

August Card Kit anyone? Here are two of the cards in my August card kit. What do you think?

My kit is $30 and includes:
'Sew Lovely' a Nina B. for TAC stamp set
10 Angelee Soar With It Collection 6x6 Designer Papers
10 Willoughby Soar With It Collection 6x6 Designer Papers
10 Fern and Mocha 5.5x8.5 Card Bases
Ivory Cardstock
4 Shipping Tags
5 Yards of Assorted Willoughby Ribbon
Lace Trim and Assorted Buttons
4 Full Color Photo Idea Cards with Directions

The card kit includes everything you need to make 2 each of 4 cards PLUS extras to make some of your own designs.

I would like to offer some of the tools that I used on these cards to you at a discount. If you order the tools with the August kit I will give you a 10% discount on them. Enjoy the convenience of having the tools you need delivered with your kit. No need to search the craft stores, just pick up the tools with the stamps and papers. If you would like to purchase Nestabilities Labels 18 Dies, Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Die, Raw Sienna and Burn Umber Palette inks and/or Mini Kai scissors with your kit you will enjoy some savings on those tools. Just let me know when you place your order for the kit.

I will post the other two cards tomorrow. I have to get dinner made..it's getting late! Thank you for stopping by!

Stamping on Fabric - BLOG HOP!

I love fabric! It is so much fun to add to your paper crafts. I love felt and yo-yos and of course ribbon! Today I made an easy baby gift set. Onsies are my FAVORITE! Babies look so cute sportin' just a Onsie. I had some great not so baby fabric that I thought would look sweet and unique when paired with the 'Trunk of Love' Gift With Purchase from TAC. Here's a little tip when looking for fabric to stamp; look for fabrics that have blocks of coordinating patterns. They are perfect for the paper crafter that doesn't want to store tons of fabric. I used a fabric that had a stripe, the pattern I used on the elephant body, two paisley, pink and blue with white dots, the pattern I used on the ear, PLUS three floral patterns all on the same piece of fabric. That is lots of choice in a little storage space. It's like the designer paper collection for fabric.
The baby set consists of a cloth diaper turned burp cloth, a Onsie and a matching gift card. I stamped the elephant from Trunk of Love on fabric with Staz-On. The sentiment on the card is from Savvy Sayings. It is stamped on watercolor paper with Memento Tuxedo Black. The card is embellished with coordinating satin ribbon. That's it. Want to take a class and make this set? Let me know, I have time on Saturday morning before our Cards for Kids - Cards for a Cause Club on August 27th. If you stay for class and donate cards that you make at Card Club, I will treat you to a light lunch of pesto tortellini and fruit. Class is $18 and Card Club is free if you donate two or more cards. If you don't have 2 cards to donate, make them at club or order $30 or more OR pay just $5 for a day of fun and stamping! You can read more about Cards for a Cause here. If you want to know how you can get 'Trunk of Love' free, email me!
Thank you for hopping by!

Cards for a Cause

I am putting the last Saturday of the month aside for Cards for a Cause Club. We met for our first card club on July 30th. I think our first meeting was productive despite a late start. It was also so much FUN!!

Our card club features a different cause each month. I am looking for causes that are close to your heart. In July we made cards for Crafting for a Cure. Crafting for a Cure is Jo Ann's Relay for Life team. Crafting for a Cure is holding their annual Craft Fair on August 14th. Spring into Fall is the name of the show. Spring into Fall is an annual fundraiser for the benefit of the American Cancer Society with loads of crafters and great raffle prizes, including the cards we made photographed here plus loads more AND Crafting for a Cure's beautiful handmade team quilt. If you can swing or should I say SPRING by the show you should. It's for a fantastic cause. The Spring into Fall Craft and Vendor Fair is August 14th from 11am-3pm at the Holiday Inn, Rolling Meadows - 3405 Algonquin Rd.

Here are two of the cards I made at Card Club. They both feature some AWESOME Bazzill cardstock that I got on clearance from TAC. We used TAC's Card Club Quickies for inspiration. Jo Ann brought some Frutti Fusion paper and challenged us to use the square dot pattern. She has some difficulty designing with that bold pattern. The images are both from TAC's Sweet Day Cupcake T3442 and the Sentiments are from Savvy Sayings t3256 and Sweet Sayings T3443. I colored my images with Copic markers.

Our next Cards for a Cause is going to be a cards for kids day. I work with preteen girls at church during the school year. Occasionally I like to send a card to encourage these girls in their faith and in their lives. Some of them are disadvantaged and many come from challenging family situations. They need the love and encouragement. If you can join us, I promise, it is a fun and rewarding. We stamp on the last Saturday, August 27th, from 11am to 4pm. Bring any supplies that you want to use - especially those uncut stamp sets. I provide my stamps, tools, inks and other non-consumables. Cards for a Cause Club is a great way to use those supplies you HAD to have while being inspired by other card crafters like yourself and doing good to others! If you can join us on the 27th please send me an email!

Wonderful Cloud - For Gayle

I love the Nina B. for TAC exclusive Wonderful Trees! The stamp set was featured in my July Card Kit. I promised Gayle I would show how you can do more than trees with this fun set. I have also been on a quest to make some cards that are SUPER SIMPLE, but still cute. That is how this card came to be...that and a last minute rearrangement of elements to cover a smudge! LOL. I might put the sun on the left of the cloud when I make more of these. ;)

Hostess Club - be ready to stamp a pile of SUPER simple cards tonight and tomorrow night! I am going to set you up with a bunch of cards that are ready to mail! Spread the LOVE - send some LOVE!

I used Nina B. for TAC's Wonderful Trees and TAC's Level C Reward Stamp Set, Love this Day for this card. I also used VersaMagic Cloud White Ink and White Embossing Powder. I got some great Bazzill cardstock on clearance from TAC, it included this blue. My blue sky is simply embellished with a yellow button and scrappers floss.

Finally Friday

It's Finally Friday over on TAC's Savvy Projects Blog and it was my turn to post something to inspire you for the weekend.

I made this little card using some brand new rubba! New rubba inspires me to stamp, how about you? I posted a picture tutorial for making fringed felt flowers on the Savvy Projects Blog. I love all things felt and these flowers are an inexpensive and easy way to shake up your cards. If you have time, head over to Savvy and check out the tutorial. Let me know what you think.

Supplies used to create this card include: Bazzill Smoothies Kraft Cardstock, TAC Brown Cardstock, Sands of Time Classic Soar with It Collection Pattern Paper, Nina B. for TAC exclusive stamps Giddy Up RN-15 and Fancy Labels RN-18, Nestabilities Labels 18 dies, Palette Burnt Umber ink, Deckle Scissors, craft felt, and May Arts stitched ribbon.

Samplers and Swatches - I am CONSUMED!

Here is your loverly paper! Aren't those YUMMY shades!?! Wait till you feel this stuff! It's not called smoothies for nothing! Smooth and heavy with rich pigments! If you haven't claimed your Sampler Pack, it's not too late! I hope to order the second round on Monday. I need to get 10 more Samplers Packs claimed so tell your downline, upline, sister angels and stampy friends! Email me if you want one of the second round Sampler Packs!
Here is a peek behind the scenes. That is my daughter Desi. She and I spent most of yesterday afternoon and into the evening walking around the two tables turning the 60 packs of 25 sheets into 25 packs of 60 sheets! I am so thankful for her help! Each Sampler Pack contains one full sheet of each of the 60 Smoothies colors for $29.95 shipping included.
The last picture for now is my progress on the Swatches. I have 53 of the 60 colors cut into swatches. You can print your swatch card here. These are 1x2 pieces cut to fit on the TAC cards. If you want a set email me. They are $2.50 plus actual shipping. I will be able to pack and weigh these today...so if you are waiting on a total from me I can get that to you tomorrow. EDITED.

For Gayle

This post is especially for Gayle! I promised some more ideas with TAC's Wonderful Trees. Gayle commented that she loves my July Kit featuring Wonderful Trees, but she asked me how many tree cards does she really need. I told her that is why I love Wonderful Trees so much. The trees don't have to be trees! See, they make BEAUTIFUL flowers! Next up, CLOUDS.

I used Lotsa Dotsa, Give it a Whirl, Wonderful Trees stamps and Memento Tuxedo Black ink, a button, black scrappers floss and Penelope Ribbon to make this card. Oh! My pink cardstock is some pink that I got from Shar, my SU! demo.

Happy Simple Stampin'!

Oh! Speaking of simple stampin' check out TAC's Card Club Quickies...BRILLIANT!

Christmas in July 7-25 Make 5 Cards for $20

Merry Christmas in July! Here is a peek at two more cards for my Christmas in July card class! Can you join us? Come to get a jump on your Christmas cards. Trust me, in November when you have Thanksgiving preparations and Christmas shopping and gift wrapping and halls to deck and parties to attend you will be so glad you started your Christmas cards in JULY!
Class is from 6:00 to 9:00pm and costs $20. You will make 5 cards and have the opportunity to plan and order supplies for your cards. I am happy to help you with ideas and designs so you can get rolling on those cards early. Have a stress free and enjoyable time doing your Christmas cards this year! Email me to RSVP so I know how many class kits to prepare. If you are in the Chicagoland area and want to join us just shoot me an email!

Happy Christmas card stamping!

Christmas in July on Savvy Projects Blog

Have you been watching the Christmas in July bloggin' going on at the Savvy Projects Blog?! My fellow TAC Dream Team Designers have been posting Christmas cards all week! July is a great time to start planning your Christmas cards.

Angi featured some great holiday uses for TAC's all occasion papers.

Kerry did a nice job with some of TAC's brand new rewards/hostess sets.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE what Rita did with Vintage Rides and who would have thought of Brandi and Emma for Christmas?!

Paula Kay's card just screams Merry Christmas and her coloring is wonderful!

Michelle used Reece for both a elegant and playful Christmas card.

Here is my contribution to Christmas in July! Isn't that little penguin so CUTE-Y?! He is a Gift with Purchase. That means he can be yours for free with a $30 purchase. This is one of 5 cards we will be making in my Christmas in July card class. Do you want to join us to get a jump start on your Christmas cards? Class is Monday, July 25th from 6:30-9pm, email me to RSVP.

Like Angi I used all occasion papers from TAC's Kaleidoscope Girlz and Mia's Cottage Collections. My greeting is from TAC's Merriest Wishes T3147. The white ribbon is from the Lilly Anna Ribbon Collection. I used Nestabilities Standard and Scallop Circles Large and Labels 3 dies.

Welcome to the World of Blogging!

I am sitting here with my downline Arlene Cook and we are starting a blog for her. We decided that a good training post would be blogging the card we made for our monthly swap. Each month I get together with an excellent group of stampers and we do a shoebox swap. This month we started with a sketch. Everyone used this sketch to make a card. I will add an inlinkz to the bottom of this post, as soon as I teach myself how. PLEASE take a look at the sketch and play along. There will be prizes for everyone who shares a card AND comments on Arlene's Blog! YUP that's it just link your card and leave Arlene some LOVE.

Here is the card I made with the sketch. My cards features Nina B for TAC's Wonderful Trees, Lilly Anna SWIC Pattern Paper, Cardstock, Ribbon and Hardware. I stamped my images in Palette Beaux Arts Blue, and Chartreuse and Memento Rich Cocoa.

Hostess Club Projects

Last night was hostess club. Here is a peek at the projects we made! The card is a 3x3 gift card. Don't you love that purdy hat? I stamped the Mimi cardstock with the big lace from Beautiful Lace in VersaMark Dazzle. The hat, also from Beautiful Lace, is paper pieced with More Mimi SWIC paper. I colored the roses pink and green with Copic markers. I used Nestabilities Scallop Circle Lg and Standard Circles Lg.

The project we did was one from Michelle McDaniel's class at TAC's Seminar. Isn't that the cutest little purse? I am not sure about the photograph, it was kind of hard for me to get a good picture.


The purse is made with More Mimi SWIC pattern paper. I love the double sided paper for projects like these because you actually get to use both yummy sides!

I used Labels 5 Nestabilities to make the flap for the purse. I cut the flap and pocket from TAC's brown cardstock. It's a rich dark chocolate brown that has a nice weight. Loverly cardstock. The flap is embellished with a Bitty Blossom, button and acrylic gemstone. The leaves are punched from More Mimi with a SU! punch.


These little purses are so easy and quick to make. I plan on giving this one with it's little gifty to Violet's bus driver. Violet just loves taking the bus for her summer reading program. Her bus driver is a nice lady. I hope she likes the purse. I see myself making bunches of these.

Oh wait, you want to make one too? Ohhh. Well you should have joined my Hostess Club! It's not too late! I am looking for groups of 5 to rotate hostess benefits. Come stamp once a month with other crafty ladies making projects like this. You'll get the brand new TAC catty free as one of the many benefits to being a Hostess Club member! Email me if you need more information!

Techinque Blog Hop - Spotlighting

Spotlighting - It's not a new technique that's for sure...BUT just between you and me, this it the first time I have ever tried it!
Since I am confessing here, I might as well tell the whole truth...I have never really liked the look of Spotlighting! Boy, is my opinion changing! Here is my first attempt at the technique and I have to say I am very happy with the results.
Since I don't have any experience with the technique, after popping in on the Savvy Projects Blog, I decided not too look at any of the stops on the hop until I made my card. Here is one more confession - I JUST FINISHED about 3 minutes ago. I didn't want anyone else's creative spin on Spotlighting to effect what I would ultimately do with the technique. I can't wait to see more of this technique in action. It's an old technique, but I am sure the fabulous TAC Dream Team has put a new and modern spin on it.
Have you tried Spotlighting? Are you a fan? I would love to see your take on this technique. Grab some stamps and some paper and play along. Thanks for hopping by! Be sure to check out the Savvy Projects Blog for Mischelle's very inspiring Spoghtlighting post.
This card features: TAC New Creation T3492, TAC Maggie SWIC Pattern Paper, Copic Markers, Prismacolor Pencils, Rich Cocoa, Dessert Sand and Tuxedo Black Memento, TAC Emma Ribbon, Neutral Bitty Blossoms, Paper Flower from In Bloom Blossoms and Buttons, and Smoothies Kraft Cardstock all available from The Angel Company My card also uses Rust and Dark Brown Cardstock, a blue button, paper floss and eyelet lace trim from my stash.

Desi and Violet's Thank You Cards

Stamping is a fun family activity! These are a couple of the thank you cards my daughters made last night. The first and third cards were made by my 15 year old daughter Desi. She used a brand new set from The Angel Company called Konnichiwa.

The second and fourth cards are made by my 6 year old daughter Violet. She decided to do her own doodles instead of using stamps. So we pulled out the Stardust Glittering Pens, Souffle Pens and the Gelly Glaze Pens and let her imagination run wild. TAC carries all these lovely specialty pens. They make very nice hostess 1/2 price items!

If you want to see more BEAUTIFUL cards made with Konnichiwa, check out fellow TAC Dream Team Designer, Angela Kelley's Blog here.

Look at that one of a kind art work...maybe with a little more practice and a few years Violet could be TAC's next great artist! Thank you for stopping by today! In honor of my crafty kids, take 10% off of Konnichiwa AND anyone or more packages of specialty pen sets. Just mention this blog post at the time of your order. Must buy both the stamp set and pen set in one order. Offer expires 9-30-11 and can not be combined with any other discount such as, but not limited to, hostess half price items.