May Give-Away

Every month, TAC gives away some great stuff. Be sure to enter for your chance to win!http://www.theangelcompany.net/Promos_KaleidoMayGiveaway.html

Jenny's Getting Married!!!

My dear friend Jenny is getting married the end of this month, and these are the wedding shower invitations that I made for her. There is no stamping at all! The wording was printed on the computer, punched, and that's it! The swirly embossing is from my relatively new Cuttlebug. The most time-consuming part was punching each of the holes around the scalloped edge by hand with a 1/16" punch. Yeah, that was a pain... but I really like how these turned out. And yes, her colors are rose and sage.

New Basic Grey Paper

I found this paper at Archivers, I think (or may be Michael's?) Who knows. What I DO know is that I absolutely love it, and as you can see I got my money's worth out of it! The water-can gal is from a TAC that was discontinued awhile back. I FINALLY was inspired enough to ink it up. The plain old water can is from another TAC hostess set from last year (or the year before? They all run together!) and it's one of my favorite sets because it can be used for many different occassions. The monkey is from an image swap I was in on SCS. Isn't he adorable? He's from the Stampendous line of Changito stamps, and I love them!

I've been Stamping!

It seems like forever since I've been able to stamp, but what with Mother's Day, a death, and the need for several gifts of boxed card-sets, I've been busy!

This card uses an Easter Set from TAC... but I turned it into a simple Sympathy card. I just embossed in black, and I was happy with the way it turned out.

It may be a little out of focus, but you get the idea.

The Prodigal Stamper Returns

I know, it's been awhile.

A very LONG while.

I'm hoping to be able to stamp more in the near future, but isn't that always the case???

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that TAC is offering some really cool downloads... FREE!

Check them out here.

Also, TAC Grab Bags are back for a limited time only. This is your chance to get a bunch of different images... they could be current or discontinued...

Awesome Sale from TAC!!!

How would you like UNLIMITED half-price stamps????

From January 6-26, Choose ANY T-coded merchandise in the Fall/Winter Inspiration Book & Catalogue for 50% off the regular retail price!!! Whether you choose 1 set or 20, each and every T-coded stamp set that you choose is half-price! Begin 2009 with a fresh, new stash of the stamp sets that have been on your wish list!• Please note that due to the special nature of this promotion, stamp set packaging type and quantity may vary from typical packaging.• No other special offers or discounts apply.• Orders must be received by 5:00 PM CSTJanuary 26 for orders received via e-mail, USPS, or fax.• Promotional discounts will not apply to orders placed before January 6 or after January 26.• R-Coded stamp sets are not included as part of this promotion.• Please expect shipping delays during this promotional period.• ”Spec-TAC-ular Savings” promotional discount does not apply toward SOTM or vintage stamps.

To order, go to http://lanette.ismyangel.net and click on the 'products' tab at the top of the page. Then, look for the 'stamps' link on the left hand column.

Bee Merry

This is the Christmas Card I sent to all of Stephen's coworkers. It's not a great picture, but I stickled the wings. The 'snowflake' is actually two different flower punches, and I put a dot of Stickles on each 'petal'. These were really simple, but fun.

Happy Bee-Day

Bees are big with the Leppers because of the Seabees. So when I saw the "Bee Happy" line of Stamps from Stampendous, I had to have them, even though they ARE wood mounts. When my order came the other day, I had to play! I made the same card in blue, pink, and green... but blue was my favorite, I think, because it pops with the yellow. And of course I stickled the wings!

This Year's Christmas Cards

It's a bad picture, but I thought I'd post this year's Christmas Cards. I needed something fast and easy, yet elegant, and this is what I came up with. The stamp is actually from an old set, and I just added some Stickles and a red bow. Very easy.

TAC Changes

So, I guess it's been a long while since I've updated the blog. I need to get on the ball!

I am VERY excited to announce that TAC will be changing the catalogue schedule, and moving back to one catalogue per year, with two 'megalogues' released as supplements. Images will once again be 100% (YAY!!!!!!!!)

The new megalogue will be out on February 1, 2009 and I am super excited to see what is in store for us.

New Give Away

TAC is giving away more good stuff! To enter, follow this link:

http://www.theangelcompany.net/Promos_Aug08WoodroweWin.html

An Update

A few days ago I posted a picture of one of these cards... but they sat here on the table calling "I need something else! I'm not done yet!" So today I finally dug out the bitty blossoms and added one. Yup! Much better.

Gender Equality

I decided to use the other piece of coordinating patterned paper from Hobby Lobby in the same card sketch I used for the masculine birthday cards I posted a few days ago. As you can see, the design is the same. I just switched out the colors. Easy Peasy. I didn't have any coordinating buttons, so instead I used some Prima Flowers with a matching brad.

More Mass Production

So I had a meeting on Saturday in the next town over (I'd never been in that direction before). Coming home, I was sitting at a red light and to what did my wondering eyes should appear??? A HOBBY LOBBY! Only about 8 miles away. Oh, the sheer delight. Before I knew what was happening, I was in the parking lot and walking through the doors. (For those on the East Coast, well... think a cross between Michael's and Christmas Tree Shop... craft stuff PLUS the frames and decorations and party supplies, etc) I noticed a couple of pieces of beautiful patterned paper and decided they had to come home with me. So I made these using some of the Bitty Blossoms from TAC and of course my beloved scallop punch! It's hard to see, but I also used Crystal Stickles on the frosting to add a little sparkle.

Hoppy Birthday!

This card is basically the same as the Frog cards I posted the other day, with the exception of the image (from the Missy B set, of course!) and the added button. It's perfect for little boys. I used a scrap piece of patterned paper and that was that!

HB

This is the very same card as the last one, except for the image. I love the way it came out, because it's great for males of all ages, from toddler to adult... and I don't know about you, but I'm ALWAYS desperate for more masculine card ideas! The stamp is an old GWP from TAC, so some of you may have it. This is such an easy card... go dig it out and make some!

Hoping your Birthday is Dog-gone Wonderful!

This is another layout that's very easy to do. Again, pick a piece of patterned paper, and three sheets of matching cardstock, and just go to town! This is another Missy B stamp from the same set as the prior one. The patterned paper is from Michael's. I have been seeing a lot of cards done in green, blue, and orange recently and I love the combination. So when I walked by the paper, I knew I had to buy a piece. I'm trying to use up some of my embellishments, so the button is from my stash and just happened to match really well! I used Scrapper's Floss to tie the knot.

More Birthday Cards

This card uses the same layout as the cupcake cards I posted the other day. You can see that just by changing the paper and image, you get a totally different looking card!

This stamp is from http://missybdesigns.com She is a designer for TAC, so some of her work may seem familiar. Santa brought this set for me several Christmases ago, but I'm just now getting around to using it! It's a great set for little boy cards.

Holy Cow!

Here's another card using the same sketch as the last ones. Change the color, change the image and you've got a totally different looking card! These cows are adorable.

Hoppy Birthday!

This is another really easy sketch for mass-producing cards, and I especially like it because it's great to use up all those scraps of patterned paper. Simply grab your scraps and 3 colors of matching cardstock and go to town! These scraps are from Nana's Nursery Stack (you know how much I love them) and the papers match perfectly because they are also from DCWV. Easy matching! I am loving these frogs from the "Hoppy Everything" set.

Mass Production

I am getting low on birthday cards, so I knew I needed to do some serious mass production. Here's the trick for getting lots of card with minimal thinking:

1. Choose a piece of patterned paper and cut into 4.25 x 2" pieces.

2. Choose three colors of matching cardstock and cut into 4.25 x 3.5" pieces.

3. Punch the solid cardstock with scalloped circle.

4. Punch white cardstock with regular circle.

5. Stamp image of your choice, color, and embellish.

6. Assemble base, attach ribbon over the seam, and attach scallop.

7. Add eyelets.

Easy as pie, and this sketch works with a multitude of images and colors.

Tea Time

So, I have joined a monthly ATC swap at the local scrapbook store. June's theme is "Tea Time" so I came up with this ATC which is a cute way to give a little tea bag. I also make a similar size card during the holidays with a slightly different poem! I love this 'Hat's Off' set from TAC and try to use it as often as possible.

New Sets are up!

I am happy to announce the new sets are up on the TAC website! To view, simply go to:

http://lanette.ismyangel.net/

and click on the 'products' tab at the top of the page. Click on 'stamps', and then whatever category you're interested in.

Be sure to check out the new papers, too... Angelee is gorgeous and so is Reece!

I love this card!

..but I hate that the stamp set was retired! This is what I made for the mini-gathering shoebox project that I mentioned a few posts back. It's the same set that I used for the black/white/pink card... and I just love this color combo, which I lifted from a card I'd seen on Splitcoast.

Stinking of You

Here's another card with the skunk set. I used a "Thinking of you" sentiment, and only inked up the 'inking of you'. After stamping, I hand-wrote the 'st' with a tiny black pen. This was what I gave my Dad for his Father's Day card, since it's VERY appropriate if you know him! :-)

Joke ATCs

For those of you who have been with me from the start, you may remember that at one time I was posting a bunch of ATCs for swaps that I was in on the Papercrafts Message Board. (For those of you who are new, ATCs are mini card-fronts, 2.5 x 3.5", and have become the trading cards of the paper crafting world. Take a look at my very first posts to see more!) Eventually, I stopped swapping because postage rates were crazy!

So I was very happy to learn that there was a Scrapbook Store near us here in IL, AND that they have ATC swaps once a month! Tomorrow is the first one that I'll be attending, and the theme is "Jokes." I had no clue what to do! I finally picked this set (one of my very favorites) and googled 'skunk jokes.' When I found this one, I thought it was too cute and had to use it.

This ATC opens, which is unusual, but I thought it would be a great way to hide the punch line. Gotta love those Sweet Skunks!

Cute Card!

This was one of the shoebox projects we made at the Angel gathering. It was designed by Deanette and I just love it. I may have to get the Everyday Expressions set just because this stamp is so dang cute. On the inside I think I'll write "Here's fishing you a happy birthday" or something equally as cheesy!

More baby cards

I'm trying to use up my patterned papers so that I can concentrate on using all the new ones from TAC. I love how the Nana's Attic papers from DCWV coordinate with the ribbons and eyelets I already had on hand! It makes stamping so easy.

More Stamping!

I love this set and hate that it didn't make it into the new catalogue. I made this card for an Angel Minigathering here in IL that I went to this past weekend. We had lots of fun stamping and chatting and checking out the new catty.

The New Catalogue!

I haven't yet received my own copy, but I'm hoping it'll come in tomorrow's mail. I'm very excited to see what TAC is offering this time around. The new sets won't be on-line for a few more days, I think, but I'll let you know as soon as they are!

Level B Hostess Sets

Lots of sentiment stamps this time. I don't know about you, but I can never have enough of them!

Level A Hostess Sets

It's going to be hard to choose which one of these I want most!!!

NEW GWPs

Here are the new Gift With Purchase Stamps. I'm liking them A LOT!

I've been Crafting!

These were super easy. I just picked out a scrap piece of patterned paper (an old set from Basic Grey), some scraps of cardstock and colored pencils that matched, and I went to town. It felt good to be creating again, as it's been too long. I'm VERY excited to get my paws on the new catalogue, which was revealed today at the national TAC convention. I'll post some sneak peaks soon!

Sneak Peak

The following sets aren't available until the new catalogue is released (6/19) but I thought I'd whet your appetites, anyway!

Retiring Sets

Here's the list of retiring sets from the current catalogue. To order before they are gone, go to lanette.ismyangel.net and click on the 'products' tab.

Here's the retired list for you. They will be available until 6/16 or so, so if there's anything you want grab it before it's gone at lanette.ismyangel.net

PG 26 A GOD THING
PG 36 ABUNDANCE IS
PG 53 ALL SEASON SKINNIES
PG 75 ANIMAL BLOCKS
PG 92 AUTUMN SMILES
PG 80 BEPG 86 BE AUTHENTIC
PG 55 BEACH FUN
PG 31 BEAUTIFUL PLACE
PG 67 BIRTHDAY BUGGIES
PG 21 BLOSSOM BUILDERS
PG 99 BUGGIE CHRISTMAS
PG 69 CALENDAR
PG 87 CHICKEN SCRATCH
PG 37 DISTRESSED DESIGNS
PG 81 DIVA DRESSES
PG 56 DONT BUG ME
PG 19 F IS FOR FAMILY
PG 95 FAITH HOPE LOVE
PG 27 FANCIFUL FLOWERS
PG 91 FANGTASTIC
PG 34 FORGET NOT
PG 90 FRIENDLY GOBLINS
PG 76 FRIENDLY NOTES
PG 92 GIGGLY
PG 54 HANG LOOSE
PG 69 HAPPY CELEBRATION
PG 101 HAPPY HOLIDAY SQUARES
PG 87 HE SAID SHE SAID
PG 38 HEART-ITUDE
PG 37 HIP HARDWARE
PG 40 HIS ANGELS
PG 92 JOLLY JACK O LANTERNS
PG 102 LICENSE TO CHILL
PG 56 LILLY PAD POND
PG 41 LITTLE INSPIRATIONS
PG 40 LIVE INSPIRED
PG 100 MAY YOUR MERRY
PG 69 MINI SAMPLER
PG 53 MORE SEASON SKINNIES
PG 81 MY FAVORITES
PG 41 MY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
PG 88 MY STORY
PG 45 NEEDED NUMBERS
PG 43 NURTURE YOUR SOUL
PG 43 OLD FRIEND
PG 51 PALS
PG 68 PARTY NOTES
PG 69 PARTY TIME
PG 75 PLAYFUL PAISLEY
PG 76 PRETTY POSIES
PG 85 RAGDOLLS
PG 18 REMEMBRANCE
PG 100 RETRO CHRISTMAS
PG 90 RETRO HALLOWEEN
PG 100 RETRO REINDEER
PG 90 RETRO TREATERS
PG 81 RUB A DUB
PG 51 SASSY CATS
PG 75 SENTIMENTAL BOXES
PG 61 SO GIRLY SWIRLY
PG 45 SO SILLY
PG 32 STIPPLE BET
PG 87 SWEET SAYINGS
PG 88 SWIRLY SEASONS
PG 50 THE BUZZ
PG 92 THE FIRST THANKSGIVING
PG 95 THE ONLY THING
PG 33 TIP TOE
PG92 TOO SPOOKY
PG 27 TRULEY BLESSED
PG14 WEDDING WISHES
PG 69 WISHING YOU
PG 33 WRITE IT
PG 38 YOU ARE MINE
PG 17 YOURE A HOOT
PG 69 YOURE INVITED

Little Boy

I always have a tough time coming up with boy cards. This one was actually pretty easy using the TAC papers. I stamped the lion in light blue, then again in dark blue... cut the mane out of the dark blue and attached. You could get the same effect by just coloring your stamp with markers.

This is another Sympathy Card we made at the last workshop. I love this design because it's SO SO simple. Stamp some swirls with white ink on black cardstock, add any sentiment, and then attach the flower with a brad. Perfect for Birthdays, Sympathy, Thinking of You, Anniversaries... anything, really.

SO HAPPY!

Stephen has officially left Afghanyland. He is in Kuwait and will be turning in gear, attending debriefing seminars, etc and then will head home late next week.

YAY!

I am working on only a couple more card designs before packing up my crafting stuff. I'll post when I can.

WARNING, WARNING!

This is just a space-filler so that you have the opportunity to not look at the possibly-offensive card if you don't want to :-)

WARNING, WARNING!

The next post could be considered offensive to some, so please don't say I didn't warn you! Don't look unless you're prepared to be shocked, because it's pretty twisted! However, with that being said, I laughed my way through the entire card-making process from the very first thought that popped into my head up until I put it into the mail box! You have to understand that the majority of cards I'd been making lately were serious Sympathy Cards, so this was some much-needed comic relief. Please don't think less of me :-)

Vasectomy Card

So my friend's hubby is having the big snip-snip today. How could I not mark the occassion with a card? What resulted was thinking WAY outside of the box using the Seasonal Cuties set from TAC. I used the acorn (which is sort of obvious) and also the pumpkin stamp, but upside down and with some masking. The inside says "Hang in there!"

It would also be cute in baby colors with "It's a boy!" on the inside, don't you think? You'd just have to have the right friend to send it to :-)

Not Stamping Related

But how could I not post about this? Stephen was awarded the Bronze Star earlier in the week, which is a pretty big deal. He wasn't expecting it, so it came as a very pleasant surprise. Can't wait to have him home!

Sympathy cards

What fun we had on Friday night! For those of you who couldn't make it, here are some of the cards we made! All of the pattern papers are from TAC. I am loving the new Juliette papers, and the colors are perfect for Sympathy... very muted purple/mauve/browns.