Expressions of Gratitude

I took a little different twist with this one. I've been designing an Asian Inspiration class. Once I saw Sherri's post yesterday I knew I could incorporate it into the class I was designing. So, you'll be seeing this one in one of my classes in January.

I found some interesting tidbits about the symbolism of chrysanthemums in Asian culture. According to the Teleflora website, Japan holds a celebration each year called the "Festival of Happiness" to celebrate this flower. Japanese consider the orderly unfolding of the flower's petals to represent perfection. Confucius once suggested they be used as an object of meditation. From the FTD website, in China, the chrysanthemum's association with autumn stems from its tendency to bloom in the fall. Consequently, the ancient Chinese chose the Chrysanthemum ("chu hua") as their Flower for October, a symbol of the rest and ease that followed the season's final harvest. It's also believed that if you put a single petal of the flower into the bottom of a wine glass it will encourage longevity and happiness.

Well, today is release day. You can head on over to the A muse website to purchase these pretties for yourself. BUT.....you do have a chance to win a complete set of the wood mounted stamps!!! See this post for your chance to win. Goodluck and happy stamping!

Fall Floribunda

Yummy plums and pretty pinks are a great combination, don't you think? I actually used the new Blackberry shimmer couture paper for my notecard base and added a bit of Popsicle pink layered onto some French Roast. I stamped the new Chrysanthemum solid image with Colorbox White ink and embossed it with white detail EP. The happy birthday is from the new Fancy Numbers clear set. Just for a little extra pizzazz I threw in some new ivory pearls. Voila! A nice, flat card for mailing! I try to leave the cards I mail free of bulky embellishments so they don't get trashed by the time they get to their recipient.

Hope you have a great day! Only a few more sleeps before you can get these stamps in your hot little hands.

Mother Earth

stamps: 6-4167D leaf frond, 6-MNFRSM Monogram Frames clear set

I don't know about you but I've really been enjoying seeing all the new peaks the other Muses have been offering. I love how so many people can own these stamps and every one of them comes up with a different design. Lots of pretty cards out there!

Today's card features the new leaf frond wood mounted stamp as well as a sentiment and other stamp from the monogram frames clear set. You can get a lot of mileage out of these! I think the leaf frond goes great with sympathy and thinking of you statements but the Muses have shown me it works well for any card.

Short post today...kids have a half day and I've gotta get moving!!

Harvest Feast

Stamps: 2-4164F Oak leaf flourish, 6-4169D Maple leaf solid, 2-4163G Dill, 6-5066J Modern wood block

Pearls: AMPR106 Cranberry Pearls

Papers: Paprika, 0-SCS900 Mango Shimmer Couture

Today's peek features some more fantastic new images and papers. For this card I used the new Modern Wood Block and Dill images. I also added the oak leaves and maple images you saw yesterday. I left a sentiment off this card so it could be used for any purpose. I used a Paprika notecard (which quickly became a favorite of mine!) and the new mango shimmer couture paper. It's really hard to capture the shimmer in a photo but trust me, it's wonderfully shimmery!! To top it all off, I added some cranberry pearls.

Got your wishlist started yet??

Autumn Elegance

Stamps: 2-4164F Oak Leaf Flourish, 2-4162D Acorn, 9-8611C Happy Thanksgiving script

Papers: French Roast 4-bar, Paprika 4-bar, 2-SCD905 Grass Damask Shimmer Couture

Extras: copper EP, new Chocolate Pearls (AMPR107)

It's that time again!! Amuse-bouche week for the new A Muse release. This release is jam packed with some serious must-haves and you might as well get it all at once cuz you're going to want it all in the end. Today's menu features some new wood mounted images as well as our new shimmer couture papers. Delicious!! Did you notice something else, too? Yup, pearls. P*E*A*R*L*S, people!! Be sure to check the a muse lounge for links to more selections from today's menu.