December -- There is STILL A Lot to be Thankful For!

October is always a BIG month with A Muse Studio, but also in my house, with it being BANDtober! And November begins the holidays -- beginning with my son's birthday (he turned 17 this year!) So, while you can still pick up the fabulous calendars from October and the Black Friday Sale continues for a few more days, it's on to the December specials -- including a new Monthly Collection!

First -- the Black Friday Sale is going on through December 7th:
To celebrate the start of the Christmas season, the weeks following Thanksgiving, we've got a fantastic sale for you to snag some fabulous stamp sets (some include the dies) and embellishments. Prices range from $1 to $15 and there is definitely something for EVERYONE, so be sure to share this SALE with everyone you know. Sale is limited to stock on hand, so shop early for best selection!

And the December Monthly Collection -- which has everything you need to start your planner for the New Year -- is available this month only! I am enjoying the clip duo die set -- and have a feeling everyone on my Christmas List will get one personalized to them! And I have to say, the five points alphabet is going to get a lot of use, as well!

I used the five points alphabet on my son's allowance book, and he's going to help me decide how to finish it:

I am also starting to work on projects for my library colleagues -- I love these tags, and the clip duo die set makes an easy addition that can be used year-round!

And finally, here are a few of the random cards I made in the last couple of months, as an occasion arose:

A Fiesta thank you,using the Thanks So Much set and a banner of scrap petite hexagon -- to thank the cook for another successful Mexican Dinner band fundraiser

Pretty Peonies on a tag

I love that the houseplants set has a matching die set to make it a quick and easy focal point!

Festive Wreaths and the Thanks die on petite hexagon cardstock

I was also able to make some cards using the November collection, and I really hope the tree AND tag dies make it to the 2016 catalog!

I hope this month truly is "merry and bright" and you take some time to enjoy the simple things life has to offer!

Happy stamping!
Christina

2016 Calendars for Charity: Water 1st

I am thrilled to announce the availability of the A Muse Studio 2016 Calendar Download project for Charity. The proceeds from this year's Calendars will benefit Water 1st. Water 1st is a unique organization that is making a real impact on the lives of girls and women in some of the poorest countries in the world by providing clean water and toilets.

Our printable calendars are a fun crafting project and make wonderful gifts to give and receive! There are five Calendar sizes available in black & white and color versions for a total of ten Calendars. These calendars are printable (PDF) files that you can print at home as many times as you'd like. They are fun to personalize with stamps, dies and photographs and make a great holiday project.

Our 2016 Printable Calendars are available for a small donation of $10, $15, or $20 donation. You may donate any of the three amounts to receive all ten Calendars.

Please note this is a download product only. Nothing will be shipped. Please allow up to 48 hours for the Calendars to be emailed as this is only possible during regular business hours. Calendars are for personal use only.

Water 1st

Water 1st's unique approach has led to the permanent installation of 1,426 water & sanitation projects in ten years which has transformed the lives of over 134,00 people in the world's poorest communities.

The lack of clean drinking water - something we take for granted every day - impacts children and oppresses women. According to Water 1st, over 5 million people, mostly children under the age of 5, die from water related illnesses each year. Every day, 200 million women and girls carry every drop of water their families use. 100 million children, mostly girls, receive no education because they are carrying water.

Most water projects typically fail within five years, yet ALL of the Water 1st installations are still operational today. This is because of their unique approach. I encourage you to read more about this wonderful organization.

Calendars for Charity

Over the years we have raised over $20,000 through this project and have donated money to Scleroderma Research, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Charley's Fund, and Water 1st.

Thank you for supporting our Calendars for Charity program!

The New Catalog is Out!

The 2015 a*muse studio catalog is full of some very different styles -- we managed to keep some of the great sets from the monthly collections but otherwise there are no new flowers or butterflies, if you can believe it. You can see for yourself:

2015 a*muse Catalog

One of my absolute favorite new items is the landscape die set:

Landscape die set, with a sentiment from Essential Sentiments, too.

With stitched clouds, a left and right hill as well as a curve -- all with stitching - I can see this being a very versatile set! This weekend I needed a card for my mother-in-law and couldn't wait to brighter her day with fluffy white clouds! Next I'll have to pick up the Our Town and Our Town, Too sets to add to those hills!

Happy die

I used "older" sets on the other card I needed this weekend, a card for a 68 year-old who is full of fun and whimsy! I love that more word dies have been added with this catalog -- from hi to celebrate and even hooray, boo and eek to mix and match with your favorite sentiment (or not -- sometimes a single word is exactly enough!)

A new catalog is a great time to join A*Muse, and there is a special for June and July that makes it even better.

The new Basic Starter Kit will include 3 Studio Samplers Sets plus all of the business supplies a new Consultant needs to get her business started. The regular cost of our Basic Starter Kit is $99. Between June 15th and July 30th a new Consultant can purchase the Basic Starter Kit for only $69 (additional $5 shipping). The value of the Basic Starter Kit is over $150!

The Basic Kit includes:
* 3 Exclusive, Consultant-only Studio Sampler Sets (newly revised for 2015-16!)
* 6 A Muse Studio Catalog & Inspiration Guides
* Hostess & Sponsoring Brochures, Order forms, Invitations
* Paper Swatch Ring
* A Muse Studio angled tweezers
* Two months free webstore

We are excited to introduce a NEW Deluxe Starter Kit that will be available between June 15th and July 30th for only $129 (additional $2 shipping). Our Deluxe Starter Kit includes everything a new Consultant needs to start holding Workshops the day the kit arrives.

The Deluxe Kit includes everything in the Basic Kit plus:
* (5) A Muse Studio Splash! inks - Margarita, Bermuda, Grapefruit, Papaya, Slate
* (8) A Muse Studio Pigment Inks - Bubblegum, Grass, Navy, Lemon Whip, Seattle, Bermuda, Orange, Papaya
* (6) A Muse Studio Twinkle Stickers - Orange, Sky, Lime, Clear, Cherry, Onyx, Stars
* (7) A Muse Studio Pearl Stickers - Onyx, Vanilla, Latte, Bermuda, Cranberry, Sugar, French Roast
* (2) A Muse Studio Brads - Antique Brass, Onyx
* (2) A Muse Studio Eyelets - Silver, Sugar
* Clear blocks - 1.5" square, 2.25" square, 4" square, 2" x 3.5"
* Washi Tape Assortment - Neon
* Sponge Dauber trio
* 3D Foam adhesive
* Tombow dot 'n roller adhesive
* Ribbon Organdy Sheer (Orange)
* Ribbon Satin (Sugar)
* Ribbon Stitched Grosgrain (Onyx)
* Glitter - Diamond
* Quickie glue pen
* 'Hi' die
* Bone folder
* Versafine Onyx Ink pad
* Starter Kit Paper Pack
* 2 additional A Muse Studio Catalog & Inspiration Guides

Let me know if you want any further information on any of this, and be sure to check out the new sets and products in the 2015 a*muse studio catalog! 

You can order straight from my webstore, https://www.amusestudio.com/christinaseeger or send me an e-mail (especially if you'd like to host a workshop OR your order reaches $150 -- I' love to help you get FREE stuff from a*muse studio!)

Happy stamping,
Christina

Today is the Day! More Than Just Stamps Retiring at A Muse Studio!!

In addition to some fabulous stamp sets, there are some great cardstocks and other items retiring -- all are 25% off until sold out. Not only is the Grand Caliber disappearing, the nestabilities are on the way out, too!

Here is the complete list, with dates and progressive pricing added. The Other Products are on page 4, and are expected to sell out quickly. You can get any of these items (and the April Collection) from my webstore: https://www.amusestudio.com/christinaseeger. Remember if you hit $150 you qualify for additional benefits, just shoot me an e-mail with the order and I'll make sure you get all the extra stuff!

The April Collection is a versatile mix of stamps and other items to help you CELEBRATE!

Happy Stamping!
Christina

2015 Retiring Products Progressive Sale

 

It's that time again where we must say goodbye to some of our beloved stamp sets and other products to make room in the new catalog.  Saying goodbye to some of these set is tough, but the exciting news is that the new A Muse Studio Annual Catalog & Idea Book is just around the corner!

Based on last year's success, we're offering another progressive sale on retiring products (click to see the list here).  There will be three discount periods:

April 15 to 30..................... save 25%
May 1 to 15..................... save 35%
May 16 to 31.................... save 50%

Remember that this is a "while supplies last" opportunity -- so if any of your "must have" items are on the list grab them while you can, some set will sell out quickly!

No other coupons or discounts apply to the Retiring Products sale.

BUT, don't forget the April Collection is still around until the end of the month!

And the Birthday Join Promo is still on, as well!

It really is hard to lose some of my very favorites, but I can hope that ALL of the March Collection makes it in the new catalog -- here is a card I made for a friend who recently received her library degree and accepted a professional position at the Texas State Library.

The Fiesta Colors from this year's catalog really brighten up this congratulations card!

Happiness Blooms from the February Collection -- another one I'm hoping joins the new catalog in June!

Let me know if you have any questions. I hope to be able to share some sneak peaks of the new catalog next month, but in the meantime get anything you had your heart set on from the retiring list before they are gone!

Happy Stamping!
Christina

March Collection -- Spring is Definitely in the Air!

The March Collection has been released, and it's fabulous! View the PDF here to see for yourself! This collection includes 4 stamp sets with matching dies, 2 sizes of washi tape, 4X4 mini albums, Vintage Blossom paper straws and a paper collection called Spring Blossom! In fact, the whole collection is fresh and Spring-like. I put my order in last night, so I hope I'll have some of my own things to show you soon, but in the meantime here are a few from the A Muse Studio blog (http://amusestudio.typepad.com/a-muse-studio/)



Wonderful Windows paired with a sentiment from Be Brave and Floral Blossom washi tape

Wonderful Windows -- a great set to use with or without the matching die set!

Mason Jars -- the matching die set makes this set so easy to use! Paired with another sentiment from Be Brave.

Love and Thanks set, of course with a matching die to add dimension!

The combination of the Love and Thanks set with the Mason Jars makes a lovely Spring bouquet!

 

 

In addition, there is a great special for joining the company this month, called "Today is Your Day," which allows you to jump on board for just $49! Spread the word... there's never been a more exciting time to join A Muse Studio! Our new Monthly Collections program provides exciting new products every month, National Conference is just over two months away, and a new catalog is just around the corner! The cost of the Basic Starter Kit for the month of March is only $49. The Basic Kit includes the exclusive A Muse Studio Starter Kit samplers sets, plus all the business supplies a new Consultant needs to get her business started AND for the month of March only, you'll be able to choose two free stamp sets from the March Collection... all for only $49! Or, go deluxe for only $99.

I know it is cold in many areas of the U.S. today, so I hope you have enjoyed this little bit of Spring. 

Happy Stamping!
Christina

A New Month, a New Collection! The February Collection is here!

The February Collection is now available and it is really fun!
View/Download the entire February Collection PDF now!

The matching die and choice of greetings makes Happiness Blooms a MUST HAVE set!

This month ONLY you also have the opportunity to order from the January Collection thru Valentine's Day as we transition to this new way of doing things. The January Collection PDF is available here!

I used the candy wrapper from the January Collection to make little treats for my co-workers -- it was easy to do all 65(!) because the die is scored in the perfect spots for a piece of chocolate! The greeting and hearts are from the With Love set

I hope your February is off to a good start! I had some friends over to craft this weekend and in addition to getting the co-worker gifts finished, I was able to make cards for 2 upcoming birthdays and my cousin's wedding (this Friday!)

The butterflies are from Stampin Up! The paper and ink is Violeta -- part of the A Muse Fiesta color collection

More Violeta and a butterfly left over from the project above!

And finally, Violeta paper and ink (with leaves in Margarita) with a sentiment from Hooray it's your Day and the largest flower from Pretty Peonies (again -- the matching die makes this work!!)

 

I also got a Valentine's card done - but I won't post it until its been opened by my husband!

I'm planning for an end of month ALL DAY crop -- so getting organized for scrapbooking is next on my agenda!

Happy Stamping!
Christina

After Christmas Thank You Cards

Although I didn't get Christmas cards out this year, I was sure to get Thank You cards made (I still have about 5 to do, but I'll get those out this week!)

Set: We Just Click.
My son got a fisheye camera lens from his "Granny" so this was the perfect thank you for that!

Stamps: Aspen Background & the bird from Holiday Hoopla 2014.
I liked this design enough that the rest of the cards were like this one.

 

I got in some of the sets from the January Collection (AND the February Collection, shhh) and can't wait to play with them this week. I am going to make candy holders for the people at work -- it's a quick but cute way to make something for such a large group. I'll post them when I get some made -- they hold a Hershey Nugget or something similar, so a perfect bite-sized treat!

Here are the work gifts I did for Christmas this year -- this is just for my colleagues in library, I didn't even get to the pharmacy school!

I love the 2014 Holiday Hoopla set -- I hope it makes it into the catalog next summer!

I got to use one of my favorite Deadbeat Designs stamps on the tag -- Merry Christmas Y'All!

I hope the year is off to a great start for you -- happy stamping!
Christina

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

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 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

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