Creating with Annette

Getting close to the deadlines...

2010-12-17T21:13:00.000-06:00

Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh...if you have been following me over the last 75 days, you know that there is just another 13 days til the end of my first three months as a full time consultant with Creative Memories. I say the first three months as my goals of making this my full time job, including income that my hubby and I decided would be enough to work with. It is very exciting to say I am nearing my goals, and with exciting offers this week I will be moving confidently forward.

With 13 days left, I feel there is still a lot to do. Being completely honest, I feel as if this is crunch time...can I do it? Will I connect with enough people to make it really happen? Can just 13 more days be enough to make it happen? Yes, the pressure is on...
I would like to thank you for being receptive to my sharing, and the followers both public and not have supported my mission to make it! I am grateful to you all and in that spirit I am offering some extra special pricing on my top 5 picks...Please enjoy them:)

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Good things come in bundles. And this limited-edition bundle provides a great start on this new collection, plus great savings. Get everything you need to easily add letters, numbers and textures to your albums. 12x12 Cutting Mat sold separately. SpecificationsCreative Cuts Tool Creative Cuts Distressing Tip Creative Cuts Playful Alpha Set Pattern Creative Cuts Playful Numbers Pattern (FREE)
Regular price $58.50
Sale price $48.50
Annette's price $39.50
AND FREE GIFT WRAP!

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Get a Tape Runner and Tape Runner Refill for FREE!If you're still looking for that perfect gift to give this holiday season, why not give the opportunity to quickly get their photos out of storage and into beautifully decorated albums? The all-in-one Quick Kit Photo albums are perfect for those who want an album that takes minutes to complete, but look like it took hours of preparation. And when you purchase a Quick Kit Bundle in December, we'll give you a Tape Runner and a Tape Runner Refill for free! (Colors vary.) That just made the perfect gift even better.

Regular price $69.00
Bonus gift value $13.50
Annette's price $55.00
AND FREE GIFT WRAP!

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This one-of-a-kind collection captures Nancy’s impeccable fashion sense, and comes with everything you need to celebrate your most cherished moments with the wonder and elegance they deserve. Purchase the entire collection and get the decorative embellishments for free.

SpecificationsHummingbird 12x12 Album 12x12 Scrapbook Page Protectors Hummingbird 12x12 Paper and Photo Mat Pack Hummingbird Page Planner and Idea Book Hummingbird Personal Trimmer Hummingbird Tape Runner Black Fine-Tip Pen Hummingbird Tote Hummingbird Decorative ABC Stickers (FREE) Hummingbird Paper Ribbon (FREE) Hummingbird Paper Embellishments (FREE) Expressions of Life Vellum Accents (FREE)

Regular price $215.50
Bundle price $186.50
Annette's price $159.50

AND FREE GIFT WRAP!
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SpecificationsAn 18x18-inch frame with beveled edges A 13½x13½ fabric-covered magnetic board inside the frame Six black decorative magnets A thin black ribbon with six black clothespins A black ribbon and decorative peg for hanging.

Features Frame finished in weathered-look

Regular price $52.00
Annette's price $47.00
AND FREE GIFT WRAP!
Here are some ideas for my fave EVERYDAY DISPLAY frames...that I really do use all the time...

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Our Collections offer you an easy way to get started and to save money. Organize and complete your first StoryBook with the Digital Collection. It features everything you need to get your digital images organized and create a StoryBook from your digital photos.
SpecificationsStoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 Software Memory Manager 3.0 Software Totally Fun and Day to Day Digital Content CD Embellishment Kit: Digital Doodles & Swirls Content CD

FeaturesEmbellishments can be resized and recolored using StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 Software A $39.95 coupon code (expires 06/30/2011) good toward the purchase of your first StoryBook. Exclusive embellishment kit you can't get anywhere else on a CD! Please note: Software products and Content Collection CDs, once opened, may not be returned.
MAC SOFTWARE ALSO AVAILABLE!

Regular price $151.75
Bundle price $129.00
Annette's price $109.00

AND FREE GIFT WRAP!
Thank you for your support, friendships and comments. Please let me know what YOUR faves are! You might just see them on sale here especially for you:)

Todays quote:

Some of the world's greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible. ~Doug Larson

Halloween Treat

2010-10-28T13:33:00.000-05:00

I just had to share this lovely photo postcard filled with my little goblins. Yes, its an older photo and arent they wonderful to look back on? Take your photos out and enjoy them again!!! I hope you love this one as much as I do.

DOWNLOAD STORYBOOK CREATOR FREE HERE

At least get started with the free veresion of Storybook Creator. When you are ready to do even more cool stuff, let me know and we will get you the full version, which includes a code for a free $39.95 Storybook!

No excuses...get started and have fun with your photos:)

Moms stuff

2010-10-24T09:48:00.000-05:00

Moving the blog over takes some effort:) Here is some that I have shared over the past few days...take a peek, then hop on over to my new BLOG

Following yet?

2010-10-11T19:46:00.000-05:00

Here is the latest post from my blog...90 days to make it. Please read it and join in the fun...Here it is.

Ten days into this plan and guess what? The plan has changed...It has changed in a BIG WAY!! My heart is full and my mission is in place. Of course the idea to succeed is still there, but instead of "making" it, my goal is now to share it with as many people possible. 90 Days is a start, and a good one. There are to be many days following that bring success in so many ways.

After Croptoberfest this weekend and the way I felt while others shared their scrapbooks with me, I did a little soul searching. I was cleaning out some boxes full of projects I had made long ago when I came across a scrapbook of my own. Hmmm...I did not remember making it at all. It was of a trip to Colorado 11 years ago with the kids and hubby, and his sister who came along. There were photos, journaling and everything. This is a genuine scrapbook, no matter how you look at it. Well, I sat right down there on the floor and poured over every page. It brought me right back to that trip, the one that I had almost forgot we even took. My daughter Maddie came down and got right into it too. She didnt care that it was not perfect, that my handwriting was scarecly neat. She did not notice how none of the pages matched in color, or that I cut the photos crooked...She loved it! She brought it upstairs for all to see and shared it with them...while I sat on the floor wondering if I had made any other scrapbooks. I remember making one for Maddies first year, but do not know where it is now. I bet she would do about anything for me to find it. I will look again today.

Even if we do not remember creating these books, the outcome is the same. To look back and share the stories of our lives is a blessing to us, and those that we care about. After I am long gone, they can still remember that trip through photos and journaling. This photo shows you that even a simple scrapbook, one that I will not apologise for not looking "perfect", or made with any CM products can bring a story back to life.

Just do it...get your memories ready to share and do it. Whether on paper, digitally, it does not matter so long as you get started while you can. I am SO glad I did.

Todays Quote:

Go for it now. The future is promised to no one. ~Wayne Dyer

Breakfast anyone?

2010-10-07T08:41:00.000-05:00

YUMMM! The kiddies sure loved breakfast today as it was warm and sugary...what a nice Mom:)
You can make this too...the page I mean! Its easy, affordable, takes minutes and I will help...what more do you need from a digital program? Storybook Creator Plus has it all...get it and get busy making your memories " live" again.

90 days to make it!

2010-10-01T11:48:00.000-05:00

TODAY IS THE DAY! Creative Memories is officially my full time job! I am so excited about this decision and want to share the news. Announcing the debut of my new blog...90 Days To Make It!

I hope to inspire, motivate, encourage, coach and humor you as I make this change. Join in the fun yourself as we say...WATCH OUT WORLD! Here we come:)

90 Days To Make It

Calendar ideas you cant miss out on

2010-09-24T06:59:00.000-05:00

Good morning! I thought today would be a great day to share a CALENDAR page I created...and here it is! I hope you like it. These calendars are available in two sizes. Perfect for gift giving this holiday season.
Imagine, sitting with family and your kids Grandparents open a wonderful calendar full of family photos!

Storybook Creator Calendar features...
*two sizes, 8x8 or 12x12 with perforated edges ( you can save the pages for your scrapbooks or frames)
*design your own or use pre-designed templates
*printed on CM photo quality paper ( premium weight and very durable)

Why are you waiting? Create them for your family, team, group, or charity. Here is the info...

PHOTO CENTER

Best friends forever

2010-09-22T09:03:00.000-05:00

What a fun page! This is another fast pre-designed page ready to finish with your photos and words. How easy is it?

1. Pick the page you want to use...its all designed just like it looks above and there are HUNDREDS to choose from!!! You can do that...
2. Drag your photos into the frames on the page...You can do that too!
3. Type into the pre-made text boxes...You KNOW you can do that:)

Getting serious for a minute, I want to share a bit about what I hear often. There are TONS of people just like you hesitating to get started but really wanting to. See if any of these apply to you.

Top excuses I hear:

1. I dont have time...
my answer: It took more time to click to my site, and read the blog post than it could to do a page.
2. I am not creative...
my answer: Ok, use pre-designed pages. Its all set up for you and faster than writing an email.
3. I dont have any money...
my answer: Get it free, earn it free, buy it with credit.

Got excuses? I can help. Got photos? I can help. Need help? Guess what...I can help.

Lets get you started and see what you can do for the holidays. Get STARTED TODAY!

How can baby girl be 21?

2010-09-20T11:15:00.000-05:00

How can it be? This little girl was just a baby in our arms. A wonderful Monday arrival just 21 years ago changed us forever and then we became a family!

Fast forward 21 years to this weekend and taking photos. The photos that make us laugh, smile, cry, wonder are there to be treasured. I am so grateful that there is a way to savor these moments and treasure the photos taken in our lives.

Get ready to love your photos again. I would love to help you enjoy your memories...this beautiful digital page took me just 5 minutes to create. The page was designed, I chose it and clicked to add photos. One more click to add text and it was finished, ready to share with you!

There is time to do this, I promise.

Just Imagine

2010-09-08T15:02:00.000-05:00

Imagine,

The holidays arrive and your gifts are opened. The recipients smile and start pouring over the thoughtful selection you have so carefully wrapped up for them. Now...imagine that these are all Creative Memories photo gifts, created with your Storybook Creator software, wherever you are and on your own computer.

By the way, starting today you save on these great photo projects!

Digital Deals Sale includes (September 8-21, 2010):

30% off ALL Digital Artwork Downloads

$10 off 11x8.5 Personalized Hard Cover StoryBook Photo Books

$20 off 12x12 Personalized Hard Cover StoryBook Photo Books

In addition, our beautiful photo panels are 15% off too!

NEW!!! Download dollars! During the sale, while you are saving on the digital downloads above you can EARN even more. For each download you purchase at 30% off, I will enter you into a drawing for download dollars, good to redeem with me. Download a digital kit, get entered! Download a new power palette, get entered again! Get it??? At the end of the sale, I will total all of the downloads and give away 10%.

It pays to shop with Creative Memories and Annette.

If you have been waiting to purchase your Storybook Software, there is a new way to do it. Get the starter kit right now which includes free bonus items too! A super holiday gift for family and friends...

Remember that I am here to coach you...Contact me for help anytime.

Back to School!

2010-09-07T08:50:00.000-05:00

It sure seems like they are growing up fast...and the weeks are turning into years! This morning was the first day of school and traditionally we take a photo of the kids on the front steps. It has changed a bit, the look from house to house but the tradition on the stairs is the same.

I dont want to miss out on a thing! Digital is the way for me to get it done...quick and right to the point. I love being able to pick a theme and go for it...and in five minutes my memory is beautiful.

So, how did I do this?

1. I used Memory Manager to edit a bit, just brightening and sharpening which quick fix ( two auto buttons any non-tecki could use.) I saved the photos, and sent it to Storybook Creator into my open project.

2. I put the photos onto a predesigned page by right clicking on each photo and selecting " fill this selected element ( frame) with this photo.

3. I typed the text in the pre-designed text boxes, and chose different fonts from the standard ones used. Then I selected heavy shadow on the words to help them " pop".
You can do it too!

Remember, Tecki Tuesday is always free and it's tonight and from 7-10pm at Scrappin-n-Chattin . Get all the training you need to make amazing projects. The time is now, before those years slip by you. It is fast, it is fun, and it is easy. Hey, if I can learn it anyone can!
Tips:
1. Have your camera ready to go...and easy to find. Traditions are a fun way to celebrate regularly.

2. Take lots of pictures...more than you need! Digital is wonderful for this as there is not cost added to have lots of pictures to choose from.

3. Capture the moments...just do it. You will have more fun looking back on these memories.

How long has this been here?

2010-09-03T07:48:00.000-05:00

Last night was a busy one. I was at my film study class, and the family was home eating dinner when a big storm rolled in AGAIN! This summer has been full of rain and thunderstorms. Looking outside, the kids saw a lot of rain, hail and high winds...but in the middle of all of that, there was something even more amazing. It seems that there was a rainbows end, right in our backyard!

Like their Mom, the first thought is to get photos, and they grabbed my camera ( which is always ready to use and easy to find) and took a lot of good pictures. There were many that did not turn out well, but several that did. This was one of my faves when I opened them this morning. I wonder how long this rainbow has been living in my backyard, with nobody noticing?

Sometimes life is hard, there is no getting around that fact. If the thunderstorms in your life do not scream at you, how are you going to find the rainbows??? Imagine seeing the rainbows without needing the storms to point them out to you...think about it.

So, how did I do this?

1. I used Memory Manager to edit a bit, just brightening and sharpening which quick fix ( two auto buttons any non-tecki could use.) I saved the photo, and sent it to Storybook Creator into my project.

2. I put the photo onto a predesigned page by right clicking on the photo and selecting " fill this selected element ( frame) with this photo.

3. I typed the text in the pre-designed text boxes, and used the "cut and fill" tab to change the letters to gradient, which was two colors that I choose. Remember to flatten your elements ( in this case the text) so that you can fill them.

You can do it too!

Tips:

1. Have your camera ready to go...and easy to find.

2. Take lots of pictures...more than you need! Digital is wonderful for this as there is not cost added to have lots of pictures to choose from.

3. Capture the moments...just do it. You will have more fun looking back on these memories.

Really...full time?

2010-08-31T21:36:00.000-05:00

TWO exciting things today...first, can you guess what I have been working on? CALENDARS! Now this page took me exactly 55 seconds to create. After making this, I can go back and edit to add photos of my family to their birthdays, and more! This will be part of a calendar featuring my own family, that I can carry in my purse. A brag book calendar? How cool is that??? Get your Storybook Creator software and start getting busy making those holidays gifts. But just wait, there is more...

Oh my gosh, I am SO excited to share that I will be a full time Creative Memories Senior Consultant starting October 1st 2010! My days will be full of creating and sharing with you and working on amazing projects sure to inspire. I will also be debuting a brand new blog, so get on my list so that you will know when I start to shake things up!

Follow me, and join in the fun...if you would like to join my on this journey, and get on board with our

Story Stars team, now is the time! Join in September and get ready to watch your business EXPLODE in October, November and December. Business is great and we need YOU! We are putting the pieces into place for a successful rise to the top as a team and want you to be a part of it.

WORK FROM HOME AND BE YOUR OWN BOSS

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

2010-08-17T07:57:00.000-05:00

My amazing nephews are in town...and the kids are having so much fun playing with their cousins from WALES! Yes, thats what I said...WALES!

We only see them every other year but it has become tradition to have them to our home for a birthday and sleepover celebration. Their gift from us is going to be so special, as we are making each of them a Creative Memories Storybook all about their time here in America.

Here is a page featuring my son Mike, and Rhodri. They both love football and Mike gave Rhodri his own American football. What Rhodri lacks in size, he makes up in spirit my sister Katherine always says. Its true, this little guy " took Mike down"!

Come and learn more about the 3000 photos I took of their visit, and how you can make pages like this in Storybooks with our Creative Memories software. This page is a predesigned template, and I just dragged the photos in. If you can email, you can make these books celebrating everyday life and special events.

Tonight, TECKI TUESDAY will be held at Scrappin-n-Chattin from 5-10. We have a special night planned and you can learn more. Its free to come...bring a friend and see what its all about!

CM Storybook Creator

Do you like it?

2010-08-06T10:44:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! We are so proud of the brand new log, and I want to hear what you think...leave a comment and share your thoughts with us.

August is double hostess credit month, so be sure to schedule early...you will receive 30% of the retails orders to shop with, even storybooks!

I would love to help you get started...contact me today!

Showcase Show off

2010-07-30T09:56:00.000-05:00

So yesterday, I went down to the Minneapolis Convention Center where CM is hosting Showcase, the national convention. WOW! I was so excited to see and meet Rhonda Anderson, the co-founder of Creative Memories. The line was short, just for a few minutes and so I walked right in! It was so much fun to be a part of this day.

Join us in July!

2010-07-28T08:28:00.000-05:00

I am super excited to announce the newest addition to the Story Stars team...SUE! We are so happy that we get to enjoy you! Sue is a great knowlege base of the digital programs that Creative Memories has, and is also a regular at Tecki Tuesdays. Come and meet her, and say hello this Saturday at our Special CM Showcase crop, just $12 from 10-10 on July 31st. Here is where you will find us.

Scrappin-n-Chattin

Join in the fun! For just $23 in July you can be a part of our team!

LEARN MORE!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!

Vote for Carrie!

2010-07-04T08:24:00.000-05:00

Ok, I am super excited to share this link. Carrie Rocha ( website is Pocket Your Dollars) has an audition video on Oprah Winfrey's website! I have raved about her for a long time, and my example is how I spent $187 last year and saved $1900 at one store alone. Please check the video and vote for CARRIE!

GOOD LUCK CARRIE! CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

I had the chance to take her seminar at the Bridging the Gap womens conference. It was so much fun, and I learned a lot. Make sure to catch her when you can...
Here again is the page I made with the Creative Memories Storybook Creator Software for digital fun!

Disney is here!

2010-07-01T08:08:00.000-05:00

Creative Memories DISNEY IS HERE!

Today is the first day you can get the brand new CM Disney products including TOY STORY 3 digital downloads. They are amazing!

Want to save even MORE? CM has offered an awesome price to get started as a consultant. If you love CM, have photos or just want to be a part of my growing team, the Legacy STORY STARS, you can

JOIN FOR $23!

To get you started, join my team and activate in July and as my gift to you, your choice of $50 in retail products that you can enjoy! Its a free shopping spree, on me:)

Why not see what you can do?

I am having a great time, how about you?

2010-06-26T20:33:00.000-05:00

Sure, we are all hearing about the economy and how nobody is buying...but they are! My business is going well, and I know it has a lot to do with me talkin to new people and sharing my information, starting with this.

Here is my updated business photo card. The good thing is that it really makes a statement...does your business card get the attention that you need??? Maybe its time to score more business starting with the impact your business card can have. Why not you???

Storybook Creator Software is still just $39, now through tomorrow ONLY!!! Get it and get serious about promoting your company, business, and self. Its your time to shine. Dont put it off, put it together...and
Click here and You can do it too!

My why

2010-06-18T18:25:00.001-05:00

I thought it was time I shared a bit about why I have made such a big decision in joining Creative Memories. Many times there is a reason behind a big change in a persons life and this is no different. Please take the time to read my post as I am speaking from the heart. You are the reason that I am now a consultant with CM.

For many years I had been in direct sales, as a consultant with another company. I truly loved what I did, the friends that became like family and the success that I worked hard for. Like any career, I spent a lot of time connecting with people, influencing who I could and sharing creativity. During this time, I shared with many people what I was doing and heard some friends and family tell me they loved what I did but it was not for them. That is ok, as it was not a good fit for everyone.

Over the last ten years, my husband David and all of the men from my fathers side of the family would travel to the UP of Michigan to a cabin called Camp Shakey. These guys connected, spent time talking and laughing...really, they did some amazing hard work along with bonding. It was fantastic and they enjoyed it, no matter who could come each Fall.

Last year, we lost my dear Uncle Al after a courageous battle with cancer. Oh my gosh, that smile he had. It breaks my heart that he is gone now...he was always very special to me. Following the loss of Uncle Al, one of the familes got together the photos taken over the years at Camp Shakey. These photos were even more precious, knowing that Al would not be in any future ones taken. The family put all of the photos into a computer software program and created a storybook. The idea was to collect the memories, and create a storybook to share with all of the families.

Well, without knowing that they did this our family received a storybook of its own. My Mother was looking through it and was truly touched by the idea of Uncle AL and the entire Camp Shakey Gang looking back at her. Words were added to create a unique storybook, and following her reaction I decided what I must do.

Last Christmas, my Mother ordered another storybook for each of our families to enjoy. The memories can be enjoyed by all, kids and adults alike.

January of this year, I took the actions necessary to join Creative Memories so that I could help others experience what my family had. There are so many stories to share, and those that will tell them could be gone before you know it. With the digital age, these books are amazingly simple to create. With the digital age as well comes the Jpeg baby. Photos are not developed like they used to be, as we can see the results instantly now through computers and viewing screens on our cameras/phones. I do have to say, please...keep printing your photos! And start to write down your memories for all to enjoy. Sharing printed images makes the heart smile.

Its not too late to gather some photos and take that next step. Everyone either has some photos, or takes photos...Honor someone in your life that you have lost, make a storybook of a reunion or special event, or just plain celebrate everyday life. You can do it and I can help...I want to help. Thats why I became a consultant...to be here and help you share YOUR stories. They are just waiting to be told. Who will tell them?

Hugs to you,

Annette

Your first WOW deal.

2010-06-17T08:43:00.000-05:00

Creative Memories is having a WOW sale...We will have all of these items for you to see tonight at the Ice Cream Social. Join us to find out more, and how CM has given me a new home.

Grace Fellowship - Door 7

7:01 tonight, June 17th

Highway 169 and 101st Ave

Brooklyn Park, MN

Call me or just show up!

Ahhhh, pink and black totes! What could be better? Ok, I know its a bit funny but I just love these bags.

Get all of the fun at 40% savings right now...but hurry!

SHOP HERE

Third times a charm!

2010-06-14T07:33:00.001-05:00

The Second Saturday crop was this weekend, and I was playing with one of my favorite images. This is a photo of my sister- in-law Mary, and me. I just love her:) We are more than in-laws, we are sisters at heart.

The first two of these photos is on a pre-designed digital layout and the third I designed myself from the basic elements in the program. It's neat to see how the same photo can have totally different interpretations with a change of layout. Just like everyone out there, each one is unique and your view of this world is special.

Only you can tell YOUR stories the way you want them told. Are you sharing your life? It is so important to do this. Starting today, June 14th you can get our amazing Creative Memories Storybook Creator program at 40% savings. Your cost? $38.98 gives you the start you need. Its time to get this in your hands...

GET STORYBOOK CREATOR NOW

Pages, books, gifts and so much more are waiting for your photos and memories. FREE webinars, tutorials and ideas are at the CM site. Locally, we have free digital training each Tuesday night too. As a consultant, I am here to help you succeed. I believe in storytelling, and preserving memories for sharing.

Cute as a bug, new baby!

2010-06-11T20:55:00.002-05:00

Oh how sweet...my friend Roberta is a Grandma again! She sent photos my way, and I just HAD to play.
Remember that Storybook Creator 3 software is on sale at 40% off starting Monday June 14th.

You can do what with SBC3?

2010-06-07T20:39:00.000-05:00

Our daughter Maddie is a summer baby. That means that her friends from school are hard to get ahold of after the last day, so we always hand out her birthday invites about 6 weeks early. Since this week school will end for the summer, it was time tonight to whip out some fast invites for her party. I made them at 7:15, uploaded them to Walgreens and picked them up in about half an hour...what could be easier?

The best part? THEY LOOK SUPER! Storybook Creator is fantastic for making all of your promotional products, invites, photos, scrap pages and more. Photo gifts are a snap when you design through SBC3.

Believe me, its easy when all you have to do is drop and drag. And remember that each week we have Techie Tuesday which is free, so you can learn more and enjoy it more! Just come and try it...it will make these little chores so much more fun!

Shop for Creative Memories products including Digital Storybook Creator HERE

Find out about Scrappin-n-Chattin HERE and bring your laptop each Tuesday from 7-10pm

You just have to see this!

2010-06-03T13:04:00.002-05:00

The challenge between myself and a couple of other leaders is this...

We are aiming for at least ten in attendance PER LEADER!!!

Who can join me...make this YOUR time to get the CM scoop.

Rubber Stamp and Scrapbook Expo today

2010-05-16T07:52:00.000-05:00

GOOD TIMES! Today the Rubber Stamp and Scrapbook Expo is at the State Fairgrounds again and I am headed over to see whats new. My new teammates in Creative Memories are having a booth and my old teammates with The Angel Company have one too. I am really excited to see what they are sharing...
This fun full page photo is an option in the CM Storybook Creator 3 software. I like how you can write over your photo page! Let me show you how...do you have photos and memories? Put them all together and really enjoy them. This special page is from a retreat to San Antonio with my friends two years ago and the memories make me smile each time I look back on them. What a trip!

National Scrapbook Day

2010-05-11T08:33:00.000-05:00

We had so much fun Saturday. Please join us next time for our events. It is packed full of creativity, and everyone is welcome...whether traditional, or digital scrappers we have room for you too!

Who can resist this smile? blog candy

2010-05-10T07:48:00.001-05:00

Sometimes being the Mom is so much FUN!

This page was fast to create. CM Storybook Creator is just a click away. Download it HERE

Storybooks are just part of this program, as you can create photo pages, postcard invitations, announcements, business cards and more. This uses all of the features of a publishing program but is easy to use. It makes the perfect gift for anyone that takes, has or just loves photos.

Can you imagine using it for your business? Leave me comments letting me know how you would use it and I will draw a winner at the end of the week for a Digital Addition Download for your SB program!

Good luck everyone.

Ok, now I have to tell you how to get it FREE on Saturday May 15th. CM is having a special morning in Bloomington MN. From 10-12 am come as my guest, sign up to be a part of my team and you will receive your very own Storybook Creator 3 as a gift. How cool is that?

Contact me to find out more... Email me today

Now, have a super Monday everyone. And dont forget to share your comments!

In honor of everyone that Mothers

2010-05-09T11:28:00.000-05:00

To all of you that are blessed to be Moms, and those that are blessings as they "Mother" others I wish you the sweetest of days!

To Heather, one of the best Moms I know...have a GREAT DAY! I love ya:)

National Scrapbook Day

2010-05-08T13:57:00.000-05:00

We are having so much fun here for a busy day celebrating National Scrapbooking Day! We just finished our big lunch, BROADWAY PIZZA and tons of other goodies...

Can you believe we have 27 people in here today??? Its going to be a super day. Look at how busy the scrappers are. Just wait til they see all the goodie prizes we have to give away!

Did you miss it?

2010-04-26T20:48:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness...I just have to show off this STUNNING piece of jewelry that my dear friend Heather made for me this weekend. Heather designs all pieces herself with buttons of all things! Who doesnt have a box of buttons that someone in the family had collected years ago? Well I surely did, and I had Heather come with our friend Sandy to Minnesota ( from Kansas) and they had a party right at my house!
Heather is the most talented artist I know, and I must give up thanks to Sandy for all of the beautiful photos she took so that I could begin working with them. Please take a look at Heathers button jewelry here and learn more. BUTTON BLING THINGS
Get your own jewelry? Heather does home parties, and conventions too. Your next event could be filled with amazing, one of a kind pieces by Heather! Now, I have to get her to come back in the summer for another party at my house! :) Oh, Heather...

Pocket your dollars

2010-04-15T20:52:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I had a real treat! I was blessed to participate in the Bridging The Gap womens conference at Emmanuel Christian Center in Fridley MN. When I was setting up my booth, I looked over to see the name of my neighbor vendor...and guess who it was???

Carrie Rocha from my fave site Pocket Your Dollars! If you follow my blog, you know how I love to share a bargain, and how much I save at CVS. I have even shared Carrie's site as I go there every week!

Carrie was gracious enough to allow me a photo with her, and I am SO happy. I loved her lessons, and if you get a chance to see her in person I promise you will not be disappointed! She was just wonderful.

Please visit her site, just like I do and follow her lessons to savings. Here is the link.

POCKET YOUR DOLLARS

Gotta get downloads

2010-04-11T08:17:00.000-05:00

I just found this AWESOME digital package on the CM site and had to download it ASAP! Its just $3.98 on sale so I bought them all. This is the Vintage Romance, and was perfect for this special photo...Here is the link to all of the goodies on sale! Hurry, they wont last long...and have a very blessed Sunday!
SHOP FOR THE GOOD STUFF

Ouch Maia!

2010-03-09T10:49:00.000-06:00

Oh how my kids love me...even in the hospital they let me take those photos only a mother would love to have. Maia, poor Maia had a rough start to the day. She hurt her foot last night and this morning it was thought to be broken. Turns out it was a bad sprain, thank goodness...but in the meantime, whats a girl to do in the ER at 5am? Can you say TEXT??? :)

This is just a quick page with the freebie templates that CM has to offer. Just download the software for free to try playing with it, and then remember to download all of the free themes for it. Try it! Now I am off for a nap.

Here you go...CLICK HERE

Sisters forever

2010-03-06T07:17:00.000-06:00

Allrighty, now this is amazing. Remember when I told you about the Storybook Creator software that is free to download and play with? Well this is one of the free downloadable themes that you can have too. Its GREAT to try out. Please check it out, and make some fun things to share with your friend and family. Or keep them all for yourself! Hee hee. The coolest part is that right now, you can get a 7x5 storybook is just $12.95 as they are on sale. Check out my site here to learn more, or email me...Why not get started for free and share them today!

Hey Mom, is summer coming anytime soon?

2010-03-05T06:48:00.000-06:00

This page was so easy with the free templates for Storybook Creator 3. There is a lot of free content for the downloading...and you can find it HERE
Why not try it out and see how easy it is? I can help...just ask me how to get started.

Have a great Friday!

Big brother is watching

2010-03-04T08:41:00.000-06:00

And helping out too. Just check out this page that I made in just 5 minutes with the CM Storybook Creator 3 program. It got me right to the parts I wanted, the writing of our memories. I love digital!

Just three minutes

2010-03-03T11:44:00.001-06:00

This was such a fun page to create! In just three minutes I had it finished...and it tells the story itself. I was blessed to go to the Creative Memories Regional event this past weekend, and with the photos I have I am going to make a fun rememberance book. This was a practice page, as I am new to the program myself. But, in just three minutes I was done! Now, I am onto the real book, and the great news is that they are on sale for just $12.95 right now!

Stop over at my CM site to learn more about this fun program that makes you the storyteller!

See it here

Take a few minutes to watch the video on the latest photo solutions for you.

Are you in direct sales?

2010-02-26T14:45:00.000-06:00

I really wanted to share this with you today. My CM mama Bridget showed me how to make these cute business cards that are actually printed out on 4x6 photos!
Storybook Creator 3 is the program for all of us in direct sales! From business cards, to sample albums full of fun photos this will enhance our visuals.
I needed a new business card and this idea just thrilled me! The coolest thing? My schedule can be cut off and the top used as an actual business card!
If you are excited about this as well, one more cool part is that Walgreens has a special on printing right now and I paid just 10 cents each. I love uploading my photos online and then picking them up in the store...in just about an hour!
Well, we are ready for our big regional training at Mystic Lake Casino tomorrow. We will take lots of photos to share. Enjoy your Friday!

Blog Candy Winner!

2010-02-26T07:43:00.000-06:00

I have a big thankyou in order...so many of you took the time to let me know how you feel about your photo organization, and today I have selected a winner! Ok, actually my 11 year old Madison did that for me when she said it was survey taker #10...and that is...

Patti J!!!

I will email you as well, but here is the link for you to take a peek at whats new for you:) You can choose ANY one item to download at the $5.95 price and it will be right on your computer and ready to use right now. Have a wonderful weekend everyone...I am off to a regional event for Creative Memories!

WINNER DOWNLOAD

A friendship quilt to treasure!

2010-02-20T23:12:00.000-06:00

I just had to share this photo of my dear friend Tammy, who made me this awesome quilt...we were hanging out in Monticello with the stamping angelettes, friends and family...and I was blessed with this gift from the team! Thanks to all who cared enough to think of me, and Tammy for making it. I am SO very grateful!

Its Blog Candy Time!!!

2010-02-16T06:43:00.001-06:00

Its SO easy, just click this link to take a quick 5 questions survey and when it closes I will draw a winner for a goodie from me:)

TAKE SURVEY

Memory Manager does it again!

2010-02-13T21:12:00.000-06:00

I am SO excited to share my favorite photo of the day with you. This morning I took off and snapped almost 500 photos of the beautiful frost. Last night while driving to my friend Bridgets house for some fun with CM digital, the fog rolled in BIG TIME! When I left her home about midnight, I could see all the frost on the trees by moonlight. This morning it blew me away with the beauty of God all over the place!

I was using Picasa, a free web program that I downloaded a long time ago. Yesterday I loaded my brand new Memory Manager program and this mornings photos were my first try with the easy editing. WOW!

Here is where you can get the program, and get started just like me:)

I WANT MEMORY MANAGER TOO

You can download it and get started tonight, and I will be here to help!

Let me know what you think of my photo. I want to hear from you. And share your fave photos too!

Let's DATE!

2010-02-04T16:13:00.000-06:00

Thats right, you heard me....I want to date you! Its always fun to get together with creative friends, and even those that think creativity is not one of their gifts. Let me take you through an adventure where we can both become Digital Divas! So Annette, what are you talking about???

Its fun! Digital just means working on the computer, and not with actual scissors in hand.

Its easy! Even if you dont know a lot about working with your computer, I can help with this part. Digital creating is new, and I love to keep it simple. You can create fun gifts for friends and family...and more!

Its affordable! Just this week, I purchased a brand new element ( a digital paper collecton ) through CM and it cost me just $8. I can use it over and over again...so why not find out more?

Thats where I come in, and say lets DATE! Just give me a call and we can schedule some special time, just the two of us...to learn together. This Saturday I have 4 hours scheduled at Scrappin-n-Chattin, from 10am - 2pm and you can come to check it all out, or call me and we will work to find a good time for you. I am excited to share this new adventure and I know you will be too!

Join in the fun! Two ways to celebrate your story...

2010-01-13T09:39:00.000-06:00

My personal invitation to you for a fantastic open house style party! Please be a part of my special day... I have so much to share, and want to introduce you to my new creative adventure! To thank you for coming I will be providing snacks and beverages, and am excited to have goodie bags for all who attend. Remember, just stop by and see what I am excited to be a part of, and lets start creating! Free make and takes for extra fun.

Two dates available, on Tuesday night January 26th from 4-9pm, and Saturday February 6th from 10am-2pm. See you there!

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

Now, I have a great offer for you and it will knock your socks off! I am beginning to build my team with CM and have been excited to share this deal with you. Are you looking for more? More time with friends and family, and more creativity that you can believe? With Creative Memories everything is in place for your success! Here is the link to see it all! C'mon, just check...and see for yourself why I am so excited .

Take a peek HERE

Start your Creative Memories business today for just $70 and receive a FREE Disney Milestones Album and Disney Vacation Milestones Kit ($57 value)!
Your $70 Consultant Kit includes everything you need to start your business, plus bonus Disney products. Offer available through Jan. 31, 2010.

Its hard to believe, but totally true

2010-01-08T11:08:00.002-06:00

Hello friends!

I have received TONS of emails, phone calls and texts and yes, the rumors are true. I resigned as a Director with The Angel Company this week. I want to make sure that the story is straight, and will do so here on my creative blog which I will continue as long as there are readers interested in my life and crafty projects!

Yes, I did resign. After nearly 9 years with TAC, I felt it was time for me to move on. I have to say that my time with TAC helped me discover my potential and the friends that I have made are priceless. Personal growth, and more fun that you can imagine came from those relationships that I was blessed to find through TAC. I am grateful for that. The opportunities that I had as a Director were amazing. From being invited to speak at corporate events, to having the privelege of having my creations featured in catalogues, on websites and magazines, these are memories that encouraged me and taught at the same time.

The Angel Company will always have a special place in my heart, and my team THE ANGELETTES will remain with me forever as a group of the most wonderful, creative people I have ever met. I am still here, just not with the company anymore, and there are no regrets. I am a better person for the time I shared with you all and with TAC. That is definite!

Now...what I plan to do now? I am in college full time for Internet Marketing, which is a passion of mine. Along with that, I still have a husband and 6 great kiddies to be influencing, guiding and enjoying everyday. As for my creativity, my decision also included the move to Creative Memories. This was a very heavily weighed and I now again have the ability to inspire, grow and teach. THAT is a blessing! My new path will lead me to new opportunities, and give me the chance to spread my wings again as well. The spirit of being an Angel is still with me, and does not change if I am creating with a different company. My dreams are to build a team of consultants with Creative Memories that will love and encourage eachother just as my TAC team of Angelettes did. My goals are to reach the top with CM and enjoy the journey all over again. I am excited and hope that each of you can see that this is not changing that fact that I love to create and share.

I hope that sharing my story here helps you understand my new direction. Please email or leave comments as I surely would love to hear from YOU TOO!

Many blessings for a wonderful 2010. A new year, with new direction and new opportunities!

Annette

While driving yesterday after posting this, I asked God for something relavant to be the next song on the radio...here is what he sent to me. Listen to this

Sneak Peek, and a surprise BONUS!

2009-12-07T09:19:00.000-06:00

SHARING! Thats what blogging is all about. I am sharing my blessings book from this Thanksgiving. Each year I have made a new book, which all of the relatives and friends at our Thanksgiving dinner fill in while nibbling on delicious foods, and chatting about our busy family lives. Can you guess what I made my Blessings Book 2009 out of? ENVELOPES! Thats right...its easy, and I bet your craft areas are stuffed with envelopes that you have saved. You just need a few to get started. Check back, I will be sharing the inside of my Blessings Book 2009.

My book was made with MERRY WISHES paper from The Angel Company, my alltime fave stamp from SWIRLS AND CURLS stamp set, and of course my black NOIR ink pad which is never far from my hands. Here is the list of supplies to get you started...

MERRY WISHES paper FREE BONUS BAG WITH BELOW PURCHASE!

CURLS AND SWIRLS stamp set

BOOKOO BLESSINGS stamp set

BLACK NOIR ink pad

BLACK CARDSTOCK STRIPS

Order yours and I will send you a free gift stamp, and the bonus bag of Merry Wishes parts to make your own blessings book! Its exciting and my gift to you:)

Cyber Monday SALE plus bonus BLOG CANDY!

2009-11-30T08:45:00.000-06:00

Today I would love to encourage you to spread the word about shopping for crafts and more online, so I am inviting you to post comments on my blog about the deals you found! The internet is a super way to share ideas and sites...so lets get crackin!!! What have YOU found??? Tell us please...

Each person that submits their comment will be included in a drawing for a Level A hostess set and block, and if you are new to The Angel Company I will include a BIG pack stuffed full of Merry Wishes pieces, scraps, tags and card sized cardstock. This is hard to find paper, a best seller and it could be yours:)

*TODAY ONLY *TODAY ONLY* TODAY ONLY* TODAY ONLY *TODAY ONLY *

Shop online at my site http://annette.ismyangel.net/ for my own CYBER MONDAY SPECIAL which is fabulous funds to spend. Just buy your favorite stamps and accessories by emailing me and you will receive credit from me for 20% of your retail purchase to spend on whatever you want! You can give the credit to a friend for the holidays or use it to buy yourself something special. Its a great way to get more for your shopping dollars!

Make your list and check it twice, cause with this CYBER MONDAY SPECIAL you get more with The Angel Company. Email your order to me today before Midnight to take full advantage of this deal!

Cards for the troops

2009-11-16T10:56:00.006-06:00

Oh my gosh, we had a FABULOUS time at the Christian Fair this weekend. I have no idea how many people were in attendance, but this basket is HUGE and stuffed with over 400 cards that the attendees made for the troops. I will be sending these out to my friend Hollys hubby tomorrow afternnoon! What a blessing for all, the kids and families that made them in addition to those that will receive them. See who participated in the event below...

Mike, my 16 year old was super at helping downstairs. We actually had two areas, this one was a 40 foot booth and it was standing room only much of the time. With live bands, and big jumpies for the kids our booth was a great spot for sitting to make a card. I have more events coming up so be sure to subscribe to my blog on the right, to make sure you know when these things are happening.

Here is a shot of the booth before we got started on Friday night. The event was two days, Friday from 4-8pm and Saturday from 10-6.

The kids even got to sit with Santa and make cards. Santa was not quite into coloring so on his card some of the kids colored images for him. He put it all together and wrote an amazing note to the troops. Everyone can make a card and bless someone! I am so grateful for the opportunity to be involved in this super event.

My sister Gina came down to check out the fun, and my hubby Dave was there all day too. He even helped run one of the booths and stamped tags for the cards. I think I even saw him making cards himself! I know this was a special day for our family, since all but Sara came to help. We are so blessed.

Here we are. L2R...Adam, Maddie, Maia, Mike, Dave and myself. This is definitely something we enjoy as a family...just helping to send blessings to those that protect us everyday! God bless you all.

Join us this weekend at the Christian Community Fair!

2009-11-08T21:39:00.004-06:00

I am SO excited and hope to see many of you this weekend at the fabulous Christian Community Fair. What is it? I can say that its an amazing event packed full of family fun and its FREE TO COME! Its a great time for all...

I am bringing my family of course, and they will be helping out at the two craft areas sponsored by Myself and The Angel Company. Each of the areas will be set up for kids to create, and make something fun to bring home. In addition, this event has 180+ vendors, and things like a climbing wall, fishing tanks, and live bands. Oh and did I mention that you can actually play video games inside a REAL HUMMER?

This is a totally safe environment, where you can bring family and friends to enjoy the time together. There is really something for everyone!

Here is the link...please visit me and enjoy your time at The Christian Community Fair!

www.Christianfair.com

Calling all inactive angels!!!

2009-10-21T20:54:00.001-05:00

The Season for Gratitude
It may not be Thanksgiving just yet but that doesn’t stop us from feeling grateful! And grateful we are … for so very much.

As our lives continue to be ruffled by the economy we are aware of the hardships and heartaches that many in our field are experiencing. Because of this we would like to extend an opportunity to our field … that we have NEVER before extended!

Now through November 30, 2009, any Angel who has gone inactive or resigned has the opportunity to re-activate for FREE! That’s right! It doesn’t matter how long an Angel has been gone … as long as they’ve been an Angel with The Angel Company in the past they can take advantage of this offer.

To re-activate simply call or contact customer service.

FAQ’s

Q: It has been less than a year since I resigned and/or went inactive. Can I switch uplines?
A: No. If you have resigned or gone inactive in 2009 you would be required to keep your same upline.

Q: Do I need to submit a new Angel Application Form?
A: Any Angel who has resigned or has been inactive for longer than 12 months will need to submit a new Angel Application Form. These can be downloaded from our website.

Q: What products are included with this offer?
A: No products or supplies are included with this offer.

Q: How soon can I place an order?
A: As soon as you are reactivated.

Q: Can I take advantage of the Angel Appreciation Special?
A: Yes, if you have reactivated.

Q: It has been over a year since I’ve been active. Can I request a different upline?
A: If you have been inactive for over a year you may request a new upline. You must fill out a new Angel Application Form and you will receive a new Angel Number.

Q: Can I keep my old Angel number?
A: Only those Angels who resigned or went inactive in 2009 will keep their original Angel Numbers. Any Angel who resigned or went inactive before 2009 must fill out a new Angel Application Form and will be assigned a new Angel Number.

Q: Can I request a new Angel Number and/or new upline if I resigned or went inactive in 2009?
A: No. If you resigned or went inactive in 2009 you will be reinstated with your original Angel Number and upline

Its the simple things

2009-10-05T19:46:00.000-05:00

Life is busy, things get backed up. But remember, its allright to make a simple card here and there. Even making a few of them for a stash is great. Here is one example, where a simple card worked out. Here is a technique called rolling, where I stamped the butterfly into the orange ink, then rolled the outside of the image in red. Its a great way to pick up two colors, and make a simple card a little bit more interesting! Today, I am wishing YOU happiness! Stamp a little fun everyday:)

82 days til Christmas

2009-10-03T17:31:00.000-05:00

I am SO the procrastinator but this year? I am working hard to fill my days with projects designed for family and friends gift making. Here is the latest little desktop photo frame, that I whipped up today at my fun team gathering. Its started with the excitement of REECE, one of our fabulous paper collections that totally makes Christmas colors awesome fun. The chipboard frame is actually two pages out of our little chipboard mini book ( 5 pages for $1.99) and I peeled off the binding to make separate pages. Stamping of course with my fave swirl, in burnt umber, I followed with edging all of my papers with the same ink. If you would like to make some of these, I can tell you they are TOTALLY affordable and to die for! TOTAL COST TO MAKE ONE IS JUST $1.50 max. Its a great way to spread the holiday cheer ( adding photos of the kiddies of course) and just in time to make it easy to manage!!!

Gpa Kens birthday card...SCRAPPY!

2009-09-12T20:41:00.000-05:00

I love this card! I just had to whip up a card for my FIL and this fit the bill. I was excited to make it as I got to play with some of my fave elements. BLACK INK! YIP{EE} and of course Miss Moxie papers, along with the totally coordinated solid cs from CHA CHA. It was fun to make, used some scrappy stuff up and not too girly, so he loved it!

what has Annette been doing?

2009-09-01T13:11:00.003-05:00

Well its about time I reveal my secret life. The life of a girl that loves to save money, so I can spend it on more important things. Not just stamps of course, we have a big family! The way I figure it, anything I can keep in my pockets is a good thing. So this is my big reveal. I shop at places that pay you for shopping there. Pay attention here, I can save you a LOT of money! And if you think its just for things that I buy, and that you dont buy? Much of this I shop for now I use because its free or very close to it. Again its my creative life, and its about time I shared it ALL with you!!!

Ok, starting out here with this photo of todays trip to CVS pharmacy. Its like a Walgreens if you have those nearby but here is the cool thing for me. They have a card you use that saves you on the deals of the week, and pays you back on items they choose for that week. Its called an Extra Care card and its free to get. Hey if I handed you a $50 bill would you throw that out the window? I think not:)

I started by purchasing a Soy candle from Glade at the hefty price of $6.99. Now I dont actually need the candle but it will make a nice gift or can be brought out when we have guests. ( remember, 6 kids and a cat). I used my ECC ( Extra Care card) and a manufacturers coupon for $3 off the candle. When I paid my $4.50 for the candle, the cash register spit out a coupon for $6.99 ( the original price of the candle) that I can use on a future purchase. This is an EB or Extra Bucks which works like cash. NICE! So the candle I didn't really need, just got me paid $2.49 to bring home with me. Get it?

Next, since the rest of my purchases today were future purchases from the candle, I started out by basing a savings of at least $6.99 (EB, remember from the candle?). I ALWAYS go to the clearance shelf, and to the ones in each store since they are different. There I found two bottles of automatic shower cleaner ( usually $5.29 each) for 75 cents each, and I had a coupon for $2 off two bottles. They cant give you more than the cost so I got them free at $1.50 savings. I also purchased two cans of OUST sanitizer spray for surface and air ( regular price $3.99 each)
to de-stink the kids being in the car ALL SUMMER! The cost on clearance was just 50 cents a can, and I had a BOGO ( buy one, get one free) coupon. Total cost for these was 50 cents/two cans. Then I moved onto hair color. Ok, I colored it ash brown last week and guess what? It came out totally black! The price for the coloring was $4.99, I had a coupon to save $2 and got EB for $2 making it a total of 99 cents. Hope it works this time! Now, the razor. I would never spend $9.99 for a razor but it was on sale for $8.99 less a coupon for $2 and $2 more in EB making the cost for this just $3.99. WAHOO! Are you getting all of this? Next lets go to the pantene. I love really good shampoo!!! My girls do as well. Pantene is my all time fave too. It was on sale from $4.99 to $3.49, with an EB of $1.50 and my coupon for $1 off. Total cost for this was now just 99 cents which is less than buying the cheap stuff that I dont like anyway. YAY! I want more more more of them:) Let move into the laundry room ok? Bounce has this new dryer bar. I have no idea if it works or not but with 40 loads a week or so its worth a try. The price was $5.49, on sale for $3.99 less $1 coupon and $1 EB making it a cost of $1.99. That I can do. It says its good for two months, I doubt that but if one little box of dryer sheets costs more than this I am happy.
It takes a bit to do, but here are a couple more cool things about CVS. First, if you bring in a prescription and a coupon from another place like Walgreens that says they will give you $25 to transfer there, CVS honors this and will give youa gift card worth the coupon to keep you business. Last month I did that and it was extra extra money in my pockets. Next, they do honor your competitors coupons, if it has a bar code so I took in my Walgreens cash coupon today for an additional $1 savings. YAY! And there is at the pharmacy a coupon book through the 15th I think of September so I saved another $4 off a $20 purchase. I bought a couple goodies for the kids, two packs of Reeses at 77 cents each, and my hubby loves these little weird wax bottles he had as a kid so I thought I would treat him. Total for the day was $5.20.

To measure it up? I spent $74 this summer there ( besides prescriptions) and with my discounts etc I have saved $603.31 ( it prints out on your receipts)
Hmmm...one more to make you think? Go to CVS.com and do the little presentation on easy fill prescriptions and you get to print out another $5 coupon!
Does it take time? Sure about 1 hour a week to cut coupons each Sunday and print out extra ones I find online, and make a list from the circular ( which you can also see online) at a regular savings of $50-$70 per trip ( which takes me about an hour too, ask my kids) so I am basically getting paid about $25-$35 an hour to shop this way. I am cool with that:)

I am off to make dinner early. Matt, Maddie and Adam have open house at the school tonight, and I have Stamping Night Out right after that. Everyone will be playing when I get there. I dropped off my make and take earlier so everyone can do that if they want before I arrive. Have a great day!
I usually spend a lot of time each week to do this.

Sneak Peek! Oh my gosh...

2009-08-19T09:17:00.002-05:00

Well here it is. Our Fall supplement publication as surely grown up! Here is Inspiration Avenue, which is packed with 42 new stamp sets, fun projects and of course our project cards as well. I am SO excited, as mine should be in the mail today! I will quickly order from this and use the new stamps in my Thrifty Holiday classes which will be held the second Saturday mornings of September , October and November. YIPEE! I cant wait to see the new stamps...

Remember that you can get your own wings right now as well for just $50 in our paperwork kit, and get a cool bonus set worth $22. Twilla just got her wings, and is excited to have them. YAY!

Rolling along with a swirl

2009-08-12T10:15:00.000-05:00

Its been busy days here with the kiddies, and today a couple extras. We are kid sitting for two very active boys and I am about to take off for the park, but first...here is my card ( free make and take) from last nights Stamping Night Out. I hope you will join us soon. Its every Tuesday evening and you can drop in anytime its convenient. I am there from 5:30 - 9:30.

Ok, so this card is so easy. First the butterfly, have you ever heard of rolling? Its where I inked the butterfly in orange first, and then dipped the edges ( rolled the stamp) into red. It was so easy, and if you go light to darker it really doesnt do anything to dye ink pads. I dont mind a little dirty stampin! The trail I made by stamping the swirl onto scrap paper first, and then stamping onto my project. That is called stamping off, or second generation stamping.

I used my very fave stitch stamp, and after putting my saying on the card used the stitch to stretch the saying all the way over the edges of the card. Finally I used my stardust gelly pen to put some glittery silvery touches on my butterfly and trail. It makes a nice subtle difference in the light:)

Have a great day all...and stamp a little fun yourself!

Hurry and get a big surprise!

2009-08-08T08:27:00.002-05:00

Super Surprise Boxes!

Everyone loves a great surprise, and we have gathered a wonderful array of our favorite products from past TAC™ catalogues and put together some amazing Surprise Box Collections for you! These fun bundles of discontinued product have a retail value of at least $150. Available only while supplies last, don’t miss the opportunity to surprise yourself or your customers with the great papercrafting goodies found in these one-of-a-kind special boxes. This special Surprise Box promotion is available August 10 while supplies last so don’t miss your chance to own some great products at a fantastic price.

Surprise Box Assortment
$75.00

Due to the special nature of this promotion, Surprise Box Assortments are only available while supplies last, and the products they contain are non-returnable and non-exchangeable.

EVERYONE THAT ORDERS ONE WITH ME WILL BE IN A DRAWING FOR A LEVEL D SET!
I think this is the most wanted stamp set of all time with TAC as there are so many many emails and phone calls from people trying to get it.. THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO DO IT!

Happy Wings to you

2009-07-31T22:54:00.000-05:00

What a week! First, there is a daughter turning 18 tomorrow so tonights party for friends ( with the rain) was planned all week, and that included getting the BEST decorations like Christmas lights for the yard, a disco ball and just tons of lighting from our fave store
KAS and STUFF

Next I had Stamping Night Out at Scrappin-n-Chattin on Tuesday night where I got a TON of little projects worked on...

Then Thursday I signed up for my classes for internet marketing. I am SO EXCITED about this. I just love marketing stuff. Its amazing and has been a great fun ride so far. I cant wait to learn more about computers, business and everything. Crossing my fingers Im not too old to retain all this info...

Tonight I wanted to share a link here for all the cards I made that are in my picasa web albums, from these great and affordable birthday cards for my angel friends. I really wanted to play with these stamps and my white core papers. They are so much fun!!! Here is the link...ANGEL FRIENDS CARDS

Ok then this week I also took some time to start a listing of my angel friends blogs and sites. Check it out here, for wonderful and angelic inspiration...TACangelsites

In addition to the already busy week, I am addressing envies for seminar cd's, I finished ordering the remainder of the papers I need for all the samplers I am offering to my angel friends, took the kids to the pool twice this week, took Matthew(my sweet nephew that is now part of our family household) and Maddie to the school to check it out since they both start at Jackson Middle School this year with Adam, and oh about a ton of other things. Sara is off to college in about three weeks, and we are so excited about that for her. Now, there are a couple more cool things to share.

TAC has the best offerings right now and I want to share them with you...first there is a NEW special to get your wings! Just $50 and you can be an angel, with our paperwork kit, which also features a cool exclusive set so hard to get I dont even have it myself!!!

Today also kicked off the DOUBLE HOSTESS benefits, and I got a great deal on my order today. Starting with twice the hostess sets, adding in this great two times the half priced items, and even adding a bonus set of stamps and papers depending on your order total of course. I will add the links to my side bar so you can check it ALL out.

I am off for the night, with an online class I have to check out before starting school. My books should be on the way soon and then I guess I have to put my thinking cap on and make it happen. :)

Stacy Sez reviews Anchor Paper

2009-07-31T19:16:00.000-05:00

I make a crazy amount of cards. I can sit and make cards for hours. I started Scrapbooking about 4 years ago and the next week I went to a stamping convention, made 1 stinkin card at a make-n-take booth and was instantly insane with the need to make 4 1/4 x 5 ½ pieces of art work.

Lucky for me, the same supplies we HAVE to have for scrapbooking, we can also use in card making.

Except envelopes. Envelopes!!! Would you believe my latest stressor is the lack of ENVELOPES!!??

So for the last few years I have been making cards and of course using them to send warm greetings through snail mail to everyone I know on those special occasions that you would normally send a card. But then my inventory got such that I brought the baskets of cards to work and have had a pretty good time being the office card seller. However, I am insistent on providing not only a one of a kind card, but I like it to be packaged in a clear bag with an envelope.

So I would pick up a box of plain white note card sized envies (cutesy word heretofore used in place of envelopes) whenever I needed them. Usually anywhere from 4 to six bucks at Wal-Mart. But now I notice I cannot find my size anywhere. It’s become like finding a size 16 ½ bathing suit. Practically impossible. The new standard size seems to be an inch longer so you can fit a 4x6 picture in the envie without bending the snapshot.

So good news bad news sitch is I work right by Anchor Paper Express in Plymouth . Highways 55 and 6. The good news it’s literally 5 minutes from my office, and the bad news its 5 minutes from my office. So I pop over there a few months ago and go into the section that they sell envies by the pound. Grab some white note card size and try to ignore all the other stuff in the store calling to me as I run to the cash register. So like 10 envies were like 5 bucks. Ouch. Well since I am out of envies at my house again I stopped over there again today thinking I just need to get some cuz I have been stealing from cards I have already packaged just so I can sell the cards that I have already sold! Kind of like a rob Peter to pay Paul deal!

So here is some good news, I bought a box of 250 note card size white for 10.49 plus tax!! Turns out the first time I bought envies there I bought the fancy schmancies and those of course cost more. Those 250 are going to last me a good long while.

I felt great about my purchase!! And so I shopped. I got out of there for under 20 bucks. I highly recommend stopping in and checking out the store. Lots of scrappin stuff, many stamps (rubber wood mounted and acrylics) and just about everything you could want. I do think they are somewhat higher priced than say Michaels or Joanne’s but I do not think they are higher than Archivers (whom I refer to as the Evil Empire, I like locally owned scrap stores).

When you go to Anchor Paper, express be sure to start in the Clearance Room. Yes a whole room of stuff that is marked down as much as 40 percent. There are many Sizzix other die cuts. I am a Cricut girl and I know they don’t have that stuff, but I do see they have the Slice.

Name brands are well represented throughout the store. Most of the store is divided by categories (sports, vacation, school etc) but they do have a large selection of stickers (esp laser stickers which I love), ribbon by the yard at reasonable prices and a small room just for wedding stuff. Which is nice because stressed out brides can be scary!!

But don’t look to crop at the store anytime soon. I think they may have a small room that will fit a few if you don’t bring to much stuff. I am not sure if there is a fee for the space, and the hours of the store are standard business hours so maybe there has never been a need for a big crop space.

The service at the store each time I have been there has been good. There always seems to be a small line at the register, but that’s because people ask questions and there are a lot of little things in paper crafting that need to be rung up. I myself asked if the 8 ½ by 11 paper they sell by the pound is TRUE 8 ½ by 11 and they said yes, and for another 5.00 (no matter how much you buy)they will cut it EXACTLY in half for you so you can make accurate card bases. You card makers know how frustrating it is to make a card, then go to put it on one of your bases and it is not exact!! So this is good to know if you want to make a surplus of bases to have on hand.

Which brings up a good topic for next time; Paper Cutters! Basic must have tool and there are so many to choose from. So let’s talk about cutters next time, and btw Anchor paper has a really nice selection of the main brands. But for now check out Anchor Paper Express in Plymouth MN (google it and you will see a basic website that has directions). Then go and check out the store and especially take note of the card samples so you will be inspired when you leave!!

Stacy

Debuting "Stacy Sez" guest commentator

2009-07-28T20:24:00.004-05:00

I have no problem coming up with comments of my own as you all know, but right now I have the priveledge of introducing my new guest commentator Stacy who will have a new feature on my blog titled " STACY SEZ". She is amazing, and very observant as well. Stacy is a well known scrapbooker from the Twin Cities area here in Minnesota. Stacy has been to tons of scrapbooking retreats, conventions and just about everywhere there is to visit where you can crop and shop locally. Her first review is coming soon! I am so excited:)

sticky stuff

2009-07-28T07:23:00.002-05:00

Two rolls of 3/4", One roll of 1" * 3m double stick foam tape in LARGE rolls...see the photo compared to the versamark pad shown. I have no idea how many yards on these rolls but they are the best deal out there for window cards, and other foam tape uses...
$20 each plus shipping ( buy both and get free shipping)

One roll of approximately 5000 pieces of red line tape, pieces precut to 3/4" x 4 tabs on the roll. These are amazing for your projects and no more gunking up your scissors! It was selling for $1 a foot, but the entire brand new roll is yours for $35 plus shipping. works perfectly for beads, flocking, glitter, and cut it is awesome for smaller things like buttons, etc. It holds...period.

Three boxes of 3m 1/2" ATG adhesive for the ATG guns. There are 12 rolls in each box, that usually retail for about $5 each ( $70 value). $30 per box and I will pay shipping:)

Thats all of my sticky stuff for today! Happy Tuesday to ya.

POP without the dots

2009-07-20T08:51:00.000-05:00

What a cool weekend~I got to hang out in Wisconsin with some of my Angel Friends!!! We had great make and takes, as the ladies brought shoebox projects. This one I added a little something something to, with my new stardust gelly pen, and a dash-dot around the edge. Oh and one more hint for the day...I love the grey tombow marker and used it to shadow the bottom and left edge of the patterned paper. It really helps it POP!~without the dots:)

Ok, now the funny? Not to my hubby of course. He tells me to be careful since there are tons of deer in Wisconsin along my path to Saras house and back. we decide that Sunday morning would be better than coming home Saturday night, as far as not hitting any deer. I drove home, and at the same time he was driving into Wisconsin with two of our kiddies to get lawnmower parts (longer story) and I got home totally safe. THEN Mike calls, and THEY hit a stinkin deer in Wisconsin! I got the whole instant replay last night at dinner when they got back. It took out the header on the Crown Vic, (sadddd) but nothing metal on that old beast was remotely disturbed! Tough old thing.

Have a happy Monday, and dont forget to come to Stamping Night Out tomorrow!!!

Everyone needs this idea

2009-07-16T07:32:00.001-05:00

Last week I was at Moms, ok maybe it was Monday this week but you know how time flies:) So I asked her for her wireless password and she had no idea what it was...there went the thought of me getting on my laptop in Minneapolis...thats cool but what I thought of was a friend of mines ETSY store. Rita Kegg is a very well known Angel with TAC and has created some perfectly fabulous items...I didnt have enough time to order one of her cute little books, so I stamplifted the idea and made this one! Here is Ritas link to where you can get your own. RITAS ETSY STUFF

The funny thing? I told you how my mom is simple and appreciates stripped down versions of everything...I thought this was clean and simple enough but she still wanted the ribbons off so that it would lay perfectly FLAT! ha ha ha...so I did that while I was there. Oh be sure to check out Ritas stuff, cause she has these cute little pages inside her books!!

Have a blessed day!

Moms birthday and my 12 cent card

2009-07-16T07:21:00.000-05:00

This card I created for my Mom, for her birthday yesterday. I LOVE YOU MOMMY! Ok, I have a huge stamproom full of fun things, from ribbons, to eyelets and more. I could have layered ten things, piled on the cardstock and really done some big time art...but you know what? My Mom is a very simple person that loves the thought behind the art. She is great. I simply stamped the birthday wishes by coloring each word with a different marker, and then the bottom stamp is also colored with markers. I choose pink and orange to brighten her day! The limey colored green was for grass and stems. It almost looks watercolored:) Remember the trick is to color onto your stamps, then breathe l(ike you are trying to fog up the car windows as a kid) onto the stamp...THEN stamp onto your card.

Today I am off to Wisconsin for a fun weekend with my Angel friends. Thanks SARA for hosting us again! I am so blessed, GREAT friends and a family that has seen me take off 3 out of the last 4 weekends. Summer is a big time for that. One more in August to hop on over to Heathers, then I am home til January. Enjoy your weekend my friends, oh and remember to have a little fun every day!!!

Supplies:
V215 White Ultrasmooth Cardstock p.119
V222 Black Cardstock p.119
S01 Impress Dual Markers * Brights p.122
TC3128 Level C hostess set Thinking Of You ( birthday wishes) p.10
T3136 Happy Thoughts p.12

Cost of card .12, value of card...priceless!

Affordable options with limited supplies

2009-07-15T07:26:00.001-05:00

First and MOST important...HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! Although this is not the card for her, I am sharing birthday greetings today.

Many times I hear that money is tight. Heck, that is my own household as well. So today I am posting cards that I made just last night at my Stamping Night Out. I used the last of my retiring white core DCWV cardstock here in Apple Green. Its on our discontinued list and you can save big time til its all sold out.

This card was really fun, and features just one ink. Our BLACK NOIR palette pad which is a hybrid. That means I can use it on just about anything! It really is the basic pad for any stamping kit. And its only $6.50. I can appreciate that price. I also used my black cardstock which I do all the time. I used my Bind It All to notch the black cardstock. Here is another trick if you are cutting back on costs...buy a few of your fave things, and stick with them. I know that creativity comes from many options sometimes but hey, if you are afraid to cut into something new because of costs? Then you will surely play more when you are comfortable. Those beautiful papers are fun to collect, but really sharing them through your art? Now that is sure to send a smile to someone. Its all about taking the time to let yourself create!

Supplies:
V215 Black Cardstock $6.95 ( 25 sheets)

V103 Apple Green 2 cardstock $6.38 ( 25 sheets)

V222 White Ultrasmooth cardstock $4.95 ( 25 sheets)

TT220 Black Noir Ink $6.50 (everyone needs this one)

F506 Bind It All $80.96 (notched black cardstock)

F07 Grey Tombow marker $3.25 ( for shading)

T2817 Starfly stamp set $12.95 (page 109 of new catty)

TC3128 Thinking of You stamp set FREE as hostess with qualifying party (set of 24 stamps, page 8 of new catty)

Thrifty shopper

2009-07-13T21:23:00.008-05:00

This weekend while hanging out with the team, The Angelettes in Monticello I had jumped onto the TAC site to see whats new. Oh while there I saw that our accessories that were discontinued from the last catty, are now on sale for 25% off! Ok first, I was super excited for there are so many things there that my list is long...but thinking about it? As an Angel with TAC ( The Angel Company) I also get 25% commission back on these fabulous items! Thats almost like paying 50% of retail. Yes, those of you that were on the fence, now is the time to get those wings and save 50% on everything here ...scroll to the bottom of the list on your left to
SEE ALL THE STUFF

Remember though, email me fast as when they are gone they are GONE .

accessories listed will be sold at 25% off the regular TAC™ retail price! If you dont have a catty from last year, just let me know what you are interested in and I will hurry you a price right back in email. contact me at 763-267-7301 or email brissebunch@yahoo.com

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Cmon, you know you are curious. And with TAC your hobby becomes your tax write off as well:) Saving money is great for your family, and creating is super for your heart.

Join my team, and add to our fun. Its a great group of ladies, and one special guy. And best of all? They love ya no matter what! We cant wait to meet you!

SNEAKY PEEK! and BLOG CANDY!

2009-07-11T07:47:00.000-05:00

I just had to share my card, and project from this weekend where I am staying with my awesome ANGELETTES in Monticello. We are stamping the day away, and I love to hangout with these girls...here is my card, and I challenge you to post a comment telling me what stamp sets I used from our new catty!!! Afterall, this weekend for us is a new catty get together, so you can join in the fun too.

Have fun...I will send a card and goodie to the lucky winner Sunday night, so get to postin!!!

You made what?

2009-07-08T19:31:00.001-05:00

We had such a great time last night...here is Janet with two make and takes. First is a fun scor tool on a chain, made with a plant stake and the second is a cute card made with the LEVEL D set from our new catalogue! Tonight I get to make some more cards with the set for my daughter to send out her Thankyous finally...I thought she had that covered, but she requested homemade cards:) Awwwww

BLOG candy winner

2009-07-08T17:42:00.002-05:00

And the winner is....PAPER JEWELS! Hey Julie, I will send this out your way hun...thanks for playing. And speaking of playing, last night at my catty debut party we had a blast. Thanks for all who came, and played in the raffle as well. Janet and Twilla both won free TAC gift certificates. We stamped, hung out, and drank too much...ok lemonade. Right Jen? :) hee hee. Now that you all know where Kathies place is, ( Scrappin-n-Chattin) next Tuesday is the first SNO or Stamping Night Out so you better come. I will have a little project each week, you bring what you wanna work on or just hang out with the girls at first if you want. SEE YOU THERE! Oh I am working on things for this weekends Angelettes new catty weekend in Monticello, so will be checking back soon:)

BLOG CANDY!

2009-07-04T10:29:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I totally turned it up a notch and redesigned my entire blog this morning. I destroyed it yesterday and I am smiling, cause I got to revamp it and make it all pretty. Yes it was frustrating but I choose to smile about it! So...I have a new cute kit from seminar, a TAC exclusive project kit that I would love to send out...so I will pick a random name from those who comment this weekend. I will draw from it on Monday night, hurry and take a look and comment on how you like the new look of my blog!

And dont forget to email me at brissebunch@yahoo.com to let me know you are coming to my NEW CATTY DEBUT PARTY! Its again at Scrappin-n-Chattin and its gonna ROCK creativity!

Unbelievable Angel news!

2009-07-03T08:20:00.004-05:00

SHOP WITH ME AND SEE IT ALL!

First, the blog is undergoing some unexpected updates. Ok, I totally wrecked the blog and have to rebuild it! Thats what I get for messing with it when I should have left it alone. Help?

Are you ready to get your wings? Here is an amazing reason to get them right now! TAC has a new promotion, and you can get these 4 hostess sets valued at over $80! Thats half the price of the starter kit right there, and thats is totally bonus. Now, get your wings and join in the fun.

NEW catalogue debut party!

2009-07-02T22:42:00.008-05:00

I am super excited , just coming home from a week in Wichita KS at our annual TAC convention with my angel girlfriends, and I am holding in my hot little hands our BRAND NEW CATALOGUE! Ok, so there are super cute images, great ideas, and its just plain fun to see all the new goodies for hostesses! The hostess sets are wonderful.

You are invited. I am hosting my annual NEW CATTY DEBUT PARTY and this time its at my new location, SCRAPPIN-N-CHATTIN and its going to rock the house. First of all here are the details:)

Tuesday July 7th, 6:00pm-9:30pm

18600 124th Ave. N. Dayton, MN 55327.

(please use Yahoo maps as other links will not give you correct directions)

Annette's Cell is 763-516-5337 ( in case you get lost:)

Ok, so some of the fun? How about brand new make and takes for you absolutely FREE!

How about coming to get your free card with envie to send a smile to a friend?

How about seeing the COOLEST new catalogue out? The Angel Company has it, and so do I!

How about a raffle sure to beat all. Here's how to play...buy your ticket for $10, and win TONS of extra tickets free, just for buying the first one. If you play, you can win extras for things like having lipstick in your purse, a keychain charm on your ring, wearing flip flops? There will be at least 15 new ways to get more tickets, which means all who play actually have at least 15 chances to win. WHAT WILL YOU WIN? Raffle prizes will include TAC gift certificates so you can choose what YOU want:) They will be incremental including $10, $20, & $50 . You just gotta take a chance, afterall the party is free so why not play?

Be one of the first 5 to book your party and I will be gifting you a bonus purchase of 10% of your party total. That means getting your incredible hostess sets, half priced items, purchasing cool stuff on sale, AND getting to spend $10 for each $100 in party retal total. This is the best deal I can offer and its yours if you are one of the first 5 to book with this new catalogue.

Ok, I am also announcing the brand new STAMPING NIGHT OUT which will be each Tuesday evening, at the same location. Come to the debut and get a ticket good for a surprise at our first SNO event next Tuesday July 14th. Bring your project to work on or just hang out with some stamping friends. Its a great way to meet other crafters!

I invite you to take a peek at our new catalogue today! I have them ready to go for just $4.95 and you can even use Paypal! Let me know and I will ship it out to you asap. International customers welcome of course:) Shipping is additional and actual, plus I will include a bonus just for you. We have a brand new promotion in our catty and its a purchase with purchase! There are ten sets of adorable stamps, and I will include one to you with your first order of $30 or more out of this new catty, so email me today to get all the benefits.

brissebunch@yahoo.com

Name in a frame, a super GIFT!

2009-06-19T07:42:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was so fun! Sara and I drove to register her at College. She got her classes all set and we had a fun time learning about college life. Well the things that the admin says, nothing from the mouths of those kiddies. Anyway, we took off at 6am, driving til 9 then we were in Morris all day. At 3 we left, took Sara to a friends in Zimmerman for the night, drove home here and picked up two friends for a drive over to Cottage Grove. WHEW! Got home around 9:30? Well then I just crashed...
Tons to do today, with the kids home including my nephew Mathew. They have a super long list of chores as I have lots of makeup work from being gone yesterday.
Saturday Maddie had a birthday party, or was it SUNDAY? I think the older i get...well you know:) ha ha ha, anyway for her friends birthday party I whipped up this NAME IN A FRAME! They are so super easy to do, with coordinating everything from TAC. I started with the Miss Moxie papers which are the easiest for me to use. Surely there are faves for everyone, and this is mine. Bright colors, perfect with black and white for contrast its amazing! This is one longer scrap of Miss Moxie that I had. I stamped her name and my FAVE SWIRL in black NOIR PALETTE ink, highlighted a few dots with my WHITE EXREME GEL PEN and added a shadow to the letters with my GREY TOMBOW MARKER. Seriously, I buy frames whenever I see them on clearance usually paying no more than $2. I have a box of them all the time so can whip out a quick gift anytime!

This is one of my most wanted classes so yes, there will at at least one this fall with the detailed letters and tags. There are some in my stampdog gallery if you want to take a peek at my old site:) Here is the link STAMPDOG

My BFF Heather is off for a cool show today in Kansas City, and called me for mapquest directions before 7am this morning. GOOD LUCK HEATHER! She is rocking the entire country with her button creations. This is the header I swiped to show you today. Its some of her fantastical work. If you are coming to seminar? Hey you just have to get some of her work ordered and WOW its so affordable for hand made custom designed jewelry. Wait til you see her pandants. And to think, its all from BUTTONS! Thats just crazy...

She is one amazing girl! GOOD LUCK GIRLFRIEND!

Well I am off to stamp and sew all day. There are about 30 bags to finish for seminar orders and I leave for Heathers on Tuesday morning. I am SO EXCITED ABOUT THAT!

More grad cards on the go

2009-06-16T17:40:00.000-05:00

Hi there! I got to play the other day at my friend Kathies scrappin house and brought some of my "parts" that I love. This was my basic box of stuff. Strips of my fave MISS MOXIE papers, black ink of course, black scalloped circles and white ones to fit inside, Oh and my best stamps...I keep them all in a box on my desk. Just some of my fave sayings.
I picked through my sayings to find great words for grad cards. Then I "built" a background. I stamped it out on a ton of quick cards. While I was stamping my daughter Sara asked if I could whip out a few cards. So here are some of them! yeah, my fave swirl is always around somewhere...do you see it?

Scrappy Table totes!

2009-06-10T07:49:00.000-05:00

Here they are...my Scrappy Table totes! I knew I just had to design these when I saw one similar in Madison WI this Winter. I sure have fun designing new projects and this was AWESOME! I started with some super cute fabric featuring GIRL BUGS! The bag itself is a snap to whip out, and has a strapping fed through the top for the opening to stay, well open!~ The weight is sand, in its own removable bag so that the tote can be thrown into the wash if you need to. I love it! You can see more of my bags and totes, just CLICK HERE

Available in a variety of fabrics you choose or random choice which I will pick for you.

Scrappy Table Totes $14.95 each plus $4.95 shipping. I do combine shipping as well when you purchase multiple items:)

Have a blessed day!

Memories for a graduate

2009-06-08T11:32:00.002-05:00

Well she did it! Our daughter Sara has graduated from High School and we had a big Luau party for her this past Saturday. We had a lot of fun planning with the help of many friends, angels and family. I love taking photos, and there are a lot you can peek at HERE.
At her party I wanted to have some kind of sign in book so that the guests could write words for her to encourage and give memories. Here it is. SUPER simple, these are just the basic composition books from the dollar store, cut in half. Now the cool part is that our new Corner Cutter works like magic to round the edges of these books, and just about anything you can shove into it! Talk about easy...they cut through chipboard and coasters like butter. And its PINK so it totally matches my Bind It All! Ask me about them, and how to get them at 1/2 price...and while you are asking, remember to ask about discounts on retiring stamps. Hurry though as our catty is retired in just a couple weeks.

Back to the book. I love decorating these with our paper collections since all the work of coordinating is done for you. I loved using LILYANNA with the coordinating ribbons, and also some hardware. many of our metals work with paper collections so I like to have them all on hand, so you can play more and create great combinations. For the edges of the white core Die Cut With a View blue paper, I sanded with our SANDING BLOCKS. That makes the edges pop and some of the white area has more character too. Yes I had to use ALPHAHIP my fave alphabet as its just perfect even though retired. Sorry, sorry...I couldnt help myself:)

I hope you like it!

A new computer!

2009-05-26T19:52:00.003-05:00

Sara missed the chance to get in her yearbook, so I got a bit creative and this is what she is taping into each yearbook she signs! Her own photo, and name...and her baby photo with our wording. Sara is on the left in the top photo and on the right page below, the last one. You really cant tell that I created that at home can you? Sneaky, sneaky:)

My gosh, I cannot believe how blessed I am! I am the proud owner of a BRAND NEW LAPTOP and am so excited to be able to work again. The old one crashed AGAIN and the new hard drive I bought still didnt do enough with the old computer parts I put it into. So I paid to have all the files transferred to the new computer from the old hard drive that was out. I had no idea that they could do that. HOW COOL! So here it is...the brand new one. What a thrill.

GREAT reviews!

2009-05-06T10:54:00.002-05:00

I was finishing some work on the computer this morning before heading on over to visit with family...and came across this fun review of TAC, The Angel Company! Check it out:)
CLICK HERE FOR REVIEW SITE

This site is really cool with ideas on so many businesses etc. poke around it and see for yourself.

A new friend, and details for Saturday!

2009-05-05T07:14:00.002-05:00

Here is a repost of Saturdays event, coming THIS weekend! Call me to reserve your creative spot for the day. I'm excited to share that we have a co-sponsor, and new friend in
Scrappin n Chattin, the only local day retreat house for crafters. We love this location so much, that all of my summer and fall classes will now be held here. You just have to CLICK HERE and see this fabulous new facility, perfect for all of your day getaways! I plan to be there often.
Kathie and the girls there are offering a special to those coming Saturday, along with drawings for time at the house. It will be fun to have them with us Saturday!

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5th Annual Team garage sale news!!

Our Annual Rubber Stamping Garage sale has a brand new name...

The Angelettes Creative Crop and Shop!

Saturday May 9th, 9am - 1pm open for all shoppers. Find super bargains and the latest items for your creative fun! 1pm is lunch for those croppin creative people that purchase our lunch tickets. For croppers, open time is from 9am - 6pm.

NEW THIS YEAR! Cropping Creative space. Each space is just $7, and lunch is an additional $4 per person. You will have a spot to set up for the day and create. Work on scrapbooking, stamping, or any other projects. Its your time for fun!

Snacks, drinks, and much more! We will have ongoing demonstrations including: Cuttlebug, Bind it all, slice, scorpal, perfect pearls, storage systems, and any others we can squeeze in.

PRIZES! There will be special door prizes for the customers shopping, and those coming to crop/create. There will also be raffle tickets to buy at $1 each or 6 for $5. Also we will have a contest with winners in each category of card, scrap page, and 3d item.

Three free make and takes for you to enjoy!

Again the location is Grace Fellowship Church in Brooklyn Park MN

Grace Fellowship

www.grace2you.org

8601 101st Ave N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
(763) 425-2246
Get directions

Retiring sets and Grab bags

2009-05-03T01:40:00.003-05:00

My gosh what a weekend. I just finished loading tons of info into my photo albums for my daughter Sara who had her senior prom tonight. She looked so amazing. Check out the photos if you want to on my Brisse Bunch blog. I had my big garage sale too this weekend at home. It was SO slow. I think a great many people stayed in their own yards to garden since it was super nice outside. No worries though, all the stamping/scrappin stuff will be at our crop next weekend at Grace Fellowship Church. Oh I cant WAIT for this event. Its going to be so much fun and I hope to see many of you there. I think there are even photos on my team blog, The Amazing Angelettes so you can see how last years sale went!

Oh goodies. I just love when The Angel Company hosts the best sale, a retirement sale! I posted a link to the left that will take you right to my site where ALL of the sets on sale are pictured. I think that really is the best way to check them all out. All of these amazing sets are on sale 25% off. Now that is a great deal...but when you order through me, I will help you out even more by saving you an additional 5% off your order. And that is everything you select!!! So save big on your order of retiring sets while supplies last, and save on it all with TAC and Annette:)

SEE THE RETIRING SETS HERE

Adding in the fun, TAC has offered the awesome GRAB BAGS again as well. Get yours by emailing me with your entire order. CLICK HERE to learn more about them.

Buggies buggies and more buggies

2009-04-29T22:30:00.002-05:00

Today was so stinkin busy. I just cant believe how sometimes the days turn into weeks and you can lose track of the time. Anyway, tonight while throwing in even more laundry that I could believe possible I decided to play for a few minutes! I used these great prismacolor pencils to color my butterflies and ladybugs from the Level A hostess set CUTE AS A BUG! Here's how I made them...I stamped in BLACK NOIR palette ink, and in a short time it was set so I could color. I colored ( and kinda sloppily too) where I wanted the color. TWO at least colors for each.
This is GAMSOL which my dear friend Betti gave me to play with. With it is a blending stump, so you suck up the GAMSOL and it kinda colors melting liquid all over the pencil you color with. Basically, the GAMSOL melts the PRISMACOLOR PENCILS as they are wax based. Its EASY!
1. I colored the lightest shade of pink I used. 2. I colored in the darker pink. 3. On the right side I showed how I dipped the stump into the GAMSOL, and blended the colors by making small circles, blending it all together. 4. I colored the entire area in by blending with GAMSOL, then added GREY TOMBOW marker to shade the outsides. I even used a silver glitter on the antenna which is hard to see but I love it!
Here is one more to share. I used our scalloped punch and boy, I do have it in three sizes! I just use them all the time...Here i used pink and a redder color of pink. So a great blend.
The final card, VOILA! oh the border punch? Its the BIND IT ALL that I love so much. Ok, it is a pink BIA but still, its a great tool and I use it all the time. I just punched the black cardstock in the BIA and gave it the fabulous border. I stamped the stitched line, and the words on the UPTOWN GIRL papers. Hmmm...wonder why I love those so much as well? Duh, its pink:) Well I have to get to bed. Tomorrow ( dry I hope) I have my garage sale here in Dayton, and I am meeting Janet at 5:30 am first to work out so enjoy...

Supplies:
BLACK CARDSTOCK
UPTOWN GIRL WING IT COLLECTION
WHITE ULTRASMOOTH CARDSTOCK

BIND IT ALL
RUNNING STITCHES STAMP SET
CUTE AS A BUG STAMP SET (HOSTESS)

BLACK NOIR INK PAD
PRISMACOLOR PENCILS

Chipboard, who knew?

2009-04-18T04:46:00.002-05:00

I have this great little story, at least it humored me:) Here goes...so Madison my 10 year old daughter has this habit of putting little sticky notes on the dishwasher all the time when the dishes are clean. She says its cause we are always screaming around, " hey are the dishes clean or not?". Its super frustrating to her. But she is the only one that knows! So we yell it often. I thought, hey that is really something we should have...a magnet for the front of the dishwasher stating whether the dishes are clean or dirty. And so it began Thursday night. After many an hour coming back to this project I decided on this and really loved it. I used a coaster and cut it in half. Then I clipped the corners with our BRAND new Zutter ROUND IT ALL. This thing is amazing. But dont cut little thin paper with it or it jams. A coaster or even a composition book cover is easy to cut through though. You will reach for this all the time once you get it!
I used the RUSTIC CHIC Wing it paper collection ( I am a fan cause its 36 8x8 sheets for just $6.95) and cut the pieces 1/4" in from the edges. I then distressed or dragged ink around all the edges with BURNT UMBER Palette ink, which matches this paper perfectly.
The circle I stamped clean and dirty onto, was super easy too. One thing I love about the clear blocks, is that you can spell or space things onto your block, right over the paper piece you will use so its just perfectly fitting. You can barely see the IVORY CARDSTOCK circle under the block, but its there and I used our alphabet SIMPLEBET to stamp my words. This is again in BURNT UMBER ( dark brown:)
The circles I used fit great inside the scalloped circles. I used our punches of course, the blue for the circle and pink for scalloped. These fit just great! The IVORY CARDSTOCK circles are then layered onto our BROWN CARDSTOCK, another perfect match to the RUSTIC CHIC Wing it papers.
I just had to add these cute mini dots to the scallops. Using the SOUFFLE GELLY PENS, I got a great soft chalky look to finish off my pieces! It dries fast, and really adds something. Gotta love it! These pens are awesome, and also come in GELLY GLAZE for a shiny wet look. Finally I used my CROPODILE to punch holes in the chipboard and set large eyelets from my AMELIA HARDWARE, and tied cute ribbon and SCRAPPERS FLOSS to the top. I added a magnet to the back and was ready to hang it on the dishwasher and surprise Madison!

NOW for the funny part of the story. Hmmm, it seems that we dont have a magnetic front to our dishwasher at all. I proudly stuck it to the front of the dishwaasher and it fell right onto the floor! HA HA HA. I guess thats why I am so amused at the idea of planning ahead:) Yeah, right. Well I am off to another day with the crop in BP today. I am SUPER excited to see these girls as I have a new card to share for the make and take I get to do for them. I will post it for you after they see it today!

Fave Swirl Strikes AGAIN!

2009-04-17T09:11:00.002-05:00

It starts so simply some days. I just have these urges to create with black and white, and the colors of Miss Moxie just blow me away! Yesterday, I wanted to burn up some really great smaller scraps, and also utilize the Essential Elements that I have all punched out. Its so cool how when things come, now I just get them all punched out, like tags and chipboard elements. Then when I am ready to use some of them the chore is finished. They are ready to play with! I picked out some shapes, and started with this flower. I adhered the shape to the back of my Miss Moxie paper, then cut it out and sanded the edge so it was just perfect:)
Here is a photo of my Essential Elements, chipboard pieces that come on a full sheet so all of these are included in just one sheet! I store them in a plastic container that our stamps come in.Then they are all ready to use.
So following the paper and sanding, I got out my trusty FAVE SWIRL stamp from Curls and Swirls and used my BLACK NOIR ink pad. You cant go wrong with this set. BTW I totally recommend having a standby stamp or alltime fave set that you can use when having those creative blocks. I think you can tell what mine is:)
I love to finish my chipboard by inking the edges with my NOIR ink pad. I added my best BLACK AND WHITE RIBBONS and dont forget your floss. That really adds some texture!
Here is the last batch I made. This is again the adorable MISS MOXIE papers. Give it a try:)
Today I am off to the CROP FOR A CAUSE at Grace Fellowship Church. I love this event, and do it twice a year. Have a fabulous day!

5th Annual Team garage sale news!!

2009-04-16T13:18:00.000-05:00

Our Annual Rubber Stamping Garage sale has a brand new name...

The Angelettes Creative Crop and Shop!

Snacks, drinks, and much more! We will have ongoing demonstrations including: Cuttlebug, Bind it all, slice, scorpal, perfect pearls, storage systems, and any others we can squeeze in.

Three free make and takes for you to enjoy!

Again the location is Grace Fellowship Church in Brooklyn Park MN

Grace Fellowship

www.grace2you.org

8601 101st Ave N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
(763) 425-2246
Get directions

Beautiful Butterflies Frame project

2009-04-01T20:05:00.002-05:00

So here it is! My weekend in Madison project that I wanted to share with you tonight. First, I started with a kit that I made for 50 people there. Its easy, just a pretty frame from Dollar Tree ( 6 for a dollar), and stamped in black NOIR ink ( my personal fave for just about everything) onto the Angelee patterned paper. I stamped the butterfly twice as you will cut out each separately as shown in the third photo. It doesn't take but a minute for the black NOIR to dry. Then cut carefully around the wings. I accidentley cut through one of them but it didn't really matter as that first layer is hidden pretty well. Casualty for the poor butterfly:) I stamped the butterfly in black NOIR onto the white piece as well before placing it into the frame, where I then stamped the saying. I traced the antenna with a glitter pen for a bit of sparkle and also dotted both i's with it. Now, I used a glue dot to add the first layer butterfly to the white piece in the frame. The SECOND only I added half a pop-dot to each side of the wings, which was just enough to have it pop out. I lifted the wings a bit to add dimension, with my fingers. And finally? I colored in just the head and body of the butterfly with the Gelly Glaze black pen. SO many words, but its a great and easy AND affordable project for all. I saw these frames at Becky Linds Gala the weekend before where she had her TRASHY LADY demo. She is a hoot that girl!! LOVE YA BECKY!

Announcing NEW Clear window tote bags

2009-03-24T10:05:00.004-05:00

Ok, here they are. I promised you a debut of my new project and here it is!!!
I am SO excited to share what I have been working on for the past 6 weeks. I know with the tough economy it is even harder to generate business, and I have heard from many consultants in many direct sales companies looking for a fresh way to share their businesses on an everyday basis. I love promoting TAC, and for me that includes wearing logowear, pins, bag tags and more in the places I frequent. This idea was the next step for me to promote my business and here it is for you now as well.

I have created a unique window tote bag for showing my TAC/The Angel Company Serendipity Magalogue. The bag features a clear vinyl window and fabric selected by me to really draw attention to your Serendipity cover! In carrying this bag, you are showing your business to all without saying a word! People are naturally curious, and will notice your bag thus bringing awareness to your business as well. I have had a GREAT response to the bag when walking through Michaels, JoAnns, and just in the grocery store too!

I have the details listed on my Picasa Web Album for you to see, just by clicking the link here TOTE BAGS

Oh, and for those of you coming to the Madison Mingle I will be there. If you order today or tomorrow I will do my best to have those with me depending on fabric styles and colors. There will be no shipping for all orders delivered at the Mingle, and any bags ordered at the Mingle if I run out.

Bags are just $19.95 each plus shipping. No matter what your business: TAC, Tupperware, Avon, CM, this bag will help you share YOUR business everyday!

What is going on?

2009-03-23T19:00:00.002-05:00

I just have to share a few updates with you...first no, I didnt fall off the face of the earth. Hee hee. Here is whats new with me and the world around me!
First those kiddies were sick on and off for a good month. Mike is home still which is too bad, but will go tomorrow finally. Sara got into her fave college MORRIS! We are so very proud of her. She starts in the fall. Maia just wrapped up a great class that she got 100% in, which is awesome for Medical stuff that I cant even pronouce:) ha ha ha. Adam is TOTALLY into his skateboarding and went to 3rd Lair this weekend with his friend Matt. Adam learned how to drop in and had a GREAT time! Madison, oh Maddie, is doing nicely as well. She sold her goal of 100 boxes of girl scout cookies. WAY TO GO KID!

K, that is the fam...my stamping? I just got home from a fun Saturday with Betti, and Becky Lind was our hostess for a stamp and scrap Gala in Lester Prairie. You should definitely go if you get a chance, this girl puts on quite a party! ALL day, ALL night, projects and prizes galore. It was a blast! Next weekend I am off to Madison for an Angel Company consultant event that I am so excited to go to. Its my first time there. Betti will ride with me so that is surely going to be a fun drive. I have one cool surprise item debuting tomorrow that I have to share a bit about. Think promoting your business, whatever it is. Think featuring your product whatever that is...and think about something this cool being under $20. Aha...you will find out tomorrow:)

until then....

Any ideas for me? more BLOG CANDY!

2009-02-12T12:56:00.004-06:00

Ok, so since its my birthday next week and my 23rd wedding anniversary is on Valentines Day, I just have this awesome attachment to February and love to celebrate. SO guess what? I am looking for spectacular ideas that you might have for my anniversary. Here's the rules.

*we have to be able to celebrate for $23 bucks or less.
*the idea needs to be super creative.
*I have to have your idea left on a comment before Friday at midnight!

Get those comments rolling in. My 5 kiddies have been sick ALL week and three are still home, and I dont have much time! My weekend is in your hands now:) I cant wait to see your ideas.

Of all the comments added I will draw a name to receive something special from our new Serendipity Magalogue!

Blog Candy Winner!

2009-02-10T08:33:00.005-06:00

Well Lisa Scanlon is the winner of FOLLOW MY BLOG! Lisa, congrats to you hun...let me know if you want a complete calendar project or if you would like the parts so you can make it your own! YAY!

Kids are so sick, Adam has a 104 temp and the other 4 are sick too. My hubby even took the day off work since I was up ALL night with the kids, so I could sleep a few hours. I dont know that there was ever a time they all got sick at once. Its so hard for them, and although they will be better soon its probably the last time as well. Maia already moved out, Sara is off to College in the spring ( an internship then full time this fall). I would feel old but I just feel blessed that we have been here for them. Its amazing this parenthood journey.

Creation Club Event

OK, next is the event coming on the 21st. It will be held in the banquet room at Dehns Country Manor in Maple Grove just a few minutes off from 94.

With tight finances these days, there is still a way to enjoy your creativity and papercrafting. I have a NEW CONCEPT that I will be offering each month. First it kicks off with a 6 4 5 project time. You get to make 6 projects, all for only $5! work at your own speed, as these are quick things you can make in a short time. 9am-noon is the time to come and play. I will be featuring our new SERENDIPITY stamps in our projects. Just wait til you see these STAMPS!

1:00 - 2:30 After a short lunch break ( Dehns is amazing for service and price) I will be hosting a short opportunity session where you can have those questions answered about joining TAC and getting your wings. I have to say that deducting my hobby spending sure makes a huge difference on our taxes each year. And a great discount? This and more about our limited funds and how it affects our fun hobby. Your inviting Angel will have a free gift for you when you come and there will be a fun door prize along with another cool make and take! This part of the day is free to you just to check it out.

3:00 - 9:00 will another fun Angel School time, which will add Angel training and creative projects. Two quick chat topics will be "Working your TAC business in a tight economy, and Marketing 101". This session again is just $5 and includes your training materials and 6 new projects.

So, 2009 is going to be a fun year packed with ways to save on creative supplies, and sharing your love of crafting. Watch for future posts, as I have a Christmas Countdown that will be a blessing to those papercrafting procrastinators.

Pop me an email to register for the February 21st Creation Club event!

Serendipity is here!

2009-02-02T08:51:00.004-06:00

I just had to share this really quick and affordable card to whip out in a time pinch. I took this card with me as the make and take, to a SUPER FUN Saturday night open house event. Our hostess Leah was amazing, and she invited my friend Rene' who sells TS, Angie our CM consultant, and Rose with Dove chocolates. We all set up around her house and she had her friends come to play. OMGosh this was such a great time. Here is Angie with her very first stamped card! I was so excited that her first stamped card was made with our TAC stamps...

The card here is so quick, as I had them stamp with the BLACK NOIR palette ink which works for everything and is permanent too, and color with the SHIMMER CHALKS. These are great for everyday or more high tech as well. Really when you are getting started stamping, its a great combination. You can work from there by adding other items to your supplies. I love this THANKS stamp from our brand new MAGALOGUE which debuts today! Its in a fun set called PLAYFUL PARENTHESIS. This publication is so cool, its a combination of projects and supplies in a great magazine format. To get your own, just email me. The cost is $2.95 for your own copy. Oh, with a $30 purchase though, in the month of February I will be happy to provide you with a complimentary copy! Its my birthday month and I am going to be giving a lot of goodies away so get on my blog everyday!

The ribbon is of course from my fave BLACK AND WHITE ribbon collection. The gingham is just perfect for most of my projects. BTW I did feature this set and the same ribbon last weekend in Monticello on my project there too, the mini calendar book.

One very important note. I would like to extend my sympathies to the friends and family of Julie S., one of our very special guests in Monticello. She passed away unexpectedly and will truly be missed. I am feeling quite blessed to have spent some time with them and also took a photo where she is just looking awesome just last weekend. Julie, you are in our hearts and will be remembered so fondly.

Cute mini calendar book! And BLOG CANDY!

2009-01-29T08:50:00.005-06:00

WOW what a super fun weekend I had with my AMAZING Angelettes in Monticello! I just had to share my project from the creative get away. So here it is. Its super easy to make, fun and really useful for those of you that are always looking for a way to keep track of birthdays. The main cover is created by cutting one piece of the NEUTRAL CHIPBOARD STACK, twice so that you get four pieces. Next I stamped this cool swirl from our brand new SERENDIITY Magalogue that is available this weekend. I love this entire publication! I stamped it in black NOIR Palette ink which I use all the time. Funny thing here, I have about 8 of those pads since I use them all the time for classes and just need a lot of them:) Now, I used that ink again to stamp the calendar months, and the journal lines onto my white pieces. I LOVE GELLY GLAZE pens so I used those to color tiny bits of the months, like the heart in February my own birthday month. Next I punch and bind the book using the BIND IT ALL. Talk about a great machine, its just perfect for creating gifts, crafts and more. AFter that I finished off the book with a tiny jewel on the cover and a piece of my favorite BLACK AND WHITE RIBBON in gingham.

Soo with all of that said, I have a special for you! I have two kits left from the weekend and I have one winner to share a kit with, and one for a special entry just a few weeks ago. Follow my blog, just by clicking on the link on the side and you will be entered into my contest. If you like, I will create the book for you!!! Or you can receive the kit to make yourself.

Check out all the cool items in my featured products HERE

I will draw on Saturday night, so hurry and post to me!

Skateboarding card just too cute

2009-01-10T11:15:00.007-06:00

Saturday, a day off right? NOT!!! Today is SO stinkin busy I cant believe it but I am so lucky to have these things in my life. First of all we are moving bedrooms again, with Maia basically staying with friends and Mikey really needing a room of his own. So there is a livingroom pile of things you cannot believe. WOW! That girl has stuff.

So Today is the Moms Expo at Grace Fellowship Church in Brooklyn Park and I am So excited to go meet some of these vendors. There will be over 100 of them there today from 9-3. After I drop off Adam at his friend Matt's birthday party at 1:00 I am there. Janet I hope you are ready to run through that place with me in two hours!!!

Speaking of Matt, Adam and he are huge skateboarders and Matt is going to love this card. Adam designed it this morning and away we went. We started out with a cute shape of card and scored it with the SCORPAL. then I rounded the corners and Adam picked out the paper here to use. I thought it was perfect. He wanted a black base since grip tape is black on the decks. After stamping the lettering in NOIR ink, I sanded the board so it would be a bit distressed from all the grinding!!! ha ha ha. More skateboarding terms here, we live it in this house. I copied the image from a CCS catty for the Element symboll which is Adams fave boards. ( cute story about another Matt and why Adam loves Element) Then I used my circle punch and wrote the symbol in White Gel Extreme Pen and VOILA!

Matt, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!

www.theangelcompany.net

Move on this fast!

2009-01-09T01:38:00.003-06:00

Ok, this is totally urgent my friends. I know many of you have heard about this ridiculous law they are passing regarding reselling of used clothing for kids, along with other items. BAsically its to protect the kids from lead poisoning, and anything for kids sold after February 10th I believe, will have to be lead tested which means ebayers, thrift stores, and home business featuring anything fabric is also included. Please take a minute to click this link below and let the government people hear that we cannot have this. I DO beleive in protecting the kiddies, I really do but I also know that expensive testing will eliminate the entire idea of recycling clothing, and devastate those Moms working hard at home to help pay bills with their creative incomes.

Please help:)

http://www.rallycongress.com/make-second-hand-kids-clothes-legal-/

What the heck are card parts?

2009-01-07T08:58:00.004-06:00

Good morning! I have to share one of my fantastic shortcuts to on the go cards. Yesterday while chatting with Heather for hours, I was struggling to use my many card parts. What are those you ask? Well when I prepare for a crop, class or show I cut tons of pieces out and have them ready to go for make and takes. So I usually have ten of this, and twenty of that left over. This is the year I want to use them. I am excited about spending money on lots of super stamps and saving some on paper. I guess maybe that sale is what its all about or maybe just a new way of thinking for 2009.

Anyway, I was working on birthday cards for the year. I get to send out a lot of cards to friends so I want to be ready! I love our brown textured BAZZILL CARDSTOCK, and I had a lot of pieces cut, and already embossed with the cuttlebug folders. They were screaming to be used:) ha ha ha...so I took those and just rubbed my CLOUD WHITE VERSAMAGIC pad over the images and wow did that pop. I made a few cards for this week and will put some more together later tonight after the kiddies are in bed.

BACK to card parts. So, I was playing with that cute set CELEBRATION TIME and our punch that fits perfectly and didnt like the way the brown was working on the white cardstock, so I dragged out the WHITE GLOSSY CARDSTOCK. What a difference. Funny thing is Heather and I were just chatting about how we use that mainly for tech classes and it sits on the shelf otherwise. Hey Heather!!! I used it yesterday:) So I did sit with a few scraps and cranked out a ton more images with the paper and punch with that stamp and those are the card parts ready to go when I need them. I keep stuff like that in little clear boxes like the ones our free GIFT WITH PURCHASE stamps come in. I cant wait to show you what I am thinking of using those brown and white ones with.

So what do you think about my little set up for photos of my cards? leave me a comment about whether its easier to see the details of the cards etc or it doesnt make a big difference. I would love to know!
Well I am running this afternoon to two schools, the chiropractor ( who I just cant live without) and a few more places. I have Ebay mailings to send. Hope you like the cards.

Nobody beats TAC

2009-01-03T12:18:00.002-06:00

I am back from a lovely few weeks at home with the family. So much has happened, so many great memories. I am very blessed to be able to take the time that we all needed, but I sure missed creating fun with all of you. Thanks for the comments, and emails. Here I am again:)

The first think I have to SCREAM about is that I just checked out our new special and beginning Tuesday the 6th of January EVERY SINGLE T-coded stamp set in our Fall Winter catalogue is on sale especially for you at 50% savings! Now for you that are ready to become and angel and get your own wings, timing couldnt be better. Our new magalogue comes out in just a few weeks, and if you get on board now? You save 50% off your sets too, get hostess benefits, and ALSO receive 25% commission back. Everyone is so excited about this. That means your standard $19.95 sets will cost you just $7.50. Hurry cause this is amazing. Here is the total information for you.

www.theangelcompany.net

Next, I have scheduled the first crop of the year for you scrappy happy creative friends. Book your schedule for SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21st. I will have fun projects, great prizes, goodie bags for all and more. Space is limited as we have the WONDERFUL banquet room at Dehns Country Manor in Maple Grove, MN from 9am - 9pm that day and we need to spread out our creativity. $25 for the day pre-registration through February 1st. I can hardly WAIT! More details are coming soon. Watch my blog by signing up to receive email notification of updates.

Ok, WINTER WISHES Is still available as well. Check out the link on the menu for more details. Its bonus stamp sets and who doesnt love that? I DO < I DO !

With a New Year comes new adventures as well. I will be introducing some great features here in my blog with challenges, sketches, and more. Participating will definitely benefit all. ITs going to be a great year!

Blessings to you in 2009. I know it will be amazing and full of fantastic opportunities.

A Christmas Story just in time

2008-12-04T22:50:00.000-06:00

I received this in my email just tonight and wanted to share it with you. ALL of you. There is good out there, and opportunities to bless one another however that may be. Its a beautiful story, just take a minute and enjoy:)

From now on, Depressions will be Scientifically Created."
Charles A. Lindbergh, Sr. 1913
( After passage of the Federal Reserve Act)

In September 1960, I woke up one morning with six hungry babies and
just 75 cents in my pocket.
Their father was gone. The boys ranged from three months to seven years; their sister was
two.
Their Dad had never been much more than a presence they feared.
Whenever they heard his tires crunch on the gravel driveway they
would scramble to hide under their beds.

He did manage to leave $15 a week to buy groceries.
Now that he had decided to leave, there would be no more beatings,
but no food either.

If there was a welfare system in effect in southern Indiana at that
time, I certainly knew nothing about it.

I scrubbed the kids until they looked brand new and then put on my
best homemade dress, loaded them into the rusty old 51 Chevy and drove
off to find a job.

The seven of us went to every factory, store and restaurant in our
small town.
No luck.

The kids stayed crammed into the car and tried to be quiet while I
tried to convince who ever would listen that I was willing to learn or do
anything. I had to have a job.

Still no luck. The last place we went to, just a few miles out of
town, was an old Root Beer Barrel drive-in t hat had been converted to a truck
stop.

It was called the Big Wheel.

An old lady named Granny owned the place and she peeked out of the
window from time to time at all those kids.

She needed someone on the graveyard shift, 11 at night until seven
in the morning.

She paid 65 cents an hour, and I could start that night.

I raced home and called the teenager down the street that baby-sat
for people. I bargained with her to come and sleep on my sofa for a dollar a night.
She could arrive with her pajamas on and the kids would already be asleep
This seemed like a good arrangement to her, so we made a deal.

That night when the little ones and I knelt to say our prayers, we
all thanked God for finding Mommy a job. And so I started at the Big
Wheel.

When I got home in the mornings I woke the baby-sitter up and sent
her home with one dollar of my tip money-- fully half of what I averaged
every night.

As the weeks went by, heating bills added a strain to my meager wage.
The tires on the old Chevy had the consistency of penny balloons and
began to leak. I had to fill them with air on the way to work and again
every morning before I could go home.

One bleak fall morning, I dragged myself to the car to go home and
found four tires in the back seat. New tires!
There was no note, no nothing, just those beautiful brand new tires.
Had angels taken up residence in Indiana? I wondered.
I made a deal with the local service station.
In exchange for his mounting the new tires, I would clean up his
office.

I remember it took me a lot longer to scrub his floor than it did
for him to do the tires.
I was now working six nights instead of five and it still wasn't
enough.

Christmas was coming and I knew there would be no money for toys for
the kids. I found a can of red paint and started repairing and painting some
old toys. Then I hid them in the basement so there would be something for
Santa to deliver on Christmas morning.

Clothes were a worry too. I was sewing patches on top of patches on
the boys pants and soon they would be too far gone to repair.

On Christmas Eve the usual customers were drinking coffee in the Big
Wheel. There were the truckers, Les, Frank, and Jim, and a state trooper
named Joe.

A few musicians were hanging around after a gig at the Legion and
were dropping nickels in the pinball machine.
The regulars all just sat around and talked through the wee hours of
the morning and then left to get home before the sun came up.

When it was time for me to go home at seven o'clock on Christmas
morning, to my amazement, my old battered Chevy was filled full to the top with
boxes of all shapes and sizes.

I quickly opened the driver's side door, crawled inside and kneeled
in the front facing the back seat.
Reaching back, I pulled off the lid of the top box.
Inside was whole case of little blue jeans, sizes 2-10!
I looked inside another box: It was full of shirts to go with the
jeans.

Then I peeked inside some of the other boxes. There was candy and
nuts and bananas and bags of groceries. There was an enormous ham for baking,
and canned vegetables and potatoes.
There was pudding and Jell-O and cookies, pie filling and flour.
There was whole bag of laundry supplies and cleaning items.

And there were five toy trucks and one beautiful little doll.
As I drove back through empty streets as the sun slowly rose on the
most amazing Christmas Day of my life, I was sobbing with gratitude.

And I will never forget the joy on the faces of my little ones that
precious morning.

Yes, there were angels in Indiana that long-ago December. And they
all hung out at the Big Wheel truck stop....

THE POWER OF PRAYER. I believe that God only gives three answers to
prayer:

1. "Yes!"
2. "Not yet."
3. "I have something better in mind."

God still sits on the throne, the devil is a liar.

You maybe going through a tough time right now but God is getting
ready to bless you in a way that you cannot imagine.

My instructions were to pick four people that I wanted God to bless,
and I picked you.

Please pass this to at least four people you want to be blessed and
a copy back to me.
This prayer is powerful, and prayer is one of the best gifts we
receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards

Lets continue to pray for one another. Here is the prayer

Father, I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and email buddies
reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of Your love and power.
Amen.

Rockin Roxie Album ready to go

2008-12-02T11:19:00.000-06:00

Allrighty, I told you I would post this when I got it all done. I sure love the way it turned out too. Here is the link for all the pages and tips so CLICK HERE to see it all.

I used the Rockin Roxie album kit on sale just like I showed you yesterday. Scroll down to that post and see what you can get. These album kits ROCK! Ok, now the coolest? They are 2 for 1 right now so about $5 for all the pieces. The only things I added were our black and white ribbons, and a few eyelets from the coordinated Miss Moxie papers.

Yeah, I had to use my fave swirl stamp again and black all smooshed over the pages and pieces. This album started out featuring Madison, then I changed it to a book about my TAC stuff so I would have something to share. But them it struck me that Adam, my dear 12 year old really has not been featured so its his turn. Isnt he adorable???

Cyber Monday FREEBIES!

2008-12-01T14:15:00.001-06:00

Helooooo papercrafters! I just love FREE stuff, and this time its on my fave papers! Each collection featured here is buy one get one FREE! Oh man. I think I need some kits, and papers. I am working up a Rockin Roxie Album Kit right now and will post that soon. They are SUPER EASY to do.

Please click here to see it in full.

My special to you? CYBER MONDAY CELEBRATION! Each papercrafter that orders from my site, will receive a special ribbon assortment to coordinate with the paper they purchase as my gift to you. FREE PAPERS AND FREE RIBBONS! Its a great time to shop TAC and get your creative juices flowing. Hurry, my special ends on Saturday December 6th at Midnight.

Just go to my site and shop directly, or if you would like free gift with purchase stamps and hostess benefits then email me your order so you can receive even more from TAC! The link is to the right on my menu.

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO SHINE!

Did you know that our Rockin Roxie album kit which costs just about $10 with tax and shipping for TWO NOW? And there are so many ways to use it. Make a sweet Christmas gift with favorite photos to share with a teacher, or family member. Craft some photo hangers to decorate the tree, use the pieces on cards or other papercrafts. And SO many more papers to choose from, that is just one example of the sale items you can use.

There is still time before Christmas to create a lovely home-created gift sure to bring a smile this holiday season.

Happy Cyber Monday Shopping!