Printable Calendars for 2015

As part of our Stamp Out Breast Cancer awareness campaign in October, A Muse Studio created 10 free 2015 Calendar download files. There are five sizes to choose from and all calendars are available in both color and black & white versions.

Calendar Sizes:
* Full page version
* 4 x 6 (fits plastic calendar cases that can be purchased through various online retailers)
* A2 (4.25" x 5.5")
* 4" square
* Mini

All 10 calendars are available at:
www.amusestudio.com/2015-calendar.asp

It's not too late to get yourself ready for the New Year -- or whip up a quick set to help someone else stay on track in 2015!

Happy Stamping -- and Happy New Year!
Christina

(Here is a link to the AMuse Studio blog post where Linda explains how the printable calendar became such an important annual offering: http://amusestudio.typepad.com/a-muse-studio/2014/10/free-calendar-downloads.html)

Happy New Year!

The last quarter of 2014 was so jam-packed that I am looking forward to a bit of (relative) calm to start out 2015! My family has been off since Christmas Eve, and while we usually take a trip between Christmas and New Year we stayed home to catch up a bit and work on some house projects. The fact that it has been cold and windy has limited some of the outdoor projects, however . . .

AMuse Studio is starting the new year with the first of our monthly collections, this one focusing on Valentine's Day. I am excited about this change -- instead of waiting for the annual catalog to come out in June, there will be new products and new ideas available each and every month!* I got a sneak peak of the February Collection this morning, and some of the Easter sets are SO darn cute. Plus, I'm probably not supposed to mention the new washi tape -- called flora & fauna -- but how could I NOT?! But that's February, I'm WAY ahead of myself!

What is a Monthly Collection?
A Monthly Collection are a curated collection of products designed to stand alone and work together with the products in our main catalog offering you endless creative possibilities! Each collection will include 3 to 5 new stamp sets and a variety of other products that support the collection - possibly some dies, assorted paper collections, and fun accessories! Monthly Collections are designed to work with the main catalog but will also stand alone and will only be available for purchase that month. Some Monthly Collection items *may* end up in the main catalog, however, this should not be expected. (So, if you love a product from the monthly collection, you'd better get it that month!)

*The only exceptions are June and August -- there will be no monthly collection because of the annual catalog (the BIG one) coming out June 1st and the Holiday (Halloween & Christmas) Catalog on August 1st!

Click here to download or view the entire January Collection PDF

Remember you can only order these products in the month of January 2015, and they coordinate with some of the sets and products from the current annual catalog for some FUN projects!

There is a post on the AMuse Studio Blog (http://amusestudio.typepad.com/a-muse-studio/2014/12/new-a-muse-studio-monthly-collections.html) with some lovely projects from the January kit. I will be ordering the candy wrapper die for a quick and CUTE project for Valentine's Day. With my son being too old to do class Valentines I get to make them for my friends at work!

Did you know A Muse Studio has a Newsletter -- and HQ posts more regularly than I manage to :-) Sign up here to be "in the know."

I'll be back soon to share some cards I did over this nice long break -- I did NOT get Christmas cards out, but I was sure to stamp thank you cards for my son (and my husband and I) to send out before the New Year gets too far underway!

Until then, happy stamping!
Christina

World Card Making Day, October 4th

Celebrate the 9th annual World Card Making Day with a fabulous promotion from A Muse Studio! World Card Making Day is Saturday, October 4th. All weekend long*, you will be able to purchase 5 fabulous stamp sets for only $5 each.

SVSB031 Harvest Moon
SVSC034 Mister Bones
SHMG025 Cup of Good Cheer
SVSA033 Merry Little Christmas
SVSG039 On the Menu

*Sale begins at midnight Eastern time, October 3rd, and ends at 11:59pm Eastern time, October 5th, 2014. While supplies last.

Unfortunately I will not have time to make even one card that day -- it falls at the beginning of "BANDtober" and my family will be taking on important roles in the biggest fundraiser of the year, the Rough Rider Marching Contest. I will be selling souvenirs while my husband greets the buses carrying the bands as we host bands from all over Texas. My son, of course will be performing -- although as the host it is an exhibition performance as we are not eligible to win our own competition :-) This is usually the first event of competition season and it's fun to see the various bands' programs and props -- some of them are so amazing that you forget that this is only high school, but some are so show heavy you think they forgot this is band, where the MUSIC is supposed to steal the show!

So, knowing how busy the next month is going to be I got a few cards in this week. I recently had an online Thirty-One Gifts party so I could get a hostess exclusive bag (which I LOVE!) and so had a couple of thank you notes for my friends that ordered.

Modern Zinnia & Southern Sass, with Papaya paper and ribbon, Habanero ink (and glitter!) 

I love the Shine Bright set -- so versatile, and Big Words is getting a lot of use. Here I added the Hexagon Background in Mermaid to coordinate and the subtlety works nicely against the larger focal point -- I just wish the shimmer of the diamond came out in the photo!   

So whatever you end up doing on World Card Making Day, I hope you enjoy it!

Happy Stamping!
Christina

P.S. Here is the bag I had the party just to get -- it has so many pockets and is very roomy. It is also reversible, with a black chevron on the other side :

A Few Simple Cards for August

I had some cards to send so I got to pull out some of my favorite stamps a few weeks ago!

This set from Lawn Fawn is perfect -- there are other sentiments and images, but simple and to the point was perfect for my brother's (LATE) birthday card.

I love when I get to pull out things I haven't used in awhile -- like my poor neglected scallop die, which added just the right "something special" with dots on mermaid to match the mermaid card base (and mermaid stamped zinnias)!



I wanted simple -- but the Glossy Accents flower centers added just enough "bling" for a customer thank you!

 

I think I'll get to stamp a bit this weekend -- and possibly with some friends! I'll share my creations next week. I also have some pages to share of our late July trip around North Texas -- as soon as I get my Cricut back to finish the titles. It's nice to have a machine that could be useful at work -- except when you need it at home at the same time! I let the Marketing Committee borrow it to create titles and images for the Library's bulletin board on campus -- I can't wait to see what they've come up with (but I hope they finish soon, I have pages to title!!) I was able to get quite a few pages assembled during a one-day retreat in Austin last month with the Heart of Texas Scrapbook (HOTS) Club. I met some lovely scrapbookers and with Austin only an hour away I think I'll join them more regularly.

I hope you are having a fabulous week.

Happy Stamping,
Christina

Holiday Catalog By the Numbers

I hadn't sat down to count things up, but these are some pretty impressive numbers -- even more so if you add the digital files (there are 19 of those!) If you hadn't had a chance yet, be sure to take a peek at the holiday catalog!

Happy Stamping!
Christina

Holiday Hoopla 2014

Today is a big day -- not only is the lovely new holiday catalog out, it is also the start of Holiday Hoopla! Not only are there additional hostess incentives for Holiday Hoopla, there is a cute HOSTESS EXCLUSIVE holiday set available.

Click HERE for PDF

Click HERE for PDF

But, one of the things I am most excited about is the digital cut files for the holiday catalog sets! I love dies, of course, but if I have a lot of something to cut for a project I'd much rather let my machine do it for me!

Holiday Hoopla ends October 31st. Start planning your cards and projects now because the holidays really ARE just around the corner!

I'll be back to post some cards I made -- but I couldn't wait to share all of this with you!

Happy Stamping!
Christina

Every Day is a Holiday!

For a limited time (just the month of August, actually, and while supplies last) you can save 40% on select holiday-themed sets and dies, during the Every Day Is A Holiday promotion!

Notice I didn't say Christmas, I said holiday -- from Halloween to New Year's Day (and even Valentine's Day if you look closely) there are holiday sets on sale! (Click here to get the full-sized PDF)

I love that the matching dies are included in this sale, too! Don't forget the annual AMuse Studio holiday catalog is just a month away, as well! School is fixin' to start here in Texas (my son starts marching band camp in a week) so it's time to start thinking about Fall and get those holiday projects started!

Happy Stamping!
Christina

Word Dies & Happy Days

I may have mentioned that I LOVE the word dies from a Muse Studio. The new catalog gave me another reason to like them (as if I needed one) -- the happy days set!!

The words and phrases are made to go with the happy die! Here is a simple card I made to send to my son while he's away this month:

Cut in, and stamped with, Habenero -- one of six new Fiesta colors

Here's a birthday card, also using some of the new patterned paper:

And the sizing of the stamped word make this set perfect for pocket card projects, as well:

I love that I was able to crop out the busyness of this picture and focus on my son and his Troopmate at their first Merit Badge University (Boy Scouts). The card is only 3X4, perfect to slip into one of the A Muse album pocket pages!

In addition I wanted to make a thank you card for an order placed through my webstore, so I used the thanks die -- cut in the NEW habenero cardstock, which is quickly becoming a new favorite -- on some of the patterned paper from the new catalog. I love the way the splash of color pops on the chalky background!

I'll be out of town tomorrow -- celebrating my 16th wedding anniversary -- and in Dallas for conference beginning Saturday, but I have a big announcement lined up for while I'm gone, so check back!

Until then, happy stamping!
Christina 

Prom (Scrapbook Pages)

Not only did my son get to attend Prom as a freshman -- he escorted 3 lovely ladies! I played on the Oscars theme and cut a film strip on my Cameo and used some paper from a Fiesta paperpack that had some nice elements I could incorporate, and other elements that were placed so that they were easy to cover up! I was sure to leave room to journal, and I will have him tell me what the page should say, since I really want to capture his memories of the evening. I'm sure he will mention the fact that the King's crown was misplaced just before the event, so he had to be crowned with a HUGE sombrero! But I think, more than anything his story will focus on the fabulous friends he got to spend time with before they graduated.

My biggest concern now is where to put these pages! I didn't get many photos or details from his freshman year, so his "High School Album" is so far all about band!! I'm sure next year will have more events as he plans to participate in some photography competitions and take photos for the yearbook, but it's going to have an awful lot of band again, too!

The Prom 2014 title was also cut on the Cameo

The "All Dressed Up" piece was cut on the Cricut

I'm happy with the pages, and plan to get in my studio this week to get some other events scrapped. That's the joy of a "staycation." I needed a few days to get organized before heading off to my annual pharmacy educators conference, but mostly I think I needed a few days not at work!

Happy Stamping!
Christina

Birthday Album

A friend recently had a milestone birthday and her husband went all out to throw her a bash to remember. She doesn't scrapbook (which is a shame because they travel all over the world -- but I digress) so I decided to help her create an album to save all those memories in a convenient place. I gathered all the pictures I had, and those that were shared by one of her colleagues via Dropbox, but also left her pages to fill with other pictures she had of the evening. I won't share all the details of the fun event, but I will mention that Alanis Morrisette played an intimate set in the backyard. Oh, and there was a Taco Truck sporting a spoiler in her driveway, too!

Pink & Glitter -- for the beautiful Birthday Diva

A Muse sequins in a pocket -- a special bit of bling!

I made a pocket for the touching speech her husband
gave, so she can have it in the album without everyone else being
able to read it

I was sure to leave places to journal -- there is quite a story to tell here!

There were a lot of pictures taken that night -- on cameras, smartphones and by a
professional photographer, so I left a lot of space for those to be added.

One of the most enjoyable parts of this project, other than the friend it's for, was
 tying in all the bright colors from the party!

 

I made a section for cards and larger photos

This was truly a labor of love, and so much fun. I hope it is a gift she will treasure -- and I hope she'll allow me to do the next one (in 10 years), as well!

Note: this one done in a pink 6X8 Tell Your Story album and many but not all of the stamps and embellishments are from A Muse. Being able to mix and match the pocket pages allowed me the versatility to make this project really shine! If you have any questions about this project, the album or anything else, let me know!

Happy Stamping!
Christina

New Catalog!

So, I'm definitely behind on giving you the news, but the new catalog was released July 1st!

One of my favorite new sets is Big Words. I've only had the opportunity to make a few cards with it thus far, but that is more a function of an incredibly busy summer than my affection for it!

New patterned paper and Big Words, with a diecut tag and a bit of bakers twine made the perfect "thinking of you" card for a friend of my son while at camp. I love the modern look and the simplicity!

In addition to Big Words, the patterned paper is from the new catalog -- I love it paired with Bubblegum paper and pink sequins for a shabby chic look! The arrows are from the I Was Here set.

I also LOVE the many opportunities of the Sprinkled With Love set -- and I found the perfect background paper at Tuesday morning to complement the donuts in this set:

There are several topping choices for the donuts -- from sprinkles to stripes and some really cute sayings, too!

The crystal clear glaze doesn't really show up in this photo but it REALLY adds to the donut in real life

I don't have it yet, but there is also a die that fits all the donut shapes!! I can see a Baker's Dozen of cards with this set in my future!

And finally, I had the unfortunate reason to send a sympathy card last month and I brought out a couple of sets that aren't new and my Tombow markers and made this card with the daffodil in the He is Risen set. I like the muted simplicity for such a somber occasion.

I'll try to get back in the craft room before I go on vacation and to a work conference later this month -- I still have some new sets to try out, and I'd love to show them to you! And the Holiday catalog is just around the corner (September 1st!) so get ready for some peeks of that next month.

Until then -- Happy Stamping!
Christina

A Muse Studio is Having a Birthday

This is a big month at A Muse Studio -- as we celebrate 3 years AND the retiring stamps & accessories to make room for the new catalog, coming this summer!

First up, look at the great gifts YOU get for our birthday, two free stamp sets -- one with a $50 order and the other for hostesses! And each set has matching die(s) that you can purchase (as part of your $50 order, perhaps?)

It's time to say goodbye to some of the products in our current catalog. We know... it's hard to say goodbye. To make it easier, and add to the fun, this year we are having a Progressive Sale for the items on our Retiring Products List.

Here's the scoop:

The progressive sale begins May 1st and we will offer increasing discounts approximately every fifteen days. Here's the schedule of savings:

May 1 to May 15 ..................... save 25%
May 16 to May 31..................... save 35%
June 1 to June 15.................... save 45%
June 16 to June 30................... save 55%

Here is the PDF with the sets that we'll be saying farewell to, along with the progressive discount. Not that the items with marked * are low in quantity -- and once they are gone you missed your chance, so don't wait too long!

Please note: The following items are also retiring from our 2013-2014 Catalog but are not on the Retiring Products list because they are presently sold out:

TPCRST1 - piercer/stylus
TADRE01 - adhesive remover
TAD0038 - as die set - vintage labels 2
TAD0032 - as die - fry box
TAD0036 - as die set - rosettes
RABT204 - baker's twine - cherry
ESWH001 - holiday assorted washi (3 rolls)
SNSM042 - quick & cute valentines
SJEF002 - just my type
SISS013 - rock star
SISJ023 - let's be adventurers

You will notice that we are retiring most of our A Muse Studio felt colors. You will see three of these colors (Vanilla, Cherry and Fern) appear in future seasonal catalogs - like the 2014 Holiday Catalog. All other colors are retiring for good.

You will also notice that a large number of A Muse Studio dies are retiring, including our line of exclusive dies by Spellbinders. Unfortunately, we’re no longer able to offer these dies at a price that’s competitive. But don’t despair! We know that many of you love die cutting and there are tons of creative new die designs coming in the new catalog!

Retiring stamp sets can still be selected for Hostess Rewards at the appropriate discounted price. 

With all that good news, I have some bad news to share, as well. The release of the 2014 Catalog and Inspiration Guide will be delayed to July 1st 2014. We have been advised that a stamp manufacturing issue beyond our control has placed us in this predicament. BUT I have gotten a preview of some of the new sets, and color additions and I think the new catalog will be worth the wait!

As always, if you have any questions or need more information on any of this -- don't hesitate to contact me.

Happy Stamping!
Christina

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

The consultant challenge at A Muse this month is birthday cards -- but I had a whole lotta thank you cards to get out, and the perfect word die, so that's what I've done! Hopefully I'll get some time to make some fabulous cards for the challenge later in the month, as well!

I like that it looks like the washi tape is holding the card together. These first two cards are for guys so I made them simple and masculine.

Another bit of washi tape to add interest

The lichen paper and matching ribbon allow the tag to stand out nicely, I think. (All supplies: A Muse Studio)

A bit of sequins bling -- all supplies A Muse Studio. When I make this card again I'll add either a bow or some of the small flower dies, but this needs to be flat to mail.

This was a great way to use up some scraps and make a colorful thank you card! All A Muse products, again!

Now to get these in the mail . . .

Happy stamping!
Christina

April is A-MUSE-A-PALOOZA, so let's celebrate!

A-MUSE-A-PALOOZA is a month-long paper-crafting celebration - a time to celebrate this wonderful hobby we all love so much! We've got amazing PRIZES and a fun SALE! Here's the scoop:

Step right up!
During the month of April, you will earn tickets by placing an order, hosting a workshop, or joining my team. Tickets will be awarded as follows:

1 ticket for every $10
5 tickets for hosting a qualified workshop ($150 minimum order)
10 tickets for joining A Muse Studio

Each week A Muse HQ will draw a winning ticket. The winner will receive a $100 Shopping Spree from A Muse Studio. There will be a total of five $100 Shopping Sprees awarded. Drawings will be held April 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, & May 6th. On May 6th, we'll also be drawing for our Grand Prize Winner who will win a YEAR of FREE A Muse Studio stamps.

There's more details about the giveaways below so be sure to read them.

It's a Party!
Throwing a fabulous party is easy with A Muse Studio's collection of DIY party dies... and you can save 25% during the month of April on the following dies:

Item #

Description

Regular 

Sale Price

TAD0027

berry box die set

$49.99

$37.49

TAD0028

cupcake wrappers

$39.99

$29.99

TAD0029

cupcake toppers

$29.99

$22.49

TAD0032

fry box

$39.99

$29.99

TAD0034

popcorn box

$59.99

$44.99

TAD0035

pyramid box

$59.99

$44.99

TAD0037

candy box

$59.99

$44.99

Sale begins April 1st and ends April 30, 2014. Sale pricing is limited to stock on hand. We will not backorder items when stock is depleted.

How will YOU celebrate A-MUSE-A-PALOOZA?

Prize Giveaway Details ("the fine print")During the month of April 2014, one ticket will be awarded for every $10 spent prior to taxes and shipping, five tickets will be awarded for hosting a qualified workshop ($150 minimum in sales), and ten tickets will be awarded to new Creative Consultants when they join A Muse Studio.

Shopping Spree Winners will receive a $100 coupon to be used to purchase A Muse Studio products with a Creative Consultant or online at www.amusestudio.com. Winners must email yoohoo@amusestudio.com to claim their prize within thirty (30) days of the announcement of the winning number. Once the winner has been verified, a coupon will be issued. Coupons must be used within 30 days upon receipt of the coupon. Coupon may not be redeemed for cash. Taxes and shipping fees are the responsibility of the winner.

Grand Prize Winner will receive three free stamps sets monthly (winner's choice) from our current catalog(s) for a total of 36 free stamp sets. Stamps will begin shipping in May 2014 and will end in April 2015. Winner must email yoohoo@amusestudio.com to claim their prize within 30 days of the announcement of the winning number. Once the winner has been verified, further instructions will be sent on how to claim the free stamp sets. Prize has no cash equivalence. Stamp sets will be shipped for free.

Fun New Accessories!!

While February came and went, March is here and brings with it the fabulous new Spring Accessory Catalog and Inspiration Guide.

Included are some great thin word dies, some new bunny dies (and flocking to make them soft and fuzzy, and "bunny bums" to finish them off!), and even some little flower dies, as well as an interesting new way to use crepe paper (in a good way!), and a 6X6 patterned paper collection that includes vibrant and fun patterns: florals, hip geometrics, ombre, and more. Each design is lovely on it's own, but all coordinate beautifully with AMuse Studio's Signature colors. 

I love the new word dies. LOVE them! I used them to make some cards this weekend (all supplies, including that CUTE washi tape, A Muse Studio):

I have some events coming up that will have me back in the craft room by week's end so maybe I'll get to use some of the other new items, as well, but I have a feeling the word dies will be included as well . . .

Happy Stamping!
Christina

$29 Starter Kit Special

Something worth sharing -- if you like A Muse Studio products enough to join (for the discount or a business) NOW is a really affordable time to do it!

During the months of January and February, new consultants can join A Muse Studio for only $29! Our starter kit is not only a great value, it's a great OPPORTUNITY!

It's a great opportunity for new consultants to create a fun, flexible and rewarding business, or simply enjoy the discounts, for less than the cost of a pair of new shoes!

Our $29 Starter Kit includes:

• Four consultant-only sampler stamp sets
• cardstock swatch ring 
• (4) 2013 Catalog and Inspiration Guides
• (20) 2014 Valentine's Day Inspiration Guides 
• Consultant's Guide to Success 
• 50 Business Launch Party postcard invitations 
• Customer & Hostess order forms 
• unlimited earning potential!

New consultants will also receive a coupon to save 50% off* their first order to customize their starter kit with any additional supplies they may need to get started!

* 50% off retail pricing. No CV/SV is earned on this order.

For more information check my page https://www.amusestudio.com/christinaseeger -- or send an e-mail with any specific questions, which I am always happy to answer. I've been at this a couple of years, and if I don't have the answer I certainly know how to get it for you! The Consultant Agreement is available through my site as well, for your reading pleasure.

Happy stamping!
Christina