1.) i had taped it all down to water-proof it, and she said that i cant tape over stamps and that the postage couldnt be used now... Well that is the one thing she said that was correct...sheesh. 2.) all bubble mailers, even with nothing in them, will go as Parcel Post, because they do not have an absolutley uniform thickness (the pressed edges and whatnot). Egads...another postal employee that doesn't know what she is talking about. I imagine she meant to say that they go as First Class Parcels, which is different than Parcel Post...but that is still wrong. Taken from this link...Physical Standards for Flats 1.4 Uniform Thickness Flat-size mailpieces must be uniformly thick so that any bumps, protrusions, or other irregularities do not cause more than 1/4-inch variance in thickness. When determining variance in thickness, exclude the outside edges of a mailpiece (1 inch from each edge) when the contents do not extend into those edges. Also, exclude the selvage of any polywrap covering (see 301.1.5) from this determination. Mailers must secure nonpaper contents to prevent shifting of more than 2 inches within the mailpiece if shifting would cause the piece to be nonuniform in thickness or would result in the contents bursting out of the mailpiece (see 601.2.3). I suggest you go to that link and print it out and take it with you the next time, so the clerks can be trained. I would ask to speak to the post master, or post mistress, so they can be informed that their clerks don't know what they are talking about and that they need to be properly trained and then supervised to see that they are doing their job correctly. So my 1.8 oz mailer had to go for $1.39 (1.22 + 17 cents for each additional oz) That's so sad...overcharged by 34 cents since it should have been $1.05...and so the stealing by the USPS continues. They have been stealing from unsuspecting customers since May 2007 when the USPS initially went to Shape Based Pricing. She said it can be a large envelope if its a flat paper thing only. Aka no padding. Padded mailers used to go for a first class stamp postage and then so much additional for a non-machineable charge. So long as padded mailers meet the criteria at the link below, they can and should go at the lesser rate of First Class Flats. That worker needs to get familiar with the Shape Based Pricing Template. I wonder if she even has one. Anyone who is interested in A Shape Based Pricing Template should be able to get one from the PO, for their person use. She was really friendly about it- Yes, but she still ripped you off. but i dont see anywhere where the USPS website makes a comment about pricing or rules about bubble mailers. Ok, but do you see anywhere that is says that padded mailers (aka Bubble envelopes) must go as Parcel rate? NO, that is a fallacy believed to be true by so many USPS workers across the country. Here ya go...Postal Bulletin 22218 Clearly states down under the First Class Mail Quick Tips: "For padded bags (e.g., ReadyPost® “cushion mailer”), when the thickness is 3/4" or less and the item is flat-size and somewhat flexible, the item should be classified and priced as a large envelope. I'd print that out for your PO too. Sue Here is a link that might be useful: 1.0 Physical Standards for Flats

You both have a tie with 4 words. ha ha ha did not count on that hahahahah Theresa posted first and has 11 words all together. Eloise you got 8 words and posted second. So I can not ignore your effort and making it before midnight and you too will get a little something. CONGRATULATIONS to you BOTH!! Nothing discoraged you from keep on wrecking your brains. thanks gals. Please remember to send me your addresses if I do not have them already. EVERY PLAYER please. HUGS Lucy P.S. If any of you find any mistakes, let me know. 1. Nicolaus = Santa Claus 2. Cookies 3. x mas tree 4. rabbit 5. cake 6. chocolate 7. heart 8. socks 9. flower pot t - shirt x mas ornament cell phone hat pipe snowman star angel Boots candle CD camera nutcracker pencil sharpener playing cards Ball This are the words that I had given the pictures. I hope I was flexible enough with em all.. Like the balls men like to play with rofl.

Usually it means it is too thick when canned. That causes it to separate and air pockets to form. See previous discussion below for more info. Dave Here is a link that might be useful: Air bubbles in pie fillings discussion

On the subject of slumps, I have not been in a slump. I've been in a crazy mosaic frenzy making these pendants: I've made over 60 of them so far and haven't come near exhausting myself on them. They are soooo fun. After making such larger yard art items, I'm loving something I can do a) indoors where it's warm and I can watch TV, and b) quickly. I can make a dozen of these in one weekend. I keep getting caught up in, "just one more" itis. And my friends are going crazy for them. I sell them for $20 each. They cost me about $4 each to make. And because they're so much lighter and more portable than my concrete pieces, I'm planning on doing shows. I definitely think the cure for slump is to try something completely different. SLOW I love how you're experimenting with clothing. It reminds me that we never know what will come next. Maybe doing GOG mosaics on indoor vases? You know, the cheap glass ones that you get when someone sends you flowers. Okay, I've been married 25 years. I ain't getting many flowers these days, haha. But you can pick those up at garage sales cheap. Or how about candle holders, or coasters?