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

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

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

November Cards

My son and one of his best friends share a November birthday, and so it's fun to make cards that match each of their personality but have some similar element(s). This year I used one of my date stamps on the inside with the date and a saying: kind of a big deal. They turned 15 and so can get a Learner's Permit and start Driver's Ed. They are both ready -- but I'm not sure the parents are!

The card for my son -- he wore his suit to school on the actual day. That way it was his "birthday suit." He picked out 2 new dress shirts and several ties as his birthday gift.

An all AMuse card for his friend -- a simple, but fitting sentiment for a 15 year old boy!

I also decided to CASE a card I did at a recent SU! class for a few Thanksgiving cards. I don't always send cards for this holiday, but I have a few people that I have not had a chance to keep up with this semester and I wanted to remind them that as busy as I get I am GRATEFUL for them.

 

Thankful for you set & dies, Leaf trio dies, Woodgrain cardstock (french roast), Baker's twine (french roast), Rich Cocoa memento ink, and a button from Walmart.

I hope to be able to stamp a bit more -- and share photos of the new island my husband built for my craft room -- over the holiday break, but next post will be the tag I made to coordinate with these cards!

Happy stamping!
Christina

Age is Just A Number

Today is my husband's birthday, one of those big number (half a decade) birthdays, so I pulled out my favorite AMuse set, Eat Cake, and a few of my other favorites (I just got the SU! Chevron border punch) and this is what I came up with:

Paper & Eat Cake stamp set: Amuse Studio, chevron border punch: SU! Number background: Deadbeat Designs

 

The number background is from Deadbeat Designs, another favorite of mine. I got this stamp at the retreat I did earlier this year.

I gave him the card along with the canvas I created at the retreat. The saying on that project -- Home. The nicest word there is. -- is especially fitting for this year, since we bought a house (and are spending a lot of time and effort on it.)

Happy Stamping!
Christina

The last couple of months have been unbelievably full, with the return of students, the end of basketball season for my son, a business trip to Dallas, and, of course, the "big move!"

Unfortunately, I have had the opportunity to make more sympathy and get well (from a serious illness/surgery) cards already this year than I do most years! Fortunately I've also gotten some birthday and thank you cards out, as well! I already posted the silver lining card I made for my Dean, but here are some of the other cards I've managed to squeeze in:



A dear friend lost her father in January



An administrator at my son's school suffered a massive stroke -- this card is appropriate because he is known for being FUN!

The screenprint background on the butterflies really tie this card together

 

A quick thank you for our realtor on the day of closing

 

Happy birthday to my cousin -- I love the versatility of the marvelous marigolds set!

 

Washi tape madness for a friend far away!

Thanks for letting me share my recent projects -- seeing them again makes me eager to finish unpacking the craft room. I've already found some really great things that I'd forgotten about -- I wonder what else is in those boxes?!

Happy stamping!
Christina

In My Thoughts

My cousin and her husband recently moved to Texas (the DFW area) from San Jose, California and are having a tough time getting settled. I got a couple of SU! single stamps in my hostess order this month and was able to combine the lovely saying stamp with gorgeous A|S paper to get a card out this week to let her know I am thinking about her, and wishing them both all the best!

In addition, today is the 88th birthday of an online friend's dad. He's been having some health issues and is currently in a rehab therapy center, so friends from all over sent him birthday greetings to bring a smile to his sweet face. He lives on the East Coast so I wanted to send a little Texas charm his way:

I only wish you could see the finish on the tag -- I used A|S Finishing Spray and it really adds a special touch. The stamps are a combination of Deadbeat Designs and a retired A|S set

My husband and son are camping with the Scouts this weekend, so my goal is to finish and mail a few Thanksgiving cards today. I will admit, though, that goal is competing with a strong desire to go out and enjoy this beautiful weather! Hmmm, perhaps the cards can go out on Monday . . .

Happy stamping,
Christina

October Stamping

A friend from work got married earlier this month, and this is the card I made for the happy couple:

Simple elegance: one of my favorite cuttlebug folders with a sentiment from Essential Sentiments in grape, and vanilla pearls, on Vanilla c/s

As a gift to the couple I offered my husband's photography, and they took us up for the rehearsal and dinner. The couple was married in the chapel on campus -- and it would be difficult to find a more beautiful place.

I also had to get a card out to my dad's wife, and my mom for their birthdays (a couple of days apart):

A cheery card for my dad's wife -- using some bright leftovers from a SU! class I took this Spring. I think I mailed my mom's before photographing it -- oops!

I have a dear friend -- who moved about an hour away (closer than she had been) and I *still* don't get to see nearly enough-- with a birthday next week and this is the card I am sticking in the mail to her today:

Touches of pink, and bits of brown -- I love the way the A|Muse Vintage Labels with the matching stamp allow me to coordinate! The inside sentiment simply says " You're one of my nicest thoughts."

And finally, to be caught up, here is the card I made for next Friday's baby shower at work:

A sweet baby boy card for a nice colleague and his wife, expecting their first in time for Thanksgiving! I love the mix of A|Muse vintage labels dies, gingham paper, stamp set AND a found item -- a tag off some pants I recently bought! The front says "welcome, little one."

I also attended a SU! Christmas Stamp Camp this month for some ideas, and I may post those when I have re-interpreted them into Cricut and A|Muse, which is what I am planning to do. BUT, I'll probably work on the small gifts for my work friends next -- October is nearly over, so Halloween goodies have to be a priority!! I can't let them down after years of special treats in their mailbox, right?!?

Happy Stamping,
Christina

August Birthday Cards

This Tuesday 2 of the nicest people I work with are having birthdays! The first is for my friend (and downline) Betsy and was done with a PERFECT* hostess gift set (not available for sale, but as a reward for hostesses) Past Due.


Set: Past Due; Paper: French Roast Petite Polka Dot & Bermuda (the library card is a scrap of SU! crumb cake); Ribbon: French Roast; Other: glitter embossing, clear twinkle stickers, memento cocoa ink

Set: Birthday Greetings; Paper: Eucalyptus and vanilla; Ink: memento cocoa

The other card had to be more masculine, and I was able to use some washi tape that I got online to check out this trend, and one of my favorite birthday sayings.

I have one more card to make this week -- for my "little" brother's 26th on Friday! I'll have to get it sent out soon, so forgive me if I don' get a chance to photograph it before chasing down the mailman!

Happy Stamping!
Christina

*Past Due is perfect, of course, because by day I am a librarian!!

British Invasion Birthday Card

Next week is my dear mother-in-law's birthday. She has lived in the states for over 30 years, but to hear her you'd think she just stepped off a plane from London. So, I was very happy to be able to use my British Invasion set, and then I shipped it off to Arizona to be borrowed by another A*Muse consultant for her "100 cards in 100 days" event.

All products by A Muse Studio except "the wheels on the bus . . ." Inside sentiment: You're all that an' a pack of crisps

I have many more fun things planned for this set, and have some ideas about mixing it with the Let's Be Adventurers set -- but this was a quick and simple card sure to bring a smile to my MIL's face!


Happy Stamping,
Christina

Greeting Card Box

This week was the Dean of my school's birthday, so I made a box of cards for her. A colleague and I usually stamp her a set of cards, but I decided that it would be convenient to have a box to put them in.

Box of Cards for Dr. J. Box: CTMH, Paper: SU!

Some of the cards I included . . .

Maybe by Christmas Break I can make her a set of dividers for the box  . . .

Happy Stamping,
Christina

A friend wanted to make a golf-themed birthday card for one of our colleagues -- I came up with this, and she made one fairly similar:

I also made a couple of cards to "test out" more of the stamps from my starter kit -- I'm pretty sure that the star birthday card will be seen in a wide variety of colors before the year is through, but this one has such a nice "Texasy" feel:

My new favorite!



Single layered, but the great A*Muse ink colors make this a fun card.

Today was busy -- my church is moving locations so we packed up on one side and unpacked across town, but I hope to start on my second "Crafty Forward" contribution tomorrow (after cleaning up where one of the IKEA shelves fell over while we were out today -- what a mess!)

Happy Stamping,

Christina