TAC Savvy Projects for People on the Go

Me and Cathy Z

Ok ... most folks don't know it but I am a HUGE Cathy Zielske fan!  I LOVE her clean and simple style. 

Well how EXCITED was I that I had the opportunity to take the VERY LAST class with her at CK Kansas City!  And she was so inspiring!  SOOOO worth every moment of the class!

If you have the opportunity to take her class in Minnesota ... I strongly encourage you to!  You will leave inspired!

So ... she was the LAST event of the CK Kansas City Convention for myself and even went past vendor tear-down.  So ... I was feeling and looking EXHAUSTED.  So what's the first thing I ask her while looking so frightful?! 

"Can I kiss you?"  She looked at me somewhat alarmed.

"On the cheek ... but ... not really kissing you!" I added.  (It doesn't matter if she is Cathy Zielske ... I'm a germ-a-phobic and seriously ... I bet Cathy is too!)

So Cathy struck a pose and I gave her an 'air' kiss! 

How FUN is this!  YES!  I LOVE my silly life!

Sydney Circle CD Album

So remember the So Much Laughter CD Album that Julie Griffith made?!  Well ... Julie's album inspired me to make this one.  And it was SO EASY!

I used our Sydney Circle Album Kit and WOW!  Did that cut down on prep-time!

If you don't remember what this collection (SYDNEY) looks like ... here are a few images of it ... this is one of the front sheets included in the collection ...

and this is the back of this particular sheet ...

This is such a GREAT collection!  You actually end up with 12 circles ... plenty for your mini album!  Here is a shot of this album put together as designed ...

Isn't she a doll!  This little gal is Sydney, and yes, we named this collection after her!

Okay ... back to my Sydney CD Album!  (I'm an easily distracted girl).

First I punched out my circles and inked the edges with my Burnt Umber Ink Pad.

This paper is printed on each side, however, you can see the white core inside and that is why I ink the edges.  It really polishes the final project.

Next I took my FAVORITE glue and glued each circle onto a CD.

Each of my CD's looked something like this with glue ...

Next I placed my circle on top of the CD ...

And then used my brayer to attach it and disperse the adhesive.

This is what the back looks like before I cover it with another circle ...

Here are all of my 'fronts' glued on ...

and here are all of my 'backs' glued on ...

PRETTY!

Ok.  Next I pulled out my Big Bite and adjusted the ruler setting (WHITE arrow).  I moved the yellow adjustable bar where I wanted it and just had to lay each CD in the same spot and the Big Bite punched them all the same dimension.

How GREAT is that!  Your Crop-o-Dile will also do this ... I just happened to have broken mine and couldn't use it.  How did I break it you ask ... I punched too many eyelets the wrong way and the nobby with the 'tooth' fell out.  My Crop-o-Dile is toothless!  LOL!

After I punched holes in each of my CDs I attached Pewter eyelets to each one.  I LOVE my Pewter eyelets!  YUM!

I attached an eyelet to every CD, however, on the front and back CDs I made the 'clean' side of the eyelet face out ... like this ...

And then I put them on a ring ...

here's the back ...

I SERIOUSLY LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this album!  If you are looking for SIMPLE, SMART, SOPHISTICATED and FAST ... this is for YOU!  I'm in love and right this second (while uploading these photos) I don't even have any embellishments on this album ... and I LOVE it!

After I finished my prep work I pulled out a stack of coasters I had gotten from Table Topics and never used.  Coasters

I cut the coasters down so basically just the question showed.  I inked around the edges and then used my Sydney Collection, Ribbon and Metal Hardware to embellish.  Isn't this fun!  What a great little conversation starter to leave laying around the house!

I have one more really cute little CD Album I constructed, however, you'll have to wait until sometime next week for that one.  I'm leaving for CK Minnesota first thing in the morning and I need to spend some time packing and preparing for our trip.  I hope to see you there!

Blessings!

If you need to replenish your supplies, have questions with a product, technique or are interested in one of the products I've used here please contact your ANGEL and she'll be happy to assist you!  If you don't have an Angel yet ... click on SHOP NOW on our homepage and find one in your area today!

Supply List:

1. Sydney Circle Album Kit  V705
2. Pewter Hardware  B123
3. Crop-A-Dile  K100
4. Burnt Umber Palette Ink  TT218
5. Zip Dry Glue  D99
6. Brayer  F267
7. Approximately 4 3/4" diameter CDs
8. Binder Ring

So Much Laughter CD Album

I adore this darling CD Album designed by Julie Griffith!

This Album is featured in our Simple Scrapbooks Magazine Christmas Ad and it also happens to be a FAVORITE Mini Album Project!

This simple, savvy album is a SNAP to make ... let's check out more of Julie's Album ...

Shown below is the BACK of the album.

Here is a closer look at the pages Julie designed ...

I LOVE how Julie incorporates stamping in her projects.  She makes it so effortless.  Because Julie embossed the 'so much laughter' circle this album cover has a very sophisticated and polished final presentation.

And even with the stamping of words ... Julie still makes this album personal by adding her own penmanship on the pages.  I love the combination of these elements.

And here is how Julie put it all together ... with Album Posts!  How easy is that!  Use your Crop-a-dile to punch through your CD and bind it all together with posts.

Don't fret over hole punch 'grime'.  The post will cover it up when attached.

After attaching your front and back posts tighten them up with a screwdriver.

How EASY is that! 

Below you will find a list of the TAC products Julie used to make this wonderful holiday album.

I was so inspired by this project that I made a couple of CD Albums myself!  And although I haven't filled the pages yet ... I can't wait to share them with you ... so check back soon ... they'll be here!

Thanks for sharing this AWESOME project Julie!  I know it will inspire others to make their own!

Mischelle

If you need to replenish your supplies, have questions with a product, technique or are interested in one of the products I've used here please contact your ANGEL and she'll be happy to assist you!  If you don't have an Angel yet ... click on SHOP NOW on our homepage and find one in your area today!

Supply List:

1. Reece SWIC  V846
2. Reece Cardstock  B325
3. Joy of Christmas  T2962
4. Vintage Christmas  T2949
5. Affirmation Badges  T2958
6. Crop-A-Dile  K100
7. Red Brick VersaMagic Ink  S953
8. Landscape Palette Ink  TT214
9. Burnt Umber Palette Ink  TT218
10. Reece Ribbon  B228
11. Pewter Hardware B123
12. Transcendence Embossing Powder  C151
13. Heat  Tool  F163
14. Album Posts  G728
15. Scallop Circle Punch  D701
16. Coluzzle Nested Circle  A84001
17. Coluzzle Large Nested Circle  A84098

Moments Worth Remembering!

A couple of nights ago Shug said, "You're NOT going to believe this!"

"What?!" I asked somewhat alarmed.

"Our kids are downstairs playing Guitar Hero.  Together."

That's all I needed.  I grabbed my camera and ran! 

This is where I found them.  In the guest room.  Playing Guitar Hero just as it had been reported to me.  I snapped more photos.  They just kept playing!

This made the hearts of BOTH parents happy!  Isn't that a beautiful thing.

And then I went back upstairs to the family room where I had my work all spread out and was, well, working.  I looked around the messy family room.  I grabbed my camera.  This is what I shot.  Each of these objects were all found in this one little room, on this one particular evening, scattered all over the place.

Okay.  New shoes for basketball that starts this Wednesday.  I get that.

Boy wore one pair of these shoes to school today and Girl wore one pair as well.

Shoes STUFFED into a cabinet by the door.  NICE!

Hubby's shoes.  Not sure when he wore them.

Sophie's shoes.  Found in front of TV.  I wonder when they were on feet last?

Hubby's shoes and one of Sophie's shoes piled next to the sofa.

This shoe found approximately 5 1/2 feet from its mate.

WOW!  I don't have a clue what this is about! 

Hubby walks in and says, "What the HECK are you doing?"

"Capturing our life and cherishing it."

The moral of the story ... my kids are downstairs playing Guitar Hero ... TOGETHER!

The family room is a disaster.

Our family ... we're just like a real one!

And that makes ME happy!

Farewell Football!

Football season is officially a WRAP! 

I have to say it has certainly been a 'season'.  There have been ups and downs as well as highs and lows.  As I looked through a couple of the last games I shot ... I must say ... my photography has gotten worse!  I can't believe how many GREAT plays I missed.  I did capture many great moments though.  But would you believe ... some of the moments I'm most proud of never made it to film.  Or the shots were too blurry.  Or the sunlight washed out the images.  Or I just wasn't fast enough.

Boy had an AWESOME season!  I'm so incredibly proud of him.  He scored many a touchdown; sacked more than one quarterback; gained needed yards on the field ... Boy had a GREAT season!  The last game he punted a ball, it bounced off a kid, Boy caught it (YES!  He caught his own punt) and came within a few yards of scoring a touchdown before he was tackled!  And those QB sacks ... WOW!  Those were impressive!

All that said ... what makes me MOST proud of this kid are the shots I didn't always get. 

During his last game I was incredibly touched after he tackled a player on the other team.  Boy reached down his hand and pulled him to his feet giving him a couple of pats on the back.  I could see him say something to the kid as he helped him up off the ground.  I saw this often on the field this season.  It makes my heart smile everytime I think about it.  This is character.  This is good sportsmanship.  This is caring about others.  This is a reflection of who my son is.  This matters more to me than every touchdown this kid ever scored.  This kid cares and his actions reflect that.

At a game a couple of weeks ago our team was way ahead of the other so the coach put in our 7th graders to play in the last quarter.  One of the 7th graders (#11) is a tiny little guy named Tommy.  Kevin really likes Tommy and when Kevin found out Tommy was going in the game you could hear my Boy yelling way up in the stands.  "All right Tommy!  Get out there!  You can do it!"  That Boy of mine cheered this kid on the whole time he was in the game.  Everytime Tommy did something you could hear Kevin yelling words of encouragement to Tommy (as well as others out on the field).

Instead of being bitter that the 7th graders got to play the last quarter ... the 8th graders cheered them on and encouraged them.  I'm not used to hearing Boy scream and holler like that, but boy, did it do my heart good!  This kid gets it!  Life is about encouraging others to always do their best.  He gets that we're supposed to cheer others on and truly be happy for them.  Isn't that cool!

Football season isn't my favorite.  I'll admit that I'm fearful something will happen to my Boy out on that field ... broken bones or possibly something worse.  Thankfully we didn't face anything like that.  What football season revealed was my Boys character ... and I'm thankful and proud of the man he is becoming.  I believe that God has great things planned for this kid and this kid ... is going to achieve those things!

The WORST thing that happened all season ... Boy stopped wearing his ORANGE shoes!  And therefore I couldn't find him on the field.  That TOTALLY stunk for me!

Heather's CKC KC Tote Tag Make and Take

How darling is this! 

This is the Tote Tag that Heather Scott will offer at our CK Kansas City Convention this weekend.  Stop by her table (in the Crop Room) on Saturday night and you can make this darling Tag!

See you in KC!

Heidi Swapp Class

Okay ... remember the Count Down Flip Flop for Sophie and Kevin's Count Down ... well ... these were inspired by a class I took with Heidi Swapp.  And I transferred those photos from my PC last night so here I am sharing. 

When you look at these just think that you are looking at EXTREMELY tired and EXHAUSTED women who are ready to CRASH!

This is a shot of myself and my dear friend Debbie.  You may know her from Debbie at The Angel Company who writes our Simply Inspired Blog.  I LOVE Debbie!  She is such a cheerleader for me ... how COOL is that!  And ... she's my rock ... she keeps me focused on the BIG picture!  What REALLY matters in life!

These are our new friends Marlene and Vanessa.

Here we are with Vanessa and another new friend ~ Debbie.

The funniest thing about this trip was that I didn't want to go.  I felt so GUILTY about it.  My creativity was low, I was tired, I had so much to do ... you name it ... I had it.  Can I tell you that after this trip I came home REFRESHED, EXCITED, INSPIRED and my creative juices haven't stopped flowing!  It was just what the doctor ordered!

Easier to find us!

It's now easier than ever to find TAC's Savvy Projects Blog!  Any of these addresses will bring you straight to us!

www.mischellesmith.com

www.mischellesmith.net

www.savvyprojectsblog.com

www.savvyprojectsblog.net

Of course ... you can always go to www.theangelcompany.net and click on Savvy Projects Blog!

Snapshots from Paint, Paper & Crafts

I JUST took these photos off my memory card last night and had forgotten about some of them!

These are a few snapshots from my trip the first week of August to North Carolina where I shot 2 episodes of Paint, Paper & Crafts with host Sloan Payne-Rutter.  Above is a photo of my dear friend Mabelle Ramirez-Ortiz and I at the PBS Studio. 

The first thing Mabelle and I did (after she arrived) was head to the mall!  I needed to hurry and pick up some powder and some concealer to hide the DARK circles that are always under my eyes!

Here I am the next morning in hair and make-up with John.  I LOVE hair and make-up!  It's so much fun to have someone else 'fix' you!

Here I am with my producer, Sophia, prepping my projects with her.

You go over all the little details with your producer and she gets you ready to shoot with the host.

It's a WRAP!  On the way out of the studio Mabelle and I found Cookie Monster! 

The ONLY thing missing is a photo of Sloan and I!  I'll have to see if Mabelle has one?!  This trip was such a BLESSING in so many ways ... here are just a few ...

1.  I got to spend 2 days with one of my dearest friends.  It was just Mabelle and I ... all alone ... that is so rare and it was so special!  I LOVE that girl!

2.  Mabelle and I had a BALL at the Studio!  I am so impressed with the entire production company!  Talk about a PLEASURE to work with!  And having Mabelle there cheering me on was priceless!

3.  I got to go to North Carolina for the very first time!  It is SOOOOOOO beautiful!  I had no idea!  Talk about TREES!  Everywhere!  Certainly NOT like Kansas!

I don't know when the episodes will air, however, I will post when I find out!

Blessings!

Mischelle

Convention 3x3 Mini Album Make and Take

This darling little mini album is a Make and Take we offered in our booth at the Great American Scrapbook Convention and will offer at the CK Conventions!  This album I have featured here was completed by one of our TAC Staff Members, Marisa, and I just had to share!  Of course, you complete the album without photos so I was delighted to see this album finished WITH photos!  Isn't this fantastic!  You supply the photos and we supply everything else!

We'll be making this darling project at our booth on Saturday at the upcoming CK Conventions in Kansas City and St. Paul, Minnesota! Hope to see you there and thank you for sharing Marisa!

If you need to replenish your supplies, have questions with a product, technique or are interested in one of the products I've used here please contact your ANGEL and she'll be happy to assist you!  If you don't have an Angel yet ... click on SHOP NOW on our homepage and find one in your area today!

Supplies needed to make this Mini Album:

1. V832  Cha Cha SWIC
2. B310  Cha Cha Cardstock
3. B222  Black & White Ribbon
4. K409  3x3 Sheet Protectors
5. Simple Supply Kit