Ninny Scraps

The End

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 21:27:00 +0000

This week has been a roller coaster. I am still a little in a daze, and I cannot believe that I am going to say, "The Angel Company is officially closed." As you can imagine, there is much I must think about for the future of my blog. I love sharing my creations with you all, but I am not currently looking to sign up for another stamping company.

As I am currently sitting on my sofa with packing in my nose from sinus surgery, I cannot make a decision. I hope you will be patient with me. I know I was here a few weeks ago telling you that I was back, and now this. Honestly, had I felt any indication, I would have handled things a bit differently.

Keep stamping. I'll join you when I can!

It's Been a Long Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:01:00 +0000

Wow! I was not expecting to be out this long. It's amazing how much your life changes after a baby. You'd think that by the time my third one got here, I'd know that! lol

I'm really excited about being able to get back to crafting with you all and to show you how wonderful The Angel Company really is. TAC has implemented some new things for this year, and I'll be sharing those with you in the days ahead.

July 1st marked the release of the new catalog, and I have to be honest, I love it! (Were you surprised?) The focus is encouraging others, and how we can use our talents, or learn a new one, to help make someone's day a little bit brighter.

View the catalog, and see for yourself how great it is. When you see something you like, (and you know you will!) head over to my site to order it. It's as easy as that.

Have you checked out my Rewards Program? As a special for the new catalog and as part of my "Grand Re-Opening", I'll give you double credit for your order, now through August 1st. That's one way to earn your $50 shopping spree very quickly!

A Quick Update

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:25:00 +0000

Well, I was hoping this pregnancy would be much better as far as being able to use the computer and such. Unfortunately, it isn't so! Anything that requires my eyes to focus (reading, tv watching, using the computer, even STAMPING!) gives me headaches and makes me sick to my stomach. So, I'll not be able to return until after the baby.

We did find out on Thursday that our new little one will be a girl! My due date is Dec. 9th, and we are all eager for her arrival!

Keep stampin! I wish I could!

I'm Still Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:00:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, I had told you that some things would be done differently. Little did I know to what extent!
Last week, I found out that I am expecting our third child!! I'm very excited. Several years ago, I was told I'd not be able to have any children without seeing a specialist. Now, we've gone through an adoption and we're on pregnancy #2. No specialist required; God is good!

Most of my pregnancy symptoms I also had with my son. These include motion sickness (I cringe when I think I have to get in the car!!), vertigo, and headaches after much reading or computer time. With all of that said, my posting might be pretty sporadic. Please forgive me, but the more I can do to stay out of the bathroom, the happier I'll be!

May has a new Stamp of the Month: Wonder and Joy. I love this set. It is honestly my favorite! I'm working on a project that, hopefully, I'll be able to share with you in a few weeks. I can't tell you how excited I am over it!!! It'll make a great gift!!

Email me for the entire list of these retiring sets!

Comments Now Working

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:17:00 +0000

You can now post comments!!! Don't know what the problem was, but your comments should now be allowed. Go ahead and post why you love your camera here, and I'll pick a winner on Sunday!

Photography Tips Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:14:00 +0000

For some reason, Blogger has not been allowing your comments to be published. I am so very sorry for this frustration. In light of this, I'll reschedule the contest to close Saturday night! Email me your response, and I'll post all of them Sunday afternoon along with the winner.

Looking forward to reading your responses!

Photography Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:38:00 +0000

As I've stated before, I'm a tool junkie! I get uncontrollable urges to step out and spend for the newest gadgets. Cameras are a special weakness of mine. I don't like to be photographed. I like to do the photographing. However, as of right now, I'm still using a point and shoot. Granted, it is a very nice one, but it just doesn't calm the urge to splurge on a new DSLR.

Well, for those of you who are in the same envious category as me, I'll share a few pointers that I've learned to make your point and shoot photos even better for scrapbooking.

1. Use natural light. The flash on your camera is intended to fill in not to be the main source of light. Using a window will give your subjects a nice glow.

2. Avoid direct sunlight. Pro photographers suggest early morning or late afternoon shots. When the sun is lower in the sky, harsh shadows are no longer a problem.

3. Use the portrait setting. Most point and shoot cameras have a portrait setting that will "blur" the background slightly. This will help keep the subject as the main focal point.

4. Be aware of your backdrop. A smiling child is always a great shot. However, if the overflowing laundry basket on the sofa is right behind him, the shot won't be as wonderful as you had hoped. Not to mention, who wants to remember what "Mount Washmore" looked like??

If you are lucky enough to have a DSLR, you can still use these tips to get even better photos.I hope you all find them useful. I'll pass more along as I go!

I'll keep you posted on my journey to a DSLR. I'm in a challenge right now that my father initiated for me: $5 for every pound I lose. Dear Daddy even roped hubby in to match it! Well, I'm down 51 lbs, and I'm hoping to get a new camera before vacation this Fall.

Love your camera? Tell me why, and you could win a Hostess stamp set Swirled Spring Life. If you'd like to see the set, click here for an online version of the Serendipity Street Magalogue. On page 3, you'll see the stamp set and a sample card.

The contest will stay open until Mon.

True Serenity

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:38:00 +0000

If you're looking for a way to find some peace, you're going to see that lots of people have an opinion about how to achieve it: meditation, prescriptions, aromatherapy, or a day at the spa.The only problem with these answers is that they are temporary. When you get home from the day spa, life is there waiting for you.

Here is how a Christian can have true peace today. Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Class Update

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:41:00 +0000

We are out of town, and enjoying some much needed time to relax. Mom and Dad have no internet access which is part of my interruption with posting. I did, however, get to go online today since the tire shop had wifi!! Thank the Lord for "hot spots"!

Anyway, I've uploaded a couple of photos of a sample album I made for my upcoming class. Be sure to sign up soon since spaces are very limited.

Easy Card Sketch

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 10:08:00 +0000

At my last class, I was telling the ladies about my math issues. I have to be honest. Math is not my strong point. Spelling, history, diagramming sentences, these were my favorites in school. Well, as a new card maker, I was so frustrated with the amount of paper and time I seemed to be wasting to make a card.It wasn't until I "accidentally" turned the paper one day that I realized I could get 2 cards out of one piece of paper. (Cut it in half on the long side at 5.5 in) What a revelation!

Another day of enlightenment was when I realized I could turn the paper and still get 2 cards.(cut it in half on the short side) Making a card this way will give you a cute pocket in which to put your message or even a gift card.

Here's my version. Instead of using ribbon, I cut a piece of patterned paper that has a ribbon look.

I hope you have fun creating with this sketch. For any more help, email me.

As a Thank You

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:38:00 +0000

You'll never know how much your referral means to me. As a way of saying thank you, I have a customer referral program which offers you the opportunity to earn free products. Click here to find out more details.

Have you signed up for my newsletter yet? Not only will you receive more tips, project ideas, and helpful articles, but subscribers will get a special thank you gift just for signing up. What are you waiting for? Sign up for my newsletter, today.

A Little Bit of Sunshine

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:27:00 +0000

Living in the Midwest has really been a change. The winter evening starts at 4:30! For a girl who spent a lot of time living in FL, the darkness gets pretty bleak sometimes. Spring's arrival is great. Colors are everywhere, but the Lord brought this verse to mind:

Ps 113:3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.

Regardless of the season and no matter the time of sunrise or sunset, we are to praise the Him.

P.S.
Did you know today is officially "No Housework Day"? Why not enjoy the day by doing something for you? Make that card that you've been planning to make for weeks, or take the time to put together a scrapbook page or two. Need help? Call 309-504-0366. I'd be happy to give you some ideas!

A Slight Interruption

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:38:00 +0000

As I posted yesterday, life has thrown us a few curves lately. I've tried to run with them as best I could, but blogging will have to be secondary for the next couple of weeks. You'll still hear from me, but it won't be daily!

Mark It Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:43:00 +0000

No project today, just some inspiration. Look around you at all the different things you have to "mark" on. Vellum, paper, fabric, glossy cardstock, old paper grocery bags. There are things waiting all over the house to be used in cards or scrapbook pages.

Have a stash of tools? Try using one in an unusual way. Use what you have, and don't worry about how large or small your stash is!

Just wanted to let you know that some unusual things have come up for us lately. Because of this, my first newsletter will not be sent until May. I've been hard at work on it. So make sure that you've signed up to receive it!

3x3 Card Box

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 12:58:00 +0000

Here's a cute little idea to package all of those adorable 3x3 cards we made. This box just as quick and easy to make as the cards, and think of what a sweet gift a set of cards in the box would be. And who can resist the feminine colors of the More Mimi collection?

This Card Scores a #10

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 14:03:00 +0000

Every other week, I have the honor to create a sketch challenge for other TAC demonstrators. They've done some great cards based on these sketches, and I hope that you'll share what you've made with these sketches.

This card fits into a #10 envelope which is a standard business size envelope. Different shaped cards lend a bit of intrigue. Especially, if the recipient always receives the standard card size (4.25x5.5).

Wonder and Joy is, honestly, my favorite set from the new Serendipity catalog. It has so many uses. I made a very exciting gift with this craft. However, you'll have to wait to see what it is. I need to get past my event first. Some of the attendees check in here, and I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise for them.

The coloring technique is one that I'm sharing with you next week. It's simple, and the results are quite astonishing. Again, Savvy Sayings was used for the sentiment, and Noir Palette Hybrid Ink was the ink of choice.

If you need any more assistance with anything, don't hesitate to contact me. I'll be happy to help in anyway I can.

I Love My "Job"

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:40:00 +0000

If I asked you if you loved your job, what you say? Do you have the option of working when you want and setting your own salary?

I'm one of the few and lucky people that loves my "job". I have so much fun creating and sharing that I can hardly call it work. Add to that the fabulous benefits that come with being an Angel, there is no complaining here.

TAC is for everyone. By helping others unlock their creative side, you'll be able to earn a great income, get bonus free products, and even win fantastic trips.

The best part.....You can pick your sign up price: $50 or $150 plus shipping and tax. Email me for more information.

Something New for Masculine Cards and Pages

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:58:00 +0000

Masculine cards are really a challenge for me. As much as I love flowers and froo-froo, men don't appreciate it. When I saw this month's promotion, I was so excited. Not only can these be used to make great Father's Day cards, but the phrases are perfect for cards or journaling.

These are available at this special price for only this month. Want to earn them for free? Having a FunShop in your home or mine or doing a catalog party is an easy way to do it. Contact me on how to book your FunShop or to request catalogs for you catalog party!

The new stamp of the month set is also available. Starting this month, the stamp of the month sets will be sets already available in the current catalogs. Now, you'll be able to get your favorite sets at a great discount!

Tag You're It....April Fool's

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:40:00 +0000

Have you been duped today? I'm not going to try. Although, it might be easier for me to do it in writing than face to face. My face is an open book! I can't lie....which is a good thing. The only time of year I can do well is at Christmas. I've really pulled some surprises over on my hubby. As a rule, though, I'm not good at tricking people.

Well, today is a new month which means we'll get a new theme. Can you guess? Mother's Day. All the "Grand Theme of Things" posts for April will be Mother's Day related. I love giving gifts to my mom. She's so easy to give to. She likes anything I make, but I have to tell ya, I don't think it's a great gift unless......it makes her cry!

On Tuesday, we stamped a script background on our flower. Here's a beautiful tag idea using that cute little flower. This is a premade tag from the Willoughby paper collection. Just put the brad through the flower and through the hole in the tag, and you have a pretty tag perfect for you Mother's Day gift.

Words of Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:09:00 +0000

I have so much fun exploring new techniques to share with you, and I've been having fun playing around with that technique I used for the last sketch. I'll have the a project and instructions ready for you soon!

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, Rejoice.

It doesn't get much more clear than that. Think about all God has done for you, and there is no way you'll be able to be down today. If you're going through a trial, think about how great it is that He is always there for you as you continue to march through it.

Say It With Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:34:00 +0000

Flowers abound on cards and scrapbook pages. Here's a quick way to make them a bit more interesting. Stamp a script background stamp over it with Burnt Umber Palette Ink and look at the difference it makes. It just takes a few extra seconds to make a big impact with it. This flower is a cheap one. I bought a hydrangea bush from Hobby Lobby. They are great quality flowers, but when you pick them off the bush, you'll get a gallon size ziploc bag for about $6 if you use a 40% off coupon!

See what we do with this on Thursday's new "The Grand Theme of Things".

Ladybugs and Necklaces

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 02:24:00 +0000

You already know that I love stamps, and here is just another great reason to use them. Jewelry is always a great gift, and here is a quick gift that is sure to make the receiver smile.

The glass and frame (1 1/2") were purchased at a local scrapbook store. I stamped the pink paper from the Mimi Collection with this little ladybug from Squiggle Ladybugs in Noir Palette Hybrid Ink. It makes it a very cute necklace.

Another idea would be to use StazOn Ink and stamp it right on the glass. Then, all you need to do is change the paper for a great look no matter what you wear!

Easter Treat Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 11:45:00 +0000

I intended to post a little project that goes along with our 3x3's we've been making. However, with Easter being next week. I thought I should get this posted before it is too late.

This bag is going to come in handy for all of my Sunday School students. Quick and fun. The hardest part is getting the box, circle, or oval centered!

Simple Card Sketch

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 12:21:00 +0000

This sketch is really quick and simple. Just tearing across the bottom will add a great amount of texture and dimension. In order to get the most texture, start with the bottom left corner and tear the cardstock away from you. Want to take it a step further? Take your ink pad and brush over the freshly torn paper to add even more interest, and use your extra foam under your image to make it pop off the page.

This is the one I made.I'm going to explain the coloring technique in a future Mark It Up post! I used this adorable cow from Funny Farm, and the sentiment is the Funny Farm phrases. Too cute. Even if I say so myself!

Rubber Stamping and Scrapbooking Monthly Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Nichole) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:08:00 +0000

You all are the first to know! I'm starting a new monthly newsletter that will contain more in depth projects and techniques. The first newsletter will be sent out the first part of April, so sign up today!