2011 Holiday Catalog and Inspiration Guide

Brown Paper Bags; Cardstock: Sleepy Hollow, Pebble, Onyx, Paprika;

Web/Swirls Impression Plate; small zig-zag border die; Stamps: Too Cute to Spook, Haunted; Onyx Glitter

I've been working on some samples using new products from the amuse | studio 2011 Holiday Catalog and Inspiration Guide. Came up with this fun treat bag using all amuse | studio products. Love the small paper bags (and they're a great deal!). So many possibilities!! I used the small zigzag border die across the top of the bag, then cut a piece of Sleepy Hollow cardstock (trust me, you NEED this!). Distressed the edges with the new Pebble pigment ink pad. Cut a circle out of Pebble cardstock (you need this, too) and ran it through my Big Shot with the new web impression plate, then sanded to bring out the white core. Adhered that onto a scalloped circle, then stamped the large spider on top. Filled in his body with a glue pen and sparkly, sparkly, onyx glitter. Topped it all off with a spooky sentiment stamped on Pumpkin cardstock scraps. Can't wait to fill this one with some treats!

Any product used in this project can be securely ordered online through my website. Follow the amuse | studio link on my sidebar. Better yet, host a qualifying workshop to earn product for free! Amuseapalooza starts on the 22nd and there are extra benefits to be earned! Book your workshop soon!

As a side note, I updated my class schedules page with class samples. Don't forget to call the store to reserve your spot! Class is Aug 27th.

Critters

I missed the Holiday Critters day so I'm posting this card instead. ** This card uses retired images**, which I didn't realize when I made it. I still thought it was cute and wanted to post it anyway since it uses a new sentiment. If you look closely, you can see the faint grey image of the fireplace stamp. Of course the mouse is a perfect addition to get the sentiment across. I love that mouse. I can't believe he's retired! Bring him back!! LOL

I'll be at Stampin-In-The-Rain tomorrow for a Teacher Garage Sale. Getting rid of some stuff...never enough room, even after purging a bit. I'm bringing in my Christmas In July card samples so you'll be able to see what we'll be making at the end of the month with new AMAP images.

Birch Trees

I love these new Birch Trees! You can create such a serene winter scene by using a pale color palette. On this card I stamped the birch trees using VersaMagic Wheat Chalk ink. I stamped Rudy in brown ink on a piece of scrap paper, then trimmed him out and popped him on with dimensionals. One thing you can't see on this card is the fine gold shimmer from my Gold Glow Smooch Spritz. I think I may go back and add a red micro twinkle dot to Rudy's nose, though. And don't you love this new sentiment? The font looks sort of vintage to me.

Bare branch, Spooktacular

I thought I'd take a little different twist with the fabulous new Cling Jack-O'Lanterns set from the A*Muse*A*Palooza release. I stamped the jack o'lantern faces with Colorbox white pigment ink and embossed with glow-in-the-dark embossing powder. Can't wait til it gets dark so I can see the faces glow!

And since I was out of town yesterday for the first day of amuse-bouches, I'm making up for lost time with this next card...

It doesn't show up well in this photo but the slate paper is actually mounted onto a natural white (vanilla) 4-bar notecard. I used both the new Bare Branch as well as winter tree to create a tree scene with a small crow flying away into the night. I used a 2nd generation inking method (you know, stamp off first, then stamp onto your cardstock) with winter tree so the bare branch pops out. I did the same with the circle as the moon, then added a bit of color with last year's fun sentiment stamped onto some orange crush.

I hope you've been enjoying the little tidbits so far. I look forward to checking out the A Muse news blog every day and seeing what my fellow Creative Team members are sharing. Thanks for stopping by!

Amuse-a-palooza

I won't have any amuse-bouche to share until Sunday night but please be sure to check the blogs of the rest of the A Muse Creative Team for peeks at the new stamps!

Christmas in July

Have you loved this past week of celebrating Christmas in July? Well, celebrating winter is probably more like it. I know I've really enjoyed getting up in the morning and checking out all the wonderful peeks the A Muse Creative Team has been sharing. A*Muse-A-Palooza comes to its end this Sunday. I hope many of you are out there taking the last of the AMAP classes, stalking blogs, working on your wishlists for the stamps to hit the stores very soon.

Today's post is not about the cute little skater squirrels but those cool pine trees they are walking past. I love this image of the trio of pines. You can make them all one solid color or use a variety of shades of the same color, as I did above, to create dimension and depth in the trees. A great addition to your collection, for sure!

Snow Flurries

I think this little boy catching snow is one of my favorites from this new Amuse-A-Palooza release. It just says kids, you know? I didn't grow up around snow a lot when I was young but I do remember the excitement of that first snow hitting the ground. Now I groan. haha

Just a quick post today. I've got to get out the door for our annual company meetings. Then I've got to work on my next Slice project. It's (the Slice) giving me fits! I was having such a great evening with it last night but I want to bang it against the wall this morning.

Winter fun

Stamps: 2-2164E Ice Skates, 9-8581B Ice Day, 6-2168A Mini Flake

Papers: Woodgrain cut to 4-bar size, Cranberry

Wow, sorry, I really have to apologize for the quality of this picture. It's a gray, foggy morning in the PNW, although the weatherman promises it will be better later. Maybe I can retake this pic when the sun comes out! Sheesh!

Anyway, I love how this mini flake shows up so well against the woodgrain paper. I used my ColorBox Snow White pigment pad along with some white detail embossing powder and shazowie! Then I added little light blue micro twinkle dots in the centers of the snowflakes just for a little added sparkle. What a fun winter card to send to a friend!

I'm happy to say I'm feeling a little better today. I can actually breathe through my nose!! And I'm not coughing so much, either. The chest tightness could get a little better before I call myself well but I don't think I'll have to use the nebulizer for my asthma again. Whew! It's so noisy! My little dog Ginger barks at it like it's going to come get her or something. LOL

Late to the party

Sorry I'm late to the party but I've been, and still am, sick. Ugghh. I'm lacking the concentration I need to be really creative with my amuse-bouches but couldn't resist posting anyway. I mean, really....you NEED to see the stuff, right?!

I love this new woodgrain 8.5 x 11" paper!! It's so awesome! It would make a really good organic looking cover for a journal, don't you think? Anyway, I paired it here with the new Fern 4-bar notecard. I used the new cranberry notecard to layer the image with. It's a wonderful red. I don't think you can see it in the picture but the pinecone is glitterfied and is super sparkly in real life. We love sparkly things don't we?

Okay, well that's my sneak for the day. Off to go blow my nose....again.....

Twilight!!!

You know, I had to get this vampire stamp just because of this challenge. I knew there had to be a Twilight challenge coming after Heather's hint that this would be a good stamp to own. haha. I honestly did not start thinking about ideas for my cards until I sat down to create them this morning. I have a few more ideas running around in my head but we'll see if I manage to get them onto paper.

Stamps: 2-7135C School, 2-2628C Vampire, 8-8566B Let's Do Lunch

Notice the school is FHS...as in Forks High School. You can't see it in the photo but 'Edward' has been glittered with my clear Spica glitter pen. Now I'm sorry but there is no way Edward would be caught in high waters...

Stamps: 2-2628C Vampire, 8-8477B Heart Sings, 3-1039A Tiny Heart, SU Musical Score background

Now if you follow the Twilight story, you know that Bella inspires Edward to create a piano piece for her. That's what inspired this card. Again, 'Edward' has been glittered with my clear Spica glitter pen and the hearts were glittered with the red Spica glitter pen.

Stamps: 2-2628C Vampire, 9-8479B Feel Better HC, 2-6108C First Aid

I can't forget about the handsome Dr. Carlisle Cullen now, can I? I very carefully colored the vampire's hair blonde. This isn't the best designed card but I thought you'd get a kick out of Carlisle.

Stamps: 7-4109E 3 Trees, 2-7123E Tent

Lastly, without giving away much about the books, there is a scene where Jacob, Edward, and Bella are in a tent together. Jacob, due to his extreme body heat, uses his body to keep Bella warm, much to Edward's dismay. I don't know if you can read it but the thought bubble says, "Don't even THINK about it"

Okay, this was fun. You should create some Twilight cards, too. Make sure you follow the instructions on this post so you can try to win some prizes!!

AMAP Challenge #2

Did you participate in the AMAP Challenge #1? That challenge was to interpret the word 'square' into your own card. Challenge #2 has now been posted! This one is a ribbon challenge. I got some of this really fun paper ribbon at the A Muse shop some time ago. I have a tendency to hoard but I bought 3 yards of each color so I know I have ribbon to spare and broke down to use it. LOL.

I created another card but interpreted 'ribbon' in a different way. I can't seem to get a decent picture of it yet. I'm going to take it outside in the sun to see if I get more success so I can post it.

Hope this gets you inspired to be creative. Be sure to participate in the AMAP challenges and contests. There are lots of fun things to win!

Here's the latest contest:

How many yards of ribbon?

Good luck with that one!

Amuse-A-Palooza Challenge 1

I'm a little behind but.....

Welcome to AMuse-A-Palooza!!!

If you aren't sure what AMuse-A-Palooza is, you've got to check this out. Challenges and contests have already started and you need to play along so you can win! Below is my entry for the 'Square' challenge posted here.  The challenge was to interpret 'square' any way you want. I took it literally by making a square card, and figuratively by making a 'square' card....as in nerdy square. Computer nerd kind of nerdy. Have you posted your challenge card yet? You have until Sunday the 21st. Be sure to follow the rules in the link I provided above so you have a chance to win some fun prizes. 

Stamps: A Muse Manly Men clear set

Papers: A Muse tinplate square notecard, black

Things should be getting back to normal for me soon. My kids are in their last days of school so all the craziness should subside by the end of the week. I've been hard at work behind the scenes working on AMAP stuff, too. Unfortunately, none that I can share at the moment. 

It's been fun...

Well, another year of Amuse-A-Palooza draws to a close. I had a fabulous time teaching classes yesterday and was able to see my long lost friend (haha), Nicole and local A Muse Addict, Rhiannon (who came to spend the day with me before going out for an anniversary dinner with her hubby). Rhiannon had on the most fabulous summer dress...way cute! Stampin-In-The-Rain is finishing off the week with a party today. Fun treats, good eats, and a whoppin' good time! Whew! I hope you all had fun following along on the Amuse-A-Palooza blog with the challenges, contests, and prize winnings!


Here are a couple of cards we made in my classes yesterday:





The first card was from the morning session and the second card was from the afternoon session. That second card was a lot more work but totally worth it, I think! I know many of you who do not live near a participating Amuse-A-Palooza store are anxious to purchase this new release but it will be a couple of weeks yet before they are available on line. A Muse is working on a new process for online purchasing but I know you will think it was worth the wait when you see the finished product. Plus, it gives you more time to save your $$!! Gotta find the silver lining in every situation...LOL.

I hope you all get out and enjoy a fabulous day today. Back to the grindstone tomorrow...

Amuse-A-Palooza Sneak Peek #5

Have you all enjoyed the Sneak Peeks this week? Had fun participating with the Amuse-A-Palooza blog, taking classes at stores, purchasing new items? A Muse has worked hard for months preparing for this one special week. As much as the A Muse Design and Instructor team might inspire you, your creations inspire us, too. I love to see all the designs you've posted on your own personal blogs and online galleries. Keep 'em coming!



Sneak Peek #5:


I thought I'd give Missy B's Holiday clear set a little more time in the spotlight. For this card I stamped the Santa first, then masked him with some Eclipse masking Tape by Judikins (the whole thing is like one big Post-It note!) and stamped the sack. I colored the images with my Copics. I love the kitchen red 4-bar notecards and I already know I'll be using them a lot for Christmas cards. They are just so bright and cheery! The green ribbon is from SU (Apple Green). I threw in a bit of red stitched ribbon by A Muse and finished it off with a little bell and some silver cord. Isn't he just the cutest little Santa?!

Hopefully I'll have some time later to create another post showing a card that was inspired by one of you!

Amuse-A-Palooza Sneak Peek #4

Today I thought I'd showcase Missy B's clear holiday set. I think these images are so adorable! They are very kitschy Japanese-ish and I know all my relatives back there would love these images.





I kept trying to add something to this card but in the end, decided to leave it alone. Adding anything like ribbon just seemed like too much. It's a little different but I think I like how it turned out.

Supplies: Blue Raspberry tinplate notecard, scrap of green kitchen with the edges sanded, red heart scallop punched w/purple (Giga) Marvy scalloped heart punch, white heart scalloped w/pink (Mega) Marvy scalloped heart punch. I added the dots with my pink Copic but if I did this again, I would use a scallop of the Pink Tiny Dot and then paper piece the Claus' onto that.

On a personal note, while I was waiting for some pizza to be made at Papa Murphy's last night I was reading the local paper. Inside, the Dean's List from the Univ of WA was posted and my niece Missy was on it. Hooray for Missy! This is certainly not the first time she's made a Dean's List anywhere but it's the first time I saw it in print. It's still quite an accomplishment, I think.

Amuse-A-Palooza Sneak Peek #3

Another quick post today...I've got to get something into the oven to take to the office this morning.

Here's Sneak Peek #3:

This gives you another glimpse at the new Vintage paper...this time in Olive! I paired it with the Wine and Cheese stamp, as well as the wine glass. They are the perfect images to use if you have a party...not just around the holidays.

Birthday update: I just fessed up and told DH I could find nothing to buy him for his birthday. I did, however, grill up some steaks paired with some roasted potatoe wedges and asparagus (he picked the asparagus...my choice was green beans). For dessert I baked some Blueberry Buckle and it was so good he went back twice! Yum-O!

Amuse-a-Palooza Sneak Peek #2

Yesterday was the first day of Amuse-A-Palooza. Did any of you get a chance to see and pick up some new stuff? What were your favorites? Do you like the new Vintage papers? I love them. I would spread them out on my bed and roll around in them but they'd get all wrinkled.

Today's peek uses the Lime Mod Dot notecard with the new Scallop Tree and Wonders of the Season sentiment. It's such a cute little tree.

Today is also my DH's birthday. I can find NOTHING to buy. I'm stuck. Totally stuck. I can't even find him a new shirt...every one I've liked I can't find in his size. He fishes and hunts but doesn't golf. I have no idea what fishing stuff he needs and he isn't planning on hunting this year. He has a boat but the only thing I know he wants for it is about $2K. I'd get him a gift card to the sports store but he just used the one my mom gave him for Christmas the other day. Guess I'll make a cake. Happy birthday. Here's a cake.

Amuse-A-Palooza Sneak Peek #1

Wow! It's finally here! Sneak peek week of Amuse-A-Palooza!!! I wanted to start you off with a good one. I am IN LOVE with this new Bird on Branch image....notice anything else that's new in the picture???!!! Vintage notecards!!! F*A*B*U*L*O*U*S!!!!

Be sure to hit all the Design & Instructor Team blogs for more sneak peeks all week long. If you haven't already, make sure to sign up for AMAP classes at your local LSS if they are offering them. It's a first chance to get first dibs on this fabulous new release! Many participating stores are offering special events to celebrate. Also, check out the Amuse-A-Palooza blog to find out about the new 'Peace and Cheer' clear set that comes with a free online, interactive class! Wowzers!

A Muse Clue!

I'm a little late with this post today but I was busy with my 5th grader's graduation this morning. Here's a pic of the little man shaking hands with the school principal with his teacher looking on. We're moving up to Middle School in the fall! Wow. Can't believe I am old enough to have a Middle Schooler. Crazy.





I did my best to embarrass him by whooping VERY LOUDLY when his name was called. haha. Then I blew kisses to him while his friends were watching. He could hardly look at me with a straight face.



Now, if you're playing along on the Amuse-A-Palooza blog, you know there's a game of Clue going on. The clue I'm sharing with you today is NOT one of the correct answers. If you check here, here, here, and here you will find other clues to help you make some guesses. Be sure to follow the rules of the game.



Here's your clue:


Elena has also posted an 'Out of the Box' Challenge here. You have until midnight Sunday, June 22 to play along.

Inspiration Challenge-Eastcoast Style!

Have you checked out the A-Muse-A-Palooza blog in the past few days? There was a new challenge posted. It's an Inspiration Challenge-Eastcoast Style. What's that, you say? Well let me tell you all about it.

• being from new england... vera bradley is HUGE!!! create a card using this vera bradley print as inspiration.


• The card must feature at least one (1) A Muse stamp image.


• Upload your card to the gallery on Splitcoaststampers.com, taking care to include the keyword AP08INSP in the photo description or keyword box.


• When you're finished, copy the url/link of your upload and post it in the comments area of this post by midnight, Sunday June 15th.

You may submit more than one entry for this challenge. The more you create, the more chances you have to win!


If you head on over to this post on the A-Muse-A-Palooza blog, you can get all the details you need to participate.


Now don't do what I did. I had misunderstood the Inspiration Challenge. I thought I was supposed to make a card from something that inspired me, rather than making a card inspired by the actual Vera Bradley bag. I was just playing around in my craft room and started making this little card. I realized how much it looked like my favorite garbage can, which is in my craft room. I know...kinda weird to have a favorite garbage can but I've had this thing since I was like, 5, and it's traveled everywhere I've ever lived. I'm quite attached to it.








So, get crack-a-lackin' and post your creations AS PER THE INSTRUCTIONS!!!