Thursday, January 31, 2008
Valentine Mouse
Thanks so much for all the encouragement and well wishes that you sent on my switchover to TAC! It means a whole lot to me! If any of my friends, neighbors, or friends I don't know yet are interested in getting a catalog, please email me!! (tjtrax at yahoo dot com) I would so love to share my excitement with you!!!!
I've got tons on my plate today, so I'm going to leave this short and sweet. Hope to hear from you!!!!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
I did it!!
* EZ-mounted Stamps - TAC has top quality rubber stamps that you mount on a piece of EZ mount foam. (It's kind of like the rubber and foam layer of a wood mounted stamp, without the wood block.) The EZ mount is sticky on one side - to stick to the rubber - and sort of like a vinyl cling on the other side - to stick to an acrylic block. I've had TAC stamps for at least 4 or 5 years, and if they don't seem sticky I just wipe them (and the block- in case it's dirty) with a damp cloth and they're good to go!! Why do I like EZ mount stamps?? Well, they stamp the same, but the storage is SO much less. I can store 50 sets in a sweater size plastic box - all packaged nicely in CD cases. If there is one down side to the EZ mount stamps it would be that there's no sticker on the back - but it is possible to put the picture on the EZ mount itself, if that's a problem for you!
* Price - Because you're not paying for wood blocks, you can get sets for SO much less!! I can't wait to show you!
* Free Stuff! - For each $30 in orders placed, you get to pick a free gift with purchase stamp. They are so cute!! There are about 12 or 15 of them and there are new ones each 6 months when the new catalog comes out.
* Stamp of the Month - Each month there is a special stamp set available that is *very* inexpensive if you place a $30 order. I've gotten such cute stamp of the month sets!!
* Low Hostess Minimums - You can receive hostess benefits with only a $100 order! You receive a free set, a 1/2 price item (can you say... Bind-it-All or Scor Pal, or your favorite set??), and 20% on your hostess order (above the $100). Plus your free Gift with Purchase stamps if your order is $30 or more!!
* Style - I love the options that TAC has available! They have something called their Signature Series, that are stamps with a message... I love them!! They really have something for everyone.
* Cardstock Collections - TAC carries textured cardstock and much of it matches their exclusive designer paper collections... that are SO pretty!!
* Low Quarterly Minimums - On the business side, this is HUGE. To stay active as a TAC Angel you only need to place $100 in orders every 4 months. If you enjoy stamping, you may want to sign up as an angel just for the discount! Just think - that's only $25/month! If you spend $30/month you'll get a free GWP stamp and an opportunity to purchase the stamp of the month, as well!!
So, what do you think?? Be sure to watch my blog for upcoming events, card kits that you can order, a hostess club and other special offers!! :) Hope to hear from you!!!!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Pastel Love
Hope you'll have a chance to be creative today, and if you happen to be in the path of the blizzard conditions that we're expecting here, stay safe!!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sweet & Simple
Enjoy your day!
Project Complete!!
Here's some pictures...
I'll be posting a card in a minute or two!! Thanks for stopping by!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Hugs & Kisses
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you and yours don't need the get well wishes right now... although I could definitely use warm wishes!! How about you??
Friday, January 25, 2008
Flowers from Fluffles
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Lucky Day!
Ahhh, yes. There's no day like a snow day... and chocolate. and hot chocolate. oh - and ice cream. Hmmm... maybe I need to go eat breakfast!! LOL
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Not so Hot...
OK, so I don't feel this bad... but I do have a nagging headache, so I'm going to make this short and sweet. This card is made with a retired Stampin' Up! set that I sold. Why I sold it, I'm not quite sure. I really liked this one!!! I may have to look up it's name and find it again. :) I actually pulled this card out of my "like so much I'll never send to anyone" box of cards. Silly me!! So, if you're not feeling well tonight... This card is just for you from me.... that way I don't have to send it. Bwahahahahaha! :)
Have a great evening!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
More Thoughts of Spring...
Don't forget to link me to your creation. I'd love to see it!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Gift with Purchase Puppy
I really couldn't find a place for the sentiment on the front, so I inked up my stamp with River Rock ink and stamped it off once before I stamped it inside the card. It looks elegant... if a card with a puppy on it can look elegant!! :)
I hope you'll stop by tomorrow for Stash Challenge Tuesday. See you then!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Thoughts of Spring...
Friday, January 18, 2008
Penguin Tin #2
Thursday, January 17, 2008
The Real Me
This page is a picture of my son and I going to Clash Day during Spirit week at school last year. My 5th graders were sufficiently horrified! :) I hope to get at some stamping today... I have all sorts of ideas rolling around in my mind... just not enough time to put them on paper!!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Kit Ideas & Coloring Tutorial!!
It seems odd to me to be doing a coloring tutorial with so many talented stampers out there, but in response to my raving public (HA!) I'm going to share the steps I take when coloring an image. I needed to make some sample cards for my January card kit that will be mailing out this week, so I'll use those images to help me.
First off... Here's the kit. I usually choose my coloring colors around the paper I'm going to be using. Sometimes I go the other way around, but that's harder for me. I'm extremely color challenged when it comes to picking out my own colors. There are WAY too many to choose from.
My watercolor pencils are a combination of Staedtler and Prismacolor. I don't use the SU ones much anymore, because I've found the Staedtler ones match the SU colors better. Here's a picture of the color pencils I've chosen to use for this project. You'll notice that I usually have two or three of each color in varying degrees of intensity.
After coloring with markers, the next step is to take the lightest color watercolor pencil and shade around the inside edges, darker on the outside and feathering in until you still see marker... See the shadows in her hair?? (That's all I've done just yet... so you can see the steps.)
Now take the next darkest color and do the same thing...
Then take the third color - the dark one and just do the nooks and crannies... the corners... What a difference!! See how her hair is left with areas of all three colors?? She has highlights!! :) OK... here's a picture of her with step one (the light shading) complete (and her hair all done).
It's really hardly noticable, but you can see that I added some grey to her tights and some black to her shoes, along with shading the heart and her dress. Here's step two... the medium color... Not much difference.
And finally, the completed picture, with the dark shadows added. Isn't it amazing how much that final step adds?? I also like to add a light yellow watercolor pencil around the outside to give my subject some... light. I'm really not sure if I do it "right". I just try different things and see what works. For example, sometimes I'll just do a shadow on one side of my subject, and sometimes I'll go all the way around. Oh, I used a tiny watercolor brush on the grey of her tights to soften it, as well.Saturday, January 12, 2008
Belle
I got to use another of my Elzybells images for today's card. Isn't she precious?? The dp is retired SUand the ribbon is retired SU & some I got at Target's $$ spot. I colored Belle with prismacolors and OMS and popped her up for some dimension. The "hugs" is part of a TAC set that I just love. The sketch for the card came from Kim on this post here. Who wouldn't want to try for one of the sweet Magnolia stamps???
Have you ordered your card kit yet?? I only have 2 left, so be sure to email me soon if you're interested. First paid, first served!! :)
Also you only have another day or two to send me your card for the stash challenge! Let's see what you've come up with!!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Elzybells!!
In case you're wondering, I haven't forgotten about the coloring tutorial... Life has just been a little hectic here for the past week. We started schooling again, I started the SHE Happiness File - which I can only describe as FlyLady deluxe!, our element in the oven burned out - complete with fireworks, and the dog had to go to the vet because he was throwing up everything in his stomach every time he ate. How's that for a week?? :) It's amazing how my "word" for the year has helped me keep focused on what I know to be right. "Satisfied" I can be satisfied because we had meals we could cook on the stove top, satisfied because I know the Lord will provide the finances to cover the dog's stay at the vet, satisfied because my house is clean, satisfied because I'm up to date on the scrapbook page-a-day challenge, satisfied because I got my TAC catalog (which I absolutely love!), the Elzybell images and the DP pieces to play with this week and satisfied because we're caught up with school for the most part.
Don't forget the January Card kit and the Challenge Candy that are available right now!! Scroll down if you need info on either of them!!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Life in the Big City
Here's a quick card I made up this morning from the January kit. Hopefully I'll have time to put together a few more cards today... but I'm not counting on it. I'm not sure, but I think I'm about 3 hours behind in my schedule for today!! :)
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
January Card Kit Available Now!!
6 - 6x6 sheets of SU's new Bali Breeze designer paper
I'll be back later with some ideas from the kit. I cut one for myself and I'm going to see just how many cards and projects I can come up with. How fun! Be sure to reserve a kit for yourself right away. Email me at tjtrax @ yahoo . com, (No spaces in the email address, of course!) and I'll send you a Paypal invoice. I'll be shipping on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Check back this evening for some ideas made with the kit, and don't forget the challenge and prize in the post below!!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Challenge... Prize!... Long post.... :)
Good morning!! The challenge today is easy. I want you to use a cellophane bag in your project. The easiest thing I can think of is to make a little treat bag and topper, or use a cello bag to enclose a set of notes and make a tag for it, but anything goes, except just tying it closed with a ribbon!! :) If you don't have a cello bag, you may use a baggie... (or go to the $$ store to find some!)
The prize...
Anyone who posts a comment here or in the forum at ASB by midnight on Monday, with a link to your creation, will be entered to win this little prize package of goodies. I'll pick a name Tuesday morning before I post the next challenge. Be sure to check back to see if you won!!
I received this wonderful tile before Christmas, compliments of Tiffiny's Walls of Wisdom. I was so surprised that I won!! It has a place of honor in my house...
And something old and new to look at...
And, just in case you wanted something else to look at besides the adorable little CC Designs animals... here's a Valentine just for you. I do appreciate all my blog readers. You make my day!! The paper is from my Daisy D Chasing Butterflies pad, the little boy is from an old SU set, and the words are from Biblical Impressions. I colored him with Prismacolors and OMS. Just a note, I found out that the Prismacolor Verithin pencils blend nicely with the OMS if they're not too sharp... and they're cheaper, too!! :)
See you tomorrow!!
Monday, January 07, 2008
Let it Snow!
Tomorrow is challenge day again, so be sure to stop by! I think I may be offering a prize!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Tag... I'm It!!
So here we go... 7 random facts about me...
1. I am reading the Sidetracked Home Executive books right now and love them. I've just started a cardfile to help me stay more organized this year.
2. I really, really don't like flourescent light.
3. I love my Mary Engelbreit day by day calendar.
4. I go to Ponderosa and buy Sweet & Tangy salad dressing by the bagful. :) It's wonderful!!
5. I miss Krispie Kreme donuts. There aren't any near here... :(
6. I don't really like coffee, but I love White Chocolate Mocha Frappes from Starbucks. (Hmmm... I must be hungry or need sugar, I keep talking about food... )
7. My cousin, Joel, was the host for Mystery Science Theater 2000. Anyone heard of it??
I'm supposed to tag 7 other people... hmmm... how about I give you the first 7 links that have unread posts on my google reader right now and you go and say "hi" and that I sent you. If you'd like, you can consider yourself tagged, too!!
Stampin' Gal Val
Me, My Stamps & I
Kraftin Kimmie's Corner
Letters from Lizzie
Berkerblog
Little Treasures
The Scrappy Chick
See you tomorrow!! :)
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Candy and Card Candy
Inside the tin I put a number of pieces of Dark Dove Chocolate and 4 pieces of "card candy" - little scallops of dp with colored penguins attached; ready to be made into tags, or attached to cards or scrapbook pages. Yes - the Little Penguins from CC Designs. :) Have you gotten your new sets yet??? (These stamps are my absolute favorites. I have an idea for a baby card floating around in my mind, but I haven't put it on paper yet... ) I actually cut a piece of DP to line the bottom of the tin as well, but I didn't decorate the outside bottom of the tin... I didn't think it needed it. All in all I was so pleased with it that I had a hard time giving it away! LOL Maybe I'll have to make another to hoard. :)
Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your weekend!
Friday, January 04, 2008
New Notebook
The cover of my notebook is decorated with one of the Penguins from CC Designs Little Penguins set, and the saying is from an SU Sell-a-Bration set from last year. One of the things I really like is that the notebook will last about a month or so, and then I'll be able to make a new one to correspond to the month/season. At the end of the year I'll be able to tie them up with a ribbon and not only have all my sermon notes, but a set of stamped notebooks that I'll get to keep!! :)
Now, lest you give me credit for more creativity than I possess... I got the basic idea for the notebooks from a blog... I think kwernerdesign.com/blog, but I can't remember for sure. I made one of these for my purse awhile back with regular copy paper inside and I've just loved it. Let me know if you try one. I'd love the link if you post it!
Thanks for stopping by! I should have my Kit of the Month up by next week and - just possibly - some blog candy for the new year! See you tomorrow!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Sneak Peak #6 - The Cat's Meow
It's today!! Tonight at midnight, from what I hear, these sets will be available for purchase at All That Scraps!! Yippee!! Which is good, because this is the last image (well, main image... there are more sayings that you haven't seen yet!) in the sets. I do still have some other cards that I want to show you, though! I'm having so, so, so much fun!! These little animals are so my style!!
Today I used some of my retired Brocade paper from SU and my new Chasing Butterflies DP from Daisy D. Lulu was stamped with Java Versacolor on Ivory Naturals and watercolored with my watercolor crayons. I masked out Lulu's head and stamped the Ivory lightly with the Linen Background stamp. The organdy ribbon was colored with my Ruby Red marker, and the words were stamped on River Rock and punched out with my Word Window punch.
On another note... I'm participating in the Big Picture Scrapbooking "Page-a-Day" challenge for January. I am so behind on my scrapbooking. I really have done very, very little since I found rubberstamping and cards. Isn't that sad?? So, my goal is to make a book from the pictures on my digital camera from last year. I'm not a great photographer and I didn't print them all, but I think I have about 130 pictures that I'd like to do. I'm doing 8x8 pages, with 2-3 pictures per 2 page layout.... Hmm... 40 -60 pages?? Just about right if I do a 2-page spread each day. We'll see what happens!! Be sure to check it out if you need some scrapping accountability!!
See you tomorrow!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Sneak Peak #5 - Funny Bunny
It's Day 5 of the CC Designs sneak peeks!! Tomorrow I'll show you the last of the main images in these sets and then Friday at midnight you can start shopping!! Don't forget to check out all the other fun stuff at the store while you're there. I see there is new paper in stock from Basic Grey and Daisy D. Too fun!
My little funny bunny was stamped on glossy white cardstock, colored with markers, cut out and mounted on a piece of pink cardstock that was also stamped with the bunny image. (Otherwise he wouldn't have had any whiskers!). He was layered on rose and black cardstock that had been trimmed with my scalloped scissors. The printed vellum is some from SU that has been retired for a couple years.
The saying is stamped on a piece of glossy cardstock that I had colored with the polished stone technique. I wet my cotton ball with a little alcohol and added a drop of rose and burgundy refill ink.
Hope you'll stop by tomorrow!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Sneak Peek #4 - Birdies!!
Happy New Year!! There are just a few more days to wait before you can order your new stamps from CC Designs/All That Scraps!!! Yippee!! As far as I know, they will only be $11.99 for the sets on EZMount. That is *so* reasonable!! And there are still stamps in these sets from CC Designs that I haven't shown you yet! Here's one of my favorites. Isn't it adorable??? I've seen these birds colored in blue, guava and yellow and they're always sweet. Red birds would be good, too. Either for Valentine's Day or Christmas, or just because! I used some more of my new Bali Breeze designer paper from SU - available now! - along with turquoise cardstock and not quite navy. The birds are colored with markers and watercolor pencils. Speaking of which... would anyone be interested in a tutorial on how I color?? I know it's a little different look than the Copics.
I hope you all have a fabulous New Years! See you tomorrow with Sneak Peek #5!!