A Little of This and a Little of That

Hello Friends!

I have a few things to share and talk about today.  I just purchased some very cool craft supplies from my all-time FAVORITE Ben Franklin Store in Springfield, OR.  Paul and Darlene Johnson are the owners and you have never seen a store that is better merchandised with GREAT product representation as theirs is!  I felt like I was at Disneyland.  Ok.  Anyway, I am getting ready to design some fun projects using the new CraZy TACKz (www.crazytackz.com) also known as CraFty TACKz...(to myself & other crafty people). I took a picture of a spot that I think CTZ would fit in nicely and you will see later why it works so well in the craft department.

Place on empty sku.......

I should have taken more pictures of the awesome product found in this store, but maybe you will want to pay them a visit and see for yourself!

This is a plaque that Darlene (store owner) made of her and three other awesome ladies...I would call them Diva's of Retail in the Arts & Crafts Industry....and Robin, pictured on the far left (may she rest in peace)  has passed on and left a huge void in her absence.  In fact, I will make this Blog in memory of Robin, because she always had a warm smile and greeting for everyone she came in to contact with and was loved by many!  Now, back to CraZy TACKz for a moment.

I would like to share some pictures that were taken on the Kalama River, where the inventor, Gordie Murphy...resides.  You literally CANNOT believe the size of the fish that he catches from his own private fishing holes.  King Salmon and Steelhead...if you know what those are.  Anyway, we had a Premiere After Party at his lovely home and I will post some pictures....first of Gordie and his Uncle Don, who are Inventor and Marketing Exec. of CraZy TACKz.  They are pictured above. 

                                                                                

Here I am at the party, visiting with some family and friends.

These are Gordie's diggs, overlooking the river.  He hinted to me that anyone that purchases 100,000 packages of CTZ Blister packs will be invited to fish his private fishing holes for a day of fun and refreshment.  How does that sound?  Fishing with the Eagles, Beavers and Osprey.  A virtual nature reserve.

Can you tell I am excited about this product...knowing that it belongs in every household and I get to be the first to create some crafty projects with it?  I hope others will share their ideas....we can post them on the website or blog and we would like to hear from everyone what their favorite use is for CTZ! 

Let's see!  I have one more picture to show you today, and then I have to get crafting!  My kitty, Buffy, loves to climb on everything she is not supposed to climb on!  My desk is no different.  If you happen to notice the dusty keyboard.....it is clean now!  My ceiling fan had not been used in awhile...& well, it should have been cleaned before it got turned on!  Here's my pic of Cat and Mouse.  Now!  I really do need to go and get some of those projects done that I was telling you about.  Come back and check them out soon!

Happy Day, Marilyn

Sharing Kindness

There is a little social networking site called Facebook.  I, like so many others have fallen victim to the thrill of reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and just having an easy way to say "Hi, how are ya?".  Today just happens to be my Birthday.  Somehow, they just aren't quite as exciting as they used to be.  I had the pleasure of consulting with a doctor to set up a little procedure I will be getting....a "spa" day at the hospital you might say.  Then, I went to a scheduled luncheon where I got to share about the company I am passionate about...SendOutCards.  (They are just sooo cool!)  Anyway, it was a morning packed with responsibilities and "have-to's", not the one I would normally pick for my birthday.  So, I got home, checked my Facebook, and had so many well wishes that I actually got choked up!  I wonder if people realize the difference they can make in the world by sending out kindness in thoughtfulness, word & deed.  It sure did make my day!  Other people are our treasures.  I for one don't ever want to take friendships for granted, and I wish I could do something for each one to make their life better.  Today was a good reminder that a little bit of kindness goes a long way.  I for one, want to make the world a better place by starting where I live.  We each have a circle of influence and can leave someone better off...or feeling crummy.  I am better off today and it is because of the thoughtfulness of friends and family.  I count my Blessings and most of them come in the form of people!  You know who you are....thank you!

CraZy "Crafty" TACKz

Gordie Murphy, Inventor (Pictured)

I want to tell you about a brand new product.  A friend of mine was trying to keep some vines from falling down and thought "I wish this tack had a hook on it."  You would imagine that someone had thought of that and invented it, but as luck would have it....no one had!  CraZy TACKz was born, got a US Patent and is now available to go into stores nationwide!  I recently attended the World Premiere of CraZy TACKz in a small town in the Pacific Northwest where it was well received and lots of fun.  I am attaching a picture of myself, sister Dee and friend Margaret that was taken at the event.

Want to see what the product looks like?  So simple, you will wonder: "Why didn't I think of that?"  Well, apparently if I ever did, it was very fleeting and thanks to Gordie, he made it into something real!  I have already thought of many uses around the house.  Basically anything you could have used a push-pin for...will work 100% better with a tack with a hook.  I have used it for the tie-backs on my window coverings, hanging jewelry for convenience, AND best of ALL, I have used it for some creative Home Dec projects that are easily created using scrapbooking papers and paper crafting tools.  Who doesn't have those around the house?  Stay tuned for projects and instructions.  They will be coming soon.  Now above is a picture of a package of CraZy TACKz.  I will be posting crafty projects very soon.  The kids will love making special projects for their rooms and we will have lots of ideas for around the house.  STAY TUNED......

Just chillin' in my Studio

I have been at work in the Arts and Craft Industry as a Designer/Author/Consultant for almost 20 years.  I have enjoyed designing for companies, craft how-to books and craft magazines.  I am also an avid sender of cards.  Greeting cards, that is!  I represent an awesome company that allows me to send, and show other people how to send out Kindness and Appreciation every day with the click of a computer key.  Want a peek?  Click on www.sendoutcards.com/81623 and look around.  This is the most convenient, affordable, FUN system anywhere!  You can even send a video in your card...that you created!  I will be sharing more later and sharing lots of crafty ideas.  Check back for craft projects and instructions.  It will be fun!

Creating my Blog

I am just beginning!  I will be sharing crafty projects and instructions.  I just figured out how to get this blog going and I will be looking much like the amateur until I have been using this for a while.  Now to upload an image.  This is my puppy dog Tucker and this is how he has been spending his day.  Bored, bored and bored.  Can't get anybody to take the bait and play with him.  He went diving for toys in his toy box this morning and came up with a couple of chewed, stitched and missing stuffing, favorites.  Ahh, a dog's life.  It's gotta be tough.