Where did May go??

May is the month of end of school activities, graduation (at work) and other Spring activities. This weekend one of my dear work colleagues is getting married, and while I wasn't able to make the bridal shower I sent along a glass teapot (perfect because we "talk tea" in the staff kitchen) and this card:

AMuse Studio:Pennant Die & Contemporary Greetings. Bride & Groom from Cricut (Art Philosophy)
 

As my son ends his days as a middle schooler I wanted to show his teachers how much we appreciate them -- but was "not allowed" to make homemade gifts. I did manage to sneak in handmade cards, though, and my son was fine with them. We added Starbucks cards in each -- except for one teacher that he specifically wanted to get a giftcard to REI. I love how he considered each teacher's personality before agreeing to the gift.

The card from the dollar section at Michaels made me think of my circus elephant from Under the Big Top (AMuse Studio) -- part of this month's Spotlight, you might notice. I placed him in a ring from the Vintage Labels 1 die set (AMuse Studio) and added some liquid pearl toe nails -- how fun! The inside sentiment: You're unforgettable! (Get it? Elephants never forget . . .{grin})

 
And then there is always time to think about my dear grandma in California.

All supplies AMuse Studio: Marvelous Marigolds, Contemporary Greetings (Thinking of you), Essential Sentiments (with love), butterfly trio die, tuxedo black, papaya, bubblegum and orange ink, and some twinkle stickers

We finally got carpet installed so I can begin the process of fully unpacking and getting settled. I can't wait to get my craft room back together, so I can use it on a more regular basis, and have some crafting friends over! Next month will be perfect, for AMuse Camp Wanna Stamp (details coming soon!)

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

Summer Wedding

The daughter of a friend is getting married next month. We won't travel to the event, but I wanted to let the happy couple know that we are thinking of them so I made this bright and happy card to send.

Marvelous marigolds & that's the ticket sets, papaya & orange paper and ink,  butterfly trio die and a  vanilla pearl sticker  -- simple and summery! I ran the butterfly through my Cuttlebug for some texture.

Best wishes, Nadia & Clifton!

Happy Stamping,

Christina

Card for Grandma

This is a card for my sweet grandmother -- and a chance for me to try out my new Copic markers! I got a book to learn what to do with them -- and this is my second attempt (the first looked amazingly similar, guess I'd better keep reading!). I bought 2 to blend with the blue that came in my kit, but I think I'm ready to branch out into another color family. I can't wait for Grandma to get the card and photo we sent -- so she knows we are thinking about her!

Marvelous marigolds & say it with style sets, watermelon & sugar cardstock, navy ribbon, and of course my 3 Copic markers  (BG05, BG10,  BG13) -- the twinkle in the center is a pink heart, too!

Happy stamping!
Christina

Happy Mother's Day

At my Business Launch Open House last weekend we made Mother's Day cards -- based on the one I made for my own mother, and using Marvelous Marigolds from the May Spotlight.

All supplies: A|muse Studio

I should say that was the project at the Open House -- the results were wildly different. I put out my Essential Sentiments set for those that didn't want to make a card for Mother's Day, and there were a variety of occasions covered. I had several first-time stampers in attendance, mixed in with some veterans, and it was fun to watch the creativity spark and be encouraged by the others in attendance. 

We also did a treat project that involved embossing (the butterfly from Papillon done in white on Navy) that was a lot of fun to teach.

One of my colleagues decided she wanted too many things from the amazing A|Muse Studio Catalog & Inspiration Guide -- so she's planning a workshop in June (either at her apartment or at work). She hadn't stamped before, but her card was a masterpiece for her mother back in Pennsylvania. She's a lot of fun and I can't wait to work with her as she gets more involved with papercrafting.

Happy Stamping & Happy Mother's Day,
Christina

May Flowers: A*Muse Blog Hop

If you are participating in the A*Muse|Studio blog hop, you should have come from Tami Grandi's blog and if not, then you should start from the beginning with Samantha's blog until you come to my blog.

I am happy to be participating in my first blog hop! The theme is May Flowers, and I must say that although I only own one A*Muse Studio flower set (remember, I'm still new) I had a hard time choosing which of the (many) cards I created this week to showcase! I am getting ready for my Business Launch Open House on Saturday, so I used one of the May Spotlight sets, Marvelous Marigolds. I love the versatility of this set– I was able to make bold statements and soft whispers just by changing the color of my ink and placement of my images!

Set: Marvelous Marigolds
Paper/ink: Sky (Gingham)

Sets: Marvelous Marigolds & Essential Sentiments
Paper/ink: Papaya, Orange, Tuxedo Black

Now, on to your next stop: Angela Kelley's blog.

Happy Stamping!Christina