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!

Thank you for serving!

It's been a busy week. I'm looking forward to Amuse-A-Palooza next week....be sure to get yourself signed up for a class! I've got a class scheduled for Tues eve, Thurs eve, and then both classes repeated on Saturday morning/afternoon.






I wanted to be sure to post a patriotic card for the Fourth of July. I come from a family that has spent many years serving in the military. My father had a 20year career with the Navy and many of his brothers served in various branches of the military as well. Military families sacrifice a lot for our country, especially in these times of war. I thank each and every one of them for serving our country, for defending our freedom, for giving so much of themselves. The young man at my church that was recently shot in Afghanistan has taken a turn for the worse...he is having issues with blod clots. I don't know this soldier personally but I feel like he took a bullet for me. How does one repay that? A simple thank you just isn't enough.

I hope you all have a safe and happy 4th.