Oasis Angel

Project Playground is almost here!

2012-01-23T05:11:00.000-08:00

I didn't get in as much creating this last weekend as I would have liked. Girl Scout Cookies came and sale day started on Sunday so I had to take Faith out and have her sell some cookies. She is off to a good start thanks to Nathan taking the order form to work and her door-to-door sales of 25 boxes. She has a goal of 160 boxes which she will reach in no time. I did find some time to get a card made and created a new scrapbook project that will be available in February. The card is a mix of miscelleanous paper I had on hand, a retiring stamp set called Treasure Life and a new stamp set called Card Chatter-Birthday.

This scrapbook layout was created from Close to My Heart's Cherish How to book. I am loving using the easy to follow instructions and visuals in the how to book. It was fun working on the placement of all my hearts cut from Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge and my collection of Olive hardware. I used the new paper pack called Florentine. I just fell in love with the colors in this paper pack as soon as I saw it and this layout is by far one of my most recent favorites. Hopefully, you can come by on January 29th 1-4pm to make some cards and pick up the brand new catalog. If not, drop me a line and I can hook you up with a hard copy catalog and a kit to make this scrapbook layout for $15.

New Year's Moments

2012-01-16T05:43:00.000-08:00

I had some fun with some memories from our last day of 2011 with my kids. This one is with the Wonderland paper pack and I used the Art Philosophy Cartridge to create all the fun arrows.

This next one I created with another paper pack that is retiring called Mayberry. I love the colors in this and they really suited the not-so-good photos. The lighting wasn't good and taken with my Iphone but on this colorful page they worked very well. The butterflies are creased in the middle and only one side is adhered to the page which gives them more of a 3-D look.

There's still time to get these papers before they retire forever but if you miss out on the actual stuff, they will be avaliable as paper choice in Studio J. Order paper, etc. directly from my website and have shipped right to your door! www.ctmh.com/janinerobertson Email me if you have any questions about any products on the website or in the catalog! RobertsonOasisAngel@gmail.com

Close to My Heart Retiring List is Here!

2012-01-07T07:27:00.000-08:00

These great Close to my Heart products will retire on January 31st. Be sure to grab your favorites while you still can...

Click here and add your favorite item #s to your shopping cart.

I have directly linked some of the products but just don't have time to do them all. If any of the names catch your fancy and you want to see what it looks like, click here and than type in the name of the item in the Find Items by field in the left side column and hit enter. Click on the photo to go to a larger image of it. Have fun shopping. I have already got my list of retirees that I must have for my collection.

Have some friends that might like to order too? I can set-up an on-line gathering for you and you can earn the hostess benefits with just some emails to your friends and family. Let me know if you wanna take advantage of this opportunity!

Paper Collections

Typeset Workshop On The Go (WOTG) Kit – G1024 - $29.95

Roxie WOTG Kit – G1025 - $29.95

Elemental WOTG Kit – G1026 - $29.95

Dreamin’ L2 Paper – X7142B - $9.95

Dreamin’ My Stickease – X7142C - $4.95

Dreamin’ WOTG Kit – G1027 - $29.95

Sonoma WOTG Kit – G1028 - $29.95

Mischief L2 Paper – X7144B - $9.95

Mischief Compliment Rub-Ons – X7144C - $4.95

Mischief WOTG Kit – G1029 - $29.95

Believe L2 Paper – X7145B - $9.95

Believe My Stickease – X7145C - $4.95

Believe WOTG Kit – G1030 - $29.95

Wonderland L2 Paper – X7146B - $9.95

Wonderland My Stickease – X7146C - $4.95

Wonderland WOTG Kit – G1031 - $29.95

Sophia L2 Paper – X7131B - $12.95

Sophia My Stickease – X7131C - $4.95

Mayberry L2 Paper – X7136B - $12.95

Mayberry My Stickease – X7136C - $4.95

Lucky L2 Paper – X7137B - $12.95

Lucky My Stickease – X7137C - $4.95

Fanfare L2 Paper – X7138B - $12.95

Fanfare My Stickease – X7138C - $4.95

Stamp Sets

Trellis – D1451 - $17.95

Backgrounds & Borders – D1463 - $17.95

Dreams Come True – D1470 - $17.95

Summer Days – B1375 - $9.95

Love Ya – D1460 - $17.95

From My Heart – C1443 - $13.95

A Love – A1103 - $6.95

So Lucky – C1390 - $13.95

Circle of Love – D1438 - $17.95

Soul Mates – D1254 - $17.95

Bless This Nest – C1445 - $13.95

A Little Buzz – B1353 - $9.95

Beautiful Butterflies – B1373 - $9.95

Ambiance – C1349 - $13.95

Springtime – D1415 - $17.95

*A Hop – A1112 - $6.95

Take Luck – B1364 - $9.95

Enjoy Every Moment – C1395 - $13.95

Beloved – B1343 - $9.95

Bunny Love – B1324 - $9.95

Carefree – C1447 - $13.95

A Paisley – A1105 - $6.95

Always In My Heart – A1101 - $6.95

Charmed – C1385 - $13.95

Togetherness – D1402 - $17.95

One Of A Kind – D1410 - $17.95

Blooming Layers – C1449 - $13.95

A Posy – A1102 - $6.95

Extreme Happiness – C1356 - $13.95

Friendship Blessings – D1191 - $17.95

Flower Pot – D1409 - $17.95

Smiles – C1397 - $13.95

Happy Moments – C1437 - $13.95

His and Hers – C1460 - $13.95

Tasty Treats – D1427 - $17.95

You’re Sweet – B1351 - $9.95

Recipe Box – D1364 - $17.95

Bon Apetit – D1367 - $17.95

Daydream – D1297 - $17.95

*Makin’ Waves – C1365 - $13.95

Cruisin’ – D1471 - $17.95

Down By The Sea – C1451 - $13.95

True Happiness – D1365 - $17.95

Summer Breeze – C1453 - $13.95

Treetops – C1368 - $13.95

Let’s Go Camping – C1355 - $13.95

Beautiful Things – D1298 - $17.95

Campin’ Fever – D1353 - $17.95

*Beary Best – C1363 - $13.95

*Beary Busy – C1409 - $13.95

Howdy – D1435 - $17.95

You’re Great – D1434 - $17.95

Hot Diggity – C1407 - $13.95

It’s A Zoo – C1360 - $13.95

Fun Times – B1309 - $9.95

Love Birds – C1396 - $13.95

*Over The Rainbow – D1426 - $17.95

Post Card – Travel Series – D1357 - $17.95

Horizon – C1454 - $13.95

Ciao – D1461 - $17.95

Thrill Ride – D1425 - $17.95

Retro Tech – C1446 - $13.95

Around The Block – D1377 - $17.95

Family Ties – C1346 - $13.95

Family Ties – Children – C1345 - $13.95

Family Ties – Pet – B1350 - $9.95

Family – C1305 - $13.95

Play Day (old set) – D1360 - $17.95

Believe In Your Dreams – B1322 - $9.95

Ms. Scrapbook – B1352 - $9.95

Ms. Chillin’ – D1404 - $17.95

You Rock – D1346 - $17.95

Catching Waves – D1466 - $17.95

X-Treme – D1432 - $17.95

Hero – D1474 - $17.95

Star Power – D1403 - $17.95

Tea Time – C1438 - $13.95

*Little Princess – C1414 - $13.95

Birthday Boy – C1411 - $13.95

*Birthday Blast – C1436 - $13.95

Shining Star – D1320 - $17.95

Royal Birth – D1441 - $17.95

Cupcakes Sprinkles – D1336 - $17.95

Piece of Cake – D1407 - $17.95

Paisley Praise – D1414 - $17.95

Sweet Baby – C1359 - $13.95

*Baby Love – B1368 - $9.95

You Did It – C1351 - $13.95

Adoption – A1098 - $6.95

Precious Love – C1444 - $13.95

Love Always – D1337 - $17.95

A Game – A1113 - $6.95

Magic Tabs – C1448 - $13.95

Circle Together – B1372 - $9.95

Just For Boys – C1338 - $13.95

Just For Girls – C1337 - $13.95

Cherished Flourishes – D1413 - $17.95

Unity – C1422 - $13.95

Two-Step Backgrounds – D1473 - $17.95

On The Edge – C1399 - $13.95

Circle Around – D1300 - $17.95

Connections – D1330 - $17.95

Adorning Corners – D1322 - $17.95

Fill In The Blank – D1465 - $17.95

Priceless Love Word Puzzle – D1348 - $17.95

Kanji Phrases – C1339 - $13.95

Boom! – B1354 - $9.95

Just The Ticket – B1323 - $9.95

Salutation Seals – C1461 - $13.95

A Little Everything – D1408 - $17.95

*For Every Occasion – D1187 - $17.95

Thank You – D1361 - $17.95

*TLC – C1364 - $13.95

In The Month Of February – C1403 - $13.95

In The Month Of March – C1404 - $13.95

In The Month Of April – C1405 - $13.95

In The Month Of May – C1415 - $13.95

In The Month Of June – C1416 - $13.95

In The Month Of July – C1417 - $13.95

Notice The Details – D1378 - $17.95

On This Day – D1468 - $17.95

Happy Holidays – D1431 - $17.95

Dream Big – D1399 - $17.95

Ribbon

Colonial White Ribbon collection - Z1126 - $7.95

Cranberry grosgrain ribbon - Z1103 - $6.95

Cocoa grosgrain ribbon - Z1100 - $6.95

Colonial White grosgrain ribbon - Z1102 - $6.95

White Daisy grosgrain ribbon - Z270 - $6.95

Wings Level 2 Assortment - Z1398 - $4.95

Floss

Embroidery Floss - Red/Pink - Z1092 - $3.25

Embroidery Floss - Green - Z1094 - $3.25

Embroidery Floss - Blue/Purple - Z1093 - $3.25

Waxy Flax

Waxy Flax - Cranberry - Z1086 - $3.95

Waxy Flax - Sorbet - Z1249 - $3.95

Waxy Flax - Juniper - Z1248 - $3.95

Waxy Flax - Crystal Blue - Z1247 - $3.95

Brads

Designer Brads - Colonial White - Z1274 - $3.95

Designer Brads - Pewter - Z1146 - $3.95

Mini-Medley & Eyelets

Mini Medley - Antiqued Copper - Z1275 - $4.95

Mini Medley - Colonial White - Z1276 - $4.95

Foundry Metal - Bookplates - Z1147 - $3.50

Soft Set Eyelet Tool - Z1208 - $14.95

Soft Set Eyelets - Black and White Daisy - Z1228 - $3.95

Soft Set Eyelets - Chocolate and Colonial White - Z1229 - $3.95

Coordinating Collection Embellishments

Midnight Felt Shapes - Z1462 - $3.95

Harvest Charms - Z1633 - $4.95

Holiday Packets - Z1486 - $4.95

Top Coats Icing Overlays - Z1468 - $4.95

Lucky Level 2 Assortment - Z1356 - $4.95

Lucky Level 2 Journaling Spots - Z1359 - $3.95

Bliss Level 2 Assortment - Z1355 - $5.95

Sweetheart Level 2 Assortment - Z1386 - $4.95

Fanfare Level 2 Assortment - Z1400 - $4.95

Just Blooms Spring Blossom - Z1266 - $7.95

Just Blooms White Daisy Variety Pack - Z1300 - $5.95

Color Ready Alphabets

Color Ready Alphabets - Oxford - X5749 - $3.95

Color Ready Alphabets - Hodge Podge - X1406 - $3.95

Dimensional Elements

Dimensional Elements - On Target - Z1226 - $5.95

Dimensional Elements - Flurry - Z1225 - $4.95

My Creations Items

My Creations - Board Book - Z1310 - $6.95

My Creations - Journal - Z1268 - $7.95

My Creations - Memory Showcase 9x9 - Z1198 - $5.95

Misc.

Rubber Brayer - Z616 - $12.95

Soft Set Eyelet Tool - Z1208 - $14.95

Eyelet Tool Replacement Punches - Z1245 - $2.95

Making a plan for sending cards for a year

2011-12-28T05:28:00.000-08:00

I haven't bought a greeting card in almost 5 years! I have loved sending something made by me that means so much more. Unfortunately, like many of us, I have the challenge of getting my cards made and actually sent to the recipient in a timely manner. Ooops, there goes another belated birthday card was said way too often this last year. So, I am prepping things ahead of time. Thanks to my sister-in-laws gift of a calender for 2012 with all the birthdays in the family on it. All I have to do is add my husband's side of the family and than I will get the envelopes all addressed and put them in order of when they need to be sent and put them in a basket with my book of stamps and pen ready. The other side of it is actually making the cards. So I created two cards that could be used for birthdays or any other kind of celebration that will be availalbe to make at the next Project Playground on January 29th.

I was playing around with a window card I created using the Art Philosopy cartridge which hasn't come out of my machine for any other Cricut cartridge since I got it in October. I love all the options that can be used for both scrapbooking and cardmaking. I created this window card with Rectangle #8 and some cut out stars. There's a star adhered with foam tape on the inside that shows through the window but I made it a suprise and put the sentiment strip over it so when you open it you get this...

I added the sentiment "happy birthday" with the Classmate Alphabet stamp set but you could add any type of sentiment like "celebrate" or "congratualtions". Than I created this easy card using the November stamp of the month Cherish the Day. Although, it's no longer stamp of the month you can still get this stamp set and utilize it throughout your year.

Now, that I have a couple of masculine cards for those male birthdays coming up in the first few months of 2012; it's time to get back to the girls... I got the new catalog and am SO in love with the new paper sets! Can't wait for payday so I can get some ordered and start creating with the new stuff!

Thank you card gift packs

2011-12-12T05:14:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Lisa Stenz for the idea on creating a stencil with the Art Philosophy Cartridge. It's a technique I have used before but it was a very good reminder and got my creative juices going. I cut out a heart, snowflake, star, flower, ornament, tree and fluer di lis accent and used my newest stamp sets Cherish the Day, Everlasting Life, Hooray Bouquet and a tried and true favorite of mine, A Little Thanks.

I just used the coordinating color cardstock and inks in these two thank you cards.

Than, I deviated and made some Christmas Cards using an ornament and Christmas Tree and paper from Believe paper pack.

I sponged in ink color over the stamped words with sponge daubers. I added a second color to these Christmas cards to make them extra special and added Glitz Glitter Gel in very small amounts that I spread around with the tip of the bottle.

Than, I started thinking about the next Project Playground in January and decided to make a birthday card.

I was using a block that was a little too big for the stamp I was using so the ink got on the edge of the block and made a line. Well, I decided to make some more of those lines in various directions which gave a neat distressed background effect. I used the Wonderland Paper pack paper with this card.

Next, I went into my browns:

I was wishing for more vibrant color inks and papers at this point so those are now on my wish list. So, I went back to making Thank you cards with the Fluer di Lis accent.

I made over 60 cards! To make a set of six you will need: 1 12 x12 sheet of paper for your colored background which is cut at 4 x 5.25" and white card stock cut at 3.75 x 5" and of course a template cut out of scrap card stock and the coordinating ink colors. The possibilities are endless and easy with this technique. I can't wait to get more ink colors and papers to play around with this.

December Close to My Heart Constant Campaign Special

2011-12-05T05:35:00.000-08:00

When you place a minimum order of $25 from the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book, you can get two valuable new products for just $15: the My Creations® Collage Cubes (a Spring/Summer 2012 sneak-peek product!) and the exclusive My Acrylix® Rock the Block E-size stamp set (available only during this promotion). This Rock the Block promotion represents a retail savings of almost $30! You're going to love the collage cubes and the Rock the Block stamp set, which work together for interactive, fashionable fun!

Dates: Offer valid December 19, 2011–January 31, 2012.

Believe Christmas Card Kits

2011-12-04T05:54:00.000-08:00

Want to send some special Christmas cards? Truly the homemade cards make the most impression and many of them are kept because they are so special to the recipient. I have a few cards I have kept from my customers that have really meant a lot! Here's a photo of Series 1 of the cards from the Believe paper pack. It's 10 of the 30 cards I made from the paper pack. You can get all 30 cards for $45 or you can get just one of the Series with 10 cards for $18. The kits include all pre-cut paper, stamped images, embellishments, envelopes and easy instructions with visual. It will take you about an hour to assemble! All you need is some adhesive you can pick up at Wal-mart! You can add a bottle of Glitz Glitter Gel to add the extra sparkle for just $4 extra. Or you can come this weekend to my final workshop on Sunday 1-4pm and make in the company of other wonderful women and pay only $15.

RobertsonOasisAngel@gmail.com Merry Christmas!

Love Alphabet Stamps!

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

I created this page using several alphabet sets and coordinating ink colors to create the word block that says "salt" and "light". This page was designed in memory of my Uncle Garrett who recently passed away. I really love the versatility of alphabet sets. I think that more fun can be had with them and I will let you in on what I create with them in the future.

Close to My Heart products used: Trinity and Classmate Alphabet stamp sets, Elemental paper duo, dimensional shape, Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge

Thanksgiving Blessings

2011-11-24T06:31:00.000-08:00

Studio J is my best friend! I simply love the ability to create a 2 page layout in less than 30 minutes and buy the jpeg image for $3 so I can share it within minutes after I download it from my inbox. I created this layout on Monday morning before heading to my day job and finished it up with the journaling that evening. I am going to print this out as 6 x 6 size and put them together and have them framed for my sister-in-law and her family who were one of the stars in this layout.

I will post the framed version once I get that done. Michaels and Hobby Lobby have all kinds of sales going on this weekend so I am sure I will get a deal on framing. I wish you all a very blessed Thanksgiving! If you have the desire to deepen your relationship with God, I would love to suggest to you to use scrapbooking as a means to growing in your relationship with the Lord. I have a new blog for my new faithbooking ministry called Faith to Life Connections. Please visit and follow me there for inspiration on scrapbooking your faith. Faith to Life Connections

Believe Christmas Card Kits

2011-11-09T05:14:00.000-08:00

Beleive Christmas Card Kits are all ready for you to just put together. All kits are with pre-cut paper, stamped images, embellishments and envelopes. All you need is the adhesive and a little bit of time to relax and paste. Kits are for 30 cards using 10 designs. Cost is $30 plus shipping if you are not nearby. Please let me know before November 31st if you would like to order a Believe Christmas Card Kit. Contact me at RobertsonOasisAngel@gmail.com for orders or info. Here are some of the samples. I am working on the last series of 10 and will get them into a slideshow as soon as possible.

Christmas Card Stamp Camp Sneak Peak

2011-11-08T18:13:00.000-08:00

I was so proud of myself for having my workshop figured out until my bulk order came and I discovered it wasn't what I expected so I had to re-think my Christmas Card workshop. Funny how in the midst of the crisis I was ranting at myself for not asking first before buying but now after working it all out, it will end up being a much better thing. I had to, of course, put together more samples since I will be using all of the papers in the Believe paper pack but I am so pleasantly surprised by how wonderful the newest samples are coming out.

I am using the same designs just changed the ink color on some and a stamp or two here or there for variety. I will be preparing kits for anyone that can't make a workshop but would love to put together some fabulous cards. Stay tuned for more details on kits...

Cherish Family Workshop Coming up...

2011-11-08T06:33:00.000-08:00

Doing my first Cherish Family Workshop for my dear friend Shelly at her place this Saturday and wanted to share some of the layouts and paper choices ahead of time for anyone contemplating coming. If you don't know Shelly and weren't invited, No worries, I have the same workshop schedule twice at my studio on Monday evening November 21st at 7pm or on Saturday afternoon December 10th 1pm. Cost is $15 for the workshops at my studio. I am putting together kits so if you can't make any of the workshops stay tuned for more details on the kits. Here's a look at the layouts created using the Dreamin Paper Pack:

this is without any journaling added yet and I put in a quick family picture we took this weekend but it was super sunny and windy so we all looked like we were in pain. I put a watercoloring filter on the photo to help it somewhat. Journaling can be added directly to the Colonial White side beside the photo.

This is layout #2. I have either some journaling strips or a special cut journaling block using the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge.

Layout #3 and #4 will be for you to do on your own time. You will have the paper and you can choose to create these layouts using the cutting directions and sketch you will be given or create your own design.

Stamps sets I used for my Cherish Family Scrapbook Layouts are: Trinity Alphabet, Classmate alphabet, Vintage Type and Love Life Stamp Set. I used Chocolate ink for all the stamping and the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge for all my cut out embellishments. I also utilized some banner dimensionals, brads and Colonial White ribbon.

Holiday Wishes!

2011-11-04T05:19:00.000-07:00

Place a minimum order of $25 in CTMH acrylic stamps* between now and November 30th and you'll be eligible to purchase this gorgeous seasonal stamp set "Holiday Wishes" for just $5 (retail value is $19.95!!)! You may buy one Holiday Wishes stamp set for every $25 in stamps that you purchase. As a creative bonus, many of the images in the stamp set coordinate with the shapes on the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge for added cutting & stamping fun.

Place your order now and receive your new Holiday Wishes set just in time to make beautiful holiday cards to send to family and friends!

Christmas Card Stamp Camp Approaching

2011-11-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

The snow may be falling but it's time for a camp-out. Okay, it's a camp-in at Oasis Angel Studio. I have put together 10 fabulous Christmas cards that your friends and family will love. First Camp date is on Friday, November 18th from 7-10pm. $15 for 10 cards. Bring some of your favorite Christmas cookies to share and I will brew up some hot apple cider and we will stamp out some cards. Second Camp date is on Sunday December 11th 1-4pm. RSVP Here Here's a sneak peak of one of the cards...

Organizing your photos

2011-11-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's really no wonder why so many people put off doing anything with their photos. We take SO many of them these days with our digital cameras but they go into folders on our computer and many never be seen again. I took on the task of slowly but surely organizing my folders and re-naming them so I could find the photos when I was ready for them. I was showing a friend Studio J the other day and it became this daunting task trying to just locate a few photos so I could walk her through putting together a layout in Studio J. It really is a matter of organization so here are just a couple tips to get you started. Put all photos for one event in one folder and label them with the event name, month and year. This will make finding your photos much easier. Now when you go into Studio J, you can upload all the photos in that folder for that event and you can click on them later to preview them larger so you can figure out which ones you want to use. We don't have to scrapbook them all. Just the good photos and no duplicates or similar photos, just enough to tell the story.

This is a darling Christmas stamp set that you can get for just $5 measily bucks when you purchase $25.
www.ctmh.com/janinerobertson

Acrylic Block Tip #1

2011-10-27T05:08:00.000-07:00

I have been having lots of fun with the alphabet stamp sets, Trinity and Classmate. Because My Acrylic Stamps stick on the block so well and because the blocks are clear, it's just too fun to put together your own sentiment for a card or title for a scrapbook page. I really love the fact that My Acrylic stamps can be super small and still stick to the block until you pull them off. So, play around with your alphabets and try this little trick when you are putting your own sentiments, titles and words together: Place the stamps one at a time from behind so that you are looking through the block seeing the word come together as it will look when you stamp it. I seemed to get it lined up easier doing it from behind rather than typically the block on the table way. Try it out and have some fun with your alphabets this week.

More Elemental Fun

2011-10-26T04:52:00.000-07:00

I am using the same designs I used with the Sanoma Level 2 Paper Pack scrapbook pages I designed for an upcoming workshop. I fliped the top to the other side, used a couple of Milepost Shapes and A Little Thanks Stamp Set to finish it off. I love using the same design so you can see how easy it is to have a completely different scrapbook page each time. I have always designed my own pages from scratch and have occassionaly used designs I see in a magazine but with my time so limited these days due to working full-time I think I am going to get a copy of one of Close to My Heart's Foundational How-to Programs. I will start with Cherish since that's the word I used for my title in this layout. This will be good for those evenings when my brain is mush from a day of data entry work and I need some creating therapy.

Get Your Close to My Heart How to Program Here

Silent Auction for Halloween Carnival

2011-10-24T05:45:00.000-07:00

Since I started putting together my scrapbook workshop designs for November/December workshops, I decided to donate a framed scrapbook page for the silent auction at the Halloween Carnival at my son's school. I created this page from the Elemental Level 2 Paper Pack, Classmate Alphabet, Art Philosophy Cartrige, Love Life Stamp Set, Olive ink and brads and a banner dimensional. I love the simplicity of it. I wasn't too sure about the Elemental paper but when it comes together it looks fantastic. Let me know if you agree!

An Abundance of Opportunities Awaits

2011-10-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

I have been reading a wonderful book by a friend of mine in my networking group called 10 Godly Keys to Success and Prosperity. I have been creating as I go through the book working my thoughts and feeling about what I am reading into my creations. I have done a couple layouts on Studio J and did my Dreamin Layout about my dreams and I created a pin to wear to remind me of a few things and be an object of curiosity that people will ask about. I chose the letter "A" for my pin because of the chapter about having an attitude of abundance. Meredith Bromfield is the author and she hit the nail on the head. Attitude is Everything! I have been wearing this pin for over a week now and have found that I have been in a much better frame of mind. I am more positive, up-beat and just feeling AWESOME! I decided to create a new pin every month with a different letter to remind me about "whatever" and to get people asking and talking about it. It's kind of fun to watch people look at the pin but some of them will never ask you so I am super excited when someone does and I can share about my Awesome God and how he's given me an Abundance of blessings and provides me with an Abundance of Opportunites and I just have to keep the Attitude that Anything is possible with God. I hope you are having and Awesome weekend and enjoying the beauty of the fall season and that your attitude is looking up. Find out about Meredith's Book

Christmas is coming...

2011-10-18T06:49:00.000-07:00

and so all my friends have started to wonder what am I going to give this Christmas. I don't want to spend an arm and a leg but want to do something special, unique, possibly made by me. Hmmmmmmm. I know I will call Janine and ask her about doing a workshop so my friends and I can make a couple of scrapbook pages for the family photo. Talked to Janine and she is going to create designs for 6 scrapbook pages for one paper pack from her new business Close to My Heart. We get to do two of them at the workshop and get the instructions for creating the other 4.
This is going to be such a special gift and will look so nice in a frame on my mother-in-law's wall. And the best part I will have 2 completed scrapbook page gifts and 4 more to complete before Christmas for just $12. I can't wait to see what Janine has designed! She will even make kits for my friends that cannot come to my workshop for $20. This is too awesome!

Birthday Card on the Fly...

2011-10-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

I have been getting the reminder message on my computer about my Dad's birthday coming up on the 23rd for over a week and kept snoozing it but woke up this morning and thought yeah, I better get to it. So, I called on the Cricut Art Philosophy to help me make a simple and fast birthday card for a male. I used the Celebration stamp set that is one of the 3 sets that comes with your Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge. I pulled out some coordinating paper from the Typeset Paper Pack, grabbed my Bamboo and Chocolate inks and got to cutting.

I made the mistake of cutting my green mat at 2.25" and knew it was too big when I pulled it out. Oh, duh, it should have been 1.75" to go with the 1.5" stamped image I was going to use. Okay, so sleeping last night on the chair wasn't the greatest thanks to my hubbie snoring up a storm. In any case, I thought to myself 'how can I make this work'. I used it and just trimmed off the edges. I used the words 'Fun, Love, Joy' from the Celebration stamp set and placed them all together randomly on a block to create my worded background. Stamped 'Best wishes to you' on the inside and all done in about 15 minutes. Yeah. Now it's time to get ready for work but I will be back playing with some new Close to My Heart stuff that came yesterday!

Snow Inspiration

2011-10-11T05:42:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we woke up to a blizzard, at least it seemed that way at our house. You can drive 1 mile south and it's not snow, it's rain. It makes living here interesting to say the least. But the snow kept me from getting out to do errands and in the studio to craft. I had just recevied the Wonderland Paper Pack from Close to My Heart and was just inspired to create using this wintery paper. I decided to try making another magnet card so that the recipient can take off the front piece and use as a fridge magnet. It's a card and a gift all in one. I dropped it in the mail box on Monday to get it in for the World Card Making contest but discovered that the post office was closed on Monday. Great! They specifically said it has to be postmarked by Oct 10th but the darn post office wasn't open. I will see about emailing them and ask that they consider counting my card towards the contest even though the post mark is going to say the 11th. I don't think they realized it was Columbus day either.

I did lots of embossing on this card including edging the papers in ink and applying sparkle embossing powder so I would have a sparkly edge. I found some pre-made silver bows that I had in my stash forever that worked perfectly. I will have only two of these available to make at the Project Playground on Oct 23rd so 2 lucky ladies will be able to come and make but if you really like this all you need is the Wonderland Paper Pack, I Believe Stamp Set, Blue ink, Sparkle embossing powder and some white card stock. I would gladly give you the card recipe so you can make this wonderful winter card. www.ctmh.com/janinerobertson

Creating keeps my mind off of...

2011-10-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

my shoulder pain. I went to the doctor on Thursday for it and turns out I have a bone spur and the machine at the YMCA triggered a swelling in that area. So, doc hooks me up with a steriod shot which I had before when I hurt my other shoulder from our indoor sky diving adventure a couple of years ago. All seemed pretty good until I woke up Saturday morning with more pain in my arm and all over that area. It was a different kind of pain, a burning pain which was a big indication to me that I was having an allergic reaction. It could only be from the shot. So, my creating on Saturday was only a blessing in that it kept me focused not on the pain I was feeling but my oh my I was hurting bad. Thankfully, I got a good nights sleep and it seemed a bit better in the morning and with IB profin it has been much more tolerable today so I managed to get more accomplished today but I am not quite finished with todays project so I won't be posting it just yet but I wanted to share with you the scrapbook layout I made with the Typeset Paper Pack of my two kids school portraits from last year. I thought I better get them done now before we get to far along into this school year and the memories of last year start fading away. I love to outcome. I always tell people if you aren't into scrapbooking at the very least make one page a year with your kids school portraits. I will be putting all of theirs in a book all it's own so we can see how they have grown and changed from year to year. So another weekend bites the dust and off to my work week I go...

World Card Making Day is October 1st

2011-09-30T02:31:00.000-07:00

I have been playing around some more and creating more card projects with my newest stamps and paper packs from Close to My Heart. I am looking forward to crafting all day on Saturday and hope that some people will join me and keep me company. I love the fall season the most of all seasons because of the colors. There is something about oranges, golds, reds that just speak to me so much. I have been having fun with the Dreamin paper pack which you can also find available as a paper kit on Studio J. Kits really do make putting together a scrapbook page so easy. No color coordinating to worry about! I created a two page layout with the Dreamin paper pack and used the Trinity alaphabet stamp set and the owl is from the Pair-a-Phrase September special double stamp set that I got free with my $75 order. It's not too late if you want to get one of these. http://www.janinerobertson.myctmh.com/ Okay, time to get back to bed. Menapause is not fun but I have to get back to bed and get my beauty sleep. I hope to get to Dreamin of some more creations I will make on Saturday.

What to do with a stamp set?

2011-09-20T05:35:00.000-07:00

I am not use to having stamp sets that I didn't purposely pick out to buy for myself but with my kit came sets that I may not have bought by their initial looks but in playing around with them, I am finding that there are all kinds of possiblities with stamp sets and yes, even the ones you may not have selected for yourself. I made this card with the Elemental paper pack and Everyday Life stamp set included in my consultant kit. The possiblities are endless...

Studio J from Close to My Heart is a Winner!

2011-09-17T06:42:00.000-07:00

I have been having so much fun creating digital 2 page layouts with the Studio J on-line scrapbooking program from Close to My Heart. I finally got to pay day on Thursday and ordered prints of my layouts. Being a member to Studio J brings the price to just $6.50 for a 2 page layout or $3.25 a page. I read in a scrapbooking magazine that the average scrapbook page costs about $7 to create. So, I am thrilled to have not only found a way to save money but a way to utilize what little time I have to create and really be able to get pages done. The ordering process was super simple and within 10 mintues I had an email with my directions on how to save the free Jpeg files I get with being a member. So, now it's time to show you what some of my creations on Studio J.

My Acrylic Stamps Advantages

2011-09-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

I got really hooked on the cling mounted rubber stamps from The Angel Company that I have almost shunned the thought of using acrylic stamps. I had some from before I became an angel that have been sitting on the shelf collecting dust but with the arrival of my new kit and the new acrylic stamp sets that came with it I am finding some fun advantages to these marvelous acrylic stamps. First off the stamp placement can literally be exact because of the clear nature of it. The cling were pretty good for this but these have the ultimate advantage with the see through it aspect. The next advantage I have found is how darn small a stamp can be and usable. The cling mounted stamps always had more trouble clinging simply because the surface area was so small. These acrylic stamps stay on the block until you take them off! So, I had some fun playing with My Acrylic Stamps from Close to My Heart this weekend. These two will be available to make at Project Playground World Card Making Day Celebration on October 1st. I hope you have it set on your calendar. I can hardly wait to spend a whole day with friends making cards!

The New Adventure Begins

2011-09-09T05:02:00.000-07:00

I couldn't wait to get started with Close To My Heart so as I waited for my kit to arrive I have been playing in Studio J. I have found it to be so very easy and plenty of choices to make it your own and even add things to a layout. It is a very good start in digital scrapbooking and I find it especially cool that I have been able to play with it on my breaks and lunch at work! Classical scrapbooking will always be the foundation as I love the hands-on, etc but this digital stuff has made me a happy scrapper. I am getting layouts done quick! My kit arrived but I found my disorganized mess to be a challenge as I wasn't sure where yet to put everything so I could find it again. I have been tackling that issue before I get my hands on the stuff that came in my kit but I am hoping by this weekend to make enough headway that I will dive into some creative fun. I am working on getting to know everything I can about Studio J as I am doing my first Studio J gathering on Friday Sept 23rd and of course working on more card projects for World Card Making Day Celebration on Sunday October 1st. So, mark your calendars or contact me if you interested in learning more about Studio J.

My New Adventure has Started!

2011-09-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

It really was a very easy decision. I have fallen in love with the products that Close to My Heart offers and I am so falling in love with what already seems to be a fabulous company. My kit is on it's way and I can't wait to get going with it. It's so EXCITING!!! I have pulled out some stamps I bought years ago with Close to My Heart and have been having some fun playing with them. It's a bit different having the clear stamps but I am really starting to love these suckers. I

A Door Closes but a Window Opens...

2011-08-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

It was a week of shock and sadness when me and my fellow angels across the country got word that The Angel Company was closing. Sadly, the economy has taken it's toll on another victim, actually make that about 5000 of us. So, as many angels out there are doing, I, too am contemplating how to proceed. I love what I do and love sharing it with others so it just can't end but it was nice to have the umbrella of a company over me as I did my own creative business. I have managed to keep my business floating somewhat. It pays for my hobby is about what I would call it now. I have never set out to make bookoo bucks doing what I love. I simply want to do it and will be grateful for whatever blessings come from it whether it be monetarily, relationships or my own personal growth. I am looking into a few direct-sale businesses and will let you know what I do decide. I am seriously being called now to devote my creative energies into starting a faithbooking ministry. It has been on my mind for quite some time but I have not had the kick in the behind I needed until now. I am going to start working on my faithbooking ministry concept and maybe by the first of the year be ready to launch it. Lots of research and crafting to do. I love it! So, stay tuned for what lies ahead at Oasis Angel Studio.

New Products and Tools Give Boost to Creativity!

2011-08-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

I am a so guilty of spending way too much on anything to do with cards and scrapbooking. I admit it! I am addicted! But the plain truth is that new products, new tools, new techniques, new craft magazines arriving in the mail all give great boosts to my creativity. I started playing around with my templates I got at the Expo this past summer and am tickled by what I came up with. My friends at Project Playground last week, were wonderful in giving me their thoughts. I got this awesome tree template and wanted to play around with it. Mind you, this is out of my realm of expertise. I was embarking on new territory using a template. I finally got some glitter and flock at Joann's so I was ready to give it a try like I had seen at the Expo. Well, my first tree, I just did with green flock. Cool but not good enough, So, friendly advise said go with fall colors and I could because I got a whole set of glitter and flock in lot of colors. So, I decided to use several colors of glitter and some flock to and was so totally BLOWN AWAY by how it came out. I just love it. Well, I had to improve upon it so I added some distressing ink from Tim Holtz but wasn't quite satisfied so I did the distressed background first with spritz of perfect pearls and started to add the tree. The paper was a little warped from the wetting and heat setting so my template did not want to lay flat but I gave it a go and thought, "let's see what happens". OH MY GOSH! It just got SO much more beautiful. That warpness in the paper allowed more of the paste to get through the template design that it made the tree look fuller. Well, I loved the final outcome but found it only really looked awesome in full light because the red background blended with the red in the tree too much so I did it all again with tea dye color distressed ink from Tim Holtz. Yeah! I think I finally got it the way I like it most but they all look good in their own way too. It's never boring trying new things that is for sure. What are you wanting to try out in your crafting?

Inspiration from People

2011-08-03T05:20:00.000-07:00

It was great to spend some time with friends on Sunday afternoon making cards at my recent Project Playground event. I am always looking for inspiration and it often amazes me the places I find it. This time I got my inspiration from my friends who were here on Sunday. One wanted to see a baby boy card at the Project Playground Replays on August 19th and 21st and another wanted a baby girl card so as I designed this card last evening and when I was finish with it I remembered this boy and girl request and thought I need to make this same card in a masculine scheme. So that is my new challenge in the days ahead. I will be designing a card and whether it be masculine or feminine, I will create another of the same design in the opposite sex. Now, I have to get to creating the baby boy and baby girl cards...

New Inspiration is So Exciting!

2011-07-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

I went to the Rubber Stamp and Scrapbook Expo this weekend. The first day I decided to pace myself and just look before buying. I took a beginners class for Copic markers. I did learn some things I did not know about that made a lot of sense and now I know how to use them to get the blending effect that looks so awesome. The class went through the lunch hour so I was so hungry but wanted to take something home and come back tomorrow. So, I bought a few stamps. LOL. Okay, maybe not just a few but I tried. I got this floral stamp set with all kinds of realistic flower stamps and a word set with all kinds of scripture and good encouraging sayings. Because I bought enough stamps, I got to pick a grab bag of stamps for free. Well, when I got home and unloaded them. I was so pleasantly surprised by them all. I got two wild cat stamps, one with a tiger and another with a mountain lion. Because my daughter is so into wild cats, I was thrilled with these, especially so after taking the Copic marker class. I never would have purchased this kind of stamp before because I have avoided the whole coloring kind of stamps. I like to keep thing simple and easy but I pulled out my set of Copic markers I had bought a few months ago and new I had most of the colors I needed to do the tiger stamp and the mountion lion stamp. Oh My Gosh! I am so in love with Copic Markers! They came out fantastic! I will have to post the photo of it later but just know that it is so much easier than you think! I can't wait to show you when you come to a future Project Playground.

Never Under Estimate the Power of a Scrap!

2011-07-16T06:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, on my lunch break at work, I took a look around the Spellbinders website to check into this new Presto Punch machine and looked in their gallery for ideas. Well, I ended up getting a bad virus from the site onto my work computer and it is looking like they will have to re-build my computer. Great!? But the good news is I did get inspired to try the concept of using multiple spellbinders dies to create a card. So, this morning I looked at the dies that I currently have and saw a few scrap card stock pieces on the table and decided to use those and go from there. I am very pleased with the results. But as many of you may have already figured out I am not one to let scraps go to waste. I looked at what was left over and ended up making three more cards of various designs utilizing what I had left. So the thought came to me that you really can Never Under Estimate the Power of a Scrap. You may end up making your best card ever from scraps leftover from the last card you made! I have tried to organize my scraps but that is still a work in progress. I do have a left over envelope box I use for card sized scraps and another little basket for smaller scraps that could be used to create an photo corner or other embellishment piece. I also started a box of 1/2 paper strips because I like utilizing strips of paper in my designs for both cards and scrapbooks. I have two over-flowing boxes full of larger scrap pieces that I need to get to and do something more with before they take over my whole studio. I have Major Mom coming to my house on Monday evening to do an evaluation. I heard them speak this week at my networking group and realized that maybe it was time to get some help before the clutter takes over everything. So, dig out some scraps today and see what you can come up with! You might be pleasantly surprised.

Drooling over the new stamp sets!

2011-07-15T04:25:00.000-07:00

The new catty's arrived and I was tearing open the box to get to them. I am in love with so many of the new stamp sets. Now I will have to figure out which I really want to get like NOW! I am a word person and love having a large variety of word or saying stamps and am happy to see there are a lot of new sayings for me to add to my collection. I haven't much chance to play with the Copic markers that I got a couple of months ago but the Rubber Stamp and Scrapbook Expo is in town this weekend so I signed up for a Copic marker class so I can finally get a better idea of how to use these puppies! I really like that you can get them individually now! I ended up taking a day off work yesterday because I wasn't feeling that great and my daughter ended up with sunburn from her camp field trip the day before to a water park. Thankfully they had them wearing their camp shirts otherwise it would have been so much worse. My new Paper Creations magazine came in so I got some inspiration, felt a little better with Ibprofin and got down in my studio where it was much cooler and got to crafting. I am so delighted with the outcome. I made two cards based on designs in the new magazine and then I used the left over paper to and the same design concept to create two scrapbook pages. The cards will be available to make at the upcoming Project Playground on the 31st and the replays on August 19th and 21st. I wish I could craft all day everyday!!!

FEELING OUT OF THE LOOP BUT THE ANTICIPATION IS BUILDING

2011-06-28T19:35:00.000-07:00

I have been getting emails from other angels on what the new catalog is like, what's in it, etc. I feel so bummed that I couldn't make it to seminar again this year. I really have to start putting aside a little cash each month so I can get out to Nebraska next year. It kind of sucks having to sit it out and wait for news and wait for your order of cataloges to arrive. I got my order in today so I am hoping by this time next week I will be drooling over the new catalog and all the new stamp sets. There is apparently a white pen that everyone is raving about as well. I will be super happy to be able to get a white pen that actually works! I wonder if our dry climate here has anything to do with it but I have to get a pen and use it within a few days and after that it just doesn't work well. So here is hoping... I had some free time tonight with both kids up at Uncle's home for the night so I finished putting together a fun card using scraps from my over-flowing scrap boxes and the outside frame of a die cut. I tried a couple different dies and ended up really liking how the ice cream cone came out and thought that makes a great image for a summer card. I love the challenge of using my scraps in my scrap box. I picked out about 10 patterned paper scraps and cut them into 1/2" strips and put in the new strip scrap box. This is really fun way to use those outside frames of the die cuts you cut out. Now, I have to come up with something to use all the die cut ice cream cones I have. I am sure I can figure something out. I will let you know what I come up with.

End of year school stuff has kept things busy...

2011-05-30T06:08:00.000-07:00

but I have managed to get in some crafting time. I did a page on Mother's Day and it came out gorgeous and I did a couple pages about my son's 8th grade continuation ceremony that just happened this week. Trying to get to those photos and memories before they fade away. I have been utilizing any left over paper from card design projects and creating a scrapbook page using some of the same design concepts or techniques I used in the cards which is cool and makes putting the scrapbook page together pretty easy since I already have a design/concept to go with. I just got a book on success with your craft business. I wanted to see what else I could be doing. I have to get my stuff up on my Zibbet store. I have a few items but I have to get some business cards made up and start marketing my site more. Always a work in progress...

Back to Creating...

2011-05-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

It was nice having a few days away from home in sunny warm CA with my mom and sister but I was blooming with some ideas. Of course, my card magazine came in the mail, new paper is sitting around waiting for me to do something with it and it was a warm day today so being down in the studio was a nice place to be on a warm day. I started off with a sketch from a card magazine and just kept going and going. I made two cards for the replay Project Playground coming up next weekend and a few more cards with the scraps and put together a beautiful scrapbook page. I like to take all my left-overs and see what else I can come up with so I don't have to put too much into the already over-flowing scrap box. I am looking forward to The Angel Company order coming in any day now for more inspiration. New stamps!!! Yeah! I can't resist a sale and you shouldn't either. There's lots of stamps being discontinued and some of them have been favorites of mine for the last couple years. Gotta go crawl into bed now and get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a wonderful day! Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers in the world!

Got it!

2011-04-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

Turned out to be a simple unplugged cable issue. Duh! My photography skills still need some work but this photo will do.

Golden Egg Challege

2011-04-20T05:11:00.000-07:00

I have been surfing around the new website for The Angel Company and the blogs. I read about the Golden Egg Challenge and wrote down the criteria. Glitter, 3 layers, 3 colors, ribbon or floss and flower. I ended up making a card last night and got all finished and was way happy with it and realized I forgot the flower part. Ugh. So, I had to modify it. I am still very happy with the design and will have to copy it and try it with some other paper, colors, etc. Of course, my camera and computer don't seem to want to communicate this morning so I can get the picture of the card up here but I will consult with my tech advisor hubby and see what's up with that and get it up as soon as possible. I have been scraplifting for a while and just using designs I see and trying them out and modifying them but this was refreshing to just go with the raw materials and go for it. I love the results and am sure you will too once you get a chance to see it. Ugh.

Work is play!

2011-04-11T06:14:00.000-07:00

I have a Mother's Day Market I am going to have a table at on Tuesday evening and so I have been prepping cards to make and sell at this event. I got a cute and simple idea from one of my magazines and went to play. I used my new Create a Critter cartridge and an old one that I need to get out and look into further called Animal Kingdom. A customer and friend of mine ordered some graduation, thinking of you, get well and sympathy cards for her business so I figured I would kill two birds with one stone. I changed up the card sketch a bit as I went along creating new cards. I love this simple but effective design. I will have a couple of these at the Project Playground coming up this Sunday April 17th.

Create a Critter inspiration

2011-03-13T06:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my good friend, Michelle, I was introduced to the cartridge for the Cricuit called Create a Critter. She helped me put together a farm page with some cows. I was so thrilled because I told my cousin I would make her a scrapbook of her baby's first couple of months and his room is all done up in a farm theme. I got lucky last week and found some farm paper to use through Oriental Trading but the Cricuit cartridge is gold! I created my daughter's birthday invites last week using the stripes cat. It was so cute. I didn't make enough to keep one so I will have to go back and make one more to include in the scrapbook for her birthday. So, I wanted to try making another card with a critter so I came up with this book mark card. I made it for a mom or mom-to-be specifically but it could be used for anyone. I cut a slit in the middle of my card and put the paper on top and bottom of the slit so it doesn't show. I ended up sizing the book mark at 4 inches long so it wouldn't come out the bottom of the card but not come over the top either. I ended up putting a band of card stock on the inside to keep the book mark bottom down as a kind of anchor so the top part doesn't want lean forward as much. For a first attempt creation, I am pretty happy with it. I created a Mother's Day card using one of the easiest ever techniques out there. Not sure what you call the technique. I think it might be the overstamp technique where you stamp one image and than do some stamping of image without re-inking. I also added the kissing technique and got some words lifted off the butterfly with that technique. That is a very cool technique but you need more filled in stamps. That's not the term for that but you will see what I mean by looking at the card. I threw together a Father's Day card with the kite stamp and some paper I got recently at Scrap for Less. All in all a productive afternoon. I hope to do more today but I will be going with a friend to a parenting seminar at my church. I need some new tools to deal with my very spirited almost 8 year old daughter! :)

Playing with some new stamps and the Copic Markers

2011-03-06T05:23:00.000-08:00

I got some new stamp sets recently that were featured last month on the savvy projects blog for TAC. I love the concept of a designer each day and showing all kinds of ideas! I was inspired to say the least. I tried my copic marker out for the first time. You will see in the Hedge Hog Happy Card that the red balloon got a bit too much ink. It was dripping wet when I first opened it. I did it on regular white card stock and soon was able to see why many angels commeted when we first got the Copic markers that you really want to use the "right" card stock. I did pick up some of TAC premium white just in case and was glad I did. I did try coloring on the premium card stock and it looked SO much better. I love the Hedge Hog set which is a Level 2 hostess set that I got for free. Nice! I also got the Cups filled with Love stamp set. I don't think that is the name. I don't have the Fall catalog so I will have to go to TAC website and look up the name again so I can label my set appropriately. I tried coloring the tea cup with water color pencils but didn't really like the end result too much. I decided to go with easy and stamped the tea cup on my patterned paper I was going to use for the card and cut out the middle of the tea cup and pasted it over another stamped tea cup that I had used just a quick chalk coloring on. I personally like to be able to get my coloring done quick! I have never wanted to spend more than a 1/2 hour making just one card! Ugh. That's not me. So, this card ended up pretty nice and didn't take me TOO long. Time to play is limited these days so I have to keep it real!

The 5-2-1 is Back!

2011-02-28T04:40:00.000-08:00

I created this 5-2-1 workshop back in 2009 and it was a hit. I put it aside until now. I wanted to have something that would incorporate lots of cards and some other projects as well for my project playgrounds. So, I pulled out my old instructions and went line by line creating the projects. The first set of projects came out pretty well especially with some added flair like dry embossing and ribbons and brads. The first time around I kept it super simple without the extras so that people could see you can make cards in a simplistic way and they can look great. The second time going through the instructions and making the projects I made a few adjustments on measurments and added a picture stamp rather than just word stamps. My first thought in creating the 5-2-1 was to use up most all the paper given. The project asks for 2 12x12 coordinating patterned papers. 2 12x12 coordinating colored cardstocks and 4 white or cream colored card stock. All of these papers need to work together for it to work. I used the Emma Soar with It collection which was nice because of the double-sided patterned paper it gave me a couple more options to change the look if desired. I played around with embossing and embellishments to give a general idea of the possibilities you can do to enhance the projects. So, I am going to add a slideshow at the top of the blog with all the projects so far created for the next Project Playground on April 17th including one of the flower pot cards I was so frustrated with last week. I did do another version with more lively spring colors and made it a Mother's day card. I will have to add that into the slideshow at some point. I have to work on my daughter's birthday invites next. They are going to be wild!

March TAC Four-legged Friends and Flowers Promotion

2011-02-27T04:50:00.000-08:00

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

Frustrating Challenge Conquered!

2011-02-22T14:34:00.000-08:00

I saw this cute flower pot card in a magazine and have been trying to reproduce it. Well, I didn't have any flower stamps that were big enough so I decided to go with die cut flowers using my Cricut but after 3 attempts I was so frustrated. It just wasn't looking right. I finally figured it out. I needed the flower a little bigger and more than just 3. I will have to get my camera going in the next day or so and show you all my flower pot card creations. I am very happy with the last one and now know I can create more! yeah.

Experimenting can be so much fun!

2011-02-12T07:07:00.000-08:00

I have really enjoyed looking at the Savvy Projects Blog for TAC each day to see what the designer of the day has done. Lots of fun ideas. I also got some inspiration this week from the new Cardmaker magazine that I just started subscribing to. It was so awesome to see some familiar stamps and names from TAC in the magazine. The diagonal accordian card was interesting to make. Not always easy to make something without any dimensions to go by but just a photo but I like what I came up with. I think the middle part would be a great spot for a photo of maybe me and a friend together. I made up a couple for the Project Playground in April so some of my friends can try out this kind of card. I totally forgot about the downloadable from TAC so was very happy for the remind of those and created what I call the fold back card. Simple but elegant! This card will be wonderful for a birthday or wedding. My last recent experiment was inspired from the magazine. I really liked the idea of the kite. I am not happy with how the sky and clouds turned out but I have another idea or two that I will try out. Creating the kite was a challenge in itself. I had nothing on the Cricut nor in all my punches or die cuts to help me but finally found my large clear ruler with all kinds of diagonal lines on it and right smack in the middle was the kite shape I was looking for. Felt weird using a ruler and pencil to get the shape cut out that I wanted and then getting the patterned paper kite for the inside a little smaller. Wow that was challenging too but I somehow managed it. Going to work on that some more and see if there's an easier way? It's been fun experimenting this last week.

April Project Playground will be here before I know it!

2011-02-09T10:58:00.001-08:00

I have been following the designer for a day on the Savvy Projects blog for TAC and got inspired this last weekend to try the retriform techniuqe from the recent blog hop. It's a fun technique. A little more labor intensive but with very nice results so it will be worth it to give it a try for a project for Project Playground. I made the thank you cards I just sent to those who came to the first PP in January with this technique. The other card I made was inspired by one of Michelle's designs ont he Savvy Projects blog. I just happend to have the tools to try this out. I was not really happy with it at first. I tried a fish stamp but that didn't pop enough so I went with a die cut of a sea horse from the Cricut and was very happy with that. You will get to make one of these in April if you wish. Here's to more creating!

January 30th 2001 Project Playground is Coming!

2011-01-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

It's the start of a new year so it's time again to re-think goals, make some new ones and make them happen. Project Playgroud is one of my most fun and enjoyable parts of my business. I enjoy talking with the women who come and helping them with their creations. My inspiration for this Project Playground has been my goal to send a thinking of you card everyone day for a year. Okay, we are already two weeks into the new year and I have only sent out 5 cards. Preparation is really going to be the key to actually getting this accomplished. I am re-thinking this goal to be 2 cards a week for this year and we will see about preparing for the next year and making it 5 cards a week. I do have to be realistic, don't I? My other inspiration has been love with Valentines Day around the corner and my 15 year wedding anniversary and all I learned about love in 2010 I just have been really inspired with hearts and heartfelt sentiments. I hope you will be inspired by the creations I have designed for this Project Playground. Project Playground is on Jan 30th 1-5pm. You pay for whatever you make from my large assortmeent of designs. Email me at RobertsonOasisAngel@gmail.com for questions, to RSVP or ask about getting any the projects as a kit to do on your own time.

Accordion Album Kit Instructions

2010-10-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

I am working on a video to show how the accordion album kits go together. I am sure you can figure it out from the instructions given with the kits but for those that are visual, I thought having this video would be good for you. This is my first time doing a video so please give me a break! LOL! I will have it up on the blog ASAP.

Project Playground Fun!

2010-09-22T05:51:00.000-07:00

It's coming up this Sunday! I am loving lots of the projects I have come up with in the last 6 months. The accordion albums were a total hit with my networking group! The paper bag album always gets lots of oos and ahhs. My new coaster album with the wooden lion on the front is so cool. I have created a gift bag for Thanksgiving and another one for Christmas. I am going to add a Halloween Boo to You bag when I have some free time on Saturday to make it. So, if you haven't been or are interested in doing any of these projects but can't make it to the event, just let me know and we can get you what you need to make it at your home.

Portrait Pages

2010-08-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

I have been getting back to the roots of my creativity with scrapbooking. It is my true love and passion. I started creating what I call portrait pages a couple of years ago. I put them in frames and they adorn the walls of my home. I have had so many positive comments about them. I really think it is something everyone can do. It's a great way to do get some of those memories captured on a scrapbook page with the photos. I look back at some of the other portrait pages framed on my walls that are just the photo and now can only fagely remember how old my child was and never-mind remembering any details. Those memories are forever stuck in my brain and will only be retreivable, I am hoping, when I get to heaven. It does break my hear to look at a photo and just barely remember much about it. That's why I take scrapbooking so to heart. And I know I am not the only one with a memory system that doesn't work well. I have also wanted to figure out a way to help schools and other organizations raise money for their programs. I thought this would be a great way to help people get some memories onto a scrapbook page with a photo and at the same time they can help their school/etc. I created a slide show with some example of portrait pages I have created. Most are written in my handwriting but they can also be done using fonts on the computer. I can do portrait page kits too for those that would like to use their own handwriting on their scrapbook page. The page is already put together so you just add the photo, write your journaling and adhere to page. I have it figured out so that a fundraiser can be done anywhere in the U.S. Thank God for the post office and FedEx. Please contact me with any questions you might have and I would be delighted to help.

July Stamp of the Month

2010-06-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

http://www.theangelcompany.net/

Gearing up for a new Project Playground

2010-06-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

It is so time to play! I have been monopolized lately with kid and family things but now I have some time to play. I got in some playing time last weekend. Got caught up on my scrapbooking jobs and had a chance to do a few cards and put together two special cards for Father's day. So, the next project playground will be on June 26th. I will continue in the days ahead to bring you some fabulous project to choose from. Here's a photo of one of the latest cards and the special accordion card project that I made for Father's day. If you are in the Colorado Springs area, I hope you can stop by to play. I have been playing around with using white space which is not in my comfort zone but I have been happy with the results so far. Creativity is about experimentation and learning from what works for you and what doesn't. So the next time you have a new tool or want to try a new technique just go for it and enjoy the process.

My on-line store is ready!

2010-05-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

It's so exciting to have everything come together. This has taken me months to work out but my on-line store is finally up and has two of my most popular creations, my accordion album and my scrap wallet card. I did the scrap wallet card as a class last year for Father's Day and it was my best class ever. My accordion albums I took to my networking group and sold 9 kits, 3 custom-made and one pre-made one. They both make the perfect unique thoughtful gifts and they are an inexpensive way to give a gift that receiver will totally cherish. These aren't cards that get thrown in the trash or stashed in a drawer for the next 20 years. These are keepsakes to be shared and displayed. I am now working on my latest creation I call my "Open-Faced Card". Like a standard size greeting card but it's a scrapbook page that stands up for display. I made one for my mom and for my mother in law for Mother's day and am working on getting some done for Father's Day. I am hoping these will be a big hit too. Visit my store at www.zibbet.com/OasisAngelStudio

Mother's Day Creations and More

2010-04-19T04:42:00.000-07:00

My next Project Playground is coming up on May 2nd so I have been creating for upcoming events like Mother's Day. I pulled out my scrapbook called Card to Crop that has all the samples of past techniques that we have done at some of my events and got re-inspired!I love taking a card design and technique and re-working it with new colors and changing little things like the stamp set used. It's amazing to see how many different cards you can make with one concept! I made a couple of Mother's Day cards with the baby wipe stamping technique in two differnet color schemes with two different stamps and they came out fabulous. I also decided to try making a bigger sized card. I had envelopes for a 5.5"x 8.5" card so thought it was time to try a new size. I ended up using my new butterfly stamp set from TAC and used a couple easy techniques on this card. I don't think the picutures do it justice! I also decided to do a scrapbook card with this same size. I made two so far for the mom's in my life. I sent an email to all the siblings for my mother-in-law and asked them to send me a short sentence, phrase or word that answers the question, what makes Mom special? I don't think we hear enough what others really think of us so thought this would be a wonderful way for us all to share how we really feel instead of the made up stuff from card companies. Now, I just need to find a photo to go with it! I also made up a couple more 4"x4" accordion albums with the chipboard covers. I made one for my neice who has a birthday coming up so she can put photos of her friends in it. I also made one for Grandma to give her some recent photos of the kids. I shouldn't have any trouble finding photos for that one. These are really quick and easy and only took me about 30 minutes to put together. So, enjoy the photos and let me know if you are interested in coming to the Project Playground on May 2nd or if you would like me to make a kit or creation for you. Everything is possible, just ask!

It's Official! I am...

2010-03-21T13:20:00.000-07:00

...totally addicted to mini scrapbooks. I am having so much fun! This weekend I did a CD Case scrapbook, a mini maze book and a Dimensional Scrapbook. I have all these little creations just waiting for photos. I had to finally get on-line and order some photo prints. The CD Case scrapbook was the easiest but not my favorite. I had done mini maze books before but this time added a chipboard front and back cover that ties closed with ribbon and I made pockets out of every other page and added tags to pack more into this mini. I decided to do a school theme and did it for photos of my daughter in first grade. I have a couple ready to go for the next project playground. The last one I did was the dimensional. I wasn't overly impressed with just the base but WOW! after adding some matting and embellishments and sanding the paper for a more vintage look I am thrilled with how it turned out. I will be putting a couple of these together for project playground too! I can't wait for my order from The Angel Company to arrive. I want to try some of these with TAC paper. Well, it's a beautiful Spring day so I am not going to hold up in the studio but take my daughter to the park and create some more awesome photos to scrap.

What a crafting weekend I have had!

2010-03-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

The Project Playground was great fun on Saturday afternoon. Thanks to all the ladies that came. I can't say I got much done. It was just nice to sit and chat! I did get a few more of my Scrap Wallet Cards ready for sale and have been working on getting the photos ready so I can get them up on Etsy.com Today, I just was so in the mood! I pulled out the book from the library and ended up doing 3 other kinds of mini albums: a paper bag album, matchbook album and ribbon-tied accordion album. These will all be featured at future Project Playgrounds so you can make them too and I may have to get some together to sell as kits and all completed. It was just too much fun! Now I am ready to just be a bump on a log and sit and watch some TV. Time to vegitate before another work week starts. So, I am getting closer to my goal of getting some stuff up on-line to sell. It's all such a process and lots to figure out along the way but I can't wait to be able to share my crafts with more people. I am placing an order this week with TAC if you need anything, let me know. Okay, off to vegitate...

I Have Been on a Creating Spree!

2010-03-08T05:15:00.000-08:00

I don't really ever seem to run out of inspiration but when I know I have some of my wonderful friends and customers coming to a Project Playground soon I just go crazy with wanting to create some new things that they will just love. I got my inspiration this time from a book I picked up at the library on mini scrapbooks. I love the concept of mini's because you can usually get them done within an hour or less and the cost is minimal. There are lots of ideas I want to try from this book but I went with a simple accordian album and WOW! I am loving the results. I made them using Miss Moxie and Willoughby Soar With It collections from The Angel Company because of the whole sheet of tag embellishments it comes with. It made it super easy to put together and with all my word stamp sets it was easy finish it off. I have put a couple kits together for the Project Playground so you can make one too. You can also buy a kit and make it on your own time. I will be ordering and making more in all the Soar with it Paper collections which you can see on www.theangelcompany.net Let me know if you would like an accordian album kit and in what paper collection. They will be $9 for the kit or $12 made up and embellished just for you. Project Playground is on Sat March 13th!

PROJECT PLAYGROUND SPRINGING INTO SPRING

2010-02-26T05:23:00.000-08:00

Spring will be here soon and with that comes, Baby Showers, Weddings, Graduations, Spring Birthdays and the end of school. Be prepared for all these events to come with some cards and fabulous projects made by you from my Project Playground. They do mean so much more to people. Take a couple hours and make some cards for those you care about and invite a friend to join you for the afternoon. As always, you will have a good variety of cards and projects to choose from on the Project Playground Shelves. You choose what you want to make in the time you have and pay only for what you make. There are simple projects, more elaborate projects and everything in between. This is cheap afternoon entertainment and you take home your projects to boot! This makes a great date with your daughter, mom, sister, friend, co-worker or neighbor.

Date: Saturday, March 13th

Time: Anytime between 1pm-5pm

Place: Oasis Angel Studio at my home 235 Sedona Drive, COS, CO 80921

What to bring: a snack to share and a guest if you wish, otherwise just get on over!

Payment: Accepting cash or check only

Sidetracked in a good way!

2010-02-18T12:04:00.000-08:00

I got a little bit side-tracked with my current goal of getting my scrap flip cards up and available for purchase on Etsy.com. I will do my best to get that accomplished by the end of February! In the meantime, I did get side-tracked with some of my left-over card parts for cards I designed for my project playgrounds of the past. I decided to do some card make-over's! It was actually very cool to take the parts and the sample of the original design and come up with a different card. Changes were mostly simple like changing the orientation of the card from horzontial to vertical or vise versa and/or changing the stamp and sentiment used. Some changes required a little bit of cutting here and there but in the end it was so cool to see the results. I had to keep going and do all that were in the shoeboxes on my project playground shelf. I will have to get a slideshow up of my results so you can see how cool this concept is. My next mission is to go through my boxes of card makings from my card buffets I use to do. No sense letting all that cutting go to waste! Another goal I am slowly working on is a ministry using my cards. That's all still a dream in my head but I am slowly getting things down on paper to plan it out. I did have to clean out some of my craft supply room which is one of our basement bedrooms. We have to make it liveable for when my mom comes out in August! Anyways, I was just going through stuff to move and so forth and realized I had started lots of projects but haven't gotten around to finishing them. Pathetic! I will have to probably start a list of to do's in terms of my craft stuff. I definitely need to get going on my own scrapbooks and have to get my grandparents heritage album done before my own memory is totally gone. So much to do and so little time. That's one thing I have realized in going from an at-home mom to a working mom, you don't have a lot of time for extracurricular activities like making cards and scrapbooks. So for all those people out there that gave me that excuse when I was trying to sell it to you, I totally get it now! Which is why I still love The Angel Company because they are striving to help us create even when we don't have a lot of time. Okay, my lunch break is about over so off I go to my working mom world for a while but I will be back...

Oranization Goal Finished!

2010-02-04T06:28:00.000-08:00

I got all my stamps into CD cases or my notebook, all images stamped in an image notebook so anyone can flip thru and look and see what I have. I have the stamp sets labeled in the notebook and on the CD cases. Plus, I put them in categories and labeled the shelves with the category names: Shapes & Letters, Animals & Insects, Fall & Winter, Spring & Summer, Misc. and Words. My stack of Word stamps is considerably larger then the rest so I guess you can figure out what I like to use. I think sometime in the near future I will go in and color all the stamp images using different mediums so people can see what they look like colored and see different mediums used.
My next goal is to work on getting my Photo Wallet Card Designs on Etsy.com. I did a class with them last year which was my most popular class, even sold a few kits to people who couldn't come. Well, I improved the magnetic closure so it works better and is easier to add to the design. I already have 6 completed and another 15 kits done! So be on the look out for a slideshow of them coming very soon and I will let you know how my goal is progressing. Thanks to all posters for your comments and suggestions! Many minds working together can do wonders!

Organizing our Creativity Stuff

2010-01-26T04:58:00.000-08:00

This is one area I have found that people love to see when they come to my studio. They just go "ah, ha" when they see some of the ways that I keep my stamp sets organized. I have probably close to a hundred stamps sets at this point and it's almost impossible now to locate what you want or even remember what you have without some system. I initially started put my TAC stamps into CD cases and labeled them. I started marking the stamps sets that were discountinued with a yellow dot on the label so I knew they were no longer available to customers. I have let the large stamp sets that just can't fit into CD cases just sit in there original clam shells for way to long and finally got the notebook/page system that TAC sells to put them in but haven't had the time to do it. I am committing myself to the goal of cleaning up and finishing my organizing attempts by February 3rd. I figured if I can do a little bit everyday for a week I will be hopefully caught up on it. I also started a notebook that has all the stamp images I have on white cardstock and labeled with the stamp set name to make looking for what you want easy. Everyone loves this concept when they see it. Now, I just have to organize the stamps on my shelf into categories so you only have to look through one stack for the set you want rather then the whole entire collection. I will take some photos along the way on this journey and keep you posted on how things are coming together on my organization goal. It will really help to have it all organized so I can get back to creatiing without the "where is that stamp set?" problem.

Stretching the Creativity

2010-01-19T11:50:00.000-08:00

I was looking through the photos of the note cards I made and thought I need to share about what happened as I contemplated making these cards. Well, the customer had 9 different themes for the cards like flowery, cooking, ducks, teddy bears. Okay, my stamp collection is fairly large but I just did not have all the stamps I needed to make these cards. I had absolutely no cooking stamps, my duck stamps were limited to one little rubber duck and only had 2 bear stamps. Now, I am not about to go out and buy more stamps and blow all my profit for making these cards so I stewed on it for a day or two and finally my brain said, "CLIPART!" So, I found some clipart that I could either color in with my markers, chalks, pencils, etc. or enhance with coloring, shading or adding some sparkle from the stardust pens. I managed to get out a whole lot more variety using clipart. Of course, I was limited to what I have but now I know there's more clipart available. It's just a great option if you want to make a card with a certain something and have time running against you. So, if you try this out, let me know how it comes out for you.

2010 goals

2010-01-13T12:06:00.000-08:00

There are so many things that I want to improve upon in my life. To get some of these things actually happening, I created my own customized daily planner. I only made it for 3 months and will re-evaluate towards the end of that period to see what needs to be added or tweaked. So far, I have been taking my fiber and vitamins daily as I should. I have done bible study or bible reading everyday! I make the phone calls I need to make. Get my dinner planned before leaving the house for my day job and even have a bible memory verse and affirmation statement to keep my focus where it should be. My plan is to offer customized planners to my customers next year after this year of implementation and experimentation. I will have to invest in a really good binding machine. My Zutter works good for small projects but a planner just has too many pages. I still need to do a little design for my cover when I have some time. I had to finish a 100 card order, a school portraits scrapbook page order and my monthly scrapbooking clients pages and now have some baby shower invites to make up. I am wondering if I will ever have time to get my own scrapbooking done but I figure as my kids grow and move out eventually that my evenings and weekends will be open wide to do whatever I want but for now it's all about balance. I am gearing up for my first project playground on the 17th. I focused on birthday cards since I was designing 100 individual designs for one of my clients. I killed two birds with one stone. I will have to put a slide show together of all the cards I have made in the last half of 2009. I think even I will be surprised by the number but it's always fun to look at the designs and evaluate if I will ever do them again or not. I will be adding updating my blog, doing social media like Facebook and LinkedIn on a daily and/or weekly basis to my planner. I will have to write it in for now so that I can start getting into the habit. Many goals to accomplish this year but I know the Lord will help me. Happy new year to you all! Let me know what your goals are?

Life is busy but I still find the time to create.

2009-10-07T05:17:00.000-07:00

The last few months have been crazy with a new job, health issues, school starting and lots of other things on my plate that I sometimes wonder why did I say yes to. You ever feel that way? Anyways, regardless of how much is going on in my life, I make the time to create. It is my therapy, my form of relaxation, my joy and makes me feel just GOOD! With Halloween coming upon us, I got inspired with a new stamp set called Spookacilious in TAC new magaloge called Inspiration Avenue. You can check it out on my website at www.janiner.ismyangel.net. I created a couple Halloween cards and made up a mini album that is just too freaking cute. Another angel gave one to me at Seminar and I figured out how she did it and like magic created this too cool fold-out mini album. I call the peek-a-boo album because it has doors you open. I hope you can make it to a project playground this month or sometime soon to try out some of the awesome projects I have come up with.

Latest creations

2009-09-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

I have just finished 3 school days albums for a customer and started playing around with some stamped images from some of the new stamp sets in Inspiration Avenue that Julie, my up-line angel sent me. Thanks Julie! It's always fun when you get new stamp sets because it just gets those creative juices flowing. I also plugged away for a few days getting together a card order of 40 birthday cards for a customer. I ended up using my stash of scraps for cards that I organize by sizes small, medium and large. Wow, that was so fun! So, I will get slide shows of both my Christmas designs I just did and the birthday cards made from scraps probably tomorrow. The bus is going to be here any minute so no time to add the pictures. Sorry. Check tomorrow or the next day!

What's changing at the studio!

2009-09-02T05:14:00.000-07:00

The last 2 months have been a whirlwind with starting a new job and adjusting to life working outside of the home. I knew that I spent most of my waking moments in the studio before making cards, scrapbooks or doing stuff like this for my business but you don't realize how much time you put into things until you don't have that time available anymore. I love making things for people and I love having people over to make things so it's not something I am going to just give up. I have invested the last 3 years of my life to growing my business and I love it! But I did have to come up with a way to balance my life with new job, family and business without business taking every moment of my free time. So, what I am going to do is combine all the little classes I was having into one class called Project Playground. Project Playground will take place on one weekend day and one weeknight a month. I will several projects for you to choose from. You will be able to come choose your project or projects and pay for what you make. The projects will be anything from mini albums to specialty cards and lots of other paper crafting projects. The slideshow is a representation of the projects that are currently available. If there is a project you see that you really want to do, you may reserve it for one upcoming project playground day or ask about purchasing the kit to do complete on your own. When a project is out of supplies, that's it so it is a first come first serve kind of thing. I will only be making enough supplies for a project with what I have. If it is wildly popular, I can always re-stock the supplies for a future Project Playground day. Sept Project Playground days and times are as follows: Thurs, Sept 17th 7pm or Sat, Sept 26th 1pm-5pm. The daytime Project Playgrounds will be more flexible as you can come and start your project anytime within the open time frame. All my projects will have an approximate time it will take on it so you can know ahead of time if you will have time to do another project, etc.
My card buffets will continue on the third Sunday afternoons of the month and my crop club is on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 3pm-9pm. Email me for more information on anything happening at the studio! janine@coloradorobertsons.com

One Stop Shop

2009-07-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

Many business women in Colorado Springs are joining together to raise money and donated items for the ONE STOP SHOP Back to School Fundraiser! This will be held on Saturday, August 15th from 9am-3pm at The Multi-Purpose Bldg. 1025 Ford Street COS 80915(East of Powers, Corner of Galley & Ford Street). There will be all kinds of advertisement, T.V. and a radio station will be present to help us raise money and get school items donated for all the needy families in our community. School supplies add up and some families have 3-5 children or more. It's just too heavy a burden. I hope you will come out and help these families and have some fun shopping with the 28 business women who are putting this on. Your putting money right back into your community when you shop local! And I am not talking Wal-mart! I will have lots of fun items to help preserve your child/children's school memories, some great items to get your teachers and some other fun stuff you just gotta have. I hope you will support this cause. Any of my customers, friends and family who attend and order from me at the One Stop Shop will receive 10% off their order! I don't know about you but I can't wait for school to start!
This event is sponsored by Step up to Success and the Giving Circle, a new organization that helps our local community. There will be a chance to win over $500 in gift certificates! Admission is Free but we are requesting that you bring a school supply or $$ donation to help this cause and double your chance of winning!

Double Hostess Benefits are Back and More!

2009-07-27T16:40:00.000-07:00

This is the best ever promotion and the best time to host a funshop because you can not only double your hostess benefits which means if you earn 1 half-priced item you actually earn TWO and same with the exclusive hostess stamp sets you can earn. Not only that but there's extra incentive to get in on this now rather then right at the end of the promotion as they will be rewarding you with bonus product. It's all in the flyer below. There are certain times when you can earn certain bonus rewards so take a look and see what bonus reward intices you. I can honestly say that doing any actual funshops is not possible for August as I have already got enough on my calendar but I don't want you to miss out on getting the AWESOME deal that double benefits and extra rewards will bring you so I am putting together some PARTY-in-a-BOX. The box will have a card kit with all items necessary for you to get together with your friends in a group or one-on-one. You make the card, tell them about what you have loved about The Angel Company and the products you have and show them the catalog. You get to keep the catalog and inspiration book and earn some great rewards and have fun on your own time with your friends playing with TAC. Anyone, anywhere can do this. I will ship a PARTY-in-a-Box anywhere in the U.S. Contact me today!

Life adjustments

2009-07-27T06:33:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks have been so wild. I went into an interview, got the job before I left and was working at in 3 days later. The job itself is a good fit for me as it is part-time during school hours and not a stress making kind of job. The hard part has been getting child care for my daughter until school starts. My son is old enough to babysit but I can't subject both of them to the torture of being together like that M-F. Thank God for my friends and family who have taken my daughter on most days. She's having more fun now than before my job started! I have had lots less time to create and am working on balancing my family, business and other pursuits without any on particular one suffering. I will have to scale back on business stuff but it will probably be more on the creating scrapbooks for other end. I love the classes I do and just don't want to let that go. I had to create an easier designing method for my card buffets. It was much quicker to get all the designs done and the prep work should be very efficient so I will still be able to do them. I hope you will like having cards designed with the same paper collections. They are all different designs and for different occasions and I will make it so you can change the image or sentiment if you desire. Well, I must go get ready for work now but I will be back to the studio this afternoon and start cranking away getting ready for the One Stop Shop Back to School Fundraiser I will have a booth at on August 15th. ta,ta for now.

TAC Seminar

2009-06-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

You know you go into something with little expectations and you get surprised in big ways. That's how it was for me this weekend at TAC Seminar in Witchita, KS. I was going to be rooming with unknown ladies and didn't know a soul but what a fabulous bunch of women. It so awesome to be part of such a great company that cares about you and each other. It so mirrors my own values and that's what I love! I was totally blown away when they called my name as a Rising Star award winner! I was in such shock but totally excited, too! Someone later told me that she didn't even know me and she was crying when I got the award. It was definitely a "Sally Field" moment! My roomies were so super awesome!!! It was a tremdously awesome weekend full of ideas, inspriation and lots of fun. I can't wait to see what the next year will bring with TAC. I love the new catty! I think it's a smart way to go in keeping things simpler. This hobby can be so overwhelming to people especially those that are just starting so I am really glad they have made it that much easier. I have a long list of stamp sets I wanna get and am working on what classes I will be teaching in the next few months. So much to do but so much fun! I just love TAC, all the angels and all my friends, family and especially my awesome customers. Have a great and safe 4th of July! God Bless you and America!

July Vintage Stamp of the Month

2009-06-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

www.theangelcompany.net

Double Hostess Benefits are Back!

2009-06-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

www.theangelcompany.net

Graduated Chipboard & Acetate Album

2009-06-20T18:50:00.000-07:00

I found this totally cute album on Heather Scott's blog. I modified slightly but I think it came out superb! For this class, I will have a variety of colors for you to choose from with the same accents of black and white. You can later add in any photos you want and keep or give as a gift.

Father's Day Flip Card a HUGE Success!

2009-06-20T09:28:00.000-07:00

Wow! Did I ever need this! Thanks so much to all who came to the class but also to all that bought the kit to do on your own time. It's really not complicated and such a wonderful gift! I will have to do this class again and gear the kits for upcoming holidays like grandparents day, Halloween and Thanksgiving. I added photos to the slide show of the class and how the projects were coming together for everyone. Everyone of them was a UNIQUE CREATION! I love that!
I am working on my next new class called 5-2-1. You will be able to make 5 cards, 2 tags and 1 12x12 scrapbook page. This will be offered as a kit, too! Once you have the directions for the designs, etc. you will be able to do again and again on your own and only spend the amount for the 4 12x12 papers and the 3 sheets of 81/2x11 white cardstock. You will be able to make 5 cards, 2 tags and a scrapbook page for under $5!!!!!!!!!!! I wanted to come up with a way to save you money and I have done it. I will do these classes as often as I can so you can get new designs. Check out the slide show of the two sample kits I have already put together. I will be offering the kit as is 5-2-1 kit or break it up and just offer the card part of it for less. Stay-tuned for more details.

Simplifying Things

2009-06-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

I am re-thinking my plan for classes and events to offer. I put so much time into most of these and am not getting much out of it. I will be giving up the From Card to Crop monthly class as the attendance has dropped off the face of the earth. I love learning new techniques and want to share them but will now be offering this through my angel club. The angel club meets once a month on the 4th Tuesday evening of the month. I am now going to open it to anyone as a one time option. So, if you want to come learn some new techniques, sample some products you may have never tried and create some fun cards and other projects you can now come for the meeting. The cost will either be $15 in sales from The Angel Company or $5.00. Anyone is welcome to committ to it monthly and spend your $15 from TAC and you will be on the list to receive the benefits of hosting a funshop with free stamps sets and 1/2 priced items. I will be having open crop eveings that will vary from month to month as it will depend on my schedule and my family's schedule. These open crops will be available to anyone and everyone. I really just like to have the company when I am working on my things so... the monthly PMS crops will be eliminated.
In terms of classes, I will only be offering up classes that fit in with what I am doing for my projects like the Father's Day Scrap Flip Card class coming up and the School Portrait Page Funshop. I will be offering the kits as well for anyone that can't make the actual class but would really like to do the project.
The Card Buffets are the most attended events so I may add another Card Buffet in the evening for those that can't do weekend/day events. It will have to be a mini version as I can't have people staying too late so it will try doing 6 cards for $10. You will still have the option of choosing 2 designs but make 3 cards of each instead of 5. We'll give it a try and see how it works out. Of course, once I go to seminar later this month, I will probably being bursting with new ideas and stuff. Anyways, that is the current plan. I would love to hear from you on ideas or classes you would like to see!

Father's Day Scrap Flip Card

2009-06-02T15:24:00.000-07:00

I created this card for a contest but ended up confusing the deadline and missed it. Darn it! But it came out so awesome that I just had to make it a class as it really isn't overly complicated and can be done in an evening. I did one for my hubbie for Father's Day and I did another originally for the contest that's all about my daughter. I will probably give it to my mom for her birthday in August. They are perfect for dad's to keep on their desks and work and whip out whenever the topic of their kids comes up. It has a magnetic closure and is the size of an A2 card. I create 3 tags for the pockets on the side flaps so I have some place to journal an even add another photo or two. You can probably use about 10-12 photos that can be cropped down for this project. You may or may not use them all but it's good to have options. For the one for my hubbie, I picked out photos throughout the last year of him doing things with the kids. The class is coming up on Thursday, June 11th at 7pm and the cost is $10. I will have a variety of different papers for you to choose from that best fit what you want. If you can't make the class, I would be happy to let you in on the instructions. janine@coloradorobertsons.com

Catelynne Kit Projects

2009-05-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I got the Fly with it Collection called Catelynne and happened to have the Hemmingway Cardstock on hand that coordinated and decided I wanted to see how many projects I could make. Here's what I made:
Fold Out Scrap Card
Mini Accordion Album in a Tin
Card Caddy with 4 cards
3 individual cards
3 9x9 scrapbook pages I will be making into a vertical wall hanging with page protectors
1 12x12 scrapbook page with all the remaining scraps

I will be having classes on the Fold Out Scrap Card for Father's Day on June 11th and I will do a class in the near future making the mini accordion album. The card caddy can be found at www.scor-pal.com I also used ribbon found on sale at Hobby Lobby and staples for most of my embellishments. I haven't figured out the cost as yet but I figure about $25 with adhesive, ribbons and all. I think a lot of people get a paper collection for one specific purpose so I think it's neat to see that there are lots of other things that can be done with all the left-over scraps!
If you are interested in trying out any of these projects or ordering you can email me at janine@coloradorobertsons.com

End of school year is here...

2009-05-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Oh No! I am so not ready! Teacher gifts, another Oh NO! I will scramble and be inspired just by the sheer nature of the time crunch. I will let you know what I come up with?
I am thinking about my school portrait pages. It's a tradition I started last year. I go over the school year with the kids and write down all the really stand-out memories that I don't want to be forgotten over time. These have to be one of my favorite scrapbook pages. I have them on the wall in the entry way and have gotten so many Grand compliments and "what a great idea" comments. Make some time to do this one scrapbook page or let me do it for you. I am doing a special on these pages for just $10. Email me if your interested in getting some done! janine@coloradorobertsons.com

2nd Year Anniversary

2009-04-27T05:18:00.000-07:00

It's scary how time flies by so quickly. I have learned a lot in the last two years being an Angel. I have really only actively done my business as a business in the last year but I am very pleased with it's progression. I have met some awesome ladies, had a lot of fun and created SO many things. Being an Angel has put me in the position where I must stretch and grow with my hobbies, learning more and in turn passing on what I know to others. I have a particular friend who has really been a great supporter of mine so I made a card in honor of her that can be made at my Open House Crop-Shop-Swap on May 9th. It's a humorous card about being positive which can be challenging with the world the way it is and throw in hormone problems and it really can be tough. I hope many of you can come by on the 9th to crop, shop and swap any unwanted stamps and make this card to send to someone who could use a positivity boost!

TAC Bag is very cool!

2009-04-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

I have to say for the price it was worth it. It was like Christmas going through the bag of stamp seeing what they all were. I seperated them out according to size and than layed one after another on top of the Creative Cling sheet that comes with it so that I could get as many mounted on the cling as I could. I still have about 1/4 of the stamp left to mount, so I will need to buy a sheet of Creative Cling. I mounted the ones I wanted to use right away and left the more seasonal and holiday ones for later. I was really happy getting this one stamp that I know was in the catalog last year that I always wanted to get but never did. Most of the other ones I didn't recognize so they may have been before I became an angel. Anyways, it was a great surprise. You can still get a TAC Bag. Order at my website at http://www.janiner.ismyangel.net/ It's under the special promotions category on the left or if your in my town, call or email me to order. I am putting in a party order in the next few days so let me know ASAP!

TAC BAG Promo!

2009-04-11T05:15:00.000-07:00

I have never actually purchased when they've done promotions like this but I hear about it from other Angels and it really does sound like a great deal. This one is easy on the pocket book at only $15.95. I will definitely be trying it out and looking forward to the suprise assortment of stamps I get. Let me know if you want to get one too and I will get one ordered for you! Click on the picture of the flyer and it will take you to The Angel Company website. Just click on Promotions on the right and find the flyer and click on it and you can view the entrie flyer. Not sure why I am only getting a partial picture of the flyer? You know me, techniqually challenged but always striving to learn.

Savvy Projects Paper Crafting Contest

2009-03-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

Yes... ALL... Paper crafters, Artists, Rubber Stampers, Scrapbookers, and those of us who just call ourselves Crafters. Angels. Customers of Angels. YOU! You are eligible! This contest is for you!

Clean off your project work station, kitchen counter, dining room table... wherever it is you create... and pull out your FAVORITE stamps and papers from The Angel Company.

We have several contest categories to choose from. Pick one, two, three... as many as you like. Enter as many items as you'd like in each category... let your CREATIVIITY shine!

Contest Categories:
Stamp Art
Scrap Art
Paper Art
Altered Art

What can you win?
There will be five (5) Blue Button Winners in each category and one (1) Grand Prize Winner in each category. Blue Button Winners will receive a TAC-Coded Stamp Set of their choice. Each Grand Prize Winner will receive $100 worth of TAC-Coded Stamps and/or TAC Papers of their choice.

How do I enter?
Send your entry to:
The Angel Company
Savvy Projects Contest
405 Saturn Avenue
Salina, Kansas 67401

Please label the back of each entry with the following information: Contest category you are submitting your entry for, Supplies used, Your Name, Adress, Telephone Number and Email Address.

What are the Rules?
Just like us...the rules are SIMPLE and OPEN to your interpretation and CREATIVITIY! All printed and patterned papers MUST be from The Angel Company. All Rubber stamps MUST be from The Angel Company. Solid papers may be used but must be from The Angel Company. Any printed and/or patterned papers or rubber stamps used that are NOT from The Angel Compny will disqualify the entry. All entries become the property of The Angel Company. Contest begins now and contest entries will be accepted through May 18, 2009. Contest winners will be announced by June 30, 2009

Spring into April Rewards

2009-03-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

This is a great time to host a funshop! You can earn another free stamp set along with your 1/2 priced items with $250 or more in sales. Customers even have the option of purchasing these April Rewards stamp sets at a special price with a purchase of $30 or more. Even better, anyone who signs up to be an Angel in the month of April will get all of the April Reward stamps free! Check them out! Set a funshop date, make a purchase or become part of the Angel world and get these awesome stamp sets. Contact me for more information!

Spring is Here!

2009-03-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

I am thoroughly enjoying my new stamp set from the magalogue called Graphic Flowers. It really is amazing how you can see a stamp set in the catalog and think "okay, maybe" and when you actually get it and start playing around with colors and whatnot it can change that first impression quite a bit. Black flowers in the catalog really doesn't do it justice. I have used this set a couple times in my upcoming events in April so you can check them out in the slideshow for April Projects. I am off to start playing around with another new set. So fun!

Fresh Spring Things Promotion All Gone!

2009-03-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

Wow, they actually ran out! I am so glad I got mine. If you were waiting or not sure about getting it, your luck is out. Thankfully, you can always use the stamp set at any open cropping event I have. It just goes to show that the economy is not totally in the dumps! I'm keeping positive. Are you? We need to keep the positive vibes going to turn things around!!! :) I will make a card or two for the card buffet coming up in April with the stamp set that just ran out. Check my blog again soon for a slideshow of upcoming events in April.

Felt Flip Album

2009-03-06T04:40:00.000-08:00

I have been playing around with making the felt flip album that is in the new TAC magalogue. My first one came out okay but my second one is much better. Let me share a couple of tips so when you go to make one you don't make the same mistakes I made.
1. The embossed felt can be found at Hobby Lobby in the bottom right corner of the felt section.
2. You can use a 12" x 9" sheet! You can make two albums with one sheet.
3. Don't do the eyelets. Mine did not want to stay in the felt very well.
4. Don't do the ribbon around it to tie it together.
5. To create half moon pockets, cut your patterned paper 8" x 3", score at 4" and fold. Punch out a half circle with 1 1/2" circle punch. Adhere all the way up the sides as close to side as possible.
6. Cut tag inserts to 4"x 2 1/4".
7. Rub ink pad along all edges of half moon pocket to polish the look.
8. Stamp and embellish the flips and tags as you desire.
9. To make it close, purchase magnectic closures found at Archivers.
10. You will need to add a strip of patterned paper on both sides and put the magnetic closures on top of the patterned paper and put another strip on top of one side of the magnets sandwiching the magnet in between paper. This helps it not pull off the paper when you open it as the magnets are just way too strong. I ended up using a glue gun to secure the magnets on. I also used a glue gun for a flower with button for my front cover of the third one I just finished.
11. Adhere all the paper to felt with Wonder Tape.
Call or email me if you have any questions! I can order the Wonder Tape, embellishments, patterned paper and ribbons but you have to do the rest!

TAC Scrapbook Minis

2009-03-06T04:26:00.000-08:00

I finally got around to taking photos of all my TAC scrapbook mini kits that I have put together. These kits are decieving in the catalog and aren't showcased very well so I figured it was about time I got what I have done into a slideshow so if you haven't seen mine in person yet, you could see how each kit can come together. These kits are all on double-sided cardstock so you choose your cover and how each page layouts with the next page. Even the cardstock embellishments are double-sided. This means everyone that puts a kit together will be a little different based on the choices you make. You also choose how to bind your kits. I have done mine with book rings and ribbon but there are other options like a wire binding using your Bind-it-all machine or get extra creative and look at what you might find to work in an office supply store. The great thing about these kits is they really are easy to put together and won't take you more than an hour or two. For those that have bought TAC kits and have yet to get to them here are some tips:
1. When popping out the parts from the large sheet it comes in, be sure to pull from the side and not push down or pull up as this could tear into the paper.
2. Sand off any nubs to make it look more polished
3. Look at other embellishing options to enhance the cardstock embellishments and/or to add more texture and interest. I used paper and felt flowers, brads and ribbons.
4. Don't forget you can add an even more unique touches to it by using some coordinating inks and stamps that fit your photos.
If you have any questions or would like some suggestions while you are putting your kits together, please call or email me! :)

March Specials

2009-02-27T11:44:00.000-08:00

I am very excited about the March specials. The Fresh Spring Kit below is the cutest stamp set ever! It's at the top of my wish list. All other special can be viewed on my webiste at www.janinerobertson.com Check out TAC News!

Cutest Kit Ever!!!

2009-02-27T11:38:00.000-08:00

www.theangelcompany.net

Positive Outlook is the way to go!

2009-02-24T13:59:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but have had enough of the doom and gloom attitude because the economy isn't so great. I have always been a positive person so watching the news or hearing it just brings me down. We have cancelled our subscription to the paper and I am not watching the news for the next few months. It's time for all of us to keep positive and think good things. I think most of us have heard that the attitude creates what you get. So, I am thankful for my wonderful family, my fabulous friends, my specTACular businesses and just being able to do what God has called me to do.
I read in some magazine that looking through a scrapbook is one of the top 5 ways to beat the blues! So start scrapping and enjoy what you've got!
On a side note, I discovered, yes, I am technically challenged, but I am always eager to learn more. Anyways, you can click on any of the slideshows in the blog to view them larger! Duh to me!
Enjoy the last week of February! We are Marching into March with a Spectacular Attitude!

Marching into March!

2009-02-22T05:34:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how time is flying by. My daughter has her birthday on March 25th. I have to get working on her party invites now that I have all the other March projects done. I have had some fun looking and making some fun projects from the scor-pal website. If you don't yet have this tool, I would really encourage you to consider it. It's easy getting it at half price having a get-together with some friends. Just ask me how!
The Card Caddy challenge I have planned for this month will be a great opportunity to stretch yourselves and learn how to use those scraps for your cards. This card caddy with the cards in it will make a great gift to a mom-friend! The challenge will be to make the best bunch of cards and/or the most unique designs. All participants will vote and the winners for best and most unique designs will get to choose one of TAC's beautiful Soar With It Collections. A SWIC comes with 5 coordinating patterned papers and a sheet of embellishments. It's so easy to make cards and scrapbooks when you already know the paper coordinates!
The Triangle Easter Basket will be a fun project for you and your kiddos to come do during Spring Break. It will make a nice hostess gift for a special Easter brunch or dinner or your kids might enjoy giving it to one of their friend!

Being an Angel is so rewarding

2009-02-18T05:28:00.000-08:00

It never ceases to amaze me how much I love what I do but when you get an email from a contact that makes you cry a good cry it just means so much. I may not make a ton of money but I am doing what I love, am able to stay-at-home for my family and seem to be making a difference and an impact on the lives of others. I am just so thankful I found The Angel Company and will continue to create, teach and inspire as long as I can. If you need to make a little extra cash and love creating with paper, I would be happy to pass on all the info you need to make an informed decision.

The New TAC Magaloge is Awesome1

2009-01-30T18:11:00.000-08:00

I just love it. It's got lots of ideas for mini projects along with ideas on techniques. I love how they challenge us with the Try It! ideas. Here's a slideshow of it. It at least gives you and idea of all the fun stuff it has. If you would like a copy of the magalogue, I would be happy to send it to you or deliver if you are in my area. Just drop me an email or phone call. The cost is $2.95 or free if you would like to host a funshop. Why not get a couple friends together and play! It's really a piece of cake! Enjoy the slideshow!

New Magalogue in the House!

2009-01-27T04:54:00.000-08:00

Oh, I can't wait to show you! It's just fabulous! Lots and lots of new stamp sets. My wish list is growing by a mile! I love them all. Some great ones for scrapbooking, too! There's also some great new embellisments and acrylic albums. I will have to start getting a project together for a class. Oh fun! The whole thing is just so inspiring. Lots of tips and projects and even a challenge or two. It's just so awesome! If you can't make an event of mine soon, contact me and I can deliver a magalogue to you. The cost is $2.95. It's so worth it!!! :) Book a funshop and get it for free along with the regular base catalogue! It's fun and more fun and so fun!!!

I am so excited about the February Projects!

2009-01-23T20:08:00.000-08:00

I have had a blast designing 10 birthday cards for the card buffet on Feb 15th and the techniques we will be doing on Feb 7th for the From Card to Crop are so cool! I've got my faithbooking page together and now just have to decide on a photo that fits the scripture and what it's speaking to me about. I have put together a cute treat box for a funshop that will be happening before Valentine's Day and I am ready to start promoting my Cards for a Cause that will be on Jan 31st. I so hope you can swing by and make a card that I can send to a sick child, lonely homebound and/or nursing home person, single mom's or a community worker that could use some appreciation. The new TAC magalogue will be here very very soon. I am so excited to see the new stuff!!!! I can hardly stand it! I am having fun playing with some of my new stamps and I am sure you will be seeing them in my creations in the months ahead. I am getting some of my creations on Etsy.com to sell. Take a look at what's available so far at www.oasisangel.etsy.com Later...

Workin It!

2009-01-14T14:39:00.000-08:00

I have been going non-stop trying to prep for events and whatnot. I sometimes think I'm going to run out of creative juice but something always ends up giving me inspiration. Anyways, just want you to know I am workin it. I will be posting a slideshow of February's projects in the next few days. Stay tuned...

SpeTACular Savings!

2009-01-01T10:16:00.001-08:00

www.theangelcompany.net

SpeTACular Savings!

2009-01-01T10:07:00.000-08:00

Wow, this is so exciting. Do you have a wish list a mile long? Well, now you can get some of those items on your wish list for 50% off! That is just too cool! I am going to go and figure out what stamp sets I am going to get. All T-coded stamps sets. That's most of the stamp sets in the catalog and you can get unlimited numbers of them. The promotion officially begins January 6th but go ahead and start making your list of stamps you want and call or email me if you live in COS or order directly through my website www.janiner.ismyangel.net Starts Jan 6th!