What's inside?

I love candy..so of course I had to put some little holiday chocolate mints into my advent box...hopefully they weren't rolling all over everywhere when the box was opened! :)

Hope Christmas was happy for all!

Holiday bird

I love this little cutie....& this was the first time I stamped him up. I made this card for all my friends & family who celebrate a holiday OTHER than Christmas....I'm pleased with how it turned out & how QUICK it was to mass produce.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Winter Solstice & Happy Kwanza---enjoy the season with your family & friends!

:)

Finally!!

OY. My internet connection has been on the FRITZ for about a week---I get about 20 minutes per day, randomly during the day. Sorry I haven't posted like I said I would---

So finally, here is my other Holiday Shopper card. I really like to use her for birthday cards---and it's fun to color her & her gifts in lots of fun colors!

If my computer lets me, I've got one more holiday-ish card before Christmas...hope to be back tomorrow! :)

Advent!

I totally forgot that the 18th was my day over on the A Muse blog for my Advent box....mine is so dull compared to all the others--I decorated each side--but of course, didn't take a photo before dropping it off-DOH! :) Oh well, it was a fun little project-easy peasy.

I'll be back tomorrow with the other Holiday Shopper card---now I'm off to keep looking out my window at the pretty pretty snow in Seattle! :)

2 days in a row...

wonders never cease! :) Over at the A Muse blog, it's Oldie but Goodie day with one of my very very favorites---Holiday Shopper! My email has been all wonky so my card didn't make it to the proper place (sorry Heather!)---but I thought I'd post it here. I've actually made 2 cards-a holiday & non-holiday---so come back tomorrow & see little Miss Shopper in all her non-Christmas glory! :)


Hope everyone's shopping is done...or close! :)

No excuse

Honestly---2 months!?!? OY. If anyone is still looking at this blog, I so apologize for my delinquent posting....slapping myself on the hand for that one. :)

So here is my Christmas card for this year...pretty simple to duplicate 50ish times. :) I love the sentiment stamp--such a sweet one for the holiday season. Hope everyone has been enjoying the season so far--I can't believe Christmas is 8 days away. I promise to be back with some more holiday inspired cards! Thanks again to everyone reading for sticking with me! :)

Pumpkin Tree

I love this stamp, it combines my love of trees & Halloween all in one. Head on over to the A Muse blog to see some more great ideas for this great image!

Happy Haunting! :)

Mr. Turkey

I love decorations for Thanksgiving...it just makes the day that much more festive-& not all about EATING, though that is enjoyable too. :) This would be a VERY easy card to duplicate for a Thanksgiving host/hostess--just to say thanks for stuffing you full of, well, stuffing. :)

Gobble gobble.

I *heart* October

Love it. Love the fall...rain & all. I'm sure I'm having some fist shaking at me right now, I always get many an eye roll when I say I'm excited that summer is over & fall is on it's way....but alas, I just can't help it. :) I'm headed to NY tomorrow & am very excited to see it with the changing colors on the trees & crisp air....I can hardly wait!

I love the crow from the A Muse Halloween release---fantastic. I outlined him with black glitter---but it didn't show up so well in the photo. Oh well, the colors instantly say Halloween & Fall, which makes me smile. :)

Hope you're all enjoying October!

First day of fall!

In honor of the first day of fall, I thought it only appropriate to post a card from the best thing about fall....HALLOWEEN! This is totally my favorite time of year & I've already started thinking about putting up my Halloween decorations this coming weekend--I can't wait!

I love both of the trees in this card-speaking of trees, have you picked up the new tree clear sets over at the A Muse website? What are you waiting for.....ADORABLE!!!

Happy fall!

NOW it's summer. :)

We have had a consistent 3 weeks of sun here in Seattle.....which followed what seemed 5 weeks of grey & rainy weather. Summer showed up late this year. :)

This card reminds me heading to the Pike Place Market in the summer with all the GORGEOUS flower stalls...you can NOT be in a bad mood after looking at all the bouquets & loose flowers-to die for.

Happy Monday!

Happy Bird!

Here is a card for my sweet friend Sharon (HAPPY BIRTHDAY!) I never knew how much I would use this sentiment...I honestly use it ALL. THE. TIME. :) There are just so many cute bird images out that it always seems to make it's way with them. I'm pretty happy with this card, & since I am always in need of birthday cards, I might make a few more of these in various color schemes to have on hand. Plan ahead Melissa, plan ahead. :)

Have a great day!

Never too early...

for HALLOWEEN!!! Here is a quick & simple card-always my favorite kind. I'm in love with the Martha Stewart Onyx glitter---much more sparkle than other black glitters I've used--& the candelabra stamp-it is DANG cute. :) Yippee Halloween!

After all, I live here.

Another Seattle card. :) I've got some Halloween ones coming (my fave!!!), but I thought I'd post this one today. This scene could be a typical Seattle day, rain & all. I love the "road" from the Fancy Borders clear set-it's perfect & quick! I think I should have added some glitter to the rain drops to make them pop-plus, rain is ALWAYS better if it's sparkly! :)

Have a great weekend--rain or sun!

Flying Fish!

If anyone has ever been to the Pike Place Market in Seattle, you have no doubt seen the fish throwers....there is always a HUGE crowd gathered around watching the craziness happen. It's pretty funny to watch, & the best part is when the guys have to continually ask the crowd...."Does anyone actually want to BUY any fish?" :) I always wonder if they throw more than they sell.

This card is my ode to the fish throwers....& I love the new market stamp! So perfect for us in Seattle, but really for anyone who has a fun outdoor market in their area. For sure go snap up the new Seattle images over at the A Muse website (which is new & beautiful if you haven't checked it out!)

Watch out for those crazy salmon.... :)

Oldie but Goodie

In keeping with the theme of today's post over on the A Muse blog, I thought I would post a card using the party flag stamp. Seriously, this stamp is really versatile---not only for parties or invites, but also great with blank flags that you can fill in yourself...as I've done here. :)

There's that darn baby carriage again....this time all sparkly & pink for a sweet little girl!

Honestly.....17 days????

How have I been addicted to the TV for 17days??? Those darn Olympics sucked me in.....even sports I find dull, (ummm, really with the 4 hour coverage of the marathons?) I still watched. And watched some more. :)

Here's an old card I found which works pretty well for that endless marathon. ;) Really, I'm just jealous that my butt can't run more than 2 minutes without wanting to cry. :)

Did anyone else get suckered in?

Back to School!

Over on the A Muse blog today there are a few "back to school" cards with a plaid/argyle theme....including this one! I wish you could see their dresses better-as they are also argyle-which reminded me of the 8 years of blue school uniforms I wore.

Also, today is the beginning of sneak peeks for the new HALLOWEEN release! There are many cute cute cards around on the design team & instructors blogs---look around to be inspired!

Happy Friday!

Changin' it up!

As I'm sure many of you know, this little girl doesn't always have a baby buggy with her...but I thought the two together would make a cute baby card! I really like how this card turned out-the A Muse baby buggy is one of my faves---& darn it if it's been a long time since I've used the beautiful stitched ribbon, oh how I love it so. :)

Just a reminder-this sweet girl can be found exclusively on the A Muse blog-item #F0077-Girl & Frog. While you're there...add some ribbon or some new stamps from A Muse or Saltbox to your order---I'm sure you deserve it! :)

Where did the sun go?

It's a bit overcast here today so I thought I'd post a card that "screams" summer in the hopes it will bring the sunshine back out! This card was in the A Muse Weekly a few weeks back-which again, is a great place for ideas & fun treats from A Muse. I think this might have been the first time I had inked up Miss Hula Girl---what a tragedy!

Hope it's sunny where you are!

Bright & Cheerful!

I love the colors on this card!! I'm not sure I love the layout---but the colors (and those mushrooms), yes sir! :) Hope they make you smile!

I needed a reminder....

about this card! :) After reading this weeks A Muse Newsletter-which, by the way is so filled with goodness you should FOR SURE sign up to receive it-I was reminded after seeing super Emily's card, that I had one very similar! The little birdbath is the cutest--& pairs perfectly with "splish splash."

Hope you all have been enjoying all the PALOOZA-ING that has been going on-the designers out did themselves with their sneaks--what creative girls! Have you run out of money yet with all the purchasing?!? :)

Enjoy your weekend!

Dots, dots & more dots!

The Polka Dot challenge is up over on the A Muse-A-Palooza blog-I couldn't pass this challenge up, I love polka dots! The sparkler stamp is one of my faves & I love the Kitchen notecards.....simple simple!

Enjoy your 4th of July! :)

For the love of Pete...

I am a giant slacker!!! Goodness it's been awhile since I've posted...I so apologize! I'm back...& so are my creative juices...slowly but surely. :)

I had totally forgotten about this card-but I was so happy with how it came out. The hiker boy could NOT be any cuter...and though it's a boy, totally reminds me of my years at summer camp---sigh, I loved camp. :)

Hope summer has fully kicked in for everyone, the weather here is a sure sign of summer-88 degrees today! Yippee!

See you soon, I promise. ;)

AP Color Challenge!

I was so happy to participate in this fun challenge---what great colors to put all together!

Make sure to check out the AP blog to see how everyone else uses the colors---it's amazing that no one does it the same!

Hope you're having fun so far!

The countdown starts Monday!!

Head to the official site to register, check out the participating stores near you, read the blog & join in all the fun activities leading up to the big release!

Spring.

Cherry blossom trees are so beautiful...even when all the blossoms fall, it looks like pretty pink snow. We have quite a few on our street & it makes me smile in the morning when I see them. I KNOW Spring is here when they are in bloom...even if the weather isn't completely cooperating. :)

I tried my best to make this into a pretty cherry blossom tree---I love all the twinkle stickers! I was just going to use green & pink but am really glad I added the yellow ribbon & butterflies...it only adds to the happy Spring feeling.

Hope everyone enjoyed the 3 day weekend!

Who wouldn't like....

blue mushrooms & an orange bird?! :) Actually, blue mushrooms might scare the b'jeez out of me...but on paper their pretty dang cute. :) I love the colors on this one-bright & cheerful, & I think it's a fun card to just say hello!

BTW-love the Orange Crush Kitchen Dot 4bar cards. Love them. Putting a heart tattoo on my arm for them I love them so. :)

Happy Friday!

Happy Anniversary A Muse!!!

Congrats on a wonderful 7 years in the business...I couldn't be happier for you! :)

In honor of the lucky number 7....I thought I would list my 7 favorite A Muse stamps:

1) Tiny Bird
2) Birch Trees
3) Holiday Shopper
4) Parade
5) Cupcake
6) Brownstone
7) Lizzie

Some of these I use ALL the time & some like the brownstone-I've never used. :) But it makes me SO happy when I look at it--it reminds me of NY, my very favorite place....

In coming up with my 7 faves-I had such a hard time choosing, proving that A Muse does a wonderful job with all their products---everything is fantastic! Happy day to you A Muse! :)

ETA:: Head over to the A Muse blog to participate in a FUN contest for their anniversary!

Simple.

This card has many of my faves: the little princess girl, the green 4bar card, the Copic color Coral (seriously, pick it up if you don't have it), & the Elzybell sentiment. Of course there are many a princess in the actual Elzybell collection that work with this, but I hadn't used the A Muse girl in a while, so there you have it. :)

I love it when a card comes together in about 10 minutes-easy peasy.

Have a great weekend!

Apparently...

the love affair with the cupcake is TAKING OVER my creative energy! It seems as though the sweet cake is showing up quite a bit on my cards lately-not that I'm complaining. :)

I love these two little buddies, & would love to use them as actual cupcake toppers someday. I used this Elzybell sentiment-not only because the cupcakes are friends, but also because the cupcake & moi are so BFF!!! :)

Now seriously, go eat a cupcake. :)

May day (1 day late) :)

TOTALLY forgot to post this card yesterday-d'oh! I remember when I was little putting flowers on the neighbors doorsteps, ringing the bell & running...what a happy surprise to receive flowers at your door. Though, as I was 4 or 5-it was probably some crazy dandelion weed I pulled. Oh well, the thought that counts. :)

This little Elzybell flower bouquet is so sweet & versatile-it really could be used for any type of card. I added some twinkle stickers in the middle of the flowers for a little extra somethin'! If I had been thinking-which I wasn't-I could have made the "Happy day" sentiment into "Happy may"-nuts. Maybe next year!

Did you have fun shopping yesterday? :)

Hip hip hooray!!

It's shopping day! Head to the A Muse blog & start purchasing your little heart out! Don't forget about the great new paper & notecards, I'm going to pick up some today too!
This little girl is from the new Celebration Kids Clear set---& I"m pretty much in love with it. Couldn't be cuter. :)

Happy shopping!!

Life is good

It doesn't take much for life to be good---coffee & a cupcake will do the trick for sure. :) I love this to-go cup in the new release-it would be great for making gift card holders for coffee cards, I know I have lots of people who love those! You all know how much I love the cupcake, so it's pretty easy to see why this whole scene makes me super happy.

Ok, did you notice the new 4bar card? Pretty pretty pale blue...the colors being released are gorgeous-so soft. Highly recommend picking some of those up along with stamps you're dying to have!

One more day til you can shop shop shop!

Another sneak...

How cute is this little guy? I thought he would pair perfectly with the A Muse tent (minus the feet)-a great summer camping scene! The sentiment is new as well, and every time I see it or use it....the song runs through my head-again, & again & again! :)

Hope you've been enjoying the sneaks-remember YOU too can have all these on May 1st!


...until we meet again.... :)

Phew, that was fun! :)

I thought I'd post my cards I made for the VMAA challenges last night-it was a blast making them at the A Muse retail store with Novell, Heather, Rhonda & Linda-such a fun group to stamp with!

First challenge: No Embellishments

I love this birdie from the last release-& I had yet to ink him up! I'm not overly thrilled with how this one turned out...I think I might re-do & post the new one...I think it has something to do with the white scallop-hmmm. :)

Second challenge: Glitter

OK-the girls couldn't believe that last night was the first time I had ever used my Seattle girl stamp--what took me so long?!? She's pretty cute in her yellow slicker....& the raindrops are the perfect addition!

Third challenge: Sketch

I have NEVER done a sketch before-EVER. So this was a challenge....that thankfully, Rhonda helped me make MUCH cuter than I had originally planned out. I made my card & had the upper left area all blank & blue---& she gave me the smart idea to add the sweet shop! That is WHY you stamp with other people I tell you! :) Thanks again Rhonda!

Fourth challenge: B&W

This card is much better in real life-that black glitter on the chairs is pretty cool. I'm actually happy with this card-& I thought for sure this would be the hardest challenge for me.

Fifth challenge: Weekend

I loved Linda's challege to define "weekend" for yourself. I L*O*V*E looking at open houses on Sundays & am always plotting which ones I would live in. The cute house on this card is probably the closest I'll get for awhile to a new house...so I'll just keep dreaming on the weekends!

Thanks again to Geeta, Michelle, Jennie & Rhonda for putting all the challenges together-it was great fun!

I'll be back tomorrow with another Sneak Peek!

Sneaks are back!!

I love sneak peek time---so fun. Here is a card with 2 new images, birdhouse & song bird....& I love them!! How cute is this bird? With her little house? I love it. :) I love all these colors together & the little sparkle Miss Birdie has makes her that much more special!

Enjoy looking around all the A Muse gals blogs-I've seen some great stuff out there! Have fun tonight too with VMAA-I can't wait!

Hooray!

How exciting is this? A Muse Instructor Michelle White is opening up her very own shop---filled with the ENTIRE line of A Muse goodness!! Pretty sure that it's going to be the best store ever...& it's in sunny San Diego, & sunny sounds real good right about now. :) If you're in the area catch the opening on May 1st, or the GRAND opening with A Muse Queen Linda on May 31st-so fun! Hmmmm, maybe I need a vaca. :)

VMAA #2-so fun!

The 2nd installment of VMAA ( Virtual Meeting of A Muse Addicts) is happening this Saturday, April 26 from 8-10pm CST. I wasn't able to participate last time, but will be heading to the A Muse retail store to meet up with some other A Muse gals to have a fun night of stamping. If you haven't yet joined the addicts forum head here & register. They have a ton of fun stuff going on all the time...and of course it's all A Muse!! (What could be better?) :)

Hope to see lots of people stamping on Saturday!!

Spring?? Who knows.

I thought I'd post this card in the hopes of spring colors bringing spring weather. :) The weather here has been the NUTS this last weekend...believe me, the last thing I would have wanted to be doing is golfing-you would have been in rain, snow, hail, thunder & sun all throughout your game. Crazy.

I do love the color scheme here...so happy & calm. I think the Elzy golf bag goes quite nicely with the new A Muse golf girl...perfect to a TEE...get it? HAHAHA. Yeah, I'm not funny. :)

Hope someone out there has been enjoying some Spring weather!

I feel like...

SHOPPING!!! I've had this itch to get myself to stores and do some retail therapy lately. :) I'm not really one who gets excited to go shopping, but for some reason, I've got it on the brain. I would love to have this, & maybe these....& these too. :)

So little shopping Elzy is perfect for the mood I'm in...I wish I had that many bags of fun new things! I wish the sentiment had shown up a bit better, but oh well-I KNOW she's having fun. :)

Thanks!

Thank you for all the get well messages...I'm feeling great, no more cold! That means I should have some new cards to post soon...

Just wanted to say thanks again! :)

Drat.

I caught the nasty cold bug that's been going around.

So the fact that I was planning on posting this card today that I was going to give to my mom, is fitting for me too. :) The colors in this card-even the brown-really cheer me up, which you need when you have cough due to cold. :) I love the pop that the Lime Green grosgrain stitch ribbon gives to the whole card, I'm telling you this ribbon is super.

To anyone who's under the weather.....feel better. (she says blowing her nose). :)

Sweet bird

Really, I love this bird & her little bee friend. It's such a versatile stamp which is one of my favorite things about it. This card was super easy & really came together after I added the Popsicle Pink stitched grosgrain from A Muse-this ribbon is the bestest. :)

Enjoy your day, it's sunny here....HOORAY!!!

Shopping Day!

Head on over to the A Muse Blog for all the great new stamps...I know I'm going to be picking up some of the new clear sets after seeing so many cute designs on the A Muse Designers/Instructors blogs! Thanks guys for the enabling! :) Look on the left side of Linda's blog for the link to view all the goodies!

Have a fun day!

Running + me = not friends. :)

I am a HORRIBLE runner. I was the kid who when you had to run around the block in gym class would run half the first street, and then walk the rest. I wasn't out of shape-I just stink at running! :) I've been trying to do it lately-and while it's a bit better...I still never look forward to it.

So, I was surprised that I was as drawn to cutie runner girl! But, really how could you not be? This sentiment + this girl DO equal friends--so perfect for running-and will now be my mantra when I'm huffin & puffin on the treadmill! :) Emily has a super card on her blog with the same sentiment---I'm secretly loving hers a bit more than mine. :)

Enjoy your weekend!

FORE!

I'm not a good golfer...I lose it in the putting. :) I do love this little golfer girl-she's too cute & fits so well with many of the other A Muse golf stamps, like the sentiment used here. This card could not have been easier-stamp the scene, color & go! I also love the clear twinkle stickers (used as the golf ball)-you might need to add some of those to your purchase!

Don't forget-this new release will be available on March 31st....only a few more days of waiting!

The ballet. (sigh of happiness)

This card is really supposed to be me when I was younger. I ADORED ballerinas-especially those at Pacific Northwest Ballet. I did A LOT of dancing as a kid & just was so amazed & inspired that you could really be a dancer for your job. I still am in awe of dancers & get super happy when I get to attend a performance.

So, the card. :) For once, you can tell that her dress is super glittery-hooray! The outside edge of the scallop punch is done with a Copic marker which is so easy-I love "edging" this way.

Hope you're enjoying all the sneaks...tune in tomorrow for another!

Sneaks are coming! Sneaks are coming!

Tomorrow is the day-sneaks all around! Make sure to check back here & all the other A Muse designers & instructors blogs-it will make for a happy happy day!


This is part of my desk...aka-the bomb. The other side (with LOTS of new stuff) is crazy messy....plus I just like all the pens in this photo. At least this could prove I've been hard at work! :)

Countdown....