More fun designs by Guest Designer Jill Kiah-Saslav

Hey, there!  We're back again with more fun artwork by Jill!  But, before I get started dishin', doncha' wanna know what she has chosen for the Guest Designer Prize???  Hmmmmmm . . .

OK, alright already!  I won't tease you any longer!  Heck, I started bouncin' when she told me, 'cuz they are among my all-time faves, too!

The Branch, and the Brown Madeira Note Cards!!!

So, be sure to comment one time on each of our posts about Jill's fabby designs, so your name can be entered to win!

Peek-a-boo Cow!

OK, this design is simply moooooore fun than a cow has a right to have! *wink*

I love how Jill stamped the fence, and then trimmed a square opening, but, also trimmed along the top of the fence line for added detail.

Cow is then peekin' over the fence line from out there in the pasture!  A terrific window card!

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The Road To a Friend's House

This is a completely different take on the sentiment stamp!  Jill created an accordian card by stamping one word alone, from the sentiment, on each of the panels, to accompany the house.  It feels like you're walking through a neighborhood from your house, at the beginning of the card, to your friend's at the end!

So clever!

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Picnic Slider Invitation

This is such a cute way to do a slider card!

Jill created the outer pocket by folding the Kitchen Red 4 Bar Note so the pattern was on the INSIDE, as opposed to the outside!   This gave her the perfect blank canvas for stamping the trail of ants!!!  She folded down the front side to show off the pattern, and punched a whole at each side--but, wait!  There's more!!!

The sliding panel!  She trimmed a strip of card stock away from each long side of the sliding panel, stopping about 1/2" from the bottom.  After placing the panel inside the pocket, and then knotting ribbon through the holes, the ribbon serves as a stop gap , and prevents the panel from sliding completely out.

Did you notice how she continued the trail of ants?!
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Fall Shaker

This delightful shaker card features the Birch Trees, and tiny punched out leaves in pretty fall colors!

I really liked the contrast of the tiny white dots on the brown strip running across the mid-section of the 4 bar card, against the pretty green of the Madeira pattern.

As you can see, Jill creatively used her computer to generate the sentiment she wanted for this design!

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Holiday House Snow Globe

This is another instance of Jill's ingenuity in creating a very clever snow globe effect, using transparency, and folding the card so the pattern is on the inside, as opposed to the outside.

She created a very simple globe and base pattern, and then on the acetate portion, stamped snowflakes with a white opaque ink.  Staz-On Cotton White or Brilliance Moonlight white are excellent for this!  After stamping the house inside and coloring it, she stamped again on white card stock, trimming out the roof and snowy ground, layering them over the original stamped images so they would appear truly snow-white against the blue background.

A banner made by scoring and pleating a strip of red card stock, on which the greeting is stamped, makes the perfect accent!
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We had to play a little word fun with Jill, and asked her to give us some thoughts on the following, so we could get to know her even more:

• Name – Jill Kiah-Saslav, also known as jkiah on Splitcoast Stampers.   I hyphenated when I got married because everyone referred to me by my first and last name – it just didn’t seem right to get rid of it completely.  I also said that I would keep my last name until I officially paid off my student loans – my husband had no idea what he married into!
• Stamping – my first Stampin’ Up party back in 2002 got me hooked…I now need a bumper sticker that says “I’d rather be stamping!”
• Style – I like things simple with a little humor thrown in for good measure.  I think that’s why I am so attracted to A Muse.  I am also spatially challenged – everything has to be symmetrical or else I go crazy. 
• Inspiration – The internet is my go-to for just about everything.  But, I find inspiration all around.  That long commute to work with the radio blasting has me daydreaming about cards and fun sentiments.  And my large collection of magazines gives me lots of color combos and inspiration.   And shopping – it’s one my favorite things to do when I visit with my mum.  I find lots of things and items that inspire me while I am spending money.  Clothes, seasonal décor and even the store window displays offer creative stimulation and color palette.
• Color – I think you will see a pattern in my cards…I love blue and green with a splash of yellow for good measure.  One of my good friend’s daughter, Deirdre, will tell you that all things blue are my favorite!  It’s hard to get out of this comfort zone but the release of the Kitchen and Madeira paper collections kicked me in the pants a bit.  Plus, all the colors associated with the upcoming holidays have me reaching for my pumpkin orange and bright red!   My niece, Kayleigh, is also a big influence on my color choices – her favorite color is pink and since she is the subject of most of my albums I tend to find it more attractive each day.
• Work space – My original space in Georgia was the attic space.  I loved it – big and open with lots of room – and bright, sunny yellow walls.  Here in Washington, I share my craft area with my husband in our office.  I had to paint the walls that same yellow to make it feel more like my old space.  There isn’t quite as much room but it’s still the happiest place on earth!  And my husband has managed not to step on my paper trimmer or trip over Marvy punches – it’s a bit of a gauntlet during these busy crafting days.
• Perfect day – I love sitting on my back deck, rummaging through a Real Simple or Blueprint magazine, soaking my toes in the kiddie pool. 
• First job - My first job after college was working at a surfboard manufacturer as a marketing and administrative assistant in Oahu.  It didn’t use my American Studies or Museum Studies degrees, but I loved seeing all the creativity and talent put into each original surfboard.  And my husband got a free surfboard out of it, too!
• Wildest dream – To be Linda Carnell!  Can you imagine stocking your very own shop with the things you love?  And to have all those A Muse stamps at your fingertips?
• Ink - Versafine Onyx is my good ol’ standby.  I love that it gives you crisp, clean images every time.  I need to find another good black ink to use with my alcohol markers – any suggestions?  Most of my color ink is from SU – I like that it coordinates perfectly with the paper and markers.
• Family – Just me, my husband, Andy, and our cat, Nathaniel (or Nat-the-Cat).
• Beverage – I am absolutely, positively addicted to Diet Coke.  And now that I live in Washington, home of Starbucks, I am a non-fat Vanilla latte with one sweet n’ low-aholic.  And, my favorite time of year is just ‘round the corner – eggnog lattes are coming!!!

AHA! She's a fellow Starbucks eggnog latté lover!!! Heh, heh, heh!

Thank you for stopping by, and I'm sure you've found some GREAT inspiration in Jill's designs featured this week!

--Don't forget that Jill wants you to win, so be sure to leave a comment!

Comments

[Rachel Goldstein]

Hi Jill: All of your cards are so well done. I admire your ability to be so versatile. My favorite, though, was definitely the cow behind the fence.... very clever!

[Lynne]

Your designs are very, very clever.
Love the cow, snowglobe and ants!

[Christine]

Very creative and inspiring!!!

[ann i]

I love the Road and the Snowglobe cards! I've never tried the Eggnog latte but it sounds like something I'd like. Will have to go and try one this season!

[Jen]

Jill these are so fantastic and original. What great ideas! TFS!

[Kerry J.]

Beautiful work! I love the birch trees - they speak to me! Wishing you many yummy egg nog lattes (my fave too!).

[Jen]

Jill these are so fantastic and original. Thanks for the great ideas!

[Bryn]

The Fall Shaker and Holiday House Snowglobe are my all time favorites! I have never seen cards like those, besides the mass manufactured kind! You are truly an artist!

[lexi]

more awesome cards jill! i *love* that snowglobe! so great to get to know you, too. :) lexi

[Sarah Sheridan]

Very cute designs, Jill! My favorite is your picnic invite. I love that you turned the notecard inside out... so cute!

[lena]

Such creative cards.. Great ideas that I can use !! I think I have a leaf punch that I got as a gift that I have never used! Thanks for sharing.

[Dotty]

WOW, these are just jaw dropping creative cards!! The cow thru the window is adorable, I love the accordian houses and the snow globe is brilliant!! Love them all! I'm excited to see more!

[ERINAAAA]

Love the snowglobe card. It is too cute!

[Nancy in OR]

Jill it is so amazing how creative you are with all the A Muse images! So inspiring! This is reallly a fun group of cards & I've enjoyed the write up on every one of them!!

[Kathy D]

Jill, your work is gorgeous! Brilliant idea to turn the patterned notecards inside out! I toast you with my morning Diet Coke...

[june g]

these cards are fanatastic!! the snowglobe is genius!! can't wait to see more.

[Katie]

The snow shaker card is fantastic!

[Fjola]

oh my goodness Jill, I love the accordion house card (and all the others as well)! You've got style.

[Mary Duffek]

OMG!!!! You are too talented girl! I mean really!!! I totally love the "Long road to your house" card....I never would have thought of that, very clever! The snow globe, the fall shaker card....and I am forgetting some. They are beautiful and inspirational!

[Connie]

These are so clever and fun, great job!

[Edie]

Congratulations Jill!!!
EXCELLENT stuff! Your take on things is amazing & inspiring!

Good luck to everyone! :)

[Linzi Conners]

Wow; those cards are AMAZING! I just am dying to see them in person! Congrats on being guest designer...I hope to win the goodies!

[broni]

All of your cards are amazing! Love your whimsical style - simple, yet fabulous!!

[Molly]

wow! each card is so creative. I love all the little touches like the trail of ants, or the punched out leaves in front of the bare trees, and of course the snow globe. Such neat little tricks, how inspiring.

[Aude]

Those cards are just fabulous! [but I think my favorites are the "cow" and the "neighborhood" one].
Thank you for the inspiration.

[Mae]

I have the house with the trees stamp but not the fence so that means I have to pick up one just so I can try to make the accordion card...it's absolutely adorable.

[EJ]

Wow talk about thinking outside the box, what great cards

[Jodie]

The accordian house card is the neatest card I have ever seen! Love it!

[angie]

Oh my gosh! Everything you've made is so creative! WOW! Love the peek-a-boo cow!!!

[Regina Davis]

Jill, your mind must just spin all day! Your cards on wonderful, especially the road to a friends house and snow globe. Amazing!

[laura zitzer]

the snowglobe card is such a cretive way of using product -- well done

[Riza Almanza]

Wonderful cards! I really like the snow globe w/ all the creative ideas you have on it. Thanks for sharing your cards.

[Louise]

Jill, Your cards are wonderful! I especially like the Road to a Friend's House and the Snowglobe. And what a good idea to reverse the cards and use the pattern inside.

[Barbara]

WOW, WOW, WOW !!!!!!! Your style is amazing ! I love your mix of clean and carefully placed embellishments .Your attention to detail is amazing ! Okay, I'm off to stalk your SCS gallery !

:-) Barbara

[Penny]

Wow! Great cards!!! They are all amazing! Love 'em!

[Doreen]

Great cards....glad to have another new person to inspire us with A Muse ideas!!!

[Karen Van De Walle]

These cards are so cute ans full of ideas for me! love them all.

[Kristi Bond]

Great Job Jill!! You are so creative, I love the snowglobe card, keep it up!!

[Megan Olsen]

These cards are just fabulous! I especially love the accordian card - such a great idea, and it really does feel like a perfect little neighborhood. :)

[Cheryl]

I just love the friend's house card! All the cards are cute!!!

[Stephanie]

I love all the cards but the road to a friends house is super clever and so darn cute. Oh, if only I could be so creative....... Great job!

[Brenda]

How could I not comment on these cards?!!! They are great AND you mentioned Deirdre (that put her over the moon!). I am only starting to think about my holiday cards. I could use your input again this year!

[Kat Green]

Marvelous cards! Love the snow globe best! But all are fabulous.

[Amy]

Wow! What serious talent; I can't even pick a favorite! Thanks so much for sharing!!!

[Jenn]

I love all your cards Jill. I really love the snowglobe, your so creative.

[Jennifer Moore]

I really like the window cow card. That's the 2nd window card I've seen in a week and I really like the idea, plus the versatility. FYI, the other window one I saw was a cut out of the state of Texas with a stocking cap over the panhandle (seen at the Stamp Salado store that carries Amuse). Great ideas.

[kim Faucher]

wow, some great inspiration there...! I love reading all your details too... so fun!

Love that one with the leaf punches in it.. so cute!

[Katie]

Jill, your cards are so clever and adorable! :)

[Chris]

The line of ants is simply inspired!

[Lynn Hunt]

Hi Jill You are so talented. I love all of your creations. I think my favorite is the snow globe--sweet, I also love the picnic invitation with those pesky ants--much like all the Maine picnics! Incredible! Loved them.Obviously, lots of love tucked into each one.

[Patty]

Very nice cards Jill, I love how 'clean' they look even though there's lots of stamping and other great details - they are uncluttered and beautiful. The snowglobe card is really clever! Look forward to seeing more of your work. Thanks for the chance to win.

[Chelsey]

Jill, beautiful cards!! TFS and congrats on being GD!

Chelsey (trulycanadiangirl@hotmail.com)

[Ghazal]

Lots of great cards. Love the idea of "The Road To a Friend's House" card, it's awesome.

[cathy]

Wow all these cards are AWESOME! The snowglobe is so creative.
Thanks for a chance.
cmeyers@hughes.net

[Melissa]

Jill - You have wonderful creativity & I enjoyed all the new card ideas. My husband grew up on a farm so I love the cow card!!

[Angel]

Way cool cards, Jill!!

[Claudia F.]

Beautiful work ! So much inspiration.
Claudia
scfranson@charter.net

[Elaine]

Jill's got an amazing talent for creating with a varied repetoire of styles! I love all of the cards she created! My favorite though is the accordian style card which like you said, feels as though you're walking through a neighborhood!

[maryk]

Jill, I like your style! The cow is really moovalous! I don't usually send neighborhood cards, but your house card is so cute, I want to make them & personalize them for neighbors.

[Amy]

Jill~ these are absolutely darling! I love the "Road to a Friend's House" one the most!

[Jill Grace]

Jill - you're a woman after my own heart. I LOVE the road to a friends house - it makes such a powerful impact and I imagine that the person getting this card would feel very loved. I also really enjoyed your snow globe card - I love cards cut to unique shapes - fun idea!!!

[Sandy]

Loved the cow card idea and the ants!

[Teresa]

Hi Jill,
I love all the great designs that you have created! I think the folding houses is my favorite. What a great idea. Good Work!

[Cheryl Kelly-Van Domelen]

Everything is so beautiful, Jill! Thanks for sharing!!

[Elaine Yang]

Jill-
These ideas are amazing. I really enjoyed learning the techniques for all of them. Keep them coming!

[Cass M]

Wow, I've become a big, big fan of Jill's creations!
Really inspiring --- thank you so much.

[Rhonda Maynard]

Wow, wow, wow, wow and wow!!! Those are all AWESOME cards!! I'm in awe of your creativity!! Amazing! The snowglobe is perfect and so out of the box to me!! :D I love how you did that! I think my fave of all these cards is the House accordian card. I just love how it opens up and all the different colored houses and each word stamped on each page! So cool! They're all perfect cards!! TFS!!

[Susannk]

Oh my gosh! I just love that snowglobe card. It's beautiful as are all your creations that have been posted. You have done a great job. Thanks for some inspiration.

[Abbie]

How creative! I love the "road to a friend's house" card. All of your designs are so imaginative.

[Linda SS]

Welcome to Washington...us washitonians do love our Starbucks & A*muse:) Your cards are so cute and full of fun. I love the ants, snowglobe, and the Autumn shaker card is fantastic! Great job on all of them.

[Diane Caron]

Jill, you are absolutely amazingly inspiring. I have never made cards before, but I am going to attempt holiday cards this year. Ribbons, pretty paper and homespun are the theme. Thanks for your inspiration.

[Diane Caron]

Jill, you are absolutely amazingly inspiring. I have never made cards before, but I am going to attempt holiday cards this year. Ribbons, pretty paper and homespun are the theme. Thanks for your inspiration.

[HeatherP]

Jill - I love your "walking through the neighborhood" accordian card. It is such a great idea, and I'm sure it is fun for the recipient to receive - kind of like a mini book. Thanks for sharing the idea with us!

[Cindy Vernon]

I just love, love the snowglobe card!! So cute and clever.

[lilian]

oh my goodness... your cards are fabulous!! the picnic card is genius, the fall shaker is gorgeous, the cow is ADORABLE... i love them all!! :)

[Heidi]

The cow card is so darned cute! It is perfect for those that collect/adore cows. And the neighborhood one, wouldn't it be perfect for a welcome to the neighborhood gift basket?
Heidi
steinrn@yahoo.caom

[Ingrid]

Jill, your cards are absolutely fantastic. Thank you for the inspiration!

[sarah c. (WAstamper on SCS)]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the peek-a-boo COW!! I just cased this and sent it to a friend. Thanks for the wonderful ideas and keep 'em coming!!

[Kathy K.]

LOVE the 4-Seasons tree limb card......it's wonderful to have "fresh" eyes for my stamps!!

[Lynette Stewart]

The cow card is toooo cute! Again, how clever of you! And the "road to a friend's house" is delightful! It makes me miss having your spunk and originality at my beck and call! You simply must PCS to the East Coast! - Lynette

[Janice]

Very cool cow card... they are all very cute!
So many great ideas... I'm glad I stumbled on this site!

[michele]

I am loving the snow globe card...!!!

[Tobey]

love the fall shaker card and that snowglobe is awesome!

[Julie Phillips]

What an inspiring bunch of cards. I really enjoyed looking, thanks.

Julie

[Molly B]

That cow card is so cute, cute, cute. The snow globe card is so clever.- Molly B

[Cindy Vernon]

I just love, love, love the snowglobe card!

[Julie (Joypup on SCS)]

Jill -- one after another -- AMAZING cards! I love them all for different reasons. I love the way each one is special for different reasons. Thanks for so much inspiration!

[Shannon Simpson]

Fun cards. Love the ants slider card! TFS

[Kathy W]

As I scrolled down through this group of cards, I kept thinking, "oh, I like this one best"...but I kept thinking that about each one of them! Amazing group of cards. I do like the accordian friend card a lot. Thanks for sharing your talent.